WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! I just found out my second book ALSO received a TOP PICK! from Romantic Times BOOKclub magazine!!!
I am thrilled and thankful beyond comprehension and God knows how much this means to me! (Thank you, Lord!)
Here's what the reviewer had to say:
Air Force pararescue jumper Manny Pena has been seriously hurt during a routine jump. His long recuperation will take place in the town of Refuge at the home of a friend and fellow jumper. This brings Manny into constant contact with Celia Munoz, the best friend to Manny's best friend's wife. The two can't seem to stop knocking heads -- until their true hearts' desires are revealed. There is a connectedness that grows by leaps and bounds in this exceptional story by Cheryl Wyatt. Don't miss A Soldier's Family (4.5).
—Robin Taylor
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!
Cheryl Wyatt
The book should go on sale at eharlequin any day now.
www.eharlequin.com
Showing posts with label Writing Updates. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Writing Updates. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, May 29, 2007
RETURN FROM MIA
HELLO BLOG!
Sorry for the lack of posts lately. I have been buried in multiple contest stuff and polishing my manuscript...you know, the one we plotstormed together.
Guess what?
It's going in the mail tomorrow!!!
I'm polishing up the synopsis tonight and in the morning, then it's to the mail box we go.
Later this week I will post more ways I managed to cut nearly 7000 words from my manuscript.
Thanks for your patience and readership even though I've been MIA somewhat. I promise to start posting more.
Thursday, May 10, 2007
WORD COUNT-GOING UNDER THE KNIFE
I am finished with the rough draft of Chance's story, which is the plotstorm we've gone through together. (For those of you joining my blog readership late, you can find the PLOTSTORM label to the right to view the Plotstorms for the third book in my Wings of Refuge Series).
As usual, I am 5,000-6,000 words over. Meaning, my publisher wants the books to end up between 55,000 and 60,000 words.
So major cutting is what I'm doing now. I thought I'd post how I do this in case any of you struggle with what and where to cut.
First off, I have critiquers going through the entire ms right now. They bring an outside perspective on the story. Any places they think drags, I cut large portions (several paragraphs at a time) from those sluggish areas. Areas where it feels like the flow stops, or the story bogs. I condense what I said in a paragraph down to a sentence, etc. That sort of thing.
I also get rid of unneccesary words such as, "So, And, But, Then," Etc. from the beginnings of my sentences. I also nix nearly every "just" and "that" I can because most of the time, it will tighten the writing, and sound better without it. There are other throw away words, but I'll get into that later.
I am to page 50 of a 300 page manuscript and have already cut 2100 of the necessary 6000 words. Cutting 6000 words seems daunting until you break it down to what you need to cut per page, or per chapter if you prefer to do it that way.
In a 300 word manuscript, to cut 6000 words, you need to cut 20 words per page. That's it. That averages to about one or two sentences per page. See? Sounds much more doable. And some pages I've cut 50 words, so if I only cut 10 on the next page, I'm still where I need to be within parameters.
I also go through and omit most "ly" adverbs, and strive for a stronger verb instead. I especially try to stay away from "was" with "ing" words, and exchange that for a strong "ed" verb. For example. He was staring at her. Change to: He stared at her, or better yet: He stared. "was" with "ing" tends to make writing passive. We must strive to make writing active.
Another way I bring my word count down is to reconstruct sentences. Tighten the writing and omit wordiness. I will post some examples here. The first sentence is the sentence as I typed it rough draft. The second sentence is the reworked sentence, with how many words I was able to cut from the sentence by recrafting it.
Examples:
1. "Bitsy, are you really going to go leave this house looking like that?" Sasha asked, looking at her outfit with disdain. (21 words)
2. "You really going out like that?" Sasha's scowling eyes swept her outfit. (Cut down to 12 words, and shown intead of told. Also cut the tag ("said") since I have a beat, tag is not necessary. Only use one or the other to denote speaker, not both.)
1. He turned around and went to go look for Bitsy. (10 words)
2. He whirled, intent to find Bitsy. (6 words-cut 4 total)
1.She had on combat boots that came all the way up to her thighs. (14 words)
2.She wore thigh-high combat boots. (down to 6 words, cut 8 words by reworking)
1. They reminded Bitsy of the thigh-high Gor-Tex wading boots that Sasha wore to delve into hip-deep water inside the caves that she explored to catch a glimpse of her beloved vampire bats. (35 words) EEK! (Sheesh! I know THAT needed cut. LOL! But remember, it's the ROUGH draft. LOL)
Sentence reworked: 2. Reminded Bitsy of Sasha's Gor-Tex wading boots. (8 words, cut 27 words!)
The reason I cut so much of that sentence is: Sasha is a secondary character, so I'm trying to bring my heroine front and center more, and not have so much emphasis on secondaries. When Sasha gets her own story, then I can paste (since I do cut and paste cuts into a separate document for future reference) those details into my scene index and character charts and incorporate it into Sasha's story, since it really doesn't apply to Bitsy's story. If Sasha's story were going to come next, I'd focus on her more heavily than another secondary. Since it isn't coming for awhile, I really don't need to plant these details in here. I have several more books (please, Lord?) to write before Sasha's, so I can plant a sentence or so in each one about her, so readers can start bonding with her, and hopefully request her story. That's how I'm hoping I'll know if readers are endeared to secondaries, is if I get requests for their story. I've heard many authors get reader letters, requesting that a particular secondary, or minor character get his/her own story.
Anyway, I'm going through EVERY sentence of my ms and cutting ALL words that are not crucial and serve a purpose in the story.
I may post more reworks later, but hopefully this'll help you once you go to edit your story.
Back to hacking,
Squirrel
--
Cheryl Wyatt Gal. 2:20 Pouring my vial of words over Him.
www.CherylWyatt.com www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008
http://www.Steeplehill.com www.Loveinspiredauthors.com
As usual, I am 5,000-6,000 words over. Meaning, my publisher wants the books to end up between 55,000 and 60,000 words.
So major cutting is what I'm doing now. I thought I'd post how I do this in case any of you struggle with what and where to cut.
First off, I have critiquers going through the entire ms right now. They bring an outside perspective on the story. Any places they think drags, I cut large portions (several paragraphs at a time) from those sluggish areas. Areas where it feels like the flow stops, or the story bogs. I condense what I said in a paragraph down to a sentence, etc. That sort of thing.
I also get rid of unneccesary words such as, "So, And, But, Then," Etc. from the beginnings of my sentences. I also nix nearly every "just" and "that" I can because most of the time, it will tighten the writing, and sound better without it. There are other throw away words, but I'll get into that later.
I am to page 50 of a 300 page manuscript and have already cut 2100 of the necessary 6000 words. Cutting 6000 words seems daunting until you break it down to what you need to cut per page, or per chapter if you prefer to do it that way.
In a 300 word manuscript, to cut 6000 words, you need to cut 20 words per page. That's it. That averages to about one or two sentences per page. See? Sounds much more doable. And some pages I've cut 50 words, so if I only cut 10 on the next page, I'm still where I need to be within parameters.
I also go through and omit most "ly" adverbs, and strive for a stronger verb instead. I especially try to stay away from "was" with "ing" words, and exchange that for a strong "ed" verb. For example. He was staring at her. Change to: He stared at her, or better yet: He stared. "was" with "ing" tends to make writing passive. We must strive to make writing active.
Another way I bring my word count down is to reconstruct sentences. Tighten the writing and omit wordiness. I will post some examples here. The first sentence is the sentence as I typed it rough draft. The second sentence is the reworked sentence, with how many words I was able to cut from the sentence by recrafting it.
Examples:
1. "Bitsy, are you really going to go leave this house looking like that?" Sasha asked, looking at her outfit with disdain. (21 words)
2. "You really going out like that?" Sasha's scowling eyes swept her outfit. (Cut down to 12 words, and shown intead of told. Also cut the tag ("said") since I have a beat, tag is not necessary. Only use one or the other to denote speaker, not both.)
1. He turned around and went to go look for Bitsy. (10 words)
2. He whirled, intent to find Bitsy. (6 words-cut 4 total)
1.She had on combat boots that came all the way up to her thighs. (14 words)
2.She wore thigh-high combat boots. (down to 6 words, cut 8 words by reworking)
1. They reminded Bitsy of the thigh-high Gor-Tex wading boots that Sasha wore to delve into hip-deep water inside the caves that she explored to catch a glimpse of her beloved vampire bats. (35 words) EEK! (Sheesh! I know THAT needed cut. LOL! But remember, it's the ROUGH draft. LOL)
Sentence reworked: 2. Reminded Bitsy of Sasha's Gor-Tex wading boots. (8 words, cut 27 words!)
The reason I cut so much of that sentence is: Sasha is a secondary character, so I'm trying to bring my heroine front and center more, and not have so much emphasis on secondaries. When Sasha gets her own story, then I can paste (since I do cut and paste cuts into a separate document for future reference) those details into my scene index and character charts and incorporate it into Sasha's story, since it really doesn't apply to Bitsy's story. If Sasha's story were going to come next, I'd focus on her more heavily than another secondary. Since it isn't coming for awhile, I really don't need to plant these details in here. I have several more books (please, Lord?) to write before Sasha's, so I can plant a sentence or so in each one about her, so readers can start bonding with her, and hopefully request her story. That's how I'm hoping I'll know if readers are endeared to secondaries, is if I get requests for their story. I've heard many authors get reader letters, requesting that a particular secondary, or minor character get his/her own story.
Anyway, I'm going through EVERY sentence of my ms and cutting ALL words that are not crucial and serve a purpose in the story.
I may post more reworks later, but hopefully this'll help you once you go to edit your story.
Back to hacking,
Squirrel
--
Cheryl Wyatt Gal. 2:20 Pouring my vial of words over Him.
www.CherylWyatt.com www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008
http://www.Steeplehill.com www.Loveinspiredauthors.com
Sunday, May 06, 2007
PROFILED ON EHARLEQUIN
I stumbled upon the Steeple Hill message boards when I first started learning how to write fiction. It is a wonderful community and a great source for learning, resourse and making friends with others who are pursuing publication.
Eharlequin recently interviewed me for a profile on the site, since I went from being a community member pursuing publication to one of Harlequin's authors.
Check it out!
http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1038&chapter=0
Sorry I've been MIA from my blog the past few weeks. I had to go into a cave to re write book three since I lost it in a computer crash. Thankfully, I had a recent version on my flash drive. But they were such a mess I pretty much rewrote the book. LOL! I have about two chapters left, then comes edits and proofreading which I (obviously, by all my blog typos) royally suck at. That's why I always have at least one more set of eyes going over it.
Geek Squad thought they recovered the files, but unfortulately, they'd only recovered shortcuts of my story and not the actual document. WAAAAA!!
Buy anyhoo, I've been unbelievably swamped coordinating and judging writing contests as well. I like to give back to the writing community however and consider that I was asked to do it an honor. I learned a tremendous amount about the craft of writing, and about particular weaknesses in my writing from contest critiques. It feels good to be able to give back, though I still have lots to learn.
When I go to write the next book, I'll be doing another Plotstorm.
Toodles!
Squirrel
Eharlequin recently interviewed me for a profile on the site, since I went from being a community member pursuing publication to one of Harlequin's authors.
Check it out!
http://www.eharlequin.com/articlepage.html?articleId=1038&chapter=0
Sorry I've been MIA from my blog the past few weeks. I had to go into a cave to re write book three since I lost it in a computer crash. Thankfully, I had a recent version on my flash drive. But they were such a mess I pretty much rewrote the book. LOL! I have about two chapters left, then comes edits and proofreading which I (obviously, by all my blog typos) royally suck at. That's why I always have at least one more set of eyes going over it.
Geek Squad thought they recovered the files, but unfortulately, they'd only recovered shortcuts of my story and not the actual document. WAAAAA!!
Buy anyhoo, I've been unbelievably swamped coordinating and judging writing contests as well. I like to give back to the writing community however and consider that I was asked to do it an honor. I learned a tremendous amount about the craft of writing, and about particular weaknesses in my writing from contest critiques. It feels good to be able to give back, though I still have lots to learn.
When I go to write the next book, I'll be doing another Plotstorm.
Toodles!
Squirrel
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
HOUSTON! WE HAVE A SERIES TITLE!
Here is the (tentative) series title my editors emailed me this week.
WINGS OF REFUGE: These soldiers of the skies are fearless, faithful
and falling... in love
and falling... in love
What do y'all think?
I really like it. It won't go on the first book, but hopefully will be on book two and every book from the PJ series that they buy afterward.
Thanks to everyone who helped me titlestorm series ideas.
Squirrel
--
Cheryl Wyatt Gal. 2:20 Pouring my vial of words over Him.
www.CherylWyatt.com www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008
www.Steeplehill.com www.Loveinspiredauthors.com
Sunday, March 04, 2007
REVISIONS OFF! BACK TO OUR REGULARLY SCHEDULED PLOTSTORM
Mailed my revisions the end of last week despite my computer crash. Thank God for flash drives. LOL!
Okay, so now I'm going to come back to our regularly scheduled plotstorm for book three.
Most of the story is rough drafted. What I'll be doing this week is called layering. Since I'm below my word count (which is good considering I haven't really added in all my sensory and setting descriptions) I will go through and layer in stuff***. So right now, I have the basic bones of the story down, broken up into chapters, and I know my characters upside down and inside out. So let's go over what we've done so far. Characterization was pretty much complete on first pass. The main issue there is to be sure your characters are likable and sympathetic, but not perfect since they need to grow during the story, and have some kind of spiritual or emotional epiphany. With the characters being well-developed, I have also (in the story) established in the readers' mind my characters' goals(what do they want to obtain or accomplish by the end of the book?), motivation (why do they want this goal? What is driving them to obtain this? Why is it so important to them?) made clear in the story by different means###. The different means### can include during dialogue (short snippets), brought up on introspection (briefly, you want NOT to have huge dumps of backstory. No more than a few sentences at a time. Sprinkle it throughout, don't dump it all at once on the reader.). I have also tossed major wrenches and hurdles at my characters throughout the story.
Conflcit: I've upped the stakes and made it seem to the reader like there is no way things are going to work out okay between the characters. Not only relationally, but with their individual story goals. And though this is romance, your heroine's sole goal can't be to get the guy and vice versa. They need personal goals, and it's great if their personal goals clash with or challenge the developing romance. Just a note here about relationship conflict. It's best for the conflict not to be based solely on misunderstanding (meaning with good communication, the heroine and hero's probs can be worked out). It's also best if your characters don't constantly bicker. I mean they can, but don't make that THE conflict. It's a mistake I made when starting out. I thought argument mean conflcit and conflict meant argument. Be creative. Even positive things can bring about conflict.
Okay so I'm going to be going through the story right now and making sure it is coming across as cohesive and in a logical progression. I'll also be making sure I've tied up all loose ends(such as the fact I started out chapter two having a cat and forgot about it at some point in the story until chapter 12 LOL!), and addressed all issues(such as feeding and nurturing the poor forgotten cat). I'm going to be adding in (layering) stronger setting and sensory description. For example: A scene as I have it now may read:
Okay that's a quick and rough and extreme example but you have all sensory in the scene now so the reader will FEEL like they're RIGHT THERE WITH CHANCE.
Sights (snowflakes), sounds (crackling and gurgling, french roast), smells (Coffee & pine), touch (softness of footstool, warmth from fire), taste (sugar and cream).
I've also deepened the emotion by giving him the peace and by having that snippet of internal monologue (It's going to be okay). I've also deepened his characterization by showing (not telling) the reader that he trusts his fellow teammates. I've also nixed two unneccesary words (That and just.) MOST of the time, you can take those words out of the sentence and still maintain the effect you want. And your text is less clunky. About the only time I'd leave a "that" or "just" in there is in dialogue if a character has a tendency or a quirk of using one or the other. Then I'm make certain no other characters have that same quirk or use that particular word in their speech. You want your characters to be as distinct from one another as possible.
Okay, that's it for today. We'll talk more about writing in Deep Point of View another time.
Hope this helps.
Warmly,
--
Cheryl Wyatt Gal. 2:20 Pouring my vial of words over Him.
www.CherylWyatt.com http://www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008
www.Steeplehill.com www.Loveinspiredauthors.com
Okay, so now I'm going to come back to our regularly scheduled plotstorm for book three.
Most of the story is rough drafted. What I'll be doing this week is called layering. Since I'm below my word count (which is good considering I haven't really added in all my sensory and setting descriptions) I will go through and layer in stuff***. So right now, I have the basic bones of the story down, broken up into chapters, and I know my characters upside down and inside out. So let's go over what we've done so far. Characterization was pretty much complete on first pass. The main issue there is to be sure your characters are likable and sympathetic, but not perfect since they need to grow during the story, and have some kind of spiritual or emotional epiphany. With the characters being well-developed, I have also (in the story) established in the readers' mind my characters' goals(what do they want to obtain or accomplish by the end of the book?), motivation (why do they want this goal? What is driving them to obtain this? Why is it so important to them?) made clear in the story by different means###. The different means### can include during dialogue (short snippets), brought up on introspection (briefly, you want NOT to have huge dumps of backstory. No more than a few sentences at a time. Sprinkle it throughout, don't dump it all at once on the reader.). I have also tossed major wrenches and hurdles at my characters throughout the story.
Conflcit: I've upped the stakes and made it seem to the reader like there is no way things are going to work out okay between the characters. Not only relationally, but with their individual story goals. And though this is romance, your heroine's sole goal can't be to get the guy and vice versa. They need personal goals, and it's great if their personal goals clash with or challenge the developing romance. Just a note here about relationship conflict. It's best for the conflict not to be based solely on misunderstanding (meaning with good communication, the heroine and hero's probs can be worked out). It's also best if your characters don't constantly bicker. I mean they can, but don't make that THE conflict. It's a mistake I made when starting out. I thought argument mean conflcit and conflict meant argument. Be creative. Even positive things can bring about conflict.
Okay so I'm going to be going through the story right now and making sure it is coming across as cohesive and in a logical progression. I'll also be making sure I've tied up all loose ends(such as the fact I started out chapter two having a cat and forgot about it at some point in the story until chapter 12 LOL!), and addressed all issues(such as feeding and nurturing the poor forgotten cat). I'm going to be adding in (layering) stronger setting and sensory description. For example: A scene as I have it now may read:
Chance sat in the chair and faced the window while he sipped his coffee. He just knew that everthing would be okay. He trusted Manny and Joel.
Since it's best to show readers instead of tell them, and also you want to strive to write in deep POV (Point of View) I may rewrite or change that to something like: White snowflakes glistened in the lamplight as Chance stared out the window. Mesmerized, he lowered himself to the oversize footstool. Its plush softness enveloped him like a hug from a friend. Warmth from the fireplace rested on his back. Pine wood crackling and coffeepot gurgling another pot of French Roast were the only sounds both competing with and calming his thoughts. Chance lifted the cool ceramic to his mouth and drained the cup of the last drop, running his fingers over the silver scroll cross embelleshing the white enamel. Sugar and cream sludge doctored his taste buds as a sweet, overwhelming peace flooded his emotions. It would be okay. Joel and Manny said so. And he trusted them with his life . . . and hers.
Okay that's a quick and rough and extreme example but you have all sensory in the scene now so the reader will FEEL like they're RIGHT THERE WITH CHANCE.
Sights (snowflakes), sounds (crackling and gurgling, french roast), smells (Coffee & pine), touch (softness of footstool, warmth from fire), taste (sugar and cream).
I've also deepened the emotion by giving him the peace and by having that snippet of internal monologue (It's going to be okay). I've also deepened his characterization by showing (not telling) the reader that he trusts his fellow teammates. I've also nixed two unneccesary words (That and just.) MOST of the time, you can take those words out of the sentence and still maintain the effect you want. And your text is less clunky. About the only time I'd leave a "that" or "just" in there is in dialogue if a character has a tendency or a quirk of using one or the other. Then I'm make certain no other characters have that same quirk or use that particular word in their speech. You want your characters to be as distinct from one another as possible.
Okay, that's it for today. We'll talk more about writing in Deep Point of View another time.
Hope this helps.
Warmly,
--
Cheryl Wyatt Gal. 2:20 Pouring my vial of words over Him.
www.CherylWyatt.com http://www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
A SOLDIER'S FAMILY~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Mar. 2008
www.Steeplehill.com www.Loveinspiredauthors.com
Friday, February 23, 2007
Donald Maas is a Genius and other life oddities
Did you know he's a genius?
Well, he just is because I say so. LOL!
If you're an aspiring writer, I think his books are one of those MUST reads.....like once a year at least. There are certain craft books that I read over and over.
Donald Maas' Writing the Breakout Novel and the Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook are two such books.
I'll be listing others along the way.
Short blog today....got several women coming over for prayer this morning and my house is a wreck.
My husband is shaking his head, reading over my shoulder...he's like, "Who cares about your house? Everyone lives the same. Only all you women don't know it because you nutt up on a cleaning spree thirty minutes before folks show up."
Okay, confession time....I actually DO have an entire (small) walk-in closet that I insist my family keeps empty so when I see someone pull up, or call to say they're dropping by, or as in the case of this morning...when I've been on a revision spree and haven't had time to clean....I start tossing and shoving stuff in that closet. I even got those cheap 88cent apiece white round laundry baskets...yes you guessed it...to throw stuff in and stack in the closet.
Can't believe I'm admitting that.
Oh...and I posted yesterday via email but it still hasn't shown up yet so I guess internet goblins ate it or something but I had a writer's worst nightmare happen yesterday. IN the middle of my CONTRACTED revisions....my less than a year old laptop computer crashed. So I call tech support and all I hear is a message that says, "For tech support, please visit our Website." LOL! Okay, now, thankfully I have a desktop in order to do that, BUT how do they expect people to do that who only have one computer? And that computer crashed so bad it won't even start up in Safe Mode? LOL! Oh the oddities of life.
Thankfully I had recently backed up my files on flash drive....so I only lost a few hours worth of revision work. I already made the work up yesterday, then I realized while looking at my flash drive that I think I lost two stories I typed in my alphie then transferred. Well a story and a half! ACK! Now THAT is a total bummer. So I'm praying God and the Geek Squad come through for me and are able to retrieve those files. The guy looked at me wierd when I said, "If it comes down to saving the computer or saving files....I want the files."
He kind of looked at me wierd...but only another writer would understand such a loony request. LOL!
Okay, people are pulling up....talk to ya's later.
Squirrel
Well, he just is because I say so. LOL!
If you're an aspiring writer, I think his books are one of those MUST reads.....like once a year at least. There are certain craft books that I read over and over.
Donald Maas' Writing the Breakout Novel and the Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook are two such books.
I'll be listing others along the way.
Short blog today....got several women coming over for prayer this morning and my house is a wreck.
My husband is shaking his head, reading over my shoulder...he's like, "Who cares about your house? Everyone lives the same. Only all you women don't know it because you nutt up on a cleaning spree thirty minutes before folks show up."
Okay, confession time....I actually DO have an entire (small) walk-in closet that I insist my family keeps empty so when I see someone pull up, or call to say they're dropping by, or as in the case of this morning...when I've been on a revision spree and haven't had time to clean....I start tossing and shoving stuff in that closet. I even got those cheap 88cent apiece white round laundry baskets...yes you guessed it...to throw stuff in and stack in the closet.
Can't believe I'm admitting that.
Oh...and I posted yesterday via email but it still hasn't shown up yet so I guess internet goblins ate it or something but I had a writer's worst nightmare happen yesterday. IN the middle of my CONTRACTED revisions....my less than a year old laptop computer crashed. So I call tech support and all I hear is a message that says, "For tech support, please visit our Website." LOL! Okay, now, thankfully I have a desktop in order to do that, BUT how do they expect people to do that who only have one computer? And that computer crashed so bad it won't even start up in Safe Mode? LOL! Oh the oddities of life.
Thankfully I had recently backed up my files on flash drive....so I only lost a few hours worth of revision work. I already made the work up yesterday, then I realized while looking at my flash drive that I think I lost two stories I typed in my alphie then transferred. Well a story and a half! ACK! Now THAT is a total bummer. So I'm praying God and the Geek Squad come through for me and are able to retrieve those files. The guy looked at me wierd when I said, "If it comes down to saving the computer or saving files....I want the files."
He kind of looked at me wierd...but only another writer would understand such a loony request. LOL!
Okay, people are pulling up....talk to ya's later.
Squirrel
Monday, February 12, 2007
NEED HELP WITH SERIES TITLE-PRIZE INVOLVED!
Thank you, everyone for your congrats! Even the lurkers who haven't posted. Come out and play with us...don't be shy! :-)
I had my USAF PJ (Pararescue Jumper) series named "Wind Warriors" for the working/tentative title for the series.
My editors are asking for other ideas.
So send me some title ideas for my PJ series...and if we use your title, you will receive a nice gift basket from me. You will also receive a free autographed copy of each of the books when they release.
Come on guys! Help me TITLESTORM! :-)
The series consists of a team of USAF Pararescue Jumpers (Skydiving combat and rescue paramedics who are considered Special Forces soldiers.)
Each man on the team has a story. There are 7 men on the team. So far I've sold two of the seven. Each story features one guy from the team.
These are Inspirational Romances, and Love Inspired is a family-oriented publisher. So with that in mind...send me your ideas! As many as ya want.
Be sure to let me knwo your email address so I can contact you if we choose your idea.
You might want to leave a space before and after the "@" sign if you post your addy in the comments of my blog so Web "spiders" do not vacuum up your email addy from the internet and S pam ya.
You can send me the idea through commenting on this post, or you may email your ideas to me at:
Cheryl @ CherylWyatt.com (lose the spaces before and after the "@")
Blessings,
Squirrel
I had my USAF PJ (Pararescue Jumper) series named "Wind Warriors" for the working/tentative title for the series.
My editors are asking for other ideas.
So send me some title ideas for my PJ series...and if we use your title, you will receive a nice gift basket from me. You will also receive a free autographed copy of each of the books when they release.
Come on guys! Help me TITLESTORM! :-)
The series consists of a team of USAF Pararescue Jumpers (Skydiving combat and rescue paramedics who are considered Special Forces soldiers.)
Each man on the team has a story. There are 7 men on the team. So far I've sold two of the seven. Each story features one guy from the team.
These are Inspirational Romances, and Love Inspired is a family-oriented publisher. So with that in mind...send me your ideas! As many as ya want.
Be sure to let me knwo your email address so I can contact you if we choose your idea.
You might want to leave a space before and after the "@" sign if you post your addy in the comments of my blog so Web "spiders" do not vacuum up your email addy from the internet and S pam ya.
You can send me the idea through commenting on this post, or you may email your ideas to me at:
Cheryl @ CherylWyatt.com (lose the spaces before and after the "@")
Blessings,
Squirrel
Friday, February 09, 2007
ANOTHER SALE!!!!!
BOOK TWO OF MY PJ SERIES SOLD TO STEEPLE HILL TODAY!
YYYYYIIIIIPPPPEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PRAISE GOD!!!!! I'm so humbly thankful! I cannot contain my joy.
Just wanted you guys to know!
And I'm about a chapter or two away from finishing Book three. Prayers are appreciated so that one will come together like it's supposed to.
THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING MY GOOD NEWS!
Squirrel
YYYYYIIIIIPPPPEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PRAISE GOD!!!!! I'm so humbly thankful! I cannot contain my joy.
Just wanted you guys to know!
And I'm about a chapter or two away from finishing Book three. Prayers are appreciated so that one will come together like it's supposed to.
THANK YOU FOR CELEBRATING MY GOOD NEWS!
Squirrel
Thursday, February 01, 2007
ABOUT AUTHOR SUSAN MAY WARREN
SUSAN MAY WARREN BIO
Susan May Warren is the award-winning author of seventeen novels and novellas with Tyndale, Steeple Hill and Barbour Publishing. Her first book, Happily Ever After won the American Fiction Christian Writers Book of the Year in 2003, and was a 2003 Christy Award finalist. In Sheep’s Clothing, a thriller set in Russia , was a 2006 Christy Award finalist and won the 2006 Inspirational Reader’s Choice award. A former missionary to Russia , Susan May Warren now writes Suspense/Romance and Chick Lit full time from her home in northern Minnesota.
BLOG TOUR AND INTERVIEW WITH AUTHOR SUSAN WARREN ABOUT RECLAIMING NICK
I'm thrilled today to have Author Susan Warren here talking about her new release: Reclaiming Nick.
From back cover:
Nick Noble hadn’t planned on being the prodigal son. But when his father dies and leaves half of Silver Buckle—the Noble family ranch—to Nick’s former best friend, he must return home to face those he left behind. And to make sure that the Silver Buckle stays in the Noble family. Award-winning journalist Piper Sullivan believes Nick framed her brother for murder, and she’s determined to find justice. But following Nick to the Silver Buckle and posing as a ranch cook proves more challenging than she first anticipated. So does resisting his charming smile. As Nick seeks to overturn his father’s will—and Piper digs for answers—family secrets surface that send Nick’s life into a tailspin. But there’s someone who wants to see the Silver Buckle leave Noble hands, and he’s willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen, even if it means taking a life.
Hope you enjoy the interview!
1. Okay my first question, is WHERE DID THEY FIND THAT COVER MODEL? LOL! Seriously, how much say do you, the author, have in the choosing of the cover? It really depends on the book and the publisher. I have been very fortunate that all my publishers have let me have input on my books, but usually their design ideas are much much better than mine. I was privileged to be able to sit in on the brainstorming for covers and titles for Nick, and my editor really embraced the concept for the series, and let me bring to the table some bold cover ideas. I'm so thankful for Tyndale's support in this series.
2. What was your first reaction when you saw the cover? LOVED it. LOVED LOVE LOVED it. It's still one of my absolute favs.
3. I understand RECLAIMING NICK is Book 1 in the Noble Legacy series. When writing a series, do you plot the entire series out before writing the first book, or plot the next two as or after you've written the first one? I try to plot out the entire series, so I can plant seeds about the other books in books one and two. For sure I have ideas and blurbs and a framework of where I want to go.
4. The theme of the book seems to be a prodigal coming home. How do you come up with themes for your books? They really flow from what I am studying in scripture at the time I put the proposal together. I happened to study Philippians during this series, and this book is based on Phil 1:6, which is about God continuing His good plan for us.
5. How many books are in the Noble Legacy series? And can you tell us anything about them, theme-wise? Are any characters in Nick's story revisited in the next books?
There are currently 3 books slotted. Nick, of course is first, and then Rafe (a bull-rider) and Stefanie, who is a horse trainer. Much of the story is about their struggle to hang onto their ranch which has been in the family for generations. Rafe's story is based on Phil 2:13, and the idea that God is at work in us, whatever circumstances we find ourselves in. It's about our impact in the world as Christians. And Stefanie is about strength, and what that means – Phil 4:13 And yes, all three siblings appear in each book.
6. When can we expect to see the next book on the shelves and where can interested readers order/buy one? I believe Rafe comes out near about September. But you will be seeing excerpts and fun Rafe promos about June. It should be in your local B & N and Christian bookstore.
7. How long have you been writing? When did you know you wanted to be a writer? Oh, I've been writing all my life, but I never thought I'd be a novelist. Not until I moved to Siberia and needed something to read – so I wrote it! I've been writing for publication about five years .
8. What means do you use to research your novels? Hands on! I love interviewing people, and if possible, to experience the lives they live. I went to Montana and lived on a ranch for a few days to research Nick. And I went to Gilly's and climbed on a mechanical bull to get a feel for Rafe. And I'm spending a couple days with a horse trainer for Stefanie. I've been very privileged to get some valuable first hand experience, as well as to run weird questions by the "people who know."
9. Given the choice of an evening out with a groupe of friends, or a quiet movie evening at home, which would you prefer? Oh, wow – I guess I prefer to go out with friends. Although I love good movies!
10. What about character Nick? Nick – he's probably a move buff. John Wayne westerns, and the Fugitive.
11. What was the funnest part of writing this book? Piper and her horrible cooking scenes. I laughed out loud.
12. If Nick Noble could blurb you as the author who wrote his story, and how well the two of you worked together, using typical Nick style, what would he say if he had to write a back cover author blurb?
Oh, you're requiring me to be creative!
This here's Susan. She's the gal who wrote about me, and reckon' she got most of it right. She did learn to throw a rope, which I guess gives her some spunk, although she was more ornamental than useful on the ranch. Even so, she shore 'nuf got her done. She lives somewhere in the woods, with her family and kiddos. I don't know how many books she's written -- this is the only one I read.
THANKS SUSAN! I cannot wait to read the next book in this series!!!!
Thank you for letting my stop by and chat about Nick, Cheryl! And don't forget to stop by and Meet Nick! http://meetnick.susanmaywarren.com
--
www.CherylWyatt.com Gal. 2:20 Pouring my vial of words over Him.
A SOLDIER'S PROMISE~ Steeple Hill Love Inspired~ Jan. 2008
www.Scrollsquirrel.blogspot.com
Sunday, December 17, 2006
WRITING NEWS: NERVES, NERVES AND MORE NERVES
Well, my nerves are up in arms again because my agent and I subbed the second book in my USAF PJ series (Wind Warriors) to my editor www.SteepleHill.com yesterday. EEEEEK! Biting my fingernails over here.
This was my option book. (In Harlequin contracts, they like a first time author to give them first dibs on the next book you write.) I really hope they like it and want to buy it. My faithful Robin, who does my pre-submission edits http://www.robinmillerbooks.com/CritiqueBoutique.html likes this book better than the first, and believe me, if Robin thought it sucked, she'd be the first to let me know. LOLO!
I'm hoping the editorial team at Steeple Hill will love it too. I didn't send it to Caminator www.camytang.com http://storysensei.blogspot.com/ for a structural edit because she's under deadline for her second Asian Chick Lit book with Zondervan but normally I wouldn't sub a book without these two girl's hawk eyes going over it, as well as my other faithful critters. http://michelleswritingspace.blogspot.com/
http://www.pamela-james.com/home.html
http://syndihawkins.blogspot.com
These women are a contant source of encouragement to me, and I'm praying SO hard they sell soon. Pammer writes Inspirational romantic suspense, Syn writes chick lit-women's fiction with a hint of romance, and Michelle writes historicals and women's fiction. I think I will be as excited for them as I was for me as soon as I hear they've sold.
Leigh Bale, also a new author with Steeple Hill and I traded critiques on my second book too. http://www.leighbale.com/ I critted her upcoming suspense submission, and I LOVE THAT BOOK! I'll let you know when it sells, because I'm sure it will. She's a phenominal writer.
Robin just sold to Steeple Hill Suspense and I'm so excited for the three of us!!!! Our books will come out pretty close together. Tiff Miller, my webdesigner just this week sold to Barbour! YEEEE TIFF!!! http://www.ambermiller.com/index.html
Speaking of my agent, www.hartlineliterary.com www.tamelahancockmurray.com she sent me the most beautiful congratulatory basket, to celebrate my first book contract. I put a picture of it up there.
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
A TITLE IS BORN!!!
Well,
you may have noticed I've been MIA much the month of November. That's because I participated in National Novel Writing Month www.Nanowrimo.org where I dove into a writing cave completing a 65, 000 word manuscript.
I'm back with another completed manuscript in my USAF PJ (Pararescue Jumper) series and GREAT NEWS!!!!
Houston! We have a title!!!
My sold manuscript, A SOLDIER'S PROMISE will release from Steeple Hill Publishers in January of 2008.
www.Steeplehill.com
www.LoveInspiredAuthors.com
A SOLDIER'S PROMISE is book one in the PJ series. (Wind Warriors.)
YEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Don't you just LOVE the title? I do! I can't take credit for thinking it up though. Someone on my book's vision team did. It's perfect though to the story, both metaphorically and literally.
Pass the word along to your friends!
I'm going to change the name of the second and third books in this Wind Warrior series to match the first.
I'd like it to be
A Soldier's (something).
So any and all ideas for that are welcome. If the book sells and we use your title idea, you WILL receive a free autographed copy from me as well as your name acknowledged in the front of the book.
Ones I've thought of so far are:
A SOLDIER'S QUEST
A SOLDIER'S HEALING
A SOLDIER'S HEART
A SOLDIER'S PURPOSE
A SOLDIER'S SONNET
A SOLDIER'S SHELTER
Come on! Send me your title ideas! There are five other books in this series.
Squirrel
you may have noticed I've been MIA much the month of November. That's because I participated in National Novel Writing Month www.Nanowrimo.org where I dove into a writing cave completing a 65, 000 word manuscript.
I'm back with another completed manuscript in my USAF PJ (Pararescue Jumper) series and GREAT NEWS!!!!
Houston! We have a title!!!
My sold manuscript, A SOLDIER'S PROMISE will release from Steeple Hill Publishers in January of 2008.
www.Steeplehill.com
www.LoveInspiredAuthors.com
A SOLDIER'S PROMISE is book one in the PJ series. (Wind Warriors.)
YEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Don't you just LOVE the title? I do! I can't take credit for thinking it up though. Someone on my book's vision team did. It's perfect though to the story, both metaphorically and literally.
Pass the word along to your friends!
I'm going to change the name of the second and third books in this Wind Warrior series to match the first.
I'd like it to be
A Soldier's (something).
So any and all ideas for that are welcome. If the book sells and we use your title idea, you WILL receive a free autographed copy from me as well as your name acknowledged in the front of the book.
Ones I've thought of so far are:
A SOLDIER'S QUEST
A SOLDIER'S HEALING
A SOLDIER'S HEART
A SOLDIER'S PURPOSE
A SOLDIER'S SONNET
A SOLDIER'S SHELTER
Come on! Send me your title ideas! There are five other books in this series.
Squirrel
Friday, October 27, 2006
WHERE THE STORIES HAPPEN
I'm always curious when I read a book about where the book was written. If the setting of the book is Winterish, with characters frolicking through snow, I often imagine the author sitting by the fireplace. Maybe there is a steaming cup of hot chocolate on the small table beside her. A notebook rests on her knee as her stockinged foot rests on a victorian chair. Her hand cradles her favorite pen as sleep cradles the rest of her family and the house and neighborhood sleeps. For her inspiration maybe she watches flecks of white dust the windows, mesmerizing her as she creates a fictional world which will touch and entertain readers. Maybe she smiles at the snowflakes who've danced their way down to glimpse through the window into the warm house as a novel whose characters will outlive their creator come to life on the page.
Same thing if the setting of a book is in the city. Makes me want to go visit that place and eat the food mentioned in the book.
Just in case you happen by one of my books in the store in the future and wonder where the stories happened, here is a glimpse into the life of one author. Ingore my messy desk now because there is chaos in every corner of my house. I usually like things to be more orderly but hey....sometimes life happens. My house may not be clean but my family knows they're loved.
Thanks for stopping by my blog.
Please leave a comment letting me know what your favorite setting in a book and why. Or if you'd love to see a particular setting in a book and haven't or haven't lately.
Don't be shy! Talk away!
Squirrel
Wednesday, October 04, 2006
WORD IS OUT!!!! I SOLD MY BOOK TO STEEPLE HILL!!!!!
WHEEEEEEEEE!!!!!
I had just sent an email and was staring at my tagline that says, "Pouring my vial of words over Him" when I felt Him ask me, "Will you promise to always write as worship?"
"Yes, Lord." I said and THAT moment The Call came!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHEEEEEEEEEE!
Pray that I keep my end of the bargain up. Kinda feels like I just signed two contracts. LOL! HE IS AWESOME!
This is the first book in my USAF PJ (Pararescue Jumper) series. Not sure of a release date yet but tentative title is House on Haven Street.
I love new beginnings! He's true to His promise....He makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert and I love watching it spring forth!
YEEEEEEEEEEE GOD!
YEEEEEEEEEEEE my new editor, Melissa!!!
YEEEEEEEEEEEE my agent who's beside herself with excitement for me!!!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE everyone in the world....okay so that's a bit dramatic but I CAN'T HELP IT!
I've had this dream since I was a little girl to author a book!!!!!
YEEEEE for God putting a sense of destiny in me before I even actually knew Him very well. But He sure did know me.
Whisper, shout, hum, or however you want to speak...a sincere "Thank You" to Him on my behalf today, okay?
If you get a chance...bop over to www.steeplehill.com
Take a moment to sign in (free of charge) and join the party they'll be throwing for me over there!!!! Just click on Talk and go to the thread that says something about SQUIRL SOLD, or Cheryl Wyatt Sold.
THANX to my faithful blog readers for all of your support!!!
Squirrel
I had just sent an email and was staring at my tagline that says, "Pouring my vial of words over Him" when I felt Him ask me, "Will you promise to always write as worship?"
"Yes, Lord." I said and THAT moment The Call came!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WHEEEEEEEEEE!
Pray that I keep my end of the bargain up. Kinda feels like I just signed two contracts. LOL! HE IS AWESOME!
This is the first book in my USAF PJ (Pararescue Jumper) series. Not sure of a release date yet but tentative title is House on Haven Street.
I love new beginnings! He's true to His promise....He makes a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert and I love watching it spring forth!
YEEEEEEEEEEE GOD!
YEEEEEEEEEEEE my new editor, Melissa!!!
YEEEEEEEEEEEE my agent who's beside herself with excitement for me!!!
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE everyone in the world....okay so that's a bit dramatic but I CAN'T HELP IT!
I've had this dream since I was a little girl to author a book!!!!!
YEEEEE for God putting a sense of destiny in me before I even actually knew Him very well. But He sure did know me.
Whisper, shout, hum, or however you want to speak...a sincere "Thank You" to Him on my behalf today, okay?
If you get a chance...bop over to www.steeplehill.com
Take a moment to sign in (free of charge) and join the party they'll be throwing for me over there!!!! Just click on Talk and go to the thread that says something about SQUIRL SOLD, or Cheryl Wyatt Sold.
THANX to my faithful blog readers for all of your support!!!
Squirrel
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
DIVING IN to revisions
See Squirrel's brain.
See Squirrel's brain on revisions.
See Squirrel's brain fry with revisions.
I have a BIG, BIG secret....that I can't wait to tell you all just as soon as I get clearance.......
WHEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS: Did I happen to tell you I'm TERRIBLE at keeping secrets?
AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I feel somewhat better....maybe I won't explode now.
STAY TUNED FOR SOME FABULOUS NEWS!!!!!
Wednesday, May 31, 2006
REVISION REQUEST!!!!!!!!!!!!!
WOOO HOOO!!!!!
Got an email from my agent last night, and I didn't get a rejection from Steeple Hill yet. They didn't think it was strong enough to contract quite yet but they are giving me a chance to revise it and resubmit. SHEW! We're one step closer!!!!!!!!!!!
In addition to this awesome chance, the editor is being so supportive and kind and helpful. Many people, including her and my wonderful agent are offering to help me through this revision process. YAYAYAYAYAY!
The changes are MAJOR. Even removing all of the suspense elements to focus on the romance. But here's the deal. I've been targeting this publisher from the get-go. Anyone who knows me well knows how badly I've wanted to write for this house. So I wrote most of my stories with this publisher in mind.
If I don't revise=automatic rejection probably. So why would I be stubborn and dumb and have a rejected manuscript collect dust under my bed and shoot myself in the foot before I even get in the door? I'm really excited to revise this, though it's going to be a major undertaking. God and I...we're totally up for the challenge. The editor was really detailed in her request, and I think it's really doable. I love the ideas she came up with to better this story. My only disappointment was that I may not get to write for the Suspense line for awhile but WHO CARES!!!! I have a chance to revise for the Love Inspired line, and I love romance and happily ever afters. Most of my other books have suspense elements in them too. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
If I disappear for three weeks, you'll know I'm being held captive by my Delete Key. We're going to get really friendly over the next couple weeks.
Keep me in prayer and I'll keep you posted.
Blessings!
Squirrel
Got an email from my agent last night, and I didn't get a rejection from Steeple Hill yet. They didn't think it was strong enough to contract quite yet but they are giving me a chance to revise it and resubmit. SHEW! We're one step closer!!!!!!!!!!!
In addition to this awesome chance, the editor is being so supportive and kind and helpful. Many people, including her and my wonderful agent are offering to help me through this revision process. YAYAYAYAYAY!
The changes are MAJOR. Even removing all of the suspense elements to focus on the romance. But here's the deal. I've been targeting this publisher from the get-go. Anyone who knows me well knows how badly I've wanted to write for this house. So I wrote most of my stories with this publisher in mind.
If I don't revise=automatic rejection probably. So why would I be stubborn and dumb and have a rejected manuscript collect dust under my bed and shoot myself in the foot before I even get in the door? I'm really excited to revise this, though it's going to be a major undertaking. God and I...we're totally up for the challenge. The editor was really detailed in her request, and I think it's really doable. I love the ideas she came up with to better this story. My only disappointment was that I may not get to write for the Suspense line for awhile but WHO CARES!!!! I have a chance to revise for the Love Inspired line, and I love romance and happily ever afters. Most of my other books have suspense elements in them too. But we'll cross that bridge when we get there.
If I disappear for three weeks, you'll know I'm being held captive by my Delete Key. We're going to get really friendly over the next couple weeks.
Keep me in prayer and I'll keep you posted.
Blessings!
Squirrel
Monday, May 08, 2006
GOD AND WRITING UPDATE
GOD UPDATE
I've been pressing in more. Gotten my passion for His words back, so I've been immersed in it more. Not just non-fiction devotionals and stuff, but the actual Bible. We had a womens day conference at church yesterday and it went awesome. God began giving me a heart for womens ministry several months ago, and it was that time that I realized they're probably the reason He's calling me to write.
I'm praying for my sister. She's sick and they can't find what's wrong with her. Please pray for her. Her name's Lisa.
WRITING UPDATE
I've been mentally plotting TGTN book. I'm SO excited about these characters and this story. But before I can dive into that, I have to get my Warner Faith Proposal together for teh Genesis contest in case I end up being one of the top five. OF course, if my dream publisher...Steeple Hill...would offer me a contract then they'd save me the trouble of going through the torture. LOLOL! I so suck at proposals.
I'm synopsis challenged. If you struggle with this....click the link to the right that says, "Camy's story sensei." She's a great structural editor, and can do a fab job looking over your synopsis and stuff.
If you still need to get your manuscript in order, I suggest Robin Miller's Critique Boutique...link also at the side.
Tiff Miller at Eagle Designs took over my website when Misty refocused on her writing...go Misty!!! and I will have her link up shortly, but you can engine search it online. She's done celebrity websites and stuff. She's so nice and helpful and doesn't make fun of me because I don't know the difference between an ISP and a frisbee.
I'm struggling to find time to write. I'm overloaded with crit groups, and I know God's calling me into mentoring. Please say a prayer for me that I'll know where to borrow time from. God and my family comes absolutely first. I've already given up TV and IM. WAAAAAAAAAA! And I only check my email once a day. I went digest or no mail to most of my online writing groups.
I've had two pubbed authors offer to endorse my books! That was an answer to prayer.
I've had several friends get multibook contracts recently, and several other friends received rejections. That's so hard because they are ALL good writers. I think God's timing has a lot to do with it. I don't understand, I just wish there were more slots available. More openings. Rejection is hard, but something every writer goes through. Take my word for it, it's disheartening. But instead of looking at it like rejection, I try to have the mindset that it's redirection. Either this isn't the right house for me, or the right readership base, or my writing isn't there yet. EEEK I hope that's not the case. But even still, I don't think people should ever stop learning or improving.
Some friends and I started a book review blog. Check it out at www.fabfourbookpicks.blogspot.com
Lena Nelson Dooley and Vickie McDonough and I just mailed off the trilogy for consideration to Barbour Publisher's Heartsong Presents. That could take 18 months to a couple years to hear back so we basically send it and forget about it. A Colorado historical...the one that replaced the New Mexico one. GOOD news is, I can still use the New Mexico one, target it to the new historical line at Steeple Hill.
Ominous Code is still under consideration at Steeple Hill publishers.
Ambient Betrayal...well we retracted that one after two years of not hearing back since my writing's gotten stronger since then. Two years, standard wait for some publishers. Editors are very, very busy people. Some people follow up after like, three months of not hearing back. Not me. I don't say a word until at least 6 months. I feel to be considerate is just as important. Of course it's okay to follow up...just don't be psychotic about it...or I can pretty much guarantee you'll get a quick answer...and probably not the one you wanted. Editors aren't just looking for good stories...they want authors they can work with without pulling their hair, or poking their eyes out with the red pen.
Okay, hardly anyone uses red ominous pens anymore but you get the point.
I got to help a friend at church work on an article for our women's eletter. All three of our articles got rejected, but oh well. LOL! I just hate the time I spent away from my kids while working on that which irritated me at first, but I think it was harder on my friend because she'd never written anything for submission before. But the good thing that came out of it was I think it showed her she really can write. She's an avid journaler, and I think that's sometimes a sign of a writer. She has a strong voice and uses active verbs, creates excellent imagery with words, so I hope she doesn't give up.
I've been pressing in more. Gotten my passion for His words back, so I've been immersed in it more. Not just non-fiction devotionals and stuff, but the actual Bible. We had a womens day conference at church yesterday and it went awesome. God began giving me a heart for womens ministry several months ago, and it was that time that I realized they're probably the reason He's calling me to write.
I'm praying for my sister. She's sick and they can't find what's wrong with her. Please pray for her. Her name's Lisa.
WRITING UPDATE
I've been mentally plotting TGTN book. I'm SO excited about these characters and this story. But before I can dive into that, I have to get my Warner Faith Proposal together for teh Genesis contest in case I end up being one of the top five. OF course, if my dream publisher...Steeple Hill...would offer me a contract then they'd save me the trouble of going through the torture. LOLOL! I so suck at proposals.
I'm synopsis challenged. If you struggle with this....click the link to the right that says, "Camy's story sensei." She's a great structural editor, and can do a fab job looking over your synopsis and stuff.
If you still need to get your manuscript in order, I suggest Robin Miller's Critique Boutique...link also at the side.
Tiff Miller at Eagle Designs took over my website when Misty refocused on her writing...go Misty!!! and I will have her link up shortly, but you can engine search it online. She's done celebrity websites and stuff. She's so nice and helpful and doesn't make fun of me because I don't know the difference between an ISP and a frisbee.
I'm struggling to find time to write. I'm overloaded with crit groups, and I know God's calling me into mentoring. Please say a prayer for me that I'll know where to borrow time from. God and my family comes absolutely first. I've already given up TV and IM. WAAAAAAAAAA! And I only check my email once a day. I went digest or no mail to most of my online writing groups.
I've had two pubbed authors offer to endorse my books! That was an answer to prayer.
I've had several friends get multibook contracts recently, and several other friends received rejections. That's so hard because they are ALL good writers. I think God's timing has a lot to do with it. I don't understand, I just wish there were more slots available. More openings. Rejection is hard, but something every writer goes through. Take my word for it, it's disheartening. But instead of looking at it like rejection, I try to have the mindset that it's redirection. Either this isn't the right house for me, or the right readership base, or my writing isn't there yet. EEEK I hope that's not the case. But even still, I don't think people should ever stop learning or improving.
Some friends and I started a book review blog. Check it out at www.fabfourbookpicks.blogspot.com
Lena Nelson Dooley and Vickie McDonough and I just mailed off the trilogy for consideration to Barbour Publisher's Heartsong Presents. That could take 18 months to a couple years to hear back so we basically send it and forget about it. A Colorado historical...the one that replaced the New Mexico one. GOOD news is, I can still use the New Mexico one, target it to the new historical line at Steeple Hill.
Ominous Code is still under consideration at Steeple Hill publishers.
Ambient Betrayal...well we retracted that one after two years of not hearing back since my writing's gotten stronger since then. Two years, standard wait for some publishers. Editors are very, very busy people. Some people follow up after like, three months of not hearing back. Not me. I don't say a word until at least 6 months. I feel to be considerate is just as important. Of course it's okay to follow up...just don't be psychotic about it...or I can pretty much guarantee you'll get a quick answer...and probably not the one you wanted. Editors aren't just looking for good stories...they want authors they can work with without pulling their hair, or poking their eyes out with the red pen.
Okay, hardly anyone uses red ominous pens anymore but you get the point.
I got to help a friend at church work on an article for our women's eletter. All three of our articles got rejected, but oh well. LOL! I just hate the time I spent away from my kids while working on that which irritated me at first, but I think it was harder on my friend because she'd never written anything for submission before. But the good thing that came out of it was I think it showed her she really can write. She's an avid journaler, and I think that's sometimes a sign of a writer. She has a strong voice and uses active verbs, creates excellent imagery with words, so I hope she doesn't give up.
Tuesday, April 18, 2006
GENESIS CONTEST FINAL!!!
STEALTH SURRENDER finaled in ACFW's Genesis contest in Mystery/Suspense/Thriller Category!!!!!
WHOOOOO HOOOOO!!
Top five scoring manuscripts go to the Publishing Board at Warner Faith Books!!!!!
Found out my story was the highest scoring entry in the category!!!!
Now, if I can just do as well in the second round.
I'll keep you all posted!!!
www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com
Squirrel
WHOOOOO HOOOOO!!
Top five scoring manuscripts go to the Publishing Board at Warner Faith Books!!!!!
Found out my story was the highest scoring entry in the category!!!!
Now, if I can just do as well in the second round.
I'll keep you all posted!!!
www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com
Squirrel
Friday, April 14, 2006
BELATED GOOD NEWS
Forgive my forgetfulness, oh faithful blog readers....
I forgot to tell you I also finaled in Yellow Rose RWA/Winter Rose contest!!!!
That makes 5 stories having finaled in about 10 different contests this year.
THANK YOU, JUDGES!
THANK YOU, JESUS!
Okay, not that He was one of my judges or anything...but He granted me the dream and the talent, and just enough tenacity to chase it.
This Easter weekend, may we all remember what You did, Lord. From your birth to the grave, to the tomb to now. You are ALIVE! And you love us more than we are capable of comprehending. I pray you would be blessed this weekend as a lot of people will be thinking of you more than any other time. Heaven's King....we love you!!!!
Love, Squirrel/Cheryl
OH OH OH!! I forgot to mention the editor of the house of my dreams...my first choice in a publisher...received the ms from my agent..hardcopy...and she is taking it home to read this weekend!!!!!!!!!! So I will hear back really, really soon.
May your will be done, Lord! Your timing. I always want my family to come first. I always want you to come first, Lord. So I don't want this if it's going to interfere. But if you are commissioning me into this.....then WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!
I'm game! Let's go!!!!!! YEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Ookaaay...and to my faithful bloggers readers.....I'm going to need a LOT of cyber chocolate if I get a rejection....
I'd LOVE a revision request....and that's my prayer if it's God's perfect will.
HAPPY EASTER!!
Squirrel
I forgot to tell you I also finaled in Yellow Rose RWA/Winter Rose contest!!!!
That makes 5 stories having finaled in about 10 different contests this year.
THANK YOU, JUDGES!
THANK YOU, JESUS!
Okay, not that He was one of my judges or anything...but He granted me the dream and the talent, and just enough tenacity to chase it.
This Easter weekend, may we all remember what You did, Lord. From your birth to the grave, to the tomb to now. You are ALIVE! And you love us more than we are capable of comprehending. I pray you would be blessed this weekend as a lot of people will be thinking of you more than any other time. Heaven's King....we love you!!!!
Love, Squirrel/Cheryl
OH OH OH!! I forgot to mention the editor of the house of my dreams...my first choice in a publisher...received the ms from my agent..hardcopy...and she is taking it home to read this weekend!!!!!!!!!! So I will hear back really, really soon.
May your will be done, Lord! Your timing. I always want my family to come first. I always want you to come first, Lord. So I don't want this if it's going to interfere. But if you are commissioning me into this.....then WOOOOOOHOOOOOO!
I'm game! Let's go!!!!!! YEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Ookaaay...and to my faithful bloggers readers.....I'm going to need a LOT of cyber chocolate if I get a rejection....
I'd LOVE a revision request....and that's my prayer if it's God's perfect will.
HAPPY EASTER!!
Squirrel
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