by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2007 | Blog, fiction, writing craft
I recently finished a Christian fiction series that I’ve been working through for the last several months (in between blog tours, ya know). The author overall did a wonderful job with these books. It seemed for a little while that a pattern was developing and the story was becoming predictable, but the author managed to zag instead of zig and made the final book that much more interesting. Kudos on that one!
The individual books always managed to finish off in a satisfying manner, although you knew that there was more to come. I’d been waiting a while to see what happened in the end. When I came to the very end though, I stopped and wondered to myself, “Is that it?” I found the denoument to be quite unsatisfying as a reader. I didn’t want all to be “happily ever after” for the heroes, with every situation neatly resolved, but all the build-up seemed to drop. I can’t recall if that was the reaction of others who read this series, but I had a little disappointment from that.
I would still recommend the series to people, but there is a little tarnish on what was an excellent series. Now, I’m not naming the series because I don’t want to debate what happened there. I’m just using it as an example of not finishing strong in your writing.
I say this because I think I really have to work at finishing strong. The way I write is usually that I have a scene pictured mentally, and I see the setting, actions, emotions, and have a sense of the dialogue, as well as knowing where I’m going with it. But I suffer from a bad habit from high school days, which was never taking time to write a rough draft. My writing was strong enough I could get by with my first effort. Mind you, I would edit as I went, but it doesn’t help my attempts at writing now.
This is pertinent because I have an internal editor that won’t shut up. I really try to get into a groove with writing, putting words on the page, but I get hung up frequently by trying to word things just right the first time. It becomes a battle to get much production done in my limited writing time. I wrestle with my keyboard (not literally), trying to balance my editing with actually getting somewhere!
Finally I reach the end of a passage or story. I’ve battled, flailed, and otherwise made myself push through to this point. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Unfortunately, this is where I override that nagging in my head and rush to the finish. Phew! I did it…except I didn’t. By hurrying the end, I lose the emotional/suspense/build up I’ve been doing, and the story suffers.
This is my particular struggle, and how it typically plays out. I don’t think the author of the series had this type of problem – it may just be me that feels that the ending was a little flat. I know there are a lot of ways for the ending to suffer. However, this is one of the worst things an author can do! If we’ve managed to hook the reader, given them something interesting and entertaining to spend their valuable time, only to rob them from the pay out they were expecting – boy, I can’t imagine a bigger way to lose people. A book I can’t get into is one thing; a book that burns me after that investment of time will cause me to forget the author forever.
I don’t know of any magic solution to this dilemna, except for being disciplined and realizing that we need to finish strong. To use a football metaphor (just for you Mark), the best teams are the ones who can put the game away and hold on until the end. Those who struggle with letting their opponent back in will win some, but lose too many to be the best. I have to learn not to give up with the goal line in sight – sometimes the last few yards are the hardest to get.
Here’s to the study and work we put in as writers – may we learn the skills we need to stay strong from start to finish! If anyone has any thoughts on this – tips or tricks to avoid this pitfall, please leave a comment. Maybe we can revisit this topic if there are good suggestions.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2007 | Blog, fiction, writing craft
I recently finished a Christian fiction series that I’ve been working through for the last several months (in between blog tours, ya know). The author overall did a wonderful job with these books. It seemed for a little while that a pattern was developing and the story was becoming predictable, but the author managed to zag instead of zig and made the final book that much more interesting. Kudos on that one!
The individual books always managed to finish off in a satisfying manner, although you knew that there was more to come. I’d been waiting a while to see what happened in the end. When I came to the very end though, I stopped and wondered to myself, “Is that it?” I found the denoument to be quite unsatisfying as a reader. I didn’t want all to be “happily ever after” for the heroes, with every situation neatly resolved, but all the build-up seemed to drop. I can’t recall if that was the reaction of others who read this series, but I had a little disappointment from that.
I would still recommend the series to people, but there is a little tarnish on what was an excellent series. Now, I’m not naming the series because I don’t want to debate what happened there. I’m just using it as an example of not finishing strong in your writing.
I say this because I think I really have to work at finishing strong. The way I write is usually that I have a scene pictured mentally, and I see the setting, actions, emotions, and have a sense of the dialogue, as well as knowing where I’m going with it. But I suffer from a bad habit from high school days, which was never taking time to write a rough draft. My writing was strong enough I could get by with my first effort. Mind you, I would edit as I went, but it doesn’t help my attempts at writing now.
This is pertinent because I have an internal editor that won’t shut up. I really try to get into a groove with writing, putting words on the page, but I get hung up frequently by trying to word things just right the first time. It becomes a battle to get much production done in my limited writing time. I wrestle with my keyboard (not literally), trying to balance my editing with actually getting somewhere!
Finally I reach the end of a passage or story. I’ve battled, flailed, and otherwise made myself push through to this point. There is light at the end of the tunnel! Unfortunately, this is where I override that nagging in my head and rush to the finish. Phew! I did it…except I didn’t. By hurrying the end, I lose the emotional/suspense/build up I’ve been doing, and the story suffers.
This is my particular struggle, and how it typically plays out. I don’t think the author of the series had this type of problem – it may just be me that feels that the ending was a little flat. I know there are a lot of ways for the ending to suffer. However, this is one of the worst things an author can do! If we’ve managed to hook the reader, given them something interesting and entertaining to spend their valuable time, only to rob them from the pay out they were expecting – boy, I can’t imagine a bigger way to lose people. A book I can’t get into is one thing; a book that burns me after that investment of time will cause me to forget the author forever.
I don’t know of any magic solution to this dilemna, except for being disciplined and realizing that we need to finish strong. To use a football metaphor (just for you Mark), the best teams are the ones who can put the game away and hold on until the end. Those who struggle with letting their opponent back in will win some, but lose too many to be the best. I have to learn not to give up with the goal line in sight – sometimes the last few yards are the hardest to get.
Here’s to the study and work we put in as writers – may we learn the skills we need to stay strong from start to finish! If anyone has any thoughts on this – tips or tricks to avoid this pitfall, please leave a comment. Maybe we can revisit this topic if there are good suggestions.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2007 | Blog, CFBA, fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Ex Files(Touchstone June 19, 2007)
by
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking quite an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, New York, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating from Hampton, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.
Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she decided to test her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.
Victoria originally self published Temptation. “I wanted to write a book as entertaining and compelling as any of the books on the market, put God in the middle, and have the book still be a page-turner. I wasn’t writing to any particular genre – I didn’t even know Christian fiction existed. I just wanted to write about people I knew and characters I could relate to.”
In 2000, Time Warner published Temptation. Temptation made numerous best sellers list across the nation and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Temptation was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature.
Since Temptation, Victoria has written four other novels: JOY, Truth Be Told, Grown Folks Business, and A Sin and a Shame. All of her novels have continued to be Essence bestsellers; her last three each reaching #1. In addition, Victoria has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and in 2006, she was awarded the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being the pioneer in African American Christian Fiction.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Ex Files:
A Novel About Four Women and Faith…
There are four ways a woman can handle heartbreak. She can fall apart, seek revenge, turn cold, or move on. The Ex Files is the story of these four women:
When Kendall Stewart finds her husband and her sister in bed together, she vows to never let anyone get that close again. But when she is faced with saving the life of the woman who destroyed hers, will she be able to forgive?
When an NBA superstar tells his mistress, Asia Ingrum, that he’s decided to honor his marriage vows, her shock quickly gives way to revenge…but her decision may come back to haunt their five-year-old daughter.
Every night Vanessa Martin wonders why her husband committed suicide. Even worse, she contemplates joining him in eternity. Will Vanessa be able to gather the strength to live again?
Sheridan Hart is finally finding her way after a lie destroyed her seventeen-year marriage. Her new love is ready to get married, but will she commit to this younger man or is her ex-husband taking up too much space in her heart?
When their pastor asks Kendall, Asia, Vanessa, and Sheridan to meet weekly for prayer, they can’t imagine they will have anything in common. But then a devastating tragedy strikes and these strangers are forced to reexamine their choices. Will they find true friendship, or will prayer — and their union — fail them?
by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2007 | Blog, CFBA, fiction
This week, theChristian Fiction Blog Alliance
is introducing
The Ex Files(Touchstone June 19, 2007)
by
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Victoria Christopher Murray always knew she would become an author, even as she was taking quite an unlikely path to that destination. A native of Queens, New York, Victoria first left New York to attend Hampton Institute in Virginia where she majored in Communication Disorders. After graduating from Hampton, Victoria attended New York University where she received her MBA.
Victoria spent ten years in Corporate America before she decided to test her entrepreneurial spirit. She opened a Financial Services Agency for Aegon, USA where she managed the number one division for nine consecutive years. However, Victoria never lost the dream to write and when the “bug” hit her again in 1997, she answered the call.
Victoria originally self published Temptation. “I wanted to write a book as entertaining and compelling as any of the books on the market, put God in the middle, and have the book still be a page-turner. I wasn’t writing to any particular genre – I didn’t even know Christian fiction existed. I just wanted to write about people I knew and characters I could relate to.”
In 2000, Time Warner published Temptation. Temptation made numerous best sellers list across the nation and remained on the Essence bestsellers list for nine consecutive months. In 2001, Temptation was nominated for an NAACP Image Award in Outstanding Literature.
Since Temptation, Victoria has written four other novels: JOY, Truth Be Told, Grown Folks Business, and A Sin and a Shame. All of her novels have continued to be Essence bestsellers; her last three each reaching #1. In addition, Victoria has received numerous awards including the Golden Pen Award for Best Inspirational Fiction and in 2006, she was awarded the Phyllis Wheatley Trailblazer Award for being the pioneer in African American Christian Fiction.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
The Ex Files:
A Novel About Four Women and Faith…
There are four ways a woman can handle heartbreak. She can fall apart, seek revenge, turn cold, or move on. The Ex Files is the story of these four women:
When Kendall Stewart finds her husband and her sister in bed together, she vows to never let anyone get that close again. But when she is faced with saving the life of the woman who destroyed hers, will she be able to forgive?
When an NBA superstar tells his mistress, Asia Ingrum, that he’s decided to honor his marriage vows, her shock quickly gives way to revenge…but her decision may come back to haunt their five-year-old daughter.
Every night Vanessa Martin wonders why her husband committed suicide. Even worse, she contemplates joining him in eternity. Will Vanessa be able to gather the strength to live again?
Sheridan Hart is finally finding her way after a lie destroyed her seventeen-year marriage. Her new love is ready to get married, but will she commit to this younger man or is her ex-husband taking up too much space in her heart?
When their pastor asks Kendall, Asia, Vanessa, and Sheridan to meet weekly for prayer, they can’t imagine they will have anything in common. But then a devastating tragedy strikes and these strangers are forced to reexamine their choices. Will they find true friendship, or will prayer — and their union — fail them?
by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2007 | Blog, goofiness, pirates, Talk Like a Pirate Day
Cap’n Caleb was not in the mood fer havin’ his picture taken by a landlubber. His temper was fierce, n’ there was not peace to be found after he left the poopdeck for his quarters.
Thankfully, the swashbuckler was later appeased with milk and a graham cracker. This pirate cap’n’s treasure ere not measured in gold n’ jewels, but in tasty carbohydrates. Arrrrrr!
by Jason Joyner | Sep 20, 2007 | Blog, goofiness, pirates, Talk Like a Pirate Day
Cap’n Caleb was not in the mood fer havin’ his picture taken by a landlubber. His temper was fierce, n’ there was not peace to be found after he left the poopdeck for his quarters.
Thankfully, the swashbuckler was later appeased with milk and a graham cracker. This pirate cap’n’s treasure ere not measured in gold n’ jewels, but in tasty carbohydrates. Arrrrrr!
by Jason Joyner | Sep 19, 2007 | Blog, CSFF, fiction, links
Ok, those pesky pirates from earlier today (ARRRR) have finally left me alone to catch up with all the action for this month’s CSFF blog tour. It seems several of us didn’t read and review The Return because it is the third of a series and we hadn’t started it. This is always a bummer with a blog tour. But the buzz from those who have read the series seem to consistently give the book high marks. For true science fiction, it seems to really nail things. So I have poured through my tourmates to discover the best posts to read. Some have posted the back cover or author info, which helps support the books, but these following have put a little more out there for you. Of course, don’t miss out on Austin Boyd’s personal site.
Grace Bridges gives a good review.
Valerie Comer has some interesting discussion regarding the series.
Marcus Goodyear is applying his editorial kung-fu on the book – see if it holds its own!
Christopher Hopper is a fellow author who gives praise to Mr. Boyd.
Karen managed to read this book in one night – see how she did it.
Rebecca LuElla Miller discusses book 2 (The Proof) and book 3 (The Return).
John W. Otte has hands down the deepest discussion of the Mars Hill Classified trilogy, from 9/17-9/19.
Deena Peterson has an interview with Austin Boyd and further discussion of the books.
Chawna Schroeder does an in-depth review on all 3 books, from 9/7, 9/14, and 9/18.
James Somers has a nice in-a-nutshell review.
Speculative Faith promotes these books as must read sci-fi.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 19, 2007 | Blog, CSFF, fiction, links
Ok, those pesky pirates from earlier today (ARRRR) have finally left me alone to catch up with all the action for this month’s CSFF blog tour. It seems several of us didn’t read and review The Return because it is the third of a series and we hadn’t started it. This is always a bummer with a blog tour. But the buzz from those who have read the series seem to consistently give the book high marks. For true science fiction, it seems to really nail things. So I have poured through my tourmates to discover the best posts to read. Some have posted the back cover or author info, which helps support the books, but these following have put a little more out there for you. Of course, don’t miss out on Austin Boyd’s personal site.
Grace Bridges gives a good review.
Valerie Comer has some interesting discussion regarding the series.
Marcus Goodyear is applying his editorial kung-fu on the book – see if it holds its own!
Christopher Hopper is a fellow author who gives praise to Mr. Boyd.
Karen managed to read this book in one night – see how she did it.
Rebecca LuElla Miller discusses book 2 (The Proof) and book 3 (The Return).
John W. Otte has hands down the deepest discussion of the Mars Hill Classified trilogy, from 9/17-9/19.
Deena Peterson has an interview with Austin Boyd and further discussion of the books.
Chawna Schroeder does an in-depth review on all 3 books, from 9/7, 9/14, and 9/18.
James Somers has a nice in-a-nutshell review.
Speculative Faith promotes these books as must read sci-fi.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 19, 2007 | Blog, goofiness, links, pirates, Talk Like a Pirate Day
Today’s post for the blog tour will focus on…hey! What are you doing? Who are you? Lemme gooooooo
Arrr. This here blog is bein’ boarded fer the celebration of “Talk Like a Pirate Day”. Every September 19th we come t’gether fer great silliness – but if ye land lubbers dinna like it, ye be walkin’ the plank. As always, th’ pirates have scourged th’ bilge rats that run this here blog until some suitable links are uncovered.
The Veggietales movie, The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything .
How to talk like a pirate. If’n ye need help, here be a translator!
Read up on yer favorite pirate.
Read fine fiction books for more piracy.
Get yer pirate name, ye scurvy dogs!
If’n ye still need help…
We be sailin’ on later, and we may let this bilge rat return to his blog, if it doesn’t amuse us to have him walk the plank! Aye, keep an eye out for Cap’n Caleb later on today, if ye dare.
by Jason Joyner | Sep 19, 2007 | Blog, goofiness, links, pirates, Talk Like a Pirate Day
Today’s post for the blog tour will focus on…hey! What are you doing? Who are you? Lemme gooooooo
Arrr. This here blog is bein’ boarded fer the celebration of “Talk Like a Pirate Day”. Every September 19th we come t’gether fer great silliness – but if ye land lubbers dinna like it, ye be walkin’ the plank. As always, th’ pirates have scourged th’ bilge rats that run this here blog until some suitable links are uncovered.
The Veggietales movie, The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything .
How to talk like a pirate. If’n ye need help, here be a translator!
Read up on yer favorite pirate.
Read fine fiction books for more piracy.
Get yer pirate name, ye scurvy dogs!
If’n ye still need help…
We be sailin’ on later, and we may let this bilge rat return to his blog, if it doesn’t amuse us to have him walk the plank! Aye, keep an eye out for Cap’n Caleb later on today, if ye dare.
