Write Now Editing

Can Your Work Become an Idol? by Barbara Britton

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Recently my church was doing a study on Tim Keller’s book Every Good Endeavor. The book is about work and how a Christian should view their profession. I was asked to speak in the adult education class about being an author and how I handled the idols in my work.

Idols? Does a writer have idols? After I thought about the publishing industry and how it has changed in the past twelve years since I began writing, I did discover some idols. When I began my publishing journey, there was no internet sales or social media. The rise of Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and a whole host of new inventions have brought some “watch outs” into the writing life.

I am a Christian and a child of God. What is a child of God? John 1:12 puts it this way:

“Yet to all who received him (Jesus), to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” (NIV)

Since I believe in Jesus, I write my stories from a Christian worldview. I hope people like my stories, feel better after reading my stories, and in the case of my Biblical fiction, learn something new about God and the Bible. When people praise my novels or think I am somehow on a higher plane since I write novels, I have to set my idol warning to high.

I believe God has given me the talent to write stories. It’s a gift. Just like some people have gifts of singing and painting and business and athletics. The list is endless. One gift is not better than the other in God’s eyes. When readers say nice things about me, I thank them, enjoy the moment, but see their praise in the bigger picture of God’s gifts. God wouldn’t be please with diva moments.

I Peter 4:10 says, “Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in various forms.”

I pray that I am administering well, but people have different ideas about what “well” means. I have heard from readers who weren’t impressed with my stories. Sometimes the review of my work overflows onto my being. My relationship with God is attacked and less than nice things are said. Ouch! When that happens (and it can be in a book review or through e-mail), I have to remember who I am in Christ. I remember the John 1:12 verse above and realize that I am a child of God. No two Christians are the same and not every piece of art is for every reader or for every patron of the arts.

The idols of doubt and discouragement can sink into my core if I let them. Social media allows words to soar through the internet without the typist realizing there is a beating heart on the other side of the screen. If I’m okay with my story, and I believe God is okay with my story, then I have to let a bad review sink into oblivion.

So, are there idols in writing? Are there incidents that can take our eyes off of God? Definitely.

Enjoy the good times of your profession but keep walking in humility. Ask God to help you when a discouraging remark zaps your enthusiasm. The Holy Spirit is the best comforter when we are hurting. And remember, the giver of good gifts does not make mistakes.

Do you see any idols creeping into your work?

Barbara M. Britton lives in Southeast, Wisconsin and loves the snow—when it accumulates under three inches. She writes Christian Fiction for teens and adults. Barb brings little-known Bible stories to light in her Tribes of Israel series. Barb is a member of the American Christian Fiction Writers, the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators, Romance Writers of America and Wisconsin Romance Writers of America. She is published by Harbourlight Books an imprint of Pelican Book Group. Barb has a nutrition degree from Baylor University but loves to dip healthy strawberries in chocolate. Find out more about Barb and her books at www.barbarambritton.com.

Follow Barb on Twitter, Facebook or BookBub.

Novelization or Narrative Retelling?

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I recently read a book that was described as a novelization of a true story. Based on that description, I had several expectations for the story—a structured plot, some character development, incorporating the senses, etc. Instead, I got some history, some explanations, and several chapters of helpful information, but no story.

Overall, the book disappointed me. I wanted to get pulled into the characters heads; to experience their lives with them; to be transported into their homes and situations—everything I expect from a novel. But that book wasn’t a novel, and it never should have been labeled that way.

But, but … it had dialogue! It was written in third person!

Yes, it was, but that doesn’t make it a novel. A book needs to meet certain requirements before you can call it a novel; without those things, you have a creative or narrative retelling, but you do not have a novel.

What does a book need, then, to be considered a novel? Whether you’ve created everything or are telling someone else’s true story, a novel needs:

Take all of those, organize them well, and POOF! A novel. If you’re lacking any of these things, you’re probably not writing a novel. How can you tell?

  • The dialogue doesn’t add to the story; it’s just there.
  • You have whole chapters of information without showing the characters do anything.
  • Your book is more about giving information than it is about entertaining the reader.

If the above bullet points describe your book, it doesn’t mean you have a bad book—it just means you’re not writing a novel. These subtleties make a big difference when you’re marketing your book. It’s important to understand the difference, because mislabeling your book (and thereby mis-advertising it) can set you up for failure.

Take the book I recently read: if it had been called a narrative or creative retelling, it would have been a pretty good book. I would have been better prepared for the history lessons and lack of structure. Because I wanted to read a novel, however, it disappointed me. As much as I wanted to leave a good review, I couldn’t because I didn’t have a good experience reading the book (I do still recommend the book, but I tell people it’s not a novel).

Don’t stop writing your book and don’t change your style. Just know what you’re writing so you can get it into the hands of the right audience.

Have you ever read a good book that disappointed you? What happened?

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From Tradition to Self-Publishing by Yvonne Anderson

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Ack! Another rejection!

Every writer knows the feeling. Beating our bruised heads against a closed door is part of the game we all play. We’re not only rejected by publishing houses, but also by the agents needed to even approach most publishers.

For an unknown writer, it can seem an insurmountable barrier. That’s why, when I had the opportunity to publish my debut novel through a small press in 2011, I took it. By that time I’d been honing my skills for years, and I thought I knew a thing or two.

Then I got back my edited manuscript. Every page was slathered in red. Every. Single. Page. It was dripping. But after the initial shock, the experience turned out to be beneficial. After working with a professional editor on that book, and later the next title in the series, I‘d gained a practical education.

But, alas… Book sales were not what we’d hoped, and the publisher and I parted ways. He returned my rights for the first two titles, and I published the whole four-book series myself—and then another series. I learned to format both print and e-books to create a product that does not scream, “Amateur!” Professionally designed covers have been my only out-of-pocket cost for the eight books I have now released through my own imprint, Gannah’s Gate.

Like everyone else, publishing houses have to make money. That requires making hard decisions about which titles to invest in. Acquisitions editors must keep a finger on the pulse of the market to recognize what’s likely to sell and what’s apt to be a losing proposition. I don’t blame them for this.

I am happy, though, that I no longer have to knock myself out trying to woo them. Now, I only have to convince readers and potential book buyers about the worthiness of my work, not agents or editors.

If you’re considering self-publishing, I hope you’ll find these five suggestions helpful:

1) Make sure your writing is ready for prime time. Study the craft. Interact with other writers—not only wannabes like yourself, but those who have succeeded in what you’re striving for. Never stop improving.

2) Before jumping into self-publishing, submit your manuscript to traditional publishers. During that process, be humble, teachable, and open to suggestion. Learn all you can from the professionals.

3) Be aware that however it’s done, getting your book published does not guarantee anyone will buy it. Publishing is not a Field of Dreams; you can build it, but they won’t come if they don’t know it’s there. Promotion is your responsibility.

4) Don’t skimp on quality. You may not have to impress an agent, but you do want to impress your readers—and you don’t want to impress them with your sloppiness. A manuscript cannot be edited too much.

The same goes for the formatting and the cover. If you don’t have the skill set to produce a professional-looking product, hire someone who can. A beautiful cover might not sell books on its own, but a tacky-looking one will turn readers away faster than you can say, “Ouch!”

5) I don’t recommend surrendering your rights to subsidy publishers (those that require a fee for publishing your book for you). Instead of paying for their services, hire your own editor, cover designer, etc., and keep the publishing rights for yourself. It’s your book, after all.

Yvonne Anderson made her publishing debut in 2011 with The Story in the Stars, Book #1 in the four-title “Gateway to Gannah” sci-fi series. Stars was a finalist in the 2012 ACFW Carol Awards.

In 2018, she released a three-book extraterrestrial autobiography, “The Four Lives of J. S. Freeman,” self-published under the Gannah’s Gate imprint. Her latest publication is a friend’s memoir, Dancing on Stones: A Quest for Joy, in which the author shares her journey out of depression.

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Dancing on Stones: A Quest for Joy by Edith Harrington (edited by Yvonne Anderson)

Are you suffering?
Are you depressed?
Does your heart cry, “Where are you, God? Why did You let this happen to me?”

When Edith Harrington’s world suddenly crumbled and her life lay in ruins, unanswerable questions shook the foundations of her faith.

Follow in her steps on this quest for answers—satisfying answers, not mere platitudes. As you learn practical tools to help overcome depression and anxiety, her fresh insights will touch your heart and lead you to the joy of deeper intimacy with Jesus.

Merry Christmas!

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And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
    and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

Luke 2: 8-15

Leadership Tips from the Experts

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It doesn’t matter whether or not you consider yourself a leader – if you run your own business, you are a leader. You’re the one in charge, you’re the one others will come to when they have questions, need help, or want to complain (yes, you get to handle all of those too).

One thing I’ve learned is that leadership skills are taught. Yes, some of us have natural leadership tendencies, but even those natural inclinations need to be honed and polished. The best way to learn any skill is to find an expert to teach you.

Inc.com has already done the work for me, compiling 20 Leadership Experts Share Their Best Leadership Tips. Find out how to use empathy and self-awareness, clarify your vision, and feed your curiosity to strengthen your leadership skills!

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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

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