Crash and Burn

Sniff, Sniff

2009-04-01T13:51:00.000-07:00

I smell a flame war. Bookends has opened a can of worms. On the blog Ms. Faust has opened a posts to talk about #agentfail. I haven't done anything today because I'm reading the train wreck IP. It's sad really, because Faust had good intentions. Nothing like a few bad apples to turn a learning lesson into a cluster%^&*#.

What do you think of #agentfail?

The Best Advice is Probably The Worse Advice

2009-03-25T07:30:00.000-07:00

At least when it comes to changing your voice, but there is a difference. Breaking grammar and punctuation rules because you are unaware of them vs. breaking grammar and punctuation rules for voice reasons. A friend of mine recently received copyedits that changed all her fragment sentences. This would have been a very gracious gesture if this copyeditor wasn't changing her voice in the process. Despite the ironclad grammar and punctuation rule to create complete sentences, using a fragment can get you deeper into the character's head without using first person.

This is just one example when writing style is used to create voice. And when that voice irritates the hell out of somebody else.

The flip side of the coin is when your writing style confuses the reader. I've been known from time to time to write a run-on sentence. I'm also a very big fan of the em-dash. This can make for WTF? sentences. Changing my writing style to shorter sentences that brings on clarity has been trying. I feel that is cripples my voice. I don't write or talk in short sentences BUT the need for clarity can override voice.

Or does it?

How does knowing the rules help or hinder your voice?

Okay, I'm Just Rude

2009-03-11T08:47:00.000-07:00

On the RWA Industry Loop a woman asked what was the etiquette when you received a rejection letter. In essence she wanted to know if you were supposed to send a thank you note back.

This simple etiquette never crossed my mind. It has nothing to do with sour grapes--just a little--but the agent/editor has already said no. My first rejection I wanted to crawl in a corner in die. Not only that it was a form rejection. My writing didn't grab the editor enough to warrant a genuine response. *sob* The next one I received just kind of ripped my heart out even though by then I was jaded. And then my next query resulted in a sale. Trust me, there were plenty of thank yous to go around with that offer.

The concensus is to not respond for a form. Maybe, respond if there are specific comments, revision requests, or if you have anything else please do send.

What's your take? Has it changed over the years? And, why?

Product vs. Art

2009-02-17T10:16:00.000-08:00

Clear cut answers bores me to tears. I like to discuss things were I'm just as likely to be right as I am to be wrong. So this week I want to explore if you think your books are a product or a work of art?

*For purposes of this discussion I'm not talking about the creative process. The sit your butt in chair and write the story. That's another bag of apples.*

Personally, I think when I put my book out there it's a product. With my book I am supplying the market with a demand. I want to get paid for supplying the product. I also consider myself a small business. *So small you have to find it with a microscope* But still a business. I have to make decisions that is best for the business: what is the best publisher to go with that will provide my book with the best outlet. What review site is going to get my name out there to as many readers as possible.

Where to do you stand? All business? All art? Or something in the middle?

You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

2009-02-04T11:25:00.000-08:00

See even I can learn something new. When I started this blog I thought everyone should have the right to there opinion. Now the flaw in that is I wanted people to hold my same opinion.

HA!

Now how have I changed my mind. Well after reading the comments in the flame war I came across this question:

The only question I have is regards to when is it a good time or place to speak about your bad experiences. So many times I’ve come up against “you’re unprofessional” for saying MY experience was bad. When is it okay to say it? Where is it okay to say?

The answer, which opened my eyes:

I think speaking up is a matter of personal preference. At the time you think is right, when the topic is essential for you, and at a place you think you will be heard. If you have issues with your publisher that are important to you and you think important to others (other than “I don’t like my editor because her hair is blue”) you have a right to bring them out publicly. It’s your experience. You can’t worry about what anyone else thinks.

The answer sums up what I've been struggling with myself. It really does come down to personal choice.

To speak or not to speak, that is the question. What's your answer?

And Another Flame War Begins

2009-01-22T11:52:00.000-08:00

Very interesting post going on at Dear Author. First, I have a thing for brainy woman, and that is Jane of Dear Author. She speaks legal.

Anyway, the post started off just mentioning that Ellora's Cave, big erotic publisher, was suing Borders. And then the owner showed up, and then her attorney, I presume her attorney, and then all hell broke loose.

Grab a drink and popcorn, you might be there for a while. http://dearauthor.com/wordpress/2009/01/08/elloras-cave-sues-borders-for-1000000/

The Writing Process

2009-01-06T07:43:00.001-08:00

For a while there I thought I had mine nailed down. I get the first line and then I'd write the story like a maniac. And then the next book came along and I stalled out by chapter three. I became more cautious of writing down that first line. I figured if it came back to me--like the old adage goes--then it was meant to be. Of course, that worked only once and then I found myself plotting out the first turning points. Of course after a longer while that didn't work.

So, now I'm on the brink of finishing an unfinished ms and seeing that this process is going to be different, again. Starting smack-dab in the middle of the book doesn't excite me as opening up a blank document. I'm going to have to fall in love with the story to care enough to get to The End. I'm going to have to find a way to get my characters out of limbo.

Strange, but it's the reason why I love writing. Each book is another challenge. What worked before sure as hell isn't going to work again. I hate the same-ol-same feeling. But, I can admit it's irritating to find what works for this book.

So, tell me, do you have a different writing process with each book or has it stayed the same since you first started writing?

My Worse Nightmare...

2008-12-16T15:59:00.000-08:00

Is never selling again. I know how trite. But when I think of never holding another one of my books again...I break out in hives. I can deal with lulls. Those times just makes my writing stronger. So, I think B.S. when someone comes along and says, "I'll keep writing for myself even if I never published."

I've said the same exact words, but deep down, on the inside I'm thinking, "Pfft. It's never going to be an issue for me 'cause I'm going to get/stay published." Yup, I admit ego-maniac voice inside my head crops up every time I get a rejection. Every time I get a sucky review.

It's the only way to stay sane in this business. Either lie to yourself when you need it or get friends who can do the same. Honesty is great, but some days you need that white lie to get your through the next day. Because you never know that might be the day you get the call.

So tell me, what is your worse nightmare?

And More Reasons Why I Won't Let This Blog Die

2008-12-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Gauche: 1 a: lacking social experience or grace ; also : not tactful : crude b: crudely made or done 2: not planar (gauche) *(definition provided by Merriam-Webster online dictionary)

Someone recently accused me of being gauche for bemoaning a delayed response to a query. The issues wasn't the amount of time, but the fact I said something publicly about my disgust.

And then it just made me curious what got this taboo started. I'm very aware publishing isn't your normal work environment. You could have a grade A lawsuit for being black-balled in the corporate world for speaking, truthfully, about grievances of your work environment. In essence it's called retaliation.

But what I am fully surprised by is that most people black-balled in this industry are by other authors. Yes, some people should have thought better of what to say in public. Also, IMHO, some things were just blown out of proportion.

My questions to you: At what point was it okay for authors to be bashed for unprofessional behavior *publicly*? When did it become a faux pas for authors to speak of industry professionals for the same type of behavior? *not just their peers*

There Is Something About the Holidays...

2008-12-02T10:03:00.000-08:00

That makes me want to write less. Seriously, I want to hibernate, but of course I must eat my weight in chocolate first. I've only been writing four years, but it happens like clock work. I'm writing like mad and then all of a sudden the words kind of fade out of my head.

Writing = pulling teeth without whiskey.

It got me to thinking--do authors have writing seasons? It is all in my head or do you find yourself writing more/less during a certain time of year?

How Long Has The Journey Been?

2008-11-23T09:08:00.000-08:00

To piggy back off my last post, I want to talk about the journey to publication. It has it's many ups and downs. It's kind of like manic depression. The highs are really high and the lows are really low. There have been many times when I just want to call it quits. Days where I just don't see the point of writing anymore. Days when it's no longer worth the heartache.

And, of course, there are the Snoopy Dance days. I've only been writing four years. I've had two books published and there is no guarantee I'll ever be published again. My journey is just beginning. I still have loads to learn. Most days I accept the challenges that are ahead. I think that's what keeps me coming back to this crazy business--I still have many more mountains to climb.

Not to be sappy, just pointing out my journey hasn't been long, but has actually made me a better person. My journey hasn't been like anyone else's, but it's very similar to many.

What has your journey been like? What are your hopes for it's outcome?

Writing a Book in a Year is No different Than NaNoWriMo

2008-11-16T22:03:00.000-08:00

I'm sure most of you have heard of National Novel Writing Month. I'm sure some of your writing buddies have started, quit, still going and barely hanging on. You may think they are insane. I may agree, but only about the pace of NaNo being insane. But it's the theory of getting from a blank page to a novel I'm curious about today. Specifically, the why, not the how.

I understand and believe in the rule of thought that the only way to write a novel is to sit down and write one. You can have the best story ideas, but if you never get your butt in that chair then you all you have is a good idea. The same goes for writing out the first three chapters of a novel and then you get hit with another brilliant idea. You close that pesky word document and write out the next story. Rinse. Repeat.

And, then there are the chosen few who sit down and write a whole novel. Doesn't matter if you write it out of sequence. If you start at the beginning and then you write until you type 'the end'. There is something larger at work: stubbornness, ego, your contract says so. But you finish, knowing what you write may never see the light of day. It doesn't matter if it takes you a year or thirty days, but you see your novel until the very (most times bitter) end.

The true insanity is that you open another word document and do it all again.

I want to know what drives you to keep on writing.

Apparently I Didn't Get The Memo

2008-11-10T10:59:00.000-08:00

WARNING: SOAPBOX AND FOAMING AT THE MOUTH IS BELOW THIS LINE.

****************************************

My rants are far and few. I'm pretty much the same in real life. Not many things irritate me. If they do I work through them and move on. But they are times when things just creep under my skin and it takes a lot more effort to get past them. And they are other times when things are not meant to get past. I have to make hard decisions. I have to use the words I love so much, get on my soapbox and see if I can make some changes.

What has this snarky nerd choosing her words very, very carefully?

"Career focused. Career, meaning earning money through this thing we do. Being paid for our work. If we're not being paid a minimal amount for our work--for now, at least--it is not a career."

For the person who wrote these words I take offense that you can say what I do is not a career. What others do if they are not being paid a minimal amount is not a career. I would very much like you to define minimal amount so that you can complete your job of insulting a good percentage of your members.

Here is my definition of career that Miriam-Webster agrees with:

Career: a profession for which one trains and which is undertaken as a permanent calling.

I also find it interesting you no longer want an attitude of Us vs. Them, but the words you've written (the opinion you are trying to stuff down my throat through your presidency) contradicts what you hope to change for your organization. It amazes me how you take offense to the term bodice ripper, but being seen as an author who isn't career focused isn't supposed to annoy me. *This is me smiling sweetly*

I'm also supposed to support and get behind you after you've just insulted my work as a whole, due to who I'm published with and my undefined minimal amount. Isn't that the same mind set you poo-pooed publishers for having--thinking of the money. As a member who wants to be a part of the THEM crowd how am I supposed to get behind ideas that stray away from your internal purpose of ensuring that author's talents are nurtured and valued on their work product.

So what do you want? Authors to understand this is a business and the mighty dollar rules all or do you want to nurture?

Frankly, I'll pass on any hug you want to give me.

I will also like to point out the business model you've built your argument on has very shoddy foundation.

"We get letters from those who explain their royalty rate is so much higher that an advance is unnecessary. And that may work for the tiny percentage who benefit from that set-up. Who benefits most from this equation, however, is the publisher who is taking no financial risk, and, therefore, has very little incentive, to promote the author."

I know you were trying your hardest not to say e-presses, but all your little "quotations" insinuated who you were talking about. Kind of like Sarah Palin's winks that were not very affective when trying to get a point across. You're "different path" and "different business model" fools no one.

If I am wrong, correct me. What publishers are you lumping together that don't lead a path full of career-focus?

Now, if I didn't take offense to all of the above, this would have sent me into a conniption.

"No one is saying if you do sell to them you are not published."

Really? Are we reading the same guidelines? The same contest rules? For one contest I am in fact published. For another I'm not published enough. Do your words have to be blatant for it to be construed that you are saying don't publisher with "different path" presses.

If I'd known back in January* before I paid my $75 hard earned money* that I would be told I wasn't career-focused, I might have made a different decision. Is this the kind of Presidency us members should look forward to? It feels like the Bush Administration. And, boy there were a lot of folks happy at the end of his rein of terror.

/rant

Agree? Disagree? I'm an idiot and my career is over? Wait a minute--I really don't have one.

Bad Agents

2008-11-03T13:29:00.000-08:00

I'm not talking scammers. I'm talking bad as in can't sell books to save their lives. Bad that editors ignore submissions from said agent. Bad that when you ask have you ever heard of so and so your first answer is "Run". Yes, they exist. Yes, they go to conferences and hob knob and take appointments.

But the question is how: Well, I have a theory: desperate authors is how.

I know and understand the need to rush to NY. I know and understand how it can be a light at the end of the tunnel when someone finally says, "Send me the full" or much better, "I want to represent you." It's the "I'm King (Queen) of the world" type of feeling. But the question is how well did D.A. research this agent? How many e-mails did D.A. send to current and former clients (politely) inquiring about said agent? Did D.A. even check out this site to see what are the basics of an agents job? How many warning flags went up that these types of authors ignored?

* Yes, I'm aware some author still get the short end of the stick with very bad matches with their "dream" agent.*

So you tell me: How are bad agents still able to work in this business? What are some of the signs to look out for?

"We'll Call You"

2008-10-30T11:40:00.000-07:00

I've come across this variation on several agent sites. It's not necessarily "we'll call you", but "we will respond only if we are interested". There have been many discussions about this being rude, unprofessional, or it makes totally sense so stop your whining.

I'm curious to know how often do authors get the short end of the stick in this business. All these invisible rules are set up to further our career (don't talk bad about other author's books, don't make fun of psycho fans, don't react to horrible reviews, don't bad mouth agent/publisher/editor but only if they are scammers, ESPECIALLY don't talk about being dropped as an author, never talk about the publishers who give crappy advances....)

I've witnessed more than one author crucified in this business. Some well deserved, especially when a normal person would have walked away with what little dignity they had left. And, then there are the authors who are just crucified.

So, what parts of publishing do authors truly get the short end of the stick? Or what do you consider the cost of doing business and authors should just suck it up?

The Call or Email

2008-10-26T21:35:00.000-07:00

I can't remember what I used to think about being published. Okay, I can sum it up as: Sell book to publisher. Book comes out. I'd sell millions.

I'll give you moment to stop laughing...

Not what happened at all. It seemed like overnight I had to worry about a million things and the last thing on the list was the actual book I contracted. I needed a website. I needed to wait on my first round of edits. I had to think about promotion, sells--cue debut author's head exploding. I can say with honesty I never thought past the sell. Of course I imagined holding my book in my hands, but never the process from submitting to selling. It was very overwhelming and eye-opening at the same time.

So today's questions: Were you prepared for your first sell?

The the unpubbed: Are you ready?

What Does It Take To Make It?

2008-10-24T06:37:00.000-07:00

Okay, if you base success on being able to write books that sell (both to houses and to readers) then what does it take to make it?

My answer to this question is you have to want it. You have to have the drive to keep going when you get kicked down in this business. You have to be able to set goals and see them through. If you make a goal to write at least two full length novels a year something has to push you in order to do it. It could be deadlines, the advance check you just received and don't want to HAVE to payback. Writing is your livelihood, but to me it has to be more.

I've seen people chuck this writing business. I used to wonder how they were able to. And then I became published. The pressure went up more than a few notches. There is a difference when you are in essence writing toward getting published and knowing the book you write will be published.

It goes without saying that wanting it enough is loving the writing part of the process.

Trust me, you don't HAVE to love the publishing process, because it will kill you eventually or just suck out your soul.

What do you have in your arsenal to keep you going?

Agent Blogs: The Blessing and The Curse

2008-10-22T09:52:00.001-07:00

I'm sure I'm not the only writer who subscribe to agent blogs. These blogs are a wealth of information. Unlike places like Agent Query, Query Tracker, and Publisher Marketplace (these places give you the bare essentials) you get a sense of who the agent is, how they work, what they like or whether or not they are insane. There is nothing worse than finding out your dream agent doesn't fit after you've signed. (Well, finding out your agent doesn't have the contacts necessary to sell your manuscript.)

I know I've found out how an agent likes query letters including what you can leave out. I've also found out what they love and things that will get you an automatic rejection. But at some point reading these blogs can become an information overload. On one hand they tell you what the hell send the query. In the next blog post they complain about people who don't read their guidelines i.e. what they represent.

Today's question: How helpful have you found agent blogs?

Just Chew Your Writing Hand To Get Away From Them

2008-10-20T18:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday my post was geared toward the healthy writing relationships. The ones that uplift you. Of course, not all writing friendships and/or associations are like this.

Signs you may need to chew your writing hand to get away from this person:

1. They are move in love with the idea of being a writer than actually writing.
You've met this person before. They could have even gone to a big, expensive conference. Every year they will pitch the same unfinished manuscript. They might be the one to sit next to you at your writerly meeting, asking “what's the trick to finishing an manuscript” You may have the same answer every time “Butt in Chair”. Or you just sandwich yourself between two other people to get away from said “writer”.

2. The first person to cheer you on and then tell you why YOU made a bad writing move.

Ex: You sell. They congratulate and then tell you how bad that publisher is.

Ex: You get a request to send a full. Their reply: “Congrats, but I decided not to query that agent. I've heard things about them.

Ex: You finally get a CP you are comfortable with, who loves your voice, but will tell you when you've strayed. Their reply: “Are you sure they won't steal your idea. That's why I don't have a CP.”

3. Any helpful advice starting with “ Such-N-Such genre is dead. You should write “fill-in-blank with-whatever-is-selling-hot-at-the-moment.
The CP that changes the books they send to you, but each one is the same just with different character names.

Ex: Roger meets Samantha. Samantha is in a relationship with Bob. She's conflicted because she has the hots for Roger.

Example of Next Book: Charlie meets Lynette. Lynette is in a relationship with Donovan. She's conflicted because she has the hots for Roger.

Example of Third Book CP sends to you: Michael meets Gabriel. Gabriel is in a relationship with Chuck. She's conflicted because she has the hots for Michael.

I could go on about these toxic relationships, but I'd rather know if you have ever chewed off your writing hand.

Writing Friends Are Like A Good Support Bra

2008-10-20T08:57:00.000-07:00

...they can make you look great or cut you deep.
~NerdSnark (2008)

When I first started writing I had no one. Nobody for me to call and whine about my writing troubles or triumphs. Talking to non-writers just isn't the same as talking to someone who has been there. Someone who knows how deep a rejection can cut. How thrilling it is to finally get a request for a partial. You know, all those little writing moments that you need to share.

Nope, I braved the black hole of publishing on my own for a very long time. Can't say I regret those years, because I wouldn't be able to truly appreciate the circle of friends I now have around me.

Yet some people don't think they need that type of circle. Some people have been badly burned. And, of course when you first start out you are paranoid someone will steal your incredible, one-of-a-kind idea/plot/line/witty dialogue/character name--take your pick.

So, today's questions:

Do you have writing friends? At what point in your career did you get them?

Or do you think you don't need them?

* Sidenote- Even if you are not published writing is still your career. Don't fool yourself into thinking otherwise. *

The Publishing Bed You Make

2008-10-18T08:55:00.000-07:00

i think it's important to consider your publisher when looking at the numbers of books you sold. it's very hard to know if you're making comparatively good money at a publisher or not when they don't tell you info on what to expect.

Very good point I wanted to draw attention to. This is when sites like "Show Me the Money" are a good reference. The problem I see with it is that not many e-presses are listed. Even with the top 5 Big E-Presses racking in the $$$, e-presses are still new (and in some places still not respected).

But the first question I want to put to you today is:

What do you consider a reputable and established publisher? Both for NYs and E-presses.

Sales can even be broken down to what the publisher is known for selling well. So, the second question:

What publisher sells a certain genre really, really well?

Crash and Burn

2008-10-16T17:48:00.000-07:00

I’ve been looking for a website, blog anything that is honest about what goes on behind the publishing doors. Also one that goes beyond generic answers. I’m aware every experience is different and that’s really what I’m looking for. An experience more like mine. Or more like my writing buddy’s.

I want to know it without rebuff from the publishing community. “Author is ruining his/her career by asking/saying/implying *insert your choice of crash and burn*.

Well, we’ll see how it goes.

So, tell me did you jump up and down your first royalty check or sob?

*Of course, you can answer anonymously*

Crash and Burn

*Sniff, Sniff*

The Best Advice is Probably The Worse Advice

Okay, I'm Just Rude

Product vs. Art

You Can Teach An Old Dog New Tricks

And Another Flame War Begins

The Writing Process

My Worse Nightmare...

And More Reasons Why I Won't Let This Blog Die

There Is Something About the Holidays...

How Long Has The Journey Been?

Writing a Book in a Year is No different Than NaNoWriMo

Apparently I Didn't Get The Memo

Bad Agents

"We'll Call You"

The Call or Email

What Does It Take To Make It?

Agent Blogs: The Blessing and The Curse

Just Chew Your Writing Hand To Get Away From Them

Writing Friends Are Like A Good Support Bra

The Publishing Bed You Make

Crash and Burn

Sniff, Sniff