Christina Dodd's Blog - Posts Tagged "writing"
The Father I Never Met
On the VIRTUE FALLS Readers' Guide, one question is: "Like her father, Elizabeth is dedicated to the study of geology & the changes in the earth *despite* being raised by her aunt & uncle. How much of our personalities/ interests are formed by our DNA/ parents/ ancestors? Do you find family members comparing you to a relative you’ve never known?"
The reason I asked that question was based on the fact I never met my father (he died before I was born.) I knew he was a printer who worked on newspapers but, until a relative sent me the clipping (thank you, Emily!), I didn't know he also occasionally wrote articles as a reporter. So I got the desire & the writing talent from the father I never met. How cool is that?
Happy Father's Day, and—do *you* find family members comparing you to a relative you've never known?
The reason I asked that question was based on the fact I never met my father (he died before I was born.) I knew he was a printer who worked on newspapers but, until a relative sent me the clipping (thank you, Emily!), I didn't know he also occasionally wrote articles as a reporter. So I got the desire & the writing talent from the father I never met. How cool is that?
Happy Father's Day, and—do *you* find family members comparing you to a relative you've never known?
CHRISTINA DODD GIVES YOU HER BEST WRITING BUSINESS ADVICE
Marry money.
If it’s too late for that — you need to define yourself and your work clearly. When you sit down with an agent or an editor, you should be able to tell them specifically what you write and why your fiction will fill a need in the marketplace. For instance, “I write women’s fiction filled with the warmth and conflicts of family life. As the large number of chick lit readers raise their own families, they’ll want more depth about relationships lightened by humor, and they’re my market.” Or, “I write historical romance with a Gothic twist, and as the paranormal market grows, the Gothic will fill the gap for those readers who like a darker edge and human characters.” Agents and editors are more likely to take a chance on you as a writer if you point out the direction you intend to go. Don’t brag. Don’t be modest. Analyze what you do and be factual. Remember, if you don’t toot your own horn, someone will use it for a spittoon.
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author
While you’re on Goodreads send me a friend request!
http://www.christinadodd.com
If it’s too late for that — you need to define yourself and your work clearly. When you sit down with an agent or an editor, you should be able to tell them specifically what you write and why your fiction will fill a need in the marketplace. For instance, “I write women’s fiction filled with the warmth and conflicts of family life. As the large number of chick lit readers raise their own families, they’ll want more depth about relationships lightened by humor, and they’re my market.” Or, “I write historical romance with a Gothic twist, and as the paranormal market grows, the Gothic will fill the gap for those readers who like a darker edge and human characters.” Agents and editors are more likely to take a chance on you as a writer if you point out the direction you intend to go. Don’t brag. Don’t be modest. Analyze what you do and be factual. Remember, if you don’t toot your own horn, someone will use it for a spittoon.
Warmly,
Christina Dodd
New York Times bestselling author
While you’re on Goodreads send me a friend request!
http://www.christinadodd.com
