Tips to Treasure - Writing Tips with Rachel Hauck

Rachel Hauck's last book, The Wedding Dress, rocked the fiction world with rave reviews and awards such as ECPA and CBA best sellers. It was also listed as a TOP PICK for Romantic Times.

She's the co-creator and a coach of My Book Therapy, a fabulous opportunity to fine-tune your novel with specific teaching geared for your story.

Rachel is also a fantastic person, with a heart to serve God through worship and writing!

With a track record like this, we thought it would be a good idea to glean from her inspiration :-)

What are two of the most important writing tips you think authors should know?

Rh: Only two? It seems there are so many. But if I had to give a writer two key tips I'd say "backside in chair" and "books are not written, they are rewritten."

Writing a novel is hard work and it requires carving out time to just sit and write. Then after you write, you have to rewrite. And rewrite again. And again. Writing takes time and discipline so just determine up front you're going to make the time and effort.

Great reminders, Rachel. It's so easy to think once we have words on a page we're finished, but rewriting is really at the heart of the writing process.

What is one of your favorite writing quotes and why do you like it? How does it inspire you?

RH: I love the term "Write Who You Are." We hear "Write What You Know" but that knowledge is finite. Write who you are… let your core come out on the page and in the characters. Who we are is the key component to the writer's voice. So write what you love and what stirs your passion.

Oh man, I love this!!! It puts a deeper spin on the 'heart' of why we write. Besides, it really opens us up to enjoying the journey even more. It truly does become an extension of who God has truly made us to be!

Thanks for having me on Writer's Alley!

Thanks for coming, Rachel!

Now it's your turn, Alley Pals!

What's one of your favorite writing tips?

What's Up the Street Next Week

We have a WONDERFUL week planned for you!

BECAUSE......

We are featuring some fabulous authors to bring you Tips to Treasure from the Experts.

AND we'll have another week of guests during May 20th.

So What's up the Street this Week?

Monday - Writing Tips with Rachel Hauck

 

Tuesday - Backstory with Beth K. Vogt

 

Wednesday - Writing Tips with Siri Mitchell

 

Thursday - Scenes to Inspire with Julie Lessman

 

Friday - Writing Tips with Ruth Logan Herne
 

By the way, did you know that Rachel Hauck's new novel Once Upon a Prince is out NOW!!!!!

 

 

 

AND

 

Beth Vogt's Catch a Falling Star!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

Knowing When to Pick Your Flowers

I don’t know about you, but there’s something about flowers that I can’t refuse. I’ll plan a “quick trip” up to Lowe’s and come home with four new plants and some half-dead clearance flowers. I love the color, and the fragrance, and the bounty of flowers.

In many ways, I think they work as a great example of the beauty that can come from writing.

For starters, we reap what we harvest. I know we’ve all heard the concept so many times, and yet it’s so easy to allow time to gradually slip on past. We have to be intentional about claiming our harvest. We have to sow good seed and water it well, and pull up the weeds.

But sometimes weeds aren’t the only things that need pulling up. Sometimes we have to pull up flowers to make room for new growth. So how do you know when it’s time to “deadhead” your writing?

Well, for starters, let’s take a lesson from flowers.

My mom got me a beautiful daisy plant for my four anniversary last month. I love daisies because they grow well in Florida (which you can’t say about many flowers—thank you, ridiculous summer heat) and are easy to care for. Plus, who doesn’t agree with Meg Ryan’s character in You’ve Got Mail? Daisies really are the friendliest flower.

Thing is, I do not like picking off the kind-of-dead daisies. I wait and wait and wait for these little flowers to bloom after carrying for the green leaves for months, and when they finally do, the last thing I want is to pick off the flowers prematurely.

But the thing I’ve learned is this. If I don’t deadhead my wilting flowers, I prevent new blooms from forming.

Did you catch that? Because it’s a powerful concept God showed me this week.

Sometimes when we are writing, we become so emotionally invested in our story that all we can see are the petals. One by one, they may be wilting, but we do not want to pick them off the plant because they matter so much to us. What we don’t realize is that by not being proactive about cutting off the dead flowers, we are actually refusing future blooms. We are holding back the life of the plant by hanging on to the dying petals just a little longer.

What we don’t see is the bountiful harvest God has in store with the fresh blooms.

The question then becomes… what ways can we clean up our stories to allow this kind of fresh growth?

•     The narrative. There have been so many times I have loved—and I mean absolutely loved—a particular line or passage, only to have someone read it and say, “ehhhh,” or even to later read it myself and think, “Why did I write that?” When we hold too tightly to the story we started with, we can’t grasp the bigger story that might still be forming.

•       The plot. Yes, I know this is a tough one. In fact, cleaning up the plot is probably a lot more like pruning than deadheading flowers, but for the purpose of the analogy, it’s really the same. Writing books takes a long time. Often when we finish, we don’t feel like going back and restructuring plot problems. But the thing is, we may as well be leaving a gaping, diseased tree limb in the middle of our favorite tree, just waiting for it to take the whole tree down. When your critique partner or first readers come back to you and say they think a plot point just isn’t strong enough, I encourage you to listen. Brainstorm creative alternatives to what you have written. You may be amazed at what you come up with, and find that your current story is just the starting point for something better than you ever imagined.

•    The book. Okay, this is a hard one, but it has to be mentioned. Sometimes God gives us a story for a purpose other than for it to be published. In any other arena of life, we have to practice a lot before we master form and craft. Think of piano lessons, or dancing, or even learning to read. I think we are often too hard on ourselves by expecting our first novels to not only sell, but to sell well. The reality is, sometimes it takes not only multiple drafts, but also multiple novels. It doesn’t mean your novel is dead forever, but maybe God is calling you to put it on the shelf for a while so you can focus on the new bud that is forming in your heart. Currently, I’m doing a total overhaul of the first book I ever wrote, and I’m confident it’s the best story God has given me yet. What may look like the death of a book to you may actually be God asking you to trust Him as He calls you to redirect your time and focus, and allow Him to do the planting. Maybe He is in the process of rooting an old project you have long since considered dead, but is really in a period of dormancy so the harvest will be greater in the end. Don’t give up hope. Follow God, and keep writing the stories He has put on your heart.

Do you like gardening in the spring and summer months? Do you, like me, hesitate to pull off those kind-of-dying blooms? What sorts of blooms are you hoping for in your writing as you “deadhead” the weak areas?

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Ashley Clark writes romantic comedy with southern grace. She's dreamed of being a writer ever since the thumbprint-cookie-days of library story hour. Ashley has an M.A. in English and enjoys teaching literature courses at her local university. She's an active member of ACFW and runs their newcomer's loop. When she's not writing, Ashley's usually busy rescuing stray animals and finding charming new towns. You can find Ashley on her personal blog, Facebook,Pinterest, and Twitter. She is represented by Karen Solem.

The reasons you write

Have you ever struggled with the daily commitment to writing?

Image by m_bartosch, freedigitalphotos.net

Perhaps you started out strong, but the middle has become a hard slog, and you feel like you’ve lost your way. Perhaps you’ve received negative feedback from people whose opinions you value, and you wonder if the whole thing is a waste of time. Maybe your characters have fallen down a plot hole and you can’t see any way for them to climb out. Perhaps your life circumstances have changed (new job? New baby? Elderly parent to care for? Fill in the blank) and your writing routine has been thrown so badly out of kilter that you’re scrambling to make any time to write at all.

I could put my hand up for all of these things. I’ll be honest: the book I’m working on right now has become a struggle. A mental, emotional, physical, spiritual struggle.

 

Recently I’ve been reading “Platform” by Michael Hyatt. Great book. Hyatt suggests writing down seven reasons for why you write, and reviewing these daily.

I did this. I actually came up with eight. Today I’d like to be completely transparent, and share them with you. These are very personal, very intimate reasons, and while it makes me feel quite vulnerable to share them, I hope my honesty might help someone else who may be struggling just as I am.

Eight reasons why I need to finish my novel.

1. To finish what I started. “I want to suggest that you finish what you started to do… Let your enthusiastic idea at the start be equalled by your realistic action now.” (2 Cor 8:10-11, TLB) Finishing when it’s tough takes character. I CHOOSE to be a woman of character, no matter how I feel.

2. To experience pride in my accomplishment. The results of not writing? I feel defeated, useless, inadequate. The results of writing? I feel energised, completed, purposeful. This state of mind flows out to every other area of my life.

3. God wants me to finish this book. A pastor once stopped me after a service and spoke this word over me: “You’ve sometimes thought that writing is your dream and your desire. But God wants you to know, it’s His desire.” I love him so much, and writing for God is my expression of love to him. It’s my daily sacrifice of praise.

4. Writing is my purpose in life. If I want to live a life that’s purpose-driven and meaningful, I need to walk within my purpose. To walk outside my purpose is to live a half-life, an incomplete life that doesn’t fulfil my potential.

5. I want to impact others. My biggest prayer has always been that I might produce fruit for God’s kingdom. God has given me a voice, and writing is my platform. Through the power of the written word, my sphere of influence will expand to reach countless more people than I could ever reach alone. My greatest privilege and joy in life would be to impact many others for God. 

6. I am a better mother when I follow my dreams. Following my dreams feeds my spirit. Do I want to feel begrudging and resentful that I don’t have time for myself, or do I want to make that time, and then mother with generosity and joy, out of an overflowingly abundant heart?

7. I believe in this book. I love my story. I love my characters. Those who’ve read it so far have found it gripping and compelling. I believe this story has the potential to be a success.

8. I choose to live my dream. Writing is what I’ve always wanted to do, ever since I was a little girl. The dream will not happen on its own. I alone have the power to make it happen through my daily choices.

The power of a reason

I’ve begun a practice of reading over my eight reasons at the start of every writing session. It centers me on the purpose behind the task. Gives me a bigger perspective. Inspires me to continue when it’s tough.

What are the reasons YOU write?

28-Day Challenge check-in:

For those participating, how is your new habit coming along? Don’t forget – double entries for the Amazon gift card in two weeks’ time if you’ve stuck with your habit every day!

Karen Schravemade lives Downunder and likes to confuse her American friends by using weird Australian figures of speech. When she's not chasing after two small boys or cuddling her baby girl, she spends her spare minutes daydreaming about the intricate lives of characters who don't actually exist. Find her on her website and Twitter.

Your Self-Supporting Hobby: Some Resources for Freelance Writing

Last post I talked about why you might want to think about freelancing (to support that writing habit of yours financially and to fill up that one sheet for starters) and gave some ideas for discovering what topics YOU specifically can share with others. 

Today, I want to focus on some specific resources that will help you get started in freelancing.

First, take out that list of topics you could write about.

Plenty of these markets are also for poetry and short stories. Keep posted!

You probably already know about The Writer's Market. Published by Writer's Digest this book has been available for a number of years and is now online. Have you ever considered investing in the online version?

The fee is $39.99 per year, in many cases selling a single article would recoup that cost. The online edition can be searched with the touch of a button. I remember spending hours flipping page by page in the written edition. You can also create personalized folders to organize the markets you are most interested in. As the opportunities float in, keep an online calendar and have reminders sent with due dates. There's also a guide with suggestions for how much to charge for an article.

Another major advantage of using the online Writer's Market is the constant changeability of the writing world. It is a major faux pas to address a letter to a past editor. Or why waste your time sending a poem out to a literary magazine that is no longer accepting submissions? 

Funds for Writers has "tips and tools for serious writers to advance their careers." Author Hope Clark discovered it was difficult to pay for all the expenses of writing. She has a background in finance and this opened up the doors to giving money advice to other writers. They have several free newsletters for adults and one for children who like to write. All of the markets they include in the newsletters are paying. They also offer a newsletter with a $1 a month charge behind it that lists over 150 new markets per month. Grants, contests, freelance markets, and contract jobs are all listed in Clark's publications. Its easy to see why this site is one of Writer's Digest's 101 Best Sites for Writers.

Linda Formichelli has an excellent blog for freelancers called The Renegade Writer. Subtitled "living and loving the freelance life on your own terms," it offers prime resources for anyone trying to break into magazines. There are many great freebies here, including help for creating query letters. Some are focused on the financial aspect. Cold calling, knowing what an editor wants, and how to tweak an article fora  particular publication are some recent topics. Another top 101 site I recommend.

Are you interested in poetry or short story markets? Duotrope is a gigantic database specially focused in online markets for your work. Organize and track submissions on this site where hundreds of listings are added and revised weekly. If you are hoping for publication in a literary magazine you will find 4,706 markets and more added daily. The databases comparing various magazines and journals aid in finding the perfect market for your piece.

Short on ideas? One of my favorite features of Duotrope is a writing calendar. Upcoming themes for magazines/journals are included on the calendar. You can also add to the calendar your own submissions. Many magazine editors also use Duotrope to find authors. You can add your writing qualifications and your webistes to your tagline.

Another great megasite for freelance writing is freelancewriting.com. Contest databases are arranged by deadline. There are video tutorials, samples of query letters, and a blogtalk radio audio archive with freelance-related shows. The forums are active with many other writers offering help on a variety of topics.

These are some of my favorite sites for freelancing. Don't forget your own favorite magazines and online publications. Before too long with a bit of guidance you can add to your one sheet and your paycheck.


Do you have a favorite website that has helped your writing career?

Julia enjoys writing women's fiction whenever she can find a chair free of smushed peanut butter sandwiches and lego blocks. She is a wife and homeschooling mama of two littles. She also enjoys reading and reviewing books for Library Journal, The Title Trakk, and Christian Library Journal.

A Writer's Self-Talk

As much as we hear about character arc and internal dialogue, how are we doing as the character with the keyboard at our fingertips?

On Flickr by Striatic

I've heard negative comments from writers at all stages: unpublished, contest finalists, and published authors. They compare themselves to others, throw their talent under the bus to boost up another writer, admit that they don't know what they're doing and they wonder when everyone else is going to catch them in their ignorance.

 Do any of these thoughts sound familiar?

 “You don't have what it takes. Perhaps you should give up?”

 “Perhaps if you follow others, you'll be as good as them...some day.” 

“This is a pipe dream.”

“You make so many mistakes. They're going to catch on that you aren't good enough.”

What we tell ourselves in our thought-life eventually comes out in our actions and words. If we're telling ourselves we don't have what it takes, we're not good enough, and berate our every mistake, then we will begin to distrust ourselves and ultimately disLIKE ourselves, and step away from doing bold and beautiful things for God. If we beat ourselves up in our minds, then we'll only have a battered, self-absorbed coward to offer those around us.

On Flickr by Miranda.Granche

Harsh? 

Let me tell you, I've been there. I am coming out of it, though. I am realizing that God created me exactly this way, and if I criticize my gifts by whispering demeaning things to myself, then I am really criticizing God. And when I live in bondage to criticism, my mission gets muddied and my abilities are weighed down with disgust.

 Let our writing be an outpour of our hearts, without the ugly conversation in our head, blinding the true gift you've been given with self-doubt.

Why do writers engage in negative self-talk, anyway?

1.  Pride-- or avoidance of it. We are Christian writers trying to glorify God. If we admit our talent and success, then aren't we being proud? So if we hide it away and tell ourselves “you're still not good enough”, then we won't risk pride taking over our hearts. But isn't it ok to praise God for what He has done? Praise and Pride are two different things. Try praising God for the blessings He's given you. I bet you won't feel proud, but you will delight in the fact that He chose YOU to bestow the blessings upon! 
2. Comparison game-- UGH! UGH, UGH, UGH!!!! I just needed to get that out! I HATE this game! Then why am I the first to raise my hand to play it inside my head? When I compare myself to other writers around me, I ignore the fact that I am created in God's image, I am wonderfully made, and as Ephesians 2:10 says that I am “...His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” When I compare myself to others, I try to be a different creation, or measure myself up to a person God never intended for me to be. Is it really worth the heartache and effort? 
3. What you've always been told—This might hit a nerve with some of you, but it's a fact of human flesh. We are shaped by those who've raised us, the families we were born into, the world view we were first exposed to as young children. If you have been criticized and held to unattainable expectations as a child, as a teen, as a young adult, then perhaps, your self-talk is rooted in a generational habit of negativity. Search yourself deeply so you can cast off the old and fill your heart with Truth: 

“You are talented and unique.” 

“You have everything it takes to use your God-given gifts to their full potential.” 

“If your dream is in God's will, it is worth it.”

“It's okay to make mistakes, that's how you learn.”



On Flickr by Adriannolt

Sure, you've considered the internal dialogue of your fictional characters, but have you considered the internal dialogue of yourself? 

What's the most difficult negative thought to get rid of as a writer on this journey? Mine is, "This is a pipedream." But God has shown me time and again, that this dream is in His Will. I need to keep telling myself that!




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Angie Dicken first began writing fiction as a creative outlet during the monotonous, mothering days of diapers and temper tantrums. She is passionate to impress God's love on women regardless of their background or belief. This desire serves as a catalyst for Angie's fiction, which weaves salvation and grace themes across historical cultures and social boundaries. Angie is an ACFW member and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency.

 

What's Up the Street Next Week?

CELEBRATION TIME!!!!

Our wonderful Ashley Clark is going to be PUBLISHED!!!!
Guidepost is set to publish one of Ashley's Christmas short stories in their upcoming collection A Cup of Christmas Cheer. We are SOOOO partying with the adorable AlleyCat today!!

or should we call her at moggie?!?


Ready for your useless info tip for the day?
A moggie is the British word for alleycat :-)

WE HAVE A WINNER!!!! The winner of Susan Reinhardt's The Moses Conspiracy was Rhonda Schrock. Send an email to Casey at caseym.writer@gmail.com to claim your prize :-)

So, let's see what your friendly neighborhood moggies have coming up for you next week.


Monday - How do your thoughts frame your writing? Angie talks about Writers Affirmations!

Tuesday - More wonderful advice on Freelance writing from Julia

Wednesday- The lovely Karen talks about our Reasons for Writing.

Thursday -Our newly contracted moggie is up today with a beautiful post entitled Knowing When to Pick your Flowers. Join Ashley today!

Friday - Speaking of CUTE?!? Amy chats about the Meet Cute today...or the Cute Meet...or Meeting somebody cute?? Stop by and find out :-)

Have you hugged a moggie lately? Today is a GREAT day for it!!!

Btw, it's a 20 day countdown until the first ALLEYCAT Reunion. Bring on the encouragement, laughter, and chocolate!!!