Writing – Jen Booth

July swept in on fiery wings. Down here, we are boiling with heat indexes over 110 degrees most days. ‘Tis the season for swimming, vacations, and, for some of us, writing conferences.

I wanted to write primarily to authors this month, though I hope these words can encourage any of my readers. Conference season holds unique stress, especially for those hoping to come away with an editor or agent requesting their manuscript.

Many of my writing friends are going to Realm Makers or another conference for the first time. I will be attending Realm Makers virtually—and making pitches to editors virtually, as well. Since I have not been in person, I cannot speak wisdom from experience. But I know the insecurities that many of you may be facing, because I face them myself.

Insecurity and self-doubt are, I think, inherent challenges to our calling as writers and creative people. Sometimes it’s the enemy trying to discourage us from our path. Sometimes, the enemy is in our own mind. It’s so easy to fret, to compare, to tear our own work—and worth—apart. Imposter Syndrome is all too real.

Pitching and querying are particular minefields. You’ve spent years bleeding onto the pages, pouring your soul into your story, and now you must lay it at the feet of a judge who holds the keys to your career. Does that sound familiar?

It can feel that way, but it is not realistic. Take heart.

I may not know conferences personally yet, but I know God. And for those who write with his glory in mind, no agent or editor alone determines your future as a writer. And no caliber of writing determines your worth. God does. We must give our best, but leave the outcome to him. This conference, and these pitches, are but one moment in the journey, one dot on the map of us becoming who we are meant to be—both professionally and spiritually.

Try to keep focused on the other parts of the conference, like the beautiful relationships that blossom from these events. This is a time to connect with like-minded writers and grow together, and to remember that none of us are alone in this quest.

Now, what if our novel is rejected? Take the editor’s feedback and use it to improve your craft. I’ve been told by many conference veterans that editors and agents want to see authors succeed. They won’t condescend or roll their eyes. They often offer advice! That is solid gold, my friends. Those who accept it are those who move forward.

If you are attending a conference this summer, I hope you have a wonderful time of connections, friendships, and professional growth. If you’re pitching, know that I’m cheering for you! Please feel free to email me if I can pray with you or for you.

May we go forth with the peace of God as we seek to fulfill his calling in our lives, knowing that he cares for us.

Thoughts on Collecting Birthdays

Age is just a number, right? And yet, diving further into my forties introduces new, almost insulting realities.

For instance, I continually see gardening listed on social media as an “old lady hobby.” But I’ve loved it since I was a child, and my sons do, too. We eat what we grow, there are numerous science and life lessons my kids can glean from it, and I just happen to be in tune with the cultivating Eden part of myself. I am not an old lady.

Married twenty somethings call me “Ma’am” and “Miss Jen.” Child, I admire your manners, but don’t treat me like your mom. Even if your mom is my friend, and I just referred to you as “child.”

My body is betraying me! Don’t pay any attention to the lines spiderwebbing my face. I’ve just laughed a lot in my 22 years. Nothing to see here…

My doctor, who is significantly younger than I am, gently teases me that certain malfunctions of my otherwise youthful body are the result of “collecting birthdays.” Really, doc? Just wait ‘til you’re my age and your kids are teenagers, and you’re told you’re collecting birthdays! Ya whippersnapper.

Writing Updates

I have a new fantasy flash fiction story coming out with Havok Publishing this Friday, July 5th, called “Hostile Engagement.” Here’s the link to read it for free (that day only), and for all things Havok: https://gohavok.com.

You may have noticed that I have an official author logo. It’s thanks to the talented Rachel Ritchey from RR Publishing. She’s an illustrator, graphic designer, artist and author. If you’re looking for an illustrator or designer, check out her work at https://rrbookdesign.com/ and https://rachaelritchey.com/. I absolutely adore this logo!

I hope you are all having a beautiful summer so far! Thank you for subscribing and connecting.

God bless!

Jen

Here’s a larger version of the logo.

Sunset on the lake.

We discussed creative burnout last week, but what is one to do about plain ole’ writer’s block? The words just won’t come, and the blank page or screen in your face is not a product of exhaustion, but a sudden, looming wall of nothing.

“I was just on a roll! Where did my words go? Where did my thoughts go?”

Perhaps the block is a product of sensory or creative overload. Too many ideas going in too many different directions refuse to be reined in and focused. I’ve wondered if this is more common for women, because our thoughts tend to be connected naturally. (I would claim it as a superpower, except separating ideas is like separating spaghetti noodles. Messy.) However, I expect every creator faces the monstrosity of too much mental action, men and women alike.

Perhaps the block exists because we’ve poured ourselves so fully into a particular character or scene, and our hearts are so full of feelings that our words begin to taper off, then cease. Or perhaps, the writer’s block is born of lack of planning. Yes, I’m talking to you, “pantsers”, because I completely relate. There’s a place for plotting, even for discovery writers. (We will discuss that in a future post.)

So, what do we do when the words won’t come and our inspiration is waning, yet we are still firmly in the creative zone? Are there strategies we can employ, or must we wait until the wall between us and inspiration crumbles beneath the force of our own willful staring?

Well, if you choose to stare, don’t forget to blink.

There are several strategies that writers across genres recommend. I’ve found them all to work for me at various times, depending on my specific problem.

For one, it helps to move our bodies. Get outside for a few minutes, take a walk, play with a pet, chase your children. Just move something, and vigorously. (Regular exercise is also helpful to keep the creative juices flowing.)

Write something different, especially something not part of the book. Expand a character’s backstory. Immerse yourself in the scenery, mood, and life of the place you are writing about. I once read advice on writing a modern-day conversation between three or four characters. The topic of their conversation? What constitutes a truly great pizza. What began as a silly exercise blossomed into a deeper insight of their personalities, and I wrote much more authentically for each of them from there, with fewer blocks.

Look up images of places that inspired your work or find new inspiration. Character images are also a good way to keep the story before you while opening your mind to new details. I have an extensive Pinterest board just for my stories.

A good playlist works wonders. I write much better with music than without, and have specific songs for each POV character, place, and circumstance. It helps keep a consistent mood and tone.

Go over your work with a peer and ask for their feedback. Let them read what you have of the scene so far. I know this is scary, but so worth it. You can also walk away and read someone else’s work. I usually choose poetry, or a book outside my genre. Filling my mind with others’ words helps my own words flow.

All writers face writer’s block from time to time. Overcoming and managing it helps us grow in our craft, and accepting it as natural is freeing.

Do you have a different strategy that helped you with writer’s block? Please share in the comments!

(Below, real-world images that correspond to the fantasy world of Ehlon. Do you recognize one or two?)