Guest blogger: Amber Schamel

Paint a Picture

By Amber Schamel

As writers, we've heard the term "show don't tell" until our face turns green at the very mention of the phrase. We work so hard to show our readers the story, draw them into the plot and the setting, give them a read they will never forget. We want them to see the story playing out in their mind so vividly, that they forget if they saw the story as a movie or read the book. This is what it takes to be successful, right?

As Christian authors, this aspect of storytelling is even more important. Our books are more than entertainment, they carry a message. Messages of hope, redemption, and love. Stories touch a place in a person' s heart and mind that lectures, sermons and expositions cannot. A person may sit in a pew all their life and still not understand the sacrifice that Jesus made for them...but then they read a story and it suddenly comes alive.

Francine Rivers' book The Last Sin Eater is one of those memorable pictures. Cadi is a young girl who carries the guilt of her little sister's death. She has been taught all her life that there is no forgiveness for sins until after you have passed on. She lives with her guilt and misery, until a missionary comes to her mountain to bring the Gospel. Cadi and the other immigrants come to see that they've all been deceived, especially the Sin Eater, who has been living apart from all others under the impression that he can take their sins upon himself and save them all from Hell. Through heart-wrenching drama, Rivers' story portrays the stark contrast between man-made redemption and true redemption, as well as the forgiveness and freedom we find in our Savior, in a way that sinks deep into the heart and will not soon be forgotten.

"Show, don't tell" is what we do with Christian fiction. Show the struggle, the need, the pain, and then show the message and the solution.

Ministers can preach about the love of Christ, but as writers, we have the ability – the responsibility—to paint an unforgettable picture.

I have been challenged to take "show, don't tell" to a deeper level. To go write that story. Paint it in vibrant color and detail. For people who have been TOLD all their life, SHOW the reason that Christ is everything to me.

Today, I'm challenging you to do the same. What is the message of your book? How are you showing it through story?

As we chat about this today, I'd like to invite you to celebrate with me! My new book is releasing October 16th, and we're running the Name-A-Character giveaway. Click here or on the logo above to enter to for a chance to pick the name of a main character in Amber's upcoming book The Christmas Pardon. Terms and conditions apply.


Bestselling author Amber Schamel writes riveting stories that bring HIStory to life. She has a passion for history, books and her Savior. This combination results in what her readers call "historical fiction at its finest." A homeschool graduate from a family of 12 children, Amber found her calling early in life. First published at age 21, she has continued to hone her craft. Between ministry, family, and working in their family businesses, Amber loves to connect with readers. Find her on the Stitches Thru Time blog, or on any of the major social media sites. 

12 common mistakes found in fiction manuscripts

What common fiction mistakes are you making? In her recent blog post, "Twelve Common Mistakes Found in Fiction Manuscripts," Marsha Hubler, multi-published author and editor extraordinaire, identifies a dozen no-no's that scream "amateur."  Click on the title to read her post.

Happy writing,
Michele

Make your dialogue really talk

. . .  is the topic of tonight's Christian Writers Guild webinar.

Presented by Dennis E. Hensley
Tuesday, August 12
8:00 to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time

Dialogue has two central functions: to provide vital information and to advance the story’s action. But the way that is conveyed can involve accent, stage direction, timing, word choice, slang, sentence fragments, shoptalk, professional vocabulary, and emotional connotation.

Getting the right blend is the trick, and Doc delivers numerous tips on how to master the art of “talking the talk.” As the author of eight novels, two plays, and more than 150 short stories, Doc draws from his hands-on experience to help you make your dialogue functional, entertaining, and believable.

Dennis E. Hensley, Ph.D., is the author of 54 books, the most recent being Jesus in the 9 to 5. He is director of the professional writing major at Taylor University, and a columnist for Christian Communicator. His 3,000 freelance articles have appeared in Downbeat, Modern Bride, Writer’s Digest, Essence, War Cry, The Writer, People, Vista, Evangel, The Detroit Free Press, and The Indianapolis Star, among many others. He is a judge for the annual Christy Fiction Awards, the Evangelical Press Association Awards, and Operation First Novel contest.

Click here to register.

Coming up later this month:

Your Novel’s First 50 pages (part 2)

Presented by Jeff Gerke
Tuesday, August 19
8:00 to 9:00 p.m., Eastern Time

First impressions are vital. Compelling opening scenes are key to catching an agent or editor’s attention, as well as keeping readers engaged. In this continuation of Jeff’s June 19 webinar, you’ll learn more about:
• how to bring your protagonist onstage the first time
• how (and why) to establish normal for your hero and your story world
• what exactly goes on a great first page
• what makes for a terrific first line

Jeff Gerke is a novelist and book doctor. He worked for a dozen years at various publishers before founding Marcher Lord Press. His books include The Art &Craft of Writing Christian Fiction, Plot Versus Character, and The First 50 Pages.

Click here to register.

SOURCE: Christian Writers Guild Webinars webpage.

Don't believe the Big Lie

A publisher told Sammy Tippet he couldn't write fiction. He took some courses from Christian Writers Guild and proved them wrong. (James Scott Bell calls this "The Big Lie.")

Read Sammy's story here.

Happy writing!
Michele

Writing the Breakout Novel

When I first decided to try my hand at writing a novel, I was at the St. Davids Christian Writers Conference. The year was 2005.* Although writing fiction had been a lifelong dream, I'd been afraid of stepping out of my comfort zone and that I didn't have what it takes (mostly the latter). Well, you don't know unless you try, right? So I asked for recommendations for some good how-to-write-a-novel books. I was at a writers conference--the best place to be to ask and receive good, solid writing advice.

Donald Maass's Writing the Breakout Novel was highly recommended, so as soon as I got home, I ordered it online, along with the accompanying workbook. The person who recommended it to me preferred the workbook, but I read the book first--and loved it. It's one of those books you highlight, underline, scribble in, and use up a whole packet of sticky notes to make it easier to get to the pages that have material you want to remember.

Now, you don't have to purchase and read and pore over and study and memorize every how-to-write book there is. You just have to find one that inspires you and teaches you--one that you absorb like a sponge. How to Write the Breakout Novel promises to help you "take your fiction to the next level." It did for me. Considering I started at level zero--all I had was a desire and an idea. Today I have two completed (not-yet-published) novels, and ideas--solid ideas--for two historical trilogies and a contemporary stand alone. I'll be delving into Maass's book and workbook again.

Maass writes in a straightforward style that gets straight to the point. He uses lots of examples to show you what he means (show-don't-tell), and he challenges you to take these concepts and apply them to your work-in-progress.

The book contains 11 chapters, plus an introduction. He deals with story premise, stakes, time and place, characters, plot, contemporary plot techniques, multiple viewpoints, subplots, pace, voice, endings, advanced plot structures, and theme. The final chapter is appropriately titled, "Breaking Out." Everything you need to know about writing a novel in one, 264-page book.

From the back cover:
Maass details the elements that all breakout novels share--regardless of genre--then shows you writing techniques that can make your books stand out and succeed in a crowded marketplace. You'll learn to:

• establish a powerful and sweeping sense of time and place
• weave subplots into the main action for a complex, engrossing story
• create larger-than-life characters that step right off the page
• explore universal themes that will interest a broad audience of readers
• sustain a high degree of narrative tension from start to finish
• develop an inspired premise that sets your novel apart from the competition

OK, you say, this is all written to get you to buy the book. True, but consider this: my first novel went to committee at four publishing houses--before I'd gotten an agent. And you know how hard it is these days just to get an agent. Sure, I got a lot of "nos"--that's par for the writing course. But for a first novel, it has a good track record. And it opened the door for my second novel: An editor from a major Christian publishing house who liked the first novel is working with me on the second.

The workbook is divided into three sections: Character Development, Plot Development, and General Story Techniques. Appendix A helps you to outline your novel, and Appendix B is a follow-up work checklist. use the workbook after you've written your first draft. (Read the book before you write the first draft.)

Investing in books to build your professional library is as vital to your writing as watering, feeding, and cultivating your garden. Writing the Breakout Novel and the accompanying workbook are two you definitely want in your library. 


*Click here to find out what else happened at that conference by reading my friend and fellow Novel Bud Melanie's Rigney's blog on her new website. And while you're there, do explore her new site. It's soooo Melanie!