Write Now Editing

Writing Tips from Debbie Wilson

by Leave a Comment

What is your favorite craft book?
On Writing Well by William Zinsser

Which do you think is the most underrated craft book? Why?
I can’t think of one.

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?
Blue Ridge Christian Writers Conference. Love seeing fellow authors and always learn a lot.

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?
I’m a member of Jerry Jenkin’s Writers Guild, and I’ve enjoyed some of Thomas Umstattd Jr.’s writing courses with Author Media.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration? Why?
When I became serious about writing I took courses from Jerry Jenkins Writing for the Soul. DiAnn Mills was my mentor. She is a caring and wise mentor.

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received? Why was it bad?
This is more of an experience than advice. At my first writer’s conference, I met with an agent whose first questions was, “Tell me about your national platform.” I’d spoken and ministered in different parts of the country, but I didn’t have a national platform. His body language told me he wasn’t interested in anything I had to say after that. I left wondering if I’d made a mistake even attending the conference.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?
Work on your craft.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?
I’d repeat the above. Work on your craft. I’ll add, learning a new skill takes time. Give yourself grace and enjoy the process of discovering your lane.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?
Jerry Jenkins says to be a fierce self-editor. I love watching him edit drafts. Use action verbs instead of passive, show don’t tell, and give the reader credit. In other words, resist the urge to explain everything. Your reader gets it.

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.
Do the work and growth will come. Keep expanding your skills and knowledge. As I think Jon Acuff said, “Don’t compare your beginning with someone else’s middle.”

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
Little Strength, Big God presents timeless truths to slay our giants.This Christian Living/Bible study looks at those who became strong in battle. Consider their predicaments.

What if you had to choose between―

– Drowning your baby or letting your worst enemy raise him?
– Bowing before an idol or being thrown into a fiery furnace?
– Compromising your convictions or being tossed to the lions?
– Living in fear or leading ill-equipped volunteers against an intimidating enemy?

The believers who faced these decisions felt their limitations yet found strength in the Lord. We can too! The men and women highlighted in the last half of Hebrews 11 help us turn our weaknesses into strengths for God’s glory.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
Karin, thank you for your writing and encouragement to writers. And thanks for inviting me to be with you today.

Debbie W. Wilson is an award-winning author, Bible teacher, and former Christian counselor who speaks and writes to connect fellow sojourners to the heart of Christ. She and her husband lead Lighthouse Ministries, a non-profit Christian counseling and Bible teaching ministry. Connect with Debbie, find free resources, and learn about her books, including Little Strength, Big God at debbieWwilson.com.

debbieWwilson.com
https://twitter.com/DebbieWWilson
https://www.facebook.com/debbie.wilson.963871
https://www.pinterest.com/djwwilson/

How to Edit Your Novel: Cover Reveal!

by Leave a Comment

After 15+ years writing fiction, more than a decade editing it, and six years teaching others how to edit fiction, this year I put my classes together in an easy-to-use book that will help authors edit their own manuscripts before submitting them to agents, editors, or publishers.

Are You Ready??

I’m so excited for the opportunity to share this with others. It will be available next month through Bold Vision Books–stay tuned for ordering details!

Book Recommendations from Melissa Heiland

by Leave a Comment

There was an issue…

If you didn’t know, I run two blogs: this writing-centered blog and a reading-centered blog at www.karinbeery.com. I’m usually very good about keeping the guest authors organized. Except for this year. I sent the wrong questions … again. I promise to be better next year. Until then, here’s Melissa Heiland!

What was your favorite picture book as a kid?
Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak

What was the first “real” book (with chapters and without pictures) you remember reading?  
Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder

What was your most favorite book in high school?
To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

What was your least favorite book in high school?
Moby Dick by Herman Melville

What was the last novel you read?
Firefly Lane by Kristin Hannah

What was the last nonfiction book you read?
Prayers for My Teen by Mark Gregston

Which book lived up to the hype (from the past 1-2 years)?
Digital Body Language by Erica Dhawan

Which book do you love that needs more hype?
Prayers for My Teen by Mark Gregston

Next novel on your TBR (up to three). 
Night Road by Kristin Hannah
True Colors by Kristin Hannah
Between Sisters by Kristin Hannah

Next nonfiction on your TBR (up to three).
The Freedom of Self-Forgetfulness by Tim Keller
His Needs, Her Needs by Willard F. Jr. Harley
Jesus in Me by Anne Graham Lotz

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.
Each of the forty entries include a short and meaningful devotional, a prayer prompt, and journal space for writing—or even drawing—your thoughts. As you come before God each day, you will be affirmed in his love, care, and devotion. And as you finally let go of the lies of confusion and condemnation, these truths will set you free. It’s a resource to complement professional counseling that can be turned to not once but many times to be reminded of God’s care.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?
In addition to No Shame, Melissa has authored several works, including A Mother’s Journey (written for expectant mothers), A Mother’s Comfort (written for baby’s first year), and You Are Wonderful, Psalm 139 for children. (Available in English and Spanish)

Melissa Heiland holds a BA in Education from Wake Forest University and a Master’s of Education in Curriculum and Instruction from Central Missouri State University. She’s worked in pregnancy care ministry for over 25 years and has served as a full-time missionary with the International Mission Board since 2000. She is the Founder of Beautiful Feet International, an evangelical mission organization that plants international pregnancy centers in over 20 nations.  She trains pregnancy center staff and volunteers worldwide. She received the 2014 EvanTell Matthew 4:19 award and the 2022 Heartbeat International Servant Leader award.

https://www.beautifulfeetinternational.com

Writing for Story by Jon Franklin (book review)

by Leave a Comment

The new “nonfiction”—the adaptation of storytelling techniques to journalistic articles in the manner of Truman Capote, Tom Wolfe, and John McPhee—is an innovative genre that has been awarded virtually every Pulitzer Prize for literary journalism since 1979. And now Jon Franklin, himself a two-time Pulitzer Prize winner and undisputed master of the great American nonfiction short story, shares the secrets of his success. Franklin shows how to make factual pieces come alive by applying the literary techniques of complication/resolution, flashback, foreshadowing, and pace. He illustrates his points with a close analysis and annotation of two of his most acclaimed stories, so that the reader can see, step-by-step, just how they were created.

This lively, easy-to-follow guide combines readability and excitement with the best of expository prose and illuminates the techniques that beginning journalists—and more experienced ones, too—will find immensely helpful:

— Stalking the true short story
— Drafting an effective outline
— Structuring the rough copy
— Polishing like a pro
— And the tips, tools, and techniques that will put your stories on the cutting edge

With many years of fiction-writing experience behind me, I’ve been wanting to strengthen my nonfiction-writing skills. Someone recommended this book.

It’s a fascinating read full of amazing information. It’s also quite dated, as it was written in 1986. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t read it, though. Just remember a few things as you read through it:

  • The universal truths Franklin discusses (the importance of structure, active writing, character developments, etc.) are universal–they still apply today. It doesn’t matter what you’re writing.
  • His process (note cards) can still work, but he wrote before computers existed. Use his information and apply it to your modern technique. (The same is true for the submission process.)
  • Read the last chapter. Realize the truth in it–Franklin and his successful contemporaries spent YEARS learning and practicing. Think about that.

I’m glad I read this book and would absolutely recommend it to anyone wanting to learn how to write feature stories or short nonfiction pieces.

Get your copy here: https://amzn.to/3QROGqK

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Writing Tips from Dyann Shepard

by Leave a Comment

What is your favorite craft book? 

To be very honest I have not read a lot of books on writing. Embarrassing, I know. I have taken classes through Speak Up conference and Hope Writers, though. I liked Bird by Bird by Anne Lamont and Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy. Eat that Frog is not specifically a writing book but the principles of doing the most difficult task first are transferable to writing because it is so easy to procrastinate.

Which do you think is the most underrated craft book?

I don’t have a book to note as the most underrated writing book. My goal for 2024 is to read more books about writing. I want to my writing to be excellent and to glorify Jesus.

What is your favorite (or most anticipated) writers conference?  

My favorite is the Speak Up conference in July. I love the courses, the keynotes and the fellowship of Christian writers. My heart is filled to overflowing each year.

What’s your favorite other source (YouTube, podcast, etc.) for writing tips/info?

I enjoy the wonderful tips and tools from AWSA and Word Weavers, Inc., as well as Hope*Writers.

Who is your writing mentor/inspiration?

Carol Kent is definitely my inspiration. I have had the privilege of being in a mentoring program with Carol for the past two years. She is encouraging, inspiring and always looking for ways to make others shine.  Each month she provides focused learning and an opportunity for us to ask questions.

What’s the worst writing advice you’ve ever received?

To be honest, I haven’t had advice that I considered really bad.  I can always learn from others. What I have learned is to have more than one person read my writing.  Sometimes, a reader simply doesn’t get you.  I learned this when I wrote a piece for publication and submitted it for critique to two different editors.  One editor said I should remove a particular paragraph. The other editor said that same paragraph was her favorite and most meaningful.  

Why was it bad?

I did not see this as a bad experience but as an opportunity to learn. This experience taught me not be discouraged and to have more than one person critique my work.

What’s the best writing advice you’ve ever received?

Pray for your readers.  Pray for the one who needs to hear what God has put on your heart to share.

What would you say is the best writing tip for new authors?

Keep honing your craft. Keep learning, then learn, learn and learn some more.

What is your best self-editing tip or advice?

Do not edit as you write.  Dump it all out on the page, then go back and edit. Remove everything that is not pointing the reader to the message you want to convey.

Please share your most encouraging tip for frustrated/discouraged writers.

Don’t give up and don’t fall prey to comparison.  Someone needs to hear God’s message through your voice.

Tell us about your newest release/upcoming release.

My newest release is my book, “Wisdom: Capturing the Power of our Words.” The book is based on a study of the tongue in Proverbs and my upcoming release is “Parables and Paradigms- 52 Devotional Essays of walking with Jesus in the ordinary and extraordinary moments of life.”  This is the working title but it may change. It will be released later in the year or early in 2024.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

It is never too late and you are never too old to have a new calling from God. I wrote my first blog in December 2018 at the age of 71. God was pouring into my life many lessons I wanted to pass on.  I had never written before.  I didn’t like writing as a student. Suddenly, I could not stop writing.  It is my passion.  I realize I have limited years left and my heart’s desire is to share through the joys and sorrows of my life the truth that God will never leave you or forsake you.  As long as you have breath, God can and will use you if you are willing. I love the promise of Psalm 92:14 “Even in old age they will still produce fruit; they will remain vital and green.

Dyann Shepard is a wife, mother, grandmother, author, speaker, and mentor. She loves to share the power of God to redeem, restore, and renew our lives especially through tumultuous storms.  Her passion is writing and speaking about the transforming power of Jesus in our daily lives when we open our hearts to Him.  A retired CPA, Dyann is a former staff member of CRU and was a Stephen’s Minister for many years.

www.dyannshepard.com

www.personalparables.com

ABOUT ME

Editor. Teacher. Novelist.
A passionate lover of fiction, Karin doesn't just write novels, she helps others write their best stories! A certified substantive editor with the Christian Editor Connection, her goal is to help authors to put her out of business by equipping them with the tools they need to become better writers.

Connect

Copywriting

Karin understood my advertising and marketing writing needs and accomplished the project in record time. She asked all the right questions up front to equip herself with enough … [more]

Editing

Substantive Fiction Editing: A substantive edit looks at the big picture. Start here to tackle the big issues before moving on to the nit-picky details. Substantive edits not only point out … [more]

Author Page

Lover of all things fiction, I also love University of Michigan football, the Detroit Lions, Tigers, and Red Wings, kayaking, gluten-free cupcakes, and my husband.

Resources

Fiction: Substantive Editing Classes Substantive Editing for Fiction 101 In Substantive Fiction Editing 101, we’ll look at the basics of a well-written novel and learn how to help our … [more]