Friday Round-Up - #168

If you've attended a conference, it's happened to you. You're in an elevator with an agent/editor, at lunch, in the hall, sitting in a workshop waiting for a class to start, and the dreaded question is asked. What are you writing?

Carla Olson Gade, at Writing to Distraction, posted a hilarious video on elevator pitches. The video is toward the end of the article. We're glad Carla is getting back into the groove. We missed her.

Do the words, "elevator pitch" make your eyes glaze over? How do you overcome that fear and form a coherent description of your book or article?

Wednesday Wanderings

A year and a half ago, I stood in a store, reeling from sticker shock. Although I'd used coupons for years, the challenge of making ends meet during unemployment was daunting.

Not long after that fateful day, my friend, Miriam, introduced me to Swagbucks. It's a Free Internet search engine that rewards you with points that can be exchanged for many items. My favorite is the $5.00 Amazon gift certificate.

Miriam then told me about blogs that take much of the work out of putting deals together with coupons. Did you know that you can use a manufacturer's coupon with a Target coupon? I didn't. Below are some ways I stretch my budget:

1) The 2 cent and 3 cent coupons of yesteryear have given way to more generous savings. I had a $5.00 coupon not long ago for a hair care product. Coupled with a dynamite sale and a store savings program (in this case Rite Aid's +Up Rewards), I paid pennies for the product. Sign up for their Wellness card and also CVS' Extra Bucks Card, and see your savings grow. Walgreen's offers Register Rewards without any special cards.

2) I hang out at blogs like Hip2Save, The Krazy Coupon Lady, Moneysavingmom.com, Forthemommas, and Chachingonashoestring. They tell me about potential deals at my favorite stores and where to find the best coupons.

3) Swagbucks feeds my book-buying habit. Other folks purchase their kids college textbooks, save for Christmas, or even purchase groceries with the Amazon gift cards they earn. Check the link in this post to sign up for an excellent program. You can even get Swagbucks for printing out and redeeming grocery coupons - a double blessing.

4) Freebies - the above-mentioned blogs will also alert you to freebies out there. This week I got a coupon for a free, full-size bottle of Pantene shampoo, as well as a sample of Honey Nut Cheerios.

With all those great savings, you can put aside some cash for that writers conference you've been longing to attend for umpteen years or purchase a new printer. When your church or local food pantry has a collection, you'll be able to donate items you have on hand or purchase at a sharp discount.

Thanks, Miriam, for helping me be a better steward of my resources. Now, I'm telling others, so they can benefit as well.

Jump into the couponing waters! It's fun. Do you have any money-saving tips or unique ways you raised funds for charity or a writers conference? Any testimonials from fellow Swaggernauts?

Note: The link to Swagbucks is my referral link. Swagbucks is FREE!

One Sheet? Two Sheet?

Karen Lange, of Write Now, and I are preparing a one sheet for our book. We want to see if there's an interest in our story.

Some questions came up with the one sheet format:

1) With two biographical sketches needed, how could we fit everything on one page? After much discussion, we decided to depart from the norm and produce a two sheet. All the book information is on the main page, while our biographical information is on the second page. Otherwise, there would have been no room for the book summary.

2) What is the title of our book? We have to come up with one...fast. I slapped a temporary name onto the draft of the one sheet/two sheet, but we're still emailing about that subject.

Technical problems:

1) My ancient Microsoft Publisher program that I used to produce the one sheet for The Moses Conspiracy decided not to cooperate. I managed to put something together, so we'd have a basic document to refine.

2) When I emailed the document to Karen, she couldn't open it. Snail mail to the rescue.

3) I sent my picture to Karen's secondary email address because she couldn't open it from her primary account.

Karen was able to do the layout in Word and solved the picture problem via cut and paste. Her son did a small graphic. We were happy he was in the wings to bail us out if we ran into serious trouble. Karen will send the finished one sheet/two sheet to me via U.S. Mail.

I'll be putting together a packet for the conference. The one sheet/two sheet, our business cards, and the first two chapters will be put in a presentation folder. It keeps everything organized. 

Collaboration is a lot easier when you have the right equipment and it meshes with that of your co-writer. Karen is doing a post on producing a one sheet. I hope you'll visit her sometime this week.

Have you run into difficulties sending pictures via computer or opening documents from another writer? Have you ever had an email submission get lost in cyberspace? I'd love to hear your experiences and advice.

Friday Round-Up - #167

Rita Gerlach, over at InSpire, posted an article on making research "one of the most enjoyable aspects of your writing life." I hope you'll check it out.

Is research fun or drudgery to you? Do you hunt down facts like an amateur sleuth or stretch them? How do you make this part of writing exciting?

On My Nightstand - Oops!

A stack of books glares at me. I sigh. As the conference looms on the horizon, my reading time is fast disappearing.

For the month of August, I won't be recommending/reviewing books. Instead, I'll do my best to write general interest posts, conduct surveys (totally unscientific), and read as much as I can.

What's your favorite reading season? Spring, summer, fall, or winter? Why?

Laundry Lessons

When the laundry is done, I feel like the last day of school before summer vacation...or Friday at 5:00 P.M. This operation involves schlepping everything to the laundromat. Yup, whether it's sunny, raining, or snowing, the clothes must swish around the washers and be fluffed and puffed in the dryers.

Reading historical romances gave me a new appreciation for modern-day chores. After all, I don't have to lug water from a stream, heat it, and spend a whole day scrubbing my clothes. I've learned to be thankful, and JUST GET IT DONE instead of complaining.

Hmm, it seems to me I've taken up quite a bit of time talking about how much preparation needs to be done for the conference and other projects. What positive aspects can I bring to the discussion? 1) The Lord gives me inspiration. 2) I have a working computer and printer that makes the task easier. 3) Supportive family and friends encourage me along the way. 4) I've been blessed with modest success. 5) I'm able to use the gift God gave me.

If I spent as much time writing as I do studying, reading, and talking about it, I'd be producing three or four manuscripts a year and many more articles. And that's the truth.

Challenge: Let's be doers! Who will join me in JUST GETTING IT DONE? How do you plan to accomplish your goals for upcoming conferences and submissions?

Friday Round-Up - #166



Kay Marshall Strom tells us how to build a strong story in 3 steps.

Do you include these elements, which resemble the 3-act format? What suggestions would you give a newbie novelist?

On My Nightstand - The Last Operative by Jerry B. Jenkins

Jordan Kirkwood's service for his country took precedence over everything in his life, including his family and God. By the time he decides to remedy that situation, he's presented with an assignment so dangerous and so critical to the nation's security that he's torn between those he loves and the nation.

Vacation plans come to a screeching halt in the face of a terrorist attack after 9/11. He no longer has the luxury of choosing his path. He must deal with the threat head on or pay the ultimate price.

The author plunges into the action in the style of all spy tales. There's lots of intrigue, tension, and...violence. It's real world stuff and necessary to the story. Mr. Jenkins, who co-authored the famous Left Behind series, knows how much is enough and how much is too much.

The value of family relationships, balance between work and personal life, and how they fit into the context of serving God and country raised strong ethical and spiritual issues.

I'd forgotten how much I enjoy this type of novel. My latest interest in historical romances diverted my attention for quite some time. Variety keeps us our reading habits from getting like stale bread.

Have you found yourself stuck in one genre? Do you alternate your book choices so you keep the reading experience fresh and alive?

Looking For Inspiration

My 10-year-old eyes stared at the array of precious stones displayed at the museum. The diamonds, amethysts, rubies, emeralds all sparkled with the story of God's creativity.

Today, I'm equally dazzled by God's creativity when He flashes an idea or series of ideas into my heart. Oh, how I want to share those gems with everyone. How do I capture their essence in word form?

While many writers argue you can't wait for inspiration, you have to come up with something when you're on deadline, I know I cannot bring forth something living with mere letters or words. God knows all about editors and agents. He knows when we need that great plot, that unforgettable character. So, I go to the source of all creativity and ask Him: "What do you want me to write? What's on Your heart?"

Now, this all seems very spiritual and in the clouds, but God is super practical. For instance, I'm praying about what to bring to the upcoming conference. I'm also cleaning out my office. Well, the other day I emptied a shelf, and there were some old journals. I set them off to the side. When I finished my task, I opened one, and there was a devotional thought I'd written down in 2006...five years ago! One devotional, one answered prayer, and excitement as I re-live the moment they were penned.

Do you get all frustrated and decide you need to "help" God? Do you ever have God ideas that you personally don't like and don't want to follow but can't shake it? Let's talk.

Friday Round-Up - #165

Do you have the editing blues? Janalyn Voight, at Author Haven, shares 5 ways to edit.

How do you approach editing once your rough draft is finished?

Have a blessed weekend!

On My Nightstand - Hidden Affections by Delia Parr

In 1831, divorce meant your life was ruined. Through no fault of her own, Annabelle Tyler discovers her husband of one week has abandoned and divorced her.

She leaves town, hoping to make a new life for herself when the unthinkable occurs. Her life goes from bad to worse when she and Harrison Graymoor, a fellow rider, are forced to marry at gunpoint to "defend her honor."

They make their way back to Philadelphia, vowing to get an annulment. Since Harrison is wealthy, he doesn't expect it to be a problem. Alas, nothing about this situation is easy, and their "marriage" lasts longer than either of them anticipated. Is it long enough for them to fall in love?

First of all, I'd like to thank my writing buddy and friend, Karen Lange, of Write Now, for blessing me with this book. The lady has good taste in reading material.

I loved this story from start to finish and couldn't imagine how the author would ever get these two characters out of trouble. When I thought everything was about to work out, she'd create another crisis.

This must be the year of great cover art. You don't get the full impact from this picture, but it's stunning. In my opinion, real people on covers create a more lifelike effect.

Be prepared with tissues for a good cry at the end. Delia Parr's storytelling will send me on a search for more of her work.

When was the last time a book elicited a strong emotional reaction from you? Has anyone ever told you one of your books, articles, poems, or devotionals touched them on that level? What about cover art? Real people or a drawing?

Disclaimer: Neither the author nor the publisher provided this book. The opinions expressed are mine, which holds true with all my recommendations.

Interview at Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths

Marja Meijers, at Fresh Insights on Ancient Truths, invited me for an interview. I hope you'll pop over there and start/join the discussion. :)

Friday Round-Up - #164

MaryAnn Diorio, at The Write Power, gives tips on writing deep Point of View.

Have you put yourself in your character's skin?

Enjoy your weekend!

On My Nightstand - An Unlikely Suitor by Nancy Moser

Lucy Scarpelli and her family learn they must move from the tenement they've called home for many years. The crisis turns into a blessing when she meets a gentleman, who has an apartment to rent. When he learns Lucy, her Mom, and sister are seamstresses, he hires them to work in Madame Moreau's dress shop.

Rowena Langdon, a rich but handicapped young woman, comes into the shop for a new wardrobe. Lucy's heart goes out to her, and she designs a special outfit to minimize her problems.

A friendship developes between the two women, and Lucy is asked to join the Langdon's at their summer home in Newport, R.I. The weeks in Newport bring opportunity, love, sacrifice, and growth to both of them.

This is the first book I've read by Nancy Moser. I picked it up as a result of reading her blog Footnotes: Novel Inspirations From History, which she co-authors with Stephanie Grace Whitson. (You can find the link on my blogroll.) She described her research on Newport in a post that I highlighted in one of my Friday Round-Ups.

Since I've been to Newport several times, I enjoyed the descriptions of the Cliff Walk and the "summer cottages." Although I figured out all but one of the love interests, I enjoyed the ride.

I'm glad I found this author and her books. I'll be reading more of them.

How do you generally discover new-to-you authors? Blogs? Book reviews?

Of Purses, Plots, and Prioritizing - Part III

Along with the blessing of a new job comes a shift in priorities. To fit this rock into my time jar, I've had to empty it and sort them all out. My devotional time, family, church, writing, sleep, and the job constitute the biggest demands on my daily allotment of 24 hours.

How do I fit all the smaller stones, pebbles, and sand into my already packed jar? What stays and what gets set aside?

Here's the breakdown of my smaller items and my decisions:

1) My house. I find that the clean-as-I-go method helps keep things under control. My shower gets wiped down every day. A quick dusting as I go through a room works wonders. Then, there are the rough days when I get behind. When that occurs, it's time for serious cleaning.

2) Surveys. I've virtually cut them out of my life except for one company that I particularly enjoy.

3) Swagbucks. My time is now divided in short segments for this activity. On certain days, I allow myself a bit more time, especially when I'm preparing for a food shopping trip.

4) Couponing. Okay, let's not get crazy. A girl has to get her bargains. Still, I've streamlined the process and cut down on the number of coupon blogs I visit. I focus on the ones that provide the best information for my local area.

5) Blogging. Ouch! Cutting back on blogging means major pain. Visiting all my friends and followers brings joy and inspiration to my day. You may have noticed I don't catch every post you publish each week. Unless I eliminate sleep, it's impossible. I haven't forgotten you and will do my best to stop by your place and comment as much as I can.

As far as my own posting, I'm so grateful for the scheduling feature. I've been able to stay current because I write my bits ahead of time. The Friday Round-Up is shorter with only one link. You're busy too, so maybe one link is enough. For now, I'll stick with my Monday, Wednesday, and Friday routine and see how it works out.

Thanks for your patience as I work through my personal time crunch. I appreciate all my writing/reading friends. Do you have any time management suggestions or experiences you'd like to share?