Gloria Oren 
Writer, Book Reviewer, Editor, Proofreader. Writers and Authors – Jo Linsdell
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Good morning everyone.
 Today we have with us an author who has been here before, but this time Karina Fabian has her dad, Deacon Steven Lumbert join her. Glad you could join us here today and share a bit about your joint authorship of your book, Why G-d Matters. We will hear thoughts from both Karina and Steven in today’s interview.
GO: Karina to start us off here, tell us a bit about your book and how you came to write a book with your dad?
KF: Why God Matters tells of several experiences from my father’s and my lives that showed us God’s loving hand and that strengthened our faith. Along with the stories of those experiences (think Chicken Soup style), we offer some short lessons on increasing your own faith, plus quotes from Scripture and the Catechism of the Catholic Church.
I was asked to write this book by Tribute Books to fill a hole in their production line. They already knew exactly what they wanted–right to the format. It was actually pretty easy, but I felt intimidated about the assignment because I felt I could only offer an overly feminine perspective, and the book really needed a balance. Then in church, it hit me–I have a deacon father! I called him up and invited him to collaborate and it was the best thing I could have done–for the book and for me.
GO: When two writers co-author a book there is a chance that their writing styles would clash. Deacon Lumbert, when Karina asked you to co-author this book were you concerned about the style issue? How did you work this out so that the finished product was consistent in style?
SL: I didn’t even consider that issue. As this is my first time writing a book, I was excited to work with Karina. She is an accomplished and published author. I had confidence in her. We agreed on a process for reviewing the writing, but I can tell you she is a tough critic.
GO: Karina, I believe this was the first time you’ve co-written a book with your dad. What were the biggest surprises you’ve encountered as a writer during this experience?
KF: Actually, this was the first time I’ve co-written a book, period. I actually think it went easier because it was with my dad. I have to admit, though, I was a little nervous. I know my dad–he’s a dear, smart and funny, but he’s a TALKER, and it comes out in his writing. I know there’d be some serious editing and I wanted to be sure that I not only didn’t wreck his style, but that I didn’t get into arguments.
As it turned out, the biggest surprise was the best. I’d give a critique (one that would make a lot of writers cry, frankly) and Dad would come back with this work that was so improved! Then we’d tweak until they sang. Looking back, I think a lot of his stories are better done than mine, and I’m the one with 20 + year’s experience. I am so proud of my Daddy!
Other great surprises were personal–learning the full story of the Lumbert Trouble Boys. Realizing just how much we meant to each other in our faith journeys as well as our life journeys. God blessed us with the chance to write this book.
GO: Steven, have you written a book prior to this one? I know you’ve written many sermons, which are a different kind of writing, I’d think. What are your thoughts about the experience?
SL: This was the first time ever. As you mention, I have written many homilies/sermons, and many, many reports in my previous work. However, the style used in writing a book is totally different and I had to get used to it. With the experience, I think I will now be writing more effective homilies/sermons as I now realize a more effective way of writing.
GO: Karina, your book is slanted toward a specific religion, but lots of things you write about can be re-slanted towards other ones. E.g. I’m Jewish and also believe in G-d, but in a different way perhaps than you, your father or other religions do. Would you tell us how you could promote this type of book to a wider audience? What would it take?
KF: It’s true, this book is written for a Catholic audience. In fact, we decided to include quotes from the Catechism of the Catholic Church after Dad used a few as his introductory quotes and we realized how well the Catechism addresses all aspects of living–not just the religious side.
However, the experiences we share transcend religion: learning about generosity from your parents; seeing God’s hand in saving your life; understanding your relationship with God. I think those who are not put off by reading Catholic quotes can find inspiration they can apply to their own relationship with God. Consider it this way: could you read a story about a Buddhist that included quotes from Buddha without feeling threatened? Could you gain something from the experience?
I must admit, though, I’m comfortable focusing on the Catholic audience. My fiction is a different story–and a different interview.
GO: Steven, as an author, how do you want readers to view your book?
SL: As this book is about how God is always present with us, I hope and pray that the readers will begin to see how God is there, how He calls always to holiness of life, even in the everyday happenings.
GO: Karina, all good stories originate somewhere. How did this one get started?
KF: These stories started with a Navy man who fell in love with a Catholic woman while stationed in Puerto Rico. His father made him wait until he was 21 to get married, so June 24, 1966, two days after his birthday, Steven Lumbert married Socorro Vicenty. I was born April 19, 1967, and my sister, April 12, 1968. He and Mom raised us to love God and to love others, and by far, their example was the greatest teacher.
Our stories are examples from our lives. We hope they will teach as well.
GO: Steven, have you and Karina considered writing another book together? If so, is anything planned within the next few years? What would it be about?
SL: I have thought about it, but before any decisions are made, I think Karina and I both agree we need to see how this one goes.
KF: The manuscript wasn’t even finished and Dad was asking, “What shall we do next?” LOL. Right now, I have a backlog of obligations in the fiction realm. We’re going to revisit this question next year.
GO: Karina, has your relationship become better or worse having worked on this book with your dad? Would you recommend this to other writers?
KF: Oh, I can’t recommend one way or the other–it would totally depend on the father-daughter relationship. I’m not sure even we could have had such an easy time if we’d tried this ten years ago.
However, I do feel closer to Dad, and frankly, that was one of my ulterior motives behind asking him to collaborate. With my family moving around the country and Dad and Mom so busy with church, many of our phone calls devolve into reciting our To-Do lists! This gave Dad and me a focus for sharing more about ourselves.
We do recommend that families take time to share their faith stories. In fact, we suggest this at the end of the book. Further, we have a page on our website, www.whygodmatters.com, for folks to write in about little experiences that have enhanced their faith.
GO: Steven, what advice would you give to a writer considering teaming up with a parent to co-write a book?
SL: First thing to do is make sure that your relationship to each other is strong enough to withstand criticism, especially when the child is criticizing the parent. I think that if the relationship is strong enough to withstand that, then pursue it further.
Working with my daughter on this book has been a most enlightening experience. Even though I am the parent here, and supposed to “know it all,” I found that our relationship as father/daughter has become more profound as we both wrote of our experiences of God.
GO: Before we wrap up today, do either you or your dad have anything else to add? Can you tell my readers how they can purchase this book and where they can learn more about you online?
KF/SL: Why God Matters has the Catholic Writers’ Guild Seal of Approval, which testifies to its Catholicity. We hope to see it in Catholic book stores–so if you frequent a Christian or Catholic book store, please ask them about ordering it–and maybe getting some copies to share with their other customers.
You can get more information, see the book video and share your stories at www.whygodmatters.com. There’s also a link there for purchasing the book.
For those who prefer Amazon, here’s a link: http://www.amazon.com/Why-God-Matters-Recognize-Daily/dp/0982256531/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1274127345&sr=8-1
GO: Well thank you both for stopping by today. Hope you’ll be back soon
KF/SL: Thanks, Gloria! We really appreciate your hosting us.
Please leave any comments you wish or questions for Karina or Deacon Steven Lumbert.
If you have a nonfiction book just published, or due out soon and would like to be interviewed, post a comment.
Which nonfiction author(s) would you like to see interviewed here? Leave a comment.
I thought it would be interesting to share a bit
about the history of printing in North America
since most of my readers are both writers and
readers.
Printing began in 1676 in Boston by John Foster.
The first press in Philadelphia was set by William
Bradford whose first work issued was an almanac
in 1685. Bradford moved to New York and begun
printing there in 1693.
Among the early books published in America, a few
still retain readers’ interest because of their
attractive strangeness.
Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston on January,
17,1706, and died in Philadelphia, on April 17, 1790.
He begun his apprenticeship as a printer in 1778,
and worked as a journey-man in Philadelphia in 1724.
He was a master printer in 1729. As an editor and a
publisher he made himself notable.
In 1732, Franklin issued the first issues of “Poor
Richards Almanac”, which was published every year,
for twenty-five years. “Poor Richard” made Franklin
famous. He was aware that in many homes this
almanac was the only book. He filled the space
between the important days in the calendar with
proverbs, showing industry and frugality as the
means of obtaining wealth and thus according to
Franklin’s belief securing virtue; he thought that the
way entertain people was to help them to be good.
The first printers had small wooden presses. Their
power was slight and they printed one page at a time.
The screw was of wood, and worked by a “bar,” much
the same as a modern napkin press. The chief thing was
to obtain an even surface on the “bed” upon which the
page of type rested; and an even surface for the “platen,”
which was lowered as the bar turned the screw, and thus
pressed the paper on the typeface. The evenness, as well
as the color, in many old books, shows that this was
accomplished with great success.
The first journal appeared in America on September 25,
1690, in Boston under the name of Public Occurrences.
The Boston News-Letter was started in 1704. The Boston
Gazette appeared on December 21, 1719, and The American
Weekly Mercury of Philadelphia a day later. The Pennsylvania
Gazette of Philadelphia was started in 1728 by Samuel Keimer,
but less than a year later was bought by Benjamin Franklin.
In 1821 it became The Saturday Evening Post; under this title
it is still issued, and is the oldest existing journal in America.
Till next time
Gloria
Writers who write for publication should know how
to proofread, so that he may be able to do this
work quickly and accurately. After all, you don’t
want to submit copy that is loaded with typos,
and other errors, do you?
Errors are most readily detected if a card is used
to cover all lines except the one that is being
corrected. The card is moved down from line to
line as each is read and corrected. By having only
one line in sight and by examining every word,
the writer or proofreader can more readily
catch any errors.
Always proofread the copy word by word. It’s easy
to miss errors when reading groups of words.
Well this was a short one.
Till next time
Gloria
Headlines are the short lines of text that catches
our eyes and makes us want to read an article,
press release, etc. But how does one go about
creating effective headlines? In this short
introduction to headlines I’ll try to show you.
Functions of Headlines
Headlines developed from mere labels indicating
the kind of reading material in the article below
them, to bulletins giving the substance of the
articles to which they are attached. Headlines
present in large type the important facts of the
story which it precedes.
Headlines serve a double purpose:
(1) they enable rapid reading of the news
outlined in the head
(2) they advertise the news to attract the
reader.
Headlines Promote Rapid Reading
Headlines fulfill an important role in contemporary
American life. Busy men or women can get world
news updates by reading only the headlines.
Headlines act as advertisements for articles. Like
all good advertisements headlines should create
interest. By arousing the reader’s curiosity,
skillfully written headlines attract reader attention.
This influences them to read the story.
Headlines should present newsy facts in a clear
and concise manner. The statements should also
be concrete and specific. Because of space
limitations, headlines should include the maximum
number of important facts as possible.
Action in Headlines
Headlines should express the action related in the
article. Consider the following three points as
essential elements of headlines:
(1) Life and vividness of expression create interest.
(2) Freshness and originality of phrasing enhance
clarity.
(3) Short, crisp, and specific words that can be
grasped quickly, generally make the best headlines.
Headlines Should Be Based Lead Sentences
Since all important facts are given in the lead, the
headline should be based largely, if not entirely, on
the lead. The headline should prepare the reader
for what is to follow.
To create concise headlines the articles “a”, “an”,
and “the” are omitted. Helping verbs that aren’t
absolutely necessary are also omitted.
To create freshness and vividness to the headline,
the present tense verbs are usually used even
though the action might have taken place in the
past; for example, “Palin Speaks in Cleveland.”
Future action is expressed by the infinitive or by
the regular future form with “will”; for example,
“Palin to Speak in Cleveland,” or “Palin Will Speak
in Cleveland.”
In general, only common abbreviations, like “Dr.,”
“Prof.,” “Mrs.,” “Mr.,” “St.,” “Co.,” are used in
headlines. However, others that are convenient
and clear can be used. In Washington state, for
example, “UW”, pronounced as “u-dub”, used as
an abbreviation for “University of Washington,” is
common.
Short words are preferred, because in rapid
reading they’re easier to grasp than long ones.
This led to either the coining of new words or
the application of new functions to old ones.
For example, “investigation” became “probe” and
“to investigate” became “to quiz”. Other such
changes can be seen in the following:
criticize —-> hit
censure —-> rap
rebuke —-> score
arrest —-> nab
marry —-> wed
However, when it comes to slang, the best and
safest course is to avoid it.
Punctuation in headlines and sub-headlines
should follow the accepted rules. When
punctuation marks aren’t necessary for clarity,
they should be omitted.
That’s a bit of food for thought, isn’t it? What
difficulties have you experience when having to
come up with a headline?
Next post on Proofreading 101.
Till next time,
Gloria
The reading and editing of copy consists of any or
all of the following five tasks:
(1) Correcting all errors in word usage or in facts.
(2) Ensuring the story conforms to the “style” used by
the publication or publisher.
(3) Improving the story when needed.
(4) Catching and eliminating libelous matter.
(5) Writing or improving headlines and subheads, where
called for.
Good copy editors must be able to quickly catch and
correct errors of all kinds. Clean copy should be free
of spelling, grammar, and high-sounding language
errors. Though important, the correction of such
errors, however, is not the most important part of the
editors work. Editors must be able to spot and correct
errors of fact. Editors must be familiar with proper
names appearing in the news, such as names of
prominent persona and places the world over, the titles
of well-known books, plays, pictures, and musical
compositions, the names of railroads and important
corporations, and special trade-mark names.
Editors must accurately judge value of the written work.
If the real point of the story has been buried by the writer,
editors must give it the prominence that it deserves. The
ineffective lead must be rewritten, removing needless
details, and often rearranging parts of the story so that it
flows better making it easier for the reader to follow.
To improve the style, editors must carefully consider
paragraphs and sentence construction, and choice of
words and figures. Each paragraph should be given an
effective eye-catching lead. Sentences must tie in well
with paragraphs. Editors must transform into firm,
coherent statements. In short, the editor’s task is
constructive weak, rambling sentences as well as critical;
it is as important for him to rewrite and rearrange as to
cut out and boil down.
Some Common Errors
In reading copy rapidly editors should be on the lookout
for certain kinds of common errors in spelling, grammar,
and punctuation. The editor’s quick eye will catch the
frequently misspelled words without difficulty, but
uncommon proper names are more likely to cause trouble,
and in cases of doubt, books of reference should be
consulted. To prevent errors in grammar from slipping into
a story, the editor should note:
(1) the agreement of the verb with the subject, especially
when separated by words or phrases;
(2) the relation of pronouns to their preceding nouns;
(3) the position of participles in relation to the words they
modify;
(4) the use of coordinate conjunctions to connect elements
of the same kind;
(5) the position of correlative conjunctions with relation to
the elements that they connect.
Common errors in punctuation are:
(1) using a comma instead of a semicolon to separate
independent, grammatically unconnected statements;
(2) omitting apostrophes in the possessive case and in
contractions;
(3) omitting a period after abbreviations;
(4) using double instead of single quotation marks;
(5) failing to put quotation marks at the beginning of
each paragraph of a continuous quotation and at the
end of only the last paragraph.
Here are some suggestions for making it easier for all
who are involved in the process.
(1) Read every word of copy carefully.
(2) Make all corrections you can spot before
submitting your writing to an editor.
(3) Cut out all needless words and phrases. I
guarantee you that as much as you
clean out, the editor will find even more.
(4) Don’t think that your own way of expressing an
idea is the only good way. There’s always more than
one way and some are better than others. Consider
suggestions carefully as you make your decision.
(5) Make sure that all quoted matter is properly
enclosed in “quotes” and that each new speaker
begins a new line.
(6) Make sure you use single ” quotes” on
quotations within quotations.
(7) Verify names, initials, addresses, dates, and
facts generally. You know what you
want to say so help the editor out by doing some
fact checking prior to submission.
(8) Put a magnifying glass to your work as you look
for libelous matter, especially in
nonfiction writing.
Now you’ve heard enough. Get back to your writing but
don’t forget to come back. Next time I’ll be writing about
headlines.
I’d like to introduce you to an author who is also in
my critique group (and no, I had not critiqued this
project). Welcome, Mary, glad you could join me here
today. I’ve posted a book review of your book below,
but I thought it would be fun to also have my readers
get to know you a bit more. So let’s get going.
GO: Mary, why don’t you start by telling us a bit about
your book, and what inspired you to write such a story?
MJN: My book is titled Mom’s Story; A Child Learns About
MS. It tells the story of a young girl who sees her mother
with some frightening health problems and learns she has
MS but she will not die from it.
Amy fears the worst, which is common when one is
confronted by the unknown. Information is the key to
allaying much of her fear along with understanding from
adults, friends and an older sibling.
I wrote this story because I saw my children experience
many of the same fears as Amy before I was diagnosed.
During my various MS meetings, whether in self-help
groups or MS Society chapter meetings, I heard countless
moms and dads expressing concern for their children. Such
questions as “What can I tell my daughter?” or “Is there
something I can get for my child to read? I couldn’t find
anything for a 9 year old at the library on MS.” This book is
written to address these types of questions.
GO: How long did it take for you to write the book, from
start to final edit?
MJN: From start to finish, it took almost exactly 2 years.
In addition to the writing, I had the manuscript read by
several psychologists and a neurologist specializing in MS.
So, in effect, it was peer-reviewed.
GO: What book made you want to be a writer? What was
it in the book that called out to you?
MJN: I don’t think it was any particular book that made me
be a writer. I got into it via “the back door,” so to speak. I
majored in English in undergraduate then went to library
school. Even that wasn’t enough to make me want to write.
My first position was as a special librarian with the National
Water Quality Laboratory. The scientists were writing and I
filled the shoes of “authors’ editor.” I edited their manuscripts
before they sent them to the scientific journal publishers.
Later in my career, I began to write magazine articles for the
public in science.
My decision to write science for the public for children began
after I attended an Outdoor Writers Conference in Lake
Charles, LA. I attended a session led by Kathleen Kudlinski, a
well known children’s author. She provided much information
and encouragement. She inspired me. It was enough for me
to join Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators
(SCBWI) and I was off and running!
GO: What was the first book you’ve ever read?
MJN: The first book read from cover to cover was The Boxcar
Children. I didn’t know it was a series at the time. This was
the early 1950’s, I found it in the school library and that was
the only one there.
GO: Yes, I remember reading that one,too. Great book. Mary,
where can readers learn more about you and your work?
MJN: My website contains pages that tell about me, my
background and lists of all of the articles I have written.
The website is:
www.marynickum.com.
GO: What were the best and worst bits of writing advice
you’ve ever been given? What advice would you give
newbie writers?
MJN: The best advice I’ve received so far is, “Write what
you know.” So I started with multiple sclerosis. I know
about that, I’ve had it for 30 years and I’ve read
extensively and attended many, many meetings on the
subject. I know lots of other stuff too, so I’m working on
those now. I enjoy writing picture books about animals.
I may have received some bad advice along the way, but,
frankly, I don’t remember it.
For newbies, I would, first of all, repeat “Write what you
know.” Everybody knows something better than just about
anybody else. No one has had exactly the same experiences
you’ve had. For instance, I’ve been in the desert for almost
three years, I’ve never seen a rattlesnake in the wild. You
may have watched a tarantula climb over a stone, I haven’t.
Next, join a critique group. Even if you can’t find one in your
town or you live far from a larger town. There are several
available online. Don’t be afraid of criticism. Criticism at the
early stages can be your best friend. Criticism coming from a
publisher, if they’ll take the time to give you any, will feel
harsher and be more embarrassing.
That said; don’t be afraid to submit to a publisher. But, most
importantly, do your homework. The book, Children’s Writers &
Illustrator’ Market comes out every year. Get the newest one.
It is important to know which publishers are accepting new
submissions and how they want to receive them. Every publisher
is different.
A final word, you won’t get published if you don’t submit!
GO: How true that last statement is. And I’d like to add that
there is nothing one can truly call impossible. Look at the
letters in that word. What do you see? What? You don’t see it.
Let me tell you, if we split the word into the prefix and word we
get im + possible. Now, you tell me what’s missing.
Yes, that’s right, the apostrophe is missing. So let’s see, we now
have I’m possible. Wow, I feel like I can do it and all of you can
too. BUT if you don’t submit, you will be back at impossible. I’ll
stick with I’m possible.
Thank you Mary for sharing a bit more about you and your book
this morning.
Have a great weekend.
Until next time
Gloria
Mary Jo Nickum
Mom’s Story: a Child Learns About MS
Chalet Publishers, 2009, 74 pages, $9.95
ISBN: 978-098408365-7
Fiction
“I found Mom sitting on the floor and I rushed
to her as she started to get up.”
Amy, the youngest child of three children was
worried, scared, and puzzled about what was
happening to her mother. First she had fallen,
then she dropped a plate of food, and complained
of eye pain. Something was wrong, Amy knew
this but didn’t know what.
Kelly and Tony, Amy’s twin siblings were worried
too. They all hoped the doctors could find what
was causing all of these changes in their mother.
Sent to a neurologist for testing, Amy’s mother
was finally given an answer. She had Multiple
Sclerosis (MS) and would have to make certain
adjustments but she wasn’t going to die. This
news was a great relief for all three youngsters
and her husband.
This is a book every parent with MS needs. It
provides a clear explanation which a child can
understand.
Nickum’s style is simple and clear in words a
young reader can grasp. I loved the way Nickum
shows a frightened young child facing the unknown
that is taking place right in front of them. Although
this is a book for children, I learned a lot
about MS.
Penny C. Sansevieri
Red Hot Internet Publicity: an insider’s guide to marketing
your book on the Internet
Cosimo Books, 2009, 275 pages, $18.95
ISBN: 978-1-60520-724-7
(Nonfiction, publicity, marketing)
“Nowadays, it’s no longer a matter of whether you can
get published, it’s a matter of getting you book noticed.”
Sansevieri covers everything an author needs to plan a
successful publicity campaign. Red Hot Internet Publicity
covers everything from A to Z: from understanding social
media, to taking your book on tour on the Net, to building
an effective Website and all the way to automation.
It is always good to use more than one source as a
reference, but if you can’t afford more than one, this is
the one to get.
Sansevieri tells us that the trick to effective manipulation of
the Net is to find your potential customers by interesting
them in your book because it’s what they wanted to begin
with. Today this is best done by using Web 2.0, the
consumer driven Net. The important thing is to create
consumer buzz, toot your horn in the right places and
the media will catch up with you.
Working on a website and can’t decide what colors to
use? Let Sansevieri solve your problem with the color
guide in her book. Colors send messages so use them
accordingly.
Most important is to remember to take it step by step.
follow the steps in this book and you’re sure to see a
change. Now I’m off to walk the talk, and follow the
traffic driving tasks to increase traffic to my revised sites.
I previously took this workshop topic presented by the
author at the Muse Online Writers Conference and later
at the Willamette Writers Conference. I had to have this
wonderful resource so I could turn to it whenever I have
a question about something related to publicity. I highly
recommend this as the “Bible of Publicity” which should
find a place in every writer’s bookshelf.
Visit Penny Sansevieri at
February 15th, 2010 | Tags: marketing, Penny C Sansevieri, publicity, Web 2.0 | Category: Book Reviews, General, Writing |
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Today we have with us an author who has been here before, but this time Karina Fabian has her dad, Deacon Steven Lumbert join her. Glad you could join us here today and share a bit about your joint authorship of your book, Why G-d Matters. We will hear thoughts from both Karina and Steven in today’s interview.