The Motivational Editor

Helping Writers Go from Unpublished to Published

Debra L. Butterfield

6 Tasks to Accomplish with Act 1 of Your Novel – Part 4

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You want to write a best seller. What writer doesn’t?

First you’ve got to come up with a good story idea. Then you’ve got to get that idea from Point A to Point Z and figure out everything in between. (That’s my hardest struggle — plotting.)

You’ve got to hook your reader —  and keep them reading.

Or your chance at that best seller list gets fried like a fly on bug zapper.

The truth is debut novels usually don’t make the best seller lists, but that’s no reason not to put your best effort into every book you write.

If you’ve been following this series, you’ve learned ways to write a stronger story and thus increase your chances at getting published and selling lots of books.

Here’s what I’ve discussed so far in 6 tasks to accomplish in Act 1: [Read more…] about 6 Tasks to Accomplish with Act 1 of Your Novel – Part 4

Coming soon to an e-reader near you

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It’s done.

I hit the send key last Friday.

After two years of fighting with myself and the manuscript — and spiritual forces of darkness — the revised second edition of my book, titled Carried by Grace, is now with the publisher ready for her to work her layout magic.

Help! My Husband Has Sexually Abused our Daughter: A Devotional Guide for Mothers of Victims was my first book. I knew nothing about the publishing world and did a lot of things wrong in my efforts to find a publisher. No one really wanted to touch the topic, especially from an ignorant newbie author who didn’t have anything else in the works.

So I went the POD publishing route. And marketed the book to Focus on the Family. The book made their approved list, was carried in their online bookstore, and placed on the list for their counselors to send out to those who needed help.

When my publishing contract came up for renewal five years later, I decided not to renew. I had learned a lot about writing in those intervening years and decided to revise the book, make it better. Several times since taking it off the shelves, the counselors at Focus on the Family have asked me when it will be available again. They sent it out regularly to hurting moms facing that situation.

That’s what writing is all about for me — ministering the hope of God to others and offering them encouragement for wherever they are in life.

Many writers have a similar purpose that drives them to write. They’re passionate about helping others, whether it’s through writing nonfiction or fiction.

I want to encourage you.

Keep plugging away at that manuscript.

Learn all you can about the craft and write, write, write.

Be diligent at finding a publisher or to research self-publishing options.

Persevere to reach your dreams as a writer.

I’d like to share a quote from Carried by Grace and reveal the new cover.

Carried by Grace book cover“I sat that August morning in the living room staring out the front window. A few days earlier my daughter had threatened suicide and been admitted to a local psychiatric hospital. My husband sat in jail, arrested for sexually abusing her. My eyes burned from a night of tears and fitful sleep. The rosy hues of sunrise promised a warm Colorado summer day, but as I pulled my knees tightly to my chest I felt swallowed by darkness — like Jonah in the belly of the whale. Grief consumed me and fear of what was ahead nearly paralyzed me.”

How do you hope to minister to the wounds and hurts of others? Share your desires in the comments below.

5 Ways to Improve Your Writing Skills

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As writers, we must continually seek to improve our writing skills. It is an ongoing process that can be accomplished in a number of ways to fit anyone’s budget.

Here are several options:

Participate in a critique group—it’s much easier to see someone else’s weak spots than your own.

Read writer blogs and the many free products they offer

Subscribe to writer magazines or read them at the library. Writer’s Digest and The Writer are two I recommend, but I’m sure there are others. 

Read books on writing. Find them at the library. Be sure to ask about inter-library loan or for your library to purchase the book if they don’t have it. I recommend:

  • Scene and Structure by Jack Bickham
  • Characters, Emotion & Viewpoint by Nancy Kress

by James Scott Bell

  • Plot and Structure
  • The Art of War for Writers
  • Conflict and Suspense

The Writer’s Little Helper by James V. Smith, Jr.

Take a writing course.

What have you done to improve your writing skills? Do you have a book, course, or professional organization you recommend?

Build Your Platform with Your Free Products

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Congratulations go to Amy Bovaird, our contest winner. She’ll receive a copy of Jeff Goins’ brand new book The In-Between. Email me at Deb@DebraLButterfield.com with your address and I’ll get it sent right out.

As you can see, I spent my weekend, redesigning, and I hope, making improvements to my website. I still have some work to do, but I’m learning CSS code as I go. We are all on this journey together, learning our craft and the tidbits of everything else that go with being a freelance writer.

Now, let’s move on to today’s marketing tip.

Market Yourself with Free Products

Whether it’s a tight economy or not, people like to get free stuff.

While you build your publishing credits and platform, you can market yourself (and any products you may have) by offering your readers a free eBook you’ve written, or a simple pdf document that focuses on your niche area of expertise (generally in exchange for their email address). Createspace has an eBook option, and I’ve done some research on Smashwords.com as well.

(I’m accepting guest blogs. Do you know about creating eBooks.)

A pdf is easily created on your computer and can be distributed to your readers directly via email, as a download on your website, or even through a mail service such as MailChimp.

Offering these items will build your mailing list, get your name out there, and give your readers a taste of your work (and ready for more). So make sure whatever you offer is the best you have to offer at that time.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2013

Copyrights, Part 1

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So you want to use part of someone else’s book/music/art/poem in your book. You’ve just entered the realm of copyright law.

Was that work published before 1923? If so, it has entered the realm of public domain. It can be freely used, but you must cite the original source. Some works published between 1923 and 1963 have also entered public domain.

You can begin an informal copyright search online. For items registered since 1978, here’s how:

From the Search the Catalog page you’ll have the option of searching by title, name, or keyword, as well as other options. The page offers instructions on conducting your search, along with another link for finding information on works registered prior to 1978.

Next Tuesday, we’ll take a brief look at the fair use doctrine. This series on copyrights will also include how to find out who owns the copyright, and how to obtain permissions. Be sure to visit every Tuesday for Tuesday’s Tip.

In the meantime, happy hunting.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2013

How to Analyze What You Read

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Even though I make it a point to read bestselling authors, I often go to the library to pick out books by authors I’ve never heard of. After all, how would new authors ever make it the best seller list? I’ve discovered some wonderful authors this way. And in all honesty, I don’t pay that much attention to the lists.

As a writer, I make it a point to read novels specifically to learn writing technique. If I happen to enjoy the story as well, all the better. I do most of my pleasure reading in the summer when I can sit outside while I read. Even when I read for pleasure, I learn.

How do I analyze what I read?

  • Does the first page grab my interest?
  • How does the author develop the book’s characters?
      • Are the characters individuals or do they all to think and talk alike?
      • What techniques does the author use to make his characters unique?
  • Can I follow the plot?
  • Are there passages of narrative that drag or begin to bore me?
  • How does the author treat dialogue?
      • Does it seem real? Why? or why not?
      • Does it flow smoothly? Why or why not?  
      • Does it create mood and express emotion?
  • How does the author make use of similes and metaphors?
  • Does the author draw me into the story by appealing to my sense of taste, touch, smell, sight, and hearing? If yes, I make note of how and what I like about how it’s done.
  • How does the author employ point of view (POV)?
  • Am I bored? Why or why not?
  • Do I like the story? Why or what not?

The list could on, but I don’t have all day and neither do you. This should be enough to get you started on your own journey.

What do you look for when you read a book? Share your comments below.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2013

How Do Plot and Scene Work Together? Series Conclusion

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Let’s connect the pieces of plot, scene, and sequel.

Plot at its most basic level is your lead character’s goal and the journey to reach that goal. That journey is played out in the scenes and sequels of your story.

Scenes show the reader the individual steps your character takes to reach his or her goal and the setbacks along the way. Sequels bridge your scenes and present the character’s reaction—emotions and thoughts—to the setbacks, and his or her subsequent decisions and renewed action toward the final goal.

In your WIP, can you identify:

  • The beginning, middle, and end of each scene?
  • How each scene moves your plot forward?
  • Your sequels?
  • How your sequels move your plot forward?

For practice, look for the scenes and sequels in your favorite novels. Does some aspect of your WIP have you stumped? Share below.

Debra L. Butterfield © 2013