The Heart of a Novelist

Advice for Authors Considering Self-Publishing Part 1

2012-02-15T11:16:00.006-06:00

Part 1: Count the cost!

When I decided to go the self-publishing route, I made a list of every possible expense item. Then I researched my options, concentrating on the cost of each. Ask my wife, I'm a cheapskate. Should I pay for a line-by-line edit? Do I try to format and publish without help or use an AuthorHouse or iUniverse? What marketing tools will I need? Will there be extras required such as business cards and bookmarks? And what about the expense of purchasing my books for book signings?

I found so many program offerings. I can't possibly discuss them all. Suffice to say, the cost ranged from literally zero to over $10,000. I'm not technically savvy, however I do want to market. So zero was out. $10,000--not even to bet Mitt Romney. Nope, I decided on seeing if I could do wide-distribution, both eBook and paperback, for a thousand dollars or under.

Obviously, the more you can do for yourself, the less you have to spend. I chose a package from Book Country, a division of Penguin. You will see more New York publishers buying or creating printing companies to grab a share of the Self-Publishing market. So far I'm please with my choice. The cost to-date is worth the return.

A huge decision for me was the line-by-line edit. On a thousand dollar budget for an 81,000 word novel, a line-by-line edit was far too expensive. But I had some resources to my advantage. A dear friend who is a grammar specialist and avid reader helped me. A text-to- speech program that read my novel to me identified errors, and my patience, editing over and over, factored in. The book is as solid grammatically as I can make it.

I'll be writing Part II in a few days

Be sure to click on the link to Room1515 YouTube Trailer in the left hand column if this blog. The link will take you to the video. I made the video on Windows Movie Maker.

Only 8 days until Room 1515 is available for sale.

Isn't a Workman Worth His Wage?

2012-02-11T11:08:00.000-06:00

With my first novel coming out, I'm paying more attention to posts from other authors. Help me out here. I see a number of free book offerings being pitched, as well as the minimum 99 cents. This could be my age showing, but when anything is reduced to the absolute minimum, I think poor quality. Yet, I know this isn't the case, particularly when I see books I've read and enjoyed being discounted to the ridiculous.

I can understand Amazon Kindle offering some classics free to entice readers to use their product, but I believe craftsmen and women should be rewarded for the excellence of their work. Enlighten me.

Shameless Marketing!

2012-02-08T15:57:00.000-06:00

It's time for shameless marketing. Room 1515 comes out February 23. It will be available on Amazon, Apple, Kindle, Nook, and Sony, and at Barnes & Noble. The trailer I'm developing will go on YouTube with links to Facebook etc, as soon as I get feedback from you. Several people gave helpful suggestions on my first attempt. As a result, I made significant changes. Let me know if you like them. Watching the trailer will only take 70 seconds.

I understand your time is valuable. I know we get sick of the endless stream of pitches our fellow authors shower on us. Not that I'm against shameless marketing. Obviously, we all have to do this. I don't mind taking five minutes to help someone out. But some requests like the one that follows are frivolous.

Could you go on Vanity Novelspot and write a quick thumbs up for my book, Detective Morgan: the Cop that Cures the Common Cold. (Minimum review 200 words)

This type of request is doubly disturbing when its being sent to a 600 author group. To really do this you have to read their book. Duh? Then you'd have to write a 200 word review. Now, I'd gladly do this for people whose book I've already read. In fact, I do this now without being asked. However, our time is valuable.

Thanks for taking your time to help me out. To watch the trailer on full screen, click the box on the lower right corner.

How not to be Terrified the First Time You're Published.

2012-02-06T15:44:00.000-06:00

When I was 24, I would have drank a six pack before reading any reviews of my novel. Thank God I'm past that stage in my life. I'm told the Japanese have a Casper the Ghost type bag they use in businesses. They go into a private room and pin the name of the person they're mad at on the bag. Then they beat the stuffing out of it. I may use that approach. Of course I'm going to get rave reviews, or maybe not.

An author could become paranoid starting out. Will people like my work? Will anyone but my good friends even buy the novel? Will I try to hunt down the b%@#*'s who pan my thriller? Come on now, everyone has those thoughts. So I ask for your prayers as I embark on my journey. Yes, I tell myself. I write because I have to, and I'd write if no one read my novels. Time will tell.

But you say, "Bill, you didn't tell us the formula for not being terrified." True. I don't have one.

Room 1515 Coming in Three Weeks

2012-02-01T20:15:00.000-06:00

Room 1515 is at the printers. Book Country, a Division of Penguin, walked me through the process. I designed the book cover, edited the text, picked the formatting, and set the pricing. Now I need your expert eyes to evaluate my book trailer. I've uploaded it for your review and added a questionnaire for you to rate the trailer. I was able to load the video, but not the audio. It's Mahler.

2012-01-18T17:21:00.000-06:00

Countdown To Room 1515

Room 1515's rocket launch is counting down to lift off. I'm publishing with Book Country, a Division of Penguin in a shared cost agreement. The text has been download, the format has been selected, and the book cover has been designed. I'm using Windows Live Movie Maker to design and produce the Book Trailer. So far so good. Book Country's publishing guidelines provided excellent ideas on the How To and What not to Forget. An excellent resource for a first time author. To Be Continued. http://www.bookcountry.com

I Don't Fear the 1%. I Fear the .0001%

2012-01-06T18:37:00.004-06:00

The world economy is based upon greed. Individual versus individual. Nation versus nation. As an author, I research. And since I write international and political thrillers, I research subjects dealing with power bases. What I find is scary. I'm not afraid of most of the 1% the protesters go after. They are greedy, short-term thinkers. I'm not afraid of those who called themselves the 99%. They are a mix of the genuinely frustrated, the lazy, and the misinformed. I'm deathly afraid of the .0001%.

Who are the .0001%? Few people know. They are not celebrity world leaders. They are not in the spotlight. The media doesn't know who they are. They manipulate the greedy, pit nations against each other, and one day will control the world.

What are their beliefs? I don't know, and that is worrisome in itself.

What to they need to establish control? They need enough money to bring the world to bankruptcy. They already have most of the gold and are close to securing the rest. They need control of the world's military forces, and I believe they're manipulating world governments toward that goal. And finally, they need a cause for people to willingly rally to them. This cause can be manufactured, since the vast majority of the world's population has no ability to verify the facts on any issue. They are close to achieving their goals.

Can I prove any of this? No. But I ask you a question. Haven't you suspected the same thing? We sense this is happening, but we can't prove it. AND THAT'S FRIGHTENING.

Decision Made! Work Yet to be Done.

2011-12-29T19:44:00.000-06:00

Thanks for bearing with me as I've struggled with publishing Room 1515. Today, I've made that decision. Before I tell you what it is, let me tell you what I've done. First, I've researched. If you go on the net and type in the critical keys words, you can spend days reading about the pros and cons of traditional publishing, self-publishing, and the pay-to-publish houses. I will not say anything bad about any of them. The decision must be yours based on your individual circumstances.

Second, I've tested Room 1515 by submitting it to critique partners and to OWFI's Mystery, Suspense, Thriller Competition where it won 1st. place. The third step was and is the hardest--continuous proofreading and layering. I'm lucky to have a friend who is a great line-by-line editor. I also have a program on my wife's computer called Zoom Text, that is a text to speech reader. I'm using this as my last copy correction, and I'm finding a few errors, even after many revisions. But I will honestly be able to say I've submitted the best work I can.

Fourth, I've built a website using Word Press which I will link to my blog, my Facebook page, and the YouTube trailer I'm in the process of developing. I'm adding pages to website as I go and will open the site to the public a few weeks before Room 1515 comes out. I have many ideas on marketing, but not for this blog entry.

Now, Ta da, I've decided to publish with Book Country, a Division of Penguin Publishing. Room 1515 will come out as an ebook and a paperback approximately seven weeks after I submit the manuscript. The cost to me will be between $500 and $700, depending on what I let them do and what I decide to do myself. I've decide to submit Room 1515 January 9th.

I wish to thank Chuck Sasser, Gloria Teague, Amy Shojai, John Biggs, Lela Davidson, and Carla Stewart for their comments and support. And if I forgot someone. Thank you as well. I'll let you know how things progress. If you have other suggestions of things I can do before submitting my manuscript, please let me know.

First Things First

2011-12-09T19:48:00.000-06:00

I’ve received a volume of input from my blog friends on self-publishing. Some of you cautioned me on the downside of not going the traditional route. Others offered valuable comments on preparing to publish whichever road I choose. They suggest I put everything in place I’ll need to market my book whatever I choose to do.

So I’ve decided to put first things first. I need a website linked with my blog, my Facebook, and the YouTube trailer I intend to create—or have someone create for me. One of the challenges I have is a lack of technical savvy. But I am a natural born marketer, so I’ll be using those skills to develop a marketing plan before my first novel comes out.

Reading all your comments, I realize no one path is right for all people. If I was 25 again, I’d be pulling out all stops (cliché) to find an agent, but I’m not 25. Agents know this as well when they look up during pitch sessions and see my gray hair.

The last agent rejection letter read something like this: “I’ve given serious thought to your work. I admire your creative imagination. But I finally decided to pass. I look at the marketplace today and don’t think I can devote the time it would take to sell it.” This agent had my manuscript five months.

My next steps will be to try a small regional publisher, publish myself, or use a traditional house’s subsidy publisher. Many are buying or creating them, i.e. Writer’s Digest and Penguin. But I have this dilemma. Small regional publishers don’t have the broad scope I’m looking for. Self-publishing has the same problem, plus the time it takes and money. Going the route of a Penguin subsidiary has advantages, except for the back end percentage taken.

If you have personal experience with the above, please share your valuable insights.

To Self-Publish or Not to Self-Publish - The Journey

2011-11-28T20:44:00.000-06:00

I've been writing for six years. Why? Because I enjoy writing, but more importantly, I have something worthwhile to say and I want to share my ideas with others. My projects are receiving recognition. I added up my writing statistics. I've won a thriller competition, placed eighth in a Writer's Digest Short Story Contest, published, or am in the process of publishing, five shorts stories where I'm actually being paid. I've finished two novels that are ready for publication and three more in the process of layering. What now?

My writing mentors, all published authors, say, "Bill, you've worked too hard to go the self-publishing route." Well, have I mentioned I've spent--now wait for it--$5,375.00 on workshops, seminars, conferences, and professional editing services. Other writers I know have spent more. I've received fifty-one rejections from agents, most coming in the form of no response.

The rise of Amazon and Barnes and Nobles' electronic readers have made self-publishing easier. Couple that with the tight economy creating problems for publishing companies, and there is an opportunity for new authors to market their work like never before. But the work has to be exceptional. So here is a question I'd like feedback on for my readers. In your opinion, what are the three major drawbacks to self-publishing?

Join me over the next few months as I share my journey, To Self-Publish or Not to Self-Publish. Please, sign up to follow my blog and receive automatic posts.

Welcome John Biggs - 2011 Writer's Digest Winner

2011-09-05T10:36:00.000-05:00

I’m a huge fan of John Biggs’ writing. We’ve been cheerleaders for each other since we met at a Bill Bernhardt seminar a few years ago. John is shy until you get to know him. He possesses a sense of humor to die for and weaves it through his character portrayals like fine threads in a tapestry. OWFI and Writer’s, Readers, and Critiques are proud to have John as a member. Let’s welcome the winner of Writer’s Digest’s 2011 Short Story Competition, John Biggs. (Your eyes are not deceiving you. The picture of John was taken in a Mexican graveyard! For those of us who love him, that's not surprising.)

I appreciate the fine threads in a tapestry simile, Bill. Your introductions are always eloquent.

How long have you been entering writing contests like Writer’s Digest and The Lorian Hemingway? How close have you come to winning before this year?

I started entering short fiction competitions about a year after I made my first attempt at a novel—about nine years ago. I had some wins from ByLine, which is now defunct, and OWFI, and a lot of honorable mentions from Writers of the Future. I also had a couple of stories in the top 100 in last years Writer’s Digest competition. The reason I started entering contests is so somebody—anybody—would read what I wrote. Many of the literary magazines and most of the professional (5,000 plus circulation) magazines get thousands of submissions and don’t read past the first few lines of work from an unknown writer.

Did you enter your Writer’s Digest winning story in the Lorian Hemingway competition? How did that story fare—and vice versa?

That question shows a lot of incite into how much luck plays a role in winning a literary prize. I entered the same three stories in both contests. Writer’s Digest awarded me the grand prize for “Boy Witch”, and Lorian Hemingway awarded me third place for “Soul Kisses”, but the judges had no overlap at all. No honorable mention or top 100 honors for the winning stories in opposing competitions.

It must help if the judge is in a good mood when your entry comes up.

Writer’s Digest has interviewed you presumably for their next issue. How difficult did you find that experience?

That interview was an e-mailed set of questions with a one week deadline to respond, so it wasn’t all that stressful. I’ve never actually met Melissa Wuske, my Writer’s Digest contact. We’ve traded a couple of voice mail messages, but I’ve never actually talked to her.

This year is a banner year for you, John. You have a story coming out in Storyteller Magazine as well. To what do you attribute your new found success, persistence, a change in attitude, a newly discovered technique that works for you?

Persistence has to be the main thing. I’ve looked over these stories to try and figure out if there is anything about them that makes them different from my other work. If there is, I can’t find it. I’ve submitted more stories this year than I ever did before, and I’ve finally found some editors who like them.

I want to mention a couple of people who are very good contacts for beginning writers. You introduced me to Regina Williams at the last OWFI meeting. She is the editor of Storyteller Magazine, and publishes a large number of first time submissions. I probably would never have submitted anything to her without your introduction, and now, I have a story coming out in the July/August/September edition. Regina is also publishing “Soul Kisses” in the October/November/December edition.

Dusty Richards is another valuable contact. He is a western genre writer and publishes anthologies of short stories and even novels by new writers. I have one story coming out in his Cactus Country I anthology, and another in Cactus Country II. Dusty is very accessible and is a regular at OWFI. He had a call for submissions in Carolyn Leonard’s e-zine, Writers Reminder.

The last time we talked, you indicated you were going to concentrate on writing short stories for awhile. Having two major trophies for your resume, are you planning on dusting off those novels and looking for an agent while the iron is hot? (Cliché) lol.

Part of the Writers Digest grand prize is meeting with agents and editors in New York City, so I am definitely going to dust while the iron is hot. I am working on a new novel currently, which I hope to show somebody. I’ve structured it so far so that chapters stand alone—drawing on my experience with short fiction. That probably won’t be possible to maintain as the plot thickens. (Cliché back at you).

I’ve asked each person I’ve interviewed about the current marketplace for novels. With Kindle, Nook, and social networking, marketing your own material is easier than it was in the past. I’m personally torn between holding out for an agent or jumping in and doing my own marketing. I find some gems in the self-published world. But overall, I believe the quality is woefully lacking, what’s your opinion?

I agree completely. Where my own work is concerned, I’ve looked at old stories and novels I thought were fantastic at the time, but now I find them a little bit embarrassing. It’s also true there are a lot of really good self-published books available, and some really rotten books represented by agents and New York publishers.

The thing that most discourages me from doing my own marketing is—dare I admit it—laziness. I’m a terrible salesman, don’t meet people well, and am easily discouraged. Some people can market well, but I can’t.

How are your wife and family taking your success? Are you planning another Viking Cruise?

We’ve got a couple of ocean cruises planned—one this year and one next year—but no river cruises are currently in the works. As an aside, I wrote “Boy Witch” on a Holland America cruise. Short fiction fits in well with travel and limited attention spans.

What advice can you give to those who haven’t achieved recognition and the agent rejections are piling up?

Keep on submitting. It always hurts to put your heart and soul into something and receive a rejection—or no response at all—for your trouble. Take Prozac and keep writing.

Put things aside for weeks or even months and then rewrite and revise.

Attend workshops and listen to what other writers have to say about your work. My experience with you, your wife Pam, and others in our critique group has made all the difference in my work.

Remember that luck is key to getting something published. After you have a couple of things to put on the bio portion of your cover letter, editors might actually read past the first paragraph.

You’ve shared some great information. I’m sure our readers will gain confidence from you.

It’s always good to talk to you, Bill. You provide a great forum, especially for writers who are just starting on the journey.

Thanks John, watch for John’s interview in the Writer’s Digest after October.

An Interview with Gisela Sedlmayer

2011-08-17T15:38:00.000-05:00

Today I have the unique pleasure of welcoming Gisela Sedlmayer to my blog site. Her Talon series hit home for me on several levels. By way of introduction, Gisela grew up in Germany, married an Australian, has lived in New Zealand, and now resides in Queensland, Australia. She is a cancer survivor and mother to two adopted Indian girls from the island of Fiji. Please welcome, Gisela Sedlmayer.

Thank you, Bill, for giving me the opportunity to express myself here. I appreciate that very much.

In your unique story, Talon, Come Fly with Me, a nine year old girl, who’s only a little taller than a two-year old, befriends a pair of condors and ends up raising their offspring from an egg. The sages say we write what we know. To me this story lifts the human spirit. How did you take your life’s experiences and create this idea?

I am happy to hear that my story lifts the human spirit. But when I started to write the story, it didn’t occur to me that it would. After I survived a deadly disease, I couldn’t go to work anymore. My husband said, “Why not start writing again, you loved it.” Yes, I was writing animal short stories in my early life. Nothing was done with them, but I loved writing them. Why not again?

So I wrote some short stories, this time for competitions. I didn’t win first prize, but I was highly commended. One of those stories was about Matica and Talon. Out of that short story I developed the novel and then a series. I realized that a lot of the things I wrote about Matica came from my life—particularly the rejection. I never thought I could write about rejection. But it fitted so wonderfully.

In my early life, I experienced rejection. Not in the way Matica did, I didn’t have her growth-challenge, but I had other things. I was always shy and didn’t really fit in. I was standing outside looking in when all the other children were playing. My parents loved me, but they never found out, that I had speech dyslexia. I have never learned to carry on a good conversation.

So in a way, Matica is me. She experienced what I went through. She talks and thinks like me.

My father had to move to where his work was. So my life was disrupted. We moved around Germany from one city to the next. I changed schools nine times. When I’d just made a friend, I would lose that friend. So in the end, I stopped trying to make friends anymore.

I wasn’t bullied in school, but I know that many children who are bullied in school commit suicide. My husband and I know that first-hand. We have adopted Indian twin-girls from Fiji. For the most part, they were accepted, particularly in our church. But when I went shopping with the girls, some people always looked at us strangely, with the look on their faces that said: How can you do something like that? Or similar.

I say: Children with special needs, with disabilities, or with handicaps, don't have an illness. So there is no cure and it's not contagious. They want what we all want—to be accepted.

And that is what my book, Talon, Come Fly With Me, is all about, not only the first book, all the books in the series.

I believe every reader can relate to what you’re saying. When a writer connects with the emotions they felt in their past, and then places those emotions into their characters, the writing itself soars. Thanks for sharing.

A question raised by your book, and the others in your series, has to do with the misunderstanding humans have about other living creatures. How do we learn the true purpose of the creatures around us? How do we save the endangered species so valuable to our planet? Was one of your purposes when you developed this story to raise the reader’s awareness of this problem?

I didn’t think about that in the beginning. It came to me in the middle of writing the first book. I wrote mostly about Matica, the rejection she felt, and how she could overcome her loneliness and be the person she wanted to be. She had a lot of love and she couldn’t give it to anyone. Yes, to her parents and her brother Aikon, but she had no friends. She wasn’t even allowed to play with the Indian children in the community where they lived in Peru.

But then I thought about the condors. They are an endangered species, so I might be able to help them by writing the story about Matica and Talon, the condor. I wanted to make people aware that there are actually living, wonderful majestic birds. And they are worthy to be saved. Make them aware that poachers are doing so much damage in the animal kingdom.

When I read about the poachers, I thought about the highland gorillas and the elephants whose lands numbers are shrinking to human greed and superstition. Authors have a role to speak for them.

Are the characteristics Matica possesses similar to your own adopted girls?

No, my girls never really had that problem, we made sure about that. Those characteristics are my problems, the rejections I faced in life. As I said earlier, I went through most of them myself. I was rejected. I couldn’t speak properly.

Comments made about Talon on Amazon emphasize the appeal of your story to ages 9 through 99. To what do you attribute such a broad audience?

Being an animal story, I wrote for children at first from the age they could read books. But then, thinking about Matica and her afflictions, her problems, her rejections, I realized the book was for every age. Talon is for people going through similar things Matica did, rejection, or other problems they might have. So they can read the story and can learn to get a “Condor”, as Matica did. Not literally finding a condor, it’s a figure of speech. As my “Condor” is now writing. I am slowly receiving recognition and good reviews about my book. So I hope to find a publisher who will publish my books.

Every person should look for something they can do to express themselves. That may be writing, art, facing physical challenges, but something they can achieve to gain acceptance and be the person they want to be.

Let’s talk about the whole realm of self-publishing. You chose BookPal in Brisbane, Australia as your publisher. Why did you make that decision?

After I finished writing the first novel about Matica and Talon, I wrote query letters and sent my manuscript to several conventional publishers here in Australia. And guess what? I always got that rejection letter back. I tried for many years. I failed.

So I looked up all the self-publishers here in Australia and decided to let my book be published by BookPal. At that time, they were new here in Australia and weren’t as expensive as the rest. They did a very good job with the designing of the cover page. They did the outlaying of the book, everything. They also wrote a press release and did the distribution. My book is now available at all bookstores and all Internet outlets as ebook, and on Kindle at amazon.com.

When my second novel in the Talon series was finish, Talon, On The Wing, I approached them again. What horror, they’d become too expensive. That’s why I am looking for a conventional publisher now. But I am not approaching them. I hope they will find me.

Ah, popularity unfortunately increases price. So BookPal must be doing well. There is always a direct correlation. Until you mentioned the price increase, they seemed to be the answer for many good authors, particularly with their aid in marketing. They still may be for those who can afford them. Some writers may be able to afford price increases as a cost of doing business. Others may not.

You’ve been highly successful in publicizing your work. How many of your interviews did you set-up by yourself, and how many were generated by BookPal?

BookPal booked view book signings for me around the Gold Coast. They also arranged a radio interview with 2 NM in Hunters Valley, New South Wales. I believe the interview went well, but I never heard from anyone on how well it went.

I also booked a lot of book signings around the Gold Coast myself. They always went very well. Then I got into Facebook. Here I advertise my book as well and all the reviews and interviews I am getting now are from Facebook.

On Facebook I approached people who did author interviews and asked if they would interview me about my book. They did. A few asked me if they could do an interview with me as well. I love that.

How much influence has your Christian faith had in the direction and content of your novels?

Actually, not as much as I thought it would. Well, Matica’s parents are missionaries and were sent from their church in Australia to Peru. They followed the call and went. The influence is in what I don’t write. I try to write to show everything in a positive way—never letting the negative overtake me.

What advice can you give an unpublished author on marketing their work for publication?

It is not easy to get into the publishing world, as I have found out firsthand. But I say, never give up. If you give up now, you’ll never know what might be just around the corner. Just write on. It will happen. One day, you will be discovered. As I hope to be discovered. I’ve been writing now for the last 15 years and trying to get into conventional publishing houses. I know it will happen one day. But with this business, you definitely need patience. Stay positive. Be persistence. It will happen.

My book is now available in all the Internet outlets. Also you can buy my book from my website: www.writersportal.org/Gigi

http://www.amazon.com/Talon-come-fly-Gigi-Sedlmayer/dp/1921578726/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269991493&sr=1-1

Thank you, Gisela. I wish you continued success.

Thank you, Bill, for giving me the opportunity to express myself.

Goggle +1

2011-08-02T11:49:00.000-05:00

2011-07-20T10:11:00.000-05:00

2011-07-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

Interview with Karen Crumley

My wife and I met Karen Crumley at the OWFI banquet. Karen and Pam struck up a conversation about a book they were publishing. The book is a work of fiction. But the reality is: this fiction could turn into fact in a heartbeat. Karen and Jim are nice people. They’ve experienced a different slice of life than most of us city slickers.

I’m pleased to introduce Karen Crumley.

Thank you so much, Bill. I am very happy and honored to be featured on your blog!

Karen, sell our readers on why we should buy Weapon of Jihad. Sell the book to us as if you were pitching to an agent.

As Americans, we are becoming increasingly aware that we have definite enemies who would love to defeat us. Until recently, we were considered to be such a super power that nobody could dare attack. We suffered the folly of this mentality on 9/11. Since then, the world has become even more dangerous for us. We work hard to avoid terrorism and we must constantly do diplomatic posturing to counter a growing threat of nuclear attack.

But what if the weapon of choice was not a bomb? What if it was a postcard….laced with smallpox? What if these postcards were to be sent to one-third of the American families? And what if, after the epidemic has softened us up, a military attack was to be deployed across our southern borders? And what if the goal of that military attack was to bring the United States to her knees?

This is the story told in Weapon of Jihad. You say, “Nobody could ever pull that off!” Unfortunately, that statement would be false. The plot in this book was evaluated by the Air Force and they stated that it was, sadly, entirely too possible. Yes, we have enough vaccine for about half of our population. But it is all in Atlanta. Did you witness the H1N1 vaccine fiasco? How long did it take to get vaccine to your town? With smallpox, you have a four-day window between exposure and it’s just too late. We all know it would be impossible to distribute that vaccine that fast, especially when the entire nation is in the throws of a crippling epidemic. The virus would go through the population like a wildfire.

Weapon of Jihad is the story of such an attack and of the response mounted by a scattered remnant of brave Americans.

Wondering about a pandemic through natural germ evolution is scary enough. Add a planned event by America’s enemies, and the possibilities are eerie. You have a degree in microbiology. That gives you a keen insight as to whether an event like you describe is possible. What other sources did you use to validate your suspicions?

Yes, the questions brought up by this book began while I studied microbiology at Texas Tech University. The university is multicultural and there were many students there who were from other countries. In my classes, I noticed many students from Iran. What I observed was that there were two different types of Iranian students. Some were open and friendly to Americans. They enjoyed our culture and made friends with us. Others, on the other hand, hated Americans. They wanted nothing to do with us. I had a job that required that I work with one such Iranian. He would not even look at me and only spoke when he was forced to do so. I had two strikes against me. I was a woman and I was an American.

Shortly after I finished my studies at Tech, the Ayatollah called all of these microbiology students back home to Iran. These people had sat in my classes. They knew what I knew. What was the Iranian government going to have these people doing?

Then, after I had my first son, I went to start his immunizations. I noticed that smallpox was not on the list. When I asked why this was so, I was told that smallpox had been eradicated. In my mind, I knew that within twenty years or so smallpox would make a great biological weapon because most of our fighting force would be completely unprotected.

Then, when I began to research for the book, I was appalled to find that the possibilities were much worse than I could have imagined. We were wide open for an attack. The delusional opinion that nobody would ever attack us was a major problem. When the USSR was dissolved, the biological weapon research facility they had been running was simply deserted. A former employee of theirs who had become an American went to check on the facility. He found missing stocks of multiple biological weapons and about six guards who had not been paid in a year. Hmmm. So, all of our enemies now have stocks of smallpox, including Iran and North Korea.

The book was based on way too much fact, which is why some of it came true on 9/11. Fiction based on fact has a way of becoming prophecy.

The thought came to me about a situation I experienced. I was researching the differences between Sunni and Shiite views on the web for a novel I’m writing. After a week, I began to receive emails in Arabic from sources I didn’t know. Did this happen to you, and if so, how did you react?

Oh, yes! We had a web site called Weapon of Jihad.com. On this site, readers could sign in and leave comments. There must be many people out there who cannot read English very well. They thought we wanted to do a jihad. They asked how they could help. They even invited us to join their group to do a jihad! On 9/11, the comments made me sick! “Good Job!” etc. was all they could say. I had had enough. I called the FBI and handed the web site over to them. I told them it might help to find some of the terrorists. I still have the contact they gave me in case I knew anything else.

Your husband worked for the USDA and ranched along the Texas border, a place that is becoming more dangerous day-by-day. You’ve since moved. Was it because of the hostility there?

Actually, we moved to come help run the family ranch after we retired. But, I do not miss the hostility. We had our house on a ranch broken into three different times. We found loaded automatic clips in the pasture. I never went out without my gun. We bought two very large, black Great Danes and the robberies stopped. We would find pieces of shirts that did not belong to us in the yard.

When we moved, we brought the dogs. They are bored now….nobody to chase. My friends who still live there tell me it has gotten much worse and that most of it’s not covered on the major news outlets.

My wife and I love each other dearly, but we’re not thinking of coauthoring a book. The two of you wrote Weapons of Jihad together. And you’re still married! What part did each of you play in collaborating?

Yes, we are still married….but it was very interesting while we were writing the book. One of the biggest fights we ever had was over the fact that he wanted to kill off my favorite character. After a while, I saw his point and the guy got beheaded.

We often talk about how we are so opposite. The plot is mine. I must be paranoid or something, but I can throw out a plot over anything. Some strange thing will happen and, before you know it, my writer brain will make a lot to do over nothing.

I wrote the book first and then had him read it. He told me that I needed this and that. I did not really want to do this and that with it, so he jumped in and added his wonderful characters. The General is his character and he did all the war scenes. If you think all the gory stuff was his, think again. I was dealing with three teenagers at my house at the time. They would infuriate me over something and I would go kill off a bunch of people.

Tell us why you’ve republished this book after so many years, and what is Purple Sage Publishers?

We republished this book at this time because much has changed in the world since we wrote it the first time. At the time of the first writing, we only had thirty thousand doses of old vaccine available. Now, we have enough to vaccinate half of our population. This is a false security though because it could never be distributed in time to help at all. When we wrote the book, we put in a completely fictional government for Iran and Iraq. At the time, Saddam was in power. We had taken Saddam out and wrote in that Iraq would become a puppet government under Iran. As we watch, this is all forming up the way we wrote it. We really did not mean to write prophecy!

It is my hope to influence the government with this book to at least distribute the vaccine to regional outlets. It is just stupid to leave it where it is. I would love for this story to become a movie or to have enough people to read it so that there could be a public demand for moving the vaccine.

Purple Sage Publishing is our publishing house. We fully intend to publish more books, especially now that we are retired and “not busy”.

At OWFI you attended a workshop on how to put your novel on Kindle. I understand after the workshop you actually went to your room and published on Kindle. That’s amazing. For us technically challenged, how hard was that to do?

I could hardly believe it myself! Of course, most of the credit for this has to go to my friend, Wendy Pausewang. I dragged her along to OWFI. She was interested in beginning to write. But, she just happens to have a degree in computer science. In fact, she was the best student of her class. So, when we went to the workshop, we took notes and she just kept saying, “Oh, this is easy.” We decided to have a lab on it. I had the file for Weapon of Jihad ready, so we just followed the instructions and threw it onto Amazon as an ebook. She did make it look easy! Now, we are putting it into CreateSpace so I can also sell it as a paperback. I will tell you that I could probably have done it myself but it would have taken a bit longer that the eight hours it took us together.

Do you have another novel in process? If so, when will you have it finished?

Well, of course! I’m a writer! Actually, I have two other nonfiction books that are finished and ready to publish. I will be attacking that as soon as I finish with Weapon of Jihad.

One is called Big Brown Box in the Brush-So You Want to Live in the Country. It is my story of being a city girl who is thrown into country life. Did you ever watch Green Acres? Well, I broke into choruses of that song on a regular basis when I lived on the ranch. It has chapters like Snakes, Critters, Bugs, Ranch Kids and it is written in Erma Bombeck style. The truly sad thing is that there is not an ounce of fiction in the book. I actually survived all of the fun events in that book, even being shot by a potato gun. It is why I am who I am.

Another book is called Growing Up Weird- Confessions of a Closet Medium. It is the story of a woman who, through many instances of being surprised by her gift, has become more experienced and wishes to pass on her wisdom to her grandchildren who are also showing the gift.

The book I am presently writing another fiction book called The Hole in the Sky. It is a good vs. evil story. I describe it as a Stephen Kingish Christian thriller. When I wrote the opening chapter, I placed it in a certain place on our ranch. After I wrote it, I could not go to that place at night without being creeped out. So, I scared myself! I guess that is good. Well, Stephen King scared himself too. I don’t know what that says about me. But I really do enjoy writing things that send a chill down a reader’s back.

In conclusion, what advice can you give aspiring authors about marketing and publishing their books in today’s environment?

I have tried finding agents and publishers. It is a game in itself. But, I enjoy writing, not playing games like that. Let me see. I write a query letter. IF the agent or publisher is in a good mood when they read it, they ask for the first fifty pages. Once again, IF the publisher is in a good mood, they will ask for the rest of it. EVEN IF they like it, they want you to change it into something else that they want. When they finally decide it is right, it will still take three years to get it onto the bookshelves. They price it so high that nobody can buy it. I still have to do the promotion. I make 30%.

OR….I can write what I want, be sure it is good and corrected, and put it up on Amazon. I get to write what I want to say and it gets published and for sale within a few days. I can price it low enough to be affordable by many more readers. After all, that is why I wrote it. I want it to be read by many people. I still have to do the promotion, but I get 70%.

Why would I want to do anything but use Amazon? Oh, it would be a feather in my cap of some kind to be published by a big publisher. But, that is not why I write. I just want it to be read. Of course, I realize that this is my own opinion. All writers should pursue their own goals.

You’ve stated the dilemma I’ve struggled with for four years. On one hand, I want to be recognized as a writer of quality fiction. I’ve viewed having an agent and being published by a major house and a symbol of quality. But the new world of publishing has opened up an avenue to place a novel into the hands of readers quickly and efficiently. And I agree with you. You still have to do most of the marketing yourself regardless of which way you go.

Thank you for sharing Weapon of Jihad with us. I’m sure the book will open a lot of eyes.

Thank you so much for having me on your blog. I enjoyed visiting with you about our experiences in writing. I look forward to reading more from you in the future!

An Interview with Gloria Teague

2011-07-13T18:29:00.000-05:00

Interviewing Gloria Teague is a pleasure for me, because I respect her and think she’s one of the most fun-loving people I know. I first met Gloria at the Tulsa Night Writers almost three years ago. She’s one of those people you like being around. She’s also one terrific writer. When I heard she had a new book on the market, I asked her to do an interview, and she agreed.

Congratulations on being asked to do a sequel of Beyond the Surgeons Touch. How did that come about? And tell us about AWOCBooks.

Thanks! I’m enjoying writing Safe in the Heart of a Miracle even though it’s proving a bit more difficult than its predecessor.

The acronym AWOC stands for A Whole Other Country, based out of Texas, which explains where the publisher got the name. It’s a small press operated by Dan Case, a great hands-on publisher, available whenever I need to run something by him, or, poor man, whenever I need to gripe. He’s patient, fair, and shoots straight from the hip. The company publishes books from mysteries to inspirational books.

Gloria, you’ve published several full length novels and short story books. How do you decide what venue you’ll use to take your work to the marketplace? Which has been the most successful for you?

Like most authors, I slid into home plate with Kindle. It just seemed the natural “next step” after already having sold so many books through my publisher. What better venue to reach the entire world? Once I learned how to format my work I went hog crazy. I was amazed I could actually sell short stories and I cleaned out a file folder that I’d filled over the years. I have posted my latest book on Nook but I’m not as comfortable with it yet. I plan on putting my work on Smashwords and any other site I can find.

So, if I understand you correctly, you’ve never had an agent taking your material around the eighty-plus publishing houses on their circuit, rather you’ve chosen to enlist your own associates and creative marketing talents. What venues do you use: blogs, webpage, book store signings, social media?

No, I’ve had two agents which were the stuff nightmares are made of. (Yep, I ended that one with a preposition!) One put together a catalogue of books he represented and just sent the whole thing to publishers. Hello? That wasn’t going to work but he kept dragging it out for six months. The second one was the most prolific liar I’ve ever met, going so far as to tell me that Tom Hanks was reading one of my manuscripts. Can you imagine the hurt and disappointment when I realized everything she said was untrue? So now no agents, just little ol’ me. I read everything, pay attention to any small detail that may lead to getting published. I look at the rack at the check-out stand. That’s where I got the epiphany to submit to Women’s World. When they called, I nearly passed out. I pay attention when another author says, “I just got published in XXX!” Then I start doing research. Do I write the material they want? Can I write the material they want? Sometimes friends will send me a lead about where to submit. And then there are the repeat sales to the same company, some buying my work since 1995. Then I start telling everyone about the sale, via my blog, my Facebook page (I love FB for promoting!), on Twitter, leave a business card with someone that likes to read, tell them about my latest book/story. I schedule speaking engagements always followed with a book signing. I speak to any group that needs a speaker; I contact libraries and tell them I’m available to speak to their Friends of the Library group, etc. I’ve learned that networking is exceedingly important in this field. I also try to help my fellow authors because I think that’s what we should do.

You are a cross genre author, having successfully published in more than one. From the realm of the miraculous in Beyond the Surgeons Touch and Miracles Beyond Medicine, to nostalgia in Saturday Night Cocoa Fudge, to the edgy Innocence Sacrificed and Evil Transgressions, you produce quality work. Is there a method as to what genre you write and when?

How kind of you, Bill! I write in whatever genre fits my mood when I’m sitting at the computer. At the moment I’m currently working on the sequel to the book about miracles to one about a serial killer to yet another paranormal romance. I’ve been told by those who think they know the biz that authors shouldn’t write in so many different genres, that we should focus on one and make a name for ourselves within that genre. Writing across genres has always worked for me and my mind doesn’t grow stale or bored. I started writing because it was fun; why stop enjoying it now?

You publish under Gloria Teague and G.T. Everett. I think you added G.T. Everett sometime in late 2009. Why? And how do you decide which name to use?

GT Everett actually came into existence this year with Evil Transgressions. The reason is simply those different genres you mentioned. GT is all mine, no one has any input into what I write under that pseudonym, and I just let my imagination soar with him/her, another reason to use initials-no one knows the author’s gender. Teague is the kind, funny author; Everett is my “dark side.”

Your newest book is Evil Transgressions. The book is enticingly sinister. Sell us on why we should buy it. What makes it a ‘can’t put down’ read.

Evil Transgressions is about the age-old battle between good versus evil. We all know who the good guy is, we all know who will be victorious, but this book takes you on an unexpected ride to reach the conclusion. I love it when a reader tells me, “Wow, I didn’t see that coming!” Donovan Desmond is the achingly gorgeous devil who falls in love with a mortal, something that shocks even him, and he loves her so much that when she realizes his true nature and wants to escape, he allows her to leave…for awhile. He will grant her time to remember the love he gave her and come back to him. If she refuses to do so, he’ll go after her. You know how that’s going to go but you may be surprised how the encounter unfolds. I dislike predictability and I’ve tried to avoid that with a passion in this book.

Well, I’m sure our readers are sold. Amazon here they come. The publishing world is turned on its head right now. Where once an author had few options, we now have so many it’s becoming confusing. Where do you think the most opportunity for strong sales lies?

Without a doubt, at this moment, eBooks are the big thing and will be, I think, for quite some time. I still hear the old diehards that say, “I still want to hold a book in my hand, dog-ear the pages if I want; I’ll never get an electronic reader.” As a royalty-paid author, I applaud those people because I make more money through the print sales, but I’m a realist. Even libraries will be more electronic-based book loaners than print copies soon.

My wife, a Kindle lover, bought me a new one after having such a good experience with hers. I love my Kindle. What advice can you give an aspiring author, who has been rejected on a hundred queries, has been encouraged and then letdown by a variety of agents, and has been recognized by fellow writers as a quality performer?

I’ve struggled with this for years. Even those of us that make money at our craft suffer with rejection and disappointment. I’ve gotten enough rejection letters to wallpaper my office. If becoming a published author is your dream, you have to believe in yourself. You keep practicing your craft, getting better all the time, and pay attention to why you’re being rejected. If you’ve submitted something fifty times and it’s been rejected fifty times, rethink what you’ve written. Edit it, iron out the wrinkles. If you can’t develop a tough hide, maybe writing isn’t going to work out for you. But if it’s your dream, work toward realizing it.

Thank you, Bill, for the interview. Thank you for offering a hand up to current and future writers!

Thank you, Gloria. I believe authors and lovers of our craft should promote the good writing of others as hard as we promote our own.

Interview with Lela Davidson

2011-07-03T13:18:00.004-05:00

An Interview with Lela Davidson

We’re re-running our new author series again in 2011, from the week of July 4th through the week of September 30th. Our first author, Lela Davidson, has her first book coming out on July 12th. There will be a big book launch party at the Aloft Hotel in Rogers, Arkansas, between 7 and 9 p.m.

Lela brings fresh look at the complex roles of women in America today. She also has built a platform for her writing that each of us in Writers, Readers, and Critiques can learn from. Welcome, Lela Davidson

Thank you, Bill ☺

Publishing today is easy. Selling enough to make money is a process. In your answers to the following questions, I’d like you to concentrate on how you built your platform to success.

Before you ventured out with Blacklisted from the PTA, you became a strong net presence with After the Bubbly. Let our readers know about that venue and how it helped build your platform.

After the Bubbly is my personal blog. I play with ideas there that are too long to post on Facebook, but not necessarily something I want to work into a full-length essay. The blog helped me in the beginning to learn about online writing and social media. Now it helps me keep in touch with readers.

Along with, After the Bubby, you’re managing editor of Parenting Squad and associate editor of Peekaboo Magazine, a modern day guide to parenting in Northwest Arkansas. I can see the direction you’re going and the audience you’re playing to. These are free to the public, yet increase your visibility and web presence, tell us how they came about.

One of the owners of Parenting Squad was the Editor at a now defunct website that gave me my very first regular column online – After the Bubbly. We stayed in touch. I started writing for Parenting Squad, and when the Managing Editor position opened up, I applied and got the job. Peekaboo magazine is our local RPP (Regional Parenting Publication). When she started the magazine, the publisher took a chance and gave me space. After the Bubbly graduated to print. After a few months I started writing another column in the magazine. Chasing Date Night provides ideas for local date nights and profiles local couples. Now I represent the magazine on a local morning news show—Wake Up with 5NEWS. I guess you could say I’m a local favorite.

Lela, that’s great exposure, you’re writing an active blog, have magazine exposure, and television with the Fort Smith/Fayetteville, CBS affiliate, whose executive said, “The magazine is a big part of the parenting community in Northwest Arkansas and a great fit for our morning broadcast.” Exposure means sales!
You selected Jupiter Press, and imprint of Wyatt-MacKenzie, to publish After the Bubby. They’re located in Washington State. Isn’t that where you’re from? Did you use personal connection to develop your strategy here, or is your selection of Jupiter Press a coincidence?

Wyatt-MacKenzie is actually located in Oregon, and the connection came through another author I know who had published a similar book of personal essays. I chose the imprint program offered by Wyatt-MacKenzie for a number of reasons, but mostly because it offered me a great deal of control over almost every aspect of the process, and the ability to benefit from the knowledge of an experienced traditional publisher. The imprint program is a self-publishing option, so I put up the capital to produce and market the book. It was a decision I agonized over, but ultimately analyzed it as I would any other business decision and determined that this was the best step at this stage of my career.

Pay attention here readers. Even with a platform and great exposure, the decision you make: self-publish, co-publish, go strictly e-book, etc. is a business decision, and a different one for every writer.

With the advent of Kindle, Nook, and who knows what’s to follow, the conventional path to publishing looks to be flipped upside down. You seem to have developed a great way to hit the new market. Kudos to you, Lela. Now sell us your book. Pitch to us like you would an agent. Why should I go to Amazon and download Blacklisted from the PTA to my Kindle? Or pick it up in paperback?

Well, I hope you’ll buy a paperback and a Kindle edition! Blacklisted from the PTA is a fun read. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s relatable. And it makes people laugh. (Not just my mother and that Mary Kay lady who keeps trying to get me to redeem my free facial.) Just check out the comments on the Facebook page.

Between diapers, play dates, and a never-ending schedule of birthday parties, it’s a wonder parents have time and energy to procreate. Throw in cliquish PTA queens, complex neighborhood politics, and the fine art of lawn maintenance, and you start to understand why suburban parents actually crave quiet desperation—so long as it comes with a nap.

In Blacklisted from the PTA I take you to Mexican bars, the hockey rinks of St. Louis, ski slopes near Santa Fe, shopping in Dallas, and even introduce you to a few strippers—the novices on the playgrounds of New York City, and the pros in Vegas. I reveal my screw-ups, along with fleeting delusional moments when I honestly believe I am the best mom ever.

And did I mention each of the 62 essays can be read in under five minutes? This is proving to be a very popular feature.

My wife thinks you could become the new Erma Bombeck with your sense of humor and your writing style. After reading your Facebook page, I think others feel that way too.

You’re a mom, a wife, a writer, and work the web constantly. Your subject matter is edgy at times, yet with a lighthearted humor that makes your comments fit. How do your husband, your kids, and your parents react to your work?

My husband has surrendered. I’m fairly certain the blog and magazine column boosted his social capital and he recently asked for a copy of the book to give his boss. He’s fine with the writing, but hates when someone introduces him as Mr. Lela. My teenage son has asked me not to write about him anymore, but my 11-year-old daughter still gets excited when I do. Sometimes sibling rivalry kicks in and The Boy gives me the okay, so long as I don’t run his picture. My parents just like to brag. It’s not like I’m tackling Big Topics. I write about the little frustrations of everyday life, of the foibles of my friends and family, but I like to think I’m not mean about it.

Finally, you and I have known each other for awhile. We both work our butts off writing and perfecting our craft. What piece of advice would you give to the unpublished newbie looking awestruck at the huge amount of work this career really takes?

I don’t think the newbie realizes the amount of work it takes. And that there’s a steep curve. It used to take me weeks to craft a readable essay. Now I can probably bust one out in an hour if I really need to. If you’re lucky, after a while you find out what you’re good at and get into a consistent rhythm. Then, if you’re crazy-fortunate, you catch some momentum and things start moving quickly. That’s where I am right now, and I can tell you it takes just as much work to maintain this success as it did to build it. However, it’s a lot more fun interviewing celebrities and booking travel for TV appearances than it was scouring Craigslist for sub-minimum wage gigs.

Thanks Lela for your honesty in sharing your journey with us. I urge our readers to reward Lela by purchasing her new book. And Lela, I hope you don’t mind if I continue to reply to your blog and Facebook comments with a little barb expressing the male point of view when you misunderstand us. Thanks for being our guest author this week.

Thanks for having me, Bill. And that’s – Blacklisted from the PTA. Everyone needs at least three copies ☺

Success at OWFI Conference

2011-05-10T20:18:00.000-05:00

There's a saying, "You're not a writer until other writers say you are." Room 1515 won 1st place in the Mystery, Suspense, Thriller Category and 3rd in the Confession Story Category with On The Streets.

But most important, my wife, Pam, placed 3rd in Contemporary Romance with her first attempt at writing a novel. She rocks.

First Novel Interviews - Restarting June 1.

2011-05-02T10:18:00.000-05:00

OWFI Conference is this weekend. Once I've returned and life gets back to normal, I will send out a request through Writers, Readers, and Critiques for first time published authors to interview on this site. If you read this ahead of time, you maybe send in your request now.

It runs in the family

2010-08-13T10:38:00.002-05:00

Again, I find that my wife and I do great work. My son's play, The Manhattan Connection, wowed the audience and the critics on opening night at the Heller Theatre's presentation of Shorts. For the next five nights, eight fine plays by local Tulsa playwrights will be presented. Each play is fifteen minutes or under. Pam and I are going tonight, August 13th.

I hope you have a chance to see the play. Remember the name Jeff Wetterman. He's our son!

Bernhardt Seminar & Workshop

2010-06-22T10:11:00.002-05:00

May 31st through June 6th I spent with Bill Bernhardt at an advanced seminar and his annual workshop. I've been to numerous conferences and attended small group clinics taught by published authors. A week with Bill Bernhardt surpasses them all.

Interview with Author Tracy Crump

2010-05-23T20:55:00.007-05:00

Please welcome my good friend Author Tracy Crump. Through our online relationship, I entered a story for Chicken Soup for the Soul, and was subsequently published. Not only is Tracy a fine writer, but she is an encourager with teaching abilities and over one hundred published pieces.

Thank you, Bill. I love being called your good friend. And I especially enjoy encouraging writers like you who take off and soar. Your third Chicken Soup story will be coming out soon, won't it?

My third story comes out in December. I have two others pending. So Tracy, how did your first Chicken Soup story come to be published?

God has blessed me with encouragers along the way, too. As a beginning writer, I had only published a couple of articles when I joined a local writers' group. The leader, Marylane Wade Koch, knew I had worked as a nurse many years ago and emailed me one day to tell me Chicken Soup for the Soul was planning a second book for nurses. “Why don't you try submitting something?” she asked. Who, me? I never dreamed I could be published in such a popular series and besides it was too long since I'd worked as a nurse. So I let the deadline pass.

Marylane emailed again. “They've extended the deadline for the nurse's soul book. Why don't you try submitting something?”

“Because I can't think of anything to write about,” I whined. Then I thought of one story idea. Then I thought of another. And another. I ended up submitting five stories. Chicken Soup held three for consideration and published two. Since then, I've published four more Chicken Soup stories as well as stories in Cup of Comfort and the Ultimate series. Now Marylane and I conduct workshops on writing for Chicken Soup and other anthologies. I tell participants, “If I can do it, you can, too!”

How did that success lead you to publish pieces in other major publications?

Once I saw my work in print, I was hooked. Most writers can probably relate to that. But I also decided that if my work was good enough for Chicken Soup, it should be good enough for other major publications. While writing is not all about the money, we still shouldn't sell ourselves short.

Thomas Smith wrote a great article along these lines in this month's Christian Communicator. He was advised early on to let his writing speak for itself. No matter how much or how little the pay, I always strive to submit my best work, and then, as Thomas suggests, I start with the top markets and work my way down. I've sold pieces to small publications for as little as $8 (and given away some for free), but I've also published articles in Focus on the Family, Today's Christian, ParentLife, Pray!, and others. And if I can do it, your readers can, too!

Bill, I'd also like to add a plug about writing for magazines. Most writers think they have to publish a book to experience success. But if you have a message you want to get out, which is the motivation for many Christian writers, magazines will connect you with a larger audience. Sally Stuart, author of Christian Writers' Market Guide, says a book in the Christian market sells an average of 4500 copies. A single article in Focus on the Family reaches 800,000 people. And it's a lot easier to write a 1000-word article than a 60,000-word book.

I’ve found some success writing for Chicken Soup. I think it’s because personal experiences hold deep emotions. What advice do you have for people interested in writing for Chicken Soup?

First, the best advice I can give is also the simplest, whether you're writing for Chicken Soup or any other publication: Follow the guidelines. You'd be surprised how many people don't. If you give a publication exactly what they ask for, you're already ahead of the pack.

In trying to write for Chicken Soup for the Soul, people seem to have the most problem differentiating between giving their testimonial (which the guidelines say they do not want) and telling their personal experience story. Chicken Soup stories are often emotional, and it becomes difficult not to testify to what God has done. When we do, however, it becomes a bit like preaching (which Chicken Soup also doesn't want).

So think about it this way: Jesus preached, but He also told stories which we call parables. In those stories, He didn't say, “God did this, and God did that.” Instead, He said things like “There was a wayward son who took his inheritance and spent it on riotous living, but his father welcomed him back,” or “A man fell among thieves who beat him and robbed him and left him on the side of the road to die. Then along came a Samaritan . . . ”

So my advice is to let God's actions drive the story. Let God speak through the circumstances.

Social networking has been the hottest topic at conferences this past year. You’re a member of FCW and The Kentucky Christian Writers group. You have a writer’s newsletter and are a member of The Writer’s View 2. Did your publishing success come as a result of your social networking or the other way around?

It has worked both ways. I joined FCW (Fellowship of Christian Writers) soon after I started writing and learned so much by being able to ask questions of experienced writers and editors such as Terry Burns and Terry Whalin. Highly successful Cec Murphey of TWV2 is one of the most encouraging writers I've ever met. They and many others played a part in helping me advance at different times in my writing. I hope I've encouraged other writers along the way, too.

I agree. We are blessed to have Christian writers like Cec who give so freely of their talent.

I also joined my first critique group through FCW. Getting sound critique is a must for those who want to improve their writing quickly. Heather Trent Beers says it's like taking the elevator rather than the stairs to get to the top floor. Like networking, critique means you don't have to go it alone. Now I'm privileged to moderate an online critique group composed of talented writers.

The writers' newsletter I co-edit is a great way of connecting with other writers and giving back a little of what I've received.

I’ve been a contributor to your newsletter and find many informative articles in it each month. Tell the reader more about The Write Life.

Marylane and I launched The Write Life (TWL) at our first Chicken Soup workshop. We began with nine subscribers. It now goes out to more than 250 writers, and some forward it to their writing groups.

The newsletter consists of a short writing or marketing tip (fewer than 400 words) and “Kat's Kernels: Strange and Interesting Bible Facts” by Kat Crawford. We know everyone's in-box fills up fast so we're committed to keeping the newsletter concise and pertinent. As a bonus, we email story callouts for Chicken Soup and other anthologies to our subscribers. We post back issues at http://www.TracyCrump.com/.

Because of our subscriber base, Marylane and I have been able to attract contributing writers knowledgeable in writing topics outside our experience. For example, editor Jim Watkins contributed an article on writing humor, Julie Ferwerda wrote on a little-known marketing technique called book bombing, and Max Elliot Anderson taught us how to write for tween boys.

Of course, you were our first contributor, Bill. Your article on meeting deadlines drew from your many years' experience in the corporate world. Next month, novelist Virginia Smith, keynote speaker for the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference in June, will contribute an article. In the near future, I plan to ask Sally Stuart to lend her talents. Hey, all she can do is say no!

You’ve conducted workshops on several of my favorite topics such as: Critique Give and Take, Tackling Tough Topics, and the ever popular, Write Winning Queries. If writers’ groups are interested in inquiring about your workshops, how do they go about it?

They can go to http://www.TracyCrump.com/ and click on Writing/Speaking. I'll present workshops next month at the Kentucky Christian Writers Conference (http://www.kychristianwriters.com/) June 11-12.

Writers can also find information at http://www.TracyCrump.com/ about Write Life Workshops, such as the Chicken Soup workshop, that Marylane and I co-present. For now, we have to stick pretty close to the Memphis area (Marylane has one more year of home schooling with her daughter, Meredith), but with Meredith as our tech guru, we may one day present webinars.

I was honored to be the first contributor to The Write Life.

From my research it appears you’ve stayed in the non-fiction venue. Any thoughts about trying fiction?

I've learned never to say never. Though I don't feel I have enough imagination to write fiction, I never thought I was qualified to write devotionals either. Thirty published devotionals later, I can say I love diving into the Word and using a short personal experience to connect the reader with God's truth. If writing fiction is something God wants me to do, He will equip me to do it. That's not to say I won't have to work hard to learn fiction techniques.

In closing, what advice do you have for writers who are still at the beginning of their writing life?

Be bold enough to submit your work to large publications or major publishing houses, be persistent enough to keep submitting even after countless rejections, and be humble enough to listen to advice on how to improve your writing. Never stop learning. Never stop praying.

And remember: If I can do it, you can, too!

It’s been fun interviewing you. I wish you continued success. For those visiting this blog, you can learn more about Tracy and subscribe to The Write Life free at http://www.tracycrump.com/.

An Interview with Author Karlene Petitt

2010-05-15T15:51:00.007-05:00

Please welcome Karlene Petitt, an author, airline pilot, mother, and grandmother. Karlene is known to work in her garden in her bikini. How cool is that! I met Karlene at a Bill Bernhardt seminar and found her to be a bright, fun-loving, and interesting person. I hope you will, too.

Bill… Thank you for the interview and also for sharing with your readers that I garden in my bikini. I laughed. When you have a large and busy family, and you’re a pilot writing a novel, you learn to multi-task. Sometimes that means to enjoy the sunshine ‘guilt free’ it is in the garden working. The neighbors seem to enjoy it.

This question crossed my mind the moment I met you. With two master’s degrees and many opportunities, what took you into the world of an airline pilot?

Actually, the pilot career came first. And mine was an unusual start based on a challenge. When I was 9 years-old my girlfriends and I were playing the game called careers. The career choices were to become a stewardess, nurse, school teacher or librarian. All my girlfriends landed on the ‘stewardess’ spot, but not me. I said, “I don’t care, I’m going to be the pilot anyway.” One of my girl friends enlightened me that I could not be a pilot because ‘girls’ couldn’t fly planes, her dad was a pilot. That was the challenge I needed, and from that moment forward, I had made my career choice. The masters followed with the thirst for education, and writing… it has been part of my soul for a very long time. But like many I said, “one day I am going to write a novel.”

You’ve had an outstanding career flying mostly Boeing aircraft, including 747 and 757. Now you’re finishing training on Airbus A330 for Delta. You’re in the middle of a very impressive career. There has to be conflicts between flying, writing, and family life. How have you handled the stress?

The stress of life and to how to handle it…I’m thinking of a title for a best seller. I’m not sure in the early years I handled it all that well. I just operated at full speed, and sacrificed my health in the process, mostly due to the lack of sleep. Even if we don’t feel stress, long term stress will impact the physical body.

Today I am older, and hopefully wiser, and I take proactive measures to do it all, and work to eliminate the stress. Not only do I exercise daily, but I make a point to sleep, and get massages regularly. One thing about being busy… if you love what you’re doing, the only stress you feel is from the things left undone…that you don’t want to do. Schedule 2 hours a day to work on the things that need to be done, and then spend the rest of the day feeling guilt free at your computer writing! Or… if you have the means, hire someone to do them for you. I now have a housekeeper clean my house the day before I get home…A well earned gift for working hard. This frees up my time to write, or study.

When conflicts arise, I just prioritize. Sometimes that is harder to do than other times. But everything always works out.

I agree. We need to prioritize each day, making time for exercise, rest, and the other key elements of our lives.

Tell us about Flight for Control. I’ve only read the sections you submitted at our seminar, and I found the writing piqued my interest. What gave you the idea for the novel, and do you typecast your characters after real people?

The idea for Flight for Control was inspired by recent airline crashes that have occurred over the previous two years, the current economic stress, and the resulting cutbacks at all the airlines. As you know there is a great deal of stress occurring in the world today, and pilots are not exempt. I wondered: What would it take to push a pilot to their limits? What is that limit? What if someone in the TSA had their own agenda? What if terrorists took control of our planes via the flight crews?

As far as typecasting my characters… you could say that many of my characters have personalities that I have met, or worked with, in real life. Not that I created a character out of a particular person, but have adopted traits, a voice, and some portion of their personality. And more importantly… which character am I? Writers, create multiple characters in your story and keep the readers guessing.

What have been some of your toughest writing stumbling blocks, the areas you’ve had the most difficulty grasping, and how did you conquer them?

My greatest obstacle has been to find the time and money to attend a writers retreat, or conference. But once I finally made that commitment and attended the Hawaii writers’ retreat and the ensuing conference, I realized that without the retreat and conference, I doubt my novel would go farther than my living room. To all aspiring writers… there is so much to learn. The retreats assist you in honing your skills, and the retreats teach you how to move your novel from your computer to the bookshelf. My first retreat was with William Bernhardt, an incredible teacher, and I was provided an incredible foundation.

I started out as a blank slate. I thought earning masters degrees and writing training programs gave me the ability to write a novel…. Wrong. Honestly, there is nothing I haven’t grasped. There is a lot I didn’t know and still need to learn, but I think the willingness to listen and be open to advice makes all the difference between success and failure.

The question on the minds of every unpublished author is: How do you find an agent? Can you share your game plan with us?

My game plan is this… write my novel, rewrite, edit, and reedit until there is absolutely nothing I can do to improve it, and then I will attend the Pacific Northwest Writers Association Conference in Seattle, July 22- 25th and pitch it ‘live’ to agents. I was told in Hawaii by an agent from New York, “It’s all about how you write it.” I will also follow Heather’s advice on the ‘how to.’ Heather has been sharing her journey of ‘writing to publication’ on her personal blog http://heathermccorkle.blogspot.com/ Heather now has an agent and will be pitching to editors in New York next month. She has a ton of information to share with all.

Life is about continual improvement and growth. To bring life to our novels we must adapt that philosophy, and never give up. Do what ever it takes. You can believe that I will never give up on this journey. I have far too many novels and stories that need to get out, and they will.

Social networking is a must for new authors. You’ve managed to establish a blog, twitter account, Facebook, and other networking connections. How difficult were these networking tools to create, and how hard are they to maintain?

They were not difficult at all to set up. The most difficult part is jumping in that pool, but once you’ve committed, then you find out how much fun it is, and yes… how time consuming too. Time is the greatest issue. But I have met so many wonderful people on twitter and Facebook. I wish I had more time to talk to them. I met another pilot/author, who was Flight to Success’ featured Fabulous Flyer on May 14th, Nate Carriker. http://karlenepetitt.blogspot.com/ Many of my Friday Flyers are via twitter.

During my conference last summer, I also met three wonderful ladies and we began a blog together: http://scribesisters.blogspot.com/ Jule, Linda, Heather and I have come together to share our journeys and experiences. Sometimes we have a theme, other times we discuss whatever comes to mind, but we always have something for other writers, like ourselves, to connect with. A combined blog really helps on the time commitment, one day a week is very doable.

Since I have been in a five week, very intensive training program learning the A330, I had to put my novel on a shelf to simmer. That was very challenging because I have lived with it for four months. However, I did not want to lose touch with my ‘right’ brain so I created a blog that would connect writing with my training. The response has been overwhelming. And fun. Yes… a ton of work. And this blog is how I studied. And if you’re so inclined to earn an A330 type rating… you too can read and pass the training.

Is there another novel coming after Flight for Control? And, is there anything you’d like to share with our readers about your writing adventure so far?

Yes, there are many more novels to come! I have two more aviation thrillers in the works, followed by a series, similar to Stephanie Plum’s, but with a female airline pilot and her humorous adventures. Shifting gears a bit, I also have a Young Adult novel, Twist of Faith, ready for a major rewrite.

I have found a new home within the writing community. The opportunity to meet fellow writers, work with authors such as William Bernhardt, and watch my novel grow, is an opportunity of a lifetime. Bill, your support to your fellow writers like myself, is so much appreciated.

A message to your writers, don’t let anyone tell you that you cannot make it. Dedication, hard work, and commitment… you will get there, just don’t ever give up. One day at a time and in no time you will have your novel complete.

Thanks for sharing with us, Karlene. I highly recommend looking at the http://scribesisters.blogspot.com/. The concept works at so many levels. I also thank you for your willingness to be open and share from the heart. I’m sure will see each other at conferences over the years, share a cocktail, and autograph each others’ books. Success to you and friendly skies.

Interview With Author Delia Latham

2010-05-08T17:14:00.007-05:00

Welcome Author Delia Latham: a mom, grandma, California transplant, and the first woman to persuade me to read a homespun Christian romance. Her new novel, Yesterday’s Promise, has been released in electronic format through White Rose Publishing.

Hello everyone. Thank you, Bill, for allowing me to share your blog space. I’m especially touched that you were willing to endure a romance novel for a fellow author—that’s true generosity of spirit! I hope, at the very least, that it’s a storyline you’ll remember for a good, long while.

Your writing career includes too many achievements to mention in one interview. How long have you been writing professionally, and what have been your most memorable successes?

Kind words, those! I’m just a struggling author, but I am grateful for the opportunities God has laid in my path.

I’ve been writing in some capacity for too many years to mention without giving away my age. I’ve been writing something almost as far back as I can remember, but didn’t really begin doing it for serious publication until 1986, when I took a position as a Staff Writer for a large daily newspaper. That led to my freelancing for an upper-echelon regional magazine. But I didn’t write my first novel until 2005. It was published in 2006, and Goldeneyes followed in 2008.

Goldeneyes will always be the book of my heart, I suppose. I set it in Weedpatch—the little California farming community where I grew up, and I borrowed names for many of the characters from people and families who were a big part of my life there. Getting that book into print was a major achievement for me, and I consider it one of my greatest successes.

Tell us about your association with White Rose Publishing. They’ve split the White Rose line away from TWRP. Has the new organization been easy to work with?

They’re wonderful! It’s great to work with a group of editors who “speak the language” of Christian fiction so well. I’ve been completely happy with my experience with White Rose.

Marketing e books has become the primary method for putting books into the hands of new readers. Many people now use a Kindle or Barnes & Nobles’ Nook for their reading selections. Does White Rose Publishing make your books available through Kindle and Nook? Also do they make hardcopies available?

My book is available through Kindle, but not through Nook just yet. All White Rose Publishing books are also available directly from their website (http://www.whiterosepublishing.com/). Only books over 60,000 words are made available in print version. Yesterday’s Promise is just under 54,000, so is available in e-format only.

I found the interaction between Brock and his son to be beautifully crafted, particularly because Brock doesn’t know Davey is his son. I was also impressed that the emotional tension between Hannah and Brock remained consistent throughout. What inspired you to write this story?

Thank you, Bill—I’m glad you found something to appeal to your masculinity in my little homespun Christian romance! lol

I wish I could say where the inspiration came from, but the closest I can come is this: “Every good gift and every perfect gift comes from above.”

This story came about in such a bizarre manner that I can only think God must have known someone needed to read it. I was working on Goldeneyes, and had come up against a massive wall of writer’s block. To be honest, I was at the point of despair. One day, I was surfing the web a bit, looking for inspiration that was nowhere to be found, when I came across an advertisement for National Novel Writing Month (Nanowrimo). For those who might not know, it’s an annual writing marathon that lasts from November 1-30 every year. Writers are encouraged to churn out at least 50,000 words—either a small novel, or that many words toward a longer one. I saw the ad three, maybe four days prior to November 1, 2005 and made up my mind to do it. Having made that decision, I laid aside all my notes and worry and plans for Goldeneyes, and started getting my husband and my house ready for a month of “no mama.” J Three days later, I sat down in front of my monitor, pulled up a blank screen and started writing. I pulled an opening out of thin air and just plowed ahead. Literally. I had no idea where the story was going, how it would end, no outline, no definite ideas as to storyline. Out of that split-second decision, Yesterday’s Promise was born. Of course, it started out under the title Almost Like a Song, but that’s a whole other story.

At the DFW Writers’ Conference last week, the question came up about the future of books in print and the need for agents or publicists in an electronic world. Your book, Almost Like a Song, is coming back in electronic format - new cover, new title. Do you have an agent, or is your commitment exclusively to the publishing house with you doing your own publicity through social networking?

I don’t have an agent—but I’d love to! You don’t happen to have one waiting in the wings, do you? I guess the answer is yes, my commitment is exclusively to White Rose Publishing. They help with publicity, but I am heavily involved in marketing my book.

I understand your motto is: “Never, never, never, never, give up!” After looking over your online presence, I’m surprised your motto isn’t: “Never, never, never, never, slow down.” How do you manage your family time, personal pursuits, and career? And a follow up question, do you have the understanding and patience of your family behind you?

Ah, the profoundly simple quote from Winston Churchill, via Og Mandino. Og actually added a few “nevers” to his, which had seven of them. One for each day of the week. I love it, don’t you?

To be honest, there’s little time available for slowing down…not for an author doing the lion’s share of marketing on a book she doesn’t want to see go the way of the forgotten. I’m immensely blessed to have a husband who supports my passion for writing. My four children are all adults, and they understand—even if they don’t always appreciate—the fact that I spend countless hours staring at a computer screen. When they really need me, of course I’m available to them. Writing can be laid aside for a time…life cannot. But I appreciate my family’s respect for my writing career, especially now that I’ve taken on a full-time job outside my home. This means that I have to guard my Saturdays and most weekday evenings for writing. We make the most of those wonderful occasions when the family is all together; we stay in touch via Facebook, telephone, and e-mail in between. And we keep on loving each other.

What can we look forward to from Delia Latham in the near future?

A children’s book, Adam’s Wings, will be released December 2010. I’m looking forward to that. It’s about a somewhat careless little angel who can’t keep up with his wings.

I’m also working on the second of a three-book series based around a Christian dating agency. Hopefully, by the time it’s finished, the first book will be placed with a publisher, and I’ll have a solid storyline laid out for the third. My working title for that series is “Solomon’s Gate.” Watch for it!

Finally, many readers have not yet achieved recognition for their efforts? When you were in their position, what did you do that led to your success?

Oh, I’m still striving for success! Two published books does not spell literary stardom. What small measure of name recognition I have accomplished came about by a lot of hard work and commitment; countless hours of networking; helping other authors whenever possible, because I’ve been blessed by a number of caring, experienced people who took time to give a hand up to a beginner; prayer—because it’s where I find my strength; and simple trust that God has a plan for my life and my career, and that He has it all under control.

Thanks Delia. for sharing your time with us. I, too, believe in giving back to people who need something I know I can give, or need a hand as I once did. That’s what God asks us to do. I know your book, Yesterday’s Promise, will sell well.

Upcoming Interviews

2010-05-05T08:51:00.005-05:00

This month is interview month. May 11th will feature Delia Latham's blog tour. Her book, Yesterday's Promise, has just come out in e-book form. May 17th will feature Karlene Petitt, pilot turned author. She flies the Airbus A330 for Delta and writes novels as well. Someone who loves dark chocolate and deep red wine as got to be interesting. May 24th, my friend and author Tracy Crump will be interviewed. Tracy has around 100 credits, including Chicken Soup for the Soul stories, devotionals, and major magazine articles.

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Preparing for Conferences

2010-03-22T10:06:00.004-05:00

Conference preparation is extremely important. That and guts. Those of you who know me know I'm not shy. This year I'm going to the DFW and OWFI Conferences. I know many of you are going to ACFW. The approach is always the same. Here's my recipe for success.

Create a one page. Put a picture in the upper left hand corner that will capture an agent or editor's attention. Then, hit them with a back cover type hook and contact information. This should be the first thing you hand your interviewer at your appointment - also in elevators and at lunch tables, etc.
Prepare a one minute hook on your book followed by a one minute hook on yourself. Why are you the author they need to work with?
Research your interviewer! Know what they've published, what houses they've worked with, and where they come from. Tell them why you chose them.

Finally, don't be shy. You have one shot. Make it your best. Then shut up and be prepared to answer questions. Good Luck.

An Interview With Tulsa's Own Lynette Bennett

2010-03-01T17:00:00.007-06:00

An Interview with Tulsa’s Own Lynette Bennett

I’m privileged to feature Lynette Bennett on my blog this week. Lynette has lived an exciting life, fulfilling her dreams of a New York stage career, and at the same time holding fast to her Christian principles in the process. I met her at a writing seminar taught by Bill Bernhardt and Barry Friedman, two prominent names in the Tulsa writing community. She was working on her memoirs and the two of us hit it off quite well. For all the talent and success Lynette has been blessed with, she is a humble, unassuming person with a bright smile and brighter outlook. Please welcome Lynette.

Thank you for inviting me to your blog, Bill. I’m looking forward to our visit.

Describe for us how you felt flying to New York fresh out of college with only a few contacts and a lot of prayers.

I was one scared kid. I arrived a couple of days ahead of my roommate and foraged around Manhattan alone shopping for an apartment. New York City is a dangerous place, and I couldn’t tell a safe neighborhood from a gang one. I talked to a business acquaintance of Daddy’s who said, “I would never go into Central Park alone at night and I would never go into Central Park with a woman day or night.” That warning stayed with me.

Friends asked Mother, “Aren’t you worried about Lynette going to New York alone?” Mother said, “Of course I am. She could have decided to stay in Oklahoma and teach school but that’s not what she wants to do.”

I’ve always had wonderful prayer support from family and friends.

After that flight, you played Broadway, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, and Radio City Music Hall. Of all the shows you’ve been a part of, what two stand out as being special and why?

I was cast in Funny Girl on Broadway which made a star of the new singing sensation Barbra Streisand. The show ran for a couple of years which is great security for actors. As a rule, we’re constantly auditioning for jobs, so to have a steady check each week was a boon. It was exciting working with Barbra and watching her develop her skills as an actor/comedienne. She was already an outstanding singer.

The other would be the Lincoln Center show from which I have a video tape of one of my comedy solos. I use that solo on my demo reel when auditioning. I remember such a dynamic connection with the audience through the funny lyrics. That’s what makes live theatre more exciting than TV or film. They each have their own strong points but there’s nothing like the thrill of a live audience’s response.

You consider many famous people your friends. If you were to pick one who had the greatest influence on your success, who would it be and why?

The avuncular composer/lyricist/tenor Ralph Blane from Broken Arrow, Oklahoma helped me immensely. I love Ralph’s lilting songs, especially his score for Meet Me In St. Louis which gave Judy Garland her early hits, The Trolley Song, The Boy Next Door, and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas. Ralph introduced me to his voice teacher and his manager. They each sent me on several auditions.

Also, Barry Manilow was a delight to work with. He selected my songs and wrote great arrangements for me. We made a demo record together.

For a Christian in a secular world, temptation must have been around every corner. How did you maintain your principles in that environment?

I think it’s easier if you’ve made up your mind ahead that these are your boundaries and you won’t cross them. I’ve made much of my living from advertising in TV commercials and in business theatre. I was never willing to advertise alcohol or cigarettes. And, in fact, I made two ads for anti-campaigns. One was for a patch to stop smoking and the other was for a series ABC TV ran about Women and Alcoholism. There was major research in the 1980s concerning the effects of alcohol on women. With the same amount of consumption, there are much more serious effects and consequences for women, than for men. I was pleased to be part of that advertising campaign.

I love your response. What you put your talent into says a lot about what you believe. Rejecting commercials because you can’t support the product shows your character. The same is true is selecting your friends.

Yes, and there was the experience I had with the mafia. They worked through one agent at the top talent agency in New York City, which offered to put its publicity department to work to make me a star. I turned them down in order to be true to God and to myself.

Prayer is part of my daily life. I constantly pray for God’s guidance in my artistic life and my family life.

When Warren, your husband, moved you to London, were you able to find work? If so, how did working in London differ from New York?

I performed in the Broadway musical Chicago, as reporter Mary Sunshine, in London’s West End. It was a delightful experience but I had to jump through many hoops to perform there. I was already a member of Actors’ Equity Association in the US but then had to be accepted as a preliminary member of British Actors’ Equity in order to work in the UK. Finally, after a few years, I became a full member of British Equity and was allowed to work in the West End. Before that, I sang in small opera companies and gave concerts. Warren and I lived in London eight years and absolutely love it.

Show business in London is more accessible than in New York. An agent is more open to an actor than in New York. However, it is difficult being a foreign actor in the UK. It’s hard to be accepted in work there.

You’re still performing today. I understand you wrote and performed Will Rogers, Spirit of America, His Wife Betty’s Story, at Claremore’s Robson Performing Arts Center. That must have been fun. Where can we see Lynette Bennett today?

I write and perform one-woman shows such as the one you mentioned which was designated an Official Project of the Oklahoma Centennial. In that show I tell Will’s story from Betty Rogers’ point of view.

Another one-woman show is Lynette Sings Jeanette, An Affectionate Tribute to Jeanette MacDonald, the Hollywood diva. I’ve recorded two CDs Lynette Sings Broadway! and Lynette Sings Christmas! Which are available from me.

Every season is different. I sing at various country clubs and for civic organizations. On March 25, I’ll be at the OKC Country Club performing a short version of my Will Rogers show for a private party. I give performance book reviews for private clubs and I appear at the OK Jazz Hall of Fame.

Looking back, any regrets? Looking forward, what’s to come?

No, I don’t think I have regrets. At a given point, you make the best decision you can. For instance, I was offered two Broadway shows at the same time and had to choose between them. I chose The Yearling, about a boy and his pet deer, which had a brief run, over Man of La Mancha which became a classic in the American musical theatre. But, as we say, “That’s show biz.”

I’m writing my memoir now covering my first years in New York City. It’s fun and amazing to remember how many crazy things happened, how many jobs and delicious experiences I had. And I learned, first hand, the truth of the old saying, “The Lord looks after the working girl!”

Thanks Lynette for sharing your story with us, and I’m personally looking forward to seeing your memoir in print.

A Interview with Author Mary Magee

2010-02-07T18:56:00.006-06:00

My guest today is Mary Magee, author of Red – Beyond Football, the story of the legendary Coach Jimmy “Red” Parker. Many of his players reached stardom by believing they were winners. Excellence, loyalty, and team-first thinking caused these players to achieve beyond their expectations through physical strength, mental toughness, and endurance. Dwight Clark, Jeff and Joe Bostic, Jim Stucky, and Benny Cunningham, all Clemson graduates, are a few of the quality players and people Red coached.I first met Mary Magee at a Hawk Seminar hosted by author Bill Bernhardt. Mary was working on an idea for a novel, and since I write fiction, we had a lot in common. After the seminar, a group of us decided to form a critique group and continue working together. An idea Mary initiated. She hails from Fordyce, Arkansas, has a Ph.D. in School Psychology from Oklahoma State University, and is passionate about writing.

Welcome Mary,

Thank you, Bill. It’s my pleasure.

How did the idea to write a book about Coach Parker originate?

I’ve known Coach Parker since 1953, when he took a job at my high school, coaching the Fordyce High Redbugs. I was in seventh grade. Dad and he struck up an instant friendship, often fishing together. Coach Parker and his young family were a part of our lives at home, school, and church. He captured the hearts of our town with his work ethic, coaching skills, high moral standards, and inspirational leadership.

The idea for RED: Beyond Football took shape at my 45th high school reunion. One evening, about thirty of us (former students, teachers, administrators, and coach) sat in a large group visiting. I watched the faces of everyone in the room soften with smiles, laughter, and the occasional tear as Coach Parker and his former players shared football stories. I wanted to write his biography. At that time, however, I had begun working on Devotion to Duty (US Army Publishing), the memoirs of Gen. (Ret.) Jimmy D. Ross.

We shouldn’t ignore the quality of Devotion to Duty. Douglas Johnson, in Army Logistics’, Jan-Feb, 2009 edition wrote, “A Devotion to Duty is one of those uncomplicated starts. It is written with an informative style that draws readers along.” That’s a nice compliment.

Finding ways to make a serious book about Army logistics interesting provided a unique and enjoyable challenge. General Ross wanted personal vignettes included to add readability. His goal was to inform and instruct future logisticians while adding bits of history and fun. General Ross couldn’t have been more patient with me. By the time we completed the work, we’d composed a seven page, single spaced glossary of Army acronyms for his non-Army writer. Collaborating with General Ross was a delight. Selfishly, we secretly suspect his memoir may be one of the most readable books at the War College.

The positive experience with General Ross’s book added fuel to the desire to write Coach Parker’s biography. The two men have much in common. Both have the gift of story telling and possess a genuine caring for others. Each experienced leading teams into battle. The General, of course, commanded a more serious battlefield, but they projected similar leadership styles. Both professional paths led to amazing high profile careers. Both influenced many and touched thousands of lives.
Writing Coach’s biography seemed a natural progression. In 2004, I completed the bulk of work on Devotion. That’s when I began two years of research for RED.

What drew you to Hawk Publishing?

I attended Hawk’s Heartland Writer’s Conference in 2006 while deep into interviews, archives, and writing RED. To say I knew absolutely nothing about the publishing business is an understatement. Not only did the workshop offer valuable information regarding the writing process, Hawk Publishing and William Bernhardt made quite an impression. I wanted Hawk to publish RED.

As an inexperienced writer with no agent, I considered paying publishing costs the most direct route to producing a book. In December of 2006, I called Hawk to discuss a co-publishing arrangement. Jodie Nida, then an Editor at Hawk, answered my call. She asked for the first five pages via e-mail. In just a nail-biting thirty minutes, she replied. Hawk would co-publish the work. I was thrilled. The entire experience, with Jodie’s guidance, was comfortable, educational, and produced a book that honors Coach and his players. The finished product was even better than I’d expected. It’s difficult to find enough glowing descriptors to express my gratitude to Hawk Publishing for a job well done.

Coach Parker spent time at both The Citadel and Clemson. With Hawk being a regional press, did you ever consider finding a publisher to broaden your readership into the southeast?

Yes. I would love nothing more. Unfortunately, or fortunately, I miscalculated the number of books we’d sell. Sadly, I hung a “Sold Out” sign on the website, http://www.marymagee.net/. We sold all copies of the first printing in five book signings and website sales. RED never went national. I’m currently pursuing avenues to find a publisher interested in a second printing.

Now you’re turning to fiction. In many respects, I think it’s harder to write fiction than non-fiction. What has been your experience so far?

I agree with you. Fiction has far more challenges. As research on a biography progresses, the story writes itself. Non-fiction is a matter of finding ways to breathe life into facts to keep the reader’s interest. How lucky I was to write about the lives of two inspiring men!

A fiction piece about four female golfing friends looked like recess, a fun ride. I thought a complete change was in order after four years of researching testosterone filled worlds. My assumption was way off base. Writing fiction became frustrating to the point of putting the golfing novel in “time out.” It might have gone in the trash, had it not been for the encouragement of our writing group. Thank you Bill, and the other members, all gifted writers.

Trying to weave a story line through four characters, was a bit much for a beginning dip in the fiction pool. Something less confusing than telling a story through four sets of eyes was in order. I’m currently working on a coming-of-age novel that has only one protagonist, one voice. It’s far less complicated, much less frustrating, and writing is fun again.
My advice to beginning fiction writers: Find a writing group with talented people who offer caring constructive critiques. I know of no better way to grow as a writer.

I know both you and Jim love golf. How supportive has he been in your writing, particularly in giving you time and space to create?

It was difficult at first. Jim and I thought when I retired, we’d be playmates, 24/7. Jim made a nice adjustment to retirement in about six months. I never made that adjustment. I almost took a part-time consulting job when the Devotion to Duty project fell in my lap. Divine intervention. We’ve come to a very comfortable arrangement after trying on different schedules. Typically, the mornings are my writing hours. We play in the afternoon.

With each writing year, Jim becomes more supportive. We couldn’t have managed the RED book signings without him. He schlepped books across half the southern states. Coach and I signed while Jim directed traffic and charmed folks in long lines as he took their money. We had a grand time, and Coach and Jim became very good friends.
Currently, Jim is battling cancer. Coach Parker is a cancer survivor and has been such a support. Our daughter is fasting sugar, a major food group in her world, until the doctors declare Jim cancer free. Prayers and encouragement flow daily from family and so many dear friends. With God’s healing spirit, Jim will be back to his sassy self in no time. I see tee-times in our future by June. We are truly blessed.

Most writers struggle with finding time to manage both home life and the writing life. It sounds like you and Jim have worked this out pretty well. And, by the way, having a spouse who can sell isn’t a bad deal.

My husband is a gem. As I said, we are living a blessed life. Although I resisted retirement, it certainly has it’s advantages. I can’t imagine trying to work, write, and have much quality time left for family. Life is good.

I look forward to reading your coming-of-age novel and eventually seeing it published. Our thoughts and prayer are with you and Jim.

Thanks for the interview, Mary.

Thank you, Bill. A pleasure as always.

How Cool is This!

2010-01-28T19:22:00.003-06:00

I am totally blown away to have my story in this edition. The list of NASCAR elite published in this book includes the likes of Darrell Waltrip, Jimmy Johnson, Tony Stewart, Buddy Baker, Brian France, and my favorite racer, Ryan Newman. For a NASCAR outsider to be listed among these fine people is a treat beyond imagination. Those who know me know I'm a faithful NASCAR fan. Pam and I have been to races in Kansas City, Texas, Atlanta, and Las Vegas, and we're still young enough to hit a dozen more. This is one life's dream fulfilled.

Iron Sharpens Iron

2010-01-25T09:11:00.007-06:00

I received an e-mail a few days ago from an old friend asking me if I knew an agent he could approach with his novel. I asked him "When did you start writing?"

"Oh, a couple of months ago," he replied. "It's finished and ready to be published."

Oh my!

"Are you in a critique group?" was my next question and the conversation turned stressful for both of us from there. Four years ago, I was where he is today - the next James Patterson looking for an agent. That novel is in the ash heap never to be resurrected. The honest approach is always best. Publishing is a business. The economy and technology demand educated authors who have slaved over our craft and exposed ourselves to rigorous critique. Aspiring authors need people around us who are willing to bloody our noses if necessary to improve our work. I hope my friend got the message.

The picture above left is of members of the Hawk Critique group. Left to right: Mary Ann Powers, John Biggs, Lela Davidson, and myself. Absent, but soon to be featured on this blog in future interviews, are Mary Magee and Lynette Bennett. Our group has devoted its time to improving each other's work, We are brutally honest when reviewing a member's writing. And yes, we can still hug after each meeting.

I look forward to seeing each of my friends published and enjoying the rewards that brings. I know they feel the same way. A writer who isn't in at least one critique group is like a ship that has sailed into Pacific Ocean alone without a compass or an understanding of the stars - lost in perilous waters.

The Blizzard of 2009

2009-12-26T17:06:00.003-06:00

If life serves up snowstorms – stay home and write. I know most of you had great expectations for to visit with family and friends this Christmas. Then Oklahoma weather swept in. I hope you were either already at your destination or your company had just arrived when the blizzard hit. First the Turner Turnpike closed, then all the rest, including the Creek. So much for “I’m Dreaming of a White Christmas.” The good news is if you can’t go anywhere, and no one can get to you, write. That’s what I’m doing. Ho, Ho, Ho, and Merry Christmas.

2009-12-09T11:38:00.003-06:00

Interview with Matt Jones

It’s truly a pleasure to interview Matt Jones. Matt’s my critique partner, so I know first hand he’s one gentle and talented person. Taking on the role of president at WIN for 2010 was probably the furthest thing from his mind at the start of 2009, but Matt never turns his back on a need. Matt, congratulations on your position as our new WIN president.

Thanks, Bill. I’m looking forward to it.

With your family responsibilities, your own business, writing, and the leadership role for WIN in 2010, how will you find any time for relaxing?

I think my best bet is to take a break every chance I get, even if it’s just a minute at a time.

I suppose that works when you’re younger. But at sixty-seven, I need my naps. What does the 2010 WIN year look like, and where do you see yourself needing the most help?

Fortunately for me, our current president Gina Conroy has done an excellent job scheduling speakers for next year already. We have a line up of wonderful writers and speakers coming in, and I’m looking forward to booking some guests of my own.

I’m sure I’ll need quite a bit of help as standing in the president’s spot in a group of aspiring and experienced authors is no small thing. One of the things I truly would like everyone in WIN’s help with is devising creative ways to make WIN more advantageous for everyone. The encouragement and shared expertise among the group’s members is exemplary, but I can see a real need for finding a way to meet our members’ needs in practical ways that get people more involved with each other and each other’s writing.

So Matt, what does that look like? Are you thinking of a change in meeting format or a way to develop a mentoring program for inexperienced writers? Can you let us in on your plans?

I don’t have any plans to change up the meeting format. That’s not necessarily my goal. Nor is it my goal to “set up” a mentoring program. My hope is to rather encourage a natural growth within the group. I would love to see WIN become a place where novices can rely on the more experienced to pass along their skills in the craft of writing and where the experienced writers are given the opportunity to share the expertise they’ve acquired in their years of practice.

On the topic of meeting formats, I have to say I can see the potential in holding mini workshops and mini contests for anyone who’d like to join in. I have some ideas, but I’m keeping them under my hat for now.

In April on Denise Stewart’s blog, you wrote a piece telling us your perspective on romance. In it you said, “She (Tracy) loves for me to have a plan that I’ve thought of in advance specifically catered to her.” That was great advice for every married man. Do you have any other suggestions for the male members of WIN and ACFW?

Know thy wife. This pertains to all things romance…and writing.

After forty-four years of marriage, I’d have to agree with you. Managing your time and your relationships must be a priority for you. Can you share some incites on the pros and cons of both you and Tracy working out of your home with three small children to care for?

One of the greatest pros of working from home is getting to be more involved in my wife and children’s lives. Being at home of course means flexible hours when I need them. I get to be creative and artistic for a living, a blessing to me even if it means that finances have to be juggled a lot more often! Having Tracy at home, too, allows us to collaborate on design projects, which is a huge help for me. It also helps Tracy that I can be at home with the kids if she needs to go out.

On the cons side, working at home means that I have to be at home with the kids if my wife needs to go out.

I know Tracy is your #1 fan. She writes non-fiction, and you’re her biggest fan as well. Will you give us some incite on her work?

My wife is easily one of the most gifted communicators/speakers/ministers I know. She also has an extremely keen mind for finances and financial planning. Right now, her writing is centered on practical financial planning, creating a budgeting system that is simple and effective for all different types of incomes and financial lifestyles. She’s so conversational and funny and easy to read, I actually really enjoy the chapters she’s written so far. And I don’t even like “budgeting.”

I guess opposites do attract. But there is an area you both share in common – an entrepreneurial spirit. Your new company is Bookbrander. Describe the advantages your customers have by coming to Bookbrander, and not your competition.

The concept behind BookBrander, which is a collaboration between my design company (Jones House Creative) and Buzz Rocket Media here in Tulsa, is truly unique to other manuscript and book marketing services in that it uses video teasers and thematic websites, custom designed to each book, to connect with potential readers and fans in ways that elicit an immediate emotional connection to the story. We design a custom video and website SPECIFICALLY themed around the book to create a Hollywood-styled experience that people will remember. Music and imagery are extremely powerful tools for conveying the message and story of books because of their long-lasting impact. People can remember every bit of a thirty or sixty second video long after they’ve thrown away a flyer or left a book signing.

I wish you success. What advice do you have for the unpublished author who has never marketed themselves?

Whatever you do to market your work, DO IT WELL. First impressions are priceless. Every aspiring author and every published author has poured their guts, heart, soul, blood, time, money, date nights, first born children, etc into their books. They have worked to make themselves experts and professionals at writing. They have made their books, hopefully, the absolute best they can. But then, when it comes to sharing their work with their potential fans, they make such a bad initial impression that it’s difficult for anyone to take them seriously. Every bit of marketing material, from websites to business cards, needs to be done WELL. You wouldn’t wear your sweats and ratty T-Shirt into a job interview, so why would you let your website – literally your face as seen by the world – look anything less than amazing?

There is a wealth of good advice in your response, yet so many of us are afraid to step out and actively market. But on a personal level, many in WIN may not know this, but you and I are critique partners. Writing an Old Testament trilogy is quite an undertaking, but you’re doing a great job. Tell us about your concept. What will each book cover?

Absolutely. My trilogy’s working title is The Mightiest of Men. The crux of my story hinges on the day that David, the son of Jesse, is anointed to be king of Israel and the ensuing chain of events that affects the lives of everyone he comes in contact with. My stories center around a band of warriors who unite with David. By following him, they become his Gibborim, his Mighty Men, and thus become the legendary heroes of the golden age in Israel.

The first book, Shield, focuses on Josheb Baashebeth, the chief of all David’s Gibborim. Josheb, a warrior in King Saul’s army, receives a divine calling to become a guardian for David during the first days of his flight from Saul. In choosing to become an outlaw with David, Josheb makes the choice to lay down his life and follow David, knowing that it will probably mean his own death in the end.

The second book, Sword, focuses more on the life of El`azar, the second member of “The Three,” the top three commanders of David’s Gibborim. This portion of the story spends time telling the tale of David’s years spent as a mercenary to the Philistines. The story leads up to the point that David becomes king of Judah.

The third and final book, tentatively entitled Throne, deals with how David’s men deal with the complexities of his life after he becomes king. The central figure in this book is Benaiah, the son of the Levite priest Jehoiada. The story leads up to the time of David’s death and Solomon’s ascension to the throne.

Believe me, Matt, you're a talented writer, and I’m enjoying your incites on my writing as well. Thanks for taking your time to share your projects and thoughts on 2010 with me and your WIN friends. I’m looking forward to 2010.

Through A Glass Darkly - Now in Print

2009-11-19T09:06:00.005-06:00

After the initial leaping and hugging when my free copies of Count Your Blessings arrived, the realization set in that I'm now published in hard copy, and not just on the net. The NASCAR addition of Chicken Soup has my story, A Renewed Life, in final draft for possible release in February. For all of you who have encouraged me along the way, thank you from my soul.

Next year will be a busy year. I will continue my search for an agent for The Fifth Step, a contemporary fiction novel about a preacher with a dark secret that threatens to destroy his ministries, his marriage, and his life. To market this novel, I'll be attending the DWF and OWFI Conferences in April, and one other conference to be determined later in the year. Face-to-face meetings with agents yield better results than sending out a mass of written queries. In today's writing world, you can't be just good, you have to be exceptional to receive attention.

Keep me in your prayers.

Upcoming Conferences

2009-09-22T16:14:00.004-05:00

Tulsa Nightwriters and Writers of Inspirational Fiction attention!

The DFW Writers' Conference is coming up in mid-April, 2010, followed by the Oklahoma Writers' Federation Conference at the end of that month. Both provide excellent programs, great opportunities to win contests, and a good opportunity to meet with agents. Pam and I are attending both conferences next year, and I encourage other Oklahoma writers to do the same - if you can afford it. Here are two great reasons to attend. First, the DFW Conference attracts a different set of agents from OWFI, many from New York Agencies, and it has some classes not offered in OKC. Second, we can encourage out-of-state attendance to our Oklahoma conferences, if we put out the word face-to-face.

See you at both.

Another Chicken Soup Success

2009-08-30T16:20:00.004-05:00

My short stories continue to find homes. Not only did I have an article published in The Write Life, Tracy Crump's growing e-newsletter, but my story, A Renewed Life, has made the second cut for Chicken Soup of the Soul's NASCAR book, coming out in February. Those who know me know I use the short story to hone my skills. Developing conflict, filling out character's emotions, and wrapping up a super plot in 3,000 words or less, provides a want-to-be novelist like myself with the skills to carry a readers' interest from chapter to chapter through a novel. My next short story, Genetics , is waiting for me to find a humorous short story contest to enter it in. I won't keep it waiting long.

Learning and Growing

2009-08-18T09:04:00.004-05:00

Part of a writer's passion involves continually working the craft. To that end, I recently participated in an intense week long seminar with author Bill Bernhardt. Ten writers reviewed each others work with Bill as moderator and instructor. The homework extended late into the night, every night. Our group improved so dramatically that Bill invited some of us to an advanced seminar in February. I'm already preparing for it.

My success with short stories continues. Chicken Soup for the Soul has agreed to publish Through a Glass Darkly, and is considering two others. Armchair Interviews awarded An Unexpected Dream second place in its Thanksgiving Day contest and published it on their website. Now with what I've learned about how to structure a novel, I'm reworking the four I've written. The improvements I'm making amaze me. The Fifth Step will be the first ready for marketing, and I've received encouragement from my critique group that its good quality. Wish me success as I venture out. I'll keep you posted on the results.

What's Going On?

2009-05-05T16:47:00.004-05:00

I've developed a good critique partner in Matt Jones. Along with him comes his special abilities in graphic arts and one page promotions. He's working on two promotional covers for me now, and I encourage anyone who needs graphic work done to check Matt out at Matt@JonesHouseCreative.com. I'm still debating whether to attend the ACFW convention in September. Give me you input at our next WIN meeting.

Either way, I'm plowing forward. June 8-12 I'm joining an intensive seminar with Bill Bernhardt and Hawk Publishing. It's twenty hours of writing and rewriting query letters, synopsis, and chapters - the building blocks for marketing and selling my work. Wish me luck.

Successes and Expectations

2009-04-16T10:44:00.003-05:00

With our move from Bixby to Broken Arrow, and our grandson's unexpected arrival, Pam and I have been swamped. But now, hopefully, we can update this blog more often. Having said that, I want to share the latest success in my writing adventures. Chicken Soup for the Soul:Count Your Blessings has sent me a proof of my short story, Through a Glass Darkly. It should come out in print December 2009. This is the second success in the past four months, and it gives me encouragement that my writing is improving.

I have great expectations for the future. I've submitted three entries to ACFW's Genesis contest in the Contemporary Fiction category. I submitted a short story to Lorian Hemingway's Short Story Competition, and I've completed my edits on four - count them - four novels! I'm preparing to layout a marketing campaign aimed at publication. Agents and Editors here I come.

I'll be a contributor this coming month to The Write Life, a e-zine that is growing in popularity. And, of course, I continue to learn and network through TWV2, hosted by Mary DeMuth. It's is a blessing.

A NEW YEAR AND A NEW LIFE

2009-03-25T10:01:00.004-05:00

The Wind at My Back

A short story by Pam Wetterman

Have you ever stood in an open field on an August day in Oklahoma? The wind never stops blowing. It feels like a strong warm breath covering you. One day I experienced the breath of God on my back. I can’t say I heard an audible voice, but I knew it was God speaking.

In late 2007, I was impressed to get ready for a big change. I knew that every time a major change came, God always prepared me. That is how God impressed me to embrace His will and learn to live in obedience once again.

Like an ant getting ready for winter, I began to update our home. My first chore was to convince my loving husband of 42 years that our five year old home needed modernization. But after a time he was gracious and began to open up the purse strings. We double the patio and covered it with a pergola. My husband could see the need to paint the outside of the house and agreed to that as well. The difficult decision for him was to agree to a new more modern color. My wonderful husband hated change and he had not heard from God.

Then it was time for the inside. We looked for just the right colors. I could see an antique bronze faux in the great room, a significant change from the apple green that we had originally. My choice for the formal dining room was a touch of bold red antique with black and bronze glaze. I talked him into painting the rest of the interior and refinishing our hardwood floors. A true miracle from God. Our home was a palace.

Once the renovations were completed I could see the toll it had taken on my husband. Since I was not sharing what was driving me, I could not blame him for being resistant. He had not yet heard from God and maybe I had misinterpreted His message. No, I was still feeling a strong need to be ready. I began to feel as though the next steps would lead to us moving. But why did we have to move? Still, when God speaks, it is smart to follow His lead.

I had followed His lead before. My life changed significantly in 2006 when I was forced to retire early due to a severe loss of sight from Macular Degeneration. Having been a successful high level manager for most of my career, it was a difficult experience. Our finances were impacted significantly and we were down to only one income plus my Social Security Disability. But with God’s help, we were making ends meet.

In September 2008, my husband was forced into early retirement due to the downturn in the economy. We had already lost over 40 percent of our retirement savings in the market and we still had ten years left on our mortgage. Now I was beginning to understand. God had been preparing me for this for over 19 months. His answer to our need was to downsize our expenses, beginning with our home.

When you are married to someone who does not like change, it is not easy to ask them to make one of the most important changes in life. I began to share God’s vision with my husband. But he wasn’t ready to make this move. He felt we could make ends meet on our reduced income. So we sat down and worked together on a budget. It was soon obvious that if we cancelled our cell phones, our lawn service, the newspaper, and our cable, and never took any trips, we could pay the bills but there would be nothing left over for clothing or birthday gifts or Christmas. But in the spirit of following his lead, I agreed to give it a try. We set aside cash for groceries, utility bills, and the house payment. We did not have any credit card debt or car payment. Surely we could do this.

It was October 2008 and with concern, we began. November was even more difficult and then came December. How could I not get a few gifts for our grand kids? My heart was so low. Finally we made the decision to pull cash from our savings for a modest Christmas.
Once again I mentioned the need to “downsize” and my husband said, “I am not leaving this house until you put me into a nursing home. That is final.” I knew it was time for God to speak to him. My attempts were futile. Within two days, my husband came to me and said, he had called a realtor just to see what we could get for our home. Wow, God was working. All I had to do was take my hands off the situation and give it to God.

December 22nd we met with the realtor. On the 26th we ventured out to see what homes we could afford on our new lower income. God took us to a new construction home that was perfect and the builder offered to reduce the price by 10 percent. We immediately placed a contract on the house. Now to get our home sold. This is when we really saw God at work. One family came to see our house on the 29th and made an offer. It was too low and we began the difficult war of offer vs. counter offer. Finally, the evening of the 30th, my husband shouted into the phone at our realtor, “No more, we are done. Either they want the house at our price or they can find another one. I am not negotiating any longer. I am done. “That night we went to bed with heavy hearts. Surely this was a dead deal. Would we loose the new home? It was the home God had provided. Now was the time to rest in His arms and wait.

The phone rang early the next day. Our realtor called to say the buyer had agreed to our price. The only condition, vacate the house by the 30th of January. We agreed and began to panic. It was time to use our 25 plus years of business experience to execute a plan. We had to pack and move in 30 days.

Looking back, I continually felt God’s warm breath on my back as we packed. Today, we’re settled in our new home. It’s lovely. We have reduced our house payment by 66 percent and our home insurance by 50 percent. God knew our needs and He acted quickly. His warm breath on my back was gentle, but consistent. I can rest in the knowledge that we followed His will and will be taken care of during this very difficult financial time. God is certainly good. If you begin to feel a warm wind on your back, stop and listen. He is speaking.

A Victory!

2008-12-09T10:39:00.002-06:00

I reached a major goal yesterday when Armchair Interviews award my short story, An Unexpected Dream, second place in their Thanksgiving Short Story Contest. I'm excited because, not only is their website is an award winner, but I set a goal to be recognized by published authors as having talent. I've been so fortunate to have people encouraging me in my writing, my wife Pam, Cec Murphey, my dear friend, and Matt Jones, my critique partner.

Today, I still have two goals unfulfilled. I still need an agent, and I'm still not published. But, I'm pumped. I'm entering three manuscripts in the Genesis Contest next year, and I have hope for success. My motto is: Kept Writing And Never Give Up!

FLUFFY THE MASTER

2008-11-14T13:54:00.005-06:00

Finding myself with some discretionary time on my hands, I have begun to experiment with backyard activities. Now, to some, that could mean gardening, landscaping, bird watching or any number of other fun activities. But I have started Fluffy watching.

Now you may ask “Who is Fluffy?” A name normally selected for the master cat in your home. And, as a matter of fact, Fluffy is a great name for a cat. But for me, Fluffy is a rogue squirrel bent on stealing my peace and home.

I first met Fluffy over a year ago. He was hanging up side down on my bird feeder, with both of his hands in the seed. He ate for over ten minutes while my guard dogs, Bailey and Barkleah watched, poised to attack. Then he casually climbed down from the feeder and challenged my dogs to a run across the yard. Of course, both dogs were game but had no chance to catch Fluffy. He climbed up a tall tree while the dogs jump up and down at the bottom.

At first, I thought my goal was to keep Fluffy out of the birdseed. After all, this seed was custom seed purchased for the Cardinals and Bluebirds, not for a Squirrel. I tried installing a Squirrel baffle. It was to frighten him away. He only saw this as an addition to the game he played with us daily. I tried putting out Squirrel food; he laughed and moved on to the feeder for the gourmet bird seed. He tormented my dogs and me for months.

Then one day, I heard him in the attic. Oh no, not inside, Yes. Now we had a real problem He was setting up house for the winter. I called a professional Squirrel hunter. He sealed the hole in my house, and we hoped for the best. The scratching in the attic stopped. I felt I had won. But no. Fluffy was back the next spring day and chewing a new hole. Now it was all out war.

After contacting several experts, my crafty grandson installed peanut butter into a two-ended cage. This cage was placed on the roof in a path to the new hole made by the squirrel. In just one hour, Fluffy was eating peanut butter in the cage and we were traveling to a beautiful park four miles from our home. What a win - win for us all. The dogs could rest from the teasing. I could get back to working on my books, and Fluffy would be living in a new resort with many other beautiful squirrels. After all, he was a bachelor and needed a fine spouse.

Within one short week, my grandson heard familiar sounds coming from atop my roof. Could it be? The next morning, I inspected the attic. No squirrel was inside. But out in the lawn,Yes, Fluffy was back, or someone resembling him, with three more companions.(A beautiful new wife?) Now what? I give up. He can have the gourmet bird seed. He can live in a nest in the trees. But two traps are in my attic. He can never, never, live my attic. We will learn to live in peace. He is the master Squirrel you know.

Writing In Retirement

2008-10-30T16:04:00.003-05:00

I've had a few requests to learn more about the novels I'm writing. Presently, I'm marketing a political, called Standing Firm. In it, a third political party rises in America, a conservative Christian party, and a congressman from Oklahoma runs as its first presidential candidate. The story is about the campaign, told through the eyes of his wife and the candidate himself.

The novel follows the candidate's wife, through a nasty campaign filled with an assassination attempt and international intrigue. She provides the stability to play off his crusader, "I can win against all odds," attitude. Will see how editors react to it. I'm working on three other novels, and I'll review those in future posts.

Time To Retire

2008-09-18T11:23:00.003-05:00

As of October 3, 2008, I will officially retire from Wolters Search Group. It's a bittersweet time after twenty-five years. I'll miss the search business and the dealmaking that goes with it. I'll miss the day-today-day friendships, although my co-workers will always be friends. But on the positive side, I can now devote full time to my wife and my writing, in that order. So retirement really isn't the right word. Career change might better describe it.

AGENTS ….AGENTS….AGENTS……

2008-09-10T15:02:00.002-05:00

Last year, about this same time, I attended the American Christian Fiction Writers Conference and had the pleasure of gaining the interest of a very well known agent. As you can imagine, I was thrilled. My manuscript was complete and in the hands of a professional editor. Her job was to provide a comprehensive edit of the book. After a final rewrite, based on the editor’s feedback, I was ready for print. But the agent was no longer ready to represent me. What a let down.

With a finished manuscript, my next stop was the Writer’s Edge Manuscript Service. A resource used by many publishing houses today for screening purposes. The Writer’s Edge reviews your proposal, author profile, an outline of the book, and some of your manuscript. If they determine the book qualifies, the Writer’s Edge features your book to the publishing houses. Mine was selected as one of those to feature resulting in two inquiries. After a few weeks of “chatting” with both houses, one gave me the best rejection letter I have ever seen. The other offered a contract with a financial obligation that I rejected.

Okay, it is time to get back to finding an agent. Clearly, an agent can assist me in successfully maneuvering in this confusing world of publication. So let’s get started.

ü Locate the current publication of Sally E. Stuart’s Christian Writers Market Guide

ü Review the entries listed in the guide to identify agents who are willing to accept unpublished authors.

ü Verify the requirements for submission by going to the agent’s website

ü Capture in specific detail the submission requirements

ü Research the web to ensure that none of the agents on the list have bad press with previous users

ü Finalize the list; do you have any contacts that may know this agent? If so, be sure to mention that in the cover page

As of today, I’ve e-mailed queries to five, and I work the list daily, qualifying others. We will look at the results in thirty days. Wish me luck.

WELCOME TO OUR HOME

2008-08-20T13:58:00.006-05:00

Wow, what a wonderful experience it was to meet Cecil Murphy and be a part of his clinic. I had heard that he was a man of great kindness, gifted in his craft of writing, and open to share himself with anyone who asks. Having spent four days with Cec, I can say that this is true and much more.

Six authors attended. Half of them were published and desired to hone their craft. The other half were not yet published, but dedicated to polish their craft of writing. The authors were both writing fiction and non-fiction. All were focused on learning as much as possible from Cec. Cec was at their side challenging, praising, and teaching each day. His focus was on each individual, as if no one else was in the room. What a gift he has.

Bill has captured the following points as shared from Cec.

Cecil Murphy’s Writers Clinic
August 2008

Taking your craft from good to great

The power of a single word:
Every sentence needs to end with the strong word, and not only the strongest word, the right word.

Movement:
When characters are going from place to place, get them there with minimum interruption. Don’t break the flow of the movement with thoughts. You can pause the movement at points, but the object is to get the characters where they’re going.

Back-story:
Back-story should be woven in small snippets. You shouldn’t stop the flow to tell the reader a lot about why what’s going on is going on.

Description:
Weather, rooms, and things, add depth to a story, but too much clutters up a storyline, and like back-story, stops the flow of the plot. Don’t make the surroundings more important than the storyline.

Motive:
When you have a character do something without showing the reader why, character appear out of pace with the story. The reader can’t identify with the action unless a motive is shown.

Emotional scenes:
Once the character connects with their emotions give the reader enough to feel for the character. Here you can reveal snippets of back-story and delve into why the emotions are so strong.

Less is more:
Remove unnecessary words and replace them with a powerful word or two that conveys the message. Every word that can be taken out without losing the sense of the sentence should go.

Stay tuned for our next publication. I will share some of the great things I learned from Cec while he spoke to the Tulsa Chapger of Writers of Inspirational Novels.

Say, where have you been?

2008-07-24T15:17:00.000-05:00

Bill and I have been working hard to get ready for the Cec Murphy conference on August 6th. It is so exciting to have a noted author staying in our home. But the real thrill is all the writing craft Cec will share with all of the writers at the conference.

He gives each writer as much individual time as if you were the only one there. Cec offers growth to those who will head his teaching and he does it all in the love of Christ. If you are not sighed up for this conference, please check his web site for one coming up. It will be well worth it.

I will keep many notes to share with you next time I publish. Stay tuned.

Did I tell you we have a new member in our home? His name is Barkleah James and he now runs all of us around like he is in charge. He is a Toy Fox Terrier. All ten pounds of him are Alpha Dog and he demands our attention, love and keeps our Black Lab on her toes.

I will be adding fun stories from the Barkleah and Bailey Adventures going forward. Pictures will add to the humor. If you are not a dog lover, perhaps you will become one. They are very special creatures.

Poor Barkleah was not neutered when he was a small puppy. Now as he approaches two years of age, it is time to correct that omission. He does not want the surgery and has maintained a high liver count for over six months trying to eliminate the surgery. But as fate would have it, he is now well now and the time approaches. He will attend his surgery during the writer’s conference. I hope he understands. I know the attendees will be grateful that this guard dog is out of the home for a few days. He is always on alert and announcing every squirrel he sees in our backyard. Not too cool if you are trying to write.

I look forward to our next publication. See you soon.

Writing On The Edge

2008-06-11T11:29:00.002-05:00

I took a leap of faith and submitted Standing Firm, my WIP, to The Writer's Edge. I'm excited for two reasons. First, the reviewing editor liked the work and complimented me on my progress as an unpublished author. The Writer's Edge included a synposis in their monthly publication. Second, I've received interest an inqury on Standing Firm from an editor from Moody Publishing, as I'm holding my breath.

Cec Murphey Clinic

2008-02-20T12:59:00.002-06:00

August 6th seven writers from around the country will gather in Tulsa to attend a Mentoring Clinic with Cec Murphey. I’ve agreed to host the clinic at my house. We have ample room. Cec devotes 100% of his attention on aspiring writers at these clinics, and I grew as an author from the one I attended with him last January.

For two full days, the eight of us will work while Cec critics. It’s up close and personal. You send five page to him a month before the clinic. He critics and sends them back. You may do this up to three times. Then at the clinic, you work with a computer and a flash drive, writing, being critiqued, revising, and so on. On Friday night, we’ll do and overview and end. The time will go by in a flash.

See his official web site at www.themanbehindthewords.com

Be Open To Critique!

2008-02-04T12:55:00.000-06:00

Well, I've finished a romantic suspense. They say men have a difficult time writing romantic suspenses, but it was fun for me. Now I have two completed novels to enter in the Genesis Contest. I pondered whether to go to the ACFW this year. It's in Minneapolis, and that's a long way to drive. But Pam and I have decided to go.

I was asked at the WIN meeting how I found the time to write. I force myself to make the time. The more I write the more I learn, so it's critical to keep working the craft. Every agent and editor I talked to at last year's conference wanted to know if I had finished the novel. So I'm going to be sure I have both these novels ready to deliver within two weeks if requested. Time does not make an agent's heart grow fonder. That mean substantive edit and line-by-line done.

Since my former critique group has disbanded, I'm looking for another. Every writer needs to expose their work to critique. Cec Murphey will be doing a mentoring clinic in my home August 7th and 8th. This is my second clinic with Cec. He's tough, but I learn.

The Long Road To Publishing

2008-01-20T20:27:00.000-06:00

Unpublished authors need to fight the urge to quit. And believe me; it crosses my mind a lot. Attend conferences, join critique groups, and work on the craft diligently. Editors and agents give of themselves during workshops and interviews, even when they aren’t interested in your work. My writer’s organization of choice is the American Christian Fiction Writers, and I learn, learn, learn, at every conference that I attend.

Another must for unpublished authors is to read and glean from books like Characters and Viewpoint , by Orson Scott Card and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Browne and King. Before you submit your work to an editor or an agent, you should have critiqued it alone and with others until it is the absolute best it can be. Since I’m an unpublished author of fiction, I opted to have a professional substantive edit done. Yes, it will cost you. But it will also show you are serious about the craft.

I devote uninterrupted time to writing. That’s hard to do, and I think it’s particularly hard with fiction because of the added element of inventing storylines and plots. I’m working on three different storylines, and only one, a futuristic political suspense, is at the point where I’m presenting it to agents and editors who requested seeing a proposal and sample chapters at the conference. I’m researching others to send query letters to who I did not have a chance to meet. Wish me luck, and I’ll do the same for you.

Finally, let God guide your hand and mind.

Conversative Political Candidates? Where are they?

2007-11-23T13:57:00.000-06:00

The political climate in America has swung to the left. No candidate in the mix lights a fire for the Conservative agenda. Is it time for a third political party.

OH YES, IT IS TIME TO PREPARE A PROPOSAL

2007-10-20T16:36:00.000-05:00

As an unpublished fiction novelist, we get to learn the art of proposal writing. It is harder than writing a novel. Oh, the pains of trying to condense 300 plus pages of exciting story into a two line “Hook”. And yet, it makes perfect sense to be able to grab your reader quickly. And for a proposal, your reader is either the agent or editor you are hoping to engage in a long and profitable relationship.

I have spent the better part of an afternoon writing and rewriting my two sentence hook. Now I will run it by my friends and family to see if they agree that I have finally caught the essence of my story. Yes, I smell success just around the corner.

Now that the hook is approved, it is time to work on the rest of the proposal. There are many parts of the proposal that must be considered and included. A page on the author is required to hopefully gather interest in learning more about me. Will I really have the background to be successful? Do I have any special connections or training to help me market my book? Can I write more than one book? How will I sell myself and not sound like you are a one man show. Not easy.

Speaking of marketing. A proposal requires a marketing plan. How do I plan on marketing my book? What ideas do I have that will help the publisher find success if he elects to put my novel into print. I am finding that a Marketing Plan
Must include an in depth study of my competition, identify my market segment (who will read my book), and then what am I able to do to put the word out?

Finally come sthe character sketches and a chapter by chapter summary of the entire book. At this point, I am completing this phase. With this proposal and the first three chapters of my novel, I will submit my proposal to an agent. Stay tuned for the results.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

2007-09-28T13:25:00.000-05:00

As a fiction novelist trying to move from unpublished to PUBLISHED, attending the American Christian Fiction Writers conference proved to be a great way to go. Along with over 500 attendees, we spent 3 plus wonderful days interacting with editors, agents, and gifted authors in Dallas last month.

The workshops began each day by 9 AM and went until 5 PM. Then for the strong at heart, the late night chats began. What a positive way to learn the craft, meet fiction writers, and see how much there is to learn.

We attended workshops on marketing your work, developing a pitch with the hook, and many other challenging and useful topics. Each workshop was taught by an editor, agent, or published author. They shared their knowledge with ease and care. The content of the workshops was priceless and will be used by us going forward. Did you know that "black moments" work best after a victory" Or that you must then intersect your plot with your "black moments" in order to pull the reader along the story? Well, try it, it really does put depth into your novel.

The best part of the conference is to be surrounded by Christians who all have a heart for God. Each day was begun with song and prayer. It was so up lifting and what a gift to be a member of such wonderfully gifted group of people.

Just to keep you in suspense, I have to tell you that two editors and two agents ask for my proposal and three chapters, but I won't tell you who yet. I pumped. At the same time, it's scary. It means more critique and work. But I've got quality novels waiting to be published. So hard work here I come. Wish me luck, and I'll keep you posted.

Time to go hunting....where is my Agent?

2007-09-12T14:27:00.000-05:00

We are off to Dallas and the best writing conference in all of the mid west. How to begin! First we must develop a check list. Attending a writers conference is a lot of work and very scary. First, we need a schedule of all the workshops, right? Yes, of course. Then we need to research all of the agents and editors coming. Which ones do we want to Pitch to? What publishing house do the represent? Will they want my work?

Next comes the development of the pitch, the resume, a marketing plan, a two page summary of the book I have written and then we practice, practice, practice. What will I say? I want the agent and editor to love my book. It is so timely with the story set in the middle of the presidential election. How different to have a third party candidate with a strong platform and an even stronger wife to support him. Will he win the election? Will the assassin succeed in killing the candidate and his wife? What will happen to the United States if Bill Porter does not win?

As well as pitching, there are many great workshops to attend. Gifted authors give of their time to help teach us newcomers all the tricks of the trade. There is so much information and so little time to process it all. Once home I'll spend days going over my notes with Pam, my wife, and we try to remember everything we learned.

I have one week left to prepare. Wish me luck.

Getting started .....

2007-05-09T14:28:00.000-05:00

I'd written four novels before I ever sat down to hone the craft. I discovered that getting published is a marketing adventure. Yes, you have to be good, but you also have to have a story that captures the attention of avid readers. So I'm working on a political suspense and learning my craft.

Picture America in fifteen years with none of our major problems solved. Picture Social Security bankrupt, foreign countries owning our businesses and our land, and drugs, gangs, and lawless on our streets. Enter a third political party, and a man with a plan to save America from collapse. That is the setting of The Independent.

Bill Porter went to Congress as a Republican thinking he could make a difference for America. He discovered things didn't work that way in Washington. A decade later, he's running for president as the nominee of a third political party, the ITP. Can a conservative Christian backed by a new political base become President of the United States?

What a rich ride it is to create my first fiction novel!