Workshop Transcript
Making Christian Characters Real
with Melody DeLeon
Workshop Transcript
Making Christian Characters Real
with Melody DeLeon
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MelLane: Verla DID NOT believe me. I told her I wasn't coming.
Verla: you DID, mel?
Verla: going back to IM to see...
NOTE: IM = AOL Instant Messanger Program
MelLane: Yep. In AOL.
Verla kicks mel and enchanted
_Enchanted: ?????
MelLane: Why are you kicking Enchanted?
_Enchanted: Ouch!
_Lyra: verla is just plain ornery!
MelLane: Should I leave now?
Verla: because she is making fun of my ignorance, mel....sniff....and so ... were YOU
ClaraRose: Don't you dare leave, Mel
hollyj: Verla's having a bad week
MelLane: Verla kicked me, Clara.
_Lyra: giving Mel shin guards
zbell passes out knee pads
Verla: Mel...you DID say you weren't coming. Hmph. But I knew better..
Dani257: I didn't know it was getting dangerous in here. Knee pads?
Verla: Okay....this workshop is going to begin in five minutes folks...
zbell: yuppers, Dani, people are kicking each other in here
Dani257: Ouch
Verla: (I've been kicking onery people, dani)
Dani257: Oh, that lets me out. I'm as sweet as pie:-)
_Enchanted sits next to Zbell, away from kickers.
zbell settles back to wind down for the lecture
MelLane: Verla!
Verla: MEL!
MelLane: Quick! Everyone pray!
MelLane: Shirley's having trouble getting in!!
zbell: Lord, please be with Mel tonight!
MelLane: Not me, Zbell....
MelLane: Shirley wants in and is having trouble.
kathrap: what is the topic tonight?
Verla: awk shirley is GONE
hollyj: Wait, let me get some popcorn, anyone want some
ClaraRose: me! I want popcorn!
hollyj: We'll throw it at Verla if she gets too ornery
zbell passes around hot cocoa
Verla: Does it have butter on it?
hollyj: It's not popcorn without butter Verla
Verla: oh, goodie....I will take some too, then, holly, thanks.
Verla: Don't give any to Mel though...she can only have water
Verla: until after her talk
MelLane: Hey!
zbell: you're the speaker aren't you Mel?
Verla: we can't have her spitting popcorn at us
Verla: while she talks
MelLane: If I don't get popcorn, I don't speak!
kathrap: uhmn.... OH WOW!!
ClaraRose fixes Mel a cup of chamomile tea to calm her nerves.
Verla: afterwards you get popcorn, mel. AFTERWARDS
_Lyra: nice of you, Robin (g)
kathrap: I have good meds for nerves
_Enchanted: Careful, Clara -- chamomile is first cousin to ragweed, I've heard.
ClaraRose: All I know .. is if I have too much of it (chamomile) it makes my nose feel a buzz.
MelLane: Now, if I just had a nice bowl of popcorn.....
_Lyra: sending popcorn to Mel....
MelLane: Thank you, friend Lyra.
Verla grabs the popcorn and hides it from Mel.
Verla: AFTERWARDS, lyra and mel!
hollyj: Verla, pass it over here, I need some more
MelLane: Ha ha! Too late!
MelLane: I gotta handful
zbell ready with the heimlich manuver
Verla: <glaring at mel and lyra>
_Lyra: glaring back just for fun
MelLane: Why are you glaring at me??? I won't choke!
Verla hoards the popcorn to give to Mel AFTER
kathrap: it will be cold
MelLane: brb... going after water... seriously.
zbell: just keep it away from the keyboard!!
_Lyra: LOL!!!
NOTE: LOL = LAUGHING OUT LOUD
_Lyra: Hey, the room is filling up already
_Lyra: My news today is that I have no news (g)
NOTE: (G) or *g* = GRIN
Verla: OOPS...we are about read to begin, folks....QUICK take care of the podium & mic, someone
_Lyra: throwing mic at Verla
zbell sets up the mic
Dani257: Testing
zbell sweeping the excess thrown popcorn off the podium
*** Verla has set the topic on channel #Kidlit to Making Christian Characters Real - workshop in progress
Verla: Tonight's workshop is Making Christian Characters Real and Melody DeLeon is our leader...
Verla: Can you tell us a little about yourself, mel? and then this workshop has officially begun..
MelLane: Well, let's see.
Verla: If you are new, please hold all hello's Goodbye's and personal talk until the hour is up
MelLane: I'm a licensed jail minister/translator.
MelLane: And I lead the ministry team that goes to our juvenile detention center.
MelLane: I'm heavily involved in children and youth ministry.
Verla: But DO join in the current topic under discussion...we welcome and encourage you.
Verla: Okay, mel. You are NOW on.
Verla: giggle (she started too soon)
MelLane: I did? I'm sorry.
tinaeva1: Ignore her mel
Verla: hmph, tina!
tinaeva1: :o) V
NOTE: :o) = a sideways smiley/giggly face
MelLane: I've written novels, short stories, and skits.
MelLane: Recently I sent a requested story into the Nancy Drew Website.
Verla: yeah, mel!
MelLane: I read TONS of Christian fiction. (absolute tons).
MelLane: Now, I think I'll open with some comments, then we'll go to questions.
MelLane: Is that ok?
Dani257: yep
ClaraRose: sounds good
Verla: That's GREAT, mel
Verla: go for it...
MelLane: Writing Christian fiction is more difficult than secular, primarily because of characterization.
MelLane: What you DON'T want is a preachy person, or one who doesn't seem to be a Christian.
MelLane: So, when you do your character sketches, you should add some lines.
Verla: lines? What kind of lines, mel?
MelLane: One being: What church should my character attend?
MelLane: (But don't bring that out in your book)
Verla: hmmm. So it's part of the knowledge that you, the writer, has about your character that will help you to keep your character acting in a correct way for THAT person, then
MelLane: Yes, Verla.
MelLane: And, don't make your character attend a church you know NOTHING about.
MelLane: Where is my character's walk with Jesus? Is she/he a "baby" Christian?
MelLane: A "baby" Christian would unknowingly do things that a growing or grown Christian would not, such as tell a white lie.
MelLane: What spiritual problem does my character have?
Verla: Ah... so in a Christian story, the character not only needs a "problem" to solve, but also a spiritual dilemma, as well.
Dani257: Don't all Christians act differently, according to the individual?
MelLane: Yes, Dani.
MelLane: Every Christian has a weak spot, as I'm sure you are all aware of. MelLane: So, let your character have a weak spot.
Verla: We DO, mel?
MelLane: Yes, Verla. Even me. (grin)
Verla: Examples of some weak spots, please?
want2write: I have a character that is far from perfect. She calls her brother a Dweeb. That is still how Christian kids act. I know.
MelLane: Perfect, want2write.
MelLane: Anger could be one.
Verla: oh. You mean like what I've been raging with for two days over that horrible thing Humpty Dumpty magazine did to my story, eh?
MelLane: Yes, Verla
MelLane: Lack of prayer or reading the Bible (which has been overdone).
MelLane: A tendency to act before praying.
want2write: Is this a hard selling point for Christian publishers though?
MelLane: Christian publishers WANT real characters.
MelLane: And real characters are really based on people.
Verla: And to be real, the characters also need to have flaws...just like ANY good character
MelLane: And people have faults, so give your Christian characters faults.
MelLane: If your character is a pastor, then maybe he/she doesn't spend enough time with his family.
want2write: I try not to use the parents as often in the series because kids don't always want to read about the parent part as much as other kids. MelLane: So, choose your flaws carefully, and as with any character, let her/him grow and learn, but show that God has done the work in his life.
JannaMH: Wouldn't Christian characters be just like other characters, only their dilemmas/approaches to dilemmas different?
MelLane: Yes, Janna. But, be sure the approaches you have the character take are realistic.
Amenav: What do you mean Janna? That God has done the work in his life?
MelLane: I believe she means their attitude, Ame. How they handle the problem.
want2write: I think you can also show them having inner thoughts. Kind of the Holy spirit dealing with them.
MelLane: Of course, there are exceptions, such as Gladys Lois Peppard's Mandie, a Christian version of Nancy Drew.
tinaeva1: How is that an exception?
MelLane: Because, Tina, Nancy Drew has no faults. (g) and neither does Mandie. (that I've read)
tinaeva1: OK Gotcha
MelLane: Now, let's have more questions.
Verla: Aren't there different "degrees" of how much Christianity you put into your stories, mel? Like..one story might just barely touch on the subject in it and be mostly an example of Christian-like behavior on the part of the character, and another story might be rather heavy on the Christian outlook of everything?
MelLane: Yes, Verla. But the heavier the outlook, less likely it will be to sell.
Amenav: I'm not Christian but I find this topic interesting in terms of bringing spiritual dimension to books
ClaraRose: Generally, isn't the conscience a little more active for a Christian character?
MelLane: That depends on your character, Clara.
want2write: I think they have to deal with doing the right thing. My character has realistic thoughts. She has to think twice, but ultimately does the right thing.
MelLane: want2write: Think about showing what happens when your character makes a wrong choice.
cagathoc: Do the manistream publishers take Christian mss? Or, do you have to seek out Christian oriented houses?
NOTE: MSS = MANUSCRIPTS
Amenav: Seems from the research I've done, Christian themes, if done with a light touch, would appeal to any mainstream house.
MelLane: That depends, cag. Some mainstream publishers have a line of Christian books.
MelLane: Like Harlequin does.
Amenav: Harlequin has a Christian line?
MelLane: Yes, Ame. Those are termed "crossovers."
MelLane: Yes, Ame. They do. Christian romances are extremely popular.
cagathoc: thanks, Mel & Ame
Amenav: *g* Christian romances? Seems like an oxymoron.
want2write: Amenav, I wondered about it going mainstream. I noticed today several secular publishers publish religeous
MelLane: Well, Ame. (g) Ever read Grace Livingston Hill?
Amenav: Nope. I haven't read her. But I finished a novel in which even though the main character is being manipulated through religion, she doesn't give up on religion, but rather learns to stand up for herself.
MelLane: You must give your Christian character a double problem.
ClaraRose: double problem?
Verla: A "double problem," mel?
MelLane: The story problem (action, setting, whatever) and his spiritual problem.
ClaraRose: ahhh... problem in more than one dimension... so to speak.
want2write: Christian romance doesn't have overt sexual scenes. It may show kissing, but nothing inappropriate.
MelLane: Exactly... and, they're primarily like a Harlequin Romance. Nothing heavy.
Amenav: Thanks want2 Sounds like the type of romance I might read, (if I read romances.)
Verla: ah....so what you mean, Mel...is where a secular story will have a physical problem for the main character to solve...and an "internal" problem as well, in Religious stories, the internal problem needs to be a spiritual one!
MelLane: Yes and no, Verla. Some secular stories just have the physical problem.
MelLane: But, yes, you should have a spiritual growth, however slight, in your book.
Verla: ah HA!
cagathoc: It seems like a lot of the newer children's books are slanted more towards a "new age" feel..
MelLane: New Age and Christian are two different genres.
want2write: Good point MelLane.
Amenav: I don't like new age. *shudders*
Dani257: I have a question from before. Don't all Christians act differently, according to the individual?
MelLane: Yes, Dani.
MelLane: No two Christians believe exactly the same.
cagathoc: I've heard not to write a book that deals too much with 'head issues" -- maybe there'd be a way to show the spiritual struggle externally
MelLane: Reflect that in your stories.
MelLane: There is cag.
MelLane: I'm not talking about heart rendering, soul searching, but rather, day to day stuff.
MelLane: Like: Man, why do I always lie when telling the truth is better?
MelLane: Show the consequences... show how prayer, reading the word, God helps the person out of this dilemma.
JannaMH: Legitimate deus ex machina....
MelLane: And, if you really want to go deep, write spiritual warfare.
Amenav: What is deus ex machina btw?
NOTE: BTW = by the way
JannaMH: "God out of the machinery" literary criticism term. Sorry.
tinaeva1: How much conversation between children includes direct reference to God or Jesus?
Verla: Yes, how many references to God and prayer, etc, becomes too "much?"
ClaraRose: I suppose it depends on how preachy it is... doesn't it?
MelLane: When it seems out of place/character.
cagathoc: There is a great pb called "Emma and Mommy talk to God"; Harper Collins published it
NOTE: pb = picture book
Amenav: I don't think you can back away from references to God and prayer if it's in character. For example in my novel, I had some of the conflict between the sisters come through in the prayer
MelLane: For instance... some people pray all the time, others don't.
cagathoc: The whole book is explicitly about God and angels but also shows some childhood conflicts
tinaeva1: How much conversation between children include direct reference to God or Jesus?
Amenav: Children don't talk much about God. It isn't cool.
MelLane: Tina: That depends on the children.
MelLane: My kids talk about God all the time... and some in our church do, too.
MelLane: Others do not.
ClaraRose: that is true. It depends on many factors.
Dani257: I can see a character talking to God, but I don't think too many discuss Him on the playground
cagathoc: My daughter is 5 1/2; she talks about God frequently
Amenav: But with each other? Would kids talk about God to each other?
MelLane: Yes, Ame.
JannaMH: Some do, where I am.
Amenav: Mine do too, but at home. I don't imagine they refer to Him openly at school
MelLane: My youngest, Lucia, preached on the playground.
Amenav: Really Mel?
Verla: (but YOUR children have a minister for a mother, mel! .... YOU)
MelLane: That was before I was licensed, Verla.
MelLane: And another young man, her age, that I know, witnesses in school, too.
tinaeva1: I meant in children's stories.
MelLane: Tina: That depends on your character.
cagathoc: My daughter tried to convince two boys that church is fun!
Amenav: LOL caga.
NOTE: LOL = LAUGHING OUT LOUD
Dani257: Does it change as they get older? Peer pressure and all?
Amenav: Yes I'd imagine it does'
MelLane: It can, Dani.
DonSS_: There is a new TV production called purgatory that will give you a good sense of every day christion problems. It may be out in vcr now. It's worth looking at in context of what MelLane is saying.
MelLane: Remember: Character is character.
MelLane: Build your character FIRST. Give him/her faults.
cagathoc: The only way we can know about someone's character is by seeing what they do
MelLane: Then, don't let him/her do anything out of what would be normal for them.
Dani257: Hmm, could that be a spiritual dillema? Feeling awkward about sharing your faith?
cagathoc: but Christians' actions ofter don't differ much from others'
MelLane: Yes, Dani. And a PERFECT story for today's teen.
Verla: Yes, Dani! I think that would be a GREAT dilemma!
want2write: Pergatory has a religious theme, but not scriptual.
MelLane: That's true, cag. But you could show a character realizing that andd changing because of it.
MelLane: Think of all the faults you (and other Christians) have.
MelLane: Spiritually, socially, economically.
Verla: oh, yikes, mel. We don't have to LIST them, do we? (our faults?)
MelLane: Verla, no fault listing... I'd have to list mine if we did.
Verla: Oh, WHEW! Thanks, mel!
cagathoc: I think you almost have to refer to prayer because that's one action that characterizes any Christian - would that turn some pub off?
MelLane: No, cag, depending on amount/type of prayer you have in your book.
MelLane: Plan: If I let God work in these areas to make them better, what could happen?
MelLane: This will make your characters react like real people.
Verla: I like to make a character feel like a friend of mine...like my good buddy...that I know all about
MelLane: Good point, Verla.
MelLane: Did I miss any questions?
want2write: I have been writing pb's with theme's/concepts that are Christian, but don't necessarily mention Christian. DO those go over well in the Christian market? With the publishers?
MelLane: Yes, want2write. But I suggest mainstream publishers, too.
MelLane: Certain Christian publishers want good, moral fiction.
MelLane: Don't make your Christian character so faulty that he can't be a witness to others.
MelLane: Main point in any story is to show change, for the better.
want2write: I think one of the main things for the Christian character is forgiveness.
MelLane: Yes, want2write.
cagathoc: "let God work in these areas" mean letting go. I guess it wouldn't be that diffiuclt to show a child "letting go" in certain situations and then showing how they turn out differently than if the child relied on himself
MelLane: Yes, cag. Or you could show what happened when they didn't.
MelLane: In other words, if the child chooses not to react in anger (turning the other cheek), show how God's applied principle works.
MelLane: Show both sides of the issue for children.
cagathoc: Mel - you make it sound easy!
MelLane: LOL! It is NOT easy.
Verla: When I have trouble with a character, I write a dialogue with him/her. Ask the character questions...things I'd want to know if I'd just met a new and interesting person...
Verla: like...Where were you during the Big Earthquake? What happened to your arm? (Why is it in a cast?)
Verla: Who's your favorite musical group?
Verla: Where were YOU when the world was told that our president was going to be impeached?
cagathoc: (yikes verla)
Verla: grin
Verla: (sorry)
Verla: but I DO ask all kinds of kinky questions of my characters...so I know them better.
MelLane: And Verla's right.
MelLane: Confront your character.
MelLane: Or, if you act, put yourself in their place.
MelLane: Why did they do what they did?
want2write: And with who?
Verla: Right...I pretend I'm that PERSON...with HIS religious beliefs, etc...and then put myself in a tight situation...and think...NOW...If *I* were Danny, what would I do right now?
Dani257: Kinky and Christian? Somehow, I don't think belong in the same chat;-)
MelLane: LOL!
Verla: Sure they do, dani...Remember...your character is not perfect!
MelLane: Many writers are afraid to give their characters faults...
MelLane: And some give them faults, but never show change.
want2write: In a series, can a child continue to grow and still have problems? I know it isn't an over-night change.
MelLane: Yes, want2write.
ClaraRose: I would think so
MelLane: Read Lee Roddy's two series:
MelLane: THE AMERICAN ADVENTURE
MelLane: and DJ DILLION ADVENTURE SERIES.
MelLane: The main characters in both change, grow, and it shows how God answers the desires of our heart.
Verla: Nice, mel...(I've met Lee personally...nice person.)
MelLane: Some of my favorite authors whose CHARACTERS stand out are:
MelLane: Lee Roddy, Patricia Rushford, and Gilbert Morris.
MelLane: Study these three's Christian characters.
MelLane: They're very, very real.
_Lyra: Patricia will be at a conference in Seattle first weekend in July (with me)
MelLane: Now, as far as adventure, etc., I love Frank Peretti.
MelLane: But his characters are not nearly as well done as Roddy, Rushford and Morris.
Dani257: Me, too. But I've only read his adult work
want2write: Frank will be on a cruise I believe in Aug. along with Francine Rivers, and several other Christian authors.
MelLane: Dani, His Cooper Kids series is great.
CJLadybug: My kids love the Coopers!
MelLane: His kid series has better characterization than his adult.
woolfff: Mel, is the Christian market a crowded market?
MelLane: Well, woolfff, the magazines aren't that crowded.
MelLane: But, the pay is considerably lower...
Harazin2: woolfff--I know that the christian magazines are very open to new writers
MelLane: Christian markets do not pay as well.
Verla: BUT they are more likely to give a new writer a chance for the lower pay, mel! Christian markets can give a writer some NICE publishing credits
Verla: and also make the writer feel GOOD about themselves as they are progressing
Harazin2: I think some of the christian mags do pay pretty good.
MelLane: Some, Harazin, but those are harder to break into.
Harazin2: The ones I know pay as well as Turtle etc and they do not buy all rights
want2write: I don't think it's as easy to get into the Christian market. Sally says it's getting harder and harder. Take the low pay just to get in.
_Lyra: Guideposts pays BETTER than other fiction markets
cagathoc: CS Lewis' Narnia chronicles were about Christianity but since it was "disguised" in fantasy , it was more mainstream
MelLane: Yes, cag. And so was Madeline L'Engle.
cagathoc: But Wrinkle was rejected about 27 times before being published as a favor to the author's mother!
CJLadybug: Where can you get a list of these different markets?
woolfff: And do you use the CWIM or another reference book?
NOTE: CWIM = Children's & Illustrator's Market Guidebook
MelLane: CJ: There is the CHRISTIAN WRITERS MARKET GUIDE.
MelLane: And you can order it from AMAZON.COM. The 1999 issue comes out Feb./March.
Verla: Is that Christian guidebook available from Amazon, mel?
Verla: Oh...I see it is. GRIN (You answered my question before I finished asking it, Mel! Thanks.)
MelLane: You're welcome, Verla.
woolfff: And they are a separate set of publishers than mainstream?
MelLane: Yes, woolf.
CJLadybug: Thanks, but what is Amazon? Can you tell I'm brand new? :-)
MelLane: CJ: Amazon.com is an on-line seller of books.
MelLane: You can have your bookstore order it for you.
Verla: CJLadybug...there is a link to Amazon from the Links page of this website, too.
MelLane: Some secular bookstores carry the market guide.
_Lyra: I've seen it at Tower Books
MelLane: It is packed full of information.
want2write: You can also order the Christian market guide from your regular book stores or a Christian book store. It will be out in Feb.
CJLadybug: Great Thanks
ClaraRose: are there any agents for christian children's markets?
MelLane: Yes, Clara, there are several agents listed in the market book.
ClaraRose: Thanks, I'll look for it.
Verla: Also...I have a really WONDERFUL book...called Writing to Inspire
Verla: It's A Guide to Writing and Publishing for the Expanding Relious Market
Verla: by William Gentz, Lee Roddy, and other leading inspirational writers
Verla: Copyright was 1982 by Writer's Digest Books
Verla: IF it's still available....it's a wonderful book!
woolfff: Is there a known percentage of total book sales that the Christian market corners?
want2write: I think they publish about 20% of all the manuscripts they receive.
ClaraRose: I think they are begging for good fiction.
MelLane: Not that I know of, woolf.
MelLane: But Peretti has sold several million copies, if that tells you anything.
MelLane: And, by the way, HIS bestsellers were Spiritual Warfare novels.
MelLane: Some major Christian publishers are expanding into the secular field.
MelLane: Bethany.
MelLane: Zondervan.
MelLane: Any other questions?
MelLane: Comments?
woolfff: Yes, woud a PB published in the Christian market see a shorter life than in mainstream?
CJLadybug: What's a PB?
Verla: Ohhhh. GOOD question, woolfff....does anyone know the answer? (PB = picture book, CJL)
MelLane: No, woolf. Personally, I think it would see a longer life.
ClaraRose: I don't know about that.. I'm sure it depends on how good it is.
woolfff: Because their are fewer Christian writers?
MelLane: Because I think the publishers do not accept as many and there is greater demand.
Verla: I would guess it's because the smaller publishers usually have smaller lists, woolfff
cagathoc: The problem is if you get too specific (religion wise) you may alienate some people (even Christians)
ClaraRose: I think you're right.
MelLane: Yes, cag.
cagathoc: You have to be very general, huh?
Verla: and they tend to be careful that what they publish can stay around for a long time
Verla: because it is VERY expensive to publish a new book, but not too bad to reprint
Verla: I know that right now, it costs a publisher around $50,000 to $80,000 to publish ONE full-color picture book (hardback with dust jacket, etc)
Verla: with an investment like that, the smaller publishers need to keep their books in print long enough to make a profit on them!
DonSS_: The Littlest Angel has been around a long long time you know. :-)
ClaraRose: I mean... I've heard books touted, that just aren't that great.
MelLane: Unless you are writing for a specific press, i.e., Baptist or Catholic, then be general.
woolfff: I see.
MelLane: Those authors I recommended do an excellent job of being general.
MelLane: Roddy puts a lot of prayer/bible in his series. He would be excellent to study on children/God/prayer.
ClaraRose: it seems like such a paradox. the christian market is in need of good material, but it is nearly impossible to break!
want2write: Just as you have to be careful with topics in the secular market, it holds true in the Chrisitian market, but you also have to be careful about different denominations.
cagathoc: I subbed some adult articles to religious mags a few years back - I always got very nice personalized rejections. If you sub to a Christian pub, at least you know you'll get nice rejections!!!
MelLane: Morris does an excellent job of reflecting Christian lifestyles (including going to church), but does not pont to any specific denominations.
MelLane: That's true, Cag.
CJLadybug: What about if you have characters with Christian principles, but the book isn't about Christianity?
MelLane: Depends on how your book progresses, CJ.
MelLane: Most fiction isn't about Christianity.
MelLane: But are about how Christians solve their problems.
Verla: THOSE books can sometimes be the best ones, I think, CJL...because ANYONE can enjoy them without feeling "threatened" or like they are being "preached at."
want2write: The Christian market is frustrating for writer's to get into. That's why the secular market tends to draw the better writers
MelLane: The first rule in Christian writing is: DON'T PREACH!!!
MelLane: Second rule: DON'T PREACH!!
MelLane: Show, don't tell.
MelLane: (A problem I have, ask Harazin)
Verla: Ah, ha! In other words, instead of saying in your book..."Suzanne told Melody that the church was her whole life. That she only wanted to go to church. That praying was the most important thing in her life, and it had better be Melody's too"....you should just SHOW Suzanne dragging Melody along with her to the church...and SHOW her praying.
MelLane: Or you could have Suzanne always at church, talking about church, asking Suzanne to church...
cagathoc: Or maybe Suzanne has a problem and Melody sees Suzanne go to church to pray and then sees Suzanne handle the problem more effectively?
MelLane: Yes, cag! A perfect solution!
Verla: Great, cag!
MelLane: And Melody (not me) has a problem. Why is she spending all of her time at church? Is she avoiding life?
woolfff: Can you name a writer that writes as Cag just described, not knock-you-over-the-head religious?
MelLane: Yes, Patricia Rushford.
MelLane: Gilbert Morris.
MelLane: Sandy Dengler (Christian Murder mysteries, adult)
CJLadybug: Perriti
MelLane: Well... Peretti is very spiritual.
CJLadybug: Yes, but never preachy. I think there is a difference
Verla: I agree, CJL...preachy stories leave me cold...and I am a Christian
MelLane: He does spiritual warfare... angels/demons, that sort of thing.
ClaraRose: Peretti is major action/adventure
want2write: You can have your character act different and other children wonder why they are not 'losing' it.
want2write: My character befriended someone who was mean to her and talked about her. The other girl couldn't understand why she would.
Verla: That's an excellent example of showing Christian values without being preachy, want!
MelLane: I agree with Verla, want2write... you've done a great job of showing.
MelLane: Now the other girl will wonder what's so different... and hopefully, be a Christian, too.
MelLane: The main thing about your character is his/her "walk" with the Lord, as in real life.
CJLadybug: So if your characters just live their lives, as we do, then it will be more real for our readers?
MelLane: Yes, CJ.
MelLane: What makes a character real to you?
cagathoc: When she expresses what I feel or know to be true
MelLane: When that character has likes/dislikes, problems/successes, like people in real life, right?
woolfff: the good, the bad, and the ugly!
MelLane: Short & sweet, woolf.
CJLadybug: I find it tempting to go off on a tangent, and feel like I have to put something in, ya know what I mean?
want2write: I think if you look at your kids, you can see their faults in general as children. They don't want to do chores, they want to play instead, etc.
cagathoc: want - is that a fault? I'm guilty too! :o)
MelLane: DON'T make your character a Christian Mary Poppins.
MelLane: No Christian child obeys 100% of the time.
CJLadybug: I use people I know, they are really real. <grin>
MelLane: Christian children fight, say ugly things, gossip, etc.
want2write: That's the truth. I have six who can attest to that.
want2write: Children, even Christian children, like to talk about other kids.
want2write: Call it gossiping I guess.
MelLane: Hint: Pick a problem you see most prominently in your church fellowship, and address it.
MelLane: Is it gossip? Anger? Peer pressure?
CJLadybug: I like stories where the characters make me think .
Verla: And where they stretch your beliefs, too, CJL
MelLane: How do you decide if a person is a "real" Christian? By their actions!
MelLane: So, give your characters those actions...
MelLane: The old words "show, don't tell", can be changed to "show, don't preach,"
CJLadybug: Right!
Verla: true, mel....I've met both REAL Christians and "Sunday-go-to-meeting" so-called Christians, too. I MUCH prefer the real ones
***** Verla: YIKES!..only two minutes of our workshop left!!!!
CJLadybug: Are these chats weekly?
NOTE: This question was answered at the end of the workshop.
*****
cagathoc: What about "evil"? Can you talk about "evil" in a child's book effectively and without scaring anyone, Mel?
Verla: ooooh....another GOOD question1
MelLane: Oh, yes, cag.
MelLane: Peretti's Cooper Kids series does an excellent job of that.
cagathoc: You can't mention "the devil" though, right?
MelLane: Sure, you can
cagathoc: Maybe if your devil is disguised as a snake... hm
MelLane: You can talk about the devil... just don't make him the winner (g)
Verla: LOL! Good point, mel!
MelLane: The trouble with Grace Livingston Hill's girls (and Mandie) is they are TOO perfect.
_Lyra: I used to read Grace L. Hill--and laughed at how anyone who wore make-up was a bad girl
CJLadybug: The main character in my book needs more depth. I am adding conflict. Other ideas?
DonSS_: CJ try adding something like a vice. It can be a mild one.
CJLadybug: Thanks DonSS
MelLane: CJ: Give him/her a secret he/she doesn't dare tell anybody.
CJLadybug: Ooooh, I like that one. I can feel the wheels churning!
Harazin2: CJ: Make sure there is inner and outer conflict and build on both
kathrap: you can talk about bad or lying or stealing and such
Verla: The trick with talking about lying, etc..is to make sure you don't end up with a "mini sermon" right, mel?
MelLane: Yes, Verla. Show the consequences of lying, but don't preach.
MelLane: In other words: Show it from two sides.
MelLane: Give your character the ability to admit the lie and suffer the consequences, as well as feeling guilty about the lying.
tinaeva1: Mel, in teen Christian fiction, are the problems ever really serious?
MelLane: Oh, yes, tina.
ClaraRose: what do you mean by serious?
MelLane: Get Patricia Rushford's JENNY series.
Verla: DARN...our hour is up, folks....
Verla: We need to make Mel come back again..
Verla: This was a GREAT workshop, mel! Thank you SOOOOOO much! Hip Hip HOOOORAY for MEL!!!!
MelLane: Why, thank you, V.
CJLadybug: Thanks for the help everyone
cagathoc: THANKS!!!!
CJLadybug: <applause>
redtail19: hooray for Mel!!!
_Lyra: great job, Mel!
tinaeva1: Thanks Mel!
MelLane: I hope you all enjoyed it... and I hope I was of some help.
Windy2u: Thanks you Mel...great workshop.
_Enchanted: Thank you , Mel
CJLadybug: Lots of help. I hope you will come back.
MelLane: I will, CJ.
MelLane: You're welcome, tina, Windy, Enchanted.
Dani257: You were, Mel. Hey, even I learned something for the few seconds I was here:-)
DonaV: Great Mel!
MelLane: And, I don't mind personal e-mail:
DonSS_: Thanks MelLane
ClaraRose: excellent, Mel you did great!
CJLadybug: address? :-)
MelLane: Melody1@looksmart.com (that's a "one" folks, not an L)
MelLane: Thanks, Dona, DDon, Clara.
Dani257: Thanks, Verla
Dani257: Does Mel get her popcorn now?
_Lyra: enjoy the popcorn, Mel!
Dani257: Night, Windy
MelLane: Thanks, Hara.
MelLane: Night, Windy.
DonaV: Mel, I was SO disappointed not to be able to get in earlier! What I heard was GREAT! I can't wait to read the transcript and get all the good stuff I missed!
CJLadybug: transcript?????
Verla: Yes, I post the transcripts of these workshops on my Transcripts page, CJL...have you been to my website yet?
CJLadybug: not yet, just joined the email list today. Good timing, huh?
Verla: Sure was, CJL. :-)
MelLane: Yes, CJ... Verla has a website, with all these wonderful transcripts.
cagathoc: can you get the transcripts through talkcity too? I saw they have some..
MelLane: No, cag... only on Verla's web page.
MelLane: http://www.mlode.com/~verlakay.
Verla: (Except I'm BEHIND again. Sigh.)
Verla gives mel some FRESHLY popped popcorn...slathering with butter
_Enchanted: Here's some butter and a Coke, Mel.
MelLane: Oooooh.... POPCORN!
DonaV wonders if mel is going to drip butter in her keyboard
kathrap: popcorn sounds good
redtail19: good job, mel--very interesting, even to me
redtail19: 'course I hadn't a clue who any of the authors are :-)
MelLane: Why, thank you, Maire!
MelLane: Maire, you'd enjoy Peretti's Cooper kids.
Verla: Oh...and NEXT WEEK there will NOT be a workshop folks.
Verla: It's been postponed to the following week because I will be out of state for a funeral
DonSS_: That's a shame Verla. No workshop next week!
Verla: CJL...we meet in here EVERY night...and have these workshops on Tuesdays...usually (except for next week, as I explained)
CJLadybug: What time every night do ya all meet?
DonSS_: It depends on what time zone you are in CJ
CJLadybug: Pacific
Verla: We meet at 6pm Pacific/7pm mountain/8pm central/9pm eastern almost every night of the week, CJ...the workhops are always on Tuesday nights.
CJLadybug: Great, you have been a lot of help. I have so many questions I will drive everyone crazy!!!
Verla: Good, CJ. But...it'll be hard to make us much crazier than we already are. (GRIN)
Windy2u: Another great workshop Verla. Thanks...
Verla: thanks, windy...but Mel did it all
Harazin2: Mel, good job!
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