Tuesday, October 15, 2024

A Well-Layered Opening --Guest Post

 

The Essentials of a Well-Layered Opening

By ACFW on October 15, 2024

by Terri Reed

When I first started on this writing journey, I attended many workshops where the speaker said to start your openings with dialogue. Other speakers touted that opening with action was best, while still others said setting is the way to go.  Personally, I’ve opened books, scenes and chapters with a variety of different approaches.  I don’t believe there is one perfect way to open a book, a scene, or a chapter.  Each story is unique and has its own needs, which is the beauty of reading more than one book from different authors. No two stories have the same needs, just as no two authors have the same voice. How boring would it be if all books started the same and had the same author’s voice? I shudder to think about it.  When I’m asked about the best way to begin a book, scene, or chapter, I say use whatever works for your story. However, with that said, there are certain criteria that I try to make sure I include in my openings, but how you do that is up to you.

Here is my essential checklist for the openings of a novel, a scene, and a chapter.

  1. Establish the point of view of the main character for that scene within the first few sentences by assigning either emotion, visceral reaction or thought to the POV character. This lets the reader know who they are investing their time in. Head hopping can be confusing and slows the pace because it forces the reader to keep track rather than allowing the reader to enjoy the journey.
  2. Ground your reader in the setting of their ordinary world as soon as possible with the use of a specific location. Saying the POV character is in a forest isn’t enough. A forest in the Pacific Northwest is going to be different than a forest in Colorado or Vermont. Establish the time of day. A high sun versus a star-filled sky will create a sense of atmosphere for the reader. Is the POV character inside or outside? Give a brief description of what the character sees, feels, hears, and smells, as well as, how they feel about their ordinary world. You don’t necessarily need to use all the senses right away but don’t forget them either.  The reader wants to picture the setting and experience the world you’re creating as if they were there themselves.
  3. Establish the goal and/or purpose of the POV character within the first few paragraphs and establish the conflicts that the POV character will bump up against. These can be hinted at or blatantly laid out. This can be done with a few sentences of internal thought or through dialogue. You have three layers here: internal, romantic, and external. Laying out these layers early creates anticipation and tension in the reader and has the reader wondering if the character will reach their goal and overcome the conflict.
  4. For the opening of a book, I always layer in the overarching story question early in the first few pages or at the end of the first scene. This gives the reader a reason to stay with the book all the way to the end.
  5. For the opening of a scene or chapter, I like to include a brief recap of what has transpired and the reaction of the POV character. This reengages readers who put the book down at the scene or chapter break.

As you can see, the openings of books, scenes, and chapters have many layers. What the reader sees in their mind’s eye, physically feels, smells, or tastes in response to the descriptions all depend on what words you put on the page. Don’t forget to make them impactful!

Terri Reed’s romance and romantic suspense novels have appeared on Publisher’s Weekly top five, Nielsen’s Bookscan’s top fifty, have been Amazon Bestsellers, and featured in USA Today. Her books have been finalists in the Romance Writers of America RITA contest, the National Readers’ Choice Award, and the Inspirational Reader’s Choice Award, as well as a three-time finalist in the American Christian Fiction Writers The Carol Award contest. Contact Terri  on her website, or regular mail at the following address: P.O. Box 19555 Portland, OR 97224, or send an email here: terrireedauthor@terrireed.com.

                                                              ***

Howdy dear friends, 

I hope you writers enjoyed the above. I print such articles and study them to hone my writing craft, even after 8 novels! And if you've missed it, my Book 6 in Charleston Brides released in September. Grab it today from Amazon and escape into Gideon's and Helene's Charleston plantation life for quite an adventure and ROMANCE.

She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation.


My prayer is that you escaped damage from the hurricanes or you're  on the way to repair and restoration like us. We were without electricity for 8 days (that was a time of developing patience and having cold showers) but we only have to repair our backyard wooden fence.  We continue to pray for those who suffered much more damage and may still be without electricity.  
As we head into the election, I am praying fervently for America to return to God. Here are the two signs  I designed for our front yard:


Hugs and Onward,
Elva

Elva Cobb Martin
 is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband, her high school sweetheart, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends many vacations on the Carolina Coast. Her southern roots run deep.

A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting love stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. She always pauses for historic houses, gardens, chocolate, and babies of any kind.




Link to her books on Amazon  https://amzn.to/3jdvHFu
Connect with Elva






Sunday, September 1, 2024

SEPTEMBER 2024 NEW CHRISTIAN FICTION RELEASES!

    September 1, 2024


Howdy dear Reader Friends!  Here's  the September releases list of great Christian Fiction compiled by the foremost Christian writer's network, American Christian Fiction Writers!  GUESS WHOSE ROMANCE IS INCLUDED IN THIS LIST? MY COMING SEPT. 10 RELEASE THE GAMEKEEPER'S RELUCTANT BRIDE. Grab some great books for Fall reading!  All can be found on Amazon.

ACFW New Releases: September 2024

 ACFWACFWBooksNew Releases Leave a Comment

September 2024 New Releases
More in-depth descriptions of these books can be found on the ACFW Fiction Finder website

Contemporary General:

Kristen by Dawn M Klinge — In this heartwarming tale, discover the extraordinary potential that lies within embracing the present and opening one’s heart to the unanticipated blessings of life’s sweetest surprises.(Contemporary Romance, Independently Published)

Contemporary Romance:

Escape to Whispering Creek by Barbara M Britton — Can a gregarious office manager and rehabilitating business owner find love while fighting accusations of white-collar crime (Contemporary Romance from White Rose Publishing [Pelican])


Before We Were Us by Denise Hunter — A temporary position at a rustic resort leads Lauren to the love of her life and a drastic career change. But on the eve of her engagement, an unfortunate fall leaves her unable to remember any of it. (Contemporary Romance from HarperCollins Christian Publishing)


The Farmer and Adele by Candice Sue Patterson — Second chances aren’t for the faint of heart. (Contemporary Romance, Independently Published [ACFW QIP])


Historical:

Patriot at the River by Jayna Baas — With the help of some unlikely allies, a young Patriot militiaman must save his settlement from the man who had a hand in his father’s death. (Historical, Independently Published)


New Star by Lana Christian — You may know about the Wise Men’s part in Jesus’ story—but do you know the Wise Men’s story? (OR) How far would you go to protect what you believe in? (Historical from Scrivenings Press)


Historical Romance:


The Gamekeeper’s Reluctant Bride by Elva Cobb Martin –She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation. (Historical Romance from Wild Heart Books)


Love and Chocolate by Linda Shenton Matchett — She just needs a job. He wants a career. Is there room in their hearts for love? (Historical Romance from Shortwave Press)


Virginia by Shannon McNear — Return to the “what if” questions surrounding the Lost Colony and explore the possible fate of Virginia Dare–the first English child born in the New World. What happened to her after her grandfather John White returned to England and the colony he established disappeared into the mists of time? Legends abound, but she was indeed a real girl who, if she survived to adulthood, must have also become part of the legacy that is the people of the Outer Banks. (Historical Romance from Barbour Publishing)


A Token of Love by Carrie Turansky — In this heartfelt dual-time tale, bestselling author Carrie Turansky weaves a story of two women whose lives intertwine through their shared pursuit of love, truth, and justice (Historical Romance from Bethany House [Baker Publishing Group])

Middle-grade Chapter books:

Freedom Through the Narrow Gate by Mark David Pullen — Follow Jacob as he leaves the safety of the mouse village for a taste of blackberries and a daring adventure, only to come face to face with the menacing Swamp Rats and their vicious leader, Caine. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Morgan James Publishing)


Road Trip Return by Becca Wierwille — A twelve-year-old boy must save his brother from making the biggest mistake of his life—even if that means embarking on an international adventure to the last place in the world he wants to go. (Middle-grade/Chapter Books from Beloved Chronicles LLC)

                                Romance:


A Journey for Amy by Diane Craver — As the feelings between Amy and Joe grow deeper, can they overcome their dissimilar faiths, or will their differences pull them apart? (Romance from Vinspire Publishing)
                      Romance Amish:
A Lancaster Amish Christmas by Anne BlackburneAmy ClipstonAmy Lillard and Mindy Steele — Four Stories of Romance by Four Authors set in the Heart of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. (Romance Amish from Barbour Publishing)

             Romantic Suspense:

Lethal Standoff by DiAnn Mills — A female negotiator and a male investigative journalist work place their lives in danger to seek the release of undocumented immigrants hostages from kidnappers who harbor desperate secrets. (Romantic Suspense from Tyndale House)


K-9 Ranch Protection by Darlene L Turner — Police constable Izzy Tremblay knows her father’s death was no accident, so when she finally discovers a lead and is immediately attacked, her suspicions are confirmed. For protection, she takes refuge with her ex-partner, Austin Murray, on his K-9 ranch while she races to uncover the truth. But with danger still lurking, can they stay alive long enough to take down a killer? (Romantic Suspense from Love Inspired [Harlequin])


No Forgetting Providence by Lee Wimmer — Running from faith led DR on a path of untold success, but also put crosshairs on him, is it providence, or is it something else? (Romantic Suspense from Hightower Publications)

                    Western:


Heidi’s Faith by Jill Dewhurst — God uses a painting and a young man helping his neighbors to strengthen a young woman’s faith and enable her to overcome debilitating fear following a traumatic event. (Western, Independently Published)

Young Adult:

The Immortal Abyss by Katherine Briggs — Nations rise and fall in the aftermath of war over the Eternity Gate. The corrupted desert throne stands empty, and the Immortal Abyss awakens. Drought ravages the continent, and people long for the rebirth of a star palm, who will rise from among mortals and end their judgment. (Young Adult from Enclave Publishing [Oasis Family Media])

Here's my September meditation and prayer for you: 
"That your love may abound yet more and more in all knowledge and discernment, that you may approve things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offence until the day of Christ, being filled with fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.  Philippians 1:9-11
Hugs,
Elva

Elva Cobb Martin
 is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband, her high school sweetheart, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends many vacations on the Carolina Coast. Her southern roots run deep.

A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting love stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. She always pauses for historic houses, gardens, chocolate, and babies of any kind.




Link to her books on Amazon  https://amzn.to/3jdvHFu
Connect with Elva

 

Saturday, July 13, 2024

America's Covenant with God!


 HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Did you know our nation made Covenant with God?

The day was April 30, 1789. It was a day of making covenant with Almighty God for the United States of America.
A proclamation was made for the sacred gathering at Federal Hall in New York City. "Come and see your first president take his oath and pray that God will accept this land as His."

At 9 AM, the bells rang throughout the city. George Washington, age 57, took his official oath of office in New York City. He laid his hand on the the Bible (and not merely just upon the Bible)--he specifically opened it up and laid his hand on the covenant God had made with Abraham in the book of Genesis, Chapter 17. Then, lifting his other arm toward heaven, Washington made a vow to lead our nation and honor the God of Israel and His Covenant.

After Washington invoked his oath and covenant and sealed it with "So help me, God." he bowed his knee to the ground in reverence and kissed the Bible.

Afterward Washington called the senators and newly elected officials to join him as they walked arm-in-arm down the streets of New York City to St. Paul's Chapel. There they bowed together and prayed. They dedicated this land, our beloved America, to God.

The day Washington was inaugurated as our first president, was the day that covenant was invoked. AMERICA BELONGED TO GOD ALMIGHTY.

So the first act of our US Congress was to make covenant with Almighty God.
Let's remember and RENEW COVENANT this month of July 2024!

And be sure you're registered to vote for godly leaders in this year's critical November election! God cares about the plight of the unborn and Biblical marriage and gender under such attack in our country. Stand with us in prayer and action!
(Resource Kenneth Copeland July, 2024)
***

HAPPY BOOK ANNOUNCEMENT!
Our Charleston Brides Book 6, The Gamekeeper's Reluctant Bride is now on pre-order sale on Amazon. Grab for $3.99 now to make sure your copy comes into your inbox on its release day, September 10, 2024! https://amzn.to/3S8aPkp


She fled from a gilded cage, only to find herself trapped in a marriage of obligation.
***


MY JULY FRONT DOOR PRAYER FOR YOU!


Hugs and Blessings,
Elva


Elva Cobb Martin
 is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband, her high school sweetheart, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends many vacations on the Carolina Coast. Her southern roots run deep.

A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting love stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. She always pauses for historic houses, gardens, chocolate, and babies of any kind.

Link to her books on Amazon  https://amzn.to/3jdvHFu
Connect with Elva

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Valentines' Giveaway: Enter for 29 free Historical Romances and Kindle Fire!

Howdy friends,

Hope this finds you well and blessed and READING some good novels. Been a while since I blogged but I had to clue you in to BookSweeps wonderful Valentines' 2024 Giveaway which also features my Book 5, The Lieutenant's Secret Love.

Enter to win 29 free Historical Romances, including my Book 5,
The Lieutenant's Secret Love, and a free Kindle Fire! Enter by clicking below and signing up for my newsletter--and/or other authors newsletters on the list of romance books below. Enter by VALENTINE"S DAY! What have you got to lose??     


     Click here to enter the Giveaway!
  https://t.co/ngIH9XGkBk It'll redirect/send you to the right page!

Here's the Amazon link and blurb for my latest novel, The Lieutenant's Secret Love.  https://amzn.to/3StfUmL

An exposed family secret changed her life forever and blindsided his Marine heart.
 
From the day Hannah was abandoned as a newborn, her adoptive parents have kept the truth of her origin from her and her siblings. But when that secret is exposed, a threat arises which forces her to leave the only family she’s ever known and the adoptive brother she adores. She must start her life anew in Charleston.
 
U.S. Marine Lieutenant Adam White, harbors a secret—more confidential than patrolling the Caribbean for French corsairs, more threatening than the fight against Barbary pirates in the Mediterranean. Adam carries a personal, burning secret in his heart. He's fallen in love with Hannah since discovering she is not his blood sister. And the thought that she might only ever see him as her loving big brother may be the greatest threat to him yet.
 
As the Charleston men seek to win Hannah’s heart, she never loses touch with the man who had been her older brother. The man her heart can’t help seeing in a whole new light. But when Adam’s Marine squadron sets out for the Mediterranean and the shores of Tripoli on the most dangerous mission of his life, only God can keep him—and their love—alive.

                                                           ***

Meanwhile, this winter I am finishing Book 6, The Gamekeeper's Reluctant Bride which should be released later this year. You won't want to miss this final romantic adventure in the  Charleston Brides series with my handsome hero, Gideon Falconer, and the feisty Charleston belle, Helena Allston. 

Have a blessed Valentine's Day and rest of winter is my prayer for you.


Forever Pro-Life,
Elva Cobb Martin

Elva Cobb Martin
 is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband, her high school sweetheart, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends many vacations on the Carolina Coast. Her southern roots run deep.

A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, South Carolina, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting love stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. She always pauses for historic houses, gardens, chocolate, and babies of any kind.

Link to her books on Amazon  https://amzn.to/3jdvHFu
Connect with Elva


 



Saturday, April 15, 2023

READERS ALERT! Locks, Hooks and Books: Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Lieutenant's Secret Lo...

Locks, Hooks and Books: Blog Tour and Giveaway: The Lieutenant's Secret Love: About the Book:  The Lieutenant’s Secret Love Author:  Elva Cobb Martin Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release date: April 11, 20...


An exposed family secret changed her life forever and blindsided his Marine heart.

Monday, March 6, 2023

Heroes to Die For

By Elva Cobb Martin  

Doesn't everyone love a real hero? Of course, I live with my favorite hero, my hubby of quite a few years. Then there's our law officer son we put in the same category and a grandson who may very well fit the bill one day as well. 

As an inspirational romance writer I love to find pictures of possible heroes to consider as I create a novel.  Here are a few of my favorite hero photos, past and present, one which shows a likely heroine as well. Which one(s) strike a creative cord in your writer's heart?

Here's a picture I envision of my Marine hero, Adam White, in my historical romance, The Lieutenant's Secret Love, releasing April 5, 2023.




       

What's not to like about Tyrone Power--in any role--but especially as a pirate?


Would you vote for Colin Firth and his roles in Jane Austen novels? 



Philip Winchester is this hero's name, I think. Wonder what kind of gun is he holding? Hope he doesn't pull that trigger or he will surely break a lot of hearts.


















Eddie Matos has a deep, deep look that          
makes one want to know more of his story! Whatever
it is, I think it will include some pain, and maybe revenge.












Of course Tim Tebow is a modern hero in every sense of the word.....                                                





Here is the picture I chose for Joshua Becket in The Sugar Baron's Governess, released in August, 2022.




Here is one I imagined for my hero, Samuel, in The Sultan's Captive. Can you guess his name?

There is a lot more to a hero than a photo. In my next post I want to explore some of the characteristics I like in a hero. How would you make this list for a hero? Is there a different list for heroes in inspirational novels than in secular novels? You bet there is. Thanks for stopping by and I'd love to have your take on my "heroes." Is one your favorite?

Feel free to share this blog by clicking on the small icons below.


Happy, Blessed Spring!
Elva 


Elva Cobb Martin
 is a retired school teacher, a mother, and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband, her high school sweetheart, Dwayne. She grew up on a farm in South Carolina and spends many vacations on the Carolina Coast. Her southern roots run deep.

A life-long student of history, her favorite city, Charleston, inspires her stories of romance and adventure. Her love of writing grew out of a desire to share exciting love stories of courageous characters and communicate truths of the Christian faith to bring hope and encouragement. She always pauses for historic houses, gardens, chocolate, and babies of any kind.

Link to her books on Amazon https://amzn.to/3jdvHFu

Connect with Elva