Racheal (Wade) Renwick's Blog, page 7
September 6, 2012
Logline from a great synopsis
Many of us struggle with this one. How do you take an 80k word manuscript and condense it down into one sentence? I know last year, I couldn't even do it in one paragraph. But, I've been practicing!
Here is my logline for JUST FOR KICKS:
A rebellious orphan will go from snarky to Clarky when she discovers she is a superhero.
So, how did I get this?
I started off with the basic sloppy synopsis. This consisted of random rambling, too much information, not enough of the plot - you get the drift. And then I edited. Yeah, I know, crazy right? You have to EDIT a synopsis! Who knew? :P
Anything that was not important I cut. Do we need to know the friends' name? The fact that she can fly? Do we need to tell the reader all the cool things about our MC? No. The answer is simply no. So, I cut anything non-essential to the plot.
Next, I went through and added in things I forgot. Oh! I forgot to put how she found out she was a superhero! Stuff like that. Then, I cut more. I know, you're thinking: how can she cut more just after adding in details? Well, because once you add those details in, you probably put more junk in their too.
Now, read it. Is it all in once tense? Does it flow smoothly? If not, change it. Once it sounds good and rolls off the tongue then you are almost done. Now, you need to condense this down to three sentences. It's actually easier to work form the bottom up. Don't give me that look. Trust me, once you can put your book into one sentence, three should seem like a breeze.
All you need in a logline is the very basic elements, with some flair. Who, what, why, how. Skip the when and where. An agent should be able to tell the time period from your synopsis without you having to tell them. Where? Well, they can find out when the read a full or partial. The how can be left out, depending on how you write your logline. Mine for example has no 'how'. I have the who and what, really I don't even have a why, I do have a cause and effect thing working though.
Once you have a logline, you can now build to having three sentences. Add that where, when, and how in now. And don't be afraid to rewrite it.
So, as you can see it's very versatile, but you still need to skim. The best way to add flair and give you logline life is too write it the same way you wrote your book. You need to have that same sense of voice in your synopsis AND your query letter. But, that is another post entirely.
Here is my logline for JUST FOR KICKS:
A rebellious orphan will go from snarky to Clarky when she discovers she is a superhero.
So, how did I get this?
I started off with the basic sloppy synopsis. This consisted of random rambling, too much information, not enough of the plot - you get the drift. And then I edited. Yeah, I know, crazy right? You have to EDIT a synopsis! Who knew? :P
Anything that was not important I cut. Do we need to know the friends' name? The fact that she can fly? Do we need to tell the reader all the cool things about our MC? No. The answer is simply no. So, I cut anything non-essential to the plot.
Next, I went through and added in things I forgot. Oh! I forgot to put how she found out she was a superhero! Stuff like that. Then, I cut more. I know, you're thinking: how can she cut more just after adding in details? Well, because once you add those details in, you probably put more junk in their too.
Now, read it. Is it all in once tense? Does it flow smoothly? If not, change it. Once it sounds good and rolls off the tongue then you are almost done. Now, you need to condense this down to three sentences. It's actually easier to work form the bottom up. Don't give me that look. Trust me, once you can put your book into one sentence, three should seem like a breeze.
All you need in a logline is the very basic elements, with some flair. Who, what, why, how. Skip the when and where. An agent should be able to tell the time period from your synopsis without you having to tell them. Where? Well, they can find out when the read a full or partial. The how can be left out, depending on how you write your logline. Mine for example has no 'how'. I have the who and what, really I don't even have a why, I do have a cause and effect thing working though.
Once you have a logline, you can now build to having three sentences. Add that where, when, and how in now. And don't be afraid to rewrite it.
So, as you can see it's very versatile, but you still need to skim. The best way to add flair and give you logline life is too write it the same way you wrote your book. You need to have that same sense of voice in your synopsis AND your query letter. But, that is another post entirely.
August 30, 2012
How do you write a Query Letter?
Where do I begin? I have read so many books and articles regarding this subject. I have written close to a hundred queries for various books following twenty different guidelines. If you are like me and have scoured the internet, various blogs and post, and hunted down any scrap of helpful advice you could find then you are probably as lost as I was. Even with all the information, you still have no idea how to really write a query letter.
What advice is right what is wrong? How exactly am I going to go about this? How do I fix the problems in my query letter?
So, here we are. I am going to give you MY advice. Have I submitted any queries yet? And has an agent contacted me? No. But, I am terrific at taking feedback from a hundred people and eliminating what is helpful and what is one person's opinion. This is how I got JUST FOR KICKS moved up from #5500 to the #90 on Authonomy (before I put it out of commission) and made it a great novel.
Keep it short
This is actually the best advice on here. DO NOT exceed your one page and three paragraphs of your query letter NO MATTER WHAT. The only exception is if you have 100 major awards and publications worth mentioning as credentials. I don't care if you want to talk about your dog or how all 1000 of your Facebook fans love it. DON'T DO IT! Three paragraphs, one line for addressing, one line for ending it, and your contact information.
For the love of Pete, DO NOT RAMBLE
Save your life story for when you meet an agent. AFTER you have been signed. When you write your query, do not put anything personal in it. When they say the last paragraph is about you, and you should put in any information about yourself. This DOES NOT MEAN tell them about your life, it actually means your writing credentials. And if you really don't have anything good to say, say nothing at all (See, your mother was right all along). If you have no published titles (self-published does not count) say "I am an unpublished author hoping to make this(insert book title) my debut novel."
Do not ramble in your synopsis-blurb-pitch whatever you want to call it. Don't do it. If you don't know how to write one, never fear, that is the next point. But, please, PLEASE do not act like you are speaking to a friend of family member and ramble about your book.
The opening line
Yes, do NOT put "Dear Agent", "To Whom it may concern", or leave it out. PUT THEIR NAME! "Dear MR. Trolly" "Dear Heather Bunt". If they have a name, put it down. Mass queries are not looked upon fondly.
The first paragraph
You have a first impression, make it good. Everyone likes a ego stroke, NO ONE likes a kiss ass. DO: "Mr Trolly, I am querying you because you represent Henry Bates and his novel PICKLED FEET. I feel you would be a terrific choice for representation.....blah, blah, blah." DON'T: "Dear Heather Bunt, I read your blog every day and follow you via Twitter, my twitter name is @CrazyxBookxLady I would love to be represented by you........"
An agent will be impressed that you did your research and know about them as a business representative. If you expect an agent to get to know you, take the time to get to know them. But if you come across as an obsessed fan and desperate for representation, it will be a turn off. Agents do not want to sign someone who has a crazy personality, bad attitude, or turns them off. They have to work with you for quite long time, after all. If you could choose your co-worker, would you choose a nut? No? Me either.
Continue with: "My novel STINKY SARAH is 55k words and is MG fiction."
Second Paragraph
This is the most important paragraph. Well, as far as most agents are concerned. This is where your pitch will be. Three sentences, this is all you get. You can cheat, sure and make the sentences run-on-ish, but DO NOT put more than THREE. (Yes, I must capitalize all important words, because otherwise it wouldn't sink in.)If you have problems narrowing down the content of your pitch, use this outline:
First sentence: Introduce your character and describe the problem your character has.
Second sentence: Introduce plot. What must your character do to change their circumstances.
Third sentence: The climax. What happens that changes everything and makes it all worse where it could go really great, or really wrong? But do not give away the ending.
You must write this with the same style and voice you have written your book in. Why? Because this is how the agent will know what to expect if they ask for sample pages. Do not put in other names of characters or subplots, that is not important.
Third Paragraph
This is where your credentials go. Only put the major ones. There really is no format for this, just list them.
The End
Conclude this all with a nice, "Thank you for your time and consideration." This is not necessary, but is welcomed.
So, I hope this has helped in some way. I know there is much more i could elaborate on this subject, but I didn't want to create a post that would take someone an hour to read. By the way, I'll be sure to post my query letter and what success, if any, comes from it. Thanks for reading!
What advice is right what is wrong? How exactly am I going to go about this? How do I fix the problems in my query letter?
So, here we are. I am going to give you MY advice. Have I submitted any queries yet? And has an agent contacted me? No. But, I am terrific at taking feedback from a hundred people and eliminating what is helpful and what is one person's opinion. This is how I got JUST FOR KICKS moved up from #5500 to the #90 on Authonomy (before I put it out of commission) and made it a great novel.
Keep it short
This is actually the best advice on here. DO NOT exceed your one page and three paragraphs of your query letter NO MATTER WHAT. The only exception is if you have 100 major awards and publications worth mentioning as credentials. I don't care if you want to talk about your dog or how all 1000 of your Facebook fans love it. DON'T DO IT! Three paragraphs, one line for addressing, one line for ending it, and your contact information.
For the love of Pete, DO NOT RAMBLE
Save your life story for when you meet an agent. AFTER you have been signed. When you write your query, do not put anything personal in it. When they say the last paragraph is about you, and you should put in any information about yourself. This DOES NOT MEAN tell them about your life, it actually means your writing credentials. And if you really don't have anything good to say, say nothing at all (See, your mother was right all along). If you have no published titles (self-published does not count) say "I am an unpublished author hoping to make this(insert book title) my debut novel."
Do not ramble in your synopsis-blurb-pitch whatever you want to call it. Don't do it. If you don't know how to write one, never fear, that is the next point. But, please, PLEASE do not act like you are speaking to a friend of family member and ramble about your book.
The opening line
Yes, do NOT put "Dear Agent", "To Whom it may concern", or leave it out. PUT THEIR NAME! "Dear MR. Trolly" "Dear Heather Bunt". If they have a name, put it down. Mass queries are not looked upon fondly.
The first paragraph
You have a first impression, make it good. Everyone likes a ego stroke, NO ONE likes a kiss ass. DO: "Mr Trolly, I am querying you because you represent Henry Bates and his novel PICKLED FEET. I feel you would be a terrific choice for representation.....blah, blah, blah." DON'T: "Dear Heather Bunt, I read your blog every day and follow you via Twitter, my twitter name is @CrazyxBookxLady I would love to be represented by you........"
An agent will be impressed that you did your research and know about them as a business representative. If you expect an agent to get to know you, take the time to get to know them. But if you come across as an obsessed fan and desperate for representation, it will be a turn off. Agents do not want to sign someone who has a crazy personality, bad attitude, or turns them off. They have to work with you for quite long time, after all. If you could choose your co-worker, would you choose a nut? No? Me either.
Continue with: "My novel STINKY SARAH is 55k words and is MG fiction."
Second Paragraph
This is the most important paragraph. Well, as far as most agents are concerned. This is where your pitch will be. Three sentences, this is all you get. You can cheat, sure and make the sentences run-on-ish, but DO NOT put more than THREE. (Yes, I must capitalize all important words, because otherwise it wouldn't sink in.)If you have problems narrowing down the content of your pitch, use this outline:
First sentence: Introduce your character and describe the problem your character has.
Second sentence: Introduce plot. What must your character do to change their circumstances.
Third sentence: The climax. What happens that changes everything and makes it all worse where it could go really great, or really wrong? But do not give away the ending.
You must write this with the same style and voice you have written your book in. Why? Because this is how the agent will know what to expect if they ask for sample pages. Do not put in other names of characters or subplots, that is not important.
Third Paragraph
This is where your credentials go. Only put the major ones. There really is no format for this, just list them.
The End
Conclude this all with a nice, "Thank you for your time and consideration." This is not necessary, but is welcomed.
So, I hope this has helped in some way. I know there is much more i could elaborate on this subject, but I didn't want to create a post that would take someone an hour to read. By the way, I'll be sure to post my query letter and what success, if any, comes from it. Thanks for reading!
August 24, 2012
Ten ways to nip writer's block
Personally, I don't believe in writer's block. A giant man-made dam inside your head stopping your story from flowing? Nah. It's nothing more than a beaver's den done half-assed.
The thing about "writer's block" is that you are never actually stuck. You CAN write. Will you write exactly what your story needs? Probably not. Will you figure it out as you go along? Maybe... who knows? Perhaps you'll just write a load of crap that makes no sense and goes nowhere. The point is, YOU CAN WRITE!
I've heard the stories - as I'm sure you all have - "It's been four years since I've written. I just can't get past the writer's block." Bullshit. If you haven't written in four years than you are one of the following: (a) Depressed: seek help of a psychologist (c) Graphophobic: You have the fear of writing - again, seek help of a psychologist (b) Not a real writer: Get another career. But for those of you who sit down at your desk everyday, trying to get past a tough scene and can't do it. This is for you.
1) Do some exercises
No, I don't mean push-ups and sit-ups - running in place? I'm more of a sitting-in-place kinda gal. I mean writing exercises. I remember all of the creative writing courses I took as a teen and in later years, and they were awesome! Even if I didn't feel like writing that day, I went in and found that by the time I left I wanted to write an entire novel. Getting yourself to sit down and write for fun helps you get the creative juices flowing and puts pressure off the task at hand. Some of my favorite exercises is: Write a poem using ten mathematical, scientific, or medicinal terms.
2) Become a photographer for a day
Don't worry, no classes required! I don't know why, but it seems a great deal of creative inspiration in writing comes from photos. So, go make some! Go and photograph anything and everything that makes you smile or captures your attention. How does this help? You get a day off and some time to relax, while simultaneously gathering tools for instant inspiration. No camera? Than take a walk and get some mental photos.
3) Get into character
Huh? Act out those tough scenes. If you don't have time to take a day off and you are really pushing for that deadline, then you better get into character. Actors and actresses have this down to perfection, time you start learning. By becoming your character and acting out the scenes, you have many advantages. (a) You can see how realistic or unrealistic your work is. (b) You can get a better grasp at the emotions in play and think like the character you have worked so hard to shape and form. (c) You get to shake off the stress of being hunched over a desk pushing out words and have some fun.
4) Skipping
You can't skip? Too manly to even attempt to do so? No worries, I'm talking about the scene. Skip it. What writing law says you have to writing from beginning to end? In fact, let's write from end to beginning. That's the part we really want to write anyway, right? Or, just go to the next scene, and fill in the blanks later. take a deep breath and try not to become OCD over this. I know how awkward it can feel writing things out of place. But, hey if actors and actresses can act out scenes at random, you can write them.
5) Leap Frog
More child's play? No, more skipping in fact. You are going to skip the whole damn book. That's right. If you can't get past that scene where Jessica needs to escape, but the cell is 5 layers of concrete and 1000 feet underground, with demon hounds guarding the grounds and cell, then forget it. You need to just pick up something else. This helps if you can't NOT be writing. If you have another WIP (work in progress), then put down your current manuscript and pick up the other one. It will give you a break away from the piece and give YOU peace. This worked very well with my current novel that I am editing - JUST FOR KICKS.
6) Donate
To Goodwill? Nope - your neighbor. Or sister, brother, uncle? Whoever! Take your manuscript and give it away. Let someone else write it. Think I'm joking? I'm dead serious. Ask someone close to you to write out the scene. It's true, not everyone is a writer, but everyone has an imagination. There have been countless times that I have sought out the help of my friends and family and walked away with new ideas. Even my five year old is a genius! He developed my MC's super power in JUST FOR KICKS.
Did you ever play that game in school, where you write a sentence, then pass it on to your desk neighbor and so on and so forth - then when everyone has contributed you read it out loud? Same concept. It may sound funny and outrageous, but it took a WAY different path than what you had planned, yes? There you go. Great minds may thing alike, but the best ones are those that are different.
7) Rewrite
Yep, no misunderstanding on this one. Rewrite it. All of it. take that scene, chapter, whatever, and throw it out the window. And REWRITE IT. If it seems gridlocked and there is no way you are getting through, then you need to just start over. If Jessica got into the cell by being caught, then make it so she doesn't get caught. Instead, she kicks everyone's ass and carries on to find Jerry and kill him for eating her ice cream.
Doing a rewrite is probably the best solution in most cases. You can even do multiple rewrites and pick which one you like better. This is a solution Amanda Hocking uses when she gets stuck. (I just recently discovered this when I attended her book signing in Portland on the 22nd).
8) Unplug and reboot
No, your laptop is NOT the problem. But, then internet may be. And you most definitely ARE. Distractions can some times make you FEEL like you are suffering from writer's block. You sit there and tweet, pin, look at your pig sty of a house, the dishes are piling up, you haven't showered in three days, you tweet again, you pin some more recipes and DIY projects you'll never actually try.
So, eliminate the distractions. Take a day and clean your house, take a hot shower, and wash the windows, then unplug the internet and write. You will find that without so many to-dos on your mind you can DO the writing. Take a trip to the library even. When you have no reason to stop and procrastinate, than you can get down to business.
9) Kickin' it old school
Put your hightops and legwarmers back in the closet. Really, you pulled out the record player? I meant for writing! Jeesh. Is the computer too tempting to just hit the browsers icon and is the little cursor just blinking at you but your mind is blank? Then get off the computer. Pull out a pen and pad and write. Or, drag out that dusty old typewriter and put a new ribbon in it. This ties in with the distractions. Computer are the most distarcting thing for a writer, and yet we NEED them!
I write long hand. Yes, it does cramp my hand when I really get going. Yes, I can't read my own writing from time to time, and YES it is a bit harder. But, it works. I use legal pads and paper clips to section off chapters, and I have page style post-its for notes. My finished first draft of JUST FOR KICKS is seven legal pads in a file folder in my file box. But, I love it. I feel more like a real writer when I'm writing, not typing. Then, I type it all up and make edits when I do so. Giving me a clean second draft on my laptop.
10) Just freaking write already!
Last, but not least. Just put your bum in the chair and write. You can't ever make progress if you don't at least try. sometimes, the best solution is to just push through it all. I have an embroidered...thing, my grandma made me that hangs over my desk with a quote from Fredrick Douglas on it. It says: "Without struggle, there is no progress." So, if you aren't sweating through it, then you aren't going to go anywhere.
The thing about "writer's block" is that you are never actually stuck. You CAN write. Will you write exactly what your story needs? Probably not. Will you figure it out as you go along? Maybe... who knows? Perhaps you'll just write a load of crap that makes no sense and goes nowhere. The point is, YOU CAN WRITE!
I've heard the stories - as I'm sure you all have - "It's been four years since I've written. I just can't get past the writer's block." Bullshit. If you haven't written in four years than you are one of the following: (a) Depressed: seek help of a psychologist (c) Graphophobic: You have the fear of writing - again, seek help of a psychologist (b) Not a real writer: Get another career. But for those of you who sit down at your desk everyday, trying to get past a tough scene and can't do it. This is for you.
1) Do some exercises
No, I don't mean push-ups and sit-ups - running in place? I'm more of a sitting-in-place kinda gal. I mean writing exercises. I remember all of the creative writing courses I took as a teen and in later years, and they were awesome! Even if I didn't feel like writing that day, I went in and found that by the time I left I wanted to write an entire novel. Getting yourself to sit down and write for fun helps you get the creative juices flowing and puts pressure off the task at hand. Some of my favorite exercises is: Write a poem using ten mathematical, scientific, or medicinal terms.
2) Become a photographer for a day
Don't worry, no classes required! I don't know why, but it seems a great deal of creative inspiration in writing comes from photos. So, go make some! Go and photograph anything and everything that makes you smile or captures your attention. How does this help? You get a day off and some time to relax, while simultaneously gathering tools for instant inspiration. No camera? Than take a walk and get some mental photos.
3) Get into character
Huh? Act out those tough scenes. If you don't have time to take a day off and you are really pushing for that deadline, then you better get into character. Actors and actresses have this down to perfection, time you start learning. By becoming your character and acting out the scenes, you have many advantages. (a) You can see how realistic or unrealistic your work is. (b) You can get a better grasp at the emotions in play and think like the character you have worked so hard to shape and form. (c) You get to shake off the stress of being hunched over a desk pushing out words and have some fun.
4) Skipping
You can't skip? Too manly to even attempt to do so? No worries, I'm talking about the scene. Skip it. What writing law says you have to writing from beginning to end? In fact, let's write from end to beginning. That's the part we really want to write anyway, right? Or, just go to the next scene, and fill in the blanks later. take a deep breath and try not to become OCD over this. I know how awkward it can feel writing things out of place. But, hey if actors and actresses can act out scenes at random, you can write them.
5) Leap Frog
More child's play? No, more skipping in fact. You are going to skip the whole damn book. That's right. If you can't get past that scene where Jessica needs to escape, but the cell is 5 layers of concrete and 1000 feet underground, with demon hounds guarding the grounds and cell, then forget it. You need to just pick up something else. This helps if you can't NOT be writing. If you have another WIP (work in progress), then put down your current manuscript and pick up the other one. It will give you a break away from the piece and give YOU peace. This worked very well with my current novel that I am editing - JUST FOR KICKS.
6) Donate
To Goodwill? Nope - your neighbor. Or sister, brother, uncle? Whoever! Take your manuscript and give it away. Let someone else write it. Think I'm joking? I'm dead serious. Ask someone close to you to write out the scene. It's true, not everyone is a writer, but everyone has an imagination. There have been countless times that I have sought out the help of my friends and family and walked away with new ideas. Even my five year old is a genius! He developed my MC's super power in JUST FOR KICKS.
Did you ever play that game in school, where you write a sentence, then pass it on to your desk neighbor and so on and so forth - then when everyone has contributed you read it out loud? Same concept. It may sound funny and outrageous, but it took a WAY different path than what you had planned, yes? There you go. Great minds may thing alike, but the best ones are those that are different.
7) Rewrite
Yep, no misunderstanding on this one. Rewrite it. All of it. take that scene, chapter, whatever, and throw it out the window. And REWRITE IT. If it seems gridlocked and there is no way you are getting through, then you need to just start over. If Jessica got into the cell by being caught, then make it so she doesn't get caught. Instead, she kicks everyone's ass and carries on to find Jerry and kill him for eating her ice cream.
Doing a rewrite is probably the best solution in most cases. You can even do multiple rewrites and pick which one you like better. This is a solution Amanda Hocking uses when she gets stuck. (I just recently discovered this when I attended her book signing in Portland on the 22nd).
8) Unplug and reboot
No, your laptop is NOT the problem. But, then internet may be. And you most definitely ARE. Distractions can some times make you FEEL like you are suffering from writer's block. You sit there and tweet, pin, look at your pig sty of a house, the dishes are piling up, you haven't showered in three days, you tweet again, you pin some more recipes and DIY projects you'll never actually try.
So, eliminate the distractions. Take a day and clean your house, take a hot shower, and wash the windows, then unplug the internet and write. You will find that without so many to-dos on your mind you can DO the writing. Take a trip to the library even. When you have no reason to stop and procrastinate, than you can get down to business.
9) Kickin' it old school
Put your hightops and legwarmers back in the closet. Really, you pulled out the record player? I meant for writing! Jeesh. Is the computer too tempting to just hit the browsers icon and is the little cursor just blinking at you but your mind is blank? Then get off the computer. Pull out a pen and pad and write. Or, drag out that dusty old typewriter and put a new ribbon in it. This ties in with the distractions. Computer are the most distarcting thing for a writer, and yet we NEED them!
I write long hand. Yes, it does cramp my hand when I really get going. Yes, I can't read my own writing from time to time, and YES it is a bit harder. But, it works. I use legal pads and paper clips to section off chapters, and I have page style post-its for notes. My finished first draft of JUST FOR KICKS is seven legal pads in a file folder in my file box. But, I love it. I feel more like a real writer when I'm writing, not typing. Then, I type it all up and make edits when I do so. Giving me a clean second draft on my laptop.
10) Just freaking write already!
Last, but not least. Just put your bum in the chair and write. You can't ever make progress if you don't at least try. sometimes, the best solution is to just push through it all. I have an embroidered...thing, my grandma made me that hangs over my desk with a quote from Fredrick Douglas on it. It says: "Without struggle, there is no progress." So, if you aren't sweating through it, then you aren't going to go anywhere.
August 18, 2012
Writing a novel VS a Writer
As of two days ago, I have a completed manuscript. Obviously, it's not edited, polished, and tweaked to perfection. But, it's done. And that is the big part (and small part). Is that confusing? Let me explain.
You see, just getting a book finished is a very big accomplishment. But for those who have already written several novels, this is the easy part. Most people will set off to write a book and never even finish. They will give up between two to ten thousand words. That's anywhere from half a chapter to five chapters, depending on how you break it down. That's okay, though. Not everyone is meant to write a novel. Then, not everyone is meant to be a WRITER. What's the difference?
Once you have that book complete, then comes the BIG part. You need to edit. This is where a WRITER and a person who wrote a book differ. Most people don't think about what comes next. You think, "Okay, I wrote the book, now I will write an e-mail to agents, get an agent, get a contract, sell a million copies and be a BEST SELLING AUTHOR by dinner tomorrow." That's NOT how it works - sorry to burst your bubble. Editing is that next step after you have completed that MS that you slaved over.
Editing requires MANY steps. You first need to just go over the whole written piece. These are the steps I take to polishing my novels:
1. FORMATTING: I like to first make sure my formatting is in place. When I am writing I do this step before I even type a single word, but if you wrote that entire 80,000 word masterpiece without bothering to set your margins, then do so now. The standard way to go is:
-.5 margins all around
-Times New Roman font at size 12
-Double spaced and no spacing between paragraphs
-Black colored text
2. REVISE: Go over your novel. READ IT. Don't just skim. REALLY READ IT. If you have to, read it aloud. What does this do? This gives you a better idea of how your characters sound, how the story flows, and if it sounds natural or forced. Fix anything that sounds too stiff, bland, over written, or unnecessary. Keep an eye out for facts that don't match up and a timeline that doesn't mesh. Consistency is a major issue!
3. EDIT: Go through your novel again. Even if you have to go through a chapter or section more than once. Polish, polish, polish, and polish some more. Edit until you read your story and nothing bothers you, stops you, or diverts you from the natural flow of the story.
Sick of your story now? It happens. But, now you have a really good looking book. Now, can you do this process again, and again, and again? If not, then I'm sorry to say you are not a writer. But if you can then congratulations, you found your career. Even if you're not good at at it.
So, this is what I do. And this is the process I am currently on. And hopefully, once I have a shining, beautiful piece of work and after I complete next step (writing a query letter), I hear some good news. But, that is another post entirely.
You see, just getting a book finished is a very big accomplishment. But for those who have already written several novels, this is the easy part. Most people will set off to write a book and never even finish. They will give up between two to ten thousand words. That's anywhere from half a chapter to five chapters, depending on how you break it down. That's okay, though. Not everyone is meant to write a novel. Then, not everyone is meant to be a WRITER. What's the difference?
Once you have that book complete, then comes the BIG part. You need to edit. This is where a WRITER and a person who wrote a book differ. Most people don't think about what comes next. You think, "Okay, I wrote the book, now I will write an e-mail to agents, get an agent, get a contract, sell a million copies and be a BEST SELLING AUTHOR by dinner tomorrow." That's NOT how it works - sorry to burst your bubble. Editing is that next step after you have completed that MS that you slaved over.
Editing requires MANY steps. You first need to just go over the whole written piece. These are the steps I take to polishing my novels:
1. FORMATTING: I like to first make sure my formatting is in place. When I am writing I do this step before I even type a single word, but if you wrote that entire 80,000 word masterpiece without bothering to set your margins, then do so now. The standard way to go is:
-.5 margins all around
-Times New Roman font at size 12
-Double spaced and no spacing between paragraphs
-Black colored text
2. REVISE: Go over your novel. READ IT. Don't just skim. REALLY READ IT. If you have to, read it aloud. What does this do? This gives you a better idea of how your characters sound, how the story flows, and if it sounds natural or forced. Fix anything that sounds too stiff, bland, over written, or unnecessary. Keep an eye out for facts that don't match up and a timeline that doesn't mesh. Consistency is a major issue!
3. EDIT: Go through your novel again. Even if you have to go through a chapter or section more than once. Polish, polish, polish, and polish some more. Edit until you read your story and nothing bothers you, stops you, or diverts you from the natural flow of the story.
Sick of your story now? It happens. But, now you have a really good looking book. Now, can you do this process again, and again, and again? If not, then I'm sorry to say you are not a writer. But if you can then congratulations, you found your career. Even if you're not good at at it.
So, this is what I do. And this is the process I am currently on. And hopefully, once I have a shining, beautiful piece of work and after I complete next step (writing a query letter), I hear some good news. But, that is another post entirely.
June 13, 2012
Writer Wednesday
After spending so much time on my new found, and extremely loved site, Authonomy, I decided to do a Writer's Wednesday. I saw so much UNSIGNED talent, that it seemed rather unfair for all these writers to go unnoticed. Sure, there's Authonomy, but what's better than to have some random person share your work? I was particularly inspired by one writer's book, who uploaded the first four chapters of his novel, and I am so glad he did.
Jordan Lees wrote LONDONTOWN. An eerie, dark tale that takes place in a mystical, alternate version of our world, where voodoo mobsters rule, and stone gargoyles called Grotesques watch your every move. Here is the synopsis:
The Wraiths of Mr Liver have come for that something Rose London has. And they will tear the gothic LondonTown apart to find her...
Zac Creek, guided by a terrible curse called The Sadness, arrives in the ghostly LondonTown in the back of a circus carriage.
The following night, Rose London flees from the mobsters that have kept her shackled her entire life into the wilderness of the city.
The two find hope and courage in one another, but it quickly seems futile in the face of the terrors that hunger for Rose.
The House refuse to allow Rose to leave their clutches so freely, and begin burning through LondonTown to find her.
The exiled Rootworkers arrange a bloody game of Hoodoo chess to determine whether they should retake their land.
And all the time the Wraiths of the terrible Mr Liver edge closer and closer to Rose and Zac Creek.
When I read the first few chapters, I couldn't help but shiver and become entranced. Jordan was nice enough to do an interview with me and share a bit about himself. But first, here is a chilling excerpt:
She was still bent over. Slowly but surely, her breath was returning and the stitches in her side were easing. She watched a nest of shiny black insects crawl through a mound of spongy mud, wriggly over each other. Thousands of them piling in and out of tiny holes. A few feet away, a skeleton of a cat had been abandoned in the alleyway, entirely devoid on flesh.
she straightened up and looked around, trying desperately to formulate a plan, and gasped.
There was a man. Ugly, tall and slack-jawed. Robed in darkness, Rose instantly knew he wasn't a mobster, though that didn't make her feel any better. He watched Rose and she seized up with terror. He was unmoving, his bent features and broken teeth dripping with rain and splattered with shade. His hair was straggly.
Rose had no time to compose herself.
He took a step towards her. He mumbled, 'Ms London?'
His voice was throaty. Scatchy.
Rose tried to say 'no' but couldn't. She shook her head. Tried to stop her body shuddering.
'Ms London,' he went on, taking another slow step. 'Do you know Mr Liver?'
'No,' said Rose. Her voice sounded so pathetic.
'Mr Liver wants somethin' you 'ave,' continued the man, wearily.
Rose was dumbstruck. The truth was that the name Mr Liver did ring a bell in her head, though she couldn't possibly place him. Where had she heard that name before?
The man took another step. Said, 'You've somethin' 'e needs. But 'e can't 'ave it. Do ya understand? He cannot 'ave it.'
Rose gasped again. Her stomach rolled. The man's arm moved up from his side like a rope easing up a guillotine blade, and Rose saw the revolver. The man's hand was steady. The barrel sucked Rose's eyes from their sockets and she could do mothing but stare, mouth opening in a shocked, silent scream, feet stuck to the cobbles.
'I'm sorry, Ms London. But 'e cannot 'ave it.'
The man aimed the barrel at Rose's heart. She tried to scream or run or duck- anyuthing besdies standing and waiting for the bullet- but she had frozen as though she were in a wicked nightmare.
It was already too late. a gun banged and ripped the night apart.
Where did you get the idea for LONDONTOWN?
When I was at school I wrote a poem about a chess game where each piece corresponded to a real life. A few months later that became a novel. I spent about three years just letting it grow in my head until it became what it is now, and actually the chess game is more of a sub plot. There was no point where the whole thing came to me- it just came to me a bit at a time over several years.
Have you always been into fantasy? How about Young Adult?
I always liked CS Lewis, the Harry Potter books and The Hobbit is one of my favourite ever books. But I can't say I like fantasy or Young Adult more than anything else; I read all different genres, and will probably write all different genres if any publisher is stupid enough to publish them.
When did you start writing?
I genuinely can't remember when I wasn't.
Who are some of your favorite authors: the amazing writers who inspire you?
Jo Rowling because her books were such a phenomenon. She inspired me to want to tell stories, but I would say the writers who inspired me most to try and write beautifully were Ian McEwen and Arundhati Roy, whose writing style just blew me away and taught me so much.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your free time?
Usually reading! But I also like doing stuff with my family, going out with my friends, walking around Essex pointlessly as I think about writing, and I also love football, which is a constant source of misery because the team I support is useless.
Do you have any other novels in mind?
I have a lot, more than I could ever write. There are three sequels to LondonTown that I will definitely write, and two others that I've been planning and wanting to write for years and years. One is about Marilyn Monroe and the other is about madness.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given?
To think. Before I write or even begin writing or even beginning thinking about planning something to write, I have to think about that something endlessly. Over and over from every angle. Think about the story from every character's point of view, and think in all different ways about the story.
What advice would you give other aspiring writers?
What I tell myself all the time is to be confident. Confidence is obvious in writing. And don't let anybody tell you that your way of doing it is wrong, because there is no correct way to write something, nor will there ever be a perfect book. Nobody wants to read a writer that is a copy of somebody else, however good that somebody might be.
What is the one thing you have to have when writing?
Patience.
If you could choose a publisher and/or agent, who would you like to work with?
I would love to work with Bloomsbury, just because it would mean so much to me after I aspired to be like Rowling for so long.
Any parting words to the readers?
Don't be a writer- it takes over your whole life!
I want to thank Jordan for taking time to do this interview. Jordan's first four chapters of LONDONTOWN can be found on Authonomy. Thanks for stopping by!
Jordan Lees wrote LONDONTOWN. An eerie, dark tale that takes place in a mystical, alternate version of our world, where voodoo mobsters rule, and stone gargoyles called Grotesques watch your every move. Here is the synopsis:
The Wraiths of Mr Liver have come for that something Rose London has. And they will tear the gothic LondonTown apart to find her...
Zac Creek, guided by a terrible curse called The Sadness, arrives in the ghostly LondonTown in the back of a circus carriage.
The following night, Rose London flees from the mobsters that have kept her shackled her entire life into the wilderness of the city.
The two find hope and courage in one another, but it quickly seems futile in the face of the terrors that hunger for Rose.
The House refuse to allow Rose to leave their clutches so freely, and begin burning through LondonTown to find her.
The exiled Rootworkers arrange a bloody game of Hoodoo chess to determine whether they should retake their land.
And all the time the Wraiths of the terrible Mr Liver edge closer and closer to Rose and Zac Creek.
When I read the first few chapters, I couldn't help but shiver and become entranced. Jordan was nice enough to do an interview with me and share a bit about himself. But first, here is a chilling excerpt:
She was still bent over. Slowly but surely, her breath was returning and the stitches in her side were easing. She watched a nest of shiny black insects crawl through a mound of spongy mud, wriggly over each other. Thousands of them piling in and out of tiny holes. A few feet away, a skeleton of a cat had been abandoned in the alleyway, entirely devoid on flesh.
she straightened up and looked around, trying desperately to formulate a plan, and gasped.
There was a man. Ugly, tall and slack-jawed. Robed in darkness, Rose instantly knew he wasn't a mobster, though that didn't make her feel any better. He watched Rose and she seized up with terror. He was unmoving, his bent features and broken teeth dripping with rain and splattered with shade. His hair was straggly.
Rose had no time to compose herself.
He took a step towards her. He mumbled, 'Ms London?'
His voice was throaty. Scatchy.
Rose tried to say 'no' but couldn't. She shook her head. Tried to stop her body shuddering.
'Ms London,' he went on, taking another slow step. 'Do you know Mr Liver?'
'No,' said Rose. Her voice sounded so pathetic.
'Mr Liver wants somethin' you 'ave,' continued the man, wearily.
Rose was dumbstruck. The truth was that the name Mr Liver did ring a bell in her head, though she couldn't possibly place him. Where had she heard that name before?
The man took another step. Said, 'You've somethin' 'e needs. But 'e can't 'ave it. Do ya understand? He cannot 'ave it.'
Rose gasped again. Her stomach rolled. The man's arm moved up from his side like a rope easing up a guillotine blade, and Rose saw the revolver. The man's hand was steady. The barrel sucked Rose's eyes from their sockets and she could do mothing but stare, mouth opening in a shocked, silent scream, feet stuck to the cobbles.
'I'm sorry, Ms London. But 'e cannot 'ave it.'
The man aimed the barrel at Rose's heart. She tried to scream or run or duck- anyuthing besdies standing and waiting for the bullet- but she had frozen as though she were in a wicked nightmare.
It was already too late. a gun banged and ripped the night apart.
Where did you get the idea for LONDONTOWN?
When I was at school I wrote a poem about a chess game where each piece corresponded to a real life. A few months later that became a novel. I spent about three years just letting it grow in my head until it became what it is now, and actually the chess game is more of a sub plot. There was no point where the whole thing came to me- it just came to me a bit at a time over several years.
Have you always been into fantasy? How about Young Adult?
I always liked CS Lewis, the Harry Potter books and The Hobbit is one of my favourite ever books. But I can't say I like fantasy or Young Adult more than anything else; I read all different genres, and will probably write all different genres if any publisher is stupid enough to publish them.
When did you start writing?
I genuinely can't remember when I wasn't.
Who are some of your favorite authors: the amazing writers who inspire you?
Jo Rowling because her books were such a phenomenon. She inspired me to want to tell stories, but I would say the writers who inspired me most to try and write beautifully were Ian McEwen and Arundhati Roy, whose writing style just blew me away and taught me so much.
When you’re not writing, how do you like to spend your free time?
Usually reading! But I also like doing stuff with my family, going out with my friends, walking around Essex pointlessly as I think about writing, and I also love football, which is a constant source of misery because the team I support is useless.
Do you have any other novels in mind?
I have a lot, more than I could ever write. There are three sequels to LondonTown that I will definitely write, and two others that I've been planning and wanting to write for years and years. One is about Marilyn Monroe and the other is about madness.
What is the most valuable piece of advice you have been given?
To think. Before I write or even begin writing or even beginning thinking about planning something to write, I have to think about that something endlessly. Over and over from every angle. Think about the story from every character's point of view, and think in all different ways about the story.
What advice would you give other aspiring writers?
What I tell myself all the time is to be confident. Confidence is obvious in writing. And don't let anybody tell you that your way of doing it is wrong, because there is no correct way to write something, nor will there ever be a perfect book. Nobody wants to read a writer that is a copy of somebody else, however good that somebody might be.
What is the one thing you have to have when writing?
Patience.
If you could choose a publisher and/or agent, who would you like to work with?
I would love to work with Bloomsbury, just because it would mean so much to me after I aspired to be like Rowling for so long.
Any parting words to the readers?
Don't be a writer- it takes over your whole life!
I want to thank Jordan for taking time to do this interview. Jordan's first four chapters of LONDONTOWN can be found on Authonomy. Thanks for stopping by!
May 24, 2012
Playlists and Love Quarrels
I know I haven't written a post in forever, so I decided to do so today. (This is why I was never able to hack it as a blogger :/). So, recently, I have been working on JUST FOR KICKS, my MG Superhero novel. However, a month ago, I had an amazing idea for yet another book (this makes eight now on my bucket list). I really don't want to give away too many details, since this is my surprise, super-top-secret manuscript, but a few days back, I couldn't help but think about it and had all these songs wanting to be heard along with the plot. Now, I have never been one too in touch with music (especially modern hip music) so, I never thought I would be one of those authors who put together a whole playlist for their book (that would seriously take me a lifetime); but I decided to write down all these songs and was surprised to find a playlist! Holy Chiz! I thought. If I had to pick any book to make a playlist for, this one would most surely be it. So, in celebration of something I have never thought possible of myself, I will share a random HALF of that playlist with you all, and you can have fun trying to guess the plot, genre, or feel. "Breathe" - Anna Nalick "If I Die Young" - The Band Perry "Landslide" - Fleetwood Mac "Seize The Day" - Avenge Sevenfold "So Cold" - Breaking Benjamin "Misguided Ghosts" - Paramore Also, I was thinking about love triangles, squares, pentagons, and such. it always seems that every YA fantasy novel these days has one. It adds drama to the story and gives the readers (more particularly female) something else to look forward to than just the main plot ending. How will this love quarrel end? Who will end up with who? OMG I can't believe he kissed her and she is secretly dating him! But, I have found that ALOT of girls are becoming bored and vexed with the idea of love triangles. But, NOT because they are over done, as they like to say. In fact, these girls don't think love quarrels are overdone, the real problem is the way they are executed. I recently read Cassandra Clare's latest book, Clockwork Prince, the second book in the Infernal Devices Trilogy; and found that Cassandra Clare has a way to form the love triangles (and even squares) in such a way that doesn't make the main female character look like a tramp, or make the story seem like the male characters are obsessed with the girl and care about nothing else. Though, the main love connection in her books are obsessed with each other, they don't spend every minute in the book with that other person, or doing everything because of that other person, or thinking constantly about that other person. I do believe they are ways in which the love quarrels in books can be present and pleasing to the reader without the reader feeling as if it was too cliche' or that it took away from the plot, or that the female lead is a hussy. All in all, I hope that when the time comes for me to have to execute the love quarrel, I will be sweating and praying to the writing Gods that I don't f***k it up! (Pardon my starred out French) In the end, I'm sure someone will still think love quarrels are done and over with, but we all know that those soap operas and romance books, and all those years of teen dramas didn't get by on just mysterious plots and well written characters. The world craves love quarrels, even if we don't realize it.
April 25, 2012
The Winner of Essnce Giveaway!
Okay guys, it's what you have all been waiting for! Using the random number generator, the winner of the BIG giveaway: my only other signed PROOF of Essence and a matching signed book mark is......#25!!! Autumn!!!! Congratulations Autumn!
Don't be too sullen everyone! I plan to have giveaways periodically! So keep on the look out! Thank you all for playing! And celebrating Essence!
Don't be too sullen everyone! I plan to have giveaways periodically! So keep on the look out! Thank you all for playing! And celebrating Essence!
April 4, 2012
Essence signed PROOF giveaway!
Okay guys! Here is the post to enter in a chance to win the ONLY extra PROOF I have, signed by me, AND a signed bookmark too! Here's what it will look like:
Add the bookmark:
To enter, simply leave a comment below. Tell me who your favorite Book character of all time is and why! Along with your email. I will pick a luck someone through the random number generator. The giveaway ends April 25th! Good luck!
Add the bookmark:
To enter, simply leave a comment below. Tell me who your favorite Book character of all time is and why! Along with your email. I will pick a luck someone through the random number generator. The giveaway ends April 25th! Good luck!
March 27, 2012
I Have a Name....
For my last WIP. Let me rewind. You see, I have been going out of my mind trying to pick a name for this work. My story was about a girl who is a fairy, and she denies her cravings to eat human flesh. She meets a human boy who challenges her even more. While she loves him, she still can't help her craving. Thus, the book was going to be called Crave. Then, the plot changed. Saren (my MC) asks for Zeth (the mortal she loves) to be spared in the feast. The Queen grants her her wish but for a price: Saren must retrieve a dragon scale. So, her journey begins as she battles vamipres, a kelpie, and a dragon. But, one untold truth and a jealous counterpart could be all that is standing in the way of Saren's happily ever after with Zeth. In the end, she finds that she never had a chance to begin with.
This story was killing me. I had no idea what to name it. I posted a thread on a forum in Figment. Asked friends and family, and even read and re-read the synopsis. Then, FINALLY I got some ideas. I knew I wanted the deception to be part of the title. The fact that Saren, as a fairy, couldn't tell a lie but she was withholding the truth. The word untold kept creeping at me. Then, as I shared my thoughts with my young brother-in-law, Jared, he said "What about Untold Crave?" Genius that boy is! Why did I NOT think of this. So, after kicking my self in the butt for having the worst "blonde" moment ever (Sorry blondes) I said, "Or, Untold Cravings". So, I had a title.
Normally, okay more like ALWAYS, I ALWAYS have titles for my books. As soon as the idea, plot, characters has all formulated into a story in my head, the title comes with it. It has always fit together better than any puzzle piece. But, this time it was a challenge. But, alas, I can say: "It has a title!"
This story was killing me. I had no idea what to name it. I posted a thread on a forum in Figment. Asked friends and family, and even read and re-read the synopsis. Then, FINALLY I got some ideas. I knew I wanted the deception to be part of the title. The fact that Saren, as a fairy, couldn't tell a lie but she was withholding the truth. The word untold kept creeping at me. Then, as I shared my thoughts with my young brother-in-law, Jared, he said "What about Untold Crave?" Genius that boy is! Why did I NOT think of this. So, after kicking my self in the butt for having the worst "blonde" moment ever (Sorry blondes) I said, "Or, Untold Cravings". So, I had a title.
Normally, okay more like ALWAYS, I ALWAYS have titles for my books. As soon as the idea, plot, characters has all formulated into a story in my head, the title comes with it. It has always fit together better than any puzzle piece. But, this time it was a challenge. But, alas, I can say: "It has a title!"
February 29, 2012
Essence Realease!
I happy to announce that after much debate, a lot of research, (and a few rejections) I have decided to self publish Essence. The release date will be April 22nd, on Earth Day! I will be hosting a party on Facebook where I will be giving away prizes! The party will run until the 25th. Here is a synopsis of Essence:
Chrysanthe is a sixteen year old nymph living in the groves of Macedonia. After her father was murdered when she was twelve, things haven't been the same. Her mother is distant, her peers are indifferent, and with the exception of her best friends Galene, Chrys feels utterly alone.
When strangers enter the grove who turn out to be gypsies, things start getting weird in the sleepy little grove. Chrys falls fast for the handsome Talon, but human-nymph relations are strictly forbidden and Chrys' mother reminds her of this when she gives Chrys the ultimatum, stay with Talon and be exiled, or fulfill her duty to the grove and become the next Cheif Supreme (leader). When the Chief Supreme of the grove become deathly ill, Chrys must race against time to catch a killer before it's too late.
Here's the link to join the party. Thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/events/188300...
Chrysanthe is a sixteen year old nymph living in the groves of Macedonia. After her father was murdered when she was twelve, things haven't been the same. Her mother is distant, her peers are indifferent, and with the exception of her best friends Galene, Chrys feels utterly alone.
When strangers enter the grove who turn out to be gypsies, things start getting weird in the sleepy little grove. Chrys falls fast for the handsome Talon, but human-nymph relations are strictly forbidden and Chrys' mother reminds her of this when she gives Chrys the ultimatum, stay with Talon and be exiled, or fulfill her duty to the grove and become the next Cheif Supreme (leader). When the Chief Supreme of the grove become deathly ill, Chrys must race against time to catch a killer before it's too late.
Here's the link to join the party. Thanks!
http://www.facebook.com/events/188300...
