SO much for me saying I love hard critiques. LOLOLOL! I just got a packet back from a contest I'd entered many, many months ago.
Sigh.
Gollly...one judge attacked ME and not my writing. Said the opening wasn't plausible.
HELLO! I based it on a TRUE STORY....something that really did happen to me! Only I changed a couple details but yes absolutely it is plausible. This is one of those situations where I wish I could go argue with that judge. LOLOL!
GRRRRR.
Testing. One. Two. Testing.
OKay, so when I wrote that contest comment post....I was definitely NOT saying I embrace STUPID comments from judges. Or when you know they're just being totally opinionated, and it has nothing to do with your story, or the craft. Those crits go through the shredder...and I enjoy every second of seeing those pages get crossripped to shreds.
Then to make me feel even better, I put them in the concrete ditch outside my yard and I BURN them.
Speaking of burning....um, one day I was standing at the top of the concrete ditch, burning credit card trash, and my shoes slipped on the tiny gravel lining the top of the ditch. The more I tried to backpeddal with my feet, the further I slipped. Then boom, I land on my butt, and I'm up to my ankles in FIRE! I scramble out of the ditch, after slipping back down in a couple times because it was steep, I managed to get out. Hands bleeding from the scrape. The soles of my dress shoes (I know, dumb) melted off so you couldn't see the tread. And, well, we don't want to talk about what happened to my butt. Not a pretty sight. My neighbor leaned out the door, "You okay?"
I'm sitting in the road kicking my burning shoes off, "Yep. Fine. Just trying to set myself on fire is all."
She blinked four times, drew her brows together, went back in and closed her door.
Sigh. At least our fire chief lives down the street. LOLOL!
EEEK. How embarrassing.
Squirl
Monday, May 08, 2006
Tuesday, May 02, 2006
ULTERIOR MOTIVES
Not me. God. I had the extreme privilage of being able to coordinate some writing contests this year. Up until last year, I'd only been an entrant. Then close to the end of the year, I was asked to judge. Since then I've judged several and you know, I had no idea HOW HARD it is. You don't want to hurt anyone's feelings but you want to be honest. Correction, you HAVE to be honest...or it's not doing the entrant any good.
That said, I'm really, really glad I've gotten some really scathing contest remarks. It's kept me mindful as I've made comments. As I've been praying for the entrants in the contests, I felt like God's been teaching me stuff. Stuff about my writing. Stuff about my heart. Stuff about my own responses to critiques. They say you have to grow a tough skin in order to survive this industry. But I'm not sure how exactly that happens. Maybe a combination of things helps. Maybe we grow immune to harsness, and actually, I've come to crave harder critiques from people who are brutally honest and don't hold back. Whammo. They let me have it. But these are people close to me who KNOW writing. I crave positive comments less, whereas before, I thrived on them. Oh, I still love them, but I'm learning to love the hard stuff more. And I'm just now beginning to really appreciate some of the really hard stuff I heard in the very beginning of this road when I KNEW NOTHING of the craft of fiction. Didn't know there was an art to crafting stories. I guess I just assumed that if you managed to finish a book then someone would buy it. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
In the beginning, those hard critiques made me cry, they made me mad at the person who was honest, because of course I thought they had to be wrong. How I wish I would have embraced those comments more instead of jerked back away from the sting. How I wish I would have thrown myself into what they were trying to get across instead of running as fast as I could. I so respect those people now and it's been interesting fielding comment concerns from the entrants I consider in my charge as coordinator. It brought back memories, and made me realize that I think God probably has alterior motives for each of us in this journey to publication. I think He's more concerned with the journey than the destination. I think contests and critiques are as much a test of our wills, our perseverance, our motives, and our hearts as they are a temperature check and gauge of where we are at this present time in the craft of writing.
I don't want this to be all about me. My ulterior motive for this convo is to get you guys talking. How do you deal with hearing hard things about your writing? How have you built your tough skin? What sort of critique do you find most helpful? The gentle easy ones which surround suggestions for change with positive comments...known as the sandwich method? Okay, talk away! I'm interested in knowing your thoughts on this.
Squirl
That said, I'm really, really glad I've gotten some really scathing contest remarks. It's kept me mindful as I've made comments. As I've been praying for the entrants in the contests, I felt like God's been teaching me stuff. Stuff about my writing. Stuff about my heart. Stuff about my own responses to critiques. They say you have to grow a tough skin in order to survive this industry. But I'm not sure how exactly that happens. Maybe a combination of things helps. Maybe we grow immune to harsness, and actually, I've come to crave harder critiques from people who are brutally honest and don't hold back. Whammo. They let me have it. But these are people close to me who KNOW writing. I crave positive comments less, whereas before, I thrived on them. Oh, I still love them, but I'm learning to love the hard stuff more. And I'm just now beginning to really appreciate some of the really hard stuff I heard in the very beginning of this road when I KNEW NOTHING of the craft of fiction. Didn't know there was an art to crafting stories. I guess I just assumed that if you managed to finish a book then someone would buy it. HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
In the beginning, those hard critiques made me cry, they made me mad at the person who was honest, because of course I thought they had to be wrong. How I wish I would have embraced those comments more instead of jerked back away from the sting. How I wish I would have thrown myself into what they were trying to get across instead of running as fast as I could. I so respect those people now and it's been interesting fielding comment concerns from the entrants I consider in my charge as coordinator. It brought back memories, and made me realize that I think God probably has alterior motives for each of us in this journey to publication. I think He's more concerned with the journey than the destination. I think contests and critiques are as much a test of our wills, our perseverance, our motives, and our hearts as they are a temperature check and gauge of where we are at this present time in the craft of writing.
I don't want this to be all about me. My ulterior motive for this convo is to get you guys talking. How do you deal with hearing hard things about your writing? How have you built your tough skin? What sort of critique do you find most helpful? The gentle easy ones which surround suggestions for change with positive comments...known as the sandwich method? Okay, talk away! I'm interested in knowing your thoughts on this.
Squirl
Tuesday, April 25, 2006
YOU KNOW THAT DREAM
Where you show up at school naked....or are in a portapotty and someone lifts it up, leaving you uh...rather exposed as you sit there?
Well pretend like you know what I'm talking about.
I had one of those moments today. I went to the post office to get something in the mail before it closed. In my rush, I didn't realize I'd took off in my houseslippers!!!!!
Okay, these aren't the nice flat/shoelike slippers that are so stylish today, resembling Indian sandals with the sequins and beading. No. My slippers were a Christmas gift a couple years ago from someone who knows and has my sense of morbid humor. They're BIG and PUFFY and made to look like leapard print thongs with BIG PUFFY TOES that are like four times larger than normal toes...so it makes your feel look like you had an anvil dropped on them or something.
SO anyway...I didn't notice I had them on until I'm halfway in the postoffice. I don't think most people would have even noticed except that I started giggling and couldn't stop. I think the town cop thought I was needing a breathilizer and was concerned for me driving the two blocks home. So when the postmistress asked me what was making me laugh so hard (I was incapacitated by this point..tears and everything at my goof) so I showed her my shoes and she laughed SO shrill and high pitched...EVERYONE in the post office came around me to view my slippers.
The funniest part was I have NO idea how I got all the way there without realizing I had them on!
Sigh. Yeah...so this has been a week for BLUSH and CRINGING!
Here's a picture of my slippers.
Squirrel
Sunday, April 23, 2006
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND--Blush and Cringe with chance of prize for participation
BLUSH AND CRINGE!!!
I (thought I) dialed my sister's number yesterday. A voice answered, "Hello."
I immediately launch into, "Hey! I can't believe I got ahold of you!"
She giggles and replies, "Yep. I'm here. What's up?"
I say, "I'm SOOOO sorry I didn't call you back last night. By the time we got home and put the groceries away, one kid needed a bed time story, another wanted me to lay with them, and another needed some mom time so by the time that was all over with it was eleven fifteen so I thought that was too late to call."
Silence then the other voice says, "Syndey?"
Gulp. "Are you my sister?" I ask.
Other voice says, "That depends. Who's your sister?" More giggling.
"Um...Lisa?"
More giggling. "Nope. Not Lisa. But it was nice talking to you!"
For the next three minutes we stayed on the phone laughing about it.
So tell me....what's been the most embarrassing phone call:
1. You've ever received? or
2. You've ever given?
Come on people! Talk!
See who can make me laugh the most!
Winner will receive a prepaid phone card.
Squirrel
I (thought I) dialed my sister's number yesterday. A voice answered, "Hello."
I immediately launch into, "Hey! I can't believe I got ahold of you!"
She giggles and replies, "Yep. I'm here. What's up?"
I say, "I'm SOOOO sorry I didn't call you back last night. By the time we got home and put the groceries away, one kid needed a bed time story, another wanted me to lay with them, and another needed some mom time so by the time that was all over with it was eleven fifteen so I thought that was too late to call."
Silence then the other voice says, "Syndey?"
Gulp. "Are you my sister?" I ask.
Other voice says, "That depends. Who's your sister?" More giggling.
"Um...Lisa?"
More giggling. "Nope. Not Lisa. But it was nice talking to you!"
For the next three minutes we stayed on the phone laughing about it.
So tell me....what's been the most embarrassing phone call:
1. You've ever received? or
2. You've ever given?
Come on people! Talk!
See who can make me laugh the most!
Winner will receive a prepaid phone card.
Squirrel
Saturday, April 22, 2006
SHEW! WHAT A RELIEF!
God woke me up at four am.....to ask me to do something very frightening.
"Will you be willing to take new writers under your wings and mentor them for me?"
What?! NEW writers? I still feel I'm a new writer! Oh man do I feel NOT equipped to do this, Lord--"
"I've equipped you with Godliness and everything you need to--"
"But.but.but...Godliness has nothing to do with the craft of writing, God!"
Silence.
More silence.
"God?"
More silence. Big. Echoing silence....
Then something came to me....He probably cares less about me getting published than He does about the road leading up to it. He wants me IN THE PROCESS. It builds character, that's for sure.
Of course I told Him yes because I know He won't tell me to do the next thing when I haven't even done the last thing He asked of me.
You know, this journey to publication...or wherever this is leading...insanity possibly...
One thing I see that puts me in awe of Him....
I have had so many authors come alongside to help me... Margaret Daley being the one who's stuck by me from the beginning. She's been one of my biggest cheerleaders and I'm getting all teary-eyed right now just thinking about her and how wonderful she is. I have a really funny story about one of the first crits she did for me...but I'll save that for another day..but I'll suffice it to say, she tought me very well that the Delete key is not slathered in Anthrax...it's okay to touch it now and then. There are so many more published authors, and advance writers on the verge of publication that I could name who have helped me but I'm afraid I'd forget someone. Dana Corbit always has a listening ear for me and sound advice. Brenda Coulter spent so much time helping me learn how to format ms that I think her eyes must have permanantly crossed! Marta Perry is always rooting for me, and at high tea in Denver made me grin like a goon when she read the pitch Camy Tang had helped me prepare for editors...and said, "Oh! Now this is GOOD!" That moment is branded in my mind and heart and when I get a hard critique...God always brings that moment and her voce to mind. Susie Warren and Susan Downs and Colleen through contest crits and Mae Nunn and oh man...all of you who critted my stuff that I don't know your names. Then there's my wonderful agent Tamela. Lena Nelson Dooley, and Vickie McDonough are taking time out for me with a project...means SO much that they believe in me. My crit groups...Inspy critters, New Cambrian, Crit group nine...FABULOUS writers each and every one of them. And not one of them hasn't helped me profoundly. Robin Miller's critique boutique, Camy Tang's structural editing. Linda Rondeau's line edits and my grammar mentor...I really hope she starts an editing service so many more people can benefit from it. The FAB FOUR...Heather, Camy, Pammer...Pammer was SO sweet on the boards and taught me so much about POV and active writing and Heather beleived in me even when I didn't know which side of the comma the dialogue quotes were supposed to go on. Brandylin and Randy...his tiger marketing and advanced fiction writing ezine. The SEEKERs who are finding multibook contracts in their mailboxes left and right...and still SEEKING Him.
THANK YOU, Lord for each of these and I could spend an entire day writing names here and still not list everyone who's helped me.
So how can I tell you no even when it scares me to think someone a little behind me in this wonderful/difficult/exciting road? OH Man let me tell you I was sweating it there for a few days when you didn't tell me, "Relax, I'm not asking you to give it up." But I sense that now. Shew. What a relief. Shew what a test. I would lay it all down again for You. I'd have more time for my children. Yet I belive You want me to move forward. You're my best friend...my aspiration, my inspiration. My life. You're my whole life and all I want to do was write as worship.
You know, God gave me this gift of story to keep my mind of the physical pain I've been in for the past two and a half years with my hip...and to keep my mind from fear and prevent death by boredom while I was on bedrest and having complications with all four pregnancies...one of which didn't make it. But I know that baby is with Him, and He sustains me when I grieve, not over the loss of the baby, but over not being able to have any more.
Hey, there's always adoption, right? I would bring a million orhpans home with me if I had the room and the help and the money. So I'll just have to give it to Hopegivers and Phillip Cameron so they can care for the masses of precious children.
Anavim. Hebrew for "for the oppressed. The meek. The poor. The broken. The weary." etc. Anyone in need. Like Jesus said, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest."
Anavim. Lord you know what that word means between the two of us. You understand the promise and the code. You are a God of covenant and you never break your promise. Let me be a servant of covenant and help me be just as faithful. I know you remember. Hold me to it. I still mean what I told you. You know my heart. You know my motives. Keep them pure. No regrets, Lord. What matters. Only what matters. Everything else can fade away. In the light of you...it all does anyway.
I'm humbled and blessed and touched that you'd even ask me, or trust me with such a task. Helping people chase their dreams...help me to help them to chase you more.
I'm excited to do it. I will study craft hard and speak the truth in gentle love.
Thank you for this journey. That there are people ahead of me in the road, like we're all in one long line...holding hands and moving down the same road. Some of us closer to the end of the road, some of us just starting out, some of us in the middle. But we all have hold of a hand. The hand in front of us tugs us along, helps us up when we fall down, grasps tight and doesn't let go when we try to shrink away from the road and give up, and dusts our knees of our hearts off because this road is sometimes paved with seasons of rejection and harsh critiques, and it sometimes feels like wearing shorts instead of jeans and crawling over broken glass to get there. Then we do the same for the person right behind us on the road. If I know a little bitty bit more than they do about how to craft a great opening hook...then I won't hold that to myself. I remember your lampstand Lord. I will not hide my talents under a bucket. As I've been given, I'll freely give.
Thanks for asking. I love you.
Squirrel/Cheryl
PS: blogreaders, sorry is this seemed like an utterly wierd post where half the time I was talking to you and half the time I was talking to God. Because of time constraints and because I feel like I'm supposed to leave my sincere though rambling conversation with God in there...I won't go back and seperate it. But I hope you have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by my blog.
Thank you for telling me what you want to see here, too. I'm on it!
Blessings,
Cheryl
"Will you be willing to take new writers under your wings and mentor them for me?"
What?! NEW writers? I still feel I'm a new writer! Oh man do I feel NOT equipped to do this, Lord--"
"I've equipped you with Godliness and everything you need to--"
"But.but.but...Godliness has nothing to do with the craft of writing, God!"
Silence.
More silence.
"God?"
More silence. Big. Echoing silence....
Then something came to me....He probably cares less about me getting published than He does about the road leading up to it. He wants me IN THE PROCESS. It builds character, that's for sure.
Of course I told Him yes because I know He won't tell me to do the next thing when I haven't even done the last thing He asked of me.
You know, this journey to publication...or wherever this is leading...insanity possibly...
One thing I see that puts me in awe of Him....
I have had so many authors come alongside to help me... Margaret Daley being the one who's stuck by me from the beginning. She's been one of my biggest cheerleaders and I'm getting all teary-eyed right now just thinking about her and how wonderful she is. I have a really funny story about one of the first crits she did for me...but I'll save that for another day..but I'll suffice it to say, she tought me very well that the Delete key is not slathered in Anthrax...it's okay to touch it now and then. There are so many more published authors, and advance writers on the verge of publication that I could name who have helped me but I'm afraid I'd forget someone. Dana Corbit always has a listening ear for me and sound advice. Brenda Coulter spent so much time helping me learn how to format ms that I think her eyes must have permanantly crossed! Marta Perry is always rooting for me, and at high tea in Denver made me grin like a goon when she read the pitch Camy Tang had helped me prepare for editors...and said, "Oh! Now this is GOOD!" That moment is branded in my mind and heart and when I get a hard critique...God always brings that moment and her voce to mind. Susie Warren and Susan Downs and Colleen through contest crits and Mae Nunn and oh man...all of you who critted my stuff that I don't know your names. Then there's my wonderful agent Tamela. Lena Nelson Dooley, and Vickie McDonough are taking time out for me with a project...means SO much that they believe in me. My crit groups...Inspy critters, New Cambrian, Crit group nine...FABULOUS writers each and every one of them. And not one of them hasn't helped me profoundly. Robin Miller's critique boutique, Camy Tang's structural editing. Linda Rondeau's line edits and my grammar mentor...I really hope she starts an editing service so many more people can benefit from it. The FAB FOUR...Heather, Camy, Pammer...Pammer was SO sweet on the boards and taught me so much about POV and active writing and Heather beleived in me even when I didn't know which side of the comma the dialogue quotes were supposed to go on. Brandylin and Randy...his tiger marketing and advanced fiction writing ezine. The SEEKERs who are finding multibook contracts in their mailboxes left and right...and still SEEKING Him.
THANK YOU, Lord for each of these and I could spend an entire day writing names here and still not list everyone who's helped me.
So how can I tell you no even when it scares me to think someone a little behind me in this wonderful/difficult/exciting road? OH Man let me tell you I was sweating it there for a few days when you didn't tell me, "Relax, I'm not asking you to give it up." But I sense that now. Shew. What a relief. Shew what a test. I would lay it all down again for You. I'd have more time for my children. Yet I belive You want me to move forward. You're my best friend...my aspiration, my inspiration. My life. You're my whole life and all I want to do was write as worship.
You know, God gave me this gift of story to keep my mind of the physical pain I've been in for the past two and a half years with my hip...and to keep my mind from fear and prevent death by boredom while I was on bedrest and having complications with all four pregnancies...one of which didn't make it. But I know that baby is with Him, and He sustains me when I grieve, not over the loss of the baby, but over not being able to have any more.
Hey, there's always adoption, right? I would bring a million orhpans home with me if I had the room and the help and the money. So I'll just have to give it to Hopegivers and Phillip Cameron so they can care for the masses of precious children.
Anavim. Hebrew for "for the oppressed. The meek. The poor. The broken. The weary." etc. Anyone in need. Like Jesus said, "Come to me all who are weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest."
Anavim. Lord you know what that word means between the two of us. You understand the promise and the code. You are a God of covenant and you never break your promise. Let me be a servant of covenant and help me be just as faithful. I know you remember. Hold me to it. I still mean what I told you. You know my heart. You know my motives. Keep them pure. No regrets, Lord. What matters. Only what matters. Everything else can fade away. In the light of you...it all does anyway.
I'm humbled and blessed and touched that you'd even ask me, or trust me with such a task. Helping people chase their dreams...help me to help them to chase you more.
I'm excited to do it. I will study craft hard and speak the truth in gentle love.
Thank you for this journey. That there are people ahead of me in the road, like we're all in one long line...holding hands and moving down the same road. Some of us closer to the end of the road, some of us just starting out, some of us in the middle. But we all have hold of a hand. The hand in front of us tugs us along, helps us up when we fall down, grasps tight and doesn't let go when we try to shrink away from the road and give up, and dusts our knees of our hearts off because this road is sometimes paved with seasons of rejection and harsh critiques, and it sometimes feels like wearing shorts instead of jeans and crawling over broken glass to get there. Then we do the same for the person right behind us on the road. If I know a little bitty bit more than they do about how to craft a great opening hook...then I won't hold that to myself. I remember your lampstand Lord. I will not hide my talents under a bucket. As I've been given, I'll freely give.
Thanks for asking. I love you.
Squirrel/Cheryl
PS: blogreaders, sorry is this seemed like an utterly wierd post where half the time I was talking to you and half the time I was talking to God. Because of time constraints and because I feel like I'm supposed to leave my sincere though rambling conversation with God in there...I won't go back and seperate it. But I hope you have a blessed day and thanks for stopping by my blog.
Thank you for telling me what you want to see here, too. I'm on it!
Blessings,
Cheryl
Thursday, April 20, 2006
A FREAKING LEAF
ME. That's me. A leaf tossed in the wind and I HATE it. God loves me so much and I know He's smiling at me right now...I can feel it. Because I'm having an "ah-ha" moment. Minister Graham Cooke has said something to the effect that "God will not speed up the development of your character just to launch your ministry."
Okay, this comes after group tonight. (Group is just home meetings with people from church. We visit, eat, have a discussion, then pray for stuff and one another. I love the group I'm in right now. It feels like family. People are real. I can be me and be at my worst which is really bad because even at my best I'm not very easy to get along with). SO anyway...during lesson, Garret talked tonight and through his and Brenda's discussion...God hit me hard. I was so stunned I didn't get prayer because I had to come home and process it.
I'm still not sure what all God meant but I left group with a VERY STRONG sense that God is about to ask me to do something. Thing is...at group tonight, He asked me numerous times, "Will you sumbit? Will you obey? Will you lay it all down again? Will you run after me hard like you used to when you first learned of my love? Will you trust me enough to tell me yes even before you know what I'm asking?"
Okay, first of all you must understand that I'm the type of person that cringes when someone says, "Hey...can you do me a favor?" I will NEVER say "Yes." or "NO."....although now that I think of it...that would be pretty funny to do--put on a serious face and nonchalantly say, "No." LOL. Okay so maybe not. Anyway, back on target, I will always say, "That depends." Or "I don't know." Or I'll say, "What?" when asked that question.
Since God knows me, He knows what a real test of trust that is for me to say yes to Him before I even know what He's asking. But...the bottom line is I DO TRUST HIM.
Sometimes I have to be like the man in the Bible with his unbelief, "Lord...I do believe a little, help me believe a lot."
So, my answer is, without hesitation, "YES, LORD." And "I do trust you a little Lord...help me trust you much."
Now what's been going through my mind since He impressed upon me that He's taking me into a new season? That He might ask me to give up my writing. All of it. For good. Okay, now sometimes when God asks us to give things up...He wants us to give it up without the slightest contemplation of being able to pick that thing back up again.
YIKES.
On the other hand....He could be tugging me into writing for publication. I just want to write as worship. DOn't get me wrong...publication is every writer's dream. At least most of us. The rest are fibbing.
He could be asking me if I'm ready to take the ride of my life. Am I ready for deadlines and navigating and author/agent/editor relationship that will launch my career.
I already left one career. Nursing. I left it to be with my children. I love to write, but my biggest desire in life is NO REGRETS. They're only little once, and there are no guarantees...unless God's promised specifially...that they'll live forever. So I told God in the beginning of this journey...unless this (writing fiction) is going to have an eternal impact for the good...I do NOT want to do it. Not one word. Fiction is meant to entertain, yes. I know this. But for me it has to be more than that. If only for me. If only for my children who learned by my example to chase the Giver and not the gift...to run hard after Him and cling with all out might not the dream but to the author and creator of the substance in our hearts.
And I have failed miserably. I'm an all or nothing person. So I have to be strict. I have to limit my IM time. I may watch TV two hours a month. If that. I gave it up not because I think it's wrong but because I needed to borrow time from somewhere.
Because God asked me to stop neglecting my relationships. Friends. Children. Spouse. Church family. Extended family.
My prayer today is to be cemented into his promises. Bound to his word. Fastened to his spirit, branded with his ever-presence. Devotion. Simple. Jesus. Sweet Jesus.
It's all about you. Everything in my life is about you. For you. From you. Through You. To you. Bring me back. Back to who I'm meant to be.
Whatever trip I'm about to embark upon...I'm ready, Lord..let's go. I know it's gonna be okay why? Because you'll be with me. You're always with me. I want to be with you, too. Not that I want to leave this earth mind you. Too much left to do. Watch my grandkids grow up. See my daughters and my parents point to a book on the shelf at Wal-Mart and say, "My mommy wrote that." Or "My daughter wrote that and I always knew she could and I always told her so."
True. They did. I love the thing on Angie Poole's blog.
I'm basically a visionary. So as Angie would say, "Lord, cut the bait....let's go fishin'"
Whereever you take me...I'll go. I'll follow you anywhere. Whether that means to the OR to get this hip surgery even though the epidural I'm dreading so bad. Even if it means stepping away from the keyboard and my characters more or totally. Or if it means the opposite...to be called as a novelist who's an undercover Christian. To write the stories you put on my heart without being preachy.
As many times as You ask me, Lord, I say:
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Squirrel
Okay, this comes after group tonight. (Group is just home meetings with people from church. We visit, eat, have a discussion, then pray for stuff and one another. I love the group I'm in right now. It feels like family. People are real. I can be me and be at my worst which is really bad because even at my best I'm not very easy to get along with). SO anyway...during lesson, Garret talked tonight and through his and Brenda's discussion...God hit me hard. I was so stunned I didn't get prayer because I had to come home and process it.
I'm still not sure what all God meant but I left group with a VERY STRONG sense that God is about to ask me to do something. Thing is...at group tonight, He asked me numerous times, "Will you sumbit? Will you obey? Will you lay it all down again? Will you run after me hard like you used to when you first learned of my love? Will you trust me enough to tell me yes even before you know what I'm asking?"
Okay, first of all you must understand that I'm the type of person that cringes when someone says, "Hey...can you do me a favor?" I will NEVER say "Yes." or "NO."....although now that I think of it...that would be pretty funny to do--put on a serious face and nonchalantly say, "No." LOL. Okay so maybe not. Anyway, back on target, I will always say, "That depends." Or "I don't know." Or I'll say, "What?" when asked that question.
Since God knows me, He knows what a real test of trust that is for me to say yes to Him before I even know what He's asking. But...the bottom line is I DO TRUST HIM.
Sometimes I have to be like the man in the Bible with his unbelief, "Lord...I do believe a little, help me believe a lot."
So, my answer is, without hesitation, "YES, LORD." And "I do trust you a little Lord...help me trust you much."
Now what's been going through my mind since He impressed upon me that He's taking me into a new season? That He might ask me to give up my writing. All of it. For good. Okay, now sometimes when God asks us to give things up...He wants us to give it up without the slightest contemplation of being able to pick that thing back up again.
YIKES.
On the other hand....He could be tugging me into writing for publication. I just want to write as worship. DOn't get me wrong...publication is every writer's dream. At least most of us. The rest are fibbing.
He could be asking me if I'm ready to take the ride of my life. Am I ready for deadlines and navigating and author/agent/editor relationship that will launch my career.
I already left one career. Nursing. I left it to be with my children. I love to write, but my biggest desire in life is NO REGRETS. They're only little once, and there are no guarantees...unless God's promised specifially...that they'll live forever. So I told God in the beginning of this journey...unless this (writing fiction) is going to have an eternal impact for the good...I do NOT want to do it. Not one word. Fiction is meant to entertain, yes. I know this. But for me it has to be more than that. If only for me. If only for my children who learned by my example to chase the Giver and not the gift...to run hard after Him and cling with all out might not the dream but to the author and creator of the substance in our hearts.
And I have failed miserably. I'm an all or nothing person. So I have to be strict. I have to limit my IM time. I may watch TV two hours a month. If that. I gave it up not because I think it's wrong but because I needed to borrow time from somewhere.
Because God asked me to stop neglecting my relationships. Friends. Children. Spouse. Church family. Extended family.
My prayer today is to be cemented into his promises. Bound to his word. Fastened to his spirit, branded with his ever-presence. Devotion. Simple. Jesus. Sweet Jesus.
It's all about you. Everything in my life is about you. For you. From you. Through You. To you. Bring me back. Back to who I'm meant to be.
Whatever trip I'm about to embark upon...I'm ready, Lord..let's go. I know it's gonna be okay why? Because you'll be with me. You're always with me. I want to be with you, too. Not that I want to leave this earth mind you. Too much left to do. Watch my grandkids grow up. See my daughters and my parents point to a book on the shelf at Wal-Mart and say, "My mommy wrote that." Or "My daughter wrote that and I always knew she could and I always told her so."
True. They did. I love the thing on Angie Poole's blog.
I'm basically a visionary. So as Angie would say, "Lord, cut the bait....let's go fishin'"
Whereever you take me...I'll go. I'll follow you anywhere. Whether that means to the OR to get this hip surgery even though the epidural I'm dreading so bad. Even if it means stepping away from the keyboard and my characters more or totally. Or if it means the opposite...to be called as a novelist who's an undercover Christian. To write the stories you put on my heart without being preachy.
As many times as You ask me, Lord, I say:
Yes.
Yes.
Yes.
Squirrel
PANTYHOSE
Okay, what am I talking about you wonder? Or maybe not. Three grand friends and I do a book review blog at www.fabfourbookpicks.blogspot.com
I was looking over the stat counter, in particular, the keyword search....meaning what people typed in the address bar that got them to our site.
Pantyhose. LOLOL!
So I thought maybe if I typed "Pantyhose" in the header of my blog....I'd get more visitors.
LOLOLOL!!
I read some awsome blogs....
Heather Tipton
Angie Poole
Mary G
Gina Holmes
Camy Tang
Margaret Daley
Just to name a few....and I'm amazed at how many visitors they get.
So tell me...and be honest....what would you like to see in my blog?
Did you like the BLush and Cringe that I have been slacking on?
What about the writing prompts with book giveaways? Huh? Bring that back, yes or no?
I deleted all my posts about my media mission trip to another country...well because I got some threating mail from that....MEAN PEOPLE...GO AWAY!!!
Anyway...I'm trying to draw NICE people....
Readers....Writers....Christians....Non-Christians.....Editors....Agents....nevermind...I already have an agent and she's WONDERFUL.....
www.Hartlineliteraryagency.com
Check out her books too!!!
www.TamelaHancockMurray.com
She's an excellent author as well so she understands both side of the coin.
Okay....so I could name a hundred blogs that I'd love to be able to read but because of time constraints we have to be picky....
SO...tell me what makes a blog be in the top of your blog fav's? Like...I mean the top three or five?
All comments welcome! You're not gonna hurt my feelings....
Squirrel
I was looking over the stat counter, in particular, the keyword search....meaning what people typed in the address bar that got them to our site.
Pantyhose. LOLOL!
So I thought maybe if I typed "Pantyhose" in the header of my blog....I'd get more visitors.
LOLOLOL!!
I read some awsome blogs....
Heather Tipton
Angie Poole
Mary G
Gina Holmes
Camy Tang
Margaret Daley
Just to name a few....and I'm amazed at how many visitors they get.
So tell me...and be honest....what would you like to see in my blog?
Did you like the BLush and Cringe that I have been slacking on?
What about the writing prompts with book giveaways? Huh? Bring that back, yes or no?
I deleted all my posts about my media mission trip to another country...well because I got some threating mail from that....MEAN PEOPLE...GO AWAY!!!
Anyway...I'm trying to draw NICE people....
Readers....Writers....Christians....Non-Christians.....Editors....Agents....nevermind...I already have an agent and she's WONDERFUL.....
www.Hartlineliteraryagency.com
Check out her books too!!!
www.TamelaHancockMurray.com
She's an excellent author as well so she understands both side of the coin.
Okay....so I could name a hundred blogs that I'd love to be able to read but because of time constraints we have to be picky....
SO...tell me what makes a blog be in the top of your blog fav's? Like...I mean the top three or five?
All comments welcome! You're not gonna hurt my feelings....
Squirrel
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
CHECK THIS OUT!!!!!
I've been doing a book review blog with four other writers....one of whom just got a THREE book contract from Zondervan!
GO CAMY!!!!!!
Pammer writes kick butt suspense.....
Heather owes me a cowboy story.....and you don't want to miss her Sarcastic Saturdays!
Check us out at
www.Fabfourbookpicks.blogspot.com
Sign our guestbook!
Squirrel
GO CAMY!!!!!!
Pammer writes kick butt suspense.....
Heather owes me a cowboy story.....and you don't want to miss her Sarcastic Saturdays!
Check us out at
www.Fabfourbookpicks.blogspot.com
Sign our guestbook!
Squirrel
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
Monday, March 27, 2006
INTERACTIVE BLUSH AND CRINGE AT WRITING CONFERENCES
With all the conference talk starting up in the writing community.....I thought it would be fun to do an interactive blog about conferences.
Specifically, your MOST embarrassing moment at a conference.
I'll start: I accidentally handed a male editor my room key with my business card after an appointment at a Christian writer's conference last year. ROFL! Only I didn't realize it until an hour later as I stood at the door of my room. I went to grab my room key from the badge holder....and behold NO key! I kept it in the same pocket as my business cards. I found the editor later, horrified at the thought that maybe that's what had happened. Thankfully he didn't take the wrong way, and yes, my key was stuck to the glossy business card. Sigh.
SO what's yours? Or you could make it even funner and tell on a friend!
HAPPY TALKING!!!!
Squirrel
Specifically, your MOST embarrassing moment at a conference.
I'll start: I accidentally handed a male editor my room key with my business card after an appointment at a Christian writer's conference last year. ROFL! Only I didn't realize it until an hour later as I stood at the door of my room. I went to grab my room key from the badge holder....and behold NO key! I kept it in the same pocket as my business cards. I found the editor later, horrified at the thought that maybe that's what had happened. Thankfully he didn't take the wrong way, and yes, my key was stuck to the glossy business card. Sigh.
SO what's yours? Or you could make it even funner and tell on a friend!
HAPPY TALKING!!!!
Squirrel
Saturday, March 18, 2006
MORE GOOD NEWS!!!!! I'm a DOUBLE FINALIST IN Heart of Rockies!!!
STEALTH SURRENDER and COVENANT SEAL both finaled in the Inspirational Category of Colorado Romance Writers' Heart of the Rockies!!!!!!
Stealth makes my 5th manuscript to final in contests the past year! I'm pulling away from the contest circuit this year....but now I kind of wish I'd entered Barclay and Daphne. I just didn't have the time to get the subs out because I'm working on a NM historical with two authors, and I felt I needed to focus my time there.
Plus not I've got to get Ominous Code spit shined for the Steeple Hill editors.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Squirrel
Stealth makes my 5th manuscript to final in contests the past year! I'm pulling away from the contest circuit this year....but now I kind of wish I'd entered Barclay and Daphne. I just didn't have the time to get the subs out because I'm working on a NM historical with two authors, and I felt I needed to focus my time there.
Plus not I've got to get Ominous Code spit shined for the Steeple Hill editors.
YEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
Squirrel
GOOD NEWS!!!! Full MS Requested by editor
The editor for the pub house of my heart emailed my agent this week to say she read the proposal for Ominous Code (Book one on the Inspirational Military Romance)
and...
SHE LOVED IT!
She's requested my agent send the full ms to her so she can pass it up to the Senior Editor. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I'm SO excited. I know it could still get shot down, but I'm so thankful and thrilled beyond words to have made it this far!
and...
SHE LOVED IT!
She's requested my agent send the full ms to her so she can pass it up to the Senior Editor. YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! I'm SO excited. I know it could still get shot down, but I'm so thankful and thrilled beyond words to have made it this far!
Friday, March 03, 2006
Guest Blogger Donna Caubarreaux on Contests
I'm delighted to introduce Donna Caubarreaux to my blog readers. I met Donna through the contest loop she started. In addition to hosting many writing loops, Donna started the Divas With Tiaras. If you don't know what that is....stay tuned. If you've finaled or won writing contests in the past few years...YOU might even be one of Donna's Divas...and didn't realize it. Thank you for joining me for an interview with Donna.
Cheryl: Let's talk about the Contest Alert Group.
(ie: When did it start? How did that come about? ie: Was it your idea? What gave you the idea for it? How did you execute it? Were you surprised or dissappointed at the initial response? Has it increased? etc, etc)
Donna: Contest Alert started at the end of May 2002. I'm one of those people who seem to misplace things, and I really wanted to know what contests were available. Then, I figured that others were organizationally-challenged as well as moi; and the loop was formed. I was suprised at the response and with comments made to me from members, organized an 'Contest Alert Published' and 'Contest Deadline' which is an announcement only list. Presently there are 705 members on Contest Alert...all of whom stated that they would buy my first book...and I'm holding them to it!
Cheryl: How important do you feel contests are to an aspiring writer?
Donna: With the addition of final round judges being editors/agents; it opens doors that might have been closed. It also gives the entrant of having fresh eyes look at her work and give her their opinion, which the entrant must remember is subjective.
Cheryl: Has it helped your own writing career? If so, how so?
Donna: Well, I haven't sold yet. But, I've brought a heroine who no one like to someone they can finally root for. I've gotten two requests, but only if I changed the book to meet the genre guidelines. If anything, I think the most important thing I learned is that I'm not going to please everyone, but if I do the best work that I can, I will please some readers.
Usually every year, I go through a day or two of thinking of quitting, then get over it. One year, I was on my third day. When I received a call from Linda Hill, that I finaled in 'The Gotcha' contest. I broke down and cried on the phone, Linda was so sweet. So, it's a validation that you aren't wasting your time, that people who are complete strangers thought your writing was the best they had read. I believe in contests.
Cheryl: Is the contest loop exactly as you envisioned it? Is there anything you wish was different?
Donna: I wish I was better organized...LOL...but I have this massive spreadsheet that I use to keep track of contests. I wish that more coordinators would notify me of their contests. I have to literally search for the majority of them.
Cheryl: How can folks become a part of the Contest Alert Group?
Donna: Super easy-send a blank email to ContestAlert-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Now, there is chatter on this loop, and if you have any contest questions, there are always members who will help you out. If you only want notification of contests without the chatter, there is ContestDeadlines-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
If you're published, ContestAlertPublished-subscribe@yahoogroups.com they are a quiet bunch.
Cheryl: Is there anything Loop Members can do to make your job easier?
Donna: My job is easy. They are a friendly bunch, very supportive whenever anyone finals or wins a contest. We have both women, and our designated male finalist on board. It's really a great group of people...and they all are going to buy my first book.
Cheryl: Are there any other contest loops you host?
Donna: Oops, I answered that in the first question.
Cheryl: How do you think contest-ers can get the most out of Contest Alert?
Donna: By paying attention to what loop members are saying. We have several American Title finalists on board, questions were flying then about the process, which was very informative.
Cheryl: Let's talk about Contest DIVAS. What gave you the idea for this? How did you execute your idea? What kind of response have you received? How does the tiara thing work? How long have you been doing this?
Donna: Ah, my Divas...several years ago, my d-i-l had a Maltese...a beautiful dog. And the dog had a tiara. I wanted one so bad, so I asked for one for my birthday. (I learned that you can't hint...just ask.) I thought she understood that I wanted one the same size that the dog wore, I thought it would be funny to clip the thing to my head. (Don't shake your head...I live for stuff like this.) Anyway, my two daughters and her got together and bought me a really nice one. I really felt special wearing it. Sometimes I wear it while writing, cause with my social life it would never get out of the house.
In 2003 I started to keep a database of contest finalists. The contest deadline had to have occurred in that year. I was 'hot' that year and was mainly keeping track for myself; then thought that others might enjoy it as well, and started the 'Top Divas.' Who had the most contest finals/wins; who placed with the most titles; and who received a first, second, third or more with one manuscript.
That led me to think, what would the leader of the category like...well, a Tiara. So for the last two years I've awarded a tiara to the top three winners. It was difficult during the Dallas conference with all the Mary Kay ladies; one was extremely eager to purchase Jessica Trapp's tiara, and didn't want to hear the word 'no.'
The leaders are still up at the 'official' website...2005 winners won't be determined until July, and the leader board is updated often. It's fun...doesn't cost anything...and I'm hoping everyone listed there will buy my first book.
http://www.geocities.com/divaswithtiaras/ContestDiva.index.html
Cheryl: Let's talk about the Contest Alert Group.
(ie: When did it start? How did that come about? ie: Was it your idea? What gave you the idea for it? How did you execute it? Were you surprised or dissappointed at the initial response? Has it increased? etc, etc)
Donna: Contest Alert started at the end of May 2002. I'm one of those people who seem to misplace things, and I really wanted to know what contests were available. Then, I figured that others were organizationally-challenged as well as moi; and the loop was formed. I was suprised at the response and with comments made to me from members, organized an 'Contest Alert Published' and 'Contest Deadline' which is an announcement only list. Presently there are 705 members on Contest Alert...all of whom stated that they would buy my first book...and I'm holding them to it!
Cheryl: How important do you feel contests are to an aspiring writer?
Donna: With the addition of final round judges being editors/agents; it opens doors that might have been closed. It also gives the entrant of having fresh eyes look at her work and give her their opinion, which the entrant must remember is subjective.
Cheryl: Has it helped your own writing career? If so, how so?
Donna: Well, I haven't sold yet. But, I've brought a heroine who no one like to someone they can finally root for. I've gotten two requests, but only if I changed the book to meet the genre guidelines. If anything, I think the most important thing I learned is that I'm not going to please everyone, but if I do the best work that I can, I will please some readers.
Usually every year, I go through a day or two of thinking of quitting, then get over it. One year, I was on my third day. When I received a call from Linda Hill, that I finaled in 'The Gotcha' contest. I broke down and cried on the phone, Linda was so sweet. So, it's a validation that you aren't wasting your time, that people who are complete strangers thought your writing was the best they had read. I believe in contests.
Cheryl: Is the contest loop exactly as you envisioned it? Is there anything you wish was different?
Donna: I wish I was better organized...LOL...but I have this massive spreadsheet that I use to keep track of contests. I wish that more coordinators would notify me of their contests. I have to literally search for the majority of them.
Cheryl: How can folks become a part of the Contest Alert Group?
Donna: Super easy-send a blank email to ContestAlert-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Now, there is chatter on this loop, and if you have any contest questions, there are always members who will help you out. If you only want notification of contests without the chatter, there is ContestDeadlines-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
If you're published, ContestAlertPublished-subscribe@yahoogroups.com they are a quiet bunch.
Cheryl: Is there anything Loop Members can do to make your job easier?
Donna: My job is easy. They are a friendly bunch, very supportive whenever anyone finals or wins a contest. We have both women, and our designated male finalist on board. It's really a great group of people...and they all are going to buy my first book.
Cheryl: Are there any other contest loops you host?
Donna: Oops, I answered that in the first question.
Cheryl: How do you think contest-ers can get the most out of Contest Alert?
Donna: By paying attention to what loop members are saying. We have several American Title finalists on board, questions were flying then about the process, which was very informative.
Cheryl: Let's talk about Contest DIVAS. What gave you the idea for this? How did you execute your idea? What kind of response have you received? How does the tiara thing work? How long have you been doing this?
Donna: Ah, my Divas...several years ago, my d-i-l had a Maltese...a beautiful dog. And the dog had a tiara. I wanted one so bad, so I asked for one for my birthday. (I learned that you can't hint...just ask.) I thought she understood that I wanted one the same size that the dog wore, I thought it would be funny to clip the thing to my head. (Don't shake your head...I live for stuff like this.) Anyway, my two daughters and her got together and bought me a really nice one. I really felt special wearing it. Sometimes I wear it while writing, cause with my social life it would never get out of the house.
In 2003 I started to keep a database of contest finalists. The contest deadline had to have occurred in that year. I was 'hot' that year and was mainly keeping track for myself; then thought that others might enjoy it as well, and started the 'Top Divas.' Who had the most contest finals/wins; who placed with the most titles; and who received a first, second, third or more with one manuscript.
That led me to think, what would the leader of the category like...well, a Tiara. So for the last two years I've awarded a tiara to the top three winners. It was difficult during the Dallas conference with all the Mary Kay ladies; one was extremely eager to purchase Jessica Trapp's tiara, and didn't want to hear the word 'no.'
The leaders are still up at the 'official' website...2005 winners won't be determined until July, and the leader board is updated often. It's fun...doesn't cost anything...and I'm hoping everyone listed there will buy my first book.
http://www.geocities.com/divaswithtiaras/ContestDiva.index.html
Friday, February 24, 2006
February BlogClass: Guest Blogger Cindy Marolt on Contests
I'm pleased to announce someone I met on The Contest Loop. Please welcome Cindy Marolt...writer extraordinaire...who makes me laugh with everything of hers I've read...even emails. Do visit her website at www.cynmarolt.com or simply click the link of this blog title.
Author Bio – Cyn Marolt - www.cynmarolt.com
(200 words)
I claim San Antonio as my home, but since my marriage to my best friend, I’ve been on the move. (No, not running from him.) I work in the energy industry and have lived in California, Alaska, Texas, Wisconsin, and finally Oklahoma. (A Texas girl north of the Red River?)
I wrote as a teen and into college, everything from morose prose to tongue-in-cheek humor about the Disco scene. I may still have nosebleed platform shoes or parachute pants in my closet. (Can’t believe I admitted that.)
But it wasn’t until 2003 that I wrote my first manuscript, a cathartic piece. I missed living in Alaska, so I wrote about my adventures. A once-in-a-lifetime journey. Much of my heroine’s experiences were my own, embellished by the fictional perfection of ‘happy ever after’.
I prefer writing gritty suspense, but humor also appeals. Contrary to what you might think, getting into the mind of a sociopath isn’t as much fun as it sounds. And don’t get me started on the whimsical world of the serial killer.
My husband and I share our residence with a highly intelligent canine, Feliz Navidog, and her two cats of highborn lineage, Pinot Grigio and Foochie Focker.
What I write
Combine gritty suspense with a dash of mystery, then sprinkle with humor. That’s what I do. I love writing about morally ambiguous characters, flawed personalities that stumble upon the right thing to do, on occasion. Dark, brooding, angst-ridden antiheroes also have a major appeal. My stories tend to be character driven. And I like challenging a reader’s moral barometer. As in real life, when you mix black and white, it turns to pewter gray. My comfort zone.
I asked Cindy to share some thoughts on contests. Here's what she had to say:
S:As an entrant, what do you look for when selecting a contest?
C:Personally, I participate in contests for two main reasons.
Having someone else flog my work is so much better than doing it myself. I consider it a more efficient use of my time.
And I like waiting months to hear how I did. Immediate gratification is so overrated.
Of course, none of the above is true, but if you are going to do the contest circuit, YOU MUST HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR.
Picking a contest is like going on a date with Brad Pitt. BE PREPARED TO GO ALL THE WAY. (Why not?) So take a good hard look at the final judges and make an assumption that your entry will make it to their desk. (For example, select contests with final editor judges who do not accept unagented submissions.) Now you may have better odds playing Power Ball, but a girl can dream, can’t she?
If one Colin Farrell is yummy, imagine THREE!!! (Okay, that statement has nothing to do with what I’m about to say, but I just liked the idea of more than one Colin.) I pick contests that have 3 or more judges on the preliminary round, because there is always that one judge who has her thong in a twist. (You know what I’m talkin’ about…) Let the contest coordinator throw out that low score. What a liberating notion!
SIZE MATTERS!!! We all know this, right? The length of pages to submit might fit my work better for some contests than others (ie 10 pgs, 25 pgs, or 55 pgs)--so I pick accordingly. (What? What did you think I meant?)
UNZIP IT & TAKE A PEEK. (Now that I have your attention…) Check out the score sheet ahead of time. If your story has a shy hero that doesn’t show up for a chapter or so, then a contest that requires him to make an appearance within the first few ticks of a stopwatch is probably not your best choice. The scores sheets could give you an indication that the judges might be looking for a more formulaic story line with traditional elements.
Like Paris Hilton, I need a score card to keep up. (I SO wish I had her problems.) I maintain an activity log of contests I enter (for tax purposes among other reasons). If the judges' comments were not helpful or appear to come from people lacking the proper training to be a judge, I make a note of this in my log. I'm less likely to enter this contest again in the following year. So, in this case, keeping score can be a good thing.
RIGID DOESN’T ALWAYS RULE—(It’s way too easy to make a ‘rigid’ pun so I’ll pass.) If the rules on manuscript formats are too rigid, I often pass on the contest. Some chapters are very picky about format/fonts. The greater the flexibility, the better I like it. It allows me to pick the best MS for the contest rules. (If the Golden Heart allows such flexibility, why not other contests?)
S:As a trained and experienced judge, what is your philosophy on assessing an author’s work?
C:Okay—gonna get serious here for a minute. I take judging very seriously. For me, the main thing about judging always falls back to the golden rule--treat others like you would like to be treated yourself. An author's work is their life's blood. Treat it with respect.
I know. By now, you’re saying, “Duh?!!” But you'd be surprised how many judges make disparaging remarks that add NOTHING of value. (Once I’ve read what these people have say, I like to imagine them naked on a theatre stage with a bunch of people laughing and pointing, but that’s just me.)
But after saying that, I've also experienced extraordinary judges who treat my work as if they were dear friends, giving me great insight. (I've even had a well-published author refer me to their agent after she read my material.) Those people are why I return the favor--the 'PAY IT FORWARD' idea. And I have modeled my judging style after some of my favorite judges as a result. As a judge, I provide encouraging words to each entrant on what I liked most and list areas that could use some improvement. (No matter how good the writing, I try to add some areas to work on. We all need those.)
There are too many naysayers to stand in the way of what we do. A contest judge doesn't need to be another one. After all, the score reflects the judge's overall opinion of the entry, but their comments should give constructive criticism on what works and what doesn't.
I'm also forgiving when it comes to things that seem trivial in comparison to a good story well told (MS format, fonts, H/H meeting on the first page). Good storytelling is a gift. I put as much care into an entrant's work as I would my own. I usually read the entry more than once and I read it through BEFORE I pick up the pen.
Contests are for fundraising but I would like to see judges' training that actually reflected an element of nurturing the newer writer. I'm not sure if this can be done, but maybe it all starts with 'PAYING IT FORWARD'--one judge caring enough to return the favor of a good deed.
As a first time Golden Heart finalist in 2005, what did you learn that you hadn’t expected?
I entered the GH for the first time last year and was named a finalist. I was totally unprepared for such good fortune--wide-eyed and sitting on the center lane, staring down the headlights of an eighteen-wheeler. But Tina Novinski took me under her wing and helped me through the initial shock phase--my fellow chapter mate and voice of reason. (I know she is grinning at this comment.) Tina gave me some sage advice and was a great sounding board for some of my off-the-wall questions. Her advice was dead on, and as a result, I didn’t waste my time spinning my wheels on useless stuff—like arranging for a ticker tape parade in my home town or calling Oprah to see if she’d be interested in interviewing me. (grin) Don’t laugh, I had Oprah on speed dial.
Before Reno, I joined the GH email loop and met the rest of the Wild Cards (the name we’ve coined for ourselves). They also helped me through the initial ropes. Our loop is still very active and I feel plugged in to everyone’s success.
What did I learn?
Well, you know what they say--you never forget your first. (grin) I didn’t know I would shed a tear when the call came from the national office. I was at work and it made me shake, I was so excited. Who knew I could be such a ‘girl’? Great news, but I had no idea what it meant. I soon learned.
Having a website helped. I had just set one up the week prior to the GH announcements. (No, I wasn’t that confident. It was more a matter of good timing and dumb luck.)
It takes time to set up for the GH. Publicity photos, business cards, announcements and proposals to agents. This all takes time---a real distraction from reality. And it is a real drain from your normal pattern of writing everyday. It completely threw me. Tina was again the voice of reason. Both of us eventually hunkered down and kept focused on our writing while we waited for all the hoopla of nationals.
Feeding the repressed Goddess in me - Once you are a GH finalist, they can never take that away. How cool is that? And GH finalists will always get some preferential treatment for booking appointments with editors/agents at nationals.
I get better rejection letters now. Only a writer knows this can be construed as a good thing. As a finalist, you definitely will see more attention from agents & editors. And that’s definitely a good thing.
Seriously - What they might not tell you is, prior to nationals, the GH ride is a bittersweet roller coaster with amazing highs and devastating lows. You expect more of yourself and a new level of anxiety comes with that expectation. Now, after the 2005 GH is behind me, I know being a GH finalist is a great thing. But it is only another step in the journey we are all facing…and there are many ways to achieve your goals. Keep the faith, baby!
Parting words…
What we do is follow our dreams. Many people live their lives not even knowing what that means. But by pursuing this strange path, we are proving to ourselves that passion counts. My loving husband has told me how much he marvels at my unwavering dedication over the last three years and he has changed his lifestyle to support my efforts. He’s the cornerstone I use to build upon my heroes, each one. And for you parents out there-- you are a living example to your kids that personal satisfaction comes from within. And that’s a beautiful lesson.
I wish each of you good fortune in your writing journey.
I found this wonderfully insightful. I hope you did too. Don't forget to drop by Cindy's website and sign her guestbook.
Toodles,
Squirrel
Author Bio – Cyn Marolt - www.cynmarolt.com
(200 words)
I claim San Antonio as my home, but since my marriage to my best friend, I’ve been on the move. (No, not running from him.) I work in the energy industry and have lived in California, Alaska, Texas, Wisconsin, and finally Oklahoma. (A Texas girl north of the Red River?)
I wrote as a teen and into college, everything from morose prose to tongue-in-cheek humor about the Disco scene. I may still have nosebleed platform shoes or parachute pants in my closet. (Can’t believe I admitted that.)
But it wasn’t until 2003 that I wrote my first manuscript, a cathartic piece. I missed living in Alaska, so I wrote about my adventures. A once-in-a-lifetime journey. Much of my heroine’s experiences were my own, embellished by the fictional perfection of ‘happy ever after’.
I prefer writing gritty suspense, but humor also appeals. Contrary to what you might think, getting into the mind of a sociopath isn’t as much fun as it sounds. And don’t get me started on the whimsical world of the serial killer.
My husband and I share our residence with a highly intelligent canine, Feliz Navidog, and her two cats of highborn lineage, Pinot Grigio and Foochie Focker.
What I write
Combine gritty suspense with a dash of mystery, then sprinkle with humor. That’s what I do. I love writing about morally ambiguous characters, flawed personalities that stumble upon the right thing to do, on occasion. Dark, brooding, angst-ridden antiheroes also have a major appeal. My stories tend to be character driven. And I like challenging a reader’s moral barometer. As in real life, when you mix black and white, it turns to pewter gray. My comfort zone.
I asked Cindy to share some thoughts on contests. Here's what she had to say:
S:As an entrant, what do you look for when selecting a contest?
C:Personally, I participate in contests for two main reasons.
Having someone else flog my work is so much better than doing it myself. I consider it a more efficient use of my time.
And I like waiting months to hear how I did. Immediate gratification is so overrated.
Of course, none of the above is true, but if you are going to do the contest circuit, YOU MUST HAVE A SENSE OF HUMOR.
Picking a contest is like going on a date with Brad Pitt. BE PREPARED TO GO ALL THE WAY. (Why not?) So take a good hard look at the final judges and make an assumption that your entry will make it to their desk. (For example, select contests with final editor judges who do not accept unagented submissions.) Now you may have better odds playing Power Ball, but a girl can dream, can’t she?
If one Colin Farrell is yummy, imagine THREE!!! (Okay, that statement has nothing to do with what I’m about to say, but I just liked the idea of more than one Colin.) I pick contests that have 3 or more judges on the preliminary round, because there is always that one judge who has her thong in a twist. (You know what I’m talkin’ about…) Let the contest coordinator throw out that low score. What a liberating notion!
SIZE MATTERS!!! We all know this, right? The length of pages to submit might fit my work better for some contests than others (ie 10 pgs, 25 pgs, or 55 pgs)--so I pick accordingly. (What? What did you think I meant?)
UNZIP IT & TAKE A PEEK. (Now that I have your attention…) Check out the score sheet ahead of time. If your story has a shy hero that doesn’t show up for a chapter or so, then a contest that requires him to make an appearance within the first few ticks of a stopwatch is probably not your best choice. The scores sheets could give you an indication that the judges might be looking for a more formulaic story line with traditional elements.
Like Paris Hilton, I need a score card to keep up. (I SO wish I had her problems.) I maintain an activity log of contests I enter (for tax purposes among other reasons). If the judges' comments were not helpful or appear to come from people lacking the proper training to be a judge, I make a note of this in my log. I'm less likely to enter this contest again in the following year. So, in this case, keeping score can be a good thing.
RIGID DOESN’T ALWAYS RULE—(It’s way too easy to make a ‘rigid’ pun so I’ll pass.) If the rules on manuscript formats are too rigid, I often pass on the contest. Some chapters are very picky about format/fonts. The greater the flexibility, the better I like it. It allows me to pick the best MS for the contest rules. (If the Golden Heart allows such flexibility, why not other contests?)
S:As a trained and experienced judge, what is your philosophy on assessing an author’s work?
C:Okay—gonna get serious here for a minute. I take judging very seriously. For me, the main thing about judging always falls back to the golden rule--treat others like you would like to be treated yourself. An author's work is their life's blood. Treat it with respect.
I know. By now, you’re saying, “Duh?!!” But you'd be surprised how many judges make disparaging remarks that add NOTHING of value. (Once I’ve read what these people have say, I like to imagine them naked on a theatre stage with a bunch of people laughing and pointing, but that’s just me.)
But after saying that, I've also experienced extraordinary judges who treat my work as if they were dear friends, giving me great insight. (I've even had a well-published author refer me to their agent after she read my material.) Those people are why I return the favor--the 'PAY IT FORWARD' idea. And I have modeled my judging style after some of my favorite judges as a result. As a judge, I provide encouraging words to each entrant on what I liked most and list areas that could use some improvement. (No matter how good the writing, I try to add some areas to work on. We all need those.)
There are too many naysayers to stand in the way of what we do. A contest judge doesn't need to be another one. After all, the score reflects the judge's overall opinion of the entry, but their comments should give constructive criticism on what works and what doesn't.
I'm also forgiving when it comes to things that seem trivial in comparison to a good story well told (MS format, fonts, H/H meeting on the first page). Good storytelling is a gift. I put as much care into an entrant's work as I would my own. I usually read the entry more than once and I read it through BEFORE I pick up the pen.
Contests are for fundraising but I would like to see judges' training that actually reflected an element of nurturing the newer writer. I'm not sure if this can be done, but maybe it all starts with 'PAYING IT FORWARD'--one judge caring enough to return the favor of a good deed.
As a first time Golden Heart finalist in 2005, what did you learn that you hadn’t expected?
I entered the GH for the first time last year and was named a finalist. I was totally unprepared for such good fortune--wide-eyed and sitting on the center lane, staring down the headlights of an eighteen-wheeler. But Tina Novinski took me under her wing and helped me through the initial shock phase--my fellow chapter mate and voice of reason. (I know she is grinning at this comment.) Tina gave me some sage advice and was a great sounding board for some of my off-the-wall questions. Her advice was dead on, and as a result, I didn’t waste my time spinning my wheels on useless stuff—like arranging for a ticker tape parade in my home town or calling Oprah to see if she’d be interested in interviewing me. (grin) Don’t laugh, I had Oprah on speed dial.
Before Reno, I joined the GH email loop and met the rest of the Wild Cards (the name we’ve coined for ourselves). They also helped me through the initial ropes. Our loop is still very active and I feel plugged in to everyone’s success.
What did I learn?
Well, you know what they say--you never forget your first. (grin) I didn’t know I would shed a tear when the call came from the national office. I was at work and it made me shake, I was so excited. Who knew I could be such a ‘girl’? Great news, but I had no idea what it meant. I soon learned.
Having a website helped. I had just set one up the week prior to the GH announcements. (No, I wasn’t that confident. It was more a matter of good timing and dumb luck.)
It takes time to set up for the GH. Publicity photos, business cards, announcements and proposals to agents. This all takes time---a real distraction from reality. And it is a real drain from your normal pattern of writing everyday. It completely threw me. Tina was again the voice of reason. Both of us eventually hunkered down and kept focused on our writing while we waited for all the hoopla of nationals.
Feeding the repressed Goddess in me - Once you are a GH finalist, they can never take that away. How cool is that? And GH finalists will always get some preferential treatment for booking appointments with editors/agents at nationals.
I get better rejection letters now. Only a writer knows this can be construed as a good thing. As a finalist, you definitely will see more attention from agents & editors. And that’s definitely a good thing.
Seriously - What they might not tell you is, prior to nationals, the GH ride is a bittersweet roller coaster with amazing highs and devastating lows. You expect more of yourself and a new level of anxiety comes with that expectation. Now, after the 2005 GH is behind me, I know being a GH finalist is a great thing. But it is only another step in the journey we are all facing…and there are many ways to achieve your goals. Keep the faith, baby!
Parting words…
What we do is follow our dreams. Many people live their lives not even knowing what that means. But by pursuing this strange path, we are proving to ourselves that passion counts. My loving husband has told me how much he marvels at my unwavering dedication over the last three years and he has changed his lifestyle to support my efforts. He’s the cornerstone I use to build upon my heroes, each one. And for you parents out there-- you are a living example to your kids that personal satisfaction comes from within. And that’s a beautiful lesson.
I wish each of you good fortune in your writing journey.
I found this wonderfully insightful. I hope you did too. Don't forget to drop by Cindy's website and sign her guestbook.
Toodles,
Squirrel
Thursday, February 23, 2006
February BlogClass-Guest Blogger: Author Margaret Daley
I'm excited to announce that Margaret Daley, Inspirational Romance Author for Steeple Hill will be with us today. Margaret will be sharing her thoughts and expertise on the subject of writing contests. Visit Margaret's website at www.margaretdaley.com or just click the link in the title of this blog. Writing for over twenty-five years now, Margaret is a prolific, multi-published author who also teaches children with special needs. Margaret spends a lot of time encouraging, teaching, and mentoring new authors and is a tremendous friend and asset to the writing community. She speaks at national writers conferences including Romance Writer's of America (RWA), and she is the former president of Faith, Hope, and Love (FHL)-the inspirational outreach chapter of RWA. Give a big welcome to Margaret and thanks for stopping by. I'll let Margaret have the floor now...right after I hug her for being here. GGG. Blessings! Squirrel
-----
When I started writing, there were no contests for unpublished writers. I wish there had been. It can be a good way to get feedback, but choose the contests carefully. If you write inspirational romances, you probably should look at ones that are geared toward the inspirational market and an editor as the final judge who edits inspirational romances. The same goes for other genres.
There are some houses that don't accept unsolicited manuscripts. It can be difficult to get your manuscript read at one of those houses. You can go to a conference where an editor from the house you are targeting is taking appointments. Hopefully the editor will request you send your manuscript. Another way is to target a contest where that editor is the final round judge. Sometimes a manuscript that is a winner (and I've even seen a runner up) is requested.
Also there are contests for published writers. I have entered some, again choosing the contest carefully. I especially like the ones where the readers or booksellers are the judges. That is the audience I am targeting. It can be a way to get your name out there with people who may not have picked up your book.
I have judged many contests and have enjoyed reading the wonderful talent that is in our genre. Seeing it makes me appreciate the hard job an editor has. There are some great books to choose from. How in the world do they make their final decision? I'd want to buy too many books.
I won't tell you there aren't drawbacks to contests. There are so many now so it can be hard to decide which would be the best for you and your career. The entry fees can be expensive. And lastly, some of the feedback you get can be confusing and not always right on target. Let's face it. This business is subjective. Every reader and judge has her own preferences of what she likes and doesn't. That will affect the judging.
So when you are wading through the results, you ultimately have to decide to take the judge's advice or not. If more than one points something out, I would look at it. That still doesn't mean I would change it, but I definitely would consider the suggestion. But you know your story the best. Remember that.
So whether you enter a contest or judge one, it is an experience that can enrich your writing. And good luck with any contests you enter! ---------
Isn't Margaret fabulous?
Make sure you pop over to her website and blog and tell her so. She has a March book release too. More about that March 1, 2006. Or if you just can't wait for the info, visit her website for more information. It should be hitting shelves soon so be on the look out for her books whereever books are sold...including Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, and Sam's club, etc.
Great advice Margaret, thank you so much for doing this, it's been a joy and honor to have you on my blog.
Squirrel
-----
When I started writing, there were no contests for unpublished writers. I wish there had been. It can be a good way to get feedback, but choose the contests carefully. If you write inspirational romances, you probably should look at ones that are geared toward the inspirational market and an editor as the final judge who edits inspirational romances. The same goes for other genres.
There are some houses that don't accept unsolicited manuscripts. It can be difficult to get your manuscript read at one of those houses. You can go to a conference where an editor from the house you are targeting is taking appointments. Hopefully the editor will request you send your manuscript. Another way is to target a contest where that editor is the final round judge. Sometimes a manuscript that is a winner (and I've even seen a runner up) is requested.
Also there are contests for published writers. I have entered some, again choosing the contest carefully. I especially like the ones where the readers or booksellers are the judges. That is the audience I am targeting. It can be a way to get your name out there with people who may not have picked up your book.
I have judged many contests and have enjoyed reading the wonderful talent that is in our genre. Seeing it makes me appreciate the hard job an editor has. There are some great books to choose from. How in the world do they make their final decision? I'd want to buy too many books.
I won't tell you there aren't drawbacks to contests. There are so many now so it can be hard to decide which would be the best for you and your career. The entry fees can be expensive. And lastly, some of the feedback you get can be confusing and not always right on target. Let's face it. This business is subjective. Every reader and judge has her own preferences of what she likes and doesn't. That will affect the judging.
So when you are wading through the results, you ultimately have to decide to take the judge's advice or not. If more than one points something out, I would look at it. That still doesn't mean I would change it, but I definitely would consider the suggestion. But you know your story the best. Remember that.
So whether you enter a contest or judge one, it is an experience that can enrich your writing. And good luck with any contests you enter! ---------
Isn't Margaret fabulous?
Make sure you pop over to her website and blog and tell her so. She has a March book release too. More about that March 1, 2006. Or if you just can't wait for the info, visit her website for more information. It should be hitting shelves soon so be on the look out for her books whereever books are sold...including Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Target, and Sam's club, etc.
Great advice Margaret, thank you so much for doing this, it's been a joy and honor to have you on my blog.
Squirrel
Wednesday, February 15, 2006
REBECCA DEADLINE EXTENSION
LERA's Rebecca contest has a new extended deadline. You have until THIS Saturday to get your entry in. That's not postmark date. That's must be received by date.
IF you've got ten pages all spiffied up...send it in.
For more info on contest rules and entry sheets...visit www.leranm.com
SQUIRREL
IF you've got ten pages all spiffied up...send it in.
For more info on contest rules and entry sheets...visit www.leranm.com
SQUIRREL
Sunday, February 12, 2006
February BLOGCLASS-Interview with Contest Diva Tina M. Novinski
Today I have Guest Blogger, Tina Novinski with me. Tina is well known on the contest circuit for an outstanding number of finals and wins. You'll find a link at the end of the interview for Tina's website. Do check it out...it's probably my favorite writer website.
S: Why did you begin entering contests?
T: I had three reasons.
1. I am rather shy but I knew I needed a marketing plan to get my name out there. Contests were that venue for me.
2. I stopped working with a critique group. Now I do readings with my sister who is an author and a reader, for continuity and plot issues. I knew that I needed a third input, a cold read. Contests provide that on new works.
3. Lastly, the opportunity for my work to be on an editor/agent's desk.
S: How long have you been on the contest circuit?
T: This is my fourth year of hitting the circuit hard, although the middle two years were the real big years. Now I am easing off as I am finding them less useful a tool.
S: How did you hear about the contests you entered?
T: Primarily I rely on the RWR and the Contest Alert Group on Yahoo. The Contest Alert is a very supportive group.
S: What kind and amount of feedback is important to you?
T: A good objective critique. Don't tell me I am great, my mom can do that. Don't cut me until I am bleeding and fail to explain why. The greatest offense is a score with no comments.
S: How can we improve the judging of contests?
T: It's a contest, it is subjective. That is the reality. RWA has deregulated chapters so there will be no continuity of judges training. The best thing a chapter can do is ask good judges back and eliminate the poor judges. This is can only be done if a coordinator takes the time to read the judge comments.
S: How can we draw more people to want to enter contests?
T: Stop having the same final judges every year. There has to be a common sense rationale for choosing a judge. They should be acquiring for the line they are judging or an agent who is actually open to new author projects.
S: How have you fared?
T: 85 percent of the time I get a good critique. I'm pleased with that. Last year was a good year and I had several agent and several editor requests from contests.
S. Did you come back to enter a particular contest during a succeeding year? Why or why not?
T: Contests get reputations. The best ones are timely, organized, contact you by email and if there is a problem, they post there is a delay.
S: Contests cost money. We have to be picky about which ones you enter. How do you decide?
T: I decide based on the final judge first. Then if I am interested I decide which project will "stage" best with the page requirements of the particular contest. This is no different from a beauty pageant. You have to look at all the factors and decide if your baby will be seen to its best advantage.
S: How do you feel about E-entry verses hard copy submission?
T: I wish there were more. Postage cost is huge and it takes time from my work day to mail to contests.
S: Do you feel contests have benefited you in your writing journey? If so, how?
T: I have gained confidence to do cold agent and editor queries. The other side of the coin is judging. I judge more contests now too, in the spirit of giving back, and I have a feel for what the competition is. That is a tremendous help. Writing is a solitary journey. We spend a significant amount of time thinking our work is sub par. Judging and entering contests lets you know where you really stand in comparison to your peers.
S: What was your worst contest experience?
T: As with anyone with a professional background, it is always a hoot when someone corrects your knowledge base with misinformation.
S: What was your best contest experience?
T: You know I continue to have them. A really good, strong critique is the best experience. I don't care if the pages are all full of corrections, it is all in the delivery. I love being nailed. I love it when someone sees my story from another angle and gives me a wake up call on a plot problem. I find that perversely exciting.
S: Do you know of anyone who sold as a direct result of a contest placement or win?
T: Most recently Sharie Kohler and I tied for best of the best in the Winter Rose and got an agent review. That agent got her a multi book contract. You can see her news at www.sophiejordan.net/contest.html THAT IS SO EXCITING.
S: Advice to someone entering contests for the first time?
T: Find a mentor, someone to help you evaluate your results.
S: Any general contest thoughts you'd like to add?
T: I have heard comments about contesting such as: you would be better off spending your money on a professional critique or it costs too much money to enter. Writing is a business. I keep detailed records and file a Schedule C with the IRS. I consider contests an investment in my business. My business plan is my business plan. As long as I have one, and am constantly reevaluating it then I am satisfied. What works for me doesn't necessarily work for someone else. Nor should it.
S: Do you like judges to point out strong points along with areas that need work?
T: I learned the sandwich technique from The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers years ago. You sandwich your potentially negative comments with your encouraging ones. After all we as writers need to know what works as well as what does not.
S: Do you think as you progress in your craft you tend to depend on that less?
T: What happens to a writer is growth. You get to know your voice, your style and what works for you and what doesn't. There is a certain confidence in that.
Speaking of voice. I will mention something that was an epiphany for me that happened years ago at a "live in person critique group." I began to read my work and suddenly stopped. I recognized that my work now sounded like the person at the table who was verbally the most opinionated. I was devastated. This can happen with contests too. When you get that manuscript back review it. Then set it aside. Come back to it later. The old rule applies. Change nothing unless there is consensus and even then, be cautious.
Have you ever read a story that was technically perfect but had no spark? That's what happens when we critique the life out of a story. Contests are a great venue if you have a business plan, a strategy. But don't let them change your voice or your style.
FYI: Tina has THE coolest writer website! Check it out at www.tinarusso.com
Squirrel
S: Why did you begin entering contests?
T: I had three reasons.
1. I am rather shy but I knew I needed a marketing plan to get my name out there. Contests were that venue for me.
2. I stopped working with a critique group. Now I do readings with my sister who is an author and a reader, for continuity and plot issues. I knew that I needed a third input, a cold read. Contests provide that on new works.
3. Lastly, the opportunity for my work to be on an editor/agent's desk.
S: How long have you been on the contest circuit?
T: This is my fourth year of hitting the circuit hard, although the middle two years were the real big years. Now I am easing off as I am finding them less useful a tool.
S: How did you hear about the contests you entered?
T: Primarily I rely on the RWR and the Contest Alert Group on Yahoo. The Contest Alert is a very supportive group.
S: What kind and amount of feedback is important to you?
T: A good objective critique. Don't tell me I am great, my mom can do that. Don't cut me until I am bleeding and fail to explain why. The greatest offense is a score with no comments.
S: How can we improve the judging of contests?
T: It's a contest, it is subjective. That is the reality. RWA has deregulated chapters so there will be no continuity of judges training. The best thing a chapter can do is ask good judges back and eliminate the poor judges. This is can only be done if a coordinator takes the time to read the judge comments.
S: How can we draw more people to want to enter contests?
T: Stop having the same final judges every year. There has to be a common sense rationale for choosing a judge. They should be acquiring for the line they are judging or an agent who is actually open to new author projects.
S: How have you fared?
T: 85 percent of the time I get a good critique. I'm pleased with that. Last year was a good year and I had several agent and several editor requests from contests.
S. Did you come back to enter a particular contest during a succeeding year? Why or why not?
T: Contests get reputations. The best ones are timely, organized, contact you by email and if there is a problem, they post there is a delay.
S: Contests cost money. We have to be picky about which ones you enter. How do you decide?
T: I decide based on the final judge first. Then if I am interested I decide which project will "stage" best with the page requirements of the particular contest. This is no different from a beauty pageant. You have to look at all the factors and decide if your baby will be seen to its best advantage.
S: How do you feel about E-entry verses hard copy submission?
T: I wish there were more. Postage cost is huge and it takes time from my work day to mail to contests.
S: Do you feel contests have benefited you in your writing journey? If so, how?
T: I have gained confidence to do cold agent and editor queries. The other side of the coin is judging. I judge more contests now too, in the spirit of giving back, and I have a feel for what the competition is. That is a tremendous help. Writing is a solitary journey. We spend a significant amount of time thinking our work is sub par. Judging and entering contests lets you know where you really stand in comparison to your peers.
S: What was your worst contest experience?
T: As with anyone with a professional background, it is always a hoot when someone corrects your knowledge base with misinformation.
S: What was your best contest experience?
T: You know I continue to have them. A really good, strong critique is the best experience. I don't care if the pages are all full of corrections, it is all in the delivery. I love being nailed. I love it when someone sees my story from another angle and gives me a wake up call on a plot problem. I find that perversely exciting.
S: Do you know of anyone who sold as a direct result of a contest placement or win?
T: Most recently Sharie Kohler and I tied for best of the best in the Winter Rose and got an agent review. That agent got her a multi book contract. You can see her news at www.sophiejordan.net/contest.html THAT IS SO EXCITING.
S: Advice to someone entering contests for the first time?
T: Find a mentor, someone to help you evaluate your results.
S: Any general contest thoughts you'd like to add?
T: I have heard comments about contesting such as: you would be better off spending your money on a professional critique or it costs too much money to enter. Writing is a business. I keep detailed records and file a Schedule C with the IRS. I consider contests an investment in my business. My business plan is my business plan. As long as I have one, and am constantly reevaluating it then I am satisfied. What works for me doesn't necessarily work for someone else. Nor should it.
S: Do you like judges to point out strong points along with areas that need work?
T: I learned the sandwich technique from The Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers years ago. You sandwich your potentially negative comments with your encouraging ones. After all we as writers need to know what works as well as what does not.
S: Do you think as you progress in your craft you tend to depend on that less?
T: What happens to a writer is growth. You get to know your voice, your style and what works for you and what doesn't. There is a certain confidence in that.
Speaking of voice. I will mention something that was an epiphany for me that happened years ago at a "live in person critique group." I began to read my work and suddenly stopped. I recognized that my work now sounded like the person at the table who was verbally the most opinionated. I was devastated. This can happen with contests too. When you get that manuscript back review it. Then set it aside. Come back to it later. The old rule applies. Change nothing unless there is consensus and even then, be cautious.
Have you ever read a story that was technically perfect but had no spark? That's what happens when we critique the life out of a story. Contests are a great venue if you have a business plan, a strategy. But don't let them change your voice or your style.
FYI: Tina has THE coolest writer website! Check it out at www.tinarusso.com
Squirrel
Friday, February 10, 2006
February BlogClass-Contests-ORANGE ROSE CONTEST ANNOUNCEMENT
Through a misunderstanding, the Orange Rose Contest missed the deadline to be in the RWR. (Rpmance Writers Report..a publication released by RWA (Romance Writers of America)
Several people, including FHL President Kelly Mortimer asked me to post the info.
..........Permission to Forward............
The Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America turns twenty-five this year! This is a special year for a special contest -- the 23rd Annual Orange Rose contest is one of the only contests in RWA judged completely by published authors, and the feedback for contestants is wonderful. It was named one of the four most prestigious contests in the RWR.
Contest deadline is April 8, 2006.
Entry fee is $25 for OCC members and $30 for non-members - all must be RWA members in good standing.
Forms and rules are available on the Chapter website at http://www.occrwa.com/contest.htm.
Preliminary judging will be done on a point basis, with all manuscripts judged by three published authors. The three scores will be averaged to reach the preliminary score. Finalists are chosen by their overall score, NOT by category.
Finalists will be announced July 8, 2006 at the OCC/RWA?s monthly meeting. These manuscripts will be read by two editors whose scores will be averaged to determine the winners.
Categories are: Contemporary Category Romance Historical Inspirational Mainstream w/ Romantic Elements Paranormal/Time Travel/Fantasy Romantic Suspense Single Title Romance (over 70,000 words)
Winners will be announced and awards presented to the top four scoring manuscripts on October 14, 2006 at the OCC/RWA?s monthly meeting. Winners receive OCC/RWA?s highly coveted Crystal Orange Rose.
Warmest regards, Jennifer Crooks Orange Rose Coordinator
-----
Squirrel
Several people, including FHL President Kelly Mortimer asked me to post the info.
..........Permission to Forward............
The Orange County Chapter of Romance Writers of America turns twenty-five this year! This is a special year for a special contest -- the 23rd Annual Orange Rose contest is one of the only contests in RWA judged completely by published authors, and the feedback for contestants is wonderful. It was named one of the four most prestigious contests in the RWR.
Contest deadline is April 8, 2006.
Entry fee is $25 for OCC members and $30 for non-members - all must be RWA members in good standing.
Forms and rules are available on the Chapter website at http://www.occrwa.com/contest.htm.
Preliminary judging will be done on a point basis, with all manuscripts judged by three published authors. The three scores will be averaged to reach the preliminary score. Finalists are chosen by their overall score, NOT by category.
Finalists will be announced July 8, 2006 at the OCC/RWA?s monthly meeting. These manuscripts will be read by two editors whose scores will be averaged to determine the winners.
Categories are: Contemporary Category Romance Historical Inspirational Mainstream w/ Romantic Elements Paranormal/Time Travel/Fantasy Romantic Suspense Single Title Romance (over 70,000 words)
Winners will be announced and awards presented to the top four scoring manuscripts on October 14, 2006 at the OCC/RWA?s monthly meeting. Winners receive OCC/RWA?s highly coveted Crystal Orange Rose.
Warmest regards, Jennifer Crooks Orange Rose Coordinator
-----
Squirrel
February Blogclass: Contests-Lesson 2-Welcome Guest Blogger Cynthia Ruchti
I met Cynthia online through www.americanchristianfictionwriters.com and then in person at the ACFW conference in Nashville Sept 2005. Cynthia does a radio program among other things and though not yet published, I predict she'll one day be a household name. She's one of my favorite authors. Everything she writes touches me to the core of my soul and makes me laugh from my toes on up. Cynthia shared something on another writing loop, and with her permission, I'm forwarding it here. Her bio is below her article.
I know it will encourage you.
YOU'VE SENT MAIL By Cynthia Ruchti
So, what happens almost immediately after you stick your Genesis Contest submission (or book proposal, or agent query, or final galley proofs) in the mail?
The enemy will find a way...some clever, twisted, sadistic way...to mess with your mind.
I must have missed something! Did I fix that typo? I'm just going to embarrass myself! What was I thinking? The judges will laugh...and not at the humor. Sure my mom thinks it's brilliant! She's the same one who put my elementary school pottery project on the coffee table and then had to explain to all our guests what that thing was. "Welcome to our home, and have you seen the lovely C-A-N-D-Y D-I-S-H my daughter made at school?"I'm in Junior High all over again, hoping the phy ed teacher will make me a team captain today so I get to choose instead of waiting and waiting and waiting for the next to the last round when the only other one still unchosen is the girl who weighs way too much for someone her height...or species...and sniffs her armpits in public.Why did I think anyone would EVER want to read ANYTHING I've written?! Those poor contest judges. I should contact them and apologize for insulting their intelligence...or pay them for their time.
That's what the enemy says.
But the Voice of Truth rings out when I give the Lord audience.
He tells me that I wrote from my heart and exercised my gift.
The guy who comes in tenth place at the Olympics still did better than a gazillion other people in the world.
And I already won by standing in line at the post office and letting the lady behind the counter pry my entry out of my hands.
At the very least, the very LEAST, I win the Lord's medal of courage.
So...in the illustrious words of Karen Ball, "It's all good."
If...no, when the enemy comes in like a flood, precious writer friend, count yourself blessed.
You matter enough to the Kingdom of God to stir up the evil one's ire!
Cynthia Ruchti
Cynthia writes and produces the fifteen-minute daily radio broadcast, THE HEARTBEAT OF THE HOME (www.heartbeatofthehome.org) which airs on 24 stations across the country. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and has had numerous articles published in outlets such as The Christian Communicator, willwrite4food.com, Adoption Blessings Journal, Quality of Life Times news/mag, Write to the Heart e-zine, Victory in Grace, and Wisconsin Christian News. She and her husband live in central Wisconsin in their almost-empty nest.
I know it will encourage you.
YOU'VE SENT MAIL By Cynthia Ruchti
So, what happens almost immediately after you stick your Genesis Contest submission (or book proposal, or agent query, or final galley proofs) in the mail?
The enemy will find a way...some clever, twisted, sadistic way...to mess with your mind.
I must have missed something! Did I fix that typo? I'm just going to embarrass myself! What was I thinking? The judges will laugh...and not at the humor. Sure my mom thinks it's brilliant! She's the same one who put my elementary school pottery project on the coffee table and then had to explain to all our guests what that thing was. "Welcome to our home, and have you seen the lovely C-A-N-D-Y D-I-S-H my daughter made at school?"I'm in Junior High all over again, hoping the phy ed teacher will make me a team captain today so I get to choose instead of waiting and waiting and waiting for the next to the last round when the only other one still unchosen is the girl who weighs way too much for someone her height...or species...and sniffs her armpits in public.Why did I think anyone would EVER want to read ANYTHING I've written?! Those poor contest judges. I should contact them and apologize for insulting their intelligence...or pay them for their time.
That's what the enemy says.
But the Voice of Truth rings out when I give the Lord audience.
He tells me that I wrote from my heart and exercised my gift.
The guy who comes in tenth place at the Olympics still did better than a gazillion other people in the world.
And I already won by standing in line at the post office and letting the lady behind the counter pry my entry out of my hands.
At the very least, the very LEAST, I win the Lord's medal of courage.
So...in the illustrious words of Karen Ball, "It's all good."
If...no, when the enemy comes in like a flood, precious writer friend, count yourself blessed.
You matter enough to the Kingdom of God to stir up the evil one's ire!
Cynthia Ruchti
Cynthia writes and produces the fifteen-minute daily radio broadcast, THE HEARTBEAT OF THE HOME (www.heartbeatofthehome.org) which airs on 24 stations across the country. She's a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and has had numerous articles published in outlets such as The Christian Communicator, willwrite4food.com, Adoption Blessings Journal, Quality of Life Times news/mag, Write to the Heart e-zine, Victory in Grace, and Wisconsin Christian News. She and her husband live in central Wisconsin in their almost-empty nest.
February Blogclass: Contests-Lesson 1-Introduction and call for suggestions
Welcome to my first Blogclass.
For the next few weeks I'm going to be discussing writing contests here. This is a learning tool of sorts, only there's NO homework. I hope you'll find the information I provide you about contests over the next few weeks helpful. In addition to providing helpful links and information about contests, I'll post interviews as well as feature guest bloggers.
I'll be taking suggestions (just email me or add your suggestion to my blog comments) this week . So tell me what you'd like to see in this class and I'll do my best to find answers to your questions. I hope you tune in each day, and tell a few friends who you think might benefit from this Blogclass.
A little about why I'm doing this:
I've been a contest entrant, a contest judge, and contest coordinator for multiple contests. I've came in dead last in contests and I've finaled and even managed to place in a few. I have a huge heart to mentor other writers and so I'm sharing stuff I've learned about contests to those of you who might benefit from my experience and research into contests.
LIST OF MY CONTEST PLACEMENTS:
Name of manuscript & year/contest/placement
AMBIENT BETRAYAL 2004 /Where the Magic Begins /First!
OMINOUS CODE 2005 /Jasmine /First!
COVENANT SEAL 2005/ Noble Theme /First!
CODE YELLOW 2005 /Heart of the Rockies /Second
(Covenant SEAL) 2005 /TARA /Second
(Ambient Betrayal) 2005/ Touched by Love /Finalist possibly second...not 100% sure but I'll find out.
In addition to this I have some "out there" that are pending.
Kind regards,
Cheryl Wyatt (Squirrel)
For the next few weeks I'm going to be discussing writing contests here. This is a learning tool of sorts, only there's NO homework. I hope you'll find the information I provide you about contests over the next few weeks helpful. In addition to providing helpful links and information about contests, I'll post interviews as well as feature guest bloggers.
I'll be taking suggestions (just email me or add your suggestion to my blog comments) this week . So tell me what you'd like to see in this class and I'll do my best to find answers to your questions. I hope you tune in each day, and tell a few friends who you think might benefit from this Blogclass.
A little about why I'm doing this:
I've been a contest entrant, a contest judge, and contest coordinator for multiple contests. I've came in dead last in contests and I've finaled and even managed to place in a few. I have a huge heart to mentor other writers and so I'm sharing stuff I've learned about contests to those of you who might benefit from my experience and research into contests.
LIST OF MY CONTEST PLACEMENTS:
Name of manuscript & year/contest/placement
AMBIENT BETRAYAL 2004 /Where the Magic Begins /First!
OMINOUS CODE 2005 /Jasmine /First!
COVENANT SEAL 2005/ Noble Theme /First!
CODE YELLOW 2005 /Heart of the Rockies /Second
(Covenant SEAL) 2005 /TARA /Second
(Ambient Betrayal) 2005/ Touched by Love /Finalist possibly second...not 100% sure but I'll find out.
In addition to this I have some "out there" that are pending.
Kind regards,
Cheryl Wyatt (Squirrel)
Thursday, February 09, 2006
A FAMILY FOREVER By Brenda Coulter TO BE RELEASED FEB 28
When I commented on this book.....I told you all to go to the store NOW and buy the book. Wellllll....9insert sheepish grin) since I'm a member of Harlequin Steeple Hill's book club I got the book early....the book will actually hit store shelves FEB 28th, 2006.
If you actually listened to my advice for once and went to the store to buy it before now and couldn't get it....sign my guestbook between now and the 28th and I'll draw for a name....winner will receive a FREE copy of A FAMILY FOREVER by Brenda Coulter for my flub up. What a deal, eh?
Blessings!
Squirrel
If you actually listened to my advice for once and went to the store to buy it before now and couldn't get it....sign my guestbook between now and the 28th and I'll draw for a name....winner will receive a FREE copy of A FAMILY FOREVER by Brenda Coulter for my flub up. What a deal, eh?
Blessings!
Squirrel
Wednesday, February 08, 2006
CHECK OUT MY NEW LOOK!!!
You like it? I LOVE it!
Heather Tipton from Out There Author Services did it in a snap.
Click her link to the bottom right, or go to www.outthereauthorservices.com and click De-Stress for more information. Hey, while you're at it...why don't you click the other two links and check out her partners in crime....Eileen Key and Janice Thompson too.
I highly recommend them. Outstanding work. Heather goes above and beyond to make clients happy.
YAY! I LOVE my new blog.
Squirrel
Heather Tipton from Out There Author Services did it in a snap.
Click her link to the bottom right, or go to www.outthereauthorservices.com and click De-Stress for more information. Hey, while you're at it...why don't you click the other two links and check out her partners in crime....Eileen Key and Janice Thompson too.
I highly recommend them. Outstanding work. Heather goes above and beyond to make clients happy.
YAY! I LOVE my new blog.
Squirrel
Monday, February 06, 2006
BLUSH AND CRINGE FEB 6, 2006
Go to www.danacorbit.com and see why you should NOT wear a white brassier beneath a black sweater. LOL!
Steeple Hill author Dana Corbit has posted some pics on her website of a writing conference we attended this past year. Yes. I'm the cover model for "What Not To Wear To An Editor Appointment." LOLOLOLOL! I hope this doesn't make Dana feel bad....it makes me laugh every time I see it and so it's therapeutic. When I'm in need of cheering up, I go there. Maybe you'll get a good laugh out of it too. Just click the blog link above that says "Blush and Cringe Feb 6, 2006" or click on her link in the body of this entry. Then navigate around her beautiful site until you find the pictures. You can't miss it, believe me. :-)
Squirrel
Steeple Hill author Dana Corbit has posted some pics on her website of a writing conference we attended this past year. Yes. I'm the cover model for "What Not To Wear To An Editor Appointment." LOLOLOLOL! I hope this doesn't make Dana feel bad....it makes me laugh every time I see it and so it's therapeutic. When I'm in need of cheering up, I go there. Maybe you'll get a good laugh out of it too. Just click the blog link above that says "Blush and Cringe Feb 6, 2006" or click on her link in the body of this entry. Then navigate around her beautiful site until you find the pictures. You can't miss it, believe me. :-)
Squirrel
WHAT I LOVE ABOUT THIS BOOK: A Family Forever by Brenda Coulter
Just finished A Family Forever by Brenda Coulter. www.brendacoulter.com
ISBN 0-373-87358-1
Go NOW to Wal-mart, K-mart, Target, or Sams Club or whereever else Harlequin sells their monthly category releases and spend the three or four bucks. This is one for the keeper shelves.
She had me laughing out loud one page then sniffing tears back the very next. Excellent, heartfelt story with deep, poignant moments. I love how she executes those. I loved Shelby and Tucker. Brenda made them seem like real, every day people. I always know an author has done well with characterization when I find myself thinking about the characters days after reading the book.
BRAVO BRENDA C!
Squirrel
ISBN 0-373-87358-1
Go NOW to Wal-mart, K-mart, Target, or Sams Club or whereever else Harlequin sells their monthly category releases and spend the three or four bucks. This is one for the keeper shelves.
She had me laughing out loud one page then sniffing tears back the very next. Excellent, heartfelt story with deep, poignant moments. I love how she executes those. I loved Shelby and Tucker. Brenda made them seem like real, every day people. I always know an author has done well with characterization when I find myself thinking about the characters days after reading the book.
BRAVO BRENDA C!
Squirrel
Saturday, February 04, 2006
The Wicked "WAS"
WRITING TIP
I once had a contest judge who was on a search and destroy of every single WAS in my entry. Here's the deal: I think using was sparingly is all right except when you're also using it with an "ing" verb because that makes your story be more tell than show. Unlike Kindergarden....acquisitions editors don't want you to show and tell...in fact they don't want you to tell at all...just show. Using "was" next to an "ing" verb or an "ly" adverb weakens prose and tells rather than shows. Example: He was running down the road. That's telling. Hot asphalt flew beneath his feet as he sprinted across the parking lot. That's showing. See how much weaker the first sentence reads? Find a more powerful and descriptive way to say what you're trying to get across. You don't want to narrate a story to readers. That's old school fiction and editors aren't buying it. You want your characters to act the story out before your readers' eyes like a video.
Squirly
I once had a contest judge who was on a search and destroy of every single WAS in my entry. Here's the deal: I think using was sparingly is all right except when you're also using it with an "ing" verb because that makes your story be more tell than show. Unlike Kindergarden....acquisitions editors don't want you to show and tell...in fact they don't want you to tell at all...just show. Using "was" next to an "ing" verb or an "ly" adverb weakens prose and tells rather than shows. Example: He was running down the road. That's telling. Hot asphalt flew beneath his feet as he sprinted across the parking lot. That's showing. See how much weaker the first sentence reads? Find a more powerful and descriptive way to say what you're trying to get across. You don't want to narrate a story to readers. That's old school fiction and editors aren't buying it. You want your characters to act the story out before your readers' eyes like a video.
Squirly
Tuesday, January 31, 2006
AGF INTERVIEW WITH NOVELIST DONNA FLEISHER-Part I
Part 1 of a three part interview runs today with novelist Donna Fleisher on www.agreaterfreedom.com that I did. She's a great person and the interview is one of the most inspiring (and funny...later) I've ever done. You won't be sorry for reading it! Visit Donna's website too! www.donnafleisher.com Next month I'll be posting a writing-related interview with Donna on my blog and I'll put a notice out as well.
Squirrel (Cheryl Wyatt)
Squirrel (Cheryl Wyatt)
Monday, January 30, 2006
WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE BY MARGARET DALEY
What I love about this book:
This is one of the books in Margaret's "The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake" series, published by Steeple Hill in their Love Inspired line.
WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE by Margaret Daley www.margaretdaley.com
ISBN 0-373-87355-7
Margaret weaves an intriguing story that starts tugging at your emotions from page one and doesn't stop until the last where she gives a wonderfully satisfying ending. I thought this book was unique in how she used married characters instead of unmarried characters who get together during the course of the story.
If you love children you will love this book.
If you love romance, you'll love this book.
If you want to see a beautiful portrayal of the sanctity of marriage held by two people longing to make their marriage work you'll love this book.
You can purchase it any day now from Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, possibly Sam's club, or visit your local Christian bookstore or Barnes and Noble or anywhere you shop for books. If they don't have it, ask the clerk to order it for you. You'll need the ISBN 0-373-87355-7.
Another way to get the book is visit Margaret's site (link above) or go to www.steeplehill.com, and navigate around the eHarlequin site until you find the buy link. If you don't want to miss the Steeple Hill collections, you can have them conveniently delivered to your home each month for the price of a pizza. It's well worth it.
Squirrel
This is one of the books in Margaret's "The Ladies of Sweetwater Lake" series, published by Steeple Hill in their Love Inspired line.
WHEN DREAMS COME TRUE by Margaret Daley www.margaretdaley.com
ISBN 0-373-87355-7
Margaret weaves an intriguing story that starts tugging at your emotions from page one and doesn't stop until the last where she gives a wonderfully satisfying ending. I thought this book was unique in how she used married characters instead of unmarried characters who get together during the course of the story.
If you love children you will love this book.
If you love romance, you'll love this book.
If you want to see a beautiful portrayal of the sanctity of marriage held by two people longing to make their marriage work you'll love this book.
You can purchase it any day now from Target, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, possibly Sam's club, or visit your local Christian bookstore or Barnes and Noble or anywhere you shop for books. If they don't have it, ask the clerk to order it for you. You'll need the ISBN 0-373-87355-7.
Another way to get the book is visit Margaret's site (link above) or go to www.steeplehill.com, and navigate around the eHarlequin site until you find the buy link. If you don't want to miss the Steeple Hill collections, you can have them conveniently delivered to your home each month for the price of a pizza. It's well worth it.
Squirrel
Friday, January 27, 2006
OMINOUS CODE WINS 1ST PLACE IN JASMINE!!!
Finally! The book that nearly drove me mad with rewriting. And rewriting. And rewriting. The characters refused to obey the plot that I set out before them and therefore I tried to kill them off numerous times but they refused to die. They kept coming back to life and kept coming back to life. The hero is shaping up but the heroine needs a good old scorpion in her sleeping bag or something. But anyway...rewriting PAYS OFF!!!!!
So I'll try to sum up my contest finals and wins:
MANUSCRIPT CONTEST PLACEMENT
AMBIENT BETRAYAL 2004 Where the Magic Begins First!
OMINOUS CODE 2005 Jasmine First!
COVENANT SEAL 2005 Noble Theme First!
CODE YELLOW 2005 Heart of the Rockies Second
(Covenant SEAL) 2005 TARA Second
(Ambient Betrayal) 2005 Touched by Love Finalist
I know there's more but I can't find my sheet right now.
Thank you God, for the gift...and the gumption to write.
Thanks to contest judges and coordinators everywhere. My mss are better because of your service to the writing community.
Love, Squirrel
So I'll try to sum up my contest finals and wins:
MANUSCRIPT CONTEST PLACEMENT
AMBIENT BETRAYAL 2004 Where the Magic Begins First!
OMINOUS CODE 2005 Jasmine First!
COVENANT SEAL 2005 Noble Theme First!
CODE YELLOW 2005 Heart of the Rockies Second
(Covenant SEAL) 2005 TARA Second
(Ambient Betrayal) 2005 Touched by Love Finalist
I know there's more but I can't find my sheet right now.
Thank you God, for the gift...and the gumption to write.
Thanks to contest judges and coordinators everywhere. My mss are better because of your service to the writing community.
Love, Squirrel
Thursday, January 26, 2006
WRITING CONTESTS-PART 2
Contests for unpublished authors*
and links in no specific order except what pops in my head.
These are ones that have Inspirational category as of 2005 and 2006
Winter Rose Contest-Yellow Rose RWA chapter
hHeart of the Rockies-Colorado Romance Writers
Daphne De Maure
Genesis Contest formerly Noble Theme-American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)
Touched by Love
TARA formerly First Impressions
The Susanna
The Rebecca Contest www.leranm.com
Barclay Sterling
Jasmine
Golden Heart
Ticket to Write
Beacon
The Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America's "Happily Ever After" Contest * pubbed may enter in a category other than the genre they're pubbed in.
Contests with non-inspirational categories, or I'm not certain if they have one:
The Laurie-Smokey Mountain Romance Writers
The Perfect Pitch
Grand Beginnings-Northwest Indiana Romance Writers
Fab 5
Golden Acorn-Charter Oak Romance Writers
American Title
Realizing the Dream-Desert Rose RWA
Laurie Contest - Smoky Mountain Romance Writers www.smrw.org
FAB 5 Unpublished Sponsored by Wisconsin Romance Writers www.eclectics.com/WisRWA
Gateway to the Rest
Hook, Line and Sinker
Great Expectations Contest-North Texas RWA www.NTRWA.com
Marlene Marlene Washington Romance Writers www.wrwdc.com
Sharp Synopsis-San Francisco Area RWA http://www.sfarwa.com/contests/sharpcontest.asp/lsharp
Linda Howard Award of Excellence-Southern Magic Chapter http://www.southernmagic.org/lhcontest.html
Winter Rose-Yellow Rose RWA http://www.yellowroserwa.com
Merritt -San Antonio Romance Authors http://www.sararwa.com/merritt/2006_rules.htm
Heart of the Rockies-Colorado Romance Writers http://www.coloradoromancewriters.org/hor.html
The Laurie-Smokey Mountain Romance Writers http://www.smrw.org/contests/laurie/laurie.htm
The Laurie-Smokey Mountain Romance Writers http://www.smrw.org/contests/laurie/laurie.htm
The Rebecca -Land of Enchantment Romance Authors http://www.leranm.com/
Grand Beginnings -Northwest Indiana Romance Writers http://www.nwinrwa.org/Contest.html .
Golden Acorn -Charter Oak Romance Writers http://www.charteroakromancewriters.org
Dixie First Chapter-Magnolia State Romance Writers http://bellsouthpwp2.net/r/8/r81999/entryfm06.htm .
Fire & Ice Contest -Chicago-North Romance Writers http://www.chicagonorthrwa.org/contest.htm .
Enter Laughing Contest -Grand Rapids Region RWA http://www.grrrwa.org/contest.html
Where The Magic Begins-Romance Writers Ink
Lone Star
Romancing the Novel
TARA
Jasmine
Faith Hope and Love-RWA-Touched By Love
and links in no specific order except what pops in my head.
These are ones that have Inspirational category as of 2005 and 2006
Winter Rose Contest-Yellow Rose RWA chapter
hHeart of the Rockies-Colorado Romance Writers
Daphne De Maure
Genesis Contest formerly Noble Theme-American Christian Fiction Writers (ACFW)
Touched by Love
TARA formerly First Impressions
The Susanna
The Rebecca Contest www.leranm.com
Barclay Sterling
Jasmine
Golden Heart
Ticket to Write
Beacon
The Mid-Michigan Romance Writers of America's "Happily Ever After" Contest * pubbed may enter in a category other than the genre they're pubbed in.
Contests with non-inspirational categories, or I'm not certain if they have one:
The Laurie-Smokey Mountain Romance Writers
The Perfect Pitch
Grand Beginnings-Northwest Indiana Romance Writers
Fab 5
Golden Acorn-Charter Oak Romance Writers
American Title
Realizing the Dream-Desert Rose RWA
Laurie Contest - Smoky Mountain Romance Writers www.smrw.org
FAB 5 Unpublished Sponsored by Wisconsin Romance Writers www.eclectics.com/WisRWA
Gateway to the Rest
Hook, Line and Sinker
Great Expectations Contest-North Texas RWA www.NTRWA.com
Marlene Marlene Washington Romance Writers www.wrwdc.com
Sharp Synopsis-San Francisco Area RWA http://www.sfarwa.com/contests/sharpcontest.asp/lsharp
Linda Howard Award of Excellence-Southern Magic Chapter http://www.southernmagic.org/lhcontest.html
Winter Rose-Yellow Rose RWA http://www.yellowroserwa.com
Merritt -San Antonio Romance Authors http://www.sararwa.com/merritt/2006_rules.htm
Heart of the Rockies-Colorado Romance Writers http://www.coloradoromancewriters.org/hor.html
The Laurie-Smokey Mountain Romance Writers http://www.smrw.org/contests/laurie/laurie.htm
The Laurie-Smokey Mountain Romance Writers http://www.smrw.org/contests/laurie/laurie.htm
The Rebecca -Land of Enchantment Romance Authors http://www.leranm.com/
Grand Beginnings -Northwest Indiana Romance Writers http://www.nwinrwa.org/Contest.html .
Golden Acorn -Charter Oak Romance Writers http://www.charteroakromancewriters.org
Dixie First Chapter-Magnolia State Romance Writers http://bellsouthpwp2.net/r/8/r81999/entryfm06.htm .
Fire & Ice Contest -Chicago-North Romance Writers http://www.chicagonorthrwa.org/contest.htm .
Enter Laughing Contest -Grand Rapids Region RWA http://www.grrrwa.org/contest.html
Where The Magic Begins-Romance Writers Ink
Lone Star
Romancing the Novel
TARA
Jasmine
Faith Hope and Love-RWA-Touched By Love
MINI-CRASH-COURSE ON WRITING CONTESTS-PART 1
I skitter around Steeple Hill's message boards www.steeplehill.com where we've been discussing writing contests. The next week or so I'm going to be posting information about contests that I'm aware of. Later I'll do a more comprehensive list of contests that do not have Inspirational categories. Besides this blog, there are places you can obtain a more comprehensive and ongoing list of upcoming contests.
You can join contest alert...a yahoo group that will send alerts to you about contests.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ContestAlert/ or email ContestAlert@yahoogroups.com
You an join RWA (Romance Writers of America) and order their RWR or Romance Writers Report which lists information about contests.
www.rwanational.org
Once a member of RWA you can join a wonderful RWA chapter called Faith, Hope and Love
http://www.faithhopelove-rwa.org/
If you sign up for the FHL newsletter, Susan Alverson does a listing of upcoming contests with Inspirational categories in that newsletter which comes out every other month.
Another place to look for contests is to google search different RWA chapters to see what their annual contest is. I'll try to help you with that by listing some contests that I am familiar with. I've been a contest entrant, I've been a contest judge, and I've been a contest coordinator so I've been on every side. So if you have specific questions you may email me at anavim4him @yahoo.com and I'll be happy to help.
Squirrel
You can join contest alert...a yahoo group that will send alerts to you about contests.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/ContestAlert/ or email ContestAlert@yahoogroups.com
You an join RWA (Romance Writers of America) and order their RWR or Romance Writers Report which lists information about contests.
www.rwanational.org
Once a member of RWA you can join a wonderful RWA chapter called Faith, Hope and Love
http://www.faithhopelove-rwa.org/
If you sign up for the FHL newsletter, Susan Alverson does a listing of upcoming contests with Inspirational categories in that newsletter which comes out every other month.
Another place to look for contests is to google search different RWA chapters to see what their annual contest is. I'll try to help you with that by listing some contests that I am familiar with. I've been a contest entrant, I've been a contest judge, and I've been a contest coordinator so I've been on every side. So if you have specific questions you may email me at anavim4him @yahoo.com and I'll be happy to help.
Squirrel
Wednesday, January 25, 2006
THOSE LITTLE RED RINGS
I have a BIG pet peeve about those little tiny rings from the milk cartons. If you don't pull them off then they sometimes fall in your cup...which grosses me out because I can't be sure eveyone who's fingers open the milk have washed their hands so now all the little germs that were on the ring are now floating around in the milk that I refuse to drink. So I poured the milk in the sink and the offending ring decides to take a suicide plunge down my garbage disposal...causing it to gargle louder as the tiny little ring is shred to bits and pieces. So anyway, I don't really have a point here except I needed a place to vent and rant about those little red, or blue, or pink depending on whether you use whole, 2% or skim milk. There's also 1%.
What are your pet peeves? C'mon...there has to be something. That way I don't look totally compulsive here.
Squirrel
What are your pet peeves? C'mon...there has to be something. That way I don't look totally compulsive here.
Squirrel
Tuesday, January 17, 2006
NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTION
This year was just to listen more than I talk. So basically to be more "others" focused than on myself...especially when it comes to my children.
Did you make a resolution? If so, what was it? I'd like to hear about it.
Squirrel
Did you make a resolution? If so, what was it? I'd like to hear about it.
Squirrel
BLUSH AND CRINGE
If you're going to gripe.....don't wear a name tag. That works both ways. Snicker. As some of you know I've been struggling with chronic pain for two years now. There is not one single second where I don't hurt in my hip and leg area among other places which will remain unnamed. So anyway, this week they found the problem...they think. Severe hip dysplasia with a torn labrum...which is the soft tissue/cartlidge ring that cushions the hip joint. They found this on MRI but the diagnosis will be confirmed with an arthroscopy soon. Anyway, the receptionist at one of the doctor's offices I went to was, has been RUDE, RUDE, RUDE to me every time I've called or went in. So anyway the last time I blew up at her. "What is your name?" I demanded, intent on writing a letter of complaint. I feel all proud of myself because I stood up for myself...(people I've been really patient and understanding and gracious through this entire process..I'm telling you this woman has no business working with the public. She has no phone manners or people skills. She's downright hateful.) So I leave there and look down to where I saw her smirking....
Blush. Cringe. I still had a sticker from my children's room at church that had "My name is (my name)" and at the top it had, "You must return this form in order to pick up your child."
ROFL. I nearly suffocated laughing in the car because in reality I really did throw a tantrum of epic proportions in the office. Pain will alter your personality people...so for all of you who've thought about me what I've thought about this woman...forgive me. I know I've been a witch with a capital B sometimes.
The sticker was just too much...but I guess you had to be there.
Cheryl
Blush. Cringe. I still had a sticker from my children's room at church that had "My name is (my name)" and at the top it had, "You must return this form in order to pick up your child."
ROFL. I nearly suffocated laughing in the car because in reality I really did throw a tantrum of epic proportions in the office. Pain will alter your personality people...so for all of you who've thought about me what I've thought about this woman...forgive me. I know I've been a witch with a capital B sometimes.
The sticker was just too much...but I guess you had to be there.
Cheryl
Tuesday, January 10, 2006
MORE REVAMPING
Okay,
In order to streamline my blog, this will now be a writing-related blog only. When I'm freed up time wise I may start a different blog with other stuff on it, like pics from India, etc. etc.
Thanks for being patient as I revamp!
Squirrel
In order to streamline my blog, this will now be a writing-related blog only. When I'm freed up time wise I may start a different blog with other stuff on it, like pics from India, etc. etc.
Thanks for being patient as I revamp!
Squirrel
Thursday, December 29, 2005
RESTRUCTURING
My writing time. With the new year I've decided to revamp my time and writing commitments therefore I am going to put the Novel in 90 Days thing off until next year. By that time I will also have a better handle on the craft of fiction myself. Apologies to everyone who was looking forward to doing this with me. Thanks for supporting my blog with your faithful readership.
Squirrel
Squirrel
Tuesday, December 06, 2005
INTERVIEW WITH DEBUT AUTHOR MARILYNN GRIFFITH
1. Where and what were you doing the moment you got THE CALL?
I was...writing! LOL I got an email from my agent actually. I read it a few times and then wrote back to ask if he was sure...
2. Who was the first person you told or called and why?
I called my husband, but his cell was out of range, so I called my good friend Gail Hayes, a nonfiction author. She'd encouraged me a week before when I'd had one of my I'm-never-going-to-be-published breakdowns.
3. What has been your favorite book to write and why?
Wow, that's hard. I really have enjoyed them all. I'd have to say my first book, which didn't sell. I think some of that is the first novel process though. "
4. What has been your hardest book to write and why?
Now, that's easy. The hardest book for me to write was JADE, the second book in my Shades of Style series with Revell. The main character is Chinese and I really wanted to do a good job portraying her. My editor loved it and I laughed and cried while writing it, so I'm hoping readers will enjoy it.
5. If you could put MADE OF HONOR in the hands of any one famous, who would that be and why?
Hmmm...What a journalist you are! Let me think... Mary Mary. Definitely. I guess that's sort of cheating because they're not one person. I'd give it to them because my daughters and I did a dance from their praise troupe to "Shackles" while I was editing Made of Honor and that song was always in my head. The song is also the heart of what Made of Honor is about.
6. What scene from MADE OF HONOR was the most absolute fun to write? Why?
Oh my! That would have to be when Dana's bridesmaid dress explodes and she end up being carried to the car by someone she's been avoiding for a long time. I was cracking up while I was typing. I'd say that the passover dinner later in the book is a tie with that scene.
7. What was the hardest scene? Why?
Some of the hardest scenes to write in Made of Honor were the interactions between Dana and her friend, Rochelle. These two women really grew on me during the book and when they struggled with their friendship, I struggled with them.
8. What advice would you give to someone out there listening who might be discouraged in their writing journey?
If you can quit writing, DO. If you can't quit, WRITE. This business isn't easy, but everyone has a story to tell. Find your story and the voice to tell it in. Live, love, laugh and read as much as you can. Pace yourself but be persistent. Find your rhythm and play it to THE END.
9. What would you consider to be the content of the perfect reader fan letter of MADE OF HONOR?
Dear Marilynn,
Thank you so much for writing MADE OF HONOR. It was funny, honest and uplifting and I read it at a really hard time in my life. I'm falling in love with Jesus again and I know He loves me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Thanks for reminding me.
Sincerely,
Perfect Reader
10. You've contracted more than one book, can you tell us how that came about?
Sure! That first book that I told you about was soundly rejected but two publishers expressed interest in seeing something else. My agent and I proposed a series to both and to our shock, each of them were contracted! I sold first to Revell with my Shades of Style series about four women working together at a fashion design firm in New York. The first book, Pink, releases February 2006. I was elated about the first sale, but very connected to the chick lit project as well so we pitched and sold that too. MADE OF HONOR is first in the Sassy Sistahood series and just happened to come out first though it was contracted second. Wild, huh?
11. Has your writing life changed since you've signed contracts? If so, how so?
Deadlines. I always had my own personal timetables, but finishing a book and having to turn around and do it again is wonderfully difficult. It's wonderful because this is what I prayed for and I love it, but difficult because sometimes my brain is tired and doesn't want to come out and play. Then I have to start making deals with myself...and God. LOL
12. What advice would you give to authors on the verge of selling that would prepare them for life after The Call?
Have some experienced author friends to bounce things off of. There are so many things that happen after the sale that can be confusing: the editing process, covers, marketing, etc. Most of all, I'd tell them to stay on pace and keep writing. It's easy to let promotion, glee and general what-do-I-now disease paralyze you. Most of all, I'd advise to READ YOUR CONTRACTS. Even after you've signed, it's important to read and re-read your contracts with both your agent and your publisher. You're a businessperson now.
13. What about as far as being able to handle the transition from writing for ourselves to now writing for a house under the direction of a publisher?
Whoa. This one isn't easy. It's easy to take the check, but harder to comprehend that you've SOLD your book. Yes, they loved it enough to buy it, but there will be edits and some of them might be major. The first time, this can come as a big surprise. Expect it and be surprised if there aren't many changes.
14. You are an avid blogger. Do you feel that plays an important role in your novel writing? How so?
Oh boy. Blogging. What can I say? I've slowed down a bit lately because things are moving fast with these releases but I don't think blogging is important to my voice and my creative self. It's good to have an unedited space. Of course, there are sometimes where there are only so many words to go around and I"m just silent. Once a book is done or if I'm really losing it, I usually blog like a crazy woman. My friends in the blogosphere help me through life's ups and downs and cheer for me when great stuff happens too.
15. What would you suggest readers take to their reading spot when they settle down to read MADE OF HONOR?
Bring a nice vanilla candle if you have one around, some tea if you have it and a pen to underline the funny parts.
16. What do you think it was about this story (other than your fab and magnificent voice) that caused the editors to sit up and take notice?
The grace of God? Honestly, I can't say. There are so many great writers out there, both published and unpublished. Someone just has to like what you do. That's what happened with Revell, even though they didn't sign my first book, my editor enjoyed it. Same thing at Steeple Hill. It's sort of like shopping. Somewhere there's a fit. Somewhere there's somebody who gets it.
17. If Oprah featured MADE OF HONOR in her book club, what would you want her to tell the world about it?
Dana Rose pledges to say "I won't" the next time she's asked to be in a wedding. Her weak will has turned her closet into cemetery for satin gowns from periwinkle to Pepto pink. After ten stints as bridesmaid, Dana thinks she's seen it all. Then she's fired, forced to turn her hobby into a business and faced with her prodigal brother, back-stabbing sis and Mr. Practically Perfect, the ex who not only married someone else, but opened the business of her dreams—across the street. There's that Maid of Honor thing too… And this time she can't say no. Will wedding #11 show Dana what's she's really made of?
18. Who was your target audience with MADE OF HONOR?
Hmmm... Me? LOL I try to write books that I'd enjoy and that I could give to all of my friends, who happen to be a very diverse bunch. A women who loves life, loves the Lord and loves her girlfriends will enjoy MADE OF HONOR.
19. When does your next book come out? And where can readers not familiar with CBA purchase it?
My next book, PINK (Revell), comes out in February 2006. And never fear, no acronyms or secret codes are necessary to get it. LOL Pink will be available wherever books are sold. (And if it they don't have it, ask for it!)
20. Any parting thoughts?
Thank you, Cheryl. I can't wait to return the favor for your first release. Thanks everyone for being here. Please visit me at http://www.marilynngriffith.com/ and tell me what you think of Made of Honor. Bye!
I was...writing! LOL I got an email from my agent actually. I read it a few times and then wrote back to ask if he was sure...
2. Who was the first person you told or called and why?
I called my husband, but his cell was out of range, so I called my good friend Gail Hayes, a nonfiction author. She'd encouraged me a week before when I'd had one of my I'm-never-going-to-be-published breakdowns.
3. What has been your favorite book to write and why?
Wow, that's hard. I really have enjoyed them all. I'd have to say my first book, which didn't sell. I think some of that is the first novel process though. "
4. What has been your hardest book to write and why?
Now, that's easy. The hardest book for me to write was JADE, the second book in my Shades of Style series with Revell. The main character is Chinese and I really wanted to do a good job portraying her. My editor loved it and I laughed and cried while writing it, so I'm hoping readers will enjoy it.
5. If you could put MADE OF HONOR in the hands of any one famous, who would that be and why?
Hmmm...What a journalist you are! Let me think... Mary Mary. Definitely. I guess that's sort of cheating because they're not one person. I'd give it to them because my daughters and I did a dance from their praise troupe to "Shackles" while I was editing Made of Honor and that song was always in my head. The song is also the heart of what Made of Honor is about.
6. What scene from MADE OF HONOR was the most absolute fun to write? Why?
Oh my! That would have to be when Dana's bridesmaid dress explodes and she end up being carried to the car by someone she's been avoiding for a long time. I was cracking up while I was typing. I'd say that the passover dinner later in the book is a tie with that scene.
7. What was the hardest scene? Why?
Some of the hardest scenes to write in Made of Honor were the interactions between Dana and her friend, Rochelle. These two women really grew on me during the book and when they struggled with their friendship, I struggled with them.
8. What advice would you give to someone out there listening who might be discouraged in their writing journey?
If you can quit writing, DO. If you can't quit, WRITE. This business isn't easy, but everyone has a story to tell. Find your story and the voice to tell it in. Live, love, laugh and read as much as you can. Pace yourself but be persistent. Find your rhythm and play it to THE END.
9. What would you consider to be the content of the perfect reader fan letter of MADE OF HONOR?
Dear Marilynn,
Thank you so much for writing MADE OF HONOR. It was funny, honest and uplifting and I read it at a really hard time in my life. I'm falling in love with Jesus again and I know He loves me. I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Thanks for reminding me.
Sincerely,
Perfect Reader
10. You've contracted more than one book, can you tell us how that came about?
Sure! That first book that I told you about was soundly rejected but two publishers expressed interest in seeing something else. My agent and I proposed a series to both and to our shock, each of them were contracted! I sold first to Revell with my Shades of Style series about four women working together at a fashion design firm in New York. The first book, Pink, releases February 2006. I was elated about the first sale, but very connected to the chick lit project as well so we pitched and sold that too. MADE OF HONOR is first in the Sassy Sistahood series and just happened to come out first though it was contracted second. Wild, huh?
11. Has your writing life changed since you've signed contracts? If so, how so?
Deadlines. I always had my own personal timetables, but finishing a book and having to turn around and do it again is wonderfully difficult. It's wonderful because this is what I prayed for and I love it, but difficult because sometimes my brain is tired and doesn't want to come out and play. Then I have to start making deals with myself...and God. LOL
12. What advice would you give to authors on the verge of selling that would prepare them for life after The Call?
Have some experienced author friends to bounce things off of. There are so many things that happen after the sale that can be confusing: the editing process, covers, marketing, etc. Most of all, I'd tell them to stay on pace and keep writing. It's easy to let promotion, glee and general what-do-I-now disease paralyze you. Most of all, I'd advise to READ YOUR CONTRACTS. Even after you've signed, it's important to read and re-read your contracts with both your agent and your publisher. You're a businessperson now.
13. What about as far as being able to handle the transition from writing for ourselves to now writing for a house under the direction of a publisher?
Whoa. This one isn't easy. It's easy to take the check, but harder to comprehend that you've SOLD your book. Yes, they loved it enough to buy it, but there will be edits and some of them might be major. The first time, this can come as a big surprise. Expect it and be surprised if there aren't many changes.
14. You are an avid blogger. Do you feel that plays an important role in your novel writing? How so?
Oh boy. Blogging. What can I say? I've slowed down a bit lately because things are moving fast with these releases but I don't think blogging is important to my voice and my creative self. It's good to have an unedited space. Of course, there are sometimes where there are only so many words to go around and I"m just silent. Once a book is done or if I'm really losing it, I usually blog like a crazy woman. My friends in the blogosphere help me through life's ups and downs and cheer for me when great stuff happens too.
15. What would you suggest readers take to their reading spot when they settle down to read MADE OF HONOR?
Bring a nice vanilla candle if you have one around, some tea if you have it and a pen to underline the funny parts.
16. What do you think it was about this story (other than your fab and magnificent voice) that caused the editors to sit up and take notice?
The grace of God? Honestly, I can't say. There are so many great writers out there, both published and unpublished. Someone just has to like what you do. That's what happened with Revell, even though they didn't sign my first book, my editor enjoyed it. Same thing at Steeple Hill. It's sort of like shopping. Somewhere there's a fit. Somewhere there's somebody who gets it.
17. If Oprah featured MADE OF HONOR in her book club, what would you want her to tell the world about it?
Dana Rose pledges to say "I won't" the next time she's asked to be in a wedding. Her weak will has turned her closet into cemetery for satin gowns from periwinkle to Pepto pink. After ten stints as bridesmaid, Dana thinks she's seen it all. Then she's fired, forced to turn her hobby into a business and faced with her prodigal brother, back-stabbing sis and Mr. Practically Perfect, the ex who not only married someone else, but opened the business of her dreams—across the street. There's that Maid of Honor thing too… And this time she can't say no. Will wedding #11 show Dana what's she's really made of?
18. Who was your target audience with MADE OF HONOR?
Hmmm... Me? LOL I try to write books that I'd enjoy and that I could give to all of my friends, who happen to be a very diverse bunch. A women who loves life, loves the Lord and loves her girlfriends will enjoy MADE OF HONOR.
19. When does your next book come out? And where can readers not familiar with CBA purchase it?
My next book, PINK (Revell), comes out in February 2006. And never fear, no acronyms or secret codes are necessary to get it. LOL Pink will be available wherever books are sold. (And if it they don't have it, ask for it!)
20. Any parting thoughts?
Thank you, Cheryl. I can't wait to return the favor for your first release. Thanks everyone for being here. Please visit me at http://www.marilynngriffith.com/ and tell me what you think of Made of Honor. Bye!
Sunday, December 04, 2005
BLUSH AND CRINGE
Took my little munchkins Christmas shopping with me for daddy's present this week. Just so happened I had to pick up some feminine hygiene items while we were there. I turned away for no more than a few minutes and all three of the little critters had taken them out of the packages, peeled the strips off, and stuck them all over the kart. It wouldn't have been so bad except that they were those huge overnight ones so they looked barricaded in a moving fortress of miniature pillows....and yes, EVERYONE was staring and of course snickering at my expense.
Squirrel
Squirrel
TAGGED!!!!!
I've been tagged, which means I get to talk about myself. YAY. ROFL. Okay seriously, I'm really shy but here goes. I think I'm supposed to be telling you 15 personal and writing preference facts about myself. I'll try to write things I'll bet you all didn't know.
1. I got my first motercycle when I was five years old. It was a Honda 50 but I prefer Harleys.
2. I could shoot the "o" out of a coke can with my pellet gun from halfway across 5 acres before I was 8. That was a Daisy BB gun but I prefer semiautomatics. :-)
3. I have batted around the idea of writing a MOM lit. Don't ask me to explain what that is because I don't quite have a handle on it myself.
4. I lived in New Mexico near an Indian reservation, an ice cave, and a dead volcanoe for 16 years. I prefer to be close to family.
5. I love to read action/adventure, romantic suspense, and just plain good love stories, even historicals. I read both secular and Christian writers. I love to write military stories and I've never been in the military.
6. One thing I hate is stories and movies that do not have a happy ending. Life is hard enough and many people read to escape. Therefore I will ALWAYS write happy endings into my story. I can't control life but I can control the lives of my characters. Usually. :-)
7. I was the best archery and chess club student in high school. I put a tiny slice of me into every book I write.
8. I am seriously addicted to books.
9. My husband fully supports my habit, although he says he's NOT building one more bookshelf in the house.
10. I am now grieving over which books I will have to give up to make room for more.
11. I'm a certified practical joker but prefer NOT to have jokes played on me which is a moot preference since I live with The Master Joker himself---Mr. Billy.
12. I am helping to open a library in a small town here where I live. I prefer to sit and read the books instead of sand the shelves and stack the books. LOL!
13. I have a huge heart for orphans and usually have them in my books somehow.
14. I love my children more than anything.
15. I want them, and my entire family to know God more than anything. That's my biggest prayer.
I tag Gretchen, Syndi, Robin, Sandy, and Christa.
Squirl
1. I got my first motercycle when I was five years old. It was a Honda 50 but I prefer Harleys.
2. I could shoot the "o" out of a coke can with my pellet gun from halfway across 5 acres before I was 8. That was a Daisy BB gun but I prefer semiautomatics. :-)
3. I have batted around the idea of writing a MOM lit. Don't ask me to explain what that is because I don't quite have a handle on it myself.
4. I lived in New Mexico near an Indian reservation, an ice cave, and a dead volcanoe for 16 years. I prefer to be close to family.
5. I love to read action/adventure, romantic suspense, and just plain good love stories, even historicals. I read both secular and Christian writers. I love to write military stories and I've never been in the military.
6. One thing I hate is stories and movies that do not have a happy ending. Life is hard enough and many people read to escape. Therefore I will ALWAYS write happy endings into my story. I can't control life but I can control the lives of my characters. Usually. :-)
7. I was the best archery and chess club student in high school. I put a tiny slice of me into every book I write.
8. I am seriously addicted to books.
9. My husband fully supports my habit, although he says he's NOT building one more bookshelf in the house.
10. I am now grieving over which books I will have to give up to make room for more.
11. I'm a certified practical joker but prefer NOT to have jokes played on me which is a moot preference since I live with The Master Joker himself---Mr. Billy.
12. I am helping to open a library in a small town here where I live. I prefer to sit and read the books instead of sand the shelves and stack the books. LOL!
13. I have a huge heart for orphans and usually have them in my books somehow.
14. I love my children more than anything.
15. I want them, and my entire family to know God more than anything. That's my biggest prayer.
I tag Gretchen, Syndi, Robin, Sandy, and Christa.
Squirl
Thursday, December 01, 2005
Sensational Structural Editor
Here's another link and info for an excellent structural editor.
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Hi! My name is Camy Tang, and I have a critique service called The Story Sensei.A novel's structure is like a button-down shirt. It can bemis-buttoned so that the story elements aren't quite in the rightplaces or emphasized enough, making the manuscript disjointed.I also know that writers are DIRT POOR (I'm one of them), and manycan't afford to hire a freelance editor to go through their entiremanuscript (which costs anywhere from $300 to $3000) and identifystructural flaws.I offer a cheaper, specialized alternative.For only $40, I will do a high-level structural critique of your storyusing a 2-page single-spaced synopsis and a chapter-by-chaptersynopsis. I'll look for things like:• Good pacing, strong sense of movement• Setting as a character• Unique story premise• Voice• Clear story arc--beginning, middle, end• Inciting Incident• External goals• Internal goals• Obstacles/conflict• Epiphany/sacrifice• Black Moment• Flaws• Unique/original characters• Secondary characters--goals, depth, contribute to the storyYou can find more information on my website, including testimoniesfrom writers who have benefited from my services:http://www.camytang.com/sensei.htmlThanks! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me.Camy
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Hi! My name is Camy Tang, and I have a critique service called The Story Sensei.A novel's structure is like a button-down shirt. It can bemis-buttoned so that the story elements aren't quite in the rightplaces or emphasized enough, making the manuscript disjointed.I also know that writers are DIRT POOR (I'm one of them), and manycan't afford to hire a freelance editor to go through their entiremanuscript (which costs anywhere from $300 to $3000) and identifystructural flaws.I offer a cheaper, specialized alternative.For only $40, I will do a high-level structural critique of your storyusing a 2-page single-spaced synopsis and a chapter-by-chaptersynopsis. I'll look for things like:• Good pacing, strong sense of movement• Setting as a character• Unique story premise• Voice• Clear story arc--beginning, middle, end• Inciting Incident• External goals• Internal goals• Obstacles/conflict• Epiphany/sacrifice• Black Moment• Flaws• Unique/original characters• Secondary characters--goals, depth, contribute to the storyYou can find more information on my website, including testimoniesfrom writers who have benefited from my services:http://www.camytang.com/sensei.htmlThanks! If you have any questions, don't hesitate to email me.Camy
GREAT CRITIQUE SERVICE
Here's information on Robin Miller's Critique Boutique
------------------------------------
Have you got a work in progress you need polished before entering a contest?
Do you have a work in progress you’d like some feedback on?
Do you have a completed manuscript you need “tweaked” before submitting it to an editor?
If you answered YES to any of these questions, Critique Boutique can help you! We specialize in fiction manuscript critique services. Our fees are modestly set, based on word count, NOT page count. Get as much, or as little of your manuscript critiqued, according to YOUR needs.
Elements covered in a critique include:
Beginning “hook”
POV issues
Plot points
Settings
Narrative/Dialogue
Characterization
Flow
Active/Passive
Showing/Telling
Tension/Pacing
Need a quick critique? No problem…Critique Boutique offers a 36-hour turnaround option.
Bring the experience of Critique Boutique to YOUR manuscript! An experienced critique-er, contest finalist, RWA PRO, judge for various RWA contests, judge for published book contests can critique YOUR manuscript!
Fees: To offer the lowest-price for the highest quality critique, Critique Boutique has flat rate charges.
Contact us for mailing address, or for additional information at rcproductionsinc@sbcglobal.net
------------------------------------
Have you got a work in progress you need polished before entering a contest?
Do you have a work in progress you’d like some feedback on?
Do you have a completed manuscript you need “tweaked” before submitting it to an editor?
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Saturday, November 26, 2005
DECEMBER'S PROMPT
I already posted this once but it appears lost in cyber space and I just now noticed it wasn't here. So here it is again.
SQUIRREL'S STORY STARTER FOR DECEMBER
RULES: Write a 500 word scene using at least 5 of the following words.
Mud
Paws
Dog
Puddle
Rain
Umbrella
Dress
Lady
Business owner
Awning
Dinner
Apology
Flowers
Candy
Phone Number
Spiffy
Entry deadline is Dec 20th and winner will be notified by Dec. 25th.
I do not post or publish these stories anywhere, and author retains all rights to it.
Winner will receive their choice of one new fiction release out of several choices offered.
Last month's winner was Sherry P. with her entry In the Garden.
Good luck and get to writing!
Squirrel
SQUIRREL'S STORY STARTER FOR DECEMBER
RULES: Write a 500 word scene using at least 5 of the following words.
Mud
Paws
Dog
Puddle
Rain
Umbrella
Dress
Lady
Business owner
Awning
Dinner
Apology
Flowers
Candy
Phone Number
Spiffy
Entry deadline is Dec 20th and winner will be notified by Dec. 25th.
I do not post or publish these stories anywhere, and author retains all rights to it.
Winner will receive their choice of one new fiction release out of several choices offered.
Last month's winner was Sherry P. with her entry In the Garden.
Good luck and get to writing!
Squirrel
Sunday, November 13, 2005
BLUSH AND CRINGE
Since I haven't done one of these in awhile, here's one.
My hubby and I try to have a date night once a week. We usually talk over dinner and then catch a movie.
Movie theatres are.....well....dark.
And I'm......well....blind with my glasses on, certifiably so without them.
After dinner we get to the theatre. We stand in line for tickets. So far all is good and well. No catastrophies as of yet.
We buy tickets and walk inside the lobby at which time I veer left to the restroom, and he veers to the theatre showing the previews of the movie we purchased tickets for.
Problem is, I neither remembered the name of the movie, or which theatre he went in. Okay, there are about eight to choose from. So I start out, blind as a cave bat, sneaking into each room, tiptoeing (although I have no idea why) down dark aisles looking for my husband. Okay, the man is pretty easy to spot. I just look for the guy with shoulder length hair who looks like a mop when you hold him upside down. Thin fellow, thick, shoulder length hair. You can see what I mean if you check back in the RWA picture archives.
Anyway, I checked EVERY theatre and he wasn't there. So now my suspense writer's mind is roiling around ideas of The Case of the Missing Husband. Logic tells me he probably went to use the restroom. So my writer's mind told me to stake all the men's restroom entrances out. I did. For quite awhile. You know, in case he's already downloading the chili he ate at the restaraunt thirty minutes prior to accompanying me to the crime scene.
Okay so I have no evidence of a crime other than figuring out how I'm going to file a missing person's report when the missing person has the only car keys that will get me to the police station after the movie is over. Or I could turn myself in for entertaining thoughts of husband torture and homicidal ideations in case he snuck off with someone of my gender who didn't happen to be me. Then I have a Eureka moment. He's a business owner. He probably got paged via voicemail from one of his guys out working evening shift. So I go back and ask the ticket lady if she remembers what movie we paid for. After casting me a look that would have been funny had I not had an MIA husband. I go to the movie she said, and of course that movie has two theatres. Luckily she remembered which theatre she'd directed us to. I go there thinking he'd show up. Eventually.
The beginning of the movie starts and I'm getting a little worried. I pivot in my seat to find the path of least resistance, meaning which door was closest, since I was obviously going to have to call the police. I stand up and look across the theatre, and what do I find.
Blush. Cringe.
I don't know how many times I walked past him. Yes Mophead sat there laughing at me each and every time I inched back in the theatre looking more panicked each time. No he did not get up and come sit by me when he saw me sitting perilously and anxiously alone. He was too busy laughing his Mophead off, quite entertained to see just how long it would take me to figure out he was right across the aisle.
Our first date was a blind date. Snicker. No, really. He didn't tell me where we were going. He'd made me an eye appointment and told me I wasn't leaving without a pair of glasses.
I think we're about due for another one of those blind dates. Sigh. Getting old sucks pond water as my good SAYSF friend would say.
Squirrel
My hubby and I try to have a date night once a week. We usually talk over dinner and then catch a movie.
Movie theatres are.....well....dark.
And I'm......well....blind with my glasses on, certifiably so without them.
After dinner we get to the theatre. We stand in line for tickets. So far all is good and well. No catastrophies as of yet.
We buy tickets and walk inside the lobby at which time I veer left to the restroom, and he veers to the theatre showing the previews of the movie we purchased tickets for.
Problem is, I neither remembered the name of the movie, or which theatre he went in. Okay, there are about eight to choose from. So I start out, blind as a cave bat, sneaking into each room, tiptoeing (although I have no idea why) down dark aisles looking for my husband. Okay, the man is pretty easy to spot. I just look for the guy with shoulder length hair who looks like a mop when you hold him upside down. Thin fellow, thick, shoulder length hair. You can see what I mean if you check back in the RWA picture archives.
Anyway, I checked EVERY theatre and he wasn't there. So now my suspense writer's mind is roiling around ideas of The Case of the Missing Husband. Logic tells me he probably went to use the restroom. So my writer's mind told me to stake all the men's restroom entrances out. I did. For quite awhile. You know, in case he's already downloading the chili he ate at the restaraunt thirty minutes prior to accompanying me to the crime scene.
Okay so I have no evidence of a crime other than figuring out how I'm going to file a missing person's report when the missing person has the only car keys that will get me to the police station after the movie is over. Or I could turn myself in for entertaining thoughts of husband torture and homicidal ideations in case he snuck off with someone of my gender who didn't happen to be me. Then I have a Eureka moment. He's a business owner. He probably got paged via voicemail from one of his guys out working evening shift. So I go back and ask the ticket lady if she remembers what movie we paid for. After casting me a look that would have been funny had I not had an MIA husband. I go to the movie she said, and of course that movie has two theatres. Luckily she remembered which theatre she'd directed us to. I go there thinking he'd show up. Eventually.
The beginning of the movie starts and I'm getting a little worried. I pivot in my seat to find the path of least resistance, meaning which door was closest, since I was obviously going to have to call the police. I stand up and look across the theatre, and what do I find.
Blush. Cringe.
I don't know how many times I walked past him. Yes Mophead sat there laughing at me each and every time I inched back in the theatre looking more panicked each time. No he did not get up and come sit by me when he saw me sitting perilously and anxiously alone. He was too busy laughing his Mophead off, quite entertained to see just how long it would take me to figure out he was right across the aisle.
Our first date was a blind date. Snicker. No, really. He didn't tell me where we were going. He'd made me an eye appointment and told me I wasn't leaving without a pair of glasses.
I think we're about due for another one of those blind dates. Sigh. Getting old sucks pond water as my good SAYSF friend would say.
Squirrel
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