Research

I'm working on the third book in the series. Before I get too far into the process, I've got to make certain that two elements of my story are factual. That will require research on migrant workers and sugar beets production in 1899. I've been told that in the 1930s farmers used a special plow to bring the beets out of the ground, and migrant workers cut off the tops and bottoms as they gathered them from the fields. That tidbit gives me hope that similar procedures existed at the time of my story. One thing I do know--sugar beets, a source of sugar, were grown in the Midwest at the time of my story. I'll also need to make the migrant workers' dialogue sound authentic. The trick is to write a compelling story that doesn't overwhelm the reader with more information than he needs, yet gives enough history to make the story come alive. Contempory novels require research too so writers of all genres do more than put words on the page. But if we're not careful, we can get too caught up in research and never get the book written. As in most things in life, balance is important. I've learned to pray before I sit at the computer, asking God for wisdom and words. He hasn't let me down yet.

Blessings,

Janet

Catching up

A good thing about a big writing related push is I get to let household chores slide. :-) My husband understands, helps out, but even he, a man with a servant's heart, has limits. So today I tackled that teetering basket of ironing, glad to finally get to it. While I pushed that iron around, I called an out-of-town friend who recently had a heart attack. She sounded great, just like always. But she'd had a wake up call. After we hung up, I thought how we never know what tomorrow, or even today, will bring. We want to make our lives count for God's kingdom, for those we love. I'm blessed to have this opportunity to write inspirational novels and hope that what I write will help readers in some way. But one thing I'm certain of--the writing has helped me. The way I have my characters handle their struggles comes from my personal relationship with God. The writing has enriched my life, brought me wonderful friends, and yes, added some pressure, too. But nothing good comes without a price. I'm reading If You Want to Walk on Water, You've Got to Get Out of the Boat by John Ortberg. He reminds me that whatever we attempt when we dream big is a risk. Getting out of that boat, our safe, comfortable spot, takes courage. I'm learning God will give me exactly what I need if I begin. So whatever your dream, pray for guidance and strength, maybe even an idea or two. We're bound to fail, but God will pick us up. I'll spend a couple days catching up with chores and thanking God for His gift--the call to write and sit down once more to do what I must. With His help. One word at a time.

Blessings,
Janet

Finished with my revisions!

Whew, do I feel great! I just finished revising my second book per my editor's suggestions and I'm very pleased. And happy. And thanking God for the peace He gave me during the process. And hoping my editor will like the book as much as I do. Actually I may not be totally done. My critique partner will take a look at the last couple of chapters tomorrow and may have a few suggestions. More like several. :-) Either way, I'll mail the complete to my editor on Monday, meeting my goal.

And then I'll get back to book three that very same day. Poor Fannie and Luke surely must miss me. Since they can't take a step or speak a word without my permission. Oh, the power of a writer. ;-)

Besides finishing my revisions, I have other news. A group of very special writer friends and I have started a new blog. About half of us are published and the other half are very close. When we started chatting none of us had sold. We'll have lots to say about contests and the part they played in helping us reach our goal, along with whatever else is on our minds. If you're a writer looking for information on contests or a reader who enjoys hearing about the ups and downs of fifteen writers' journeys, then stop in at Seekerville.blogspot.com.

Another fun spot to visit later this month is Steeple Hill's Harvest Festival on the Steeple Hill boards October 22-26 where you can chat with wonderful authors, play games, and win great prizes. Go to eharlequin.com Community.

Hope to see you on both sites!

Blessings all!

Janet

Camy Tang on Historical Romances

Even though I write chick lit, I looooooooove reading historical romances. Something about being swept into another time, place, and culture is thrilling and exciting.

Janet, I know your historical romance, Courting Miss Adelaide, releases next year around September, right? Isn’t that a scrumptious title? I can’t wait to read it.

I got my hot little hands on an Advance Reader Copy of The Briton by Catherine Palmer, which is the launch book for the Steeple Hill Love Inspired Historical line. I only read a few pages, but it’s totally awesome.

I have also started reading Just Jane by Nancy Moser, a novel of Jane Austen’s life. So cool! I love Jane Austen. I reread Persuasion every few months.

I think it was Jane Austen who got me hooked on Regency romances. One of my favorite things to do is to go to Salvation Army or Goodwill and browse their books section. I’ve found tons of old Regency romances—Signet, Fawcett, Zebra. All the “sweet” imprints that died a slow, painful death as the sexier historical romances grew more popular. Those sweet Regencies are so satisfying to me. Romance and elegance, all rolled in one!

I like Biblical fiction, too. I really enjoyed Dark Hour by Ginger Garrett. She brought the ancient Israel culture alive for me. So did Randy Ingermanson in Premonition and Retribution.

And did I mention I love PIRATES??? I just finished The Restitution by M.L. Tyndall. That redeemed-bad-boy-hero is swoonworthy!

Aaah, I could talk about historical romances all day. Thanks for letting me indulge here on your blog, Janet!

Camy writes "romance with a kick of wasabi." Don't miss her debut novel, Sushi for One? It's a fabulous, fun romp!

Thanks Camy for stopping by! Janet

ACFW photos

Conference buddies:

Front row: Julie Lessman, Carolyn Slaughter

Back row: Myra Johnson, Mary Connealy, Janet Dean, Debby Giusti, Darlene Buchholz

Mortimer Literary Agency:

Cindy Hickey, Dineen Miller, Kelly Mortimer, Robin Miller, Pam Hillman, Janet Dean

American Christian Fiction Writers conference

I recently returned from Dallas, the site of the 2007 ACFW conference. I had a great time connecting with writer friends, clients of my agency and its owner, Kelly of Mortimer Literary, and Steeple Hill's Love Inspired authors. I attended excellent workshops and inspiring worship sessions with music, testimony and talk by James Scott Bell, our speaker. All the while building my craft and my faith muscles. No one understands a writer like a writer, even a caring husband who valiantly tries not to allow his eyes to glass over while I discuss the ups and downs of being a writer.

We drove to Dallas so I had lots of hours to work on the revisions of my second book. I'm home now, putting the changes suggested by my editor into my computer--rewriting, revising, working to make this book the best it can be. I'm expecting to need another week to get these finished and back in. Two at the most.

The pictures are from the conference.

Janet

Labor Day weekend

Life is often hectic. How fun at the end of summer to have an extra day to play. Hope you had time during the Labor Day weekend to read, work out or do your favorite thing. Maybe like us that's to hang out with family. Our kids and grandchildren joined us for the weekend celebrating birthdays. One of them was mine. The candles on the cake weren't a three-alarm fire. Yet. But life is whizzing by, a wonderful reminder to enjoy those special moments together. So we soaked up rays on the last day at the pool. Rooted for our college football team on the first game of the season. Watched the kiddies eyes light when they leveled a few bowling pins. My husband and I meandered through a crowded Art Fair and searched an antique mall for that perfect find, all my idea of a great time. Now it's time to get back to work on my novel. Refreshed. Ready to play with the people in my head.

Blessings,

Janet