Pics and Nit-wits

Okay, maybe I take too many photos. Maybe my kids are tired of me always including them in my posts, pictures and musings. Or maybe my kids are just Nit-wits...

Great News - Friend Gets Agent

Okay, so Kristin is a writer friend of mine and a wonderful critique partner who just recently joined forces with an agent (can we include Sandy's name?) to help her get her book out into the public.

I thought some of my writer friends might be interested to hear about the process that Kristin went through. So, Kristin, if you don't mind answering a few questions, we'd all appreciate it.

1)   How long have you been writing?

My whole life! But I started writing seriously right after I got married, fourteen years ago.

2) What made you think about linking forces with an agent and why?

 Though I’ve been writing for quite a while, I am pretty new to the marketing side of things. I knew I would need help navigating the submission process to all the different writing houses, and later, hopefully, negotiating a contract.

Also, like all writers, I prefer to spend my time writing, rather than submitting, and an agent’s expertise will certainly help with that.

2)   Was it a long process for you to find an agent - can you tell us a little bit about your journey?

It was a long process. I submitted each novel in waves, to five agents or editors. I got some good feedback but also some rejections that didn’t tell me very much. Eventually I realized I had no idea how to write a strong query or synopsis. Once I learned to do that, I got more positive responses.

I attended conferences through SCBWI and Whidbey Island Writers and met editors and agents that way. It helped me to find out what individual agents and editors are looking for, and their preferences for submissions.

I used Agent Query to find agents who were looking for certain styles and genres.

Finally, I learned about Sandy Lu through word of mouth and through various writing circles, and I thought she would be a good fit for my writing and style.

So yes, it took me a while to connect with a good agent, but luckily I kept writing throughout that time and have several novels that I can continue to submit. I also think I improved a lot as a writer.

3)   Can you describe "the call" and how you felt?

Sandy Lu, at L. Perkins Agency, emailed me to ask if she could call me sometime that week. Of course I was thrilled but I wasn’t sure she was going to offer representation. So when we spoke and she told me she’d love to represent me, I was over the moon! I could barely speak. I try to create a mood with sensory details and use a lot of specific imagery in my writing, and she let me know how much she likes my style of writing. It’s great to find someone who appreciates your technique.

I think it’s going to be a great fit!

4)   Can you give writers any tips on how to find the perfect agent?

Research! It’s true what’s said, that many rejections are due to your work not matching what the agent is looking for.

In the first few lines of the query, be sure to state that you are sending this specific project to them because you’ve read that it’s what they’re looking for, whether it’s genre or style of writing.

5)   Can you give any advice on pitfalls to avoid?

Try not to send your work out indiscriminately.  Really research where you’re sending your manuscript and make sure it’s what they’re looking for. Rejections can get really discouraging and make you want to give up on something that has a lot of potential.

6)         What did your husband/parents say when they found out you signed with an agent?

My husband is so proud. He told all the neighbors and everyone he sees. He also feels validated, because the time I take to write and meet up with my critique group and all the other writing activities I do have paid off.

My parents are really excited, too. They’ve always known about my lifelong love of writing, and so they are happy for me.

6)   Can you give us any hints/teasers about your novel?

It’s grounded in history, in Colonial America in the 1600s. For sixteen year old Anne, magic is mixed with every day life. Her village lies at the foot of an enchanted forest; ghosts and witches are among her acquaintances; and she discovers she possesses mysterious powers of her own. When her life, and the lives of her loved ones, become endangered, she tries to turn her back on this dark world, but the magic of the forest will not let her go that easily.

9) Do you have any tips for perfecting the craft for wanna-be writers out there?

It’s a cliché, but write! Write because you love it, and write the genre you love, whether it’s hot right now or not. Make it a priority every day like you would exercise. Find some readers; join a critique group. There are some good online resources as well, such as Critique Circle. They will encourage you to keep going, and also point out things you might not have seen for yourself.

10) Are there any last bits of advice I haven't covered here that you can share?

I think it’s important to remember to love writing, and not lose sight of why you started in the first place. That will come through in your writing.

 

Earth-Friendly Friday

Instead of taking - why not give-back to the community this fall?

WAYS TO VOLUNTEER THIS FALL:

1)    Oregon Food Bank – As the hub of a statewide network of 915 hunger-relief agencies. OFB serves all of Oregon and Clark County in Washington. Oregon Food Bank recovers food from farmers, manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, individuals, and government sources. OFB then distributes the food to 20 regional food banks across Oregon. http://www.oregonfoodbank.org/

2)     The Nature Consortium – The Nature Consortium is a grassroots, community-based organization whose mission is to teach environmental lessons through the creative arts and hands-on conservation projects. They produce a Youth Art Program, an Urban Forest Restoration Project and the Arts~in~Nature Festival.  http://www.naturec.org/index.htm

3)     Portland Parks & Recreation – PP&R offers a variety of fun and rewarding volunteer opportunities at sites across the city. Annually, Portlanders volunteer over 450,000 hours.  Volunteer coaches, teacher aides, and mentors are always needed for their youth programs - and the parks, gardens, and natural areas welcome additional hands. For more information, contact Volunteer Services at 503.823.5121 or http://www.portlandonline.com/parks/index.cfm?c=38304

 

 

Book Review - Two and Twenty Dark Tales

Halloween is just around the corner - so, what better time to pick up a dark tale...or twenty...and sit down in a dimly lit room to read...?

Two and Twenty Dark Tales, published by Month9Books, is an anthology, where 20 authors team up to bring Mother Goose's nursery rhymes to life. These rhymes have always been dark but now they are even darker and, in my opinion, better. 

The Wish by Suzanne Young was my favorite of the tales maybe because it was a dark romance.

The Bad Thing about this book is that it won't be out until October 16, 2012.

Wednesday - words - State Nicknames

Here's a little fun trivia:

STATE NICKNAMES

Alabama------Yellowhammer State

Alaska---------The Last Frontier

Arizona-------The Grand Canyon State

Arkansas-----The Natural State

California-----The Golden State

Colorado-----The Centennial State

Connecticut-The Constitution State

Delaware----The First State

Florida--------The Sunshine State

Georgia-------The Peach State

Hawaii--------The Aloha State

Idaho----------The Gem State

Illinois---------The Prairie State

Indiana--------The Hoosier State

Iowa-----------The Hawkeye State

Kansas-----------The Sunflower State

Kentucky-------The Bluegrass State

Louisiana-------The Pelican State

Maine-------The Pine Tree State

Maryland---The Old Line State

Massachusetts--The Bay State

Michigan------The Great Lake State

Minnesota--------The North Star State

Mississippi--------The Magnolia State

Missouri-----------The Show Me State

Montana-----------The Treasure State

Nebraska--------The Cornhusker State

Nevada-----------The Silver State

New Hampshire--The Granite State

New Jersey---------The Garden State

New Mexico-------The Land of Enchantment

New York------------The Empire State

North Caroline------The Tar Heel State

North Dakota--------The Peace Garden State

Ohio---------The Buckeye State

Oklahoma---The Sooner State

Oregon-------The Beaver State

Pennsylvania--The Keystone State

Vermont------The Green Mountain State

Virginia---------The Old Dominion State

Washington-----The Evergreen State

West Virginia----The Mountain State

Wisconsin----------The Badger State

Wyoming----------The Equality or Cowboy State

Mario Party - and Care Bear Stare

We had a family birthday party over the weekend to celebrate Jake's and Kara's birthday. So I made a Mario cake for Jake and a Kar(a)e Bear Stare cake for Kara.


Here's how I did it. First I cut out pieces of fondant to try to create Mario.

I need to work on the body-building to get better at this cake decorating thing. And, I did have one MAJOR cake fail along the way. My little Care Bear Imploded because I added pumpkin to the recipe. I can never leave good-enough alone. I'm always tweaking recipes--well this one didn't turn out. Major FAIL!

 So I was running out of time and had to bake another cake. I felt like I was a contestant on Chopped. Under the gun and time running out. I whipped up another bear in a hurry.

 Then my frosting, which was a cream cheese frosting, was a little runny - but no time to fix it. People were showing up. . .

 I put all three cakes out - so people could see things don't always turn out :( oh well...

I

 Jake's favorite cake was the flop.

So it was a happy day for Kara, Jake and Trevon!

Rosie the Riveter

Rosie symbolizes everything about tough working class people--especially women. She was a symbol of the Union and collective bargaining. What better way to celebrate Labor Day than with an ode to Rosie...?

I've always loved these posters--the symbolism--the tough woman characterized in a picture. My Dad was a "Union Man" and taught me to value the "teamwork" and attitude of collective bargaining.

Today, we celebrate the working men and women who have built this beautiful country. So, remember that when you are enjoying your bbq with your family and friends. I know I will :D

HAPPY LABOR DAY - and aren't we glad we have it off? I am.