The Literary Haunt

testing

2011-12-29T08:56:00.001-08:00

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Christmas Decorating 2011

2011-12-27T08:21:00.000-08:00

It has been a while since I've blogged -- lots and lots have happened in my life. A brand new life has started for me--a great adventure.

My beautiful, old Craftsman house is gone, but God has been gracious in providing me with a place that is the picture of recovery itself, as I heal from divorce.

Here are pictures of this year's Christmas.

This is my living area. The paper garland was my favorite add this year. Cost about 50 cents to make.

Here is another view.

This nativity set belonged to my great-grandmother. I have loved it since I was a child.

Testing The Blog

2011-09-03T16:53:00.000-07:00

I'm testing my blog, because it doesn't seem to let me on it's page.

Novel Rocket: Contests: A Two-Edged Sword?

2011-08-04T18:20:00.000-07:00

Novel Rocket: Contests: A Two-Edged Sword?: "In Hebrews 4:12, Paul wrote about a “two-edged sword.” He wasn’t talking about writing contests, but about the Word of God and its ability t..."

The Royal Wedding

2011-05-05T13:36:00.000-07:00

Why do we love royal weddings?

I think it's because our souls sense the eternal and wonderful truth that they are a foreshadow, a taste, of what is coming---the greatest wedding and love story of all ages.

Isn’t it fascinating that we all wondered what Kate’s dress would look like. The whole world stood with bated breath, waiting to see the bride's attire. What a great truth lies before us—our actions matters. Oh, how they matter!

We each are responsible for the weaving of our spiritual wedding attire—the manner of our life, our actions, our thoughts, our seeking out and following God’s path for us. Someday we shall appear before him—and, Lord, I pray that this generation be found arrayed in your garments.

The price Christ paid His bride is staggering. Absolutely unthinkable. Oh that that we may be approved, dressed as we ought to be, especially as He’s provided the clothing with his own death.

The Perfect Mother's Day Book - Crossing Oceans, by Gina Holmes

2010-04-09T07:35:00.000-07:00

Do you believe that inside every mother lies a hidden hero? You will.

When Genevieve Lucas left home, she swore she'd never return to her small town or dysfunctional family. She told no one she was pregnant and cut all ties. Five years later, however, she is dying and has only months to secure a new home for her daughter.

Walking out was easy, atoning for past wrongs is difficult, but transition her little girl to a man who never knew he was a father—impossible.

But sometimes love demands the impossible.

To read the first chapter of Crossing Oceans [Click Here.]

If you haven't heard of Gina Holmes yet, you will. Affectionately referred to as the Barbara Walters of fiction, Gina Holmes founded Novel Journey, a blog known for its uncanny knack for getting literary greats like Walt Wangerin Jr, Geraldine Brooks, Noah Lukeman, Donald Maass, and rarely-interviewed Dean Koontz to share their secrets with aspiring authors. This May with the release of her debut novel, Crossing Oceans, she is proving she can hold her own.

Square Six

2010-03-21T19:18:00.000-07:00

This square is my vintage square . . . there is a small piece of crocheted lace and a vintage button--perhaps a coat button?

39 Square - Square Five

2010-03-20T10:42:00.000-07:00

This so far is my favorite square, though it might need filling out a bit. I decided to practice more French Knots. My goal was to fill a square and leave the empty space inside to be the heart. It was more work than I thought it would be. Thankfully, as I swept my floors, I found this heart charm that must have come loose from my daughter's dress up clothing . . . it fits though I might need to glue it to keep in place.

Here is what it looks like so far:

39 Squares - Square Four

2010-03-20T10:39:00.000-07:00

It was St. Patrick's day when I made this square, so I chose green gardening boots. I looked at a cross stitch pattern but was more brave and worked on my "Satin Stitch." The crosses is called a St. George Stitch . . the "saint" making it close enough to the holiday to use . . .

39 Squares - Square Three

2010-03-20T10:35:00.000-07:00

Needing to catch up, I used buttons only on this square, and then practiced a Chain Stitch in pink.

39 Square - Square Two

2010-03-20T10:10:00.001-07:00

Again, I stuck to "safe" and used Marjolein Baskin's cross stitch pattern for the bee. Using a running stitch, I did the honey comb, but then I thought the sampler looked so dark and dull, that I ripped it out and used pink. I learned a French Knot (only don't look too close!)

First Attempt

Final Attempt

39 Squares - Square One

2010-03-20T09:52:00.000-07:00

I've joined the 39 squares challenge that Amy from Inspire Co. put out. For her 39th birthday, she is stitching a free-style embroidery square a day. I'm stitching 36 as I turn that age this summer. I'm behind, I should have started on March 1. I've been trying to catch up . . . So, here are my squares thus far:

Square One

I was not very "free-style" with this one, as I really don't 'embroider, though I do cross-stitch. I used a Majolein Baskin cross stitch pattern for the egg . . . and then experimented with a "long and short" stitch to fill in the background. I liked how it ended up looking like straw.

500th Giveaway - Spun By Me

2010-03-14T17:01:00.000-07:00

Marie at Spun By Me is having a glitter giveaway this week for her 500th post. Visit her site to enter. But you have to hurry, the contest ends on the 16th.

Book Wreath

2010-03-06T06:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I've posted. I've been reading scores of good books and rearranging my house. I'll make more of an effort to post more often. Here is a book wreath I made for my new bedroom. You can find a tutorial to make your own here.

Drapes

2009-03-28T15:59:00.000-07:00

One of my best friends, April, and I planned these green and toile drapes ages ago. The black ones she gave me unfinished because she thought they were perfect in my dining room. Thanks to my mother-in-law who visited this past week . . . . they are done!!!!!

(excuse the messy room!)

The Making of a Book Cover

2009-03-06T19:35:00.001-08:00

In April of 07, Kirk DouPonce with Dog Eared Design—a studio which focuses almost exclusively on book covers—gave Novel Journey what is perhaps one of my most favorite interviews. If you haven’t read it yet, [Click Here].

Don’t ask me why, but I’m an absolute fan of book covers—I think they can absolutely make or break a book. Whether you’re on Amazon, or at the bookstore, the cover grabs you first.

I was thrilled to discover today that Dog Eared Design is now offering tutorials for both designers and writers who are curious about the typical book cover design process. The price is very reasonable. They haven’t launched them yet, but those interested can visit Dog Eared Design and sign up to receive to a discount when they are available!

What I'm reading

2009-02-19T08:53:00.000-08:00

This morning I nearly tore my house apart looking for this book by Owen Sheers:

When you're going crazy because you can't find the book you're reading, it means it's a good book. Its paperback edition (featured) comes out this month. More after I finish . . .

Scottie Dogs

2009-02-16T12:19:00.001-08:00

New Bookends!!!!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-16T12:07:00.000-08:00

Here are some photos I took at my local school Valentine's Day Party:

Tea for One

2009-02-05T11:30:00.000-08:00

I've rediscovering the joy of tea. It's becoming a forgotten art in America, and quite frankly were I not among the countless others who have lost their jobs during this economic downturn, I have little doubt I would have tapped this delightful ritual.

Victoria Magazine and bloggers got me back in the mood. A few months back, I found my creativity waning. On a cool, crisp September day I found myself purchasing a copy of Victoria, a magazine I collected for nearly a decade. I was utterly struck by the beauty, and came to the conclusion that "Beauty Matters."

In my pursuit of writing, I stopped decorating my house, baking cakes, quilting, quilling, cross-stitching and various other pursuits. I wanted to narrow my focus down to one art and do it well. Apparently God didn't make me that way.

My thinking has shifted. I used to believe that we were vain to create beauty around us--that with children dying, people starving, and humanity desperately in need of its Creator's touch, that we were wrong and vain to care about temporary things.

Logically it still sounds fine, but my soul disagrees.

My latest enjoyment has been tea. It's a wonderful time to slow down, reflect, and even pull out some of the fun china and silver which otherwise would just sit. I've learned the best way to have tea is to bake goodies on Monday and then enjoy throughout the week. It can be monotonous, but it takes far less time than trying to have something new every day.

This Week's Menu

Gingersnap Cookies

Lemon Curd

Norwegian Apple Cake

Tea-smoked Eggs

Chicken Salad Toast

Fruit

2009-02-05T05:55:00.001-08:00

Cakes

2009-01-29T16:43:00.000-08:00

This has nothing to do with books, although I've been reading a good number of good ones lately . . . but . . . .

the birthday cake I made for my good friend . ..

Muses In a Jar

2009-01-16T20:00:00.000-08:00

I made these muses throughout this week and had a lot of fun making them. All of these muses are in vintage jars and all contain elements of old books recycled into art. I offer these up for $20.00 plus shipping. They make great present for writers or to sit on your own shelf while you write.

If interested, please write me at embellished@bellsouth.net.

Newly Hatched Muse:

This little one is sitting inside a real birds nest that is nestle in moss. Thought it's hard to see through the glass, it's newly hatched from a shell decoupaged with words and crackled finished.

Glittering Muse

I love expression on this girl's face. Her wings have a slight shimmer about them and she stands amid curls of a Jane Austen novel.

The rest of these I'm going to re post pictures of sometime tomorrow, as I took these tonight, but there's not enough light to get a good shot.

Here's my favorite of the bunch, this little boy holding a curled book with letters of the alphabet.

Has A Muse Visited You Lately?

2009-01-16T18:42:00.000-08:00

This past year while visiting blogs geared towards crafts, I discovered many were making “Faeries in a Jar.” While I found the idea darling, I thought it would be far more beneficial for writers to have a “Muse in the Jar.”

It would certainly solve the problem of having them show up and give those titillating when one is sitting in five lanes of traffic, bumper-to-bumper, without pen, paper or recorder to capture the rare thought. Or when we’re tangled up in Christmas tree lights, trying to decorate the house and bake gingerbread cookies, with no time to fly to our computer and writer. (Does anyone else suspect they’re attracted to the scent of molasses?)

Well this Christmas I decided to bottle a Muse for Ane, Gina and me.

I have to confess I had a lot of fun. Deciding that our muses had to be constructed of the best of the best, I took three of my books that were falling apart: an 1860’s Latin Book, Jane Austin’s Persuasion, and The Borrowers. I cut, pasted and glued until I made the perfect muses for us.

I had so much fun, that I created more which I’m selling on my blog, http://www.jessicadotta.blogspot.com/. I hope you'll come and visit.

Art Project

2009-01-13T09:37:00.000-08:00

When creativity for writing is waning, I find that working on art projects help bolster it.

Here is my grandmother made into a fairy, now hanging on my wall of ancestral portraits.

2009-01-02T17:40:00.001-08:00

So, have you heard about Cell Phone novels?

I know what you’re thinking. GTBK. Right? No I’m not.

Here’s the deal, they are stories, written in short sentences on the cell phone, and apparently uploaded to the web where people can read and vote on them.

Thankfully, AFAIK, it’s only in Japan.

Apparently, it’s a BD there too!

One girl sold 400,000 copies of her cell phone novel in hardback. No doubt she’s SETE.

But, SRSLY, five of their top ten selling novels in 2007 were cell phone novels first. 4RL! At least one that I’ve heard of has been made into a movie.

Now obviously, the characters aren’t going to be very deep, nor the plots. But in a very busy society where one only has time to write on their fifteen minute break, it certainly proves that “writers write.”

So what do you guys think, will the youth here be texting novels next?

Will you?

B4N

2008-12-19T19:21:00.001-08:00

There's still five more days of shopping! So whether your looking for the right novel for a Christmas present, or you'd like some book recommends to add to your reading list, here is our book picks:

Gina Holmes:

Wounded, by Claudia Mair Burney

Jessica Dotta:

My Cousin Rachel, by Daphne du Maurier

Ane Mulligan:

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, by Mary Ann Shafer and Annie Barrows

Elizabeth Ludwig:

Cozy in Kansas, by Nancy Mehl

Kelly Klepfer:

Havah: The Story of Eve, by Tosca Lee

Yvonne Anderson:

The City of Dreaming Books, by Albert Moers

Noel De Vries:

Middle Grade:

The Penderwicks on Gardam Street, by Jeanne Birdsall

Cosmic, by Frank Cottrell Boyce

Masterpiece, by Elise Broach

Young Adult:

Trouble, by Gary Schmidt

Jellicoe Road, by Melina Marchetta

Fantasy/Science Fiction:

The Adoration of Jenna Fox, by Mary Pearson

The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins

2008-12-12T19:14:00.001-08:00

This movie trailer caught me by surprise. Then it made me smile. Then I laughed and told my husband, I had a pretty good idea how the writers came up with that plot.

Has this happened to any of you guys? You’re writing something . . . and oddly, strangely enough, what you’re writing happens. Or at least from a skewed point of view . . . it happens.

Generally though, when I’ve heard writers talk about this happening, it isn’t gumballs falling out of the sky, but creepy stuff.

Here’s two semi-recent examples:

1.) Awhile back I was re-reading some of my chapters and I noticed one of my characters kept having reoccurring headaches and other health problems. After googling some of this character’s “symptoms,” I began to ponder with the idea of giving him a brain tumor. Then came the day when a doctor told my husband he had a growth growing between his ear and his brain—okay I know this is silly, but somewhere in my jumbled thoughts, I suddenly wished I hadn’t written that into my story. (Husband is fine BTW)

2.) A friend and I were joking on the phone about a “Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell” type of story we could co-write. Only as we mapped out this idea, we found a catch. Neither one of us was willing to work on it because plot called for writers to die in uncanny ways. Less than a week later, my husband and I noticed a strange smell in our house. We had a gas leak which we were lucky enough to catch five minutes before heading out the door to church. When I mentioned the incident to my friend, she laughed and said something to the effect of, “Now imagine what would have happened if we’d decided to write the story instead of just discussing it.”

Okay, so what about you guys? Have you had any eerie similarities between something you wrote that later happened?

Black Friday for Writers

2008-11-28T15:11:00.001-08:00

This weekend traditionally kicks off the shopping season for Christmas. Though my husband and I have never yet participated in pre-dawn “Black Friday” rush, we did this year. Both of us wanted an item that we weren’t willing to risk losing if supplies ran out.

In my case it was an exceptional deal on a color laser printer. My monotone one broke, and quite frankly, it’s expensive to print manuscripts using ink jet.

My husband, purchased a 22” LCD monitor to better see his software when programming his music.

While I was out, I saw some exceptional deals for writers.

Student, Teacher editions of Office 2007 were/are on sale as low as $59.99

Laptops were as low as $350

Printers, both laser, inkjet, and multifunction were nearly half their listed retail price

Computer desk stations were as low as $25

Wireless Mice as low as $4.99. (I don’t now about wireless keyboards because I’ve wanted one for two years, and knew if I looked, I’d buy.)

External Hard Drive prices were slashed.

Many of the sales continue into this weekend. It’s not too late to pick your Christmas present early this year. If you want to browse some of this years specials, check out:

2008-11-21T18:17:00.001-08:00

Last week I asked about Readers. This week I’m curious to learn how many of you are using Project Gutenberg, which currently has over 25,000 free books online and over 3million downloads a month.

It’s absolutely brilliant for a historical novelist. I’ve used it to read Victorian housekeeping books, diaries, and research topics of interest. A quick search of my eBooks folder shows me some of the various subjects and books I’ve downloaded:

AN ENGLISH GRAMMAR, by W. M. Baskervill and J. W. Sewell

1811 DICTIONARY OF THE VULGAR TONGUE, by Captain Grose et al.

FIFTEEN THOUSAND USEFUL PHRASES, by Greenville Kleiser

And I quote, "Practical Handbook Of Pertinent Expressions, Striking Similes, Literary, Commercial, Conversational, And Oratorical Terms, For The Embellishment Of Speech And Literature, And The Improvement Of The Vocabulary Of Those Persons Who Read, Write, And Speak English.”

LETTERS FROM ENGAND 1846-1849, by Elizabeth Davis Bancroft

THE CENTURY VOCABULARY BUILDER, By Garland Greever and Joseph M. Bachelor.

THE HOUSE OF THE VAMPIRE, by George Sylvester Viereck

SHORT STORY WRITING, A PRACTICAL TREATISE ON THE ART OF THE SHORT STORY, by Charles Raymond Barrett

THE LOSS OF THE SS. TITANIC, by Lawrence Beesley (a firsthand account that kept me as riveted as the movie)

et cetera, et cetera . . .

I suppose any non-writer would think I was grabbing all the boring ones. But it's a gold mine for writers and researchers, not to mention a place to read the classics for free. They also have illustrated books, children's botany, etc.

So do any of you guys visit Project Gutenberg? And if so, I'm curious what you've down loaded.

Paperless Books

2008-11-14T18:43:00.001-08:00

While we wait to see what changes are coming to the publishing industry, it seems that digitals books are gaining more and more attention in the news.

In an earlier Novel Journey post called The Rumblings of Revolution I outlined some thoughts on the Sony Reader. Since then, Amazon has introduced Kindle along with some pretty tempting prices on their downloadable books.

With everyone trying to predict the future of publishing, I’ll throw in my two cents.

Recently my husband and I signed up with Rhapsody. For the price of a CD a month, we have unlimited downloads. The music stays for 30 days. At first I wasn’t certain I even wanted it. I’m pretty happy with iTunes. However, I absolutely love Rhaposdy now. I’m listening to so much more music and finding so many more artists.

Could we do that with books?

This is what I want as a reader.

If I could pay the price of a hardback per month, $22.95—and have unlimited books downloads--not just from one house, but any book--I'd subscribe in a heartbeat.
(Well, okay, Readers would have to be cheaper.) But not only would I subscribe to that that service, but I'd buy hard copies of the books I really loved.

Considering that the cost of paper, ink, graphics for the cover, and shipping would no longer be in the equation, is it feasible? I don't know how all the rights, payments, and tracking of best-sellers would work, but it seems like Rhapsody has figured it out.

For this week’s poll, I’m asking:

Surviving the Doom and Gloom

2008-11-07T19:26:00.001-08:00

Have you noticed the subject lines of PW Daily lately?

11/7 2008 Scholastic Buyout Draws 100
11/6/2008 Profits Stink at Harper
11/5/2008 Trade Sales Dip in September
11/4/2008 B&N Unhappy Forecast

Yikes!

Equally as cheerful is this little article on New York that asks ‘Have We Reached the End of Book Publishing as We Know it’—the article is happily named “The End.”

It reminds us that our biggest advocator of books, Oprah, will be off the air soon, rings the death knell of Borders Group while calling B&N stingy. Amazon, it appears, is trying to take over the world (publishing that is.) The article also states their opinion as to how things got into this mess.

Right now isn’t exactly the most encouraging time for aspiring novelist. This week someone jokingly called me and asked if I’d look over their work. They wanted to pitch it before the entire industry collapsed.

Ha, ha. Funny. (I hope.)

But this week, I also read something encouraging. Something that reminded me that writers write, whether any one is buying or not.

Here’s a query from the 18th century:

Sir, I have in my possession a manuscript novel comprising 3 vols. About the length of Miss Burney’s Evelina. As I am well aware of what consequences it is that a work this sort should make its first appearance under a respectable name, I apply to you. I shall be much obliged therefore if you will inform me whether you choose to be concerned in it, what will be the expense of publishing it at the author’s risk, and what you will venture to advance for the property of it, if on perusal it is approved of. Should you give any encouragement I will send you the work.

The proposal was rejected and this book had to wait 16 years before finally becoming published. That book was Pride and Prejudice.

Jane Austen also sold another book to a publisher who didn’t bother to publish it. After thirteen years passed, her brother purchased the rights back and the book, Northanger Abby, didn’t release until after Jane was in her grave.

Her books are still in print, and probably doing better than most.

Austen, it seems, loved writing for writing sake. My guess is that if she were alive, she’d simply skim the headlines, and then go back to writing her books. Guess I will too.

2008-10-31T17:29:00.000-07:00

It’s Halloween and I’m writing my Novel Journey post in-between Trick-or-Treaters . . . so . . . . for this post, I’m asking what books you’re currently reading.

Here’s mine:

Peter and the Shadow Thieves

It started when I saw Peter and the Starcatchers at my daughter’s school book fair for $3. I’ve known about the series for awhile, but it was such a great price I decided to pick it up and read it. It did not disappoint. It’s an imaginative tale of how Peter, Tinker Bell and Neverland came to be.

I enjoyed it so much, I’ve purchased the next in the series and am halfway through.

While I was in the children’s section, I picked up L’Engle’s Wind in the Door, which will be my next read.

Also worth mentioning, my daughter and I are reading The Tale of Despereaux, which is coming to the Theater Dec 19, 2008. Gina read it to her boys and suggested it to us. It’s awesome.

Okay, so now that you know I’m reading the books written for 8-12 year olds, what are you reading?

Reporting from the Trenches

2008-07-23T17:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a glimpse into my inbox on a desperate writing day.

(Note: This writing "buddy" will tear a chapter apart and then blame it on "the goblin". )

July 15, 2008 -- E-mail Submission to Critique Group

. . . Please don’t think I find some twisted, demented pleasure in continually going back to the beginning of this novel and re-submitting it.

Let me explain. During the last few chapters I’d written, I realized I needed to re-sketch Edward to better match what I was writing at that time—or all this work was going to fall apart.

At first, I was only going to go in and prop up some weak spots, but I pulled out the ‘Heroine Journey” again, and realized I was much closer to the mark this time than I ever had been. Just a few more tweaks.

So, I rewrote the first act (first third of the book,) and then pulled down Carolyn See’s Making of a Literary Life and revisited the part on revising your work. This is a fabulous method, because you basically have to think very critically about your book. You make a list of each chapter, side by side of what you have and what you need.

Are you guys willing to do this yet again? If I beg mercy . . . . ? Do Christians critique seventy times seven?

Monday July 21, 2008 : Reply

Hey, Jess,

Many apologies for my long delay in getting to this crit. I won’t bore you with my excuses. (The goblin made me do it?)

I do love this story and the world you’re creating, and I think you’re making wise decisions in your revisions (and I didn’t even try to make that rhyme). The story is so much more compelling when we clearly see all that’s at stake here, and why.Take my many suggestions with a few shakes of salt and use only those grains that best enhance the flavor.

Love,

Y

Monday July 21, 2008: Reply

Hey Y,

When I first opened your e-mail, I only saw one word: GOBLIN

I closed the e-mail. Walked away from the computer and thought why, why, why did I ever think I could be a writer. I’m an idiot. I’m stupid. I totally suck. I’m in writer’s hell. I’ll never escape.

Then 2 hours later, I came back, saw your e-mail waiting and thought. . . you might as well get it over with. I still haven’t looked at the critique . .. . but at least I read the intro fully.

Well, thank you! I truly appreciate that.

Jess

Monday, July 21, 2008

You mean I’m not the only one who feels that way? (idiot...stupid...suck...can’t write...)

According to I’ve read, all great writers go through that. Which is a little encouraging, but only a little, because not-so-great writers do, too.

I’ll bet, though, that the ones who really can’t write, think they can, and go blithely through life unaware that they should hang up their banjos and stick to digging holes with their backhoe, leaving the artist types to bemoan their lack of talent and swing on a noose between inspiration and desperation until their rope snaps and they fall in a heap, only to write themselves a new rope to hang themselves with because it was so much fun the first time.

Y

Monday July 21, s008

Ah yes, the ever-haunting question . . . are we writers or just plain delusional (and in serious need of serious medication.)

Only a glutton for punishment would choose this lifestyle.

The rest of us are tricked into it . . it seemed so simple at first . . so fun . . . so exciting. Now just to tweak it a bit so maybe it will get published –and four years later (or is it five?) we have to keep going or lose hours and hours of our lives.

We should trick or worse enemies into becoming writers . . . and then just sit back and laugh—until they get published and we don’t.

J

Tuesday, July 22

LOL — that’s what would happen for sure!

2008-06-13T20:57:00.000-07:00

There are some weeks when writing comes easy, and some weeks when each word feels like you're squeezing blood.

So I'm curious, what did your word count look like this week?

Take the poll

Free Poll by Blog Flux

Request for Books

2008-05-10T09:49:00.001-07:00

This past month I received a request from a library whose funding has been cut and they are almost entirely dependent upon donations for books.

She asked if I'd be willing to send any complimentary copies I no longer need for Novel Journey.

I know that a lot of reviewers, authors and publicists visit this site, so I'm inviting anyone interested in sharing to send books to:

Lobelville Library

Attn: Dorothy Pevahouse & Gayle Gilmer

85 West 7th Ave.

Lobelville, TN 37097

Thanks!

If You're Still Struggling . . .

2008-04-19T06:27:00.000-07:00

. . . I'm sharing part of an e-mail I sent someone this week, as I thought it'd make an interesting post. The recipient had sought my advice on finding a mentor, or help to take their writing skill to the next level.

______________________________

I’ve been considering your e-mail over the last few days. I sensed your frustration but also your resolve. I propose the following:

1.) You need critiques. Having others consistently point out weaknesses in your writing will help you start to see for yourself how to improve. I know many writers feel that critiquing is harmful and with good reason. It’s like chemotherapy—being in a critique group will destroy some of the good writing along with the bad writing—not everyone should be giving advice, not everyone can be pleased, and many critique groups rob writers of their voices. However, you will grow. You will learn how to apply the rules. And later, when your writing is “cancer-free” you can rebuild on a more solid foundation.

2.) You must critique others. This is the real reason why you should belong to a critique group. Nothing will advance your writing faster, teach you to see what a reader sees, and improve the clarity of your writing than to sit down and struggle without someone else’s. I know it sound strange, but this is where you’ll start to wrestle with the art of writing, and you’ll finally understand the concepts you’ve previously struggled with. It will also bless someone.

3.) While you work with a critique group, you should be reading and applying the lessons taught in these books:

a. Self Editing for the Fiction Writer by Browne and King.
b. Sol Stein on Writing, by Sol Stein
c. The First Five Pages, by Noah Lukeman
d. On Writing Well, by Zinsser

When you read about “Internal Monologue” apply it to your writing and spend time looking over one of your critique partner works so you can apply it to their writing. When you read about “Show and Tell”—work at it in your own writing, but know you’ll probably grasp the concept best when critiquing someone else’s work.

If you’ve already read these books, pull them off the shelf, dust them off, and start again, this time with a critique group.

4.) Go on a Reading Diet. The market is tough. You’re a brand new writer. I’m guessing you don’t have a huge platform built yet. “Good Enough” or “As Good As” isn’t going to cut it. If you continually read books that seem at an unreachable level, you will continually stretch yourself. Set your bar high.

In your genre, (for a time) limit yourself to:

a. New York Time bestsellers.
b. Booker Winners
c. Caldecott Medal Winners
d. National Book Award Winners
e. National Book Critic Circle Awards
f. Newbery Medal Winners
g. Nobel Prize for Literature Winners
h. Pen/Faulkner Awards
i. Pulitzer Prize Winners
j. Quill Winners
k. EMMA Winners
l. Rita Award Winners
m. Christy Award Winners
n. (Novel Journey’s Arete Award Winners—wink, wink)

You get the idea. It’s also a good idea to read the best available while undergoing the refinement a critique group brings. You’ll see the masters disregard the rules, and be reminded how fluid writing can be as you master your skills.

This is not a fast track to publication, but who cares. Let becoming a better writer be what drives you—not the hoped for end result, publication. There’s more satisfaction this way and less frustration.

Finding a good critique group isn’t easy. Remember, iron sharpens iron—not just corrects your punctuation. Keep searching until you find a group that’s dedicated to the craft and willing to dig in with you. Chances are, you’ll need to start with people at your level and grow together.

_________________________________________________

On a personal note, Ane Mulligan will be teaching about critique groups at the Blue Ridge Mountain Christian Writer's Conference in May. I encourage anyone interested in critique groups to take it.

Critiques of Consequence (Workshop)--A common misconception about critique groups is they strip away your individual style and voice. But that can be circumvented if you know how. This workshop offers advice on how to find critique partners, work with different genres, and how to blend your unique strengths and weaknesses to form a top-notch group. The founding members of Novel Journey and Penwrights, a critique group who has overseen several members become agented and published, will discuss the attitude necessary to give and receive critiques, how to be tough on each other and dig deep, while remaining encouraging.

MySpace for Writers?

2008-03-09T08:38:00.000-07:00

Recently, I received a pitch in my in-box for a Literary MySpace. (Who wouldn't be interested in that?)

Probably many of you already know about this site, but for those who don't, here's some info:

Red Room is the online home of many of the world's greatest writers . Through original, author-generated content, redroom.com offers a trustworthy and creative social network unlike any other. In the Red Room, you can connect with your favorite authors, access current news, and comment on features and blogs. By showcasing writers, redroom.com fosters true community between authors and readers and inspires the next generation.

Confessions of a Bibliophile

2008-02-09T06:04:00.000-08:00

Little did I suspect that as I agreed to accompany my husband to visit friends in Oklahoma, it would turn out to be treasure trove of a book trip.

It started five minutes before we were about the leave. I suddenly remembered I'd not packed any reading material. (That alone would have been disaster. I'm reading Pride and Prejudice, and I'd just reached the part where Mr. Darcy proposes to Elizabeth Bennet.) So, I scrambled to the bedroom, found my beloved copy, then realizing how thin the volume was, I also grabbed Emma.

Any Janeite is already sensible that regardless of what else might have happened on this trip, I was prepared. Let there be a flat tire. I have Mr. Collins to entertain me.

Then, my husband pulled into an antique store that he's always wanted to show his friend. I eyed the derelict building's decor of rusty washing machines, piles of broken windows, and rusting car parts, wondering why he'd want to show anyone this place. Oh the places amazing little volumes can be found at.

Inside, a old man, wearing a mechanic's suits, told us stories about the tornados which had recently battered the woods near his house. Afterwards, as my husband inspected antique televisions, I stumbled upon a wall full of old books.

Now up until yesterday, had someone asked, I would have stated I cared little about the book itself, but more about the material inside. Why else would I want a Sony Reader or underline passages?

But at that moment, just for the mere pleasure of touching out of print books and reading the opening lines of novels that are no longer remembered, I became lost. Eventually, I found a book from 1866. It was bound with string instead of glue. Its leather cover was cracked and disintegrating. It was a college book intended to teach students how to translate Latin into English and visa versa. In pencil, those already sleeping had scribed their names and jotted notes. It wasn't worth more than the dollar I paid for it, but suddenly, I didn't want this edition sitting with other books that were mildewing, completely forgotten.

Then upon discovering I was interested in books, the elderly man showed me his back storeroom, where thirty years ago, he'd had a truckload of books from a closed library in Chicago had been deposited. Books that had been sitting there since I was a toddler were still slowly being sold (though the Mennonites, as he said, had just about bought up the bulk of them over time.) The only light in that windowless back room was a single bulb hanging directly in the bathroom. I had to squint to even see the book. (No I didn’t bring any into the bathroom to better see them. I was too afraid of brown recluses to dig too deeply.) I did find another book which for reasons I'm uncertain about, interested me. So I grabbed it and purchased it as well.

That book turned out to be a treasure. It was a grammar book from 1926, but instead of the usual methods of teaching grammar it was written for writers. Its exercises are intended to teach writers logic and teach them how to write clearly. I spent the next 8 hours on the road mentally untangling the sentences in their exercises. I can't remember the last time I was this thrilled over a book on writing.

I think on the way home, I'll bring a flashlight and see what else I find.

Okay, so maybe I'm not a true bibliophile, but I do show some promising tendencies.

Current One Sheet-- click on it to read the words if interested

2007-09-17T08:32:00.000-07:00

2007-08-24T22:20:00.001-07:00

My Writing Space

2007-08-02T14:14:00.000-07:00

No, I have not forgotten my blog nor my full critique of Harry Potter. In fact, I've read a number of stunning books during the past few months that I'd like to post about. I'm in transition, and when I'm in transition, I always go silent. Perhaps that's one of the curses of having a writing friend, all the sudden, they're gone.

I'm working on a new novel, having temporarily shelved my trilogy. Surprisingly, I love writing something new. I'm feeling more secure in my voice and (to me) my writing feels stronger because of it.

I just took these pictures of one of my writing spaces today, and thought I'd post them on The Haunt. (Yes, I'm pampered. I have two places to write.) Maybe I'll post my other writing space. They're pretty different.

Dreaming

2007-08-01T09:20:00.000-07:00

Why Not

2007-07-31T19:20:00.000-07:00

2007-05-01T20:11:00.000-07:00

This week
the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
TRIBULATION HOUSE
(Harvest House 2007)
by
Chris Well

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Chris Well is a fellow member of the CFBA and founder of its sister organization, FIRST. He is an acclaimed novelist and award–winning magazine editor and has previously written the “laugh–out–loud Christian thrillers” Deliver Us from Evelyn and Forgiving Solomon Long(one of Booklist’s Top 10 Christian Novels of 2005). He has also contributed to 7ball, Infuze, and Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine. Chris and his wife live in Tennessee, where he is hard at work on his next novel.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

IT’S NOT THE END OF THE WORLD—WHICH COULD BE A PROBLEM...

Mark Hogan has it all. The job. The family. A position on the board at church. All he’s missing is a boat. Not just any boat—a 2008 Bayliner 192.

When Reverend Daniel Glory announces that the Rapture is taking place on October 17 at 5:51am, Hogan realizes his boat–buying days are numbered. So he does what any man in his situation would do—he borrows a load of money from the mob.

Not that there’s any risk involved: After all, when the Rapture comes, Hogan will be long gone. The mob will never find him.

But when Jesus fails to come back on schedule, Mark Hogan finds the mob is in no mood to discuss the finer points of end–times theology...

Chris Well’s laugh–out–loud Christian thrillers appeal to the millions of readers who gobble up the rollicking crime fiction of Janet Evanovich and Elmore Leonard. TRIBULATION HOUSE does not disappoint!

2007-03-30T04:05:00.000-07:00

This week, the
Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
RECLAIMING NICK
( Tyndale Fiction, 2007)
by
Susan May Warren

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Award winning author SUSAN MAY WARREN recently returned home to her native Minnesota after serving for eight years with her husband and four children as missionaries with SEND International in Far East Russia. She now writes full time from Minnesota's north woods. Visit her Web site at www.susanmaywarren.com.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

RECLAIMING NICK is the first of The Noble Legacy series. Book Two, Taming Rafe, will be available January 2008.,br>

A Modern Day Prodigal Comes Home...

NICK NOBLE HADN'T PLANNED ON BEING THE PRODIGAL SON.
But when his father dies and leaves half of Silver Buckle--the Noble family ranch--to Nick’s former best friend, he must return home to face his mistakes, and guarantee that the Silver Buckle stays in the Noble family.

Award-winning journalist Piper Sullivan believes Nick framed her brother for murder, and she’s determined to find justice. But following Nick to the Silver Buckle and posing as a ranch cook proves more challenging than she thinks. So does resisting his charming smile.
As Nick seeks to overturn his father’s will--and Piper digs for answers--family secrets surface that send Nick’s life into a tailspin. But there’s someone who’s out to take the Silver Buckle from the Noble family, and he’ll stop at nothing--even murder--to make it happen.
Endorsement:

“Susan May Warren once again delivers that perfect combination of heart-pumping suspense and heart-warming romance.”--Tracey Bateman, author of the Claire Everett series

It Happens Every Spring, by Dr. Gary Chapman and Catherine Palmer

2007-03-22T17:21:00.000-07:00

This week, the

Christian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing

IT HAPPENS EVERY SPRING
( Tyndale Fiction, 2007)

by
Gary Chapman
and
Catherine Palmer

About the Authors:

GARY CHAPMAN is the author of the New York Times best seller The Five Love Languages and numerous othe rbooks. He's the director of Marriage & Family Life Consultants, Inc., and host of A Growing Marriage, a syndicated radio program heard on over 100 stations across North America. He and his wife, Karolyn, live in North Carolina.

CATHERINE PALMER is the Christy Award-winning, CBA best-selling author of more than forty novels--including The Bachelor's Bargain--which have more than 2 million copies in print. She lives in Missouri with her husband, Tim, and two sons.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

IT HAPPENS EVERY SPRING is the first of The Four Seasons fiction series, based on the ever-changing cycles of relationships detailed in Gary Chapman's nonfiction book The Four Seasons of Marriage. The novels will focus on four couples, each moving in and out of a different season.

Word travels fast at the Just As I Am beauty shop

So when a simple homeless man appears on Steve and Brenda Hansen's doorstep, the entire shop is set abuzz, especially when Brenda lets him sleep on their porch.

That's not all the neighbors are talking about. Spring may be blooming outdoors, but an icy chill has settled over the Hansens' marriage. Steve is keeping late hours with clients, and the usually upbeat Brenda is feeling the absence of her husband and her college-age kids.

Add to that the unsavory business moving in next to the beauty shop and the entire community gets turned upside down. Now Brenda's friends must unite to pull her out of her rut and keep the unwanted sotre out of town. But can Steve and Brenda learn to thaw their chilly marriage and enjoy the hope spring offers?

This Week's Pick-- Christian Fiction Blog Alliance

2007-03-15T15:02:00.001-07:00

THE RELIANCE
( Barbour, January 1, 2007)
by
Mary Lu Tyndall

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

M. L. (MARYLU) TYNDALL grew up on the beaches of South Florida loving the sea and the warm tropics. But despite the beauty around her, she always felt an ache in her soul--a longing for something more.

After college, she married and moved to California where she had two children and settled into a job at a local computer company. Although she had done everything the world expected, she was still miserable. She hated her job and her marriage was falling apart.

Still searching for purpose, adventure and true love, she spent her late twenties and early thirties doing all the things the world told her would make her happy, and after years, her children suffered, her second marriage suffered, and she was still miserable.

One day, she picked up her old Bible, dusted it off, and began to read. Somewhere in the middle, God opened her hardened heart to see that He was real, that He still loved her, and that He had a purpose for her life, if she's only give her heart to Him completely.

ABOUT THE BOOK:

A YOUNG BRIDE separated from her husband just as a child has been conceived...

A GRIEVING HUSBAND tempted to take his anger out through the vices of his past...

A MARRIAGE AND A SHIP threatenend to be split apart by villainous Caribbean pirates...

In THE RELIANCE, Edmund Merrick tormented by the apparent demise of his pregnant wife Charlisse, sails away to drown his sorrows. He turns his back on God and reverts to a life of villainy, joining forces with the demented French pirate Collier. When his mind clears from its rum-induced haze, will Edmund find the will to escape?

Seemingly abandoned by her new husband, Charlisse battles her own insecurities as she is thrown into the clutches of the vengeful pirate Kent, who holds her and Lady Isabel captive.
Will she be swept away by the undertow of treachery and despair? Can Edmund and Charlisse battle the tempests that threaten to tear them apart and steer their way to the faith-filled haven they so desperately seek? Or will they ultimately lose their love and lives to the whirlpool of treachery and deceit?

Christian Writers' Market Guide, by Sally Stuart

2007-02-16T14:12:00.001-08:00

ABOUT THE BOOK
For more than twenty years, the Christian Writers’ Market Guide has offered indispensable help to Christian writers. This year, for the first time, this valuable resource comes with a CD-ROM of the full text, so you can search with ease for topics, publishers, and other specific names.

The 2007 edition also includes up-to-date listings of more than 1,200 markets for books, articles, stories, poetry, and greeting cards, including information on forty new book publishers, eighty-three new periodicals, and thirty-four new literary agents. Perfect for writers in every phase, this is the resource to get noticed–and get published.

It contains listings for: 695 periodicals, 228 poetry markets, 355 book publishers, 133 online publications, 29 print-on-demand publishers, 1185 markets for the written word, 321 photography markets, 31 e-book publishers, 122 foriegn markets, 112 literary agents,and 59 newspapers.

It also gives you comprehensive lists of contests, writers groups and conferences, search engines, pay rates and submission guidelines, editorial services and websites.
Christian Writers’ Market Guide is a "must have' for any serious Christian writer that is looking to get published!

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1400071259

Sally's website is: http://www.stuartmarket.com/

My Personal Review:

To the writer wishing to enter the Christian Market, fiction or non-fiction, this book is essential.

I appreciate the thorough information on publishers and agents. For example, if one is interested in learning about a publisher, at a glance they can learn how many submission they receive annually, how many first time authors they publish, and how much a typical advance is.

If one is interested in an agent, they can learn how many clients they represent, whether or not they are represented by the industry and so forth.

The best feature about this addition is the CD Rom that's included. The ability to pull the up the list, change it to a large font and delete those you're not interested in reading about is wonderful.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:>Sally E. Stuart is the author of thirty-four books and has sold more than one thousand articles and columns. Her long-term involvement with the Christian Writers' Market Guide as well as her marketing columns for the Christian Communicator, Oregon Christian Writers, and The Advanced Christian Writer, make her a sought-after speaker and a leading authority on Christian markets and the business of writing. Stuart is the mother of three and grandmother of eight.

The Longing Season, Christine Schaub

2007-02-09T07:21:00.000-08:00

This week, The Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is featuring Christine Schaub's The Longing Season.

All of the books in the MUSIC OF THE HEART series are based on a hymns and their histories. The Longing Season is about one of the greatest redemption stories of all time: John Newton and his song, Amazing Grace.

Nature conspires against him, tossing the ship like a toy. Directionless--just like his life.
It seems his odyssey will end here, in the cold Atlantic. Grief and terror grip his heart, but he will not surrender...not yet.

She reads the sentence again and again.
The first day I saw you I began to love you.
He'd written the words, sealed and posted them, then vanished.

She has a choice--turn toward the future, or wait, wating and hoping.

And so begins her season of longing.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Christine Schaub is the author of the MUSIC OF THE HEART series, including Finding Anna, the “rest of the story” behind the writing of the hymn “It Is Well With My Soul” (October 2005) and The Longing Season, the story behind “Amazing Grace” (July 2006) with Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Books.

In 2003, Christine won the “On the Page” screenwriting contest at Screenwriting Expo 2 in Los Angeles. Her one-page story, written on-site in 24 hours for Jacqueline Bisset, was selected by the actress as the best Oscar Wilde-type comedy for her persona.

While working in freelance corporate communications, Christine completed three feature-length screenplays, including a drama/comedy, romantic comedy, and sci-fi action/drama; developed four biopic teleplays for the stories behind the hymns; and published an online column for the MethodX website (Upper Room Ministries).

Christine honed her writing skills after more than 15 years in corporate communications for healthcare, pharmaceutical, and entertainment companies. She has also been a featured conference speaker on working with at-risk youth and changed lives in the classrooms with her creative presentation style.

Christine's love for the arts and creativity have taken her from church platforms to civic and professional stages, performing classics and dramas from her own pen.

Christine graduated from Anderson University with a bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications. She has served on numerous boards and committees, usually as Communications Chair, and has received both regional and national awards in writing and design.

Christine's website link is: http://www.christineschaub.typepad.com/

The book link is: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0764200607

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

2007-02-02T13:38:00.000-08:00

If Shirley Temple is credited with saving Fox Studios, perhaps history will credit Harry Potter with saving the publishing industry.

(Ha! The publishing industry is a multi-billion dollar beast, but you have to admit that's a great opening line so I'm sticking with it anyway. )

It can't be denied that Harry Potter has increased a thirst for reading in our generation. I'm a book addict--have been since I could read. Most people I associate with are book addicts. But these books have helped ordinary people become story junkies too. A good thing for writers.

Think of the earnings bookstores have made because of this series alone. Recently, I saw an article asking, what will happen to bookstores when there are no more Harry Potter releases.

The impact of these novels has been huge. In 1999 libraries had waiting lists to check out these books—one waiting list was 730 children strong.

An old article by Publisher's Weekly said this "With 800,000 copies in print and 30 weeks spent on the New York Times bestseller list, the first title, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, published in the U.S. in September 1998, is nothing less than a phenomenon."

Oh, how right they were.

As I read the series, I read it with varied thoughts.

What makes these books so successful?
How dangerous are these books, really?
What storytelling magic does J.K. Rowling possess that I can glean from her?
How did this novel go being jotted in a coffee shop to the top of the world?

The Harry Potter books are very encouraging to an aspiring writer. While many boo-hoo writers, giving us the dreary facts—only %1 of fiction writers actually make enough money to live on . . etc, etc, . . . this series of books stands out. Story is still King.

What on earth makes these novels such a success? I'll offer my opinion, for what it's worth.

In order to dissect this series, one needs to know the story

**Warning, Spoilers Ahead***

The novel, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, begins with Harry's un-magical uncle (Mr. Dursley) having a most unusual day. There's a strange cat watching his house. Owls are swooping all over London in daylight, and there are folks walking about in robes and wizard hats congratulating each other, scarcely able to contain their joy. Even more disconcerting is that fact Dursley has heard the name "Potter" whispered.

The Potters are rather an embarrassment to that side of the family. They've excommunicated the Potters. A witch and a wizard in the family! Most embarrassing. So disconcerting in fact, the Dursleys have never even met their nephew Harry.

The Dursleys, however, are about to have an unpleasant surprise.

In the magical community, an astonishing event just happened. It's why the wizards and witches, who normally make an effort not to stand out, are rejoicing in public. The dark wizard Voldemort was defeated when he tried to kill 1-year-old Harry Potter (after killing Harry's parents.)

No one knows why Harry survived the attacked. The curse that should have killed Harry only left a scar—one that resembles lightning—on his forehead. And before he's old enough to talk, Harry Potter has become famous in the wizarding community. He's defeated the powerful dark lord, but now Harry now must also go live with Muggles (non-magical people)—the Dursleys.

"It's the best place for him," said Dumbledore firmly. "His aunt and uncle will be able to explain everything to him when he's older. I've written a letter."
"A letter?" repeated Professor McGongall faintly, sitting back down on the wall. "Really, Dumbledore, you think you can explain all this in a letter? These people will never understand him! He'll be famous—a legend—I wouldn't be surprised if today was known as Harry Potter day in the future—there will be books written about Harry—every child in our world will know his name!"

"Exactly," said Dumbledore, looking very seriously over the top of his half-moon glasses. "It would be enough to turn any boy's head. Famous before he can walk and talk! Famous for something he won't even remember! Can't you see how much better off he'll be, growing up away from all that until he's ready to take it?"

So Harry Potter spends the next ten years of his life under horrible circumstances. He lives under a staircase and is rarely fed enough, while his cousin is spoiled and petted. Harry's only clothing are hand-me-downs. He never receives birthday or Christmas presents. He's blamed for anything that goes wrong in the Dursley's household. (And interestingly enough, strange things do happen to him, like being able to talk to snakes.)

Then one day, he received a letter which his uncle refuses to allow Harry to read. The next day, Harry receives two, then three. Then floods of letters are coming down chimneys and following him wherever the Dursleys take him. Harry is desperate to read the letter, but the Dursleys are equally desperate to keep him from learning what they say.

Finally, at midnight on Harry's eleventh birthday, the door is pounded down and Hagrid, the gigantic groundskeeper of Hogwarts (school of wizardry) enters. The letters are Harry's acceptance into this school.

Harry learns that he's a wizard, and not just any wizard, a famous one. He's been invited to come learn magic at Hogwarts—a school he's been on the waiting list for since birth. He learns about the magical community, which he's been a part of but never knew.

Harry discovers there are streets in London that only magical people can access—wandshops, stores for potion supplies, broomsticks, cauldrons etc,. There are trolls and dragons guarding the only bank in the wizarding world. And Harry has quite a fortune left to him from his parents.

Uncertain and unsure of himself, Harry makes his way to Hogswarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. On his very first day to school, on the train platform, he meets the Weasleys—a wizarding family, who show him how to cross from our world to the wizarding world so Harry can board the train.

The Weasleys are very poor and every one of them is red-headed. Ron, the youngest son, becomes Harry's best friend. He's described as being overly tall and shabby.

On the train, Harry meets Hermione (her-my-oh-knee) an exceedingly smart, muggle-born girl, who has just discovered she's a witch and is riding to Hogswart too. She's described as having bushy hair and buckteeth.

Hogswarts School is a fabulous invention of J.K. Rowlings. She's obviously imaginative, but her creation of the school is one of her strongest points. She manages to make the reader feel that just being at this school is dangerous (plants that can kill students, forests with werewolves, or corridors that lead to painful and certain death) yet Hogwarts castle is homey too:

Feasts in a large hall with an enchanted ceiling that look like the sky
The "people" inside portraits and pictures frequently leave their picture to go visit other pictures
Ghosts float about making the students feel like they've been through a drenching, cold shower every time they pass through them—and indeed, these ghosts are also main characters
Staircases that move
Chess pieces that argue with students during the game
Classes can be in towers or dungeons
Dormitories are in turrets with four poster beds

There are four house in Hogswarts: Slytherin, Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, and Ravenclaw. The house that students are placed in becomes their "family" at Hogswarts, and indeed a rivalry between the houses exists, particularly between Slytherin and Gryffindor.

Gryffindor is the house of "the brave," where Ron, Harry and Hermione are placed.

Dark wizards most often come from Slytherin, and that's the house where one of Harry's antagonists resides—Draco Malfoy.

Professor Snape is head of the Slytherin house, and makes it a point to be snide with Harry and embarrass him.

While at school, Harry turns out to be a natural on a broomstick, and becomes a seeker on the Gryffindor Quidditch team—the equivalent of becoming the star quarterback on the high school football team during your freshman year.

There's also a mystery that Ron, Harry and Hermione stumble into. The school's headmaster is guarding something dangerous and secret in the castle. They want to know what, and spend their first year at Hogwarts trying to solve that mystery.

In Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone, Harry goes from abused-obscurity into instant-celebrity, but not without the awkwardness of youth.

By the end of the novel, Harry once again meets the dark wizard he defeated as a baby.

Catch any recipes for success?

Here are some thoughts:

1.) It's easy for people, particularly children, to relate to someone thrown into a situation they haven't learned the skills to handle yet. (Harry entering the school when he's known no magic but the others have)

2.) J.K. Rowling appeals to those who secretly wish to be important by giving them a story of someone who never felt important being paramount in an alternate universe. Let's face it, that storyline appeals to us.

3.) I LOVE how Rowling shatters the theory that the protagonist must be popular and likeable, because "that is how people like to picture themselves, so that is what they want to read."

I've always thought that the WORST writing advice I've come across. Harry is a skinny and awkward youth. Ron is shabby and gangly, and Hermione has problems making friends because she is an insufferable know-it-all. If you consider the percentage of kids who feel "popular," verses the number of kids who feel awkward—you'll see that J.K. Rowling has actually written this book for a much broader audience.

5.) There is not "one" antagonist against Harry. There are multiple ones. The Durselys, Snape, Draco, and most importantly Lord Voldemort.

6.) The castle in and of itself is interesting enough to read about, so on top of characters that suit our secret fears and desires, Rowling has an amazing backdrop.

7.) There's a mystery and always an element of suspense

8.) The story has "deeper" feel to it, because Rowling also writes about classes and homework and essays among the mystery of learning what's being guarded at the castle. She knows exactly where to draw the line between "write only what propels the story forward" and what she can get away with that gives the story 'the feel' it needs.

8.) While Rolwing's craft in book one isn't nearly as developed as it is in book four, she's a natural born storyteller. Personally, I think this is the most important quality a novelist can possess. It's instinct. It's being able to pull a reader along, even if you can't pinpoint why you want to keep reading.

Okay, I'll have to stop here, because seriously, that's all the time I have to write today.

Germ, by Robert Liparulo

2007-01-30T12:23:00.000-08:00

Don't Breathe

Even though I only just joined the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance, I had the pleasure of reading an advance copy of Germ after receiving it at the International Christian Retail Show.

I was intrigued because the back cover stated that the concept of the novel was so unique that six Hollywood producers were bidding on the film rights before the completion of the manuscript.

How could I not read it?

The unique concept is a virus that has been altered to only attack specific DNA. This book is definitely a 'man's book.' It reminded me of a high-packed action film. Cars exploding. Bullets hitting people. Unstoppable assassins. Impossible odds.

Recently there was an outcry in the CBA about books having too much violence in them. I wondered if Germ had started the debate.

My thoughts are that a writer has to write to the crowd of people he is ministering to. Has anyone watched a video game lately? That group isn't going to pick up a Beverly Lewis novel, but they might just read Germ.

I ended up finishing the novel in about two or three days. (I have to admit, I skimmed huge chunks of action. Cars and bullets just don't do it for me.) I liked the novel overall, and think Mr. Liparulo is a fabulous writer. I hear he's a really nice guy to boot.

About a month ago, I tuned into an old episode of Star Trek, The Next Generation and the crew of the Enterprise was trying to figure out what caused an ambassador to die. It turns out, the ambassador was contaminated with a genetically engineered germ programmed to attack his DNA. Go figure.

Ah well, nothing's new under the sun, anyway.

Robert is an award-winning author of over a thousand published articles and short stories. He is currently a contributing editor for New Man magazine. His work has appeared in Reader's Digest, Travel & Leisure, Modern Bride, Consumers Digest, Chief Executive, and The Arizona Daily Star, among other publications. In addition, he previously worked as a celebrity journalist, interviewing Stephen King, Tom Clancy, Charlton Heston, and others for magazines such as Rocky Road, Preview, and L.A. Weekly. He has sold or optioned three screenplays.

He is currently working on his third novel.

http://www.robertliparulo.com

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0785261788

Give Your Imput on a Book Cover?

2007-01-27T16:24:00.000-08:00

Here's your chance to tell a publisher your opinion:

http://www.faithinfiction.com/phpsurveyor/index.php?sid=8

If the Shoe Fits, Marilynn Griffith

2007-01-24T12:21:00.000-08:00

This week, the Christian Fiction Blog Alliance is posting about If the Shoe Fits (Steeple Hill Cafe', 2007) by Marilynn Griffith (fellow CFBA member, blogger, writer, and mother.)

Have Glass Slipper, Need Prince...

If the Shoe Fits is the second book in the Sassy Sistahood Novels. The first in the series was Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006).

In all my thirty-five years, I, shoe designer Rochelle Gardner, have never had so many men interested in me! My teen son's dad is back in my life after suffering from amnesia (yes, really). The church deacon has had his eye on me for years (and never said a word). And the young waiter (from the restaurant I've visited for singles' events) is trying to steal my heart. I've been struggling with my faith, trying to figure out which man God has chosen for me and wondering if I have the courage to step forward, on my not-so-pretty feet, to accept love. It's almost too much for the Sassy Sistahood to handle, but my girlfriends always have my back!

The book link: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0373785763
Marilynn's website link: http://marilynngriffith.typepad.com/rhythmsofgrace/

About the Author:

Marilynn Griffith is wife to a deacon, mom to a tribe and proof that God gives second chances. Her novels include Made of Honor (Steeple Hill, Jan. 2006), Pink (Revell, Feb. 2006), Jade (Revell, June 2006), and Tangerine (Revell, January 2007). Her other credits include Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman’s Soul, Cup of Comfort Devotionals and her Shades of Style series (Revell, 2006). She lives in Florida with her husband and children. To book speaking engagements or just say hello, email: marilynngriffith@gmail.com.

The Start of the Harry Potter Critiques

2007-01-21T13:31:00.000-08:00

As promised--not that I'm sure anyone is even reading this blog--I'm about to start dissecting Harry Potter.

I read books 1-6 last month, and then started them again. To really understand a book, it's important to read it more than once. Normally, I allow more time to pass between reading—so as to enjoy the story "fresh" again, but in this case, I wanted to dissect theses novels, and so I started anew.

There is a divide between some Christians and Harry Potter. I, myself, waited years to read these books, despite my curiosity about them. It's difficult to bridge the mind of a Christian to a secular mind, but I shall attempt it.

The reason many Christians won't read this series of novels can stem from different roots. The strongest is that the Bible forbids God's children to have contact with witchcraft, and these books clearly have witchcraft in them.

Additionally, while not all Christians believe there really is such a thing as witchcraft, others believe that witchcraft is very real and its power fueled by spiritual forces who are God's enemy. So besides the fact the Bible forbids witchcraft, many Christians believe a person who reads these books are walking a dangerous line—one that threatens to entangle them with demonic forces.

The argument of "it's only a novel" to such a person as believes this, is like saying, "I can't understand why you won't allow your child to play a video jihad. I know the goal is for the game-player to enter synagogues and churches to blow up as many people as they can, but it's only a video game. Their response might be, "That may be so, but it's a very dangerous video game, one that myself and my children will have no part of."

Whether you agree or disagree with what I've written above, doesn't concern me. I'm not here to defend or argue points but rather to bridge the gap between mindsets.

I know that before I read Harry Potter, I bombarded Christian who had read the series with questions. Therefore, I shouldn't have been as surprised as I was, when I became bombarded with questions by Christian who learned I was reading the series.

For those who love books, it's difficult to know there's a worldwide phenomenon that they can take no part in. For writers, it's doubly so. There's a book that is making billions, that people love, and they want to know why.

So, as a writer I intend on dissecting these books and offer my opinion as to what makes them tick. As I've stated before, I can't separate the fact that I'm both a Christian and a writer, so I will also address my thoughts.

I thought it might be interesting to share an e-mail, a friend of mine sent me (before I'd read the books.)

In an upcoming post, I'll start with book one—Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone.

An Interesting E-mail on the Subject

2007-01-21T13:30:00.000-08:00

To: Jessica Dotta
Sent: Friday, April 14, 2006 9:45 PM
Subject: Hi!

(Posted with Permission)

Hey Jessica!

Since we discussed Harry Potter the last time we talked, and I've just completed the 3rd one, I thought I'd share with you my thoughts.

I think in some ways a Christian's take on Potter will have much to do with how he sees Halloween. If a Christian thinks Halloween is evil, he will think the same of these books.

At one time, I did, and we still do not celebrate Halloween. -- mostly because we know there is real evil in the world and real witches, and they are not to be toyed with.

We want our children to understand that there is real evil in the world, and I'm not sure a young child can appreciate the difference. Every family has to make their own decisions about what they think is appropriate. We have many friends who celebrate Halloween, and we do not condemn them. But we didn't feel comfortable personally, and our general rule of thumb is, "when in doubt, don't." (That's one of the reasons we've avoided Potter, too)

However, I remember the fun I had as a child dressing up and getting candy, and I think that's how most families who participate in Halloween see it.

And even most adults don't take the scary part seriously.

However, I don't like scary things -- particularly ones that are evil, because I know real evil exists. And like Lewis said, there are two dangers in which one can approach the devil - one is an unhealthy interest, the other is disbelief.

One could argue that Rowling may be encouraging the second. Are you surprised I didn't say the first? That has been the most surprising thing for me so far. She creates a fantasy world, and the entire time I'm reading, even when I'm turning pages with interest (and that really hasn't happened until the end of the third one), I'm completely aware I'm in fiction. In fact, in some ways her world seems less real than Narnia. With Narnia, part of me always feels like what's happening really is happening or has happened.

I've never felt Rowling's world was real. Don't know why -- if that's something she's done intentionally as a writer, or if it's just happened. I remember reading several Stephen King books when I was in high school. His books terrified me. I couldn't put them down because from page one he scared me to death and I couldn't stop until the end when finally gave resolution and I could breathe again.

Rowling also pokes fun at the most common metaphysical practices we see -- like she has a teacher who is supposed to be psychic, but it's apparent she's just making stuff up. And she uses things that I don't think any real witches believe in, like time travel and corridors that take you to places humans can't see. Kind of like L'Engle. In many ways the books are just fun because they are fantasy -- magic. It's almost like a cartoon with broomsticks and wands and things. Do witches in real life use wands? Reminds me in some ways of Bewitched. I'm not saying there's no real metaphysical stuff -- the psychic teacher does have one lapse where she really predicts the future, but she doesn't even realize she's done it. And because that kind of thing is the exception to most of the witchery in the books, it didn't bother me.

Put it this way, would you have enjoyed the Narnia stories even without all the strong Christian symbolism and excellent way of teaching so much truth? If so, you probably won't mind Potter.

She does have a fear factor, but the fear isn't from evil, but the same sort of fear you get from a good suspense.

Second, to be honest, on one hand, I'm not crazy about Rowling's writing. Critiquing and reading writing books has done its damage! I find myself wanting to edit while I read. I want to write her and tell her how good her books could be if she'd just join Penwrights. We could really help her.

On the other hand, I am thoroughly impressed with her imagination and her ability to bring so many seemingly meaningless details together in the end. She is excellent with characterization. I have laughed out loud several times. I also love how smart the books are in the way of using Latin in spells and names, and how everything means something. And, her endings are so satisfying. She does an excellent job misleading the reader. I'm always surprised at the end.

So, there you have it. Hope those thoughts help you as you decide whether or not to take the Potter plunge.

Blessings,

The Cat's Meat Shop

2007-01-17T20:06:00.000-08:00

The Cat's Meat Shop --- Ha! The owner of one of the best websites about Victorian London has started a blog! Check it out.

The Lady and the Unicorn

2007-01-13T12:11:00.000-08:00

Tracy Chevalier continues to amaze me with her unique writing style. The Lady and the Unicorn is reminiscent to Girl with Pearl Earring. The story centers around a work of art, and like Girl with Pearl Earring, she weaves a tale about how those involved with the work of art were forever affected.

Perhaps at times, it was a bit too reminiscent, but Ms. Chevalier has proven herself capable of writing well, the semblance between the books does not detract.

Tracy Chevalier includes parts of history that many writers shy from, such as toothaches, body odors and a true representation of how women were treated and acted during earlier times.

Throughout the book three distinct sets of people were followed—the family who commissioned the tapestry, the artist and merchant overseeing the commission, and the family of weavers who wove it.

There was only one set of characters I wished to spend time with. The other's, were I to meet them in real life, were people I'd decline a continued acquaintance with. The weaver's story absorbed me into the story. The blind girl's dilemma of trying to stay useful enough so that her parents wouldn't marry her to an inbred man who always smelled of sheep's urine (as it was used in dying material blue,) held my interest. Otherwise, there would not have been a character I could have clung to and rooted for.

Yet, this is one of the charms of Tracy Chevalier's writing. One feels as though she's dropped her readers in the life of real people, as they would have been. Not as they should be. Not as we imagine ourselves to be. Not as we imagine how we would act were we to step back into history.

Writer's Quote

2007-01-07T14:57:00.000-08:00

C'mon people! If you're not spending time every month curled up under your computer desk sucking your thumb because of the pain of rejection, you can't even call yourselves writers!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

---Mary Connealy, author of Petticoat Ranch

Harry Potter, One Writer's Critique

2007-01-06T22:48:00.000-08:00

During my Christmas vacation, I read the Harry Potter books, 1--6, and over a series of posts plan to dissect the books here on The Haunt.

There's no secret that many Christians have an objection to the Harry Potter books, and since I can't separate me into parts--the writer and the Christian--there's little point in trying. I shall explore what about this series made it the phenomenon it is and my thoughts as a Christian on the matter.

My schedule is a bit tied now, but as my workload lightens, full critiques will be up on each book soon.

2006-12-22T09:37:00.000-08:00

Last week I read Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. Simply, incredible. I was memorized from the first word to the last. Beyond the amazing craft of Arthur Golden was the ability of the novel to connect me with real life issues —and I'm someone living in a completely different culture.

Bringing the reader to see their life in your book is my ultimate goal in writing, and in my opinion, should be the ultimate goal of Christian worldview fiction. The fact this novel managed to bring me to questioning my own life, my values and my beliefs, reinforces my opinion that you don't have to write with an agenda, or form your story around the principle that you want your readers to take away.

The reader must be the one to question themselves. As writers, we can never make readers think what we want, but it often seems to me that books in the CBA are trying just that. They're hoping the reader will pick up on a spiritual concept without a spiritual mind. If you're writing to a broad audience, then rely on your story to communicate. Stories have an amazing ability to reach beyond what we write.

In Memoirs of a Geisha, a young girl, taken from her fishing village and forced to serve in a prominence Geisha house. She either needs to escape or become a Geisha herself. She tries escape. Her situation worsens. Ultimately, she's given the chance to become a Geisha and is tread underfoot while she pursues this dream. It always amazes me to read other cultures, to see how women are treated and people live.

Yet, I found myself wondering how much better her life would be if she tried to escape again. Found a husband, a poor fisherman even, settled down and watched her children grow. From the beginning of the novel the reader is aware that she grew to become a famous Geisha. Her life eventually became one of ease. Even so, I found myself thinking of the whole picture. She strived and was walked over to become an glorified prostitute. Though largely ignored in the novel, she usurped husbands' affections for their wives, taking riches that should have been bestowed upon their wives, as her own.

Did she really win? Yes, she didn't die a toothless, old woman, making her grandchildren kowtow with fear when she fixed her eye on them for bad behaviour. But would it have been so bad? Or could she have set her aim at something nobler, such as opening a school for girls, or working for her own business?

My thoughts shifted from there to Americans. What are we pursuing? How much of what we do is about gaining position, enduring so that we can enter the fray for wealth and fame, or jobs and security.

Arthur Golden wrote a spectacular novel. I highly doubt his intentions were to make a writer pause and look hard at her life, her novel, and her beliefs about fiction. He couldn't have planned that. That happened because he wrote a story that went as deep as it did wide. It happened automatically.

2006-11-14T16:14:00.000-08:00

Tip for the Writer: On your websites, I suggest not protecting them so that something can't be copied and pasted and/or saved. I'm not sure what writers are protecting, but I know on my end, they are making it difficult for media (and publicist) to quickly and efficiently lift the information they need.

Musings from a Publicists Desk

2006-11-09T20:05:00.000-08:00

This was a fun week. I had the pleasure of climbing out of bed, grabbing a cup of tea, and watching one of my authors, Ginger Garrett, live on television. She did a fantastic job. Next week, Wanda Brunstetter will be making an appearance on The Harvest Show, and I can't wait to watch her. The local Public Broadcasting Station has also booked her for an interview. Yay! Love when things like that fall into place.

Have you ever read six books in one weekend? Hmmm… well it's a first for me. While I'm always technically reading multiple books, I've campaigns that I want to have read by next week. I'm not actually counting on having them finished by Monday, but I hope to be 100 pages into each (and still polish my own chapters.)

I found a great blog tonight. I went to read Karen Ball's interview, but there was another awesome one by Mick Silvia. Both interviews touch upon a passionate subject of mine—what constitutes "Christian" fiction. Check them out: http://hopeofglory.typepad.com/into_the_fire/

Finally!

2006-11-01T05:45:00.000-08:00

I've waited over two years to read Elizabeth Kostova's The Historian. Yesterday, I finally purchased the book from Barnes and Noble.

Now to find time to read it.

Good Author Photo

2006-10-30T06:59:00.000-08:00

As a publicist, I'm very into author branding. I came across a new Stephen King photo today (at least new to me) and LOVED it. This does a wonderful job of making the author appear celebrity and keeping with his genre.