Reading is the Training Ground for Becoming a Better Writer

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

I'm constantly learning new writing lessons from the books that I read. In fact, one of the main reasons I read is to learn. Over the past two months, I've read approximately 14 books. As I read (or listen to the book through my Audible app on my phone), my mind doesn't stop analyzing.

For example, I read Queen Hereafter by Susan Fraser King (a story about Margaret Queen of Scotland) and soaked in the history. The medieval historical details were exquisite giving me inspiration for my own medievals. I was also impressed by the characterization; each character was distinct with traits unique to the middle ages.

And finally I took away a lesson on the subtly of developing and showing character emotions. Yes there are times when we need to name the emotions our characters are feeling. But when we have our characters behave in a certain way that subtly brings the emotion to life, it has greater power to tug the readers' hearts.

Since today is the official release of An Uncertain Choice, I asked writers who've pre-read the book to share some of the writing lessons they learned while reading it.

Tricia Mingerink said: "I learned how to handle a YA love story with multiple interests without turning it into a love triangle. You develop all three of the guys very well. Even though I had a favorite for Rosemarie, it wasn't because the other guys were undeveloped or mean. All three were nice, and I don't see that in YA books very often."

Kim Moss, author of Leaving Nelson, said: "I've learned that a love story doesn't have to just be a love story. It can include action and mystery as well. Not only that, but the character that's most right for your main character may not be the one that's necessarily perfect--but the one that's perfect for her. One that challenges her and pushes her out of her comfort zone. Along with that, I absolutely love the way you close out your chapters with some type of angst or with a word picture that makes the reader NEED to turn the page."

Jennifer Smith said: "One thing that stood out to me--other than the engaging plot and fun characters--was Rosemarie's likeability. I entered a contest once where one of the judges said she wasn't sure if she liked my main character or not. Ever since, I've been paying special attention to how other authors make their characters likeable."

Caitlyn Santi, author of Surrender Falls, said: "The biggest writing lesson I learned was how to better illustrate my characters' faith by showing rather than telling. I've always believed that actions speak louder than words and An Uncertain Choice taught me how to show the reader what matters most to my characters by their actions and how they treat others rather than just telling."

Joleen Graumann said: "You opened my eyes to a new perspective about writing in 1st person. A lot of times it can be difficult to express the thoughts/emotions/growth of other characters in the book solely from the heroine's POV. I loved having those few chapters with the hero's POV too--especially the 1st one when we're not sure which knight is speaking. LOVED it! Such a creative technique!"

Rachel Rittenhouse, author of Discovering Hope, said: "One writing lesson was Jody's ability to create convicting characters that can be learned from and make you want to delve into their thoughts. Rosemarie and all three of the knights had a way of drawing you in and I was almost sad when only one knight could be chosen because I formed a connection with them all!!"

My encouragement for all writers is this: Read, read, read. And while you're reading, never stop learning. Reading is the training ground for becoming a better writer. In fact, I'd go as far as to say that reading (and analyzing as you read) is one of THE most important things writers can do to grow.

Of course, voracious reading doesn't automatically turn us into brilliant writers. But there's something about exposing ourselves over and over to a wide variety of writing styles and techniques that helps us learn the components of good story-telling (and also perhaps what doesn't work).

In the life of an author, every book release is always a big day. But this book birthday is extra special because it's my first-ever YA. To celebrate the release today, I'm giving away a copy of An Uncertain Choice here on my blog! So make sure to fill out the Rafflecopter form for a chance to win!

Also, I'd love for you to join in the Noble Knights Blog Tour over the next month for even more chances to win the book and learn about the characters and setting of An Uncertain Choice. The FIRST STOP is here! For a schedule of the rest of the blog tour, stop by my Events Page.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What about YOU? What writing lesson (or otherwise) have you learned from a recent book you've read?
  

The Growing Popularity of Novellas

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

If you're like me, you may not have read many novellas in your life. In fact, for a long time I didn't even really know what a novella was.

Over the years, I've learned that a novella is simply a short novel, usually about a quarter of the size of a full length book. It contains all the same elements as a novel–well-drawn characters, interesting plot, love interest (if you're writing romance), and internal character growth. But . . . obviously, the story is much less complicated and moves fairly quickly.

With the advent of ebooks, the publishing industry has been experimenting a lot to discover what works in this new age. And of course that means authors and publishers have experimented with novellas–particularly e-novellas which are available for e-readers but usually not in print.

While e-novellas go through the same editing, cover design, and formatting process as full length novels, the shorter word count obviously cuts back on some of the time and cost involved in the process. So does the fact that the e-novella doesn't have to be printed, sent out to distributors, put in buyer catalogs, etc.

In addition to the fact that novellas are quicker to write and produce, publishers and authors are also seeing some other benefits to e-novellas:

1. Novellas can act as a marketing tool. 

Authors and publishers have quickly realized that one of the best promotional/marketing tools is to offer a book at a discounted price (or perhaps even for free) as a means of attracting attention to the author's other books. Readers see the discounted or free book, read it, then (hopefully) fall in love with the writer and go on to purchase her other books.

While writers may balk at discounting or giving away full length novels that require considerable time and effort, we're more apt to consider putting a novella up for sale. We realize that in the short term, the sale can give us more exposure and sometimes move us up into best-seller ranks.

My publisher has been experimenting with giving away novellas as a way to kick off a series. For example, I just had an e-novella, Out of the Storm, release that introduces my new historical romance lighthouse series. The first full-length novel, Love Unexpected, comes out Dec. 1, but the free novella just released as a way to introduce readers to the series and get them excited about the first book.

2. Novellas help build a backlist.

This has clearly become an age when having multiple books for sale works to an author's advantage. Not too many years ago, once books were out-of-print or no longer on a bookstore shelf, the books basically died (sometimes a quick death!).

But now, those previously published books (also known as a backlist) are continuously available for readers online. Once a reader finishes a current release, they're able to go to any online bookstore, to the author's website, or to Goodreads and easily view and purchase the rest of the author's books.

The ease and availability of past books means that having a multitude of books works to an author's advantage. Readers talk about and continue to promote our older books which in turn helps current books. In a sense, the book promotion becomes cyclical.

Since newer authors don't have a large backlist, novellas can become one way to help build a strong author presence a little faster and that backlist then helps continue to promote current books.

3. Novellas appeal to the busy modern reader.  

The shorter length and the subsequently lower price, make novellas an easy buy.

Let's face it. The modern readers' attention is growing shorter especially since so many things are competing for their limited time. That means readers are more hesitant to pay $10-$15 on a new book that they might not have time to actually read.

But readers are more willing to pay a couple of bucks. If they end up not having the time or end up not liking the author, then they don't feel they've "blown" their money. Thus the shorter, inexpensive book offers an appeal that can put novellas at an advantage over longer more expensive books.

What do you think? Have you read any novellas lately? Do you like or dislike them?

If you haven't read a novella yet, I invite you to try mine, Out of the Storm. It's FREE! See what you think, then come back and let me know. Links to download the ebook: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Christianbook.com

Anniversary Celebration & Five Book Giveaway!

By Jody Hedlund, @JodyHedlund

Today on my blog I'm celebrating a very important anniversary with a FIVE BOOK giveaway!

Tomorrow is the wedding anniversary of John and Abigail Adams, the second president of the United States and his first lady! This famous couple was married on October 25, 1764.

As many of you know, my recent release, Rebellious Heart, is inspired by this couple's early courtship, including how they met, developed a friendship, and then overcame obstacles to finally fall in love.

In her last letter to John before their wedding, Abigail asked him to take all her belongings in a cart to her new home in Braintree: “And then Sir, if you please, you may take me.”

Isn't that sweet?

One thing I really love about their relationship is that it was based on a solid foundation of friendship. John and Abigail Adams are known for their friendship and the many letters they wrote to each over the years. In fact, at one point Abigail addresses John as "my dearest friend."

In appreciation of their friendship, she said this in one of her early letters to John: "A friend is worth all hazards we can run. Poor is the friendless master of a world; a world in purchase for a friend is gain. Who, that has once been favored with your friendship can be satisfied with the least diminution of it? Not those who value it according to its worth."

While romance is important in any relationship, I believe our culture puts an over-emphasis on the romantic feelings in a relationship to the detriment of forming a life-long friendship. Many young people "fall in love" but neglect to develop a solid friendship with their partner first.

The Adams story is a great example of how couples can make a point of being friends, finding areas in common, having the same interests, and enjoying spending time together as friends in addition to (or perhaps even before) the romance.

As my older children enter high school, they're garnering interest from the opposite sex. Recently one of my daughters had a young man ask her to "be his girlfriend." While she admired this boy, she wanted to develop their friendship first. She told me she thought she was too young to get into a dating relationship and wanted to focus on just being friends.

I was really glad she came to me and that we could talk about some ways she might share her feelings to the young man without hurting his pride. Even more than that, I was glad that she wanted to work on being FRIENDS first. She's establishing healthy boundaries that will carry over into the future.

All that to say, I think our modern culture has a LOT to learn from couples like John and Abigail Adams, from their courtship and marriage! Their relationship is one worth emulating AND celebrating.

So in celebration, I'm GIVING AWAY FIVE BOOKS!!! Four of the books are recent releases from fellow Bethany House authors, dear friends of mine that I've grown to appreciate and admire:

The Miner's Lady by Tracie Peterson, 

Into the Whirlwind by Elizabeth Camden

A Home for My Heart by Anne Mateer

Stranded by Dani Pettry

The fifth book is ONE choice from my published books, including my new release based on John and Abigail Adams, Rebellious Heart.

Fill out the Rafflecopter form to be eligible for the giveaway and to earn extra entries! Giveaway ends October 31 at midnight (ET). Winner must email me back within 24 hours of notification.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

What do YOU think of modern dating compared to the courtship of old? What do you wish was different about dating practices today?

WINNER OF GIVEAWAY: Claudia Castenir!!