I just registered for the League of Utah Writers Conference. I think that writers conferences are invaluable for those who want to become published, or continue to grow their writing career. I've met writers at them who have become great friends and mentors, and gained invaluable contacts that later led to endorsements.
When I started submitting my first novel, I did an internet search for writers groups. I found the LUW and attended my first chapter meeting in January 2002. J. Scott Savage was the speaker that night. Annette Lyon was the Chapter President. Little did I know, but I would join their critique group that summer and eventually replace Annette as Chapter President. You can say that I jumped in with both feet.
So if you want to become a published writer, find a writers league near you and sign up for conferences in your area. Check out the speaker line-up and sign up for interviews to meet with agents or publishers. Most agents find their clients through referrals or at writers conferences.
Showing posts with label Writing Advice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing Advice. Show all posts
Monday, June 30, 2008
Monday, March 24, 2008
A Smashing Success!
Heather Moore, Josi Kilpack, Julie Wright, Annette Lyon
"A Smashing Success" is the only way to describe the 2008 LDStorymakers Writers Conference.
It was truly amazing. Our keynote speakers, Jamie Weiss Chilton (Andrea Brown Literary), and Timothy Travaglini (G.P. Putnam & Sons) were fantastic. They were funny, kind, and made themselves accessible to everyone.
Other speakers included Jessica Day George (author, Dragon Flight), Brandon Sanderson (author, Elantris), Dave Nibley (comedian and actor), Kirk Shaw (Covenant Editor), Lisa Mangum (Deseret Book Editor), Maryanne Jones (Deseret Book Publicist), Kammie Wrencher (Cedar Fort Editor), Christopher Bigelow (Zarahemla Books Publisher), and Janette Rallison (author, How to Take the Ex out of Ex-Boyfriend).
The rest of the presenters were authors who are members of LDStorymakers.
At the end of the conference, we recognized all of the people on the committee who did an incredible job of bringing everything together:
Julie Wright
Scott Wright
Jeff Savage
Rob Wells
Brent Rowley
Josi Kilpack
Crystal Liechty
Julie Bellon
Candace Salima
Tristi Pinkston
Then we passed the gauntlet to Jeff Savage, who will be the director for Conference 2009.
Some of the notes I took that might be of interest:
Agent Jamie Weiss Chilton (Andrea Brown Literary) said not to stress over your cover letters. Every submission she receives, she sets the cover letter aside and reads the first pages. If she loves the writing then she'll read the cover letter to find out more about the author.
Senior Editor Tim Travaglini (G.P. Putnam Sons) said that in contrast to the other big publishing houses, Putnam takes unagented submissions. He encouraged the writers to continue working and improving their craft. And to make sure they educated themselves as to which publisher/imprint accepts what genres. He said that it's easier to to submit to junior editors since they are actively seeking new authors. He said to be sure to spell his name right.
Jessica Day George said she received 187 rejections before getting the call from a publisher offering a book contract. Ironically, the next day she received a form rejection letter from the same publisher--which had gone to a different editor and was purged from the slush pile in a big clean sweep.
Brandon Sanderson wrote nine books before getting a publishing contract. He promptly contacted the agent he had established a relationship with at a writers conference.
Kirk Shaw (Covenant editor) and Lisa Mangum (Deseret Book editor) were generous in coming to the conference and holding one-on-one interviews with writers. It's tough for a writer to get in front of a decision maker from a publisher. They added so much value and I was thanked over and over by conference attendees. Each of them also taught workshops and shared their advice for submitting and landing a publishing contract.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
ABINADI book has been accepted!
Today I found out that my manuscript ABINADI (title will change) was accepted by Covenant Communications, Inc.--the same publisher who produced my Out of Jerusalem series. It will be a Fall 2008 release.
Here's a portion of the query I sent to the publisher, so that you can get an idea of what process a writer has to go through:
Dear Editor,
As discussed in earlier emails, I have completed the first volume in a new Book of Mormon series, tentatively titled Plain and Precious. Volume One—Abinadi—is the story of the prophet who appears in the Book of Mosiah, comprising chapters 11-17. Intertwined with Abinadi’s life is the introduction of the high priest, Alma, another prophet whose story unfolds within the same scriptural text.
In Volume One, Abinadi is a new elder, the least likely to receive a call from the Lord to preach repentance to His people. Yet the Lord’s commandment is clear. Abinadi must warn the people in the city of Nephi of imminent destruction if they do not change their wicked ways. But King Noah, and those who surround him, will do anything to prevent their idolatrous ways to be disturbed. Abinadi is chased out of the city, a death sentence upon his head. Two years later, Abinadi is called again to deliver the Lord’s final message. This time, Abinadi leaves behind a young wife and new child, only to finally meet his fate—death by fire.
Special Note: I have written Abinadi as a young man in his early twenties. This is a contrast to popular LDS art that depicts Abinadi as an elderly man in King Noah’s court, although research shows there is no documentation of Abinadi’s age. When I stumbled upon a painting done of King Noah’s court, by Walter Rane, I was pleased to see my decision supported with a young Abinadi portrayed in art. I think a young Abinadi who sacrifices his life, leaving behind a young wife and child, is a more compelling read than a man who has lived a long and full life.
It’s my intention to write three to four more volumes to round out this series, continuing with the lives of Alma the Elder, and his son, Alma the Younger, and possibly finishing with the Sons of Mosiah. Chapter Notes, Epigraphs, Preface, two-page map, and other details are forthcoming. This manuscript is approximately 94,000 words. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Attached, you will find the story of a man who sacrificed everything.
Sincerely,
Heather Moore
Here's a portion of the query I sent to the publisher, so that you can get an idea of what process a writer has to go through:
Dear Editor,
As discussed in earlier emails, I have completed the first volume in a new Book of Mormon series, tentatively titled Plain and Precious. Volume One—Abinadi—is the story of the prophet who appears in the Book of Mosiah, comprising chapters 11-17. Intertwined with Abinadi’s life is the introduction of the high priest, Alma, another prophet whose story unfolds within the same scriptural text.
In Volume One, Abinadi is a new elder, the least likely to receive a call from the Lord to preach repentance to His people. Yet the Lord’s commandment is clear. Abinadi must warn the people in the city of Nephi of imminent destruction if they do not change their wicked ways. But King Noah, and those who surround him, will do anything to prevent their idolatrous ways to be disturbed. Abinadi is chased out of the city, a death sentence upon his head. Two years later, Abinadi is called again to deliver the Lord’s final message. This time, Abinadi leaves behind a young wife and new child, only to finally meet his fate—death by fire.
Special Note: I have written Abinadi as a young man in his early twenties. This is a contrast to popular LDS art that depicts Abinadi as an elderly man in King Noah’s court, although research shows there is no documentation of Abinadi’s age. When I stumbled upon a painting done of King Noah’s court, by Walter Rane, I was pleased to see my decision supported with a young Abinadi portrayed in art. I think a young Abinadi who sacrifices his life, leaving behind a young wife and child, is a more compelling read than a man who has lived a long and full life.
It’s my intention to write three to four more volumes to round out this series, continuing with the lives of Alma the Elder, and his son, Alma the Younger, and possibly finishing with the Sons of Mosiah. Chapter Notes, Epigraphs, Preface, two-page map, and other details are forthcoming. This manuscript is approximately 94,000 words. I appreciate your consideration and look forward to hearing from you.
Attached, you will find the story of a man who sacrificed everything.
Sincerely,
Heather Moore
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
Who Has the Most to Lose?
That's the method writers commonly use in order to determine whose POV (point of view) the scene should be in.
So I'm at a crossroads in my writing. The main character in the book is about to die a horrible death--being slowly burned to death. Yuck.
So which scenario is more powerful (i.e. which character has the most to lose and should therefore be the POV)?
A. The scene should be written in the POV of the man who is dying. The reader can understand the agony and the loss he is feeling.
B. The scene should be written in the POV of the man's wife. She watches, helplessly, as he dies while the surrounding crowd cheers.
What's your vote?
So I'm at a crossroads in my writing. The main character in the book is about to die a horrible death--being slowly burned to death. Yuck.
So which scenario is more powerful (i.e. which character has the most to lose and should therefore be the POV)?
A. The scene should be written in the POV of the man who is dying. The reader can understand the agony and the loss he is feeling.
B. The scene should be written in the POV of the man's wife. She watches, helplessly, as he dies while the surrounding crowd cheers.
What's your vote?
Saturday, October 6, 2007
Is This Agent for Real?
It's no secret I'm looking for an agent. So I was surprised to receive an email from a literary agent yesterday whom I had never queried. I immediately became suspicious and googled her name.
I discovered that she is listed on the Top 20 Worst Agent list.
She signed her name as Michele Glance Rooney. I found this agent has a track record of contacting authors and inviting them to submit. Then she charges fees for reading, submitting, etc. According a blog written by Victoria Strauss, Rooney has not sold any trackable manuscript to any publisher.
The message she sent me is as follows:
Hi Heather,
How's your writing going? I just wanted to send you an e-mail and let you know you that I'm very interested in reading your writing projects with an eye toward becoming your literary agent. If your writing project is still a work in progress, please feel free to send me a synopsis and sample chapters. My submission address is:
Michele Glance Rooney, Literary Agent
P.O. Box 2533
Birmingham, Michigan 48012-2533
You can check out my website at http://superliteraryagent.tripod.com
I'm looking forward to reading your work. I wish you great success with your writing career and with all of your endeavors.
Have a stupendous day!
Warm Regards,
Michele Glance Rooney
I, of course, emailed her back and requested a client list and her 2006-2007 sales. She hasn't replied.
My message to you: PLEASE investigate every agent by googling their name--even if they are listed in a reputable agent guide. In another blog, I list things to watch out for when querying agents.
I discovered that she is listed on the Top 20 Worst Agent list.
She signed her name as Michele Glance Rooney. I found this agent has a track record of contacting authors and inviting them to submit. Then she charges fees for reading, submitting, etc. According a blog written by Victoria Strauss, Rooney has not sold any trackable manuscript to any publisher.
The message she sent me is as follows:
Hi Heather,
How's your writing going? I just wanted to send you an e-mail and let you know you that I'm very interested in reading your writing projects with an eye toward becoming your literary agent. If your writing project is still a work in progress, please feel free to send me a synopsis and sample chapters. My submission address is:
Michele Glance Rooney, Literary Agent
P.O. Box 2533
Birmingham, Michigan 48012-2533
You can check out my website at http://superliteraryagent.tripod.com
I'm looking forward to reading your work. I wish you great success with your writing career and with all of your endeavors.
Have a stupendous day!
Warm Regards,
Michele Glance Rooney
I, of course, emailed her back and requested a client list and her 2006-2007 sales. She hasn't replied.
My message to you: PLEASE investigate every agent by googling their name--even if they are listed in a reputable agent guide. In another blog, I list things to watch out for when querying agents.
Thursday, October 4, 2007
Financial Planning for Writers?
Recently I had an article published in Desert Saints Magazine on financial planning.
This is a subject that I've spent a lot of time researching since I'm the household budgetee, investor, and planner.
What does this have to do with writing? A lot. Managing your finances and knowing what you can deduct on your taxes can make a big difference in whether or not your writing career is profitable.
On another blog I write for, I outline some of the things writers can tax-deduct. Visit Writing On the Wall blog for more details, but the basic things to keep track of include:
1. Purchase of any books.
2. Mileage in pursuit of writing or promoting.
3. Meals--on a limited basis.
4. Business use of your home.
5. Writing equipment and supplies.
This is a subject that I've spent a lot of time researching since I'm the household budgetee, investor, and planner.
What does this have to do with writing? A lot. Managing your finances and knowing what you can deduct on your taxes can make a big difference in whether or not your writing career is profitable.
On another blog I write for, I outline some of the things writers can tax-deduct. Visit Writing On the Wall blog for more details, but the basic things to keep track of include:
1. Purchase of any books.
2. Mileage in pursuit of writing or promoting.
3. Meals--on a limited basis.
4. Business use of your home.
5. Writing equipment and supplies.
Monday, October 1, 2007
Feedback for your Writing
On another blog I write for, we are offering a free critique of the first page of your book or your query letter.
If you want to submit, here are the instructions:
The editors at Precision Editing Group are pleased to announce our new on-line critique forum.
And you won't even have to go anywhere. Right here, on our Writing on the Wall blog, we'll post YOUR queries or first page of your book [about 350 words]. You'll receive same-day feedback on your query or first page from our editors AND readers.
How it will work:
1. Each Monday, hereby called MONDAY MANIA, we'll post 1-3 queries and/or first pages on the blog. As a reader, you'll be able to read the queries and post your own comments. Please keep your comments constructive and in good taste. We want to set ourselves apart from other blogs and stay helpful and professional. Our editors will also be reading the submissions and posting comments as well.
2. Email your query or first page to: editor@precisioneditinggroup.com
If we receive it by the Friday before, we'll post your submission the following Monday by 12:00 noon, MST. You are welcome to request that your post be shown anonymously. Please remove any highly-personal information.
3. You can email us your submissions any time. If there is a backlog, it may take longer to be listed on the Monday Mania blog. Keep checking each Monday for your submission. Meanwhile, feel free to comment on queries and first pages submitted by other writers.
We hope this will prove to be a constructive way to earn immediate feedback from two of the most challenging writing processes. When you submit to an agent or publisher, your query and your first page has only seconds to capture attention. We want your submissions to rise above the slush pile.
If you want to submit, here are the instructions:
The editors at Precision Editing Group are pleased to announce our new on-line critique forum.
And you won't even have to go anywhere. Right here, on our Writing on the Wall blog, we'll post YOUR queries or first page of your book [about 350 words]. You'll receive same-day feedback on your query or first page from our editors AND readers.
How it will work:
1. Each Monday, hereby called MONDAY MANIA, we'll post 1-3 queries and/or first pages on the blog. As a reader, you'll be able to read the queries and post your own comments. Please keep your comments constructive and in good taste. We want to set ourselves apart from other blogs and stay helpful and professional. Our editors will also be reading the submissions and posting comments as well.
2. Email your query or first page to: editor@precisioneditinggroup.com
If we receive it by the Friday before, we'll post your submission the following Monday by 12:00 noon, MST. You are welcome to request that your post be shown anonymously. Please remove any highly-personal information.
3. You can email us your submissions any time. If there is a backlog, it may take longer to be listed on the Monday Mania blog. Keep checking each Monday for your submission. Meanwhile, feel free to comment on queries and first pages submitted by other writers.
We hope this will prove to be a constructive way to earn immediate feedback from two of the most challenging writing processes. When you submit to an agent or publisher, your query and your first page has only seconds to capture attention. We want your submissions to rise above the slush pile.
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
LDS Booksellers Association
I've been slacking lately in the blogging arena, but I'm still here.
Today I went to the LDS Booksellers convention in Sandy, Utah, to help run a booth for the Whitney Awards.
As a member of LDStorymakers, I wanted to do my part in promoting the brainchild of Rob Wells. He wants to recognize the literary achievements of LDS authors everywhere.
Anyone, age 12 and up can nominate a favorite book published in 2007 by an LDS author. This includes national books by LDS authors, locally published books . . . anything in the following seven categories:
Romance/Women's
YA/Children's
Speculative (Fantasy, Science Fiction)
Historical
Mystery/Suspense
Best new author of the year
Novel of the year
If a book is to make it to the second round, it must receive at least five nominations. Then a committee comprised of seven authors will narrow it down to five books per category. The books are placed on a ballot and send to an academy of voters. If you are a bookstore owner, book distributor, or literary critic, you can sign up to be a member of the voting academy. In January, the votes will be cast and compiled.
Then on March 22nd, an award banquet will be held at the CottonTree Inn in Sandy, Utah.
Three things will make the Whitney Awards a success:
1. Nominate your favorite books by LDS authors here: www.whitneyawards.com
2. Consider becoming a sponsor. The Whitney Awards is currently sponsored by the non-profit LDStorymakers, and several other organizations.
3. If you qualify, join the Academy and take the opportunity to cast your vote.
Together, we can recognize literary achievement among LDS authors and bring awareness and prestige the craft of writing.
Today I went to the LDS Booksellers convention in Sandy, Utah, to help run a booth for the Whitney Awards.
As a member of LDStorymakers, I wanted to do my part in promoting the brainchild of Rob Wells. He wants to recognize the literary achievements of LDS authors everywhere.
Anyone, age 12 and up can nominate a favorite book published in 2007 by an LDS author. This includes national books by LDS authors, locally published books . . . anything in the following seven categories:
Romance/Women's
YA/Children's
Speculative (Fantasy, Science Fiction)
Historical
Mystery/Suspense
Best new author of the year
Novel of the year
If a book is to make it to the second round, it must receive at least five nominations. Then a committee comprised of seven authors will narrow it down to five books per category. The books are placed on a ballot and send to an academy of voters. If you are a bookstore owner, book distributor, or literary critic, you can sign up to be a member of the voting academy. In January, the votes will be cast and compiled.
Then on March 22nd, an award banquet will be held at the CottonTree Inn in Sandy, Utah.
Three things will make the Whitney Awards a success:
1. Nominate your favorite books by LDS authors here: www.whitneyawards.com
2. Consider becoming a sponsor. The Whitney Awards is currently sponsored by the non-profit LDStorymakers, and several other organizations.
3. If you qualify, join the Academy and take the opportunity to cast your vote.
Together, we can recognize literary achievement among LDS authors and bring awareness and prestige the craft of writing.
Monday, May 14, 2007
How Are You Going to Spend It?
Have you ever lost a document? I mean, completely vanished? You can't remember what it was called, and you've searched every single file on your computer? Well, that's what happened with my royalty list. So if you don't see yours below, let me know.
Recently, I informally polled several author friends. My question: What did you spend your first royalty check on? Something large, small, memorable, or frivolous?
I received a variety of answers.
1. New microwave with all the bells and whistles.
2. Laptop
3. Savings Account
4. Paid some bills
5. Family Vacation
6. Life Jackets
7. 6 Tacos
8. Paid off family van
9. Romantic dinner with husband
10. Disneyland passes
11. Alphasmart
12. Greg Olson painting
As you can see, there are no trips to Europe, no exotic cars, no multi-carat diamond earrings. But perhaps, it might motivate us a little more to get that manuscript completed.
Recently, I informally polled several author friends. My question: What did you spend your first royalty check on? Something large, small, memorable, or frivolous?
I received a variety of answers.
1. New microwave with all the bells and whistles.
2. Laptop
3. Savings Account
4. Paid some bills
5. Family Vacation
6. Life Jackets
7. 6 Tacos
8. Paid off family van
9. Romantic dinner with husband
10. Disneyland passes
11. Alphasmart
12. Greg Olson painting
As you can see, there are no trips to Europe, no exotic cars, no multi-carat diamond earrings. But perhaps, it might motivate us a little more to get that manuscript completed.
Wednesday, May 9, 2007
Finding Endorsements
Depending on your publisher, it's an author's job to find endorsements for his/her book. It can be tough. First of all, you want to have someone endorse your book so other people will read it and say, "Ah. If so-and-so liked it, I might too." Not everyone is going to read the endorsements on a book, but I believe they do make a difference.
I've had a couple of people tell me they picked up my book because they respected the person who endorsed it--kind of like an abstract word-of-mouth recommendation.
But what happens when someone you were hoping for says, "Sorry, but no." Make sure you have a back-up plan. And don't wait until the very last minute, or day, or week. I started sending out emails several weeks ago. A good eight weeks in advance of the deadline. One reply came back "no"--the person didn't endorse anything. Another came back "no" because of the religious nature of my book. A third went missing in cyberspace. Two were immediate "yes". And once I figured out that the awol email hadn't gone through, I was able to redirect it to the right email address. So I'll now have three great endorsements.
Let's turn the tables for a moment. What if someone asks YOU for an endorsement? What are the guidelines for reading an ARC or manuscript, then deciding if you want to endorse the work? Do you read the entire thing? A few chapters? Well, you need to decide in advance because it's your name on the endorsement.
I was asked once to write an endorsement and I had to turn it down. The press deadline was a week away. But the author asked me the day before I was scheduled for inducement to deliver my baby. I knew I couldn't do the book justice and write a fair endorsement. Especially since I still had last minute things to get ready for the big day.
But overall, I like to read the entire book in order to write an endorsement. I haven't come across a situation yet that I've had to flatly turn someone down because I haven't enjoyed their work. If you do decide to endorse someone else's book, be sure to read other endorsements to get the feel of them. They are usually 1-3 sentences long. And don't be surprised if the final version is cut and edited from what you originally submitted.
I've had a couple of people tell me they picked up my book because they respected the person who endorsed it--kind of like an abstract word-of-mouth recommendation.
But what happens when someone you were hoping for says, "Sorry, but no." Make sure you have a back-up plan. And don't wait until the very last minute, or day, or week. I started sending out emails several weeks ago. A good eight weeks in advance of the deadline. One reply came back "no"--the person didn't endorse anything. Another came back "no" because of the religious nature of my book. A third went missing in cyberspace. Two were immediate "yes". And once I figured out that the awol email hadn't gone through, I was able to redirect it to the right email address. So I'll now have three great endorsements.
Let's turn the tables for a moment. What if someone asks YOU for an endorsement? What are the guidelines for reading an ARC or manuscript, then deciding if you want to endorse the work? Do you read the entire thing? A few chapters? Well, you need to decide in advance because it's your name on the endorsement.
I was asked once to write an endorsement and I had to turn it down. The press deadline was a week away. But the author asked me the day before I was scheduled for inducement to deliver my baby. I knew I couldn't do the book justice and write a fair endorsement. Especially since I still had last minute things to get ready for the big day.
But overall, I like to read the entire book in order to write an endorsement. I haven't come across a situation yet that I've had to flatly turn someone down because I haven't enjoyed their work. If you do decide to endorse someone else's book, be sure to read other endorsements to get the feel of them. They are usually 1-3 sentences long. And don't be surprised if the final version is cut and edited from what you originally submitted.
Friday, April 20, 2007
Writing a Hook
A recent contest sponsored by Fangs, Fur and Fey (Urban Fantasy Novelists) asked writers to submit a 300 word hook for their book. The entries (which were capped at 250) were divided between judges. Slowly the results have trickled in. There are probably 50 of the hooks posted along with the judges feedback. It's quite interesting to read them. It's even more interesting to read comments made on top of the judges comments--mostly by other writers.
A friend of mine was preparing his entry the week before, so I went to check it out. I was surprised to find they had a mystery/thriller category. I entered with my thriller, but it hasn't been posted yet (#35 for those dying to know).
12 finalists will advance to the next round and have their first 5 pages posted and critiqued on the website. Then one winner will be selected to have an agent (Rachel Vater from Lowestein-Yates) read 50 pages with feedback.
I don't think I have a chance namely because I took my "hook" to my critique group and they lovingly told me it had to be rewritten. So I rewrote it and emailed it to the group the next day. Half loved it, the other half didn't. But the deadline was looming and I sent it anyway.
Regardless of my woes, it has been really cool to read each hook (90% fantasy novels) then read the judges comments. Check it out, you might learn something too.
http://community.livejournal.com/fangs_fur_fey/
A friend of mine was preparing his entry the week before, so I went to check it out. I was surprised to find they had a mystery/thriller category. I entered with my thriller, but it hasn't been posted yet (#35 for those dying to know).
12 finalists will advance to the next round and have their first 5 pages posted and critiqued on the website. Then one winner will be selected to have an agent (Rachel Vater from Lowestein-Yates) read 50 pages with feedback.
I don't think I have a chance namely because I took my "hook" to my critique group and they lovingly told me it had to be rewritten. So I rewrote it and emailed it to the group the next day. Half loved it, the other half didn't. But the deadline was looming and I sent it anyway.
Regardless of my woes, it has been really cool to read each hook (90% fantasy novels) then read the judges comments. Check it out, you might learn something too.
http://community.livejournal.com/fangs_fur_fey/
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Finding an Agent
The question of a writer's lifetime: "How do I get a literary agent?"
I'm still on that quest, but I have some cool friends (James Dashner and Jeff Savage, to name two) who have agents. Unfortunately I don't write in their genres, so I can't bum an introduction.
But I've become more serious about looking for an agent. I just need to start writing some queries and sending them. Easy enough? No.
I actually met two really neat agents at a recent writer's conference. One was even interested in one of my manuscripts. She read the entire thing, then suggested some edits. So while I wait for my "real" book to come back from my publisher with my edits, I'm rewriting my unpublished thriller. I was kind of dreading it. The work. The drudgery . . . but I surprised myself today and found that I'm actually really enjoying it. I love the characters. I love the plot. I love the freedom that writing something newish brings me.
My first task is to develop the characters further. So I took the plunge and started putting together character sketches. I read about how to do it several years ago, but I've never actually done it. And I'm developing some cool threads by doing this.
Another task is to refocus the main hook. Yeah, that's a mountain to climb. I chose a few to consider, but as I've started rewriting, it's changed somewhat. I'm excited about it, so I hope that it will be a slam dunk.
Finally, I'm working on descriptions. I read a few national thrillers and of course, like always, I started getting bored with all the details. I guess that's what the reader wants. So that's what I've got to work on. Four different ways to describe a sidewalk. I'll just have to look at it as a challenge. The story can't all be action and dialogue, we've got to know what they are wearing, right? And how long the hair is. Well, I'm going to compromise. I'll add description as long as it doesn't slow the pacing.
Sound fair?
Meanwhile, I've started reading Miss Snark as of yesterday. Very interesting. Most of it is common sense, but some things have been surprising. She also has links to other agent/editor's blogs. I can see myself wasting a lot of time browsing. I'll have to find a good balance.
I'm still on that quest, but I have some cool friends (James Dashner and Jeff Savage, to name two) who have agents. Unfortunately I don't write in their genres, so I can't bum an introduction.
But I've become more serious about looking for an agent. I just need to start writing some queries and sending them. Easy enough? No.
I actually met two really neat agents at a recent writer's conference. One was even interested in one of my manuscripts. She read the entire thing, then suggested some edits. So while I wait for my "real" book to come back from my publisher with my edits, I'm rewriting my unpublished thriller. I was kind of dreading it. The work. The drudgery . . . but I surprised myself today and found that I'm actually really enjoying it. I love the characters. I love the plot. I love the freedom that writing something newish brings me.
My first task is to develop the characters further. So I took the plunge and started putting together character sketches. I read about how to do it several years ago, but I've never actually done it. And I'm developing some cool threads by doing this.
Another task is to refocus the main hook. Yeah, that's a mountain to climb. I chose a few to consider, but as I've started rewriting, it's changed somewhat. I'm excited about it, so I hope that it will be a slam dunk.
Finally, I'm working on descriptions. I read a few national thrillers and of course, like always, I started getting bored with all the details. I guess that's what the reader wants. So that's what I've got to work on. Four different ways to describe a sidewalk. I'll just have to look at it as a challenge. The story can't all be action and dialogue, we've got to know what they are wearing, right? And how long the hair is. Well, I'm going to compromise. I'll add description as long as it doesn't slow the pacing.
Sound fair?
Meanwhile, I've started reading Miss Snark as of yesterday. Very interesting. Most of it is common sense, but some things have been surprising. She also has links to other agent/editor's blogs. I can see myself wasting a lot of time browsing. I'll have to find a good balance.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)