Last week I was browsing my twitter feed, as I often do, and saw a tweet by agent Jill Corcoran about lunch, tea, and her. How could I resist clicking on the link?
There before me was an opportunity: How To Hook An Agent Hosted by: Writing Pad
For $200, 12-15 people would be attend a writing class hosted by Jill, lunch, tea, and 1-on-1 time for a ten page critique. It is to take place in Beverly Hills.
I have NEVER been to a writing conference, let alone anything like this. And I thought, "Is this worth $200?"
I have read Jill's blog several occasions and many times visited the agency website. I've learned to research agents before querying, it saves your time and theirs. Why query someone who isn't looking for what you have? I even came across a link to a YouTube interview with her a while back and thought she seemed like the friendliest person, ever. In fact, she reminded me of Nina Vardalos (My Big Fat Greek Wedding).
My current ms is fantasy. From everything I've read that genre isn't one of her interests (I pretty much felt like a stalker trying to find if she ever mentioned liking any book that was remotely fantasy). The answer I came up with was no.
"So, what did you do?" you may ask.
I spent $200 and signed up for the class.
I can imagine a few of you saying, "Why?! She doesn't rep fantasy!"
Here is why:
It's in LA. Since I live in San Diego it's only a few hours drive.
Second, although she doesn't have a strong interest in fantasy, you never know. Not that I think my book will be the excepetion to the rule, I can still hope. Besides, she may like my writing and ask to see something else, or refer me to an agent who would like this particular book. I have more wips than I can count in files on my computer/flash drive. Picture books, my illustrations, middle grade adventure, to all sorts of young adult. Not all are done, but some are.
But that is just a small part of why I decided this class was in my best interest and worth the money. The main reason: I want to become a better writer. I want the advice she's willing to give an aspiring author.
Even if Jill thinks this plot/story line isn't great, she still knows good writing from bad. More importantly, she can give me an idea as of to what I'm doing wrong, regardless of it being fantasy or contemporary. I want to stand out from the crowd, make my stories unique, and my writing flow.
Reading blogs and books about writing has helped me (2 specific blogs come to mind: Aimee Salter and Plot Whisperer-Martha Alderson-Martha also happens to be one of Jill's authors. A great book: Tarot for Writers-Corrine Kenner- I don't believe in 'fortune telling,' but it really makes you get creative, I can't speak highly enough of this book). I know I'm better than I was when I started this journey. But what blogs and books can't do is give feedback. They can't give you suggestions or brainstorm with you.
Don't get me wrong. I love and appreciate my friends reading my working and giving me feedback. It helps. They see things I don't. I already know the story and the characters, it's getting others to. My friends do tell me things they like and don't like, and their honesty is great. But it's not quite the same as someone who isn't my friend. I love constructive criticism and I want the hard honest truth. I am going to invest in me and my unwavering determination to write something amazing (and get it published the traditional way).
Wish me luck for Saturday! But in the meantime feel free to let me know: What would you, or have you paid for to further your career/dream job and was it worth it?
Monday, January 14, 2013
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
PRINCESS IN THE TOWER
Wow, has it been a long times since I've posted anything!
After my last post, everything seemed to go crazy. First, I became single and a few weeks later I decided to close my business. It was something I'd been thinking about for a while and figured it would be best if I started the New Year fresh in all aspects of my life.
My writing took a backseat for a while, but I'm back at it and hope to have the first draft of THE CHOOSING done by the end of March.
A few days ago, I decided to send out a very select few query letters for my children's book, PRINCESS IN THE TOWER.
One thing, however, I did not do, was send out the illustrations I have for it. I've often debated with myself and others if they were good enough. So, I've decided to post a few on here and let you all decide for yourself. Personally, I love them.
Well, here are a few!
After my last post, everything seemed to go crazy. First, I became single and a few weeks later I decided to close my business. It was something I'd been thinking about for a while and figured it would be best if I started the New Year fresh in all aspects of my life.
My writing took a backseat for a while, but I'm back at it and hope to have the first draft of THE CHOOSING done by the end of March.
A few days ago, I decided to send out a very select few query letters for my children's book, PRINCESS IN THE TOWER.
One thing, however, I did not do, was send out the illustrations I have for it. I've often debated with myself and others if they were good enough. So, I've decided to post a few on here and let you all decide for yourself. Personally, I love them.
Well, here are a few!
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Birthday Contest Results!
Happy December everyone!
Now that 30th birthday extravagana is over, I'm able to post the results.
And the winner is Twin2. Please email me at the address on my blog with your address so I can get the books in the mail and you'll have them by Christmas!
Now that 30th birthday extravagana is over, I'm able to post the results.
And the winner is Twin2. Please email me at the address on my blog with your address so I can get the books in the mail and you'll have them by Christmas!
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Contest: Gift for you for my 30th birthday!
I still can’t believe that I’m turning 30! So in honor of that, I am giving away three books to one person. That’s right, I said three! Can you guess what amazingly awesome series I’m giving away? THE HUNGER GAMES, by Suzanne Collins.
How hungry are you for THE HUNGER GAMES, CATCHING FIRE, MOCKINGJAY?
CONTEST: Answer the following two questions.
Questions:
1. What is your favorite book turned movie/t.v. series?
2. What book do you want to see made into one?
*Feel free to add in “why,” (I'd love to know) but you don’t have to.*
RULES:
1. Must follow this blog or follow me on twitter.
2. Contest starts now. You must have your answer posted by midnight, pacific time, on November 30th (my birthday!)
Ready...set...ENTER CONTEST!
Sunday, August 28, 2011
Interview with Suzanne Young
First, I want to thank everyone who participated in the giveaway for the signed copy of Suzanne's book, A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL.
Suzanne was also kind enough to do an interview with me!
Suzanne Young is a brilliant scientist. Not really. But she is a former middle school teacher turned zookeeper (mother). When Suzanne’s not fending off zombie squirrels she can be found writing obsessively. Suzanne is the author of A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL and several other YA titles.
Q. How long have you been writing for and how many did you write before selling THE NAUGHTY LIST?
A. I’ve been writing since I was in middle school, starting with murder mysteries starring my friends. Thankfully my plotting has developed since then. I wrote my first full-length novel in 2007, and then three more after that before writing THE NAUGHTY LIST.
Q. What was your favorite scene to write for A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL?
A. It would be the last Need with Warren. It was very emotionally charged for me, and the basic idea of what the Needs were all about—unwavering love.
Q. Can you tell is when a summary for A WANT TO WICKED will be available?
A. I just saw it myself! Hopefully soon! It’s really exciting!
Q. How do you come up with the names of your characters?
A. I usually start by looking up old fashioned baby names. And then from there, my characters go through a couple of choices before finally settling on one. For example, I have a new book idea where the main character was Sydelle for the first 3 chapters, and now I just went back and changed her to Natalie. It fit better.
Q. Did anything inspire your upcoming book, THE PROGRAM?
A. My own experiences with depression. THE PROGRAM ended up being the combination of three of my other unpublished novels in terms of ideas.
Q. What is your favorite writing snack?
A. Candy corn.
Q. Do you have a ritual you must do before you can start writing?
A. I like to write in a clean space. I can’t stand clutter, so I often clean a little bit. But don’t even get me started on the laundry!
Q. What is worst advice you've been given since you've started writing?
A. I was once told by a professor that I could ONLY write what I know. He tore up my first short story because I wrote it from a male perspective.
Suzanne was also kind enough to do an interview with me!
Suzanne Young is a brilliant scientist. Not really. But she is a former middle school teacher turned zookeeper (mother). When Suzanne’s not fending off zombie squirrels she can be found writing obsessively. Suzanne is the author of A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL and several other YA titles.
Q. How long have you been writing for and how many did you write before selling THE NAUGHTY LIST?
A. I’ve been writing since I was in middle school, starting with murder mysteries starring my friends. Thankfully my plotting has developed since then. I wrote my first full-length novel in 2007, and then three more after that before writing THE NAUGHTY LIST.
Q. What was your favorite scene to write for A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL?
A. It would be the last Need with Warren. It was very emotionally charged for me, and the basic idea of what the Needs were all about—unwavering love.
Q. Can you tell is when a summary for A WANT TO WICKED will be available?
A. I just saw it myself! Hopefully soon! It’s really exciting!
Q. How do you come up with the names of your characters?
A. I usually start by looking up old fashioned baby names. And then from there, my characters go through a couple of choices before finally settling on one. For example, I have a new book idea where the main character was Sydelle for the first 3 chapters, and now I just went back and changed her to Natalie. It fit better.
Q. Did anything inspire your upcoming book, THE PROGRAM?
A. My own experiences with depression. THE PROGRAM ended up being the combination of three of my other unpublished novels in terms of ideas.
Q. What is your favorite writing snack?
A. Candy corn.
Q. Do you have a ritual you must do before you can start writing?
A. I like to write in a clean space. I can’t stand clutter, so I often clean a little bit. But don’t even get me started on the laundry!
Q. What is worst advice you've been given since you've started writing?
A. I was once told by a professor that I could ONLY write what I know. He tore up my first short story because I wrote it from a male perspective.
Friday, August 19, 2011
CONTEST RESULTS
Oh my goodness, your responses were awesome! I had a hard time choosing....so I ended up asking got help from my best friend and my boyfriend.
AND THE WINNER IS: Sara-
I would turn my backyard into a fantasy land! There would be a labyrinth with games and adventure at every turn. And treehouses and pirate ships to explore... :)
I'll be emailing you soon for your address to mail the book and pin!.
Ok, back to the road trip. Thank you all for being patient while I drove through mountains with no cell phone service to post this blog.
AND THE WINNER IS: Sara-
I would turn my backyard into a fantasy land! There would be a labyrinth with games and adventure at every turn. And treehouses and pirate ships to explore... :)
I'll be emailing you soon for your address to mail the book and pin!.
Ok, back to the road trip. Thank you all for being patient while I drove through mountains with no cell phone service to post this blog.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
CONTEST: A Need So Beautiful
CONTEST:
Answer the question: If you were given $200,000 what frivolous thing would you do/buy, just because you could?
I’m not looking for answers like paying bills and whatnot. Have fun with it!
Example: My answer would be…
As a kid, I loved My Little Pony. So I’d buy a horse, have it dyed pink (non-toxic of course), and have a cupcake stenciled on it!
PRIZE: Signed copy of A NEED SO BEAUTIFUL by Suzanne Young and pin.
Charlotte’s best friend thinks Charlotte might be psychic. Her boyfriend thinks she’s cheating on him. But Charlotte knows what’s really wrong: She is one of the Forgotten, a kind of angel on earth, who feels the Need—a powerful, uncontrollable draw to help someone, usually a stranger.
But Charlotte never wanted this responsibility. What she wants is to help her best friend, whose life is spiraling out of control. She wants to lie in her boyfriend's arms forever. But as the Need grows stronger, it begins to take a dangerous toll on Charlotte. And who she was, is, and will become--her mark on this earth, her very existence--is in jeopardy of disappearing completely.
Charlotte will be forced to choose: Should she embrace her fate as a Forgotten, a fate that promises to rip her from the lives of those she loves forever? Or is she willing to fight against her destiny--no matter how dark the consequences.
WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON FRIDAY, AUGUST 19.
I can't wait to ready the answers!
Rules:
1. Must follow me on twitter or this blog.
2. You can only enter once.
3. With your answer, be sure to add your email address so I can contact you!
4. Contest ends Thursday at 9 p.m. Western/Midnight Eastern.
CHECK BACK SOON FOR: Interview with Suzanne Young!
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