Writerly Inspirations with Beth Vogt

Today I'm delighted to introduce my dear writing friend Beth Vogt to all the Alley Cats. She writes wonderful romance with strong women fiction threads. She also wins awards :-) If you haven't read her yet, consider this your personal invitation. Without further ado, here's Beth!

Beth, can you tell us what's your favorite writer fuel? I’m a tea lover, and my favorite tea is Bigelow’s Constant Comment. I drink it hot in the fall, winter and spring – it snows in the spring in Colorado – and iced in the summer. I also like to snack while I write, so popcorn or gluten-free pretzels. Or grapes. Grapes are always good!

Another thing that fuels me as a writer? Having large blocks of uninterrupted time to write. This is rare, but it’s so, so productive.

I love Constant Comment, too. What's the one thing you wish you had learned early in your writing career? I wish I’d been a more ruthless rewriter. The more books the write, the more I’m willing to tear my books apart to find the best story, the deeper story.

What's your favorite book of all time? Other than the Bible. Ah! I used to have trouble with this question! But then I realized my favorite book of all time is the first book I ever read because that book was the key to all the other books I ever read. So yes, a first-reader is my favorite book – and I relived that joy every time I taught one of my children to read. I just bought a set of Usborne First Readers for my oldest GRANDgirl. (Sssh! It’s a Christmas gift!)

Do you have a favorite writing book? What is it? I use The Book Buddy whenever I start plotting a new book. The Book Buddy is a work-text developed by author Susan May Warren. It helps you develop your characters, your story – the obstacles, the spiritual storyline – all the key elements needed in a novel. When I’m finished working through The Book Buddy, I’m ready to start fast drafting my novel. I love introducing other writers to the book because it’s so helpful to me.

I've used it too, though not all the way through yet. Do you have a favorite writing tool? What is that? I posted two medium-sized white boards on the back of my wooden doors in my office. I’ve used those boards in a variety of ways. Sometimes I use multicolored dry erase markers and brainstorm characters or plot points. Sometimes I use neon Post-It Notes and chart out my storyline. Once I printed out my synopsis and cut it apart – separating each scene – and then used it to post my story outline on the white boards. I referred back to it as I fast drafted and it kept me focused – no wondering “What do I write next?”

What surprised you most while writing this book? I surprised myself when, after turning Almost Like Being in Love into my editor, I called her up two weeks later and suggested a major change to the story. She agreed to the change and so I started rewriting the book. Well, when you change one virtual domino in a story, the others start falling. So, by the time I was finished, I’d rewritten a huge part of the story.

At what point in the book did you hate it? And at what point in the book did you go “oh my gosh I really can write?” I always struggle with my book in the middle of writing it. Most authors do. I start off loving the idea, loving the process, and then I hit the middle and think, “Why am I writing this story? I hate everything about it!” That’s when I FaceTime with my good friend author Rachel Hauck and she reminds me of everything I’ve forgotten. My Story Question. The “why” for my characters. When did I think, “Oh my gosh, I can really write?” When I called up my editor and suggested the change and she agreed with me. I knew she trusted my instincts with the story and that she believed I could pull it off. And when I was done with the rewrite, I knew the story was stronger, better.

Thanks so much for joining us, Beth!

____________________

Cara Putman

An award-winning author of more than twenty books, Cara is a lecturer on business and employment law to graduate students at Purdue University’s Krannert School of Management. Putman also practices law and is a second-generation homeschooling mom. She lives with her husband and four children in Indiana.

Thankful for Inspiring Authors

Last week and this one, on the Alley, we're taking the time to share our thanksgiving for those who've influenced, shared, or encouraged us in this writing journey.

Today, I'm going to share my gratitude for those authors who have inspired me!

It would take a novel to fit, on one blog post, all the authors who have inspired me and touched my life.  So instead I decided to write a "thank you" post for those who've inspired me the most in very different ways. I was going to limit my list to three… Then I expanded it to five… I think I've finally gotten it to nine? and I'm not going any further, though there are plenty other names I can add .

And that's not even including the AlleyCats. Ashley posted a great blog about the sisterhood of this group and the blessing they are in the last Tuesday's post,(to which I greatly agree).

So today, I'm sharing my thankfulness for Inspiring Authors.


About eight years ago I was introduced to two different authors of two different genres at about the same time. If you guys know my typical ADHD writing pattern you'll understand how special that was!! Within the same month I picked up Mary Connealy's novel, Petticoat Ranch, and Siri Mitchell's book, Kissing Adrien.

For the first time in this crazy journey I realized there were stories out there like mine. Stories with adventure, drama, humor, and… Jesus. Its was the 'aha' moment in my writing journey where I realized..."Oh, there are other people out there like me." (Not too sure how Mary or Siri would feel about being compared to me ;-)


Thankfully neither one of those authors minded being stalked by me, and they even helped guide me into making some connections that I might not have made otherwise. Siri Mitchell met me at my first ACFW conference and took me out for coffee. She prayed God would help guide my writing future and gave me such warm encouragement as a kickstart to the journey. Mary Connealy introduced me to the lovely ladies of Seekerville, where I garnered knowledge and support in my early learning phases of writing.

Seekerville led to a trio of more inspiration in the forms of Ruth Logan Herne, Tina Radcliffe, and Audra Harders. These ladies came alongside me and gave fantastic advice. Mama Ruthy even became something of a mentor for a while, urging me to pull up my big girl panties and take the punches with the praises. And, to this day, I'm known to Tina as the elevator stalker. At least I can provide her with a good story to share ;-)

Then I read Julie Lessman and KNEW I'd found a kindred drama queen and borderline overwriter :-)! Not only did Julie's writing inspire my tremulous attempts to write 'on the edge' but Julie's heart of encouragement continued to help me dream that this writing gig might actually happen one day. (In case you didn't know, I'd been writing novels for 20 years and actually pursuing publication for 11 years before I got 'the call', so encouragement was vital. The writing journey is not for the faint of heart or will)

And, of course, there is Beth Vogt, who has continued to be a sweet, calming sounding board and prayer warrior in my life. Her gentleness has mentored me through many trials on this journey. I can't imagine this path without her consisitent support...(and she gives great hugs)

Janice Thompson came next (notice my continued genre confusion ;-). Her generous nature, humor, and compassion are amazing. After reading one of my manuscripts, she said "This is better than anything I've ever written". Needless to say, I hung that quote up on my computer screen for weeks!! I'll never forget spending an evening with her in Houston and gleaning from her kindness and wisdom! (and she didn't mind my genre confusion, because I think she has it too).

Last, and certainly not least, I'm inspired by Laura Frantz. Her writing, almost poetic in its beauty, makes me study the craft to become better and better. And her heart is just as beautiful as her stories. The fact that she endorsed my debut novel still leaves me in a complete stupor of gratitude and awe!! It was a fantastic culmination of a long journey.

There are so many other inspirational people in my life (Julie Gwinn, my granny, my parents, my cousin, Ashley, my friends Jessica, Teresa, Lindsay, and Marie, my brainstorming team....and the list goes ON) who have all contributed in large or small quantities to inspiring me in this writing journey, but today I devoted my attention to the authors!

And there are many other authors who have touched my life. These 9 ladies, though, made a lasting impression on my writing, and my heart.

So....which authors have inspired you? Either through their writing or their lives?

The Perfect Pitch: Hook, Line, and Sinker

In a lot of ways pitching your book is like fishing, casting a line and hoping for some bites. Okay, let’s be honest, we’re not really looking for bites so much as we want to hook a BIG FISH!

 

But if you’ve ever gone fishing you know that it’s not always as easy as it seems.

Whether your six-pound bass is that superstar agent or your dream publisher, you’ve got to go in with a game plan because we all know when we start talking about our book, well . . . lets just say we have a tendency to ramble. And with so much pressure and competition, and very little time to cast the lure, how can you be concise and still utterly unforgettable that ten minutes will have your big fish catching the vision?

Here are a few tips on how to make a splash:

1. Prepare your tackle box in advance.

Do your research on all those fish and go in armed with knowledge. Read their bio. Know what they are looking for. Who they represent.

If it’s an agent, read their blog, get a feel for their personality so you know how best to present your story. Mention things you like or respect about their blog or their authors so they are confident your meeting was intentional and not a blind cast with the wrong bait.

If it’s an editor, research the author’s they’ve worked with, better yet, read some of the books they’ve edited. Then you’ll have a point of reference.

Be armed with sample chapters, a one sheet, a business card, and a short synopsis, just in case they want a nibble. Be prepared.

2. Be some tasty bait.

We know underneath that squirmy worm or flashy spinner there is a nice sharp hook. We’ll get to that in a minute. What I’m talking about here is the thing that gets them swimming along a bit faster, tempts their mouth to start chomping.

So, how’s your presentation? Have you rehearsed your elevator pitch--in front of a mirror, then in front of another human being? Do you sound robotic or conversational? Have you considered what types of questions they might ask you and how you might respond? You won’t be doing all the talking, so are you prepared to answer questions about your story?

Have you chosen an outfit that is both professional and portrays your style? Your personality will be something that is slathered (in one way or another) on every page of your novel as if imbedded with your fingerprints. But before they crack open your pages (if they ever do) YOU are the open book they get to read first. You wouldn’t show up to a job interview in your Thanksgiving pants, a wrinkled shirt, and with bed head, would you? As much as we hate it to be true, our first impressions are generally visual—Ahem! We all sometimes judge a book by its cover. Moral of the story here: Don’t wear something that makes you look like everyone else. Wear something that looks like you! The best version of YOU you can put forth. Something that makes you feel confident, and just as unique as your story they should publish!

Smile! This one seems so elementary but when we get nervous, often times our baser instincts skip town faster than the pitch that just flew out of our head while standing in the elevator with Agent X. Take a deep breath, remember the joy of writing your story, think of how your book could touch the lives of so many readers, and waltz in with that enthusiasm.

Make eye contact. Don’t be that weird introverted writer that only converses with imaginary people. J Sometimes these things don’t come naturally. Don’t panic. Agents and editors are people with nerves and flaws and feelings just like you. Take a deep breath, look into those beady fish eyes, give them a firm finn-shake, a smile, and a cordial introduction. See that, you are some tasty bait! All those fish will be circling.

-Hook ‘em!

Writing a book is no easy task. Boiling it all down to a few compelling and eloquent sentences is even harder! You may have written a great story, but even if it’s there, you may struggle to figure out exactly what the hook is. (Read Ashley’s post yesterday for some great hook tips!)

Your story might be a romance, but there’s definitely more to it than that. Think about your main conflict and how it relates to some kind of irony. For example: A woman running from the law under an assumed identity falls in love with an undercover cop. Your hook lies within those parameters. Then think about the theme of your story. Is it redemption, forgiveness? Does the main character have a hobby or passion that characterizes the way they think or act on the page? Draw those words out and weave them into your hook. That way you will not only get a sense of the plot, and conflict, but a sense of the “feel” and takeaway as well.

If you’re still drawing a blank, start with a story question. Beth Vogt is great with these! For Wish You Were Here the question was something like…Can the wrong kiss lead to Mr. Right? Use yours as a spring board to toy with hook ideas.

Alright your turn! Anything to add? What are your greatest fears about pitching? Your greatest pitfalls? Need some help? Let’s get you ready to reel ‘em in! Cast a question, the lines are open!

Who is Your Champion?

Since we have been talking so much about friendship and finding community as writers, I thought I’d touch on a similar topic.

(Cue- “Eye of the Tiger”)

 

Let me start by posing a question: Who is lifting you up, praying you through, reinforcing your worth?

When we write we don’t just slap some words in a blank document and hope they form a nice little story. We pour our hearts out onto the page, we bond with our characters, feel their pain as if our own. We walk in their broken path along side them in hopes of sending them off like proud mamas and papas, spurring them on to fulfilling their dreams.

I don’t know about you, but when I let someone read my story, I feel that old 6^th grade insecurity rise up. “Do they like me? Do they think it’s stupid? Is there toilet paper stuck to that struggling leg of my story?”

No matter where you are at in your journey, we all have room for improvement. Receiving a critique is not always a palatable experience. Sometimes you have to muscle down those words that sit like stones on your heart. But like river rocks, we have to face a lot of rough waters until we can be smooth and polished.

In order to face those doubts and those tumultuous insecurities without breaking we need a champion.

 Maybe it’s your spouse, someone that gives you time to write even when the kids are literally tearing your house down.

Maybe it’s your mom, who harasses you for the next few pages of your rough draft and boasts of never reading anything better. (Thanks mom, you’re sweet, but delusional. I love you for it!)

Or maybe it’s your writing partner, who cheers you on, soaks up your story, falls in love with your characters. You might even be lucky enough to have an agent or an editor who believes in you by standing behind your words and working to give your dream wings.

Perhaps, it’s God. The one pouring those words through your fingertips. They could be just for you, or for millions of hearts around the world, but He is the author of your dreams, and the most faithful friend.

No matter who you have on your team, prepping you for the ring, wiping up the sweat and tears after a hard blow, please know that you can’t walk this seemingly solitary dream alone. Put yourself out there. Let someone in. Share your story with your closest friend or join a writers group.

Be a champion for someone else.

So let me encourage you to step outside your writer bubble.

Find someone who will help you when you stumble, because you will.

Find someone who will encourage you when you doubt, because you will.

And find someone who will rejoice in your success, when you do!

Let’s take a moment to appreciate those who lift us up! Who is your champion? And how do they make you feel invincible?

Tips to Treasure - Writing Tips with Beth Vogt

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

After being a nonfiction writer and editor who said she'd never write fiction, Beth's second inspirational contemporary romance novel, Catch a Falling Star, released May 7, 2013 from Howard Books. I have my copy and am turning the last pages as we speak! It's fabulous!

She's the Skills Coach for My Book Therapy and has graciously accepted my invitation to teach us the art of backstory. Her tips will help you understand what to keep and what to put on the chopping block.

Beth went back to our last discussion on backstory, read your questions and tailored her post to meet our needs.

Backstory: I’d Like to Get to Know You—Now Back Off

“The most important things to remember about back story are that (a) everyone has a history and (b) most of it isn’t very interesting.”
—Stephen King (1947-), author

Today I’m breaking down how to handle backstory, a crucial skill for every writer to master.

You know, I’ve wanted to be a writer forever. I wrote my first novel when I was in middle school. Private school, actually. I blissfully plagiarized my favorite author at the time, Georgette Heyer, and wrote a Regency romance. I asked my English teacher, Mrs. Gossart, to read it. I used to babysit for her too – my English teacher, not Georgette Heyer.

Ahem. And that, dear readers, is a backstory “dump.” By the time you finished reading that last paragraph – if you didn’t end up skimming it – you probably thought, “Why is she telling us this?” and “Who cares?”

Everything I told you was true – and none of it belongs in this post.

As we develop our imaginary characters, we create their history, which includes things like their:

·      age

·      job

·       “Dark Moment” – what My Book Therapy (MBT)* explains as a specific painful event in their past that influences who they are today

·       “Lie” – a MBT term for the false idea a character has about himself because of their Dark Moment

As writers, we know everything there is to know about our characters. Problems occur when we also think our readers need to know everything about our characters – and to know it all within the first few pages of the story.

Best-selling author Susan May Warren, the founder of the MBT, encourages writers to think of backstory as “breadcrumbs … soft, tasty, small morsels to lure your reader into the story.” The key? Give readers just enough backstory to help them understand our characters’ motivations, actions and decisions in a particular scene.

As you write the rough draft of your novel, you’ll often dump in loads of backstory. Why? Because you’re still discovering and developing your characters. Backstory dumps are okay in rough drafts – even expected – so long as you haul them away when you rewrite.

How do you do that? Here are a few tips from award-winning author Rachel Hauck, who differentiates between backstory and character history:

1.     Layer in enough of the character’s emotions so that readers feel what’s happening in the scene.

2.     As you layer in information, have you taken the reader into a different story, time or place? That’s backstory. Cut it.

3.     Character history lets readers know the why and how of the character in that moment. Use one line to explain why your heroine is desperate to go on a date – one line … for now.

4.     Tease the reader by hinting at issues and problems. Don’t write the solution.

Writing a compelling novel is all about pulling your readers into a story – and then continuing to pull them through the story with each turn of the page. If your story slows down, step back and figure out if a huge load of backstory is blocking the forward motion of your characters – and your readers.

*My Book Therapy is the writing and coaching community founded by best-selling and award-winning author, Susan May Warren.

 Connect with Beth at bethvogt.com.

Thank you so much, Beth!

Alley Pals, it's your turn to let us know. 

Did this stir more questions? 

Did it answer a few you had from before? 

Have you learned additional tips to drizzle in backstory?

Is there another topic you are struggling with?