Tamela Hancock Murray

Thankful to the Lord, Today and Every Day

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 23, 2022

From the Book of Common Prayer 1979 of the Episcopal Church, USA

A Litany of Thanksgiving

Let us give thanks to God our Father for all his gifts so freely bestowed upon us.

For the beauty and wonder of your creation, in earth and sky and sea, We thank you, Lord.

For all that is gracious in the lives of men and women, revealing the image of Christ, We thank you, Lord.

For our daily food and drink, our homes and families, and our friends, We thank you, Lord.

For minds to think, and hearts to love, and hands to serve, We thank you, Lord.

For health and strength to work, and leisure to rest and play, We thank you, Lord.

For the brave and courageous, who are patient in suffering and faithful in adversity, We thank you, Lord.

For all valiant seekers after truth, liberty, and justice, We thank you, Lord.

For the communion of saints, in all times and places, We thank you, Lord.

Above all, we give you thanks for the great mercies and promises given to us in Christ Jesus our Lord; To him be praise and glory, with you, O Father, and the Holy Spirit, now and for ever. Amen.

You Might Not Like My Edits

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 10, 2022

Just for fun, here’s an edited (see how I did that!) version of a conversation I had with one of my adult daughters after she sent me a short document she wanted me to check. Daughter: Have you finished yet? Me: I’m fiddling with it. Daughter: Oh no! Don’t do that. I just want you to look at it. Me: But … Daughter: I knew you were going to over-edit it. When I was in elementary school, I would …

Category: Editing

Line Editing

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon November 2, 2022

Today’s post is the second installment of definitions about different types of editing. If line editing, that means someone “fixing” the craft. Sometimes I receive submissions from authors who need more practice in craft. That’s okay! Even the most experienced authors can improve. However, once we’ve agreed to work together, you’ll know that I believe you have mastered craft and that your work is …

Category: Editing

Developmental and Copy Editing

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon October 20, 2022

Last week, I shared a few thoughts on how I edit manuscripts very little, if at all. But rest assured, when you work with me, you are not alone. Using definitions of different types of editing offered by Steve Laube, I’ll explain my process over the next two blog posts. If developmental editing, that means someone “fixing” the story. Like most writers, I call this “brainstorming” with authors. …

Category: Editing

A Few Edited Words

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon October 12, 2022

Sometimes writers will ask me if, as a literary agent, I edit manuscripts before submitting them to publishers. I choose not to touch a manuscript for several reasons: (1) I love your writing, so I don’t think you need my edits. (2) I worked for many years as a professional writer but not as a professional editor. (3) Since I have worked as a professional writer, I understand the emotions behind …

Category: Agents, Editing, Grammar, The Writing Life, Writing Craft

Should I Enter the Contest?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 21, 2022

Lots of contests for both published and unpublished writers abound. Should a writer enter these contests? The short answer? Yes! Goal: The contest sets a goal. For instance, a contest needing the first ten pages, fifty pages, or the first chapter and a summary all give the writer a deadline. The writer must prepare these materials to enter the contest. Statement: For the unpublished writer, the …

Category: Contests

Is the Biggest Publisher the Best Publisher for You?

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon September 8, 2022

I’ll respond to this question the same way Steve Laube responds to many publishing questions: “It depends.” Offers First of all, it depends on what offers you’re receiving. In choosing between several or even two offers, look at the overall offers to decide which course to take. This is where a savvy agent, who sees many authors, publishers, and contracts, can discuss your options. Situation The …

Category: Career

Grammar Refresh

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 31, 2022

By popular demand, here is another grammar refresh. Lie/Lay “Lay” means to place something, whereas “lie” means that the object of the sentence can lie on its own. I will lay my blanket on the bed before I lie down. A trick I use to distinguish between these quickly is to use the word “place” as a substitute. If you can say “place” then you can say lay. If not, then it’s lie. I will place my …

Category: Grammar, Writing Craft

Ditch the Deadlines

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 18, 2022

Writers want deadlines to keep us on track to: Submit a proposal Write a book Edit a book Approve the final version of the book Market the book. Rinse and repeat, we hope! Too many? Since we have so many deadlines in our writing lives, do we need more in our personal lives? Of course, we may encounter deadlines whether we want them or not. But I’ve found that taking a different, less goal-oriented …

Category: The Writing LifeTag: Deadlines

God’s Unique Provision

By Tamela Hancock Murrayon August 10, 2022

Years ago, when I wrote books as work-for-hire projects, I joked with my husband, “I got another contract. Wonder which appliance will break down now?” The comment wasn’t entirely in jest. Proceeds from book contracts did indeed replace most of our kitchen appliances. Writers usually think of God’s provision as receiving a new contract. But the Lord provides in other ways too. One example happened …

Category: The Writing Life