Social Saturday: Make New Friends

I haven't had much time this week to interact here because I've been doing some interacting of my own in the "real world" ;)

My dear friend Steffani has joined me in DC and we've been on some grand adventures. See>>> That's us at Gettysburg! Yep, it was freezing! But totally worth it.

Anyway, I know the importance of friendships in every day life but I also know the importance of friendships in cyber-life. We're talking about Social Media and Marketing this month and really, when you boil that down, it's who you know and what they say about you. (More on this later).

Today, I wanted to open up the opportunity to connect with you all! I also want you to connect with one another. I'd love for Thinking Thoughts to be a conduit for connection.

So, if you haven't already, come find me on these lovely forms of social media and let's become friends!!! Then, in the comments below {if you're feeling brave} share a link to your blog or other forms of social media so we can all connect with you!

Connect with Me

Facebook Author Page 
Goodreads
Google+ 
Twitter
Instagram
Blog
(if you haven't already, follow me by email or via Google>>>)

I can't wait to meet you! And don't forget our hashtag: #ttmediachallenge

Write to the Market or Your Heart? by Michelle Griep

Sometimes there’s a fine line between writing what you love and writing what sells. Sometimes a chasm the size of the Grand Canyon.

Let’s say you spend a year constructing a story. It's somewhat of an intricate plot. The characters are flavorful and well developed. Your voice is strong. The writing is as well. You know all this because of feedback you've received from editors. All is good—except your story is more Dickens than Austen. It's a little edgier, a little darker, spending more time on the streets of London than in the ballrooms and dining halls. There is a publisher willing to pick it up—if you completely change the plot and focus on high society instead of the vulgar commoners.

Would you rewrite the book? Should you?

This dilemma is one of the most common predicaments facing writers, and in fact, one I faced in my recent release Brentwood’s Ward. Should an author write to fit the market or stay true to her inner self? This isn't a problem for those who are Austen or Amish or a zombie on the inside (or whatever the current trend is), but for the rebel at heart, this issue is a constant demon to battle.

I contend unless you write a story you're passionate about, one you really love, then your lackluster attitude is going to show through. While it’s tempting to pen something to get your foot in the door at a publishing house, jumping on the current bandwagon isn’t necessarily the best way to go. Writing about a topic you don’t have a passion for is going to show up in your voice, kind of like a white-bread country singer attempting some hoodrat rap. It’s hard to disguise. And honestly, who's got time to read a milquetoast novel? Who would even want to?

It’s tricky to find a marketable niche where you feel comfortable. How in the world does one accomplish this?

Focus on a theme and/or truth that fires you up.
If your central message falls flat, it doesn't matter what genre you've chosen to write in. It will fail. Does the act of forgiveness make your heart beat faster? Unconditional love? Conformity? The injustice of throwing away a perfectly good grilled cheese sandwich just because it’s a little burnt on one side? Enthusiasm about a message has a way of getting your creative juices flowing.

Think about traditional mainstream genres that could work with your theme.
Don’t worry. You’re only brainstorming at this stage. You're not making any vows here, but simply exercising your authorly flexibility—which is way easier than contorting your body into a forearm-stand scorpion pose. (Go ahead and Google it. You know you want to.)

Ponder some of your favorite stories.
The tales that have stuck with you throughout the years. What are the plots of the novels you love? Imagine those plots in a different genre. Same story, just different trappings.

Write down a two to three sentence story idea in one of those mainstream genres.
Such as: romance, mystery, contemporary, historical, etc.

That's all. Now set that piece of paper aside. Pick it up next week and see how you feel about it. Either that idea will have grown on you by then, or chuck it aside and repeat the process. Eventually you will land on a story that resonates with you on the inside while being something more marketable than Regency Amish Zombie Aliens. Run that story idea by an agent or editor before you commit to writing the entire manuscript. If their eyes light up, you've got a winner that just might sell and a story that's coming from your heart.

Like what you read? There’s more. WRITER OFF THE LEASH: GROWING IN THE WRITING CRAFT is a kick in the pants for anyone who wants to write but is stymied by fear, doubt, or simply doesn’t know how to take their writing to the next level.

Michelle Griep’s been writing since she first discovered blank wall space and Crayolas. Follow her adventures and find out about upcoming new releases at her blog, Writer Off the Leash, or stop by her website. You can also find her at the usual haunts of Facebook, Twitter, or Pinterest.

*Check out my review of Writer Off The Leash!

Elizabeth Jane Kitchens {Writer Wednesday}

A little bit about Elizabeth...

Elizabeth Jane Kitchens loves tales of romance, adventure, and happily-ever-afters and strives to write such tales herself. When she’s not thinking about dashing heroes or how awesome bacteria are—she is a microbiologist after all—she’s probably photographing flowers, telling people she’s crocheting not knitting, or talking about classic books and black-and-white movies. Elizabeth is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. She lives in the beautiful, green South.
How to connect with Elizabeth...

Website: www.elizabethjanekitchens.com
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9884412-elizabeth-kitchens
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethJaneKitchens
Twitter: @e_kitchens
Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/ekitchens0132/
Purchase: The Beast’s Enchantress (it's a steal at .99 cents right now!!!)

Author Interview | Elizabeth Kitchens 

You and Writing
Tell us a little bit about yourself: How did you start writing? What has kept you writing?
...I was into science growing up, science and daydreaming. I didn’t like writing even though a tendency toward it runs in my family. My dad actually calls it “the family curse.” I thought I’d escaped, but then a strange thing happened after I finished graduate school—my daydreams starting changing from short, unrelated scenes to long, interconnected ones. They gained plot and the characters became more realistic. Maybe it was the effect of more time for reading and watching movies or simply less stress, but my imagination really kicked into gear. Next thing I knew, I had decided to write a children’s book; I would write it, and a dear friend would illustrate it. Once I put pen to paper, I fell in love. The illustrated children’s book never came to be, but other stories have and many more are waiting their chance.

...Could I give up writing? Yes. I could go back to spending my time watching movies or reading, but I would be rejecting a gift God gave me. I don’t want to do that. Writing is work, but it’s worth it.

Your Writing

Tell us a little bit about your book. Why did you write it?
...Have you ever wondered about the enchantress from Beauty and the Beast? I love watching the prelude to Disney’s version of the classic tale. The mysterious enchantress shows up at the castle as a hag, turns into a beautiful enchantress, curses the handsome prince to become a beast, and then disappears, never to enter the story again. Why did she do it? Did she go there purposely to test him? What if she was under a curse herself? What if she was once as proud as the prince?
...I wrote The Beast’s Enchantress to answer these questions, and in my story the beautiful enchantress goes through her own “beast” phase, has adventures, and has her own happily-ever-after ending.

Do you have a favorite character in this work? If so, why?
...Definitely Mr. Woodsman. He’s a kind, clever hero with a sense of humor that perfectly matches Alexandria’s (the enchantress).

What is one take-away from your book that you hope readers identify with?
...You’re worthy of love and attention, and others are worthy of love and attention, without regard to appearance, cleverness, or social status. While the heartless prince in Beauty and the Beast wouldn’t give food or shelter to an ugly hag, Alexandria would throw a beggar woman coins, but certainly not speak to her. She’d slight any attempt at conversation made by someone less beautiful, intelligent, or wealthy than herself. But when she becomes the poor and ugly one, she’s forced to ask, is she still worth loving?

Writing

Where do you find inspiration for your story/characters? Are they based on real life or pure imagination or both?
...Inspiration for my other stories comes from many different places. Often, I’ll come to like a minor villain in one story and have to write another one just to redeem him, or write a story for a secondary character I want to have a happily-ever-after. Once I was editing a story where the heroine was in a carriage crash, necessitating an introduction of the coachman. He suddenly went from a nameless servant to a charming man trying to take over the story and steal the heroine away from the hero. I had to put a stop to that, so I came up with another story with a carriage crash and a heroine just for him.

When you write, what is your overall intention with your stories?
...To provide fun, clean entertainment. Some other intention, like to help people realize their self-worth, comes later as the characters develop.

What advice would you give to aspiring authors for writing and/or publishing?
...Go to conferences, get into a critique group, and keep at it. Don’t expect it to be easy or quick.

You

Have you ever attended a writer’s conference? If so, which one(s) and what were most helpful about it?
...Yes. American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and the Southern Christian Writers’ Conference were helpful (SCWC). SCWC is a nice first conference because it’s small. It also includes sessions on non-fiction writing. ACFW is lots of fun because of all the people and getting to meet authors whose books I’ve read. The chance to meet agents and publishers is great too.

What’s your favorite green food? (In honor of St. Patrick’s Day of course!)
...Raw green beans. They’re okay when cooked, but fabulous when raw.

If you could travel to any location and stay there for one month (probably spending most of the time writing) where would you go?
...Scotland.

***Leave a comment to enter to win a print copy of  The Beast's Enchantress***

(US entries only | Winner chosen & announced March 11)

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Loved having you on the blog today Elizabeth! Many of your favorite things mentioned in your bio are some of my favorite things too :D I especially love how you say that, though writing is work, it's not something you'd give up because it's a gift from God! I also love the premise for you novel. The best part about hearing the inspiration behind what people write is to see their unique perspective. I love that the "old hag" caught your attention. And I completely know what you mean when you talk about characters suddenly having a story as well - I go through the same thing thinking, "I wonder about so-and-so and their story!" haha. Thanks again for stopping by, Elizabeth.

Why do we write? by Delores Liesner

If you missed it, Delores was on the blog last week for {Writer Wednesday}. I invited her back to talk about writing...

IT’S COMPULSIVE

It’s true – I used to enjoy eating – but no ambrosia is a match for the written word. I used to shop for clothes, electronics, and chocolate… now I ‘shop’ for topics. Sleep, also once a familiar friend, has become an enemy of sorts, snatching the elusive turn of a phrase or singing conclusion I’ve searched for all night in self-imposed insomnia.

My job – you know – the avocation that lines the pocket that pays the conference fees, that buys the postage stamps, that stuffs the envelopes with SAE’s, is what feeds the flame. Like maple syrup running down the tap into the bucket, every moment of my work has become nothing more than a funding source to fuel the addiction. I’m out of control. I can’t stop.

I can’t drive across town without “seeing” a story – hanging out a window, screeching by in a wildly-painted 1956 T-bird, or dallying in the middle of the street, making faces at me as it sidles past…. just slowly enough to antagonize by whispering the seductive message I cannot resist - “there’s a story here!”

IT’S CONTROLLING

I don’t talk to my colleagues anymore – I interview them! They laugh and string me on but then I hear the theme in their monologue, see the twist in their character, and I feel the pull - the challenge to create a story again – to find their soul and show them to others with just the right words.

The evidences of my addiction are at my side constantly. My favorite Zebra pens and the note pads are everywhere. It seemed normal when they took over the magazine rack in the bathroom, but I should have realized something was amiss when I began stashing them under my pillow, in the glove compartment, slipped into every coat pocket, between the file folders, in the hamper… yes, even there. Deep down I know it is because I am helpless against the intoxicating desire that can strike anywhere, at anytime, and I must be prepared to satisfy its call.




IT’S COMPELLING

Face it, I tell myself unabashedly: writing what God has done is the one thing that I cannot NOT do.

Feeling brain-dead from searching for some elusive prose, I climb the treadmill to pray and pound out my disconnected thoughts, making room for God to write on the slate I definitely know is blank. Recorded scripture forces my concentration and I feel it flow through me like oil on a snarled gold neck-chain, relaxing the knots, smoothing the kinks and restoring its purpose.

My heart pounds as much from the sweat and the cleansing as from the sudden treadmill stop at the discovery that my sovereign God has done it again – bringing light to a dark spot by uniting my thoughts with His. I dash to the computer to capture the found treasure, feeling one with my Abba – amazed and astonished how He draws me to hear His message.

IT’S CONSUMING

Finally, thoughts that began as subtly as wisps of fog are curling into words that form on the tongue and waft up more delectable than the smell of freshly baked chocolate-chip cookies. They sift and swirl through my mind, reforming into their own life form until I get it - that high that nothing but writing words can match! At last those little words, those tasty bits of life and eternity that led me on, taunting for resolution, have come together. Exhaustion and victory warred for supremacy. Both won.

The sense of fulfillment is so powerful, so confirming, that I am impelled to repeat the cycle, to revel in the view from the summit while simultaneously acknowledging that it is not really over. For me the pull of words will never be over. I live for that feeling of completion. Yes, these are the words of an addict and proof of the power of my obsession.

Because I have tasted, I continue. I know that every struggle is worth it to experience the one-step cure that at least temporarily alleviates the symptoms – publication!

What about you? Why do you write? If you're a reader, why do you read?

A Look At Blogging For Writers

Oolala. One of my favorite things. Blogging! Some of you just raised a rallying cry, the others of you just rolled your eyes. I know, it's not everyone's favorite past time, but I do think it's important and I'll discuss why here today.

Who should blog? 
Everyone! Well, maybe not, but the option is definitely open. Anyone can start a blog, but the question is: should YOU start a blog (or write on the one you have)?

If you are a writer interested in creating or building a platform, then I think a blog can greatly improve your visibility. It can also put a "face" to your name. I go into more detail below on this, but your personality is what will draw people. It's your writing voice. A blog is a great way to find that voice, hone it, and show it off to the world in an environment that is less stressful than say...a hard cover copy of your novel ;) (Though hopefully that will come too.)

Why should you blog? 
There are some obvious reasons, like getting your name or thoughts out there, but there are also some awesome "side effects" or additional reasons for blogging:

• Personal introduction
• Relationship building
• Create and cultivate community
• Encouragement
• Promotion
• Taking a stand
• Honing writing discipline and creativity

Emilie's tips for blogging...

Me :)

Speak For Yourself

Personality is huge! As I said above, your voice is what makes you uniquely YOU. That's a big deal. Don't spend time trying to make your voice sound like someone else. Spend time figuring out what you sound like. Honesty is huge in blogging and being able to share honest thoughts with your readers will create a connection like none other. Why? Because people who are brave enough to share what they really think and feel are rare and readers want to see that. They long for that type of real connection. To know that someone else feels or thinks like they do.

Ask: Was I honest? Do I believe what I wrote? Did I explain why or how?

Find Your Corner

I like listening to you, but why are you talking? I often find myself thinking that about...well, me. Ha! So no, I don't like listening to myself, but I do frequently ask "Why am I talking?" or, in this case, writing. Blogging is about finding your corner and accessorizing it. Making it look like you, feel like you, and sound like you. Your blog should reflect your personality, what you like and are passionate about, and ultimately I think it should give back (what I mean by this probably requires it's own post, but for the sake of efficiency I'd say that looks like sharing what you've learned or are learning).

Ask: What am I passionate about? What do I know? What can I share? Who am I writing to and what can I share with them?

Flickr by Gene Han

Say Something Worthwhile

Hold to your convictions. That's not to say: be angry and rant. There may be times where you feel like it and maybe give in to a rant or two, but I've found it's better to share gracious, well thought out, direct posts that tackle the tough questions without attacking. People want to read your thoughts on things if they are coming to you blog. Give them a reason to keep reading.

Ask: What am I saying? Is it worthwhile or am I just angry? Have I thought out my points? Are they accurate? Did I re-read?

Consistency is Key

My Blog Schedule

For me, one of the hardest parts of blogging is being consistent. I'm a planner so it continues to surprise me, but I make a great plan and then fail to stick to it. So frustrating. But the first piece of advice here is just that: organize! Make a schedule and get to color-coding (if that's you're thing - it's definitely mine). Then, set aside a day at the end of each month to look ahead (it may help to do this 2 months ahead but that will depend on your schedule and time). Decide what you'll post about for the next month, tentative titles/topics, and everything else that goes on your blog. Finally, get to work. That's the tough part, but it always helps to have a "road map".

Ask: How do I want to organize my posts? How many times a week can I sustain posting?

Keep It Relevant

It's important to keep your blogs and posts relevant. When you engage the blogging community with timely topics, people are more likely to share and comment on them. It's fresh in their minds and they want to know what you think. This gets tricky when planning, but you can always leave a "hole" in your schedule for relevant topics either weekly or monthly.

Ask: What is happening this week/month that my readers would be interested in? What am I passionate about that's current?

Blogging Friend - Kara

Invite Your Friends

My last piece of advice is, I think, the most powerful. The blogging community is just that - a community! That means there's a give and take. Inviting your friends to your blog means they bring their friends with them. Just like when you visit their blogs. It's a beautiful thing. So go make some blogging friends!

Ask: Who do I know that I could invite to my blog? Who's blog could I guest post on? 


Your turn: Do you blog? How often? Do you like it? Share a blogging tip with the rest of us!

Your challenge: Write a blog post that either: a)explains your heart for blogging to your readers, b)stretches you with being honest or c)is relevant to something trending. Then share with us!

#ttmediachallenge
(Don't forget to tag your posts with this hashtag^)

Simplify:Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul by Bill Hybels | RE:View

I was drawn to the title of this book. Simplify. Can't we all use some simplification in our lives? I know I can!

Bill approached the idea of "practices to unclutter your soul" with a light and intuitive perspective that I found refreshing. He used real life examples drawing from his own life and ministry as well as the lives of others he's interacted with. I also enjoyed how he included specific action points at the end of each chapter. For those willing to dig in deeper, he has provided a lot of great questions and activities to further growth.

The only thing that knocked it down from a solid 4 stars for me was that it really took me a long time to get through due to some lengthy, semi-surface level things. The overall approach Bill takes is great, but I found some parts dragging. There was definitely scripture incorporated, but I would have liked to see more exposition and drawing from Jesus' ministry to today. That may just be a personal preference thing for me when reviewing faith/theology based books.

I'd still definitely recommend it to any one interesting in decluttering their life. For those willing to take stock and be very practical about approaching simplification, they will find Simplify. a great resource and starting point.

Rating: 3.8*
Purchase: Simplify: Ten Practices to Unclutter Your Soul

Book Description
(from Amazon)

Exhausted. Overwhelmed. Overscheduled. Sound familiar? Today’s velocity of life can consume and control us . . . until our breakneck pace begins to feel normal and expected. That’s where the danger lies: When we spend our lives doing things that keep us busy but don’t really matter, we sacrifice the things that do.

What if your life could be different? What if you could be certain you were living the life God called you to live—and building a legacy for those you love? If you crave a simpler life anchored by the priorities that matter most, roll up your sleeves: Simplified living requires more than just cleaning out your closets or reorganizing your desk drawer. It requires uncluttering your soul. By eradicating the stuff that leaves your spirit drained, you can stop doing what doesn’t matter—and start doing what does.

In Simplify, bestselling author Bill Hybels identifies the core issues that lure us into frenetic living—and offers searingly practical steps for sweeping the clutter from our souls.

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I received a free copy of this book for review purposes, but was under no obligation to read the book or post a review. I do so under my own motivation and the opinions I have expressed in this review are honest and entirely my own.

Social Media & Marketing Month

Welcome to what I'm fondly calling: Social Media & Marketing Month here on Thinking Thoughts. If you're a reader, don't worry, I'll still be posting my weekly New Novel News posts as well as introducing you to new writers on {Writer Wednesday}. So no, I have not (nor will I ever) forget you!

But, part of this blog is devoted to writers and one thing I've become increasingly aware of (and passionate about) is marketing. Oooo! The dreaded "M" word. But, as much as there are some scary notions associated with marketing, I've realized that it doesn't have to be that unscalable mountain looming in the distance. It can be...well, fun!

This month I'll be taking a look at the big dogs...

• Blogging
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Instagram 
• Pinterest
• Evernote
• Google +
• YouTube

The difference about these posts? Well, they will be with YOU, dear writer, in mind. That's right, I'll be looking at utilizing social media well as a writer. That means I struggle with a lot of the same things you do...voices in my head, procrastination, great ideas, no time....the list goes on!

So, check back during this month for posts directed toward you writers with fun ideas, time savers, expert guest posts, and hopefully a few things you can tweet about too!

And please feel free to join in on the fun! I've created a hashtag for this month (um, don't know what those pesky hashtags are? We'll talk about that too!). So, if you're posting on Social Media make sure to use:

#ttmediachallenge

Yep, not only is this month dedicated to social media, but I'll be challenging YOU after each post to utilize that particular platform. So, how about it? If you're exited about this let me know. The first post will be this Friday (March 6th) so I expect to see you here!

Tweet your excitement using the hashtag above to: @eacreativephoto