Friday, April 12, 2013

A KILLER in the Midst? + Celebrate the Small Things


Since elementary school, I've had an imagination that at times took on a dark, psychological edge. Those types of movies and books do put a smile on my face. I'm not talking about just gore or horror, but something with characters that are deep and menacing, yet something more, and who have an interesting history and reason behind their way of life.

So, it was no surprise to me that my first novel had to deal with a serial killer. But as I began to live in line with my faith, I wanted to make sure there was even more to evil than just evil itself. That's when the Christian theme of my first book really began to develop. 

I've never been one to think that God wants everyone to write the same "happy Christian" books, because then so much of life would not be represented. Whatever topic I choose to write about, I want at least one of the characters to give life to their daily relationship with God. 

My sequel to Anticipation to the Penitent is called Anticipating Dawn, and is much, much different than the first. So far, there is no killing. It's about a relative of the serial killer in my first book who attempts to give the families of the killer's victims some peace, but instead causes great distress. There's also a subplot about the relative's best friend who is a gay Christian. 

Now, I'm starting to wish that maybe there could be a KILLER in the midst of the story. I had never considered it before, but I think I'm kind of seeing it as a puzzle to try and fit into the story. It would change the dynamic of the book in some sinister and sneaky way. 

I think I like that idea. :]

For VikLit's Celebrate the Small Things, there is much about this past week to celebrate:

1. A great work week that allowed me to enjoy the wonderful weather.

2. For the first time, I was voted having the best "Table Discussion" speech in my Toast Master's International group. Table Discussions are impromptu 1-2 minute speeches given from questions provided by the Toast Master.

3. I submitted my application for a promotion at work. Who knows what will come of it, but I'm glad I got the application in, and have a panel interview on the 23rd. (I accept prayers and well wishers!)

4. The success and enjoyment of the A-Z Challenge.

5. And the success and enjoyment of my Most Amazing Giveaway. All gifts have been awarded!

Don't forget to celebrate the small things!

23 comments:

  1. Well done for submitting that promotion application. Much like the submission process - you gotta be in to win! Sending positive thoughts and fingers crossed for you. Thanks for the giveaway. It was one of the things I celebrated this week! Have a good weekend, Nancy :)

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    1. Thanks Suzanne. Positivity and confidence are big, but also to be prepared. I've got to have answers to some difficult questions that will be asked. Thus, I need to carve out some time to do so. Maybe that'll be one of my posts. :)

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  2. You're a Toastmaster? Wow! Fingers crossed for your promotion.

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    1. I haven't joined yet, but I've been going to meetings. I'll join closer to the end of the month, cause now I definitely don't have time to prepare speeches!

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  3. Toastmasters is a great way to learn to speak in public.

    I remember talking to the owner of a Christian book store who said Christian fiction should never have immoral stuff in it. My YA series has strong Christian themes and in one book the characters get saved. But because of some of the things they'd done wrong before that moment, the owner said it was unfit for the genre. Funny, most Christians I know screwed up a lot in life before getting saved. I'm glad your book doesn't just focus on the happy good stuff. Real life isn't like that.

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    1. Yeah, people have more opinions than is necessary. It's sad when they push their own agendas and unproven beliefs on others. By unproven, I mean something that's not expressed in the Bible.

      The thing is it is hard to get Christian speculative out there, even if it is a growing genre. Many literary agents are just now starting to hear about it, so you know when I was sending out queries, many were clueless at how to handle it.

      And, yes, if you stick to only proselytizing, so many people will stay away and not be introduced to Christianity. More non-Christians may open up some when they're introduced to such strange and not so typical Christian books. Thank goodness Jesus didn't feel the way the bookstore owner did, because we'd all still be lost!

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  4. Excellent things to celebrate all of them.
    If the killer idea excites you, I say you go for it. I think one of the most important factors to write a book is writing about things that trigger your creativity. And I second Diane's opinion. Besides if you are telling a story about a doctor, you have to speak about diseases. Who goes to see the doctor when healthy? So who comes to God when in total happiness? Isn't it those in deeper darkness the ones who need Him the most? Just my two cents.

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    1. Absolutely as I believe, Al. As I said to Diane, we'd all be lost if Jesus' heart wasn't to save the worst of the sinners. Sometimes, they are much easier to save than those who are along the lines of the bookstore owner.

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  5. Anticipating Dawn sounds very interesting and deep! I think having dark themes in books helps bring goodness and faith a little more to light. I'm not a Christian writer so perhaps I'm not the best to comment on this but in general I say go with your guts :D

    I wish you the best of luck with the promotion!

    Also, thank you so much for your notes on my blurb. Really appreciate it :)

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    1. Often times you can't enjoy the ying until you've experienced the yang. (or vice versa, whichever is good/bad.) In other words, I agree with you!

      You are welcome for the notes. I hope it helped some. Writing pitches is one of those horrible experiences that seem like it should be so easy. It would have benefitted me to take a semester-long class on writing them!

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  6. I still like dark stories and books. Glad you have stuff to celebrate.

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    1. Me too Sheena! But I like them especially when someone has overcome some sort of adversity despite all of that darkness.

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  7. OOOH good luck with the promotion!!

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  8. Oh wow, best of luck with the promotion! You've definitely had a lot to celebrate this week. :)

    And I like sneaky and sinister so that sounds awesome for your upcoming book. :D

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    1. Yes, sneaky and sinister, if done right, can be so devastatingly beautiful.

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  9. Good luck with your new novel. I didn't realise you were in the middle of one. I have one which is partway finished but I haven't actually completed it yet LOL I'll be interested in seeing if you add a murder or two into the mix before it's finished :)

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  10. Nancy, your next book sounds very interesting and I wish you the best.

    I'll also be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers regarding your promotion :)

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  11. The novel sounds amazing! I downloaded the first one to my Kindle, and will begin reading it next week. And congrats on your five points of happiness! :)

    #atozchallenge, Kristen's blog: kristenhead.blogspot.com

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  12. If the idea came to u then it must need to be written. Good luck!

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