Tag Archives: Christian fiction

The Elevator Pitch

26 Monday Aug 2013

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I wrote this almost a year ago. Now that my story is finally ready for the pitching stage, I thought it appropriate to share again :-).

elevator

The elevator pitch. In the writing world, it’s a short summary of your book that can be told to a prospective agent/editor/publisher in the time it takes to get from one floor to the next on an elevator. For a wordy introvert like myself (I’ve been known to counter my shyness with excessive talking) it’s an enticement to take the stairs.

An elevator pitch is just one of many tools a new writer must have in her belt. And I’m not talking about a cute belt. I’m talking a manly, well-stocked, durable belt that’s multi-pocketed and ready for the long haul.

When stepping out of the dream of one day becoming a writer and landing into the hard reality of pursuing publication, you quickly learn terms like elevator pitch, query letter, synopsis, and – somebody fan me – rejection letters. You start stocking the pockets of your belt with resources to enhance your ability, hammers to keep you pounding away on the keyboard, measuring tapes to keep you persevering, and salves to thicken your skin. And you don a hard-hat to keep you from getting discouraged when you learn that even with the best of tools many don’t make it in this business. And soon enough comes your moment of truth.

I’ve never been fond of rejection. And though I can take criticism, I’d prefer it gently if at all possible. As for putting myself out there (pitching, sharing my fears and failures, digging in and doing the writing) to think nothing may ever come of it…well, that’s altogether a very frightening prospect. As I learned about the odds and stared down my own inhibitions, I had to really ask myself: Am I up for this?

Answer? I am.

Though the publishing world is like a well established building – with bestselling authors and timeless books dressing it in grand arches, majestic steeples, and ancient friezes  – there’s always room for a new wing on the latest floor. And whether that wing be expansive, or cozy and closet-like, I think I can make good use of it. I have stories to tell and a world to tell them to.

So while the solitude of the stairs is a comfortable choice – and physically healthy in a literal sense 🙂 – this writer is training her introvert to come out of her shell, sticking her nervous Chatty Cathy in the timeout corner, sucking in a deep breath, saying a prayer (and another, then another)…and taking the elevator.

Image courtesy of Gregory Szarkiewicz / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

A Review of I, Saul by Jerry B. Jenkins

17 Saturday Aug 2013

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I, Saul

More than two thousand years ago in a small Roman dungeon where he awaited his execution, the Apostle Paul lived and breathed and…what else?

What were his conditions, his mood, his thoughts, his actions? While we can’t know for sure, in I, Saul, Jerry B. Jenkins dares to both explore those questions and create a fictional account of the answers. And he doesn’t stop there.

Paul’s historic last days result in modern-day danger for Augustine Knox, a struggling professor who is called upon to help a friend now hunted because of what the Apostle Paul left behind. Coming to his friend’s aid, Augustine doesn’t only jeopardize his career and his own life, but the life of his fiancée as well.

What will become of them, and of the priceless Pauline discovery, remains a mystery until the very end.

Jenkins has once again gone outside of the box to bring readers a story worth getting excited about. Augustine, equal parts jock and egghead, is an unusually witty character who endears from the beginning, and who really comes to life when he hits Italian soil. Roger Michaels, the friend responsible for Augie’s newfound problems, comes across as the guy everybody wishes they knew.

Augie’s fiancée Sofia is also likeable and seems to have a pretty good head on her shoulders, and the romance elements between them remain somewhat surface level so as not to detract from the main focus of the plot.

For the story to advance to a position of intense intrigue and high stakes, Jenkins had to build quite a bit of background in the early chapters. As a result, the beginning consists of several flashbacks, which at times made it a slow read. But once the stage is firmly established the story takes off. Imagine a rollercoaster that paces its way to the top, then plunges its rider into an adventure that is both intense and exhilarating.

More than that, I, Saul has a message of faith that is piercing to the heart. This surprised me, since at first I found the delivery of the faith topics very simple and straight-forward. Turns out simple + straight-forward + the Word of God = Powerful.

I gave it four out of five stars.

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Week 7 Book 7: A Review of Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

15 Saturday Jun 2013

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truth stained lies

Ever since the murder of her police officer fiancée, and the perp’s bogus acquittal, Cathy Cramer has been using her law background and a high-profile blog to help keep other murderers from getting away with their crimes.

But prosecuting defendants in the court of public opinion wins her more than national recognition and a faithful following. Cathy has enemies armed with death threats. It’s a risk she’s willing to take, until she receives a letter that proves to be more than a bluff.

In Terri Blackstock’s Truth Stained Lies, Cathy’s brother is framed for murdering his estranged wife. Now Cathy is faced with the reality that things are not always as they appear–something she never fully respected in her blog commentaries. Soon it’s a race against the clock to prove her brother’s innocence, and to find the true killer before he can strike again.

Written in a simple but effective style, this debut in Blackstock’s Moonlighters Series  is a great read. The pacing was quick, entertaining, and full of suspense. There were several characters and a couple of sub-plots (some fully developed and others just touched on) but everything ultimately tied into and/or enhanced the main story in such a way that none of it was distracting.

The main character, Cathy, had three siblings, all of whom were important to the story. Though they came from the same background, Blackstock took pains to make sure each sibling was as different as the seasons, and she created a family dynamic that was realistic. The faith elements were believable, redemptive, challenging…and precious.

Some parts of the plot were slightly predictable, but the story as a whole was so intriguing that I couldn’t put the book down until it was over. Even when the killer is revealed the reader is left to stress about how, when, or if he/she will be caught.  I literally flew through the pages in one night.

In the end, Truth Stained Lies wasn’t just read, it was experienced. I teared-up, hoped, paced, praised God, took self-stock, and smiled when I put it down. I gave it four out of five stars.

This book concludes my Seven Books in Seven Weeks Series, and will be included in the giveaway. Stay tuned next week for information about the book giveaways!

Week 6 Book 6: A Review of Taliesin by Stephen R. Lawhead

08 Saturday Jun 2013

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taliesin

It was the age of Atlantis, when nine kings ruled in peace and prosperity and the lives of their people were saturated with extravagance. It was also an age marked for destruction–a fate to dwarf the devastation caused by the outbreak of war after two millenia of peace.

In Taliesin, Stephen R. Lawhead slashes through the veil of mystery surrounding Atlantis. The story follows two main characters: Princess Charis, daughter of one of the Atlantean kings, and Taliesin, druid prince destined for greatness.

Princess Charis learns of her land’s impending doom and manages to escape, but not before Lawhead breathes life into the legendary city of Atlantis. Across the ocean, Taliesin maintains a vastly different but just as intriguing existence; his life linked to Princess Charis’ before the two ever meet.

A tale of hope, heartbreak, violence, and love, Taliesin is a brilliant intermingling of fiction and history. Though written in 1987, the craft used to write this story makes it timeless. Lawhead writes with intricate detail to construct setting. Though I’m not a fan of overdone scenes, the detail used here was appropriate. The palaces, arenas, gardens, and caers were of foreign places and fictional times, therefore it was Lawhead’s responsibility to set the stage, which he did well.

Characterization was also a strength of this story. Each character was introduced with distinct, memorable qualities, so that they became real people who inspired real feelings. Charis grew from a spoiled brat to a wise, determined and heroic woman. Her mother, Briseis, exuded wisdom characteristic of noble queens, and concern inherent in caring mothers. Annubi’s sarcasm and familiar style of communication made him easy to relate to and just as easily trustworthy.

Better still was the plot. Tension continued to grow and unfold as the story progressed. Though the fate of Atlantis was inevitable, Lawhead wrote in such a way that I continued to hope and root in certain scenes for a different outcome than what was expected. Backstory was well-timed and so well written that it kept the story flowing despite pumping in details of the past. Even stories within the story were interesting, and everything–however subtle–had its purpose in the final product.

In short, Taliesin was a phenomenal novel written with excellence. I haven’t been this excited by a work of fiction in a long time, a fact which earned it five out of five stars. Though I’m sad it’s over, I’m beside myself happy that it’s the first in a series, and I can’t wait to get my hands on book two.

Click here for the list of the remaining books: Seven Books in Seven Weeks: The List .

What Happens Next?

08 Wednesday May 2013

Posted by in Short Stories, Songs, and Poetry, Writing and Pursuing Publication

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144863-20130508

My mind is always churning. I comfort myself with the notion that I’m a writer and, as such, my thoughts should walk a creative distance outside the box of normal thinking folks. Honestly, though, sometimes I suspect I’m a blurted comment away from being professionally observed.

As for those thoughts I think, they tend to come in scenes with the promise of a story somewhere. Absurd or dull ones get shot down as quickly as they come, lingering ones may turn into a short story (or at least get the nod of an honorable intention to make a short story), and great ones get scribbled down and chewed on with the promise of a full book someday.

Then there are the write-a-paragraph-and-never-touch-again scenes. There’s a story, typically something of redemptive or moral value, but I don’t know what it is. It could be anything, so why limit it to one thing? But if I don’t limit it to one thing, how will it ever become anything? And there I go again, off on my mental tangent…

Now here’s where you come in! Written below is a very short scene. The characters are there (at least the initial two), and the stage is set for something…

That “something” is up to you.

Throw me ideas for conflict, questions, promises, future hopes, past regrets, titles…whatever comes to your mind after you read the paragraph.* If your mind embraces the scene and takes off with it…feel free to write it out and add to the story instead of just offering your idea.*

Here goes…

The bed was hard and stiff, as if it had been soaked through then dried in a harsh summer sun. Jenise perched on the edge with one leg crossed over the other and fingered the cheap dove necklace sticking to her skin. The window facing her was lifted just high enough for a small bird to fit through, as high as it could go, and despite several holes in the screen, no air seemed to come in.

A cart rumbled up to the door and paused, then rumbled away again accompanied by the faint tunes of a radio with poor reception. Jenise took a long drag of her cigarette and blew the smoke over the sleeping form of her new husband. Only his fingers moved in response, the rough tips finding the back of her polyester slip and sticking like velcro.

“David,” Jenise called in a soft, shaky voice, half hoping he didn’t hear…

Now it’s your turn! Tell me what happens next. Where are they? Why are they there? What’s keeping her awake while he’s sleeping? What’s she thinking about? I can’t wait to see the ideas that come pouring in.

And that’s not all…the most creative, workable idea or add-on will receive a new copy of James Scott Bell’s Plot & Structure, a must-have for every writer or writer-to-be. Be creative and have fun!

*Please do not submit using profanity, gratuitous sexual content, or malicious violence.

Seven Books in Seven Weeks: The List

24 Wednesday Apr 2013

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I’ve finally compiled a list for my Seven Books in Seven Weeks marathon. Thanks to everyone who posted or emailed your suggestions. It took a while to filter through and decide which seven books would occupy hours of my time over the next seven weeks, but now that the list is done I’m ready to hit the ground reading! Or…something like that.

readingabook1

And now without further ado (for the record I initially wrote that as adieu (don’t ask me why I did it, nor why I’m telling you)), in the order in which I’ll be reading them, here are my Seven Books in Seven Weeks:

  1. The Language of Flowers by Vanessa Diffenbaugh
  2. Not a Fan by Kyle Idleman
  3. This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti
  4. Standing in the Rainbow by Fannie Flagg
  5. Take a Chance on Me by Susan May Warren
  6. Taliesin by Stephen Lawhead
  7. Truth Stained Lies by Terri Blackstock

Week one officially begins this Friday (4/26). I will post reviews of each book the Saturday after they’ve been read, so my first review of The Language of Flowers will be available Saturday (5/4).

If you’ve never read any of these books or, Lord willing, you’ve read them and believe them good enough to read again, join me! I’ll be posting my progress on my Goodreads profile and we can chat throughout the week.

In addition, at the end of this marathon I’ll be giving away a few of the books in the list. Anyone who participates through shares, retweets, comments, and reading along will be eligible to win. (Make sure to note in the comments if/when you share on Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest so I can enter you in the drawing).

Thanks again to everyone for your recommendations and participation. Now let’s get reading!

Seven Books in Seven Weeks

12 Friday Apr 2013

Posted by in Book Reviews, Writing and Pursuing Publication

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bookmarathon

I’m constantly reading. Sometimes, if I’m lucky, I’ll find a book impossible to put down and conquer it in a day. Other times I’ll find one that’s good but I can put it down, so with the day-to-day of family and other responsibilities it’ll take me a little longer to get through it.

And last, but most unfortunately, every now and then I’ll come across one that’s terrible. But because I’m nosy and have a hard time not finishing what I start, I’ll carry it around like a shackle on my leg until I’ve finally dragged myself to the end. Though I always tell myself, “I just have to know if there’s a point, a redeeming quality, anything to make me feel like I didn’t waste my time,” I usually get to the end and say, “Why on earth did I waste my time with that?”

Anyway, I’m in the mood for a reading marathon. Seven books in seven weeks. Just the thought of it has me excited.

What’s this mean for you? Two or three things:

  1. If you have a book you think I should read (and not one of the terrible kind just to make me suffer), post your recommendations and I’ll consider it if I haven’t already read it. 
  2. With each book I’ll post a review. That way if you haven’t read it yet I can provide some insight as to whether or not it’s worth your time.
  3. This one is optional but I’ll be ecstatic if you do it…you can join me! They don’t have to be the same seven books, just the same volume and timeline.

I’m eager to start so put in your recommendations. With your help I hope to compile a list and get the first leg of this race started by next weekend :-).

Update: Click here for the Seven Books in Seven Weeks List.

And if you’re one of the brave souls committed to joining me in this marathon, say so in the comments so we can make this journey together.

God bless and happy reading!

It’s My Anniversary!

05 Friday Apr 2013

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anniversarycake

Not my marriage anniversary, though the 11th one will be here soon (I swear I just wrote something about the 10th a few weeks ago).

But anyhow, it’s my one year blogging anniversary. And honestly, I wouldn’t have known if I hadn’t received a “Happy Anniversary” notice from the server.

Where…on earth…does the time go?

It doesn’t seem like it’s been that long. Though it should, since I drag every single blog post out of me kicking and screaming and jaw-set determined not to make it past the draft stage.

But, alas, I’ve been here a year. And I’ve met some great people. And I’ve learned many wonderful things. And I’ve resisted the urge to read and delete my first-days-on-campus posts, and instead trudged forward to keep posting and find my way and my own voice in this vast community.

There’ve been mistakes and lessons learned. Laughs with and prayers for strangers. Testimonies and praise about who my God is and the wonderful things He does.

And I appreciate every grueling moment of it. Thanks to everyone who’s been a part of this journey with me through likes, comments, messages, and prayers. Here’s to the past year and, Lord willing, the year to come.

God bless!

A Book Review of Shattered by Dani Pettrey

16 Saturday Mar 2013

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Shattered

It isn’t everyday that Piper McKenna gets to see her youngest brother Reef. So when he shows up unexpected after several years absence, Piper’s initial reaction is one of joy. Then Reef returns the same night covered in the blood of someone newly murdered. Certain her brother is incapable of violence, Piper is willing to risk everything – including her life – to prove his innocence.

The evidence against Reef is staggering, causing those closest to him to doubt his character. Their doubt only fuels Piper’s determination, and soon she is chasing other leads across North American states and the Canadian border in hopes of uncovering enough information to set Reef free. In the process of playing detective, love begins to rear its head from the most unsuspected of collars, and Piper has to wonder if her quest will end with more questions than answers.

This second novel in Pettrey’s debut Alaskan Courage series is a romantic suspense of the highest caliber. The pacing is fast enough to keep you turning pages, but not so fast as to compromise the quality of character and plot development. Piper’s brother Gage is an atheist with a boyish personality who knows how to joke, but we’re allowed glimpses of the deeper side of him where hurt and bitterness reside. The victim, Karli, even though dead, comes to life as her past is uncovered and pieced together. The reader is given cause to laugh, reflect, and mourn; yet all the while suspicion, tension, and the threat of danger linger at the back of the mind.

The varying degrees of faith in the characters provide a realistic portrayal of the struggles believers and non-believers experience as they wrestle with the concepts of pain and injustice in a world created by a loving God. Shattered becomes a book that entertains, inspires, and stays with you days after the last words have been read. I gave it five out of five stars.