All right. I'm back on my feet again.
Sorry for the gap in last week's blog entries. Wednesday night I started feeling not so hot and by Thursday morning, I was definitely down for the count (of two work days at least). Today is the first day I've felt semi-human--I was actually able to breathe out of both sides of my nose this morning for a brief and wonderous period of about fifteen minutes. I have a sinus infection, which should be getting better any year now, I hope.
Which brings me to my blog entry for the day. I thought about writing of all the disgusting and yet miraculous things the human body can do to heal itself (I still have no sense of taste, which is probably good because all the sinus stuff has been making me feel sick to my stomach--easiest diet I've ever heard of), but I figured that would probably be really too much information and more than a little off-topic. So I'll save "Ode to Mucus" for another day : ) And instead I'll talk about probably the most important thing you can do to be a good writer.
And that is...are you ready? Sit your butt in the chair everyday and write something on your current project. It doesn't matter if it's ten pages or ten sentences, but you have to keep moving or else you lose your momentum. Plus, it's amazing how quickly those little stints of two pages (or whatever your daily goal) add up. And if you don't do it everyday, sometimes you lose the freshness of whatever you're writing. You feel more removed, like you're the reader instead of the writer.
But, you say, wouldn't a little perspective be a good thing occasionally? To allow you to view your work as it truly is? The answer, NO! At least not until the end. For a couple reasons, one, you're still in the writing stage, so you don't want to go in there tinkering around as you may end up eliminating something you need later. And two, because you will begin to doubt yourself, it is a disease inherent in all writers, I believe. Probably all artists.
If you like what you have, inevitably, you will feel as you begin to write again that the new stuff on the page isn't as good as the previous stuff. Or, worse, you'll hate everything you have done and that'll destroy any desire to move forward.
In either case, you have to keep going. Writing without editing. Because the truth is, in the end, when the book is finished, you'll have the whole picture. And you'll be able to better see which parts fit and which don't. And the sections, characters and chapters that go into each of those categories (fit and don't fit) might be very different by the end of the book than they were in the middle.
Plus, at the end of the book, you won't be able to tell which pages were written on the good writing days and the bad writing days. Everyone has some of both. And to paraphrase Stephen King in On Writing (which is an excellent book that I recommend for all writers, regardless of genre): You won't be able to tell the good days from the ones where you feel like all you're managing to do is shovel sh*t from a sitting position. (Boy, I know that feeling--he describes it perfectly...another reason to read his book instead of my paraphrasing him).
Which leads me back to my main point. Write everyday. Set a goal. I think page or word limits work best in the beginning. I try for at least two pages every day before I go to work. Sometimes, I get there, sometimes I don't. Sometimes I get even more than two : ) Those are the really good days! I don't let myself feel bad about my progress unless I don't write anything at all. Which brings me back to the whole illness thing. Tomorrow, I have to begin writing again after three days away from it. The actual anticipation is usually worse than doing it. But it's so much easier to stay in the flow than it is to try to jump back in. But I'll do it, even though it will feel difficult. Because that's what writers do. They sit in their chairs everyday and put some words down, good, bad or undecided, on a page or a screen. And in the end, they've got something. A short story, a novel, a screen play. And then they can decide how to fix it, if it needs fixing it all.
Thought for the day: If you only write one page a day, in a year, you'll have novel-length manuscript. (Or, a whole bunch of short stories!) So, it's not about writing a book, it's about those one or two pages a day.
Okay, that's about enough of the pep talk (which was as much for me as for anyone else who's reading!)
Talk to you tomorrow (provided the mucus-slinging sinus monsters allow me to be up and moving around a second day in a row!) Sorry about all the mentions of the "m" word -- I think it's just a fun one to say, as disgusting as it is!
Sunday, February 29, 2004
Tuesday, February 24, 2004
More exciting news!
I emailed my professors at VU to let them know that my book was going to be published and to say thank you for all the help they'd given me as a student (and after). And they asked me if I would consider coming to campus in the fall, after my book is published, to do a reading and possibly speak to a creative writing class. Okay, how freaking cool is that?!? And on top of that, I've also been asked to be the judge for the short-fiction category of Wordfest, the campus literary contest (which I was too afraid to enter when I was a student there!)
So, I'm really excited about all of this. It's such an honor to be asked and a privilege to be recognized, especially by people who have taught me so much.
The great thing about this is the opportunity to tell other people, other aspiring writers that it is possible, that it can be done, by someone just like them. Like I said a few blogs ago, I once wanted to be a librarian just so I could be close to the books. Being a writer seemed about as possible as being a movie star. And I've gotten a chance to take that first really big step. I don't want this to sound cheesey, but I want people to know that they can do it too. That you don't have to be a librarian (unless you want to), you can reach for and get your dream.
Okay, I think that's enough of the inspirational talk for now. Forgive me, folks, occasionally I ascend to somewhere around cloud 118 when I think about all of this (obscure reference to a cliche...never mind!) I'm just so excited! Okay, breathe. All right. That's better.
Tomorrow...perhaps something on fear of rejection and its evil twin, fear of success?
Talk to you tomorrow.
I emailed my professors at VU to let them know that my book was going to be published and to say thank you for all the help they'd given me as a student (and after). And they asked me if I would consider coming to campus in the fall, after my book is published, to do a reading and possibly speak to a creative writing class. Okay, how freaking cool is that?!? And on top of that, I've also been asked to be the judge for the short-fiction category of Wordfest, the campus literary contest (which I was too afraid to enter when I was a student there!)
So, I'm really excited about all of this. It's such an honor to be asked and a privilege to be recognized, especially by people who have taught me so much.
The great thing about this is the opportunity to tell other people, other aspiring writers that it is possible, that it can be done, by someone just like them. Like I said a few blogs ago, I once wanted to be a librarian just so I could be close to the books. Being a writer seemed about as possible as being a movie star. And I've gotten a chance to take that first really big step. I don't want this to sound cheesey, but I want people to know that they can do it too. That you don't have to be a librarian (unless you want to), you can reach for and get your dream.
Okay, I think that's enough of the inspirational talk for now. Forgive me, folks, occasionally I ascend to somewhere around cloud 118 when I think about all of this (obscure reference to a cliche...never mind!) I'm just so excited! Okay, breathe. All right. That's better.
Tomorrow...perhaps something on fear of rejection and its evil twin, fear of success?
Talk to you tomorrow.
Monday, February 23, 2004
Research.
Sometimes the bane of my existence and other times, the very best part of writing. I think the thing that's hard about research for me, and maybe some other writers, is the temptation to get lost in it. You go in, searching for one odd fact or another, and then suddenly you find yourself buried in all kinds of interesting information that you'd love to dump into your manuscript. Big no-no. No one else is going to be interested in the mating habits of the blue-bearded cockatoo, or whatever. And putting all the information in, when it isn't really needed to move the story along, is just going to irritate the reader.
Laurell K. Hamilton had a good suggestion for research which I once read in an interview with her, I believe. Write the story first and find out what you need to know. How hot does silver have to be to melt? Does it ever snow in West Texas? This method helps you define what you need to know for yourself and also for the person or persons that you may need to call upon for answers.
That's probably my favorite research. Calling people I know and asking weird, random questions that I hope they'll know the answers to. Everyone you know is an expert in something and more than likely, they'll be glad to share the information. And it doesn't have to be their profession either. Need to know how it feels to have a tooth pulled or knocked out? Chances are, someone you know has had this happen to them. Want to know what it's like working in a restaurant? Again, someone you know has done this, even if it was just for one summer at McDonalds. If you were an affluent, self-involved lawyer having an affair with someone in a big fancy hotel, which downtown Chicago hotel would be appropriate? This one, obviously, they don't have to have had the affair to answer, thank goodness, but simply have a good knowledge of fancy Chicago hotels and their clientele. : )
I love doing this because I love finding out about all the stuff my friends and family know that I never knew that they knew (Ha! Figure that sentence out!) My mom once worked in a hospital and I had a question about a hospital pharmacy. So, I called her and asked. And the best part is family and friends don't even usually ask you why you want to know. After they've answered a few questions for you, they'll just say, "Need it for a book?" And you'll say, "Yep." And that will be the end of it. Because you probably shouldn't discuss specifically what you're working until it's finished. At least that's what I've found. But that's another blog topic for another blog day, ha!
Or, you can try doing the research, whatever it is, by experiencing it yourself. In the case of getting a tooth knocked out, I don't recommend this method, obviously. But for example, I realized about halfway through my first book, The Silver Spoon, that Zara, my heroine, was going to have to learn some self-defense skills. Otherwise, she'd never survive all these murderous aliens. So, I signed up for a 6 week kickboxing class, figuring I needed the exercise and if I learned something useful along the way, all the better. Now, a year later, I'm still taking the class and I love it. And I now know enough about it that when Zara demonstrates her skills in book 2 (title TBD!), it will seem real to the reader. Plus, if I have questions about kickboxing, I have the name of an expert or two!
That's it for now. It's been a great deal of fun telling everyone about my book contract. People have been so genuinely enthusiastic--it's wonderful! So, thank you to all of you for making the news even more special by your reaction to it!
Talk to you tomorrow.
Sometimes the bane of my existence and other times, the very best part of writing. I think the thing that's hard about research for me, and maybe some other writers, is the temptation to get lost in it. You go in, searching for one odd fact or another, and then suddenly you find yourself buried in all kinds of interesting information that you'd love to dump into your manuscript. Big no-no. No one else is going to be interested in the mating habits of the blue-bearded cockatoo, or whatever. And putting all the information in, when it isn't really needed to move the story along, is just going to irritate the reader.
Laurell K. Hamilton had a good suggestion for research which I once read in an interview with her, I believe. Write the story first and find out what you need to know. How hot does silver have to be to melt? Does it ever snow in West Texas? This method helps you define what you need to know for yourself and also for the person or persons that you may need to call upon for answers.
That's probably my favorite research. Calling people I know and asking weird, random questions that I hope they'll know the answers to. Everyone you know is an expert in something and more than likely, they'll be glad to share the information. And it doesn't have to be their profession either. Need to know how it feels to have a tooth pulled or knocked out? Chances are, someone you know has had this happen to them. Want to know what it's like working in a restaurant? Again, someone you know has done this, even if it was just for one summer at McDonalds. If you were an affluent, self-involved lawyer having an affair with someone in a big fancy hotel, which downtown Chicago hotel would be appropriate? This one, obviously, they don't have to have had the affair to answer, thank goodness, but simply have a good knowledge of fancy Chicago hotels and their clientele. : )
I love doing this because I love finding out about all the stuff my friends and family know that I never knew that they knew (Ha! Figure that sentence out!) My mom once worked in a hospital and I had a question about a hospital pharmacy. So, I called her and asked. And the best part is family and friends don't even usually ask you why you want to know. After they've answered a few questions for you, they'll just say, "Need it for a book?" And you'll say, "Yep." And that will be the end of it. Because you probably shouldn't discuss specifically what you're working until it's finished. At least that's what I've found. But that's another blog topic for another blog day, ha!
Or, you can try doing the research, whatever it is, by experiencing it yourself. In the case of getting a tooth knocked out, I don't recommend this method, obviously. But for example, I realized about halfway through my first book, The Silver Spoon, that Zara, my heroine, was going to have to learn some self-defense skills. Otherwise, she'd never survive all these murderous aliens. So, I signed up for a 6 week kickboxing class, figuring I needed the exercise and if I learned something useful along the way, all the better. Now, a year later, I'm still taking the class and I love it. And I now know enough about it that when Zara demonstrates her skills in book 2 (title TBD!), it will seem real to the reader. Plus, if I have questions about kickboxing, I have the name of an expert or two!
That's it for now. It's been a great deal of fun telling everyone about my book contract. People have been so genuinely enthusiastic--it's wonderful! So, thank you to all of you for making the news even more special by your reaction to it!
Talk to you tomorrow.
Saturday, February 21, 2004
Okay, so pretty much I feel that anything I put here now after this week's major announcement is kind of anti-climactic (not to be confused with anti-climatic, as in against the climate.) And yet, those of you know me, know that I usually still have plenty to say, so here we go...
Next Steps.
I signed the contract with RuneStone on Thursday and everything is set. They will begin a line edit of my book, which is exactly what it sounds like. A line by line edit of the book.
My editor (how cool is that to be able to say that?!?) also said that she will be sending me a cover art questionnaire. I've never seen one of those before but I'm guessing that it has to do with what I think should be on the cover or what style the cover should be. And this, folks, is one of the great things about working with a new and/or smaller press. They ask you for your input! They may or may not take it, but it's nice to be asked! That is not usually the case, at least from what I've heard, with the enormous houses in New York. So, I'm very excited about this opportunity.
It's my belief that covers can make or break a book. It is all about selling the book, true, but first it's about making people notice it and pick it up. If you're a big enough name (so not me, at least not yet!), people will notice your name on the cover and pick up the book. That's why, if you look at books by John Grisham, Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, or Laurell K. Hamilton, their names are actually as large or sometimes even larger than the title of the book. At least, that's my theory.
But for those of us who are not known by name, I think you need a good cover. And that doesn't mean expensive or fancy, necessarily. Sometimes the absence of the expected is more powerful. The whole "less is more" theory. The cover for The Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold is one example of that theory in action, I think.
The one book cover I can think of that actually stopped me in my tracks and made me pick up the book is Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. The cover (on the U.S. version of the hardcover anyway) is beautiful image of a woman, sort of in fuzzy focus, you can't see her face, but if you pay attention, you can see her tail. It's a werewolf book. So that image, combined with the title, intrigued me enough to pick up the book and read the inside flap. (Incidentally Kelley is a great writer and very nice to her fans, interacting with them through her website.)
So, I'd like to do something that powerful for my cover, something that gets people to stop and look. After all, if you don't get people to look, they won't buy. I like the theory of what was done on Bitten. That you take something pretty ordinary, a woman on the cover, and make some detail of it unusual. In the case of my book, that's pretty much a theme throughout the whole thing. The Observers look pretty much like us, except for being taller, faster and better looking than us. Plus, their eyes. They have an additional protective layer, for lack of a better word, in the eye to protect them from extremely bright situations. It closes over the pupil and iris in varying degrees, depending on the situation. And like us and the dialation or constriction of the pupil in our eyes, extreme emotion, alcohol, etc. can also affect the silver. So that would kind of be a cool thing to show, if it would be possible.
The other thing is about covers is that I'd prefer not to show faces, at least not full on. For two reasons, don't you hate it when you have a cover with a tall, dark-haired heroine on the front and then when you get into it, you find out she's short and blonde? I know about artistic license, but that's a heck of a disconnect. And second, I know what Zara, Caelan, Asha and all the others look like, but you may imagine them differently. That's part of the fun of reading. And I think the cover can establish that a character should look a certain way, and then it's hard to get rid of that image in your head.
What do you think the cover should look like? What makes you pick up a book or pass it by? Send me an email: sklemstein@msn.com
Talk to you tomorrow!
Next Steps.
I signed the contract with RuneStone on Thursday and everything is set. They will begin a line edit of my book, which is exactly what it sounds like. A line by line edit of the book.
My editor (how cool is that to be able to say that?!?) also said that she will be sending me a cover art questionnaire. I've never seen one of those before but I'm guessing that it has to do with what I think should be on the cover or what style the cover should be. And this, folks, is one of the great things about working with a new and/or smaller press. They ask you for your input! They may or may not take it, but it's nice to be asked! That is not usually the case, at least from what I've heard, with the enormous houses in New York. So, I'm very excited about this opportunity.
It's my belief that covers can make or break a book. It is all about selling the book, true, but first it's about making people notice it and pick it up. If you're a big enough name (so not me, at least not yet!), people will notice your name on the cover and pick up the book. That's why, if you look at books by John Grisham, Nora Roberts, Danielle Steel, or Laurell K. Hamilton, their names are actually as large or sometimes even larger than the title of the book. At least, that's my theory.
But for those of us who are not known by name, I think you need a good cover. And that doesn't mean expensive or fancy, necessarily. Sometimes the absence of the expected is more powerful. The whole "less is more" theory. The cover for The Lovely Bones by Alice Seabold is one example of that theory in action, I think.
The one book cover I can think of that actually stopped me in my tracks and made me pick up the book is Bitten by Kelley Armstrong. The cover (on the U.S. version of the hardcover anyway) is beautiful image of a woman, sort of in fuzzy focus, you can't see her face, but if you pay attention, you can see her tail. It's a werewolf book. So that image, combined with the title, intrigued me enough to pick up the book and read the inside flap. (Incidentally Kelley is a great writer and very nice to her fans, interacting with them through her website.)
So, I'd like to do something that powerful for my cover, something that gets people to stop and look. After all, if you don't get people to look, they won't buy. I like the theory of what was done on Bitten. That you take something pretty ordinary, a woman on the cover, and make some detail of it unusual. In the case of my book, that's pretty much a theme throughout the whole thing. The Observers look pretty much like us, except for being taller, faster and better looking than us. Plus, their eyes. They have an additional protective layer, for lack of a better word, in the eye to protect them from extremely bright situations. It closes over the pupil and iris in varying degrees, depending on the situation. And like us and the dialation or constriction of the pupil in our eyes, extreme emotion, alcohol, etc. can also affect the silver. So that would kind of be a cool thing to show, if it would be possible.
The other thing is about covers is that I'd prefer not to show faces, at least not full on. For two reasons, don't you hate it when you have a cover with a tall, dark-haired heroine on the front and then when you get into it, you find out she's short and blonde? I know about artistic license, but that's a heck of a disconnect. And second, I know what Zara, Caelan, Asha and all the others look like, but you may imagine them differently. That's part of the fun of reading. And I think the cover can establish that a character should look a certain way, and then it's hard to get rid of that image in your head.
What do you think the cover should look like? What makes you pick up a book or pass it by? Send me an email: sklemstein@msn.com
Talk to you tomorrow!
Thursday, February 19, 2004
It's been my dream for as long as I can remember to write stories. In fact for awhile, when I was younger, I thought about being a librarian, just so I could be close to books. And now it's actually happening. A book, one that I'm very proud of, will be available for your reading pleasure in ebook and trade paperback form, this summer or fall. And it will have MY NAME on it!!!
And contrary to popular belief, writing a book is not a solo effort. So, I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. Some version of this, I hope, will appear in the front of the book as well.
My thanks to:
-God, for making all things possible.
-My Mom and Dad, for reading to me and buying endless amounts of books.
-My husband, for always believing this was possible and also for dragging me out from behind my computer occasionally.
-My Grandma Barnes, for reading my first book and encouraging me to keep writing.
-RuneStone Publishing, for taking a chance on me. I promise, I'll do my best to make you proud (and make you money!)
-All my teachers and professors who encouraged my writing, Mrs. Koshinski, Mrs. Buske, Professors Uehling, Feaster, Byrne, Wangerin and Ruff.
-My fellow writers at work, especially Paula and Jeanine, for listening to me ramble, reading excerpts and celebrating with me.
-Marshall Cook for all his advice.
-My first readers: Ed, fight choreographer and web consultant extraordinaire, Deb, my is-this-scene-too racy-expert, Julie, who read this at work in less than a day and proclaimed it good, Becky, for catching all the missing words and for telling me that when she read it she forgot it was my stuff she was reading, and finally, Stacy Greenberg.
Stacy deserves an acknowledgement page unto herself. She read just about every query letter, synopsis and email I sent out, never hesitating to reread things over and over again. She answered my nervous what-am-I-going-to do-now phone calls, commiserated over my rejection letters and kept a cool head, something I was incapable of at times. And she never once stopped believing in me or my book, even when I wasn't feeling too sure. The Silver Spoon would not be what it is today without the help of all these people, especially Stacy. So, to my co-worker, my friend and first, first reader, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
All of you made this possible and I can't thank you enough for your time, your kindness and your generosity of spirit and words. You helped make my dream come true.
And contrary to popular belief, writing a book is not a solo effort. So, I'd like to take a few minutes of your time to thank everyone who has helped me along the way. Some version of this, I hope, will appear in the front of the book as well.
My thanks to:
-God, for making all things possible.
-My Mom and Dad, for reading to me and buying endless amounts of books.
-My husband, for always believing this was possible and also for dragging me out from behind my computer occasionally.
-My Grandma Barnes, for reading my first book and encouraging me to keep writing.
-RuneStone Publishing, for taking a chance on me. I promise, I'll do my best to make you proud (and make you money!)
-All my teachers and professors who encouraged my writing, Mrs. Koshinski, Mrs. Buske, Professors Uehling, Feaster, Byrne, Wangerin and Ruff.
-My fellow writers at work, especially Paula and Jeanine, for listening to me ramble, reading excerpts and celebrating with me.
-Marshall Cook for all his advice.
-My first readers: Ed, fight choreographer and web consultant extraordinaire, Deb, my is-this-scene-too racy-expert, Julie, who read this at work in less than a day and proclaimed it good, Becky, for catching all the missing words and for telling me that when she read it she forgot it was my stuff she was reading, and finally, Stacy Greenberg.
Stacy deserves an acknowledgement page unto herself. She read just about every query letter, synopsis and email I sent out, never hesitating to reread things over and over again. She answered my nervous what-am-I-going-to do-now phone calls, commiserated over my rejection letters and kept a cool head, something I was incapable of at times. And she never once stopped believing in me or my book, even when I wasn't feeling too sure. The Silver Spoon would not be what it is today without the help of all these people, especially Stacy. So, to my co-worker, my friend and first, first reader, thank you from the bottom of my heart.
All of you made this possible and I can't thank you enough for your time, your kindness and your generosity of spirit and words. You helped make my dream come true.
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Okay, I've been waiting a whole week to make this announcement, just to be sure that everything worked out okay and it has...so here it is!
I've gotten an offer for my book, The Silver Spoon! I'm so excited. RuneStone Publishing, www.runestonepublishing.com a new publishing company has chosen my book to be one of their first books published. The funniest thing is the way I found out, or rather, just how it unfolded.
I came home from another long day in corporate America, let the dogs out and checked my phone messages. I had one new message and absolutely no inkling, feeling or psychic notion telling me that it would be something important. It sounds stupid now, but I'm telling you, that's what you think when you've been sending your book out. You think, "I'll just know when I get the call."
But of course, that's not how it happened. I played the message, and an unfamiliar voice, female, said my name. I almost started to tune it out, assuming that it was our vet calling back to confirm Snostorm's appointment. But then she said the magic words, her name, RuneStone Publishing and The Silver Spoon.
I jumped up and down, shrieking for probably the first five minutes, until my dogs began to hide from me. Then I checked my email and as promised, the offer and contract were there. My first impulse was to right then and there call everyone I ever knew, especially those who'd been so supportive of my dream, and tell them. But I waited, read the contract, asked a professor friend to read it over for me. Just wanting to make sure it was real and really going to happen. And now that everything is just about finalized, I feel I can share it with everyone.
The Silver Spoon is going to be published! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!
Tomorrow...all my thank yous and more details on when you'll actually see the book...with my name on it!
Talk to you tomorrow!
I've gotten an offer for my book, The Silver Spoon! I'm so excited. RuneStone Publishing, www.runestonepublishing.com a new publishing company has chosen my book to be one of their first books published. The funniest thing is the way I found out, or rather, just how it unfolded.
I came home from another long day in corporate America, let the dogs out and checked my phone messages. I had one new message and absolutely no inkling, feeling or psychic notion telling me that it would be something important. It sounds stupid now, but I'm telling you, that's what you think when you've been sending your book out. You think, "I'll just know when I get the call."
But of course, that's not how it happened. I played the message, and an unfamiliar voice, female, said my name. I almost started to tune it out, assuming that it was our vet calling back to confirm Snostorm's appointment. But then she said the magic words, her name, RuneStone Publishing and The Silver Spoon.
I jumped up and down, shrieking for probably the first five minutes, until my dogs began to hide from me. Then I checked my email and as promised, the offer and contract were there. My first impulse was to right then and there call everyone I ever knew, especially those who'd been so supportive of my dream, and tell them. But I waited, read the contract, asked a professor friend to read it over for me. Just wanting to make sure it was real and really going to happen. And now that everything is just about finalized, I feel I can share it with everyone.
The Silver Spoon is going to be published! Woohoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes!!!!
Tomorrow...all my thank yous and more details on when you'll actually see the book...with my name on it!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Tuesday, February 17, 2004
I feel compelled by the volume of email I received to create an addendum to Saturday's favorite fictional couples list. So here goes, again in no particular order:
1. Sydney Bristow and Michael Vaughn (Alias): Submitted by Susan B. Have to tell you I considered them, but I think they were more interesting before he married his evil fictional wife, Lauren.
2. Morticia and Gomez Addams (The Addams Family): We can thank Ed's Blog for this out of left field suggestion. But I have to admit he's right. I loved when Gomez would kiss up Morticia's arm: "I love it when you speak French, Tish." But was she actually speaking French? It's been so long, I can't remember. Ed, let me know if you remember.
3. Willow and Tara (Buffy the Vampire Slayer): Courtesy of Stacy G. I would say Willow and Tara are one of the first pretty openly accepted lesbian couples on television, definitely on the WB, for sure.
4. Indiana Jones and Marion (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark): Also Stacy G's idea. Marion is definitely the best female character in all three IJ movies. "Indy, the torch is going out!" Way more spunky than Kate Capshaw's character in Temple of Doom. And eew, need I mention the German woman in the third movie? Father and son *shudder* Not even for Sean Connery.
5. Sam and Jack (Without a Trace): Stacy G. once more. You know, I'm all about forbidden and hidden love, but this is so hidden that you could watch like half a season and not even realize that something used to go on between them.
6. Harry and Sally (When Harry Met Sally): Stacy G. again with the couple-y thing. And I do love when Harry Met Sally, but they spend so much of the movie not being romantic with each other that it's hard to vote them as one of my favorites, though I think Billy Crystal is hysterical. But who doesn't, right? : )
Okay, Stacy G.also had a good idea (she is the source of all of them, you know!) to have a list for the worst fictional couples. The ones that looked forced together, where you're asking, "What were the writers thinking?" So, I'll list a few, but you guys write me, sklemstein@msn.com, with your suggestions!
1. Horatio Caine and Kim Delaney's ill-fated character on CSI Miami: I mean, seriously are there any two people/characters with less chemistry? It was horrible just trying to sit through an episode. I flinched every time they were on screen together.
2. Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker (Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back): Eeew. Incest much? Fortunately that all seemed to stop once he figured out that was his SISTER he was kissing!
3. Ben Affleck and J. Lo's characters from Gigli: Stacy G. again. I have to admit that I haven't seen this movie. Can't even part with the $3.95 to rent it. But if all that has been said is true, I would say they deserve to be on this list.
4....Email me with your suggestions. sklemstein@msn.com
Talk to you tomorrow!
1. Sydney Bristow and Michael Vaughn (Alias): Submitted by Susan B. Have to tell you I considered them, but I think they were more interesting before he married his evil fictional wife, Lauren.
2. Morticia and Gomez Addams (The Addams Family): We can thank Ed's Blog for this out of left field suggestion. But I have to admit he's right. I loved when Gomez would kiss up Morticia's arm: "I love it when you speak French, Tish." But was she actually speaking French? It's been so long, I can't remember. Ed, let me know if you remember.
3. Willow and Tara (Buffy the Vampire Slayer): Courtesy of Stacy G. I would say Willow and Tara are one of the first pretty openly accepted lesbian couples on television, definitely on the WB, for sure.
4. Indiana Jones and Marion (Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark): Also Stacy G's idea. Marion is definitely the best female character in all three IJ movies. "Indy, the torch is going out!" Way more spunky than Kate Capshaw's character in Temple of Doom. And eew, need I mention the German woman in the third movie? Father and son *shudder* Not even for Sean Connery.
5. Sam and Jack (Without a Trace): Stacy G. once more. You know, I'm all about forbidden and hidden love, but this is so hidden that you could watch like half a season and not even realize that something used to go on between them.
6. Harry and Sally (When Harry Met Sally): Stacy G. again with the couple-y thing. And I do love when Harry Met Sally, but they spend so much of the movie not being romantic with each other that it's hard to vote them as one of my favorites, though I think Billy Crystal is hysterical. But who doesn't, right? : )
Okay, Stacy G.also had a good idea (she is the source of all of them, you know!) to have a list for the worst fictional couples. The ones that looked forced together, where you're asking, "What were the writers thinking?" So, I'll list a few, but you guys write me, sklemstein@msn.com, with your suggestions!
1. Horatio Caine and Kim Delaney's ill-fated character on CSI Miami: I mean, seriously are there any two people/characters with less chemistry? It was horrible just trying to sit through an episode. I flinched every time they were on screen together.
2. Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker (Star Wars and Empire Strikes Back): Eeew. Incest much? Fortunately that all seemed to stop once he figured out that was his SISTER he was kissing!
3. Ben Affleck and J. Lo's characters from Gigli: Stacy G. again. I have to admit that I haven't seen this movie. Can't even part with the $3.95 to rent it. But if all that has been said is true, I would say they deserve to be on this list.
4....Email me with your suggestions. sklemstein@msn.com
Talk to you tomorrow!
Saturday, February 14, 2004
I've been remiss in keeping my journal updated this week, I know! But I'm back...And in honor of Valentine's Day, I'm creating another list, Favorite Fictional Couples! (I've got the movie Never Been Kissed on in the other room. For those who have seen the movie, then you know where I got my inspiration from.
So, in no particular order...
1. Samantha Carter and Jack O'Neill (Stargate SG-1): Yes, it's against the rules and therefore, kept quiet, but darn it, if that doesn't make it even more interesting to watch. Plus, Carter is one smart, beautiful and kick-butt heroine, all the better to root for her!
2. Buffy and Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer): Gotta love love between a vampire slayer and a vampire.
3. Anita Blake and Jean-Claude (Anita Blake mystery series): Same as above. But Jean-Claude is perhaps a little darker than our vampire with a soul, and that makes him even more fascinating.
3. Scully and Mulder: Okay, I know they never officially were a couple, but you get the idea...
4. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice): Was there ever a sexier, crabby guy in literature? Well, maybe Heathcliffe.
5. Max and Liz (Roswell): Coming to DVD next week!
6. Baby and Johnny (Dirty Dancing): Yes, I am revealing my age and my sentimentality with this one! Okay, who, as a teenager, wouldn't want a handsome, older dance instructor to take a special interest in her? Plus, Patrick Swayze's back muscles! (Remember, Becky and Julie? Probably Ed is rolling his eyes at this, if he's even made it this far down the list.)
7. Arwen and Arragorn (Lord of the Rings, the movies): I confess, I haven't read these books, but the scenes involving their relationship, especially in this last movie, were enough to make me teary.
8. Han Solo and Princess Leia (Star Wars, esp. Empire Strikes Back): HS: "We don't have time to run this past a committee." PL: "I am not a committee!" I love the dialogue between the two of them, especially in Empire Strikes Back. Is there any better example of snappy exchanges and sharp-tongued insults (nerfherder!) hiding such love? It was as much fun to watch them argue as it was to see them get together in the end.
9. Danielle and Henri (Ever After): Okay, I know this is a a total chick flick and Drew Barrymore's accent is occasionally questionable. But I can't help it! Who could not love the idea of being a spunky heroine and still getting the prince? Plus, marrying into royalty...usually a good move, when possible.
10. Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese (Terminator): A man sent back through time to save the woman he's loved for his whole life even though he's never met her before--oh, I feel my tear ducts filling even as I write. The third movie in this series came out this summer and while some scoff at the impossible physics shown in the movie (Ed!), I loved the new actor playing John Connor, the son of Kyle and Sarah. He looked so much like the actor who played Kyle Reese, and he and Clare Danes looked great together. But, now with the Terminator serving as Governor, it doesn't look like the 4th movie that they were all contracted for will be possible : (
11. Claire and Jamie (Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series): Though I haven't finished reading the series, the first book is definitely the best of those I have read. Again, a man and woman separated by centuries fall in love. But it's more than your average romance novel. It's a historical novel with action, adventure, time travel and romance all blended together. Trust me, I'm not a fan of the average romance novel.
12. Sara and Grissom (CSI): Okay, nothing has ever happened between them. But we can keep on hoping. That scene a few weeks ago in the episode where the nurse was killed. And Grissom, in trying to get the doctor to confess, talks about Sara, and how he missed his chance with her. But, of course, Sara is listening, so we don't know how this will turn out! *Sigh*
Think of any I missed? I'm sure there are some. Send me an email: sklemstein@msn.com
Happy Valentine's Day!
Talk to you tomorrow.
So, in no particular order...
1. Samantha Carter and Jack O'Neill (Stargate SG-1): Yes, it's against the rules and therefore, kept quiet, but darn it, if that doesn't make it even more interesting to watch. Plus, Carter is one smart, beautiful and kick-butt heroine, all the better to root for her!
2. Buffy and Angel (Buffy the Vampire Slayer): Gotta love love between a vampire slayer and a vampire.
3. Anita Blake and Jean-Claude (Anita Blake mystery series): Same as above. But Jean-Claude is perhaps a little darker than our vampire with a soul, and that makes him even more fascinating.
3. Scully and Mulder: Okay, I know they never officially were a couple, but you get the idea...
4. Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy (Pride and Prejudice): Was there ever a sexier, crabby guy in literature? Well, maybe Heathcliffe.
5. Max and Liz (Roswell): Coming to DVD next week!
6. Baby and Johnny (Dirty Dancing): Yes, I am revealing my age and my sentimentality with this one! Okay, who, as a teenager, wouldn't want a handsome, older dance instructor to take a special interest in her? Plus, Patrick Swayze's back muscles! (Remember, Becky and Julie? Probably Ed is rolling his eyes at this, if he's even made it this far down the list.)
7. Arwen and Arragorn (Lord of the Rings, the movies): I confess, I haven't read these books, but the scenes involving their relationship, especially in this last movie, were enough to make me teary.
8. Han Solo and Princess Leia (Star Wars, esp. Empire Strikes Back): HS: "We don't have time to run this past a committee." PL: "I am not a committee!" I love the dialogue between the two of them, especially in Empire Strikes Back. Is there any better example of snappy exchanges and sharp-tongued insults (nerfherder!) hiding such love? It was as much fun to watch them argue as it was to see them get together in the end.
9. Danielle and Henri (Ever After): Okay, I know this is a a total chick flick and Drew Barrymore's accent is occasionally questionable. But I can't help it! Who could not love the idea of being a spunky heroine and still getting the prince? Plus, marrying into royalty...usually a good move, when possible.
10. Sarah Connor and Kyle Reese (Terminator): A man sent back through time to save the woman he's loved for his whole life even though he's never met her before--oh, I feel my tear ducts filling even as I write. The third movie in this series came out this summer and while some scoff at the impossible physics shown in the movie (Ed!), I loved the new actor playing John Connor, the son of Kyle and Sarah. He looked so much like the actor who played Kyle Reese, and he and Clare Danes looked great together. But, now with the Terminator serving as Governor, it doesn't look like the 4th movie that they were all contracted for will be possible : (
11. Claire and Jamie (Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series): Though I haven't finished reading the series, the first book is definitely the best of those I have read. Again, a man and woman separated by centuries fall in love. But it's more than your average romance novel. It's a historical novel with action, adventure, time travel and romance all blended together. Trust me, I'm not a fan of the average romance novel.
12. Sara and Grissom (CSI): Okay, nothing has ever happened between them. But we can keep on hoping. That scene a few weeks ago in the episode where the nurse was killed. And Grissom, in trying to get the doctor to confess, talks about Sara, and how he missed his chance with her. But, of course, Sara is listening, so we don't know how this will turn out! *Sigh*
Think of any I missed? I'm sure there are some. Send me an email: sklemstein@msn.com
Happy Valentine's Day!
Talk to you tomorrow.
Thursday, February 12, 2004
On an un-related note, I'd like to respond to Ed's blog about blabberitis with a similiar disease that I've discovered in married men. It's called "deleteitis." Symptoms include: a convulsion in the index finger over the "delete" button when their wife's voice is heard on the answering machine or voice mail. Many, many messages are lost, along with the valuable time of the wife in leaving said detailed message, to the husband's deleteitis. Not to mention the aggravation of the wife's condition (exasperationitis, leading to complete loss of sense of humor) when she is forced to repeat herself all over again when husband returns the call asking, "What did you want?"
To quote Ghostbusters, the best movie of all time: Venkman: "We need to get these two together." Eagon: "That could be highly dangerous." : ) Wives don't need to leave shorter messages; men need to listen longer!
Talk to you tomorrow!
To quote Ghostbusters, the best movie of all time: Venkman: "We need to get these two together." Eagon: "That could be highly dangerous." : ) Wives don't need to leave shorter messages; men need to listen longer!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Okay, so here it is Part Two of the Publishing Process...
4. Request for a Partial. Once an agent or editor gets your query letter, if they like it, they will write you back to ask for a partial. A partial is usually the first three chapters of the novel, or up to 50 pages. Which means, you have to panic and then polish the first three chapters immediately because it may have been months since you last looked at them since you've been more focused on the ending! An agent/editor can take anywhere from a week to month or more to consider a partial. I've had some of them get back to me within days of receiving my partial. I've had others that I'd already given up on write me to ask for more.
5. Request for full manuscript. This is also known as submitting a manuscript, not to be confused with querying. In the beginning, I thought the two terms meant the same thing. So, I would see agents/publishing companies that requested "no unsolicited submissions." But they meant, "don't send me the manuscript unless I ask for it. But query letters are okay." This is where a lot of time is needed. Usually, 6 -8 weeks are required for agencies/publishing companies to make their decisions.
6. A contract! If the agent/editor likes your book, they will usually call to discuss the possibility of a contract. I've heard that some agents don't require a contract until they sell your book. However, I don't have an agent, so I'm not sure about that.
A note on contracts: contracts should never require you to pay any fees, except possibly photocopying and mailing expenses for an agent. Any publishing company that wants to charge you a fee for publishing your book or for editing your book is a subsidy press. Which is exactly what it sounds like, you are subsidizing the cost of printing your book. Which you could do through iuniverse or xlibris. You don't need them for that.
An agent that charges fees for reading your book could simply be making money on reading books for fees rather than selling the books to publishing companies. So you have to make sure you know what you're getting into.
6. After the contract. I don't know yet, but I hope to find out very soon!
Talk to you tomorrow!
4. Request for a Partial. Once an agent or editor gets your query letter, if they like it, they will write you back to ask for a partial. A partial is usually the first three chapters of the novel, or up to 50 pages. Which means, you have to panic and then polish the first three chapters immediately because it may have been months since you last looked at them since you've been more focused on the ending! An agent/editor can take anywhere from a week to month or more to consider a partial. I've had some of them get back to me within days of receiving my partial. I've had others that I'd already given up on write me to ask for more.
5. Request for full manuscript. This is also known as submitting a manuscript, not to be confused with querying. In the beginning, I thought the two terms meant the same thing. So, I would see agents/publishing companies that requested "no unsolicited submissions." But they meant, "don't send me the manuscript unless I ask for it. But query letters are okay." This is where a lot of time is needed. Usually, 6 -8 weeks are required for agencies/publishing companies to make their decisions.
6. A contract! If the agent/editor likes your book, they will usually call to discuss the possibility of a contract. I've heard that some agents don't require a contract until they sell your book. However, I don't have an agent, so I'm not sure about that.
A note on contracts: contracts should never require you to pay any fees, except possibly photocopying and mailing expenses for an agent. Any publishing company that wants to charge you a fee for publishing your book or for editing your book is a subsidy press. Which is exactly what it sounds like, you are subsidizing the cost of printing your book. Which you could do through iuniverse or xlibris. You don't need them for that.
An agent that charges fees for reading your book could simply be making money on reading books for fees rather than selling the books to publishing companies. So you have to make sure you know what you're getting into.
6. After the contract. I don't know yet, but I hope to find out very soon!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Tuesday, February 10, 2004
So, I'm still waiting to hear from the publishing companies considering my book. I think that's the hardest part, waiting. Isn't that a Tom Petty song?
In a world of service 24 hours a day, instant communication and on-demand everything, we've become a society of instant gratification. And I'm definitely one of the guilty. I want what I want when I want it, the mantra of generation X, possibly. But publishing doesn't work that way. People always look at me funny when I'm explaining that, even after three long months, I'm still waiting to hear an answer from xyz company or abc agent, and even if they say yes, it could be a year more until publication. (Though, I do think it is infinitely better to be waiting for an answer than to be in that awful period where you've heard back from everyone and they've all said no. Fortunately, another batch of query letters usually solves that!)
You can't rush publishing. The process is long and sometimes trying, only to result in rejection about 99 times out of 100. But everyone keeps going back for more--I'm also one of the guilty there as well! You have to keep trying because someone liking your book and wanting to publish it is much like someone seeing your book on the shelf and wanting to buy it. You certainly don't like every book on the shelf, probably not every book in your favorite genre and maybe not even every book by your favorite author. So publishers definitely have a tough row to hoe, as they say (publishers don't say that, at least as far as I know. The universal "they" says that.)
So as part of my little conversation with myself and whoever else is out there and wants to read along, I thought I'd give you a rough outline of the publishing process, or at least as far as I've gotten in it!
Part One
1. Finish the book. In fiction, at least, you have to have the novel completed before anyone will even consider you. If you're a big bestselling author, this may not be true. If you're really a big bestselling author, will you read my book and give me a blurb? : )
For non-fiction, you can usually have just the outline (more on that in a moment) and the first three chapters done.
Some writers I've met claim that they write the first three chapters on their novels and then send it out and quick write the rest when they get a positive response. If that works for you, great. But I like to sleep at night and eat without throwing up from the stress of writing under that kind of pressure. (Imagine, if they like the first three chapters, how do you know the rest of the book would be up to the same level? If they eventually say no, would you torture yourself wondering, what if you'd only allowed yourself more time to write the rest of the book? Or, what if you can't write and perfect 200 plus pages in 7 days? *shudder* I'd rather not find out).
2. Write a query letter and synopis/outline. This is another hard part. I love writing fiction, no one said anything about letters and summaries. A query is a short letter, one page or less, that you send to an agent or editor to captivate their attention enough for them to request more. Again, my feeling on this is that you wrote a novel because you aren't good at cramming things into small spaces. Otherwise, you'd have written a short story! And these editors/agents get hundreds of these suckers every day, so you have got to get their attention from the get-go but in a classy, professional and creative way. Sounds like a lot for one little letter, right? Tell me about it.
The query letter contains a brief summary of the story (you know the one you just wrote 300 pages about? Make it into one paragraph), a paragraph about your writing credentials, and other interesting things that might make someone interested in your book, awards it has won, your day job, etc.
I had such a terrible time writing my first query letter. Maybe I'll devote a blog to it later this week, so other writers can learn from my mistakes!
An outline or synopsis is essentially a summary of your story in five pages or less. Again, you might say, if the details weren't important to the story, I'd have left them out. But here's the catch with a synopsis, you have to leave huge amounts of things out. Your heroine has green eyes because green is the color of fertility and her mother's name was jade, etc. Nope, not going to make the summary, no matter how many hours you spent deliberating those details. The fact that your heroine falls in love with a convicted murder, wrongly accused of course, and flees the country with him to set up a dog grooming shop in France--that will probably make it. A synopsis is a high level summary, like what you do when you're giving a friend a report on the latest movie or episode of Friends (yes, I confess I do still watch the reruns, where Ross was still lovable and geeky cool.) He went there, did this, came back, found her doing this, etc.
3. Target the right agents/editors. Writer's Market is probably the best place for information like this. You're looking for companies and/or agents that deal with your kind of book. Each company or agent has a listing, explaining what they want and what types of books they handle. And there are lots of them. So, you take the time to research all of them and figure out which ones have sold or bought your kind of books. And just because they handle romance doesn't mean they handle the kind of romance you've written. And the same is true for all genres. There are so many subcategories to fall into. And agents/editors have so many manuscripts coming to them daily, they can afford to say, "I only want romance with a heroine under 22, virginal, where the seduction takes place on a boat at high sea. And the hero is a swashbuckling captain." Okay, not quite that specific, but pretty darn close! So you have to pay attention and do some extra research, go online, check out books that share a similarity to yours from the library to find out who represented them (usually listed on the acknowledgements page of any book), etc.
The best rejection letter I ever got came from an agent that I wrote to simply because he represented a book that I liked and felt shared some similarities to mine. And I wrote to him and told him those similarities (strong heroine with unique powers, etc.) and he requested the first few chapters. Eventually, he said no, but he wrote me back a very long personal letter, telling me everything that was wrong with my manuscript, or the part he'd read anyway. And I sulked for a few days (more like, weeks) and then finally realized he was right. I made changes to my manuscript and sent it out again.
So, finding the right agents/editors takes time. It's best if you can meet them in person or find a connection, like your book is like one they've represented.
Part Two of the Publishing Process tomorrow....Talk to you then.
In a world of service 24 hours a day, instant communication and on-demand everything, we've become a society of instant gratification. And I'm definitely one of the guilty. I want what I want when I want it, the mantra of generation X, possibly. But publishing doesn't work that way. People always look at me funny when I'm explaining that, even after three long months, I'm still waiting to hear an answer from xyz company or abc agent, and even if they say yes, it could be a year more until publication. (Though, I do think it is infinitely better to be waiting for an answer than to be in that awful period where you've heard back from everyone and they've all said no. Fortunately, another batch of query letters usually solves that!)
You can't rush publishing. The process is long and sometimes trying, only to result in rejection about 99 times out of 100. But everyone keeps going back for more--I'm also one of the guilty there as well! You have to keep trying because someone liking your book and wanting to publish it is much like someone seeing your book on the shelf and wanting to buy it. You certainly don't like every book on the shelf, probably not every book in your favorite genre and maybe not even every book by your favorite author. So publishers definitely have a tough row to hoe, as they say (publishers don't say that, at least as far as I know. The universal "they" says that.)
So as part of my little conversation with myself and whoever else is out there and wants to read along, I thought I'd give you a rough outline of the publishing process, or at least as far as I've gotten in it!
Part One
1. Finish the book. In fiction, at least, you have to have the novel completed before anyone will even consider you. If you're a big bestselling author, this may not be true. If you're really a big bestselling author, will you read my book and give me a blurb? : )
For non-fiction, you can usually have just the outline (more on that in a moment) and the first three chapters done.
Some writers I've met claim that they write the first three chapters on their novels and then send it out and quick write the rest when they get a positive response. If that works for you, great. But I like to sleep at night and eat without throwing up from the stress of writing under that kind of pressure. (Imagine, if they like the first three chapters, how do you know the rest of the book would be up to the same level? If they eventually say no, would you torture yourself wondering, what if you'd only allowed yourself more time to write the rest of the book? Or, what if you can't write and perfect 200 plus pages in 7 days? *shudder* I'd rather not find out).
2. Write a query letter and synopis/outline. This is another hard part. I love writing fiction, no one said anything about letters and summaries. A query is a short letter, one page or less, that you send to an agent or editor to captivate their attention enough for them to request more. Again, my feeling on this is that you wrote a novel because you aren't good at cramming things into small spaces. Otherwise, you'd have written a short story! And these editors/agents get hundreds of these suckers every day, so you have got to get their attention from the get-go but in a classy, professional and creative way. Sounds like a lot for one little letter, right? Tell me about it.
The query letter contains a brief summary of the story (you know the one you just wrote 300 pages about? Make it into one paragraph), a paragraph about your writing credentials, and other interesting things that might make someone interested in your book, awards it has won, your day job, etc.
I had such a terrible time writing my first query letter. Maybe I'll devote a blog to it later this week, so other writers can learn from my mistakes!
An outline or synopsis is essentially a summary of your story in five pages or less. Again, you might say, if the details weren't important to the story, I'd have left them out. But here's the catch with a synopsis, you have to leave huge amounts of things out. Your heroine has green eyes because green is the color of fertility and her mother's name was jade, etc. Nope, not going to make the summary, no matter how many hours you spent deliberating those details. The fact that your heroine falls in love with a convicted murder, wrongly accused of course, and flees the country with him to set up a dog grooming shop in France--that will probably make it. A synopsis is a high level summary, like what you do when you're giving a friend a report on the latest movie or episode of Friends (yes, I confess I do still watch the reruns, where Ross was still lovable and geeky cool.) He went there, did this, came back, found her doing this, etc.
3. Target the right agents/editors. Writer's Market is probably the best place for information like this. You're looking for companies and/or agents that deal with your kind of book. Each company or agent has a listing, explaining what they want and what types of books they handle. And there are lots of them. So, you take the time to research all of them and figure out which ones have sold or bought your kind of books. And just because they handle romance doesn't mean they handle the kind of romance you've written. And the same is true for all genres. There are so many subcategories to fall into. And agents/editors have so many manuscripts coming to them daily, they can afford to say, "I only want romance with a heroine under 22, virginal, where the seduction takes place on a boat at high sea. And the hero is a swashbuckling captain." Okay, not quite that specific, but pretty darn close! So you have to pay attention and do some extra research, go online, check out books that share a similarity to yours from the library to find out who represented them (usually listed on the acknowledgements page of any book), etc.
The best rejection letter I ever got came from an agent that I wrote to simply because he represented a book that I liked and felt shared some similarities to mine. And I wrote to him and told him those similarities (strong heroine with unique powers, etc.) and he requested the first few chapters. Eventually, he said no, but he wrote me back a very long personal letter, telling me everything that was wrong with my manuscript, or the part he'd read anyway. And I sulked for a few days (more like, weeks) and then finally realized he was right. I made changes to my manuscript and sent it out again.
So, finding the right agents/editors takes time. It's best if you can meet them in person or find a connection, like your book is like one they've represented.
Part Two of the Publishing Process tomorrow....Talk to you then.
Monday, February 09, 2004
I know I said I would talk about the marketing theme today. But we had another corporate brouhaha today. Mild as brouhahas go, I guess. But still, as a friend said, "For a moment, there I was afraid we were trapped in the movie Office Space." That movie should be required viewing for all those who feel they must enter the corporate work force. Problem is, no one would believe how close to the truth it actually is until you work for one and by then...it's too late.
So, I guess, I'm not really in the mood to talk about marketing. Plus, I would kind of like to wait to roll that out until I have my instructor's final comments.
Instead, I'm going to try something new. I'm going to do a list. I like lists, though I have to admit, I rarely write them down. I just sort of note things in my head as I go. So, like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music, here's a list of my favorite sensations (and keep your mind out of the gutter. It's not like that!) in no particular order.
1. Clean sheets. I love the smell and feel of clean sheets when you climb into bed that first night. Nothing makes the world feel safer than that.
2. Warm rain on a spring or summer day. Not the downpour, but the kind that gets your clothes wet and you don't really mind.
3. My dogs' ears. They have the softest fur on their ears, like rabbits, which is ironic, given that they are greyhounds.
4. The smell of a bookstore (does smell count as a sensation? I say it does.) The blending together of fresh paper, ink, coffee and whatever else it is that always signals to me a sense of coming home and excitement of starting some kind of unknown journey.
5. The smell of a church. Warm candle wax, the smell of burned out matches, floor polish, faint scent of perfumes blending together. It's the smell of safety, of peace.
6. Snow falling at night. When it snows, there's this strange hush in the air, which is only amplified when it happens at night. I don't know what it is, but it feels almost otherworldly, especially combined with the beauty of the independent flakes floating down, like the thinnest slivers of diamond or glass.
7.Freshly cut sawdust. My grandpa made all kinds of things out of wood. Little animals, papertowel holders, my toy chest. And the smell of sawdust reminds me of him for the same reason that flannel shirts and Old Spice do too. I think it's Old Spice. That's what my grandma says anyway. All I know is that sometimes, I round the corner somewhere and smell that cologne and instantly, I'm looking for my grandpa, even though I know he's gone.
8. Covergirl face powder. My mom wore this kind of powder when I was a kid, so now whenever I smell that powder, it always means Mom to me.
9. My dad's laugh. Does the urge to win approval ever go away? I love hearing my dad's laugh because it means, usually, I'm being funny. And man, he's a tough crowd, so it doesn't happen as often as you'd think.
10. My husband's voice on the phone. Because no matter how crappy my day is or how confusing things get, it's always comforting to know that I'm not in this alone.
So, that's it. Boy, you do really give something of yourself away when you write! If you have a list like this that involves other people, like mine does, make sure you let them know how much they mean to you. Have a good night.
Talk to you tomorrow.
So, I guess, I'm not really in the mood to talk about marketing. Plus, I would kind of like to wait to roll that out until I have my instructor's final comments.
Instead, I'm going to try something new. I'm going to do a list. I like lists, though I have to admit, I rarely write them down. I just sort of note things in my head as I go. So, like Julie Andrews in the Sound of Music, here's a list of my favorite sensations (and keep your mind out of the gutter. It's not like that!) in no particular order.
1. Clean sheets. I love the smell and feel of clean sheets when you climb into bed that first night. Nothing makes the world feel safer than that.
2. Warm rain on a spring or summer day. Not the downpour, but the kind that gets your clothes wet and you don't really mind.
3. My dogs' ears. They have the softest fur on their ears, like rabbits, which is ironic, given that they are greyhounds.
4. The smell of a bookstore (does smell count as a sensation? I say it does.) The blending together of fresh paper, ink, coffee and whatever else it is that always signals to me a sense of coming home and excitement of starting some kind of unknown journey.
5. The smell of a church. Warm candle wax, the smell of burned out matches, floor polish, faint scent of perfumes blending together. It's the smell of safety, of peace.
6. Snow falling at night. When it snows, there's this strange hush in the air, which is only amplified when it happens at night. I don't know what it is, but it feels almost otherworldly, especially combined with the beauty of the independent flakes floating down, like the thinnest slivers of diamond or glass.
7.Freshly cut sawdust. My grandpa made all kinds of things out of wood. Little animals, papertowel holders, my toy chest. And the smell of sawdust reminds me of him for the same reason that flannel shirts and Old Spice do too. I think it's Old Spice. That's what my grandma says anyway. All I know is that sometimes, I round the corner somewhere and smell that cologne and instantly, I'm looking for my grandpa, even though I know he's gone.
8. Covergirl face powder. My mom wore this kind of powder when I was a kid, so now whenever I smell that powder, it always means Mom to me.
9. My dad's laugh. Does the urge to win approval ever go away? I love hearing my dad's laugh because it means, usually, I'm being funny. And man, he's a tough crowd, so it doesn't happen as often as you'd think.
10. My husband's voice on the phone. Because no matter how crappy my day is or how confusing things get, it's always comforting to know that I'm not in this alone.
So, that's it. Boy, you do really give something of yourself away when you write! If you have a list like this that involves other people, like mine does, make sure you let them know how much they mean to you. Have a good night.
Talk to you tomorrow.
Sunday, February 08, 2004
Okay, I missed yesterday. Sorry! Saturday around my house is always a little slower than the rest of the week. It's like after all the frenetic activity from Monday through Friday, we become sloths on Saturday. Or at least, I do!
Which reminds me. I finally get the whole Hugh Hefner pajama thing. Not why he wears them--eew. But the whole pajama-wearing feeling. This sounds bizarre, I know, but stick with me on this one. Okay, pajamas are usually the most comfortable piece of clothing that you own, right? Well, never in my life have I ever spent the whole day in my pajamas (excepting a bout of flu here and there, and even then, I think I got up and put sweat pants on.) When I was a kid, we'd wait until the last possible second to change into our clothes on Saturday mornings. But inevitably we'd scramble to get dressed before our dad got home to bust us, still in pjs and watching cartoons at 11:30 in the morning.
And then came high school, where you couldn't possibly take the chance that someone might come by your house or even drive by the window and glimpse you still without your make-up and your hair flat and unsprayed (hey, I went to high school in the late eighties, early ninties. Bigger hair was better hair. Aqua net loved us!) And college, yep, we rolled out of bed without showering (remember, the 90's were grunge!), but it was always to get dressed for class or get food at Jesters (the cafeteria in the student union, weird name, huh?) And now as a member of the working class, I still trade in my khakis at the end of the day for a pair of jeans, instead of nice soft flannel pajamas.
Okay, what's my point? I've discovered that I love spending the day in my pajamas. It's sinful, an indulgence. I love going out to the mailbox with my coat over my pjs to retrieve or put out the mail. I'm announcing to my neighborhood--yes, I am a sloth on Saturdays and you can't shame me into changing my clothes! I am a writer who cares more about spending time behind her computer than personal hygiene (okay, not really. But it may look like that if you see me early enough on a Saturday morning). I think it's great when people call and say stuff like, wow, I can't believe how cold it is outside. And I can say, huh, I wouldn't know. I haven't been outside today!
It's such a luxury, not to have to go anywhere. To quote Ferris Bueller, "I highly recommend it." I can't remember what part of the movie that's from, I think he's talking about the car they're stealing, but the quote still applies.
So, everyone, stand up for your rights. Turn down some of those Saturday activities every once in awhile and spend the day in your pajamas. Don't reseed your lawn, don't shovel your driveway (especially not in the same season), lounge on your couch and watch old Star Trek episodes with the family. Or, fine, clean out your closet, but do it wearing your pajamas! Live the life of the privileged (or possibly, unemployed) for one day!
Okay, that's it : ) Though, I feel I should have a disclaimer on this to say, that I am in no way trying to imply that unemployed people sit on their sofa all day. I would, probably, for the first week or so, at least. Which is why it's good that I'm still employed (at least as far as I know.)
Coming tomorrow...my book marketing theme, developed in my class! I'm very excited about this.
Talk to you tomorrow!
This blog is intended to convey humor, not social commentary. All offended parties must fill out forms stating their complaint in triplicate and turn them into the Department of Motor Vehicles. (Cause that would really make their day)
Which reminds me. I finally get the whole Hugh Hefner pajama thing. Not why he wears them--eew. But the whole pajama-wearing feeling. This sounds bizarre, I know, but stick with me on this one. Okay, pajamas are usually the most comfortable piece of clothing that you own, right? Well, never in my life have I ever spent the whole day in my pajamas (excepting a bout of flu here and there, and even then, I think I got up and put sweat pants on.) When I was a kid, we'd wait until the last possible second to change into our clothes on Saturday mornings. But inevitably we'd scramble to get dressed before our dad got home to bust us, still in pjs and watching cartoons at 11:30 in the morning.
And then came high school, where you couldn't possibly take the chance that someone might come by your house or even drive by the window and glimpse you still without your make-up and your hair flat and unsprayed (hey, I went to high school in the late eighties, early ninties. Bigger hair was better hair. Aqua net loved us!) And college, yep, we rolled out of bed without showering (remember, the 90's were grunge!), but it was always to get dressed for class or get food at Jesters (the cafeteria in the student union, weird name, huh?) And now as a member of the working class, I still trade in my khakis at the end of the day for a pair of jeans, instead of nice soft flannel pajamas.
Okay, what's my point? I've discovered that I love spending the day in my pajamas. It's sinful, an indulgence. I love going out to the mailbox with my coat over my pjs to retrieve or put out the mail. I'm announcing to my neighborhood--yes, I am a sloth on Saturdays and you can't shame me into changing my clothes! I am a writer who cares more about spending time behind her computer than personal hygiene (okay, not really. But it may look like that if you see me early enough on a Saturday morning). I think it's great when people call and say stuff like, wow, I can't believe how cold it is outside. And I can say, huh, I wouldn't know. I haven't been outside today!
It's such a luxury, not to have to go anywhere. To quote Ferris Bueller, "I highly recommend it." I can't remember what part of the movie that's from, I think he's talking about the car they're stealing, but the quote still applies.
So, everyone, stand up for your rights. Turn down some of those Saturday activities every once in awhile and spend the day in your pajamas. Don't reseed your lawn, don't shovel your driveway (especially not in the same season), lounge on your couch and watch old Star Trek episodes with the family. Or, fine, clean out your closet, but do it wearing your pajamas! Live the life of the privileged (or possibly, unemployed) for one day!
Okay, that's it : ) Though, I feel I should have a disclaimer on this to say, that I am in no way trying to imply that unemployed people sit on their sofa all day. I would, probably, for the first week or so, at least. Which is why it's good that I'm still employed (at least as far as I know.)
Coming tomorrow...my book marketing theme, developed in my class! I'm very excited about this.
Talk to you tomorrow!
This blog is intended to convey humor, not social commentary. All offended parties must fill out forms stating their complaint in triplicate and turn them into the Department of Motor Vehicles. (Cause that would really make their day)
Friday, February 06, 2004
I was on my way home from work today and saw a school bus full of kids headed somewhere, probably a field trip or some kind of band/sporting event. And seeing that, it was weird. I was never one for high school...at all. Yet, seeing the school bus sort of tugged at me, reminded me of that school smell on the bus, diesel fumes, old food, and vinyl seats heated by the sun. Well, not on a day like today, I guess. But still, I felt oddly nostalgic about a period that I'd pretty much hated with great intensity.
But high school I think is great fodder for writing. It's a society contained within itself. The upper class, the popular kids, the middle class, the ones that get along everywhere and the lowest rung, those that don't belong anywhere (the ones that are probably software millionaires, convicts or writers now : ) ) At some point, I'd love to write something set in a high school. There's so much drama there on a daily basis. Love, hate, angst, jealousy, all crammed into a bunch of hormone-filled teenagers locked together in a single building for seven or eight hours. Is it any wonder that high school is so traumatic?
Here's the thing I think is interesting--as I was thinking about writing about high school, it occurred to me that I would have to make a choice about whether I would write this story (whatever it is) for adults or teens. The stuff set in high school for adults is usually more graphic, the grittier side of that age. Drinking, smoking, abusive parents, sex in the eraser room (we didn't actually have one of those at my high school, so it was probably in the parking lot.) But the stuff written for teens is cleaned up, purified, all about who's asking who to the dance, whether susie will win a spot on student council, etc. If there's sex, it happens off screen. If there's drinking, drugs, etc, the person doing so is inevitably redeemed in some fashion in the end.
This is an exaggeration, of course, on both sides of things. But truly, it seems that most of the books written for teens sort of gloss over the problems and/or resolve problems in the end quite satisfactorily. I am NOT a proponent of giving teens the gritty side of life, even in fiction. They have enough to deal with. But they are the ones who are living that life. It's seems sort of weird to try to hide a fictionalized version of it from the people who are living it, doesn't it? I wonder if this is why so many teens move from reading teen books to adult books at this age. Reality just doesn't match up. I know I was reading Stephen King in 6th or 7th grade. And my younger sister, much younger!, is reading Nora Roberts now, as freshman in high school.
This is just some stuff I was thinking about...no rant or rave here : )
Ed, if you're reading this, I loved the comment in your blog today about the weatherman sent out into the hurricane.
Check out Ed's blog here. He's very funny! http://www.chrispy.net/~brown/blogger.html
Talk to you tomorrow.
But high school I think is great fodder for writing. It's a society contained within itself. The upper class, the popular kids, the middle class, the ones that get along everywhere and the lowest rung, those that don't belong anywhere (the ones that are probably software millionaires, convicts or writers now : ) ) At some point, I'd love to write something set in a high school. There's so much drama there on a daily basis. Love, hate, angst, jealousy, all crammed into a bunch of hormone-filled teenagers locked together in a single building for seven or eight hours. Is it any wonder that high school is so traumatic?
Here's the thing I think is interesting--as I was thinking about writing about high school, it occurred to me that I would have to make a choice about whether I would write this story (whatever it is) for adults or teens. The stuff set in high school for adults is usually more graphic, the grittier side of that age. Drinking, smoking, abusive parents, sex in the eraser room (we didn't actually have one of those at my high school, so it was probably in the parking lot.) But the stuff written for teens is cleaned up, purified, all about who's asking who to the dance, whether susie will win a spot on student council, etc. If there's sex, it happens off screen. If there's drinking, drugs, etc, the person doing so is inevitably redeemed in some fashion in the end.
This is an exaggeration, of course, on both sides of things. But truly, it seems that most of the books written for teens sort of gloss over the problems and/or resolve problems in the end quite satisfactorily. I am NOT a proponent of giving teens the gritty side of life, even in fiction. They have enough to deal with. But they are the ones who are living that life. It's seems sort of weird to try to hide a fictionalized version of it from the people who are living it, doesn't it? I wonder if this is why so many teens move from reading teen books to adult books at this age. Reality just doesn't match up. I know I was reading Stephen King in 6th or 7th grade. And my younger sister, much younger!, is reading Nora Roberts now, as freshman in high school.
This is just some stuff I was thinking about...no rant or rave here : )
Ed, if you're reading this, I loved the comment in your blog today about the weatherman sent out into the hurricane.
Check out Ed's blog here. He's very funny! http://www.chrispy.net/~brown/blogger.html
Talk to you tomorrow.
Thursday, February 05, 2004
Good news! My creative writing class has been picked up by the Bloomingdale Park District. I will be teaching a 6-week session, starting Tuesday, June 15, 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
We'll be covering the basics of short story and novel writing, including topics like dialogue, plot, creating believable characters, and more. Tell anyone you think might be interested. The cost is $50 for residents and I think $55 for non-residents. The class will be listed at www.bloomingdaleparks.org once the new catalogue comes out in April. Email me with questions.
I'm thinking of testing out some lesson plans here. Posting some exercises or discussion topics. If anyone's interested in being a guinea pig, let me know or feel free to play along at home.
Class assignment still isn't done. Too much going on at work today to squeeze it in.
Another fun website for you to try. www.starfreighter.com Linnea Sinclair is a sci-fi romance author like me, but she writes these great space operas. For those who haven't heard the term, Star Wars is considered a space opera. Good guys vs. bad guys in space ships, usually. But her attention to detail is phenomenal and she's really into the "world" she has created. Goes to my theory that all good writers live in their own universe, most of the time : ) They have to in order to do the job well!
Talk to you tomorrow!
We'll be covering the basics of short story and novel writing, including topics like dialogue, plot, creating believable characters, and more. Tell anyone you think might be interested. The cost is $50 for residents and I think $55 for non-residents. The class will be listed at www.bloomingdaleparks.org once the new catalogue comes out in April. Email me with questions.
I'm thinking of testing out some lesson plans here. Posting some exercises or discussion topics. If anyone's interested in being a guinea pig, let me know or feel free to play along at home.
Class assignment still isn't done. Too much going on at work today to squeeze it in.
Another fun website for you to try. www.starfreighter.com Linnea Sinclair is a sci-fi romance author like me, but she writes these great space operas. For those who haven't heard the term, Star Wars is considered a space opera. Good guys vs. bad guys in space ships, usually. But her attention to detail is phenomenal and she's really into the "world" she has created. Goes to my theory that all good writers live in their own universe, most of the time : ) They have to in order to do the job well!
Talk to you tomorrow!
Wednesday, February 04, 2004
A couple of quick things...
Check out http://www.csidrinkinggame.com for more rules and info on what I wrote about yesterday. Thanks to Ed for finding the site. And they are missing a couple of the ones I mentioned yesterday. Ed, you should email them with your suggestions!
My final assignment for my book publicity class is due this week, so time is a little short. I'll be glad when it's done, but I've learned a lot. Hence, my new email signature...Stacey Klemstein http://www.staceyklemstein.com Author of THE SILVER SPOON--"Everyone has bad days, but for Zara Mitchell that means someone's trying to kill her and she's lusting after an alien. And that's just Friday."
Bet I can't get away with that one at work!
Another excellent writer's site to check out is Kelley Armstrong http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com. I love her books and she's very accessible, posting a novella for fans to read and taking comments. She actually responded to an email I sent personally.
I'm thinking about writing a prequel to The Silver Spoon, to post as a novella on my site. Course, the book has to be published first, in order for a prequel to really make sense! And no news on that front yet.
I haven't heard from the Park District yet, so I will be following up with them tomorrow.
That's it for tonight. More writing-related stuff tomorrow.
Talk to you tomorrow! (uh-oh, three "tomorrows" in three consecutive sentences. Bad, bad writer! I'm fighting the urge to remove one or more of them!)
Check out http://www.csidrinkinggame.com for more rules and info on what I wrote about yesterday. Thanks to Ed for finding the site. And they are missing a couple of the ones I mentioned yesterday. Ed, you should email them with your suggestions!
My final assignment for my book publicity class is due this week, so time is a little short. I'll be glad when it's done, but I've learned a lot. Hence, my new email signature...Stacey Klemstein http://www.staceyklemstein.com Author of THE SILVER SPOON--"Everyone has bad days, but for Zara Mitchell that means someone's trying to kill her and she's lusting after an alien. And that's just Friday."
Bet I can't get away with that one at work!
Another excellent writer's site to check out is Kelley Armstrong http://www.kelleyarmstrong.com. I love her books and she's very accessible, posting a novella for fans to read and taking comments. She actually responded to an email I sent personally.
I'm thinking about writing a prequel to The Silver Spoon, to post as a novella on my site. Course, the book has to be published first, in order for a prequel to really make sense! And no news on that front yet.
I haven't heard from the Park District yet, so I will be following up with them tomorrow.
That's it for tonight. More writing-related stuff tomorrow.
Talk to you tomorrow! (uh-oh, three "tomorrows" in three consecutive sentences. Bad, bad writer! I'm fighting the urge to remove one or more of them!)
Tuesday, February 03, 2004
Okay, so a long day today. The corporate world--yuck.
Did you know that less than 5% of all authors make their living writing? The next time you go into a Barnes and Noble or Borders, look around and see what 5% of all those books would really be. That means, if my math is right (you can tell I'm a writer with saying stuff like that! My husband is wincing), five out of every 100 books on a shelf is written by an author capable of supporting him or herself in writing. Very frightening how few that actually is. And the rest of us have so-called "day jobs." I say so-called because how often does that job actually end when the day does?
I wonder what the perfect day job would be. Many of us out there probably write for our day job as well. I do. But then you have days like today where the grind of 8 or 10 hours working for someone else makes you want to sit in front of the television and go slack-jawed for a couple of hours until it's time for bed. Other writers claim that a job that has nothing to do with writing is the ultimate day job. I can see that, especially with a job that keeps your body busy but not necessarily your mind.
I worked a couple of summers as a receptionist and found that was pretty good work for letting the mind roam freely. The phone would be busy in the morning, at lunch and in the evening and only sporadic throughout the rest of the day. But it would be hard to make the same money as a receptionist! And plus, after having started out in a corporate career path, I feel compelled to keep moving along that same way. I don't know why. There's definitely nothing wrong with changing careers to something perhaps less time-consuming or stressful. But I think maybe it's a hard transition to go from, "I'm a fairly successful corporate writer in a fortune 100 company" to "I'm a dog-walker and an author (who hasn't sold yet!)" Course, maybe at that point, you say, "I'm an author" and they don't need to know how you make your money or what your success has or has not been.
This is, of course, not to say that there's anything wrong with being a dog-walker or anything. I just find it interesting how I (probably other people too) am so hung up on what it says on my business card, even though I feel much more passionate about what I do in my off-hours. But passion, folks, doesn't pay the bills (at least not yet), so there you go.
So my advice to anyone who hasn't started working yet (Susan B., we'll see if you're reading this!) is to try to figure out what you want from the start and go for it. Don't take a high-paying job (of any kind) if you don't love what you're doing because you'll love the money, the fast food, the house, and the books that it buys and you'll have a tough time saying good bye to all of that.
Okay, so I guess today my blog lived up to it's name "diatribe." But to end on a couple of fun notes: Laurell K. Hamilton's, one of my favorite writers in the whole world, new book, Seduced By Moonlight, came out today!!! Check out her site at www.laurellkhamilton.org
And my friend Ed taught me a fun game to play when watching CSI: Miami, another of my addictions.
-Drink (non-alcholic beverages for those of you under the legal age, of course) every time David Caruso's character puts his hands on his hips.
-Drink every time the character Callie dresses inappropriately.
-Drink every time the coroner, Alex, talks to a dead body.
-And drink every time one of the CSI's finishes another's sentence.
Try it--it's hysterical. And you'll have to go the bathroom, very, very badly!
If anyone knows the origin of this game, send me an email. I'd like to give proper credit to whoever came up with ingenious diversion!
That's it for now. Talk to you tomorrow.
Did you know that less than 5% of all authors make their living writing? The next time you go into a Barnes and Noble or Borders, look around and see what 5% of all those books would really be. That means, if my math is right (you can tell I'm a writer with saying stuff like that! My husband is wincing), five out of every 100 books on a shelf is written by an author capable of supporting him or herself in writing. Very frightening how few that actually is. And the rest of us have so-called "day jobs." I say so-called because how often does that job actually end when the day does?
I wonder what the perfect day job would be. Many of us out there probably write for our day job as well. I do. But then you have days like today where the grind of 8 or 10 hours working for someone else makes you want to sit in front of the television and go slack-jawed for a couple of hours until it's time for bed. Other writers claim that a job that has nothing to do with writing is the ultimate day job. I can see that, especially with a job that keeps your body busy but not necessarily your mind.
I worked a couple of summers as a receptionist and found that was pretty good work for letting the mind roam freely. The phone would be busy in the morning, at lunch and in the evening and only sporadic throughout the rest of the day. But it would be hard to make the same money as a receptionist! And plus, after having started out in a corporate career path, I feel compelled to keep moving along that same way. I don't know why. There's definitely nothing wrong with changing careers to something perhaps less time-consuming or stressful. But I think maybe it's a hard transition to go from, "I'm a fairly successful corporate writer in a fortune 100 company" to "I'm a dog-walker and an author (who hasn't sold yet!)" Course, maybe at that point, you say, "I'm an author" and they don't need to know how you make your money or what your success has or has not been.
This is, of course, not to say that there's anything wrong with being a dog-walker or anything. I just find it interesting how I (probably other people too) am so hung up on what it says on my business card, even though I feel much more passionate about what I do in my off-hours. But passion, folks, doesn't pay the bills (at least not yet), so there you go.
So my advice to anyone who hasn't started working yet (Susan B., we'll see if you're reading this!) is to try to figure out what you want from the start and go for it. Don't take a high-paying job (of any kind) if you don't love what you're doing because you'll love the money, the fast food, the house, and the books that it buys and you'll have a tough time saying good bye to all of that.
Okay, so I guess today my blog lived up to it's name "diatribe." But to end on a couple of fun notes: Laurell K. Hamilton's, one of my favorite writers in the whole world, new book, Seduced By Moonlight, came out today!!! Check out her site at www.laurellkhamilton.org
And my friend Ed taught me a fun game to play when watching CSI: Miami, another of my addictions.
-Drink (non-alcholic beverages for those of you under the legal age, of course) every time David Caruso's character puts his hands on his hips.
-Drink every time the character Callie dresses inappropriately.
-Drink every time the coroner, Alex, talks to a dead body.
-And drink every time one of the CSI's finishes another's sentence.
Try it--it's hysterical. And you'll have to go the bathroom, very, very badly!
If anyone knows the origin of this game, send me an email. I'd like to give proper credit to whoever came up with ingenious diversion!
That's it for now. Talk to you tomorrow.
Monday, February 02, 2004
Okay, Ed did my first blog for me last night as a test run. So this is my first try all by my lonesome. Doesn't sound like much but for someone as computer-challenged as I am, we'll see how well this works.
And now that I'm actually writing this, I find myself surprisingly self-conscious about it. Anyway, the point of the blog was to have an opportunity to talk about writing stuff, give the people who interested updates on my book, pose deep universal questions, like what are belly buttons? Are they scars? Why don't they completely heal over? (I actually had a conversation about this once with a bewildered co-worker, thank you Paula, because I needed to know for book research. So when my book is published and you read it [you will read it, right?] then you will see why this strange information was needed.)
Onto publishing, my book, The Silver Spoon, is being considered by a couple different small publishers. I should be hearing back from them within the next month or so, I hope.
I'm also taking a book publicity course now that will be finishing up in the next couple of weeks. It's been a lot of hard work but fun. And I had a lot of help from my dramatically underpaid (read: free) publicist-friend, Stacy G.
My first mystery, Bitter Pill, is pretty much done. I need to make the edits provided by all those who have read it, thank you everyone! I'm debating about sending that out for consideration, but it would be nice to have the publishing credit of The Silver Spoon first. Plus, I don't know how that works, if you end up with needing to promote two books at one time from different companies. So, we'll see about that.
I should be hearing back from the Bloomingdale Park District any time this week about my creative writing class which I'm very excited to teach. It will be interesting. I just want to make it useful and enjoyable for all who sign up. I'm a little nervous though, the last thing I taught was second grade Bible School! But I've got a good plan, I think, for the class. I just need to work on some activities/assignments. Hope students don't think it's weird to get homework in a Park District class, but I'm not sure how else to do it. The class is only an hour long, so you can't have a discussion and time to work on an assignment in that amount of time. Guess I'll have to wing it and see. Course, maybe I should be worrying about people signing up for the class first!
Thanks once again to Ed for helping me set this up and for Ed's friend, Chris, for hosting my site.
Feel free to email me with any suggestions, thoughts, deep universal questions of your own.
Talk to you tomorrow!
And now that I'm actually writing this, I find myself surprisingly self-conscious about it. Anyway, the point of the blog was to have an opportunity to talk about writing stuff, give the people who interested updates on my book, pose deep universal questions, like what are belly buttons? Are they scars? Why don't they completely heal over? (I actually had a conversation about this once with a bewildered co-worker, thank you Paula, because I needed to know for book research. So when my book is published and you read it [you will read it, right?] then you will see why this strange information was needed.)
Onto publishing, my book, The Silver Spoon, is being considered by a couple different small publishers. I should be hearing back from them within the next month or so, I hope.
I'm also taking a book publicity course now that will be finishing up in the next couple of weeks. It's been a lot of hard work but fun. And I had a lot of help from my dramatically underpaid (read: free) publicist-friend, Stacy G.
My first mystery, Bitter Pill, is pretty much done. I need to make the edits provided by all those who have read it, thank you everyone! I'm debating about sending that out for consideration, but it would be nice to have the publishing credit of The Silver Spoon first. Plus, I don't know how that works, if you end up with needing to promote two books at one time from different companies. So, we'll see about that.
I should be hearing back from the Bloomingdale Park District any time this week about my creative writing class which I'm very excited to teach. It will be interesting. I just want to make it useful and enjoyable for all who sign up. I'm a little nervous though, the last thing I taught was second grade Bible School! But I've got a good plan, I think, for the class. I just need to work on some activities/assignments. Hope students don't think it's weird to get homework in a Park District class, but I'm not sure how else to do it. The class is only an hour long, so you can't have a discussion and time to work on an assignment in that amount of time. Guess I'll have to wing it and see. Course, maybe I should be worrying about people signing up for the class first!
Thanks once again to Ed for helping me set this up and for Ed's friend, Chris, for hosting my site.
Feel free to email me with any suggestions, thoughts, deep universal questions of your own.
Talk to you tomorrow!
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