Why Do You Want to Be Published?

Why do you want to be published? Jody Hedlund’s post “After a Contract, Then What?” got me thinking. If we’re really just writing the story to get it out of our minds, then why aren’t we satisfied with just that? Why do we put ourselves through the pain of query and synopsis writing and the agony of rejection after rejection? There must be more to our reason for wanting to be published, whether we’re willing to admit it or not.

I want the fame. I don’t need to become as big as Nora Roberts or Stephen King, although that would be nice. I want to walk in a bookstore and find my books on the bestseller shelves and on the table right by the cash registers. Vanity isn’t my motivation. It’s more a pride issue than anything else. I’m tired of hearing that there’s no sense trying to become published because it’s not a realistic goal. Normal, every-day-people don’t have their books in book stores. Only big names with connections have that privilege. Writers are just lazy people who don’t want a real job. Ugh!

I could pull my hair out just thinking about all the comments I’ve heard over the years. And then there’s the looks. You know, the ones you get when you tell people you’re writing a book? The most common are: “ya-good-luck-with-that”, the “isn’t-that-sweet-you’re-such-a-dreamer” and the “you’re-still-working-on-the-same-book”.

So, when asked why I want to get published, I know one reason is definitely to prove to all those who’ve doubted me or my abilities that I wasn’t nuts. I wasn’t a dreamer. I believed in myself because I always KNEW I’d some day be published.

What about you? What’s your motivation for wanting to get published?

What's Your Theme?

What’s a theme? It’s the "big picture" issue you tend to deal with over and over again: trust, friendship, loyalty, family relationships, and the list goes on.

Chances are, if you’ve written or plotted out more than one book, some themes keep coming back. We naturally gravitate toward certain issues. Think about the themes you’ve used. Are there certain subjects that take over your manuscripts?

Mine are: (in no particular order)

-Things are rarely what they seem.- Prosperity comes more from love than money.- Let go of the past and live in the now.- Trust your heart to guide you.- The ability to trust = the ability to love (You can't love without trust.)

What are your favorite themes?

Monday Me

I'm starting a new series called Monday Me. Over the past few months, I've really enjoyed getting to know fellow blogger, but haven't revealed much about myself. All of that is about to change. Every Monday I'll share a little bit about myself or my life.

What would you like to know about me?

Fun Friday

I must warn you. Today's puzzle isn't easy, but it's worth the challenge, right? I saw the peacock and had to select this as my Fun Friday puzzle because of an experience my family had at the zoo. Peacocks roam freely in this particular zoo. When my twins saw them for the first time last year, they had to chase after those silly birds. Our three-year-olds didn't think twice about running through flower beds to get to the peacocks, who were always just a few steps away. The little teases.

Here you go. Have a great weekend!

Gotta Love 'Em

Let’s say you just signed with an agent and she wants to sell your book as a three part package. She’s not looking for a continuing series, just three books written by you in the same genre and style as your first.

You’re a pantser and recently started the second book, but are only on chapter three. How are you supposed to come up with not only one synopsis, but two? I’m afraid you don’t have a choice, except to play around with the story until you can jot down that synopsis.

And then do it again.

But here’s where it gets tough. Make sure you love the outlines for books two and three as much as you loved the story in book one. Why? Because once a publisher buys your package, he’s going to expect books two and three to follow the synopses you wrote. Sure, you can deviate a little, but for the most part, you can’t.

Just one more reason it’s a good idea to work some of this out before you sign with an agent. ;)

Have you put any thought into your next couple of books? Will they fit the three package mold (same genre, same style)?

To Read or Not to Read

Yesterday, I went through my gym bag and discovered a book I’d started reading many moons ago. Glancing inside, I found a bookmark at about the halfway point. Hum. I’m a little surprised I’d read that much considering I’d never gotten into the novel.

I used to have this strange loyalty to authors, where I’d read the entire book no matter how long it took me or how boring it was. Not anymore. My time is too precious for that. In fact, I think the only reason I read as far as I did on this particular book is because the author’s a best seller. I’m guessing this isn’t the book that earned him such a title.

What about you? How long do you read a book before giving it a permanent home on the shelf?

Don't Be Discouraged

If you’re so discouraged you want to quit writing, you need to read what agent Kristin Nelson said on her blog last week:

“Where a writer is now is not where he/she might be a year from now. I’ve been to a lot of conferences over the years and have heard many a keynote speech from hugely bestselling authors. In their keynotes, they often will relay a story where an editor or an agent told them it was hopeless—to never write again. But here they are, X many years later on the bestseller list. Uh-huh. Where you are now is not where you may be in the future. Why should I discourage you if writing is your passion? If you’re planning to stick with it, then you’ll work on craft until you get it or until you discover that the cost of getting it isn’t worth it to you.”

Granted, some folks will never learn the craft. Just like some people simply can’t learn to sing. It’s just not in their genes. However, for the rest of us, we have to keep plugging away. If we haven’t had the light bulb moment yet, where all is suddenly clear, we will. The point is to not give up. Keep taking those writing courses, reading how-to-write books, and having your work critiqued by fellow writers. Who knows? You might be a best selling author one day. Isn’t that worth all this pain? I think so.

The Value of Online Classes

The value of online classes may escape some writers, but not me. I’ve taken quite a few courses over the last two years and have learned so much more than with any how-to-write book. Why? Because most of the instructors critiqued my work based on the lessons presented and the assignments given. Some of the instructors went a step beyond that by assisting us with other issues not covered in the course.

Because I was a teacher, I can appreciate the time and work that goes into not only the lesson plans for these classes, but each critique as well. This weekend, I participated in my first online class as an instructor. How exciting and nerve wracking all at once. Unfortunately, this wasn’t the type of course where I could take questions or interact with the group, but it’s a start. Once a teacher, always a teacher, right?

Soon, I’ll be embarking on a new adventure as a writing coach/editor and online instructor. With my background as a teacher and writer, this is a perfect fit for me. I can’t wait to begin.

What types of classes would you (if you were taking courses) like to see offered?

Fun Friday

A flower bud is today's puzzle because we're all little buds waiting to blossom into best selling authors. Right? ;)







Have a great weekend!

Poll Time

A while back, I told you a little bit about me. Now, I want to know more about you.

1. What genre(s) do you read?
2. What genre(s) do you write?
3. Where are you on the path to publication? Published, querying, or writing/editing?
4. Do you consider yourself a beginner, intermediate, or advanced writer?
5. Do you have a job other than writing?
6. When do you write?
7. Are you a member of a critique group?
8. Have you taken or would you take online writing courses?
9. Would you have your manuscript professionally edited before sending it out to agents?
10. Why do you write?

Seven Stages of Grief From Critiques

Abby Annis has a great post today about the seven stages of grief writers often suffer from after receiving a critique:

-shock
-denial
-anger
-guilt
-depression
-the upward turn
-acceptance and hope

Click over there and you’ll probably see a little bit of yourself in her comments about each stage. If not, you may enjoy the humor.

Have you experienced any of these emotions after receiving a critique? How do you overcome that feeling?

2009 Muse Online Writers Conference

Have you heard of the 2009 Muse Conference? It’s a FREE online writers conference that will be held during the week of October 12-18. This year, there will even be pitch sessions with agents and publishers, not to mention all the weeklong workshops and chat forums.

The coordinator has extended the deadline for registration to September 20, so hop over there and sign up. This will be my first year attending and I’m super excited. I can’t believe all the workshops. How can I not take advantage of this fantastic opportunity to learn?

Will I see you there?

Fun Friday a Little Late

I was out of town this weekend and didn't have a chance to post our Fun Friday session. Sorry about that. Because we came home late last night and I have so much unpacking and laundry to do, I decided to post Fun Friday today. Don't worry. I'll get back to my regular posts tomorrow. Enjoy!

I picked this puzzle because, at the moment, I feel like I'm swimming, too.

THE Fear

Reality set in and I felt THE fear. You know, the Oh-my-God-this-is-really-happening sensation? Yeah, that one. What caused this sudden burst of terror? The course I’m taking: The Submission Process by Lois Winston.

First, we created our query letter and now we’re working on the synopsis. I wasn’t planning on worrying about those challenges until after I completed and edited my WIP. But this course came along and I jumped at the chance to learn more about those pieces of work that often trouble writers. What I didn’t expect was for the whole experience to become REAL to me. I’M ACTUALLY DOING THIS. Should’ve been a no-brainer, I know. Yet, somehow, the realization hit me like a smack in the face.

I’m on the path leading to my goal of publication. And with the help from great instructors like Lois Winston, I can do this. So, as quickly as THE fear had crept into my mind, its negative feeling has left and is replaced with a stronger belief in myself and my abilities.

How did you conquer THE fear? Or have you?

After the CALL

Do you know what to expect after you get the CALL and sign with an agent? A lot more work. Here are some things you can complete either before you query or while you’re waiting to hear back from agents you’ve already queried.

-website
-author bio
-synopsis for your next TWO novels

Don’t forget to begin your next book. Agents and publishers want to see you’re not a one-book-wonder.

For those of you who have received the CALL or know someone who has, is there anything else we can do to prepare ahead of time?

Revision Overload?

What can you do when you reach revision overload, but need to continue editing to meet your deadline? Mix things up a little. Work your way backwards from the last scene to the first. Changing the sequence of the action breaks you away from the story enough to allow for a closer evaluation. This method can help you spot unnecessary dialogue, characters who contribute nothing, action that goes nowhere and scenes that don’t move the story forward.

Another trick is to change the font of your manuscript. Make the characters larger. Use Arial instead of Times New Roman. Have blue text instead of black. Print out several pages rather than work directly from the computer screen. Playing around with the look of your WIP will help create the distance you need to see the words from a different perspective.

What do you do to overcome revision overload?

Fun Friday

Are you addicted yet? Since it's the long weekend and we all wish we could be at the beach, I thought I'd give you a little taste...







Have a great weekend!

Award Time Again

Thanks to Rebecca Emrich for awarding me with the Literary Blogger Award for Energizing and Inspiring Reading.




Here are the rules:

1. Accept the award and post a link to the blogger who gave it to you.
2. Pass the award on to three people and link to their blog.
3. Notify those you nominated for the award.

And the award goes to...
Helen Ginger, Tess Hilmo, and T. Anne. Congrats!

Come back tomorrow for Fun Friday.

The E-book Take Over

I’d like to believe books are here to stay. I love the feel and smell of a paperbound novel. And, like some of you mentioned yesterday, my eyes are tired after spending so much time on the computer. Why would I want to relax in the same way?

As some of you pointed out, the new generation is very much into techno-gadgets, so maybe they won’t enjoy a book that requires turning paper pages. However, audio books have been out forever and they haven’t taken over the world.

I’m not saying e-books won’t stick around. I believe they will, but there may be room for both versions of a book, kind of like paperback and hardcover. At least with paper books, you can keep your copy for a lifetime. I would think with e-books, at some point, you’ll have to delete the novel for lack of storage space. That doesn’t work for me. I love to collect books, both read and unread. I like to surround myself with their physical being, which is one of the reasons I enjoy book stores and libraries. And I know I’m not the only one who feels this way.

But let’s say I’m wrong and e-books replace paperbound books. I don’t think that’ll mean the end of agents and large publishing houses. I could see those publishers taking control of the market and releasing e-books instead of the old paper format. There’s no doubt this would be a lot cheaper for them. In fact, a small press, who might have otherwise closed its doors, might turn to this option as a last resort.

What do you think?

Let's Talk

L. Diane Wolfe left an interesting comment on my blog not too long ago and I think the topic is worth discussing.

"With all of the rapid changes, how long before the old dinosaur publishing model finally collaspes? Self-published books exceeded traditional last year, ebooks are on the rise, small publishers are attacking niche audiences, and bookstores are dying - how long before the big giants in NY and their agents realize they no longer control the game?"

What do you think?


Thanks L. Diane for the great dissussion topic.

Do you have any writing related questions? Is there a subject you'd like to discuss? Let me know.