If you could read just 1500 of my words...
In October, I'm going to be attending the GayRomLit reader/author event in Chicago. I managed to get an author spot off the wait-list, and I look forward to it with mingled anticipation and anxiety. Going as an author involves a bit more prep and decision making than going as a reader (when my big decision was "how to I dress to meet Amy Lane?" - the answer to which turned out to be, any way I liked, because Amy's too kind to even care.) As an author, I have to bring swag (what kind?) and books (how many?) and this year there is a new feature...
Some wonderful people are organizing a GRL free book full of stories or excerpts from the attending authors. Like a sampler, not just of new authors this year, but of many of us. Because they'll have a hundred authors in it, we each get 1500 words to use for an excerpt, or a story. It's intended to introduce readers to authors they have not yet tried.
If you'd never read my books, what would you want to see? An excerpt? (And if there's a book or not-too-spoilery scene you think would be ideal, I'd love to know.) A complete little short story? I have some that short, although mostly among the thirty or so that I've done for the Young Adult Group.
As you know, 1500 words for me is a pittance, but since I've now written a score of 100-word drabbles for the M/M group, I think I'm getting the really short form down. I could write an adult 1500 word short. I think. So... Any advice?
Some wonderful people are organizing a GRL free book full of stories or excerpts from the attending authors. Like a sampler, not just of new authors this year, but of many of us. Because they'll have a hundred authors in it, we each get 1500 words to use for an excerpt, or a story. It's intended to introduce readers to authors they have not yet tried.
If you'd never read my books, what would you want to see? An excerpt? (And if there's a book or not-too-spoilery scene you think would be ideal, I'd love to know.) A complete little short story? I have some that short, although mostly among the thirty or so that I've done for the Young Adult Group.
As you know, 1500 words for me is a pittance, but since I've now written a score of 100-word drabbles for the M/M group, I think I'm getting the really short form down. I could write an adult 1500 word short. I think. So... Any advice?
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That does help - maybe a conversation...Thank you.
Omigosh, that's a tough one.Maybe the first kitchen/kissing scene from The Rebuilding Year. I think it's one that could be understood all on its own with the bit before and after.
And if you're going for convos, the ones while those two are on the road in Nor Iron Bars a Cage - making their way to the castle.
Nice ideas, thank you...I like that Rebuilding Year scene, although I admit I hoard it a bit, as something I want readers to come fresh to, as they read the book. (A reward for all the UST (unresolved sexual tension) to that point, maybe.)
That's my problem with excerpts - I personally don't like spoilers, and so I have a hard time with excerpting my favorites out of context. It feels like those movie trailers, where you find out that the best scenes were all in the trailer.
I'll have to look at the conversations in NIBaC though - those are early on, and there is more than enough plot yet to come there...
I appreciate the suggestions and input :)
A complete short story of 1500 words won't allow anyone to see how great your writing is - go for an excerpt. I couldn't begin to pick an excerpt but would recommend that it be from one of your free novels. That way, readers wouldn't have to pay to find out how good your writing is and after reading a novel, they'd be hooked for life if they're anything like me.
I found your writing through your Life Lessons series, so my first thought is to go with something about Mac and Tony! But I'm not sure what. It'd have to be from Life Lessons, to avoid too many spoilers. Maybe when Mac first meets Tony, at the murder scene; or Tony and Marty in the club meeting Mac; or when Tony calls Mac about the first incident/note in his classroom. Those are all great scenes that showcase some development between the characters without being spoilery.I would definitely go for an excerpt over a short story, though, because your books are fantastic and should be shared!
Andrea wrote: "A complete short story of 1500 words won't allow anyone to see how great your writing is - go for an excerpt. I couldn't begin to pick an excerpt but would recommend that it be from one of your free..."That's an idea - to suck people into one of the freebies... There are some scenes early in "Into Deep Waters" although for some reason people run away from the "historical" tag on it...
Jenn wrote: "I found your writing through your Life Lessons series, so my first thought is to go with something about Mac and Tony! But I'm not sure what. It'd have to be from Life Lessons, to avoid too many sp..."Life Lessons is still my best selling series, but the first book starts slowly. That Tony & Marty & Mac scene is possible, although introducing prospective readers to Marty might not be a kindness...
I'm so indecisive, but I love hearing suggestions, and it all helps me to think about the options.
I love the rebuilding year - maybe the scene where the son catches them kissing? But I am also ridiculously fond of Simon and Paul, and there may be more "short" scenes to mine there.....the one where Paul is crying and Simon can't go to him always really tugs the heart strings. Mine, anyway.But if you wanted to write more? That's always good!
Songsungblue wrote: "I love the rebuilding year - maybe the scene where the son catches them kissing? But I am also ridiculously fond of Simon and Paul, and there may be more "short" scenes to mine there.....the one wh..."Good ideas, thank you (And I'm glad you love Paul and Simon :) - there's a little of them in the third book I just finished, although more of Aaron and Zach.)
Kaje wrote: "Andrea wrote: "A complete short story of 1500 words won't allow anyone to see how great your writing is - go for an excerpt. I couldn't begin to pick an excerpt but would recommend that it be from ..."Anything from Into deep waters... that is one of my all time favorites! People won't be able to run away from the historical tag because you will suck them in!
There's a scene, where Daniel leads Joseph down into the ship, the first time... Maybe that.I'm going to make a list of suggestions, or possible short story, and then think about it. I appreciate all the input.
I liked your short Possibilities, but it's not really like your other books as it doesn't have your typical relationship progression. I love how you get me to connect with your MCs. I can feel their chemistry, and I experience all of their emotions as they're living them, but I think that's hard to get across in a short or excerpt.
Dre wrote: "I liked your short Possibilities, but it's not really like your other books as it doesn't have your typical relationship progression. I love how you get me to connect with your MCs. I can feel thei..."Yeah, the really short stuff is more a snapshot of a moment in time, and you can't move forward much. Possibilities was for a Valentine story call from MLR (Hence the less than apt cover - all the stories had the same cover.) I'm glad you connected with the guys despite the length, and the fact that you only get one POV.
I've only read a couple of your stories, but imo, the aspect of your writing that I enjoy most is the quiet sincerity of your characters interactions. Unfortunately, this is subtle and why the short form doesn't favor you. Again, I have not read enough of your writing to make this a blanket statement--just what I've observed and taken away as enjoying.
Something that would highlight that is a pivotal scene where action and consequence intersect with character epiphany. Wish I could point to an example. Don't know if any of this is useful O_o
Anyway, have a great time and congrats on snagging a slot.