Writing fiction improved my nonfiction writing

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.

ACFW-Indiana Explodes with Creativity!

On March 18, 2017, ACFW-Indiana authors gathered at Manchester University's new School of Pharmacy for a day of writing and creativity. We had a great time collaborating, discussing our works in progress, and getting to know one another better. The support we found there was priceless. So much talent in one room -- it's a wonder the walls didn't explode!

I was delighted to meet and get to know new members, Kathy Thompson and Abbey Downey! Welcome to the family, ladies!

Manchester University's facility was fantastic: comfortable and roomy, not to mention sound absorbent! (We needed that during our "Would You Rather" game!)

We did a lot of work in the area of first lines and plotting. No matter how long you write, there's always more to learn.

For those who couldn't come: you were missed. Please don't forget to save the dates for our upcoming event in Indianapolis on June 17! You won't want to miss hearing Colleen Coble and Cara Putman share their writing wisdom with us!

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 is due out in summer/fall of 2017 from Kregel.  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.

Confessions of a tenacious writer

I love to read. And lately I've been reading a lot of YA and middle grade books because my work-in-progress is for that demographic. There really is no rhyme or reason to the books I choose. If I like the premise, or the author is award-winning, that's usually what I read.

When I'm reading good fiction something almost always happens. And a couple of days ago it happened again. I opened a book, read the first sentence, and threw the book aside in despair.

"That's it. I'm never writing another word. That author just wrote the most perfect first sentence and paragraph in the existence of the universe. I quit."

Silly, I know, but I really did do that!

When I stumble on excellent writing like this, I have the strangest sense of euphoria and doom. Rockets fire off in my belly at the joy of reading something glorious. Those rockets are immediately extinguished by my angst. Will I ever be able to write as beautifully? Ever?

Wrong attitude, I know. I know. But admit it, you've done it, too. If you're a real writer, you've mourned over finely crafted sentences that failed to spill from your pen. And that's fine. We're entitled to feel a longing to be brilliant. The trick is to be challenged by great writing, not discouraged by it.

It may take years for me to craft sentences that match the brilliance of Kate DiCamillo or Natalie Babbitt. Maybe I will and maybe I won't. One thing's for sure: I won't if I quit. I'm convinced it's not always the most talented that succeed but the most persistent. I'm going to cling to that hunger to write sparkling, crystal prose the same way my Boston Terrier bull dog latches on to his rubber tire:

I'm not going to quit because I have this tiny ember of hope inside that someday I will write an award-winning story. Sometimes the ember is flaming and large. And then, sometimes, when I read the most perfect sentence ever written, it settles to a small cinder.

But what roasts the best marshmallows? Embers. These deceptively-small crumbs of fire can be fanned into flames. If we keep writing, those little flames have the potential to become great bonfires crackling with hope. Quit writing and they go completely out. That is just too sad for me to think about. Without fire there is no light or warmth  in the darkness.

This writing dream isn't all about me. (How many times I remind myself of this!) It's not about winning awards or even about writing better than someone else. It's about conveying the good news. It's about heralding truth.

Even if I never win a Newberry or Carol, if I've reached one soul and changed their mind toward Jesus? The reward is enough. And if I can do it with as well-crafted a story as those I read, that's all the better.

I hear too often (from the secular publishing community) that Christian writers aren't as good at their craft as secular writers. I don't agree, of course, but this reminds me that we should be striving even more for excellence. We don't write for just any audience. We write for a King to His children. We are writing for royalty. And they deserve the best story-tellers of all.

What are some of your favorite first lines and paragraphs? What sentences have your favorite writers written that are good enough to be framed?  I'd love to know. Weigh in below! I'll include them in our workshop notes on March 18 in Fort Wayne at our chapter meeting.

Tweet: Confessions of a tenacious writer

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 is due out in summer/fall of 2017 from Kregel.  She currently serves as President of ACFW-Indiana Chapter. 








Photo credits: 
Bonfire by Trzypiece - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=20009481
Embers by by Jens Buurgaard Nielsen

An open letter to friends and family from a writer

Dear Friends and Family:

(Note: This letter is not in any way a reference to my darling Mr. Himself!)

There have been some rumbles lately about the time I spend writing. To help us all get on the same page about this wordsmith-ing gig I'm into, I thought I'd write this letter to set a few things straight.

Few people understand the sacrifices a writer makes other than other writers. Especially writers with full-time jobs outside of writing. The perception most of the public has of people who write books, is that their work is easy and effortless. Authors sit down and *POOF* out pops a book.

When you're a writer, people assume you don't have a "real" job with "real" hours. Deadlines, to them, are just excuses to say no to things you don't want to do, when the opposite is true. People also assume writers who are published get big royalty checks each month. Um, no. Not unless you're a national/international best-seller. So far, no one is banging down my door offering me movie contracts or begging me to publish with them. And if a big royalty check arrived in the mail, someone stole it.

Some of you wonder how I juggle so many things and wear so many hats. It boils down to three basic things:

1. I don't watch TV. Think of how many hours you watch TV each week and add it up. That's probably several whole days of writing for me. I get several whole extra days a week others don't because I spend my spare time writing and researching instead of passively frying my brain on drivel. (As you can see, I have a high opinion of television these days.)
2. Writing for me is as much a part of me as breathing. I must write. It's been such a part of me, from such a young age, I simply can't imagine not doing it. Ducks swim. I write. You hunt. I write. You are a car enthusiast, I'm a writer. I'm different from you. Different isn't wrong, it's just different.
3. I've learned to say no. It upsets people. They call me names. They hurt my feelings by saying things like, "I'll be sure they put 'I have a deadline' on your tombstone.'" (More about that in a minute.) But I've learned that no one will respect and protect my writing time but me. No one understands it, or wants it, as badly as I do.

I've learned that there's no way to please everyone, so I've stopped trying. My aim is to please God and God alone. This has taken me far too long to learn. I wish I'd have done so many years ago. I'm thankful I've finally arrived at a place of self-respect and self-care.

You see, I really don't mind having the epitaph of "I have a deadline" on my tombstone, because that's exactly what I'm working for: that final deadline.

We will all stand before God one day. Alone. No one will stand there with us. The enemy will accuse us and Jesus will defend us. But we stand that day without any of our earthly friends and family with us.

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad" 2 Corinthians 5:10, KJV.

"...And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous" 1 John 2:1, KJV.

Heaven is the deadline I'm working toward. And that is why I must write. Far too many people don't understand the outrageous love God has for them. Far too many live in deception and recklessly dance on the precipice of hell. I'm called to share the Good News with them. I'm called to rescue the perishing with my words.

I might not have the glamorous social life some of my friends have, or I might not be up on the latest pop culture, but I'm okay with that because I'm doing what I was born to do. Friends and family may reject me because of this writing passion. That's a sacrifice I'm willing to make. I don't live to please them.

I live to please my God. The One True God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. I look to the heavens every single day wondering if this is the day my Jesus returns for me. I look to those heavens with a mix of anticipation and excitement for myself, but sorrow for those I've not yet reached with His Words.

(Let me be clear. This does not make me more righteous or better than anyone else. My righteousness comes from my Messiah, Jesus, alone. In myself, I am nothing.)

My sacrifice is nothing compared to His. My sorrows nothing compared to what He endured on the cross. I don't care if you call me addled or crazy. I know that I know Who He is, and Whom I serve. I serve a living God. I serve the God who created all those who call themselves gods. I serve the most powerful, most glorious, most merciful YHWH. I can no more stop writing to spread His message, than I can stop breathing.

So the next time you try to shame me into stopping this writing thing? I'll hand you a copy of this post. Maybe you'll understand. Maybe you won't. But at least it is written. And like my father always said, "People believe if it is written, it is so."

In this case, yes, it is indeed so. I will say no sometimes to fun, to something someone else wants me to do at the spur of the moment, when I've already carved out that time in my week to work (i.e., write). I won't always be able to drop what I'm doing and get someone out of a bind because of something they failed to plan for. I am called to write, not fix someone else's poor time management foibles.

That may sound harsh. But it's what we writers must do in this day of rapid-fire-time-guzzlers. Someone is always going to misunderstand a writer's need for space and time to create. Contrary to what people think, great words don't simply magically appear at the end of our finger tips or pens and morph themselves into books, articles or blog posts.

If this writing thing was easy, everyone would publish a book. Newsflash to friends and family: this writing thing can be grueling. Yes, I love it. Yes, it's what I'm made to do. That doesn't mean that it's not just plain hard work sometimes. There are times when people are asleep all snuggled up in their warm, comfy beds that I wish I was, too. Instead, I'm up earlier than the birds or later than the stars. I sacrifice sleep, family meals and going to the movies, just as you do at your own jobs. Writing is what I love, but writing is also time-consuming work.

If you love me, you'll try to respect and understand this singular, unconventional path I walk. You won't hold it against me when I can't come running because I'm at work, just as you can't rescue me when you're at work. Instead of knocking me down, you'll build me up and give me wings. It's amazing what a little encouragement will do. I can go for hours, nay, weeks, on just one "atta girl!"

Finally, I love you. I love you with all your quirks, bad habits, and bad choices. I love you with all I have in me. Just because I'm writing doesn't mean I stopped loving you. It just means I'm busy answering the call. And I promise. I promise. In between projects, I'll emerge from my writing cave, and we'll party and dance and eat and celebrate with outrageous abandon like a fat, sassy robin in springtime.

But there will come a day, when the cave will beckon me in again, and I will hibernate. Some hibernation times last longer than others. But never fear. They don't last forever. When I emerge, like a moth from a chrysalis, I will fly back into the real world and do all I can to make it up to you.

Just please try to understand. This writing thing can be hard. The path is often lonely. And it's made all the worse when I don't have the sustenance of your blessing. I may not live to please you, but that doesn't mean I don't want your support.

And maybe, just maybe, a movie-maker will knock down my door. And when that happens? You'll be right there with me on that red carpet.

I guarantee it.

Please tweet: Open letter to friends and family from a writer--please read!

Karla Akins is a best-selling author of five books including The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots. Her latest book, A Pair of Miracles: A Story of Autism, Faith, and Determined Parenting will be released in the fall of 2017 by Kregel Publishing. She resides in North Manchester, Indiana and is currently serving as President of ACFW-Indiana. 

The Art of Interruptions

In an ironic twist, Blogger wasn't playing nice when I was writing this post. So I wrote it on my own blog, which uses WordPress.

You can find the post here.

Thanks for reading!

Karla Akins is the author of The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots and countless short stories, biographies and other books for middle grades. She currently serves as President of ACFW-Indiana Chapter and resides in North Manchester with her pastor-husband, twin adult sons with autism, and her mother-in-law with Alzheimer's. Her three dogs and two cats are attentive editors.

Why Christian writing is more important than ever

I don't know if you've noticed, but we're living in perilous times.

Wars, rumors of wars, crashing meteorites, earthquakes, and volcanoes in diverse places: Jesus spoke of these things.

As in the days of Noah, when Nephilim walked the earth, and fallen angels tampered with the sacred genes of humankind, those created in God's image today splice genes, implant chips, and embrace the future of singularity.

If there was ever a need for us to be the light that Jesus said we are, it's now.

"Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid" (Matthew 5:14)

 Notice this scripture doesn't say you should be the light. It says you are the light.

What are you doing with it?

Are you hiding it because you're afraid of failure?

Are you hiding it because you're lazy?

What is your excuse for hiding your light, Dear Writer?

The world needs Light in this dark, dark world.

Where and when will you let yours shine?

Tweet this: Where and when will you let your light shine?

Karla Akins is the author of The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots and countless short stories, biographies and other books for middle grades. She currently serves as Vice-President of ACFW-Indiana Chapter and resides in North Manchester with her pastor-husband, twin adult sons with autism, and her mother-in-law with Alzheimer's. Her three dogs and two cats are attentive editors.

Brilliant Blog Award Winners Announced!

This post first appeared on Karla Akins' blog.

As you may know if you read any of my posts last week, I've launched a new contest this year. I'm recognizing outstanding blogs. Blogs that catch my eye. Blogs that I love.

In choosing blogs for this award, I follow the rubric below. Now, keep in mind, anytime there's a contest that pits one thing against the other, a judge's opinion is extremely subjective. Also, as this is my first time doing this type of thing, this rubric is subject to change. As I learn more about what works and what doesn't in creating a great blog, and as I scrutinize blogs more carefully this year, I'm certain to figure out other important or not-so-important elements.

But I also go with a gut reaction when I'm at the blog site. If there's a quick intake of air, if I feel that my time has been well-spent, if I feel butterflies -- chances are it's a blog that even lines up with the rubric I've created.

By the way, I'm not comparing blogs with over 1000 subscribers to blogs under 1000 subscribers. All blogs are considered in this contest as separate entities apart from their popularity. I don't choose a blog simply because it's more popular. There are a lot of popular blogs I don't read or don't like. I choose them for how they appeal to me or meet my needs as a Christian writer.

Now. On to the awards! Drum roll please!

My first pick is in the Secular Travel Blog category. I've chosen Camels and Chocolate by Kristen Luna. I've followed Kristen for quite a few years now. But when she gave her blog and website a makeover, I was mesmerized. There's really nothing I don't like about this blog. Copious pictures. An engaging writing style. Useful information. Not to mention the aesthetics of this blog are second to none. Congratulations, Kristen! Giving you this award is a no-brainer. Readers, if you want to know how to do a blog in an engaging way, study this one!

Food category -- The Miss Nini Blog.  Full disclosure: "Miss Nini" is a friend of mine from way back when I lived in Iowa. But we haven't seen one another in person for more than 20 years! And we just recently (about a year ago) got back in touch via Facebook. She and her husband, a very successful sheep farmer, attended our little storefront church in Anita, Iowa years ago. And now she's a famous baker! She's won tons of awards at the Iowa State Fair, been a contestant on Shark Tank, and got her picture in the New York Times.

But that's not why I love her blog. First, who doesn't love baked goods, right? But I also love Miss Nini's writing style. You have no idea how thrilled I was to learn she is writing a book now.  Her turns of phrase are as delicious as your kitchen concoctions, I assure you.

My next two picks are in the Christian writing category. These go to:

Zoe M. McCarthy and Karen Wingate's, Grace on Parade Blog

I have fallen in love with Zoe M. McCarthy's writing advice. One of the reasons I like it so much is that it's worthy of my time and the posts are usually moderate in length. I get a lot of info without spending a lot of time. Several of her posts I've bookmarked. The information is so worthy. I never delete a post that shows up in my mailbox.

Karen Wingate's blog, Grace on Parade, contains rich content. And I absolutely love the daisies! Her web design is lovely. But it's the content that's impressive. Each post is well-thought-out. Each post conveys a message. I like that.

So, tell me, Dear Reader, what are your favorite blogs so far this year? Weigh in!

And congratulations to January's winners! Write on, ladies! I'll be in touch with the secret code for posting the button to your blog (if I haven't given it to you before now).

What do our winners get? Winners get to display the Brilliant Blog Button on their website. Readers can click on the button to vote for them for Blog of the Year. Fun, right?

Tweet this: January's Brilliant Blog Awards announced!

Do you have an award-worthy blog or know of one? Let me know in the comments below. And take time to congratulate January's winners!

Karla is the author of several history books for

homeschoolers including O Canada Her Story,Sacagawea and Jacques Cartier. Her first novel, The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots features a homeschool mom. Her work has also been published in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Splickety Magazine, and she currently writes for Happy Sis Magazine. You can find more information about her life and ministry atKarlaAkins.com.

Time to write

Happy 2016!

How exciting to write my very first blog post of 2016 on Hoosier Ink!

I must admit, I wasn't sad to see 2015 go. It was a tough year. And even though 2016 threatens to be even tougher (due to some personal family issues), I'm not afraid. I'm determined not to let the devil stop me from what God has put me on this planet to do.

One of the things I was put on this planet to do is write.  But there are lots of reasons for me to give it up. Plenty of excuses. I'm sure you have them, too: working full-time to put food on the table, chronic illness, chronic pain, exhaustion, lack of inspiration, discouragement. Frankly, if I were to put a line down the middle of a page and write "reasons to write" on one side and all the "reasons not to write" on another, there'd be a lot more listed on the "reasons not to" side.

But that's not a fair way of looking at it because the one reason to keep writing outweighs all the excuses. The Master of the Universe has called me to write. That's reason enough to keep facing the blank page day after day. If He's called me to it, then without question, I must obey.

My prayer for you in 2016 is that you, too, will answer the call no matter how you feel. Feelings, quite frankly, are unreliable and fickle. God's call never is. The enemy has stepped up his army of writers. Just walk into any secular bookstore and you'll see what I mean.

In this new year, it's time for God's Writer Army to take up arms and answer the call to battle. Like King David, we have the power and confidence to enter the fray in the Name of the Lord!

Write on, Writer Warriors! Write on!
(Click to tweet)

Karla is the author of several history books for

homeschoolers including O Canada Her Story, Sacagawea and Jacques Cartier. Her first novel, The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots features a homeschool mom. Her work has also been published in The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, Splickety Magazine, and she currently writes for Happy Sis Magazine. You can find more information about her life and ministry at KarlaAkins.com.

In other's words

Christmas is cuh-razy time for me as a Pastor's wife, Christmas Pageant Director, mom and grandma. Instead of coming up with new material, this month I'm going to share some read-worthy blog posts from other writers.

First, if you love A Christmas Carol (especially the Muppet version) and you love to write, Kristen Lamb's post is a must-read:

Charles Dickens—Using Symbol, Theme & Allegory to Create Enduring Stories

If you want to know what to get your writer-friends for Christmas, you can read my blog post here:

Top 10 Christmas Gifts for Busy Writers (Or at least for this one)

Click to buy!

I really enjoyed our ACFW-Indiana president, Rick Barry's, blog posts on editing and pride. I think you will, too:

God Wants to Edit You

My Name is Pride

I was actually writing a post like the one below for Hoosier Ink before I read this one by Anne Garboczi Evans. I'd changed my mind because I didn't want to come across negative. But thanks to Anne, I might anyway, because I love this post!

5 Ways to Justify Scrooge-ness in a Christmas Elf World

How about you? Are you feeling overwhelmed at Christmas? Do you write much in the month of December? If so, what do you write? Weigh in!

Tweet this: In other's words: writing enduring stories and surviving the holiday

Karla Akins is author of the best-selling Jacques Cartier (that went #1 on Amazon in its category), O Canada! Her Story,  Sacagawea and The Pastor's Wife Wears Biker Boots. When she's not writing she dreams of riding her motorcycle and looking for treasure.