A Novel Creation www.WatersWords.com

Last week I shared that the strong women in two of my favorite books moved both figuratively and literally as they accepted the challenges of life. I mentioned they were women who refused to allow past circumstances to hold them hostage, to keep them from become the women God intended them to become. They are good models for me. This week I have been packing boxes in preparation to move into a new house. I know this is the right time. I know God has a plan for me. That helps. Knowing I am living within God’s will makes life decisions easier. Easier—but not without a crazy mix of emotions. It’s not that I have a problem leaving this place I’ve called home for twenty-four years.   I made the decision shortly after Tom’s death to never be held hostage by a place or event. I made it a point to eat at some of our favorite restaurants. I went to the movies with my kiddos to see the new Star Wars movie when it came out—something Tom would have loved. Tom and I had planned t...

If you want to be a good writer, you need to read. A lot. I love to read. Ever since I was old enough to figure out the words printed on the box of cereal, I’ve been an avid reader. Reading a variety of novels helps the author examine structure and differing styles of writing. Reading offers insight into how to create crises and develop believable characters. One exercise I like to do is to reflect on books I’ve read and liked and try to draw out what it was that I found appealing. I can then attempt to emulate what I perceive as good writing. Lately I’ve been thinking about two novels published by Lighthouse Publishing of the Carolinas. These books resonate with me. I don’t consider myself a romance writer, but these books are both romance novels. Secrets and Charades by Cindy Huff falls in the category of historical fiction while the other, Land of My Dreams by Norma Gail takes place in a contemporary setting. The books are both more than clean reads…they each offer ...

ME: Hannah! It’s wonderful to have this time with you. I want to pick your brain a bit today, so let’s get started. My readers are always interested in what it takes to start that writing career. Where did you start and how did you get published?             Hanging Out With Hannah Conway HANNAH: Great question. I started by signing up for my favorite author’s newsletters and answering calls to review advanced reader copies. Finally, I worked up enough nerve to email one author and get her advice on entering the writing world. She told me to join ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and get involved in their online critique groups. BEST decision ever! Once I joined, I was advised to go to writing conferences, meet with agents, editors, other writers and take their writing/publishing advice. So I did that as well, and two years after joining ACFW, and going to conferences, signed my first contract with Olivia Kimbr...

Writing with E's E is for Exercise. One of the most important habits a writer develops is exercising the writing muscle on a regular basis. This can be accomplished through a variety of ways. Today’s post is one offering. Exercise is more fully addressed in Writing with E’s , available on Amazon. Last week I wrote about capturing your story in a single sentence. It’s a tough assignment. Boiling your novel down to a single sentence will help you focus as you write and will provide a starting point for your elevator pitch once your book is finished. I am a huge fan of “less is more” and love it when something so brief can trigger my imagination and pique my interest. Some of my readers know I am in the process of moving. It is a daunting task and one that has kept me from fully engaging in working on my current novel. Those busy times of life when I can’t remember where I stored my notes or think about those crazy characters I’ve created can pull me away from the ke...