Category Archives: Writing Instruction

“Instruction, encouragement, and inspiration for writers ”


DON’T Write What You Know!

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By Vonda Skelton | May 8, 2012
Don't write everything you know...

Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net

It’s a crazy-busy time of year, so today I’m reposting a teaching blog from way back in 2008. It’s an oldie but goodie that I hope will help you with your current WIP (work in progress), whether it’s fiction or non-fiction.

Don’t Write What You Know

If you’ve been writing for any length of time, you’ve probably heard the adage, “Write what you know.” I understand the reasoning behind the statement, but I’m afraid I have to disagree. Now, before you post nasty comments and threaten to cancel your RSS feed, please hear me out.

Last week I had breakfast with two writer-friends, and one of them (who just happens to also be a freelance editor) was telling about a recent chapter she had critiqued. She said the writing was good, with perfect sentence structure and beautiful language. The problem was what he wrote. (NOTE: The specifics of the manuscript have been changed to protect the author’s identity, but the situation is entirely true).

For three pages, the character prepared breakfast, sipped coffee, read the paper, and then took the reader on a step-by-step description of repairing a car engine. Using technical terminology and painfully explicit detail, the author seemed to want the reader to be impressed with his knowledge of car engines. Or perhaps he wanted the reader to “be there.” But the truth is, the reader was long gone–bored to death by the very details the author had so eloquently included!

The truth is, in our zeal to create realistic scenes, it’s easy to include too much information–especially if it’s something we’re very knowledgeable about. We want to WOW the reader with our level of expertise, share the scope of our experience, and teach them a thing or two about the subject we’re so passionate about. But we have to remember that the reader probably doesn’t share our love of car engines or sailboats or nursing procedures. Most likely, the reader wants a few sentences to get an idea of what’s going on, and get on to the meat and emotion of the story.

And it’s not limited to fiction writing. With magazine articles, there’s a good chance you’ll have much more information than you need. The first draft of most of my articles ends up being about twice as long as my word limit. Which means I have to cut, cut, cut. And yes–I’m cutting good stuff with lots of good information. But reality is, I don’t have to give them everything I know. The reader doesn’t want to read everything there is about a subject.

But what if the opposite is true? What if you don’t know anything about the subject? No problem! There are lots of people willing to lend their expertise–especially if they know you’re writing a book or article! And with the internet, knowledge is simply a click away.

So instead of “Write what you know,” here’s my three-fold adage:

  • Lesson #1: Don’t write everything you know. Don’t use your blank page to deliver a tutorial about the technical steps of starting an IV or faux painting a wall or tying a sail knot. And don’t let your character do it, either! Give the reader just enough information to grab and maintain his or her interest. Just enough to engage them emotionally and let them experience what the character is feeling. Details are good. Information-dumping is not.
  • Lesson #2: Write what you’re passionate about or familiar with. Familiar topics will be more interesting–and probably easier–for you to write, especially when you’re starting out. I’ve written about many things that don’t really excite me–things like tooth whiteners, medicine cabinets, and heartburn. But I am passionate about good health and taking care of our bodies. These topics were simply off-shoots of my passion and experience.
  • Lesson #3: Write what you can research. Again, I didn’t know very much about tooth whiteners or medicine cabinets or heartburn. But there were many out there who did, and they were more than happy to tell me what I needed to know. And with the internet, we have an endless library of information right at our fingertips!

So, do you see that “Write what you know” is not an all-or-nothing concept? It’s taking your knowledge, experience, and passion, and judiciously sharing them with your readers in bite-sized pieces.

Write less and you’ll often have more.

(Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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The Writer’s Fruit of the Spirit

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By Vonda Skelton | May 1, 2012

Photo courtesy of John Kasawa/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

There’s a saying that goes something like, “The fruit doesn’t fall far from the tree.” Hmmm…

In Galatians 5, Paul says we identify ourselves to the world by how we live, whether in the sinful nature or the nature of the Holy Spirit. The evidence of that nature is visible for all to see. It confirms our heritage, our roots.

What does the world see when it looks at us? What does it see as it watches us deal with each other as writers? Jealousy, discord, selfish ambition, and gossip announce that we’re walking in the sinful nature.

But Galatians 5:22-24 says:

. . . the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires.

The Fruit of the Spirit. I’d heard that phrase all my life. I could even stand up in church and quote the verse word for word. But for years, those who knew me could look at the evidence, and it was telling a different story. It was telling of selfishness and greed and rudeness. Of pride and fear and self-centeredness. On the day I came face-to-face with the attitudes of my heart, I was shocked. I was ashamed.

Friends, the Fruit of the Spirit is not a list of nice things we should try to do. Neither is it a collection of possible gifts we may or may not have. Instead, this is God’s command to those of us who belong to Christ Jesus: to crucify the sinful nature and the evidence it produces.

Crucify is such an ugly word, but that’s exactly what we have to do. We have to kill that sinful nature with all its ugliness, and put on the image of Christ. And that includes in our writing relationships.

In other words, can we:

  • Love the person who lands another fast contract when we’re still waiting for our first?
  • Find joy in the midst of our poor sales?
  • Claim His peace when we find another rejection in the inbox?
  • Be patient with the person who doesn’t deliver what he promised?
  • Be kind to the new writer who wants us to teach her in 15 minutes what it has taken us 10 years to learn?
  • Demonstrate a heart of goodness by sharing our leads, our resources, and our contacts with other writers?
  • Be faithful to pray for those we promised to pray for?
  • Let the gentleness of our Servant-Savior, Jesus, come through our words, whether written or spoken?
  • Use self-control to avoid hogging the conversation with faculty at conference meals?

There it is—the Writer’s Guide to the Fruit of the Spirit. If others can see His fruit in us, our words are more likely to bear fruit for Him.

And isn’t that why we write?

Let’s not fall far from our Tree.

(Photo courtesy of John Kasawa/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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And you’re not going to believe what Patty Mason is offering!

First of all, the winner of the free copy of Patty’s book, Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs, is Bea. Congrats, Bea! All you have to do is contact Patty at patty@libertyinchristministries.com and you’ll get your free book.

But Patty was so moved by everyone’s comments that she is offering a special deal for everyone. Instead of the normal price of $8.99 plus shipping, Patty is offering a special price of only $5 plus shipping! Just contact Patty at patty@libertyinchristministries.com for details.

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I hope y’all have a great week!

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Writer’s Headlines: Conferences & Opportunities for Creative People

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By Vonda Skelton | April 26, 2012

It’s Thursday, so let’s check out some conferences and opportunities for YOU!

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Don’t miss these upcoming conferences for teens, adults, and speakers.

If you haven’t figured it out already, conferences are the way for creative people to learn, grow, and connect with others. I can honestly say most of the good things that have happened in my career can be traced back to something or someone I met at a conference. Think of it as “getting your degree.” Yes, it takes time. Yes it takes an investment. But the return is worth it all!

1.  Upstate SC American Christian Writers Spring 2012 Workshop: May 12, 2012, Greenville, SC

2.  Colorado Christian Writers Conference: May 16-19, 2012, Estes Park, CO

3.  Orange County Christian Writers Conference: May 18-20, 2012, Newport Beach, CA

4.  Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference: May 20-24, 2012, Ridgecrest, NC (I’ll see you there!)

5.  St. Davids Christian Writers’ Conference: June 19-23, 2012, Grove City, PA

6.  North Texas Christian Writers Conference: June 22-23, 2012, Keller, TX (I’ll see you there!)

7.  AnAuthor World/The Writers’ Plot Conference: July 21, 2012, Furman University, Greenville, SC (I’ll see you there!)

8.  Greater Philly Christian Writers Conference: August 1-4, 2012, Langhorne, PA

9.  Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival: August 11-16, 2012, Ridgecrest, NC (I’ll see you there!)

10. Christian Authors Guild “Catch the Wave” Writers Conference: August 23-25, 2012, Norcross, GA

11. CLASS Christian Writers Conference: October 31-November 4, 2012, Ghost Ranch, NM

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Do You Know Some Creative Teens?

The Gideon Media Arts Conference and Film Festival Intern program is looking for teens 16-18yo who are interested in acting, directing, producing, screenwriting, songwriting, singing, television or radio. This is their opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with those who can help them in their goals. I’m honored to be a co-director, along with Sarah Sumpolec, of the Gideon/Clash Entertainment Intern Program for Christian teens.

But you must hurry! The application deadline is June 1st! Tell all the talented Christian teens you know!

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Registrations are Filling Up for the August 2012 Christian Communicators Conference!

That’s right…the conference is in August, but with only 3 or 4 rooms left, space is already extremely limited.

Ladies, do you dream of having a speaking ministry? Do you already have a ministry, but want to grow as a speaker? The Christian Communicators Conference was created just for you!

The 3rd Christian Communicators Conference will be held at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina August 29-September 2, and Carolyn Knefely and I would love to have you join us!

But don’t take our word for it, here are some testimonials from the previous conferences:

“I’ve been to a lot of Christian conferences in my lifetime, yet CCC would prove to be the most rewarding and the most life changing.”
Glenda Mills, WV
http://GlendaMills.com

“The Christian Communicators Conference was an in-depth weekend of speaker training that was filled with encouragement, deep friendship, and love. It helped move my speaking to the next level…I feel more polished and confident as a professional speaker.”
Patty Mason, TN
Liberty in Christ Ministries
www.LibertyinChrist.net

“If you believe GOD is calling you into His service as a speaker, CCC is the very first thing you need to do. After PRAYING of course!”
Liz Cowen Furman, CO
www.LizCowenFurman.com

Feel free to contact me with any questions. You don’t want to miss it!

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Are You MoGoing?

You could write a book this year–AND win $100 in cold, hard cash!

That’s right! The MoGo7000 Challenge will help you complete a book and give you multiple chances to win money. For each month that you write 7000 new words on a book project, your name goes in the hat for the end-of-the-year drawing. Meet the goal three months this year and you get three entries. Meet it nine months and you get nine entries!

The good news is, you can join in any time…and it’s FREE!

Check out the MoGo7000 Challenge page for all the details. And get to work! Next Thursday I’ll be asking for the April totals, which will be announced the next week. So what are you waiting for?

Write that book!

Write on!

Vonda

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Interview and Book Give-Away with Author and Speaker Patty Mason

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By Vonda Skelton | April 24, 2012

It’s author interview and book give-away day and I’m so pumped to introduce my friend, author and speaker Patty Mason, to you. Patty and I met in May ’09 at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference where her book, Transformed by Desire: A Journey of Awakening to Life and Love, won an award in the Bible study category. At that conference, Patty also attended my How to Develop a Speaking Ministry to Women continuing class at Blue Ridge and I later endorsed her book. Then, in January 2011, Patty participated in our very first Christian Communicators Conference at Lake Keowee, SC, and I can tell you, she’s an amazing speaker.

As you can see, Patty and I have developed a lasting relationship and I’m honored to be able to share her books with you today.

Be sure to check out Patty’s bio below, but for now, just take my word that she’s someone you want to listen to. :-)

And if you’d like the opportunity to win a free copy of Patty’s book, just leave a comment below and you’ll be in the running! (Be sure to check back next week to see if you’re the winner.)

Thanks for being with us today, Patty. I can’t wait for the readers to hear your story. First of all, tell us about your newest book, Finally Free: Breaking the Bonds of Depression Without Drugs. Why did you write it? Who did you write it for?

Patty: Finally Free is my story—my personal battle with depression. In the book, I share how I got there—even to the point of becoming suicidal—to how I was instantly delivered from depression without drugs. When I first began to write Finally Free, I had other depression sufferers in mind. I know the pain of their anguish. I wanted to reach out to them and offer hope, to let them know they are not alone. However, during the months it took to write the book, many people approached me and told me how their mother, husband, friend, etc. was suffering. They were looking for answers because they didn’t know what to do to help those they loved. From these conversations I saw another need: To reach people who are living with a depressed loved one.

How difficult was it to write from both perspectives?

Patty: I know depression from both sides of the well. I know what it is to suffer, and I know what it is to live with someone who is depressed. About seven years after I was healed, my husband became depressed. Listen, I am not a doctor, so I do not share medical advice in the book. I wrote purely out of personal experience. I know what worked for me when my husband was suffering, so in the back of the book I share some practical tips, some do’s and don’ts, when handling someone with depression.

That sounds like a valuable resource. Would you share a couple of those tips with us?

Patty: First of all, be a good listener. Don’t judge or criticize how your loved one feels. Don’t say, “Oh, you’ll get over it.” That is what my husband would say to me. Prior to his depression my husband didn’t understand what I was going through, so he dismissed it as something I would “get over.” If someone has never experienced depression, they will not understand. However, when my husband began to experience his own trouble with depression, he apologized to me profusely.

Another good helpful tip is to get them out of the house. Depression suffers tend to hide from people and life, and a change of scenery can help. I took my husband and our three children on vacation for a few days, and that trip helped tremendously.

Although I’ve had down periods, like after the death of my daddy and while caring for my terminally-ill sister, I’m blessed that I’ve never suffered with lasting depression. Can you tell us more about what you went through? How did the depression start? Did you seek help? How did you find your way out of depression without drugs?

Patty: Disappointment and disillusionment caused me to fall hard into my well of depression. From the age of 18, I went on one pursuit after another expecting “people and things” to fill me in some way. By the time I was 35 I had everything. I had a husband who loved me, three beautiful, healthy children, a nice home and successful career, yet none of it gave me the sense of worth and satisfaction I was looking for. For a long time I wore the mask that told those around me I was fine and I had it all together. Outwardly I looked like I had everything, but inwardly I was dying. I didn’t want to admit I had problems, so I didn’t seek help at first.

Finally, once I figured out I couldn’t help myself, I began to seek help through family and friends. When that didn’t work, I turned to the medical profession, but I couldn’t find any doctors who would help me.

The most critical day came when I had come to the end of myself. Suicidal, I cried out to God to help me. “Only you can help me!” I told Him, “Please, help me!” Later that same day, God reached into my well of darkness and pulled me out. And when I came out of that well, I came out a different person.

What an amazing story of the power of our God! Since your book came out, I know your story has been told numerous times. Would you tell us about some of the places you’ve had opportunities to share your story of God’s healing grace?

Patty: Actually, I began sharing my story before audiences back in 1997, shortly after the healing took place. God has given me many opportunities to share it over the years at various conferences, churches groups, and workshops. But since the release of Finally Free, He has opened doors for me to share on numerous television and radio programs, including CBN 700 Club. My story has also been published in several magazines, on blog sites, and in books by other authors, such as Unshackled and Free and Recycled Women.

I’ve watched your video interviews and you do a great job of telling your story. I hope the readers will visit your website to find out more about Liberty in Christ Ministries and to check out your videos.

But now, let’s switch to writing. Tell us more about your journey. What are you working on these days?

Patty: My writing began at the age of nine when I won my first writing contest. From then on my mother would tell me, “Patty, you’re a writer.” My writing career, however, began 34 years later. I wrote my first book in 2003. Since then I have had the privilege to write five books, including two Bible studies. Transformed by Desire: A Journey of Awakening to Life and Love was released in 2010; then Finally Free in 2011.

I’m currently working toward publishing my second Bible study, Know That I AM God, and working on the video series that will accompany the workbook. In between all this, I’ve written several magazine articles and on various blog sites.

Writer’s conferences have played a big part in my developing career; as well as the guidance from my writing mentor, Doc Hensley, who I met at the first writer’s workshop. And as you said, Vonda, we also met at a writer’s conference—whoo hoo! You, too, have played a big part in my writing and speaking. What I have learned from you is priceless to me.

Wow, thank YOU for your kind words and for sharing your wisdom and journey with us. It’s been a joy to watch God bring glory to Himself through your faithfulness.

And readers, don’t forget to leave a comment below for Patty and you’ll be in the drawing for a free book! Be sure to check back next week to see if you’re the winner.

Thanks for joining us today, Patty.

Patty: Thank you for giving me this opportunity to share my heart and my story of God’s healing mercy.

Author Bio:

Patty Mason is a wife and mother who found hope and healing when Jesus reached into her well of depression and set her free. From her painful past God created Liberty in Christ Ministries, a ministry dedicated to helping others find hope, healing, and freedom for their souls. As a speaker and Bible teacher, Patty continues to speak at women’s luncheons, events, workshops and conferences and has reached audiences all over the world through Sisters on Assignment, Christian TV, Salem Communication’s Light Source, WLGT Blog Radio Live, and CBN 700 Club.

Website: www.libertyinchristministries.com

Contact info: patty@libertyinchristministries.com

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Writing for Women

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By Vonda Skelton | April 17, 2012

Photo courtesy of HealingDream/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I’ve had the joy of writing in a variety of genres and am looking forward to adding a couple of more in the next few years. In addition to my goal of writing a women’s fiction loosely based on my experience of caring for my sister during her terminal illness, I’m planning to try my hand at writing a screenplay based on the yet-to-be-written book.

And although the ideas excite me, they scare me, too. After all, I’ve already written a book for women…and I know what it takes. If you’ve ever considered writing fiction or non-fiction for the fairer sex (note I did NOT say weaker sex), you might want to consider what it will require.

1.  Transparency. If there’s anything universally true about writing for women, it’s that it requires transparency. Whether we’re writing fiction or non, we must be honest about our fears, doubts, and failures.

Were you mad at God? Admit it. Ready to walk out the door of your marriage? Let us know. Frustrated with a child’s choices in life? Join the crowd. That means you’re like the rest of us. It’s what you did with that anger and struggle and frustration that allows us to learn from you.

I’ve read books, and I assume you have too, where the writer is such an expert Christian that she can’t admit she struggled, and perhaps still does at times. I just can’t respect or relate to those kinds of books. Let’s face it, as Christians, we’re never going to get everything right here on earth. To present ourselves as one who has arrived is to present a lie.

2.  Writing about real life. Dirty diapers. Bills. Scrubbing toilets. That’s real life for most of us. And that’s what will draw me in to your story. Yes, if you’re writing fiction, you have the freedom to help us escape through the lives of the characters, but we still must be able to find real life feelings and emotions within those characters. I don’t know what it’s like to have a husband who cheats on me, but I expect such a character to respond in a realistic way. Even if we don’t see it on the surface, we must be able to identify with what’s going on inside her.

In non-fiction, the topic must be something that is real to your target audience woman. Write it real to the subject and she’ll be able to identify with you and your situation…and you’ll be able to help her.

3.  The ability to laugh at yourself. Laughter is a uniting technique that breaks down walls and draws the reader in, especially when we’re plopping ourselves out there for our readers. Writing Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe was gut-wrenchingly difficult because of the transparency, but fun because I was able to laugh at myself. I was able to take many of my foibles of life and use them to present spiritual truths. Women could see the scene, find themselves in the character, and apply God’s Truth to their own situations.

4.   A we’re-in-this-together voice. You should refrain from using the words “you should.” :-) You should, you need to, and you must should be used sparingly and in a way that doesn’t point the proverbial finger. Yes, there are times when you may need to say something using those words, but that shouldn’t be the voice of the book.

Instead, using phrases like we can, we must, and if we…then… takes away the pointing finger and replaces it with a warm hug. It’s a sitting-around-the-kitchen-table-and-sipping-coffee kind of statement. And that kind of statement will draw your reader into your story and allow her to benefit from your experience.

Writing for women isn’t easy, but it’s a worthy calling, and one that I’m honored to have received. I know many of you have, too. As my tagline says, I’m thankful God can take my messes and use them for His glory…if we let Him.

After all, God doesn’t waste any scars.

Half-price sale for Mother’s Day! Want your own autographed copy of Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe for half price? What about giving them as Mother’s Day gifts? Just contact me and I’ll send you a charge through PayPal for only $6.50 plus shipping ($2.50) per book. PLEASE DO NOT ORDER HALF-PRICE OFFER THROUGH VONDA’S STORE–IT WILL CHARGE YOU FULL PRICE!

Here’s a recent review of Seeing Through the Lies:

5.0 out of 5 stars You will enjoy this humorous, fun and thought provoking book, May 24, 2011
This review is from: Seeing Through the Lies: Unmasking the Myths Women Believe (Paperback)

You will enjoy this humorous, fun and thought provoking book. There are many principles to apply to your everyday life. The amusing and personal stories will encourage you to continue learning and growing in your spiritual quest. The chapter’s end with a list of Bible readings that apply to the information you have just studied. There are also questions to answer to make sure you have understood the principle the author is teaching.

One of the chapters entitled “I’m So Proud of My Humility” explains how pride will get you no where! Using scripture and personal stories the author encourages you to leave the worlds lie behind that says you deserve more then anyone else.

The chapter entitled “Fear and the Faith Factor” was a personal favorite. Following the principle of scripture you will learn how to make decisions not on fear but on prayer.

“When does Happily Ever After Begin?” is a hilarious chapter and includes wonderful insight on how to maintain a happy marriage. The author is very clear that happily ever after does not exist and is just another lie the world has lead us to believe.

This book is filled with excellent principles and easy to follow steps to shake off the lies of the world and center your thoughts on the Lord’s truth. I loved this book so much I gave away copies as presents for Mothers Day!

(Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Healing Dream)

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Author Interview & Book Give-Away with Phoebe Leggett

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By Vonda Skelton | March 27, 2012

Phoebe Leggett

Hello readers! It’s the 4th Tuesday of March, so that means it’s time to talk with an author and give away a book! Today’s guest is Phoebe Leggett, a friend I met at the Blue Ridge Mountains Christian Writers Conference who is now part of our local Word Weavers writer’s group!

Be sure to leave a comment for Phoebe and you could win a free book!

Welcome, Phoebe! Let’s just start at the beginning. When did you first begin writing?

As a child I wrote poetry and children’s songs. After my husband’s employment moved us to new locations, I began creating poems about my children when they were younger and other topics when an idea hit.

When my son was killed in 2004, writing about my struggle through grief produced the poems featured in my book. Journaling my thoughts and feelings helped put my grief into perspective.

Tell us about your first publication.

My first published article was in a magazine called Who’s DANN. This publication supported handicapped and disabled persons by encouraging them to tell their story. My bio, poem, and MS article were accepted for publication as I have multiple sclerosis. It was exciting to see my work in print. At that point I was given space in the magazine, and Phoebe’s Corner was born–featuring a poem each publication. A couple of years later the magazine lost its funding, and was cancelled. By that time, I was well on my way as a freelance writer.

You certainly were! What else has been published under your name?

Many children’s stories have been published in Our Little Friend, a Pacific Press Publishing Company for children’s literature. Articles, stories, and poetry have found their place in Christian literature and various monthly publications. The Upper Room featured one of my devotionals last year, and other devotionals have been published at www.christiandevotions.us. This past year an article on kayaking was published in Heartland Boating, along with articles published in The Evangel, Live, a weekly journal of Practical Living, MS Focus, MS Connection, with poetry in SheMom, and Harold and Banner Press.

Several poems have been read on air at WORD Radio in Greenville, South Carolina. And, I serve as Assistant Editor for www.DevoKids.com.

Wow, that’s quite a list! Do you currently have work featured in a publication?

Every month, Greenville Critter Magazine features one of my poems about animals. Since I love cats and have three of my own, it’s easy to write about them.

How do you decide what to write about?

When an opportunity presents itself, I write per the publisher’s request or guidelines; or look through my files and find something I’ve already written that can be submitted.

When did you decide to write your book, It’s My Time To Grieve?

When my twenty-two-year-old son was killed in a car crash, I felt a deep desire to help others who were also grieving. My dad had already passed when my son died. A couple of years later, my best friend was diagnosed with cancer, and later passed. Following her death, my mother died. These deaths prompted me to write my first book, It’s My Time To Grieve.

Tell our readers what the book is about.

When I received a tragic call in the middle of the night nearly eight years ago, my life was forever changed. My twenty-two-year-old son had just been killed in a car crash. Devastated and confused, I embarked on a long and difficult journey to recovery.

Using personal experiences as a guide, I share personal stories in my book It’s My Time to Grieve while providing a resource for others to successfully navigate through the grieving process. This includes:

  • Moving through the stages of grief
  • Managing the holidays
  • Handling the emotions of fear, anger, and regret
  • Dealing with the death of a child, spouse, parent, sibling, friend, or pet
  • Sharing the pain
  • Gaining comfort and healing from the Bible
  • Moving forward

It’s My Time to Grieve offers hope for the brokenhearted with the comfort God provides.

I know you have contributor stories in your book. Could you talk a little bit about that?

The best of contributor stories are included in my book, It’s My Time To Grieve.

  • Ann Tatlock, an award-winning novelist from North Carolina, reveals the crush of losing her mother, and the devastation that followed.
  • Belle Woods from Illinois writes about losing her husband of many years when he passed during the Christmas season.
  • Carolyn Knefely from South Carolina writes about the infant daughter she lost years ago.
  • Cathy Pendola from Texas shares personal pain after her teenage son lost his life in a fatal car accident.
  • Lori Marett from North Carolina writes how her close relationship with her dad helped her deal with his death in a positive way.
  • And of course, you write about the passing of your father in the Foreword, and the horrendous pain you felt following his death.

Other writers provide exceptional contributions to the book.

What a great way to let others express and work through their own grief. Thank you for that opportunity. So, do you have another book in the works?

Currently, I’m writing my second book titled No Weapon Formed. This book features my own struggle as a battered wife with three small children, and how I escaped my abuser. Valuable information for battered women will be offered in the book. Contributor stories from women in similar circumstances will also be part of the manuscript, along with Bible verses that provide God’s point of view concerning abuse, and restoration.

Wow, Phoebe, that sounds like another much-needed book for those in similar situations. Your life and your books are proof that, if we give it to Him to use for His glory, God never wastes any hurts. Thanks for sharing with us.

And readers, don’t forget to leave a comment and you’ll be in the drawing for an autographed copy of Phoebe’s book, It’s My Time to Grieve.

You can get your own copies by visiting Phoebe’s website at www.phoebe-leggett.com.

Phoebe Leggett is a freelance writer who has published articles, stories, devotionals, and poetry. Although she spends many hours developing her writing craft, her family is most important. She resides in Simpsonville, South Carolina with husband and three felines. This is Leggett’s debut book. I hope you’ll visit her online at www.phoebe-leggett.com.

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Another Lesson in How NOT to Impress an Editor

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By Vonda Skelton | March 20, 2012

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and zole4

Some of you may remember this story when it happened several years ago. But since we have so many new readers and since it’s conference season, I thought it’d be a good time to encourage you by letting you see the funny and the good, even in the midst of the horror.

And I hope you’ll get a good laugh along the way. :-)

Coke, Sweet Tea, and Grace

I took one last look in the mirror, then touched up my lipstick, primped my hair, and brushed my teeth…again. Everything had to be perfect! After all, I was having dinner with an editor from a major CBA house and a well-known author, also with a major publisher. I whispered a prayer for direction and discernment regarding my novel idea. I should have prayed for bigger hands.

At the restaurant, we were quickly seated at our tiny table, Major CBA House Editor on my right and Successful Well-Known Author with Another Major House on my left. Within seconds, the cute, perky waitress took our drink orders. I really wanted a good ol’ Southern sweet tea, but since we were in PA, I knew better than to ask. (Just for the record, unsweetened tea and packets of sugar do not sweet tea make!) So I ordered Coke. Better to be safe than sorry.

The waitress returned with our salads and drinks and placed the giant glass of Coke on my right, between Major CBA House Editor and me. The drink needed to be on my left. So I reached across my salad to grab it with my left hand. Have you ever heard people talk about how horrendous catastrophes play out in slow motion as they’re happening before their very eyes? Well, I can tell you for a fact, it’s true.

I watched in horror as my dreams of publishing with Major CBA House pirouetted to a funeral dirge across the table and fell, along with the oversized glass of Coke, right smack onto the blouse, into the lap, and then into the tapestry purse of Major CBA House Editor. Now we’re not talking about a glass turning over and dripping its contents onto someone’s pants. Nope. We’re talking about a supersized glass the size of a watermelon, filled with syrupy sweet, near-black Coke falling headlong onto said editor’s entire body. I wanted to crawl under the table. I actually tried, but the floor was full of feet…and waiters with mops…and waitresses with napkins…and a soaking wet purse carrying the expensive electronic devices of Major CBA House Editor.

Photo courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Ambro

For this I brushed my teeth…twice.

I looked up from the floor, my small hands sticky with the evidence of my fall from grace, and forced an embarrassed laugh. “Well, there goes any chance of ever submitting a manuscript to you.” I hated the whine in my voice.

Gentle Editor rose from her cola bath, gazed down at me on the floor in all my soda splendor, and smiled. “Oh, you can submit it…as long as this scene is in it.” She stepped over me and my mess and sloshed to the restroom.

Kind Successful Well-Known Author with Another Major House, still safely stationed to my left, leaned over the edge of the table and peered into my soppy space. “Uh…that went well.”

It did. It really did! After all, Major CBA House Editor not only said she would look at my manuscript, she wanted to be IN IT! The moment of my publishing death had evolved into new life for my novel idea!

Just for the record, I would never recommend this technique for approaching editors. Others may not be as nice as this kind, gracious lady. Oh, and let’s be clear here, she didn’t say she’d BUY it, she just said she’d LOOK at it. Believe me, there’s a huge difference.

But what she didn’t know was that at that moment she answered an important question in my story arc. Even though the novel will be loosely based on my experience of caring for my terminally-ill sister, I had been struggling with whether or not to make the protagonist a writer and speaker. After all, I didn’t want it to be too close to the truth and possibly stifle the creative process. But this scene is just too good to waste! Now I know the main character will have to be a writer and speaker. Cool!

So, what scenes from your life–or the lives of those around you–can you include in your books? If you’ve ever heard me teach on writing fiction you know that I use a lot of real life in my books. That doesn’t mean the story is about me.

The storyline itself may not have anything to do with our life experiences, but that doesn’t mean we can’t pull hilarious, heart-wrenching, thought-provoking, frightening scenes from real life and plop them into the fabric of our books. We simply let those scenes happen to our characters. And the good thing is, not only do we have instant access to the conflict, but we also have the emotional reaction that went with it. After all, we experienced first hand the joy, the heartache, the fear, the humor, the embarrassment. We know how it felt.

This happened several years ago, and as you’ve most likely figured out, I still haven’t written that book, but I will. And I can promise you, at some point in the story, the protagonist will have dinner with a major editor, and…well…you know what’ll happen next.

(Photos courtesy of FreeDigitalPhotos.net and zole4 and FreeDigitalPhotos.net and Ambro)

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Write Smart: Don’t Dumb Down Your Reader

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By Vonda Skelton | March 13, 2012

Photo courtesy of Farconville/FreeDigitalPhotos

Readers are smart. They’re smart because they read. And if there’s one thing smart readers hate, it’s when writers treat them like they’re dumb.

One way writers dumb down their readers is by info-dumping. Check out these examples:

“When are things going to get back to the way they were before? Can you believe it’s been ten years since daddy left us?” Marsha turned from her sister and wiped a tear. “We had to move into public housing and go on food stamps. Then our brother died and Daddy never even knew. And then you had to ago into rehab. It’s all his fault.”

Let’s be honest here, would we ever have a conversation like that with our siblings? I doubt it. After all, it’s simply a retelling of facts we would both already know. It’s dumping info on to the page for the perceived benefit of the reader. But our readers won’t appreciate the so-called benefit. They can see through our ruse. They know that we’re taking the easy way out.

A good writer will bring those backstory details into the plot layer by layer, revealing facts and motivations through dialogue and POV in a more subtle, natural delivery. One detail may come out on page 5 when Marsha stands in line behind someone with food stamps. Another might be revealed on page 23 when Marsha picks up her sister at rehab and they realize it’s been exactly 10 years since their father left.Using this technique, your reader will be challenged and satisfied by putting together the pieces of the puzzle.

Another way to distance our readers is through unnecessary explanation. Ever read passages similar to these?

“I don’t care what you think!” Melanie yelled again. She wanted to be sure Jason had heard her.

Carly placed the rock on the gravestone and cried because she missed her mother so much.

In these two instances, the writer assumes the reader isn’t smart enough to figure out the characters’ motivations, so he or she writes out an additional explanation. But smart readers don’t appreciate the extra work the writer has done. Instead of being a help, it’s an insult to their reading intelligence. Well-written passages with well-developed characters don’t need explanation.

Which brings me to the reason you’re getting this lesson today. This past Sunday was my 61st birthday, complete with birthday wishes and jokes about getting older. After church a funny thing happened as Gary and I prepared for lunch…and I just had to share it with my Facebook friends.

Here’s the story, copied and pasted from my Facebook page:

Okay, I’ll give all of you a laugh at my expense. This afternoon Gary asked me what the two slices of bacon were doing in the microwave. I told him it wasn’t me, that I hadn’t eaten any bacon since I made that BLT on Friday. To which he asked, “Did you put bacon on it?”

I started to say, “Of course I did. What do you think I am–Stupid?” But before I could say it, I suddenly remembered that I thought the BLT didn’t have any flavor. Now I know why.

There was no B in the BLT. :-(

As my friend, Karen O’Connor says in her book, “Getting old ain’t for wimps…”

Although there are several things I would have written differently if I were writing it for real publication, here are some things I did take the time to address.

When I initially wrote it, I explained that I had forgotten to put the bacon on my sandwich two days before. And I really wanted to create more set-up by telling that Gary and I had discussed flavorless winter tomatoes days before, setting me up to think it was the tomatoes that caused the flavorless sandwich.

But then it hit me: Readers don’t really care that we had discussed tomatoes earlier, or that as a multitasking professional, I had moved on to other things and forgotten about the bacon in the microwave.

As a matter of fact, if I had it to do over again, I’d probably leave off the reference to Karen O’Connor’s book, simply because adding anything after the punchline takes away from the delivery.

But one thing I think did go well was: There was no B in the BLT.

Short, to the point, and without explanation. I trusted my readers to get it.

And they did. :-)

Treat your readers with respect and they’ll love you for it.

(Photo courtesy of Farconville/FreeDigitalPhotos.net)

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Are We Willing to Lay It on the Altar?

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By Vonda Skelton | March 6, 2012

Photo courtesy of ChristianPhotos.net

Most of us here are writers and speakers. It’s not only what we do, but it also cuts to the core of who we are. We often say we write or speak because we have to, that we feel God has given us the ability to communicate so we can share Him, the cure for a lost and dying world.

This past Sunday morning, my friend and writing sister, Edie Melson, posted her compelling poem, A Divine Obsession, in which she states a repeated refrain, “I write because I must.” And to that I say, “Amen, sister!” I read Edie’s beautiful post Sunday morning, took comfort in the truth of her words and God’s blessing on me as a writer, and headed to out the door to worship.

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Writer’s Headlines: Call for MoGo7000 Achievers, Call for Kudos & How NOT to Get Published!

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By Vonda Skelton | March 1, 2012

Thursday’s Writer’s Headlines are calling you!

Yes, it’s that time again. Time to let us know what you’ve been doing all month. Plus, some not-so-gentle tips on how NOT to get published!

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