Or something like that, anyway...
I'm pleased to report I made good on my efforts yesterday. I did more agency research and sent my query off to five agents. This means I have 17 queries out - more than I really thought I wanted at one time. But my search needed a little boost. Or maybe I did. Either way, I'll leave that corner of my writing world alone again for awhile.
I (finally) got the beginning of Novel 2 transferred from AlphaSmart files to Word document. Having it on the monitor in front of me, able to look at it again, roused excitement in me. And reading the premise I'd written up reminded me of a few plot points I'd lost sight of. Because of that, I really feel encouraged to pursue the story. Soon it will be naptime for my preschooler, and I plan to pull it up, maybe get a little work done.
I also want to come up with a working title; I'm tiring of referring to it as Novel 2 all the time. Will you help me? Of course, I know in the long run it doesn't matter, since (were it ever to get to that point) a publisher would likely change it anyway, but I like giving my WIPs names. Makes them real, attainable. As a reminder, here's my premise:
A man's world is turned upside-down when his wife reveals well-hidden secrets. But while she exhibits behavior that would end most relationships, he tries to uphold his marriage vows and Christian values, hoping for the day she'll see the error of her ways and return to the life they once had. But how far will his wife's behaviors lead her, and how much will he put up with? What will happen when a new woman, one who's everything his wife is not, enters the picture? How will he choose the path his life should take?
Right now I'm thinkin' about something like For Love or Faith. Or, because of the way he meets the "new woman," Love For Sale. What do you suggest?
12 rejections, 17 out
Oh! And the English Toffee cappuccino isn't too bad. I added some milk to the water it called for and drank it over ice. I'm gonna give it another taste today. ;)
Showing posts with label queries. Show all posts
Showing posts with label queries. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Stuff and Things
I feel like I've been neglecting this wee little blog. In reality it's just that I haven't posted in, what, four days? Certainly that doesn't rock the writing world, but I feel a little less... involved. I think, in part, I can blame my "vacation brain," whichs still hangs around after our trip two weekends ago. And then, too, we've had an incredibly packed schedule, trying to do all the doin' before school starts. Somehow none of it's conducive to blog post idea after blog post idea; even though recently it had been my habit to churn posts out daily. Maybe once school starts, for which I'll be sending one off to kindergarten *sniffle*, I'll get myself lined out into a better routine. I'm hoping, anyway.
I did start on my non-fiction project. I've looked high and low for how one goes about it, and all signs point to doing your idea and market research first, gathering all the data into your proposal (and writing an overview, etc.) before writing the book itself. So I've taken those initial steps, started down that path. Though the whole kit and kaboodle is something I've never done before, I've found it a worthwhile challenge. And the brainstorming continues.
Likewise, my second novel has still been tugging at my brainwaves. And I love it. I love that there's potential in more than one project; that there are ideas which could take me different directions, depending upon my daily mood and goal. We shall see where they take me.
You may remember we're remodeling our house. It's an A-frame and, along with many other changes and improvements, we've extended the balcony off the Master loft. This new, bigger space will be my writing/reading nook, and I can't tell you how excited I am to get myself set up there. It's still probably a month out, what with everything else we still have to do, but once I'm all settled and decorated, I'll post pictures. It'll be my "special place." Did I tell you how excited I am? (Plus I get to go shopping for a few new pieces to fill it!)
I've been reading voraciously the last few weeks. I've always loved reading, and done it often, but I've been in a particularly good mood to sit down, paperback in hand, these days. Usually I prefer reading just one book at a time, though I've got three going now. The first is Freezing Point by Karen Dionne. She's the aunt of my friend Melanie [I decided today, Melanie, that calling you my "writing buddy" isn't sufficient anymore ;)], and is touted as "the new Michael Crichton." How totally cool is that? I've taken part in Ms. Dionne's virtual book tour. Here's my picture, taken in the chicken house at the Missouri State Fair, five-dollar hat to boot. Yee haw!
I've also begun Anne Lamott's bird by bird. So many people have recommended it, particularly once they've found out I write, and so far it's not the least bit disappointing. I have yet to finish Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, which I started months ago. I've loved it so far, but fell out of the mood for it, and it's really just a matter of picking it up again.
And my last stuff (or thing, if you're keeping track), is that I haven't heard word from any agent in almost two weeks. (I say this not to whine, just to state the fact.) So, the count remains...
11 rejections, 13 queries out
I did start on my non-fiction project. I've looked high and low for how one goes about it, and all signs point to doing your idea and market research first, gathering all the data into your proposal (and writing an overview, etc.) before writing the book itself. So I've taken those initial steps, started down that path. Though the whole kit and kaboodle is something I've never done before, I've found it a worthwhile challenge. And the brainstorming continues.
Likewise, my second novel has still been tugging at my brainwaves. And I love it. I love that there's potential in more than one project; that there are ideas which could take me different directions, depending upon my daily mood and goal. We shall see where they take me.
You may remember we're remodeling our house. It's an A-frame and, along with many other changes and improvements, we've extended the balcony off the Master loft. This new, bigger space will be my writing/reading nook, and I can't tell you how excited I am to get myself set up there. It's still probably a month out, what with everything else we still have to do, but once I'm all settled and decorated, I'll post pictures. It'll be my "special place." Did I tell you how excited I am? (Plus I get to go shopping for a few new pieces to fill it!)
I've been reading voraciously the last few weeks. I've always loved reading, and done it often, but I've been in a particularly good mood to sit down, paperback in hand, these days. Usually I prefer reading just one book at a time, though I've got three going now. The first is Freezing Point by Karen Dionne. She's the aunt of my friend Melanie [I decided today, Melanie, that calling you my "writing buddy" isn't sufficient anymore ;)], and is touted as "the new Michael Crichton." How totally cool is that? I've taken part in Ms. Dionne's virtual book tour. Here's my picture, taken in the chicken house at the Missouri State Fair, five-dollar hat to boot. Yee haw!
I've also begun Anne Lamott's bird by bird. So many people have recommended it, particularly once they've found out I write, and so far it's not the least bit disappointing. I have yet to finish Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, which I started months ago. I've loved it so far, but fell out of the mood for it, and it's really just a matter of picking it up again.
And my last stuff (or thing, if you're keeping track), is that I haven't heard word from any agent in almost two weeks. (I say this not to whine, just to state the fact.) So, the count remains...
11 rejections, 13 queries out
Monday, July 28, 2008
Current Count
I sent my new and improved query letter to seven agents today. I really hope this revised version gets some positive responses! I'll keep you posted.
9 rejections, 15 out
P.S. I do this running tally mostly for my own benefit. And as long as no one minds (or perhaps even if they do) I'll continue. ;)
9 rejections, 15 out
P.S. I do this running tally mostly for my own benefit. And as long as no one minds (or perhaps even if they do) I'll continue. ;)
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
And Another
I was going to post about my current reading habits (dull, I know), but just found a rejection waiting in my inbox. It was from an agent in the batch I sent out last night, so at least she was on the ball. And it was kind.
I'm not bummed. Not really. Okay, well kind of. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm letting discouragement get the best of me. I just wouldn't mind getting a partial request soon. (That means the agent would request part of my manuscript to read and stew over.) Just to know somebody's interested, and that my query is good enough to catch somebody's attention.
Pfft.
7 rejections; 10 out
I'm not bummed. Not really. Okay, well kind of. Don't get me wrong, it's not that I'm letting discouragement get the best of me. I just wouldn't mind getting a partial request soon. (That means the agent would request part of my manuscript to read and stew over.) Just to know somebody's interested, and that my query is good enough to catch somebody's attention.
Pfft.
7 rejections; 10 out
Monday, July 21, 2008
For All The Queries I've Sent Before
I'm back! I had a fantabulous time. Now I settle into life once again, ready for my youngest's third birthday in two days, and the one month left before kindergarten begins...
Meanwhile, my agent search is still in full swing.
This morning I got to thinking about my method for storing the details of my search. And it seems to be working well. One thing I do is make a list, with good old-fashioned pen and notebook, of all outgoing queries. I jot simple notes with the date sent and to whom it went. In addition, I've created two new folders for my e-mail account. "Queries Out" holds all those I've sent off, and so far my responses have been shifted into the "Rejections" folder. It's proven a good way to keep them categorized, and at easy access. So far I've only had one snail-mail attempt, and I sent myself an e-mail with the agency/agent info and date, so I could file it, as well. (It made the journey to Rejection.)
For those who have done the query thing, how did you manage your information? If you're nearing readiness for querying, how will you do it? And then, of course, I can't forget those of you who are non-writers: What good organizational tips can you give?
Meanwhile, my agent search is still in full swing.
This morning I got to thinking about my method for storing the details of my search. And it seems to be working well. One thing I do is make a list, with good old-fashioned pen and notebook, of all outgoing queries. I jot simple notes with the date sent and to whom it went. In addition, I've created two new folders for my e-mail account. "Queries Out" holds all those I've sent off, and so far my responses have been shifted into the "Rejections" folder. It's proven a good way to keep them categorized, and at easy access. So far I've only had one snail-mail attempt, and I sent myself an e-mail with the agency/agent info and date, so I could file it, as well. (It made the journey to Rejection.)
For those who have done the query thing, how did you manage your information? If you're nearing readiness for querying, how will you do it? And then, of course, I can't forget those of you who are non-writers: What good organizational tips can you give?
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
A Break From The "Serious"
With 9 queries out, I'm taking a break. I don't want to get too many sent out and exhaust my agent search this early, so I've got to force myself to think about other things.
Yeah, right.
Got any suggestions?
In the meantime, the latest installment of my column came yesterday. It's a smaller, local publication, so there's no link to give, but I'll post it here. Should be good for a distracting laugh (at my expense). From Every Mom's Column in The Buzz, Summer 2008 edition.
***
I think I might quite possibly be the clumsiest person ever. Sometimes I know the origination of and reason for an injury, but often times I find surprise bumps or bruises and wonder, “How’d that get there?” I’ve rammed into open doors (car and cabinet), smooshed fingers (and not just my own), fallen on the steps (going up and going down), and done other silly things… like land face-down on the floor because a teeny—but sneaky—swatch of carpet tripped me up. It’s a wonder—a big wonder—I’ve never broken a bone. I’d knock on wood here, this second, but likely I’d wind up hurt.
What got me thinking on this was an MRI I had recently. MRI, in my case, stands for Motherhood-Related Injury. It’s an injury I’ve sustained merely because I’m a mother. A clutzy mother. And it directly (or indirectly) relates to a kid (or not).
The night was seemingly moonless and pitch black, filled with slumbering quiet. I was fast asleep, perhaps dreaming of iced mochas or the clearance rack at Target, when my heart jolted me awake.
“Mommy! MOMMY!”
It was my toddler, crying hysterically from the top of the stairs. Panicked from my bed, I hastily grabbed my glasses from the nightstand. Throwing them up my nose, I rounded the bed, aiming to breeze through the family room to the stairs. But in my groggy—and I can’t stress this enough: clumsy—state, I cut the corner a smidge too closely. Just there, where the wall extends adjacent to my door, housing a built-in bookshelf, I met the flat, solid expanse with a great, loud force.
WHAM!
My body bounced backward and my glasses sprung from their perch, landing—surely broken, I thought—off in the distance. My hands found my poor nose as I bellered into the night, “I think I broke my nose!”
My husband, none too concerned with yet another of my self-inflictions, snuffled a bit and rolled over. Grumbling and hurt, I righted myself, retrieved my glasses (still intact!) and continued—ever so slowly—to the stairs.
In the few seconds between my collision and the journey upstairs, wouldn’t you know it, my daughter calmed herself. So I tucked her back into bed and made my way to the closest mirror. Just what I’d suspected: My nose had had a good battering. I doctored it up, hoping to keep any swelling or discoloration at bay. And as it turned out, by morning time I had very little to show for my midnight accident. Just a small boo-boo with some tender, very faint bruising. It was hardly anything to wink at, and I couldn’t get compassion from anyone.
Which, in all actuality, was just as well. I’d rather keep such incidences quiet, since they’re so embarrassing. So you’re sworn to secrecy. Share the details of this MRI with no one. It’s just between you and me…
***
ETA: Refreshing Yahoo every three minutes to check my inbox for query responses isn't a productive way to spend my time, is it?
Yeah, right.
Got any suggestions?
In the meantime, the latest installment of my column came yesterday. It's a smaller, local publication, so there's no link to give, but I'll post it here. Should be good for a distracting laugh (at my expense). From Every Mom's Column in The Buzz, Summer 2008 edition.
***
I think I might quite possibly be the clumsiest person ever. Sometimes I know the origination of and reason for an injury, but often times I find surprise bumps or bruises and wonder, “How’d that get there?” I’ve rammed into open doors (car and cabinet), smooshed fingers (and not just my own), fallen on the steps (going up and going down), and done other silly things… like land face-down on the floor because a teeny—but sneaky—swatch of carpet tripped me up. It’s a wonder—a big wonder—I’ve never broken a bone. I’d knock on wood here, this second, but likely I’d wind up hurt.
What got me thinking on this was an MRI I had recently. MRI, in my case, stands for Motherhood-Related Injury. It’s an injury I’ve sustained merely because I’m a mother. A clutzy mother. And it directly (or indirectly) relates to a kid (or not).
The night was seemingly moonless and pitch black, filled with slumbering quiet. I was fast asleep, perhaps dreaming of iced mochas or the clearance rack at Target, when my heart jolted me awake.
“Mommy! MOMMY!”
It was my toddler, crying hysterically from the top of the stairs. Panicked from my bed, I hastily grabbed my glasses from the nightstand. Throwing them up my nose, I rounded the bed, aiming to breeze through the family room to the stairs. But in my groggy—and I can’t stress this enough: clumsy—state, I cut the corner a smidge too closely. Just there, where the wall extends adjacent to my door, housing a built-in bookshelf, I met the flat, solid expanse with a great, loud force.
WHAM!
My body bounced backward and my glasses sprung from their perch, landing—surely broken, I thought—off in the distance. My hands found my poor nose as I bellered into the night, “I think I broke my nose!”
My husband, none too concerned with yet another of my self-inflictions, snuffled a bit and rolled over. Grumbling and hurt, I righted myself, retrieved my glasses (still intact!) and continued—ever so slowly—to the stairs.
In the few seconds between my collision and the journey upstairs, wouldn’t you know it, my daughter calmed herself. So I tucked her back into bed and made my way to the closest mirror. Just what I’d suspected: My nose had had a good battering. I doctored it up, hoping to keep any swelling or discoloration at bay. And as it turned out, by morning time I had very little to show for my midnight accident. Just a small boo-boo with some tender, very faint bruising. It was hardly anything to wink at, and I couldn’t get compassion from anyone.
Which, in all actuality, was just as well. I’d rather keep such incidences quiet, since they’re so embarrassing. So you’re sworn to secrecy. Share the details of this MRI with no one. It’s just between you and me…
***
ETA: Refreshing Yahoo every three minutes to check my inbox for query responses isn't a productive way to spend my time, is it?
Monday, January 14, 2008
Freelancing is Fun!
I'm really getting the hang of this freelancing stuff. Been submitting queries and full submissions like mad the last week, and the ideas keep coming. I just feel so good about this year and all the possibilities!
I'd just sent out an e-mail query to All You (minutes ago) and, when I returned to my inbox, I had a full request for another article I'd queried last week. What a high!
I've also been sending e-mails, inquiring of web-content and blogger jobs. I got word from one of the sites, and you're lookin' at (you know what I mean) a new edition to Type-A Mom online. You can visit here to see my first publication. 'Tis exciting! I'll be focusing on the topics of Toddlers and Preschoolers, since I have one of each. Got a couple articles in the thinking stage right now; hopefully I can get those done within the week.
All it takes, guys, is faith and perseverance. You've got to believe in your skills as a writer, then get to work and start submitting. Onward, gang!
I'd just sent out an e-mail query to All You (minutes ago) and, when I returned to my inbox, I had a full request for another article I'd queried last week. What a high!
I've also been sending e-mails, inquiring of web-content and blogger jobs. I got word from one of the sites, and you're lookin' at (you know what I mean) a new edition to Type-A Mom online. You can visit here to see my first publication. 'Tis exciting! I'll be focusing on the topics of Toddlers and Preschoolers, since I have one of each. Got a couple articles in the thinking stage right now; hopefully I can get those done within the week.
All it takes, guys, is faith and perseverance. You've got to believe in your skills as a writer, then get to work and start submitting. Onward, gang!
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