Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

IWSG Day and Happy 2015!

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Happy New Year, and Happy IWSG Day. 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! (And that would be ME!) IWSG was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh and has hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of members. You can be one too. You can follow other IWSG members or meet them on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG. We also have a thriving Facebook page. Look us over. I think you’ll like us.

Today we’re supposed to introduce ourselves. My name is Jess, Jessy, Jessica–choose one–and I am an insecure writer. I’ve had a couple of books published, numerous magazine articles, and I’m a staff writer for Southern Writers Magazine. But guess what! I’m still insecure. No matter what I accomplish I’m never quite sure it’s for real, that it isn’t some crazy fluke thing that happens. How about you? Did God bless you with an enormous amount of self-confidence?

2014 was an interesting year for me. Hubby entered into his first full year of retirement which meant I had some adjusting to do. I’m still adjusting. Our daughter got married and we renovated our house. Retirement, wedding and the renovation from hell should have sent me into a deep, dark depression but I made it. Guess I’m stronger than I thought.

I didn’t get much writing done in 2014, but I am proud of a few things. My novella, The Last Daughter, finaled in the Booksellers Best contest, a Published Authors’ Contest sponsored by Greater Detroit Romance Writers of America. I was also a finalist in the Ida contest–the International Digital Awards sponsored by Oklahoma RWA. 

I think the best award of all has been that my stepson actually read The Last Daughter and even recorded it in his book journal right beneath Stephen King!

I don’t have any specific plans for 2015. For some reason my plans tend to fall by the wayside, so I’m just going to write, write, write whatever book, article, short story that pops into my heart. That seems to be when I accomplish the most.

What do you want to achieve in 2015? Share details!

IWSG DAY: PUBLISHING AND BEYOND

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Today is IWSG Day! Ninja Captain Alex J. Cavanaugh founded this group and he does a great job of keeping it going and encouraging everyone. 

Check out our awesome hosts this month: Heather Gardner, T. Drecker from Kidbits, Eva E. Solar at Lilicasplace, and Patsy Collins! And don’t forget that we have a Facebook page and also the IWSG Critique Circle. We are a thriving community!

I’m proud to say I’ve had a writing month. The first time in a long time. As many of you know, 2014 was filled with weddings and home renovation. Believe me when I say the wedding was easy-peasy compared to the renovation (you’ll learn all about that during our A to Z Challenge!). Finally, everything is over (except the decorating) and I can finally write.

I’ve made a new friend, one who is willing to meet me at the library and crank out pages for about 4 hours each week. You can’t imagine how this satisfies my writing soul. Heather and I are quite compatible. Neither one of us is a chatterbox so we’re comfortable sitting quietly in our own little worlds. We may take a break and discuss marketing or plotting or something we have questions about, but otherwise, we’re focused.

Leaving  the house to write has proven pretty successful for me in the past. I’m hoping this Calcasieu Parish Library is filled with good creative vibes just as the Mustang Library in Oklahoma was. It feels a little different, but I’m adjusting. Maybe I can get into a writing rhythm and complete some unfinished projects within the next few months. That’s my goal.

If you’re having trouble writing at home, keep jumping up to dust or get something to nibble on or talk to the (retired) hubby, consider leaving the house for at least one writing day. It really works.

Last week I finished a devotional story for a specific market. I get excited when I accomplish one of my goals, but then I remember the old saying, don’t break your arm patting yourself on the back. Anyway, if you have an interest in writing inspirational stories, check out these guidelines.

On another note, if you need some instruction, please check out the ‘latest greatest’ how-to book by many of your IWSG friends.  And I will be patting myself on the back since I made my deadline and contributed. Read below for details:

Publishing and Beyond is available for downloading. Please help us spread the word about this awesome book.

Tapping into the expertise of over a hundred talented authors from around the globe, The IWSG Guide to Publishing and Beyond contains something for every writer. Whether you are starting out and need tips on the craft of writing, looking for encouragement as an already established author, taking the plunge into self-publishing, or seeking innovative ways to market and promote your work, this guide is a useful tool. Compiled into three key areas of writing, publishing, and marketing, this valuable resource offers inspirational articles, helpful anecdotes, and excellent advice on dos and don’ts that we all wish we knew when we first started out on this writing journey.

ISBN 9781939844088
235 pages, FREE
Find it at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Kobo, Smashwords, Goodreads.

At the time of this posting, Amazon has Publishing and Beyond for 99 cents. Hopefully, that will be changed but … it’s worth it!

Thanks to everyone who contributed – it’s packed with information!

IWSG: THE FIRST DAY OF YOUR LIFE

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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.


Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Charles Dederich, a reformed alcoholic and a member of Alcoholics Anonymous (A.A.), was said to have coined that phrase. I like it. I say it to myself a lot. I like the idea of being able to start anew whenever I feel the need. That’s fairly often these days.

Our son was married last October 5th. We traveled to Florida for a destination wedding.

On August 23rddaughter walked down the aisle on her daddy’s arm and pledged life and love to her groom. And so began the first day of the rest of her life as a wife.

We’re In-laws now. God help us be a good and considerate mother in law and father in law!

Hubby and I are sharing so many new experiences in our oldage:
1)      Retirement.  We actually live together day in and day out. Because of his work in the construction industry, we’ve not lived together much. That’s taking some getting used to—probably for both of us but especially for me.
 
2)      Renovation. This has been a hellacious experience that neither of us want to repeat. It began March 3rd and it’s still happening. Need I say more?
 
3)      Church: Because I was raised Baptist, we’ve spent the first half of our marriage attending the Baptist church, but when we moved to Oklahoma, we gravitated toward Assembly of God and found a wonderful church with beautiful people. Back in Lake Charles, we chose to keep going to an AG church. It’s been unusual and interesting. We should never forget that The Bible is the true word of God–no pastor, preacher, evangelist, priest or spiritual advisor. ‘Nuff said.
Through all these experiences, I see the importance of starting over if the need arises. I see the importance of keeping the faith, and a positive attitude. I see the importance of truth, patience, love and loyalty, encouragement and friendships. New experiences come daily and affect our lives in one way or another. That means they affect our writing too. They stimulate new ideas to write about, or they stymie us so that we can’t write. I think it’s our choice.
I have several unfinished and roughly finished manuscripts that nag at me constantly. I’ve felt like giving up out of frustration—just because I haven’t had the time or focus, and no comfortable workspace. I’m not good at grabbing time—writing a paragraph today, a page tomorrow. I like working in long, flowing hours. Right or wrong, I need to see progress in my word count.
Today, I woke up thinking, “Today is the first day of the rest of my life” and another thought popped into my head: What if it was the last day? The thought surprised me.
I want to write. I’ve always wanted to write and publish but I’ve always stood in my own way.
Today I set two specific goals. We have our annual Bayou Writers Conference on November 8th so I will have a completed novel to pitch to the agent on that day.  I just like one or two more chapters and a few scenes to add. Dedication and focus can get it done.
My second goal is to get back to blogging. I’ve missed it. I used to blog daily but today I pledge two or three posts a week.
Today is the first day of the rest of your life. Want to rededicate yourself to something dear? How do you want to start over? Any goals you need to stalk? Share with us.

IWSG Day! and More!

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I’m late! I’m late! For a very important date!

Today is IWSG day–the first Wednesday of the month. IWSG stands for Insecure Writers Support Group and was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can follow other IWSG members here  and on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG.

Our purpose 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.

We’re wrapping up renovation at our house and then, after putting everything back in its place, I’ll be in a position to tackle another kind of renovation. Novel renovation! Short story renovation! Mental renovation! I can’t wait!

You probably remember that I said I planned to go to the library every day of renovation and write. Did. Not. Happen. Why on earth I thought I’d be able to do such a thing is beyond me. I’ve never renovated a house before. I’ll give you a tip. Move out completely. Rent a pod or a storage house and get all your furniture out. Otherwise, you’ll go stark raving mad!

When it comes to renovating novels, I suppose we might say the same thing. Some people segregate things. One day they might tackle characterization or setting. The next, they look at the plot line. I hear Scrivener is great at helping compartmentalize things like this. I’m slowly learning Scrivener so we’ll see.

Even though I’m late posting IWSG today, I wanted to post to encourage you all. (And I didn’t want Alex to get me!)

On another note, I’d like for you to read an interview with me and my partner, Jan Rider Newman at The Review Review. Leslie Schultz spoke with us about starting our literary magazine, Swamp Lily Review. The Review Review quoted me at the very top of the website! I’m thrilled!

Z is for Zero

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Today is my last day of blogging through the alphabet with the many others participating in the 2014 A to Z Challenge. It has been fun and, as the name implies, challenging. We’ve blogged daily–except for Sunday. I’m glad the end has come but I’m sad too. I always enjoy putting my thoughts down with no pre-planning. Something about spontaneous writing the morning of, proves to me that I CAN write every day. I need to make myself do it.

Today is Z day and I’ve chosen Zero for absolutely Zero words toward fiction writing. Ever since we started thinking about renovation, I’ve been unable to worm any creativity out of my mind toward my novels. Okay, I did write a 700 word mini-mystery, and I have met my NF deadlines. I guess that counts. But the novels are on the hard drive, exactly the way they were when we moved back home from Oklahoma last August. That’s embarrassing. And pathetic!

Time marches on. Hair gets grayer. Mind gets slower. Fingers become more arthritic.

Zero writing progress.

Zero sounds like such a nothing state of mind.

I’ve decided to pretend this A to Z Challenge is never-ending, and write at least 500 words a day on a new project. (Once I start, I can write for hours so maybe more than 500?) New projects are exciting. They energize us, don’t they? Once they’re embedded in our mind, they’re all we think about. Plotting, planning, naming characters, working out the conflict.

Keep your fingers cross for me.

Down with Zero productivity–for all of us!

Tell me what you plan to do now that you aren’t A to Z-ing any more. Rest? Dive into a new project? Finish an old one?  Share with us.

___________

The A to Z Challenge is the brainchild of Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out. Every year there are hundreds and hundreds of participants. This year 2018 bloggers signed up.  There’s some mighty good reading on these blogs. Check them out!

X is for X Factor in Writing

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Join me as I blog through the alphabet. We post every day in April except Sundays. There are many others participating in the 2014 A to Z Challenge too, which is the brainchild of Arlee Bird at Tossing it Out. I’d like to encourage you to visit their entertaining, informative blogs. I’m amazed at the many talented people who participate in the A to Z Challenge.

The letter X always brings two phrases to my mind: X marks the spot and X Factor.

X Factor is what I’ve chosen for today because of its importance in our writing. X factor is an unknown quality that only becomes known after following a prescribed process. Doesn’t that sound a little like writing? We outline our novels, follow guidelines, obey the rules, but honestly, we don’t know if our books work until after we finish and sit down for a read through. Or get that first critique or rejection.

X Factor comes from the world of math, of course, but it extends to the business world too, as well as the entertainment world.  Interviewers, judges, and I dare say, editors and agents consider that unknown, vital quality when they read over our manuscripts, judge a competition; there’s something extra, something that pops that gets their attention. Something they can’t quite put their finger on.

When an editor takes five manuscripts home with her, how many of the five will truly grab her? The X factor will make the difference. It might be a fantastic sense of setting, characters that walk off the page, an interweaving of plot that amazes, or an unique voice. We’re all aware of the “it” factor–translate X factor. We search for it ourselves when we’re looking for a good book to read or movie to watch or a special dress to wear.

When we started renovating our house, I came across the term, X stretchers. I’d never heard that phrase before but it’s defined as flat or curved supports forming an X shape used to connect and reinforce furniture legs. It can also be used in décor–X on glass cabinet doors, ornate knobs or other carved ornamentation. But it offers support. It occurred to me that these X stretchers are like the different aspects of our novels that do and should support each other. Like our setting can become a character and support the mystery.  Dialogue supports our characters. It makes them real or it can make them flat. Dialogue is supposed to move the story forward. Sometimes the dialogue can kill the story for the reader and they throw the book across the room.

To achieve the X Factor, we have to pay close attention to every sentence we write. Watch those passive verbs–make them active. Sentences should sing. Our setting needs to live. Is our rising action really rising? Are the characters in our stories alive to the reader? Not just a few readers, but many readers–ALL readers. Yeah, I know it’s impossible to please everyone but we do need to try. Striving for that X Factor just might help us attain best-seller status. At the very least, some excellent reviews.

I want the X Factor! Do you? How do we go about getting it? Share your thoughts. 

IWSG Day: Writer in a Box

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Today is Insecure Writers Support Group day. It was started by Alex Cavanaugh. Here’s a list of all the participants. I hope you’ll check them out because there are some interesting people out there in IWSG land.  
This month I’m  covered up with way too many things to post a worthwhile message for you. On  Thursday, house renovation begins. Hubby and I have been boxing up everything, trying to get ready for new floors, new paint, new cabinets and more. Our wet bar is being demolished and we’re adding floor to ceiling bookshelves. Hopefully, it will be a nice little reading nook. We’re amazed at how much “stuff” we have–especially books. Because of the wall to wall, floor to floor book cases in my office, and my huge desk, that room will not be painted or get new floors so we’re stacking boxes of books from other rooms there. Here’s what my office looks like today:
While the house is being revamped, I hope to go to the library to write. My plan is to read over The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes, make a few changes then bring it out as an ebook. I hope I can read through it fast because there are other things I want to accomplish. I need to finish Circus Girl. The completed manuscript was requested by an editor last year, but I didn’t get it finished. I don’t know if I should contact her again or not. I’m sure she’s deemed me a slacker. What would you do? Then the next project is A Bad Guy Forever. I’m almost finished for the LAST time! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve rewritten that book. Everyone seems to be writing and publishing so fast and I just poke a long. I’m also working on two NF books. One is moving slowly–the other, almost finished. 
 
 
So, that’s my plan. Hope I can stick to it.
 
Just in case I can’t make it to the library, I’ve left a path through all these boxes to my desk. Maybe I can plug in the earbuds, listen to something interesting and drown out the hammering. The workers will be here for seven or eight weeks–maybe longer. I need to make every day count.
 
Keep your fingers crossed for me and share any advice you have. Without a doubt, I need all the help I can get!
 
 

IWSG: A Blank Mind

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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. You can follow other IWSG members here  and on twitter using the hashtag #IWSG.

Our purpose 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.

But unfortunately, I can’t think of one thing to say to you: not one word of encouragement or guidance–no words of wisdom whatsoever. I feel like a blackboard with smears of chalky white. All my ideas and plans have been erased leaving nothing but unidentifiable smudges behind. Ever felt that way?

Obviously, I’m in a funk. Maybe you have a word or two for me.

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.

Z is for Zing

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Today is the last day of the A to Z Challenge. This year’s challenge was really laced with ZING! Zing means a lively, zestful quality; zest, vigor, animation, force, vitality, etc.  Every blogsite I visited had zing.

When I read the definition, I wondered about other things in my life that have ZING so I made a list and thought I’d share with you.

My marriage, my daughter and–believe it or not, after delving into my so-called memoirs, my family.

Sometimes, my cooking–even when it falls flat!

My driving–especially when I’m thinking about writing–just ask my husband.

My pastor, my SS teacher … wait, my entire church!

My dreams have zing. Just ask my husband!

When we went home this past weekend, I noticed my cactus flower was blooming. Definitely some Zing!

I conclude … I’m surrounded by ZING!

Now that A to Z Challenge is over, I hope to concentrate on putting more ZING into my writing. More description, visual setting, stronger conflict and characterization … and ACTIVE verbs.

What have you learned from A to Z — as a participant or as a reader? Share. How can we put more ZING in our writing and in our lives?