Latest Manuscript News
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: contests are invaluable to writers! First, it gives you deadlines to work by, and then it forces you to get your manuscript out there.
I entered “A Long Way From Home,” my NaNoWriMo manuscript, into the Novel Journey’s “Out of the Slush Pile” contest that they are running all through 2010. I went online the moment I woke up on the day they were to announce the winners on the blog and was saddened to see that I was not the winner for the historical category. So, I get ready for work and trek into the office. Then, I pull up my email and see a message from one of the coordinators of the contest.
“A Long Way From Home” was tied for second! The judges liked my writing and felt the story had a lot of potential for success. The e-mail really brightened my day, to say the least.
I am continuing to work on the novel with my fabulous critique group to get it as polished as possible for this summer’s writing conference. I’ve also got another few contest deadlines that I’m shooting for, like Genesis through ACFW. These contests provide priceless feedback. I encourage every writer out there to search around and find some reputable contests to get some exposure and critique.
Happy writing and contest-ing!
Read MoreInterview with Cara Putman
Cara Putman is a writer of historical fiction and contemporary suspense. She has won several alwards for her writing, and her historical novel, Canteen Dreams won the 2008 ACFW Book of the Year — Short Historical; Sandhill Dreams was a 2009 ACFW Book of the Year Finalist. She resides in Lafayette, Indiana.
When did you first start writing?
My first short stories were written as part of third grade – I still have that journal filled with stories about a frog and toad and their adventures. Since then I’ve kept a journal and now have a bookshelf filled with journals. Then in high school I started two novels: one exploring what happened to the Lost colony of Roanoke and the other set in Boston during the Revolutionary War. Then college started and writing went on the back shelf though the dream wouldn’t die. But that all changed in April 2005 when I told my husband told that I wanted to be a writer.
Who are your major influences?
I’ve been blessed to be surrounded by so many wonderful writers. And each day I discover more. I read voraciously and try to pay attention to what works in their books. ACFW (www.acfw.com) has made a tremendous difference in learning how to write and encouragement on the journey. But some of my favorite writers are: , Brandilyn Collins, Randy Singer, James Scott Bell, and Stephen James. There are so many amazing authors out there. Christian fiction is so broad and it’s awesome!
What draws you to the World War II era?
There is something heroic and romantic about that time period. A clear good v. evil battle. A time when the country pulled together behind a larger goal.
What do you enjoy most about writing historical fiction? How is this different than the other genres you write?
Historical fiction is fun though a lot of work. I picked a time period that I love and that makes the research more enjoyable. I love the twists and turns of suspense. That’s my greatest challenge right now – I love both genres!
What resources helped you the most in your research?
Using the internet to find the local resources/museums that have the information I need on various topics. For example, when writing Sandhill Dreams I made the trip to Fort Robinson and spent a day with the museum curator. That was incredible!
Why do you think accuracy so important in historical fiction?
One mistake can take a reader out of the dream. And once they’ve uncovered a mistake their looking – even if subconsciously – for other mistakes.
How did the idea for your historical series come about?
It started with Canteen Dreams which is set in my hometown of North Platte, Nebraska. That story was incredible: a town started a canteen that ran from December 17, 1941 through April 1946. Every troop train was met by volunteers from 125 towns who brought in food, coffee, books, magazines, birthday cakes, etc., for the troops. It was an amazing story I had to tell. And then I needed two more Nebraska based stories to round out the series. All three titles are being released in Cornhusker Dreams in November.
Any more plans for a World War Two series?
The first book in the Ohio series released in June. A Promise Kept focuses on a newly married couple and the challenges they face while opening their home to an evacuated British child. A Promise Born highlights a top secret project in Dayton as well as a great romance. While A Promise Forged focuses on the kid sister and her adventures in the All American Girls Professional Softball League, with a romance.
Can you tell me a about your road to publication?
The visible road to publication was short. Met Colleen in April 2005, attended ACFW in September 2005 where I met the Heartsong Presents and Love Inspired Suspense acquisitions editors, received my first contract at ACFW in September 2006, and now I have 7 books out with two more and the repackage releasing in the next six months. It has been an amazing journey.
What was your biggest struggle?
Making the time to consistently write. That time at the keyboard is critical. Without it, there are no books. And balancing the marketing with the writing is a challenge too.
What advice do you have for newbie authors?
Read MoreJoin ACFW (www.acfw.com). I am published in large part because of this organization and the teaching it offers as well as the relationships and conference.
Stumbling upon the ACFW
After I graduated college, I had a sudden pang of regret. I really enjoy learning more and pushing myself. I even loved homework.
So I enrolled in an online class about how to get published. The class was interesting enough, but in my own research into proposals and my experience being published in magazines and newspapers, it was all very elementary for me.
However, there was one lesson I took to heart. And it would change the course of my writing career.
The instructor encouraged us to find contests and submit our work. In researching different writing contests, I found the American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW) and their contest for unpublished writers, Genesis.
At that point, my writing was raw and my story lacked a lot of meat. In fact, my whole manuscript was written more like a journalism piece than a novel, because I’d spent the last four years getting my journalism degree. So when I entered the Genesis contest and received embarrassingly low scores, I realized it was time to relearn everything I thought about writing.
ACFW turned into a resource I couldnt explore fast enough. I studied past course archives and drank in all I could. I joined a critique group and my writing has taken a total turn for the better. Even my story is richer, far more developed than I had ever imagined.
I’d been involved with other professional organizations such as the American Horse Publications and the Society of Professional Journalists. I’d experienced first-hand the value of networking and continuing education. Now, I’d discovered the gold mine for my fiction writing.
Interactions with the ACFW and local chapter, Portland Christian Writers, led me to discover the Oregon Christian Writers…And so the story goes.
For those not a member of an organization in their chosen field, I strongly recommend you look into it. Branch out. Join the group. Go to an organization’s meeting. Go to a regional or national conference. You’ll find more knowlege and resources than any book or website.
Another perk of the ACFW and OCW is connecting with successful authors and learning from their journey. For Monday’s post, I will have author Cara Putnam here to share her story and advice. She is the award-winning author of both contemporary suspense and historical fiction, including Canteen Dreams, Sandhill Dreams and Captive Dreams (Heartsong Presents). Please stop by!
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