Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

Meet Jo Huddleston – How The Caney Creek Series Came to Be

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While Jo Huddleston’s piece isn’t exactly a how-to, I learned a number of things and made mental notes as I read: 1) write story ideas down–as detailed as possible. 2) Pray! 3) Don’t give away any of my writing books. 4) Pray. 5) Be peaceful, patient and faithful. 6) Pray! 7) Never give up! 8) Pray! Jo has more than 200 articles and short stories in more than fifty different publications. I hope her Be A Real Writer contribution inspires you

Note: Jo will give away a copy of Beyond the Past so leave a comment to be included in the drawing. Please leave your email address.

How The Caney Creek Series Came to Be

The setting of the Caney Creek Series is the Southern Appalachians of East Tennessee where my ancestors and I were raised. I’ve listened to older generations tell stories at family reunions about time before telephones and automobiles. Their stories fascinated me and caused me to want to write about a time before I was born.

This story began to percolate in my mind in the late 1990s. I’m what writers call a panster type of writer. I don’t outline my plot on paper. My entire plot and characters simmer in my mind before I write a word.

 While this story still rumbled around in my mind, in 2001 I received a life altering health diagnosis with a negative prognosis. My first symptom was the loss of penmanship that nobody, even I, could read. Then I began to have involuntary muscle spasms that prevented me from holding my fingers on the home keys of a keyboard. I couldn’t write and couldn’t type—this was before speak-to-type.

I thought my writing career had vanished. I cleaned out my files—even trashed all my rejection letters I’d been saving. I gave away most of my writing craft books.

My mind was still intact but my body wouldn’t do what it was told. My balance while walking started to diminish and I quit going to writing conferences. My doctor advised me not to drive. I was dependent on my family to even get to my doctor’s appointments and still am.

In 2008, I began to improve. My hands were steadier and I could get my story started.

I’ve outlived my doctor’s prognosis by two years. I’ve finished the second of a 3-book contract and feel fine other than fatigued when I don’t stop to rest now and then. Fatigue brings on more unsteadiness in my hands and legs.

From 2001 to 2008 I had a lot of time to meditate. A relative marvels that I’ve never questioned, “God, why me?” I have not become bitter because of the health issues. I think God just gave me time to understand a lot of things when I was inactive. I’m a more peaceful, patient, and faithful me.

Book 1 in the series, That Summer, hibernated for seven years, and then became a story on paper. When I finished That Summer, I thought I had accomplished my goal. However, I found I couldn’t leave my characters in some of their situations. I had to write at least one more book about them. Book 2, Beyond the Past, came to be. I’m now writing Book 3, in the Caney Creek Series, Claiming Peace, scheduled to release in September 2013.

Jo Huddleston’s debut novel, That Summer, released in December 2012 as the first book in The Caney Creek Series. Beyond the Past is Book 2 in the series. Huddleston holds a B.A. degree with honors from Lincoln Memorial University (TN), and is a member of their Literary Hall of Fame. She earned a M.Ed. degree from Mississippi State University. Professional membership: American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW).

Visit Jo at her website: http://www.johuddleston.com/p/home.html  and her blog:

 http://www.johuddleston.com

 You can purchase Caney Creek series books at the following links:

Signed copies available in left sidebar of Jo’s blog: http://www.johuddleston.com

Paperback copies available at publisher’s site: http://www.donaldjamesparker.com/sOSProducts.aspx

Meet Cindi Myers – Time Management for Writers

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Do you know Cindi Myers? You should. She written more than fifty books, and she has one of the best, up-to-date marketing newsletters around. Cindi started her newsletter in 2000 as a way to share her publishing information with others. Be sure to visit her site, but first read her post on:

Time Management For Writers

The dream: you sit down in your beautiful office, your favorite beverage of choice close to hand. Soft music plays in the background and a scented candle fills the air with your favorite perfume. You open your laptop and the words flow. You lose track of time as your story unfolds. Hours later, you emerge from a trance, thrilled with the day’s work.

The reality: you carve out a few hours to devote to writing and just as you sit down to work, the school calls to inform you that your child has the flu and is projectile vomiting in the office. The Fed-Ex man arrives with a package, the cat delivers a dead mouse to the doorstep, your mother calls, and you realize that if you don’t do laundry right now you will have to go naked for the rest of the week. And then your favorite episode of Castle is on and you really can’t miss it!

Finding time to write around the demands of family, home and day jobs is a challenge every writer faces. After 17 years as a full-time writer, I’ve developed a few tips and techniques to help you make the most of the time you have to write.

1. Take Inventory. Borrow a technique from successful dieters and spend a few days to a week tracking your time. Write down what you do all day in 30 minute blocks. Analyze the results and identify places where you’re wasting time and vow to avoid these traps in the future.

2. Eliminate and delegate. Get rid of activities you can live without. Cut out the volunteer job you hate. Give the kids or your husband a chore that will free you up for writing time. Get rid of the clutter to make cleaning house easier or better yet — lower your standards for house cleaning.

3. Carve out writing time. You’ve probably heard this one — get up an hour earlier. Go to bed an hour later. Give up watching one show each evening and use that time to write instead.

4. Set a scheduleand keep it. When you commit to an exercise program, trainers advise you to schedule a time and place to exercise and commit to doing it every day for at least six weeks. Do the same with your writing.

5. Make your writing portable. Carry a notebook with you everywhere. Write while your kids are at sports practice. Write on your lunch hour at your day job. Write before and after work, while you ride the bus on your commute, or anywhere you have a block of 10 to 30 minutes. It’s not the ideal fantasy, but you’ll be surprised at what you can accomplish.

I hope these tips will help you find more time to create the great stories that are inside you, waiting to be written. 

Cindi Myers is the author of more than 50 novels, including The View From Here. Find out more atwww.CindiMyers.com

IWSG for June – The Importance of a Business Card

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The Insecure Writer’s Support Group was created by Alex Cavanaugh. The purpose of IWSG is to share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

First an apology! I believe I slept through last month’s IWSG posting. Odd, considering how much I look forward to it. Maybe I had a lot on my plate. I hope you do too–have a lot on your plate, I mean. Having deadlines, ideas and staying busy with our writing is encouragement in itself, don’t you think?

 I can remember when I was embarrassed to tell anyone I was a writer. I felt like such a phony with few credits and not much self-discipline when it came to a real writer’s schedule. Sometimes I still have an attack of insecurity or shyness. We all know when we say, “I’m a writer” the next question is “Oh, what do you write, any best sellers? Something I may have read?” If you can hold your number of credits in the palm of your hand, you probably shrink into yourself and mumble something unintelligible.

I always wonder when someone asks what my book is about if they really want to know. My explanations are brief—probably too brief to do my book justice! That’s why I like to blog. When I’m asked about my writing, it’s easier to hand the person my card and say, “Visit my blog and get to know me.” Or, “Visit my blog and see my new cover.” Or, “Visit my blog and read about all my writer friends!”

I can’t stress the importance of a business card. For writer’s conferences they’re a must, and don’t underestimate their value when it comes to your everyday living, shopping, hanging out at your favorite coffee shop. I have friends who always leave a card with their tip so their server can check out their books. Another friend tucks her card in with her check when she pays bills. I’ve been known to place my business card in library books or magazines at the book store—a good reason not to have your home address or phone number on them.

Do you have a business card? If not, make some—using good quality paper. I order mine from Vistaprint and utilize the backside too. Click on the pic to make it larger.

How do you use your business cards? Share some creative ways you get your name out there using them.

On another note, I’d like to help promote you—whether you have a business card or not! Check out my Be My Guest post for details. Scroll down to read L. Diane Wolfe’s post on how to write a nonfiction book. Diane was my first guest. Join her … read my guidelines carefully, and be my guest!

 

Meet L. Diane Wolfe – How to Write a Nonfiction Book

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Many thanks to L. Diane Wolfe for being my first guest blogger. I asked her to tell us how to write a nonfiction book because I wanted some instruction. I hope you pick up on her energy, visit her websites and blog, and check out her book below. For a short while, my guest bloggers will be here and on my new blog, Be a Real Writer. I’d love for you to click on Be a Real Writer and become a real  follower. Thanks!

How to Write a Non-Fiction Book
 
Most writers fall on one side of the equation – they write either fiction or non-fiction. Those who write fiction are storytellers and feed off their imagination. To them, writing non-fiction sounds about as fun as penning an essay. Many wouldn’t even know where to begin. 

Writing non-fiction is very different than writing fiction. I’ve written books in both genres and it does require a shifting of mental gears. Non-fiction can be just as fun though. Plus, being the author of a non-fiction book has its advantages, including credibility as an expert and more media opportunities.
 
Below are the basic steps for writing a non-fiction book.
 
1 – Pick a topic you know well. You could try your hand at something new, but with non-fiction it’s all about your expertise. Consider it this way – what could you teach others?
 
2 – Create a basic outline. Group subjects into chapters and create a basic flow of information.
 
3 – Research! No matter how well you know a topic, there is always more to learn. Take lots of notes. Jot down facts, figures, resources, links, etc.
 
4 – If you will be quoting any sources or using images, get permission. Information and photos on the Internet are copyrighted by law. Better to get permission than to get sued.
 
5 – Organize your notes. Everyone has their own style, but group the notes according to each chapter topic. (I’ve literally cut my notes apart, laid out sheets of paper with each chapter’s subject, and then placed the notes where they fit best.)
 
6 – Once your notes are organized, adjust your outline accordingly and add details. If you are seeking a publisher or agent, they will want to see a detailed outline first, sometimes even before you’ve written the book. If you are self-publishing it, this will help you stay on track with your writing.
 
7 – Begin writing! One of the unique aspects of non-fiction is the ability to start with any chapter in the book. Often non-fiction in what I call a fact form – a presentation of information. But some non-fiction, especially historical non-fiction, is written with a storyline. The subject of your book will help you decide which method will work best.
 
8 – Once you start the first round of edits, note what is lacking. What areas need more information or details? You also want to ensure the writing has voice. It may be non-fiction, but your personality and voice need to come through loud and strong. If it doesn’t, then yes, you will have a boring essay on your hands!
 
9 – Editing non-fiction is also different in that you’ll need someone who knows the material and can edit for content, not just grammar, flow, and structure.
 
They say if you want to learn a subject even better, you need to teach it. Writing a non-fiction book achieves just that and allows you to share your expertise with others. And there’s something really satisfying in sharing.
 
Now, who’s ready to write a non-fiction book?
 
L. Diane Wolfe
Professional Speaker & Author
 
Known as “Spunk On A Stick,” Wolfe is a member of the National Speakers Association and the author of numerous books. Her latest title, “How to Publish and Promote Your Book Now,” covers her publishing seminars in depth and provides an overview of the entire process from idea to market. “Overcoming Obstacles With SPUNK! The Keys to Leadership & Goal-Setting”, ties her goal-setting and leadership seminars together into one complete, enthusiastic package. Her YA series, The Circle of Friends, features morally grounded, positive stories. Wolfe travels extensively for media interviews and speaking engagements, maintains a dozen websites & blogs, and assists writers through her author services.

Be My Guest

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I used to blog every day. And during April, I always participate in the A to Z Challenge—blogging every day. For some reason, I’ve become lazy, (busy?) and have to force myself to blog. This might be the perfect time to bring guest bloggers onto the scene so here’s the deal: I’ve started a new blog called Be A Real Writer. I realize that doesn’t make much sense but hang with me here; keep reading.

I have a passion for writers. I love them—one and all. I especially like learning how writers write, and that’s what Be A Real Writer is all about.

Be A Real Writer isn’t just about blogging or promoting your books; it’s about teaching and mentoring others—and promoting YOU. I read recently that we should be promoting our name—not just a title. So, let’s keep that in mind.

When I read a book anymore, I don’t read for the enjoyment. I think I lost that ability when I became a writer. It’s a rare book that makes me forget to study it, or wonder how the author went about pulling it together, how he hid clues so well that I couldn’t figure out whodunit. When I read a short story or poem—I’m curious to know where your idea came from, how many times you rewrote it or how much you concentrated on word choice or symbolism, and if you may have used the three act structure to help you lay it out.

So, how you plot, research, manage your time, construct a short story or poem, overcome procrastination, promote, plan a career, or find a publisher or agent is valuable information—to all of us. Anything that helps you Be A Real Writer will help others. Interested in submitting to me?

Please keep your submissions no longer than 500 words. Make certain your submissions are error free. I won’t post without proofing first and will do light editing if I think your submission needs it. Pictures are welcome if you have rights to them. I especially want a pic of you and your title(s). Always include your bio with urls for your blog, website and where readers can purchase your books. At this time, posts will be made Monday, Wednesday and Friday. And until I gain more followers on the Be A Real Writer blog site, your post will be used on both blogs. Fair? Please: No erotica and no profanity.

On Monday, June 3rd, I will introduce you to my first guest blogger: L. Diane Wolf . We’ll learn how to put together a nonfiction book.

On Monday, June 10th, you’ll meet Jo Huddleston who will tell us how her Caney Creek series came to be.

As I write this, all other dates are open, so let me hear from you. (And pray I stay organized! I’m a little nervous about this undertaking.)

If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to email me: jessyferguson (at) gmail (dot) com.

Last, please follow my blogs:
http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com
http://realwriter.blogspot.com/

Writing Under Pressure

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I’ve been racing toward my goals, working on two manuscripts at once. That’s new for me, but it’s working … sort of. I guess.

My first fifty pages of a mystery are ready to send to the Killer Nashville Claymore contest. Deadline is June 1st and thankfully, I can email my pages.

The romance I pitched to Harlequin is sloshing along. I’ll devote more time and intensity to it starting tomorrow. I hope to have it completed within the next two or three weeks. At least, that’s my new goal. I devoted my six hours at the library yesterday to the contest entry. Seems a little weird, doesn’t it, that I wouldn’t devote that valuable time to the novel requested by an editor. All I can say is … my reasoning skills are sometimes skewed.  

We’re constantly under tornado watches here in Oklahoma. I find it difficult to concentrate on much of anything. The local news is filled with profiles of the people from Moore who experienced devastation last week. Depressing but uplifting too. There were a lot of heroes.

Hubby and I went to Half-Price Books over the weekend. Browsing the writing books, I came across an interesting paragraph in Writing Under Pressure, The Quick Writing Process by Sanford Kaye.

Sanford Kaye is head of the writing program at Curry College. He is author of Writing under Pressure and Writing as a Lifelong Skill as well as a contributor on memoir writing to NOW WRITE! He has taught writing at MIT, the Harvard Kennedy School, and the Blue Hills Writing Institute, where he teaches advanced memoir. He was honored for 25 years of teaching at the Extension School in 2005 and received the James E. Conway Excellence in Teaching Writing Award in 1996.

Writing Under Pressure is geared toward writing academic papers and essays.  I suppose much of what Sanford says can be adapted to novel writing too. While a lot of what he proposes is over my head, the following spoke to me, gave me something to think about as I muddle through my novel.

“No amount of planning can make the reader hear the music in your mind, or see the abstract design you perceive as you look out over a cranberry bog coming to fruition in late September.  Writing can convey certain things well, and others not at all.”

Care to comment on the above paragraph? How hard do you work/plan to convey important scenes and settings in your novels or short stories?

Deadly Storms in Oklahoma

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By now, you’re all watching the horrific results from the tornado that hit Moore, Oklahoma yesterday. From watching my Channel 9 weather app on my iPhone, the area had two days of tornados. Thankfully, I was in Louisiana, enjoying our monthly visit and celebrating our daughter’s 30th birthday–early.

Yesterday (Monday) we traveled back to Yukon. We always travel Highway 69 out of NE Texas to Gainesville and get on I-35 toward OKC. A couple of months ago, a friend told us about a ‘short-cut’ turning off I-35 on Hwy. 9 and heading toward Newcastle so that we don’t have to drive through Norman or OKC. Traffic is always terrible so we’ve enjoyed trekking the back roads.

When we came through yesterday, we knew Oklahoma was expecting more horrible weather. Once we got through Ardmore, I turned on my weather app and we listened and saw the tornado hit Moore. We came through Paul’s Valley not long BEFORE a tornado was sighted there too. We drove through Newcastle AFTER the tornado hit there.

Living in Oklahoma has been a blessing in many ways: I have many writer friends. We have a wonderful church. It’s also been terrifying–especially when you read about its history of tornados, and see what happened in Moore yesterday.

Homes and businesses were destroyed. Schools were hit. Children died. How does one ever recover from losing a child in such a horrific manner?

If you’d like to help people in Moore, Oklahoma, you can text the word FOOD to 32333.  A ten dollar donation will be sent to help the victims and that ten dollars will be added to your cell phone bill. If you’d rather not do that, then pray. That’s the best thing you can do for the people who have lost loved ones and everything they own.

As I write this, it’s hailing here–thundering and getting dark. We’re expecting storms all this week. 
All prayers welcome.

Blogger or Worpress?

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Today I blogged at the Scrimshaw Doll site. You can read Life Outside the Book here, and please, leave a comment. Blog posts get pretty lonely without comments. No comments make the blogger feel as if no one liked what they had to say.

I have to conjure up a good amount of patience to post on WordPress. For sure, it challenges me! I agree with most of you–Wordpress blogs look wonderful, very professional, but give me simple any day of the week. Maybe I’m just used to my home here. I can breeze right through arranging my posts with pics and urls. Days later, if I spot a typo or want to rearrange a sentence, cut or add, I can do it over and over with no problems. I have no idea how that affects people who automatically get my posts in their emailbox. (Anyone out there?) Do they get multiple copies? The first with errors?


I have friends who have moved their blogging home to WordPress. That seems like desertion to me. Guess I’m too sentimental.

If you’ve started over with your blogging after failed attempts or … just because … tell us about it. Why does one choose WordPress over Blogger? Why does one leave one or the other after years of blogging to start anew?

Do You Have a Writing Plan?

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I’m so behind in blogging that I should really do my own A to Z just to keep myself on track. Here’s what I’ve been doing:


Reading the galleys to The Last Daughter. I think if I have to read this story one more time, I’ll tear my hair out. I love my characters and the story, but I’m ready to move on. I can’t read through a manuscript (even a published book) without wanting to make changes! I believe I still have one more read-through after these galleys. Arghh!

Revising the first fifty pages for my Killer Nashville contest entry. Deadline is June 1st. I may not make it! If you’d like to enter the Claymore contest (you do NOT have to attend the conference to enter) check it out.

Every Thursday I have a Beth Moore Bible study on Daniel. If you’re familiar with Beth Moore, you know there’s daily homework. This is my second time to take the Daniel course. It’s fabulous. Of course, all her studies are.

Now, for my big news: some of you know I pitched to a Harlequin editor on Wednesday. This was the Happily Ever After pitch in a chat room, much like speed dating. We read the bios of three editors and had to choose the one we thought would be interested in our story. That alone was tricky! Then, we perfected a pitch in 100 words or less. There was no chit chat or questions asked in the chat room. Response from the editor would be one of the following:

Check one: __I’ll cry if you don’t send me your manuscript (requested full)
__I’d like to get to know your manuscript better (requested proposal)
__I’m not sure if there’s a spark between your manuscript and me, but I’m willing to give it a chance to convince me (requested synopsis)
__There’s just no connection between your manuscript and me (no request, but isn’t it great to know the idea won’t work before you spend time writing it?)

The editor I chose responded to my pitch with “I’ll cry if you don’t send me your manuscript.” She requested the FULL and said the story sounded unique.

When we signed up for this event, we had to specify how much of our novel was finished.  I said I had a 36,000 word very rough draft completed. Okay, so now that I’ve lived with this rough draft for awhile, and worked on a synopsis, I better know the direction I want to go with the book. Thankfully, I tailored the pitch in the right direction and pinpointed the conflict but I feel panicked about revising it FAST.

Common sense tells me to get the manuscript finished and to the editor as soon as possible. I have 36,000 words. I need 55,000 words at the minimum. Each chapter (with the exception of the first two) has to be rewritten–revised, fleshed out, some chapters even have to be completely changed. Here’s a picture of my rough draft with Love Inspired guidelines visible so I can refer to them often. 

I need some direction: Suggest a workable writing plan and/or some tips that will help me finish this book. My weaknesses are: setting, description, deep editing so any help you can give me in these three areas will be appreciated. If I use any of your suggestions, I’ll dedicate the book to you–if it sells.

I’m sloshing through but I’m working at the pace of a sick snail so if you want to share a writing plan, feel free! And give me a deadline too. I love deadlines!

A to Z Challenge Reflections

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As you can see, I took a few days to recuperate from the A to Z Challenge. While participating, I let a lot of things slide. I think I’ve proved to myself that I’m one of those people who have trouble walking and chewing gum at the same time. Maybe not that bad, but I tend to over-focus at times–especially when it comes to A to Z.

I lived and breathed A to Z this year. Probably because I shared so much of myself and my family. I didn’t intend to focus on my quirky memoirs but once I chose that first word–Ancestor–that was it. I was hooked. I began to get bored with my own postings when repetition crept in. If you were bored too, I apologize.

My first post was written the night before posting; the second one was too. After that I wrote each the morning of. I put myself through the proverbial wringer, forcing myself to think and write fast. Why? Because I tend to do the opposite: slow-mo. I take too much time to think and plan.

I’ve always envied newspaper reporters from the old movies. They get a story, rush to the newsroom and crank it out. I loved how they two-finger-typed it then yanked it out of the old fashioned Underwood without even ripping the paper. So… that was in my head. Write the story (the blog post) fast.

The A to Z Challenge is an excellent opportunity to grow our followers, but it’s much more than that. We have an opportunity to learn, and train ourselves in a number of areas: writing fast, research, networking, socializing and making friends, meeting deadlines, self-discovery, self-discipline … and learning from others.

For me, the real challenge is hopping around visiting the blogs of others. I got behind and never fully caught up. My apologies to all my A to Z friends.

I treasure the A to Z Challenge. I’m already looking forward to next year! Much love and laughter forever to Arlee Bird for such a brilliant April party.  

Can you tell me what you learned or discovered about yourself during this 2013 A to Z Challenge? Why did you sign up to participate? Share!