Story-fixing Your Novel––Part X
Posted on March 15, 2017 Leave a Comment
There is an abundance of material we could continue to cover on this general subject, but I would suggest that if you like what you’ve seen, you purchase Steven James’ Troubleshooting Your Novel. He has so much more in that book than we can share with you in ten parts. To finish up this series, we’ll talk about revisions. Tips for revision include fact-checking, spell-checking, and proofreading. Click to Tweet #amwriting #storyfixing
APD Part VIII––The Blessing of ORU
Posted on March 14, 2017 Leave a Comment
If I thought high school was good, Oral Roberts University, (yes, I went there all four years) was a huge blessing in my life. The blessing of being with other Christian students and learning more of God was incredible. I experienced much more acceptance and healing while at ORU, with virtually no rejection. Finding the right learning community is important, especially for those with rejection issues. Click to Tweet #amwriting #rejection #APD
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part IX
Posted on March 8, 2017 Leave a Comment
This lesson will be a challenge for me, because although I understand the concept, I’ve not used it as much in my writing. Subtext––is what’s really meant, not what’s said. Click to Tweet #amwriting #storyfixing
APD Part VII––High School Grace
Posted on March 7, 2017 Leave a Comment
Finally, when I entered high school, which in my case, was when I was a sophomore, I began to understand the tease and how to give it back, without insult, and without rejection. During high school, I managed to find a small group of other girls who were Christians, of good character, and sweet natured. It was a blessed relief from the pain of junior high. Helping those with rejection issues to find a small group of loyal friends assists healing. Click to Tweet #amwriting #rejection #APD
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part VIII
Posted on March 1, 2017 Leave a Comment
It’s all in the details. But there are so many of them. Which ones to include? What is necessary to the story, and what isn’t? Details will either help your story take wing, or weigh it down like an anvil. They’ll either lift your story or burden it. Click to Tweet #amwriting #storyfixing
APD Part VI––Youth Trip Nightmare
Posted on February 28, 2017 2 Comments
Just when I thought I would survive junior high, my mother practically forced me to go on a weekend trip to Arkansas with other youth from our church. The girls were fine. The boys were a nightmare. Have you ever been constantly harassed with nowhere to go? No escape is possible. Imagine a six-hour bus trip with non-stop insults from stupid junior and senior high boys. Click to Tweet. #amwriting #rejection #APD
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part VII
Posted on February 22, 2017 Leave a Comment
Let’s take a look at the main character. What applies to him/her will apply to all the characters that need to be “fleshed out.” We’re talking about “Dimensionality” –– or adding proportions and scope to your main character. Readers want to read about conflicted characters doing difficult or extraordinary things. Click to Tweet #amwriting #storyfixing
APD Part V––Fickle Friend
Posted on February 21, 2017 Leave a Comment
Childhood friendships can either be rewarding or quite painful. I had one friend I grew up with in elementary school, who once we entered junior high, decided I wasn’t good enough for her. I’m writing about these experiences from my past to share insights about why APD is so very hurtful. But with hope for healing, the pain can be released. Click to Tweet #amwriting #rejection #APD
Good News for “Meghan’s Choice”
Posted on February 16, 2017 5 Comments
I’m excited to announce that later this year, my novel, “Meghan’s Choice” will finally be published. Through the literary agency I signed with, I will be self-publishing Meghan’s Choice. Stay tuned here for more information.
It’s been a l-o-n-g struggle. I got the idea for the novel five years ago. I wrote the first draft in 2013. It’s been through many revisions and edits since, but the story and the characters are as they are described on our page. You can link that here.
There comes a time when you have to change what is not working. Trying to get the novel published traditionally wasn’t happening. Thanks to the literary agency I signed with in November of 2015, I can self-publish my novel with their help, so I don’t have to do it all myself.
It will be a high quality publication. And I’m thrilled. What made this nice is that I got the news when I had the flu a couple weeks ago. Even though I couldn’t jump up and down, dance around on the outside, I got on my internal knees, (because after Israel and a couple falls since, I can’t get on my knees physically), and thanked the Lord.
Especially after a string of different disappointments last fall, which started in August, this news means so very much to me. Because when you’re going through a difficult season, you begin to wonder if what you’re doing is the right thing, and if God even listening.
Yes, He is listening. And even though it didn’t seem like the right thing, it turned out to be.
I had decided not to write fiction anymore, since I couldn’t win a contest or get a publishing contract, I thought, maybe I’ll just concentrate on my rejection issues and bring further understanding about that, and continue this blog.
But God is in control of my life. I have surrendered to Him. And this is my faith’s reward.
Story-fixing Your Novel––Part VI
Posted on February 15, 2017 Leave a Comment
When creating a story, we’re encouraged to create a “backstory” for each of the main characters. This is what’s happened to the character before the story begins, and affects how that character behaves. But don’t confuse character “history” to “backstory.” Use only what backstory is necessary to the story now. Click to Tweet #amwriting #storyfixing Read More
Donna L.H. Smith 