Bemused Writer

Zombie Apocalypse Is Here You Know

2012-01-06T18:21:00.001-05:00

Holidays can really suck. There’s often family stresses and issues, but if you’ve had to deal with, or had friends that have had to deal with, the truly awful disease of Alzheimer’s, then ….well, it came to me recently that for all the jokes about the Zombie Apocalypse coming on us, how many realize it actually is here.

Alzheimer’s is probably worse since zombie’s have the physical resemblance to loved ones, but at least they don’t show the spark of the real person you loved and cared about enough to break your heart and tear it to pieces all over again, and again. Movie zombies get it over quickly at least. And they seem to become zombies quickly. Not like the slow light of recognition dimming in the eyes of a loved one as they first struggle to remember your name, and then struggle to remember you at all.

Even worse is the wearing away of the caretaker trying to deal with it all.

You think the zombie apocalypse isn’t here? Take a look around you.

And if you have any information or help, reach out to those that are dealing with it.

If you are in the Raleigh, North Carolina area here’s a resource to contact to help with relatives with age related issues:

[Note: is a relative. But one that is having to deal with Alzheimer’s as a personal family issue, so does have personal understanding.]

contact Tom Christos, Always Best Care Senior Services at 919-417-8003.

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Contact Information:
Tom Christos 417-8003

This is from a Chamber of Commerce site that is talking about services for Alzheimer’s and asking for donations of materials.

And if you are someone totally brilliant, please show everyone your luminosity by finding a cure for this truly dreadful horrible disease.

Before it overtakes the people you know and love.

May this new year contain great advancements in all areas of good. Including all of us struggling to deal with life, all it deals us, and to write and get published.

To a new year of hope. Of all kinds.

Picking Out a Place for Your Book

2011-12-20T22:35:00.003-05:00

No, not for vacation spot, altho’ who doesn’t want to take their book to some tropical place on the beach. Or even better, have their book take them there, literally. Wouldn’t we all like to be making enough from our books to be doing that?

Course that means getting published first.

Which brings up this post.

We’ve been told as writers that when we pitch an agent one of the things we need to know is where our book fits in on book store shelves and sections.

Great.

Except when it’s not as easy to categorize into those categories / genres. I’m still trying to figure where mine fit. Yes, granted I need to actually finish them first. That would be the first thing. But then comes the question of where does it actually fit. And some believe we should know that as we write, because that would very possibly change how we are writing.

What do you think?

Do you know / have clear ideas of where the books you are writing fit in?

How did you determine that?

If you are still searching to where you fit in, here’s an interesting blog post that has genres and sub-genres you might want to take a look at.

Thanks to :

WriterThesaurus

Dec 01, 8:21am via TweetDeck

Wonder what Sub-Genre your book falls into? Check out this resource: bit.ly/sC3874 #writing #screenwriting #MyWANA

Retweeted by Quotes4Writers

Then it would be nice if you came back here to help me with mine.……if that's even possible.

And if you look around on their blog and find interesting things it would be nice if you came back and shared them with me. After all, I’m always sharing with you here.

It does look like it’s got some great info’ there. But I’m in the midst of stuff too you know. So it would be nice if we all shared here. Just sayin…. Tis the season.

Talking Too Much????

2011-12-17T00:42:00.001-05:00

If it’s you, then you should know who you are. Don’t you?

Not sure these ideas would really help you but maybe….. I did come across this great post that will help you look at and determine if your characters are talking too much.

Might help you in other ways other than just your writing.

And since fellow writer and I were just talking about this recently will definitely help him.

While you are there looking, check out the rest of the blog. There’s some Good stuff there!

And do Please come back here and let me know what you find! I haven’t had time to look through it much either.

[Do I Really Need to tell you how behind we are with Holiday stuff??? No decorations up. No cards done. Still have baking / presents to do. Wrapped ones needed for this weekend…. Mostly. And so on and so on …. Sigh…..]

I send Great Thanks to for finding this:

PCrutcher Paige Crutcher

Hints that you have too much dialogue and helpful fixes: bit.ly/vPLCmE @NovelEditor #writetip @elizabethscraig

Holiday Writers Party / Get Together

2011-12-13T23:12:00.000-05:00

Hey, it is the Holidays. And tomorrow is the 2^nd Wednesday of the Month. That means Writers Wednesday.

Where James River Writers Members gather to talk all things writing.

Or, since it’s the Holidays, talk writing and holidays.

Or just enjoy the atmosphere at the Capital Ale House downtown.

Of course that’s what we do. ;)

And if you show up it Could be a Party!

Come toast the holidays with us. And encourage the writer within us all.

Great Practical Writing Tips

2011-12-03T20:26:00.002-05:00

I Especially like #3 and #4 of this one -

Cory Doctorow
Author of With a Little Help, For the Win, Makers, and Down and Out in the Magic Kingdom

Write every day. Anything you do every day gets easier. If you’re insanely busy, make the amount that you write every day small (100 words? 250 words?) but do it every day.
Write even when the mood isn’t right. You can’t tell if what you’re writing is good or bad while you’re writing it.
Write when the book sucks and it isn’t going anywhere. Just keep writing. It doesn’t suck. Your conscious is having a panic attack because it doesn’t believe your subconscious knows what it’s doing.
Stop in the middle of a sentence, leaving a rough edge for you to start from the next day — that way, you can write three or five words without being “creative” and before you know it, you’re writing.

But there’s Lots more Terrific ones -

Thanks to :

RoyalePine Dave Bale

Practical Tips on Writing a Book from 23 Brilliant Authors blogs.plos.org/neurotribes/20…

What’s your favorite?

How Do You Define Yourself?

2011-11-30T01:47:00.001-05:00

‘You can’t define yourself with negatives. You have to choose adjectives.’ Stacy London, What Not to Wear

While Stacy was talking about a particular woman’s very low self image it occurred to me it could also apply to writers.

Especially given all the the pressure going on now with NaNoWriMo. Especially for those people that feel they have no hope of really finishing it.

And so they feel they have failed.

I’ve heard that from a few friends recently and I was surprised. Not at the feelings of being upset or disappointed, but the fact they used the word Failed. In regard to something like NaNo.

Perhaps I don’t take NaNo as seriously as some people do, but hey, they aren’t paying me for that writing. They aren’t giving me any particular benefits for doing it. The benefits that we get from participating - whether we finish or not - only come from us. And our expectations of ourselves.

So to go along with Stacy London - but paraphrasing - Don’t define yourself - or your writing - with negatives. Choose adjectives. I say Choose Good Adjectives. You are a Writer. You can do it!

As for Failing at NaNo … You only Fail if you allow yourself to feel you did.

And if you didn’t learn a darn thing from it.

Have there been times I didn’t finish NaNo - you betcha. Did I feel I failed. NO. Because I learned invaluable things about my writing, my story, my characters, my scheduling….my voice. I learned all kinds of things, writing and not writing.

So if you are feeling a bit down right now - you don’t have to give up. There are NaNo get togethers going on all over town for ‘write in’ kind of things to get as much done as you can.

If you have already given up, don’t feel like you failed. Sit down and figure out what all you learned this month. Maybe you learned how much time you really need, or don’t need, to really get some writing done. Perhaps you learned you hate these characters, you need new ones - So, get some. Maybe the story needs new characters. Or a new angle. Maybe it’s really a short story or novella, not a novel.

If you sit down and think about it, even a bit, you can find all kinds of things you learned from what you did do. Or even what you didn’t do. Perhaps your heart just isn’t in it. Or in the story.

Whatever your experience you can learn from it.

If you want to. If you choose to.

If you need more thoughts or ideas, I can help with that.

But you have to choose what words you are going to use to define your experience this month.

Choose good ones.

Lost the Ability to Write?

2011-11-23T22:38:00.003-05:00

Having gone through a Major slump, funk, or writers block recently, and still trying to come out of it, I started hunting around for help. The great thing about living in this time is the invention of google.

And I came across this great blog. I was caught by this title of course, since I was wondering things along the same lines.

Can You Lose the Ability to Write?

So if you are in a slump, or a funk, and you are wondering the same thing, go over and read this blog.

And then it would be nice if you’d come back and let me know if it helped. So we all have even more things to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day.

Something in the Air? Or Funks and Writers Block

2011-11-17T00:16:00.009-05:00

Or funks and slumps and …. well, some people don’t believe in writer’s block. But when you’re experiencing a funky slump, or whatever you want to call it when no words are coming to your mind at all for writing…. And you aren’t even reading. That’s definitely not a happy dancing place.

So how do you get out of it?

As I’ve tried to get out of the deep trench of emptiness that seems to have taken over my brain I have stumbled across interesting information that I needed at this time.

And I found not only that I wasn’t the only one that had been in an awful funk, so had the Editor of Writer’s Digest - just check out this part of the recent free e-newsletter -

Letter From the Editor

Lately I've been in a funk. Personal funk. Professional funk. Writing funk. And, as many of you probably already know, I don't tolerate funks well and will go to great lengths to get out of them. One article that helped me was 4 Ways Inspiration Helps You Beat Writer's Block, which helped me learn that instead of looking for inspiration, sometimes it's better to let it find you. I also found comfort after reading Your Job Is To Write, Not Worry, a piece designed to remind you what is really important when your heart and soul is devoted to being a writer.

Also, I wanted to introduce you to one of my favorite members of the WD team, Marielle Murphy, in my latest installment ofWD Editors Are Writers Too. If it weren't for her "Friday Fun Fact" e-mails, I wouldn't have known that slugs have 4 noses! I'm eternally grateful for that.

Okay I’m not saying that misery loves company, and that info’ on the slugs….. Ewwwww.

I’m saying it is nice to know that I’ve not been the only aberration in the writing world these days. Especially with NaNoWriMo in full swing and there’s clacking of keys to be heard all over, even in the next chair.

It wasn’t just the felt commiseration, it was the articles of inspiration and encouragement.

Like this one:

4 WAYS INSPIRATION HELPS YOU BEAT WRITER’S BLOCK

Hmmmm, maybe I can convince key-clacker in chair next to me that while he seems to be cranking out the writing for NaNo, the inspiration suggestion of going away and changing the scene might really help me and be what I need right now. I guess maybe the Thailand elephant suggestion might be a little much? But he might think a change of scenery might help him as well. Elephant or not.

So what do you do to get out of your slumps? Especially writing slumps.

Murder She’s Talking About

2011-11-15T21:14:00.001-05:00

No, don’t worry, not real murder. Although it might seem like that sometime right about now for those out there working on, or behind on, NaNo. [You don’t have to do show of hands.}

I readily admit I am not doing NaNo this year. Not because I don’t believe in it or because I see no use in it. I just didn’t have the energy to write anything let alone tackle NaNo. After a while there’s only so long you can put off and ignore things you have to do, need to do, should do. At some point you have to cook meals that someone is going to eat, even if they help with cooking, there’s still the preparation, cooking, and clean up. Not to mention all the clothes washed, and worn again. And all the rest of the ‘fun’ stuff that has to get done / be done, and all those Happy Holidays breathing down on us fast. I just couldn’t deal with all that this year. Something had to go. This year it appears my brain at writing. Got up and left at some point. Which brings me to the Murder of the title. Although I am having a tough time writing anything, even darlings, the other person that lives in the household with me apparently has no trouble, and he is doing NaNo for the first time this year. Maybe he’s the one that took my create writing brain cells….. Hmmm…. No, I’m not contemplating murdering him to get them back. Doesn’t work that way. Er, does it? Just kidding.

I have writing friends that I think are tackling NaNo. Although, since I’ve not heard from them and am assuming they are…..

But one writing friend has been notified that their short story is going to be published…. but what about rewriting the first part, says the editor. Well, actually, cutting the whole first part and starting down on page 2.

Writer’s have different feelings about this. Some are - ‘so, what are you waiting for? You are going to have a piece published, what’s the big deal, just do it already.’ Other’s resist.

This is what writers often refer to as killing your darlings.

Maybe because I’ve been of bombed out state of writing not even shuddering through the shells of burned out stories, I’ve found a sudden curiosity in Killing Darlings. [The killing the dust bunnies hasn’t captured my attention very long.] Never heard of people divorcing darlings but I’ve often done that - just in case they needed love later in the story, kind of thing. I mean, Kill? That’s pretty drastic.

But interestingly as I was half-way mulling this writing mayhem I came across a site I had not been to before. The Bad Penny Review. Okay, so yeah, I had to stop and look just for the title. And then I got into looking at a section they have on Killing Your Darlings. Spooky, strange, how things like that happen, huh.

Interesting what they have to say about the different authors and some of the revisions, the Killings, that have taken place in famous works.

Especially this one - Murdering Your Darlings: Writers’ Revisions - that’s talking about The Great Gatsby.

“…..Usually, we think of revision as making qualities less abstract, more clearly defined, but this example suggests something more complex: that the real trick is in discovering precisely what the story demands—even, as in this case, if it means a slight pull back in focus to deliver it.

And that, perhaps, is as accurate a description of revision as anything else, but as we shall see with other authors, a story can have an absurd variety of needs.”

Well, that certainly clears things up about Murdering Your Darlings, huh? But it is an interesting concept to think of discovering precisely what the story demands. Guess I should read more about Killing Darlings to figure out the who, what, when, and where. Just like in a real detective story perhaps.

So how do you determine the answers to those? Is there a sure fire way you know those answers?

Those that are taking a break from NaNo - get back to it, you don’t even think about this until after you finish.

And take a break and a drink first. After all the first step will be determining which is a darlin’ that has to go, and which one you just haven’t discovered what the best qualities are and where to use them.

Just divorcing them for a while, Right?

So what do you do? Is your best way? Do you just flat out murder?

How do you go about that?

Have a routine? A style, a m.o. …….. ???

I’ll get the big spotlight if I need to.

Just let me know.

NaNo Numb?

2011-11-09T01:34:00.001-05:00

Brain gone NaNo numb already?

Take a break and get some help from fellow writers at JRWs Writers Wednesday casual gathering.

You might learn things like, if you get stuck in NaNo, it helps to blow something up.

Sometimes with pirates.

If that doesn’t help just come and give your brain a break with a fun bunch of characters.

Writers Wednesday

Capital Alehouse in downtown Richmond, 623 East Main Street, Nov. 9 from 5:30 till 7:30 p.m. When you enter, look for the friendly crowd with the stick-on name-tags. Free parking in the Lanier Parking Systems deck at 6th and Cary Streets.

Character Development

2011-11-06T01:15:00.003-04:00

Or Developing Character.

My blog has been bare lately because I had a core brain unload after the overload of conference information and it has refused to reboot back up….. that or because I have been held captive by large groups of marauding dust bunnies and have just now escaped. Or both. That makes a real character out of you believe me. Don’t believe me, look at your lurking dust bunnies sometime and see how big they can get and form while you are off doing other things and being busy. Just be sure to inform someone of your whereabouts for rescue purposes. And I’m getting ready to do battle again so if I am gone too long send in the calvary. Or a couple of Dyson vacuum cleaners.

Luckily for you the Super Wonderful Troy Howell is stepping in to guest blog about his great information on character development that he had sent to me when we did a session on Character Development for the recent James River Writers Conference with Belle Boggs and Derome Scott Smith.

Check out Troy’s book ‘The Dragon of Cripple Creek’ - he has a great take on dragons and dragon lore, and check out his blog and site, great illustrations of course - and a lot of Troy’s interesting and inspirational thoughts and writings.

Thanks Troy for coming to my rescue.

On character development / my reference notes for the James River Writer’s panel discussion, with a few additions /

by Troy Howell

The ultimate goal is to convey characters in such a way that the reader relates enough to hear their stories. As you develop your characters, ask, Why should the reader care? Empathy or sympathy, at the least, curiosity. Whatever occurs that is greater than that—bringing tears, laughter, enlightenment—is a wonderful gift.

Each character has a function that is natural to the story premise and plot. I was recently asked by a reading group discussing my Dragon of Cripple Creek (Amulet, 2011) what my inspiration was for Dillon. Though my dragon, Ye, was pure inspiration gotten from that nebulous place where ideas drift in whispers, Dillon was the result of a need. When I created my protagonist, Kat, for the book, I felt she needed someone within her own age range to relate with outside the adult realm, someone who would eventually help her balance her thoughts and actions, and through whom more information would come. A girlfriend was not the answer, since her time is spent on a family road trip due to a job change for her dad. A sibling was a natural choice. A sister would pose the risk of being competitive, so a brother was the solution—an older brother, because a younger one would not add the necessary understanding. Hence, Dillon.

As in life, each person wants something, has a motive. Every word and action is affected by that motive. Each person has a core flaw or weakness, a vulnerability. Each person has a core strength. Need is the underlying cause for these weaknesses and strengths. Need is not equivalent to want, but usually determines want.

"Every character is sufficiently vivid and interesting for his function.” —John Gardner

Avoid stereotype: Every character, no matter how minor, should be unique and unpredictable. Sometimes, the first action or response from a character that comes to your mind is not unique; consider choosing something quirky or even opposite of who they seemingly are—surprise and delight us. My police chief, Chief Huffman, was initially stoic and steely, until I gave him a stutter that surfaces when he’s facing the public. In the movie, Meet Joe Black, Death is a golden-haired young man who loves peanut butter.

Be sure you step into their shoes, their feet, their souls. Look into their mirrors, sleep in their beds, have their dreams. Know each one as thoroughly as you can—each one has a history.

Much depends on POV.

Much depends on situation, setting, and environment.

The character should fit the scene naturally, unless, by intent, he doesn't fit at all.

A few details can convey much: A man who frequently says, “My goodness.” A cat whose fur is the careless color of chalk. A woman who wears a coat, size FITS ALL HOMELESS.

“Although characters may be complex, the details of their complexity are often blurred,

as if by time." –JG

Contrast, and a contrasting cast of characters. Contrast adds balance, richness, intensity, conflict.

Names are important—select the right one.

The reader should sense that each character has all the senses—sight, smell, touch, hearing, taste (except, of course, in cases of disability). We should also get a sense of how they sound and how they smell, besides how they look and feel. By feel I mean texture, not emotion. Emotion is a subject of its own, though the two can be, and usually are, related. Would her fingers be cool if she touched you? My dragon, Ye, smelled of “fortune and ashes, spices and earth.” It hurt Kat to smell him and soothed her, too. Each character should breathe.

Convey character through action and dialogue; show more than tell.

Psychic range: You should be able to see them from both a distance and close up.

So, to restate what I believe are the essentials of character development: Get the reader to care. Each character has a function, a basic need, and a want. Live your characters. Be unique; be succinct.

Thank you, Shawna, for being the perfect moderator on the panel, and for the opportunity to be a guest on your blog.

A Great Reason to Do NaNo!

2011-10-19T00:25:00.000-04:00

The Great people at Scrivener are offering their Great software package for 1/2 price for those writers that do NaNoWriMo this year!

If you haven’t checked out the Scrivener software - here’s your chance.

For Macs, and for Windows now! Both!

I happen to really like it - as do a Lot of other writers - and I haven’t even had a chance to take the tutorial. It fits the way I write a whole lot better than other popular word processing software.

And I’m sure I’m going to like it a whole lot better once I figure out all the great features and all. ;)

But even just ‘winging’ it, it has made writing, and researching a whole lot easier.

I organized all my Conference duties in it.

So if you are at all curious - here’s your chance.

And you’ll get a good start on your novel writing.

What’s not to like about all that?

If you’re still not sure, come out for the NaNoWriMo Kick Off party on October 30^th at Capital Ale, Midlothian [near 288].

Great Revision / Rewriting Advice

2011-10-18T12:03:00.002-04:00

What a great insight on Revision. Uh, here

{I'm sure I would have gotten around to it - someday. ;)}

Also be sure to read the comments at the end of it, was some great ideas there as well.

Thought this was even more appropriate to post right now for all those that will be heading into NaNoWriMo starting November 1^st.

[in Richmond, Virginia, this NaNoWriMo effort, and cheering leading, is headed by the wonderfully vivacious Lucky Jean -

lucky jean (@luckyjean) on Twitter

twitter.com/luckyjean

Sign up for Twitter to follow lucky jean (@luckyjean). ... Also, I'm reading up on my resonsibilities as a volunteer for NaNoWriMo= lots of work now; ...

Since at the end of NaNo you’ll have to head into this process. Do yourself a favor read this first - it will help you a Lot I think.

And read it especially if you are facing your own revisions and rewrites on the what you feel is the cold dead novel lying around on your hands. [Yes, I Know it’s Halloween season, but Don’t kill it off until After you read this. It might save You, and Your novel.]

Here’s a few insights that might help from the article - but do go over and read it, and the comments. Then come back and let me know what stood out for you.

[Again the Bolding is mine - so go read and tell me what your Bolding is.]

Revision Is a Receptive, Intuitive Act

Listen to your draft. Our work is smarter than we are. Embedded inside it are clues to what our story is trying to become.

Consciously or unconsciously, all those disparate images, symbols, objects, and memories you dialed up made it onto the page for a reason.

When reading your work, tune in to the recurring elements, images, and so forth that strike thematic chords. Which of these have an emotional or psychological charge? Unwrap them. Even the most seemingly random detail can unlock the emotional essence of a scene. Examined closely enough and from enough angles, a single image can bear the meaning of your entire story.

Rewriting is Essential

That’s because we evade our material more than we realize.

We’re often motivated to write because of certain memories, emotions and events that are far too powerful and complex to be fully grasped or articulated in our early drafts.

As memoir writer Larry Sutin says, “We rewrite because we didn’t have the courage to face it the first time.”

Each time we revisit our material, we gather more courage and momentum to dive a little deeper.

And if we stick with it, we come out on the other side with something coherent, unified, artful, and above all, moving.

Resources for Writers

2011-10-17T22:55:00.003-04:00

Not just for Kid Lit even though that’s the site - so if the itty bitty shoe fits. ;)

Thanks to Elizabeth Gaucher on Twitter -

ElizGaucher

9:46pm via Flipboard

Kidlit.com · Resources for Writers kidlit.com/resources-for-…

Resources for Writers

Because of popular demand, I’ve put together a list of resources for writers. Here, you’ll find links and recommended books. I will always be adding to this, so do check in every once in a while for more recommendations.

Web Resources!

Agent Search Resources and Writing Communities

Here’s a list of websites that will be helpful to writers on the agent search. There are some great websites and blogs here, and all are worth a read, whether you’re actively searching for agents or a writer in any stage of the game.

AAR: www.aaronline.org

The Association of Authors’ Representatives is a list of member agencies that have joined and agree to abide by ethics codes and standards. Andrea Brown was one of the co-founders of the AAR.

Absolute Write: www.absolutewrite.com

Absolute Write is a message board for all writers (not just children’s) where writers discuss the agent search, response times, rumors, etc. A great place to vent and get the inside scoop from other people on the agent search.

Agent Spotlight: caseylmccormick.blogspot.com

Agent Spotlight is writer Casey McCormick’s ambitious and, well, slightly fanatical roundup of an agent’s interviews, web presence, and submission information. It’s a careful analysis of an agent and their reputation in the marketplace. You can see the agents she has done in her left-hand sidebar. Worth a read. She must be a researcher or a librarian or something, because the amount of work that goes into each article seems staggering!

Agent Query: www.agentquery.com

A searchable database of agents where you can use the Advanced Search function to narrow down the results to an agent’s specific tastes. Want someone who represents both fantasy and young adult? Check the boxes and see who fits your criteria. There are other things you can search for, too. Results give you contact information and recent sales.

Cynsations Blog: cynthialeitichsmith.blogspot.com

YA and children’s author Cynthia Leitich Smith has a wonderful blog where she often interviews agents, editors, writers and other publishing people. Her blog is an inspiration of mine and a very good read.

Guide to Literary Agents: www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog

Chuck Sambuchino, editor of the GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS and CHILDREN’S MARKET books from Writers Digest Media, keeps this great blog where he profiles agents, introduces new agents to the writing community, interviews writers about their agents and otherwise talks about agents! It’s a really fun, informative resource.

Nathan Bransford’s Blog: blog.nathanbransford.com

Hands down the most helpful (and most established) agent blog in the world, from Nathan Bransford of Curtis Brown. Though Nathan doesn’t just blog about children’s books, he is a children’s book guy at heart, so you’ll find a lot of applicable stuff. Every writer out there should read his FAQ section.

Predators and Editors: www.pred-ed.com

A really helpful site where you can find reliable information about who is and isn’t legitimate in the business. There are LOTS of scammers out there — people who will ask for money to read or publish your work. If anyone approaches you or if an offer seems too good to be true, check out Predators and Editors to see if that company has a reputable reputation or not. A lot don’t, unfortunately.

Query Tracker: www.querytracker.com

This is a pretty similar website to Agent Query (above), but it also lets you organize and track your query and submission status. What people were once doing with spreadsheets is now online! There’s also, I think, a community element to this where you can interact with other writers.

SCBWI Blog: scbwi.blogspot.com

Alice Pope’s SCBWI blog (more on the SCBWI, below) is a great place to learn about market news, publishing news, and to see interviews with writers, agents, and editors. Alice used to be the editor for CHILDREN’S MARKET and is a really passionate expert on the children’s publishing field.

Verla Kay’s Blue Boards: www.verlakay.com/boards/

A message board on children’s author Verla Kay’s website that has become a hub for children’s writers. Get an account and dive into this helpful forum community. You can post anonymously to get answers to your toughest questions from this savvy group chock full of published writers.

Societies and Memberships

Author’s Guild: www.authorsguild.org

A paid membership for published authors or freelance writers. I mention this because they offer health insurance (at an additional monthly premium) and, if you live in a state where health care is very expensive and have a book deal but no other resources for insurance, they may be an option for a group plan. They also offer other resources and services.

SCBWI: www.scbwi.org

The Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators is the largest and most active society for children’s writers and artists in the US and abroad. They have chapters in each state (some smaller regions combine states) and throw two huge national conferences a year, NYC in late January and LA in late July/early August. The SCBWI is a very passionate group of writers, authors, artists, and volunteers and they also throw regional events with agents and editors. You can also connect with other members on their website, come to events and get professional critique, and otherwise better your craft in a huge and welcoming community. There is an annual fee to be a SCBWI member.

Recommended Books!

Here are recommended books about the publishing marketplace, the craft of writing and my favorite books in the three age ranges.

Market Books

These books list agents, publishers, magazines, and other publication opportunities. Some are specific to children’s writers, others aren’t. The Writer’s Market books are also available online in a searchable database that you can join instead: www.writersmarket.com.

CHILDREN’S WRITER’S AND ILLUSTRATOR’S MARKET edited by Alice Pope (through 2011) and then Chuck Sambuchino (Writers Digest Books, updated every year)
GUIDE TO LITERARY AGENTS edited by Chuck Sambuchino (Writers Digest Books, updated every year)
WRITER’S MARKET edited by Robert Lee Brewer (Writers Digest Books, updated every year)

Craft Books

Books on the craft and art of writing. All of these are worth a careful read.

BIRD BY BIRD by Anne Lamott (Anchor, 1995)
ON WRITING by Stephen King (Scribner, 10th anniversary ed. 2010)
REVISION AND SELF-EDITING by James Scott Bell (Writers Digest Books, 2008)
SPILLING INK by Anne Mazer and Ellen Potter (read my review)
WRITING GREAT BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS by Regina Brooks (read my review)
WRITING THE BREAKOUT NOVEL by Donald Maass (Writers Digest Books, 2002)

Picture Books

Books for readers ages 3-5 and 5-7. Some of my absolute favorites in terms of both art and text.

Anything by Oliver Jeffers, Amy Krause Rosenthal (I love LITTLE OINK*), Mac Barnett (I love GUESS AGAIN*), Peter Brown, Marla Frazee (check out the brand new BOSS BABY, I love it!), Adam Rex, and Mo Willems.

HARRY AND HORSIE by Katie Van Camp and Lincoln Agnew (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, 2009)
BUBBLE TROUBLE* by Margaret Mahy and Polly Dunbar (Houghton Mifflin, 2009)
THE ARRIVAL by Shaun Tan (Arthur A. Levine/Scholastic, 2007)
RED SINGS FROM TREETOPS by Joyce Sidman and Pamela Zagarenski (Houghton Mifflin, 2009)
MAGIC BOX by Katie Cleminson (Hyperion, 2009)
KITTEN’S FIRST FULL MOON by Kevin Henkes (Greenwillow/HarperCollins, 2004)
DIARY OF A WOMBAT by Jackie French and Bruce Whatley (Clarion, 2003)
MATHILDA AND THE ORANGE BALLOON by Randall de Seve and Jen Corace (Balzer + Bray/HarperCollins, 2010)
BEAVER IS LOST by Elisha Cooper (Schwartz & Wade/Random House, 2010)
DUCK & GOOSE and HOW ROCKET LEARNED TO READ by Tad Hills (Schwartz & Wade/Random House, 2010)
WAG! by Patrick McDonnell (Little, Brown, 2009)
A BOOK OF SLEEP by Il Sung Na (Knopf/Random House, 2009)
SWIM! SWIM! by Lerch (Scholastic Press, 2010)
RHYMING DUST BUNNIES by Jan Thomas (Beach Lane/Simong & Schuster, 2009)
SO MANY DAYS by Alison McGhee and Taeeun Yoo (Atheneum/Simon & Schuster, 2010)
MY MOM IS TRYING TO RUIN MY LIFE by Kate Feiffer and Diane Goode (Paula Wiseman/Simon & Schuster, 2009)
ALL THE WORLD by Liz Garton Scanlon and Marla Frazee (Beach Lane/Simon & Schuster, 2009)

Plus, you should check out A GARDEN FOR PIG (Kane/Miller, 2010) by Kathryn Thurman and illustrated by my client Lindsay Ward! It’s a fantastic book and a new fall favorite.

Middle Grade

Before you sit down to write your middle grade, check out this excellent blog post from MG author Laurel Snyder here. Most MG stories are marketed to kids between 9 and 12, but as you can see from Laurel’s post, there is a lot of wiggle room for who is actually reading and resonating with them. I’d say keep your character 13 and under to reach this demographic. You’ll also notice that all of my recommendations are recent…that’s because I want you to be familiar with what is publishing right now. Here are just some of my favorite titles!

VIOLET RAINES ALMOST GOT STRUCK BY LIGHTNING* by Danette Haworth (Walker/Bloomsbury, 2008)
WHEN YOU REACH ME by Rebecca Stead (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, 2009)
THE PENDERWICKS: A SUMMER TALE OF FOUR SISTERS, TWO RABBITS, AND A VERY INTERESTING BOY by Jeanne Birdsall (Knopf/Random House, 2007)
HOLES by Louis Sachar (Farrar, Straus and Giroux/Macmillan, 2008)
WAYSIDE SCHOOL IS FALLING DOWN by Louis Sachar (HarperCollins, 1990) (I included this relatively old one because I used to looooove reading this in the 4th grade!)
LOVE, AUBREY by Suzanne LaFleur (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, 2009)
THE BOOKS OF ELSEWHERE: THE SHADOWS by Jacqueline West (Dial/Penguin, 2010)
PLAIN KATE by Erin Bow (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2010) (This one is marketed as YA but I think it’s a really good example of an older MG fantasy.)
STEINBECK’S GHOST by Lewis Buzbee (Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, 2008)
FROM THE MIXED-UP FILES OF MRS. BASIL E. FRANKWEILER by E.L. Koningsburg (Aladdin/Simon & Schuster, 1967)
CHASING VERMEER by Blue Balliett, illustrated by Brett Helquist (Scholastic Press, 2004)
THE SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS series by Lemony Snicket (Daniel Handler), also illustrated by Brett Helquist (HarperCollins)
A TALE DARK AND GRIMM by Adam Gidwitz (Dutton/Penguin, 2010)
ALVIN HO: ALLERGIC TO GIRLS, SCHOOL, AND OTHER SCARY THINGS* by Lenore Look, illustrated by LeUyen Pham (Schwartz & Wade/Random House, 2008)
ALCHEMY AND MEGGY SWANN by Karen Cushman (Clarion, 2010)
SAVVY by Ingrid Law (Dial/Penguin, 2008)
HOW LAMAR’S BAD PRANK WON A BUBBA-SIZED TROPHY by Crystal Allen (Balzer+Bray/HarperCollins, 2011)
MILLICENT MIN, GIRL GENIUS by Lisa Yee (Arthur A. Levine Books/Scholastic, 2003)
DRUMS, GIRLS, AND DANGEROUS PIE* by Jordan Sonnenblick (Scholastic Press, 2005)
BECAUSE OF WINN-DIXIE by Kate DiCamillo (Candlewick, 2000)
SUGAR & ICE by Kate Messer (Walker/Bloomsbury, 2010)
CLEMENTINE series by Sara Pennypacker, illustrated by Marla Frazee (Disney-Hyperion)
THE BOOK THIEF by Markus Zusak (Knopf/Random House, 2005)
PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS series by Rick Riordan (Disney-Hyperion)
HARRY POTTER series by J.K. Rowling (Scholastic)

Young Adult

There is so much YA out there that I love, so this is not a comprehensive list by any means. YA is usually for ages 12+, 14+ or even 16+ (for the very edgy titles). There are really no rules, and I’ve written a lot about issues like sex and swearing in YA on the blog, so check out those articles.

Anything by David Levithan, John Green (or David Levithan and John Green, as is the case with WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON), Libba Bray, Anna Godbersen (her series are my absolute guilty pleasure), Barry Lyga, Matt de la Pena, Frank Portman, and many more writers who I’m sure I’m forgetting at the moment.

FEED* by M.T. Anderson (Candlewick, 2002)
WINTERGIRLS by Laurie Halse Anderson (Viking/Penguin, 2009)
HOW I LIVE NOW by Meg Rosoff (Wendy Lamb Books, 2009)
BEFORE I FALL by Lauren Oliver (HarperCollins, 2010)
THE DUFF by Kody Keplinger (Poppy/Little, Brown, 2010)
UGLIES series by Scott Westerfeld (Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster)
THE DISREPUTABLE HISTORY OF FRANKIE LANDAU-BANKS by E. Lockhart (Disney-Hyperion, 2008)
FLASH BURNOUT by L.K. Madigan (Houghton Mifflin, 2009)
HOLD STILL by Nina LaCoeur (Dutton/Penguin, 2009)
HOW TO SAY GOODBYE IN ROBOT by Natalie Standiford (Scholastic Press, 2009)
SPANKING SHAKESPEARE by Jake Wizner (Random House, 2007)
A NORTHERN LIGHT by Jennifer Donnelly (Harcourt, 2003)
THE MARBURY LENS by Andrew Smith (Feiwel & Friends/Macmillan, 2010)
GRACELING by Kristin Cashore (Harcourt, 2008)
THIRTEEN REASONS WHY by Jay Asher (Razorbill/Penguin, 2007)
THE MOCKINGBIRDS by Daisy Whitney (Little, Brown, 2010)
FOOD, GIRLS, AND OTHER THINGS I CAN’T HAVE by Allen Zadoff (Egmont, 2009)
SORTA LIKE A ROCK STAR by Matthew Quick (Little, Brown, 2010)
MAGIC UNDER GLASS by Jaclyn Dolamore (Bloomsbury, 2010)
BEFORE I DIE* by Jenny Downham (David Fickling Books, 2007)
THE CHOSEN ONE by Carol Lynch Williams (St. Martin’s Griffin/Macmillan, 2009)
THE THINGS A BROTHER KNOWS by Dana Reinhardt (Wendy Lamb Books/Random House, 2010)
LIVING DEAD GIRL by Elizabeth Scott (Simon Pulse/Simon & Schuster, 2008)
WHAT I SAW AND HOW I LIED by Judy Blundell (Scholastic Press, 2008)
IF I STAY by Gayle Forman (Dutton/Penguin, 2009)

(If you see an asterisk, *, that means I read from this book sometimes when I give a talk or presentation, because I think it’s an example of great voice! However, all of these books sing with great voices, or they wouldn’t be my favorites.)

Bolding above for Jay Asher's 'Thirteen Reasons Why" -- because it's one of my Favorite books, and it's my blog after all. ;)

Lucia and Julian - Conference Research notes continued

2011-10-14T16:34:00.003-04:00

So again, for those that weren’t in my great session on research at the recent James River Writers Conference. [Too bad. I do feel a bit sorry for you. ;) ]

Yesterday I shared the wonderful Lucia St. Clair Robson’s reference list. [see October 13, blog post]

And I’ve heard from Lucia since sharing that to add this to the list:

Since making that list I've found another used and OP on-line site I go to first: www.bookfinder.com.

Lucia St. Clair Robson

Thanks Lucia!

The panel was a great give and take and sharing among the writers themselves, Lucia St. Clair Robson, Julian Smith, and JRW’s own Kit Wilkinson, and the audience.

Lucia talked about using these reference books on the list [see yesterdays post], in addition to the internet, and Julian Smith shared how he used books when he started but has also incorporated more internet searching now.

Lucia asked Julian to share his search engines he uses, and he has given me this to post:

The search resources I use a lot are:

Lexis/Nexis: (https://www.lexisnexis.com) - for magazines, newspapers

and lots more

JSTOR: (www.jstor.org) - for academic/science

NewsBank: (http://www.newsbank.com/) - for newspapers

Google Books (books.google.com)

These are usually available through public libraries or universities.

Also, I use interlibrary loan a lot.

Julian Smith

Thanks, Julian!

And do check out Julian’s book Crossing the Heart of Africa, for his blending of past history with his present.

Check out Lucia St. Clair Robson’s books for her wonderful use of detail of period while still keeping you captivated in the story and sending you racing to the end to find out what happens.

More from the research session in blog posts to come so stay tuned!

Lucia’s Ready Reference

2011-10-13T16:55:00.003-04:00

To those that missed my great session on research, getting it, organizing it, etc… well, boo. But I understand, there were a Lot of great sessions to go to.

And in the spirit of the writerly sharing that was going on at the JRW Conference, for those that missed the session - and especially for Diann Ducharme…..

Lucia St. Clair Robson

Lucia’s Ready Reference:

Books I keep within arm’s reach:

Webster’s Ninth Collegiate Dictionary (with year of first use).

Rodale’s Synonym Finder

Roget’s Thesaurus of English Words and Phrases

The Oxford Dictionary of Quotations

A 1937 two-volume unabridged Webster’s dictionary

A Spanish dictionary, 1958 edition

A Dictionary of Americanisms

Oxford University Dictionary

Compact Edition of the Oxford English Dictionary (2 volumes)

Books that are close but that I have to roll over to in my desk chair:

Amo, Amas, Amat, and More. (Contains useful Latin phrases)

Latin, German, Italian, Japanese, and French Dictionaries

A Bible, a Bible Concordance, and a Bible dictionary

Eleven more quote books

A two-volume book of British poetry and prose, and a text of English literature

Complete works of Shakespeare (from college days. The two volumes cost $3.00, new, which indicates how not-new I am).

Thesaurus of Anecdotes ** I will add note here that Lucia told me this she found most useful

World Treasury of Proverbs

Greek and Roman Mythology

Ultimate Visual Dictionary

What’s What: A Visual Glossary of the Physical World

An Almanac

My father’s old set of Encyclopedia Brittanica

My aunt’s set of The New Funk and Wagnall’s Encyclopedia (1950 edition)

Reference books I have to walk three steps to reach:

Too many to list, but they include books on humor, flora and fauna, clothing, tools, artifacts, furniture, lighting, currency, architecture, inventions, medicine, old technology, transportation, music, poker and other diversions, guns, horses, the military, etc.

For historical details of the colonial period, I recommend anything by Alice Morse Earle.

For language,

Dictionary of the Vulgar Tongue, (1811 edition),

Shakespeare’s Bawdy by Eric Partridge,

Sut Lovingood by George Harris (a novel written in 19^th century dialect… very vivid expressions),

and

Swearing: a Social History of Foul Language, Oaths and Profanity in English by Geoffrey Hughes.

Shelved above those are books on the current subject, whatever it might be. (Right now I’m on the scout for a Nahuatl dictionary, descriptions of Mexican jails, the effects of dynamite on train tracks, descriptions of old train cars, and examples of Mexican/Zapotec hexes).

The most useful on-line sites I’ve found for buying used and out-of-print books are:

Alibris.com

Bestbookbuys.com

Abebooks.com

Amazon.com (auctions)

I’m sure there are many more, but those are my favorites.

- End of Lucia’s list - but there will be more interesting tid-bits to come. ;)

And since this is my blog I will add a footnote to these, well… because I can. ;) I will put in a buy-local pitch to also check with your local independent booksellers - they are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable lot.

In Richmond we are blessed with:

Fountain Bookstore - has a great new website that needs exploring,

Chop Suey books - that you saw at the Conf.,

Black Swan books that says “We buy and sell fine, unusual and rare books in most fields. We have a diverse stock catering to a variety of interests with particular emphasis in Antiquarian books, Americana, Civil War, History, Scholarly books, Art and Architecture. Additionally, we have an ever-increasing selection of prints, maps, and printed ephemera.”,

and a used book store on Midlothian that I can’t think of the name, and some others that are niggling at the edges of my mind that is still too brain-fried to think clearly anymore.

So Do try those first! If out-of-town, out-of-state, I know at least some of these ship, so send email / call and ask. I will also add a place where I’ve stumbled across out of print books online - Edward R. Hamilton, bookseller. Some I’ve missed by not being quick enough, but I’m often surprised by what I find there while browsing.

Yes, one of these days I will take time to do all the things I'm supposed to - fix this blog, and all that goes with it, change my Twitter from an egg-head, get all the laundry done - again, and oh, yeah, actually do some writing on my books!

And now I have such an urge to go out and search for / find books…. Guess I should rearrange my stacks and bookshelves first. Let me see how many steps…..

JRW Conference Momentum Continuing

2011-10-12T13:48:00.001-04:00

For those that attended the Really Great James River Writers Conference this past weekend and want to get back that energizing whump of energy that comes with associating with great writers -

Or for those of you that Really wanted to attend, and couldn’t for whatever reason,

Or you just want to put off daily dampening and escape as long as possible.

[We’re okay with that.]

Join us at Writers Wednesday October 12, 2011 - that’s Wednesday, of course [it is Writers Wednesday]. And Tonight - at Capital Ale House Midlothian - not far from 288.

Come before it changes locations!

After - Conference Musings

2011-10-10T16:06:00.002-04:00

Isn’t everyone’s mind in a jumble? Crammed Full of great things learned at the Conference. Trying to sort everything out and get it in useful order. Or maybe that’s just me. ;}

Okay - so my Best after-Conference advice — Keep the Momentum Going!

That’s a hard thing to do as ‘real’ life swells back in to wash over the hours exclusively spent hanging out with writers of all kinds.

A Really good way to do this and keep the energy going — come hang out with us at Writers Wednesday!

THIS Wednesday! ... day after tomorrow.... October 12th.... got it? ;)

Check the James River Writers website for location.

So now I’ve helped you with a suggestion to keep the momentum and energy going.

I’m helping myself with something that came out of the creative environment of the weekend.

Hey, indulge me, it’s my birthday.

Also humor me, and cut me some slack…. Okay, a Lot of slack… cause it Really is my birthday.

And this as brave as I’m likely to be for awhile with this part of my writing life.

But those of you that missed the Poetry Workshop at the Thursday Conference day missed a Great session.

Disclaimer here — any failings in anything I write here have no reflection on the fabulous Hermine Pinson and her great workshop. My brain was just fried out and filled with lots of things to do and all and …well, a Lot of Other things… enough said.

I write ….something…. not sure I even really consider it poetry, but whatever it is it has become my tool to get back to my creative side. Especially to my writing side. It opens the door to begin to walk in to the writing part of me. The fantastic Adriana Trigiani told me she also does that. So I’m not totally out in left field here. Well, at least I’m not out there all alone. ;) And that’s what all this is about. Not being alone as a writer.

Anyway, so I have promised to be more active on here. Okay, so I really promised to post some of the great information that came to me at the Conference, but I really don’t have time to do that right now - you did read above reason, right? ;)

Hopefully you will indulge me here for this one post, and add your own little poem, or what I call concise snippets of thought.

JRW Conference 2011

Frenetic forward movement ceases

But rest still eludes at the corners

Mind racing against time

Circles beyond reach

Days within grasp

Who can judge the success

For it is not within numbers

but of resonances and awakenings

inward turnings of mind.

And I have to go — enough stated above about the reason.

Be brave as I have been and post something,

And no, I have no idea why all this is spaced the way it is — one of the items on my to do list to do after the Conference - figure out Scrivener. and Twitter... and.....whatever....

Keep the energy going.

I’m Aliiiive

2011-10-09T19:12:00.002-04:00

Well, I was More alive this morning, but that’s better than being mostly dead all day.

Right?

[Princess Bride reference for all the wonderful people gathered at the table at Bottoms Up Pizza other night.]
:::grin:::

I have finally crawled out from under the mountains of travel research notes, and emails, and all the minute details and notes that I require to keep organized.

Well, I’m mostly out. I managed to get out from under them all and get to the airport and hotel and Conference to greet all the wonderful people that brought the James River Writers Conference to a brilliant and lively success this year.

And it was a Really Great Conference this year!

But with last minute flight cancel today, rush call, even more rushing speaker, my Conference ‘experience’ is not quite over, since I am keeping ‘eye’ on the airline and tracking it. [TripTracker, and FlightsArrivalandDeparture] [Okay, yeah so I might be just a tad compulsive about doing my best job / ability, but, hey, that's way I am.]

Hopefully my last speaker will be home soon. [Stupid planes]

And then I can rest.

But I Promise I will be posting more things to the blog now. I have Great information that I got from some of the speakers at the James River Writer Conference. And they have graciously said I could post the information for you all as well.

In the meantime - hey, the plane’s in the air on it’s second leg, only one more to track, and I’m going to get a cup of tea. [And see if there’s something chocolate around.] — so in the meantime, go to Twitter and check out #JRWC11 There’s Great Writer’s advice all through there! Check it out!

P.S. I blunder around on Twitter (I Really don’t mean to) but I have been directed by the wonderful James River Writers writers there to:

“do you know about tweetchat.com? Go there and type in #jrwc11 and they'll all pop up.”

Thanks! to the Wonderful ---@Ellenfbrown Ellen F. Brown

Fantasy Writers Should Read This

2011-08-18T12:58:00.001-04:00

Well, this blog post on the link here.

There’s some Great guidelines / information on creating / writing / thinking about Fantasy in a new and different way.

With some great examples of / references to a well known YA writer of werewolves we know and Really like.

Okay, so if you aren’t into playing guessing games - the examples are given using Maggie Stiefvater’s Shiver story. [No, I’m not spoiling it, My time’s limited here, isn’t yours?]

Go on over and check out the link - even if you are just not ruling out the possibility of someday perhaps writing fantasy you’ll appreciate the intriguing thoughts and advice.

Writing Advice / tips and looking at Blogs

2011-08-16T17:04:00.004-04:00

If anyone has been reading and following my blog [Yay! Thanks! ;)] you will already know that I think Steve Berry is Terrific!

[And Don’t even get me started on his wife!!!]

I have talked about in posts before about the Writing Workshops that Steve and his wife give, that are totally Fabulous! No matter what your stage or where you are in your writing. [I talk abut them more, I assure you, just look thro' a few past entries and I'm sure you'll see mentions.]

Steve’s books are very good as well, and one of the very few writers that my husband has insisted we collect all the books.

So I am a big fan of Steve, and his wife, so when I came across this in a blog…

a Great blog b-t-w, you should definitely check it out as well - of course I had to bring notice to Steve’s great writing advice.

[If he and his wife ever write and put out a writing / marketing book - well, I’ll be All over That as well! ]

So here’s the great Writing Advice from Steve Berry.

Here’s the great blog where I saw it listed - Jody Renner Editing blog. And she has a great list of Conferences! Hopefully she’ll add the James River Writers Conference to the list as well. ;)

There really is a Lot of great info’ on the blog so be sure to check it out.

Also check out this other great blog I discovered - from a reading / book perspective. And who of us doesn’t need that, right? So many books to read - so much that gets in the way. :(

So you should know which ones you should move to the top of the ‘to read first’ stack, right?

And so many blogs to explore. Come on, I’m not the only one that ends up clicking on blogs and clicking on their blogs, and…. somehow end up coming out hours later on the other side of the known blog universe. Am I?

So where’ve you been lately? Come on, you can tell us. We’re all friends here. :::Grin::::

Check out blogs.

And of course go check out Steve’s Own site, and his books!

Then come back and let’s chat about the blog travels.

And books of course! ;)

From Jody Renner Editing blog

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2010

STEVE BERRY'S EIGHT RULES OF FICTION

When I was at Thrillerfest, the International Thriller Writers' Annual Writing Conference, in New York City last July, I attended an excellent workshop by bestselling thriller writer Steve Berry. He gave us eight key rules that all successful fiction writers should know and follow:

1. There are no rules. You can do anything you want as long as it works.

2. Don't bore the reader. You can bore the reader in a sentence, in a paragraph, by misusing words, poorly choosing words, using the wrong length, etc.

3. Don't confuse the reader. Don't misuse point of view. Don't do too much at once.

4. Don't get caught writing. Don't let you, the author, enter the story. (E.g., "And he never would see Memphis again." How would anyone other than the author know that the character would never see Memphis again?)

5. Shorter is always better. Write tight. It makes you use the best words in the right way.

6. Don't lie to the reader. It's okay to mislead, but don't lie. If you say the character's motivation is A and it turns out to be B (and you haven't foreshadowed it at all), the reader will feel cheated.

7. Don't annoy the reader. Don't use names that are hard to pronounce or write choppy sentences throughout the entire book. It keeps people from getting close to your characters.

8. You must tell a good story. Bad writing can be forgiven with a good story. A bad story with the most beautiful writing cannot.

Query Letter Tips

2011-07-30T19:22:00.001-04:00

For those that don’t follow the Query Shark blog, or on Twitter, this is a tip you might have missed.

And since I was having this conversation a few weeks ago with a couple of writer friends, I thought all you friends out there might want to see it as well.

I mean we are All pretty busy and I know I appreciate it when you all tell and send me things.

The Query Shark says:

you don't need to tell me it's a simultaneous submission. I assume you're querying widely. Unless an agent specifically requests to know that you can leave it out. And you don't want to spend words on something you don't need to say. Use as many words to entice me to read this instead of covering housekeeping matters.

So what have you come across or heard that I should know?

Come on now, I share with you!

Pitching Practice ... Deadline’s Looming

2011-07-29T15:03:00.003-04:00

Deadline’s Looming, people!

For all you pantsers out there. Not panthers. Pant-sers. Yes, I’m sure you know who you are.

Sit on your pants ’til a deadline looms over you then set your pants on fire to get everything done in time.

I’m saving your pants. And possibly your bum [as the British call our backsides].

Deadline is approaching - Like in pants on fire time - for JRW members to get first placement preferences for the Conference.

Conference will be here before you know it but it’s not pants-on-fire time yet. Yet. Maybe. Depending on what your plans are. {keep reading} But you know how those lolly-gag times creep up on you. [No not up your…. Never mind.]

Quickly moving on to Why you should be signing up for the Conference Now and not lolly-gagging around.

Just check this out -

Another Pitchapalooza Winner Lands a Book Deal!

Congratulations to our Pitchapalooza winner from Kansas City, Genn Albin who just got a mega six-figure, 3-book deal for her young adult fantasy novel, Crewel. Check out Genn’s guest blog about her wild ride. She's going to check in with us regularly to let us know about her progress from Pitchapalooza champion to bestseller.

Uh-huh. Yeah. Isn’t that what we are all talking about wanting!

Well, guess who has these Book Doctors in the house!!!

If you didn’t say James River Writers Conference in October no lollipop for you!

Well, we don’t have lollipops anyway, But we will have the Pitchapalooza Book Doctors in October!

In Library of Virginia’s house, where the JRW Conference is to be held.

But the deadline is Looming for their signups! Don’t say I didn’t warn you.

And tried to save your pants.

After you sign up for the Conference and get your Pitch spot secured, and thus saving your pants, you can go over and sign up for their email newsletter - yes, where do you think this info’ is coming from. Oh, I guess I should be playing it more mysterious and secretive. Well, good thing I don’t try to write too many mysteries, and just enjoy reading them.

There’s even a video sneak peak of what to do for Pitchapalooza so you can start practicing and all!

You can see the video And sign up for the email newsletter here.

Same place!

How cool is that!

And see how nice I am to you - I’m trying to save your shirt as well as your pants. *Grin*

Don't forget to read the comments - where they say even those that Didn't sign up in time for the Pitchapooza schedule learned a Lot.

--- oh dear, is that sizzling I hear somewhere? Are you starting to feel hot? Better move now. *grin*

[If you need any more links to the James River Writers Conference than what’s been given here. Just check previous blog entry. One of them has Lots. and lots. ;) ]

See ya over on the Cool side of things. ;)

Pitching and Wooing

2011-07-24T21:20:00.002-04:00

Pitching and wooing. What dating used to be called in the ‘old’ days. Or so I’m told. Hey, I’m not That old!

I wonder if pitching and wooing were a part of courting? Yes, that is another old term for dating. And again, I am Not That old either. Really.

I assume ‘dating’ is still an appropriate term nowadays. Things are quite a bit different than when I was growing up. Some might be due to the time period I will admit, but I think mostly due to circumstances. After all, look at all the changes in everyone’s lives that social media has brought on.

But some things do stay the same. Whatever you would call it, pitching and wooing, (although I’m not sure if that was part of courting or not), courting, dating, the sentiments are generally the same. And apply to all close relationships, in some way. Like the close relationship most writers want to have with their agents. You can start on your way to pitching and wooing an agent at the upcoming James River Writers Conference in October.

Well, we help you with the pitching part, the wooing part is up to you.

For those of you needing extra help on the pitching part - and who doesn’t need refresher thoughts and ideas - check out the James River Writers blog for a bunch of great pitching tips or reminders of how to do it.

Especially if it’s been a long time between dates. Uh, with pitching an agent, I mean we enjoy your company and all but not sure we want to get in that business. But you never know I suppose, so you might want to keep an eye on the website and the blog. Just in case.

**Grin**

But we do like hearing about your successes and accomplishments so do come to the James River Writing Show next Thursday and tell us about them.

And put the casual meet Writers Wednesday on your calendar to come tell us All about it.

We might even want to hear about your pitch and woo stories.

You never know. ;)

Work, and Heat, and Dragons, Oh My!

2011-07-08T11:14:00.006-04:00

Okay so the Heat around here in Virginia has nothing to do with Dragons.
I think.
Virginia Is sizzling with Dragon talk this summer tho'.

And yes, I shouldn’t be getting distracted from my work on conference things, but, I say, it Really helps sometimes to take a step back and look at why we all are working so hard here.
[I said a step back, we haven’t run away. Yet.]

And here is a Really good reason!
Yay! :::Claps hands:::: [hey, it’s better they are clapping each other than my head like they’ve been doing lately]

Yes, it is a bit hot out there, here in Virginia certainly, but if you don’t at least read this you are going to regret it come fall when you need the heat. And the info’ ….

And if you haven’t been reading the James River Writers Conference blog — WHY HAVEN’T YOU???

We do forgive you. If you start now. I’ve made it easy for you, just click on one of the word links above. Or Here.

And if it so happens you don’t want to miss the fabulous writers that are being talked about on the blog so far, go here to sign up. Before it fills up and sells out.
It’s going to be a GREAT Conference I’m tellin’ you! We’re certainly working really hard to bring you GREAT!!!

Now, I must get back to work, and you must go check out the JRW Conference blog.
And Keep checking it out!!!

I would ask you to come back here and tell me which of the featured authors are your favorite so far but that would be too much like picking favorites of your children wouldn’t it? …. Pssstt, you can tell me later. ;)
After all, JRW’s Writers Wednesday is coming up next week.
Last one before the change of venue.
So you might seriously want to check it out.
I can hear your favorites then. And why they are your faves of course.
Hey, I said we were working hard didn’t I. ;)

Read this summer, Put These Dates on Calendar

2011-06-30T13:56:00.002-04:00

Another reason to sit down and read this summer. Other than fact too hot to do anything else, right?

Sure is in Virginia all I'm saying.

Three Critics Pick The Best Books For Summer

The NPR people critics picks.

And don't forget to put these dates on your Calendar for October!

Since this is one of the books they pick.

Silver Sparrow

By Tayari Jones, hardcover, 352 pages, Algonquin, list price: $19.95

The first line of this book reveals the secret that informs the lives of this family's story: "My father James Witherspoon is a bigamist." Two families live with this reality, but only one knows the truth. The daughters become friends. They are half sisters, but only one of them knows it. One girl moves through life guarding this secret, the other lives in blissful ignorance. While Jones' book is fiction, it has roots in her biography. Gonzalez says this is a fascinating story that examines the psychological effect a father's deception has on his wives and children.

And Tayari Jones is going to be at the James River Writers Conference in October!

[Along with Kitty Kelly! And a Lot of other great writer people.]

Just saying.

Do you Really want to miss it?

I Couldn't Resist

2011-06-20T00:57:00.003-04:00

Okay so I couldn't resist this challenge. The BDCWB Flash Fiction Challenge #1 [The Best Damn Creative Writing Blog]

They gave a picture -

And the limit of 500 words. I used 498 words with my little flash fiction story I flashed out quickly here -

I couldn’t help but sneak a look at his stiff back, listening to his bare feet slapping the pavement, when he walked away from me.

I couldn’t help it. I wrapped my arms around myself to contain the pain that had come when he had set his jaw and told me decisively he was leaving me. I had managed not to break down into hysterics. That was a moment to be proud of. Mostly.

But now that he wasn’t watching, he hadn’t even looked back once, the hurt moved as he did. I tightened my grip on myself, undone. My arm lifted as if it were going to wave goodbye, in case he did look back, not that it seemed he was going to now. I moved my trembling hand to my mouth to stifle the cry that threatened to erupt, shutting my eyes to try to contain the rush of tears and stop the glint of sunlight on them that would give me away. In case he does look back. The wet trickle down my cheeks told me I wasn’t successful. Pressing my lips tighter, I swiped at the damp and snuck a look at my fingertips, they weren’t bright red as I expected. I was sure I was starting to bleed from all the cuts inside me.

I could see his silhouette stretched across the black surface, at least it was leaning back toward me. But he was so far. So far from my arms.

Even over the hot smell of pavement and summer, I knew if I concentrated for even the smallest period of time I would smell him. I would almost taste the smell of him as he nuzzled close in my arms. These same ones that were shaking around me now.

This was all a mistake. Some misunderstood failing on my part. I knew in my bones that my arms would always ache like this. I would never be able to fill the emptiness no matter how tightly I wrapped them around myself.

I couldn’t let him leave like this.

No matter what damage it did to either of us, this couldn’t happen like this. Not now. And eventually we’d get beyond this, I just knew we would. We had to. We had to.

I swallowed my pride along with the lump of tears and started along his path. The perspective of my sight made him look so small, I quickened my step. I broke into a run as I choked back the sob of his name.

He had stopped and turned toward me when I finally reached him, grabbing him tightly against my chest.

“Don’t you ever do this to me again.” I unclamped my jaw to spit out the words in his ear. The same jaw that was echoed in his smaller version. I loosened my grip on my son enough to shake him, “this is not the way to do it. When the time comes we’ll figure it out.” Somehow.

I couldn't come up with a good title though. You got an inspired one you care to share?

Thanks to Denise for her blog heads up - go over and read her flash fiction version - here.

Revision Process Writers Face

2011-06-19T13:37:00.003-04:00

A great blog post about the revision process and stages for writers. And the normal feelings and emotions you have as you are in the midst of it.

With great pictures. Here.

Oh, come on, go ahead and look. It's so true it hurts. And the pictures are so cute they hurt. ::grin::::

They Know Us Too Well

2011-06-17T11:53:00.003-04:00

Obviously there are serious similarities among all us writers.

As highlighted in this PW article on ways to curb the internet wandering and concentrate on writing.

[Publishers Weekly for those that are wondering.]

I didn't read the whole thing - I stopped 'cause I was laughing so hard at the *SQUIRREL!!!* comment.

But I will go back and read all the suggestions - some are really funny. Some are helpful. Perhaps nothing new, at least in the ones I read, but still things to keep in mind. And perhaps even use. After I quit catching up on emails, and blog posts, and..... *SQUIRREL!!!*

:::goes off laughing::::

Keeping busy - or keeping your dreams at arm’s length

2011-06-16T11:18:00.002-04:00

Not that you have to tell Me. But your inner self might be trying to get your attention. And tell You.

Yeah, that inner longing. That inner knocking to get your attention. To stop being so busy so you can’t hear that inner voice at all.

Or the fear that rises up that you have to face someday.

Not easy is it? Facing ourselves.

Facing the risks.

Yeah, ‘flog’ you Debbie Bowie - okay so not really, really. But I get her feng shui and organizational insights in my in-box and it’s so much easier to read that than actually work on all the things I ‘should’ be doing, or ‘supposed’ to be doing.

Or it was.

You should go read it too - Here

Here I’ll help you -

To laugh is to risk appearing the fool.

To weep is to risk appearing sentimental.

To reach for another is to risk involvement.

To expose your ideas, your dreams before a crowd is to risk their loss.

To love is to risk not being loved in return.

To live is to risk dying.

To believe is to risk despair.

To try is to risk failure.

But risks must be taken, because the greatest hazard in life is to risk nothing.

The people who risk nothing do nothing, have nothing, are nothing.

They may avoid suffering and sorrow, but they cannot learn, cannot feel, cannot change, grow, love and live.

Chained by their attitudes they are slaves; they have forfeited their freedom.

Only a person who risks is free.

Author Unknown

Okay, now you see. Understand?

So that was a mean thing of me to do? Heh, heh, heh. Now you know all about the old saying about misery and company, right? I’ll explain it to you if you want. Heh, heh.

Oh, come on, I am not heartless. Here’s Debbie’s helpful blog.

And here’s her website - Rock Paper Scissors Institute

Now, See how nice I am to you.

So, what are your dreams really worth to you now? Don't tell me. Tell that inner self.

Keeping A Dream Alive

2011-06-08T10:16:00.001-04:00

Dreams may not be able to keep a body alive but without the dream it doesn't really live [sgchris©2011/6]

What are our dreams worth?
In terms we can use to measure
laying out the width and length of it
They perhaps come up short

But to the reason they give us
to get up each day and breathe
They are worth the littlest time we can take
to keep them shining like gold
For they are worth more to that daily breath
than we can ever hold

Keep breathing your dream alive
For that keeps your soul alive

Does your dream live?
Where does it live?
sgchris©2011/6

Must Watch!

2011-06-05T23:23:00.002-04:00

James River Writers own, and Big Deal - Ellen F. Brown and her Gone With the Wind Book:

Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With the Wind: A Bestseller’s Odyssey from Atlanta to Hollywood

On TV Here!!!
Well, she was actually in New York for the Interview for CBS.news!!!
But for those of us that weren't able to see it there - here it is Here!

"Gone with the Wind" - the book - turns 75 - The Early Show - CBS News
www.cbsnews.com

And Yes, she Does look gorgeous. And she's really Smart too.

Of Course you should click on it and go look at it.

And if you get a chance to see / hear Ellen talk about her book and her research, GO! She offers up All kinds of interesting tidbits that didn't make it to the book!

Have I ever steered you off the road?

Practical Tips on Writing a Book

2011-06-04T00:25:00.003-04:00

Got my attention - yours too? I mean What writer doesn't need Practical Tips. Right?

Okay so get the Practical Tips on Writing a Book here.

And for Practical Tips on being a spy - or just writing about them [Sure That's what you're doing skulking around out there] - here's where you'll find some of those.
I especially like the dead rat ploy.
Bet it's yours too.
You gonna admit it?

Free Books!

2011-05-31T12:50:00.002-04:00

Free Books to good homes!

Okay, so none of mine, yet. Although I have taken a few of the books I have read around here to donate to my local library.

I think more have been bought at their sale and come into my house perhaps, much to husband's dismay. But hey, we must support our local library, right? And Several of those books were bought for or by him. So these are not all my books to read stacked around here. Books are very decorative anyway. And functional.

But enough about what I should be doing right now. Hint, yes, it's either reading books for JRW Conference, or writing on my own books-in-progress.

Or the myriad of 'real' life things that plague.... er, concern us all.

But regardless of the state of our reading pile, or state of our laundry pile, we All want more books, don't we.

Especially if they are Free!

So I share this with you for that opportunity - Ricki Schultz blog.

Yes, the same that was at the James River Writers Writing Show just the other night.

She's giving away books. For Free. Here.

I'm going over to enter as well. Hey, I have a couple of chairs that are still empty.

You aren't sitting in them now after all.

How NOT to Write a Query Letter

2011-05-30T11:23:00.001-04:00

If you are at the Query letter writing stage at your writing career juncture then you will want to check out this .

And will probably want to check out the others there on how to write a Good query letter.

You will also most probably want to stay away from any kind of advice, query letter or not, from the Crazy L. Person person. Probably.

Missed Writing Show?

2011-05-28T15:04:00.002-04:00

For those of you that missed the Writing Show the other night you might want to check this out.

Or even if you were there at the Writing Show and are having trouble reading all your scribbled notes right now.

This emphasizes what ‘face-panelist’ Dan Blank was talking to us about just the other night.

Course, as another struggling writer and I were discussing, there are no clear answers on how to do all this networking and all, and juggle writing, and jobs, and ‘real’ life.

But at least when we gather at all the JRW venues and in all the on-line communities we are supposed to be forging and putting together, we have lots of company.

So at least that’s comforting, and sometimes even helpful. Since we are hanging out with a whole bunch of smart people, and interesting people. Right?

Since come on, you aren't going to convince me that your characters are all that smart or all that interesting All the time.

So come join us at James River Writers events. Where a great bunch of writers hang out in 'real' life.

You missed the Writing Show for May already, don't miss the JRW fundraiser coming up June 4th. And the Writers Wednesday gathering, and the..... Well, just go check out all the places you can come mingle with us. [click here]

And come join our community. We can be a Lot more fun in person than online. Trust me. :::grin::::

Need an Agent?

2011-05-27T11:57:00.004-04:00

You can have an opportunity to mingle and actually pitch a New York agent at the James River Writers Conference in October.

So get to finishing your works in progress and practicing your pitches.

If nothing else be sure to check out the Pitchapalooza event at the Conference this year, and participate of course!

But if you are looking for an agent, get ready to sign up for the Agent slots when the Conference registration comes up on the James River Writers website in June.

In the meantime, check out the JRW Conference blog with news and teasers.

And be sure to check out the current talk on wonderful agent Michelle Brower coming to the Conference to hear about your wonderful writing - in 5 - 7 minutes or less of course. Yes, you are timed.
So use your time wisely grasshopper.
Including getting ready for the great James River Writer Conference in October.

If you can come to all, or even some, of the James River Writer events going on every month you can get to know people before the Conference so you won't have to feel so alone when you walk in the doors at the lovely Library of Virginia.
Although we're a pretty friendly bunch, for a bunch of hunched up writers [and awkward socializers also], so come to the Conference anyway, I bet you'll come away with a bunch of new writer friends. And maybe even an agent.

After all, where else are you going to really fit in? We can all stand around and be awkward together and nobody thinks it's weird. How great is that!

A Haunting

2011-05-26T12:54:00.003-04:00

" I’m often haunted by the question, "What if I hadn’t tried again?"

Yet, Another reason to stay persistent and moving forward with your writing.
And striving onward.

Don't want this to happen to you.
If you want to read more about this, where this quote came from, and writers talking about how they got their agents go here.

Keep Writing. Keep moving forward.

Keep coming to James River Writers events and mingling and networking with other writers.
Like at the JRW Writing Show - Tonight.

After all, all the writers stories talk about how important all that mingling was, and is.
Just thought I'd mention.

Blogger Bums?

2011-05-25T11:53:00.003-04:00

Interesting post on blogging.

Never thought about it quite like the way it's put, Blogger Buddy or Blogger Bum.

Of course I want Blogger Buddies! Hello. :::snort::: Guess I shouldn't snort in a blog post if I want blogger buddies?

I mean doesn't Everybody want Buddies? Blogger or not.

Uh, no matter how much you like, or perhaps even love, your characters, you do realize that they are not your buddies, right?

Or is it just me that can't turn my back on my characters for very long?
They tend to run amok. A Lot. Or is that something to do with my control of them. ::::snort:::: sorry, did it again. I have to take a break while I snicker, a lot, about having much control over my characters. I didn't say no control. Yet. I think. Sigh. It comes from leaving them alone too much, I know. :::hangs head:::: [and I can't hang it any lower since that bangs my head on the keyboard and makes me go xxxxxxxxcccccc
And it gives me a headache. And the characters are too good at that on their own.]

But to get away, quickly, from my talk of my work with my characters ::::said from side of mouth--- or lack thereof.....[does anybody else hear faint characters screams and snickers?]

I certainly don't want to be a Blogger Bum.
Not sure I agree with the definition the post gives of Blogger Bum however. The descriptions sound awfully close to Bully behavior to me.

What do you think?

Since it's not describing what I consider Bum activity of lounging around on a chair at the beach. Oh, I mentally just became a beach bum. Sigh. I can still hear the waves.
Okay, I am reluctantly back now. My toes aren't even wet..... [and no, you spitting on them is Not the same thing.]

So, no, of course I don't want to be a Blogger Bum.
[or even a mental beach bum with wet toes. just sayin'......
Although if you have good ideas about being a beach bum I could at least listen. To be a good buddy I mean. Doing my part and all ......of course, that's all.]

While I didn't make a blog excursion to the beach [quick mental trips don't count], I did make one to London with a great blog post by another writer. [Work-in-Progress blog by author/writer Leslie Pietrzyk]
Sigh. It sounded so great.
Oh, and I must be a good blogger buddy now and go tell her how much I enjoyed it.

So, do you fall into Blogger Buddy category? Or Blogger Bum?
I'm sure I don't have any Blogger Bullies that read my blog. Or they are being awfully considerate to not post comments. Thanks. ;)

Writing Wisdom - Persistence

2011-05-14T00:28:00.001-04:00

The difference between a published writer and an unpublished one ---- one didn't give up.
[sgchris 5/2011]

Fabulous

2011-05-13T14:04:00.005-04:00

Joseph Papa, why yes, the one with the fabulous hair, the same, who also happens to be a publicist for a major New York publisher, gave a fabulous talk at the lovely Library of Virginia the other night, on book he has out that he has written [so yes I guess he does know what it's like to walk in our writer shoes, even if he doesn't know what it's like to have ordinary hair], on Elizabeth Taylor.

•Elizabeth Taylor: A Passion for Life by Joseph Papa

And why yes, you can get it at the Library of Virginia - I watched him sign extra books for them. [they had to run out and bring in extra!]

And also at Richmond's own Fountain Bookstore.

Fabulous!

It really was a fabulously interesting talk.

[and yes, his hair really was fabulous - I believe the fabulous Ellen Brown got a snapshot]

[and since this post is about fabulous, check out Ellen's book on Gone With the Wind.

Margaret Mitchell's Gone with the Wind: A Bestseller's Odyssey from Atlanta to Hollywood

What an extraordinary woman she was. Elizabeth Taylor. [Ellen Brown is also ...which obviously I must post about sometime....after I get book writing done I think since she's always giving me that stern eye about getting to it, instead of ...well, probably this. But I will get back to them Ellen, after I finish this!]

Elizabeth Taylor was an extraordinary woman.

In more ways than one. Like she not Only had violet eyes, she had a double set of eyelashes. How's that for extraordinary.

Such interesting things about a woman that was extraordinary. And especially for her ability to survive.

You'll just have to pick up Joseph's book to find out more.

It will be even better to go hear him talk when you pick up the book so you can hear all the interesting things he knows that didn't make it to the book. [Yes, Fabulous things.]

Course you can't have a conversation about the fabulous Liz without mentioning her fabulous jewels.

Which are to be auctioned off.

I like this quote attributed to her here -

"Good Morning America" took a look at Elizabeth Taylor's jewelry collection, reportedly valued at $150 million.

The icon once talked to Barbara Walters about her love for all-things-bling, explaining, "The beauty, the perfection, God's workmanship. They're all from the ground." Her affinity for gemstones began as a child and continued as she counted husbands. Walters asked her if it was awkward for her new men to see their predecessor's presents. "So I've been told," Liz remarked. What did she do about it? "Encourage them to give me more." Naturally.

I like that so much.

Except I have one husband....and there hasn't been a predecessor for a very long time.... hmmmm, wonder how the fabulous Liz would have worked that with jewelry?

Or just worked that one husband thing.....

Is fabulous what we make it? And that was her real extraordinary gift?

Another Reason to Support Your Indie Bookstore

2011-05-08T22:38:00.002-04:00

Be sure to check out the wonderful blog post by Richmond's own Treasure and independent bookstore and bookstore owner, Fountain Bookstore's Kelly Justice.

And of course I'm sure she, and her great staff, will appreciate you strolling in and buying a book or two from them.

I'm sure they won't object if you even buy more than one or two from them either. Just sayin' .....

Yay!!!

2011-05-07T11:30:00.004-04:00

Yay for the James River Writers Conference coming in October!!!

This in yesterday's Publishers Lunch :

Tayari Jones Tops June 2011 Indie Next List

Delicious Writing

2011-05-01T13:19:00.003-04:00

Isn't that what we all want? It's what Tayari Jones says that's what she wants her writing to be in a great article on her in current, May / June 2011, Poets & Writers magazine.

So pick up the issue and check it out.

You can also check about about Writing Contests and the 10 Tips for Successful Entries. What writer doesn't want that info', right?

And if you are like most of us, by the time you get the Poets & Writers magazine, and get the Tayari Jones piece read, it will be time to go over and sign up for the James River Writers Conference so you can meet, and talk to her in person! Since she is going to be here. In Richmond. At the James River Writers Conference in October!!!!
Seriously Cool, right?

Hey, if you missed the Writing Show the other night, with Daniel José Custódio, Susan Greenbaum, Luisa Igloria, with Nathan Richardson moderating,
you missed poetry, in several different forms, including sung. So you need to read some delicious writing, as well as write it yourself.

While you are over on the James River Writers site go ahead and make note of the James River Writers fundraiser - where we raise our monies to bring you such great things such as the Conference and all the Writing Shows. To make you aware of delicious writing and how to make your own writing so delicious it's drip worthy. [and maybe even panty worthy for the Book Lady! hmmmm? We can all hope!] So do at least put the date down and seriously think about it. It might be delicious itself........ ;)

JRW's annual literary fundraiser
Saturday, June 4, 2011
6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
On the river at Dominion’s Tredegar Complex
120 Tredegar Street, Richmond, VA 23219

So here are some great ways to help yourself. And don't forget to give back and help James River Writers. Don't we all want to be thought of as Delicious?

Conquering Fears. And Perseverance.

2011-04-20T00:48:00.004-04:00

That’s Conquering your fears as a writer. As well as your paralyzing need to have your writing perfect. Sound familiar? Keep reading.

And as the agents that come to the James River Writers Conference [in October if you are interested. ;)], Perseverance is often the difference between the published writer and the one not published because they gave up.

To get some great advice that will help your writing. And hit you where your writer sits, check out this great post.

For those that don’t want to take time to click on it, here’s some of what jumped out to me. Or jumped on me. Really. I’m trying to fight it off. It’s sticking Way too close.

While this seems to be talking about writing with a message, it hit me just as with writing....

“......Not your “perfect” writing.

And if you’re preventing yourself from letting people see your writing because you’re stressing over the perfection of it… well, your message never makes it out there to the people you want it to reach.

So give yourself permission to write what you need to write in the way you want to write it. Stop stressing over what people will think of your work. That’s not important. Start getting excited about sharing your message instead – and making sure that the people who need to hear it actually do. ....”

and it goes Really well along with ....

# 5: Blast Perfectionism and Thrive

Linda Formichelli, author of The Renegade Writer, a blog about “living and loving the freelance life,” recommends:

“I teach and mentor writers, and a huge sticking point I always hear from them is that they’re afraid to put their work out there if it’s not perfect. So they wait and wait, and get caught in analysis-paralysis — and of course, they have no success.

I don’t know about you, but nothing I do is perfect. That includes the way I parent my toddler, my cooking skills, and — you got it — my writing. And yet, I’ve been published in more than 130 magazines, from Woman’s Day to Health to Redbook.

Let me assure you: There is no such thing as perfect. Editors (and readers) are all individuals so what one loves, another will hate. You can’t predict it. All you can do is do your best and get your ideas and your queries and your letters of introduction out there. The mediocre idea you send out has an infinitely better chance of being accepted than the one that you never send to an editor because it’s not “perfect.” ......

Which leads into the Perseverance part....

#6: Understand the Importance of Perseverance

Therese Walsh of Writer Unboxed, a blog about “the craft and business of fiction,” recommends:

“I’m not sure who said that the difference between an unpublished and published writer is perseverance, but I believe it. ........

And continues on with a lot of other great and thought provoking, or at least mulling worthy thoughts and advice from other writers.

Come on admit it, we have great advice and inspiration. It’s even that much greater when it’s generously shared.

Since a lot of this has come to sit way too close to me I thought I should share with you. So you can have the same kind of ‘company.’ I’m so generous. ;->

I'm Tired Already...

2011-04-18T11:38:00.004-04:00

Just Reading this blog of the Real realities of writing, the writing life. And being a good, and successful writer.

Makes me tired.

Or more tired.

Course Spring allergies might have too much to do with that as well. yay spring.

But in a few blog posts ago here there was semi discussion / blathering about why we read. Or since this is my blog, why I read.

I realized from a comment posted of why a friend reads that the why's and wherefores of my reading has changed over the years. I've read to escape pain, mental, emotional and physical pain. Read to alleviate boredom and waiting. Read just for the enjoyment and joy of it.

And as I've moved into the fringes of the writing world, I've also noticed my reading has changed. I still do read for the enjoyment. But sometimes that is few and far between.

I find myself reading more to study and compare what I am writing to see how my writing stacks up, which also lets me get a study of what my competition is and how well they are doing. Also, what they seem to be doing right with marketing that I need to keep an eye on.

As I am reading for my 'business' I hopefully find the enjoyment of reading can coincide with it. But even if it doesn't, I still learn a lot. And that's never a bad thing.

I was going to do a blog entry, someday soon I am sure, and wonderfully brilliant of course, on why I read.

But as I said I'm tired, and this is a great post that says it well -- on writing. But if look at it as a reader, why I read. Why I probably really read.

And in case you are as tired, or more tired, I'll post the part that sums up why to read, why to write. But do go read the whole post. It is Really good.

"The truth is, the joy of writing isn’t the writing itself. It’s seeing your ideas spread. It’s seeing them touch other people. It’s seeing them take root within the minds of those people, where they continue to grow into something more wonderful than you could have ever imagined. ....."

".....Words aren’t just words, you see. They’re the medium through which writers accomplish change.

Great writers don’t just inform you. They don’t just entertain you. They don’t just persuade you. They change you, leaving you a slightly different person than you were before you read their work. "

Here's to being different.

Stuck? Get Unstuck Help.... Here... Really

2011-04-08T22:20:00.002-04:00

So brilliant person, writer, reading this. Are you stuck somewhere?
Okay, so I can't help if you are stuck by the side of the road somewhere. At least not literally. That's what AAA is for.

But if you are stuck on a character, or something in your story. There's Help!! Here! Really! Check it out. You won't be sorry. You might if you don't though. At least at some point. Consider it like AAA for your writing. Except you help yourself. Okay, so maybe that's not like AAA at all. But at least you've empowered yourself to help yourself. And that will come in handy a lot more. Right?

Why Read

2011-04-07T13:43:00.004-04:00

So we can read, and learn to write things like this -

from Kathi Appelt's book The Underneath -

.....a man who drank the hard-edged vodka brought in from Russia and the bitter gin from England, who stumbled home, just as hard-edged and bitter as the vodka and gin. ....

Pssst... a hint for those of you out there reading, be sure to keep an eye on the James River Writers site. For news coming on the Conference to be held in October.
That's all I'm sayin' ... Keep watch. ;) here uh, yeah, go ahead and look now!

Writers - What Not To Do.... EVER

2011-04-04T23:54:00.003-04:00

Watching a career go down in flaming words right before your eyes.

A train-wreck horrible lesson of what not to do, for Any writer.

In case there's Any writer out there that hasn't seen it -

it's here.

Sad. So sad.

Huh.....

2011-04-01T17:19:00.003-04:00

According to recent LiveJournal notice virus infected computers are called zombies.

“It's important to keep in mind that denial of service attacks are made possible, in part, by infected computers (known as zombies). Let's all do our part by regularly checking our computers (and maybe our parents' if they're not so tech-savvy) with virus and malware-scanning programs, keeping our firewalls and anti-malware programs up to date, and practicing safe surfing! “

Huh.....

Who knew.

Now that threat is even more scary than the stiff-legged stalkers of horror movie fame. It’s the stiff-legged computers we depend on so dreadfully.

Now that’s frightful.

So practice safe surfing everyone.

from zombie computers everywhere.

Dark of Day musing

2011-03-30T14:39:00.000-04:00

The day has clouded over much the way our thinking has clouded. Perhaps not filled so much with the dark of conflict and storm but with the grey of indecision. © sc,3/30/11

Consequences and Choices

2011-03-29T13:37:00.003-04:00

Consequences and Choices for writers....

And for Sheri, a talk about boxes. :::snicker:::

And to really think of them as buckets rather than boxes.

But for the rest of us out of the boxes -- boxes, not boxers. sheesh people. And I know it wasn't just my brain going there! ....... Was it? Of course I was thinking of boxer dog breed, of course. :::whistle, scuff::::

Anyway - This is a Great article I stumbled across. Of all places, on Twitter.

Yes, I have finally succumbed to the pressure. I have a Twitter now. And a twitch too probably. And yes, it's probably not a coincidence.

While I'm still floundering all over the Twitter tweet-scape I tripped over this -

A Bucket List for Writers

A guest post by Larry Brooks of Storyfix.com

........ "When your writing ceases to be commercial you’ve just shot yourself in the foot – at least if your goal is to turn pro – perhaps in the name of art.

The concept of selling out isn’t about writing commercially, it’s about writing at a level that’s beneath you, which is a completely different thing." ......

Check out the whole post for some great insight and ideas. It is really good. Even if just for a new way to look at boxes. :::sly grin::::

Reading, Writing, Reading, Why

2011-03-23T23:06:00.000-04:00

I was reading a book review on a blog. One of those internet clicking things. You start out, oh, say, on Facebook. Next thing you know you’re in a blog galaxy far far away.

Interesting on the particular blog I was reading this book review on [in that far away blog galaxy somewhere] the person started out talking about why we read.

Why we read.

Hmmm, rates up there with trying to answer why we write doesn’t it?

How do you really answer that.

I’ve read longer than I’ve written. Okay so perhaps just longer than I thought about being a little more public with my writing.

The person went on about all the different reasons etc...of why people read.

Why I read. Because it’s there. Phfffff. I mean really.

Course that’s actually the answer to why I write too. Multi-purpose answer. Cool.

So yeah, there can be a lot of reasons, good, varied, or even weird [not that we don’t want to hear about those...... okay so maybe we don’t] but the real reason for me really is, because it’s there.

I’m an eclectic, and pretty much equal opportunity reader. I’ll give you the chance. So don’t bore me or tick me off with your writing.

I know most of you are better than that. So do it.

I also usually have several books going at once. For different reasons. From reading something that relates, in some weird way perhaps but still relates, to whatever writing I am currently working on. I also usually have something going for reading for just simply enjoyment, hopefully anyway - see above comment. Then there’s reading whatever someone loaned me because they are crazy about the books [Thank you Denise ;) ] Not to mention reading books by people you know, people you plan to meet, people you’ll think you’ll meet. Gee, that blog writer was right, we do read for a lot of reasons. And not one of these that I read for was mentioned. Huh.

But then still comes back to.... I’m reading it because it’s here in my hands. Or soon will be as soon as I get off here and get back to it.

So why do you read? Or just answer what you are reading. Especially if you are willing to loan it to me to read. ;-D

Writing Processes

2011-03-20T22:52:00.004-04:00

It’s interesting how different we all are as writers. We all have our own voices, our own way of writing, our own way of doing things.

Our own writing process.

It’s interesting hearing and reading about other’s writing processes, isn’t it.

I was asked to write about my writing process over on Sarcastic Broads.

I didn’t tell them the first thought I had was,

I have a writing process?

uhm, yeah, of course I do. I’m sure I do. Of course.... :::voice trailing off::::

I’m sure I do. I must have..... Somewhere.

It must be lost somewhere. Yeah, that must be it.

Obviously I must go find it now......

For the thought After reading some of the other’s writing process.... well, I’ll leave you to read my post over there.

What about you, you have a writing process?

Does it require muttering and shuffling?

Maybe I should hear about it.

Perception

2011-03-11T00:57:00.001-05:00

Just because the wind blows fierce
does not necessarily mean it is bitter

[sc2011]