In anticipation of the I Confess 3 anthology (including my short story, "Fire") I was interviewed by columnist/author Carol Ann Culbert Johnson for her "Beneath The Covers" column on Myshelf.com...
If you're interested in learning more about my personal writing process or my thoughts on writing, in general, you can read the interview HERE
Tips for Writing Cross-Over Fiction
Here are a few notes I took at the Writing and Selling Crossover Fiction workshop at the RWA National Conference:
(Disclaimer: The notes from this talk are exactly that, notes. While I did my best to record each bit of information accurately, it is my interpretation of what was communicated and should not be construed as quoting the speakers.)
The publishing world is full of crossover fiction novels and many readers love having a blend of genres.
With women still comprising the bulk of fiction readers, romance and romance elements are readily accepted in combination with other genres, for example, sci-fi romance.
The writer needs to be cautious about what you are marketing and to whom. For example: If you market heavily on the romance side, you might turn off your sci-fi/fantasy readership.
Most often it's best to let the publisher/editor decide what genre it falls in and how to best bring the book to the market.
Read what the publishers are publishing. Does your book fit in? It's necessary to explore the markets you wish to write for and find out what publishers are actively publishing your genre(s.)
Do you know how to determine the basic genre you are writing for? To help, ask "what is my primary goal in this novel?"
Is it the romance?
Is it the "saving of the world?"
Is it the heroine's growth and emotional development?
By understanding the primary goal of your novel, it will help you determine what genre the novel fit in the best, even though it may have strong elements of other genres.
In cross-over fiction, the publisher's biggest challenge is the bookstore. There's only one section in the bookstore that the novel can be placed in. Again, it's important to try to decide what is it "more" of- romance, sci-fi, fantasy, women's fiction, etc.
Who will it appeal to the most?
It's highly important to remember that when you are writing cross-over fiction that you have to have resolution to all elements of the novel
as it pertains to the genres. For example, in sci-fi romance, there must be closure/resolution of the romance (meaning boy and girl get together or there is at least the clear potential that the relationship will continue... and there must be closure/resolution to the sci-fi element (cure is found, world is saved, goal is met, etc.)
Pictures from San Francisco's China Town
No trip to San Francisco would be complete without an adventure in Chinatown (noted to be the oldest Chinatown in the U.S. and the largest Chinatown outside of Asia.)
Totally a delightful neighborhood to experience!
My bestest writing bud, the fabulous Marie, and I had a great time exploring the all the sights, sounds, and shops. Not to mention, the amazing food!
We stopped at the Oriental Pearl Restaurant on 778 Clay Street... and WOW! about sums it off. Awesome food, atmosphere, and service. If you get the chance to dine there- jump on it! (And order the Walnut Shrimp- OMG good!)
The dragon mural pictured is on the building adjacent to the Oriental Pearl.
Well... I'll be back tomorrow with more pics and tips... stay tuned...
Also be sure to visit http://www.momdotcom.net/ for freebies, contests, and more conference notes.
(Disclaimer: The notes from this talk are exactly that, notes. While I did my best to record each bit of information accurately, it is my interpretation of what was communicated and should not be construed as quoting the speakers.)
The publishing world is full of crossover fiction novels and many readers love having a blend of genres.
With women still comprising the bulk of fiction readers, romance and romance elements are readily accepted in combination with other genres, for example, sci-fi romance.
The writer needs to be cautious about what you are marketing and to whom. For example: If you market heavily on the romance side, you might turn off your sci-fi/fantasy readership.
Most often it's best to let the publisher/editor decide what genre it falls in and how to best bring the book to the market.
Read what the publishers are publishing. Does your book fit in? It's necessary to explore the markets you wish to write for and find out what publishers are actively publishing your genre(s.)
Do you know how to determine the basic genre you are writing for? To help, ask "what is my primary goal in this novel?"
Is it the romance?
Is it the "saving of the world?"
Is it the heroine's growth and emotional development?
By understanding the primary goal of your novel, it will help you determine what genre the novel fit in the best, even though it may have strong elements of other genres.
In cross-over fiction, the publisher's biggest challenge is the bookstore. There's only one section in the bookstore that the novel can be placed in. Again, it's important to try to decide what is it "more" of- romance, sci-fi, fantasy, women's fiction, etc.
Who will it appeal to the most?
It's highly important to remember that when you are writing cross-over fiction that you have to have resolution to all elements of the novel
as it pertains to the genres. For example, in sci-fi romance, there must be closure/resolution of the romance (meaning boy and girl get together or there is at least the clear potential that the relationship will continue... and there must be closure/resolution to the sci-fi element (cure is found, world is saved, goal is met, etc.)
Pictures from San Francisco's China Town
No trip to San Francisco would be complete without an adventure in Chinatown (noted to be the oldest Chinatown in the U.S. and the largest Chinatown outside of Asia.)
Totally a delightful neighborhood to experience!
My bestest writing bud, the fabulous Marie, and I had a great time exploring the all the sights, sounds, and shops. Not to mention, the amazing food!
We stopped at the Oriental Pearl Restaurant on 778 Clay Street... and WOW! about sums it off. Awesome food, atmosphere, and service. If you get the chance to dine there- jump on it! (And order the Walnut Shrimp- OMG good!)The dragon mural pictured is on the building adjacent to the Oriental Pearl.
Well... I'll be back tomorrow with more pics and tips... stay tuned...
Also be sure to visit http://www.momdotcom.net/ for freebies, contests, and more conference notes.
FTHRW Event Pictures ~ RWA Conference
Here's a few pics from our fabulous FTHRW Meet n Greet at the RWA National Conference in San Francisco.Pictured first is speaker, Scott Eagan of the Greyhaus Literary Agency http://scotteagan.blogspot.com/, and member, Arwen who is one half of the Marilu Mann writing team http://www.greatmta.com/
We always have the best get-togethers with terrific guest speakers, yummy food, and lots of give-a-ways.FTHRW is truly an awesome chapter to belong to. Don't believe me? Check it out for yourself at http://www.FTHRW.com - you'll be amazed by all the benefits of belonging to this fab group.
In the group of five pictured above, the two on the left are Secretary, Shoshana Brown and Newsletter Editor, Laurie Darcey. (If you know the names of the other members pictured, please let me know- it's tough to remember who all I met that night!)
In the picture of three (from left to right,) is Critique Loop Co-Chair, Helen Scott Taylor, http://helenscotttaylor.com/ (also a Golden Heart Finalist!) Helen's husband, and member, Lynn Goodale.
The gal in the polkadot dress is me (I love FTHRW so much that I'm the president this year and last.)I was honored to introduce Denise Pattison (pictured next to me) who is the '07 FTHRW Cyber Rose recipient. The Cyber Rose Award is given in recognition of extraordinary service to the chapter.
Looking on, near the window, is our vice president, Marie Benesh. (Couldn't have done this without you, Marie! And wouldn't want to!)
Members Tawny Weber (on right) http://www.tawnyweber.com/ and Beth Burgoon (w/a Beth Andrews) http://bethandrews.net/ are all smiles......as were we all :) What a great time!
Thanks to everyone who helped make it happen!
PAN Retreat '08
Gail Blanke http://www.lifedesigns.com, a bestselling author, Real Simple magazine columnist, business owner, and advisor to CEOs worldwide, shared with us her thoughts about leaning into change and mastering the art of re-invention.
(Disclaimer: The notes from this talk are exactly that, notes. While I did my best to record each bit of information accurately, it is my interpretation of what was communicated and should not be construed as quoting the speaker.)
We are children of the universe and playing small doesn't serve the world.
We were meant to be bold, meant to reinvent.
It's not the weakest or the strongest, it's the species that adapts to change -they are the ones who survive.
People will not get "it" about you until you get "it" about yourself. Get "it" and use "it!"
Six Steps to Thriving on Change
1. Tap Into the Incredible Power of a Vision
- nothing bold, nothing beautiful happens without a vision
- motivation comes from having a vision
How good could you make it?
What would it look like?
2. Let Go
- let go of being right, of stereotypes, of regrets, of limitations, of resentments, of anger...of anything that is holding you back
- take a leap of faith and courage
- let go of the trapeze to catch the next one
- sometimes you don't ever see it, but something great is waiting for you
- never wait for the courage, courage isn't given, courage comes of action
- don't confuse falling with failing
3. Acknowledge Your Hardest Won Achievements
- follow the ground you've already covered. It isn't always necessary to re-invent. What have you done well in the past? What can you improve upon?
4. Dust Off the Entrepreneur Spirit
- re-kindle that spirit, that drive to create
- entrepreneur's thrive in chaos, never thing what they know is enough, never think that's the only way things can be done
- have new eyes, look at things in a fresh way
- you can't change if you hang onto the past
5. Know Who You Are and Who You Are Not
- create and develop your special brand
- you don't have to be everybody's everything.
- think about women who have branded themselves exceedingly well- Madonna, Rosie, Cher. When you know who you are you know how to act... and you will know what to write
- if enough people like it, it doesn't matter who doesn't
Answer this question:
I'm (insert your name) and I'm the one who _________________
6. Decide What is the Truth
- the power to distinguish between fact and interpretation is essential to dealing with life and change
Additional Notes:
Sometimes it takes a crises for us to know who we are. A defining moment is when you found something in yourself you didn't know you had.
When you said "yes I can!"
When you said "no, I don't"
When you drew a line
Can you recall your defining moments? Try writing about them.
Sometimes you have to have everything ripped away from you. Say, "I will build back." Don't confuse falling with failing.
Don't stereotype yourself... don't say "I'm not good enough" or "I'm not that type of person"
Dare to test your limits, to be the person you know yourself to be.
In a changing market (world, etc.,) don't be afraid of change!
.
(Disclaimer: The notes from this talk are exactly that, notes. While I did my best to record each bit of information accurately, it is my interpretation of what was communicated and should not be construed as quoting the speaker.)
We are children of the universe and playing small doesn't serve the world.
We were meant to be bold, meant to reinvent.
It's not the weakest or the strongest, it's the species that adapts to change -they are the ones who survive.
People will not get "it" about you until you get "it" about yourself. Get "it" and use "it!"
Six Steps to Thriving on Change
1. Tap Into the Incredible Power of a Vision
- nothing bold, nothing beautiful happens without a vision
- motivation comes from having a vision
How good could you make it?
What would it look like?
2. Let Go
- let go of being right, of stereotypes, of regrets, of limitations, of resentments, of anger...of anything that is holding you back
- take a leap of faith and courage
- let go of the trapeze to catch the next one
- sometimes you don't ever see it, but something great is waiting for you
- never wait for the courage, courage isn't given, courage comes of action
- don't confuse falling with failing
3. Acknowledge Your Hardest Won Achievements
- follow the ground you've already covered. It isn't always necessary to re-invent. What have you done well in the past? What can you improve upon?
4. Dust Off the Entrepreneur Spirit
- re-kindle that spirit, that drive to create
- entrepreneur's thrive in chaos, never thing what they know is enough, never think that's the only way things can be done
- have new eyes, look at things in a fresh way
- you can't change if you hang onto the past
5. Know Who You Are and Who You Are Not
- create and develop your special brand
- you don't have to be everybody's everything.
- think about women who have branded themselves exceedingly well- Madonna, Rosie, Cher. When you know who you are you know how to act... and you will know what to write
- if enough people like it, it doesn't matter who doesn't
Answer this question:
I'm (insert your name) and I'm the one who _________________
6. Decide What is the Truth
- the power to distinguish between fact and interpretation is essential to dealing with life and change
Additional Notes:
Sometimes it takes a crises for us to know who we are. A defining moment is when you found something in yourself you didn't know you had.
When you said "yes I can!"
When you said "no, I don't"
When you drew a line
Can you recall your defining moments? Try writing about them.
Sometimes you have to have everything ripped away from you. Say, "I will build back." Don't confuse falling with failing.
Don't stereotype yourself... don't say "I'm not good enough" or "I'm not that type of person"
Dare to test your limits, to be the person you know yourself to be.
In a changing market (world, etc.,) don't be afraid of change!
.
More RWA Conference '08 Tidbits
Before I get to the tips... I have to post of pic of my buds because what's a conference without good friends?Authors, Gail Dayton www.gaildayton.com ; Marilu Mann http://www.greatmta.com/; Kacey Smith www.kaceysmith.com ; Carolyn Hughey www.carolynhughey.com and my bestest writing buddy, Marie and I had dinner at an cozy neighborhood Italian restaurant. Remember the Casamatta wine- yeh, this is where we found it. :)
Okay, on to the goodies...
Killer Fiction is celebrating their 1 year anniversary starting on Sunday, August 11. Stop by http://killerfictionwriters.blogspot.com for hot models, special guests, and prizes.
Get your conference fee paid next year by entering the Pitch Perfect Contest where the grand prize is Free Registration to the RWA National 2009 conference. All RWA members are eligible to enter. See the MWV-RWA website at http://www.midwillamettevalleyrwa.com/ for details.
Wikkibird Web Design creates awesome business cards, too. For original websites and redesigns or custome bookcovers, bookmarks, postcards, or business cards with reasonable prices, check out www.wikkibird.com
Heard from several reliable sources: Harlequin Nocturne and Intrigue are seeking new writers and series books, too. (Not that every Harlequin line isn't looking for new talent, but these two lines kept coming up in conversations and workshops.)
Interesting dichotomy here in this trend... Erotic Romance and Christian Inspirational Romance are both very big sellers right now.
Paranormal is still hot, but publishers are looking for more stories that break the norm (meaning: containing characters other than vampires and shape-shifters, and unique situations/settings.)
Tomorrow I'll be popting notes from the PAN Retreat and pictures from my chapter, FTHRW (online chapter- very cool- be sure to check them out) meet n greet.
Also be sure to visit www.MOMdotCOM.net for freebies, contests, and more conference notes
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