Aug 27, 2008 | Revising, Writing |
A revision letter is both a terrible and wonderful thing. On the one hand, it means an editor gets your voice enough to suggest changes that will, hopefully, make your work better. On the other, it means you've got work to do.
As unpublished or uncontracted writers, revision letters aren't a part of daily life. Many writers are trying to find their style and voice and dream of the day when an editor makes the wonderful call that says, “I want to buy your book.”
And yet, as you learn when you cross to the other side of the fence, the grass isn't greener. It's still grass, and you still have work to do. Revision letters are a part of the, er, yard work (hmm, should have thought this metaphor out a bit more…).
It can be easy to get discouraged when this is new to you. You think you're the dumbest writer to ever fire up a lap top. You wonder why you can't just get it right the first time. Sometimes, you need to walk away and think about it. Other times the ideas are flowing fast and furious and you just know you're nailing it this time.
I've been in both states, believe me. Tonight, after frowning over the work yet to do, I picked up Sherry Thomas's Delicious. And there, in the acknowledgments, this new author who has received many accolades for her work, talks about a 16 page single-spaced revision letter from her editor on the very book I'm holding in my hands. Um, I think I'll stop worrying myself to death now.
How do you deal with revision letters? If you have yet to receive a revision letter, how do you think you'll handle it?
Aug 15, 2008 | Promotion, Writing |
I've been thinking about branding and promo lately. Probably because of the RWA National conference. Writers are urged to get a brand, to associate something about the types of stories they write with their name. Start the association early and get the idea planted in the minds of your fellow writers at least. Once you sell, the brand is there, ready to branch out for readers.
I don't disagree with this. And yet, my brand is undergoing an evolution and I'm uncertain how to proceed. I branded myself as a military romantic suspense writer. I still hope to do this.
But now I have international tycoons to add into the mix. And I love them. Oh, I am so happy writing and rewriting my story for Presents right now! I realize how much I fit there, how much I love those stories — even if it's taking me a bit of work to get into the proper groove with my own story.
But how to combine these two things? Many writers start out with one kind of story, one place where they know they fit. Some write a bit of everything. In that case, I think brand is contained in tone and voice. It's about sexy or flirty or dangerous or whatever the underlying core of a writer's voice is rather than a specific genre like suspense or paranormal.
I realized in San Francisco that my own brand of suspense is dangerous and sexy, not gritty or dark or terrifying. And, in many ways, this describes my heroes — whether they are military warriors or wealthy tycoons. I love dangerous and sexy men.
In my stories, not in real life. Thankfully the hubby's most dangerous habit is abandoning me to play on the computer when I'd prefer he help me unload the dishwasher. This is dangerous to my temper and his well-being, but that's about it. 🙂
But dangerous conjures up danger, so maybe it doesn't work for tycoons. Which brings me back to my dilemma. How to brand myself with something generic enough to work for more than one subgenre without being so generic it's forgettable. Or should I even worry about this? I haven't sold anything yet after all.
What are some of your favorite author brands? Is there any tagline that stands out to you? Do you have a brand?
Aug 14, 2008 | Business, Promotion, Revising, Writing |
more cat pictures
So I'm working on revisions again. *sigh* Thank GOD for the Presents and Modern Heat authors at conference who told me this is normal and not to feel like a big dummy! The encouragement I found in those ladies has really made a difference in my confidence this time around.
But that's not the diversion. The diversion is my very first newspaper interview. Today, a reporter and photographer came to my house. I was terrified — until I met them. The interview took two hours, and we laughed and talked and had a good time. I have every confidence this interview will put a positive face on romance writing. I don't know when it will be available but as soon as it is, I will post the link.
It's interesting to talk about novel writing with people who don't write novels. And yet, the reporter is a writer because she's a journalist. A different type of writing, but still writing. So we were able to understand one another very well. For instance, we both cringe when someone reads our work while we're in the same room. Don't know why, but I'd rather be in another room if you want to read my story. I guess I don't want to see puzzlement on your face. 🙂 Or worse, disappointment. She felt the same way about her stories. I found that comforting.
The photographer had a trunk full of equipment he brought inside and set up, complete with this huge umbrella thing that helped with lighting. I felt like a movie star! Thankfully, I'd changed out of the writer's uniform of pajamas and into something more attractive. I even took a shower and put on makeup. Definitely not the way I usually write. In fact, she asked me what my routine was. Here it is: wake up around 6:30, kiss husband goodbye around 7:15, pour coffee, go to office and write. In pajamas. With hair scraped back in a bun. Shower around 2 or so — sooner if stuck in a scene. I always shower so the hubby doesn't think I sat around all day in my pajamas — even though I do. 🙂 I figure if the man goes to work and lets me stay home and indulge myself this way, the least I can do is appear presentable when he gets home.
Unless I'm on deadline and then all bets are off. 😉
If you've ever been interviewed, how did it go? Were you scared? Did you think of something later that you should have said? So far, I haven't, but who knows how I'll feel tomorrow.
Aug 11, 2008 | Writing |
Conference is over, all the happy writers are back in their caves, and new stories must be written. Or old stories must be revised. Last year, after Dallas, I left National feeling very inspired. And it must have worked because I finished my novel and it became a Golden Heart finalist. 🙂
This year, I also felt inspired. I came home very run down and sick (that was me with the tissues last week), and then I had company (who left this morning) and I've been unable to get to work until today.
So, I'm sitting down this morning with my coffee and the whole day free to get back to work. And I'm so jazzed about it! I have ideas I can't wait to explore. I'm somewhat intimidated by all I have to do, but I'm also excited and inspired.
I never got to blog from SF, though I intended to. But the best of intentions just don't stack up against the never-ending things one has to do. Meetings, workshops (uh, I think I made it to 3…), chatting with friends, dancing at publisher parties, rehearsals, spontaneous gatherings in the hotel bar, etc. I didn't sleep much, and I paid for it in spades when I got sick. My body was too run down to fight off the cold germs. I haven't had a cold in over two years — which must be why this one hit particularly hard. Still, I'll do it all again in DC next year. 🙂
August is notorious for beginnings (back to school) so do you feel fresh and new, or do you want it to still be summer play time? Are you inspired or intimidated this morning?
Jul 25, 2008 | Revising, Writing |
Determination and caffeine got me through this round of revisions. Oh, and a hubby who didn't mind going to get the takeout every night this week. And who actually did a load of laundry last night. And now, since in another hour I will have been awake 24 straight, I think I better go to bed. I'm too old for all-nighters….
Jul 21, 2008 | Revising, Writing |
more cat
Still revising, y'all. Someone throw me a rope before I drown…..
Hope to be back Wednesday or Thursday.
