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Our take on Regency Christian Romance:

 

We believe the intersection of romance, religion, class warfare and social themes equals a book that Solomon can sing about.

 

 

 

We all talk about our dreams.  Yet, we often let circumstances entrap and strangle our abilities.   I am listening to the God given voice in my head.  I have committed it to paper, and now I am going to venture from my comfy Southern porch and wireless internet connection and "just do it." 

 

What am I rambling about?  I am trying to tell you about my journey to become a successful published author.  I want to help usher in a new voice in Christian fiction.  My stories are not gentile reads.  They are full of vigor and passion.  If someone hurts, you should feel their pain.  If someone finds joy, you should feel the mirth leaping from the pages. 

 

 

Quick Bio

 

Gayle Link  (fiction pen name: Van Link) juggles mothering a three year old (Ellen), her eleventh wedding anniversary (Frank), engineering, writing and speaking at women's  events.  She is known for her humorous delivery of poignant truths. 

 

Sharon Simpson Josephs  (fiction pen name: Julia Jay) Sharon is the president of Spirit Soars, Inc, a multidimensional publishing company that provides books and seminars to motivate, educate, enlighten and inspire. A writer and poet throughout life, Sharon's career has uniquely spanned the legal, political, nonprofit, journalism and education fields. A marathon runner and lover of song, Sharon celebrates life in Atlanta, Georgia, with her husband, Robert, and cocker spaniel, Henry.  

 

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Latest Update

December 7, 2007

In the next few weeks will be exploring Regency Fiction.  We will trying to map the changing face and trends of this genre.

Regency genre refers to the period between 1811 to 1821 or from 1811 to the ascension of Queen Victoria in 1837.  Material set in this time focuses upon the highly developed sense of social standing (the ton), an emphasis on manners, privileged class issues (tenant relations, ) and the emergence of social thought (indentured servitude, poverty, religion, etc.).

The intersection of romance, class issues and religion, I believe is the makings of an exciting novel.

 

Improving the Craft

March 4, 2008

Peer review team is finished with the first half of the book. We are getting all thumbs up.

March 1, 2008

Version 199.  I can see the end.  Chapter 34 yea....

February 22, 2008

Version 198.  A scene made me cry.  I have not been touched by writing in a while: I have my mojo back. 

January 12, 2008

Rewrite Hell.  Is this place somewhere near purgatory?  I joke that I am on version 195 of Carriage.  Lord make me worthy of this craft.

December 2, 2007

I think I finally got it.  Point of View (POV) is not difficult.  You just have to be strict and use multiple scenes.  My first chapter was one long scene.  However, by shifting to multiple scenes, it is much easier to keep a single point of view.

November 30, 2007

I started working with Booktherapy.  They believe that I can master overwriting and point of view.

November 12, 2007

I got my strongest feedback yet.  I am told that I am "a great story teller", but that my craft needs work.  This is a subjective industry.  One agent thought it ranked B+, the other thought it was crap.  However, both agree that my ability to story tell is exciting.  If I can get the craft down, I believe I will have this thing licked.

October 20, 2007

I sent off two package to editors at Bethany House and Harvest House. I got them interested at the ACFW conference. Let's see how it goes.

October 5, 2007

I was able to get four agents interested in Carriage of Choice at the ACFW conference.  I have "perfected" the pitch part of the process.

September 22, 2007

Apparently, I am a historical romance suspense novelist.  Cathleen Coble taught a class that helped me understand there is a distinction between mystery and suspense.  Because I like to threaten and kill my characters, it is suspense. 

Natasha Kerns taught a class on what an agent should do.  It was very powerful.  They are not just for getting into doors that will only let you sent agented materials.

The Juice:

After the first day, I had one publisher say "send me the manuscript", one agent who said I confused him in my pitch and met some cool people.

Day two, I have 1.5 publishers interested, one agent who said to said "send me the manuscript", partially redeemed myself with the 1st agent and a bunch more friends.  I now feel connected to this world of Christian writing. Oh, Best selling author, Susan May Warren and friends help me figure out the satisfying ending for the second novel in my series. I am more excited than ever.  I wish everyone would come to Georgia and sit on my porch and do massive group brainstorming sessions.  I will say more later but as you know, I am about to be late.

  Linda you are a riot.

  Holly, I still think you have a Chick Lit calling.

 

September 21, 2007

Have you ever felt tongue tied?  Have you ever felt like your tongue decided to abandon you along with your brain?  Well, join the club.  That was yesterday.  It took about 3 or 4 pitches before I got my groove back.  I want to talk passionately about my book, but I am always stuck on the introduction.  Is there something called writer's mouth, where you get blocked on the opening?Can't I just bring some powerpoint slides to remind myself how great my book is?

I am reciting this prayer, Palms 71 ---Lord, please help me not to be ashamed of my stumblings. Help me to proclaim the beautiful vision you have given me with boldness. 

Any way,  I spoke with Steve Laube..   (Phonetically, It is Lobby not Lob).  In ten minutes he told me what not to do in a pitch.  Unfortunately it was everything that I did.  I told him that I would try it again before the end of the conference.  Thus, my busy mama list of things to do has increased by 1.

This is the board doing a skit.

 

 

The plane on the way to Dallas.  (Note:  I think of that great Reagan quote:  "slipped the surly bonds of earth" to "touch the face of God."   Every time I see clouds or the beauty of the earth from up high I think of that quote.  I am thankful to our God for His mighty hand and  His creations.

There are so many interesting and wonderful people here.  It is exciting.  Will down load soon.

 

September 18, 2007

I am preparing for the ACFW conference.  I have been to conferences before and I have even planned a few, but this one makes me nervous.   I suppose the realization that this is the next big step on my journey has gripped me.  I have high hopes for this conference. 

Well, I am going back to mama duty or maybe I will go sip ice tea on the porch.  Ellen can bring her coloring book.  

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