Issue 36

I have been writing this column with the thought that it would be beneficial for senior citizens who would like to write. Again, by seniors, I'm referring to persons 50 years or older. But I do realize that much of what I and others write for WritersNewsWeekly can be useful for a person of any age. Younger people just have one advantage - - more time to pursue their dreams. That's a wake up call for senior citizens aspiring to be authors.

Many senior citizens who would love to write a novel, short story or even poetry -- if they want to succeed - - must allow time to learn. I harp on that, but it is vital. In the long run, by allowing that time, they are actually saving time. If you are a golfer, you can easily relate to this. I think of all the skin games money I could have won had I taken lessons when I first became interested in golf. Now, I think of all the money I've lost in skin games by trying to teach myself. I suffered through that, and so did my wallet. That is the same as trying to write a novel without first learning the basics.

My last column included excellent reading sources. There are many helpful sources out there. Ten years ago, I enrolled in "The Writer's Digest Novel Writing Workshop.” The workshop consisted of six worthwhile lessons and writing assignments for us to do at home. The pupil - you - is tutored by a published author. The cost was very nominal in relation to its value. The course covered, among other things: "Overview," "Objectives," "Step-by-Step Lessons," "Reading Assignments" and "Send-in Assignments." The course was relatively in-depth, meaning that everything one might need in developing and writing a novel is there for the taking.

My next column will include at least two more kinds of sources that will help you to complete a professional novel and an excellent manuscript. Publishers love "clean" manuscripts.

I was lucky to have studied writing in undergraduate and post grad courses. Yet, I surely benefitted greatly from the “Digest” course. And so will you. There were many things one just does not learn in school -- things that only come from the pros. Let me remind you to include each issue of WritersNewsWeekly in a binder or file folder for future references. And as always, let me hear from you.

Questions/Comments? Contact Jim at james@jamesfalk.net, or visit www.jamesfalk.net.

James Falk, as a teen-ager, used to dream of being a big-time racketeer. Fortunately, his dream didn't come true. A 10th grade dropout, he finished highschool after four years in the Marines and went on to earn a B.A. in Journalism and an M.A. in Communications.

By Amanda Linsmeier
In this sequel to Twilight, Stephenie Meyer has written another great novel laced with danger and mystery. Bella Swan is just your typical teenage girl with an atypical vampire boyfriend. As she grows closer to Edward and the Cullen family it becomes clear that their very presence in her life has put her in danger, either from the family or from other vampires. To protect Bella, Edward grows emotionally distant and finally forces her to believe that he doesn’t love her and leaves the town of Forks with his family. Bella becomes severely depressed and that depression escalates until she is a shadow of her former self. It is her friendship with Native American Jacob which brings her partly back to life, although she can never forget her love for Edward. Jacob and Bella’s friendship takes some adventurous turns, cliff diving, riding motorcycles and in this way Bella can bring Edward close to her, for she hears his voice of warning in her head whenever she does something reckless. As Bella and Jacob’s friendship changes, Bella learns the truth behind Jacob’s sudden growth spurt, new friends and distant attitude. While Bella once thought she new everything about the magical world now she knows that vampires were only the beginning.

I enjoyed this novel but let me be honest, it was not as good as the first. It wasn’t the writing that suffered, it was the story. I missed Edward! Sure, I was a little upset with him at first but he’s gone for the majority of the story. I wanted him there and his family as well. I was suspicious of Jacob and while he was a great friend to Bella, to me he was a poor substitute for Edward. New Moon is a very good story and a stepping stone toward the culmination of one of the best series I’ve ever read. I would definitely read New Moon again; I just would get through it a little faster so I could get to the good stuff.

Click here to read Amanda's review of Twilight

Click here to read Amanda's review of Eclipse

Click here to read Amanda's review of Breaking Dawn

Robin Jones Gunn is the bestselling, award-winning Christian author of several books aimed at teen girls, as well as Christina fiction for older women. Her works include the Christy Miller and Glenbrooke series, and the well-known Sisterchick’s books.

Q: What inspired you to write with a Christian flare?

A: Since I’m a Christian, everything I write includes that sort of “flare.” My heart is turned toward God, and that foundation very much affects everything I do. I actually started writing novels because the girls in our church youth group were reading evocative novels they checked out from the library. Some of them told me about images and thoughts that had taken root in their young impressionable heart and these girls challenged me to write the kinds of novels they wanted to read. They wanted stories that would fill them up and give them courage and hope as well as romance, of course. Those girls helped me craft the first novel in the Christy Miller series and made sure it was the sort of story they wanted to read. It took two years to write that first book. Every week, I would read what I’d written to the girls and they would tear it apart. I’d go home, work on it some more, read it to them again and they would tear it apart again. That process was the best training I could ever receive as a writer because I learned to develop thick skin as well as hear the story come together as I read out loud to the girls and watched their expressions.

Q: How has your writing blessed others?

A: I’ve been writing for more than 20 years. Over the years, I’ve received a lot of mail. I’m still amazed when I read a letter from a teen or a mom and they tell me of a life changing decision they made after reading one of my books. Many readers say they feel as if the characters become their friends. I think that’s why I’m now writing the Katie Weldon series as a follow up to the Christy Miller books. After taking Christy and her best friend Katie all the way through high school and most of college and up to Christy’s wedding, now the readers keep asking, “What happens next? What is Katie going to do?” Other readers who pick up some of my non-fiction books say that they felt encouraged and drawn closer to God’s heart. That still amazes me. And makes me very happy.

Q: What is a Sisterchick ®?

A: A Sisterchick® is a best friend. She is someone who laughs with you until you cry and cries with you until you can laugh again. A Sisterchick is a gift from God. Every woman wants – needs – to know and be known by that sort of friend. When we share with other women at the heart level, something lasting and important happens in the friendship and we know we’re not alone to face whatever is before us.

Q: How is marketing a Christian book different than marketing another genre? How has doing free book drawings on radio stations helped with sales?
The important first step seems to be to gather a group of reader friends who want to follow you and read your next book no matter what it is. Then it’s important for a writer to set up a way to continue to connect and communicate with those readers beyond just posting a website. I have a newsletter as well as a Facebook page. I offer giveaways for free books each time I send out a newsletter. On Facebook, I’ve been able to connect with readers by hosting a few “events” such as the virtual tea party. This gives me a chance to personally answer questions in real time as well as offer contests that allow readers to win free books and other goodies. I think the free books offered on the radio stations help with sales in that someone who wouldn’t know about the book or might not get to a bookstore has a chance to connect and dip into the story and see if they would like to read more books in that series.

Carlotta Holton is the author of Salem Pact and Touching The Dead, and is a member of the National Federation of Press Women and an affiliate member of the Horror Writers Association.

Carlotta Holton has just received her second award for Touching the Dead from the National Federation of Press Women Communications Contest. Click here to purchase the book.