BJ Hoff's GRACE NOTES

Blog Break

Taking a break from Grace Notes for a few days. I'm deep in the midst of lots of preliminary work and a ton of research for the new series, and that means I need tunnel vision--blocking out everything else--for now.

BJ

Q & A

Q. Do you ever have writer's block?

A. I'm not sure exactly what "writer's block" is. If it's the inability to write, then, no, I don't recall that ever being a problem. If it's simply hitting a knot in the WIP and having to untangle the threads, I suppose all writers encounter that at times. My frustration seems to be the opposite: I have too many ideas I'd like to develop, all the while knowing there will never be enough time to bring them all to completion.

Q. Are you a speed reader? You seem to read a lot of books.

A. I can read quickly when I want to or need to. But when I'm reading for pleasure, I deliberately slow down so I can enjoy the story, the author's style, the pacing and rhythym. I enjoy words, and I like to take the time to savor them. I speed read mostly when I'm reading for information.

Q. What are some of your favorite movies?

A. To Kill a Mockingbird, Gettysburg, The Molly Maguires, Mississippi Burning, The Sound of Music, The Quiet Man, Rebecca, The Big Country, Band of Brothers, A Time to Kill, The Big Fisherman, The Pianist.

Q. Who is your personal favorite character from any book you've ever read, the one character you know you'll never forget?

A. That is one tough question for me.  There are actually several characters who will stay with me for a lifetime. If I need to single out only one, I'd go with Atticus Finch from To Kill a Mockingbird.

Q. Do you like to shop?

A. About as much as having a root canal. The exception would be shopping in bookstores.

BJ

The Dark Side vs the Magic Kingdom

A writer-friend asked me the other day why, as a confirmed Mac-addict, I also continue to use one of the dark-side machines (that would be a PC).

Although I can understand why this kind of behavior might be offensive to some (especially to other Mac-addicts), my reasons have absolutely nothing to do with "preferring" a PC over a Mac (does anyone really?), but everything to do with a few programs that don't play nice with the Mac.

For starters, I'm a die-hard WordPerfect devotee and refuse to give up entirely the best word processor ever developed. You do not want to know how I feel about MS Word--really, you don't. Unfortunately, the last version of WP supported by Apple is an ancient one that requires way too much time and tweaking for me to devote any real effort to using it on my Macs. Besides, even if I made the effort, the program is so old it's a plodder and ugly to look at. So one reason I keep a PC around is so that when the mood strikes, I can still use my faithful WordPerfect. (I almost always use it for correspondence and some smaller jobs, but also for selected book projects as well. Bless 'em, my publisher is willing to do the necessary conversions for me. 

Another program I had grown quite dependent on is the ePrompter, which doesn't seem to work on Macs. This handy little email notifier can set up numerous email accounts and notify the user when mail arrives on any one of them. You can read your mail and reply via the same program. There are no bells and whistles--no formatting and the like--but when you're in a rush, and I often am with email--it's great. Unfortunately, not only does it not work on a Mac, it doesn't seem to like Vista either--and that's the OS on my PC--so this is one reason for using a PC that will soon be nonexistent.

I've been looking for a replacement program, and came across one which is actually a full-featured program that seems to be intriguing and a lot of fun--but which I wouldn't use much for "serious" email, due to its somewhat "frivolous" nature. That's "Incredimail." But it doesn't perform on a Mac either. (What, did Bill Gates hijack most of the better email programs out there to deliberately frustrate the world of Mac users?) 

I have to admit that I've never been impressed with the email programs available for the Mac, and I especially refuse to use the ever-intrusive and often buggy MS Office program. But it really doesn't matter, because good old ThunderBird works well on both the dark side and in Steve Jobs' magic kingdom. So with TB, I can have the best (or the worst) of both worlds.

Anyway ... that's my story, and I'm sticking to it.

I suppose next someone will ask me why I actually (sometimes) continue to use AOL ... well, I have an answer for that, too.

BJ

Song of Erin

Some news--news about which I am delighted, to say the least. Here's a heads-up on a special release coming next spring from Harvest House.

A few years ago, I published two novels entitled Cloth of Heaven and its sequel, Ashes and Lace. As often happens, the books eventually went out of print. Anytime the product of an author's dream and hard work goes out of print it's a huge disappointment, although in today's publishing world certainly not an unexpected one. This was a particular disappointment to me, though, because these stories featured characters who even today remain among my personal favorites: Jack Kane, an Irish immigrant and founder of a powerful newspaper publishing empire in New York City whose efforts to help his people—and redeem himself—seem continually thwarted by rumors of corruption. Samantha Harte, devoted to her faith and to helping the less fortunate, but haunted by her past. Beneath her well-bred exterior lie secrets too shocking to reveal, wounds too deep to heal. Therese Sheridan, desperate to escape the crushing poverty of Ireland, pays a price far higher—and more far-reaching—than she ever could have imagined. Brady Kane, a gifted but troubled artist whose pursuit of personal freedom in Ireland and a life of self-indulgence entrap him in a web of deceit that eventually touches everyone he loves.

It’s always exciting for an author to see her earlier books given “new life,” and I was especially pleased to learn that Harvest House plans to release both of these novels in a special two-in-one edition, under the title of Song of Erin. You can expect to find them in your bookstores early in April!

BJ

Such Friends

It's been one of those weeks when, out of necessity, I've had to neglect the blog--and a few other things. There simply hasn't been time to work through everything that's been piling up. But I received a few emails this week that reminded me how very fortunate I am to have the truly wonderful readers I do, readers who have blessed me time and time again through the years, who continue to bless me, over and over again--and I thought I'd just take a moment to thank you.

By its very nature, writing is a solitary lifestyle. It would probably be a lonely lifestyle for many of us were it not for our families (and that includes our church families), our friends, other writers ... and our readers. Many of my readers pray for me, for my work, even for my family. And believe me, I'm more aware of those prayers than you can imagine! Some have become good friends, even though we've never met. Many drop me a note on a regular basis simply to let me know they're thinking of me and cheering me on as I work through the book in progress. Some "hawk" my books as they travel about the country, talking with bookstore folks, encouraging them to order titles they don't have on the shelf, at the same time making them aware of other authors writing inspirational and Christian fiction. And some of my readers are also writers who can pray with great understanding and empathy, because they've "been there and done that."

I wouldn't like to consider what a hole would be left in my life without these special friends. Many of you are reading this, and you know who you are. Know this also: you make a significant, powerful difference in my life--and I'm grateful for each one of you. Thank you for loving the stories that I love to bring to you, and thank you for pouring out your affection and your prayers on me. Because of you, my life is anything but solitary: because of you, I'm blessed with a wide network of friends who care and who never hesitate to make the effort to let me know they care.

When I give thanks for you, my readers, a line from my favorite poet, W. B. Yeats, invariably comes to mind:  "Think where man's glory most begins and ends,  and say my glory was I had such friends."

Bless you.

BJ

Q & A

Q. What is your biggest frustration as a writer?

A. Time. There's never enough.

Q. What's your favorite Jane Austen novel?

A. Ah ... I don't have one. Sorry, but I'm so not an Austen fan. Don't like her books, don't like movies based on her books. I'm ducking as I write this, but I just don't understand the fuss about Austen. Jane Eyre, yes. Wuthering Heights, oh, yes! Alcott, Eliot--I could go on and on with the ones I enjoy, but Austen--I just don't get it.

Q. I'm looking for books with stories set in the early twentieth century up through World War II, before there ever was such a thing as "Christian fiction," but by authors who were Christian, or at least wrote wholesome stories that both adult women and teenagers could read. I don't want sappy novels, but well-written, moral ones. Can you recommend any authors or titles?

A. First, let me make it clear that I wasn't reading during the time you mention! However, I also enjoy a lot of these older titles, or at least stories set in the time frame you mention. I can highly recommend Janice Holt Giles--especially her Piney Ridge Trilogy. I think you'd also like Jane Roberts Wood's trilogy: The Train to Estelline, A Place Called Sweet Shrub, and Dance a Little Longer. The Citadel and The Keys of the Kingdom by A. J. Cronin. The Bishop's Mantle by Agnes Sligh Turnbull; also The Rolling Years, by the same author. Taylor Caldwell's earlier books (not her last two or three): especially Testimony of Two Men, Ceremony of the Innocent, and A Prologue to Love. Marcia Davenport's Valley of Decision and East Side, West Side. You've probably read Daphne DuMaurier's Rebecca, but she wrote many others not as well known. Well--somebody stop me! There are so many more. Another idea for you: if you're close to a good public library, talk to your research/reference librarian. These folks are wonderful about helping you find authors who write what you enjoy reading.

Q. What's your favorite dictionary?

A. I use more than one, but the one I use most is The Random House Dictionary of the English Language, Second Edition Unabridged.

Q. Do you do your research before you start a novel or do you research as you go?

A. Both. There's seldom a time when I'm not doing research. Fortunately, I enjoy the research almost as much as the writing. Emphasis on almost.

BJ

Handbooks and Guidebooks and Manuals ... Oh,My!

Recently, an up-and-coming novelist asked me which of the many "writers' handbooks" I'd recommend for new and aspiring writers. Some already appear on the sidebar of Grace Notes; others you've heard mentioned in entries here from time to time. So I'll take the easy way out on this and just give a few the "star" rating, five stars being my top choce, on down the line. (Think asterisks for stars.) I'd actually recommend only the first three, but the others have some value worth a mention.

Caveat: This doesn't include the "books about writing," English usage manuals, or writer memoirs that seem to proliferate year to year (Stephen King's On Writing, etc.), but only those that you'd consider actual "handbooks" or "guidebooks" and such. Nor does it include "style manuals," such as The Chicago Manual of Style, or market guides, such as the Writer's Digest Writer's Market. Those fall into a different category.

***** Writing Fiction: Gotham Writers' Workshop: The Practical Guide from New York's Acclaimed Creative Writing School. A wealth of practical--and entertaining--information. Invaluable for fiction writers.    

***** Modern Library Writer's Workshop: A Guide to the Craft of Fiction. Stephen Koch. A unique collection of wisdom and expert advice. This is one I'd recommend for the shelf of any novelist or aspiring novelist. 

**** The Christian Imagination. Leland Ryken. More than a handbook, it also provides inspiration and challenge for those writing from a Christian worldview.

**** The Writer's Handbook. This is an annual, and although it's primarily a market guide, I'm including it because of the number of excellent, informative articles by established writers. Some are repeated in each year's edition, others are new.

**** The Career Novelist. Donald Maas. *Note: Just added this one, which I overlooked when I wrote the original entry. His Writing the Breakout Novel is excellent as well. Neither are what I'd consider as "handbooks" in the traditional style, but they're too helpful to be ignored.

*** Fiction Writers Handbook. Hallie and Whit Burnett. Golden oldie.

** The New Writer's Handbook. Edited by Philip Martin.  Someone sent me a copy of this, which I understand is brand new. I'm still working through it, and I've found a few good articles, but overall what I've seen is somewhat disappointing. The typos don't help its case.

** The Indispensable Writer's Guide. Scott Edelstein. This is fairly dated by now, but there's still some good information in it, including sections on contracts, taxes, misconceptions, and resources.

BJ

Why We Read

Why do you read? More to the point, why do you read fiction? Over the years, I've tucked away some replies I've heard to this question from readers: friends, other authors, editors, librarians, bookstore folks, students, etc. Many of the answers are similar, as you might imagine, but some are unexpected.

A sampling of a few: To escape from the everyday ... To relax ... To visit places I'd probably never get to see otherwise. ... To learn about other places and other people ... To forget my problems ...  To broaden my horizons ... To enter different worlds ... To go back in time and see what things were like for my parents and grandparents ... To learn how to write my own books ... For research ... I love words and beautiful writing ... I love stories ... To be encouraged and lifted up ... To understand people better ... To keep my mind active ... To learn more about life and myself.

One intriguing reply came from a high school student several years ago: "When I read I forget myself and at least for a little while become soneone else."

And what are mine? A combination of many of the above. Especially, "to enter different worlds," "to learn," "to relax." And--probably at the top of the list: I can't resist a story!

No doubt there are others I haven't heard. Feel free to share yours here.

BJ

Prayers in the Midst of Tragedy

Adding my prayers, and, I'm sure, yours, to thousands of others as we remember the loved ones of those who lost their lives in the Minneapolis bridge collapse ... the injured ... and the incredibly courageous rescue workers as they continue their search under the most trying circumstances.

May God's mercy and healing and peace rest on all.

BJ

Q & A

Haven't done this for a few weeks, so it's time to answer a few questions from readers ...

Q. Do you have a certain goal for your writing each day, either in pages or number of words?

A. No. Being that organized just doesn’t work for me!

Q. Do you work on just one book at a time?

A. As a rule, I’m writing one book at a time while researching another. However, if an idea surfaces that pertains to a different project than the one I’m currently writing, I take time out to at least draft it and get it into a file so I don’t lose the thought.

Q. What’s your favorite part of being a writer?

A. Writing. That’s not necessarily as simplistic as it might seem. There are a number of different areas related to writing a book: research, the initial synopsis, the writing itself, the revision process, reading the proofs, and "having written." For me, the revision process isn’t just polishing–it’s rewriting in sections as I go, and then rewriting again ... and again ... and again. So I suppose a truly accurate answer to this would be 50-50, writing and revision–but they’re almost one and the same to me.

Q. My goal is to complete my first novel within the next year. I’m finding that I get confused, though, with all the writing advice that’s out there, on the internet and in articles and writers conferences. I don't know who to listen to or what to do first. What do you think is most important for aspiring writers?

A. I wish I had time to go into detail on this, but entire workshops take in this kind of information, as do "how-to" books and other resources, so I won't even try. The tip of the iceberg? First, a caution: be careful who you listen to. Make sure you're learning from those who are qualified to "teach," those who have a body of published work themselves or at least have a solid background in teaching the craft of writing (the "art" of writing, the "gift" of writing, the "talent" for writing can't be taught: but the craft of writing can). But above all else–read. Read as much as you possibly can. If you haven't already done so, set yourself on a lifetime course of reading and don't ever stop. Read good books by the best authors. Read the classics, read poetry, read widely in many genres, and read the books that will make you hunger to read more. And as you read, as you discover what you most love to read, consider the fact that this may be what you eventually want to write.

You'll encounter lots of other tips, and many of these may prove helpful: go to writers' conferences, join a critique group, build your own library of books about writing, subscribe to writers' magazines, etc. It sounds as if you've already come in contact with most of these suggestions. I can't tell you what will prove most beneficial to you in your own writing journey except this: read. That's the one thing I can promise you, the only thing I can say with assurance that you must do if you aspire to write well. My best teachers, my real mentors, have always been books. And I'm still learning.

Q. Do you like romance? What's the most romantic book you've ever read?

A. Jane Eyre.

BJ