Words to Write by Wednesday: Say What You Need to Say!

I can’t take credit for this one but listen, if it don’t fit, don’t force it! Let’s see, how else can I say this - how about - no fat, no filler. 

SAY WHAT YOU NEED TO SAY! My fiction writers, we know you must write all kinds of juicy details to engage us, keep us interested, But you do NOT have to be frivolous with your words. In fact, don’t waste my time!

I remember the high school papers that had to be at least 5 pages long so I filled them with meaningless page filling material. If you expect your readers to become loyal to you and tell their friends how good you are - don’t do this.

Take the time to create strong sentences, rich with details and interesting facts that keep me on the edge of my seat. Then, as my heart beats faster in anticipation, watch me as I exclaim under my breath “oh my God, I did not see that coming! Wait, let me go back to chapter 3!”

That is the benefit of tight writing where not one word is wasted, but carefully crafted to lull me into security then spring a jaw-dropping surprise on me. That’s why you should cut out the fat and use no fillers…just say what you need to say! And even if you don’t write fiction, it still holds true. If it don’t fit, don’t force it…save it for the sequel!

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Manifold Monday: Kingdom DNA - Speak the Language of the Kingdom

It’s Saturday so Manifold Grace quotes Best Sellers!

This quote from exceptional author James Michener really says a lot. As a publisher I hear, on the regular, from people who want to write a book. Of course, I believe they should. I believe book writing to be one of the most communicative, thrilling, things one can do. AND I believe that there is a book in you!

Having said that, now I must help my writers drill down to what it is they want to say and why they need to write a book in order to say it. So, here’s the quote:

“Being goal-oriented instead of self-oriented is crucial. I know so many people who want to be writers. But let me tell you, they really don’t want to be writers. They want to have been writers. They wish they had a book in print. They don’t want to go through the work of getting the damn book out. There is a huge difference.”   James Michener

And so, with the wisdom of this man - I ask my writers “Do you want to become an author or remain a writer?” Either task is doable…you just have to decide!

Now I must quote Nike - “Just Do It!”

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Words to Write by Wednesday: You have at Least One Hour!

Those words ring out to me constantly. Perhaps because my own son, my own flesh and blood said them to me in a conversation while he was living in D.C. and waited on the bus. It began with “Hey Mom, I’m at the bus stop and I’ve got about 5 minutes, how are you doing?”

I smiled because who does that? Who budgets their time to the point where he schedules 5 minutes for a call to his mom. Of course I was just happy to be on the schedule! “So, how’s the book coming?” he asks. I was in the process of writing my first book, 5 Revelations, Improve Your Relationship with God and when I answered by explaining how busy I was with work and church - he explained as only a smart alecky, UofM overachiever, favorite son could:

“Mom, you have at least one hour a day to write - just turn off Law and Order!”

Well! Apparently that college education is going to pay off because he was right. It wasn’t about the hour parked in front of the television. It was about planning, about making time to accomplish something important. The kid budgeted his time down to ‘talk to Mom in the 5 minutes waiting at the bus stop’!

I posit to you that planning 1 hour on Wednesday, or 2 hours on Friday night, or 1 Saturday a month will help you reach your goal. I know I’m busy, you are probably busy too. The point here is that when you decide to accomplish something, take the time to determine when you will actually work on it. Once you do - treat it like you would a job and be there at the time and the place and GET IT DONE! You have at least one hour a night! lol

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Manifold Monday: The Rejuvenation Process

My Backyard Gardener Presents...

Words to Write by Wednesday: What does your reader look like?

Words to Write by Wednesday: What does your reader look like?:

manifold-grace:

Odd question huh? But, I find it helpful to determine or even imagine how my reader looks. Sometimes we need accountability when we write. Creating an image of your audience can be just the thing to help you stay on track and remain authentic.

It’s easy to remain believable in your coming of age…

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Words to Write by Wednesday: What does your reader look like?

Odd question huh? But, I find it helpful to determine or even imagine how my reader looks. Sometimes we need accountability when we write. Creating an image of your audience can be just the thing to help you stay on track and remain authentic.

It’s easy to remain believable in your coming of age story set in a high school.when your audience is a 15 year old girl with neon colored fingernails, Gap jeans and 50 tubes of lip gloss. Keeping her in front of you will help you focus and see your story through her eyes.

Your expose on the perils of combat will be easier to write when you think of the veteran soldier who is going to read it. You will picture him in fatigues, with his weapon.defending his country and you will know you must honor him.

I often go to these levels when I feel as if i have not hit the nail on the head. But I have a standard image of my reader that serves me well. My reader is sitting at home in their favorite chair in their underwear - ok - pajamas and they have my book in their hands! On the table is a tall glass of Pepsi on ice - ok - wine. As I picture my reader, book in hand, and an eager look of anticipation on their face I know I must do my very best to satisfy them.I am honored they are spending their time and their $$ with me and my book.

Feel free to use my reader as your muse if you must. But, by all means, consider them when you write. Respect your reader’s time, don’t waste it. Engage them and keep them engaged. Speak as the expert you are and don’t be frivolous with your words. Make each word count! They’ve spent money on your book, don’t make them regret it!

My reader is a fan!

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Manifold Monday - GAME ON

Manifold Monday: Musings of an Amputee