Hard to take maybe, and not the only point of view, but certainly enlightening...
A rant from The Man in Black, Jason Pinter
If more agents accepted email queries, this would be a lot easier. Still a huge trial, but a tad bit easier...
Thursday, June 29, 2006
Harry Potter just can’t get a break...
I can’t believe she’s considering it, but evidently J.K. Rowling, wildly successful, and I think, superbly creative author of the Harry Potter books, just might be considering killing Harry off in the seventh and final book of the series. How can she do this to Harry? He’s a loveable underdog and hero of so many kids (and adults) around the world. These kids, who have diligently purchased and read and reread and discussed all six hefty tomes thus far, are going to be thus disappointed come book seven? Even if He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named perishes alongside Harry and the evil followers shrivel into nothingness, that will not be an acceptable trade. Rowling says she understands how someone might kill off the main character in a popular series to prevent unauthorized sequels and storylines, but doesn’t she think we’ll all know the difference? I say let the hangers-on do their best (or worst) to try to keep up with Harry’s life.
After all, Jane Austen and her characters have inspired countless new storylines, sequels, and off-shoots. And all that’s happened is that Jane herself is more popular than ever.
I say, let the poor boy live!
Read the article, see an interview clip here…
After all, Jane Austen and her characters have inspired countless new storylines, sequels, and off-shoots. And all that’s happened is that Jane herself is more popular than ever.
I say, let the poor boy live!
Read the article, see an interview clip here…
Sunday, June 25, 2006
Can you hear me now?
Hello?
Is anybody actually reading this blog? I have grand imaginings that I have oodles of readers poring over my spotty but thought-provoking entries, too in awe or overwhelmed to comment. But then my pragmatic self takes over and I wonder if I have more than a single, occasional reader (check the comment logs for past blogs).
Maybe nobody is reading this, and maybe blogging is a time drain, but I like it anyway. Sure days go by and I forget to post, but then I think of three or four topics I’d like to expound upon. I can rant, rave, whatever, and pretend that my voice is being heard. True, I should probably be writing, but hey, this is writing.
I’m slowly working my way through Self Editing for Fiction Writers, and I have to admit it’s good, but mostly I’m just going, ‘Yeah, I knew that'. That said, it’s nice to have it repeated, because I just can’t seem to get these tips ingrained into my subconscious. I’m a revision freak. I should write my first draft, all the way to the end, without stopping for revisions, but I don’t. I shouldn’t give in to that little voice in my head that says, ‘What if the heroine had this little quirky habit?’, but I do. I shouldn’t rethink, rework, and rewrite my first chapter a kazillion times, but I can’t help myself. That first line, first paragraph, first page is sooooo important, I want it to be great, funny, intriguing, inspiring. No wonder my work in progress is not making all that much noticeable progress.
Another summer project...I’m scoping out websites to get ideas and see what I like to redesign my own site. So any suggestions would be great. I’m looking for a clean, fresh, updated look that could work for contemporary romantic comedy or light-hearted historicals.
Come on….speak up! I can’t hear you…
Is anybody actually reading this blog? I have grand imaginings that I have oodles of readers poring over my spotty but thought-provoking entries, too in awe or overwhelmed to comment. But then my pragmatic self takes over and I wonder if I have more than a single, occasional reader (check the comment logs for past blogs).
Maybe nobody is reading this, and maybe blogging is a time drain, but I like it anyway. Sure days go by and I forget to post, but then I think of three or four topics I’d like to expound upon. I can rant, rave, whatever, and pretend that my voice is being heard. True, I should probably be writing, but hey, this is writing.
I’m slowly working my way through Self Editing for Fiction Writers, and I have to admit it’s good, but mostly I’m just going, ‘Yeah, I knew that'. That said, it’s nice to have it repeated, because I just can’t seem to get these tips ingrained into my subconscious. I’m a revision freak. I should write my first draft, all the way to the end, without stopping for revisions, but I don’t. I shouldn’t give in to that little voice in my head that says, ‘What if the heroine had this little quirky habit?’, but I do. I shouldn’t rethink, rework, and rewrite my first chapter a kazillion times, but I can’t help myself. That first line, first paragraph, first page is sooooo important, I want it to be great, funny, intriguing, inspiring. No wonder my work in progress is not making all that much noticeable progress.
Another summer project...I’m scoping out websites to get ideas and see what I like to redesign my own site. So any suggestions would be great. I’m looking for a clean, fresh, updated look that could work for contemporary romantic comedy or light-hearted historicals.
Come on….speak up! I can’t hear you…
Thursday, June 22, 2006
It takes a village…
No, I’m not talking about raising children, although if anyone has a spare village, send the villagers over, and I’ll put 'em to work. Or rather, the boys will. I’m talking about writing a book and then getting it published. Certainly I could self-publish anything I want. I can write what I want, slap on a cover, and then attempt to market and sell it (not to say that my first attempt was in any way slipshod). But I’d have trouble. There are so many books out there right now that bookstores can’t stock all of them and you may not be able to find the ones you’re looking for. There are so many people who want to write, who want to become published authors, that the competition is fierce. And these people are smart and savvy--they're doing their homework.
There have always been classes, conferences, and critique groups, but now there are blogs. Blogs about absolutely everything. Published authors (or soon-to-be-published authors) are writing about their books, but they’re also blogging about writing techniques, and navigation strategies in the tricky world of publishing. Agents are blogging, giving insider tips on how to fine-tune your manuscript and really understand the nature of the business. Even booksellers are blogging with their unique perspective. Everyone has an idea of where the industry is going and what it needs. Everyone has their own idea of what craft techniques work best. Everyone wants to tell you which rules simply can’t be broken, and then everyone ooh’s and aah’s over someone who broke them.
I’m learning so much from all the generous, kind-hearted souls that take the time to blog and answer questions, but I almost feel as if I should take a hiatus from my recently diagnosed blog addiction. Maybe I should just write and see what works for me. I’m supposed to be writing: my debut was published in Dec. ’04, so we’re right at a year and a half, and the second one is not done yet. Not surprisingly, some recent advice has spurred me to tighten the first several chapters, so I’m back to editing. I also have Self-Editing for Fiction Writers on my nightstand, so I'll need to see where that takes me. Add to that the four fiction books I have out from the library that I’m dying to dig into--for research purposes.... There is simply not enough time in the day.
If only I had a village to raise my kids…
There have always been classes, conferences, and critique groups, but now there are blogs. Blogs about absolutely everything. Published authors (or soon-to-be-published authors) are writing about their books, but they’re also blogging about writing techniques, and navigation strategies in the tricky world of publishing. Agents are blogging, giving insider tips on how to fine-tune your manuscript and really understand the nature of the business. Even booksellers are blogging with their unique perspective. Everyone has an idea of where the industry is going and what it needs. Everyone has their own idea of what craft techniques work best. Everyone wants to tell you which rules simply can’t be broken, and then everyone ooh’s and aah’s over someone who broke them.
I’m learning so much from all the generous, kind-hearted souls that take the time to blog and answer questions, but I almost feel as if I should take a hiatus from my recently diagnosed blog addiction. Maybe I should just write and see what works for me. I’m supposed to be writing: my debut was published in Dec. ’04, so we’re right at a year and a half, and the second one is not done yet. Not surprisingly, some recent advice has spurred me to tighten the first several chapters, so I’m back to editing. I also have Self-Editing for Fiction Writers on my nightstand, so I'll need to see where that takes me. Add to that the four fiction books I have out from the library that I’m dying to dig into--for research purposes.... There is simply not enough time in the day.
If only I had a village to raise my kids…
Monday, June 19, 2006
Practicing My Pitch
I didn’t get as much time to work on my work-in-progress this week as I would have liked, but I have no regrets. I stumbled over a Yahoo group, created and moderated by Dorothy Thompson, that brings in bestselling authors to answer questions about publishing, success, writing, you name it. But this week was something different. This week literary agent Kristin Nelson of The Nelson Literary Agency was the guest, and she spent the week on the loop, answering all kinds of questions.
That, in and of itself, was extremely valuable, but then on Friday, she agreed to do a ‘Pitch Slam’, such that any of us who wanted to could offer up our pitches and she would respond with feedback. My current manuscript wans't really ready to pitch (not being complete), but what a great opportunity! I decided to give it a shot.
So I spent my allotted writing time on Thursday and Friday working up my pitch, getting feedback from other authors on the loop, and offering them feedback of my own. Then on Friday, fingers crossed for ourselves and each other, we let loose all the pitches. 'Agent Kristin' was inundated with seventy pitches! Her email crashed, and she postponed all feedback until the weekend. Finally, on Sunday night, after checking back on the Yahoo message board ten or twenty times over the weekend, I saw her response to my query.
I’m happy to say, it was positive. True, I wasn’t one of the lucky authors of whom she requested thirty pages, but then, I wasn’t really ready to offer them up if she had. I tried to keep the pitch brief, with minimal details, but evidently she wanted to see more and thought I was too fuzzy on too many plot points—something to take note of for the future. Still, she said my pitch was ‘promising’ and my premise was ‘cute’…
Now all that’s left to do is make sure my writing lives up to its premise…
The experience was invaluable: reading the many and varied pitches from a talented, generous group of authors, sharing constructive criticism, learning a bit about how one very well-respected agent thinks and what specifically she is looking for… Now I just need to get back to writing until the next guest appearance on the loop.
But it’s Sunday night…I’m just gonna relax and read some more of The Second Summer of the Sisterhood.
That, in and of itself, was extremely valuable, but then on Friday, she agreed to do a ‘Pitch Slam’, such that any of us who wanted to could offer up our pitches and she would respond with feedback. My current manuscript wans't really ready to pitch (not being complete), but what a great opportunity! I decided to give it a shot.
So I spent my allotted writing time on Thursday and Friday working up my pitch, getting feedback from other authors on the loop, and offering them feedback of my own. Then on Friday, fingers crossed for ourselves and each other, we let loose all the pitches. 'Agent Kristin' was inundated with seventy pitches! Her email crashed, and she postponed all feedback until the weekend. Finally, on Sunday night, after checking back on the Yahoo message board ten or twenty times over the weekend, I saw her response to my query.
I’m happy to say, it was positive. True, I wasn’t one of the lucky authors of whom she requested thirty pages, but then, I wasn’t really ready to offer them up if she had. I tried to keep the pitch brief, with minimal details, but evidently she wanted to see more and thought I was too fuzzy on too many plot points—something to take note of for the future. Still, she said my pitch was ‘promising’ and my premise was ‘cute’…
Now all that’s left to do is make sure my writing lives up to its premise…
The experience was invaluable: reading the many and varied pitches from a talented, generous group of authors, sharing constructive criticism, learning a bit about how one very well-respected agent thinks and what specifically she is looking for… Now I just need to get back to writing until the next guest appearance on the loop.
But it’s Sunday night…I’m just gonna relax and read some more of The Second Summer of the Sisterhood.
Thursday, June 15, 2006
A smidge more ranting
Well, I managed to get over my mixed-message contest scores just in time to get my first brutal review. I just stumbled over it on Amazon, and I’m rather proud to say that it didn’t upset me in the least. Sure it is slightly disappointing to get that first one... So I guess to clarify, I just wasn’t particularly concerned about the specifics.
The part I found a little amusing was where she expounded upon all the ‘coincidences’ in the book (most of which I didn’t consider the least bit coincidental), and she said something to the effect that she could almost see the author pulling the strings. Isn’t that kind of the author’s job??? I mean, if she doesn’t do it, who will? There’s not much story without a little behind the scenes work.
I will say that the reviewer was open-minded enough to include a smidge of praise. And she condescended to say that she might just give me another chance. What more could I ask for?
Now that that’s off my chest…
I’ve just finished a fabulous book. I picked up And Only to Deceive? By Tasha Alexander simply because I read a review of it that said ‘Had Jane Austen written The Da Vinci Code, she may well have come up with this elegant novel. How intriguing is that? I must say, I was not disappointed. The writing was elegant, the plot intriguing, the suspense gripping, and the ending…perfect. All that, with just a touch of romance. I will very much be looking forward to her next book.
Onward and upward!
The part I found a little amusing was where she expounded upon all the ‘coincidences’ in the book (most of which I didn’t consider the least bit coincidental), and she said something to the effect that she could almost see the author pulling the strings. Isn’t that kind of the author’s job??? I mean, if she doesn’t do it, who will? There’s not much story without a little behind the scenes work.
I will say that the reviewer was open-minded enough to include a smidge of praise. And she condescended to say that she might just give me another chance. What more could I ask for?
Now that that’s off my chest…
I’ve just finished a fabulous book. I picked up And Only to Deceive? By Tasha Alexander simply because I read a review of it that said ‘Had Jane Austen written The Da Vinci Code, she may well have come up with this elegant novel. How intriguing is that? I must say, I was not disappointed. The writing was elegant, the plot intriguing, the suspense gripping, and the ending…perfect. All that, with just a touch of romance. I will very much be looking forward to her next book.
Onward and upward!
Friday, June 09, 2006
AAARRRGGH!
I am so FRUSTRATED! I don't even know why I entered a writing contest. I entered a few RWA chapter contests a few years back, and was equally as frustrated then. I was dreading this but hoping for the best. Today I got my scorecards and critiques back, and I'm simply at a loss as to how interpret them.
I had three average scores from unpublished judges and one near-perfect (99/100) score from an award-winning author published in romance and non-romance. What am I to think? Who am I to believe? The judge that said to hurry up and finish and get it out to an agent/editor, the one that said the story was going nowhere, or the one that said there wasn't enough action??????
I am so frustrated I can't even write right now. I know the 'rules' of romance, but this book doesn't follow the rules. And I think that's part of the problem I have with contests. The judges want, and in a way need, you to follow the rules. The book does open when the heroine's life changes, but it doesn't change with guns blazing, it changes in a way that requires some inner reflection and decision making.
I think sometimes judges are category readers and expect things to happen quickly. Sort of a get-in/get-out philosophy. Well that doesn't always work for single-title. It doesn't work for me.
This is going to take some long, hard INNER REFLECTION (imagine that). I'm going to have to figure out whether to make some significant changes to my WIP or leave it as it is.
Darn contests! I should know better.
I had three average scores from unpublished judges and one near-perfect (99/100) score from an award-winning author published in romance and non-romance. What am I to think? Who am I to believe? The judge that said to hurry up and finish and get it out to an agent/editor, the one that said the story was going nowhere, or the one that said there wasn't enough action??????
I am so frustrated I can't even write right now. I know the 'rules' of romance, but this book doesn't follow the rules. And I think that's part of the problem I have with contests. The judges want, and in a way need, you to follow the rules. The book does open when the heroine's life changes, but it doesn't change with guns blazing, it changes in a way that requires some inner reflection and decision making.
I think sometimes judges are category readers and expect things to happen quickly. Sort of a get-in/get-out philosophy. Well that doesn't always work for single-title. It doesn't work for me.
This is going to take some long, hard INNER REFLECTION (imagine that). I'm going to have to figure out whether to make some significant changes to my WIP or leave it as it is.
Darn contests! I should know better.
Friday Fun
Something fun...
The marvelously ingenious Regency author Julia Quinn has come up with a way to keep readers happy while prolonging the appeal of her wildly popular Bridgerton series. She's offering 2nd epilogues to each of the books, providing a little window into what happened after the "Happily Ever After". So far, she's finished two and they are offered only in e-book format. Check her website for details.
Very interesting...
Author Karin Tabke recently hosted a Best First Line Contest on her blog. The contest is now closed, but the entries are still posted (as comments) in her blog. The five 'grand prize' finalists get the first ten pages of their manuscript read by Pocket Books editor Lauren McKenna. Some of them sound great--others ar doozies.
Amazon Rankings
On another note...does anyone know what's going on if you had an Amazon ranking but suddenly don't? It now says 'None' on both e-book editions of my book.
The marvelously ingenious Regency author Julia Quinn has come up with a way to keep readers happy while prolonging the appeal of her wildly popular Bridgerton series. She's offering 2nd epilogues to each of the books, providing a little window into what happened after the "Happily Ever After". So far, she's finished two and they are offered only in e-book format. Check her website for details.
Very interesting...
Author Karin Tabke recently hosted a Best First Line Contest on her blog. The contest is now closed, but the entries are still posted (as comments) in her blog. The five 'grand prize' finalists get the first ten pages of their manuscript read by Pocket Books editor Lauren McKenna. Some of them sound great--others ar doozies.
Amazon Rankings
On another note...does anyone know what's going on if you had an Amazon ranking but suddenly don't? It now says 'None' on both e-book editions of my book.
Wednesday, June 07, 2006
Book Covers
I've recently read two good blogs on the topic of book covers. They give a little insight into publisher decisions on how covers are designed and chosen. So if you've ever wondered why a book with a prim and slim brunette heroine features a buxom, tarty redhead on the cover...read up.
Jennifer Crusie's Blog:
&
Agent Kristin Nelson's Blog:
(keep reading down...the topic stretches over several days)
When I designed my cover, I tried to keep it relevant to the story, and since I didn't have any cover models to work with, I had to use inanimate objects.
Jennifer Crusie's Blog:
&
Agent Kristin Nelson's Blog:
(keep reading down...the topic stretches over several days)
When I designed my cover, I tried to keep it relevant to the story, and since I didn't have any cover models to work with, I had to use inanimate objects.
Saturday, June 03, 2006
Amazon Buy
As an addendum to my last blog...last night my husband told me he’d thought of the perfect actor to play Robert Langdon in The Da Vinci Code. Not only that, but it was indisputably the best choice. His suggestion was Val Kilmer, and I have to admit, I think he’d be pretty darn good. I loved, loved, loved him in The Saint, and I think he could easily pull off the sexy professor look.
Today I’m blogging about my total satisfaction over my recent Amazon order. I haven’t ordered in a long time, but I just love getting packages of shiny new books. This time my order consisted of three items (to ensure I was eligible for the Free Super-Saver Shipping). They were the Dixie Chicks new CD, Taking the Long Way, a book for my sons: Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride, by Kate Dicamillo (author of Because of Winn-Dixie), and for me…Jane Austen’s Guide to Dating. The last may seem a somewhat odd choice, but I read the descriptions for the book (and the author’s credentials—she wrote her dissertation on courtship rituals in Jane Austen’s novels), and I just couldn’t help myself. I’m only as far as the first chapter, but I find it rather fascinating. I really only ever had one boyfriend, and he became my husband, so I don’t really know much of anything about dating. And this book is actually a guide for the modern single woman. Already I consider it a good purchase. I’ve only read one of Jane Austen’s novels in entirety (Pride & Prejudice), and of course, I’ve seen a few movies, but now I feel newly inspired to read each of her novels. I sort of feel left out having missed them.
As to the other two purchases…I LOVE the album. I’ve always been a big fan of the Dixie Chicks. And Mercy Watson is just the perfect combination of endearing and humorous. It’s illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, whose 50’s-style illustrations have me wanting to collect each and every one of his books. So…you could say I’m very happy with my purchases and already planning another buy.
I’m also reading Don’t Look Down by Jenny Crusie (my fav) and Bob Mayer and The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares (loved the first book!) , with another book on hold at the library for me! I’m almost giddy with excitement!
Today I’m blogging about my total satisfaction over my recent Amazon order. I haven’t ordered in a long time, but I just love getting packages of shiny new books. This time my order consisted of three items (to ensure I was eligible for the Free Super-Saver Shipping). They were the Dixie Chicks new CD, Taking the Long Way, a book for my sons: Mercy Watson Goes for a Ride, by Kate Dicamillo (author of Because of Winn-Dixie), and for me…Jane Austen’s Guide to Dating. The last may seem a somewhat odd choice, but I read the descriptions for the book (and the author’s credentials—she wrote her dissertation on courtship rituals in Jane Austen’s novels), and I just couldn’t help myself. I’m only as far as the first chapter, but I find it rather fascinating. I really only ever had one boyfriend, and he became my husband, so I don’t really know much of anything about dating. And this book is actually a guide for the modern single woman. Already I consider it a good purchase. I’ve only read one of Jane Austen’s novels in entirety (Pride & Prejudice), and of course, I’ve seen a few movies, but now I feel newly inspired to read each of her novels. I sort of feel left out having missed them.
As to the other two purchases…I LOVE the album. I’ve always been a big fan of the Dixie Chicks. And Mercy Watson is just the perfect combination of endearing and humorous. It’s illustrated by Chris Van Dusen, whose 50’s-style illustrations have me wanting to collect each and every one of his books. So…you could say I’m very happy with my purchases and already planning another buy.
I’m also reading Don’t Look Down by Jenny Crusie (my fav) and Bob Mayer and The Second Summer of the Sisterhood by Ann Brashares (loved the first book!) , with another book on hold at the library for me! I’m almost giddy with excitement!
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