Update: I've officially sent out my first query into the query abyss otherwise known as an agent's inbox. No I won't query and tell to whom my precious first query has gone, but I will say that I feel like a spelling bee contestant waiting to hear the dreaded "ding" of rejection.
Maybe when I open my inbox again I'll see the oh so wonderful word of P-A-R-T-I-A-L or better yet F-U-L-L. Either way I've joined the ranks of agent-seeking writer neophytes. Onward I will spell Q-U-E-R-Y in the subject line until my inbox "dings" no more.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Intrepidity
A fabulous quote:
In the history of literature there are many great enduring works which were not published in the lifetimes of the authors. If the authors had not achieved self-affirmation while writing, how could they have continued to write?
Gao Xingjian
I thought this quote fitting to proceed my new motto for writing. Intrepidity is a quality or state of being fearless. My intrepidity is focused on that of my pursuit and growth in my skills as a writer (and hopefully published author). Yet as the quote above noted, my affirmation in writing must not come from publication alone, but the simple drive and desire instilled within to continue writing. So come binding or not a true writer writes without the expectation of formal recognition. Instead he or she writes with fearless pursuit for the sole purpose of private accomplishment. Intrepidity!
In the history of literature there are many great enduring works which were not published in the lifetimes of the authors. If the authors had not achieved self-affirmation while writing, how could they have continued to write?
Gao Xingjian
I thought this quote fitting to proceed my new motto for writing. Intrepidity is a quality or state of being fearless. My intrepidity is focused on that of my pursuit and growth in my skills as a writer (and hopefully published author). Yet as the quote above noted, my affirmation in writing must not come from publication alone, but the simple drive and desire instilled within to continue writing. So come binding or not a true writer writes without the expectation of formal recognition. Instead he or she writes with fearless pursuit for the sole purpose of private accomplishment. Intrepidity!
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
The Bridal Pat
In attempt to heighten my savior faire (yep I'm whipping out the French today) of the publishing world, I've discovered literary blogs. After comfortably treading water at the beginning, I think I'm now swimming in the deep end and realize just how much advice there is to find. Ca alors!
Everything you can imagine starting with the basics of writing a solid query letter to accepting zero control over your book cover...not to worry apparently the majority of them turn out o.k. But those are just two topics out of a bazillion. I think my Achilles' heel is my inclination to try and read all of it - information overload! And that's when one of my life experiences brought me to an important realization. Sometimes it's important to put it all aside and find my bridal pat.
Walk down memory lane with me...
The thick satin dress trimmed with lace draped the bride-to-be's body. A strapless creation meant to indulge the eyes of its onlookers and magnify the beauty of bride who wore it. The dress was beautiful no doubt, but for Abby it had no more appeal than the 10 other dresses she'd tried on earlier. This is more stressful than finding the groom!
Abby shuffled out to her adoring friends and mother. Everyone with comments and opinions of their own. "That one accentuates your waist", "I like the fabric", "it's too poofy in the back", "could the train be longer", and so forth. All offering equally qualified and helpful input but no less not without some personal bias.
It was December. Time was ticking to get a dress ordered, fitted, refitted and pressed before nuptial day deadlines. What's a girl suppose to do when the necessary white attire all starts to look the same? Abby had narrowed it down to a multi toned dress but the bridal pat - the instinctual hand gesture designating "this is the dress" - had yet to appear.
For Abby it was all a matter of clearing out the hodgepodge of well intentioned input from family and friends and go it alone. The evening air held a stimulating chill as she walked into the bridal salon. Abby called earlier to make sure her bridal associate would be there to help her. A brand new shipment of designs had just come in, and Abby was going to be one of the first to slip into some of them. Paroozing through the isles of tall racks, lined with any style, cut, color and fabric you can imagine, five dresses were pulled for consideration.
The first dress was a soft ivory taffeta with a pick-up ball gown and a sweep drain. Simple touches of pearl beading adorned the dress, and it swooshed ever so lightly as she walked. A look perfectly in tune for a summer wedding. With the voices gone and only the quiet approval filling Abby's mind, she looked down and found her hands gently patting the dress. There it was- the bridal pat - she'd found the dress!
Yes this was a true account of my wedding dress hunt. And what did I learn from it? I learned that no matter how much advice I get, good, bad, or mediocre, sometimes it's best to wipe it all away and see what answers are found in the still, quiet moments. Finding your bridal pat or in writing finding that literary nod is essential.
It's all a matter of taste and experience when it comes down to picking out a bridal dress and writing a book. Some people will love it and other's might abhor it. Advice, opinions and input will come from every direction you can imagine, and that's even before you show it to people. But if your satisfied then go with it. Yes there's probably lots of room for further improvement, I will rightfully own to my novice status, but make sure the improvement has your flare.
As for me, when I feel my voice is losing potency amidst all the input, I'll happily withdraw to a place where the stories in my head can once again be put to paper, and I can luxuriate in the satisfaction of my own literary nod.
Everything you can imagine starting with the basics of writing a solid query letter to accepting zero control over your book cover...not to worry apparently the majority of them turn out o.k. But those are just two topics out of a bazillion. I think my Achilles' heel is my inclination to try and read all of it - information overload! And that's when one of my life experiences brought me to an important realization. Sometimes it's important to put it all aside and find my bridal pat.
Walk down memory lane with me...
The thick satin dress trimmed with lace draped the bride-to-be's body. A strapless creation meant to indulge the eyes of its onlookers and magnify the beauty of bride who wore it. The dress was beautiful no doubt, but for Abby it had no more appeal than the 10 other dresses she'd tried on earlier. This is more stressful than finding the groom!
Abby shuffled out to her adoring friends and mother. Everyone with comments and opinions of their own. "That one accentuates your waist", "I like the fabric", "it's too poofy in the back", "could the train be longer", and so forth. All offering equally qualified and helpful input but no less not without some personal bias.
It was December. Time was ticking to get a dress ordered, fitted, refitted and pressed before nuptial day deadlines. What's a girl suppose to do when the necessary white attire all starts to look the same? Abby had narrowed it down to a multi toned dress but the bridal pat - the instinctual hand gesture designating "this is the dress" - had yet to appear.
For Abby it was all a matter of clearing out the hodgepodge of well intentioned input from family and friends and go it alone. The evening air held a stimulating chill as she walked into the bridal salon. Abby called earlier to make sure her bridal associate would be there to help her. A brand new shipment of designs had just come in, and Abby was going to be one of the first to slip into some of them. Paroozing through the isles of tall racks, lined with any style, cut, color and fabric you can imagine, five dresses were pulled for consideration.
The first dress was a soft ivory taffeta with a pick-up ball gown and a sweep drain. Simple touches of pearl beading adorned the dress, and it swooshed ever so lightly as she walked. A look perfectly in tune for a summer wedding. With the voices gone and only the quiet approval filling Abby's mind, she looked down and found her hands gently patting the dress. There it was- the bridal pat - she'd found the dress!
Yes this was a true account of my wedding dress hunt. And what did I learn from it? I learned that no matter how much advice I get, good, bad, or mediocre, sometimes it's best to wipe it all away and see what answers are found in the still, quiet moments. Finding your bridal pat or in writing finding that literary nod is essential.
It's all a matter of taste and experience when it comes down to picking out a bridal dress and writing a book. Some people will love it and other's might abhor it. Advice, opinions and input will come from every direction you can imagine, and that's even before you show it to people. But if your satisfied then go with it. Yes there's probably lots of room for further improvement, I will rightfully own to my novice status, but make sure the improvement has your flare.
As for me, when I feel my voice is losing potency amidst all the input, I'll happily withdraw to a place where the stories in my head can once again be put to paper, and I can luxuriate in the satisfaction of my own literary nod.
Friday, August 7, 2009
It takes a village...
OK, I'll admit I've never been a fan of this phrase as it's commonly used, but with writing I think it thoroughly applies. I was talking with my mom this morning, just our normal morning chat, and she commented on something I told her yesterday. I said something to the effect of getting "steamed" when she's suggested changes to my book as my unofficial editor. I felt it essential to clarify what I meant.
With every draft of my book, which has been at least 4 maybe 5 with a million edits in between, I hit a "I can't handle any more edits for today" wall. A girl has her daily limit to the amount of marks and scratches to her manuscript she can handle. But it was important to understand the coal creating my "steam" was not found with the editor herself, love you Mom! Instead, it's found with the drafting marks that accompany each draft.
BUT, as in every process of becoming a writer, I have learned both the joy and necessary pain in editing- steam can be both uncomfortable and cleansing. It forces me to improve my writing and allows me to better understand what my readers will see. Even though the source and heart of my book remains mine, it still has to face it's own refining fire before it can be shared and enjoyed (hopefully) by others.
So thanks to all individuals future, past and present who will strengthen my story that much more. Your edits are essential. To publish a book, it really does take a village.
With every draft of my book, which has been at least 4 maybe 5 with a million edits in between, I hit a "I can't handle any more edits for today" wall. A girl has her daily limit to the amount of marks and scratches to her manuscript she can handle. But it was important to understand the coal creating my "steam" was not found with the editor herself, love you Mom! Instead, it's found with the drafting marks that accompany each draft.
BUT, as in every process of becoming a writer, I have learned both the joy and necessary pain in editing- steam can be both uncomfortable and cleansing. It forces me to improve my writing and allows me to better understand what my readers will see. Even though the source and heart of my book remains mine, it still has to face it's own refining fire before it can be shared and enjoyed (hopefully) by others.
So thanks to all individuals future, past and present who will strengthen my story that much more. Your edits are essential. To publish a book, it really does take a village.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Quote...
Saw this quote the other day and wanted to share...
"There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees."
-Victor Hugo
"There are thoughts which are prayers. There are moments when, whatever the posture of the body, the soul is on its knees."
-Victor Hugo
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