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Congratulations on all your accomplishments! Just keeping one foot moving in front of the other must be hard many days when a big part of your life dies. Opening your heart and life to others will be healing to many people. I look forward to reading your book.

Hi Cindyja - woke up to my wonderful interview. Jodi and WOW did a fab job. But that shouldn't surprise me. They always do.
I am forwarding the links to all my friends while drinking my coffee. The dogs are jumping around my feet wanting out, but they have to wait a minute while I take all this in. Thanks for your comment and I hope you will read my book. I think it will make you smile. Barbara

Barbara, Thank you for your courage to share your experience. I, too, am a widow, a poet and writer and sometimes it is hard to share this journey with strangers. People in our culture are in denial about grief and the weird twists and turns it can take. I tried to date too soon and found I couldn't handle listening to other people's problems. I just wanted to be whisked away, not brought back to reality!

I have also considered self-publishing my memoir as I have lost patience with the submission process. I love the fact that the book would be in my control. I am curious if you have found other ways to market your book, besides the usual bookstore signings, such as grief groups or women's groups.

Hi Wendy - I understand completely not being able to handle other people's problems. Initially I found I could be out for only 4 hours, then came home to sleep. I was lucky my good girl friends kept me laughing. I did find I was not quite the caregiver I had been with other family members. I needed to dwell on how to deal with me, and they understood. Being more self-centered on my needs was strange for me, but I had to do it. I was still there for my family, but I put me first. It turned out good for all of us.
My book was released on april 12th. I have been marketing online mostly. I approached two book shops about a signing and they are reading my book to see if it fits their niche market. I found a great publicist, very inexpensive, in Florida, who is helping me market. Did my YouTube video, just took my book to a library convention, and has me online on his blog and facebook page. http://www.pageonelit.com/interviews/BarbaraBarth.html
He has been great. And only $250 for a lot of good work.
This is all new to me and I am on the computer every night reasearching where to market my book. I am on quite a few writing blogs and have several of my own. Doing it all myself is hard work, but it is great to learn the ropes.
I am having my own book lauch with Animal Action Rescue on June 26th. No one has done it for me, so I am taking charge. I've invited our local writer's club to participate. Will be in their newsletter and that goes to 2300 subscribers, so will be good press no matter what.
Don't be afraid to self-publish. An agent can always pick you up-but it is very rewarding to see your work in print the way you envisioned it. Did I say enough. I am a big talker. Thanks for your comment, Wendy. Hope I helped. Barbara

Sounds like a fantastic book to read and then pass on to my widowed mother. Sometimes I think there's more to be learned from someone who really has had to deal with loss, than a paid professional. To know someone else has been there too makes things a little easier. I'm in the beginning stages of working out a fictionalized version of my father's death, and it's so cathartic to get those deep feelings out in the open to purge them once and for all. Thank god for writing...

I would love to win a copy of Barbara's first book, Good luck Barbara!

People should be aware that writers who use Outskirts Press are NOT self-publishing, but are customers of a vanity publisher.

Vanity publishers often produce ugly, unedited, overpriced books that are seldom reviewed or sold in stores.

Outskirts often does terrible editing and promotional work for its authors. The company frequently lies to get business and makes many stupid mistakes.

Here's a link to comments from a very unhappy Outskirts author: http://bookmakingblog.blogspot.com/2009/12/outskirts-press-editing-is-like-no.html

Michael N. Marcus

president, Independent Self-Publishers Alliance, http://www.independentselfpublishers.org

author, "Become a Real Self-Publisher: Don’t be a Victim of a Vanity Press," http://www.amazon.com/dp/0981661742

author, "Stories I'd Tell My Children (but maybe not until they're adults)," http://www.amazon.com/dp/0981661750
http://www.BookMakingBlog.blogspot.com

http://www.SilverSandsBooks.com

Hi Michael - I was aware of the negative comments on Outskirts Press before I decided to go with them. If you google them, you can't miss it. My experience with them was wonderful. It was more expensive then some I researched, (i.e. Lightening Source) but they did a lot of the work for me. I did not have to submit a print ready file, which for me, the technophobe, was a big deal. I just sent a terrible word doc with all my instructions right down to photo placement and font changes at the beginning of each essay. My package allowed my own cover and a commercial designer friend submitted a print ready pdf for the cover. My book is available on Amazon, Kindle, and Barnes & Noble, which I like. The leg work to get it noticed now is mine. I don't expect Outskirts Press to work past what they have done nor did they represent they would. They do send me daily marketing e-mails which I ignore. I'm on my own path.
My finished product will hold its own againt any big publishing house. I've been complimented on its looks (the content, my writing, is to be determined by the reader)by a literay agent in NYC who thought it looked pretty slick. Can't ask for a better words than that.
The rep Outskirts Press assigned to me was wonderful. Friendly and professional. I don't know how she had the patience for my stupid questions, but she answered everything almost by return e-mail.
A class I took at Emory by a well known author pointed me to print on demand. Outskirts Press was my POD choice after I researched the different companies. If you are not in the top percentage with a traditional book publisher you can still be on your own.
I can only go by my own experience and it was wonderful. Outskirts Press stood by what they initially advertised and then my rep gave a little more.
I am a member of the Atlanta Writer's Club and have taken marketing courses and have had a NY Times best seller author critique my work.
The hardest part, I had to do my own edits. And I am terrible with punctuation. That was a time consuming, but learning, experience.
The term "vanity press" devalues the quality of the writing as well as the look of the book. I would go this route again. I am marketing like crazy. I have a professional looking product that everyone likes.
I do have a hurdle with retail book sellers and I am working on that. I have set my pricing for retail dealers to be competive with the big boys. Same standard discount, and a return program.
I personally believe in online marketing and I am doing that. Last book siging I went to at my favorite book store here had twelve people in attendance. We ate tea and crumpets. Good news, I bought three other books from the shop, not the book they were promoting.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I am happy and think Outskirts did a beautiful job for me. Barbara

I did Pointer rescue for a decade. I think the most I ever had at one time was twelve. You must take very good care of your dogs to have a 14 yr. old.

Dogs are good at drawing us out of our grief. They still demand to be fed, walked, loved. You are lucky to have them.

I would like to win your book.

[email protected]
http://blog.stephaniesuesansmith.com

One piece of advice just hit me between the eyes..."Worrying what others think will paralyze you." Absolutely! I needed to remember this at this moment. Thank you!

Also, thank you for what you are doing for our four-legged friends. We need more folks like you!

Can't wait to read your book. It sounds great.

I read the excerpt on Amazon and this is a MUST READ book! Normally, I'm all for fictional dective stories and mysteries, but for Barbara, I'll make an exception. The excerpt I read was so well written, informative, and she just drew you into her story!

Smiles~
Marilyn

Hi Stephanie - everyone wants to come back as one of my dogs. I had a 95pound German Shepherd that lost the use of his back legs and was incontinent. He lived out his days happily taken care of. I learned to move him with a rear end sling. He actually had acupuncture. He road in a wheel barrow. He was a happy camper. Jake is a part of my book, he kept me a bit of a caregiver after my husband died. I'll do most anything for my dogs. Twelve dogs is a lot of wuf wuf. Six is about my limit at the moment. Good for you with Pointer rescue. Those dogs grab your heart. Thanks for the nice comments. Barbara

Thanks Marilyn for such kind words! Barbara

Hi Joann - I think unless you personally deal with the loss of a loved one you can't imagine what it is like. I had been blessed most of my life with little death around me. So this was a definate eye opener. Paid professionals have their place and can be very helpful. I chose to dump on my dear friends and was fortunate to have a good support group that first year. I have a best friend who hangs with me on the phone still. For me I chose not to go the professional route, but each person has to make their own decision on that. I bought a vintage corvette, started dating too soon and rescued dogs and kept my journal. It is whatever gets you through the night, day by day. I hope your mother is doing well. Keep that bond with her because support of your family and friends, even way after the fact is so important. Barbara

Hi Linda - I think my dogs rescued me. I have to thank them! They are a riot to be around. Five in less than a year, and my old girl. They are all great buddies and we are couch potatoes some nights. Thanks for commenting here. Barbara

Hi Lizzy - if you don't win the book I'll let you buy it!!! Thanks for leaving a nice comment and the good luck wishes! Barbara

I look forward to reading your book. I know several people recently who have lost husbands, my mother-in-law among them. I live with the everyday fear that my husband won't wake up. He has a congenital heart problem that is progressively getting worse despite treatment. Congratulations on working through the pain and grief. I admire you greatly. :)

I enjoy Barb's blog and am looking forward to reading her book!

Barbara,
Seven years ago, my husband passed away suddenly at age 39. How does one react when you lose the one you share your life with? I acted recklessly several times, and I'm sure my attitude was misconstrued by those I worked with.

Like you, I wrote several essays about my escapades. It was a time of personal growth and loss, but I learned that life continues, and because one part of my life disappeared, I didn't need to feel like I'd lost my entire life. I still had goals and needs, and I did what I needed to make a devastating situation tolerable.

Congrats and good luck with your blog tour. I'll be tagging along!

~~Annie

We need to start a Barbara club! I admire your pluck. You definitely personify making lemonade out of lemons life sometimes hands us.
I am a studio painter and give art works to SPCA and other animal rescue groups to support their valuable work. PBS in our area showed a program last night on the bond between pets and people, you should have been one of the interviewees! I laughed over your comment on your "six pack."
Best of luck on your book tour. I know you will have fun. I hope you will keep on journaling so you can share what a book tour is really like.

It's always nice to hear about people who have suffered loss and come out the other side of their grief successfully. Writing can be a great catharsis and I'm happy to see you turned to it rather than so many other more self-destructive things in which you could have lost yourself.

Good luck promoting your book. My sincere wishes that you do well. I look forward to reading your work.

Thanks for a great interview Lisa! What was so encouraging to me was that you worked-on and off-for a long time on this novel. Sometimes I think we worry that if a project is taking too long maybe it's flawed and we give it up. Readers, how long have you been working on your latest project?

This sounds like a book I would definitely like to read! :) I think the press is interesting, too as I had never heard of Inanna Publishing--I LOVE YOUR rejection story. (And I also don't stake my rejections to the wall, but some editors. . .NO, just kidding.) Anyway, thanks for the interview. Would love to win this book.

Margo
http://margodill.com/blog/

How fascinating! As a 40-something mother of three children, I definitely struggle with body image. But the truth is I can't remember a time when I didn't going all the way back to when I was as young as 8 or 9. This is a book I'd love to read.

Congratulations on your success! I like your comments on rejection! Laura Ingalls Wilder once said, the end seems sad, but it isn't, really, it is only the beginning of something new. That was when she didn't graduate school, since she was getting married. However, she did teach, and eventually wrote the "Little House" series. I, too, want to write a series of books, about staying in one place when growing up (hers were about moving about when growing up).

I also have an ongoing book about being a mother of a child who has two rare disorders that make him the only one, worldwide, with both. After 22 hours of brain surgery at age 15 (talk about body image), I want to inform all parents on how to optimize their own children's potential for typical and atypical children. I know if I can cut it down to the most important steps, it would be more "publishable". However, I cut things down to a Flesch-Kincaid reading score of 12.0 or higher, that is my problem. Does your editor or publisher have that in mind when they want you to do re-writes?

Great article, interview, and giveaway! I am a survivor of anorexia and continue to struggle with food, body image, and disordered eating. I would love to read a copy of this book.

Dear Jennifer, thank you very much for your comments!

I would have to ask my publisher but I don't think (I am assuming) that she was that mathematical about it.

My rewrites were predominantly content based; to bridge gaps in the story (I made some assumptions in my mind), to fix timelines, take out excess padding, provide more detailed character insights and change internal narrative into dialogue.

And then, taking my cue from my publisher's suggestions, I would run with the ball, often getting back to her and saying "I hope you don't mind but I changed this too..." So it was a great collaborative relationship.

I would suggest you write it exactly as you need to, and then your publisher can guide you from there

I would love to read this book, and may even buy it if I don't win it. ;) The themes are of interest to me and the interview made me even more interested. Then there's the bonus of the writer inspiration aspect of the chat. Wow!

Thanks, and I'll be following this tour.

thank you MP - and everybody! The themes are indeed complex ones, so I really appreciate the support and interest :))

This book sounds amazing. I find this topic is such an important one and yet one that is rarely discussed. I also love to hear about other writers that work on a project for years!

I really enjoyed this interview. As someone who has struggled with my weight and self-image for many years I am really interested in The Hungry Mirror.

this is a topic that needs to be explored. Sounds great. I just did an article on Anorexia in the elderly...Eating disorders affect every age...unfortunately.

Dear Sarah, I realised, when I was about 35, that my issues weren't going to resolve themselves.

I somehow thought that I would reach a certain age and my brain would 'come right' or that I would just outgrow my concerns.

But I realised that if anything, issues become worse unless treated, and I had a vision of myself in my sixties, still suffering the same torments and I didn't want that.

Thank you for writing that story.

Wow, I loved The Forest of Hands and Teeth and just finished The Dead-Tossed Waves over the weekend. So interesting to hear how she got the concept!

At some point this week (probably!) Kailana (over at The Written World http://myreadingbooks.blogspot.com/) and I will be posting some type of joint review for this book as well

That’s great, Amy! I hope lots of people go check out your review.

I love The Forest of Hands and Teeth and The Dead-Tossed Waves because they have zombies, but also because they’re about so much more than zombies.

What a great interview, and it sounds as if they are great books as well.

I loved reading about your group! I'm definitely going to check out your Web site to learn more about Fridays.
Thanks for the great interview.

Gonna definitely check out these books cause they sound quite interesting.

Someone once told me writing series is addicitive...creating worlds and exploring them in multiple books. Is it true? Will you write another YA series?

Jodi--If that's true, I am an addict. Hazel, my astologer friend, says I write in Gemini time. I love my series, and, yes, I could see myself writing another one.

LuAnn: It's an amazing group. We have the Aquarius psychologist, Pisces astrologer, Aries thriller writer, my Gemini self. It's pretty wild.

Angel and Wicked--thanks so much.

Headed straight to your site to check out Fridays. Great advice on critique groups. Thank you for sharing. And I'm a Libra as well.

Can't wait to read the book, sounds awesome and so does her crit group!! I am a Capricorn, stubburn! =)

And hard-working, Capricorn.

Ang--We are trined--Air signs. Communication.

I love the interview and the way your group came into existence. It's also great to hear what's working in YA right now.

If you ever write short pieces (750 words or less) and are not opposed to contests, I hope you'll consider entering Writer Advice's Fifth Annual Flash Prose Contest. Details at www.writeradvice.com.

Thanks from a Pisces,

Lynn
www.writeradvice.com
Author of You Want Me to Do WHAT? Journaling for Caregivers

Thanks for the information on the blog tour. It does sound like an interesting YA read...I'll make sure to mention the contests in Full to the Brim.

Sounds like an interesting book :)

You're a very lucky writer to have stumbled into such a great critique group. I've spent a lot of time looking for one and found one that's all right for now but I'm always on the lookout for something else.

Good luck with your book launch. I'll be lurking the blog tour for sure :)

Brim--Thanks so much.

Dianna--You need to think about the type of group you want. Often, the strongest personality runs the group, and s/he may not be the best leader.

I spoke about astrology at Good Day Sacramento yesterday, starting at 7 a.m., a three-hour drive from my home.

If you are interested, it's at gooddaysacramento.com

Leave more questions. I'm still checking in.

Fantastic post...very informative. Does the author have any time to be on any more blogs? I'd love to have her a guest on mine. Thanks.

How did you learn so much about agents? I've been researching and still feel like I know so little about them.
Margay

This is one of the first blog posts that I have read today and I found some great advice to keep me inspired for a while. Although, I am a little jealous that my writing space isn't as nice :) Thanks for all of the advice and insights!

I look forward to your book. Literary agents have long been a mystery to me. I am always looking for different ways to approach them. I am assuming that even though I write children's fiction, I will find a lot of adaptable information.

Glad to see that you write 5 pages a day on your own projects. I have tried using a word count per day but find myself continually checking to see how many words I have, especially when the writing isn't going well.

Cheryl Carpinello
author of "Guinevere: On the Eve of Legend"
http://www.beyondtodayeducator.com
http://carpinelloswritingpages.blogspot.com

Excellent interview with helpful info!

Please enter me in the drawing:
[email protected]

Thanks!

Hi Horrible Sanity, Margay, Janel, Cheryl, and Edwina - glad you enjoyed the interview and found the post informative. Good luck with all your writing endeavors.

@Horrible Sanity - Thanks for your interest, I will email you directly about the possibility.

@Margay - as a ghostwriter I have worked with literary agents for many years and gained quite a bit of insight. However, I did research the topic further when preparing to write the book, including interviewing literary agents and published authors who successfully attained agents.

@Janel - love your avatar! I think all you really need is one item in your writing area that sets the mood, makes you feel good, and keep you inspired. It doesn't have to be an expensive item. It could simply be a motivational quote scribbled on a piece of paper and tacked to your wall.

@ccarpinello, Cheryl - setting a page count goal motivates me to write. Ultimately, the goal is to write - the page or word count is irrelevant. As long as I write, I've achieved the goal -- no point in beating yourself up if you don't hit a specific word or page number. (Of course, when it comes to client projects I have to hit that page count or I'm in trouble :)

Best,
Laura

Laura, you are an amazing and talented writer. Great advice about making your time count and keeping things moving. Your book sounds awesome and what a great resource.I'm looking forward to following your tour.

You're book sounds like a winner. So many writers need this information. Even now with 2 agents reading full ms, I may end up back in Square 1.
My blog readers would also love to meet you at Wordshaping -
http://amberpolo.blogspot.com/

Thanks for writing your book,
Amber
[email protected]

Dear Laura, I'm learning a lot already from the free chapter download. Thank you! I'm currently putting together a nonfiction book proposal and I have a question I hope you can answer. I know I need to come across to an agent as confident of my material and my ability to deliver it well, but how can I demonstrate my confidence, and relate the scope of each chapter, when the book isn't written yet? ~Deb Kincaid

I'll be following your blog tour this week. The topics are great.

Hi, i am new to the world of blogs and writing. I totally enjoyed your interview, especially loved your description of the table where you write and the presence of your cat. As soon as I sit down to write my cat has to be on my lap. maybe I just need a big beautiful table like you describe.
Thanks for all the helpful info. I plan to follow your tour.
Jill

Hi Dianne, Amber, Deb, Desire', and Jill - thanks for your comments.

@Dianne - as a fellow ghostwriter I suspect you have the same experience with keeping things moving with your clients.

@Amber - getting your full manuscript into the hands of two agents at the same time is an impressive accomplishment (and rare, since most agents request exclusive submissions). It sounds like you'll have an agent in no time.

@Deb - when you're pitching a nonfiction book idea to an agent or publisher you're declaring that you are THE go-to expert on the particular subject. When submitting a nonfiction book proposal, even though you haven't written the manuscript yet, you will have conducted extensive research, written one to two sample chapters, identified your target market, analyzed competitive books, and created a detailed outline (chapter by chapter with headings, sub-headings, sub-categories, etc.) You will already know what the book will "look like" when it is written -- the number of chapters, word count, images, illustrations, graphs, charts, examples, anecdotes, case studies, checklists, interviews, etc. -- all of this information should make it easy to relate the scope of each chapter. If you have positioned yourself as an expert and established a strong platform (which are essential elements for landing a nonfiction book deal with a major publisher), then you will have demonstrated that you are more than capable (and confident) to author the book.

@Jill - my cat does the lap thing, too! I can usually work around it. It's when I'm trying to write and he decides he wants to sleep on the computer keyboard that we start having "issues"

Best,
Laura

Thanks, Laura. I'm glad I have five months to whip this proposal into shape before my writers conference! Great advice. Best of success with your book. ~Deb Kincaid

I've been looking for a book just like this. I have draft of a finished manuscript and not the slightest clue as to how to shape it and present it properly. Thank you Laura.

I needed this post today. Isn't that weird? Laura, I downloaded your free chapter and that's just what I needed. I am in the midst of looking for an agent for a YA novel that I have worked on for about 5 years--through workshops and critique groups, too. And I told myself I am just going to start sending it and stop tweaking it. And I have received 3 rejections, one request for a partial, and I am feeling down. UGH! But I know that's ridiculous--so I was glad to see the example at the end of your book where the author contacted twenty-two agents. Research and perseverance are the keys, I think. :) (And maybe a glass of wine every now and then.)

Thanks for the free chapter download! Can't wait to see the whole book.

Margo
http://margodill.com/blog/

Great interview. As an aspiring novelist, I'm always seeking out more information on agents and the querying process. If I'm not lucky enough to win, I'll need to purchase your book.

My question regards ghostwriting. Has it ever bothered you to not be acknowledged in public for your ghostwriting work?

I've had numerous small publications, and I take pride in seeing my name on that byline. I admire ghostwriters for putting forth so much effort without getting the direct credit.

Thank you, Laura, for sharing your expertise! So many of us are trying to do our homework on literary agents, but having the information in one place is a godsend!

I have spent a couple of years ghostwriting website content. I'd certainly enjoy moving on to something more challenging. I look forward to learning more from you.

Laura,

Your career path is intriguing to me, so I apologize that I'm not asking about the book on literary agents (which sounds terrific), but simply *must* ask what you find most rewarding about ghostwriting. It's an interesting career choice for a writer. Egoless, if you will. Along the same line, what's the most difficult thing about being a ghostwriter? Do you ever finish a book and think, "Boy, I sure wish I could tell people I wrote *that* one"?

Since you're a ghost writer, maybe you can answer a question that's been plaguing me for some time.

In a ghost writer contract, often there's a clause that prohibits the ghost writer from revealing s/he wrote the contracted book.

So how can anyone verify your experience if you can't offer any evidence of your involvement?

I mean, I could claim to have ghost written any book, and who's to say otherwise?

I'm not trying to be argumentative, but I've just wondered.

Laura,
How do you do it? Everything. Your book is perfect timing. I just completed my proposal and finishing up my sample chapters. I need direction.

good interview,

linda

Thanks for the comments. I'm surprised to see so much interest in ghostwriting - if you want to learn more, my blog stops at Day by Day Writer on Friday, Feb 12th and at Freelance Writing on About.com on Monday, Feb 15th will delve deeper into the subject.

@Loren - congratulations on finishing your manuscript. All the best with your agent search.

@Margo - You have a great attitude and you're right - research and perseverance are they key to success. Don't get discouraged. There is an agent that is right for you and your material.

@Beth - I get this question a lot, "Has it ever bothered you to not be acknowledged in public for your ghostwriting work?, and the honest answer to that is a resounding "No". Yes, I'm proud of my writing ability, especially when one of "my" books is successful for the client - but ghostwriting is my job and the credit is the paycheck. The books are not written in my "voice" nor do they come from my initial ideas. It's not "my baby" I'm developing. And though I am often excited about specific projects, they're not something I become passionate about, like they are for the client or for an author writing his or her own book.

@Toni - if you're considering transitioning into ghostwriting books, you'll definitely want to learn more about connecting with literary agents and check out the blog stops this Friday and next Monday.

@Larina - I suppose ghostwriting is an interesting career choice for a writer. It's not something I consciously "choose' - it happened, I enjoyed the process, and (not being a 9 to 5 kinda girl) I quickly realized it was a viable way to make a living on my terms. The best part of being a ghostwriter? I get to choose who I want to work with and the projects I want to write. I can work from anywhere at anytime. Any my salary is based on my value, not an hourly wage. The most challenging aspect of being a ghostwriter? Like anything, there's been a learning curve - learning how to evaluate a project, learning how to effectively capture each client's distinct voice, and learning how to schedule projects to ensure they stay on track and run smoothly.

@danceluvr - to respond to your question "I could claim to have ghostwritten any book and who's to say otherwise?" No professional, ethical, trustworthy ghostwriter would ever reveal (or even "hint") that he or she authored a specific book. Doing so would be unethical and could easily result in a lawsuit. The ghostwriter's reputation would be destroyed. Who would want to work with a ghostwriter who doesn't stay hidden?

So, how can anyone verify a ghostwriter's experience? For portfolio samples you want to be very careful when using ghostwritten material due to non-disclosure agreements. My contracts specify that I may use up to a specific number of ghostwritten content for portfolio purposes, without identifying the “author” or book title (instead I identify a project by topic and type of client – for example, “A how-to entrepreneurial book for a prominent business leader”) Most professional, established ghostwriters receive referrals from literary agents and publishers. Obviously, when I receive referrals for ghostwriting projects from literary agents or publishers, they clearly know the titles of some of my ghostwritten books, because they referred previous projects.

@Linda - congratulations on completing your book proposal. I hope the free chapter from my book provided some additional direction on finding and selecting agents to pitch.

Best,
Laura

I am so impressed by this book... so invaluable... Cover Design, by the way, PERFECT!

Facebook just said to leave a comment. Didn't say where. ( I know - details ...) Lots! of people left comments there. I hope they read the last post.
Thanks C Donnell

What a great interview. Thanks for making this terrific offer. I would love an opportunity to receive this book. Thanks to you all.

wow what a lot of information! fab-u-lous!! ghostwriting?? wow. please enter me in the drawing i read about on facebook, thanks
suze

This would be the perfect gift for a writer friend of mine who's working on her first book, which is about depression. I know she is almost at the looking-for-an-agent stage and this book could help her so much. Plus it's her birthday on the 22nd so I've just found the perfect gift! Thanks :)

That was a great interview. Would love to win a copy of her book!

Hi Rturnernow, CSD, Kathy, Suzemuse, Kirsten, and RedHeadedQuilter -- thanks for your comments.

I loved the photo of the retro typewriter for the book cover, it's nice to learn other writers get a kick out of it too.

Best,
Laura

Hi Ladies!

Thank you for all your thoughtful comments. :) We held a random drawing by writing all your names on a slip of paper and picked one out of a bag.

Congratulations goes to "suzemuse"!

I didn't see an e-mail address on your profile, so please contact us at: [email protected] to claim your prize--a copy of Laura Cross's book, The Complete Guide to Hiring a Literary Agent.

Thanks again to every one who commented, and please check out Laura's tour dates for more giveaways and excellent information about agents.

I have long wondered how to categorize my writing. This article gave me much needed insight therefore giving me a little more focus but more importantly inspired me to not worry about it, keep writing and let my publisher decide. Thanks ladies!

Thanks for this interview. As I begin the agent search, I have been very confused about the lines between chick lit/women's fiction/literary fiction. I am glad there is some grey in between.

avinn888-

By all means keep writing, and write the best story you can, but when it's time to query agents, do your homework and let them know that you understand the distinctions between this genre. They want to make sure you understand the market rather than your leaving it all up to them. Agents are looking for authors who will actively participate in making their book a success!

This discussion is timely, as I'm trying to figure out how to classify my project. I'm editing my grandfather's diaries from the Russo-Japanese War, during which period he was sentenced to death 4 times (this forms the spine of the book). He was also involved in a plot to assassinate the czar, as well as other underground activities. I would never call it a "memoir" because my grandfather is dead and I can't ask him questions, plus I'm editing it, which not only involves shortening it but will require my writing a new opening chapter (in his voice) that will contain the relevant information presented during the first 5 chapters.

I suppose this is what is known as "Narrative NonFiction," or "Creative Nonfiction," but when I've walked into a bookstore to ask where that section is located, I end up having to explain all of the above and then often get directed to "Memoirs," or "History." (I should see where In Cold Blood in shelved, but that has become so mainstream it might even be shelved in Fiction). What do you think?

A cat named Donny Most? As in Happy Days?
That's too funny. I love it.

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Bryna-

First of all, WOW! Your project sounds fascinating. Second of all, WOW! I can see where you'd have difficulty placing it. Creative nonfiction can cross over several genres, including memoir and personal essay, but your project sounds like historical memoir. Is there such a category? I don't know -- it's possible I just made it up. But if you're querying agents (and the good thing about nonfiction is that you can submit a proposal w/out having completed the manuscript), that might be the way to go.

Best of luck with it!

:)

LuAnn, that's pretty much the reaction everyone in the book has. I love it too. In fact, I would so want that cat.

If I could just make two minor clarifications. I never grew up in New York City, but rather the Long Island suburbs. It's true that Long Islanders call Manhattan and the five boroughs "the city", or they call them and Long Island "New York" and the rest of New York "Upstate", as if that's its name, but Long Island was always my home turf.

Also, I sucked at gossip while I was a manicurist and gave it up rather early -- found other conversations much more productive, as did my clients. (Although those were the OJ Simpson and Amy Fisher days, and those topics were inescapable. Man, I just outed my age, huh...)

:)

I'm drawn to books for so many reasons. I love books set in the NY metro area and even more books by authors from that area, since I grew up on Long Island too.

I love women's fiction (and chick-lit).

I'm intrigued by all the locales mentioned, and wondering how Elisa is able to weave her plot across those settings.

Ordinary World sounds like an interesting read.

Hi Patricia-

*Faking It* opens with Andi recently moving back to NY after having spent years in MA. Add her daily commute and suddenly I had multiple locations to work with. Most of Faking It takes place in Manhattan, while Ordinary World took place mostly in the Boston area.

The plot kind of weaved itself, I think. There's a lot of commuting and movement from place to place, but not in a way that makes the reader feel disoriented. It worked out really well, actually, because it allowed the characters to figure out where they really belonged.

I don't know if I answered your question, but I hope you'll pick up the books! Faking It especially pays homage to a lot of locales on Long Island. :)

Melissa Sarno, thanks for your comment, and good luck with your writing!

What a wonderful interview, Chynna! Love the picture of your kids - too cute! :)

Hi, Chynna! This is a great interview. As you know, I've read your children's book and watched the film. I also am a subscriber to your newsletter.
For the readers, my grandson has SID, so Chynna has been very helpful in providing information we are able to use.
I'd love to win a copy of the memoir!

Chynna,

Wonderful Interview! Congratulations on your book. And I love the picture of your beautiful children :)

Ruth

I appreciated the insight you shared about the how-can-I-make-sure-this-doesn't-come-back-to-bite-me aspect of putting your family's experience out there where it would be irretrievable. Memoir writers are brave folks.

Even perfectly nice people act rude out of ignorance, not maliciousness. With that in mind,
I have a question: I'm sure there was so much negativity from fellow students, neighborhood kids, adults who witnessed Jaimie's behavior in public that you're family experienced--and which no doubt broke your heart many times over. How did/do you protect Jaimie from the inevitable hurtful comments, avoidance behaviors, and judgmental sneers from those who had/have no clue? How do you keep her heart from breaking?

WOW! Good morning to all of you! =D

I'd like to tackle DB's question first. You had me tearing up! This is a very, very important issue because, as you said, people do sometimes say things or make comments about what THINK they're seeing without thinking first. Honestly, I used to get so angry when people made comments or suggested that Jaimie just needed, "A stronger hand of discipline" and I'd speak out. She was just a little girl! I'd get so angry and defensive.

But I soon realized that this didn't really help anything because I wasn't dealing with the main issue: PEOPLE DON'T UNDERSTAND! And that's why they make the comments. Most people, I believe, aren't mean; just misinformed or ignorant about what's happening to Jaimie. Plus, Jaimie fed off my emotions as well and it often made her feel worse when I reacted from the heart.

Now I bite my tongue and calmly explain WHY Jaimie reacts the way she does. I don't pull out the statistics or the full scale demonstration with diagrams and charts but I give the basics. Saying something like, "Jaimie has SPD and it affects how she responds to sensory stimulation around her. She gets overstimulated very easily and often can't calm herself." or something similar, depending on the situation. Usually when kids ask stuff, they're just being curious. "Why does she need headphones?" "Why is Jaimie crying?" "How come Jaimie gets mad if I stand like this with her?"

Jaimie watches me answer questions or give information to other people, teachers, family, friends or even her little friends, and now she can answer stuff on her own. It's all about giving information. People may still not 'get' it but if you answer the "Why's" people seem much more receptive and accepting, you know? Plus by being calm and giving answers, it teaches our children how to advocate for themselves. And THAT'S powerful!

We've been very lucky in the last year or so because Jaimie has had SUCH amazingly supportive teachers who have taught about the senses to Jaimie's classmates then incorporate what happens when your senses aren't working the way they should (SPD). We gave copies of my children's book to all her classmates and that helped so much too. See? Knowledge breeds understanding. =D

I hope this helps you, DB. The best thing we can do for our sensational kids is talk about SPD and answer questions about it. Thanks again for bringing this up.

And thank you to Madeline, Ruth and LuAnn for coming by today. LuAnn, I'm very happy you liked the movie--it's an amazing resource. And thanks for signing up for the newsletter. (The new issue should be going out this week. =))

Chynna

What a great interview! Up until a month ago I had never heard of SPD, and then my cousin's little girl was diagnosed. She was so relieved to finally have a diagnosis--a starting point, a glimmer of the hope of normalcy for her child. May God bless you as you share your experiences with the world.

This is a great book for ANYONE who has a child with special needs or who teaches children with special needs. My stepson has a language processing disorder, and I could relate to the way Chynna felt on several occasions that she described in her book. It was inspirational and nice to know that you are not alone when trying to help your child! I can't wait for Chynna to visit my blog on Wednesday!

Margo
http://margodill.com/blog/

I am looking forward to finding your book at B&N next payday. My Grandson has SPD, and for a while there, until he was diagnosed, we thought he may have been autistic. What relief we had when we found out it wasn't. The county in which we live provided some good educational information to us in what it is and how to work with him. It's not always easy as he likes to do things on his own time and his own way. But once we get past certain barriers, those hurdles don't seem so bad. His vocabulary improved 1000 percent, his attention has improved, and he's actually learning. But it's a challenge still to get him to recognize letters, numbers etc., and repeat them back to us. Also, food is a major issue. How did you deal with that? My grandson is a "pasta-terian". He'd rather eat ramen noodles or a Meat & Mayo (meat being bologne) sandwich than eat anything else. Won't eat fruits, veggies (unless their hidden and blended in juices). I worry that he doesn't get enough nutrients, even tho we supplement. Suggestions?

Hello Chely, Margo and Claire!

I love hearing stories about parents getting put on the "right" path for diagnosis and treatment. It can still be tough but with that proper diagnosis, you understand what you're dealing and how to cope with it (and, most importantly, how to help the child cope with it.)

Chely, it really IS a huge relief, especially for caregivers who have been searching and asking for so long. Yes, knowing that your child has a special need isn't easy to hear but at least you're on the right path from that point on and you can get the right support. I'm so happy that your cousin is at that point. And thanks for your well wishes and Blessings; that means alot to me. =)

Claire, the eating side of things can be so frustrating, can't it? At one point, all Jaimie ate was pasta (LOVED your "pasta-terian" term!), apple sauce and MAYBE some yogurt. But it all had to be plain, smooth and untextured. We don't realize it but you're actually using alot of your senses when you eat: SMELL the aroma of the food; SEE the colors and textures; TASTE the textures and flavors; even using those muscles in the mouth and hand/arm to eat with. And when you throw in tactile issues on top of that...WELL...it's quite a show at mealtime, isn't it?

We found that once Jaimie began her specified OT therapy, had her Sensory Diet in place, she slowly began to tolerate different sensations a little better. It is a very slow process and, believe me, I understand your concerns. (Jaimie was always in the 90th or higher percentile for her height and between 10 and 25 for her weight.) What we always try doing is work with the things she likes...that she'll eat NOW...find the healthiest version of that then expand on it. So, if your grandson likes pasta, find the version of it that is actually whole grain but LOOKS like the white stuff he likes. Mixing the fruits into smoothies and the veggies into pasta sauce or other types of sauces is wonderful too. (You can even sneak some into burgers or meatballs, if he likes those.)And we discovered by cutting out anything with dyes, colors or artificial flavorings was HUGE for Jaimie.

I have a great recipe for YUMMY oatmeal muffins that we "brainify" with flax seed oil and some wheat germs and other good stuff. (Be careful with that flax seed oil though--it has a very strong flavor!) Making little "tweaks" to the things they already eat is the best way to start. And I'm sure, as with Jaimie, once your little guy gets going in his therapy, you'll see that he'll slowly but surely be willing to try other things. =)

Margo, thank you so much for your comments about the book. One of the most important messages I wanted to give with the book is that you need to trust your gut, arm yourself with knowledge then help others understand. Teachers, family members, friends will all be in contact with our child--whatever his needs are---and we need to help them learn how to interact with our child. After all, if the child is going to therapy to learn how to interact in their worlds and the people in it, shouldn't those people know how to interact with THEM? I"m so looking forward to visiting your site on Wednesday, Margo!

Thanks to you all for your comments so far. This is wonderful.

Chynna

Chynna, great interview! As you know, my four-year-old son has autism and many sensory issues. I like how you handled your answer about how your children will regard your stories later. That's something I've wondered about, too. I hope that when my little guy is older, he's able to ask questions about matters like this and then I can explain to him, "That was how things were then, and you should be so proud of how far you've come!"

I know that day is a long ways away, but still... I yearn for that time when we can actually converse like that.

Best of luck on your blog tour!

~Beth Cato

This was a very interesting interview... I don't know very much about sensory issues but I can just imagine how awful it would be... especially in a noisy city...

Best of luck with the books! May the words flow in 2010!

~Dianna

Oh Beth. Thanks so much for commenting. I pray that one day not too far away you'll be sitting down and explaining all of those things to your son--and he'll be able to talk to you about all the things he's thinking about, wondering and everything in between. =) It's always wonderful to hear from you.

Thanks, Dianna. I appreciate the "Good Luck!" Some days, I really think I need it. =)

Warmly,

Chynna

Chynna: I had never heard of SPD before so thank you for sharing and informing us all. This has been some journey you've been taking with Jaimie and God bless you for your strength and courage. Good luck with the book and your blog tour.
ps: That is the sweetest photo titled: Chynna's Beauties.

Lora Mitchell

Great interview and this sounds like a most fascinating book. Good on the author for spreading a message of hope and understanding about this little known disorder. I I'd like to be counted in the giveaway.

Sounds like a facinating book. Please enter me in the giveaway.

jenndiggy at gmail dot com

I am thrilled to have learned so much from your interview. I would love to read this book, and learn even more. Thanks for the opportunity.

bgcchs(at)yahoo(dot)com

I'd like to win this.
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Very interesting- My 21 year old son has something similar to this.
Diane Baum
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I had never heard of SPD until now!

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Wonderful Interview! Congratulations on your book.
mightynaynay(at)cs.com

Chynna,

I never heard of Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) before and I'd love to read your book. Thank for the information and congratulations on your book!

I would love to read this book. Thanks!

Wow... I really though I was having a crappy day. Didn't feel tlike dealing with anyone so thought I'd just check out some blogs and see what was out there and came across this one. Man, talk about smacking me right back to reality. This is such a touching story and what a great interview! I am very intrigued by this book and would love to read it now that I know of it.
titletowntreasures(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

I really liked your insight on marketing and promoting. My boyfriend jus finished his first comic, and we are about to start the process of getting it published! I would love to read this. Its a disorder Ive heard of often, but still don't really know a whole lot about it.


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sounds very interesting and informative

Sounds like a great book and I'd love to hear more of this story.
ncschools at yahoo dot com

My 11 year od son has SPD and after years and years of battles, he's finally making wonderful progress at a wonderful school! I'd love to read this book. I'm sure we've shared many similar experiences.

The interview was very interesting. Thanks for the great contest!

Sounds like an interesting read :)