Today marks the opening of Like a Virgin pitch contest for NA/YA. And since I have a NA/YA and no agent, I'm participating as a contestant! Kinda scary.
1. How do you remember your first kiss? Like a dream.....
2. What was your first favorite love song? "I'll Never Break Your Heart" by the Backstreet Boys.
I mean, really it was probably "The Deeper the Love" by Whitesnake--but I was like three and I only know the stories of my obsession with Whitesnake. (Blame my uncle.)
3. What’s the first thing you do when you begin writing for the day? I just write. I don't get to write every single day and I'm not really a ritual writer. I've probably had coffee, because I can't survive without it. I guess I re-read a little so I can get into the voice. Sometimes I have to read a sentence or a paragraph, and other times a whole chapter or two. It depends on my headspace and where I am in the story/how connected to the character I am at the moment.
4. Who’s the first writer who truly inspired you to become a writer? Jennifer Donnelly. I read A NORTHERN LIGHT in college and it completely changed my life, pushed me to write and I have been fawning over ever since. Some day I will get the courage to email her. (I don't have it yet.)
5. Did the final revision of your first book have the same first chapter it started with? The first book EVER? The one that lives in my closet? Yes. I don't think it changed. But I didn't revise that much....it was a learning book.
FOLLOW ME THROUGH DARKNESS had approximately 15 opening chapters. That was the hardest beginning to nail down. SALT has the same chapter, with very few tweaks actually.
The one I'm entering in this contest is the same, but it's been expanded.
6. For your first book, which came first: major characters, plot or setting? I always get a voice first, and usually a line. Some character will say something in my head and then bam - story. The plot and setting usually develop later.
7. What’s the first word you want to roll off the tip of someone’s tongue when they think of your writing? Haunting.
7.12.2013
4.25.2013
Stepping Away and Starting Over
I am writing three books right now. And revising - or soon to be revising - three other books right now. Plus playing editor for all my fantastic authors! And working.
I'm a little crazy right now.
I didn't plan to be writing three books, but here we are. I guess in my defense, I am only actually writing one, book two of the trilogy. The other two books (SALT 2 and my love affair nicknamed SUPERB) I am crazy-detail outlining. I'm doing this while I wait for edits on DAYS (my newly finished MS), FMTD and SALT. And while it seems crazy to be writing so many things at once, I have never done it before and it's oddly satisfying.
And wow, second books are scary. (And exciting!) (But also scary.)
WAY back in October, I wrote this post that my WIP for Boundless 2 didn't feel right. Then, in December, my editor politely helped me see that the almost-finished version of B2 was best suited for the trash. She said to me, "I don't think this is the right story," and I knew she was right. I have to admit that while throwing out 60k words was a hard loss, but this weekend I started writing it anew (after some intense plotting) and I know after only being three chapters into this new draft that starting over was a great decision.
Before I could dive in, I knew I needed to step away. I was so frustrated at that draft that I was burnt out. I didn't want to write because it was so hard (mostly due to the fact that I was telling the wrong story.) I didn't want to start over, right or not. Plus, I started Follow Me Through Darkness in 2010. I'd lived in that world for years, with reprieve only during SALT, and I for the sake of sanity and quality I needed a break.
I had this other project sitting in my head and deadlines that run through early 2014, so it was the only chance I had to write something else. From December to April, I wrote DAYS (not real title.) DAYS is totally, totally different. A contemp from dual POV and out of my comfort zone but it did a really great thing: it reminded me why I love writing. It gave me joy again, brought me comfort, excitement and sparked something awake while the world of B2 took a rest.
DAYS is with my CPs and now I have started outlining SALT2 and SUPERB. I don't really have time to write SUPERB, but it is this great love of my heart that keeps me going when I need to switch gears from B2 or need help getting out of that Neely's head. (She is intense.)
The great thing about taking a break before I started writing B2 has been that I now see things more clearly. Aspects of the world that I forgot or didn't see before are vibrant. Two months stands between FMTD & B2 so sometimes I have to look back on the first book and see what happened, which is what a reader has to do and why authors add those recaps of previous books. Neely has changed a lot in those two months. I feel, that since I have changed too, it's easier to connect with her. Plus, I actually just started but I have 16k because there are things from previous drafts that I get to keep!
Sometimes things seem overwhelming -- like throwing out a whole book -- but don't underestimate the directions they will take you. Or the people who suggest them. Especially if it's your editor! Editors know what they are doing! Trust him/her/them. You are a team.
And as far as writing: it always has to be for you. This is what I am learning. Yes, I have deadlines and I'm not going to miss them, but I can write other things too. When writing stops being enjoyable, then it translates into the story you are writing. So find joy, be happy, have fun, write!
Oh, and enjoy these gifs...because everything is better and happier with Dean Winchester.
I'm a little crazy right now.
I didn't plan to be writing three books, but here we are. I guess in my defense, I am only actually writing one, book two of the trilogy. The other two books (SALT 2 and my love affair nicknamed SUPERB) I am crazy-detail outlining. I'm doing this while I wait for edits on DAYS (my newly finished MS), FMTD and SALT. And while it seems crazy to be writing so many things at once, I have never done it before and it's oddly satisfying.
And wow, second books are scary. (And exciting!) (But also scary.)
WAY back in October, I wrote this post that my WIP for Boundless 2 didn't feel right. Then, in December, my editor politely helped me see that the almost-finished version of B2 was best suited for the trash. She said to me, "I don't think this is the right story," and I knew she was right. I have to admit that while throwing out 60k words was a hard loss, but this weekend I started writing it anew (after some intense plotting) and I know after only being three chapters into this new draft that starting over was a great decision.
Before I could dive in, I knew I needed to step away. I was so frustrated at that draft that I was burnt out. I didn't want to write because it was so hard (mostly due to the fact that I was telling the wrong story.) I didn't want to start over, right or not. Plus, I started Follow Me Through Darkness in 2010. I'd lived in that world for years, with reprieve only during SALT, and I for the sake of sanity and quality I needed a break.
I had this other project sitting in my head and deadlines that run through early 2014, so it was the only chance I had to write something else. From December to April, I wrote DAYS (not real title.) DAYS is totally, totally different. A contemp from dual POV and out of my comfort zone but it did a really great thing: it reminded me why I love writing. It gave me joy again, brought me comfort, excitement and sparked something awake while the world of B2 took a rest.
DAYS is with my CPs and now I have started outlining SALT2 and SUPERB. I don't really have time to write SUPERB, but it is this great love of my heart that keeps me going when I need to switch gears from B2 or need help getting out of that Neely's head. (She is intense.)
The great thing about taking a break before I started writing B2 has been that I now see things more clearly. Aspects of the world that I forgot or didn't see before are vibrant. Two months stands between FMTD & B2 so sometimes I have to look back on the first book and see what happened, which is what a reader has to do and why authors add those recaps of previous books. Neely has changed a lot in those two months. I feel, that since I have changed too, it's easier to connect with her. Plus, I actually just started but I have 16k because there are things from previous drafts that I get to keep!
Sometimes things seem overwhelming -- like throwing out a whole book -- but don't underestimate the directions they will take you. Or the people who suggest them. Especially if it's your editor! Editors know what they are doing! Trust him/her/them. You are a team.
And as far as writing: it always has to be for you. This is what I am learning. Yes, I have deadlines and I'm not going to miss them, but I can write other things too. When writing stops being enjoyable, then it translates into the story you are writing. So find joy, be happy, have fun, write!
Oh, and enjoy these gifs...because everything is better and happier with Dean Winchester.
4.04.2013
10 Reasons to see Maroon5 (And Only Half of Them are Because of Adam Levine)
It all started seven months ago. Maroon5 tickets went on sale and I tweeted my friend, Jenny (who I literally met the night before!) and said, "Do you like Maroon5?" And the rest is history.
Warning: there are a lot of exclamation marks and all caps ahead.
Now that I have experienced the AMAZEMENT that is a Maroon5 concert, let me tell you TEN REASONS YOU NEED TO SEE MAROON5 IN CONCERT. (I even put them in order. You can skip down if you don't care about just Adam. Which, would be weird.)
5 Reasons for to see Maroon5 if you love Adam Levine:
Adam's tattoos.
I mean, we all know he has them. Especially if you watch The Voice. But they're really nice when they are live, and on a jumbo screen while hold a mic. I don't even know, y'all. They are hot! (You'll hear that word a lot.)
Adam laying on the ground.
There was a part where he sang on his knees. And then, when it was done, he just sprawled out on the ground. It was just nice. :)
Adam with a guitar.
Adam is freaking sexy with a guitar. I mean, LIKE. Give a guy a guitar, and that pretty much increases a level of hotness. But Adam (along with our old friend with the great hair, James) really tore it up. It was wonderful.
Adam sweating.
I mean...what else do I need to say?
Adam's butt.
Adam has a great butt. If you watch The Voice, you've probably seen it. But in real life, with a jumbo ton, goodness. He definitely knows what kind of pants to wear.
(Also, this has nothing to do with the concert--but have y'all SEEN how many times Adam has hugged people during the Blind Auditions this season??? He is so sweet.)
5 OTHER reasons to see Maroon5
The bridge.
There's this bridge (spoiler) that they bring down into the audience, and it is really freaking cool. I was like "they mean business now!"
Stage presence.
They were so involved!!! Adam was jumping and running all over that stage! (Which was shaped like an M!) James would move around with him, too. There was also some girl who sang on two songs. (I didn't hear her name.) PLUS, they had really cool backdrops and lights and confetti! It was a FANTASTIC show and very entertaining!! There was even one where the band looked like they were floating in the water. It was cool. :)
Crazy effing good songs.
If you are a Maroon5 fan, then you won't be disappointed. They cover all the hits and the best of the new album. The audience participates with choruses and a choir-like round, which is a blast. Love their songs: you'll love this show.
Everyone else!
The whole of Maroon5, the audience, the camera people -- amazing. They really made it a great time!
IT'S SO MUCH BETTER LIVE.
When I was driving home, I turned on one of the songs from the show that was stuck in my head. ("Lucky Strike" which was the second or third song they sang in the show, so it was weird that it was in my head!) And it was good, but MAN, IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER LIVE. So, if you like their music then make sure you see them live!!
I can't wait to go again!!!!!! Because I will. Best money I've ever spent on entertainment. Woo!!!!!!!
And of course, Adam's butt.
Warning: there are a lot of exclamation marks and all caps ahead.
 |
| Show opener! |
Now that I have experienced the AMAZEMENT that is a Maroon5 concert, let me tell you TEN REASONS YOU NEED TO SEE MAROON5 IN CONCERT. (I even put them in order. You can skip down if you don't care about just Adam. Which, would be weird.)
5 Reasons for to see Maroon5 if you love Adam Levine:
Adam's tattoos.
I mean, we all know he has them. Especially if you watch The Voice. But they're really nice when they are live, and on a jumbo screen while hold a mic. I don't even know, y'all. They are hot! (You'll hear that word a lot.)
Adam laying on the ground.
There was a part where he sang on his knees. And then, when it was done, he just sprawled out on the ground. It was just nice. :)
Adam with a guitar.
Adam is freaking sexy with a guitar. I mean, LIKE. Give a guy a guitar, and that pretty much increases a level of hotness. But Adam (along with our old friend with the great hair, James) really tore it up. It was wonderful.
Adam sweating.
I mean...what else do I need to say?
Adam's butt.
Adam has a great butt. If you watch The Voice, you've probably seen it. But in real life, with a jumbo ton, goodness. He definitely knows what kind of pants to wear.
(Also, this has nothing to do with the concert--but have y'all SEEN how many times Adam has hugged people during the Blind Auditions this season??? He is so sweet.)
5 OTHER reasons to see Maroon5
The bridge.
There's this bridge (spoiler) that they bring down into the audience, and it is really freaking cool. I was like "they mean business now!"
 |
| The Bridge during "Stereo" |
Stage presence.
They were so involved!!! Adam was jumping and running all over that stage! (Which was shaped like an M!) James would move around with him, too. There was also some girl who sang on two songs. (I didn't hear her name.) PLUS, they had really cool backdrops and lights and confetti! It was a FANTASTIC show and very entertaining!! There was even one where the band looked like they were floating in the water. It was cool. :)
 |
| A house, while they sang "Sunday Morning" |
 |
| THAT IS SPACE in the background. Which is cool. |
Crazy effing good songs.
If you are a Maroon5 fan, then you won't be disappointed. They cover all the hits and the best of the new album. The audience participates with choruses and a choir-like round, which is a blast. Love their songs: you'll love this show.
 |
| "Harder to Breathe" |
The whole of Maroon5, the audience, the camera people -- amazing. They really made it a great time!
IT'S SO MUCH BETTER LIVE.
When I was driving home, I turned on one of the songs from the show that was stuck in my head. ("Lucky Strike" which was the second or third song they sang in the show, so it was weird that it was in my head!) And it was good, but MAN, IT WAS SO MUCH BETTER LIVE. So, if you like their music then make sure you see them live!!
I can't wait to go again!!!!!! Because I will. Best money I've ever spent on entertainment. Woo!!!!!!!
And of course, Adam's butt.
3.19.2013
When You Have Nothing to Say...
I haven't posted much here (read: at all) for a few reasons.
The biggest being: I don't have much to say.
My life is pretty much the same over and over. I write (sometimes), clean the house, do my nanny duties, check my email 1400 times a day, edit, cook dinner, cram in a Skype call (or two) and pass out. Then, I do it all over. In the midst of that, I've found I don't really have much to say in blog posts.
Writing struggles? Time. What is time? Where does it go? Writer's block? Not really, aside from that show I'd rather watch instead because I am exhausted. Shiny New? No time -- my writing schedule is jam packed full for 2013.
I don't have any edits (yet!) so I can't talk about revising. I'm not working on any of my contracted books (yet! Well, not since we through out book two) so I can't talk about that. I'm writing a new story, but it's going to so amazing that I'd rather write it than talk about writing it on my blog. (I seriously am in love with it. *squeezes it closer*) Nothing bad is happening or good is happening. It's calm, which is much needed break. I'm sure any day now it will be the storm that comes after and you'll all be like "stop posting!"
I've also been noticing this really unsettling trend lately. (Especially on twitter.) Every day there's some new drama and it's really exhausting just trying to avoid all the drama. Do I have opinions on drama? Yes, I do. Lots of opinions. But I hate drama, so me sharing my opinions will only add to it--and that feels counter-productive. Plus, it's all going to make someone else mad, and I don't like making people mad. I grew up with the rule of, "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything." And as hard as it is, that's where I am.
So, it's hard to blog. Because I have nothing really going on and the only things people are talking about is drama that I don't want to be part of. It really lessens the topics of conversation.
For now then, I leave with you this:
And this:
The biggest being: I don't have much to say.
My life is pretty much the same over and over. I write (sometimes), clean the house, do my nanny duties, check my email 1400 times a day, edit, cook dinner, cram in a Skype call (or two) and pass out. Then, I do it all over. In the midst of that, I've found I don't really have much to say in blog posts.
Writing struggles? Time. What is time? Where does it go? Writer's block? Not really, aside from that show I'd rather watch instead because I am exhausted. Shiny New? No time -- my writing schedule is jam packed full for 2013.
I've also been noticing this really unsettling trend lately. (Especially on twitter.) Every day there's some new drama and it's really exhausting just trying to avoid all the drama. Do I have opinions on drama? Yes, I do. Lots of opinions. But I hate drama, so me sharing my opinions will only add to it--and that feels counter-productive. Plus, it's all going to make someone else mad, and I don't like making people mad. I grew up with the rule of, "If you don't have anything nice to say then don't say anything." And as hard as it is, that's where I am.
So, it's hard to blog. Because I have nothing really going on and the only things people are talking about is drama that I don't want to be part of. It really lessens the topics of conversation.
For now then, I leave with you this:
 |
| Cute. |
 |
| I want one. |
And this:
 |
| I want to be her friend. She's too adorable. |
And of course, this:
 |
| Bring it on down to Veganville! |
1.14.2013
In Which I Make an Exciting Announcement
It's hard to believe that a mere three months ago I announced my three book deal for the Boundless Series (Follow Me Through Darkness.) It's hard to believe because I'm here - again - with ANOTHER BOOK DEAL!
I'm thrilled to announce that I have sold SALT (& it's sequel!) to Entangled Publishing! Woo! *happy dance*
SALT will release in August 2013 -- which is like 7 months from now! Ahh! -- through a new imprint at EP called Entangled DigiTEEN. This imprint is one of the new ones that fall under the distribution merger with Macmillian/St Martin's Press. It's really an exciting time to be joining EP!
What's the story behind this book deal? Well, one of my betas read SALT & told me I should sub to EP. But I was totally Going To Get An Agent With This Book because I was so close last time. Then, I queried A LOT of agents & everyone loved the book, the world, the characters, the writing -- but I got a resounding plea that the market wasn't taking this kind of paranormal (witches/demons) no matter how unique it was. While waiting in the query trenches I told my beta I would sub it and I did.
Meanwhile, I'm still querying away and getting a lot of request--seriously sent 100 queries & had about 30 MSs out in a month-ish--and all of that starts dwindling down with "query me later," and "I love this but..." and "paranormal doesn't sell."
And then, the day after Halloween, I got an email from Liz saying they wanted to pub SALT. After some discussions with agents, phone calls with Liz & Guillian (editorial assistan), some rearranging with FMTD schedule and a lot of flailing, I now have a two-book deal!
I'm very pumped because SALT & FTMD couldn't be more different - and you'll get to see two sides of my writing. It also means I have A LOT of books to work on!
My new release schedule looks like this:
August 2013 - Salt (digital only)
Feb/March 2014 - Salt sequel (digital only)
October 2014 - Follow Me Through Darkness (print/digital)
April 2015 - Boundless series #2 (print/digital)
October 2015 - Boundless series #3 (print/digital)
FIVE books. It's sorta crazy & I still feel like a kid at Christmas pinching myself over & over again because this can not be real. I'm beyond blessed - and I can't wait share my stories with you!!!
*bounces* *hooks up electricity in writing cave*
I'm thrilled to announce that I have sold SALT (& it's sequel!) to Entangled Publishing! Woo! *happy dance*
Danielle Ellison's SALT, in which a powerless witch suddenly saves herself from a demon attack and must discover the key to her powers in order to prove herself worthy to fight alongside her people to protect humanity, to Liz Pelletier at Entangled, in a nice deal, in a two-book deal, for publication in August 2013 (World).I've been sitting on this news since Halloween - and man, it has been hard. I *love, love* SALT (you've seen it online called Hotboyalicious) and I can't wait to share this book with you. Penelope has a special place in my heart and her world is one I would never leave if I had the choice.
SALT will release in August 2013 -- which is like 7 months from now! Ahh! -- through a new imprint at EP called Entangled DigiTEEN. This imprint is one of the new ones that fall under the distribution merger with Macmillian/St Martin's Press. It's really an exciting time to be joining EP!
What's the story behind this book deal? Well, one of my betas read SALT & told me I should sub to EP. But I was totally Going To Get An Agent With This Book because I was so close last time. Then, I queried A LOT of agents & everyone loved the book, the world, the characters, the writing -- but I got a resounding plea that the market wasn't taking this kind of paranormal (witches/demons) no matter how unique it was. While waiting in the query trenches I told my beta I would sub it and I did.
Meanwhile, I'm still querying away and getting a lot of request--seriously sent 100 queries & had about 30 MSs out in a month-ish--and all of that starts dwindling down with "query me later," and "I love this but..." and "paranormal doesn't sell."
And then, the day after Halloween, I got an email from Liz saying they wanted to pub SALT. After some discussions with agents, phone calls with Liz & Guillian (editorial assistan), some rearranging with FMTD schedule and a lot of flailing, I now have a two-book deal!
I'm very pumped because SALT & FTMD couldn't be more different - and you'll get to see two sides of my writing. It also means I have A LOT of books to work on!
My new release schedule looks like this:
August 2013 - Salt (digital only)
Feb/March 2014 - Salt sequel (digital only)
October 2014 - Follow Me Through Darkness (print/digital)
April 2015 - Boundless series #2 (print/digital)
October 2015 - Boundless series #3 (print/digital)
FIVE books. It's sorta crazy & I still feel like a kid at Christmas pinching myself over & over again because this can not be real. I'm beyond blessed - and I can't wait share my stories with you!!!
*bounces* *hooks up electricity in writing cave*
1.10.2013
2013 - let's go!
HAPPY NEW YEAR! (When do we stop saying that?)
Well, we are ten days into 2013 and my year has already been amazing but exhausting. This week has flown by and I'm trying to catch up, but what can you do?
There are a lot of exciting things happening this year and it's crazy to think about. My Spencer Hill editing projects will be REAL books - RECLAIMED, THE DOLLHOUSE ASYLUM, EXTRACTED, FIREBLOOD - and I'm sad to see them end, but very happy to welcome some new loves.
I'm spending a lot of time at the gym trying to set a new lifestyle for myself, and that is a challenge that's already (I joined early December) proving to be rewarding. I'm also spending my days nannying with a lovely family and I'm really happy it worked out like it did with them.
Writing wise, my life is insane. But in the midst of that, I want to post more on Frenzy. I don't really set goals or resolutions, but I want to post once a week (at least!) here because its important to me.
So, today is the start of that. Now that I've said it, the goal is out there.
In addition to writing here, I will be on Tangled twice a month and writing the sequel to FOLLOW ME THROUGH DARKNESS, which is due March 1. (& I am not very far.) I'm trying not to get distracted by my side project, but it makes me enjoy writing again. Like LOVE writing. That has been difficult to do with FMTD2, as apparently it goes with second books, but I'm hopeful! If all goes according to plan, I will write 2-3 books this year. (Ambitious, I know!)
So let's go, 2013!!
What are some things you have going on?? Have you set any resolutions or have goals that you want to accomplish - be them daily, weekly, monthly, yearly? Tell me!
Well, we are ten days into 2013 and my year has already been amazing but exhausting. This week has flown by and I'm trying to catch up, but what can you do?
There are a lot of exciting things happening this year and it's crazy to think about. My Spencer Hill editing projects will be REAL books - RECLAIMED, THE DOLLHOUSE ASYLUM, EXTRACTED, FIREBLOOD - and I'm sad to see them end, but very happy to welcome some new loves.
I'm spending a lot of time at the gym trying to set a new lifestyle for myself, and that is a challenge that's already (I joined early December) proving to be rewarding. I'm also spending my days nannying with a lovely family and I'm really happy it worked out like it did with them.
Writing wise, my life is insane. But in the midst of that, I want to post more on Frenzy. I don't really set goals or resolutions, but I want to post once a week (at least!) here because its important to me.
So, today is the start of that. Now that I've said it, the goal is out there.
In addition to writing here, I will be on Tangled twice a month and writing the sequel to FOLLOW ME THROUGH DARKNESS, which is due March 1. (& I am not very far.) I'm trying not to get distracted by my side project, but it makes me enjoy writing again. Like LOVE writing. That has been difficult to do with FMTD2, as apparently it goes with second books, but I'm hopeful! If all goes according to plan, I will write 2-3 books this year. (Ambitious, I know!)
So let's go, 2013!!
What are some things you have going on?? Have you set any resolutions or have goals that you want to accomplish - be them daily, weekly, monthly, yearly? Tell me!
11.30.2012
Pick Me!!! To Be Your #PitchWars Mentor!!
SNEAK ATTACK!!!
I'm really excited (Also, insane. Also, late to the party, but here and ready!) to be a ninja mentor in Brenda Drake’s PITCH WARS. I'm on the search for a fantastic MS and writer--and hey, maybe it will be you! Check out my info and see if I'm a fit!!
--Also, if you haven’t heard about #PitchWars, it’s a great opportunity to work with an agented and/or published author and other industry insiders (EDITOR! Me!) on polishing your MS and presenting it to an awesome collection of agents. Check out the link above if you’re interested in more information! (Also, thanks to my friend Lindsay--from whom I stole all these details.)
About Me
I’m Danielle, a YA author and Senior Editor at Spencer Hill Press. So, I read and edit MSs a lot--I swear I know what I'm doing. My debut novel Follow Me Through Darkness comes out in 2014, so that's exciting. When I'm not writing or editing or taking care of interns and admin stuff (yes, I'm crazy!) I am a nanny and housekeeper! I live in NoVa, just outside of DC, but I move around a lot. I generally love good stories, fantastic characters and Supernatural, Doctor Who & Shameless are my top three favorite shows (currently). I'm fun, random and easy going--and one day I may overcome my desire to be British. Maybe.
What I’m Looking For
Okay, so in this contest, I am representing NA or YA. I'm most drawn to contemporary at the moment, but I'm not going to pass on something amazing if it's not contemporary. I love AMAZING CHARACTERS. I need books with voice and character and am drawn to those things immediately. I'm saying that up front because I'm about to tell you all the things I like, and you will be all "but those are completely opposite." I know. Be warned.
Beyond character and voice, I don't care if a book is funny or serious. There's room on my shelf for the light contemporary romances, the dark and twisty romance, the unexpected, the horror books, the gritty ghost stories and the books in space! I like it all (look at my About Me and below where I talk about TV. That should tell you.) I'm really driven by character -- probably even moreso than plot.
I like things that are creepy. I like things that make me laugh. I like things that make me cry. I love a good romance, a good mystery, a good love triangle. I like snarky characters or unpredictable characters. I like ambigious hot boys (or girls) and a really fantastic villian or just an effed up story because "where did that come from?" I'd love to find something about vacation/travel, LOVE ACTUALLY type story with a lot of characters.
Do something bold and unique or make your story really stand out--if I can predict it then I'm bored. I love knights and King Arthur retellings, so if you have those I want! I'm not a huge fan of music stories (you know, the ones where so-and-so wants to do a and b in music but how can so-and-so find the way) just because there's never been anything unique. (surprise me!) I love family dynamics -- good or bad -- and hot boys. (Oh, I said that. It's still true.) I'd love to find a story where the couple are already together and stay together. I'm not a huge fantasy person (as in high fantasy) because it has to be done really, really well for me. But again, characters!
In summary: I like characters and voices that draw me in -- whatever their story.
Things I Love:
So, I know I presented you with a wide variety of likes...so let me try to help you pair it down. Here's the list of current editing projects releasing with SHP: The Dollhouse Asylum, Fireblood, Extracted, Sing Sweet Nightingale, Reclaimed
My DVR records these shows regularly. Or used to. Or they are in my Netflix que. So, this will maybe narrow it down a bit. Maybe...
Shameless (US) - Doctor Who - Supernatural - The Vampire Diaries - Nikita - Friends - New Girl - Nashville - Happy Endings - True Blood - Friday Night Lights (if you have a book like this, I want it.) - American Horror Story - Firefly - LOST - Once Upon a Time - One Tree Hill (if you have a book like this, I want it too) - Modern Family - Merlin - Camelot - Game of Thrones - Boy Meets World
Submission details.
Submissions have started and the cut of time for applications (query and first five pages of manuscript) is 8AM EST on December 5. Send your applications to brendadrakecontests@gmail.com.
Writers can apply for up to 3 coaches. The coaches' categories are set. Coaches can only consider the categories they've signed up for. Writers cannot apply for a coach that is not in their categoryFor additional information about this contest go HERE.
Formatting
Subject line: Pitch Wars
Application: Coach Name you want to apply for: Title (Example: Pitch Wars Application: Brenda Drake: GONE WITH THE WIND)
Name: Your Name
Genre: The genre of your manuscript
Word Count: The word count of your manuscript
Query letter here (embedded in email). Single spaced. No indentions. A space between each paragraph.First five pages of the manuscript here (embedded in email). Single spaced. No indentions. A space between each paragraph.
REMINDER: You can send an application for up to 3 coaches. Check back soon for a complete list of the amazing agents participating in the contest. There's over a dozen!Today all the coaches are posting bios/wish lists on their blogs. So before choosing your top 3 picks, check all the coaches' posts in your category before deciding which coach to submit. To jump from blog to blog, just go to the main link here and check out the other coaches!!
PICK ME PICK ME! And have fun..... (Also, forgive typos. I am out of it and had to write this REALLY fast.)
I'm really excited (Also, insane. Also, late to the party, but here and ready!) to be a ninja mentor in Brenda Drake’s PITCH WARS. I'm on the search for a fantastic MS and writer--and hey, maybe it will be you! Check out my info and see if I'm a fit!!
--Also, if you haven’t heard about #PitchWars, it’s a great opportunity to work with an agented and/or published author and other industry insiders (EDITOR! Me!) on polishing your MS and presenting it to an awesome collection of agents. Check out the link above if you’re interested in more information! (Also, thanks to my friend Lindsay--from whom I stole all these details.)
About Me
I’m Danielle, a YA author and Senior Editor at Spencer Hill Press. So, I read and edit MSs a lot--I swear I know what I'm doing. My debut novel Follow Me Through Darkness comes out in 2014, so that's exciting. When I'm not writing or editing or taking care of interns and admin stuff (yes, I'm crazy!) I am a nanny and housekeeper! I live in NoVa, just outside of DC, but I move around a lot. I generally love good stories, fantastic characters and Supernatural, Doctor Who & Shameless are my top three favorite shows (currently). I'm fun, random and easy going--and one day I may overcome my desire to be British. Maybe.
What I’m Looking For
Okay, so in this contest, I am representing NA or YA. I'm most drawn to contemporary at the moment, but I'm not going to pass on something amazing if it's not contemporary. I love AMAZING CHARACTERS. I need books with voice and character and am drawn to those things immediately. I'm saying that up front because I'm about to tell you all the things I like, and you will be all "but those are completely opposite." I know. Be warned.
Beyond character and voice, I don't care if a book is funny or serious. There's room on my shelf for the light contemporary romances, the dark and twisty romance, the unexpected, the horror books, the gritty ghost stories and the books in space! I like it all (look at my About Me and below where I talk about TV. That should tell you.) I'm really driven by character -- probably even moreso than plot.
I like things that are creepy. I like things that make me laugh. I like things that make me cry. I love a good romance, a good mystery, a good love triangle. I like snarky characters or unpredictable characters. I like ambigious hot boys (or girls) and a really fantastic villian or just an effed up story because "where did that come from?" I'd love to find something about vacation/travel, LOVE ACTUALLY type story with a lot of characters.
Do something bold and unique or make your story really stand out--if I can predict it then I'm bored. I love knights and King Arthur retellings, so if you have those I want! I'm not a huge fan of music stories (you know, the ones where so-and-so wants to do a and b in music but how can so-and-so find the way) just because there's never been anything unique. (surprise me!) I love family dynamics -- good or bad -- and hot boys. (Oh, I said that. It's still true.) I'd love to find a story where the couple are already together and stay together. I'm not a huge fantasy person (as in high fantasy) because it has to be done really, really well for me. But again, characters!
In summary: I like characters and voices that draw me in -- whatever their story.
Things I Love:
So, I know I presented you with a wide variety of likes...so let me try to help you pair it down. Here's the list of current editing projects releasing with SHP: The Dollhouse Asylum, Fireblood, Extracted, Sing Sweet Nightingale, Reclaimed
My DVR records these shows regularly. Or used to. Or they are in my Netflix que. So, this will maybe narrow it down a bit. Maybe...
Shameless (US) - Doctor Who - Supernatural - The Vampire Diaries - Nikita - Friends - New Girl - Nashville - Happy Endings - True Blood - Friday Night Lights (if you have a book like this, I want it.) - American Horror Story - Firefly - LOST - Once Upon a Time - One Tree Hill (if you have a book like this, I want it too) - Modern Family - Merlin - Camelot - Game of Thrones - Boy Meets World
Submission details.
Submissions have started and the cut of time for applications (query and first five pages of manuscript) is 8AM EST on December 5. Send your applications to brendadrakecontests@gmail.com.
Writers can apply for up to 3 coaches. The coaches' categories are set. Coaches can only consider the categories they've signed up for. Writers cannot apply for a coach that is not in their categoryFor additional information about this contest go HERE.
- This is open to finished manuscripts only.
- You may only enter one manuscript.
- Only the genres requested by each coach will be considered for the contest.
Formatting
Subject line: Pitch Wars
Application: Coach Name you want to apply for: Title (Example: Pitch Wars Application: Brenda Drake: GONE WITH THE WIND)
Name: Your Name
Genre: The genre of your manuscript
Word Count: The word count of your manuscript
Query letter here (embedded in email). Single spaced. No indentions. A space between each paragraph.First five pages of the manuscript here (embedded in email). Single spaced. No indentions. A space between each paragraph.
REMINDER: You can send an application for up to 3 coaches. Check back soon for a complete list of the amazing agents participating in the contest. There's over a dozen!Today all the coaches are posting bios/wish lists on their blogs. So before choosing your top 3 picks, check all the coaches' posts in your category before deciding which coach to submit. To jump from blog to blog, just go to the main link here and check out the other coaches!!
PICK ME PICK ME! And have fun..... (Also, forgive typos. I am out of it and had to write this REALLY fast.)
11.22.2012
Thankfulness
Since today is Thanksgiving -- HAPPY THANKSGIVING!! -- I thought I should write a list of what I'm thankful for. See, November has been really draining on me, so getting to look at the good things that happened aside from this month, well that's something I'm already thankful for. Maybe it can be a new start today that drives me past all the crap. Here's some of the things I'm thankful for!
- That my book is being published!! (In two years, but hey, yay! I can be thankful for it for another Thanksgiving.)
- My amazing real life friends.
- My insanely awesome twitter friends.
- Twitter.
- My sister
- Patricia and family - for letting me spend my summer in the basement
- this new adventure in DC-area
- My new nanny family
- Spencer Hill Press
- Kate Kaynak - who let me start this journey as an editor that I love. (and be published!)
- My #TeamDani SHP authors, who trust me and teach me so much every single day. They seriously are why I love my job. They have contagious passion, fear, hope, challenge and love of writing, of publishing, of characters that's inspiring. I love them!
- Boston (because while you sucked some, you taught me a lot)
- my family
- That I get to create worlds and stories and meet characters
- Coffee
- MY JOB. All three of them. (writer, SHP editor, nanny/housekeeper.) Seriously.
- The SHP interns. :)
- A car that is not mine but that I drive - whew!
- Hope.
- 2013 and all the new adventures that I don't even know about yet.
That's my shortlist! What are some things that YOU are thankful for?!?!?!
Enjoy your day!
11.04.2012
Again...
I was trying to work on my WIP today, because I have much to write and not much time to do it. And it's been going really badly. It's frustrating, when you want to write and can't seem to figure out the story or focus or anything. And it's especially sad when that time is during NaNo, a month devoted to writing. I went into this with high hopes and determination.
Then all the things started happening.
And guys, they are potentially good things - nay, great things - but I can't keep up. I start a new job tomorrow, move on Saturday to a new place, am adjusting to living with a whole new set of people, edits come back for my editing projects, and there's a whole bunch of additional stuff that I can't even talk about.
I'm feeling a little like I'm not going to win at NaNo. I was beating myself up about it today, when Patricia reminded me that I'm in transition - and I suck in transitions.
Usually, I find myself a) procrastinating b) unable to write c) reading a lot of books since I can't do 'b' d) watching too much TV to help with 'a' e) over-thinking everything.
This is where I am right now. While the transitions are exciting they are very distracting.
At only four days into NaNo, I'm trying to believe I can do it. I'm going to write when and what I can, and let go of the words I don't get. Either way, words are words. And participating in NaNo while all my friends and my community is part of it, that's a whole lot of fun. :)
Hope everyone's off to a great start!
Me, I'm off to transition. (Again!)
Then all the things started happening.
And guys, they are potentially good things - nay, great things - but I can't keep up. I start a new job tomorrow, move on Saturday to a new place, am adjusting to living with a whole new set of people, edits come back for my editing projects, and there's a whole bunch of additional stuff that I can't even talk about.
I'm feeling a little like I'm not going to win at NaNo. I was beating myself up about it today, when Patricia reminded me that I'm in transition - and I suck in transitions.
Usually, I find myself a) procrastinating b) unable to write c) reading a lot of books since I can't do 'b' d) watching too much TV to help with 'a' e) over-thinking everything.
This is where I am right now. While the transitions are exciting they are very distracting.
At only four days into NaNo, I'm trying to believe I can do it. I'm going to write when and what I can, and let go of the words I don't get. Either way, words are words. And participating in NaNo while all my friends and my community is part of it, that's a whole lot of fun. :)
Hope everyone's off to a great start!
Me, I'm off to transition. (Again!)
10.24.2012
Five Things I've Learned from NaNoWriMo
In six days that glorious month starts. The month of Thanksgiving, of celebration, of pumpkin-flavored everything, of shopping and of pre-holiday excitement. But nothing is more exciting than the biggest month for writers everywhere. The one time a year where writers open up about their projects and their progress and unite in a 30-day maddash to write 50k words.
Yes, I'm talking about NaNoWriMo.
National Novel Writing Month, whether you are a supporter or not, is upon us. This will be my third year participating, and it's an event I look forward to all year. (There's something about watching that little bar on the website get bigger that always keeps me motivated.) This year I'm really excited because I get to work on the sequel. In year one, I wrote FMTD; in year two, I re-wrote it. So, it's pretty cool, and I feel like I've come full circle after a lot of hard work.
If you are doing NaNo, you should find me! I love having new friends and people to cheer on. I'm DanielleEWrites there, so it shouldn't be difficult. (Plus, I linked it!)
I've participated in NaNo twice and "won" both years, so I want to pass on some of the things I've learned.
1. Have a plan.
You've probably heard this, but it's so much easier when you go into each writing session knowing what you're going to do. I'm not saying you have to outline, but you should definitely have a goal beyond the 1,700 words. The goal can be that your character goes here, or does this, or this scene happens and moves you to this point. It doesn't matter. Just make sure you know what you want to do each day--or each week--and do your best to stick to it. Obviously, things will change, but it's good to have a plan. It makes 50k seem less daunting, and you don't waste time.
On the wasting time note, you should always leave your story in a stopping point that isn't resolved, because I have found (personally) that when I have to think about how something will start, it takes so much longer than if I had left a small outline or a few notes or written a paragraph before I quit the night before.
One more thing--have a plan for the holidays or that weekend that you're out of town and you know you won't write. You can double up a few days to get ahead. Planning for events during NaNo and being proactive so you don't get behind will work to your benefit, and keep your stress level down.
2. Be flexible!!!
Not every day will be the same. Some days, writing will be so easy, and others you'll want to shoot yourself in the foot. This is probably the biggest thing that I've learned from NaNo. You have to be flexible. I know I just said to set a goal and have a plan, but sometimes those change as you go along. You need to be able to roll with the punches and do whatever the story is telling you.
Another thing about being flexible, and seriously, if you only take away one thing from this post make it this: Be easy on yourself. Writing is hard. Writing 50k in a month? Even harder.
Obviously, your goal is about 1,700 words every single day. Now, November is crazy month--especially if you think about Thanksgiving and Black Friday and all the prep for everything that comes with it. The one thing that no one ever, ever told me is that some days you won't have energy or brainpower or time to hit that number. Go easy on yourself.
If you know that you have a weekend when you are out of town, pre-write. Maybe you double up a couple of days (whether on accident or on purpose) and that's great. If you write 3k in one day, then you're allowed to have a day off. Or if you miss a day, you can be a little behind and catch up when the story allows you. And seriously, if you need to take a night off, no one will yell at you. You can do that. 50k is an end destination--not necessarily a rule.
Be flexible and realize you are a human, not a machine, so go easy on yourself. (See how I brought all that around?)
3. Don't quit.
There are good days and there are bad days. Don't quit. Write.
Even if the scene is complete crap, write. Even if the story isn't doing what you thought, write. Even if ten pages have nothing but dialogue---hey, those are words, too--so write.
Don't quit.
Even when there's a week left and you're only at 30k, keep going. At the end if you've only written 30k, that's 30k more than you wrote before.
Don't quit. Don't quit. Don't quit.
4. Celebrate
Find small milestones and celebrate them. I like to write a post every time I hit 10k, because that is an accomplishment to be proud of.
When that character does that one thing that changes everything, celebrate. When the story comes together, celebrate. When your NaNo buddy succeeds, celebrate.
And when you finish, when the month is over--whether you have hit 50k and "won" or hit 30k---celebrate. The month is about writing, and if you are writing, then you are winning.
So, always, always enjoy that and celebrate.
At the end of the month, you will need it.
5. Revise & Edit
If November is "writing month" then December and January and February and March should be "editing months" because there is no one that I have ever met who wrote a book and succeeded without revising that book.
When you finish your MS, you need to revise.
Don't query until you've read that thing and revised like a crazy person. Seriously. It's the most important part of NaNo and no one really talks about it. But writing a first draft is only a small, small portion of writing a novel. So, write it and then take time to revise. Get into crit groups, ask your NaNo buddies to read, find people who can help you revise your book.
As an editor, I can tell you first hand that the month after NaNo is really scary. We get these unedited manuscripts in our slush piles--and all that does is make us mad because we've wasted our time and make you look back for not editing. You want yours to stand out. It won't do that if you don't edit. Take your time and don't rush. We're not going anywhere, and neither is your book.
Anyway, those are five things that I have learned from NaNoWriMo. Do you have anything that you want to add? NaNo is a fun time, but it's a lot of work.
Find me, be my buddy on NaNo and let's WRITE.
Yes, I'm talking about NaNoWriMo.
National Novel Writing Month, whether you are a supporter or not, is upon us. This will be my third year participating, and it's an event I look forward to all year. (There's something about watching that little bar on the website get bigger that always keeps me motivated.) This year I'm really excited because I get to work on the sequel. In year one, I wrote FMTD; in year two, I re-wrote it. So, it's pretty cool, and I feel like I've come full circle after a lot of hard work.
If you are doing NaNo, you should find me! I love having new friends and people to cheer on. I'm DanielleEWrites there, so it shouldn't be difficult. (Plus, I linked it!)
I've participated in NaNo twice and "won" both years, so I want to pass on some of the things I've learned.
1. Have a plan.
You've probably heard this, but it's so much easier when you go into each writing session knowing what you're going to do. I'm not saying you have to outline, but you should definitely have a goal beyond the 1,700 words. The goal can be that your character goes here, or does this, or this scene happens and moves you to this point. It doesn't matter. Just make sure you know what you want to do each day--or each week--and do your best to stick to it. Obviously, things will change, but it's good to have a plan. It makes 50k seem less daunting, and you don't waste time.
On the wasting time note, you should always leave your story in a stopping point that isn't resolved, because I have found (personally) that when I have to think about how something will start, it takes so much longer than if I had left a small outline or a few notes or written a paragraph before I quit the night before.
One more thing--have a plan for the holidays or that weekend that you're out of town and you know you won't write. You can double up a few days to get ahead. Planning for events during NaNo and being proactive so you don't get behind will work to your benefit, and keep your stress level down.
2. Be flexible!!!
Not every day will be the same. Some days, writing will be so easy, and others you'll want to shoot yourself in the foot. This is probably the biggest thing that I've learned from NaNo. You have to be flexible. I know I just said to set a goal and have a plan, but sometimes those change as you go along. You need to be able to roll with the punches and do whatever the story is telling you.
Another thing about being flexible, and seriously, if you only take away one thing from this post make it this: Be easy on yourself. Writing is hard. Writing 50k in a month? Even harder.
Obviously, your goal is about 1,700 words every single day. Now, November is crazy month--especially if you think about Thanksgiving and Black Friday and all the prep for everything that comes with it. The one thing that no one ever, ever told me is that some days you won't have energy or brainpower or time to hit that number. Go easy on yourself.
If you know that you have a weekend when you are out of town, pre-write. Maybe you double up a couple of days (whether on accident or on purpose) and that's great. If you write 3k in one day, then you're allowed to have a day off. Or if you miss a day, you can be a little behind and catch up when the story allows you. And seriously, if you need to take a night off, no one will yell at you. You can do that. 50k is an end destination--not necessarily a rule.
Be flexible and realize you are a human, not a machine, so go easy on yourself. (See how I brought all that around?)
3. Don't quit.
There are good days and there are bad days. Don't quit. Write.
Even if the scene is complete crap, write. Even if the story isn't doing what you thought, write. Even if ten pages have nothing but dialogue---hey, those are words, too--so write.
Don't quit.
Even when there's a week left and you're only at 30k, keep going. At the end if you've only written 30k, that's 30k more than you wrote before.
Don't quit. Don't quit. Don't quit.
4. Celebrate
Find small milestones and celebrate them. I like to write a post every time I hit 10k, because that is an accomplishment to be proud of.
When that character does that one thing that changes everything, celebrate. When the story comes together, celebrate. When your NaNo buddy succeeds, celebrate.
And when you finish, when the month is over--whether you have hit 50k and "won" or hit 30k---celebrate. The month is about writing, and if you are writing, then you are winning.
So, always, always enjoy that and celebrate.
At the end of the month, you will need it.
5. Revise & Edit
If November is "writing month" then December and January and February and March should be "editing months" because there is no one that I have ever met who wrote a book and succeeded without revising that book.
When you finish your MS, you need to revise.
Don't query until you've read that thing and revised like a crazy person. Seriously. It's the most important part of NaNo and no one really talks about it. But writing a first draft is only a small, small portion of writing a novel. So, write it and then take time to revise. Get into crit groups, ask your NaNo buddies to read, find people who can help you revise your book.
As an editor, I can tell you first hand that the month after NaNo is really scary. We get these unedited manuscripts in our slush piles--and all that does is make us mad because we've wasted our time and make you look back for not editing. You want yours to stand out. It won't do that if you don't edit. Take your time and don't rush. We're not going anywhere, and neither is your book.
* *
Anyway, those are five things that I have learned from NaNoWriMo. Do you have anything that you want to add? NaNo is a fun time, but it's a lot of work.
Find me, be my buddy on NaNo and let's WRITE.
10.19.2012
Trust Your Gut
It didn't FEEL right...and that's where it all started.
Well, actually, it all started with October. This has been the crappiest, most challenging month EVER. Seriously. I don't know how I'm still breathing and really, all I want to do is curl up in a ball and disappear. Or sell all my belongings and go live on a street corner in London. (but that option seems less safe as winter approaches.)
I won't go on a rant about all the ways life has been slowly plucking away at my sanity (just know there are many) and instead I will say: I get to re-start book two. This really should be no surprise, but gosh does it suck.
I had some of my CPs read it, and they liked it, but the four hours I would spend staring at the screen and trying to write a single sentence, well, that was my first warning that something was wrong. When a story is right it flows. Sure, there are rough spots, but it's natural. Rule of thumb: if you have to force your story then you are telling it wrong, or doing something the character doesn't like/wouldn't do.
Anyway, I'm almost at 20k and really proud, when I realize something is wrong. The story isn't flowing. And while I couldn't tell anyone what was wrong--which is always the worst, worst, worst part of it--I felt it. I felt it when I talked about the story. When I tried to write. When I read it. It was WRONG.
Then I had people ask me some hard questions. And I really had to think about what I'd always planned for this story to be--not just the arc of this book, but the character arc. And I cried. (A LOT, as goes my October.) I took notes. I asked questions. I really thought about what I wanted to do, and not how the hell I was going to fix it. I mean, I had the whole book plotted and I like it, on paper, so what is the problem? I should be able to do this. Simple: something felt wrong.
I asked twitter what to do when it felt wrong. Jessica Spotswood said "I go back to the last place it felt RIGHT and make different choices. Usually, I took a wrong turn somewhere."
ding ding ding!!
I thought about it, and I don't think it ever felt "RIGHT." Now, yes, some pieces of the story felt like the could still work, but the whole overarching story arc--that was never any good. I couldn't pinpoint anything about it that felt like my story. So, therein lie the problem. I don't think I was telling the story I wanted to tell, the story my MC wanted to tell, and it wasn't working. It felt wrong.
What did feel right?
Well, I'm still not entirely sure. I have some ideas, all of which center around my MC and her journey, but I have no idea what the rest of the picture is. I don't know. I'm still figuring it out. But the funny part is even though I don't have the answer, I know that stopping and changing direction is good because it feels right.
Change is hard. Especially when you have a deadline and pressure and you have a beautiful wall full of multi-colored post-it notes. But when something is wrong, trust it. Starting over after 20k sucks. Rewriting seven times sucks even more. Telling the story that you don't want to tell would suck worse than that. Obviously, I'm still working on telling the right story. But, despite all my angst and all the tears and stress over the last couple days, I can tell I will find it. Somehow. Some way.
Writing is hard. Life is hard. "Everything will work out," is the cliche I'm clinging to in both scenarios.
Well, actually, it all started with October. This has been the crappiest, most challenging month EVER. Seriously. I don't know how I'm still breathing and really, all I want to do is curl up in a ball and disappear. Or sell all my belongings and go live on a street corner in London. (but that option seems less safe as winter approaches.)
I won't go on a rant about all the ways life has been slowly plucking away at my sanity (just know there are many) and instead I will say: I get to re-start book two. This really should be no surprise, but gosh does it suck.
I had some of my CPs read it, and they liked it, but the four hours I would spend staring at the screen and trying to write a single sentence, well, that was my first warning that something was wrong. When a story is right it flows. Sure, there are rough spots, but it's natural. Rule of thumb: if you have to force your story then you are telling it wrong, or doing something the character doesn't like/wouldn't do.
Anyway, I'm almost at 20k and really proud, when I realize something is wrong. The story isn't flowing. And while I couldn't tell anyone what was wrong--which is always the worst, worst, worst part of it--I felt it. I felt it when I talked about the story. When I tried to write. When I read it. It was WRONG.
Then I had people ask me some hard questions. And I really had to think about what I'd always planned for this story to be--not just the arc of this book, but the character arc. And I cried. (A LOT, as goes my October.) I took notes. I asked questions. I really thought about what I wanted to do, and not how the hell I was going to fix it. I mean, I had the whole book plotted and I like it, on paper, so what is the problem? I should be able to do this. Simple: something felt wrong.
I asked twitter what to do when it felt wrong. Jessica Spotswood said "I go back to the last place it felt RIGHT and make different choices. Usually, I took a wrong turn somewhere."
ding ding ding!!
I thought about it, and I don't think it ever felt "RIGHT." Now, yes, some pieces of the story felt like the could still work, but the whole overarching story arc--that was never any good. I couldn't pinpoint anything about it that felt like my story. So, therein lie the problem. I don't think I was telling the story I wanted to tell, the story my MC wanted to tell, and it wasn't working. It felt wrong.
What did feel right?
Well, I'm still not entirely sure. I have some ideas, all of which center around my MC and her journey, but I have no idea what the rest of the picture is. I don't know. I'm still figuring it out. But the funny part is even though I don't have the answer, I know that stopping and changing direction is good because it feels right.
Change is hard. Especially when you have a deadline and pressure and you have a beautiful wall full of multi-colored post-it notes. But when something is wrong, trust it. Starting over after 20k sucks. Rewriting seven times sucks even more. Telling the story that you don't want to tell would suck worse than that. Obviously, I'm still working on telling the right story. But, despite all my angst and all the tears and stress over the last couple days, I can tell I will find it. Somehow. Some way.
Writing is hard. Life is hard. "Everything will work out," is the cliche I'm clinging to in both scenarios.
10.15.2012
Meet Carter
Over on Tangled Up in Words, we're interviewing our characters!
If you go over now, you can meet Carter. He's my lovely boy MC from Hotboyalicious (not real title).
It's his first interview, his first public appearance, and he was pretty excited. I think his answers are embarrassing, but that's Carter.
I'd love if you went to meet him.
He'd love it too.
GOGOGOGOGOGO!
10.10.2012
On My Method of Plotting
The problem with plotting occurs when I don't.
Seriously.
I am apparently that writer now, at least to an extent, who has to plot. Which is really funny because I don't know how that happened. (Actually, I do know how that happened. It was during FMTD when Patricia and I were trying to replot a story line and she was like, "I have markers; let's draw it out.) I had an "outline" (though I hate that word. I need a new one if anyone has a suggestion!) for Hotboyalicious, and one for the contemp I started before the book deal.
Somehow my brain has reprogrammed! But, in all honesty, I have been procrastinating because I don't want to be a plotter. It feels like so much work, even though it's less time to write things out than it is to stare a blank screen over and over and over again. The great thing about plotting, for me, is that I have direction. I don't waste time staring at that stupid blank screen and analyzing what happens next. I just get to write--and I write a lot faster because of it.
I was talking to Crystal on twitter, who is one of my TV show friends, when we started talking about plotting. I was explaining to her my method and it literally got me so excited that I ran downstairs to grab my plotting goodies. AND, since I had already started this post, it seemed like a good opportunity to show yall how I plot. Or, how I try to plot. Maybe it will help you find a way to navigate through your story the way it helps me.
*please note, these are pictures from my own plotting. One is the sequel and one is another book. Please be respectful or I *will* take them down.*
Step 1: The Tools (For me: Markers and Really Big Paper)
I like markers because they are FUN. And let's be honest: anything to make it fun is better.
Step 2: A List
Of what? Of things you need to explain in this book. Of questions. Of important moments. Of things that must be addressed in order to fill in the pieces or give backstory, or develop a character, etc. My list is still growing, but this is what I have at the moment.
Step 3: Major Plot Points
What are the big events in your book? For me, plotting out the things I know HAVE TO HAPPEN make it fun. Then, it sort of becomes connect the dots, which is easier to do on paper than in your head. I've found that knowing where I am going makes getting there easier.
The great thing about this, too, is that the smaller things (step 4) can be left open if you want, or filled in as you think of them. Then, you aren't tied down to this has to happen next, which is what I always hated about outline. I'm a pantser at heart, so I need the freedom to let the story take life. BUT the story also has to stay where I need it to go next. It's a balance of knowledge and discover--sort of like science.
Step 4: Minor Things
As I said above, when I know smaller scene-to-scene things, I write them out. When I don't, I leave them blank. If they come to me, It's good to have them.
Step 5: (optional) Move It Around
I keep a running list (usually on notecards or post-its. I draft in Scrivener so I keep them there as well) of scenes as they come to me if I don't know where they go in the story yet. Say, I know my character is going to react this way to something, and this reaction is going to spark her seeking out an answer--but I don't know what that something is yet. If I keep a record of them somewhere else, then I always have these little scenes to refer to. Step 2 and Step 5 are both handy little items to make sure that I'm aware of as I draft.
Step 6: Write!!!
This may not work for you, but I've tried plotting a LOT of different ways and this is what came of it. I think it's all about taking techniques that you see and adjusting them to fit how you write. Every writer is different, so it makes sense that we all approach plotting--or not plotting--differently.
The great thing about plotting is that sometimes you learn what you planned doesn't work. Which is what happened when I started this post. That's a bummer to learn, but better to learn on the page before you write it.
If you plot, how do you do it? Why or why not? What have you learned? What other methods have you tried?
Seriously.
I am apparently that writer now, at least to an extent, who has to plot. Which is really funny because I don't know how that happened. (Actually, I do know how that happened. It was during FMTD when Patricia and I were trying to replot a story line and she was like, "I have markers; let's draw it out.) I had an "outline" (though I hate that word. I need a new one if anyone has a suggestion!) for Hotboyalicious, and one for the contemp I started before the book deal.
Somehow my brain has reprogrammed! But, in all honesty, I have been procrastinating because I don't want to be a plotter. It feels like so much work, even though it's less time to write things out than it is to stare a blank screen over and over and over again. The great thing about plotting, for me, is that I have direction. I don't waste time staring at that stupid blank screen and analyzing what happens next. I just get to write--and I write a lot faster because of it.
I was talking to Crystal on twitter, who is one of my TV show friends, when we started talking about plotting. I was explaining to her my method and it literally got me so excited that I ran downstairs to grab my plotting goodies. AND, since I had already started this post, it seemed like a good opportunity to show yall how I plot. Or, how I try to plot. Maybe it will help you find a way to navigate through your story the way it helps me.
*please note, these are pictures from my own plotting. One is the sequel and one is another book. Please be respectful or I *will* take them down.*
Step 1: The Tools (For me: Markers and Really Big Paper)
I like markers because they are FUN. And let's be honest: anything to make it fun is better.
 |
| © Danielle Ellison 2012 |
Step 2: A List
Of what? Of things you need to explain in this book. Of questions. Of important moments. Of things that must be addressed in order to fill in the pieces or give backstory, or develop a character, etc. My list is still growing, but this is what I have at the moment.
 |
| © Danielle Ellison 2012 |
Step 3: Major Plot Points
What are the big events in your book? For me, plotting out the things I know HAVE TO HAPPEN make it fun. Then, it sort of becomes connect the dots, which is easier to do on paper than in your head. I've found that knowing where I am going makes getting there easier.
.JPG) |
| © Danielle Ellison 2012 |
The great thing about this, too, is that the smaller things (step 4) can be left open if you want, or filled in as you think of them. Then, you aren't tied down to this has to happen next, which is what I always hated about outline. I'm a pantser at heart, so I need the freedom to let the story take life. BUT the story also has to stay where I need it to go next. It's a balance of knowledge and discover--sort of like science.
.JPG) |
| © Danielle Ellison 2012 |
Step 5: (optional) Move It Around
I keep a running list (usually on notecards or post-its. I draft in Scrivener so I keep them there as well) of scenes as they come to me if I don't know where they go in the story yet. Say, I know my character is going to react this way to something, and this reaction is going to spark her seeking out an answer--but I don't know what that something is yet. If I keep a record of them somewhere else, then I always have these little scenes to refer to. Step 2 and Step 5 are both handy little items to make sure that I'm aware of as I draft.
Step 6: Write!!!
This may not work for you, but I've tried plotting a LOT of different ways and this is what came of it. I think it's all about taking techniques that you see and adjusting them to fit how you write. Every writer is different, so it makes sense that we all approach plotting--or not plotting--differently.
The great thing about plotting is that sometimes you learn what you planned doesn't work. Which is what happened when I started this post. That's a bummer to learn, but better to learn on the page before you write it.
If you plot, how do you do it? Why or why not? What have you learned? What other methods have you tried?
10.05.2012
I'm Scared
I've been having a hell of a time figuring out what how to start FMTD2. I hate beginnings, which is a huge part of the problem, but this book is different. I see the large plot of the book very clearly (like how [___] is destroyed by [___] and how [___] happened) but the small details are not as obvious. I can't even create fake blanks for those.
After a week (or so) of trying to figure it out, I then determined that the problem with everything I was jotting down was that my MCs voice was wrong. I spent all day on Monday obsessing over how I was going to fix this, how I was going to find her again, and where the heck she went.
When I got home, my editor (who luckily or unluckily gets to double as BFF) says to me:
"The voice is fine. It's her at the end of the book, which is what you want. The problem is that you are scared that you'll mess this up and have to rewrite it eight times."
Glory, glory hallelujah.
As you know, I wrote Follow Me Through Darkness eight times before I got it right. And while it's awesome that I kept at it, it sure did a number on me. I don't think I realized that until this week. Now, I have this crippling of fear of writing ALL my books eight times. And well, when you're working on the sequel to the book that caused all the fear, it can be pretty daunting.
No. Not daunting, terrifying. I'm terrified.
Not of the book (though there are missing pieces and I'm working with a MC who is NOT forthcoming at all) but because I don't want to fail. Guys, I don't want to re-write this book eight times. That worry is almost debilitating, and with FMTD2, it made me not know how to start and to question everything from my characters to my plot to myself.
Once Patricia told me what was going on, once she pointed out the root problem was me and not my book, everything clicked. In two days (after a period of wallowing and ignoring life with tv shows and a little crying), I've written over 5k. It's small, but I'm feeling confident. I believe in my MC again, in this story, in this series, and I'm thrilled.
Does that mean I'm still not scared? No. I am. But I have a book to write--and I don't have a lot of time to do it. I wanted to tell this story, and I get to. And honestly, I'm bigger than my fears. Plus, if I want this to be a career then I have to get over myself.
Some authors rewrite, and maybe that's just the kind of author I am. Maybe I finish this draft or make it halfway and need to start over. That would suck, a lot, but when I look at FMTD and how proud of that book I am, how hard I worked to make it fantastic, is re-writing the worst thing that can happen?
No, it's not.
I tell you all this because I am scared. I hope you don't hate my book(s). I'm scared I won't do the story justice. I'm scared everyone will hate my MC (even though she's stubborn and endearing.) I'm scared it won't strike a chord with anyone. I'm scared I won't succeed. But I am still writing.
Nothing I'm afraid of will stop me, so don't let it stop you.
After a week (or so) of trying to figure it out, I then determined that the problem with everything I was jotting down was that my MCs voice was wrong. I spent all day on Monday obsessing over how I was going to fix this, how I was going to find her again, and where the heck she went.
When I got home, my editor (who luckily or unluckily gets to double as BFF) says to me:
"The voice is fine. It's her at the end of the book, which is what you want. The problem is that you are scared that you'll mess this up and have to rewrite it eight times."
Glory, glory hallelujah.
As you know, I wrote Follow Me Through Darkness eight times before I got it right. And while it's awesome that I kept at it, it sure did a number on me. I don't think I realized that until this week. Now, I have this crippling of fear of writing ALL my books eight times. And well, when you're working on the sequel to the book that caused all the fear, it can be pretty daunting.
No. Not daunting, terrifying. I'm terrified.
Not of the book (though there are missing pieces and I'm working with a MC who is NOT forthcoming at all) but because I don't want to fail. Guys, I don't want to re-write this book eight times. That worry is almost debilitating, and with FMTD2, it made me not know how to start and to question everything from my characters to my plot to myself.
With my last book, Hotboyalicious (not real title), I had this same fear--but it manifested in hatred. I was scared of that one because it was a different genre, character, voice, style. I guess, deep down, I was scared of writing it eight times. That was made pretty evident when I had to start over after 50k. But once I did, it was awesome. (I'll have to tell you more about this later.)
Once Patricia told me what was going on, once she pointed out the root problem was me and not my book, everything clicked. In two days (after a period of wallowing and ignoring life with tv shows and a little crying), I've written over 5k. It's small, but I'm feeling confident. I believe in my MC again, in this story, in this series, and I'm thrilled.
Does that mean I'm still not scared? No. I am. But I have a book to write--and I don't have a lot of time to do it. I wanted to tell this story, and I get to. And honestly, I'm bigger than my fears. Plus, if I want this to be a career then I have to get over myself.
Some authors rewrite, and maybe that's just the kind of author I am. Maybe I finish this draft or make it halfway and need to start over. That would suck, a lot, but when I look at FMTD and how proud of that book I am, how hard I worked to make it fantastic, is re-writing the worst thing that can happen?
No, it's not.
I tell you all this because I am scared. I hope you don't hate my book(s). I'm scared I won't do the story justice. I'm scared everyone will hate my MC (even though she's stubborn and endearing.) I'm scared it won't strike a chord with anyone. I'm scared I won't succeed. But I am still writing.
Nothing I'm afraid of will stop me, so don't let it stop you.
9.27.2012
Take a Breath
Inhale. Exhale. Seriously.
Everything will be okay.
Whatever you are dealing with, wherever you are are struggling, that THING that seems so out of control....IT WILL ALL BE OKAY.
I'm dealing right now. I have all these emotions, all these balls in the air & I've been sick to my stomach for (literally) 4 days now. I don't know which way is up or where I'm going to go next or anything! It's a little overwhelming. All I want to do is disappear into my make-believe worlds, but thats the one thing I can't do.
Why am I telling you this?
Well, sometimes things take a turn. The plans you have can fall apart. You can get tired. Life throws your curve balls & leaves you exhausted from dodging them all. Your story isn't unfolding like it should & that MC just did something that changes EVERYTHING.
Whatever it is, IT WILL WORK OUT.
I feel like someone else needed to hear this today. Like someone else needed to know he or she or they weren't alone.
It will be okay. Take a breath. Take a break. Take a minute or a night.
That thing you are fretting over: It will be okay.
Everything will be okay.
Whatever you are dealing with, wherever you are are struggling, that THING that seems so out of control....IT WILL ALL BE OKAY.
I'm dealing right now. I have all these emotions, all these balls in the air & I've been sick to my stomach for (literally) 4 days now. I don't know which way is up or where I'm going to go next or anything! It's a little overwhelming. All I want to do is disappear into my make-believe worlds, but thats the one thing I can't do.
Why am I telling you this?
Well, sometimes things take a turn. The plans you have can fall apart. You can get tired. Life throws your curve balls & leaves you exhausted from dodging them all. Your story isn't unfolding like it should & that MC just did something that changes EVERYTHING.
Whatever it is, IT WILL WORK OUT.
I feel like someone else needed to hear this today. Like someone else needed to know he or she or they weren't alone.
It will be okay. Take a breath. Take a break. Take a minute or a night.
That thing you are fretting over: It will be okay.
9.24.2012
About Revision (aka. How I Survived 8 Major Revisions)
Thanks everyone for the congrats on the book deal. :) It is very, very exciting. :) :) :) I also have a new website---check it out!!! It matches my blog. I like matching. :)
Over the weekend, I had a writer DM me on Twitter, asking about how I revised so many times. She said she was working on a current revision and was a little overwhelmed. So it got me thinking, and I made a list about revising.
1. A lot of trial and error.
You try something; it doesn't work. You try something new; it may or may no work. You try something else; you see what happens. It's so much try and fail, but the great thing is that when you get it right then YOU GET IT RIGHT.
2. A lot of frustration.
Trial and error is exhausting. Redoing over and over is really frustrating—especially when you there’s an answer!!! (All of my revisions were structural problems, at least in the early stage, so that was the hardest because I was always rewriting the entire book.)
3. Amazing CPs and beta readers.
People in your corner who will read and re-read and re-re-re-re-re-read your book. People who will challenge you, be honest, encourage, and brainstorm. They are THE BEST. I’m pretty positive that I wouldn’t have survived without them.
4. The fact that I KNEW I could do it, I just had to figure out how.
That’s pretty much it. I loved my characters, my story; it was a really important to me to get it right. I wanted to give them the best, so I kept at it.
5. Always finding new, little things to love.
After a while, things get old. You get tired. (Very tired!) And you need to find new things about the book to love. Maybe a character that you get to develop more, or a scene that never leaves the book. (In my finished draft, I seriously have TEN scenes that have been in every draft. That’s it.) These are things you can cling to. (Stephanie Perkins wrote a post about “Love Lists” where you list all the things you love about your MS. I have those for every project and I look it at a lot.)
6. Continuously discovering things--and always trying to.
The great thing about revision is that the story is always changing. You should always, always be learning new things about your characters or your setting or something. Going into each revision seeking out those new discoveries make it fun. (Just in this last revision I learned something about my MC that I had no idea happened—not in two years!! I never would have guessed it and it was perfect.)
7. Knowing it is okay to take your time.
DON’T BE IN A HURRY. I’ve learned from experience that when you rush it only slows you down. You have to have focus and tackle it one scene (or one large picture area) at a time. Realize you’ll have to change A LOT of stuff to make it work, and develop the story. Think about things before you commit. (And if you’re on R&R then know that the R&R isn’t going to go away—I had an agent wait two years! And though she didn’t take it, she still loved it and praised my revisions.)
8. Setting goals.
Take it day-by-day or week-by-week. Be realistic. Have a plan when you sit down to revise that today I am going to fix A or B or write x number of words. And do it. But, if you don’t achieve it, don’t beat yourself up. Just do your best and move on.
9. Fresh eyes.
This builds off having great betas/CPs—but have new people who can read other drafts. When you work in-depth with betas/CPs, they get to know the story (especially if you talk to them about scenes b/c then they get all that knowledge in their head.) Having someone with fresh eyes and no knowledge of the story read over things makes it stronger.
10. Flexibility in changing and cutting things that you may not want to.
If you count deleted scenes from my drafts, it would probably be another novel. I had to cut scenes that I loved because they didn’t work. I had to change subplots, delete subplots, and delete characters. The biggest thing is to BE FLEXIBLE because revision is a difficult stage of writing, and sometimes it requires you to approach your story in a new way.
11. Alcohol.
Tis good. If you are 21---if not, find a cupcake.
12. Crying.
Because it’s inevitable.
13. More frustration and complete and utter angst.
It will happen. I suggest a place to vent, people that you can complain with, cupcakes, exercise, loud, angry music. I also suggest not fighting the angst because I believe that only makes it worse.
14. Embracing the urge to quit.
Because you will want to quit. You’ll want to be all “I hate this book and this is never going to work and EFF IT ALL!” and you’ll go wallow in a corner because you were crazy to ever try this writing thing and you’re wasting your time and everyone else is better than you so you should just get a job at Starbucks because at least they have benefits with their coffee.
15. Not quitting.
When you get up from the corner, go back to your computer. Do some more work. Because even though this hard, you want this and you can do it and it will all be okay.
16. Remember why you write.
For yourself. For your characters. For this story. For the joy of it instead of the pressure you’ve put on yourself to get an agent and sell to a big six and be a millionaire. (or whatever.)
17. Affirming friends.
People make this easier when you have fantastic friends—writers and non-writers. Non-writers are great because this isn’t their life and they can take you away from it when needed and you can move on. Writers are great because THEY GET IT. They can encourage you and relate to you and make you remember. Friends will also lock in your room when you need work.
18. Twitter.
Because it’s the biggest community of people and they are all (usually) very supportive and keep you accountable and are always SO EXCITED.
19. LOTS of painful feedback.
Because, again, writing is hard and changing things is hard and the truth can hurt, but all pain is for a reason and it will only push you.
20. Routine.
With each story, I always have a routine. A place I sit or a playlist I listen to before writing or a certain time that you write (morning, afternoon, middle of the night)—something. I think it helps.
21. Believing in my book, in myself, in the fact that it will all work out somehow and even if it doesn't get published or get an agent, that someone will love it and then it will all be worth it.
And of course, see number 11 again.
Anything that you would add to the list?
Over the weekend, I had a writer DM me on Twitter, asking about how I revised so many times. She said she was working on a current revision and was a little overwhelmed. So it got me thinking, and I made a list about revising.
1. A lot of trial and error.
You try something; it doesn't work. You try something new; it may or may no work. You try something else; you see what happens. It's so much try and fail, but the great thing is that when you get it right then YOU GET IT RIGHT.
2. A lot of frustration.
Trial and error is exhausting. Redoing over and over is really frustrating—especially when you there’s an answer!!! (All of my revisions were structural problems, at least in the early stage, so that was the hardest because I was always rewriting the entire book.)
3. Amazing CPs and beta readers.
People in your corner who will read and re-read and re-re-re-re-re-read your book. People who will challenge you, be honest, encourage, and brainstorm. They are THE BEST. I’m pretty positive that I wouldn’t have survived without them.
4. The fact that I KNEW I could do it, I just had to figure out how.
That’s pretty much it. I loved my characters, my story; it was a really important to me to get it right. I wanted to give them the best, so I kept at it.
5. Always finding new, little things to love.
After a while, things get old. You get tired. (Very tired!) And you need to find new things about the book to love. Maybe a character that you get to develop more, or a scene that never leaves the book. (In my finished draft, I seriously have TEN scenes that have been in every draft. That’s it.) These are things you can cling to. (Stephanie Perkins wrote a post about “Love Lists” where you list all the things you love about your MS. I have those for every project and I look it at a lot.)
6. Continuously discovering things--and always trying to.
The great thing about revision is that the story is always changing. You should always, always be learning new things about your characters or your setting or something. Going into each revision seeking out those new discoveries make it fun. (Just in this last revision I learned something about my MC that I had no idea happened—not in two years!! I never would have guessed it and it was perfect.)
7. Knowing it is okay to take your time.
DON’T BE IN A HURRY. I’ve learned from experience that when you rush it only slows you down. You have to have focus and tackle it one scene (or one large picture area) at a time. Realize you’ll have to change A LOT of stuff to make it work, and develop the story. Think about things before you commit. (And if you’re on R&R then know that the R&R isn’t going to go away—I had an agent wait two years! And though she didn’t take it, she still loved it and praised my revisions.)
8. Setting goals.
Take it day-by-day or week-by-week. Be realistic. Have a plan when you sit down to revise that today I am going to fix A or B or write x number of words. And do it. But, if you don’t achieve it, don’t beat yourself up. Just do your best and move on.
9. Fresh eyes.
This builds off having great betas/CPs—but have new people who can read other drafts. When you work in-depth with betas/CPs, they get to know the story (especially if you talk to them about scenes b/c then they get all that knowledge in their head.) Having someone with fresh eyes and no knowledge of the story read over things makes it stronger.
10. Flexibility in changing and cutting things that you may not want to.
If you count deleted scenes from my drafts, it would probably be another novel. I had to cut scenes that I loved because they didn’t work. I had to change subplots, delete subplots, and delete characters. The biggest thing is to BE FLEXIBLE because revision is a difficult stage of writing, and sometimes it requires you to approach your story in a new way.
11. Alcohol.
Tis good. If you are 21---if not, find a cupcake.
12. Crying.
Because it’s inevitable.
13. More frustration and complete and utter angst.
It will happen. I suggest a place to vent, people that you can complain with, cupcakes, exercise, loud, angry music. I also suggest not fighting the angst because I believe that only makes it worse.
14. Embracing the urge to quit.
Because you will want to quit. You’ll want to be all “I hate this book and this is never going to work and EFF IT ALL!” and you’ll go wallow in a corner because you were crazy to ever try this writing thing and you’re wasting your time and everyone else is better than you so you should just get a job at Starbucks because at least they have benefits with their coffee.
15. Not quitting.
When you get up from the corner, go back to your computer. Do some more work. Because even though this hard, you want this and you can do it and it will all be okay.
16. Remember why you write.
For yourself. For your characters. For this story. For the joy of it instead of the pressure you’ve put on yourself to get an agent and sell to a big six and be a millionaire. (or whatever.)
17. Affirming friends.
People make this easier when you have fantastic friends—writers and non-writers. Non-writers are great because this isn’t their life and they can take you away from it when needed and you can move on. Writers are great because THEY GET IT. They can encourage you and relate to you and make you remember. Friends will also lock in your room when you need work.
18. Twitter.
Because it’s the biggest community of people and they are all (usually) very supportive and keep you accountable and are always SO EXCITED.
19. LOTS of painful feedback.
Because, again, writing is hard and changing things is hard and the truth can hurt, but all pain is for a reason and it will only push you.
20. Routine.
With each story, I always have a routine. A place I sit or a playlist I listen to before writing or a certain time that you write (morning, afternoon, middle of the night)—something. I think it helps.
21. Believing in my book, in myself, in the fact that it will all work out somehow and even if it doesn't get published or get an agent, that someone will love it and then it will all be worth it.
And of course, see number 11 again.
Anything that you would add to the list?
9.20.2012
In which MY BOOK IS BEING PUBLISHED
I sat down and had all these ideas of what I was going to say because I've known about this for like 3 weeks and I was busy--but MY BOOK IS BEING PUBLISHED!!!! is sort of all I can think right now! FOUR YEARS of working toward this, and I'm floored.
Here's the official PM:
So, how did this happen? Everyone knows I'm an editor at Spencer Hill Press, but I subbed my book to Kate before she brought me on. I'm excited to publish with SHP because I know how much Kate and our team believes in the books we launch--and it's amazing to be one of our authors!
Time for my book story. (I've always wanted to do this!!)
I started FOLLOW ME THROUGH DARKNESS in 2010, right after I moved to Boston. I was working at a Borders as a barista, and I was putting away new stock when I heard this voice in my head repeating this one line: "There’s never enough time. It moves too quickly, signaling the end of everything. The end is the thing I fear the most." I put things away as quickly as possible, grabbed a handful of napkins, and took my lunch early so I could write. It was a scene--just one and that was all I needed to know I had figure out the story. I didn't have even have names. (I ended up writing like 30k before I got the MCs name, just as a sidenote.)
In 2010, I did NaNoWriMo with that book, which had a title called Silhouettes. (Horrible, I know!) I finished it eventually, revised with Christina, queried seven agents and had five requests. All of them came back like "uh, no," (only nicer!) and one of them gave me fantastic information on how to do approach a revision.
I set out on a quest to fix the book because I believed in Neely (she's the MC) and her story. I tried to walk away, to tell other stories, but I kept coming back. I knew there was something there, but I had to figure out the structure (so hard!) and the stakes. Over the next two years I would revise this book, workshop this book, rewrite this book, rewrite, restart, rewrite. SEVEN revisions.
Christina and Patricia were so insanely helpful in developing my characters, helping with the structure of such a heavy story, and keeping me focused on the story when I complained. (You can follow this tag if you're curious about real-time posts.) They were probably so tired of reading it, of re-thinking things, but they always encouraged me to keep going--them and more people than I can start to list here. I literally finished draft six in February of 2012, right before I subbed to Kate. (Then, of course, I had to revise again.)
I queried--new book, new title--and had some requests, but ultimately, the market was flooded with "dystopian," and even though countless agents loved my novel, it was all a timing issue. (I mean, two years will do that!) So, I shelved it, locked my characters away in a closet, and moved on.
About a month ago, I got an email from Kate saying she wanted to talk about the book. I waited for two agonizing days and then she told me she loved it! It was awesome to hear that from Kate, because I respect her opinion, and obviously, this book is a huge part of my soul. She told me that she wanted me to fix some things (revision #8!!!) and then send it back. So, I did---and she bought it!! I asked Kate if Patricia could work on it too, since she knows this story so well. It's so great that she gets to be hands-on with my book; we work well together and she's going to do amazing things for this series. :)
And well, here we are!!
It has not been an easy journey--they never are--but I've learned so much about writing, patience, good friends, community. There are so many people who encouraged me over the last two years; I'm really excited to share this book with all of you!!!! Woooo!!!
April 2014----here we come!! Me and my book!!!
*runs off to stare at the PM listing some more*
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So, how did this happen? Everyone knows I'm an editor at Spencer Hill Press, but I subbed my book to Kate before she brought me on. I'm excited to publish with SHP because I know how much Kate and our team believes in the books we launch--and it's amazing to be one of our authors!
Time for my book story. (I've always wanted to do this!!)
I started FOLLOW ME THROUGH DARKNESS in 2010, right after I moved to Boston. I was working at a Borders as a barista, and I was putting away new stock when I heard this voice in my head repeating this one line: "There’s never enough time. It moves too quickly, signaling the end of everything. The end is the thing I fear the most." I put things away as quickly as possible, grabbed a handful of napkins, and took my lunch early so I could write. It was a scene--just one and that was all I needed to know I had figure out the story. I didn't have even have names. (I ended up writing like 30k before I got the MCs name, just as a sidenote.)
In 2010, I did NaNoWriMo with that book, which had a title called Silhouettes. (Horrible, I know!) I finished it eventually, revised with Christina, queried seven agents and had five requests. All of them came back like "uh, no," (only nicer!) and one of them gave me fantastic information on how to do approach a revision.
I set out on a quest to fix the book because I believed in Neely (she's the MC) and her story. I tried to walk away, to tell other stories, but I kept coming back. I knew there was something there, but I had to figure out the structure (so hard!) and the stakes. Over the next two years I would revise this book, workshop this book, rewrite this book, rewrite, restart, rewrite. SEVEN revisions.
Christina and Patricia were so insanely helpful in developing my characters, helping with the structure of such a heavy story, and keeping me focused on the story when I complained. (You can follow this tag if you're curious about real-time posts.) They were probably so tired of reading it, of re-thinking things, but they always encouraged me to keep going--them and more people than I can start to list here. I literally finished draft six in February of 2012, right before I subbed to Kate. (Then, of course, I had to revise again.)
I queried--new book, new title--and had some requests, but ultimately, the market was flooded with "dystopian," and even though countless agents loved my novel, it was all a timing issue. (I mean, two years will do that!) So, I shelved it, locked my characters away in a closet, and moved on.
About a month ago, I got an email from Kate saying she wanted to talk about the book. I waited for two agonizing days and then she told me she loved it! It was awesome to hear that from Kate, because I respect her opinion, and obviously, this book is a huge part of my soul. She told me that she wanted me to fix some things (revision #8!!!) and then send it back. So, I did---and she bought it!! I asked Kate if Patricia could work on it too, since she knows this story so well. It's so great that she gets to be hands-on with my book; we work well together and she's going to do amazing things for this series. :)
And well, here we are!!
It has not been an easy journey--they never are--but I've learned so much about writing, patience, good friends, community. There are so many people who encouraged me over the last two years; I'm really excited to share this book with all of you!!!! Woooo!!!
April 2014----here we come!! Me and my book!!!
*runs off to stare at the PM listing some more*
9.17.2012
I get to edit another book!!
I love reading a book that completely rocks me. A book that makes me wonder if I have stable footing or if Im even standing on firm ground. A book that makes me have ALL THE FEELS & leaves me in the wake of this just remarkable state of post-reading bliss.
A month ago, I found a book while trolling the forums as a ninja agent on WriteOnCon that just blew me away! The query needed some work, which I tried to fix some, but the story stuck with me for days. So, I requested. It was a great decision because that book is remarkable!! In fact, it's very rare that I get emotional in books (I can count the times!) and this one left me in a heap on the stairs, unable to form full sentences for at least twenty minutes. (You can ask Patricia!.) It's a contemporary book--one of the inaugural titles for Spencer Hill Contemporary which launches next year.
Here's the blurb from PM:
Sarah Guillory's RECLAIMED, in which a girl determined to flee her small town finds a reason to stay when she falls in love with twin brothers, one who can't remember his past and the other who doesn't want him to remember, told in three alternating points of view, to Danielle Ellison & Patricia Riley at Spencer Hill Contemp, in a nice deal, for publication in October 2013, by Rebecca Mancini at RightsMix (World).
It actually releases October 2013--the same time as most of my other projects! I am very happy to add RECLAIMED to my list. I can't wait to work with Sarah & share this amazing story with all of you!
Make sure you go congratulate Sarah on twitter: @SGuillory262 & check out her post!
A month ago, I found a book while trolling the forums as a ninja agent on WriteOnCon that just blew me away! The query needed some work, which I tried to fix some, but the story stuck with me for days. So, I requested. It was a great decision because that book is remarkable!! In fact, it's very rare that I get emotional in books (I can count the times!) and this one left me in a heap on the stairs, unable to form full sentences for at least twenty minutes. (You can ask Patricia!.) It's a contemporary book--one of the inaugural titles for Spencer Hill Contemporary which launches next year.
Here's the blurb from PM:
Sarah Guillory's RECLAIMED, in which a girl determined to flee her small town finds a reason to stay when she falls in love with twin brothers, one who can't remember his past and the other who doesn't want him to remember, told in three alternating points of view, to Danielle Ellison & Patricia Riley at Spencer Hill Contemp, in a nice deal, for publication in October 2013, by Rebecca Mancini at RightsMix (World).
It actually releases October 2013--the same time as most of my other projects! I am very happy to add RECLAIMED to my list. I can't wait to work with Sarah & share this amazing story with all of you!
Make sure you go congratulate Sarah on twitter: @SGuillory262 & check out her post!
8.28.2012
Where I've Been Hiding
*peeks around corner* Well, hello there!!
I’ve abandoned blogging at my own blog. It’s really sad, and I promise it’s unintentional. Life has been crazy. So much so that after a lot of consideration, I’ve decided NOT to host the YA Spooktacular this year. I was planning on it. I spent some time figuring out what I would want to do, and then I got wind of MANY other Halloween events. I think there's enough going on this year that you don’t need the YA Spooktacular. In fact, I sincerely hope there's another blogger out there who wants to take what I've done for the past two years and run with it! I'd love to help out—but I can't plan it. (I can barely blog!!) If anyone wants to, email or tweet me. Because I'd love to pass it on!
Anyway, what have I been doing?
Well, so many things.
I live in the DC-area now! That's a fun change. Working, enjoying people, trying to figure it out beyond that because I still have no idea. (Nothing new there!)
Most of my life has consisted of every and all things Spencer Hill Press. I'm editing three books (maybe four by the time you read this—more on that later!) I'm the Intern Wrangler, which means that I'm "in charge" of a whole (or most of) an Intern Fleet of editors and readers and Copy Editors and…it's a lot. But it's exciting and going to be so much fun to get everyone plugged in.) I've also been working with Patricia and Kate to re-structure some things. Basically, it's been A LOT. While I didn't have a job after my move, I spent the whole summer working on SHP stuff and it always seemed like there was more to do. So that.
I've been writing. A very good amount of writing.
I finished a whole MS, which is in it's second round of edits and about to go out into the query-world. I don't feel like that's right. I feel like I *just* did that, which I guess I did. It's sorta weird. The last MS was a book that I poured my soul into, and the current one is too, but in very different ways. (Funny how books can do that!) Where the last was all dark and beautiful brokenness., the new is all snark and magic. I love it.
I'm also writing a new WIP that’s a dual POV Contemp. I love it in other ways that don't even touch the previous ones. This one I just LOVE my MCs and it's only because of them I can tell this story. Contemp is different. It's not about building the world, because it's already built, it's about building the characters in the world. Their struggles can be simple, but if it means life or death to them then it means life or death to the reader—but only if you build the character. It's an interesting balance.
Once I finish that—which I'm hoping will happen through/by/in November (fool's wish, I know!)--then I'm going back to that dark/beautiful broken one to do a few revisions. There are some improvements I want to make for the pure reason that someone pointed them out & they were smart suggestions, and I love that story.
That's where I've been hiding.
How are all of you?? Update me!
*note: less than one hour after posting this, I decided that I will do the revisions before I work on the current WIP. Just b/c I already know it and that's a smarter decision. Hopefully*
*note: less than one hour after posting this, I decided that I will do the revisions before I work on the current WIP. Just b/c I already know it and that's a smarter decision. Hopefully*
6.18.2012
MIRAGE book tour: On Writing a Series by Kristi Cook (guest post)
Today, I get to be part of the tour for MIRAGE by Kristi Cook which is hosted by Books Complete Me. Not only am I excited because I love Kristi--I'm also excited because MIRAGE was a really enjoyable read where the characters are stretched further and developed more and I love spending time with them. On the tour today, Kristi has a guest post for us about what it's like writing a series. So without further adeiu, here's Kristi!
Now that MIRAGE, the second book in the Winterhaven Series, has hit the shelves, it’s time for me to focus on finishing the third and last book in the series (alas, still untitled). And let me tell you….there are so many emotions involved in writing the final book in a series!
Let’s see: I’m excited to share the last piece of Violet’s story with readers, and to finally answer the question, “Will Aidan find his cure in time?” I’m nervous about wrapping up all the loose ends I’ve left open, and about giving readers who’ve stuck with me a satisfying ending. I’m sad about the prospect of saying goodbye to the cast of characters I’ve come to love, and even sadder about the prospect of writing a certain scene, that’s…well, going to break my heart to write.
Writing this book is hard. Really hard. I mean, I knew it would be, but I didn’t quite expect all these conflicting emotions hitting me at once. To paraphrase Violet in HAVEN (book #1), “You’ve got all that going on in your head at one time?” And the answer is yes. Yes, I do.
And the Winterhaven Series is just a three book series. I can only imagine what must have been going through J.K. Rowling’s head as she wrote the seventh Harry Potter book! As a reader, I could barely come to terms with the idea of saying goodbye to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. What must it have been like for Rowling?! (no, really—I don’t want to know!)
So, I can say with 100% certainty that the Winterhaven Series is just a trilogy. The third book will be the last. Oh, I understand how easy it is to get seduced by the idea of writing a much longer series, one that stretches on for years and years. After all, in some ways (not every way, mind you—trust me on this!), it’s easier. The world is already built, the characters fleshed out. It’s easy to slip back into Violet’s head—into her voice—and continue her story. Diving back into the Winterhaven world, for me, is like slipping into my favorite pair of pajamas, all comfy and warm and familiar. Ahhhh……
But I know that the more time I spend with Violet, Aidan, and their friends, the harder it will be to let them go. I know I need to make a clean break. Move on. Let some new characters take up residence in my head.
But hey, I’m not there yet. It’s not time. I’ve still got chapters to write, people to kill, loose ends to tie
up! Seriously, folks, I’m loving every second I’m spending in the Winterhaven world, and I hope you are, too!
I know I am! Thanks so much Kristi for letting be part of the celebration for MIRAGE. To check out the other stops on the tour, just go here.
Find Kristi and The Winterhaven Series online: Amazon / Barnes & Noble /Goodreads / Author Website / Twitter
We're also having a giveaway! You can win: 1 signed ARC of MIRAGE, 1 signed finished copy of MIRAGE, and 1 signed poster of MIRAGE. All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter info below.
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Now that MIRAGE, the second book in the Winterhaven Series, has hit the shelves, it’s time for me to focus on finishing the third and last book in the series (alas, still untitled). And let me tell you….there are so many emotions involved in writing the final book in a series!
Writing this book is hard. Really hard. I mean, I knew it would be, but I didn’t quite expect all these conflicting emotions hitting me at once. To paraphrase Violet in HAVEN (book #1), “You’ve got all that going on in your head at one time?” And the answer is yes. Yes, I do.
And the Winterhaven Series is just a three book series. I can only imagine what must have been going through J.K. Rowling’s head as she wrote the seventh Harry Potter book! As a reader, I could barely come to terms with the idea of saying goodbye to Harry, Ron, and Hermione. What must it have been like for Rowling?! (no, really—I don’t want to know!)
So, I can say with 100% certainty that the Winterhaven Series is just a trilogy. The third book will be the last. Oh, I understand how easy it is to get seduced by the idea of writing a much longer series, one that stretches on for years and years. After all, in some ways (not every way, mind you—trust me on this!), it’s easier. The world is already built, the characters fleshed out. It’s easy to slip back into Violet’s head—into her voice—and continue her story. Diving back into the Winterhaven world, for me, is like slipping into my favorite pair of pajamas, all comfy and warm and familiar. Ahhhh……
But I know that the more time I spend with Violet, Aidan, and their friends, the harder it will be to let them go. I know I need to make a clean break. Move on. Let some new characters take up residence in my head.
But hey, I’m not there yet. It’s not time. I’ve still got chapters to write, people to kill, loose ends to tie
up! Seriously, folks, I’m loving every second I’m spending in the Winterhaven world, and I hope you are, too!
I know I am! Thanks so much Kristi for letting be part of the celebration for MIRAGE. To check out the other stops on the tour, just go here.
Find Kristi and The Winterhaven Series online: Amazon / Barnes & Noble /Goodreads / Author Website / Twitter
We're also having a giveaway! You can win: 1 signed ARC of MIRAGE, 1 signed finished copy of MIRAGE, and 1 signed poster of MIRAGE. All you have to do is fill out the rafflecopter info below.
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