Queries--Fun, fun, fun!

Does anyone like doing queries? I can't imagine it, but I suppose there must be someone out there who enjoys the process.

I'm forcing myself to query, because of course, I'm unlikely to obtain representation otherwise.

Oh sure, there's always the possibility that an agent with interests that match my book, great connections, and an easy-to-get-along-with personality will happen to knock on my door one day. Maybe his or her car breaks down right in front of my house, say.

But I've decided that I can't count on something like that to happen. I must take the steps necessary to make these agents aware of me and my book. And that means querying.

Finding information on querying is a perfect example of how the internet can be helpful, while also making you crazy at the same time. There are SO many web sites out there with advice on the best way to approach agents. And while there are some universal guidelines to follow, there are also lots of conflicting opinions on the details of how to do a great query. It is possible to spend hours and hours sifting through it all--hours when one could be writing or mopping the floor.

And on each of these sites there are hordes of other writers throwing in their two cents on what to do, as well as relaying all of their struggles when it comes to trying to land an agent. It makes me realize how unoriginal all of my querying angst is. Us aspiring-to-find-an-agent types are everywhere!

So trying to do a query the right way and at the same time knowing that it has to stand out from among the piles and piles of other queries being produced, makes it tough for perfectionists like me. Basically, it stresses me out, big time! But I'm doing it. Yay me.

Hmm....That's pretty sarcastic and grim. I should probably end this blog entry on a positive note, so since I've mentioned that the internet can be helpful when it comes to querying, I'd like to post a link to an extremely helpful querying resource: QueryTracker.net.

QueryTracker.net lets you search for agents' contact information and web presence, plus you can use it to track who you've sent queries to, and what the response has been.

So check it out if you're querying! It's definitely helping me.

And try to ignore the depressing statistic posted on the front page that there are 10,000+ registered users and only 83 success stories.

Gee, guess I won't be ending positively!

Buy new books!

It's shopping time. And we all know the news about the economy isn't exactly good. I was reading an agent's blog the other day (and I don't know why I go to those sites, because they usually stress me out, and this time was no exception) and it was all about how bad the publishing industry was doing, and how that meant the publishing climate was tougher for writers than ever before, blah, blah, blah. And the agent ended by encouraging everyone to buy new books to help the industry.

It got me thinking. The holidays are coming up. I have lots of gifts to buy. Why not buy new books? I love books. It's fun to think of which books would be appealing to the various people on my list. It makes shopping easier because the potential gift possibilities are limited. I can't really see a downside.

So that's my plan. I probably won't only buy books as gifts, but it's going to be mostly what I give. And if I can do my small part to help out the publishing industry, why not? It's not exactly an original idea. I just checked Laurie R. King's blog and she's encouraging people to do something similar.

So join the movement! Buy new books!

What comes next?

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I don't know, and as I result I'm both stuck and procrastinating. This is for the story I'm currently working on, which is something my kids can read, since nothing I've written so far is appropriate for them.

But all of a sudden, I'm itching to get back to my big story--part 2 to the novel I've already written. I want to get the kid one done first, though.

So butt down in chair, hands on keyboard, push through the pain of not knowing what comes next.

I always find it eventually.

How'd I miss this?

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J.K. Rowling delivered the commencement address at Harvard this past June.

Here's a link.

The whole thing is fabulous, but I was especially struck by the following quote:

Imagination is not only the uniquely human capacity to envision that which is not, and therefore the fount of all invention and innovation. In its arguably most transformative and revelatory capacity, it is the power that enables us to empathise with humans whose experiences we have never shared.

Wow!

Story Builders

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I've started a writing workshop for the kids in my daughter's 4th/5th combination class. It's called "Story Builders". I go in once a week for an hour and meet with them in groups and we talk about stories and play creativity games. I'm also giving them writing prompts to use in their own writing.

Here are the ones they've seen so far:

- Mary's lamb was indestructible.

- Whatever you do, don't touch that!

- She said "Gus" was her plant's name.

These first three came to me pretty easily. (Weird things pop up in my head all the time!) But if you have any suggestions for future writing prompts, I'd love to hear them!

More thoughts on criticism and negativity...

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In thinking about yesterday's post I realized I have a tad bit more to say about the subject. So miracle of miracles, here's another post only one day later!

Sure negative comments can be helpful, but that doesn't mean I think we all should just let those negative comments fly without taking into consideration the writer's feelings.

Tact and delicacy, people!

There's always something positive that can be said about a piece and that's what you should start with when giving a critique. In my opinion, anyway.

Also, I believe it's important not to try to change a piece to the way you would do it if you were writing it. You're not. There are many styles and types of writing out there and no one is the only way. So when I read each of the Workshop 8 manuscripts I tried to figure out what the writer was trying to do and make my suggestions and comments based on that. I was probably wrong a bunch of the time (in one case I know I was WAY wrong!) but I thought that approach was more respectful to the writer than trying to rewrite what they'd done based on how I'd do it.

So, in summary: positive things can come from negativity, but try to be nice about it!

One Story

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I just subscribed to One Story.

Every three weeks I'll receive one short story in the mail. Historically, I've never been a big short story reader, but I want to read more of them and one at a time like this, sounds nice and manageable.

As for writing, I am about to start submitting my novel once again. The feedback at Squaw was encouraging, both from my workshop group and my one-on-one interview, and I've finished editing it so I suppose it need to start putting it out there.

Submitting is not my favorite part of being a writer, but if one wants to be read by more than just a handful of people, it's kind of necessary!

A SFD writer's nightmare

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Remember Twilight and Stephenie Meyer?

Well, a draft, a SFD (shitty first draft) I'm guessing, of part of her work in progress, the most recent novel of the Twilight series, has been posted on the internet. (That's a link to an article about the incident, by the way, not the draft itself.)

I'm cringing thinking about how Meyer must feel. Not only is the plot of her story, "spoiled" now, but to have writing that's not ready exposed publicly? Makes my private, control-freak nature shudder!

What a shame.

Squaw Valley Community of Writers

I was fortunate enough to be a participant at this year's Squaw Valley Community of Writers Fiction Writing Workshop. If you've ever thought about going, I highly encourage you to apply.

It was such a great week!

The Everyday Athlete

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I've been stumped for blog topics and it shows.

When I started blogging, I needed motivation and a place to express the enormous pile of writing-related angst steaming inside of me. Well, thankfully motivation is now ingrained, the angst has dwindled, and anything I can think of to say about either, I've already said, and much more melodramatically than what I would come up with now.

That's good. I don't want to be filled with anxiety and unable to get myself to do what I want to do. I'm glad that I've moved on from where I was at the beginning of this blog, but it sure has left me at a loss when it comes to new entries.

Basically, I'm still editing, and there isn't a lot to say about it really. Same old, same old.

But today I came across a blog that reminded me of the power of writing and the ability to set down a story in a moving, engaging way. This isn't a "writing blog", but it's a fabulous example of good writing and what it can do. Plus it's about challenging oneself to set goals that might seem out of reach...at first.

Beautifully written and very inspiring.

The Everyday Athlete

Check it out!

Coffee: Part 2

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Here's a new post to bump my musings on grout and mildew from the top of the page.

Way back when I started this blog, I discovered a magic liquid that helped to make my extremely early mornings possible.

Coffee

Last week I received a magic machine in the mail that makes me happily get up as soon as my alarm or Dixie wakes me up.

The Senseo.

A friend told me about a link where I could get one for $15. In exchange, I was supposed to tout it to all of my friends. The ethics of the whole thing made me a little nervous, since I didn't know if I'd like the Senseo enough to sing its praises, but I didn't need to worry, because the Senseo is awesome! In 2 minutes I get a delicious cup of coffee with this yummy layer of foam on top. It reminds me of the coffee I had at the hotel where we stayed in Barcelona. So easy to make and so good! If you like coffee, but don't need a whole pot of the stuff at a time, check it out.

Hmmm...which is better on top, a post about grout or what's basically an ad?

I'm not sure, but either way I should probably get something else up here soon!

Scrubbing Grout

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The other day when I was cleaning my bathroom it occurred to me that cleaning the grout in the shower is similar to editing a manuscript.

With a shower, you start scrubbing at the mildew and soap scum and feel like you're making progress, but as you clean the dirtiest, most obvious parts, the less dirty, but still problematic strips of grout become more noticeable. So you tackle those, get them all clean and white, and then the areas that weren't quite as bad, but still aren't perfect rear up their ugly heads.

I'm guessing that eventually the grout in the whole shower could be gleaming and pristine (I don't know for sure, because I've never had enough shower-cleaning enthusiasm to get it that way), but it's incredibly frustrating because it takes SO LONG and there's so much grout to scrub and unless you took a picture of what the shower looked like originally, it's hard to see your progress, so you feel like you are scrubbing and scrubbing and not getting anywhere.

Same with a manuscript. You read through it, clean up the darkest, most obviously, mildewed parts, but when you've gotten those straightened out, new areas that need work become obvious. Rinse, repeat ad nauseam!

I'm still editing, and unfortunately there's still some mildew to scrub.

But, and here's where I get positive, the stained grout of my manuscript all has to do with the writing, the story continues to feel clean and sparkling. It's another reason why I want to get the wording in good shape. I like this story so much, and I want it to shine through.

So I'm forging ahead, feeling both discouraged and optimistic. But with a lot of scrubbing, I'm hopeful that the manuscript will finally be ready to go out before too long.

I don't need a snooze button...

...because I have Dixie.

See sometimes I get up right away--as soon as my alarm goes off at 4:26. But other mornings, I'm slow to wake up so Dixie helps me. Mostly she peers into my face and meows to remind me that though she's waited very patiently throughout the night, it's time for me to get my lazy self out of bed and make sure that her food bowl is filled to an adequate level. If the meowing alone doesn't do it, she's been known to sit on my chest and meow right in my ear until I respond.

It's annoying and cute (if you're a cat person) and certainly effective.

And to update, the editing is progressing slowly but steadily. I'm glad to be doing it, however. The story is becoming tighter and more focused and that will only help once I return to query land.

Hold off on the hitting for a little longer, okay?

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Okay. Here's the deal. I started working on some new queries, and then received some feedback on my manuscript from a writer friend (who comments on this blog from time to time :o), which rang so true, I decided to go through the whole thing and edit it once again.

The good news about that is I don't have to do the queries...for a while, anyway!

The bad news is that I thought I'd finished editing. But I want my story to be as strong as it can be. It doesn't make sense to send out a manuscript if it's not ready.

So, it's going to be a little longer before I need that query kick in the butt.

I'll let you know when the time comes!

Hit me or something

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I need a big kick in the rear! I've got to get some more queries out, and I'm just not doing it.

I've had encouraging responses to my earlier submissions, and need to keep trying!

There's no reason not to, so what's keeping me from it?

• Fear.


• Insecurity.


• The fact that submitting seems to severely hamper my ability to do new writing.

Okay, I guess I do have a few reasons. But they're pretty lame reasons; they shouldn't stop me.

I've used this blog before to get my act in gear. Something about declaring my intentions publically seems to make a difference. So I'm going to see if it helps with the query process.

I will send out more queries. Oh yes. I will send out more queries.*




*Picture Wayne Campbell saying this as he rubs his hands together intently, and you'll know the tone I'm going for here.

Happy Groundhog Day!

Did he see his shadow where you live? Don't know here yet. It's still dark!

Unfortunately the official groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, did see his shadow, which means 6 more weeks of winter. Wah!

Good writing weather, at least.

I just spent far too long trying to find a groundhog photo to add to this entry, but I give up! Instead here's a link to Phil's official page, which is Groundhog.org of course.

Embarrassing Admission

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I've been listening to Justin Timberlake lately while I write.

It helps somehow.

Yes, I know I am a 37-year-old woman with two kids.

But it helps, OKAY?!?!

I'm hoping I haven't lost any friends over this. Please don't lose all respect for me! (Wyo, I'm talking to you! ;o)

Oooh, "SexyBack" is coming up next on my play list! That's a good one!

It *is* possible!

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She posted weeks ago about this, but since I've been a slacker, lately, when it comes to reading blogs, I only read about it today.

Susan Adrian has an agent!

Isn't that terrific! I'm so excited for her. :o)

(And it's also inspired me to send out another round of submissions!)

Congratulations, Susan!

2008

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In lots of ways, 2007 was a great year. I finished my book, went on two amazing trips, and became an auntie again. There's nothing to complain about, and lots to celebrate and appreciate.

On the writing front, however, I'm in a low place. Part of the reason is that I'm still not sure what I should write. I feel called to write the sequel to my first book. That's the story I can see right now. But I'm scared to work on it because the acceptance of the first book is so uncertain. Writing a sequel doesn't make a lot of sense if the first book doesn't sell.

I wish something different would ask me to write it, but so far, except for the short story I wrote a couple months ago, nothing has grabbed me. There are lots of ideas whirling around my imagination, but none have taken hold. The story for the sequel is too compelling.

So I think I need to write the second book, even though it might not make the most practical sense right now. But I've never approached writing fiction from a calculated, practical place. Instead, I've tried to trust that the story won't let me down, and let it tell itself, through me. That was easier to do when it was just the story and me. Now it's me and the story and the agents. Big, fat, YIKES!

But as I'm constantly telling my kids, it's important to be grateful for what you have, instead of constantly pining for what you don't. I have a book to submit to agents--something I worked for for years. I know I can find stories, and connect to them, and set them down in a readable way. I have supportive friends and family. Aside from this current writing low, I have NOTHING to complain about. In my personal life, things are great.

And if I had a choice between creating something I didn't connect strongly with, even if it was snapped up right away; and writing a story that takes over my imagination and amazes and surprises me, even if it takes awhile to be appreciated by the pros, I'd choose the compelling story and the strong connection. No question at all.

Whew! I guess I do know what I should be writing.

Happy 2008, everyone! (Instead of "everyone" I should probably just say Cindy and wyo. :o) Hope you have a terrific year!

There is no right

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I have good girl disease. I'm a rule follower. I like to do things right.

Want an example? In the parking lot at my kids' school there is a lane that's marked in bright yellow spray paint "Buses Only". This lane takes you right up to the front of the school; it's certainly the most convenient. Plus it's free of speed bumps. Lots of other parents use the "Buses Only" lane, but I never do. Even in the middle of the school day when there's no chance a bus might appear. Even if I have to go up to the school on a Saturday.

That yellow spray paint says "Buses Only" and I drive a Ford Explorer, not a bus. Obviously the right thing to do is to stick to the slower, more inconvenient, speed bump infested option.

When I was pregnant each time, I did that right. I followed the rules. I never drank. Never took so much as a Tylenol. I slept on my left side. I never took a hot bath. I wouldn't stand near the microwave when it was running. All the things you were supposed to do, I did.

I like to do what I'm supposed to do.

But lately I've started to think that trying to be right all the time is causing me a lot of unnecessary mental anguish--especially when it comes to writing.

Sure there are mountains of writing rules one can try to follow. Check out all of those writing books and web sites and you'll find lots of rules that good writers are supposed to adhere to*. Here are a few, just off the top of my head:

• Minimize the use of adverbs.


• Use "said" instead of "interjected" or "exclaimed" or even better don't use any dialogue tags at all. If you're doing it "right" the reader should know who is speaking without you having to tell them.


• In fact don't tell anything: Show don't tell, right?

But what's frustrating when one is a rule follower is that those writing rules are broken all the time. Pick up virtually any book out there and you'll see examples of writing that doesn't follow the rules.

I've been pulling my hair out trying to write the right way, and there is no right way.

How did I realize this? I just finished Stephenie Meyer's Twilight, and I loved it. I gobbled it down in one day, I was so riveted. But Meyer doesn't always follow the writing rules. Actually, she breaks them regularly.

And what's worse in my mind, her story doesn't follow my own personal code for what's right. Her heroine is drawn to someone profoundly dangerous. In fact her heroine is just plain weak in lots of ways. She's rescued time and time again by a someone who's all wrong for her. Her life is literally in danger from being with this guy, but she doesn't care. She'd die for love.

Ugh! As a teen, I'd have bought that "love is worth anything" premise without hesitating. But now that I'm old and jaded and cynical I know that love is NOT worth anything. Still I tore through the book and can't wait to read the next in the series.

But it wasn't right. So why did I enjoy it so much?

Maybe because art can't be quantified by a list of rules. Maybe because when it comes to creativity there is no right.

I think I'm chasing my tail and torturing myself over something that doesn't exist. I've been convinced that if I try hard enough I should be able to write the right way. But there is no right. What works for one person is not going to work for someone else. I know I've said that before, but I hadn't connected it to my all-consuming need to be right all of the time.

There is no right. There is no right.

I'm going to keep saying that to myself, and I hope eventually, it will sink in!


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* In case you're wondering about whether or not it's right to end a sentence with "adhere to", most of the time it's fine to end sentences with prepositions. Check out this article if you don't believe me!