Linda Joyce's Blog, page 13
June 5, 2013
Examination and Recalibration
It’s June. We are almost halfway through 2013. Now is the time for examination.
How are you doing with your goals for the year? Which ones have you hit? How many are a partial punch? Do you want to forget the total flub?
I start in December penciling my goals on three-hole punched, blue-lined notebook paper. I don’t craft the wording in ink. There are sure to be changes as December marches to the end and I cross days off the calendar.
In the moments between holiday hoopla, I find quiet moments for contemplation (my sanity requires this kind of downtime) with the hopes of launching the new year with a plan in place. I always use this acronym for each goal:
S M A R T
S = Specific
M = Measureable
A = Attainable
R= Realistic
T= Timely
Here’s an example of one of my goals for 2013:
S = Write book 3 of the Fleur de Lis series – Back to the Bayou
M = 90,000-word manuscript.
A = This can be done by setting a weekly word goal.
R= The goal is in alignment with my overall writing mission.
T= Complete by June 30th.
Examination:
Back to the Bayou
11,146 words into the 90,000-word manuscript.
Weekly goal of 3500 words just didn’t happen on this manuscript.
In the past, this goal would’ve been met without breaking a sweat. However, in the past, I wasn’t published and promoting a book while editing a second with my editor, AND writing a third book. In short, my writing world changed in 2013 and I’m in the process of adapting.
It’s time for Recalibration. What do I specifically want to accomplish in the next six months? What will have I to change in my schedule to reach my writing goals? Am I taking on too much by writing short stories along with novels? How important are conferences and workshops when they take me away from writing?
I’ll be penciling in my recalibrated goals for the rest of 2013. I could eliminate writing short stories. That’s a definite thing to ponder since I must meet my contractual obligations.
Hope you’ll take the time in June for examination and recalibration of what needs to be accomplished in your life, then plan a celebration for all your hard work so far this year. Also, celebrations are important. Please share how your goals are going and give me some tips on celebrating.
Happy Reading!
Linda Joyce
http://www.linda-joyce.com
May 29, 2013
Confessions of a Word-Junkie
Hey there!
I’ve got a word game to amuse you over at Vintage Vonnie where I’m a guest today. Come on over and let’s play Word Dynamo.
http://www.vintagevonnie.blogspot.com/2013/05/confessions-of-word-game-junkie-by.html
Happy Reading!
Linda Joyce
http://www.linda-joyce.com
May 24, 2013
Good Morning America!
Reblogged from Release Parties @ TRS:
I'm late for work this morning, but I'm popping in to say hello.
The English Lily was released last Wednesday through The Wild Rose Press. This book is a fourth in my Cinderella Series. Book I, The Wronged Princess is available for free on Smashwords. The English Lily is also a part of the Oklahoma Romance Writers Tales of the Scrimshaw Doll…
Kathy L. Wheeler writing as Kae Elle Wheeler has an engaging writing voice and her series is delightful. I am looking forward to this book! I invite you to share the journey with me.
Smiles,
Linda Joyce
www.linda-joyce.com
May 22, 2013
Literary Agent Sara Megibow shares “A day in the life…”
Agents are advocates for their writers. But what does that mean? What do agents do? Sara Megibow with the Nelson Literary Agency (NLA) in Denver, Colorado demystifies the life of a literary agent and offers insights into the tasks that fill her working day.
I spoke with Sara during the RT Convention in Kansas City the day after a freak May 2nd snowstorm. I had heard her speak at conferences before and was delighted to meet her.
Sara represents twenty-six clients. She spends 90% of her work time on contract negotiations, publicity and promotions, subsidiary rights, and author career planning.
“I have artist discussions,” Sara said. “I need to know what each wants. Are they looking to write a dozen books a year or just one?”
She is constantly on the hunt for subsidiary rights for her writers’ work, which means she is searching for inroads into other markets, such as audio, foreign publication, film and TV, along with graphic novels, comic books and merchandising.
What about those writers trying to grab her attention with a well-written query letter?
“About ten percent of my time is spent looking for new authors, query letters and manuscripts,” Sara explained.
About 150-200 emails fill her inbox each day. The explosion of indie-publishers and indie-authors hasn’t resulted in a decrease of submissions coming to her. “Many writers tell me they want a traditional book deal,” Sara shared.
The quality of the submissions she receives is “fabulous.” She believes that Romance Writers of America educates their membership and it shows in the work that writers send her way.
I wanted to know one thing that surprises Sara about being an agent. She pondered the question for moment, then said, “Pop culture feels like it’s being molded based on books, more now than when I was a child.” She spoke of the significant impact of Harry Potter, Twilight and The Hunger Games on our culture.
Sara also pointed out how books are more accessible today. Independent bookstores and libraries used to be the primary place to get books. Now there are many options with Amazon, Barnes and Noble, kobo, and eBook retailers.
When asked for her best advice to aspiring authors, Sara smiled and said, “Don’t quit!”
From the NLA website:
Sara is currently looking for superior writing and a great concept. Whether a book has vampires or butterflies, spaceships or school buses, it doesn’t matter. Sara wants to be carried away by the story. If your book is fantasy, paranormal, science fiction, steampunk, contemporary, historical, short, long or a mashup of all the above, send it along! Boiled down to a list, here it is:
•Young-adult and middle-grade novels in all subgenres
•Super sexy romance with a solid dose of humor
•Complex fantasy of all types: epic fantasy, urban fantasy, quirky fantasy, historical fantasy
•All science fiction from very science-y to action-packed and commercial
•New Adult manuscripts that feature early 20-something protagonists and conflicts about identity and independence
You can find out more about Sara at Publishers Marketplace
Happy Reading!
Linda Joyce
http://www.linda-joyce.com
May 21, 2013
2Fer From Bookpeeps
Every now and then something delightful comes into my world that makes me smile. I am honored to be nominated for the “A Great Moment in My Life Award” by Bookpeeps.
Let me introduce to you Bookpeeps:
2Fer.
May 20, 2013
What’s your most memorable unexpected kiss?
I’m over at AJ’s Tattered Pages today.
Please join me there and share about your most heart-pounding unexpected kiss. Where? When? With whom?
May 11, 2013
Book Review: Bayou Born
Sophie Sansregret reviewed Bayou Born. **** 4 Stars ****
An excerpt:
It is a romance which includes the real world of near-miss car accidents (and one helluva plane incident), sinks gone awry, cheating, stalking fiancés, new jobs, and one’s first trip to a honky tonk.
Did I say honky tonk? Yeah I did. I live in “the North” in Canada (and I mean NORTH). We don’t have honky tonks. We have bars and “the Legion”. I want to go to a honky tonk now. I think we’re missing some great fun.
Meet you over at Sophie’s place. Let’s talk south. 
Review: Bayou Born by Linda Joyce.
Happy Reading,
Linda Joyce
http://www.linda-joyce.com
May 8, 2013
Five Things I learned at RT Con
I left last Tuesday and drove west to attend RT Con, for those of you who may be unfamiliar, it is the Romantic Times Booklovers Convention. This year’s event brought writers and readers to Kansas City, a place where I lived for twelve years before moving to Atlanta. Next year it will be in New Orleans. Yes, I can’t wait!
I paid my registration fee earlier this year with a dose of trepidation. Would I disappear in a sea of noted authors? I figured that at least my friends would come to see me at the book signing. Sure enough, they did.
What’s unique about RT? It’s a reader’s fan conference with educational sessions for writers. Writers are fans, too. I met several of my favorites, like Jude Deveraux and Sharon Sala. Saw many more!
Readers are engaging, so happy to meet authors, including debut authors like me. At one point, I was trotting along in heels trying to make it to an appointment on time. Two women were at the door ahead of me. They held the door open. “You’re the author,” one said. “You’re important. Please go ahead.”
I thanked the lady profusely. I’m sure she thought it was for her door holding. It was, but also because for a moment, I felt recognized and validated.
Here are five things I learned at RT.
1) A smile is free and when you give it away, it comes back to you ten-fold.
2) Romance, no matter the genre, unites readers in a magical way.
3) *Squeeeeee* as often as you like. (I did some forms of this every time I saw someone I know, and upon meeting up with friends I’ve only known on social media.) The sound produces a “feel-good” vibe and it’s contagious for those around you.
4) The business of writing is like a complex dish on a Food Network cooking show where the aspects of flavor profiles meld together. The business of writing is also complex. No one can know everything about writing by reading a single book or attending only one workshop or conference.
5) I am not alone. (Nor are you.) There are readers excited to read books and meet new authors, as well, as visit with their long-time favorites.
What are you reading right now? What author would you love to meet? Me? I’m still stalking Pat Conroy.
Happy Reading!
Linda Joyce
http://www.linda-joyce.com
April 29, 2013
4 out of 5 Star Review for Bayou Born
Evolved World. Ever been there? It’s THE place for contemporary women.
Sophie Sansregret posted a review of Bayou Born. An excerpt from the review:
It is a romance which includes the real world of near-miss car accidents (and one helluva plane incident), sinks gone awry, cheating, stalking fiancés, new jobs, and one’s first trip to a honky tonk.
Did I say honky tonk? Yeah I did. I live in “the North” in Canada (and I mean NORTH). We don’t have honky tonks. We have bars and “the Legion”. I want to go to a honky tonk now. I think we’re missing some great fun.
I hope you’ll make the click to visit Sophie at Evolved World.
http://evolvedworld.com/books/item/889?layout=item
Then, I hope you’ll enjoy the journey of Branna and James.
Bayou Born (Fleur de Lis Series)
April 26, 2013
The inner sanctum of Linda Joyce – at Harlie’s Books
Harlie has the coolest logo! Makes me wanna hope on a bike and ride through the north Georgia mountains.
I’m visiting with Harlie today at Harlie’s Books. http://www.harliesbooks.com/
Come on over. We’ll have tea (maybe spike with something?) and chat. You’ll get a look at my inner sanctum and a peek at two of the guys in my life: Gentleman Jack and General Beauregard. Can you tell which one is which?
Harlie has a way of making folks feel at home and then gets them to open up about their secrets. She certainly got me talking. I even revealed what my husband calls me.
And after you visit there, if you want to put a voice with my face, you can listen here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/rrradio/2013/04/24/rrw-whats-write-for-me
I hope you enjoy!
AND, if you’re in Kansas City for the RT Convention next week, please look me up and say, “Hey!”
Many thanks for Harlie for inviting me to her place. Our chat was so much fun!
Happy Reading!
Linda Joyce
