One request for full manuscript - boosted confidence? Check!
Yes, Finally a request for a full manuscript. However, as I found this in my spam mail and no, before you ask, the publisher is verifiable but sadly computer is not! 23 Days later, I sent a small passive reply, explaining said computers fault and then sat back to wait.
Now for those that don't know me or my books, I have been published before. It took two years and that was the picture book and early reader market so I'm not holding my breath. I've also made a jump into the adult world, well sort of as I 'm also finishing off a middle grade book as we speak.
In terms of my adult novel the most recent professional feedback was that if this book was written thirty years ago it would have been picked up immediately. Great! Ironically its a book about time travel haha. So I handed it to the best reader of sci-fi novels - my son. Apart from my brothers who are both great readers but also tend to make comments because I'm their little sister, my son was my best bet. Now they say, never hand your novel to friends and family as they find it difficult to be honest but my relationship with my son is somewhat different. He is honest to the extreme and although at times I've found it slightly awkward, in this case, it's exactly what I needed.
He agreed with the criticism - hooray! He also explained that I had to hit the reader from the get go. The attention span in his generation and his opinion, is used to getting immediate results from anything. Everything is like fast food take outs. Of course, he is generalising but what he is saying makes sense. I love fantasy and sci-fi. I was told by everyone to watch Mad Max. I was a Mad Max fan and of course loved Mel Gibson. 'This is even better than the 'old' movies,' I was told. Excellent, I thought and watched it whilst eagerly awaiting the rest of the plot to play out...it didn't. Basically they travel away from said threat only to realise that there's nothing out there (desert) and return to said threat with less people but a mean intention and because of this beat the bad guys and create a new earth. Mad Max - well he became secondary, a passive, don't want to get involved kind of guy with strange flash backs to a movie or scene I must have missed. A little ghost girl, which insinuated that it was his child. Don't remember that either. I mean - really??? Did the screen writers actually watch the previous movies?
So with my book I have to change chapters, make it more purge anarchy or mad max and start with the moment that is halfway through the book. This was once know as the arc of the narrative the key climatic moment, in order to hook the reader, publisher, agent. Agents, who are same age as my children, want books that will sell immediately and don't want some old fart who doesn't get it. (I'm talking about me)
So I'm going to hit them, with all of my arsenal. I have a few AK 47 picture book stories, an explosive middle grade book a second volcanic novel plus this one. Hope they're ready.
They think we're not adaptable because we weren't brought up in this generation? Think again. This information shook me to my core and was the wake up call I needed to stand up and shake off the dust. Time to remind everyone that we still count.
We were the innovators at the beginning of that journey and are adaptable to change but at our pace. We also have the patience of a tortoise and unlike some of the hares out there, we finish what we started. We were the anarchists of the 80's generation, nose piercings, hair dying punks, peace loving Bob Marley makers, protestors and campaign shakers and spiritual guru's. We're the children of the children of wars, the hippies, the fascists, the rascists, the politically unhinged, the fringe groups, the breakers of walls, the bringers of awareness, the ones who said - NO!, The age of aquarius started with us. So piss off, I'm not done yet.
Viewing Blog: , Most Recent at Top
Results 1 - 25 of 30
Statistics for
Number of Readers that added this blog to their MyJacketFlap:
Dear Deborah,
Thank you for sending us your work, which we have read with interest.
Although we did enjoy looking at your material, in the end we felt it wasn’t quite right for us. We have to feel absolutely passionate about a new project before taking it on and we didn’t feel strongly enough in this case.
So far I've received compliments but no takers - it's par of the course I suppose. The last one before this said that I write fluidly and with confidence, that my narrative and dialogue are correct in terms of pace but the story seems too implausible. (Considering its about timetravel - um what?)
I'm not concerned. Oh I did receive a rather polite and embarrassing (no) from a publisher - who thanked me for submitting but did I know that they only publish erotic romance. Hahah - sorry - this is definetly not a fifty shades....
So what am I going to do now. Well naturally continue to write. I've been rejected before then accepted then published. Like I said its par for the course. I will be holding off submitting to any other agents and detaching myself from the book for a while. It will give me a good perspective. I am working on two other books at the moment, one for middle grade and another adult. Still enjoying the process and I'm a big believer that one has to try and fail in order to succeed. CARPE DIEM.
Sent them off Friday - five in all and already had one back saying that submission are closed until July 15th. (Not mentioned on the website.)
Oh and I'm not including the automated response with 15minutes that thanked me for my novel (only sent a query letter) but don't feel it's for them. Evidence that some look and some just keep their websites up without an update. I mean, how much time does it take to adjust your website or at least like the last one, that they're not taking on new clients? Other businesses do.
I've decided to take the advice from other writers and change my query letter every five or so. Oh and to also keep writing and try not to check my emails every five minutes. That parts easy as I never do. Last time I looked in my inbox there were a 140 emails there haha. It's a bit like my mobile. That reminds me - have to go and look for that.
Wish me luck. :) Most of the ones that I sent to state the time limit is from two weeks to two months, possibly three. I just don't know whether my patience will last that long - self publishing is so much easier.
Well, it's been an interesting two years as I've had my head down in a book for some reason or the other. I finished Totem but for reasons, I've decided not to publish it as yet. It's back to the drawing board on that one. Instead, I've been working on an adult historical fantasy/timeslip novel. It's with my copy editor as we speak. However, waiting for the arrival of one manuscript - all 112000 words of it is a nightmare. So I've devised ways to avoid boredom, frustration etc by starting a new novel. I'm already 10 000 words in, although at this stage it's about getting it down. Ironing out the gremlins, as I've discovered is a continual ongoing experience. I've also taken to reading for other writers, which in itself has helped me. The craft of learning, never stops.
So what is the next stage? I hear you ask. Well, I need to proofread the copy, agree or disagree on any changes. My list is like this.
1: Proofread copy and check changes.
2: Revise pitch, query and synopsis - ask yourself if you are getting the message across.
3: The most frightening - send it out. Now, a long, long time ago, when I was traditionally published, we didn't use agents. We went straight to the publisher, although that was in South Africa. So what to do..
4: Make a decision- focus on agents first. From all the websites, most writers send to at least twenty.
5: Send to Publishers. I thought I would give it the standard six weeks before sending to Publishers.
The question here is - should I go with indie publishers. There are some good ones out there. Now I know a lot of people think that you might as well self-publish but as I've discovered that's pretty hard too. I like Carina UK because they're part of Harlequine. I'm also considering Choc lit because they promote world wide. From my own experience, I use the kindle now rather than buying the book. This might be a surprise to most people but i simply do not have the space for any more books. You should see my bookshelf - hahaha
6: Wait and continue to write and enjoy life. I already know from previous experience that the publishing industry is slow like a glacier. Even in the nineties, it took at least two years from conception to publication.
7: If all fails, I still have an option to self-publish - why not? After all, the purpose of the book was to be read.
Wish me luck
Wow 26 views from France alone - Viva La Francaise:)
My book seems to have self-hibernated but I hope to have it up and running soon - promise. It's out with Beta Readers at the moment - eeek!!!!
 Read this book over the weekend by the fire, perfect book for a winters day. Story line was great, created a picturesque idea of the other side and the beauty that it holds. would recommend this book! |
well that was worth the read, new types of characters and creatures, different to all the other fantasy writers I know of ! would recommend this guys! |
I know from the review it will be a stunning book as I have read this author before and her books are great. |
http://www.whsmith.co.uk/EProducts/Where-Angels-Crossover+eBook+KB00106074868
Check it out - Heaven's Children is there too- yayxxxx
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/243685
I'm on Smashwords - books about to go live on apple, kobo, WH Smith - yay!!!!
Have a look and like and buy me xxx
JUST GOT SUCH A SHOCK - NOTICED I WAS 75 ON THE AMAZON RANKING LIST FOR KINDLE - HOW £$%$%$% FANTABULOUS IS THIS - WHOOOP. RANKING ONLY LASTS FOR A FEW MOMENTS BEFORE IT CHANGES - BUT HEY, I'M BASKING IN THIS NOW. THIS IS ALL DUE TO YOU GUYS - MY LOVERLEEE READERS - THANK YOU - HUGS AND KISSESXXXXX
EXERPT FROM THROUGH THE VEIL
Far below them, a girl woke up, gasping in the humid air. She pulled what felt like freshly webbed silk off her body. The stone bed she was lying on was imprinted with her shape. Sweat beaded on her forehead. This place was hot, too hot, especially when she placed her feet onto the stone slabs. She felt confused and dizzy. Memories of who she was before, of the end, were wiped away like a new born. Her brain immediately began to store new sensations of her surrounding, and she groaned. Every particle of air, scent and colour were transformed into messages, pushing her muscles up. She wobbled at first, her movements clumsy, and her voice box expelled a guttural sound.
Few more tweaks and then I've finished. A few areas to polish off before showing to my lovely readers....need some more reviews to push my rating up. Let me knowxx
I decided to do a free promotion while I polish off book two - Through the Veil. I have had some very interested emails from an agent on both of these books - Heaven's Children (Earth Totem) and Where Angels Crossover - so exciting!!!
Had so many people looking at my page yesterday - over 100!!!! Fantastic news.
Have a look at my latest book - Where Angels Crossover - only 77p
If you haven't seen Heaven's Children yet - have a look - second one is coming soon. You won't believe what happened to Hawk and Amber...let's just say there are a few more twists on the way. Did Mika disappear with Anna? Mmmm...maybe, maybe not? I don't want to give the story away but you're in for a surprise. Book cover for Through the veil is looking awesome - so excited with it - yay:)
I'm delighted after a few tweaks to offer a free two day promotion for my second book: Where Angels Crossover. This is the book I cried writing. When I did some research for this book - I was astounded at how many sites there are for teens and adults on how to die. The worst one was how to commit suicide properly - jeezus! I just couldn't believe it. Bullying is one of the highest reasons for teens to be depressed and normally results in self-harming or worse. If someone you know is depressed, tell somebody else - you could be saving a life!!!!! Let me know what you think. Apologies up front for the slightly gruesome first chapter but just keeping it real folks - sad but true! Thanks for reading and an extra thanks for some of those lovely readers that have told me how they enjoy my writing:))xxx
My second book - Where Angels Crossover had to come out. I'm still writing the second book in the Heaven's Children trilogy but this was one I had tucked away. I hope you like it.
What an amazing number of downloads - over 700 - would love some reviews from all of you lovely readers:))
Thank you so so much!
Grab the opportunity and download a copy of my book - free for five days - wow!
Finally, my corrected print version has arrived from the printers. I was so upset with the previous copies - big spacing, half the text cut off. So pleased today - everything (touch wood) is perfect, perfect, perfect!!! Oh and to my absolute delight - discovered it is now available at Barnes and Noble. Have a look!!! It might be raining outside, but inside, it's sunny!!! Finishing off the second book now:)
Review: Heaven's Children- Earth Totem by Deborah A. Jackson
In this book, we're introduced to Nevaeh (Must admit: the name's really cool; "heaven" backwards) a teenager that, after the deception of her best friend, joins the group of the "goths"... (You know, the group that exists in every school... The misfits?) Only they're not that. They're the Totem people; they tap on Gaia's energy. There, she meets Hawk, a guy who she feels a deep connection with since the beginning... Heaven's Children: Earth Totem is the story of Nevaeh's journey to find who she really is.
What drove me through this book was the necessity of knowing more about Nevaeh, Hawk and their group. The retrospective chapters help you construct the story very well, so when the accident that is presented at the beginning of the book is understandable. At first, I wondered what was going on... But once you get in the story, there's nothing that can get you out of it.
There's a little bit of everything in this book. Painful twists, more twists... I must say that the end left me brokenhearted. You get to love these characters. I hope I get to know more about them soon!
1/ How long have you been writing?
I guess my story writing began when I was an insufferable little teacher's pet obsessed with getting gold stars for story writing homework. Now, on the Authonomy website, it's a top 5 gold medal I'm after! (Not a lot of personal growth obviously...) I wrote a few short stories and of course bad backpacker poetry during my 20's when travelling overseas. I once met a Poet Laureate in Kathmandu who caught me ripping off William Blake's style - but I guess that's kinda a compliment that he identified Blake at all in my ramblings!
Cousin Felicity and the Eels of Misty Point is my first serious attempt at a full length novel.
2/ What made you come up with the idea for your latest book?
The idea came from the amazing books like Huck Finn, Tom Sawyer and the Moomins that my father used to read to me as a child. I wanted to create a book that could be an entertaining, suspenseful, 'old skool' read which kids could enjoy because of the personality of the narrative voice and the characters, with no dragons, zombies or vampires in sight. The motivation came from channelling a big ball of anger into some furious writing after being continuously turned down for job interviews by government agencies.
3/ Who's your favourite author of all time?
Hmm, Can I sidestep that question a touch and describe the type of writing I love? For me, the narrative style and/or voice are of paramount importance; I can't stand overwritten, pretentious narrative. Writers with a spare, powerful style like Peter Hoeg and Richard Russo are fantastic. In children's writing, of course Mark Twain and the Scandinavian writers (it's in my blood!) like Astrid Lindgren and Tove Jannsen. Stories rick in personality, humour and plot.
4/ What do you think is an important ingredient for any children's or young adults book?
I think kids love to learn and explore and that can be gaining visual or literal knowledge. Harry Potter - even though I'm not a big fan of the writing style, the intricacy and complexity of the world J.K. Rowling created meant there was much to explore for readers. Enough to sustain seven books! I also think children like a little bit of playfulness and even absurdity with language. You see this in classics by Spike Milligan and in books today like Horrid Henry. I think children respond to rhythm in language - those infectious rhymes in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory are another great example. Finally, I think characters need quirks! Roald Dahl gave his characters depth by making them quirky and a touch unpredictable. In my book, Daniel's sister Sophie is a 'tough kind of soft' ( which Daniel likens to toilet paper.) because she is the captain and toughest tackler in the boys rugby team, and yet her half of the room looks like it has been hit by a pink candyfloxx bomb. Kaal Kaczmarek's book, Cousin Felicity and Eels of Misty Point, is a comedy suspense caper for MG, YA and FY
(Forever Young) readers and is expected to be published in July 2012
View Next 4 Posts