I don't get it...

I frequently hear writers ask if an agent will represent their self-published book, or their ebook, and resell it to a big publishing house. The logic behind this request totally eludes me.

For one thing, I'd like to assume that if someone has a published book available to the public they've at least done the most rudimentary research into what publishing is about. They would know a publisher is most interested in buying first rights, which are unavailable if the book's got an ISBN and is already for sale. It's not hard to learn these things. It's why God made Google.

Why spend hours of time and effort trying to resell a dead book (I say dead because why else would someone want to fix what ain't broke?) when that same energy could be put to better use writing a new one? Why beat a dead horse to a bloody pulp when a new project will likely turn out better and be more marketable?

I just don't get it. If these people would take a walk through a book store every now and then they'd see the shelves packed with brand new books. What on earth makes them think their shop-worn first book they ever wrote is even a contender? The attitude I sense is that this is their best work and they can't do any better. That's scary. Authors typically have more than one book inside them. For Pete's sake, it's time to cut the cord and move on.

The argument comes up now and then that "so-and-so became a best seller when Biggest Publisher In The World bought his self published book." Yeah, maybe after he'd already sold 10,000 copies from the trunk of his car. But that's extremely rare. It's not typical. If someone really wants to resell their self-published book or ebook, why not simply set it aside, write something new that's brilliant, and try again once their new book makes it to the shelves? The chances for reselling a shop-worn project go up once a readership is established.

Time is so precious, and wasting it on a lost cause is so pointless. The very idea bugs the hell out of me. Writers write and you can't do that while obsessing over a moldly old hag begging for retirement. My advice: Drop the dead horse and nurture the new colt waiting to be born.

Second Life

I'm talking about the virtual community called Second Life, and it's very cool. I only just joined after hearing there was a writers' community there, but apparently there are dozens. There's this one, but there are a number of others for poets, novelists, genre writers, what-have-you. So that's why I joined, yet I haven't had an opportunity to participate in a single event. I think they start today.

What's cool about this "other life," and why it's called Second Life, is that it's all virtual. You create an avatar, give it a name, and it's basically your alter ego. It can be the fantasy you you've always dreamed of bing, or you can create a character in your protagonist's image. You can alter its body type, change its hair and eye color, and dress it any way you want. You can even give it a boob job! LOL! I've seen lots of top-heavy avatars running around the community.

Shopping. Now that's quite awesome. Unfortunately, most of the stores in SL charge for items, the currency being Linden Dollars. You can buy Linden bucks with real money, or earn them by getting a job at SL. Lots of night clubs are looking for hosts and hostesses. And there are jobs for models, dancers, artists, etc., but remember, these jobs are performed by your avatar. Wild, isn't it? If you don't want a job, there's plenty of free stuff to "buy." And the fashions are wild to say the least.

I've spent most of my RL time traveling. The visual tours are amazing and it's easy to get caught up in visiting all the cool surreal places. You can go virtually anywhere. Here's a snapshot of my avatar at a steampunk bar on an airship.

And another one of her on a tropical island.

Point is, the 3D architecture is amazing. You really do get a sense of being there.

As for the community itself, I haven't yet had the guts to interact with anyone. I watch them from a distance and it feels odd.

I think SL would be a creative way to explore your characters. I'm not sure if you can have more than one avatar, but you could experiment with their looks and personality, and visit a lot of exotic places. The experience is very freeing and I'm enjoying it, but probably too much. It's an easy distraction. Sigh.

If you'd like to check it out, you can download the software here. It's easy to install and very simple to use. I've noticed in the writers community I mentioned there are a number of popular authors who promote their books. A rather innovative way to attract readers. For a totally new experience in virtual reality, I highly recommend checking out Second Life.

More about the Colorado Gold

After the critique workshop on Friday, I attended the agent panel just to see what they had to say, but the moderator didn't do a very good job and the agents had to fend for themselves. The topics they chose to discuss weren't beneficial to the audience, IMO, but the agents aren't to blame since no one gave them questions to answer. It's fine to hear about their wonderful clients and their clients' wonderful books, but questions like "Are you a hands-on agent editorially?" "How often do you communicate with your clients?" or "What's your process for submitting client work to editors?" were never asked or answered. I had a list as long as my arm that I felt the audience should know, but was only able to ask one question due to lack of time. And only 2 out of the 7 agents answered it because the discussion wasn't kept on track by the moderator. The moderator didn't know any better because she wasn't given direction either. This terrific panel of agents was a lost opportunity we'll never get back.

/rant

Saturday was the big day for workshops. I rarely attend them only because I'd prefer hanging out with my friends and making my jaw ache from talking too much, but I actually attended a few this time.

The editor panel was "meh." Same moderator, same problems. Better luck next year.

"What I Wish I knew When I was Starting Out" given by author guest Joseph Finder. This was pretty good. He's a funny guy and had some life experiences to share. There can never be enough anecdotes from a writer, as far as I'm concerned. He was our keynote speaker at the banquet that night and I split a gut laughing. Sure wish I'd thought to buy the recording on CD. Maybe I still can. Hmmm...

Janet Reid gave her presentation on "Ten Things to Know when Going Commando" (working without an agent). A lot of stuff about rights and contracts, which I'd prefer my agent take care of, but she was addressing those who couldn't get or didn't want an agent. The questions she answered afterward were even more informative.

I ate lunch with a group of folks I'd never met before, and that was fun. I try to do that a lot at conferences because it's wonderful to meet new people. After lunch, I went to my room to read email and phone home, and got an earful from my husband who was having a meltdown because the neighbor across the street was having his big beautiful ponderosa pines chopped down. Very sad.

At 2:00 I moderated the panel "Focus on Short Fiction" given by Betsy Dornbusch and David Hughes, where they talked about their online ezine Electric Spec. It was a good workshop.

I hung out in the lobby with a group of friends for an hour before the PAL (published authors liaison) meeting, which went over time because we had a lot to discuss. I feel so out of touch being so far away, but I wasn't the only one.

That night was the Awards Banquet, which was cheerful and full of energy. Two of my friends were finalists in the Colorado Gold writing contest but didn't win. Sigh. Susan Smith got this year's Jasmine Award. Yay! I got a Gold Nugget award for my work on the RMFW anthology, which was very cool and totally unexpected. The Simile Contest was hysterical and several people won "valuable prizes" that I'm sure they all tried to leave under their table when it was over. Neither Lawdon or Alice Kober would ever allow such a heretical act. After the banquet, it was time to party hardy in the hospitality suite and in the bar.

The conference continued the next day, but I left for the airport right after breakfast because I had an eleven a.m. flight. I had to change planes twice, once in Portland and once in Seattle, and didn't arrive in Central Oregon until almost 7:30 that night. It was an exhausting day to say the least.

So there you have it, my conference experience in a nutshell. Though I can probably eek out a few more tidbits for future blog posts. We'll see what comes to mind tomorrow.

Post Conference High

There's so much to say about the fantastic Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold. Fabulous! I know I'm biased because I've been a member for over 15 years, but even so, this is a wonderful venue for writers of all genres. Not only are the workshops fantastic, the folks putting in on are knowledgeable, friendly, and know what it takes to facilitate a successful writers conference.

The photo above was taken at the Thursday night pre-conference launch party that's given for all the volunteers and agent and editor guests. I stole this one off Janet Lane's blog (thanks, Janet). From left to right, we have: Scott Brendel, Janet Lane, Kay Bergstrom, Susan Smith, me, and Lawdon, who's drinking water. Water! Kay has a soda! What's wrong with you people? Believe me, there was plenty of booze to imbibe because I partook quite a bit that night.

This party is one of my favorite events at conference. It kicks off the mood with lots of energy and breaks the ice with our agent and editor friends. Agent Becca Stumpf of Prospect Literary was there again this year after snagging RMFW member Bonnie Ramthun for a client at last year's conference. I enjoy Becca quite a bit and if I didn't already have an agent you can bet I'd be knocking at her door.

We got to pal around with Janet Reid (FinePrint), Kaitlin Heller (Del Rey), Christine Hogrebe (Jane Rotrosen Agency), Kristin Nelson (Nelson Literary), Emmanuelle Alspaugh (Judith Ehrilich Literary), Jenny Rappaport (The Rappaport Agency), John Helfers (Tekno Books) and Sally Kim (HarperCollins). Drink in one hand, plate of yummy catered goodies in the other, and chatting about books and publishing. Is this a dream come true or what? :) Janet and Jenny recognized me from Twitter.

On Friday afternoon, I audited the critique session with Del Rey editor Kaitlin Heller. It's great to see an editor in action and Kaitlin did a wonderful job leading the critiques. She's a sharp editor who made very helpful observations and suggestions on the 8 participants' work. I'm eager for her to read Mystic Taxi and I emailed my agent this morning about sending her the manuscript. Fingers crossed she likes it!

That evening was the conference kick-off dinner, which was a buffet-style Mexican feast. I'm a vegetarian so I walked away starving, but everyone else seemed to enjoy their meal. My measly salad of lettuce, cheese and salsa didn't go very far and I was so hungry by the time we headed up to party hardy in the hospitality suite that I hung out by the snack table and gorged on junk to fill up.

I learned Kaitlin is as big a Hunger Games fan as I am and had just finished reading Catching Fire, which I brought with me to read on the plane. Suzanne Collins is a genious and a goddess. I haven't read a book this good in a very, very, very long time. At the Saturday night banquet, Kaitlin wore the mockingjay pin featured in the story that she got at Borders. It's too bad we don't have a Borders here in Bend. I checked online, and though the Borders site mentions there is such a thing, you apparently have to go to a brick and mortar store to buy one. So not fair. Aargh! I want my mockingjay pin and I don't want to have to drive 140 miles to get it. *pouts*

Sheesh, I've rattled on, haven't I? But I'm not done yet! I have much more to tell you so I'll save it for later. To read another blog about one of the best conferences in the country, aka the Colorado Gold, visit Betsy Dornbusch's blog.

A beautiful day in the neighborhood

Though it's all I can do to keep from stepping on my droopy eyelids, I made it to Denver without a hitch! Got up at 3 am, left the house in Bend at 4 am, plane left at 5 am. I know I was a zombie for most of the trip. I can't sleep on planes. And the way they pack you in, OMG, it's like snuggling with strangers. My shoulders still hurt from scrunching.

I flew Alaska Airlines from Redmond, Oregon, to Portland, and the prop plane is so cute! Not as tiny as the puddle jumper United uses, but it has that nostalgic pre-jet feel. The extra noise and jostling about is similar to an amusement park ride and may have contributed to my inability to sleep.

I zombie-walked from one gate to the next to board my flight that would take me from Portland to Denver. Yeah, a lot of flying for not so great a distance, and though there are direct flights from Redmond to Denver, they cost twice as much. Some day I aspire to take one of those much coveted direct flights. *Note to publishers: please buy my books. kthxbye.

The only problem with arriving in Denver so early is that there's nothing much to do until the party tonight. No one else is here yet. I did take a nap, didn't sleep so good, and I'm still groggy. The high altitude may have something to do with it. My roommate won't get here until 6.

While I wait, I'm tweeting (of course) and savoring the second book in Suzanne Collins' YA series, CATCHING FIRE. I started reading it today and I've already suffered the leaky eye syndrome twice. I'm not even at the halfway point, but man, this is powerful stuff. If you haven't read HUNGER GAMES or CATCHING FIRE, you're missing out on something truly phenomenal. No kidding.

I think I'll go read some more, then maybe take another snooze. I'll let you know tomorrow how the party went, depending on how well I'll be able to think through my hangover haze.

Preparing for Conference

The Card No One Will See At Conference *cries*

It's an exciting time preparing for the Colorado Gold conference. It's not like I have a lot to prepare for, like I'm not giving any workshops this year, and I won't be signing books. But there's mental preparation. And preparing my husband for the time I'll be gone. And preparing to get up at oh-dark-thirty so I can catch a 5:00 a.m. flight Thursday morning. Chances are I won't be conscious for the evening's launch party, my favorite part of conference!

I failed at preparing business cards in time to take with me, and it's totally my fault. I didn't even think about it until last week, but I ordered them anyway. I just tracked the UPS shipment and it's not due to arrive until Friday. My flight leaves on Thursday. Yeah, I'm screwed. So I'm posting a graphic of my lovely card that I won't get to hand out over the weekend. Wah!

The dog will spend tomorrow in daycare so I can at least get my errands done, and do some last minute housework as well as pack without having an oversized puppy that eats couches under foot. It's $20 well spent. And she has fun. I think. It's hard to tell with her because she prefers people to other dogs, but that's how it goes. The socializing is good for her.

Writing. Yes, I'm doing some. A little. Not enough. I have more characters in this new book than I've ever had in previous ones, but it's a different type of book. About community and friendship and forgiveness, and not about bad guys trying to take over the world. Though there are bad guys. And ghosts. And a freak storm with a mind of its own. You'll see. :)

I have a couple of ads to design by tomorrow, though my creative mind is seated more in my story than my layout. Sigh.

Blog Facelift

Jim kickin' back with Kinsey

It was definitely time for a change. I think the new header I created speaks to my interests as a writer and it was fun to make! I was in the mood for something different.

Mystic Taxi is under consideration with two publishers who've had it all summer. No news. Every week I keep hoping I'll have something to report, but nada. :) Oh, well. I should be used to it by now, but I have this perpetual eagerness like the child that keeps asking "Are we there yet?" LOL! Summer is over so the hopefully things will get moving again.

ETA: Mystic Taxi won FIRST PLACE in the Hearts Through History Romance Through the Ages Contest. My first ever 1st place win!

I let my membership in RWA lapse. I wasn't getting anything out of it any more and couldn't justify the expense, especially considering the dues had gone up. People are losing their homes and their jobs, yet RWA raises its dues? Regardless, they must have a good reason. It's a great organization, just not right for me at this time. I may rejoin at a later date.

My graphic design business is picking up a bit, which is a relief. I continue to write for Demand Studios, but haven't turned anything in for about 3 weeks while working on ads for Affluent Boston. The Best of Bend is starting up now.

I've started the next book, something totally new, though the sequels for Mystic Taxi and Knight's Curse are knocking at my brain pan. The new book is light with some mystical elements and quirky characters, all set in a fictitious town on the Oregon coast.

My excitement about the Colorado Gold Conference increases daily as my departure for Denver is just 3 days away. The conference is going to be a blast and I'll make a full report when I get back.

The pup has grown into a dog and is as energetic as ever. I have to keep her on a leash in the house because she can't be trusted. She's taken to eating the couch and that just won't do.

Time for me to get back to work.