Wednesday, September 6, 2017

IWSG for September and Links!

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Insecure Writers Support Group
Purpose:
 To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! 
Co-Hosts: Tyrean Martinson, Tara Tyler Raimey Gallant Beverly Stowe McClure

September Question: Have you ever surprised yourself with your writing? (For example, by trying a new genre you didn't think you'd be comfortable in?)

Short Answer: All the time. Everyday. ;-) 

Long Answer: I've been working on my present WIP since March 2008. It was only this May that I realized the theme of my story. It's been in front of my face the entire time. I write Christian Women's Fiction. Here's my short pitch. 


Laura Grace Bradshaw, retired teacher, childless, and recently widowed, defies her narrow-minded family and her small Southern church when she opens her home to abused twelve-year old Samantha Smith, who might be the key to long-buried family secrets.
Do you see the theme? I didn't. It's a Good Samaritan story. Truly, I hadn't seen that until lately. I added an epigram and some scripture at the end to show the theme more clearly. Will those additions be part of the published version? I have no clue. Only the Good Lord above knows that. 
When I pitch it at the national ACFW conference in Dallas later in September, we'll see if any of the agents like it. Whatever happens, I know the best will be. I trust the new understanding to see me through. 
What about you? What's the craziest thing you've learned from writing?
Links:
Next post: September Book Pusher, of course. ;-)

14 comments:

  1. Nice post and good luck on the pitching!

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  2. Your writing has always had Christian themes but it isn't in your face pushy. That's probably why it took you so long to identify that part of the genre. No matter what it's classified as, it's a good book.

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    1. Oh, thank you, Sara! You know my story and to hear you say it is wonderful.

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  3. Oh my gosh! I love that you've been writing your book since 2008. My self-help book took me several years to write so I can relate. For me, it wasn't about when I published it, it was how I felt when it was published. Would it feel like it was ready to me. If that makes sense? :)

    Enjoy the rest of your week!
    Elsie

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    Replies
    1. Of course it makes sense! I know that if I never get published, I'll still write.

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  4. I love that pitch.
    I get the sense that you're enjoying the story unfold...and what a wonderful surprise to discover the theme in the manner that you did. Everything in good time.
    Good luck at the conference!
    Happy IWSG Day!
    Writer In Transit

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  5. Hi, Zan-Marie. It sounds like you've really sharpened your focus. I think you'll have great success with this story, and not just in the Christian fiction market.

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    Replies
    1. Oh, Rhonda! Thank you! I'd love to cross over.

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  6. I love the revelations that occur while writing, don't you? Thanks so much for your post - it encourages me to keep plodding along - I've been working on my debut novel for nearly two years!

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    Replies
    1. Plod is my middle name. ;-) And Two Years isn't anything, yet.

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  7. 2008. Wow. Whenever I'm feeling insecure about the process I have to keep reminding myself that writing is a marathon, not a sprint! I always feel behindhand...

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