September 2014 archive

The Geneva Project

September 30, 2014

Author Christina Benjamin, creator of the Young Adult series The Geneva Project, was in town to celebrate the release of Volume Two, Secrets. She and three other YA authors—Jaimie Engle, Christina Farley, and Amy Christine Parker—chatted about their books and their book-writing/publishing journeys at Bookmarkit. Bookmarkit is Orlando’s newest indie bookseller and is located in the East End Market.

The Geneva Project

Christina Benjamin’s The Geneva Project is a YA fantasy series filled with mystery, magic, and the search for identity. In the second book, Secrets, Geneva has learned important truths about who she is. But those discoveries have raised even more questions. She’s armed with new knowledge about her family and her destiny. Now, she must decide whom she can trust and which secrets are better left untold.

A great example of what makes YA work

It’s the kind of premise that makes YA fiction so appealing. Questions of identity, belonging, loyalty, and trust are especially compelling when characters must navigate extraordinary circumstances. And even more so when they’re also discovering who they really are.

And what better way to celebrate a new book than to bring authors and readers together?

Author events offer something special that readers can’t get simply by picking up a book. They provide an opportunity to hear about the creative process, discover the inspiration behind a story, and learn something about the challenges and rewards of writing and publishing.

For aspiring authors, these conversations can be particularly encouraging. There’s nothing quite like hearing published writers talk about their journeys to remind us that every finished book began with an idea and a writer willing to pursue it. Independent bookstores help make these connections possible. By hosting readings, discussions, and book launches, they create gathering places where writers and readers can celebrate their shared love of books.

And that’s something worth supporting!

It was great fun to meet Kim Britt, Bookmarkit owner. I always enjoy a chat with Darlyn and Brad Kuhn and seeing Racquel Henry, of Writer’s Atelier! I look forward to more Lit-lando events at Bookmarkit—and I hope to see you there!

A writing block is no joke. But if taking a walk to unblock your writing doesn’t work, maybe a chat with a writing coach would help. If you’ve gotten stuck and would like some support to get re-motivated, let’s connect. You might also be interested in my books: Plotting Your Novel with the Plot Clock and Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel.

Melissa Abrehamsen Got a Literary Agent!

September 27, 2014

Melissa Abrehamsen Got a Literary Agent!

Big shout-out for Melissa Abrehamsen, who’s just signed with Siobhan McBride of Serendipity Literary Agency. Ms. McBride will be representing Melissa’s YA Paranormal Romance, FORETOLD. The novel is about a premonition that pushes a cocky fortune teller’s son and a suicidal preacher’s daughter together to prevent a high school massacre. Yup. Great premise. And based on that, and her excellent writing, Melissa Abrehamsen got a literary agent.

Melissa writes, Jamie, you may not remember, but you were integral in helping me with my character arcs in FORETOLD—and with the underlying theme! Remember when we met in Mount Dora? That session was so good. Our ideas totally merged and magic happened!

How Good Stories Work

One of the most rewarding parts of being a writing coach is watching a writer’s story come together. Sometimes a manuscript has a terrific premise and fascinating characters, but the writer is still working to discover what makes the story tick. That’s where a conversation about character arcs and theme can make all the difference.

Of course, a character arc is more than a series of events that happen to a character. It’s about how those events affect the character, what the character learns (or refuses to learn!), and how those changes influence the choices the character makes as the story unfolds. And that sort of depth in a story is what is likely to attract a literary agent’s interest.

Theme, meanwhile, is the deeper idea that gives a story meaning beyond its plot. A novel might be packed with suspense, romance, or supernatural intrigue. But underneath all that action are questions about human nature, relationships, and the choices we make.

And the most satisfying stories bring character arcs and theme together. What a character wants, what stands in the way, and how that character responds to obstacles can reveal what the story is really about.

That’s why I love brainstorming with writers. Sometimes all it takes is the right question, a fresh perspective, or a lively exchange of ideas to unlock something wonderful in a work in progress.

Congratulations, Melissa! I’m delighted to have played a small part in your writing journey.

It means so much to both coach and client to have a dynamic working relationship lead to the writer’s success. I was so happy to hear that Melissa Abrehamsen got a literary agent. I’m available if you’d like the support of a coach as you write your own novel or memoir. If you’re interested, let’s connect. You might also be interested in my books: Plotting Your Novel with the Plot Clock and Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel.

Walk to Unblock Your Writing

September 20, 2014

Why Walking Helps Us Think

The New Yorker recently published an article titled “Why Walking Helps Us Think.” Writer Ferris Jabr includes lots of historical evidence and fascinating facts to support this premise. I bet you could add your own empirical corroboration. I know I could. Time and again, when my writing gets stalled or my thinking gets stuck, my best solution is to don a pair of walking shoes and hit the trail. Basically, it’s taught me that you can walk to unblock your writing.

It’s almost crazy how reliable this method of unknotting mental knots has proven—for me, and for many, many others. In fact, a daily walk—on one’s own—is part of Julia Cameron’s prescription for enhancing personal creativity.

There’s something about putting one foot in front of the other that seems to free up the mind. Maybe it’s the rhythm of walking, the change of scenery, or simply stepping away from the computer and giving your brain a chance to wander. Whatever the explanation, walking can be one of the most effective ways to work through a writing problem.

And you don’t have to walk for miles to experience the benefits. Even a short stroll around the block can help shift your perspective. The important thing is to get away from your desk and let your thoughts move in a different direction.

Walk to unblock your writing

Here’s a writing coach tip: The next time you’re struggling with a scene, a chapter, or a stubborn paragraph, take the problem for a walk. Don’t try to force a solution. Just carry the question with you and see what happens.

You might discover that a character suddenly has something interesting to say. You might find the missing connection between two ideas. Or you might realize that the problem you’ve been trying to solve isn’t actually the problem at all.

And if nothing useful comes to mind? You’ve still gotten some fresh air, a little exercise, and a welcome break from staring at the screen.

Not a bad return on your investment!

Solvitur ambulando, St. Augustine said. “It is solved by walking.”

Middle River Press: Custom Publishing Pals

September 14, 2014

The Middle River Press motto is “We do it right.” And they do!

MRP just won three silver medals in the Florida Authors and Publishers Association (FAPA) President’s Book Awards competition. Well-deserved congratulations to publishers Judy and Bruce Borich. You make your authors look terrific!

Indie publishers like Middle River Press

Independent publishers like Middle River Press play an important role in bringing books into the world. For writers, finding the right publisher can make an enormous difference, not only in the finished product but also in the experience of taking a manuscript from its earliest stages to a book readers can hold in their hands.

Publishing a book involves much more than putting words on pages. There’s editing, proofreading, interior design, cover design, production, and all the countless details that go into creating a professional-quality publication. When those elements come together successfully, the results speak for themselves.

Book awards are worth celebrating!

That’s one reason book awards are worth celebrating. The Florida Authors and Publishers Association President’s Book Awards recognize excellence in publishing and offer an opportunity for authors and publishers to receive recognition for their work.

For an independent press, winning three silver medals is certainly something to celebrate!

And for authors, recognition like this can be especially gratifying. Writing a book requires dedication, persistence, and a willingness to keep working until the manuscript becomes the best version of itself. Seeing that effort recognized is a wonderful reward.

Of course, awards aren’t the only measure of a successful book. A beautifully produced book that reaches its intended readers is an accomplishment in its own right.

Still, three silver medals? That’s quite a reason to celebrate!

Congratulations again to Judy and Bruce Borich and the authors whose books received this recognition.

For more information on Middle River Press, visit middleriverpress.com or find MRP on Facebook.

If you need to consider your publishing options, I’d be happy to help. You might also be interested in my books: Plotting Your Novel with the Plot Clock and Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel.

Two Writing Coaches Talk Shop

September 6, 2014

ON TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2014, Jamie Morris will co-present a free webinar with business-writing coach Cathy Fyock titled, “Writing for Your Business from Your Life: How Memoir Helps Readers Relate.” In this one-hour webinar, two writing coaches talk shop. During their chat, Jamie and Cathy will discuss memoir techniques business writers can use to make their topics more tempting.

What does memoir have to do with business writing?

Whether you’re writing a business book, a blog post, or an article that showcases your professional expertise, your own life experiences can provide some of your most compelling material. Readers don’t just want information. They want to connect with the person behind the information.

Memoir techniques can help business writers make that connection. By incorporating personal stories, vivid details, meaningful moments, and lessons learned along the way, writers can bring even the driest business topics to life.

Want to get a head start on the webinar Two Writing Coaches Talk shop?

Think about the experiences that shaped your professional journey. What challenges have you faced? What mistakes have you made? What surprising discoveries changed the way you approach your work? These are the kinds of stories that can help readers understand not only what you know, but why you know it.

And you don’t have to write an entire memoir to put these techniques to work. Sometimes a brief personal anecdote is all it takes to illustrate an important point, establish credibility, or make an abstract concept more accessible.

The trick is choosing stories that serve your readers as well as your message.

This no-cost webinar, Two Writing Coaches Talk Shop, will be presented on Tuesday, September 30, from 6–7 p.m., EDT. All you need is a telephone to participate.

Do YOU have a book in you? If you’re reading this post and wondering the same thing, visit my contact page, and let’s connect. You might also be interested in my books: Plotting Your Novel with the Plot Clock and Jamie Helps Mel Write a Novel.