Coming Full Circle

Most of you know Tracy Crump. She writes devotions of hope that heal the heart. Drawing from her work as an intensive care nurse and using storytelling skills honed in writing for anthologies, she brings God’s Word to life in Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness.

Though this is her first book, Tracy is no stranger to devotion writing. Her work has appeared in Guideposts’ books as well as The Upper Room, Light from the Word, and other devotional publications. More than thirty of her short stories have been published, most in Chicken Soup for the Soul® books, and her articles have been featured in many national magazines. She proofreads for Farmers Almanac, is a freelance editor, and presents workshops through Write Life Workshops and at writers conferences across the country. She edits a popular writers newsletter, and her course on writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul is one of Serious Writer’s top sellers.

I wanted to be a nurse from the time I was ten. I graduated with top honors from nursing school and worked five years in ICU. Then I transferred to what I considered a more important career—raising my children. Eventually God led us to home school, and both our sons graduated from home school and went on to college.

One thing I never planned to do was become a writer. But more than a hundred published pieces later, I can testify to the fact that God’s ways are not our ways. Even more surprising, considering my shy nature, was that I began conducting workshops and speaking at writer’s conferences. My passion for the written word led me to help other writers improve their craft. In 2008, I started a newsletter for writers which is still going strong, and my writing partner, Marylane Wade Koch, and I founded Write Life Workshops, where we conduct workshops and webinars. More recently, I began editing, something my husband has tried for a while to convince me to do because he believes it’s one of my gifts.

Prepare to embark on a journey to wholeness.with Tracy Cump's new book. Crafted with unique examples of God's miraculous power and saving grace, Health, Healing, and Wholeness blends Scripture-rich meditations with biblical principles that highlight God's mercy in times of medical need. Moving stories of a mother's sacrifice, children overcoming catastrophic accidents, the beauty of a life well lived, and joy despite traumatic brain injury instill hope.

Whether you are experiencing a medical crisis, walking alongside someone who is, or caring for a loved one, these thirty devotions will bring comfort and peace.

Tracy said, "I like to say we have the best of both worlds where we live here in north Mississippi. Our subdivision is plopped in the middle of the country where we hear cattle lowing in the fields behind our house and barred owls calling at night. We watch foxes and deer cross the road, and two glittering lakes make a great setting for long walks. Yet Memphis with all its big-city advantages is only minutes away.

By the way, “we” includes my husband, Stan, who has managed to tolerate me for more than forty years. We have two wonderful sons, two beautiful daughters-in-law, and four perfect grandchildren (and more on the way). I believe Grandma is the most beautiful word in the English language.

So I guess I have now come full circle, but I love it all! Thank you for visiting with me.

https://www.tracycrump.com/index.html

Hope In the Midst of Illness

 

Tracy Crump

In my friend Johnnie Alexander’s suspense novel, The Mischief Thief, the lead male character tells an amusing story about his collie, Griff, who locked himself in the bathroom. The book was fiction, but I happened to know the story was true. Johnnie’s collie, Griff, did just that!

Whether we write fiction or nonfiction, our work reflects life events.

Shortly after I began writing, a friend encouraged me to submit a story to a Chicken Soup for the Nurse’s Soul book, knowing I had worked as a nurse many years ago. I ended up sending five stories. Two, both true accounts of patients I cared for in intensive care, were published.

Those stories started a string of anthology acceptances about anything from my family and pets to a horse that dunked me in a pond. People wanted to hear about my life—to laugh or cry with me, to know that we are more alike than different.

I also published a number of magazine articles and later moved into writing devotions. Short and tightly focused, these jewels are most effective when they immediately connect with the reader, usually through a personal experience story. Again, stories from my life became the basis for a whole new area of writing. They allowed me to gain the reader’s trust and paved the way to talk about deeper issues. I could then invite the reader to look at Scripture with me and envision God’s unfolding plan together.

After years of writing devotions for a number of different publications, I put together my own book of devotions. And what topic did I choose? One that would resonate with a wide range of readers on multiple levels: hope in the midst of illness. Basing it on my experiences as a nurse, I once again wrote about events from my life with which readers could connect. I had come full circle.

What about you? What experiences can you write about that will make readers say, “Yes, I’ve been there” or “I know how that feels”? Can you incorporate those experiences into your fiction to give it a genuine, true-to-life quality? If you write nonfiction, have you investigated anthology callouts for topics you might be able to write about? What about devotions? I recommend writing for several devotional publications to get a feel for different formats before attempting your own book. That way, you can better determine what style works best for you.

A friend once said, “Our lives are not one long memoir but thousands of little stories lived out every day.” Write about those stories, and let the circle of life draw readers in.

Visit Tracy :https://www.tracycrump.com/

 

Former ICU nurse Tracy Crump dispenses hope in her new book, Health, Healing, and Wholeness: Devotions of Hope in the Midst of Illness (CrossLink Publishing). Her writing has appeared in diverse publications, including Woman’s World, Focus on the Family, Upper Room, and Guideposts books. Best known for publishing 22 stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul books, her course on writing for the series is one of Serious Writer’s best sellers, and her popular newsletter, The Write Life, includes story callouts. Tracy co-directs Write Life Workshops, speaks at conferences, proofreads for Farmers’ Almanac, and edits for private clients. But her most important job is grandma to four completely unspoiled grandchildren. Connect with Tracy through https://linktr.ee/TracyCrump. You can find her book at https://tinyurl.com/y37mcflo.

Divine Appointments

By Tracy Crump

One year, when I served on the faculty at a writers conference, an author named Sharon Muse sat at my table for a one-on-one appointment and told me a fantastic tale. As a young lawyer, she’d been abducted by a former client who took her to a remote spot where he planned to rape and kill her. God supernaturally intervened and rescued her.

After he was arrested, Sharon began a seven-year battle against the justice system to get the man put away for life, terrified every day that he would return and kill her as he’d promised. Afraid to even walk down the street, she finally decided she’d had enough. She would kill him before he could kill her. God again intervened and allowed her to forgive.

Two movie companies had already contacted Sharon about telling her story, but she wanted to get the 300-page book she’d written on her experience published first. She asked me what to do next. Nonfiction is my forte, but I’d never published a book. What could I offer her? I gave her what advice I could and pointed her toward others who might be able to help.

When I returned home from the conference, I couldn’t get Sharon’s story off my mind and emailed her with more suggestions. That conversation bloomed into a relationship in which I now think of her as my third daughter-in-law. Through other God-arranged connections, I put her in contact with the country’s top-selling agent, and he took her on as a client. Her book, Kidnapped by a Client, releases this fall.

Sharon and I have talked about the events that brought us together. Or rather the many reasons we shouldn’t have met but did. We can see that God orchestrated our appointment from moment one. But what if she hadn’t sat at my table?

I’ve often mourned the fact that so few writers take advantage of conference appointments with agents and editors. It’s disheartening to see these professionals with so much to offer sitting at empty tables while writers avoid them because they feel intimidated.

Don’t miss an opportunity to speak to the very experts who can help you on your writing journey. If their appointment calendars are full, sit with them at lunch or catch them in the halls. They’ve attended the conference to help writers like you. Don’t let fear or uncertainty stonewall you. And don’t forget the little people like me, writers and mentors who may also have something to offer.

You never know when God is setting a divine appointment.

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Tracy Crump’s devotions and articles have appeared in numerous publications, but she is best known for more than two dozen stories in Chicken Soup for the Soul® and other anthologies. Her course, “How to Write for Chicken Soup for the Soul” is one of Serious Writer Academy’s top sellers, and she teaches workshops and webinars on writing for the series. She speaks at writers conferences, edits a popular newsletter, The Write Life, and has served as registrar for the Mid-South Christian Writers Conference. Visit Tracy at www.TracyCrump.com or www.WriteLifeWorkshops.com. Sharon Muse’s book is set to release November 12, 2019 and is available for preorder now on Amazon.  

Southern Writers Magazine Supports an Authors Event

By Steve Bradshaw, Specialty Writer for Southern Writers Magazine and Author of The Bell Trilogy books 

You are invited to a Southern Writers Magazine event: 12 SOUTHERN AUTHORS AT COLLIERVILLE BURCH LIBRARY SEPTEMBER 14, 2:00-4:00 pm in Collierville, TN

The Collierville Burch Library is pleased to welcome twelve published southern authors to the SOUTHERN AUTHOR EVENT on Saturday, September 14, 2019 from 2:00 to 4:00 pm.

International Thriller author, Steve Bradshaw worked closely with the Collierville Library staff in assembling a gifted group of southern authors to present their latest book releases and to meet the public.

“We wanted to have authors representing each of the most popular genres at this event,” Steve said. “Our authors write historical crime fiction, cozy mysteries, Christian mysteries, Romance, Young Adult, Christian non-fiction, Memoir, Short Stories, and Children books.”

“Attractive promotional elements and fun for the attendees were the keys to organizing an author event supported by SOUTHERN WRITERS MAGAZINE,” said Editor and Chief Susan Reichert. There will be 50 new releases given away on September 14, each signed and personalized for the lucky winners. All you need to do is stop by the Collierville Library before September 14 and drop you name in the registration box. The drawing on September 14 will decide the winners. You must be present to win. The library marketing manager Linda Brown said, “I want everyone to have a good chance at winning a great novel at our library. Although their supplies will be limited, we are pleased the authors will bring more of their books for purchase.”

The SOUTHERN AUTHOR EVENT will debut two nine-year-old writers with their first books. Come by and meet these wonderful young writers and talk to an author in your favorite genre.

Participating Authors include: Nick Nixon, Deborah Sprinkle, Michael Hicks Thompson, Tracy Crump, Jean Brunson, Sharilyn Hunt, Sandra Wright, Rene Dick, Patricia Bradley, and Steve Bradshaw  

Focus

By Tracy Crump

Chicken Soup for the Soul® is looking for what I call “snapshot stories.” These true, inspirational vignettes have a definite beginning, middle, and end, telling a complete story in one snapshot of under 1200 words. Moreover, each story must be tightly focused on the theme of the title in which it appears. In my years of teaching workshops on writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul, I’ve reviewed a variety of stories and found that many writers find this a difficult task.

Below are four tips that help me focus my work.

• Read Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Study the stories and see how other authors wrote stories that held to the theme of the book. You will hold in your hand a guide to what the editors consider a focused story. Be sure to read books published since 2008 when Chicken Soup for the Soul changed hands.
• Read and reread the story callout or online description. And then read it again. I usually go back to the description multiple times while writing. The editors lay out clues about what they’re looking for in the callouts. Themes they’ve covered more than once (such as dog, cat, or Christmas books) will each have a little different slant. Watch for the nuances. What I Learned from the Dog and My Very Good, Very Bad Dog suggest varying ideas on the same subject.
• Keep suggested topics in mind but don’t be shackled by them. The lists of possible topics included in callouts often help me hone in on a story idea. But I have also gone my own route and come up with stories that are outside the list but still centered on the book’s theme. Don’t be afraid to try something different but keep the book’s premise foremost in mind.
• Cut anything that doesn’t stick to the theme. Once you finish the first draft of your story, go back and ruthlessly edit. The now-famous story I tell in my workshops is of a friend who asked me to look over her Chicken Soup story on the eve of the deadline. I had no time to be diplomatic, so I slashed a good third of the story that didn’t stick to the book’s theme. She rewrote and submitted it. Not only was that story accepted, but a year later, she reworked the part she cut and submitted it for a different title. That story was also published. Her experience illustrates how important it is to stick to the theme of the book.

Chicken Soup for the Soul is a fantastic market for beginning and experienced writers alike. One of the top-paying anthologies, they’ve been around for an incredible twenty-five years. Focus on writing a story that narrows in on the theme of their next book, and we may well be reading your snapshot story in 2019.

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Tracy Crump has published two dozen stories in anthologies, including nineteen in Chicken Soup for the Soul. As co-director of Write Life Workshops, she has conducted workshops and webinars on writing for the series for ten years, and her “How to Write for Chicken Soup for the Soul” course is one of Serious Writer Academy’s top sellers. Tracy’s articles and devotionals have appeared in national publications, and she edits The Write Life, a popular writers newsletter that includes story callouts. She is a freelance editor and proofreader for Farmer’s Almanac and is represented by Bethany Morehead of Cyle Young Literary Elite. Visit Tracy at TracyCrump.com or WriteLifeWorkshops.com. This is the link for the SWA course in case it doesn’t show up: https://www.seriouswriteracademy.com/tracy-crump/

Dissecting a Chicken (Soup Story)

By Tracy Crump

Chicken Soup for the Soul has been around an incredible 24 years and is considered the best-selling trade paperback series in publishing history. Its longevity is due in part to the diverse writers who contribute to its varied titles.

How could you become one of those writers? Try dissecting this chicken and see what makes it tick.

Head

Most writers know the head—I mean opening—must hook the reader. But you can find many ways to effectively kick off a Chicken Soup story.

·       Dialogue always adds interest and catches your reader’s attention, but since characters have not been introduced yet, it can cause confusion. If you use this method, be sure it’s clear who is speaking. Few Chicken Soup stories begin with dialogue.

·       Setting can ground the reader in time and place, but it can be boring if you’re not careful. Hold to the maxim that it’s taboo to open with a weather report. Give just enough detail that readers picture the scene.

·       Shocking statements grab a reader’s attention and make him want to read on. Just be sure the statement is relevant and stay true to your story.

·       A question can draw readers in. But be sure that if you ask a question at the beginning, you answer it by the end.

Tail

The closing of a Chicken Soup story is almost as important as the opening. You must resolve any conflicts, answer any questions, and bring it to a satisfying conclusion—without belaboring the point. As my friend Marylane says, “Tie it up with a bow. Your story is your gift to the reader.”

·      

Tie the closing to the title, the opening, or a turning point in the story to bring your tale full circle.

·       End with a lesson learned. Most Chicken Soup stories include the takeaway in the closing.

·       Conclude with a repeated line or twist on a repeated line used throughout to connect the end to the rest of the story.

·       If the story is humorous, or sometimes even if it isn’t, close with a punch line to leave the reader happy.

Body

Finally, you need something to hold this chicken’s head and tail together. The middle or “guts” of the story must provide a conflict or struggle for the main character (which is probably you) to overcome. It draws the reader along keeping her wondering what is going to happen and how the protagonist will triumph.

Now that you’ve successfully dissected a Chicken Soup story, you can construct one of your own and send it flying (I mean submit it) to Chicken Soup for the Soul.

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As co-director of Write Life Workshops, Tracy Crump conducts workshops and webinars that encourage others to “Write Better, Write Now!” Storytelling is her specialty, as evidenced by two dozen stories published in anthologies, including nineteen in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She edits The Write Life, a free e-newsletter with story callouts, that has inspired many writers to move forward with their writing. Her love of teaching also takes her to conferences where she helps writers hone their craft. Tracy’s numerous articles have appeared in national magazines such as Focus on the Family, ParentLife, Mature Living, and Light & Life. She has been a magazine columnist, written for newspapers, and published around fifty devotionals. Recently she has taken her “Stirring the Pot: Writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul” workshop on the road and is loving it. Website: www.TracyCrump.com  FB Profile: https://www.facebook.com/TracyKirkCrump

FB Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorTracyCrump/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/TracyCrumpWrite

The Benefits of a Writers Conference

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

If you don’t attend writer conferences you should definitely consider it. I recently attended and participated in a Writers Conference and Retreat sponsored by the Bartlett, TN Christian Writers Group and President Londa Hayden, The Writers Anointing, Date,Pray, Wait, and her latest children’s book Candy Moon. All of Londa’s books are available on Amazon. Londa is one of the most energetic people I have ever met. She has been successful in her career as a writer and in turn shares with others what she has done to become successful. I believe Londa took the words of Kevin Spacey to heart.

“If you're lucky enough to do well, it's your responsibility to send the elevator back down.” - Kevin Spacey

Londa had recently completed her children’s book Candy Moon with the final illustrations being completed by Illustrator Nick Nixon. Nick took us through the process of the coordination of author illustrator when completing the illustrations for the book. We got to see firsthand the beginning to finish product prior to publication. It looked fantastic and I can’t wait for my copy.

Tracy Crump, The Write Life Workshops, Chicken Soup for the Soul Workshops and author of numerous short stories and articles, including articles for Southern Writers Magazine, spoke on the challenge of finding an agent and publisher. Tracy always does a great job and is very detailed with her presentation. Many writers, including myself, have taken away information and made it a permanent part of their process. I can highly recommend Tracy and should you ever have the opportunity to hear her be sure to do so.

Gary Fearon, writer, songwriter, artist and Creative Director for Southern Writers Magazine, spoke on book covers. Gary creates the covers of Southern Writers Magazine and deals with many of the book covers our 700 plus authors have published. Gary was able to show us the amazing things that take place in the creation of book covers. Each cover design is vital in your books competition with over 1million books that are published each year. Gary let us know books are judged and bought by their covers.  

I spoke about the business side of publishing which pointed to the author turning over their “baby” to the professionals that package your book for marketing. I used several examples of the famous and yet to be famous authors and their journey to the final product. It can be painful at times but in the end people like Nick, Tracy and Gary make us all look better when the final touch is put on the product. The above picture shows from the left to right: Nick Nixon, Tracy Crump, me and Gary Fearon. 

Being able to hear professionals with the credentials of Londa, Nick, Tracy and Gary is priceless for writers. The Q&A opportunity for those in attendance gave each attendee a chance for their particular question/concern to be answered. All in all the knowledge shared will be beneficial in the writing, publishing, illustrating and graphics of each writer’s project. Again if you have yet to attend a Writer’s Conference reconsider and do so. It could be a great benefit to your writing career. 

Snapshots for Chicken Soup for the Soul

Today, our Editor-in-Chief, Susan Reichert, is taking a much deserved break from blogging to bring you the sage advice of Tracy Crump of Write Life Workshops. Tracy is a multi-published Chicken Soup for the Soul author and offers us her tricks and tips to find our bylines in their books. Please give a warm Southern welcome to Tracy!


by Tracy Crump

We often think of our lives as one long autobiography when really they are made up of thousands of little stories woven together. Those “snapshot stories” are what Chicken Soup for the Soul looks for in submissions. But how can we present a picture from our lives that will appeal to this popular series?

Scope Out the Landscape

Years ago, Chicken Soup editors allowed writers to submit stories under a catchall title of “Other Stories.” No longer. Today Chicken Soup’s web site lists only their upcoming book topics, usually six to ten specific titles. Each listing includes a blurb about the proposed book. Right there in a nutshell, the editors are telling writers what they want. Write your story geared to their needs.

I always recommend reading Chicken Soup books or any other publication you wish to write for. You will find no better way to learn a publication’s tone, slant and preferences than reading what they’ve already published. I’m often surprised by the variety of stories I find in a Chicken Soup book, stories I never would have thought of submitting to that particular title. They spark memories of incidents I could write about and embolden me to take a chance on an unconventional idea.

Set Up Your Camera

Chicken Soup guidelines say they want stories about “ordinary people doing extraordinary things.” That sounds daunting, but it doesn’t mean they expect heroic deeds. Look for stories in everyday events and show how that event had an impact on your life, changed your perspective or touched you in some meaningful way. Tell a story that will make a connection with the reader.

Be sure to focus on a narrow topic—a moment, event or relationship that you can cover in 1200 words or fewer. Hone in on the important details. Remember, this is not your memoir. It’s a short story.

Snap the Picture

Tell your story in an engaging manner. Use strong nouns and verbs and let the reader “see” the action as it unfolds. Be sure to include all the elements of good storytelling: action, dialogue, conflict and resolution.

Chicken Soup says they want stories that will make the reader “cry, laugh or get goose bumps.” They want them filled with “emotion and drama.” Above all, they must have takeaway value, something the reader takes away from the story that touches his or her life. A good Chicken Soup story has to have a point.

Just like that shoebox of old pictures stored in the top of the closet, your life is full of interesting snapshot stories that you can pull out and show to readers. And that is just what Chicken Soup is waiting for.

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Tracy Crump has published in a variety of magazines such as Focus on the Family, ParentLife, Light & Life, Journey and CBN.com. Ten of her stories have appeared in Chicken Soup for the Soul. She is a frequent speaker at writers conferences and produces a free e-newsletter called The Write Life. Tracy’s latest venture is to join with Write Life Workshops partner Marylane Wade Koch to produce webinars. Their next webinar, “Stirring the Pot: Writing for Chicken Soup for the Soul,” is scheduled for November 11, 2011. 

Connect with Tracy online at her website, on Facebook, Twitter and at Write Life Workshops.