I've never gone on at length about writing. I'm not a teacher, for one thing. But, also, so much about the act of writing seems so basic that I don't want to insult anyone by harping on it.
But recently, I had the eye-opening experience of reviewing excerpts of first novels from aspiring writers for Amazon's annual contest. For the assignment, I read 40 excerpts of about 10 pages each, everything from mystery to science fiction to general literature.
For each excerpt, I answered three questions about the strengths and weaknesses of the manuscript and my overall impression of it. Then, I was asked to rate for prose style, originality and interest level, among other criteria.
After reading my 40 excerpts, I have come to see the wisdom of continuing to repeat the basic advice that aspiring writers need to hear. Here is my take on the basics of writing:
1. Write about what you know. Don't write about urban gang life if you've never set foot in a city. If you know nothing about the FBI, don't write a thriller based on its inner workings.
2. Know the English language. Proper use of spelling, grammar, punctuation and usage is essential. Many writers apparently think it's not. Editors are not your moms -- they aren't going to clean up after you.
3. Read your writing out loud. Not only will you catch mistakes, you'll also improve the flow of your narrative and the strength of your dialog.
4. Life is people. Some stories were so plot driven that characters were stick people, pawns in the writers' hands. People are fascinating -- explore them!
5. Get your head out of the video games. Most of the writing lacked depth. The effects of cartoons, video games, and jittery animation were painfully evident. Writers tossed off pop references, one-liners and snarky asides to stand in for any real scene-setting or character examination.
6. Be an original. Most literary themes are as old as the hills. You can breathe life into them, but your take has to be fresh.
Writers, I urge you to take note of any and all advice you receive. Mastering the basics is essential. And good luck with next year's contest!
Nancy B. Kennedy
Praise for Miracles & Moments of Grace"This book is filled with women who are heroes in the lives of others. Mothers experience undeniable miracles that bring them to the pinnacle of hope and happiness. Even in the struggles of motherhood, our lives are touched by miracles and grace."
—Colleen Swindoll-Thompson, author, speaker and director of special needs ministries for Insight for Living "Miracles & Moments of Grace is an absolute treasure of wisdom. The beautiful voices that speak from the pages of this book remind us that there is meaning, purpose and joy in motherhood. This is a lovely book I would recommend to new moms, seasoned moms, moms-to-be, or anyone who wants to feel the majesty and grace of family life." —April Perry, co-founder of The Power of Moms website, and co-author of Deliberate Motherhood "Miracles & Moments of Grace pulls you in from the very first page, as Nancy shares moving stories from real-life moms who were able to see God's hand in their lives through the sweet, memorable moments and the tender, heartbreaking moments. For anyone who has embarked on the journey of the high calling of motherhood, this book will touch your heart." —Tracie Miles, writer and speaker for Proverbs 31 Ministries and author of Stressed-Less Living "Nancy Kennedy has done a beautiful job collecting stories of hope, love, hardship, joy, worry... or as we could simply say, motherhood."
—Mary Jenkins, The Power of Moms Miracles & Moments of Grace: Inspiring Stories from Moms
 Praise for Miracles & Moments of GraceThis book looks beyond immediate medical needs to the spiritual care given by top doctors. It is a fresh revelation of the personal lives of doctors who have faith; a glimpse into their private world and the amazing God they choose to trust.
—David Levy, MD, neurosurgeon and author of Gray Matter: A neurosurgeon discovers the power of prayer...one patient at a time. I believe that every doctor has at least one gripping story to tell. In this book, Nancy Kennedy chronicles dozens of these stories. Get ready to smile, to weep, and to praise God. —Robert Orr, MD, CM, senior fellow with The Center for Bioethics & Human Dignity and author of Medical Ethics and the Faith Factor These stories of doctors’ tender encounters with anxious and fearful patients shed light on the immense privilege of the doctor-patient relationship. After sharing in the experiences of these inspiring and faith-filled physicians, your doctor’s exam room will never seem a cold place again. —Walt Larimore, MD, medical director for Mission Medical Clinic and best-selling author of Bryson City Tales and Hazel Creek Praise for Miracles & Moments of GraceBravo-Zulu!
--Mission Capodanno From Iqbal, the boy who lived through the southeast Asian tsunami aboard a Navy hospital ship, to the barracks in Lebanon where 241 Marines were killed in a 1983 suicide bombing to the World Trade Center and Pentagon on September 11, 2001, Kennedy relates 50 stories, recounted with humor and tenderness. -- Publishers Weekly These candid accounts of remarkable luck and bloody catastrophe from dozens of noncombatant military men and women are moving and painful to read. Their stories have the brevity and terse eloquence of real and lived experience. -- Library Journal This remarkable collection of first-person stories clearly shows the extent of God's love for us. God has protected, healed, provided strength, and shown his love through miracles. This book is a must read for anyone looking for the real source of strength and truth in life! -- Lt. Gen. Paul K. Carlton Jr., USAF, Retired; Professor of Surgery, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Surgeon General of the Air Force (1999-2002) Chaplains serve as a reminder of the holy, a bridge to the magnificent Holy Presence that defeats the horrors of war. These amazing stories reveal the drama of human tragedy magnified in military service and the ever-present, redeeming God in the midst of it all. -- Chaplain Maj. Gen. Lorraine K. Potter, USAF, Retired; Chief of the Air Force Chaplain Service (2001-2004) I encourage those who care about soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines to read this profoundly stirring book. Ms. Kennedy has done a masterful job of weaving together these fascinating stories. I am reminded that God is present in unexpected ways in so many places. -- Chaplain Col. Edward T. Brogan, USAF, Retired; Director of the Presbyterian Council for Chaplains and Military Personnel My Books in the MediaChicken Soup TitlesArchives
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