by Stacey | Aug 3, 2016 | For Writers
Yes, those favourite books lining your shelves, you know – the ones you go back to again and again because they are just that good – can help you get published. But, before we go there, let’s lay out some cautions about comparing your unfinished to work to someone’s finished, professionally edited, and published work.
The Comparison Trap
Every author, aspiring and published, eventually falls prey to comparison. Why can’t I complete a manuscript as fast as so and so? Why isn’t my book ranking like this person’s book? Why isn’t my blog getting the same amount of traffic as that one? Will I ever write as well as [insert favourite author here]?
The problem with comparing is that it sets the bar unrealistically high, especially if you are comparing your beginners work to someone’s advanced work. Comparing tempts you to beat yourself up for not reaching those unrealistic goals. It tunes your ears into someone else’s unique voice when they should be tuned into your voice.
What if?
What if you spent as much energy as you do comparing yourself to others on finding your own writing groove? What if you embraced the limitations that come with your current season of life and enjoyed however much or little writing time you have? What if your stress about not measuring up was transformed into being the best writer that YOU can be?
Escape the Trap
The next time you close a book that stirred deep emotion, instead of immediately comparing your work-in-progress to that finished book, go back and study it like a textbook. Study like you’re a month from graduation and you need to up your GPA to graduate.
Break it down:
- What scenes were your favourite?
- What scenes made you cry, laugh, or feel anxious?
- What descriptions came alive?
- What characters did you love/hate?
Why were those your favourite parts? What verbs did the author use to convey urgency? What words created a visceral response? Did the author use many adverbs or adjectives? How wordy or tightly written was the scene?
Make lists and take notes:
- List powerful verbs.
- List unique words and phrasing. (Always note where they came from for future reference.)
- List descriptors that stirred you.
- Note pacing. What kind of urgency was in the scene? How was it conveyed?
- List ideas that come as a result of this time.
Save those notes and refer back to them when you are struggling with a dead scene.
Benefits of Comparing
Sometimes a little comparing is good if you approach it from a healthy point of view. Did you know Gone with the Wind was rejected 38 times before it was published? Your pile of rejections doesn’t look so bad now, does it? Even the “greats” struggled.
Did you know it is reported that it took Margaret Mitchell TEN years to write Gone with the Wind? Maybe taking a whole year, or two or three, isn’t as wrong or unprofessional as you thought?
If you’re determined to compare yourself to another writer, avoid the headlines that lead you back into the trap. Skip the “self-published, debut author makes millions” because the likelihood of your novel or my novel making a million is slim. (But, we can keep hoping!) Instead, read the info that encourages you to be the best writer you can. Work at your own pace. Develop your own voice. Tell your own story—because no one else can write your story.
Understanding why you love certain books or writing styles can help you improve that manuscript and earn that book contract.
All for His glory,
Stacey
by Stacey | Jul 28, 2016 | For Writers
I started The Builder’s Reluctant Bride’s manuscript (then titled First Love) on my daughter’s first day of school back in Sept, 2008.
Doesn’t she look cute?
It took one year to write and edit the manuscript and it was promptly rejected for publication from several publishers by Nov 2009. The most notable rejection was from White Rose Publishers. Here’s what they wrote:
Why is their rejection significant?
When an editor takes the time to make specific comments about your manuscript, be teachable. Editors are bombarded with submissions and many send a “form letter” rejection. (I have stacks of those too.) I could have been offended at the editor’s advice to keep studying the craft of writing. I could have self-published when a self-publisher called and offered me a deal. I could have been cocky and wrongly believed I had nothing left to learn. Had I done that, I would have missed out on the beautiful world of friendships within the writing community.
Apply the advice!
As sad as that rejection made me feel, I did as she suggested and signed up for writing classes where I met wonderful people who share my passion. I read LOADS of books about the craft of writing. I found a writing mentor (shout out to fantastic writer friend: Sandra Orchard), and I found a writing community where I learned that I had a LOT to learn about writing for the glory of God. I set aside the manuscript to study. I worked on smaller projects, freelanced for magazines, landed a job as a reporter, and eventually found myself looking at that first story again. Could I apply all that I had learned and make this publishable?
Hold loosely and let the story change as needed.
It was a lot of hard work to rewrite that manuscript. The story changed so much that I eventually changed the characters names to reflect their new identities. Sarah became Jenna, Dan became William, and First Love became The Builder’s Reluctant Bride.
Interestingly, White Rose is the imprint under Pelican Book Group that just released The Builder’s Reluctant Bride this month. My very first rejection is also my very first publisher.
Sometimes life is funny that way…
Be teachable
My advice to you is the same advice graciously given to me by that kind editor many years ago (who funnily enough was the same person to request the full manuscript of First Love the second time around). Study the craft, be teachable to instruction from those more experienced, and write on!
Dedication page inside The Builder’s Reluctant Bride
All for His glory,
Stacey
by Stacey | Jul 14, 2016 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
I need not fear, but instead, be encouraged because the Lord is with me. His power is perfect in weakness—and I am weak. I do not create life, heal brokenness, or redeem tragedy, but God can. My inability showcases His great ability. He calls me closer to Him. He refreshes me when I call on Him.
This suffering will produce perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And that hope does not put me to shame because God has poured his love into my heart through the power of the Holy Spirit. He is my light and salvation. He is the stronghold of life. My confidence is in Him. I cry out now, and I know that He hears me because He is close to the brokenhearted and He saves those crushed in spirit.
I may be hard pressed on every side, but I am not crushed. I may be perplexed, but I do not despair. I may feel persecuted, but I am not abandoned. I might get struck down, but I will not be destroyed because He is my God. He is with me. He strengthens me and upholds me in His righteous hand.
This is the heritage of the servants of the Lord – and for that, I praise you, God!
Joshua 1:9, 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Romans 5:3-5, Psalm 27:1-3, Isaiah 41:10, Psalm 34:17-18, 2 Corinthians 4:8-9.
by Stacey | Jul 7, 2016 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement
He is all powerful; I am weak. He is all-knowing; I am limited. He is ever present; I am perishing.
His holiness exposes the sin seeping into every chamber of my heart. Easily deceived, my tendency to wander leads me to worthless idols.
Again and again.
Yet, the Shepherd seeks the sheep and becomes the bridge that spans the gap between us. He relentlessly calls my name. He guides me to Living Water, inviting me to drink and never thirst again.
Because He loves me.
He was already there—in the beginning—and will be forever. His words breathe life and are life.
I am His.
Praise the Lord!
by Stacey | Jun 16, 2016 | Devotionals, reflections, and encouragement, For Writers
I love to write. These last few years have brought great joy as I’ve seen fruit grow after years of hard work. However lately, I’ve been evaluating the good things in my life and how all good things remain good things only when they stay in the right place in my life. A recent “time out” from fictional writing has proven to be a beneficial pause and reminder to me that occasional distance from the activities I love is healthy and good.
Consider 3 reasons why you should take a break from your passions:
Anything can become an idol
Anything, even good things, like writing to express my love for the Lord, can sneak into that space in my heart reserved for the Lord. Writing about God should never replace personal time spent with Him. Studying His Word should never become about finding material for a devotional or a growth arch for a character. I strive to know Him better and grow in love for Him because He is worthy of my praise and adoration. That is why I enter into His presence.
A well-rounded life is healthier, less stressful, and honestly – more fun
I’ve observed that closing the laptop, getting off the office chair, getting my nose out from under a pile of notes and papers improves my attitude, patience, and over all health. It is good to go for a walk / jog / bike ride. It is good to spend time with the real people living in my house and give them 100% of my attention. It is good to feel the warmth of the sun on my face, laugh with my children, stay up late or get up early just because. There is more to life than work and hobbies.
Real people are more important
That deserves a repeat because it is easy to say but also easy to forget. Real people are more important than the stuff you’re saving your money to buy, more important than the book you want to finish reading, more important than the training schedule you want to keep, more important than the blog post you are reading right now <grin>. For me, real people are more important than the make believe ones I create in my stories.
Maybe you’re not a writer. Maybe your passion is running, cooking, reading, playing an instrument, fitness, home decor, crafting, gaming, or anything else that might bring a person pleasure. It really doesn’t matter what “thing” fills your spare time, the truth still remains. Guard yourself against making it an idol. Keep God, and your time with Him, first. Balance your life by first meeting daily with Him, then exercising, easting healthy, and engaging with the people around you because real people—relationships—are more important than that hobby. And the most important relationship is the one you have with God.
If your passion has slowly overtaken your thoughts, time and attention, perhaps it is time to force it back into its rightful place. Sometimes, a break is good.
