Deborah Heal

Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station

 

Time and Again is available at  Amazon.com in paperback and Kindle formats.

For a free sample, download Time and Again Chapter One here. 

Here's What People Are Saying  About It:

I liked, liked, liked, loved it!! Great description of places and things. I could picture exactly what you were describing and the story line is great! Have thought of several more people I would like to get a copy to. I will be placing another order for more books soon!

As a history buff, I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It took me, vividly, to another time and place; a place I know existed, but is long ago gone. The characters in the book are so well developed that I could "see" them. Teens and beyond will love this book. It is interesting, intriguing and wholesome. The author weaves yesterday and today together in a way that definitely keeps your attention and leaves you wanting more.

This is a well written book that kept my attention from the first page. The characters are believable and likable and I cared about them -- those in the here and now, and those from the past. Positive, but not annoyingly sappy characters; a mystery that's fun but not tied to the supernatural dark side that's so prevalent in so many books right now. Fascinating as the two main characters are able to watch history unfold, literally before their own eyes with a neat modern twist, while it shapes (as history should) their own lives. It's a great book for teens and young adults (even older ones). An impressive first book by the author, and I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.

By

 Tiffany A. Harkleroad TOP 1000 REVIEWERVINE™ VOICE 

When Abby volunteered to be a tutor over her summer break from college, she had no idea what she would get into. Abby ends up living with Merrideth, a sullen preteen dealing with being a child of divorce, and Pat, her well meaning but largely absent mother. Merrideth is resistant to Abby, and spends most of her time complaining that she misses living in the city. When Abby and Merrideth learn that the house they are in is full of history, and that this history can play out in real time on a program on Merrideth's computer, the girls form a very unique and powerful bond.

Let me start off by saying this book had a very unique premise to me, sort of a "Back to the Future" meets virtual reality, with a little dash of "Seventh Heaven" thrown in. I loved the idea of this book being focused on several generations of women. Abby and Merrideth are wonderfully developed characters, and I loved watching them bond over the history behind the house and its previous inhabitants. I though Merrideth was a fairly accurate representation of a sullen tween girl with a tense family life. I actually felt a lot of sympathy toward Pat's character, what little we saw of her. I think there is more to her story.

I felt like this book had two distinct storyworlds, one in the present, and one in the past, and both were developed in rich detail. The historical aspects of the story were particularly fascinating to me, and I really loved learning the backstory to the house and town. I liked how real historical facts were woven into that backstory as well. I was a little confused about the technical aspects behind the computer program, and whether or not it was a program or internet based; the plot could have been just a bit tighter and more clear regarding the program, but I do understand that the writing may have been intentionally ambiguous in order to build mystery.

There is a definite Christian flavor to the book, without being preachy or over the top. Abby's character is a Christian, though she has her flaws, and there are some scenes where biblical principles are discussed, but I think that the book still has secular appeal. The book is actually appropriate for both young adult and adult readers. All in all, I found this an engaging, entertaining read, and I hope that there are more stories to follow.

Terri basically devoured it the first day or so. Terri says it has her hoping it's just the first in a series and that there will be more to follow kind.

 

 

Time and Again, Charlotte of Miles Station is must read for those who love history, uplifting themes, and well conceived characters. As a language arts teacher, I am often dismayed by the lack of writing skills shown by many popular authors. It was truly refreshing to meet normal (but not sanctimonious) characters who live normal (but not perfect) lives. The threads of the plot (present day and Southern Illinois history) were deftly entwined. The author's mastery of description is what truly kept me reading. You can rest assured that there are several passages of this novel that will find a place in my descriptive writing lessons!

I realize that the book "Time and Again". . . is a novel for young adults.  I also realize that I am not so young anymore.  But I do enjoy reading a good book even if it is for a different age group than I am currently.  By page 2 I was hooked.  I loved her writing style.  She is not superfluous. She is very descriptive and I believe that I know exactly what the house in the story looked like.  I also enjoyed the fact that she brought the characters to life.  

Two Thumbs up for "Time and Again!"  Kathy and I thoroughly enjoyed your book Debby. Your imagination and writing skills are awesome! Your writing as a whole was very good, but when you went to the time machine mode it was "to die for."  We certainly enjoyed the wonderful history of the area packed into the story, and the characters with their dialog and mannerisms were really neat.  When the readers whine for more at the end of the book, you know they'll read your next one.

 

 Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station 

Abby expected to spend the summer in the old house in Nowhereville  getting to know her student Merrideth. She didn’t expect to get to know Charlotte Miles, the girl who had lived there 160 years before. 

She planned to tutor Merrideth in math and English—not history.   

But that’s before the freaky program on her new computer started waking her with its invitation to “take a virtual tour." Turns out, a lot happened in that old house. . . .   

. . . and the history books left out the good stuff.

 BOOK TRAILER

 

 

 

 

 

Angel Eyes by Shannon Dittemore

Expect More by Dittemore!

 Five Stars

I know I've been crabbing lately about not being able to find quality Christian fiction. Good news! I found another one I can recommend. I didn’t know until I’d finished reading Angel Eyes that it is Shannon Dittemore’s first novel. All I can say is Wow! I can’t think of a reason anyone—male or female; old or young; Christian or not—wouldn’t like this story. Ms. Dittemore gives a nod to Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight: Her main character Gabrielle is immediately attracted to Jake the new guy at school—even though he neither sparkles in the sunlight nor sports fangs. But from there she takes us to the much more interesting, relevant (and scarier) world of angels and demons as they duke it out for the souls of hapless humans. I say angels and demons are scarier than vampires (And haven’t we had just about enough of them already?) because they actually exist. They’re usually invisible, of course, but when Jake lends Brielle his guardian’s mysterious golden bracelet (I can’t say more without giving away a cool detail) she gains the gift of eyes that see the spirit world. (No, not ghosts.) And what she sees convinces her her past doubts have been foolish. God is good. God is wise. We don’t have the whole picture.  Brielle’s choice is clear. How can she not join Jake in the battle to fight the Evil One’s plans? Ms. Dittemore hints at more books to come. I certainly hope so.

 

By Deborah Heal, author of Time and Again: Charlotte of Miles Station. I received a copy of Angel Eyes from the author for the honest review above.

 

Labeling Christian Fiction?

It’s funny how widely opinions about books vary. T.L. Higley has at least four dozen reviews of her novel Pompeii: City on Fire on Amazon (Lucky her!), ranging from one-star to five. Most people gushed over how well-written, how realistic, how interesting the book was. However, one historian was in a twist because she got a detail about Pompeii wrong. And a couple of readers were annoyed to find that they had unknowingly picked up a dreaded Christian novel, and shouldn’t they be labeled with a fish or cross so people would know before buying or reading them?

I wondered when writing the back cover blurbs for my books if I should indicate their Christian nature more, but there didn’t seem to be any easy, non-cheesy way of saying this. I did worry about reader expectations. After all, the best murder mystery in the world will still be disappointing if you bought the book thinking it was a sweet romance (and vice versa). On the other hand, why should I have to label it Christian? The stories are about the adventures and mysteries solved of characters whose Christianity is as intrinsic as their personalities and looks. After all, no one writes blurs like this:

Abby and John, white, middle class Christians with brown hair and green eyes, while home on summer break from college have adventures in Miles Station, a little town settled by Col. Jonathan Miles, a Christian man.

I can see it now. Books and movies will be labeled G, PG, R, X or Christian so people can protect their families from danger. (Separation of Church and State, you know.) But if it gets to that, what about labels that let me know there’s going to be political statements I disagree with or blasphemous language that assaults my ears.

Oh, but wait, that would be a form of censorship, wouldn’t it? Aren’t we capable of sorting through opposing ideas when we read? Doesn’t it benefit us to read the ideas of others, even if (especially if) we disagree with them? The reviewer seemed most annoyed that he got sucked into the exciting plot of a well-written story that turned out to be Christian. I say, you go, Ms. Higley!

By the way, I was one of the gushers. Here’s my review of Pompeii: City on Fire by T.L. Higley.

A Wonderful Peak into Pompeii. Five stars.

I loved T. L. Higley’s Pompeii. It begins with the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem in A.D. 70, ends with the destruction of Pompeii, and yet is a story of redemption and love. Higley pulls few punches when describing the depravity of the Roman Empire. But in the midst of the corruption, God calls people to his kingdom, calls them to stand and fight evil. Cato and Ariella wade through danger and political intrigue among the thrill seekers of the stadium and the debauched followers of Bacchus’ evil rites. And when the Gospel breaks down the walls that separate—the walls between male and female, Roman and Jew, free and slave, they find love and hope for the future.

I am so happy to have found T.L. Higley. She delivers the action, excitement, and characters readers long for (in a fascinating historical context) all the while deftly weaving in important Christian themes and ideas. She’s my hero.

I purchased this book from Amazon.com. 

 

Real Life Suspense Story

I just finished reading Dark Liaison by D.I. Telbat, a Christian suspense story. The title jarred at first. I mean, how is suspense "Christian?" But then I read the book. Here's the review I posted on Amazon and GoodReads. I think you should read this book if you like suspense.  I gave it four stars.

 

I enjoyed Dark Liaison, a Christian suspense novel with an unusual premise. The hero is Corban, an ex-CIA agent, who has used his contacts and skills to build an alternative spy agency whose mission is the rescue of suffering saints facing imprisonment, torture, and death in places like North Korea, Guatamala, and China. Satan’s forces, led by Abaddon and his the creepily evil minions are ramping up their attacks on Christians in a last ditch effort to thwart God’s kingdom before Christ’s return to Earth.

But as a Christian, Corban and his agents refuse to kill in the line of duty, even those who are actively trying to kill them, relying instead on creative, non-lethal methods to overpower the bad guys. Luigi, an assassin hired to kill Corban, is left scratching his head when Corban “adopts” him instead of killing him. Of course, this anti-violence philosophy increases the risks of each rescue mission, but Corban’s team operates on faith, knowing their lives are in God’s hands.

I loved the concept of this novel and the military techno-lingo and mission details that made the story every bit as exciting as a traditional spy story. Telbat brings home the real life danger and suspense that Christians around the world face daily as they try to live their faith. I will definitely be thinking and praying more after having read Dark Liaison.

There were some flaws in this debut novel—a little too much explaining and not enough action at times, a few areas in which my disbelief was not suspended well enough. But I look forward to reading the next book in the series, sure that the writer will continue to improve his considerable skill.

 

Scribophile Is an Option to Consider

The hard work of revising Honor at Stake continues. My new friends at Scribophile (and others) are finding lots of ways to improve it, stuff I was blind to. My response to most of their comments is, duh, I should have seen that myself. But after nearly a year of writing the book, I realize I’m too close to it to see what’s clearly on the page—or for that matter, what’s not on the page but should be. I am so grateful for these fresh eyes.

Having a local writer’s group would be wonderful, but I have not been able to find one close enough. I highly recommend Scribophile for writers in the same situation. Being a member has dual benefits. I get my work critiqued. I learn valuable lessons from critiquing other members’ work, both what to do and what not to do. And then there are the benefits of critiquing on my own schedule and not taking valuable writing time to travel. The downside for Scribophile is that it takes time to earn enough “Karma” points to post my chapters for critique. It’s taken a month to get eighteen chapters posted (only four more to go), and so far only six of them have received critiques.

But eventually, after taking the bits of advice that seem appropriate (and politely ignoring those that don’t) I’ll go through my manuscript with a fine toothed comb once last time. I’ve decided my next step will be to send it off to The Writer’s Edge, a “manuscript screening service for 75 cooperating Christian publishers.” For a fee, they will evaluate it and tell me if it is “publishable.” If they deem it so, they will send out a synopsis to their member publishers and see if any of them are interested in offering me a contract. If they deem my manuscript unready, they will offer advice (though not a detailed critique) on how to improve it. By the way, paid critique services cost hundreds of dollars.

If a publisher picks up my book through The Writer’s Edge, I may decide not to pursue an agent after all. Or maybe I should still get one to better protect my contract rights? But then again, I’d really like to avoid paying an agent 15% of my blood, sweat, and tears. If I am not successful with Writer’s Edge, it will be back to the drawing board. Here’s hoping (and praying) for success!

 

The Moral of the Story Is . . .

I’m on chapter four of a Christian young adult novel. It starts out with an interesting premise, involves time travel, great characters, and excellent writing. I’ve loved it so far and can’t wait to see what happens. Review to come.

But I was a bit startled in chapter four when the main character suddenly begins calling upon God to help her. It’s not that she shouldn’t, but why did she not do so at any of the scarier, more suspenseful events that happened in the first three chapters?

In another Christian YA novel I recently read, a parody of Hell fire and brimstone preaching was the only “inspirational” element I found, at least before putting it down only half read.

It’s not that I purchase Christian fiction hoping to be preached at. This is what I was subjected to in another book—really a sermon disguised as a novel—by another best-selling author.

Her 16-year-old character had me rolling my eyes on more than one occasion. I lost track of how many interruptions to the actions I endured while she thought spiritual thoughts and prayed. That probably makes me sound like a heathen. But like most people, what I’m looking for is a good story with believable but heroic characters. And by heroic I don’t mean perfect, sugary sweet, able to spout Bible verses and Christian jargon with a single bound.

 

And I know I’m not the only one put off by this. These are excerpts from actual Amazon.com reviews of a Christian novel:

The book started really well, and I saw it as very promising, especially with accurate historical references . . . But as it dragged on, it became less of a novel and more of a over-religious Christian story. . . .The exaggerated evils and virtues of the main characters became a bit too hard to swallow as the story progressed.

. . . once the heavy-duty Christian proselytizing began, my interest waned. . . once I started feeling beaten about the head and shoulders with a religion stick, the author lost me.

I kept ignoring the signs, hoping the christian theme was just a plot element, but at exactly 62% in, I started getting hit hard with the proselytizing. I have to give the book 4 stars because the writing is awfully good, but if you're like me and can't tolerate christian fiction, skip this one and read . . .

Now I realize we’ll never please everyone. Some nonbelieving readers will be offended at any whiff of Christianity. On the other hand, some Christian readers will be offended by the slightest bit of realism. But to reach the widest audience with the gospel through our fiction, we must continue to hone our skills--with characterization, dialogue, plot, but also our weaving skills. We must learn to weave biblical values and themes throughout so we aren’t left with trying to patch them onto the story.

 

HOW NOT TO WRITE HISTORICAL FICTION

I want to talk about the other Christian novel I mentioned last time.

Since it “takes a fresh look at the idea of time travel” I thought I would give it a try. This is the debut novel for this author, but even so, shouldn’t she (and her editor) know better than to write this?

Then Kyle and Jackson squeezed in between Jenna and I on the couch. (Ouch! My ears hurt.)

I noticed her rubbing her lower back as her wearied face winced. (This disembodied face is creeping me out.)

She is my confidant. (confidant what? Oh, she means confidante.)

Eddie didn’t believe it was proper for a housemaster to open his own door. (She is trying to give an 1887 tone to the writing, but I’ve never heard of a housemaster. Is this some college dorm monitor? I think she means the master of the house.)

William heeded me no attention. (This almost works.)

After all, she and I spent our weekdays together at prep. (She keeps referring to her school as “prep.” She could have pulled it off if she had ever once given the name of the school. Like maybe Johnsonville Girls’ Preparatory School, so we’d know what the heck she’s talking about. Even then “prep” should be Prep. In any case this nickname for the school doesn’t sound like something a young woman from 1887 would say.

I never voiced that opinion to anyone except Jackson and William since it was unheard of in our home. (What does this even mean?)

Even for a woman of her stature, she had a petite and delicate grace about her. (This is an amazing achievement, although I’m not sure it’s a compliment to say her grace is only petite.)

I took a deep breath and tried to force myself on my calculus but couldn’t concentrate to save my life. (This is illegal in most southern states.)

“Come on in,” she hollered to Hilary. (Hollered is such an unlovely word and so out of character for the time period. I’d just stick to “said.”

In 1887 I really doubt people used the same idioms/slang we do.

 I grew up having a crush on Jackson. 

At least I had one person I could count on.

William came running out of the house to read me the riot act.

And this is just a sampling from the first few chapters!  I couldn’t take it anymore. Blood running from my eyes and ears from the pain, I stopped reading and threw the book across the room. Once again, Christian fiction let me down. And then I wondered if it even was “Christian.” After all, is it Christian to torture readers, to risk the lives of others in the room when the books start flying? But then again, even this book serves a purpose: practice for the author and a warning to us all to continue striving for excellence.

 

 

HOW NOT TO WRITE CHRISTIAN FICTION

I keep trying to find good Christian fiction.

I really do. In recent weeks I read two historical novels, one a debut, and one by a bestselling author with many titles to her credit. Both shall remain nameless here. I will not, as I first intended, write book reviews for them for Amazon or GoodReads, because my purpose is not to bash them or belittle their efforts. Heaven knows how difficult it is to write a novel.   Instead, let’s learn from their weaknesses.

POINT OF VIEW

Readers count on getting into the head of the main character on the first page, so if your main character is Mae, and you’re telling the story from her point of view, don’t begin chapter one from Hal’s:

“The winter of ’92 is gonna go down as one to the worst we’ve ever seen.” Hal Murphy grumbled as he dumped the sack of flour on the store counter. . .He turned toward Mae Wilkey, the petite postmistress. . .

If you’re telling the story with a limited narrator from the point of view of Mae’s character, don’t suddenly go omniscient like the author does here:

She put a smile on every man’s face, but she wasn’t often aware of the flattering looks she received.

WORD CHOICE FOR THE TIME PERIOD

If the story is set in 1870’S, don’t use contemporary terminology and slang: She wouldn’t use the exclamation “Hot Dog!” The term wasn’t coined until the 1900’s. She wouldn’t “date” a man. Nor would she say “heads would roll.”

She wouldn’t call her brother a “teen,” or describe him as born with “special needs,” definitely a modern euphemism.

LOGIC/CONSISTENCY

If her brother is mentally challenged, don’t say he’s a “quick learner” and have him managing the kitchen/household for her while she’s gone. (And how did he learn to cook anyway, since she doesn’t know how and they live alone?)

Know about the topic you’re writing about. Dogs and cats don’t eat “mash” (ground grain). And one thousand pound (overgrown, old) sows don’t bring premium price at the market.

And it’s not likely two women could or would butcher one alone, at night, in North Dakota in mid-January, with a pack of hungry dogs watching politely, when the hog has been lying in the road dead all day. Nor would they be able to sink fence posts in the frozen ground to build a fence. I’m just saying.

WORD CHOICE FOR PRECISION

They might eat into them, but don’t say “ freight costs vs. profits.”

Don’t imply two things are happening simultaneously when that’s not even possible: “He emerged, turning to lock the door.”

“The houses were built so close you could spit on the neighborhood.” Really?

 “His right hand felt the tears in his coat.” This is creepy.

If you’re going to use a cliché, get it right: not “tingling in the pit of his gut” or “snow particles.” And how can everything in town be “shut tighter than a tick burrowed in?”

“She sighed and twirled [they’re dancing] like the fanciest-reared lady.” That’s a bit racy.

CHRISTIAN FICTION

Including a parody of a Hell-fire and brimstone preachers as your only reference to anything Christian doesn’t make this into a Christian novel. And by the way, such a preacher wouldn’t condone dancing either.

 

You might be thinking these snippets come from the debut author I mentioned. But you would be wrong. This author has scores of titles to her credit. To me, the worst thing about this low caliber writing is because it is labeled “Christian.” I’m with Franky Schaeffer, who says Christians should reclaim the arts, striving for excellence in order to bring honor and glory to God in all arenas of life.

Let’s keep on striving until readers stop putting our books down with a sneer. Can I hear an amen?

 

Writing Real Good

The Write Tone of Voice

Once years ago I saw a letter to the editor that really stirred me up.  The title was "Pro-lifers should put up their money. "The writer said (in part), "Pro-choice people espouse the virtues of a woman's right to choose. Pro-life advocates march back and forth in front of clinics carying signs calling people murderers or citing religious scripture. . . .but I find it most interesting that I have never seen one sign reading, 'if you will carry the child to term, I will adopt it, clothe it, fee it, give it an education. . .' [Pro-lifers should] be willing to make that kind of commitment. Back in the old days, we called it putting your money where your mouth is."

I have to admit, I was angry. After all, I and a lot of other volunteers worked really hard at the local crisis pregnancy center to help women facing unwanted pregnancies. But I knew anger  would only alienate not convince and that a  “ A gentle answer turns away wrath.  ("Proverbs 15:1) And so here's how I responded:

"Mr. ****" is right when he says a pro-lifer should put his money where his mouth is. Mr. ****is certainly not the first to point out the hypocrisy of shouting "don't abort!" but not being willing to care for the thousands of unwanted or unplanned children. Pro-lifers haven't lacked the desire to help, but. . .we haven't always known how.

"But after Roe vs. Wad, caring pro-lifers began opening crisis pregnancy centers all across this country to meet the real needs of unplanned pregnancy. Mr. *** will be surprised to know that our town now has its own. The Arms of Love Crisis Pregnancy Center in Godfrey opened in January 1195. Director **** and her trained volunteers lovingly support clients with maternity clothes, baby clothes, baby supplies, and formula, all provided by generous supporters. The center refers for adoption, medical care, and financial help and provides on-going education for its clients. Hundreds have been assisted and at least 13 priceless babies have been born so far because their moms found it a lot easier to choose life.

"Saturday, Sept. 23, supporters will walk in the second annual Hike-For-Like at Gordon Moore Park to raise money for the center. Call the center for a hike pledge sheet so you can also put your money where your mouth is."

Amazingly, Mr. **** showed up at the Center a few days later.  I only worked occasionally at the Center, but God worked it out that I was the one to answer the door when he knocked that day. When he introduced himself, my heart lurched a little in fear. What if he was angry about my article?  But instead, he smiled and said, "You're right and I was wrong." and handed me a check for the Center for $100.  Ah, power of the pen to write real good!

Write Brain Activity

1. The second half of Proverbs 15:1 is, "but a harsh word stirs up anger.” What damage could have been done if I had answered Mr. *** in anger? 

 2. Give an example of a time your writing skills were used for good.

3. Tell about a time when you were able (or not) to turn away anger with a gentle/respectful answer.

It's Okay to Be Moody When You Write

Using Description to Characterize, Set the Mood, and Build Suspense

I’ve really enjoyed Dean Koontz’ writing through the years. And the endearing young man Odd Thomas, the title character for a series of mysteries, is one of my favorite literary characters. Some claim Odd's one of the most beloved fictional characters of our time. I have to admit I have a bit of a crush on him myself.  Here in this excerpt from chapter thirteen of Odd Thomas, Koontz follows the sound practice of showing us, not telling us the bad guy is truly evil. Here Odd Thomas investigates the room of Robert Robertson, whom Odd thinks of as Fungus Man.

 Side by side on the wall opposite the desk hung three black-and-white, poster-size photographs that appeared to have been printed on a draftsman’s digital plotter. They were head shots, portraits of men—one with feverish eyes and a gleeful smile, the other two glowering in the gloom. . .Charles Manson, the vicious manipulator whose fantasies of revolution  and race war had exposed a cancer at the core. . .He had carved a swastika on his forehead. Whoever the other two might be, they didn’t have the look of either Vegas comics or famous philosophers. . . . [Koontz often inserts comic comparisons.]

 Drawer after contained dossiers on serial killers and mass murderers.

The subjects ranged from Victorian England’s Jack the Ripper to Osama bin Laden, for whom Hell had prepared a special suite of fiery rooms. Ted Bundy, Jeffrey Dahmer. Charles Whiman, the sniper who killed sixteen in Austin, Texas, in 1966. John Wayne Gacy: He liked to dress up as a clown at children’s parties. . .

A particularly thick file had been assembled for Ed Gein, who had been the inspiration for both Norman Bates in Psycho and Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs. . .

A portrait of Timothy McVeigh hung to the right of Manson. . .

To the left hung Mohammed Atta, who had flown an airliner into one of the World Trade Center towers, killing thousands. . . As with Manson and McVeigh, [Fungus Man] apparently admired Atta for the terrorist’s cruel vision, brutal actions, and accomplishments in the cause of evil. . .

This room was less of a study than it was a shrine. . . .

Most likely Fungus Man was unaware that his sanctum served not merely as a catalogued repository for his homicidal fantasies but also as a terminal admitting bodachs [demonic spirit creatures] to a holiday of blood. Without my sixth sense, perhaps he could sit here, happily working on one of his grisly files, and not be conscious of the ominous transformation of the room or of the arriving hordes of demonic entities.

From nearby came a tick-tick-tick, a bone-on-bone rattle that brought to mind Halloween images of ambulatory skeletons. . . .

Perhaps Robertson [Fungus Man] required few luxuries because he found all the pleasure he needed in ceaseless bloody fantasies that gouted through his imagination. . . .

A sudden frenzied flapping-rattling almost brought me up from the chair again, but then a sharp and repeated skreek [a cool  onomatopoeic invention of Koontz’] identified the source as crows pecking out their turf on the roof. . .

Even though Odd Thomas (and the reader) haven't even met the guy yet, this description of Robertson's room leaves no doubt in Odd Thomas' mind (and that of the reader) that he is truly evil. Koontz's description is used to build Robertson's character, to create a creepy mood, but also to ratchet up the novel's suspense. Just seeing where this guy lives causes the reader's dread and fear of the hero’s inevitable meeting with him to sky-rocket.

Write Brain Activity

1. What words in the passage contribute to the ominous mood of the piece?  

2.  Besides description, by what other methods do authors  develop characters?

 3. Do you think the mention of clowns helps or hinders the mood Koontz is trying to create?

 

Getting a Literary Agent

I decided I needed an agent for my second book. I know—it sounds pretentious.

But apparently these days it’s a requirement for getting a book published by one of the larger publishers where a writer has a greater chance for success. At least this is true for fiction. (For non-fiction there’s a 50/50% chance of success without an agent.)

Agents are the gate keepers publishers rely on to sort through the gazillions of manuscripts people send in every week, only a few of worthy of consideration.  Most manuscripts that hit their desks aren’t:

polished enough—just not ready for prime time (Hence the need for Feed Back Buddies post haste.)

the genre or category a publisher handles

what the reading public is in the mood for (Right now it’s vampires, so I might be in trouble here.)

Most larger publishers will throw out without reading any un-agented manuscript that reaches them. But it’s also to the writer’s advantage to have an agent because

they already have built relationships with publishers and can get the writer in the door,

they fight to get writers the best, most lucrative contract, because they get paid a % of sales,

they make sure writers get paid and on time, and

they sometimes offer additional services like minor editing.

 

And so I’ve been pondering the need for an agent for months now. But I forced myself to keep my nose to the grindstone and finish the book first, because should an agent show interest in your work, you’ve got to have the manuscript finished and polished to a high gloss. (Hence the need for Feed Back Buddies post haste.)

So with the manuscript of Honor at Stake essentially finished, I’ve turned my attention to getting an agent. The first step is to consult books like Guide to Literary Agents and Writer’s Market for the agents most suited to my work. Agents, like publishers, specialize in certain types of books, so you might as well not waste your time and effort contacting ones that won’t be interested. Many of the agencies exhort authors to do their homework before submitting. So that’s what I’m doing this week. You can learn a lot by carefully reading the listings. Many agencies will tell you outright what they do NOT want to receive. Here are two examples:

Does not want: Does not want to receive category romance, erotica, inspirational, historical, sci-fi/fantasy, horror/dark thrillers, short stories/novella, children's picture books, poetry, screenplays.

Does not want: Does not want to receive poetry, screenplays, short stories, westerns, horror, new age, religion, crafts, cookbooks, gift books.

Since these agencies don’t want “inspirational” or “religion” I’m assuming they would disapprove of the biblical themes in my book. Other agencies list what they do specifically want. For example:

Actively Seeking: "BookEnds is currently accepting queries from published and unpublished writers in the areas of romance (and all its sub-genres), erotica, mystery, suspense, women's fiction, and literary fiction. We also do a great deal of nonfiction in the areas of self-help, business, finance, health, pop science, psychology, relationships, parenting, pop culture, true crime, and general nonfiction."

I got excited about the fact they’re interested in "unpublished writers", but lost interest when I saw they’re actively seeking “erotica.” It doesn’t sound like the kind of agency I’d want to do business with.

The following agency interests me, however. CBA stands for Christian Booksellers Association, which means this agency definitely is geared to my type of work. And they’re looking for YA, that is, Young Adult, which is another step in the right direction. The fact that they want “literary” YA is a plus, since my novel is definitely not about shallow topics like the high school clique scene. The only downer is they want fiction by “established authors,” and I don’t know if I qualify as that.

Represents: nonfiction books, most genres of commercial adult fiction and nonfiction, as well as select young adult projects

Actively Seeking: "We are most interested in commercial women's fiction, especially elegantly crafted, sweeping historicals, edgy, fresh teen/chick/mom/lady lit, and CBA women's fiction by established authors. We are also very keen on literary historical mysteries and literary YA novels. Topical, timely nonfiction projects in a variety of subject areas are also of interest, especially prescriptive how-to, self-help, sports, humor, and pop culture."

Here is what a complete listing from Writer’s Market looks like: 

 

 HARTLINE LITERARY AGENCY

123 Queenston Dr.
Pittsburgh PA 15235-5429
Phone: (412)829-2483
Fax: (412)829-2432
E-mail: joyce@hartlineliterary.com
Website: www.hartlineliterary.com

Contact

Contact: Joyce A. Hart.
Member Agents: Joyce A. Hart, principal agent, Terry Burns: terry@hartlineliterary.com, Tamela Hancock Murray: tamela@hartlineliterary.com, Diana Flegal: diana@hartlineliterary.com
Specialties: "This agency specializes in the Christian bookseller market."
Agent receives 15% commission on domestic sales.

Freelance Facts

• Member of AAR: False
• Member of WGA: False
• Simultaneous Submissions: Yes
• Current Handles: nonfiction books 40%,novels 60%
• Number of clients: 40
• Submissions: Submit summary/outline, author bio, 3 sample chapters.
• Responds in 2 months to queries. Responds in 3 months to mss.
• Obtains most new clients through recommendations from others.
• Offers written contract.
• 20% new writers.

Needs

Represents: nonfiction books, novels
Actively Seeking: Actively seeking adult fiction, self-help, nutritional books, devotional, and business.
Does not want: Does not want to receive erotica, gay/lesbian, fantasy, horror, etc.

Nonfiction

Needs: business,child guidance,cooking,diet/nutrition,economics,foods,inspirational,money,parenting,religious,self-help,women's issues,women's studies

Fiction

Represents: action,adventure,contemporary issues,family saga,historical,inspirational,literary,mystery,regional,religious,suspense,thriller  amateur sleuth, cozy, contemporary, gothic, historical, and regency romances 

It sounds like it might be a great match for me!  And they do take new writers! Oh, but wait. They don’t mention Young Adult one time. Sigh.

So I’ll keep searching. It’s obviously not going to be easy to find just the right agent.