Thomason Encourages Writers to Get Feedback

Bruce Thomason’s career in law enforcement began as a dispatcher in 1967. 

In different jobs across three states there isn’t much that Bruce has not experienced--good and bad.  Yet, Bruce described the powerful feeling surrounding the privilege of serving citizens throughout his career.

Bruce’s first novel, Body Toll, is an action-packed cop thriller about a serial killer set in our very own oceanfront community of Jacksonville Beach.  Bruce shared that it took seven months to write the book.  Once Bruce began writing, ideas and stories from his lengthy career poured out more quickly than he could write, so he began recording his stories. 

Bruce shared his tips for both self publishing along and editing your manuscript.  While Bruce’s experience with self-publishing was a positive experience, he hopes to publish his next book with a major publisher. 

The single most important tip Bruce stressed to the group was to have a good editor.  Whether it’s a professional editor, friend or relative, it’s extremely important to receive straightforward constructive feedback.

Once you read, Body Toll you can look forward to reading Bruce’s second novel, The 6 O’clock Rule.

By Linda Harvey, FCCW Member

FCCW Members Spellbound by Chestnut & Son

Bobbie Jean Chestnut and her son Kent kept the FCCW members spellbound with their incredible story at the April 30th meeting.

Whew, how did I ever do it?─ might be a question we ask ourselves, after finishing a presentation for work, getting the kids to soccer practice on time and getting dinner on the table. The FCCW members learned soon enough, that these tasks pale in comparison to what Bobbie Jean Chestnut has faced in her life.

Bobbie’s book, “Whew How Did I Ever Do It?” is an autobiography that has the reader in a “page turner” mode. Raising four children, moving 20 times in 21 years as a military wife during the Vietnam war, facing a 9.2 earthquake while living in Alaska are just a few of her challenges.

But Bobbie’s biggest challenge came to her on Valentine’s Day in 1965, when her son Kent was born. Kent was born premature with no arms, and no legs. He was not expected to live more than 24 hours. He survived. The recommendation was to place him in a facility. But Bobbie wouldn’t hear of it. As she said, “If your healthy child suddenly became handicapped from an accident, would you send your child away?”

Bobbie treated Kent like the rest of her children. She fought with teachers and principals to help him succeed and became an advocate for the disabled. Today, Kent is 44 years old, living independently, working and writing a book of his own.

Kent calls his mom, his hero. He stated, “You should embrace who you are. God has given each of us a purpose to be here.” Kent talked about being treated normally by his siblings. He never really felt different, which is a true testament to his mom, as she treated him the same as the other children. Both mother and son attest, that God has a way of sending people to you when you are in need. “God gives us strength to go through it,” Bobbie explained. She learned early on to swallow her pride and accept help.

On the writing process, Bobbie explains to listen to your inner voice to write, and then do it! No more talking, just do it, write (right) from the heart. Write what you know.

Listening to Bobbie and Kent was inspirational, to say the least. It was an education in love, patience, humility, strength and determination. One of Bobbie’s favorites, Philippians 4:11 states, ‘Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have found in whatsoever state I am, therewith, to be content.’

Proceeds from the book are slated to go toward a wheelchair van for Kent. To order your copy of Bobbie’s book go to: www.Amazon.com

www.Target.com

www.BarnesandNoble.com

You may e-mail Bobbie at:

bchestnut@tds.net

By Linda Feist, FCCW member

Tory Wilcox is busy in the writer’s kitchen!

Don’t be surprised if on your way to breakfast, at an Original House of Pancakes restaurant, you spot an advertisement in the window for the book:

The First Pancake
A Recipe for Delectable Life Transitions
By Tory G. Wilcox.

This was just one example of promotion and publicity Tory so enthusiastically shared with us at the FCCW meeting. Tory spoke from soup to nuts, so to speak, about the writing and publishing process.

Tory Wilcox is a psychotherapist, coach and author. Her book, The First Pancake, provides guidance to those undergoing a life transition using an original understandable pancake metaphor that normalizes the transition process and enables you to strive for more delectable pancakes.

Through Tory’s experience, of writing and publishing her book, she offered the group a concise and highly creative outline, titled “How to Make a Pancake; A Recipe for Success.”

Tory took us through several steps, directing and focusing on why one writes. Do you write to?

• Leave a legacy
• Help others
• Establish expertise
• Be part of a platform

“In asking yourself the question; Why is writing important to me?” Tory explains, “You will come closer to understanding your vision.”

Tory also reiterated more than once, that the most important component in the writing process is to realize and set your goals. A few examples of Tory’s outline:

• What are your goals or vision?
• Who is your target audience?
• What is your genre?
• What makes your book unique?
• Do you have time and money to market and publicize your book?
• Do you want to use editorial services?
• How many books do you hope to sell?

The group learned of several publishing options, as Tory was gracious enough to help us move forward through her experience. With passion and excitement, Tory shared her recipe for writing. Ready…set…bake!

You may reach Tory Wilcox at:

www.torywilcox.com

By Linda Feist, FCCW Member

Gunter Motivates Writers to Chase Dreams

First Coast Christian Writer’s Group had the privilege of meeting Almon Gunter, Author of the book Focus on the Final Seconds.

Focus on the Final Seconds, has received 5 out of 5 stars on Amazon.com. Almon considers himself a “country boy” and advises anyone who writes, to write however you talk.

“To have what you want you create it.” Almon ran for Florida State University until the age of 22, when he entered the corporate world, for 6 years. He then quit his job to chase his dream. At the ages of 29 and 33 he became the 13^th fastest runner in the world, when competing in the Olympics.

Almon is passionate about everything he does. He wrote his book in 30 days, and says that your best writing comes when you do not understand your writing.

Almon also does motivational speaking, mostly in very large corporations, and runs several sports training camps for youth.

On February 18, 1988 he started his company, and his first client was CSX Transportation. Quitting his job at Barnett Bank, he did not turn back, and began achieving for himself. He cautioned us to be aware of family and friends that may say what we were seeking after could not be done. “Don’t waste energy on “downers”.” He goes on to say, “Friends that are not in from the beginning cannot get in at the end.”

Almon truly is a motivator, and is an inspiration to listen to!

To learn more about Almon, check out his website at:
www.guntergunterinc.com.

By Karen Godfrey, FCCW Member

Elsheimer Urges Artists to Answer Creative Call

The delightful and funny author, speaker, musician and artist Janice Elsheimer treated the members of FCCW to a deliciously engaging evening during their April 9th weekly meeting.

Her words were a feast of encouragement not only for those who wonder if they are artists, but also for those who do acknowledge their creative gifting but so far haven’t understood that it is an actual calling. An artist can be one that paints with colors or words or musical notes or plants or any of a hundred other mediums, but because she was speaking to a group of writers, the reality that Yes, I am a writer, was permanently impressed on the pavement of our minds.

Janice taught us that those endowed with creative gifts are especially connected to the heart of God – God the Creator, and that for these gifts we are responsible to Him. They are meant to be cultivated and executed not only for us, but through us for the sake of the world. Janice also presented the fact that artistic gifting usually partners with the gifts of teaching, wisdom, and prophesy.

We were privileged to not only view firsthand but also to hear a short excerpt from her 1973 ‘hippie’ journal with a peace sign on the cover. As she read the entry aloud, it was easy to see that the energetic and adventuresome woman she is today is the same adventurous and energetic young person who recorded in that notebook. The final words of her entry were “Truck on!” We all laughed. She encouraged us to keep a journal as well, and recommended that we write in it for only 20 minutes a day. “Not ‘I have to journal for 20 minutes’, but rather, ‘I will only journal for 20 minutes’. She assured, “If you journal, you’re a writer”.

She encouraged us to be avid readers in our individual genres, and to remember that though everything we write may not be classified as a ‘Christian” project, nevertheless it will be informed by our worldview. Her attractive personality enhanced her words, causing them to be unforgettable. In fact, I can still hear her admonishing us to be proud of publishing success “not because, I’m all that, but because He’s all that!” Amen!

As a child, Janice, like many of us, wasn’t encouraged to pursue a career in the arts, though that’s what God had placed within her. Her parents, like many, believed her creative gifts were hobbies rather than possible career paths. (This blogger can certainly relate.) But God is sovereign, His gifts and callings are irrevocable, and He promises to fulfill His purposes for each of us. Janice has certainly proved His faithfulness. Today she is not only educator and teacher, avid gardener and accomplished musician, but also the author of three published books which include Grounded in the Garden, Word Weavers, and the best seller entitled The Creative Call.

The Creative Call was originally written for creatively gifted students that needed direction, but has become the attentive and nurturing parent that many Christian ‘would be’ artists desperately need. God is using this book to ‘fill up that which is lacking in the (creative portion) of the Body of Christ’. There is nothing else like it available. Earlier in her life she had looked hard for a book that would minister to her as a Christian artist, and couldn’t find exactly what she was looking for, so, she wrote it herself. Today Christian artists in many fields are thankful that she heard the creative call.

As the meeting ended, I wished I could just take Janice home for encouragement and clarity whenever I needed it, so I bought The Creative Call. After I returned home, I read the first two sections of my newly signed book, and was awed at the wisdom and skill in which the nutritious words were presented. I even cried a little as some of those words reached deeper than is humanly possible. Anyone who is hungry can feast on the words of wisdom that Janice has obediently transcribed for us, for she preserved within the pages nutrients we will need in order to reach our full stature.

Thank you, Janice, for your obedience in feeding the sheep. Keep on truckin’ sister!

By Claudia Barrington, FCCW Member

Resnick Urges Writers to Use Their Gift

When people use the word author, it is assumed that writing books is the person's livelihood. Hal Resnick, an author of five books, sees writing more as the natural extension of his work!

He used three different means of publishing, he expounded on the pros and cons of each method.

McGraw Hill contacted Hal while he was a professor at Temple University.  They asked him to write an education series to inspire middle school students into careers in Engineering and Construction. This added to his credibility as a writer but was also a marketing tool he could use when promoting his consulting business.  As writers, big name publishing companies are the Holy Grail of success.  It is a coveted position to be sought after by one of these companies.  Aside from the up shot of adding credibility, working big name publishing companies is not the satisfying experience one would think. The writer is no longer the Integral component of the process. It is now in an assembly line  though red tape and equipment which will eventually lead to a book.

The second method was when he was contacted to write a book to help kids with the metric system.  Here he needed the book to be a camera ready copy.  He turned the book in to a math publishing company. The book was published within three months and he never heard about it again.

The third way was self-publishing or the print on demand, such as LuLu.  This option is readily available to all writers.  With this method you pay a small fee, you receive your ISBN numbers, some connections to websites and other services a writer may need. a nominal fee is than charged for the book to go to print.  You set the sale price, pay the fee and viola you can have as many books as you want printed. Books are only printed when paid orders are received - and can be printed in batches of one! Hard cover books cost more than paperback and will take a few weeks longer to publish.

Writing and publishing books are Hal's way of giving back to the world.  He is very knowledgeable and meticulous.  He owns his own consulting business and recently published Energizing Workplace Performance. He writes articles for Jacksonville Business Journal and sends out a monthly e-newsletter. He can be contacted at http://www.worksystems.com/

His final words of advice;"Do it! Don't be afraid. It is a gift to others and yourself"

By Tracy Redman, FCCW Treasurer

Watkins Writes for "People With Abilities"

Tonight Vicky Duffer Watkins provided illuminating insights about “why that lady in the wheelchair is smiling.”  As an active member of Jax FOB and Mandarin Toastmasters clubs and an on-line columnist for the Florida Times-Union, Vicky shared three special insights.  They included her worst fear, how to get articles published and samples of her work.

Most people’s number one fear is public speaking, but at one time Vicky’s worst fear was dying.  That was before she began her spiritual walk with the Lord.  Vicky shared how she is not afraid to die; rather she has chosen salvation and walks with the Lord.  Her spirituality shines in her writing.

Vicky’s initial aspiration was to write a great American novel.  She now rights about real situations that happen to real people.  In her on-line column titled “People with Abilities,” Vicky writes about the experiences of people with disabilities.  Her articles have also been published in several magazines.

Vicky’s words of advice to aspiring authors are to “make it meaningful.”  Her person writing goal is to increase her on-line readership and write more articles.  Her secret to successful writing is to pray first!

See Vicky’s FL Times-Union column at: http://jacksonville.com/interact/blog/people_with_abilities

By Linda Harvey, FCCW Member

Webster Gives Insight Into Publishing

Gerard D. Webster’s new book In-Sight came out in December. In-Sight is about fall, forgiveness, and redemption.  It is for anyone who believes that a Higher Power has a hand in destiny.

On March 19, 2009, First Coast Christian Writer's member, Jerry Webster, shared his experiences in writing a novel with the First Coast Christian Writer’s Group. 

He began by telling the group, “Experience is what you get right after you needed it.”  He went on to explain that we all bring our experiences to our writing.  He said that writing a novel is like going through pregnancy:

• Conception:  First you have the seed of an idea.
• Growth Stage:  You start in an outline form and put words to it.  The characters begin to take over the story.
• Giving Birth:  Finally the time comes when you share your writing with others.
• Radical Surgery:  Re-write based on the input of others.
• Owning Your Baby: Your book is finished.

Then the real work begins.  You look for an agent and a publisher. 

Publishing the book is not the end of the story.  You have to market the book to the world.

Jerry’s book can be found at http://outskirtspress.com/insight or on www.Amazon.com

By Cheryle Touchton, FCCW Member

Touchton's Ministry Hits Thousands Monthly

Cheryle Touchton is a writer, a traveling missionary, and a successful businesswoman.
 
Her nickname is the Pocket Full of Quarters Lady because she travels about the country talking to people about Jesus while handing out quarters.  After retiring from a successful business career in technology, she went full-time into Christian ministry as a missionary, motivational speaker, and a writer.  She has published two books: A Pocketful of Quarters: 5 Steps to Loving God, and Pocketful of Christmas: Having a Purpose Filled Advent.

Cheryle explains The Secret To Writing as the same secret to any other successful venture.  The key is the ancient Jewish greatest commandment - the Sh'ma - "Love God with all your mind, with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength."  To that she adds the second greatest commandment from the New Testament: "Love your neighbor as yourself."  Love is the key to writing.  She states that God has given us secret Wisdom with which we can actively participate--IF we love Him.

She set out 5 steps to accomplish this:
1. Follow God - mind to mind.
2. Please God - heart to heart.
3. Embrace God - soul to soul.
4. Serve God - strength by Strength
5. Love God's children - neighbor to neighbor.


To enlarge our writing capacity, she challenged each person to seek the answers to several questions: 

• What do you know?  What do you care about? 
• What is your "edge" and what does it mean?
• What delights you?
• What life experiences do you bring to writing? 
• Why do you write?

Cheryle's talk was jam-packed with helpful information to both aspiring and published writers; but her talk encompassed much more than just writing.  It's evident that she "walks the walk."  She spends 2 to 4 months a year on the road, dispensing quarters and Christian love to anyone she meets.  She also has a blog detailing her journeys and recieves 20,000 hits a week on her website.  To learn more about her writing and her ministry, visit her website: www.pocketfullofchange.org.

by Gerard Webster, FCCW Member

Feeney Teaches How To Design a Book Cover

FCCW was graced with Author/Speaker Rik Feeney.  Hands were busy writing as Rik expounded on his life, career, and secrets on how to get the most marketing value out of your book.  Rik  is an engaging speaker that had the audience on the edge of their seat trying to absorb all the great information he extols. Thankfully he had handouts for all of us which had all the great tips he went over.
Rik has a passion of sharing his knowledge with others.  He demonstrates this by becoming coaches to athletes and up and coming writers where he can, through the skills and wisdom he learned, in his stations of life, direct others on their own paths.
Twenty five years ago Rik was a competitive gymnast through High School and Temple University . During his career, Rik owned and worked at private gymnastics clubs where he trained gymnasts from state to national level competitors. Later he turned author.

Rik is the author of several books on the sport of gymnastics, the first of which was “Gymnastics: A Guide for Parents and Athletes” his latest book "Back Handsprings; The Secret Techniques" is featured in the movie "Fired UP."  True to form, he now coaches up and coming writers to fulfill their dreams of writing, his web site is  http://www.IsThereABookInsideYou.com/

At FCCW he talked about the "three marketing stages of the book" and "marketing with book elements." Rik explains that books represent the author, the author is the product.  In today's market where less than 17% of people buy books and less than 10% of readers get past the first chapter you must put out a product that will bring book buyers and readers to your book. 

A good price point helps, but using the features of the book to do your marketing is key.  An example of this is the book's cover which should pass the ten foot rule; from ten feet a person should be able to tell what the book is about by its picture and title.   The title should lead with the main point and be 5-7 words in length. This will help when people are doing an Internet search and aid them while they are book shopping at the stores. 

Rik also explains how placement of the title and your name on the spine is important when your book is shelved in a library. The idea is to leave a one-inch space at the bottom of the spine so the author name is not covered by the library's coding. 

His great ideas continued as he explained how to use the back cover blurb to list benefits and especially a "call to action" requesting the consumer to buy the book. Rik also talked about book size, white space between paragraphs, and sub-headings to help grab the attention of readers.

For more information about Rik and his web sites, use the following information:

Rik Feeney
Richardson Publishing
PO Box 162115
Altamonte Springs, FL 32716
407-862-5037
coachrik@aol.com
www.RichardsonPublishing.com
www.GymnasticsTrainingTips.com
www.PuppyLoversJournal.com
www.KittenLoversJournal.com
www.IsThereABookInsideYou.com

Upcoming talks by Rik Feeney:

March 21, 2009 - Ancient City Writers - St. John's Library / St. Augustine at 9:45 AM

Talk #1: Developing Author Web Sites

Talk # 2: Benefits & Concerns of Traditional, Print-On-Demand, and Self-Publishing Formats

March 22, 2009 - Gainesville Writers - Tower Road Library - 2:30 PM

Talk: You Can Write A Book in 60 Days!

April 15, 2009 - Melbourne Writers Group - Site TBA - Time TBA

Talk: Publishing 101: The Basics

April 19, 2009 - Pasco Writer's Conference - New Port Richey Library - Time TBA (must enroll in conference)

Talk: Article Writing Workshop

 

By Tracy Redman, FCCW Member

Raven's Books Originate In Her Life Journals

FCCW was honored to have Raven captivate us with her contagious love of life as she shared her experiences as a former Broadway star, international model and now author.

Raven has published two books: The Runway Models Handbook; and A Day in the Life of a Runway Model with Image & Fashion Tips from the Trade, detailing how models stay beautiful on the road.

Raven began by telling us, “I am not a writer, I am a talker.” Although Raven is an exceptionally dynamic speaker, it isn’t difficult to see that she is a gifted writer as well. She has been writing as long as she can remember, journaling life as it happens. Her books are an overflow of who she is and what she has learned along the way.

She says “Writing is something I volunteer to do.” Her passion shined through as she read us an excerpt from her most recent book, A Day in the Life of a Runway Model. The book is well-written and timely, especially for a culture where women and teens, fascinated with the model industry, need to understand healthy body image.

Raven is currently working on two more books. My Decade on Broadway will highlight that exciting time in her life. Cancer Times Two: A Survival Guide for Caregivers is based on her experience caring for both her mother and husband as they simultaneously battled cancer. The book will focus on the health of caregivers and encourage them to take care of themselves so that they can continue the vital job of caring for their loved ones.

Raven is a native New Yorker, a graduate of The Dalton School and Sarah Lawrence College with advanced degrees from the University of Madrid, Spain and NYU. She is also an adjunct professor at Florida Community College.

Raven is currently the CEO of R-Transformations, LLC, an Image Consulting company located on Amelia Island. To learn more about Raven’s writing and consulting email her at ravenprods@aol.com with the subject line: FCCW Blog or contact her at 904-491-8883.

By April Broussard, FCCW Member

Szaroleta Briefs Writers on Newspaper Basics

Florida Times-Union Arts and Entertainment editor, Tom Szaroleta, fielded questions about how to get published in the local newspaper.

He discussed the difficulties and some of the reasons why it is so difficult for a freelancer to get published.

“Although the paper most likely won’t print a story unless it’s incredible,” says Tom Szaroleta, “it is possible to get published.”
Tom’s area is the arts and entertainment department. This includes concert reviews. He enjoys his work because he gets to be creative about things going on around him.

He enjoys implementing humor in his work. But his humor runs out if a freelancer/anyone pitching a story calls him more than once. If there is a story that you wish him to cover, the more calls you make the less likely he will choose your story.

If there is an event you want covered or just an event you want the paper to know about, post it for free in the events section on the website.

Anyone can set up a blog of their own in the online paper. They regularly pick the best blog and post it.

On holidays, the Times-Union short story contests are excellent ways to win a little money and recognition from the paper.
Write for free under “Everyone’s a Critic”. Review a newly released movie in the theatres. Write your critical opinion in 75 words or less to just get your name in the paper.

For any religious stories that need to be covered, send these ideas to Jeff Brumly, the newspaper’s religion editor.

If you want your book to be reviewed and put on the book review page—note it is from a local author on the outside boldly. Send it to Brandy Allport. She is the book review editor, and also the only children’s book editor in the USA.

Remember be creative, be humorous, be incredible and most of all send it to the correct editor.

Events= http://www.jacksonville.com/
Blogs = http://www.jacksonville.com/interact/blog/jacksonvilledotcom
Critic= http://jacksonville.com/2009-02-04/story/everyones_a_critic

By Priscilla Weaver, FCCW Member