Firsts Fridays with Agent Gone Writer, Lora Rivera!!

I am more than tickled pink to introduce this week's 'Firsts Fridays' interview!

Most may know Lora Rivera as a literary agent, but staying true to her heart, she has decided to focus solely on her writing.  I think her insider experience in the writing biz as well as her writing skillz can be especially beneficial to us, so without further ado... 

Give it up for Lora Rivera!

I hold an MFA in Fiction Writing from the University of Arizona, Tucson, where I live with my husband, who is active Air Force working with the 55th ECG at Davis-Monthan AFB.

After three years working for the Claire Gerus Literary

Agency, first as assistant and then as fiction associate (2 years), and finally as literary agent (6 months), I've decided my tastes lie on the writer's side of the desk. I'm ever-grateful for the wonderful experience I gained working with Claire Gerus and for the fantastic writers I met. I'm a better writer, editor, and even human being for my time with CGLA.

DB: Since you have recently decided to focus on your writing.  Would you mind telling us why, and what you are working on?

LR: Sure, Deana! And before I get started, thanks so much for this opportunity to appear on your blog! I’m excited to be so well-received among fellow aspiring writers, even though I’m stepping aside from agenting. The reason? As an agent, my greatest passion lay in finding a manuscript that was still a bit rough around the edges. I loved getting my hands dirty, “massaging” each scene until the book was ready for an editor’s desk. After a while, I realized the job was actually becoming more of burden than a joy. I wanted the thrill of working with characters—my own and others’—without the constant pressure one encounters as an agent. In the end, I found being an agent just wasn’t a fit. I know this sounds selfish, but at some point, if you’re going to be a writer, you have to get a little selfish with your time and creativity. It wouldn’t have been fair to my authors or to myself had I stayed.

I’m currently a few chapters into my middle grade sci-fi WIP (straddling the pantser/plotter divide). I’m also rewriting my contemporary YA and working on adult literary short stories whenever they crop up in my creative stream.

DB: Thank you too Lora!  It sounds like you're staying plenty busy!  And I must say I love that you are being true to yourself, that couldn't have been an easy decision.

Being a writer as well as an agent, what are your thoughts on self publishing as opposed to traditional, and what route are you trying for now that you are focusing on your writing?

LR: Good question. I think there’s definitely a place for self-publishing. You might’ve heard in reference to the sheer volume of literature being published this decade: “There’s no better time than now to be a writer.” This is very true, and we definitely have options. Ultimately, I feel that the real highlights of self-publishing (I’m discussing e-publishing, here) are immediacy and control. You’ll have your book out there right away—no two-year wait time, no fears the company will pull your project. It’s cheap and fast; and if you’re savvy with self-promotion or choose to hire PR help, you can be quite successful going this route. And honestly, going with traditional publishing (TP), you’ll still need to develop platform via social media, word-of-mouth, niche audiences, etc.

Personally, I’m still in favor of traditional for a few reasons. First, I believe the traditional publishers have stronger editor support. I want my book to be in top-notch condition before it’s available to a wide readership, not only because I want to be proud of it, but also because I feel readers need and deserve this kind of excellence. And only a sharp editorial eye can bring this about. Second, at this time, TP does offer a legitimacy self-publishing doesn’t—thinking long term, here. As an agent, unless a book sold like candy at a carnival, I wouldn’t consider a self-pubbed book as pubbed. Plain as that. And from what I hear, most agents are still of this mind. Third, I suppose I’m just still a tad old-fashioned.

DB: Wow!  I love that answer!

You hear about those pesky agents who you should stay away from.  What are the red flags you should look for to steer clear of them?

Reading fees, editing conflicts of interest. (Though I did offer editing services as an agent, if you ever contacted me you know I sent you a huge preamble about my editing work not being connected with the agency, which showed up in the contract, too.) If an agent is interested in repping your work, you shouldn’t have to pay them for critiques. Also, be wary of referrals to freelance editors. Referral to an in-house editor? Run.

If you’re lucky enough to land an agent, make sure he or she is a good fit for your needs and that your personalities mesh. Don’t be afraid to turn someone down if there’s a lack of communication after several attempts or any appearance of unprofessional behavior. And honestly, be concerned if an agent isn’t making sales. PublishersMarketplace.com is good but not perfect at keeping track of these.

DB: Those tips are so important to know for us greenies out there:)

I am a young adult writer as are many of my readers.  Is this a saturated market?  Would you say it is harder than others to break into?

LR: If you’re writing a vampire paranormal romance, then yes, you’ll find the YA market is saturated. But otherwise, no, it’s not harder to break into. It may be a bit more trendy, so you’ll have to be careful you don’t fall into the trap many of us (myself included) have blundered into. Number one writing advice: “Read, read, read,” right? Well, then we turn around and write what we read and find we’re not only producing clichéd Been-There-Done-That books, we’re also two years behind the real-time industry. Agents moved on from our trendy book two years ago.
But the truth is readers of all ages are drooling for YA and thus so are agents, editors, and publishers. It’s always hard to write great fiction. But great books will get you a foothold into what I’d call a hot market.

DB: Did you hear that YA writers?  Don't fall into the trap!

If an agent rejects an ms, should the writer mark them off the list never to return?  What is the protocol for that?

LR: Not at all. How can you know your next book might not blow them away? And especially if they requested a partial or full, they’re worth trying again. Agents DO want to say yes. Oh, they really do.

Now, revisions…. Some agents won’t consider these, and you’ll have to research to find out. In general, only re-query the same book if you’ve made MASSIVE (yes, bold, underlined, caps, and italicized) rewrites.

DB: Good to know:)

What makes and breaks a query letter in your opinion?

LR: Lame or overly-dramatic voice, clichéd plotlines, self-importance (my book is AWESOME), self-deprecation (I know you’ll probably hate this, but…), not getting my name right, infodump, character soup… Um. Right. Those all become rejections. A short-and-sweet, showing-not-telling, voice-accurate and professional query that follows guidelines with relevant bio info will catch my attention.

DB: Is there any parting advice you can give those trying to snag an agent?

LR: Do your homework on the agents you’re querying, and play it safe in your query (unless your homework tells you otherwise *wink*). Always be professional and (yes) upbeat, especially on social networks. FIND A CRITIQUE GROUP. Writing is not a solitary sport J

DB: Okay newbies, you have your assignements.

And just for a little fun…

Can you tell the world something we just have to know about you?

LR: Ooo…. Can I play the “One of these isn’t true” game? If so:

DB: Why, absolutely! 

1.       I can sing these entire Broadway musicals by heart: Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.

     2.       I once asked a group of mothers-to-be whether babies had skeletons.
     3.       I sometimes read books aloud and in British accents.

DB: Hmm, I'm going with number 2 NOT being real.  If it is, then...hats off to Lora right!?!  What does everyone else think?

Lora, thanks so much for doing this interview! If I had a cool girl badge I'd give it to you:)
If you agree with me then look Lora up for yourself.  You can find her on Twitter here and on her website here.

Stay tuned next week for the latest deets on the big BLOGORAMA I am hosting in July.  I can give you a hint...Lora is going to be doing something really cool for us during the festivities!

And finally we have winners for Margot Finke's book giveaway!  Go here to find out who they are.

I've Just Gotta Ask

When is the right time to put down a WIP for a new idea?

I finished my first ms last year.  It took me over two years to write because I got in my own way, comparing myself to other writers, not thinking I was good enough.  Then there was the guilt of doing something so time consuming without pay, the editing pains, pure laziness...and the list goes on.

Once I FINALLY finished, edited it three times, got it critiqued, and read by a beta, I realized it was crap.  It wasn't that is couldn't be decent...it just wasn't.

I ended up changing so much I decided to just start from scratch.  I am half-way through and am now at a stand still.  My characters don't want to talk to me, and maybe it is because their mad I've been cheating on them.

Here's the thing...for the last two years, I have had an idea simmering in my brain and this past weekend it wouldn't shut its pie hole so I plotted the story out all the way to the crisis point.  I am loving it and thinking about putting the other ms on the back-burner. 

So let me ask you, is it right to put an ms away that you have poured three years of your life into, for another?

Changes, Updates, and Blog Love

I know I don't usually blog on Tuesdays, but I just can't be contained.  The finishing touches for July's Blogorama are underway and I will be announcing the details next week!  That's right, do the dance...it's okay. 

Anyhoo, in other news...

There is going to be a slight change in this months 'Firsts Fridays'.  Agent Kathleen Rushall had to push back her interview from May 20th to June 24th, so filling in for her, and perfect for the job, is Lora Rivera!  She was an agent for the Claire Gerus Literary Agency and has recently stepped down to pursue her love of writing.  I can't wait for her to share the insight she has gained from working in the biz.  So be here Friday and hear it from one who knows.

Lastly, I want to apologize for being a slacker on awards.  I have been given three in the last couple of weeks and now I just want to say...awwwww, thanks!!!

I've got Firestarter by Prodigy screaming through my head with this award.  This  was given to me by Juliana Brandt over at I Aspire to be....  She is an aspiring author and blogs about some really fun things.  Check out her post today and see if you really know the definitions to some of the hard words we pepper our writing with to sound all smart and stuff.

 I was given this last award two times.  Once by the cool as ice Leslie Rose and the other by the ever addictive (her blog, not her, though she could be as well:)  Ashley Nixon.  Both gals are writers and I am lurving visiting their blogs!  You should too. 

 In the spirit of sharing the lub (as my three year old son would say), I now pass these awards on to:

Kristin Rae

Dawn Kurtagich

Cynthia Willis

Angela Scott

Nofretiris

Thanks for having such cool blogs!

Until next time...

Keep writing.  Keep learning.



Interview with Platform Building Extraordinaire Rachael Harrie - Part Dos

Having a good Monday yet?  Well it's about to get waaaaay better because as promised, I bring you Part Two of Rachael Harrie's interview on platform building.  If you missed part one, check it out here.  The stuff is to die for!  Seriously...

Enjoy!
 

PART TWO         

DB: How important do you think it is to build a platform before you are a published author? 

RH: This is one of those questions to which there is no right answer. These days, I think it is very important to begin building a platform early. But at the same time, it’s just one factor that agents and editors will take into account when considering whether to take on your work. Many writers have still gotten an agent and had their books published even though they did not have a platform.

Having said that, I think it will become so much harder to begin building your platform after you sign on with an agent or publish your first book. It takes a lot of time and commitment to successfully build your platform, and I think unagented writers who don’t have deadlines and obligations to their agent are in a better position to spare that time to start with.

DB: All terrific points! 

Often times the idea of platform building is hard for beginning writers to wrap their brain around.   Can you give those struggling with this concept a basic step-by-step idea of how to start?

RH: Building a platform will work differently for each person. I think the most important question is: what are you comfortable doing? You need to decide which social media you want to focus on, and (more importantly) which social media you have the time to commit to. Some people find Twitter suits their needs/preferences the most, others Facebook, and others blogging. I prefer blogging over everything, though I do have a Twitter account and am on Facebook and LinkedIn. But I don’t operate equally in all of these forms of social media.

My next advice would be, don’t spread yourself too thin. You don’t have to be fantastic at each of these forms of social media, but I think you do need to be “good” at one of them (at least).

Once you’ve decided which avenue of platform-building to pursue, you need to set up your platform. Create your blog, or your Twitter account, or your Facebook page, and make sure you personalize it to you. Try to steer away from the templates/backgrounds/banners that are provided to you at the start – it’s very easy to download your own and it makes a huge difference. This is something even those who already have their platform can think about.

Make sure you’re accessible and that your personality shines through, both on your “platform” and in your travels around the blogosphere, so people start to get an idea of who you are. If people don’t know anything about you, it’s much harder for them to connect with you.

In the writing community, a good thing to remember is the saying: “It’s not all about you.” People can tell when your only interest is in promoting yourself or selling your books. Do what you can to support others, and be genuinely interested in them and in helping them to build their platforms, and they’ll do the same to you.

Also very important to realize – it takes a lot of time and commitment to build a platform. You will only get out what you put in. So if you want lots of comments on every post, for example, you need to get out into the blogosphere and comment heaps on other peoples’ posts. You can’t just “do it and they will come,” unfortunately, it just doesn’t work that way.

DB: It is hard work...fun but hard!

Where will your platform building go from here?  Do you have any future plans that may be exciting for your audience?

RH: I can only hope it will go onwards and upwards. I’m expecting my Third Writer's Crusade in August to be rather big (*grins*), and I’ll be running at least one Crusade per year thereafter. I’ve also just announced an initiative I’m starting on Rach Writes… - Beta Match. It will start on Monday June 6 and is intended to help people find critique partners and beta readers. I have some further plans along those lines, which I’ll be announcing in coming months as well. Very exciting!

DB: I can't wait!  Seriously:)

Clearly you have a great start up for a blog presence.  Have you ever thought about how you might grow it by taking your platform out into the world?

RH: Thanks J At the moment I’m content with remaining in the writing community. But who knows what I’ll come up with in the future *grins*.

DB: Are there any last parting words of advice you’d like to leave us with before you go?

RH: Be yourself when you blog/tweet etc. People can sense if you’re being “fake”

Remember that behind every little follower icon or avatar is a real person. Don’t take them for granted, and treat everyone as you would treat them in real life. Sometimes it’s as simple as thanking them for a favor they do for you, or checking to see if they’re ok if you come across an emotional blog post or tweet.

And, of course, when you’re platform-building, you’ll get out what you put in.

DB: Rach, thanks so much for taking time out of your busy life to visit me:)  You are pure awesomeness!!

RH: Thanks again for having me, it’s been fun!

***

Rachael has been kind enough to give back to the blogosphere writing community in a BIG BLOGOTHON I will be having in July.  Yep, it's my first and I'm biting my nails to the nubs from the excitement!  I can't wait to give you the deets so come back and check in.  I'm pretty sure you won't be sorry:)

In other blogfest news:  Here are a couple I am joining in that you might like...

and I don't even know what this one is about, but the picture looks so dang cool I've got to join in!

Choose Your Own Adventure Blog Hop

Until next time...

Keep writing.  Keep learning. 

Interview with Platform Building Extraordinaire Rachael Harrie - Part One

Sorry for the delay today, but as most know, Blogger was having issues...

I happened upon a blog awhile back and in the sidebar was an, ‘I’m a Crusader’ button emblazoned in a pretty multi-colored shield.  It sounded intriguing so I clicked on it, and low and behold Rachael Harrie was born in my eyes. 

In her words, Rachael says, It is these blogging crusades that had me emailing her for an interview.  In under a year she has built her blog from three to over 700!  She not only has a wonderful readership, but she is helping fellow writers and industry people connect with each other in order to build their own platforms.  I am all about helping a writer out so for this edition of ‘Firsts Fridays’, I am more than thrilled to introduce you to Rachael and see what she thinks about platform building for writers, and how it has helped in her writing endeavors.

“I’m a writer, a mother, a wife, and an Aussie. I have a wicked sense of humor, a very loud wolf-whistle, and a fascination for all things Young Adult. Sparkly vampires optional. I kill cacti (accidentally), I collect dragons, I adore emoticons and exclamation marks (but never in my manuscripts), and I used to have a dead fern called Prudence. Why? Cause everybody needs at least one dead fern in their lives.

I tweet occasionally, I blog religiously, and I organize Crusades so bloggers can connect and network together.”

Rachael did such a wonderful job answering the questions I asked, in detail, I am breaking her interview up into two parts.  Part two will be up Monday.  You won’t want to miss it, I assure you!

And now I give you Rachael Harrie…

RH: Thanks for having me along today Deana J

DB: No, thank you for being here!  I am ecstatic about this interview because platform building raises so many questions for the beginning and seasoned writers alike. 

In your own words, what is platform building?

                                                                                                                

RH: To me and at its most basic, platform-building means creating a way to reach out to people. You may have an aim or a goal in mind, e.g. selling books or building your credentials (for non-fiction writers), but you’re unlikely to achieve that goal unless you have people listening to you in the first place. In my mind, platform-building isn’t about how many followers you have, it’s about having a network of people around you who want you to succeed and who want to help you succeed.

DB: So true! 

Before you began building your blog audience, did you have anything going for you to help you along? Ex: college degree, past job experience, already published work?  If so did you factor that in before making a plan for your platform?

RH: I’m a lawyer-turned-writer, so in that respect I have a solid background in the English/Arts/writing sphere. During my legal career I published various non-fiction articles and also learned how to promote myself, market, and network. I think my experience has helped me have the confidence to go out there in the blogging world and begin building my platform, but it’s not something I’ve consciously considered over the past year since I began blogging.

DB: Wow, you have some serious background, good for youJ 

I’m sure you consider yourself a writer first and foremost.  Would you mind telling us where you are in your writing journey?

RH: I’d love to. And yes I do J I’ve written in one form or other my whole life, but only started to write seriously in the last five years. I finished (and “drawered”) my first book—consider that a service to the writing community *grins*—then realized how much I really had to learn. I spent a lot of time trying out different genres until I found my writers’ voice with YA fiction and my awesome critique partners, who’ve taught me so much. I’m currently revising my YA Horror novel, which I hope to query in the next few months. The novel is titled, “From the Other Side,” and the logline is as follows:

“Seventeen-year-old Verity Ronson is murdered by the boy she loves and awakens with deadly powers and an unquenchable desire for vengeance—if only she can stay sane long enough.”

DB: Ooo, I love me some YA with major intensity and it sounds like you are going there!

What connection does your writing have to the platform you are building, and do you think a connection with the two is important or is it more about gaining the numbers and hoping they will stick around through it all?

RH: There are two different answers to this question. My writing, in that I am a writer and a part of the writing community, is inherently linked to my platform. I wouldn’t have one without the other. But at this stage of my journey there isn’t a huge connection between my WIP and my platform. Bloggers follow me at Rach Writes… and on Twitter and Facebook because of my role in the writing community, not because of my WIP. Ideally, as I progress through my journey, the two would become more connected.

I should add that I think it’s the wrong approach to, as you say above, just try to “gain the numbers and hope they will stick around through it all.” I see platform-building as a shared journey with other bloggers (part of the reason why I created my Writers’ Platform-Building Crusade). I think it would be difficult for anyone to successfully market their book (or whatever else they created their platform for) if they simply try to gain numbers of followers without building relationships with their followers at the same time.

DB:  Such a good point!

Speaking of numbers how do you transform a platform into being more than numbers to a true audience?

RH: As I mentioned above, I think it’s all about developing and maintaining a connection with your followers. Commenting on their blogs, getting to know them, showing an interest in their journeys, and helping them out wherever possible, are all important. While I might have 700+ followers in the Followers Gadget, not all of them will read my posts – my goal is therefore to connect with as many of my followers as possible.

DB: I love your last words about connecting to your followers.  It is so easy to click on the follow tab, but to keep an audience coming back…now that is the challenge.

Rachael thanks so much for your words of wisdom.  I can’t wait to share with my readers part two of your interview.  It gets even better! 

Don’t miss Rachael’s next Writers Platform Building Crusade beginning August 22 – October 31.  Sign up closes August 31st, so set a reminder.  It is guaranteed to be something special!

               

Excuse Me While I ....

I wish I could tell you I've tapped the awesome powers of the writing biz and that I'm ready and willing to share them with you, but alas...

My name is Deana Barnhart, and I have a reading addiction. 

Currently, the Iron Fey books by Julie Kagawa have me wrapped in an icy embrace and I just can't let go!  So while I have about a million things to do--blogging mind-blowing words of wisdom being one of them--I allowed myself one day to indulge in another world.  It has been wonderful!

I can take a moment from my reading binge, however, to remind everyone about 'Firsts Fridays', and feel good about it too, because it is going to be super helpful.  This Friday I will be interviewing the Aussiefab Rachel Harrie, from Rach Writes..., about platform building.  In less than a year she has taken the blogosphere by storm.  You don't want to miss this one!

AND...

Don't forget, I have some massive fun coming up this summer also!  A tiny hint, and this is only part of it: I've got a literary agent in my pocket and she is in a giving mood:)

Until next time...
Keep writing.  Keep learning.

Mothers Day Recap, Giveaway, and All Kinds of Goodies on the Horizon

First off I want to give a BIG SHOUT OUT to the MOMS out there!  Hope your Mother's Day was fantastic, I know mine was...breakfast in bed, cards from the kids AND (drum roll please) my husband got me a membership to SCBWI!  I can't wait to get connected with more writing buddies, go to conferences and learn learn learn.  Woot!

In the midst of happiness I also found out some very emotional news about my three year old son that has me simultaneously broken hearted and sighing with relief.
Some developmental issues since birth have had him very familiar with a doctors office and blood tests.  It was a urine test, however, that finally brought to light the diagnosis causing him developmental delays, low tone and lack of energy.  It is a rare genetic disorder called SCAD (Short-Chain Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase Deficiency) which is basically a condition that prevents the body from converting certain fats into energy.  Since fats are the bodies second source of energy it can cause loads of problems.  It goes without saying, as I've poured over research on this rare disorder, how blessed we are that his form is mild.  It is also a relief to finally have a name and soon enough, a plan to help.  It is still never easy to hear one of your children is going to have to live in a restrictive way of life in order to live a long healthy one.  Needless to say this Mother's Day was especially touching for me.

***

In other news the first edition of 'Firsts Fridays' was a blast!  Thanks again to Margot Finke for being my guest.  Please don't forget to enter for a chance to win Margot's E-book for children, Taconi and Claude's 21st Century Adventure.  It is a fun filled book starring a smorgasbord of her reader's favorite characters.  To enter, just follow my blog then go to Margot's interview here and tell me what wonderful insight she had to offer you.  There are three chances to win and the contest closes May 19th so don't miss out.

***

Last but not least, blogging has been all kinds of fun for me as I've learned a butt load of useful info and met a slew of like-minded and fabulous people.  I want to give back to writers and I believe, even as a newbie, it is possible. 
Stay tuned for a really big, fun, earth shattering extravaganza in your near future.  Think summertime, think networking in the writing biz, thing blog-o-rama with contests you don't won't to miss!  Check back soon for more details on how you can be a part of the action.

And just so you're up to date on the 'Firsts Fridays' excitment we have planned for the month of May...

May 13- Rachael Harrie from Rach Writes... and master of the Writers' Platform Blogger Crusade will be dousing us with platform building tips

May 20- Kathleen Rushall agent from Waterside Productions Inc will go in depth about what an agent wants from you.

May 27- Monica B.W. has landed an agent and she will clue you in on her journey there and what happens after you have one.

Until next time...
Keep writing.  Keep learning.

Short chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiencyRead more at http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/medical/scad_deficiency.htm?ktrack=kcplink

Read more at http://www.wrongdiagnosis.com/medical/scad_deficiency.htm?ktrack=kcplink

Firsts Fridays: Featuring Children's Book Author Margot Finke and E-book Giveaway!

UPDATE: We have winners for Margots Giveaway!  They are....
Megan Frank, Kristi Bernard and Jeanette Larson
Congrats ladies!
Today I introduce to you 'Firsts Fridays', a series spotlighting those of us experiencing a first in the writing biz as well as the more seasoned folks who remember their humble beginnings like it was yesterday. 

My very first 'Firsts Friday' spotlight is an old hand in the writing biz and she remembers well starting out.  Let's do a little dance for Margot Finke...

One thing I have learned about Margot is she knows tons about the biz and she is always kind enough to stop and help little lost writer souls out.  She is also being quite generous and offering up an e-book to three lucky readers as a giveaway.  More on that after the interview.  Without further ado let us learn a little bit about Margot Finke.

Margot Finke is an Aussie transplant who writes midgrade adventure fiction and rhyming picture books. For many years she has lived in Oregon with her husband and family.
Gardening, travel, and reading fill in the cracks between writing. Her husband is very supportive, and their three children are now grown and doing very well.
Margot didn't begin serious writing until the day their youngest left for college. This late start drives her writing, and pushes her to work at it every day. Margot said, "I really envy those who began young, and managed to slip into writing mode between kid fights, diaper changes, household disasters, and outside jobs. You are my heroes! "
 Her 7x book, rhyming series, "Wild and Wonderful," offers fun facts about animals from the US and Australia.  Educational and fun, eBooks can be read on a computer, laptop, or various color eReaders.  They are great for classroom or home schooling moms.
Remember, kids today are computer savvy, and ALL Margot’s books (both hard copy and eBooks), including those in this article, can be viewed on Margot’ Magic Carpet.
Visit her  DOWN-UNDER FUN OR  WILD US CRITTERS:
Discover extra fun facts about the animals in this series as well as her other books.
Her Manuscript Critique Service attracts clients from all over the globe, and her website offers a great deal of help for new writers. Nothing gives her a bigger thrill that to hear that a book she helped polish has been published.  “This is always a huge YEA moment,” Margot says.

And now Margot will teach us what she knows...

DB: Can you tell us how you started writing?

MF: I had always written small things, but the books started when I was a teacher’s aide.  When we came to the US, I wanted our three children to remember their roots, so every night I asked them to pick an animal from the Australian map I had pinned  on their bedroom wall.  Then I told them a story about it,  right off the top of my head.  As a teacher’s aide, kids noticed my accent, and asked about it.  I began telling  them about Australia and their weird and wonderful animals.  My teacher friend suggested I write them all down – so I did.  My stories grew into “Wild and Wonderful, ” a 7 book rhyming series about animals from the US and Australia:

DB: Very cool! 

How long was the road until you were first published and how did it come about for you?

MF: My experience fitted the average time – approx ten years.  Patience and sticking with it is the main ingredient of publishing success – oh, and a little luck and talent really helps.

DB: Wow, ten years!  I'm running on three:)  

 In your opinion, what is the hardest part: writing, editing, querying or the wait for a published book?  And do you have helpful tips for any of those?

MF: Writing and polishing my manuscript  is the easy part for me. I actually find book promotion  the hardest part.  Even with a large publisher, and especially if you self publish, it is extremely time consuming.  There are so many different aspects you need to be on top of all the time. Writing Press Releases, contacting newspapers, bookstores, schools, is just a beginning.  Getting book reviews,  doing interviews (like this - grin!), keeping up a constant presence on Facebook, Twitter, website and blogs. Then there are Virtual Book Tours to negotiate: and somewhere in-between it all, a new book to write. HELP! 

Of course the second and third book is easier (I have 11 pub now), because you learn from previous mistakes and disasters. And if you self-publish there is a host of other stuff to add to this load.

DB: You critique work professionally, as well as write.  What are some major mistakes you find new writers making and how can we get past them?

MF: I have met some fascinating people thanks to my Manuscript Critique Service – writers from a variety of different countries.  I guess overwriting is what I see most.  It takes a while for writers to appreciate the idea of tight and terrific versus loose and waffling on. I tell them all, “Waffles are fine for breakfast with maple syrup, but keep waffles out of your manuscripts.” 

Wimpy verbs are also a problem I often see .  Active, powerful and evocative words paint vivid mental pictures that HOOK your readers.  Combine tight writing with powerful words, and you have a book worth reading.

DB: Tight and terrific...I really like that!  

 Have you had insecurities in the biz and if so what have you done to overcome them?

MF: In the beginning, I hung around the mail box a lot, waiting for that hoped for acceptance. Then I discovered that time went much faster if I began on a new story while I waited.  Rejection letters are never fun though, and I received my fair share. The saying goes,  that you have to get enough rejections to paper a small room before you can expect an acceptance – I can definitely state this is true.

DB:  What do you do to remedy writers block?

MF: I know many suffer from this scary malady, but I never have.  Wild and wonderful ideas come to me the moment my head hits the pillow each night.  I tiptoe into the bathroom, so as not to wake my husband, sit on the toilet seat, and scribble my heart out. If I don’t, by morning my fantastic ideas have faded into a blurry and useless miss-mash.

DB: No writers block?  I'm jealous:)

 You seem to be everywhere in the writing blogosphere, what would you say your best platform building tool is?

MF: Aha, it takes time to build a writing persona – nothing happens overnight, mate.  It is a combination of Blog, Website, Facebook, Twitter and other writing lists and blogs I have been an active member of for years.  My idea is to have the name Margot Fink instantly associated with Books for Kids.  It’s called branding, and unless you have big bucks to spread around, or are already famous, like Madonna, it takes lots of time, persistence, and know-how to accomplish.  I am not there yet.

DB: It seems like a huge key ingredient it time.

How do you time manage between writing and platform building/marketing your work?

MF: At the moment I am all out promoting my last three books.  I have others written, and as soon as possible I will begin the final edit of them.  My recent hip and knee replacement surgery  has meant an ALL ONLINE promotional push.  I have been unable, due to  daily physio sessions, plus the effects of both operations, to get out and about as much as before.  Being well organized is a blessing under these circumstances.  I make lists, notes, and plans galore.  I have reminder apps plugged into my computer.  I try not to pull my hair or scream too loudly when it seems everything will fall apart by midday – it never does!

DB: I do hope you get to feeling better soon.  You are too busy to stay down,

Last question for you Margot.

In this massive industry, full of writers trying to break out, is there any advice can you give beginner’s?

MF: Oh yes.

#1 - Learn the basics of writing: you can’t break the rules until you know them by heart.

#2 – Make the Thesaurus your best friend. This is where all those active and powerful words hang out.

#3 – Patience really is a writing virtue – nothing happens fast in this business.

#4 – Join a good critique group that has advanced members whose brains you can pick.

#5 – Network with other writers.  For centuries men have realized the value of networking. Women      in business also do it now.  It also applies to writers.

#6 – Treat writing as a business.  If you want to dabble in writing as a hobby – fine.  Just don’t expect to be published.  These days, publishers watch their bottom line, and so should you.

#7- Never underestimate the value of having the right book, at the right time, with the right publisher.  It’s called LUCK!

#8- Cultivate contacts.  The old saying, “It’s not what you know but whom you know,” still applies.

            DB:   Great advice Margot!  Thanks so much for being our very first test subject...I mean spotlight...for 'Firsts Fridays' and providing us with a great e-book for a giveaway. 

If you would like to learn more about Margot and her adventurous, inspiring and funny books check her out at Margots Magic Carpet.  If you'd like to contact her about critique services check her out at http://www.margotfinke.com/.

MF: Deana, thanks for giving me this wonderful opportunity to speak to your readers.

***

It's giveaway time!!!

For my first giveaway (you catching the theme here?) Margot has been kind enough to give three copies of her book, Taconi and Claude's 21st Century Adventure

Because of a magical Boab Tree, Taconi and Claude find themselves marooned in the 21st Century. Ruthie and Horatio (2 characters from my other books) join forces to help Taconi and his cockatoo find their way back home to where they belong - the Aussie outback of the 1950's.

I'm going to make it really simple to enter:
1) Follow me with Google Connect or through Feed Burner email to stay up to date on some pretty amazing things we have in store for the future.

2)Leave a comment letting me know you did.  While you're commenting, (this part is optional) feel free to let me know if anything from Margot's spotlight helped you or what kinds of questions you might like asked in the spotlights.

This giveaway will run until May 19th and is open to anyone!

 

Platforms ... not the shoes ... and 'Firsts Fridays'

 

Oh snap, how I want these to be the platforms I'm talking about!  Can I tell you how much I love zombies?  Let me dream for a moment I have great legs and a killer zombie book out on the shelves and am sporting these bad puppies on my 'round the world' book tour....

That was nice, thanks for allowing my indulgence.

Now, where were we?  Oh, yes, platforms...the writer kind.

What is a writers platform?
Christina Katz wrote a wonderful book about just this.  Get Known Before the Book Deal, is an inspiring read if you are hoping to one day be a published author or already are and need some marketing help.  In her words: "The word platform simply describes all the ways you are visible and appealing to your future, potential, or actual readership.  Your platform includes your Web presence, any public speaking you do, the classes you teach, the media contacts you’ve established, the articles you’ve published, and any other means you currently have for making your name and your future books known to a viable readership."

Do you need a platform before, or after the book deal?
Again, in Christina's words: "Platform development is important not only for authors; it’s also crucial for aspiring and soon-to-be authors."

She goes on to say that often times, authors who don't worry about platform until after the book deal don't have much of a leg to stand on and eventually their book goes out of print.  It is a definite eye opener I think we, as newbies, should consider. 

So this is me considering it. 

Because seriously, what do I have going for me in the writing world besides one day having a book published (what can I say, I'm an optimist)? 

I met my man-to-be in college and dropped out to get married and have babies.  I have been a stay at home mom for going on seven years.  All I have is a dream and a computer, but that computer can do miracles right?  We blog, we cyber-hang, we network.  Even the uneducated have a shot at this!


This brings me to my 'Firsts Fridays'
In a previous post I glanced over how I wanted to make the industry of writing easier to navigate for us simpletons.  Hint Hint   That's me working on a platform.  It's not just hot air either, I really feel strongly about it.  This is where my 'Firsts Fridays' come in too.

Everyone in their writing journey experiences firsts.  Even Stephen King had to start somewhere.  I'd like to spotlight that!  Each Friday I'm going to try my darnedest to get an interview from some debut authors, new agents, editors, fresh platform builders as well as pick the brains of some old hands in the business and take them back to some of their firsts as a way to inspire us newbies to be better and always strive for greater things.

So join me back here on Friday and see who my very first spotlight will be.  You won't be sorry.  Heck I may even throw in some giveaways.  Oh, and between you me, I've got some things a brewin' in my little noggin' (who said college drop outs couldn't do things:) that can really get us newbies on our feet.  More on that later though.

Until next time...

9 Steps for Plotting Fiction

Does this happen to you...

Your in the car jammin' out to your favorite band and something, maybe it's a passerby or the lyrics in the song, but you're reminded, as you are every day, of an idea.  If given legs this idea could walk on water and soar all the way to number one on the best sellers list.

The problem is, when you try to plot the course of this spectacular novel your idea gets lost somewhere along the way.  You can't keep track of who, what, when, where or how and so you give up for another day.

If only you could figure out the main points, the beginning, middle and end of the book and how they all run along in a nice cohesive line until the end.

Verla Kay is an amazing author of many children's books and she has made it a mission of hers to pay it forward to blossoming new writers.  If you haven't checked out her site, you should! 

She also has a forum and on the board where I found a 9 step formula to plotting out your fiction.  This is also great for revising as well.

In a nut shell, the steps are:

Start with a piece of paper. It should be large enough to write on.
8.5 x 11 is perfect. Draw two parallel lines both vertically and
horizontally across the page, creating 9 comparable boxes, as if you
were starting a game of tic-tac-toe. These boxes represent chapters,
scenes, or sections, depending upon your book's intended length.

Number the boxes, starting from the upper left: 1, 2, 3.
Next row, starting from the left: 4, 5, 6.
Last row: 7, 8, 9.
Title each box…

1 Triggering event
First thing's first. What happens? Why have you bothered to write a
book, and more importantly, why should a reader invest time flipping
through its pages. Your triggering event is the answer to those
questions, so make it a good one. Also, don't make the reader wait
very long for it. First page, first paragraph, first sentence.
These are good spots for a triggering event.

2 Characterization
Generally, books succeed or fail on the strength of their characters
more so than on the strength of their plots. The second box is where
you explore what makes your protagonist tick. No, this isn't an
excuse for drawn out exposition, history, or back story. If your
triggering event is captivating, the reader will discover enough
about the protagonist in Box Two simply by reading how he or she
reacts to the event.

3 First major turning point
By now, your plot is picking up steam, and because of Box Two, the
reader is invested in the ride. Time to throw a curve ball. This
turning point can be either a positive event for your protagonist,
or a negative one, but it should lay the groundwork for the negative
turning point in the sixth square. There is a reason these boxes are
touching one another; they interrelate. For example, Box Three may
introduce the motivation of the antagonist, which then justifies the
events in the sixth square.

4 Exposition
You've earned some time to fill the reader in on important data.
Since this box touches the first square, here's where you shed some
light on that triggering event. Since it also touches Box Seven, you
get to foreshadow your pro-tagonist's darkest hour. Box Four often
reveals a relationship, character flaw, or personal history that
contributes to the dark times in ahead.

5 Connect the dots
Here is where many plots fall apart. Box Five represents the
trickiest part of fiction and since Box Five is the center of the
book it must connect to all the squares around it. Kind of like the
nucleus at the center of a bomb, Box Five should tick systematically
upon elements introduced in Box Two and Four. And like the calm
before the storm, the fifth square should give the false impression
of resolution before heading like a freight train to Box Six. Most
importantly, it needs to provide foreshadowing for the protagonist's
revelation in Box Eight. That's a lot for a little box to do, but
focus on efficient prose to get it right. Your plot depends upon it.

6 Negative turning point
Here's where that bomb explodes and all (word censored) breaks loose. Good
thing you laid the groundwork in Box Three. Good thing, too, that
Box Nine will deliver some just desserts.

7 Antagonist wins
The protagonist is defeated here, and the antagonist apparently
wins. How the protagonist deals with the darkest hour of defeat
depend upon the traits and/or story developed in Box Four, which
leads to his or her revelation in the next square.

8 Revelation
Of course! The protagonist's revelation turns the tide. Here is
where the protagonist connects the dots and overcomes the obstacles
of Boxes Six and Seven via the device introduced in Box Five.

9 Protagonist wins
The negative turning point in Box Six is rectified while the
character's resolve from Box Eight is brought into full bloom.
Congratulations! Another great tale told greatly.

Thanks Verla Kay!

Organized Writer. Is that possible?

If my brain wasn't wrapped nice and securely inside my skull and attached to my body, I would swear that sometimes I didn't have one.

I'm a mom for crying out loud!  I'm supposed to multi-task...pop in the laundry while I check my facebook, blog in between my novel writing as I use my free hand to work a puzzle with my son and help with my daughters first grade math...which wait...I SUCK at Math.  What is a girl to do to get a story written?  Why so many road blocks?  I'm so over it, put a cork in me, turn the oven off, whatever, I'm done.  I must find some order in my life. 
Making a darn schedule, prioritizing and then sticking to it, that is the key for making this all work—for me at least.  I know I must do it but the rebellious child in me loathes restriction, being told this is the way it has to be.  I want freedom, fun and all that jazz. 

More than that, though, I want to finish my novel, I want to connect with likeminded individuals through marketing, I want to play with my kids and wear clean cloths so by golly the prioritizing has to begin…tomorrow, once I get over my procrastination thing.

I'm on my way to being organized.  Or so I hope.

What do you do to keep all your eggs in a basket?  Is there a secret trick you want to share because I would love to know.  Like seriously.

Bookanistas supporting an amazing fundraiser with prizes!!!

First things first, my heart goes out to all my Alabama friends caught in the crazy tornados yesterday.  Bama has been a home to me for the past three years and a few tears dropped from my eyes at the pictures I've seen.  We moved about six months ago(our house is still for sell in the Helena area if anyone is interested:)), but I will always hold it near and dear to my heart.  Thankfully no one I know was hurt but my prayers are with those that lost anything during the horrific mess there and the other areas in the south.

*** 

On a lighter note, I couldn't be more excited about a fundraiser/giveaway I entered in, so I had to post about it...plus I get an extra entry, hopefully winning some much needed critiquing.

Here it is in a nutshell...

The lovely and ubertalented ladies who call themselves the Bookanistas (here is one) are trying to giveback.  In their words:

Charitable donations are a very personal thing. There are so many ways our hard earned money can help others, and lately our world seems to be breaking into pieces around us. Needs are many and great. The Bookanistas want to give back, so in the coming months, we're going to be looking for ways to pour into communities, both bookish and worldwide.

For the month of April, we've chose to spotlight Run For Your Life, largely because the framework is already set up (we'd like to keep it simple our first time out), and also because of personal connections to the cause. Most everyone knows someone who has battled cancer or lost a loved one to it. 

It is true, my Grandmother has lymphoma, and many in my family have lost their lives due to cancer.  I was happy to donate some money to this cause.  They ask for $5 but more or less is fine as well. 

For every dollar you give you get a chance to win one of the great prizes they are offering and if you are a writer or a reader, I promise you won't be sorry you did it.  With query and fifty page manuscript critiques, as well as tons of signed YA books...need I say more?  Well yes, I do, because there is more!

Also, when you donate you are automatically entered into a drawing for a chance to win a private screening of Breaking Dawn with twenty of your closest buddies ...or not so close depending on how you do things.  This is courtesy of Charlie Bewley an actor in the movie.

Sound like something you could get into?  Head on over to Myra McEntire's blog (one of the Bookanista's) and check it out, sign up, do what you have to do!

What's up with the adverb?

I didn't see a thing wrong with adverbs until recently when I submitted my work into a couple of writing contests.  I'm happy to say I placed third in one and top twenty in another but much of my negative feedback had to do with adverbs.  Can I tell you how sad this makes me.  I have loved peppering my writing with 'ly' words.  They have been a part of my life since grade school.  I suppose that's where they needed to stay.

So why are adverbs such backstabbers?

Mark Twain once said, "Adverbs are the tool of the lazy writer."

Huh?  Well, let's take a closer look and see why.

The Encarta World English Dictionary states that an adverb is:

1. modifier of verb or adjective: a word that modifies a verb, an adjective, another adverb, or a sentence, e.g. "happily," "very," or "frankly".

So basically you use an adverb to spice up a weak word.  For example: "She tightly closed her eyes."  The verb "closed" isn't strong enough so you pop in "tightly" to better describe it.

What would happen if you used a verb with more zing from the start negating the need for an adverb all together.  How about this instead: "Her eyes slammed shut."  Bam!  Just by changing the verb from "closed" to "slammed" you instantly get a picture of what is going on and it isn't as wordy, which adverbs tend to bring about in writing.

Another problem when using adverbs too often is the risk of telling the story rather than showing it (another big no no we will discuss later).  You want the reader to feel like they are right there in the action with the characters, not on the sidelines watching.

I'm not saying adverbs should be banned from writing.  They are a part of the English language for reason and I personally like them every now and again.

If you're an adverb lover why not try to flex your writing muscle a bit more today.  Right something and go through replacing all the 'ly' adverbs with more dynamic verbs, adjectives, etc.  See where that takes you.

What are your thoughts on adverbs?  Do you love them, love to hate them or a little of both?

A Couple Things

Before I delve into the many faucets of writing and publishing, hopefully gathering helpful information and communicating them to you simply, I first want to clarify a couple things. 

As I stated in my last post, you can find a million opinions out there about how you should do what and when in reference to writing and getting published.  When you come here I will give you the 'writing for dummies' version--the simple of the simple--and always stick to two things when deciding which rules fit for the beginning writer.

1) I err on the side of caution for the newbie writers trying to be published.  For example: if the safe way to get an agent to read your first three chapters is to "show, not tell" but you have a butt-load of information you feel needs to come out about the main character right away, then I'm going to suggest you weave it into the action instead of just explaining it.  Do some authors get published with long ramblings and descriptions about their characters?  Well sure.  But do you want to risk it on your first novel?  I don't think I so.

2) I am of the mind you should do what, deep down in your heart of hearts, you feel is right in regards to your writing.  ALWAYS!

That's it. 

Yes, I am aware these two rules can often times coincide with one another.  If rule number one isn't melding with what your heart tells you and you have consulted with some outside help, possibly a critique group (we will talk about them in the near future), mentor, etc and you are just certain you need to do it the unconventional way, then by all means do it!  I have read many debut novels that don't stick to guidelines and are wonderful reads...yours may be as well.  I am merely here to give information in a simple way.  But heck, sometimes life isn't simple!  In that case go with rule number two and follow your heart.

What about you, anyone out there want to share about times they had to go with gut over protocol?

***

Wednesday I'm going to cover adverbs--such lovely little buggers aren't they--and why they are a no no in the writing world.

Until then...

The writing world is hard. Keep it simple.

In my journey through all things writing I have discovered something...there are about a zillion and one opinions on any given subject concerning writing, publishing, querying and so forth, and some of it reads like a foreign language. 

Now I don't consider myself too particularly dense, but man, what does a writer have to do to get a straight answer on the web!?!

Not that all sites are this way.  For as many crazy ones out there, you can also find an equal amount of excellent and very helpful ones.  Some of my favorite blogs so far are Elana Johnson, Nathan Bransford, Janet Reid, and Pub Rants.  These seriously are just a few of them and I have gained some great insight scouring their pages...it's like they're are my best friends but they don't even know it...no, that really sounds creepy so scratch that last bit.

Anyhoo, with all the twisted wires in the writer/publishing world as well as the crazy lingo, I thought how lovely it would be to go to a kind of Writing for Dummies place.  So guess what?  I'm going to try to deliver it on my own. 

That's right.  I am a newbie to the writers world who continues to learn as I grow.  I'm not ashamed to touch on the really easy writing topics that some may feel afraid to ask professionals because they will be laughed at in front of the whole writing blogosphere.  I'm also not worried about dumbing down the hard stuff so those not in the complete know can understand.

So come back and check it out and if you have anything (writing-wise) you are desperate for just ask and if I don't know the answer I will surely find and tell you the easiest, most straight forward form of the answer I can.

Happy hunting writers, but don't hunt so hard and so long you waste all those precious writing moments and find nothing but a bald spot where you've ripped your hair out in frustration.