Critiques!!!

Critiques are almost done!

The manuscript for my third book is going through critiques and is almost done. Two more chapters and an epilogue left.

I'm so thankful the Lord has opened up this opportunity to be a part of a wonderful critique group. They are a blessing.

When critiques are done, I will begin edits. After that...another round of critiques.

Some might consider these steps boring, but it's so exciting to see your story mature.

I pray those of you that are called to write are writing.

Press on!!

Blessings - Kimberli

Divided

So, I've spent the last several years working on a children's book series. I've become attached to the characters, watched them grow and mature. They are constantly in my thoughts. While the first draft of the third book is going through critiques, I've begun working on a new children's story.

Here's my problem...I can't stop thinking about Shayia and the gang. It's hindering me from getting to know the new characters in my current WIP!

What do I do to keep my mind focused?

What do you do when you work on more than one project? How do you divide your attention so that neither project suffers? If you have any suggestions for me, please share.

As I continue to work through this issue, I'll share with you how I'm doing in case someone else has the same problem.

We must stick together!

Blessings - Kimberli

Have you read my books?

You have?! That's awesome. :)

I would love for you to share what you thought of the stories.

I know several copies were given out over the last few months. Some were given to libraries, schools, and others gifted to young readers.

As readers transport themselves into our stories, we authors are thinking - do they like it?

Therefore, I am asking. If you have read - The Sword of Light and/or Redemption from the Shayia's Adventures series, please give me a shout. I'd love to hear from you.

If you haven't read the two books, here is your invitation to run out and get them (or order online) and start reading!

I am looking forward to hearing from you.

Blessings - Kimberli

Books: (target age 9-12)
- The Sword of Light: Shayia's Adventures - Book One
- Redemption: Shayia's Adventures - Book Two

Blessed at ICRS

I had a wonderful time at ICRS even though I was only there for a couple of hours. (Getting there and back home....a different story.) :)

At ICRS, I met some sweet people. Some offered to put my books in their church library and others wanted to gift them to young family members. It's exciting to know my book is being read all over the world. I pray the Lord is glorified.

Due to the short time being there, I was not able to meet other authors. If the Lord opens up another opportunity for me to go next year, I will make sure I meet at least one or two. I did see Ms. Tosca Lee for a brief moment. I was blessed with the opportunity to meet her and Mr. Ted Dekker when they had a signing a month ago in Lincoln, NE.

If you have the opportunity to attend ICRS, please do.

I have a lot of writing and critiquing to do. :)

Happy writing and reading!!

Blessings - Kimberli

ICRS is coming soon!!

ICRS stands for International Christian Retail Show. I've had two book signings, but this is my first big event. I'm nervous. Not so much about the event. It's getting there that makes me jittery. I have to take a plane. A plane!!!

Although I would greatly appreciate your prayers for a safe journey for all, I'd like to ask for prayer for the event. I will be there for two hours signing books. However, I fill has if the Lord wants me to minister to others. I'm not sure who He needs me to minister to, but I want to be prepared.

So, friends, I ask that you please pray for this event and all the Lord wants to accomplish.

Thank you!

If you're going, I hope to meet you.

Let's get some writing done today!

Blessings - Kimberli

So...What's Happening?

It's been awhile. Sorry!

So, what's been happening? Writing and critiquing.

The third book in the Shayia's Adventures series is going through critiques. I still don't have a title. In the meantime, I have started a new writing project. I'm excited to get to know new characters. The story is set in the future. I'll tell you more about it in a couple of months. It's going to be awesome!!

I was also blessed with an interview. Please go check it out!!!

http://fantasyinmotion.wordpress.com/2012/05/11/author-interview-kimberli-renee-campbell/

I hope you have been writing and reading. There are some awesome books on the shelves.

Blessings - Kimberli

The first draft of my third book is finished!!!

I am jumping for joy and praising the Lord!!

A few days ago, I completed the first draft of my third manuscript. The third book of the Shayia's Adventure series. (Still no title.)

I feel like I've been working on it forever.

Thank you, Lord, for being there every step of the way.

The manuscript has been set aside. In a few weeks or so, I will return to it and begin filling in missing pieces and doing some edits. But for now, I am just enjoying the feeling of seeing my project through its first stage. When you write that last sentence, there are so many emotions felt. I was sad, happy, empty, ecstatic...you name it.

I want to thank those that continue to pray and encourage me on my writing journey. You are a blessing.

To all writers – let's get some writing done today!!!

Blessings - Kimberli

THE FIRST DRAFT

So, you have an awesome story the Lord has given you to share with others. What next?

The first thing you need to do is outline the story or jump right in and go for it.

Once you've decided your method and your ready to begin, the most important thing to remember about the first draft is...WRITE FIRST - EDIT LATER.

There will be plenty of time for edits. Trust me.

On your first draft, allow the story to flow from the passion in your heart and become tangible. So many wonderful stories are abandoned because we allow ourselves to get distracted and begin editing our work as we go. We start changing and correcting things, and before we know it, the story's dead.

Please don't let this to happen to you.

I encourage you to ignore the editing monster and complete your first draft! You can do it!!!!

Happy writing!

Blessings - Kimberli

MAGIC AND SORCERY

Do I have magic and/or sorcery in my children's chapter book series? Yes.

Does my story glorify them? Absolutely not. In fact, if you read the first book, you will find that it says that magic and sorcery are bad things and not of God.

Now, let's talk about Shayia's sword. Is it magic? No. Shayia's father made the sword following explicit instructions from God. When the Word appears on the blade of the sword, it is the manifestation of God's power.

Let's look at the Word. What about Moses' staff or the talking donkey? Was this magic or sorcery? No. It was the manifestation of God's power.

So, what am I to do when people do not wish to promote the stories the Lord gives me because they feel it goes against their convictions? I'll tell you what I do...I thank them. I must follow my heart as they must follow theirs.

The Lord gave me this children's chapter book series. He gave me the content. I will obey and follow His guidance. When I receive notes from children saying the stories drew them closer to God, I know I have done what I was called to do.

We believers will disagree with one another. It's all right. But, let's guard ourselves from allowing any discord to come between us. Let's glorify our Heavenly Father in all we do!!

Blessings and keep writing!!!!