Did you travel anywhere for Christmas? My husband and I always plot new story ideas or on my current series when we are traveling. We go back and forth to St. Jude every week for my son’s treatment, so we are always in the car for hours. This time, we were going to my parent’s house for Christmas, but we still plotted. Now there are presents to put away, editing/writing to do, but it’s also Wisdom Wednesday.
Today we have author Heather Greer with us. Thanks for joining us today, Heather!
Name: Heather Greer
Genre: Contemporary Christian Romance
Upcoming Release: Grasping Hope (available in March)
Current Release: Faith’s Journey
Writing Tip for Authors:
I’m not one who plots extensively or usually at all. Every time I went to writer’s conferences I heard about how I needed to plot out every detail and develop my characters completely before I even started writing. It was discouraging because I don’t naturally write that way. I went to a conference and my favorite author admitted to the group that she doesn’t plot either. She encouraged us to write in the way that works for us. That was so freeing for me. For the first time, I felt confident that I could be a good writer writing in the way that way that worked for me.
I love that you brought this up because when I first started writing, I didn’t have a single idea planned except for the main plot of the story. I found out that I was waiting for inspiration to hit to continue writing, which never worked. Now, I plan all of my major points of the story, but let the characters surprise me along the way. Experiment until you find what works for you, and then do it!
Always be willing to learn and grow. Even without industry changes, there are always areas where we need to improve and implement new techniques in our writing. Don’t wait until you’ve learned it all to start writing or you’ll never do it.
While we wait for Heather’s cover to be ready for her upcoming release, here’s a little more information about Grasping Hope.
When dreams turn to nightmares what’s left to hold onto?
Katie McGowan knows her fears are irrational. They’re also beyond her control. Her mind says her fiancé is faithful, but the betrayal of her past love ignites a fear stronger than her trust. Attempts to overcome it are unsuccessful. Nothing banishes her panic attacks for good. Dreading Austin’s response if he finds out about her struggle to trust, Katie hides the truth nearly destroying their relationship.
It takes a lesson in hope to start healing. Katie is released from the nightmare holding her captive to enjoy the blessings God has given. But when tragedies change her life forever, Katie’s understanding of hope is challenged. Unresolved anger and disappointment leave Katie doubting the sincerity of her beliefs. Desperate to prove her faith and minimize her failure as a believer, Katie buries her feelings beneath all the right words.
When she’s faced with losing everything, will Katie abandon her hope or cling to the lifeline God has given?
Heather Greer is a pastor’s wife with a passion for encouraging and challenging women in the body of Christ to grow in faith. In addition to participating in women’s ministry, Heather enjoys directing a week-long youth camp for teenagers each summer. When she’s not busy writing, Heather enjoys reading and baking. And though her nest is nearing the empty stage, she loves spending time with her husband, four kids, and grandson in her hometown of Carbondale, Illinois.
Contact Info/Social Media Links:
Website: https://heathergreer.com/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Heather_Greer1
Pinterest: http://pinterest.com/1heathergreer/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/1heather.greer/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHeatherGreer/
Thank you for joining us for Wisdom Wednesday. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and a blessed New Year. Before we go, how do you plot? Are you a planner or a panster? Maybe a little bit of both? Let us know in the comment section.
Thank you for having me Erin!
You’re very welcome, Heather. I enjoyed having you on the blog!