Angela Joseph's Blog, page 29
October 21, 2012
Will You Pay Someone To Write Your Synopsis?
You have worked for months, maybe years, on your novel and now you are faced with the daunting task of writing the synopsis. Writers dread the work of condensing a 300-page manuscript into one page. Knowing what to include and how to include it is crucial to writing a compelling synopsis.
What a synopsis is not
It is not an author’s bio, nor the reason why you wrote the book. You can state this briefly in your query letter, but only briefly. It is not a character sketch, neither is it a list of plot points. Having said that, let’s take a look at what a synopsis is:
It is a summary of your book
Plain and simple. It contains the beginning andthe end with the high points of your story sandwiched between them.
It is compelling
Notice I use the word compelling because your synopsis should be as compelling as the story itself. And in order to do that you have to first start with a hook, just as you did at the beginning of your book. You want the editor to continue reading, right? Then in the body of your synopsis you write the salient points of your story in chronological order. This may not happen in your book, but for the sake of clarity, events should follow each other in order.
It uses strong verbs
Just as when you wrote the book, you chose strong verbs, used the active voice rather than passive and used adjectives and adverbs sparingly, do the same with your synopsis. And always write in the present tense.
It is concise
Leave out details that don’t matter. For example, if Anne confides in her friend, Susie, that she’s thinking of divorcing Jim, it’s not necessary to say Ann picked up the phone and called Susie and invited her to dinner and over a steak and lobster dinner … No, you are choking the details. Simply say what Anne tells Susie.
It includes action and reaction
Be careful to state how major characters react to events in the story – if their reaction helps to drive the plot. Let’s say Susie is thrilled at Anne’s news because she has had her eyes on Jim for a long time – then you must include that.
It follows the agent’s/editor’s guidelines
Some agents may ask for a one-page synopsis, some may simply say “short.” If they do not specify, limit your synopsis to two or three pages.
I heard someone say it’s a good idea to write the synopsis first. I don’t think that would work for me. My characters tend to change direction midway. But if you have carefully plotted your novel before you started writing your story, then you can give it a try. Either way, the more you practice, the better you will become. Why not try writing a synopsis for a story you have read?
——————————————————————————————————————
Resources
http://astore.amazon.com/occutherandy...
http://astore.amazon.com/occutherandy...
http://astore.amazon.com/occutherandy...
October 13, 2012
Blogging About My Book – Authenticity
I’m sure you are familiar with the quote, “Write what you know.” Well, I came across another quote recetly: “Don’t write what you know—what you know may bore you, and thus bore your readers. Write about what interests you—and interests you deeply—and your readers will catch fire at your words.” ~~ Valerie Sherwood.
That’s what I did in one scene of my book when my protag and her love interest went fishing. After I finished the chapter, I felt dissatisfied. The setting was right, the emotion was there and the scene helped to move the story along, but to my mind it lacked that important ingredient – authenticity. I submitted the scene to my writer’s group with a little disclaimer that I had never, in the way-more-than-half-century in which I’ve lived, gone fishing, but it was something that interested me deeply and which I thought would fit well with the island setting of my book.
My group was wonderful. They helped me fix the factual errors I’d made – despite my research – and I rewrote the scene. But I still wasn’t satisfied. So last weekend, I thought it was time. I talked one of my buddies from work into going fishing with me. We went out on one of those charter boats with six other people, including the captain and his mate. There was not much room to move around, but who cared? I was going fishing. I watched as the guy baited the hook then gave a rod to each of us. I suddenly felt self conscious, but he was patient, showing me how to cast the line until the bait could no longer be seen. Everything went fine for the first hour or so. I leapt with excitement when I felt a tug on my line, but when I reeled it in, there was no fish, and half of my bait had been bitten off.
At our second stop, the waves were choppy. The boat moved up and down, and so did my insides. I was going to be sick! When I couldn’t hold it any longer, I made a dash to the lower deck where I was sick in the tiny, not-very-well-kept bathroom. That ended my fishing experience. Excited yells from the other fishers went unheeded as all I could think of was how sick I felt and how much longer my ordeal would be. Three hours later, I heaved a sigh of relief as we pulled up 
to the marina and I climbed shakily out of the boat.
So I ask again, to what lengths would you go as a writer to make your work authentic? I guess it depends on what you want to achieve in your story and how much it would cost you. Today, with the internet and television, we can easily do research from the comfort of our homes, but for me, I wanted to put myself in my character’s shoes. Was it worth it? I think so, even though my character had a much more exciting time than I did. She caught three fishes; I only caught sea-sickness. Will I do it again? Let me think about that.
September 30, 2012
I Pitched My Novel
I always shuddered at the thought of pitching my novel to an agent, so when the opportunity came to pitch my novel Coming Out Of Egypt at a writer’s conference recently, I made sure to prepare myself well beforehand. I researched the agent online to see the kinds of books she was interested in, then I read as much as I could about how to pitch before creating my pitch. I even blogged about it. See http://angelasfreelancewriting.com/bl.... Then I created three versions of my pitch and sent them to my critique group, who was already familiar with my novel. I was happy when they picked the one I preferred. I practiced and practiced, recording it on my cell phone and by the time I got to the conference, most of my nervousness had disappeared.
I happened to meet Ms. Hardy in the ladies’ room during one of the breaks. She told me who she was and my mouth fell open. She seemed so friendly and down-to-earth, I took the opportunity to introduce myself and let her know I would be pitching my book to her that afternoon. That meeting helped to remove any lingering nervousness I still had. I had another contact with her during her workshop on, what else, how to find a literary agent.
By the time I faced her in the chair that afternoon, I felt I knew her quite well and was able to speak confidently about my novel. She took notes while I spoke and asked questions about the characters – their age, occupation and, since my book is Christian fiction, their religious beliefs. Then came the question I expected, but dreaded: What section do you see your book fitting into in the bookstore?
The fact is that every book in a bookstore has to fit a particular genre perfectly. Even though I consider my book to be a Christian romance, it does not fit the mold exactly and I explained that to Ms. Hardy. My book has multicultural and police sub-genres, which give it, to my mind, more substance than the usual boy-meets-girl, they fall in love, then boy-loses-girl, then he gets girl back. All of this happens in Coming Out Of Egypt, but with more depth. After I’d explained this to Ms. Hardy, she asked me what percentage of the novel I would say is romance. I told her about seventy-five percent, which I believe to be accurate. Apparently, romance readers are more interested in the romance aspect of the story than anything else.
The session ended with her saying she liked my story idea and I should send her my proposal. I had walked with the synopsis and three sample chapters, but she said it’s easier for her to read it electronically, so I e-mailed it to her a couple days later. And now I wait.
Have you pitched your book to an agent? What was the experience like? How long did you have to wait before he/she replied? Please leave your comments below.
September 22, 2012
Attending A Writer’s Conference
I have been away from my blog for a few weeks, reason being that I was at a conference the first week, then I went on vacation and now I’m trying to reignite my brain to pick up where it left off. I must confess that during my vacation I broke one of my rules, which is to write every day. But even the best of us slip up sometimes, don’t we?. So on to the conference.
Before I signed up,
I’d never heard of the Black Writers Retreat & Conference. But since it was in my backyard, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, I thought I should take advantage of the proximity. It turned out to be a good investment in time and money. The seaside location proved to be ideal, the workshops practical and helpful and the presenters knowledgeable and inspiring.
The first workshop I attended was titled “Writing Faction.” Now this got me, as I thought it was a typo, but, of course, the organizers were too professional to make that kind of error. The subject had to do with research methodology and presenting the facts in your memoir, biography or even in fiction. The presenter, Dr. Heiss, who hails from Sydney, Australia showed us how to gather and include facts in our stories.
Dr. Heiss cautioned that in preparing to write we should first consider:
1. What do I want to do with my novel and
2. Why do people need to read my story
She then went into the importance of research methodology. Now this is a topic that, unless you are a history buff or someone like that, most writers may not find very exciting. But as Dr. Heiss spoke about the research she conducted for her novels, I saw how research can add depth, richness and authenticity to any story. Most of what she said the average writer already knows, but it is always tempting to skip a few things in our enthusiasm – or lack of – in carrying out our research.
Here are some reasons for doing proper research:
1. Authenticity – especially important in historical fiction or a memoir
2. Ethics
3. Truth
4. Accountability
5. The Hippocratic Oath – first, do no harm
6. Respect for those you are writing about
7. Avoiding litigation
8. Readers deserve the best product
Once you have identified your sources you need to:
1. Communicate and consult with them and obtain consent – in writing, of course.
2. Be accurate in your note-taking.
3. Obtain approval/confirmation of facts from your sources. You do this by sending them a copy of the relevant pages once you have completed your first draft. This would ensure that everything is accurate.
4. Be flexible. People may change some of the information, or they may remember something important that was left out.
Now that you have received confirmation from your sources and your book is complete, you need to acknowledge contributors, unless they asked to remain anonymous. You also need to address any copyright issues that may arise. You can always go to the library or online to gather material for your books, but think how much more impactful it would be if you can attribute your facts to a person or persons now living.
How do you conduct research for your books? What issues/challenges did you face? How has your research methodology helped to make you a better writer? Please leave a comment below.
August 24, 2012
Guess What I Saw/Heard This Week
Is marijuana harmless?
A few weeks ago a young man in Miami, Florida was shot and killed by police after he chewed off the face of a homeless man. Only in Florida, right? Anyway, the story made international news. It was first rumored that the man might have used bath salts to get high. Bath salts? However, when doctors examined the dead man’s system for drugs, all they found was marijuana. This has prompted researchers to want to conduct more research into the effects of marijuana. For those of you who think marijuana is just a herb that has gotten a bad rap, think again. Marijuana (which comes from the cannabis plant) is a hallucinogen. Got it? A stuff that makes you hallucinate. If I ever get an update on the research I’ll pass it along.
Fifty shades of gray
By now you have heard of it. Everyone has heard of it, but just to make sure, a London hotel recently removed the Bible from its rooms and replaced it with that book. A publicity stunt, some said. Maybe, but I haven’t seen their occupancy rate.
Legitimate rape? 
As a writer I’m always looking for ideas for my next breakout novel. This week I think I may have stumbled on one. Picture this scenario: Young woman walking through dark alley hears footsteps behind her. She stops and so do the footsteps. She starts again and the footsteps sound once more. Scared, she begins to run. Footsteps pound closer and before long, the young woman’s neck is held in a vise-like grip and something pointed sticks her between the shoulder blades. A bone-chilling voice says, “What kind of rape do you prefer? Legitimate or ill-legitimate?”
A few months later a judge faces the rapist. “You have been found not guilty because you raped the woman legitimately.” The rapist pumps his attorney’s hand and scuttles out of the courtroom to find his next legitimate victim. In other courtrooms similar scenes are played out. A judge pounds his gavel. “The defendant is found not guilty of legitimate theft.” “This was a legitimate murder. Case dismissed.” And somewhere in Missouri a senator sits sobbing over his tea: “it’s not the words … but the heart that I hold.”
I have to hurry and write this thing before John Grisham does. It could be the next Oscar-award movie.
More laughs
Phyllis Diller died yesterday at the age of 95. She was one of the earliest successful female comedians and, get this, an ad copywriter. She attributed her long life to laughter. Here are a few of her popular lines:
You know you’re getting old when -
Your rocker comes with an airbag
Your birth certificate is written on a scroll
Someone compliments you on your alligator shoes and you are barefooted.
August 20, 2012
Author Interview: Genetically Modified Foods vs Sustainability
This week I am pleased to present an interview with Bruno McGrath, author of Genetically Modified Foods vs. Sustainability. This ebook points out the surrounding issues of genetically modified fruit and vegetables that consumers are unaware of. If you are concerned about what you put into your body (and you should be!) then you must get this book. Now available on Amazon kindle.
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
Technically you can only go forward, but I would like to go back.
If you could invite any 3 people to dinner who would you choose?
Valentino Rossi, John McGuinness, Michael Palin.
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
Steel & flint, Lifestraw, Knife.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Coconut
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
Keith Floyd
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Too many things to choose from and my mind changes weekly.
Night owl, or early bird?
Night owl.
One food you would never eat?
Balut eggs.
Skittles or M&Ms?
Neither, Nuts & Seeds instead.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
It’s something I think everyone should know a little about, as it effects everyone.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
A water sustainability book.
What inspired you to want to become a writer?
I was guided into it without realizing.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Receiving some fantastic reviews from a broad spectrum of people.
If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be?
StarGate
What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Just do it!
When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
Fighter Pilot
Hidden talent?
Green fingered
Favorite Food?
Lamb Biryani
Favorite Candy?
Picnic
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
John McGuinness biography.
What was your favorite children’s book?
Anything by Roald Dahl & The Argos Catalogue.
Nickname?
Chef, it’s what friends have referred to me as since I was 17.
How do you react to a bad review?
Quite well I think, if it is constructive, otherwise not very well.
If you were a bird, which one would you be?
Peregrine Falcon
What do you do in your free time?
Motorcycle riding
What’s your favorite season/weather?
Autumn, cold and sunny
Who or what inspired you to become an author?
My girlfriend tricked me into it
How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
With a few drinks
What is your guilty pleasure?
Smoking
What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you’d be embarrassed to admit?
Come Dine With Me. (TV Show)
Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is….
The Da Vinci Code
Favorite places to travel?
Tanga (East Africa), Berlin (Germany)
Favorite music?
Changes regularly.
In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Would love to do a world food tour with Michael Palin and turn it into a book.
Tweet
This week I am pleased to present an interview with...
This week I am pleased to present an interview with Bruno McGrath, author of Genetically Modified Foods vs. Sustainability. This ebook points out the surrounding issues of genetically modified fruit and vegetables that consumers are unaware of. If you are concerned about what you put into your body (and you should be!) then you must get this book. Now available on Amazon kindle.
If you could travel in a Time Machine would you go back to the past or into the future?
Technically you can only go forward, but I would like to go back.
If you could invite any 3 people to dinner who would you choose?
Valentino Rossi, John McGuinness, Michael Palin.
If you were stranded on a desert island what 3 things would you want with you?
Steel & flint, Lifestraw, Knife.
What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?
Coconut
If you could meet one person who has died who would you choose?
Keith Floyd
What is your favorite thing to eat for breakfast?
Too many things to choose from and my mind changes weekly.
Night owl, or early bird?
Night owl.
One food you would never eat?
Balut eggs.
Skittles or M&Ms?
Neither, Nuts & Seeds instead.
Please tell us in one sentence only, why we should read your book.
It’s something I think everyone should know a little about, as it effects everyone.
Any other books in the works? Goals for future projects?
A water sustainability book.
What inspired you to want to become a writer?
I was guided into it without realizing.
Tell us your most rewarding experience since being published.
Receiving some fantastic reviews from a broad spectrum of people.
If you could jump in to a book, and live in that world.. which would it be?
StarGate
What’s one piece of advice you would give aspiring authors?
Just do it!
When you were little, what did you want to be when you “grew up”?
Fighter Pilot
Hidden talent?
Green fingered
Favorite Food?
Lamb Biryani
Favorite Candy?
Picnic
What movie and/or book are you looking forward to this year?
John McGuinness biography.
What was your favorite children’s book?
Anything by Roald Dahl & The Argos Catalogue.
Nickname?
Chef, it’s what friends have referred to me as since I was 17.
How do you react to a bad review?
Quite well I think, if it is constructive, otherwise not very well.
If you were a bird, which one would you be?
Peregrine Falcon
What do you do in your free time?
Motorcycle riding
What’s your favorite season/weather?
Autumn, cold and sunny
Who or what inspired you to become an author?
My girlfriend tricked me into it
How did you celebrate the sale of your first book?
With a few drinks
What is your guilty pleasure?
Smoking
What TV show/movie/book do you watch/read that you’d be embarrassed to admit?
Come Dine With Me. (TV Show)
Finish the sentence- one book I wish I had written is….
The Da Vinci Code
Favorite places to travel?
Tanga (East Africa), Berlin (Germany)
Favorite music?
Changes regularly.
In your wildest dreams, which author would you love to co-author a book with?
Would love to do a world food tour with Michael Palin and turn it into a book.
August 18, 2012
Blogging About My Book: The Pitch
For most of this week I have been working on creating a pitch for my book Coming Out of Egypt for an upcoming conference. I have read and read about the perfect pitch – an author’s fifteen minute chance to enter the hall of fame. From what I’ve read, and imagined, this can be a nerve-wracking experience. You may stumble, forget your lines, or do any number of stupid things. But not if you prepare properly.
So, here are some things I gleaned from my reading:
1. Do not be egotistical. That is, do not go into the room behaving like you’re the next John Grisham and you’re doing the agent a favor.
2. Do not cower, beg or cry. “I’ve tried several agents and publishers and you are my last hope.”
3. Do not read your pitch. Practice your pitch before a mirror and in front of others before the big day, so you sound as natural as possible.
4. Do not try to give every plot point or twist. Give only the hook.
Okay, so I’m not going to do any of those. What I am going to do is:
1. Research the agent to make sure she’s interested in my genre.
2. Practice my pitch until it rolls off my tongue like butter on a hot griddle.
3. Be prepared to answer other questions about my book that the agent may ask.
4. Have my business card, synopsis and three sample chapters neatly piled in a folder. And, oh, a SASE just in case the agent wants to contact me by mail.
Have you pitched your book and would like to share your experience? Please use the comment box below. Okay, got to run. I have a pitch to pitch, er, practice.
August 12, 2012
As The Curtain Closes
I am sure I echo the thoughts of many around the world when I say what an awe-inspiring event the 2012 Olympiad was. A showcase of superb talent and skill that will be remembered for a long time to come. But more than that, the athletes from 204 countries showed the world what can be achieved with courage, discipline, determination and sheer hard work. Can we as writers learn anything from them? I hear a resounding “yes.”
I did not get any answers to my little quiz last week, but I’m going to post the answers here for anyone who is interested.
What are the colors of the rings on the Olympic flag?
Blue, yellow, black, green and red on a white ground
What do they signify?
The rings represent the five parts of the world that were joined together in the Olympic movement: Africa, the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe. Baron de Coubertin designed the flag of the Olympics in 1913-1914.
Where was the Olympic flag first used? In what year?
In Antwerp, Belgium in the 1920 Olympic games
What is a kotinos?
A wreath of olive branches placed on the winner’s head
In what year did women first compete in the Olympics?
The FIRST time women competed at the Olympic Games was in 1900 in Paris.
August 5, 2012
Guess What I Saw This Week – Book Launch, Olympics and more
Words In The Wind
I am very pleased to announce the launch of Words In The Wind written by my friend Yvonne Anderson. The second book in the Gateway to Gannah series was launched on Wednesday last and is now available at Amazon or from the publisher, Risen Books. Yvonne won me over to speculative fiction with her masterful portrayal of the leading characters in her first book The Story In The Stars. Words In The Wind has proven to be no less compelling and can be enjoyed by Christians and non-Christians alike. You can learn more about Words In The Wind from the link below.
http://ascribelog.wordpress.com/2012/...
Shooting down free speech
This week another disturbing event sent me rushing to my keyboard. This time it was not shooting in a public place, but shooting at a simple statement made by a private citizen. By now you have guessed. I’m referring to the Chick-fil-A debacle. And since I’ve already sounded off on this on my other blog, I’ll just post the link to it here: http://quildonwrites.blogspot.com/201...
And talking about free speech
Gabby Douglas delighted the world with her stellar performance to win the all around Olympic gold medal in women’s gymnastics. This is a great achievement for an African American. But instead of celebrating her victory, some African Americans saw this as an opportunity to exercise their freedom of speech by making negative comments about Gabby’s hair! Well for what it’s worth, I think it’s refreshing to see an African American young woman wear her hair the way Gabby does hers.
How well do you know the Olympics?
What are the colors of the rings on the Olympic flag?
What do they signify?
Where was the Olympic flag first used? In what year?
What is a kotinos?
In what year were women first allowed to compete in the Olympic Games?
Come back next week for the answers or leave a comment below.
