An exposed family secret changed her life forever and blindsided his Marine heart.
https://amzn.to/3YSarrK ON SALE!
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...
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
Website: http://www.elvamartin.com
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmarti
Tuesday, September 6, 2022
Need Help with Conflict? Check out This New Conflict Thesaurus Writing Guide!
Guest Blog from Angela and Becca!
New Conflict Thesaurus II!
I always get a bit excited when a book I’m waiting for finally releases, so it’s great to finally share that The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer’s Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and
Inner Struggle (Vol. 2) is now out!
This SILVER EDITION is the twin of the GOLD EDITION, and continues to explore all the ways we can better leverage the conflict in our story.
If you are new to these “thesaurus” books, each one is part writing guide, part brainstorming tool.
The first part of this book dives into how conflict powers your plot and is the golden threat that weaves your inner and outer stories together. It also digs into how to craft great villain clashes, character agency, how to maximize tension, what goes into a satisfying story climax, and more.
The second part of the guide is a mother lode of conflict scenarios (115 to be exact) built to get your imagination thrumming with ideas. You must see it to believe it.
***
Writers Helping Writers is hosting a Writing Contest!
I’m part of Angela & Becca’s Street Team, and I have news:Writers Helping Writers is hosting a Writing Contest! A book about conflict needs a FIGHT CLUB Story Contest, right? Exactly! So if you want to show Angela & Becca how good your conflict-writing
skills are, check out this contest and see what you can win.
Enter at Writershelpingwriters.net
GIVEAWAY ALERT!
Angela and Becca are also hosting a must-enter giveaway. They’ve filled a vault full of their favorite writing books and are giving away some digital 5-packs, winner’s choice! So much fun. Make sure to head over and enter, and good luck!Have a blessed Fall!
Elva
Tuesday, August 23, 2022
NEW RELEASE: THE SUGAR BARON'S GOVERNESS
Grab while it's still on pre-order price! https://amzn.to/3wpkZ5n
A strange thing happened while writing this novel!
Friends, when first beginning The Sugar Baron’s Governess, my precious husband booked a week for us in a condo at Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. This was to help me concentrate on my plot storming—without the “do me” call of our vacuum, washing machine, or phone calls at home. Of course, he likes to fish from a pier while I’m writing.
The first morning I sat at the dining
table overlooking the Atlantic, with my laptop. Busy researching Jamaica, and
especially the historic Maroon settlement of warriors and escaped slaves in the
mountains that might play a part in my story, I stopped to pray. I asked the Lord to
help me get a good start on this fourth novel in my series. Should I even be
including the fierce Maroons in my plot?
A knock came at the door. I had opted for no
cleaning service, so I was surprised to be interrupted. When I answered it, a pleasant
black male employee asked if we needed any cleaning done or fresh linens. I
almost gave him a short answer, wanting to get back to my laptop, but my ear
discerned a British accent. Here’s our amazing conversation:
“Where are you from?” I asked him.
“Jamaica.”
Surprised, I
opened the door and invited him in. “That’s most interesting. I’m writing
a novel set in Jamaica.”
His dark eyes widened. “You are?”
“Yes,
in fact,” I gestured to my laptop, “I’m right now researching a group of warriors
in historic Jamaica, called the Maroons. Know anything about them?”
His
mouth fell open. “I’m a descendant of the Maroons.”
She needs a new start. He knows a reckoning is coming.
Banished from Charleston for his misdeeds years earlier, Joshua Becket built a new life on both sides of the law in Jamaica. As sugar plantation owner and member of the governing British Assembly, he’s known and respected on the island. But he guards a secret identity. As swashbuckling Captain Jay, he leads daredevil privateering exploits on his ship, the Eagle, when the mood suits him. Currently, he needs a governess for his young daughter whose mother has passed.
Widowed gentlewoman Abigail Welch accepted the governess position, leaving behind her disintegrated life in Charleston. This new start in Jamaica might finally help her find healing for her broken heart after losing her husband in the Revolution and their infant son to yellow fever.
Joshua’s precocious, undisciplined daughter is the drawing card that brings him and Abigail together like clashing cymbals of disagreement...and fiery attraction. Can love and the miracle power of God give them a new beginning and a happily ever after?
Joshua Becket in his dual role as Jamaican sugar planter.
Joshua's Rockford Plantation Great House in Jamaica as I imagined it.
This is actually Rose Hall in Montego Bay, Jamaica. There is a story, a legend connected to this house, often told by the Jamaican people to their children and to anyone who will listen. It's a story of intrigue, murder, romance and betrayal. It's the tale of former owner, Annie Palmer, who became known as the White Witch of Rose Hall. You can find the story by googling that title.
I hope you're enjoying the continued summer fruits--watermelon, peaches, and tomatoes, like we are here in South Carolina. Are you also finding an opportunity to hike in the cool mountains? Below, my hubby and I are hiking in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park near Gatlinburg.
Blessings,
Elva
Elva Cobb Martin is a retired school teacher, a mother,
and grandmother who lives in South Carolina with her husband and 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/2ksRfTw
Connect with Elva
Website: http://www.elvamartin.com
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmarti
Tuesday, October 12, 2021
A New Writing Guide for You! The Conflict Thesaurus (+Giveaway) Guest Blog
It's always fun when there's good news to share, and today is one of those days. You may know Angela Ackerman & Becca Puglisi, the authors of The Emotion Thesaurus. Well, I'm a big believer in the helpfulness of their books and so joined their Street Team for The Conflict Thesaurus: A Writer's Guide to Obstacles, Adversaries, and Inner Struggles (Vol. 1). It's just released, and I am so excited to share a bit about it, and a super fun event, with all of you!
The Conflict Thesaurus tackles all the ways conflict can be used to build tension, push the story forward, raise stakes, and pressure characters to do whatever it takes to win. The guide dives into over 100 conflict scenarios and how each can be adapted to challenge a character inside and out. Problems, Moral Dilemmas, Ticking Clocks, Obstacles, Challenges...say goodbye to writer's block, weak plots, and unmotivated characters. If you need help in any of these areas, check it out.
Now speaking of challenges, I have an important question to ask you:
Can You Survive Danger as Well as Your Favorite Protagonist?
Let's face it, as writers we're always doing bad things to the protagonist. We put their loved ones in danger, force them to make impossible choices, and worse. But wouldn't you like to know how you'd fare as the protagonist of a story?
Let me put it another way: if you were in the hot seat, could you handle the pressure? Would you make good decisions, or bad ones?
It's time to find out by
taking the Conflict
Challenge!
Become the protagonist in a special story Angela & Becca have created using scenarios from The Conflict Thesaurus. And heads up, if you survive, you win some cool stuff!
GIVEAWAY ALERT
While you're trying not to die in the Conflict Challenge, make sure to enter Angela & Becca's Conflict Thesaurus release day giveaway, too. But hurry - it ends October 15th.
So, take the challenge...if you dare. And don't forget to come back and let me know how you did against Camp Deadwood!
***
Writer Friends, I hope you enjoyed the above guest blog about Angela and Becca's new release, The Conflict Thesaurus. I have been so blessed with their thesauruses and know they have helped my writing succeed.
Love and Blessings,
Elva (cuddling a baby goat at my sister's farm)
Elva Cobb Martin is a multi-published author, mother and grandmother who lives in upstate South Carolina. She is the president of ACFW-SC Chapter. All her historical Christian romance novels have spent time on Amazon's 100 Bestseller's list for Women's Religious Fiction. She loves all small cuddly things, chocolate, and exciting stories from history.
Link to her books on Amazon https://amzn.to/2ksRfTw
Connect with Elva
Website: http://www.elvamartin.com
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmarti
and Facebook/ElvaCobbMartin
Monday, July 5, 2021
Six Vital Elements in Your Novel's Opening Chapter- Guest Blog C. S. Lakin
Hope you enjoy and GROW by this great blog by C. S. Lakin on her blog, Live, Write, Thrive. It's a keeper for us novelists! --Elva
The 6 Necessary Elements in Your Novel’s Opening Chapters By C.S. Lakin
Writing a novel is a massive undertaking. It doesn’t matter if you’ve written one or thirty.
And even after studying countless how-to books on fiction writing and taking workshops and listening to podcasts, many aspiring writers still flounder.
Why is that? Because there is so much to learn, and if you undertake this mission to learn without focusing first on the most important elements of a story, you can waste a lot of time.
Yes, it’s important to learn how to craft great characters. And write distilled, effective dialogue. And have a riveting plot. But that’s not enough.
I do more than 200 manuscript critiques a year, some by beginning writers and others by seasoned authors. Regardless, I can tell you this as fact:
Very few of these manuscripts hold up structurally. Very few have stellar writing.
Very few accomplish what those first few chapters must do.
What is that, you might ask?
- Setup of a strong, compelling, empathetic protagonist. You need your reader to bond with your protagonist in the first page or two (of the first scene he or she is in). Unless you have a terrific prologue to launch your story (meaning, it’s just what your premise and story line need), you should be starting your novel with your protagonist. Of course, there are exceptions to this rule, but if you’re a novice writer, I would highly recommend this course. If you’re not clear on how to create a compelling protagonist, read some of my posts on the topic. Just know, though, this is paramount. Without that compelling protagonist, your novel is going to flop.
- Get the protagonist’s core need, motivation, and life situation clear. You might think this is a no-brainer, but this is severely lacking in a lot of manuscripts I critique. Part of setting up that main character is revealing these key facets about him. Start your story in the middle of something important happening in his life that will reveal his living situation, his immediate problems and concerns, his work and lifestyle, his deepest hopes and dreams and fears. This is all key to story structure and preparation for the inciting incident to come.
- Present the inciting incident. This comes close to the start of your novel. Usually by the 10% mark. But when you are just starting your novel, you don’t know what will end up being 10%. So it’s easier to think in terms of scenes. Get the opening scene or two setting things up so you can slam your character with that incident. Without proper setup of your protagonist, which means risking the bond and concern for what happens to him, that incident may fall flat. You need to first get your reader to like, care, and understand—to some extent—what he’s about.
- Introduce key supporting characters. These opening chapters need to set up your protagonist’s world populated by character types: family, friends, rivals, love interests, etc. These all need clear roles and should have unique personalities and voices (which includes the narrative voice if they have their own POV scenes).
- Hint at the stakes, and make them high. The more stakes, both personal and public, you can create, the better. But they need to be believable and appropriate. In other words, if you have a boring, weak concept without any kicker, throwing in a ton of danger and conflict that is random and meaningless won’t do anything to hype up the tension in your story. Again, I have gobs of posts and chapters in my writing craft books on conflict, stakes, and tension. Do your homework if you need to learn all this.
- Get that protagonist’s goal in sight! Fifty pages will sometimes get you to that 25% mark in the novel, at which point the hero’s goal for the novel is locked into place. If you’re writing a long novel, by page fifty, your character might not be at that turning point yet, but he should be getting close. All scenes should be propelling your character to that important point. What I see in a lot of novels is a string of scenes, random events and interchanges that don’t seem to have any point to them.
While there is a whole lot more needed in the opening chapters, these are just some key ones that you need to be aware of.
Those opening scenes work as a litmus test for the rest of a manuscript. In other words, if these first scenes reveal serious flaws, more than likely the rest of the scenes will be infected as well.
Here’s the thing: if you haven’t written a lot of novels and gotten professional feedback to show you what you’re missing or weak in, you may spend years pumping out drafts of novels and getting nowhere.
How serious are you about writing a terrific novel? So many writers wouldn’t think about spending their hard-earned money on hiring an editor or writing coach. While serious about developing a writing career, maybe even hoping to make a real “living” at it, they don’t think they need to invest monetarily in their “training” other than to perhaps buy some books.
Think about the amount of money people pour into education and getting a college degree. Or maybe think about what you spent on that trip you took (pre-Covid), a week maybe of fun on holiday but left just fleeting memories.
How much is your writing career worth?
Here’s the thing about writing fiction, though: you often don’t know what you need to improve upon until someone with experience points it out. It’s not like in basketball where it’s obvious your jump shot or free throw sucks.
Writers can spend years trying to improve their stories, thinking they’re applying all the many things they’re learning. But the most egregious issues are often staring right at them and they can’t see them.
It is a bit of not seeing the forest for the trees.
Think about how much time you’re willing to tinker with your writing, hoping one day you’ll write well enough to hit those best-seller lists or get gobs of 5-star reviews.
Wouldn’t you want to know if you are wasting your time? Wouldn’t you like to know what your strengths and weaknesses are so that you can target those weaknesses and improve and bolster those strengths to develop a strong writing style? It’s doable!
Consider having a fifty-page critique, maybe even an outline critique. If you’re struggling with your ideas and story concept and need help putting it all in order, or you want to know if your premise has potential, book a phone consultation with me and we will discuss!
You can read all about my critique services, rates, and formatting requirements HERE. Don’t waste another moment guessing what’s wrong with your manuscript. Make the commitment to do all you can to become the best writer you can be!
***
Hope you're having a blessed, safe summer!
Elva
Elva Cobb Martin is a mother and grandmother who lives in upstate South Carolina. She is the president of ACFW-SC Chapter. All her Christian romance novels have spent time on Amazon's 100 Bestseller's list for Women's Religious Fiction.
Link to her books on Amazon https://amzn.to/2ksRfTw
Connect with Elva
Website: http://www.elvamartin.com
Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmarti
Monday, June 7, 2021
Researching my current novel in progress, The Captain's Governess, which is set in Jamaica, I came across this timely historical note for today, June 7. Here's the scoop of Port Royal's destruction one sunny summer day. Was it a judgment of God? Some thought so.
Here's how history records the destruction: On June 7, 1692, a massive earthquake devastated the town of Port Royal in Jamaica, killing thousands. The strong tremors, soil liquefaction, and a tsunami brought on by the earthquake combined to destroy the entire town.
Port Royal was called the "wickedest city on earth"; a den of pirates, prostitutes, and slavers unlike any the world had ever known. ... It was a city so overrun with liquor, slavers, and prostitution that one in every four buildings was either a bar or a brothel.
Members of the Jamaica Council declared
"We are become ... an instance of God Almighty's severe judgment," therefore every future "seventh of June ... be kept and observed by all the inhabitants of this Island, as an anniversary day of fasting and humiliation, in hopes that acknowledging "manifold sins and wickednesses committed against his Divine Majesty, may "appease God's imminent wrath and prevent heavier judgments."
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