Before I go any further, let me explain that queries are my least favorite thing next to pitches. I may be nervous during a pitch, but at least I know I can use the remaining minutes to add flesh to the bones of those two sentences. Queries, not so much. I know the first sentence matters but ,while I can always personalize a pitch to an agent I've met, how to handle the cold queries to those I've culled from the Agent Guides?
How much is too much and how little is too little? I already know not to send an e-pitch on Monday or Friday, and aim for between 9AM (my time) and 2PM (my time) during the rest of the week. I can tell them about my story, yes, but then what? I've not been published, although I've done a couple of reviews for a crime fiction magazine. I've taken master classes at comferences with people such as Anne Perry, Nancy Pickard, Lee Child and Libby Fischer Hellmann, but do those count? And I am working on a second book with the same characters as well as a short story or two.
So, what is the answer? What goes in a query? And do I use the Sakey Rule and attach the first page?
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
Summertime Blues
It seems my New Year's Resolution, not to mention my Springtime resolve, has once again fallen prey to the "I'll do that later" syndrome. I have good intentions, interrupted by Real Life in the form of writing problems, work hassles, and issues with almost everything else. Still, I took two important steps this year. I went, for the second time, to The Midwest Writers' Workshop at Ball State University in Muncie Indiana, and I enrolled for the 2001 Writers' Police Academy in Grennsboro NC. The second step was by far the scarier of the two.
The MWW is a great place to learn the craft of writing without all the distractions of large crowds and convention-geared panels. The writer contingent this year? 175. Small groups, good speakers, established authors, and agents who gave presentations as well as listened to pitches. It strikes the anxiety chord with me only because I am an introvert (although Jane Friedman tells us most writers are) and have to work at making credible small talk. I'm getting better, but it takes courage to approach someone you've never met or have just met over breakfast. Food is a good ice-breaker, as is the temperature at the Alumni Center--set at frigid. Once you've chatted with someone, it's easy to say "Hey" the next time you see them, or at least smile.
I've submitted my first five for an evaluation both times, and have gotten good advice. I've also pitched both times and know that while the first agent simply was more interested in another genre than had been advertised, she also didn't rally want to be there. The second agent was no-nonsense and abrasive but, in retrospect, gave me some things to think about. As my daughter reminds me, there is always something in criticism to move you forward. Wise child.
The second step, still to come when I step on the plane in September, is the Writers' Police Academy. Again, for writers but without the pitching to agents. It's all about Police Procedure and Forensics and Weapons---capitalized here because all of them interest me. I'm going to learn about guns. Guns scare me. I want to turn that fear into respect as well as get the details right when Sam and Frank confront a suspect. Forensics and procedure? Again, to get things right. This step is so far out of my comfort zone that I knew I had to do it.
One more thing. Jane Friedman and Dana Kaye BOTH insisted that platforms begin BEFORE the book hits the market. So, my summer resolution? Writing something here once a week, whether anyone reads it or not. It's a blank (sort of) slate....and I'll add as I go and learn linking and sharing.
So, my question to anyone happening upon this exercise is this: What scares you? And what do you do to conquer that fear? I'd love to hear your solutions.
The MWW is a great place to learn the craft of writing without all the distractions of large crowds and convention-geared panels. The writer contingent this year? 175. Small groups, good speakers, established authors, and agents who gave presentations as well as listened to pitches. It strikes the anxiety chord with me only because I am an introvert (although Jane Friedman tells us most writers are) and have to work at making credible small talk. I'm getting better, but it takes courage to approach someone you've never met or have just met over breakfast. Food is a good ice-breaker, as is the temperature at the Alumni Center--set at frigid. Once you've chatted with someone, it's easy to say "Hey" the next time you see them, or at least smile.
I've submitted my first five for an evaluation both times, and have gotten good advice. I've also pitched both times and know that while the first agent simply was more interested in another genre than had been advertised, she also didn't rally want to be there. The second agent was no-nonsense and abrasive but, in retrospect, gave me some things to think about. As my daughter reminds me, there is always something in criticism to move you forward. Wise child.
The second step, still to come when I step on the plane in September, is the Writers' Police Academy. Again, for writers but without the pitching to agents. It's all about Police Procedure and Forensics and Weapons---capitalized here because all of them interest me. I'm going to learn about guns. Guns scare me. I want to turn that fear into respect as well as get the details right when Sam and Frank confront a suspect. Forensics and procedure? Again, to get things right. This step is so far out of my comfort zone that I knew I had to do it.
One more thing. Jane Friedman and Dana Kaye BOTH insisted that platforms begin BEFORE the book hits the market. So, my summer resolution? Writing something here once a week, whether anyone reads it or not. It's a blank (sort of) slate....and I'll add as I go and learn linking and sharing.
So, my question to anyone happening upon this exercise is this: What scares you? And what do you do to conquer that fear? I'd love to hear your solutions.
Sunday, April 24, 2011
April Showers
Oh how I hate to do a post when I feel I have nothing to say and the writing is more editing than creating. So I've decided to steal an idea from my editing friend Ramona and do a weekly post, just to keep my hand in and make any comments on writing and the state of things in my neck of the woods. Makes sense to me, at least at this stage in the game. Anyone out there who views this can count on a new post every Sunday...easy as that.
I'm a bit down at not being chosen as a Fellow for the Midwest Writers Workshop Retreat, but it helps to know there are 85 others just as disappointed. The Fellow category is only limited to 9 each year, and I know there are others out there more talented than me. Just another rejection to handle. Somehow I need to make them regret not having chosen me, and the best way to do that is to refocus on getting the first book out there and show up as a published author. I need a mantra that fits that focus :o) And the discipline to get things done. Easy for me to use excuses these days between the odd work hours and the chores we need to get done before we can get the house ready to sell...not that we're planning that, but we've put off a lot of cosmetic changes and those are what make the first impression on someone who is looking. Like writing a query letter in some ways. Best foot forward and all that.
That said, I'm lucky to have found a new reader for my WIP and am taking her comments into consideration as I go through the chapters again. Phil and Sam are benefitting I hope...although they're not as friendly as they were. Tension intrigues people, and of course Phil insists on not listening to his older brother's advice when it comes to things HE feels are important: like helping Sam crack a case, or staying at the Bombay when Sam thinks he should move on. There's a stubborn streak in those Carstairs boys :o) Plus I still have a couple of short stories to try and crack as well.
There...now I'm off to box some more books and get some Easter dinner started. Tune in next Sunday. I promise there will be something more interesting than my resolutions.
I'm a bit down at not being chosen as a Fellow for the Midwest Writers Workshop Retreat, but it helps to know there are 85 others just as disappointed. The Fellow category is only limited to 9 each year, and I know there are others out there more talented than me. Just another rejection to handle. Somehow I need to make them regret not having chosen me, and the best way to do that is to refocus on getting the first book out there and show up as a published author. I need a mantra that fits that focus :o) And the discipline to get things done. Easy for me to use excuses these days between the odd work hours and the chores we need to get done before we can get the house ready to sell...not that we're planning that, but we've put off a lot of cosmetic changes and those are what make the first impression on someone who is looking. Like writing a query letter in some ways. Best foot forward and all that.
That said, I'm lucky to have found a new reader for my WIP and am taking her comments into consideration as I go through the chapters again. Phil and Sam are benefitting I hope...although they're not as friendly as they were. Tension intrigues people, and of course Phil insists on not listening to his older brother's advice when it comes to things HE feels are important: like helping Sam crack a case, or staying at the Bombay when Sam thinks he should move on. There's a stubborn streak in those Carstairs boys :o) Plus I still have a couple of short stories to try and crack as well.
There...now I'm off to box some more books and get some Easter dinner started. Tune in next Sunday. I promise there will be something more interesting than my resolutions.
Thursday, March 10, 2011
The Merry Month of March...Achooooo!
It's been a while, for which I apologize, even if I'm the only one reading this. Writing was difficult, even with the Challenge from Jungle Red, but I did manage to get a new story started and some edits done....and THEN I went to Portland. (After the sinus infection that laid me flat for a week) Catherine and I opted to forego Mardi Gras and head to a writing workshop, a Creative Renewal, I think it was called, sponsored by The Attic, a writers' group well-known in the Pacific Northwest. More literary than genre, and the main speaker/instructor is a poet, David Biespiel. Still, there is always something to be learned, and it was an interesting change from talking specifically about plot or agenting, etc. We actually spent most of our time talking about words, and how using a word as a springboard to other, more colorful, words and phrases is one way to improve writing, no matter whether you are a poet, biographer, or fictioneer. A lot of prompts were given, and then used to give more prompts, taking the original short piece in a different direction. Definitely forced my brain to work on the spur of the moment. We had time for writing in both morning and afternoon but the work was never really discussed other than as a "what did you work on?" before each workshop. Focus was definitely on the jogging of the mind to look in different places for descriptive words and new ways to use them.
Of course, the setting was ideal. We were lodged in a glorious 19th century hotel, The Balch, in the tiny town of Dufur Oregon, just 11 miles from The Dalles (and Big Jim's Burgers, which is another post altogether). The town rolled up its sidewalks at 6PM and the only place open after that was the bar down the street. Shared bath or private bath, three floors, most with beautiful views. Claw footed tubs, oak staircases (no elevator), and some of the best breakfasts I've had in a while. The hotel only houses 34, so we had the place to ourselves. Quiche and frittatas with cheeses and mushrooms and bacon and little bundt shaped muffins drizzled with caramel or lemon sauce. And coffee! Or tea. Lunch was catered in on Saturday, lovely roast beef sandwiches, more cheese and crackers....and the Friday night reception was indeed a fest of wine and cheese (all from Oregon). Plenty of nooks and crannies to settle in and write or dream or read.
Did I accomplish anything? Another beginning to a short story and some quality time with other writers. Always a good thing. However, the lovely month of March has given me a horrendous head cold...you know, the kind where the doctor says "Lots of liquid, plenty of rest, and it will go away in its own time." Crap. Hard to be creative when your brain is full of cotton. I have since signed up for the Midwest Writers Workshop in Muncie this July, so I can't rest too long. This workshop gave me some good tools last year, and hopefully will do so again this year. The faculty is always good and the other writers are from all walks of life...and genres. Now I'm going to take a nap...as soon as I find my kleenex.
Of course, the setting was ideal. We were lodged in a glorious 19th century hotel, The Balch, in the tiny town of Dufur Oregon, just 11 miles from The Dalles (and Big Jim's Burgers, which is another post altogether). The town rolled up its sidewalks at 6PM and the only place open after that was the bar down the street. Shared bath or private bath, three floors, most with beautiful views. Claw footed tubs, oak staircases (no elevator), and some of the best breakfasts I've had in a while. The hotel only houses 34, so we had the place to ourselves. Quiche and frittatas with cheeses and mushrooms and bacon and little bundt shaped muffins drizzled with caramel or lemon sauce. And coffee! Or tea. Lunch was catered in on Saturday, lovely roast beef sandwiches, more cheese and crackers....and the Friday night reception was indeed a fest of wine and cheese (all from Oregon). Plenty of nooks and crannies to settle in and write or dream or read.
Did I accomplish anything? Another beginning to a short story and some quality time with other writers. Always a good thing. However, the lovely month of March has given me a horrendous head cold...you know, the kind where the doctor says "Lots of liquid, plenty of rest, and it will go away in its own time." Crap. Hard to be creative when your brain is full of cotton. I have since signed up for the Midwest Writers Workshop in Muncie this July, so I can't rest too long. This workshop gave me some good tools last year, and hopefully will do so again this year. The faculty is always good and the other writers are from all walks of life...and genres. Now I'm going to take a nap...as soon as I find my kleenex.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Snowy Days and Facebook
Snow on the brain has limited my ambition to write anything new on the Chronicles. Instead it seems to fuel my need to hibernate. Some long ago ancestors in Scotland more than likely hunkered down in their smoky peat-heated cottages for the duration, going outside only when absolutely necessary. I know the feeling. Phil and Sam seem to be hibernating at the moment, although I'm trying to set a new story in snowy Portland. Murder at Legends...and there's a rare but heavy snowfall turning the streets impassable and the Pearl into a ghost town. Make use of what you have, right?
Still. I've been doodling about Facebook as well. I do play a game or two but mostly just check statuses of those I know...and obviously I "know" a lot of people :o) The little sidebar that says "People You May Know" is one of those examples of Six Degrees of Separation aka The Kevin Bacon Game. Because I have certain friends who are writers, I also could 'know' people like Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen, Harlen Coben, S.J. Rozan, and so on and so on. Now, I admit to meeting these excellent writers at a conference or workshop, but 'know' them? Do I 'friend'them? Don't have the courage. When it comes to celebrities, in the world of books or otherwise, I am a shy person...I admire from afar. I never expect someone famous to remember me, am shocked if they do, and not surprised when they don't. Still, it is interesting to see who appears on that Facebook list. Should I ever breach the barrier that leads to being published, I may take the plunge, but for now...
Back to the Carstairs...I'm still trying to ramp up tension between Phil and Sam...although I find it hard to make it natural, at least in the first chapter. Sam talked Phil into doing the job at the Bombay, so how can he be anti-Filli at this point? A few chapters later, perhaps, but in the opening scene? Back to the drawing board.
Still. I've been doodling about Facebook as well. I do play a game or two but mostly just check statuses of those I know...and obviously I "know" a lot of people :o) The little sidebar that says "People You May Know" is one of those examples of Six Degrees of Separation aka The Kevin Bacon Game. Because I have certain friends who are writers, I also could 'know' people like Lee Child, Tess Gerritsen, Harlen Coben, S.J. Rozan, and so on and so on. Now, I admit to meeting these excellent writers at a conference or workshop, but 'know' them? Do I 'friend'them? Don't have the courage. When it comes to celebrities, in the world of books or otherwise, I am a shy person...I admire from afar. I never expect someone famous to remember me, am shocked if they do, and not surprised when they don't. Still, it is interesting to see who appears on that Facebook list. Should I ever breach the barrier that leads to being published, I may take the plunge, but for now...
Back to the Carstairs...I'm still trying to ramp up tension between Phil and Sam...although I find it hard to make it natural, at least in the first chapter. Sam talked Phil into doing the job at the Bombay, so how can he be anti-Filli at this point? A few chapters later, perhaps, but in the opening scene? Back to the drawing board.
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Snow Day
Woke up this morning to a blanket of white on the lawn...and the street. We're supposed to get from 3-5 inches today, which makes it a perfect day to stay in and write, read, bake, and (oh dear) take stock of my closet. My general rule of thumb is...not worn for two years, off it goes. Goodwill, Salvation Army, the local shelter, whoever needs it. I obviously don't. Of course, there are those sentimental "have to keeps". The dresses I wore to my daughter's rehearsal dinner and wedding, my own wedding dress (even though I doubt I could get into it) and a few 'comfort clothes'...those tops or bottoms that let me totally relax and feel cozy. Old sweatshirts are my favorites. It's like wearing a hug, especially if someone special gifted me with it. An old Penn State Nitanny Lion, a burgundy "Snow Somewhere Else"...both from my good friend Diane. A "Books, Cats, Life is Good" oversized one I gifted myself :o)...old and soft. So I may tackle that closet this afternoon, just to rediscover what I have that can stay...or go.
Phil has his own closet. Walk-in, plenty of hangars and shelves for the various tricks of his trade. Evening dress, tuxedos, favorite pieces from his stage days in The Big Apple, and an oversized steamer trunk. It was the last thing he packed before leaving New York for Portland and contains memories as well as cordless headsets and old CDs and DVDs. Most importantly, it has his personal photo album. Something he hasn't shared with anyone, not even Sam. Phil only opens it when he can't find something he needs anywhere else. Along with the good memories, it also contains things he can't throw away but doesn't want to see.
Sam;'s closet? Organized, just like Sam's life used to be...when his wife took care of the details. Her death hit him hard, although he keeps the details close to his heart. Her clothes are in the bureau...he can't bring himself to donate them anywhere. They were married six months before she died...and strangely, his attempt to keep the closet orderly is a way to honor her memory. Corny, but true. Sam stows his memories inside her hope chest.
We all have closets of one kind or another...emotional, physical, even spiritual. Sometimes it helps to get in and clean them out...or at least appreciate what we have stored there.
Phil has his own closet. Walk-in, plenty of hangars and shelves for the various tricks of his trade. Evening dress, tuxedos, favorite pieces from his stage days in The Big Apple, and an oversized steamer trunk. It was the last thing he packed before leaving New York for Portland and contains memories as well as cordless headsets and old CDs and DVDs. Most importantly, it has his personal photo album. Something he hasn't shared with anyone, not even Sam. Phil only opens it when he can't find something he needs anywhere else. Along with the good memories, it also contains things he can't throw away but doesn't want to see.
Sam;'s closet? Organized, just like Sam's life used to be...when his wife took care of the details. Her death hit him hard, although he keeps the details close to his heart. Her clothes are in the bureau...he can't bring himself to donate them anywhere. They were married six months before she died...and strangely, his attempt to keep the closet orderly is a way to honor her memory. Corny, but true. Sam stows his memories inside her hope chest.
We all have closets of one kind or another...emotional, physical, even spiritual. Sometimes it helps to get in and clean them out...or at least appreciate what we have stored there.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Just a ramble
I loved fairy tales when I was a kid. Still do, even though I know that the underlying meanings are not always as nice as the story itself. Think about it. If you stop to consider The Brothers Grimm or Hans Christian Andersen, there are some really nasty morality tales hidden in their works. To me the main caution is "Be good or be eaten" or "Be careful what you wish for, because you might not want what you get". There are modern fairy tales out there as well, although in a lot of cases they masquerade as horror/thriller stories. And the good guy doesn't always win.
I like it when the good guys win, which is why I have Phil and Sam around. Sam may have to put up with Phil's meddling, but the meddling usually helps solve the case. And Phil never wants to let his twin down, so he always tries to help. Sam's partner Frank? Well, he's the foil for these two, sometimes with more common sense than either wants to give him credit for, and always with a way of seeing past the fog.
Two more chapters re-worked...and some major questions to deal with in the last few. Still, it's good to be writing again.
I like it when the good guys win, which is why I have Phil and Sam around. Sam may have to put up with Phil's meddling, but the meddling usually helps solve the case. And Phil never wants to let his twin down, so he always tries to help. Sam's partner Frank? Well, he's the foil for these two, sometimes with more common sense than either wants to give him credit for, and always with a way of seeing past the fog.
Two more chapters re-worked...and some major questions to deal with in the last few. Still, it's good to be writing again.
Monday, January 17, 2011
45 Minutes
Today's task was a review of Chapter 39...hopefully the final pass. Phil and Sam are definitely at odds...and the killer has struck again. Nothing like a little conflict at 9AM :o) My problem is how to create tension between Sam and his stubborn little brother way back in the beginning. I could just picture my own little sister...who by the way can push every button I have and enjoy doing it. I know because she told me that very thing. But Phil and Sam are twins...and twins are usually on the same track, right? Plus, it was Sam's idea that Phil become "Filli"...and not his fault that "Filli" became the hottest thing in Portland. And even though they work in two different worlds...well maybe that's the rub. Sam's a cop...Phil a performer...and Phil wants to help. After all, the killer is invading his turf, not Sam's. And then there's Phil's secret.
Stay tuned...
Stay tuned...
Sunday, January 16, 2011
New Year, New Resolution
Thanks to the wonderful women at Jungle Red for giving me a kick in the proverbial pants...contest or no contest, Phil and his latest nemesis, Ruby Cabernet, have been languishing while I try and cut, paste, and generally re-work Crossdressed. And so has this little blog. Revisions make me cranky. I always feel like I've done my best the first time out, especially since I tend to edit as I go. So, to have anyone tell me I need to 'reword this, cut that, make this more clear' is a shock. My daughter is my first reader and pulls no punches. I was fortunate to have Ramona DeFelice Long do my first complete edit...she is amazing and gave me some good direction. Still, my ego always gets bruised. Poor poor me, right? I know it has to be done if I want Phil and his alter ego Filli to ever see the light of day...or nook...or print. Doesn't make it any easier. (Do I hear violins?)
So, since I have today set aside for the Bears-Seahawks games, I set to work tomorrow to get some major work done...one page at a time. Or rather, 45 minutes at a time. Stick with me, OK?
So, since I have today set aside for the Bears-Seahawks games, I set to work tomorrow to get some major work done...one page at a time. Or rather, 45 minutes at a time. Stick with me, OK?
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