Christianbook.com Fiction Blog

An author asked me to write some tips for aspiring authors from my point of view as the fiction editor for Christianbook.com, so here goes:

Write what you know!

Don’t try to write a story based on a setting in a place you’ve only experienced through the internet. Without exception, the A-list authors
either live in, near, or spend time where the story takes place. How can you convey passion or the quirks of a place if you’ve never been there?
One of the A-list authors  never traveled more than 500 miles from her home before her first book was published. Can you guess who this author is? Why is she an A-List author? She writes from her soul about the place she knows best and is passionate about. I cringe when I hear “I looked it up on the internet.”

Write from your heart, soul and what is authentic to you:

It may not be God’s timing for that book now, but God uses everything for His purpose; perhaps it’s a stepping stone to develop your voice (point of view). I had the opportunity to listen to writers pitching stories to publishers. The worst mistake was that a couple of them started with “I have a story about…” That’s fine. The part that’s not fine is …” I have another story in a different genre…and if you don’t like that…. I’ll write Amish.” You are a unique person to God with your own history; your own passions. That’s what’s going to sell in the marketplace, because the characters will take over for you and your fingers won’t be able to keep up with your thoughts and ideas. Why? Because you’re passionate about it, and you’ll remember detail after detail that you’ll never get if you’re trying to write Amish when your passion is somewhere else.

Excellent examples of people writing with passion are Brandilyn Collins, Julie Lessman,  Beth Wiseman to name a few.  Each one lights up like a Christmas tree and shows an energy level for her passion (which, in Julie Lessman’s case, is passion!) You can’t miss it! That’s why they write so well!

Don’t write to Follow trends:

Think about your fourth book in print.  What does that look like? Is it historical because you love history?  Is it contemporary because you have many contemporary issues that are on your heart?  If you wrote one book to follow the market, you may be branded with that label.  If you’re writing that fourth novel and you’re not passionate about the genre, it’s going to be hard work and drudgery instead of the words flying off the page. It takes about 18 months from signing the contract to the actual release date of the book.  Chances are, that trend you tried to follow has come and gone. Obviously, follow what your publisher wants you to do, but that’s after you have your first contract! Who knows, your book may be the one that sets the next trend!

Immerse the reader into the story!

Don’t just tell a story; transport the reader into the story.  Make the reader feel like she/he is hiking in the Colorado foothills, or let them feel the grittiness beneath their nails if they sculpt clay into an art form; let them taste the food on the table, hear the crickets in the background, sense the encroaching fog. That’s the difference between a so-so story and a tightly woven tale that the reader may stay up all night reading, or the reader may listen to the audiobook on a trip and skip to the next rest stop because they’re immersed so deeply in the story that they forget they can turn off the CD and start it up again after their stop. Now that’s the difference between telling and transporting!

Happy Writing!

On May 5th The Christy Award nominees were announced; one of the most coveted accolades among the Christian fiction authors and deservedly so.  These nominations are a high honor and have been selected based on hundreds of titles and countless hours spent reading and poring over the fine details of the book using the criteria that is most important; how these books reflect God’s word and influence in the characterization and depth of the novels. They are not necessarily the most popular novels but they are indeed the best of the best. I have had the privilege of reading many of these books and would be hard pressed to choose the winners in each category.

And here they are:

Contemporary / Romance:

Sworn to Protect, Call of Duty Series #2, by DiAnn Mills
Blood Ransom, Mission Hope Series #1, by Lisa Harris
Indivisible, by Kristen Heitzmann

Contemporary Series; Sequels:

The Waiting, Lancaster County Secrets Series #2, by Suzanne Woods Fisher
The Thorn, Rose Trilogy Series #1, by Beverly Lewis
The Reluctant Prophet, by Nancy Rue

Contemporary Stand-Alone:

Lady in Waiting, by Susan Meissner
A Season of Miracles, by Rusty Whitener
Almost Heaven, by Chris Fabry

First Novel:

Crossing Oceans, by Gina Holmes
A Season of Miracles, by Rusty Whitener
Heartless, Tales of Goldstone Woods Series #1, by Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Historical Romance:

Within My Heart, Timber Ridge Reflections Series #3, by Tamera Alexander
The Girl in the Gatehouse, by Julie Klassen
She Walks in Beauty, by Siri Mitchell

Historical:

While We’re Far Apart, by Lynn Austin
Chosen, Lost Loves of the Bible Series #1, by Ginger Garrett
For Time & Eternity, by Allison Pittman

Suspense:

The Bishop, Patrick Bowers Series #4, by Steven James
Predator, by Terri Blackstock
The Bride Collector, by Ted Dekker

Visionary:

Konig’s Fire, Marc Schooley
To Darkness Fled, Blood of Kings Series #2, by Jill Williamson
The Last Christian, by David Gregory

Young Adult:

Motorcycles, Sushi & One Strange Book, by Nancy Rue
The Charlatan’s Boy, by Jonathan Rogers
The Healer’s Apprentice, by Melanie Dickerson

On the road again!  Once again, I was took a road trip lasting three days. The first was the Thorn by Beverly Lewis, a guaranteed good cd to listen to, and being in a Amish mood, I chose to listen to The Waiting by Suzanne Woods Fisher and read by Jill Shellabarger.  Wow! What a writer! While listening to the tape I was forever making excuses to leave the car on, even when it was time to exit for various reasons.  It seemed like we were hitting  yet another intriguing part of the story at each turn.I definitely recommend listening to any of the Suzanne Woods Fisher audiobooks, you won’t be disappointed! There was no gap in the story line even though I started with the second tape in the series. For snowy journeys a good thing to pack for an emergency should be an audiobook!

For fun, here’s some of stats for the TOP 50 Fiction titles of 2010:

21 out of 50 books were Amish Fiction!

Beverly Lewis claimed the #1 and #2 spots for 2010

3 authors that had 3 books in the 2010 TOP 50:

11 Authors had two books in the 2010 TOP 50:

2 New Authors made their debut appearance in the TOP 50:

Kelly Long
Vanetta Chapman

Early Bird Session:

Renowned author James Scott Bell opened ACFW with an early bird session on writing where he declared that all writers are weird! How cool is that! That simple statement got a huge round of applause, several “amens,” and palpable relief resonated throughout the room. From that point on, everyone relaxed and was hooked into what he had to share. By the time Jim was finished with the four hour session on plot and structure, everyone learned valuable lessons, a whole lot of trivia about Jim’s favorite movies,” The Fugitive“, “Moonstruck, “City Slickers,” and of course the legendary “Odd Couple.” Jim lives in L.A. capital of movie land, and he uses his movie knowledge to effectively demonstrate examples of plot and structure, while keeping his audience captivated!

Cynthia Ruchti opened ACFW with wonderful words of praise to all those devoted to making ACFW the extraordinary event that it is. Held in the Hyatt Regency hotel in downtown Indianapolis, the setting for a scene in a famous movie, everyone who came to the conference was in awe of the beautiful lobby, the glass elevators rising to a fancy restaurant that circled the city at the top. What I was privileged to find out by eating at this restaurant with ACFW president Cynthia Ruchti and VP Becky, the food prepared throughout the entire conference was prepared on the same quality level as their ***** five star restaurant.  (They could make pork chops taste as extraordinary as the best filet mignon.) Cynthia Ruchti was in charge of preparing the menu for the entire 4 days, the best conference fare ever served; among the several thousand other responsibilities she oversaw throughout the conference.

To start the ceremony, Becky Germany from Barbour publishers awarded three never- before-published authors an award of a contract. What a thrill for them and what a way to begin the ACFW conference!

Brandilyn Collins opened ACFW with a story about her experience arriving at the Indianapolis airport.  As she deplaned in the Indianapolis airport and headed to the baggage claim area, it was announced over the loud speaker that everyone must evacuate the area.  Thinking it was a bomb scare, everyone skedaddled out as fast as they could, but not before a huge door came down right in front of Brandilyn. To this day she has no idea what was going on behind these instructions. When they lifted the door, she ran, and as a daily runner, she didn’t hesitate; just grabbed her bags as they circled around the baggage claim and ran, until she got to the car and out of the airport. As she stated; “Suspense follows me wherever I go.”

We all joined in for praise and worship music, the singing led by Rachel Hauck with Denise Hunter on drums.

 Next to speak was Tim Downs, who has a long list of credentials; life experiences, including a syndicated column as a comic strip writer, a marriage counselor, and of course, writer extraordinaire. As Brandilyn described the character from the Bug Man series as “about as socially inept as one can get, but knowing everything there is to know about…well…maggots,” Tim came on stage with several stories which held us all captivated!

 Dinner, breakfast and lunch were perfect opportunities to meet authors, agents other newbies and aspiring writers. No matter which table you sat at, you were sure to meet someone God led to you for help and support.

Throughout the conference, there were classes for all levels of writers, from veteran writers such as Gayle Roper, Colleen Coble, Brandilyn Collins, Terri Blackstock, James Scott Bell and founding author, Tracie Peterson to aspiring writers looking for direction, help and support.  It was impossible to catch all the classes, author signings, agent meetings and publisher discussions. By the end of the action packed four days, most people attending were actually ready to go home, so they could have a chance to digest all they learned and experienced.

The award ceremony was the culmination of the year’s efforts by so many volunteers.  As writers took the stage to accept their awards, most had a funny quip to make, poignant story to tell, and the ceremony seemed to be over in a blink of an eye.

Award Ceremony Highlights:

 The Genesis awards which represent outstanding potential by unpublished authors were presented by one of my favorite people, Camy Tang, author for Zondervan. Camy has a real heart for aspiring writers and is very involved the Genesis awards, spending many, many hours reading over manuscripts, along with several other volunteers.  Although they are not awarded a contract on the spot, historically, almost all Genesis award winners are given a contract within a very short period after receiving the Genesis award.

The Carol Award: As a tribute to Carol Johnson, the real pioneer behind the expansion of Christian fiction, Janette Oke presented the very first Carol Award to Carol Johnson for her lifetime achievements.  Both women  received a well-deserved standing ovation and an extended round of applause!

 Double Award Winners:

 Susan May Warren won two awards; one was the “Mentor of the Year award,” dedicated to her for going above and beyond to encourage other authors and aspiring authors along their journey. 

Susan also won an award for “The Great Christmas Bowl.” The genesis of the book came when she and another author asked the magical two words, “What if?”  The joke between them was that the first one who wrote a book about the football teams and Christmas would be the winner…as it turns out, on more than one level!

 The surprise for me was the speech that  double award winner newcomer Dan Walsh delievered for “An Unfinished Gift.” It wasn’t a surprise that he received the awards for the book, he’s garnered many five star reviews; the surprise was his heartfelt acceptance speech where he mentioned that he’d been a pastor for twenty-five years; what a privilege it was to be among so many talented women and how humbled he was by the encouragement he received throughout the conference. Frankly, his acceptance speech was so poignant, heartfelt and gracious, I was ready to sign up for any broadcasts he may have as a pastor and definitely make a point of reading all his books.

More  Highlights:

 Terri Blackstock also won in the suspense category for her book called, “Intervention.” As she elegantly graced the stage in her beautiful copper gown, she walked to the microphone and made the joke, “I’m the Susan Lucci of the fiction world.” She’s been nominated on numerous occasions but this is her first award that she’s received.  The best part about this award and this book, is that “Intervention” is her authentic story about her family, and she had to reach deeply into her soul to write this story.  Special congratulations to Terri Blackstock!

 After reading most of the books in the finalists category,  how  does  the ACFW committee could select one book from the many choices on the finalist lists?  Most categories had more than the usual number to select from based on ties. If you take a look at the finalists, Christian fiction just keeps getting better and better!

To summarize the growth in the Christian fiction industry; five years ago, for all Christian products sold, fiction was approximately 12% of the total Christian industry. In the last six months Christian fiction has gone from 15% TO 19% of the total Christian industry.

Here at ACFW, Cindy Woodsmall decided to have an Amish Author party!  Eight wonderful women came together to collaborate, laugh, talk, play games and just plain have fun together.  What an opportunity to hear their insights, backgrounds, why they write Amish fiction, some silly quirks they exchanged and some poignant moments. Who would have thought that these incredible ladies would be so humble, loving and comfortable cheering one another on?  As Christian fiction writers it  wouldn’t be any other way. The participants were newbie, Kelly Irving from Harvest House, veteran author Gayle Roper also from Harvest House, beloved author Shelley Shepard Gray from Avon, new author Vanetta Chapman from Abingdon, Leanna Ellis who is writing a unique Amish/Vampire book for ABA, Beth Wiseman from Thomas Nelson, and Marta Perry from Penguin/Putnam.

 Beloved author, B.J. Hoff, is re-releasing one of her all-time favorite series for a new generation, a series you shouldn’t miss!

 Her final installment of The RiverHaven Years is coming in the New Year. Here’s B.J.’s interview for  Song of a Silent Harp:

Many of your readers may not know that you had a background in music before you began to write historical fiction. In fact, you don’t do many interviews at all, so in this one would you tell us a little more about yourself?

B.J. Hoff: I was a church music director and music teacher before I started writing. Music has always been a hugely important part of my life—and my writing. In fact, I don’t know that I’ve ever written a book—except possibly one of my very early novels—in which music isn’t in some way related to the story. Many of the comments I most often hear from my readers have to do with the role music plays in the lives of my characters and my stories.

I try to keep a fairly steady routine in my work days, but I might as well admit that it’s difficult. Life has a way of intruding into the “routine.” Down time is rare. I use it mostly for family, reading, and listening to music. I’m also a care giver to a spoiled Golden Retriever and a slightly demented cat.

When did you become interested in historical fiction?

B.J. Hoff: I don’t remember a time when I wasn’t interested in fiction, and I’ve always been drawn to biographies and historical novels. I still love reading—and sometimes writing—about some of my early “heroes:” Fanny Crosby, Florence Nightingale, Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell, D.L. Moody, Daniel O’Connell, Thomas Moore, and others. Over time, historical fiction and biographies seemed to blend into one compelling source of interest for me, and that’s never changed.

How did you come up with the concept for the Emerald Ballad Series?

B.J. Hoff: Because of the many family stories passed along as I was growing up and a near obsessive interest in the 1800s “potato famine” and its effect on my ancestors, I began to research Ireland and Irish Americans years ago—a research project that extended well past a decade. I was fortunate in coming across some journals and diaries written during the famine, and the fascination about the country and its people continued to grow. At some point I knew I had to write about my own people and this part of their history. So I finally stopped researching and began writing.

Why is this series so close to your heart?

B.J. Hoff: My own family tree is exceedingly green. Stories from their lives and the lives of their ancestors were passed down like heirlooms from one generation to the next. The tradition of the Irish Seanchai—the Storyteller—was a familiar and revered one in my family, and although my own heritage definitely fired my interest in Ireland and Irish America, I began to realize that in writing about some of my ancestors’ experiences—their struggles and dreams, their faith walk and their love stories—I would also be writing about the ancestors of over 44 million Americans and the people who played an enormous role in building our country. In a way, I suppose I’m writing about all of us.

Is any part of Song of a Silent Harp factual?

Although a few “real persons” from history make brief appearances throughout the Emerald Ballad saga, think of these stories as “fictionalized fact.” Many of my characters’ experiences and struggles are based on factual events or similar events in the lives of the Irish and the Irish immigrants who helped to settle America.

Any surprises that particularly struck you while you were writing Song of a Silent Harp?

B.J. Hoff: Not surprises, exactly, but I was caught up in the remarkable faith of these people, who braved unimaginable horrors and difficulties in making the ocean crossings and establishing new settlements once they reached America. So many seemed to possess an indomitable spirit and an unshakable faith, even though their struggles and tragedies were at times beyond comprehension. I also was brought face to face with evidence that time after time one person made a very real difference in the lives of others. Too often we hold back, distance ourselves, thinking we can’t possibly effect a change in another’s life. But we can—and we need at least to try.

What other projects do you have on the horizon?

B.J. Hoff: I’m currently working on the third and final novel (River of Mercy) in my historical Amish series, The Riverhaven Years. More than anything else, this is the love story of the young Amish widow, Rachel Brenneman, and the “outsider,” Jeremiah Gant, an Irish American riverboat captain.

 Next I move on to develop a new series, also historical, and also written mostly within an Amish community. I’m finding that I really enjoy working with historical settings that feature Amish characters, as well as a few folks who aren’t Amish. I’ve been especially pleased to see just how well this fits into my “brand,” to use a publishing term that captures the kind of fiction I write.

With the release of my earlier Mountain Song Legacy, I began to move into a genre I refer to as “historical Appalachian fiction,” and the settings for the Riverhaven series and the upcoming new series fit right into that genre. Of course my readers know that there will always be one or more Irish characters (and probably some music) in my novels—that’s a given!

What are some of the challenges you face as an author?

B.J. Hoff: Lack of time. Struggles with deadlines. The health issues that can result from a too sedentary lifestyle. Keeping up with the research as well as the writing.

Can your readers find you on the internet?

B.J. Hoff: It’s always been important to me to connect with my readers. For me, the most effective ways of maintaining contact are through my web site at http://www.bjhoff.com, my web log at http://wwwbjhoffgracenotes.typepad.com, and personal correspondence. I try to answer letters and emails as promptly as I can, and I do encourage readers to get in touch with me. I love hearing from them!

Audio books are the greatest invention since sliced bread–especially on a long road trip! We’ve all thought about taking a road trip with family, and then realize the reality of a family road trip… and say, “maybe we’ll fly.”

For the first time, well, ever, we took a family road trip in two vehicles down the east coast. For whatever reason, I gave the “boys” in the other vehicle the GPS. Little did I know after being lost in the middle of New Jersey after the 55th red light within a mile, that my son had programmed the GPS for the most economical route, which meant avoiding tolls. I cried “uncle” through the cell phone and headed straight for I95, not caring at all what sights there were to see…or not. By the time we finally made it to the freeway, I was willing to pay any toll no matter how outrageous, not to have to go through city streets that I’m unfamiliar with.

Right at this point, I glanced down at the passenger seat and realized I had put an audio book “Leah’s Choice,” by Marta Perry next to me, (in one of my more organized moments). I put in the first CD and went from a frazzled driver to riding in a peaceful, calm, Amish countryside in less than ten minutes. That’s a feat considering how high my blood pressure must have been. The only thing annoying from then on were the phone calls interrupting my peaceful story with my son wondering where we were going to stop and eat and where were we staying for the night. I didn’t even blink at the 5 pm rush hour traffic in Philadelphia, just enjoying the audio book.

The next day as “Leah’s Choice” came to a close, I also found that I’d packed “Beyond This Moment,” the audio book by Tamera Alexander, which I found equally as enjoyable to listen to and there I was happily, calmly, driving/stopping through rush hour traffic in Baltimore just enjoying the CD’s. For those of you with a rush hour commute, I strongly recommend ordering an audio book or two for the ride. It will certainly make your ride more pleasant and may perhaps even save your sanity!

One of the most impressive parts of working with the Christian fiction authors is that their direction is clear. They are writing to glorify God, pure and simple. Since that  objective is seared in their hearts and they listen to Him through prayer, they find just as much joy helping other authors as they receive when their manuscripts are accepted.  It doesn’t matter whether they’ve published one book or a hundred books; they help lift each other up. One example of that collaborative spirit is with Amy Clipston and Beth Wiseman. Beth was writing an amish book entitled Plain Perfect.  One of the characters in the book has a bad kidney. To research the information, she reached out to the ACFW group and found that Amy’s husband has kidney issues. Amy Clipston immediately jumped in to help Beth w/ information, and they’ve been friends ever since. Their collaboration created an amish website and a deep friendship. Both writers have achieved excellent sales and have new books coming out:

Our warehouse is bursting at the seams with new September releases! Check out these titles that have just arrived-

We’re counting down until The Missing by Beverly Lewis arrives. Just a few more days! It’s due for release on the 8th.