Unexpected Happiness

by Beth K Vogt @BethVogt

"Happiness often sneaks in through a door you didn't know you left open." -John Barrymore

Today’s photo makes me smile.

Yeah, I look like a bit of a goof … but I’m an extremely happy goof. Those two women wrapping me in a hug? Not only are they tremendous blessings in my life — they are both huge surprises.

It all goes back to my belief that God’s best is often behind the doors marked ‘Never.’ One of the “never” doors he’s walked me through is the one I marked “I will never write fiction.” When I walked through that door, I met Susie May Warren and Rachel Hauck.

At first they were merely best-selling, award-winning authors of books I loved to read.

Then they became writing teachers — mentors — as I realized I had a lot to learn about this thing called “writing craft.”

And then they became friends — real, true friends.

Surprise, surprise, surprise.

I know God walks us through those never-ever-ever doors to change us. To challenge us. To conform us to His image. But I also know that He knows there’s happiness waiting for us behind those doors too.

In Your Words: What unexpected happiness awaited you behind a door you marked “Never”? 

TWEETABLE
What unexpected #happiness is waiting for you behind a door marked never - @BethVogt (Click to Tweet)

Beth K. Vogt believes God’s best often waits behind the doors marked “Never.” 

A nonfiction writer and editor who said she’d never write fiction, Beth is now a novelist with Howard Books. She enjoys writing inspirational contemporary romance because she believes there’s more to happily-ever-after than the fairy tales tell us. Connect with Beth on her website, Twitter, Facebook, or check out her blog on quotes, In Others’ Words.

Build powerful TURNING POINTS in a novel (An Equation!)

Edie here: I'm super excited to have my dear friend and writing-coach-extraordinaire, Susan May Warren guest posting today. I begged her to come for two reasons: 1. because she always has such incredible information to share about novel writing and 2. because she has a new novella collection available for preorder and I wanted to help spread the word. So be sure and take a look at the offer for  Somewhere, My Love at the end of the post!

Build powerful TURNING POINTS in a novel (An Equation!)
by Susan May Warren @SusanMayWarren

For most authors, setting up the right Act 1 feels natural—you introduce a character, give him a problem, invite him on a journey and then . . .

I’m Making a List—of the Best Writing, Publishing & Marketing Books in 2014

by Edie Melson @EdieMelson

Today’s post relies heavily on your participation.

I’m going to share the book industry books that have helped me the most this year. 

But I’m only one person and can only read so many books. Think of the to-be-read list we’ll compile when we put our heads together!

Edie’s Picks of Best Writing, Publishing and Marketing Books for 2014

Thursday Review—The Truth About Conference

Guest post by Susan May Warren

Are you ready to attend a writers conference?

The reality is, if you want to be published – and stay published – you need to attend Writer’s Conferences. But you shouldn’t attend unprepared. This is why the mulit-published, award-winning novelists and conference coordinators on the My Book Therapy staff wrote: The Truth about Conferences: the MBT guide to how to have a successful writers conference.

Writers conferences are overwhelming. But when you prepare yourself, they can also change your life.

To celebrate this book – and to give you some tips and tricks – we’re having a Truth about Conferences Webinar on Thursday night, 7pm CST on our MBT Open House channel. To join us, and to get a free excerpt, LIKE our Facebook page (the excerpt and registration link will appear!)

OR, if you want to skip the webinar, and still get a launch discount, sign up HERE. We’ll be announcing the discount code and sending out the link during the webinar and afterwards.

Here’s some things you’ll learn:

• How to choose a conference
• Budgeting for a conference
• How to prepare professionally with business cards and pitch sheets
• Choosing the right workshops
• How to handle appointments
• Organizing your time and information
• Standing out in a positive way
• Conference Etiquette
• How to pack for success
• And even how to network to after the conference is over!

Be prepared with the truth, the right expectations, and the tools for success. Because knowing the truth about conferences…just might get you published.

Blessings on the journey!

Susie May Warren

Founder, MBT

Thursday Review—NaNoWriMo

Last November, our own Lynn Blackburn posted a review ofNaNoWriMo (short for National Novel Writing Month). This year, I thought I’d give you a little heads up BEFORE November arrives.

NaNoWriMo is an idea that has exploded in popularity. The idea is that you write the first draft (minimum of 50,000 words) of a novel in one month. At first this may sound ridiculous, but many writing instructors advocate writing your first draft quickly, without editing. James Scott Bell encourages this in his book, The Art of War for Writers. I highly recommend this book, by the way and it was the very first book reviewed on this blog. Curious to learn more? Click here to read the review.

So how do you get involved with NaNoWriMo?

• First, visit their website and set up an account.
• Second, familiarize yourself with their site and the many things they offer.
• Third, start brainstorming ideas. 

Yep, I’ve found it helps me to have an idea of where I’m going with my novel. I don’t want to get into the whole, plotter or pantster debate, but I highly recommend at least a glimmer of an idea before you start.

And I have the perfect place to help you get ready—My BookTherapy. This group, started by award winning author, Susan May Warren, is dedicated to help writers succeed. Last year, MBT began WriMo, a smaller group of NaNoWriMo writers and the result was phenomenal. They had contests, help groups, everything a manic novelist could need (except chocolate—and I urge you to stock up on that). This year they will continue with the contests and fellowship and I’ve also heard rumors of special WriMo recipes, organization techniques and lots of other fun. I strongly urge everyone pop over and see what they have to offer this year. You will need to register and become a voice. But there's no fee involved for general access.

Still unconvinced it’s for you? Consider this, people participate in NaNo for many reasons—many of them good—here are just a few to consider.

• For Fun: maybe you’ve been toying with the idea of writing a novel. Here’s your time to give it a try.
• To Jumpstart Your Next Book: if you write professionally, the work of writing can sometimes get in the way of actual writing. NaNo can help you get back on track.
• An Accountability Group: Some of us just do better when we have to report on our progress. NaNoWriMo actually requires that.
• A Deadline and Goal: I don’t know about you, but I can do almost anything for a month—give up chocolate, start an exercise program, get familiar with a new routine. Why not try writing a novel?
• Company in a Lonely Endeavor: writing is a solitary pursuit and can often be intimidating and discouraging. Aligning with a group that has a shared goal and purpose helps alleviate the loneliness and helps keep us motivated.
• To Win: yes, I admit it. I’m highly competitive and just thinking about NaNoWriMo gets my adrenalin pumping. 

I’d love to keep up with all of you who are doing NaNoWriMo, so be sure to leave a comment and let us know your NaNoWriMo name (you choose it when you register). Mine is easy to remember:

EdieMelson

Also, if you’ve participated in NaNoWriMo previously, we’d like your suggestions and comments on the experience.

So, don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Thursday Review—My Book Therapy

This week I want to bring an amazing resource to your attention—especially if you’re trying to connect with those who write fiction or creative non-fiction.

My Book Therapy is a website started by award-winning, best-selling novelist, Susan May Warren. Susie has a heart to help others achieve their publishing dreams, and I was fortunate enough to stumble on this group in 2009 at the ACFWAnnual Conference. This group has become my go-to place for a lot of my online, fiction writing and community needs.

This group has also become my community. It's where I go when I need support or sympathy. These men and women share much more than just a love of writing. They care about each other's successes, struggles and triumphs no matter what the arena. As a writer, community is vitally important and I can't imagine a better one than what I've found at My Book Therapy.

It’s so simple to get plugged in here, to become a part of the group—you just have to sign up to become a voice. As of December 1, 2011, there will be a tiered membership option, with the higher levels requiring a small monthly fee. But general membership will still be free. So what advantage is there to becoming a Voice? 

• An amazing bi-monthly writing e-zine, called, appropriately enough, Voices.
• A weekly Monday night chat with experts to help you develop your story and your writing skills.
• A daily blog, covering fiction writing techniques, editing, social networking and the business side of writing.
• A place to connect with other writers who share your passion for excellence and genre.
• Special events, online and in person, some open only to Voices. 
• An active, confidential, prayer team.

I know a lot of you who follow this blog are also members of My Book Therapy and I’d love for you to share what it’s done for you.

In the meantime…

Don’t forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

The Value of a Contest

Lessons Learned From The Frasier
by Edie Melson

Today I want to share a post about writing contests—specifically about a new contest—The Frasier. I’ve been in this business for a while and I’ve entered a bunch of contests. I’ve even won a couple. But the value of contests for me hasn’t come with winning. It’s come with learning to put myself out there, dealing with seemingly unfair critiques by judges and by not always finishing first.

Reasons to Enter

• It’s good practice. For anyone with a desire to be published it’s necessary to take a risk. Any time we submit something we have the possibility of rejection.
• It’s the mirror image of the REAL world of publishing. I've heard a lot of comments about various contests and the unfairness of the judges—actually I've made some of those comments. But it’s important to remember the publishing industry is a subjective world. Sometimes we don’t get the job just because they don’t like our writing. We may have followed all the rules and turned in a nearly perfect piece, but it just doesn't resonate with the powers that be. As professionals we have to learn to deal with that and move on.
• It gives us anonymous feedback. I don’t know many people who are comfortable delivering bad news to someone they know. The same is true of critiques. Sometimes the only way we learn the hard stuff is when the person behind the red ink is covered with anonymity.

A New Contest to Consider

There are lots of good contests out there, but today I want to concentrate on a new one you might not have heard of. The Frasier is the brain child of Susan May Warren. I’ve mentioned Susie on this blog many times before—especially in conjunction with her amazing website—My Book Therapy.

When she announced a brand new fiction contest last year I knew I had to give it a try. I wasn’t disappointed. I received the most valuable feedback I’ve ever gotten through a contest. The judges didn’t just say they didn’t agree with something—they gave me concrete advice on why it didn’t work and how to fix it. They also took time to let me know what I was doing right.

None of this was by accident—Susie set it up this way. Her judges critique/score sheets ask for specific information and makes certain the judges communicate the helpful, and difficult, critiques we all need to shape us into better writers.

The Bottom Line

• Why did I enter last year? Because I trusted Susan May Warren. This year I’m entering for the same reason AND because I received critiques that have made me a better writer.
• What specifically did I get that affected my writing? I gained insight on how to get beyond just adding the 5 senses to a scene. Instead, to make what the character senses heighten the tension and add to the depth of the scene. I learned how to take a step back and constantly evaluate if my characters were acting in a reasonable manner. Finally I learned how to evaluate when narrative is appropriate to a scene and how to use it without stopping the action cold.
• Where do you find the contest link? Right here! http://www.mybooktherapy.com/index2.php/the-frasier-contest/

So I encourage you to take a chance and enter a contest or two this year. Let the victories—and the defeats—strengthen you as a writer.

What are your thoughts on contests? 

Don't forget to join the conversation!

Blessings,

Edie

Thursday Review - Valuable Blogs & Websites!

I’ve mentioned several time the importance of attending writing conferences, but I know many of us are limited by our budget, as well as our time. So how do we make connections and learn from instructors if we can’t attend or can only choose one or two a year? The answer—Websites and Blogs.

We live in an amazing time, when we have a wealth of knowledge at our fingertips through the Internet. Virtually all the instructors you find at a writing conference also have websites and/or blogs. And, a lot of them post on the topics they regularly teach.

There are so many good sites out there, that I’ve had to limit myself on how many I visit regularly. Some of the ones I like best even send their posts directly to my inbox. Here is my list of MUST VISIT writing sites.

• Chip MacGregor
• Cec Murphey’s Writer to Writer
• Rachelle Gardner
• Jack Cavanaugh’s Word Forge
• Vonda Skelton
• MBT Ponderers
• Susan May Warren

I’m certain there are others that are just as wonderful, so I’m hoping you’ll chime in with some of your favorites.

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Thursday Reviews

This week, instead of reviewing a book on writing, I want to share my experience at a writing seminar I attending last weekend.

As I mentioned on Monday, I had the opportunity to spend last weekend in Atlanta GA, at an amazing seminar, Writing Bestselling Fiction, led by Chip MacGregor and Susan May Warren. It’s one of several seminars offered by The Master Seminars.

These seminars are the brain child of Chip MacGregor, President of MacGregor Literary. He’s teamed up with some outstanding professionals in the writing industry, including Susan May Warren, Lisa Samson, Susan Meissner, Jim Rubart and Tiffany Colter.

Practical Value
There are several things that made this particular seminar valuable to me.

• First of all, the teacher/student ratio. Although they do accept registration in some of the seminars for up to fourteen students, the one I attended only had ten. I felt like I got to spend two full days with industry professionals advising me on my writing and career.
• The second thing I got out of this weekend was practical writing instruction that I could immediately apply to my work. It was an intimate enough setting so that I felt very comfortable asking specific questions about my WIP (work in progress). So many of the classes and lectures I’ve attended haven’t always been that relaxed and the lessons not that easy to apply.
• The third thing I took away was encouragement. Now, don’t get me wrong, a lot of conferences and seminars encourage writers. But very few give specific, encouraging feedback about what the writer is currently working on and the direction of his career. I got those very things from Chip and Susie.

Specific Details
The Master Seminars take place once a month at various locations. The three seminars currently being offered on a rotating basis are:

• Marketing Your Novel
• Writing Bestselling Fiction
• Adding Depth to Your Fiction

I personally recommend the seminar I attended - Writing Bestselling Fiction - and if it’s any indication (and I believe it is) you should run, not walk to register for one that fits your schedule. I will definitely be registering to attend the other two that are offered. For me, this was a great investment and I will continue to reap the benefits for years to come.

So tell me, what seminars or workshops have you attended?

Don’t forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie

Writing Conferences and Events

I don’t know about you, but my inbox is stuffed to overflowing with announcements regarding upcoming writing events. There are national conferences, regional conferences, local workshops and online courses. How is a writer to choose which ones will be most helpful and appropriate?

Last week I posted a tongue-in-cheek top ten of why to attend a conference. This week, let’s get serious and I’ll give some good guidelines to help with the decision.

The first thing you should consider is your experience level. You need to look at where you are with your writing, that will be the biggest factor in your decision. As you look at the categories realize that your experience may overlap.

Beginner

• Never submitted anything for publication
• Hasn’t told many people he writes
• Has submitted a couple of things, but nothing published

Advanced Beginner

• Has several rejection letters and a couple of acceptances
• Is a member of a local or online writing group
• Regularly reads articles or books about writing

Intermediate

• Has attended a writers event (either a workshop, conference or online class)
• Has an idea of where he wants to go with his writing
• Has been paid for his writing

Advanced

• Spends time each day working at the craft of writing and has an income derived from writing
• Has definite goals and aspirations for his writing

Once you know which group you fall into, it’s easier to evaluate each individual event. There are 2 reasons to attend a writers event.

1. To learn more about the craft of writing
2. To network with professionals within the writing world

Here’s a general breakdown of what is usually offered at each kind of event.

These events vary slightly, so the following information is generalized. You should read all brochures and websites carefully to know what to expect.

Large, National Writing Conference
Expect lots of classes for the beginner and advanced beginner writer.
Some conferences do have a few sessions aimed at the advanced writer.
Continuing Classes – these are classes that last for more than one class period and concentrate on one subject. Even though they are continuing, they rarely provide advanced information on a given subject.
Workshops – these are classes that give an introduction to a concept (like dialogue, plot or setting).
Breakouts or Panels – these are groups of professionals giving instruction on a given subject. The information here is usually very basic.
Appointments with Faculty – most large conferences include a private appointment with a member of the faculty. This is where you would pitch a book or article idea to an editor. It can also be valuable to let a seasoned author look at your writing and give one-on-one feedback.

Regional or Local Writing Conference
Again, lots of classes for the beginner and advanced beginner writer.
Depending on the length of time, the conference will follow the same basic setup as a national conference.

Workshop or Seminar
Many of these are very specific in what they offer. They aren’t for a large number of writers and generally target the intermediate or advanced writer.

Online Classes
Again, they are very specific in what they offer and vary widely in who they cater to.

It’s never a good idea to write in a vacuum. I have always tried to attend one large conference a year to expose myself to the writing industry, both for networking and education. I also try to attend at least one focused workshop or seminar each year I and I try to keep my eyes open for online writing courses and take at least two a year.

This past weekend I attended a fabulous workshop, The Master Seminars, by Chip MacGregor and Susan May Warren and I'll be reviewing it in my Thursday Reviews post.

Let me know what conferences and events you've attended and how they've helped your writing journey.

Don't forget to join the conversation!
Blessings,
Edie