Happy Sunday, everyone! I usually like to open these posts up with a fun little story but...I have no story, because I did nothing today. Just sat around, cleaned the house, went for Thai food with the hubs, then came home and watch a movie. That's it. Now he's sleeping and I'm catching up on blogging, reading, and revising. Ah, Sunday. A day invented for someone as lazy as me. Love.
Here are some links from people who are definitely not lazy, and are, in fact, totally brilliant:
Ever wonder what to do when you get conflicting advice during a critique? Mary Lindsey has some words of wisdom over on Query Tracker's blog.
There's a great post over on YA Highway on the difference between revisions and rewrites, and why it's important to put time between your drafts.
Shannon Messenger gives some awesome tips on how to find a character's voice (and she uses them, so you know they're fab!)
Wondering how to increase traffic to your blog or get more Twitter followers? Here's a post analyzing what time of day blog readers and Twitter users most frequently use and read content.
Kiersten White explains why all authors - even unpublished, unagented ones - should be nice to everyone, in real life and online. Author gossip can be a serious issue, folks (though we should do our best to fight it).
OMG YOU GOT THE CALL!!!! Now what? Literary agent Jennifer Laughran breaks down all the possible scenarios.
Could you possible be telling when you think you're showing? This post from Sisters in Scribe will help you identify if you have any emotional tagging in your novel.
Janice Hardy discusses story and plot, and asks some big questions which will walk you through the process of ensuring that your scenes serve the greater story.
Have a great week, everyone!
Showing posts with label Sunday Funday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunday Funday. Show all posts
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Sunday Funday! (45)
Happy Sunday, everyone! Yesterday we went out and got our Christmas tree, and now my house smells like Christmas. I cannot WAIT until hubs gets home so we can decorate. I mean I'm actually bouncing in my seat, but for now I'll settle on watching Charlie Brown Christmas and drinking hot cocoa while my dogs cuddle in my lap (OMG my life is so hard right now, right?) Anyway, that has nothing to do with anything, except that I love December.
Which is a terrible segue to say here are some links from around the Internet that I loved this week:
Hey! Children's and YA sales increased 14 percent in October! Woot!
Suzanne from Write it Sideways gives you three ways to tell if your characters are too perfect.
You know by now that I LOVE The Princess Bride (and I found out a few of my readers hadn't seen or read it. And I had a sad.) But as it turns out, you can learn something about publishing from The Princess Bride, too!
Ever wonder what would have happened if your favorite children's book had been written by a sci-fi icon? College Humor created five titles for your curious mind.
Are you worried that your agent could be an idiot? Janet Reid tells you how to figure out if he or she is.
Shayda Bakhshi has two posts on honing your skills. Part 1 discusses how writing challenges and blogs can make you a better writer, and part 2 gives some excellent tips for those looking to perfect their query.
YA Highway has a cute little post on sexy villains - and why you should be scared of them.
Are you an overwriter? Roni Loren from Fiction Groupie gives you some tips to help you avoid overwriting.
Over on KidLit, agent Mary Kole answers the reader question, "Do agents remember the submissions they receive?"
Do you hate your book? According to Rachelle Garderner, that's totally OK.
Alright, now it's time to hang my stockings (we have two for the dogs, too...who are wearing sweaters right now. Dudes, it's cold out. They shiver. Yes, we are so those people.), put out my centerpieces, and tap my foot until 3pm when I can finally hang some adorable things on my Christmas tree...
Have a great week, everyone!
Which is a terrible segue to say here are some links from around the Internet that I loved this week:
Hey! Children's and YA sales increased 14 percent in October! Woot!
Suzanne from Write it Sideways gives you three ways to tell if your characters are too perfect.
You know by now that I LOVE The Princess Bride (and I found out a few of my readers hadn't seen or read it. And I had a sad.) But as it turns out, you can learn something about publishing from The Princess Bride, too!
Ever wonder what would have happened if your favorite children's book had been written by a sci-fi icon? College Humor created five titles for your curious mind.
Are you worried that your agent could be an idiot? Janet Reid tells you how to figure out if he or she is.
Shayda Bakhshi has two posts on honing your skills. Part 1 discusses how writing challenges and blogs can make you a better writer, and part 2 gives some excellent tips for those looking to perfect their query.
YA Highway has a cute little post on sexy villains - and why you should be scared of them.
Are you an overwriter? Roni Loren from Fiction Groupie gives you some tips to help you avoid overwriting.
Over on KidLit, agent Mary Kole answers the reader question, "Do agents remember the submissions they receive?"
Do you hate your book? According to Rachelle Garderner, that's totally OK.
Alright, now it's time to hang my stockings (we have two for the dogs, too...who are wearing sweaters right now. Dudes, it's cold out. They shiver. Yes, we are so those people.), put out my centerpieces, and tap my foot until 3pm when I can finally hang some adorable things on my Christmas tree...
Have a great week, everyone!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sunday Funday! (44)
Happy Sunday! It's Sunday Funday on See Heather Write, which means I'll share some of my favorite links from around the Internet. Here are this week's links:
Agent Mary Kole from kidlit.com answers a reader question - just how hard is it to sell a contemporary YA manuscript right now?
Lindsey Leavitt, author of Princess for Hire, talks about how writing is hard and awful - but also awesome - and shares a GloMo. (You'll have to click through to find out what a GloMo is. Trust me, the story is worth it.)
Natalie Whipple says all the things she wants to say to new writers (OMG THEY'RE ALL SO AWESOME.)
Author Cristin Terrill gives away her super-amazing secret for revising a manuscript. Seriously, people. It's awesome. (And colorful! No, really.)
Lynda R. Young shares her five causes (and solutions to) writers' block.
Over on the Dark Angel's Blog, you can see a list of cliched dialogue that you should never include in your MS.
Literary agent Jennifer Laughran fills us in on some of the pros and cons of skipping the agent and working directly with the publisher.
Finally...I'm dorky (yet awesome) because I think this video is MADE OF WIN.
(Thanks to Jessica Love and Anna Parker Brittain for sharing!)
Have a great week, everyone!
Agent Mary Kole from kidlit.com answers a reader question - just how hard is it to sell a contemporary YA manuscript right now?
Lindsey Leavitt, author of Princess for Hire, talks about how writing is hard and awful - but also awesome - and shares a GloMo. (You'll have to click through to find out what a GloMo is. Trust me, the story is worth it.)
Natalie Whipple says all the things she wants to say to new writers (OMG THEY'RE ALL SO AWESOME.)
Author Cristin Terrill gives away her super-amazing secret for revising a manuscript. Seriously, people. It's awesome. (And colorful! No, really.)
Lynda R. Young shares her five causes (and solutions to) writers' block.
Over on the Dark Angel's Blog, you can see a list of cliched dialogue that you should never include in your MS.
Literary agent Jennifer Laughran fills us in on some of the pros and cons of skipping the agent and working directly with the publisher.
Finally...I'm dorky (yet awesome) because I think this video is MADE OF WIN.
(Thanks to Jessica Love and Anna Parker Brittain for sharing!)
Have a great week, everyone!
Sunday, November 7, 2010
Sunday Funday! (43) (Plus, winners!)
Well, hello there! It's Sunday, and I got an extra hour of sleep last night. And somehow it's still already 2pm, and I have accomplished literally nothing today. (I'm still in my pajamas. True story.) BUT I have compiled this AMAZING list of links from around the Web, with some great advice/news/general awesome for you to enjoy. I've also chosen WINNERS for my blogversary giveaway!
So I guess I have accomplished something, after all.
I'm not participating in this year's NaNoWriMo, because I'm busy revising my face off. (See my face, over there on the other side of the room?) But there has been quite a kerfuffle (what an excellent word) around the topic this year; Salon writer Laura Miller said NaNo was kind of lame and pointless. LA Times writer Carolyn Kellogg said that Miller, in fact, was the lame one (I might be paraphrasing there), and that NaNo is actually awesome. Maggie Steifvater wrote an anti-NaNo pep-talk.
Should you tell agents who offered representation when they're considering your manuscript? Agency Gatekeeper says the question is pushy and should be a sign to run away. Janet Reid and Jessica Faust say she's ridiculous, that the question is a normal professional one, and that you - the author - don't even have to answer it. What do you think?
Do you sometimes think that, with all the overwhelming positivity out there on the Internet from other writers, that you're the only one struggling or worrying or totally freaking out? Shannon Messenger assures you - you're not.
Are you struggling writing a particular scene? Never fear - Jody Hedlund has five great tips to help you write the perfect scene!
Super-agent Nathan Bransford says "so long, and thanks for all the fish" to publishing, and hello to CNET.
Synopsis blues got you down? Agent Suzie Townsend gives some advice on how to makes them easier.
Writer Jennifer Walkup tells other writers to just be nice to each other already.
Writers, agents, and editors are always talking about voice. They want a book that shows voice, characters with a unique voice...and you might be sitting at home thinking, "Great, but what the heck does that even MEAN??" Author Elana Johnson's post over on the Query Tracker blog gives some insight as to what voice is, and how to use it well.
Need some tips on being a better beta? Here are a few things to look for when beta-reading, courtesy of Write Brained.
Also LOOK HOW AWESOME THIS IS OMG I WANT FRIENDS WHO WILL DO THIS WITH ME. (This is why I want to move to New York. Because stuff this cool doesn't happen in Clearwater. We just stay in our PJs all day.)
(Thanks to YA Highway for sharing!)
And now...
The winners of my blogversary contest!
I went into my spreadsheet in Google docs and used random.org to calculate the winners. I went in order, but my plan was if whoever was drawn didn't want the prize I was on, I would give them the next prize on my list. Fortunately, I went in order and everyone wanted the prize they were drawn for. (Does that even make sense? It does to me, and I think that's all that matters. Maybe.)
OK! For prize number one, the signed copy of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, the winner is...
Shannon O'Donnell!!!
For prize number two, signed copies of Boy Meets Boy and Tangled, the winner is...
Kristi Faith!!!
And for prize three, the swag pack, featuring stickers, bookmarks, and other goodies, the winner is...
Meguita!!!
Congratulations, everyone! I'm emailing you shortly for your address! If I don't hear from you within 48 hours, I'll have to pick a new winner!
So I guess I have accomplished something, after all.
I'm not participating in this year's NaNoWriMo, because I'm busy revising my face off. (See my face, over there on the other side of the room?) But there has been quite a kerfuffle (what an excellent word) around the topic this year; Salon writer Laura Miller said NaNo was kind of lame and pointless. LA Times writer Carolyn Kellogg said that Miller, in fact, was the lame one (I might be paraphrasing there), and that NaNo is actually awesome. Maggie Steifvater wrote an anti-NaNo pep-talk.
Should you tell agents who offered representation when they're considering your manuscript? Agency Gatekeeper says the question is pushy and should be a sign to run away. Janet Reid and Jessica Faust say she's ridiculous, that the question is a normal professional one, and that you - the author - don't even have to answer it. What do you think?
Do you sometimes think that, with all the overwhelming positivity out there on the Internet from other writers, that you're the only one struggling or worrying or totally freaking out? Shannon Messenger assures you - you're not.
Are you struggling writing a particular scene? Never fear - Jody Hedlund has five great tips to help you write the perfect scene!
Super-agent Nathan Bransford says "so long, and thanks for all the fish" to publishing, and hello to CNET.
Synopsis blues got you down? Agent Suzie Townsend gives some advice on how to makes them easier.
Writer Jennifer Walkup tells other writers to just be nice to each other already.
Writers, agents, and editors are always talking about voice. They want a book that shows voice, characters with a unique voice...and you might be sitting at home thinking, "Great, but what the heck does that even MEAN??" Author Elana Johnson's post over on the Query Tracker blog gives some insight as to what voice is, and how to use it well.
Need some tips on being a better beta? Here are a few things to look for when beta-reading, courtesy of Write Brained.
Also LOOK HOW AWESOME THIS IS OMG I WANT FRIENDS WHO WILL DO THIS WITH ME. (This is why I want to move to New York. Because stuff this cool doesn't happen in Clearwater. We just stay in our PJs all day.)
(Thanks to YA Highway for sharing!)
And now...
The winners of my blogversary contest!
I went into my spreadsheet in Google docs and used random.org to calculate the winners. I went in order, but my plan was if whoever was drawn didn't want the prize I was on, I would give them the next prize on my list. Fortunately, I went in order and everyone wanted the prize they were drawn for. (Does that even make sense? It does to me, and I think that's all that matters. Maybe.)
OK! For prize number one, the signed copy of The True Story of the Three Little Pigs, the winner is...
Shannon O'Donnell!!!
For prize number two, signed copies of Boy Meets Boy and Tangled, the winner is...
Kristi Faith!!!
And for prize three, the swag pack, featuring stickers, bookmarks, and other goodies, the winner is...
Meguita!!!
Congratulations, everyone! I'm emailing you shortly for your address! If I don't hear from you within 48 hours, I'll have to pick a new winner!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Sunday Funday! (42)
Hey! It's Sunday! And I'm not skipping Sunday Funday!
It's also Halloween! I don't know if I'm actually dressing up tonight. Last night, the hubs and I went to a rowdy party, dressed as Mario and Luigi (I was Mario, because I'm shorter and fatter. I'm not being self-deprecating, that really is true.) Tonight, he's heading down to see our little nieces and go trick-or-treating with them, and I'm staying home to watch scary movies with my girlfriends and pass out candy to the massive amounts of children in our neighborhood - so they can spend the next month dropping the wrappers on our lawn while they wait for the buss. Ah, the circle of life.
But enough about me. Let's talk links! Here are some great links from 'round the Interwebz this week:
Kidlit.com founder and literary agent Mary Kole asks whether you should get an MFA over on her awesome-sauce blog.
Meanwhile, agent Kristen over on Pub Rants discusses the top 10 things she usually finds wrong with a kidslit SF/F query letter.
Stina Lindenblatt has an awesome Q and A with agent Joanna Volpe. Her questions are really different from the usual, "What are you seeing in the slush pile?" type stuff.
Wondering where to find crit partners and readers? Beth Revis, author of the fab-u-lous ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, gives some excellent pointers about where to look - and what to do once you have them.
Shannon Messenger discusses the difference between competition and drive - and explains why kidlit writers are awesome.
Power agent/author Mandy Hubbard shows how one of her clients' query letters evolved to book pitch and finally to back cover copy.
And finally...LOOK AT HOW AWESOME THIS VIDEO IS OMG WOW. (I kind of want to do this in my house. Though I think my dogs would knock the books over before I got any set up. Or they'd just bark at them.)
Ah...it's good to be back. Have a great week everyone!
And Happy Halloween!
It's also Halloween! I don't know if I'm actually dressing up tonight. Last night, the hubs and I went to a rowdy party, dressed as Mario and Luigi (I was Mario, because I'm shorter and fatter. I'm not being self-deprecating, that really is true.) Tonight, he's heading down to see our little nieces and go trick-or-treating with them, and I'm staying home to watch scary movies with my girlfriends and pass out candy to the massive amounts of children in our neighborhood - so they can spend the next month dropping the wrappers on our lawn while they wait for the buss. Ah, the circle of life.
But enough about me. Let's talk links! Here are some great links from 'round the Interwebz this week:
Kidlit.com founder and literary agent Mary Kole asks whether you should get an MFA over on her awesome-sauce blog.
Meanwhile, agent Kristen over on Pub Rants discusses the top 10 things she usually finds wrong with a kidslit SF/F query letter.
Stina Lindenblatt has an awesome Q and A with agent Joanna Volpe. Her questions are really different from the usual, "What are you seeing in the slush pile?" type stuff.
Wondering where to find crit partners and readers? Beth Revis, author of the fab-u-lous ACROSS THE UNIVERSE, gives some excellent pointers about where to look - and what to do once you have them.
Shannon Messenger discusses the difference between competition and drive - and explains why kidlit writers are awesome.
Power agent/author Mandy Hubbard shows how one of her clients' query letters evolved to book pitch and finally to back cover copy.
And finally...LOOK AT HOW AWESOME THIS VIDEO IS OMG WOW. (I kind of want to do this in my house. Though I think my dogs would knock the books over before I got any set up. Or they'd just bark at them.)
Ah...it's good to be back. Have a great week everyone!
And Happy Halloween!
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Sunday Funday! (41) AND The Winners!!
Happy Sunday everyone! Today I'm going to announce the winners of my signed Sisters Red and Audrey, Wait! giveaways! But before I do that, I'll give you the Sunday Funday links! And before I do that, we'll talk a little about book banning.
I know I've been getting really good at posting these things in the morning instead of super late at night, and tonight's post is totally ruining that. But I got off to a late start today, and then when I finally did turn my computer on, my Google reader was just absolutely INUNDATED with posts in reaction to this article discussing how the rape scenes in Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak are pornographic. Other books attacked in the op-ed piece include Slaughter-House Five and Twenty Boy Summer.
Oddly, the writer does say that we (as a society) should be holding up Christian ideals, so I assume he finds the Bible to be acceptable reading material, but last time I read the Bible there were scenes depicting war, orgies, drinking, prostitution, etc. Is his argument that those scenes are meant to teach, to prove a point? Aren't the ones in Speak also meant to help, to prove a point, to show things how they really are? The article goes on to say that middle school children shouldn't be taught about homosexuality, condom use, or oral sex (I'm sorry, but if this guy doesn't think that some middle schoolers are experimenting with sex, with or without that education, he's an idiot. People I knew were experimenting with sex when I was in middle school, and that was 12 years ago. And my have times changed since then.)
I'm not going to go on and on about how Speak isn't pornographic, because many others have said it better than I ever could, or say that Speak has helped many, many, many teens work through their own sexual assault. Instead, I'd like to point you to the excellent responses on the topic. (Thanks to Reclusive Bibliophile for the link list, and to Kate Hart for directing me there.)
The point of all these posts is this: "Reading a book cannot hurt you." Duh. And with slightly less press, but also in Missouri, another extremely popular and excellent YA book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, was recently banned. This interesting post, from non-book blogger The RRoy Report, discusses the issue, and how, uhm, duh, kids are doing things like masturbating (gasp!) and using swear words (egads!) anyway, whether or not they've read Alexie's National Book Award winner.
OK, now here are the rest of the Sunday Funday links! (The one about Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was always going to be included, but I bumped it up because it seemed relevant.)
Beth Revis, the author of the can't-wait-to-read book Across the Universe, talks hooking readers with your first chapter over on the dystopian author blog League of Extraordinary Writers.
If you're at all like me or even a little bit cool, you love the If You Give a _____ a _____ stories (or you have children who do, and your children are awesome.) Jennifer Daiker wondered what would happen If You Give a Writer an Idea.
Agent Mary Kole lets you know that not only does your day job not really matter to her, but you will probably have to keep your day job after you sign with an agent.
Ever wonder what an editorial letter from a major publisher looks like? Mandy Hubbard shares tidbits from her Prada and Prejudice letter (which, at full length, was 11 pages long! Yikes!)
Let the Words Flow has a great post about writing good...well, BAD...villains.
Wondering how to find the time to write? The answer is simple - either do it or don't.
Good news from Kiersten White! Writing never gets easier, even when you're published and have an agent! (Wait, that doesn't actually sound like such good news after all...)
Dear Internet: Don't date a writer.
Finally, the hilarious Amna has created a Burn Book for literary characters. WIN.
Alright, and finally....the winners of my giveaway!!! After all the extra entries were tallied, etc., there were 202 entries for the books! Woot! Awesome. I used Google docs to keep track of everything (assisted by Google forms for data capture), and I promise everyone got their extra entries counted. Then I headed over to random.org to choose the winning numbers. And those numbers were...
7 and 107
Which means nothing. BUT according to my form, it means that...
JESSICA HARWOOD won a signed copy of Audrey, Wait!
and ERICA won a signed copy of Sisters Red!
Congratulations ladies! I'll be emailing you for your addresses shortly!
If you didn't win, don't be sad! I've got a stock pile of goodies, including signed books and SWAG, to give away for my one-year blogversary, which will be coming up at the end of October! So get excited!
I know I've been getting really good at posting these things in the morning instead of super late at night, and tonight's post is totally ruining that. But I got off to a late start today, and then when I finally did turn my computer on, my Google reader was just absolutely INUNDATED with posts in reaction to this article discussing how the rape scenes in Laurie Halse Anderson's Speak are pornographic. Other books attacked in the op-ed piece include Slaughter-House Five and Twenty Boy Summer.
Oddly, the writer does say that we (as a society) should be holding up Christian ideals, so I assume he finds the Bible to be acceptable reading material, but last time I read the Bible there were scenes depicting war, orgies, drinking, prostitution, etc. Is his argument that those scenes are meant to teach, to prove a point? Aren't the ones in Speak also meant to help, to prove a point, to show things how they really are? The article goes on to say that middle school children shouldn't be taught about homosexuality, condom use, or oral sex (I'm sorry, but if this guy doesn't think that some middle schoolers are experimenting with sex, with or without that education, he's an idiot. People I knew were experimenting with sex when I was in middle school, and that was 12 years ago. And my have times changed since then.)
I'm not going to go on and on about how Speak isn't pornographic, because many others have said it better than I ever could, or say that Speak has helped many, many, many teens work through their own sexual assault. Instead, I'd like to point you to the excellent responses on the topic. (Thanks to Reclusive Bibliophile for the link list, and to Kate Hart for directing me there.)
The point of all these posts is this: "Reading a book cannot hurt you." Duh. And with slightly less press, but also in Missouri, another extremely popular and excellent YA book, The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, was recently banned. This interesting post, from non-book blogger The RRoy Report, discusses the issue, and how, uhm, duh, kids are doing things like masturbating (gasp!) and using swear words (egads!) anyway, whether or not they've read Alexie's National Book Award winner.
OK, now here are the rest of the Sunday Funday links! (The one about Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian was always going to be included, but I bumped it up because it seemed relevant.)
Beth Revis, the author of the can't-wait-to-read book Across the Universe, talks hooking readers with your first chapter over on the dystopian author blog League of Extraordinary Writers.
If you're at all like me or even a little bit cool, you love the If You Give a _____ a _____ stories (or you have children who do, and your children are awesome.) Jennifer Daiker wondered what would happen If You Give a Writer an Idea.
Agent Mary Kole lets you know that not only does your day job not really matter to her, but you will probably have to keep your day job after you sign with an agent.
Ever wonder what an editorial letter from a major publisher looks like? Mandy Hubbard shares tidbits from her Prada and Prejudice letter (which, at full length, was 11 pages long! Yikes!)
Let the Words Flow has a great post about writing good...well, BAD...villains.
Wondering how to find the time to write? The answer is simple - either do it or don't.
Good news from Kiersten White! Writing never gets easier, even when you're published and have an agent! (Wait, that doesn't actually sound like such good news after all...)
Dear Internet: Don't date a writer.
Finally, the hilarious Amna has created a Burn Book for literary characters. WIN.
Alright, and finally....the winners of my giveaway!!! After all the extra entries were tallied, etc., there were 202 entries for the books! Woot! Awesome. I used Google docs to keep track of everything (assisted by Google forms for data capture), and I promise everyone got their extra entries counted. Then I headed over to random.org to choose the winning numbers. And those numbers were...
7 and 107
Which means nothing. BUT according to my form, it means that...
JESSICA HARWOOD won a signed copy of Audrey, Wait!
and ERICA won a signed copy of Sisters Red!
Congratulations ladies! I'll be emailing you for your addresses shortly!
If you didn't win, don't be sad! I've got a stock pile of goodies, including signed books and SWAG, to give away for my one-year blogversary, which will be coming up at the end of October! So get excited!
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Sunday Funday! (40)
Happy Sunday, everyone! Before we get started today, I want to talk to you about an awesome writers' conference. I know, I know, I do that a lot. What can I say? I honestly worry that people are missing out on incredible opportunities in their own backyard simply because they don't know about them. So if just ONE person is helped from this, then, awesome.
So this conference is called the Auburn Writers Conference, and it's only about a month away! It's in Auburn, Alabama, which according to my friends who live there is an absolutely a-dorable town. And I'll be there!! And so will Rachel Hawkins, Holly Root, Irene Latham, Julianna Baggot, Judy Troy, and more awesome people. You should go! And say hi to me! But also learn a lot. It's only $150 for both days, and if you're a student it's only $25! WOW! That's pretty much the cheapest conference EVER. And the workshop sessions are amazing. Plus did I mention that I'll be there? Because I will. And I like to meet you people, because I think you are awesome.
OK, on with the links!
This insightful article from my future alma mater's literary art's journal, VCFA's Hunger Mountain, talks about why children's books with multicultural characters aren't just for multicultural children.
Mary Kole, literary agent with Andrea Brown, discusses her full manuscript evaluation process on her awesome blog kidlit.com.
Nathan Bransford talks about how to make your dialogue sing (is there a pun there? If there is, it wasn't intended. Maybe.)
What's more important to an agent - a writer or a Twitter feed? Bookends Literary looks at the question - and explains why her answer probably won't change your opinion of agents who tweet anyway.
Judson Merrill, a writer trying to find a home for his stories, responds to some of the more confusing phrases in the form rejections he receives. (Via DGLM)
OK, so I have a job, and a life, and a family...how in the heck do I have time to write?? Kate Messner, who has written nine books in the past three years, answers that age-old question.
Natalie Whipple wants to know...are you being a writer, or are you just throwing icing on a cardboard cake?
Adorable bookish jewelry over on Jennie's blog, Life is Short, Read Fast.
Rachelle Gardener takes you behind the scenes at an acquisitions meeting...and it is hilarious and terrifying.
OK, folks, I think that's all for today. Hope you all have a great week!
So this conference is called the Auburn Writers Conference, and it's only about a month away! It's in Auburn, Alabama, which according to my friends who live there is an absolutely a-dorable town. And I'll be there!! And so will Rachel Hawkins, Holly Root, Irene Latham, Julianna Baggot, Judy Troy, and more awesome people. You should go! And say hi to me! But also learn a lot. It's only $150 for both days, and if you're a student it's only $25! WOW! That's pretty much the cheapest conference EVER. And the workshop sessions are amazing. Plus did I mention that I'll be there? Because I will. And I like to meet you people, because I think you are awesome.
OK, on with the links!
This insightful article from my future alma mater's literary art's journal, VCFA's Hunger Mountain, talks about why children's books with multicultural characters aren't just for multicultural children.
Mary Kole, literary agent with Andrea Brown, discusses her full manuscript evaluation process on her awesome blog kidlit.com.
Nathan Bransford talks about how to make your dialogue sing (is there a pun there? If there is, it wasn't intended. Maybe.)
What's more important to an agent - a writer or a Twitter feed? Bookends Literary looks at the question - and explains why her answer probably won't change your opinion of agents who tweet anyway.
Judson Merrill, a writer trying to find a home for his stories, responds to some of the more confusing phrases in the form rejections he receives. (Via DGLM)
OK, so I have a job, and a life, and a family...how in the heck do I have time to write?? Kate Messner, who has written nine books in the past three years, answers that age-old question.
Natalie Whipple wants to know...are you being a writer, or are you just throwing icing on a cardboard cake?
Adorable bookish jewelry over on Jennie's blog, Life is Short, Read Fast.
Rachelle Gardener takes you behind the scenes at an acquisitions meeting...and it is hilarious and terrifying.
OK, folks, I think that's all for today. Hope you all have a great week!
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Sunday Funday! (39)
I'm still in Decatur, at the book festival, but thanks to the magic of blogger scheduled posts, I can bring you Sunday Funday as regularly scheduled! Here are some awesome links from around the blogging world this week.
Here's a wonderful post about writing for children and YA from Cynthia Leitich Smith.
Yay! Amna and her cousin exchanged texts during Mockingjay, too! (My sister and I did this too, but I have to admit they weren't quite as funny/entertaining as these. Sorry Holly.)
YA Highway has an AMAZING post about what The Princess Bride (an amazing movie, and also a good book) can teach you about querying.
Do you post book reviews online? Literary agent Rachelle Gardener offers her advice/opinion on writers who review books.
So you know how much I love when writers rewrite the lyrics to pop songs and make them relevant to my life? A LOT. Here's Jen Hayley with I GOTTA FEELING: The Writer Remix!
Ever wondered how to write a novel? Never fear! Tahereh breaks it down for you in 100 easy (and hilarious!) steps.
Jessica Love explores the boy question in YA lit from a new angle - what's up with the high ratio of dorky boy narrators?
New blog alert! That Cover Girl will discuss covers of YA books - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I knew there were similar blogs out there for adult/general interest books, so something like this is awesome and right up my alley!
OK, I think that's all! Have a great week and tune in tomorrow for my DBF recap - with prizes!
Here's a wonderful post about writing for children and YA from Cynthia Leitich Smith.
Yay! Amna and her cousin exchanged texts during Mockingjay, too! (My sister and I did this too, but I have to admit they weren't quite as funny/entertaining as these. Sorry Holly.)
YA Highway has an AMAZING post about what The Princess Bride (an amazing movie, and also a good book) can teach you about querying.
Do you post book reviews online? Literary agent Rachelle Gardener offers her advice/opinion on writers who review books.
So you know how much I love when writers rewrite the lyrics to pop songs and make them relevant to my life? A LOT. Here's Jen Hayley with I GOTTA FEELING: The Writer Remix!
Ever wondered how to write a novel? Never fear! Tahereh breaks it down for you in 100 easy (and hilarious!) steps.
Jessica Love explores the boy question in YA lit from a new angle - what's up with the high ratio of dorky boy narrators?
New blog alert! That Cover Girl will discuss covers of YA books - the good, the bad, and the ugly. I knew there were similar blogs out there for adult/general interest books, so something like this is awesome and right up my alley!
OK, I think that's all! Have a great week and tune in tomorrow for my DBF recap - with prizes!
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Sunday Funday (38)
Happy Sunday! Every Sunday, I feature some helpful links from around the blogging world/Internet. We have a lot of links this week, so I could ramble a bit like I usually do, but I think it would be better to just get down to it! Here are some of the best links I found this week. (Feel free to add your own in the comments!)
So you all might know my friend Jessica Love. She describes herself as tall, blond, and pretty sarcastic. All of which are totally accurate. She is also awesome. Here is a picture of Jessica and I at SCBWI-LA.
If you met me there, chances are good that you met her, too, because we were doing the "stick together like clueless noobs" routine. Well Jessica started a writing blog, which is awesome because now in addition to stalking her on Twitter, sending her 12 emails a day, and reading her fabulous YA review blog, I can now also read her writing blog. And you should too.
Amna from Girl in Between is working on a collaborative project about WHY WE WRITE. She is awesome and has entertained me on multiple occasions. So you should help her out.
Wondering how to start a novel? Maggie Stiefvater shares her 7 Super Sekrit Steps. (OK, they're not really secret, but I thought that sounded fun.)
Kate Hart, in a follow-up to her awesome agent story, talks about some of the things you should ask an agent.
Writer Ian Hocking discloses why, after years of working with his agent and sending multiple novels out on sub, he's decided to retire from writing. (Not really an inspiring post, but certainly enlightening.)
Literary agent Mary Kole, who runs the awesome blog KidLit, talks about mature/sarcastic/snarky voice in YA - and when not to use it.
Speaking of KidLit...ever wonder about Slush Pile fatigue? Do agents just pull out some queries because the other queries around them suck so much that the queries they pulled are better by comparison? Find out here.
Your minor characters are just as important as your major characters, but sometimes - especially in the first draft - they fall flat. Wondering how to make your minor characters shine? Check out these 5 steps to creating dazzling minor characters, from WordPlay.
Working on your final polish and seeing a lot of the same words? How about taking a look at this list of synonyms for commonly used words and seeing if you can replace a few of those repeats.
There are two great posts on writer envy this week. One, from author Steph Bowe, (in a truly beautiful post) talks about how she doesn't really understand the envy. Another, a guest post over at Pimp My Novel, discusses how writer-envy is normal, and how even though we help each other we can all only go through the gate one at a time. Hm...
Having some plot troubles? Janice Hardy helps you figure them out by asking a few simple questions.
It might seem like, in the grand scheme of your huge novel, one sentence doesn't make a difference. But YA Highway sees it otherwise. (And it seems like these sentence strengthening posts are going to be a series, so, yay!)
And finally...an epic contest from Emilia Plater! She's giving away critiques from agents, signed books, candy, and more! Check it out here. Or don't. Because I really want to win this one. So I think no one else should enter and that will just make me the winner. Done and done.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Can you believe how early in the day I posted this week? Get this - I actually scheduled this post in advance! It's a Sunday Funday miracle!
So you all might know my friend Jessica Love. She describes herself as tall, blond, and pretty sarcastic. All of which are totally accurate. She is also awesome. Here is a picture of Jessica and I at SCBWI-LA.
If you met me there, chances are good that you met her, too, because we were doing the "stick together like clueless noobs" routine. Well Jessica started a writing blog, which is awesome because now in addition to stalking her on Twitter, sending her 12 emails a day, and reading her fabulous YA review blog, I can now also read her writing blog. And you should too.
Amna from Girl in Between is working on a collaborative project about WHY WE WRITE. She is awesome and has entertained me on multiple occasions. So you should help her out.
Wondering how to start a novel? Maggie Stiefvater shares her 7 Super Sekrit Steps. (OK, they're not really secret, but I thought that sounded fun.)
Kate Hart, in a follow-up to her awesome agent story, talks about some of the things you should ask an agent.
Writer Ian Hocking discloses why, after years of working with his agent and sending multiple novels out on sub, he's decided to retire from writing. (Not really an inspiring post, but certainly enlightening.)
Literary agent Mary Kole, who runs the awesome blog KidLit, talks about mature/sarcastic/snarky voice in YA - and when not to use it.
Speaking of KidLit...ever wonder about Slush Pile fatigue? Do agents just pull out some queries because the other queries around them suck so much that the queries they pulled are better by comparison? Find out here.
Your minor characters are just as important as your major characters, but sometimes - especially in the first draft - they fall flat. Wondering how to make your minor characters shine? Check out these 5 steps to creating dazzling minor characters, from WordPlay.
Working on your final polish and seeing a lot of the same words? How about taking a look at this list of synonyms for commonly used words and seeing if you can replace a few of those repeats.
There are two great posts on writer envy this week. One, from author Steph Bowe, (in a truly beautiful post) talks about how she doesn't really understand the envy. Another, a guest post over at Pimp My Novel, discusses how writer-envy is normal, and how even though we help each other we can all only go through the gate one at a time. Hm...
Having some plot troubles? Janice Hardy helps you figure them out by asking a few simple questions.
It might seem like, in the grand scheme of your huge novel, one sentence doesn't make a difference. But YA Highway sees it otherwise. (And it seems like these sentence strengthening posts are going to be a series, so, yay!)
And finally...an epic contest from Emilia Plater! She's giving away critiques from agents, signed books, candy, and more! Check it out here. Or don't. Because I really want to win this one. So I think no one else should enter and that will just make me the winner. Done and done.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Can you believe how early in the day I posted this week? Get this - I actually scheduled this post in advance! It's a Sunday Funday miracle!
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Sunday Funday (37)
Happy Sunday!! It's been a busy week at the Trese household. I've been revising a TON (hence the lack of updates - oops!) and doing some CP reading. I also got to go back to WWoHP this week with my friend Crystal, and it was just as amazing as the first time! (Sidenote: I am an annual pass holder, so all of you blogging friends who are making the trip down to Orlando sometime in the next year should totally give me a buzz.)
But enough about me. Let's talk about the other great things that have been going on in the blogging world!
Amna from Girl in Between had a whole post dedicated to awesome, awful, and awfully awesome rejections.
HEY! MOCKINGJAY is only TWO DAYS AWAY!!!! Forever Young Adult celebrated by suggesting some great HG merch (and an HG drinking game). Amna, on the other hand, traded hilarious texts with her cousin, a first-time HG reader, and then posted them on her blog for all the world to enjoy.
Wondering how to write a novel? Nathan Bransford explains.
OK, so you've written the novel...now you need to edit it. (Knew you were forgetting something, huh?) Kiersten White's got you covered!
So, your novel is written, it's edited...time to move on to beta readers! Got YA? discusses how to be a better beta, while a group of bloggers led by Sarah Enni participated in a Battle of the Betas where they betaed online so you can see their process.
Pretty soon, you'll be ready to query! Kate Hart posted her agent story and it's amazing and inspirational - keep working and yours could be just as awesome.
And if all of this sounds way too intimidating, you might want to start here, with some tips for getting the ball rolling.
Have you decided to give up? Still facing rejection? As it turns out, there are some perks to being unpublished, according to Query Tracker blog.
And finally...have you seen this video? Grammar School with Snooki. OMG IT'S AWESOME AND MAKES ME LOVE JOHN GREEN EVEN MORE. Watch it. Love it. (Actually, watch pretty much all of the VlogBrothers videos, because they are all awesome.
Have a great week everyone!
But enough about me. Let's talk about the other great things that have been going on in the blogging world!
Amna from Girl in Between had a whole post dedicated to awesome, awful, and awfully awesome rejections.
HEY! MOCKINGJAY is only TWO DAYS AWAY!!!! Forever Young Adult celebrated by suggesting some great HG merch (and an HG drinking game). Amna, on the other hand, traded hilarious texts with her cousin, a first-time HG reader, and then posted them on her blog for all the world to enjoy.
Wondering how to write a novel? Nathan Bransford explains.
OK, so you've written the novel...now you need to edit it. (Knew you were forgetting something, huh?) Kiersten White's got you covered!
So, your novel is written, it's edited...time to move on to beta readers! Got YA? discusses how to be a better beta, while a group of bloggers led by Sarah Enni participated in a Battle of the Betas where they betaed online so you can see their process.
Pretty soon, you'll be ready to query! Kate Hart posted her agent story and it's amazing and inspirational - keep working and yours could be just as awesome.
And if all of this sounds way too intimidating, you might want to start here, with some tips for getting the ball rolling.
Have you decided to give up? Still facing rejection? As it turns out, there are some perks to being unpublished, according to Query Tracker blog.
And finally...have you seen this video? Grammar School with Snooki. OMG IT'S AWESOME AND MAKES ME LOVE JOHN GREEN EVEN MORE. Watch it. Love it. (Actually, watch pretty much all of the VlogBrothers videos, because they are all awesome.
Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Sunday Funday! (36)
Happy Sunday everyone! Hope you all had a wonderful week! Here are some great links from around the blogging universe:
Jade, a YA writer from Australia, knows that sometimes it sucks to be an unpublished writer, thinking you'll never, ever, ever, EVER make it. Here, she talks about how to make that feeling suck less.
Over on The Urban Muse, learn 5 mistakes that weaken your writing. Although the blog is geared toward freelance writers, there's always good info on there for fiction writers (and it's a great source of information if you're considering getting into freelance writing!)
The lessons from SCBWI-LA keep rolling in! This one, posted over at Children's Publishing blog, is basically all about the aggregate lessons they learned from the conference, and how it all boiled down to one thing - how to sell your novel.
It's Dystopian August over at Presenting Lenore! Head over for reviews, giveaways, autho interviews, discussions with dystopian readers, and more about my favorite genre, all from the lovely and talented Lenore!
Rachelle Gardener has a great post about all the questions you want to ask an agent before you sign with them. (You mean you don't just immediately say OMGOMGOMGYESYESTHANKYOUPLEASEYES!!!! ? No. No you don't.)
Mockingjay is almost here! (And apparently in some stores it's here already. Say what?) To celebrate, my friend Julie hosted a week of Hunger Games-related posts, including a haiku day, featuring bad poetry from yours truly!
Dear Emilia Plater, You are so cute that you kill me a little inside. Especially when you make adorable videos where you rewrite the lyrics to pop songs and make them about publishing. Love, Heather
An interesting article from The Huffington Post about what motivates the book buyer.
The YA 5 explains how everything they need to know about life they learned from YA books.
Have a great week!
Jade, a YA writer from Australia, knows that sometimes it sucks to be an unpublished writer, thinking you'll never, ever, ever, EVER make it. Here, she talks about how to make that feeling suck less.
Over on The Urban Muse, learn 5 mistakes that weaken your writing. Although the blog is geared toward freelance writers, there's always good info on there for fiction writers (and it's a great source of information if you're considering getting into freelance writing!)
The lessons from SCBWI-LA keep rolling in! This one, posted over at Children's Publishing blog, is basically all about the aggregate lessons they learned from the conference, and how it all boiled down to one thing - how to sell your novel.
It's Dystopian August over at Presenting Lenore! Head over for reviews, giveaways, autho interviews, discussions with dystopian readers, and more about my favorite genre, all from the lovely and talented Lenore!
Rachelle Gardener has a great post about all the questions you want to ask an agent before you sign with them. (You mean you don't just immediately say OMGOMGOMGYESYESTHANKYOUPLEASEYES!!!! ? No. No you don't.)
Mockingjay is almost here! (And apparently in some stores it's here already. Say what?) To celebrate, my friend Julie hosted a week of Hunger Games-related posts, including a haiku day, featuring bad poetry from yours truly!
Dear Emilia Plater, You are so cute that you kill me a little inside. Especially when you make adorable videos where you rewrite the lyrics to pop songs and make them about publishing. Love, Heather
An interesting article from The Huffington Post about what motivates the book buyer.
The YA 5 explains how everything they need to know about life they learned from YA books.
Have a great week!
Sunday, August 8, 2010
Sunday Funday! (35)
Happy Sunday everyone! Today was just about the laziest day of my life. And why might that be, you ask? Two words:
Veronica Mars. In some twist of evil/awesome, Netflix decided it would be an EXCELLENT idea to put this show, which I had heard a ton of great things about, on their Watch Instantly queue, so I could get it direct to my TV through my Wii. So what was going to became a controlled watching of the show a few episodes at a time via the old red envelope model has suddenly turned into the "Heather stays in her lamb-print PJ bottoms until 2pm" model. I'm almost done with season 2, but I'm not deleting these from my Watch Instantly queue because they are SO GOOD. People. Seriously. If you have never watched Veronica Mars, do it. Now. I was skeptical at first, and it definitely took me a few episodes to warm up to it, but I am obsessed. And my friend Shana is having a watch-along with discussion on her blog. Shana attributes everything she learned about writing mysteries to studying Veronica Mars, and I can definitely see what she's talking about.
Anyway, so now that I'm done talking about how totally lazy I am and admitting my love of the lamb-print PJ pants I've had since the ninth grade (yes, really, but I love those things to death), here are some great blog posts from around the Internet that you should check out while I watch more Veronica Mars!
Agents and editors always say they want a book that's "high concept." But what the heck does high concept mean? Agent Elana Roth explains in this post from Adventures in Children's Publishing.
YA author Michelle Hodkin gives some excellent tips on how to get noticed at a writer's conference! (Note: tips may or may not be served with a healthy side of sarcasm.)
If you're looking for legitimate tips on attending conferences, check out this post by Kiersten White. Who is extremely awesome, by the way, so if you do happen to meet her in real life, please do say hello and don't let her super awesome author status stop you (so, in short, listen to her first piece of advice, which may or may not be a reference to me and my friend. I have no idea what you're talking about. Let's just watch some Veronica Mars and we can forget this ever happened, hm?)
Literary agent Jennifer Laughran has an excellent post on why you shouldn't be too mad that the Justin Biebers, Popes, and Hillary Duffs of the world are publishing children's books so easily while you wait and wait and wait for your Big Break.
The lovely Amna had an excellent guest post on YA Highway about how your taste in books doesn't make you better than anyone else. Since I've dealt with this phenomenon often, I have to say...well done, lady.
Natalie Whipple writes about why you shouldn't really care about trends (even though you obsess over them) because there's nothing you can do about them anyway.
Jodi Meadows reminds us not to give up, in a guest post on Corrine Jackson's blog.
Write on Con starts on Tuesday! Are you ready? Are you signed up? Head on over here if the answer is no! It's free and it's online!
I was also going to link to a bunch of great SCBWI-LA posts, but I think YA Highway did a wonderful job of picking out the best in last week's Field Trip Friday. So just go there if you want to see a list of some great SCBWI posts.
OK, have a great week everyone!
Veronica Mars. In some twist of evil/awesome, Netflix decided it would be an EXCELLENT idea to put this show, which I had heard a ton of great things about, on their Watch Instantly queue, so I could get it direct to my TV through my Wii. So what was going to became a controlled watching of the show a few episodes at a time via the old red envelope model has suddenly turned into the "Heather stays in her lamb-print PJ bottoms until 2pm" model. I'm almost done with season 2, but I'm not deleting these from my Watch Instantly queue because they are SO GOOD. People. Seriously. If you have never watched Veronica Mars, do it. Now. I was skeptical at first, and it definitely took me a few episodes to warm up to it, but I am obsessed. And my friend Shana is having a watch-along with discussion on her blog. Shana attributes everything she learned about writing mysteries to studying Veronica Mars, and I can definitely see what she's talking about.
Anyway, so now that I'm done talking about how totally lazy I am and admitting my love of the lamb-print PJ pants I've had since the ninth grade (yes, really, but I love those things to death), here are some great blog posts from around the Internet that you should check out while I watch more Veronica Mars!
Agents and editors always say they want a book that's "high concept." But what the heck does high concept mean? Agent Elana Roth explains in this post from Adventures in Children's Publishing.
YA author Michelle Hodkin gives some excellent tips on how to get noticed at a writer's conference! (Note: tips may or may not be served with a healthy side of sarcasm.)
If you're looking for legitimate tips on attending conferences, check out this post by Kiersten White. Who is extremely awesome, by the way, so if you do happen to meet her in real life, please do say hello and don't let her super awesome author status stop you (so, in short, listen to her first piece of advice, which may or may not be a reference to me and my friend. I have no idea what you're talking about. Let's just watch some Veronica Mars and we can forget this ever happened, hm?)
Literary agent Jennifer Laughran has an excellent post on why you shouldn't be too mad that the Justin Biebers, Popes, and Hillary Duffs of the world are publishing children's books so easily while you wait and wait and wait for your Big Break.
The lovely Amna had an excellent guest post on YA Highway about how your taste in books doesn't make you better than anyone else. Since I've dealt with this phenomenon often, I have to say...well done, lady.
Natalie Whipple writes about why you shouldn't really care about trends (even though you obsess over them) because there's nothing you can do about them anyway.
Jodi Meadows reminds us not to give up, in a guest post on Corrine Jackson's blog.
Write on Con starts on Tuesday! Are you ready? Are you signed up? Head on over here if the answer is no! It's free and it's online!
I was also going to link to a bunch of great SCBWI-LA posts, but I think YA Highway did a wonderful job of picking out the best in last week's Field Trip Friday. So just go there if you want to see a list of some great SCBWI posts.
OK, have a great week everyone!
Sunday, July 25, 2010
Sunday Funday (34)
Happy Sunday everyone! I hope you all had a great weekend. I spent today visiting my sister-in-law (it's her birthday! Or was a few days ago.) and eating the delicious food her boyfriend/life partner makes (OMG curry chickpea salad? YESPLEASEOMNOM) and reading The Sky is Everywhere, which is rocking my FACE OFF with the awesome writing. I don't know whether to laugh or cry thanks to all the awesome, but I do know that you should all read this book like yesterday. I also started packing for SCBWI-LA today, and wondered if five pairs of shoes was too many for a five-day trip. I decided it wasn't.
Anyway, here are some great links from around the Interwebz this week!
Literary agent Jennifer Laughran asked (via Twitter) for the most common publishing myths, then debunked them in this fantastic blog post.
Hannah Moskowitz asks, "Why don't boys read YA?"
Many bloggers freak out about how many comments they get, analyze their Google analytics, and obsess over their Twitter followers and RTs, and Anne Riley explains why.
Jody Hedlund asks who deserves the title of writer, and who should be called an author?
Slush Pile Hell hosted a Twitter contest to find the worst children's book name. There were over 1,000 entries, and the winners were awesome.
With SCBWI coming up, I thought this post from Writer's Digest, on why writers should attend conferences and how to make the most of them, was especially timely.
Steph Bowe explained why real, living boys should never be compared to Edward Cullen.
Wondering how to write really, really, really bad fiction? Holly Lisle has you covered with her guide to writing suckitudinous fiction.
Have a great week everyone!
Anyway, here are some great links from around the Interwebz this week!
Literary agent Jennifer Laughran asked (via Twitter) for the most common publishing myths, then debunked them in this fantastic blog post.
Hannah Moskowitz asks, "Why don't boys read YA?"
Many bloggers freak out about how many comments they get, analyze their Google analytics, and obsess over their Twitter followers and RTs, and Anne Riley explains why.
Jody Hedlund asks who deserves the title of writer, and who should be called an author?
Slush Pile Hell hosted a Twitter contest to find the worst children's book name. There were over 1,000 entries, and the winners were awesome.
With SCBWI coming up, I thought this post from Writer's Digest, on why writers should attend conferences and how to make the most of them, was especially timely.
Steph Bowe explained why real, living boys should never be compared to Edward Cullen.
Wondering how to write really, really, really bad fiction? Holly Lisle has you covered with her guide to writing suckitudinous fiction.
Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Sunday Funday! (33)
Happy Sunday Funday! It's late, and I spent all day reading MATCHED by Ally Condie, which was graciously sent on an ARC tour through my writing group by the lovely Shana Silver. Now I know that I previously mentioned not reading any dystopians until I finished my WIP (which is a dystopian), but after getting approval from a crit partner that Matched would not send me into hysterical fits of crying thanks to similarities to my own book, I was approved to participate in the tour (because I can't pass up a chance at an ARC.) I'm so glad I read this book because it was awesome. Seriously. It reaffirmed my love for dystopian novels and made me want to write a better book so that I can do the genre justice. Thanks, Ally Condie. And blog readers, please, please buy this book, get it from your library, or borrow it from a friend when it comes out on November 30. That's all.
ANYway...on to the links! Here are some of my favorite links from around the interwebz this week!
OK, so you landed the agent...now what? Debra Schubert from Write on Target reminds writers that landing an agent is absolutely not the last step in the novel-writing process - in fact it's just the beginning.
Are you using a pen name? Here are some things you might want to consider - including when to tell your agent - courtesy of Getting Past the Gatekeeper.
Are you a young writer? Please read this excellent advice.
OMG! It's Eclipse! In 15 minutes! Woot!
My friend Julie shared this awesome(ly hilarious) page of things bookstore employees have overheard while on the job. (My favorite? "I'm looking for a book but I only know the title, not the author. It's called 'Dante's Inferno.'")
Holly Bodger posted some great advice on plot lines and how to know if you have too many.
Rachelle Gardener invited readers to finish the sentence "You might be a writer/agent/publisher if..." In the comments, hilarity ensued.
From Got YA...I'm sure you've gotten one of these faces before when you told someone you write YA. (I'm pretty sure I got No. 2 from my brother, followed by a discussion of how I intended to use YA to get published and then springboard into "real" writing. No, brother. I love you and respect you and your law degree, but I like writing about prom and boyfriends and kissing. Especially kissing.)
Have a great week everyone!
ANYway...on to the links! Here are some of my favorite links from around the interwebz this week!
OK, so you landed the agent...now what? Debra Schubert from Write on Target reminds writers that landing an agent is absolutely not the last step in the novel-writing process - in fact it's just the beginning.
Are you using a pen name? Here are some things you might want to consider - including when to tell your agent - courtesy of Getting Past the Gatekeeper.
Are you a young writer? Please read this excellent advice.
OMG! It's Eclipse! In 15 minutes! Woot!
My friend Julie shared this awesome(ly hilarious) page of things bookstore employees have overheard while on the job. (My favorite? "I'm looking for a book but I only know the title, not the author. It's called 'Dante's Inferno.'")
Holly Bodger posted some great advice on plot lines and how to know if you have too many.
Rachelle Gardener invited readers to finish the sentence "You might be a writer/agent/publisher if..." In the comments, hilarity ensued.
From Got YA...I'm sure you've gotten one of these faces before when you told someone you write YA. (I'm pretty sure I got No. 2 from my brother, followed by a discussion of how I intended to use YA to get published and then springboard into "real" writing. No, brother. I love you and respect you and your law degree, but I like writing about prom and boyfriends and kissing. Especially kissing.)
Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Sunday Funday! (32)
Happy Sunday everyone! Here are some great links from around the Web this week (and maybe some from last week too):
Maggie Stiefvater talks about the odds of getting published, in a post that is both incredibly inspiring and informative.
Have you visited the Forever Young Adult blog? I heart it. They wrote what is pretty much the only review of the Eclipse movie you will ever need to read in your entire life. They also developed the Eclipse drinking game, which is fabulous and amazing and makes me want to head to the theater immediately with some beverages stowed in my purse. (Note: SeeHeatherWrite does not condone underage drinking for those readers under 21, nor does it condone drinking illegally in movie theaters, especially if you do it loudly and get caught.) See also: the New Moon drinking game and the Twilight drinking game.
Speaking of Eclipse...OK, so I saved this link at the beginning of the week to post here, because it is SO hilarious. And then it showed up on Janet Reid's blog, so now everyone and their mom has seen it, obvs. But I don't care, it's still hilarious, and I'm sharing it with you anyway, on the off chance that someone out there hasn't seen this via Twitter, Facebook, or Janet Reid.
Last week, my friend Nicole suggested I start a blog. She didn't know I had one already, so I gave her this address and maybe she's even reading this right now. (Hi, Nicole!) I told her it was a writing blog, and she thought that was great. Then she said I should have a fashion blog. Which made me LOL. Because I am so NOT fashionable. But, as it turns out, some writers actually are fashionable. And they blog about it.
Emilia Plater (OMGSHE'SSOADORABLE) talks about the three possible reactions you might get from people when you tell them you're writing a novel.
OK, so you submitted your manuscript to an agent, but then - for one reason or another - made some revisions to it. How do you handle re-submitting to the agent with those changes? The Agency Gatekeeper has the answers, complete with a great example.
Presenting Lenore announces the coming of Dystopian August! Woot!
Do you think aspiring writers should have book review blogs? The question was tackled on Twitter a few weeks ago, and the YA Addict continues the discussion on her blog.
And finally, the fabulous Lauren Oliver discusses how to stick with writing when you get that great idea.
Have a great week everyone!
Need a reminder to keep writing, even when you feel like giving up because your writer neuroses are getting the best of you? Grab this poster from etsy seller KeepCalmShop and remember to KEEP CALM and WRITE ON. (Also available in READ ON and several other sizes and designs.)
Maggie Stiefvater talks about the odds of getting published, in a post that is both incredibly inspiring and informative.
Have you visited the Forever Young Adult blog? I heart it. They wrote what is pretty much the only review of the Eclipse movie you will ever need to read in your entire life. They also developed the Eclipse drinking game, which is fabulous and amazing and makes me want to head to the theater immediately with some beverages stowed in my purse. (Note: SeeHeatherWrite does not condone underage drinking for those readers under 21, nor does it condone drinking illegally in movie theaters, especially if you do it loudly and get caught.) See also: the New Moon drinking game and the Twilight drinking game.
Speaking of Eclipse...OK, so I saved this link at the beginning of the week to post here, because it is SO hilarious. And then it showed up on Janet Reid's blog, so now everyone and their mom has seen it, obvs. But I don't care, it's still hilarious, and I'm sharing it with you anyway, on the off chance that someone out there hasn't seen this via Twitter, Facebook, or Janet Reid.
(See also: New Moon with Cats and Twilight with Cats, though neither is nearly as funny.)
Last week, my friend Nicole suggested I start a blog. She didn't know I had one already, so I gave her this address and maybe she's even reading this right now. (Hi, Nicole!) I told her it was a writing blog, and she thought that was great. Then she said I should have a fashion blog. Which made me LOL. Because I am so NOT fashionable. But, as it turns out, some writers actually are fashionable. And they blog about it.
Emilia Plater (OMGSHE'SSOADORABLE) talks about the three possible reactions you might get from people when you tell them you're writing a novel.
OK, so you submitted your manuscript to an agent, but then - for one reason or another - made some revisions to it. How do you handle re-submitting to the agent with those changes? The Agency Gatekeeper has the answers, complete with a great example.
Presenting Lenore announces the coming of Dystopian August! Woot!
Do you think aspiring writers should have book review blogs? The question was tackled on Twitter a few weeks ago, and the YA Addict continues the discussion on her blog.
And finally, the fabulous Lauren Oliver discusses how to stick with writing when you get that great idea.
Have a great week everyone!
Monday, June 28, 2010
Monday Funday! (31)
Yesterday's Sunday Funday was interrupted by a Very Important Post, so I'm doing Monday Funday instead! Here are some great links from around the blogging world and the Interwebz:
Have you read The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride? If so, hop on over to Forever YA Lit to participate in a discussion of the book! (It started today and will continue through tomorrow. One commenter will win a copy of next month's book club choice!)
Elana Johnson offers some sage advice on how to write.
Inky Girl, maker of fine writing cartoons since...awhile...discusses cliches in writing. Although most of them are journalism-related, you should probably avoid them in your fiction, too. Because cliches are totally lame. (I wanted to come up with a cliche there, but I couldn't. That doesn't make them any less lame though. Maybe it makes me more awesome. ;))
A long time ago, before e-readers and foreign rights agents and movie deals and laptops were in use, books were made a very different way. Vicarious Reader talks about how books used to be made, and how times have changed since then.
The ever-fabulous Emilia Plater has done it again! This time, she takes inspiration from a parody trailer for every Oscar-winning movie ever made and parodies it in her own way - a book trailer for every YA novel ever made! Watch it, then go Twitter about it.
AND FINALLY:
EPIC.
Have you read The Tension of Opposites by Kristina McBride? If so, hop on over to Forever YA Lit to participate in a discussion of the book! (It started today and will continue through tomorrow. One commenter will win a copy of next month's book club choice!)
Elana Johnson offers some sage advice on how to write.
Inky Girl, maker of fine writing cartoons since...awhile...discusses cliches in writing. Although most of them are journalism-related, you should probably avoid them in your fiction, too. Because cliches are totally lame. (I wanted to come up with a cliche there, but I couldn't. That doesn't make them any less lame though. Maybe it makes me more awesome. ;))
A long time ago, before e-readers and foreign rights agents and movie deals and laptops were in use, books were made a very different way. Vicarious Reader talks about how books used to be made, and how times have changed since then.
The ever-fabulous Emilia Plater has done it again! This time, she takes inspiration from a parody trailer for every Oscar-winning movie ever made and parodies it in her own way - a book trailer for every YA novel ever made! Watch it, then go Twitter about it.
AND FINALLY:
EPIC.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Sunday Funday! (30)
Happy Sunday everyone! I spent the day reading a few picture books, and let me tell you - they are AWESOME. I got a list from the assistant director of VCFA's Writing for Children and YAs MFA program called "100 Picture Books Everyone Should Know." (I also got "100 Books that Shaped the Century" and a few suggestions for books on craft. Needless to say, I have a lot of reading to do before January.) I decided to start my picture book reading this weekend, and grabbed a selection from my local library. Then I brought them home and read them aloud. To my dogs. (Maybe this makes me crazy. But I think picture books are meant to be read aloud, and I don't have kids. And hubs was sleeping.)
Of the books I brought home, the one I enjoyed the most was Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett. It made me laugh out loud more than once, and the pictures complemented the words so perfectly. I think my dogs liked it, too, because Evie put her paws on me while I was reading, and she even sort of looked at the pictures a little.
OK, now that I've exposed my crazy for all the world to see (thus negating any credibility I may have had) and recommended a fabulous picture book, here are some of the best links from around the Web this week!
Have you heard about Write on Con? I'm sure you have. But just in case you haven't, let me break it down for you. I bet you've always wanted to go to a writer's conference, but you haven't been able to afford the travel or hotel arrangements, or maybe the registration fees were too steep. Well now, some of your very favorite kid lit bloggers are bringing an online conference to you absolutely FREE!! It sounds phenomenal, and it's happening this summer. I can't wait!
Over at the Query Tracker blog, 20 agents talk about what gets their attention in a query. (In a good way, not n a crazy-stalker way.)
Have you heard about QUERYPOLITAN? It is awesome. And hilarious. Just like its editor-in-chief. My greatest goal in life is to someday be the editor of a magazine as awesome as QUERYPOLITAN. I guess for now I'll stick with being a lesser editor of a financial magazine. Anyway, here are two fabulous articles from the "magazine." What 81 Percent of Agents Expect on the First Page and 50 Query Tricks
Forever YA Lit gives the low-down on ARC tours, along with some great links to tour sites.
My greatest weakness in writing is dialogue. A dialogue-heavy scene will take me for.ev.er. to write (which you know, if you follow me on Twitter and see mytortured frantic tweets.) Kody Keplinger, teen author of up-and-coming (and much buzzed about) The DUFF, guest blogged on The Other Side of the Story about how to write realistic teen dialogue. Being a teen, a writer, AND a person who can talk, I think Kody knows what she's talking about.
SlushPile Hell. Read it. That is all.
Have a great week everyone!
Of the books I brought home, the one I enjoyed the most was Animals Should Definitely Not Wear Clothing written by Judi Barrett and illustrated by Ron Barrett. It made me laugh out loud more than once, and the pictures complemented the words so perfectly. I think my dogs liked it, too, because Evie put her paws on me while I was reading, and she even sort of looked at the pictures a little.
OK, now that I've exposed my crazy for all the world to see (thus negating any credibility I may have had) and recommended a fabulous picture book, here are some of the best links from around the Web this week!
Have you heard about Write on Con? I'm sure you have. But just in case you haven't, let me break it down for you. I bet you've always wanted to go to a writer's conference, but you haven't been able to afford the travel or hotel arrangements, or maybe the registration fees were too steep. Well now, some of your very favorite kid lit bloggers are bringing an online conference to you absolutely FREE!! It sounds phenomenal, and it's happening this summer. I can't wait!
Over at the Query Tracker blog, 20 agents talk about what gets their attention in a query. (In a good way, not n a crazy-stalker way.)
Have you heard about QUERYPOLITAN? It is awesome. And hilarious. Just like its editor-in-chief. My greatest goal in life is to someday be the editor of a magazine as awesome as QUERYPOLITAN. I guess for now I'll stick with being a lesser editor of a financial magazine. Anyway, here are two fabulous articles from the "magazine." What 81 Percent of Agents Expect on the First Page and 50 Query Tricks
Forever YA Lit gives the low-down on ARC tours, along with some great links to tour sites.
My greatest weakness in writing is dialogue. A dialogue-heavy scene will take me for.ev.er. to write (which you know, if you follow me on Twitter and see my
SlushPile Hell. Read it. That is all.
Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Sunday Funday! (29)
Happy Sunday everyone! As SCBWI-LA draws closer, I'm trying to get my WIP in it's finished state so that I can have an actual, finished novel to show off/talk about at the conference. But it's coming up fast, and I'm worried that I won't make it? Will I be able to get it done in time? Or will I have to leave the hundreds of editors and agents who will no doubt be lined up outside my hotel room begging for copies of my MS in suspense a little longer? (/sarcasm) Stay tuned for the thrilling conclusion of "Will Heather ever finish this novel??"
When I'm not revising, I'm trolling the internet looking for awesome blog entries so that I can share them with YOU every Sunday. Here are my picks for this week!
Write it Sideways asks...Do literary agents actually read your query letter?
Non-verbal communication is an important part of every character's persona. Sharp Pen Dull Sword discusses the importance of getting it right, and the different options.
Lit agent Rachelle Gardener held a pitch contest where she invited readers to submit one-sentence loglines for their books. She then chose winners, and gave suggestions on what went wrong with other entries. Reading about the the winners and those who weren't as successful can be tremendously helpful for people struggling with writing a logline. (I didn't enter, but some people from my writing group did, and we all ended up helping work on their pitch. Then we worked on everyone's pitched. And I learned that you can really improve a pitch by getting group input - brainstorming with people you trust can help tremendously in a case like this!)
YA Highway introduced me to The Seventeen Magazine Project, a blog where a teenage girl is attempting to use Seventeen Magazine as her teen "bible" for one month. Every day, she'll use one fashion or beauty tip and try to participate in one activity suggested by the magazine. Reading this blog proves that there are intelligent, well-rounded teens in the world - and that there's nothing wrong with having a smart teen voice in your book, because those kinds of teens obviously exist. It also makes me want to be friends with the author of the blog, and either punch the editors of Seventeen in the face a little, or go get a job there so I can change things - I can't decide which.
Not Enough Words talks about an issue that we've all had to face, and how to overcome it - Writer's Block.
We've all heard before about when it's time to give up on a manuscript or idea. But Emilia Plater of Punk Writer Kid fame talks about when not to give up on a project, as part YA Highway's Road Trip Wednesday feature.
This week, I have not one but TWO awesome videos for you. The first comes courtesy of Tahereh at Stir Your Tea, one of my most favorite blogs (of which I have about 200). It's called FONT CONFERENCE, and it is awesome.
The next video needs no introduction, because most of you have probably already seen it. What I bet you haven't seen is the hilarious commentary provided by Forever Young Adult. Read it. Love it.
Have a great week!
When I'm not revising, I'm trolling the internet looking for awesome blog entries so that I can share them with YOU every Sunday. Here are my picks for this week!
Write it Sideways asks...Do literary agents actually read your query letter?
Non-verbal communication is an important part of every character's persona. Sharp Pen Dull Sword discusses the importance of getting it right, and the different options.
Lit agent Rachelle Gardener held a pitch contest where she invited readers to submit one-sentence loglines for their books. She then chose winners, and gave suggestions on what went wrong with other entries. Reading about the the winners and those who weren't as successful can be tremendously helpful for people struggling with writing a logline. (I didn't enter, but some people from my writing group did, and we all ended up helping work on their pitch. Then we worked on everyone's pitched. And I learned that you can really improve a pitch by getting group input - brainstorming with people you trust can help tremendously in a case like this!)
YA Highway introduced me to The Seventeen Magazine Project, a blog where a teenage girl is attempting to use Seventeen Magazine as her teen "bible" for one month. Every day, she'll use one fashion or beauty tip and try to participate in one activity suggested by the magazine. Reading this blog proves that there are intelligent, well-rounded teens in the world - and that there's nothing wrong with having a smart teen voice in your book, because those kinds of teens obviously exist. It also makes me want to be friends with the author of the blog, and either punch the editors of Seventeen in the face a little, or go get a job there so I can change things - I can't decide which.
Not Enough Words talks about an issue that we've all had to face, and how to overcome it - Writer's Block.
We've all heard before about when it's time to give up on a manuscript or idea. But Emilia Plater of Punk Writer Kid fame talks about when not to give up on a project, as part YA Highway's Road Trip Wednesday feature.
This week, I have not one but TWO awesome videos for you. The first comes courtesy of Tahereh at Stir Your Tea, one of my most favorite blogs (of which I have about 200). It's called FONT CONFERENCE, and it is awesome.
The next video needs no introduction, because most of you have probably already seen it. What I bet you haven't seen is the hilarious commentary provided by Forever Young Adult. Read it. Love it.
Have a great week!
Sunday, June 6, 2010
Sunday Funday (28)
Happy Sunday! Hope you all had a fabulous day! I did some revisions, ate Mexican food, finished How to Say Goodbye in Robot (loved!), and watched KStew in the space version of Jumanji which the hubs thought he should get from Netflix. (I have no idea why, and no it definitely wasn't as good as Jumanji.) I have some more revising to do before I scurry off to bed, but before I do that, here are some great links from the last TWO weeks (because, you know, I slacked off last week, but I still had these links saved...)
The Merry Sisters of Fate - the writing group to which Maggie Stiefvater belongs - discusses why adults are ashamed to read YA books but not ashamed to watch teen movies. (Let the record show that this 25-year-old is ashamed of neither.)
Tahereh interviews Nathan Bransford. She is hilarious and charming, as always, and he imparts his wisdom on the masses, as always. Everybody wins.
Laural over at Laurel's Leaves talks about overwriting by explaining what it is, and gives some tips on what you can do to get it out of your writing.
In one of my favorite posts ever, find out why it's actually a good thing if an intern reads your query before an agent.
Veronica Roth over at Got YA? shared all she learned at a Backspace workshop on queries. I couldn't go, so this is almost like being there...almost.
The ever-wonderful Emilia Plater rewrote the lyrics to the Fresh Prince theme song into a query for her novel - and then sent them to her agent. What can I say? The girl's got pluck. I like it.
Feeling down on yourself? Laura Renegar gives a list of the 10 things writers can do instead of throwing themselves a pity party.
Shannon Messenger talks about ways you can support your favorite authors - without spending any money!
Have a great week everyone!
The Merry Sisters of Fate - the writing group to which Maggie Stiefvater belongs - discusses why adults are ashamed to read YA books but not ashamed to watch teen movies. (Let the record show that this 25-year-old is ashamed of neither.)
Tahereh interviews Nathan Bransford. She is hilarious and charming, as always, and he imparts his wisdom on the masses, as always. Everybody wins.
Laural over at Laurel's Leaves talks about overwriting by explaining what it is, and gives some tips on what you can do to get it out of your writing.
In one of my favorite posts ever, find out why it's actually a good thing if an intern reads your query before an agent.
Veronica Roth over at Got YA? shared all she learned at a Backspace workshop on queries. I couldn't go, so this is almost like being there...almost.
The ever-wonderful Emilia Plater rewrote the lyrics to the Fresh Prince theme song into a query for her novel - and then sent them to her agent. What can I say? The girl's got pluck. I like it.
Feeling down on yourself? Laura Renegar gives a list of the 10 things writers can do instead of throwing themselves a pity party.
Shannon Messenger talks about ways you can support your favorite authors - without spending any money!
Have a great week everyone!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday Funday! (27)
Happy Sunday! Today was an especially happy day for me, because my husband officially set a date...for our visit to the Harry Potter theme park!! We're heading over June 25, and I'm upgrading the free passes we got from his mom to an annual pass so I can visit all year long. Sometimes, living two hours away from Orlando has its perks.
Anyway, this was a great week in blogging! Here are some of my very favorite entries:
No one likes the idea of rejection. But every once in awhile, a writer bites back. Check out the most recent example of a writer's rejection of their rejection over at Editorial Ass.
Nathan Bransford discusses how to write the one-sentence pitch! He gives a formula, then tells you how to jazz it up a little. I'm still totally stressed about the idea of my pitch, but this post definitely makes me feel a little less queasy.
One of the biggest pet peeves I have in YA lit is when female characters stay in abusive relationships (be they emotionally or physically abusive - though the emotional abuse is much more rampant than the physical) for no reason. It just seems that some of these characters should be smarter than that. Or maybe not. Fortunately, The Character Therapist has a great post on 10 Reasons why your character might stay in an abusive relationship. As someone who's talked often with her therapist and social-worker friends, I definitely think this list is spot-on. So if your character needs to be (or is) in an abusive relationship, please, please, please, make sure he or she is the type of person who would actually stay in one.
Donna over at the First Novels Club discusses how we deal with jealousy as writers.
There's a new blog on the scene, and it's after my own heart! It's called League of Extraordinary Writers, and it's a blog by debut dystopian authors - a genre I love, and the type of authors I love to support.
What do writing and women in drag have in common? Click here to find out - and work your inner fierceness!
Hope you all had a great day!
Anyway, this was a great week in blogging! Here are some of my very favorite entries:
No one likes the idea of rejection. But every once in awhile, a writer bites back. Check out the most recent example of a writer's rejection of their rejection over at Editorial Ass.
Nathan Bransford discusses how to write the one-sentence pitch! He gives a formula, then tells you how to jazz it up a little. I'm still totally stressed about the idea of my pitch, but this post definitely makes me feel a little less queasy.
One of the biggest pet peeves I have in YA lit is when female characters stay in abusive relationships (be they emotionally or physically abusive - though the emotional abuse is much more rampant than the physical) for no reason. It just seems that some of these characters should be smarter than that. Or maybe not. Fortunately, The Character Therapist has a great post on 10 Reasons why your character might stay in an abusive relationship. As someone who's talked often with her therapist and social-worker friends, I definitely think this list is spot-on. So if your character needs to be (or is) in an abusive relationship, please, please, please, make sure he or she is the type of person who would actually stay in one.
Donna over at the First Novels Club discusses how we deal with jealousy as writers.
There's a new blog on the scene, and it's after my own heart! It's called League of Extraordinary Writers, and it's a blog by debut dystopian authors - a genre I love, and the type of authors I love to support.
What do writing and women in drag have in common? Click here to find out - and work your inner fierceness!
Hope you all had a great day!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
