Ernest Hemingway:

As Ernest Hemingway once said...

Sunday, December 09, 2012

the speed with which emotions are crushed

It's fast. Take my word for it. Two days, to be exact.

Since October 30th, I've send out forty queries for my current manuscript. That's way more than I've ever sent out - because I've queried before, you see. This is my sixth time. How depressing is that? Anyway, to date, I've gotten six nos, and thirty three nothings. You do the math. Doesn't quite add up, does it?

One is missing. Because I got one yes. Holy crap, right? One lovely agent with fantastic taste asked to read the whole doggone thing. Not the first few chapters. Not the synopsis. She asked for the whole kit and caboodle. And boy, was I excited. Not as excited as I've been in the past (I've gotten two requests other than this one - TOTAL), but I think the hurt and rejection sneaks up on all of us after a while. So sure, I hoped for the best. But deep down I knew. Not because this novel isn't good enough, but still. I just knew.

I got the 'no thanks' today. Ugh. I mean, thanks for reading so fast, dear agent (she asked for the whole thing on Friday), but you could have let the dream reign for a bit longer. She did call it Charlie Kaufman-esque, which is something, I guess. I mean if you're going to get rejected you might as well get vaguely compared to Charlie Kaufman.

You know what's sad, though? I'm not even all that upset about it. Mostly I'm sad that I have to continue querying. When will it be my turn? It's just this stupid feeling of defeat that's tiring. It sucks all the want and will right out.

It won't last long. This six month period of not being able to write much has only fueled the fire. My new job is good. It's overwhelming at times, and maybe a bit suffocating, but overall, it's exactly what I need. It pushes me past my limits of comfort on a daily basis. I need that. Because it's too easy for me to let laziness creep in, to be content with the status quo. So for the first time in my life I've really focused on work. For now. Also, I don't have a laptop at the moment, nor the funds to buy one until after Christmas. And it's too hard to write at the desktop in the living room.

So for now, I'm reading all I can get my hands on, and enjoying it. I'm sending out a query or two a day. And I'm furiously taking notes whenever something pops into my head, which as it turns out, is mostly when I'm driving. Why hello, Officer. Who, me? Texting while driving? No way. Scribbling in a notebook propped up on the steering wheel while navigating with my knees? Well...

Anyway, that's my update. Not that anyone is still reading. And I didn't really want to spend valuable time writing this, but as I've mentioned before, this is for my girl, so she knows why I curse at the computer Those are big girl words, baby, not little girl words and spend time sitting here instead of playing Polly Pockets (well, let's face it, even blogging is preferable to playing Polly Pockets. Damn rubber clothes).

Charlie Kaufman. You don't say. I once did a writing style test that told you what popular authors your writing most resembles, and it spit out Chuck Palahniuk. This novel in fact marks the first I've written from the male POV, and I think that POV will stick (this deserves another post, on another day). I've always been drawn to transgressive fiction and surrealism. Maybe I need to harness it a bit more.

Keep on keepin' on, ya'll.

Thursday, October 11, 2012

oh such a very bad blogger

Oh man. I don't even remember the last time I posted. Because? I got a job! A great one. I'm really excited about the possibilities.

On the other hand, it leaves me little time for anything else other than my family. I'm editing my novel, so I do have time for that, since it can come with me. But writing? Ha! So forget about blogging. For the time being, at least.

Keep writing. I've learned the very important lesson that it comes before all else (well after things that pay the bills, anyway). Because what good is blogging, or marketing, or social media in general if you don't have anything to share with people? So get out there and do it. I wish you all much success.

Ta ta for now.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

query. say it. now wash your mouth out with soap.

Ugh. Go ahead. Say it like a bad word - I do. Query, query, query. I've read so many how-tos, so many sample queries, I've even spent quite a bit of time critiquing them. And still, I have no idea how to write them. I honestly wonder if I'll ever know. I think one day I'm just going to get lucky, and that's it. I won't print out the query and hang it up as an shining example of what's good and right. No, not at all. Because on that day the worlds  will just happen to line up the right way and that's it.

I've submitted queries to a handful of sites, and come back with none of the same comments. In fact, most of the time the comments are in direct contradiction. I've had my writing chewed up and spit out and stomped on, sometimes in a helpful manner, and sometimes not. And let me tell you - nothing gets me more than a bunch of know-it-alls sitting around and tearing the hell out of a query just for sport. Yes, those sites exist. It's nauseating to think at one point I actually thought they were helpful.

This is my conclusion on the nasty, abhorrent query. If the novel is written well and the story is enticing, then assuming the query is written in the same vein, it'll be fine. You'll get some rejections, yes, but you'll also get some interest. Because if the story is good, and the query reflects that, then a fantastic hook won't matter. If you end it with a question, that's okay. If it's a bit too long or too short, again, you're fine. Do those things help? Sure. But I'm a big believer in the idea that if an agent refuses to read my query because I end it with a question, or because it's fifty words too long, then I don't want that agent anyway. What a miserable SOB.

Stay within the general guidelines of course. Don't write a five hundred word query. But I've written enough to know that if the query gets no bites, then it's not the query. It's the novel. Too many times I've sent out queries to no avail only to realize it's my manuscript that needs major work, and the query reflects that.

Bottom line? Don't stress about the query. Worry about the manuscript. Have people read it and really give you helpful critique. Don't be afraid to ask. This is your baby. Don't take a chance on sending queries on a manuscript that hasn't been critiqued only to change it and realize you've used up all of the agents on the top of your wishlist. Spend your energy making sure your manuscript is fantastic, well-written, and formatted properly. I guarantee if you succeed at this your query will be just fine.

And if no one wants your baby? Well, then go indie. But if you do that make damn sure it's ready. Because even worse than sending out a query for a manuscript that needs work is actually publishing it. Yikes.

Of course, this all comes from a woman who hasn't published anything. So as usual take it with a grain of salt.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

some suggested reading

Last week the lovely and talented Julie recommended a book. It's 'Rivet Your Readers with Deep Point of View'. I probably would have thought harder about buying it, but it's $2.99. In the end, I'm glad I did.

Though I knew most everything in the book intrinsically, I'd let some of these techniques and practices slip by the wayside. It's a fast read, and doing the exercises is helpful. I'd been trying to express to a few critique partners the importance of writing this way, but didn't have any type of terminology for it. I called it 'active' vs. 'passive' writing. 

So for example, let's pretend we're writing a story from Bob's point of view. Instead of saying 'Bob saw Mike hide the mustard.', we'd say 'Mike hid the mustard.' We're seeing the world through Bob's eyes, right? If the point of view is written correctly, then we already assume Bob saw Mike do it. It takes the reader out of the action and separates them from the inner thoughts and sights of the main character by adding 'saw'. Or 'heard'. Or 'felt'. So in essence, you're deepening the relationship with the main character and his/her point of view by putting the reader directly inside his/her head.

Not to mention, using words like 'felt' is lazy anyway. 'Bob felt happy.' It's the age old lesson of show vs. tell.

Anyway, this post turned into a quick lesson about a common mistake made by writers instead of a recommendation to go and buy this book. Will it change your life? No. But it will make you look more closely at your writing, and that's never a bad thing. 

And besides, if you expect something that costs $2.99 to change your life, well, then you're beyond my help.

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

words to live by

Recently heard this in an Amos Lee song:

But sometimes,
We forget what we got,
Who we are.
Oh who we are not.

And sometimes, I hear lyrics that simply kick my ass. I've heard this song quite a few times, but the words didn't resonate until today. Maybe it was just the timing, maybe now they make sense in a way they didn't before.

I mean, lots of times we forget what we got, mostly because we're too distracted with what we don't got. Expensive cars. Big houses. Designer wardrobes. It can be very hard to see the forest for the trees.

I rarely forget who I am, though after my recent job situation, it can get a bit hazy. It's hardest for me to remember that something good is right around the corner. I sometimes tend to wallow in the present, in what's not happening, only to wake up and have my dreams come true. But for me, remembering who I am is the easiest part. This only came, however, after at least thirty years of having no idea. Comfort and content often comes with a price.

But it's the last piece that kicks my ass. Because yes, often times we forget who we are not.

I don't know, maybe it's the fact that I'm critiquing the work of a few lovely, talented ladies, so I've got critiquing on the mind, but lately it seems I'm constantly amazed at the good it's done me in my life to be able to accept criticism. To be able to admit mistakes. To be able to realize I have bitten off more than I can chew at times, pretended I could do it anyway, and failed miserably.

We as a people are taught we can do anything. You want to be an astronaut, princess? Well then go for it! The world is your playground. Don't get me wrong. We all want to teach our children that with hard work and dedication there's a chance you can do anything you want.

But to me, the much more valuable lesson is teaching them that they have limitations. Try things, and if it doesn't work out, then try something else. My daughter wants to take ballet lessons. And let me be clear - she's four. So she didn't ask me. But she loves books about ballet, shows about ballet, so I offered the possibility for her to take classes. So we'll try it. I'm not sure how good she'll be, or that she'll even like it. Or heck, maybe she'll love it. As a parent, it's my job to give her options. But it's also my job to guide her if it isn't working out.

She might want to be a cowboy when she grows up. I can giggle with her about it, talk about what the job might be like, but in reality, I'm going to steer her towards a more realistic occupation.

Because a big part of life is realizing who we aren't. And a big part of that is asking for help when we get to a task that isn't part of who we are. And realizing that there are people out there who are better than you at some things. All too often we let our egos get in the way, let our unrealistic definition of the 'American Dream' cloud our judgement. 

The most important thing in life is realizing when we fall short. And asking for help. And learning everything we can from that help, making us better in the long run. Be humble. Learn from others. Don't get angry when people offer constructive criticism, or suggestions, or help in getting you back on the right path.

If you approach the world with open eyes, open ears, and open hearts, well, then you're doing it right. And it's going to show in your friendships, your work, and everything else.

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

book release!

Today the lovely and talented Jo Michaels released Mystic: Bronya, the first in a series of novellas. I bought it this morning and am very much looking forward to reading it on vacation later this week. If you're so inclined to help a fantastic indie writer, go here to like it and tag it. And buy it if you want an entertaining and inspiring read. Go now! And check out her other writing while you're at it!

Friday, August 10, 2012

I've been a bad, bad...blogger

I haven't been around a lot lately. Which is a good thing, mostly. I've been cranking the words out, a very good thing. It takes some motivation to sit down and do it, but once I do, the words just don't stop. And after almost two months of not much at all, jobs are now coming out of the woodwork. I think I'm going to be in the position of having to choose...which is daunting in a very different way than having nothing at all.

We're talking about choosing my life, in a way. Forty hours a week is a good chunk of it, plus commute, of course. My last job was a really bad situation. I don't want to end up with something like that again. On the flip side, money doesn't exactly grow on trees around here. All I hear anymore is concern from loved ones about why I don't have a job yet. ALL THE TIME. I get it. They're concerned. But it's a big decision.

Mostly, I don't want to settle. For the first time in seven and a half years my fate and destiny is in my hands (well, mostly). Do I go with a job that will have a lot of flexibility but is a very (very) small office, where I'm going to know everyone's business and vice versa? Or with a big corporate conglomerate where I'll be able to go to work, do my job, and go home without having to worry about personal stuff? Or somewhere in-between? Do I pick on salary alone, benefits, flexibility, location, or the job itself? See what I mean? It's a lot to think about.

I'm thankful, no doubt about it. It's just such a big decision. But I think a night with my hubby tonight to discuss things and a night with friends tomorrow (who were both in the same boat as me job-wise) will do the trick. Having people around who know me totally, and who understand all the decisions is so fantastic. I'm a really, really lucky lady.

So that's my update. Hopefully everyone else is cranking right along too!

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

on critiques (yes, again)

I can't say it enough. I love critiques. I love critiquing. I can think of nothing that's inspired my writing more than critiques and critiquing. Whether I'm critiquing a novel, a chapter, a story, or even a poem, it's like crack to me. I can't get enough.

While simmering in critiques for my last novel - the one I'm thinking of self-publishing - the proverbial faucet turned on. Hard. Where my ideas and inspirations lately have been few and far between, I spoke too soon on another blog about always sleeping well, and barely got a wink last night because of them.

I know now exactly how to fix my last novel. And not only that, but how to strengthen my current novel. I have new tools in my toolbox (to steal an image from Stephen King - yes, Stephen King again), things to rely on when I need to make changes, and things that will become standard fare in deciding on whether an idea is good and how to frame it well.

I'm inspired again. And I couldn't be happier. And I owe it all to the kind, wonderful writers who critique my work, and also the tolerant, patient writers who allow me to critique their work.

Of course, this isn't the first breakthrough I've had with my last novel. Not even close. Which makes me wonder if it won't be the last. But that's okay. Because you know what? I've learned so much with each new draft. It just keeps getting better and better. So if it takes a few more rewrites, so be it. I'll continue to learn, and to grow. And who better to learn from than my fellow writers?

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

feeling out of balance

So as I've been slowly working my way through Stephen King's On Writing, it's been my goal to write at least a thousand words a day. I've been fairly successful at it. The problem is, when I get past a thousand, I quit. Which is good, in some respects. A thousand words is a decent chunk when you've got a life going on around you. When you don't - aka no job - it's a crutch. I could write a lot more.

But there's Mad Men on Netflix instant view. And the Game of Thrones novels sitting on the end table that my mother-in-law dropped off the other day. And Simply Ming on PBS. And the novels I'm reading and critiquing for a few fine folks. Oh yeah, and my little monkey wanting to play Candyland or Chutes and Ladders or maybe eat some lunch.

It's like once I get to those thousand words, no matter how much I say I just need a break, and will write more later, it usually doesn't happen. I'm sure there's an easy fix. Like make my goal two thousand. Or three. Easy, right?

The thing is though, I think those other things are creeping in so much because I'm feeling out of balance. I don't have a job. I need to figure out health insurance. I need to think about who I'm going to bother next to get a job. I need to think about filing for unemployment. There's a lot going on in my head, and it doesn't leave a lot of room for much else. Once I force myself to sit down and write it's fine. It flows well. It's easy to crank out a thousand words. I tell myself over and over, this is your time to write, to figure out what you want, but it just causes more stress and anxiety.

My last job was full of issues and problems. But I felt a sense of balance there. I liked the work, liked my co-workers, had a good relationship with my boss (or so I thought), and worked great hours. The balance was great. I had a great life at home, and a chance to get away and be my own person, too. I didn't have to worry about so many things, so it was easier to focus on writing when I needed to. Writing was a joy.

Now though, it's a chore, forcing my mind to push through the other issues and barriers and focus on writing. I know it won't be this way forever. And I'm trying to make myself see that in a world of chaos, writing is one of the things that grounds me. It's one of the things that's constant, always there, always waiting for me to come back. And that is comforting.

Oh, if only I could make even a little bit of money with my writing so I could maybe get something part-time and make it work. Wouldn't that be the life?

Does anyone else feel like it's hard for them to write when their life is out of balance?

Wednesday, July 18, 2012

deathly afraid of self-publishing

Okay, so after getting to know a handful of people who have self-published and reading numerous blog posts on the subject, the idea is fresh in my mind. Still - I can't push the button. First, because I don't know nearly enough about it, not about formatting, marketing, etc. I have the resources to learn. I just need to carve out some time to do it. And that's hard to do when I'm taking care of the monkey full-time, working on another novel, and helping others with their writing. This is so cliche, but there just isn't enough time in the day to do everything I want to do.

More than anything though I'm worried beyond belief that I'll put it out there, and it won't sell, or it will get bad reviews, or that basically it will be my downfall as an author. Because that's what's so scary. Once it's out there it can't be taken back. So agents and publishers will be able to track it down FOREVER. That's a damn long time. I know, I know, it might get good reviews too. That's the thing. I don't know. Anything is possible.

As those of you who've been following for a bit know, I've submitted my novel to numerous agents, presses, whoever will take it, basically. I've gotten one request from an actual, real-life agent, and she passed. I've gotten two request from indie presses - one passed (though that was a previous version) and one still has it, but I'm not holding out much hope.

The thing is, it's not a genre that is selling right now. It's not YA, fantasy, dystopian, etc. Or is that just what I tell myself to make all the rejection seem better somehow? I've let a handful of people read it, and they've all loved it. But they're my friends and/or family. Can I really take their opinions seriously? I know a big part of marketing for self-publishing is knowing how to categorize it or 'tag' it. I don't know how to categorize it. That's been my biggest struggle so far I think.

Bottom line, if I'm going to do this, I need help. I take risks, I have no problem doing that. But so much is on the line. I want to know for sure that there's at least a shred of a chance that it will get a good review or sell at least a few copies. I need people I don't know well to read it and tell me what's wrong (big picture). I need people to help me categorize it. I really think it could sell - but I want to be as best prepared as possible if and when I take this leap. I have a few ideas in mind of where to go for this help, but if any of you have suggestions, I'd love to hear them.

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

what if? and my big duh moment

So I'm not quite done with Stephen King's On Writing yet but while reading it last night I stumbled into an 'a-ha' moment. According to Stephen King, stories should start out as 'what if' situations.

Duh, right? Seems easy. Not sure how this idea has escaped me all these years, but somehow it has. Mostly my stories are based on my fantasies (I daydream way too much) that I change around enough so as to not resemble my life in any way. Lots of times I work the whole thing out in my head before I even write one word. I see now how this isn't the best way, not even close.

One of his 'what if' examples:

What if vampires invaded a small New England village? This is the 'what if' for 'Salem's Lot, of course.

'What if' is how he starts a story. He builds from there. In fact, he's very against plotting, something I've convinced myself is necessary for the past few drafts. I'm reconsidering. Because I think plotting (or detailed outlining) is why my current work is just about finished in 50K words, about 25K short of my initial goal. Because I stick to the plot instead of letting the story emerge.

Like I said, duh.

The plot to this novel is already clear. It just needs some serious padding. It's interesting - when I've disregarded the outline a little bit and made it up as I went along it flowed much better and seems more coherent. Thankfully it fits the 'what if' test - What if a young man finds out his dad isn't dead after being told all his life that he was? The hows and whys and whos are all variable. That is to say they can be changed up and the 'what if' still exists. I mean seriously - a light bulb turned on in my head. This makes so much sense. Leave it to Stephen King to say in so few words something that completely changes my life.

I've tried to apply the 'what if' test to my other novels, and not-so-shockingly, it doesn't work. What if a woman's husband dies, and she falls in love with another man, but can't deal with it, and becomes an alcoholic, and gets involved with her husband's best friend, and well, you get the point. The main 'what if' - woman's husband dies - isn't strong enough.

And how about this one? What if a woman's boyfriend goes out of town, and she falls in love with a musician, but doesn't do anything except be his friend, and then he calls to say he has cancer, and dies, and well, again, you get the point. What if a woman falls in love with another man isn't strong enough. Not even close! I'm laughing right now. It's the oldest plot line in history, right?

I think a standard part of my new process is going to be starting with 'what if' and working from there. It will be the very first thing on my new 'facts' page. I'm going to wing it from now on and make notes on major plot points and factual items as I go along (so I don't forget and have to hunt through the manuscript for information).

Do any of you start with a 'what if'? Honestly, how did I miss this?

Thank you, Stephen King. All of this just reaffirms that you are my hero.

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

a little taste of my writing

Jo Michaels posted an interesting challenge via Facebook. Instead of answering it there, I'm going to answer it here. It's a good blog topic, especially since I've never shared my work. And, most of my friends on Facebook aren't writers, so it won't be as appreciated there.
Post 7 lines from the 7th line down on the 77th page of your novel.

Here goes:

Mom leans down to hear the barely five-foot woman better. Officer Penny repeats the question. Mom says no, but looks almost offended, even though she’s probably just overwhelmed.
"Standard procedure, ma’am,” says Penny as she pushes open the door. “Believe me, the invasion of privacy doesn’t end there.”

When the thick door closes they’re in a bare room with black cages and concrete walls. Penny sits at a metal table and tells Mom to sit across from her.

“Okay, we’ve got a form here for you to fill out and sign. It’s just so we have all of your information on file saying you’re an approved visitor, yadda yadda yadda. I’ll give you a minute.”
Interesting idea. This is from my work-in-progress. I'd love to see more from other writers.

Friday, July 06, 2012

a day in the life of an unemployed writer

Sit down at computer. Open up gmail. Scan through the numerous emails from potential employers via Monster and Indeed to see if literary agent who previously asked for the first three chapters after reading unsolicited query sent a reply. She did. Hope beyond hope it asks for the full manuscript while you open up and delete every other new email in your box. Finally open email from agent. She's not interested. Sigh.

Tell yourself, as you scan through other social media sights instead of actually writing, that it's okay. No one has wanted it so far. But, just having an agent ask is a big step in the right direction. There are several queries still outstanding. You might get another bite.

Then, while doing laundry, again instead of writing, you dog on yourself. Of course she didn't want to represent you. Nothing is working out in your favor. No one wants to employ you, no one wants your writing. What else is new.

You make yourself and the little one lunch, all the while refuting previous evidence. After all, it's ridiculous. You have two interviews this week and one next week, all with great companies, all positions that are interesting and more in line with what you want to do. You're 50K+ words into your new work-in-progress, and it will, no doubt, sell. It's a good, original concept, with just enough suspense, romance, and even a futuristic element. The query's already written. And it's good. Life is good. You're getting paid to spend time at home with your little monkey. You get to sleep late. You don't have to fix your hair, put on makeup, or wear suits, pantyhose, and heels all day long. Yup. Pretty fantastic.

Take a nap. Fall asleep while working out plot lines and ways to lengthen your WIP (and wonder why you seem to be the only person in the world who has to add, not cut). Wake refreshed. Thank the gods for naps and wonder why it took you so long to get on board.

Do some writing while the little one continues to nap. Thank the gods she's still napping even at almost four years old. Bang out a good chunk, but it's still interrupted by checking email and media sites. Darn distractions. Think about sending out more queries. Immediately put that thought to rest - you can see through it. It's just another distraction.

I could go on and on. Bottom line - the agent didn't want to read more. Her loss, right? I really need to tie a bow on that novel and put it aside for good. It's been a fantastic journey, a fantastic learning experience. But it's done. Maybe one day I'll unearth it. After all, it's lived on with many different faces. It's hard to say goodbye, even when it's time.

I'll be okay. I just need to jump back in to my current WIP after a (much needed) week long vacation. My life is going through lots of changes right now. It's nice to have my writing as a constant, as the one thing in my life that isn't going away. Right now I'm reading Stephen King's On Writing and loving it. That man is my hero. I'm hoping for a little bit of inspiration.

Stay cool out there y'all. This weather is not good for a woman who sweats at the drop of a hat. I've begun carrying deodorant with me everywhere. Sexy, no?

Saturday, June 30, 2012

author blog challenge #29...farewell


Is it wrong to say I actually feel a bit of relief that the challenge is over? Don't get me wrong. I had a great time, really got back into blogging, and met some fantastic writers - and plenty of blogs that I will keep up with now that the challenge is over. But, whew. Looking for a job, trying to crank out another novel, and chasing after an almost-four-year-old full-time is exhausting.

So it'll be back to a couple of times a week. I'm looking forward to getting back on track as to why I re-started the blog in the first place - as a diary of sorts to record milestones and feelings along the road of my writing career. The contest was great - but it effectively buried my goal. I don't want to be a blogger, though it's part of the game, I guess. So it's going to take a back seat to writing. Which is a good thing.

Thursday, June 28, 2012

author blog challenge #27 - writers are awesome

First - the best early birthday present ever (other than getting fired) - I got a request from a fabulous agent for the first three chapters of my novel. It's my first ever real request from an agent! Yay.


The best part for me was meeting so many great writers and making a lot of connections. I've learned so much in the past month, I don't even think I can list it all. I've added quite a few of the writers to my read feed, so I can keep up with their doings after the contest is over. I have a feeling at least a few of these lovely writers will be in my life, at least online, for a long time. How cool is that?

A big thank you to the lovely Laura Orsini for putting the challenge together. I don't even remember how I got involved, but I'm so happy I took the risk. I haven't posted every day, but I've done a lot more than I would have otherwise.

And, I've learned a whole lot about myself through this process. Not only have I dug deep within myself to answer some of the questions, but it just so happened to take place during a month where my entire world changed. And I got two requests for my novel, one I said I would put to rest if it went nowhere. It's been an eventful month. I have a feeling it's going to be the start of some new and wonderful things in my life.

I feel very lucky today - not only is it my birthday (woot woot - I now round up to forty!), but I'm ready to take on the world. I have fantastic friends, a loving family, and the best husband and daughter in the entire world. Nothing will get me down.

Thanks to all of the participants for your support, encouragement, and advice. Writers are a special group of people - not once have I participated in a group that is so optimistic, willing to help, and give of themselves. One thing is for sure - we can't do it without one another.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

author blog challenge #25 - a few shout-outs

I'm back from our little weekend getaway. Didn't get nearly as much writing done as I would have liked, but I'm dangerously close to writing 50K+ during the month of June. Very pleased. And needed the relaxation.

Back to the prompts...


The people who've helped me the most along my journey don't read my blog. But I'm going to call them out anyway. First, of course, is my handsome and adoring husband. He's not only allowed me the time to write, but he's been there every step of the way, even when no one else knew. He's listened to me gripe, complain, even rave, and always offers encouragement. That's huge.

Second, my amazing friend (and jewelry-maker extraordinaire) Chris. He's read two drafts so far, and always has great comments. So not only is he fun and talented, he is willing to hash out details and isn't afraid to let me know his real feelings. Can't appreciate that enough.

Third is my best friend Alison. We've been besties since high school...and have known one another since junior high. That's a damn long time. She's definitely my second half, and she was the first one I told about writing (after all, she was part of my Key West inspirational trip). She's been there for all the highs and lows, and always has an encouraging word or a 'what the f*ck!' when things don't turn out as I'd like.

Fourth is a tie between my older sister Mary and my mother-in-law. Both have read drafts and offered comments, and both have supported me along the way. They are two smart, lovely ladies, and I'm lucky to have them.

Last (but not least) is my mom and my other older sister, Chrissy. They're always willing to read anything I give them. They aren't so good with critical comments, mostly because I think they're just so amazed I can write a whole novel, and read them with nothing but anticipation. But heck - it's great to be flooded with compliments every now and again.

Those are just the people in my real life, though. I can't even begin to thank the online folks who have critiqued chapters, or queries, or short stories, some who have been incredibly influential. The folks in the query group of Writer's Digest have been amazing, and they're always willing to read and comment. When I get too close to the darn thing to look at it critically, they always see exactly what I miss. And I've gotten a ton of great help on You Write On and Scribophile, too. Honestly, when no one else knew about my writing, or when whole novels weren't ready for critique, online folks were my only salvation.

And a huge shout-out to the great writers involved in the Author Blog Challenge. I've met some fantastic people, and gotten some great advice. And, by forcing myself to do the prompts, I've learned a lot about myself and about writing. I'm still wondering how I was allowed into their ranks...

So there you have it. I only hope I can be as helpful and influential in their lives someday as they've been in mine.

Thursday, June 21, 2012

author blog challenge #21 - on being polite and gracious

Well, I figured that since I don't have a job right now (except chasing after my little monkey), I should get back into the swing of the challenge. I'm starting to think maybe working made me focus more since I had so much less time. Not that it's hard to focus. Just that there are so many other things to do.

And I'm going to the loveliest lake (Bull Shoals) to stay in the loveliest cabin (my in-laws retreat) and spend the weekend on the lake sans child with my handsome husband to celebrate our eleventh wedding anniversary. Needless to say, since it's in the middle-of-nowhere-Northern-Arkansas, there won't be any blogging. But there will be writing. Oh, yes. There is no better place to write than in a remote cabin perched on the edge of a fading mountain overlooking a crystal-clear, spring-fed lake. No ma'am.

Okay. Onto the post:

What is the single best piece of advice you've ever received about the publishing process  and/or what advice would you offer to a first-time author?

Oh boy. I've gotten so much advice over the past few years, all from online buddies/colleagues, mind you. Honestly I don't even know where to begin. Maybe it's about having thick skin. Though I do have thick skin, I have a tendency to fly off the handle without thinking things through. I think one of the best pieces of life advice I've ever gotten is when something upsets you, sleep on it, and go fresh in the morning. Never react right off the bat.

This does apply to writing too. I've gotten some really crappy critiques. My first instinct is to fire off an email telling the person exactly what I think about their nonsense advice. But in the end, it only makes me look like a hothead, and what good is it going to do? If someone accuses me of having bad grammar (which is ridiculous - I'm a grammar nerd) and points out times when I've purposely used a question mark in dialogue even though it wasn't grammatically correct (because sometimes people say statements as questions even if they aren't) then no amount of firing back is going to change his opinion. The best thing you can do is say thank you and move on.

Same is true with agents/publishers. I've gotten a couple of rejections (see this post for one in particular) that were either misinformed or just blah, and of course, my first reaction is to fire off a letter pointing out the things I thought were wrong. And of course this is a very bad idea. A publisher will remember you for being polite and graceful. They will also remember you for being a nasty player. Always opt for the former. And? (see the question mark usage?) There is always at least a smidgen of advice you can use even in the most awful critiques. It's a talent, being able to wade through sludge to find the useful bits. Hone it. Someone took the time to read your writing. No matter how off they are you owe them a thank you.

Of course, with much that's true about writing, it can be applied to the real world. Like when I got fired. I could have blown a gasket, could have told my boss all I thought was wrong, all the frustration I've felt over the past two years, and lamented the fact that I was never offered a chance to voice those frustrations (no one was interested in hearing it). But I didn't. Mostly because I wasn't given a chance (big surprise!). But in retrospect I'm glad. I walked out quietly with my head held high. If given a re-do I would have taken my last paycheck, said thank you, and walked out the same way. Because seriously. Thank you for forcing me to do something I should have done long ago.

So my best piece of advice for a first-time author (I'm not sure what that means, by the way - am I a first-time author since I've not published? Is a first time author one who hasn't completed a novel?) is this:

Always be gracious. Even when you want to rip someone a new one, or maybe even two. Because being gracious and polite is much more powerful than being a loud-mouthed, opinionated hothead.

Point in case - the next time someone really pisses you off in the car (I never get road rage) and you want to yell, honk, or throw the finger, wave and smile. It's an amazing thing.

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

author blog challenge...and feeling uninspired

I've been feeling uninspired lately when it comes to blogging. And I'm blogging about it. Which is kind of like saying I'm not thirsty while sipping a frost beverage. Maybe it's because most of my energy an free time lately has been devoted to my current WIP. I'm currently 35K+ words in (wrote 5K yesterday alone) and loving it more and more with every word. Honestly, I don't even know what prompt we're on in the challenge...but it doesn't really matter anyway since a lot of the recent posts really don't apply to me as a mostly unpublished writer.

Over the weekend my previously mentioned fabulous mom-in-law gave me a bracelet:

Isn't that cool? It's old typewriter keys. And it's perfect, since I am, in fact, a writer. I have to get used to saying this out loud and sharing it with my world. It's easy to do in my head. Not so easy out loud. I AM A WRITER. Four little words; easy to pronounce, even. But for a person who doesn't share much of herself to begin with (though this is changing quite a bit as I get older), it's going to take a bit of work. But hey, I'm just about used to typing one one space instead of two. Maybe it isn't so hard to teach this dog a new trick.

So to everyone in the challenge (and otherwise)...happy blogging. And keep on keepin' on.

Friday, June 15, 2012

one space or two?

So a while back I learned that it's now preferred to put one space after periods instead of two. I filed it away, and continue to use two, because let's face it, it's hard to teach old dogs new tricks. Habit takes over. My thumb just plain hits the big bar twice.

But thanks to a life-changing (or at least really important) post by Writer's Block Admin Services (credit to Robert Chazz Chute for providing the link), I learned that this problem is very easily solved. In Word, using the replace feature, in the 'find' box you type two spaces. In the 'replace' box type one. Hit 'replace all'. Wham. Done. It's that easy.

Sure makes me feel dumb for dreading the task of deleting them all one by one.

Thursday, June 14, 2012

author blog challenge #13

What has been the most challenging part of your book process: writing, building the book, printing, distributing, marketing, etc.? What do you wish you'd known before you began?

So as the challenge moves on, I find myself unable to really answer the prompts, as I've never actually published anything. But I'm going to tackle this one anyway, as I can relate to it on a certain level.

For me, the absolute, hands-down hardest part of my book process so far has been querying. Who would have thought that a woman who can write multiple novels of 70K+ words can't write a 250 word advertisement for said novels? It's insane. I've done a lot of difficult things in my life, overcome at least a few obstacles, and to struggle with 250 words? Maddening.

It's not just the query though. It's the whole [traditional] process of wooing an agent or a publisher. Write a query. Write a synopsis - some want one page, some 3-5 paragraphs, some 1000 words. Write a bio. Know something about said agent or publisher to personalize the query letter. Know where to go in the interwebs to find agents or publishers who work in your genre. Make sure to keep a spreadsheet so you don't query an agent/publisher multiple times, and keep a separate tab for each novel you've queried because if it's been less than six months since querying the agent/publisher with a different manuscript you probably want to wait until the next go-around. Only send ten queries or so out at a time so if you get no responses you know the query stinks and you haven't burned more than ten chances. I mean, what's so difficult about all of that?

Forget the fact that this is all on top of the process of actually writing the damn thing. If someone told me five years ago that writing the novel was the easiest part, I would have laughed. Yeah, right. Talk about a loss of innocence.

Another aspect of writing a novel I've found difficult is actually telling people about it. Because if you haven't published anything, they just nod and say, "Oh, isn't that wonderful." But they're thinking Yeah right. Who isn't? or Good luck with that! When I finally shared my writing with a few friends they wondered why I hadn't told them and told me funny stories about telling their spouses who just looked dumbfounded. Jen? You mean from work? Wrote a book? Like, a real book? About what? I laughed, and then explained to them that I wasn't purposely leaving them out, it's just easier this way. Because when they ask why it hasn't been published do they really want to hear the answer? It would take days to explain the process. And they have actual lives that aren't consumed with becoming a published writer.

So up until now not only have I been writing novels (and poems and songs and short stories and essays), but I've been editing them, learning everything I can about formatting (and apparently thanks to an incredibly helpful post by the lovely Jo Michaels is something in which I'm terribly uninformed), actively trying to sell it, but am also living a double life. In one I'm a wife, a mom, a best friend, a sister, a confidant, an aunt, and a career gal, and in the other, I'm an obsessed, driven, not-so-patiently waiting woman who wants only to share her words with others. It's been quite a trip.

Onwards and upwards. Keep on truckin'. Don't let fear hold you back. And whatever other idioms exist to describe the process. Hey, I'm much better off and much closer to the end goal than I was five years least that's something.

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Liebster Award

Leibster Blog Award



  • Thank your Liebster Blog Award presenter on your blog.
  • Copy and paste the blog award on your blog.


Tuesday, June 12, 2012

rediscovering silence









Sunday, June 10, 2012

critique groups

Before addressing the Author Blog Challenge question today, first I have some good news - I got a request for a full! Yay! It's with a publishing group I admire a lot, too. No way do I think it'll come to anything as I don't think my work is up to par with the other things they publish, but just to have them ask for it is a big step in the right direction.

Have you ever participated in a critique group? If so, how did it work out for you? If not, why have you avoided them to this point?

Have I ever participated in a critique group? Have I ever. For a few years I met with a group of 4 total (including me) a couple times a month. One person turned in a story, or an essay, or a chapter and the rest of us critiqued it. I can honestly say I am incredibly grateful for this experience. Not only did it introduce me to three fantastic people, but it taught me how to be a good reader, how to critique, and taught me that dedicated people are essential to the writing process.

Maybe because of my creative writing classes in college, I've never had a hard time turning over my work. Maybe the fact that all of us in my critique group were new at it, it made it easier to hand over our babies. Either way, I feel fortunate for this. Because everything essential I've ever learned about writing has come from critiques.

I've participated in more than a handful of online critique sites - Scribophile, Critters, You Write On, Writer's Digest, Authonomy (not recommended), and some more I can't remember now. Through these sites, not only have I met some great people, but I've learned so much not only from receiving critiques but from giving them too. Being able to look at another's work in a critical light has done wonders for my own writing.

Needless to say, I'm a critique whore. I'll do just about anything for critiques, for people to read my work and offer suggestions or praise. I love it. Maybe I'm addicted. I'm okay with that. I have thick skin too. Sure, I've received critiques that weren't well thought out, or were mostly crap, but I can honestly say I've gotten very few that didn't have at least one helpful bit in them.

If anyone has questions about the online critique groups I mentioned, let me know. I'd be more than happy to share my experiences with any of them.

Saturday, June 09, 2012

knowledge is power...and fun with rectums









Friday, June 08, 2012

I couldn't put it down!

I'm going to take a break from the 28 day writing challenge prompts to pose a question. Recently, a few lovely folks finished reading my novel. Not only am I extremely grateful for the feedback, and to know people enjoy it, but I'm happy to have shared this bit of my life with them. They knew I wrote, but never saw anything. So that feels good.

Anyway, here's my question.

When people read your novel in a few days, saying they absolutely couldn't put it down, how does that make you feel?

Obviously it makes me happy. To have someone read and enjoy - devour, actually - my work, it's fantastic. I'm a fast reader, so I know what it's like to read a book really quickly. Of course I read everything like this so I can't really answer the second part of my question.

If it reads that fast, is that a bad thing? Does it mean my novel is too simple? It's contemporary fiction, so it's based in the real world, so there aren't any new worlds to learn or new vocab or anything like that. There really isn't much to pore over other than the decisions made by the characters. So does that mean it leads itself to quicker reading?

I'm torn. On one hand, of course it makes me happy to get this kind of feedback. On the other hand, I worry it's too simple, too straightforward.

What do you guys think? Anyone have this experience?

Thursday, June 07, 2012

28 day blog challenge #6

Quick status update - even though I dropped out of BuNoWriMo because I didn't want the pressure of writing a novel in a month hanging over my head, as of today I'm 17K words into my new WIP. At this pace I will be done by the end of the month. Scary stuff.Describe your outline process for your book. What do you do to stay organized?

Yes, I skipped from #4 to #6.  Somehow I got ahead in the prompts and this gets me back on track.

When I started writing, outlining wasn't on my radar. The thought didn't so much as cross my mind. As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm glad about that. It helped me get started without bogging down my thoughts.

However, as a more seasoned writer (note this does not translate to 'published' or even close - darn queries), I find it impossible to write without one. Mostly because I have a million ideas and don't know until trying to outline whether or not one will even stretch out into a whole novel. That's where I start, with a very rough outline, with one or two sentences per chapter.

Once I've determined that it'll be a good length, I move on to character sketches. Note that before even starting an outline I've probably run through entire scenes in my head, dialogue and all, so I have an idea of what the characters look like. Finding pictures on the internet of actors/musicians/anyone else with a bevy of pictures from which to choose, I describe the character physically and historically, including any bad habits or tics (because what good character doesn't have a tic or two?), and insert the photo as a note in the margin (I use word). I find it much easier to write a character if I have a physical representation of her. Getting all of this out before writing is huge for me. That way it clears my mind and allows for better writing and world-building.

I learned this, by the way, from a tip I got while studying for my series 7. I made a cheat sheet, reproduced it by hand numerous times, and the minute I sat down in the testing cube, got it all out of the way first. That way my brain could focus on important stuff, not little things like formulas. Passed it on the first try. Yeah, I'm a nerd. That was some great advice though.

Next comes the outline. Sometimes I outline the whole thing, sometimes less. I generally don't start a novel though unless I know how it's going to end - not that it doesn't change on occasion. Sometimes the characters surprise me and do things not quite as planned. Anyway, once the outline is in good form, I insert it into the beginning of my word manuscript as a note, so it will put itself in the left margin and I can refer to it directly while I'm writing. Very handy. Again, the less I think about little things, the better my writing.

Note that none of this is set in stone, not the characters or the outline. I frequently amend, change, and add on as the story chugs along. Also, knowing what's coming allows me to plot out the chapter/scene ahead of time in my head, which works out well.

Off to insert 'voice' into my too-synopsy query. The fun never ends.

Tuesday, June 05, 2012

28 day blog challenge #4

Where were you when the idea for your [first] book was initially ignited? Who was the first person you told? How did they respond?

It's day four of the 28 day blog challenge. That's four days of blogging in a row. For a person who blogged twice a week at best, this is a first. I keep telling myself I don't have to do this every day, I can skip one now and then, but so far I've really loved the prompts and I've also loved how they've made me look at myself as a writer/reader in different lights. So onwards and upwards!

The idea for my first book (the prompt only said 'book' but I added first since I've written more than one...even if my flash drive is the only thing that knows this) came to me in Key West. Two of my best high school girlfriends and I went there for a long weekend instead of our ten-year high school reunion...great decision, by the way. Not sure why it hit me then. Maybe I was inspired by Ernest Hemingway's ghost...or maybe just because the island is so lush and haunted, and drips creativity (or maybe that's just the humidity).

Anyway, since I was small, I've always made up stories in my head. I had trouble sleeping and my older sister told me one night to do this and lo and behold it worked. And turned me into a daydreaming addict. In my head, anything is possible. Honestly, for a long time, it was much more appealing in there than in the real world. And at times still is. I've often thought I'd be a raving lunatic if not for that escape.

I took a long hiatus from writing of any sort other than journaling until this trip. Something stirred inside me. The day I got back I sat down at the computer and banged out a good bit of a novel - a horrible, unstructured, self-indulgent thing, but hey, it was a start. And in retrospect, a good way to start. I tell people all the time if you want to write a novel just do it. The more you write the more you'll learn, and though it might be terrible, it's something to build upon. At times I envy those days, when the only goal was to tell a great story, not worry about form, structure, querying, agents, etc.

I told only my husband. In fact, for a good number of years he was the only person who knew anything about my goals and dreams, my passion, outside of my writing group. This was before I took the class, before joining my fantastic writing group, before knowing a single thing about what I was doing. I can't remember his response. I mean it was eight years memory's taken a big nosedive since then. Out with the old (and unimportant), in with the new, right? Only so much room in that thing. I do know he's since become my biggest supporter, my one man cheerleading squad, and at times my only link to reality. He's put up with a lot and stood strong. So his initial reaction doesn't matter (though he probably just humored me).

Over eight years, that novel has gone through no less than four entire re-writes (with other novels/stories/essays/poems/songs mixed in) and only two things have stayed the same - one character and the setting, Key West.  It is now being read by a few fantastic folks while I retool the query and prepare to send it off into the world. My baby. This is it though - if it doesn't go somewhere, it's getting shelved. Eight years is a long time to spend together.

Honestly - you people have to be sick of me hogging your feeds by now. But I'm loving this escape. Anything is better than what I need to do, which is work on my query. Gah.

Monday, June 04, 2012

28 day blog challenge #3

Who is your favorite literary character?  With which literary character do you most relate?

This is incredibly tough.  When someone asks questions like these, my head spins.  How can I possibly narrow it down?  I'm going to try.

As for favorite characters, my number one is Jay Gatsby from, you guessed it, The Great Gatsby.  I'd probably lump all of the major characters in this novel on my list though.  He's hot, self-made, tragic, and so stylish.  In other words, he's perfect.  My favorite heroes always need rescuing.  I have no idea why.  I have literally never in real life been with a man like this.  Maybe that's the issue.  Plus, the novel takes place in the twenties, my all-time favorite decade.  In a time full of excess, debauchery, and innovation, romance and tragedy are bound to come head-to-head.

Second on my list is Edna Pontellier from Kate Chopin's The Awakening.  This is a novel I left off my favorites list in my last post.  Absolutely one of my all-time favorites.  Again, it embodies everything I love in a novel - unconventional relationships, a struggle to fit into conventional society and life in general, death, and a gorgeous setting.  The fact that this novel was published in 1899 still blows my mind.  I haven't read it in a while, and writing this post makes me want to do nothing but go and re-read it.  Edna is so relatable, shares many of our struggles, and had a huge impact on the modern feminist movement.  Again in 1899.  It's remarkable.

I'm not even going to tackle to which literary character I most relate.  I'm still trying to figure myself need to go comparing myself to others.  That's a very scary thought.

I'd love to hear about everyone's favorite characters and maybe add a few must-reads to my list.

Sunday, June 03, 2012

28 day blog challenge #2


I'm kind of a book whore.  I'll read anything, as long as it's well-written and free of grammatical mistakes (ahem - see posts below on a certain trilogy).  One thing I can say is that I've always loved to read.  I started reading when I was three.  I read everything I could get my hands on, from choose-your-own-adventure books to The Baby-sitters Club to my mom's Danielle Steele novels and anything by Stephen King.

The beauty of majoring in English Lit in college is that I read a wide variety of books.  A few of my all-time favorite writers are Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, John Cheever, Stephen King, Anne Rice, Bret Easton Ellis, and the poems of Dylan Thomas.  I know I'm leaving some off.  That's okay.

I'm definitely drawn to books/stories about unhappy people struggling to find happiness, or stories shunning normal, traditional life, and they've got to have a good dose of romance - the more unconventional the better.  That's not to say I don't love a trashy romance, or vampires, or even YA on occasion.

But I definitely hide from steampunk, dystopian, and fantasy.  I will not read anything with fairies, trolls, wizards, dragons, or whatever else is out there, I don't even know.  Not a fan.   I'm also not a fan of comic books.  It's not the stories, it's the way it's laid out - I find it hard to sit back and get lost in a comic like I can with a book.  I also dislike greatly books with characters that are too good to be true.  I don't want to read about muscular, heroic men and rich housewives with perfect husbands and perfect children.  Ge-ross.

I find something in everything I read to improve my writing.  Even if it's one tiny thing, like a word I decide I'd like to use.  I really don't think my writing would change at all if I read the things I avoid.  My writing tends to be a lot like the writers I most admire (not that I'm comparing myself IN THE LEAST) in that they're based in reality, and they're about real people with real problems.  The main characters sometimes aren't conventionally likable - but they're special nonetheless.  And often the books take a bite into culture and society at large.  The characters in The Great Gatsby are essentially a bunch of spoiled assholes - but they're so fantastic and tragic.  I want to be them and feel sorry for them at the same time.  That's what I love.

If I could even write something half as good as The Great Gatsby or The Swimmer I'd be one happy lady.

How about you guys?  Who is the author or book you hold in the highest esteem?

Saturday, June 02, 2012

28 day blog challenge #1






