Time for Beta Test Readers

I'm ready for a break from revisions on my work in progress. Luckily, it's ready for a break from me.

Going through a final draft for the sequel of my recent book, Secrets of the King's Daughter, has stirred up feelings of inadequacy as a writer. We generally would expect to get better with experience and time in any endeavor, but I'm wondering if my second book will measure up to the overall good response of the first. Apparently this is normal.

I've been following a group discussion where even experienced authors expressed the constant battle against these feelings. For one thing, we're human and sense our own frailties. On top of that is the volume of quality books that readers can pick from instead of our own. We have to measure up and we don't want to disappoint anyone. Writer or not, we've all experienced a form of self-doubt. How do you get over yours?

In this instance, I'm losing enthusiasm/interest because of the number of times I've gone over this project. I'd rather move on to new writing than look for another word to cut from a sentence. My critique group has already read through my manuscript (Alpha Readers), I've made tweaks and read through the whole thing once more. I'm ready to give it over to Beta Readers (test readers). They provide a fresh set of eyes on my manuscript. I don't have to rely on my opinion of scenes that I know inside and out. The true test is a sampling of readers who have never seen my story. If they know something of story structure or can at least tell me which spots feel slow, their feedback is invaluable. Unseasoned writers like myself should never skip this step. In fact, I'm celebrating getting to this point.

A writer friend sent out the following quote. Perhaps I'll have to keep this in mind when the next stage of feedback comes in:
"Because we are being constantly exposed to the world’s definition of success and greatness, it is understandable that we might ...frequently find ourselves making comparisons between what we are and what others are, or seem to be, and also between what we have and what others have. … We often allow unfair and improper comparisons to destroy our happiness when they cause us to feel unfulfilled or inadequate or unsuccessful. Sometimes, because of these feelings, we are led into error, and we dwell on our failures while ignoring aspects of our lives that may contain elements of true greatness." President Howard W. Hunter, May 1982.

Good Feedback: Don't Get Down, Get Better!

Don't let healthy feedback 
bog you down with extra baggage.

I've noticed a pattern with my current project. I'll write some new scenes, check them over, and send them off to my critique group. What happens? Those pages I liked so well will come back with many comments and tracked changes marked. Sigh. That's the norm in this business. Before I tell myself (again) that I'm no good at this new genre, it deserves closer inspection. Here's what I've discovered:
1. It comes in threes. I send the first draft, revise and send the second draft, and by the third go around, we're all pretty happy with my scene. Good feedback plays an important role in progression.
2. I'm seeing the same scenes with rewrites two and three times from my partners. This tells me that we are all in the same boat, we all struggle, and we all make improvements each time we incorporate good feedback. Revisions are a necessary part of the game.
3. This doesn't mean our writing sucks or is still on the same level as when we first formed our group. More likely, our critiques are getting more sophisticated and our editing skills are improving along with the writing. All aspects of the craft will improve with regular exercise.
4. The trick to staying positive and not taking well-intended suggestions personally is knowing we can make improvements when we recognize the reason for the comment. Who doesn't want their craft to get better? So, when a comment last week said, Boring. You can do better, and was softened by a smiley face, I checked the highlighted portion and recognized it as Telling. Okay, I can fix that. No wounded ego necessary.

All of the above is based on feedback from those who share mutual trust,  respect, and similar skill levels, of course. I don't recommend you stay in a group where neither the feedback makes sense nor they have anything positive to say. The same person who told me a few words were boring wrote this at the end of my submission: Nicely written scene! Much more realistic and fun to read!

With healthy feedback, don't let it get you down, turn it into better writing. Fear rejection? Click here for a wonderful, inspirational post by my niece, Hannah Holt, called The Art of Tumbling: How to Fail without Falling to Pieces. It goes well with today's topic.

Going Bold in 2016--Courage for Writers

I never thought I would swim with stingrays or tile a floor, but I have. What about those things we planned to do but didn't? As the saying goes, Go bold or go home.
 
Writers take risks all the time, and the ones I've heard talk about it, don't ever get totally comfortable with them. Whether it's summoning the guts to share your writing with friends and family--heaven forbid the public should read it!--or marketing scares you to death, there's at least one aspect of the writing craft where authors need courage.
 
Why and how to go bold:

• To prove something to yourself. You've always wanted to write it, now tell yourself that you can. Others have proven it's possible. They all had a starting point. Work toward the "I can too" attitude. Give yourself positive vibes and permission to succeed.
• To gain a greater audience. Change your perspective. Telling others about your book or project is helpful to them. You are giving information so they can decide. You are sharing something they can learn from or enjoy. Be enthusiastic without overusing your messages.
• The year is going to pass anyway. Why not do what you've always wanted to do? Find a support group, critique partner, mentor, or other available resources for encouragement and motivation.

My debut book comes out in two months. This is both scary and exciting. I'll have new experiences, but life is full of those, right? I'll hope for the best and deal with any negatives because I'm doing what I love. It's worth the risk. Let this be the year that you go bold too! Write on!

Making a Difference as a Reader or Writer

A critique group member and I recently read through a fairly polished 100-page submission and only two of our comments were about the same thing. Two comments out of 100 pages! That tells me how valuable to the writer it was to have more than one feedback viewpoint. A rough draft might see more overlapping. But the point is that each reader makes a difference. Eventually she'll need more readers, and each person's feedback will give the writer a chance to see how her story came across. Each reader picks up on different things and cares about or ignores different things in a manuscript or book. Each has their own opinions.
 
A few days ago I happily discovered a new writer friend. She offered to be a beta reader. That was huge to me. It's a big time commitment for someone to read through and comment on an unpublished manuscript. They don't always know what they are in for, unless they have already read something of the writer's or enjoy that genre. It will be nice to draw from willing readers rather than beg for them when the time comes. Her kind offer made a difference.
 
Writers make a difference by supporting other writers and exposing their polished stories. Share your craft knowledge and lend encouragement. I know a few good writers who don't want to risk the fact that opinions of their work will vary and some may be hurtful. Don't be a closet writer. No one else can write your story! It took you too much time to keep your project to yourself. Please make it the best you can, and then share it with us. Your best is good enough for the majority.
Readers make a difference by giving helpful comments, reviewing books, and supporting writers by buying books.
Who will you make a difference to this week?
 

From Journals to Facebook Posts - Finding Ways to Preserve Memories

This week people of the LDS faith remember the early pioneers who sacrificed to get to Utah's Salt Lake City valley. Many great, emotional stories are retold from that era, some of which have been made into movies. Where did these stories come from? Journals. If not for journals, details would be lost and forgotten or embellished over years of telling, like the size of the fish that got away.

 

How are you preserving stories and memories? Get over the idea that you have nothing to say or that nobody cares, and consider it a duty. It can be anything from keeping a daily journal, a weekly half hour of jotting down some memories, or simply adding captions to those Facebook photos you keep posting. Use the date and location features, give a brief accounting of what is going on, and let the appropriate audience know something from your personal living history. That file of photos can also be used to spur memories that can be written down later. Talk to a tape recorder, if you prefer. Set up a weekly email question and answer session with your grandkids or ask questions to a grandparent, where you talk about those good ol' days. Print a copy for your records.

I don't consider myself "old" yet, but I can tell you that there's a lot of things from my life that I've already forgotten. It's a good thing I wrote a life history of my first thirty years and a summary of the rest. Find something that works for you and do it before the memory swims away forever! Someone will be thankful you did.

How Much Teamwork Does a Solitary Writer Need?

Remember those group school projects you were forced into? Someone would write up the research, someone would do the oral report, and someone would make the poster. Each could emphasize their talent while learning to work in a group setting. Teamwork is an important part of sports, parenting, the workplace--even for the solitary writer.

Members of my extended family participated last week in the Wasatch Back Ragnar Relay Race. A team of 12 took turns running sections of 200 miles along Utah's Wasatch mountains over two days. In the months/weeks prior it was interesting to see the emails flying back and forth. There were posts about who ran how far that day, ordering team shirts, a cry for volunteers, etc. Two of my sons ran as team members, my husband drove the Van 2 group around, and extended family took other important roles. As for me, I mostly let them plow forward on their own without complaining. Job description: background supporter. But hey, performers need an audience just like authors need readers.

What does teamwork mean for writers? If the bare minimum for a soccer team member is practicing and playing in the game, a writer's equivalent could be practicing the craft and putting his project together. The soccer player who wants to go beyond the minimum will incorporate what her coach says, watch and learn from advanced players, and find ways to improve. Writers can learn from critique partners, conference classes, books they read, etc.

While it's true that most writing is done in solitary moments, writers who want to share their work must eventually become a team player. Start by being responsible to a critique or accountability partner. Expand to a critique group, beta readers, an editor or hired professionals. A publication and marketing team will come into play. Later on, readers will become part of the team; fans need a form of connection. Even if you only want to write, you will end up on a team. Be the best team player you can be: Work hard. Learn from others. Ask for and give help. Don't allow 'the team' to be all-encompassing.

What makes a good team member to you?

Keynote Adress at Storymakers 2015 - Martine Leavitt

Just got back from my favorite Writer's Conference--LDStorymakers. Loved the classes, seeing friends, and getting inspired. For me, the keynote address by Martine Leavitt was one of those inspiring moments. She shared her own personal journey to success and how we need to believe in ourselves.

Martine compared herself to her talented sisters. In trying to find her own area to excel, she turned to writing since she loved to read. Trying held as much frustration as satisfaction. Finally the day came that she didn't throw away what she wrote the previous day. She sent off several articles, which were rejected. What was with that? Did she have to do more than convey a meaning? Maybe it should be interesting, original. Maybe she should think of the reader. Martine learned humility.

Craving more time to write, Martine made tough choices while raising a family and serving in her church. She remained true to a commitment to write every day, even if for a few minutes. It made her happy, but also taught the value of each word. "Write each word as if it is special," she said. "A parent who is happy because she writes is worth a lot."

Life threw some curves Martine's way. She became a single parent, remarried, had a large family, new job, etc. She learned that the way you live matters. Service gave her a new type of love to be a better writer. We need to hear the hearts of others. We need to believe in ourselves and be humble. We need the influence of the best books, children in our lives, and learning to love.

What I write shouldn't be determined by others. There are those that think Mormon writing is filled with too much sunshine. Gray areas are not as interesting as darkness where light breaks through. The world hungers for the types of books we can write. Make a work of art of ourselves and believe.

A couple of her thoughts on talent:
Talent can be dangerous because you might believe you don't have to work hard.
Believing you have a talent gives a responsibility to it. Believe.

Secret to Author Success = Hard Work

Nobody is perfect, but sometimes we use too many excuses for delaying/not finishing a project. My goal of getting Missionary Stories submitted to my publisher by now has come and gone. Again. My other WIP (work in progress) took priority because it has critique group deadlines and is more fun to work on. That's because the stage I'm at is one of organizing, copying permissions, and filling out submission forms instead of creating. So close.  

Are you achieving your goals? What is preventing your success? Here's a little "tough love" list from Jim F. Kukral of the Author Marketing Institute. He gives 13 reasons we aren't as successful an author as we should be, which I have summarized or you can view the webinar. Rather than beat yourself up and suffer writer's guilt, pick one thing to improve/correct over the next month. You won't regret it!

1. Laziness. Examine how you think and act.
2. Entitlement. Nobody owes you anything; get to work!
3. Fear. Authors take many risks. Imagine what you can do when you stop the fear excuses.
4. Negativity. Surround yourself with successful, positive people.
5. Stop Thinking. Don't analyze, do instead of think.
6. No Goals. Plan, rather than play it by ear. Write them down and keep them with you.
7. "They". Forget everyone else. You alone control your success.
8. No "X" factor. It doesn't matter how outgoing or beautiful you are. Just work hard.
9. Time Wasters. Unproductive work that doesn't achieve your goals. Are you busy doing the right things?
10. Social BS. Too much time spent on social media.
11. Thinking Too Small. Think long-term. Lead rather than follow.
12. Don't Want It. Fight negative internal messages. Believe instead of dream.
13. Don't Believe. Ignore messages that say only a few succeed. It's hard work that wins, not luck.

As for me, I have a plan now to quit analyzing things and do the actual work. In one month's time, I expect to have this submission behind me. It's public now; got to do it. Just saying.

Freedom of the Written Word

With recent celebrations of Easter and LDS General Conference sessions (Mormons) fresh on my mind, I turn today to a deeply personal subject that has stirred the passions of many for thousands of years--the freedom to speak and write that which one believes. Kings have beheaded citizens for speaking their minds and armies have fought against losing such privileges. That which we think, we often share. Reasons include educating, debating, helping, convincing, soliciting change, socializing, expressing emotion, and negative purposes like hurtful gossip. There is mighty power in words.

My book projects have so far been devoted to a select niche of readers, hoping to inspire and entertain the LDS audience. My subject matter has only been possible through the acceptance of religious freedom. I must allow others to express their contrary opinions, as they must allow me the same. The individual has choice over which material to read, listen to, accept or reject.

In gathering and editing stories for my soon-to-be-completed narrative non-fiction books, Missionary Stories and Bishop Stories, I have been touched and uplifted by the experiences of others, and desire to share them. This would not be possible without the freedom of the written word. Whether or not these are traditionally or self-published, there exists today many options for writers to share their written works. I feel blessed to be able to participate in spreading the written word of that which I see as good.

The power to move others is in you. Move forward on your own writing goals.

Persistance in Writing Takes More Than Luck

Is luck with you, are you marching forward with enthusiasm? If so, congratulations. Keep it up as long as possible. Eventually, most writers hit a wall at one point or another. The ideas don't flow and neither does the writing. Life may have taken them out of the writing loop for a while and riding the roller coaster again seems daunting. Writing is not for wimps. But there is hope. Most of those writers get back on track.

Over the past few months, I've had moments of feeling a bit off-track. Probably because I'm not in a stage of writing every day. Final revisions with small tweaks are not as stimulating to me as writing fresh scenes or major rewrites. I put off getting back to my sequel novel because I was stuck in the storyline. Looks like I have an online critique group about to start up, so that will spur me on. Once a week I work on gathering and rewriting missionary stories and find that enjoyable, but it's not practical for every day. Sometimes I read blog articles or play at connecting on Facebook. What it comes down to is doing things that make us feel like a writer while putting off writing! Sound familiar?

Here's some things we can do about it now:
1. Remember what you love most about writing and spend part of every day/week doing that stage.
2. Take a short break. Just keep in the back of your mind that you will return to it and estimate when.
3. Make a change. A change in routine, priorities, work on a different story, try a new outlining method. Change can stimulate.
4. Just do it. Sit down at the computer (or in long hand) and write a throw-away paragraph or a page of anything to get you going. Or try whatever writing exercise you like. Sometimes we just have to get back on the bicycle and start peddling.
5. Reward yourself. Make simple goals with small rewards and bigger rewards for the completion of ten simple ones.
6. Take all the positive encouragement you get from family, friends, critique groups--anywhere it is found--and use that energy to keep moving forward. 

Persistence does pay off and so does attitude. I'm calling today my lucky day because Bishop Stories is finally going off to submission land! Wish me luck!
What helps you persist at your writing goals?

The new-to-me blog of the week is a popular one from writer Janice Harda: blog.janicehardy.com  With a name like Fiction University in her blog, you can guess she is a writing teacher. This blog offers more than a thousand helpful articles. I know she has one or two in there that will help me unstick my plot problem. Have a great week!

Bearing Gifts Year Round

I found a great yearlong quote that holds added meaning at Christmas.
"Each day comes bearing Gifts. Untie the ribbons...." - Ann Ruth Schabacker
Do we look at each day with the same anticipation a child does when seeing presents under a Christmas tree? Granted, Christmas is a special time for both the reason we celebrate and the fact that it only comes yearly. But our participation also makes it magical and gets us in the proper mood.
It is my hope that we can look forward to each day's writing time with the expectation that magic will unfold if we simply untie whatever holds us back. The gifts are there, waiting. Even if you end up rewriting most of it, you have created something no one else has, and in the process, there is likely a magical phrase or two that are keepers. Put those efforts together and someday you can bear your gift to others.
Happy writing and Merry Christmas!

Anne Perry - Keynote Address

 

Oh my gosh, what a great writers conference!International bestseller Anne Perry inspired attendees with a powerful keynote address Friday at the LDStorymakers Conference in Provo, Utah. She began with a connection to the past through words and storytelling. Greek mythology and Bible stories were mentioned. The importance of words was further emphasized when Perry turned  her remarks into a personal pep-talk to each listener. "Books give companionship, knowledge, beauty," she listed. "Maybe your words could give this to someone else." Sharing emotion, from laughter to grief, were encouraged. "Put it down with your heart . . . You can do it." So good to have a cheerleader of such renown. So glad I was there. I hope passing along these thoughts has helped to make your Monday more meaningful (or any day you read this.)
I will share thoughts and snippets of what I learned from the conference in the next few posts. Please check back and I hope you have a great week!

Left Brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quirky, writers are sure to be included. Don't get me wrong. I love my writer friends. Almost every writer I've met at conferences and through social media has been delightful and several acquaintances have developed into lasting friendships. We share common goals but do we share common quirks? Let's see. Own up to your own idiosyncrasy first, keep it in mind, and compare with mine. Ready?

I think my quirk has something to do with the dominant Left Brain side of me. Yeah, that's the scientific/analytic side, not the artistic/creative side. In that case, maybe it has nothing to do with quirky artists--just my dominant brain coming through in a quirky way. See what you think. My Quirk: I play with letters when I'm revising/highlighting. Words that change before my eyes fascinate me. It's a visual stimulation. For a brief instant, it gets in the way of my Right Brained flow during revisions.

Here's what I mean:  I'm changing 'have' to 'leave' and I start highlighting the word to replace it when I notice that several letters are the same.       have → leave = __ave   
These don't even rhyme but my eye tells me I don't have to replace the whole word, just some of the letters. If the letters to change are within one swipe of my cursor, I'll leave the ones that already exist. Maybe it's a fairness issue. Wouldn't want those letters that can stay on the page to get unnecessarily wiped out when they were there first, now do we?

What oddity peculiarity do you confess to have? Remember that quirks make you YOU and you don't have to change them for anyone. Start the new year by embracing the neither good nor bad quirks that make you unique. 

Publish or Die Trying?

Hi Friends. I'm pondering a question and I hope you'll give me your thoughts on it. You know how some school classes are graded on a bell curve or some other system that makes certain a percentage of students will get 'A's, 'B's, etc.? The bottom students will fail, the top rise. Those in the middle are stuck.
Does this apply to getting published?

I've heard published authors say to keep at it and eventually your efforts will be rewarded. It's not a matter of if, but when. You will become published. It kind of makes sense. The more you practice and learn, the better you get. Too bad it's not like an absolute scale where if you meet the standards--do such and such--you get an 'A'. You win. The problem is that getting an agent or publishing relies on winning over the opinions of skilled others and nailing market needs at the right time. Too many factors without absoluteness.
Should all of this concern writers? Will all our efforts be in vain?

No. Not for me anyway. Not when I'm doing what I love. And I'm seeing progress. Hope is what we have to hold on to. There are milestones along the way and success could be just around the corner. Besides, there are indie and other publishing options if we need a plan B.
What do you think?

On a similar note, a friend of mine from my former critique group just saw his first book published. I recall one point in his earlier frustration where we told him that time would pass whether or not he completed his project so he may as well do what the editors wanted. Now he can celebrate. I want to give a shout out to Brock Cheney and his playful nonfiction about Mormon pioneer food-ways in Plain but Wholesome.

Good Words

  My son is home recovering from surgery. It was a shock to him to feel weak and recognize that healing will take some time. It got me thinking about this instantly gratified generation. We want fast food, fast internet, the fast lane. In reality, many times the saying is true about good things coming to those who wait. Such it is with the writing craft.
  Getting published takes time and hard work. Staying positive goes a long way whether one is recovering from surgery or writing setbacks. What can we do along the mountainous road to keep our chins up and our fingers flying? Many things. Recognize that there's always gonna be another mountain, even after one is published. Find joy in the journey. Think of how far you've come, how much you've grown, the goals you've accomplished. Celebrate every thousand words with a little chocolate. You get the idea. Find what works for you.
  Now that I'm doing revisions, I see a lot of mistakes. But it only means I've learned something. Finding weak verbs, those thought words, that telling instead of showing. That's progress, right? Growth. Encouragement. Patience. Those are good words. At least that's what I'm telling myself.