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~ Where Writing and Faith Got Married

Michelle Stimpson.com

Monthly Archives: January 2015

Meet Unoma Nwankwor!

30 Friday Jan 2015

Posted by michellestimpson1 in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

A few years ago, I made a Facebook (FB) friend who is one of the sweetest FB friends I have to this day. While I cherish so many of my online relationships, it’s nice to meet fellow authors who are so supportive and always have something sweet to share.

unomskylo1a

I’m so honored to know her and introduce to some (announce to others her latest work) to those who love Christian fiction. Be blessed!

_____________________________________________________________________

scoop_of_love_cover

A Scoop of Love

The oldest of the Danjuma brothers, Rasheed was a self-made man. He’d learned at an early age that love and commitment brought with it complications he didn’t want to deal with. His single-minded focus had paid off. He was able to step into the shoes of his absentee father by taking care of his mother and twin brothers. But just when he thought he could stop carrying the weight of his family on his shoulders, he gets a call that could change the trajectory of Rasheed’s life.

Ibiso Jaja, a professional caterer, had gambled on the love of a man and lost. Through the redeeming love of God, she had picked herself up and was now living her dream as the owner of Bisso Bites, a bistro in the heart of Abuja. However circumstances conspire to threaten the bistro and bring her face to face with the type of man she has vowed to avoid. The attraction is instant.

Once again, Rasheed is forced to do something he has done all his life – put the needs of his family ahead of his own. This time however, he crosses path with the sassy, independent, Jesus-loving caterer who is bent on making him see the power of forgiveness and God’s love. Just when Rasheed lets his guard down, a deadly sabotage causes old demons to rise. Will Rasheed continue to pursue power and success or surrender to the light of God’s love?

About the Author: Unoma Nwankwor is a self- proclaimed romantic. She is passionate about telling stories that are uplifting and life changing sending the message of faith, hope and love. Her readers are in love with her unique way of telling stories that capture the essence of her present home base; Atlanta Georgia and her Nigerian culture. Her stories which center on forgiveness, faith and hope have been described as a fusion of faith, romance and African spice.

Unoma is also the published author of An Unexpected Blessing (2013) , The Christmas Ultimatum(2013) and When You Let Go (May,2014).

 Visit her online at http://www.unomanwankwor.com

Click Here to buy “A Scoop of Love” on Amazon

 

 

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Two Ideas to Help You Write Your Book

29 Thursday Jan 2015

Posted by michellestimpson1 in Books by Michelle Stimpson, For Writers, Uncategorized

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

african american christian fiction, authors, christian fiction, gifts, talents, writing, writing blog, writing books, writing fiction

If you’re thinking about writing a book but you’re really not sure how to push through the often-frustrating process, you might consider hiring a writing coach or surrounding yourself with a group of writers to help you to “The End.”

stressed african woman with computer

Writing Coaches

In a nutshell, a writing coach is like a physical trainer. They don’t do the work for you, but they can help you through the process.

A writing coach offers guidance through the developmental process. He or she will help you outline your book and plan the chapters. After defining the scope of your book, you and your coach will decide upon a calendar. Every week or so (depending on what you two decide), you’ll send a chapter to your coach via email. The coach will give feedback on each chapter. You’ll move forward through each chapter of the book with your coach’s input and a sense of accountability along the way.

Some coaches provide other services, but this is the basic gist of what writing coaches do and how one can help you reach your writing goals.

For the record, I am NOT a writing coach. I don’t use a writing coach, but I know authors who have used writing coaches, particularly for their first book or two.

The writing coaches I know well are all booked up for now, but you can send me an email if you’d like their contact info. If you’re a writing coach or if you know if a good writing coach, please feel free to post your contact info. in the comments!

Writing Critique Group

Study group

My first experience with a critique group came at the home of award-winning, seasoned author Lena Nelson Dooley (thanks, Lena!).

Here’s how it worked: One evening each week, we met and circled up in her living room on chairs and couches—sometimes as few as 5, as many as 12 or so. Whoever had something to read (up to 10 pages double-spaced) read their work aloud. Everyone listened and followed along (if that person brought copies for everyone to read). Lena commented first, then everyone else went around the circle adding their two cents. Some of the comments were praise, most were suggestions for improvement, all were helpful. Even if I didn’t bring a chapter, I learned so much by listening to the other writers’ work as well as the following critique.

We all wrote Christian fiction or non-fiction. Most were members of the local ACFW chapter, but some were personally invited.

Several of us who used to go to Lena’s formed a smaller group, closer in proximity. It’s been absolutely amazing to celebrate the achievements of the group. Since we’ve been meeting, 3 have signed multi-contract deals with major publishers and several have self-published with amazing success.

If you don’t know any authors who might invite you to a critique group, consider forming a critique group of your own! Quick tips:

1) For safety’s sake, I’d host it in a public place (library or café) unless you know everyone

2) My groups have been all-women. When I hosted a group in my home, we did move it to a library when men wanted to start coming. I don’t think my husband would have taken kindly to some dudes sitting up in his living room with me when he came home from work

3) My groups have also been comprised of people who read and write in the same genre, for the most part. When people understand the genre’s expectations, they are able to provide critique that lines your work up with the standards

4) In my current group, we don’t bring physical copies of our work. We send it via email ahead of time. Everyone makes their comments through Microsoft’s reviewing options. We send the comments back to the author via email after having our conversations.

If you’re not the one for meeting face-to-face or one-on-one coaching, you might consider virtual support groups (Google hangouts, FB groups, etc.). Any more ideas for how to collaborate with others to finish your work? Please post in the comments!

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The Creative Itch

20 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by michellestimpson1 in Uncategorized

≈ 13 Comments

Tags

african american christian fiction, authors, christian fiction, creativity, michelle stimpson, spirituality, talents, writing fiction

Are you multi-talented? Do you have, like, a TON of things you can do well? Don’t worry. You’re not alone. I’m a firm believer that if you’re faithful with your gifts, you get the chance to use even more (Luke 12:48).

Hands working on pottery wheel ,  retro style toned

An artist is always thinking of ways to express creativity. When I break between projects, I pick up little fun things that keep my creative juices flowing.

bracelets

Scripture Bracelets

Scripture Bracelets – I started making these in 2006 to keep the word in my face constantly. Later, my daughter and I started making these. It was a bonding activity for us. However, when she turned 16 she got a “real” job that paid more than Momma. Now, I just make them when I get the chance.

Acting – In the last few months, I’ve received 2 invitations to make cameo appearances in plays. I’m in!

kalendrawing

Drawing of my daughter

Drawing – I drew this one of my daughter when she was 2 years old. I can’t draw mouths well, so I put a pacifier in her mouth. Hey – it worked. She always had the binky in her mouth anyway!

Exercise Video – When I tell people about my exercise video that only consists of words and music, they crack up! Who needs somebody on the screen if you already know the moves in your head?

Yes, this is the screenshot of the video. My favorite songs play. I know what to do!

Creating Book Covers – I dabbled in this last year and actually sold several of my pre-made designs. What I’ve learned, however, is that I’m really not that good at custom designs yet. It’s far too time-consuming for me at this point in my development. I think I still have 2 more that I’ve agreed to do, but I gotta slow down and perfect some things for now.

bookcoversall

By the way, these pre-made covers are available for $50 each! Email (stimpson.michelle at gmail.com) me if you want one!

What about you? How do you scratch that creative itch?

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Last Day Free on Kindle !

19 Monday Jan 2015

Posted by michellestimpson1 in Uncategorized

≈ 2 Comments

Stepping Down

Stepping-Down-Lessons-Part-1.jpgHard at work on growing his church, Pastor Mark never realized that his own household was falling apart. Now a scandal threatens everything he stands for and has worked so hard to achieve. Together, can he and his wife learn to forgive? From a national bestselling author.

Download today for Kindle!

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People and Stories in My Head

13 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by michellestimpson1 in Books by Michelle Stimpson, For Writers

≈ 18 Comments

Tags

african american christian fiction, authors, christian fiction, novellas, novels, self-publishing

Every writer I know has several ideas floating around in their heads. Sometimes, these ideas and characters keep me up throughout the night. One of the benefits of being in a critique group, teaching writing classes, and communicating with other writers online is that I get to bounce ideas around before I start writing.

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In a spirit of collaboration, I’d like to hear your thoughts about these ideas and hear some ideas you’ve got bouncing around, too!

Hope – She’s a typical “Superwoman” who’s in love with a guy who has been stringing her along for the longest time. When he finally told her had something really important to ask her, she thought he was going to pop the question. Unfortunately, the “big question” was a request to borrow money. I got that idea from watching an episode of Judge Mathis. It was hilarious but sad. I think I’m gonna do a series with Hope eventually.

Rev. Brown – He’s a man who was married multiple times in the past. He has 3 daughters from those relationships (3 different mothers). He’s a changed man in Christ and he’s trying to reconcile with his daughters, but it’s not easy. The daughters are also struggling through life because they have Daddy issues. This idea is not necessarily “new” but I’ve been studying the orphan spirit in preparation for exploring this topic deeply through fiction. Not sure when it will happen, but it’s on my heart.

A Mean Prophetess – I’m still trying to figure out if she really is mean or if that’s what people think of her because she does what Old Testament prophets do—she warns people before destruction and they don’t like it. I still have to research this, though, because I’m not sure what New Testament prophets are called to do. Is it different now that believers have the Holy Spirit to teach us? How can she warn people without condemning them? Is she really a prophet or is she just a mean, judgmental person who needs to learn humility underneath that title?

Mama B # 6 – I think I’d like to see Mama B and Frank on a cruise or in some place other than their house. I’ve been thinking about making Mama B a sleuth (which is what happened with her Caucasian quasi-counterpart, Miss Julia), but I have to read up on that series to study the transition.

Blotted – this is a different genre (Fantasy? Sci-fi? Adventure?) This book is about teen who knows whose name has been blotted out of the Book of Life. I’ve got a few chapters already. My son liked it. This is his genre, so I’ll probably finish it soon, but I don’t think it will end up being a short story. I still need to find out if there’s a difference between the Book of Life and the Lamb’s Book of Life in scripture.

Historical Fiction – this one will probably be a short story, too. Late 1800s. An African-American girl who’s who is in training to become a midwife but she doesn’t want this destiny. Something goes wrong during the birth of a white woman’s baby…that’s where the trouble starts. This will probably be a short story, too.

Deon Jackson – this is an 8-year-old boy who has ADHD. The family dynamics change when his grandfather (who has Alzheimer’s) come to live with them. My son didn’t like it. But Tia McCollors’s son is reading my first few chapters to let me know if it’s remotely interesting.

[*Note – nothing I write ever turns out the way I plan it—and even if it did, no two writers would write the story identically. Every writer has his/her own voice, so I don’t worry about people “stealing” my ideas. What God has for me is for me.]

So…which idea piques your interest? Any suggestions? Are you a writer, too? Who’s dancing around in your head?

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A Day in the Life of a Writer

06 Tuesday Jan 2015

Posted by michellestimpson1 in Audio / Video Posts, Books by Michelle Stimpson, For Writers

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Tags

african american christian fiction, authors, christian fiction, michelle stimpson, novels, publishing, self-publishing, writing, writing blog, writing books, writing fiction

For YEARS, I have been resistant to blogging. I’ve even blogged about how much I don’t blog very often because I just don’t have the time. But last week, after reading a blogger’s recap of her typical day, I caught the blogging bug. I mean, I really, really caught it.

Write Sign, Love for Writing, for writers and authors.

In hopes of inspiring those who have been trying to decide if writing is something you might want to do full-time, I’ll share my typical day (6 days a week):

7:30 am – Wake up but stay in bed. Change the channel from ESPN to TBN. Listen to Joyce Meyer, Creflo Dollar, John Hagee and Joseph Prince while dozing in and out.

9:30 am – Get up, get dressed, eat breakfast. Replay episodes of ministers (from above) that I really wanted to listen to closely while I’m getting dressed. Stretch or maybe exercise for a little bit while listening.

10:15am – Go to the prayer closet. Read, study the Word, journal, pray.

12:15 pm – Write fiction

1:00 pm – Eat lunch.

1:30 pm – Return the morning’s phone calls. Handle inside-the-house business (i.e. update sales chart, schedule free books, sales, ads, read professional blogs, etc.)

2:30 pm – Write fiction, social media

4:00 pm – Handle outside business (i.e. post office, groceries, stuff my husband put on my list of things-to-do because he thinks I do nothing all day)

5:00 pm – Housework, listen to podcasts or other material that grows me professionally or spiritually. Eat.

6:00 pm – Write fiction

7:30 pm – Break. Watch TV with my husband while he unwinds. He likes reality TV shows or sports. I don’t like either of those, but I do what I have to do.

9:00 pm – Write. Might be fiction, might be a presentation, perhaps a blog J

11:00 pm – Update daily sales chart.

11:15 – Call it a night. Pack my husband’s lunch. Go to bed.

Following this schedule, I’ll get anywhere from 1500-2000 words of fiction written daily.

I answer email messages and phone calls as well as post on social media throughout the day. My husband is also home some days and may work at different times, so there’s some variety.

Sometimes I go to bed around 11:30 pm, sometimes I stay up until after midnight to write if I’m really on a roll or under a deadline. On those nights, I look like this video.

So, tell me…is this what you thought the writing life was like? If you’re an artist, what’s your typical day like?

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