Rachelle J. Christensen

Romance, Suspense, Mystery Author

Saying No

by

For Writers

Life has been crazy, full of good things, hard things, trials, learning, growth, and did I mention learning?

My good friend, Connie Sokol, writes an amazing blog and sends out uplifting newsletters. I was so inspired and validated by a thought from a post she did that I asked if I could share it.

Here it is: 

“But as women, wives, and mothers, there will be times when a “no” is not only right but necessary. In order for us to preserve the time and energy needed to care for our families, we are going to have to disappoint someone, even daily. We just need to be sure we’ve disappointed the right one.” 

—Connie Sokol, author, speaker, and amazing mother of seven

 I love that and wanted to share it as much as a reminder to me as anyone. Lately I’ve had to say no a lot and there continues to be so many opportunities–wonderful things that I could do.

My first priority will always be my family. 

The second is my writing, because when I take time to nurture my creative side, it makes me more able to complete my first priority. 

I love writing, crafting a story, getting inside a character’s head–it’s all so fascinating and invigorating! I also love how writing has opened so many doors for me and my family. I cherish the moments I’ve witnessed of my children enjoying a book because I recognize the importance of instilling a love of the written word to my children.


 Part of that writing is taking a few moments to update my blog with book reviews, inspirational thoughts, guest posts, and the occasional ramble from me.

Thanks for reading. I hope you have many opportunities to say yes, and more importantly to say NO, so that you keep what is most important central in your life.

Visit Rachelle’s For Writers Page to find more resources HERE

Follow Rachelle:

Author Notes

by

For Writers

Learning from others is a great way to find new tips and tricks to what works for you as an author. I was lucky enough to chat with Laura Bingham years ago to celebrate the release of one of her books. Laura was kind enough to give us a delightful interview and I wanted to share some of her tips with you:

Okay, Laura, tell us who you are and what you do.

Nearly a native of Idaho, I was born in Iowa and moved to Idaho at age four.  I graduated from Ricks College with an Associates degree and from Boise State University with a Bachelor degree in Biology as well as certification to teach all science subjects in secondary education in the state of Idaho.  In my backyard stands a dance studio where I teach youth of all ages clogging and Irish dance.  I live in Boise, Idaho with my husband and five young children.

I knew I liked her! I’m from Idaho also–born and raised!

What type of writer are you? Do you plan ahead/plot or do you simply fly by the seat of your pants?

I have a general idea of what the story line is, and then I write in the rest.  I love finding out new dimensions of the characters and stories as I write.  Always, something unexpected turns up as I go.

Do you write best at a certain time of the day?

Whenever it’s quiet.  I’m not picky.

Now that answer is a sign of a true writer, huh? We have to take those writing minutes whenever we get them, especially with little kids running around.

What food or snack keeps the words flowing?

Dark chocolate is the food of life.  I don’t really snack while I write, but sometimes I bring hot chocolate to the computer.

Dark chocolate is my bosom buddy–but it really needs to be Dove. 🙂

What sparks a story?

Alvor was the first novel I wrote and it comes with its own story.  I wanted to write a book, not a burning need or an unmet goal in life, just a desire.  I told my husband that I wanted to write one, and he asked me what I needed to start.  I said I had to know what the story was going to be about.  This was late at night after we were already in bed.  I’m a night owl.  He fell asleep five seconds after our conversation.  Then the story of Alvor spilled into my head.  The characters and the plot- I somehow had a story laid out in front of me.  That’s where it all started for me.

What was it about your genre that interested you enough to choose to write in it and not in another genre?

I guess I never grew up.  I love kids.  I used to teach 9th graders at school.  I still teach kids clogging.  I love fantasy realism where the story mixes real life with some kind of magic or super power.

What’s the best advice you ever received?

There is more than one story.  You have as many opportunities as you create for yourself.

That is a fantastic piece of advice. Thanks for sharing it!

I believe good writers read a lot. What do you use to mark your page when reading?

That depends on where in the house the book is located.  I read while I work out (a perfect motivator) and I have a book holder on my elliptical fitness trainer where I use binder clips to hold the pages down while I work out.  Then there’s always a book behind the sofa.  Right now the page is held by a power company’s lightening bug bookmark/ruler that my second grade son brought home from school a couple months ago.

What one thing do you like most about writing? Least?

I love losing myself in the story and feeling like time has no meaning.  It gives me such a happy boost to write several pages in one sitting.  What I like least- not getting enough uninterrupted time.  I can’t write if I don’t have enough time to get my head back into the story.

What advice would you pass along at this point in your career?

Don’t stop writing.  Always move forward.  Don’t give up in the face of rejection.  Seek help through writers groups, writers conferences and the internet.  Find other authors and read their stories of how they got published.

Thank you Laura for your great advice and insight into your author world.

Visit Rachelle’s For Writers Page to find more resources HERE

Follow Rachelle:

Connecting the Dots

by

Article For Writers

My fellow author and friend, Tristi Pinkston, shared some great writing tips all about connecting the dots in your book.  You can view her full post HERE, but here is a snippet of what she put in her post:

One of the biggest questions I ask my clients when I edit their books is, “Why?” Why did the character pull that face? Why did she react that way? Why did she sigh? Why did she start digging through her purse? Why, why, why?

It might be totally obvious to the author why the character is doing that thing or saying that thing, but if it’s not obvious to the reader, the entire point will be lost. I have come up with a saying to help us all remember this principle, and you may quote me, but it’s so awesome that if you do quote me, be sure to use my name:

If you don’t understand how she feels, you’ll never understand what she does. – Tristi Pinkston

See? Cool, huh? If you don’t understand that your character is angry, you won’t understand why he’s suddenly speaking through his teeth. A quick flash of thought will go a long way there.

It’s all about connecting the dots. You give the reader this plot point and this character and this setting, and then you connect them together to make a complete image. You throw in those clarifying sentences (like, the kid had already locked everything, so he was at peace) and you show why that other character from the other example is angry (her words reminded him of what she’d said the night she left, and all those hurt feelings came rushing back, blinding him). That’s how you create a whole picture, a whole experience for the reader so they can be immersed in your world and want to come back again and again – which is the whole goal. Take a reader and make them a repeat reader, do that over and over again, and you will have a career.

How will you connect the dots in your writing?

Visit Rachelle’s For Writers Page to find more resources HERE

Follow Rachelle:

 

Why We Love to Read

by

For Writers

I did a guest post on LDS Womens Book Review blog years ago and wanted to share that article with you because a lot of this still applies to life and many of you will be able to relate. Reading is also a very good way to become a better writing–you learn so much from books you read, even if they’re not non-fiction how-to-become-an-author type of books.

Why We Love to Read

I don’t have time to read, but I do it anyway.

I’m sure you’ve heard the following statement before, maybe even–*gasp*–uttered it yourself.

“I just don’t have time to read.”

It’s okay. I can respect that. It has become increasingly more difficult for me to carve out even fifteen minutes to read. If I attempt to read while any of my four children are conscious it goes something like this—

Read one sentence.

Think to myself, “Wow, this is a great book, can’t wait to see what happens next.”

Start reading the second sentence—“Mo-om, I went poop! I’m amazing, huh?”

So yeah, it’s a little slow-going right now because my children are conscious from 6am—8:30pm and I’m still waiting for those mute buttons to be installed on kids, but like my sister said, we’d probably never unmute them.

I do love my kids and fortunately for me, I get to read to them every single night. Now that my girls are a bit older (age 8 and 6) we’re reading some chapter books. Right now, we’re reading Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis and it’s so fun to see my kids laughing over the silly stuff in this book.

But back to the point–Why bother with reading if it’s so hard?

Well, besides the obvious reason for me—that in order to be a great writer you need to read A LOT—I read because I love it.

Reading is stress relief. Dave Wolverton said (I’m paraphrasing) that when we read our body often has similar physiological responses to a highly stressful situation as we follow the arc of the plotline through suspenseful twists and finally to the resolution. We actually release endorphins when we read. So we read because it feels good!

I love to learn, and how do we learn? By reading. And I would argue that you can learn all kinds of great things by reading all kinds of great books. While reading some of the Whitney Award Finalists, I learned how to make an Ultimate grilled cheese sandwich, enjoyed learning about a secret island in Hawaii, studied into what teenagers might do when left to their own devices with no adult supervision, and visited some great tourist spots across America. Bonus points if you can name the titles of the books I referred to. 🙂

There are many reasons why I love to read, and I’m sure you can think of several. What I wanted to convey is that reading is important enough to make it a priority. It’s important enough for me to take time, even in my hectic house, to read because it shows my kids that reading is important. My kids know I love books and they ask me about what I’m reading. Sometimes I’ll laugh out loud and they want to know why that book made me laugh.

So indulge. Reward yourself with reading. Make reading a priority because I’m guessing if you’re reading this post, you’re a book-lover. I can’t think of anything better than sharing a love of reading to help create new book-lovers.

During the writing of this post, I changed two diapers, did three batches of laundry, made lunch, gathered two eggs from my chickens and read for ten minutes. No, I don’t have ADHD, I’m a stay-at-home mom.

Why do you love to read?

Visit Rachelle’s For Writers Page to find more resources HERE

Follow Rachelle:

Happy to be a Mom

by

For Writers

Does anyone else feel nostalgia? I love thinking back on different times of my life, but especially when I was a young mom. I’m so thankful to be a mother, first and foremost, and I’m so grateful that my family allows for me to also build my writing career. I’m also lucky that I can be home with my family while I write. What a great deal!

Years ago, on Mother’s Day in fact, I had these thoughts.

Sunday morning was beautiful. I didn’t sleep in because my baby needed to eat his breakfast, but the birds were singing and the sun was coming over the mountains with such a gorgeous effect that I didn’t mind. I went outside and listened to them while I held my baby and thought how grateful I am to be a mother of three beautiful children. It still seems so amazing to me because I remember a time when I feared that I would not be able to have children.

I suffered from miscarriages and infertility and remember the period in my life filled with yearning for a child. I guess that’s why yesterday was so wonderful for me. I feel such gratitude that after my long years of trial (which in retrospect don’t seem like the eternity they felt at the time) the Lord has granted me such blessings as my two daughters and my baby boy. I love my children so much and my life is so different and wonderful because of them.

I don’t get eight hours of sleep a night, I never eat a meal uninterrupted, I clean up poop on a daily basis, my nerves are often frazzled from someone teasing and the other one screaming, I have stretch marks and I’m getting some wrinkles, if you can’t find me I’m probably in the laundry dungeon, and if I can take a shower without someone peeking at me it’s a lucky day…but

I wouldn’t want it any other way because nothing compares to snuggling with a baby, singing with a six-year old, and laughing with a three-year old. I get unlimited hugs and kisses every day, get told “I love you” dozens of times, receive one of a kind artwork and beautiful dandelion bouquets, and although this stage won’t last forever, I know that right now I am the sunshine in my children’s world.

I’m glad I had a chance to write that down, so I can come back and read it again and again to remind me what is most important. Yes, writing is a deep love of mine, but so is my family and it’s all about priorities and remembering to be appreciative of what you have.

Visit Rachelle’s For Writers Page to find more resources HERE

Follow Rachelle:

Memory Lane

by

For Writers

I’d like to take a trip down memory lane. Would you like to come along?

I started blogging in 2007 because I wanted to build a web presence for myself as an “author” and challenge myself to learn some of those technical computer things. Little did I know how much I would enjoy blogging, the opportunities that would come my way, and most of all the incredible FRIENDS–like you–I would meet along the way. We’ve come a long way, and I say “We” because I wouldn’t be here without the great support from each of you! Thank you!

I’m reposting one of my very first posts today. It’s kind of fun for me to look at what has happened since I wrote that post.

I feel incredibly blessed to have realized my dream of becoming a published author. A pivotal part of that journey was my introduction to a wonderful critique group, AuthorsIncognito and my authors guild LDStorymakers. I feel like I’m only beginning my journey. I have so many more goals to achieve, so many more stories to write, and blogs to post. 🙂

Many of the things on my top ten list still apply to me. Even though I’m a published author, I’m still vulnerable, and I’m putting myself out there right now for more rejections because I’m querying agents. Yes, if you have any extra magic fairy dust, sprinkle it here because this farm girl knows how to work hard and I’d like to double my efforts in my career with an agent.

So here’s that list. If I were writing this list today, it’d say “my inbox” and “emails” instead of “mail”–crazy how things change!

First posted on September 15, 2007:

The Top 10 Reasons to be a Writer According to Rachelle J. Christensen

I love being a writer and I want you all to know how much I enjoy it, so here’s my top ten list!

10. You get lots of mail. Yes, it’s usually rejection letters with words like “unfortunately, sorry, and it’s just not right for me,” but hey, everyone loves to get mail—right?

9. You get to have your self-esteem tested on a regular basis. Most people go around thinking they are no good, but you have the actual proof in the letter you just got out of the mailbox.

8. You are one of the few people who will get to enjoy The Look in your lifetime. The Look is when you are talking about what you like to do and you say, “I like to write.” And the person says, “Really, have you been published?” and if you say, “No, but I’ve got 289 queries out right now.” They give you The Look and say, “Hmmm, that’s nice.” (If further explanation is needed just try it on one of your friends).

7. You know how to do things with Microsoft Word that Bill Gates doesn’t even know.

6. You can feel good about devouring an entire bag of M&M’s, ½ pound of cheese, a box of crackers, another bag of M&M’s, and a Dove dark chocolate bar because you are going to reach your word count goal today!

5. You will acquire the odd habit of addressing letters to yourself with postage paid and dropping it in the mailbox and excitedly counting down the days until you get it back.

4. Writers are intelligent people! You know what ms, SASE, SAE, SCBWI, IRC, b&w, 20 lb. white, YA , dummy, and agent only means.

3. You also know what query, outline, sample chapter, spreadsheet, synopsis, unsolicited material, simultaneous submissions,em dash, table of contents, royalties, advances, and submissions editor means. Oh, and of course you know what rejection means too.

2. When you step into a bookstore from now on, you will look around at all the sundry bestselling books on the shelves in awe and smack your palm against your glistening forehead and vociferate, “What am I doing wrong!” and then wince as your hand tingles and your wrist throbs, and you remember that you shouldn’t slap things because you have carpal tunnel syndrome.

1. Because you like to write prolifically, and you compose, dash off, draft, scribble, create, rewrite, reference, versify, and inscribe on a daily basis— you can write up silly, zany, cockamamie, amusing, sardonic top ten lists and post it for your friends when you are having an otherwise uneventful day. (And you can count this list as 461 words closer to your word limit today and insist that all of your friends give Rachelle J. Christensen credit for writing something worthwhile today.)

Thanks for joining me on this trip down memory lane, and thank you again for making this journey so enjoyable!

How has your life changed in the past 12 years? Have you achieved some of the things you’d hoped to?

Visit Rachelle’s For Writers Page to find more resources HERE

Follow Rachelle:

FTC Disclosure

As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Find my books and other books you’ll enjoy on

CleanRomanceBooks.com

©Rachelle Christensen 2016. All rights reserved.