The process of writing a new book is mysterious. I always have a couple of ideas kicking around in my head, things I've picked up in a magazine or heard about on the news. The last YA was inspired by a Marie Claire article I read on an airplane. These ideas have to percolate for a little while, until some sort of a plot starts to emerge and the main character begins asserting his or her personality. Sometimes I even get snippets of other characters too. At this point, I don't write anything down.
After a little while, one of the voices (hopefully the main character) really starts talking and developing a personality all their own. I usually start to hear conversations in my head, or sometimes even entire paragraphs of the character's inner thoughts. This happened to me last night, when I was in my favorite place - the bathtub. This particular character got to be so strong and opinionated that I had to hop out and start taking some notes. I was being fed so many good lines, it was time to start writing stuff down (someday, someone is going to invent waterproof pens and paper for just this purpose). By the time I was done, I had about two pages of quotes and maybe the first paragraph of the book. A few more notes on the other characters and the plot and I'll be ready to sit down and start writing.
So, this all sounds good right? That's exactly what you want to happen when you're trying to write a book. Yes, except for the fact that IT'S THE WRONG BOOK! I told Agent E that I was going to write a girl-centered YA. I had some of the basic plot points worked out and was going to start focusing on character when this other boy-centric mid-grade book popped up and asserted itself. The main character has not only told me his name and his nickname, but he's given me some really good lines to work with. As much as I try to focus on the other book, for right now it looks like he's going to win.
I know this all sounds crazy, but sometimes you have to take what you're given and run with it. Oh, BTW, his name is Eli. I kind of like it.
On this date: In 1940, my dad was born. Happy Birthday Dad!
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Career Moves
It turns out that editor Cheryl Klein is looking for a few good interns. It's not paid, but you get to work with editors, do office stuff and get free books (not to mention college credits). Do you think that DH and the kids (and the cats, dog, kittens and turtles) mind if I take the next couple of months off, move to New York and work at Arthur Levine?
Ah, you're right, maybe that is another life in another time. Can't hurt to think about though, can it?
On this date: In 1957, On the Road is published.
Ah, you're right, maybe that is another life in another time. Can't hurt to think about though, can it?
On this date: In 1957, On the Road is published.
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
Around the Dinner Table
T: So what part of the pig does turkey come from?
On this date: In 1966, the last episode of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet airs.
On this date: In 1966, the last episode of The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet airs.
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Due Dates
I've decided that waiting for a manuscript to sell is a lot like being 10 months pregnant:
* You know that something is going to happen, but you don't know exactly what kind of baby you're going to have or when.
* You overanalyze every little twinge - is this it?
* You get so tired of everyone asking why it hasn't happened yet.
* Unbecoming thoughts enter your head when you see other authors and their brand-new book babies while you're still lumbering along.
* Your mind is always elsewhere, no matter how much you try to be present.
* You picture your book baby in your head constantly.
* You have an excuse for being short with family members.
* Your ankles swell.
Okay, maybe that last one is just me.
On this date: In 1969, Star Trek's last episode airs.
* You know that something is going to happen, but you don't know exactly what kind of baby you're going to have or when.
* You overanalyze every little twinge - is this it?
* You get so tired of everyone asking why it hasn't happened yet.
* Unbecoming thoughts enter your head when you see other authors and their brand-new book babies while you're still lumbering along.
* Your mind is always elsewhere, no matter how much you try to be present.
* You picture your book baby in your head constantly.
* You have an excuse for being short with family members.
* Your ankles swell.
Okay, maybe that last one is just me.
On this date: In 1969, Star Trek's last episode airs.
Monday, September 1, 2008
The Kidlit Community
I don't know what it's like in the world of adult writers, but the best thing about being a kidlit writer is the great community. Rather than every writer for themselves, everyone seems to bend over backwards to help, cheer and commiserate each other.
Thanks to my not-so-subtle kvetching on the blog, several other writers (thanks Debi and Maurene) have sent messages that have resulted in a couple of great leads for things I can do at home that don't stray too far from my likes and talents.
One of the best resources for kidlit writers is the Verla Kay writer board forums. Not only do the writers on that board have some great advice, they are soley responsible for getting my first book published as well as hooking me up with Agent E. My favorite (and occasionally the most painful) thread is "Good News" where people go to cheer on everything from finishing a book to getting a publishing deal.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - writing might be a solitary experience, but it can't be done alone.
On this date: In 1985, the wreck of the Titanic was found.
Thanks to my not-so-subtle kvetching on the blog, several other writers (thanks Debi and Maurene) have sent messages that have resulted in a couple of great leads for things I can do at home that don't stray too far from my likes and talents.
One of the best resources for kidlit writers is the Verla Kay writer board forums. Not only do the writers on that board have some great advice, they are soley responsible for getting my first book published as well as hooking me up with Agent E. My favorite (and occasionally the most painful) thread is "Good News" where people go to cheer on everything from finishing a book to getting a publishing deal.
I've said it before and I'll say it again - writing might be a solitary experience, but it can't be done alone.
On this date: In 1985, the wreck of the Titanic was found.
Friday, August 29, 2008
What Do I Want?
In no particular order:
1. World peace and a cure for all horrible wasting diseases.
2. For my kids to be grandparents when I die.
3. A great Indian restaurant to open in our little town.
4. For my kids to get college scholarships because their 529 plans are looking a little skimpy.
5. To learn to play the guitar.
6. For soccer season to go by fast.
7. For all of the crickets that are currently loose in the house (see previous post) to either die or escape into the great outdoors and stop the infernal chirping.
8. A Moose Munch bar that is low calorie but still tastes the same.
9. A zero credit card balance.
It's that last one that is becoming problematic. For about a year, I had the best freelance writing gig - assigned topics, pay every two weeks, no chasing after the money. Then it ended. Then the one I got to replace it never materialized. The lack of money suddenly appearing in my account has made me sit down and take a hard look at what I really want to be doing.
The problem with writing fiction is that it can take years from the day the word gets onto the computer screen to see any compensation. First you write. Then you show it to your agent who marks it all up so you can barely see your original words and gently suggests a complete overhaul. So then you revise because she's pretty much always right. Then you show your critique group and they all have more and brilliant suggestions that you go back and incorporate. Then you show your agent and she just has a few more wee tweaks, then it goes to editors who may want you to do an entirely new overhaul before they can agree to publish your work of art. See, actual years.
In the short term, I've been a little panicky and thinking about all the things I can do to bring some cash into the house. Recently, these have included: Starbucks barrista, pre-school teacher, grant writer, resume writer, housecleaner, dog walker, office grunt, payroll grunt, library assistant, daycare provider, waitress and online writing teacher. I've been so all over the place that on our long walks, the Big Hairy Dog has asked me repeatedly the question that is heading this post. And I've discovered that the true and honest answer to this is that I want to write fiction and then go out and give author talks and school visits. Then write something else and start it all over again.
As they say, you've got to keep your eye on the prize and don't let yourself get distracted by the minutia. Like money. Although, in between writing fiction, I'm studying furiously how to write a winning resume so that I can be certified by the Professional Resume Writers Association (PRWA). That credit card bill isn't going to pay itself.
On this date: In 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast.
1. World peace and a cure for all horrible wasting diseases.
2. For my kids to be grandparents when I die.
3. A great Indian restaurant to open in our little town.
4. For my kids to get college scholarships because their 529 plans are looking a little skimpy.
5. To learn to play the guitar.
6. For soccer season to go by fast.
7. For all of the crickets that are currently loose in the house (see previous post) to either die or escape into the great outdoors and stop the infernal chirping.
8. A Moose Munch bar that is low calorie but still tastes the same.
9. A zero credit card balance.
It's that last one that is becoming problematic. For about a year, I had the best freelance writing gig - assigned topics, pay every two weeks, no chasing after the money. Then it ended. Then the one I got to replace it never materialized. The lack of money suddenly appearing in my account has made me sit down and take a hard look at what I really want to be doing.
The problem with writing fiction is that it can take years from the day the word gets onto the computer screen to see any compensation. First you write. Then you show it to your agent who marks it all up so you can barely see your original words and gently suggests a complete overhaul. So then you revise because she's pretty much always right. Then you show your critique group and they all have more and brilliant suggestions that you go back and incorporate. Then you show your agent and she just has a few more wee tweaks, then it goes to editors who may want you to do an entirely new overhaul before they can agree to publish your work of art. See, actual years.
In the short term, I've been a little panicky and thinking about all the things I can do to bring some cash into the house. Recently, these have included: Starbucks barrista, pre-school teacher, grant writer, resume writer, housecleaner, dog walker, office grunt, payroll grunt, library assistant, daycare provider, waitress and online writing teacher. I've been so all over the place that on our long walks, the Big Hairy Dog has asked me repeatedly the question that is heading this post. And I've discovered that the true and honest answer to this is that I want to write fiction and then go out and give author talks and school visits. Then write something else and start it all over again.
As they say, you've got to keep your eye on the prize and don't let yourself get distracted by the minutia. Like money. Although, in between writing fiction, I'm studying furiously how to write a winning resume so that I can be certified by the Professional Resume Writers Association (PRWA). That credit card bill isn't going to pay itself.
On this date: In 2005, Hurricane Katrina slammed into the Gulf Coast.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year...
That's right - it's the first day of school! I love my kids, but as I'm trying to get my work life in order, I'm craving structure and pattern and breathed a huge sigh of relief this morning as everyone went of to their assigned schools and jobs. The house is quiet, and if I pick up a room, it will stay picked up for the majority of the day. The back door isn't slamming every 45 seconds and no child is coming up to me and whining that there is nothing to eat.
Of course, being that one was going to the first day of middle school and one was now in third grade, I was not allowed to make a fuss or take pictures. Because of that, I had to content myself with looking at photos of past first days. Here is the first day from 2002, when they were going to Kindergarten and Preschool respectively:
Hard to believe we've come so far so fast. I miss that Thomas the Train backpack. Yikes.
Now I just have to get a job...
On this date: In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at the march on Washington.
Of course, being that one was going to the first day of middle school and one was now in third grade, I was not allowed to make a fuss or take pictures. Because of that, I had to content myself with looking at photos of past first days. Here is the first day from 2002, when they were going to Kindergarten and Preschool respectively:
Hard to believe we've come so far so fast. I miss that Thomas the Train backpack. Yikes.
Now I just have to get a job...
On this date: In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his "I Have a Dream" speech at the march on Washington.
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