I'm Quirky

Being a writer comes with certain personality traits. I think quirkiness is one of them.

Like I said before, I have to write to silence. But not dead silence. I guess a better word would be white noise -- preferably the washing machine or dryer. I also like to be warm. A Snuggie would be perfect, but alas, I don't own one.

Which is why I guess it should come as no surprise that I usually write while sitting on top of my dryer. Yeppers, the dryer. It provides the noise that I need and the warmth that I desire. Ahhhh... isn't that nice. Granted, it's not the most comfortable, but I seem to focus well up there. I have some more quirks, but I guess I'll stick with that for now...

So, what about you? What are your writing quirks?

Don't Forget, You're The One Doing The Hiring

As the publishing industry shifts, roles are rewritten and adjusted, and platforms undoubtedly change. As a result, it's not surprising the the future role of the agent has come into question.

Rachelle Gardner blogged about this Monday in her post titled Change or Die, where she optimistically wrote:

If you want to know the truth, I think it's exciting. The future is wide open for people who are adaptable, creative, and forward-thinking. I can envision many different ways for agents' roles to evolve, and I know most of my agent friends have been thinking about this, too.

But what does everyone else think?

Writer's Digest wrote an article back in September titled The Future Role of Agents, which concluded that the needs of authors will shape the future role of agents. The article addressed three critical issues:

1.KEEPING PACE WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND BUILDING NEW CONTRACTS AND RIGHTS STRUCTURES

2.ESTABLISHING AND GROWING EMPOWERING PARTNERSHIPS AND ONLINE PRESENCES FAR BEYOND BOOK PUBLICATION

3.DEVELOPING NEW BUSINESS MODELS FOR HOW AUTHORS PAY AGENTS FOR THEIR EXPERTISE AND PARTNERSHIP

I'm not going to paraphrase everything here, but I encourage you to check the article out. To me, what this all means is that the industry is shifting, but as authors, we still need someone to navigate it for us, manage our careers and sell our work.

Above all, the one thing that hasn't changed is the fact that you're the one doing the hiring. Sure, it's a partnership, but agents are working for you - they represent you! We get so obsessed in NEEDING an agent that we forget that they need us too. So if you're unagented like moi, keep writing and querying until you find the RIGHT agent, not just an agent. Because regardless of what happens in the publishing world, you're still going to want one - an inside professional on your side.

Tweet, Tweet

I did it my friends. Yep, I've officially signed up for a Twitter account. What does that mean?

I have no idea.

So far I have one follower (Thanks Debra!) and I'm trying to figure out how the whole thing works. I've started following a few agents and fellow writers and I'm already amazed at the articles and thoughts they've passed on my way. How cool is that? I seem to have found another way to receive and share my random thoughts with the world. Yay technology!

Now, what about you? Do you tweet? If so, how do you use, or get the most out of, your Twitter account? Do share. I love hearing the inside scoop.

Happy tweeting everyone.

Poll Time!

I'm working on a new novel. Yes, another new novel and no, this one is not a sequel. Every time I start a new work I get all giddy with excitement and I figured I wasn't the only one. So, you tell me - what do you love most about writing a new novel?

Don't Forget, You're The One Doing The Hiring

As the publishing industry shifts, roles are rewritten and adjusted, and platforms undoubtedly change. As a result, it's not surprising the the future role of the agent has come into question.

Rachelle Gardner blogged about this Monday in her post titled Change or Die, where she optimistically wrote:

If you want to know the truth, I think it's exciting. The future is wide open for people who are adaptable, creative, and forward-thinking. I can envision many different ways for agents' roles to evolve, and I know most of my agent friends have been thinking about this, too.

But what does everyone else think?

Writer's Digest wrote an article back in September titled The Future Role of Agents, which concluded that the needs of authors will shape the future role of agents. The article addresses three critical issues:

1.KEEPING PACE WITH DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AND BUILDING NEW CONTRACTS AND RIGHTS STRUCTURES

2.ESTABLISHING AND GROWING EMPOWERING PARTNERSHIPS AND ONLINE PRESENCES FAR BEYOND BOOK PUBLICATION

3.DEVELOPING NEW BUSINESS MODELS FOR HOW AUTHORS PAY AGENTS FOR THEIR EXPERTISE AND PARTNERSHIP

I'm not going to paraphrase everything here, but I encourage you to check the article out. To me, what this all means is that the industry is shifting, but as authors, we still need someone to navigate it for us, manage our careers and sell our work.

Above all, the one thing that hasn't changed is the fact that you're the one doing the hiring. Sure, it's a partnership, but agents are working for you - they represent you! We get so obsessed in NEEDING an agent that we forget that they need us too. So if you're unagented like moi, keep writing and querying until you find the RIGHT agent, not just an agent. Because regardless of what happens in the publishing world, you're still going to want one - an inside professional on your side.

I'm Super Geeked

No, my friends I'm not a super geek, but I am super geeked. You see, I went and saw New Moon last night (which BTW totally loved) and I left the theater smiling like a fool? Why? Was it Edward's sparkliness? Jacob's ripped bod?

NO.

It was the fact that all this media greatness started with a book, an idea, a dream. TWILIGHT, LOTR, HARRY POTTER - heck, LOVELY BONES has been made into a movie too.

I really get excited when books have a mass impact on culture and thus society. It makes my academic and creative brains go into a tizzy. I get so excited I'm not sure if I want to write a new novel or work on my dissertation. I just can't decide!!!!!

Either way, I'm happy. Life is good. Books are awesome. And it's Friday.

(Oh, and these photos are from my trip to Forks, WA this past May. See, told you I wasn't a super geek. Oh, wait...)

What's Your Secret?

We all know writing well is not easy, being published is even harder, which is why I thought I'd ask what your secret was for staying motivated.

Mine? Well, it's pretty simple - I read and blog. Seriously, that's about it. When I don't feel like writing, I check out what other writers have to say. Generally I'll find motivation in something they've said. Same goes for reading or even walking into a book store. I see all those books and think if they did it, then so can I. With that being said, a big thank you to all of you who write and blog everyday. Keep the inspiration and motivation coming!

Now tell me, what's your secret?

Musing Music

This isn't the first time I've blogged about my Muse or inspiration, and as many of you know I write to Golden Silence, but that doesn't mean I don't love music or find it inspiring.

Jordin Sparks, One Step At A Time, is one such song. The lyrics apply so much to writing as any other form of art. The opening line for example, "Hurry up and wait
So close, but so far away" makes me think Ms. Sparks is waiting on a submission too.

So, for your viewing pleasure and inspiration-induced happiness, I've embedded the music video here for you to watch.

Now what about you? Do you have a song that you just love or find inspiring? Do share!

Jordin Sparks - One Step at a Time
Uploaded by nicobou67. - See the latest featured music videos.

Santa's Going To B&N

I'd like to thank Jen over at Jennifer J. Bennett for inspiring today's post. You see, yesterday Jen blogged about getting ready for the holidays and thus Christmas shopping. Now, every year I say I'm not going to spend a lot of money and that I'll be DONE by Dec. 15th. And every year I fail at these goals miserably.

BUT NOT THIS YEAR.

Because this year everyone on my list is getting books. Wait, make that a book. Because you know what? I love bookstores and if I'm going to spend the money it should go to an industry that deserves it. No books from Walmart either. Nope, they're going to be purchased from genuine bookstores. Heck, indie ones if I can find 'em.

So, spread the love. While you're making out your holiday gift giving list this year, don't forget about books! They're the perfect gift: completely customizable (write a little note on the inside flap) and personal (everyone loves something.Find out what that something is and you'll find a book to match).

This year, the spirit of giving really will make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. I'm becoming less Grinch by the minute!
Wait, what was that? Yep, my heart just grew three times its size today.

Any Takers?

I've spent the entire day today and most of last night revising the beginning of BEAUTY SECRETS. So now comes the fun part, sending it out into the world and asking for a critique.

Would any of you fine folks be interested in reading the first 20 pages of my MS? I'm not looking for a line edit, but more of an overall opinion. Basically I'm wondering if I've set the story up enough to hook you, and if I've given you enough time to know my protagonist before diving into the mystery aspect of the novel.

My mantra for the last twelve hours has been, "Set up the story. You need to set up the story. Set up the story. You need to set up the story."

So...Let me know if you're down to help me out!

Thanks guys!

I Need Chocolate

Today has been a busy day and I've officially reached my full mental capacity.

NANO, what's that? The last two days I've kinda let LG&L die off at 13,000 words to shift my attention back to BEAUTY SECRETS. You see, I received some feedback from a super fantastic agent a couple months ago and at the time I wasn't sure how to take their advice. Not that I didn't want to take it, but that I wasn't sure exactly how to do what they were asking for.

I mean, at first their comments didn't make any sense because they were supposed to love my novel as is, right? And then their comments made sense, but I wasn't sure if I wanted to change my story that way. And then suddenly in the calming moment that is my nightly bubble bath It. Just. Made. Sense.

EREKA! I get it!!!!!

However, my happy moment of elation was quickly replaced by "Oh Crap!" now what?!

I understand the concept and what I have to do. Now I just have to do it. I think I better go put my Nike gear on before I tackle this one. Oh, and eat chocolate. Lot's and lot's of chocolate!

Wish me luck!

e-Readers - Do You Own One?

I've been thinking about e-books lately and their fellow counterparts. Now, while I will NEVER totally give up my books, I can't ignore my love for technology and thus interest in the e-readers.

Price wars and the "WHAT! You're destroying the industry" fears aside. I was wondering if you owned an e-reader and if so, which one. Or, how about, if you were going to buy one, which one would you buy?

Personally, I've been giving some thought to the B&N Nook. While the features are great and all, I can honestly say the biggest selling point to me is that purchasing the reader supports the bookstore that I love. I think it's really smart for B&N to get in the game and I'm proud to see they're stepping up. So that's my thoughts, but I'd love to hear what you think.

Switching gears here...

A big thank you to Tara over at The Bloodcrossed Writer for the awesome new award. The Honest Scrap awards "those who aren't afraid to tell it like it is and are honest about their thoughts and feeling." Okay, I made that up. But that's what I think it should mean, and seeing it doesn't already have a description, well then, there you go.

The rules on this one are basic, honor five other bloggers and then open your blog to personal questions from the audience. Okay, here are my nominees:

Wendy Sparrow - Where Ladybugs Roar. And I thought I wrote a lot. This woman in inspiring! Oh, and an insomniac.

Laura Martone, Mira & Co. - Come In Character Cool site. So I hang out on the sidelines, but still, way cool. I love how it's such an awesome character building tool.

Rick Daley - The Public Query Slushpile. Not sure if he honors awards over there, but c'mon, you can't get more honest then openly accepting public feedback on your queries.

Stephanie Thornton - Hatshepsut: The Writing of a Novel. Stephanie's absolutely the model child for this award. Listen to part of her blog post today, "I hate it, absolutely hate it when historical fiction writers get sloppy. I also hate it in Hollywood, but I take that with a grain of salt because it's, well, Hollywood." See? You can't get more honest than that. :)

Lynnette Labelle - Chatterbox Chit Chat. Lynnette has always been honest with her comments and feedback, and you have no idea how much I appreciate that!

Now that that's done, I've got some Nano writing to get to!

Oh, and do you have any questions? Feel free to post them or send them to me at steph.damore@gmail.com.

Thanks!

Why Do You Write?

Who hasn't heard or asked themselves this question from time to time. Surely I know I have and will continue to do so. For me, it's a reminder of the big picture.

Of course I want to be published, but as I continue to plug away with little positivity on that front, I have to remind myself why I continue to write every day. Because I want to. The creativity and stories I have written continue to amaze and inspire me. I'm fully aware of this industry and what I'm getting into, and I embrace it every day (well, most days...today's a little rough).

Writing makes me happy - blogging, talking with you guys, outlining scene after scene. It completes me (you complete me Mini Me. Sorry Austin Powers moment). And I get really cranky, my brain gets all out of whack and I need a V8 to restore my balance when I can't get that prose pondering time in.

Then this whole thought process reminds me of the Movie He's Just Not That Into You, when Alex (Justin Long) tells Gigi (Ginnifer Godwin) that she's "the rule and not the exception." I totally get that. Those authors who query 15 agents and get 12 requests for partials are the exception. These are the same ones who get multiple requests for representation and the publishing houses go into bidding wars over. They're the exception and I'm not.

That's cool. I'm good at playing by the rules. LIP GLOSS & LIES is my third novel (which statistically shows that I'm dedicated and am improving my craft). I read publishing articles, agent blogs and editorial publications. I'm educated, which can only be a positive thing. I network. I haven't yet made it to a conference like I want to, but that's next on my list. And of course, I'm going to keep perfecting my craft. It's not always easy sharing your work with others, but it's key to becoming a better writer. Right now two people offer me feedback, but maybe I should open that circle up...

Okay, I think that's about it. Have I missed anything? Let me know. Oh, and why do you write?

Ode To My Query Letter

Oh query letter, sweet query letter
why must you pain me so?
I send you out into the world with love
and yet rejection is all you bestow

Query letter, precious query letter
how my depression grows
Without you, I’m lost!
and my dreams just can not flow

Letter of hope, letter of love
we will triumph I know!
I will revise you once again
and celebrate with a glass of Bordeaux...

Who-ha!

Bad Blurb

In my quest for inspiration in writing my own blurb, I've come across some real doozies. I thought I would take a second to share with you in my opinion, the best and worst.

First up, the worst - TRANSFORMERS REVENGE OF THE FALLEN. Granted, movies aren't known for having great blurbs, but I think this one is awful.

The battle for Earth continues in this action-packed blockbuster from director Michael Bay and executive producer Steven Spielberg. When college-bound Sam Witwicky (Shia LeBouf) learns the truth about the ancient origins of the Transformers, he must accept his destiny and join Optimus Prime and Bumblebee in their epic battle against the Decepticons, who have returned stronger than ever with a plan to destroy our world.

Tell me something I don't already know. The only detail I really got out of this was that Sam's going off to college. The rest was same o same o. It's a Transformer's movie - of course the fate of the world is in their hands. But why? Because Sam learned their origins? And how? What specifically are they fighting for on Earth. Why do they want the planet? I want more details!

Now for my favorite. Tops honors goes to Victoria Laurie - DEMONS ARE A GHOUL'S BEST FRIEND.

Every school has its bullies, but Northern Boarding School near Lake Placid, New York, houses a real whopper: a lean, mean, and deadly demonic ghost named Hatchet Jack. M.J.'s good friend Karen has asked her--along with partners Gilley and handsome Dr. Steven Sable--to send Hatchet Jack back to the portal he came from.

With renovations at the school starting in a week, there isn't much time for ghost hunting. Plus M.J. has to deal with an uncooperative dean, Gilley being paranormally prayed upon, and the tempting Dr. Delicious distracting her. But Hatchet Jack is M.J's biggest threat, and with a demonic disturbance of this magnitude she must show no mercy and see to it that Hatchet Jack gets detention for eternity--in hell.

Fabulous, right? Not only does it cover all the blurb basics, but it also has a great voice and I love the alliteration (i.e., deadly demonic ghost, Dr. Delicious distracting & paranormally preyed upon). It's all good stuff.

So what about you? Any blurbs that you love? Or better yet, can't stand? Do tell.

Query Letter - Take 5 (or was it 25?)

As promised, I've revised my query letter and have decided to post it here again for your lovely comments. Thanks again for everyone who commented last time - let me know if you think I've got it yet.

I'll skip out the boring parts and get right to the good stuff:

Dear Super Agent,

Every Beauty Secret representative knows two things: never come between a woman and her lipstick, and always keep your client’s secrets. Unfortunately Keira Diaz didn’t get that memo.

When her client’s playboy husband, Roger, goes missing, Keira finds herself quickly wrapped up in the mystery. Keeping track of her Southern socialite clientele wasn’t in this girl’s job description, but their clues are the key to solving this case.

And their secrets? Boy do they tell. If it weren’t for them, Keira would have never learned of Roger’s infidelity while his wife battled breast cancer, or set up her best friend with Savannah’s most corrupt businessman.

As the evidence builds, Keira vows to find Roger. What she wasn’t planning on was finding him dead—or befriending the murderer.

Multitasking Diva Here

My writing career is in full swing - Well, I mean minus the agent and whole publishing contract thing - but still, I'm busy!

First up, NaNo. It's the start of day two and I've currently got 2,727 words written. Awesome, go me. I'm loving LIP GLOSS & LIES and confession, it's already better than BEAUTY SECRETS - ahhhhhhhh!!! So, remember last week how I said I was done with BS, well, not anymore. I've thought of a couple slight tweaks that I hope will make my debut even more stellar (because it will be my debut I tell you!).

So that brings me to number two - make additional changes to BS, revise my query, and then begin submitting to agents worldwide!!!!

Let's see then: NaNo, BS changes, Query... Oh, I know, and blog. See I'm accomplishing stuff already.


Hi ho hi ho it's off to writing I go...