The Writing Life

By Francine Rivers

Potential stories

People often ask me where I get my ideas for a novel. The simple answer is questions. The Masterpiece started in this way: Can two dysfunctional people who suffered traumatic childhood experiences find wholeness together? Where was God when the abuse was going on? Though it is understandable how a victim of abuse might blame and therefore reject God, what if that mind-set never changes? Do damaged souls get a pass into heaven?

Questions center my attention. Often, newspaper articles, conversations with friends and strangers, songs on the radio, even a billboard can give me insight or information. Hence, I carry a notebook and pens in my purse. I’m prepared to take notes anytime, anywhere. I have a flashlight on my bedside table! Some of the best ideas come as I’m falling asleep. I’ve made the mistake of thinking I’d remember a nugget of gold in the morning. Nope. Now, I write down those ideas when I receive them. Even at three in the morning!

Preparation for writing

I start with Bible study. Jesus said, “Ask and you shall receive.” So, I ask Him to teach me and show me what He wants me to know. I am hunting for God’s perspective. No matter how many times I read the Bible, it’s new every time. Scriptures and historical details about people’s lives have different meaning and depth when I go into the Word of God looking for answers to specific questions. I may not understand why a particular Scripture stands out, but I know it is applicable in some way and write it in a spiral notebook.

Research is a big part of writing. Digging for information takes time and effort. Learning new things is fascinating. I gather a mountain of material, but only use what is necessary in bringing the characters and story to life.

Priorities

God first, family second, work third. Sounds simple, but keeping priorities isn’t easy, especially when characters become “real” people and I care about what is happening or going to happen to them. When writing flows, the last thing I want to do is shut off the computer and walk away. But I do. Why? Because I’ve learned when I keep God first, family second, I always have the time I need to finish the work.

Pushing through to the end

I set a goal: four pages a day, five days a week. I start each day by tweaking the previous day’s work. This helps me step back into the story and keep it moving forward. When I finish a draft, I do a “hard edit.” I’ve tossed manuscripts and started over. Writing is frustrating at times, but none of the work is pointless if it helps find the real story God wants me to write.

Every writer has a unique process. This is the imperfect way that works for me. You’ll find one that works perfectly for you.

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New York Times bestselling author Francine Rivers has published numerous novels—all bestsellers—and she has continued to win both industry acclaim and reader loyalty around the globe. Her Christian novels have been awarded or nominated for many honors and in 1997, after winning her third RITA Award for inspirational fiction, Francine was inducted into the Romance Writers of America Hall of Fame. In 2015, she received the Lifetime Achievement Award from American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW). Francine’s novels have been translated into over 30 different languages, and she enjoys bestseller status in many foreign countries. She and her husband, Rick, enjoy spending time with their children and grandchildren. Francine Author Image: Photo Credit: ©Elaina Burdo The Masterpiece Cover Image  Media Center Link-The Masterpiece  Francine’s Website  Francine’s Blog  Francine’s Facebook Page Francine Rivers latest book, The Masterpiece ISBN: 978-1-4964-0790-0 released on February 6, 2018

Hardly working?

by Chris Pepple

As a published author, I am often amused by what some people think of the life of a writer. The funniest comment I remember came a few months ago when someone said, “I wish I had a talent that allowed me to have a job that I didn’t have to work hard at. I envy authors, musicians and painters.” This person assumed that because I had honed my talents as a writer, my career was now like a day in the park…no hard work involved. Same goes for anyone with creativity involved in their careers. It can look to others as if we sit back and let the creative juices flow, then let the world snap up our masterpieces. 

I guess my career is like a day in the park…a day camping in a National Park maybe. To make the trip successful for my family, I have to do a lot of work. I research parks before we ever leave home. Then I print maps with detailed directions. I save money for expenses, plan meals and set aside funds for souvenirs. Only then can I begin the hours of packing. Finally, I load the car and add plenty of books and games for the journey. Once we arrive, I unload, set up the tent and begin to prepare meals. Finally, I snap a few pictures to load on Facebook to let the world see what a glorious trip we enjoyed. 

That’s how I see my time as a lifelong writer. I planned for this journey before I had books in print. To hone my skills, I spent hours with a pencil and paper trying my hand at biographies, novels, short stories and poetry--searching for my style and my voice. I entered writing contests and valued feedback from writers and editors. (Dedication to my career as a writer means still seeking feedback along this journey.) I have packed my “travel bags” with contest entry forms, writers’ conference brochures, writing seminars and notes filled with suggestions to sharpen my skills. 

I write, edit, rewrite and even throw away quite a few pages. I research market trends and audience preferences. I check out other books written on my subject or in my same style. What other short story collections are out there? What Bible studies on this topic will I compete with? How are they priced and marketed? 

I finally “set up camp” before my audience, blogging and Tweeting to announce my latest book. I research opportunities to speak about my work, and I e-mail potential book buyers at all hours of the day and night. Only then can I snap my picture with my book cover and put it on an author’s page for friends to see the career I am enjoying. 

I don’t mind that my career looks easy to some people. That means I have written well, stayed true to my voice and provided a quality product for my intended audience. 

Chris Pepple is a freelance writer with three TCPRA awards for outstanding feature articles. Her articles have appeared in The New Social Worker, Tennessee Conservationist and other state and national publications. She has two published books: Look to See Me: A Collection of Reflections (2006) and Reflections on Suffering: Defining Our Crosses and Letting Go of Pain (2012). For more than four years, she served as the writer on staff at Lipscomb University in Nashville, Tenn. She received her Master of Divinity degree from Emory University. Chris is the mother of two daughters who delight her with their own faith, courage and love.