tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70931878787390898072024-03-13T19:11:33.448-07:00Tessa Emily Hall ~ Christ is WriteTessa Emily Hall writes inspirational yet authentic YA fiction to show teens they’re not alone. Her passion for shedding light on clean entertainment and media for teens led her to a career as an Associate Agent at Hartline Literary Agency, YA Acquisitions Editor for Illuminate YA (LPC Imprint), and Founder/Editor of PursueMagazine.net. Tessa's first teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, will release with Bethany House in 2018.Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.comBlogger546125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-9605415487617330392019-04-17T04:00:00.000-07:002019-04-17T04:00:13.108-07:00How to Create an External Plot Journey by Developing the Internal Plot Journey<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Plotting has always been the most difficult aspect of storytelling for me to master. I used to wonder, <i>how can I create a plot that is not only interesting, but that can somehow connect with the main character's inner struggles and desires as well</i>? </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;"><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/blogging-christ-is-write/">Pin This!</a></u></span></td></tr>
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Since this was a problem area for me, I spent extra time studying how I can create an external arc of my story by drawing from the <i>internal arc</i> of my character. In this new episode of Firsts in Fiction podcast, I share some of the secrets I learned and discuss how you, too, can weave together external and internal conflict to thrust your story into motion. <b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Check out the discussion below!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Main points:</b></span></div>
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<li>Character-driven novelists, in particular, can benefit from discovering their story's plot by first establishing their character's inner journey. Once we discover who they are, then we can map out their external journey. </li>
<li>The external journey will cause problems and tension as the inner journey proceeds. </li>
<li>The overarching external goal of your main character, motivation, and story stakes can all be uncovered by first discovering your main character's <i>inner need</i>. </li>
<li>The external and internal journey that your main character undergoes needs to be woven together in order to deliver a well-rounded story.</li>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">How do you create the external plot of your stories? What are other ways that we can brainstorm plot ideas by first uncovering the inner arcs of our main characters? Let me know in the comments!</span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tweetable:</b></span></div>
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<u><a href="https://ctt.ac/8u0Fm"><span style="color: #134f5c;">How to Create an External Plot Journey by Using the Internal Plot Journey #writerslife #writingcommunity http://bit.ly/2Xjij5q @TessaEmilyHall</span></a></u></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-67194934674358268182019-04-03T04:00:00.000-07:002019-04-03T04:00:11.118-07:00Catching an Agent with Your Hook<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">What is a story hook, and is it possible to craft one in a way that captures a literary agent's attention? </span></b></div>
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In my guest post on Story Ember's blog, I discuss the answer to this question and provide a check-list that can help you craft the perfect hook for your book. </div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">{<u><a href="https://storyembers.org/how-to-catch-an-agent-with-your-hook/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Check out the post by clicking here</span></a></u>!}</span></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-49360249995948315082019-03-20T04:00:00.000-07:002019-03-20T04:00:14.659-07:00Develop Your Story by Beginning with Character Backstory<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As a character-driven novelist, I find it thrilling to discover my characters before I write their stories. I can get to know their hearts and their histories before I allow them to walk onto the page. Doing this not only enables me to present well-rounded characters to my readers, but it also helps me to develop the <i>entire course</i> of the story as well.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;"><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/blogging-christ-is-write/">Pin This!</a></u></span></td></tr>
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Think about it: <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">In real life, our <i>past</i> determines our <i>present</i>. </span></b>The choices we made yesterday have brought us to where we are today. So how can we, as authors, expect to authentically slip into the shoes of our characters if we aren't first aware of why they are the way they are today? How can we expect to write in deep POV if we don't first allow ourselves to delve into our character's history? </div>
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This is why, when I approach a new book, I like to first begin with backstory. <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Not only does this allow me to present flesh-and-blood characters to my readers, but it also helps me steer the entire course of our story.</span></b></div>
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In my first episode of <i>The Firsts in Fiction Podcasts</i> (an <i>absolute favorite</i> writing-craft podcast of mine, which I have recently joined as co-host--yay!), we've shared tips on how you, too, can develop your story by first beginning with backstory. <u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KiShupBaoEc&t=2503s"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Check out the video below</span></a></u>! </div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Main points:</b></span></div>
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<li>When we discover the history, then we can craft well-rounded, authentic characters.</li>
<li>Our character's past influences his/her worldview, attitude, religion, personality, etc. Characters are who they are because of the decisions they made yesterday--just like all humans. </li>
<li>It's important for writers to understand the backstory between character relationships as well--relationships with humans, as well as with the story's setting(s). </li>
<li>When we understand their <i>yesterdays</i>, then we can understand the "whys" of their <i>today</i>. This can then shape a character's internal struggles, goals, inner needs, and flaws, which can influence the <i>external journey</i> of the plot. Our characters' pasts might come into play as they walk through the course of the story.</li>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>What are your favorite ways to discover your characters' backstories? Do you brainstorm backstory first, or do you discover it as you write? Let me know in the comments! <i>(And don't forget to give the video a thumbs up if you liked it!)</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tweetable: </b></span></div>
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<u><a href="https://ctt.ac/3An89"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Develop Your Story by Beginning with Character Backstory #writingcommunity #writingtips https://bit.ly/2FjkNcJ @TessaEmilyHall </span></a></u></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-2481936118823172672019-03-06T04:30:00.000-08:002019-03-06T04:30:01.102-08:00Florida Christian Writers Conference<center style="text-align: left;">
Hi, everyone! I'm taking a break from blogging this week as I prepare to teach at the Florida Christian Writers Conference that begins <i>today</i>. I will return to my regular bi-monthly schedule next week! In the meantime, feel free to hang out and browse through my post archive. ;) </center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Are any of you preparing to attend a writing conference this season? <i>Let me know in the comments!</i></span></b></center>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-61084897292585962692019-02-20T07:30:00.000-08:002019-02-20T07:30:04.654-08:00Achieving the “It Factor” in Publishing<center style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">You may have heard the term “it factor” used to describe people in industries such as sports or entertainment. On reality singing competition shows, such as <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">The Voice</em>, judges will occasionally comment about a certain contestant having this “it factor.” In this case, the judge may describe the singer as having certain stamina and charisma—as well as a standout voice—that is admired in the music industry. The singer may also have a good feel for who he/she is as an artist, as well as a natural stage presence.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All of these components play into the term “it factor” in the music industry. I would assume this helps industry professionals weed out the highly competitive market and only sign with those who have <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">it. </em></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In the publishing industry, however, authors don’t exactly need charisma or a stage presence in order to stand out amongst their competition. <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">(Or a singing voice—thank God!) </em><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">However, there are still other components that separate the “pros” from the amateurs.</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">{<a href="http://www.almostanauthor.com/achieving-the-it-factor-in-publishing%EF%BB%BF/">Continue reading on AlmostAnAuthor.com</a>!}</span></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-5741375235425617892019-02-06T04:00:00.000-08:002019-02-06T04:00:07.269-08:005 Questions to Ask Before Submitting to an Agent or Editor<center style="text-align: left;">
Are you tired of not receiving a response from an agent and/or editor? Although I personally never give an automatic rejection to a submission (only because I like to give everyone a chance), the truth is, many agents/editors will delete a submission--even <i>before</i> they have a chance to evaluate it entirely. </center>
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<i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><b>Why, though? Isn't it rude for an agent/editor to delete a submission before even giving it a chance? </b></span></i></center>
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Sure, it might sound that way. But think about it the other side: Editors and agents receive multiple submissions per week. If a writer does not adhere to specific guidelines, then, well--that's an easy way for the agent/editor to separate the <i>pros</i> from the <i>amateurs. </i>And even though it's harsh, many of these agents/editors will give an automatic <i>no</i> ... even without telling this to the writer. It's actually considered "rude" for writers to avoid these guidelines that they've set in place.</center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">So what can you do, as an aspiring author, to ensure that you do not receive this automatic "no"? </span></b></center>
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<i>Here are 5 questions you can ask yourself before hitting "submit": </i></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>1. Did I spell the agent or editor's name correctly?</b></span> </center>
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Remember: This is likely the first impression you'll make (after the subject line, of course). You'd be surprised how many emails I receive that are addressed to "Emily" rather than "Tessa" ... lol! </center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>2. Am I submitting to the right person? </b></span></center>
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Check the site. Ensure that the agent or editor accepts your genre and would make a good match for your works. </center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>3. Did I follow the specific guidelines? </b></span></center>
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There are some writers who think they're better than the rules. But the guidelines are there for a reason! <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Don't be lazy--unless, of course, that's the impression you'd like to make.</span></b> I doubt it is, though. You're hoping to work with this agent or editor, so make sure it's obvious that you're a professional. And professionals don't carry an egotistical attitude. </center>
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Remember that agents and editors have different guidelines for submissions. For example, some agents request only the query and first three chapters of the writer's manuscript in the body of the email, while other agents request the query and full proposal attached to the email. There are sometimes guidelines for the subject as well. (For example, the agent/editor may request the title, genre, and word count in the subject line.) This guideline is there for a reason, as it helps us to keep our emails organized. </center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>4. Have I edited my submission--the query letter, book proposal, and sample chapters? </b></span></center>
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Don't rush this process. Search for typos. You are a writer, after all. And even though writers aren't always perfect in the arena of grammar and punctuation, your submission will look sloppy if it isn't clean. (I personally recommend having others read over the proposal/submission to double-check, as we're often blind to our own faults.)</center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>5. Did I submit the right file and adhere to the standard format? </b></span></center>
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Again, you'll want to read the guidelines carefully to make sure that you've hit every mark. The .doc or .docx file is typically preferred for a standard book proposal/manuscript--unless, of course, another type is requested. You'll also want to make sure that your submission has been adjusted to the standard font as well, which is Times New Romans, 12 pt font. </center>
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For those of you who are unfamiliar with this process, you might think agents and editors are asking too much of writers--as if they're requesting you to jump through unnecessary hoops. But trust me when I say that <i>these guidelines are set for a reason. </i>Not to frustrate the author, but because it helps the agents in their evaluation process. Plus, it does help us to get an idea as to who is a pro and who is an amateur. Do what you can to come across as a pro!</center>
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So if you want to avoid those automatic rejections, do your research ahead of time--even if it requires hours upon hours of prep work. <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Keep in mind that almost every successful traditionally-published author has gone through this process as well. </span></b></center>
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Then, when you're ready--and only then--should you send your work into the publishing world. <i>But not without going over this check-list first, of course! </i></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tweetable:</b></span></center>
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/cQd3v"><span style="color: #134f5c;">5 Questions to Ask Before Submitting to an Agent or Publisher #publishing #askanagent @TessaEmilyHall https://bit.ly/2DTj4eH</span></a></center>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-81206179965472629882019-01-23T05:00:00.000-08:002019-01-23T05:00:00.521-08:00Is Your Publishing Dream Worth the Rejections?<span style="font-family: inherit;">Publishing can be
a rewarding field to work in—especially when it involves helping other authors
achieve their dreams. There’s nothing like the feeling that comes from offering
a writer a contract. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">But when I first took on my two roles in publishing, I
didn’t quite take into account the fact that I would have to say “no” more
often than I said “yes.” As an author myself, I understand the determination
writers have toward reaching their dreams. I can relate with the emotional
roller coaster that writers often find themselves on throughout this crazy
journey.
</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;"><b>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">
And I know what
it’s like to work <i>so hard</i> and have
your hopes set on a specific publisher or agent, only to have <i>yet another</i> door shut in your face. A
door that you thought <i>for sure</i> could
be the one to lead you toward your dream.</span></b></span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><o:p></o:p></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe-8GB2LNgs/XEYtlofHWjI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/aPaDItP6kqc8CtmdxFQhSnV-9ulIuoFJwCLcBGAs/s1600/is%2Byour%2Bpublishing%2Bdream%2Bworth%2Brejections.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qe-8GB2LNgs/XEYtlofHWjI/AAAAAAAAHVQ/aPaDItP6kqc8CtmdxFQhSnV-9ulIuoFJwCLcBGAs/s640/is%2Byour%2Bpublishing%2Bdream%2Bworth%2Brejections.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/blogging-christ-is-write/">Pin this!</a></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</span>
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</span>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">
So trust me when
I say that it’s painful for me to <i>write</i>
rejections as well. <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Since I’m passionate about motiving writers to achieve
their dreams, it’s hard for me to realize that my rejection letter could
accomplish the exact opposite. </span></b>These letters could be a source of <i>discouragement</i> rather than
encouragement.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Of course, I
always try to come across as encouraging, even in the rejections. But it
could still hurt the writer who is on the receiving end. The
simple fact that they reached <i>yet another</i>
closed door could tempt them to give up.
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The hard truth
is, <i>rejections are part of the journey.</i>
It’s inevitable. Yet even though us writers might know this, it still doesn’t
take away the sting. You might be prepared to receive these letters, but it
still doesn’t take away the discouragement. After a while, you might begin to
wonder if the journey is even worth the effort. <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Besides, how is an aspiring
author supposed to reach the <i>land of
publishing</i> if every route she’s tried seems blocked—as if it leads to a
dead end?</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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When we reach the
point when the rejections seem endless, I think it’s important to take a pause.
A breather. Remind yourself of why you’ve decided to set out on this voyage to
begin with. <i>Allow yourself to dream
again.</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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Then, the next
time you receive a rejection, remind yourself of the following truths…<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">1 – It’s all about perspective. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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A rejection
doesn’t mean you’re not a good writer, nor does it mean you won’t be published
someday. It simply means that your project is not right for the agent or editor
at this time. However, <i>it might also mean that your book still needs some work. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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Did you set out
on the voyage toward your dreams prematurely? Should you go back to the
starting line and spend more time honing your craft? <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remember: This is
a journey, not a race. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">2 – There are still other options.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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The great thing
about today’s publishing world is that there are multiple options for aspiring
authors. There will always be another agent. Multiple smaller houses are
providing aspiring authors with the chance to reach their publishing dreams as
well. Self-published authors are beginning to earn more respect in the
industry. Plus, you could always put the manuscript you’re shopping in your
drawer for now and try to pitch another project instead. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The point is,
there are always options. A rejection isn’t the end of the road. <i>You simply
need to decide which step to take next. </i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">3 – You’re trying to find the <i>perfect</i> editor or agent for your
project. Rejections mean that person was not the right fit. (For now, at
least.)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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Can I remind you
of this genius quote by Thomas Edison?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>“I haven’t failed. I’ve just found 10,000
ways that won’t work.”</i></blockquote>
</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
If you receive
another rejection, remind yourself that you didn’t fail. You just found yet
another person who isn’t right for your project. But that doesn’t mean the
right person won't come along at the right time. <i>(Why is this
starting to sound like a post on relationship advice? Haha) <o:p></o:p></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">4 – Every successful writer has dealt with
rejection at some point.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Again, rejection
is simply part of the journey toward publication. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>
“J.K. Rowling’s first ‘Harry Potter’ was
rejection 12 times. Stephen King’s ‘Carrie’ was rejected 38 times. I was
immensely proud to have beaten them all.”</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><span style="background-color: white;">– </span>Ashwin Sanghi</blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">5 – The dream will never come to pass if
you don’t keep striving toward it.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Wouldn’t you
rather try and be rejected rather than live with the regret of not trying at
all?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>
“It is impossible to live without failing
at something … unless you live so cautiously that you might as well not have
lived at all—in which case, you fail by default.”</i> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i></i><span style="background-color: white;">– </span>J.K. Rowling</blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
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</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqJXHM7ypU0/XEYuR-qEGRI/AAAAAAAAHVY/xktFN3i_x4gPbrzdvN5InWl9T-5hN9x4gCLcBGAs/s1600/writers%2Brejection%2Bquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vqJXHM7ypU0/XEYuR-qEGRI/AAAAAAAAHVY/xktFN3i_x4gPbrzdvN5InWl9T-5hN9x4gCLcBGAs/s640/writers%2Brejection%2Bquote.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/blogging-christ-is-write/">Pin this!</a></u></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">So this year, as
you continue to trek along your path toward publication, remind yourself that <i>progress is better than being stagnant</i>. <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;"><b>Reaching a closed door is better than to never have knocked on the door in the first place.</b> </span></span>Besides, the simple fact
that you wrote a book and you’re attempting to navigate the waters of
publishing should be something to be proud of! You’re already farther ahead
than several writers who only <i>dream</i>
about writing a book.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">The writing journey is
simply that—a journey. <o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
A journey that’s
often filled with setbacks, failures, and mistakes. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: medium;">Yet there are bright moments along the
journey as well. </span></b>Moments
when you reach milestones that are worth celebrating. Moments when you learn to
take constructive criticism and use that to catapult you further in your craft.
Times when you hear back from readers who tell you that they couldn’t put your
story down. Times when you might win contests or <i>finally</i> sign with your dream agent.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><i>Those</i></b><b>
are the moments that will make this journey—and yes, even the
rejections—worthwhile in the end.<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;">
“I love my rejection slips. They show me I try.” </span></span></span> </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;">– Sylvia Plath</span></span></blockquote>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background: white;"><br /></span>
<span style="background: white;"><br /></span>
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>~ ~ ~ </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>How do you handle rejections? </b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Let me know in the comments!</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #134f5c;"><u><a href="https://ctt.ac/B36Ds">Is Your Publishing Dream Worth the Rejections? https://bit.ly/2RHJ2Km #writingcommunity #writerslife @TessaEmilyHall</a></u></span></span><br />
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-66314097161080036812019-01-09T04:00:00.000-08:002019-01-09T04:00:07.126-08:002019 Blogging Changes<center style="text-align: left;">
<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Happy New Year!</span></i></b></center>
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Wow -- I can hardly believe it's been nine years since I launched this blog! It's crazy to think that I began as a 16-year-old who simply wanted to share her writing passion with other writers. <span style="color: #134f5c;"><i><u><a href="https://christiswrite.blogspot.com/2010/01/hello.html">{Check out my first-ever post!}</a></u></i> </span>It's been so fun to record my journey on this blog -- in both the writing and the publishing world. I've made amazing connections these past several years and have enjoyed helping you reach for your dreams as well! </center>
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Unfortunately, due to time limitations, I need to cut back on my blogging schedule for this year. I will now post only once every other Wednesday. I am also launching a new column through AlmostAnAuthor.com titled "Becoming an Author", so several of the posts I share on here will be linked to my column posts. </center>
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If time allows, I may post more often -- but for now this is how my blogging schedule will work. However, feel free to scroll through my archives and check out previous posts! </center>
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Also, if you're interested in following my author journey then I would love for you to sign up for my newsletter! <u><a href="https://blogspot.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=977607b9c01d013131aa90636&id=9e2fabd0ed"><span style="color: #134f5c;">You can do so at this link</span></a></u>. You can also <u><a href="https://www.tessaemilyhall.com/schedule/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">check out my schedule for this year on my website at this link</span></a></u>. </center>
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I have also officially launched editing/mentoring services as well. If you're a writer who is looking for affordable rates, feel free to <u><a href="https://www.tessaemilyhall.com/critiques/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">check out my services at this link</span></a></u>. </center>
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This isn't a goodbye, of course -- I simply wanted to "warn" you of the upcoming blog changes in 2019. =) I look forward to continuing to accompany you along your writing journey! In the meantime, feel free to let me know if you have any specific blog topic requests or questions you would like for me to answer in a post. </center>
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<i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and happy New Year!</span></b></i></center>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-91363631092029693982018-11-28T04:00:00.000-08:002018-11-28T04:00:08.860-08:00Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 4<center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every year I've attempted to participate in #NaNo, but I always seem to be busy with another project -- or in between projects. This year, however, I <i>finally</i> have a chance to participate! </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because of that, I won't have as much time to devote to blogging. However, I'd love to share quick #NaNoWriMo inspirational tidbits with you. That way both of us can gather quick inspiration that will fuel us for the duration of the month -- and keep us from being too distracted. <i>(Hopefully!) </i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel free to share these memes on social media to inspire and encourage other #NaNo participants. =) Also, <b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: medium;">let me know in the comments if you're participating this year!</span></span></b></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Writer's Life:</span></span></b></center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Writing Craft:</span></span></b></center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Writing Process:</span></span></b></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tweetable:</span></b></span></center>
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/Bah1R"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><u style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 4 @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife </span></u></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 17.6px; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><u>https://bit.ly/2DLeBeh</u></span></span></a></center>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-12891366030176338762018-11-21T04:00:00.000-08:002018-11-21T04:00:12.771-08:00Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 3<center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every year I've attempted to participate in #NaNo, but I always seem to be busy with another project -- or in between projects. This year, however, I <i>finally</i> have a chance to participate! </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because of that, I won't have as much time to devote to blogging. However, I'd love to share quick #NaNoWriMo inspirational tidbits with you. That way both of us can gather quick inspiration that will fuel us for the duration of the month -- and keep us from being too distracted. <i>(Hopefully!) </i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel free to share these memes on social media to inspire and encourage other #NaNo participants. =) Also, <b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: medium;">let me know in the comments if you're participating this year!</span></span></b></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Writer's Life:</span></span></b></center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Writing Craft:</span></span></b></center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Writing Process:</span></span></b></center>
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/2ivRg"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: 17.6px;"><span style="font-family: inherit; text-decoration-line: none;"><u style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 3 @TessaEmilyHall #amwriting </span></u></span></span><span style="font-size: 17.6px; text-align: left;"><u>https://bit.ly/2qW9cJQ</u></span></span></a></center>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-43996088928475630982018-11-14T04:00:00.000-08:002018-11-14T04:00:07.425-08:00Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 2<center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Every year I've attempted to participate in #NaNo, but I always seem to be busy with another project -- or in between projects. This year, however, I <i>finally</i> have a chance to participate! </span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Because of that, I won't have as much time to devote to blogging. However, I'd love to share quick #NaNoWriMo inspirational tidbits with you. That way both of us can gather quick inspiration that will fuel us for the duration of the month -- and keep us from being too distracted. <i>(Hopefully!) </i></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Feel free to share these memes on social media to inspire and encourage other #NaNo participants. =) Also, <b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">let me know in the comments if you're participating this year!</span></span></b></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">The Writer's Life:</span></b></span></center>
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_yca1ahAnE/W-sQ8HFWTnI/AAAAAAAAHSU/AWZNSpYuEG0XS2AWoT467Blj27BTUt9hgCLcBGAs/s1600/Quote%2BPost%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b_yca1ahAnE/W-sQ8HFWTnI/AAAAAAAAHSU/AWZNSpYuEG0XS2AWoT467Blj27BTUt9hgCLcBGAs/s640/Quote%2BPost%2B1.jpg" width="640" /></a></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">The Writing Craft:</span></b></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">The Writing Process:</span></b></span></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Which quote is your favorite? Let me know in the comments!</b></span></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tweetable:</b></span></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/fcrv2"><u style="background-color: white; text-align: left;"><span style="text-decoration-line: none;">Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 2 @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife </span></u><u>https://bit.ly/2FfO7ns</u></a></span></center>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-35061903111500568852018-11-07T05:00:00.000-08:002018-11-07T05:00:10.112-08:00Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 1<center style="text-align: left;">
Every year I've attempted to participate in #NaNo, but I always seem to be busy with another project -- or in between projects. This year, however, I <i>finally</i> have a chance to participate! </center>
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Because of that, I won't have as much time to devote to blogging. However, I'd love to share quick #NaNoWriMo inspirational tidbits with you. That way both of us can gather quick inspiration that will fuel us for the duration of the month -- and keep us from being too distracted. <i>(Hopefully!) </i></center>
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Feel free to share these memes on social media to inspire and encourage other #NaNo participants. =) Also, <b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">let me know in the comments if you're participating this year!</span></b></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Writer's Life:</b></span></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Writing Craft:</b></span></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>The Writing Process:</b></span></center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Tweetable:</span></b></blockquote>
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<u><a href="https://ctt.ac/94997"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Writer's Inspiration for #NaNoWriMo - Part 1 @TessaEmilyHall #amwriting https://bit.ly/2zAcar0</span></a></u></center>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-46382360181353421232018-10-22T09:30:00.000-07:002018-10-22T09:30:17.517-07:00FALLEN LEAVES Blog Tour!<center style="text-align: left;">
My upcoming release, <u><a href="https://amzn.to/2JeKIUs"><span style="color: #134f5c;">FALLEN LEAVES</span></a></u> (sequel to <u><a href="https://amzn.to/2R9HX9L"><span style="color: #134f5c;">PURPLE MOON</span></a></u>), launches on Friday! This week I'm stopping at various blogs to share behind-the-scene secrets, participate in interviews about the book, and more. See the list below to check out the various stops! </center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Tour Stops</span></b></center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Monday, Oct 22<sup>nd </sup></span></b></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="https://throughquietwaters.wordpress.com/">Through Quiet Waters - Guest post </a></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Tuesday, Oct 23<sup>rd</sup></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://www.thepenofthewriter.weebly.com/">The Pen of the Writer - Guest post + giveaway</a></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Wednesday, Oct 24<sup>th </sup></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://www.writingsfromagodgirl.wordpress.com/">Writing's From a God Girl - Interview</a></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="https://www.karaswanson.com/">Kara Swanson - Interview</a></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="https://www.jannettefuller.com/blog">Whimsical Writings - Spotlight + giveaway</a></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Thursday Oct 25<sup>th</sup></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://www.jesusisworthitall.weebly.com/">Jesus is Worth it All - Guest post</a></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="https://thecalicobooks.wordpress.com/">The Calico Books - Interview + giveaway</a></u></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">Sat, Oct 27<sup>th </sup></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://rmarcher.com/">R.M. Archer - Book review</a></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://www.rileyaline.com/">Riley Aline - Book review + giveaway</a></u></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>Sunday, Oct 28<sup>th</sup></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="https://proclaiminghisexcellencies2910.wordpress.com/">Proclaiming His Excellencies - Book review</a></u></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="http://www.alyssan.com/">Alyssa N. Blog - Book review + giveaway</a></u></span></div>
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<i><b><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Thanks to <u><a href="http://www.livylynnblog.com/">Livy Jarmusch</a></u> for organizing this tour!) </span></b></i></center>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>About the Book</b></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white;">Selena Taylor thought her only worry this fall was starting her junior year at a new arts school in North Carolina, miles away from home. But when she finds out her mom could graduate from rehab sooner than expected even worse, she could work for her former nothing-but-trouble boss—Selena's determined to create a new life for them. Back in her childhood Kentucky hometown. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Step one? Track down her dad and brother that she hasn't seen in eight years. Her anxiety is put to the test, though, when she unveils a truth that could threaten her dreams. Add to that an art competition that pushes her outside of her comfort zone and a girl who seems determined to come between Selena and her hopeful boyfriend. </span><br style="background-color: white;" /><br /><br style="background-color: white;" /><span style="background-color: white;">Soon Selena must decide whether or not to continue her search for her dad and brother. But is there any hope that the ruins of her broken family could be resurrected? And how could God possibly have a purpose in the midst of these changing seasons?</span></span></center>
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<li><u><a href="https://amzn.to/2POBL6P"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Amazon</span></a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/41150853-fallen-leaves"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Goodreads</span></a></u></li>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #134f5c; font-size: xx-large;">Bonus Content</b></center>
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<li><u><a href="https://open.spotify.com/user/thall1313/playlist/6N7XarmvTZBXo8LGxOVAQ0?si=LH24kY9oS0qdZYDfBgNRFQ"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Soundtrack for FALLEN LEAVES</span></a></u></li>
<li><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/fallen-leaves/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Pinterest board for FALLEN LEAVES</span></a></u></li>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-14898263174631851672018-10-17T04:00:00.000-07:002018-10-17T04:00:04.554-07:00Navigating Platform as an Unpublished Author - Part 2: Creating a Newsletter<center style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you’re a published author, then you’re probably aware of how important it is to have an author newsletter. <b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">But what if you’re still an aspiring author? Can creating an email list still benefit those who do not yet have a book to promote?</span></b></span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;"><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/blogging-christ-is-write/">Pin This!</a></u></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This is another question that was included in an email I received from a writer. She was recently told by a publisher that her platform numbers weren’t large enough, and she wanted to know how to grow newsletter subscribers even without a book contract. <i>(<u><a href="http://christiswrite.blogspot.com/2018/10/navigating-platform-as-unpublished.html#comment-form"><span style="color: #134f5c;">See part 1 of this series if you missed it</span></a></u>!) </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The quick answer is, yes, you can still grow your newsletter -- even </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">before</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> your book is contracted. But first, you need to have a plan. How will you attract readers to sign up, and what should you include in the newsletter?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Here are 4 ways you can quickly find subscribers as an unpublished author ...</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>1 - Incentives. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What motivates <i>you</i> to sign up for newsletters? Most of the time, we’re lured into signing up because we want to receive something of value from it. A lot of writers -- both published and unpublished -- will send freebies to their subscribers, such as a free short story, novella, novel, chapters, etc. Some, including myself, hold a frequent giveaway of a gift card for subscribers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What can </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">you</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> do that will appeal to the audience that you’re trying to attract? It might be a good idea to write a free short story in the genre you want to become published in; that way readers will have their appetite whet for more. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>2 - Giveaways & contests. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of the best and quickest ways to gain subscribers is through holding a giveaway or contest. If you want to target potential readers of your future books, I’d suggest holding a giveaway of a book that’s published within your genre. Then those who are interested in that genre can subscribe to your newsletter in order to enter into the giveaway. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>If you’re hosting this giveaway/contest on social media, don’t forget to utilize hashtags within the posts -- especially genre-specific hashtags! </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For extra entries, readers can tag their friends in the comments of the posts. Doing this might help to spread word about your giveaway to those who don’t yet follow you. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>3 - Join efforts with another writer -- published or unpublished. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Do you have friends who write in your genre -- published or unpublished? If so, consider reaching out to them and see if they’d be interested in a joint newsletter promo. The best way to do this is by hosting a joint giveaway. There’s no limit to how many writers can join you in the giveaway! Each writer can agree to send the giveaway winner his/her favorite book in the genre. Then, each participating writer can promote the giveaway on his/her social media. Readers can enter the giveaway by signing up for each writers’ newsletters and following each one on social media. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>4 - Reach out to your friends and family!</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This should probably be labeled as “step one” because it’s the most obvious. Once you’ve created a newsletter, I’d advise reaching out to your friends and family and asking if they would be interested in signing up. You can explain to them what subscribers will receive, how often you plan to send an email, and how this will aid you in platform-building efforts. <i>Don't forget to reassure them that you will not spam or share their information. </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Now that your email list is created, what should you include in your newsletter? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Here are a few things to keep in mind as you write your emails ...</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;">1 - Reflect your brand and target your core readership. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Once these are defined, it will then be </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">so much easier</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to know what to include in your newsletter. Be specific. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For example: If you intend want to write YA contemporary fiction that is humorous and inspirational, then allow your newsletters to reflect this. You’ll want to target readers between the ages of 13 and 18. The content you include in the newsletter should reflect your witty and conversational tone. You could also search for clean comedic YouTube videos that might appeal to this age group, then share one in each newsletter. </span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">2 - Offer </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">value</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to your subscribers! </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Why will your readers want to stay signed up for your newsletter? This can especially be hard for unpublished authors because your subscribers have not yet read your works (unless you’ve give them a free story). So what will compel them to stick around? </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Value. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Show them that you appreciate them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">What kind of value? Again, the answer will depend on your brand and target audience. If your target audience includes teen readers, for example, then maybe you could include a list of YA book discounts on the web. If you’ve incorporated coffee into your brand (like mine), then you could consider including coffee recipes in your newsletter (<u><a href="http://www.tessaemilyhall.com/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">like I do</span></a></u>). =) Doing this will compel your readers to open your newsletters because they’ll be excited to see what you’ve shared with them. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>3 - Be consistent but not spammy. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When it comes to building platform, consistency is key. But coming across as spammy can result in the total opposite effect. So how can you find balance between the two?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’d recommend starting with sending 1 - 2 emails per month. As readers build trust -- and even </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">look forward</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> to receiving your emails -- then perhaps you could increase that to 1 - 2 emails per week. Personally, 1 - 2 emails per month seems to be the sweet spot for me. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>4 - Refrain from coming across as “salesy”; rather, be reader-focused. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">No one likes to follow writers/authors who are </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">all about themselves</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and their writing. Try to avoid coming across like this in your emails. Again, you can do this by focusing on the needs of your readers. As you prepare to write your email, ask yourself: <i>What can I give to my subscribers in this email? </i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">One of my favorite ways to avoid come across as salesy is by remaining conversational. Add conversation sparks and questions within your emails, then invite your readers to respond with their answers. You’ll be surprised by how many will actually do this! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>5 - Invite your subscribers into your writing journey. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Treat your subscribers as if they're your friends. Remain personal and genuine. Offer them a behind-the-scenes look into your writing process -- sneak peeks that you don’t share with your followers on social media. This will make them feel special. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">Also, doing this will likely create more enthusiasm for your writing journey on their end. They’ll begin to view you as a friend rather than just another writer/author who wants to promote him/herself. Then, they’ll likely <i>want</i> to see you succeed and cheer you on as you hit various milestones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The great thing about establishing a platform as an unpublished author is that people will follow you because they </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">enjoy you</span></span></b><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">, not your books. </span></b>While that might sound like a drawback, it can actually be a good thing! The readership you build now will likely follow you throughout your journey simply because they like you </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">as a person</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> and want to see support your journey. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The process of building a platform might seem overwhelming at first; that’s why I advise you to </span><span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">take it one step at a time</span><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. It’s not going to happen overnight. Remember: Consistency is key! Even the small efforts made every day will eventually build and is better than nothing. And the best part? Doing this will likely increase your chances of publication in the long run. </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">If you’re an unpublished author, have you attempted to create a newsletter yet? If so, what’s worked for you? Let me know in the comments!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Tweetable:</span></span></div>
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/5ds9d"><span style="background-color: white; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Navigating Platform as an Unpublished Author - Part 2: Creating a Newsletter @TessaEmilyHall #writerslife #platform </span></span><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">https://bit.ly/2Cl34BD</span></span></a></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-79805348916197763582018-10-10T04:00:00.000-07:002018-10-10T04:00:00.542-07:00Navigating Platform as an Unpublished Author - Part 1: Where to Start?<b><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Platform. </span></i></b>This word alone has recently given unpublished authors a sick feeling in their stomach every time they hear it. Recently, it seems as though this has been given even more emphasis than writing a solid book. But how can unpublished authors establish a social media presence -- even <i>before</i> they’re published?<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/blogging-christ-is-write/">Pin This!</a></span></u></td></tr>
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This is one of the questions I received in an email last week from an aspiring author. She said that she recently received interest from a publisher on her book series, however the publisher rejected her due to small social media numbers.
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This is a question I’ve heard over and over at writing conferences, too. I’ve written other posts about platform in the past -- such as what the <u><a href="http://christiswrite.blogspot.com/2017/10/how-beginning-writers-can-build.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">purpose of a platform</span></a></u> is and <u><a href="http://christiswrite.blogspot.com/2017/11/how-beginning-writers-can-build.html"><span style="color: #134f5c;">how you can reach your readers on social media</span></a></u>. But in this series, I’d like to discuss how an unpublished author <i>specifically</i> can navigate social media to build a readership -- even before their book is contracted.
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First of all -- <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">is it possible?
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Yes, it is possible. But the most important thing to remember, while building a platform, is that you don’t want to build a miscellaneous audience. Platform numbers will only be helpful if your followers consist of readers within your genre. Potential buyers of your books.
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<i><span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>Here’s how you can do this in three steps…</b></span></i><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>1. Be present where your target readers are present. </b></span><br />
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What is the target age group of your readership? For example, if you write young adult fiction, then you might want to consider being mostly present on Instagram because that’s where most teens hangout. Sure, you can create a Twitter and Facebook account too -- but it’s wise to invest the majority of your time on Instagram, because that’s where you’ll find the majority of your readers.<br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>2. Post content that will appeal to your target reader and <u><a href="http://christiswrite.blogspot.com/2017/11/how-beginning-writers-can-build_15.html">reflect your brand</a></u>. </b></span><br />
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What appeals to your target audience? You may want to take time analyzing accounts of other authors, writers, and readers of your genre. How do they interact and engage with the community within this genre? Then, try to brainstorm ways you can contribute to the conversation. What can <i>you</i> post that will be unique and valuable to this community?<br />
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Consider book-related posts and behind-the-scene posts on your writing/research process. You don’t have to be published to offer potential readers a sneak peek at your writing journey!<br />
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(<i><u>TIP: </u></i>Be sure to take advantage of hashtags! Research hashtags that are popular for writers and readers of your genre. Include them within your posts, and be sure to interact on other posts within these hashtags!) <br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>3. Interact and build relationships. </b></span><br />
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This is the easiest and best way to build a platform before becoming a published author. We don’t build a platform in effort to show off how amazingly talented we are, nor should we do it in hopes of being put on a pedestal. We build a platform because <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">it gives us an opportunity to make relationships within our community. </span></b></i><br />
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Just think: You can become friends with the future readers of your book even before it’s published! Then, when your book <i>is</i> out in the world, these friends that you’ve made will be enthusiastic and excited to help support your new release. This is what platform is all about.<br />
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If you want to do this effectively, I’d advise reaching out to other people on social media. Comment and like their posts often. Be authentic. Offer helpful content and giveaways to your followers. Spark conversation within your posts. Follow those who post in your genre’s hashtags. <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Social media should be about <i>engagement</i> and <i>relationships</i>, not numbers. </span></b>Focus on this first, then you’ll soon discover that your platform is being built in the process -- even before your book is contracted.
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In the next post, I’ll walk you through the process of creating a newsletter in hopes of creating a platform. In the meantime, <u><a href="http://christiswrite.blogspot.com/search/label/Platform"><span style="color: #134f5c;">feel free to check out my previous posts on platform and branding by clicking here</span></a></u>!
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Question for you…</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Do you have any tips for establishing a social media presence as an unpublished author? What’s the most difficult aspect of building a platform for you?
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/6U4zc"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><u>Navigating Platform as an Unpublished Author - Part 1: Where to Start? #amblogging #writerslife @TessaEmilyHall </u><u>https://bit.ly/2A1HNLU</u></span></a><br />
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-16193307769795213972018-10-03T04:30:00.000-07:002018-10-03T04:30:09.551-07:00How to Create a Brand that Reaches Your Audience - Guest Post by Caroline George<center>
<span id="docs-internal-guid-50b5f3ca-7fff-1948-647c-cc0b2d9da22f"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chances are, if you visit an art museum, you will be able to differentiate paintings by Claude Monet from those belonging to Pablo Picasso. Artists have their own styles, aesthetics and subject matter—they have personal brands that set them apart from other creatives.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;"><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/">Pin This!</a></u></span></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the same way, your personal brand gives you a unique edge, helps you cater to your target audience and boosts your overall recognition.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How does one build a personal brand?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b><i>Is it possible to develop a brand even if one isn’t media savvy?</i></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before we explore the benefits and process of personal branding, let me preface by saying not everyone is designed to be media superstars. In fact, personal branding is less about exposure and more about recognition, loyal following and longevity.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">For five years, I worked to pinpoint my personal brand. I tried different color schemes on my social media, struggled to find my own media voice and failed to create a lasting brand over-and-over again. After many bouts of frustration, I concluded: Personal branding is all about knowing myself and knowing my niche—it’s not an acting gig where I get to try on different personas.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #134f5c; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Before you can solidify your personal brand, you must first:</span></span></div>
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<b style="font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><span style="color: #134f5c;"><br /></span></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">- Know yourself</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">- And know your niche.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Who are you? What are your goals? What do you want to achieve? Who would be interested in your content? What do they want and need? How can you reach them?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Getting to know yourself takes years of trial-and-error. However, once you answer the questions above, you’re ready to begin the personal branding journey.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Social media is a labyrinth of algorithms, influencers and excessive content. Attempting to develop a personal brand and audience through platforms like Instagram and Facebook may seem daunting.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #134f5c; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things to remember:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- It is better to have a small, loyal audience that engages with your content than a large following that steers clear of your posts.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Social media fame doesn’t happen overnight. To gain followers, you must be consistent.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- There is room for you in the social media world.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Things to keep in mind while constructing your social media:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Unity needs to be your number one priority. Unless your content is unified by your message, voice and color scheme, your personal brand will be indistinct.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Know your voice, then include it in your posts. Pinpoint the “most you” way of writing and use that style in your captions.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Choose a color scheme and stick with it. Your social media pages should have similar aesthetic.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Content is king. Be sure to offer your followers valuable information, pictures, etc. that encourage them to return to your pages. If the content aligns with your message and style, it will strengthen your personal brand,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #222222;">Lastly,</span><i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"> give yourself grace to grow. </span></b></i><span style="color: #222222;">No one was born a social media guru. Those who seem to have a knack for personal branding perfected their skills over time. When you fail, try again. Always look for ways to better understand yourself and your audience.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Caroline George commits her time and energy to telling stories in their many forms. As a 2017 Belmont University graduate with a double-major in publishing and public relations, Caroline aims to pursue a career committed to helping authors, publishers and organizations project their stories to their publics. She spends her time blogging, writing for various magazines, leading a local small group and authoring young adult fiction books (her current publications include “The Prime Way Trilogy” and “The Vestige”). She considers herself a not-so-southern Georgia peach, coffee-junkie, bona fide goofball and delights in being best known for writing the phrase, “Coffee first. Save the world later.”</span></div>
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<b style="color: #134f5c; font-size: xx-large; white-space: pre-wrap;">What are your greatest struggles when it comes to personal branding? </b></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://ctt.ac/fr092">How to Create a Brand that Reaches Your Audience - Guest Post by Caroline George #branding #writerslife @tessaemilyhall @CarolineGeorge_ https://bit.ly/2P5g0za </a></span></u></span></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-28772987212922622082018-09-26T04:00:00.000-07:002018-09-26T04:00:09.566-07:00How to Effectively Sell Your Book to an Agent: What to Do, What to Avoid<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I recently stopped by a virtual writer's conference, Inkling to Write, and shared insight on how to effectively sell your book to an agent. If you want to hear my tips and tricks -- secrets I've shared at conferences across the country -- <u><a href="https://naomiandbooks.wordpress.com/2018/09/07/how-to-effectively-sell-your-book-to-an-agent-what-to-do-what-to-avoid/#comments"><span style="color: #134f5c;">feel free to check the post out by clicking here</span></a></u>!<i> (And yes, this virtual conference is free to attend.) </i>;) </center>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-66796453621666119982018-09-19T05:00:00.000-07:002018-09-19T05:00:04.819-07:00COFFEE SHOP DEVOS is Out Now! { + Win a prayer journal and coffee!}<center style="text-align: left;">
If you've been following my writing journey then you're probably aware that my teen devotional, COFFEE SHOP DEVOS, released yesterday! This is the first book of mine to be published by a large publisher (Bethany House). In other words, I can officially say that <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;">you can find this book at your local bookstore!</span> </span></b></i>=D</center>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">About the Book:</span></b></center>
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<u><a href="https://amzn.to/2QFOnxG"><span style="color: #134f5c;">View on Amazon</span></a></u></center>
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<u><a href="https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/38502332-coffee-shop-devos"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Add to a shelf on Goodreads</span></a></u></center>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">There's something special about spending time at a coffee shop with a friend--engaging in a meaningful conversation, then leaving refueled and ready to tackle the rest of the day. What if your quiet times with God energized you the same way?</span></span></center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i style="background-color: white;">Coffee Shop Devos</i><span style="background-color: white;"> offers a warm atmosphere that will inspire you to discover your God-given purpose and live to your greatest potential. Choose your devo flavor in the Menu of Contents based on your current need. Then lean into deeper intimacy with Christ through reflection and prayer. Along the way, you'll pick up tips and recipes for making your own coffee-shop beverage--regular or decaf--to enjoy while you read. And don't forget to share your journey with your friends! #CoffeeShopDevos</span></span></center>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Each of the 180 challenging and motivational devotions will leave you feeling refreshed and reinvigorated--almost as though you've shared a steaming pot of brew at a coffee shop with your Creator.</span></span></center>
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<i><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">Want to win prizes and help me celebrate the release?</span></b></i></center>
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Enter into the Creative Photo Contest on Instagram!</center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><em><strong>How to participate ...</strong></em></span></span></div>
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<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Post a creative photo of the book (or book cover) on Instagram</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Use the hashtag <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">#CoffeeShopDevosContest</span></b></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: inherit;">Tag me in the caption! <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">@TessaEmilyHall</span></b></span></li>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /><strong><em><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">That's it! </span></em></strong>Entries must be posted no later than 10/1. Winners will be announced on 10/2 (via Instagram).<br /><br /><br />Everyone who enters will be featured on my Instagram story. On 10/1, I will announce the top three winners. The first place prize will receive a handmade prayer journal and special coffee blend of <em>Coffee Shop Devos.</em> (Yes, it is a thing!) </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A coffee blend paired with one of my books is a dream come true! Thanks to <u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="http://www.coolchickscoffee.com/">Cool Chicks Coffee</a></span></u> for making this possible. </td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I look forward to seeing your creative pics!</span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>What's your favorite drink to order at a coffee shop? Let me know in the comments!</b></span></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-6407017966950456362018-09-12T05:00:00.000-07:002018-09-12T05:00:02.252-07:00How to Write Young Adult Fiction - Firsts in Fiction Podcast!<div style="text-align: center;">
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What is YA fiction, and how can we write it in a way that connects with today's youth culture? I discuss the answer to this question and more in this episode of Firsts in Fiction (one of my absolute favorite writing podcasts)! Check it out above.<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"><i> Let me know if you have any thoughts or questions in the comments! </i></span></b></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-46626834575588872872018-09-05T04:00:00.000-07:002018-09-05T04:00:02.736-07:00Does Your Creative Work Matter?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">As aspiring authors, our passion drives us to create. This passion is what compels us to invest hours upon hours into building our education in this field, experimenting with new techniques, finishing projects, and perfecting our craft.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 700;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">Why do we keep pouring our hearts, souls, and minds into projects that may never see the light of day? </span></span>Because there’s something inside of us that urges us to create. Otherwise, we might be considered crazy to invest so much time and work into a field that may never give us a return for our investment. <em style="box-sizing: border-box;">(I take that back–we probably are </em><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">already</span><em style="box-sizing: border-box;"> considered a little crazy to some!)</em></span></div>
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">{<u><a href="https://www.soulfulink.com/does-your-creative-work-matter/">Continue reading at SoulfulInk.com</a></u>!}</span></b></span></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-57128272276847380902018-08-29T04:00:00.000-07:002018-08-29T04:00:04.570-07:00Young Writer, You Are Enough<center style="text-align: left;">
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<span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I was fifteen years old when I officially decided to launch my writing journey. I began by devouring books within the genre I’d like to write, studying the craft, learning how the industry works, starting this blog, and I wrote the first draft of my debut novel, <a href="https://amzn.to/2mDD2QS" style="box-sizing: border-box; outline: 0px; text-decoration-line: none; transition-duration: 0.25s; transition-property: color;">PURPLE MOON</a>. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">When I attended my first conference a year later, I met several writers who were supportive and encouraged me in my writing journey. I can’t tell you how many people have told me, “I wish I was your age when I’d started out!” However,</span><b style="box-sizing: border-box;"> <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">over the years I’ve also come across writers (and professionals) who don’t seem to have a respect for young writers.</span></b><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;"> </span>Some might even categorize them all as inexperienced, impatient, and assume they can’t write because they haven’t been in the industry long enough.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">It’s as if some people will only respect writers if they’ve held a college degree for years, have worked in another profession, and </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box;">then</i><span style="box-sizing: border-box;"> they finally decide to pursue this field well-into their parenting years.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="box-sizing: border-box;">{<u><a href="http://www.almostanauthor.com/young-writer-you-are-enough-2/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Continue reading at AlmostAnAuthor.com</span></a></u>!}</span></span></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-27701818237261649622018-08-22T04:00:00.000-07:002018-08-22T04:00:05.309-07:003 Tips for the Chronically Ill Writer - Guest Post by Sara Willoughby<span id="docs-internal-guid-78e387af-7fff-2b52-c0b8-ff0b0af6bbb7"><div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Writing is hard. I don’t think anyone disputes that. It’s wonderful, and exciting, and I love it, but it’s hard. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Chronic or long-term illness is also hard. Very hard. And perhaps not wonderful, or exciting, or loveable. (Unless you are referring to the bad type of exciting, then I can see your point.)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b>When you mix writing and illness together, sometimes it gets downright impossible. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Today, I want to share three tips I’ve learned through my own journey of writing and publishing a book while being chronically ill because I know that I’m not the only one.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">1. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Have mercy on yourself</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hear that? Have mercy on yourself. You already do so much within a day, just fighting to stay alive and function. It’s okay to realize that illness makes writing even harder than it already is. When illness messes things up, it’s okay to feed yourself some allergy-friendly chocolate, take a nap, and get back to it when you’re able to. Don’t blame yourself. Have mercy on yourself when you struggle to meet deadlines, when your writing isn’t all you think it should be or all it used to be. Have mercy on yourself.</span></span></div>
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">2. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Plan Ahead </span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As you probably know, planning ahead is impossible for those with a chronic illness (or two or three). Things change from day to day, minute to minute, and nothing is ever predictable. So what do I mean by “plan ahead”? I mean, plan for the unpredictable. Obviously we can’t know everything (ahem, mercy on yourself, remember?), and this isn’t meant to tell you to worry, but to plan to have flexibility. Give yourself a buffer, whether it’s by batch writing blog posts or starting on things waaaaayyyy ahead of time. Take advantage of the times you have enough spoons/energy to write. There will be times when that isn’t an option, and you can’t give yourself wiggle room. And that’s okay too. Just try your best and don’t be afraid to ask for help. (Again, the mercy thing, people!) </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Make attainable goals and don’t push yourself too far. We all know </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">what a flare feels like and pushing yourself until you crash or flare is </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">not</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> going to help your writing. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Trust me, I learned the hard way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;">3. Don’t Give Up. Your voice is needed.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">However, don’t give up. Don’t get discouraged, don’t stop fighting, don’t give up writing. God will use your writing in powerful ways. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">A friend of mine struggles with the fact that she can’t travel, or drive, or do other basic things because of her illness. She worries that publishers won’t want an author who can barely take care of herself. But the very things that have prevented her from traveling, driving, etc., are the things that make her writing so beautiful. She may not know how to drive, but she does know what pain is. She knows what is is to suffer, and to find meaning, joy, and beauty in that suffering. And that is what makes her writing powerful. Her maturity, compassion, and depth of understanding shine through in her books and characters. </span></span><span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">It strikes a chord within those who read it because of how real it is. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit; white-space: pre-wrap;">So let me say it again: your writing is powerful. <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Your chronically ill voice is needed.</span></b> Don’t you dare give up. Yes, the going will be tough, but did you expect otherwise? Celebrate every single achievement no matter how small, and recruit a cheerleader if you need (I think every writer needs one). Take breaks if you need to (even if it’s for years). Follow God’s leading in what He has for you to do. But don’t give up.</span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Illness Warrior? You got this. It won’t be easy. It will be terribly, overwhelmingly difficult. But hang in there, because God can use your voice far more that you can ever imagine. <i><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Plus, writing is fun.</span></b></i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>About the Book:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Are you a teenager trying to navigate faith through chronic illness? I’m here to tell you, you are not alone.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b id="m_1312747780849728381gmail-docs-internal-guid-41c81c6b-7fff-7568-322a-2b8ae57eed73" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">When sickness takes over your life, it’s a never-ending battle to make it through each day. How do you cope? How do you keep fighting? Most of all though, how do you find God in the midst of the suffering?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Through my own journey of sickness, I’ve struggled with the same questions—questions we all think but are afraid to ask. My name is Sara, and I’ve been sick with Lyme disease and more since I was fourteen.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Those questions you’re afraid to ask? I’ve asked them too—as have many others.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This book addresses topics and questions such as:</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Why is there sickness? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Where is God in sickness? </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Resting in the storm </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How to deal with the way chronic illness changes you </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Joy and despair </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Hope </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Praying through chronic illness </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Relationships in the midst of chronic illness </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And more!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: white; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: start; text-decoration-color: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: #222222; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">The journey of illness is not an easy one, but hope remains. God hasn’t left us. He hasn’t forgotten us. On the contrary, He’s making diamonds out of us.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-weight: 400;">S. G. Willoughby is a seventeen-year-old girl with Lyme disease, toxic mold poisoning, and MCS. Currently, she resides in Arizona with her parents and two siblings. In her spare </em><span style="color: black; font-weight: 400;"><i class="m_1312747780849728381gmail-">time</i></span><em style="box-sizing: border-box; color: black; font-weight: 400;"> she loves to write, read, and have adventures. She writes </em><em style="box-sizing: border-box; font-weight: 400;"><span style="color: black;">at <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://foundwhoiam.com/&source=gmail&ust=1534886123533000&usg=AFQjCNF7AG6WnWzcjxS-coUX_jT8poEfaw" href="https://foundwhoiam.com/" rel="noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">FoundWhoIAm</a>, <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://romans535blog.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1534886123533000&usg=AFQjCNHa0OCIvztfJvMHDuPGnSaUxJ_BWg" href="https://romans535blog.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">R535</a>, and <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://mythinkmag.wordpress.com/&source=gmail&ust=1534886123533000&usg=AFQjCNF8qNDlbB5OYdmHx_kkWeELdzVRCA" href="https://mythinkmag.wordpress.com/" rel="noopener" style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #1155cc; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Th!nk Magazine</a>.</span></em></span></b></span></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-20309440267961375032018-08-15T04:00:00.000-07:002018-08-15T04:00:11.332-07:00Reaching Success at Your Own Pace - Guest Post by Tabitha CaplingerI didn’t know I wanted to be a writer until I realized I had always wanted to be a writer. It happened in college. All dreams of paleontology, veterinary medicine and archeology faded when I, seemingly out of nowhere, chose to major in creative writing. Suddenly all those childhood years of making believe and getting lost in my imagination made perfect sense.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;"><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/blogging-christ-is-write/">Pin This!</a></u></span></td></tr>
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I didn’t become a writer after college though. After I spent two semesters taking all creative writing classes (except that one physics and one fencing class, the latter of which has come in handy with the whole writing gig) I left it all behind to pursue youth ministry. (I feel equally called to student pastoring but how those two parts of my life all work together is a story for another time.) I didn’t start writing until ten years later. I wanted to write but just couldn’t. I thought it was because I didn’t have the time. I later found out it was because I was writing the wrong thing.
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">See, I had this notion that pastors had to write nonfiction.</span></b> </span>If I was going to write and get published it would be with a devotional for teen girls. (I self-published a collection of essays about women in student ministry but it was a hot mess because I didn’t know what I was doing.) I was in my thirties before God told me that He never told me that whole nonfiction thing. That He gave me a big imagination and He was going to use it. He has been true to His Word.
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In the past eight years I have written and published three Christian Urban Fantasy novels. I’m working on two new projects this year that I hope to find publishing homes for. <span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>To some that might seem like I’ve arrived, I am an author…but not to me. </b></span>I don’t feel like I’ve arrived at anything. I still feel like the rookie who doesn’t know what she is doing most of the time and who is never cool enough or popular enough, who’s books never get enough attention to make all the time put into them worth it.
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<b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">That’s the thing with writing, and just about anything we pursue in life, it doesn’t always feel like we are succeeding at it. </span></b>Sometimes it barely feels like we’re good at it. I mean, we think we know what God wants us to do. We know the gifts and talents He’s given us and we’re trying to use them to walk in our purpose on purpose. But it doesn’t seem to be happening. It’s happening for other people, why isn’t it happening for me?
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Here’s two things I’ve learned thus far on my writing journey that perhaps will offer you some encouragement on yours…
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>“Don’t judge your chapter one by someone else’s chapter ten.”</b></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>- Paul Scanlon
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We look at people around us, other writers, and we see the level of success they’ve reached and we compare our own story to their’s. <b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">They seem to hit all the right lists, get noticed, have fans, win awards and we, well, we’re sitting in our pajamas drinking our fourth cup of coffee for the day and pretending to write while we are really just getting lost in the vortex that is Pinterest (maybe that’s just me). </span></b>We start to think we’ll never get where they are. We begin to think we aren’t as talented as they are. We doubt ourselves. We doubt our gifts and purpose. We doubt God a little.
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But maybe you are just on chapter one and the’re on chapter ten. Maybe your pace is just a little slower. That’s not a bad thing. We all run our own race, at our own pace. We can’t compare our lives or our success with someone else’s. Keep focused on your own path.
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>“Most of us do not allow God to develop us because we are waiting on man to discover us.”</b></span> </blockquote>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>- Christine Caine
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Often frustration comes because I’m not seeing success from man’s perspective. I’m not getting the sales numbers or mingling with the most popular bookstagrammers. I want someone, some person, to validate me. I don’t need that. Validation is nice, and good reviews or an email from a reader always make my day but I can’t live from one nice word to the next. They are too few and far between most days. <b><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;">I have to remember that while things may not seem like they are happening as quickly as I want or the way I want doesn’t mean that God abandoned me or that I’m doing the wrong thing. </span></b>Sometimes the outward results I’m looking for aren’t happening because God is working some inward things that are much more important.
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I don’t know where you are on your writing journey but I’m sure there are days where it’s not what you thought it would be. Don’t give up. Don’t compare yourself to others. Covet the times of inward growth because they will make the outward success all the sweeter and all the more lasting.
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<b style="color: #134f5c; font-size: xx-large;">About Tabitha:</b><br />
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Tabitha Caplinger is a wife, mom, youth pastor and professed tv addict. It's seriously a problem but she doesn't plan on getting help anytime soon. Mostly because she loves the stories. She can't help but get lost in the worlds created and invested in the lives of the characters. She brings that same passion for the story to her own writing. The first two books in her YA trilogy, The Chronicle of the Three, are currently available with the third book releasing in 2018. Aside from writing and watching tv, Tabitha can be found singing off key and dancing in the kitchen or car with her two adorably sassy daughters and awesome husband who she thinks is kind of cute.
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<b style="color: #134f5c; font-size: xx-large; text-align: start;">Question for you ... How do you deal with discouragement as a writer? Let us know in the comments!</b></center>
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<u><a href="https://ctt.ac/zxJtM"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Reaching Success at Your Own Pace - Guest Post by Tabitha Caplinger @TessaEmilyHall https://bit.ly/2P8JT1O #amblogging #writerslife</span></a></u></center>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-64606908375795052492018-08-08T11:38:00.002-07:002018-08-08T11:38:50.152-07:0015 Unique Ways to Gather Fresh Inspiration for Your Writing Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: small;"><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/blogging-christ-is-write/">Pin This!</a></u></span></td></tr>
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This summer, I've decided to make it a priority to allow myself to refresh. Relax. Take a breather. No, I haven't been writing as much; in fact, I haven't consistently worked on a book project in months. But I've been brainstorming. Gathering inspiration. Collecting ideas. Allowing myself to engage all of my senses in my surroundings; that way, when I do return to a new book project, my creative tank can be filled with endless possibilities. </div>
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Maybe you, too, are in need of fresh inspiration. In this post, I've listed 15 unique ways I like to gather fresh inspiration for a project. <u><a href="https://www.soulfulink.com/15-unique-ways-to-gather-fresh-inspiration-for-your-project/"><span style="color: #134f5c;">Head over to SoulfulInk.com to check it out</span></a></u>! </div>
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<a href="https://ctt.ac/DocI3"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;">15 Unique Ways to Gather Fresh Inspiration for Your Writing Project by @TessaEmilyHall #amwriting #writerslife </span></u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><u>https://bit.ly/2vwUjQE</u></span></a></div>
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.http://www.blogger.com/profile/01708568014683752847noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7093187878739089807.post-17835341283396309472018-08-01T05:00:00.000-07:002018-08-01T05:00:05.352-07:00#ReadCleanYA - Guest Post by Teen Author, Taylor Bennett<center>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’ve read books before that I love—like, really, really </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">love</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">. Books like </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Kite Runner</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, that introduce me to an entirely new culture. Books like </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The Book Thief</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, that make me laugh and cry and—oh, did I mention?—bawl my eyes out. Books like…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">That didn’t come out right.</span></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIWaLjPziy0/W2CZSjm8wkI/AAAAAAAAHMc/qLmzq86Wz-Afv8RE1MHtpeJHRIQitwdTwCLcBGAs/s1600/read%2Bclean%2Bya%2Bteens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HIWaLjPziy0/W2CZSjm8wkI/AAAAAAAAHMc/qLmzq86Wz-Afv8RE1MHtpeJHRIQitwdTwCLcBGAs/s640/read%2Bclean%2Bya%2Bteens.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/tessaemilyhall/blogging-christ-is-write/">Pin This!</a></u></span></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">While I love books like those mentioned above, I </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: line-through; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">rarely</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> never endorse them because…there’s some seriously </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c;">bad</span></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> stuff in them. Not that I’d know what, exactly (I’ve read copies that have the inappropriate scenes/words blacked out </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">😉</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">) but I know it’s nothing very good.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The few times I’ve had the audacity to pick a book off the YA shelf at a bookstore, I’ve been gravely disappointed. I once had the immense displeasure of having to throw a brand-new </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">hardback </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in the garbage after reading the first chapter. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And yes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I know what you’re thinking.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Did I really have to throw it </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">in the trash</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yes, I did.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Honestly, you couldn’t have paid me to get me to give that book to anyone else. It was that bad—and I’m not just talking about the plot and prose.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sooo…<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b>what’s a girl with a heart for the Lord and strong convictions to do? </b></span>I certainly can’t give up reading altogether, and, sadly, the contemporary YA genre (my favorite!) is filled with stories that leave a reader feeling scummy. <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">It isn’t unusual for me to leave a bookstore in a sour mood after paging through several of beautiful new YA releases, only to have my innocence affected in the process.</span></b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">The Narrow Shelf</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You know that shelf—the tiny one at the back of the store? The one that’s so easy to overlook? Yes, I’m talking about the Christian fiction shelf. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Somehow, in our age of acceptance and inclusivity, bookstores have decided to nearly obliterate their selections of clean and Christian reads in the name of carrying books that appeal to a more progressive audience. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So, in their effort to reach more people, they’re actually turning away some of their most faithful readers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">And that makes me…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Sad.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As Christians, we are called to be set apart, to not let the sin of the world seep in around the edges of our holy and sanctified lives. And that is why my heart breaks every time I hear about the “newest and coolest” book, song, or TV show. Because, more often than not, it’s not something the Lord would want me to be a part of.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But then…if we are to be in the world but not of it, how do we, as obsessive bookworms, find enough books to satisfy both our unique thirst for story </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">our desire to stay pure in mind, body, and spirit?</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">That is why I challenge </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">you</span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">…</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">#ReadCleanYA</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Did you know that the #ReadDiverse has more than fifty thousand posts across Instagram? #ReadCleanYA has…four. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">But what if this wasn’t the case?</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What if we—as word-loving, heart-guarding children of God—began to raise awareness for the books we love. The ones that don’t harm our souls or lead us down a narrow path. The ones that speak to our heart, encourage us when we’re weak, and put a smile on our face. The books that </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">deserve </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">to be recognized as the pure, lovely stories that they are. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">It can be done.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I </span><span style="font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">know </span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">it can.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">So let’s try it—you and me and all of the other amazing, clean-reading bookworms out there today. Let’s <b><span style="color: #134f5c;">#ReadCleanYA</span></b>, and let’s make sure the whole world knows. Use the hashtag, spread it around like sunshine and sparkles. Showcase your favorite books and talk about how they touch your heart and your soul for the better. </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Share books that point to Jesus, and books that are just good, clean fun. Let’s help each other out by showcasing the books that speak to our hearts in this way.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">(Because, let’s face it—we always want to add to our TBR, and what better way to do that than to fill our to-be-read stack with beautiful, pure, and wholesome books?)</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><i>Who’s with me?</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>If you’d like to join me in my quest to raise awareness for these kinds of books, chime in with a comment below or post to your social media accounts using the hashtag #ReadCleanYa. </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Let’s start a clean-read revolution!!</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i><span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: large;">PS—</span></i></span><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Here’s a list of some of my favorite clean YA reads, in case you could use some inspiration:</span></span></div>
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<li style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2M6DPoI">First Date</a></span></u> <span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">(and the other two books in the series) by Krista McGee</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LKZje3">This Quiet Sky</a></span></u> <span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2O1l5rp">To Get to You</a></span></u></span><span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">, both</span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by Joanne Bischof </span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2v6UySe">The Thing With Feathers</a></span></u> <span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by McCall Hoyle</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2mVGvdY">Unblemished</a></span></u> <span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by Sara Ella</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2NYJTjv">The Lost Girl of Astor Street</a></span></u> <span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by Stephanie Morrill</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LFP8YW">Salt to the Sea</a></span></u> <span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">and </span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2v5sRt3">Between Shades of Gray</a></span></u> </span><span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by Ruta Sepetys</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><u><span style="color: #134f5c;"><a href="https://amzn.to/2LWbUuG">The Mother-Daughter Book Club</a></span></u> <span style="font-family: inherit; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">series by Heather Vogel Frederik (Okay…these start out as MG books, BUT they “grow” with the characters until everyone is leaving for college at the end of the last book.)</span></li>
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<span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>About Taylor:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-84167312-f148-e860-f955-e1827f3e4550"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lHVqSR6jB4/W2CWGYqS_SI/AAAAAAAAHMI/9Cksyuy22JgEjvyGzFUtCV-T9CKFpeUBQCLcBGAs/s1600/Author%2BPhoto1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="480" height="320" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1lHVqSR6jB4/W2CWGYqS_SI/AAAAAAAAHMI/9Cksyuy22JgEjvyGzFUtCV-T9CKFpeUBQCLcBGAs/s320/Author%2BPhoto1.jpg" width="213" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Homeschooled since kindergarten, Taylor Bennett is the seventeen-year-old author of </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">Porch Swing Girl</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">, which will be released by Mountain Brook Ink on May 1</span><span style="font-size: 7.2pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: super;">st</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">. When she’s not reading or writing, Taylor can be found playing her violin or taking walks in the beautiful Oregon countryside. She loves to connect with readers via her author website, as well as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram (her favorite!), Pinterest, and Goodreads. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #134f5c;">Links: </span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 18pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Porch Swing Girl </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 18pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">back cover copy:</span></b></span></div>
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What if friendship cost you everything?
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Stranded in Hawaii after the death of her mother, sixteen-year-old Olive Galloway is desperate to escape. She has to get back to Boston before her dad loses all common sense and sells the family house. But plane tickets cost money—something Olive gravely lacks. </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family: "times new roman"; white-space: pre-wrap;">
With the help of Brander, the fussy youth group worship leader, and Jazz, a mysterious girl with a passion for all things Hawaiian, Olive lands a summer job at the Shave Ice Shack and launches a scheme to buy a plane ticket home before the end of the summer.
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But when Jazz reveals a painful secret, Olive’s plans are challenged. Jazz needs money. A lot of it. Olive and Brander are determined to help their friend but, when their fundraising efforts are thwarted, Olive is caught in the middle. To help Jazz means giving up her ticket home. And time is running out.
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-size: x-large;"><b>Tweetable:</b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #134f5c; font-family: inherit;"><u><a href="https://ctt.ac/N62Fg"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Raising awareness for #ReadCleanYA - Guest Post by Teen Author, Taylor Bennett #yalit @TessaEmilyHall </span>https://bit.ly/2O0iRbw</a></u></span></div>
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Tessa Emily Hallhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08625256104634830104noreply@blogger.com3