Well, I have yet to make a bestseller list... some day! (grin)... but I did run across this fantastic blog entry by Jessica Faust from BookEnds, LLC on understanding bestseller lists.
So... stop checking your Amazon numbers and go read this:
UNDERSTANDING BESTSELLER LISTS http://bookendslitagency.blogspot.com/2007/09/understanding-bestseller-lists.html
Hugs,
Barb
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Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label writing. Show all posts
Who Wants to be a Superhero?
I do!
Seriously, I love this show.
From the time I was, oh... about 7, I wanted to be Wonder Woman.
My hubby and kids think I'm a little nutty, but those who love comic books, certainly understand :)
I think that's apropos to the reason I like to write Paranormals, of course. The ability to endow characters with super-human capabilities and to explore the basics of good vs evil comes from my comic book roots.
Superheroes rock!
Here's hoping Stan Lee has a 3rd series!
Hugs,
Barb
PS- For those who aren't sure what show I'm talking about... visit http://www.scifi.com/superhero
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Seriously, I love this show.
From the time I was, oh... about 7, I wanted to be Wonder Woman.
My hubby and kids think I'm a little nutty, but those who love comic books, certainly understand :)
I think that's apropos to the reason I like to write Paranormals, of course. The ability to endow characters with super-human capabilities and to explore the basics of good vs evil comes from my comic book roots.
Superheroes rock!
Here's hoping Stan Lee has a 3rd series!
Hugs,
Barb
PS- For those who aren't sure what show I'm talking about... visit http://www.scifi.com/superhero
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Our Newest Addition
Hard to believe this little guy is already 5 months old today... and he's not this little anymore, but I love this pic.
Though I've never written a story or novel where a pet is integral to the plot, this little guy sure inspires me to!
Hugs,
Barb
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Rejection
Well... just in time for another rejection to land in my mail box (yes, they never stop, not even after you are multi-published) a dear friend (thank you, Arwen!) turned me on to a wonderful, inspirational, website for authors.
You'll find a lovely video with inspiring quotes along with multiple articles and oodles of other great stuff!
The Write Attitude http://www.writeattitude.net/index.php
Visiting the website may not take the sting out of rejection, but it can help lighten your mood!
Write on, sisters, write on!
Hugs,
Barb
.
You'll find a lovely video with inspiring quotes along with multiple articles and oodles of other great stuff!
The Write Attitude http://www.writeattitude.net/index.php
Visiting the website may not take the sting out of rejection, but it can help lighten your mood!
Write on, sisters, write on!
Hugs,
Barb
.
RWA Nationals - Michael Hauge
Here are my notes from a session taught by Michael Hauge, consultant, screenwriter, industry expert, and author. His newest book is Selling Your Story in 60 Seconds: The Guaranteed Way to Get Your Screenplay or Novel Read
The basic element of a good story, the primary goal, is to create an emotional experience for the reader. As a writer, it is key for you to know how to elicit emotion.
The three basic elements of a story are Character (Hero- person driving the story,) Desire, and Conflict.
There are four key desires in movies:
- To Escape (escaping from a bad situation)
- To Retrieve (go out and get something/ rescue)
- To Stop (to stop something bad from happening/ stop a killer)
- To Win (winning the love of another/ winning a game or competition)
These desires satisfy the need for a goal that is visible. Along with the main desire are invisible goals (ie: subplots) but the main desire is the driving force.
Readers must identify with your heart. A good question to ask is “Why will the reader empathize with my hero?”
Five immediate ways to have readers identify with the character are:
- create sympathy for your hero
- put your character in jeopardy
- make your character likable (one way to do this can be opening the story with close friends or other people who like the character – the reader will then like them too.)
- make your character funny (example: Wedding Crashers)
- make your character powerful and good at what he/she does
Readers must identify with the characters up front, and your challenge as a writer is to do this immediately, not half-way through the book.
Ask… what does my hero long for? Is there a deeply held desire that they are paying lip service to because to go after it would be too frightening?
Ask…What is your character’s wound? Is there an unhealed source of continuing pain? Is there something in the past that the character has suppressed?
What is the source of the wound?
Then as a result… what is the character’s fear? (example: If they get too close to someone, they run the risk that the person will leave them.)
Fears can turn into beliefs. For example, a man who was beaten as a child may have difficulty letting anyone see who he truly is because then they will believe he should be beaten. This is his fear, but also his belief.
Ask… What is your hero’s identity? The person we present to the outside world may be a false front to protect us from our emotional fears.
Ask… What is my character’s need? The need is something the hero cannot necessarily express. Often, it is the need for connection.
A trick for figuring out a character’s identity is to determine how your character would answer this:
“I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve my goal, just don’t ask me to ____________”
A spin on the sentence for Romance might be “I’ll do whatever it takes to find the man of my dreams, but ____________” or “I’ll do whatever it takes to find the man of my dreams, just don’t ask me to __________________, that’s just not me.”
What is your hero’s essence? If you could strip away beliefs, things they fear, etc. – what would you have? These are the deep down qualities.
Asking all of these questions, and having a full understanding of the hero relates back to your primary goal- to create an emotional experience for the reader… eliciting emotion.
If you have defined the character and desire, the conflict creates the emotions and the emotions grow out of the conflicts.
.
The basic element of a good story, the primary goal, is to create an emotional experience for the reader. As a writer, it is key for you to know how to elicit emotion.
The three basic elements of a story are Character (Hero- person driving the story,) Desire, and Conflict.
There are four key desires in movies:
- To Escape (escaping from a bad situation)
- To Retrieve (go out and get something/ rescue)
- To Stop (to stop something bad from happening/ stop a killer)
- To Win (winning the love of another/ winning a game or competition)
These desires satisfy the need for a goal that is visible. Along with the main desire are invisible goals (ie: subplots) but the main desire is the driving force.
Readers must identify with your heart. A good question to ask is “Why will the reader empathize with my hero?”
Five immediate ways to have readers identify with the character are:
- create sympathy for your hero
- put your character in jeopardy
- make your character likable (one way to do this can be opening the story with close friends or other people who like the character – the reader will then like them too.)
- make your character funny (example: Wedding Crashers)
- make your character powerful and good at what he/she does
Readers must identify with the characters up front, and your challenge as a writer is to do this immediately, not half-way through the book.
Ask… what does my hero long for? Is there a deeply held desire that they are paying lip service to because to go after it would be too frightening?
Ask…What is your character’s wound? Is there an unhealed source of continuing pain? Is there something in the past that the character has suppressed?
What is the source of the wound?
Then as a result… what is the character’s fear? (example: If they get too close to someone, they run the risk that the person will leave them.)
Fears can turn into beliefs. For example, a man who was beaten as a child may have difficulty letting anyone see who he truly is because then they will believe he should be beaten. This is his fear, but also his belief.
Ask… What is your hero’s identity? The person we present to the outside world may be a false front to protect us from our emotional fears.
Ask… What is my character’s need? The need is something the hero cannot necessarily express. Often, it is the need for connection.
A trick for figuring out a character’s identity is to determine how your character would answer this:
“I’ll do whatever it takes to achieve my goal, just don’t ask me to ____________”
A spin on the sentence for Romance might be “I’ll do whatever it takes to find the man of my dreams, but ____________” or “I’ll do whatever it takes to find the man of my dreams, just don’t ask me to __________________, that’s just not me.”
What is your hero’s essence? If you could strip away beliefs, things they fear, etc. – what would you have? These are the deep down qualities.
Asking all of these questions, and having a full understanding of the hero relates back to your primary goal- to create an emotional experience for the reader… eliciting emotion.
If you have defined the character and desire, the conflict creates the emotions and the emotions grow out of the conflicts.
.
RWA Nationals - Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jane Anne Krentz
Here’s what I learned at a workshop delivered by Jane Ann Krentz and Susan Elizabeth Phillips:
Thoughts On Query letters…
Query letters are easy vehicles for rejection. Send your first three chapters (or 30 to 40 pages of the manuscript) along with a cover letter.
Try sending your work to an Assistant Editor, who is probably fielding most of the editor’s slush pile anyway and would love to discover you.
Thoughts On Voice…
Your style may change, but your voice stays. Voice is not style. Voice is connected to your world view.
Your voice reflects your values and your view of relationships. It’s your sense of ethics, morals, values, and world view.
Your voice is your accent.
Stick to the stories you can tell. Trust your gut and your voice.
Thoughts on simultaneous submissions…
It’s often harder to find an agent than an editor. Go after both at the same time!
Submit multiples. This is your career, don’t sit back and wait for answers.
Quote “What’s the worst that can happen- you get two offers on the same day?”
Thoughts on writer’s block…
Writers block probably means you lost interest in your own book.
The story has to excite you. Tell the story for yourself. This may mean you have to deprogram yourself for a while and ignore advice you’ve been given.
Also, consider whether you started the book in the right place. Begin it from a different place/time/etc and see if you can regain the energy of the story.
Write your way into the characters. You write and you write and you write.
This is a self-taught business, only you can teach yourself how to write.
Thoughts on finding time to write…
Set a kitchen timer for one hour. Only write during this time, nothing else. You may get one session in per day, you may get seven or eight, but you will at least get in one.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips said she averages three sessions per day.
Thoughts on edits…
Both authors had different styles. One writes all the way through the rough draft and edits only after the rough draft is done, the other edits all the way through when writing. What is important is to find your own style and not to let edits or the fear of edits bog you down.
Plough through to find the vision—then rewrite.
Thoughts on what they wish they knew in the beginning…
That no matter what you write, there’s someone who will not like it.
Realizing that I had to write the book for myself first.
Thoughts on category/starting in category…
There is an enormous amount of freedom in writing category as the publishing house does not stand or fall based on one author. Category can experiment more.
Working in category is a great place to learn craft and writing discipline. Ie: writing to deadlines.
The hardest part can sometimes be getting out of category. It is sometimes best to write your breakout book, rather than proposing it… then go with it!
Thoughts on promotion…
Building an online presence is important and establishing an internet mailing list of readers.
The key is to not over-use the list. Stick to a monthly newsletter, etc. Establishing a good mailing list of readers can make a significant impact by getting fans out to bookstores for new reads.
Random notes I took…
Separate the core story from the landscape.
Stories can start with character, conflict, or a plot idea. Use whatever works for you and then keep developing books around the idea.
Hardcover is dependent upon paper back prints. The decision is made by the publisher.
Make your own definition of success and follow it!
Jane Ann Krentz at Publisher book signing.
You'll find more information, including speeches by Jane Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle) at http://www.krentz-quick.com/
You'll find more information, including tips from Susan Elizabeth Phillips at http://www.susanephillips.com/
.
Thoughts On Query letters…
Query letters are easy vehicles for rejection. Send your first three chapters (or 30 to 40 pages of the manuscript) along with a cover letter.
Try sending your work to an Assistant Editor, who is probably fielding most of the editor’s slush pile anyway and would love to discover you.
Thoughts On Voice…
Your style may change, but your voice stays. Voice is not style. Voice is connected to your world view.
Your voice reflects your values and your view of relationships. It’s your sense of ethics, morals, values, and world view.
Your voice is your accent.
Stick to the stories you can tell. Trust your gut and your voice.
Thoughts on simultaneous submissions…
It’s often harder to find an agent than an editor. Go after both at the same time!
Submit multiples. This is your career, don’t sit back and wait for answers.
Quote “What’s the worst that can happen- you get two offers on the same day?”
Thoughts on writer’s block…
Writers block probably means you lost interest in your own book.
The story has to excite you. Tell the story for yourself. This may mean you have to deprogram yourself for a while and ignore advice you’ve been given.
Also, consider whether you started the book in the right place. Begin it from a different place/time/etc and see if you can regain the energy of the story.
Write your way into the characters. You write and you write and you write.
This is a self-taught business, only you can teach yourself how to write.
Thoughts on finding time to write…
Set a kitchen timer for one hour. Only write during this time, nothing else. You may get one session in per day, you may get seven or eight, but you will at least get in one.
Susan Elizabeth Phillips said she averages three sessions per day.
Thoughts on edits…
Both authors had different styles. One writes all the way through the rough draft and edits only after the rough draft is done, the other edits all the way through when writing. What is important is to find your own style and not to let edits or the fear of edits bog you down.
Plough through to find the vision—then rewrite.
Thoughts on what they wish they knew in the beginning…
That no matter what you write, there’s someone who will not like it.
Realizing that I had to write the book for myself first.
Thoughts on category/starting in category…
There is an enormous amount of freedom in writing category as the publishing house does not stand or fall based on one author. Category can experiment more.
Working in category is a great place to learn craft and writing discipline. Ie: writing to deadlines.
The hardest part can sometimes be getting out of category. It is sometimes best to write your breakout book, rather than proposing it… then go with it!
Thoughts on promotion…
Building an online presence is important and establishing an internet mailing list of readers.
The key is to not over-use the list. Stick to a monthly newsletter, etc. Establishing a good mailing list of readers can make a significant impact by getting fans out to bookstores for new reads.
Random notes I took…
Separate the core story from the landscape.
Stories can start with character, conflict, or a plot idea. Use whatever works for you and then keep developing books around the idea.
Hardcover is dependent upon paper back prints. The decision is made by the publisher.
Make your own definition of success and follow it!
Jane Ann Krentz at Publisher book signing.You'll find more information, including speeches by Jane Ann Krentz (aka Amanda Quick and Jayne Castle) at http://www.krentz-quick.com/
You'll find more information, including tips from Susan Elizabeth Phillips at http://www.susanephillips.com/
.
RWA Nationals - Bookends LLC/ Jessica Faust
Here’s a few tidbits I picked up from a speech delivered by Jessica Faust, co-founder/agent of Bookends LLC. at the Passionate Ink Chapter Luncheon:
Jessica Faust primarily reps Erotic Romance, Mystery, Self-help Nonfiction, and Romance.
With Erotica booming in the publishing industry, it has changed the landscape via allowing editors and agents to push the boundaries in everything they do.
Romance everywhere is getting hotter.
Now that Erotica is more mainstream, the industry is looking for new and different styles. Think outside the box. Blend genres within the Erotic Romance.
Quote: “As long as it’s not illegal in all states- go for it!”
Paranormals: Vampires, Werewolves, etc. are all selling well in the Erotic Romance genre, as well as in mainstream Romance.
Urban Romance is a new trend that is becoming more popular in all areas of Romance.
Throughout the industry, each publisher has variant needs for their Erotic Lines. For example, Avon Red is tamer than the other Erotic Romance lines, calling more for very, very sexy romance. Kensington’s Aphrodisia line is much hotter. Read what the publisher is publishing to see if your book is a good fit.
Bookends LLC website: http://www.bookends-inc.com/
.
Jessica Faust primarily reps Erotic Romance, Mystery, Self-help Nonfiction, and Romance.
With Erotica booming in the publishing industry, it has changed the landscape via allowing editors and agents to push the boundaries in everything they do.
Romance everywhere is getting hotter.
Now that Erotica is more mainstream, the industry is looking for new and different styles. Think outside the box. Blend genres within the Erotic Romance.
Quote: “As long as it’s not illegal in all states- go for it!”
Paranormals: Vampires, Werewolves, etc. are all selling well in the Erotic Romance genre, as well as in mainstream Romance.
Urban Romance is a new trend that is becoming more popular in all areas of Romance.
Throughout the industry, each publisher has variant needs for their Erotic Lines. For example, Avon Red is tamer than the other Erotic Romance lines, calling more for very, very sexy romance. Kensington’s Aphrodisia line is much hotter. Read what the publisher is publishing to see if your book is a good fit.
Bookends LLC website: http://www.bookends-inc.com/
.
View from the 20th Floor
As the famous saying attributed to Laotzu goes "A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step."
So too began my journey in Dallas, with a single, wonderous view from our 20th floor hotel room.
Spectacular, aye?
I think downtown views are neato- even though I'm a country bumpkin now- the city still speaks to my soul.
On the way into the hotel, the very nice doorman asked me a little bit about writing and wanted to know where we find our inspiration for stories.
I think all he really needs to do is look at the view from the 20th floor, and he may understand.
What's your 20th floor view?
Write on, sisters, write on!
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In the Midnight Hour
Sometimes, at 2 a.m. when I plug away at a chapter, I have a vague sense of alone-ness.
I wonder how many other late owl writers there are out there.
Are you also isolated in the vision of your characters, leaving the real time of the world behind as you type each word lovingly on the page in hopes of passing the story to a welcome audience.
Or is that just the lack of sleep clawing at my brain?
I wonder how many other late owl writers there are out there.
Are you also isolated in the vision of your characters, leaving the real time of the world behind as you type each word lovingly on the page in hopes of passing the story to a welcome audience.
Or is that just the lack of sleep clawing at my brain?
Coffee!
Coffee. Java. Jo. No matter what you call it, over 1/3rd of the world's population consumes it.
(Scary that I took the time to find that out. )
I love the stuff. Straight black for me. The aroma is intoxicating.
Do you stop to savor the experience? I used to gulp it down without much thought- other than I totally love the smell of a coffee house or walking in the kitchen right after a pot is brewed.
Now, I select a range of flavors to keep in my cupboard, use bottled water (yes, it does make a huge difference as to what water you use to brew!) and enjoy only one (sometimes two) cups a day.
It's one of my stolen pleasures- reliable, comforting, delicious, warm...bliss.
A dear friend of mine travels with her coffee maker. I totally love that!
We all need to keep our comforts close and take the time to treasure them.
(Scary that I took the time to find that out. )
I love the stuff. Straight black for me. The aroma is intoxicating.
Do you stop to savor the experience? I used to gulp it down without much thought- other than I totally love the smell of a coffee house or walking in the kitchen right after a pot is brewed.
Now, I select a range of flavors to keep in my cupboard, use bottled water (yes, it does make a huge difference as to what water you use to brew!) and enjoy only one (sometimes two) cups a day.
It's one of my stolen pleasures- reliable, comforting, delicious, warm...bliss.
A dear friend of mine travels with her coffee maker. I totally love that!
We all need to keep our comforts close and take the time to treasure them.
Slow Going
Well, I've officially avoided writing for the past few weeks, with the exception of an article or two. Life just got in the way.
Not that I'm particularly sad about paying attention to life.
It's the constant struggle between being in the now or being in the writing. I find that writing keeps calling at the oddest times and I feel writer's guilt when I do not pay attention to that pesty muse?
Does everyone feel the constant pull?
I do know one thing though, I will not look back at the end of the journey and be sad that I paid attention to life :)
Not that I'm particularly sad about paying attention to life.
It's the constant struggle between being in the now or being in the writing. I find that writing keeps calling at the oddest times and I feel writer's guilt when I do not pay attention to that pesty muse?
Does everyone feel the constant pull?
I do know one thing though, I will not look back at the end of the journey and be sad that I paid attention to life :)
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