In today’s post, I’d like to introduce fellow writer and debut novelist, Sharon Srock.
I met Sharon online through the monthly writing courses available to ACFW members. We’ve helped each other with lessons and talked writing, character development, and a number of other things through the course loop for many months.
Sharon’s first novel, Callie, released October 26, 2012. It’s a wonderful and moving story of redemption and rescue. You won’t want to miss it.
It’s a pleasure to have Sharon talk about how she puts a story together. Please join me in welcoming Sharon.
Story Development
by Sharon Srock
How do I write a story? I’ll be honest here and tell you that I never gave that question a lot of thought until Carrie asked me to write this article.
I think the first step is to admit, in a public forum that, if there is a category of writer more extreme than a pantser, I’m it.
I don’t write index cards for individual scenes, I don’t use the snowflake, I don’t have sticky notes in rainbow colors posted on a board that I can shuffle as the story progresses. I don’t even outline. I tried it once and the story diverged so far from the outline, that the time I spent writing the outline was wasted.
So how do I write?
I write using the Patent pending, please don’t try this on your own, Sharon Srock Method. I wake up with the beginning and end of the story in my head and start filling in the middle.
My first draft is always on the computer. I’ll admit to breaking one of the cardinal rules of writing in that each new session at the computer will find me reading and tweaking everything from the beginning to the point where I stopped in the last session. I’ll do this, every time, until the reading takes up all of my writing time. I have to say, it kills me once this point is reached because I feel like I’m leaving something undone.
As I write, I share new chapters with a group of readers. They offer feedback and encouragement along the way. Callie has her women, I have mine.
Once I have the first draft on the computer, I print it, put it in a binder, and break out the red ink pen. I have a word count in mind, and I decide how many words I need to add to each page to get close to that.
While I’m adding, I’m also reading it out loud to get a feeling for flow. Once corrections are made, I add those to the copy on the computer. Now comes the fun part.
I do a search and find for pet words, l-y words, passive verbs, repeated pronouns, and those telling words that slow a story down. I highlight them all in a different color.
As I make the next pass through the story, I correct these mistakes, broaden the emotions of characters and work on settings and sensory details.
Then it’s back to a paper copy for me while my critique partner reads a copy. Once I have her feedback, I incorporate it all back into the computer version and viola, I have a story.
And there you have it. The Sharon Srock method.
About Callie
Three dire circumstances. Three desperate prayers. One miracle to save them all.
Callie Stillman is drawn to the evasive girl who’s befriended her granddaughter, but the last time Callie tried to help a child, her efforts backfired. Memories of the tiny coffin still haunt her.
Samantha and Iris Evans should be worried about homework, not whether they can pool enough cash to survive another week of caring for an infant while evading the authorities.
Steve Evans wants a second chance at fatherhood, but his children are missing. And no one seems to want to help the former addict who deserted his family.
For Steve to regain the relationship he abandoned, for his girls to receive the care they deserve, Callie must surrender her fear and rely on God to work the miracle they all need.
About Sharon
Sharon Srock lives with her husband, Larry, and two dogs in Rural Oklahoma. She is a mother, grandmother, and Sunday School teacher. Sharon has one and three-quarters jobs and writes in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is traveling with her grandchildren. She is a member of the ACFW and currently serves as treasurer for her local chapter. Sharon’s writing credits include numerous poems and short stories published in science fiction fanzines.
Purchase Callie at:
Barnes & Noble
Amazon
Pelican Book Group
Sign up to win a Callie Gift Set
- A copy of Callie’s story
- A certificate for Terri’s story when it releases in April
- A 6 piece Cherry blossom bath set
- A cosmetic bag
- A Bath Wrap
- A Cozy pink eye mask
- A Pair of aloe infused booties
- A Hair Turban
- A Tennis Bracelet
- A 25.00 Amazon gift card
The rules are easy. For every reader that comments on my feature, they get an entry into the drawing. Include some contact info with your comment (contact information will not be published). A winner will be drawn Monday November 19th. The items add up to well over $100.00 in value.
Free Downloadable PDF
The Women of Valley View. Click here to download pdf file. (Requires Adobe Acrobat to open and read.)
