First of all, I want to thank everyone who sent their encouragement in response to last week's rather gloomy update. Some weeks are harder than others. I appreciate the love and support.
This week felt better, in large part because my short story, "The Necklace of Duchelle," got published. Now I've already shilled it in the article below, but let me just say, when the email came I was happy. Finally, a response that wasn't a rejection! But I wasn't as escatic as I thought I'd be. Soon after I read it, my mind flew back to my schedule for the day, worries over an upcoming dentist appointment, and frustration at lack of subbing jobs (I ended up not working this week). My lack of celebration puzzled me.
I think sometimes I don't let myself celebrate. As hard as I work to accomplish something, when I get it, my mind suddenly switches to No Big Deal, Move On. But I'm working on that. This Saturday I'm going to the Huntington Library with my friends. I was planning to be frugal--having no money to speak of--but as a celebratory reward, I think I'll allow myself to spend $10 any way I like. :)
Friday, January 24, 2014
Thursday, January 23, 2014
Publishing on Ether
Yesterday, I got published by Ether. Yay! This is actually the first time any of my original stories have been published. Although Ether is not a traditional print publisher, I'm still excited that my little short story can now reach a global audience.
My Story
"The Necklace of DuChelle" is a fantasy-romance flashfiction (less than 1,000 words) with a twist. Two passionate lovers grapple with a magical necklace that strangles the unfaithful. "The Necklace of DuChelle already has a 5-star review. Maureen Scott writes: "WOW. I loved this story. It captures the insanity of lust and love with this brilliant short story."
You can find "The Necklace of DuChelle" here: http://catalog.etherbooks.com/products/3171 I'd be grateful for any reviews you can spare.
What is Ether?
Ether is a free app that contains short works (less than 6,000 words) in all genres, by all manner of authors. Some stories cost money to read, but many (like mine) are free. My friend Ned introduced it to me. He told me he enjoyed skimming through the stories and quickly reading whichever looked appealing.
For anyone interested in Ether, the website is: http://www.etherbooks.com/. You can also download their free App for your tablet and/ or smartphone.
Ether for Writers
Those who wish to submit their work to Ether will need to go their website (not the App) and hit the tab marked "Writers." Before they tell you anything, they make you create an account and log-in. I, personally, hate giving away my email address, but to be fair, they didn't spam like some other sites I know.
Writers can choose to have a Bronze or Silver membership. Bronze members are allowed to post 5 approved works each year, while Silver members get to post 10--but they have to pay an annual fee of 25 pounds. (Apparently, Ether is UK based). Bronze members do not have to pay.
Before you submit, you have to create an Author's profile, which includes your name, your pen name (if any), a photograph of your face, 6 words to describe you, and a longer Author's Bio. They are very picky about the photo and the six words, an they WILL reject your story if you mess these parts up. Fortunately, they give examples of what is and what is not acceptable.
Basically, the photo should clearly show your full face (and only your face) with no distraction from the background. The 6 words should work together harmoniously, like the line of a poem, not just be descriptors you spit out at random. Mine was "lover of fantasy, inspired by Japan."
When your profile is complete, you can submit your story. A normal Word document works fine, but make sure you check the spelling and grammar, because they won't do it for you. You select the genre for the story, write a brief summary, and throw in some tags. You submit and wait for them to get back to you.
It can take Bronze members up to 90 days to get their story approved/ denied. Silver members receive a response in 14 days. However, I signed up for a Bronze membership and I got my approval one week later. (Update: my next two stories, however, took a month and a half for approval.) It came as an email, which helpfully provided me with a link to my story. I was also notified by email when I received a review.
I'm not sure what they're looking for. Are they just screening to make sure you don't commit the grossest violations of spelling, grammar, storytelling, and word count? Or are they judging the content? All I know is that the first story I submitted made it in.
When your story is published on Ether, you retain the copyright of your work. In the Terms and Conditions, it states, "This agreement provides Ether Books Ltd with the non-exclusive global right and license to publish the submitted content [...]" This means if you want to publish elsewhere, you can. The writer also has the right to remove their content, if they so desire. Just send them an email and they'll remove your story within 90 days.
Ether will offer your story as free or paid, and I don't think you get any choice in the matter. Certainly, your first few stories will be free, as you are building an audience. Once they do start pricing your story (usually for 69 pence UK or, I believe, 99 cents US) Ether will pay you "20% of net receipts." They will accrue the royalties and send the money to your Paypal only "when an amount of 25 pounds has been reached."
My Thoughts
But for me, it's not about the money. It's about getting the work out there for others to read. Building a reputation is key. I want--and hope--my stories will serve as positive examples of writing so that in the future, people will remember my name and give my longer novels a chance.
There are a couple of things I like about Ether.
1. You Control the Copyright
One of my friends told me how she published her short stories in a famous magazine. Years later, produces were eying her character for a movie. However, since she sold the copyright to the magazine, that magazine controlled her characters and so she had to turn the producers down. I'm not sure if that's still how copyright works, but it gives room to pause. The more you can hold onto the rights of your work, the better.
2. The Brand is You
If you submit to a normal magazine, your work will get tossed into the general mix. Even if someone likes your story, they may forget your name. But here, your face is selling the story. If someone likes one story, they'll check out others--which are conveniently listed right there for them to read. If you write enough good stories, you can build a reputation for yourself--which might carry on outside of Ether. Eventually, people might read your novels.
At least, that's my theory.
Granted, I've only been looking at Ether for two weeks. So anyone more knowledgeable than I, please feel free to respond.
My Story
"The Necklace of DuChelle" is a fantasy-romance flashfiction (less than 1,000 words) with a twist. Two passionate lovers grapple with a magical necklace that strangles the unfaithful. "The Necklace of DuChelle already has a 5-star review. Maureen Scott writes: "WOW. I loved this story. It captures the insanity of lust and love with this brilliant short story."
You can find "The Necklace of DuChelle" here: http://catalog.etherbooks.com/products/3171 I'd be grateful for any reviews you can spare.
What is Ether?
Ether is a free app that contains short works (less than 6,000 words) in all genres, by all manner of authors. Some stories cost money to read, but many (like mine) are free. My friend Ned introduced it to me. He told me he enjoyed skimming through the stories and quickly reading whichever looked appealing.
For anyone interested in Ether, the website is: http://www.etherbooks.com/. You can also download their free App for your tablet and/ or smartphone.
Ether for Writers
Those who wish to submit their work to Ether will need to go their website (not the App) and hit the tab marked "Writers." Before they tell you anything, they make you create an account and log-in. I, personally, hate giving away my email address, but to be fair, they didn't spam like some other sites I know.
Writers can choose to have a Bronze or Silver membership. Bronze members are allowed to post 5 approved works each year, while Silver members get to post 10--but they have to pay an annual fee of 25 pounds. (Apparently, Ether is UK based). Bronze members do not have to pay.
Before you submit, you have to create an Author's profile, which includes your name, your pen name (if any), a photograph of your face, 6 words to describe you, and a longer Author's Bio. They are very picky about the photo and the six words, an they WILL reject your story if you mess these parts up. Fortunately, they give examples of what is and what is not acceptable.
 |
| This is the photo I used for myself. |
Basically, the photo should clearly show your full face (and only your face) with no distraction from the background. The 6 words should work together harmoniously, like the line of a poem, not just be descriptors you spit out at random. Mine was "lover of fantasy, inspired by Japan."
When your profile is complete, you can submit your story. A normal Word document works fine, but make sure you check the spelling and grammar, because they won't do it for you. You select the genre for the story, write a brief summary, and throw in some tags. You submit and wait for them to get back to you.
It can take Bronze members up to 90 days to get their story approved/ denied. Silver members receive a response in 14 days. However, I signed up for a Bronze membership and I got my approval one week later. (Update: my next two stories, however, took a month and a half for approval.) It came as an email, which helpfully provided me with a link to my story. I was also notified by email when I received a review.
I'm not sure what they're looking for. Are they just screening to make sure you don't commit the grossest violations of spelling, grammar, storytelling, and word count? Or are they judging the content? All I know is that the first story I submitted made it in.
When your story is published on Ether, you retain the copyright of your work. In the Terms and Conditions, it states, "This agreement provides Ether Books Ltd with the non-exclusive global right and license to publish the submitted content [...]" This means if you want to publish elsewhere, you can. The writer also has the right to remove their content, if they so desire. Just send them an email and they'll remove your story within 90 days.
Ether will offer your story as free or paid, and I don't think you get any choice in the matter. Certainly, your first few stories will be free, as you are building an audience. Once they do start pricing your story (usually for 69 pence UK or, I believe, 99 cents US) Ether will pay you "20% of net receipts." They will accrue the royalties and send the money to your Paypal only "when an amount of 25 pounds has been reached."
But for me, it's not about the money. It's about getting the work out there for others to read. Building a reputation is key. I want--and hope--my stories will serve as positive examples of writing so that in the future, people will remember my name and give my longer novels a chance.
There are a couple of things I like about Ether.
1. You Control the Copyright
One of my friends told me how she published her short stories in a famous magazine. Years later, produces were eying her character for a movie. However, since she sold the copyright to the magazine, that magazine controlled her characters and so she had to turn the producers down. I'm not sure if that's still how copyright works, but it gives room to pause. The more you can hold onto the rights of your work, the better.
2. The Brand is You
If you submit to a normal magazine, your work will get tossed into the general mix. Even if someone likes your story, they may forget your name. But here, your face is selling the story. If someone likes one story, they'll check out others--which are conveniently listed right there for them to read. If you write enough good stories, you can build a reputation for yourself--which might carry on outside of Ether. Eventually, people might read your novels.
At least, that's my theory.
Granted, I've only been looking at Ether for two weeks. So anyone more knowledgeable than I, please feel free to respond.
Friday, January 17, 2014
Weekly Update: 1-17-14
On Wednesday, I made a dentist appointment. It sounds like no big deal. A few cavities that need to be filled. But secretly, I'm pertrified. Not of the cavities, of the bill. I've had 2 subbing jobs in January--not good coming off the holidays. One root canal will send me over the brink.
Meanwhile, I joined an online critique group, sent a short story to Ether, and wrote a new chapter of my Coffins story. I've been working hard to get stuff done, given the many goals I set for myself this year. But the biggest thing preying on my mind is the money thing. I don't care about being rich. I just feel like, without money, my life is spinning out of control. Like I can't take care of myself. Ashamed.
It's something I've been struggling with a lot. Live your dream, they say. Find a meaningful career. At this point, I'd settle for a stable income. It's not that I want to give up writing. I can't; I'm addicted to it. I just wish that I knew all my efforts would lead to something. The uncertainty is hardest thing.
Sorry. It's been a rough week. Maybe I'll be in a better mood next week.
Meanwhile, I joined an online critique group, sent a short story to Ether, and wrote a new chapter of my Coffins story. I've been working hard to get stuff done, given the many goals I set for myself this year. But the biggest thing preying on my mind is the money thing. I don't care about being rich. I just feel like, without money, my life is spinning out of control. Like I can't take care of myself. Ashamed.
It's something I've been struggling with a lot. Live your dream, they say. Find a meaningful career. At this point, I'd settle for a stable income. It's not that I want to give up writing. I can't; I'm addicted to it. I just wish that I knew all my efforts would lead to something. The uncertainty is hardest thing.
Sorry. It's been a rough week. Maybe I'll be in a better mood next week.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Book Review: The Rook
Title: The Rook
Author: Daniel O' Malley
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Spy Thriller
Summary
An amnesiac woman stands shivering in the rain, surrounded by dead bodies wearing latex gloves. The helpful letter in her pocket explains that her name is Myfanwy (pronounced Miff-un-ee, rhymes with Tiffany) Thomas, she's deathly allergic to bee stings, and people are out to kill her. For it turns out that Myfanwy Thomas is a Rook, a supervising agent in a secret British organization dedicated to combating the supernatural. Unfortunately, a traitor lurks among the elite, someone who erased Myfanwy's memory and wants her dead. It's up to Myfanwy to uncover this conspiracy--provided she can hide her amnesia, figure out how to use her supernatural powers, and survive her first day in the office.
Review
I read the first 100 pages with a smile across my face. The Rook had everything I look for in a good read: action, drama, humor, suspense, all tangled up in an intoxicating mystery. The agency to which Myfanwy belongs, the Checquy (pronounced Sheck-Eh), is a cross between a British Men in Black and X-men and includes such characters as Ms. Ferrier, a stately Lady who can enter another person's dreams, and Gesault, a hive mind controlling 4 different bodies. Into this world, a post-Myfanwy flounders, finds her bearings, and flourishes.
Unfortunately, the more Myfanwy triumphs, the less I found myself liking her. Pre-amnesiac Myfanwy, despite having an incredible supernatural power, was timid and relied on her superb organization skills to climb the ranks. When she learns she'll lose her memories and personhood alike, she struggles with loneliness and despair, resolves to help her successor, and overcomes her meek nature in order to hunt down the truth. Through her writing, she forms a bond with her post-amnesiac self.
A one-sided relationship, it turns out. Post-amnesiac Myfanwy presumably reads her predecessor's poignant and heart-breaking letters, but hardly reacts to them. Post-amnesiac Myfanwy is a bold action girl, unafraid to explore her superpower. Unfortunately, her powers are so incredible, it's hard to fear for her in dangerous situations. She also tends to use them to push her weight around. As post-amnesiac Myfanwy relies on her powers to carry her through life, she becomes increasingly abrasive, impulsive, and unreflective. Bodies pile up, but she has no time to weep for them.
The book starts to unravel in the last 100 pages. A late action sequence is a virtual repeat of an earlier one. Major villains suffer their defeats off-screen. Mysteries are hastily exposited, rather than solved. By the time I put the book down, my smile was gone and I sighed. A tolerable read to be sure, but it could have been so much more.
And that's what's so disappointing. Much like Timid Myfawny is shoved aside to make room for Bold Myfawny, so too do the reflective portions of the story fall to the wayside in favor of relentless--and often pointless--action.
Author: Daniel O' Malley
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Paranormal, Spy Thriller
Summary
An amnesiac woman stands shivering in the rain, surrounded by dead bodies wearing latex gloves. The helpful letter in her pocket explains that her name is Myfanwy (pronounced Miff-un-ee, rhymes with Tiffany) Thomas, she's deathly allergic to bee stings, and people are out to kill her. For it turns out that Myfanwy Thomas is a Rook, a supervising agent in a secret British organization dedicated to combating the supernatural. Unfortunately, a traitor lurks among the elite, someone who erased Myfanwy's memory and wants her dead. It's up to Myfanwy to uncover this conspiracy--provided she can hide her amnesia, figure out how to use her supernatural powers, and survive her first day in the office.
I read the first 100 pages with a smile across my face. The Rook had everything I look for in a good read: action, drama, humor, suspense, all tangled up in an intoxicating mystery. The agency to which Myfanwy belongs, the Checquy (pronounced Sheck-Eh), is a cross between a British Men in Black and X-men and includes such characters as Ms. Ferrier, a stately Lady who can enter another person's dreams, and Gesault, a hive mind controlling 4 different bodies. Into this world, a post-Myfanwy flounders, finds her bearings, and flourishes.
Unfortunately, the more Myfanwy triumphs, the less I found myself liking her. Pre-amnesiac Myfanwy, despite having an incredible supernatural power, was timid and relied on her superb organization skills to climb the ranks. When she learns she'll lose her memories and personhood alike, she struggles with loneliness and despair, resolves to help her successor, and overcomes her meek nature in order to hunt down the truth. Through her writing, she forms a bond with her post-amnesiac self.
A one-sided relationship, it turns out. Post-amnesiac Myfanwy presumably reads her predecessor's poignant and heart-breaking letters, but hardly reacts to them. Post-amnesiac Myfanwy is a bold action girl, unafraid to explore her superpower. Unfortunately, her powers are so incredible, it's hard to fear for her in dangerous situations. She also tends to use them to push her weight around. As post-amnesiac Myfanwy relies on her powers to carry her through life, she becomes increasingly abrasive, impulsive, and unreflective. Bodies pile up, but she has no time to weep for them.
The book starts to unravel in the last 100 pages. A late action sequence is a virtual repeat of an earlier one. Major villains suffer their defeats off-screen. Mysteries are hastily exposited, rather than solved. By the time I put the book down, my smile was gone and I sighed. A tolerable read to be sure, but it could have been so much more.
And that's what's so disappointing. Much like Timid Myfawny is shoved aside to make room for Bold Myfawny, so too do the reflective portions of the story fall to the wayside in favor of relentless--and often pointless--action.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Weekly Update: 1-10-14
Hello, 2014!
First, my apologies for a lack of entries. My brain was crushed by the holidays, even as my stomach expanded. I enjoyed a holiday with my family, including finally meeting (in person) my nephew Tyson. On a sadder note, I turned 29. On my birthday, I went to IHOP for free pancakes. (Actually, my dad ate the free ones, while I opted for Swedish crepes.)
One good thing, the general sloth of the holiday has given rise to a newfound energy and hunger for achievement. I've begun a flurry of research and brainstorming and goal-setting. I'm still disorganized but getting there. As shown by my goals for 2014, I plan to be bolder this year.
One bad thing, I sent out queries and almost immediately got a rejection. Russell Galen wrote: "I'll be honest with you, though -- this sounds like it might be interesting but not interesting enough for me to set aside time to read nearly a quarter-million words."
While I'm happy to get an actual reason for a rejection and also glad my query sounded interesting, this pretty much confirms my fears: my book is too long. It makes me a little sad, because I've tried, several times, to make it shorter. What can I do?
First, my apologies for a lack of entries. My brain was crushed by the holidays, even as my stomach expanded. I enjoyed a holiday with my family, including finally meeting (in person) my nephew Tyson. On a sadder note, I turned 29. On my birthday, I went to IHOP for free pancakes. (Actually, my dad ate the free ones, while I opted for Swedish crepes.)
One good thing, the general sloth of the holiday has given rise to a newfound energy and hunger for achievement. I've begun a flurry of research and brainstorming and goal-setting. I'm still disorganized but getting there. As shown by my goals for 2014, I plan to be bolder this year.
One bad thing, I sent out queries and almost immediately got a rejection. Russell Galen wrote: "I'll be honest with you, though -- this sounds like it might be interesting but not interesting enough for me to set aside time to read nearly a quarter-million words."
While I'm happy to get an actual reason for a rejection and also glad my query sounded interesting, this pretty much confirms my fears: my book is too long. It makes me a little sad, because I've tried, several times, to make it shorter. What can I do?
Goals and Dreams 2014
Goals
These are concrete, specific, and well-thought out, I hope. They have the force of will behind them and a purpose in the long-term plan of my life. Whether or not I complete everything on time, I will make a sincere effort.
Get Published!
Entails:
Purpose:
I'm tired of not being published. At the very least, I'll self-publish a short story on Amazon. I might or might not get paid for these stories, but at the least, I'll get my name out there. Also, self-publishing will create a trial run for when/ if I need to publish The Changelings, Company, or any other longer work.
Finish the 2nd Draft of The Originals (At Least the Middle Section)
(Est. Pages: 400-600)
Entails:
Deadline: Hopefully, the first 200 pages will be finished by spring; the next 200-400 pages should be complete by the end of the year.
Purpose:
I'm starting to realize this epic will be complicated and slow, no matter what I do. I want to try a new method of writing. During NaNoWriMo, I spend at least a month researching and brainstorming before forcing myself to spit out a 200 page draft. I'm going to see if this works for 2nd drafts as well as first. The focus here is creating a consistent and logical plot, working on my secondary characters, building settings, and making sure my ideas are strong--very basic levels of story-telling. No one needs to see this draft.
Finish Three Floating Coffins
(Est. Pages: 150)
Entails:
Deadline: The Isle of Darkness ought to be done by spring. I have the rest of the year to finish the rest.
Purpose:
Ideally, I can finish this story this year, and have it edited and sent out to agents by 2015.
Increase Income
Entails:
Deadline: By end of Spring, come back with more concrete plans
Purpose:
I really can't survive on less than $6000 a year. Since it might be several years before I get paid for my stories, I'll have to look for a new way of making money. At the very least, I should get a summer job to increase my income in the months I don't work.
Agents and Self-Publishing
Entails:
Deadline: I ought to have the first 20 agents queried by February; if I find another 10 agents, I ought to finish querying them by the start of summer. The second half of the year, I'll have to make more concrete plans.
Purpose:
I still want to try traditional publishing, but my Changeling story might be too long and too specialized for it. In that case, I'll have to look at self-publishing options, or possibly submitting directly to the publisher.
Write Manzanar Ghost Story
(Est. Pages: 50-100)
Entails:
Deadline: End of Year
Purpose:
I've spent so much time researching this story, I'd like to write it down. I'd like to experiment with ways of organizing facts, so I'm not all over the place every time I'm forced to do research. My secret hope is to make money off this story, either through magazine, contests, or self-publishing.
Go to Literary Orange and Los Angeles Festival of Books
Entails:
Deadline: Both Events Take Place in Spring
Purpose:
Networking, hopefully. If not, at least it will serve as entries for blogs. Maybe someone will want to know what happened there.
Get Company Critiqued
Entails:
Deadline: I'm not sure yet.
Purpose:
First, I need to find a group of Beta Readers--someone to read my story, aside from my dad. Second, I like this story, but I'm not really sure what to do with it. Should I self-publish? Submit? How should I edit? I'll have to see.
Blog
Entails:
Deadline: All Year, Excluding Vacation Weeks
Purpose:
Blogging is a good way to market and so I'll keep trying. If nothing else, it helps me keep track of various stuff going on in my life.
Dreams
The vague and wispy ideas. I'd like to do these things, but either I don't think I'll have the time/ will to commit to them this year or I have no particular system or I just don't think they'll happen. At any rate, I'm happy with them floating in the back of my mind. For now.
These are concrete, specific, and well-thought out, I hope. They have the force of will behind them and a purpose in the long-term plan of my life. Whether or not I complete everything on time, I will make a sincere effort.
Entails:
- Revise and Submit "Kinuyo and the Kitsune," "Second Chance," "Necklace," "Julia Kaiser," and 1 more to Ether
- Self-Publish "Lucidity" on Amazon
- Learn how to Format
- Learn how to Design Covers
- Create an Author Page
- Write and/ or Revise Short Stories for Other Magazines/ Contests
Purpose:
I'm tired of not being published. At the very least, I'll self-publish a short story on Amazon. I might or might not get paid for these stories, but at the least, I'll get my name out there. Also, self-publishing will create a trial run for when/ if I need to publish The Changelings, Company, or any other longer work.
(Est. Pages: 400-600)
Entails:
- Read/ Critique Previous Draft
- Brainstorm Backstory/ Background
- Create Maps and Collect Images
- Research (Climate, Armies, Revolution, Disease, Etc.)
- Write
Deadline: Hopefully, the first 200 pages will be finished by spring; the next 200-400 pages should be complete by the end of the year.
Purpose:
I'm starting to realize this epic will be complicated and slow, no matter what I do. I want to try a new method of writing. During NaNoWriMo, I spend at least a month researching and brainstorming before forcing myself to spit out a 200 page draft. I'm going to see if this works for 2nd drafts as well as first. The focus here is creating a consistent and logical plot, working on my secondary characters, building settings, and making sure my ideas are strong--very basic levels of story-telling. No one needs to see this draft.
(Est. Pages: 150)
Entails:
- Start/ Finish "Isle of Darkness" Segment
- Start/ Finish Ending
- Revise Opening Chapters
Deadline: The Isle of Darkness ought to be done by spring. I have the rest of the year to finish the rest.
Purpose:
Ideally, I can finish this story this year, and have it edited and sent out to agents by 2015.
Entails:
- Explore New Job Options (Back to Drawing Board)
- Career Assessment
- Temp job in the summer?
Deadline: By end of Spring, come back with more concrete plans
Purpose:
I really can't survive on less than $6000 a year. Since it might be several years before I get paid for my stories, I'll have to look for a new way of making money. At the very least, I should get a summer job to increase my income in the months I don't work.
Entails:
- Research and Query 20-30 Agents
- If Rejected, Make Plans for Publishers and/ or Self-Publishing
- If Accepted... Figure out What to Do Next!
- Keep Agent Info... Might Need it for Coffins!
Deadline: I ought to have the first 20 agents queried by February; if I find another 10 agents, I ought to finish querying them by the start of summer. The second half of the year, I'll have to make more concrete plans.
Purpose:
I still want to try traditional publishing, but my Changeling story might be too long and too specialized for it. In that case, I'll have to look at self-publishing options, or possibly submitting directly to the publisher.
(Est. Pages: 50-100)
Entails:
- Gather Research/ Research Blog?
- Brainstorm
- Write the Story (Use a NaNoWriMo if Necessary)
Deadline: End of Year
Purpose:
I've spent so much time researching this story, I'd like to write it down. I'd like to experiment with ways of organizing facts, so I'm not all over the place every time I'm forced to do research. My secret hope is to make money off this story, either through magazine, contests, or self-publishing.
Go to Literary Orange and Los Angeles Festival of Books
Entails:
- Plan for the Day
- Take Lots of Notes
- Blog Afterward
Deadline: Both Events Take Place in Spring
Purpose:
Networking, hopefully. If not, at least it will serve as entries for blogs. Maybe someone will want to know what happened there.
Get Company Critiqued
Entails:
- Self-Critique
- Find Online Critique Group
- Find Other Readers
- Decide What To Do With It
Deadline: I'm not sure yet.
Purpose:
First, I need to find a group of Beta Readers--someone to read my story, aside from my dad. Second, I like this story, but I'm not really sure what to do with it. Should I self-publish? Submit? How should I edit? I'll have to see.
Entails:
- Weekly Update
- Additional Content Twice a Month (Reviews, Dissecting Fantasy, Travel, Etc.)
- Read/ Comment on Other Blogs
- Research Blog?
Deadline: All Year, Excluding Vacation Weeks
Purpose:
Blogging is a good way to market and so I'll keep trying. If nothing else, it helps me keep track of various stuff going on in my life.
The vague and wispy ideas. I'd like to do these things, but either I don't think I'll have the time/ will to commit to them this year or I have no particular system or I just don't think they'll happen. At any rate, I'm happy with them floating in the back of my mind. For now.
- Practice Japanese--I'm going to try to review, but I don't know if I'll have the will to commit to any strenuous study.
- Lose Weight--The usual New Year Resolution; we'll see how it goes.
- Get My Own Apartment and Dog--because, damn it, I want to be independent (and puppies are cute).
- Compile Information on Bakumatsu into Blog--I really, really want to do this, but I don't think I'll have time this year.
- Write Spin-Off Story About Gryphons--I'll probably get to this eventually, I just don't know about this year.
- Get Coffins to Agents--again, I doubt I'll have time this year
- Make Money off My Writing--Sigh, it would be nice.
- Learn How to Network, Market, Platform, and Sell--I'm so clueless about how to do this.
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Weekly Update: 12-14-13
My head is aswirl with cookies to bake, cards to send, and rooms to clean. But rather than bore you with all those details, a few random highlights.
Good friend, Michelle Knowlden just published a mystery novella, Sinking Ships, the first of an Abishag Quartet. When Leslie Greene decides to solve her monetary woes by becoming an Abishag wife--spending each night lying beside a dying, comatose man as a form of hospice therapy--the worst thing she's anticipating is an end to her social life. Instead she finds herself entangled in a mystery that includes a dead body, stacks of hidden ledgers, and a Portuguese shipwreck. I was fortunate enough to Beta read Michelle's novella and it was excellent: clean prose, good characters, and great emotion. I recommend you buy it.
I saw The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on Friday night, and I really enjoyed it. Granted, the beginning was slow and the "Spiders and Flies" chapter got a short shrift, but as the movie went on, I began to enjoy more and more, the character development, the action sequences, and the landscape. I'm an incurable romantic--transport me to a far-off land with beautiful costumes, kings and dragons, Shakespearean drama, and stirring speeches, and I just melt.
A less inspiring portion of my week was spent researching agents. This is depressing for me, because I wind up judging myself by the industry standards and finding myself lacking. However, I did find some interesting ewssays written by speculative fiction enthusiast agent Russell Galen. His inights actually prompted me to think about how I write my stories and how I can improve them. For example, in an essay called "Wired Differently," he explains how fantasy writer J.K. Rowling was able to secure mainstream appeal:
"[Scifi/ Fantasy readers] like us are eager to crack the code of a science fiction or fantasy novel by lewarning about all the complicated background necessary to understand it. But the other 90% of the audience gets so annoyed by the homework--learning magic systems, the galactic politics, etc--that they can't enjoy the superb storytelling, characterizations, and ideas [...]. What JKR managed to do, probably without realizing it, was to introduce magical elements slowly, so that the heavy background lessons are held back until we are acclimatized to her world."
Finally, a funny thing happened during my subbing this week. As I entered a Language Arts classroom, I found--in the teacher's handwriting--my name written on the whiteboard, followed by a line from a poem I wrote in high school called "Coffee." I blinked, wondering if I was asleep. Students later told me that the teacher found the poem on my website and liked it so much, she asked her studewnts to integrate it into their essays. I tell you, it was enough to make me blush.
Good friend, Michelle Knowlden just published a mystery novella, Sinking Ships, the first of an Abishag Quartet. When Leslie Greene decides to solve her monetary woes by becoming an Abishag wife--spending each night lying beside a dying, comatose man as a form of hospice therapy--the worst thing she's anticipating is an end to her social life. Instead she finds herself entangled in a mystery that includes a dead body, stacks of hidden ledgers, and a Portuguese shipwreck. I was fortunate enough to Beta read Michelle's novella and it was excellent: clean prose, good characters, and great emotion. I recommend you buy it.
I saw The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug on Friday night, and I really enjoyed it. Granted, the beginning was slow and the "Spiders and Flies" chapter got a short shrift, but as the movie went on, I began to enjoy more and more, the character development, the action sequences, and the landscape. I'm an incurable romantic--transport me to a far-off land with beautiful costumes, kings and dragons, Shakespearean drama, and stirring speeches, and I just melt.
A less inspiring portion of my week was spent researching agents. This is depressing for me, because I wind up judging myself by the industry standards and finding myself lacking. However, I did find some interesting ewssays written by speculative fiction enthusiast agent Russell Galen. His inights actually prompted me to think about how I write my stories and how I can improve them. For example, in an essay called "Wired Differently," he explains how fantasy writer J.K. Rowling was able to secure mainstream appeal:
"[Scifi/ Fantasy readers] like us are eager to crack the code of a science fiction or fantasy novel by lewarning about all the complicated background necessary to understand it. But the other 90% of the audience gets so annoyed by the homework--learning magic systems, the galactic politics, etc--that they can't enjoy the superb storytelling, characterizations, and ideas [...]. What JKR managed to do, probably without realizing it, was to introduce magical elements slowly, so that the heavy background lessons are held back until we are acclimatized to her world."
Finally, a funny thing happened during my subbing this week. As I entered a Language Arts classroom, I found--in the teacher's handwriting--my name written on the whiteboard, followed by a line from a poem I wrote in high school called "Coffee." I blinked, wondering if I was asleep. Students later told me that the teacher found the poem on my website and liked it so much, she asked her studewnts to integrate it into their essays. I tell you, it was enough to make me blush.
Sunday, December 8, 2013
Unfinished Fiction: Blood on the Sand
Blood soaked the sand in an angry crimson patch.
It was nightfall on the beach, and the sky was a cobalt blue with a faded orange streak on the horizon. Star twinkled on the cold winter sky. I'd walked here alone, hands shoved into the pockets of my windbreaker, my breath a wispy frost.
I saw the body. My back went stiff.
It wasn't the corpse that bothered me, but the fact that it was here, on my turf, on my hunting ground. A man, stout and middle-aged in both body and dress, lay with a single bullet hole through his chest and a white handkerchief over his face.
That concealing cloth was an invitation, a dare. Do I turn around, feign ignorance, and continue on my merry way? Or do I take off the handkerchief and see? Curiosity, morbid fearful curiosity, got the better of me. I lifted up the cloth.
My stomach heaved into my chest.
Next thing I knew I was running, running over the sand dunes, running toward the foam of the surf. As though my legs knew before my mind did.
They were coming for me.
They were on the hunt and I was the prey....
* * *
Saturday, December 7, 2013
Weekly Update: 12-7-13
Whew! It's been a busy week.
It's the start of the winter writing semester for me, which means researching agents and writing events; reading, organizing, and editing the fall swemester's writing; starting the next segment of my Coffin story; and depositing my long-awaited check.
It's also the start of the holiday season. This means Christmas shopping and baking; get-togethers with friends and relatives; and making, from scratch, 21 Christmas cards. (I've been making cards out of stamps and paper scraps since at least the age of 13 and I'm pretty good at it. This year's batch comes in two varieties: a pine-trimmed candle and a pine tree surrounded by snowflakes.)
Added to that, I had 2 much-needed sub jobs. All in all, 'Tis the Season to be running around in a flurry, hoping to get everything done before the Cocoa rush wears off.
It's the start of the winter writing semester for me, which means researching agents and writing events; reading, organizing, and editing the fall swemester's writing; starting the next segment of my Coffin story; and depositing my long-awaited check.
It's also the start of the holiday season. This means Christmas shopping and baking; get-togethers with friends and relatives; and making, from scratch, 21 Christmas cards. (I've been making cards out of stamps and paper scraps since at least the age of 13 and I'm pretty good at it. This year's batch comes in two varieties: a pine-trimmed candle and a pine tree surrounded by snowflakes.)
Added to that, I had 2 much-needed sub jobs. All in all, 'Tis the Season to be running around in a flurry, hoping to get everything done before the Cocoa rush wears off.
Sunday, December 1, 2013
Weekly Update: 12-1-13
Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving. I did. I stuffed myself on all the usual: turkey, stuffing, yams, potatoes, cranberry sauce, crescent rolls, and pie. And then, after that enormous food coma, I didn't feel like doing any work.
And I think I earned a good rest. In my fall work semester, I wrote over 450 pages and sent queries to 10 agents. To reward myself I bought three books at Barnes and Noble, read one, and saw Frozen. "Let it Go" is now stuck in my head. :) Afterward, I got frozen yogurt.
So it was a nice week, all in all.
Next week I go back to work.
And I think I earned a good rest. In my fall work semester, I wrote over 450 pages and sent queries to 10 agents. To reward myself I bought three books at Barnes and Noble, read one, and saw Frozen. "Let it Go" is now stuck in my head. :) Afterward, I got frozen yogurt.
So it was a nice week, all in all.
Next week I go back to work.
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