NIP Success stories – CC Fuller

Carolyn Cody-Fuller

Carolyn Cody-Fuller, PhD, is a retired children’s librarian who enjoys writing, reading, and volunteering at her church, St. Philip’s Episcopal. Having spent her entire working career advocating for literacy and power of a good book, Cody is excited to publish her first novel, which is a reflection of her life growing up on a farm in small town in Georgia. She’s a member of the South Carolina Writers Association and has attended Novel-in-Progress Bookcamp for several years. In addition to writing, Cody believes in the power of community, and has served on numerous committees and advocacy boards for children and families.

Closing Circles…

Years ago, life separated the sisters, Lavender, Hyacinth, and Oleander Sipp. Now, it seems that life has conspired to bring them back to the place where each of their stories began, their family farm in rural Georgia. After experiencing more than a few setbacks, Lavender, the youngest of the sisters has come home to do nothing . . . and that’s just fine with her. She’s soon joined by the oldest sister, Hyacinth, and all is right with the world. Just when Lavender and Hyacinth begin to settle into their peaceful routine, middle sister Oleander blows in with all the fury and bluster of a twister ready to lay claim on her part of the family land. Oleander brings with her old grudges, mainly against Lavender, and a boatload of big ideas as to what they should do with the farm.

As the Sipp sisters fight over the future of their family legacy, another battle from a distant relative is brewing and it may prove to be their biggest challenge yet. 

NIP: Carolyn, What guided your decision to attend Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp? 

CCF: After I decided there was a book inside my head just waiting for me to write it, I began the writing process. My daughter decided that I needed to participate in a writing workshop in order to really understand the mechanics of writing a book. I researched workshops all over the country, but none seem to really excite me. So, I decided to give up on the workshop idea and do some research on my own. But then I thought one more search and if there is nothing that pulls me in that would be the sign that would determine my writing fate. The second search produced Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp. And that was the best choice I could have made. The staff and participants were like old friends and the location was ideal (perfect) – an inspiring writing environment.

NIP: Did anything about your writing change after attending?

CCF: Yes, indeed. It was the best experience I could have imagined. Every participant was like an old friend. The staff was published authors, agents, and publishers. Each willing to share their knowledge of how to write a successful book. I acquired so much about the writing process. All of my many writing weaknesses were laid bare. Attending Novel-In-Progress, I learned how to overcome those little and big writing habits I had created. I learned from other participants, not just the instructors. I learned from published writers, as well as those like me, just learning the process of becoming writers through one-on-one exchanges. My first experience at Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp was such a positive learning experience I returned the following year, as I was still in the beginner’s writing stage.

NIP: What were the main take-away values you took from camp?

CCF:

• Character development
• Show don’t tell
• How to get to the point – no rambling as in spoken conversation.
• One-on-one critique/mentoring sessions with the experts on staff.
• Novel-In-Progress helped me discover the things I didn’t know were wrong with my writing. And how to make my writing smoother.

NIP: How did your publications come about?

CCF: I had begun writing my first novel, and as required, I took the required pages to Novel-In- Progress Bookcamp. I received some positive responses, but a lot of how to improve my story and writing. While at Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp I begun rewriting the pages I had taken and with guidance I was able to rewrite the pages and received positive feedback. When I returned home, I really focused on the things I had learned and as an outcome, I finished my book prior to the second Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp that I attended. But I had not submitted it and asked one of the Novel-In-Progress Bookcamp instructors, Lisa, if she would work with me as my editor. Fearful she would say she was too busy, being a writer herself, she said she would. The outcome was my first novel – Closing Circles.

NIP: Talk about your book and publishing experience.

CCF: With my first book, Closing Circles, I wanted to get a feel for what the publishing industry was really like. Lisa edited my first book and I researched book cover illustrators. Of the six that submitted work to me I chose Virtually Possible Designs and worked with Tracy Lyn. I was very pleased with her submissions. And with her help I found a publishing company to print and distribute my book. I had no book agent.

NIP: Would you recommend Bookcamp to other writers?

CCF: Yes, most definitely.