Romance Writers on the Journey

Jody Hedlund knows how to have double the fun. Upon returning to her writing after a long absence, she wrote two inspirational historical romances, which she entered in the 2009 Genesis contest sponsored by American Christian Fiction Writers. Both finaled! Awesome agent Rachelle Gardner read partials of the two books and offered Jody representation in May.

Jody’s father, a twin, served in many congregations throughout the mid West, and she grew up as a pastor’s kid or PK. She married her college sweetheart, a Christian counselor, whose mother is also a twin. Jody and her personal hero have five children: a twelve-year-old son, nine-year-old twin daughters, a five-year-old son and a three-year-old daughter. In addition to the seven family members, the Hedlund house is also home to a dog, two cats and two hamsters.

When Jody isn’t busy loving and serving her large family or crafting her award-winning stories, she likes to READ, READ, READ!

Join me as we learn more about Jody and her writing journey.
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Jody Embarks on Her Journey

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•You fell in love with writing in elementary school. Early in your married life, you began writing novel-length romances after you heard a radio interview with Lori Wick in which she shared the steps on her path to publication. What was it about Lori’s journey that inspired you to write five books in five years?

Writing has always been my first love. I’ve written since the day I could spell and compose sentences, filling notebook after notebook with stories. I started college with every intention of getting a degree in writing. However, when I looked at other majors, I broke up with writing for a while in order to “date” around.

For a time I tried another career, but it didn’t take too many years for discontentment to settle in. Hearing Lori’s interview rekindled my interest in writing. She talked about how and where she wrote and made it seem possible and fun. Ideas for stories began to blossom and the longing for my first love returned with full force. I ran back to my writing, embracing it with all the passion in my heart. It was during this time, before having children, when I wrote my first five novels.

•A nine-year writing drought followed, after which you resumed writing. What led you to return to your earlier dream of being published and start a new story?

I hadn’t planned on veering off the writing path. In fact, I was fairly adamant that I wouldn’t ever give up my writing. It had become very important to me—perhaps too important. I was just beginning to garner interest from the world of editors. I was honing the craft. I loved what I was doing.

Then I gave birth to twins. I continued to try to carve out writing time, but since I already had a two year old and now preemie twins, my writing time grew less as I grew busier caring for my growing family. Gradually God began to steer my heart away from my writing and I was able to willingly give it up for a time.

In hindsight, I can see that God orchestrated the move off the writing path in order to mature me, educate me, and deepen my reservoir of life experiences. And I truly believe it was his nudge that pushed me back onto the path again.

The nudge to start writing again came after I’d finished reading a number of historical research books (which I read partly because I love history and because I teach my children at home and read a LOT of history to them.) As I read the history books, my writer’s mind began to fill with story ideas. Finally about two years ago, my overloaded brain demanded expression and I began jotting down a new novel idea. When I did, I sensed God’s smile and nod of approval. It was time. I could write again.
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Jody’s Process

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On your excellent blog with its 100+ followers, On the Path, you shared some of the steps in your process: research, plotting and characterization. It’s clear you’re a plotter. Those of us who are pantsers would, I’m sure, like to know what goes into your preparation, while those of us who are plotters will ooh and aah and see if we can pick up new ideas. So, I’ve got a question on each aspect of your process.

•Do you perform most of your research before you begin a story, or do you ferret the needed facts as you go? How do you determine when you’ve done enough research? Or is there such thing as enough?

Since I write historicals, I spend an enormous amount of time (sometimes weeks) researching before I start my actual writing. I read just about everything I can get my hands on that relates to my story. The historical research helps me find plot ideas and define setting and characters. Once I have the basics for the plot and know my characters, then I feel the freedom to start writing. However, the research continues throughout the entire book on all of the little details that need fleshing out.

And you’re right! There’s never such thing as enough research! I’ve learned sometimes I have to just stop and write already!

•I was impressed by the description of your plotting notebook. How long does it take to create this helpful tool? What do you see as the major benefits of doing so?

I am indeed a planner! My plot notebook is nothing too fancy—just the blank pages of a 5-cent, college-ruled, spiral notebook. Before I start writing, I fill up the first third with plot points. My hero and heroine each have a page devoted to three main plot strands: external plot, internal/spiritual plot, relationship plot. I devote a page or two to both subplot ideas and set pieces (major scenes/conflict). I also develop a story timeline with a very brief outline of the chapters and where they fit into the timeline. And finally, I devote a few pages to the story premise, book hook ideas, and back cover blurb.

The last two-thirds of my plot notebook is for my chapter-by-chapter outlines. Before I start a chapter, I outline each scene in the chapter (usually between one and three scenes). This outline consists of the basics: time, setting, POV, hook, ROP, sensory and historical details to include, and then all of the scene goals/conflict.

•Impressive! I’m sure your plot notebook is a great help to you. One question, though. What does ROP stand for? That’s a term I’m unfamiliar with.

It stand for Read-On-Prompt, in other words ending a scene with something that makes the reader want to turn the page and keep reading.

•Regarding characterization, you said, “I developed a four page worksheet for my major characters and it has about 50 questions that I answer and analyze. Then I fill out a one page worksheet for each of my minor characters.” What are some of the major areas you cover in your questions? How does having these worksheets assist you?

My character worksheets contain EVERYTHING you could possibly want to know (and not know!) about my characters. The major areas include: the GMC’s—goals, motivations, and conflicts; personality types, character tags, family history, and much more.

If I know my characters inside and out, then when I start to write, I’m able to BE that character when I’m writing in his or her POV. Of course I always learn more about my characters as I get into the story, but if I fill out my worksheets thoroughly first, then I have less editing to do later.
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Peaks

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You’ve had two major highs recently, and I couldn’t be happier for you. First, you finaled in a prestigious contest. Next, you received representation from none other than your dream agent.

•What were you doing when you received the news that both your entries in the ACFW Genesis contest had finaled? Was your reaction subdued, or did you squeal so loudly your kids came running?

The day I received the call from the contest coordinator, I was out running errands. When I stepped inside, the first place I looked was my answering machine. Low and behold it was blinking with a new message. I couldn’t keep from thinking what if it was THE call. . .  I prayed really hard it wasn’t another of the hundred-a-day ad calls that I get. Then I closed my eyes, hit the button, and held my breath.

The voice on the message said: “Congratulations, Jody. I’m calling to tell you that both of your contest entries finaled in the Genesis contest.” Immediately my heart zoomed into full speed and I started screaming. I freaked out my kids and traumatized my cats. It was a good thing our doors and windows were closed or the neighbors might have decided to call 911.

•The double final gave you a good reason to contact Rachelle Gardner, who already had one of your manuscripts. What took place after you sent that email? Are you still happy dancing?

A full of one of my books had been sitting in Rachelle’s slush pile for months. When I finaled in the contest, I emailed her to update her on the status of my MS. Not too long after that, she emailed back and asked to see the first 50 pages of both of my books (one she already had, and the one I was finishing writing). We emailed back and forth a few times, then finally she sent me an email that made my heart stop: I’d love to have a phone conversation with you sometime soon. Could you send me your number and some possible good times to talk?

I’m honored Rachelle offered me representation. Since there are SO many other awesome writers vying for agents, I still have to pinch myself to remind myself that I’m not dreaming, that I really have made it over the agent hurdle!

•Rachelle sent one of your stories out on submission, and you garnered serious interest from one house shortly thereafter? How does it feel to be sooo close?

Rachelle is an incredibly hard worker! She’s strategic and knowledgeable, and SO good at what she does. I’m incredibly blessed. But getting an agent is only one hurdle. I’m realizing there are many more to jump!

I have had some interest from one publishing house and it’s been exciting to go through the process of having an editor and editorial team evaluate my story ideas and my writing skill. I’m learning so much about the industry, but there’s also been a LOT of waiting! You’d think I’d be a pro at waiting by now, but I’m not sure that it ever gets any easier!
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Partners on Jody’s Journey

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•I understand you worked with Tiffany Colter of Writing Career Coach. What led you to hire her as “your coach for the journey,” and how have you benefited from her counsel?

Earlier in the year I joined a critique group through ACFW. I quickly realized that I would not be able to keep up with editing for my critique partners and still have enough writing time in my already limited schedule. After only a week, I backed out of my group. About that time, Tiffany Colter ran a critique special on her blog. I talked with my husband about the possibility of hiring her. I knew I needed objective feedback and hiring an editor seemed like the perfect solution.

I began sending Tiffany a few chapters at a time. We immediately clicked. She was brutal with my writing and I loved it. I didn’t want someone tiptoeing around trying not to hurt my feelings. I wanted honest, critical feedback and that’s what she gave me. In the process she was also incredibly encouraging and positive about my writing skills. Her feedback was just what I needed to polish my manuscripts.

•Your agent, Rachelle Gardner, is your newest advocate. What’s been the most surprising aspect of being her client? The most humbling?

Rachelle is a very popular agent in the blogging world. If you haven’t read her blog, it’s full of excellent advice for writers: Rants & Ramblings. I’m humbled that she agreed to represent me. Her attitude and encouragement make me want to become an even better writer!
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Jody’s Journey Continues

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•You have a house seriously considering one of your stories, having survived the Editorial Committee and moved on to the Publishing Board? What are you doing while you await the outcome? Do you have a new story underway? Another inspirational historical, perhaps, or something different?

I’m really anxious to start another book, but at the present time I’m in limbo. I have several story ideas/research that are in the works, but the direction for my next book depends on what happens with the Publishing Board of this particular house. When I do get the green light to go ahead with my next, it will definitely be another historical!
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Five Facts About Jody the Writer

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~ Most Words Written in a Month?

I’m a slow-and-steady kind of writer. I write about 5000 words a week. Not much more and not much less!

~ Most POVs in a Book?

So far, I’ve never had more than two POVs in a book—one for the hero and one for the heroine. I think it keeps the romantic tension higher to focus on just the two MC’s.

~ Most Handsome Hero?

I have to admit, I think all of my heroes are handsome! But that’s because I believe true beauty comes from within, and my heroes, despite their flaws, are always noble and honorable.

~ Most Obstinate Heroine?

One of my heroines is a noblewoman and very proud of her status. I enjoyed pairing her with a man of humble origins and letting the sparks fly!

~ Most Fun Writing a Scene?

I love writing the climax scene, where the danger and problems are as bad as they can get. It’s so fulfilling to find a workable, but unique way to bring about a resolution.
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Five Fun Facts About Jody the Person

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~ I have at least 30 house plants. No, I don’t live in a greenhouse.

~ I can’t wait for the day when my daughters can do all the cooking!

~ My favorite food is Dark Chocolate Lindor Truffles.

~ Of my five children, my shortest hard labor was twenty minutes, longest two hours.

~ I confess: I like cold Michigan winters.
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Jody’s Question for You

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•I’ve enjoyed having you as my guest, Jody. Thanks for your great answers to my questions. And now it’s your turn to ask a question of your visitors. What would you like to know?

Since I’m getting a new view of the editorial side of publishing and their ideas of what they think will sell, I’m curious to know what time periods and settings of historical romance you think are the most popular right now and why?
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Learn More About Jody

Visit her blog, On the Path (http://jodyhedlund.blogspot.com)

Friend her on Facebook: Jody Hedlund

Follow her on Twitter: JodyHedlund
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Leave a Comment for Two Chances to Win

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My Regular Drawing

My next drawing will take place July 31st. The winner will receive a $10 Borders gift card.

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by July 31st and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On August 1st, I’ll post the winner’s name in the Welcome post at the top of the blog.
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You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook!

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by me, your blog hostess Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and July 31st. Be sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) Click red link above to see samples of covers and pages.

On August 1st, I will choose one person who will have her/his choice of several covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your debut novel in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)

Tessa Dare is amazing! Why, you ask? I’ll tell you, but you might read what follows and wonder if the summer heat in California got to me as I composed this introduction, resulting in some typos on my part. Despite the fairytale aspect of Tessa’s path to publication, what I’m about to share is the truth.

Five months after Tessa began writing her first full-length novel, she typed The End. Just four months later, she accepted representation from top-notch agent Helen Breitweiser of Cornerstone Literary. Ten weeks after that, Helen took Tessa’s first story to auction and sold it to Ballantine in a three-book deal. If you did the math, that’s eleven months from writing the first word to making her first sale.

July 28, 2009 is the release date of the first of Tessa’s Regency trilogy, Goddess of the Hunt. Her second book, Surrender of a Siren, follows August 25, 2009, and the third, A Lady of Persuasion, hits the shelves September 29, 2009. No. I didn’t make a mistake. Tessa’s trilogy is a rare back-to-back release. Impressed? I am.

A part-time librarian, full-time mommy and swing-shift writer, Tessa resides in Southern California. She lived a rather nomadic childhood in the Midwest. As a girl, she discovered that no matter how many times she moved, two kinds of friends traveled with her: the friends in books and the friends in her head. She still converses with both sets daily.

Tessa writes fresh and flirty historical romance, a blog and the stray magazine article. To the chagrin of her family, she does not write grocery lists, Christmas cards or timely checks to utility companies. She shares a tiny bungalow with her supportive husband, their two young children, known in Cyberspace as the darelings, a dog and many dust bunnies.

Tessa enjoys a good book, a good laugh, a good long walk in the woods, a good movie, a good meal, a glass of good wine and the company of good people.

Join me as we learn more about Tessa and her journey to publication.
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How Tessa’s Journey Began

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•As a librarian, books are a large part of your life. What led you to write your own?

At the risk of sounding clichéd, I’ve been writing stories as long as I’ve been reading them. My grandmother has a file of “evidence”! However, it wasn’t until a few years ago, following the birth of my second child, that I really got serious about writing for publication.

•Why did you choose to write romance, and Regency romance in particular?

You know, I sort of fell into it by accident, but in retrospect it makes perfect sense. I’ve always been a huge devotee of Jane Austen, and I’d been dabbling in Austen-based fanfiction for fun. That was my introduction to the Regency era and how I developed my historical voice. It was also how I learned of a 2006 online contest sponsored by Avon/HarperCollins called FanLit. The contest involved writing chapters of an original historical romance. I signed up, had a great time, ended up one of the grand prize winners, and decided to try my hand at writing a full-length Regency romance.

•You’ve had a few short pieces and a novella published. How did those works come about, and how did they play into your decision to write a novel?

Well, my winning FanLit chapter was published as part of an e-book, and I’ve also had an e-novella published with Samhain Publishing. However, that novella was actually written after I finished all three of the books in my trilogy. Goddess of the Hunt is really the first completely original work I ever completed and contracted for publication.
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Tessa’s Writing Process

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•You wrote a series of posts on your blog describing the steps in your writing process: thinking, more thinking, research, gathering pictures, outlining and writing. You also admitted to being a plotter. What does your outlining process look like?

It looks like a mess! I don’t outline very neatly. I basically open a Word file and just do a big brain-dump of all the story, characters, dialog, etc. in my mind. I try to write it all out linearly, from beginning to The End. And that’s my “outline”.

•How much time do you put into research before writing? Is there such thing as too much research?

I tend to research as I write. I do try to do some preliminary reading for setting and tone, but it’s the questions that arise as I write that drive much of my down-and-dirty research. For example, I’m writing a hero now who was once in the army—and as I began writing him, I realized I needed to know where he’d served, when he’d served, in which battles, in which regiment, what weapons he’d carried, etc. I don’t know if there’s such a thing as “too much” research, but I do think it can sometimes become a form of procrastination!

•One phrase in those posts stood out, “. . . the beginning’s never right until the ending’s in the bank . . .” How many times do you revise a beginning before you’re happy with it? How much time do you devote to revision in relation to creating the first draft?

Gah. It depends. In some of my books thus far (I’m writing #6, counting the novella), I completely rewrote the first scenes several times. In a few, I’ve only had to do minor tweaks.

The amount of time I can reserve for revisions depends on how fast my deadline is approaching! But so far I have always tried to have several people read through the manuscript and give me feedback before I turn it in to my editor—it’s my attempt at quality control. I do my best to ensure that the story hangs together, isn’t confusing, doesn’t drag, and that the characters’ actions seem consistent and believable.
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Mountaintop Experiences

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•As I shared in the introduction, things happened very quickly for you. When you began writing back on November 1, 2006, did you expect to meet with so much success? What were some of the most exciting moments of your journey preceding The Call?

Well, of course I never could have predicted selling the way I did. When I started, my goal was just to write A book and sell it, for whatever modest advance first-time authors usually get. Fortunately for me, my wonderful critique partners and friends dreamed bigger than I dared to do and encouraged me every step of the way.

My most memorable moments along the way all have to do with them—whether it was plotting out a book over brunch, or sharing the excitement of pitching our books at RWA conference, or commiserating over rejections, or celebrating the sale…my friends have been there with me every step of the way, and I love them for it.

•The Call came on October 12, 2007, but I understand you missed it. What happened? And how did you react when you received the news? I love hearing call stories, so please share yours complete with all the sensory details.

There were many, many calls that week. And emails—oy, the emails! Because we were fortunate enough to have multiple publishers interested, my agent took the book to auction. The auction was originally supposed to be on a Monday. For one reason and another, it was pushed back to Tuesday. Then Wednesday. And even after it started, the rounds of bidding were delayed by my agent’s travel and other snags. I couldn’t sleep or eat that whole week—I remember just wandering the neighborhood with my two small children in the stroller, holding my cell phone at the ready. In the end, it was Friday afternoon before the auction wrapped up.

Once my agent called to tell me Ballantine had won, I raced out to do some of the dozen errands I’d been putting off all week—and that’s when I missed THE call from my editor, Kate Collins. Really, I can barely remember how I reacted to the news now—probably with relief, because it meant I could finally get some sleep and eat something!

•You’ve received some awesome reviews, including the four and a half stars and Top Pick from Romantic Times. I was impressed when the reviewer said, “Dare is on the path to stardom.” What are some comments reviewers have made that mean the most to you?

All the reviews have been thrilling, but the starred review in Library Journal meant so much to me, simply because I’m a librarian. And I know that librarians pay close attention to those starred reviews when they order new books. When that review showed up in my inbox, I knew right then that it would mean hundreds more copies of my book on library shelves—which translates to thousands more readers. It was hugely exciting.
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In the Valley

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•To those reading the story of your journey to publication, the events that transpired in rapid succession may seem almost too good to be true. Of all the writers I’ve met, you come closest to being an overnight success. However, on your blog you admitted to some apprehension when you finished book one and started book two. How do you deal with those times when doubt creeps in? What advice would you give others who’ve been pursuing publication for many years when they’re dealing with discouragement?

You know, my blog only tells one side of the story. There were many setbacks (yes, I got rejections!) and many, many times when I felt doubt or even despair. But I tried to keep those off my public blog and vented them in private emails instead.

I quit a paying job to concentrate on writing, and that leap of faith was very difficult to make. It got yet more difficult when our savings ran out and debt was piling up. I began to really wonder whether I was sacrificing precious time and resources for nothing.

But conversely, that anxiety and pressure really made me determined to seek publication with everything I had. I pushed myself to write more, write better, network, query, submit, follow up every lead and contact I could—and I don’t think I would have been that motivated, had I not felt such a responsibility to make my family’s sacrifices worthwhile.
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Partners on Tessa’s Journey

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•You have an awesome group of critique partners, judging by the frequent thanks you bestow on them in your blog posts. How did you meet them, and what makes your partnerships work so well?

I am blessed with the world’s best critique partners. Courtney Milan (a historical author debuting in just a few months with HQN) and Carey Baldwin (writing an amazing psychological thriller sure to sell soon, and sell big) were my rock while I wrote Goddess of the Hunt and the entire trilogy. They read every chapter multiple times, offered brilliant suggestions and unflagging encouragement, and were generally wonderful. The three of us met during the Avon FanLit contest in 2006, and we’ve been each others’ biggest fans ever since. I won’t pretend we agree and get along and sing Kum-Ba-Yah 365 days a year—we’ve had a few disagreements along the way. But we love and respect one another’s talent so much, we work through those rare rough patches.

I also have a wider circle of critique partners and beta readers who’ve helped me with one book or all of them—I like to get lots of overlapping feedback on my completed manuscripts. I’m afraid of listing names because it’s a long list and I’m sure I’ll leave someone out, but I hope they each know how much I love them and value their feedback!
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Tessa’s Journey Continues

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•Your trilogy is releasing back to back this summer. What can your readers look forward to after that?

I’m currently working on another back-to-back trilogy, to be released in Summer 2010, also with Ballantine. It’s called the Stud Club trilogy, and the Stud in question is a priceless racehorse. When the Club’s founder is brutally killed, the three heroes—a duke, a warrior, and a scoundrel—are united by chance, divided by suspicion, and brought to their knees by love.
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Your Debut Novel

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Please tell us a little about Goddess of the Hunt. And since books two and three in the trilogy are due out so soon, please share some info on them as well.

Here’s the blurb for Goddess of the Hunt:

Ever the bold adventuress, Lucy Waltham has decided to go hunting for a husband. But first she needs some target practice. So she turns to her brother’s best friend, Jeremy Trescott, the Earl of Kendall, to hone her seductive wiles on him before setting her sights on another man. But her practice kisses spark a smoldering passion—one that could send all her plans up in smoke.

Jeremy has an influential title, a vast fortune, and a painful past, full of long-buried secrets. He keeps a safe distance from his own emotions, but to distract Lucy from her reckless scheming, he must give his passions free rein. Their sensual battle of wills is as maddening as it is delicious, but the longer he succeeds in managing the headstrong temptress, the closer Jeremy comes to losing control. When scandal breaks, can he bring himself to abandon Lucy to her ruin? Or will he risk his heart, and claim her for his own?

Books two and three both feature secondary characters from Goddess of the Hunt.

Surrender of a Siren is a seafaring cabin romance between a society beauty falling from grace and a roguish privateer—one who picked the wrong week to go respectable.

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In A Lady of Persuasion, a politically-minded young lady sets out to marry an influential, principled lord, in hopes of advancing her charitable causes—instead, she finds herself accidentally betrothed to a charming, devilish rake.
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Five Facts About Tessa the Writer

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~ Are you most creative early in the morning or late at night?

Hm. Actually, just to be contrary, neither. Late morning and early evening seem to be my best times.

~ Where do you write?

Wherever I can! Sometimes at home. Other times in cafes and bookstores.

~ Do you prefer music playing or silence?

Silence. I love to listen to music before I write, though.

~ What food/beverage fuels your creativity?

Anything caffeinated! Coffee, tea, chocolate.

~ Do your own stories make you laugh, cry and/or sigh?

Of course! If they don’t move ME, how can I expect them to move a reader?
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Five Fun Facts About Tessa the Person

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Okay, I am terrible about thinking up these things. So I asked my five-year-old daughter to think of them. Here are her answers:

~ She likes reading and writing.

~She works at the library (or “liberry”).

~Her husband plays wolf-tag with his kids (the darelings).

~She takes me to the park and Chuck E. Cheese and Disneyland.

~Her children love their mommy and daddy! (Aww, thank you, sweetheart)
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Tessa’s Question for You

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•I’ve enjoyed having you as my guest, Tessa. Thanks for your great answers to my questions. And now it’s your turn to ask a question of your visitors. What would you like to know?

Thank you so much for having me!

A question for visitors…hm… What’s your favorite ride at Disneyland (or any amusement park)? Are you a thrill-seeker, or a more sedate, “It’s a Small World” girl? I love Pirates of the Caribbean, and I found it especially enthralling while I was writing Surrender of a Siren. The ships! The cannons! That eerily lifelike animatronic Captain Jack Sparrow!
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Learn More About Tessa

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Visit her Web site and blog: http://www.tessadare.com

Friend her on Facebook: Tessa Dare

Follow her on Twitter: TessaDare
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Leave a Comment for Three Chances to Win

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Tessa’s Drawing
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Tessa has generously offered to give away an autographed copy of her debut novel, Goddess of the Hunt, to one lucky visitor.

To enter the drawing, leave a comment for Tessa by midnight Pacific Time on July 28th and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On July 29th, I’ll post the winner’s name here.

Congratulations to Stephanie, winner of Goddess of the Hunt.
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My Regular Drawing
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My next drawing will take place July 31st. The winner will receive a $10 Borders gift card.

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by July 31st and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On August 1st, I’ll post the winner’s name in the Welcome post at the top of the blog.
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You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook!
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If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by me, your blog hostess Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and July 31st. Be sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) Click red link above to see samples of covers and pages.

On August 1st, I will choose one person who will have her/his choice of several covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your debut novel in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)

Greetings from sun-drenched California. I hope you’ve had a good week so far with a nice blend of writing, work and recreation. I edited several chapters for one of my former students, but the highlight was my daughter’s visit. Does my heart good to see her. Susan and I spent a day shopping, and I came home with a stack of romances and plenty of chocolate to nibble as I savor the stories.

After I read my student’s manuscript, I jotted down a few items to share with you. But before we dig into the editing tips for the day, I’ve got something even more appealing.

Susan loves to bake as much as I do, so while she was here, we cranked up the air conditioner and headed to the kitchen. The result is a mouthwatering selection of cheesecakes, which I’m delighted to offer you today. Can’t you just smell them? I’ve got four mouth-watering choices: Banana Cream, Chocolate Chip Walnut, Strawberry Swirl and Fudge Marble cheesecake.

Which can I get for you? And would you like a cup of coffee or a tall glass of sweet tea with your slice?

There, now that we’ve tamed the taste buds, it’s time for my tips. Susan, bless her, took pity on you. She said I overloaded you last time, so today I’m only going to point out three things to look for when you’re editing your manuscript. I know you’ve got better things to do than spend time with me, although I do so enjoy our little visits. Your comments have made my week.
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1) Clearing up Confusing Conjunctions

For the most part, my students have a fine understanding of conjunctions. Susan reminded me of an old ditty from the days when she watched cartoons on Saturday morning. She loved Schoolhouse Rock. I’m sure some of you can remember it. One of her favorite little episodes was Conjunction Junction. Why, she tells me anyone can see it these days on YouTube. She found the link for me in case you want to take a stroll down Memory Lane.

The song says the job of a conjunction is “hooking up words and phrases and clauses.” I used to wish they’d added a bit more to the lesson and taught their young viewers that conjunctions join two independent clauses to form compound sentences. If they’d also told students to put a comma after the word preceding the conjunction, they would have done English teachers like me a big favor.

But I’m not here to talk about the comma in a compound sentence, especially since I covered that topic in Monday’s post. What I want to do is point out two words I often see used as conjunctions that aren’t: then and yet. They’re adverbs, and I don’t have to tell you that an adverb’s job is not the same as that of a conjunction, do I? You know that. However, some of my students insisted upon using then and yet as if they were conjunctions. Here are two examples:

Luke dashed into the blazing inferno then he rushed out a minute later with the wailing infant clutched in his arms.

Bethany took her precious baby from Luke’s arms yet she couldn’t look into the soot-covered face of the man who’d broken her heart all those years ago.

What do you see is missing in those two sentences?

Right. A comma after the first independent clause. Keli told me you were sharp. But there’s something else missing: a conjunction. In both cases, a simple and is all that’s needed to render the sentence grammatically correct and keep from pulling nit-picky readers like old Miss Edith out of your story.

Luke dashed into the blazing inferno, and then he rushed out with the wailing infant clutched in his arms.

Bethany took her precious baby from Luke’s arms, and yet she couldn’t look into the soot-covered face of the man who’d broken her heart all those years ago.

Now, I realize there are published books out there in which then and yet are used as conjunctions. All I can say is that you will stand out in a positive way if you use correct grammar and make sure these two adverbs are preceded by a conjunction.
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2) And Speaking of Then

I see then used quite often in pieces I edit and books I read. However, many times the word isn’t needed. Take the sentence about Luke for instance. If the writer were to remove the word then, she’d have a sentence that still makes sense but is stronger.

Luke dashed into the blazing inferno, and he rushed out a minute later with the wailing infant clutched in his arms.

That’s a fine compound sentence, one sure to make any English teacher smile and put away her blue pencil. The sequence of events is clear without the use of the word then. The reader knows Luke went into the burning before he came out with the baby. Since I see then used a great deal in the manuscripts I read, I want you to be aware that it’s often an avoidable repetition.

And because I want to help in any way I can and don’t know when to stop, according to my students, I’ll give you another point to consider. The compound sentence above is correct and clear. However, consider how much more smoothly it would flow if the writer were to remove one word, he, and the comma that would no longer be needed, as seen in the following:

Luke dashed into the blazing inferno and rushed out a minute later with the wailing infant clutched in his arms.

Read both sentences aloud, and I think you’ll hear that the second sounds better. It also speeds things up, which is good to do in an action scene.

Susan would be giving me her, “Mom, haven’t you said enough?” look about now, so I’ll move on to my last tip of the day.
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3) Beware of the Word As

As is a tricky word. It indicates two things are taking place simultaneously and/or continuously. I had a particular student who loved to begin a sentence with as in order to provide variety in sentence structure. While that’s an admirable goal, one has to be sure the two actions can be performed at the same time. Consider the following:

As Derrick raced his cherry red Corvette to the vet’s office, he gazed into Mia’s eyes, drawing strength from her warm smile.

As Mia cradled the wounded German shepherd in her arms, she reached out a hand to squeeze Derrick’s in a gesture of support.

What’s wrong with these two images, aside from the fact that they’re rather lame excuses for examples? (Now you see why I leave creating great stories to talented writers like you. )

In the first sentence, Derrick is destined to wreck that fancy car of his. He can’t drive down the road while keeping his eyes on Mia the whole time, unless he’s operating a futuristic vehicle set on autopilot.

In the second example, Mia appears to have three arms. Two are holding the big dog while, with the hand of the third, she’s reaching out to Derrick. Unless you’re writing a paranormal where the heroine has additional appendages, three arms is one too many.

So, how would I suggest a student remedy these little slip ups? Following are suggestions I gave my pupils:

Derrick raced his cherry red Corvette to the vet’s office, glanced at Mia and returned his attention to the road, buoyed by the warm smile she’d given him.

Mia cradled the wounded German shepherd in her lap, wrapped one arm around the glassy-eyed dog, and reached out a hand to squeeze Derrick’s in a gesture of support.
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Well, ladies and gentlemen, you’ve earned an A for attentiveness. I’ve enjoyed my time with you and thank Keli for granting me the opportunity to address a subject dear to my heart.

I chose the winner of my first drawing, as you’ll see on Monday’s post. I’ve got a real treat for those of you who leave a comment on this post, so be sure to take a gander at the drawing information below.

I wish you all the best as you craft your stories and edit them. Toodle-oo!

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Leave a Comment for Three Chances to Win

Miss Edith’s Drawing

My drawing will take place July 24th.

The winner will receive a copy of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King, a book I feel is a must-have on every writer’s bookshelf.

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To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on this blog post by July 24th and enter your email address when prompted. (Keli doesn’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On July 25th, I’ll post the winner’s name right here.

Congratulations to Terisa Wilcox, winner of Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.

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Keli’s Regular Drawing

My next drawing will take place July 31st. The winner will receive a $10 Borders gift card.

To enter the drawing, just leave a comment on any blog post by July 31st and enter your email address when prompted. (I don’t share your information or add it to any mailing lists.) On August 1st, I’ll post the winner’s name in the Welcome post at the top of the blog.

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You could also win a First Sale Scrapbook!

If you’d like to have a chance at winning a First Sale Scrapbook created by me, your blog hostess Keli Gwyn, leave a comment on any post between now and July 31st. Be sure to include your name and email address when prompted if you want to be entered in the drawing. (Your information will not be shared.) Click red link above to see samples of covers and pages.

On August 1st, I will choose one person who will have her/his choice of several covers on an 8×8 inch, twenty-page scrapbook in which s/he can document that long-awaited first sale. The pages will cover various milestones including The Call, signing the contract, receiving the first advance payment and holding your debut novel in your hands.

(No scrapbooking skills required. You just add your photos and journaling.)