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Welcome to Christy & Kristi's book reviews. What makes us qualified to do this? Well - we like books. We've been in a book club for over 10 years now, so we've read a LOT o' books. Also, we're very different, highly-opinionated women who disagree ALL the time. So you know if we agree on a movie or book that it must be GOOD!!! We welcome comments whether you agree or disagree with our picks - also feel free to suggest books/movies to review.
Statistics for Funky Fruit Book & Movie Reviews
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap: 2
I'm not saying that you can't call yourself a writer if you do nothing more than toil away on your manuscripts for hours, days, even years. However, at some point, most people want others to see their work. Though the joy of writing is what keeps us going, behind it is the hope that others will find joy in our work through reading it. Whether you're writing a family genealogy meant only for close relatives, or you're writing a commercial novel for the masses, at some point, writing means putting your work out there...which can be scary.
It's much safer to keep your writing tucked away on your hard drive, or in a trunk under the bed, because exposing it to daylight invites possible judgment and criticism. Some writers are sensitive by nature, but writing is not for the skin-thinned, so where should you start? I started with a critique group, and think a good critique group (consisting of fellow writers) is worth its weight in gold. Other writers are the best resource (IMHO) for pointing out your own strengths and areas for growth as a writer.You can find them through professional writers groups, conferences, and online message boards or blogs. Use the feedback to make your work the best it can be. But you can't stop there.
At some point, you have to bite the bullet and put your work out there. Whether it's querying agents and editors if you aspire to a traditional book deal, or hiring an editor and then self-publishing, no one can read your book if it's not available. This doesn't mean rushing things. Take your time to write, revise, edit, and polish your book to a high gloss. But if writing and all that goes into making a complete novel is Step #1, make sure you eventually push yourself to do Step2). Put it out there.
Which step are you on? Any tips for those struggling with Step 2?
7 Comments on Why Writing Isn't Enough, last added: 8/1/2012
The only struggle I have with step 2 has been learning the ins and outs of publishing, learning to craft a query that will get attention from agents, and polishing my novel until it shines. Knowing when it's ready is the hardest part.
I put it out into the world too soon, before I sought out the advice of other writers. I only have one more chance (eight months after my initial foray into agentland, and after numerous edits and rewrites), to get it right. Eventually I'll have to stop obsessing and send my baby out into the world again. Hopefully this time it will find an agent who loves it as much as I do. :)
Sending it out too soon is a common mistake (and the flip side of never sending it out), but I think you can learn more from that than by not putting it out there at all. At least that way you get feedback you can use to make it better. Good luck with putting it out there, and you always have more chances!
A quibble: I have all sorts of shy, sensitive friends who write. They pour out their heart into notebooks and word files and (private) blogs, and then they NEVER, EVER let anybody else read it.
Writing is absolutely for the thin-skinned. Showing other people your writing is not. Showing other people your writing and asking what they think about it is for those with ogre-like epidermal fortitude.
I agree that many writers are skin-thinned, but I don't agree that only those with "ogre-like epidermal fortitude" show their work to others. I was flat-out terrified the first time I asked other people what they thought of my writing. Then I was mildly terrified the second time, and it kept getting better. I'm not saying it's easy to show your work to others, I'm saying that if you want to be a writer, at some point, you have to make yourself very uncomfortable. BTW, I appreciate quibbles, so thanks for commenting! :)
You're also right that some people write as a hobby and don't necessarily care if it ever sees the light of day. I was referring to those who aspire to write as a career...which always involves criticism by others.
Hi all--Guess what? We’re just about to begin what will hopefully be the first of the Annual Authoress’s Success Story blog tours!
Authoress Anonymous has built a strong and supportive community on her blog Miss Snark’s First Victim: a community of writers, critiques, hopefuls, agents, editors, and readers. There, writers can participate in contests designed to help them practice giving and receiving critiques, polish their hooks, spiffy up query letters, and gain exposure to literary agents… and, in the case of some writers, get offered representation or publishing deals!
Over twenty professional authors now owe some part of their successes to Authoress, the incredibly generous people who participate in her contests, and her blog. Those of us who have owed our publishing successes to MSFV (including yours truly) have decided to come together to celebrate both MSFV, Authoress, and to help cross promote each other’s work.
Every day in the first two weeks of August, a different author will be posting an interview of one of our fellow Success Stories. There might even be some giveaways, so don’t miss a single blog post! Make sure to tune in to everyone’s blogs from August 1st to the 15th, and to follow the hash tag #MSFVSuccessStory this month for more details, tidbits, and info. See you there!
Yes, I entered one of the MSFV contests last year. My success story is more indirect as I didn't end up accepting the offer of rep I received from the judging agent, but I did find my dream agent in the process! :)
Out of respect for the senseless loss of lives here in Colorado this week, I am not going to post for this week. Blogging about things like writing tips seems ridiculous right now. I am heartbroken for those who lost loved ones in that movie theater, and I'm angry that it happened in the first place. I get that "guns don't kill, people do," but we sure make it easy when someone can purchase 6,000 rounds of ammo and 4 guns and no one blinks an eye. It would have been much more difficult for him to kill if he'd had to stab each person to death instead. As I live close to both Columbine and the movie theater (and many here are still dealing with the aftermath of the wildfires), I can say that Colorado is a little shell-shocked right now. I won't be online much this week, but my deepest condolences go out to those affected by this tragedy. I hope that everyone takes time to tell their families that they love them, and remember to make every moment count.
The Random Number Generator has spoken and the winner is #2..Feaky Snucker! Congrats! I'll email instructions regarding your query critique. Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back soon for another chance to win! I'll be back in a few weeks with another Query Critique Wednesday. In the meantime, check out my new query services link to the right if you need a query critique ASAP.
0 Comments on Query Critique Winner as of 7/19/2012 6:31:00 AM
It's Wednesday Query Critique time! Remember to enter by midnight EST in order for your chance to win the weekly query critique.
REMINDERS: These critiques are for those who prefer a private critique versus a public one. Please read my prior post on Query Tipsbefore entering. Also, as mentioned in my big giveaway, I tend to be very direct and picky, but my goal is to get your query in the best shape possible. Finally, the query is only the first step--make sure the entire book is as good as the query before you hit "Send" to an agent or editor. To enter the weekly query critique giveaway, simply follow the directions below. Good luck!
RULES:
Just leave a comment telling me you'd like to be entered in the giveaway and give your email address, using (at) and (com) as follows so the spam bots don't find you.
I will use a random number generator to pick the winner who will receive a query critique through email.
NOTE: If your query involves space monkeys, I might make an exception and do an extra critique!
5 Comments on Wednesday Query Critique Giveaway, last added: 7/18/2012
The Random Number Generator has spoken and the winner is #2..Patesden! Congrats! I'll email instructions regarding your query critique. Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back soon for another chance to win! Also, please keep noting how many times you've entered because I've been doing extra critiques for persistent folks who have entered 5 or more times in a row. Good luck! :)
2 Comments on Query Critique Winner, last added: 7/12/2012
It's Wednesday Query Critique time! Remember to enter by midnight EST in order for your chance to win the weekly query critique.
REMINDERS: These critiques are for those who prefer a private critique versus a public one. Please read my prior post on Query Tipsbefore entering. Also, as mentioned in my big giveaway, I tend to be very direct and picky, but my goal is to get your query in the best shape possible. Finally, the query is only the first step--make sure the entire book is as good as the query before you hit "Send" to an agent or editor. To enter the weekly query critique giveaway, simply follow the directions below. Good luck!
RULES:
Just leave a comment telling me you'd like to be entered in the giveaway and give your email address, using (at) and (com) as follows so the spam bots don't find you.
I will use a random number generator to pick the winner who will receive a query critique through email.
NOTE: If your query involves space monkeys, I might make an exception and do an extra critique!
9 Comments on Wednesday Query Critique Giveaway, last added: 7/12/2012
Thanks for this wonderful opportunity, this is my second attempt for this giveaway, third if last Wednesday wasn’t the 4th of July, Also my YA fantasy novel includes politicians which I think could be short for monkeys and the novel takes place in another world, So considering that my novel includes politicians from another world, meaning space monkeys, could that count for an exception? I hope it would!
When you're writing a novel, I'm a big believer in rewarding yourself for achieving the baby steps along the way. For instance, when I'm in the revision process after finishing my first draft, I reward myself with chocolate after revising each chapter (don't judge). I'd like to say the satisfaction of writing and revising is entirely its own reward, but sometimes I need that extra shot of motivation.
So when I really want to push myself, the reward needs to be bigger, and then I'm way more likely to reach my goal. I don't watch much television and don't have any of those recording thingies to watch shows later, but I have a crazy addiction to Design Star on HGTV--I know, some people have a wild side, and mine is dan-ger-ous. Anyway, guess who hit her word count goal last week with over 30 minutes to spare? This girl. It's on again tonight and I'm sure I'll hit my goal today too, because no way in hell am I missing David Bromstad's pep talks regarding room decor (I'm so badass like that).
Now that I've confessed my sure-fire writing reward, I want to know about you. How do you reward yourself? (It's okay if your method isn't as hard-core as mine. Not everyone can be this cool. ;)
4 Comments on How Do You Reward Yourself?, last added: 7/11/2012
I think rewarding yourself for your success is a great thing to do. I reward myself with a massage every 10 weeks, if I have been diligent at working out.
I hadn't really thought about giving myself rewards for writing. Hmmmmmmm....I'll have to think on this one. :)
My reward for writing (or any other extra work activity)? Movies! My wonderful friend and neighbor is also writing a book. She and I will set goals and then treat ourselves to dinner and a movie together! Keeps us motivated and feels like a real escape!
Movies are awesome! I don't always get out to the theater but have a standing "movie date night" with my hubby on Sat.'s. It's the only night I give myself off from writing. :)
I live in a town that bows down to the two big G's: God and Guns (I think in that order, but it's not always clear). Needless to say, 4th of July is probably second only to Christmas here in terms of celebration. People wear a badge of pride about crossing the border into Wyoming before the 4th to get the good (aka illegal) fireworks. Competitions for the best fireworks are common place, and authorities often look the other way at the "dangerous" kind. One of the best illegal displays last year was the guy down the block from me--who happens to be a firefighter.
Despite the ban on all fireworks this year (including the town's big extravaganza) due to the worst year of wildfires on record, my hubby and I were sure that someone would shoot off something to mark America's holiday. We were positive that some jerk would endanger others by taking issue with their God-given right to bear firearms or fireworks. We were wrong.
One of the themes I explore in my novels is just what it would take to bring people together and forget their differences, be they political, religious, or otherwise. I'm not sure what the answer was tonight, but the silence was deafening.
Maybe it was the smoke that still hung thick in the air from the fires, prompting an air advisory to stay indoors. Maybe it was the fact that an entire neighborhood burned to the ground less than forty minutes from here, leaving only razed houses and dead bodies in its wake. Maybe the answer, sad as it is, is that it takes something horrific for people to come together.
All I know is that not a single firecracker was heard the entire night. The eerie quiet seemed to symbolize that people realized their families and neighborhoods were more important than anything else. That maybe we have more in common than we, or the media, want to believe. I don't know if I can live here forever, but I found a spark of humanity in the silence tonight. For now, that is enough.
I'm happy to hear that common sense lives somewhere in this country! Unfortunately, it doesn't live in my neighborhood. We haven't had wildfires prompting us to keep fire risks down, but we have been warned that we're having fire weather. It's dry and hot despite the crazy rainstorm we had last weekend. Even most of the fireworks shows put on by local governments were cancelled.
I also live in a heavily forested area where most of the houses are wood. There were signs up around the community warning us that fireworks are illegal. They also said the charge for an accidental fire would be arson. Even the threat of a felony conviction couldn't keep a large number of numbskulls from trying to blow themselves up here last night.
Thanks for sharing your experience! It's good to know someone, somewhere, was using their noggin last night.
Laura--your experience is exactly the one I was expecting last night. I'm sorry it wasn't that way in your area, and hope no damage was caused. Where you live sounds beautiful though--my fave vacation spot is a wooden cabin in the mountains. Thanks for commenting!
I live in downstate Illinois. People hop the borders to Indiana and Missouri to buy illegal fireworks so that they can spend the week trying to shoot them off (the pyrotechnics, but also their thumbs and/or various appendages). Most of our city-sponsored fireworks were canceled due to drought conditions and I assumed this would only increase the backwood backyard shows (and 911 calls). So I waited.
Nothing on Friday. Nothing on Saturday. Nothing on Sunday, Monday or Tuesday. So I figured, "Okay, they're saving them all for the Big Day." Then last night, not a single snap, crackle or pop. Truthfully, I figured anyone reckless enough to set off their own fireworks was probably not intelligent enough to heed the fire warnings, but I'm glad I was wrong about my fellow Americans. I'll fondly remember this 4th of July.
Up until now, I've written my novels solely via laptop. Sure, I've mapped out outlines, ideas, and characters in a notebook (okay, so I have notebooks everywhere, and it might be an addiction, but that's a different post), but the actual writing has taken place at my computer. Then I had something weird happen a few weeks ago.
(NOTE: This is not the actual pen used, but I am SO getting this pen one day!)
I had a client need to reschedule an appointment at work, which left me with an entire hour of writing time--except that my laptop was at home. For some reason, I pulled out my legal pad rather than the cute flowered notebooks I usually carry, and decided to write a chapter. The words flew onto the page, and when I typed them into the computer that night, I'd written almost 3K words...in an hour. For me, that's a lotta words, and even though I took shorthand in high school, I also took typing, so I couldn't believe how fast I was. The other strange part was that when I went back the next day to edit, it required way less editing than usual. In the next two days, I easily wrote two more chapters that way. I know there are studies out there about enhanced neural activity and increased memory capacity in writing versus typing, but I'd never tried it out for myself.
Summer with the kiddos has challenged my writing time, but my goal for this week is to get 10K words completed, because I'm excited to finish my new book...and because my agent is waiting patiently for it.;)
Have you tried writing in longhand versus typing? Anyone else notice a difference?
Oh, and Happy July 4th! The Wednesday Query Critique will be back next Wed. 7/11.
6 Comments on Longhand versus Laptop, last added: 7/5/2012
Oh my goodness, what a revelation! So excited for you. Have to confess, I wouldn't be able to follow in your footsteps. I have occasionally been known to write a scene or three in my notebook when the urge came to me, but I find it exhausting and my handwriting is so bad, I can barely read my scribbles later. I think a dictation device would be my next step.... hee hee! Congrats, though, and good luck! x
I don't know if I could do it. I write slowly, because if I write fast I revert to "doctor handwriting." And yes, I had a teacher tell me in middle school that I should become a doctor because my handwriting is so bad. If I write deliberately to keep it neat, I also write too slowly to finish anything, ever!
Since I used to work as a transcriptionist, I type relatively fast. I don't know how that translates to accuracy, or if it means I have to edit twice as much later, but I think I have to at least try writing vs. typing. If nothing else, maybe my handwriting will improve! :)
What's funny is that when I have to sign Dr. Helvig on client paperwork, everyone tells me that I have the neatest handwriting they've seen for a doctor. I think I have the penmanship class in elementary school to thank for that. Thanks for commenting. :)
The Random Number Generator has spoken and the winner is #1..Laura Hughes! Congrats--I guess 5th time is the charm! I'll email instructions regarding your query critique. Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back soon for another chance to win! Also, please keep noting how many times you've entered because I've been doing extra critiques for persistent folks who have entered 5 or more times in a row. Good luck! :)
4 Comments on Query Critique Winner, last added: 6/30/2012
It's Wednesday Query Critique time! Remember to enter by midnight EST in order for your chance to win the weekly query critique.
REMINDERS: These critiques are for those who prefer a private critique versus a public one. Please read my prior post on Query Tipsbefore entering. Also, as mentioned in my big giveaway, I tend to be very direct and picky, but my goal is to get your query in the best shape possible. Finally, the query is only the first step--make sure the entire book is as good as the query before you hit "Send" to an agent or editor. To enter the weekly query critique giveaway, simply follow the directions below. Good luck!
RULES:
Just leave a comment telling me you'd like to be entered in the giveaway and give your email address, using (at) and (com) as follows so the spam bots don't find you.
I will use a random number generator to pick the winner who will receive a query critique through email.
NOTE: If your query involves space monkeys, I might make an exception and do an extra critique!
10 Comments on Wednesday Query Critique Giveaway, last added: 6/27/2012
Hi again. Strangely, I'm taking a query hiatus while I work on some revisions, so I don't actually need an urgent query critique at the moment. In the spirit of doing my revisions, though, I'm also rewriting the query, though, so if I win, then, whoo hoo! :)
Writing is fun, but it's not easy. It takes long hours, dedication, and the willingness to revise something for the umpteenth time until you (or your agent/editor) are happy with it.
"I'd like to write a book someday too, when I have the time to fritter away." I got that comment from a well-meaning friend of mine who knows I'm a writer: I think it was the "fritter away" part that actually made my teeth grind together. Writers know that there is no magic time fairy who waves her wand over us and gives us blocks of time that other mere mortals don't have (that would be SO cool though). The difference between people who write books and the people who just talk about writing books is simple. People who write books commit to the writing.
We write when other people are watching reality shows. We write until the wee hours of the night when everyone else is asleep (long after the caffeine has worn off). We rise at ungodly hours to squeeze in several pages before work or before the kids wake up (long before the caffeine has kicked in.) Even when not writing, we are thinking about writing. Plot issues and characterization get worked out in the shower or while folding laundry. Whether we eek out a paragraph at a time, or multiple pages in a sitting, we keep writing...and writing...until we have a finished book.
We have families, jobs, volunteer commitments, and chores (did I mention laundry?), just like everyone else. Unlike everyone else, we commit to telling stories, one sentence at a time. I'm a writer. What about you?
Do you have what it takes?
13 Comments on Do You Have What It Takes?, last added: 6/27/2012
Argh, that bothers the heck out of me, too! I heard that a lot as well, the "Oh, I'd love to write, if only I had the time like you do." You have to create the time, and it's not always fun or easy. In fact, it rarely is. And even when you become a full time writer, there's so much other STUFF that goes with it that you still have to make your own time to get the writing done.
Meagan--that's a great point! I was just talking to a best-selling, full-time writer and she told me that it's harder than ever to get the actual writing done, due to interviews, marketing, etc. It's a problem I can't wait to have. Thanks for stopping by!
When I started telling people I was writing a book, I was shocked at how many of them replied, "Oh, I always wanted to write a novel!" I used to ask why they didn't, especially if they started telling me about their ideas. They quickly backpedaled, even if it was clear from their concept that they'd spent a lot of time thinking about it.
I think part of the problem isn't the time factor, but the intimidation factor of putting that many words in a row on paper. I think the longest things a lot of people have ever written are school assignments. The longest paper I was ever assigned was fifty pages, and I tortured myself over every last one of them. The thought of committing five or six times that much writing and making it coherent is what kept me from writing for years. Unfortunately, the only way to conquer that daunting thought is to sit down and start. Once I started, I couldn't stop.
I don't have any more time than anyone else. I get the same twenty four hours every day. Writing just became important enough to schedule into my routine.
Yes, I think the intimidation factor is probably true for a lot of people. The part about scheduling the writing into your routine is key, because people who keep waiting for the time to do it will never finish a book. Thanks for weighing in! :)
When I first started writing, I admit the time comittment scared me. Funny thing was I didn't miss the things I gave up to make time to write. Writing gave me such a sense of fulfillment. In fact I get cranky now when I can't write!
It's still a balancing act between a fulltime job (still have to pay the bills), family (hubby & kids are great about giving me time to write!) and just life in general (laundry is evil). I would trade the long hours for anything!
When I first started writing, I admit the time comittment scared me. Funny thing was I didn't miss the things I gave up to make time to write. Writing gave me such a sense of fulfillment. In fact I get cranky now when I can't write!
It's still a balancing act between a fulltime job (still have to pay the bills), family (hubby & kids are great about giving me time to write!) and just life in general (laundry is evil). I would trade the long hours for anything!
I completely agree! What a great post. It is the truth--my characters will badger me until I crank out what they're saying/doing in the story (I can't be the only one who this happens to right?) So I keep notebooks strategically placed all over the house just incase I need to jot something down in between cleaning, cooking, or taking out the pup. :)
The balancing act never seems to end, and you are so right about laundry being evil! I tell everyone my laundry basket is possessed because it's never empty. Thanks for commenting!
The worst is when I have characters bother me for a different book than the one I'm writing. They need to wait their turn! I have notebooks everywhere too. In fact, I just started doing more hand-writing rather than typing and have had some interesting results, so I'll do a post on that next week. Thanks for commenting. :)
If I had a dollar for every time someone said to me: "Oh, just write a book" or "Where do you find the time for writing?" - I'd have enough bucks stockpiled to not worry about the laundry, the kids, the bills, the jobs... or paying for the buckets of caffeine that wears off...
I live for the day when I won't have to worry about laundry...my 8-yo mistakenly thinks folding clothes is my "favorite thing in the world" because I'm always doing it. :)
I also hear a lot of "One of these days, I'm going to write a book." Instead, I sit my butt down and say, "TODAY I am writing a book." Big difference.
I think a lot of people have the same attitude toward writing that I have toward hiking the Grand Canyon. I aspire to do that one day, but by the time I get around to it, I'll probably need a hip replacement so it ain't gonna happen. Great post, Kristi!
LOL on the Grand Canyon. My sister hiked it and loves climbing the 14'ers here in Colorado. I don't even pretend I'm going to try it one day, because I know I would die. ;)
The Random Number Generator has spoken and the winner is #1..Randall Sexton! Congrats! I'll email instructions regarding your query critique. Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back soon for another chance to win! Also, please keep noting how many times you've entered because I've been doing extra critiques for persistent folks who have entered 5 or more times in a row. Good luck! :)
2 Comments on Query Critique Winner, last added: 6/21/2012
It's Wednesday Query Critique time! (See, I promised it would be back this week.) Remember to enter by midnight EST in order for your chance to win the weekly query critique.
REMINDERS: These critiques are for those who prefer a private critique versus a public one. Please read my prior post on Query Tipsbefore entering. Also, as mentioned in my big giveaway, I tend to be very direct and picky, but my goal is to get your query in the best shape possible. Finally, the query is only the first step--make sure the entire book is as good as the query before you hit "Send" to an agent or editor. To enter the weekly query critique giveaway, simply follow the directions below. Good luck!
RULES:
Just leave a comment telling me you'd like to be entered in the giveaway and give your email address, using (at) and (com) as follows so the spam bots don't find you.
I will use a random number generator to pick the winner who will receive a query critique through email. NOTE: If your query involves space monkeys, I might make an exception and do an extra critique!
7 Comments on Wednesday Query Critique Giveaway, last added: 6/21/2012
Good luck, Laura! Haven't you entered several times before as well? Let me know because if people keep entering but don't win, I do some extra critiques. :)
If you haven't checked out my guest post over at Rainy of the Dark, head on over: When the Writing Gets Tough, The Tough Get Writing...eventually. Thanks to Rainy for having me! :)
0 Comments on Guest post over at Rainy of the Dark blog as of 1/1/1900
For those who wish to pursue the traditional path to publication, it often involves finding an agent who will, in turn, submit your work to editors at publishing houses. In order to find an agent, one must send out query letters. The purpose of my Wednesday Query Critique Giveaway (which I swear I'm getting back to next week) is to help people polish their queries before they send them out into the world. If you're at the stage where you're ready to query, and have carefully researched agents using sites such as Querytracker and AgentQuery, here's why I'm a proponent of sending queries out in batches of 3-5 (aka The Batch Method):
1) If you don't get any responses other than form rejections or the sound of chirping crickets, your query likely needs work. The good news is that since you only sent out a few queries, you haven't used up all your top picks at once.
2) If you get partial requests off the bat, then you know your query doesn't suck, BUT that's all it means (sorry, harsh but true). Wait and see what happens. If the partial requests are all rejected, then it means the book didn't live up to the query. Take any personalized feedback to heart and work on the book again before sending out more queries. Again, because you're using the batch method, you still have a ton more agents to query.
3) If the partial requests turn into full requests, then you should do a little happy dance because it's definitely a step in the right direction. I'd also recommend sending queries to any remaining top choices if you haven't already because things can move pretty quickly at this point. Some people recommend waiting until you actually have an offer of representation and then dashing off queries to any remaining top picks, but that feels icky to me. If you've done your research, you should only be querying agents that you feel confident about in the first place.
Has anyone used this method? Any other tips people would like to share about querying?
Happy Querying! And I'll be back with Query Critique Wednesday next week.
6 Comments on Query Strategies--The Batch Method, last added: 6/16/2012
I've done this since my earliest querying days. Granted, when I first started, my batches were larger (like 10 at a time), but I quickly changed that strategy when I came back with a ton of rejections and little helpful feedback. I started tweaking my query, and finally tweaked (well, rewrote) most of my novel before starting back with smaller batches of queries.
Sadly, I think one of my older queries was more successful than my current incarnation, and I'm totally confused about what to make of that! I think my current "query by committee" is overworked at this point, and needs to incorporate some of the voice it lost by having half a dozen people share their input on it on my blog.
Laura--that's a great point about having too many people critique your query. Too many opinions can dilute the original voice, and you want your voice to be the one that shines through. I hope you can find the spark in it again, and best of luck!
Agree with the batch method. Not only a time saver, but I find it's helpful to have several opportunities out there, which lessens the blow when one comes back rejected. ;o)
Not sure about tweaking as you go? I've researched enough agents to know that what works for one might not work for another. Some like it simple, some like a bit of something different, with added voice. It's difficult to figure out a standard query with so many people wanting different things - or not actually specifying what they want!
I guess it's like the book... once YOU are happy with it, then that's a good sign.
That said, I can't stress enough how essential I've found it to have someone with experience in the arena (like your awesome self, Kristi!) give me a professional query critique to identify all the issues I missed. So my next batch should rock.
You're absolutely right that different people like different things, so I'd only tweak it if you're getting NOTHING but rejections. I mean, even if you're happy with it, it ultimately won't help if no one else is. ;)
The researching piece you mentioned is so true, because if you know you are querying agents that represent your genre, you will find out much faster whether the query is good or not. Best of luck with yours, Dan!
That's a great method. The timing of the feedback (whether it's a request or rejection) can really speak volumes about the strength of your query letter and your work, especially if you start to notice a pattern (i.e.: all form rejections or all rejections after a partial).
Wow, there are some creative cursers out there, and I applaud each and every one of you. Seriously, thanks to everyone who entered and shared their words with the world. I had a hard time picking the winner, and even had my husband read the entries. He laughed at the sames ones I did, but this doesn't mean the judging was objective--it just means we have the same weird sense of humor. Anyway, here are the results:
1st Runner Up: Wild Ape for "Petarded." I'm not sure why I loved this word so much. It could have been the Shakespearean influence which reminded me of terms like "thou artless elf-skinned horn-beast," or the close proximity to the politically incorrect term for doing something stupid. Either way, this word is great. NOTE: In the event that the winner is either unable or unwilling to uphold the expectations of winning (or if nude pictures of the winner are discovered in Playboy), the 1st Runner Up will win the prize.
GRAND-PRIZE WINNER: Feaky Snucker wins for "Cork Sucking Ice Hole." The R-rated version of this entry also had me (and my hubby) laughing, and I'm still trying to find a way to work it into a conversation (e.g. that guy in accounting is a total f*ck-shovel). Congrats, Feaky Snucker, you win the YA book of your choice!
We'll do another contest soon, so let me know if you have any creative contest ideas! I'll be back with the regular Wednesday Query Critique next week. :)
6 Comments on Creative Curse Word Contest Winner, last added: 6/9/2012
Oh, I love the idea of terms of endearment! It will balance out the curse words. Thanks for the suggestion. :)
lmac said, on 6/6/2012 8:33:00 AM
Wait, this curse contest did not go long enough you silly bunt! I am certain the spanish influence we have in our family such as you are full of vatoism, you vato, hoto surely would have won some sort of prize or my father in laws infamous cursing of god that I love "for cripes sake" . Kristi, really I love your wild side and am so glad I have more curse words to use at work-especially Feaky Snucker! Thanks for the idea and this made me laugh. Your good friend, Bendejo McNamara
Suffocate is the first novelette in THE BREATHLESS series. It is a 15,000 word young adult thriller that combines the dystopic and science fiction genres.
Here’s a little about the novelette…
“For centuries, the world outside the Biome has been unlivable. Today, marks the first time anyone will attempt to leave the suffocating ecosphere. Eria is not worried because her scientist father has successfully tested the new Bio-Suit many times. It's a celebratory day until something goes horribly wrong. In the midst of tragedy, Eria uncovers a deep conspiracy that affects the very air she breathes.
If those responsible find out what she knows, they won't stop hunting her until she takes her last breath.”
The 2nd novella in the series, CHOKE, is scheduled for Fall 2012. The 3rd, EXHALE, is scheduled for Winter 2013.
All around awesome writer and blogger Kate Hart did a comprehensive analysis here of 2011 YA book covers. I can't even imagine the time it took her to compile all this info. She told me she doesn't watch television at all, but this was still an enormous task to take on. Her study yielded results from the interesting (blue is the most common color of traditionally published YA books) to the sad (the downright dismal amount of ethnic diversity in cover models).
Kate followed this up with another post that clarified some reader questions, and addressed what writers can do to help--especially writers who are white (like me). It's very thought-provoking and has me thinking about my own responsibility as an author. Though I have characters in my books who are ethnically and sexually diverse (LGBT), I'm not sure how much control I'd have over the covers. Per Kate's post, even mega-author John Green admitted not loving several of his book covers. I'm not sure what the answer is but Kate poses some great questions that we, as writers, need to keep asking.
Have you read these posts? What are your thoughts on these issues? Anyone else happy to see the decrease in dead girl covers?
2 Comments on Trends in YA Book Covers, last added: 5/22/2012
This is one reason why my main protagonist is racially ambiguous--and male.
:p
To be honest, I feel a little hesitant about using models on covers. For some reason, it feels like a good way to date it, considering that The Big Three of YA (Harry Potter, Twilight, The Hunger Games) don't use models.
The covers for the Harry Potter books seem magical. A cover with a model up-and-front? Not really.
Not that too many YA books have models on their cover, but I think it might fix the racial screw if cover artists try a different approach.
That's a good point. I think that would be harder though with contemporary novels, as they tend to use models more. My MC is racially ambiguous too, but I don't think she'd end up that way on a cover.
It's Wednesday Query Critique time! Remember to enter by midnight EST in order for your chance to win the weekly query critique.
REMINDERS: These critiques are for those who prefer a private critique versus a public one. Please read my prior post on Query Tipsbefore entering. Also, as mentioned in my big giveaway, I tend to be very direct and picky, but my goal is to get your query in the best shape possible. Finally, the query is only the first step--make sure the entire book is as good as the query before you hit "Send." To enter the weekly query critique giveaway, simply follow the directions below. Good luck!
RULES:
Just leave a comment telling me you'd like to be entered in the giveaway and give your email address, using (at) and (com) as follows so the spam bots don't find you.
I will use a random number generator to pick the winner who will receive a query critique through email. NOTE: If your query involves space monkeys, I might make an exception and do an extra critique!
11 Comments on Wednesday Query Critique Giveaway, last added: 5/24/2012
The Random Number Generator has spoken and the winner is...Sharon Mayhew! I'll email instructions regarding your query critique. Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back next Wednesday for another chance to win! Also, please keep noting how many times you've entered because I've been doing extra critiques for some persistent folks who have entered 5 or more times in a row. Good luck! :)
2 Comments on Query Critique Winner, last added: 5/24/2012
This contest was inspired by one of my FB friends who read my post about Twitter Tips last week. She loved the part about [insert favorite curse word] and messaged me her favorite curse word (which had me rolling). Thus, a contest idea was born. I have a character in my current wip that uses curse words--um, creatively, and I'm always curious about what curse words others use. I want to know what your most creative/funniest curse word (or phrase) is. I'm going to pick my favorite response (meaning this contest is entirely subjective), and the winner gets a prize. Easy, peasy. The only thing I ask is that you either follow the blog or subscribe to the posts or newsletter in order to enter.
RULES: Leave your creative curse word or phrase in the comments below. Contest ends: Fri. June 1st at midnight EST.
PRIZE: The YA Book of Your Choice sent to anywhere The Book Depository ships.
OFFENDED BY CURSE WORDS? Don't enter (and why the f*#k are you still reading this?) ;)
GOOD LUCK!
15 Comments on Creative Curse Word Contest, last added: 5/28/2012
Haha. Brilliant idea, Kristi. I don't curse often, I figure I have better ways of expressing myself and any swearing should be saved for when I really need to make an impact, but I'm currently on the hunt for book-ish "curses." My list only has two words, though--Scheiss (German for...well, I suppose you can guess) which I picked up from Babe in Boyland. And Puck, which I don't use often, because people don't get the Robin Goodfellow reference.
Thanks so much. This was so fun. =D rivkarno1(at)hotmail(dot)com (I've been a long-time GFC stalker)
My current favorite swear word is dumbass. You know, those people who do ridiculous things with no thought to the outcome AND then expect the rest of us to fix it for them? I don't swear much - I think damn is the only swear in my WIP - but it is disheartening just how often I've used dumbass recently. "He's a dumbass." "That was a dumbass think to do." "Totally dumbass." On TV last night, a kid with fireworks IN his ass - yeah, dumbass totally applies.
This should be fun! writing(at)marlenemoss(dot)com Marlene
What a fantastic contest idea! I wish I were more creative with my cursing. Mostly I just say "flippin'". This contest reminds me of when my son was in preschool and got terribly angry with me. In the heat of rage, he yelled, "Mommy, you are poison, mud and a gun!!" Those were the absolute worst things he could think of. I suppose my laughter wasn't the effect he was going for though.
In my hf mg novel I had a character that said, "What the bloody hell is that?" But on revisions I changed it to "What's that bloomin thing?" It's set in England during WWII.
Sharonkmayhew(at)gmail(dot)com
Fun post, Kristi!
Anonymous said, on 5/25/2012 3:33:00 PM
Petarded a verb taken from Shakespeare's phrase of hoisted up by your own petard. When someone does something completely stupid, wreckless, or brutishly harmful to self and others. The Shakespearian phrase was a Middle Ages explosive device that a person would light a fuse to a barrel of gunpowder. Sometimes the device prematurely detonated or the person setting the charge might not take cover far enough away hence blowing themselves up. Petarded is the action that involves over the top jackass like behavior.
Anonymous said, on 5/25/2012 3:37:00 PM
Ugh, the device didn't give me an option to put my name to take credit or scorn from my post. But I am the entity known as Wild Ape at wildape2005@yahoo.com who suggested the above curse word.
Okay, here I go. "What the f*ck are you on about" or "Are you f*cking kidding me?" I've been changing my favourite F-word to frok in my lame attempts to clean up my potty mouth :) Great post!
well you know my favorite but it's hardly original. So here is a random sampling of favorite curse words from mi famiglia for your enjoyment. The 3 yr old prefers poopy. It is a multi-purpose word, quite versatile, serving as a noun, verb, and adjective (not an adverb but if you're three, who needs adverbs). He can use it to signify happiness and excitement, abject disappointment, and raging anger. And it has internal alliteration so it is quite perfect as words go. My 10 yr old has taken to telling his parents that we "sicken" him. Though not exactly a curse word, it gets the job done and earns time in one's room. My 8 yr old has the cleanest mouth, doesn't say much worse than stupid, and recently sobbed when his mother said damn and hell after nearly getting killed by a bad driver. I think he may not be my child. The hubs and I prefer prison slang, 'cause dats how we roll, bi-otch. But that is joking around cussing. For real, I'm angry don't mess with me cussing, I usually go with the F bomb if there are not small people around. How can you mess with a classic? Or if I want to catch the hubs off guard I will throw out something really trashy that a nice girl like me wouldn't normally say and I won't type here. You'll have to use your imagination. :) KimD
I have a friend who doesn't use curse words so when she's angry, she would recite all the fast food joint names e.g. Pizza Hutt, Kentucky Fried Chicken, White Castle etc. And believe me, with the right intonation, you can make anything sound like a cuss!! Bet you'll never look at McDonald's the same way again, eh?
I like "bloody" and "freakin'" for stringing together sentences of frustration, but when I'm "in the moment" of upset/shock, what seems to come out is $h!t - which always makes people around me make the funniest face, and then I crack up laughing and the moment's diffused :o)
I like when people find fun, quirky ways to express their cursing needs, especially if it's "undercover" enough that it goes right over the heads of those who may be more offended, hehe ...
I won't go into details, but it's an Oreo cookie with the middle scraped out and replaced with mung.
I was unaware of the first definition of mung in the Urban Dictionary when I wrote the above (I just looked it up now, my original source said something different, but that one will do). I won't repeat it here. Just remember, some things, once seen, cannot ever be un-seen. Look it up at your peril.
I will provide the first half of UD's definition #5 (the one I was previously aware of) however, "The worst possible thing that could be imagined, conceived, or performed by the human mind." The second half (an example) is not something I'll repeat here.
QUICK NOTE: If you haven't entered the Creative Curse Word Contest, you can still enter by Fri. to win the YA book of your choice, so get cursing!
It's Wednesday Query Critique time! Remember to enter by midnight EST in order for your chance to win the weekly query critique.
REMINDERS: These critiques are for those who prefer a private critique versus a public one. Please read my prior post on Query Tipsbefore entering. Also, as mentioned in my big giveaway, I tend to be very direct and picky, but my goal is to get your query in the best shape possible. Finally, the query is only the first step--make sure the entire book is as good as the query before you hit "Send." To enter the weekly query critique giveaway, simply follow the directions below. Good luck!
RULES:
Just leave a comment telling me you'd like to be entered in the giveaway and give your email address, using (at) and (com) as follows so the spam bots don't find you.
I will use a random number generator to pick the winner who will receive a query critique through email. NOTE: If your query involves space monkeys, I might make an exception and do an extra critique!
7 Comments on Wednesday Query Critique Giveaway, last added: 5/30/2012
The Random Number Generator has spoken and the winner is...Dan Hanks! I'll email instructions regarding your query critique. Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back soon for another chance to win! Also, please keep noting how many times you've entered because I've been doing extra critiques for persistent folks who have entered 5 or more times in a row. Good luck! :)
3 Comments on Query Critique Winner, last added: 5/31/2012
The only struggle I have with step 2 has been learning the ins and outs of publishing, learning to craft a query that will get attention from agents, and polishing my novel until it shines. Knowing when it's ready is the hardest part.
I put it out into the world too soon, before I sought out the advice of other writers. I only have one more chance (eight months after my initial foray into agentland, and after numerous edits and rewrites), to get it right. Eventually I'll have to stop obsessing and send my baby out into the world again. Hopefully this time it will find an agent who loves it as much as I do. :)
Sending it out too soon is a common mistake (and the flip side of never sending it out), but I think you can learn more from that than by not putting it out there at all. At least that way you get feedback you can use to make it better. Good luck with putting it out there, and you always have more chances!
I need to take a leap of faith and give my work to someone to read with a critical eye. I haven't done enough of that.
Good luck, Jack. It's a big leap but you'll get invaluable feedback out of it! :)
A quibble: I have all sorts of shy, sensitive friends who write. They pour out their heart into notebooks and word files and (private) blogs, and then they NEVER, EVER let anybody else read it.
Writing is absolutely for the thin-skinned. Showing other people your writing is not. Showing other people your writing and asking what they think about it is for those with ogre-like epidermal fortitude.
I agree that many writers are skin-thinned, but I don't agree that only those with "ogre-like epidermal fortitude" show their work to others. I was flat-out terrified the first time I asked other people what they thought of my writing. Then I was mildly terrified the second time, and it kept getting better. I'm not saying it's easy to show your work to others, I'm saying that if you want to be a writer, at some point, you have to make yourself very uncomfortable. BTW, I appreciate quibbles, so thanks for commenting! :)
You're also right that some people write as a hobby and don't necessarily care if it ever sees the light of day. I was referring to those who aspire to write as a career...which always involves criticism by others.