The Eagle has Landed... an AGENT!!!

Yes! It's happened and I couldn't be more thrilled with my new agent! I have an agent! I'll never get tired of saying that. Hee hee. Life is good.

Elizabeth Winick of McIntosh & Otis, one of the oldest and most prestigious literary agencies in New York City (since 1928), called me yesterday. She'd read my full manuscript that I'd sent about a month ago and loved it! We had a wonderful conversation where we discussed the book at length, she has suggestions for revisions (I'm so there), and she offered to represent me. And to represent my career. It's the real deal, folks, the whole enchilada.

That was my goal; to find an agent who is hands-on editorially and who is interested in more than just the book I had on offer. She has her eye on my future. The agency also specializes in subsidiary and translation rights, all taken care of in-house. Can anyone say possible movie deal somewhere along the line? Squeeee! That would be awesome, wouldn't it? McIntosh & Otis also manages the estate of John Steinbeck and Harold Robbins.

What's really wonderful is how excited Elizabeth is about my book, and she loves Chalice almost as much as I do!

I know it's taken me a while to post this on my blog, but I've been busy emailing friends and announcing the news on AW. Now I must float back to the ground and work the other job or I won't be able to pay the mortgage. Sigh. But my goal is to make a living writing books, so the first step has been made. Wish me luck that I can take it all the way! Woo hoo!

Thursday Thoughts

Critique can hurt, or it can help. It all depends on how the critique is handled and if the critiquer is using it as a tool to help the writer as well as improve his or her own writing. Critique is an excellent way to do both. Everybody wins.

A couple of weeks ago I was involved in a discussion on a yahoo group called Online Writers Workshop. Several of the posters couldn't understand the difference between a critique and a review. I found this rather shocking, especially since some of them had been members of this workshop for five or more years.

The debate was over how comments are delivered. Some felt that when criticizing a person's work, you should clarify that it's your opinion only and that others may see it a different way. Also, if you're going to criticize something, the person getting critiqued deserves an explanation to help him or her understand why the critiquer thought something was wrong, and a suggestion for how to improve the work if the writer chooses to do so. Half the people on the list, including me, agreed with this perception. The other half did not.

The disagreeing half argued that a writer who's serious about critique should have a thick enough skin that he or she can take criticism without an explanation. Just accept the comment as an opinion, because what else could it be? And either take it or leave it. The critiquer doesn't have to explain anything. Like a review, and that's what they called it, too.

I couldn't disagree more.

For one thing, a review, as in book review, is a judgment. It's not supposed to be helpful, though it can be. But that's not what it's designed for. A review offers an opinion (sometimes a pretty blunt one) to help readers decide whether or not to buy the book. Is this helpful to the writer? Does the reviewer offer suggestions on how to fix what's wrong? Rarely. And that's fine because a review is what it is: a judgment.

A critique, on the other hand, is a writer's tool. If I read someone's work and say a particular sentence is awkward, I'm going to explain why I think so, and I might offer a suggestion how to make it work better. And I'll certainly clarify that they can take it or leave it because it's my opinion only.

Writers are sensitive by nature. All creative people are. That's part of what makes them creative. So to be blunt and judgmental doesn't help. It either discourages them, or they won't take the comments seriously, especially if there's nothing to back it up and no suggestions for how to make the criticized work better.

I was only taking a trial membership of OWW, and the trial is over on June 2. I won't be subscribing. I'm afraid many of the people there are misinformed and I have the impression there's no guidance. Kind of like the blind leading the blind. Maybe not, but when you get yourself involved with a big group and put your work out there to be "judged" by strangers, I think it's potentially damaging to the writer. Critique groups, and critique partners, should be carefully selected in my opinion.

I'm very happy with the group of mixed genre writers I currently critique with. I was looking to expand my circle to include speculative fiction writers who I can bounce my fantasy and paranormal ideas off of. But OWW is not the way to do it. Not for me, anyway.

Do you have a critique group you're happy with? What makes them special? How have they helped you and your writing? Can you give any examples? What advice would you give a fellow writer who's trying to decide whether or not to use critique as a writing tool?

What's Up Wednesday

I'm taking an online grammar course from the local community college. Why? Because if I'm going to intentionally break rules (as I often do), then I better be clear on what the rules are.

I have a good working knowledge of grammar, sure. You absorb a lot just by reading, and as a writer, you have a natural instinct for what works. So I know all about possessives, conjunctions, homophones, compound sentences, etc. But there are a lot of grey areas, especially when it comes to fiction. So I just want to get it straight in my head once and for all. It will make me feel better.

Speaking of grammar, here's some interesting news about the controversial serial comma:

Consider the story that is told of Tom, Dick, and Harry, who inherited a million dollars from their aunt. Since the will was written to “Tom, Dick and Harry,” the judge awarded half a million to Tom and, absent the comma, considered Dick and Harry a unit, making them split the other half. It’s not wrong to leave it out. The Brits do it all the time, and journalists are taught to ignore it. The reader may even understand exactly what you said if you leave it out. On the other hand, the reader may do as the judge did and choose another possibility, changing your meaning irreparably. Putting the comma back in before the final and makes you the authority, not the reader.

To read the whole article, visit PNWA's Author Magazine.

Marketing Monday

After 422 million miles and almost a year of space travel, the Phoenix has landed softly and safely on the northern polar region of Mars. Yay! This is so exciting it gives me butterflies.

It's such an amazing feat that it makes one think just about anything is possible. Including getting an agent and a publishing contract. I just had to work that in to my Monday marketing post.

The quest for representation continues, and it's been an encouraging one so far with a few speed bumps along the way. Something I've noticed, though, and with some chagrin, is that several of the agents I'd queried have since made changes in the genres they represent. I guess I'll never hear back from those folks, and that's fine. It's better to know sooner rather than later.

Speaking of never hearing back, the non-responsive agent is that annoying little tag on the back of your shirt that makes your skin itch. You know it's there, you can feel it, and it will constantly bug you until you cut it free. Once you do, it's gone forever.

That's not a great analogy, but what I'm trying to say is that I won't be approaching those agents in the future. I doubt they care because hey, who am I? I may be no one, but there are plenty of future someones looking for just the right agent to represent their books and help guide their careers. One of those writers could be the next Stephanie Meyer, Jim Butcher, Harlan Coben, Alice Hoffman, etc. They're researching agents to submit their manuscripts to, and they're paying attention when they read about the ones who respond to queries, and the ones who ignore them. Who do you think these future best sellers will query? Not the agents unwilling to send even a form rejection. Nope, those agents won't get the chance to give these gems a pass. They're already out of the running.

I totally understand why some agents have elected to let queries go unanswered unless interested in seeing more. There are clueless writers out there with egos the size of Texas who respond to rejections with hostile invectives and moronic reasoning. I'm honestly sorry about that because those idiots ruin it for those of us who know better. But you know what? As rejections are the norm for talented writers seeking representation, belligerent writers with the manners of pigs at a dinner party are part and parcel of this business, too. There be weeds in the garden of scintillating literature, and sometimes you have to pull them out to reach the good stuff.

Okay, I'm stepping off my soap box now before I get splinters in my feet.

Freestyle Friday

So what are your plans for the Memorial Day weekend? Are you taking off with the family camper for a 3-day adventure in the wilderness? Or are you hanging out at home to catch up on that yardwork and spring cleaning project you've been putting off since March?

I fall in the latter, though I'm afraid there won't be much cleaning involved. The yardwork part is iffy, considering my husband is the gardner and plants don't like me very much. Plus, it's raining. The high desert has been craving rain, so I'm fine with that. It just makes me sleepy.

This weekend will be spent mostly on my latest WIP, and perhaps some short story action as I mentioned in yesterday's blog. I'll let my mood be my guide. I'm supposed to be getting together with a couple of my writing pals on Sunday for a brainstorming session, but it may not happen. Sigh. One of them has a boat and it is Memorial Day weekend. People with boats tend to use them on MD.

As for my WIP, my half-demon taxi driver in a 21st century industrial age New York City is still in the process of development. I have him mostly figured out, though there are a few motivation issues I need to work through. And then there's his schizophrenic sidekick that needs more research. They meet for the first time in the first book, and are at odds with each other most of the time, but they'll become good friends because they need each other. But that's all I'll give away for now. This is a complicated yet fun story. And the world building is the best part. Just thinking about it gives me butterflies.

Well, it's Friday, and the day job calls. The job that actually pays me money. I have 3 meetings today, and I think I'll forego the usual Friday exercise class. I've gone to one every day this week and my knees hurt. I need a break.

Have a great weekend!

Thursday Thoughts

I've had short story ideas rambling through my brain lately. That used to be the only kind of fiction I wrote because the idea of writing a novel intimidated me. What would I have to say? Now look at me. Apparently, I have more words inside me than I thought. Now they're starting to leak out and I want to catch them with shorter venues.

Supernatural and paranormal ideas are what I gravitate toward, but I sometimes play with more realistic themes. I'm thinking of writing a story based on my sister, who's on the far side of crazy. She's had a drug problem her entire adult life and I'm the administrator of the special needs trust my mother left for her. It's not easy dealing with my crazy sister. It's sad and frustrating and makes me really angry sometimes. I've just got to write about it… someday.

Everyday life spawns all sorts of story ideas. Like the motorcycle cop who gave me a traffic ticket. Me, the driver everyone tailgates, speeds on the rare occasion the local cops are making their quotas. Grrr… I have a special story in mind for this guy. He cost me $119 so I figure I should make just as much with a horror tale using him as the main character. Ha! Like I could make a penny. One can dream, though.

Then there's this physician guy who one of my clients and I refer to as "Creepy Doctor." Yes, he does exist. And yes, he's creepy. What a great story I could concoct with him as the foil. The story wheels just keep turning…

Maybe I'll write a short this weekend. I entered Absolute Write's horror flash fiction challenge in May, and that was fun. But it was only a hundred words. Want to see what I wrote? Okay, you twisted my arm:

Cobwebs clung in a thick shroud wound so tight around me I could barely breathe. I snuggled inside my cocoon, the thick blanket of softness keeping my human body warm and dry. A façade of safety.

I wasn't afraid any more. Anyone who threatened a mother's children deserved her fury and her revenge, though I'd only killed one of them. She had at least a hundred more.

I swallowed the dry air that chafed my throat and listened so hard my ears stung. Then I heard her. Each tap of her eight giant claws coming closer. It was time.

What's Up Wednesday

I was driving home from an exercise class last week when I heard on the radio something about a bedrest study than NASA is doing. They gave a website address and when I got home, I immediately looked it up.

As per the radio spot, which was more of news snippet of some kind (it certainly wasn't an ad), there's a human test subject study at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. I guess they test all kinds of stuff, but the reason this one interested me in particular is because they'll pay you $5000 a month for 4 months just to lie in bed!

Well, when I heard this, it got the old wheels turning and I'm thinking about the number of words I could write a day if I was confined to bed. OMG, I could write two books in four months! So of course I filled out their application form. They asked everything you could think of, and I'm a relatively healthy woman with a resting heart rate of 56 bpm, so I figure I'd make a good candidate. I have no allergies to anything, I'm not on any prescription medicine, I have no ailments... I haven't heard a peep from them since I submitted my ap.

Are my dreams of writing in bed for 4 months out of my reach? I don't know. There's no deadline mentioned. This could be an ongoing study. I have no idea how they choose their test subjects. But it just seemed like a cool thing for a writer to do. Want to give it a try? Could you stay cooped up in bed for 1/3 of the year? I think I could. Yeah. For $20,000? Yeah.

Marketing Monday

I was a vewwwwwy naughty blogger last week. Didn't blog AT ALL! And I have no excuse other than life got in the way, as often happens to me. To most of us, I think. It's work. I love my clients, adore them, a couple are my very best friends (who pay me money), but it can get overwhelming at times because my design projects pull me in multiple directions. Sigh.

Okay, marketing update. All is going very well. But as expected, I'm still in wait mode. And that's fine, for now. Though I admit to getting antsy. I want to move on to the next step! Patience, patience. Good things come to those who wait.

In other news associated with marketing, I'm entering KNIGHT'S CURSE in this year's PASIC. I'm not much of a contest person these days, but now and then I'll find a good one to try. So it's off to the post office tomorrow to drop my entry in the mail so that I can meet the May 27 deadline.

Speaking of contests, I'll be helping judge this year's Colorado Gold Writing Contest. The deadline for entering is swiftly approaching, so if you're an unpublished novelist, get thee to the RMFW website and download an entry form. You have until June 2 to submit your first 20 pages and an 8 page synopsis. Final judges are actively acquiring agents and editors. Don't miss this excellent opportunity.

And speaking of RMFW (stop rolling your eyes at me!), the Colorado Gold Conference is now taking registrations! To learn more about this excellent writing conference to be held this fall on September 12, 13 and 14, visit the website to get the details. Jeanne Stein and I will be giving a workshop on writing urban fantasy, and I'll also be doing a workshop on how to make those online writing connections work for you.

Stay tuned for more marketing news to announced as soon as I have more information.

What's Up Wednesday

Not much going on today, but this Friday I'll be involved in a group booksigning at Powell's Books in Beaverton, Oregon. So if you're in the area, please stop by.

It's spring in the Cascades! Flowers are finally blooming, trees are leafing out, but it's freaking cold at night in the High Desert where I live. My husband opened all the windows this morning before he left for work and the furnace started roaring its objection. Yeah, a bit too early to be opening windows, Hon. Let's wait until June, K?

I lost 3 pounds! Yay me! Just 22 more to go. Grumble, grumble, grumble...

I'm an idol fan (this season, anyway; I'm fickle) and I don't know who to vote for. Too bad about Jason. Eek. Simon was freaking harsh, wasn't he?

What I'm reading: BLOOD SECRETS by Vivi Anna. It's okay so far, but I'm not really hooked. I'm having trouble connecting with the characters. It's probably just me, but I carry the book around with me everywhere and just can't bring myself to open it back up again. When this happens, it usually means it's time to start reading a different book. Damn! I really wanted to enjoy this one, too. But like I said, it's just me. No doubt the book would be fabulous for another reader. Sigh.

Marketing Monday

Marketing Monday rolls around again, and again I don't have much news to report. Another full manuscript requested, another partial requested. Other than that, I'm still in wait-mode, but I'm well into my next project so I may be posting teasers from MYSTIC TAXI in the near future.

I'm seriously considering entering the RT American Title V competition with KNIGHT'S CURSE. The last one was supposed to be the last, but overwhelming requests for a repeat performance made Dorchester change its mind and give it another go. The categories include: historical, paranormal, romantic suspense, and urban fantasy. No young adult, women's fiction or straight contemporary manuscripts this time around.

Prepare to mark your calendars for the 25th Annual Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold Conference this fall. Brochures will be mailed soon, but if you're not on the mailing list you can visit the organization's website in the coming weeks for full details and a registration form. This year's conference is scheduled for the weekend of September 12, 13, and 14, 2008.

One of the most alluring features of this most excellent conference are the agent and editor workshops. Get personal attention from the agent or editor of your choice within an intimate group of 8 other writers. Your workshop pro will have read your submitted pages in advance, so you'll be getting well-thought out feedback. Here's some advance info on the agents and editors attending this year's conference:

Kristen Nelson, Nelson Literary Agency
Becca Stumpf, Prospect Agency
Laura Rennert, Andrea Brown Literary Agency
Miram Kriss, Irene Goodman Literary Agency
Donna Bagdasarian, Maria Carvainis Agency
Rachelle Garner, Word Serve Literary

Faith Black, Avalon Books
Denise Little, Tekno Books
Ben LeRoy, Bleak House Books
Daniella Rapp, St. Martins Press

And don't forget you still have plenty of time to enter the Colorado Gold Writers' Contest. The deadline isn't until June 1, so sharpen those pencils… er, I mean boot up those word processors and polish the opening pages of your latest and greatest. Details for entering, along with the submission form, are available on the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers website.

Freestyle Friday (& Quiz Answers)

I know you're all waiting with baited breath to find out the answers to Wednesday's quiz. I had a lot of visitors that day, but only one attempt to play the game! So Maggie wins by default. Maggie, please email me your snail mail address and let me know which book you'd like me to send you. My email address is jkduvall at bendbroadband dot com.

Are you ready? Here are the answers:

1. Hen tea–chicken broth

2. Fried zander steak–fried fish

3. Fritted Inkpot–fried squid

4. Grilled slices of pork maiden slopped with Gipsy sauce–pork medallions with a tomato sauce associated with Gypsies

5. Wild boar on hip wine sauce–really wild boar, with rose hip wine sauce

6. Baked smoked knee for two persons–ham hocks

7. Pickled Rams Horns–a vegetable similar to okra

8. Home tray of chef for two persons–chef's choice of grilled mixed meats

9. American potatoes–somewhat like "jo-jo" potatoes, but not as greasy, a fat "french fry"

10. Fried champions–fried mushrooms

11. Fried ermine in beer batter–deep fried "Hermelin" cheese, a form of camembert

12. Cup of ice with cream (this isn't as obvious as it looks)–ice cream in a cup with whipped cream on top.

Thursday Thoughts

I've been thinking a lot lately about how wonderful it is to be part of an online community, mostly in regard to writers. I've met so many people and made so many great friends whom I never would have encountered without the cyber connection.

Writing is a lonely endeavor. Or it can be. Before the Internet, I'd have to wait a whole year for my favorite annual writers conferences to come around so that I could reconnect with writers and get inspired and motivated again. For fourteen years I attended the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold conference, and occasionally the Pikes Peak Writers Conference. That was my only opportunity to meet other writers and industry professionals.

Thanks to email and online community forums and yahoo groups and blogs, you can meet with your writer friends daily! If you want to. Sometimes I really want to. I almost always connect with a few of them every day. I think back to how it used to be and it makes me feel bereft. How did I cope with the emptiness before? I don't know. And though nothing's quite the same as pressing flesh in person, cyber handshakes are pretty cool, too.

There's so much available to writers online these days, aside from just the writing resources and industry news. I'm not even all that proficient with the myriad tools that are out there now. Lots of writers have Internet access, but many have limited knowledge what to do with it. So I'll be teaching a workshop about online resources and communities at this year's Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers Colorado Gold conference coming up this September in Denver, Colorado. Not all the details are available yet, and those that are haven't been released for some reason. As soon as they are, I'll definitely post them here.

If you're reading this now, you're probably a friend or acquaintance I've met online somewhere, or you were directed to my blog by one. Whoever you are, I hope to meet you in person someday. But if not, cyber space will do just fine. Thanks for stopping by!