How I Write a Novel - Part 1 Prayer & Faith

By Elva Cobb Martin

Happy  Valentines Week!

Since I've just sent in my fourth novel and am starting work on my fifth, I am inviting you along to see how I write a novel. It will be a good review for me and, hopefully, help to you in writing your novel.

Here's a quick outline teaser of the coming blogs:

Part 1 Cover the project in prayer and faith - Today's blog
Part 2 How I Write the First Draft
Part 3  How I Write the Second Draft
Part 4 Print Out Second Draft to read and mark.
Part 5 My Editing Process 
Part 6 Fine Tuning and Final Checks before sending off

Part 1 - Faith and Prayer

Every time I start a novel, I have to believe God as though it were my first. There it is. I admit it. This keeps me depending on Him versus my own ability.

Two Important Aspects 

A) Study and confession of the Word of God--especially the promises relating to writing.

Jesus said in John 6:63: "These words that I speak unto you, they are spirit and they are life."

In 2 Timothy 3:16 we read: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable..."

A Greek study of the word inspiration reveals it means God's breath. God breathed into those He chose to write the Bible, and the words they wrote had God's breath in them. Think of a balloon you blow up and tie in a knot. Your breath, part of you, is still in that balloon even though you're no longer blowing into it.

God's breath is still contained in the Word of God, the Bible. This is why Jesus could boldly say, "These words...are spirit and life."
No other words or books can make this claim truthfully.

This is why I read through the Bible systematically each year. This is why I attend a Spirit-filled, Bible-preaching church weekly. I want God's breath to keep blowing on me. I want more of His Spirit and His life flowing through me and my writing.

Another great way to release God's breath into our lives (and writing) is by verbal confession of scriptures, and having faith in those words to bring life.

I have compiled some Christian Writers Confessions of Faith

If you email me at elvacmartin@gmail.com, I'll be happy to email you a copy of my 12 Christian Writers' Faith Confessions." 

Here are the first three:

1) My tongue is the pen of a ready writer. Ps.45:1

2) A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good.    Luke 6:45

3) (My) pleasant words are as honeycomb, sweet to the soul and health to the bones. Prov. 16:24

B) Prayer - Mine and Others

1) Prayer Partners

I have a group of prayer warrior partners to whom I send a monthly prayer request list of personal and writing needs. They are free to send me their personal requests to lift up. Their prayers have helped in many ways.

2) Daily Prayer for my Writing:

Lord, I invite and thank you for being a Co-Laborer in my writing today.

Help me work hard and not get distracted. In faith I ask for:

1) Your plans, wisdom, inspiration, plotting, characterization, dialog, clear DPOV, my best writing, and Christian theme and nuggets to impact readers’ lives for good.

2) Good computer operation and time spent, efficiency, best daily schedule, right diet, exercise.  Help me not spend too much time researching, but get accurate details.

3) Strength, energy, good health, good sleep and good chair posture.

4)We ask favor and divine connections to helpers, editors, for best editing, publishing, book covers, great street team and reviews, sales and good social media action.  

Help me write a great book in six months and give favor for a movie contract.

I thank You in advance that You are going to pull this off perfectly as I trust You and WRITE.  Ps. 37:5  The Passion Translation. Amen

In my next blog I will tell you how the Lord gave me the first bare outline of the novel I am beginning --during my prayer time last week.

Thanks for stopping by. Would love to read your comments and please share this blog by clicking on the small icons below.

Elva 

Elva Cobb Martin is 2020 President of the SC Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has three inspirational novels published, Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and two historical romances, In a Pirate’s Debt, and Marisol, Book 1 in a new Charleston Brides series for  Wild Heart Books. All three novels have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com, Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin  
 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI  

Writer's Devotion: Writing in a Fierce Culture

by Elva Cobb Martin

Second Timothy 3:1 in The Passion Translation exhorts us:

"You need to be aware that in the final days the culture of society will become extremely fierce."

This New Testament book, II Timothy, is Paul's swan song, his very last writing. He seeks to impart wisdom and courage to his spiritual son Timothy. In Chapter 3 he warns Timothy what society will be like in the last days: self-centered, obsessed with money, proud, mockers of all that is right, addicted to hate and malicious slander. "Slaves to their desires..." he says, "they will act without restraint."

Sounds like he's been reading our newspapers, watching our TV, and internet. So many disturbing things are going on, especially from the pro-abortion, pro-gay advocates that we need to take our stand against.

Our pastor put this in context for me recently when he said, "We Christians are called to show unconditional love, but not unconditional approval."

As Christian writers how can we deal with all the upsetting things, take our stand when we can, keep our sanity and focus, and still manage to write something worthwhile? Is writing fiction a valid realm to spend our time on?

Award-winning authors Brock and Bodie Thoene believe that fiction is biblical. That Jesus didn't just give people the facts of how to have a good life, he told the facts in a story context that captured their hearts. Parables. Stories. They believe Christian writers can go into all the world with their books and help change lives with Christian themes in the context of a great story.

My new novel, Marisol, will be released next week, November 12. My premise or theme for this story is:

Love, forgiveness, and determination can overcome terrible experiences and poor choices when God is invited into the equation. 

https://amzn.to/33Npc2L

Escaping to the New World is her only option...Rescuing her will wrap the chains of the Spanish Inquisition around his neck. 

 Marisol Valentin flees Spain after murdering the nobleman who molested her. She ends up for sale on the indentured servants’ block at Charles Town harbor—dirty, angry, and with child. Her hopes are shattered, but she must find a refuge for herself and the child she carries. Can this new land offer her the grace, love, and security she craves? Or must she escape again to her only living relative in Cartagena?

Captain Ethan Becket, once a Charles Town minister, now sails the seas as a privateer, grieving his deceased wife. But when he takes captive a ship full of indentured servants, he’s intrigued by the woman whose manners seem much more refined than the average Spanish serving girl. Perfect to become the governess for his young son.

As their paths intertwine on a journey filled with danger, intrigue, and romance, only love and the grace of God can overcome the past and ignite a new beginning for Marisol and Ethan.

                                                                    ***

Do you think this story might have a message that could impact our fierce culture?

Thanks for stopping by. Would love to hear your comments and please  share.

Blessings,

Elva

Elva Cobb Martin is Vice President of the SC Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published, Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com, Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin  
 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI 

Coming Nov. 12, 2019  Marisol  Book 1 in Charleston Brides
          https://amzn.to/33Npc2L

Writers' Devotion - Hallowing/Honoring the Names of God

by Elva Cobb Martin

Jesus said we should pray, "Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name."

Did you know God has revealed His nature, power, and purpose through various Hebrew names He gave Himself in the Bible narrative? As a writer I am much interested in names and their meaning. So I love studying and confessing God's wonderful Hebrew names and their meaning.

A great way for me to enter prayer times as a writer is to confess and thereby hallow or honor the powerful names of God and God Himself. This is a great way to enter into His courts with praise.

Here's a short list that I lift up my hands and confess at the beginning of my private prayer and worship times, before I list my petitions:

Yahweh - I AM the God who is present and active  (Ex. 3:14 to Moses)
Elohim  - the Creator of heaven and earth, might and strength. (Gen. 1-2)
El-Shaddai - the God Almighty of blessings (Gen.28:3)
Adonai - my Lord, Master, Owner, revealed in Jesus, the same yesterday, today                        and forever.
Jehovah-Jireh - Who sees my need and provides. (Gen.22:8 Isaac spared, ram                           provided)
Jehovah-Rapha - my Healer and who makes bitter experiences sweet.                                       (Ex.15:26)
Jehovah-M'Kaddesh - the Lord my Sanctifier. You've set me apart to Yourself
Jehovah-Nissi - You are my victory! When the enemy comes in like a flood,
                     You lift up a standard against him. (Ex. 17:15 Moses against the
                      Amalekites).
Jehovah-Shalom - You are my peace. (Judges 6;23,24 Gideon)
Jehovah-Tsidkenu - You are my Righteousness through Christ
Jehovah- Roi - You are the God who sees me and my need. (Gen. 16 Hagar)
Jehovah- Rohi - You are my Shepherd. I shall not want any good thing.
Jehovah-Shammah - You are always with me, and will never forsake me.
El-Elyon - You are the Most High God, the first cause of everything, the Great                   God, the Living God, the Merciful God, Truth, Justice and Perfection.

Thanks for stopping by. Do you have another favorite name of God to add to this list? Please share by clicking on the small icons below.

Have a blessed, safe Labor Day weekend,
Elva Martin

Elva Cobb Martin is Vice President of the SC Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com, Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin  
 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI 

Coming Nov. 12, 2019  Marisol  Book 1 in Charleston Brides
          https://amzn.to/33Npc2L

America's Mightiest Weapon - Prayer (Part 1 Founding)

by Elva Cobb Martin
(Guest blog from William J. Federer, www.AmericanMinute.com)

Twelve of the original 13 states sent delegates to Philadelphia. (Rhode Island boycotted the Convention.) Instead of rewriting the Articles of Confederation, they drafted the U.S. Constitution.

George Washington opened the Constitutional Convention,stating: "The event is in the hand of God."

The 55 delegates who wrote the U.S. Constitution belonged to the following denominations: 26 Episcopalian, 11 Presbyterian, 7 Congregationalist, 2 Lutheran, 2 Dutch Reformed, 2 Methodist, 2 Quaker, 2 Roman Catholic, and Dr. Franklin, who called for prayer at the Constitutional Convention, June 28, 1787, stating:

"In the beginning of the contest with Great Britain, when we were sensible of danger, we had daily prayer in this room for the divine protection. Our prayers, Sir, were heard and they were graciously answered. All of us who were engaged in the struggle must have observed frequent instances of a superintending providence in our favor ..."

He continued: "I have lived, Sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth -- that God Governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without His aid? ..."

Franklin concluded: "We have been assured, Sir, in the Sacred Writings, that 'except the Lord build the House, they labor in vain that build it' ... I also believe that without His concurring aid we shall succeed in this political building no better than the Builders of Babel ... I therefore beg leave to move -- that henceforth prayers imploring the assistance of Heaven, and its blessing on our deliberations, be held in this Assembly every morning before we proceed to business."                                            *** Thanks for stopping by! Please share America's Mightiest Weapon on your social media by clicking on the icons below. Let's not forget it is STILL our greatest weapon against the evils our nation now faces, especially infanticide (abortion to birth) now signed into law by these states: New York, Rhode Island, Illinois, California, Alaska, Colorado, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Vermont, Washington D.C. United prayers of God's people can change this.  If you'd like to be part of a Prayer Task Force I lead on the Internet for America, please send me your email address through my web site contact page at http://www.elvamartin.com  Have a Blessed, Safe July 4th celebration, Elva Elva Cobb Martin is Vice President of the SC Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI

Impacting Lives with Christian Fiction - Part 1

by Elva Cobb Martin

Do you believe we can impact lives with Christian fiction? I do. Jesus taught great spiritual principles through story or parables. I've done a little study to define terms and confirm why I know I want to write Christian fiction vs. secular. Consider two stories I've given as examples.

With guidance from Miss Clara, an older, wiser woman, Elizabeth discovers she can start fighting for her family instead of against them. As the power of prayer and Elizabeth's newly energized faith transform her life, will Tony join the fight and become the man he knows he needs to be? Together, their real enemy doesn't have a prayer.  (Is this the kind of legacy you'd like your fiction to plant in hearts?)

Christian vs. Secular

Think of two successful novels you’ve read—one Christian and one secular—and imagine you’ve placed them side by side. Now how are the two books alike or different?

Alike

♦ Told exciting stories set in interesting places.

♦ Created fascinating characters.

♦ Kept readers engrossed in a dramatic plot situation.

♦ Wrote entertaining dialogue.

♦ Honored rules of grammar, usage, and deep point of view.

♦ Researched the facts presented.

♦ Met the requirements for their specific genre.

♦ Followed correct formatting guidelines for the manuscript.

Different

This can be shown by looking at three definitions of Christian fiction:

a) Novels written by Christians, mostly for Christians, that contain Christian themes. They do not contain graphic sex scenes, violence for violence’s sake, profanity, drunkenness, or other things most Christians would consider offensive.

b) Stories that encompass religious themes found in the Bible.

c) Novels that tell stories from a Christian worldview.

Considered to be Fitzgerald's magnum opus, The Great Gatsby explores themes of decadence, idealism, resistance to change, social upheaval, and excess, creating a portrait of the Roaring Twenties that has been described as a cautionary tale regarding the American Dream. (Interesting story, but is this the taste you'd like to leave in the mouths and hearts of future generations?)

Don't miss Part 2 as we discuss the power of an author's worldview in fiction writing.

Thanks for stopping by. Would love to hear why you would like to write Christian fiction or secular.

Enjoy this lovely spring and Resurrection Season!

Elva

Elva Cobb Martin is vice-president of the South Carolina Chapter of American Christian Fiction Writers. She is a former school teacher and a graduate of Anderson University and Erskine College. She has two inspirational novels published with Lighthouse Publishers of the Carolinas. Summer of Deception, a contemporary romantic suspense, and an historical romance, In a Pirate’s Debt. Both have spent time on Amazon’s 100 Best Sellers List for Women’s Religious Fiction. She has indie published a Bible study on Amazon, Power Over Satan, on the  believer's authority in Christ. Decision, Charisma, and Home Life have carried Elva's articles. She and her husband Dwayne are semi-retired ministers. A mother and grandmother, Elva lives in South Carolina. Connect with her on her web site http://www.elvamartin.com,on Twitter www.twitter.com/ElvaCobbMartin; Facebook http://www.facebook.com/elvacobbmartin;  and Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/elvacobbmartin    

 Link to her romance novels and non-fiction works on Amazon: http://amzn.to/2pOgVHI