Not All Writing Books Are Created Equal – by Patricia Beal

There are so many writing books out there. How can we know what to buy?

How about I tell you about my favorites and you tell me about yours?

Here goes.

For writing for the right reasons and for doing it with God: The Story of With by Allen Arnold. What's the fuss all about? For me, this book gives me permission to be sane when the whole world screams, "do more." I'm sure it's many things to many people. It addresses our addiction to approval, the toxicity of expectations, and the uselessness of pursuing control and even balance. Revolutionary. A must read. 

Favorite craft book: The First 50 Pages by Jeff Gerke. Why? I love his voice (you'll think he's next to you sharing cool tips over a cup of coffee), the material is fantastic, and he uses movies to illustrate writing/plotting technique. If you're not familiar with a movie, you can become familiar in two hours. If you're not familiar with a novel, it takes longer. A lot longer, if you read like I do. Slowpoke. Yep. That's me.

For deep POV: Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View by Jill Elizabeth Nelson. Oh my goodness, I love this book. Most of us have figured out deep POV by now, but if you haven't, do yourself a favor and don't write another word until you get this. The best part of Jill's book is that it's about 50 pages long and has all it has to have. The reasoning behind deep POV, a breakdown of different aspects with multiple examples of shallow vs. deep side by side, and several exercises. It's wonderful. Did I mention I'm a slow reader? Yes, short books are my friends.

Encouragement for the writing journey: Victim of Grace by Robin Jones Gunn. Robin shares her path to publication, the many times she wanted to quit, the blessings in disguise, and the many troubles of the early stages of the writing/publishing life. She bares her heart and makes us stronger. A wonderful and encouraging read for the frustrated, rejected, tired, and everything in between.

For writing book proposals: Step by Step Pitches & Proposals, by Chip MacGregor with Holly Lorincz. They share several real proposals that landed real book deals (as opposed to unreal ones? what am I writing?). The proposal for our Kara Isaac's debut is part of the book! What they share is fresh, will shorten your proposals' front matter, and get agents/editors attention. Different? Yes. Effective? Absolutely.

Pitch strategy: How to Pitch and Sell your Novel – a chat with James L. Rubart. Not a book, obviously, but a video seminar. This thing is fantastic. It's very unusual, but highly effective. I was scared to try but I did and it paid off. The link is acting funny, but I'm checking with Jim and should soon have something that works. Hold tight. Thanks!

Intro: http://learnhowtowriteanovel.com/blog/2013/05/13/how-to-pitch-and-sell-your-novel-a-chat-with-james-l-rubart/

Video seminar: http://www.mybooktherapy.com/product/how-to-pitch-and-sell-your-novel/

Your turn! What are your favorite resources and why?

Patricia Beal writes contemporary Christian fiction and is represented by Leslie Stobbe of the Leslie H. Stobbe Literary Agency. Her debut novel, A Season to Dance, comes out on May 9, 2017 (Bling! / Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas). The pre-order link is up!

She’s a 2015 Genesis semi-finalist and First Impressions finalist. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Cincinnati in 1998 with a B.A. in English Literature and then worked as a public affairs officer for the U.S. Army for seven years. Now, after a 10-year break in service, she is an Army editor. She and her husband live in El Paso, Texas, with their two children.

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Those Who Can . . .

Good morning, Alice Valdal here.

  I just purchased another book on writing and that prompted me to examine my library.  I am the proud owner of twelve "how to" books on writing, and that doesn't count the books on grammar and style, or the sheaves of notes from workshops.
   Some books, such as Alice Orr's No More Rejections, and Alicia Rasley's The Character Interviews, and Laurie Schnebly's Believable Characters: Creating with Enneagrams I purchased at the end of a workshop.  All of these women are brilliant.  Listening to them discuss the art and craft of writing left me inspired and itching to get at my hands on a keyboard, my next -- and best selling novel -- would be born in just a few months, now that I'd learned "the secret."
   Other books I bought on recommendations from other writers.  The 38 Most Common Fiction Writing Mistakes (And How To Avoid Them), by Jack Bickham was promoted by a fellow writer who claimed it had changed her writing and turned her from a "wannabe" into a contracted author.
    Writing the Breakout Novel by Donald Maass was another recommended purchase.  And what writer worth her salt wouldn't want to learn from Donald Maass, even his recorded lectures inspire.  He makes it sound so straightforward and logical.  Get the right characters into the right kind of trouble, add a ticking clock and the possibility of a sequel and the writer needs an accountant to handle all the money she's bound to make.
     How to Write Best Selling Fiction by Dean Koontz, The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler, Goal, Motivation & Conflict by Debra Dixon and Creating Characters by Dwight V. Swain, I bought from a fellow writer who had given up finding a market for her books.  Some of the information in these books is dated, particularly when it comes to marketing, but the basic lessons on character, plot, structure and emotional impact are timeless.
    All the books mentioned above fall into what I would call craft.  I also have three volumes on what I call the art of being a writer, Bird by Bird, by Anne Lamott,  The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron, and my latest purchase, Seven Steps on the Writer's Path, by Nancy Pickard and Lynn Lott.
    As I'm more of a pantser than a plotter, I turn to these latter books with a sense of relief.  Much as I love and use the craft books, much as they have to teach me, I sometimes feel they put me in a box that's too small and then push down on the lid.  But there is danger in the other books as well.  Julia Cameron wants me to go on "artist's dates" with myself.  I embrace the concept and can put off actually putting pen to paper for weeks, while I fill my soul with trips to the art gallery, the gardens, the beach, the lavender farm . . .  You get the picture.
    Ann Lamott encourages me to read and read and read.  Great advice and I'm happy to curl up on the couch or stretch out at the beach with a bag of books for company.  But at some point anyone who wants to be an author need's to put down her favourite reads, and actually write something of her own.
    Owning this wealth of advice and encouragement reminds me of the old saw "if you're so smart, why ain't you rich?"  Or, to put it in writer's parlance, "if you know so much, why aren't you a best selling author?"
     The answer is, of course, that there is no secret, no magical formula, no step-by-step process that will propel the hopeful author to stardom.  Writing fiction is both art and craft, each author brings his or her own life experiences, belief system, skill and dedication to the work.  Each writer is unique, and we create our own unique works.  Sometimes those stories resonate with millions of readers, other times they resonate only with the author.  Each of us must decide our own writing goals, our own process and our own vision.  
     I'm delighted with all my "how-to" books and I'm grateful to the authors who have generously shared their wisdom and their experience.  I salute authors everywhere who have slogged through the hard stuff and found success in the publishing world and I congratulate those who follow their writing dreams without the world's recognition.  
    Books enrich our lives, mirror our times, leave footprints in history and brighten the lives of millions and millions of readers.  
    So, what's your favourite "how-to" book?  Do you prefer books on the craft of writing or the philosophy of being a writer? Is there one missing from my library that I absolutely must have? :-)

Alice Valdal is the author of two historical romance novels, one contemporary romance novel and a collection of short Christmas stories.  She is a member of Vancouver Island Chapter of Romance Writer's of America and an avid collector of books on the art and science or writing.

DEVOTION: The Craft Shop ~ by Ray Hawkins

The robbery of the Beaconsfield bank of its gold was sensational on July 23rd 1884. The amount stolen was 2,600 pounds equal to over $2 million dollars today.

Time has passed. So to has the bank. It is now a craft shop for the West Tamar craft creating people. The skills of the people from the area is wonderful. From wood turning to wool garments. Paintings and miniature dolls to jewellery and books. All and more is on display and sale.

I’m a volunteer there as my books and Mary’s sit begging people to peruse and purchase. Twice a month my days come around. It is interesting as folk from all around the world drop by.

As I look at the variety of the crafts it reminds me of the creative power the Lord has bestowed upon us. More than that I read in Ephesians 2:10 that when we give our lives to Christ Jesus by faith He makes us His unique masterpiece.

For many of us we remain works in progress. There seems to be some chip to smooth, a few loose threads to mend and maybe a fair bit of polishing to attend too. None of that detracts from the fact each of us are the Lord’s work. As the shop contains a wide range of creative work, so too does the Church.

When the Lord displays to the world what He has done it is often through people such as us. People com into the shop looking for something special for themselves or others. When people come to the Church there is a similar attitude. How wonderful it is when they spy what they need in your life or mine. Greater still the thrill to show how Christ Jesus through his word can create in that person also.

Over to you: In what area of your life is the Lord presently working?

Ray Hawkins is retired after 30 years as a minister. 

He is author of five books of Biblical meditations which you can see on his blog site. 

Do visit his stunning new blog and say hello!