Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

Sweet Rewards for Writers

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I’ve had a couple of very nice surprises in the past day or two. First, I ordered a book that was published in 2011 and found this acknowledgement:

“I wish to thank my critique partner extraordinaire, Jessica Ferguson, for all her wonderful suggestions …”

Several years ago through one of my on-line writing groups, another writer and I agreed to do a read-through of each other’s completed manuscripts. Hers was a historical and oh, how I dreaded reading it. I didn’t think I could help her at all because historical novels just aren’t my thing. I don’t know why. I used to read them all the time when I was young, and loved them, but these days it takes a special historical to capture my attention.

The author–we didn’t know each other–emailed it to me, I printed it out (yes, sorry, I kill trees) and WOW! It was wonderful.  I couldn’t quit reading. I flipped manuscript pages like crazy. The only real comment I had was regarding the ending. The characters and story were so good that the ending didn’t measure up, left me wanting. No way did Dulcie deserve such an ending! And we know what they say: The first page sells the book and the last page sells the next book. Right?

I want to introduce you to Dulcie Crowder Gets Her Man by Sarah Richmond.

After her father’s death, Dulcie Crowder leaves their El Dorado claim and travels to Hangtown. Her aim is matrimony, and she sets her hat for the handsome deputy, Tom Walker. But he wants a woman he can be proud to walk beside, so Dulcie tries to transform herself into a lady.

Tom has vowed above all else to bring law and order to this hardscrabble gold rush town, and knows Hangtown is no place to get married and start a family. Yet, he takes notice as Dulcie tries to turn his head and win his heart. So do all the other lonely men around.

When Dulcie discovers corruption in the judiciary during the trial of a friend, she naturally turns to Tom for help. The deputy looks for evidence, but Dulcie has other ideas on how to catch the varmint. As she works for justice, will she jeopardize her chances with Tom?

Learn more about author Sarah Richmond and the setting for Dulcie by visiting her website. And if you want to laugh and love a story and characters, GET THIS BOOK! I’m not exaggerating–I STILL have those printed manuscript pages because this love story is a KEEPER!

* * * * *

Now the next great surprise was when I downloaded the first of a new series of instructional articles by Charles A. Gramlich. At the end of this valuable little how-to, I found that Charles printed my review of his book Write with Fire, Thoughts on the Craft of Writing. I find that thrilling! You might check out this series. It provides a detailed examination of one critical aspect of the writing craft, and Fiction Techniques #1 is about Creating Suspense. I gained some valuable info that will, no doubt, improve my romantic suspense writing. And I promise you won’t be disappointed. Fiction Techniques #1 is FREE today and tomorrow, so grab it NOW!
 
I love reading the dedications and acknowledgements in books, and as you can tell, to the very last page. This is one of the nicest gifts you can give a crit partner or fellow writer. At least, I think so.


Thanks Charles and Sarah!

 

DETERMINED to Make it Right

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Determined – Having made a firm decision and being resolved not to change it. Processing or displaying resolve. Marked by or showing determination; resolute: was engaged in a protracted struggle with a determined enemy.  

I went to bed last night with no D word in sight ; it came to me loud and clear this morning. Determined. I admire those who are determined to accomplish their goals, who resolve to lose weight, complete a novel, begin and finish a screenplay or a book of poetry.
I admire anyone who resolves to win a battle with a determined enemy. And that brings me to this because I’m determined to make it right:  
When I chose my C word, when it came to me, nagged at me, it was defnitely Charles but I misunderstood the reason behind it. I hadn’t visited Charles’ blog in a week or longer because we’ve just moved to Oklahoma and I’m behind in everything. I just knew Charles was constantly on my mind for some reason. Now I know why. After going to his blog yesterday afternoon, and reading all the posts I’ve missed, I learned that his wife Lana has been diagnosed with cancer–a horrible C word. Suddenly, I knew why Charles was on my mind.

I’m a firm believer that God puts things on my mind and heart for a reason; he expects action from me. In this case, prayer.  So this morning I’m determined to make it right. I’m asking everyone who reads this post (at any time-today, tomorrow, next year) to join me and send up prayers for Lana. If you aren’t a praying person then please, send good thoughts their way. Visualize/pray that Charles and Lana find the right doctors to help them, and that those doctors and every medical person they come in contact with will be kind, considerate, helpful and knowledgeable. Pray that Lana and Charles use wisdom in their decision making, and that Charles is able to take the time he needs away from work to be with Lana in all her appointments. Pray that Lana is healed and that she and Charles have many more years of marital bliss.

“Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” Hebrews 4:16

And because I know you’re doing this, I’m going to add, Amen and Amen.

Read Charles Gramlich’s post HERE.  Lana is an artist and a photographer. Visit HERE to see some of her work.

C for Charles

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I couldn’t get past C for Charles. I tossed other words around in my head, but didn’t feel comfortable with them. So today, C stands for Charles Gramlich. 

Charles Gramlich grew up on a farm in Arkansas but moved to the New Orleans area in 1986 to teach psychology at a local university. He’s published several novels, a couple of nonfiction books, two collections of short stories, a memoir and a chapbook of vampire haiku–among other things.  He writes in different genres.  A year or so back, I interviewed him for my Louisiana Saturday Night column. (click & scroll down to read.)

I became acquainted with Charles by reading comments on blogs. When I read his blog, I became a fan and ordered his book Write with Fire, Thoughts on the Craft of Writing.  I laughed my way through his ebook, Days of Beer: A Memoir of a Beer Drinkin’ Man. 

Charles and I have never met but have a couple of mutual friends. He has a dedicated following and if you spend time on his blog, you’ll learn why. Because of his generous nature and his blog-reading dedication, I always feel encouraged. I think he’s very worthy of being my C-word.