Rewriting the Synopsis

Did you ever hear the one about "the best-laid plans of mice and men gang aft agley?" (Robert Burns, and you'll notice the famous title lifted from the line of his poem.)

Version Two of the synopsis was better received by my critique partner than Version One, but she still had plenty of suggestions to make it, and the novel, better. So, it's off to rewrite land to start over.

First things first. My cp advised me to start with a character sketch of the heroine, leaving out nothing important. I had left vital information about her until later in the synopsis, which affected the flow of timing and pacing. By putting everything pertinent about her into the first paragraph, I eliminate the need to mention things later, and the reader (editor) will know that the story is character-driven.

After the heroine, describe the Hero. (Unless you're writing something other than romance...male oriented action/adventure may not even have a heroine.) Everything that makes him who he is should be put on paper right at the beginning.

Then get into the story. Make sure the pacing is right. I had the Hero & Heroine admitting they loved each other on page three of the synopsis, which looks like it's halfway through the book, even though it doesn't happen until the last chapter! My cp's advice was to make it clear that it happens near the end, so that the editor won't think things are going too smoothly for the protagonists.

In addition, my cp had some wonderful suggestions for the story itself. We brainstormed a bit, and now I need to do some rewriting on the novel as well. All in all, it shouldn't take too long to fix, and it will improve the book. That, hopefully, will also improve its chances of selling!

In conclusion: if you're working on a synopsis, make sure you get all the important character information in first, and then leap into the storyline. Make sure you really care about your characters. If you don't care about them, no one else will!

Happy writing!

Something Different: a book giveaway, blog interview, book review and guest blog all rolled into one!

Welcome back to my too-long neglected blog! Some of you may know that my mom fell and broke her hand, which took away all my blogging time. However, I'm back, and with a wonderful combination for you all! I'm going to start it off with the book review of A SOLDIER'S PROMISE, Cheryl's first book for Love Inspired. Exciting news: Cheryl is giving away not one, but two copies of A SOLDIER'S PROMISE, one for each of my blogs, so be sure to enter by either e-mailing me (hope_chastain [at] yahoo.com) or commenting here on this blog or the other blog!

The last thing U.S. Air Force pararescue jumper Joel Montgomery wants to do is return to his home town of Refuge, Illinois, a place that holds nothing but bad memories for him. When the wish of a sick child, Bradley, to meet him, or someone like him, comes into his possession, it takes every ounce of courage he has to go with his team.

When Bradley's teacher, the lovely Amber Stanton, meets Joel, she has no idea of the challenges he faces, or how entwined their lives will become, all because of one little boy in need of a bone marrow transplant, a home, and a lot of love.

Can Joel come to terms with the deep traumas that drove him away from Refuge, or will more hearts be broken? You'll just have to read it and find out.

This is an excellent beginning for a first-time novelist who has been putting her heart into her writing for years. The story is heartwarming as well as full of excitement. Highly recommended.

HC: Hi, Cheryl, and thanks for agreeing to do an unusual combo review/interview/guest blog today!

CW: Thanks, Hope, for featuring me! What an honor to be on your blog today.

HC: Congratulations on being published! I know you struggled a longtime and have been pursuing this wholeheartedly, especially Steeple Hill. What made you choose the Steeple Hill line of inspirationalromances, rather than another publisher?

CW:Thank you for the congrats. I targeted Steeple Hill for many reasons. One being, I love their books and have read them nearly since close to the inception of Steeple Hill. Secondly, in hanging out on the warm, funny community at the Steeple Hill message boards, I saw the heart of the authors there and so longed to be among them. They were so helpful and encouraging at every stage in the journey. I also feel my stories would fit the Steeple Hill readership. I love to read and write romance, and love category romance in particular. Then upon meeting the editors and talking with them, it seemed like a good fit. I loved their vision for their house and how they talked about their authors in such an uplifting manner. Also, Harlequin markets their authors well in my opinion, which makes it easier to build a readership with their house.

HC: What does it feel like to get "The Call?"

CW:Honestly, the feeling is out of this world. It's the kind of super-charged giddy feeling and so surreal that words can't even touch it. There is such relief and excitement. You understand the true meaning of stunned for sure. LOL! It's almost like you can't believe it and hope, really, really hope they haven't called you by mistake. LOL!

HC: Did your editor give you a list of revisions, and if so, how manyand what did it feel like?

CW:My post sale revisions were about two and a half pages of things. A couple paragraphs of general type stuff, then a couple pages of specific stuff where they mention the page and line numbers. There are basically scenes that need stuff taken out and scenes that need to be built up or maybe even added. There are usually character issues to deal with as well as plot...like how I always seem to have Scooby Doo endings. I'm trying to get better about that though. LOL!

HC: What is your working style when you're writing?

CW:Depends on what I'm writing. Research and character charts are relaxed. So is layering. BUT, when I go to do the mess draft, it is INTENSE and I can't stand to be interrupted because it really throws me off. LOL! And synopsis writing makes me very grumpy....but I push through it.

HC: What does your faith mean to you, and how does it affect yourlife, including your writing?

CW:Faith is vitally important to me. God means everything to me, and faith is attached to Him....anything attached to Him is of utmost importance. I consider my writing a gift from Him and one that I can also give back to Him so it's all interconnected. I'm thankful for the ability to make people laugh and cry. LOL! I get great enjoyment out of that. Welll, making them cry in a happy, poignant sense.

HC: Thank you so much for answering all my nosy questions! And now, I turn the blog over to you, on the subject of perseverance in writingand seeking publication.

CW: Thank you Hope! It's been fun!

Thoughts on Perseverance.

One thing I heard consistently while pursuing publication was the "P" word. For those of us who want instant gratification for our efforts, it's not a word or even a concept we like to hear or embrace. I know plenty of authors who've been published a couple of years after starting to write fiction. But I also know some absolutely phenomenal writers, many of them here http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/ who have been pursuing publication for a decade or more. I heard someone in the industry (a publishing professional) say once that it takes 5-8 years on average to be published.

Problem was, I heard this when I'd only been trying for a couple of years. Very disheartening yet it also made me realize a person has to be in this for the long haul. And they have to be serious about pursuing publication. It takes work and lots of it and sometimes it takes way longer than we anticipated. The good thing is, that I think most people who stick with it and don't give up, will eventually be published. And certainly if it is something God has created them to do.

The hope in the waiting is that we have a God who fashions us with hopes and dreams. No, not all of them will come to pass, but I think He is more concerned with the process than the achievement. How we respond in the waiting. Does our integrity hold up? Do we have to battle jealousy when that writer gets a contract who has only been writing for a couple of years, and we've been trying for eight? The road to publication isn't easy for anyone that I'm aware of. It takes git-er-done grit and dependence on God to not let us lose sight of our dreams.

For me, I had to know that God was calling me to this, or I don't think I'd have chosen to persevere. It took way more of my time, way more of my heart, way more money for conferences, etc than I ever dreamed it would. But now those time and money investments have begun to pay off. Not so much that I've FINALLY sold a book, but the reassurance and affirmation from my heavenly father that I've been faithful during the process. There are so many perseverance scriptures in the Bible that are encouraging to study. Persevere in prayer and practice abiding in His presence is the best advice I can offer. When we spend time with Him, He gives us everything we need. He directs us to resources that will enable us to learn all we can about the craft as we keep God first and don't neglect things that are more important than the end product of our perseverance..which for most writers is publication.

I think each writer needs to seek God about their journey. I'm not speaking out against self-publication, or downing those who go that route. But I can't help wonder how many writers sell themselves short by taking that route instead of persevering the traditional route a little bit longer. No matter the route God intends, it is so important for us to take time to listen to God about what He wants from us. What is our part. And then be willing to do whatever it takes, for as long as it takes. The only reason people miss out on their "promise land" is if they give up and quit before they reach it. Hang in there. Praying for every person reading this, that God would grace you with the determination and the grit and the perseverance to make it.

Hugs,

Cheryl

NaNoWriMo Starts Tomorrow

NaNoWriMo, National Novel Writing Month, starts November 1st. I've never done NaNo before, although I did FAWM (February Album Writing Month) this year for the first time. Since I need to write an album really fast this year for the Harlequin American Romance editor pitch challenge, I took the plunge. At first, I was worried that I'd already written 500 words on the story I intend to write. Then I read what I'd written. Yecccchhhh! Not a problem. I'll scrap that, keep the original idea, and start over from scratch! Actually, it wasn't bad, but it was a first effort, and it shows. The characters and emotions are good. I don't need some of the wording and phrases I had before.

So, it's off to the drawing board tomorrow to create this book from scratch! Look out November. By the grace of God, here I come!

Interview with Debby Giusti

Today, we’re blessed to have an interview with Debby Guisti. Thank you, Debby, for agreeing to be interviewed! Debby has agreed to give away a copy of her latest book, SCARED TO DEATH, so check the bottom of the blog for details on how to enter.

HC: I've read both your books from Love Inspired Suspense, and love them! When did you first know you wanted to write suspense?

DG: I grew up reading Nancy Drew and have always loved the suspense genre so when I started to write, I wanted to stay with what I enjoyed the most. There's always a puzzle to solve with suspense, and I like the challenge of having to figure out what happened or who the villain is. Hopefully, my readers enjoy that aspect as well.

HC: How long have you been writing?

DG: I published a few articles in magazines when my children were young, but as they grew and needed more of my time, I put my writing on hold. When the children were older we moved to Georgia, and I decided if I didn't get back to writing, I never would. Once again, I turned to magazines, and since I'm a medical technologist, I published numerous articles in ADVANCE FOR ADMINISTRATORS OF THE LABORATORY and served on their editorial advisory board for over twelve years. I also wrote for SOUTHERN LADY MAGAZINE, a lovely Alabama publication. Although I enjoyed the work, my heart's desire was to publish full-length fiction. In 2005, my dream came true when Steeple Hill senior editor Krista Stroever called and asked to buy NOWHERE TO HIDE.

HC: I see that not only are you a military kid, like I am, but you also married into the military. How does that affect your perceptions as a writer?

DG: You're right, Hope. I'm an Army Brat, Army wife, and since my son is in the Army, I'm also an Army mom! In fact, my next book, MIA: MISSING IN ATLANTA (March 2008) is the story of Captain Luke Walker, a war hero, who returns to Atlanta to find the girl he met on R&R. I dedicated the book to my son, the 101st Airborne Division he served with in Iraq and all the brave men and women in uniform who defend our nation. The hero in my debut novel, NOWHERE TO HIDE, also served in the Army so I guess my military ties impact the type of heroes I write. I like take charge men with a can-do attitude.

HC: I love how you integrate your faith into your writing. Even when your characters are at their lowest ebb, faith shines through. Do you find it easier or more difficult writing about characters who have faith versus those who doubt?

DG: My faith is such an important part of who I am, and I've very grateful to be able to openly write about my characters' relationship with the Lord. If one character is stronger in his or her faith, then the other usually struggles accepting God's love. Perhaps something has happened in the heroine's past that causes her to believe the Lord has turned his back on her. Through the hero's example and as the story progresses, her heart begins to open, and by the end of the story, she realizes the Lord's love is unconditional. The character who struggles accepting God into his or her life is always my favorite, probably because I see so many people in real life who have made the same mistake. They've turned their back on God because of problems or difficulties, never realizing that God is exactly who they need when the going gets tough. I always pray for my readers and hope my stories will help someone who might be struggling to accept God back into his or her life. If that happens, then my writing has been a success.

HC: I note with great delight that you have a new book coming out in March 2008. Is it another stand-alone, or are there any characters readers will remember from your previous books?

DG: MIA: MISSING IN ATLANTA is a stand-alone with a new cast of characters. I mentioned Luke Walker, but you'll also meet Sarah Montgomery who's trying to hold together a financially strapped shelter for runaway teens. Bull LeJeune is her larger-than-life assistant, a "bad boy" who turned his life around and now helps troubled youth. Wealthy Atlanta philanthropist Winton Cunningham started the shelter for teens, and he and his Columbian wife Elena are interested in helping South American orphans find homes in the United States. Keisha and Brittany are young women Sarah has rescued from the street, and . . . well, I 'd better stop there so I don't spoil the story for you.

HC: If you had one piece of advice for writers, what would it be?

DG: Finish the book! So many people want to write a book, some people start a book, but very few people actually finish the book. Most folks get stuck in the middle. If you're at that spot, keep pushing until you can type "The End." Then you can say with pride that you've written a book.

HC: Any other thoughts you'd care to share?

DG: My latest news is my Magnolia Medical series scheduled to debut in October 2008 with COUNTDOWN TO DEATH. I'm currently working on that story and a follow-up that's as yet untitled.

Hope, thank you for inviting me to be on your blog and for such great interview questions! I always love to hear from my readers so be sure to email me at debby@debbygiusti.com and visit my web site, www.debbygiusti.com. I blog each Wednesday on www.ladiesofsuspense.blogspot.com and would love to have your readers stop by to say hello. Wishing you all abundant blessings!

HC: Thank you so much for sharing with our readers! May God continue to bless you as you write for Him!

To enter to win a copy of SCARED TO DEATH, leave a message here or at my other blog, or e-mail me @ hope_chastain [at] yahoo.com . Lose the spaces and replace [at] with @ . Thanks for entering!