Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

Let’s Get to Writing!

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Hello, my writer friends! What are you guys doing out there in writing land? This past week I’ve roughly outlined a series of NF books. Oh, please, don’t be impressed. I’m always doing that … I just never sit down and write the books. (slapping forehead).

I received a very powerful email from author (mentor to Christian writers) Shelley Hitz talking about the power of a book series (NF book series.) I’ve read it several times and each read-thru I get a little more pumped with ideas. So what did I do?

I sat down and wrote a short story. (slapping my forehead again!) Maybe some day I’ll seriously hit the nonfiction trail but when your first love is fiction …

This short story has been my first writing endeavor in more than a year. (In all fairness to me, I did edit my novel. The pandemic and the state of our country really messes with my head!) After hubby read through my story, asked his questions, made his suggestions, I sent it off to Woman’s World Magazine. Ten fingers and ten toes are crossed, and prayers are going up. I’ve sold them two stories during the past couple of years, but it seems every attempt is like starting from scratch, relearning how to pull a short romance together, at least for me. 700 words is tricky!

I really need some publishing encouragement. How about you?

For those of you who write mysteries, take a look at these two markets. You might have a story that fits. Please note: these are secular publications.

#1. Mystery Weekly Magazine  

and

#2. Untreed Reads, a publishing house that was founded in 2008. Read the guidelines carefully.

(I Just) Died In Your Arms: Crime Fiction Inspired By One-Hit Wonders

Also, have you heard of the contest that Books and Such Literary Management is hosting in celebration of their 25 year anniversary?  The deadline is May 15th but if you hurry …. Here’s the link:

I sent them my hook, and if I happen to be one of the finalists, I have my proposal all finished and ready to send.

Let me know what you’re writing … see you next week!

Jess

IWSG Day – It’s May!

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Hello IWSG readers and writers! It has been awhile since I’ve posted (not sure I remember how) so I need to remind any new readers out there (and myself) that Insecure Writer’s Support Group is for any and ALL insecure writers. Yes, that would be me! We’re here to support each other and that’s been desperately needed during the past year or so. Agree?

The awesome co-hosts for the May 5 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe, PJ Colando, Tonja Drecker, Sadira Stone, and Cathrina Constantine!

This month’s optional question is one I had to think about: Has any of your readers ever responded to your writing in a way that you didn’t expect? If so, did it surprise you?

I can answer with one word: No. And maybe that’s why I’m an insecure writer. I can’t recall anyone responding to my books–fiction or nonfiction–in a positive or negative way. Oh, wait! One lady I play bean bag baseball with has come to mind. She complimented one of my stories in Woman’s World Magazine and told me how much she loved it. She said it in such a dreamy voice, I believed her. 🙂 She even read it twice. Mmmm, I feel a little better now. Encouraged! Maybe I should try to write more short romances. It has been an entire year.

Just out of curiosity, how much have you written during this pandemic? I’ve been totally blank and blocked. I feel I’m just now getting back to normal, but not quite there yet.

I just wanted to pop in today to participate in IWSG day and promise you this new leaf I’m turning: to blog each week on something writing-related. Hope you’ll sign up or tune in so we can encourage each other. Good writing, and I’ll see you again next week!

Six Month Review

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Hello my friends—assuming I have any friends left. This is my first post of 2020, and I’m still not certain I have anything to say. I’m going to assess what I’ve accomplished so far this year. I’m afraid more thought than action.

I sold another story to Woman’s World. Wait… was that this year or last? It came out this year.  I’ve lost all track of time. It was such a fun little story. I titled it Daughters and Dogs but they changed it to The Promise of Puppy Love and they changed the ending. (My ending worked better.) Since we were in the middle of Coronavirus, I could only find a few copies of it in one particular grocery store. I didn’t want to run all over town exposing myself to COVID just to purchase extras. That issue went quietly into the abyss, and since the story came out, I haven’t submitted any more WW romances. I just haven’t been able to write much except …

April was Camp NaNoWrMo and I wrote a nonfiction book. Yep, that surprised me too! I’ve been wanting to pull together a “writer memoir” for a long time, sort of walking beginning writers along my publishing path and sharing info that I think is important whether the rest of the world does or not. You know, we all have our experiences and our opinions, and I really have a bunch. I even talk about mean writers/mean critiquers in my book. Believe me, if you aren’t prepared for a mean writer, it can shut you down–especially if it’s someone you admired. I still have to do a lot of rearranging and major revisions; we all know how I am when it comes to rewriting. I seldom get to it so there’s one more manuscript stuck in my “unpublished” drawer. Funny how motivating a contract is–makes all the difference when it comes to revision.

And here’s another conundrum:  I’ve been working on a short story (off and on) for two or three years. I think I’ve mentioned it before. It came to me with a complete beginning, middle and ending as I was driving through East Texas. I wrote and rewrote to the best of my ability, then sent it to a Beta Reader for her thoughts. (A woman I did not know so she had no reason to flatter me.) The comments she made really helped flesh out the plot as well as the characters. I entered it in the very first Bill Crider Prize for Short Fiction contest this past year. Back in September I received a notice stating:

“Your story was among those in the second round of judging. Unfortunately, it was not among the finalists.”

So there you go—not a winner, not a finalist, but I made it to the second round of judging. Okay, I’ll take it! I put my manuscript aside for a while so that when I finally went back to it I might determine WHY the story didn’t make it to the finals. And remarkably, I spotted a couple of places where I did NOT do my research. Really stupid mistakes on my part.

Now, I’ve rewritten again. This time my story is geared toward the Great American Fiction Contest sponsored by The Saturday Evening Post. I’ve been waiting, and waiting for just the right story to enter, and I was certain More Than a Legend was the one … until a couple of weeks ago when the Texas Ranger statue in Texas was removed.

More Than a Legend is about a Texas Ranger who passes away and after his death his “so called” best friend learns of an “indiscretion.” The moment the Texas Ranger statue in Dallas toppled to the ground, I knew I shouldn’t submit my story. I can’t contribute to the insanity of demeaning another law enforcement officer. More Than A Legend may never find a home. Obviously, not this year. It just feels wrong. And it may be awhile before I feel like writing about any bad cops.

But if you’d like to enter this great contest sponsored by The Saturday Evening Post, here’s the link. Deadline is July 1st so hurry!

Now, tell me what you’ve accomplished during the past six months. I hope you’ve been writing like crazy!

Last IWSG Day of 2019

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Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!
The awesome co-hosts for the December 4 posting of the IWSG are:


I’m out of pocket with no way to post except via my phone. That’s a challenge for me so let me have a raincheck, please. And until my next post, I hope you have a fun day visiting our great IWSG members.

 

 

IWSG Day: Researching Stories

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If it’s Wednesday, then it’s IWSG Day! I’ve missed a month or two, but I’m back. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page.  The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage, and answer any questions new writers might have. Remember, there’s no such thing as a dumb question.

 Our awesome co-hosts for this posting of the IWSG are Sadira Stone,Patricia Josephine,Lisa Buie-Collard,Erika Beebe,and C. Lee McKenzie!

 Our interesting optional question this month is: What’s the strangest thing you’ve ever googled in researching a story?

A few years back, I was offered an opportunity to write a novella for Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll series published by The Wild Rose Press. My characters popped into my mind immediately. One character was so incredibly evil he surprised me. I had to research his kind of evil. I needed to find some way he would mark his family and I did. He branded them. To my surprise, people really brand each other and themselves. I’m not talking about tattoos. I mean like cowboys brand their cattle. I tip-toed in to communities where they discussed it and told what they used: keys, cookie cutters, wire, anything decorative that they could heat, sear and mark the skin. When I say I “tip-toed” in to these sites, I mean I peeked with one eye closed because I’m pretty queasy when it comes to any kind of pain and torture.

My book was called The Last Daughter and it’s a story very close to my heart. It’s about love and evil, and sincere, heartbreaking forgiveness. It’s out of print now and “waiting” for revision so I can republish under my own imprint. I hope in early 2020.IMG_9314.PNG

Today, I’m excited to announce my latest release called Christmas In Love. No evil here. Just love sweet love. I’ve coupled two of my previously published short stories with a brand new story that I’m pretty proud of. Take a look at my cover. Isn’t that hero yummy? I thank the multi-talented Heather K. Duff for finding him, designing the cover and formatting the book.

If you give Christmas In Love a try, I hope you’ll leave a review—good or bad. But, hey … if you leave a bad review, at least tell me why or what you didn’t like about Christmas in Love. It might be something I can fix.

I hope you’re all doing well, writing up a storm on NaNoWrMo, and that you have a very blessed Thanksgiving. See you in December!

IWSG DAY: Just Give Me Windows!

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Who: The Insecure Writers Support Group

What: A group that isn’t afraid to voice their fears and insecurities, and share and encourage others.

When: The first Wednesday of each month

Where: Everywhere! Twitter, Facebook, on various blogs and HERE.

Why: Because Alex J. Cavanaugh saw writers expressing doubt and fear … and noticed writers offering encouragement. (Writers love to see other writers succeed.) Alex recognized a need for a support group and he decided to do something about it. The Insecure Writers Support Group was born. Yay, Alex!

The awesome co-hosts for the September 4 posting of the IWSG are Gwen Gardner, Doreen McGettigan, Tyrean Martinson, Chemist Ken, and Cathrina Constantiner!

Our Optional question this month is: If you could pick one place in the world to sit and write your next story, where would it be and why?

Give me anywhere as long as I’m in a large room with a wall of windows overlooking a sandy beach and blue water. The catch is—let me have at least eight hours each day for an entire month. I don’t like writing in snatches of time. Unfortunately, I do it, but I prefer long hours so I won’t lose the various strands of my story or the rhythm of my dialogue or the vague ideas that pop into my head as I create. I seldom plot more than a few lines per chapter so I often desperately hang on to my story. When I stop to cook, or participate in another activity, or leave my work area to run an errand, I struggle to get back to where I was while pounding keys.

I read that Danielle Steele used to lock herself in a room, not coming out until her book was finished. Her family delivered her meals to the door but other than that, no contact. In a way, that sounds like an ideal writing arrangement for me—as long as that room has windows.

What do you think?

 

IWSG DAY: Your Characters = You?

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Wednesday is IWSG Day because it’s the first Wednesday in July. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  You can read and follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page. The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage, and members have the option of answering questions in our post. 

The awesome co-hosts for the July 3 posting of the IWSG are Erika Beebe,Natalie Aguirre,Jennifer Lane,MJ Fifield,Lisa Buie-Collard,and Ellen @ The Cynical Sailor!

Our July 3 question is: What personal traits have you written into your character(s)?

I always incorporate many of my own traits and beliefs into my characters. In my short story that was published in Legacy Letters, my character was a procrastinator. So am I.

In The Last Daughter, I gave Trent Jones, the hero, more of my traits than the heroine, though I did make her a vegetarian. Trent (known as a picker) and his family owned antique stores, and frequented auctions, estate sales and garage sales—something I’ve always enjoyed doing. I’m a collector (or a packrat) of just about everything. It was fun showing Trent’s excitement over valuable (or interesting) items he came across, and what he could sell them for. By the way, The Last Daughter isn’t available any more. I have the rights back from The Wild Rose Press but I haven’t finished my revisions so I can get it back out there. Hopefully soon.

 

WHAT’s HAPPENING IN MY LIFE RIGHT NOW:

The days are zooming by. I’m getting older by the second. I’m a July girl—my birthday is the last day of the month. I never imagined getting old; I still can’t and here I am leaving 70 behind and turning 71. Of course, there was a time I couldn’t imagine being published either. Here are some wonderful things I’ve got going these days:

I speak at The Woodlands-ACFW on July 13th on article writing. I was supposed to have spoken in May but the weather was horrific from Louisiana to Houston so we postponed. I’m looking forward to visiting with this ACFW chapter.

Secondly, I sold an 800 word romance to Woman’s World magazine. It will be out around July 11th, maybe a little sooner. I titled it Summer Promise but according to the contract, the title has been changed to The Promise of New Love. I’m pretty excited about this sale. I’ve been trying to sell stories to them for years.  Don’t ask me how I did it. I just hope I can do it again!

And that brings me to—I have a guest blogpost coming out some time in September telling everything I did to “crack the Woman’s World code.” Yeah, right! That’s a hoot! I’ll remind you so you can learn my secrets.

On another note, I just finished my second Christmas play for my church. (If you’d like to see my first Christmas play and my debut acting go to other media; Its posted there.) I haven’t submitted this new endeavor to our Music Minister so I have no idea if it’ll fly. It may not be joyful enough; or Christmas-y enough. Sometimes I tend to get too serious.

I guess that’s all the news I have except…maybe you’d like to sign up for my newsletter? It doesn’t really exist yet, but I took a great newsletter course called A What-to Course for Author newsletters and I’ve been wanting to create one ever since. So sign up if you will and I promise, I won’t bombard you with unnecessary news about me, Me, ME.

Hope everyone is doing well, writing, submitting and selling! Let me hear from you!

IWSG Day: Language Power

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IWSG Day comes around the first Wednesday of each month. We’re the Insecure Writers Support Group and we love to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. You’re welcome to join us. We’re FREE! Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. We’re a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds.

The awesome co-hosts for the May 1 posting of the IWSG are Lee Lowery, Juneta Key, Yvonne Ventresca, and T. Powell Coltrin!

Our question for May (and the question is always optional) is:  

What was an early experience where you learned that language had power?

Well, that’s certainly easy! When my mom popped me in the face for back-talking her, I learned quickly that my language, how I was communicating my thoughts and feelings, had the power to set her off. Because she worked nights as a nurse and slept during the day, there was absolutely no nonsense allowed. She’s 95 years old and still makes herself heard and understood. ‘Nuff said.

On a more interesting note, school is almost out. Kids will be taking off to camp. Families will be taking vacations. I can’t believe the year is flying by so fast. What are your plans for the summer? What have you accomplished during the past four months? Are you on track with your goals for 2019? Share!

IWSG DAY: If You Had a Wish

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IWSG comes around the first Wednesday of each month, and it’s the brainchild of Alex J. Cavanaugh. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group. It’s your “safe place” where you can ask questions, discuss insecurities and all the fears you have about your writing. We’re on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. Join us anywhere and everywhere.

Co-hosts for this April 3 posting of the IWSG are: J.H. Moncrieff,Natalie Aguirre,Patsy Collins,and Chemist Ken!

Today’s question (always optional) is:

If you could use a wish to help you write just ONE scene/chapter of your book, which one would it be? (examples: fight scene / first kiss scene / death scene / chase scene / first chapter / middle chapter / end chapter, etc.)

Who thought up this question? Good one!

Answer: 

If I had one wish, it would be that during the editing process all the holes and threads in my novel would be brightly highlighted so that I could easily recognize them and make certain they’re all fixed; threads tied nicely into a satisfactory reading experience.

I’ve noticed that when it comes to the editing process, I approach it with feet-dragging apprehension—the way I did tests back in school; the way I approach going to the dentist or the doctor today.

And speaking of feet-dragging apprehension:

I’ll be speaking at the Texas Gulf Coast Spring Writers Conference on April 13th. (I’m really not dreading it. I notice I’m one of the last speakers–about 8 in all–and feeling tired all ready.) If you live in the vicinity of Beaumont, Texas, plan to spend the day with us. You can learn more about it at http://txgulfcoastwriters.wixsite.com/mysite

According to the flyer, I’ll be speaking on Submitting to Markets. Specifically, I’ll be speaking on where writers can submit their work, with a few how-tos thrown in.

In the meantime, let’s head off to a quiet place and try to conjure up some editing skills—or wishes. 


IWSG DAY is here again!

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Today is IWSG Day because it’s the first Wednesday in March.  IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh.  You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page.  The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage, and members have the option of answering questions in our post.

Today’s question is: Whose perspective do you like to write from best, the hero (protagonist) or the villain (antagonist)? And why?

I think I’ll pass on this month’s question. I’ve never written from the villain’s perspective but it’s an interesting thought. In fact, I might not be able to get it out of my head. Something to ponder.

Since I’m short on time, I thought I’d pass along a hint about book signings and how to display our books. Recently, a friend purchased a 4-tiered book signing rack that keeps her book table neat and displays her books in a way that shoppers can see them from “across a crowded room” and fall in love.

This rack costs about $37 bucks from Amazon. Mine arrived yesterday. Take a look at how I’m displayed. Can’t wait for my next book signing!

So two questions for you:

Do you often write from the villain’s perspective? Give us a tip or two.

And do you sell your books at festivals and craft shows? Share some advice you think others might need if they hit the road with their books.