I have to spread the word about a fantastic site that helps take the time and energy out of submitting your work. Ever heard of WordHustler? This genius site has a wealth of information from finding the perfect query letter to in-depth interviews with authors, agents, editors already in the business. If you have work that is ready to submit, WordHustler can make sure it gets delivered to the right person. They will even track how many submissions you have out and let you know how long you've been waiting for a response.
After working so long on my first manuscript, I was nervous about using WordHustler. I read reviews and testimonials and played around with the site before actually submitting my work for them to ship for me. As a novice to the industry, it was wonderful using WordHustler's database to see thousands of markets I hadn't even thought of submitting work to. Prices are responsible and the customer service rocks! Seriously, I had a question and the gentleman helping me was competent and friendly sticking with me via email until I understood exactly what to do.
I am hooked! Using WordHustler, I can easily locate the right fit for my work. I've learned great tips on submitting to the markets and agents I'm interested in. Take a look at their site and I am positive you will want to use this amazing resource!
Wednesday, October 21
Monday, October 12
Believing in Your Gifts
I’ve always loved three things in my life: reading, writing and singing. But it’s taken me a long time to realize that writing and singing were my gifts. It’s not that I wasn’t told that they were or that in the back of my mind I didn’t know…the truth was I didn’t believe I was good enough to do either. It didn’t matter how well I sang or how many times someone told me how much they enjoyed my performance because deep down I never really believed them. I wonder sometimes what I would have done differently with my music in school if fear hadn’t held me back.
The same went with my writing that began at an early age. I remember getting my first journal and I believe my love affair with words started then. I moved on to stories, plays and poems that I’d scribble into notebook after notebook for only me to read. I was too scared to share any of it with anyone.
In college, I started sharing some of my poems and I can remember being told that I should pursue writing. I thought, “Who would want to read some of my stuff?” I focused on my music, but writing always popped up in creating songs and crafting poetry to express myself.
Now, almost ten years later, I understand that you have to believe in your gifts to really soar with them. You have to let go of your fear to let your gifts grow.
I’m not saying that I don’t still have off days as a writer, but I finally believe that…I AM A WRITER. That’s huge. I got serious about becoming a published author about a year and half ago and now within the last month I’ve been offered a contract for one of my short stories and asked to send in my full manuscript for my YA novel.
Validation does encourage the spirit, but you still have to know within your being that you are your gift to achieve any amount of success. Success is usually based on status and money, but I truly think it should be measured in realizing your gifts and honing your talent to share and enrich other lives no matter what the calling!
The same went with my writing that began at an early age. I remember getting my first journal and I believe my love affair with words started then. I moved on to stories, plays and poems that I’d scribble into notebook after notebook for only me to read. I was too scared to share any of it with anyone.
In college, I started sharing some of my poems and I can remember being told that I should pursue writing. I thought, “Who would want to read some of my stuff?” I focused on my music, but writing always popped up in creating songs and crafting poetry to express myself.
Now, almost ten years later, I understand that you have to believe in your gifts to really soar with them. You have to let go of your fear to let your gifts grow.
I’m not saying that I don’t still have off days as a writer, but I finally believe that…I AM A WRITER. That’s huge. I got serious about becoming a published author about a year and half ago and now within the last month I’ve been offered a contract for one of my short stories and asked to send in my full manuscript for my YA novel.
Validation does encourage the spirit, but you still have to know within your being that you are your gift to achieve any amount of success. Success is usually based on status and money, but I truly think it should be measured in realizing your gifts and honing your talent to share and enrich other lives no matter what the calling!
Monday, September 21
Yippee!
Over the weekend I got my first writing contract! It still doesn't seem real. I keep reading the contract in disbelief. This contract is for one of my shorter stories, but now my foot is in the door. I know none of it would have happened this soon without a connection I made on FB.
The validation the contract brings me as a writer is huge. I am more driven to write. I have so many stories to tell and all I need is the time to do it. That's the tricky part as a mom. I also submitted the first three chapters of my YA novel. I was so nervous shipping it off, but I couldn't hold onto the manuscript forever. At some point after all the revisions and polishing...you've gotta let it go.
Now, I have to wait and see what happens. After my surprise this weekend I feel optimistic!
The validation the contract brings me as a writer is huge. I am more driven to write. I have so many stories to tell and all I need is the time to do it. That's the tricky part as a mom. I also submitted the first three chapters of my YA novel. I was so nervous shipping it off, but I couldn't hold onto the manuscript forever. At some point after all the revisions and polishing...you've gotta let it go.
Now, I have to wait and see what happens. After my surprise this weekend I feel optimistic!
Saturday, September 19
One Submission Sent!
Last night I submitted one of my short stories. My husband inspired the idea for the fairytale. I was amazed at how fast this story came together. I dreamed about the plot and saw the characters in my head daily. I love fairytales and anything magical, especially when romance is thrown in the mix.
I sent the submission off into cyberspace, feeling nervous and excited. Finally, something I’ve worked on was ready to ship off. Hopefully, the editors will have as much fun reading the story as I had writing it.
Now, I will return my focus to my YA novel. I am determined to finish polishing the entire manuscript and at least ship off the first three chapters this weekend. The characters in my head wake me up in the morning and keep me up at night. Oh, how I love writing!
I sent the submission off into cyberspace, feeling nervous and excited. Finally, something I’ve worked on was ready to ship off. Hopefully, the editors will have as much fun reading the story as I had writing it.
Now, I will return my focus to my YA novel. I am determined to finish polishing the entire manuscript and at least ship off the first three chapters this weekend. The characters in my head wake me up in the morning and keep me up at night. Oh, how I love writing!
Friday, September 11
Weary Query
After looking at many different query models, I finally worked up my courage to write my own. The synopsis was harder to pen, but I still found myself spending several hours and a couple of days rereading my query, in an effort to capture the right tone and flair.
The query is your first shot at getting your foot in the door. That's a lot of pressure! It's more than a little nerve-racking trying to convey my hopes as a writer, my ambitions as an author and sell what I believe is a great book in just a few short paragraphs.
Somehow you are supposed to entice, impress and encourage the editor to take a look at your manuscript. Did I achieve my goals? Will my query get me through the elusive doors of the publishing house I desire?
Time will tell.
The query is your first shot at getting your foot in the door. That's a lot of pressure! It's more than a little nerve-racking trying to convey my hopes as a writer, my ambitions as an author and sell what I believe is a great book in just a few short paragraphs.
Somehow you are supposed to entice, impress and encourage the editor to take a look at your manuscript. Did I achieve my goals? Will my query get me through the elusive doors of the publishing house I desire?
Time will tell.
Thursday, August 27
Synopsis Anyone?
Everything that I've read or heard about writing a good synopsis is true. Trying to compress almost three hundred pages of material into a few pages is quite difficult. There's a lot of advice online on how to write a synopsis, but some of the things I've read seem unclear.
Like, how many pages it should be. Should it be single or double spaced? Should I open with a question or a funny hook? The more information I read about creating a stellar synopsis, the more confusing the process seemed. I know what the objective of the synopsis should be, but I still haven't quite gotten it down on the paper the way I want.
This is much harder than writing the actual book, but I'm going to keep at it until something jumps off the page that captures the life and essence of my novel.
Wish me luck!
Like, how many pages it should be. Should it be single or double spaced? Should I open with a question or a funny hook? The more information I read about creating a stellar synopsis, the more confusing the process seemed. I know what the objective of the synopsis should be, but I still haven't quite gotten it down on the paper the way I want.
This is much harder than writing the actual book, but I'm going to keep at it until something jumps off the page that captures the life and essence of my novel.
Wish me luck!
Tuesday, August 25
Staying Focused
A month ago, I was celebrating the fact that my first manuscript was finished...or so I thought. After rereading it for the third time and hearing feedback from a couple of trusted friends, I realized I wasn't yet done. My work needed more work. My story was lacking enough tension or drama to keep things popping.
I admit the feedback I got was great, but it made me feel a little discouraged. I was done! I wanted to be done, but I also wanted a really great story that the reader would enjoy.
I wanted to write a super positive story for young adults to enjoy, but I forgot that too much feel good reading leaves the reader bored. You need drama for good drama. I knew this, but somehow I still missed my mark. So, I went back through and rewrote several scenes and made the nemesis in my story a real stinker.
With thirty more pages added to the end of my book, I truly think I've created a story that will not only be positive, but has enough drama to keep the reader guessing up until the ending. I'm staring at my manuscript and trying to prepare my brain for rereading this story for the umpteenth time. This I hope will be the final run through.
The next phase is even more arduous...finding an agent or submitting on my own to the publisher. I'm still not sure which way to go. So many questions and it feels like I'm fumbling in the dark, but I have to believe that I will hit that ray of light that will push me through the door.
I admit the feedback I got was great, but it made me feel a little discouraged. I was done! I wanted to be done, but I also wanted a really great story that the reader would enjoy.
I wanted to write a super positive story for young adults to enjoy, but I forgot that too much feel good reading leaves the reader bored. You need drama for good drama. I knew this, but somehow I still missed my mark. So, I went back through and rewrote several scenes and made the nemesis in my story a real stinker.
With thirty more pages added to the end of my book, I truly think I've created a story that will not only be positive, but has enough drama to keep the reader guessing up until the ending. I'm staring at my manuscript and trying to prepare my brain for rereading this story for the umpteenth time. This I hope will be the final run through.
The next phase is even more arduous...finding an agent or submitting on my own to the publisher. I'm still not sure which way to go. So many questions and it feels like I'm fumbling in the dark, but I have to believe that I will hit that ray of light that will push me through the door.
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