Rebecca Besser's Blog, page 65
August 23, 2013
Change - Building Pressure
I know I've been somewhat quiet lately... Especially on social media where I'm usually very active. The reason for this is I'm in the process of making some changes in my life. This causes me to be busy or just not in the mood to deal with the nonsense that goes along with social media.
I've got many irons in the fire, so to speak, in all areas of my life. I'm still looking for an agent - random request for reads keep coming my way so I'm still hopeful. I'm also trying to make some changes in my life that could lead to some restructuring of my time and focus.
Don't be alarmed, me and writing aren't breaking up. We're in a committed relationship. 
LOL I'm just not happy with certain aspects of various things and, because I'm a motivated person who does something about things I don't like, I'm working hard to make good changes that will make me happier and be more productive for my future.
Waiting for these changes has been building pressure and stresses me out at times. At those times I don't have the patience I would like to have. I go quiet and wait it out. When I'm fine again, I'm around again.
I'm also involved with a few collaborative projects right now. While I'm waiting on everything else to fall into place, I'm still writing and pushing forward. Even when it looks like I'm on a "pause" or "MIA," I'm working on something.
You're probably now wondering what changes I'm making, etc, but I'm not telling. I won't reveal anything unless it actually happens and things are going to change. The important thing is, I'm still here and I'm not going anywhere.
I'm just hoping that all the effort I'm putting into so many things isn't in vain. I'll keep working at it and moving forward - I'm too stubborn to give up! In the meantime, I have a great family who supports me and supports what I'm trying to do, because it will also benefit them.
There is one thing you should always remember about writers... There's always a lot going on behind the scenes before the big reveal.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
August 14, 2013
Lashing Out VS Encouragement
On social media there are rants posted every day by people who have had their feelings hurt, or are jealous as hell of anyone who has more talent, has more success, or is smarter, etc. All this does is make the person ranting look less credible and more like a petulant child than the intelligent voice of reason they seem to think they're being. Ranting doesn't get you anywhere. If you want to make your point, do it in a concise, informed, calm way. You can't make others listen to your voice, especially when you're yelling. That pushes people away and makes them close their minds.
I saw a link and comments posted in a group I'm in on Facebook today about someone discrediting and complaining about Indie Authors. I read the discussion on the posted link, but didn't go to the blog and read it. Because, I feel, that's exactly what the writer of the blog (who was an anonymous blogger) wants people to do. They want a witness for their tearing down of others in a blind rage. A rant against the masses that should be directed at a few. It was pointed out in the discussion that there were a few valid points in the blog post, but that they would get ignored because of the nature of the delivery. This makes my point exactly, which is why I bothered to mention it, even though I didn't go read the blog post myself.
Side note: I feel that if you can't write something openly and state your opinion using your name, especially when there's no political danger or anything involved (only time it's reasonable), then you're wasting my time. If you can't claim your own views and beliefs, I'm not interested in them at all.
I believe that if you have a point you should address it in an informed, helpful way. If you don't think someone is doing something the right way, then do a post about how to do something the right way and lead people to that knowledge rather than lash out blindly and repel people. Encouragement to grow or expand what people know is going to get your point across and keep people coming back for more information. At that point, you have an opportunity to change the things that you dislike.
Don't like how people edit or don't edit? Do a post about the need for editing with information leading to where people can find a good and decent editor. Don't like people's cover art? Do a post explaining the value of catching the buyer's eye and where people can go to get professional grade covers. Don't like self-publishing? Post links to presses that are taking submissions.
Those are the posts and blogs people will follow and read, and will keep them coming back for more.
Creative people get enough tearing down from others in their everyday lives who are jealous of their gifts. Be honest, we all face it in one way or another from someone. Whether it's a spouse or significant other that doesn't give the needed encouragement and support or just random people who feel threatened because they don't feel they measure up against you. They're out there.
If you have talent, share your talent. If you have a point to make, do it by encouraging others to make a change and a difference. Don't lash out like a two-year-old and discredit yourself.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
August 6, 2013
Agent Hunting - Requests
There was a moment of... "Do they really want me print out my entire novel and send it in the mail?" It was clear that they did from the email I received back from them, but my brain didn't seem to want to accept it as reality.
Most, in this digital age, request you email them what they want to see. But there are a few who still want the actual paper. I had a partial request for a couple chapters a few weeks ago that wanted them in print. I printed them and sent them.
I know sending email attachments is faster and easier, but I really wonder: "Is the print request a test?" I can't help but think that maybe some agents want to see how serious you are about getting an agent, and if you'll put forth the effort to do as they ask just to show your devotion to your work and the process. I'm not saying that's what they're doing. Heck, they might just like to read on paper! LOL I don't know.
The fact is that most writers are lazy, and anytime they get strange guidelines or requests from editors, publishers, or agents they'll shy away because it's weird. I, personally, think this is a good tool to see who is serious about wanting the opportunity. Which is why I wonder if it's a test.
Most writers will send things the way they want despite the clear set guidelines or requests set before them. This shows unprofessionalism. And still, after that show of not being a professional and the lack of consideration for the person's (editor/publisher/agent) time and wishes, those writers wonder why they get rejected. The guidelines are set forth for a reason. Maybe they prefer reading on paper rather than a computer or ereader. Perhaps there's a certain font or format that's better for them to work with because of their system and how it's set up. Maybe it's a test to see if you're serious and can read.
Regardless of the reason, a writer who wants to be successful needs to carefully read the guidelines or requests and meet them to the best of their ability, even if they don't seem to make sense.
I spent a good portion of the day I received the request formatting my manuscript to look beautiful on paper. I spent a good part of another day printing it out (I even had to go buy more ink and paper). Now, my novel is all boxed up and ready to send out. I plan to pass this test and hopefully gain an agent through my professional actions with meeting the request. If they say no, it definitely won't be because I didn't do as I was asked.
Challenge accepted. Professionalism achieved.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
August 2, 2013
New Release - Crossing Guard by Mark Taylor
Firstly,
I’d just like to thank Rebecca for allowing me to post here today.
The thing is, something wonderful has happened. I’ve realized a
dream. The Devil’s Hand series is something I have been working on
for some time. It’s a personal love. It was something new for many
reasons. And now the first step to having it completed is done.
Part
1 is finally available.
The
series arcs shorter stories into a novel. Each stands alone, but
together they create a whole. It defies genre, and the closest I can
get is dark fantasy with comedy and romance. Some, I’m sure would
say that there are splatters of horror, but I have tried hard to stay
away from going too far with it.
Like
I said, something new. Anyway, enough of my rambles...
Burning
fires raged in the darkness and the overwhelming stench of sulfur
hung in the air. Unimaginable heat made Angela reel—stagger—as if
she was going to blackout. Darin held her from behind.
“Miss
Mitchell,” he said quietly, “this is where the damned go to die.”
One
is a monster. One is the right hand of the Devil. Which is worse?
Angela
Mitchell hates her life. When debonair stranger, Marcel, turns up in
her library one night things look to be on the up. But neither of
them saw Darin in the shadows.
Angela
certainly never saw Hell coming to earth.
When
Marcel and Darin clash, Angela is dragged through the darkness of
Hades, has to fight for her life, and drinks wine. Lots of wine.
CROSSING
GUARD, Book 1 of The Devil’s Hand series is now available from
author Mark Taylor. It is a dark fantasy, with a dash of humor and a
spattering of inter-dimensional romance.
And
you are, of course, invited to talk
to The Hand.
Available
from Amazon US and Amazon UK, get it now...
...before
the war begins.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00DPUSVYE
Author
Bio
Mark
Taylor is a writer from the South East of England. He has had dozens
of flash titles, short stories and novellas published in presses,
large and small.
For
the most part his publications are horror. He writes twisted material
in
unsettling ways. Every now and again he strays from the path,
and you
never know what you are going to get...
His
explorations of the mind have taken him from flash to novel and back
again. He writes, edits and proofs.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100004014338243
Copyrights owned by Mark Taylor, 2013. All rights reserved.
July 19, 2013
New Release - Twisted Pathways of Murder & Death by Rebecca Besser
Click on cover pic to visit title on Amazon.
Twisted Pathways of Murder & Death
When emotions go to extremes murder happens.
Sometimes it’s because of betrayal.
Sometimes it’s in revenge.
Sometimes it’s to hide a lie or in self-defense.
Sometimes it’s to feed a secret hunger.
Whatever the reason, the human mind lends itself to twisted pathways that lead to murder and death…
Table of Contents
Deadly Mistakes
Turn of Events
Stalkers Beware
Hope of a Future
Game Gone Wrong
Mystery Meat
Father's Revenge
Innocent Blood
On Account of Bacon
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
July 16, 2013
Newsletter - Articles and More
I'm going to start doing a newsletter. It will be a bi-monthly (sent on the last day of the odd numbered months) newsletter in PDF format featuring articles, reviews, and updates about/by me about writing. I plan to have guests, etc. I'll run periodic contests and do new release announcements for books from friends and colleges.
If you'd be interestied in being a recipient of my newsletter, please email me at:
Projects @ RebeccaBesser.com (without the spaces around the @).
Put "Newsletter" in the subject line and your name and the email address you'd like me to send to in the body of the email.
**Note: Anyone already following my blog by email will automatically be signed up for the newsletter.**
If you have any questions, please send them to the same email addy with the same subject line.
I'll be sending out the first edition of the newsletter on the last day (31st) of July.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
July 8, 2013
Agent Hunting - Chances
As some of you know, especially if you've been reading my blog, I've started hunting for a literary agent. It's a long and involved process of writing a great query, synopsis, and having your book ready to send out at a moment's notice. There's also the process of separating the agents who represent your genre from the herd.
After that, it's send out time! Now you spend your time hoping someone will request chapters...or a full manuscript. I've had some luck with this so far.
I've had about 4 requests for chapters, but no takers yet. I've also had one full manuscript request from a very experienced agent with a well known firm.
It's hard sitting and waiting for responses and it hurts like hell when they say no.
My full manuscript request ended up being a no, and he explained why. Yeah, it hurt. Yeah, I wanted to argue about what he didn't like about my novel (because that's any writer's gut reaction at that point). No, I didn't lash out.
I sent the man a polite email, thanking him for his time and telling him how honored I was to be considered. (He took the time to read my entire book!) I remained professional even though I was somewhat crushed.
This is always the way with writers... Sending your writing out with high hopes and then being rejected. It hurts. But lashing back, or getting mad doesn't do any good. You want to build bridges, not burn them. You want to establish yourself as someone who is professional. This not only gets you the respect you want and need in this business, but it also opens doors for you later on. I plan to submit to this agent again with future projects, if necessary. I'm also taking his comments about my novel to heart for future projects. He apparently saw something no one else did. I can't ignore his years of experience and the insight that comes from it.
If I really look at this on the bright side... I got a free critique from a literary agent!
If I want to continue to see things positively, I need to act positively. So, I've sent out more queries in hopes of finding the right agent for my book, and for me. Because, apparently, this wasn't the right one. I'm going to use my negative emotions and turn them into positive determination to move forward and continue to go after what I want: an agent.
I still have a live chapters request, and I've sent out more queries. I only need one agent to love my novel (and me), and I know they're out there somewhere. They're going to be just as excited about finding me as I'm going to be about finding them....when the time and agent are right.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
July 3, 2013
Interview with Author Debra Robinson
Author Debra Robinson
Bec: Welcome to my blog! Why don't you start out by telling the readers a little bit about yourself:
Debra: Thanks, it’s great to be here!
Well, I’ve got a somewhat varied life going on at the moment. I’m a professional musician, a psychic, and most recently, an author. Whew! But I guess they all go together in a right-brained sort of way.
I was born into a religious, though psychic family, who also happened to be musical.
Then three years in a haunted house as a teen started me on a quest to understand the paranormal. It led to a lot of time spent studying palmistry, tarot and much of the “world beyond the veil”. I also do paranormal investigations, private readings, and work as a psychic for www.hauntedhistory.net. I live in Ohio, and perform music throughout the region as well, writing in the off-season. I really enjoy writing about true hauntings, and stories that feature the paranormal.
On the music side of things, I carry on a career in both live performance and music publishing. I have 2 CD’ s out, Pretty Lies and Perfect Girl, and most recently my LA music publisher had a song from my catalogue written and performed by my son James, placed in the Matthew McConaughey redband film trailer of Killer Joe. ( NC17).
On the author side, my first book is A Haunted Life: The True Ghost Story of a Reluctant Psychic and it was signed by Llewellyn Worldwide Publishing. It’s due to be released in just a couple of weeks, on July 8th 2013. I’m currently writing a follow-up book for Llewellyn. My latest title, Sarah’s Shadows, is a paranormal suspense, and is best described as a twisted Wizard of Oz meets the afterlife. This one has creep factor as well as characters! Definitely for fans of Stephen King.
Bec: What's your book about?
Debra: It’s about the journey that awaits a young girl who wakes up near the ceiling of the hospital, and realizes she’s died. Then she hears her deceased brother Jesse calling her from the hallway. They must make a 3 day trip through a strange world in-between life and death to save their father, who’s stuck there. It’s about afterlife, and what might happen, it’s about good and evil, loyalty and love. And it’s about family, friends, and the most important things in life. Add in monsters, zombies and demon’s, a life and death deadline, and Sarah’s Shadows will keep you turning page after page!
Bec: What inspired you to write it?
Debra: I had some personal tragedy in my life, and I started to re-imagine the afterlife, and what might await there. I based my research on many traditions and religions; everything from the gnostic gospels to Christianity, which all speak of a journey we go on after death. I just twisted it a little!
Bec: Is your book self-published, or with a press? Which one (if with a press)?
Debra: Sarah’s Shadows is published with Imaginary Friend, the print arm of my production/publishing company. My first book is with Llewellyn Worldwide, and I’m in the middle of the second book for them now.
Bec: Who is your favorite character in your book? Why?
Debra: I love them all, but I think little Maya is my favorite. She’s a child, but lived through so much and died in a tragic way, yet is braver because of it.
Bec: If you were following a clown, a reindeer, and a zombie down the street, where would you be going?
Debra: I’d be hoping they’d lead me to the strange, creepy circus music I’d been hearing since the night before, to finally put to rest my lifelong suspicions: is Santa Claus a zombie?!
Bec: He was. I wrote a story about it.
Are you planning on writing a sequel or any other books related to this one?Debra: Yes, Sarah’s Shadows will have at least another book in the series.
Bec: Apples or grapes?
Debra: Apples if baked (turnovers, pie, nom nom), grapes if raw!
Bec: Do you plan to write for any other genres?
Debra: I’m also working on a mystery, which I will fit in between writing the others, if I have time!
Bec: In one sentence, tell us why we should read your book.
Debra: It’s like Wizard of Oz meets the Afterlife, in a new kind of coming-of-age tale, where the dark side disguises itself as the Light.
Bec: Is there anything you would like to share that I haven't asked you about?
Debra: Sure, visit me at www.DebraRobinson.net
http://www.facebook.com/debrarobinsonauthor
www.amazon.com/author/debrarobinson
I’d love to talk with you about the paranormal in your own life!
Bec: Thank you for stopping by! Best of luck with your book/s!
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser and Debra Robinson, 2013. All rights reserved.
June 21, 2013
Review for an undead freebie!
My story, "Hall of Twelve," will be free on Amazon from June 22nd-26th!
As a bonus to this giveaway, if you leave a review on Amazon (credible review that makes me believe you've actually read the story) for Hall of Twelve from tomorrow 'til the end of July 2013, I'll email you a PDF copy of Undead Drive-Thru! That's right, I'll send you a copy of my zombie novella after you post a review for Hall of Twelve on Amazon.
After your review post goes live, leave a comment to this blog post with the link to the review (using the email address you'd like the PDF sent to). Or message me the link to the review and the email address you want me to send to on my Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/AuthorEditor-Rebecca-Besser/179090018777134?ref=hl
(If you've already left a review for Hall of Twelve and would like a PDF of Undead Drive-Thru, please let me know so I can send one to you.)
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
June 20, 2013
It's What I Want - Call Me Crazy! - Reposted
This was another of my blog posts that disappeared for unknown reasons, so I'm reposting.
Post, reposted:
As most of you have probably noticed, lately I've been doing a lot of posts about someone named Mark Malatesta and have been directing you to his site in regards to finding an agent. I don't know if you've gone, or if you haven't. I'm sure some of you think I'm crazy or annoying for pushing this issue. Maybe I am, and maybe I'm not.
I want to be successful. I've already achieved a mild level of success on my own, and yes, I'm happy with that. But, I want to see if I can do more and that's why I'm trying to get an agent. Yes, I could self-publish (and I have been experimenting with that lately), but I can try for mass market too. What harm is there in trying? I could score an agent and they could get me a contract with a large publisher. That would be awesome! And, if that doesn't work out, guess what? I still have the option of self-publishing or going with smaller presses. So, I have to ask, what do I have to lose? ABSOLUTELY NOTHING !
I've known about Mark's site for a long time, but wasn't really paying attention because I wasn't ready to start agent shopping. Now I'm ready, so I've spent some time there and got to know Mark - he's a good guy. I'm not pushing this or him just to get him business. I'm trying to share information that I've found useful with you, my fellow writers. I want all your writing dreams to come true. We all work too hard for that not to happen. I hope you don't feel like you aren't good enough for an agent, or feel intimidated by the prospect of mass market deals. You deserve the chance to reach more of the world with your writing. I have faith in you, and I have faith in myself.
So, call me crazy all you want, but I want a chance at more success than I've found so far. I also want that same chance for you. I hope you don't let fear or feeling like you aren't good enough scare you away from something wonderful that could change your life.
Copyrights owned by Rebecca Besser, 2013. All rights reserved.
