In response to the many email messages I receive from other writers who know that they are called to write for the Kingdom, I share what little I know about writing, editing, and getting published.  I still consider myself  "very green" in this industry - but my Help (God, my Father) has been here for quite some time, and I continue to rely on His expertise!  So, with the exception of the next paragraph, understand that I this is just one person's very limited experience.  Take it with a word of prayer!

It's vital that you READ, READ, READ if you want to be a writer.  I read across genres, but I stay away from books that are spiritually damagaing (lots of vulgarity, gratuitous sex).  I get lots of ideas from other writers - phrases, jokes, word-play, etc.  I am also an observer of life.  Almost every day, I write down something that struck me as interesting - a person's name, the way a piece of paper cascaded from my desk to the floor, the way a child who's lost in the grocery store creeps up every aisle, looking for her mother.  Life gives us so much to write about!  That's why it's nice to work or at least have some way to observe people. 

I suppose I should simply continue the rest of this page in a Question-Answer format, otherwise I might write way too much (imagine that)!  So, here goes the Q & A:

Q:  I'm having trouble getting started with my writing.  Can you give me any advice?

A:  You simply have to do it. Generally, I might have 3 or 4 pages started and then I don't like it so I put it in my "thrown out" file on the computer.  After I do that a couple of times, I finally end up writing one that I like and then I run with it.  I often pull something from that "thrown out" file later.  I used to write everything out on paper and then type is up after I was finished.  However, when I was in graduate school and time was of the essence, I quickly learned to do everything (from drafting to final copy) on computer. Since that time, I've learned to do everything on my computer.  If you don't have a computer, don't worry.  You can write things out and put them in digital format at the library or some other place every other chapter or so.

Q:  Do you start with an outline?

A:  No, I don't, and (in all honesty) it does make me a little apprehensive because I'm not all that crazy about ambiguity (my minor was math).  I have had to relinquish that control to the Lord and depend on Him all the more because I NEVER know everything that's going to happen before I get started writing.  I know the general message or idea, but I don't have much information to go on when I get started.  I simply have to write and wait on the Spirit to guide me.  I often anoint my hands and head before I write because I think it's important to write what He wants me to write.

Q: Why didn't you use some of the actual names of Dallas landmarks/restaurants in  Boaz Brown?

A.  There are several reasons why I made that choice.

1.  Sometimes there are copyright issues. Song lyrics, trademarks, slogans - these are all issues of copyright that may have to be negotiated because (in essence) you are making money while using someone else's intellectual / artstic property.  They may be happy to get the exposure - or not.  Just depends.  You can never tell what people will sue for these days.

2.  I made the decision to exclude some specifics because, in our ever-changing world, including some facts might date the book and make it "old" before I want it to be old. 

3.  Sometimes when I make something up, I take the best of two or more things.  For example, I LOVE the bedding in the Wyndham hotels, but I also LOVE the cookies they put on your bed at the Doubletree, and I LOVE the set-up at Embassy Suites.  So, I might make up the Wyndtree Suites - a hotel with huge suites, awesome bedding, and a gourmet bakery - because it's a combination of all three.  A little bit of truth, a ittle bit of fiction :-)

Q:  How often do you write?

A:  I write something every day - whether it's part of a novel, my own personal journal, or something academic in nature, I do write every single day.  When I'm working on a novel, I try to write something in the novel every day because if I don't, I'll forget what's happening in the plot and I'll waste half of my time reviewing.  I do take breaks between projects (mostly for marketing purposes).  

Q: What about other obligations - family, work?

A: You will have to pray about this.  It helps to put a priority on things.  If you're about to plan your wedding while working on your master's degree and holding down a demanding job, this may not be the time for you to start the great American novel.  I'll admit, I was in graduate school and working full-time during the revision of Boaz Brown.  I was very happy to be doing something for the Lord while doing all of this other stuff, but I would be lying if I said that my family didn't suffer in the meanwhile.  Thankfully, God pulled us through - but I learned a lesson and I have changed my lifestyle with those lessons in mind. 

Q: What about an getting an editor?

A: If you don't have anyone who can read your work critically, you should seriously consider hiring an editor - anywhere from a college student to a teacher to a professional editor.  Behind every good writer is a good editor who can show you things that you could not possibly see.  Trying to edit your own work is like trying to do surgery on your own eye. 

Q: What are the "rules" for writing Christian fiction?

A:  With the limited knowledge that I have, I'll say that it depends (ethically) on what your spirit allows and (practically) on what your publisher allows.  I don't stand in judgment of anyone.  Some authors chose to write for a "secular" publisher/audience and include a spiritual message or a moral.   Just know that the CBA (Christian Bookseller's Association) is very influential and some distributors/organizations/people look to the CBA to sanction what's wholly "Christian" and what's not.  Consequently, books may or may not end up in certain catalogs without the CBA's stamp of approval.  I  And yet we all know that part of what we do as Christian writers is to reach out to people who, for whatever reason, WON'T pick up a Bible but WILL pick up a novel.  Concentrate on the telling the story well.  With God's guidance, you can keep it real without compromising standards.

Q:  I've finished my manuscript and worked on it as much as possible.  Do I need a publisher or an agent first?

A:  This is where it gets kind of hairy.  Some people say that you need an agent, some say you don't need an agent if you can sell the work yourself.  I sold my first 3 novels without an agent, self-published a non-fiction work (no agent, of course) and then got an agent for my first young adult novel.  So far, so good.  Having an agent has helped me to spot some things in a contract that I don't want, and she was able to negotiate some things that I didn't even know I should be negotiating for.  Soon, I should be able to compare/contrast.  There are benefits both ways, I'm sure.don't have an agent (per se) at this time, so I can't offer you any 1st-hand advice on that matter.  The biggest thing is that it depends on your publisher.  I After reading "Church Folk" by Michele Andrea Bowen, I figured that Walk Worthy Press (the publisher named in the front of the book) would be a great fit for my book.  I went to Walk Worthy Press's website and looked up their submission guidelines and then sent in my submission without an agent.  For my young adult novel, however, the publishers (Simon & Schuster) required an agent.  Different publisher, different circumstances.  Here's what you need to know about agents: a good agent doesn't get paid until you get paid.  So, don't think you have to scrape up all this money to get one.  Scrape up a good novel and get the agent later!  Be prayerful about which publisher and which agent (if necessary) is the right fit for your work. 

To find a publisher's website, just go to "google.com" and search for the name of the publisher.  That publisher will more than likely post their submission guidelines online.  You might have to click the "about" tab or the "FAQ" tab to get to the information, but what you're looking for are the "submission guidelines."  Those guidelines will tell you how the publisher accepts proposals.  There, you'll find out if they want the first three chapters, the entire manuscript, only a summary, whatever.  Sometimes the publisher will say that they are not accepting unagented or unrequested manuscripts.  Due to the volume of would-be writers, most larger publishing companies don't accept unagented manuscripts.   They use agents kind of like screeners.  So, if you find yourself back to square one and in need of an agent, first PRAY and then get yourself an agent.   You can also visit writers.net for more information about agents and publishers.

Q:  What if I get rejected from publishers or an agents?

A: Rejection letters come with the territory, my dear sister or brother.  I, too, have my fair share of rejection letters for short stories, nonfiction, novellas, and even one for the manuscript which became Boaz Brown.  You must get over this fear.  Publishing houses are inundated with manuscripts.  When you get a rejection letter, it could mean one of many things.  Aside from the fact that the manuscript might need more work, the publisher may reject it because they've already got a book (either published or in the works) that's very similar to the one you've submitted. They may have already reached the number of books they can agree to publish in a certain time period.  There's also the possibility that your work won't fit their market.  Then, there's just the age-old saying: one man's trash is another man's treasure.  Give it another once-over and send it off to someone else!  (I even know of an author who got a rejection letter from a publishing company, waited a while, and sent that same exact manuscript back to that same company and they bought it the 2nd time!)  It's a weird thing - sometimes it's simply a matter of who's in the mail room!  Thankfully, God's children know Who is in control!  Don't get frustrated - everything is in His time!

A hint about rejection letters: the longer and more personalized the rejection letters get, the better you're writing!

Q:  What about self-publishing?

A: With advances in technology, self-publishing is increasingly popular.  While there are many self-publishing-success-stories (Eric Jerome Dickey is one), the ultimate goal of many self-publishers is to be picked up by a major publisher at some point.  And then there are some (Mychal Wynn - educational publisher) who have simply become publishing empires of their own.  You will certainly earn a greater portion of every dollar spent purchasing your book if you self-publish, but then there's the whole issue of how much money you have to put into the cost of production/marketing/distribution.  So, it may be a matter of getting 15% of $100,000 with a major publisher versus getting 50% of $30,000 as a self-published author.  Either way it's $15,000.  If you choose to self-publish, get yourself a good editor and brush up on your business skills.  One of the biggest hurdles that self-published authors face is that there are so many other self-published authors who publish unpolished work that many people are leary of self-pubs.  Your work, your editors, your presentation must be "tight" and maybe even tighter than those who are with mainstream publishers.  It can be done successfully!

Q: What about marketing and promotions?

A: Following the release of the novel, be prepared to get out there and sell yourself and your novel.  Writing is only one part of the job.  Great novels aren't just well-written, they're also well-promoted.  I'm learning, even now, that there is a great deal of networking, marketing, advertising that takes place long after you turn off that laptop! 

More Very Informal Afterthoughts (An ongoing blog of sorts):

I just recently learned that many of the "media" awards (Coretta Scott King Award, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, Newberry Award) have open nominations which means that anybody and their momma can nominate a book for such an award.  Granted, some of them cost money, but the opportunity is awesome.  I guess I always thought that only certain people (literary scholars and the likes) could nominate books.  Caveat: for most of the awards, the book must have hit the stands in the year prior to nomination.  So, for many of the awards, I found out too late.  Oh, well.  All in God's timing!  There will be other opportunities!  And, prayerfully, someone else will read this web page and get the message just in time :-) !

This marketing is really turning out to be a serious thing, I'm gathering.  In my mind, I'm off to the next book.  But as I now understand it, I really need to give a greater amount of attention to promoting what I already have on the market.  New books are great, but I'll only get repeated/more lucrative contracts when I have established a solid record of profitable works.  As my publisher put it, " [In the eyes of a publishing company,] You're almost better off with as a brand new author than as an author with a poor sales record."  That shed a whole new light on this thing as a whole.  Then again, it only makes sense that we would maximize every opportunity God puts before us. 

On the flip side, I looked back over my calendar and realized that in the seven months since the novel was released, I have been on seven book-related trips involving overnight stay. If I throw in the traveling that I do with educational consulting, it would average out to about nearly two overnight/weekend trips a month.  All of that doesn't even begin to account for the time I spend doing things I do in the Dallas area.  I'll be the first to admit that I love FREE traveling, meeting new people, and especially sharing what God has give me by way of my position as a writer and as an educator.  Touring / speaking can be tiring, but I wouldn't trade places with anybody. However, the novelty has worn off and it has simply become part of the territory.  I have a new appreciation for professional athletes and entertainers who are on the road for months at a time.  It is tough being away from home and there is nothing like picking clothes from your own closet, taking a bath in your own bathtub, and sleeping in your own bed (with your husband, I might add).  This brings a whole new light to the fact that "to whom much is given, much is required" - Luke 12:48. 

What all that means is that I have to be very careful with the time I have with my family - guard it with my heart.  It means that I don't watch much TV any more, I don't have time to have long drawn out phone conversations very often, email has become my main mode of communication, and I had to just break down and pay for the most expensive cell phone plan because I always ended up paying extra anyway.  It also means that I must be even more prayerful in accepting invitiations / taking on obligations. 

Writing is hard, hard work!  I talked with my publisher the other week about the fact that so many people just need to know how to get started in the industry.  You know, how to find a publisher, agent, etc.  She let me know that she meets people all the time who say that they have been called to write, that they have a story to tell and a writing bug.  She does not hesitate to give them her card with her phone number and everything.  And then she says, "Now, call me when you have finished writing the entire manuscript."  That's usually the last conversation she has with would-be writers because most writers (myself included) have at least 5 or 6 good stories in our heads and 2 or 3 good starts lying somewhere in a desk drawer or on a computer desktop.

August 2005

If you have a good start lying around, you simply have to keep pecking at it - day by day, word by word.  Every writer who writes in English has the same 26 letters that you have to write a novel.  Nothing more, nothing less.   They simply keep arranging and rearranging those letters over and over to write the story.

In revising Divas of Damascus Road, I'm learning that I have what we in the English Language Arts arena refer to as "thesaurusitis."  I think it may be best if I write with the words that I actually know instead of trying to pull in all of these fancy words that have shades of meaning that I'm really not too familiar with. 

It is hard work.  I am thankful to all of the people who email me and encourage me to keep writing.  Everyone, I think, at some time or another says, "Man, this is too hard!  I don't know if I can finish - I'm nowhere near the end!"  And then we get encouragement and we keep going.  Which reminds me - I need to keep encouraging other people, too!  So, here's to you:  "Pick up that pen or open up that document and keep writing!  Just think of all the people you're going to bless!"  I read somewhere that there is always someone waiting on the other side of your obedience!  Hmmm...I think I'll use that in a novel...

August 2008

It's late and I'm up getting ready to launch the next two books - The Good Stuff and Trouble In My Way - as well as the short story collection, "Moment of Truth."'  I can't believe how much work I've been doing lately.  Last school year, I taught part-time.  It was way too much, partly because there's no such thing as "part-time" teaching, not if you want to do it right.  I really don't know how people work full-time and maintain a successful writing career.  Well, I suppose if I hired someone to do all the marketing, I might be better off (timewise). But the truth is: I enjoy creating a marketing plan, designing flyers, stuff like that.  I hire out when I need to, of course, but marketing gives me a break from writing. 

It's great to have friends in the industry now.  We talk about things, pray through things, and I feel like (thanks be to God) I am well-connected.  Like if I had a special project I wanted to do, I know enough people to be able to ask favors.  And, if I knew of someone who was serious about writing and I knew their work, I could point them in the right direction.  Now I know what that verse means - to whom much is given, much is required.  I'm sorry - I'm too tired to look up the verse reference right now.  Check it out on biblegateway.com.  It's there.

For almost a year now, God has been dealing with me on the issue of humility.  And I see that coming up more and more in other areas of my life.  Not so much writing because, honestly, I didn't get to write much while I was teaching.  I wrote some short stories, but not much more.  I suppose, if I put them all together, it was a lot - but nothing continuous.  I missed writing.  I'm back!  I'll probably get busy really writing in September, after the back-to-school rush.  Sometimes, that's how writing is.  You gotta give it its own space. 

I'm doing a writing workshop at my church for Christian writers.  Really looking forward to it!