I'm being fingered as a published author, mostly by my friends and family. It creates some interestingly short conversations.
T:What do you write?
M:Romance.
T: Oh. Or squealing, What kind? {I love this kind}
T:Do you have another book coming out?
M: Yes, it's a historical romance.
T: Cool.
My favorite?
T: I want to be a writer. How do I do that?
M: Why do you want to write? If it's for the money, explore something else.
T: Really?
M: Yes. If it's not about money. Put your butt in the chair and write.
T: I'm afraid it won't be any good.
M: All first drafts are crap. Put your butt in the chair and worry about it on the first edit pass.
T: Hopeful smile.
They are a bit longer than this. Often they tell me how they have this idea and it's sure to sell. I just smile and nod. Yes, I can be quiet.
Or they know someone who has a manuscript or wip.. what should they do? Write?
How do you field these questions? What is your most frequently asked question?
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A: No, I'm not! I'll be sure to tell you if I ever am.
A: Well if you're having sex with a merman, I'd love to base it on real life, but sadly, I don't know any real mermen.
Or maybe I should turn on the PS3 again. Hmmm....
Okay, force self to write one more paragraph in the synopsis then play PS3 for an hour as a reward. Good plan.
Hey, how's the textbook coming?
Anyone watching So You Think You Can Dance finale? Anyone want to predict the winner?
I'm planning on submitting erotica. Do you know how hard it is to write a synopsis for a "plot, what plot" novel? Well, it does have a plot, just not a very deep one.
Mike I love the non sequitar.
I don't watch TV for the most part, sorry Judi.
Jamie, you can do it. Write woman....write.
Must flip pork roast and add some veggies.
On the topic:
Q: Did you really write a novel?
Q: How did you find time to do that?
For me the answers are yes, and "on plane trips," which is a shorthand for I did it when I wasn't busy doing something else. Novel 2 is proceeding much faster than novel 1, but I still struggle to find the time. Then there's that book marketing activity, which also takes time.
Arrgggg!
Jamie, picking up from the last thread, no, tis not me who has your muse. Unless said muse fell asleep with me on the couch after work. *stretch* Still sleepy. Nap overkill.
Judi, no, that's not one I watch. There's a limit to how many of these shows I can watch. There's only so much time in a day...with all the napping and all. :-)
No Whine, Just Champagne Discussion #77
I'm off for awhile. Looks like Viv has dinner covered.
No Spoilers from me, but I will say that you guys NEED to watch the Real Housewives series. It's the most amazing train wreck I've ever seen and I have to say, the ones from ATlanta are the worst. Or best. Depends on how you want to classify train wreck. OMG.
Going to show up at Pat's NWJC tonight. Off with me for a while.
Have I bored everyone away?
Then I was playing "Eternal Sonata" which is an RPG based on Chopin's life and amazing piano compositions. He had quite an interesting, and tragically short, life. I never knew.... I'm not sure it makes a good RPG though. They've kind of stuck him in this fantasy dream world (where the game takes place) while he lies dying in bed in the real world. Then they flash back and forth between the two. There aren't many RPGs for the PS3 so my choices are limited. *impatiently waiting for Final Fantasy XIII next YEAR As far as RPG game play goes, it's pretty good. The story line... which is one of the main reasons I play RPGs... not so great.
Then I wrote another paragraph in my synopsis. Did two loads of laundry and now... back to the game.
I'm sure I'm the one who bored everyone away, Judi.
Judi I'm scared to watch those shows. I am terrified that these shows might in fact represent some version of reality. Honestly, it's like watching the Twilight Zone, but without the cool music and witty writing.
Jill, I'm a chicken. Okay, my darling husband likes to talk about it to everyone and I just give him the evil eye. I figure it is need to know information and people for the most part are in the need to know category.
Wanda and I can teeter along in the dark sharing a flashlight.
Missed most of Pat B. No Whine due to blender issues. While making, what I think is a delicious zucchini rosemary soup, there was an steam pressure problem. Only minor burns on one forearm which three rubber bands and package of frozen peas took care of, but then there was the assorted hosing down of area rug and wiping of counter and surfaces. Nonetheless delicious if painful, should take some ibuprofen.
The roast pork, shoulder blade cut, was also excellent. Threw in some onion and brown rice with a bit of water to finish up the meal. I have left overs to feed a small army or at least three teenage boys. Of course with daughter out of town I can't plan on them.
Viv - it's such drama, you just can't look away!
what she did to deserve it? oh, hell, what DIDN'T she do? Seriously, don't get me started. LOL
Good night, Judi.
Manana, wombats.
I have resisted the PS3 and the XBox, but now that we have an ex-grad student inside the evil empire maybe he can get me some stuff. I finally have the German one recognizing my awesomeness from emergency accommodations in Vienna years ago.
Time for tea and shortbread cookies.
Donald Maass: Be sensitive when you write, have a thick skin when you submit…yeah, it’s contradictory. I don’t like that “be thick-skinned” advice, though. Not that you should weep over every rejection slip, please don’t, but thick-skinned implies brushing off rejection and plowing ahead against all odds. For me, rejection is information. Often it’s not quality information but its information nevertheless. It tells you that you have work to do, and sometimes even points you in the right direction.
Donald Maass Interview
Beth, I certainly hope I've not contributed to your over use of the computer.
T "Oh I could never write. I don't have the discipline. How do you do it?"
Me: "When the voices in your head get loud enough, one feels compelled to let them out."
T backs off with the, don't make any sudden moves in front of the crazy lady, look.
Goodnight Neverland
And now to read the thread!
Weirdly, I can't think of any questions of that sort. I think because I've been mostly hanging around with people who have some understanding of the whole publishing business and how tough it is. In the olden days, my frustration was more with people who would call themselves writers, or say they COULD be writers, they just, you know, didn't bother for whatever reason.
People who might have talent, but who really have no understanding of the amount of work and discipline it takes to write a decent novel.
And I have to say, now that I'm going through the whole publication process, it's a whole 'nother level of understanding. The amount of work that's involved, the number of people who are counting on you to deliver - this is when, if you had any doubts before, you realize that this isn't a hobby, it isn't a passion, it's a JOB, and you have to deliver, and deliver quality work on deadline.
Oh. Wait. Never mind. What was the question? I think I need more coffee.
Ken, interesting article, and I enjoyed his "wish list". Though a bit peeved at his request for a grand romance novel with a sad ending, but specifying it be written by a man. Perhaps I should submit a novel to him under the name George Sand?
As for the movie: OK, there were some laugh out loud moments simply because of the changing mores of the times. And the (unnamed) heroine came off as a bit of a door mat. And the Hollywood Code of the time forced them to change a key plot point (in the book, the hero shoots Rebecca, but Hollywood demanded that killers be punished, so in the movie, Rebecca's death is accidental). And they modified the ending to add a fillip of extra suspense, which I didn't like, and they didn't show the aftermath, which left hubs unsatisfied and puzzled until I explained the actual book ending. Laurence Olivier was hot beyond words, and in the scene where he explained what happened to Rebecca (a really long narrative in the book), he does an extraordinary job, almost transforming for a moment into Rebecca herself. It was a "hear a pin drop in the theater" moment. Totally owned the screen. And the demented housekeeper comes across as more insane, than casually cruel as she is in the book. And again, because of the Code, she dies in the end of the movie, whereas she doesn't in the book.
The program had some amusing notes on the movie. They wanted Ronald Coleman, but he had issues with the story, so they went after William Powell and Laurenvce Olivier. Olivier worked cheaper so he got the part. He hated the person they selected for the heroine, Olivia de Havilland's sister, Joan Fontaine (de Havilland and Vivian Leigh were both up for the role--de Havilland would have worked but Vivian Leigh would have been horrible--she's too much like Rebecca). Fontaine was terrified of Olivier, which, since this was what Hitchcock wanted for the character, was perfect. In fact, he constantly told her everyone on the set hated her, just to keep her on edge, which comes across on the screen.
OK, enough movie review. I should have stopped at "it was fun". But I do love comparing books to movies!
Former Senior Vice President and Publisher of Taunton Press Don Lin has
teamed up with Booksquare.com'Former Senior Vice Kirk Biglione of
Medialoper.com and Kat Meyer, long-time book marketer for trade and academic presses to form a new e-publishing venture, Quartet Press. Quartet will launch its first
imprint, Quench Romance! this fall. The editors are currently accepting
queries for all types of romance fiction, including erotic romance. They're
also interested in other genres of fiction that have a strong romantic thread.
They will consider new, previously unpublished material as well as
previously published work for which the author owns the rights. They will consider
novels from 50,000 - 100,000 words and short stories from 10,000 - 30,000
words. They will consider only one manuscript from an author at a time. Find
out more at _http://quartetpresshttp:_ (http://quartetpress.com/)
Pat the theater sounds awesome. Glad it proved to be a rewarding experience even if the changes to the novel are annoying. Sorry about the less than supportive responses you've received from people, hey, that's why we're here! Excellent heads up on Quartet Press. I'm not there yet, but good info to tuck away.
Off to write. Not feeling it, but determined to get something down. Ciao bellas!
Yay, Jamie on submitting your Rockin' with the Band series. Gives new meaning to rockin', lolol!
Pat I haven't seen Rebecca in years. A new press? They're popping up everywhere. As soon as a measure of sanity returns to my life, cue maniacal laughter here, I'll check it out. I've already been on the go since before 8 and just now getting to finish the last half of my first cup of coffee, stoned cold, but with all these extra people here, the coffee pot is empty. Empty? WTF? So brewing another pot.
Sia McKye's Book Reviews: Mr. Charming and interview with Nancy Parra.
That coffee has got to be done now. I'm thinking of setting up a guard there. Drink all my coffee and it could ugly real fast. lol!
Thanks for the heads up, Pat. After I get rejected by presses I've actually heard of, I might give it a try. The synopsis is about 2/3 done now. Your movie experience sounds delightful.
The cable guy has already been here this morning, except it was a cable lady. So now I suppose I should call them cable persons. Or something like cable installation technicians, but it's so much easier to say cable guy. She replaced my POS cable box so my "On Demand" service works and now I'm staring at a very delicious Orlando Bloom (is it possible for this guy to look slightly less than perfect? does he get out of bed lke that in the morning? yum. just yum) and Liam Neeson (who I also find attractive. love his name, btw. I need a character named Liam.) in Kingdom of Heaven. What's going on in the movie? No clue. I'm too busy having eye-gasms.
Glad your skin isn't crunchy, Viv.
It's a good thing Orlando Bloom doesn't play guitar. I'd be done for. Yum.
Maass made a good point, Ken.
Lisa, I think that "it's a job" thing is eye-opening to many. But we do find out it's not only about us--other people get behind our product and take it to market.
Wendy, just doing lots of things at the home office now. Since I work my day job at home and do my editing there, I get tired of the scenery. And the poor posture gets to me faster. I need a new monitor--flat screen--so I can angle it differently. And I need to sit up instead of leaning.
Vivian, glad you're okay. Pat, what a delightful evening. I'm thinking I need to go to a movie today or tomorrow. Jamie, I think I want to come play games with you.
Loving the eye-gasms. I only like Orlando Bloom in LOTR, in the Pirates of the Caribbean he looked...well dirty and not in a good way. Liam on the other hand, with that slow, deep voice- yummm... My personal favorite nickname for William. Love those Scots.
Which reminds me, Sia I ran across our friend from Glasgow in Stockholm. He's marrying his long term girlfriend and the wedding is next summer. Of course I had to wax on about men in kilts and he informed aside from formal occasions, like a wedding, you can see the colors out on men for football matches. Of course he can't wander the streets as an Englishman late at night, but they do wear the plaids. Which led me to inquire about the men at the wedding, clearly he won't be wearing a kilt, but the bride's family will be in the Robertson plaid. Which he described as a "of reasonably good taste, being primarily hunter green. I had to laugh, he said he'd invite all of us if we wanted to go. So is it inappropriate to want to attend a wedding just to see a load of men in kilts?
Time to drag my filthy mind away from kilted men and eat some breakfast. Yes, I am sublimating.
I saw "eye-gasm" online somewhere in a comment referring to a picture of Syn Gates (lead guitarist of Avenged Sevenfold) and I just HAD to steal it. That is so going into one of my erotica novels.
Jamie: I would have the same attitude that you do toward writing and publishing except that I want to see some of the stuff I've written get a wider audience than they'll get without a major publisher behind them.
My writing: I got ambitious last night and wrote another 700-800 words, then wrote another 800 this morning. That puts me right on goal for the two days. I set an overall goal of writing 25,000 words or finish the novel by August 24--whichever comes first., School starts on the 24th. That's going to be a stretch, but I find that I can usually write around 800 words in 48 minutes in Write or Die. Wonderful little website. Two sessions like that per day and I'm on goal.
I found an interest little on-line comic some of you may find interesting. One more online distraction.
Which is correct? Or are both wrong?!
He keeps putting his heart on the line, but can't seem to keep his girlfriends out of lead singer's, SEDRIC LIONHEART, bed.
or
He keeps putting his heart on the line, but can't seem to keep his girlfriends out of lead singer, SEDRIC LIONHEART's, bed.
Where does the possessive go? I hate possessives!
The joining of their bodies provides his rhythm--her skin, his parchment.
or
The joining of their bodies provides his rhythm: her skin, his parchment.
or
The joining of their bodies provides his rhythm; her skin, his parchment.
or
other suggestions.
And does "his rhythm" sound right? Or would "the rhythm" be better.
Wait, here's a few extra sentences so you understand the flow of words.
In her (literally), he's found his muse. His inspiration. The joining of their bodies provides his rhythm--her skin, his parchment.
He keeps putting his heart on the line, but can't seem to keep his girlfriends out of lead singer's, SEDRIC LIONHEART, bed.
The joining of their bodies provides his rhythm--her skin, his parchment.
BUT, I think "the rhythm" is better since I assume you are discussing where he gets his inspiration not his actual lovemaking technique.
Dale great comic. Real names can be so unfortunate.
I usually respond with "If you like to read, go to the library. If you're someone who when reading a published book gets pissed at the typos, grammar mistakes and spelling errors you come across, and you can't ignore them...become an editor."
The rhythm is the actual act, Vivian. He literally keeps beat that way when he composes.
I've almost got the first draft of this freakin' synopsis done. It's turning out better than expected. I don't despise it. I don't love it, but don't hate it either.
Well, I climbed up on the roof to walk around and take a look. I was so proud of myself--no pain and I'm flexible, yay! Of course, I had several men there to help me from the ladder to the roof--not that I needed help, but why waste all that chivalry? Nothing like climbing a ladder and coming face to face with muscled thighs braced behind said ladder, encased in well worn denim low riders. I about swallowed my tongue. Thank god they thought I was slowing down because I was being careful and not because I was enjoying the view, which got better the higher I got. No shirt. "I'm a little sweaty Sia, but let me help you--if you don't mind a little sweat?" I wisely kept my mouth shut, rather than say what first came to mind. lolol! Repeated silent mantra, I'm not dead (woo boy), but I am married...
Oh and the roof looks good too. I can't believe the mess it was when they laid bare the decking. Yikes. Insurance company will be coughing up several thousand dollars more.
Sia, you impish devil you. Okay a twinge of envy, a little sweat--hmmm, sounds good. Way to keep on top of those guys.
Lisa, I only imagined that I posted to the group. The situation is fixed now. Sorry about that.
Good to hear the burn isn't as bad as it might have been. Fast frozen pea action has amazing results. I read scunchy at first.. and then thought. eww.
Jamie, those two men are just to yummy for words. I'm not dead and completely married. Good thing too or I'd get into way too much trouble for my own good.
Yes, writing is a JOB, it's lots of work and while in the middle of the stuff I don't like I have to wonder what the hell I'm doing..... I love it all the same.
Sia, I'm of the camp who misses snug jeans over a round male tush. All this bagginess and so tight they ride below the butt is a waste of good visuals. evil grin I will let DH climb onto the roof to check the contractors work, tyvm. Last time I was on the roof ended with hyper ventilation. I'm good on the ground.
Edits are in on ETL so I'll be busy today and most likely for a week or more. I do like my job, I do. Honest.
Great article, Wendy! Reading the article and the thread-comments above, a lot of those questions are totally, utterly cringe-worthy. And sadly familiar.
I'm trying really, really hard to focus on my WIP. Because I'm a slow writer, it's taking up a ton of time. As a result, I'm feeling deprived of Wombats AND video games. Oddly enough, I still find time to eat pie.
Jamie, it was hard, lol!
Wendy, hubs is working and I've got more experience with the workings of roofs and what should and shouldn't be there. Hence me doing the climb.
Its' a dirty hot job, but somebody's got to do it. (Cue a sexy chuckle)
Must dash off to town.
Yay for waterparks! Have fun Judi. I miss taking my daughter. She grew up and now wants to go with the pack of friends.
Alright here is a poem I wrote in the middle of the night awhile ago that inspired an breakthrough in one of my novels. It has a question at the end. Any thoughts? Fallen.
Great now Sherrie has me thinking about pie. Mmmm....pie. Okay time to make chocolate chip cookies.
And now it's time for lunch and a nap!
Also, Kris and I head off to my parents in MA tonight. We'll be swamped with people and baby gifts, and then back on Monday.
Sounds like people have a lot of fun planned this weekend. Me? I'm going to a concert. Front row seats, baby. Oh, yeah.
Jamie I assume this is a research trip. No clue on the synopsis. Judi? Dana? Lisa?
Just had the thrill of ordering daughter's AP texts and related materials, no our school district does no provide textbooks. Weiners! Did get some good deals, so as long as they show up we are Otay!
Sex, love and rock 'n' roll.
Or is that corny? I'm working on the query letter now. I never know what to say in these things. And do I pitch it as a series or a stand alone? Maybe I pitch it as a stand alone and mention the series at the end. Dilemma. I gots one.
Hi Rand! Good to see you. First Dave and now you, yay!
Hard Rock's Sexcapades? Like Icecapades, but Hot.
We're pulling for Betsy. Ole!
I should be writing. Just finished mixing the cookie dough which is chilling.
Of course, you get the best feedback from wombats.
Mike, bummer.
I am just feeling sluglike. Trying to motivate, forget that. Time to read.
Jamie, I'd go with single spacing if the synopsis fits on two pages. More than that, and I think double spacing is a safer bet.