Kristi Chestnutt's Blog, page 5
December 10, 2012
Flattery, Stats and an upcoming Giveaway!
Your hair looks awesome. Seriously. Did you do something new? Lose weight?
Because you look AMAZING.
And it's been too long, yes?
Sorry about that. Things have been...busy. And the holidays are in full swing, making it all even busier...but in a more fun way. *yippee!*
Speaking of holidays~my critique buddy, friend, and all-around-person-of-awesomeness, Kristin, is co-hosting a seriously cool Giveaway in celebration of my recent agent news and you DO NOT want to miss it. I'm so excited about it, guys. It's going to be tons of fun and there will be lots of prizes (five different things up for grabs). Something for everyone--readers, non-readers and aspiring writers!
So be sure to check back Wednesday for all the juicy details.
Speaking of details...
see what I did there?!?
Anyone up for some query stats and deets? Because I love numbers of all kinds, even when they mean something different to everyone, and in all reality, don't tell you a whole lot.
For what it's worth, here are mine:
Queries sent: 61
Form Rejections received: 32
Full MS requests: 16
Partial MS requests: 1
Closed/No response/Changed Agencies/Etc: 12
I feel like it's important to tell you that this query experience was FAR different than my last one. It sucked way less. The book I queried before this one (that in retrospect was SO not ready), had only three full/partial requests out of 120 sent.
But you know what? I love to write. And instead of giving up, I read MORE, wrote MORE, and studied the craft MORE. And I could tell, though the writing took me longer, that I was getting better. And this time, when I queried, agents were more receptive, more helpful, more friendly.
A few things I learned during the process that might be helpful:
*Don't just read to read. Learn what you like and why.
What books can't you put down? It's different for everyone, but learning what I personally loved (voice), helped me define what I needed to work on in my own writing. I concentrated hard on voice with this last book, (because it's what I love in books I read) and from the feedback I've received, it worked. It's what people love about it. And it wasn't easy at first, but the more you practice, the easier it gets. By knowing what you like, you begin to discover your own style~your very own blend of voice mixed with details and action that fits you and your very own preference as a reader. Being a reader and a writer are so closely entwined, it's ridiculous.
*Like reading~writing and agent preference is subjective.
If you're querying, you're going to get rejected. It's part of the process, and while it's hard at times, try not to take it too personally. Everyone has different tastes. Every book I've ever loved and thought was truly amazing/outstanding had low ratings as well as high ones. We're all different people and we all gravitate towards different things. Agents are no different. Remember that when querying and try to do enough research to figure out which agents tastes will be similar to your own.
*Twitter is like publishing and literary gold.
Anyone on Twitter will tell you it's true. I've learned more from being on Twitter and following agents/editors/authors than I have anywhere else. They share pet peeves and helpful articles on a regular basis, not to mention all the #askAgent sessions, where you can ask participating agents anything you aren't sure of or can't find the answer to online. They love to help aspiring writers and Twitter allows them to do that on their own time, at the drop of a hat. And you can really start to get to know agent's personalities and get a feel for if you would mesh well with them, which, for me anyway, was very important. I joked with a writer friend once that my query list was mostly composed of people I'd followed and loved on Twitter. I wasn't lying. Trust me, I was scared to drink the Kool-aid at first too, but I'm so glad I did. If you follow the right people, it can be a huge resource.
*Critique groups and writing friends are a must.
I'm sure there are people out there who could do this alone, but I can't. My critique group and the writer friends I've made over the years are irreplaceable. Not only will your work be stronger for having gone through the intensive critique group style edits, but you'll have people who truly understand the journey, who "get it", and who will cheer you on. More importantly, they won't let you give up. I would admittedly be nothing without my girls. The writing community as a whole is just truly inspiring and loving. Seriously. It's the best group of people to link arms with and I promise they are all very accepting. Make friends. Share work. Succeed. Repeat.
And more than anything? No matter what you do? HAVE FUN!
It's important to remember why we all wanted to write in the first place, because if we're honest, getting published wasn't the reason we started scribbling stories and poems into old notebooks and typing away on a laptop. It was the furthest thing from our mind. We write because something inside of us needs to do it...pouring out words onto the page feeds a part of us that few other things do. And that, my friends, never changes.
And, so, until Wednesday...
Peace, love and books!
Because you look AMAZING.
And it's been too long, yes?
Sorry about that. Things have been...busy. And the holidays are in full swing, making it all even busier...but in a more fun way. *yippee!*
Speaking of holidays~my critique buddy, friend, and all-around-person-of-awesomeness, Kristin, is co-hosting a seriously cool Giveaway in celebration of my recent agent news and you DO NOT want to miss it. I'm so excited about it, guys. It's going to be tons of fun and there will be lots of prizes (five different things up for grabs). Something for everyone--readers, non-readers and aspiring writers!
So be sure to check back Wednesday for all the juicy details.
Speaking of details...
see what I did there?!?
Anyone up for some query stats and deets? Because I love numbers of all kinds, even when they mean something different to everyone, and in all reality, don't tell you a whole lot.
For what it's worth, here are mine:
Queries sent: 61
Form Rejections received: 32
Full MS requests: 16
Partial MS requests: 1
Closed/No response/Changed Agencies/Etc: 12
I feel like it's important to tell you that this query experience was FAR different than my last one. It sucked way less. The book I queried before this one (that in retrospect was SO not ready), had only three full/partial requests out of 120 sent.
But you know what? I love to write. And instead of giving up, I read MORE, wrote MORE, and studied the craft MORE. And I could tell, though the writing took me longer, that I was getting better. And this time, when I queried, agents were more receptive, more helpful, more friendly.
A few things I learned during the process that might be helpful:
*Don't just read to read. Learn what you like and why.
What books can't you put down? It's different for everyone, but learning what I personally loved (voice), helped me define what I needed to work on in my own writing. I concentrated hard on voice with this last book, (because it's what I love in books I read) and from the feedback I've received, it worked. It's what people love about it. And it wasn't easy at first, but the more you practice, the easier it gets. By knowing what you like, you begin to discover your own style~your very own blend of voice mixed with details and action that fits you and your very own preference as a reader. Being a reader and a writer are so closely entwined, it's ridiculous.
*Like reading~writing and agent preference is subjective.
If you're querying, you're going to get rejected. It's part of the process, and while it's hard at times, try not to take it too personally. Everyone has different tastes. Every book I've ever loved and thought was truly amazing/outstanding had low ratings as well as high ones. We're all different people and we all gravitate towards different things. Agents are no different. Remember that when querying and try to do enough research to figure out which agents tastes will be similar to your own.
*Twitter is like publishing and literary gold.
Anyone on Twitter will tell you it's true. I've learned more from being on Twitter and following agents/editors/authors than I have anywhere else. They share pet peeves and helpful articles on a regular basis, not to mention all the #askAgent sessions, where you can ask participating agents anything you aren't sure of or can't find the answer to online. They love to help aspiring writers and Twitter allows them to do that on their own time, at the drop of a hat. And you can really start to get to know agent's personalities and get a feel for if you would mesh well with them, which, for me anyway, was very important. I joked with a writer friend once that my query list was mostly composed of people I'd followed and loved on Twitter. I wasn't lying. Trust me, I was scared to drink the Kool-aid at first too, but I'm so glad I did. If you follow the right people, it can be a huge resource.
*Critique groups and writing friends are a must.
I'm sure there are people out there who could do this alone, but I can't. My critique group and the writer friends I've made over the years are irreplaceable. Not only will your work be stronger for having gone through the intensive critique group style edits, but you'll have people who truly understand the journey, who "get it", and who will cheer you on. More importantly, they won't let you give up. I would admittedly be nothing without my girls. The writing community as a whole is just truly inspiring and loving. Seriously. It's the best group of people to link arms with and I promise they are all very accepting. Make friends. Share work. Succeed. Repeat.
And more than anything? No matter what you do? HAVE FUN!
It's important to remember why we all wanted to write in the first place, because if we're honest, getting published wasn't the reason we started scribbling stories and poems into old notebooks and typing away on a laptop. It was the furthest thing from our mind. We write because something inside of us needs to do it...pouring out words onto the page feeds a part of us that few other things do. And that, my friends, never changes.
And, so, until Wednesday...
Peace, love and books!
November 26, 2012
Thanksgiving (and HUGE AGENTY NEWS)
Did everyone have a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday? Was this year delightful or a disaster?
I had a revolving door of company in and out of my house, and it was absolutely fantastic. Sometimes that kind of thing can be stressful, you know? All the cleaning and preparing and different people coming together, all with separate expectations of how things will be. But this year? None of that stuff seemed to be an issue, and if it was, I was blissfully ignorant. Granted, if I have to make my bed or clean my house like that again anytime soon, I might lose it. It was worth it and all, but the house-cleaning vibe was fully spent for the rest of the year. No change left in the dust-o-matic machine.
And I had an extra SPECIAL thing to be thankful for this year. (Read on if you missed me shouting it from the rooftops on Twitter and Facebook last week right before the holidays, and if you already know, feel free to zone out for a minute as I do yet another happy dance.)
I am thrilled to announce that after a few months of treading through the query waters, all while dodging the waves of rejection and riding out the necessary revisions,
I HAVE AN AGENT!!!!*
Not just any agent either, one who is excited about my manuscript. I know. It's sick-happy-inducing.
Curious yet?
It's Bree Ogden from D4EO Literary Agency!
And seriously guys, I couldn't be happier. Everyone in the #Breepod has been extra awesome to me since joining and I just can't express how cool it's been to announce this news and have such a big, warm hug from the writing community. You guys are MY PEOPLE. And if you were here, I'd hug you all.
I promise a longer post (and celebratory giveaway!) soon with stats and things that I know all us aspiring writer's love to see...
Until then, peace, love and books!
And one last thought: If writing is your dream, if you can't help but put words down on paper, whether or not they end up going anywhere in the end anyway, I'm here to tell you: Keep it up. You never know what's around the corner.
*I apologize for the exclamation and cap abuse, but really, I feel it's a writer right-of-passage, you know? Bear with me and I'll do my best to return to normal...err, as normal as I usually am...soon. Maybe. No promises.
I had a revolving door of company in and out of my house, and it was absolutely fantastic. Sometimes that kind of thing can be stressful, you know? All the cleaning and preparing and different people coming together, all with separate expectations of how things will be. But this year? None of that stuff seemed to be an issue, and if it was, I was blissfully ignorant. Granted, if I have to make my bed or clean my house like that again anytime soon, I might lose it. It was worth it and all, but the house-cleaning vibe was fully spent for the rest of the year. No change left in the dust-o-matic machine.
And I had an extra SPECIAL thing to be thankful for this year. (Read on if you missed me shouting it from the rooftops on Twitter and Facebook last week right before the holidays, and if you already know, feel free to zone out for a minute as I do yet another happy dance.)
I am thrilled to announce that after a few months of treading through the query waters, all while dodging the waves of rejection and riding out the necessary revisions,
I HAVE AN AGENT!!!!*
Not just any agent either, one who is excited about my manuscript. I know. It's sick-happy-inducing.
Curious yet?
It's Bree Ogden from D4EO Literary Agency!
And seriously guys, I couldn't be happier. Everyone in the #Breepod has been extra awesome to me since joining and I just can't express how cool it's been to announce this news and have such a big, warm hug from the writing community. You guys are MY PEOPLE. And if you were here, I'd hug you all.
I promise a longer post (and celebratory giveaway!) soon with stats and things that I know all us aspiring writer's love to see...
Until then, peace, love and books!
And one last thought: If writing is your dream, if you can't help but put words down on paper, whether or not they end up going anywhere in the end anyway, I'm here to tell you: Keep it up. You never know what's around the corner.
*I apologize for the exclamation and cap abuse, but really, I feel it's a writer right-of-passage, you know? Bear with me and I'll do my best to return to normal...err, as normal as I usually am...soon. Maybe. No promises.
November 17, 2012
YALLFest 2012 (In photos)
You guys. YALLFest 2012 was epic. It really was. In so many ways.
First of all - can I say that Margie Stohl is not only totally adorable, but more enthusiastic and fun than you can ever imagine?!? Seriously. Besides being the co-creator of the whole event and helping organize and plan everything, she oozes this contagious, brilliant, exciting vibe. I think her Beautiful Creatures books are starting to rub off on her, or maybe it's the other way around?!? Either way, I'm convinced she's absolutely magical.
The whole weekend was just fun, fun, fun, with a little bit of utter chaos mixed in to even it all out. BUT none of it would've been the same without my partner-in-crime (and also my sister), Sandy. Think I mentioned before that our sisterly road trips have become fewer over the years, as it's increasingly hard with our busy schedules to get away. SO this trip came at the perfect time for both of us and it was just great to hang out and catch up on everything we've missed.
And those of you that have followed the blog for awhile now know I'm a HUGE fan of photo tours/blogs, so without further ado, here's our trip through the lens of our cameras/phones:
Leaving my house on Friday around lunch time. It's a sisterly tradition to get Taco Bell at some point during our trip. There are so very many reasons/ top-secret superstitions attached to this, so you'll have to trust me on this one and just know, that like YALLFest, it's epic.
That night, after checking into our hotel, we walked to the Noisy Oyster for dinner, and though this pictures does NOT do it justice, this fried-green-tomatoes appetizer was PHENOMENAL. Seriously. One of the most spectacular things I've had in a while. And I don't even like grits. Something about the combination of the flavors in this was dead on. YUM.
The next morning, we packed an INSANE amount of books into our two bags and set off in search of coffee and our first panel, the Keynote about Literary Friendships, led by none other than Cassie Clare and Holly Black.
Waiting for the Keynote to begin.
Waiting...
And...IT BEGINS!!!Jonathan Sanchez, Margaret Stohl, and Melissa de la Cruz greet the crowd!
Cassie Clare and Holly Black talk about literary friendships and other general awesomeness.
Waiting in line for the Cassie Clare signing. Meeting her was definitely a YALLFest highlight, and we talked briefly about important subjects such as Magnus Bane and the amazingly hot actor who will play him in the upcoming movie. Cassie said she got to be an extra in the Magnus Bane party scene from City of Bones...how cool is that?
Lunch was a quick pita, which we ate at this cool fountain with benches surrounding it.All the panels and signings happened throughout the day, overlapping each other, so most of our time was spent going from one thing to another, so it was way past 1pm by the time we stopped to get a snack. We were starving from all the walking and lugging around of the books!
Live long and prosper!!! (that went through my head every.single.time. we passed this "do not walk" sign with the lights out.)
Our last signing of the day!(Carrie Ryan, one of my all time favorite YA authors)
Carrie signing my Forest of Hands and Teeth books while we talk about zombies.(Look how happy I am. Do you see the love? Because she writes zombies better than anyone, and I never, ever, in a million years thought a zombie book could be so intelligent and moving. Seriously, those books are genius!)
Me and the lovely, aforementioned Carrie Ryan
YA Smackdown! An insane and chaotic, improv-type event that is highly entertaining.A slew of YA authors, grouped into their written genres, compete by making and acting out various stories throughout the night. Seriously laughed so hard!
Charleston, the next morning, right before we headed home.Gorgeous, no?
A trip to Charleston is never fully complete without a Pineapple Fountain photo.Trust me on this. GOOD TIMES, I tell you. Good times! Stay tuned for other exciting news, hopefully to be announced sometime next week. When I say my trip to Charleston was epic is SO MANY WAYS, I mean it. It was a weekend I'll never forget, highlighted by quality time spent with my sister, celebrating books and authors that I love, with future meaning to me and my career as a writer/author. Intrigued yet? Me too. Hope this post finds you all having a spectacular weekend! Peace, love and books!
First of all - can I say that Margie Stohl is not only totally adorable, but more enthusiastic and fun than you can ever imagine?!? Seriously. Besides being the co-creator of the whole event and helping organize and plan everything, she oozes this contagious, brilliant, exciting vibe. I think her Beautiful Creatures books are starting to rub off on her, or maybe it's the other way around?!? Either way, I'm convinced she's absolutely magical.
The whole weekend was just fun, fun, fun, with a little bit of utter chaos mixed in to even it all out. BUT none of it would've been the same without my partner-in-crime (and also my sister), Sandy. Think I mentioned before that our sisterly road trips have become fewer over the years, as it's increasingly hard with our busy schedules to get away. SO this trip came at the perfect time for both of us and it was just great to hang out and catch up on everything we've missed.
And those of you that have followed the blog for awhile now know I'm a HUGE fan of photo tours/blogs, so without further ado, here's our trip through the lens of our cameras/phones:
Leaving my house on Friday around lunch time. It's a sisterly tradition to get Taco Bell at some point during our trip. There are so very many reasons/ top-secret superstitions attached to this, so you'll have to trust me on this one and just know, that like YALLFest, it's epic.
That night, after checking into our hotel, we walked to the Noisy Oyster for dinner, and though this pictures does NOT do it justice, this fried-green-tomatoes appetizer was PHENOMENAL. Seriously. One of the most spectacular things I've had in a while. And I don't even like grits. Something about the combination of the flavors in this was dead on. YUM.
The next morning, we packed an INSANE amount of books into our two bags and set off in search of coffee and our first panel, the Keynote about Literary Friendships, led by none other than Cassie Clare and Holly Black.
Waiting for the Keynote to begin.
Waiting...
And...IT BEGINS!!!Jonathan Sanchez, Margaret Stohl, and Melissa de la Cruz greet the crowd!
Cassie Clare and Holly Black talk about literary friendships and other general awesomeness.
Waiting in line for the Cassie Clare signing. Meeting her was definitely a YALLFest highlight, and we talked briefly about important subjects such as Magnus Bane and the amazingly hot actor who will play him in the upcoming movie. Cassie said she got to be an extra in the Magnus Bane party scene from City of Bones...how cool is that?
Lunch was a quick pita, which we ate at this cool fountain with benches surrounding it.All the panels and signings happened throughout the day, overlapping each other, so most of our time was spent going from one thing to another, so it was way past 1pm by the time we stopped to get a snack. We were starving from all the walking and lugging around of the books!
Live long and prosper!!! (that went through my head every.single.time. we passed this "do not walk" sign with the lights out.)
Our last signing of the day!(Carrie Ryan, one of my all time favorite YA authors)
Carrie signing my Forest of Hands and Teeth books while we talk about zombies.(Look how happy I am. Do you see the love? Because she writes zombies better than anyone, and I never, ever, in a million years thought a zombie book could be so intelligent and moving. Seriously, those books are genius!)
Me and the lovely, aforementioned Carrie Ryan
YA Smackdown! An insane and chaotic, improv-type event that is highly entertaining.A slew of YA authors, grouped into their written genres, compete by making and acting out various stories throughout the night. Seriously laughed so hard!
Charleston, the next morning, right before we headed home.Gorgeous, no?
A trip to Charleston is never fully complete without a Pineapple Fountain photo.Trust me on this. GOOD TIMES, I tell you. Good times! Stay tuned for other exciting news, hopefully to be announced sometime next week. When I say my trip to Charleston was epic is SO MANY WAYS, I mean it. It was a weekend I'll never forget, highlighted by quality time spent with my sister, celebrating books and authors that I love, with future meaning to me and my career as a writer/author. Intrigued yet? Me too. Hope this post finds you all having a spectacular weekend! Peace, love and books!
November 4, 2012
YALLFEST!
Guess where I'll be this weekend? At the epicness that is: 
This is my first time going to YALLfest, and with a lineup of over 40 YA authors and tons of panels to attend, I can't wait. My sister, whom I like to mention around this time every year, is going with me for a fun, book-filled, girls weekend. (We don't get to do this much anymore, so it's going to be AMAZING!) For those of you that are new to the blog or haven't been around long enough to hear her story, she's my family's miracle, and it's this time of year we normally participate in the annual Walk-for-Wishes campaign put on by the Make-A-Wish Organization. We're going to miss the walk this year, as it falls on the same weekend and we planned our trip in advance, but the rest of our family will be there supporting, and we're still raising money. If you'd like to donate, you can do so HERE, and, as a family who has benefited from the wish granting process, in doing so, you'll help a child and family who are currently going through a really dark, rough time. So, if you're moved to donate, THANK YOU so much. And if you happen to be attending YALLFEST next weekend and happen to see my sister and I wandering around, please DO introduce yourselves and say "Hi". I love meeting new people!
Sandy and I at last year's Walk for Wishes! Before I forget, best of luck to all my NaNoWriMo authorly/writerly friends out there! Pound out those words, and kudos to you for being so brave! I'm always tempted to participate, but the thought of writing and not being able to edit as I go FREAKS me out. (I'm weak, I tell you, WEAK!!!) Happy November everyone!
Peace, love, and books! ;)
This is my first time going to YALLfest, and with a lineup of over 40 YA authors and tons of panels to attend, I can't wait. My sister, whom I like to mention around this time every year, is going with me for a fun, book-filled, girls weekend. (We don't get to do this much anymore, so it's going to be AMAZING!) For those of you that are new to the blog or haven't been around long enough to hear her story, she's my family's miracle, and it's this time of year we normally participate in the annual Walk-for-Wishes campaign put on by the Make-A-Wish Organization. We're going to miss the walk this year, as it falls on the same weekend and we planned our trip in advance, but the rest of our family will be there supporting, and we're still raising money. If you'd like to donate, you can do so HERE, and, as a family who has benefited from the wish granting process, in doing so, you'll help a child and family who are currently going through a really dark, rough time. So, if you're moved to donate, THANK YOU so much. And if you happen to be attending YALLFEST next weekend and happen to see my sister and I wandering around, please DO introduce yourselves and say "Hi". I love meeting new people!
Sandy and I at last year's Walk for Wishes! Before I forget, best of luck to all my NaNoWriMo authorly/writerly friends out there! Pound out those words, and kudos to you for being so brave! I'm always tempted to participate, but the thought of writing and not being able to edit as I go FREAKS me out. (I'm weak, I tell you, WEAK!!!) Happy November everyone!Peace, love, and books! ;)
October 31, 2012
Giveaway Winners!!!
First off, HAPPY HALLOWEEN to you all!!! 
Hope this post finds you each safe and sound, and that those of you in Sandy's path this week are recovering. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you! Also want to say a huge thanks to all those who shared in our Good News Giveaway, and even if you didn't win this round, remember, that with hard work, dreams really do come true!
Without further ado, here are our winners!!!Sarah Ahiers - Kody Keplinger Prize PackAbby Minard - Elana Johnson Prize PackRynebone - Halloween Prize PackDiayll Sales - Writer's Prize PackJanet Johnson - Middle Grade Prize Pack CONGRATULATIONS!!! We'll be emailing each of the winners this week and will get your goodies to you pronto!
Hope this post finds you each safe and sound, and that those of you in Sandy's path this week are recovering. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you! Also want to say a huge thanks to all those who shared in our Good News Giveaway, and even if you didn't win this round, remember, that with hard work, dreams really do come true!
Without further ado, here are our winners!!!Sarah Ahiers - Kody Keplinger Prize PackAbby Minard - Elana Johnson Prize PackRynebone - Halloween Prize PackDiayll Sales - Writer's Prize PackJanet Johnson - Middle Grade Prize Pack CONGRATULATIONS!!! We'll be emailing each of the winners this week and will get your goodies to you pronto!
October 16, 2012
The Good News Giveaway!
As promised, it's time to celebrate my critique buddy (and friend), Kristin Rae's SUPER HAPPY AGENT NEWS! If you haven't heard yet, or haven't wished her well, you can check out her posts HERE and HERE.
We have several prize packs up for grabs and there will be FIVE winners!
That's right, party people. FIVE!!!
The goodies up for grabs:
*Halloween Prize Pack - (Signed copy of The Diviners by Libba Bray and Signed copy of The Dark Divine by Bree Despain)*Middle Grade Pack (Signed ARC of Princess Academy: Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale and Signed ARC of Whatever After: Fairest of All by Sarah Mlynowski)
*Elana Johnson Pack (ARC of Possession and ARC of Surrender)
*Kody Keplinger Pack (Paperback of The DUFF, ARC of Shut Out, ARC of A Midsummer's Nightmare)
*Writer's Pack: Plot & Structure by James Scott Bell
We're a fan of easy giveaways, so all you need to do to enter is leave you name and email address (in case you win) in the form below. Please Note: the same form is on both of our blogs, so you only need to enter once-either here or there-all entries will go to one form.
There are, of course, lots of extra ways to get points for you overachievers! See the form below for details.
The contest will run for two weeks (Oct 17-29), with the winners being announced on Halloween!
Enter using the form below, and GOOD LUCK!
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October 6, 2012
Stay tuned...a giveaway is in the works!
So most of you probably know by now that my critique partner and blogging buddy, Kristin Rae, had some SUPER-MEGA-FANTASTICAL-NEWS last week, right? No? You haven't heard? Well, you can go HERE and read it for yourself if you happened to miss it. (Be sure to tell her I said hey and wish her well!)
And because of all the awesomeness, we're planning a celebratory giveaway!
We're in the process of finalizing details now, but I'll tell you...there will be multiple prizes to be had and a plethora of books (of course!!!)
So, heads up...stay tuned and look for an announcement sometime next week with details!
Hope you're all having an awesome weekend!
And because of all the awesomeness, we're planning a celebratory giveaway!
We're in the process of finalizing details now, but I'll tell you...there will be multiple prizes to be had and a plethora of books (of course!!!)
So, heads up...stay tuned and look for an announcement sometime next week with details!
Hope you're all having an awesome weekend!
October 3, 2012
Celebrate Good Times....Come ON!
Today, I have news.
HUGE, FANTASTICAL, FUN NEWS!
But you have to go HERE to read all about it.
Please be sure to wish my critique partner (and friend) Kristin a well deserved Congratulations. It's always good when one of our fellow bloggers has a success story to share, but this one holds a special place in my heart.
AND I think a giveaway in honor of this kind of news is warranted.
I'll think on it and try to post something Friday, but for now, please go visit and share the bloggy love with Kristin!
Big, squishy hugs all around!!!! And cupcakes!
HUGE, FANTASTICAL, FUN NEWS!
But you have to go HERE to read all about it.
Please be sure to wish my critique partner (and friend) Kristin a well deserved Congratulations. It's always good when one of our fellow bloggers has a success story to share, but this one holds a special place in my heart.
AND I think a giveaway in honor of this kind of news is warranted.
I'll think on it and try to post something Friday, but for now, please go visit and share the bloggy love with Kristin!
Big, squishy hugs all around!!!! And cupcakes!
October 1, 2012
In which my characters beat me into submission...
There’s one piece of writing advice I’ve read over and over in several articles and blogposts across the interwebs: while querying a project, you should always, always, always start working on something else. And most people agree that the something else should NOT be Book#2 if Book #1 hasn’t sold yet.
It’s sound advice. It makes sense. I 100% agree. And, yet, I think I’m going to ignore it.
I KNOW! It scares me a little too.
But here’s the thing~I’ve tried over the past few weeks to start on some of my other new, shiny projects. I’ve written a few pages, doodled plots and ideas into notebooks, thought longingly about the story in my head while gazing out of a window…but my heart’s not really in it. I’m distracted.
It’s not that I have writer’s block per se, I think it’s that I have writer’s dilemma.
Because I’m not ready to start something totally new. I’m not. The characters from Book#1 have been on my mind a lot. I miss them. I want to work with them again. And now, after lots of contemplation, I’m pretty sure until I do just that, my attention will never fully be on something else.
So, I’m doing the FEARED. I’m going to work on Book #2 anyway and see where it takes me. I have lots of ideas and thoughts scribbled down, ready for action.
And for me, a lot of it is about closure. I have places I want this story to go that it hasn’t been yet.
The whole situation reminds me of the television show Veronica Mars (which if you haven’t seen yet, you NEED TO!) and how it was cancelled too early. I’m still left wanting more, dying to know what happened after Season 3. And I’m not ready to deal with that quite yet with my own story. Not while I still have ideas to explore.
In many ways, the plan I have in my head is alot like the unaired season 4 Trailer of VM (that a fellow VM fan and overall amazing person shared with me recently.)
The bittersweet season 4 Trailer (aka the season that never was): SIDENOTE: Where is my Logan?!?
What about you? Have any thoughts/advice/warnings for me as I start to follow my characters into the unknown?
It’s sound advice. It makes sense. I 100% agree. And, yet, I think I’m going to ignore it.
I KNOW! It scares me a little too.
But here’s the thing~I’ve tried over the past few weeks to start on some of my other new, shiny projects. I’ve written a few pages, doodled plots and ideas into notebooks, thought longingly about the story in my head while gazing out of a window…but my heart’s not really in it. I’m distracted.
It’s not that I have writer’s block per se, I think it’s that I have writer’s dilemma.
Because I’m not ready to start something totally new. I’m not. The characters from Book#1 have been on my mind a lot. I miss them. I want to work with them again. And now, after lots of contemplation, I’m pretty sure until I do just that, my attention will never fully be on something else.
So, I’m doing the FEARED. I’m going to work on Book #2 anyway and see where it takes me. I have lots of ideas and thoughts scribbled down, ready for action.
And for me, a lot of it is about closure. I have places I want this story to go that it hasn’t been yet.
The whole situation reminds me of the television show Veronica Mars (which if you haven’t seen yet, you NEED TO!) and how it was cancelled too early. I’m still left wanting more, dying to know what happened after Season 3. And I’m not ready to deal with that quite yet with my own story. Not while I still have ideas to explore.
In many ways, the plan I have in my head is alot like the unaired season 4 Trailer of VM (that a fellow VM fan and overall amazing person shared with me recently.)
The bittersweet season 4 Trailer (aka the season that never was): SIDENOTE: Where is my Logan?!?
What about you? Have any thoughts/advice/warnings for me as I start to follow my characters into the unknown?
September 28, 2012
Friday Fun
A few of my favorite things... Can't wait for this movie, I loved the first book in this series:
I'm current reading and enjoying The Diviners by Libba Bray (WARNING: spooky!)Book Trailer: AND it wouldn't truly be a Fun Friday without some The Mortal Instruments casting goodness. Check out the photo below, courtesy of TMI Source.
The Institute, perhaps? Looks amazing. HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE! 
I'm current reading and enjoying The Diviners by Libba Bray (WARNING: spooky!)Book Trailer: AND it wouldn't truly be a Fun Friday without some The Mortal Instruments casting goodness. Check out the photo below, courtesy of TMI Source.
The Institute, perhaps? Looks amazing. HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!
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