When I moved to Russia to be a missionary with my husband, I had to embrace a whole new culture. We’re talking different socio-economic status, foods, ways to communicate, even living conditions. We lacked many amenities we had been used to in the States.
Basically our competence had been shaken. But we powered through and grew to love life in Russia, meeting many people who touched our lives.
Those experiences provided me with tons of material for my novels, as well as adding authenticity to my stories.
Life puts us in different situations that challenge us … and well, shakes our competence. Whether it’s moving to a foreign country, learning to surf, trying new foods, or even sending out queries and manuscripts to editors and agents. Stepping out of our comfort zones forces us to rely on God and not our own abilities.
Knowing your characters’ competences enables you as a writer to add depth to your stories. By showing the reader (notice I said showing and not telling) what your character is good at allows you to shake up your character’s competence and propel him toward his Black Moment. Suddenly what he’s good at is no more and he need to rely on someone other than himself.
The theme of this e-zine is competence. I’m so thankful to have a very competent staff and guest writers who provide the Voices with quality articles. Hats off again to the Voices e-zine team for putting together a terrific edition packed with articles about competence and romance.
If you’ve been around MBT for any length of time, one of the buzz words you’ve heard is Super Power. Our resident Book Therapist Rachel Hauck wrote a fabulous article about letting your protagonist be super and human. MBT Member Care Coach Reba J. Hoffman speaks to writers’ hearts reminding them they are fearfully and wonderfully made. Amanda Stevens provides us with another terrific in-depth interview with debut author Jordyn Redwood, who is also a medical professional and shares tips to add those essential details to your medical scenes.
Need a laugh? Have no fear—Matthew Sheehy offers a manly perspective about competence. Guest writer Delaina Netherland shares her humorous view on romances. Melissa Tagg shares humor and heart in her article about giving our characters competence.
Guest writer Melissa Isaksen shares about no wimpy heroines and strengthening their competence. Patricia Woodside gives great ideas about adding depth and diversity to romances. Her thoughts could be employed in any genre. Speaking of romance, Brainstorming Coach Michelle Lim sparks a unique approach to develop a character’s view on romance.
Skills Coach Beth Vogt offers ideas about what makes a great mentor. Speaking of Beth, Connie Almony interviewed Beth about her debut release, Wish You Were Here. If you haven’t picked up Beth’s book yet, what are you waiting for? It’s a great read, and I expect to see great things happening in Beth’s writing career. And I couldn’t be prouder.
Social Media Coach Edie Melson encourages us to fall in love with social media. Jennie Atkins gives us an overview of information technology. MBT Hostess Alena Tauriainen reminds us size is relative in her Writing & Wellness column. Preslaya Williams offers another selection of new releases for the featured fiction column. Heading to the beach or going on vacation? Grab one of these new releases for a few hours of reading pleasure!
I’m so thankful for the Voices e-zine staff for their willingness to provide us with another great issue. You can write for the e-zine too. Be sure to check out the writers guidelines here: Voices Writers Guidelines.
I appreciate you!
Susie May
