Pitching, Promoting, and Proposals

I have just finished a wonderful course by Terry Burns, offered through the online course opportunity that ACFW provides. Even though I was unable to keep up with every lesson and participate, I have all of the lessons saved for future reference. I did read each and every email. It’s just that by the time I caught up with some of the posts, the class had moved on to a different subject, so I didn’t always respond.

Terry does a superb job of teaching his students how to “pitch and promote”. I had the opportunity to take his class at CCWC and again through the online course. This time, he covered a wealth of material far beyond the scope of that workshop presentation. He removed a great deal of confusion and fear from the process required for the writer to be recognized by an agent or an editor. He discussed everything from the proposal cover letter to the “dreaded” synopsis and all that "scary" stuff that lies in between. It’s not an easy process, but nothing worth having ever is.

This talented writer of “inspirational fiction with a Western flair” and agent with Hartline Literary Agency illustrates the professionalism required to succeed in the writing and publishing world. Beneath that proficient persona lies the heart of a true Texas cowboy who is willing to reach out in any way he can to help others realize their writing aspirations.

If you were unable to take Terry’s course, I urge you to visit his web site (the link is located in my sidebar). Click on the “bookstore” link found at the top of the page. Find the picture of Terry in his white cowboy hat and order his ebook. It is based on the communications that occurred during our class and contains a treasure trove of helpful tips.

Oh, and by the way, if you want an enjoyable read, order a couple of his fiction books while you’re there!

Thanks, Terry, for all the time, talent, and effort you dedicated to the course and all of us inquisitive students. Can’t put a value on the volume and content of the information you shared.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Interview With Author Brenda Fickey - Part Two

Brenda, welcome back. A few days ago, you told us about your three book YA series and gave us an overview of yourself as the "reluctant reader's friend. Today, we look forward to hearing about your experience with Publish America and your advice to new writers.

You live in Colorado but your stories are set in Arkansas. Do you have ties there?

I was born and raised in Camden, Arkansas; graduated from the same high school as my dad did; and lived on the same farm my grandmother and grandfather (her second husband—my dad’s father) owned. The Frenchport community is where my roots are planted and my family still lives, for the most part. The setting of my books is where I grew up and am very familiar with, even though I’ve been away for most of my adult life. I still go back there every summer to visit and relive memories. My family heritage is important to me; it’s a southern thing, I guess. But I’m very happy to share a piece of history and my family with my readers. From all indications, they’re glad I’m sharing, too. In today’s society, it’s as though they are hungry for the stability I enjoy with my family, even from past generations.

Tell us about your experiences with Publish America. Advantages? Disadvantages?

PublishAmerica is a publishing company that does everything online. When I submitted my first book proposal, they were very eager to put it under contract. The advantage of going through this company is the opportunity they give without having to be known or have an agent to be considered for publication. I did not have to pay anything to have my manuscript read or put any up-front money before they would go to print. The company has taken all the financial risk to get my work out to the public. They own the plates and make the books available to all the major book distributors, Christian and secular; but I own all the right to my stories, even if they are made into movies. I am paid royalties twice a year for the books that are sold during the timeframe between payments. I also purchase my books at a great discount to have on hand for personal sales and will receive royalties for a portion of them, in addition to what I make above my cost for the copies. I am in complete control and in charge of my own stories, publicity, promotions, and marketing.

A disadvantage, for many people (but not really for me), is the company will not do any editing. I personally like this because the book will appear exactly as I have written it, without surprises because an editor decided to make changes I did not approve. They will offer suggestions for grammatical issues only. The author can accept or reject the suggestions. Since I have many years of experience as a writing teacher on every level of education, including college-level, I have the grammatical expertise and experience to do my own editing and be confident in the finished product. I have also studied under expert, published authors/mentors of children’s literature through the Institute of Children’s Literature. My knowledge and skills for age-appropriate plot development and marketing match my goals. In addition, I am an avid reader; and I know what makes me want to turn the page and what gets in my way of concentration. Putting this all together, I don’t have a problem with having to do my own editing.

To help with editing content, I incorporate test readers from various ages to help me make sure my plot ideas work. To make sure I haven’t overlooked anything, I have a group of volunteers, who know what gives a good story its punch, help me edit so I am not the only one looking at my work. Without these skills and help, this aspect of PublishAmerica would be a disadvantage for me.

Another disadvantage for others that I am finding to be quite enjoyable is in the areas of promotion and marketing. PublishAmerica helps the author with ideas for promotion, but the author is in complete control of this. If the book is going to succeed, it must be because the author is 100% involved in getting the word out about it. This can be intimidating, but I have found it to be eye opening and quite fun. I have learned how to promote my work and myself in as many mediums as I can: business cards, websites, creative gimmicks, and personal contact.

Getting my name and my work in the public eye has proven to be a slow process; but with persistence, it has been rewarding and satisfying at the same time. My work is getting out there, and my name is getting the notoriety I need to be a contender with others in the children’s market. Again, this is a disadvantage to many, but I am taking the challenge and seeing the results I want.

The key to turning this disadvantage into an advantage is matching the effort with the desire for success. I guess what I’m saying is it’s all in the perspective of the author. Disadvantages are a state of mind. If a prospective author has a plan in place to override a disadvantage, it will not be the stumblingblock others have experienced.

What is your advice to beginning writers?

If you are going to write, you need to be a reader. Until you know what is already out there, you won’t know if your writing/story idea is a marketable product. You really don’t want to spend a lot of time on a story that has already been written. Be sure there is an audience for it.

Identify and know your target audience before you begin the process of planning your story. If you omit this, the audience you try to reach will know if you are an amateur or a professional in the way you handle the material you include. Avid readers in your chosen genre will either help make you or break you as a viable author of interest. Even though I write for the reluctant reader, I want avid readers to enjoy my work, too. Therefore, I write in such a way as to appeal to both with strategies that fit both types of readers.

Be very careful with point of view. Keep it ever close to your workstation so you never deviate from it. Nothing confuses a reader more than a viewpoint that is all over the place. You do not want your work to be set aside because of a faulty presentation of viewpoint. Beginner writers should stick with one point of view (one viewpoint character) rather than the omniscient viewpoint. This is a tricky strategy that tangles even the most experienced writer if not handled carefully.

Most of all, follow your dream. Don’t give up; but don’t expect it to be an easy journey, either. Writing is difficult because it is your heart and soul on paper, even when it is a work of fiction. Rejection is part of the process. It’s the testing ground for just how serious you are about your career choice. Be okay with people being critical of your work. Not everyone will like it. That’s okay. If they want to be wrong about your work, they have that right (smile). But seriously, make every effort to give the public your best; and let your work stand or fall on its own. Learn from your mistakes and laugh out loud at the experience.

Editing is going to hurt because it’s like someone is putting your “child” under the knife without anesthesia. But it is a necessary part of the process for it to be the best piece of your soul given to the public. Writing is personal and private until it’s on paper. Then it is available for anyone to see and comment on without your permission. Be sure the public has the best possible product you can give them before they are allowed to see it.

As for the art itself, remember to make the content the most important part of the writing process. Once the content is as you want it to be, then (and only then) work on its appearance (correctness). Grammatical correctness is important only after the story is written. If you aren’t good at spelling or the other aspects of grammar correctness, have someone who is help you make the appearance on the page as professional as the story is good. It’s worth the price you pay for this service, if you don’t have someone volunteering to help.

Back up everything! I have a hard copy for my files as well as a copy on CD or flash drive of each individual book. Preserve your work in case something happens to your computer, whether it be a power surge, power outage, or crash. It is my experience that my best work is what is on the page originally. If I have to re-create those pages, it isn’t as good. So back up everything.

Being a writer is hard work. Expect to have fun; but there will also be times of frustration, disappointment, and failure. Be diligent. If this is your calling, you won’t be able to give up. Enjoy your art, and have fun in the entire process.

Thank you for a great interview, Brenda. I wish you the best with all of your writing endeavors.

Interview With Author Brenda Fickey - Part One

Brenda, welcome to Patti’s Porch. It’s a privilege to have you here. I understand you have two books published and a third in progress. Tell us about your stories.

I’m very happy to share my stories and publishing experiences with you.

Yes, I am writing a set of stories (novels) for my Arkansas Oil Days Series. The stories are based loosely on my family who was part of that historical period in South Arkansas. (As a matter of fact, my parents still live in the exact area where my books are set. It’s great!) During the 1920s, the largest oil field (until oil was discovered in Alaska, that is) was drilled from in and around the small town of Smackover, Arkansas. It was the talk of the nation, with billions of barrels of oil pumped out of the ground by the time the boom was over toward the end of the decade. Before oil was struck, Smackover was a town of less than a thousand people. Within the first week of the boom, this small town grew to more than 25,000, as people from all over the nation made their way to the region, how ever they could, to go to work, making more money than they had ever seen before. (Remarkably, oil is still being pumped on numerous sites drilled during the time period my stories take place.) To my advantage, there is nothing in the literature available (for adults or children) that is set during this time period in this area.

Since I am very familiar with both the boom and the area, because of a family connection, I chose to use this setting to tell my stories. My grandmother and her first husband were part of the boom. When we visited her, I sat and listened to her stories in awe; and I have never forgotten them. My books start with a memory of her experiences. Then I create a story that is set around what I remember, forming an exciting plot that keeps readers on the edge of their seats and anxious to turn the pages. Currently, there are two books published and a third just completed and under consideration for publication in the Arkansas Oil Days Series. Each is a stand-alone story with the main characters, who are twelve-year-olds, connecting the stories in the series.

The first novel is WHISPERING DARKNESS. The story introduces the characters and sets the stage and pace for the other novels in the series, possibly as many as twelve to fifteen in all. Hank, Daniel, and Beth Ann are best friends who make South Arkansas in1925 an exciting backdrop for my mysteries. This first mystery takes place in June and has to do with a skeleton that Hank finds in the woods not far from his family’s farm. (My grandmother’s first husband’s body was found like I describe it in the book, but I had to get creative with my story because his murder is still an unsolved case.) The kids combine their various skills in order to solve the puzzle of who the skeleton was and how he ended up where he was found. As they work with the clues, suspicions point to the skeleton possibly being Hank’s missing father.

The theme of this first book has to do with taking responsibility for actions and learning what being mature and grown up means. Hank uses the skeleton to prove to his mother that he is able to be the man of the house while his father is away. Hank is the only one in the family who believes his missing father is still alive. The US Army officially declared him missing-in-action following the worst battle near the end of World War I. It’s been seven years since that declaration was made. Now Hank’s mother wants to declare him legally dead so she can move on with her life for the sake of her sons’ lives. When the new deputy in town shows an interest in her, Hank is determined to prove his mother doesn’t need another man around the house.

The second novel in the series is ECHOING SILENCE. This story takes place in July 1925. The theme has to do with putting action to beliefs and taking a stand that reflects those beliefs, regardless of the opposition. Hank is determined to get to the bottom of the trouble a local bully is causing his family and friends. When he discovers a connection with the bully and a new chapter of the Ku Klux Klan in a neighboring community, Hank and his friends face off against the Klan in order to protect the targets of their wrath. A new mystery presents itself when a giant creature shows up, wreaking havoc and creating fear on all sides of the local conflict. Hank learns how his actions and those of others have a ripple affect that brings far-reaching change, intended or not.

The third novel is BECKONING SHADOWS. This story takes place in August 1925 and involves the mystery behind the local livestock killings. When Daniel’s cousin shows up with information that puts a new friend in danger from the panic of the farmers losing livestock, Hank and his friends decide to get active in proving his innocence. In the meantime, other possibilities to the nighttime killings present themselves, raising the stakes for finding the killer. The theme of this book has to do with the danger of acting before getting all the facts in a situation.

You cater to the “reluctant reader”. What element do your stories contain that holds that reluctant reader’s attention?

I use a variety of strategies that worked for me as a reluctant reader before I became an avid reader as an adult. By using a connection method with the characters and familiar issues today, I create what reluctant readers are craving—something worth their time. I also use plots that are unpredictable and intriguing to kids today. As a result, I have stories that both the reluctant and avid reader will enjoy.

The technical strategy I use is attention-getting openings and fast-paced action that begins with the first sentence of the first chapter. I strive to not bog the reading down with description that takes away from the story; but I include enough to help develop comprehension skills, curiosity, and cognitive maturation without the reluctant reader being aware of it. Basically, I took those elements I needed to become an avid reader and incorporate them into my writing. Another strategy I use is taking the viewpoint from the male main character. While reluctant readers can be boys or girls, boys are more likely to be reluctant readers than girls are by nature. Therefore, I chose to have my books cater to the boys. However, girls are not left out because Beth Ann is a prominent character in every story. She’s part of the investigative team Hank puts together. By targeting boys as well as reluctant readers, I offer a product this audience can enjoy that is not readily available in the market to a large extent.

Here’s how I use the strategies I’ve mentioned:

In my experiences as an educator, I have learned that reluctant readers need a connection that draws them into a story to hold their interest. Even though my books are historical fiction and set in 1925, the thing I focus on is the plot and how it can connect with my readers first. The fact that the action takes place in 1925 becomes secondary to them. In addition, I connect with reluctant readers creating plots that have layers of conflicts that add depth to the mysteries and characters. This holds attention because there are questions that need answers, which they will look for as they read. However, I make sure to keep the suspense high with the plot staying unpredictable; therefore, the readers are less likely to put the book down too soon. These layers also help make the characters believable, with problems and situations not so different from the readers’ own or those of their friends.

The main character is Hank. His father has gone to war—connecting with military kids. His father is missing-in-action and later discovered to be dead—connecting with kids who have family and/or friends in Iraq or Afghanistan who have been injured or killed. Since Hank is moving through the grieving process, his experiences are what the reader is experiencing or seeing in their friends—connection. The setting is South Arkansas during a major oil discovery and boom—connecting with current oil prices and the political issue of domestic oil as opposed to foreign oil dependency. The mysteries include things kids find quite fascinating, but in a healthier venue than some mediums on television and video games—connecting to interests in skeletons, in dealing with bullies and gangs, in an impending threat from the unknown with the livestock killings. As the kids read through the stories, they forget Hank doesn’t have television or radio. They forget the fact that it’s 1925 instead of 2009. They learn to use the movie in their minds to satisfy their need for visual entertainment as they (hopefully) lose themselves in
the story as an active character in the story they are reading.

I also use fast-paced action that begins right away. Every book jumps right into the main conflict and attention-getting action without having to read through a few sentences, paragraphs, pages, or chapters before it gets really good. I end each chapter with questions in the reader’s mind that need to be answered by turning the page.

Each of these strategies has worked to get reluctant readers reading and thinking about what they’ve read, according to kids who have read my books and their parents and teachers.

What age group do you target? Any particular reason why writing to this age group appeals to you?

Currently, I’m targeting the middle grade reader, ages 8-12 years. This is the age group that is left with very little available in the classroom, in the library, or on the bookstore shelves—boys in particular. There is a lot that caters to girls, but very little for boys. I also chose this age group because this is the age when reading is either enjoyed or hated, with no middle ground to speak of. I want to offer this age group a reason to enjoy reading. When I began writing my books, my grandson was in this group—a reluctant reader within the ages I target. I was actually writing to him. As I shared my first chapters with the middle school students in my classes, I realized my grandson wasn’t the only one at-risk for setting reading aside for less healthy forms of entertainment that hinders creativity and cognitive development. I realized I had the ability to make a difference with this age group and embraced the challenge.

To be continued....

Thanks for reading my blog.

HAPPY EASTER!

Happy Easter! Welcome back to Patti's Porch. It has been raining all day here, a true blessing when one considers how dry this area has been for much too long.

I did a couple of things new during lent this year that brought the importance of the season to light more clearly. First, on the recommendation of a friend, I followed a Lenten daily devotional online. Each day portrayed events in such vivid detail that I felt I was actually there duirng that dark time in history when our Lord was condemned to die. I experienced His pain, His suffering, His love for every one of us. The wondrous miracle of his resurrection.

Our pastor held a six-part series on Wednesday mornings duirng Lent. It proved a special time of fellowship, sharing, and learning. We enjoyed breakfast, formed a bond as a small group, and came away with a deeper understanding of love.

Friday evening, I accepted a co-worker friend's invitation and went to a contata performed by members of the Nazarene church and First Presbyterian church combined. It was an enriching experience to hear harmonious voices lifted in praise to our Lord.

Last evening, I had fun coloring Easter eggs with our granddaughter and hiding them. I discovered she is much better hider and finder than grandma is! We talked about what we really celebrate at Easter, and this year, she is old enough to grasp an understanding of the meaning.

Today, after an inspirational sermon at church, our family got together with our "barbecue" cooked inside due to the inclement weather, but that didn't stop lots of folks from turning out. At least a dozen kids and ten times as many Easter eggs to be hunted and found.

All in all, this has been a wonderful Lenten season for me and I pray that all those who read this will carry with them the joy and the victory of Easter Sunday in their hearts throughout the year.

Thanks for reading my blog.

The Chicken or the Egg?

Good grief, a whole month has gone by since I wrote! I guess I have a long way to go to become a "regular" blog poster.

Anyway, welcome back to Patti's Porch. It's been way too warm here these past few months for winter in Colorado. We finally got a storm a couple of weeks ago, but since it's about springtime, it didn't stay around long. Still, our thirsty ground is thankful for every drop of moisture it gets.

We've all heard the old conundrum, which came first, the chicken or the egg? I feel like I am revisiting that age old puzzle right now. Last month, I followed the on-line course "Writing the Unputdownable Book", which prompted me to spend more time looking at my WIP (Work in Progress). I evaluated the story thus far, polished, submitted to my crit partners, polished some more, and finally sent my first fifteen pages off to the Genesis contest.

However, while pursuing the points brought out in last month's course, I've been ignoring the topics covered in this month's on-line course, offered by Terry Burns. While the main topic of Terry's class is fear of public speaking, the underlying message addresses developing a presence.

Which comes first?

Do I establish a web presence so that when I do get published, my name will already be recognized, or do I get published so I can use my website to promote my work? Unlike the chicken and the egg puzzle, we as writers can fit pieces into both parts of our writing life concurrently. A blog can be used to give readers a taste of how the writer communicates, what motivates her heart, the audience he wishes to reach, and why the need to write is a driving force in her life.

Thanks for reading my blog!