Guest Blogger: Teresa Slack

Please welcome today’s guest, Teresa Slack!

Born and raised in a small town in Southern Ohio, Teresa Slack always dreamed of writing books. But she was realistic enough to know few people made a living at it. In 1999 she quit work to focus full time on her writing. Since then, she has had five novels published, including Evidence of Grace, which is due for release this summer. The Christian fiction market for which she writes, has given her the opportunity to do what she loves while sharing her faith with readers. She lives with her husband near Waverly, Ohio where she is an advocate of pet rescue.

Creating a Successful Series by Teresa Slack:

In 2004 while awaiting the release of my first book, STREAMS OF MERCY, I realized the book needed a sequel. There were so many sub-plots and interesting minor characters that were practically begging me to tell their story. The voices in my head were getting so loud, I had trouble sleeping at night.

Okay, the voices weren’t actually talking to me, but if you’re a writer, you understand what I mean.

Without consulting my publisher, I began work on a second book and named the series, the JENNA’S CREEK SERIES after the town in which the stories take place. I finished REDEMPTION’S SONG and sent an email to my publisher letting them know to expect it. I expressed my desire to turn Book One into a series and held my breath.

It turns out they were thinking the same thing. We brainstormed story ideas and titles for future books. My first book had become a series. On June 15, 2007, Book Three of the JENNA’S CREEK SERIES, EVIDENCE OF GRACE, was released nationwide.

The trick in writing a successful series is to keep fresh ideas flowing through the story so old readers won’t become bored, without leaving readers who drop in at Book 3 or 4 out of the loop. The writer must strike a fine balance to make each book stand on its own by giving it a strong beginning, middle, and the crucial satisfactory ending, while at the same time leaving readers clamoring for more.

I once read a series that started out promising enough. The hero and heroine were destined to be together but because of various heart-palpitating circumstances, they were still denying their mutual attraction at the end of the book. Book 2 ended with them facing the same old demons, their romance unrequited. As a reader, I wanted to run my fist through a wall. Upon starting Book 3, I could see it was more of the same. Maybe I have a short attention span. Maybe I need instant gratification. Whatever the reason, I closed the book and have yet to read another by this well-known CBA author.

Yes, a series book is meant to leave the reader craving more. But it mustn’t be drawn out so long that the reader becomes disillusioned or worse, bored. If this involves introducing new characters and storylines, then by all means introduce them.

I mentioned a character in REDEMPTION’S SONG who was the nephew of a minor character. At the time I didn’t know this character would play a key role in future books. I wasn’t even sure what to do with him. But when I turned him loose in Book 3, he hit the ground running. I am so excited about this character, I even created a contest for him. Check it out at the end of EVIDENCE OF GRACE. I hope readers will have as much fun with him as I have.

Sometimes the best moments in fiction happen so spontaneously, they take even the author by surprise. That’s what makes this such an exciting business. Keep surprising readers throughout your series, and you will build a dedicated and satisfied readership.

EVIDENCE OF GRACE is Teresa Slack’s fifth novel and the third in her award winning JENNA’S CREEK SERIES. Her books are available at any bookstore or library nationwide. If they are out of stock, simply request a copy. Learn more about the author and her books at www.teresaslack.com or www.tsabahouse.com

Brainstorming Tips

The world is full of distractions that can prevent us from losing our focus. God knew this when He inspired the psalmist to write, “Be still, and know that I am God.” In order to write clear, concise copy, however, we need to maintain that focus. But often, my poor brain needs help.

Karen Wisner, in her book First Draft in 30 Days, suggests that not only do we need to brainstorm an idea at its conception, but at each stage of the writing process. (If you’re not familiar with this book, the link I’ve inserted in the text goes to Karen’s web site and has a lot of information included in the book. If you click on the book cover, that link will take you to Amazon.com’s purchase page for the book.)

Brainstorming is important whether you’re writing a novel, a magazine feature, a devotional, or even a blog post. While Karen’s book deals with novel writing, the brainstorming prompts she suggests can be used in all genres of writing. She lists over 25 brainstorming exercises–here are just a few:

1. Make a soundtrack for your current project. Choose songs that fit specific parts of your book or the theme of the whole book. Listen to your project’s soundtrack while driving, walking, or exercising. Each time you hear a song from your soundtrack, it will inspire you to brainstorm more.

2. Get out of the house–go anywhere–and people watch. Observe those around you to get ideas from gestures, movements, hints of an overheard conversation, or even just the way people look.

3. Write a letter to one of your characters (either from you or from another character within your story) just to see where it’ll take you, or interview one or more of your characters.

4. Write with a partner on separate projects in the same room, then read to each other what you’ve written. Not for the sake of critique, but to uplift and energize your muse.

5. Go outside and lie on the ground. Admire the clouds, birds, and nature with all its sounds and smells. Imagine your character doing the same thing in his or her setting and try to describe it from that character’s point of view.

What are some of the brainstorming techniques that YOU use? Share your tips with the rest of us.

A Few of My Favorite Things…about ACFW

If you’re still teetering with whether or not to attend the upcoming ACFW Conference, hopefully some of this information will help you make the decision to go. (Note: I wrote a few previous blog posts about my experiences in ACFW. You may wish to read them, too: Salamanders, Goldfish and Frogs, Oh, My! and You Might Be in ACFW If...)

Here are my Top Ten reasons for attending the annual ACFW Conference:

10. The Travel. I love to travel. My favorite part is watching an empty airport luggage carousel spin with hopes that my bags will miraculously appear. Of course, I just completed a 4500+ mile vacation, so I’ve had my fill of it for a while, but traveling to ACFW Conferences fills me with anticipation, and since they are always centrally located in the country, many of us are able to drive.

9. The Food. Seriously. I know we’ve all eaten our share of dull conference food before, but did you know that the ACFW board meets with the hotel staff and actually taste-tests our menus? They do an excellent job of selecting our meals.

8. The Maid Service. Come on, I know you’re thinking the same thing. Four days without having to make your own bed, wash dishes, or clean a toilet. It’s paradise on earth.

7. The Chocolate. No, this shouldn’t have been categorized under “food.” Chocolate is its own entity. And if you’re able to come to the ACFW Conference, you’ll see more chocolate in one weekend than you’ll likely see the rest of your life. That is, until the next conference rolls around. Oh, and some of the carb-cutters bring nuts, which are great, but nothing compares to chocolate. And Coke used to think IT was the real thing. Sheesh!

6. The Name Badges. There’s nothing like slipping that lanyard around your neck, knowing it’s official. You’re now at an ACFW conference. And they’re handy little buggers, too. You can stuff your business cards, meal tickets, conference schedules, and any other of life’s necessities.

5. The Goodie Bags. You can always tell the quality of a conference by the contents of the goodie bag. And ACFW’s conference bags are better than stuffed stockings at Christmastime. Books, pens, notepads, bookmarks, pins, those little hidden-razorblade envelope openers (note: hide yours from the suspense writers) –you name it. And while I’m on this subject, let’s stop to say THANK YOU to all those who do this pre-conference prep.

4. The Bookstore. The ACFW conference bookstore is better than any Barnes & Noble I’ve ever been in! A special thanks goes to Jeanne & her volunteer staff as well as all the authors who have either lugged or shipped books in order to make this awesome selection possible.

3. The Fellowship. I don’t want to have to stop typing to dab my eyes here, but nothing (not even chocolate) compares to the warm-fuzzy feeling I get while gathered with a group of like-minded people, sitting in a hotel ballroom, and hearing Brandilyn’s voice state the familiar, “Good Morning, ACFW!” I can’t wait!

2. The Training. If you’ve been in this group for even a day, you’re familiar with the expertise we’re blessed with. ACFW has continually offered top-notch workshops, keynoters, late night chats, critiquers, and the list goes on. But some of the best one-on-one training takes place while waiting — waiting for a latte in the coffee shop, in the elevator, standing in line at the concierge’s counter, and, yes, even the bathroom. (The guys miss out on this part, seeing that they never have to stand in bathroom lines.)

First place is a tie. No, this isn’t just a clever device to get out of a jam because I suddenly discovered my top ten list actually consists of eleven items (although you’re welcome to use this idea in the future if necessary)–these two items are tied. No way could I pick which is the best.

1. The Spiritual Uplift. I’ve attended many retreats in my life, and all have been a blessing, but the spiritual aspect of ACFW shines through at the worship services sprinkled throughout the weekend. And the prayer room. Talk about tingles.

1. The People. It’s too early to get mushy, but ACFW is the best group of people on the planet. The children’s song “Make new friends, but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold” sums it up well. The best part to me is the entire group’s willingness to serve and help each other. In truth, we’re competitors, yet all I’ve witnessed since joining this group is the Golden Rule of helping and loving one another, which ties in with the whole spiritual uplift thing, too.

Ta-da! There’s my list. Now, what are YOUR favorite reasons for attending?

Blogathon 2007

The annual Blogathon is coming up July 28. This is a charity fund-raiser where bloggers write 48 blog posts within a 24-hour period.

No cheating by pre-posting with the date/time stamp, but you can plan your posts ahead of time. Some write fiction, others post about their respective charities. I thought it might be an interesting writing exercise as well as perhaps a way to promote Christian fiction on the web. Apparently this is a big worldwide event, even though I’d never heard about it until I stumbled across a link to it tonight.

Click HERE to read a Blog Herald article with tips on how to blog the Blogathon. The blogathon official site “opens” July 1, but the forum is open now if you want to browse through some of the prep talk. (http://blogathon.org)

Apparently, bloggers get sponsors to donate items for drawings during the blogathon and collect donations for their charities. I’ve never done this so I’m not sure how that works, but I guess the instructions will be posted when the site opens. Lorelle on WordPress (an excellent instructional site, BTW), has a lot of information about this event. Click HERE to read one of her posts about it. (She also wrote the Blog Herald article.)

I haven’t decided whether or not I plan to participate, but I thought I’d pass this along.

Coming Soon…

Guest bloggers on deck:

• July 18–Marlo Schalesky
• July 25–Louise Gouge
• August 1–Jennifer Devlin
• August 8–Sharon Dunn
• August 29–Vickie McDonough
• September 5–Camy Tang
• September 12–Laurie Alice Eakes
• October 31–Sue Dent

Contact me if you wish to be considered as a future guest.

Guest Blogger: Linda Windsor

Leave a comment to enter a drawing for a FREE copy of Linda’s new book: Wedding Bell Blues. (Drawing will be held Saturday, June 30–so HURRY!)

Maryland author Linda Windsor has written some twenty-nine historical and contemporary novels for both the secular and inspirational markets, but she is most noted for delivering “The LIFT of Laughter and Spirit” in her modern inspirational romances. A Christy finalist and winner of numerous industry awards, Linda has written for Kensington Publishing/NY, Multnomah Publishing/Random House, Barbour Publishing, Westbow Press/Thomas Nelson Publishing and is now contracted to launch Harper Collins’Avon Inspire contemporary romance line with The Piper Cove Chronicles.

Linda chose a local setting, basing the fictitious Piper Cove on nearby Ocean Pines & Berlin, MD. Its first book, WEDDING BELL BLUES, is due out in June 2007. In addition to writing and speaking across the country, Linda continues a local music and lay speaking ministry started by her and her late husband. She also works on home improvement projects on the 18th century-plus house that she and her husband began restoring in 1986 on an “as desperately needed”basis. Wallpaper and paint are definitely in her near future.

Here’s a special guest blog from Linda Windsor:

As I write this, I ache in places I didn’t know I had. I have shades of pale green, sunset orange, pirate blue and mermaid aqua in my hair, cuticles and on other various parts of my body. You see, when a daughter buys her first home and has marriage and a ready-made family in the near future, everything at mom’s home stops and mom dons whatever hat she can wear to make it a home for her little girl. I can see it now. The mother of the bride wore a rainbow of colors.

But, always the writer, my thoughts have been churning about Sweet Nothin’s, book three of my Piper Cove Chronicles—a series about four very different women, best friends who vowed to leave the sleepy seaside village in their dust straight from high school graduation and never return. Well, they did. But the town has changed and so have they. Still, at thirty-something, they’ve yet to find lasting love. There’s ambitious, control freak Alex; outspoken Harley-riding tomboy Ellen; shy and hopeless romantic Jan who always wants the kind of guy she shouldn’t have; and the sassy and somewhat spoiled heiress Sue Ann—all for one and one for all in life and love.

Wait. I’m ahead of myself. Book one of the series, Wedding Bell Blues, is coming out in July! Alex is planning the wedding of the season for her little sister and calls in her bosom buddies for the job. But when her ex-hubby shows up as the best man, Alex’s well-organized world turns upside down. Josh Turner left his teenaged bride for a successful career as a rock musician, never dreaming that an accident would end it, lead him to Christ and back to Piper Cove. The moment he sees Alex, he knows it’s time to right wrongs, even if it means putting up with her overbearing father, who played a major part in destroying their marriage. But will Alex see how he’s changed and forgive Josh? And who is the blackmailer bent on ruining the wedding and everyone’s chance at love?

I set the series in my home area at my favorite place—Ocean City, MD and its bayside. I have been going there for a lifetime and in all seasons to get my fill of serenity, renewal and inspiration. God’s ocean is all that to me. And the colorful small town characters are amalgamations of the many colorful people I know well, myself included. So jump into Wedding Bell Blues and meet them all. Smell the salt air and scent of Old Bay- spiced seafood cooking. Enjoy the friendship, love, laughter and dash of suspense.

Oh, and definitely take a sneak peek at Chapter One of Wedding Bell Blues on my website at www.LindaWindsor.com! I’ve redecorated the replica of my 18th century great room’s fireplace on the header for the summer season just for you. There are contests, too. And be sure to keep in touch for Ellen’s story—a denim-clad Cinderella on a Harley meets a sophisticated Prince Charming in his ‘Vette and love blooms for the sake of the hero’s little boy Pete. Um, did I mention the high tech espionage in said hero’s business? For Pete’s Sake will be out in January of 2008. And of course, the bosom buddies will all be there to help things along.

Okay, back to painting and thinking about Jan’s book—Sweet Nothin’s. Oh, my aching everything! Wish I was in Piper’s Cove.

Stone by Stone on the Oregon Trail

One of the highlights of our trip for me was stumbling across a book titled Stone by Stone on the Oregon Trail. We’d stopped by the Oregon/California Trail Center in Montpelier, Idaho, to experience their interactive Oregon Trail exhibit.

Upon our arrival, the hostess led us to a wall of paintings by the talented artist, Gary Stone, who happens to be from Idaho. (He illustrates for Disney.)

Stone’s delightful works depict events recorded in diaries of those trudging the trail, and Stone painted each of the 40+ illustrations on site at actual trail locations from tales written in diaries. Plus, he has hidden within each scene his wife’s name (Bev) as well as other hidden items that make the book fun.

The book’s introduction and commentary were written by Stone’s wife, Bev, who writes a newspaper column on Idaho history. Together, this couple has produced a fine and fun project that any American history or trail buff would love to browse. Yes, it’s a bit pricey (I picked one up at the bookstore on sale for $45), but it’s well worth it!

There’s No Place Like Home!

We made it home safely last night at about 9 p.m. (central time). When time permits (hopefully this evening), I’ll upload some pics from the trip.

We had great weather, mild traffic, and probably less than 25 miles total road construction. We were VERY blessed! It was a great trip, and we were able to view some of the most beautiful country I’d ever seen.

Total mileage: 4575. Whew! It’s good to be home!

Day 9: Hurry Home!

Like day 1, today we’ll have a LONG drive home–over 700 miles are scheduled for this day. Add that to how tired we’ll be after our trip, and…well, I dread the drive already!

But, I’m sure by this time, we’ll be ready to get home, see the kids & the critters, and, of course, our beloved Arkansas. As beautiful as the other sites we plan to see on our trip are, I’m sure few compare to Petit Jean State Park, located just a few miles from our back yard.

I’m blessed to catch a glimpse of this beautiful mountain every morning on my drive to work.

Ah, home sweet home!

Day 8: Arches National Park

If our legs hold up, we hope to hike to view Delicate Arch in Arches National Park. After spending just over a half-day enjoying the awesome Utah scenery, we’ll have to head several hundred miles east before bedtime.

We have reservations near the Colorado/Kansas border. (What’s the speed limit in Colorado?)