Frequently Asked Questions
Are your characters based on real people?
The absolute truth is that none of my softball players are based on real people. At the Heart of the Game took ten years to finish. The characters’ personalities, quirks, positions, and conflicts grew organically from what I needed for the story and became real all in my head. But… the NAMES of River’s high school infield? Some of them are special...
During the years we were travelling for Juco softball, there was a tragic accident involving a Texas Juco bus and a semi. Four softball athletes, living their dreams, were suddenly gone. The news hit me hard, because my daughter was in a bus every week, too. I never met those girls, I don’t know them or their families, I don’t know what positions they played, or what their hopes and plans were, but I never forgot their story.
So, in the first chapter, I named four of River’s infield after those athletes, even though it was not in any way a depiction of the girls. It was my job to name everyone in the book, and purposefully remembering those girls made choosing their names feel important.
Is there going to be a sequel for At the Heart of the Game?
At this point, I have no plans for a sequel.
Is Northbridge University real?
Nope, but I kind of wish it was. I’d like to see the view from the tower.
What inspired you to start writing?
Just after I joined a local writing club, one of my new friends asked what I was writing. I said I didn’t have time to write, I was too busy following softball around the country. She said to write a softball story and she’d read it. That nudge is how I began. I didn’t expect anyone to read it, but I really wanted to learn how to write a good book. You can’t underestimate the power of encouragement.
Can you speak at my event?
Let’s see! Use the contact form on this website to leave me a message.
Do you have writing tips?
- Develop writing skills by…
- Reading – a lot
- Study story structure, grammar, showing-not-telling…
- Practice – especially where you can get feedback. A writing group is good for this.
- Don’t quit
- Start somewhere, don’t get too invested in editing your first rough draft because it might all change or get thrown out as the story unfolds. Finish your rough draft, then edit.
- Go to writing conferences or workshops. Study the skills needed for your craft.
Can you read my book?
Probably not or I’d never get any writing done. There’s nothing better than a good critique group for that. And you’ll build relationships with other writers.
How do I get published?
https://janefriedman.com/start-here-how-to-get-your-book-published/
But beware of “publishers” who want you to pay upfront for them to publish your book. You can try to find an agent, submit to a small publisher, or self-publish, but avoid the business who want you to pay to have a published book.
What is a beta reader?
Beta readers are people who get to test a story for inconsistencies or problems before it is published. It’s an important step in the development of a book.
Beta readers aren’t editors. The author has usually edited a book before it goes to a beta reader. It’s the job of a beta reader to tell the author about things like character issues, whether the world building makes sense, or if the plotline is confusing. They help to catch things that might dim the next reader’s enjoyment and help avoid disappointment in the story.