Write Now Editing

  • Home
  • About Me
  • Editing Services
  • Testimonials
  • Resources
  • Blog
  • Copywriting
  • Contact Me

How I Write: Carol Stratton

April 12, 2021 by Karin Beery 1 Comment

Like many writers, Carol Stratton doesn’t limit herself to one niche. She also sometimes wonders what she’s doing! Today, she’s here to tell us how she does it and to share some writing advice.

Welcome! Why did you pick your genre?

I do wonder why I write, especially on those days when nothing exciting comes out of my fingers but jumbled up plot points, dull dialogue, and flat characters. The reward comes when a reviewer says, “This book forced me to look closer at my life,” or “I learned about forgiveness in this story.” These readers encourage me to push on in spite of the hard work. Stories have a way of crawling up into a reader’s soul, able to teach truth (often more effectively than non-fiction). I view my writing as a ministry and find joy when readers catch the spiritual values I weave into my work.

 What’s your favorite book on writing? What do you like about it?

Other than some of the basics like Stephen King’s On Writing, and Elements of Style, I love anything written by James Scott Bell. At my first writing conference, I took a fiction writing class from him and so much of his advice stayed with me. When I read his books I can hear his voice talking to me. His books on Plot and Structure and How to Write Dazzling Dialogue are exceptionally helpful. In addition, he is a fun read.

What conference do you most want to attend? Why?

Well, I’d love to attend the Mount Hermon conference in California. As I grew up around that area, I have happy memories of attending conferences at Mt. Hermon, including becoming a Christian at a Young Life conference. To combine spending a few days in the redwood trees with studying writing … now that would be heaven.

How do you combat writer’s block?

I find taking a break and doing something physical helps to jump start my brain. Doing a mindless task allows my mind to wander. And often a walk is another way to sort out a problem scene.

If you’re self-published, why did you decide to go that route? If you’re traditionally published, why did you decide to go that route?

I decided early in my career I wanted to be traditionally published as it seemed a way to get my stories out to more people. In traditional publishing you have editors who critique your work and make sure your writing is the best it can be. In addition, the traditional publisher offers more marketing support. With Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas I also found a strong camaraderie among the authors as we all helped each other get out the word about any new books. Writing is a lonely endeavor, but having that tribe of other authors has made such a difference. I think without some of my friends I would have quit a long time ago.

I did I self-published a children’s Christmas book last October. I’ve always wanted to write a Christmas book and it seemed like the perfect time. I enjoyed the process of picking out a cover and finding an illustrator. It stretched my creativity as I helped the artist envision my characters. Several times she came up with the perfect picture and I thought, “Oh yeah, that’s exactly how my character looks.

What’s surprised you the most about the publishing process? Why did it surprise you?

My biggest surprise came from other authors. I have been so blessed to have made friends with other writers who choose to spend their valuable time encouraging, praying and supporting me with any new book. In turn, I’ve tried to be a cheer leader for their projects.  Often family and friends don’t understand the grueling time, the rejection that is needed to complete a book, so talking over issues and celebrate victories with my writing buddies refreshes me.

I’ve been to secular conferences where the competitive vibe is palpable. Other authors are seen as opponents in a rush to get that coveted contract. But in the Christian community I’ve found a different attitude as we are all trying to do the Lord’s work.

What advice do you have for new authors?

New authors have unrealistic, romantic notions about writing. The truth is writing is hard work with lots of rewrites and rejections. I tell prospective writers not to put “Write a book” on their bucket list unless they understand the time commitment needed to become published. But then I say, “If you can’t not write, you have a writer’s heart.” Some of us are born with a God given desire to communicate, whether through the written or spoken word and we have to follow that path.

How do you self-edit your manuscript?

After I’ve finished a rough draft, I close down my computer and take a break. I may not even write anything for a few weeks while my story marinates. When I come back to review my manuscript I am able to look more objectively at my story and can find it’s horrifyingly awful.  After fixing some formatting issues and running spellcheck a second time, I print a clean copy, find a cozy armchair and read what I have. I don’t make changes right away but I do read to see if the plot moves well and the characters are well developed. I may insert notes such as, (need an extra scene here) or (this plot point doesn’t make sense) At this point I am working on the main plot.

After I’m satisfied and fixed my plot and beta reader, I print up another clean copy and examine word choices, setting, and dialogue. I’ve found sitting and reading an actual piece of paper helps me focus and see errors better than when I am editing on my lap top.


A novelist, reporter, and freelancer, Carol has penned 500 articles and two books, Changing Zip Codes, and the award-winning debut novel, Lake Surrender (inspired by her work with autistic students). The sequel to Lake Surrender, Deep End of the Lake, is now available.

An avid hiker and baker she also speaks to women’s groups such as Mothers of Preschoolers. Married to her literary muse, John, they have four children and eight grandchildren and reside in Clemmons. She loves to encourage new writers and readers who have moved.

Website: carolgstratton.com
Facebook: Carol Grace Stratton
Pinterest: Carol Stratton
Twitter @Carolgstratton
Instagram CarolStratton51


Parenting a rebellious teen and autistic son, satisfying a demanding boss, and learning to love again, single mom Ally Cervantes learns when you’re in the deep end of the lake you’d better know how to swim.

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, Carol Stratton, James Scott Bell, writing advice, writing tips, writing tools

How I Write: Beth Steury

November 16, 2020 by Karin Beery 1 Comment

Did You Know …

Getting your first book published is thrilling, but the work doesn’t stop there. You have to keep writing, keep growing, and keep working hard.

Beth Steury’s here to talk about her writing strategies, her decision to self-publish, and her advice to new writers.

Welcome! How do you prepare to write your books: pantser, plotter, both, something completely different? Describe your strategy.

I think I’m a “plantser,” a combination of pantser and plotter. I definitely did not create detailed outlines for my YA series, but I did have a solid idea where the plot would go for books one and two. For the final book in the series, see the next question!

Which was harder: the first book or the following books?

Book three is proving to be the hardest. While the first two books came together with relative ease, the final book is presenting more of a challenge. I recently heard a well-known, much-published author admit, in reference to her current work-in-progress, “the plot is eluding me.” That’s me and book three! I love my characters and their journey. And I will persevere.

You’re self-published. Why did you decide to go that route?

I had interest from traditional publishers for my YA series, but when two different publishers ceased their fiction line while reviewing my full manuscript, I felt led to pursue indie publishing.

What’s surprised you the most about the publishing process?

While there is a fairly-steep learning curve involved in taking on the role of publisher, the reality proved to be easier than I anticipated. I entered the world of indie publishing with fear and trembling, so much so that I nearly talked myself out of taking the plunge. Discovering the Facebook group Christian Indie Authors proved to be incredibly helpful. It’s a great resource for information as well as support and encouragement.   

How did you find your freelance editor? How would you describe the experience?

I have worked with two freelance editors, both of whom I met through connecting and networking opportunities associated with American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). I think the best descriptors would be “valuable” and “worthwhile.” I feel I benefited, as did my series, from both experiences. My goal to produce a quality book/series was greatly aided by both of these experienced professionals.  

How do you self-edit your manuscript?

I begin each writing session by reviewing that I last wrote. I find that a stronger verb or more detailed noun will often immediately come to mind during this very initial stage of editing. Two major concerns of mine, consistent characterization and story flow, usually each get a dedicated edit. Typically, the all-important beginning and ending gets tweaked many times.

What conference do you most want to attend? Why?

I would have loved to attend the Mount Hermon Writers Conference, but I understand the conference has been permanently cancelled. Possibly the Write-to-Publish Conference in Wheaton, Illinois then. In general, I adore writers’ conferences! I relish the time spent with fellow writers. I love immersing myself fully in the writing world. I love how the conference experience allows me to focus only and fully on writing. A friend and I tucked ourselves away in a lake house to attend this year’s online ACFW Conference, to more fully capture the conference experience.

What advice do you have for new authors?

WRITE.

It doesn’t matter what you write or how well you write, simply write. Take advantage of every possible writing opportunity whether it be for the Women’s Ministries newsletter, the family Christmas letter, the neighborhood watch fundraiser flier. Explore topics and styles and genres. Try to discover what works best for you: daily word counts, timed writing sessions, legal pad scribbling, note-taking apps on your phone or a laptop. If turning the weekly grocery shopping list into a poem sounds fun, go for it.

Just WRITE.


Beth immerses herself in the YA world via substitute teaching, connecting with the teenage staff at the fast-food joint where she claims the back booth as her office, and reading YA fiction.

She’s a cheerleader for saving sex for marriage. Her “Waiting Matters … Because YOU Matter” blog helps people of all ages navigate the choppy waters of saving sex for marriage and “renewed waiting.” In her “Choices Matter” YA series, a relevant cast of high school-aged characters face real life choices and consequences in the often-messy, rarely simple world of friendship, family matters, and dating relationships. The mini books of the “Waiting Matters” series offer practical, candid advice for making wise life decisions. 

Beth is also a genetic genealogy enthusiast who used DNA to find her birth parents. Her journey to find and connect with her biological family is chronicled in “A Doorstep Baby’s Search for Answers”. Her “Slices of Real Life” posts find GOD in the day-to-day moments of real life. All of Beth’s writing endeavors can be found on her website at https://bethsteury.com

Facebook:       Beth Steury, Author
Twitter:           @Beth_Steury
Pinterest:         Beth Steury, Author
Goodreads:      Beth Steury, Author
Amazon:          Amazon Author Page

Filed Under: interview Tagged With: author interview, Beth Steury, indie publishing, self-publishing, writing advice, writing fiction, writing tips, YA fiction

10 Times You Should Be Sending a Press Release

Download this 2-page, easy-to-read PDF that will show you how often you can get your name out there - don't miss another opportunity to promote yourself!

Enter your email address to sign up and receive your FREE copy today!

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.

Contact Me

Connect

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

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 Editing Classes (via the PEN Institute) 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 … [more]

© Copyright 2015 Write Now Editing · All Rights Reserved · Design by Pink Haired Pixels/Carol Jones Media

· All Logos & Trademark Belongs To Their Respective Owners·