Let Those Cookies Cool

It was a dreadful accident... but I realized it one nanosecond too late. I'd just sent the e-mail that would change my life forever -- the one that said "hello"... without the "o".

"Hell!"

I tell you this somewhat crass and very incriminating story to illustrate a point: Spell-check doesn't always catch everything. Which means... we need to let our cookies cool.

My journalist-friend, Annette, told me this: "If you wouldn't pull fresh baked cookies out of the oven and bite in-- why send out writing when it's fresh?"

Because of my hellish e-mail, I agreed with Annette. Over the years I've learned a few tips for letting my writing cool:

• Give pieces I'm submitting for publication at least 24 hours to cool, but not so long I lose interest.
  
• Pick up the piece again when I'm not in a sarcastic mood.
  
• Send it to a writer-friend for a second opinion if I'm really unsure.
  
• Don't hit "send" until I know it's the absolute best I can do (no fair comparing myself to John Grisham, though, or I'd never send out anything).

As far as typos, apparently they can be forgiven. My church-friend who received the e-mail never said a word about it. Except I noticed her husband did preach a sermon about the torments of Hell the next Sunday...

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What about you? Have you found a specific way to let your writing cool?
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B.J. Hamrick is a journalist, humorist, and Real Teen Faith editorest.

From Past to Present

I like to imagine what Jane Austen, Louisa May Alcott and L.M. Montgomery's writing lives were like. There weren't computers - goodness, there weren't even typewriters. Everything was painstakingly written by hand. None of this "oh, I'll just crop that section and move it to the next chapter." They had to rewrite it.

By hand.

When you consider the length of the works that they produced, it really makes me very thankful for my MacBook. And very curious to see what their hands looked like. I would imagine that they had hand muscles that would make any masseuse jealous.

It's romantic to think about though, isn't it? One of those girls, writing away at a table underneath a huge oak tree, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, the cows mooing in the distance. I love to picture L.M. Montgomery like her best known character, Anne of Green Gables - fiery, passionate, madly in love with Gilbert even though she won't admit it to herself.

I know very little about L.M. Montomgery's life, but I don't want to and here's why: Jane Austen and Louisa May Alcott both died at a very young age, single and lonely.

I'd rather picture at least one of the great romance writers of their day getting a happily ever after.

In this day and age, an editor would mostly likely laugh at you if you handed in your book on 400 neatly handwritten pages. They would definitely lecture you if you didn't have a computer by which to receive their emails. And they would probably just stand and gape at you if you mentioned you didn't have a website or a blog.

Things have changed. No longer are the best writers crafting pages of intrigue with one of those awesome ink pens like in Pride and Prejudice - taking moments to get more ink and think a bit, but they're rarely looking away from their computer screen - even to glance out the window. No longer are novels considered a rare find - they are everywhere! And no longer is fiction a sweet reflection on life, it can be very weird and strange (hello? Did anyone see the previews for District 9? I rest my case).

So, as happy as I am that the life expectancy of novelists has risen dramatically and that a woman who writes is no longer considered too smart for marriage, there are days when I wish I could be writing on Prince Edward Island, surrounded by green hills, huge trees and tons of flowers. I'd think the inspiration would be incredible.

Which is why today I'm going to take a few cues from the great women writers of the past. I'm going to think before I write. I'm going to remember that the written word is something that lasts - and so write carefully. I'm going to craft my characters to be real people with real flaws - something that each of those women excelled at and one of the main reasons I think their books are still so loved today.

And I'm going to remember that God is the "Author and Perfecter of our faith" and trust that even as He is shaping my life for His glory, He is also who I want to glorify most when I shape the lives of my characters.

And maybe, just maybe, I might write a section or two by hand today. I can always transcribe it later!

What are some of your favorite authors from the past? And what are some tips you've learned from them?

Are You Daring to Dream?

Some time ago I watched the movie October Sky. Based on the memoir Rocket Boys by Homer Hickham, the movie tells: "The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes."

I was encouraged by this movie in ways I hadn't expected. Homer wasn't afraid to follow his dreams, despite severe opposition from his father and other towns folks. I kept asking myself as I watched, "Would I have had the guts to follow my dreams when faced with that kind of opposition?" Probably not. And unlike Homer, I have a supportive family.

The movie challenged me to strive for more and give my writing all of my dedication. If a teen boy like Homer can do it, so can I. But I need to want to succeed as a writer as much as Homer wanted to succeed with his rockets. And the cool thing is, wanting something badly is half the battle. Homer was horrible at math, but he studied and learned and eventually understood it. Deep in the mines he was pouring over his textbooks during lunch breaks. He got little sleep. He was dedicated to his dream.

How dedicated to your dreams are you? God puts dreams in our hearts for a reason. He has some way of fulfilling them if we will commit them to Him and follow that still small voice leading us. Don't be afraid to do something toward your dreams today. Even if it seems incredibly small. You won't be able to take big steps until you take the small ones.

Hi, I'm Christa, and I'm Also a Non-Outliner

I'd like to think that I'm always a spontaneous, fly-by-the-seat-of-my-pants kind of girl.

But truth be told, most of the time I'd fall under the category of a "planner," which I guess makes sense when you're doing the freelance writing thing for a living. Basically, I'm managing a slew of writing deadlines with everyday life's responsibilities sandwiched in between, and that requires structure to make it all work.

But when it comes to writing my novels, I'm the veritable poster child for free spiritedness (like how I just made that word up...I'm guessing it's not in Webster's). In fact, I'm a lot like my fellow Scribble Chick, Erynn. I don't outline. For whatever reason, I simply don't have it in me. Sure, I have a basic idea of where my story is headed and a fairly firm grasp of who these characters are, but as far as the particulars, well, that comes to me as I type away.

And for me, I've found that this is the best way to create a compelling story. In the course of spending time with these fictional people that feel oh-so-real to me, scenarios naturally spring to mind that I probably wouldn't have thought of when outlining.

Now for some people, I totally get that outlines help provide a structure, a method to the forthcoming madness if you will. But for me, it's too tight of a box that prevents me from creating something probably far more promising than what I brainstormed for an outline.

Basically when crafting your proposal, your potential publishers wants to know that you have a strong story in mind—you know, something with a proper beginning, middle and resolution. But while a few details definitely will increase their faith in you, you don't have to feel like you must have every, teensy-weensy detail worked out to send something their way. I'm guessing they'd probably even prefer that you didn't tell them everything.

So why am I telling you this? Well, it's because I definitely remember the days of proposals feeling very daunting because I didn't have everything worked out yet. After a while, it almost becomes a procrastination tool—"Well, I don't know how the story is going to end, so I better not send that off just yet."

Or "I don't think I'm going to work on that today because I haven't decided how this conflict is going to resolve."

Yes, at some point, you'll have to address that in your manuscript. But don't let the details prevent you from moving ahead. There will always be a million reasons not to submit your ideas (fear of rejection, fear that it'll never get read, fear that your story isn't solidfied enough), but believe me, it's absolutely, positively worth the risk.

Monkeying Around

My mom was watching my 19 month old today, as I started a new part time job. For the time being, I'll be working three days a week doing title work/abstracting for oil and gas leases. Thankfully, my mother can babysit for me that partial week so I can do my part to help our finances during this tough season in our lives. Prayers still appreciated! I'm just grateful that I can earn signifcant money doing this part time and still have four days a week with my Little Miss, and still have time to write. =)

The only issue with my mother babysitting is that for some reason, Little Miss decided a few months ago that she doesn't like her crib over there anymore. She officially hates it, and that's that. She refuses to nap in it or sleep overnight during an occasional slumber party, after a literal year of doing just that. Now she cries/screams as if she's scared of being alone, which is ridiculous because she's perfectly happy and content in her bed in her room here at our house. She only slept in our room for the first 2 months or so of her life, in a Pack N Play, while she was a tiny newborn. I guess its just different not being at Home.

Regardless, my mother and I decided we would kinda force her through it, because with her being there three days a week now, she needs to get into a good nap routine for all of our sake's.

So, my mom followed with the plan. Tucked her in, turned on the mobile, told her to have a good nap, and left the room, leaving the door open a crack. She said mass screaming occcured. She waited a few minutes, didn't cease. Went back in, gave her a hug, tucked her back in, etc. Rinse and repeat. Still, adament refusal to be alone.

My mom was just about to go in and try another time when suddenly, the guest room door opened, and Little Miss toddled out, still crying and red-cheeked, sputtering "Hi Nana! Hi Nana!"

We're still unsure how she managed to get out of her crib alone. She's never even tried to climb out before!! That, my friends, is what you call Sheer Determination.

My mom said that she burst into tears and hysterical laughter all at the same time as Little Miss came to find her. It was the sweetest, most pitiful thing she's ever seen in her life. I can just picture it!!! Then Little Miss pointed to the couch, so my mom gathered up Blankie and Gigi (the stuffed giraffe that might as well be Little Miss' third arm) and snuggled up and she fell sound asleep immediately. She finished her nap on the couch surrounded by pillows, and that was that.

And this is one Mama who is totally fine with saying "whatever works" and leaving it alone!

The rest of the evening I've been teasing Little Miss about being an escapee. Now we know that crib is officially through being an option, which was probably her goal all along. Oh well. It had a good run.

I can't help but laugh as I picture Little Miss monkey-ing her way out of the crib and onto the floor. She's fearless sometimes, which is definitely her Daddy in her! As much as I hate that the crib (at Nana's anyway, thankfully not here yet!) is officially bye-bye, I have to admire her drive.

Maybe we can apply that level of determination to our writing today. Are you feeling stuck? Trapped? Alone? All of the above? Then push through it. If Little Miss can find a way out, so can you!

Feeling lonely in this solitary writing venture? Hey, just shoot one of us an email and we'll wallow with you. I can guarantee you that whatever you are thinking/feeling/doubting/scared of, you are definitely not alone.

Maybe today you need to swing off the confines that are boxing you in and give yourself the emotional permission to go crying to your Father. Are you afraid of never getting that first contract? Scarred from a bad review? Frustrated that you write and write and seem to never get anywhere? Hurt from a negative comment from a critique partner? God understands your fears, concerns, doubts, and sorrows, and He's waiting with a soft blanket of comfort to wrap you up. Don't be afraid to go find Him.

Mount Hermon... A Magical Place

Mount Hermon Christian Writers’ Conference was something I planned to do… you know, after I moved to Hollywood, cast myself as Dolly Parton, and produced my debut film with Matthew McConaughey.

I’d read all about M.H. Most of the authors I admired/stalked got started in this magical place. And I thought, “How nice. Maybe some day after I (a) get a life (b) get a manuscript (c) get a shorter list of lame excuses… I’ll go.”

The truth was… I was terrified.

Then it happened. In a moment of what could only be described as extreme delusional insanity, I submitted an essay to Cec Murphey’s Mount Hermon scholarship competition.

The delusions continued when I learned I was one of the “winners”. This was better than a role in Hollywood, I thought. Plus, now I could skip the wig and implants.

Then I realized… I had to write a book proposal.

I’ll spare you the next several months of despair, gloom, and chocolate. Ultimately I did share my proposal with an agent beneath the beautiful canopy of California redwoods. Then I trudged back to my gorgeously furnished room, looked in the mirror, and saw the booger hanging out of my nose.

I wish I was making that part up.

The next part I am also not making up: I still do not live in Hollywood, do not look like Dolly Parton, and do not film with Matthew McConaughey. I do, however, have a contract with the agent I met at Mount Hermon – which only goes to prove that M.H. is, indeed, a magical place.

For more information about Mount Hermon Christian Writers' Conference, visit www.mounthermon.org/writers

B.J. Hamrick is a journalist, humorist, and the editorest of www.realteenfaith.com. She was in no way bribed or compensated for this post... Mount Hermon really is just that amazing.

So what if I DON'T outline?

When I was little, I decided there were two kinds of people: Chocolate Chip Cookie lovers and Oatmeal Raisin Cookie lovers. Just so you know, I'm firmly in the first group. I find the idea of fruit (dried or not) in cookies to be a little too nutritious (not to mention repulsive and squooshy).

And, since I started writing, I've learned there are two kinds of writers: The Outliners and the Non-Outliners. Most of the Outliners I know are extremely good at what they do - they take a week or so to write a rough outline and then they write the book. But I have met people who spend months - if not years - crafting the perfect, ironclad plot for their novel. They've done research, they've done character sketches, they've written languages for the novel.

The only thing they haven't written? The novel.

I think you can see what camp I belong to - definitely the Non-Outliners. It's my favorite thing in the world to sit down to a blank Microsoft Word document and type Chapter One and just go from there. It's fun, it's exciting, it keeps me interested in the book.

But, like Betsy mentioned on Wednesday, writing professionally, or wanting to write professionally, means - gulp - writing a proposal.

As much as I'm a fan of proposals in life (a sappy sense of romance is a definite perk from that Chocolate Chip Cookie club), a proposal in writing should carry a big sign that says "Hi, I'm Here To Ruin The Non-Outliner's Momentum, Excitement and Life As She Knows It."

Okay, maybe it's not quite that bad. :)

So, let's say you are a non-outliner like me. How do you write a proposal and still wake up excited to write the next morning? How do you continue to press on when you already know exactly how the story is going to end?

The answer? You just do it, to borrow a slogan from a sneaker company. You have to try to focus on the little details. Yes, you already know the ending. BUT, maybe you don't know the main character's favorite breakfast cereal, or their morning routine or something that might throw one of those fabulous little shoelace plots into the story (you know, one that weaves through the whole book but has really nothing to do with the main plot).

Editors are concerned with knowing the gist of the book. So, give them the gist - but save the details for the thrill of discovery. Maybe you have to have a scene where your character gets their wallet stolen in a seafood joint and that fateful theft starts him on a journey to rediscovering his hometown. The whys, whos, and wheres of that are still totally up to you! He/She could be at Red Lobster and the waiter steals the wallet to pay for his sick child's medical bills OR he/she could be at the cafe in SeaWorld and it's stolen by a man who thought he was stealing from his ex-wife's new mob boss boyfriend.

The joy is definitely in the details.

So, don't be afraid to go after that proposal. Chase it down and scratch out that picket sign so it now reads, "Hi, I'm Here To Challenge Your Writing Style." And then wake up the next morning with a renewed sense of yes, I can do this.

After all, us Non-Outliners are nothing if not used to change. :)