Please welcome author Rula Sinara as she talks about....
Although
I’m a strong believer in education (bookworm here), I also know without a doubt
that experience can trump what’s found on a page. I tell my kids all the time
that it doesn’t matter if they read the examples in their math textbook a
zillion times. They have to work problems if they’re going to really ‘get it’.
I’ve also reminded them that, even though they’re smarter than I was at their
age, I will always be ahead of them in experience (I’m sure they love hearing
that lol).
As
a writer, I love the fact that there will always be wiser, more experienced
authors who I can (and have) turned to for advice. I can’t tell you how many
writing blogs I’ve turned to for answers. How many craft books I devoured.
However, with my first book now on shelves, I’ve been able to look back and
clearly see where—despite excellent advice—I wasted time and energy on that
road to publication because of misplaced paranoia and perfectionism.
The Busara elephant research and rescue camp on Kenya's
Serengeti is Anna Bekker's life's work. And it's the last place she thought
she'd run into Dr. Jackson Harper. As soon as he sets eyes on her
four-year-old, Pippa, Anna knows he'll never leave…without his daughter.
A Writer’s Hindsight and the Secret that
Sold
By Rula Sinara
I’m
a craft book junkie. I read up on voice, character development, motivation…you
name it. It’s all crucial, especially having characters with realistic, organic
motivation for their goals. But, in my opinion, all of that links back to a
story needing a solid conflict—a situation where the actions a hero or heroine
must take to achieve their ultimate goal, will prevent the other from achieving
theirs. Rather than turning this into a conflict lesson, I’ll refer you to the
man who made it all click for me. Michael Hague. If you ever have the chance to
attend one of his ‘Story Mastery’ lectures (I always listen to him at RWA
Nationals), do so. You can also check out his website at www.storymastery.com. What I will say
here is this…the one thing that kept my earlier manuscripts from selling wasn’t
spacing or typos. It was not having the right (or strong enough) conflict. I
know this from editor feedback, so I’m passing that tip on to you. No amount of
description or voice will sell your story if there is no story. Most of us wish
there were more than 24 hours in a day. Prioritize your writing focus as you do
other things. Make sure your conflict is strong and compelling. Nail that
first…and the rest comes after.
Bio:
Rula Sinara lives in Virginia’s countryside with her husband,
three boys and crazy but endearing pets. When she's not writing or doing mom
stuff, she loves organic gardening, attracting wildlife to her yard (cool bugs
included) or watching romantic movies. She also enjoys interviewing fellow
authors and is a Special Contributor for USA Today's Happy Ever After blog. Her
door is always open at www.rulasinara.com or
www.awritersrush.blogspot.com.
Blurb:
The Promise of Rain
He wants to take her child out
of Africa…
The Busara elephant research and rescue camp on Kenya's
Serengeti is Anna Bekker's life's work. And it's the last place she thought
she'd run into Dr. Jackson Harper. As soon as he sets eyes on her
four-year-old, Pippa, Anna knows he'll never leave…without his daughter.
Furious doesn't begin to describe how Jack feels. How could
Anna keep this from him? He has to get his child back to the States. Yet as
angry as he is with Anna, they still have a bond. But can it endure, despite
the ocean—and the little girl—between them?
Buy Links:
Find Rula at:
Twitter:
@RulaSinara
Congrats, Rula! And what fantastic advice! Although proper formatting makes for an easier read, the story is what matters.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Cherie! You're right...I wouldn't advise ignoring formatting, spelling etc...completely. You don't want to lose an editor because the manuscript is too 'messy' to read. But if the story and hook are strong, they're not going to toss it away just because of one missing comma or a margin that's off by 2 mm :). And yes...I think at one point I measured LOL (shakes head at self).
DeleteCongrats! Working the problems. Love that analogy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna! If only my kids would listen LOL ;). But honestly, I learn so much from each manuscript I complete.
DeleteExcellent advice! Conflict is so important. And congrats on your release!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Meradeth!! :)
DeleteIt's so nice to learn more about you, Rula. Congratulations on The Promise of Rain! I love the advice you give your children - it's so true.
ReplyDeleteThanks Nas, for hosting today!
Thank you, Karen! Nas is awesome, isn't she?
DeleteSo true! Conflict is what makes us keep reading.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Kelly! It makes things interesting for sure :).
DeleteOk, GREAT reminders here. Thank you for refocusing our (my ;) ) anal writer eyes on what really matters. You phrased it really succinctly and well, too, which I appreciate :)
ReplyDeleteLOL, Liz :). Glad you liked it! I'm a bit (cough, cough) OCD (cough;) and boy did it slow me down and make me focus on nit picky details. I think it's easier in some ways (for me at least) to focus on tidying things up aesthetically, than to force my brain to figure out/solve the deeper problems in a story. I've learned though.... :)
DeleteI love me some conflict. Love this post. Great advice! And congrats Rula!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Leigh!! :)
DeleteI love that Rula takes craft books seriously but let go of the formatting obsession. Her book sounds exciting. Wishing much success! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lexa! I do love those craft books :). It's all about taking it in, but then focusing on what needs my attention.
DeleteAn agent once told me that a book can be summed up with "What does she want and how does she go about getting it?" Maybe that sounds too simple, but it seems to capture motivation, conflict and story -- so essential, as Rula points out!
ReplyDeleteGreat advice, Helena! And so true. Answering those questions for both the hero and heroine, then making sure that the process of one achieving his/her goal would prevent the other from achieving theirs is the key to nabbing the right conflict between the hero and heroine.:)
DeleteI do think people sweat the small stuff too much. The only thing a properly-formatted manuscript does is make a writer look professional, but I wonder if editors/agents even notice how many lines there are per page?
ReplyDeleteExactly, Stephanie. And boy did I sweat LOL. Looking professional is so important, but trust me, editors don't have time to count lines. Now, 10 lines a page might stand out LOL...
DeleteGreat post Rula and congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Rachael!!
DeleteGood advice! Compelling conflict is the key!
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely! Thanks, Sherry!
Delete"...there will always be wiser, more experienced authors who I can (and have) turned to for advice." I couldn't agree more. What would we do without one another?
ReplyDeleteCrystal, I've found time and again that writers are such an incredibly supportive and welcoming group of people. We're so lucky to be surrounded by such generous hearts and minds! :)
DeleteNas and all the Editors at Work here, I just wanted to say thanks!! It's so wonderful being here today!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful cover.
ReplyDeleteI've gained so much through experience, as well as other people's experiences. And although many books have helped me, other writers, bloggers, conferences, and so much more have helped me even more.
Thanks, Medeia! I agree! There's so much out there to soak up :)
DeleteGreat advice! I think it is important to look to other writer's for advice. Conferences always leave me with at least one big takeaway that I can use to improve my writing. :)
ReplyDeleteWishing Rula the best of luck!
Thanks, Jess! I agree about conferences too!
DeleteConflict is the key to success -- line-by-line, getting us to turn every page.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Milo. Thanks for stopping by!
Delete