It’s Tuesday morning, the long weekend is over and it’s back to the day job. Not that I mind the day job, in fact, I’m one of the lucky ones who enjoys what I do for the most part. But this past weekend was spent on doing the job I can’t wait to become the day/night/all the time job.
My query letter is now complete, the synopsis is complete, and the manuscript is…well, I’m not sure we ever feel it’s complete. Now it’s time to send the baby out into the world.
Scary, really when I think about it. However, it’s the next leg in the journey. The fork in this part of the road is a little darker and less traveled than the first leg of the journey. The trees are dense and you can’t see the end of the road from here. You know it’s there and you know there is still yet another fork or two coming. There aren’t as many people on this part since each of the people you’ve been on the first leg of the journey have their own forks in the road to take.
But still, as your fingers tremble ever so slightly or perhaps in an all out shake, you grab hold of the mouse and slowly edge it towards the send the button, hovering for a moment. Questions flood your mind at rapid gun fire rate. Did I remember to change the date on the query letter? I know I’ve checked the synopsis a thousand times, but should I read it one more time? Will he/she like it enough to request? Will my baby come back giggling and happy, or sad and alone?
All of these questions run through my mind at least. Funny thing, is this is not the first manuscript I’ve written or completed. It is the first one that has begged to be sent out into the world of agents/editors. Kinda like a child who grows up wanting to stay close his/her parents. For the moms out there you know what I’m taking about. The kids tell you at a young age, their going to always live with you. Even when they get married, they’ll still be with you. You find it cute, endearing, and you smile. Then they become young adults and their ready to soar on their own. You let them go because that’s what you supposed to do. You’ve raised them to be the best they can be and you send them on with a smile of satisfaction as they begin the next journey in their life. The darker road, the one less traveled, the one with more forks you cannot see or know until you reach them.
Yep, my baby is ready to be sent on and it makes me happy and scared at the same time.
What about you. How do you feel when you’re ready to send your manuscript out the door? Shaking in your boots scared? Or relief that you’ve done all you know to do and you’re ready to start the next one?
WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
It's Been a Year Since Miss Snark Retired and We Miss Her
May 19, 2007 was a day for many of us that will go down in history. It’s the day our much beloved Miss Snark announced she and Killer Yapp were retiring.
524 comments later, she came back and gave us several more post, finally closing on May 20, 2007.
Although we no longer have her or Killer Yapp live on the blog, she's left it up for us. To which we say Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I have visited it many times, refreshing or making sure I'm doing it right when I query. She taught us to Query widely and Query well.
For any aspiring writer, the posts along with comments, (yes, snarky comments) are a valuable learning tool. While many of us were lurkers and posted occasionally we were there everyday, learning from someone who was quick to place her T.Rexual heels of stiletto snark upon us.
It’s there you’ll learn about the true crapometer, (which became an industry term from the blog), the do’s and don’ts of query letters, and more. Really everything you ever wanted to know and probably more, you’ll find in the archives.
So to you Miss Snark, and lest I forget, to you as well Killer Yapp, I hope you’re doing well, drinking from the gin pail, and of course married to George Clooney. Also, know that you’re missed by all!
Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki
PS. Last week’s contest: The winner for Karen Rose’s book Scream For Me is…Karen Lingefelt. WhooHoo Karen!!!
524 comments later, she came back and gave us several more post, finally closing on May 20, 2007.
Although we no longer have her or Killer Yapp live on the blog, she's left it up for us. To which we say Thank you, Thank you, Thank you. I have visited it many times, refreshing or making sure I'm doing it right when I query. She taught us to Query widely and Query well.
For any aspiring writer, the posts along with comments, (yes, snarky comments) are a valuable learning tool. While many of us were lurkers and posted occasionally we were there everyday, learning from someone who was quick to place her T.Rexual heels of stiletto snark upon us.
It’s there you’ll learn about the true crapometer, (which became an industry term from the blog), the do’s and don’ts of query letters, and more. Really everything you ever wanted to know and probably more, you’ll find in the archives.
So to you Miss Snark, and lest I forget, to you as well Killer Yapp, I hope you’re doing well, drinking from the gin pail, and of course married to George Clooney. Also, know that you’re missed by all!
Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki
PS. Last week’s contest: The winner for Karen Rose’s book Scream For Me is…Karen Lingefelt. WhooHoo Karen!!!
Monday, May 19, 2008
WhooHoo, it's Monday
It's done!
I've finished the synopsis for AT&B. WhooHoo!! Now, it's on to the query letter and then...I'm sending this baby out. :)
Finally!
This has been a much longer process than any other book. But it's also a much longer book than any other I've written.
Next?
I've written the four and a half page outline/synopsis (yes, I did it first and I'm not normally a plotter), for Annie's book. I can't wait to start writing it.
How about you? What going on in your writing? Are you sending your baby out or in the middle of your wip?
WW's and PD's,
Vicki
Check back tomorrow for the winner of last weeks contest.
I've finished the synopsis for AT&B. WhooHoo!! Now, it's on to the query letter and then...I'm sending this baby out. :)
Finally!
This has been a much longer process than any other book. But it's also a much longer book than any other I've written.
Next?
I've written the four and a half page outline/synopsis (yes, I did it first and I'm not normally a plotter), for Annie's book. I can't wait to start writing it.
How about you? What going on in your writing? Are you sending your baby out or in the middle of your wip?
WW's and PD's,
Vicki
Check back tomorrow for the winner of last weeks contest.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
Tagged Myself - You Can Too
I tagged myself over at the Manuscript Mavens blog. Here's the deal:
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five no people and post a comment to the person who tagged you once you've posted your three sentences.
The nearest book is on my computer. Mine. So here are my three lines. You’ll see they come at a scene break.
Except this time it didn’t feel quite the same as it had with the others. Not wanting to think about what that meant, he turned the music up and began singing at the top of his lungs.
1. Pick up the nearest book.
2. Open to page 123.
3. Find the fifth sentence.
4. Post the next three sentences.
5. Tag five no people and post a comment to the person who tagged you once you've posted your three sentences.
The nearest book is on my computer. Mine. So here are my three lines. You’ll see they come at a scene break.
Except this time it didn’t feel quite the same as it had with the others. Not wanting to think about what that meant, he turned the music up and began singing at the top of his lungs.
***
It took Mallory three tries before she got the pilot light lit on the old gas stove.
What about you? Pick the nearest book and leave the lines in the comments (they also help you in winning Karen's book).
WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki
Monday, May 12, 2008
Scream For Me - It's Contest Time
It’s contest time and this week it’s from the amazing Karen Rose. Her latest book Scream For Me, comes out in hardback, May 13th.
For the trailer, make sure you watch it when it’s okay to hear the…screams. Several friends, (including myself) have said, her books are not ones you want to read right before bed.
Here’s the back cover blurb and then the trailer.
Special Agent Daniel Vartanian has sworn to find the perpetrator of multiple killings that mimic a 13-year-old murder linked to a collection of photographs that belonged to his brother, Simon, the ruthless serial killer who met his demise in DIE FOR ME. Daniel is certain that someone even more depraved than his brother committed these crimes, and he's determined to bring the current murderer to justice and solve the mysterious crime from years ago.
With only a handful of images as a lead, Daniel's search will lead him back through the dark past of his own family, and into the realm of a mind more sinister than he could ever imagine. But his quest will also draw him to Alex Fallon, a beautiful nurse whose troubled past reflects his own. As Daniel becomes attached to Alex, he discovers that she is also the object of the obsessed murderer. Soon, he will not only be racing to discover the identity of this macabre criminal, but also to save the life of the woman he has begun to love
Leave your comments this week to be entered.
WW's and PD's,
Vicki
For the trailer, make sure you watch it when it’s okay to hear the…screams. Several friends, (including myself) have said, her books are not ones you want to read right before bed.
Here’s the back cover blurb and then the trailer.
Special Agent Daniel Vartanian has sworn to find the perpetrator of multiple killings that mimic a 13-year-old murder linked to a collection of photographs that belonged to his brother, Simon, the ruthless serial killer who met his demise in DIE FOR ME. Daniel is certain that someone even more depraved than his brother committed these crimes, and he's determined to bring the current murderer to justice and solve the mysterious crime from years ago.
With only a handful of images as a lead, Daniel's search will lead him back through the dark past of his own family, and into the realm of a mind more sinister than he could ever imagine. But his quest will also draw him to Alex Fallon, a beautiful nurse whose troubled past reflects his own. As Daniel becomes attached to Alex, he discovers that she is also the object of the obsessed murderer. Soon, he will not only be racing to discover the identity of this macabre criminal, but also to save the life of the woman he has begun to love
Leave your comments this week to be entered.
WW's and PD's,
Vicki
Thursday, May 8, 2008
What's In Your Old Computer Files
I was spring cleaning my computer files and found this, as well as other short snippets of, well...hmmm...just plain stuff.
I wrote this year’s ago. No, it’s not an actual story, but it flowed from somewhere deep within me. Way before I ever met Science Guy, just in case you’re wondering if it was him. Nope, not at all.
Will it end up as a scene in a book? Maybe. It depends on what Lord G and Lady E do in the next book. Yes, they are part of the paranormal world in Mallory's book.
Although the writing is not perfect, I thought I’d share it with you anyway. And yes, should I decide to use it in AToD it will be rewritten.
Written about six years ago, late on night.
The Butterfly
The day was dreary but that would be okay for it matched her heart. She stood in the meadows, the metaphoric butterfly cupped safely within her hands.
Trembling with the fear of the unknown, the Lady turned, lifting both, her face and hands towards the gray sky – slowly, hesitantly, she opened her hands, releasing the very thing that had become precious to her.
With silent tears running down her face, she sat to wait for her butterfly, not really knowing if HE would return, but hoping that she would be what HE longed for and return once more to dry the tears and stay within her heart forever….
Days passed and the Lady rose from the once beautiful meadow, now no more than a salty sea. The sky was still as dreary as her heart. Though she knew the sun would once again come out, she didn’t know if she would ever see the beauty or really feel the warmth.
Life would continue, her heart would beat, never the same, but still it would beat. Her butterfly would not come back. HE thought HE knew what was best when all the while HE left her lost and alone.
Time, they say heals all wounds. The Lady’s heart had healed but the scar left would forever remind her of a Butterfly she released so long ago.
And yes, the Lady still looks for him, no not everyday, but when she least expected it. She’ll would look at the moon or hear the train and HE would come back to her thoughts. The scar would pull with the memories of what was and what would never be.
She once read, “Don’t cry because it’s over, but Smile because it happened.” The Lady knew this was to be forever true, as she would never be sorry that it had happened, even with the pain of loneliness and lost that her heart felt. What He had given her in their short time would forever be inside her. To remember, to smile, and yes, too even sometimes still feel the dampness on her cheeks as she thinks of a Prince and prayed HE was happy and content.
~Vicki Lane
What about you? Do you find things you've written years ago and smile at the memory they bring? Or are you super clean computer woman/man and never leave anything you don't need on your computer?
I wrote this year’s ago. No, it’s not an actual story, but it flowed from somewhere deep within me. Way before I ever met Science Guy, just in case you’re wondering if it was him. Nope, not at all.
Will it end up as a scene in a book? Maybe. It depends on what Lord G and Lady E do in the next book. Yes, they are part of the paranormal world in Mallory's book.
Although the writing is not perfect, I thought I’d share it with you anyway. And yes, should I decide to use it in AToD it will be rewritten.
Written about six years ago, late on night.
The Butterfly
The day was dreary but that would be okay for it matched her heart. She stood in the meadows, the metaphoric butterfly cupped safely within her hands.
Trembling with the fear of the unknown, the Lady turned, lifting both, her face and hands towards the gray sky – slowly, hesitantly, she opened her hands, releasing the very thing that had become precious to her.
With silent tears running down her face, she sat to wait for her butterfly, not really knowing if HE would return, but hoping that she would be what HE longed for and return once more to dry the tears and stay within her heart forever….
Days passed and the Lady rose from the once beautiful meadow, now no more than a salty sea. The sky was still as dreary as her heart. Though she knew the sun would once again come out, she didn’t know if she would ever see the beauty or really feel the warmth.
Life would continue, her heart would beat, never the same, but still it would beat. Her butterfly would not come back. HE thought HE knew what was best when all the while HE left her lost and alone.
Time, they say heals all wounds. The Lady’s heart had healed but the scar left would forever remind her of a Butterfly she released so long ago.
And yes, the Lady still looks for him, no not everyday, but when she least expected it. She’ll would look at the moon or hear the train and HE would come back to her thoughts. The scar would pull with the memories of what was and what would never be.
She once read, “Don’t cry because it’s over, but Smile because it happened.” The Lady knew this was to be forever true, as she would never be sorry that it had happened, even with the pain of loneliness and lost that her heart felt. What He had given her in their short time would forever be inside her. To remember, to smile, and yes, too even sometimes still feel the dampness on her cheeks as she thinks of a Prince and prayed HE was happy and content.
~Vicki Lane
What about you? Do you find things you've written years ago and smile at the memory they bring? Or are you super clean computer woman/man and never leave anything you don't need on your computer?
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
Synopsis – Love em or Hate em???
There are contest, we’re talking writing contest, all through out the year. Some are amazing and some…well, it’s not that they are not good, they just don’t speak to me personally to enter. Which is great on the pocketbook so to speak.
Yet, it’s this time of the year I get excited about them. Now and going through the next couple of months there are several contest I think are great. There’s the TARA (deadline just passed), the Molly’s, (deadline fast approaching) and the Maggie’s, (deadline coming soon). Yes, there are more than these three and they’re really good too. It’s these three that speak to me, Vicki writer.
Of the three above, two require a synopsis and one is your choice to send or not to send. And out of the two that require the dreaded “S” word, one of them is a judged component of the contest.
Synopsis. How can one word breath fear into so many of us? Is it because we’ve written this incredible long book and can’t for the life us figure how to get everything in a 3 – 5 page document? Maybe.
I looked up the meaning of the word on dictionary.com and this is what it says:
• A brief or condensed statement giving a general view of some subject
• A compendium of heads or short paragraphs giving a view of the whole
• A brief summary of the plot of a novel, motion picture, play, etc.
So where are the words, Fear, Dread, and oh yes, Procrastination? I mean really, most of us who are writers (there are a few who love them), really hate (strong word) writing them. We will sit for days on end thinking about them, trying to wrap our minds around the few short pages we need to tell our story and get everything “we” think is important.
That’s just it, everything is NOT important to put in the synopsis. Really. An agent, editor, or contest judge, doesn’t need everything including the proverbial kitchen sink in there.
So, we write it, part of it anyway, and then stew over it, write some more, stew some more and finally come up with what we hope will be a shinning short version of our work.
The thing is this, I’ve seen the lengths of them, long, medium, and short. By short, I mean very short. In fact, a friend of mine, sent me hers to look at. I asked about hers, since I knew her first book was indeed quite long, had paranormal elements, romance, and well, great stuff.
I expected it to be at least 5 pages, probably longer, since I knew roughly the word count of the book. Nope, not so much. What I received was 2 pages. Two! That’s it. It was great. Told whomever would be reading it, everything they needed to know.
Guess what I’m saying here, is yes, Synopsis World, is the place where so many of us get stuck. Perhaps even put the book under the bed with the other ones and begin the next book. Why, because writing the book is so much more fun. And the writing of the book isn’t the part which can bring the rejection first.
Still the contest deadlines loom and the agent / editor queries must have them, so they must be written. Yes, fear, dread, and procrastination, must be pushed aside and the words which flowed when you wrote your book, must now flow in a shortened, condensed version, so to tell your story and hopefully final in the contest or acquire the agent / editor.
Your turn, do you love to write them? Hate to write them? Ask for help writing them? Do they make you stop and go to the next book?
Writing Wishes and Plotting Dreams,
Vicki
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
I’d Like a Side of Bad Boy with my Hero, Please
Ooh, first things first. Stay next week for a majorly exciting contest!!! The trailer alone will ROCK you. :) Nope, not saying what it is yet, but it's a great one.
Also, to those who I owe books to, I promise to get them in the mail this week. Except for the one that is an ARC, I haven't received it yet to send to you, but will as soon as I do.
Now, back to the boys.
A few weeks back on the WIP, Tawny Weber posted about the different types of men and how do we choose our favorites. Check it out. It was a great post.
Here’s the comment I posted:
I had to think about this for a bit before I could answer. I’m like most the others out there who like her some bad boys, but then I think about my family. You know like the big family get together and think, would I be able to take him home with me. Or better yet, would he even want to.
Then I thought about the GQ guy and how incredible handsome he is. Now of course, I could take him to anything family related. BUT, what about when it’s just us? Will he be so preoccupied with his own self that he doesn’t think about me? Or put me up there above his own wants and needs sometimes (hey I believe in fair play). :D
Then it happened!!! On the way home last night, I saw my guy. Okay not really my guy, because as some of you know Science Guy is my guy and I love him very much. I wouldn’t want someone else.
But since this is for the imagined hero, I’ll go back to when it happened. Basic Black rocker tee-shirt, just tight enough to make you drool, his jeans stretched taut over his extended legs. The black boots were…oh who cares about the boots. :D Dark sunglasses covered what I’m sure are amazingly sexy bed-room eyes, his tanned face staring straight ahead as the wind created by the motorcycle he was driving, blew through deep black hair. When I came along side of him, he turned my way, nodded his head and drove off, while I sat there with horns blaring behind me.
Okay so the horn part isn’t true, but everything is.
This man could so pull off the rocker, motorcycle riding bad boy and the best dress GQ man around.
That’s when I knew…I like my hero’s to be a bad boy and the GQ rolled into one. Bad to bone, sexy in bed, and eye candy when we’re out.
And yes, Science Guy is my bad boy/GQ hero. At least to me.
So what about you? What type of guy is your favorite hero to read about?
WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki
Also, to those who I owe books to, I promise to get them in the mail this week. Except for the one that is an ARC, I haven't received it yet to send to you, but will as soon as I do.
Now, back to the boys.
A few weeks back on the WIP, Tawny Weber posted about the different types of men and how do we choose our favorites. Check it out. It was a great post.
Here’s the comment I posted:
I had to think about this for a bit before I could answer. I’m like most the others out there who like her some bad boys, but then I think about my family. You know like the big family get together and think, would I be able to take him home with me. Or better yet, would he even want to.
Then I thought about the GQ guy and how incredible handsome he is. Now of course, I could take him to anything family related. BUT, what about when it’s just us? Will he be so preoccupied with his own self that he doesn’t think about me? Or put me up there above his own wants and needs sometimes (hey I believe in fair play). :D
Then it happened!!! On the way home last night, I saw my guy. Okay not really my guy, because as some of you know Science Guy is my guy and I love him very much. I wouldn’t want someone else.
But since this is for the imagined hero, I’ll go back to when it happened. Basic Black rocker tee-shirt, just tight enough to make you drool, his jeans stretched taut over his extended legs. The black boots were…oh who cares about the boots. :D Dark sunglasses covered what I’m sure are amazingly sexy bed-room eyes, his tanned face staring straight ahead as the wind created by the motorcycle he was driving, blew through deep black hair. When I came along side of him, he turned my way, nodded his head and drove off, while I sat there with horns blaring behind me.
Okay so the horn part isn’t true, but everything is.
This man could so pull off the rocker, motorcycle riding bad boy and the best dress GQ man around.
That’s when I knew…I like my hero’s to be a bad boy and the GQ rolled into one. Bad to bone, sexy in bed, and eye candy when we’re out.
And yes, Science Guy is my bad boy/GQ hero. At least to me.
So what about you? What type of guy is your favorite hero to read about?
WW’s and PD’s,
Vicki
Friday, May 2, 2008
Friday Laughs - Yeah, I know, it's been an animal kind of week
Thought you might could use a Friday afternoon laugh. I've had dogs and cats as pets in my life and yep, the cat part cracked me up.
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
The Cat's Diary
Day 983 of My Captivity
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...
WW's and PD's,
Vicki
The Dog's Diary
8:00 am - Dog food! My favorite thing!
9:30 am - A car ride! My favorite thing!
9:40 am - A walk in the park! My favorite thing!
10:30 am - Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!
12:00 pm - Milk bones! My favorite thing!
1:00 pm - Played in the yard! My favorite thing!
3:00 pm - Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!
5:00 pm - Dinner! My favorite thing!
7:00 pm - Got to play ball! My favorite thing!
8:00 pm - Wow! Watched TV with the people! My favorite thing!
11:00 pm - Sleeping on the bed! My favorite thing!
The Cat's Diary
Day 983 of My Captivity
My captors continue to taunt me with bizarre little dangling objects. They dine lavishly on fresh meat, while the other inmates and I are fed hash or some sort of dry nuggets. Although I make my contempt for the rations perfectly clear, I nevertheless must eat something in order to keep up my strength.
The only thing that keeps me going is my dream of escape. In an attempt to disgust them, I once again vomit on the carpet. Today I decapitated a mouse and dropped its headless body at their feet. I had hoped this would strike fear into their hearts, since it clearly demonstrates my capabilities. However, they merely made condescending comments about what a "good little hunter" I am. Bastards!
There was some sort of assembly of their accomplices tonight. I was placed in solitary confinement for the duration of the event. However, I could hear the noises and smell the food. I overheard that my confinement was due to the power of "allergies." I must learn what this means, and how to use it to my advantage.
Today I was almost successful in an attempt to assassinate one of my tormentors by weaving around his feet as he was walking. I must try this again tomorrow, but at the top of the stairs.
I am convinced that the other prisoners here are flunkies and snitches. The dog receives special privileges. He is regularly released, and seems to be more than willing to return. He is obviously retarded. The bird must be an informant. I observe him communicate with the guards regularly. I am certain that he reports my every move. My captors have arranged protective custody for him in an elevated cell, so he is safe. For now ...
WW's and PD's,
Vicki
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