Story of the Writer: Abby Jones

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

Story of the Writer

Interview Series

with Abby Jones

 

 

Howdy all, welcome back  to the Train. Today we have another special guest…They’re all special right? Everybody please welcome Abby Jones! She’s actually a friend of the first interviewee of this series, Bethany A. Jennings. Thanks for joining us today Abby.

 

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Here we go folks, let’s learn a bit more about Abby….

Are you married with children? 

I’m happily married to a man who is Licensed Teacher (Recognized Gifted Brother) in our church, with a desire for the eldership. We haven’t been blessed with any of our own children, but we have 11 nieces and nephews. I often write children’s stories for them, which I hope to publish as picture books someday. You can read some of them on my blog.

That’s awesome you already have an audience! 

 

Where are you located?

I live in the great state of Texas near Fort Worth.

Sweet. I’m in Buckeye country. I love Texas though.

 

Where did you go to school? Major?

After high school, I attended a local junior college where I got an Associate’s Degree and swore off college.

I have an Associate’s as well. Think about going back, but it’s much TOO expensive.

 

You said you switched genres a few times, can you take us through your experiences, journey with these?

Well, the first switches were due to my desire to spend more time writing and less time doing research. My older brother is an amateur historian, and I’m an armchair historian, so even writing Swords and Sorcery type fantasy required lots of research for fear my brother would call me out on an incorrect detail. Moving closer to a time frame I loved—Victorian—didn’t solve the problem. Funny enough, I still needed to do research. Confounded, I switched to Urban Fantasy. At least I’m familiar with what types of clothing we wear. Here I discovered my voice: action flick meets thriller meets fantasy with smatterings of beautiful prose.

For several years I settled down nice and snug in my world of serial killers, saved vampires, and broken hunters. While I was researching how to torture people (researching serial killers didn’t bother me as much as researching corsets or halberds), my husband and I sold our business so we could focus more on our church. I had several books under my belt by then, finished, and in various stages of editing.

My husband started preaching for our church on almost weekly basis. That’s when I realized that if I continued, I’d be going down one path and he’d be going down another. After talking to him and some close friends, praying, and crying a lot, I switched genres to something that lines up better with his plans: Faerie Stories and Children’s Stories.

Before anyone freaks out, my decision wasn’t forced on me, nor do we believe a hopefully-future-pastor’s wife couldn’t write vampire serial killer stories. Not at all. We both believe I had the total freedom to do that. It was me asking myself if those stories were serving my church at all. The answer was no. About three or four people total would even read them. Most people shied away from them. And, I didn’t feel comfortable talking about them with my church family.

Switching that last time to something I could actually share with my church was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I switched blogs, set aside stories I loved, and packed away very dear characters.  But, I didn’t want to go down a path that would lead me away from my husband’s hopes for the future, and I didn’t want to be unable to share the writing side of me with my church. If I’m not using my gift to encourage Christ’s bride, what’s the point of having it? (This is by no means meant to guilt anyone, just me being honest about my choices.)

God is amazing. He’s graciously blessed my work. My church family has been encouraged by my blog. I’ve connected with other churches via my writing that I never would have met otherwise. I’m closer to being published than I’ve ever been before with my children’s books. And, I’ve figured out how to tie my new YA Faerie Stories into my beloved Urban Fantasies minus the violence and language. God has been so gentle and kind to me through this time.

That’s a very touching story, thanks for sharing! I’m sure it wasn’t easy. At least you’re still writing!

Below you’ll find an image that has inspired Abby in her writing endeavors. Check it out, there’s some pretty cool artwork.

 

novel inspiration from Bethany

 
1. You’re a writer; so what’s your story, or what inspired you?

I discovered my love of writing back in 2000. My husband (then boyfriend) had just read Lord of the Rings, and was inspired to try his hand at writing. Wanting to be engaged in his interests, I started piddling around with writing as well. All my life, I’ve been a reader and a lover of stories, but I hate all things grammar-related. My mom even put me through remedial English as a home schooler. I longed for a way to artistically express myself, but couldn’t imagine dealing with commas and spelling and such. Don’t even get me started on homonyms. Everything changed when I finally gave in and put pen to paper. I discovered my form of self-expression. The stories in my head have been escaping ever since. Even with 16 years under my belt, I require editors (friends). I still can’t sort out where commas are supposed to go.

It always begins with reading doesn’t it? I talked to so many people that’ve been inspired by the Lord of the Rings. I’ve seen the movies but haven’t read the books!

 

2. What’s your GOAL in becoming a writer?

My original goal was to express myself. I’ve always felt the need or the longing to do creative things. I tried music, painting, drawing (which I still dabble in), photography, fashion (still something I love), and crafts. I was never satisfied with what poured out. I could never get anything to match what was in my head. Discovering writing was like discovering magic, though it should have come as no surprise based on the way I devour books.

Once I found my voice, my goal became, and still is, to tell warrior stories that don’t mince on the hardships of life but are flooded with beauty, light, and hope, from a Christian worldview. I love the concept of the man who sacrifices a normal life to hunt things that go bump in the night, and the woman at his side…with magic thrown in. I also love the idea of the Undeserved Rescue. I always have at least one villain being shown grace.

There you go, sounds good. Even the villains need mercy. That’s probably why I like Darth Vader so much. 

 

3. What 3 things have hindered you from completing your projects? (CONFLICT)

The first thing that has hindered me is just the learning curve. My first few projects fell by the wayside because I wrote myself into a plot corner that I couldn’t see a way out of. I’m also determined to publish a well-written story. I love books with excellent prose, and refuse to add to the slush pile of poorly written literature. This means years spent honing my craft and wordsmithing. I’m also a pantser and can’t publish one part of a series until the whole thing is done because it takes me that long to make sure I don’t need to make changes.

Second, I’ve changed my focus several times. I started out pretty traditional Sword and Sorcery, switched to Victorian Historical Fantasy, then to Urban Fantasy with a strong Criminal Thriller feel where I found my voice, and finally to YA Dark Faerie Stories. Each time I’ve changed focus, I’ve set myself back and created a new learning curve.

Last, writing is not my main focus in life. I love it. I write every day. I hope to be published someday, but all that is secondary to serving my church, my husband, and my family. Those three things are far more important to me than my stories. I’m unwilling to sacrifice them for the sake of my writing. This can be a real struggle. In our culture, we’re pushed to give up everything for the sake of art. I constantly battle the voices that tell me I should abandon everything to be a published writer. The voices lie. The stories are important, but they aren’t everything.

Yeah, I guess changing focus would definitely slow you down. Suppose it’s part of the journey of being a writer.

 

  1. What keeps you motivated in achieving your dream? (DESIRE)

I love stories. I love telling stories. I love this story and my Worlds before the Door (my name for them) specifically. Even if I can only write for ten minutes a day, I’ll take it. Even if I couldn’t write, I’d still be making stories up in my head. I’ve been doing that since I was six. It’s part of who I am, and who God made me. Besides…I’m really rough on my characters and even if I’m the only one reading the story, I can’t leave them until they reach the light.

I can relate! I love creating things and being creative. So storytelling is an outlet of that for me. The possibilities are endless! Honing or craft is learning how to take those ideas and shape them into a compelling story. Keep at it!

 

 

Business cartoon showing businessman with smiling face jumping from one cliff to another cliff. The second cliff has a sign that reads 'Welcome to the Other Side'.

 

 

5. What’s your ANTAGONIST? What’s in the way?

My main antagonist is probably being a pantser. I have to discover the story first, while I’m writing it. Then I have to do major edits and rewrites. It seems to me that outlining is very useful because it cuts down on rewriting entire plot points or just having to yet again change the time of day. But, outlining doesn’t work for me. I am trying to learn how to outline, but thorough outlining drives me away from the story.

I’m a panster, or tweener, kind of. It’s good knowing what doesn’t work for you though. It’s part of the process!

 

6. Why do writers give up, quit or never complete their projects?

Learning to write well takes a long time, a lot of focus, and dedication. You can’t just sit down and peck out the next Great American Novel. It can take years to hone your craft. That’s intimidating. It can be a long time before you can share your work. That can be lonely. Every book you read seems to be better than anything you can produce. That can be discouraging. These are the reasons I’ve been tempted to give up.

It’s 100% intimidating, but also liberating and fun! Jerry Jenkins said something simple that lifted alot of weight off my shoulders. “Give yourself time to learn the craft first”. EPIC. Simple yet full of wisdom. So I gave myself permission and time to learn. The fact that it’s a life-long learning with dedication involved is very appealing to me on many fronts. One, being a life long learner! I’m probably a polymath of some sort. A lover of learning. Just take the process as it comes. Day by day. 

 

7. What would you say to a struggling writer who’s given up?

Find your core. What was it that first excited you about writing? Why did you start writing? Getting back to your roots can help you regain some perspective. Also, make sure you’re doing some fun writing, whether it’s fan fiction, word doodles, or poetry, do something playful. Last, write what you want to read.

Anytime I feel like I’ve lost my desire, I return to the concept of the Undeserved Rescue, war movies, and friendship stories. (Think Band of Brothers and Firefly.) These concepts fuel my mind and inspire me. You have to find that thing that keeps you going.

Absolutely, I love it. That’s very inspiring. “Find your core” I adore that statement. Those are some really good ideas, I’m going to have to play with some of those. Thanks for sharing. 

 

BONUS: 

Can you tell us a little about your writing time in homeschooling? (Sounds like fun).

Most of the writing I did while in school was English/Grammar related, like parts of a sentence and such. At one point, my mom did tell me I could write sentences that didn’t include a black stallion.  Good luck with that one. I manage to work a black stallion into just about every major story I’ve ever written.

One time my Mom gave me a ‘free-writing’ type of assignment. I wrote an anthropomorphic story about my cat. My mom loved it and suggested I try my hand at writing beyond the required homework. I ran screaming in terror and didn’t try writing for fun again until several years later.

The great gift home schooling gave me was books. My Mom encouraged me to read, and read with discernment, filling me up with beautiful stories. I’m so thankful for the books she constantly put before me.

Books, books and more books! Wonderful aren’t they?

 

Can you say a little about how you run your writing time in your group?

Due to some health issues, I’ve had to step back from our group for over a year now. But, when I ran it, we would start by going over our goals, then I had a ‘Being Brave’ question which forced all of us to share something about our work. The bulk of the time was spent reading aloud a 1000 word excerpt from a project of your choice. After each reading, we would go in circle and offer remarks. I used a timer (3 minutes per person) and we had a no repeat rule: if it’s been said, either say something new or pass.

I’d like to say we kept things organized, but the group could get very long-winded. I have a love/hate fascination with Writing Groups.

Thanks for sharing your story and joining us on the Train Abby!

 

You can connect with Abby all over social media:

Blog: http://gentleandquiet.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gentleandquiet

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/olivecrow/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/abigailtinuviel/

Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/7303921-abby-jones

Twitter: https://twitter.com/GentleandQuiet

Scribophile: http://www.scribophile.com/authors/abby-jones/

 

 

 

KEEP WRITING 

YOUR STORY

NO ONE ELSE WILL

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com

 

 

Story of the Writer: Janice M. Whiteaker

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

STORY OF THE WRITER
INTERVIEW SERIES

With

Janice M. Whiteaker

 

 

Ladies and gentlemen today we have a very special guest and fellow daytonian Janice M. Whiteaker. She’s is a mom and an author. I absolutely LOVE author moms. Being a parent is tough as it is, but then being a mom AND an author, adds a whole new dimension.

Everybody please welcome Janice! 

Welcome to the locomotion. Let’s begin!

 

 

 

 

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Janice Whiteaker

 

Janice writes romances with a bit of suspense. One of her books, RUN is available now, and her new book OUT BAD is due on Amazon July 15th 2016. Here’s a peak at the covers.

 

 

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Her new book Out Bad, is available to pre-order and will be delivered wirelessly via Amazon July 15th. Check it out, I just pre-ordered!

 

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Hi Janice!

It’s so nice to interview someone from my neck of the woods.

It’s great that you are a full-time mom and pursuing your dreams. I find that very inspiring.  Well, here it goes.

Are you originally from Dayton, Oh?

I am!  I was born at Kettering Medical Center and raised in Miamisburg.  Now, I live in Springboro which is where both my grandfather’s grew up.  One grandfather’s great-uncles actually helped found the city.

That’s awesome, I love Springboro. It’s a bustling area right now too. We frequent the urgent care center there. Lol!

 

Tell us a little about when you were a hairstylist.

I did hair for 15 years, most of them as a sole-proprietor.  I very much like to be in control of things (the same reason I self-publish) and it was a great fit for me.  I made my own hours and handled my own books.  The profession requires you to be a self-starter and I have found that to be very helpful experience when it comes to writing.

I admire anyone who can tackle self-publishing head on with its challenges. You also strike me as a go-getter. That’ll definitely work to your advantage.

 

YOU’RE A MOM! AWESOME! I love moms because they’re the hardest workers on the planet. Period. So what’s a typical day like at home?

Essentially, I make food, clean up food, make food, clean up food.  All.  Day.  Long.  Oh, and I try to keep the workplace injuries to a minimum.

I can relate to this all too well. Little eating machines aren’t they? It’s hard to believe human beings can be that messy. I’ve managed to keep that quality in adult life. *sigh* The workplace injuries MUST be kept to a minimum. Safety and fall prevention is part of my day job, I completely understand! Essentially we try to keep them fed, clean, and from killing each other. Fun!

 

 

Overworked and Multitasking
An overworked very busy multitasking author-mom under stress

 

 

Do you have any major hobbies you enjoy?

I actually have quite a few hobbies.  We own an RV, so we do quite a bit of traveling/camping.  I knit and crochet.  I also love gardening, the edible kind, and canning.  I’m pretty handy with power tools and love home renovation.  These hobbies rotate in importance since there’s only so many hours in a day.  Right now, we are in prime camping season so that is the major one.

Traveling is definitely a fun one. Not too outdoorsy, but I’ll go camping. It’s great you can work power tools. I’m jealous, sort of. Kind of mechanically declined. It’s hopeless.

 

What’s your genre? Why?

I write romance.  I love it.  Always have.  I love reading and writing about the complexities of love and relationships.  Plus, I’m a little bit sensitive so a book with a sad or upsetting ending will gnaw at me for a long time.  I like knowing the end of a book is going to be a happy one.  With romance, your odds of leaving the story with a smile on your face are pretty darn high.

It’s great you write what you love, love what you write. Makes a big difference. Youre readers are keen on this. I’m curious as to what you think a bad ending is though. 

 

Tell us about your upcoming book, Out Bad.

Right now I’m neck deep in editing a stand alone titled Out Bad.  It’s about a former motorcycle gang member trying to build a new life, one he hopes will attract a future wife.  He feels his past will make most women avoid him like the plague so he works hard to build a business and a beautiful home, hoping it will be enough to offset his misdeeds.  When he meets the woman he’s been looking for, it turns out the life he actually needs to help rebuild is hers, only in a very different way.

Your premise sounds very intriguing with lots of history. Can’t wait to read it!

 

1. You’re a writer; so what’s your story?What inspired you to take this journey?

Initially, it was simply to see if I could.  It’s probably odd, but I didn’t always write.  I didn’t always want to be a writer.  I have, however, always been a reader.  At a certain point, I was reading books by women just like me and I thought, I wonder if I could do this too?  So, I sat down and started writing.  Very quickly, I realized there was more to it than just writing.  That’s when I found K.M. Weiland’s books on structure and outlining.  I took some time, educated myself and then went back to work.  Right now I have one published book, one book in editing and another completed draft hanging out and I am deeply in love with what I’m doing.

 

Hey, you can’t go wrong with KM Weiland. Your story sounds very much like mine! The only difference was I didn’t read alot growing up (this didnt stop my rampant imagination) I did however fancy words a bit, kept a dictionary in my back pocket. Lots of TV and comics too.

 

2. What’s your GOAL (S) in becoming a writer?

I want each book I write to be better than the last.  I want my books to make people feel warm and fuzzy on the inside.  I want to write stories that stick with the reader long after they’ve finished, in a good way.  I want to keep people up at night, reading one more chapter.

Hmm. I like your focus here. You sound very passionate about what your doing. I love it! The profilic James Patterson said, one thing you can’t teach is passion. Every writer needs it, and you’ve got it. A+. 

 

3. What 3 things have hindered you from completing your projects? (CONFLICT)

Well, my first issue was lack of knowledge.  I had to learn the basics before I made a big mess so that really slowed down my first book.  Now, my primary struggle is perfection.  I am constantly forcing myself to keep moving forward and not get hung up on one line.

Somehow I think we’re kin.

 

4. What keeps you motivated in achieving your dream? (DESIRE)

I really like to push myself to progress.  I want to be the best I can be at everything I do, and writing is a great challenge in that aspect.  There is always something to learn, a skill to develop.

Very inspiring!  Writing will always teach you something new. Nature of the beast. Something of ourselves, characters, our writing process, the world, life etc. It’s the constant learning  that I love. You’ll find perfection in the process,  it comes included in the journey. 

 

5. What’s your main ANTAGONIST? What’s in the way of you accomplishing your goals?

This is going to totally ruin my chances at winning mother of the year, but as cute as my kids are, they are kind of energy and attention vampires.  Right now, my older son is dancing in his underwear, stabbing the television with a silk flower stem, repeating the dialogue to Pinky and the Brain at the top of his lungs.

You’re already Mom of the Year. Seriously, to your kids, your the BEST ever. That’s all they need. Nice visual.  All too familiar with underwear dancing, especially in front of the mirror before bedtime. Right when my patience is evaporated. They should make it into a sport.

We’ve got two mini-vampires aged 5 and 7. Not sure where their energy comes from, except sucked out of us. Hah! Actually we’ve got one Frankenstein, one Vampire. Adorable little cuties aren’t they?

 

~Every mom is a superhero to their children~

 

 

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Author Momma

 

 

6. Why do writers give up, quit or abandon their dream?

Being a successful writer means different things to different people.  I would guess, most people want their books to be well received and make them some money.  Unfortunately, getting to that point is preceded by years of hard work with very little financial gain while you build a back list, a fan base, and an online presence.  It isn’t just about writing books anymore.  Now you have to build a brand while you write books.  Success involves strategy and business savvy, not only talent and creativity which can be more than a little overwhelming.

I love this answer, it’s so true!

 

7. What would you say to a struggling writer who’s given up? Or perhaps to encourage other moms in your position?

I think it’s important to realize writing and publishing is a marathon.  You have to train for it and then keep putting one foot in front of the other.

Nice. Words if wisdom here. Definitely a marathon. Takes training, commitment, determination, pleasure and endurance. Well said.

 

 

 

BONUS: What are your favorite quotes?

“You can’t edit a blank page.” Nora Roberts

“If I waited for perfection I would never write a word.”  Margaret Atwood

You can also list a few of your favorite books, novels, or writing books.

 

Grammar Girl’s Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing-Mignon Fogarty

Smarter Faster Better-Charles Duhigg

All the Writer’s Thesauruses by Angela Ackerman and Becca Puglisi

 

 

THANKS FOR YOUR PARTICIPATION

Keep writing sister! 

God bless you and your family!

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain
http://www.thewritingtrain.com
Thebigcaboose@gmail.com

 

 

Story of the Writer: Honoree Corder

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

 

Story of the Writer Interview Series 

with Honoree Corder

 

Welcome back to the Writing Train folks. We have a special guest with us today. Please welcome aboard the prolific best selling author, mentor and coach, Honoree Corder! If you need someone to help you turn your lofty dreams into practical, actionable goals, look no further. Without  the practicality of goal setting, positive affirmations, self-realization and execution, our dreams won’t be realized.

 

HonoreeCorderHeadshot

 

Honoree is a best-selling author of over a dozen books including her new publication Prosperity for Writers: A Writer’s Guide to Creating Abundance.  She’s passionately served professionals and entrepreneurs as their coach, mentor, and strategic adviser for almost 20 years. I had the great pleasure of speaking with Honoree over Skype recently but was unable to obtain an audio recording. So the next best thing was to post an awesome video of Honoree and Joanna Penn! How sweet is that! Two mega-entrepreneurs in one sitting. This is ten times better in my opinion. The video is very inspiring please see below.

 

 

You can learn more about Honoree on her blog at honoreecorder.com, on twitter @Honoree, or on facebook at www.facebook.com/Honoree.

In her book she tackles first the erroneous and limiting belief system that we tend to tolerate as “starving artists.” That we can’t make it as writers or be poor because that’s the way it is right? Wrong! Whenever we say that we can’t make it, or don’t have the time to write we’re indeed affirming those beliefs. In November of last year I had my first written affirmation. I AM A WRITER. I WILL BE PUBLISHED. At that point I began to take myself seriously. So many writers suffer from fear and doubt they really need a change in their belief system to positive affirmations.

 

Prosperity-Front-Cover

Learn more about it here.

 

Here is a foretaste of some of her inspirational, yet practical books.

 

Yay for moms!

TSSM Cover

Learn more about it here.

 

 

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Learn more about it here.  I just purchased this title recently and can’t wait to devour it. Productivity is not only about setting goals, but also how we manage our time.

 

TMM-Writers-iTunes

Learn more about it here.

I just discovered the new Miracle Morning series:

The Miracle Morning: The Not-So-Obvious Secret Guaranteed to Transform your Life

The Miracle Morning for Network Marketers: Grow Yourself FIRST to Grow Your Business FAST (The Miracle Morning Book Series)

The Miracle Morning for Real Estate Agents: It’s Your Time to Rise and Shine (The Miracle Morning Series)

Prosperity for Writers Productivity Journal: A Writer’s Workbook for Creating Abundance

 

I asked some of my fellow writers in our Facebook group some questions we could ask our guest. Here’s what we came up with:

1. My biggest question is always what draws people into being educators or mentors? I’m really interested what inspires people to share their knowledge with the world. 

Honoree has always had a passion to inspire others to achieve their dreams by coaching professionals and entrepreneurs, including lawyers, executives, and banks. Currently she also does publishing consultation as a continuation of her commitment to mentor others.

2. What one thing does she wish she had known at the start of her career?

To have a checklist, a formula and create a time process for everything like editing, publishing, book covers, have an Amazon advantage account, use of social media (like twitter), and writing copy.

3. How can one practically accomplish their dreams?

Paint a clear picture of what you want through words or pictures.

  • Create a plan
  • Make a production schedule
  • Create a system

Honoree has multiple streams of income from her speaking, coaching, books, publishing, training and courses. First she wanted to make 10k a month and gave herself 5 years to do so. The production schedule was to produce 120k words per year and 90 days to crank out a first draft. It took her 3 years to accomplish her 5 year goals although with personal and professional struggles. Impressive!

4. How can writers successfully market themselves and their books?

Build up a solid author platform, the use of social media on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter. Be interesting and build your list of readers.  Use mail chimp with timely newsletters through email to get your name out there. You can use podcast interviews to build a solid platform. Give your books away, or a few chapters for free.

 

~If you don’t have a plan you plan to fail~

 

I was particularly impressed with her STMA 100 day plan. Which stands for short term massive action. 30 days is far too short, just barely enough to change a habit. A year is much too long and gives a lot of room for procrastination. So she’s been practicing this 100 day plan for 25 years now and it’s proven to be effectual. It takes 45 days just to build up momentum so 100 days is a good time frame. You set 3 total goals; 2 business and 1 personal, 6 daily actions to complete. Some of the benefits are you figure yourself out first. The best time of day the write, edit, rest and what works best for you. Honoree practices three 100 day cycles a year and has a review at the end of each cycle.  During the review time she determines what worked? What didn’t work? Why? Did I attain my goals? What did I not do? What do I need to achieve my goals? I love this. I’m totally not a planner, but I need to become one! This is so awesome. If you’d like to take her 100 day course it’s 50% off if you read her book Prosperity for Writers. 

 

Thank  you so much Honoree for joining us! Come visit us Again!

This is the Writing Train signing off.

 

~Keep writing because someone needs your story~

 

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

http://www.thewritingtrain.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Story of the Writer: Kim Vandel

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

STORY OF THE WRITER:

Interview Series

Featuring Kim Vandel

 

I first came across Kim Vandel on kmweiland.com  as one of 5 recommended muscle-bound-muse authors to be read. She received high praise from my mentor, Jedi Master and mother hen, KM Weiland which took me by surprise. So naturally, I had to figure out who this person was. Vandel made her debut splashing onto the scene with her YA superhero novel Into the Fire. Be sure to check it out. Here’s a peep.

 

ITF cover 2x3

 

 

Praise for Into the Fire

“…this was possibly the best book I’ve read this year. It’s one of those stories, likes Weeks’s, that sucked me in deep and wouldn’t let me go.”

-KM Weiland

“So, so good. Vandel does all the good stuff of supernatural teen stories–and does it better.”
K.M. Weiland, author of Storming and Amazon bestseller Outlining Your Novel

 

“Vandel’s debut shines in a market where well written
young adult urban fantasy is hard to find.”
Jess Evander, author of the TimeShifters series

 

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Ladies, gents and voracious readers I present to you Kim Vandel! *standing ovation* Kim, welcome to the Writing Train it’s so nice to have you with us. Before we begin,  I have to admit you’re definitely the great Princess Leia. There’s no doubt in my mind. Leia with a pen, I might add. Love it.

 

Kim Vandel author photo thumbnail

Here’s a little more about Kim.

Kim Vandel is a grownup who loves to read and write teen fiction. She worked in the field of environmental science before pursuing her dream of becoming a novelist. Her first book, Into the Fire, released in 2015, and it’s currently a double semifinalist for the Realm Award (debut and young adult categories). Kim lives with her family in the Seattle suburbs—the land of Microsoft, Nintendo America, and approximately five million Starbucks. You can learn more about Kim at Kimvandel.com

 

~It’s customary for me to ask a few questions in order to have a proper introduction. So here it is!~

 

Do you see yourself as princess Leia? Kind of a sassy princess?

Hmmm. Can I take The Fifth on this one? No? Well, when I was a kid, I never got in trouble for anything I did. I got in trouble for things I said—or more precisely, the manner in which I said them. And “Kimberly” means “from the royal meadow,” so sassy princess might be more accurate than I’d like to admit. I definitely identified with Princess Leia when I was growing up, and not just because of her sassiness. I wasn’t a girly girl. I hated wearing dresses, and I didn’t play with dolls. Leia was a princess I could relate to because she didn’t stand around while Luke and Han rescued her. She grabbed a blaster and started shooting. She showed me that a girl could be beautiful and strong—that it was okay for a girl to be strong. A princess could be a hero right alongside the guys.

Hah! I love it. Having this background resonates with me on different levels. I love your spirit, or sassiness, as you call it. Leia wasn’t a passive princess sittin’ on her laurels waitin’ for ol’ Luke and Han, she was in the battle! That’s great. “She grabbed a blaster and started shooting.” Love this statement. I almost want to print it out and plaster it on my wall. It really speaks to what kind of person she was. A princess hero with a blaster, splendid.

Do you drink Starbucks Coffee? If so, what’s your M.O.?

Dude. I live in the Seattle suburbs. Of course I drink Starbucks coffee. (And yes, Starbucks is everywhere.) Favorite hot drink: tall skinny vanilla latte. Favorite cold drink: venti unsweetened black tea. At home it’s usually French or Italian roast.

Well, we won’t hold that against you. Don’t stone me, but I love Tim Horton’s coffee. Starbucks is a little bitter on the palate. However I will get their white chocolate mocha once or twice a year. 

Coffee cup
Hmm…Starbucks or Tim Horton’s?

Where did you go to school?

I graduated from Northwest Nazarene University with a Bachelor of Science degree in biology. I know, I know. I’m a science nerd. But it’s useful when you write speculative fiction.

Nothing wrong with being a science nerd, especially if your writing speculative fiction! I find it pretty cool actually. 

Favorite snack when writing?

I’m not a snack-while- I-write kind of girl, but if I was, it would involve something that’s salty and/or crunchy and covered in chocolate. Beverages are a necessity when I write. I always have tea or coffee close by.

I’m not much of a snacker either while writing. I ditto the tea or coffee though!  I’ll fire up a cup of Earl grey, peppermint or some nice ginger flavors. 

1. You’re a writer; so what’s  your story, or what inspired you?

I grew up in a family with a love for good stories, whether they were in the form of books or movies. Those stories sparked my imagination. They opened up worlds—entire galaxies!—of possibilities. They inspired me to think and dream and look beyond what was right in front of me. To create worlds of my own.

Yes, I have a very similiar background.  Those stories set fire to our minds, opening up the vast worlds, and the galaxy of our imagination.

a. What did you learn in writing Into the Fire?

There’s a lot of personal growth going on behind the scenes of a book. If you want your book to connect emotionally with your readers, then it has to be real, and being real is scary. It means exposing a little piece of your soul to the world. But something beautiful happens when you do: you grow stronger. As I wrote Into the Fire, I went on a journey with my protagonist Kate. As she found the courage to keep going in spite of her fear—in spite of how hard life can get sometimes—I learned to do the same. She may be fictional, but Kate inspires me.

Wow, this is amazing. When we write our stories we’re indeed sending little pieces of our soul out into the world. Amazing. I do like the thought of taking a journey with the protagonist. It’s a mutual journeying experience.  I also love the thought of being inspired by a character that you wrote. That’s awesome. Inspiration first brought you the character, you developed it, and now she’s a continual source of written inspiration. That’s awesome!

2. What’s your GOAL in becoming a writer?

My ultimate goal is to connect with readers. I want to create stories that will transport them to another world, and I hope they find something in my story that will inspire them to see themselves and their own world in a new way.

I LOVE that you want to connect with your readers and take them on a meaningful journey. Just by this statement, I can tell you’re a good storyteller. That means a lot and says what kind of writer you are. 

Woman reading inside a huge book
Woman reading Into the Fire

a. What’s it like being published? A lot of us dream about this. You’re not only published, but your book Into the Fire is a double semifinalist in the Realm award.

Being published is both terrifying and the best thing ever. It’s terrifying in that there’s no going back. My work is out there where anyone can read it (and criticize it). You feel very “exposed” as a published author (which for an introvert is pretty much a nightmare). But being published is also the best thing ever because you hear from readers who have totally connected with your characters and “love, love, LOVE” your story. And sometimes you get to see all your hard work pay off with professional recognition—things like your book being a double semifinalist for the Realm Award.

That’s great! As we said earlier, it’s like we’re shipping out a piece of ourselves out into world for mass exposure. But it’s also displays an intrinsic theme, a story, character we want them to know about. First is resonates with you, then with readers from all walks of life. That’s mind boggling! It’s an echo of hearts, we  just make the first sound.

 

3. What 3 things have hindered you from completing your projects? (CONFLICT)

Lack of time. Lack of focus. Fear.

Ah, yes. Time, focus, fear. The three evil siblings that do their masters bidding. I ask every writer these questions and time and fear are always listed.

4. What keeps you motivated in achieving your dream? (DESIRE)

I love to create stories, and I believe that’s what God has called me to do. Those two thoughts keep me grounded. Now that I’m published, reader feedback is a huge factor in staying motivated. A teenage boy said I’m his favorite author, and a teen girl said she’s dying to read the next book. Another reader said that when she finished Into the Fire she wanted to read it again and spend more time with the characters. Those are the kind of things an author loves to hear, and they help me stay motivated. I know that all my time and effort will eventually pay off.

Again, love your spirit. These kids are feeding off your stories and you’re feeding off their encouragement. Beautiful how that works isn’t it?

5. What’s your ANTAGONIST? What’s in the way?

I am my own worst enemy. All too often I let fear and self-doubt hold me back.

Aren’t we all? This is just human nature itself. Self-doubt and fear. Yet you overcame them both! Now your story connects with readers and authors. Very inspiring. 

a. A lot of us think being published is the goal, since you’re there, what’s the next battle? 

The next battle is to keep going and stay focused on what’s important. You can’t let things like negative feedback or sluggish sales discourage you. Haters gonna hate, and the sales will come. Make sure you celebrate every success, no matter how big or small. You worked hard for those successes. Enjoy them! (Yes, I’m also preaching to myself here.)

It’s only the beginning for you I’m sure. Rome wasn’t built in a day, as they always say.

6. If you have given up your dream, why? (If no skip to next question)

When I first started writing, there were a couple of times I gave up because I was so discouraged. The urge to write never really went away though, so eventually I started again. There are still days when I want to give up, but it usually means I’ve been pushing myself too hard and need to take a day off. I’ve learned to keep going when I want to quit, but it takes practice and a healthy dose of stubbornness.

 

Mucha practica, which translates as practice a lot. Which requires stubbornness and focus.
7. Why do writers give up, quit or never complete their projects?

Because writing is really, really hard. It’s a lot of work, often with little or no reward. (At least not that we can see.) We put our very hearts on the page, and we take a huge risk by revealing our hearts to the world. It’s almost impossible not to take rejection personally, because it’s us on the page.

When I first began learning what it took to actually write a book, I thought whoever wants to do this out of their mind. My second thought was, whoever actually pulled this off is brilliant. Rejection is inevitable. But we’re the first ones who reject ourselves with doubt and fear. Then we go to submit our “child” to an agent who drop kicks our baby with a “Thanks but no thanks” only  to confirm our subtle self-rejectionist mentality. We  should consider those “rejections” as more of a direction, to where we need to be. If they reject us then it wasn’t meant to be. 
8. What would you say to a struggling writer who’s given up?

Take a deep breath. Know that you’re not alone. Now go find other writers. I can’t stress that enough. Whether it’s online or in a local writers’ group, find the people who “get you.” Draw encouragement from them. Learn from those who have gone before you and lived to tell the tale. You don’t have to face the big bad publishing world all by yourself. Don’t give up your dream!

I love your closing words which I’ll echo. DON’T GIVE UP YOUR DREAM! It’s your dream, so don’t let it lay waste without taking action.
Tentative dates for book 2?  I don’t have a release date for Among the Flames, but expect to see it sometime this summer 2016: Among the Flames, book two of the Under Fire series.Click here to sign up for Kim Vandel’s author newsletter VANDELIZED.
Thanks so much for joining us Kim! Appreciate it! Can’t wait for the next installment in the series! Be sure to come back for a book promo.
Website: www.kimvandel.com
Twitter: @KimVandel

Of all the things I’ve lost, I miss my mind the most.

~Mark Twain

KEEP WRITING
SOMEONE NEED TO HEAR YOUR STORY
Regards,
Benjamin.
@thewritingtrain
http://www.thewritingtrain.com

 

 

Story of the Writer: Linda Yezak

Posted on by Benjamin Thomas

 

STORY OF THE WRITER

INTERVIEW SERIES

LINDA YEZAK

 

Welcome back to the Writing Train folks!

All aboard!

 

Our next guest to kick off the series is none other than the great Linda Yezak. Wahoo! Everybody put your hands together for Linda. *applause* I mainly know Linda as one of the critique partners of bestselling author K.M. Weiland, and a fellow wordplayer in our awesome facebook group. If you would like access to this group click here.  Now if Kate or KM Weiland is likened to Yoda, then Linda is definitely Obi Wan Kenobi. Hands down.

 

 

Linda cropped

 

Here’s a little more about Linda

Linda W. Yezak lives in a forest in Deep East Texas, where tall tales abound and exaggeration is an art form. She holds a BA in English and a graduate certificate in Paralegal Studies. Thirty years after graduation, she’s finally putting her degree in English to good use, combining it with her natural inclination toward story-telling to create fun, unique novels, including the Carol Award Finalist, Give the Lady a Ride, its sequel The Final Ride, and short stories like “Slider,” which won an honorable mention position in Saturday Evening Post’s 2015 Great American Fiction contest.

 

1. Essentials first. What’s your favorite BBQ sauce?

My husband makes one that has me spoiled to all others, and it uses as its base a name-brand sauce that is one of my least favorite. Go figure.

Hmm. Sounds like a man with admirable skills. Tell him he’s hired, and we’ll put it on mail order. 

 

You Underestimate My Power 10052016232559

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

2. Tell us a little about where you live, ranch etc.

Currently, we’re in a rural residential neighborhood in a forest in Deep East Texas, about a thirty-minute drive from Louisiana. From where I work, I can see our pond with all its lily pads in bloom, the squirrels chasing each other around the hickory trees, and bluejays and cardinals preening in the birdbath. Until we retire and move back closer to home, this is our little slice of heaven. Our farm back home is a bigger slice of heaven.

“in a forest in Deep East Texas” wow, the imagery this evokes is explosive. I used to live on a six acre property and thought that was big. Mowing the lawn was brutal. But your ranch sounds very peaceful and conducive to the writing process.
2. Have you always been a writer?

In one way or another. In college, I had a professor who wanted me to pursue it as a career, but I had other plans. Turns out I should’ve listened to her. If I had, I would’ve been better established before the industry started going wonky.

Wonky, now that’s a word that’s definitely going in my vocabulary.  Hindsight is 20/20 as they say. But I don’t believe in accidents or coincidences, you’re right where you need to be.

 

3. What’s your favorite book?

This is always tough for me to answer. I have several favorites, each for different reasons. To make it to my favorites list, a book must totally submerge me into the story and leave me drained afterward, leave me with a sense of awe. It also must teach me something about the craft of writing. Of all the books I’ve read, only a handful reach this level.

You just left me dangling on the edge of my seat here. We’re gonna have to have you back for an additional interview just to mine the riches of this statement.

 

4. Favorite writing craft books?

These days, I’m more a fan of learning from other authors than from “how-to” books, but if I had to name one, it would be Steering the Craft, by Ursula Le Guin. (Not a K.M. Weiland star, but at least it’s one she recommended to me.) What I love about this one is that it’s aimed at more mature writers who have advanced beyond basics. She does include the basics, but she also goes beyond Writing 101. She has a new one directed at 21st century writing  that I’d love to have.

I have the second book you mentioned: Steering the Craft: A Twenty-First-Century Guide to Sailing the Sea of Story, and I can’t wait to read it! YUM.

 

5. You’re a writer; so what’s your story, or what inspired you?

As I said, I’ve always written, but most recently, back in 1997, I got back in to it out of sheer pragmatism. I needed a job I could do from home. When my husband and I moved here, my father had cancer, and my mom was soon a widow who lived 150 miles from me. I needed something to do that would keep me busy, but available to her when she needed me.

I don’t remember what inspired the first novel I wrote. It was a sorry thing, as was the second one. But the story behind my first published novel–my award winner, Give the Lady a Ride–is on my blog right now (here: Give the Lady a Ride) because I’m promoting its sequel.

 

GiveTheLadyARide_2016 Kindle

Give the Lady a Ride is available now.

 

cover

The Final Ride: The Circle Bar Ranch Series is coming July 2016.

Lovely book covers by the way.
6. What’s your GOAL now in this stage of your career?

Now that I have several novels under my belt, my immediate goal is to learn how to better manage them and make money from them. I learned more about how to write than I did what to do once I’d written, so I’m scrambling to catch up. Since I always pursued traditional publishing, I thought there were some things I didn’t need to learn. Wrong. Now I’m enjoying the control I have over my books, but I realize how little I know about the promotion/marketing end of the business.

Yep, that sounds like marketing. You’ll want to tune in for next Friday’s interview with someone who knows exactly how to help writers make money from their projects. Stay tuned Friday 5/20/16 for something special. 

 

7. What 3 things have hindered you from completing your projects? (CONFLICT)
a. I have more projects than I can complete in my lifetime, which is the biggest problem–and should be familiar to anyone who is of a creative nature.

b. I apparently am incapable of saying “no,” so I’m always adding to my workload. Since, as a freelance editor, much of what I do is paid for in advance, I have to push my projects down the list until I finish work for others.

c. Since I don’t live in a vacuum, and I’m not a recluse, life tends to get in the way quite a bit.

On the flip-side, I have finished most of my projects for this year, so I’m not complaining.

Those all sound like pretty legit conflicts to me. Having an idea folder seems to help. But picking an idea and fleshing it out unto full maturity can be challenging when you don’t have the time. 

 

8. What keeps you motivated in achieving your dream? (DESIRE)
Deadlines, self-imposed or otherwise, and the occasional kind word.

Ah, yes. The blessed deadlines. Those would be helpful. Or dreadful depending upon who you ask.  Motivation and encouragement we all need on a daily basis. Maybe they could  fill IV bags and pump it directly into our veins, that’d be sweet. 

 

9. What’s your ANTAGONIST? What’s in the way?
Good question. The answer is twofold: my inability to say no–which eats my time–and my lack of time.

Father time, stubborn ol’ geezer isn’t he? As they say, time and tide wait for no man. Matter of fact he’s running with reckless abandon.  Definitely not on our side that’s for sure. I’ve been writing for five minutes a day and building on the momentum. Some of the most effective engines start out slow, but once they get going they’re hard to slow down.  Trucks, locomotives etc. 

 

10. What’s been your experience as an editor?

I’m always honored when people trust me with their manuscripts. They’re paying for my knowledge, expertise, experience, and, yes, opinion. I love it when my work for them is well received, and it breaks my heart when it’s not. But I always give it my best.

You’re right. It’s a very honorable interaction. Like handing your newborn sweetie over to a complete stranger. Well, kind of.  Excuse the analogy. 

 

11. Why do writers give up, quit, or abandon their dream?

I think the answer is as diverse as the writers who have quit, but among the top three are lack of time, lack of discipline, and lack of encouragement.

Aside from that, writing isn’t easy. Even those with a knack for it must learn, and keep learning, the craft if they want to rise above mediocre. When people type “the end” on their manuscripts without a firm understanding that they aren’t finished yet–that they have to edit and rewrite and sweat and spill more blood–they’re destined for disappointment.

You said it, Linda. Time, lack of discipline and encouragement will do anybody in. The writer’s graveyard is expanding as we speak in part to these three monstrosities. These three great assassins target your dreams at the end of their barrel. Without mercy or respect of person. The lack of time is inevitable and varies widely according to the individual. We can schedule, make it up, or let it squander. But let’s be clear, time and tide wait for no man. We have to go after it with whatever is left in the tank. Discipline can, and should be cultivated, learned as a vital productive tool. Otherwise we’re looking at holes in our pockets. Lastly we should seek daily encouragement from a writing community. 

 
12. What would you say to a struggling writer who’s given up?

Lands, I want to give up every day. This job, like old age, ain’t for sissies. It’ll pulverize your pride and stomp on your heart. It can be a cruel demon one day, and fly you away on gossamer wings the next. You can’t rely on your muse–she’s a drunken hussy who’s never around when you need her. So you’re on your own.

To the writer who has given up, I say bravo! Life is what happens when you’re not bleeding over a keyboard. Go live it!

To the writer who struggles with his decision to give up, I say re-evaluate. Are you–or others– disappointed in your writing skills? Study. Try again. Are you setting unrealistic goals? Give yourself a reality check. Are you suffering from a lack of encouragement from those whom you need it the most? Leave them to God and write.

Analyze why you’ve quit and fix it. Because if you’re really meant to be a writer, that drunken hussy of a muse will never leave you alone. At least not until you need her.

Your first response is comical. Had a nice chuckle! The second response is honest and practical. Re-evaluate things and determine the cause of disappointment. Take a step back and get a bird’s eye view. 
BONUS: What’s it like being a critique partner with KM Weiland?

I’m blessed to have her as a critter. Though we disagree on some things, her input is a vital part of my process. Very few know the craft as well as she does.

I’ll say amen to that, we’re glad to be her little ducklings!

Thanks for joining us Linda! Please come back for a second round on the Writing Train!
Linda W. Yezak

Author/Editor/Speaker
Hopeless Coffeeholic

Triple Edge Critique Service

The Circle-Bar Ranch Series

Give the Lady a Ride

Coming July 2016: The Final Ride

Due in 2017, Ride to the Altar

Facebook Fan Page: http://dld.bz/LWYFacebookPage

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/lyezak/

Twitter: @LindaYezak

Amazon Page: http://dld.bz/LWYAmazonPage
Goodreads: http://dld.bz/dSPmg
777 Peppermint Place: http://lindayezak.com
Newsletter: http://dld.bz/CoffeewithLinda 

 

Just FYI, I’ll be posting interviews every Wednesday and Friday for the Story of the Writer series. Our next guest on Friday the 13th is Kim Vandel! Come back hop on the train and check out her new book, Into the Fire. Don’t change that channel!

Over and out.

 

 

“Sleep is good,” he said. “And books are better.”

-George RR Martin

KEEP WRITING BECAUSE SOMEONE  NEEDS YOUR STORY

 

Benjamin Thomas

@thewritingtrain

thebigcaboose@gmail.com

http://www.thewritingtrain.com