When I went to a writer's conference three years ago, it was to learn more about the craft of writing Christian fiction. There was a space there to display one sheets. I felt led of the Lord to put a book proposal together for a book about my sons who have autism. It was a last minute after-thought, really. I didn't expect much to come of it. But there was an editor who was interested. After a few detours, which landed me with another publishing company entirely, my nonfiction book, A Pair of Miracles, will release on July 25.
When writing this book, I found myself using a lot of skills I'd learned in writing fiction. It was quite unexpected and thoroughly delightful. And while I'm eager to get back to fiction again, I'm looking forward to writing more nonfiction because I've learned so much about the craft of writing itself from writing both.
If you are writing fiction only right now, don't dismiss the idea of writing nonfiction, too. It's a great way to grow your platform and can open doors you never expected.
Karla Akins’ first novel, The Pastor’s Wife Wears Biker Boots was published in August, 2013. A Pair of Miracles: A Story of Autism, Faith and Determined Parenting will be released July 25, 2017. She writes interactive, biographical narratives and content for iPad applications and has an on-going contract for her World Explorers Every Child Should Know series. Jacques Cartier hit #1 on Amazon in its category. Her hobbies are book-hoarding, swimming, and riding her motorcycle. She is represented by Linda Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency. She has a BA in Special Education and a Doctorate in Christian Education.
Karla Akins’ first novel, The Pastor’s Wife Wears Biker Boots was published in August, 2013. A Pair of Miracles: A Story of Autism, Faith and Determined Parenting will be released July 25, 2017. She writes interactive, biographical narratives and content for iPad applications and has an on-going contract for her World Explorers Every Child Should Know series. Jacques Cartier hit #1 on Amazon in its category. Her hobbies are book-hoarding, swimming, and riding her motorcycle. She is represented by Linda Glaz of Hartline Literary Agency. She has a BA in Special Education and a Doctorate in Christian Education.
I've found that some of the best nonfiction features story, making it valuable for both the author and editor to understand at least the basics of fiction. Fiction is, of course, pure storytelling! Congratulations for having achieved what you have in both fiction and nonfiction, Karla!
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