How to Get Started on that New Book: That’s the Hard Part

By B. J. Robinson, Author of the Azalea Plantation Series

But it doesn’t have to be! The first things I do are pray, reflect, and visualize. I have a title and a cover photo before I start. Where do I get ideas? From the news, reading other authors’ books and reviewing them, and using life experiences.

For example, my new release is titled A Southern Spring: A Story from a Backyard Swing. I read a book titled A Southern Season: Stories from a Front Porch Swing that propelled the idea for my latest book. In this way, I am helping fellow authors, and they help me. I left a review for them on Amazon and truly enjoyed each of their stories. Linda W. Yezak's "Ice Melts in Spring," tells the story of a woman who lost her husband when his boat capsized. Eva Marie Everson's "Lillie Beth in Summer" is about a young widow who lost her husband in Vietnam. Eva was my writing mentor, and I have read and reviewed most of her novels. In Claire Fullerton's "Through an Autumn Window," a daughter returns home for her mother's funeral. In Ane Mulligan's "A Magnolia Blooms in Winter, "A young Southern girl returns home from New York City at her mother's request for help with a local church play. Their stories gave me kindling for my own. This is an example of how reading other authors’ work can help you and them at the same time, and to be successful in the writing world, you need to be able to work with other authors.

Many times I get ideas social media or my own life experiences. For the cover of my latest one, I photographed my swing, which has two hearts on the back of it. Everyone says they love the cover. I didn’t have a lot of money to spend on one, so I was able to use my own picture for the cover. I used my own life experience in writing and using my swing as a writing spot. As a Southern girl born and reared in Louisiana, I also used my life experience.

Take a step by snapping pictures you could possibly use as your own cover. Be willing to work with other authors and read and review them. As my mother always said, if you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything. If you go around leaving reviews of ones after all the hard work an author goes through to write a novel, you are only hurting yourself, as my mother might say, “cutting off your nose to spite your face.” The more you read other authors, the more ideas you will gain and reading them will help improve your writing. Be positive and be encouraged that you, too, can hone your skill and craft while helping other authors, and you can write your own novel.

Blessings from a Southern writer,

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Best-Selling, Award-winning, Multi-published Author, B. J.Robinson is mom to a golden retriever and a husky with a husband, five children, thirteen grandchildren, and three great grandchildren, and a love for writing. She has over 33 numerous titles for readers to choose from written in various genres from inspirational, Christian, contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and mystery with each title a new adventure in life’s God-given journey. You’ll also find short stories amongst her work. Won’t you journey with her through life’s obstacles and enjoy characters you’ll root for as they fight tough decisions in everyday life. Social Media links: https://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com

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How I Plan my Books

By B. J. Robinson

Different techniques may be used since what works for one writer may not work for another. Some authors outline every book, but I don’t because I enjoy letting my character-driven novels take me on a surprise adventure as I hope my readers will.

Technique One:  Historical Romance novels: More time is necessary to develop these as they require research, notes, and much more detail. I write a short blurb, complete my research, and use a whiteboard. You can either outline or use a whiteboard and sticky notes to complete ideas for each chapter. Since I have always literally hated outlining, I use a whiteboard and write a longer blurb to help me get started. I also make notes and use the board for them. You can plan out each chapter this way.

Technique Two:  Fiction Novels not Historical:  Begin by planning characters’ names and descriptions, the setting, conflict, inciting incident, climax, and resolution. Think beginning, middle, and end. Capture reader interest with an inciting incident. This is an incident that makes your hero, heroine, or both take action. It kicks off the story. Write a blurb. I use this method to get started no matter the type of novel, even with the historical ones, but I complete research and make notes with those. I go from chapter to chapter and write by the seat of my pants with the others. This makes writing more fun for me as I let my characters guide me chapter by chapter. At times, things change. Endings might change, or other characters may become involved within the novel, secondary characters. I don’t plan those. They show up as needed. This method works well for me. If you need to plan more and have chapter-by-chapter outlines, you can either use one sentence per chapter for the topic of that chapter or use one paragraph for a more detailed outline.

I enjoy writing by the seat of my pants and have fun with each chapter I write. You may need to try several methods to see which one works best for you. Below is an example of planning for my Christmas novel.

In my book, When the Snow Comes, the last thing Amber desires is to return to the town she left, but she has no choice. Away at college, a broken engagement, broken heart, and broken spirit, has left her hurting, scared, and scarred. Yet, her dream home beckons her back to small-town life that won’t let her forget the man who broke her heart.

Her favorite aunt left her the old Victorian on Wears Valley Road in Tennessee. It’s the home she’s always coveted since childhood and so many wonderful, cherished memories are entrenched in her heart and mind.

Adam can’t deny the attraction, or pull between them, but the last thing he needs is to get involved with Amber again. He thought he knew what she wanted from life, but she left him and the home they both loved for a career dream and college. He’s vowed he’ll never leave Wears Valley. It’s his home and in his blood. No way will he follow the beautiful ash blonde who broke his heart. If Tennessee and its small-town, traditional values aren’t good enough for her, she’s the wrong woman for him.

Fall is ending and Christmas is coming. He was hired by the estate administrators to put a fresh coat of paint on the old home to spruce it up for the holidays and Amber’s return. Since his broken engagement, Christmas is viewed as just another day to him.

Can their hearts and views be transformed by the spirit of the season? Main Street will be adorned with festive lights, Christmas songs, and holiday cheer. Their wedding was to be on Christmas Day. When the snow comes, will the season melt their hearts?

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B. J. Robinson writes inspirational fiction from Florida, where she lives with her husband, a shelter cat named Frankie, a golden cocker spaniel named Sunflower, and a golden retriever named Honi. Her children are grown and have made her a grandmother twelve times. She promises to take her readers on a continuous journey to another world. B. J. has been a member of American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). She believes belonging to a good critique group and reading books by other writers is the best way to hone your skill and craft.  Follow me on Twitter:  https://twitter.com/BJRobinson6 Facebook Author Pages:  https://www.facebook.com/Author-BJ-Robinson-600635176683799/

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Writing in a Variety of Genres Provides Readers Choices

By B. J. Robinson

Branding is wonderful because a reader knows certain authors who write a particular genre, but some indie authors offer a variety of choices for their readers. How? I write in various genres for that purpose, but I only write in genres I love to read.

Readers make better writers, so if you’re considering branching into other areas, be sure to use the areas you read. For example, I write historical fiction because I love to read it. I’m also a fan of romantic suspense and pen books in that area. Sometimes, we’re all in the mood for a shorter piece. I love long books at times, but there are those times when a short read is perfect for the occasion.

The first step is deciding which genres you enjoy reading the most and read books in those areas. Next, write the best story you can and pull your reader in with a hook. Give your readers something different by providing a unique read based on experiences you’ve had in real life.

People can experience the same thing, but come away with a different perspective. Your view is what will make your writing unique. Write from the heart. If you don’t feel passion and emotion for your work, neither will the reader.

I picked up a book by an author and loved the story though there were typos. It was my first time reading this author. Of course the best thing is a book without them that has a great story, but how many times have you selected one that was about as perfect as a book can get as far as punctuation, capitalization, and grammar only to discover the book doesn’t hold you by the seat of your pants and demand you finish it? There’s something missing. It doesn’t draw you into it with a pull you can’t resist.

Well, I don’t know about you, but I’d rather a great story that keeps my attention even if the book has a few mistakes instead of one that the best I would be able to say about it is, someone knows how to use conventions.  Now, I’m not talking about poorly constructed books full of mistakes, but ones that have a few, but the story flows, is unique, and keeps me reading. I made up my mind the day I read this book that the woman could write. She could tell a story. That’s what mattered to me. I will watch for her sequel and snap it right up, typos or not because her writing is unique and provides a story that takes me to another world. She draws me in hook, line, and sinker, and I want to be sunk in the book I’m reading. This reader also publishes different genres and from what I saw, I’ll want to read only one type of her work.

Writing in various genres provides me with the enjoyment of creating different worlds and a variety of books, and it provides my readers with more of a selection. You may like one type I write, for instance, but not another genre. Some of my readers devour every book I write. Others pick and choose because they have reader choice. If I wrote in only one genre, I would miss those readers, and they would miss some good books. Write the best book you can, stick to the conventions, and edit or have your book edited. Give indie authors a chance. They improve with time like anyone does with experience.

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B. J. Robinson loves reading and writing Civil War era historical romance as well as various other genres to provide choice for her readers. You’ll find romantic suspense, sweet contemporary romance, mystery, short stories, novellas, and full-length novels from which to choose when you check out her Amazon page. She’s an Amazon best-selling author of over twenty books. Blessed with children, grandchildren, and pets, she pens her fiction from Florida where she lives with her husband and pets. Visit her on social media at: https://twitter.com/BJRobinson6  https://www.facebook.com/BJRobinsonHistoricalRomance,

http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com, or at https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBJRobinson

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Writing a Civil War Novel?

By B. J. Robinson

Gone with the Wind by Margaret Mitchell stole my heart years ago.

I've always loved reading Civil War novels and touring antebellum plantations, so I decided to put these two loves to use in my latest novels, River Oaks Plantation and Romance under the Oaks. 

My first order of business involved research using the Internet, reading books on the Civil War, reading novels set during the era, attending a Civil-War reenactment, and putting to use the knowledge acquired through touring plantation homes in Louisiana. Items that must be researched not only include details of the war, but also the way the ladies dressed during the antebellum days, usually underneath seven layers of clothing, food during the era, hairstyles, and various other items to add realistic detail. Questions you might want to ask could include the following among others.

What caused the Civil War?

What slave names were used?

How can you describe a plantation so a reader can visualize it without using so many details it becomes boring?

What were some of the outbuildings and their use?

What important battles were fought in the locale of your novel?

When were the major battles fought that apply to the setting of your novel?

What important events took place?

How can I make my Civil War novel stand out as different among so many others?

What were the soldiers' uniforms like on both sides?

What was life like for those at home who were left behind when husbands and sons went to battle?

What was life like for soldiers on both sides?

How did the Civil War affect the state where your novel is set?

What literature was available during the time period and locale?

Don't skimp on small details that will make your novel authentic, but don't overdo them and use them as an information dump. Instead, sprinkle them in when it would make sense and show them in use as you show action within the novel. Use who, what, when, where, and how questions as well as what if when developing your novel. Be sure to use a correct timeline for the events and battles in your area.

A few facts I discovered during research that may be used no matter the locale of the novel include:

Soldiers used hardtack, a hard type of cracker or biscuit made from flour, water, and salt when salt was available. They needed food that would last a long time and would not perish.

Rag dolls or cornhusk dolls were given for Christmas. A little girl who received a rag doll during the Civil War was considered to have received a luxury gift, since not many were given because the rags were needed for the wounded.

Union soldiers carried hub wafers in their haversacks. They are today's Necco Wafers and were also used by soldiers during WWII.

Borden sweet condensed canned milk.

Corn meal with water and a pinch of salt made hoecakes for the South.

Sandalwood fans were used by the ladies who wore seven layers of clothing. They had dresses called day dresses or work dresses for use around the house and saved their elegant ball gowns for socials.

Beans were available, and if you lived in the New Orleans area, Mondays were red beans and rice day because women did the washing on Monday and a pot of beans could simmer on low for hours.

These are the type of small details that can make your novel realistic, so sprinkle them throughout your novel. You can make use of the Internet to discover others as I discovered these. Also Civil War reenactments show the type of clothing worn, soldiers' uniforms, and food used during the Civil War era.

Romance and love are still blowing in the wind and there’s still romance under the oaks though plantation life as planters knew it during the Civil War era is a thing of the past.

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B. J. Robinson is a multi-published, award-winning author who writes inspirational romantic suspense and historical fiction from Florida, where she lives with her husband and pets. River Oaks Plantation, her first full-length indie, won an Indie Award and was a top three finalist in the Grace Awards for 2013 in the historical romance category. She won an award through the Florida Writers Association, first prize in fiction-writing competition at Southeastern Louisiana University for a short story that was published in their literary magazine, Gambit. Her short story ran on the front page of a local newspaper three weeks as a serial. Magnolia: A Wilting Flower is an autobiographical novel which won first-runner up in Florida Writers Association (FWA) 2002 Royal Palm Award and took home a trophy. Southern Superstitions was developed from her first-prize-winning short story published in Southeastern Louisiana University's literary magazine, Gambit. She later developed it into a full-length romantic suspense novel set in Louisiana, Southern Superstitions. Calm Before the Storm was her first indie book published on the Amazon Kindle, and it won an indie award. She is an avid reader and passionate writer of women's fiction, romantic suspense, or historical fiction set in the Civil War and antebellum period. She has recently published her second Civil War novel set in Louisiana, Romance under the Oaks. Visit with the author at her Facebook Author Page and follow for updates. https://www.facebook.com/AuthorBJRobinson

Inspired by Locale, History, & Antebellum Plantation Homes

By B. J. Robinson 

What inspires your muse? As a lover of the outdoors and nature, I’m often inspired by spending time outside, especially around water such as lakes, rivers, or the ocean. Lately, I’ve found myself inspired by history of the antebellum era and touring old plantation homes. This is how I came to write my two latest novels River Oaks Plantation and Romance under the Oaks. Taking tours seeped in history allowed my mind to wander and wonder. Two novels were the result.

I’m also a product of the South complete with an accent that announces it, so locale plays an important part. If it’s about the South, I’ll be inspired. Due to this, other writers such as Eva Marie Everson inspire my muse. I loved her novel Unconditional and think it’s her best yet, though I also enjoyed her Cedar Key Series and Things Left Unspoken. If you’re stuck, read other authors in your genre or who write and set their books in a locale that inspires your muse.

As a teen, I loved Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and always wanted to write a novel set on a plantation. There is something about the old homes beneath the live oaks and Spanish moss that stir me with romance of the past. I can’t help but imagine what life must have been like for young couples living during the antebellum era, ones who had to endure the Civil War. From the depths of my mind and history, I create characters that will transport you to another era.

One thing I am thankful for is that we don’t have to wear the yards of material and layers women did in those days. Gardening had to be an art. The South is too hot and humid to wear layers of clothing while gardening. I love the outdoors and working in my flowers, but I don’t know how much I would have enjoyed it back in the day.

My novels are character driven, and I’m a morning writer. I’ve always felt I did my best writing then. Once I get into a novel, the characters tell their story. In the wee hours of morning, I’m perking with the coffee.

In my latest novel, Romance under the Oaks, Celina loves the city of New Orleans, and Jacques loves the bayou country and quiet plantation life. Their differences and secrets could drive them apart. Celina hides something in the wall of the plantation and never tells Jacques about it. He keeps something from her even while he romances her under the oaks. Can their love survive differences and secrets? This family saga set on a planation fifty miles from New Orleans is more than a love story. It’s rich in New Orleans history. Learning inspired my muse as I researched and discovered things I never knew, though I was born in New Orleans.

So, what inspires my muse? Outdoors, nature, oak trees, Spanish moss, the antebellum era, old New Orleans, plantation homes, history, research, and learning, and reading other authors all enhance my creative mind and inspire me to create other worlds through characters who lived in the past and tell their own stories.

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B. J. Robinson is a multi-published, prize-winning author of Christian romantic suspense and historical romance.  River Oaks Plantation is a finalist in the Grace Awards.  She writes from Florida, blessed with her husband, children, grandchildren, pets, and faith. When she’s not writing, she’s reading and reviewing books. Visit her at http://barbarajrobinson.blogspot.com.

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