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:

• "The Seven Most Common Manuscript Submission Mistakes"
• This is an oldie, but a must read: "Will Literary Agents Really Read Your Query Letter?"
• "Why Agents Reject 96% of Author Submissions"
• Do you need more focus? Try the Pomodoro Technique: "What to be More Focused & Productive?
• Jane Friedman gives us clues on "The Challenges of First-Person POV"
• Sometimes, the necessary, stark truth hurts, but don't let it stop you from creating--"Want to Earn a Living Creating? Here's Your Mountain"
• Past or Present tense? I have a preference and Novel Writing Help's "Past Tense or Present Tense" explains why for me. What about you?
• I love, love, love this one: "Writing Insights Part One"

Next post: September Book Pusher, of course. ;-)

I'm Back....

...Well at least to a degree. Last Friday marked two weeks since my surgery and my foot is now completely unpacked and I can wear my shoe again. Even better, I can take a bath in the shower, not the sink. ; ) That said, I still have to take it slow to manage the swelling.

While I was laid up, I have been rereading FRIENDLY FIRE as it stands now. Unfortunately I've fallen into two holes caused by an earlier version of the story. I'm happy to report that I've been brainstorming "earth-moving" ideas to fill these holes. And, even better, I've finally crossed over into areas of the manuscript that I've read and worked on earlier this year. That means the road has smoothed out to just bumpy.

FRIENDLY FIRE started out as MOTHER'S DAY and centered tightly on Laura Grace's journey from childlessness to motherhood, but the story was much bigger than that narrow focus. As it branched out and widened in emphasis, it became a story about how widespread abuse is. As this theme was revealed, the front of the story no longer fits. That's what I've got to address. Some really good scenes will have to be ditched, but that's the story of most books as they make their journey from idea to finished (or at least final) draft.

How do you handle old scenes that no longer fit?
Do you struggle with cutting them or do you try to "renovate" them to fit?

And there's something really great to look forward to!
Rachael Harrie and Cally Jackson are planning the Fifth Writers Platform Champaign for September!!!

Check out these posts and get ready to rumble. ; )

Rach Writes    and   Cally Jackson Writes