Favourite Writing Craft Books - Story Engineering by Larry Brooks

Review by Ian Acheson

Photo courtesy of Storyfix.com

I was one of those novice writers that wrote my first manuscript using the organic drafting method (yes, I’m a pantser) rather than a well-defined plan that Larry Brooks encourages in this excellent guide to writing fiction.

In fact I wrote pretty much all of the first draft, all 250,000 words, without studying writing craft books in any detail. So theories of three-act structures with plot and pinch points were all part of a strange new lexicon that I understood conceptually but hadn’t practiced.

I then found myself an editor who taught me the basics of the craft of writing. And in so doing became enamoured by the writer/editor partnership.

I don't regret starting out this way primarily because it both taught me a lot but also confirmed to me that I had a "story" that could be written. Yes, I did work through 3 significant re-writes, a number of minor edits, and I estimate I wrote the best part of 1,000 pages for what ended up being a 380 page novel.

Enough of me, what about Story Engineering?

It’s sub-titled “Mastering the 6 Core Competencies of Successful Writing” which are as follows:

• Concept
• Character
• Theme
• Story Structure
• Scene Execution
• Writing Voice

I first read “Story Engineering” a number of years ago when I was in the process of a final major re-write of Angelguard. I found it an excellent reference point to check, not only the key structural elements of the story, but also the other concepts Brooks outlines.

I took pages and pages of notes that I still refer to today. In addition, Brooks provided access to a single page cheat sheet that summarises the key elements. I’ve particularly found his detailed outline of the 4-part story model and major story milestones invaluable as I work through other manuscripts. The pantser in me struggles to assimilate such a model when I set out on a new manuscript. It’s like my characters reject it telling me to trust them but I appreciate this model underpins the majority of novels and screenplays (3-act equivalent).

The book is very practical with many references to both his novels (he’s published at least six) and others. Yes, it could perhaps have been shorter (he likes his sports metaphors) but the key information is very accessible.

If you're new to fiction writing, or experienced but challenged to re-invent your process, or simply want an excellent reference guide, I’d encourage you to add "Story Engineering" to your writing craft collection.

Larry Brooks is an author of six psychological thrillers, is a freelance writer and writing instructor. He can found at Storyfix.com. which is often listed as one of the top blogs for writers.

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Northern Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard, is now available in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. He wonders if he'll ever finish the sequel, Wrestling with Shadows, but trusts Jack Haines is getting equally frustrated being away from the three girls that make his heart sing. You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter

Favourite Craft Book: The First 50 Pages, by Jeff Gerke

Review by Andrea Grigg

When a writing craft book has an endorsement by Donald Maas and a foreword by James Scott Bell you know it’s gotta be good, right?

Right. And this one is brilliant.

For a start, the man is qualified to write about writing. Not only has Jeff Gerke authored several novels, (under the name of Jefferson Scott) but he has worked as an editor and publisher, as well as an acquisitions editor at three different companies. He knows what’s what when it comes to the importance of those first fifty pages.

It’s daunting writing a novel. Not only do we have to engage our readers on the first page but if we choose to go down the traditional publishing route, we also have to impress an editor and maybe an agent. And then the second page has to be as good as the first so these all-important people don’t lose interest, and then the third has to be equally fabulous, etc. etc. etc.

I did say it was daunting didn’t I?

Never mind – help is at hand in the form of The First 50 Pages.

Part 1 is entitled ‘The Submission Process’. The first three chapters take us into the mind of an acquisitions editor – an interesting place, I can assure you! Even if you’re planning on self-publishing, it’s worth the read.

Part 2 is the meat of the book, called ‘What Your First Fifty Pages Must Accomplish’. Chapter headings include: Engage Your Reader; Introduce Your Main Character; Start the Inner Journey; The First Page; Pages 2 to 50. And how’s this for practical help? Three main errors that will kill your chances with editors are … you’ll have to purchase the book to find out J

I’m so thankful I came across this book. Jeff makes the process easy to follow. He uses examples from well-known books and movies to illustrate his points and asks thought-provoking questions to make you look at your manuscript in a new light.

In conclusion, I have to say The First 50 Pages is up there for me (right beside Rayne Hall’s The Word-Loss Diet. You can read my thoughts on that one here.)

I’ve also purchased two other books by Jeff: Character vs Plot, and The Art and Craft of Writing Christian Fiction. I’ve yet to read them but anticipate they’ll be every bit as good as this one. 

Andrea Grigg lives on the Gold Coast, Queensland, and is a writer of contemporary Christian romance. Her first book, ‘A Simple Mistake’ was a finalist in the 2012 CALEB awards. Her second novel, ‘Too Pretty’ was released in August 2014.

Website: www.andreagrigg.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/author.andreagrigg?ref=hl

Twitter: @andreagrigg https://twitter.com/andreagrigg

My Ten Top Reads for 2014 - by Andrea Grigg

I’ve really enjoyed reading the two Top Ten lists so far – thanks Iola and Ian. Hope you enjoy mine. Funnily enough, they’re not all fiction. Well, two aren't.

Ok, here we go. (Please note: these books have not been placed in order of preference.)

Christian fiction:

Dear Mr Knightley – by Katharine Reay

I read Dear Mr Knightly only very recently and loved it.

I’d recognised the link to Jane Austen, knew the book was written in letter form, and thought I was in for a light, possibly fluffy, romantic read. Boy, was I wrong!

The main character, Samantha Moore, is a twenty-three year old orphan whose main aim is to protect herself; life has thrown too much hurt her way already. I loved how Sam revealed more and more about herself to her anonymous benefactor, Mr Knightley. I wanted to take her under my wing myself! I’ll be recommending this book until I’m too old to remember I’ve read it J

Undetected – Dee Henderson

I’m a recent fan of Dee Henderson, especially her last three titles. I’m super impressed by her knowledge of her characters’ occupations – if she’s making it up she’s very convincing!

Undetected is a naval suspense/mystery. It includes elements of romance and what I found were fascinating details about life as a commander of a ballistic missile submarine mixed in with ocean science research. Very clever! See my review here: Undetected

Meant to Be Mine – Becky Wade

This novel was pure romance. Meant to be Mine is Becky’s third novel and in my opinion, her best one to date.

I thought I’d had my fill of American cowboy romances after reading only a few, but it turns out I haven’t. See my review here: Meant to Be Mine

I’m looking forward to reading about the last of the Porter brothers in Becky’s next novel, A Love Like Ours, due out in May 2015.

Yesterday’s Tomorrow – Catherine West

Again, this is a very recent read, and from an era I’ve not come across at all in Christian fiction.

Apart from a (necessary) prologue, Yesterday’s Tomorrow kicks off in Vietnam, 1967. Cathy West gave me a very real sense of what it must have been like to be a journalist over there in that tumultuous time.

This is a gritty and realistic romance between Kristin the journalist and Luke the photographer, filled with emotion and adventure. This is Cathy West’s first novel, and it’s a cracker. I’ve downloaded her second, Hidden in the Heart, (released in 2012 but not available on Kindle until this month) and I can’t wait to read it.

A Constant Heart – Siri Mitchell

 

I have one word for this book – fascinating.

Because of the style of language, the customs of the day, the place of women in the aristocracy in the1600s. I learned so much but it didn’t distract from the story. If you’re into historical fiction I thoroughly recommend A Constant Heart.

Here to Stay – by Melissa Tagg

I thoroughly enjoy Melissa Tagg’s writing. Here to Stay is her second contemporary romance novel, and full of great characters and humorous dialogue. I’ll read anything she writes. See my review here: Here to Stay

Mainstream fiction:

Hello From the Gillespies – Monica McInerney  and  It Started With Paris – Cathy Kelly

 

Both these ladies are long-time favourites of mine and I’ve had the privilege of meeting them both. Cathy Kelly is Irish, and gave an hilarious talk at our local library back in 2012. Monica, (an Aussie married to an Irishman) spoke at a breakfast held here on the Gold Coast. She made me gulp and then smile by saying: ‘I try to write 2000 words a day. Of course, the next morning I may delete 1999 of them.’

Why have I included these books? It’s true they’re not written from a Christian worldview and therefore will have the occasional word or scene which will offend some, but … I really love these family based ‘Ensemble’ novels.

They're large, have a great cast of characters ie. Multiple points of view, who face hurdles and conflict and yet somehow everything ties in at the end. If anyone can recommend a contemporary Christian ensemble novel for me to read I’d be most grateful. If not, I might just have to write one!

Writing Craft:

The First Fifty Pages – Jeff Gerke  and The Word-Loss Diet – Rayne Hall

Jeff Gerke’s The First Fifty Pages is brilliant. Everything you need to impress an editor if you’re submitting, and to engage your readers. I’m posting a review on this book early 2015 so I’ll say no more for now.

Rayne Hall’s The Word-Loss Diet is a must for self-editing that first draft. It will show you how to tighten your writing and improve your pace by using simple techniques. The Word-Loss Diet is a manual I will revisit over and over. See my review here: The Word-Loss Diet

Well, that's it from me for 2014. Have you read any of my list? If not, have I persuaded you to try one or two? 

Andrea writes contemporary romance. Her second novel Too Pretty was released on August 1 by Rhiza Press. Her first book A Simple Mistake was a finalist in the CALEB Awards 2012

Andrea would love to hear from you via her website or Facebook page:
http://www.andreagrigg.com/
https://www.facebook.com/author.andreagrigg

Favourite Craft Writing Books - Iola Goulton

Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne & Dave King

I give five-star ratings to books I know I’m going to read and re-read, and Self-Editing for Fiction Writers certainly falls in that category. It’s a book that was recommended to me by several authors, and I’ve recommended to others (who, in turn, have recommended it to others …).

If you are a fiction writer, this is one of the books you should have on your bookshelf. It’s not the first writing book you should buy (I’d recommend an up-to-date dictionary as the first book), and it won’t be much use until you’ve got a complete first draft that has been revised for plot, structure and characterisation. When you think you’ve done everything you can to improve the story, then it’s time to focus on line editing, which means it’s time to buy and apply Self-Editing for Fiction Writers.

The three main problems I see in fiction (especially self-published fiction, or fiction from certain small presses) are bad dialogue (and inappropriate dialogue tags), the tendency to tell not show, and the use of omniscient point of view. Self-Editing goes into all these issues in detail, explaining why you should (for instance) show not tell, how to spot the issues, and how to fix them.

It also covers subjects such as characterisation and exposition, interior monologue and personal voice or style. Some reviewers criticise Self-Editing for prescribing rules that make all fiction sound the same; I applaud it for showing why I find some fiction hard to read. The process of editing won’t take away your unique author voice, but it will help you refine and smooth that voice so your reader can understand and enjoy it. And isn’t that the point of writing fiction?


By Iola Goulton. I am a freelance editor specialising in Christian fiction, and you can find out more about my services at my website (www.christianediting.co.nz), or follow me on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/christianediting), Twitter (@IolaGoulton) or Pinterest (http://pinterest.com/iolasreads).

I love reading, and read and review around 150 Christian books each year on my blog (www.christianreads.blogspot.com). I'm a Top 25 Reviewer at Christian Book, in the Top 1% of reviewers at Goodreads, and have an Amazon US Reviewer Rank that floats around 2500.

Favourite Writing Craft Books - Ian Acheson

Photo courtesy of
JamesScottBell.com

I've found this book to be invaluable in working through my current manuscript. Bell outlines the significance of identifying the magical midpoint moment or "Mirror Moment" when structuring one's story.

The “Mirror Moment” Bell outlines is exactly that, a moment in a scene, not an entire scene, reflecting the midpoint of your novel. It’s that moment when the protagonist “takes stock of where he/she is in the conflict” and assesses what to do in order to be successful.

On determining this "moment", the author is able to move backwards in building to the midpoint and then forwards in forming the transformation that needs to take place.

I found in my current WIP I was stuck with too many conflicts which was leading me down too many dead ends. Being able to crystalise this moment has allowed me to remove the nebulous conflicts and drive harder towards a resolution.

In providing practical examples from both famous novels and movies Bell effectively demonstrates the power this gives the author in both setting up the story and taking it through to its end. Two of the movies he refers to: Lethal Weapon and The Fugitive are ones I know very well and so I had one of those “aha” moments when he relayed their “look in the mirror moment.”

Bell outlines how this works for the plotter, the pantser (that’s me) and everyone in between. He also references how it impacts the character-driven and plot-driven approaches to a novel.

In addition, this short book (only 85 pages) provides a quick overview of story structure, the impact of genre and some extra bonuses at the end. I expect much of this last section to be familiar to many of the resident Bell supporters amongst our ACW clan but it’s in a useful summary form, easy to digest.

Ian Acheson is an author and strategy consultant based in Northern Sydney. Ian's first novel of speculative fiction, Angelguard, is now available in the US, UK, Canada and Australia. You can find more about Angelguard at Ian's website, on his author Facebook page and Twitter

Favourite Writing Craft Books - Andrea Grigg

What a gem of a book! And a big thank you to either Ellie Whyte or Catherine Hudson for putting me on to it – I know one of you did.

The Word-Loss Diet isn’t a large tome by any means (thirteen chapters over seventy-one pages) but its ideas have had a huge impact on my writing. My first drafts are always too big, but now I have the tools to reduce my word count in a pain-free manner without sacrificing the plot.

Let me give you a tiny taste.  

How many times do we use the words, started to, turned to, and could? Rayne Hall shows why they’re redundant in a concise and practical manner. The method she uses to explain is in keeping with the dietary theme – the examples are labelled ‘obese’ and ‘slim’ :)

We all want to make our writing tight and toned as well as enhance our self-editing skills don’t we? This book will show you how. And while it’s not recommended for absolute beginners, I think it makes a great mentorship tool.

I purchased my copy via Amazon. The Kindle edition is less than $4.00, the paperback version around $7.00. Whichever one you choose, The Word-Loss Diet is worth every cent.

Andrea writes contemporary romance. Her second novel Too Pretty was released in August 2014 by Rhiza Press. Her first book A Simple Mistake was a finalist in the CALEB Awards 2012

Andrea would love to hear from you via her website or Facebook page:
http://www.andreagrigg.com/
https://www.facebook.com/author.andreagrigg

WRITING CRAFT - CHRISTIAN ROMANCE (Part Three)

How much sexual and spiritual content?

What do most inspirational romance readers (and publishers!) accept?



Saw these in Texas, 2009

This again depends on the readers own personal background and preferences.

As far as I am aware, most publishers are primarily  marketing to Christian Bookshops.

However, Barbour Publishing have sold their Christian Romance Book Club, Heartsong Presents, to Harlequin. It now comes under Harlequin’s Love Inspired Heartsong Presents line. At least in America they should be more available in any good shops that already stock the Love Inspired line.

How I would love to see these released in Australia and New Zealand by Harlequin Australia and made readily available side by side the other Harlequin lines in places like our department  stores. 

It is important that whatever kind of inspirational romance novel you want to write, do read publishers' specific submission guidelines. e.g: They are under Extras on the Harlequin website pages for their inspirational lines

http://www.harlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1735&chapter=0

I noticed their HP line requirements are still very much the same as Barbour required when I submitted to them back in 1992. For example, it states these are, “Contemporary and historical inspirational romances with an evangelical Christian worldview focusing on faith, hope and love.”

Eleven Key elements are then listed, including: “No drugs, alcohol, gambling, profanity or immodest dress. No dancing in contemporary stories. No graphic violence or sex within the course of the story.”

I am absolutely delighted that my hard-working friend, Narelle Atkins has signed a six book contract for Heartsong Presents. As far as I am aware, besides myself and one from Jennifer Ryan years ago, we are the only three Australians to have Heartsong Presents books published. I do not know of any in the Love Inspired line. Where are you all? Would love to have many, many more available for romance readers in our own countries.

Narelle is one of the administrators for our ACW writers' group and blog. Very Exciting things are happening in her writing life. Do click on her name and check out her website. 

The Love Inspired books are longer novels and the guidelines are similar but also includes: “Relationships that emphasize emotional intimacy rather than sexual desire.”

And I believe this should be the standard for most, if not all, inspirational romance novels whether they be the category kind Harlequin publishes or other single titles.  

There are publishers who may accept “edgy” romance manuscripts but I strongly suggest this is NOT wise for unpublished authors to try. All love scenes even between a husband and wife stop at that “bedroom door.” 

Of course these guidelines also include points about including faith elements in Harlequin books.  

 

Handling spiritual content. 

I hope you read a wide variety of inspirational romance novels. Which ones did you think included spiritual content the way you prefer? Were you challenged by the faith elements? Did you like having scripture references so you could look them up yourself? Were you blessed in some way? They should be the kind you need to study and try  to write.

Always take note of who published them but remember also a publisher may vary what they accept. Obtain the submission guidelines for the ones you would like to submit to. If you cannot find them on the internet, ask for them to be sent to you via email or post. And I strongly suggest you do that first before commencing your manuscript. Of course, the very best way is to go to writers’ conferences where publisher representatives are present so you can ask them specific questions!

 I have read some books over the years (including Heartsongs) that have characters only going to church, saying grace before meals, have ‘good” morals, but the characters really not very much different from many in sweet romance novels. Quite frankly, I expect more in ones I read but there may be other readers who simply prefer that. However, for me the spiritual lives of the characters has to be woven into every aspect of the novel. Having said that, of course no one likes to be “preached” at.

 

For all writers today, the catch-cry is to “SHOW not TELL”. This is even more important in Christian fiction.

Wherever possible SHOW faith by the actions or lack of action of the characters. Remember it is “by their fruit you will know them.” However, I believe how realistic these elements become in your book will ultimately depend on your own personal experiences – your own Christian walk and what you have observed in others. While any writer without any active faith of their own can research and study faith elements for hours, I doubt if those elements will always ring true. Showing your own faith and how you have seen or heard how God works in your own life will give the most realistic, spiritual content in your manuscript.

 

More "help" suggestions:  

I  have been a member of Romance Writers of Australia since it commenced and owe so much to this great organisation as well as the Faith Hope Love chapter of Romance Writers America. Over the years I have only missed attending a few of the great RWA conferences in Australia. It was such a thrill and privileged to meet other international inspirational romance writers in 1999 at RWAmerica's national conference. If at all possible don't miss at least one American Christian Fellowship Writers conference. The one Ray and I went to simply blew us away.

 

I have only been able to share so little in these posts about inspirational romance. There is more you should be aware of that romance readers - and publishers - expect. For example, space has not permitted me mentioning the special element needed for a romance book on that very first page, first paragraph to capture the reader. 

 

There are many “How To...” books and articles about writing  romance and inspirational romance available. As well as searching the websites and blogs of favourite writers, I strongly suggest you invest in some “How To” books.

Recommended:-

Writing the Christian Romance  As well as Christian romance, Gail writes sweet romance for Harlequin. It is also an e-book. Gail Gaymer Martin 

Heart & Craft  See the website of Australian romance author, Valerie Parv, especially her Writing Tips page. As well as her up to date information there, this book by her contains articles by at least eleven Australasian, multi-published romance authors.
Plot and Structure (Writers' Digest) The author, James Scott Bell is multi-published in the general as well as Christian market. I am looking forward very much to him being one of the keynote speakers at the Romance Writers of Australia’s annual conference next August.
A Novel Idea is fantastic for any Christian fiction writer. Published by Tyndale with articles by many best-selling romance writers like Francine Rivers, Robin Lee Hatcher, Karen Kingsbury, Kim Vogel Sawyer, Jerry B. Jenkins. 

So, as well as from these professionals, you’ve read various series like Harlequin’s Love Inspired Lines and books by your favourite single title authors from various publishers - hopefully including of course some Australian authors like Andrea Grigg, Rose Dee. Perhaps some of my own books also?

Have you now re-read your favourite books as a writer?
Have you tried to discover just how the writer made you want to keep reading?

You believe you have an idea that would make a good Christian romance novel. You’ve decided on what you thing is a good plot, chosen your hero, heroine and perhaps some minor characters. Better still, I hope you are now a little more aware of at least some of the expectations of avid sweet and inspirational romance readers. 

However, be warned. You need more than just an idea. You need a really GREAT Idea. The most important thing I can share with you is that you must have a really powerful, emotional story. I have read many books over the years that perhaps could have been written better. Better point of view, less typos and other technical problems that I wished had been edited. However, there are novels that contain some of these problems but have such a riveting, fascinating story I could not put the book down until that last page. And be warned, becoming a writer does make you notice these problems more than most readers and may jar you out of the story even more. 

Always remember, no matter the genre, “The Story” is the most important thing of any novel. It should be so powerful it gives many pleasant and sometimes very challenging “emotional experiences” from that first page to “The End".

Mary Hawkins is currently revising her latest Christian romance manuscript, Her Outback Cowboy, and still trying to put into practice what she has been learning about romance writing for nearly thirty years. Last December she celebrated twenty years since her first book, Search For Tomorrow, of 19 titles was published in 1993 by Barbour. She is excited it is again available as an e-book through Barbour’s Truly Yours Digital Editions.
Website and blog: http://www.mary-hawkins.com




Currently all her back list Heartsong Presents Kindle editions are on sale. Not sure when they will revert back to full price. (Unfortunately so far only Justice at Baragula, Book Three in her Baragula series, is available as an e-book )