Write Now Editing

How I Write: Sally Jo Pitts

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Sally Jo Pitts paid attention when they said, “write what you know.” Wait’ll you find out what she writes! Here’s another fun interview full of great writing tips and ideas.

Thank you so much for talking with me today! What do you write? How/why did you pick your genre?

I write Mystery/Detective because I have worked as a private investigator with my husband in his detective agency for almost thirty years. I also write romance because I enjoy discovering the happily ever after!

I bet you have some amazing perspectives to add to your books! What’s the most difficult part of writing your genre? How do you work through those challenges?

The most difficult part  of writing in both genres is getting the rough draft on the page. I work through my  character and plot idea with dogged determination and attempt to write a scene a day. The first draft is a pretty ugly batch of dialogue, narrative, scene set ups, and notes that I proceed to shift here and there like puzzle pieces throughout the document. I use the Scrivener program which helps me move from scene to  scene and keeps my characters and research notes together in one workspace.

How long does it take you to: write the book? Edit it? Finalize it?

The length of time to write a book has varied depending on the contractual time given for completion. The last three books in my mystery series took six months each: two months rough draft, one month first rewrite, two month rewrites of the rewrites, one month final edits.

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

The first book, Autumn Vindication, was hardest because I had so much to learn. I knew about being a PI but not how to  portray the story and characters. I actually published two romance books before the first mystery book came out. The main characters totally changed from the original draft.

What’s your favorite book on writing?

The Story Equation by Susan May Warren. The book presents a very practical way to think through your characters and the purpose of the journey you are going to put them on.

What writing book do you want to read next?

Writing 21st Century Fiction by Donald Maass. He offers lots of examples of good writing and analyzes why. I am always ready to learn more.

What’s your favorite writers conference?

American Christian Fiction Writers. They offer excellent speakers and agent and editor appointments.

What does your revision process look like?

Here ya’ go. Lots of scribbled notes. This photo was during rewrites of Spring Betrayal and Designed for Love romance book launch going on at the same time.

About the Author: Sally Jo Pitts brings a career as a private investigator, high school guidance counselor and teacher of family and consumer sciences to the fiction page. Tapping into her real-world experiences she writes what she likes to read, faith-based stories, steeped in the mysteries of life’s relationships. She is author of the Hamilton Harbor Legacy romance series and the Seasons of Mystery series. Residing in north Florida with her spunky schnauzer Gibbs, Sally Jo enjoys hot mochas, old movies, and writing scenes from scribbled notes that clutter her house. You can connect with her at  and https://www.facebook.com/sallyjopitts

How I Write: Linda Shenton Matchett

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Linda Shenton Matchett has self-published. She’s been traditionally published. Today, she’s a hybrid author who plots her way through historical romance novels, and she’s sharing her tips and suggestions for new writers. Linda, welcome!

What do you write? How/why did you pick your genre?

I write historical Christian fiction, primarily romance, but I also have five mysteries. I didn’t pick my genre, so much as fall into it.

My first book was a novella as part a group blog project. I had several completed manuscripts at the time, but none were publication ready, so I wrote a retelling of the biblical story of Ruth set during WWII. I followed that up with three more biblical retellings, but struggled when it came to writing anything else. I tried my hand at romance, but about halfway through each story, I’d flail about, not sure what to do with my characters. They did a lot of eating and driving places! Then I attended a mystery writing conference, and that took care of my plot problem! But as much as I enjoyed writing (and solving) the mysteries, I missed the “happily ever after” that comes with a romance…which leads me to the next question.

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

Victorine Lieske’s How to Write a Swoon-worthy Sweet Romance Novel was a game changer for me. The book is a nuts-and-bolts primer that provides an executable process to writing a romance. Too many how-to books are more theory than practice which can be frustrating when trying to apply the concepts. In Ms. Lieske’s book, the first section is an introduction to romance from the “meet-cute” to building emotional intimacy and the climax. In the second half of the book, she takes one of her own books and shows how she uses each technique.

I agree—I love that book! Now, what’s your favorite writers conference? What do you like about it?

Sisters in Crime New England Crime Bake is the mystery writing conference I found when first looking for a conference I could attend between November and April, the “off-season” for the bed and breakfast I ran. It is a smaller conference than most, only about 300 attendees, which means newbies are rubbing elbows with veterans like Archer Mayer, Dennis Lehane, Hallie Ephron, and others.

In addition to panels, lectures, and round-tables, participants can sign up to pitch to agents or editors and get a manuscript critique from an editor or published author. Topics range from skills and craft to marketing and business. So far, I’ve attended the conference for ten years and have learned at least one thing if not more every year.

What’s your writing day like?

I work a full-time job, so I schedule my writing time around those hours. I’m typically at my desk by 6 a.m. and write until about 7:30 when I leave for work. I work an afternoon/evening shift on Thursdays, so I am able to write until lunchtime. (I love Thursdays!). I use Saturdays to handle my social media and marketing.

How do you prepare to write your books: pantser, plotter, both, something completely different?

I am definitely a plotter. The first thing I do is devise the general idea of the story, including the era/year and decide what jobs my protagonists will hold. Then I determine the location of the story. I use a spreadsheet to outline each chapter, indicating the chapter goal/aim (such as setting up their worlds, the meet cute, conflict, tension, etc.) then write a description of exactly what happens in each scene. The other columns are POV, Texture (weather, location), Date, Hook (the last sentence of the chapter that will keep the reader turning pages), and Research (topics that I need to research before I begin writing). Sometimes my characters will “wander off the page,” but for the most part the story is written as planned.

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’m a hybrid author which means I’m both traditionally and self-published. Initially, I wanted the “validation” that came with being traditionally published, and I’ve had good relationships with my publishers, but I enjoy the artistic control that comes with self-publishing. I also appreciate that I can release a book faster as an indie than a publisher can. I use professional cover designers and editors, so my books are of the same high quality as those that are traditionally published. Self-publishing has also allowed me to offer my books in many more online retailers than my publishers use, so I’ve sold books all over the world, which is very exciting.

What advice do you have for new authors?

1) Read! Read lots of books in your genre, but try other genres as well.
2) Write on a regular basis. Skills are learned by practicing You can’t get better if you don’t practice.
3) Join a critique group (not made up of family and friend). Scary, but necessary. You need honest feedback about what works and doesn’t work with your writing.
4) Have a plan for your writing business, because it is a business. Know where you want to go and the steps you’ll take to get there.

If you’ve ever worked with a freelance editor, how did you find that editor? How would you describe the experience?

I’ve worked with three different editors, two of which were continuity editors for multi-author projects, and one of which is my regular editor. I found my editor by referral through a group of Christian indie authors. I’ve been working with her for nearly two years, and the experience has been fantastic. She is fast and effective. In addition to copy editing, she includes comments about story flow if something is confusing or seems out of order/time. She also includes comments when she finds something amusing or interesting, and she always says something encouraging when she returns the manuscript. I couldn’t ask for a better partner.

Linda Shenton Matchett writes about ordinary people who did extraordinary things in days gone by. She is a native of Baltimore, Maryland and was born a stone’s throw from Fort McHenry. Linda has lived in historic places all her life, and is now located in central New Hampshire where she is a volunteer docent and archivist for the Wright Museum of WWII.

Website/blog: http://www.LindaShentonMatchett.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindaShentonMatchettAuthor
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/lindasmatchett
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/Linda-Shenton-Matchett/e/B01DNB54S0
Goodreads Author Page: http://www.goodreads.com/linda-shenton-matchett
BookBub Author Page: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/linda-shenton-matchett
Moments in History YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4b-o_6cD8HkHNyFP-wZwJg

How I Write: Karen Whiting

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Karen Whiting is BUSY! Despite having several books releasing in 2021 and 2022, she still took time to chat with me about her writing process.

Thank you so much for your time! What do you write? How/why did you pick your genre?

God picked it for me. It’s based on what I know in raising kids and being married, so it’s all about the family. He nudged me to share what worked. My brand is Growing Wholesome Families. My tag line is Growing Tomorrow’s Wholesome Family Today.

How long does it take you to write a book? Edit it?

That depends on the book and how many I am writing/editing at once. I like to have 6-9 months but have done books in two months when needed.

If you’ve written multiple books, which was harder: the first book or the following books?

The first book in a series of nonfiction is a bit harder as I have to develop the style, layout, and elements I want in the book.

What conference do you most want to attend? Why?

The Children’s Pastors Conference where I will speak in January because that’s my audience. Children’s ministry leaders make great influencers for my books for families and children. I think we limit ourselves when we only think writer conferences. We need to get with our readers and influencers.

That’s a great idea! Now, what’s your writing day like?

I write from 9 to 4 with breaks if I have interviews. I spend part of the day on marketing.

How do you prepare to write your books: pantser, plotter, both, something completely different?

I design my book and the contents with a spread sheet, so it’s all in one place and it is all sortable. That way I don’t repeat scriptures or activities, etc.. Once that is done, I can just start writing as soon as I have a contract (I never write more than a few devotions, opening units, or chapters before I have the contract). I also develop a proposal even if it is not needed (some of my editors don’t need one for another book in a series) as that sets up my marketing strategy and key book descriptions for marketing once the book is published.

If you have an agent, how did you find/pick your agent? What tips do you have for others looking for an agent?

Rachel Kent at Books and Such is my agent. I have had a number of agents retire. Since I am with Books and Such, if one retires, they match me up with another agent. Love the agency and my agent!

If you are seeking an agent, try to meet up at a conference and certainly have calls to ask questions such as: response speed, what do they do when they get your next manuscript, how do they manage contract negotiations, etc.. Communication is always vital.

What advice do you have for new authors?

Be willing to wait for God’s timing (do you want an Ishmael or an Isaac?). You can work on another book while waiting.

How do you self-edit your manuscript?

I put away the piece for at least a few days. Then I go through the major content to be sure I’m on focus and wrote in an engaging style. Then I check all the verbs. Then I check the format to be sure it is aligned with the rest of the book. I also recheck every scripture used plus I check for my word-of-the-day-itis. I tend to like a certain word each day and repeat it too often.

Karen Whiting (www.karenwhiting.com) writes to help families thrive. Her spring release Growing a Mother’s Heart encourages moms to overcome struggles and rejoice in the joys of motherhood.

She’s a certified writing and marketing coach, international speaker, former television host, and award-winning author of twenty-seven books for women, children, military, and families. She’s sold more than 800 articles for more than sixty periodicals and is a marketing columnist for The Write Conversation Blog and a writer for crosswalk.com. As a writing and marketing coach, Karen helps clients overcome obstacles, develop a personalized marketing plan, maximize strengths in writing and marketing, find direction, focus on what’s salable, and improve their writing ability.

She’s a mom of five (including two rocket scientists) and a grandmother. Karen enjoys adventure like camel riding in the Canary Islands, white water rafting in Australia, and scuba diving off Bermuda’s coast.

How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method by Randy Ingermanson (book review)

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Are you writing a novel, but having trouble getting your first draft written? You’ve heard of “outlining,” but that sounds too rigid for you. You’ve heard of “organic writing,” but that seems a bit squishy to you.

Take a look at the wildly popular Snowflake Method—a battle-tested series of ten steps that jump-start your creativity and help you quickly map out your story. All around the world, novelists are using the Snowflake Method right now to ignite their imaginations and get their first drafts down on paper.

In this book, you’ll follow the story of a fictitious novelist as she learns to tap into the amazing power of the Snowflake Method. Almost magically, she finds her story growing from a simple idea into a deep and powerful novel. And she finds her novel changing her—turning her into a stronger, more courageous person.

Zany, Over the Top, and Just Plain Fun

How to Write a Novel Using the Snowflake Method is a “business parable”—a how-to guide written in story form. It’s zany. It’s over the top. It’s just plain fun. Most important, it’s effective, because it shows you, rather than telling you.

You’ll learn by example how to grow your story idea into a sizzling first draft.

You’ll discover:
* How to define your “target audience” the right way, so you know exactly how your ideal readers think and feel. Forget what the experts tell you about “demographics.”
* How to create a dynamite selling tool that will instantly tell people whether they’ll love your story or hate it. And you want them to either love it or hate it.
* How to get inside the skin of every one of your characters—even your villain. Especially your villain.
* How to find a deep, emotively powerful theme for your story. Do you know the one best point in your novel to unveil your theme—when your reader is most eager to hear it?
* How to know when to backtrack, and why backtracking is essential to writing great fiction.
* How to fire-test each scene to guarantee it’ll be high-impact—before you write it.

This was a weird little book, but quite informative. It was weird because it’s actually a story about how to write a novel.

Ingermanson creates a world in which Goldilocks wants to learn to write and Baby Bear teaches her. While she’s learning, Ingermanson utilizes all the steps and strategies he discusses to create a tension-filled story. At the end of the book, he walks you through each step to show you which parts of Goldilocks’s story align with which step so you can see how the process looks.

I wasn’t a huge fan of the Goldilocks story technique, but I loved the content in the book and will definitely use it in my own writing. I also found this book to be easy to read and digest; I will definitely recommend it to new authors looking for tips on strengthening their stories. Get your copy here!

(As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.)

How I Write: Cindy Ervin Huff

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Author Cindy Ervin Huff and I go way back. I can’t tell you how far back because, honestly … I can’t remember! We’ve known each other online for years, and recently we’ve had the pleasure of meeting IRL at writing conferences.

Today, Cindy’s here to talk about her writing and editing processes, challenges, and more!

Thank you so much for being here! What do you write? How did you pick that genre?

I write historical and contemporary romance. I could say I write it because I love Hallmark and Mary Connelly, but the truth is I love history. Plus, I care about the struggles people have that can make a relationship challenging. I address things like PTSD and abuse in a fictional setting. I’ve had readers tell me my characters are relatable and that I handle the sensitive subjects authentically without excessive details.

What’s the most difficult part of writing your genre?

There are tons of romances out there, and they range from very erotic to no touching at all. The hardest part of writing a romance is to produce believable characters—flawed not only on the inside but also imperfect on the outside—that readers are drawn to. It is so cliché reading about the guy with the ripped body and the girl with the perfect shape. That isn’t realistic. Most of my heroines don’t believe they are beautiful, but their love interests see them differently.

Romance is one of the biggest selling genres and finding the audience who loves to read my style of clean romance is the biggest challenge. But once I find my gals, they are so loyal and anxious for more.

How long does it take you to: write the book? Edit it? Finalize it?

I’d love to say a few months, but I’m not that energetic, and I want to produce something that is publisher ready. It takes three to six months to get the story written (I get interrupted, okay?) and the first two rough drafts finished. Then another couple months to edit it. I have three critique groups I run it through and my hubby. Then after I’ve corrected every typo, grammar error, and writerly mistake I can see before I become blind to them, then I’m ready to create a proposal and pitch it.

If you have written multiple books, which is harder: the first book or the following books? Why?

I have two series I’m working on now. I found the next book in the Healing Heart series easier to write until I got to the end. Then I struggled with providing the damsel-in-distress a totally different ending than the previous book. I’ve started the second book in the Village of Women series, and it isn’t flowing smoothly yet. The first book in a series sets the tone and then you have to keep the same standard or up your game so the reader wants more. I hate reading a series where it feels like the second novel is the same as the first novel’s storyline but with different characters.

For sure! What’s your favorite Writers Conference? What do you like about it?

I love Write to Publish. I’ve attended it for years because it’s right in my backyard. It is well organized and gives off a warm, friendly vibe. And not having to spend money on housing is a plus. I love the Florida Writer’s Conference, which I attend when I can afford to. It has great teachers and that same warm feeling being around fellow writers.

If you’ve ever worked with a freelance editor, how did you find that editor? How would you describe the experience?

I love working with a freelance editor. When my debut novel Secrets & Charades was contracted, I enjoyed working with the editor they provided. I hired her to work with me on another manuscript. I learned more about editing and writing craft while working with her than I did reading craft books.

How do you self-edit your manuscript? 

I run ProWriting Aid as I create to catch typos and grammar as I go along. Then when it is finished or at the minimum, a chapter is finished, I turn on the Read Aloud tab in word and listen to a monotone male reader as I follow along. It’s amazing the errors you still find.  Even in a monotone, a terrible sentence can be caught, because a terrible sentence stands out when read aloud. Then I’m ready for my hubby and me to go over it together. I print out the manuscript, and he takes the seat at the keyboard. I read it out loud and find dialog, etc. that needs fixing.

What does your revision process look like?

While hubby and I go over the manuscript, I delete lots of unnecessary things, shorten sentences, and aggressively tighten scenes. Then I send the manuscript to one of my critique groups and revise according to their suggestion. Then I clean it up again.

Cindy Ervin Huff is an Award-winning author of Historical and Contemporary Romance. She loves infusing hope into her stories of broken people. She is addicted to reading and chocolate. Her idea of a vacation is visiting historical sites and an ideal date with her hubby of almost fifty years would be live theater.

www.cindyervinhuff.com
https://www.facebook.com/author.huff11
https://www.instagram.com/cindyervinhuff/
https://twitter.com/Cindyhuff11Huff
https://www.tiktok.com/@cindyehuff?lang=en

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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