Ryan Field's Blog, page 522
November 7, 2011
MIKE MANNING on Supporting Fred Karger, Openly Gay Man, For President
What surprises me is that I have yet to see anything about Fred Karger in the mainstream media. He hasn't been mentioned on TV, in magazines, or in newspapers. I know all about Herman Cain's excellent adventures, more than I care to know about, frankly. But not one word about Fred Karger...good or bad.
Fred Karger is gay and he's open about it and he's making serious bid to become President of the United States.
And I haven't heard or seen anything about it in the m/m romance community either. I don't know about anyone else, but as an openly gay man I find it interesting that someone like Fred Karger would even attempt to run for President. I may or may not vote for him. That remains to be seen. But I'd like to be educated about him so I can form a decision based on solid information given to me.
And I think he deserves just as much attention as good old Herman Cain, Bachman, or Romney.
Fred Karger is gay and he's open about it and he's making serious bid to become President of the United States.
And I haven't heard or seen anything about it in the m/m romance community either. I don't know about anyone else, but as an openly gay man I find it interesting that someone like Fred Karger would even attempt to run for President. I may or may not vote for him. That remains to be seen. But I'd like to be educated about him so I can form a decision based on solid information given to me.
And I think he deserves just as much attention as good old Herman Cain, Bachman, or Romney.
A Word of Advice to Other Authors About Wing Nuts...
This is a general post, and I'm talking across the board because I've seen it happen more than once and I wasn't quite sure what to make of it in the beginning. I come from an old school background, where authors, editors, agents, and publishers never did or said anything in public unless it was done in a professional manner.
And, sometimes the less said the better was the best way to go.
But there are those in publishing, particularly authors, on the interwebs who rant, insult, scream, and shout. They cause trouble wherever they go and they seem to attract a small following, too.
These people are wing nuts. Don't pay attention to them and don't let them get to you. And don't ever trust what they say. They don't matter, and nothing they say ever will matter. Time usually takes care of them.
There are ways to handle situations in a professional manner and ranting with profanity isn't one of those ways. You can write the most wonderful book five years from now, but everyone will always remember that time you ranted and came off looking like a wing nut.
And, sometimes the less said the better was the best way to go.
But there are those in publishing, particularly authors, on the interwebs who rant, insult, scream, and shout. They cause trouble wherever they go and they seem to attract a small following, too.
These people are wing nuts. Don't pay attention to them and don't let them get to you. And don't ever trust what they say. They don't matter, and nothing they say ever will matter. Time usually takes care of them.
There are ways to handle situations in a professional manner and ranting with profanity isn't one of those ways. You can write the most wonderful book five years from now, but everyone will always remember that time you ranted and came off looking like a wing nut.
November 6, 2011
Authors Making Wise Choices
It used to be there were not many choices for lgbt authors. And it wasn't that long ago either. There were calls for submission for short story anthologies and we were paid a one time flat fee that ranged from fifty to sixty bucks, plus those two expected free copies. I'm twirling my finger as I write this. It was the same flat fee almost twenty years ago, and it's still the same flat fee now. In some cases, small presses have even lowered that fee to twenty five dollars.
We did it because we loved what we were writing. We did it because the opportunities weren't there to get our work published anywhere else. And we did it because it gave us publishing credits and fueled our fragile egos.
But things have changed. And they continue to change. We don't have to sign contracts that are one-sided and we can take advantage of e-book royalties that e-publishers are offering. (The flat fees are lower with e-publishers, but there's a chance to make it on the back end...which I prefer, and which also gives me the incentive to promote the anthology.)Or, we can self-publish and take our chances. I would imagine that an author could make at least fifty or sixty bucks self-publishing a short story on amazon and still have the possibility to make more in the future.
I'm not saying there are any set rules. All I'm saying is authors have to think like business people sometimes and they have to do what is right for them. And with the opportunities now, regarding digital sales, it's only to the author's advantage to try self-publishing instead of the "traditional" route where small presses pay one time flat fees.
And, frankly, there are still a few anthologies I submitted stories to where I never even received the flat author fee. The editor is responsible for paying the authors and some of these editors leave a lot to be desired. This was years ago, and I figured that if the editor needed the fifty bucks that badly I'd rather not pursue it. But it does sting. It's like handing over your work for nothing, and without getting an ounce of respect in return.
Choose wisely before you sign any contracts with small "traditional" presses. And if you sign a contract that is only going to give you a flat fee and free copies, make sure it is a non-exclusive. This way, at the very least you can still submit your own work to an e-publisher down the line who is willing to pay royalties. Or you can self publish the same story or novel and make your own opportunities.
We did it because we loved what we were writing. We did it because the opportunities weren't there to get our work published anywhere else. And we did it because it gave us publishing credits and fueled our fragile egos.
But things have changed. And they continue to change. We don't have to sign contracts that are one-sided and we can take advantage of e-book royalties that e-publishers are offering. (The flat fees are lower with e-publishers, but there's a chance to make it on the back end...which I prefer, and which also gives me the incentive to promote the anthology.)Or, we can self-publish and take our chances. I would imagine that an author could make at least fifty or sixty bucks self-publishing a short story on amazon and still have the possibility to make more in the future.
I'm not saying there are any set rules. All I'm saying is authors have to think like business people sometimes and they have to do what is right for them. And with the opportunities now, regarding digital sales, it's only to the author's advantage to try self-publishing instead of the "traditional" route where small presses pay one time flat fees.
And, frankly, there are still a few anthologies I submitted stories to where I never even received the flat author fee. The editor is responsible for paying the authors and some of these editors leave a lot to be desired. This was years ago, and I figured that if the editor needed the fifty bucks that badly I'd rather not pursue it. But it does sting. It's like handing over your work for nothing, and without getting an ounce of respect in return.
Choose wisely before you sign any contracts with small "traditional" presses. And if you sign a contract that is only going to give you a flat fee and free copies, make sure it is a non-exclusive. This way, at the very least you can still submit your own work to an e-publisher down the line who is willing to pay royalties. Or you can self publish the same story or novel and make your own opportunities.
I Love This Web Site
If you're looking for something interesting to read that's LGBTQ oriented, check out Gay City News.
Here's link.
I can't recommend it more highly.
Here's link.
I can't recommend it more highly.
Reframing Case For Legalizing Gay Marriage
This looks promising for gay marriage. Who knows? At least it's still on the table anyway.
Here's part of the actual article in italics, with a byline, and a link to read the entire piece.
Bipartisan group reframes case for legalizing gay marriage
By Aamer Madhani, USA TODAYUpdated 2h 22m ago Comments 50
Reprints & PermissionsWASHINGTON – A group of high-profile Democrats and Republicans who back legalizing gay marriage are calling on advocates to shift the focus on the issue from an argument about equal rights to promoting the value of commitment.
The "Commitment Campaign," which is spearheaded by the centrist Democrat group Third Way and will be publicly launched today, has won support from Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat; Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee, an independent and former Republican; former New Jersey governor Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican; and Ken Mehlman, former chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Advocates have long made the case that legalizing marriage for gays and lesbians is a matter of equality. But those who frame the issue that way might be reinforcing a belief among many Americans in the middle on the issue that gays and lesbians want to marry for different reasons than straight couples, according to polling by Third Way and Grove Insight.
When asked why "couples like you" might want to marry, 58% said to "publicly acknowledge their love and commitment to each other." When asked why gays and lesbians may want to marry, the respondents split between "love and commitment" and "rights and benefits."
Read more...
Here's part of the actual article in italics, with a byline, and a link to read the entire piece.
Bipartisan group reframes case for legalizing gay marriage
By Aamer Madhani, USA TODAYUpdated 2h 22m ago Comments 50
Reprints & PermissionsWASHINGTON – A group of high-profile Democrats and Republicans who back legalizing gay marriage are calling on advocates to shift the focus on the issue from an argument about equal rights to promoting the value of commitment.
The "Commitment Campaign," which is spearheaded by the centrist Democrat group Third Way and will be publicly launched today, has won support from Maryland Gov. Martin O'Malley, a Democrat; Rhode Island Gov. Lincoln Chafee, an independent and former Republican; former New Jersey governor Christine Todd Whitman, a Republican; and Ken Mehlman, former chairman of the Republican National Committee.
Advocates have long made the case that legalizing marriage for gays and lesbians is a matter of equality. But those who frame the issue that way might be reinforcing a belief among many Americans in the middle on the issue that gays and lesbians want to marry for different reasons than straight couples, according to polling by Third Way and Grove Insight.
When asked why "couples like you" might want to marry, 58% said to "publicly acknowledge their love and commitment to each other." When asked why gays and lesbians may want to marry, the respondents split between "love and commitment" and "rights and benefits."
Read more...
I'm Real...I Swear I Am...
This weekend there was a slight kerfuffle about a well known author's identity. I love this author's work and I'm not going to comment or link. The author doesn't need my two cents.
But, just in case it's not clear, I'd like to repeat that I'm real. I'm gay, too. I've said it before on the blog and I'll say it again. I swear I am really me (smile). My name is Ryan Field, and I can prove it. Ryan is actually my middle name. But I've been going by Ryan all my life and that's what all my friends call me. That's what the lady in the Post Office calls me. I've met and had lunch with Elisa Rolle; she knows I'm real. The photo you see on the sidebar, and all other photos you see of me online, are really my honest to God image. And I'm not an alien (there was a rumor about this once). I know I write fast, but what can I do (bigger smile)? I learned a long time ago that if I was going to be able to face the vipers of m/m fiction head on, I'd be better off keeping it real all the time so there was nothing to hide.
But I'm not against using a pen name, not at all. Especially not with fiction...and that includes all fiction. And I'd like all authors who use pen names to know that I support them and all I care about is their work.
But, just in case it's not clear, I'd like to repeat that I'm real. I'm gay, too. I've said it before on the blog and I'll say it again. I swear I am really me (smile). My name is Ryan Field, and I can prove it. Ryan is actually my middle name. But I've been going by Ryan all my life and that's what all my friends call me. That's what the lady in the Post Office calls me. I've met and had lunch with Elisa Rolle; she knows I'm real. The photo you see on the sidebar, and all other photos you see of me online, are really my honest to God image. And I'm not an alien (there was a rumor about this once). I know I write fast, but what can I do (bigger smile)? I learned a long time ago that if I was going to be able to face the vipers of m/m fiction head on, I'd be better off keeping it real all the time so there was nothing to hide.
But I'm not against using a pen name, not at all. Especially not with fiction...and that includes all fiction. And I'd like all authors who use pen names to know that I support them and all I care about is their work.
November 4, 2011
Mr. Belvedere Full Opening September 1989 and All Things Eighties
I'm in the middle of the next book in the Virgin Billionaire series, THE VIRGIN BILLIONAIRE REVERSAL OF FORTUNE, and most of the story takes place back in the 1980's when Jase was only 18 years old.
It's kind of a cross between "Back to the Future," and "Peggy Sue Got Married," but not exactly like either one of them. And I've been doing research about the l980's all week in bits and pieces. It's weird how you can forget things you've actually lived through. I was a kid and a YA in the 1980's and I wore high top sneakers and parachute pants. I listened to Madonna and drove a Grand National when I got my license in l986, just like the grand national in the photo below. But so many things still need to be researched just to be certain.
And, if you managed to live through the eighties and didn't at least see Mr. Belvedere once, you have my sincere condolences. Just the hair styles alone have been great from a research POV.
It's kind of a cross between "Back to the Future," and "Peggy Sue Got Married," but not exactly like either one of them. And I've been doing research about the l980's all week in bits and pieces. It's weird how you can forget things you've actually lived through. I was a kid and a YA in the 1980's and I wore high top sneakers and parachute pants. I listened to Madonna and drove a Grand National when I got my license in l986, just like the grand national in the photo below. But so many things still need to be researched just to be certain.
And, if you managed to live through the eighties and didn't at least see Mr. Belvedere once, you have my sincere condolences. Just the hair styles alone have been great from a research POV.
Occupy Writers: If You Are So Inclined...
"We, the undersigned writers and all who will join us, support Occupy Wall Street and the Occupy Movement around the world."
I'm not all that political. Basically, I vote independently and always on issues instead of party line.
And I'm not exactly sure what the folks in the Occupy Movement are aiming for, not exactly. They haven't set out a plan or a detailed agenda. And no one is leading them. But I do like the basic, overall agenda I've read and heard about. So I added my name to occupy writers thinking that maybe our illustrious leaders in Washington might get the hint that we're tired of their old time sleazy politics, including the lies, and we're looking for a change. I think most of us are just as sick of corporate manipulation, like outrageous loan shark interest fees where people will never be able to pay off their debts, and greed.
If you are so inclined to join the other writers, follow this link.
I'm not all that political. Basically, I vote independently and always on issues instead of party line.
And I'm not exactly sure what the folks in the Occupy Movement are aiming for, not exactly. They haven't set out a plan or a detailed agenda. And no one is leading them. But I do like the basic, overall agenda I've read and heard about. So I added my name to occupy writers thinking that maybe our illustrious leaders in Washington might get the hint that we're tired of their old time sleazy politics, including the lies, and we're looking for a change. I think most of us are just as sick of corporate manipulation, like outrageous loan shark interest fees where people will never be able to pay off their debts, and greed.
If you are so inclined to join the other writers, follow this link.
Unagented Authors Thinking Like Business People
First, this is only subjective info, and when it comes to these things there are no set rules for anyone. I want to make that point clearly, so no one thinks there are set rules. All authors have to make their own decisions, and mistakes, when it comes to how they handle their careers.
When it comes to conferences, conventions, and other publishing gatherings, I know it's important for agents and publishers to attend...to a certain extent. As I've stated before, one of my best friends has been a successful NY literary agent for over thirty years and he doesn't go to any events anymore, not even BEA. He doesn't think it does anything for book sales in the digital age. He doesn't get clients from events either. But he's already well established, with more than one big book on his list, and he can afford not to attend publishing gatherings unless it's absolutely vital to his business.
I've heard that younger agents and new publishing houses believe these gatherings and events and conventions are important. Some claim they find new authors there. Others claim that going to these events helps sell books. I don't know about these things because I'm not a publisher or an agent. I can only speak from an author's POV.
I used to go to events for the same reasons all authors go. I wanted to meet agents, other authors, readers, and publishers. And I always looked forward to big name authors who were guest speakers. But these events were expensive, I didn't really get anywhere with my own career by going to these events, and I found it was wiser to spend my time writing and trying to produce better books.
If you're an author who has big books out there and huge sales, it's probably wise to at least show up at a few events during the year. Established authors can connect with fans, and it might help sell even more books. But I'm not so sure about midlist authors going to these events. And I'm even more on the fence about authors who write in sub-genres like erotic romance. In my case, because I can only speak for myself, I'm in contact with readers all the time...on a daily basis. And all this is done through the magic of technology. And because the m/m erotic romance genre is such a discreet genre...for readers and authors...connecting online is a comfortable way to communicate.
And, it doesn't cost a dime to send an e-mail. Speaking as an author who has been writing for almost twenty years, I've learned to be a good business person, too. I work extra hard to keep an updated blog, I work extra hard to communicate with readers, and I take extra time on social networks because I care about what my readers think and want to know. Next year, I've even decided to get a professional web site for reasons I can't get into right now. And I'm doing it all for the reader.
I would probably feel differently about publishing events if I were older and I didn't have a mortgage and I was looking at publishing events more as social events than work. I know people who are in that position, and it's a nice place to be. But I was one of those people who bought my home ten years ago and I didn't overpay and take out a ridiculous mortgage. I made a lot of money selling a condo, put all the money I made as a down payment for a larger single family home, and took out a mortgage I knew I could afford at the time. I've always owned and operated my own businesses. I have a guest house on my property and I'm a landlord. I try to make responsible choices and decisions. In other words, I care about the fact that my credit rating is the best it can be. And I don't invest money unless I think I'll get a good return on the investment. I also have two dogs, and I don't board them or leave them with anyone. When I took on the responsibility of pet ownership, I took it on seriously.
And when you have a mortgage and other obligations that are important, not to mention the staggering cost of having private health insurance, you tend to look at things differently. When you figure out that air fare to X-romance convention in X-city is going to cost close to a thousand dollars, and then hotel accommodations will cost hundreds of dollars...not to mention rental car fees and food...author travel turns into what could have been a double mortgage payment (I don't do public transportation or fast food at this point in my life anymore). Or at least a single mortgage payment. And if I'm going to spend that kind of money, I want to know I'm getting a return on my investment.
Then there are personal matters. I don't have kids, but I have a lot of family and many family obligations. I have to be in New York soon for a family birthday dinner I can't get out of. I also live in a small gay community where I've been friends with the same people for twenty years. Sometimes there isn't enough time in the week for anything social or family. I'm giving a dinner party tomorrow night and it's the first one I've given since July because of my work schedule. And going to publishing events for most people is work, not a social event. It's nice for those who can go and make it a social event. But most authors, especially those with young families, simply can't do it.
Publishers will argue that all authors going to these events will help book sales. They may be right. I honestly don't know. But my own gut business intuition tells me that even though book sales might spike for a few weeks after a publishing event, they aren't going to change drastically enough to pay for the investment the author made to go to the event. This is just a fact of life. And I've seen too many people in business waste time and money for me to make the same mistakes they did.
But publishers will disagree, bless their souls, and that's because they want to get as much out of an author as they can. Which, in this case, is good business sense for the publisher. You can't blame them for being pushy. However, an unagented author who is representing himself/herself, has to be wise about how much they are willing to spend out of their own pocket in order to accommodate a publisher. This is why I also believe it's always best to keep the relationship between author and publisher strictly business at all times, never personal (it's also why authors will always need good agents). Of course if the publisher is willing to pay all expenses, wonderful. But I've yet to see this happen with small presses. The author usually foots the bill on his/her own.
So be wise about how you spend your money and where you spend it when it comes to publishing events. And your time is important, too. Writing in a sub-genre isn't the most lucrative profession...it never was and never will be...and you have to think like a business person at all times. I know that's hard to do for some new authors. They get caught up in the emotional aspects of getting published and they can't wait to attend every event that comes along. But if you're looking to get a good return and better book sales, it might be wiser to open yourself up online with blogs and other social networks and focus on communicating with readers and doing things that aren't going to cost you a dime.After all, we are living in the beginning of the digital age. And we should be taking advantage of the smart opportunities as much as we can.
When it comes to conferences, conventions, and other publishing gatherings, I know it's important for agents and publishers to attend...to a certain extent. As I've stated before, one of my best friends has been a successful NY literary agent for over thirty years and he doesn't go to any events anymore, not even BEA. He doesn't think it does anything for book sales in the digital age. He doesn't get clients from events either. But he's already well established, with more than one big book on his list, and he can afford not to attend publishing gatherings unless it's absolutely vital to his business.
I've heard that younger agents and new publishing houses believe these gatherings and events and conventions are important. Some claim they find new authors there. Others claim that going to these events helps sell books. I don't know about these things because I'm not a publisher or an agent. I can only speak from an author's POV.
I used to go to events for the same reasons all authors go. I wanted to meet agents, other authors, readers, and publishers. And I always looked forward to big name authors who were guest speakers. But these events were expensive, I didn't really get anywhere with my own career by going to these events, and I found it was wiser to spend my time writing and trying to produce better books.
If you're an author who has big books out there and huge sales, it's probably wise to at least show up at a few events during the year. Established authors can connect with fans, and it might help sell even more books. But I'm not so sure about midlist authors going to these events. And I'm even more on the fence about authors who write in sub-genres like erotic romance. In my case, because I can only speak for myself, I'm in contact with readers all the time...on a daily basis. And all this is done through the magic of technology. And because the m/m erotic romance genre is such a discreet genre...for readers and authors...connecting online is a comfortable way to communicate.
And, it doesn't cost a dime to send an e-mail. Speaking as an author who has been writing for almost twenty years, I've learned to be a good business person, too. I work extra hard to keep an updated blog, I work extra hard to communicate with readers, and I take extra time on social networks because I care about what my readers think and want to know. Next year, I've even decided to get a professional web site for reasons I can't get into right now. And I'm doing it all for the reader.
I would probably feel differently about publishing events if I were older and I didn't have a mortgage and I was looking at publishing events more as social events than work. I know people who are in that position, and it's a nice place to be. But I was one of those people who bought my home ten years ago and I didn't overpay and take out a ridiculous mortgage. I made a lot of money selling a condo, put all the money I made as a down payment for a larger single family home, and took out a mortgage I knew I could afford at the time. I've always owned and operated my own businesses. I have a guest house on my property and I'm a landlord. I try to make responsible choices and decisions. In other words, I care about the fact that my credit rating is the best it can be. And I don't invest money unless I think I'll get a good return on the investment. I also have two dogs, and I don't board them or leave them with anyone. When I took on the responsibility of pet ownership, I took it on seriously.
And when you have a mortgage and other obligations that are important, not to mention the staggering cost of having private health insurance, you tend to look at things differently. When you figure out that air fare to X-romance convention in X-city is going to cost close to a thousand dollars, and then hotel accommodations will cost hundreds of dollars...not to mention rental car fees and food...author travel turns into what could have been a double mortgage payment (I don't do public transportation or fast food at this point in my life anymore). Or at least a single mortgage payment. And if I'm going to spend that kind of money, I want to know I'm getting a return on my investment.
Then there are personal matters. I don't have kids, but I have a lot of family and many family obligations. I have to be in New York soon for a family birthday dinner I can't get out of. I also live in a small gay community where I've been friends with the same people for twenty years. Sometimes there isn't enough time in the week for anything social or family. I'm giving a dinner party tomorrow night and it's the first one I've given since July because of my work schedule. And going to publishing events for most people is work, not a social event. It's nice for those who can go and make it a social event. But most authors, especially those with young families, simply can't do it.
Publishers will argue that all authors going to these events will help book sales. They may be right. I honestly don't know. But my own gut business intuition tells me that even though book sales might spike for a few weeks after a publishing event, they aren't going to change drastically enough to pay for the investment the author made to go to the event. This is just a fact of life. And I've seen too many people in business waste time and money for me to make the same mistakes they did.
But publishers will disagree, bless their souls, and that's because they want to get as much out of an author as they can. Which, in this case, is good business sense for the publisher. You can't blame them for being pushy. However, an unagented author who is representing himself/herself, has to be wise about how much they are willing to spend out of their own pocket in order to accommodate a publisher. This is why I also believe it's always best to keep the relationship between author and publisher strictly business at all times, never personal (it's also why authors will always need good agents). Of course if the publisher is willing to pay all expenses, wonderful. But I've yet to see this happen with small presses. The author usually foots the bill on his/her own.
So be wise about how you spend your money and where you spend it when it comes to publishing events. And your time is important, too. Writing in a sub-genre isn't the most lucrative profession...it never was and never will be...and you have to think like a business person at all times. I know that's hard to do for some new authors. They get caught up in the emotional aspects of getting published and they can't wait to attend every event that comes along. But if you're looking to get a good return and better book sales, it might be wiser to open yourself up online with blogs and other social networks and focus on communicating with readers and doing things that aren't going to cost you a dime.After all, we are living in the beginning of the digital age. And we should be taking advantage of the smart opportunities as much as we can.
November 3, 2011
NANOWRIMO
In case you're unaware, it's NANOWRIMO time of year again. This means National Novel Writing Month, and it's become something of a sensation on the interwebs.
I've never done NANOWRIMO. But I've thought about doing it. I know I can do it. I've have actually written a 65,000 word novel in less than a month. This was a contracted novel for which I was paid a flat fee with royalties, under a pen name, I did in the summer of 2009 for a new project a publisher was working on.
And let me tell you, I write fast. But three to four weeks of intense novel writing is even way to freaked out for me. When I realized what I'd gotten myself into, I tried to back out. But the publisher really wanted me to do it and I didn't want to let them down. But by the end of the second week of this intense daily writing, my left eye was twitching. And I vowed that once this novel was submitted I'd never do it again.
And I haven't. I don't think the quality of the actual novel suffered. But I would have been more creative and added more "life" to the book. As it stands, it's a quiet little vampire romance that will never be anything more than what it is.
But I do think NANOWRIMO is an excellent experience for all writers to do at least once. I wouldn't do it with high hopes of getting a great book deal. But from a practical POV, it certainly can't hurt.
Here's the link to check it out. I doubt there's still time to get into it this year, but you can always plan for next year.
I've never done NANOWRIMO. But I've thought about doing it. I know I can do it. I've have actually written a 65,000 word novel in less than a month. This was a contracted novel for which I was paid a flat fee with royalties, under a pen name, I did in the summer of 2009 for a new project a publisher was working on.
And let me tell you, I write fast. But three to four weeks of intense novel writing is even way to freaked out for me. When I realized what I'd gotten myself into, I tried to back out. But the publisher really wanted me to do it and I didn't want to let them down. But by the end of the second week of this intense daily writing, my left eye was twitching. And I vowed that once this novel was submitted I'd never do it again.
And I haven't. I don't think the quality of the actual novel suffered. But I would have been more creative and added more "life" to the book. As it stands, it's a quiet little vampire romance that will never be anything more than what it is.
But I do think NANOWRIMO is an excellent experience for all writers to do at least once. I wouldn't do it with high hopes of getting a great book deal. But from a practical POV, it certainly can't hurt.
Here's the link to check it out. I doubt there's still time to get into it this year, but you can always plan for next year.
