Book Review: The Art of Storytelling by John Walsh

Haven’t we told stories since we could talk? Telling stories is easy, right? Yes and no. Just because you can spell doesn’t mean you’re a talented writer. Just because you can speak, doesn’t mean you’re a skilled storyteller capable of holding the attention of everyone from preschoolers to bored adults. And not only hold their attention, but impact their lives.  

In the The Art of Storytelling: Easy Steps to Presenting an Unforgettable Story, John Walsh goes beyond simple instruction, yet it is very simple and easy to follow along. He gives in depth techniques on crafting a memorable story yet sticks with the basic tools storytellers need. It’s philosophical yet practical. My kind of book all the way.

The bonus section at the end is definitely worth going through. His Bible Telling program sounds fascinating and I look forward to delving more into it.

Masters of a craft are who I seek to learn from. John Walsh is certainly one.

3 Easy Steps in Writing a Helpful Book Review

“This is the best book on the planet!!! Stop what you’re doing right now and buy this book! You won’t regret it!”

“Seriously? This author needs to get a job hauling garbage instead of producing it.”

book review

You’ve read these kinds of reviews—on the same book. Not helpful in making a decision to buy (or not buy) the book, are they? The first was probably written by a friend of the author, the other by someone vehemently opposed to the author’s message.

So what do potential book buyers do? Keep reading reviews until they find one that is written from opinion yet tells the whole story. Here’s how you can be one of those reviewers who gets a “thumbs up—yes this review was helpful.”

1. Start with your own summation of the story. Don’t give anything away, and don’t just repeat what’s on the back cover. Write a few paragraphs of the basic storyline, either from the main character’s perspective or just the gist of the story as you remember it.

Often, I find out more of what the story’s about by reading this section in a helpful review. The description given by the publishers is meant to intrigue you enough to buy the book. But sometimes, I’m confused as to what the story is really about.

I have a clue and might like it, but when I read it in a review, I’m sold. Or not. Either way is good for both me and the author. They don’t want me reading something I don’t like and leaving a less than glowing review because of it.

2. Add a space break or >>> and write your own thoughts. This is where your opinion comes in. When possible, pick out a few things you liked (or loved) about the book and give specifics. Instead of, this is the best book I’ve ever read! you can say something like, the way the author brought out the main character’s pain was so real I experienced it.

If it truly is the best book you’ve ever read, skip to steps 3. But some books you just didn’t like at all. That’s okay. Still start with positive, and add your gripe in next (nicely, of course). Authors are a sensitive bunch, but the great ones prefer honesty from a sweet soul like you than for your review to lead to the wrong person buying the book and writing a no-holds-barred review.

Don’t go overboard with criticism. Same as the positive, pick out a few things you really didn’t like and be specific as to why. At that point, your reader can decide whether it’s something that will bother them so much they won’t enjoy the book, or it’s no big deal. Again, don’t give anything away. It’s a balancing act.

3. Finally, end with your thoughts on who might enjoy the book. It may not have been for you, but you know the type person who would enjoy it. If it’s a YA or children’s book, you might give caution for parents to read it first, or that it would make a great family and discussion read.

Don’t be afraid of being honest, and you don’t necessarily have to say “in my opinion.” The potential book buyer knows it is. The smart ones weigh it with others and make an informed decision of whether to invest their time and money into that book, whether you personally loved or hated it.

Question: Has a review ever helped you make a buying decision? Share your experience in the comments.

Special Announcement!

Wait, isn’t that the term you use for new arrivals, as in babies? If so, my title is appropriate, because the publication of a debut novel follows much of the same pattern as having your first baby. From conception, through the anxiety and joy-filled thoughts of motherhood, to the impatient anticipation of the big day, not quite sure exactly when that will be, or what it will be like. The agonizing pains of labor, the sweat, the tears, the fear. And then…it’s all over. You hold the newborn book, uh, baby in your arms at last.

No, I’ve never had a baby. No, I’ve never published a novel. But my friend has. (Just the latter, of course!)

Without further rabbit trail hopping, I’d like to announce the publication of The Kingmakers, by Serafia Cross. I couldn’t be more excited for my dear friend. She has worked so consistently on drafting and editing this novel series, The Last King of Legends, it puts me to shame. Visit her website www.SerafiaCross.com for details on the series and an excerpt from the novel.

 

In 1174 King Baldwin IV of Jerusalem is thrust into power at age thirteen. Only a few individuals know his greatest secret—he is a leper. Despite all their training and abilities, they cannot teach him to live long, so they teach him how to reign great and craft a king myths are made of—a king history almost forgot. They are The Kingmakers to The Last King of Legends.

Book One, The Kingmakers, is now available. Get a copy.

‘Nuff said.

For Him,

Sarah Elisabeth

Time To Man Up

  Courageous begins with four law enforcement officers who know what it is to lay their life on the line every day for the safety of citizens. Yet are they willing to daily lay down their lives for their families?

Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes and their partners face drug thugs, gangsters, and threats on the job; at home they face disconnected teenagers, concerned spouses, and brokenness. They give their best on the official job, but then just get by with their life’s calling of fatherhood.

When tragedy strikes, Adam Mitchell is left in a tailspin that halts and brings into question everything he’s ever known. But it sets him on a journey to find out what God really wants of him as a father. The answers he uncovers overwhelms him, and he knows he can’t do it alone.

His partners in fighting crime become his partners in becoming the fathers God called them to be. Adding strength to their group is Javy, a construction worker who struggles to support his family financially. But he knows how to implement the spiritual upbringing he experienced from his own father.

In between drug busts, beatings, shootouts, and the battle with public opinion, these law enforcement officers learn what it means to man up as a godly dad.

I’ve been anticipating the next Sherwood Pictures story since I saw the movie trailer for Courageous. When I received a copy of the novelization by Randy Alcorn, I devoured it faster than any novel in a long time.

Just to be clear: the novel is based on the screenplay by Alex and Stephen Kendrick. The novel is now available, preceding the movie which opens in theaters on September 30^th.

So, what do I think of the novel and storyline? In a word: YES! As in, hooray. I loved the premise and the delivery. This is something America needs. That families need. Churches need. So many issues in society today go back to the breakdown in the home. Not saying that breakdown is always a result of dads’ lack of involvement, but this attests to the fact that dads can begin to turn their families around.

I was leery during the opening chapter, wondering if they could really pull off a novelization, then I was floored. And hooked. So many twists and turns I was almost afraid to read the next chapter, but of course I had to. I just hope some favorite parts and characters aren’t left out of the movie. I know Randy Alcorn had to add extra scenes and characters to expand the screenplay to novel length, so I’ll accept whatever changes were made, and know I can read the book again.

As a writer, I couldn’t help noticing the POV (Point of View) shifts. You could tell it was based on a screenplay! But Randy Alcorn did them so seamlessly, you couldn’t help but be caught up in the action.

I have to recommend you read the novel. There are so many descriptions and characters you don’t get in a movie. And the closing line just left you with a sense of WOW.

At the same time, the book only whet my appetite and I can’t wait to be in a movie theater for the second time in my life. We plan to go with our church opening night.

For Him,

Sarah Elisabeth

I highly recommend aspiring and seasoned authors to read this interview with Randy Alcorn:

http://www.titletrakk.com/author-interviews/randy-alcorn-courageous-movie-interview.htm

http://www.courageousthemovie.com

And for legal purposes: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from Tyndale House Publishers.

Unlocked

Book Review: Unlocked by Karen Kingsbury

 

Unlocked begins with the deep pains of a mother’s heart. Tracy has dealt with her son’s autism for fifteen years. Therapy, special needs education, exact afternoon routines—eighteen-year-old Holden is non communicative, living in his own private world.

Abandoned by her closest friends and with her husband gone from their lives, paying the bills with dangerous fishing jobs in Alaska, Tracy bears the weight and hurt through her faith. After years of little progress, prayer is often the only thing that gets Tracy through each day. Until Ella comes into Holden’s life—again.

Best friends at three years old, Holden still remembers his Ella. It’s not long, through old family photo albums, that Ella makes the connection. Because of her mother’s concern and discomfort with the vaguely understood condition of autism, Ella was separated from her friend. Life moved in a completely different direction for both families.

Sick of being part of the “in” crowd of jerks and bullies, Ella befriends Holden and becomes his advocate with the high school drama leader. Music seems to be the key to unlock Holden. Ella is determined to let him have the opportunity to at least listen to rehearsals of her starring role as Belle in the expected last performance for the Fulton High Drama program.

What happens in all the lives involved is nothing short of a miracle straight from God.

This first Karen Kingsbury book I’ve read, Unlocked exceeded my expectations. The pain and struggles felt by each character was so real and rich, I could hardly put the book down. The connections and relationships were complicated, yet realistic.

And Holden. Wow. To write from the viewpoint of an autistic teenager with a heart of gold. Amazing.

More than once this book had me near tears. I don’t cry over novels, but this had me setting it aside a few times just to catch my breath. Nothing overly dramatic or sensationalized, just the raw emotions of real life. And the real hope that in found in Christ Jesus.

Karen Kingsbury said in a recent interview that she doesn’t patch Jesus into her stories. She wants Him to always be an intricate part of every novel she writes. That holds true for Unlocked.

Do I recommend this book? Hey, I’m even getting my mom to read it, and she doesn’t read novels. Don’t miss this gem.

A great big thanks to Cindy at SurprisingTreasures.com! I won this copy of Unlocked on her blog. Her family has their own amazing story unfolding every day.

For Him, Sarah Elisabeth