I'm putting off my post about what the Black Death had to do with the creation of tooth fairies in favor of this public announcement.
My friend over at The Word Counter has big news! Awesome news! Better than awesome news! Totally deserved and yet still awesome with awesome topping news! Go congratulate her :)
Showing posts with label links. Show all posts
Showing posts with label links. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
In Which I Lure People
A few months ago, I finally lured my husband into getting a Kindle. He'd always despised them as "soulless" but he was going to Texas for a few days and needed to take several new books with him. The Kindle is nothing if not a perfect travel solution for carrying many books. He was hooked and now reads both real books and Kindles books, but finds the Kindle (with its adjustable font) to be easier on his eyes. Win!
This weekend, I tried to talk him into getting a Droid. He got this close to getting one, but decided against it. Lose. (But only of round one. I will get him into a smart phone one of these days, then it will be a Win!)
As someone who started out blogging over at LiveJournal and then (after many years) switched to Blogger, I've been an advocate for Blogger for some time (except for their lack of threaded comments). My friend BuildingALife (over at LJ) has finally come tothe darkside Blogger and start a new blog for the new phase in her life. Please welcome ICountWords to the blogger verse! (Not really a Win, since I wasn't trying to get her to switch, but we'll pretend it's a Win, because it's more fun that way :)
This weekend, I tried to talk him into getting a Droid. He got this close to getting one, but decided against it. Lose. (But only of round one. I will get him into a smart phone one of these days, then it will be a Win!)
As someone who started out blogging over at LiveJournal and then (after many years) switched to Blogger, I've been an advocate for Blogger for some time (except for their lack of threaded comments). My friend BuildingALife (over at LJ) has finally come to
Monday, April 4, 2011
In Which I Share a Link To Survival Tips
A few weeks ago, in an effort to be more authentic, I spent a lot of time writing a post about depression and how writing has helped me survive. Just as I went to publish it, the internet ate it. When that happens, I take it as a sign that I need to use the 24 hour rule* before posting. If I still feel the need after 24 hours, then I go for it.
Now I know why I didn't need to post it. Because Fran Dorf said it better than I ever will. Writing for Survival.
*24 hours is subjective and can actually end up being 24 days.
Now I know why I didn't need to post it. Because Fran Dorf said it better than I ever will. Writing for Survival.
*24 hours is subjective and can actually end up being 24 days.
Saturday, April 2, 2011
In Which I Find Wisdom
While hopping back and forth between blogs and Twitter, I found a tweet to this great blog post. (From @Lydia_Sharp) Please check out the post "The Type of Author I Want To Be". Great stuff!
In Which I Revise my Twitter Pitch
Thanks to so many comments I got on the first version of the pitch I'm entering in Shelley Watters Twitter Pitch Contest.
The original pitch is a couple of posts below. Here's the revision:
Version 2.0
Title: "Any Fae May Apply"
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Word Count: 95,000
A snarky teen troll finds part of her job as Tooth Fairy is to stop a monster from killing kids. Even if other fae won't work with her kind.
Thanks for any comments or suggestions!
The original pitch is a couple of posts below. Here's the revision:
Version 2.0
Title: "Any Fae May Apply"
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Word Count: 95,000
A snarky teen troll finds part of her job as Tooth Fairy is to stop a monster from killing kids. Even if other fae won't work with her kind.
Thanks for any comments or suggestions!
Friday, April 1, 2011
In Which I Don't Discuss Autism
I've been thinking about what to do for Autism Awareness Day (April 2). My son doesn't have autism, but he's not "neurotypical", so it's a sensitive subject. I've decided to just link to Corinne Duyvis's post and let her speak.
In Which I Share My Twitter Pitch
I've been working on creating a Twitter Pitch for a while now. It just seemed natural to enter Shelley Watters Twitter Pitch Contest.
I think query letters and things like Twitter pitches (or elevator pitches) are probably easier if you have short story skills. Sadly, I do not have short story skills, so here's what I have:
A snarky female troll discovers that part of her job description as "tooth fairy" is to stop a monster before it kills children in her care. Will the other tooth fairies lower themselves to working with a troll, even to save children?
Oops, too long. How about:
A snarky female troll discovers that part of her job description as "tooth fairy" is to stop a monster before it kills children in her care.
Revision:
Thanks to everyone that commented! I've made a few changes to the pitch:
Version 2.0
Title: "Any Fae May Apply"
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Word Count: 95,000
A snarky teen troll finds part of her job as Tooth Fairy is to stop a monster from killing kids. Even if other fae won't work with her kind.
I think query letters and things like Twitter pitches (or elevator pitches) are probably easier if you have short story skills. Sadly, I do not have short story skills, so here's what I have:
A snarky female troll discovers that part of her job description as "tooth fairy" is to stop a monster before it kills children in her care. Will the other tooth fairies lower themselves to working with a troll, even to save children?
Oops, too long. How about:
A snarky female troll discovers that part of her job description as "tooth fairy" is to stop a monster before it kills children in her care.
Revision:
Thanks to everyone that commented! I've made a few changes to the pitch:
Version 2.0
Title: "Any Fae May Apply"
Genre: YA Urban Fantasy
Word Count: 95,000
A snarky teen troll finds part of her job as Tooth Fairy is to stop a monster from killing kids. Even if other fae won't work with her kind.
Monday, March 28, 2011
In Which I Wish I Lived in a World Where This Didn't Happen
For those of you that haven't heard yet, Seanan McGuire and four or five other authors have pulled their stories from the Wicked Pretty Things anthology. Please read her post and related links for the whole story.
Here's my take (short version):
Jessica Verday wrote a G rated horror story with elements of romance which was accepted into the anthology. After being accepted, the editor said "Oh, it's a boy/boy love story. Can you change one of the boys into a girl? Our publisher won't like boy/boy stories."
Author said, "No, I won't change. Please don't publish my story."
Publisher said, "No, we have no problem with LGBT stories! It's the editor that does! And we aren't associated with her, but we stand behind her, and we love LGBT stories. Please publish your story with us."
Author said, "No, why would I want the editor to get money from my story when she's homophobic?"
Editor said, "I'm not homophobic! Look here's a video of me wrestling a gay man!"
(Actually, she didn't say she wasn't homophobic. She just offered up a video of her wrestling a gay man, as though that showed she wasn't homophobic. Seriously. To which I say, "WTF?")
Other authors pulled their stories in support, and now there is a boycott from some authors of this editor.
Here's my take (short version):
Jessica Verday wrote a G rated horror story with elements of romance which was accepted into the anthology. After being accepted, the editor said "Oh, it's a boy/boy love story. Can you change one of the boys into a girl? Our publisher won't like boy/boy stories."
Author said, "No, I won't change. Please don't publish my story."
Publisher said, "No, we have no problem with LGBT stories! It's the editor that does! And we aren't associated with her, but we stand behind her, and we love LGBT stories. Please publish your story with us."
Author said, "No, why would I want the editor to get money from my story when she's homophobic?"
Editor said, "I'm not homophobic! Look here's a video of me wrestling a gay man!"
(Actually, she didn't say she wasn't homophobic. She just offered up a video of her wrestling a gay man, as though that showed she wasn't homophobic. Seriously. To which I say, "WTF?")
Other authors pulled their stories in support, and now there is a boycott from some authors of this editor.
In Which There is a Twitter Pitch Contest
Is It Hot In Here Or Is It This Book? (Shelley Watters) is having a twitter length pitch contest to celebrate reaching 100 followers on her blog and 500 on Twitter. First prize? A full length manuscript request by Suzie Townsend. It looks fun! (Mostly because I've been working on Twitter pitches lately :)
In Which There is a Query Letter Contest
In case you haven't heard, YA Fantasy Guide is having a query letter critique contest! Check it out. The prize is a query letter critique by Tamar Rydzinski of the Laura Dail Literary Agency. Good luck!
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
In Which I Find Two Synopsis Links
I have been avoiding querying some agents because they require a synopsis. Well, that's not exactly true. I've been putting off querying some agents because they require a synopsis.
There are lots of resources out there for a writer struggling with that foul beast. The Universe must have known I needed it, because two showed up in blog reading today.
First was at Magical Words. May I just say if you're not reading Magical Words, you should be? It's got great advice, my favorite of which was "They're not rules, they're price tags", which is about writing "rules" and the price you pay if you violate them. (They don't say don't do, just be aware of what you are doing.) Anyway, the post (written back in November, no clue how I found it today) was called "Publishing-The Synopsis".
The other post was on QueryTracker. It is appropriately titled "Writing a Novel Synopsis that Rocks!"
So, there are links to just two of many ways to write a synopsis. (We hates the synopsis, Precious. Yes, we does.)
There are lots of resources out there for a writer struggling with that foul beast. The Universe must have known I needed it, because two showed up in blog reading today.
First was at Magical Words. May I just say if you're not reading Magical Words, you should be? It's got great advice, my favorite of which was "They're not rules, they're price tags", which is about writing "rules" and the price you pay if you violate them. (They don't say don't do, just be aware of what you are doing.) Anyway, the post (written back in November, no clue how I found it today) was called "Publishing-The Synopsis".
The other post was on QueryTracker. It is appropriately titled "Writing a Novel Synopsis that Rocks!"
So, there are links to just two of many ways to write a synopsis. (We hates the synopsis, Precious. Yes, we does.)
In Which I Find an Oldie but a Goodie
I found this article years ago. It's the Snowflake Outline method, and it helps you build up your story in a really interesting way. If you haven't come across it before, and you're looking at new ways to outline a novel, you might want to check it out.
Update: Oops, I just re-read the article. I didn't realize that he has now created Snowflake software and is selling it on that site. I think the article is still a good one. I am not endorsing the software because I've never used (didn't even know it existed until just now), and I won't be likely to, because it's too expensive for me. So, just an FYI.
Updated Update: After posting this, I started reading blogs on my list (over there>) and discovered that Really? I'm Blogging? also posted a link to this site. I swear I didn't read her blog before posting that link! Now watch, I'll go on Twitter and someone will have just tweeted it, too. If you're not already reading Really? I'm Blogging? please check it out!
In other news, I was in a minor car accident yesterday. I'm fine, and my car is driveable. The guy who hit me has insurance, and told me his brakes failed. (I was stopped at a red light, and he...didn't.) I think the bumper will need replacing, though. I take into the car repair place on Friday.
This is the fourth time I've been rear-ended. I'm getting tired of this, though I guess it's better than getting t-boned. (And it's much better than hitting someone else's rear end.)
Update: Oops, I just re-read the article. I didn't realize that he has now created Snowflake software and is selling it on that site. I think the article is still a good one. I am not endorsing the software because I've never used (didn't even know it existed until just now), and I won't be likely to, because it's too expensive for me. So, just an FYI.
Updated Update: After posting this, I started reading blogs on my list (over there>) and discovered that Really? I'm Blogging? also posted a link to this site. I swear I didn't read her blog before posting that link! Now watch, I'll go on Twitter and someone will have just tweeted it, too. If you're not already reading Really? I'm Blogging? please check it out!
In other news, I was in a minor car accident yesterday. I'm fine, and my car is driveable. The guy who hit me has insurance, and told me his brakes failed. (I was stopped at a red light, and he...didn't.) I think the bumper will need replacing, though. I take into the car repair place on Friday.
This is the fourth time I've been rear-ended. I'm getting tired of this, though I guess it's better than getting t-boned. (And it's much better than hitting someone else's rear end.)
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
In Which I Find a Post About Blogging That Might Change My Life
Yesterday, on Twitter (I know, I've been doing Twitter less than a week, and I've already blogged about it twice!) @elizabethscraig over at Mystery Writing is Murder tweeted a link to TribalWriter's post about blogging. It's called "where to find your interestingness as a writer + blogger + ruler of your domain" and it really spoke to me.
Theoretically, it's about how to become a better blogger, but for me, it hit right to the core of problem I've been dealing with for years. She talks about how edges are more interesting, but as children we're taught to seek the middle. "So you smooth out your own edges, or maybe cut them off."
Right or wrong, I cut off a lot of my own edges over the years. (I would maintain that since I survived, what I did wasn't wrong, but it felt and feels wrong.) I've bemoaned the fact that I am not a starfish, and I can't regrow those parts. But I envy people that do have those parts. Envy in the way that means "I want that, too".
And, because I am not a starfish, I am always trying to find ways to regrow those parts. To be the edgier version of me that I lost over the years, in school yards, living rooms and bed rooms.
So, I will need to re-read that post several times, until I can integrate it in my brain. And I need to remind myself to live closer to my edges. Every day.
But for everything, there is a cost. When I become edgier, I will lose the approval of (some, most, all?) people that follow this blog. I may never get published. I may be the only person that ever reads (and likes) the stories I want to share.
Am I willing to sacrifice that, in order to heal? Is there a possibility that I can become that person and still have everything I want.
Oh my gods, I'm Troll Wife.
Theoretically, it's about how to become a better blogger, but for me, it hit right to the core of problem I've been dealing with for years. She talks about how edges are more interesting, but as children we're taught to seek the middle. "So you smooth out your own edges, or maybe cut them off."
Right or wrong, I cut off a lot of my own edges over the years. (I would maintain that since I survived, what I did wasn't wrong, but it felt and feels wrong.) I've bemoaned the fact that I am not a starfish, and I can't regrow those parts. But I envy people that do have those parts. Envy in the way that means "I want that, too".
And, because I am not a starfish, I am always trying to find ways to regrow those parts. To be the edgier version of me that I lost over the years, in school yards, living rooms and bed rooms.
So, I will need to re-read that post several times, until I can integrate it in my brain. And I need to remind myself to live closer to my edges. Every day.
But for everything, there is a cost. When I become edgier, I will lose the approval of (some, most, all?) people that follow this blog. I may never get published. I may be the only person that ever reads (and likes) the stories I want to share.
Am I willing to sacrifice that, in order to heal? Is there a possibility that I can become that person and still have everything I want.
Oh my gods, I'm Troll Wife.
Friday, March 18, 2011
In Which I Get Better At Pitching (Too Late For Me)
Remember that pitch contest that YAtopia is having? Well you still have a chance to enter. But before you do, check out this post by Donna Newton. I wish I'd seen it before I created my pitch, but you still have a chance! Quick! Go read, and then enter!
(Thanks to Jami Gold's tweet, or I would never have seen Donna's post.)
(Thanks to Jami Gold's tweet, or I would never have seen Donna's post.)
Thursday, March 17, 2011
In Which There is a Pitch Contest
YAtopia is having a pitch contest! It's limited to 150 entries, so enter right away!
The instructions for pitching to Ammi-Joan Paquette are there. (She's currently closed to submissions, so think of this as a free chance to get her attention!)
Good luck!
The instructions for pitching to Ammi-Joan Paquette are there. (She's currently closed to submissions, so think of this as a free chance to get her attention!)
Good luck!
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
In Which I am World Building Workshopped
Today, over at TalkToYoUniverse for her Wednesday Worldbuilding Workshop she looks at me! Well, actually, she looks at Troll Wife, and the opening page or two of the Troll Wife story.
If you've been wondering if you should do this, you should! Go look at what she has to say, and realize it won't hurt :)
If you've been wondering if you should do this, you should! Go look at what she has to say, and realize it won't hurt :)
Wednesday, March 9, 2011
In Which An Anthropologist Can Review Your Worldbuilding
Just a reminder, over at TalkToYoUniverse, Juliette Wade will review 500 words of your WiP and talk about the world building you have from an anthropoligist's point of view. It's something I want in all my WiPs, but have some struggles with. (Trying to pretend you don't know something is easy for big things, it's the little things that trip you up.)
Check out her Worldbulding Wednesday Workshop page for instructions and past examples.
Check out her Worldbulding Wednesday Workshop page for instructions and past examples.
Friday, November 5, 2010
QR Codes
Since I've gotten my Droid, I've been happily clicking at QR codes. It's like magic. My camera sees it, and I get taken to a web page, or download a program, or whatever. After reading an article about how writers could be using QR codes by Sierra Godfrey, I'm totally going to be spending some time creating my own QR code.
For more information about QR codes, what they are, what you can do with them, and how to make one, please check out Sierra Godfrey's post "QR Codes for Writers".
For more information about QR codes, what they are, what you can do with them, and how to make one, please check out Sierra Godfrey's post "QR Codes for Writers".
Friday, October 29, 2010
Scrivener for Windows (and free trial for NaNoWriMo!)
OMG! I've heard about Scrivener for ages, and always had Mac envy for that alone, since Scrivener was Mac only. I've tried other software for novel writing, some free and some not, but deep in my heart I believed that nothing was as good as Scrivener. For a while, I contemplated getting a Mac, just so I could get Scrivener, but decided $2,000 was a little much for just one piece of software.
Now, courtesy of Lifehhacker, I discovered that Scrivener has a Windows version and they're offering a free trial in honor of NaNoWriMo! (I made that link extra long, so you wouldn't miss it.) Plus you get a 50% discount off the price if you're a NaNoWriMo winner! How cool is that? Now I'm going to have to sign up for NaNoWriMo and see if I can win again.
Now, courtesy of Lifehhacker, I discovered that Scrivener has a Windows version and they're offering a free trial in honor of NaNoWriMo! (I made that link extra long, so you wouldn't miss it.) Plus you get a 50% discount off the price if you're a NaNoWriMo winner! How cool is that? Now I'm going to have to sign up for NaNoWriMo and see if I can win again.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Revision Class
Sorry in advance, but this post is going to be full of links. It's link soup goodness!
Several years ago, I joined an online writer's group called Forward Motion. (It's free.) It was founded by Holly Lisle (this is a link to her Amazon book list, not her website...yet). The idea is that published authors "pay back" by helping out budding authors. Holly left Forward Motion just about the time I joined, to devote more time and energy to her writing, so I don't know her, even in the internet sense of the word when you "internet know" someone.
(As a side note, I took the 2 Year Novel Class at Forward Motion, more later if anyone is interested, and used that to write my first draft of Troll Wife. I loved that class.)
Holly also has a website. And she has lots of good articles on her website. I have a link to her "one pass revision" article up in my side bar. I joined her email list a few months ago, and yesterday I read that she's offering a 21 week How To Revise Your Novel class. This class is not free. It costs $49.95 a month. It's a subscription, so you can quit any time along the way.
I'm seriously thinking about taking it. Yes, it would mean that my hoped for end date for revisions would get pushed back, but if it makes my book stronger, it would be worth it. My big issues/fears are:
1. I've never had a class from Holly, so I don't know what it will be like. On the other hand, I do like her One Pass Revision Article, so chances are pretty good that I would like the class.
2. Am I just putting off the date for starting my agent search?
3. The cost. Ouch! I don't think I can afford it, though I always manage to find room in my budget if I want something enough.
I'm afraid the second one is the biggest one, because how can I tell? If I'm making a strong story, that's good. If I'm just avoiding the next phase (querying) that's very bad.
Anyway, I thought I'd share the info, in case anyone needs help with revisions and wants to take a look at the class outline.
Several years ago, I joined an online writer's group called Forward Motion. (It's free.) It was founded by Holly Lisle (this is a link to her Amazon book list, not her website...yet). The idea is that published authors "pay back" by helping out budding authors. Holly left Forward Motion just about the time I joined, to devote more time and energy to her writing, so I don't know her, even in the internet sense of the word when you "internet know" someone.
(As a side note, I took the 2 Year Novel Class at Forward Motion, more later if anyone is interested, and used that to write my first draft of Troll Wife. I loved that class.)
Holly also has a website. And she has lots of good articles on her website. I have a link to her "one pass revision" article up in my side bar. I joined her email list a few months ago, and yesterday I read that she's offering a 21 week How To Revise Your Novel class. This class is not free. It costs $49.95 a month. It's a subscription, so you can quit any time along the way.
I'm seriously thinking about taking it. Yes, it would mean that my hoped for end date for revisions would get pushed back, but if it makes my book stronger, it would be worth it. My big issues/fears are:
1. I've never had a class from Holly, so I don't know what it will be like. On the other hand, I do like her One Pass Revision Article, so chances are pretty good that I would like the class.
2. Am I just putting off the date for starting my agent search?
3. The cost. Ouch! I don't think I can afford it, though I always manage to find room in my budget if I want something enough.
I'm afraid the second one is the biggest one, because how can I tell? If I'm making a strong story, that's good. If I'm just avoiding the next phase (querying) that's very bad.
Anyway, I thought I'd share the info, in case anyone needs help with revisions and wants to take a look at the class outline.
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