December 2017
More than a year since my last post. As is traditional, reviewing the last year and making resolutions for the coming year. Weight loss, exercise, and better communication top my list for this coming year.
Happy Holidays and Best Wishes for the New Year!!!
Friday, December 29, 2017
Saturday, October 29, 2016
A Book A Month
I'm looking at GIDEON'S MARCH by John Creasey writing as J.J. Marric. The 1994 Chivers Press version of this 1962 book has a foreword by Donald Rumbelow.
Rumbelow tells us that over forty years John Creasey averaged about a book a month and some years put out twenty.
That's published words. Rumbelow goes on to say that usually Creasey wrote a book in ten days and spent five more days to edit.
I wonder how much he would have written with a computer.
Rumbelow tells us that over forty years John Creasey averaged about a book a month and some years put out twenty.
That's published words. Rumbelow goes on to say that usually Creasey wrote a book in ten days and spent five more days to edit.
I wonder how much he would have written with a computer.
Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Pima Writers' Workshop 2016
The deadline to get a manuscript in for consultation is rapidly approaching for Pima Writers' Workshop. The workshop costs $150 and includes a manuscript consultation if you register and get your manuscript in before May 13, 2016.
Whether you get a manuscript in or not, this is a great workshop in Tucson, Arizona that runs from the evening of May 26 through Sunday afternoon May 29. If you don't have a manuscript you can register up to May 27, 2016.
For twenty-eight years, this workshop set a standard that few matched. This is the last year. Don't miss it.
To register call 520-206-4500. Or for more information call Meg Files at 520-206-6084 or email her at mfiles@pima.edu. The program is posted on www.pima.edu
Whether you get a manuscript in or not, this is a great workshop in Tucson, Arizona that runs from the evening of May 26 through Sunday afternoon May 29. If you don't have a manuscript you can register up to May 27, 2016.
For twenty-eight years, this workshop set a standard that few matched. This is the last year. Don't miss it.
To register call 520-206-4500. Or for more information call Meg Files at 520-206-6084 or email her at mfiles@pima.edu. The program is posted on www.pima.edu
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Still
Still writing. For awhile writing just for myself -- some recollections of the army and Vietnam. Plus I am spending some time looking at Tony Hillerman's main character development. Some research on a couple of story ideas is also on the burner.
Wednesday, November 25, 2015
Tuesday, November 3, 2015
November
Already November and the lovely Fall weather continues. Most of the trees have dropped their leaves but a few brightly colored ones remain.
Tuesday, September 29, 2015
Almost October
Almost October. Where did the summer go?
When an agent actually asked for more and then the whole novel, my hopes soared. What a great experience! When she finally decided my writing didn't meet her expectations, I was disappointed.
Could have, should have, would have ...........
The experience with the agent could have propelled me forward. At least my work received some notice above the pile. At first its momentum carried me forward. But then it started to weigh heavily until I needed a break.
Now slowly I'm stepping back into writing.
Summer though wasn't a waste. I started lots of other projects and worked on things that had been set aside in favor of writing. Rested and refreshed, I think I'll seek out a local writing group.
When an agent actually asked for more and then the whole novel, my hopes soared. What a great experience! When she finally decided my writing didn't meet her expectations, I was disappointed.
Could have, should have, would have ...........
The experience with the agent could have propelled me forward. At least my work received some notice above the pile. At first its momentum carried me forward. But then it started to weigh heavily until I needed a break.
Now slowly I'm stepping back into writing.
Summer though wasn't a waste. I started lots of other projects and worked on things that had been set aside in favor of writing. Rested and refreshed, I think I'll seek out a local writing group.
Tuesday, July 7, 2015
Monday, June 1, 2015
I missed it.
I missed PWW2015 in Tucson this year. Pima Writers' Workshop has just concluded. It is my favorite and I hated to miss it. Meg Files and her group make this a wonderful learning experience every year.
Wednesday, May 6, 2015
Novel update
The last of ten agents queried has responded with a very nice rejection. But a rejection is a rejection is a rejection; it still isn't much fun.
Friday, May 1, 2015
Simner, Walker, and Yanique
Simner, Walker, and Yanique are potential PWW2015 writers that you could get to read your work. I've already posted on some others.
The mix of authors, poets, and agents is always very interesting. The choices sometimes are very difficult, but rest assured, you can't make a wrong choice.
My only advice is: Don't miss Nancy Mairs.
Simner has an interesting web site: www.simner.com
The mix of authors, poets, and agents is always very interesting. The choices sometimes are very difficult, but rest assured, you can't make a wrong choice.
My only advice is: Don't miss Nancy Mairs.
Simner has an interesting web site: www.simner.com
Writers
PWW2015 is coming up rapidly. If you want someone to comment one-on-one on your work, you don't have much time to get in. Just ten days or two weeks.
Meg Files and her team put on an excellent workshop. For more information on Pima Writers' Workshop 2015 to be held May 28-31 at Pima Community College in Tucson contact Meg Files.
520-206-6084 or mfiles@pima.edu
Meg Files and her team put on an excellent workshop. For more information on Pima Writers' Workshop 2015 to be held May 28-31 at Pima Community College in Tucson contact Meg Files.
520-206-6084 or mfiles@pima.edu
Thursday, April 30, 2015
3,054
Writing success isn't about how many books you sell. Still it is nice to sell a lot of books.
Amazon keeps track of their sales. Under details for a title, its best seller position is noted with #1 being the most sold.
Just for fun I checked a few. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins was number 8.
Liar by Nora Roberts, #115; Finders Keepers by Stephen King, #513; Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman, #34,370.
When checking out writers that may be at Pima Writers' Workshop 2015, the Writers Buffet lists Cynthia Bond. Ruby by Cynthia Bond is an Oprah's Book Club 2.0 pick. Today Ruby has an Amazon best seller position of #3,054. Wow!
Amazon keeps track of their sales. Under details for a title, its best seller position is noted with #1 being the most sold.
Just for fun I checked a few. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins was number 8.
Liar by Nora Roberts, #115; Finders Keepers by Stephen King, #513; Blessing Way by Tony Hillerman, #34,370.
When checking out writers that may be at Pima Writers' Workshop 2015, the Writers Buffet lists Cynthia Bond. Ruby by Cynthia Bond is an Oprah's Book Club 2.0 pick. Today Ruby has an Amazon best seller position of #3,054. Wow!
Monday, April 27, 2015
Johanna Lane
Black Lake by Johanna Lane came out in 2014. She may be at Pima Writers' Workshop 2015.
More information on her and this novel can be found at www.johannalane.net
She can also be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
At amazon.com you'll find lots of praise for Lane. There is no doubt that she is very skilled.
More information on her and this novel can be found at www.johannalane.net
She can also be found on Twitter, Facebook, and Goodreads.
At amazon.com you'll find lots of praise for Lane. There is no doubt that she is very skilled.
Monica Drake
Still doing my homework for the Pima Writers' Workshop 2015.
Kenosha Public Library has Monica Drake's 2013 novel, The Stud Book.
As usual I get a book by the author, check out their web site, and check out Amazon.com (read the reviews, look at the ratings, visit the author page). www.monicadrake.com
Read the first page of The Stud Book, you'll probably read the whole novel.
Kenosha Public Library has Monica Drake's 2013 novel, The Stud Book.
As usual I get a book by the author, check out their web site, and check out Amazon.com (read the reviews, look at the ratings, visit the author page). www.monicadrake.com
Read the first page of The Stud Book, you'll probably read the whole novel.
Sunday, April 26, 2015
David Ellis Dickerson
Doing my homework for Pima Writers' Workshop 2015.
If you send in a manuscript to PWW 2015 for an author's comments, you'll list which authors you prefer to read your work.
David Ellis Dickerson was listed on Writers Buffet blog as a possible. I checked out from the Kenosha Library his 2009 House of Cards. It is a funny memoir.
I walked into a session with an author who had read my submission without ever reading any of her work nor without first attending her presentation at the conference. For me that was a big mistake. I missed a valuable opportunity. When she asked if I had any questions, I just mumbled a few really lame ones. Listening to her presentation and reading one of her books brought home how great a loss.
Dickerson is a good example. An excellent match for people with a sense of humor. An excellent match for those writing memoir. He has the skills, the talent, and the experience.
But before you choose him, check him out in his books, on his website ( www.davidellisdickerson.net ), and at www.amazon.com .
I first scan the author's books --- first pages and last page and then the middle. If interested, I read more. He hooked me on both his first page and last page in House of Cards.
If you send in a manuscript to PWW 2015 for an author's comments, you'll list which authors you prefer to read your work.
David Ellis Dickerson was listed on Writers Buffet blog as a possible. I checked out from the Kenosha Library his 2009 House of Cards. It is a funny memoir.
I walked into a session with an author who had read my submission without ever reading any of her work nor without first attending her presentation at the conference. For me that was a big mistake. I missed a valuable opportunity. When she asked if I had any questions, I just mumbled a few really lame ones. Listening to her presentation and reading one of her books brought home how great a loss.
Dickerson is a good example. An excellent match for people with a sense of humor. An excellent match for those writing memoir. He has the skills, the talent, and the experience.
But before you choose him, check him out in his books, on his website ( www.davidellisdickerson.net ), and at www.amazon.com .
I first scan the author's books --- first pages and last page and then the middle. If interested, I read more. He hooked me on both his first page and last page in House of Cards.
Monday, April 20, 2015
Pima Writers' Workshop
JUST A REMINDER: Pima Writers' Workshop is coming up at the end of May, but if you want a writer or agent to read your work, the deadline is the early part of May.
For more information try Shaw Guides or Writers Buffet ( http://www.writersbuffet.org/news/2015/3/23/27th-annual-pima-writers-workshop-at-pima-community-college ).
For more information try Shaw Guides or Writers Buffet ( http://www.writersbuffet.org/news/2015/3/23/27th-annual-pima-writers-workshop-at-pima-community-college ).
Saturday, April 18, 2015
Spring Fever
Three weeks and I haven't posted anything. It's true I have been caught up in Spring Fever. While I have submitted my novel to agents and I have worked on another novel, it has been without a lot of drive, focus, and determination.
Submitting to agents is not fun for me. The major reason is that they don't write back, email, or call immediately recognizing the brilliance of my work. I did in fact get one immediate response but the agent instead of being blinded by my work was blind to it. Many agents in their guidelines say if they don't respond within three, four, or six weeks to assume they are not interested. Others, the kind I would like working for me, respond with a robo response that the submission has been received and get back with an acceptance or a they-are-not-right-for-the-work response within three weeks.
It is Spring and writing isn't the only thing in the world. But I have gone back to another novel that was bogged down in background. It is now moving along at a nice easy pace. I feel like the fisherman who never catches anything but just enjoys the side of the river and the clouds floating overhead.
Submitting to agents is not fun for me. The major reason is that they don't write back, email, or call immediately recognizing the brilliance of my work. I did in fact get one immediate response but the agent instead of being blinded by my work was blind to it. Many agents in their guidelines say if they don't respond within three, four, or six weeks to assume they are not interested. Others, the kind I would like working for me, respond with a robo response that the submission has been received and get back with an acceptance or a they-are-not-right-for-the-work response within three weeks.
It is Spring and writing isn't the only thing in the world. But I have gone back to another novel that was bogged down in background. It is now moving along at a nice easy pace. I feel like the fisherman who never catches anything but just enjoys the side of the river and the clouds floating overhead.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Sign on the wall
A sign on the wall behind a co-worker's desk read: Plan your work. Work your plan.
For my novel I had written out a plan for finding it a home. Instead of putting it in the bottom drawer, I'll continue to follow the plan. That means it'll be submitted to more agents.
Like looking for a job, the right fit is more important than a rapid placement.
For my novel I had written out a plan for finding it a home. Instead of putting it in the bottom drawer, I'll continue to follow the plan. That means it'll be submitted to more agents.
Like looking for a job, the right fit is more important than a rapid placement.
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