New York, New York

We'll get back to first lines soon, but I'm winging my way to New York tomorrow morning and most likely won't have much time to be online or write posts. So stay tuned!

Until then, here are some New York tidbits for you:

Grand Central Freeze

Subway Hero

Extreme Sightseeing

New York, A Wonderful Town!


Peace.

Karen

Fantastic First Lines: Why?

Okay, so some of you shared your favorite first lines. Now I want to know one simple thing...

Why?

Why are those your favorite first lines? What about those line captured you? Drew you into the story?

Here's my analysis on the first lines I listed:


"It was Nathan's fault that I became God. It is, as I would learn, hell to be God." The God Game, Andrew Greeley (okay, that's two lines, but even just the first line is great.)

Line: "The city was silently bloating in the hot sun, rotting like the thousands of bodies that had fallen in street battles." A Voice in the Wind, Francine Rivers
Why I Like it: The drama and powerful word choices caught me. And stirred a question I wanted answered. What had happened? Thousands of bodies? Why?? I could tell as soon as I read this that someone monumental had happened, and would likely continue.

Line: "This is my favorite book in the world, though I have never read it." The Princess Bride, S. Morgenstern
Why I Like it: Intrigue! The protag's favorite book, but he's never read it? How is that possible? And, too, this has a kind of playful tone to it that I loved.

Line: "A storm struck on the night Laura Shane was born, and there was a strangeness about the weather that people would remember for years." Lightning, Dean Koontz
Why I Like it: This line stirred my curiosity right off: Who is Laura Shane, and what's the significance of the storm? And why are people still remembering that night?

Line: "The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world." The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson
Why I Like it: Hyperbole at it's best. This was a kind of challenge: the worst in the history of the world? Oh yeah? Let's see you prove that. And the author did. Admirably!

Okay, so what is it that captures you about first lines?

Karen

Fantastic First Lines

During my earlier posts about coming up with terrific titles, someone asked me what makes a strong first line. Oooo...now that's something I've never explored! I've appreciated them. Tried to develop them in my own books. But I've never really studied what it is about fantastic first lines that makes them stand out. So no time like the present, right?

I figured a good place to start would be with a few of my favorite first lines:

"It was Nathan's fault that I became God. It is, as I would learn, hell to be God." The God Game, Andrew Greeley (okay, that's two lines, but even just the first line is great.)

"The city was silently bloating in the hot sun, rotting like the thousands of bodies that had fallen in street battles." A Voice in the Wind, Francine Rivers

"This is my favorite book in the world, though I have never read it." The Princess Bride, S. Morgenstern

"A storm struck on the night Laura Shane was born, and there was a strangeness about the weather that people would remember for years." Lightning, Dean Koontz

"The Herdmans were absolutely the worst kids in the history of the world." The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, Barbara Robinson

So, now it's your turn. What are some of YOUR favorite first lines?

Karen

Amazing Minds

I've always loved art. Loved the creative process, love seeing how others interpret and view the world around them. One of my favorite things to do is visit art galleries when I'm traveling. (One of the best? Mountain Trails Gallery in Santa Fe, NM, which features artist Dale Terbush. Stunning!) So when someone shares a new art form with me, I'm not only delighted, I want to share it with others. So that's what I'm going to do!

My friend, Shannon, sent me an email about Emily Valentine's "feather" dogs. What a fascinating and beautiful mix of mediums. Now this is creativity!

Hope you enjoy it!

Karen

Moments to Savor

I heard a quote in a movie yesterday that I've always liked, that always makes me stop and think:

"Live for today, for yesterday is gone forever, and tomorrow may never come."

Do you savor today? Do you take time each day to stop, even just for a moment? To look--really look--at the world around you?

To recognize the gift of each day?

I can't say I always remember to do that. But today, I did. Today I stopped. Not for long. Just for a few moments. I sat in our yard swing and looked around. And saw so much beauty!

In case you didn't get a chance to do the same today, here is a taste of what I encountered. May you find in these snapshots what I did: a reminder that the God of the universe loves beauty. And He loves to share that beauty with His favorite creation of all time: you and me.
Peonies, in all their splendor!



A peony visitor, and Columbine



Last year the woeful lack of honey bees meant almost no peaches or cherries. This year, the honey bees are back! And with them, our peaches and cherries! Yippee!



Don't know what the red flower is, but love it. And aforementioned honey bee visiting the lavendar.



California poppies went to town this year! Along with most of our other flowers. SO pretty!


Peace, all.

Karen

Tips for Terrific Titles #3

Tip #4: Remember Your Audience! Novelists do a great job, on the whole, of keeping their audience firmly in mind as they write. But sometimes when trying to come up with a catchy title or cover image, they go a bit far afield of that audience. The result is that readers who would love the story won't even pick it up. And those who do pick it up may not find what they expected inside. So as you work on your title, remember who your reader is. For example:

• Age range. If your book would appeal mostly to Christian women in their 40s and up, then don't use a trendy title that will appeal to the twenty-somethings. And watch out for technology phrases. Unless your certain your core audience is familiar with both the meaning and use of something technologial, steer clear. For example, using RAM, bits, bytes, and bauds as words in your title may work for a younger audience, or one that's technologically savvy, but for older readers? Odds are good you'd lose 'em. (Or have them writing you letters scolding you for misspelling bites.)
  
• Region. If your book is set in a particular region, are there phrases or even familiar sayings you can adapt to a title? Or, as we discussed in the character tip, are there landmarks that will position your story in a readers' mind? In the Northwest, using words such as Cascade, Siskiyou, Sun Valley, and Snohomish create an immediate image in our minds.For example, the publishing house I work for, B&H Publishing Group, is based in Nashville. Can you guess the phrase that I hear ALL the time...and now say on a regular basis? Yup: Bless yer heart!
  
• Education levels. This has nothing to do with your readers' intelligence, but more with the fact that what appeals to those who've gone through advanced levels of education often is different than what appeals to those who finished their formal education in high school. And studies have shown that reading tastes of those with different educational backgrounds often differ as well.
• Married and family status. Are your readers married? Single? Do they have kids or not? Are you readers of an age where their children are toddlers, teens, college-bound, etc? All of these factors come into play with what appeals. For example, I've been married almost 30 years, but my hubby and I never had children. So while I'm drawn to titles focusing on love or relationships, I'm not inclined to pick up a book that, by its title, is aimed at either someone single or someone with children. Unless, of course, the children are in jeopardy! Then that moves it from relationship into suspense, and I love that!
  
• Gender. Yes, it does make a difference! Not that women aren't drawn to guy titles, or vice versa, but you do need to remember your core consumer and how the title will both sound and feel to them. For example, the title and cover below has its strongest appeal to men. Yes, we anticipate women will like it as well, but it was designed to appeal to men first.

Whereas I'd guarantee you this title/cover is geared to women. :)

• Tastes in music. Song titles can be great book titles, or great springboards to a title. And every generation has universally known titles. Think about it: Leader of the Pack, Close to You, Great Balls of Fire, Hotel California, Billion Dollar Babies, If God Was One of Us, and so on. Also, consider hymns. There's a wealth of beautiful imagery in hymn titles. (note: you can't copyright a title, so no worries about copyright infringement.)
  

Also, keep in mind what may be uppermost on your readers' minds. What are they feeling, struggling with, fearing, anticipating? For example:

• Economics (is your audience made up of those who are most likely hit by the current economic issues such as job and retirement loss?)
• Issues with children
• marital struggles
• struggles with organized church
• faith crises
• Emotions (for example, with all the job and retirement loss in the last year, fear is a huge factor for many people. Titles that offer hope and peace, or a respite from the struggles, would draw readers' attention)

Remember, good titles--combined with good cover art--create an image or mood and garner a visceral response from the reader. It's my hope these tools will provide you with some assistance in coming up with two or three good options to send to you publisher when the time comes to do so.

So have at it--and happy titling!

Peace.

Karen

Tips for Terrific Titles #2

Tip #3 for crafting strong titles? As USA puts it, Characters welcome! Ever and always, Keep Your Characters in Mind. Sometimes the best title for a book focuses on the character. But not just on the name, though that can work well. You can also base a title on your character's:

• Personality
  
• Personal struggle
• Conflict with other characters
• Lesson learned
• Nickname
• Nationality
• Flaw
• Physical characteristics
• Occupation or calling
  

...and so on. Look at all the facets of your character to see if there's something that would lend itself well to an eye- and imagination-grabbing title. Also, remember that these kinds of titles can often lead to wonderful designs.

Also, remember that your location can be considered a character as well. Certain regions, states, or countries tend to have personalities, so to speak. Build on that for a title that creates the image of your story before the reader has even hit page one.

Some examples of character-based titles:

Name
Magdalene (interesting that they chose Magdalene rather than Mary Magdalene. Used the far more negative/emotional portion of the name for the title)
Rachel's Secret
Here Lies Arthur
Ruby's Slippers (outstanding cover art enhances the name and tongue-in-cheek connection to Wizard of Oz. See below!)

Physical Characteristic
The Eye of Jade (cover design played off this title beautifully. See below.)
The Face
The Bluest Eye

Character's struggle or "state"
A Bride in the Bargain
Daughter of Liberty
Deceived
Snow Angel

Personality
The Duchess & the Dragon (gives you a strong sense of the heroine and hero, right up front)
Sisterchicks in Wooden Shoes (this title uses location as well)
That Certain Spark (the cover art is what makes this title so effective! See cover below.)

Location as a character
The Shack
What the Bayou Saw
Savannah from Savannah (wonderful mix of name and location)
Texas Angel

Occupation/Calling
Guardian of the Flame
The Alchemist
The Night Watchman



Any others you can think of to illustrate this tip?

Karen

Tips for Terrific Titles #1

As promised last week, here are the first two Tips. (If you haven't read the discussion on titles, check out the blog entry on 5/4/09.)

1. Tone. Be sure your title reflects the tone of your story accurately. A whimsical title on a book that is dark and tense will leave the reader feeling suckered or betrayed. Avoid disconnects, so that when the reader is drawn by the title, what they find on the back cover and in the content will only make that draw even stronger. Be sure the title creates a sense of whimsy, tension, danger, romance, mystery, fantasy, the future...whatever best reflects the tone of your story.

Okay, so ready for a challenge? Based on the titles below...

Name That Tone!
The Boneman's Daughters
Redeeming Love
The Shunning
The Riddlemaster of Hed
A Vase of Mistaken Identity
Without a Trace
Three Weddings & a Giggle


2. Genre. This goes hand in hand with tone. While it's important to reflect the tone of your book, you also need to be sure the title fits the genre you're writing. For example, many contemporary novels have a strong thread of romance in them, but you don't want to put a title that focuses too much on the romance element. Those who read romances have specific expectations, some of which won't be met by a contemporary novel. The beauty of genre, though, is that we often mix genres. Cozy mysteries, for example, mix mystery with a bit of a whimsical tone. Romantic adventure--self-evident. So you can use that interplay in titles. One caveat: you can offset the genre focus with the cover art. For example, a title like The Longing Heart could be romance, could be contemporary. How the designer treats the cover will clarify genres for the reader.

Name that Genre!
Kidnapped
Sister Chicks Down Under
Wormwood
Nothing But Trouble

Part two coming soon!

Karen

Here's to Moms!

Offered for your enjoyment, moms! First the sweet, then the silly, and--last but not least--my all-time favorite quote about mothers.

The Sweet

• “My mother had a slender, small body, but a large heart--a heart so large that everybody's joys found welcome in it, and hospitable accommodation.” Mark Twain
• “Only God Himself fully appreciates the influence of a Christian mother in the molding of character in her children.” Billy Graham
• “All that I am or ever hope to be, I owe to my angel Mother.” Abraham Lincoln
• “I remember my mother's prayers and they have always followed me. They have clung to me all my life.”Abraham Lincoln“
• She who rears successfully a family of healthy, beautiful sons and daughters whose immortal souls will be exerting an influence throughout the ages…deserves the highest honor that man can give.” David McKay
• “The real religion of the world comes…from mothers most of all, who carry the key of our souls in their bosoms.” Oliver Wendell Holmes
• “My mother was the most beautiful woman I ever saw. All I am I owe to my mother.” George Washington
• “There never was a woman like her. She was gentle as a dove and brave as a lioness.” Andrew Jackson
• “A mother is the truest friend we have, when trials heavy and sudden, fall upon us; when adversity takes the place of prosperity; when friends who rejoice with us in our sunshine desert us; when trouble thickens around us, still will she cling to us, and endeavor by her kind precepts and counsels to dissipate the clouds of darkness, and cause peace to return to our hearts.” Washington Irving
• “The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.” Henry Ward Beecher
• “I cannot tell you how much I owe to the solemn word of my good mother.” Charles Haddon Spurgeon
• “The heart of a mother is a deep abyss at the bottom of which you will always find forgiveness.” Honore De Balzac
• “A mother's arms are made of tenderness and children sleep soundly in them.” Victor Hugo

The Silly

• “I want my children to have all the things I couldn't afford. Then I want to move in with them.” Phyllis Diller
• “An ounce of mother is worth a ton of priest.” Spanish proverb
• “There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to get him asleep.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
• “Working mothers are guinea pigs in a scientific experiment to show that sleep is not necessary to human life.” Author Unknown
• “My mother's menu consisted of two choices: Take it or leave it.” Buddy Hackett
• “Spend at least one Mother's Day with your respective mothers before you decide on marriage. If a man gives his mother a gift certificate for a flu shot, dump him.” Erma Bombeck

And my all-time favorite quote about mothers?

“Mothers of teenagers know why animals eat their young.”
Author Unknown

Happy Mother's Day!

Karen

Ideas for Celebrating Mom!

You've read my thoughts about my mom, now it's your turn. Share your thoughts about your mom, or about mothering with us. Sweet, tender, working through issues...whatever your "Mom" relationship is, I'd love to hear from you.

And for those looking for new ways to say "We love you!" to the mom in your house? Check out this site--and enjoy!

Peace.

Karen

The Gold Standard of Mothers

Seven years.

2555 Days.

61,320 hours.

That's how long it's been since I heard her voice. Felt the soft touch of her hand. Felt her laughter lift my spirit. Let my head rest against her shoulder.

Seven years since my mom, Paula Ann Sapp, left us for eternity.

I can't believe it's been that long. It seems like yesterday...it seems like forever. The good news is that I can talk about her now--most of the time--without breaking down. In fact, as often as not I end up laughing because the thoughts and memories of her are steeped in joy and love. The bad news? The void deep inside that mawed into existence the day she left us is still there. Will be until I see her again in eternity.

I think about Mom a lot, but most especially this time of year, as Mother's Day approaches. Part of me doesn't like that day anymore. All the flowers and cards and even the sermon at church just amplify the fact that Mom's not here. But at the same time, Mother's Day reminds me how blessed I was to have the mother I did. She was the Gold Standard of Mothers. Here's why:

• She loved without reserve. I saw it every day in her eyes, felt it in her touch, heard it in her voice and words.

• She believed in my brothers and me. Big time.
• She knew the value of laughter, and let it become the music that rang freely in our home.

• She liked us, and loved spending time with us. Picnics, playing games at home, trips...it didn't matter what we did. It was a joy just to be together.
  

• She always knew the right thing to say--and when not to say anything at all.

She nurtured us and our passions with love and tender humor.

• She directed us to God. Unfailingly. Her rock-solid faith in God was evident in the way she lived.
• She loved Dad. I mean...LOVED him. Admired and respected him. Found no other's company more delightful or desired.

• She taught us how to celebrate both the big and little in life. And that the little celebrations are often most important.
  

People have told me I have Mom's hands or her smile. I love that. And I pray I exhibit her spirit and heart as well. I want to be a reflection of this woman who was such a beautiful reflection of God.

So as Mother's Day approaches, be mindful of all your mom has done for you. Good, bad, or indifferent, our mothers are a part of the fabric of who we are. If yours is still living, cherish her. Let her know you love and appreciate her. Ask her to tell you stories about her childhood, about her growing up. And capture those stories, her voice, her laughter, on video. Take the opportunity to hug her or hold her hand. Because the day will come when you can no longer do that, and--and trust me on this--you'll miss it. Like you never knew you could miss something.

If, like me, your mom has entered eternity, know I'm thinking of you. And I'm praying for you. That God will fill your heart and mind with wonderful memories, with the sweet sound of your mom's voice, with the music of her laughter, the warmth of her hug. And celebrate with me that one day...one glorious day!...we'll see them again. These women who birthed and cared for us, who nurtured and encouraged us, who blessed our lives in countless ways. We'll see them again.

And oh! What a joyful reunion that will be!

Karen

Tips for Terrific Titles

One of the questions asked in the comments on my 5/4 blog was: What tips do you have for creating a good title for a novel? Based on the discussion and on my experience in publishing, I've come up with 4 top tips to titling. And I'll jump right into them...after Mother's Day. So stay tuned!

Until then, here's an exercise for you. Come up with titles for the following novels:

Romantic Suspense--woman discovers wolves on her Wyoming ranch, and fights to keep them hidden from ranchers. Wildlife biologist is sent in, under the guise of taking a job on her ranch, to determine if reports of wolf sightings are true. Behind the scenes, someone is out to kill the wolves--no matter who gets in the way. Elements of story: suspense, danger, wildlife, romance, time running out.

Thriller--woman computer whiz discovers a hidden website--one belonging to a vicious serial killer. She goes to the FBI, but they don't think it's real. The killer, however, knows he's been hacked, and backtracks to find the culprit. When the woman's friends start disappearing, then turning up dead--killed in horrific ways--she takes control and emails the killer through his website, telling him she's going to find him and kill him. He tells her there's no way she can do that. She grits her teeth and sends her response: "Just watch me." And proceeds to do exactly what she said.

Contemporary--Older woman with macular degeneration starts having hallucinations. She knows that a symptom of her disease, but this hallucination is different from the others she's had. It's Huck Finn. And it does more than just show up. He starts talking to her. Through struggles to repair broken family relationships and personal epiphanies, she and Huck discuss life, family, and faith--and she discovers that God's truth sometimes comes in very surprising packages.

All three are actual books. So share your titles, and then I'll tell you the real titles.

Have fun!

Karen

What's in a Title?

Lately, I've been pondering the importance of titles on novels. Did you know that most of the titles on the books you read are developed by a group of people in the publishing house? And believe me, it's no easy task! We have to consider author's wishes, content of the story, the market (what will resonate, what won't), marketing angles, design elements, if the title's been used before, and on and on. Sometimes all that comes together and the title is magic. Other times...

Not so much.

The best thing is when an author comes to us with the perfect title. I love it when that happens. But usually we have to wrestle for awhile, sometimes even against each other. Mostly because, like any reader, we all see different things in the story. And whatever strikes us is what we want emphasized.

So here's what I'm wondering. How much impact does a novel's title have on you and your decision to purchase it? Can you name some novels that, when you read the title, your reaction was, "Wow!" or "How cool!"? Are there novels you've read and loved that you felt the title didn't fit or didn't do it justice?

This is your chance to let a publisher know just how much importance that perfect title really has.

Thanks!

Karen

May Day!

It's May Day! Do you remember what that means?

Yup, time to go pick flowers. Not just that, but time to pick flowers and share them with others. Anonymously.

I loved May Day as a kid (though I'm sure our poor neighbors weren't as fond of it seeing as I usually pilfered their gardens!). When I looked at the calendar a few weeks ago and realized it was almost May, then saw May 1, I grinned. I may be nudging 52, but this May Day I'm letting the kid run free. I'm going to pick flowers, put them in a paper vase, and hang them on someone's door.

Because every day deserves a touch of beauty. And the reminder that people think of us.

So here's the deal. STOP what you're doing. Stop it, right now. Ready? Okay, follow these steps:

1. Wet down 3 or 4 pieces of paper towel.
2. Take your paper towels and go outside and find some flowers. Doesn't have to be anything fancy. Just flowers.
3. When you have your bouquet, wrap the stems in damp paper towel.
4. Choose a house on your block, lay the flowers on the stoop, ring the doorbell, and run! Don't worry who might be watching, just let yourself be a kid again and bless someone's day.

Now, since I can't come to YOUR doors, here are a few flowers from my garden, just for you!