Well, you see... I hooked up with a second critique partner last week. My first critique partner is so AWESOME (shout out to Miss Melissa Dean!) and gives such great feedback, I figured, a second partner would make things twice as helpful... right? WRONG!
She fired my sorry butt yesterday. Ouch. Well, can't say I'm terribly sad she fired me. I can only say I was terribly sad at the very mean things she said in the "dismissal" letter. Sheesh. People. Words actually are sticks and stones, and they actually can hurt! Oh my. She basically said my writing stinks and I'll never get published. Okay. Whatever. Your opinion. But, one of the purposes of a critique partnership is to HELP each other. Hello!?
So, anyway... I could rant all day about this (but I did that yesterday). Ha. So, I will learn from it and move on. But, my research has made it clear that many published authors wish they would've gotten critique partners earlier in the process. I'm determined to be published, so therefore, I will follow the advice of those who've traveled this road before me.
Done ranting.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Writing goal...
Here are the books that have helped me:
"Self-Editing for Fiction Writers" by Browne and King
"The Fire in the Fiction" by Donald Maass
I'm going to read another Donald Maass book next.
Websites that have helped me are listed in the sidebar. Check them out.
Back to writing...
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Email In-Box... WAHOO!
Well, as my usual routine goes... I got my sorry butt out of bed this morning and immediately went to check email. Because... of course, agents only work during the midnight hour. And guess what?! Not only did I receive six more Viagra emails, I also received a request for a partial manuscript from an agent! WAHOO!
Monday, April 26, 2010
So much to do, to do, to do!
I would be perfectly happy writing all day long.
But for some reason dust, laundry, dishes, bills, and other annoying little things tend to accumulate.
So, what's a writer to do? I suppose I could hire a maid, a cook, an accountant, and a personal assistant, but I should probably sell a book first.
HA. So, logically, I should write all day so that I can sell the book so that I can hire those assistants so that I can write more... right?
But for some reason dust, laundry, dishes, bills, and other annoying little things tend to accumulate.
So, what's a writer to do? I suppose I could hire a maid, a cook, an accountant, and a personal assistant, but I should probably sell a book first.
HA. So, logically, I should write all day so that I can sell the book so that I can hire those assistants so that I can write more... right?
Friday, April 23, 2010
Daughtry
I saw Daughtry in concert Friday night. It was great.
He explained to the crowd that they wrote seventy songs for their current album. "Most were crap," he said. They recorded twenty songs. Twelve made it on to the album.
Interesting. I sat there and contemplated how that related to writing. We write seventy words, seventy pages, maybe seventy chapters. Most are crap. We keep the best twenty. Then it gets cut down to twelve.
Then we have a best seller and millions of people pay to see us in person. I wish.
Rock on...
He explained to the crowd that they wrote seventy songs for their current album. "Most were crap," he said. They recorded twenty songs. Twelve made it on to the album.
Interesting. I sat there and contemplated how that related to writing. We write seventy words, seventy pages, maybe seventy chapters. Most are crap. We keep the best twenty. Then it gets cut down to twelve.
Then we have a best seller and millions of people pay to see us in person. I wish.
Rock on...
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Give up my cookies?
So... awhile back on the kidlit site (link below) I read that when it comes to YA novels, writers should not incorporate parental point-of-views or worse yet villian point-of-views. No parental POV because teenagers don't really want to read that. No villian POV because it's too jarring for the YA reader.
Oops. My work-in-progress has multiple points-of-view. Including the parental and the villian. The kidlit site also suggested that writers who include a parental POV in YA novels are trying to "teach" the teenager something. Na-uh. (That is TOO a word! Look it up.)
Okay... well, maybe the kidlit site is right. Maybe I was trying (without realizing it at first) to teach something, and maybe the villian POV is too jarring.
However, I love a good thriller (granted usually written for the adult market) that has some chapters from the villian's POV. Is it really too jarring for the YA readers to jump into the head of the icky icky bad guy?
So, I'm reworking (from page one) my WIP. I've successfully removed the parental POV. That was actually pretty easy. But, I'm struggling with removing the villian's chapters. These chapters are really creepy and I'm concerned I'll lose too much of the story by taking them out. What to do. What to do.
I feel like the Cookie Monster. I love cookies. But someone has just told me to do without them. Oh no...
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
What I do in my spare time...
Now, not only am I a writer, I'm also a video producer (not really). Check it out:
(and yes, I know a word is spelled wrong in the video, but that's what happens when you hire a teenager to spell check for you.)
(and yes, I know a word is spelled wrong in the video, but that's what happens when you hire a teenager to spell check for you.)
Parental point of view versus teenager point of view
One of the tricky things about writing young adult books is to not infuse it with parental point of view - preaching - or obvious moral lessons.
Young adult books are supposed to be from the teenager's perspective, their journey.
So... it's an interesting process for me. On one hand I'm in the parental role raising three teenagers of my own. On the other hand, I'm writing a young adult book that is NOT supposed to be from my perspective. It's hard when I want to slap the m.c. upside the head. I have to keep telling myself, I am not writing from the parental perspective. It's even harder considering my work in progress is inspired by actual events.
Here's the quote for the day that describes the chapter I finished:
“One of the hardest things to teach a child is that the truth is more important than the consequences.” – O.A. Battista
Young adult books are supposed to be from the teenager's perspective, their journey.
So... it's an interesting process for me. On one hand I'm in the parental role raising three teenagers of my own. On the other hand, I'm writing a young adult book that is NOT supposed to be from my perspective. It's hard when I want to slap the m.c. upside the head. I have to keep telling myself, I am not writing from the parental perspective. It's even harder considering my work in progress is inspired by actual events.
Here's the quote for the day that describes the chapter I finished:
“One of the hardest things to teach a child is that the truth is more important than the consequences.” – O.A. Battista
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Who influences our children?
Someone asked me the other day, "Do you think it helps (raising kids) belonging to a church that supports your moral beliefs?"
My answer was, "Heck, yah!"
I truly believe in the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child. Think of all the people who influence our children: teachers, friends, non-friends, neighbors, church leaders, sports leaders, coaches, etc. How many hours a day are we, the parents, influencing our children versus the time others are influencing them?
With this in mind, think about this quote:
"The group consisting of mother, father and child is the main educational agency of mankind." -- Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
So, while it might take a village, it is ultimately up to the family unit. Parents must be involved in the lives of their children. Parents need to know what is going on... and we do that by actively engaging our children in conversation. AND listening to what they have to say.
I'm currently working on my second manuscript, titled "The Education of Thia." Originally, I was going to begin each chapter with an interesting educational quote (such as the one above). However, other people in the publishing industry have told me that it is nearly impossible to get quotes published in a novel. Too many hoops to jump through. So, I need to research it more. I'm considering eliminating them from the novel. But, none-the-less, the quotes have stirred my thought process.
My answer was, "Heck, yah!"
I truly believe in the philosophy that it takes a village to raise a child. Think of all the people who influence our children: teachers, friends, non-friends, neighbors, church leaders, sports leaders, coaches, etc. How many hours a day are we, the parents, influencing our children versus the time others are influencing them?
With this in mind, think about this quote:
"The group consisting of mother, father and child is the main educational agency of mankind." -- Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
So, while it might take a village, it is ultimately up to the family unit. Parents must be involved in the lives of their children. Parents need to know what is going on... and we do that by actively engaging our children in conversation. AND listening to what they have to say.
I'm currently working on my second manuscript, titled "The Education of Thia." Originally, I was going to begin each chapter with an interesting educational quote (such as the one above). However, other people in the publishing industry have told me that it is nearly impossible to get quotes published in a novel. Too many hoops to jump through. So, I need to research it more. I'm considering eliminating them from the novel. But, none-the-less, the quotes have stirred my thought process.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
The Fire in Fiction by Donald Maass
Fantastic book! Donald Maass refers to secondary characters as "special" characters. He writes, "Look at the special character through the eyes of your protagonist. List three ways in which they are exactly alike. Find one way in which they are exactly the opposite" (page 51). Great character building tip!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Donald Maass
Now, Janet Reid will think I'm stalking her, because I stole the above clip from her website. Couldn't resist. It's a funny video, AND, I just purchased Donald Maass' books a few days ago for myself. Funny.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Janet Reid, Literary Agent
Last night I enjoyed a fantastic dream...
Janet Reid, superstar agent, sent me a telegram (first clue it was a DREAM!). Her telegram read something like this:
Dear Margo. stop.
After seeing your blog. stop. And reading your short stories on your website. stop. I have reconsidered. stop. I made a terrible mistake rejecting your query. stop. Please send me a full right away. stop. Actually, forget the full. stop. I've enclosed a contract. stop. I want to represent you. stop.
Sincerely. stop.
Janet Reid, Literary Agent. stop.
HA Ha ha.
Then I woke up and checked my email...
Four new Viagra emails, but nothing from Janet or any other literary agent. *sigh*
If you'd like to read my short stories, check out my website:
http://www.margokelly.net/
If you'd like to know more about Janet (aka the Query Shark) visit her blog:
http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/
Janet Reid, superstar agent, sent me a telegram (first clue it was a DREAM!). Her telegram read something like this:
Dear Margo. stop.
After seeing your blog. stop. And reading your short stories on your website. stop. I have reconsidered. stop. I made a terrible mistake rejecting your query. stop. Please send me a full right away. stop. Actually, forget the full. stop. I've enclosed a contract. stop. I want to represent you. stop.
Sincerely. stop.
Janet Reid, Literary Agent. stop.
HA Ha ha.
Then I woke up and checked my email...
Four new Viagra emails, but nothing from Janet or any other literary agent. *sigh*
If you'd like to read my short stories, check out my website:
http://www.margokelly.net/
If you'd like to know more about Janet (aka the Query Shark) visit her blog:
http://jetreidliterary.blogspot.com/
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Friday, April 9, 2010
Win a Substantive Edit of your YA or MG manuscript!
I love easy contests to enter. Here's a great one. The winner will be selected at random for editing by a professional editor.
http://dear-editor.com/
http://dear-editor.com/
"It doesn't mean I get to shoplift the jelly"
Why write my own post when I can simply direct you to a totally awesome post written by someone else? HA! Check it out: A Matter of EthicsThursday, April 8, 2010
Henry's Box
This short-short story is based on the following prompt: Seated to your left at a coffee shop, he takes out a cigar box and pulls out jewelry, piece by piece. You strain to hear the conversation taking place.
For more fun prompts, visit: http://blog.writersdigest.com/promptly/
Henry, my lover and companion of seventy-eight years, sat to my left on the tattered red vinyl bench of the coffee shop booth. He reached into his satchel and pulled out an old cigar box. Odd, since he never smoked. I peered into his crystal clear blue eyes and glanced again at the box. His knobby knuckled hands rested on top. He said something.
“What? I can’t hear you,” I said.
Henry turned toward me. “You didn’t wear your hearing aids, did you?” Henry always boasted that while he was two years older than me, he could still hear better and see better. A prideful man. But still a pleasure to look at after all these years.
“What?” I asked, but I heard him this time. I leaned closer and placed my own arthritic hands on the diner’s table. My nails were brittle, but I kept them trimmed and manicured. No rings would fit over my large knuckles anymore, and age spots decorated the skin where jewels no longer rested.
Henry opened the box lid to reveal black velvet boxes with gold trim nested inside. He mumbled again. I looked at him, and he stared at me. A tear ran down his cheek and then another.
“What’s a matter with you?” I asked.
Henry placed his hand on mine and said loudly, “This is important.”
“Go ahead,” I said and focused on his lips.
Henry opened the smallest black box and held it out to me. A large marquee cut diamond engagement ring sat inside along with a wedding band embellished with smaller diamonds. I looked back at Henry determined to hear his words but unable to focus on his lips due to my own tears.
“Rings I should’ve offered to you eight decades ago. I bought them for you all those years ago.” Henry’s hands trembled as he set the open box in front of me. I struggled to catch my breath. Henry reached for the next box. He opened it. Inside was a sapphire bracelet.
“I bought this for what should’ve been our twenty-fifth anniversary.” Henry continued to pull out boxes and identify them as gifts for the milestones of our lives: birthdays, anniversaries, births of children, grandchildren, and so on.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“I’m saying sorry.”
I understood. He couldn’t have given me these markers of love any sooner. I wouldn’t have accepted them. But with the death of his wife last year, Henry was now available.
“Will you marry me?” Henry asked and held up the engagement ring.
Tears ran down both our faces as I said yes. He kissed the knuckle which refused to allow the ring a home. He returned the ring back to the box and said, “We’ll have it resized.”
For more fun prompts, visit: http://blog.writersdigest.com/promptly/
Henry’s Box
by Margo Kelly
Henry, my lover and companion of seventy-eight years, sat to my left on the tattered red vinyl bench of the coffee shop booth. He reached into his satchel and pulled out an old cigar box. Odd, since he never smoked. I peered into his crystal clear blue eyes and glanced again at the box. His knobby knuckled hands rested on top. He said something.
“What? I can’t hear you,” I said.
Henry turned toward me. “You didn’t wear your hearing aids, did you?” Henry always boasted that while he was two years older than me, he could still hear better and see better. A prideful man. But still a pleasure to look at after all these years.
“What?” I asked, but I heard him this time. I leaned closer and placed my own arthritic hands on the diner’s table. My nails were brittle, but I kept them trimmed and manicured. No rings would fit over my large knuckles anymore, and age spots decorated the skin where jewels no longer rested.
Henry opened the box lid to reveal black velvet boxes with gold trim nested inside. He mumbled again. I looked at him, and he stared at me. A tear ran down his cheek and then another.
“What’s a matter with you?” I asked.
Henry placed his hand on mine and said loudly, “This is important.”
“Go ahead,” I said and focused on his lips.
Henry opened the smallest black box and held it out to me. A large marquee cut diamond engagement ring sat inside along with a wedding band embellished with smaller diamonds. I looked back at Henry determined to hear his words but unable to focus on his lips due to my own tears.
“Rings I should’ve offered to you eight decades ago. I bought them for you all those years ago.” Henry’s hands trembled as he set the open box in front of me. I struggled to catch my breath. Henry reached for the next box. He opened it. Inside was a sapphire bracelet.
“I bought this for what should’ve been our twenty-fifth anniversary.” Henry continued to pull out boxes and identify them as gifts for the milestones of our lives: birthdays, anniversaries, births of children, grandchildren, and so on.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“I’m saying sorry.”
I understood. He couldn’t have given me these markers of love any sooner. I wouldn’t have accepted them. But with the death of his wife last year, Henry was now available.
“Will you marry me?” Henry asked and held up the engagement ring.
Tears ran down both our faces as I said yes. He kissed the knuckle which refused to allow the ring a home. He returned the ring back to the box and said, “We’ll have it resized.”
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Coloring outside the lines...
Great post today (as is the case MOST days!) on Kidlit.
Mary writes, "When a first-time novelist “colors outside the lines” in terms of novel craft or structure, I don’t give them the benefit of the doubt that they’re a mad genius and that they’ve totally revolutionized the novel form. I assume that they don’t exactly know what they’re doing yet."
If you'd like to read the entire post: http://kidlit.com/
If you'd like to read the entire post: http://kidlit.com/
Monday, April 5, 2010
Printable coupons
Did you know you can google coupons for some of your favorite stores? Then you print off the coupon, take it into the store, and possibly save 40% on the purchase of one item.
As I was doing this a few days ago, I thought, "Wish I could google a coupon for free agent advice, or 40% off the time my journey will take to get an agent." ha. Wouldn't that be nice?
Then I realized. There are many opportunities for the unpublished writer to get some of these "discounts" online. Visiting different agent blogs and writer's forums on a regular basis can often alert you to a contest or agent advise that you might not get otherwise.
Here's a contest you might want to check out:
Dear Lucky Agent Contest for Middle Grade and Young Adult
Who knows? Maybe you will win a free agent critique of your first ten pages! Can't hurt to try, and it's easy to enter. So, check out the link and let me know if you win! (or even if you enter!) I'm entering today.
As I was doing this a few days ago, I thought, "Wish I could google a coupon for free agent advice, or 40% off the time my journey will take to get an agent." ha. Wouldn't that be nice?
Then I realized. There are many opportunities for the unpublished writer to get some of these "discounts" online. Visiting different agent blogs and writer's forums on a regular basis can often alert you to a contest or agent advise that you might not get otherwise.
Here's a contest you might want to check out:
Dear Lucky Agent Contest for Middle Grade and Young Adult
Who knows? Maybe you will win a free agent critique of your first ten pages! Can't hurt to try, and it's easy to enter. So, check out the link and let me know if you win! (or even if you enter!) I'm entering today.
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