I've been thinking about what a hero should be since I read Karen Ball's July 24th blog post on Charis Connection.
I thought about ten of my favorite heroes from movies of 1969 to 2005. The heroes share at least three of my ten favorite qualities that a man should experience.
James Garner's character in Support Your Local Sherriff isn't particularly romantic, but he is quite patient, creative, and smart. A hero doesn't have to be an expert on romance, but he does have to exhibit leadership qualities.
Cary Elwes as Westley in Princess Bride was driven, brave, and caring. He didn't walk around claiming to be a hero, but he was one.
Bill Murray's character in Groundhog Day had no choice but to make changes in his day. In the middle of the story he was driven, but later he was caring and friendly.
In 1995, two movies came out that had very different heroes. But I like both. Bill Pullman's character in While You Were Sleeping was friendly, patient, and driven. Harrison Ford's character in Sabrina was flexible, then caring, then desperate.
Val Kilmer's character in The Saint was creative, brave, and caring. One of the most romantic things about the movie was him remembering her medicine. What was important to her had become important to him.
Tom Hanks in You've Got Mail gave a good example of a friendly, patient and creative hero.
Hugh Grant's character in Notting Hill was friendly and caring, then driven.
Nicholas Cage's character in The Family man was smart, flexible, and desperate.
And last, my favorite movie of 2005: Hitch. Will Smith's character was smart, creative, and vulnerable. He was also desperate at the end. I loved the fun ending.
Each of these heroes is unique, yet displays at least three of my favorite ten heroic qualities.
In my opinion, a hero must be:
brave enough to face the danger,
creative enough to solve the conflicts that arise,
driven enough to keep going against all odds,
patient enough to keep his cool,
friendly enough to attract the heroine,
vulnerable enough to allow his human side to be seen,
flexible enough to change direction when necessary,
caring enough to think of the little important things,
smart enough to make good decisions,
and desperate enough to do anything to get the girl.
MacGregor Interview at Novel Journey
I am highly interested in the interview at Novel Journey this week with Jerry Chip MacGregor, Associate Publisher with Hachette Book Group USA (formerly Time Warner Book Group).
Gina Holmes has an impressive list of author interviews on her Novel Journey site. Chip MacGregor's three-day interview began on Monday. Warning: read at your own risk. The interview is not for the faint of heart, the self-righteous, the legalistic, or truth-haters.
Personally, I find Chip to be a refreshingly honest voice and a welcome opinion regarding Christian fiction. There's no hiding behind what "should" be said. He says what he thinks.
I've been priveleged to listen to him speak at writers' conferences. His industry updates are valuable for me. And I get to see that he's human just like the rest of us.
Join me and the rest of the crowd at Novel Journey for Chip's riveting interview.
What are you waiting for? Go.
Gina Holmes has an impressive list of author interviews on her Novel Journey site. Chip MacGregor's three-day interview began on Monday. Warning: read at your own risk. The interview is not for the faint of heart, the self-righteous, the legalistic, or truth-haters.
Personally, I find Chip to be a refreshingly honest voice and a welcome opinion regarding Christian fiction. There's no hiding behind what "should" be said. He says what he thinks.
I've been priveleged to listen to him speak at writers' conferences. His industry updates are valuable for me. And I get to see that he's human just like the rest of us.
Join me and the rest of the crowd at Novel Journey for Chip's riveting interview.
What are you waiting for? Go.
Getting To Know God
I keep learning new things about God. He's so amazing!
God has so many facets. He is so many things to us. If we only know Him as Savior, we should keep seeking Him. Keep praying. Keep waiting for more revelation.
Let Him reveal Himself to you. Keep listening for His guidance. He may pull you into prayer late at night or wake you up early. Be ready to receive what He wants to share.
Get to know Him as Provider and Protector. Let Him show you how much He cares. Obey His nudges. Heed His call. Forget aout the nervous screaming world we live in. Love others in His calm love. If He's not worried, we shouldn't be.
God has so many facets. He is so many things to us. If we only know Him as Savior, we should keep seeking Him. Keep praying. Keep waiting for more revelation.
Let Him reveal Himself to you. Keep listening for His guidance. He may pull you into prayer late at night or wake you up early. Be ready to receive what He wants to share.
Get to know Him as Provider and Protector. Let Him show you how much He cares. Obey His nudges. Heed His call. Forget aout the nervous screaming world we live in. Love others in His calm love. If He's not worried, we shouldn't be.
Scenes and Beans
...and we have lift-off. All systems are "Go". The Scenes and Beans blog started its orbit through cyberspace today. This character blog has blasted onto monitors large and small and will be drawing devoted readers by the thousands. Don't be left out of the excitement.
Scenes and Beans will tell the story of the citizens of Kanner Lake. Violet Dawn is the first book of the Kanner Lake series by Brandilyn Collins. No doubt anyone who has read a Brandilyn Collins suspense novel will rush out for a copy of Violet Dawn as soon as it hits the stores.
I've read it so I know it's good. You can read the first twelve chapters early by checking out the Kanner Lake site.
I've also been invited to be a part of the Scenes and Beans blog. That's right! I'm writing blog posts for Sarah Wray, the character who hires the heroine.
Scenes and Beans will tell the story of the citizens of Kanner Lake. Violet Dawn is the first book of the Kanner Lake series by Brandilyn Collins. No doubt anyone who has read a Brandilyn Collins suspense novel will rush out for a copy of Violet Dawn as soon as it hits the stores.
I've read it so I know it's good. You can read the first twelve chapters early by checking out the Kanner Lake site.
I've also been invited to be a part of the Scenes and Beans blog. That's right! I'm writing blog posts for Sarah Wray, the character who hires the heroine.
July Fourth
Tomorrow is the big day!
We usually celebrate independence by gorging ourselves with food and then igniting explosives.
We'll be playing horse shoes and croquet. And maybe bring out the vacation photos. Maybe.
But one thing I'm sure I'll be doing is making the Scenes and Beans announcement.
What announcement, you ask?
I've been selected as one of the writers of the Kanner Lake series character blog - Scenes and Beans. Wow! I'm so excited.
I'll be telling my family to read the blog and let me know what they think. You can too!
We usually celebrate independence by gorging ourselves with food and then igniting explosives.
We'll be playing horse shoes and croquet. And maybe bring out the vacation photos. Maybe.
But one thing I'm sure I'll be doing is making the Scenes and Beans announcement.
What announcement, you ask?
I've been selected as one of the writers of the Kanner Lake series character blog - Scenes and Beans. Wow! I'm so excited.
I'll be telling my family to read the blog and let me know what they think. You can too!
Hawaii
I'm back! The vacation was just what I needed.
My husband wants to go back to see the observatories, more beaches, more of Kauai, and more beaches. He promised to take me and the kids with him. How nice!
We saw so many beautiful places - too hard to pick out a favorite. We saw lava spewing into the water, Moloka'i by helicopter, and the wettest spot on Earth. I was also thrilled to see a black sand beach, a taro field, and a grove of Macadamia trees. I ate fresh papaya right after our tour guide knocked it off the tree.
And we also saw chickens. A lot of chickens. Roaming free throughout the islands. Woke up at 4 am because of a rooster who apparently had an early appointment.
My research went well. I went on a few tours. The tour guides were very informative and helped me with spelling. Other tourists asked why I was taking notes - it's a vacation, right? I had to pull off my tourist mask and bare my writer's soul. When I admitted I was getting my facts straight for a novel, one older gentleman kept after me the whole trip. "Did you write that down?" "Yes." "Are we taking a test at the end of the tour?" "No."
I guess my favorite moment was when we arrived at my mom's to pick up my kids. My son's face was awesome when he saw we were back. I love getting kids' kisses.
My husband wants to go back to see the observatories, more beaches, more of Kauai, and more beaches. He promised to take me and the kids with him. How nice!
We saw so many beautiful places - too hard to pick out a favorite. We saw lava spewing into the water, Moloka'i by helicopter, and the wettest spot on Earth. I was also thrilled to see a black sand beach, a taro field, and a grove of Macadamia trees. I ate fresh papaya right after our tour guide knocked it off the tree.
And we also saw chickens. A lot of chickens. Roaming free throughout the islands. Woke up at 4 am because of a rooster who apparently had an early appointment.
My research went well. I went on a few tours. The tour guides were very informative and helped me with spelling. Other tourists asked why I was taking notes - it's a vacation, right? I had to pull off my tourist mask and bare my writer's soul. When I admitted I was getting my facts straight for a novel, one older gentleman kept after me the whole trip. "Did you write that down?" "Yes." "Are we taking a test at the end of the tour?" "No."
I guess my favorite moment was when we arrived at my mom's to pick up my kids. My son's face was awesome when he saw we were back. I love getting kids' kisses.
Hawaiian Excursion
Happy Anniversary to me! And my honey, of course. We've been together a long time, so we thought we'd celebrate by letting me do a little writing research. hee hee
I have a few scenes in Hawaii in one of my stories. I've been all over the internet trying to make my setting right, but I don't think I quite have it yet. Can you imagine trying to describe the taste of ice cream without ever tasting it yourself?
So the hubby is going to experience with me all the romance that Hawaii is so famous for.
I can't wait!
Anyone who has read this blog on a consistant basis knows that I only post one day each week. I'll be gone next week, so this is the post that is supposed to be read next week.
Enjoy your week.
I know I will.
I have a few scenes in Hawaii in one of my stories. I've been all over the internet trying to make my setting right, but I don't think I quite have it yet. Can you imagine trying to describe the taste of ice cream without ever tasting it yourself?
So the hubby is going to experience with me all the romance that Hawaii is so famous for.
I can't wait!
Anyone who has read this blog on a consistant basis knows that I only post one day each week. I'll be gone next week, so this is the post that is supposed to be read next week.
Enjoy your week.
I know I will.
STORY, Part 2
Robert McKee's STORY has given me a creative boost. A push to strive for uniqueness and excellence.
If I read through my story and find a boring part, it might be because I let the reader know what's ahead. If I give clues to lead the reader into one area, and then storm through with the action taking the reader into a different area, I give the reader a happy surprise. Readers love happy surprises. They want to be thrilled by twists and turns.
Let's see what I can do with a practice scene. I'll start with Mary in an ice cream store so Bob can surprise her outside the store. My job in this scene is to hold back some information and redirect the reader's attention so I don't spill the beans.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Jeff held open the door of the Icy Delight ice cream shop while Mary entered, shuffling in her flip flops. She looked up at the bundle of bells jingling at the top of the door when it closed behind him. Gracious! The guy's tall. She turned her gaze to the long counter displaying many of her favorite ice cream flavors. "What kind do you like?"
"I always get a vanilla cone. What are you having?" Jeff moved closer to her on his way to the counter, avoiding the little boy in the booth kicking a nearby empty chair.
"I don't know. I'll look around." She shuffled beside him until he stopped at the vanilla, and then she inched around a family of four. "Thanks for the ride down the block, by the way. I sure didn't know about the fire at the frozen yogurt stand. It must've happened last night." She walked to the end of the counter and back to Jeff.
"I didn't mind stopping to pick you up." He ordered his cone and stepped back from the counter.
"Too many choices. Oh, I'll just get a chocolate cone." Mary hesitated. "With sprinkles."
He took his vanilla cone, paid, and licked the edge of the cone where the ice cream had begun its descent.
Mary took her cone, paid, and swiveled her body toward the door. When she looked down, she saw the foot of a small girl who was standing right where her own foot was about to land. Mary moved her foot away in mid-step, but her ice cream tumbled to the floor in her effort to miss the child. When she shifted her weight, she lost her balance and hurt her ankle in the fall. She landed in the ice cream mess, but the child was fine.
Jeff held out his hand to her. "Can you get up?"
"Yes. I'm okay." Mary tried to stand, but her ankle hurt too bad to walk on it.
"Okay, huh?" He steadied her with his arm around her shoulders.
"Well, I can hop." She grinned with fierce determination.
"Stubborn woman." He threw the rest of his cone into the nearby trash can and picked her up.
"Put your arms around my neck."
"Jeff, put me down." She grabbed onto his burly shoulders and felt a little awkward. What would people think?
He looked pretty happy to have her arms encircling his neck. "No. I'm going to drive you home." He carried her to the sidewalk by his car.
A brand new red Lexus slowed and pulled into a parking space just past Jeff's car. It was Bob! He got out, slammed his door, and walked around the back of his car. "I knew it! I knew you were dating someone behind my back. Put her down, Jeff. She and I have to talk."
Jeff set her down on one foot beside his car. She leaned against it while he opened the door.
She hurried to get inside and shut the door, yelling through the open window, "Bob, calm down. I'm not dating anyone but you. Really. This is all very innocent."
Jeff forced Bob away from his car. Bob shoved him. Jeff shoved him back and pushed too hard. Bob entered the street. He came running at Jeff and swung his fist so hard he fell onto the back of Jeff's car when he missed.
Mary leaned through the open window. "Stop fighting! Bob, you don't understand." After the car stopped it's tiny rocking from Bob's fall, Mary sat back in her seat and twisted to keep watch.
Bob ran at Jeff again and crammed a solid punch into Jeff's abdomen. Jeff backed up between two parked cars and threw a left across Bob's jaw and a right into his chest. Bob staggered backward into the street too far, too fast and was hit by a truck that screeched to a stop just past Bob's car.
Jeff ran to his car, started it, backed up, and wheeled away with Mary as speechless as the wind.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Do you like the scene?
Even though I let you know that Bob was going to surprise Mary, I didn't tell the important part. The truck that hit Bob was the irreversible, unexpected gap between the reader's expectation and the result.
I realize the scene needs more fixing before it is a bearable part of a story. But hey, isn't this what learning is all about?
If I read through my story and find a boring part, it might be because I let the reader know what's ahead. If I give clues to lead the reader into one area, and then storm through with the action taking the reader into a different area, I give the reader a happy surprise. Readers love happy surprises. They want to be thrilled by twists and turns.
Let's see what I can do with a practice scene. I'll start with Mary in an ice cream store so Bob can surprise her outside the store. My job in this scene is to hold back some information and redirect the reader's attention so I don't spill the beans.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Jeff held open the door of the Icy Delight ice cream shop while Mary entered, shuffling in her flip flops. She looked up at the bundle of bells jingling at the top of the door when it closed behind him. Gracious! The guy's tall. She turned her gaze to the long counter displaying many of her favorite ice cream flavors. "What kind do you like?"
"I always get a vanilla cone. What are you having?" Jeff moved closer to her on his way to the counter, avoiding the little boy in the booth kicking a nearby empty chair.
"I don't know. I'll look around." She shuffled beside him until he stopped at the vanilla, and then she inched around a family of four. "Thanks for the ride down the block, by the way. I sure didn't know about the fire at the frozen yogurt stand. It must've happened last night." She walked to the end of the counter and back to Jeff.
"I didn't mind stopping to pick you up." He ordered his cone and stepped back from the counter.
"Too many choices. Oh, I'll just get a chocolate cone." Mary hesitated. "With sprinkles."
He took his vanilla cone, paid, and licked the edge of the cone where the ice cream had begun its descent.
Mary took her cone, paid, and swiveled her body toward the door. When she looked down, she saw the foot of a small girl who was standing right where her own foot was about to land. Mary moved her foot away in mid-step, but her ice cream tumbled to the floor in her effort to miss the child. When she shifted her weight, she lost her balance and hurt her ankle in the fall. She landed in the ice cream mess, but the child was fine.
Jeff held out his hand to her. "Can you get up?"
"Yes. I'm okay." Mary tried to stand, but her ankle hurt too bad to walk on it.
"Okay, huh?" He steadied her with his arm around her shoulders.
"Well, I can hop." She grinned with fierce determination.
"Stubborn woman." He threw the rest of his cone into the nearby trash can and picked her up.
"Put your arms around my neck."
"Jeff, put me down." She grabbed onto his burly shoulders and felt a little awkward. What would people think?
He looked pretty happy to have her arms encircling his neck. "No. I'm going to drive you home." He carried her to the sidewalk by his car.
A brand new red Lexus slowed and pulled into a parking space just past Jeff's car. It was Bob! He got out, slammed his door, and walked around the back of his car. "I knew it! I knew you were dating someone behind my back. Put her down, Jeff. She and I have to talk."
Jeff set her down on one foot beside his car. She leaned against it while he opened the door.
She hurried to get inside and shut the door, yelling through the open window, "Bob, calm down. I'm not dating anyone but you. Really. This is all very innocent."
Jeff forced Bob away from his car. Bob shoved him. Jeff shoved him back and pushed too hard. Bob entered the street. He came running at Jeff and swung his fist so hard he fell onto the back of Jeff's car when he missed.
Mary leaned through the open window. "Stop fighting! Bob, you don't understand." After the car stopped it's tiny rocking from Bob's fall, Mary sat back in her seat and twisted to keep watch.
Bob ran at Jeff again and crammed a solid punch into Jeff's abdomen. Jeff backed up between two parked cars and threw a left across Bob's jaw and a right into his chest. Bob staggered backward into the street too far, too fast and was hit by a truck that screeched to a stop just past Bob's car.
Jeff ran to his car, started it, backed up, and wheeled away with Mary as speechless as the wind.
__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __
Do you like the scene?
Even though I let you know that Bob was going to surprise Mary, I didn't tell the important part. The truck that hit Bob was the irreversible, unexpected gap between the reader's expectation and the result.
I realize the scene needs more fixing before it is a bearable part of a story. But hey, isn't this what learning is all about?
STORY, Part 1
I've been reading Robert McKee's STORY. Though it's geared toward screenwriters, novelists can learn much about creating an engaging story. It gives example after example (from many different movies) about how to keep your audience riveted.
I'm not finished with the book yet, but when I do, I'll re-read all the penciled-in underlines, circles, and stars on the dog-eared pages.
Reading STORY has made me aware of many ways to make my stories better. I liked studying how to analyze a scene. I learned about the gap between expectation and result. I also like what he wrote about subtexting.
One thing I'll work on in my story is developing more clearly the gap between audience expectation and the on-screen (or on-page) result.
Next week, I'll post a practice scene to show what I learned.
I'm not finished with the book yet, but when I do, I'll re-read all the penciled-in underlines, circles, and stars on the dog-eared pages.
Reading STORY has made me aware of many ways to make my stories better. I liked studying how to analyze a scene. I learned about the gap between expectation and result. I also like what he wrote about subtexting.
One thing I'll work on in my story is developing more clearly the gap between audience expectation and the on-screen (or on-page) result.
Next week, I'll post a practice scene to show what I learned.
Did I do something right?
There is a nearby Chinese restaurant that we frequent to pick up a bag of food and bring it home. In the big bag of food, they always include a small bag of fortune cookies. We've done this often enough for our kids to understand that you get to read your "fortune" when you break open a cookie.
This weekend, my husband and I brought home Chinese food again, and I left the paper from the cookie on the table. When the kids got home from school, they read it just out of curiosity. I looked at the paper a few hours later and there were words penciled on the back side of it.
The new fortune? "You will say No to your children."
My husband and I both laughed. Maybe we're doing something right.
Kids like to have boundaries, whether they realize it or not. They act better when they know the limits. Saying No is a loving teaching tool for little minds. When you do it well and relatively often, they learn to have appropriate behavior.
When I relate this to writing (you knew I would, didn't you), I look at the boundaries of the different genres. If I write a romance, it will not look like a psychological thriller. If my story wants to flee down a path that's not right, I'll have to pull the reigns and focus on the right path. I'm in charge of my story, although sometimes it doesn't feel like it. I need to let the story have the freedom it needs while staying within the genre boundaries.
Apparently I say No a lot. One of my children recognized that it was a word that would be said in my near future. She was right.
If I wait for the right moment, it's effective. If I say it too much, that weakens its power. I think that's true for most good answers.
I've already mentioned in a previous post about my rejection from an editor. Sometimes No is disappointing. Sometimes it proves that God is our Protector. No helps my children feel loved. No helps my story keep its focus.
There are times when parenting (and writing) feels really hard to do. And the other times - when I see the benefits of my efforts - give me the energy to press on.
This weekend, my husband and I brought home Chinese food again, and I left the paper from the cookie on the table. When the kids got home from school, they read it just out of curiosity. I looked at the paper a few hours later and there were words penciled on the back side of it.
The new fortune? "You will say No to your children."
My husband and I both laughed. Maybe we're doing something right.
Kids like to have boundaries, whether they realize it or not. They act better when they know the limits. Saying No is a loving teaching tool for little minds. When you do it well and relatively often, they learn to have appropriate behavior.
When I relate this to writing (you knew I would, didn't you), I look at the boundaries of the different genres. If I write a romance, it will not look like a psychological thriller. If my story wants to flee down a path that's not right, I'll have to pull the reigns and focus on the right path. I'm in charge of my story, although sometimes it doesn't feel like it. I need to let the story have the freedom it needs while staying within the genre boundaries.
Apparently I say No a lot. One of my children recognized that it was a word that would be said in my near future. She was right.
If I wait for the right moment, it's effective. If I say it too much, that weakens its power. I think that's true for most good answers.
I've already mentioned in a previous post about my rejection from an editor. Sometimes No is disappointing. Sometimes it proves that God is our Protector. No helps my children feel loved. No helps my story keep its focus.
There are times when parenting (and writing) feels really hard to do. And the other times - when I see the benefits of my efforts - give me the energy to press on.
The Tapestry of the Human Community
God heals, but not with only one method.
God reaches one person through the hands of another.
I have noticed that God weaves us into each others’ lives for a larger purpose than we can see. We connect with those around us, and whether we realize it or not, that connection is necessary to the connection of others.
The big picture is seen when the little pieces come together. No one lives his life untouched. Someone is always around to lead you or to see and follow you. God is the one supplying you with blessings. He is the one that created you to live in this day and time. Within your sphere of influence, where you go to be a blessing is up to you. Your obedience to God and enjoyment of the task He leads you to is up to you.
Focus on the people God has given you. How will you touch them, influence them, help them?
Should you blend in like a simple leaf on a tree or stand out like a red ball in green grass? The answer is not found in a whim or a list of likes and dislikes but in personal purpose.
If each of us does the job we were created for, our obedience will give pleasure to others while fulfilling our own purpose. The one who stands out like the ball was created to be noticed. The one who blends in like the leaf was created to give aid and comfort without being noticed. A boy runs into the back yard, sees the ball, and plays with it. When he’s tired and hot, he looks to the shade created by the leaves on the trees. Each purpose fulfilled. Each job appreciated.
If you are to stand out, remember no one stands alone. There are those who, like blades of grass, raise your feet onto their shoulders, enhancing your view. They support you in rest and catch you when you fall. If you are to blend in, there are those who will share with you their blanket of color. They add to your success, knowing one leaf cannot do it alone.
Do what’s in you. Do it with all you have. Do it knowing God is weaving you where He wills.
God reaches one person through the hands of another.
I have noticed that God weaves us into each others’ lives for a larger purpose than we can see. We connect with those around us, and whether we realize it or not, that connection is necessary to the connection of others.
The big picture is seen when the little pieces come together. No one lives his life untouched. Someone is always around to lead you or to see and follow you. God is the one supplying you with blessings. He is the one that created you to live in this day and time. Within your sphere of influence, where you go to be a blessing is up to you. Your obedience to God and enjoyment of the task He leads you to is up to you.
Focus on the people God has given you. How will you touch them, influence them, help them?
Should you blend in like a simple leaf on a tree or stand out like a red ball in green grass? The answer is not found in a whim or a list of likes and dislikes but in personal purpose.
If each of us does the job we were created for, our obedience will give pleasure to others while fulfilling our own purpose. The one who stands out like the ball was created to be noticed. The one who blends in like the leaf was created to give aid and comfort without being noticed. A boy runs into the back yard, sees the ball, and plays with it. When he’s tired and hot, he looks to the shade created by the leaves on the trees. Each purpose fulfilled. Each job appreciated.
If you are to stand out, remember no one stands alone. There are those who, like blades of grass, raise your feet onto their shoulders, enhancing your view. They support you in rest and catch you when you fall. If you are to blend in, there are those who will share with you their blanket of color. They add to your success, knowing one leaf cannot do it alone.
Do what’s in you. Do it with all you have. Do it knowing God is weaving you where He wills.
The Blue Ink Checkmark
What you can learn from a blue ink checkmark?
My only rejection letter was sent to me years ago in response to the only proposal I’ve ever sent to a publishing house.
I was writing a children’s book and asked a friend to do illustrations so the publisher would have a good idea of my intentions. I also worked on back cover copy and endorsements from real children. I thought I had covered my bases, so I sent it off.
After a while, my proposal came back to me with one sheet added to it. I read it slowly and carefully, hoping to glean as much information as I could from it. I don’t remember what the exact words were, but among them stood two fearsome letters: NO.
I got the message.
The sheet was a poor-quality copy and displayed a single blue ink checkmark hovering over one of the lines in a column of options. No signature. No suggestions. Only a single checkmark.
I was disappointed in my story’s failure to grab an editor’s attention, but I was more disappointed that all my effort was answered with so little ink.
Today, I know much more than I did then about the world of publishing. That checkmark sent me back to my copy of a writers’ magazine to look at the conference listings. I didn’t go to a conference right away, but ordered several conference tapes and listened to them. I took notes and listened again. I learned not only about the creative end of my chosen career, but also about the business end.
I eventually went to Glorietta Writers Conference. There, I got feedback on two other stories. The woman giving the critique told me much more than a checkmark ever could. No checkmark ever gave me a list of how to books to get me started down the right path. No checkmark ever challenged me to make changes and rewrite. All the checkmark told me was, “No.”
Now, as I think about it, I’m glad God gave me the stubborn attitude that urges me onward with, “When I see a NO, I’ll just turn it on its head so it’ll say ON.
I have pushed forward to other stories and other writers' conferences (Mount Hermon and ACFW). My current stories have proven that I'm growing. I only needed one NO to push me ON to the right path. I haven’t given up. I’m still learning. Maybe one day soon, an editor’s response will read, “Yes.”
Thanks, God, that You’re still leading me.
My only rejection letter was sent to me years ago in response to the only proposal I’ve ever sent to a publishing house.
I was writing a children’s book and asked a friend to do illustrations so the publisher would have a good idea of my intentions. I also worked on back cover copy and endorsements from real children. I thought I had covered my bases, so I sent it off.
After a while, my proposal came back to me with one sheet added to it. I read it slowly and carefully, hoping to glean as much information as I could from it. I don’t remember what the exact words were, but among them stood two fearsome letters: NO.
I got the message.
The sheet was a poor-quality copy and displayed a single blue ink checkmark hovering over one of the lines in a column of options. No signature. No suggestions. Only a single checkmark.
I was disappointed in my story’s failure to grab an editor’s attention, but I was more disappointed that all my effort was answered with so little ink.
Today, I know much more than I did then about the world of publishing. That checkmark sent me back to my copy of a writers’ magazine to look at the conference listings. I didn’t go to a conference right away, but ordered several conference tapes and listened to them. I took notes and listened again. I learned not only about the creative end of my chosen career, but also about the business end.
I eventually went to Glorietta Writers Conference. There, I got feedback on two other stories. The woman giving the critique told me much more than a checkmark ever could. No checkmark ever gave me a list of how to books to get me started down the right path. No checkmark ever challenged me to make changes and rewrite. All the checkmark told me was, “No.”
Now, as I think about it, I’m glad God gave me the stubborn attitude that urges me onward with, “When I see a NO, I’ll just turn it on its head so it’ll say ON.
I have pushed forward to other stories and other writers' conferences (Mount Hermon and ACFW). My current stories have proven that I'm growing. I only needed one NO to push me ON to the right path. I haven’t given up. I’m still learning. Maybe one day soon, an editor’s response will read, “Yes.”
Thanks, God, that You’re still leading me.
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