So, How'd You Two Meet?

In any love story, great and even those not so great, the romance is set in motion by an inciting incident.

       Boy meets girl. 

We all have those stories. Whether it is something dramatic like "I started falling down the stairs, and he caught me. And never let go." Said in the right tone that one might induce some nausea.

Maybe your story was something simpler like "We met at work when he spilled burning hot coffee on my silk blouse. I thought he was a total idiot. But well, I fell in love with the big lug anyway." :)

In storyworld this is what we refer to as a "meet-cute."

And because we dream in a world of fiction, we get to create these moments and sprinkle them with some magic.

So, lets talk about how to make a "meet-cute" extraordinary!

-Write outside the box

Ever feeling like the story you are reading was cookie cut from dozens of others? I don't know about you but the idea of shocking the reader is often my goal when I am piecing a story together. No matter what genre you prefer, whether it be romance, historical, speculative or suspense, the last thing you want to be is predictable. 

Why would anyone want to read my story if they know not only how it ends, but how the characters get there? Boring.

We don't want to recycle ideas. We want to present something fresh, something unexpected. So when you are thinking about your character's first meeting on the page, make of list of all the "meet-cute's" you can remember. As our brains are often at capacity, this should not be an exhaustive list. This can be your point of reference. See what's been done, and do something different. Spice things up.

-Sparks or friction? Or both!

Ooo, this is the fun stuff! When those characters meet on the page there should be a different dynamic between the two than say, the heroine and her teenage brother, or the hero and the Barista at the coffee shop. (And let me just say that when your characters meet on paper they might already be otherwise acquainted, but the same principles apply.)

Whether you start things off with a spark... 

As in—Holy cow, her skin was about to melt off because he was seriously THAT hot. She could do nothing but gape at him, nearly incinerated into a brainless, wordless ditz with one smoldering glance.

or

With some friction. 

But then he opened his mouth, and it didn't matter one bit that he was tall, dark, and devastating when he said, "Listen up, Blondie. I don't care who sent you, you're interfering with my crime scene. If you don't remove yourself from the premises in five seconds, I'll charge you with obstruction of justice and haul you off to jail."

(Sorry, that was seat-of-my-pants so it might not make a whole lotta sense)

May I just point out that both spark and friction produce what? ... Heat.

It's all about the chemistry here. It doesn't have to be love at first sight. They might hate each other. But there is a very fine line between love and hate. Those who get under our skin the most are often the ones that wiggle their way into our hearts.

Crank up the tension here. Start off with a bang. Rile their emotions.

A sure-fire way to create a memorable "meet-cute."

-Establish some mystery

Intrigue will hook your reader fast and pull them along for the ride. Plan how you want to stir the pot here. Do you drop subtle hints at backstory through their thoughts or their actions? Use body language to expose their greatest fear, or their greatest dream? Splice in some double entendre into their dialogue that peaks the reader's interest but also the interacting character's.

And in doing this, go back to those first two points. Go for the unexpected. Make them aware of or agitated by each other. Ignite the spark and the conflict and draw the reader in from the get-go. You sure don't want them closing your book before it gets good. So start it strong.

Most importantly…

 

-Wet the reader’s appetite for more!

Get them curious about these characters. How the next interaction might play out. Keep them guessing. Make them crave the next time they are thrown together on the page. You can do it! Get creative!

Your turn: What is your favorite “meet-cute” you've written? Do you have a favorite from a book or movie? Or, what is your very own, real life “meet-cute” with your sweetheart? 

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Amy Leigh Simpson writes Romantic Suspense that is heavy on the romance, unapologetically honest, laced with sass and humor, and full of the unfathomable Grace of God. She is the completely sleep deprived mama to two little mischief makers and would challenge anyone to a cutest family contest. Represented by Chip MacGregor of MacGregor Literary Inc.

Preparing the Perfect Pitch

Today's post was first written four years ago when I was just a newbie to the industry! But I think the thoughts still ring true, and since the ACFW conference is just around the corner, I hope they encourage you! Be blessed today! -- Ashley

Be honest. In the middle of the night, during conference season, you've had nightmares of Chip MacGregor telling you he thinks your concept is totally dull and an impossible sell. Nooooo....

Face-to-face rejection. It's every writer's worst nightmare.

I vividly remember my first pitch. It was the 2010 ACFW conference, and I had an appointment with Ami McConnell. Yes, I've always had lofty aspirations. My appointment was the first one after lunch, and I made a point to leave lunch early to join the line of other panic-striken writers. Suddenly the ability to even remember your name had become an asset. "What do you write?" One of us would ask each other. "Who are you pitching to?" The answers were different, but the look in the eyes was (and is) always the same. I like to describe it as that feeling you got waiting outside the principal's office. Even if you knew you had done nothing wrong, he would find something. The assumption was, these people are waiting for us to fail.

That's problem #1.

Editors and agents do not want to see you mentally and socially flailing. Well, at least most of them don't. Just kidding! Remember that these people are in the book business. And the book business doesn't work too well without authors. There's no reason to be afraid. You're looking to enter into a partnership. That's all there is to it. I know it feels like they have your every dream in the palm of their hands, but really, those are in God's. And He has a much better idea who your book will best fit with anyway.

With that in mind, I've created three lists of three things that should help you get your pitch prepared for conference season. I hope you find them helpful!

3 Things to Do Before You Leave Home:

• Research. Nothing is more embarrassing than pitching your YA manuscript to a publishing house that is currently only buying Amish historicals. And believe me, editors don't like this. If you were them, would you? Do research on your target editors and agents before you leave so that your pitch comes across as intentional. Even just browsing through a publishing house's website and reading a couple of their books can go a long way.
• Practice in front of a mirror. Yes, I know this makes you feel silly. You will feel even more ridiculous if the first time you pitch is in front of your dream editor.
• Reread your book. If the appointment goes well, an editor or agent is likely to ask you more about the story, but there's no way to really predict what they will ask. In order to keep your answers as natural and eloquent-sounding as possible, before you leave, take note of your major plot points. If someone were to ask you about the major conflicts in the novel, the dark moment, or the character arc, would you be able to answer? What if they asked you what you ultimately hope readers will get out of your book? Why you are a good fit for their publishing house? If you are prepared, your answers to these questions can make you seem golden. 

3 Things to Do During Your Appointment:

• Be professional. Oh my goodness, I am always amazed by how many people ignore this one. You should treat your appointments as if they are a job interview, because--let's face it, they are. That means even if the appointment does not go as you'd hoped, you still have an opportunity to leave a good impression. Next year's conference might seem like a long time away now, but next year, you'll wish you hadn't burned a bridge.
• Take a deep breath and introduce yourself. Jumping into your pitch and rattling it off like a 10th grade oral book report project is not a good strategy. You want your appointment to be a conversation, a chance to get to know an editor or agent. Slow down, introduce yourself and maybe even tell them what you write or offer a one sheet before you jump into your longer pitch. Otherwise it's too much for them to process.
• Take cues from the editor or agent with whom you are speaking. Have you ever had a conversation with someone and politely tried to end it with nonverbal cues, only to have that person continue talking about themselves with no end in sight? Don't be that person in your appointments. Give the editor or agent a chance to think and ask you questions. Remember that your book idea is new to them. They need at least a few seconds to process it.

3 Things Your Pitch Should Include:

• Goals/forward motion. This can be anything from a new job to a heroic quest to save a princess, but it should be clear what your main character is working toward.
• Conflict. Conflict is usually the most interesting part of the story, so this is your chance to really "pack a punch" so to speak, with your pitch. Be sure you are very clear what your character has working against her, and don't shy away from using external conflict. "She feels hesitant about dating him," is not a strong enough conflict to sustain a book-long project. "He put a restraining order against her because he thinks she's stalking his children" is a different story. Got your attention, didn't it? (Side note: if any of you have written stalker romances, my apologies.)
• A compelling hook, using your writing voice. You need a wham! moment to stand out amongst the hundreds of other pitches these people have to hear throughout the day. Sometimes using a question works well. Other times it's just in the phrasing. I would recommend having someone you trust, like your critique partner, work with you on this. Ideally, you want your wham! moment to correspond with your biggest source of conflict. And even beyond that, be sure it reflects your voice. This is the first chance you get to showcase your writing voice, so make it memorable.

You also want to remember to keep these short. It's a good idea to develop both a short pitch and a longer pitch. And when I say "short pitch," I mean short. We're talking, 7 words, ideally. Your longer pitch should be around 3 or 4 sentences. The short pitch should be just long enough to really catch their attention, and then the longer pitch develops the main conflict a bit more. But even the long pitch should not tell your whole story.

What you want to happen in an ideal situation is for your short pitch to lead to your long pitch, which then leads to a one sheet or even a proposal request, and then to your book.

A note on pitching etiquette: Sometimes it can be hard to determine when it is and is not socially acceptable to pitch. Generally, most people tend toward one side or the other. If you're an introvert, you might have to get a little out of your comfort zone. If you are an extravert, you may need to tone it down a little. Remember that editors and agents are human, which means they all have different preferences and moods. If someone is on their cell phone engrossed in what looks like a very serious conversation, or an agent is having a one-on-one with one of their authors, please do not interrupt them. It's considered rude and will really work against you in the end.

That said, on the other hand, agents and editors know you have come to the conference to pitch to them, and some will deliberately hang out in public areas so they can get to know potential authors and clients. In some cases, it can bode well if you recognize your dream editor or agent because it shows you have done your research. You've paid a lot of money and put a lot of effort to come to this conference, so if a good opportunity presents itself and seems like it may even be a God-thing (i.e. you end up on the elevator at the same time), it may be best to seize the chance while you have it.

Here's a normal way to have that conversation: "Hi, I'm Delilah Dopplerfritz. Aren't you _______?" "Yes, I am. Are you enjoying the conference?" "Yes. I'm glad to run into you because I was hoping to have a chance to pitch to you this weekend. Do you have a minute to hear about my book, or are you in a hurry?" "Sure, tell me about it. But make it quick." (Insert pitch.)

It's always a good idea to ask if they have time to hear your pitch if you're not in a formal setting like an appointment or their appointed lunch table. And if they say they don't have time, don't be offended. It's not you. They are busy people!

Above all else, be yourself. You are selling yourself as an author just as much as you are selling your book. Remember that, and it will be easier. 

Your turn! Do you have any pitching advice or funny stories to share? Do you have a pitch you would like input on? Feel free to share it and get the group's feedback!

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Ashley Clark writes romance 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.

5 Benefits of Accountability Groups

Here at the Alley, we've ganged together to eat healthy and exercise in preparation for ACFW. This conference is the highlight of the year for many of us. This got me to thinking about why accountability groups are so helpful. No matter the kind of change you are making, knowing that someone is watching (and cheering you on) makes all the difference.

There are at least 5 benefits:

1) You know you aren't tackling a goal alone. Whether it's writing that novel you've always dreamed about or losing ten pounds, knowing you aren't the only one makes the goal seem much more reachable. And whenever you're tackling something challenging, knowing you aren't alone makes the task less daunting.

2) You can learn from those you've partnered with. Maybe they have a new kind of exercise they love. Or maybe they have a diet plan that really works for them. You can learn from their success -- and be challenged to keep going when it feels like you are getting anywhere.

3) Encouragement comes in a group. Sometimes I get lazy or forgetful. When I'm working with others, I know I have the accountability. Someone will ask how I'm doing. At the same time, I am often encouraged as I see others writing in the midst of crazy lives. Or I see them making diet changes that work. Or fill in the blank. Finding a place of encouragement is such an important part of sticking with a goal long enough to have success.

4) At the same tie I can be a source of encouragement to others. It helps take the focus off of me and helps me to make sure I am encouraging others in their journeys. I get such joy out of helping others that it encourages me to keep chasing my goals, too. So don't lose sight of the value of helping others reach their goals.

5) Deadlines help me reach points to celebrate. For this group we have the deadline of the ACFW Gala. It's a fun night to dress up and celebrate with other writers. I can circle the date on the calendar and know if I've made it or not. But don't forget to celebrate on the other side of the goal. Do something fun with the group. Whatever you do, make sure you take the time to celebrate the reaching of the goal together.

What would you add?

____________________

Cara Putman

An award-winning author of 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.

Writing Hope-Filled Fiction for Trying Times

"I wish none of this had happened....So do all who live to see such times. But that is not for them to decide. All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given to us." -J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

Like many of you, I have found myself heavy with grief multiple times in the past week as I followed the news. Its not the first time I've been mopping my eyes with a tissue as events have left me reeling.

The world asks where is God? We cling to the hope laid up for us in heaven. As writers, we long to comfort those God has put in our paths, but sometimes words elude us.

Social media is noisy and drowns out the sorrowed world with the plethora of opinions and half-baked solutions. Sometimes silence is the "perfected herald" as the bard says.

Yet story can be a balm to an open wound, more than just a Band-Aid but provide a source of calm healing.

"Someday you'll be old enough to read fairy tales again" says C.S. Lewis.

We long for days of men of honor like knights, who protect fair ladies from fearsome beasts and unwholesome cads...

Through story we remember that heroes exist. That nobility isn't just a name for royalty.

Stories are therapy.

In the world of fiction we find others have struggled through circumstances similar to those that make up our own lives. And we see the resilience of the human heart when we watch a heroine overcome an abusive past to find her happily ever after...

After escaping wartime London, we watch Lucy and her siblings arrive at a gray country house owned by a stodgy aunt and find the magic within an ordinary wardrobe that unlocks a new world. What ordinary treasures could we be missing even amidst our own trials? Can fear and terror give way to wonder in our own lives, just as it does for Lucy in The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe?

Stories give words that heal even when we doubt words can make any difference. Fiction filled with truth can be like a tight hug of comfort in tough times.

Stories give hope.

Frodo despairs and tells Gandalf he wishes the ring of power had never come to him. Likewise, earlier, Bilbo in The Hobbit let us know it can be a dangerous business going out our front door. Without the security of a loving creator,  Without the truth that sets us free embedded in our hearts, it is easy to get caught up in a million anxieties.

We don't wish to see hard times. Ephesians 6 tells us to take up the full armor of God. God calls us to stand firm. Like Frodo with his ring, we are called to guard the stewardship entrusted to us, the Gospel. Many dangers and snares await, until we are called home. We may not wish to go out our front door, but we are called to lives of action while we wait for our heavenly hope.

Happily ever after is only the beginning.

Hope-filled fiction is only a prequel. As believers in Christ, we have an eternity with our creator to await. Our heart yearns to see closure of a book, so we keep reading. We are giving our readers hope and we desire that they crave a closer relationship with their Father. As we long for heaven, fiction can provide a mini retreat in the midst of our own challenging lives. That doesn't mean we keep our fiction clear of conflict, on the contrary, beauty is intensified through contrast.

What are some tips for writing fiction in such times:

-Pursue hope yourself. The most important way to grow your fiction spiritually is through your own journey. Stay strong in the word. Keep time meditating on His promises and precepts as a formative part of your day. Ask his purposes for your writing life as you sit at the keyboard. As you live in obedience to his calling for you, growth happens and that will overflow into your writing.

-Don't neglect contrast in your stories. The darker and uglier the black moment, the more light-filled the HEA ending will be. Kick it up a notch, then again and again. Make your character squirm. Because all of us need to be uncomfortable in order to grow the most. So do our heroes and heroines.

-Make sure your HEA gives people true hope. The spiritual thread needs to be as strong as the romantic thread of the story. As much as readers sigh at the beautiful journey of the main hero and heroine who go through insurmountable odds, they also should be awed and amazed at the depth of love shown by a Savior on a cross at Calvary. Story itself brings wonder at the great Gospel of a God who pursues us in a way that puts any hero to shame.

True hope wasn't found in Narnia itself or the wardrobe which led to hidden treasures. Instead it was found in Aslan, the creator and sustainer of the worlds. Our true hope is only found in Jesus, our words can point a hurting world to the healer of their hearts.

We worship the God of all mystery, who knows the end from the beginning. Every fantasy holds its ultimate fulfillment in the promise of heaven and Jesus who is the source of all joy and beauty. The lover of our souls, Jesus holds the future and the past in his hands, and pursues us with an intense passion. God is the ultimate storyteller. Even in times such as these He can use story to bring hope to his people.

Julia is a Northern transplant, living in central Virginia with her husband and two children. She is owned by three ragdoll cats and enjoys writing for LIBRARY JOURNAL and the blog WONDERFULLY WOVEN.

Thoughts on Editing

For the past couple of weeks, I have been editing my newest novel. It's a strange dance. Kind of awkward at times, sometimes a bit disheartening, and other times, exhilarating. There are several unproductive thoughts that I've had to push through to get to the next edit. Ever thought this?

 Slashing these words will kill my word count goal.

 I can't get off this merry go round of He said, She said!

 Is this story just soooo boring?

The "what if" monster is tearing it apart--
                        what if she (editor, crit partner, reader) doesn't like it...
                                     what if I am going through all this only to end in rejection...again?
                                                      what if I missed the hint that I was never meant to be a writer     
                                                                                                                                                     anyway? 

When I have an editing session that is drowned out by these unproductive thoughts, I simply can't continue editing. Can you? It just feels tainted in a way. Like, I've cheated on my story and gossiped behind its back!

So, what to do when I do this?

1. Close the computer, take a breath, re-enter real life and leave the story world behind for a time.

2. Emote to good friends/crit partners and let them slap me upside the head and say I'm crazy and need to remember that this spiral has not so much to do with the story, but with the writer being overwhelmed, tired, or burnt out.

3. Eat chocolate. Always a remedy...for many, many things.

4. Now, this one is a bit more time intensive...perhaps a bit more practical--but if I really don't feel good about my writing and I think it needs to be edited or slashed further...then, I need to do that. Writing is not a "get it right the first time" kinda thing. It's a process based on intuition, craft, and hard work. Sometimes, the hard work just needs to happen.

Do you have any thoughts on editing to add?

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Angie Dicken is a full-time mom and lives in the Midwest with her Texas Aggie sweetheart. An ACFW member since 2010, she has written seven historical novels and is represented by Tamela Hancock Murray of The Steve Laube Agency. Angie also spends her time designing one-sheets and drinking good coffee with great friends. Check her personal blog at angiedicken.blogspot.com and connect at:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/dicken.angie, 

Twitter: @angiedicken
Pinterest: pinterest.com/agdicken

Building a Dream Team Part 4

Over the last few months we have talked about building a Dream Team. We’ve covered the points of who makes up a Dream Team and how you find these people. We’ve talked about building strategy into your teams with their social media promotion. And we’ve talked about how to empower your team and provide them with the resources that they need.

But how do you continue to grow your team and how do you know when you should let someone go? 

What are the reasons you would let someone off of your team if they haven’t already volunteered to do so? We’ll be discussing those finer points today.

How do you grow your Dream Team and when should you let someone go?

·         Don’t just roll over the same Dream Team year after year. The pool will become stagnant.

The same team year after year will have enthusiasm for your books for sure and you should continue to keep the people on board that maintain their contagious excitement. However, bringing in “new blood” as it where, will remind your older members what they’ve always been excited about all along: your books. And telling people about your books.

·         Cull the members who weren’t able to commit time wise or didn’t have an interest once the promotional work started.

Not every member can fully participate. Some people you’ll know this going into it and this is your call to make whether you invite them back for another year. I work with several people on my Dream Teams that have other obligations, but still give 110% with what they can do. There is a difference between doing what you can and not doing anything. Look for the members who fall into the latter.

·         Ask the members left over if they want to continue on in the new book promotion. Make sure they understand the meaning of being part of your Dream Team and the commitment they are making.

Every year when I build the new team, I privately message or email each member with a quick note, thanking them for their awesome help and asking if they want to join next year. No pressure, ball totally in their court, but with a full understanding of what I’m asking you to do if you return. Most people will return. A few will be honest with their time and decline. I suggest adding these people to your influencer list so they can still help with minor promotion and writing you a review.

·         Ask new people you’ve communicated with, know that like your books, etc.

Each year I look at readers who have consistently contacted my authors, been involved on social media without asking or just have a natural contagious excitement about them. I love inviting people such as this to our teams!

·         Bringing in fresh blood will encourage and help fuel the old members and vice versa.

I’ve seen this truth proven many times over—keep this option in your back pocket as you look to grow your team and encourage excitement.

Finally: build a community. All of these people are joined by one common love: you and your books. This instantly makes them friends, build upon that. I have seen fellow Dream Teamers friend each other on Facebook, chat amongst each other and support one another outside of the structure of the Dream Team. This is a great and effective way to build cohesiveness and sponsor growth and camaraderie amongst your members.

Do you have any questions about building a Dream Team? Suggestions? Thoughts? I’d love to hear from you, so be sure to leave your comments below!

CLICK TO TWEET: 

Building a Dream Team? Who do you invite for the #promotion & do you bring in new people? @C_Herringshaw answers. http://bit.ly/29Q1Az1

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Casey Herringshaw is a homeschool graduate and has been writing since high school. She lives in colorful Colorado where she gets to live her dream stalking--er--visiting with her favorite CO authors. 

No Writer is an Island

God has been reminding me lately of this slightly-humbling-but-oh-so-true fact ---

I cannot do everything.

I really can't.

I'm not perfect.

I fail.

I'm not good at everything.

And even more than that, just because I CAN do something doesn't mean I SHOULD.

This writing life (and really life in general, but focusing on writing here...) is full of opportunity. Opportunity to fail. To win. To be rejected. To be accepted. To learn--both from failures and successes.

But one truth is this: I've yet to see one author who has made it by themselves.

Even in this age of indie publishing where we have an abundance of control, no one has done it without people that have offered a hand along the way, whether that be a paid hand or the hand of a friend.

I'll be honest. I like to do things myself sometimes (particularly when the other option is to pay for it to be done. I'm cheap, what can I say.)

But learning that this writing thing takes a village is a valuable lessen.

Your writing can always improve, and it will do so by laying down your pride and listening to others opinions on it.

Group blogs offer fellowship, friendship, and a relief from too-often.

Memberships in writer's groups like ACFW (and going to super fun conferences like the one coming up in August!! wahoo!!) offer fellowship with other writers, the ability to gleen from each others experiences, both the good AND the bad.

I just want to encourage you outside, ESPECIALLY if you tend to be an introvert like yours truly, coming out of your shell and walking with others will offer great benefits.

Let's chat! What are ways that you build community in the writer world? Do you go to conferences? Have a critique group? Part of a blog? How have those things helped you?