Hello, and welcome to Stop #17 of the Purple Team’s loop of the Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunt!
Not sure what I’m talking about? Learn all about the hunt here: http://lisatawnbergren.com/2015/04/the-christian-fiction-spring-scavenger-hunt-basics/
If you haven’t already, be sure to check out the other stops, beginning HERE, gather the clues at each stop, and be entered to win some fantastic prizes. A full list of stops can be found at the link above, and the other team (Pink) begins Here.
The prizes are numerous and awesome! Lots of free books, Kindles, and more! There are 2 loops, so you can try for either or both, and if you complete both, you can be entered for the grand prize! Check out the prizes!
Many of the authors are hosting bonus giveaways–including me! Find the Rafflecopter giveaway below for a copy of A Soft Breath of Wind, winner’s choice of format (signed paperback or digital)!
fifty!!—and her latest is a dystopian series called Remnants (SEASON OF WONDER
and SEASON OF FIRE). Think, “Hunger Games
with hope.” Her goal is to make every reader think about the gifts they’ve been
given and how those might be best utilized to change our world. Sounds good to
me!
suspense series, on top of her best-selling God Gave Us…picture book series
(which just showed up on the Wall Street Journal
bestseller list between Clive Cussler and Dr. Seuss!), she’s getting more
attention…and more inquiries from aspiring writers. So she decided to share
this, below…
HOW TO GET PUBLISHED
By Lisa T. Bergren
I love hearing from readers after they read my books—when you read my books, we sorta become friends. Lots of aspiring writers contact me. About reviewing their manuscripts (which I can’t). About publishing advice. About having coffee together, “if I have the time”… And I get it. After twenty-plus years in the biz, I’ve finally hit that place where I seem like I’ve ARRIVED. Like I have THE ANSWERS for writers.
And the good news? I have some of them.
But the bad news? I don’t have them all. (Do we EVER??)
Twenty-five years ago, when I was first starting out, or even twenty years ago, when I had a few books under my belt, I looked to those ahead of me and wondered why they had it “so easy.” Why they seemed to publish stuff that I could never get away with publishing…What they knew. How they had possibly MADE IT when I couldn’t quite seem to get there. Now that I’m a consistently working, mid-list writer, “making it,” I thought I’d share what I’ve learned so far.
1) Read. Read like crazy. Read a ton of the books that most closely resemble what you’d like to write.
2) Outline your favorite book you’ve read in the last year in the genre that you’d like to write in. Figure out what the author did right, chapter by chapter, by dissecting what happened with both the plot and characterization. Write notes on the pages. Underline. Star sections. Take special note of nuances that make it a stand-out: Fabbo dialogue? Incredible romantic tension? Fascinating, unique plot? Locale or description? Details? What WAS it that made that book SING? Summarize, chapter by chapter.
3) Now do the same with another book in the same genre. Maybe one that was a bestseller, if the one you chose above, was a closet-favorite, but never really seemed to sell. What do you think the differences are?
4) Read WRITER’S DIGEST. Go to the Library and read back issues. They usually have a fiction column every month (and other writing pathways too). It’s how I learned the basics for $15 a year.
5) Establish a basic web site, along with a Facebook, Twitter and Instagram account and begin building your author platform, posting anything you’re willing to share about your life, your writing, and the genre you love to read/write. Don’t just market—strive to establish good social media relationships with real dialogue and sharing.
6) Go to a writer’s conference. Faculty should predominately be published authors or publishing professionals who are making a tangible “go” at this business (Google most to make sure), and relate to the publishing market you hope to get into. Attend your first conference with an open mind, ready to learn all you can, putting little pressure on yourself. Don’t go in thinking THIS IS IT. Go in thinking I’M FACT-FINDING. Find out where you are in the process, whether you’re just beginning to learn (which is fine!) or ready to submit to editors and agents or somewhere in between. Which isn’t to say you shouldn’t have SOMETHING ready Year One to talk about (a proposal/pitch). Just consider your Year One pitch your “straw man,” so you’re not crushed if an editor or agent doesn’t bite. Be brave enough to say, “You didn’t seem all that excited about what I said about my book/wrote. Can you tell me why?” Note: For most people, publishing is a long-term process.
7) Return to the conference the following year. I promise you’ll feel way more comfortable and confident both years you attend if you just press into the learning curve then return to be more assertive on the pitch-front; you’ll gain PLENTY from both experiences to make it worthwhile.
8) Follow up with any contacts. Keep writing. Start a new book if you’re done with the last. Maybe it’s book #2 or book #10 that is your winner.
9) Research self-publishing. But don’t leap into that unless you have no other option and you’re fully convinced it’s the way you should go. It’s its own investment. (And its own post-full of information.)
10) Keep writing. And reading. Outline a new book that’s your current favorite. See how it inspires you to improve your own writing.
11) Join a critique group. Now, I don’t recommend this lightly, since I’ve never taken part in the same. But I’ve heard good things about some and bad things about others. The only critique group I’d ever invest in would have to have similarly-dedicated writers, ready to give me constructive criticism with the goal to help me get published, not compete with me. That’s a pretty special group. If you can find it, go with it. If you can’t, don’t sweat it. Hallmarks of a good group would incorporate people who are (a) investing in writers’ conferences and resources; (b) making discernible writing progress; (c) getting better at the craft; (d) giving you feedback that both encourages and challenges you to improve. Anything else? Meh. Just carry on solo. You’re better off writing a hundred new pages and rewriting and rewriting, than spending time with a fruitless group. Don’t be afraid to cut ties with a sinking dock so you can sail away, even with a patched-together sail.
Go, Writer, go. There is ALWAYS room for a fresh, new voice. Tell the story on your heart. Write it and don’t stop. If I can do it, so can you. I’m not overly smart or savvy. I’m not overly dedicated. I just kept at it, until I had a manuscript together. And then I edited, and edited, and once upon a time, I got the chance to give it to someone with publishing power, and my fairy tale came true.
Yours might too.
Lisa Tawn Bergren is the bestselling author of nearly fifty books in all genres—from children’s picture books to teen fiction to women’s nonfiction—and can’t quite believe she’s been so blessed to see them all get into print. Still, she sees her job as work, and tries her best to just get the next thousand words down, day by day, until the next manuscript comes together. She lives with her husband, Tim, a duck maker (RMrustic.com), her three teen children, and a little, white, fluffy dog named Talisker Beatrice, in Colorado Springs. For more info, find her at LisaBergren.com, Facebook.com/LisaTawnBergren and @LisaTBergren.
You can find Lisa’s books on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, CBD, or at your local bookstore.
THE SCAVENGER HUNT SKINNY:
Got ‘em down?? Great! Your next stop is #18, Lisa T. Bergren’s site.
Roseanna M. White is a bestselling, Christy Award winning author who has long claimed that words are the air she breathes. When not writing fiction, she’s homeschooling her two kids, editing, designing book covers, and pretending her house will clean itself. Roseanna is the author of a slew of historical novels that span several continents and thousands of years. Spies and war and mayhem always seem to find their way into her books…to offset her real life, which is blessedly ordinary. 
There are days when it's a challenge…and days when I'm desperate for some quiet time to write…but overall, it's a pretty sweet setup–I get to spend my days on the things I love most in life, my family and my writing! =)
Not sure if you're talking to me or Lisa, LOL, but either way, thanks!! We always so appreciate readers recommending our books to their libraries!
Well how fun is that! I hope you get a chance to read Soft Breath too (obviously, LOL). It's a (stand-alone) sequel to A Stray Drop of Blood, so if you were curious about what became of them…
Thanks, Mallori! I really love how this story turned out…and the story of its coming-to-be made it pretty clear it was what God wanted me writing right then, so I pray it does the work He intends!
Thanks so much, Theresa–what a huge compliment! I know all about having no time to reread, so that just makes my day. =)
I just finished the scavenger hunt but missed your bonus give away. I wanted to leave a comment anyway to let you know that your book Love Finds You in Annapolis, Maryland is one of my favorites. I've read it twice (I don't read books twice because my To Read list is too long)! It was the first historical christian fiction book that got me hooked on the genre. I have a hard time reading anything else. Thank you for sharing your gift of writing with us.
Wow! "A Soft Breath of Wind" sounds sooo good! I love this scavenger hunt–I'm learning about authors I have never heard of before.
Sounds like a great story…I'm intrigued. 🙂
Thanks for participating in this fun event!
It's been a fun scavenger hunt. thanks for participating
Thank you so much for the chance
When reading about A Soft Breath of Wind, I thought I had found a new author. But then I come on your page and realize that I have already read you…A Stray Drop of Blood and Jewel of Persia! I loved those books, so I'm hoping to be able to read A Soft Breath of Wind soon! 🙂
Had a fun time meeting some to authors and seeing some I regularly read.
Thanks for joining the scavenger hunt! I am really excited to read your books!
Thank you for your reply. Truth be told, I have not read one your books, but I have had "A Soft Breath of Wind" and your other Historical/Biblical novels in my Amazon wish list since January. I am so thankful for this scavenger hunt. I rarely read a christian-authored book without knowing more about the author and their heart. Your post was very transparent and encouraged me to get those books read asap.
I didn't realize until looking at your bibliography that I have tried previous books of yours and really enjoyed them. Actually, I recommended a couple to my mom who's the librarian in my home town.
Love the scavenger hunt because I now can discover new authors!
Thank you for the chance
I personally haven't read any of your books yet but I plan on it and can't wait to! 🙂
These scavenger hunts are always so much fun! Thanks for participating! 🙂
Thanks for being part of the scavenger hunt. I so enjoy these! Can't wait to read your work! God bless 🙂
Your story synopsis intrigued me. I don't know if I'll like the genre, but that's the fun of trying something new.
Thanks for the advice.
Your books look so good! It's amazing you have time to Homeschool and write. (I am a homeschooling high schooler so I know how much effort it takes even when we're little)
Hannah C
How am I going to have time to read all of these great books I'm learning about?! Thanks for this interview and information!
Thanks for being a part of this exciting Scavenger hunt!
Also thanks for a lots of tips, I appreciate your kindness to share them!
Thank you for participating in this fun event!!
I'm loving this hunt. 🙂 Thanks!!
Hello, Tricia! So glad you could stop by, and thanks!!
Thanks, Rachelle! Obviously a sign that you need to read them. 😉 And I'm with you on dystopian!
Thank you so much! Zipporah is one of my all-time favorite characters, so I love sharing about her. =)
Thanks for being a part of such a fun scavenger hunt! I host an all-things-book linky party every Thursday on my blog, Mommynificent.com, and we’d love to have you stop by any time. You can link up any of your own blog posts and maybe garner some new readers, and you can also hop around and meet some other authors and avid readers.
Tina
Roseanna – I was so inspired and impressed by your scavenger hunt post about Zipporah. Everything you wrote was so beautiful and telling of what to expect from your writing. Great message for all of us.
Thank you for the chance to win.
This hunt is really fun! Thank you so much for being involved!
I love these scavenger hunts! Thank you for the advice on writing!
Thank you for being a part of the Scavenger Hunt.
Stephanie C.
I can't believe I haven't tried your books yet, Roseanna, because every time I hear about them I get excited. 😀 They look to be right up my alley.
Lisa, you had me hooked at "Hunger Games with hope." The lack of hope in that series was my biggest problem with it. But dystopian as a concept is boundlessly exciting. 🙂
sounds fun
So much fun o n the scavenger hunt and learned so much about the authors and new books. I would love to win the Kindle Fire.
Hi Rosanna! I so enjoyed doing this hunt and so glad that you were a part of it.!! I look forward to reading more of your work in the future. Thank you for the chance to win one of your books too.
In Kind Regards,
Tricia
Hi Rosanna. Thanks for being a part of this Scavenger Hunt. I would love to win one of your books. GOD bless you. Maxie > mac262(at)me(dot)com <
Thanks, Pamela! Covers are one of my favorite parts of the book-making process. =) And LOL on Benjamin. I really love writing in a biblical setting and look forward to many more stories over the years. =)
Thanks so much for sharing with us in this scavenger hunt! It's always fun learning more about Christian authors and their books. 🙂
I love the cover of your new book. I will be reading your book, I have to find out what stupid thing Benjamin did. I think it would be hard to write about that time period. Glad you can.
Looking forward to reading this!
This is my first scavenger hunt. I am enjoying it immensely.
Enjoying my first online scavenger hunt today. Thanks!
Thank you & bless you for participating in this scavenger hunt!
This scavenger hunt is challenging.
Janet E.
von1janet(at)gmail(dot)com
Thanks for a fun scavenger hunt, and the chance to be introduced to some new (to me!) authors, and get to know some that I already love.
Thanks for the chance.This is fun. 🙂
I always enjoy the scavenger hunt and I'm loving to two separate tracks this year!
Thanks for participating in the Scavenger Hunt. Happy Saturday!
Thanks to all the authors for the contest!
Loved meeting you! I so enjoy finding new authors and books. Thank you for being a part of "the hunt"
So fun doing the Hunt! thanks 🙂
I love how encouraging Christian authors are to one another, as well as to writers who aren't yet published. Great advice for anyone looking to be published! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for the chance to win new books!!
Love these scavenger hunts, so many good books!
Rebecca
Rebeccahartman07[at]yahoo.com
Thanks, Carina!
These tips are so helpful and encouraging to new writers. 🙂
thanks so much for all the work all of you have put into this hunt………
Thank you so much for hosting a stop on this hunt!
Blessings!
Jasmine
Thanks so much for being a part of this scavenger hunt. I love meeting new authors and learning more about the authors I already love.
I LOVE the scavenger hunt! It's such a great way to find new authors/books to add to my to-be-read pile (I say that like the piles aren't already toppling over).
Thank you for the great giveaway!
Great Scavenger Hunt! 🙂
I would love to read your books 😀
I'm going looking for your books after this. I love that the hunt finds me new authors to read. 🙂
I enjoyed your informative post, Lisa!
Thank you for participating in the Scavenger Hunt and for the giveaway opportunity, Roseanna!
Thank you for writing the book and offering this prize!
Janice
pjrcmoore@windstream.net
Totally enjoyed this little scavenger hunt. 🙂 A Soft Breath of Wind sounds like a fantastic story.
Your book looks very good! I will definitely be looking for it. I am so thankful for this hunt and getting to learn about different authors and books! God bless!
I'm thankful for these great opportunities and fun contest!
Thank you for the extra chance to win!
~Charis
Love these scavenger hunts and thanks for the tips! I eventually did decide on indie publishing, but only after I researched for a year, wrote three more books, and researched it for yet another year until I was absolutely positive it was the route I wanted to go and one I could do well.
Rosanna, I think we have a mutual friend, Karlene. She gave me a script of your first book many years ago. I have yet to read your other books because I haven't found them in my library. Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt so that I may get to know you better! Michelle Crandall
I did post on FB, but don't know how to link you to it.
I did post on FB, but don't know how to link you to it.
Thanks for participating in the scavenger hunt. Its so much fun and I would love to read your book. Thanks for the chance.
marypopmom (at) yahoo (dot) com
Merry
Sounds like a great book!
This is fun.
Me too, Beth! (Obviously, right? LOL)
You have some great looking covers. Thanks for the chance to win, and I look forward to reading your novels.
Your book sounds like an intriguing romance. Thank you for the chance at winning A Soft Breath of wind!
This scavenger hunt has been so much fun! Love reading about and hearing of new authors.
I love the fact that there were two loops on the Hunt this time!!
This is SO much fun!!
I really enjoy the scavenger hunt. Your books sound great. I especially like biblical fiction.
Sounds like a good book. I like the cover.
I have enjoyed the scavenger hunts and hope you'll do more of them. Your books sound great. I am excited to some new authors to check out!
thanks the hunt is fun
tiramisu392 (at) yahoo.com
Great tips – what a good series of posts!
I love these scavenger hunts. Thank you for being part of it.
This was so much fun!! So many new authors to consider and a number of "old" favorites!
Loved this post! Can't wait to read A Soft Breath of Wind!
Thanks for the tips. I hope to be a published right someday.
Thanks, Joy! It's always such a pleasure to visit GTW. =)
I would love to be able to read A Soft Breath of Wind. It sounds like a really good book. 🙂
Enjoyed the scavenger hunt. Thanks.
I was so excited to see that you are part of this hunt, Roseanna!! I love your posts on Go Teen Writers and I'm looking forward to reading your latest work. 🙂 Thanks Lisa, for all of the wonderful tips! They are so encouraging and inspiring. Thank you both for writing and all that you do!
Thank you for being stop #17
Yep. That's me. The writer who has yet to be published. 😛 But I'm not even seeking publication yet. Still trying to get my story to the place it needs to be. Great, informative post.
Thanks for participating! Your books sound great!
VEry fun! 🙂
Scavenger hunt fun…thanks!
Fun! Thanks for being a part of the hunt!
Loving this scavenger hunt … added a lot of new names to my "to read" list!
We really appreciate your offering these scavenger hunts. Thank you!
I need to mow the yard but here I am doing a Scavenger Hunt!
Awesome scavenger hunt!
Fun contest, thank you!
I have read many of your books and loved them! Thank you. This hunt was a blast! Great tips for writers too!
I love this scavenger hunt! I am an aspiring writer, so I love these tips! Thank you!
Thanks for chance to win. I love scavenger hunts.
Thanks so much for the opportunity!
Thanks for the chance to win. I love the scavenger hunts!
I've never participated in this type of scavenger hunt before, and I'm loving it! So glad to have been "introduced" to your books through this!
What a great scavenger hunt – such fun learning about new books and finding new authors
Loved your interview Lisa! I am trying to write a story now! It is coming along slowly…
Great advice Lisa!
Thanks for the fun giveaway!
Thanks! I had to ponder long and hard about what to contribute to this amazingly huge hunt, so I was hoping that would be a fun topic. =)
Aw, thank you!! I really loved Gwyn and Thad's story too. So many different things I got to explore with that one. And hearing that you've read it multiple times just makes my day!! Thanks for stopping by!
Thanks, Kayla! I was sad to say goodbye to the Culpers . . . though also excited about the next stories, LOL. Always the way. =)
So much great information to be found on these Hunts. Thanks!
Love reading all the information you took the time to write! Thank you for all your hard work! These books look great!
I'm learning about many authors who are new to me whose books I need to search out and read.
Great scavenger hunt!!
"It's the most wonderful time of the year!" Seriously. I anticipate The Christian Fiction Scavenger Hunts!!! I found so many good books to add to my TBR pile!
Great tips; I enjoyed reading your post!
I am sad that I have almost completed Pink & Purple Hunt because it is just too much fun!!! I have had a lot of people tell me that I should write but so far the inspiration has just not been there…but I surely do enjoy a well written book more than just about anything in the world!!!
The scavenger hunt is a lot of fun! Thank you for all the great tips in writing. I use to do a lot of writing when I was younger. Since I've had kids, I haven't written anything in a long time. I still dream of writing a book and getting published, but now its seems so daunting. Your information is very helpful, still scary, though. 🙂
I loved this interview! Thank you so much for sharing and writing. Thank you for participating in this Scavenger Hunt and for the awesome giveaway! 🙂
this has been fun , thank you
I would love to win!
Thanks for hosting and for the advice about writing. It was really helpful!
TY for the chance.
Thanks for the Scavenger Hunt. I've found lots of new authors and books!
These Scavenger Hunts are so much fun! Thank you so much for participating – I look forward to discovering some new great authors!
I love that I find new authors and books to read and to add to my to-read list. 🙂
Mrs. White, I read (and loved!) Ring of Secrets. I'm looking forward to reading more of your books!
I love these hunts! They are so fun! I absolutely loved your spy series, by the way. 🙂
Facinating reads by all you great authors and interesting side stories you've shared. Appreciate the fun of a scavenger hunt, meeting new authors, chance to win prizes. Pray you receive many blessings on you and your work.
I look forward to reading your books!
Hi! I just absolutely LOVE your book, Whispers From the Shadows!! As an avid reader who enjoys almost everything she picks up, I usually cannot pin down a 'favorite' book, but from the very first page I fell in love with Gwyneth and Thad's story. I loved all of your books in the Circle of Spies series, but something in Whispers From the Shadows really stuck with me. After having finished your book multiple times, I have to say, it is absolutely my favorite. Ever. You are really blessed with the gift of storytelling and I cannot wait to read even more of your work.
This is my first time to do a scavenger hunt like this. I've really enjoyed it.
Nice to get the names of some new authors, Thank you
I loved reading what you wrote on Missy Tippens page!
Enjoyed doing the scavenger hunt, learning about all the different authors.. Thank You
Wow! All these authors are quite something! I now have a huge TBR list stacked up after this scavenger hunt!
With all the reading and effort put into this, surely I will win something! 🙂 Very interesting!
Great article – I will definitely put this advice into practice. Thanks for the giveaway!
Love the Scavenger hunts! I always find new authors to read!
Great hunt and wonderful opportunity to "meet the authors!"
Having a blast on the hunt!
Love these hunts!
This is super fun. Finding some new authors to add to my wishlist. =D
Great post. This has been so much fun getting to know the different authors. Thanks so much!
Thank you for the introduction to your books! Adding them to my books to read.
This is so much fun!
I LOVE scavenger hunts! 😉
Love your books!
This scavenger hunt is so fun! I love finding new authors!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and experience. And keep the books coming!
Always fun!! And there are no questions, just a scatterbrained host. 😉 Your comment is good!
I'd forgotten to delete something from an old Rafflecopter giveaway–but good to know! 😉
thanks for the chance to win
That would be because there weren't any, LOL. That was an oops on my part–just leaving a comment is enough!
My bad, that was a hold-over from an old giveaway that I didn't realize was still in Rafflecopter! Leaving a comment is enough. =)
Thanks for the chance to win. This scavenger hunt has been a lot of fun.
This is so much fun! Not only am I collecting clues, I'm also collecting authors to read! Yay!
What an amazing post–and thanks for participating in the hunt, and for the bonus giveaway. I'm missing the questions to answer though… 🙂
I love these scavenger hunts. I couldn't read the questions but I certainly love the opportunity to find new authors to try.
I did not see any questions to answer but if "what do you like in a Christmas novel" is indeed one of them then I will say, "Snow and MISTLETOE KISSES!" 🙂
I didn't see any questions to answer, but I LOVE this scavenger hunt and hanging out with a bunch of readers and authors for the day 🙂
Thank you for the giveaway and for participating in the scavenger hunt. I look forward to it every time for the chance to discover new authors. Your books look very intriguing and I have been wanting to read them for a while.
Thank you for the writing tips! 🙂
Oh, and what were the questions we were supposed to answer? I saw on the Twitter post, what do you like in a Christmas novel?
Well, I want that cozy feel, family heritage Christmas traditions, laughter, and perhaps a sweet kiss under the mistletoe? 😉
Wonderful, encouraging post by Lisa Tawn Bergren!! I love that she says, "There is ALWAYS room for a fresh, new voice. Tell the story on your heart. Write it and don’t stop." So encouraging!! 🙂
I'm in the process of independently-publishing my first book (novella) with the help and advice of lots of wonderful writers and readers. I'm SO excited about it!!! 🙂
Thanks and blessings!
Thanks for the scavenger hunt…what a great way to meet new authors!
This has been so much fun!!!
Hi from Deana ,
I am enjoying getting to know authors a little better. The bonus is , I am discovering new authors !
Great tips on becoming a writer!
Great tips and ideas. The questions you asked – what sticks out in my favorite books – ends up being humorous dialog. I love reading fun, snappy, quirky dialog that makes me laugh while reading.
I'm not a writer but I love to read. Loving all these new books to check out.
Thank you for the tips. I find that reading books in my genre helps me to improve my own writing skills. I am hopeful this year to be able to attend a conference.
I am an aspiring writer myself, and these tips are very helpful!
Thanks for giving us a chance to win new books!
I really hope I win! I just love the thought of holding new books in my hands. Even if I don't win, I'll definitely be checking out some of these authors, because boy have I been missing out!
This scavenger hunt is really exciting!