Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

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 I seldom get to it so there’s one more manuscript stuck in my “unpublished” drawer.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!

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.

IWSG DAY: Creative Outlets

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Today is IWSG day and our purpose is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak.  We’re a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds. IWSG was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Co-hosts for the Feb. 6 posting are: Raimey Gallant, Natalie Aguirre, CV Grehan, and Michelle Wallace.

The IWSG February 6th question is:

Besides writing what other creative outlets do you have?

 Like most creatives I have a lot of half-finished projects—and way too many interests. I’ve dabbled in everything from jewelry making to quilting, from sketching and painting to photography. What I’m really good at is collecting but I’m not certain that’s a “creative outlet.”  

I collect post cards that have to do with writers and anything literary. If you live in a city where a famous writer lived, died, wrote a book, feel free to send me a post card of his/her house. If you want to add your own book cover post card to my collection, you’re welcome to do so.

 Jessica Ferguson, P.O. Box 4024, Lake Charles, LA 70606

 I collect depression glass too—but don’t send me any—mine takes up too much shelf space, and I don’t like dusting.

I’ve got a few really pretty rocks–here’s one a boss gave me when I worked for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service.  Boss found it at Sam Rayburn Lake on one of his fishing trips. I’ve hung on to it for 45 years!  

I used to collect frogs. The one on the bottom right came from Colorado. My brother said it called my name and asked to live in Louisiana. Cute, huh? It’s been living here for two years. 

I have a difficult time passing up anything that looks unique, fun or interesting. I’ve been told I have eclectic taste; that’s a nice way of saying I love junk. When we had our house renovated a few years ago, the contractor even told us we have “good junk.”

 Decorative boxes often catch my eye and so do art journals. Can one ever have too many journals?

 Books and magazines are high on my list of collectibles. I have a really hard time passing them on. In fact, when a friend tells me she’s dropping books off at a used book sale or to Goodwill, nine times out of ten, I’ll take them off her hands.

I love genealogy and collect a lot of new relatives. Testing your DNA will certainly bring them out of the woodwork!  I save interesting obituaries too. The Houston Chronicle has some good ones; they’re a study in characterization and backstory.

 A not so complimentary name for me might be hoarder, but I reject that term. I haven’t started collecting cardboard and plastic bags yet. Well, now that I think about it . . .

 

What do you collect? Are you a minimalist or does your house overflow with fascinating clutter?

 

 

N is for Nashville

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NAs in conferences. There are two great writer’s conferences in Nashville and the surrounding area of Franklin.

The first conference is called Killer Nashville, August 18—21. If you’re not familiar with the Killer Nashville conference you can learn all about it at their website.  It’s a good place to meet mystery writers and readers. Of course, I don’t have to tell you that you can learn a lot at any conference so don’t be put off by the word mystery. This year guest speakers are Janet Evanovich and Kevin O’Brien. Sound fun?

In early days, Killer Nashville was held in Nashville but this year, it’s happening in Franklin. If you’re a mystery writer—thriller, romantic suspense, paranormal, etc—and have an unpublished manuscript, there’s a contest you can enter but move fast because the deadline is the end of this month. You can enter the contest without attending the conference. Check out The Claymore.

Now, the following weekend, August 25-28, the American Christian Fiction Writers conference will be happening in Nashville.

This conference is pretty pricey but if you write Christian fiction of any kind, if you’re looking for an agent or want to connect with publishers, this is the place to be. Their Early Bird session (Aug 25th) is with Donald Maas. Their key note speaker is Ted Dekker.

If you’re interested in either of these conferences, I can highly recommend both. I’ve attended KN once and ACFW three times. Conferences are imperative when it comes to making connections in the publishing industry.

Do you attend conferences? If you have a favorite, tell us about it.

Receiving Awards with Gratitude

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I received an email last night that my novella, The Last Daughter, won second place in the 2014 International Digital Awards in the Suspense Short category. As happy as I was to win second, I was just as disappointed that it wasn’t first place. Does that sound ungrateful? I’m not ungrateful. I treasure every good review and compliment and award I get when it comes to my writing. I NEED the kudos. Any negativity just throws me into a deep, dark mental hole.

I know my writing lacks a certain sophistication, and I can’t help but think that’s what the problem might be. Of course, I’m going back to an article I read that said publishers/editors/agents are looking for sophisticated writing. And then I remember the Amazon review that stated my book sounded as if it was written by a teenager.

What is sophisticated writing? One article I read stated to reach that level we need to increase our vocabulary. Another article stated sophisticated writing doesn’t mean using big words. There are so many opinions and points of view.

I recognize sophisticated writing, I just can’t figure out how I can achieve it. Maybe I do write like a teenager. If so, it’s probably because I think and talk like one too.

Would love your take on sophisticated writing. Share.

There’s Nothing Like A Wedding

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Here it is September 17th. How time flies! I thought I’d be writing up a storm by now, but guess what: we’re still involved in the hellacious home renovation. A hot water pipe burst in the slab, flooded our bedroom and the hallway so our new wood laminate floors have been pulled up. Four holes were cut in the walls trying to locate the source of the problem, then holes were cut at the bottom of our new kitchen cabinets so tubes attached to fans could blow the water dry.  My vow was to edit/revise my novel by early November. I’m trying but at a snail’s pace. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

Let’s  focus on something more pleasant, and certainly more beautiful–our daughter’s wedding. I’ll share some photos with you. As some of you know, it was a “literary” wedding. Every table centerpiece was a stack of three books.

   Guests registered in a wonderful coffee table book called Books Do Decorate a Room. They just turned to their favorite page and signed. Below, you can see the delicious cake and the bride’s fancy shoes. She was determined her feet would NOT hurt during the wedding reception! 

 

 
 Her dad shook hands with the groom. The groomsmen looked on. As you can see, daughter had some beautiful bridesmaids. Three of them are best friends from her LSU days–they met her freshman year (2001) and have been BFFs ever since.

And I pray they live happily ever after.

Oklahoma Authors, Love and A Cursed Doll

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Many of you know that hubby and I lived in Oklahoma for about eighteen months. I think Oklahoma must be one of the most interesting states in our country. It oozes creativity and authors. I loved it.

While there, I had the opportunity to participate in a series of novellas with the recurring theme of a cursed Scrimshaw doll. The curse began in the late seventeenth century when a father feared his daughter’s betrothed would betray her. A gypsy attempted to hex the girl with this spell: All those who betray you will suffer. Only true love can break the curse. Unfortunately, the curse went into the doll the daughter held, and has been passed on for centuries.

All our stories are written in various genres and all stand alone. They were published by The Wild Rose Press as individual releases, but we’re excited that they have been released in two boxed sets.

If you ever have an opportunity to write a series with a group of writers, go for it. It’s a learning experience but loads of fun. We hope you enjoy our Scrimshaw Doll series!

Pirate’s Proposal – Diana Layne
The English Lily – Kae Elle Wheeler
Trail of Hope – Heidi Vanlandingham
Fading Rose – Tamrie Foxtail
The Last Daughter – Jessica Ferguson

 





Volume 2: Burdened includes:

The Color of Betrayal – Kathy L. Wheeler
Thicker Than Water – Alicia Dean
Skinbound – Anna Kittrell
Tessa’s Treasures – Callie Hutton
The Bone Bride – Tamrie Foxtail

IWSG: Rejection and Encouragement

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Today is IWSG day-the first Wednesday of each month. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Our purpose is to share and encourage.  You can follow other IWSG members here or on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a Facebook page.

I submitted a mini-mystery about three months ago to Woman’s World magazine, and received the rejection a week or so ago. I felt so certain it might find a home with them. We never know, do we? But I think it’s good to feel positive about our work. It makes it a little harder when the rejection comes but still … maybe next time. Hope some of you are getting acceptances instead of rejections.

I can’t think of a better way to encourage you than to share Cindi Myers’ newsletter with you.

Every year Cindi attends the annual Romance Writers of America conference and comes home to share market info with her readers. As usual, she allows us to pass the info on to our blog readers too. I think that’s incredibly generous of her so invite you to check out/subscribe to her blog HERE. 

This week Cindi is spotlighting St. Martin’s Press.  Read on:
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The Spotlight on St. Martin’s Press was presented by Publisher Jennifer Enderlin, Associate Publisher Ann Marie Talberg, Associate Editor Rose Hilyard, Executive Editor Monique Patterson and Associate Editor Eileen Rothschild. St. Martin’s publishes all formats and all kinds of fiction. They produce three to four romances a month in hardcover, trade paperback or mass market formats. In addition to the editorial staff, they have an 11 person marketing team. All the St. Martin’s romance editors will accept queries from unagented authors.

Jennifer Enderlin began by talking about “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective Publishers”:
1. They know their authors are a resource. They want the author’s feedback on covers, marketing, etc.
2. They are not slaves to trends. Once you identify a trend, it’s over.
3. They do not give up quickly.
4. They know they are working with an author. It is not a case of ‘us vs. them’ but ‘we.’
5. They understand we live in a global world, and take a global approach to marketing and publishing.
6. They listen to editorial passion. If an editor is passionate about a project, they will take a chance.
7. They have fun. They are readers and book lovers who are excited about their work.

Ann Marie Talberg is a former bookseller and romance buyer for Waldenbooks. She oversees the Heroes and Heartbreakers website and St. Martin’s ebook original program and welcomes romance submissions of both novels and novellas for the ebook program, and short stories for the website. Find out more details about Heroes and Heartbreakers here.

Monique Patterson is interested in all kinds of romance, except sweet and inspirational. She’d also like to see some high concept commercial women’s fiction, and she’s open to contemporary fantasy with strong romantic elements. She also edits some literary fiction. She loves paranormal romance and is still buying it. She prefers a snail mail submission of a query, synopsis and first three chapters of the book.

Ellen Rothschild is actively building her list of authors. She loves Alpha heroes, redemption stories and “quirky, sassy, interesting heroines.” She’d love to see a contemporary trilogy about brothers. She’s open to all sub-genres of romance except historical romance. She prefers an email query.

Rose Hilyard is open to submittions of all kinds of romance, including sweet romance, Young Adult, New Adult, women’s fiction, and erotic romance. Her favorite books are either really sexy or really sweet. She loves historical romance, and she’d love to see more Christmas books in all sub-genres. She accepts both email and snail mail queries.

The editors did not give out their email addresses at the workshop, however, the standard form for email there seems to be firstname.lastname@stmartins.com.
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Tor.com, the online short story magazine for science fiction stories, is closed to submissions until October 1. The magazine is separate from Tor Books, the publisher, which remains open to both agented and unagented submissions.
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Eldritch Press is seeking steampunk horror stories for an upcoming anthology, Lost Worlds. Stories may be up to 17,500 words and should focus on post-prophetic or end-times scenarios in which the world has been reconstructed with mechanized curiosities and steam power. Payment is 6 cents a word and the deadline for submissions is December 30, 2014. Find all the details here.

Thank you Cindi Myers. Readers, for more about Cindi and her books, check out her websites here and here. And good luck with your submissions!