Tipful Tuesday: The Key to Writing a Memorable Story Is...

The key to writing a memorable, lasting, bring-the-reader-back-for-more story is:

You.

Seriously. Our stories are best, the scenes flow, the characters are genuine when we insert the experiences from life rather than sit at the screen and attempt to create what happened next. Using these experiences will make the scene natural--and--it will intrigue, interest, and invite readers to want more.

Here's an example. Yesterday, I wrote this scene: younger adult brother arrives at older sister's house. He hasn't seen her in four years, and he didn't tell her he would visit. She opens the door. We are in his POV

To play the scene out, the worst I could do at this point is have the sister break into tears. Tears of joy, tears of memories. So happy to see him tears. etc. 

The second worst I could do to portray the scene is to have her ask a million questions. "What are you doing here?" "I didn't know you were coming? "How have you been?"etc.

Both of these would be expected. Have been done a million times. Reasons for readers to scan over the scene until something good happens.

Instead, I considered my own family dynamics. Four girls and one boy. I was an older sister to my brother. Being the perfect, wonderful person that I am, I couldn't possibly help this poor male character in this moment. BUT, I recalled MANY stories told by my husband. He, the younger brother of an older sister. Oh the tales he spun of his youth. The terrible sister, that he really loves. The horrible things she did, that he never retaliated for. Uh huh.

Yes, now I had great fodder for a humorous scene. She opens the door, and while projecting her absolute joy at his unexpected visit, she casts out the first insult, the kind only a sister shares with her brother while holding the door open for him. He returns the favor with brotherly harassing, picks up his suitcase and walks inside. In the muddled flinging of banter from days gone by, seasoned with grins and laughter, they greet each other and are now ready to move forward in the scene. Oh yes. This reads really well and hopefully leaves the reader feeling at home with these characters.

I've used my favorite childhood cake made by my grandmother who always ripped open the label in the store to read the ingredients. The cashier always wondered why she bought an open package. Grandma said the cake didn't taste as good when she didn't. See? 

When you sprinkle you into your stories, they will flow and be memorable. This, by the way is your voice. 

Your turn. Think of a memory from the past that could flavor a scene in your story. OR, tell one that you have used in a story already written. I'm excited to read them. :)


~Mary Vee
Photo by Mary Vee

Link to Mary's books: https://amzn.to/2Fq4Jbm

Mary loves to travel to places like New York City and Paris. Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her king.  

Visit Mary at her Website, Blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

TipfulTuesday: The Hidden Promise In Our Stories

I confess. I am one of "those" shoppers who walk through a bookstore, glancing at covers and titles, seeking one to pick up and peruse.

The huge Barnes and Nobel in my mall put up a new display for "new releases". I glanced through the forty books beautifully shelved. Sadly only one cover caught my attention. I walked on to the next display.

My point today will not be that a great cover sells. Although it sure helps.

My point also is not the title, back cover, and/or the first page enhances sales...although they seem to.

The key to a fabulous book is this: If a reader is enticed to buy a book, then takes it home and snuggles up in their comfy living room chair, opens the cover and doesn't read the whole story in her normal time, she will set down the book with the fabulous cover, amazing title, enticing back cover, and intriguing first page and most likely not pick it up again.

One writing instructor (sorry can't remember which one of the many I've heard) said:

We the writers make a contract with the reader, 

promising a story that will follow a course so compelling

she has to turn every page until the last.

This year, let's focus on ... not so much fixing a sagging middle, although this too is important--

But a growing overarching story that, like blowing up a balloon, expands, becoming with each word. Becoming what? Why the next recommended book by very appreciative readers.

For this reason, I chose today's photo. Colorful, cheery, glass-blown balloons floating in a Venetian store.

Some pitfalls to watch for:

1. While your MC should have a problem that gives the story purpose, she must be likable. Think Cinderella. We love her and feel for her plight from the beginning. Had the stepmother been the MC we probably would have put the book down.

2. When adding backstory, be careful not to repeat. Even when sprinkling in this essential information, as we are taught to do, readers will remember what was said before.

3. Shake up the beats. Lordy, lordy, do people really cry so much? Smile so much? Laugh so much? Instead, use setting, sounds, nature, anything that "is" to shake up those beats. Expand this essential storytelling time to bring meaning to the scene. Help readers see.

Let's aim for stories that "Become" until the last page.

~Mary Vee
Photo by Mary Vee

Link to Mary's books: https://amzn.to/2Fq4Jbm

Christmas is Mary Vee's favorite holiday. She loves to travel to places like New York City and Paris. Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her king.  

Visit Mary at her Website, Blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

Merry Christmas

We are so happy to spend another Christmas with you. 

As writers, we are ever on the lookout for fresh, inviting ways to make our narrative and dialogue inviting. 

I love Christmas stories. Yes, even the Hallmark ones! And while the stories repeat the same message, they somehow invite us to read or watch yet another story. 

Whether you have a manuscript that takes place during the Christmas season or another time of the year, you can use Christmas when describing. Seriously! Because of God’s goodness, it is timeless. 

So, I'm hoping you will help grow this Christmas list for all of us to morph, borrow, or simply use:

Sweet like candy cane (use in kissing scene)
Warm as Christmas fire (hugs, kindness, etc.)
Merry as a child opening a Christmas gift
Joyful as Christmas music (spirit)
Sparkling like Christmas lights (eyes)

Your turn: Add an inviting Christmas picture to our list. 

Merry Christmas!

~Mary Vee
Photo by Mary Vee

Link to Mary's books: https://amzn.to/2Fq4Jbm

Christmas is Mary Vee's favorite holiday. She loves to travel to places like New York City and Paris. Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her king.  

Visit Mary at her Website, Blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

Resolve to Send the Requested Proposal

#TipfulTuesday

And yet another writing conference has ended. We scribbled reams of notes, made new friends, and hopefully had invitations to send documents to an agent or editor.

Most of us have had a day to rest.

Let's resolve to work on those requested documents this week. Write. Edit. Polish. AND set a reasonable date to send the information to those who asked for them.

Perhaps you heard an agent or editor say, "I have requested proposals for wonderful stories at conferences. Many are never sent to me."

We find the courage to make the appointment, present our work to the agent or editor, then go home and listen to the one who wants to ruin the gift given by God. Don't listen.

Let's start right away. Make a plan to complete the work to the best of our ability. Then, and this is the big one, pray and press the send button.

I am working on two proposals. I would like to send them to the two individuals who requested the documents within one month, two at the most.

How about you? How can we pray for you? We are cheering for you!

~Mary Vee

#TipfulTuesday #ACFW #Conference #MaryVeeWriter #resolve #WritersAlley #writingcommunity

Mary Vee's newsletters take readers on virtual trips to various places. No umbrella. No packing. No passport. Explore something new in each letter! Sign up today at http://eepurl.com/dITkz5 The next newsletter hits email boxes on November 15.

Sylvia's Secret. A Christmas Story. I have a new book release! 

Fifteen days before Christmas, the staff at Sylvia Duvet's mansion discover she is missing. Her daughter arrives at Detective Carhill's office in a panic, concerned the gossipers and media will create their own story, embarrassing the family name. After all, a wealthy widow only disappears if...she simply can't bear to think of the possibilities.  

Click on the link below to read more.

Link to Mary's books: https://amzn.to/2Fq4Jbm

Christmas is Mary Vee's favorite holiday. She loves to travel to places like New York City and Paris. Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her king.  

Visit Mary at her Website, Blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

7 Conference Countdown Tips-It's Two Weeks Away!

I am an unusual mix. I make lists, organizing my day, yet when a conference approaches, I come down with a terrible case of procrastination. 

This can be a deadly disease...for the story we hope to pitch, the classes we think we might be taking, the individuals we might get appointments with, and the crucial networking we can do.

This alone is a good reason for me to start preparing TODAY for the conference.

1. Let's start with the easy task. What outfit should I wear to the awards ceremony? 
I had this taken care of two months ago. Note the word had. Last night, I tried on my dress and looked in the mirror. Sigh. I rummaged through other dresses back in my closet and chose one. Tried it on. Added accessories and checked the mirror. Yes, I could check this off my list. 

If there will be a character costume night, try this outfit on as well. Put all the pieces in one place.

2. For networking, check your business card stash. If you have bookmarks or any other related items get them out. Blow off the dust. It may be too late to order more. Perhaps a local vendor can make up a few for you. Yes. You should bring business cards.

3. Prepare or review your one sheet. At the first conference I attended, I had no clue what this was. A one sheet is an organized flyer providing information about one, or one of the manuscript/s you will pitch at the conference. Editors and agents will say, "Do you have a one sheet?" in your meetings. Search our blog's topics for past posts addressing one sheets.

4. Practice your pitch ten times every day. Know it as well as your name.

5. As conference time draws near, I will look over the scheduled classes. The houses and agencies represented at the panels. I reread the information provided for the agents, editors, and mentors. The more prepared I am, the less nervous I will be, and the better chance I will have to well represent my manuscript.

6. Gather all flight, shuttle, hotel, and conference reservation information. Have you asked someone to take you to the airport? Will there be someone there to pick you up when you fly home?

7. The conference has an app. The best feature is the updates. You will know classroom changes, additions, cancellations. Download the app ahead of time.

These are a few of my favorite reminders. What did I forget? Take a sec and comment below something to remember for the upcoming conference.

The Alley Cats are excited to see you there. Nearly the entire group is able to attend this year. Look for us. Say hi!

~Mary Vee
Photo by Mary Vee
#TipfulTuesday #ACFW #Conference #MaryVeeWriter #procrastination #WritersAlley 

In Mary Vee's newsletter, readers take a virtual trip to various places. No bug spray. No packing. No passport. Explore something new in each letter! Sign up today at http://eepurl.com/dITkz5 The next newsletter hits email boxes September 15.

Link to Mary's books: https://amzn.to/2Fq4Jbm

Mary Vee -Rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking top Mary’s list of ways to enjoy a day. She was homeless for a time, was a teacher, a missionary, and married an Air Force vet. Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her King.

Visit Mary at her Website, Blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter

#TipfulTuesday The Key Ingredient to Publication: A Stellar Proposal

The Conference season is in full swing. Some have ended, some are yet to come. THIS TOPIC is crucial for writers hoping to land an agent or book contract while there.

After many years of attending writing conferences, classes, and reading books on writing, I have learned the key ingredient to publication, second only to a magnificent manuscript, is a stellar proposal.

Not the number of followers.

A stellar proposal is the answer.

The first instructor I heard give this advice said, "You spend months maybe years crafting a good manuscript. The proposal should have as much attention." Write To Publish Conference Instructor, Wheaton Illinois 2002.

Devote Time to Crafting a Stellar Proposal

What did he mean by that? A proposal is simply a collection of facts about your book and you, right? 

Not really. The hours spent collecting that data and splashing them on a page is only a tiny portion. We are writers and must convey the information in a compelling manner.

Perfect the Writing and Formatting

While at the Blue Ridge Conference, a Books and Such agent scanned through my proposal and pointed out several phrases. "I don't need that. Or that." Without her guidance I wouldn't have notice.

Agents and publishers receive numerous submissions daily. They will scan your proposal like a reader scans a new book. They are first looking for something that interests them. If their eyes fall on wordy phrases, superfluous information, or poor writing, the proposal will be rejected in the same way a reader will put the new book back on the shelf and walk away. 

Include Only Relevant Information

Think of a resume. If you applied for a medical position, you wouldn't note the art class you teach. 

However, say my story had homeless characters, I could include my Masters in Guidance and Counseling, my work as a caseworker for the homeless, or my volunteer work at the homeless mission because this shows credibility.

Vigilance not stagnation

Also, Agent Cyle Young, whom I spoke with at an American Christian Fiction Writers' Conference  (ACFW) state chapter meeting, showed me a few items to delete because, although they were relevant, the numbers generated did not create a positive impression. What did he mean? All information should reflect your efforts to get your message out. It should demonstrate your vigilance not stagnation.

Writing a proposal takes much more than looking at a sample from online and tailoring the style/formatting to suit your manuscript.

Bob Hostetler, agent with Steve Laube Agency, finds the proposal a key tool in selling his client's books to publishers. His 2019 BRMCWC class had a great focus on this topic. Articles on proposals are available on the Steve Laube Agency website: https://stevelaube.com/?s=proposals

*Set aside some time each week to research how to write a proposal. 

*Read in-depth blog posts, watch You Tube videos, read several books, and take classes on-line. 

*Practice

*Have Your Proposal Critiqued by one or more persons who have mastered the art of proposal writing.

*Refine

Without a stellar Book Proposal, a magnificent manuscript may never be read

And we want you to be successful!

~Mary Vee
Photo Credit: Mary Vee

In my newsletter, readers take a virtual trip to various places. No bug spray. No packing. No passport. Explore something new in each letter! Sign up today at http://eepurl.com/dITkz5

Link to Mary's books: https://amzn.to/2Fq4Jbm

Mary Vee -Rock climbing, white-water rafting, and hiking top Mary’s list of ways to enjoy a day. She was homeless for a time, was a teacher, a missionary, and married an Air Force vet. Mary has been a finalist in several writing contests and writes for her King.

Visit Mary at her Website, Blog, and her ministry blog to families: God Loves Kids. Or chat on Facebook or Twitter