Marketing Tip: Check it out!
Check out this interview with Sara Dobie (PR Coordinator at Sylvan Publishing) on Sruble's world. She has some great advice about websites, blogs, and social networking.
Also - Dead Guy in the Room has a great post about One-on-One Marketing
Join me Monday for My Marvelous Marketer Interview with Martha Mihalick from Greenwillow! Jay Asher (Author of Thirteen Reasons Why) is scheduled for Monday, Feb 2nd.
Saturday Secrets
I am telling you these because when I am building a new character, I use traits about myself to add dimensions. I am creating a new character right now for my Bright Side book (see side for description) so this helps me as I write. Make a list of the little things about you that you might not share and make them part of your characters. It makes them real and lovable. You'd be surprised if you think for a while the things that you end up remembering.
Here are a few secrets about me (I mean...about my characters) that I'll let you in on....
1. I love rainbows (I think it started when Kermit the Frog and Ms Piggy sang about it)
2. I believe in fairies (what is even more strange, is I actually think I might be one. Is anyone scared yet?)
3. I have SCBWI NYC conference envy (I want to go!)
4. I think I am funny (not sure what others think)
5. I am grumpy for about 53 minutes every morning (the time it takes to wake up, make coffee, IV coffee, and process coffee.)
6. I am a great multi-tasker (You may not believe me but right now, I am juggling, dancing, meditating and writing all at the same time)
7. I think too much (I'm not sure why. I'll think about that and get back to you)
8. My feet grew 1/2 size when I got prego. (I think my butt did too but we won't go there.)
9. I used to sing in a Jazz band (I actually believe I would make it to Hollywood on American Idol if I was just a little...ok alot...younger :(
10. I love to wear flip flops, jeans, and cargo pants (Target loves me but I hear Stacy and Clinton calling)
11. My attention span is bipolar - either 10 minutes or 10 hours (wait, what was I saying?).
12. I am an introvert and have more blogger friends than life ones. (sad but true)
13. You would think I was anally organized (unless you looked in my drawers or closets).
14. I am afraid to die. (It kills me to say that)
15. I talk with my hands. (if waving my hands around constitutes talking.)
16. I just found out I have my first cavity in 20 years :( (Do i have to tell my 5 year old?)
17. I love watching the Oscars and the Red Carpet Review. (i mean I block out the whole day for it and the fashion review)
18. I have a love/hate relationship with my computer (and I refuse to buy one until I get an agent)
19. I hate conformity, materialism, and indifference.
20. I am happy when I help people accomplish things. (probably why I do this blog on marketing)
21. Last week I bought coffee for a bunch of street people. (and for some reason I'm the one that cried when I gave it to them)
22. I would die for my kids. (nothing funny about this one. I totally would.)
23. I hate cleaning toilets and sticking my hand in the garbage disposal. (oh hubbbbbbyyyyyyy!)
24. When something breaks, I call my hubby. (oh hhhhuuuuuubbbbbyyyyyy!)
25. When people cry around me, I cry too. (which isn't too bad unless it is a stranger, then its kinda weird)
26. I hate it when strange dogs lick me. (strange kids are even worse. :)
27. If I was a character in the movie/book The Compass, my animal spirit would be an owl. (I see them everywhere. That's weird right?)
28. I'm am not an outdoorsy girl. (I can be outdoors but I don't love it)
29. I have a vision board in my office (and yes, Oprah is on it)
30. I want to die my hair red. (Not that I die it now ;)
31. I tend to think the glass is half-empty. (Luckily my hubby keeps it full :)
32. I tend to cuss a shitload. (Damn there I go again.)
33. If my life was a movie - it would be a comedic musical. (Titles? Word Up or Write On)
34. I talk to myself (I even argue with myself. But don't worry though, I always win.)
35. I do not eat many fruit and veggies ( *sigh* - I need to work on that.)
36. I had 2 c-sections and they hurt! (I don't care what people say.)
37. I pout when I am sad. (and mad and frustrated and tired)
38. I believe in UFOs, horoscopes, wishing on a star, reincarnation, and Santa Claus. (Call me gullible but I may even believe in Big Foot?)
39. When I was 12, I got kicked out of Horse Camp for mooning a car. (Which I do NOT Recommend!)
40. I tell white lies. (But only if I have too - oops there I go again)
41. I have naturally curly hair which I love in the winter but hate in the summer. (I think I'll start a support group - Curly Hair's Anon.)
42. I wish I was a superhero. (Hawk girl would be so cool but "Fly on the wall" girl would be even better)
43. I am not patient and can have a temper (I call it my Bee-ach factor)
44. I have been diagnosed with ADHD (Its ok, it helps me be creative)
45. I have a black thumbs. (My condolences go out thousands of plants and their families)
46. I was a cheerleader and joined a sorority because other people told me too. (If you knew me, i think this would surprise you b/c I'm NOT the "perky" type. I refer to myself as a Positive Cynic.)
47. I love animals but not animal encounters. (Once I was almost licked to death by a giraffe and a buffalo - left me scarred for life.)
48. Sometimes, I dream about being published. (I mean in my dream. I am jumping up and down about a multi-book deal only to wake to a snoring agent and a 5 year old editor)
49. I have one (discreet) tattoo. (And sometimes I secretly get the urge to get another one.)
50.I make alot of useless lists.
Have a great weekend!
Showing posts with label Passion. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Passion. Show all posts
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Friday, January 09, 2009
Friday Five - My Heartfelt Sympathy To the Broken-Hearted
Marketing Tip: It's Time to Get Known!
Check out Lisa Nowak's blog where she reviewed a book I recommend released in November. Get Known before the Book Deal by Christina Katz (Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids). Becoming visible is more crucial to landing a book deal than ever, according to agents and editors in every facet of the publishing industry. From developing a readership, to increasing the odds of a book deal, to having a greater impact on book sales, this book is every aspiring writer's guide to success in the world of publishing.
My Heartfelt Sympathy
A lot of sadness has happened this week and I felt the need to publicize my condolences.
1) My old friend and boss, Scott Guilfoyle. Scott's 22 year old son, Jay, was murdered Sunday night by a friend he was fighting with. Scott - I am so sorry. My heart bleeds for you.
While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.
2) A fellow Mom and neighborhood friend. A few days after having a baby, my friend Carey Kauffman's lost her baby due to organ complications. Her pregnancy and screening tests were all normal and she was totally unaware of any issues.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
3) John Travolta's son. John's 16 year old son died from a fatal seizure. Evidently, John Travolta tried to revive his son for 20 minutes until EMT arrived. His last words to his son are reported to being "I'm sorry." From one parent to another, I cannot imagine the loss.
In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.
4) Patrick Swaze battle - After watching him being interviewed by Barbara Walters, I was touched by his grace and courage in facing a disease and his imminent death. he hopes to live 5 years and statistics don't expect more than 2 and his doctors says only months. I was taken by how strong he seemed and was saddened to hear he was admitted to the hospital today for pneumonia.
People living deeply have no fear of death.
5) My in-laws - My mother-in-law is recovering from gallbladder surgery and is now scheduled for hip surgery. My father-in-law has been diagnosed with Prostrate cancer and failed a heart stress test. My thoughts and love go out to them.
To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.
My thoughts and prayers go out to these families and those impacted by their loss or troubles.
There's no way to help those who are "Broken-Hearted"
Check out Lisa Nowak's blog where she reviewed a book I recommend released in November. Get Known before the Book Deal by Christina Katz (Writer Mama, How to Raise a Writing Career Alongside Your Kids). Becoming visible is more crucial to landing a book deal than ever, according to agents and editors in every facet of the publishing industry. From developing a readership, to increasing the odds of a book deal, to having a greater impact on book sales, this book is every aspiring writer's guide to success in the world of publishing.
My Heartfelt Sympathy
A lot of sadness has happened this week and I felt the need to publicize my condolences.
1) My old friend and boss, Scott Guilfoyle. Scott's 22 year old son, Jay, was murdered Sunday night by a friend he was fighting with. Scott - I am so sorry. My heart bleeds for you.
While we are mourning the loss of our friend, others are rejoicing to meet him behind the veil.
2) A fellow Mom and neighborhood friend. A few days after having a baby, my friend Carey Kauffman's lost her baby due to organ complications. Her pregnancy and screening tests were all normal and she was totally unaware of any issues.
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.
3) John Travolta's son. John's 16 year old son died from a fatal seizure. Evidently, John Travolta tried to revive his son for 20 minutes until EMT arrived. His last words to his son are reported to being "I'm sorry." From one parent to another, I cannot imagine the loss.
In the night of death, hope sees a star, and listening love can hear the rustle of a wing.
4) Patrick Swaze battle - After watching him being interviewed by Barbara Walters, I was touched by his grace and courage in facing a disease and his imminent death. he hopes to live 5 years and statistics don't expect more than 2 and his doctors says only months. I was taken by how strong he seemed and was saddened to hear he was admitted to the hospital today for pneumonia.
People living deeply have no fear of death.
5) My in-laws - My mother-in-law is recovering from gallbladder surgery and is now scheduled for hip surgery. My father-in-law has been diagnosed with Prostrate cancer and failed a heart stress test. My thoughts and love go out to them.
To us, family means putting your arms around each other and being there.
My thoughts and prayers go out to these families and those impacted by their loss or troubles.
There's no way to help those who are "Broken-Hearted"
Thursday, December 04, 2008
Publish or Perish?
Marketing Tips - Review Copies
Don't be afraid to send out copies for reviews. Beyond the popular ones your publisher may try to get. Figure out key decision makers or key influencers in your market. Query the reviewers first to be sure they will use and consider doing a review. You don't want to waste copies. But for every 100 copies you send out, you will probably get 10 reviews. Those 10 reviews will touch at least 10,000 people (this is on the low end) Budget 5-10% of your first printing as review copies. Overall it is cheap advertising. The PR from a good book review in your target market is priceless.
Publish or Perish
I love books.
I love to write.
So anything that touches, hurts, or catapults the publishing industry - impacts me. One way or another.
The publishers/editors
I am very sad for all you wonderful, brilliant people who have been affected by the difficult times in publishing. Often - I get so wrapped up in my writing, my journey, my agent process and my publishing future, I forget that there is a whole world out there of people just like me who love books, who want to find a great book they love, who do this everyday b/c they love it.
But this week - I have been really thinking about all you people out there scared and impacted - Thought I don't know most of you personally, I feel cosmically connected. I am thinking about all of you affected. Those that may have lost their job before the holiday. Those who know people like that. And those who are scared of being next. I know most - if not all of you- love books to or they would not be in the biz.
The Agents
This must be a scary time for you. I cant imagine how you all are feeling. I know you do this job because you completely love books and you love kids. You all work so hard and get paid solely on commission by busting your butt day in and day out for people like me to have a chance at their dream of writing.
That in itself is so amazing and so commendable. Your job is so risky that I know it must be your passion which sparks my utmost respect.
It must be hard to find a book, love it, and not be able to sell it for whatever reason. It must be scary when announcements come that threaten your livelihood, your connections, your friends.
I get so caught up in finding an agent, I forget to say thank you for all you do to get us writers published and those kids reading.
The Writers
I know this is a scary time. Everyone who writes obviously loves it and wants to positively impact kids. Don't stop. Don't give up. Keep doing it what you love. Even if you don't ever get published, I assume you write because you need to, have to, want to, and love to.
This is one career that no one controls but you. No matter how bad things get - you can always escape to your writing. You can always tell your story. No one can take that away from you.
Books will NEVER go away. Have faith that you are where you need to be (advice I need to use myself sometimes) Your journey is your own, no one controls it though it may feel differently. Please don't let this fluctuating time drag you away from writing and writing what you love, what calls you.
Stay strong. The book world will bounce back and you will be ready. We need your stories. And you each have one to tell.
A special shout-out to Jessica Burkhart - who just signed a 4-book deal!!!! Good news in a difficult time. I believe she did her first one in NaNoWriMo!
Me - the aspiring author
I realized something this week. Someone asked me - "I heard about the publishing layoffs. what are you going to do now?
At first, I said "I have no idea."
But on my way home, my real answer popped into my mind. "What do you mean? I am going to write?"
I will never stop writing. I love it. No matter what happens, I will always write as long as my fingers will allow me. I love it. The market does not affect my story. It doe snot affect my passion. It really only impacts others. Others who may not read it. Others who may not experience my view. And of course my ego of not being on the shelf in a Hardback.
I am keeping my head down and writing. That's all I can do.
When my times come, and I know it will someday, I will have experienced and truly loved a fabulous journey.
An old quote reminded me of this:
Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it.
So I wanted to give a hopeful and thoughtful shout-out to all of you. I'm sorry. I'm thinking about you all in some way. And I hope you are OK.
Oh yeah, and if you want to agent or publish my book, I am here waiting...I mean writing :)
Don't be afraid to send out copies for reviews. Beyond the popular ones your publisher may try to get. Figure out key decision makers or key influencers in your market. Query the reviewers first to be sure they will use and consider doing a review. You don't want to waste copies. But for every 100 copies you send out, you will probably get 10 reviews. Those 10 reviews will touch at least 10,000 people (this is on the low end) Budget 5-10% of your first printing as review copies. Overall it is cheap advertising. The PR from a good book review in your target market is priceless.
Publish or Perish
I love books.
I love to write.
So anything that touches, hurts, or catapults the publishing industry - impacts me. One way or another.
The publishers/editors
I am very sad for all you wonderful, brilliant people who have been affected by the difficult times in publishing. Often - I get so wrapped up in my writing, my journey, my agent process and my publishing future, I forget that there is a whole world out there of people just like me who love books, who want to find a great book they love, who do this everyday b/c they love it.
But this week - I have been really thinking about all you people out there scared and impacted - Thought I don't know most of you personally, I feel cosmically connected. I am thinking about all of you affected. Those that may have lost their job before the holiday. Those who know people like that. And those who are scared of being next. I know most - if not all of you- love books to or they would not be in the biz.
The Agents
This must be a scary time for you. I cant imagine how you all are feeling. I know you do this job because you completely love books and you love kids. You all work so hard and get paid solely on commission by busting your butt day in and day out for people like me to have a chance at their dream of writing.
That in itself is so amazing and so commendable. Your job is so risky that I know it must be your passion which sparks my utmost respect.
It must be hard to find a book, love it, and not be able to sell it for whatever reason. It must be scary when announcements come that threaten your livelihood, your connections, your friends.
I get so caught up in finding an agent, I forget to say thank you for all you do to get us writers published and those kids reading.
The Writers
I know this is a scary time. Everyone who writes obviously loves it and wants to positively impact kids. Don't stop. Don't give up. Keep doing it what you love. Even if you don't ever get published, I assume you write because you need to, have to, want to, and love to.
This is one career that no one controls but you. No matter how bad things get - you can always escape to your writing. You can always tell your story. No one can take that away from you.
Books will NEVER go away. Have faith that you are where you need to be (advice I need to use myself sometimes) Your journey is your own, no one controls it though it may feel differently. Please don't let this fluctuating time drag you away from writing and writing what you love, what calls you.
Stay strong. The book world will bounce back and you will be ready. We need your stories. And you each have one to tell.
A special shout-out to Jessica Burkhart - who just signed a 4-book deal!!!! Good news in a difficult time. I believe she did her first one in NaNoWriMo!
Me - the aspiring author
I realized something this week. Someone asked me - "I heard about the publishing layoffs. what are you going to do now?
At first, I said "I have no idea."
But on my way home, my real answer popped into my mind. "What do you mean? I am going to write?"
I will never stop writing. I love it. No matter what happens, I will always write as long as my fingers will allow me. I love it. The market does not affect my story. It doe snot affect my passion. It really only impacts others. Others who may not read it. Others who may not experience my view. And of course my ego of not being on the shelf in a Hardback.
I am keeping my head down and writing. That's all I can do.
When my times come, and I know it will someday, I will have experienced and truly loved a fabulous journey.
An old quote reminded me of this:
Focus on the journey, not the destination. Joy is found not in finishing an activity, but in doing it.
So I wanted to give a hopeful and thoughtful shout-out to all of you. I'm sorry. I'm thinking about you all in some way. And I hope you are OK.
Oh yeah, and if you want to agent or publish my book, I am here waiting...I mean writing :)
Rantings from One Nut in the Peanut Gallery
Marketing Tip: Book SigningsPublicize yourself. Do not expect the bookstore to do it. See if they will put flyers in customer's bags. See if you can put up a poster in the window. Tell everyone you know. Offer a free book as a drawing for people who come. Get people to the store.
Rants from the Peanut Gallery
WARNING- if you are allergic to rantings or peanuts - this post is NOT for you!)
I have had a double ear infection on and off for a few weeks (all in unison - aaawwwwww!) and have spent my vertigo-ish days in bed (thanks to hubby!)
Being sick sure gets you caught up on the news - every hour of the day.
So here are my opinions (because everyone has one) and I have nothing else to blog about. Not to mention I am "grumpier than a wet hen" (cliche alert! though I tweaked it a bit).
Bailout
I have mixed feelings on the bailouts, especially the auto one. (The CEOS are testifying now - blah blah blah)
Part of me thinks these companies should just go under. After all, when I crank up my credit cards - no ones here to bail me out. No one's here to bailout out the independent bookstores going under. No one's here to help publishing companies keep their great editors and people working. I personally think these are more important and deserve it more. So why the auto companies? I mean their management messed up. Who are they kidding? These company's have been out-of-date and producing crappy cars for years.
But then again, I cant bare to watch more people lose their jobs. And at the holidays. I cant bear to see these hard working people suffer b/c of a few bozos mistakes.
So I say - whatever company needs a bailout. First, they MUST MUST come up with a very detailed plan to push us towards the future as a nation. No ifs, ands or buts about it. There is no option. These auto companies cannot create the gas guzzlers and crappy cars (that are expensive BTW). They have to create fuel-efficient cars, they need to make all their cars green, they should make them all run on something besides foreign oil.
I know men like the CEOs on the car management teams. I worked with them closely when I was an Executive at Bank of America. And don't think for a second, they will not drag their feet, talk us to death, threaten us with bankruptcy, and try to blow smoke up our "bum bums" (as my daughter would say.)
They are in it for the money. And they would NOT be negotiating if THEIR jobs were at risk.
Caylee/Jennifer Hudson/Anne Presley cases
Enough already. Just put these people behind bars. I believe in justice and I tootally believe everyone deserves a fair trial.
If you walk in the room and your kid has crumbs on his face, you can be pretty sure that he's the one that ate the cookies. You know what I mean.?
The victims didn't get a fair shot and now we are more concerned about their rights?
Please, give me a break.
Besides, crazy people need to be locked up.If these "alleged suspects" are put away, I assure I will still sleep fine at night. ZZZZZZZZZ
Mumbai
I send all my love and prayers out to these people. I for one have never lost anyone to a senseless tragedy so I can NOT even begin to imagine how anyone involved is feeling.
I do know I had family in Thailand at the time of the tsunami and know that the healing process will take a long time and may never truly happen.
But in the gloom and doom, I found a bright spot.
I watched an interview with the American mom who lost her 13 yr old and hubby who were killed while visting India on a meditation retreat. She talked about nothing but forgiveness. I admire her strength and can only hope if I am ever faced with something difficult, that I can have her grace.
In some way, I do agree with her. She said, "these men not know what they do." I think if you have been brainwashed to thinking killing thoughts, you will kill. I am not excusing any behavior, but we are all products of our environment.
I am just thankful that I have lived and do live in a loving one and not a hateful one. There will ALWAYS be these kinds of people. The "war on terror" will never be won in a sense. Just minimized.
Oh Britney!
I too (as my friend Lindsey) watched Britney's interview the other night. And I was struck with sadness. Unfortunately, people around her seem to be pretending like she is happy. And it is obvious, she is not.
I - as a mother can in some way understand her parents actions. When your kid is sick or hurting and you cant fix it, there is a certain anxiety and desperation that grows deep inside you. My daughter has a heart defect and I know what it is like to sit and wish so hard your little one will be OK. Sometimes you over-react and sometimes you latch on to any sign it is getting better. (for the record, my little girl is fine - luckily.)
Now, with my little girl, I can put a band-aid on a boo-boo, and it will immediately be better (esp if it has Doras or Barbies on it!). But at this level where Britney is, I think its sad that anyone may be pushing her, thinking it will solve her problems.
I felt so sorry for her. I can empathize with how lost you can feel when no-one (esp your family) hears you. That you are trying to hard to communicate, but its as if the volume on your voice is turned way down and the knob ripped off.
Not only is she not heard, but the girl's every move is bombarded with cameras. She can't move, she can't think, she can't breath, and she certainly cant' live freely in any moment. I can't imagine if I could not go to the bookstore and sit in a quiet corner with a latte. I can't imagine NOT having any of being truly alone. A moment when you go out on your own and for a split second - no one in the world knows exactly where you are but you. I love those rare moments. How trapped she must feel? I know how I feel when I make a mistake and my friends or hubby witness it. How ashamed or bad I feel. Imagine the whole freakin' world!
Don't get me wrong. I am not saying Britney can't do something different - I mean for goodness sake - move to another country like Johnny Depp if you want to get away. She has all the money in the world. Then again, she has kids too so she may feel even more trapped to stay here.
I just send her my positive well-wishes and hope she does not do anything drastic. Depression can be a scary thing. The whole situation is sad, no matter how you look at it.
Obama
No matter how you feel about democrats or Obama as a leader. He seems to be doing a good job so far. He seems to be on the ball and he seems to be genuine.
I watched (again TV when you are sick, nothing better!) Barbara Walters interview with he and his wife. I thought they were so real and so cute. He even stopped the misses when she was talking and told her she had lipstick on her teeth.
They also seem to be centered. Michelle Obama talked about how she told the White House staff NOT to make her kids beds. They could do it themselves. I admire that and it makes me feel good about their judgment in general. Shoot, I even make my kids' beds and I don't live in the White House! Then again, a 5 year old and 18 month old can only do some much labor without a fit :)
I truly believe things happen for a reason that force us to look at our own lives and stand at a crossroad. This is our crossroad. I think we chose the right direction with Obama. We need to continue to make the right decisions to move this country further. So I hope that Obama, whether you like him or not, can rule this country with not only an iron fist but a gentle one. One that protects our animals, forces companies to straighten up, gets our economy back on track, and gets rid of the mentality that there are some people in the world that do not deserve the same things, the same chances, the same life that we all deserve.
Ill end on a positive note, though I don't really think this post this is negative.
Happiness
Peace
Love
and as Nathan Bransford says: Puppies, puppies, puppies. :)
My brain hurts so I'll call it a day.
If you disagree, please don't post it here. I respect your opinions. I just assume if you read my blog, you are wanting mine. If you feel strongly, just send me a link to your blog and I'll be happy to read your thoughts. Just don't put any mean or aggressive blurbs on mine.
Besides, it'll hurt my feelings!
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
The Perfect Solace
I just got back from a fabulous weekend at the Mid-South Fall Conference in Nashville, Tennessee. I never knew my should could be so full.
I got to hang out with writers and talk about writing all weekend.
I have gone to conferences in the past but always alone. So I never really spoke to many others unless approached. I always kept to myself. I liked taking in knowledge and then going back to my room and writing.
This time, I went with a couple girls from my fabulous critique group.
And we had a blast.
For about 72 hrs, all we talked about was writing, editors, agents, writing, our books, writing, getting published, funny stories, writing, writing and more writing. It was so wonderful to have a group of people that loved to talk about writing as much as I do. I have never had that before. None of my friends write and my hubby can only talk about it so much and for so long.
I finally got my fix and I am truly addicted.
What did I learn? here are a few nuggets...
So not only did I learn about my craft and get re-inspired to write more. But I made a couple new friends that I feel I will know for years to come.
My soul is truly bursting with joy since I got back.
I have not stopped smiling or writing since.
I got to hang out with writers and talk about writing all weekend.
I have gone to conferences in the past but always alone. So I never really spoke to many others unless approached. I always kept to myself. I liked taking in knowledge and then going back to my room and writing.
This time, I went with a couple girls from my fabulous critique group.
And we had a blast.
For about 72 hrs, all we talked about was writing, editors, agents, writing, our books, writing, getting published, funny stories, writing, writing and more writing. It was so wonderful to have a group of people that loved to talk about writing as much as I do. I have never had that before. None of my friends write and my hubby can only talk about it so much and for so long.
I finally got my fix and I am truly addicted.
What did I learn? here are a few nuggets...
- out of 5 million submissions, only 5,000 get published a year.
- Only about 2% of the 5 million submissions get editorial letters, get to acquisitions meetings or get personal rejections. (that's me!)
- You need inspiration and craft. "Inspiratin without art is basket making. Craft without inspiration is modern art."
- "You don't write if you are not in front of your computer. You don't get published if you don't send out your work"
- I am committed to this life and career - no matter what!
- My time will come.
So not only did I learn about my craft and get re-inspired to write more. But I made a couple new friends that I feel I will know for years to come.
My soul is truly bursting with joy since I got back.
I have not stopped smiling or writing since.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Connecting the Dots
In my "day job" of marketing, many people ask me - how did you decide to get into writing?
I've been asked this question, so much. I thought I would share it.
I always say, "I did not really decide to be in writing, writing decided on me."
Here are the major milestones that led me to my writing epiphany...
1) When I was in Elementary school, I entered an essay contest. I was asked to write an essay on nutrition. My paper, "Be a Smart Cookie" won first place. For that - I got to meet the mayor, be in the local paper, and got tickets as a VIP to see the minor league. Keep in mind this was a small town in Florida so that was like visiting the president, getting into Oprah magazine, and seats to see Michael Phelps and the US Swim team.
2) I wrote a book of poems. I still have this notebook today. When I was about 12, I started writing poems about the environment, boys, my parents, and my brother, This continued until I was about 16 (then I was just too cool for words). Some of them are good but most of them are bad. But for a teen, to me, they were fabulous.
3) This is where I got sidetracked yet I now realize, the seeds were still being planted. I went to college, studied Risk Management (don't ask) and took my first job in writing Marketing proposals at an insurance company. My boss was a old lady who hated me and my salary was minuscule. I was not focused and had started dating my middle school sweetheart) who was studying Mass Journalism.
4) After a year, many "love-sick" days and a whim, I quit and just up and decided to go to back to school to get my MBA in Marketing& Communications. I am sure you can only imagine why? I am embarrassed to say that this was just an excuse to be with my BO at school. My parents bought it and they were all for higher education as long as I PAID for it. So I took out student loans and headed to Alabama for more biz training. What I am trying to tell you is it this milestone that seems to impress people was really not even education-motivated. Yet some how, it was still on my path.
5) I graduated in 1 1/2 years with alot of "out-of-state tuition" debt and a degree. At the time, I did not really understand that I would still be making payments today (only 2 more years.) I was still happily dating my BO! Meanwhile, my BO walked away from a promising career in pro-football to be a writer. (Anyone see a pattern starting here?)
6) While he was out looking for a job, I got a consulting job. They gave me a late start date so I had a lot time off before i started my big corp job in Training & communications (there is that word again) consultant.
7) My BO and I moved back to our parents homes . My dad was not too happy about the "time off part" and my "free ride" at home. So until my job started, I got a part time job at the new Barnes & Noble that opened close to his house! I was assigned to the Children's Department where I helped moms find books, cataloged and filed new inventory, scheduled authors for kids, and did a weekly story time for kids. Just another seed being planted.
8) When I started my job, I was assigned to another city. My BO moved there with me and got a job at B&N (with my reference of course :). As I worked on the communications of companies, he started freelancing for the city paper as a reporter. I became a high-falutin' consultant, he became a great reporter. I began to travel overseas and found the Harry Potter series - which was not out in US yet. IN fact my first book is the UK cover.
9) My BO decided he wanted to be a published author. He had written a book that was never published, but he decided to get serious. He spent long hours writing a great mystery book. I spent long hours doing his submission packets, editing his drafts, and as he would call it - his research asst. I put as much into the book as he did and was so excited when he sold it to a top publishing house. (For you writers, this was a slush pile contract) . I went through the whole book process with him - writing, editing, PR, marketing, contracts. The house did not give him much money for PR (imagine that) so I did all his marketing and publicity tours myself. Soon, we got engaged.
10) Unfortunately, our engagement was called off a couple weeks before we our wedding (after dating 10 years - this is a private and sad story that I will leave out for now. Just know, it was a must have for me to be on my writing path. And we are still -quasi-friends today with occasional emails speckled with his great writing advice) I moved to the beach to recenter myself and work for a few months until I decided what I was going to do with my life. There, I read and read and read any book I could get my hands on. I had immersed myself into other people's lives so the heartbreak of mine would hurt less. I had always read books, I was always an avid reader, especially of adult mystery. But now, adult books felt too deep and heavy so I turned to reading YA and middle grade books. That's when I got into the Harry Potter series.
11) I eventually moved back to Atlanta. I had been traveling for 6 years and just wanted to be home. My friends were here and my family was here which was what I needed at the time. I begged my company to staff me in town but they couldn't and wanted to quickly send me back out on the road. I needed to heal and needed some stability. I quit and 2 weeks later started freelancing with a friend. Meanwhile, I kept on reading YA/MG.
12) I eventually got a contract/job at a bank - doing communications. I quickly climbed the corporate ladder, make money, traveled overseas, and married an fabulous Englishman who believed in Celtic Fairy mythology :). I visited England with him and found my way into a shop called "the Broken-Winged Fairy". I got my first idea for a book. This was in 2000.
13) I had my first baby and started reading picture books to her. I took 5 months off for maternity leave and while my little fairy was sleeping, I wrote my first book, On Tattered Wings - a MG book that is shelved for the time being. But is about a "broken-winged fairy". I had never written a day in my life. No creative writing classes, really bad at grammar.For some reason, it felt right. I now credit alot of that to my writer BO and my hubby. My BO always encouraged me to write children's books - he thought I had a great imagination. I always said - you're the writer, I am the marketing guru. I was right and he was wrong - just don't tell him that. :) My hubby was the one who pushed me to do it and knew alot about fairies. I always say "my daughter sat on something inside of me and made me believe I could "create" anything if I could create her.
14) When I finished my book - after 6 long months - I immediately sent it out thinking it was just a matter of time until I was the next JK Rowling. I had no idea about the publishing world, about scbwi (http://www.scbwi.com/) yet nor had I bought the Writers Market yet. Just sent it out blind to about 40 people. Kinda dumb but I got 5 requests for manuscripts and many personal rejection letters.
15) After months of work and revisions - still no sale :( I will say it made it to 3 Acquisition meetings but no luck :( and I was already back at work. I climbed the corporate ladder during the day and wrote at night. I became an executive making awesome money, but it took up more of my time. I slowly got back off track. Writing fell to the way side and my anxiety doubled. I wanted to quit but I felt obligated to stay. My hubby told me to leave and be a writer if I wanted to but I felt trapped by the power and money. I started having panic attacks and was hospitalized for chest pains. There I prayed for a sign. Then I got it!
16) Sometimes your prayers are answered in the oddest ways. Two weeks later, I left BofA (I wont go into the whole story but there is a very long tragic story here. I'll just say that I crossed the wrong person at work who was very politically connected and it cost me my job. I was not very - nor had I really ever been - corporate savvy. I always prided myself as the renegade in corporate america. Now I see it was all for the best!) This was a bad time for me, I lost a job which was half of my family's income, had a miscarriage a month after, and lost my confidence all in one shot.
16) For the next year, I struggled to start my life over from scratch. I was depressed and lost. If it was not for my hubby and friends, who knows where I would be. Eventually, I went back to freelancing as a copywriter. My biz took off. I got pregnant again and had another baby. I semi-refocused on my writing.
That leads us to today. I am happy again.
Over the past few years, I have struggled to start back at the bottom of the pile.
But I love it immensely.
And - looking back at my bizarre journey - I now know it was meant to be.
The seeds to my path were being planted along the way.
Then, I didn't see it.
Now, I write about it.
I've been asked this question, so much. I thought I would share it.
I always say, "I did not really decide to be in writing, writing decided on me."
Here are the major milestones that led me to my writing epiphany...
1) When I was in Elementary school, I entered an essay contest. I was asked to write an essay on nutrition. My paper, "Be a Smart Cookie" won first place. For that - I got to meet the mayor, be in the local paper, and got tickets as a VIP to see the minor league. Keep in mind this was a small town in Florida so that was like visiting the president, getting into Oprah magazine, and seats to see Michael Phelps and the US Swim team.
2) I wrote a book of poems. I still have this notebook today. When I was about 12, I started writing poems about the environment, boys, my parents, and my brother, This continued until I was about 16 (then I was just too cool for words). Some of them are good but most of them are bad. But for a teen, to me, they were fabulous.
3) This is where I got sidetracked yet I now realize, the seeds were still being planted. I went to college, studied Risk Management (don't ask) and took my first job in writing Marketing proposals at an insurance company. My boss was a old lady who hated me and my salary was minuscule. I was not focused and had started dating my middle school sweetheart) who was studying Mass Journalism.
4) After a year, many "love-sick" days and a whim, I quit and just up and decided to go to back to school to get my MBA in Marketing& Communications. I am sure you can only imagine why? I am embarrassed to say that this was just an excuse to be with my BO at school. My parents bought it and they were all for higher education as long as I PAID for it. So I took out student loans and headed to Alabama for more biz training. What I am trying to tell you is it this milestone that seems to impress people was really not even education-motivated. Yet some how, it was still on my path.
5) I graduated in 1 1/2 years with alot of "out-of-state tuition" debt and a degree. At the time, I did not really understand that I would still be making payments today (only 2 more years.) I was still happily dating my BO! Meanwhile, my BO walked away from a promising career in pro-football to be a writer. (Anyone see a pattern starting here?)
6) While he was out looking for a job, I got a consulting job. They gave me a late start date so I had a lot time off before i started my big corp job in Training & communications (there is that word again) consultant.
7) My BO and I moved back to our parents homes . My dad was not too happy about the "time off part" and my "free ride" at home. So until my job started, I got a part time job at the new Barnes & Noble that opened close to his house! I was assigned to the Children's Department where I helped moms find books, cataloged and filed new inventory, scheduled authors for kids, and did a weekly story time for kids. Just another seed being planted.
8) When I started my job, I was assigned to another city. My BO moved there with me and got a job at B&N (with my reference of course :). As I worked on the communications of companies, he started freelancing for the city paper as a reporter. I became a high-falutin' consultant, he became a great reporter. I began to travel overseas and found the Harry Potter series - which was not out in US yet. IN fact my first book is the UK cover.
9) My BO decided he wanted to be a published author. He had written a book that was never published, but he decided to get serious. He spent long hours writing a great mystery book. I spent long hours doing his submission packets, editing his drafts, and as he would call it - his research asst. I put as much into the book as he did and was so excited when he sold it to a top publishing house. (For you writers, this was a slush pile contract) . I went through the whole book process with him - writing, editing, PR, marketing, contracts. The house did not give him much money for PR (imagine that) so I did all his marketing and publicity tours myself. Soon, we got engaged.
10) Unfortunately, our engagement was called off a couple weeks before we our wedding (after dating 10 years - this is a private and sad story that I will leave out for now. Just know, it was a must have for me to be on my writing path. And we are still -quasi-friends today with occasional emails speckled with his great writing advice) I moved to the beach to recenter myself and work for a few months until I decided what I was going to do with my life. There, I read and read and read any book I could get my hands on. I had immersed myself into other people's lives so the heartbreak of mine would hurt less. I had always read books, I was always an avid reader, especially of adult mystery. But now, adult books felt too deep and heavy so I turned to reading YA and middle grade books. That's when I got into the Harry Potter series.
11) I eventually moved back to Atlanta. I had been traveling for 6 years and just wanted to be home. My friends were here and my family was here which was what I needed at the time. I begged my company to staff me in town but they couldn't and wanted to quickly send me back out on the road. I needed to heal and needed some stability. I quit and 2 weeks later started freelancing with a friend. Meanwhile, I kept on reading YA/MG.
12) I eventually got a contract/job at a bank - doing communications. I quickly climbed the corporate ladder, make money, traveled overseas, and married an fabulous Englishman who believed in Celtic Fairy mythology :). I visited England with him and found my way into a shop called "the Broken-Winged Fairy". I got my first idea for a book. This was in 2000.
13) I had my first baby and started reading picture books to her. I took 5 months off for maternity leave and while my little fairy was sleeping, I wrote my first book, On Tattered Wings - a MG book that is shelved for the time being. But is about a "broken-winged fairy". I had never written a day in my life. No creative writing classes, really bad at grammar.For some reason, it felt right. I now credit alot of that to my writer BO and my hubby. My BO always encouraged me to write children's books - he thought I had a great imagination. I always said - you're the writer, I am the marketing guru. I was right and he was wrong - just don't tell him that. :) My hubby was the one who pushed me to do it and knew alot about fairies. I always say "my daughter sat on something inside of me and made me believe I could "create" anything if I could create her.
14) When I finished my book - after 6 long months - I immediately sent it out thinking it was just a matter of time until I was the next JK Rowling. I had no idea about the publishing world, about scbwi (http://www.scbwi.com/) yet nor had I bought the Writers Market yet. Just sent it out blind to about 40 people. Kinda dumb but I got 5 requests for manuscripts and many personal rejection letters.
15) After months of work and revisions - still no sale :( I will say it made it to 3 Acquisition meetings but no luck :( and I was already back at work. I climbed the corporate ladder during the day and wrote at night. I became an executive making awesome money, but it took up more of my time. I slowly got back off track. Writing fell to the way side and my anxiety doubled. I wanted to quit but I felt obligated to stay. My hubby told me to leave and be a writer if I wanted to but I felt trapped by the power and money. I started having panic attacks and was hospitalized for chest pains. There I prayed for a sign. Then I got it!
16) Sometimes your prayers are answered in the oddest ways. Two weeks later, I left BofA (I wont go into the whole story but there is a very long tragic story here. I'll just say that I crossed the wrong person at work who was very politically connected and it cost me my job. I was not very - nor had I really ever been - corporate savvy. I always prided myself as the renegade in corporate america. Now I see it was all for the best!) This was a bad time for me, I lost a job which was half of my family's income, had a miscarriage a month after, and lost my confidence all in one shot.
16) For the next year, I struggled to start my life over from scratch. I was depressed and lost. If it was not for my hubby and friends, who knows where I would be. Eventually, I went back to freelancing as a copywriter. My biz took off. I got pregnant again and had another baby. I semi-refocused on my writing.
That leads us to today. I am happy again.
Over the past few years, I have struggled to start back at the bottom of the pile.
But I love it immensely.
And - looking back at my bizarre journey - I now know it was meant to be.
The seeds to my path were being planted along the way.
Then, I didn't see it.
Now, I write about it.
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
I'm grateful already!
I heard a talk this week about "the law of attraction."
Basis premise? What you focus on gets bigger. So focus on what you want.
One question I have is if I focus on getting published - why am I not published!! Does this thing work? ;)
But the part that stuck out to me is that "gratitude" is a critical component of the law of attraction.
Not only being grateful for the small things, but especially being grateful for the obstacles and problems (ie crappy times, depressing times) you face with the understanding that it is a small piece to a larger puzzle.
So, I figure if I am really going to get published (2009 is my year), I'll try to find the GOOD in the BAD & UGLY of the publishing world.
So here I go... "In my writing - I am grateful for..." (Warning: some of these may seem crazy and surprise you)
1) getting under 100 rejections in my writing career (so far). (At least it is not over 100.)
2) getting 10 personal rejections instead of form letters. (Now I know editors and agents are actually real people not just computers spitting out form letters like lotto numbers until that lucky someone gets the winning book ticket!)
3) joining SCBWI and meeting great people at great conferences. (Amen!)
4) not getting my FIRST book published. (BTW - it is now under lock and key. Who knows when I hit JK Rowling heights, maybe it'll sell as a "what not to do book" :)
5) for being a struggling writer ( better than Mike Rowe on Dirty Jobs as a garbage collector, chimney sweeper and road-kill cleaner).
6) not making any money (as a struggling write and someone who needs new jeans, this was a hard one, but I am trying to be grateful here people!)
6) getting to work from home with kiddos. (Bonus. I may complain when my precious little ones spill Hi-C on my papers, get dirty fingers on my laptop screen, or color on my rejection letters, but I secretly cherish their stickiness, dirtiness and creativity)
7) getting great ideas even if they come with dangling participles and comma splices. (All too common in my writing world)
8) having Bikram yoga to peace out my mind and get the creative ideas flowin' (Namaste)
9) having a laptop (thank the LORD! I don't see how you people write books in long hand. My current one is 40,000 words. No way!)
10) The fabulous function called "Cut and paste"!!!!!
11) Microsoft for creating Word that allows the fabulous function called "Cut and paste"!!!!!
12) My best friends - Mr. Thesaurus, Ms. Dictionary, Miss RhymeZone (http://www.rhymezone.com/) , and Senior OneLook (http://www.onelook.com/).
13) Verla Kay Forum (http://www.verlakay.com/) - (I am not alone in this crazy journey)
14) F1rst pages class (http://www.f1rstpages.com/) that is helping me make my book better (as well as helping me to practice my swear words as I cut and re-cut my beloved book)
15) my critique group - The Calliope Circle (a moment of silence please for the poor writers who have to listen to pages and pages of my HUGE YA book over and over and over again, when they only need me to read a small 400 word picture book. And when I say small - I purely mean in size. They are all giants in substance.)
16) my index fingers who take on the sole responsibility of typing (and who have also forgiven me for cheating on my high school typing exam. peck, peck)
But most of all, for believing in me even when I doubt myself.
There!
Now, can i get published please?
Basis premise? What you focus on gets bigger. So focus on what you want.
One question I have is if I focus on getting published - why am I not published!! Does this thing work? ;)
But the part that stuck out to me is that "gratitude" is a critical component of the law of attraction.
Not only being grateful for the small things, but especially being grateful for the obstacles and problems (ie crappy times, depressing times) you face with the understanding that it is a small piece to a larger puzzle.
So, I figure if I am really going to get published (2009 is my year), I'll try to find the GOOD in the BAD & UGLY of the publishing world.
So here I go... "In my writing - I am grateful for..." (Warning: some of these may seem crazy and surprise you)
1) getting under 100 rejections in my writing career (so far). (At least it is not over 100.)
2) getting 10 personal rejections instead of form letters. (Now I know editors and agents are actually real people not just computers spitting out form letters like lotto numbers until that lucky someone gets the winning book ticket!)
3) joining SCBWI and meeting great people at great conferences. (Amen!)
4) not getting my FIRST book published. (BTW - it is now under lock and key. Who knows when I hit JK Rowling heights, maybe it'll sell as a "what not to do book" :)
5) for being a struggling writer ( better than Mike Rowe on Dirty Jobs as a garbage collector, chimney sweeper and road-kill cleaner).
6) not making any money (as a struggling write and someone who needs new jeans, this was a hard one, but I am trying to be grateful here people!)
6) getting to work from home with kiddos. (Bonus. I may complain when my precious little ones spill Hi-C on my papers, get dirty fingers on my laptop screen, or color on my rejection letters, but I secretly cherish their stickiness, dirtiness and creativity)
7) getting great ideas even if they come with dangling participles and comma splices. (All too common in my writing world)
8) having Bikram yoga to peace out my mind and get the creative ideas flowin' (Namaste)
9) having a laptop (thank the LORD! I don't see how you people write books in long hand. My current one is 40,000 words. No way!)
10) The fabulous function called "Cut and paste"!!!!!
11) Microsoft for creating Word that allows the fabulous function called "Cut and paste"!!!!!
12) My best friends - Mr. Thesaurus, Ms. Dictionary, Miss RhymeZone (http://www.rhymezone.com/) , and Senior OneLook (http://www.onelook.com/).
13) Verla Kay Forum (http://www.verlakay.com/) - (I am not alone in this crazy journey)
14) F1rst pages class (http://www.f1rstpages.com/) that is helping me make my book better (as well as helping me to practice my swear words as I cut and re-cut my beloved book)
15) my critique group - The Calliope Circle (a moment of silence please for the poor writers who have to listen to pages and pages of my HUGE YA book over and over and over again, when they only need me to read a small 400 word picture book. And when I say small - I purely mean in size. They are all giants in substance.)
16) my index fingers who take on the sole responsibility of typing (and who have also forgiven me for cheating on my high school typing exam. peck, peck)
17) Lindsey Leavitt (http://www.lindsey-leavitt.livejournal.com/) - who does not even know me and probably thinks I am a crazy blog stalker - which I am :)- for reigniting my flame and dwindling hope with her amazing story.
Last, but certainly, not least...
18) my hunk of a hubby - for giving me time to write, letting me go to conferences, keeping kiddos out of my office, supplying me with MMs, and listening to my huge YA book over and over and over again.But most of all, for believing in me even when I doubt myself.
There!
Now, can i get published please?
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Is My Small Window Closing?
I'm talking to my hubby last night about ...finances. Yuk!
newsflash: writers never like to talk about finances unless they have them. Finances and writing - an oxymoron. Notice the root word - MORON
And he says the words I have kinda been expecting but silently rejecting, "sweetie, you may have to go back to work if things don't change".
My first thought was "what do you think I'm doing? Eating Bon Bons? I am working in the 10 hrs I have during the week where I don't have kids!!!!"
My next thought was - "Why is it some people don't see writing as working?"
Reality kicks in with the answer "Uh, WHEN YOU DON"T GET PAID FOR IT!?" Duh!
So what do I do? I'm left in fear, feeling like my "window of opportunity" to be a real writer, let me clarify a published writer, is closing. With two small kids not in school yet and only a few hrs to myself - what do I do?
Do I give up? If not - how long do I give and give and make my family give before I give up if nothing happens?
I am scared. Scared of never breaking thorough. Scared of going back to a corporate job. Scared of what it will do to my spirit.
Let me backtrack - A couple years ago, I walked away from a corporate job - a REALLY high paying corporate job - and decided to leave the Corporate world for good to write. I knew my family would suffer, but hubby and I worked through it. He supports me and knows how much I gave up to write. Don't get me wrong - I have pulled my weight. My freelance copywriting has pulled in a large share really until recently. Since Spring, I admit I've slacked off a bit to write. I cut back, turned down work, so I could write. I had not written much in a very long time. I found my critique group at Springmingle and took off from there.
newsflash: writers never like to talk about finances unless they have them. Finances and writing - an oxymoron. Notice the root word - MORON
And he says the words I have kinda been expecting but silently rejecting, "sweetie, you may have to go back to work if things don't change".
My first thought was "what do you think I'm doing? Eating Bon Bons? I am working in the 10 hrs I have during the week where I don't have kids!!!!"
My next thought was - "Why is it some people don't see writing as working?"
Reality kicks in with the answer "Uh, WHEN YOU DON"T GET PAID FOR IT!?" Duh!
So what do I do? I'm left in fear, feeling like my "window of opportunity" to be a real writer, let me clarify a published writer, is closing. With two small kids not in school yet and only a few hrs to myself - what do I do?
Do I give up? If not - how long do I give and give and make my family give before I give up if nothing happens?
I am scared. Scared of never breaking thorough. Scared of going back to a corporate job. Scared of what it will do to my spirit.
Let me backtrack - A couple years ago, I walked away from a corporate job - a REALLY high paying corporate job - and decided to leave the Corporate world for good to write. I knew my family would suffer, but hubby and I worked through it. He supports me and knows how much I gave up to write. Don't get me wrong - I have pulled my weight. My freelance copywriting has pulled in a large share really until recently. Since Spring, I admit I've slacked off a bit to write. I cut back, turned down work, so I could write. I had not written much in a very long time. I found my critique group at Springmingle and took off from there.
But now, 6 months later - the money I had set aside has dwindled and I am at a crossoroad.
I've realized that it is not enough to believe in yourself - you have to get your family and friends to believe in you too. Because they support your whacky dreams and they suffer with you. So how do you do that without getting published? And how long do you expect THEM to wait.
So I am left with where do I go from here?
I know that when a door closes, a window opens. But what happens if that window breaks or slams shut? Maybe someone nails it shut without you knowing. Then what happens? Does another door open - the back door, basement door, maybe a vent ? Or are you then completely trapped? Do I have to saw an opening myself?
The thought of going back to what I was and had before - even for the money - is frightening. Worse than never going forward, worse than staying in the same place. It's like leaving a toxic relationship, growing, finding someone great and then going back to what you had - with the knowledge that it was not good for you - but having no choice. Once you've left something toxic for something that fills your soul, how do you go back? How do you let go? Can you let go?
So what do I do? I've contacted my old clients, I've posted for freelance writing positions, and I've prayed for "financial freedom" so I can write. Is that enough? How do you know when to keep swimming upstream for something you feel will happen? How do you keep others believing in you when you doubt it everyday?
How do I keep this window - that blows a fresh breeze into my heart every day - open?
Because if it closes, I don't know if I will ever be the same.
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Shoot for the Milky Way
I have not blogged in a while (cough - over a year?! ) But I am back on the horse and I plan to stay on it this time. I have re-committed myself to Writers Rehab and am going to stay in - even longer than Britney Spears! Wow, I am committed!
You are probably wondering: "Why? I've been so inspired all of a sudden?" Good question!
My good answer:
So - now I need a plan right? Ok, plan #99 - hopefully #99 is a charm!
1 - Finish my YA Thriller, "Grace under Fire" - CHECK.
You are probably wondering: "Why? I've been so inspired all of a sudden?" Good question!
My good answer:
- An instructor recently told me not to settle for less than what I think I deserve. That I was born to write.
- A fellow SCBWI member just got a 3 book deal with Hyperion. She got an agent in March and sold her book in a "good" deal by Aug. Best news is she has 2 kids - the same age as mine - and started her book a couple years ago. There is hope for us moms that juggle diapers, pacis, and keypads (really its computers but pens sounded better).
- I have a hunch. I know this is the path to my purpose. How I don't know - but I just do. I have no excuses anymore. My 4 year old is in PreK and my 16 month old starts a mommy day-out program. Or as I now call it - mommy-day-write.
So - now I need a plan right? Ok, plan #99 - hopefully #99 is a charm!
I call it The "Get off my Ass" Plan - creative, clear, yet catchy. I am going to reach beyond the stars for my dream. I'm shooting far and I am shooting high.
I'm shooting for the Milky Way!
So here it is!1 - Finish my YA Thriller, "Grace under Fire" - CHECK.
SIDE NOTE: Ok so I've already done this. I just wanted something to check off something so I felt I was moving forward. Is that cheating? Come on you all do it to - create a "to-do" list of the things you have already done - just so you can feel like you have achieved something in your busy day. Fess up!
SIDE NOTE Squared: Actually I have finished 1 YA, 1 MG (which is shelved due to editing complications), 1 PB series, 1 holiday PB, and 2 PBs. But who is counting? Actually my husband probably is and most likely my parents. And I know my bank account is!
Question of the day:
How many books can you write and still be unpublished? Answer - Ill tell you as soon as I find out. Stay tuned!
2 - Review Plot thoroughly - CHECK, CHECK. I am working through my manuscript with my amazing critique group to revise each chapter.
SIDE NOTE: Actually it is not a critique group, it is a support group called The Calliope Circle. Kinda like "Alcoholics Anon" but without the booze. Ok, ok so there MAY be a little booze - not with them that's just coffee and snacks, but maybe when I'm writing or trying to write.
SIDE NOTE Squared: Speaking of support groups - is there a "Writers Anon" out there and if so - did someone sign me up without my consent? It sure feels like it.
SIDE NOTE cubed: And if there is a Writers Anon- who would sign up? Doesn't every writer want to be known? Maybe not.
3 - Remove my name from the Writers Anon list!
SIDE NOTE: Does anyone know who owns the list or is that a dumb question?
4 - Revise, revise, revise - CHECK. If I knew WHAT to revise it would not be an issue. The issue is figuring out how to find out, who to believe, and when its done!
SIDE NOTE - I am already working with a great editor, Harold Underdown, in a class that spends the next 6 weeks revising and re-revising (is that a word?) my first 3 chapters, synopsis, and query letter. I have worked with him before and I like him. Be wary though - he cuts to the chase . His services may even come with a disclaimer - "Not for the soft-hearted". But as my dad always said: No pain no gain." I am starting to believe him.
5 - Focus on literary agents.
SIDE NOTE: For my first MG book, "On Tattered Wings" I queried mostly publishers.
SIDE NOTE Squared: Status? 19 form rejections, 5 personal rejections with comments, 3 "we would like to see it"s, and 1 editorial letter who ended up not taking it after I did all the edits (that is a whole nother story and yes I am a little bitter about it.) So 18 rejections and 1,000 cliches later - I shelved it. Then there is my NonFiction book that was in the top 2 books being considered by American Girl but was
6 - Research Agents - This year (or what is left of the remaining 33%) I am going to focus on getting a clean query packet out to 10 - 15 agents that really fit me and my style. I'm shooting for November. Doable - right? Write!
You all probably know the rest but Ill quickly recap.....
7 - land a 3 book deal with 6 figures
8 - get my book on shelves in all major and independent book store.
9 - receive great reviews form top publications - maybe even an award or two.
10 - hit the bestseller list and stay there.
11 - sign a movie deal.
12 - Walk the red carpet and accept my well-deserved Oscar for "Best script/screenplay"
13 - hit the big time - The Big O (Oprah)
14 - help other struggling authors :)
Ok so I have my plan - now I just need some goals for the remaining 33% of the year
- Finish going through book by end of Sept
- Edit - no wait - PERFECT query packet by Oct 1
- Send packet out to 10-15 agents that I hand chose by end of Oct.
- Perfect book with a great line edit (oh Harold!)
- Wait for all 15 to come back screaming "YES WE WILL TAKE IT!"
- That's it - easy as pie!
So as you can see I am shooting past the stars because the stars are not far enough for me...
I'm shooting for the Milky Way!
Now, who's the Space Cadet? :)
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