K C WRITERS

Never, Ever Give Up!

2009-08-16T04:33:00.000-07:00

If you really and truly want to be a published writer, you will never give up.

My first book, a family saga which I typed on a regular typewriter and sent off in a box to each publisher with another smaller box inside with the required stamps to get it back. When it began to look shabby, I retyped all 500 pages over, redoing a page every time I made a mistake. I did this a lot, since I got nearly thirty rejections before finally receiving a thin business envelope in the mail with an acceptance letter inside.

This happened right after everyone in my critique group told me publishers weren't buying historical family sagas anymore. What would have happened if I'd given up? Nothing, except that my first book wouldn't have been published.

Oh, I got plenty more rejections after that, but I just kept on writing. Fortunately when the Internet and email came into being the process of querying and sending full manuscripts out became much easier and began to find homes for all the books I'd kept right on writing.

Through the years I've met many really good writers, writers who amazed me and I wished I could write as well, who upon receiving two or three rejections decided it wasn't worth the effort. Not only did they not have the joy of seeing their book in print, but they deprived potential readers of a pleasurable few hours.

There is an old adage that says, "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again." And that's exactly what you should be doing.

No, I'm not a best selling author, but I have over twenty-five books in print and now with the advent of Kindle and other reading devices, many of those twenty-five books are now being read by new eyes.

Why do you write? First, because you have a story to tell. Second, because you hope that someday a reader will be entertained, mystified, thrilled, scared, or inspired by your words. All the more reason not to give up.

You have taken the time to put the words that have been clamoring to get out of your brain onto paper so take the time, no matter how long, to make sure they are in the best possible shape, and then send them out and keep sending them out until someone at some publishing house realizes your words need to be in print--whether it's in a regular book or an e-book.

That's the best advice I can give to any writer.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Creating a Writer's Platform

2009-08-02T00:00:00.000-07:00

Writing has become the epitome of entrepreneurial enterprise. If you aren’t already a household name as a published author, you need to start figuring out how you are going to get your name out into the world—before you’re published.

Writing a good story no longer suffices. Don’t get me wrong--you still need to learn and apply craft and write a damn good story. But your book, no matter how wonderfully written, will never move from your desk to bookstore shelves until you can create a demand. This is accomplished by creating a visible presence within the writing world.

As writers, how can we create a platform to launch our writing careers? There is no formulaic answer. You have to find the method that works for you. I chose to do author interviews in my genre. I’ve done columns for several years at print and electronic publications. I've had the opportunity to interview a variety of authors, from debut novelists to veteran New York Times bestselling authors.

I originally did the interviews for a now defunct e-zine, but moved my work to my website, bringing my followers with me. I get added mileage by linking my interviews with the author’s website. I allow each author to use my interviews on their sites in exchange for linking back to mine. I have no problems riding their coat tails. I created opportunities to learn more about my future competition, followed the trends in my genre and established a network of authors that I can turn to when needed during my writing career. In addition, I now have relationships with publicists within both large and small publishing houses. All that’s left is to finish my manuscript and call in the markers.

That's my plan toward name recognition. What are you doing to make your presence known?

What Makes Your Novel Different?

2009-07-19T03:07:00.000-07:00

While working with someone who was preparing a query letter, I asked, "Just what is it that makes your novel different from all the rest?"

The book in question was a romance novel. Thousands of romance novels are published every year; I wanted the author to come up with one or two sentences that would show the agent she was querying exactly what it was that made her novel outstanding.

Saying a book is an historical romance set in a certain period isn't quite enough, since there are probably lots of queries that come across the agent's desk that fall into the same category. What makes the heroine special? Or the hero? What dilemma do they find themselves in?

I once wrote an historical family saga called Two Ways West that could be summed up with this sentence: Two families travel to California, one by covered wagon across the plains and through the mountains, the other through Mexico and by paddle steamer, facing many obstacles along the way, and finally becoming neighbors in the foothills of the Sequoia.

Because I'm writing mysteries now, I'm far more adept at coming up with a one or two liner (often called the blurb, or elevator pitch) for them.

My latest Rocky Bluff crime novel pitch is: No Sanctuary is about two churches, two ministers, two wives, one murder.

The next Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, Dispel the Mist could be described this way: While Deputy Tempe Crabtree investigates the murder of a popular female supervisor she has a close encounter with an Indian legend, the Hairy Man.

Not sure that's what I'll use, but it'll be something similar.

The point of this blog is to let authors know they need to be thinking in terms of what they will say about their book that can be condensed to one or two lines that will intrigue and agent, publisher and ultimately the reader.

Writing a synopsis is difficult, but personally, I believe this is even harder. So think about it, what makes your novel different than all the rest?

Marilyn
a.k.a. F. M. Meredith
http://fictionforyou.com

2009-07-14T11:07:00.000-07:00

Photos and fun fact of Public Safety Writers Conference are up at www.policewriter.com

There's also a You Tube video up (search PSWA Conference), Kathleen Ryan's report at http://www.womenofmystery.net , Marilyn Meredith's June 24-29 blogs at http://marilynmeredithblogspot.com

Yes, you can spot me in the crowd!

Marilyn Meredith took notes while I was too busy listening! She talks on her blog about tips from Betty Webb, the Mistakes That Make Us (law enforcement) Cringe, Screen Writing, Getting Forensics Right by Steve Scarborough and the editors and publishers panel.

2009-07-14T09:58:00.000-07:00

Laurel-Rain Snow has a contest give-away for her book WEB OF TYRANNY. She wants to know your favorite summer memory. Go to http://rainysnowday.wordpress.com:80/contests-giveaways/ You can see my entry there!

Contest ends July 31.

Laurel was one of the authors at our Hanford BookFest.

How Do You Hero?

2009-07-12T00:00:00.000-07:00

Before marriage, I was a serial dater. What does that have to with my hero? Simple. If it hadn’t been for guys like ‘Sand Box Boy’ or ‘Psycho Stalker’, I wouldn’t have compiled a mental list of what an ideal man should posses. I started the “wish-list” as something fun to do with my roommates, never knowing I’d some day draw upon those late night gab-fests as writing material.

Last summer, when I decided to start my book, I was at odds on how to shape my leading man. I wanted him to be real, yet also someone women would lust after and revere. Let’s face it, finding a good man and winning the lottery have similar odds! A hero needs to be something special. The Holy Grail of Men so-to-speak.

My husband jokes around saying women would be happy with men in general, if not for romance novels. When I asked him to elaborate, he shrugged and said no such men could exist except in fiction. Sure I laughed, but then I sat back and thought about what he was really saying. Women readers want the man who will pull their hair during sex, but then go get them a glass of water afterwards! We want the good guy and the naughty boy rolled into one shiny package. (If only such were available in a catalog!)

Amazing! Here I’d spent days laboring over the perfect equation for creating the next Rhett Butler and the facts were right in front of me all along. A hero needs to linger on your lips like a fine wine, but still pack a punch enough to make you crave more. So when I write my hero’s scenes, I remember what I wanted in a man when I was on the hunt, but also try to tie in the character arch most human men seem to have evolved away from.

I’d never admit it to him, but maybe my hubby is right, romance novels can warp women’s expectations of men. But what a delusion to endure! I love my big-guy more than life itself, but I sure love being engulfed in book with an alpha-male I don’t have to pick up after, too!

So, the next time you feel lost channeling a hero, think back to your own “dream man” and those heroes that left you panting. Make it fun! Get a ‘frosty beverage’ and call up your old ‘hunting buddies’. With a little imagination and a lot of laughs, you’ll be on the way to creating your own winning hero combination. Sometimes, the answers we seek are the ones we already have and didn’t know!

Independence Day-The Day After

2009-07-05T08:57:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated an important holiday in this country. The 4th of July has great meaning for those of us who live here. It is one of our most patriotic symbols of independence. We celebrate this day because of independent, free thinking people.

This should be a special day for writers. We too are independent, free thinkers. If there wasn’t something in us that fights to go a different way, follow an inner voice or ignore the nay-sayers around us we wouldn’t be writers.

Writing is touted as an individual craft. The lone writer toils each day to dig deep inside themselves to bring to the page the words that will tell the story they must write. But we are genetically social creatures. We need support in our lives and even more so as writers. We crave the acknowledgement that comes from sharing our hard work with those who have the same drive to produce magic with the written word.

On the 4th we gather together with family and friends to enjoy and share our lives. Being a member of a writing group should have the same purpose. I have become good friends with the wonderful ladies in my group and they will forever be a part of my life.

If you are a lone writer reach out to other writers and find your own group.

And to my circle of writers; have a great 4th and I will see you again, same place, same time.

Open Your Eyes to the World Around You

2009-06-28T18:52:00.000-07:00

By Dorinda Ohnstad

Just got back home from a weekend at the coast with my daughter and niece. We were there for a two-day water polo tournament. To keep me occupied between games, I brought a writing how-to book on characters and viewpoint. When my daughter saw what I was reading, she asked me if I ever stop working. My honest response was, no.

There are a finite number of hours in a day. Too few to allow me sufficient time to do everything that demands my time. Writing constantly competes with those demands. So, when I can, I have to seize the moment and jump in, whether that is to write or study the craft.

Studying the craft includes reading how-to books, but it also means taking the time to study the world around me, from the girls in the pool playing polo to the parents screaming from the bleachers. A walk on the beach at Pismo was an opportunity to people watch, to take in the kids building sand castles, the young couple playing Frisbee, and the pair of black Labradors plunging through the water as the waves rolled onto shore. I took time to inhale the salt air, close my eyes and let the sun warm my face while a gentle breeze ruffled my hair, all the while allowing every tactile sensation to work on overdrive. My brain recorded everything; adding these experiences to my writer’s database.

Paying attention to the details of the world around me is important research. A writer draws on her experiences to be an effective writer. Without worldly experiences and observation a writer’s toolbox would be empty. So, when life calls you away from your computer keyboard, don’t begrudge the time; take advantage of the opportunity and do some research of your own. Whether it is a trip to the grocery store, working your eight-to-five job, or going to your daughter’s water polo games, there is fodder for your writing.

Delve in.

The drug of success

2009-06-24T11:29:00.001-07:00

Success is a drug. I found that out when I won my first writing contest with "From the Seat of a Second Grader, My recollection of the Assassination of JFK". I first felt this burning adrenaline sensation begin in my chest, creep up my arms and explode in my head in this nearly psychedelic trip of godness and glory. I leaped about my living room, danced around my husband like a pagan around fire until my husband grabbed a water hose in fear of the house igniting, or possibly taking off into space.

Then I told him what happened.

The next feeling was a slow warmth enveloping me with the smile from the man who has been my constant cheerleader. I have a fan. My number 1.

Next was the evening of celebrating with Ale along with my "Writing Ladies of the Night".

Then, came the sheets of dreams ready to critique.

The time of work.
Good Work

Let me say as a "young" writer to savor those first moments of success. Let them inspire you, but don't be deceived. I am still gestating my first novel. And when I get up in the morning I face the same challenges. House, husband, school, work.....and the list goes marching on. That feeling of success is like an ice cream sunday. Its very filling. But don't let it lead you to inertia.

It is not "THE" success. My book is that number one.

So every day remember the love of your life, your story. Don't make it wait on life. Make life wait on it---at least a little every day. Carve that time into stone and stake your flag. Your story is your mission.

Fulfill it

Point of View

2009-06-14T04:00:00.000-07:00

Point of View (POV) is the most difficult concept for new writers to grasp.

When I was first writing, my sis read my chapters at a critique group because I couldn't find one near where I lived. They told her to tell me that I didn't understand POV. I told her to find out what they meant, of course I knew what having a POV meant, but not what they were talking about. Even after the explanation, it took me a long, long time to really get it.

If you're writing in first person (I opened the door to the ugliest man I'd ever seen) then, of course, the point-of-view will always remain in that person's point of view.

When you use third person for your main character, you might always stay in that person's viewpoint. When you do that, remember, that person can't know what anyone else is thinking. The best way to keep from having a problem is to climb right inside the viewpoint character's skin and look out through his or her eyes. Write what that person can see, feel, hear, experiences, smells etc.

When you want to use another person's point of view, do it in a new scene. The POV character should always be the person who has the most at stake in a scene. Either let the reader know you're changing POV by starting a new chapter or with a space break of some kind. Use the new person's name right away.

Remember, in real life, you never know what someone else is thinking, no matter how well you know the person. You can guess or surmise or figure out--but you don't really know. That's the same for your POV character.

Romance novels don't always follow this rule, jumping from head to head, most often during a sex scene. If you are writing anything except romance though, you're chances of getting published are much greater if you stick to one POV per scene.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Sink or Swim

2009-06-08T07:00:00.000-07:00

Writing is hard work. HARD work. There has to be a commitment made to stick your booty in the chair, no matter what. Tv show you wanted to watch? Too bad, TiVo the sucker. A friend calling to chat during your writing time? Invest in caller ID. Your spouse rants and raves about the time you spend in front of the computer? Either tell the man to take a hike or figure out a way to make the situation work.

Life isn't easy and neither is writing. Yeah, you can quote me. Some of the best things in life are the ones we have to strive for. To be a writer, you have be hungry to succeed because there will always be road blocks in the way. Kids, husbands, laundry, General Hospital, friends, cows (don't ask)and the occasional midnight nookie patrol. Life happens. Sh-- happens. Pick yourself up and get back in that chair.

Do or die. Sink or Swim.

I'm new to the big kid's pool, but I've seen enough to know when I spot dead weight. Or rather someone who doesn't have the survivalist mentality to be a writer. They whine, moan, complain and generally, try to suck you down into their vortex of self-pity.

DON'T LET THEM!

If you're the one putting the time and effort into learning craft, developing your voice and spending every spare minute pounding at the keyboard like Mozart, why would you break your flow to swim with the sinkers who want to mire themselves in writer angst?

I sure don't have the time to hear whining. I've got two toddlers and a husband. My whining quota is full, thank you very much.

Do I sound harsh? Snobby? Well, too bad. I WANT to be a writer. I WANT to be published. I DON"T need to babysit someone who doesn't have the drive to leave the kiddie pool in the first place. The most I'm willing to do offer the same advice given to me. . . SIT YOUR A** IN THE CHAIR AND WRITE!

The tricky thing about progress is- well, dang it, you have to move forward! Ask the right questions, research your work and for heaven's sake, move on. There is angst enough in finding the right word and creating vivid characters. Why give yourself more than needed?

What to do when faced with an energy sucking complainer? Tell them the truth. Tell them to suck it up and write. Tell them to dive into the deep end. Whatever cheesy cliche you can manage. Don't be their enabler. Let someone else fill that role. For yourself and your future success, keep moving forward. Be protective of your writing time because the "posers" are out there, waiting for the easy fix, ie- feed off your hard work.

I'm not saying anyone who isn't as driven as me is a poser, but what I am saying is a true writer isn't stagnent! Practice = Progress. The ones who truly want to learn will step up and they're the ones you want swimming beside you. Don't worry about trying to spot the dead weight in your amidst. They're easy to find. How? Well, they've perfected the art of not listening. Just look for that 'tell' and you'll do fine.

2009-05-31T06:46:00.000-07:00

DAVID VS GOLIATH
by Sunny Frazier

Small publishing vs. BIG PUBLISHING.

Every Author sets out with high hopes of publishing their book and seeing it on the shelves of the big chains. They deserve to be there. After brain-sweat and sacrifice, the reward should be wonderful book signings and lines of buyers waiting for an autograph.

That's the carrot that keeps writers pounding away at the keyboard. It happens to a lucky few. But sometimes the author published by a major publishing house is a one-book wonder and left to contemplate why the publisher deserted them. Sometimes they can't meet the sales expectations of their publisher on the second book and get pushed to the sidelines. Sometimes the economy downsizes them right out of their career as big publishing can't balance cost of putting out a book with a frugal public. Authors never fantasize about that aspect of the industry.

Then there are the small press authors. We're the ones who looked at the slush pile and the long lines in front of agent's doors and said, “I can do better.” We rolled the dice and took a gamble on a small outfit, a one-man-(or woman)-band. We were impatient and wanted our work out there before we were too old to travel and promote.

I started my career by joining with two girlfriends and putting out a regional mystery anthology of our prize-winning short stories. Anthologies are tough to get published, but nobody told us. We found a reluctant publisher, designed the cover and each paid $2,000 dollars to co-publish. The publisher put in a thousand dollars. Soon it was apparent that no store, not even the independent book stores in our city, would carry the books. It was also apparent that we had a public delighted to read about the San Joaquin Valley. We had published the first mystery anthology in this region.

I'm lucky to have such a rough start. It banished my own illusions of the publishing world. I actually had to learn everything from the ground up. I knew when my first novel was published that my success would happen under my own steam. I love having a big say in how I market, it makes me feel in control of my career. I didn't hand my work over to corporate strangers and trust that they would have my best interest at heart. I bounced off the contacts and savvy I'd learned from the first books I published. I had a readership in place salivating for the next book in the series. I also delved into Internet promotion and invited several of you to join me.

What I love about being with a small publisher is that I feel nurtured. I know my talent is respected.
I still get to be a player in the literary world. Some may feel they are too big for small publishing. I feel you can't promote what doesn't exist, so while some authors spend time looking for an agent and a publisher and hoping lightening strikes, I'm out selling my next book.

Small publishing is a choice. My career is what I make it, not what a faceless committee decides. I choose to enjoy the freedom, explore the possibilities and reap the fruit of my labors.

Research

2009-05-24T01:49:00.000-07:00

I have a thing for research. This serious relationship evolved over many years. That first tingle of excitement happened on the day I walked into the main branch of the public library. I fell in love with the knowledge that I needed to use the elevator to reach all the books I wanted to check out. No more tiny school libraries or even branch libraries for me. I had discovered my home away from home.

During my childhood I was never without a book to read. As a young adult I let real life take priority but found my interest renewed with the birth of my children. When my children were too old for me to read to them I returned to my old voracious reading habits. But I soon realized, just reading fiction was no longer enough. I trolled the stacks looking for something to catch my eye and was mesmerized by the non-fiction section.

Most of my story ideas come from a piece of information or a moment in history that I have come across when reading non-fiction.

I always start my searches with the original and still the best place to go for information, your local library. There is always someone there to help you out. The research section in most libraries is unique to each location and the non-fiction by state section will carry books with the history of the particular area you are in.

Libraries now have all their books listed on an online catalog system. You can request a book from any city, county or state branch and have it delivered to your local branch. You could even have it delivered to your front door. This makes it so easy for me to check out books from the comfort of my own computer.

A large part of my research is done online. The speed and access we have to information increases almost daily. One big rule to follow online is to always have more than one source to back up your information. There are so many sites that are full of just the right type of information you are looking for.

The best and most desired way to do research is to visit the location of your story. If this is not possible then the library and online are again the best resources for travel information on your setting.

Another way to find out more on a subject or profession is to interview someone with the knowledge. Remember to come prepared with a list of question.

With all this new research at your disposal remember the number one rule. Don't overpower your work with the details and lose the idea you started out with.

Do you love it or hate it? What are your best research tips?

Living Your Writer's Dream

2009-05-17T00:00:00.001-07:00

By: Dorinda Ohnstad

Dreams are nothing but dreams, unless you are willing to do the hard work to see them through to fruition. That means putting the time in to write, avoiding the distractions that get in the way, learning the craft, and persevering with or without a support network at home. I can’t emphasize learning the craft enough. Although, I’ve been a highly paid and skilled business and legal writer for years, I have had to learn the craft of writing. Being a good writer doesn’t mean that we can write a novel with ease. Writing this narrative for me is much simpler than learning the craft of writing a novel, external and internal conflict, dialog, tension, pacing, point of view, scene construction, plot development, etc.

Bottom line, writing a novel is a lonely, difficult path to walk. To be able to persist in this endeavor you need to be passionate about the writing, not about the possibility of success and fame as defined by being on the shelves of Borders or Barnes & Noble. That doesn’t mean that you can’t want those things, they just can’t be what drives you to write. If fame and money are your only motivation, you are likely to be easily side-tracked from the work of writing; for there is no way around the fact that writing a novel is damn hard work. More difficult yet is the fact that you don’t get paid for that hard work until it is all done, if you get paid at all, even though it may take you years to accomplish.

That is why the incentive to plow down that road has to be something different than the money and fame. You need to let those stories in you that are screaming to be written be what drives you. Stop daydreaming about fame and success, feeling envious of others living your dream, and decide that you are going to commit to the hard work and focus on telling your stories to the best of your ability.

Keep in mind that even when you do this, it won’t be easy and there will be days, weeks, months even, when you will doubt whether it is worth all the work. It is in those darkest moments that we as writers have to dig deep within ourselves to discover whether this is the life for us. It’s definitely not for everyone. I’ve had to confront these feelings myself.

If you decide that you need to write those stories, and are willing to put in the work regardless of whether or not money and fame are at the other end, then pick one novel and work on it. At the same time read about craft, attend conferences, participate in critique groups (who can also be the support network you need and don’t get elsewhere) and avoid those distractions. Commit to the work and see it through one page at a time.

Discovery!

2009-05-10T15:24:00.000-07:00

I made an exciting discovery this week! I found that outlining a book is very much an act of story-telling. For a long time I have taken creative pride in my ability to write Ironic Dance as it unfolded like a movie in my head. I enjoyed not knowing what was going to happen unitil it spilled from my pen, or was tapped on the keyboard. There on my computer screen I watched as my story presented itself like magic to me, the first to get the inside scoop.

Then one day, the Muse in my head went on vacation. I realized that all along the story had been coming from a source. It "came" to me because I had the basic plot and action coursing through my neurons. Suddenly, in the middle, I faced the fact that my game plan had ran off the page. Without it, the movie could not be directed. Hmm. My baloon deflated, I took a few weeks (ok several) to sulk, then an entirely different kind of inspiration hit me.

Instead of smugly ignoring the likes of Sunny Frazier, I picked up my pen and began to plot. Nothing overly elaberate. I just wrote Chapter such and such and wrote down what I wanted to happen. And you know what-I told a story. I looked upon my work (yes, it IS part of the work of writing) and realized that I was building the skeleton of the rest of my story. It was exhilerating. It was fun! I kept coming up with deeper plot elements that I could connect to earlier parts of my story. I discovered that I knew my book, and my characters more intimately than ever before.

Now I can sit at my keyboard and form the flesh for the skeleton. This has given me a greater sense of power as a writer. Because I am acting as a deliberate planner of my story, I am not dependent on my subconsious to drop gifts to me. Of course it still does and that is pleasurable, but now Ironic Dance is MY story. I am the storyteller, not the story receiver. It means that I always have plenty to do. Even when I am not writing the story, I am engaged in forming it. Whether ploting, doing character analysis, or storyboarding. I am performing real work. The work of brining Ironic Dance to fruition. Thanks to EVERYONE who has helped me learn this lesson.

2009-05-03T09:34:00.000-07:00

AM I A WRITER?

Sunny here.

Last week at my writing group, one of the aspiring authors had a bit of a breakdown. She suffered from what all writers eventually go through. Her faith in her abilities was shaken, the struggle to get her story on paper seemed overwhelming, and the awful question loomed: Am I really a writer?

This rite of passage is crucial. Writing a book initially seems like fun. The potential novelist thinks, “Oh, I have stories to tell, I have a great imagination, I got an 'A' in English class in high school/college. My mother and friends say my emails are quippy, they delight in my ability to tell a good story. I'm a natural.”

The reality is the plain white sheet of paper waiting for words. The cursor on the computer becomes a throbbing curse. Minutes tick by as phrases refuse to come. The story percolating in the brain falls short in print.

“I know what I want to say, but I can't get the ideas to come out as I imagined,” one in our group complained. “I wanted to kill my husband for interrupting my flow of words,” the most mild-mannered member fumed. “I feel like I'm ignoring my children, but I'm determined to get this book written,” the young mother confessed.

Like addicts at an AA meeting, we admit we write to the detriment of other parts of our lives. Spouses get neglected and have to take on extra duties so we can get pages written and attend critique sessions. We needed our writing “fix” so badly, we went from meeting twice a month to every Friday night. Our social lives now revolve around professional organizations like Romance Writers of America and Sisters in Crime in Fresno. We show up at library events to network with published authors. We crave writing conferences and conventions, the cost be damned.

But, wanting to be a writer and being a writer are two distinctively different animals. The wannabe sees the fun, the fulfillment, the praise, the bucks. They have passion and a story to tell and probably some talent.

Real writers expect to get saddle sores from sitting in front of the computer. Their eyes go bad from staring at the screen. Coffee, a shot of brandy and dark chocolate will only keep them functioning for so long. The only exercise they get is in their fingers—if they don't get carpal tunnel first. They crave distractions, any reason to leave the ball and chain of the chair. They don't want to talk to anyone who can't empathize with their suffering.

And that, folks, it the crux of the problem. Does the world care if there is one more writer or one more book on the shelf? Not really. Is writing worth sacrificing the real people in our lives in favor of the fictional people we create? Are the rewards worth the effort? Am I really up to the task?

Writing is a choice. Nobody is standing behind us with a gun to our heads telling us to publish or perish. Writing is hard. More than just imagination and plot, good writing includes craft, strong word choices, constant editing, the illusive element called “voice,” and a thick skin. Writing is a gamble. Even the best novels often don't see publication. Writing is about going the distance, not running a sprint. Writing is not graded, except by sales. Writing demands sacrifices, and each aspiring novelist has to ask, “What am I willing to give up to reach my goal?”

I gave up housework, TV and a marriage while writing my first novel. I cleared the way to write full time by forfeiting what others consider necessities: relationships, a social life and a steady income. I live in a bathrobe surrounded by cats unable to complain to the neighbors when I kick them outside so I can write. A balanced diet is TV dinners, smoothies and chocolate. My yard work goes neglected and housework is negligible. I live like a spinster and don't have time for bad habits, except biting my nails when I'm working on deadline. Do I feel this life is what I want? Absolutely. I'm living my dream.

But, that's my story. My writing group gave the aspiring author empathy and a tissue to wipe away tears and years of frustration. Her life is full of overwhelming obstacles, yet I know she'll show up next Friday night ready for more criticism. Last week she had a breakdown--next week, perhaps a breakthrough.

Hanford Bookfest

2009-04-26T05:06:00.000-07:00

Sunny Frazier did an outstanding job putting together the Hanford Bookfest. You never know how these book events will go. Some are okay, others are not good at all, and some turn out wonderfully well. This was in the wonderfully well category.

The venue was great--plenty of room for all the writers (nearly 40) and for people to roam without being crowded.

Though the walk-in crowd wasn't large, people did wander in on a rather steady basis. I have a feeling if this is repeated next year, there will be far more attending.

I had a great time. My spot was right between Sunny and Sue McGinty from Los Osos. Both are Sisters in Crime and members of PSWA. We got to meet two new members of PSWA while we were there.

Authors who so desired could get up and talk about whatever they wanted for 10 minutes. Of course it's the perfect time to give an elevator pitch about your book. I told a bit about what led me to writing about law enforcement subjects--both No Sanctuary and Kindred Spirits are about people in law enforcement. I ended by confessing I was a big liar when I was a kid, now I tell lies for money.

Two of my critique partners came along, Shirley Hickman, who has two published books and Lisa Duncan who isn't published yet but was inspired by her day among writers.

The good thing about bookfests is people expect to see authors with books displayed and offered for sale and they want to talk to you and find out about you and your work. Some of them may even want to buy.

It was fun to see what people had done to display their work and the enticements they had on their table to help people linger. Homemade cookies were offered as well as tangerines--and chocolate candy--always a good treat. Sunny had small boxes of raisins with labels with her book cover.

I never think to bring food, but I always have business cards and a guest book for people to put their email addresses if they'd like to receive my monthly newsletter.

Sometimes I give away one of my mass market paperbacks in the Tempe Crabtree series--but I didn't have room in my cart--nor did I bring my husband to help out.

Once again, thank you Sunny for a great day!

Marilyn a.k.a. F. M. Meredith

You can see what my table looks like in the above photo.

The Never-Ending Novel

2009-04-19T06:55:00.000-07:00

The K C Writers would like to welcome Guest Blogger Melissa Whittle. Thanks for joining us and sharing your own brand of insights into the writing world. Be sure to catch Melissa on her blog "Brain Clutter."

The Never-Ending Novel

This blog is for people who have “writer's block” or lost of motivation to keep writing. I'm confessing and spilling my secrets...

I recently signed up on the Romance Divas forum to participate in the Mentor Program. The purpose is to push your comfort zone and become a better writer. I'm all for that. Matter of fact I've craved it for the past year.

The downside? Le sigh. I'm still on chapter 2. Usually when I get an idea for a book and have the book mapped out in my head, I'm off to the races. The book is as good as finished. Now this usually happens around 20-30k of the novel. I'm 5k into this sucker and I know the purpose of this novel. I know what needs to happen. At this point there are no surprises.

AND THIS BOOK WILL NEVER END!

Okay, I admit, I'm being a little dramatic, but the point is the same—this book has a long way to being finished. I haven't even hit the first turning point. I really want someone to come shoot me like ol' yeller and put me out of my misery.

So, I've made a list of ways to get me out of the slump * recommended for people who have yet to finish a novel *

Read a crappy book.
If you have thrown out the novel, go in search of it again. Re-read it, and bask in the glow of it's awfulness.
Play spider solitaire until your eyeballs start to go dry.
Clean the house. When I say clean, I mean getting an old toothbrush and attacking the baseboards.
Research the process of “how toenails grow” or better yet, “how grass grows”
Make it your goal to leave a comment on every blog that exists.
Volunteer to clean someone else's house since yours is now clean.
Feng Shui your clean house. This also involves research.

Now if you've reached number seven and still don't want to open that WIP and write, I can't help you. I gave up less than half-way through crappy book. Finishing my book wasn't as much work after getting to chapter five.

* okay, serious author hat on * Know you are not the only author struggling to get to The End. The finish line may seem miles away, but I can tell you it is worth it. Best advice I've ever received, and it's so simple, butt in chair, hands on keyboard.

I'm off to take my own advice.

What tips do you have for getting out of a writing slump?

~Melissa Blue and I'm out~

http://melissablue13.wordpress.com/

Leave The Gun, Take The Cannoli

2009-04-12T02:00:00.000-07:00

Ever find yourself thinking, "Holy Crap! Is this #@$% really happening to me?"
Well, last Friday night that was my moment and I had no Dove Chocolate, just a Tuna Melt, a Cop, a Mobster and a Writing Group.

So, what would a stay-at-home mom have in common with the original Goodfella and a cop? We all believe- if you want something, you gotta go get it!

The desire I have to become a published author is intense. I want to be there...bad. So, I listen with both ears and absorb everything I hear. And that, my friends, is what has brought me to where I am today.

Where is that? You might ask. Well, let me enlighten you.....

I've started to carve out my own little corner in the Big 'Ole Writing Pond. Sure, I'm just a pebble, but that doesn't mean my tiny ripple can't make a wave.

Over the last month or so, I've dedicated a large amount of my writing time to networking. Yes, I've sacrificed progress on my book, BUT here's what I accomplished by 'going to the mattresses.'

I started lurking in romance writing Yahoo Groups. I spent a day or so just reading the posts, gleaning information and feeling the vibe before I jumped in, but once I did- I never looked back.

The YaHoo Groups, like Sweet and Sensual Romances, introduced me to a wide variety of writers from published to prepublished. By following their links, I found blogs full of interesting topics, but all geared toward the same thing: getting published! Then, I had an Ahh-Haa moment. Why not start my own blog? BUT dedicate the darn thing to helping other new writers by interviewing published authors! What better advice is there than straight from the horse's mouth? Enter The Lovestruck Novice.

http://thelovestrucknovice.blogspot.com/

Now, I've got authors lined up clear into June- all willing to 'pay it forward' and help the new kids. As a bonus, they get free promo space in return. Another quick project was my other blog, Passion and Patter. I pick books that interest me and give the blurbs a rewrite with my own quirky style. I include the book cover pic and a link to the publishers page for the book. And I do all of this without a book of my own to promote. But there is method to my madness.

http://passionandpatter.blogspot.com/

When I get published, I will have a circle of friends who might be willing to plug my book. (Kind of channeling Don Corleone, eh?) It's all about laying a foundation.

But the biggest and I mean biggest coup from all of my networking is...(drum roll) I have a publisher interested in my WIP. Yes! You read that "write" my Work-In-Progress! How? Simple, I posted my Prologue in a Yahoo Group's WIP Folder. And the group? One I learned of from an author I interviewed for my blog. Who I met on a group!

Amazing how fate works. I would never have thought my getting into the mix would be placing me in the position I'm in now. Waiting and hoping. Sure, it could all be for nothing. BUT at least I know the proof is in the pudding.

Networking is Necessary. After all, my call to the library those months ago landed me suppin' with Denny Griffin and Henry HiLl. Not just pop icons but published authors too.

If you're on the fence about "getting out there" before you've got the book deal in hand, think back to Ole Blue Eyes and one of his great hits. Writing is 'Nice Work If You Can Get It and You Can Get It If You Try."

Author Denny Griffin

Goodfella Henry Hill

Web Ozone

2009-04-05T02:10:00.000-07:00

Do you My Space? Do you Face Book? Do you Twitter?
Do you lurk? Are you hooked? Maybe you are addicted.

In our mad dash to get our name, face, or book out there, are we sacrificing our writing to the online world?

The journey our writing and our book takes has changed a lot over the last few years. Not only do we have to write a great novel and convince someone to publish it, we also have to be able to sell it. Even before we submit to a publisher we need to have a list of where we can be found. Just having an email address and a website is not enough.

These days you need a blog and a profile, a My Space and another profile or a Face Book and lots of friends, even if you have no idea who any of them are, except the friend who talked you into friending them in the first place.

Web crawler has a new voyeuristic meaning as you sit and read the latest comments on all the sites you follow but don’t have time to post to.
I have tried to keep up with the all the latest online fads but I lose time for my writing. I have no one to blame but myself. The temptation sits staring back at me. Like most people my computer is always on and only a little nudge of the mouse brings it to life.

A fellow writer has the perfect solution. She has two computers, one strictly for writing that is not connected to the outside world, and one for everything else. For her this works well.

I only have one computer to work with and it is a daily struggle to avoid the temptations of the Web. I have to choose carefully where to go and what sites to follow, keeping in mind how they can help me to become a better writer and pave the way to future publication. So I just say no to My Space and Twitter and I’m still putting off Face Book but I know I will give in soon.

Are you buried in the ozone of the Web?

How do you control the urge to lurk?

H. Terrell Griffin, Author of the Matt Royal Mystery Series

2009-03-29T00:00:00.000-07:00

Please welcome, guest blogger H. Terrill Griffin, author of the Matt Royal Mystery Series.

It is my good fortune to live on Longboat Key, an island off the southwest coast of Florida about half-way down the peninsula. It is a small place anchored in the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The island itself is about ten miles long and a quarter-mile wide. During the off-season, that is the months from May to November, it is a very small town of about 2,500 people.

It is this island and its people that give me the ideas for stories. The people are an eclectic bunch, hailing from every part of the U.S., with a sprinkling of Canadians and Europeans. It is a stew in which many stories germinate, some true tales of former lives in far off places, and others only fables told over a beer, perhaps the lives that the fabulists wished they had lived.

It is during the hot summers, when the Gulf breezes barely cool the island, that the locals gather in the bars, laugh a lot, tell their tales to the local author, and enjoy the friendship that attaches in small towns the world over. The islanders are my muses and my most extravagant supporters. It is from this milieu that I draw inspiration, solace when needed, and so many wonderful characters to grace the pages of my novels.

My books are centered on Longboat Key, but the mystery always takes the protagonist Matt Royal to other places. I try to bring a sense of our island in all its wonder and beauty to the printed page. There is almost no crime on the key, so I have to manufacture murders and the bad guys who commit them. I try to weave the fictional crime into stories that include the islanders as characters, most thinly disguised. My friends enjoy trying to figure out which one of them is the character with a different name.

Writing is a joy for me, a joy that is enhanced by writing about the things I love, my island and my friends. I hope that I do both justice, that the island is described so that the reader will fall in love too, and that the characters give the reader a true flavor of my part of the world. And if the mystery is one that the reader can’t put down until finished, then I’ve done my job.

For more information about Terry Griffin and his books, visit his website at www.hterrellgriffin.com.

The Learning Curve

2009-03-22T04:00:00.001-07:00

I’ve been a new wife, a new mom and now a new writer. Each time, I had the bone-headed idea learning curves didn‘t apply to me.

Although my days as a “new” wife are long gone, my husband won’t let me forget the horrid Three Mustard Chicken I cooked our dog even refused to eat. Lucky for me, he didn’t channel the male species’ innate sense of self-preservation. Had he declared me the next Paula Deen, I wouldn’t have forced myself to open Betty Crocker’s Bridal Edition Cookbook. Obviously, Betty knew husbands were out there starving to death.

Now, I can cook most anything. I’ve yet to see him take a bite and go running for the sink with his hand over his mouth!

When I had kids … well, let’s just say I’m flabbergasted the nurse let me leave the hospital, much less, waved as I drove off with a defenseless baby. I’m sure every time I called the pediatrician, his nurses fought over who’d have to take the “Crazy Lady’s” call . Yet after three years, I feel confident, safe even, being locked inside a house ALONE with three toddlers.

Then I decided to write a romance novel. I’ve read the darn books for years, which is the same as experience, right? I even practiced my signature in preparation for my future book signings. Wanting an adoring fan club, I joined a writer’s group, knowing I’d be hailed a literary genius.

I’m fairly certain my face mirrored the same look of shocked horror I wore when I saw my hubby gagging on his mustard chicken. Yikes! My pages bled! I was afraid I’d leave a trail of red ink out the door.

Was I shocked? Yes.

Did my disappointment keep me from moving forward? No.

Instead, I refused to give up. I asked questions and took notes. I latched on like a barnacle to writers who were willing to show me the ropes. Now 7months later, I no longer write with my head in the clouds or in the 1980’s.

I’ve learned things like: the importance of word choice and sentence structure. By not giving in to my fears, I’m a lot closer to achieving my goals. I belong to two writer’s groups and can’t believe how much my writing has improved. My continued progress keeps me motivated. I’m going to savor the feeling of writing “The End” as much as the day I got my son to sleep through the night.

So join a group- get out there!

I’ll be just as grateful to the woman who told me my son’s desire to eat dirt was just a phase as I’ll be to the people who said stop worrying and just write the book.

Yes, I’m still learning, but I’m enjoying the ride a lot more, because I’m surrounded by people who have the same desires. The only way I can fail is if I were to throw in the towel. I didn’t then and I won’t now.

So ask yourself, how bad do you want to succeed and what are you willing to do to achieve your goals?

For me, it was simple- I took a chance. Will you?

Approaching the Different

2009-03-15T11:20:00.000-07:00

At our little Friday Night Soiree, I brought a new species of writing to the table. Taking my seat in front of a plate of decadent brownies, I awaited the critiquing of my new contest offering. It was a Narrative.

There was no protagonist, no antagonist. There was definitely no seductive man riding in on a large stallion, there was just a remembrance of a small girl about the shooting of JFK.

For this contest I am writing about what the experience of JFK's assassination was like for myself from the perspective of being seven and in class when our teacher made the announcement.

Most of us at the table never critiqued narratives. It was a challenge. They peered at it like it were some sort of odd vegetable one's mother might place on your plate. "Try it, you'll like it." I admit being a little uncomfortable. Might this paper I brought, lull my beloved co-writers into a dangerous dimension? Would they be eaten before my eyes?

Well, writers are a brave lot. (After all, we create whole worlds) They each did a wonderful job, and helped guide me (like they do every time) toward making my piece its best. The reason is that no matter what style of writing one uses, there are rules that always apply. Not too many this, that's, hads, and the other, show, (even a narrative needs draw a picture) make each word count, and the rest clip like bad hair.

Our evening ended much like it always does. Each of us left better writers, and each of us had work to do..and the tools to do it well.

Measure of Success

2009-03-08T07:16:00.000-07:00

I would like to introduce our guest blogger for today. Welcome Karyne Corum. She is from New Jersey. Writing is her passion and she would like to share that passion with other writers. Thank you, Karyne, for stopping by.

Many writers measure success with big sales, contracts and six figure advances. But if you take it down a notch, into the sphere of the average writer, those who are neither here nor there yet, it should have a different meaning. Success is when you set a goal, whether it be writing 250 words on your manuscript or networking at a local book conference, doing two things to help your career, and you reach it. I imagine many writers would rather set the bar so high that it’s almost impossible to reach and therefore they feel comfortable in their cocoon of inertia. "I would have been a great writer if only…. ".“If only” is the anathema of every writer, everywhere. It is the penultimate cop-out. If only I wasn’t busy with kids, husband, job, the noisy neighbors, the dog, the dust bunnies and so on and so on.
One of the most important tricks I learned was to stop trying to fit my life to my writing and rather fit my writing to my life. If I had ten minutes between my son’s lunch and playtime, I took it. The idealistic vision of the artist having all night or hours upon hours to create is a mirage. And just like a mirage, you need to dispel it with, even if it takes some cold water to the brain.People are so afraid of failure they would rather dream than do because in our dreams we never fail. I like to live by the philosophy that, we learn nothing from success and everything from failure.
It is not a reflection of our inadequacy but rather a demonstration of our ability to adapt and overcome.Even failure takes work. If my life was a string of failures then at least I would have the satisfaction of knowing I tried and tried really hard. But, I don’t have a string of failures, I have constant daily successes. Whether it be finishing a scene or finding the universal truth in my story, writing 50 words or even just getting out and doing a blog that I left for almost two months because life got really busy and chaotic. I’m not going to beat myself up for not getting to my blog for two months, rather I’m just going to get back to it and get it done.So, the choice to be a doer or a dreamer, remains in the writers hands, just like the success of your career. Start with the small and the big will follow.

Karyne Corum
http://njwriters-in-arms.blogspot.com/

Short Stories

2009-03-01T00:00:00.000-08:00

By: Dorinda Ohnstad

Until recently, I have vehemently pronounced that I am not a short story writer. In fact I hadn’t written a single short story since graduating from high school thirty years ago. Periodically I would be encouraged by critique partners to tackle short stories and seek out contests and publishing opportunities as a way of building my resume. Each time I dug in my heels and declared “I am not a short story writer!”

Sometimes I would consider writing a short story, but just thinking about it made my head throb. Bottom line, I realized short stories are extremely hard to write. Telling a complete story with less than 5,000 words seemed to me a near impossible feat—only mastered by those with far greater talent than I could ever hope to develop. In my book, the best thing to do was not to try at all. You can’t fail if you never try.

I lived blissfully with my short story aversion until I read a Murderati blog posting by Toni McGee Causey. The blog’s content about the power of writing elicited visceral emotions in me that plagued me nightly. Over the next few weeks these emotions morphed into a clear story in my head that screamed to be released onto the pages of my computer screen. Believe me I tried to push the story to the back of my psyche so I could move forward with my novel, but the story gave me no choice.

I had to write the story to clear the path for returning to my novel, so I relented. In fact, I spent more than a month editing and refining the story, with the help of my invaluable critique partners, until it was ready for submission. This week I sent it off. When, if, or where the story may be published or recognized I don’t know. That’s not the important outcome of my short story foray. What’s important is what I learned in the process. I was right; short stories are a beast not easily conquered. What I didn’t realize however, was how tackling the task would make me a better novelist.

In writing a short story, every word counts. You must search your vocabulary for the one perfect word, rather than make do with two or three mediocre ones. Words with double meanings within the story become gems, like a Scrabble triple word score. Each sentence has to move the story forward or it needs to go. Repetition and lazy writing can’t be tolerated. In other words, to write a good short story, a writer has to use the tools of the craft to their umpteenth degree, and in the process it taxes your skills and makes you a better writer.

I look forward to translating my newfound skills to my long-fiction writing, and have no doubt that it will make my writing pop and sizzle in a way I never before dreamed possible.

Internet Promo Isn't All There is to Do

2009-02-22T04:00:00.000-08:00

Back in the olden days, book signings, library talks, and postcard mailings were the major ways to promote.

Now, as Sunny pointed out, we have all this Internet stuff to do, and might I add one more: virtual blog tours. I'll be on one during the month of March. Believe me, they are a lot of work even though I didn't set up the tour myself.

But I'm not going to talk about that now, what I want to discuss is the in-person book launch. I've done one for each of my books and usually in my home town.

I've had them in various locations: used book store, recreation center, on the veranda of a coffee shop, the upstairs room at the Springville Inn, a gift shop, the back room of an antique store.

For Kindred Spirits I went all the way to Crescent City and had the launch in a wonderful bed and breakfast. I've blogged about that before, but it was wonderful.

For No Sanctuary my latest Rocky Bluff Crime Novel, I'm going to transform the Springville Baptist Church into a police station--well, at least give the illusion that's what it is. I'm decorating in yellow and black--colors of crime scene tape--and serving refreshments.

Anyone who'd like to come, it's on Saturday, February 28th, 11-4, at the Springville Baptist Church on Bogart Dr., at the top of the hill.

Wouldn't it be fun to see some one there who reads this blog?

If you have a book coming out, do think about a spot where you can have a book launch. Celebrating the birth of your book is a good idea for a party.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Brave New World

2009-02-16T02:49:00.000-08:00

I recently took new steps in my writing life and career. As a member in a small critique group that only meet twice a month I was frustrated with my progress. For a while I felt I was on the verge of giving up. I couldn't see the future of my written words. Some writers are loners and work well in that atmosphere but I am a social writer and need the feedback of the group.

Over the past several months I have reached out for new connections with my fellow writers. I joined a new group that has the potential for growth and has a more focused and far reaching writer base. The new group has stirred my inner fires and given me new, contemporary avenues for my writing. I have learned more in these months then in all the years past.

In some fashion I feel guilty for spending time away from my first group, almost like I’m cheating. But I feel that what I am doing now will benefit myself and other writers I will work with. So it can only be a win-win situation. For me, my world is wide open and the only stops are the ones I put on myself.

Being a writer is a constantly changing occupation. What have you done lately to change or improve your writing?

SPEEDING DOWN THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY

2009-02-08T09:33:00.001-08:00

Sunny Frazier here.

When does promotion start?

The minute you take yourself seriously as a writer.

When my first book, FOOLS RUSH IN, came out in 2006, I was a novice at promotion. I did pretty well, but the Internet did not have much blogging or all the websites available for promotion. I felt much was a waste of my time. I had more important things to do than sift through the Internet.

My attitude changed earlier this year. My New Year's resolution was to carefully examine cyberspace. I followed the leads as I came across them. I used many of the skills I learned while working in the Narcotics unit at the sheriff's department, where I tracked down criminals by scouring confidential sites for clues to their whereabouts. The sleuthing techniques I developed are now useful in an entirely different way.

In the learning process, I've isolated three key elements: finding sites, participating on sites and controlling the vast amounts of information.Finding sites is not a challenge. Go on any author's website and check out the links. Links lead to links and the trail seems to go on forever. I check websites to see who reviewed an author's book. I am a scavenger, always hunting for clues to the next opportunity. This requires an eye for spotting potential and discarding what will not help my career.

After checking out a site, I make a decision whether or not to join. Joining means getting my photograph on the page and accumulating “friends.” If the process of joining seems overwrought, I just leave a message commenting on the blog. People reading my messages will see my name and face. Like dropping breadcrumbs, I lead readers back to my own site.

Monitoring traffic to and from sites is a lot of work. The trick is to control the Information Highway so it takes me where I want to go.

I created a folder called “Sunday Work.” I attend to it religiously. All week long I move emails from blog sites to the folder. My Sundays now start with a cup of coffee, the Sunday comics and then I tackle each item in the folder. Often, by opening one site, I can eliminate many of the posts telling me I have messages at the site. I also do updates.

The second document is called “Blog Sites.” As I come across sites I'd like to check out, I copy the link and add it to my list. I also put the list in alphabetical order to make sure there are no repeats. If I post on the site, I put the date and action taken.

If a writer thinks self-promotion takes away from actual writing time, they will be left on the side of the road with a book to sell and nobody buying.

With The Right Tool in Hand

2009-02-01T20:53:00.000-08:00

I love my tool; long and plastic and red, as soon as I had it in my hand I could feel the vibrating energy waiting to be released all over the written word before me…

It may be strange to think of the red pen of editing: our “critiquing pens” as instruments of creativity, but it came to me as I was using it across a particularly fine piece of short story work, that just like a sculpting tool, our red pens chip away from the granite to reveal the best of what the literary artist is creating.

Even though I am still running toward the goal line of being published, my beloved novel held fast in the cradle of my arm; last night as I critiqued, I felt that I was sharing in another person’s creative process. Even though it was not my own, I was like a literary midwife. Actually, there were a few midwives, and we all assisted in the birth of a story-the creation of lives and worlds belonging to characters and places that did not stay in one person’s imagination, but were given a place in the reality of every reader who is privileged to read this story.

That is, after all, what all artists are: creators of scenes, world-builders. Next time your sit with your red pen, breathe in the creative work you do. With each stroke and each suggestion, you open the birth canal so the writer can give life to a story; the most precious gem any of our kind has to offer.

Publishing's a Business

2009-01-25T00:00:00.000-08:00

Publishing's a Business
By Dorinda Ohnstad

The publishing industry is a unique business, but a business never-the-less. As a business it seeks to make a reasonable profit. In fact, the Board of Directors of each publishing house has a legal obligation to its shareholders to act in their best interest by doing all they can to make a reasonable return on the company’s investments. That means that the focus of the industry is not on the best interests of writers, but the best interests of shareholders. That doesn’t mean that writers aren’t critical to the industry’s success, because clearly they are. There exists a tenuous symbiotic relationship between the two. However, we can’t overlook the fact that profits are the ultimate motivating factor of the publishing industry (as they must be), even if that is not the key motivation of most writers. As writers we shouldn’t begrudge that fact.

Publishing houses are well aware that reader preference is the driving force behind sales. However, identifying what readers want is very different (as well as very difficult) as compared to other industries. In that respect, publishing is more akin to the art world. You can ask art collectors what they’re interested in purchasing, but it would provide little assistance to the industry. One floral picture is not the same as the other, so knowing that collectors want florals isn’t enough. In addition, even if one could define exactly what type of floral painting was desired that would still be insufficient. How would an art dealer get someone to paint that picture? As artists we can only create what we are inspired or driven to create. Our work is our own.

While the publishing industry will never be able to “design” their products to meet market needs, it will continue do its best to predict what readers will buy. However, the industry’s choices are limited to what is offered to them by writers. Each submission will be viewed through the marketability lens, but every investment will still be a calculated gamble. This makes publishing a difficult industry to be successful in, but at the same time it also makes it an exciting one. A Twilight or a Harry Potter is always lurking around the corner.

As readers I think that most of us relish the unpredictability of the publishing industry. We relish finding that new voice, the new series, new book, new author that captivates us. It’s almost euphoric. I wonder what it would be like if that weren’t the case. What if the industry could be predictable and formulaic? I don’t think I would like it; nor do I think that readers would benefit. I don’t think writers would benefit either. If writing could be reduced to a formula then new voices would be unnecessary—too risky an investment. The publishing industry would continue to work with the same proven commodities. Not good for the rest of us wanting our chance to be published.

So where does that leave us? I believe that as writers we continue to write what we’re driven to write and we write it to the best of our abilities. The publishing industry should continue to do its best to make good investments. And for those writers desiring to be published, we move forward knowing that anything is possible. Just ask Stephenie Meyer or J.K. Rowling. It’s a new year with new opportunities. Perhaps your turn will be next. I know that I’m hoping that 2009 will be my year.

Rejection and Criticism

2009-01-18T04:00:00.000-08:00

I wrote this for another blog, but I think it's an important subject that needs to be revisited.

If you’re a writer and want to be published, you need to be able to accept rejection–it’s part of the process.

Recently I spoke to a short-story writer who once visited a critique group I belong to and I asked him what he was doing with his writing. He said he no longer sent it out because he didn’t like being rejected–so he only shares his stories with friends. This man is an excellent writer–though his stories had some flaws. As I look back, I remember that he didn’t like having his work critiqued either and that’s why he didn’t continue on with our group. I think what he’s decided is sad, because eventually he’d probably have found a market for his work and more than just his friends could’ve enjoyed his stories.

I knew another excellent writer who sent her manuscript to about three publishers or agents, was rejected and that was the end of her sending out her work. Oh, she still writes–but she doesn’t ever submit her work. She is able to take criticism in a writer’s group and make suggested changes or rewrites.

When I taught a weekly writing group, at times I’d get a new student who would read their few pages and be horrified when I pointed out problems. Made me wonder why they bothered to come. Believe me, when I’m critiquing anyone’s work I always talk about what is good first before giving any suggestions.

Frankly, I don’t understand the mind-set that can’t take criticism or rejection. My first book was rejected nearly 30 times before it was accepted by a publisher. Each time it was rejected, I worked on it some more. At the time I didn’t know nearly as much about editing and rewriting as I do now.

Even though I now have over twenty published books, I still attend a weekly critique group. I would be disappointed if they didn’t find something to help make the book better. I use my fellow authors as a first editor.

Rejection is part of getting published. Never take it personally. It can mean many things, the publisher or agent was having a bad day, they are interested in a similar book already, it isn’t the kind of book that they like. Always pay attention to what is in the rejection letter, especially if it’s handwritten and has some actual comments about your writing. No matter what happens, work to fix that book or move onto another. Never, ever give up.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Germanic vs. Latin word choices

2009-01-11T23:35:00.000-08:00

When I was in college, I had a great lecture on the difference between Germanic and Latin words and how they pertain to poetry. I'm going to do the best I can at remembering (so if I mess up a few details, please forgive me), but the general idea is very useful not only to poets but to all writers.

The difference between these two types of words can elicit all kinds of emotions. Germanic based words tend to be longer/multi-syllabic, more technical, and a bit rougher sounding. Latin based words are less harsh than Germanic words. The difference between the two is kind of similar to the difference between "happy chords" and "sad chords" on the guitar. Each choice elicits a different emotion. A few examples:

Germanic

laboratory

government

sophisticated

Latin

love

grass

smell

hand

The general/loose rule (for practicality's sake and not for technical sake) is that if something has a soft sound, and doesn't have a lot of syllables, it is a Latin-based word. If it sounds a little more jolting and sounds like a word you'd find in a medical journal, then it is a Germanic based word.

I purposefully choose certain Latin words to soften a certain parts of my poetry pieces if I want to highlight mixed emotions. If I want to catch the reader's attention in a mainly Latin-based poem, I use a Germanic word. The change in the sound and/or appearance of the two different word types alerts the reader subconsciously to stop, regulate and listen (okay maybe it's not Hammer time).

When I'm ending a poem on a different note than I began, or if I want the reader to really sit with a line, I will change the word type. In one of my love poems, I used the word "saliva" after using some pretty images and easily flowing words. I did this on purpose, and it jilted some of my readers. Thus, my word choice was successful at doing the work I wanted it to do. I wanted the readers to pay attention to the last lines of my poem. They sat uncomfortably with the word, and (hopefully) remembered and thought about it later. Sometimes metaphors, similies, rhymes, and other devices just don't quite portray exactly what I am trying to say or have the reader feel. I like writing poems that elicit strong emotions--playing with diction is one of my favorite ways to create this effect.

Not only poets can benefit from these word choices, a novelist may want a scary, gruff character to use Germanic based words in dialogue (and likewise, a softer, more feminine character to use more Latin-based words). Even though Germanic words tend to be harsher, if one cleverly inserts them into a Latin-based piece, one may be able to have that Germanic word become very beautiful. This switch up will surprise the reader and make them feel like your piece is interesting and different from all the other books they've read in your particular genre.

Another way to use the difference between word types is in this following example:

Let's say you have a serial killer with a soft side as one of your characters, you may highlight this personal trait of his by inserting some soft words into his speech at a time where the reader may not expect it. Maybe this serial killer is fond of a particular child that he would never harm, so he talks to her with kind words, whereas he talks to others whom he might kill in another way. Or maybe he's about to kill someone, and for a moment he has second thoughts. His speech may reflect this, as he alternates between harsh and soft words. You may even be able to make a Latin word sound scary, if you place it in dialogue in a murder scene. Likewise, if you have a very feminine character who suddenly becomes very pissed off, you may want to throw some Germanic words into her vocabulary to highlight her current emotional state.

Another way to use this dichotomy is if you shove a pretty Latin word into a rough sounding paragraph (or piece of dialogue) to try to make that Latin word ugly (did the word "shove" just make you feel awkward?). If you succeed, you may be able to elicit a confused or disturbed response from the reader. This is important for mystery or suspense books, where you want to alert the reader or create foreshadowing, but you don't want to tell them what is going on quite yet.

Understanding the difference between these two types of words can greatly benefit one's writing, as it is a powerful and overlooked literary device. Pitting these two types of words against one another may be able to help you create the emotional drama you want to have in a scene, but just can't seem to figure out using normal literary devices like plot and setting.

So next time you type, think about what area of Europe your words come from. :)

Character Occupations

2009-01-04T02:59:00.000-08:00

What do your characters do for a living?
This is one of the most important decisions you can make about the people who populate your story.
Write what you know is the adage that gets thrown at writers with great frequency. What I personally know about different type of jobs is on the low side. So where do I go for ideas for the livelihood of my characters?

Look in newspaper classifieds. Almost every newspaper is online now. Every town, city, or country is open for possible job information. If you find something with possibilities follow it to the company site and go to the human resources page. Most will give a very specific breakdown of all duties and responsibilities. Don’t forget to check out education and training requirements. This will give you insight to background information for your character.

Check out job search sites. I have become very familiar with many of these sites and they are a great resource for jobs and the quick breakdown of sub-fields of interest. If you want your character to be a doctor you need to know what kind of doctor.

The Library is still a great source of research for jobs. They used to print small books on specific types of jobs but most of those are gone from the system. But the biography section and the periodicals are still great avenues for both contemporary and historical personalized information.

Have you ever done a personal interview? There is so much information you can find without doing the interview it is tempting to just bypass it. But nothing else can give you the emotional connection like actually talking to the person that does that job everyday. These everyday situations can bring your protagonist or antagonist to life.

In all this fact finding don’t forget to use the imagination that got you into this in the first place. What did you want to be when you grew up? There were lots of different jobs I wanted to do as a child and that list changed as I got older. Did you ever wonder what it would be like to be an astronaut or a ballerina? Now you have the opportunity to play dress up in your writing.

When you have all your information gathered and you are ready to show off your new character you can use their position to help plot your story. Put his job on a scale from one to ten. Make one the worst possible thing that could happen to his job and ten the best thing that could happen.
For a lawyer losing a case could be the worst and winning could be the best. Try taking it a step further. The lawyer gets disbarred and loses the job completely. So starting at that point he works his way back up the scale fighting the conflict, and discovering more about himself along the way. At ten he may decide he doesn’t want to be a lawyer anymore. He wants to be a writer and that is his best thing.

Remember no job is perfect. It is the mundane responsibilities that fill most days on the job but these don’t make for great fiction. So finding ways to turn up the heat and make those responsibilities and obligations intense will keep your readers involved.

What did you want to be when you grew up? And no fair saying you wanted to be a writer.

RESOLVING TO WRITE--By Sunny

2008-12-28T20:43:00.000-08:00

Resolutions.

The New Year's tradition we love to hate.

The promises we set out intending to break.

The whole process seems like an exercise in futility. Yet, every year we promise ourselves to lose weight, get organized, quite a bad habit, acquire some healthy ones.

For a writer, the New Year means forgiveness for 365 days of false starts, pages that wind up in the trash can and ideas that get trashed in our minds. This is the year we will finish the book. This time around we will write 2,000 words a day or devote three hours a night on our story. By 2010 we will be published.

All lofty goals. And all obtainable.

The trick to success in writing is breaking down the process into small accomplishments. If a writer says, “I'm going to write an 80,000 word manuscript,” the number hangs overhead ready to crush dreams. But, if a writer says, “I will write three pages a day,” suddenly the numbers don't seem daunting at all. Two books a year could be written sticking to that resolution.

The following small promises are for serious writers only.

1. I promise to put writing at the top of my “to do” list. If I let it drop down to fourth or fifth on the list, it becomes a “never.”

2. I will not be disappointed if my writing isn't brilliant every day.

3. I refuse to feel guilty for taking away time from other activities in order to write.

4. I will take notes on everything. Even if I feel awkward about carrying around notebooks and scribbling scenes in waiting rooms, in restaurants or other public places, I can capture descriptions of people around me with accuracy.

5. I will respect the creative process. Short cuts makes for sloppy writing. If a scene isn't coming together, I won't skip it. I will work through the words.

6. Writer's block? I'll sit myself down and look at the problem with complete honesty. No excuses. I won't get defensive, but will try to understand what's holding me back. I will take control.

7. I will make sure I get enough sleep. No staying up half the night because the muse is working overtime. A tired mind loses creativity. Instead, I will let my mind ponder, not worry, about the plot and characters. I'll wake up refreshed and ready to write.

8. I will be open to criticism, but remember: only my name will be on the finished manuscript. I may take suggestions to heart, but my instincts have the last say.

9. I will read books actively, not passively. I will look for authors who use words creatively and study how they craft sentences.

10. Finally, I will always be passionate about my story, my characters and the world I imagine. They are my creations. I will believe that what I'm doing is important enough to do follow all of the above resolutions. Happy, productive New Year!

Point-of-View

2008-12-21T15:06:00.000-08:00

Point-of-View

By Dorinda Ohnstad

Every element of writing is important, but in fiction writing some techniques are more critical than others. Point-of-view (pov) is one element that can make or break the reader’s experience. Since writing should ultimately be about creating an enjoyable experience for the reader, mastering pov is essential for fiction writers regardless of their genre.

Generally, a scene should be written from only one character’s point-of-view. This means that the scene unfolds while we are in the head of that character. We get to see, feel, and hear everything from that character’s perspective. It enables readers to get to know the character intimately and provides an increased immediacy with the action that is going on in the scene.

Conversely it means that the scene should not show anything that the pov character knows nothing about, nor convey information from the wrong perspective. A scene that incorrectly moves outside the character’s pov jilts the reader from their reading experience. It creates a “hey, wait a minute” moment. Which, just to be clear, is not a good thing. Once we draw readers into a story, we want to keep them riveted. A writer accomplishes this by staying true to the pov established for the scene.

When I first started studying the craft of writing I thought all was well so long as I followed this simple rule. Did the pov character see what I just showed? Check. Did the pov character just hear what I just had the reader hear? Check. Did the pov character feel the emotion I just wrote was felt? Check. You get the point; but, the truth is that pov isn’t that simple.

What do I mean? Scenes are written from the point-of-view of one of the story’s characters. How that scene is written should be vastly different depending on which character is the pov character. What is important to point out about a particular scene will be different depending on the pov character, who is essentially telling the reader what is happening. In addition, how that character feels about the scene will be equally different. Word choice, sentence structure, pacing, and other writing elements will be different depending on whose voice we are hearing the story through. In other words, a scene told by one character will not feel the same as a scene told by a different character. After all, they are two totally different individuals, with different world views, personalities, vocabularies, life expereinces, education, etc.

Let me give an example from a scene (which was made much stronger through the wonderful editorial advice of fellow writer Sunny Frazier) in my current work-in-progress No Will, a legal thriller. My novel is told in third person pov through the use of multiple character points-of-view. This is the first seven paragraphs of a scene told from the pov of a private detective with a rather sullied personality.

* * *

Eddie Canton lived for the dirty pictures.

He adjusted the surveillance equipment while he waited. The heat inside the old flower delivery van was ten degrees hotter than the air outside. August in South Dakota. Fuck. He wiped his face with the front of his wife-beater undershirt hanging damply on his body. It smelled of BO. When he pulled the cloth away, Lover Boy’s corvette was sliding into a parking spot.

On monitor one, the subject entered the living room. Before long, he was pacing over the parquet floor of the condo. “She’s making you wait, buddy,” Canton said between bites of a stale ham and swiss hoagie. The subject was screwed tight today, tension showed in his face and jerky movements.

Canton killed time by checking to make sure that the monitors were in position. Kitchen: check. Bathroom: check. Bedroom: check and double check. All systems go at the Arlington Arms. Where was the main attraction?

He was happy his client wanted proof. Spying on middle-aged, out-of-shape, homely women paid the bills but they didn’t feed the libido. Jillian Hill was different. She was as hot as the centerfold in the well-used Playboy open on the seat next to him. A woman who made his business a pleasure.

The powder-blue Mercedes finally appeared in the parking lot and Canton felt the rush of adrenaline surge through his body. Time to get down to business. He shoved the last of the hoagie sandwich into his mouth and tossed its crumpled wrapper. It joined a dozen others on the floor. He wiped mayonnaise from the corner of his mouth with the back of one hand, smeared it on his pant leg, then leaned back in his chair to wait.

This was gonna be better than any triple X-rated movie at the Tomcat Club.

* * *

Notice that not only does the scene ensure that everything is true to the selected point-of-view (everything here is something either Canton, sees, does, hears, feels, smells, thinks, etc), but its word choice, rhythm, interior dialog, character actions, etc. tell you a lot about this character. Eddie Canton comes to life in this scene as a result. That is the magic of using point-of-view to its fullest potential.

Bah Humbug!

2008-12-17T21:27:00.000-08:00

Made you laugh, didn't I?

That's a good thing to do this time of year. We all need a little laughter mixed in with this joyous but trying season.

So the bad news is that due to unfortunate circumstances Jackie was unable to post this weekend. And the good news? Well I've stepped in to lighten your day (I hope). And what does this have to do with writing you may ask. Just follow me and you will see.

The holidays are a stressful time and most of this stress is produced by a conscious decision. You decide to do a little shopping (a lot), eat a little too much (a lot), spend a little too much money (a lot) or even spend a little time with the family (never enough). The month of December goes by so fast and in the flurry and stress of the to do lists as long as Santa's we forget the joy and happiness that is the hopeful finial result of all the hard work. Why can't we be happy every day? What can we do to ease the stress and turn up the happy?

Exercise a little: take a walk around the block (even if the sun don't shine) and with all that oxygen going to your brain go home and write about what you see, hear and smell.

Talk to family and friends: this is the time of year for reminiscing and when your sister (brother, mother, friend) reminds of that awful or embarrassing time you did something you would rather forget, remember it and use the idea of it for a character in your writing.

Remember family traditions: do you open gifts on Christmas eve or Christmas morning or do you have a special recipe that has been handed down to you or one that has become your new tradition. You can use these special treasured (carved in stone) traditions to form the internal basis of conflict for your protagonist.

Use your curiosity: This time of year our level of anticipation increases and like little children we wonder what could possibly be in that big box under the tree and we also wonder what our neighbors could be getting in that big delivery van that just drove up? Give this streak of snooping to a character and you are on your way to a mystery.

Take a nap: when all the hussel and bussel of the season has you worn down I find the best thing to do is nothing. It will all be there when you wake up and if you are a dreamer like me any chance to sleep brings dreams and sometimes you forget them and sometimes you remember so remember to keep paper and pen close by when you wake. Sweet dreams.

So if you love to write then I hope all these ideas will turn up the happy.

"Respect" by Amy Leasure

2008-12-07T21:01:00.000-08:00

One thing I've heard a lot lately from writers is that they get frustrated with their work and throw it away using various methods of destruction including, but not limited to: burning, shredding, ripping, and tossing.

You know in t.v. shows when someone says something really foul or offensive in a restaurant and the music stops and everyone turns around and gasps? That's precisely how I feel when a writer tells me they throw away their work.

Wood is for burning, guitars and mozzarella cheese are meant to be shredded, pies are meant to be ripped apart ferociously, and basketballs are to be tossed. Not your writing.

When someone says that they threw away their work it tells me that they do not respect what they are writing. Maybe not everything you write will be of literary quality, but the IDEAS that lead to your writing are valuable and deserve to be respected, by you. Once you destroy the words that came to you after your idea, you may never remember or be able to recall that idea again. Something you wrote ten years ago may be exactly what you need today. By destroying your work, you aren't valuing the time set aside in your life that it took to write those words.

Ideas change the world. You hold, on paper, ideas that may be able to change the world...if you keep them.

Let's take the example of the poet Sylvia Plath. Even though Sylvia took her own life via the kitchen oven, she did not destroy her own work. The woman valued and respected her work even when she couldn't value her own life.

I personally store all of my work in a really pretty Fuji water box in a deep filing cabinet, or special pieces in hat boxes with my love letters. I keep all copies of peer edited work that has been workshopped until I edit the piece to my satisfaction. I value what others have to say about my work. I may notice a trend in what people are telling me needs work, so in the future I can understand and remember that I have a trouble area and I might need to work harder in one area, or pay closer attention to what I'm doing with another.

Even if you aren't a sentimental paper collector like me, there are ways to store your writing electronically. In fact, I suggest storing them in several ways concurrently.

The first way to store an item electronically is on your computer's hard-drive.
The second thing I do is email a copy of my work to myself. Yes, you can email yourself. All you have to do is insert your own email in the "to" field of your "compose message" box. Sometimes I even send the copy to two of my emails. When attaching a file, I also "copy and paste" a copy of my text in the body of the email. That way, if there is a problem with the attached file itself, you still have your writing in the body of the email. You may have to go back through and re-do your format, but sending your email as both text and an attached file virtually assures you you will have a safe copy of your work.
If you aren't the type to keep scraps of paper around, you can use a scanner to "upload" pictures of your writing and keep it in digital format. That way, you can feel safe to toss your original copies to save space. Back these files up in several ways. I carry around a USB stick in my purse that holds copies of my work, in case my computer is lost, if I get drunk some night and decide to change my email password and can't remember the next day (I've done this before), or if God-forbid, my home or belongings ever catch on fire.
Lastly, if you think you have something of value that someone may want to steal or copy, mail a copy of your work to yourself via the post office. Do not open the letter. Keep it in a safe spot (safety deposit box or other fireproof area). If you ever end up in court defending the copyright of your work, a judge can open the letter in court and know you are the original and first writer because of the postmark. I've only done this once in my life, and that was when I was in college. I wanted to "copyright" a philosophy paper/theory that I wrote because I thought I had an idea that was really original and innovative. I haven't found the need to do it with any other writing, but that is always an option if you are nervous about your work.

I'm going to end with a somewhat separate thought: I think it's important for those of us in workshop settings to value and respect other people's work and ideas. Even if you don't like their work, it is important not to intentionally hurt their feelings (I'm not saying lie if their work needs work, I'm saying use constructive criticism). Torches are for welding and summer tiki parties. Don't mentally set fire to someone's ideas when they bring them to a workshop. They are sharing a very intimate part of themselves and obviously value and respect your opinion.

Your words and your ideas are powerful. Writers' get rejected enough, they don't need it from their peers.

It's a respect thing.

The Importance of Setting in Your Novel

2008-11-30T03:00:00.000-08:00

If you're finished with Thanksgiving leftovers and ready to get back to some serious writing tips, here's my offering.

When I was teaching for Writers Digest School many of my students were good at dialogue but
often forgot to let the reader know and “see” where the conversations and action were taking place. Setting consists of the time, place and mood of a story and can help shape your story idea.

You always need to know where your story is taking place. Is it going to be in a real place? If so, it is important that you know everything about that place so a reader won’t be thrown out of the story by something being wrong. Believe me, a reader will let you know if your hero or heroine is driving the wrong way on a one-way street.

If the setting is fictional, will it be more vivid than an actual place? My Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery series is set in a place much like where I live. However, I changed the name and moved the town of Bear Creek about 1000 feet higher in the mountains because I wanted better trees. At least that’s what I always say, but what I really wanted was to be able to move the geography around a bit and change some of the places that my characters frequent. (And, unfortunately, with the exception of a few, businesses and restaurants don't seem to last long where I live--the ones I've made up do.)

When making up a place, you definitely need enough details to be convincing. This is particularly true for science fiction and fantasy. The Harry Potter books are probably the best example of unique made-up places that seem real for Harry. I've always thought the setting in those stories reminded me of England during WWII without the war.

Romances often are set in exotic or faraway places, large cities with mansions and expensive restaurants, in unusual and interesting businesses. Settings are extremely important to the plots.

Any historical novel or story should contain lots of period detail, what the houses and furniture are like, the food that’s eaten along with other details of daily living. What happens must be accurate for the time period.

When writing suspense or mysteries, the physical setting should somehow contribute to the suspense. It can darken the mood through the descriptions of the locations and the weather.

Science fiction might be a future far advanced from the present, but it must be believable. Often in science fiction the plot will develop from the setting.

Be careful not to put too much description of the setting in. You want just enough to convey the essence of the place. Years ago I edited a wonderfully written novel about a soldier’s experience in Vietnam during the war. The author wrote pages and pages of description of the jungle, leaf by leaf. It was wonderfully written, but there was just too much. The reader would have been able to “see” the scene with about 1/4 of what was written. Unfortunately, the author was too much in love with his words to get rid of any of them and a wonderful story never found a publisher.

Don’t forget to add weather, smells, and how things feel. Put color into your descriptions.

A writer who does an exceptional job describing Louisiana and other locations, using all the senses to do it, is James Lee Burke. Though his mysteries are dark and often brutal, the descriptions of the places are poetic and lyrical in flavor. William Kent Krueger is another one who describes the setting so well, you feel like you can see it.

The setting should be the back-bone of your story. It can move a plot forward, create atmosphere or tension, and it also can create change in your character. If you think of your novel or story as a movie in your head, viewing the setting of each scene as your character acts and reacts, seeing and experiencing everything through your character’s eyes, that’s what you want to get down on paper in such a convincing manner that the reader will see the same movie.

–Marilyn Meredith http://fictionforyou.com

Motivation VS Procrastination

2008-11-23T22:52:00.000-08:00

This month I have been on a crash course in both these topics.
I signed up for the National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) intent on reaching the 50,000 word goal by November 30th. For the first week of November my mojo was in overdrive. I would slip in to my writing corner as soon as I could after work without totally ignoring the rest of my family. Dinners were quick fixes cheered on by my youngest son. What ever free time I could find I used to rack up word counts. I learned a lot those first days. What I did not have was a plan. I was not prepared for the stalls in plot or the point of view confusion that would rear its ugly head. I found myself slowing to a crawl. As the second week began I fell farther behind and still wondered which way to go. I found my motherly duties calling and soon moved from one task to another, leaving unwritten pages glowing in the dark. At the halfway point I knew I was toast. But I wasn’t completely burnt. I still have time to write as far as I can go. Maybe not 50,000 or 40,000 or even 30,000 but I could hit 20,000.

So now I have new goals to work on.
You can try one of these too.
1) Write a book in a month. (I’ll try again next year)
2) BIAW – Book in a week. (Were talking novella)
3) 100 words in 100 days. (Sounds easy)
4) Set a timer and write for 15 minutes. (Or what ever time you want)
5) Have a writing duel with a (writer) friend. (Make it interesting/make a wager) (I’m thinking chocolate)
6) Break whatever goal you have into smaller pieces for writing or personal goals.

I succeeded in my original goal. I signed up and participated and learned. That put me further ahead then not even trying.

Do you have any tips or hints for setting and completing goals.

JUST THE FACTS

2008-11-16T12:30:00.000-08:00

JUST THE FACTS
by Sunny

I gave two speeches this week on alternative publishing. The first was with Marilyn Meredith in Temecula, the second at Willow Bridge Books in Oakhurst.

It's hard to look at the excited and expectant faces of aspiring authors and have to lay the facts on them.

The facts, the stats of the publishing industry are not pretty. Add in the economic crisis the country is facing and the outlook is downright dismal. You can't eat books, your car cannot run on words, and I suppose we could all start burning our libraries to heat our homes, but I hope it doesn't come to that.

Fact: 132 million manuscripts are submitted yearly. 1% will be published.
Fact: 3,000 manuscripts are published daily
Of those published, only 2 % sold more than 5,000 copies.
16% sold fewer than 1,000 copies.
82% sold less than 100 copies.

IF a manuscript manages to get through the slush pile, 90% will be rejected after the first page is read.
98% will be rejected after the first chapter is read.
30-50 will get through to serious consideration.
In a good year, a publisher can put out 10 books. In a bad year, maybe 5.

New York used to be the center for publishing. Now the publishing industry is governed by 6 conglomerates, most based in Europe. Publishers know that 70% of the books they publish will never earn back their advances. The system is as archaic as the Guttenburg printing press.

There are diehard authors out there who want to believe they are the exception to the norm. They know the formula: Query letter, synopsis, the dreaded outline, the first three chapters. There is a reason this is called “submission.” The author goes through all the steps, kowtowing to the powers that be, which may be a 22-year-old with a red pen who just got out of college.

I'm a glass-half-full type of person. I don't get discouraged by any of this claptrap. If life hands me lemons, I'm making a meringue pie.

Small publishing outfits have filled the void. Computer technology means there doesn't have to be huge print runs. With Kindle on the scene, a writer can be author, publisher, editor, promoter and banker. We can finally sell our imagination without selling our souls.

It's good to have hopes and dreams and to set goals. I just hate to see writers remain unrealistic and inflexible. Stories are lost because the writer can't take another rejection. Is it really the world that rejects our efforts or are we rejecting opportunities within our reach?

More on Promotion

2008-11-15T09:12:00.001-08:00

Today I'm headed to Russo's Books on Ming in Bakersfield for a book signing from 12 to 2. As I've stated before, bookstores are my least favorite places for promotion. However, I love Russo's and lovely independent store. I try to do at least one signing there a year.

Next weekend I'll be with several other authors at the Chowchilla Library for a book festival from 10:30 to 2:30.

We have no bookstores in either Springville where I live or Porterville which is the nearest big city. I have to find other places to have signings. The weekend of December 6th I'll be in the Jenuine Junque (a unique second-hand store) from 10 a.m. to 5. Advertised as a time to come talk to me about my latest book, Kindred Spirits, buy a book for a Christmas present, and talk about writing or just visiting. I'll be bringing cookies. (In case you're near Springville and want to come, the store is on Highway 190 next to the parking lot of Sequoia Dawn.)

The following weekend, December 12 and 13, from 10 to 5 both days, I'll be in Porterville at the Art Association's Gallery. While the artists are selling their wares, I'll have a table with my books available. I'm taking cookies there too. (This one is located on Main St. in Porterville. There is parking behind the Subway store, the Art Gallery, is across the street, but on the same side as the Subway.)

For both events I should have some publicity in the local newspapers. I've given books and information about both my book and what I'll be doing to the editor of one and the events editor of another.

For me, these events are far better than getting my books in bookstores. I recently received a royalty check from one of my publishers for the sale of two older books both in the $13 range that sold through regular bookstores. The check was for $1.26.

That's when reality sets in. Even if my books were selling big in regular bookstores, by the time the bookstore gets its cut, then Ingram, then the publisher, there's not much left for me.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Team Sunny and Marilyn and Erle Stanley Gardner

2008-11-11T04:00:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday, Sunny Frazier and I gave two presentations at the Erle Stanley Gardner Mystery Weekend, writers conference.

We were scheduled to give separate workshops, but decided it would be more fun to do them together. In the morning we talked about promotion and the fact that all publishers expect you to have a marketing plan, many wanting it submitted right along with your query.

In the afternoon we talked about alternate means of publication--covering submitting to agents and New York publishers, small press, electronic publishers--and Sunny gave a great talk about publishing on Kindle (Amazon's hand-held reader.)

I've been giving presentations for the Erle Stanley Gardner Mystery Weekend since it began. I love going to Temecula because I have two married grandchildren with families who live in the area. We spend one night with one and the second with the other.

I've been a fan of Erle Stanley Gardner for years beginning with reading Perry Mason when we lived in Oxnard (where many of those mysteries occur) and of course, watching the TV show. When I found the ESG Mystery weekend on the Internet, I knew I had to be a part of it.

I've also been a friend of Sunny's for a long while and we've given other joint or back-to-back presentations and I think we compliment one another. In any case, I think we both had fun and our audiences learned something.

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

There's More to Writing than Writing

2008-11-08T20:35:00.000-08:00

There's More to Writing than Writing
By Dorinda Ohnstad

When I started out writing my novel, I didn’t give any thought to what it took to be a published novelist beyond a good plot, strong characters and realistic dialogue. The rest was supposed to fall into place once I got the damn thing done. But as I have drawn closer to finishing my first novel, I’ve become all too aware of what it takes to get published. Not a pretty picture. There’s the query letter, which made my stomach queasy, but I lived through it; chapter-by-chapter outlines, pure drudgery; the pitch, still yet to be conquered but doable; but then, there is the dreaded synopsis that potentially stands in the way of your masterpiece seeing the light of day.

Marketable manuscript or not, it doesn’t matter if you can’t get an agent or publisher to want to read it. So like it or not I had to suck it up and learn how to write a strong synopsis. I just finished spending the last two weeks in an online WriterU master class on synopsis writing taught by Laurie Schnebly Campbell. (As an aside, I highly recommend the class.) Together with ten other writers I struggled to break down my novel into four double-spaced pages.

Easy you say? I thought so before I tried my hand at crafting an effective synopsis. (After all it’s not difficult to write a bad synopsis; I should know I’ve written quite a few in my efforts to master the art of writing one well.) I’ve practiced law for years; that’s easy compared to this task. They were the most difficult four pages I’ve ever attempted to write. (Yes attempt, as I still haven’t honed it into a synopsis that I would actually send to an agent or publisher.) Writing never felt like such hard work before. Don’t get me wrong; writing a novel is no easy task. That’s why years after I started my book, it’s still a work in progress. But this was different.

One benefit of the course was learning that I’m not alone in finding writing a synopsis torturous. None of my fellow workshop participants found working on their synopsis a walk in the park. We all struggled to boil down our story to its basic elements, while at the same time attempting to make it sound like a story an agent or publisher would want to read. And did I mention that you have to do that in four pages—or less? I think that is what made it so challenging for all of us. A good book has a complicated plot and subplots, complex characters with internal and external conflict, and a distinct author voice. So how do you take what makes a book good and strip it down to its bare bones and still have something that sounds like a story readers would want to read? I think you get the picture. It's damn hard.

As my workshop came to an end this weekend, it finally struck me that ultimately it really is my manuscript that will determine whether I get published or not. My synopsis isn’t synonymous with the story I want readers to read. It is merely a tool of the publishing trade that’s needed to save agents and publishers time. I can’t blame them for not wanting to read entire manuscripts to determine whether there’s a story they are interested in. Who has that kind of time? Not me, and certainly not an agent or publisher. A synopsis helps them to narrow the field to only those stories that they truly are interested in. That means that when my synopsis triggers an agent or publisher to request my manuscript I know that not only will they read it, but that they want to read it.

So now, instead of seeing my synopsis as an evil, I have come to realize that ultimately it is my best friend. If my synopsis is good enough (that’s right it doesn’t have to be the best synopsis in the history of publishing) to get my manuscript in the door, it means that the agent or publisher who is reading my manuscript likes my plot and has an interest in the book itself. My writing will speak for itself, but it will now be read with a different motivation than it would if it was simply picked up out of the slush pile and read cold.

So while writing your synopsis may not be a pleasurable experience for you as well, take heart in that it is your ticket into the publishing world and worth the effort to do it well. And if, like me, you need some extra help, or motivation, there is help out there whether it’s WriterU (http://www.writeruniv.com/) or elsewhere. Just take the plunge; I guarantee you won't drown even if it may feel like you might.

Care to share your synopsis tips or just share your pain? I always like to know I'm not alone.

At the Top of the Hill, Looking Way, Way, Down.

2008-11-02T21:51:00.000-08:00

Beautiful image, right? This is the north side of the Grand Canyon. I loved standing on the mountain rocks. I made my husband, Rick, a tad nervous though, because I am not in possession of a world class equilibrium. But I loved it. "Look Ma, I'm at the top of the world!" It gave me a wonderful sense of freedom. Looking across the vastness of mountain and sky, anything seemed possible.

Right now, I am on top of another canyon. It is vast and full of possibility. It is a literary formation still evolving; but it has grown into significance. Now I stand overlooking the geography of a story of my own creation. What a wonderful sight. "Look Ma, I'm at the top of my story!" Mommmyyyyy! help, its too high, I'm going to fall! Wail, wa wa..!

This is how it feels to take oneself way too seriously. I am up here feeling like "shit, what do I do now. This is so important. From here on out, my story is playing itself out to a conclusion. This is real man. It counts. I have a terrible responsibility to my characters, to my plot, to my readers" (wait, what readers?)

Well, this is the cool part. KC Writers reads my stuff and in return they give invaluable advice. One extremely important piece of advice came to me from Sunny Frazier. It was not directed to me but I caught the breeze from it wisdom. Basically, it was this. Just write the damn thing. The worry about it being perfect will paralyze you, and destroy all possibility of success. And she is right. Writing poorly is the least of my worries. If I write poorly, I can cure it. It's called a rewrite. Duh, not hard.

I have been staring over the abyss of my story canyon, instead of looking across at the enfolding of something marvelous. "Look Ma, I can fly!"

RE-KINDLE READERSHIP

2008-10-25T15:32:00.000-07:00

RE-KINDLING READERSHIP

When Oprah speaks, people listen. On Friday, she talked about her favorite new toy: Amazon Kindle. Of course she gave them away to the audience, downloaded her favorite books to get them started, and hosted the man who made Kindle possible.

Everything I hear about Kindle seems to be a one-way street. This $359 gadget will replace books. I know I won't be able to afford one until the price comes way down. I'm the type who loses cell phones and digital cameras. I like the feel of pages and yes, I dog-ear pages when I can't find a bookmark.

What I'm not hearing is what is most important to me as a writer. For the first time I can conceptualize, execute and publish my work any way I choose. I don't have to pay anyone and Amazon assures me I will get a good share of the profits.

I have an instruction phobia. I was prepared to be circumvented by Kindle's step-by-step guidelines. However, I'd volunteered to do a speech on alternative publishing options at the Erle Stanley Gardner Festival in two weeks. I had to figure out this new form of publishing.

I ran into a few problems, I overlooked a button I was suppose to click and I jumped the gun on the title and now I don't know how to remove it. What I accomplished gives me hope. I took seven of my flash fiction mysteries and I'm formatting them by putting them in one document with colored titles in bloody fonts to separate the stories. I'm saving the download into HTML as recommended. I'll be previewing it to see how it looks on Kindle. I think I'll charge about $1.75 for the download. I will look into getting a separate bank account for the money that flows from sales.

What if it doesn't sell? I'm out nothing but my time. All of my work has been published before and I have my rights back. Those stories aren't making me money collected on a flash drive. I've also done a bit of detective work to find ways to let Kindle owners know I exist.

My mind is going into overdrive with ideas of other projects I want to tackle: a collection of longer stories, a version of my Guerrilla Writers workbook, my Caribbean poetry, and my novel FOOLS RUSH IN. I'm trying to talk Kathleen into serializing her vampire novel.

Kindle can be a two-way street. I wonder how long it will take novice writers to figure this out.

National Novel Writing Month

2008-10-23T06:00:00.000-07:00

National Novel Writing Month or nanowrimo as it is affectionately called is marking its tenth anniversary this year. What started out as a bunch of friends getting together in San Francisco to mega write has turned into a major non-profit charity that supports writers of all ages and library's in countries all around the world. Every year thousands of people write like crazy for one whole month with the goal of writing 50,000 words. None of it has to be perfect. It is a write as much as you can, as fast as you can marathon. The trial by fire starts on the first of November and ends at midnight on November 30th. I had heard about this contest ( strictly personal) a few years ago but didn't believe I had the right stuff to even think I could attempt such a goal. My views on my writing goals have changed this past year and I have signed up for the challenge. No fees are attached but donations are thankfully received. Follow this site to get way too much info. http://www.nanowrimo.org/ Just go to the about section. Image coutesy of NaNoWriMo.org

Does anyone else out there feel a challenge coming on? I double dare you!

dd

Immortal Characters

2008-10-19T23:40:00.000-07:00

Hello KC Writer's readers. Amy here.

So, like a lot of 20-something adults, I've lately been interested in teen things. I watch Gossip Girl more than I go to church, and I've missed an entire night's sleep plowing through book II (New Moon) of Stephanie Meyer's Twilight series. My mother asks me on a weekly basis when am I going to start watching and reading things about people who are closer to my age, maybe who go to college? (and by weekly basis I mean sometime between 8-9pm every Monday, which happens to be the time Gossip Girl is on).

So, Twilight series. Mrs. Meyer started writing the series just for fun, after a dream came to her about the love story between her two characters: the immortal Edward Cullen (who is a very sexy vampire, btw) and the very human Bella Swan. The thing that impresses me about this whole series of books is that she wrote four books, all around 500 pages each (2000 or so pages total), that only span the time period of, oh, let's say two years. Two years for an immortal character, oh that's nothing!

This got me thinking about how brilliant this idea is for the author. Immortal characters never die. Immortal characters can live multiple lives (multiple lives=multiple stories). An author with immortal characters can, if these characters become popular, have an entire career based on writing about these characters. For me, money isn't the number one (or even number five) reason I enjoy writing, but for those who really love to write, money is nice. When you have it, you don't have to focus your time with a real life job and real life worries (or so I romanticize in my head). No more typing at 12am on Sunday night, no more waking up at 6am to finish your chapter. How nice would that be?

So, Stephanie Meyer signed her first book deal for a $750,000 advance according to wikipedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephenie_Meyer . That's for one book. She has four now, which are widely popular and topping Best Seller lists, and her first book is coming out on the big screen here in November (I am so excited). My personal dream is to have a book so loved that one day it can be turned into a motion picture.

Basically, Stephanie Meyer is living MY dream. So, needless to say I'm paying attention to how she did it.

I came up with my plot for a fallen angel story just yesterday. I can't wait to finish it. I wonder if I can belt it out in 3 months like Stephanie Meyer did.

If nothing else, reading this series has inspired me to write. It has caused me to think; to consider marketing and who my potential audience might be. It has inspired me to write fiction even. Fiction isn't even something I've taken a stab at yet, since I am a poet. Now I'm all interested in writing paranormal fiction--and now there's a huge market for it.

Maybe not all of you are interested in the paranormal, you want to write something a little more vanilla. Gossip Girl is a tv show on the CW based on a group of spoiled socialites going through high school. It also happens to be based on a book series. Even if you keep your characters human, they still have many stories to tell. I get nervous as the cast from Gossip Girl approaches high school graduation. What will I do with my Monday nights if it goes off the air? Never fear, their drama may continue into college (and I can smugly tell my mother I watch tv about college students!!! I'm not sure this will appease her though). Maybe even Gossip Girl's characters will have friendships that last late into adulthood, much like the girls in Sex in the City. Oh, there is hope. Even for those of you that want to keep it human, there is still wiggle room for many books with your beloved characters to last a life time.

Who would have thought? So next time you think about writing, consider the advantages and disadvantages of immortal characters. Also, if you're in your 20s or bravely embracing your high school years up until your 30s, watch Gossip Girl and read the Twilight series. And come get coffee with me.

Til next time...

E-Publishing

2008-10-15T08:44:00.000-07:00

I was just going to add a comment to the previous post, but decided I had far too much to say about e-publishing.

E-publishing, e-books and e-publishers have been around for a long, long time--long before Kindle and Amazon. The first e-publisher appeared on the scene over ten years ago. I was published by a company called Renlow. Book that were purchased had to be read on the computer screen--not so wonderful.

The first e-reader was the Rocket and it was great. It was the size of a regular book page, back lit, turned off automatically if you didn't turn the pages (like when you fell asleep reading.) Unfortunately, the company sold out to another company who didn't continue with it. Today there is the Sony e-reader, you can read books on your iPhone and any number of other hand-held gadgets.

Thousands of people have embraced e-books. Besides Amazon, there are many, many places to buy e-books, the best known being http://www.fictionwise.com

All of my books are in e-book format as well as trade paperbacks.

E-publishers are far more flexible than New York publishers. They are more willing to look at unusual books, cross-genre, shorter or longer books.

If you go to http://www.epicauthors.com you can find a list of e-publishers and from there go to their websites to read their criteria.

E-books have been around a long time and are gaining popularity. I'm proud to be e-published!

Marilyn

Guest Blogger Alert

2008-10-12T17:23:00.000-07:00

Today the KC Crew would like to welcome Sherman Lee.
Sherman is a local friend and supporter of the KC Writers who is with the Kings County Library.

Amazon Kindle: The Writer’s Friend
By Sherman Lee

Part One: Backstory
Developed in Cupertino, California, this wireless reading device hit the market back in November 2007. Customer demand was overwhelming. Amazon’s supply of Kindle’s sold out within five and a half hours at a price of $399.00 a unit. The price was later reduced to $359.00 in May 2008. The internal memory should hold at least 200 titles. The Kindle’s closest marketplace rival is the Sony Reader which appeared in September 2006. Other electronic reading devices on the market are the ECTACO JetBook and the iRex Reader 1000 ($650.00). The Sony Reader needs to be connected to a computer before titles can be downloaded. The Kindle requires no such connection to purchase books. But you must connect the Kindle to a computer if you wish to download music or audio books from Audible.com onto your Kindle.

There is no getting around the fact that the Kindle is expensive. Not everyone is going to go out and buy one. At this point in time it is still too early to tell if this will be a costly mistake for Jeff Bezos and the crew at Amazon, or if this is the spark that will ignite the e-book market after so many failed starts in the past. Sources vary as to the number of unit sold. Amazon is cagey about releasing such numbers. Guesstimates range from 10,000 to 30,000 units sold to 240,000 (a number that even Amazon claims is high).

Amazon will be targeting colleges and universities with a “student” version of the Kindle. The Kindle 2.0 is to be introduced in October 2008. Another Kindle with an 8 1/2” x 11” screen may be introduced in 2009. The two new Kindles might be introduced at the same time to take advantage of the 2008 Christmas shopping season. This time around, the consumer would be able to purchase a Kindle in a color besides white.

As with any discussion of the Kindle, I have heard many comments such as; I like real books, I don’t want to do my reading on an electronic device, and the Kindle is too expensive. I could buy a lot of books for that price. This is just a fad. I don’t want to have to buy my reading material from Amazon. All of these are good, valid points.

Perhaps in five years’ time, people will talk about the Kindle the same way people talk about old TV shows like “Fantasy Island” or “The Love Boat”—“Hey, do you remember that old….” I’m not here to predict the end of paper books. I’m not here to predict the future. I’m here to tell you, the published or soon to be published or would like to be published author, short story writer, essayist, poet, non-fiction writer, that you might want to look into the world of e-publishing using the Kindle as an introductory jumping off point. The Amazon Kindle could be a “game changer” in the publishing world.

Part Two: E-Publishing-The Kindle Advantage
In order to publish your work on Kindle, you must do two things: Have an account with Amazon.com and fill out a contract with them that requires some financial and tax information from you.

Why should you even bother? Perhaps you have a hard copy of a novel or short story sitting in a drawer or on a bookshelf somewhere collecting dust. Or you have months of work sitting in your computers hard drive. Why not get your work out to potential customers. Okay, maybe some of you are not computer savvy and don’t want to go through the hassle of uploading and formatting your work. But if you want to give it a try check out this site for more info http://www.amazon.com/ and go to Help and then click on Digital Products. This site was very helpful http://www.patbdoyle.com/?p=169

There are no guarantees in life. While it is possible to sell your work to Kindle customers, chances are you will not make a lot of money but you will reach a new source of readers and isn't that what we want.

Have you had an experiance with the kindle reader? Is it as easy as it seems?

Speaking Engagements, Writers Conferences, Blogging, Etc., What’s the Point?

2008-10-05T04:00:00.000-07:00

If you’re a writer and expect to sell books in today’s publishing world, you have to “come out of your cave” as one publisher put it and let yourself be seen in person and on the Internet.

I’ll give you the downside to all this first:

In person engagements can cost money. If the venue is far away it might take gas money or even the price of an airplane ticket, rental car or shuttle fee and room fee–to say nothing about the cost of food.

Airplanes are uncomfortable and nothing is free on them any more.

You have to be able to speak in front of people and have something interesting to say. (This really shouldn’t be too hard for a writer–after all, you thought your words were interesting enough to put into a book. I always figure the people who came must have wanted to hear what I had to say.)

Blogging doesn’t cost anything, but you do have to think up something to say that people will take the time to read. Blogs must continually be updated so readers will come back again.

This all takes time away from your writing.

On the plus side:

In person engagements will give you the opportunity to meet new people, hopefully make new fans and friends, and visit new places. Hopefully, some of these people will want to buy your book, love it and tell their friends about it.

Speaking to others about your book is great fun–at least it is for me. Over the years I’ve found it’s easy to talk about something you really know about.

Using the Internet to promote is far less expensive and much easier. It also gives you the potential of contacting far more people than you could.

I’ve done visual book tours that were great fun. I’ve paid for the ones I’ve done because I just don’t have the time to find others blogs and ask them to host me, but they’ve paid off in the fact that they’ve brought book sales.

Ever so often I get to meet someone in person that I’ve met online and that’s always a plus.

Writing is a lonely profession. It’s good to get out and be around people.

Marilyn Meredith
http://fictionforyou.com
Visit my website and read the first chapter of my latest Deputy Tempe Crabtree mystery, Kindred Spirits.

2008-10-04T23:32:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the KC Writers Blog. We would like to welcome our first guest blogger. Hi to Marilyn Meredith. Our local writer extraordinaire. Her latest release is Kindred Spirits. Her newest in the Deputy Tempe Crabtree series. It weaves together murder, ghostly visions, and a quest for justice to create an engaging story. Check out her blog http://marilynmeredith.blogspot.com/ for updates to her speaking schedule. Thank you again Marilyn.

Publishing Industry--Do or Die?

2008-09-28T15:24:00.000-07:00

Publishing Industry--Do or Die?

By Dorinda Ohnstad

This blogging business is new to me. I have never written one, nor before my attempts to write this one had I even read one. My three teenage children wouldn’t be surprised; they know all too well that I barely know how to text message never-the-less know something about current communication venues such as MySpace and FaceBook. I certainly don’t know any of the texting acronyms that everyone else seems to take for granted. Any interpretation help in that regard would certainly be appreciated. My kids laughed at me when I thought that LOL meant lots of luck. Hey it fit and worked for me. I can tell you that they “laughed out loud” at that one. Nix on asking my kids for any further text abbreviations or acronyms for fear of looking like a complete Neanderthal.

By the way, what’s up with the LOL bit anyway? Why do I have to laugh out loud? Can’t I simply chuckle quietly to myself? Or what if what the sender has to say doesn’t make me want to laugh at all? Can anyone out there explain this to me in a way that someone older (notice I didn’t say old as I refuse to lump myself in that category, not yet anyway) like me will actually get it?

On top of the fact that blogging is a new adventure for me, this group blog is a new direction for our writers’ group. We’re late in the blogging game (these days it doesn’t take long to be late in the game) and we’re attempting to compete with the thousands of other blogs out there for your attention. Chances are I will fret over every word of this blog for days and have it fall on deaf ears. (Hmm, I wonder if that is even possible given these words are written not spoken.) But we authors have to write for the sheer pleasure of writing, and not for the published attention it might bring us, or we might never write at all.

Still, I hope that this elicits some response in someone other than my fellow K C Writers’ Group members who already have to put up with reading my writing on a regular basis. Besides, they know me personally and will have to look me in the eyes at our next meeting (translation: means they have to be nice to me), whereas all of you readers out there can throw your comments my way and have little concern that you will have to meet me in person. And if you do (hopefully at a book signing some day), you certainly don’t have to admit to it unless you want to.

The other day one of the members of our writers’ group, Sunny Frazier (author of “Fools Rush In”), passed on an interesting and timely New York Times Magazine article titled “The End” written by Boris Kachka and published September 14, 2008. In short, this article discusses the current publishing industry crisis and speculates at its potential demise. As an unpublished novelist wannabe, I found that to be a rather disconcerting prediction. If the publishing empire is going to fall, I would rather it wait until I’ve had my opportunity to grab the brass ring first. My own publishing desires aside, writers and avid readers alike should be very concerned about the doomsday message this article carried. If you haven’t read it yet, I strongly encourage you to do so. (To view the article and posted comments online go to http://nymag.com/news/media/50279/.)

According to the article the problems plaguing the industry are:

· Blockbuster strategies that have led to bidding wars and the payment of astronomical advances for manuscripts with potential for huge commercial success; many of which fail to live up to their expectations.

· The industry is struggling to figure out how to reach readers in light of the fact that traditional marketing (media, book reviews, and blurbs) is no longer effective.

· An archaic consignment system that results in publishers having to buy back books that aren’t sold by book outlets and having to shred them leading to waste and lost profits.

· The market for fiction is shrinking.

· The imminent loss of Oprah’s book club which has fueled book sales.

· Borders’ crisis could lead to the elimination of competition with Barnes & Nobles, which would lead to less leverage for publishers for placement in Barnes & Nobles.

· Big box outlets & Amazon account for almost 80% of the book sales market, and publishers fear that Amazon is moving toward controlling every facet of the industry and intends to edge out the publishers in the process.

· Some industry experts believe that the future of books sales is e-books, print on demand, online subscriptions and other alternatives to print books.

The burning question I had after reading this article was: What’s the best resolution for readers and authors alike? Like it or not, we all have to recognize that the world has changed drastically since the Gutenberg bible was first printed. Technology rules the world. Our youth are more comfortable with its use than we are and have more entertainment options than ever before as a result. For those of us middle-aged and up, growing up we didn’t have the entertainment options available today and books were the primary venue to wile our time away. In addition, youth today have more demands on their time (e.g. sports, school or other extra-curricular activities) and less free time to read even if they had the inclination. Fewer youth than ever are gaining a love for reading, and those that do are more likely to prefer an on-the-go friendly e-book reader to a paperback, and the rest will simply wait until it’s made into a movie and see it at the local theater.

Those of us who grew up loving the printed word have discovered that technology has provided us greater and easier access to a wider array of books through the convenience of shopping from home. Like it or not, Amazon has tapped into something big. I will admit to turning to Amazon to purchase books because I’m an extremely busy person and I can avoid a trip to the local mall, dealing with traffic, parking, etc. and get books I want delivered to my home. On top of that, I don’t have to worry about whether or not the book store will have the book I’m looking for. I’m not the only one who feels this way. I have a friend who is as ardent a reader as they come (she reads at least four books a week on average), who on a recent visit to San Francisco took her book wish list of 25 authors to both Borders and Barnes & Noble and came home with only 4 crossed off her list. She had hoped by going to bigger book stores in the big city she would have access to more books than she would find in the local Hanford book store, but that wasn’t the case. Of course, both stores said they would be happy to special order the books for her, but she pointed out to them that she could do the same herself online through Amazon, where she could not only find the books she was looking for, but find a used much-less-expensive alternative to buying a new one at the book store.

A key part of the publishing industry equation that wasn’t mentioned in the article is the access to the used book market in a way that has never happened before. In the past, you could buy used books only at a used bookseller’s store or the local library book sale, where it was hit and miss as to which books you could find. Now you can find what you’re looking for through Amazon with a click of the button and don’t have to dig through dusty books for hours hunting for that one book. In my early days, the only real organized used book market was the used text book market in and around any major University, but now even that is an online market too.

Bottom line is that today there are more options than ever for readers, while at the same time there appears to be fewer readers to market to. Technology has forever changed the market for books and will continue to have a tremendous impact on the evolution of the publishing industry. So what does that mean? I think that for the reader it will mean more options than ever before, which should be a good thing so long as it doesn’t diminish access to literature. I think that one way to ensure that access to literature isn’t unduly impacted by the ensuing change is to make sure that publishing houses survive to ensure competition within the industry. My suggestion is that publishers take a page from Amazon’s playbook. With more buyers turning to online purchases there is no reason that publishing houses can’t sell their books directly to the end buyer, and provide it through multiple formats, including e-versions and print-on-demand. In the end, I think that could be a good thing all around for authors. As the market shifted to looking to a few big commercial blockbusters it provided fewer opportunities for authors who didn’t fit the bill. Yet, we know that there is a market for more than just the Dan Brown’s of the world. Those avid readers out there, like my friend Victoria, crave more. If the publishing industry moves in a different more flexible direction it would provide more options than the expensive traditional print book options, which should be a good thing for reader, author and publisher alike.

So what do you think?

BAN THAT BOOK

2008-09-25T16:57:00.000-07:00

BAN THAT BOOK!
By Sunny Frazier

There are weeks devoted to a variety of causes, but September 27 to October 4 “celebrates” Banned Books Week. The festivities are brought to you by the American Library Association along with other bookish groups and is endorsed by the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress.
To prepare for the week-long event, order your BBW kits now. This includes three posters, a set of bookmarks, a list of banned books, and a button that announces “I Read Banned Books.”
What notorious books are we talking about? Anything by Mark Twain and Stephen King are suspect. Keep the Judy Blume books out of young hands. Maya Angelou, Toni Morrison and Alice Walker (The Color Purple) made the list.
Throughout the 20th century, many books were challenged, yet escaped banning. Maybe you've read some of them: To Kill a Mockingbird, Grapes of Wrath, Catcher in the Rye, The Sun Also Rises, Catch-22, Brave New World, Gone With the Wind, and Lord of the Rings. Shame on you! 420 books were added to the list last year. Harry Potter is at the top of the list.
So, who's trying to ban all these books? No finger pointing, please (although parents lead the pack). Who is fighting to keep these books on the shelf? People who believe in intellectual freedom and the right to read anything they darn well please.
I picked up this quote on the Banned Books Site from a former editor of the LA Times. Phil Kerby said “Censorship is the strongest drive in human nature; sex is a weak second.” Opps. Am I allowed to use the “S” word in a public newspaper?
When I was a junior at Lemoore High School, I got a chance to work in the library. While shelving books may not have been every teenager's dream job, I loved working in the stacks. One day I found a small shelf of books hidden in the room where damaged books were kept.
“Why is Madam Bovary back here?” I asked the librarian. “It looks fine. I'll put it back on the shelf.”
She stopped me. “We can't put it out,” she explained. “It might get in the wrong hands.”
This was news to me. I'd heard of the book, but I'd never seen a copy. I lived a pretty sheltered life. Still, I knew it was considered great literature. So, I did the logical thing. I asked if I could check it out.
She scrutinized me and apparently I passed muster. “You're mature enough to read it,” she said, and gave me the book. It was all rather cloak and dagger. I never even checked it out.
I tried hard to find the “dirty parts” and failed miserably. It was a tough read for a 16 year-old. Lots of French society and outdated manners. Okay, so Bovary had an affair. I understood the plot and found it boring. There was more going on in a Harlequin romance.
At about the same age, I read Fahrenheit 451. That happens to be the temperature that books burn. I guess that's one solution to ensure censorship. The other is to stop writers like me from exploring topics that make others uncomfortable. We have a knack, perhaps a drive, to write what we think. Take our pens and computers away. Refuse to publish our works. Perform a literary lobotomy on creativity.
Or, better yet, just close the book that offends you. Put it back on the shelf and simply walk away.

Standing Under the Tree of Possibilities

2008-09-20T19:31:00.000-07:00

Hi folks. I am Jackie Larson, the woman standing under the great big Myrtle tree. This is an unusual tree. You only see this particular brand of Myrtle in the Pacific Northwest, and in fact this picture was taken in Gold Beach, Oregon by my husband, Rick.

I titled this blog entry Standing Under the Tree of Possibilities, because that is what this tree is for me. In a sense I have been climbing this tree for the last six years. Ever sense I first attempting to visualize myself as an actual professional writer. My first climb on that tree wasn't when I first put pen to paper or finger to keyboard. I began writing in high school. No, it was by taking a seat at my first visit to Kings County Writers Support group in Hanford, CA.-my new home. I grabbed for my first branch when I handed five pages of "something" I wrote to June Rodriguez and she and the others in the group circa 2002, took it seriously. They enjoyed it and told me what I needed to do to improve

it. They spoke to me as if I was a writer. Being a writer was always my dream. There, it was my reality.

Soon after that first meeting, I brought in my baby, "Ironic Dance". It had been gestating in my brain since the summer before. No matter how much life tried to block its passage, it kept running its course through my veins. It took over my soul. But I didn't have a clue what I was doing. I knew I loved the little bugger with all my heart. But I felt its clinched fingers stretch the flesh of my technical know how. Critiquing by writers who had already been in the trenches and were in there now, helped me to see I wasn't a lost cause. I was a writer learning her craft. This is how it works. This is what we do. Six years later we are still doing it. Those of us who are published are still here sharing what they learned to be successful. But I see that every new book they start is full of fresh lessons to be learned. Every time, they are just beginning.

That Myrtle tree above is more than a representation of possibilities. It is part of a story in the making. Ironic Dance is not yet dancing off the shelves of bookstores, but it will be. I know this because its a good story and I tell it well. Because I am writing this novel even through the twists and turns of life. It is no longer five pages of tentative hopes, it is a manuscript in the works. It has a body now, it is a course not just running through my veins, but toward a publisher.

I and my husband travelled all the way to Gold Beach, Oregon so I could find that damn tree:) I knew I needed a tree that would be the gate-keeper to all sorts of fun and twisting realities, and by golly this is it. It was the first time I took my writing so seriously that I would travel to another state to "find" it.

Each of us has these moments. June and I shared one in San Fransisco at the RWA writers convention. I saw it change us both. There is a command to us now. We are about the business of writing. And while we were learning craft, we had a great time. Even gained fodder for great stories...like that cabbie...:)

More on Going to Conferences

2008-09-17T09:36:00.001-07:00

I've always loved writer's conferences. These days I only go to those where I can give a workshop. But in the past I went to lots in order to learn. Even now, when I'm one of the presenters, I go to other workshops and still learn more.

One thing about the writing business is that things are constantly changing. Rules that were once thought to be unchanging have changed. Ways of querying and submitting manuscripts has greatly changed, with most publishing houses now wanting submissions sent electronically as attachments. (Always check each publisher's guidelines about this and do exactly what they ask.)

Tomorrow hubby and I are leaving for Taylorville IL and the Prose in the Park conference put on by Oak Tree Press. I'm giving two workshops. I know we'll have a great time because we're seeing a part of the country we've never been to before.

And of course, I must promote the Public Safety Writers Association (PSWA) conference which will be of particular help to anyone writing mysteries or anything about crime. But another plug is that we will have editors and at least one publisher and lots of opportunity for networking. Since it's in Las Vegas, it's one of the cheapest places for everyone to fly to. There is an early bird registration fee which runs out on September 30, so be sure to take advantage of that. All the information is at : http://www.policewriter.com

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Take a Chance: Am I a Conference Groupie?

2008-09-14T23:05:00.000-07:00

I am a recent convert to conferencing. Just this year I attended my first writing conference. Two in fact, the first one was a Mini Conference, a one day event that was held locally. I wanted to try it on for size and see what all the fuss was about. I’d been told by writer friends that going to a conference needed to be experienced by every writer. Until this year I was unable to afford the expense or the time to attend.
I was pleasantly surprised by the professional quality of the event and by the welcome I received as a visitor to their circle. It was well organized and a true learning experience. The speakers were professionals in the publishing and agent fields who were helpful and eager to share their knowledge with us. We were treated to a great catered lunch and small breaks to mingle with the other participants. This first taste of conferencing was a tasty appetizer for the main course.

A few months later I headed for San Francisco and the national conference for RWA (Romance Writers of America). Or just “The Nationals” for short. There was nothing small about this conference. Being held in one of the largest and most diverse cities in the world made it the perfect setting for a writer. And as a first timer I learned and experienced more then I ever thought possible. Over the next five days I learned quite a few things I hope to put to good use on my next conference trip.

· Go with a friend. I originally planed on going alone but my writing buddy (Jackie) was able to go with me. We were able to share all the ups and downs of being the new writers on the block.

· Make and take business cards with you. Check. But you need to remember to pass them out and not forget them in your hotel room.

· Go a day early. We did and it was worth it to be able to check out the host city without the worries of meetings or schedules.

· Take a fold up wheel bag. Thanks go to Sandy for this tip. It wasn’t until the second day that I truly understood how many free books I could conceivably come away with.

· Don’t stress over the workshop list. So many classes to choose from left our minds in a mess for the first two days. Then a wonderful thing happened. You too can buy the Conference C.D. for one amazing low price. This piece of advice brought the realization that we could attend the classes we felt we would get the most from and six weeks later when the C.D. arrives we could listen to all the classes we missed at our leisure.

· Introduce yourself and say hi. To everyone you meet. This is a difficult thing to do if you are an introvert but this is the best place in the word to practice. Say hi when you sit down in a class, standing in line at a book signing and to the people sharing your table at the luncheons. Many of these people will be first timers also and will be glad someone else said hi first.

· Take your camera with you everywhere you go. A photo opportunity is a terrible thing to waste. Yes I did forget it in the hotel room. Twice. Ask. Most of the authors and presenters are happy to pose for a photo with or without you in it. Most will ask you to email them a copy.

· Have fun. This should be a given. But it can be easy to lose site of this important goal under all the desire to step up your writing career. So just remember to take a deep breath and let it out slowly and look around you. Take in all the emotional electricity. Store it all away to be remembered and used another day.

I was so energized by the Conference and the City by the Bay that I can hardly wait for the next one. Plans are already being made.
The last best thing about going to the conference for me was five days of no laundry, no dishes, no cleaning, and no 9 to 5. No demands except from myself, no expectations except for myself and no responsibilities except to myself.

I’m looking for more tips to add to the list.
Give me your best shot.

Bloggity Blog Blog Blog

2008-09-04T02:01:00.000-07:00

Hi there, this is Amy one of the KC local poets. I am interested in modern poetry. I often try to find poetry in bizarre places, like in a poignant thought about a breakup, or about a car, or a particular way a puddle looks. I am fascinated about all the things in life that can become words or ideas for poetry. Having said that, I also understand that poetry is an incredibly difficult thing to define. Poetry often rides a fine line between prose, story telling, or just plain crap-o-la. Poetry is a lot like a picture in a gallery, one person’s child’s spaghetti art is another person’s $2000 painting on the wall.

My point is that it is difficult to define exactly what poetry is. This fact makes poetry very fun for me. One of the things I truly believe is that some rap (and hip-hop) music lyrics is the poetry of today’s youth. “Traditional” poetry isn’t something a lot of young people get excited about, but rap and hip-hop music often is something that young people can relate to.

My personal definition of poetry is when a writer creates words that are designed in such a way that they convey some important lesson, message, story, or an emotion in a literary and creative way. I consider rhyme, slant rhyme, repetition, enjambment, form, and meter to be one of many elements that can be evidence of poetry. I think that a lot of music, and in particular our modern rap/hip-hop music, has many of these elements. I think also that rappers have become some of the modern masters of slant rhyme. I know that the hypothesis that rappers are poets seems kind of like a off the wall idea, and my credibility may come into question due to my penchant for liking mid-nineties rap songs that date my adolescence to the time of the MC Hammer pant. I think everyone in my particular age group has songs like “Ice Ice Baby,” “Regulators,” and “California Love” on their iPod somewhere and they jam out to it every once in a while—even if they don’t admit it. As crazy as I may have been as a teenager, please take this blog as a serious scholarly debate.

I am a huge fan of California literature (and this is after all a blog centered around the theme of an area of California) so let’s use a California themed song as an example. Shortly, I will give you a few lines from the great rapper Tupac (who I don’t think is actually dead because he keeps coming out with records, but I digress). Here’s an excerpt from “California Love”

“It’s all good from Diego to the bay,
your city is bomb if your city makin pay
throw ya finger up if ya feel the same way
Dre puttin it down for the Californ-nah-yay”

I believe that any decent rapper must become a proficient rhymer in order to succeed in his craft. Not only is Tupac a decent rhymer, but also he is skilled at slant rhyme. Rhyme is one of those tricky things that a lot of amateur poets and rappers think they have down. I in no way claim to be a good rhymer, and hence I avoid it in most of my writing. It takes skill to rhyme in a way that does not seem forced, one that makes words or lyrics flow in a natural way. An over-zealous rhymer can make my eyes bleed with their bad poetry, so in no way is it a pre-requsite for good poetry but I think that a good rhymer is one who shows evidence of potentially becoming a great poet.

Slant rhymes are rhymes that “almost” rhyme exactly with other rhyming words. I have found purposeful and well placed slant rhyme to be one of the elements of good rap lyrics—it’s a device they use in order to keep the beat or meter flowing. In the song, the word “California” is forced audibly as a slant rhyme. The word “California” pronounced the way Tupac pronounces it also rhymes with way, pay, and bay. Saying Californ-nah-yay also takes the 4 syllable word of “California” and transforms it into a 5 syllable word. If you also closely listen to the song, you will also find that the four lines that I quoted above are each 9 syllables long. Syllable count has to do with all types of traditional poetry, from the haiku to the sonnet, and Tupac purposefully used slant rhyme not only to rhyme, but make his syllable count flow in a metric and musical way.

Though rap lyrics may not have traditional poetic themes (often they have severely unpalatable themes), I do, however, find rappers to be quite the proficient artists in many literary devices that I commonly associate with poetry. I would go as far as to say that they are the modern poets of my time.

What do you think, dear reader? Were the thoughts of balloon pants too much of a distraction?

PSWA Fall Newsletter

2008-09-03T10:05:00.000-07:00

Don't want to infringe on your writing group, but thought some of you might be interested:

The fall issue of the Public Safety Writers Association (PSWA) is now available on the website:
http://www.policewriter.com

The website also contains information about the writing contest–be sure to read the article in the newsletter written by the contest chairperson–and the PSWA conference coming in July of 2009. There is an early-bird price break on the registration fee until September 30. I hope a lot of you will take advantage of this.

I’ve been a member of PSWA for over ten years and watched it evolve into an organization with great resources for anyone writing either fiction (mysteries, thrillers, etc.) or non-fiction about crime, law enforcement or any other public safety entity.

I’d be glad to answer questions about the conference or the organization either on list or off: mmeredith@ocsnet.net

Marilyn
http://fictionforyou.com

Field of Dreams

2008-08-31T18:01:00.000-07:00

The Kings County Writers Support Group (AKA KC Writers) has gone through growing pains. For a decade this group has expanded and contracted, tried several meeting venues and worked our way through many manuscripts.

There is yet another evolution happening in our group. First, it was flyers for meetings. Then we designed group business cards to attract possible writers. We're finding our way in the blogging process. In short, we are developing an image. And, it's a good one. This can only happen when a group is cohesive.

Not every writing group reaches this level. They are content to quietly meet, read, critique and work on individual projects. But our writing group has taken a important step. We are strengthening our ties with the County Library. The library has been good to us. Now we intend to return the favor.

The Central Valley is an agricultural giant. However, this area has the reputation for being a cultural wasteland. Some of those people with negative impressions don't live in Los Angeles or San Francisco. They live right here. For a writer who believes there is a wealth of possibilities to write about in this region, the misconception hurts.

That's about to change (hopefully).

The Kings County Library has given me the opportunity to help put together a local authors program for 2008-2009. I'm contacting all of the authors I've connected with over the years, and some I hope to meet for the first time. The programs are free. Will the community take advantage of what is offered? With the price of gas high and people looking for more local entertainment, the library is banking on an increased interest in homegrown talent.

If you build it, will they come? Why can't Kings County be a Field of Dreams? Big cities aren't the only ones capable of offering literary experiences. There is so much talent waiting to be tapped in this Valley, it only takes a proactive group to bring it out. I think this group is ready to do our part.

I have a reason to invest in this endeavor. I'm a writer. I write about the Valley because it's what I know and love. What writers really want is an audience, a chance to show their stuff. The Write Stuff. The KC Writers are investing in their future by investing in the community. When they complete their manuscripts, they'll have an audience waiting. At least, that's the dream. Let's make it come true.

The Road to Blogging

2008-08-24T22:55:00.000-07:00

I spent a lot of time the last few weeks researching Blogs. I found information on do's and don'ts, rules and regulations, on set-ups and redos. I checked out solo blogs, group blogs and company blogs. I compared half a dozen help you start it up sites and when I decided I had absorbed all I could I set a date.

I learned a couple of important things along the way. 1) It is not easy to set up. It takes time. Sure they ask all the right questions and give you lots of items to pick from but this is important and you don't want to make the wrong choice. Colors, fonts, and pictures give you lots of options. But don't worry there are lots of edit buttons to help with last minute changes. 2) I'm hooked. My blog favorites list went from three to thirty. So beware the drain on your writing time. 3) What a great way to connect! Learn new things, catch up with favorite authors, find new links and just have some fun.

Do you have any helpful hints to make blogging life easier for this first timer?

Hi from the New Bloggers on the Block

2008-08-23T21:05:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the K C Writers Blog. Located in the Central Valley of California, we are a collection of writers with growing careers who cover many styles and genres. For nearly a decade we have been a viable writing and critique group serving Kings County. The decision was made to take the next step in our group’s evolution by joining the larger writing community. Come join us for a Valley ride and blog your way through our fertile field of writers.

aka: Kings County Writers Support Group

K C WRITERS

Never, Ever Give Up!

Creating a Writer's Platform

What Makes Your Novel Different?

How Do You Hero?

Independence Day-The Day After

Open Your Eyes to the World Around You

The drug of success

Point of View

Sink or Swim

Research

Living Your Writer's Dream

Discovery!

Hanford Bookfest

The Never-Ending Novel

Leave The Gun, Take The Cannoli

Web Ozone

H. Terrell Griffin, Author of the Matt Royal Mystery Series

The Learning Curve

Approaching the Different

Measure of Success

Short Stories

Internet Promo Isn't All There is to Do

Brave New World

SPEEDING DOWN THE INFORMATION HIGHWAY

With The Right Tool in Hand

Publishing's a Business

Rejection and Criticism

Germanic vs. Latin word choices

Character Occupations

RESOLVING TO WRITE--By Sunny

Point-of-View

Bah Humbug!

"Respect" by Amy Leasure

The Importance of Setting in Your Novel

Motivation VS Procrastination

JUST THE FACTS

More on Promotion

Team Sunny and Marilyn and Erle Stanley Gardner

There's More to Writing than Writing

At the Top of the Hill, Looking Way, Way, Down.

RE-KINDLE READERSHIP

National Novel Writing Month

Immortal Characters

E-Publishing

*Guest Blogger Alert*

Speaking Engagements, Writers Conferences, Blogging, Etc., What’s the Point?

Publishing Industry--Do or Die?

BAN THAT BOOK

Standing Under the Tree of Possibilities

More on Going to Conferences

Take a Chance: Am I a Conference Groupie?

Bloggity Blog Blog Blog

PSWA Fall Newsletter

Field of Dreams

The Road to Blogging

Hi from the New Bloggers on the Block

Guest Blogger Alert