Thinking Outside the Box?

Do you eat an apple a day? Know someone who is as slow as molasses in January? Talk about the pot calling the kettle black? Avoid editing like the plague?

Are cliches present in your writing?

If so, you might want to check out Brian Klem's article, 12 Cliches All Writers Should Avoid. Brian and his colleagues compiled a list of overused cliches. See if you concur.

While I agree that some cliches are best avoided, I think that they can stretch our creativity and provide fresh ideas. Depending on what I'm writing, I like adding my own spin. If, in my historical fiction WIP for example, I wanted to say "If walls could talk." I might use a location familiar to my main character, such as a barn, general store, or corral to convey the same idea.

Here are a few links to get those cliched thoughts churning:

ClicheSite has an alphabetical listing of phrases and interesting sayings.

Garden Digest lists an assortment of garden and agriculture related cliches, metaphors, and idioms.

And don't forget one of my all time favorite blogs, The Bookshelf Muse. This post's link discusses when it's okay to use cliches, like in dialogue and thoughts. The site also offers advice on metaphors, similes, and dozens of other helpful tidbits.


A Quick Congrats

Congratulations to Rhonda Schrock, winner of Unending Devotion by Jody Hedlund!


What do you think? Are cliches helpful or harmful? Do you use many?


Happy writing,

Karen

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Inspiring Notes

Do you listen to music while you write?

If so, what kind?

Classical?

Jazz?

Rock?

Christian?

Or...?

Do you listen on

Spotify?

Pandora?

CD?

MP3?

Windows Media?

Does it serve as white noise or act as inspiration? Or both?

Some days I like the soothing notes of my Pandora selections and other days I prefer no music at all. It depends on my mindset and what I'm writing.


In Case You Missed It...

The giveaway for Jody Hedlund's latest book, Unending Devotion, ends tomorrow at 5 pm EST. The interview and giveaway details can be found on Monday's post.


So tell us, does music fill your writing space and inspire the flow of words? If not, what type of music do you prefer when not writing?


Happy weekend,
Karen


Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Interview with Jody Hedlund

Please join me in welcoming author Jody Hedlund! Jody's here discussing her latest book, Unending Devotion. She's offered a copy to one of my readers, so be sure to check out the giveaway details below. :)

Welcome to Write Now, Jody! It’s great to have you back. Congratulations on Unending Devotion! The story had me from beginning to end.  Can you share a little about how this story came about? 

I live in central Michigan in an area that was once filled with towering white pines and that played a major role in the lumber era. I decided I wanted to explore that era, especially since it happened right in my backyard, so to speak. 

During my research for the book, I ran across stories of young women who were abused, exploited, and even enslaved. I was heartbroken to learn of these lesser known evils of an era that is usually quite glamorized. Unending Devotion is inspired by one of those women, Jennie King. She rode a train into central Michigan in answer to a newspaper ad for a job. She expected to work in a hotel. Instead she found herself enslaved in a brothel. She fled, but was recaptured and beaten. The brave and desperate woman escaped again, wearing only a nightgown, and this time gained help from a local family. The brothel owner tried to get her back again, but the family helped smuggle Jennie out of town and to a safe place.

      I can see how Jennie's story caught your eye. There are so many "stories behind the story" that that we never hear about. I'm glad you decided to highlight this part of Michigan history. I thoroughly enjoyed the diversity of the book’s characters. What tips do you have for writers to create original characters? 
    
 For starters, I use an extensive character worksheet that I've made available on my website for free. I fill out the worksheet and really take the time before writing to get to know my characters inside and out. I try to find original quirks, hobbies, and personalities.

 Several other things that I do to create original characters is know their past history and how it's shaped who they are as the story opens. I also define their strengths so that readers will be able to care about the characters right away. But then I make sure to give them a weakness too, something they will need to work through as the story unfolds.  

I like the way you think! What a great way to get to know your characters, as you said, before the story unfolds. I can see where you are mentally "busy" all the time. You wear many hats – wife, mom, author, homeschool parent, etc. How do you manage to find time to write? 

It's definitely not easy. I feel like I have two very full time jobs as an author and a teacher! But like any other writer trying to balance dual careers or multiple responsibilities, I've had to look for ways to make it work. I've scaled back on outside commitments and simplified home life as much as possible. I also stick to a very strict writing schedule when I'm in first draft mode. I block out writing time and don't let myself go to bed at night unless I get in my daily word count.
  
Do you ever combine your research with your children’s field trips?

Sometimes I try! But I like to linger and read all the details, and they get annoyed with me for taking too long! So when I really need to research, I usually go places with my husband. Although this fall, I'm taking my twin daughters and my mom to Mackinac Island in northern Michigan for a research trip for the book I'm currently writing. While I'm hoping to have a fun girls' weekend, I warned them that I would probably bore them at times with all my researching. 

Sounds like a good way to combine a little work and fun. Have a great time! Tell us, what is your favorite writing snack? 

That's easy! Coffee and chocolate! 

I figured that chocolate might factor in there! :) I know that Unending Devotion was just released, but is there another book on the horizon? Can you give us a peek?

Yes! My next book, A Noble Groom, is releasing in April of 2013. Like Unending Devotion, it's also set in Michigan, but this time among a German immigrant farming community. The story starts with the recently widowed Annalisa Werner believing that her husband was murdered but she can’t prove it. Alone with her young daughter, she has six months left to finish raising the money needed to pay back the land contract her husband purchased, and the land is difficult to toil by herself. She needs a husband. With unmarried men scarce, her father sends a letter to his brother in the Old Country, asking him to find Annalisa a groom.

For nobleman Carl von Reichart, the blade of the guillotine is his fate. He’s been accused and convicted of a serious crime he didn’t commit, and his only escape is to flee to a small German community in Michigan where he’ll be safe. He secures a job on Annalisa’s farm but bumbles through learning about farming and manual labor.

Annalisa senses that Carl is harboring a secret about his past, yet she finds herself drawn to him anyway. He’s gentle, kind, and romantic–unlike any of the men she’s ever known. He begins to restore her faith in the ability to love–but her true groom is still on his way. And time is running out on them all.

Sounds interesting! I'll look forward to reading it. :) Thanks so much for stopping by to see us this week. Wishing you all the best!

You are welcome! It's always fun to come and visit. Thank you!

Feel free to visit Jody at her blog, website, or Facebook page. She'd love to see you!


My Review 

It is 1883, and Lily Young is desperate to find her younger sister Daisy. Daisy ran away, and Lily believes that she is still somewhere in Michigan. Thankfully, Lily’s work as a traveling photographer’s assistant provides opportunities to keep her eyes and ears open. 

Connell McCormick runs the Harrison, Michigan branch of his family’s lumber business. As far as he is concerned, Harrison’s social ills are just that – an unpleasant entity that isn’t worth fighting. His responsibilities keep him occupied full time; he must prove to his father that he can shoulder his portion of the business.

Lily and Connell’s first meeting is a tangled mess. Literally. Lily’s headstrong personality and lofty principles cause a stir in Harrison, and she hasn’t even been in town 24 hours. Connell admires Lily’s drive to find her sister, but he witnesses how it clouds Lily’s common sense, causing problems not just for Lily, but also for those around her. Both Connell and Lily reap the unfortunate results of Lily’s impulsive behavior. 

Lily’s story illuminates the widespread abuse of young women in a pivotal time in America’s lumber industry. It was common practice to promise women jobs at hotels and such, when in reality, they were forced into prostitution. Does Lily find Daisy? Will Connell choose to take a stand against depravity in Harrison?

Jody Hedlund shares a wonderful and engaging tale packed with conflict, romance, and forgiveness. Her characters’ goals collide at every turn, it seems, generating a roller coaster ride of adventure through an icy Michigan winter. This emotional story offers hope and redemption that is relevant even today. I give it two thumbs up!

 
Giveaway Details

• You must be a GFC follower and leave your email address with your comment. 

• Gain bonus entries (+1 each) by posting this on Facebook, your blog, and/or Twitter. Please total your entries and include link with your comment where applicable.

• Open to residents of the United States.

• Deadline to enter is 5 pm EST Friday October 5, 2012. Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen. Winner will be announced Monday, October 8, 2012.

Do you have any questions for Jody? What kind of fictional characters do you enjoy?

Happy reading and writing,

Karen

Mistakes?

A person who never made a mistake, never tried anything new.

- Albert Einstein

I heard someone say that if they knew an error they made was going to be a mistake, they wouldn't have made it.

Guess that's true sometimes. Hindsight is 20/20, isn't it? 

Then there are missteps that are transformed into good things. Reminds me of the scripture in Romans 8:28.

Living is learning, that's for sure.

Mistakes are yet another thing to write about. I don't know about you, but my list is long. :) No complaints though, just lots of lessons learned.

Looking Ahead

Author Jody Hedlund joins us next week. Hope you can join us!

Have you had mistakes turn inside out for good? What new things have you tried lately?

Happy writing!

Have a great weekend,

Karen

P.S. Click here if you missed Monday's fabulous guest post with Alex Cavanaugh. It was a good one! :)

Photo credit: Stock Exchange

Guest Post by Alex Cavanaugh

Please join me in welcoming author Alex Cavanaugh! Alex knows a thing or two (or three or four) about blogging. His large and faithful following is testimony to his belief about giving back to the blogging community.


What is Blogging Success?

Karen invited me to discuss blogging success. That’s a tall order! Am I even qualified? That’s contingent on one’s definition of success I guess. So, what follows is thus one Ninja’s take on the subject.

What makes for a successful blog? I think that success depends on the individual. What is your purpose for blogging? What do you hope to achieve with your blog? How do you get to that point?

Everyone’s journey is different. Rather than tell you “This is how to do it,” I’ll just describe my own experience – why I began blogging, the changes and growth, and what’s important now. Hopefully I can inspire you to set some goals and find your own path.

I began blogging to build a platform before the release of my first book. (Basically, my publisher told me to get my butt online.) I learned how to gain followers by following and interacting with other bloggers. I found my niche and blogging style by focusing on my interests and passions. I discovered the importance of comments not just hits. It all came down to my level of involvement in the blogging community.

Now less than three years later, I’d have to say I achieved my original goal. Over 1600 people follow my blog. My posts average 155 comments each. And both of my books have achieved Amazon bestseller status in the US and UK.

I’m sure many look at those stats and believe they define my success. But a funny thing happened during the journey. My goals and definition of success evolved beyond mere numbers. I now measure my success by what I can do for others:

The Ninja News provides me a way to call attention to the accomplishments and needs of my fellow bloggers.

I feature guest posts three to four times a month from my blogger buddies.

I participate in and host blogfests.

As an A to Z Challenge co-host, I help organize and promote the event, and I spend the month of April highlighting special blogger friends.

I founded the Insecure Writer’s Support Group, giving writers the opportunity to come together once a month for encouragement and support. The response of gratitude for this group alone has made my blogging journey worthwhile.

Giving back to the blogging community defines victory to me. Your blogging success depends on your objectives, though. Your definition of success will likely change over time and may have little to do with stats. Just be sure your goals are your own. No one else can define success for you.

Supporting, inspiring, and amusing the Ninja Army is my goal – my version of success.

What’s yours?

Alex J. Cavanaugh

http://alexjcavanaugh.blogspot.com/

http://twitter.com/AlexJCavanaugh  

Alex J. Cavanaugh has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree and works in web design and graphics. He is experienced in technical editing and worked with an adult literacy program for several years. A fan of all things science fiction, his interests range from books and movies to music and games. Online he is the Ninja Captain and founder of the Insecure Writer’s Support Group. The author of the Amazon bestsellers, CassaStar and CassaFire, he lives in the Carolinas with his wife.

CassaFire by Alex J Cavanaugh.JPG 381K   View   Share   Download    P.S. Congratulations to Donna Volkenannt, the winner of Sarah's Sundin's With Every Letter! Top right photo credit: Porah Stock Exchange

Brown and Blue

When I was growing up, there were a few things that Mom told my sisters and me not to do.

Like, for instance

No tattling and whining.

No writing on interior trim. I confess to scribbling on my windowsill once. Okay, maybe twice, before I got caught. I remember Mom mumbling something about having plenty of paper around the house. Probably should have told her I wanted to be a writer. Things might have gone easier.

And

We were not EVER to wear articles of brown and blue clothing together. It simply was not done. After all, they did not match and it just didn't look right.

Right?

For years, I was fine with the "No brown and blue" rule. Mom knew best, of course.

Recently though, I've seen brown and blue thrown together. In pillows and draperies and such...

What?

How is this possible? Clearly they missed Mom's memo.

You know what? 

This stigmatized blend, say, on a scarf or framed print, doesn't bother me so much anymore. It's grown on me, particularly when a dusty, light blue is combined with a rich chocolatey brown.

So how does this relate to writing? Unlikely combos provide great writing ideas. Articles, posts, interviews, stories, poetry, lessons - the possibilities are endless.

For instance, why not:

Pen an article about the similarities between skydiving and marketing.

Share a blog post that compares hockey and writing.  

Or discuss blogging and babies. 

Create a character who has traits of Abraham Lincoln and Tom Cruise.

Hey, why not? 

Perhaps it's not brown and blue but apples and oranges that will generate fabulous ideas. Go ahead, let your mind wander. You never know what might come from unlikely blends. And perhaps your mother, like mine, might not mind so much.

Do you like the combination of brown and blue? What improbable pairings give you ideas?

Have a great weekend,

Karen 
 
P.S. Don't Forget

Tomorrow at midnight is the deadline to enter the giveaway for With Every Letter by Sarah Sundin. Monday's post has the interview, my review, and the details. If you missed it, click here.


Photo credit: Stock Exchange
Ben Earwicker
Garrison Photography, Boise, ID
www.garrisonphoto.org