Writer’s Life | Crystal Caudill

WIPs for 2020 – Notes from the Author’s Desk

by Crystal Caudill | Jan 28, 2020 | Writer's Life

Welcome to a new feature I’m doing this year during the last week of each month. The topics of Notes from the Author’s Desk will vary. Sometimes it will be fascinating research I’ve discovered, exciting writing updates I want to share, or just something reading related. I’ve left this open as a sort of whatever fits the needs post.

If you have questions you’d like answered, send me an email and it could become one of the topics for a Notes from the Author’s Desk. I look forward to sharing a bit of my writing world with you!

What’s in the Writing Works for 2020?

The New Year has brought a new challenge which I never thought I’d face, the writing of a Civil War novel with the potential for a series. This is not a time period I have ever really desired to write in–not because it isn’t filled with potential story ideas, but because I understand both sides of the War and felt I could never do it justice.

Kentucky has the unique history of being a border state and ending more Confederate in their leanings after the War than at the beginning of the War. It was a state who could see both sides of the argument, had their own polarized opinions, and struggled to remain politically neutral. As a (nearly) life-long Kentuckian, I’ve grown up with this unique viewpoint as the grounding for my understanding of the Civil War. Neither the North or South were villains.

To communicate this in a story, to give an honest view of the people during the Civil War which is today, still such a delicate topic, has intimidated me beyond belief. Pre-Civil War, great! Post-Civil War, you got it! But to write during that period? No thanks, never will it be on my agenda.

Pro Life Tip: Never tell God you’re never going to do something. It’s an almost guarantee He will call you to it. So here I am, researching my bottom off to gain a clear understanding of the war and all of its many facets. The Civil War is so incredibly large in scope that it is impossible to become an expert on every area, so I started wide and narrowed down to what actually ended up being my own state’s involvement with the War.

The Research and Project Focus

It wasn’t my intention, but it’s where God led me. He also led me to examine war correspondents–who were the self-proclaimed “Bohemian Brigade”; the little talked or written about laundresses of the armies; the Confederate capture of Columbus, KY; the Battle of Belmont, MO (just across the river from Columbus); and the Battles of Fort Henry and Fort Donelson.

So far I have over 60,000 words typed up in research notes. That’s the length of a small novel. That doesn’t even count the 20,000 or so words typed up for character descriptions, brainstorming, my “sloppy synopsis”, and other tools I use to help develop my story before getting to the actual draft. And all of this is since Christmas break–just over a month.

No wonder I haven’t read much in the fiction world. I HAVE read about sixteen non-fiction research books (in part and in whole) and countless online resources, with plans for a couple of research trips in the works.

It’s still too early to share much about the story, but watch for posts on the last Tuesday of the month to learn what’s going on with the project and my writing world.

SNEAK PEEK

What I CAN tell you is this story involves a Kentucky woman with Successionist leanings whose brother has enlisted in the Union Army. Circumstances come about to bring her to be a laundress in her brother’s company. Throw in a war correspondent, a suspicious Union officer, and conflicted loyalties and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

I’m still hammering out details and examining plausibility for many things, but I’m excited for where God is leading this story so far. So come back each month to check out research, Civil War stories, sneak peeks at my progress, or any other news that may arise this year.

A Question (or two) for You

What part of Civil War history interests you? What do you wish you knew more about? Anything you wish you saw more of in Civil War fiction?

Rejection: Confession of an Aspiring Author

by Crystal Caudill | Aug 13, 2019 | Writer's Life

So I had intended to post my review of Yours Truly, Thomas this week, but God woke me up at 2:30 in the morning and wouldn’t let me go until I wrote this…and I think it will apply to everyone out there on some level.

So in case you are feeling rejected, unworthy, and unwanted, you’re not alone.

Yesterday I received a rejection on my manuscript…again. The simple answer is I only need one “Yes” to move me from “aspiring” author to “published” author, but the reality is the “No” still hurts.

And it hurts no matter what form it comes in, whether it be a rejection in a relationship, career, or long awaited goal…because deep down, we all want to be accepted and loved by our peers. I know God wants to be King of our Heart and that we should not value other’s opinion of ourselves (or our writing) above HIS opinion. But the human condition, such as it is, struggles and still hungers for the approval of others.

Maybe this is just the revelation of my sinful heart. In fact, I know it is. But the first step in changing is accepting you have a problem, and so I stand here before you saying I have a People Problem. I’m a people pleaser.

Yet, I’ve always felt like the square peg trying to fit into the round hole. Oh, everyone likes me well enough, but I never seem to quite fit in. When everyone was reading Harry Potter (I did try people) and romance novels, I was reading stories like The Three Musketeers, Treasure Island, War of the Worlds. When romance authors today do polls of their favorite romance movies or novels, I’m woefully ill-equipped. I’ve not seen most of them, and the ones I did see were snarky and sarcastic (Ten Things I Hate About You). The only classic romance novels I read were Pride and Prejudice, Emma, and a few required reading at school. While I enjoyed them well enough, it’s the adventure stories that draw me.

I love the action of battles between good and evil. The romance of the hero rescuing the girl, or even the girl rescuing the guy. I like complex stories that engage the mind. Movies like Now You See Me and The Tourist.

Kiss scenes gross me out. I seriously cannot watch them…and I’m a married woman, for heaven’s sake! My husband is the romantic one, and while I love it, I don’t seem to have the same knack for it as him. And I feel awful, because it doesn’t mean I love him any less, I just am not good at creating surprises for him that are romantic.

I feel so woefully out of place in this world, and yet, I’m supposed to market myself? Get people interested in what I have to say? There is a quote I wish I could use from a dear friend’s manuscript here, but since it’s yet unpublished I can’t. Suffice it to say, she taught me, it’s not the words I have to say, but the words Christ has to say through me.

May the stories that well up from within me come from His precious place. Because I am not enough, and I think that is the point.

We are not enough…without Him.

We are not good enough, because only He is.

My words will fail and be forgotten, but His words have stood the test of time, crossed barriers they should have never crossed, and been spread across the world and cultures despite strong suppression in many places.

I’m still hurting. I still have no idea where I fit in this marketing world. I still feel like my crazy story ideas are square pegs trying to fit into round holes. But I’m choosing to rest in His words.

Specifically, in Psalm 139.

So if you are like me, and you struggle to find your worth, whether it be in the midst of a relationship or career rejection, or just in the midst of living everyday life, this Psalm is for you. It was written with YOU in mind. And even if you have read it a million times, slow down, read it out loud word for word, and really soak it in.

Any emphasis below is my own, but I encourage you to pray over it. To write His words on your heart.

Because no matter what the world says about you, Jesus wants you. Wants you so bad that he choose to suffer to rescue you. His story is the greatest romance story ever written, and you are His CHOSEN bride.
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Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

1 You have searched me, Lord,

and YOU KNOW me.

2 You know when I sit and when I rise;

YOU PERCEIVE MY THOUGHTS from afar.

3 You discern my going out and my lying down;

YOU ARE FAMILIAR WITH ALL MY WAYS.

4 Before a word is on my tongue

you, Lord, know it COMPLETELY.

5 YOU HEM ME IN behind and before,

and you lay your hand upon me.

6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me,

too lofty for me to attain.

7 WHERE CAN I GO FROM YOUR SPIRIT?

WHERE CAN I FLEE FROM YOUR PRESENCE?

8 If I go up to the heavens, YOU ARE THERE;

if I make my bed in the depths, YOU ARE THERE.

9 If I rise on the wings of the dawn,

if I settle on the far side of the sea,

10 even there your hand will guide me,

YOUR RIGHT HAND WILL HOLD ME FAST.

11 If I say, “Surely the darkness will hide me

and the light become night around me,”

12 even the darkness will not be dark to you;

the night will shine like the day,

FOR DARKNESS IS AS LIGHT TO YOU.

13 For YOU CREATED MY INMOST BEING;

you knit me together in my mother’s womb.

14 I praise you because I AM FEARFULLY AND WONDERFULLY MADE;

your works are WONDERFUL,

I know that full well.

15 My frame was not hidden from you

when I was made in the secret place,

when I was woven together in the depths of the earth.

16 Your eyes saw my unformed body;

ALL THE DAYS ordained for me were written in your book

before one of them came to be.

17 How precious to me are your thoughts, God!

How vast is the sum of them!

18 Were I to count them,

they would outnumber the grains of sand—

when I awake, I am still with you.

…

23 Search me, God, and know my heart;

test me and KNOW MY ANXIOUS THOUGHTS.

24 See if there is any offensive way in me,

and lead me in the way everlasting.

Big Writing News

by Crystal Caudill | Apr 23, 2019 | Writer's Life

We take a break from our usual book reviews and author interviews for THREE big announcements… with a Rafflecopter Giveaway to celebrate at the end. CASSANDRA IS THE WINNER – PLEASE CHECK YOUR EMAIL.

Crystal signed with an agent!

Yep, that’s right! I am so blessed to have signed with Tamela Hancock Murray of the Steve Laube Agency to represent me and my work. Writing has been and is a sacrifice for my family, so the picture below is me signing my contract surrounded by the wonderful support of my household. Never let anyone tell you writing is a solitary journey. There may be solitary aspects, but it certainly takes a village of support.

Hubby, Youngest, MIL, and Eldest. 🙂 I am so blessed by them all.

Tamela Hancock Murray is a bestselling author of over thirty novels, novellas, and nonfiction books, and won an RWA Inspirational Readers Choice Award (follow this link for a complete list of her books). Although her current writing for publication is limited to the Agency blog, because of her experience, Tamela brings the perspective of a working writer to her role as a literary agent. She represents many top authors and continues to develop new talent.

Crystal is teaching at the Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference

If you or an interested teen are near Elizabethtown, Kentucky June 20-22, 2019, I invite you to register for the Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference. I am so blessed to be teaching the first ever Teen Seminar on Saturday. Kentucky Christian Writer’s Conference was where God first called me to pursue publishing, so it is always a conference I recommend. You never know what God has in store for you. If you go, let me know so I can be sure to connect with you.

For more information, visit https://kychristianwriters.com/ .

The Write Call has reached 100 followers!!

That number may not seem very big to many, but to me it is amazing! I pray that you are exposed to lots of great Christian Historical Fiction books to add to your TBR piles and new authors you may have never seen otherwise.

Let’s celebrate with a giveaway!

It’s been a while since I’ve done a Rafflecopter giveaway, but these announcements are too big to just let slide by!

Click here to enter.

Entries are open until midnight (EST) on April 30th. Print prizes limited to United States, if an international winner, a $10 Amazon Gift card will be substituted. Open to all participants 18 and older where allowed. Rafflecopter will randomly pick the winner.

One winner will receive a print copy of Traces of Mercy by Michael Landon, Jr., a journal, and a spattering of bookmarks from various authors.

At the war’s end, a young woman suffers an accident that leaves her unconscious and alone. Waking with amnesia, she takes the name Mercy and wants more than anything to find out the truth of her past. But then a handsome stranger arrives, who may hold the key to everything she has forgotten. What he knows could devastate her future, and even end her life.

Thank you for celebrating with me! In the comments, tell me one thing you are celebrating this week.

10 Favorite Writing Memes

by Crystal Caudill | Sep 25, 2018 | Writer's Life

Life is a little crazy right now, so for kicks, I just thought I’d share some of my favorite writing memes. Enjoy and have a peek into a writer’s life!

And as a bonus, my favorite of all time. I seriously just want to make this into a poster and hang it on my wall.

When Life Interrupts

by Crystal Caudill | Sep 13, 2018 | Writer's Life

As a writer, it is inevitable that life will interrupt. Whether it be piles of laundry and your kids reminding you they had to wear the same pair of underwear three times this week (hasn’t happened yet this month, but we’ve come close), or it being something more dramatic.

For me, it has been the latter. Rather than give a play-by-play, here is an overview of what August 1st to October 1st looked/looks like for me. (Stick with me, I promise there is a connection in there for you.)

The Chaos of My Life

Small Weekend Writer’s conference
Unexpectedly bought a house (We’d given up on finding one.)
Pack the entire house by myself (Umm… not even half-done yet.)
My mother-in-law who lives with us had mobility issues resulting in hip replacement surgery (and lots of caregiving that is getting better but still not done yet)
Husband traveled out of town at least four to five weeks of the last eight
I am sole transportation for everyone
I am the popcorn kernel for my son’s Cub Scout troop (What was I thinking?)
Preparation for American Christian Fiction Writers Conference – write a proposal, make a one-sheet, order business cards, edit my manuscript, revise synopsis, write blurbs for other story ideas, write thank you notes and encouragement cards (super important to me)
Close on the house five days after I return from ACFW
Move into new house
and now I have found out my dad has to have a heart cath and possible stent. At the moment we don’t know when the surgery will be, but pray with me that it isn’t while I am at ACFW. I am driving five other people to Nashville so it isn’t like I can just back out.

Needless to say, from August to October, I have been a bit overwhelmed… kind of like trying to outrun a T-Rex in a Geo Metro. (Do they even make those anymore?)

Responding When Life Interrupts

So how does a writer (or any person) respond when life interrupts and the chaos presses in so hard that you just want to hide under the covers and never come back out?

Two of the easiest and hardest words: Trust God.

God knew the timing of all this. He knows that I have no strength on my own to deal with this. It is more than I can handle. Don’t believe that hogwash that God won’t give you more than you can handle. He will. But only so that you must turn to Him and rely completely on Him to get you through. We cannot face the struggles of this life on our own, but He can fight the battles for us.

I wish I could give you a trick to trusting God more, but honestly, the only “tricks” I can give you is to (1) have an open communication line with God and to (2) keep His Words in sight and mind as much as possible.

Communicating

Don’t worry about long or even formal prayers. Toss a few words out, even if the only one you can form is Jesus. We are so blessed in that the Holy Spirit intercedes for use and gives the words that we cannot form. That One Name can communicate so much.

Then there are the moments you are so angry and frustrated you can’t see straight. Vent it out to God. I promise He can handle anything you dish out. He already knows what you are thinking and feeling and I guarantee you that He would rather you come to Him than shut Him out.

Sometimes I have literally broken out laughing like a crazy woman because if I didn’t, I would cry. And you know what? God gets that, too. He’s even been gracious in sending me little moments of real laughter. (Send me all the corny jokes you’ve got, people!)

God wants to be there for you. Don’t shut Him out when you need Him most. And I am completely honest here. There have been weeks where I have thrown my own temper tantrum and told God I don’t want to talk to Him right now and I don’t want to read His word. I know it probably hurt Him, but He didn’t turn away. He just held me and patiently waited until I came back. It happens, but it doesn’t make Him stop loving you or wanting you.

God’s Word

I just want to leave you with some verses that I have clung to during this overwhelming time. May they help you on the days you have no strength left to give. If I can be praying for you, please let me know. Contact me privately, or leave it in the comments. As always I covet your prayers. I leave for ACFW in six days and my world hasn’t stopped shaking yet.

“I brought you from the ends of the earth and called you from its farthest corners. I said to you: You are My servant, I have chosen you and not rejected you. Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you: I will help you; I will hold you with my righteous right hand.” Isaiah 41:9-10

“You do not have to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord. He is with you Judah and Jerusalem. Do not be afraid or discouraged. Tomorrow go out to face them, for Yahweh is with you.” 2 Chronicles 20:17

“I call to You from the ends of the earth when my heart is without strength. Lead me to a rock that is high above me.” Psalm 61:2

“For You are my Rock and my Fortress, You lead and guide me because of Your name.” Psalm 31:3

You’re Invited to Join the Journey

by Crystal Caudill | Aug 21, 2018 | Book and Writing Events, Writer's Life

Are you interested in an author’s writing journey? Do you want to interact and be a part of that journey on a regular basis?

I have created a Facebook group called Crystal’s Creative Cohorts so that I can be more interactive with you on a regular basis. While blogging and my newsletters are great, they are often one-sided and I really want to interact and get to know you.

So what will Crystal’s Creative Cohorts do? Give input on current works in progress–like character names, descriptions, quirks, story ideas–, be the first ones offered a chance to be beta readers and members of my eventual street team, get a glimpse into the real life of an author and sneak peeks at my writing, and have access to exclusive contests. Because who doesn’t like a good contest?

In fact, my first giveaway will happen when the group reaches 50 members. Want a sneak peek at the prize? I thought so…