I’ve written a new eighty-thousand-word novel—except for the ending, that is. That’s where, I confess, I’m struggling right now. “What? Why?” you may ask. When faced with seemingly too many good plot choices, my default is to become indecisive. I’ve been there, done that—written an ending I thought was the best one only to later discover it stank to high heaven. Wasted words. Wasted time. Wasted life. If only I could get it right the first time. <See me banging my head against the wall?> Indecisive Me Maybe you’re not like me. Maybe with every life choice you know instantly what you want and which path is best. But that’s not me. Picture me at an ice cream stand. Okay, which flavor do I want? Mackinac Island Fudge? Chocolate? Black Cherry? Rocky Road? Mint Chocolate Chip? Um, well, I like them all. So the question isn’t, which ice cream do I like…
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I enjoyed this novel very much. Creston Mapes does a fine job weaving together two dissimilar plot: one about a troubled man who is stalking Jack Crittendon’s family, particularly his wife, Pam; and a second involving the disappearance of a pastor, whose suicidal tendencies suggest he may have taken his life. How these two unrelated story lines eventually merge is potential for an intriguing tale, and this one doesn’t disappoint. Mysteries abound, and journalist Jack is up to the task, using his investigative skills to unearth the truth. Meanwhile, the stalker ups the stakes, and Jack must become more aggressive to keep his family safe. When the unthinkable happens, his faith in God is put to the ultimate test. Creston is an author to watch. His masterful pacing starts from the first page’s home invasion and rarely, if ever, slows down. The adrenaline-laced plot is tight, and the characters—even the…
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Are you afraid of what others think of you? If you say no, then you’ve never worn the author’s hat and been in the position of seeking endorsements for your next novel. I’ll be frank—this is probably my least favorite part of the whole novel-writing business (because yes, I’m a weenie when it comes to what others think). Sending one’s novel manuscript to several authors (some well known) and requesting an endorsement for promotional purposes is an intimidating process. “What is a novel endorsement?” someone may ask. Frankly, it’s simply something nice someone has said about your book. Publishers often use these blurbs inside the front cover or even on the back cover. Nope, I didn’t pay or bribe anyone for these, and I gave each author an easy exit if he or she decided, for whatever reason, not to endorse the book. No one bowed out of the process.…
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