Which Craft?

By John J. Zelenski 

It seems obvious that the word “craft” can be associated with various meanings when applied within different contexts. To some, the term craft could be identified with beer or micro brewing. To others, perhaps crocheting, flower arrangement, or a trip to the local hobby store comes to mind?  Conceivably to a few, a large ship or vessel, either from space (we’ll leave those folks alone) or crashing through the ocean’s mighty billows, will register within the brain.  And yet to others, a delicious ham sandwich smothered in…oh wait, not that kind of craft!

What may not be as obvious to some is how the word craft is applied within our chosen passion – writing!  I believe a rough definition of how the term can relate to writers might be conveyed as:

“The art form or profession of manipulating words into mental pictures that requires above average skill.”

We as writers are gifted with the endeavor of taking a canvas (paper) and painting (with words) scenes, dialogue, and interactions that should leave the viewer (reader) feeling that they are smack dab in the middle of our romantic, beautiful, historic, mysterious, horrific, adventures.  This sounds easy on the surface, but to accomplish the task, the writer needs to be a master of his crafts. 

To me, the art of writing is made up of several different sub-crafts that must come together as one to produce a final masterpiece.  I believe every writer has their own special insight when it comes to their field of expertise.  Since I write primarily in the supernatural/paranormal genre, I must be extremely well-versed and knowledgeable in the field of ghosts, demons, angels and the unexplainable.  

That is where my stories and ideas are born and the roots begin to sprout.  Then, I must master the craft of developing the story into a plausible plot that may or may not include twists and turns and things that will leave you scratching your head.  Next, the craft of creating and developing my characters must be excellent so that they will flow seamlessly into the story and develop their own personalities as the story unfolds.  The “word craft” is arguably the hardest to master as each word must be used as a precise stroke; the end result should ultimately lead the reader to swallow hard, take a deep breath, and quickly turn to the next page – engulfed in pure trepidation!

When all of these “crafts” come together as a fully functioning unit, the end result is a printed master craft of living words.  So “which craft” is your forte?  Me?  I think I‘ll have a bologna on white bread with….mustard!

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John J. Zelenski is an award-winning author who has appeared on television, radio, and has been featured in numerous print articles as well as receiving high-profile reviews from the popular community. Having been inspired, in part, to write his first novel Walker's Vale, by his own paranormal experiences as a child, John has developed a keen understanding of the supernatural. His second novel and prequel to Walker's Vale - The Journal of Ezekiel Walker - continues with the saga of Walker's Vale, with a future third installment presently in the works.
Walker's Vale, the film will be released through Allegentsia Productions with possible filming scheduled to begin sometime in 2015. John, along with his wife and two children, love to watch the seasons change in beautiful Northeast Pennsylvania. My social media links are: www.johnjzelenski.com   https://twitter.com/johnzelenski   https://www.facebook.com/WalkersVale?fref=ts  http://www.amazon.com/John-J.-Zelenski/e/B00S05HZXW/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0

Atticus Finch, Say It Ain’t So

By Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor for Southern Writers Magazine

Fifty-five years and forty million copies of To Kill a Mockingbird gave Atticus Finch legendary status as a hero in the literary world. To add to Atticus Finch’s fame was a Pulitzer Prize awarded his creator Harper Lee, a Hollywood movie, which he was portrayed by one of Hollywood’s greatest actors Gregory Peck. It also was nominated for 8 Oscars, winning three one of which was awarded to Peck for his portrayal of the hero Atticus Finch. This Southern Gothic was also a coming of age read for many in that it shined a light on the racial injustice suffered by many. The book and the hero are so imbedded and clearly defined in our minds and hearts as well as in our culture it could be hard to imagine life without them.

So after all this time with our minds firmly wrapped around this fine hero and the heroic deed in which he overcame the greatest of social injustices we are presented with an alternative view which many have stated they refuse to accept. Atticus Finch’s creator has decided to release her sequel to To Kill a Mockingbird which was written some years earlier but is set some twenty years after. Go Set a Watchman depicts our hero as a KKK member and segregationist.  

In Go Set a Watchman we see the dark side of our hero. Many have voiced their feelings on social media. Some harsh statements have been made referring to Atticus Finch as a racist. Some have said it is like discovering there isn’t a Santa Clause or Easter Bunny.  Twitter is all a twit! Our great Saint is now revealed as a demon. What a turn?

Go Set a Watchman may be as shocking to us today as the idea behind To Kill a Mockingbird was in 1960. Atticus Finch is seen as a complicated individual, serving his personal beliefs as well as his civil and moral obligations even though they are in direct conflict. There are two sides to every individual. From David and Solomon to the present day politicians, sports figures or celebrities we have seen both good and bad. Atticus Finch is no different.   

So what do we do? We do what is hoped we will do. We first update ourselves on To Kill a Mockingbird. In recent days sales have increased 73%. We then buy the sequel! If we are lucky we will be able to get our hands on one of the first 2 million in print. We read Go Set a Watchman to find for ourselves what all the fuss is about. We read it to discover the rest of the story of Atticus Finch as told by his daughter Scout. We read it to follow the works of a great author.

Will it change our minds and hearts about our great hero? Will you cry, “Atticus Finch, say it ain’t so?” I would like to hear from you afterwards.    

  

   

Writing about Human Rights and Civil Rights

By Ausma Zehanat Khan 

I’ve always been deeply interested in human rights and civil rights issues, so with every book I write, I’m looking to tell a story that focuses on one or several of these issues.

There are three things that are essential to my ability to write a mystery that focuses on such dark and difficult themes. First, for whatever part of the world I’m currently engaged with, I pull up the latest human rights reports—either through the United Nations, or through independent watchdog groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch. These reports will sit on my desk, or desktop as the case may be, for months while I write because I always need to return to the facts as the foundation of my story.

Second, I look for poetry about the issue. For my debut mystery, The Unquiet Dead, I focused on poets from the Balkans, and read as many poems as I could about the war in Bosnia, so I could situate myself inside the emotional experience of the war. For me, poetry offers the deepest experience of human suffering or the violation of human dignity. To that end, Sprinting from the Graveyard by Goran Simic was my constant companion while I was writing The Unquiet Dead.

Finally, I rely upon music. I normally can’t write if music is playing in the background, so I find music that captures the spirit of the book I’m working on, and play it in the morning just before I begin my work for the day. I’ll listen for twenty minutes or so, until I begin to feel the weight of the story that I’m writing. For The Unquiet Dead, there was no more relevant piece of music than the Adagio attributed to Albinoni. It helped create the atmosphere of every scene in the book, but was especially helpful in writing the flashback chapters.

Of course, every writer has a method that works best for them, but if I rely on one thing more than anything else, it’s the consistency of my routine, and the six hours I spend at my desk every day. Some days are more successful than others, but even on the days that are least productive, I find a satisfaction in knowing that the story is there, waiting for me to find it. 

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Ausma Zehanat Khan holds a Ph.D. in international human rights law with a specialization in military intervention and war crimes in the Balkans. A former adjunct law professor, Ms. Khan was editor in chief of Muslim Girl magazine, the first magazine targeted to young Muslim women. A British-born Canadian, Khan now lives in Denver, Colorado with her husband. The Unquiet Dead is her critically acclaimed mystery debut.

Another Side of Southern Writers, Part One

by Gary Fearon, Creative Director, Southern Writers Magazine


In each issue of Southern Writers, we proudly present interviews and instructional articles by the cream of the publishing crop.  Having featured over 900 outstanding authors in our four years of publication, I thought we'd turn the tables today and throw the spotlight on the unsung heroes who help make each issue possible: our staffers and regular contributors. It won't surprise you that most of them are authors in their own right. 

Susan Reichert, our Editor-in-Chief, somehow manages to orchestrate a magazine, a publishing company, a writers group, author seminars, and a dizzying bevy of other projects, while I have yet to see her lose her equilibrium or her cool.  Everyone on staff has been inspired by her ability to stay focused, sometimes in the midst of chaos. What are the secrets of staying balanced? Susan's latest work, Storms in Life: Overcoming–Surviving–Living offers advice for everyone from busy executives to families in crisis. You'll find her encouragement to be the calm after the storm.

Her blog, "Authors Visits", features interviews above and beyond the magazine at http://authorsvisits.com


Writer-at-large Chris Pepple is also a speaker and a freelance writer with two books of encouragement and a novel in the works. Look to See Me, her collection of "slice of life" short stories, delivers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary women who possess extraordinary determination. Each woman in these stories walks through life with a unique blend of faith, courage and love. Chris introduces the reader to women whose voices should be heard and whose stories should be told.

http://chrispepple.blogspot.com



 
Jessica Ferguson is an award-winning author heavily involved in writers associations. She not only writes a great interview, she tells a riveting story. Mystery and romance go hand in hand in her latest novel, The Last Daughter, in which a woman with too many questions about her past seeks the answers that lead to an emotional journey into danger.

Jessica is currently working on a friendship series—four girls, four stories—for release in 2016.  Check out her blog at http://jessyferguson.blogspot.com




Londa Hayden heads up writers groups and conferences, and has created an instant classic for the holiday season. Candy Moon inspires the Christmas spirit in a charming tale that follows a family on their way to help others less fortunate. In a world where traditional values are challenged, Candy Moon is a well-timed children's book that is long overdue, with colorful illustrations by Nick Nixon.

The sequel, Candy Moon Choo Choo, is due out this fall, as is Where Two Rivers Meet, the first fiction novel in the Washington's Woods series. Both are available for preorder at http://londahayden.com.

W. Terry Whalin is an acquisitions editor at Morgan James Publishing and a former literary agent. A popular conference speaker, his "Book Proposal Boot Camp" column appears in each issue of Southern Writers. Among his helpful writings for aspiring and experienced authors, Terry's Jumpstart Your Publishing Dreams is a must-read that covers the essential skills for every writer to get published. For practical advice from a pro, this is the place to go.

Terry also offers answers to proposal questions at http://www.AskAboutProposals.com

Poet and educator Sara M. Robinson graces each issue of Southern Writers with her column "Poetry Matters." Her latest book of poetry, Stones for Words, takes the reader through five distinct levels of an evolutionary journey of her writing and philosophy of life. Her personal development is likened to layers of hard and soft rock, which she must mine for definition and clarity. With characteristic candor, Sara is not reluctant to involve the reader in the intimacy of her thought process and writing revelations.

Her next poetry book, Sometimes the Little Town, will be released in early 2016. It is poetry based on the photo books of well-known regional photography of Hobby Robinson. The people and setting around small town Elkton, VA, are the focus. www.saramrobinson.com

There are more fine authors who appear in each issue, and they are the subject of my Tuesday, July 28th blog post.  

If you enjoy what these wordsmiths do in Southern Writers, I encourage you to check out their own masterpieces. You'll experience firsthand how their talents help make a magnificent mag.

Wired in Series

By Ellen Butler

Whether you’re an author, reader, publisher, agent or average Joe, you’ve probably noticed that series are all the rage. Dystopian YA novels are knocking it out of the park at the box office with The Hunger Games and Divergent series. On the small screen shows like HBO hit, Orange is the New Black based on the popular nonfiction book by Piper Kerman, has found a fervent fan base.

What’s the draw to a series as opposed to single titles? For obvious reasons, a series is an attraction to publishers because readers become vested in a character’s life and develop strong attachments. The frenzy that builds, awaiting the next installment of a popular series, guarantees healthy sales. From a writer’s perspective, I’ve found a series allows your characters grow and develop over time, providing a depth to them that you can’t achieve in a single title.

While penning my first novel, Poplar Place, I watched the hit series Twilight skyrocket to the top of the best seller lists and thought, “I need to get in on the series action.” I wracked my brain for ideas only to come up empty. In the end, my Love,California Style trilogy actually grew out of what I originally planned as a stand-alone novel. When I finished Heart of Design, I thought I’d have that knuckle-cracking feeling of relieved completion. Instead, for the first time, it troubled me to let go—not only of my main characters, but the side characters I’d created. After conversations with my agent and a brain storming session that basically ended up with outlines for two more novels, I decided not to let go of my successful LA entrepreneurs, and my first series was born.

With the final installment of the trilogy in my editor’s hot little hands, and a release date August 24, I’ve come to a few conclusions and am here to impart the wisdom of lessons I learned. First, writing a series takes commitment, make sure you are invested enough to meet the obligations of the commitment. Though I enjoyed writing the trilogy, at times, it was difficult for me to stay focused in order to meet the deadline. You see, there are other novels knocking on my creative door and while I wasn’t ready to leave after Heart of Design it will be a relief to close the door on my LA ladies after the release of Art of Affection. The publishing contract with specific deadlines helped keep my creative energy focused on the trilogy.

Second, plan ahead. I’ve determined it’s much easier to write a series if you already know it’s going to be one. Although, unknowingly I’d set up my romantic storylines for books 2 and 3 in Heart of Design, I ran into difficulties with the trilogy. By the time I wrote the third novel, I’d locked myself into certain character traits, looks, and history that I longed to change. An outline of the entire series prior to writing the first novel would have avoided some head banging writer’s block.

Finally, the best advice I can offer a writer interested in setting out on the series road—in order to keep from tearing your hair out on book 3, 8 or 28—create a character chart. The chart I created for my characters listed careers, relationship to others, part in the story, and physical traits (e.g. eye color, height, hair color, etc.). It became my bible and probably saved me hours of searching through previous manuscripts to maintain consistency. I found it most important for side characters that had smaller roles in the first novel but grew to become central characters by the third. In addition, I also recommend creating a timeline for uniformity; I hand wrote a chronological calendar.

What’s next on my writing agenda, you ask? Believe it or not, I’m straying away from series writing, and returning to single title. A WWII novel that I’ve been researching over the past two years is bursting to get out. Don’t fret my series fanatics, there’s another trilogy forming on the back burner of my medulla oblongata and it promises to provide gregarious characters with laugh out loud antics and suspenseful plotlines.

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Ellen Butler received her bachelor’s in Political Science and Master’s in Public Administration and Policy from Virginia Tech.  After spending years working for a medical association writing dry but illuminating policy papers, articles and promotional materials, Butler made the leap to novel writing to release her creative side. A mother of two, she currently resides in the Virginia suburbs of Washington, DC. Follow Ellen Butler at: Website: www.ellenbutler.net

Twitter: @EButlerBooks Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EllenButlerBooks

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/EllenButlerBooks

Overcoming Sophomore Novel Blues

By Heather Day Gilbert

So you've done it. Your first novel is out in the world, garnering reviews and gathering readers. You're ready to brainstorm or edit that second novel in the series...

But out of nowhere, fears overwhelm you. It's your sophomore novel. Will readers love it like the first? Will the characters be as endearing? Will you totally miss the mark with book two?

This is a syndrome I'd like to refer to as the "sophomore novel blues," and I struggled with this myself. It came out of nowhere and nearly flattened me as I tried to write book two in my A Murder in the Mountains mystery series.

I was totally unprepared for these near-crippling blues, because I had two other books out (one is non-fiction, and the other is book one in a different series). Why did that second-in-series book cause me so much angst?

I think it is a culmination of reasons:

First, if you had characters people loved in book one, re-creating those characters and continuing their development in ways readers will still love can be daunting. What if you accidentally take them off-track or give them some habit readers can't stand?

Second, if you read your reviews (yes, I do), those negative words that have lodged somewhere deep in your mind kick loose for that sophomore novel, swirling before your eyes with every word you type. Oh no! That reader thought your main character was too serious! Maybe she needs to start cracking jokes every other paragraph! Or conversely, your main character struck that other reader as too glib...maybe she needs to get pensive at least once every scene?

I think the only way to tamp down these negative reviews is to focus on the positive ones and to realize–: negative reviews come from people who are not your readership. They aren't the ones who will even be buying book two, most likely. They didn't like book one. So don't let their harsh opinions stop you. No book can please every reader out there. Check out the reviews on some top classics and you'll see what I mean!

Third, each book in the series builds on the others. So this involves making sure all the details line up. We must double-check timelines and character traits. How old was this character in book one, and how old would that make her now? It was winter in book one...how many months have passed and what season are we in now? What color eyes did that secondary character have again? Granted, those things are relatively simple and easy to figure out, a necessary part of creating a believable series.

I think the only way to bust through the sophomore novel blues is to write the book. Don't allow yourself to get hung up in chapter five as those doubts assail you. Write through it. Get that rough draft typed out and send it to your critiquers. They will let you know if you've missed the mark and how to tweak, but you'll never get to that stage if you don't have a finished rough draft.

I didn't hesitate to send early reader copies of my first mystery out to readers. But when it came to sending out book two in the series, I hesitated. Was this book good enough? Would they still like my characters? The mystery was different—was it something they'd enjoy?

I am so thankful to say that many readers got back to me quickly saying they enjoyed this mystery even better than the first. This is what every author wants to hear—that with each book, we're reaching our reader demographic even better than we did with the previous release.

The thing is I'd never have gotten this book out if I hadn't pushed past those sophomore novel blues. I hope you can do the same, and are richly rewarded for it!

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HEATHER DAY GILBERT enjoys writing stories about authentic, believable marriages. Born and raised in the West Virginia mountains, she believes that bittersweet, generational stories are in her blood. A graduate of Bob Jones University, Heather has been married for eighteen years and has three children. Heather's Viking historical novel, God's Daughter, was an Amazon Norse Bestseller for an entire year. She is also the author of  Miranda Warning and Trial by Twelve, Books One and Two in A Murder in the Mountains mystery series, and the Indie Publishing Handbook: Four Key Elements for the Self-Publisher. Heather's website. 

Four Years of Authors, over 1000 Author Blog Posts and a Writing Contest

By Annette Cole Mastron, Communications Director for Southern Writers Magazine

This month, Southern Writers Magazine celebrates four years of articles on writing, author interviews, and changes in the writing business. It's an incredible resource for anyone interested in writing or learning more about an author they enjoy reading. Subscriptions come with various venues to help authors promote themselves. If you haven't tried the magazine, you can purchase a single issue or annual digitally or in print.

The magazine's blog, Suite T, has over 1000 blog posts archived on its site. The archives contain the solutions to many different writer dilemmas. You'll find encouragement from authors and for authors. Character development discussions, writing from different points of views, writing different genres are among many of the blog posts. You hear bi-monthly from Southern Writers Magazines editor, Susan Reichert, Doyne Phillips, Managing Editor, Gary Fearon, Creative Director, and me.  

When the magazine started, our editor wanted the blog to be reflective and compliment the articles found within the covers of the magazine. Three days a week, MWF, guest authors post. If you're an author and would like to submit a post, you can checkout the guidelines. On the blog, as well as the magazine, authors who guest post on the blog, have their books listed in the blog bookstore, linking directly to Amazon to help guest authors with book sales. Be sure and sign up to have the blog sent to you each day of the work week, so you don't miss any posts. 

The annual Southern Writers Magazine's writing contest is currently open with a grand prize of $500. Deadline is August 1, 2015.

If you're an author or have a story you've always wanted to write, you should write it and enter the contest. You'll never win if you don't write it and enter the contest. There will be a winner, so start writing. The 2015 Southern Writers Magazine contest winner could be you.

From United Kingdom Detective Sergeant to Author

By Roger Rapel

I am a retired detective sergeant having served 30 years in the UK police. Some years ago I decided to try and write a book using the skills I had learnt.

When I started writing some years ago, I undertook some research into the subject and took on board a couple of advisory comments.

1. Don't say in twenty words what you can say in five

2. Don't go off on tangents give your readers credit in their own imagination including when two people are talking, readers don’t need to know who said what by the author, the thread of the conversation should allow the reader to work out who said what; rather than: Jim then said and Sally replied then Jim said etc. Sally bumped into Jim and said ‘how you doing?’ ‘I’m fine where have you been hiding you’re looking great.’ ‘Well thank you kind sir.’ Apart from the introduction you don’t need to be told who said what. (I’m not preaching, I wouldn’t dare, just my own thoughts)

Those two pieces of advice have remained with me. So often I have picked up books and started to read them then put them down due to the lengthy embellishment’s, which left me forgetting what the actual thread was about.

In my police career I compiled numerous lengthy complicated case papers, where the points to prove a case were laid out in chronological order showing which piece of evidence fits into which slot, ensuring that it is also crossed referred to the victim(s) and/or suspect(s). In multiple offender cases there has to be a separation for each, then an overall bringing together showing the actions each took. Sometimes in really complicated cases especially rape and murder cases it can take weeks to get the correct sequence of events into order with the actions everyone took, then each exhibit correlating as it should to each person.

The covering report should read as a story highlighting the points to prove i.e. ‘He took his hunting knife from the drawer sharpened it then hid it in his pocket then went to find her.’ The action of hiding the knife before going out proves intent. And so on, once having read the report the reader should know the pertinent points of the case.

The prosecutor must understand the papers so he can convince the jury through his cross examination of the witnesses etc.

It is with that background that I have written my books, with impact and easily understood threads, but with enough twists to maintain interest and intrigue.

I consider myself a novice writer with a lot to learn and I am still learning as I go, but have really enjoyed the experience.

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Roger Rapel was born in the late 40’s only a few years after the second world finished with all the hardships of rationing, cold houses windows running with condensation with frost forming on the inside as well as the outside, living in one room for heat. Growing up in the 50’s with little or none of the modern comforts of today’s modern world, my brother and sister were happy well as happy as you could be. I worked in various organizations including PO as a steward on cruise liners (I must write about that) then on the buildings picking bits of skills here and there and became a jack of all trades certainly master of none. Then joined the police stayed for 30 years as a detective Sergeant dealing with all manner of criminal cases including child abuse, rape cases and murder. Then on retirement I was head hunted for a position as senior security advisor for a large UK company stayed with them for 12 years then retired again, now living in sunny Span writing books. My first book is Cindy, Where Are You? and my latest book, Gift or Curse released in June 2015 Contact can be made via the following social media mediums: Http://www.facebook/Roger Rapel  Http://www.facebook/David Parle Http://www.linkedin.com/David Parle  Http://www.twitter.com/David Parle  Http://davidparleblog.wordpress.com

What's Your Caption?

Photograph by Chris Barwick

Writer's write your best caption. Thanks Chris Barwick for this spectacular photograph.

Self-Publishing Challenges

By Maritza Martinez Mejia

My journey as s self-publishing author is no different from for any other writer I have met, I did not want to face rejections or wait for months without an answer from publishers. Therefore, I decided to publish my own books using a local editor and a local publisher. I felt I could call myself a writer when I received my first printed book, yet selling without begging was a milestone.

When I published my first book, I created an Author Facebook Page to promote my memoir and Amazon Author Page to follow the progress of my sales. LIKES and SALES came as small drops in a clear sky. It was a challenge to understand the process to post, edit, add photos, and delete. When I was getting familiar with the process, Facebook changed its features and added new ones. I posted daily updates, but it seemed my words were simply lost in virtual space, without replies to my comments. When someone would unexpectedly respond, it was a mesmerizing moment that vanished in seconds, since the nice words didn’t produce any sales (according to Amazon). I decided to do something about it.

First, I joined a local library writer’s group to learn more about the publishing and promoting process. It helped me get ready to publish my second title. I noticed the importance of electronic media and converted my paperback titles into e-books. However, I realized I didn’t know how to convince people to buy my books. Using Facebook as my only tool and waiting for people to buy on Amazon was not going to sell many books. I didn’t have any strategy, just the desire to publish my books. I realized I was not a writer, but a dreamer.

Second, I recognized the importance of a Marketing Plan and a small Budget for Promotion. I decided to take another route and follow a simple plan: 

*Improve my writing style before publishing my next Bilingual Children Book. I took a writing seminar online and a local College workshop.

*Enhance my poor website with support of a professional in computers.

*Look for opportunities to expose my books at local events. For instance, I booked myself into a local library event and a classroom visit to a k-8 school in the area.

*Invest in business cards and brochures to promote my books.

*Use other Social Media such as Facebook Writers Groups, Goodreads, Twitter, LinkedIn, Google+ and Pinterest. I forgot about the Likes and became part of the audience.

Third, before publishing my first poetry book, I reserved a space at a Family Reading Festival to release my book. I promoted on the Social Media I was part of. The results came organically, sales and reviews began to feed my Amazon Author Page and LIKES jumped faster than expected.

Last, I submitted all my titles for reviews and competitions. Two of my Bilingual Children Books received a Five Stars Reader’s Favorite Award and I was promoted as Author on Goodreads.

My Author name became visible and demanded that I have a Book Trailer. I gathered all photos, book events and used Movie Maker to create it. As soon as I posted on YouTube it gave me the option to share it with Thirteen Social Media sites, I was only part of four. Technology is advancing faster than I was prepared for; there is so much to learn about this new cyber world.

One thing is clear, a marketing plan and a small budget for promotion are important. One event leads to another and one big effort brings a small reward. Writing is a challenge for career authors or indie writers. Don’t give up!

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Maritza Martinez Mejia a bilingual substitute teacher born in Colombia lives in Florida with her husband and their two teenagers. For her active participation and service to the community, she is the recipient of the "Crystal Apple Award 2006." Maritza published her memoir "Hazel Eyes" (2010), "Vanilla and Chocolate" (2012), "Grandma's Treasure" (2014), and "Poems, Thoughts and More" (2015) by WRB Publishing. She won the FAU Treasure Coast Poetry Contest Spring 2010 and Virtue Christian Book Awards for Best Poetry 2015. Both Bilingual Children Books received a FIVE Stars Seal Review by Reader's Favorite. Maritza obtained a Bachelor's degree in Humanities with a Certificate in Women's Studies from Florida Atlantic University. She graduated from Universidad Mayor de Cundinamarca in Commerce and Foreign Language. She translated into Spanish "Temporary Permanence" by Yashi Nozawa, "The Legend of the Colombian Mermaid" by Janet Balletta, and "Hazel Eyes" as "Ojos Avellana." Maritza writes to inspire others to be better persons. "I write to inspire others to be a better person." Author page: www.amazon.com/-/e/B009DKDXFW  Website: www.luzdelmes.com 

The Final Proof

By Catherine Ulrich Brakefield

Wilted Dandelions is now in the final editing stages. I feel like an expectant mom all over again. My mind crisscrosses the nine months of Wilted Dandelions gestation, the research, editing, and more editing that went into this historical romance.

The final proofing was not easy for me. This is it. Once Wilted Dandelions goes into print, it is out there for the world to see. My mind raced along like a fireman to a house fire. Should I change this dialogue? Does that ever happen to you when you do your final edit?

I always liked to check the “what ifs” of a situation. Just like when I was pregnant and ready to rush to the hospital with my second child. It hadn’t been an easy pregnancy. I had gotten labor pains four week before my due date.

Now that my children have left my maternal nest, the characters in my books have, in a way, replaced them.  Rachael and Jonathan Wheaton, the heroine and hero in Wilted Dandelions have become as real as one of my family members.

I want Rachael and Jonathan depicted as I see them in my mind’s eye—alive, vivacious, dressed to glow with vitality, and their voices strong and poetic. Did I forget anything? Are the characters and scene depiction strong enough to carry my reader back into the 1830s, into that time machine of words and imagination I envision? Back to the western frontier before the Oregon Trail was a reality, before there were states to mark the vast unknown?

Memories pelted my thoughts like a thunderstorm. My contractions were coming; only they didn’t feel right ...  my baby wasn’t due for another week. Prov. 3:5 immediately came to my thoughts, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, do not rely on your own insight.” The encouraging voice of my obstetrician confirmed this. “Your baby is healthy and he will do fine.” With my faith renewed, my confidence escalated.  

With Wilted Dandelions I felt that concern again, Prov. 3:6 came to mind “In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.”

“At some point we just have to let go.” My publisher had e-mailed me. Her words provided the confirmation of faith I desired.

Yes, dear authors, we have to let go. Our new creation must come out of our hearts and computers, become the printed word in order for our readers to enjoy our characters and story.

Just as I held my bundle of joy in my arms, so perfectly formed by God’s hands, I know a mustard seed of awe will be present when I caress Wilted Dandelions with loving fingers, and whisper a prayer to my Maker and Savior, Jesus Christ, to bless the words and characters within Wilted Dandelions and to perform their mission and reason for existence. 

“Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)

Do you sometimes feel overwhelmed portraying the creator with your characters? Awed, knowing you are also beautifully created by a loving God?

Does your stomach feel the butterflies, knowing this is the final hour? Your final proof is finished and you pray God will be honored above all else?

Thanks so much for having me today and may God richly bless you!

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Catherine Ulrich Brakefield is an author of two non-fictional history books, and two inspirational historical romances, The Wind of Destiny and Wilted Dandelions. She is a former staff writer for Michigan Traveler Magazine, and has freelanced for numerous newspapers and magazine publications. She has had many short stories published. A few are: CrossRiver’s The Benefit Package, Revell’s The Dog Next Door, and The Horse of my Heart scheduled for release in Fall, 2015. Catherine enjoys horseback riding, swimming, camping, and traveling the byroads across America. She lives in Michigan with her husband, Edward, of forty years and her Arabian horses. Her children are grown and married. She and Edward are blessed with three grandchildren. Please visit Catherine at https://www.CatherineUlrichBrakefield.com Hopes,Heart, and Hoofbeats: http://catherineulrichbrakefield.wordpress.com Twitter:  https://www.twitter.com/CUBrakefield 

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