M.J. Oelkers's Blog, page 8
November 29, 2023
Take a Second
Back on track for your regularly scheduled post, as promised. Got through the holiday without any misadventures to speak of, and the writing has kept on steady track. I'm through the first chapter of book six and part of the way through chapter two. This one continues to be a breath of fresh air so far and I'm excited to stick with it.
Speaking of fresh air, godsdamn do I hate winter. This time of year is always tough for me. Not because of any past trauma or something heavy like that. I also quite like snow (when I don't have to drive in it) and enjoy watching the world shift through all its seasons. No, the problem for me is light. The sun punching out around the same time that I do.
Seasonal depression is a real bitch. Especially when it's compounding on good, ol' fashioned, regular depression. It's like a dogpile of mope when you can't find a single fuck to give. Doesn't matter if it's something you love or something you hate. None of it sounds appealing, and all of it requires every ounce of strength and mental fortitude to see through.
To combat this, I dug out my old sun lamp. Completely forgot I had the thing. It has this wonderful effect on my mood. I'll leave it on for half an hour, then my brain basically sighs when it turns off. A sort of "Aww, darn" when the light goes away. Turning it on a few times throughout the day does a world of good. It's not a cure, but it helps me cope. Something that keeps me close to my writing on days when I want to just curl into a ball and forget the wheel of time continues to turn regardless of how I feel.
Stay strong out there, fellow sad folks.
Toodles.
Speaking of fresh air, godsdamn do I hate winter. This time of year is always tough for me. Not because of any past trauma or something heavy like that. I also quite like snow (when I don't have to drive in it) and enjoy watching the world shift through all its seasons. No, the problem for me is light. The sun punching out around the same time that I do.
Seasonal depression is a real bitch. Especially when it's compounding on good, ol' fashioned, regular depression. It's like a dogpile of mope when you can't find a single fuck to give. Doesn't matter if it's something you love or something you hate. None of it sounds appealing, and all of it requires every ounce of strength and mental fortitude to see through.
To combat this, I dug out my old sun lamp. Completely forgot I had the thing. It has this wonderful effect on my mood. I'll leave it on for half an hour, then my brain basically sighs when it turns off. A sort of "Aww, darn" when the light goes away. Turning it on a few times throughout the day does a world of good. It's not a cure, but it helps me cope. Something that keeps me close to my writing on days when I want to just curl into a ball and forget the wheel of time continues to turn regardless of how I feel.
Stay strong out there, fellow sad folks.
Toodles.
November 20, 2023
A Long One
Last week's post just blew right past me. I had a couple ideas in mind to talk about but failed to settle on one thing. The D&D and board games consumed my weekend. That gets us to here. Seeing as how there's a good chance my brain turns off over the holiday, I figured it might be a good idea to make a longer post. Combine what I missed last week with what I planned for this week into one mega block of text.
As it so happens, length is one of the things on my mind. Most of the replies I get from agents regarding Shikaree are form letters. A vague no with best wishes for my endeavors. One of the most recent replies, however, broke the mold. They cited their reason for passing on my work was its length. That something as long as Shikaree would be too difficult to market.
This prompted me to do some research. Digging around various outlets gave me the impression that most YA books clock in between 50k and 70k words. Possibly up to 90k with fantasy. Shikaree comes in right around... 138k. Almost double the base ceiling for YA. Still too much despite Shikaree being a fantasy work. It's gotten me to wondering just how many folks decided to pass on Shikaree because of its length and simply never specified.
The folks at the agency in question were kind enough to respond to a follow-up query from me. I was curious if they would be open to representing the Shikaree split across two books. This was off the table. Unless the work was overhauled into a duology, their decision would stand. An unfortunate outcome, but I cannot stress how thankful I was for their honesty and kindness.
On a happier note, I've started writing the next story! Another task complete roundabouts when I promised to do so. I think I deserve a gold star, but I digress. This will be the sixth entry (out of a planned seven) in the series.
This comes as a massive breath of fresh air. Working through queries and wading through rejections is a tax on my mind. The ability to dive into something else and create fresh chapters is the best counterbalance. A generative task in one hand and a neutral task in the other.
I'm not terribly far along, of course. Part way through the first chapter. Still, I can tell that I'm going to enjoy this protagonist and their story. The start is a touch more whimsical than I'm used to. Given the last few stories I've produced, this is another breath of relaxation. I can take a moment to let characters be happy. It won't stay peaceful, of course, but that makes the honeymoon period no less sweet.
That'll be all for this brick of text. I'll do my best to resume my normal-ish schedule next week. Happy holidays to those who celebrate, and a wonderful week to everyone else regardless.
Toodles.
As it so happens, length is one of the things on my mind. Most of the replies I get from agents regarding Shikaree are form letters. A vague no with best wishes for my endeavors. One of the most recent replies, however, broke the mold. They cited their reason for passing on my work was its length. That something as long as Shikaree would be too difficult to market.
This prompted me to do some research. Digging around various outlets gave me the impression that most YA books clock in between 50k and 70k words. Possibly up to 90k with fantasy. Shikaree comes in right around... 138k. Almost double the base ceiling for YA. Still too much despite Shikaree being a fantasy work. It's gotten me to wondering just how many folks decided to pass on Shikaree because of its length and simply never specified.
The folks at the agency in question were kind enough to respond to a follow-up query from me. I was curious if they would be open to representing the Shikaree split across two books. This was off the table. Unless the work was overhauled into a duology, their decision would stand. An unfortunate outcome, but I cannot stress how thankful I was for their honesty and kindness.
On a happier note, I've started writing the next story! Another task complete roundabouts when I promised to do so. I think I deserve a gold star, but I digress. This will be the sixth entry (out of a planned seven) in the series.
This comes as a massive breath of fresh air. Working through queries and wading through rejections is a tax on my mind. The ability to dive into something else and create fresh chapters is the best counterbalance. A generative task in one hand and a neutral task in the other.
I'm not terribly far along, of course. Part way through the first chapter. Still, I can tell that I'm going to enjoy this protagonist and their story. The start is a touch more whimsical than I'm used to. Given the last few stories I've produced, this is another breath of relaxation. I can take a moment to let characters be happy. It won't stay peaceful, of course, but that makes the honeymoon period no less sweet.
That'll be all for this brick of text. I'll do my best to resume my normal-ish schedule next week. Happy holidays to those who celebrate, and a wonderful week to everyone else regardless.
Toodles.
November 8, 2023
Done (Basically)
As of right now-ish, the planning for the next story has reached it's end. Finally managed to do something right on the expected time. First time for everything, right? All that's left to do is decide what will transpire in the wrap-up chapter. There's a chance I might not actually need one for once. We'll see how I feel about it when I get to that point in the writing.
Speaking of writing, that's what's next on the docket. I'll probably take a few days to let my head settle. Didn't take much of a breather after finishing the fifth story and I can feel it. Anxiety had control of the drums for a bit. Still does if I'm honest, but that's a whole other conversation. I've convinced myself a few days won't be the end of the world.
Not much to say about Shikaree. Got through another handful of submissions. Received passes on a few others. Bit of the same. I'd like to have more to say on the subject, but progress is not in my hands for the moment. Not unless I decide to go with self-publication. That's a whole other conversation, though, and it can be crossed as needs be.
Toodles.
Speaking of writing, that's what's next on the docket. I'll probably take a few days to let my head settle. Didn't take much of a breather after finishing the fifth story and I can feel it. Anxiety had control of the drums for a bit. Still does if I'm honest, but that's a whole other conversation. I've convinced myself a few days won't be the end of the world.
Not much to say about Shikaree. Got through another handful of submissions. Received passes on a few others. Bit of the same. I'd like to have more to say on the subject, but progress is not in my hands for the moment. Not unless I decide to go with self-publication. That's a whole other conversation, though, and it can be crossed as needs be.
Toodles.
November 2, 2023
Politely Yet Firmly
After spending so much time these past few months receiving passes on Shikaree, it was nice to flip the script for a moment. I finally heard back from Olympia Publishers regarding this second book. As it's technically a sequel to Spellseeker I was required by contract to give them a chance to make an offer. That offer was forwarded to me today and was subsequently refused.
This is not to say I have offers piling in for Shikaree or anything. Far from it. I've received one request for the full manuscript out of roughly seventy queries. Twenty-plus of those queries have been refused. The rest are lying in wait for a response from the agents in question. No, my choice to decline Olympia's offer was more a matter of pride than anything. I'm no longer in so desperate a state of mind that I would turn to their services again.
The next project I'm working on is coming together rather well. I should be done plotting by time the next blog post rolls around. It's always intimidating to start a fresh story, but I do love a healthy challenge when I can find one. Looking forward to crafting another tale soon.
Toodles.
This is not to say I have offers piling in for Shikaree or anything. Far from it. I've received one request for the full manuscript out of roughly seventy queries. Twenty-plus of those queries have been refused. The rest are lying in wait for a response from the agents in question. No, my choice to decline Olympia's offer was more a matter of pride than anything. I'm no longer in so desperate a state of mind that I would turn to their services again.
The next project I'm working on is coming together rather well. I should be done plotting by time the next blog post rolls around. It's always intimidating to start a fresh story, but I do love a healthy challenge when I can find one. Looking forward to crafting another tale soon.
Toodles.
October 26, 2023
Storyboarding
The initial creation of a plot is probably my favorite part of the storytelling process. It's a magical time where nothing is set in stone. Ideas come to life and get slung around a timeline like poop jokes at a family reunion (is that just my family?). Anything is possible at this point in time, and it feels like a breath of fresh air after the editing process from a previous story.
So far, I have the rough idea for the first twelve chapters. Pretty solid progress at almost two chapters a day. I am, however, caught up to my most realized ideas for the story. I know what the ending will be, but I need more connective tissue to get there. The characters have not fully mature yet and the conflict is unresolved.
My pace will likely slow to compensate for the increased effort needed to wade through the murk. This is where the real fun starts. I've walked the beaten path of mulled thoughts. Now it's time to draw a machete and hack through the jungle. The dense thicket is usually where the darkest parts of my stories come from. Turns that bring me screaming toward the conclusion. I'm excited to see exactly where I go this time.
Toodles.
So far, I have the rough idea for the first twelve chapters. Pretty solid progress at almost two chapters a day. I am, however, caught up to my most realized ideas for the story. I know what the ending will be, but I need more connective tissue to get there. The characters have not fully mature yet and the conflict is unresolved.
My pace will likely slow to compensate for the increased effort needed to wade through the murk. This is where the real fun starts. I've walked the beaten path of mulled thoughts. Now it's time to draw a machete and hack through the jungle. The dense thicket is usually where the darkest parts of my stories come from. Turns that bring me screaming toward the conclusion. I'm excited to see exactly where I go this time.
Toodles.
October 18, 2023
Easy, Breezy, Beautiful
All of the creative revisions for the fifth book are officially done. All is as it should be. At least until I reread sometime down the road and play with the prose. I'm running it through Grammarly at a pace of 3+ chapters a day. Depends on how much busy work I feel up to on the given day.
I'm cracking straight into storyboards for the sixth book. No waiting around for a week afterwards like I tend to. I've got the drive right now, and I want to take advantage of that for as long as I can. Especially considering this project will different from previous ones. This is the first book in the run to have multiple POVs. Father and daughter. It will be an interesting challenge getting the two stories to weave into the same conclusion, and I'm excited to try.
May or may not come down with a case of the Spider-Man Flu here in a few days. Fingers crossed it doesn't get too far in my way. Cautious optimism.
Toodles.
I'm cracking straight into storyboards for the sixth book. No waiting around for a week afterwards like I tend to. I've got the drive right now, and I want to take advantage of that for as long as I can. Especially considering this project will different from previous ones. This is the first book in the run to have multiple POVs. Father and daughter. It will be an interesting challenge getting the two stories to weave into the same conclusion, and I'm excited to try.
May or may not come down with a case of the Spider-Man Flu here in a few days. Fingers crossed it doesn't get too far in my way. Cautious optimism.
Toodles.
October 12, 2023
Almost Done
All of the major surgery for book five is done. Things like nixing whole chapters or replacing large sections of prose. What remains to be done is shuffling some consistency issues in line near the end of the story. Make sure all of the characters remain who they are. We like character growth, but we also like our characters to be recognizable and not perform unreasonable turns on a dime. I don't think any of the spots I'm thinking about are that severe, but I'll digging through to be sure regardless.
After the last bits of surgery, that just leaves tossing the whole work through Grammarly. I know from experience that it's not a perfect system. Grammarly catches quite a sizeable number of typos, but I still find plenty more when I comb through by hand. The effort is mostly just to make the story readable for folks I share it with. This story will get the same treatment as Shikaree when it comes time to send it around in search of representation.
My favorite thing about the Grammarly process is that it free my mind up to work on what comes next. In this case, that's the story board for book six (out of the seven that this initial run will expand). This next story is a bit vague in my head right now. I have a reasonable idea where we're starting and a definite ending. What remains is to feel through the middle. How we're getting from A to Z, as it were. It's quite possibly my favorite part of the entire process.
Toodles.
After the last bits of surgery, that just leaves tossing the whole work through Grammarly. I know from experience that it's not a perfect system. Grammarly catches quite a sizeable number of typos, but I still find plenty more when I comb through by hand. The effort is mostly just to make the story readable for folks I share it with. This story will get the same treatment as Shikaree when it comes time to send it around in search of representation.
My favorite thing about the Grammarly process is that it free my mind up to work on what comes next. In this case, that's the story board for book six (out of the seven that this initial run will expand). This next story is a bit vague in my head right now. I have a reasonable idea where we're starting and a definite ending. What remains is to feel through the middle. How we're getting from A to Z, as it were. It's quite possibly my favorite part of the entire process.
Toodles.
October 6, 2023
Clever Title
Revisions continue to progress on book five. I'm about halfway through at present. This isn't a matter where I'm going line by line like with Shikaree. Rather I'm revisiting problem spots I knew would require change beforehand. This usually sees me ripping out a few pages, then adding something that's more appropriate.
The goal of reducing overall length has gone rather swimmingly, as well. What started at around 670 pages in Word is down to about 610. Expecting to be close to a nice round 600 by the time I'm done with the major edits. After that, I'll run the whole story through Grammarly to weed out my awful tendency to skip words.
As far as Shikaree is concerned, I've sent out roughly 50 inquiries to various agents and agencies. Of the fifteen or so replies I've received, all but one were passes. One individual has requested the full manuscript for perusal. A rather cut and dry update on this front, but there's not much else to say.
Toodles.
The goal of reducing overall length has gone rather swimmingly, as well. What started at around 670 pages in Word is down to about 610. Expecting to be close to a nice round 600 by the time I'm done with the major edits. After that, I'll run the whole story through Grammarly to weed out my awful tendency to skip words.
As far as Shikaree is concerned, I've sent out roughly 50 inquiries to various agents and agencies. Of the fifteen or so replies I've received, all but one were passes. One individual has requested the full manuscript for perusal. A rather cut and dry update on this front, but there's not much else to say.
Toodles.
September 29, 2023
Feedback
Been getting the first handful of replies to queries for representation. All have been passes, which is no great surprise. I did not expect to have floods of people attacking my gate to get a piece of my work. I remain an unknown and unproven quantity. My only other published work, despite a handful of kind reviews, is essentially a failure to launch.
That said, it remains difficult to receive pass after pass. It is not the mere act of passing my work over, but the boilerplate nature of most declines. This is no way a dig at the agencies sending those replies. It's a busy trade, and the fact that they reply at all is a kindness. The lack of critical feedback is what wears at the nerves.
In searching for representation for Shikaree, I stumbled across a quote that has helped deal with the constant rejection. Something that explains the headspace of agents in the field more than the simple statement that a work is not the right fit. It goes:
"We say no for many reasons—because of changing trends in the market; because we already have something similar on our list; because we know of similar published or forthcoming titles; because something isn't right for us; because although something may be strong, well-written, and even publishable, we didn't fall in love with it."
That is from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency submissions page. It flavors the act of rejection in a way that few other agencies (in my experience) manage. Whether it's the agency as a whole, or the replies of individual agents. Imposter syndrome is a real bitch, and seeing words like these printed clearly does a lot keep me going.
Toodles.
That said, it remains difficult to receive pass after pass. It is not the mere act of passing my work over, but the boilerplate nature of most declines. This is no way a dig at the agencies sending those replies. It's a busy trade, and the fact that they reply at all is a kindness. The lack of critical feedback is what wears at the nerves.
In searching for representation for Shikaree, I stumbled across a quote that has helped deal with the constant rejection. Something that explains the headspace of agents in the field more than the simple statement that a work is not the right fit. It goes:
"We say no for many reasons—because of changing trends in the market; because we already have something similar on our list; because we know of similar published or forthcoming titles; because something isn't right for us; because although something may be strong, well-written, and even publishable, we didn't fall in love with it."
That is from the Andrea Brown Literary Agency submissions page. It flavors the act of rejection in a way that few other agencies (in my experience) manage. Whether it's the agency as a whole, or the replies of individual agents. Imposter syndrome is a real bitch, and seeing words like these printed clearly does a lot keep me going.
Toodles.
September 20, 2023
Revisions
This has been a big month of progress. Last week saw the first queries go out to agencies for Shikaree. This week I finished the draft for the book I'm currently working on! Always an exciting time when I get those last few words down on the page. Gives me a chance to take a step back and appreciate the journey from inception to completed draft.
After that first step back comes quite a few more. Gave myself a day after completing the last chapter to rest, just as I do for any other chapter. Then on Tuesday I dove into revision mode. I can say without a doubt that this story is going to receive the most transformative changes of any of my stories so far.
For starters, this was the first time I ever right-clicked a chapter and then pressed delete. Didn't capture any quotes. Didn't make adjustments to better fit where the story went. Just grabbed the machete and gave it one big whack. It seemed like an important inclusion at the time, but, once everything was said and done, the chapter was more distraction than progression.
Other change won't be quite so drastic. Some chapters are being broken apart and then mended together in a different way to improve flow. A couple minor characters are getting removed, with their contributions being shifted elsewhere. Some alterations will be made for greater consistency throughout. Hoping it won't take me more than a couple weeks.
Toodles.
After that first step back comes quite a few more. Gave myself a day after completing the last chapter to rest, just as I do for any other chapter. Then on Tuesday I dove into revision mode. I can say without a doubt that this story is going to receive the most transformative changes of any of my stories so far.
For starters, this was the first time I ever right-clicked a chapter and then pressed delete. Didn't capture any quotes. Didn't make adjustments to better fit where the story went. Just grabbed the machete and gave it one big whack. It seemed like an important inclusion at the time, but, once everything was said and done, the chapter was more distraction than progression.
Other change won't be quite so drastic. Some chapters are being broken apart and then mended together in a different way to improve flow. A couple minor characters are getting removed, with their contributions being shifted elsewhere. Some alterations will be made for greater consistency throughout. Hoping it won't take me more than a couple weeks.
Toodles.
