Friday, October 24, 2014

Ace Collins: The One Thing We Don't Want An Editor To Say

Everyone's Story welcomes this week multi-published author Ace Collins. A writer who grips one's heart and thoughts, Ace is my type of storyteller and I imagine he will stir up a bit of interest from others these next few days as well. Please take a moment to check out his exciting Giveaway offer of his newest release, THE COLOR OF JUSTICE, as well as read his piece on point of view--both thought provoking for both the reader and writer. Ace and I look forward to hearing from you.


BookGiveaway:
Ace is offering 1 copy of his new release THE COLOR OF JUSTICEThe winner will be announced here on Friday, October 31st, between 5-6 PM EST. To be entered in the Giveaway, please leave your contact information within your comment. Thanks!

                   

     Point of View by Ace Collins

                   
In the world of novels, editors are constantly quizzing authors about POV (point of view). Establishing POV is vital for two very important reasons. The first is obvious — a strong POV helps the reader follow the storyline. The second is often overlooked but is what separates an average book from a really good one — the author needs to deeply understand the characters he or she creates. We have to understand their motivation. We must live inside their heads and walk in their shoes. If we don’t have a full grasp on the complete nature and personality of those we create then our readers will never fully identify with our characters. While POV is essential for “growing” a good book, it might even be more important for growth in life.


In my childhood America was a segregated nation. There were schools for white children and schools for blacks. Stores and restaurants were divided by color as well. Community housing districts were also cordoned off by race. During my youth I can’t begin to count how many times I heard the expression “separate but equal.” The old lie was trotted out every time school integration was mentioned. Yet if those who used this conversational crutch had spent a day in one of those supposedly equal schools they would have noted the poor facilities and out of date textbooks. Then if they had walked the halls and visited with the students, they would have been forced to realize the only facet of their excuse against integration that held any truth was the separate part. There was no equality.

During his three years of active teaching Jesus made the establishment very uncomfortable. Rather than write off people of other races, religions and social standings, Jesus demanded that those doing the judging walk a mile in the “sinners” shoes, get to know their motivations and understand their needs. This kind of “don’t you dare throw that stone” philosophy led to those in power deciding the best way to deal with this radical teacher was to get rid of him. So rather than listen to the message or look into the mirror and see the shortcomings that were reflected, they opted to silence the messenger.

When I mess up POV my editors ask me to redevelop my characters. That is a good practice for life too. If you are so settled in your ways and traditions that you have no room for those who are different, if you believe you don’t have to associate with the modern equivalent of the woman at the well or the Samaritan, if you don’t have the courage to challenge your convictions and your prejudices, if you think you should only live in a world where people agree with your POV, if you only want to listen to one side of an issue, then you are likely not very well informed. That also likely means that your character is not likely fully developed and what a shame it is for you to short-change yourself and your potential simply because you have not opened your eyes, your ears and your mind to others ways of viewing the world.

Those who preached “separate but equal” not only lacked insight and wisdom, they were cowards. It terrified them to give up power and control even if they knew it was the right thing to do. And while they were nothing like Jesus, many used His name to justify their POV. Let’s hope we are all a bit braver, wiser and more ready to hear “the editor’s” words in 2015. Time to toss out the old antiquated thinking, take a dose of courage, expand our world and grow! After all, when our real life story is finished we don’t want an editor pointing out to us we didn't fully develop our character.


Ace's Ah-hahs To Tweet:
Author @AceCollins: 2 reasons why POV is vital (2nd one is often overlooked). (Tweet This)

Everyone has a story: Meet multi-pub author @AceCollins & see how his childhood shaped his writing. (Tweet This)

#BookGiveaway of THE COLOR OF JUSTICE by Ace Collins. (Tweet This)

Author's Bio
Citing his Arkansas heritage, Ace Collins defines himself as a storyteller. In that capacity, Ace Collins has authored more than seventy books for 25 different publishers that have sold more than 2.5 million copies. His catalog includes novels, biographies, children’s works as well as books on history, culture and faith. He has also been the featured speaker at the National Archives Distinguished Lecture Series, hosted a network television special and does college basketball play-by-play.

In 2014 Ace is releasing Man’s Best Hero, a book on dog heroes, a courtroom novel, The Color of Justice, that examines racial prejudice in 1964, and a groundbreaking ebook series, In The President’s Service, that provides readers with a new adventure each month. He has several more novels set for release in 2015 and one of his books was just optioned for a motion picture. His fiction writing has covered everything from value-driven plots, to adventures, mysteries, historical stories, sentimental tales and comedy.

Beyond his fiction and nonfiction books, Collins has penned more than 2000 magazine features, appeared on every network morning television show, as well as CNN, MSNBC, CNBC and Fox. He also does scores of radio interviews each year. His speaking engagements have taken him from churches and corporations to the America’s Dog Museum in St. Louis and the National Archives in Washington DC. Collins has penned several production shows and speaks to college classes on the art of writing.

Collins’ hobbies include sports, restoring classic cars, Wurlitzer jukeboxes and running. He is married to the Chair of the Department of Education at Ouachita Baptist University. The couple lives in Arkadelphia, Arkansas and has two sons.

Places to connect with Ace:




26 comments:

  1. What a thoughtful note on the more important value of point of view. Thanks so much.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Davalyn. I agree--Ace pointed out the true perspective on POV, of what really counts.

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  2. It's me checking in again - another great interview with an author I need to add to my reading list. I really enjoy the type of books he writes. Thanks again for a chance to win a good read.

    Ann Ellison
    abilene_nana@yahoo.com

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    1. Ann, I'm sorry there was a bit of a delay in you seeing your comment but I have comment moderation set… so I'm just publishing your first comment. Regardless, as always, so happy to see you here! You're a ray of sunshine.

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  3. I too grew up in a segregated world. I didn't understand why then and still don't. However I was not like some Southerners in that I was always taught that everyone was the same under their skin. I like to think there were more people who believed as I did but I'm not sure there were. Great post. Enjoyed meeting Ace!

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    1. Growing up in Brooklyn in the 1960s, and in East New York (not the greatest of neighborhoods) I lived in a very diversified community that sometimes got along with each other and other times, did not. I know that this environment and era had a huge impact on my writing. My "author's theme" seems to keep coming back to why people dislike each other.

      Pat, you were truly blessed to have moralistic, believing parents.

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  4. Powerful message, Ace. Thank you for sharing it on Everyone's Story.

    Congratulations on an incredible writing career - long may it continue. I'm keen to explore The President's Service - sounds very intriguing.

    Elaine, thanks for sharing Ace with your readers.

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    1. I always enjoy your visits, Ian. Glad you appreciated Ace's message.

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  5. Great post. If we spent more time looking at people from Jesus's POV, we'd begin to see how much we have in common. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. You're so right, Tom. And the mind boggling thing, especially when you think of human nature and the tendency to be lazy, isn't it easier to be nice to each other than to tense up, stoke up anger, and to lash out at others? I don't get us human beings.

      Thanks for visiting.

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  6. Another great post, Elaine. This is a whole different twist on POV--
    Ace hasgiven this topic more depth. Thank you for sharing, Ace.

    kerouser[at]gmail[dot]com

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    1. Kathy, I agree on Ace's POV take. Nothing short of awesome!

      Thanks for visiting with us.

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    2. POV is interesting as it shapes and then reshapes what we see, believe and do.

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  7. Great post, Ace. It is interesting how important it is for us to incorporate our own experiences into our characters' POV. I would like to read some of your work, so of course, I'd love to win the book! HA!

    patti(dot)shene(at)gmail(dot)com

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    1. Patti, I'm thankful for your visit. I'm also very grateful to have the opportunity to host so many fine guests that teach me valuable life lessons.

      You're in the Giveaway drawing.

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  8. Thanks so much for your kind comments. I just kind of play with words and hope I get them in the right order from time to time.

    I do believe the most important sense we can use is vision. Looking in a mirror reflects who we are but looking out the window shows us who we can be. Too many in our world begin and end with the reflection, worrying about ever new wrinkle or blemish when the way to change their lives and the world is seeking ways to right a wrong or lift someone who has fallen. In a very real sense that is what should also be the goal of a writer. We must use our work to entertain and to inspire.

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    1. To give ourselves to others--to live for others and not only ourselves. You're so right. How can we go wrong, especially when striving to make God happy and proud of us.

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  9. Great post, thanks so much. Yes, it's hard to try and explain to today's generations what separate but equal actually meant.

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    1. Thanks for visiting, Linda. It is amazing--and scary--how easy a current generation can forget about the way life operated just a mere handful or two of years ago. Yet, we all need to remember these things so to prevent them in the future because history has an awful way of repeating… and often not for the best.

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    2. Linda, it is not easy, but the story needs to be told and remembered so we don't go back there again.

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  10. What a great post and an amazing and accomplished man! Very thought provoking. It could be sad for many of us, when we come face-to-face with our Creator and the Editor of our lives. Will He be able to say, "Well done?"
    may_dayzee (AT) yahoo (DOT) com

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    1. Kay, I'm thankful for your visit today. Glad you enjoyed Ace's segment. One day that is what I want to hear: well done, welcome.

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    2. Thanks for your kind words Kay.

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  11. thanks for the chance to read this wonderful novel ;)

    karenk
    kmkuka at yahoo dot com

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    1. And I thank you, Karen, for visiting. The winner will be announced on Friday.

      Hope to see you again.

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  12. What a wonderful week it's been on Everyone's Story this past week and my guest, Ace Collins, has played an instrumental part of inspiring thoughts and hopes. Thanks so much, Ace.

    And thanks for your generous BookGiveaway offers… yes, viewers, you've read correctly. Ace is offering a 2nd "consolation" Giveaway to another randomly chosen commenter. Thanks, Ace! The two winners are…

    Kathleen, for THE COLOR OF JUSTICE
    TOM, for THE CUTTING EDGE

    Kathleen and Tom, both Ace and I will be in touch with you in direct emails.

    Blessings to all.

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