* I just moved my blog over to Blog*Spot since the old version wasn't working out, so all of the initial posts have the same date. *
As I was reposting old content, I noticed an interesting entry on Mary Kole's blog (Kidlit). The title read, "Do Unpublished Writers Have to Blog?"
Although I have been published, I have not yet published a children's book. Shall we see what rules I've broken? The two sides of my brain war over this - one half says only a fool points out their own errors; the other half reminds me of the reason I started this blog: To learn and to help others learn about the industry of writing for children. Guess which side won.
Here's an excerpt of Mary's question/discussion:
"This is a question that comes up a lot at conferences and from people who email me. It’s the familiar scenario: You’re an unpublished writer chasing publication. You don’t have a book or a deal to blog about yet, but you’ve heard that writers need platform and Internet presence, and you’ve heard that blogs get you friends and traffic and riches and unicorns, and you’ve also heard about this Twitter thing. Yet it sounds overwhelming. And you wonder if you have enough to blog about. You wonder if you have the time to keep up with all these things.
But the online writing community you see other unpublished writers enjoying keeps bugging you — You have to blog! You have to Tweet! You have to Facebook!
What do you do?"
Her response is a relief to bloggers like me - someone who has occasional thoughts worth sharing, but who isn't (and doesn't want to be) Facebooking or Twittering daily:
"If you’re iffy on blogging and worry, already, that you’ll run out of material, I say don’t do it. There are too many bad blogs, blogs about people’s cats (I swore I would never blog about my cat…then she got sick and I freaked out and I blogged…at every conference I attend, people still ask me about my cat!), blogs about their word count for the day and what book they’re reading, blogs by people who think they need a blog. Don’t add one more to the pile. Blogs without good, useful information or blogs by a clearly reluctant author are the worst."
Whew. So there isn't a need for me to be posting daily (or hourly as some people seem able to do), thank goodness. Of course, in the same paragraph, I see I've broken at least one rule - I do have a side post that lists what I'm reading.
I think you can get a sense of people by seeing which books they choose to read. For me personally, I love to know what others are reading. Especially agents and editors. So much of my research on the people in this industry is done online and through short blurbs in Market Guides. Attending conferences is the best way to get to know people, but most of the time you only get to see/meet a handful of editors and/or agents. And yet, we (writers) are supposed to target those who most resonate with us. How do we do that if all we get is "Agent Wonderful: Accepts PB, MG, YA. Query with synopsis and first 10 pages."?
Luckily, with enough digging we can find out editor and/or agent tastes by studying what books they represent or work on (sometimes, anyway). But, Ms. Kole's talking about unpublished writers. Does it matter what unpublished writers are reading? I think it should, and here's why:
1. If an editor or agent is on the fence about working with an author, s/he can get a sense of the writer by seeing what books are being read, or what books the author wants the editor or agent to think s/he is reading. Either way, you get a sense of the person.
2. It gives other writers and illustrators a sense of who the author is. Is it a person I'd like to bump into at a conference? Is it someone who shares similar goals? Does the person have similar likes & dislikes?
Ouch. This next bit hurts a little, although I believe it to be true:
"The reason why I’m so negative about unpublished writers blogging and Tweeting is that it’s usually not good content. " She goes on to explain that people go to the internet to get valuable information, and that unpublished authors tend to blog about themselves and their writing. While this works well to create a sense of community among unpublished writers, it'll only attract other unpublished writers.
While I do try to limit my posts to deal directly with writing, I do imagine my audience to be other unpublished writers. I use this blog to pose questions, and hope to generate responses so that we, as a community, can learn together. Hopefully as my knowledge base grows, so will the value of this blog.
Thanks, Mary Kole, for the interesting blog post [and blog in general]. If you haven't already, be sure to check out Mary's blog - it's full of great information for (unpublished) writers.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
No Means “No”
Or does no mean “almost yes”? Or “never in a million years”? Or “My other client has something similar”?
Often writers wonder what their rejection letter really means. I remember a time early in my career where I would spend days agonizing over the possibilities. Was my manuscript really awful? Was it great, but the timing was off? Was my manuscript even read? Maybe my manuscript is just fine, but my market/agent research was off?
Of course I’ve learned a lot since then and don’t waste as much time agonizing. However, we all have those days where we succumb to self-pity. Luckily for us, there’s a great blog called “Editorial Anonymous”. The down to earth humor always brings me out of my doldrums, and hopefully will for you, too.
Here is a link to a rather funny explanation of the phrase, “Not for me, thanks.” Take the time to read it - whether it’s a self-pity day or not, funny is just plain funny.
Editorial Anonymous - The Subtle Art Form of Rejections
Often writers wonder what their rejection letter really means. I remember a time early in my career where I would spend days agonizing over the possibilities. Was my manuscript really awful? Was it great, but the timing was off? Was my manuscript even read? Maybe my manuscript is just fine, but my market/agent research was off?
Of course I’ve learned a lot since then and don’t waste as much time agonizing. However, we all have those days where we succumb to self-pity. Luckily for us, there’s a great blog called “Editorial Anonymous”. The down to earth humor always brings me out of my doldrums, and hopefully will for you, too.
Here is a link to a rather funny explanation of the phrase, “Not for me, thanks.” Take the time to read it - whether it’s a self-pity day or not, funny is just plain funny.
Editorial Anonymous - The Subtle Art Form of Rejections
Ask and You Shall Receive...
Yesterday was a picture perfect day to ring in the holiday season. Rain beat against the window panes, wind buffeted the house, and the comforting crackle of a fire blanketed the family room. It was time to pop in “The Christmas Song” and to roast some chestnuts on an open fire (as the song suggests). There’s nothing quite like beginning a new family tradition with your children and loved ones...I just had one teensy problem. I had no idea how to roast chestnuts on an open fire.
Luckily, the Internet can answer just about any question. Simply type your question into a search box, and voila. Sometimes, you don’t even need to search for an answer - you just need to ask a question. In my last blog post, I posed a question regarding the maturity of a manuscript. A couple of weeks later, the answer arrived in my inbox, thanks to the magical world of RSS.
Thanks to Mr. Chuck Sambuchino and the GLA blog for going beyond the “each project is different and it all depends, yadda yadda yadda” explanation to answer my question. Read the GLA blog post...
Luckily, the Internet can answer just about any question. Simply type your question into a search box, and voila. Sometimes, you don’t even need to search for an answer - you just need to ask a question. In my last blog post, I posed a question regarding the maturity of a manuscript. A couple of weeks later, the answer arrived in my inbox, thanks to the magical world of RSS.
Thanks to Mr. Chuck Sambuchino and the GLA blog for going beyond the “each project is different and it all depends, yadda yadda yadda” explanation to answer my question. Read the GLA blog post...
When is a manuscript “Mature”?
I was catching up on some blog posts from GLA when I came across this interesting statement by agent Dorian Karchmar of WME (William Morris Endeavor) Entertainment.
“The book business is very difficult and not getting any easier; most books that are published don’t sell well, and many careers end practically before they start.”
Now there’s a bucket of ice cold water for you! It’s disheartening to think that you can dedicate so many years to a career, and then have it end so suddenly - and just when you thought you were finally getting somewhere.
Yes, yes, I know. Writers write to write, not to get published. It’s all about the journey...
Well, not for me. True, I do love to write just for the sake of writing sometimes. It can be very therapeutic. But, or should I say BUT since it’s a very big BUT, I consider myself a professional writer. Published = paycheck (although unfortunately not usually biweekly).
I have heard on many occasions that book buyers won’t buy a book from an author whose previous book didn’t sell well. Which of course means a publisher will be less likely to publish a book by that author, which means an editor is less likely to acquire the author’s next manuscript. Usually when I hear something like this, I just shove it in the closet with all the other “I’ll worry about that some other time” thoughts. I guess today is “some other time” because I’m pretty worried about it.
Now, I did take Ms. Karchmar’s statement somewhat out of context. She is offering sage advice, and the statement quoted above followed her reflection that many writers simply query too soon - before they’ve matured as writers and before a manuscript has matured.
My question is, how does one know when they’ve matured as a writer? When has a manuscript matured? Isn’t maturing an ongoing process? I like to think that I’ve matured as a writer - I’m certainly much more professional than I was when I started out nearly 10 years ago. I also like to think that my manuscripts have matured. But have they matured enough?
If my manuscripts have already gone through a few rounds of peer critiques and conference critiques, then the only way to know if they’ve matured enough is to send them out to editors or agents. Multiple form rejections = not mature enough. Personal rejections = maybe it’s close. Offer of representation or contract = mature enough. At least, that’s what I thought. But, if what Ms. Karchmar says is true, that most books fail, perhaps my theory is incorrect.
Is there some magical equation that allows us authors to know when it’s OK to send something out? Ms. Karchmar says this,
“Only when you’ve got your best possible work—something that can stand up there with the best of whatever genre you’re working in—should you start looking for the right agent to represent you.”
My problem with an explanation like this is, well, I think all of my writing can stand up there with the best of them. Doesn’t yours?
I’d love to know your thoughts on the subject, so comments are encouraged! Have a happy day!
Read the full GLA interview with Dorian Karchmar...
“The book business is very difficult and not getting any easier; most books that are published don’t sell well, and many careers end practically before they start.”
Now there’s a bucket of ice cold water for you! It’s disheartening to think that you can dedicate so many years to a career, and then have it end so suddenly - and just when you thought you were finally getting somewhere.
Yes, yes, I know. Writers write to write, not to get published. It’s all about the journey...
Well, not for me. True, I do love to write just for the sake of writing sometimes. It can be very therapeutic. But, or should I say BUT since it’s a very big BUT, I consider myself a professional writer. Published = paycheck (although unfortunately not usually biweekly).
I have heard on many occasions that book buyers won’t buy a book from an author whose previous book didn’t sell well. Which of course means a publisher will be less likely to publish a book by that author, which means an editor is less likely to acquire the author’s next manuscript. Usually when I hear something like this, I just shove it in the closet with all the other “I’ll worry about that some other time” thoughts. I guess today is “some other time” because I’m pretty worried about it.
Now, I did take Ms. Karchmar’s statement somewhat out of context. She is offering sage advice, and the statement quoted above followed her reflection that many writers simply query too soon - before they’ve matured as writers and before a manuscript has matured.
My question is, how does one know when they’ve matured as a writer? When has a manuscript matured? Isn’t maturing an ongoing process? I like to think that I’ve matured as a writer - I’m certainly much more professional than I was when I started out nearly 10 years ago. I also like to think that my manuscripts have matured. But have they matured enough?
If my manuscripts have already gone through a few rounds of peer critiques and conference critiques, then the only way to know if they’ve matured enough is to send them out to editors or agents. Multiple form rejections = not mature enough. Personal rejections = maybe it’s close. Offer of representation or contract = mature enough. At least, that’s what I thought. But, if what Ms. Karchmar says is true, that most books fail, perhaps my theory is incorrect.
Is there some magical equation that allows us authors to know when it’s OK to send something out? Ms. Karchmar says this,
“Only when you’ve got your best possible work—something that can stand up there with the best of whatever genre you’re working in—should you start looking for the right agent to represent you.”
My problem with an explanation like this is, well, I think all of my writing can stand up there with the best of them. Doesn’t yours?
I’d love to know your thoughts on the subject, so comments are encouraged! Have a happy day!
Read the full GLA interview with Dorian Karchmar...
SCBWI Summer Conference 2009
It’s been nearly a month since I attended the SCBWI Summer Conference in LA, yet it feels more like a day! I enjoyed meeting a couple of great ladies from my critique group, fabulous speakers, fantastic workshops, and sitting next to the esteemed Eve Bunting at the Golden Kite Luncheon. SCBWI does a bang-up job of putting together conferences - a hearty kudos to all involved. If you weren’t able to attend, check out SCBWI’s conference blog at http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/International-Conferences.
Aside from meeting some of the author’s I’ve worked with for the past few years, one of the most exciting benefits of attending the conference was meeting Eve Bunting, award winning author of more than 250 books for children. I first read Ms. Bunting awhile back when I decided to try my hand at a middle grade novel. I didn’t know anything about the middle grade market and knew the best way to start getting to know it would be to read as many middle grade books as I could get my hands on. I went to the library and randomly pulled three books off the shelf. I don’t remember the other two books, but I remember Ms. Bunting’s. I read the book (Blackwater) in one day - almost in one sitting. It was that good. When I finished the book, all I could thinks was, Wow. This woman can write! I had no idea at the time what an accomplished author she already was! In fact, I didn’t find out until I read the bios for the conference faculty. I was thrilled that I’d be able to hear her speak, so imagine my delight when I actually got to sit next to her at the luncheon and exchange a few words. So if you ever happen across this, Ms. Bunting, it was very nice to meet you!
One of the other highlights of the conference was having a manuscript critiqued by award-winning author/illustrator Marla Frazee. I had felt like I had hit a wall with my picture book manuscripts. I had gotten them as far as I could go, yet I knew not far enough. With Ms. Frazee’s guidance, I feel like I have a better grasp of what changes need to be made and am excited to make them - not just on the manuscript that she critiqued but on a few of them! A bit of advice from Ms. Frazee - “A lot of dialogue is dangerous.” Too much dialogue is tough it illustrate; it doesn’t give her much room to draw. She prefers open ended, evocative sentences that inspire her to think, “What can I do with this?”
As this post is getting be a bit long-winded, I’ll just mention one last highlight. Allyn Johnston and Beach Lane Books. It was absolutely fascinating to see what goes through an editor’s mind when working on a book, specifically picture books. One of Ms. Johnston’s examples included Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant (author) and Lauren Stringer (illustrator). We’re big fans of Cynthia Rylant in this house, and Scarecrow was perhaps the second or third book of her that we had gotten. We were drawn to this book not just because of the text, but because of the illustrations as well (as it should be with a pb!) Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing some of the artwork and layouts that never made it to print.
Again, I highly recommend visiting SCBWI’s conference blog for more information about the event and workshops. They did a great job - way to go TEAM BLOG!
Aside from meeting some of the author’s I’ve worked with for the past few years, one of the most exciting benefits of attending the conference was meeting Eve Bunting, award winning author of more than 250 books for children. I first read Ms. Bunting awhile back when I decided to try my hand at a middle grade novel. I didn’t know anything about the middle grade market and knew the best way to start getting to know it would be to read as many middle grade books as I could get my hands on. I went to the library and randomly pulled three books off the shelf. I don’t remember the other two books, but I remember Ms. Bunting’s. I read the book (Blackwater) in one day - almost in one sitting. It was that good. When I finished the book, all I could thinks was, Wow. This woman can write! I had no idea at the time what an accomplished author she already was! In fact, I didn’t find out until I read the bios for the conference faculty. I was thrilled that I’d be able to hear her speak, so imagine my delight when I actually got to sit next to her at the luncheon and exchange a few words. So if you ever happen across this, Ms. Bunting, it was very nice to meet you!
One of the other highlights of the conference was having a manuscript critiqued by award-winning author/illustrator Marla Frazee. I had felt like I had hit a wall with my picture book manuscripts. I had gotten them as far as I could go, yet I knew not far enough. With Ms. Frazee’s guidance, I feel like I have a better grasp of what changes need to be made and am excited to make them - not just on the manuscript that she critiqued but on a few of them! A bit of advice from Ms. Frazee - “A lot of dialogue is dangerous.” Too much dialogue is tough it illustrate; it doesn’t give her much room to draw. She prefers open ended, evocative sentences that inspire her to think, “What can I do with this?”
As this post is getting be a bit long-winded, I’ll just mention one last highlight. Allyn Johnston and Beach Lane Books. It was absolutely fascinating to see what goes through an editor’s mind when working on a book, specifically picture books. One of Ms. Johnston’s examples included Scarecrow by Cynthia Rylant (author) and Lauren Stringer (illustrator). We’re big fans of Cynthia Rylant in this house, and Scarecrow was perhaps the second or third book of her that we had gotten. We were drawn to this book not just because of the text, but because of the illustrations as well (as it should be with a pb!) Needless to say, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing some of the artwork and layouts that never made it to print.
Again, I highly recommend visiting SCBWI’s conference blog for more information about the event and workshops. They did a great job - way to go TEAM BLOG!
First Coffee Shop Success!
After a bit of initial trouble, we found a way to make the Coffee Shop work! It was a great morning and I look forward to doing it again. Thanks to our visitors: Kim, Esther, Sherry, Jesse, Lindsay, Jeff, and Brady! It was great to get together with all of you.
I’ll be at the SCBWI conference in LA next week (Aug 7-10). I’ll be blogging about the event, so be sure to check in!
*See* you soon!
The chat link has been removed for privacy reasons.
I’ll be at the SCBWI conference in LA next week (Aug 7-10). I’ll be blogging about the event, so be sure to check in!
*See* you soon!
The chat link has been removed for privacy reasons.
Coffee Shop
Good morning! (Or afternoon, depending on where you are)
Thanks for visiting the shop. I hope you have a nice, steaming cup of coffee and are ready to test drive this feature.
It’s a beautifully overcast day at the coast - does that sound strange? Don’t get me wrong, I love sunshine and blue skies, but, there’s something to be said for a cozy, overcast Saturday morning. The ocean is the color of slate, with light gray streaks where the sun peaks through patches of fog. The land formation across the bay is barely visible, and closer to home, there are more birds on the golf course than golfers.
Meanwhile, my husband and children are working together to build a new Geotown (choo-choo stuff). My son has managed to build a circular track and is wearing it like a lei. Does it get any better than this?
As you start to arrive, just post whatever comes to mind (keeping it clean, of course). What would you say if we were sitting across from each other in a cafe? If you need help coming up with a topic for discussion, answer this question: How do you choose a book to read? For example, I recently finished reading Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You. What do you think made me choose this book? The odd title? The bright red satin pointe shoes on the cover? The strategically placed giant pumpkins?
See you soon!
Thanks for visiting the shop. I hope you have a nice, steaming cup of coffee and are ready to test drive this feature.
It’s a beautifully overcast day at the coast - does that sound strange? Don’t get me wrong, I love sunshine and blue skies, but, there’s something to be said for a cozy, overcast Saturday morning. The ocean is the color of slate, with light gray streaks where the sun peaks through patches of fog. The land formation across the bay is barely visible, and closer to home, there are more birds on the golf course than golfers.
Meanwhile, my husband and children are working together to build a new Geotown (choo-choo stuff). My son has managed to build a circular track and is wearing it like a lei. Does it get any better than this?
As you start to arrive, just post whatever comes to mind (keeping it clean, of course). What would you say if we were sitting across from each other in a cafe? If you need help coming up with a topic for discussion, answer this question: How do you choose a book to read? For example, I recently finished reading Dancing in Red Shoes Will Kill You. What do you think made me choose this book? The odd title? The bright red satin pointe shoes on the cover? The strategically placed giant pumpkins?
See you soon!
Welcome!
Let me take a moment to explain my blog features.
The most fun is Coffee Shop. In this feature, I’ll invite guests to join me with their morning (afternoon or night) coffee and we’ll chat, coffee shop style.
Who’s Working Today? This feature will be written by characters from my works in progress. It’s a great way to get inside the heads of my key players.
On non-feature days, I’ll post interviews and discussions revolving around the field of writing for children.
Reader participation is always invited - just keep it clean, please.
I look forward to meeting you at the first Coffee Shop on Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 a.m. PST!
The most fun is Coffee Shop. In this feature, I’ll invite guests to join me with their morning (afternoon or night) coffee and we’ll chat, coffee shop style.
Who’s Working Today? This feature will be written by characters from my works in progress. It’s a great way to get inside the heads of my key players.
On non-feature days, I’ll post interviews and discussions revolving around the field of writing for children.
Reader participation is always invited - just keep it clean, please.
I look forward to meeting you at the first Coffee Shop on Saturday, August 1 at 10:00 a.m. PST!
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