Meaty Fiction on the Plate

Below is a post I did for a wonderful book club blog called She Reads (a sister blog to Novel Matters). Each quarter, the She Reads book club will offer three current titles as featured selections. Readers have vast differences in taste and for this reason diverse genres and authors will be chosen.

Readers who join She Reads receive a number of benefits, including:

• Connection with other readers on the She Reads blog who are passionate about great fiction and uplifting stories.
• Information via the She Reads newsletter that will keep readers up to date on their favorite authors, and books, with a few surprises thrown in for fun.
• Reviews of newly released titles written by a variety of readers, writers, and industry professionals.
• Options to create a She Reads book club or bring an existing club under the She Reads umbrella.
• Relationships developed within the intimate setting of a regular book club meeting.
• Fun planned study guides with activities and interesting facts developed specifically for the She Reads book club.
• Online Community for those who can’t participate in a monthly meeting (or don’t live near an existing club), via the She Reads blog and Facebook group.
• Pre-selected novels they can trust and appreciate is an important aspect in today’s economy where every buying decision requires a second thought.
• Access to authors they love through print interviews, meet and greets, conference calls, etc. Each selected author will participate in two conference calls with the first 100 guests (per call) who sign up. This will be a free service and a chance for readers to have their questions answered by the authors themselves!
• Free books from time to time via contests, giveaways, and publisher promotions.

Meaty Fiction on the Plate

Is fiction an entertaining commodity meant only to be consumed? Or is that too narrow a view of the purpose and value of fiction? If the only function of fiction is to entertain – to be consumed as escape and distraction, then it barely matters what we read. Toss any ol’ story down the gullet of the eyes to fill the gnawing hole of wordy hunger.

But what if fiction has a role in shaping the nature of how we understand culture, both individually and corporately (us, and everyone around us)?

There are novels designed to function solely as entertainment, of course. I have no quibble with these fluffy novels. Sometimes one simply wants a bit of mindless escapism as a way of taking a break. This is a healthy practice in moderation. Too many fluffy books, however, is akin to grocery shopping at the candy counter – a very bad idea indeed.

It’s about here in this discussion where I find at least one well-meaning person who plays the snob card. The snob card argument goes something like this: You (meaning me) are a literary snob. What is fluffy reading to one person is life changing to another.

I doubt this very much. Is one man’s shallow pool another man’s swimming hole? I don’t think it is difficult for anyone to recognize a fluffy novel. And I think we all understand its purpose– fun fluff. And I am no snob. Remember, I’m not against fluffy books. Rather, I am for making rich, meaty books our regular literary diet, and putting fluffy books in their rightful place in our lives: on the dessert cart.

The next time you go looking for a novel to read, ask yourself if what you’re choosing is cotton candy, or meaty stew. If it’s fluff, promise yourself to pick up a meaty novel next time – and the time after that, and the time after that.

A quick checklist of questions to ask yourself when choosing between fluff and substance novels –

Will reading this novel accomplish one or more of the following:

• Challenge my current worldview
• Help me understand another culture or subculture
• Build empathy in me
• Help me understand a critical point in history either at home or abroad
• Explain the values of others
• Cause me to engage in art
• Point to a coming change or shift in my culture
• Explore the richness of what it means to be human
• Cause me to ponder religious and ethical dichotomies
• Give voice to movements within cultures that I do not currently know about or understand

This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s a good starting point for us as readers. In 2011, challenge yourself to read meaty books. And keep a fluffy book by the bedside for a late night snack.

I bid you good reading.

Christmas List!

Ooooo, here we go! Bonnie's cozy up on the couch, put another log on the fire snuggle up to THIS book Christmas list!

I've said this in interviews before, and it's true; my favorite book is the one I'm reading at the time. And since I've been writing I've met so many "new-to-me" authors I feel as if I'm racing to catch up on years of reading. But, it's Christmas and Christmas is the season of lists.

I will, however, insist this list is in no particular order - it's a list, not a countdown.

Books on my giving list:

Cold Sassy Tree by Olive Ann Burns - Books don't get better than this one. A memoir like no other, beautiful, funny.

The Poisonwood Bible by Barbara Kingsolver - Asks questions we all need to think about, and does it in rich prose you'll want to read over and over again.

Good Poems for Bad Times - Garrison Keillor (compiled and introduced by) - Poetry for all of us who thought we didn't like poetry. Best when read aloud.

Spunk and Bite: A Writer's Guide to Bold, Contemporary Style by Arthur Plotnik - for all my friends who want to learn to write. Simply the most fun you'll have learning about the English language.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel - I love this book, I love the questions he asks and the conversation we have as we journey with Pi into his heart, and my own, and emerge quivering. And the prose is painfully great.

The Penguin Book of Canadian Short Stories - selected and introduced by Jane Urquhart. I mentioned this book in my last post and I'm knee deep into it now. I'm a little bit in love and in awe at the artistry found here. Perhaps the best collection of its kind. Aching and real. I love it.

The Shape of Mercy by Susan Meissner - Publishers Weekly called it a book of the year, and I agree because of its central question that lingers after you've finished the book. The question itself is worth reading the book to discover.

Of course you know I'm co-blogging with six other authors on Novel Matters starting January 5, 09. I've read at least one book from each of these ladies (save one, Jennifer Valent who's book, Fireflies in December has not yet hit the shelves, but DID earn a starred review in Publisher's Weekly - congrats!). Each of these ladies is on my giving list as well.

Lying on Sunday by Sharon K. Souza
The Feast of Saint Bertie by Kathleen Popa
The Queen of Sleepy Eye by Patti Hill
Tuesday Night at the Blue Moon by Debbie Fuller Thomas
Latter Day Cipher by Latayne C. Scott

Probably next Christmas I'll just give out one book......heh heh.....a lovely story about a woman who hears the voice of her dead husband....heh heh.

The books I've chosen are ones that haunt me in a sense. Or ones I believe will, in time. As for the many "new-to-me" authors and books I'm discovering, I'll be able to give you a list of favorites next Christmas. I'm taking my time and savoring each bite.

I bid you good writing.

Welcome Guest Blogger - Craig Harms. Fact in Fiction

Research. It's foundational to writing. Fiction is no different. Within the pages of completely made up stories you will find all sorts of fact. Truth tangled in the nets of fantasy, science in among the fiction, procedure tossed in with the pretend. Author Craig harms is here to chat with us about the importance of doing your homework before you craft your fiction.

Craig Harms received his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University Of Nebraska School of Journalism and his Master of Science degree in Instructional Design from Western Illinois University.
His career choices have included advertising, research analysis at NBC television network, acting, radio announcing, and writing for a New York, NY art gallery. He is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Grace Marketing groups.
Craig lives in Dallas City, Il with his wife Sue, their dogs, cats, and a flock of very lively parrots.

Learn more at: www.dayomega.com

Fact in Fiction

I’m convinced there’s no such thing as pure fiction; even though the story and characters are drawn from the writer’s imagination, there must be at least a kernel of truth to make the story believable to the reader. This can only be achieved by adding a certain amount of facts to the written equation. Facts can be found through research. Research can open new doors as the work in progress develops and provides an authenticity to the story in several relevant ways:
Research provides local color. As the writer decides where the setting will take place, s/he should research the location, or even better, visit it in person. This helps provide a feel for its inhabitants, what they think, how they dress, their dialect; the layout of the area, its streets, businesses, and uniqueness; the landscape, climate, plant and animal life. Credibility flies out the window when the facts don’t mesh with the storyline, even if it is in the realm of make-believe. The locales in my novel Day Omega include Chicago, Israel, and Vatican City. Including even small tidbits of real information—the Picasso sculpture in front of the Richard J. Daley Center, the terrain and agriculture in the Plains of Esdraelon, the frescoes inside the Sistine Chapel—helped, I hope, paints an authentic picture in the reader’s mind’s eye.

Research can propel the writer into unexpected new directions. It’s not uncommon for novelists to find themselves at a literary dead-end street with nowhere else to go. Research can open new avenues in which to explore. Again, using Day Omega as an example, a global heat wave has destroyed all the world’s livestock, grains, fruits, and vegetables. The question I had was, “how can I keep the citizens from starving to death if they have no sustenance?” I stumbled upon a solution through research.

One of the seven bowls of wrath unleashed as predicted in the Revelation is that all bodies of water are turned to blood. By keying the words “what can turn water red?” into a search engine box, the solution became evident. Intense warm sunlight causes an explosion of red algae, which depletes oxygen content, and suffocates all living organisms in a liquid environment. Yet, it can provide nourishment, as the Japanese discovered three hundred years ago. Through research, I learned that they harvested the algae, dried it out, and called the substance nori, which was probably pretty tasteless, but very high in protein content. Finding this information helped further the story in three ways: it kept the antagonists alive until the final judgment, provided a believable interpretation for the waters turning to blood, and when the world army invades Israel for the final battle, they are given MRE’s of pressed nori stamped with a Christian cross to remind them daily of the enemy they are sent out to vanquish.

Research provides a frame of reference for the tale being told, a condition described in one dictionary as “a set of ideas, conditions, or assumptions that determine how something will be approached, perceived, or understood.” My published novel and my current WIP both deal with many complex scientific principles and terms that are critical to advancing the story, but these ideas and conditions were quite unknown to me before I began writing. Therefore, it was important that I research them, and then synthesize the information into palpable language. After this was accomplished, I could then use the frames of reference in my writing. For example, in my book, Jesus appears to everyone in a shimmering glowing figure. The optics expert dismisses the visitation as a trick of light and describes it in scientific terms; the agronomist suggests it was mass hallucinations caused by ergot—a fungus that infects grain and has a hallucinogenic effect. Experts in other fields provided rational explanations for the supernatural events that were occurring. The point is, having points of references can assist the writer greatly in approaching a subject, and then creating the arc of how it is perceived or understood.

Lastly, I don’t want to come across as self-serving, but research can make the writer seem more intelligent that they actually might be, as mentioned above! One reviewer wrote about Day Omega: “In his debut novel, Mr. Harms created a very believable interpretation of the end times of our world. His Biblical, scientific, and historical knowledge blend together into a story rich with strong characters and Christian hope”. Trust me, the biblical, scientific, and historical knowledge mentioned did not come from pre-existing knowledge, but through research, research, research. I found historical facts that were congruent with sections of the story I was creating at the time, i.e.: the Treaty of Milan (313), Hitler’s Enabling Act (1933), the structure of the United Nations. All came into play as the plots developed.

It should be noted that research doesn’t necessary require a trip to the local library or surfing the Internet. The writer should be focused enough on the project that s/he is constantly observant of sources that may help them add a depth of realism to their works in progress. It helps to keep a notebook where one can scribble down ideas that might come in handy down the writing road. Clip magazine and newspaper articles that seem apropos to your subject, perhaps you can plug the information they contain into an upcoming section, again injecting needed realism into the manuscript. Visit museums if your story is a historical piece. Research can also include studying—not just casually watching—movies and television programs. Pay close attention to plots, pacing, and character development and their emotional reactions.
I truly believe that the more resources and research a writer utilizes, the easier it is for them to write—and write better, believable fiction.

*****

How you research can be as important as what you research. I've seen writers asking other writers for inside information everything from legal procedures, to sea captaining. All well and fine, talking to colleagues can be an important first step in research, but for the hard cold facts, we must go to the source, and once there, we must take our time. Get it right! Readers can spot bad research a mile away.

I hope you're inspired to crack open some books, talk to an expert, or visit a library this week to add authentic fact to your fab fiction.

I bid you good writing.

Highlighting M.D. Meyer

Welcome M.D. (Dorene) Meyer to the blog. I met Dorene through The Word Guild

We are both contributing authors to the anthology Hot Apple Cider an anthology from That's Life! Communications.

I know the saying "you can't judge a book by its cover", but I think the cover of this book makes you want to pick it up and buy it! This is a truly Canadian highlight as you'll see. My thanks to Dorene for this up-close look at her work, and art. Grab a tea and cozy in for a good read.

Deep Waters by M. D. Meyer
Genre: Adult fiction

Set in the fictional Ojibway community of Rabbit Lake, Deep Waters will transport you into Canada’s far north for a compelling story of enduring love and sustaining faith.

Why I write in this genre?
I believe that, through the vehicle of fiction, we can have a non-threatening, non-judgmental discussion about some of the more difficult issues in life. Of course, to do this, a good (totally awesome!) story must never be sacrificed. As authors it is our duty – and privilege – to provide a well-written, entertaining and in every other way, thoroughly enjoyable book for our readers.

Links to website:
http://www.dorenemeyer.com/
Autographed copies available from: dorene@dorenemeyer.com
Purchase book online from: http://www.mcnallyrobinson.com/
Also distributor: http://www.peanutbutterpress.biz/

Synopsis of Story:

There is no them and us. There is only us.

In Deep Waters, award-winning novelist, Dorene Meyer takes you on a journey into a First Nations community. This fast-paced contemporary fiction challenges the myth perpetuated by the church that some sins are greater in God’s eyes than others.

“Just another drunk Indian.” Sarah, a young nursing student, hears the words and is troubled by them but remains silent. The patient is indeed drunk but that is not why she is unconscious and that is not why she dies.

Sarah thinks it is her birth mother who has died but it is actually her aunt. The story revolves around her true birth mother, Gracie, an alcoholic, and Sarah’s fiancée, Colin, who also struggles with alcohol addiction. Sarah finds forgiveness in her heart for both her mother and Colin as she understands the deeper issues that have caused their addiction.

Endorsement by Shirley Frisbee:

Dorene Meyer’s book may be fictional in the sense that it was not written about specific people, or did not take place in a real town or reservation, but it is real and true of the events that happen in the everyday lives of Native American people. It is evident that the author has lived in and around Native lands and people, and understands their lives and challenges.

The story has surprises, laughter and tears. It is stimulating and moves along at an even and consistent pace, making you wonder what will come next. I was sad when I finished the book, because I felt like I knew the characters. I yearned to step into the book and continue to find out what happened in the lives of the people, and to experience relationship with them.

The story demonstrates how precious and valuable it is to have a strong support system, and to have people in our lives who love us unconditionally. The friendship between the main characters in the story know no color, race or barriers. People with such differences kept hanging in there and being there for each other, and people with life-controlling issues fought their way to victory.

The love of Colin and Sarah goes to show how love waited for can grow into something beautiful that can last a lifetime. It is the kind of love God wants us all to have for each other, but it is rare and difficult to achieve. Although the book is not laden with a lot of references to Christianity, there is no doubt that it is the power of God behind the strength of the story’s characters to overcome their obstacles and hold them in relationship with each other.

I don’t usually read fiction, but this book was so good that it changed my mind about fiction. I would read all books written by this author.

Shirley M. Frisbee, M.A.T., B.S.
Eastern Band of Cherokee (Tsalagi)
Founder and President of Native Heart Community Development Association
Author of four wellbriety books in the Native Turning Point series, and A Holistic Guide for Developing Core Competencies: Working with Native Americans Struggling with Substance Abuse

Biography of M.D. Meyer:

Spent the first 4 years of my life in First Nations (Native American) community. After parents separated, my mother was foster and adoptive parent to numerous First Nations children. This is likely the reason why many (but not all) of the characters in my books are First Nations even though I am of European descent.
I write about the things that I care deeply about, but never sacrifice a “good read” for the sake of my passion. The books I write are meant to be read and enjoyed primarily – and only secondarily, perhaps, stimulate the reader to consider thoughts or ideas they would not otherwise encounter.

The award-winning author of Colin’s Choice, Get Lost! and Deep Waters. Also editor of four anthologies: Prairie Writers Volume 1, 2, 3 and The Voice Behind the Mask and author of numerous articles. Has been the editor of a newspaper, written a play on a work-for-hire basis and won a national writing contest with a poetry-prose entitled: “Writing with Passion and Integrity.”
Using this wide range of writing experiences, Ms. Meyer mentors, edits and teaches writing classes, giving practical help and encouragement to novice and aspiring authors. Dorene Meyer is a professional member of The Word Guild, the Manitoba Writers’ Guild and also sits on the board of the Manitoba Writer’s Guild.
Ms. Meyer has personal familiarity with Native American culture and with the topics about which she writes. Currently, Dorene Meyer is residing in Norway House, Manitoba.

Significant moment when writing book:
My father died while I was writing this book. Having grown up without my dad, there was a double grief when he passed away. I think somehow I had still harbored the dream that we would have a close relationship. Now I know that will only happen when we both see Jesus. Grieving for my father enabled me to enter into the emotions of Joshua, a central character in the book, as his father dies. Deep Waters is dedicated to the memory of my father, The Reverend Canon G. C. Daley.
The hurting is ended. The healing has begun.

Seven Authors Confirmed

I have seven authors lined up, and at least six more who are currently working on their submission to this blog.

I'm excited to be able to play host to these talented Canadian authors. Their books range from children's to adult fiction. Picture books, to fictionalized biography.
And that's just the beginning.

I was amazed how many US writers responded to the call, and so I've decided to allow some exceptions. It's so great to be introduced to a new author, no matter where he or she is from.

Many of these US authors have strong Canadian ties, also, that they are happy to share with you in this up close look at the art and the artist.

Some of the authors are new to the publishing scene. Others are old pros. Each has a great story behind the story to share with you.

I'm finalizing the format I want to use for this exciting event, and the author highlight will begin on Monday, Feb 11 (my daughter's 5th birthday!), 2008.

I hope you're as excited as I am. Each day I hear from three or four more authors who are excited to share their work with you in this fun and intimate format.

Peace!

Everything Changes - Even Readers

I was browsing a large bookshop in Saskatoon and nearly tripped over a table pushing a debut novel called Notes on the Refrigerator Door by Alice Kuipers (a fellow ‘Toontown dweller). I flipped through and discovered the entire book is a collection of short (even weensy) notes between a teenage girl and her mother. I thought – perfect bathroom reading.

I checked at the cash register. “How’s this one been selling?” The answer was the proverbial ‘hot cakes’ one.

While I don’t think it should be said the novel is being re-invented, I do see it is evolving (or de-evolving depending on your point of view) into something even Yann Martel hadn’t expected. It’s the dawning of the hyper-novel. Devoid of setting, descriptive, and, to a large extent, context, these hyper-novels take time to explore only the essentials. They get to the story and they drive it home fast.

And they sell just as fast. Why?

Because the hyper-novel didn’t just invent itself. It has come about in reaction to the changing demands of the reader.

Some say that the world is an increasingly busy place and busy people aren’t as inclined to take the time to read like they used to. I suppose so, but I think that is only part of the picture. The larger chunk – the one that commands most of the attention is the internet.

Today’s book buyer is not just an internet user; she is internet savvy. She is adept at creating universes in her imagination in milliseconds. She shops online, mentally creating a pleasant store environment where she can browse, buy, and leave with ease. When she requires information she can query international resources within seconds, tracking and comparing answers until she finds what she needs. She chats online with friends and strangers, interacting in space and time without benefit of an actual meeting place. She simply creates the environment in her head and then mentally and emotionally moves around in it.

She doesn’t need help creating the world in which characters can meet, interact, and live out a story line. She can do that herself. Just give her the essence and she will run with it.
Writers are responding to the shift. We hear the drum beat in the jungle pounding out the command: Get to the action! We stop –mid sentence – writing the glorious details of the country garden in which we have place our characters and go in search of short, pithy, pointed descriptions that give the reader the feel of a country garden without clonking the reader over the head with the red, red roses.

We search our brains for what Spunk & Bite author Arthur Plotnik calls the ‘megaphore’. That one-of-a-kind kapow metaphor that sums up (in as few scant words as possible) the universe of which we write. While Virginia Woolf fans weep, and D.S. Lawrence spins in his grave, we, the writers, slice off descriptive. We, as they say in the movies, ‘cut to the chase’. We do so, not because it’s the best way (is it?), but because, if we have hope of being published, it’s what we must do.

There are limits, of course. If your hero needs to dismantle a bomb –timer counting down – you can hardly have him fiddle with some wires and Ga-Zonk! Save the day. Still, it’s enough to know your hero is travelling on a speeding train that’s set to go up like a fireworks factory; the reader doesn’t want you to tell her what color the train is.

The affect of the internet on readership cannot be underestimated. Spend time online, and as you do, think like a writer. Catalogue your experience regarding your ability to create an environment in which you move through cyber-space. Notice how intuitive it is. Examine the few clues you need in order to fully understand and navigate through what is, essentially, a make believe place. And keep this information in mind when you sit down to write.