Along Came A Writer

My guest today is Medical Suspense Author, Dr. Richard Mabry: I'm a retired physician who, in addition to writing, is a husband and grandfather, plays (and enjoys) golf, and does the hundred-and-one other things that retired people do. I got into non-medical writing after the death of my first wife with my book, THE TENDER SCAR: LIFE AFTER THE DEATH OF A SPOUSE. I'm gratified that it continues to help those who have lost a loved one. Now I'm writing what I call "medical suspense with heart." My novels have been finalists for the ACFW Carol Award, Romantic Times' Best Inspirational Novel and their Reviewer's Choice Award, have won the Selah award, and been named by Christian Retailing as the best in the mystery/suspense/thriller category. My latest novel is CARDIAC EVENT, which has been given a 4 1/2 star rating and a "Top Pick" by Romantic Times. I've also published three novellas, the latest one DOCTOR'S DILEMMA.

The story is the thing! Right? Well, yes ... and no. A great joke isn't so great if the telling is spoiled or the timing of the punchline is off. The same is true of a great story. The premise can be golden, but if the writing utilizes old-fashioned practices, cliche' phrases or situations, or has poor grammar, an agent or editor will not likely choose to pursue the book and a reader will not likely continue past the first page.  Writing is a changing occupation. What worked for the classics and the "modern" novels of the 70s and 80s simply doesn't work for today's genre novels. Tune in to learn keys to bringing your golden premise into the 21st-century publishing environment and learn what types of writing are plain indicators that a story, or the author, just isn't ready for a contract.  Better yet, learn how to avoid those pitfalls so that your story rises to the top of the slushy waters of the pile!

Elizabeth Goddard is the bestselling, award-winning author of more than twenty-five romance novels and counting, including the romantic mystery, THE CAMERA NEVER LIES–a 2011 Carol Award winner. She’s a double finalist in the 2016 Daphne Du Maurier Award for Excellence in Mystery/Suspense for her books BURIED and BACKFIRE in the Mountain Cove series. A 7th generation Texan, Elizabeth graduated from North Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and worked in high-level software sales for several years before retiring to home school her children and fulfill her dreams of writing full-time. She currently makes her home in Minnesota with her husband and children. Website: http://elizabethgoddard.com/contest/ FB: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethGoddardAuthor Twitter: https://twitter.com/bethgoddard Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/bethrachg/boards/

Lena Nelson Dooley will interview Miralee Ferrell about her books, her publishing company, and how her movie came about

The Writing Industry from the Other Side of the Desk While setting isn't a pertinent element of great fiction, it plays an important role in your novel. In fact, it can even become a pseudo-character for your book. Learn the tricks of establishing your setting without the old-fashioned practice of pagefuls of description.   

A dramatic radio script written by Lynne Gentry and Lena Nelson Dooley will be presented by Lena Nelson Dooley and Lynne Gentry with technical help from Linda Kozar.

Edged weapons expert Kirk McCune answers writers questions about blades.

This is the fourth segment of discussion on the key elements that all authors should include in their books. Tonight's topics are dialogue and conflict. Marji and Fay focus on issues that will help authors get their masterpieces prepped and polished to share with agents, editors, and readers. If you have questions for Marji or Fay, join the chat session during the episode or send an email to DownPublishingLaine@gmail.com

Trey Ganem has been designing unique, custom caskets for almost a quarter of a century in Edna, Texas. He's designed thousands of caskets since then, for adults and children, for sports stars, celebrities, and recently for victims of the tragedy in Sutherland Springs. He had just returned from delivering custom caskets to families of victims of the shootings in Las Vegas when this second tragedy occured. He immediately offered to donate free services and custom caskets to help the twenty-six bury their loved ones and help those families in the healing process. ABOUT: Trey Ganem, owner of Trey Ganem Designs, is adding life to the funeral world with his dream that started 24 years ago. While working as a hunting guide and providing taxidermy services out of the garage of his home in Victoria, Texas, Trey thought about his funeral. Not about who would be there or what they would say, but about what his casket would look like. He thought about that plain metal box and knew he wanted more. He imagined a casket c

Lena and Becky will chat about Becky's writing life, her books, and her Christy award banquet, among other things.

Angela Breidenbach, host of Historically Speaking, visits with Susan G. Mathis about how her own Irish family history inspired the love story in her novel.  www.SusanGMathis.com Book: The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy About Susan G Mathis— She's a versatile writer and author of The Fabric of Hope: An Irish Family Legacy. Susan has two Tyndale nonfiction books, Countdown for Couples: Preparing for the Adventure of Marriage and The ReMarriage Adventure: Preparing for a Life of Love and Happiness. She's also the author of two picture books, Lexie’s Adventure in Kenya: Love is Patient and Princess Madison’s Rainbow Adventure. Social Media:  Author Central l  Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest  Angela Breidenbach hosts Historically Speaking and Lit Up Talk Radio. She's a best-selling romance novelist. A Healing Heart inspired Susan to write hers. But be sure to pick up your copy of Worthy to Writefor your inspiration. @AngBreidenbach on any social media.

Interview with author, Kyle Robert Shultz.

This is the fourth segment of discussion on the key elements that all authors should include in their books. Plot is the vehicle for the story. It carries your story along. Pacing is the accelerator for the car. Learn some hints about story creation through these two elements. Marji and Fay focus on issues that will help authors get their masterpieces prepped and polished to share with agents, editors, and readers.

Jen's book, A Wife's Secret of Happiness, applies to all marriages, not matter how long you've been married. The book would also make a wonderful gift for a woman who is going to get married.

Interview with voice over artist Randy Streu

After Janet graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a degree in journalism, she married her high school sweetheart Craig and worked as a newspaper reporter and editor.  They eventually settled down in the Sierra Valley in northern California, where Craig is a rancher and where there is not a single stoplight in the entire county. In their town of 700+ folks, she says they have raised four pretty good children – all done with college and married – and are now enjoying the grandkids, all of whom are perfect. Visit the Family Gallery As a busy writer, speaker, prayer coordinator at her church, and board member of The Sierra Schools Foundation, Janet says the only pastime she has time for is friends!  And she looks forward to knowing you better! Find her on Facebook or her Looking Up! blog. Advanced Writers and Speakers Member of the Year Mt Hermon Writers Conference Writer of the Year   Email: janetmchenry@live.com Website: http://janetmchenry.com/lookingup/books-by-author-janet-holm-mc

This is the second segment of discussion on the key elements that all authors should include in their books.  Tonight's topics are Deep Point of View and Showing vs. Telling. Getting your novel prepared for sharing, either as an indie-author or to propose it to agents or traditional publishers, is likely the biggest challenge in writing. Author and freelance editor Fay Lamb joins Marji Laine, executive editor of Write Integrity Press, in a discussion of ways that will help authors get their masterpieces prepped and polished to share with agents, editors, and readers. Send questions to DownPublishingLaine@gmail.com. If your question is used, you could win a free book. (US Residents only)

When award-winning historical romance author Kathleen Y'Barbo and military man, Robert Turner reconnected years after they first met in high school, sparks flew! But Kathleen's friends crossed their arms and insisted on meeting this prospective man in her life to make sure he was right for her. Oh, the stories begging to be told! Our guests on the show include KATHLEEN Y'BARBO TURNER, JANICE THOMPSON, DANNELLE WOODY, SHAREN WATSON, LINDA KOZAR AND—ROBERT TURNER! We can't promise Robert will get a word in edgewise with five women on the show, but he's a guest. OH, and we'll take callers who want to ask questions or comment as well!

Lena Nelson Dooley will interview author Mike H Mizrahi about his debut novel THE GREAT CHATTANOOGA BICYCLE RACE.

Interview with author, seamstress, animal behaviorist and all around Renaissance woman, Laura VanArendonk Baugh.