The manuscript is coming along, and things are really starting to look up for me. (I don't mean to imply that there is any interest in it. No one other than my critique partner has ever seen it and it will be A WHILE before they will). But things just seem so much more optimistic now and I have a lot of people to thank for that. I thought today I would take the time to do it.
First of all, I sent an email asking how to find an agent to Kami Garcia, author of Beautiful Creatures not really expecting a reply. I also emailed Robin Mellom, author of Ditched, with that question and a few others. They both took the time to respond to me. It was from them I learned about SCBWI, (a wonderful resource, if you don't know about it, check it out). Thanks to both of you, as I've been a member of this organization less than a month, met some great people and found opportunities I didn't know about.
Maggie Stiefvater, author of Books of Faerie, and The Wolves of Mercy Falls, (which you can find here) had some really great posts on revision (links in the blog from two days ago). Her posts gave me some really great insights to things I'd never thought of. They have me questioning my writing more and looking for ways to improve it, a must if one is to prevail. She also hosts a critique partner match up on her fan site, where I met Jessie Harrell, who introduced me to http://yalitchat.ning.com/ another great resource. Yalitchat has been invaluable to me. The support group is encouraging but there are so many people to ask questions of and they're all willing to answer. Thanks to both of you.
In fact, I met my critique partner, Angela, on YALitchat. She's great. She tears my writing a part and she is there to pick of the pieces when I'm ready to beat myself in the head with a baseball bat because my writing is in pieces. (That's not really a critique partner's job), so special thanks to Angela.
My thanks to Carrie Harris who has agreed to do an interview on my blog. Thanks to anyone reading this, and all of you who participated in my contest.
And last, but not least, thank you to Emil Fred. (No link, he doesn't blog). The person who endures all of my 2 A.M. temper tantrums because the words aren't right or the scene isn't coming together. The person who tells me to keep going when I'm ready to give up and the person who forces me to take a break when it's time to quit but my stubbornness won't allow me to do the logical thing. I love you Emil!
I'm less than a scene away from having what I think will be a completed manuscript, though I will have to piece it together. One month ago, this wasn't the situation. And even if I had finished I didn't know what to do with it, or where to start! I'm going to the Winter Conference now. I'm not sure how it will turn out, but if it doesn't prove successful this year, it will be important for my future success, something I no longer look at as a lingering possibility but a reality within grasp. It wouldn't be without the help I've received.
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Sea Change Book 26
Aimee Friedman's Sea Change was absolutely amazing! To put this in perspective, I read a review on a blog about a teen age girl, a mysterious guy and sea lore. This book was set in Indonesia, and I was interested in reading something about somewhere else. I went out to buy it and purchased the wrong book, a book set off the coast of Georgia!
Well, I need to review 52 books this year, and I already paid for it. I decided to read it. The author gives detailed descriptions of everything, something that can sometimes bother me. And I did find the first chapter cumbersome for this reason. But by the end of the first chapter the book had really started to take off. I liked the protagonist and several of the characters really. The initial attraction and romance were authentic to the say the least. This story really came to life for me.
But it was more than that. I hadn't written in years, and when I watched Twilight it was a "Beth" message. Stephanie Meyer's writing style does have some large flaws, but that book spoke to me in such a way that I sat down and wrote a full length manuscript in the course of six weeks. Because of this, I've read the whole series about once a month since I watched the movie, (especially when I have writer's block). As you can imagine, I'm now sick of said series. Stiefvater's Shiver spoke to me in much the same way, but it's hard to re-read because in all of its poetic beauty, it has a slow pace. The reason I found Sea Change to be absolutely endearing is because it's one of "those" books. I don't know if it was a "Beth" message or just the way the words were arranged on the page, or perhaps, the way the story came off the page, but it left me wanting to write. In fact, I was working on a scene I'd been having trouble with and rather than being blocked the problem became, I need to write. I can't put the book down long enough to write.
Just my thoughts, but check it out for yourself.
FYI: The Neverending Bookshelf is hosting a book extravaganza give away!
Well, I need to review 52 books this year, and I already paid for it. I decided to read it. The author gives detailed descriptions of everything, something that can sometimes bother me. And I did find the first chapter cumbersome for this reason. But by the end of the first chapter the book had really started to take off. I liked the protagonist and several of the characters really. The initial attraction and romance were authentic to the say the least. This story really came to life for me.
But it was more than that. I hadn't written in years, and when I watched Twilight it was a "Beth" message. Stephanie Meyer's writing style does have some large flaws, but that book spoke to me in such a way that I sat down and wrote a full length manuscript in the course of six weeks. Because of this, I've read the whole series about once a month since I watched the movie, (especially when I have writer's block). As you can imagine, I'm now sick of said series. Stiefvater's Shiver spoke to me in much the same way, but it's hard to re-read because in all of its poetic beauty, it has a slow pace. The reason I found Sea Change to be absolutely endearing is because it's one of "those" books. I don't know if it was a "Beth" message or just the way the words were arranged on the page, or perhaps, the way the story came off the page, but it left me wanting to write. In fact, I was working on a scene I'd been having trouble with and rather than being blocked the problem became, I need to write. I can't put the book down long enough to write.
Just my thoughts, but check it out for yourself.
FYI: The Neverending Bookshelf is hosting a book extravaganza give away!
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Wednesday and Writing: People Smarter Than Me
As on this beautiful Wed. I find myself still the proud owner of an incomplete manuscript, I have decided to make this entry more useful and blog resources for writers.
So Natalie has some good writing advice on her blog in the side column there is a list of links for resources and a lists of posts she's done on writing advice. Maggie Stiefvater has some good posts on revision here and here and here.
And if you still need resources, I attended a workshop this weekend and the instructor left us with this
booklist: Writing Down the Bones, On Writing, On Writing Well, and Making Shapely Fiction.
Someone commented on my contest post that they would like to know the last book I really loved. I've read a lot of good books this year. It's hard to pick just one. I'm going to tell you a few that I really loved and why as I think the why might be more helpful with recommendations that threaten trolldom.
The Twilight Saga, because if I weren't married I'd beat Isabella Swan up and steal her man! Seriously, though the romance is really strong (although I would probably do this).
Shiver, because of the lyrical writing. (Though, I find myself annoyed that my pre-ordered sequel doesn't seem to have been mailed yet).
Beautiful Creatures, because the story is really compelling. The magical elements are strong and very well woven into the story.
The Hunger Games because a lot of the atrocious things that happen in Panem can be found in our society and we tend to overlook them. And Peeta is such a sweetheart.
So Natalie has some good writing advice on her blog in the side column there is a list of links for resources and a lists of posts she's done on writing advice. Maggie Stiefvater has some good posts on revision here and here and here.
And if you still need resources, I attended a workshop this weekend and the instructor left us with this
booklist: Writing Down the Bones, On Writing, On Writing Well, and Making Shapely Fiction.
Someone commented on my contest post that they would like to know the last book I really loved. I've read a lot of good books this year. It's hard to pick just one. I'm going to tell you a few that I really loved and why as I think the why might be more helpful with recommendations that threaten trolldom.
The Twilight Saga, because if I weren't married I'd beat Isabella Swan up and steal her man! Seriously, though the romance is really strong (although I would probably do this).
Shiver, because of the lyrical writing. (Though, I find myself annoyed that my pre-ordered sequel doesn't seem to have been mailed yet).
Beautiful Creatures, because the story is really compelling. The magical elements are strong and very well woven into the story.
The Hunger Games because a lot of the atrocious things that happen in Panem can be found in our society and we tend to overlook them. And Peeta is such a sweetheart.
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Technical Issues Resolved/Book Lists
So I find myself posting twice today, because I'm blocked. I'm down to two or three scenes of gaps to fill in and then I can start stringing together the scenes I've written at random to make a complete draft. Though, I did some reading yesterday and found I have about a billion inconsistancies and repitition to take care of, because I started writing at random.
I cannot force the two scenes out of my head. It's driving me crazy, making me a nervous wreck. I'm doing what any sane person would, avoiding it.
I'm aware there were some technical issues recently that prevented people from commenting on my blog. They have been resolved. If you would like to comment please do. Since you can comment now, you can also enter the contest, sorry for any inconvenience yesterday.
And as promised a book list of books I've covered on this blog:
Beautiful Creatures
The Queen and I
Skinned
Morganville Vampires
The Secret Circle
The Vampire Diaries
Evermore
The Secret Year (I found this book grossly inappropirate for a YA audience and will not be considering other books by this author).
Shiver
Need
Fallen
Lament
Hush, Hush
The Host
The Iron King
The Hunger Games
indie girl
Eyes Like Stars
Dear John
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Wicked Lovely
Please do not recommend other books in a series of which one has been reviwed. I have already purchased Sea Changed and Donut Days, so you can avoid these as well.
I cannot force the two scenes out of my head. It's driving me crazy, making me a nervous wreck. I'm doing what any sane person would, avoiding it.
I'm aware there were some technical issues recently that prevented people from commenting on my blog. They have been resolved. If you would like to comment please do. Since you can comment now, you can also enter the contest, sorry for any inconvenience yesterday.
And as promised a book list of books I've covered on this blog:
Beautiful Creatures
The Queen and I
Skinned
Morganville Vampires
The Secret Circle
The Vampire Diaries
Evermore
The Secret Year (I found this book grossly inappropirate for a YA audience and will not be considering other books by this author).
Shiver
Need
Fallen
Lament
Hush, Hush
The Host
The Iron King
The Hunger Games
indie girl
Eyes Like Stars
Dear John
Princess of the Midnight Ball
Wicked Lovely
Please do not recommend other books in a series of which one has been reviwed. I have already purchased Sea Changed and Donut Days, so you can avoid these as well.
Princess of the Midnight Ball Book 25/Contest
Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George is a twist on the timeless fairytale The Twelve Dancing Princesses.
Honestly, I call it a twist but I don't remember noticing any major differences in George's story and the original. More than a twist, it's really The Twelve Dancing Princesses embellished. The characters are more developed than they are in the fairytale, (since fairytales are so brief the characters are often just a name and a stereotype). But she adds a lot to the story making it more realistic and I think more enjoyable. For instance, the young soldier who saves the girls does it because he's in love with one of them and is trying to protect her. And he does actually know her. After the war ended, he took a job as a gardener at the palace. I like that he knows the girl because so often in fairtytales the story is "You're hot so I'm madly in love with you." This had a much better foundation, mix in some politics and witch hunting bishops and you have yourself a believable fairtytale. It's true the magic is never really explained, but fore me it doesn't need to be. Sometimes things happen that we can't understand or explain, and I'm okay with that. In fact, it's the beautiful part of life.
What I didn't like about it? It came off a YA shelf and it's middle grade. It also had a slow start. But other than that it was a good book. And if I were a younger person I would have loved it.
Now back to the contest, I forgot to mention a very important detail. Provided you follow the rules, you may submit as many entries as your heart desires.
Honestly, I call it a twist but I don't remember noticing any major differences in George's story and the original. More than a twist, it's really The Twelve Dancing Princesses embellished. The characters are more developed than they are in the fairytale, (since fairytales are so brief the characters are often just a name and a stereotype). But she adds a lot to the story making it more realistic and I think more enjoyable. For instance, the young soldier who saves the girls does it because he's in love with one of them and is trying to protect her. And he does actually know her. After the war ended, he took a job as a gardener at the palace. I like that he knows the girl because so often in fairtytales the story is "You're hot so I'm madly in love with you." This had a much better foundation, mix in some politics and witch hunting bishops and you have yourself a believable fairtytale. It's true the magic is never really explained, but fore me it doesn't need to be. Sometimes things happen that we can't understand or explain, and I'm okay with that. In fact, it's the beautiful part of life.
What I didn't like about it? It came off a YA shelf and it's middle grade. It also had a slow start. But other than that it was a good book. And if I were a younger person I would have loved it.
Now back to the contest, I forgot to mention a very important detail. Provided you follow the rules, you may submit as many entries as your heart desires.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Win $20 Barnes and Noble Gift Card
Contest
Okay so I find my TBR coming to an end! While I'm ecstatic that I've been able to read most of the books on my list, I realize that I have quite a few left to review to complete project 52. I'm asking for your help.
Leave a book recommendation in 150 words or less as a comment somewhere on my blog, and really sell your choice. I will choose the one that screams, "Beth, if you don't read me you will grow a pruple afro and turn into a troll!" The reccommender will receive a $20 Barnes and Noble gift card. I will take a second choice that screams, "Beth, I will eventually cause you to grow purple hair and turn into a troll." This reviewer will receive a $10 Barnes and Noble gift card. I will also do a full review on each book, so make sure your reccomendation doesn't exceed 150 words.
I heart authors. If you have a book out, feel free to reccomend it. No shame in that!
Rules
Do not exceed 150 words.
Do not recommend a book that has been reviewed on project 52.
Do not recommend books in a series which I have reviewed one of.
Contest is open until Aug. 1st at 5pm central standard time. I will post the winners names on my blog and they will have one week to email me their address. I will then mail the gift cards.
Do not recommend Twilight.--I know, I know. I've never reviwed and I love it as much as you. Team Edward! But really, I'm looking for new books. (The Second Life of Bree Tanner is still Twilight).
Suggestions
I prefer YA. I have a special place in my heart for YA paranormal romances. But genre doesn't matter, as previously mentioned only books threatening trolldom will be chosen.
Aside
I spent enough time in small town, U.S.A. to know that not everyone can benefit from a Barnes and Noble gift card, sad but true. Should you win and find yourself in a town with no Barnes and Noble, mention this in your email and I'll be glad to send you a Hastings card in the amount you won.
Okay so I find my TBR coming to an end! While I'm ecstatic that I've been able to read most of the books on my list, I realize that I have quite a few left to review to complete project 52. I'm asking for your help.
Leave a book recommendation in 150 words or less as a comment somewhere on my blog, and really sell your choice. I will choose the one that screams, "Beth, if you don't read me you will grow a pruple afro and turn into a troll!" The reccommender will receive a $20 Barnes and Noble gift card. I will take a second choice that screams, "Beth, I will eventually cause you to grow purple hair and turn into a troll." This reviewer will receive a $10 Barnes and Noble gift card. I will also do a full review on each book, so make sure your reccomendation doesn't exceed 150 words.
I heart authors. If you have a book out, feel free to reccomend it. No shame in that!
Rules
Do not exceed 150 words.
Do not recommend a book that has been reviewed on project 52.
Do not recommend books in a series which I have reviewed one of.
Contest is open until Aug. 1st at 5pm central standard time. I will post the winners names on my blog and they will have one week to email me their address. I will then mail the gift cards.
Do not recommend Twilight.--I know, I know. I've never reviwed and I love it as much as you. Team Edward! But really, I'm looking for new books. (The Second Life of Bree Tanner is still Twilight).
Suggestions
I prefer YA. I have a special place in my heart for YA paranormal romances. But genre doesn't matter, as previously mentioned only books threatening trolldom will be chosen.
Aside
I spent enough time in small town, U.S.A. to know that not everyone can benefit from a Barnes and Noble gift card, sad but true. Should you win and find yourself in a town with no Barnes and Noble, mention this in your email and I'll be glad to send you a Hastings card in the amount you won.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Blah.
Okay, so I seriously need to procrastinate. But for some reason none of my fav blogs have been updated. What is up with the blogosphere today? Anyway, so I've eaten entirely too much today. And after my last round of chocolate, I'm somewhat feeling up to writing again--maybe.
When I started writing scenes at random I made a list of scenes that were needed to complete the book. Every time I cross one off I add two more. At this point I'm 338 pages into it and still can't see an end in sight. Geez.
When I started writing scenes at random I made a list of scenes that were needed to complete the book. Every time I cross one off I add two more. At this point I'm 338 pages into it and still can't see an end in sight. Geez.
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