When I was an eager journalism student, I clearly remember a day in News, Reporting, and Editing, when the professor came in and told us we had an hour and twenty minutes to hand in a story. We could work alone or partner up. Then, he pointed to the door.
The shy, quiet girl in me froze. What was I going to do? The thought of going out onto the street and finding a story to write about scared me to death. Yet, isn't that what a reporter does?
My how the times have changed. If I could, I would go back and stick it out along the writing route. Unfortunately, we can't turn back the clock. All we can do is go forward which is why I am loving writing news and op ed pieces for http://rantpolitical.com.
The shy girl in me is gone, thanks to teaching for a few years in a tough district. I needed to develop a backbone quickly or I wouldn't have lasted as long as I did. Now, everything is a potential story and I love it! There isn't any harm in asking. What is the worst someone is going to say? No? Okay, there is always another story, another angle or another person to talk to.
Yesterday, I was told that I could apply for a press pass. How cool it that? The possibilities are endless and I can't wait to get it and use it.
If you're wondering how that assignment panned out, well I got an 'A'. The over-achiever in me wouldn't accept anything less. I partnered up with the chatty girl next to me who is probably an overseas correspondent somewhere now. She did the talking and I did the writing, perfect match.
The difference now is that I'm doing the asking and the writing and I am actually looking forward to it. With age comes experience, wisdom, and the understanding that you should never give up on a dream. They find you in the most unlikely places and times.
Friday, December 7, 2012
Saturday, November 24, 2012
THE JERSEY SHORE
As a beach baby from way back, the Jersey Shore has been a favorite setting of mine whether it is the lovely landscape of Spring Lake or the historic Victorian Cape May, so it has been really heartbreaking to see the damage Hurricane Sandy inflicted on New Jersey's treasure shoreline.
The entire hurricane experience has been surreal. While writing news post for http://www.rantpolitical.com, fear started to set in. Adding more fuel to the anxiety was the police cars driving around town alerting residents to the possibility of an evacuation due to the approaching storm surge.
In the end, my town would be spared the devastation incurred from the storms waves unlike last year's Hurricane Irene which caused a lot of damage from flooding waters. We, like most of the Garden State, would be thrust into darkness. Gas and milk suddenly became luxuries that were difficult to obtain. Routes which once were common place were now impassable.
It would be days in a cold house minus electricity and hot water, but we were the lucky ones. Just two towns over people were homeless. Their houses rendered uninhabitable by the waters which rushed through taking everything they owned with them.
Keansburg, a Bayshore town where I taught for years, would be brought to its knees along with many of its neighbors. All towns that hold memories. People left with nothing but the clothing on their backs. Many of whom had little to begin with.
When the first copy of a newspaper finally made its way to our doorstep three days after the infamous storm passed, I was shocked. Shocked to see the photographs of a once beautiful landscape looking like a bomb had been detonated on its shores.
The ocean's power had left its mark. A painful reminder that the ocean with all of its beauty will never be tamed.
Yet, we will rebuild. We are New Jersey. We are strong. The shore will be back. Perhaps not in its previous form, but it will be back and the memories of what it once was will always remain in my heart and in the pages of my stories.
The entire hurricane experience has been surreal. While writing news post for http://www.rantpolitical.com, fear started to set in. Adding more fuel to the anxiety was the police cars driving around town alerting residents to the possibility of an evacuation due to the approaching storm surge.
In the end, my town would be spared the devastation incurred from the storms waves unlike last year's Hurricane Irene which caused a lot of damage from flooding waters. We, like most of the Garden State, would be thrust into darkness. Gas and milk suddenly became luxuries that were difficult to obtain. Routes which once were common place were now impassable.
It would be days in a cold house minus electricity and hot water, but we were the lucky ones. Just two towns over people were homeless. Their houses rendered uninhabitable by the waters which rushed through taking everything they owned with them.
Keansburg, a Bayshore town where I taught for years, would be brought to its knees along with many of its neighbors. All towns that hold memories. People left with nothing but the clothing on their backs. Many of whom had little to begin with.
When the first copy of a newspaper finally made its way to our doorstep three days after the infamous storm passed, I was shocked. Shocked to see the photographs of a once beautiful landscape looking like a bomb had been detonated on its shores.
The ocean's power had left its mark. A painful reminder that the ocean with all of its beauty will never be tamed.
Yet, we will rebuild. We are New Jersey. We are strong. The shore will be back. Perhaps not in its previous form, but it will be back and the memories of what it once was will always remain in my heart and in the pages of my stories.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
EIGHT DAYS A WEEK
Unlike a nine to five job, writing is a twenty-four/seven gig and it doesn't matter if it is your profession or your dream job. A writer is always writing and never really takes a vacation which is why writers seldom retire. They can't afford to.
Unless your surname is Grisham or Higgins-Clark, you simply do not have the luxury to sit back and wait for your royalty checks to roll in. You write and you keep writing, no matter how big or small the job is. There may not be the stability or the financial reward of a conventional job, but that's okay. Thankfully, I have an understanding and supportive spouse.
I used to have a nine to five, well an eight to three really. I was an elementary school teacher. While I enjoyed my time in the classroom, I didn't love it. I love to write which is the difference. A teacher's school year was 185 days where I live and it's not good when you start the countdown in September.
Even though I do not take off for holidays or weekends, I thoroughly enjoy my time at the typewriter and it doesn't matter what I'm working on. I love it whether it is putting together news posts for my first free-lance job or penning the latest chapter in my Cape May mystery. The wonderful thing about writing is that even when you are not actually writing, you are thinking of ideas.
Recently, I saw an interview with the late Maeve Bincy, one of my favorite authors. She was talking about how a writer's goal should be to write five pages a day and to stick to that goal everyday. Her point was that if you follow through before you know it, you will have a book and she's right.
I also remember a piece of advice my father gave me way back when. It was simple. He said make sure you pick a job you enjoy because you will be doing it everyday. Then he added that not many people get that opportunity and he's correct. Many people toil at jobs or careers they hate because they have to.
Now that I decided to work where my heart is I intend to stick with it, eight days a week. Publishing is like the lottery, "you have to be in it to win it."
Unless your surname is Grisham or Higgins-Clark, you simply do not have the luxury to sit back and wait for your royalty checks to roll in. You write and you keep writing, no matter how big or small the job is. There may not be the stability or the financial reward of a conventional job, but that's okay. Thankfully, I have an understanding and supportive spouse.
I used to have a nine to five, well an eight to three really. I was an elementary school teacher. While I enjoyed my time in the classroom, I didn't love it. I love to write which is the difference. A teacher's school year was 185 days where I live and it's not good when you start the countdown in September.
Even though I do not take off for holidays or weekends, I thoroughly enjoy my time at the typewriter and it doesn't matter what I'm working on. I love it whether it is putting together news posts for my first free-lance job or penning the latest chapter in my Cape May mystery. The wonderful thing about writing is that even when you are not actually writing, you are thinking of ideas.
Recently, I saw an interview with the late Maeve Bincy, one of my favorite authors. She was talking about how a writer's goal should be to write five pages a day and to stick to that goal everyday. Her point was that if you follow through before you know it, you will have a book and she's right.
I also remember a piece of advice my father gave me way back when. It was simple. He said make sure you pick a job you enjoy because you will be doing it everyday. Then he added that not many people get that opportunity and he's correct. Many people toil at jobs or careers they hate because they have to.
Now that I decided to work where my heart is I intend to stick with it, eight days a week. Publishing is like the lottery, "you have to be in it to win it."
Friday, October 5, 2012
JUST THE FACTS
I must say I am enjoying my new free-lance writing job. However, the change in style has been a bit of an adjustment. Writing a news post is certainly not like creating a mystery. Thankfully, I started out as a journalism major in college and was a type 'A' student. So I was happy to see that I hadn't forgotten what I learned.
Putting together a news story is remembering the four "w's" just like I was taught in my first News Reporting and Editing class back in the day. Readers want to know the who, the what, the where, and the when. Yes, I know there are five. The why is important as well. You just don't always get the why. Take this story that I followed this week for example.
A New Jersey teen tweets on her Twitter account that there is an intruder in her house and asks her followers to call 911. Why she tweets it, but doesn't do it herself remains a mystery. However, her one simple post set off a fire storm of activity on the popular social media site and at her hometown's police department as well.
To make a long story short, tweet is a hoax and the young girl ran away. Two days later she actually does call 911 and is now at home, but this story doesn't have a why. We will probably never know why the teen sent the tweet, why she ran away or where she was during the time she was unaccounted for. Her family slammed the lid shut on the news media by not issuing a comment as well they should.
The other major component of news writing which has been a change for me is the opinion part. Unless I am contributing an op-ed piece, I need to leave mine out of the article. Believe me, that can be difficult sometimes, especially with this tweet story.
Once the world found out the girl orchestrated her disappearance, the online chatter turned downright nasty with people losing sight of the bottom line. The girl may not have been abducted, but she was still missing. I didn't think the false tweet made a difference.
The life of a runaway is not a pretty one. It's a scary one and as much as I wanted to put that feeling into my article, I couldn't. I was writing a news piece and when you are writing the news, it is helpful to remember the words of a famous television character. I can't remember his name or the movie, but the catch phrase applies. "Just the facts, Ma'am."
Putting together a news story is remembering the four "w's" just like I was taught in my first News Reporting and Editing class back in the day. Readers want to know the who, the what, the where, and the when. Yes, I know there are five. The why is important as well. You just don't always get the why. Take this story that I followed this week for example.
A New Jersey teen tweets on her Twitter account that there is an intruder in her house and asks her followers to call 911. Why she tweets it, but doesn't do it herself remains a mystery. However, her one simple post set off a fire storm of activity on the popular social media site and at her hometown's police department as well.
To make a long story short, tweet is a hoax and the young girl ran away. Two days later she actually does call 911 and is now at home, but this story doesn't have a why. We will probably never know why the teen sent the tweet, why she ran away or where she was during the time she was unaccounted for. Her family slammed the lid shut on the news media by not issuing a comment as well they should.
The other major component of news writing which has been a change for me is the opinion part. Unless I am contributing an op-ed piece, I need to leave mine out of the article. Believe me, that can be difficult sometimes, especially with this tweet story.
Once the world found out the girl orchestrated her disappearance, the online chatter turned downright nasty with people losing sight of the bottom line. The girl may not have been abducted, but she was still missing. I didn't think the false tweet made a difference.
The life of a runaway is not a pretty one. It's a scary one and as much as I wanted to put that feeling into my article, I couldn't. I was writing a news piece and when you are writing the news, it is helpful to remember the words of a famous television character. I can't remember his name or the movie, but the catch phrase applies. "Just the facts, Ma'am."
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Looking for Love
A follower on Twitter tweeted about a feel-good story which was getting a great deal of press in Canada and Ireland. He mentioned that it would make a fantastic script. It is the perfect example of why you should keep an idea file!
To make a long story short, a Canadian man visited Ireland a while back and became enchanted by a lovely waitress who served him coffee. They had a brief conversation, but he left the establishment with the girl firmly etched in his mind. Subsequently, he returned home, but found he could not forget the girl.
Recently, he returned to the Emerald Isle for a month long stay in the hopes of crossing paths with the woman again. Unfortunately, he doesn't know her name or anything else about her.
Perhaps, she read the story and it rang a bell. Don't know if the two will ever meet again or even if she is available, but you have to root for love. The world could use an uplifting story these days. Hope he finds her! It certainly is a romantic notion and would make a great movie, short, or mystery!
To make a long story short, a Canadian man visited Ireland a while back and became enchanted by a lovely waitress who served him coffee. They had a brief conversation, but he left the establishment with the girl firmly etched in his mind. Subsequently, he returned home, but found he could not forget the girl.
Recently, he returned to the Emerald Isle for a month long stay in the hopes of crossing paths with the woman again. Unfortunately, he doesn't know her name or anything else about her.
Perhaps, she read the story and it rang a bell. Don't know if the two will ever meet again or even if she is available, but you have to root for love. The world could use an uplifting story these days. Hope he finds her! It certainly is a romantic notion and would make a great movie, short, or mystery!
Monday, September 24, 2012
HAPPINESS IS WRITING
I haven't been neglecting my blog. On the contrary, I have been busy working on posts for my first, paying job as a free-lance writer. No, this doesn't mean that I have given up my dream of writing a best-selling mystery. It just means that I am branching out. As soon as I get comfortable with my new position, I will be able to manage my time to include more fiction writing.
I am thrilled to say that I am writing news and opinion pieces for http://rantpolitical.com. I saw an advertisement for writers a couple of weeks ago on www.writethismoment.com. Their director of content, Chris Gamble, offered me the opportunity despite my lack of experience which I will always appreciate and remember.
Experience is difficult to get when people are reluctant to take a chance and give an unknown an opportunity. I am thankful I ran into someone who would.
I'm a little nervous about writing opinion pieces on political topics, but am doing a lot of research and reading to get comfortable with my middle of the road stance. However, I absolutely love writing news pieces.
As a freshman in college, back in the day, I can recall being so excited about the prospect of taking my first journalism course, News, Reporting, and Editing. I still recall the professor, not his name, but his brash manner. He was a rather large man and of course his new book was part of the reading material that semester. He would sit under the non-smoking sign and smoke during the whole class while spouting out journalistic do's and don'ts.
His words I remember as well and I'm enjoying putting them into practice. It is a real thrill to see your by-line in print whether it is on-line or in a newspaper and I love it that I can now say with confidence that I am a writer!
I am thrilled to say that I am writing news and opinion pieces for http://rantpolitical.com. I saw an advertisement for writers a couple of weeks ago on www.writethismoment.com. Their director of content, Chris Gamble, offered me the opportunity despite my lack of experience which I will always appreciate and remember.
Experience is difficult to get when people are reluctant to take a chance and give an unknown an opportunity. I am thankful I ran into someone who would.
I'm a little nervous about writing opinion pieces on political topics, but am doing a lot of research and reading to get comfortable with my middle of the road stance. However, I absolutely love writing news pieces.
As a freshman in college, back in the day, I can recall being so excited about the prospect of taking my first journalism course, News, Reporting, and Editing. I still recall the professor, not his name, but his brash manner. He was a rather large man and of course his new book was part of the reading material that semester. He would sit under the non-smoking sign and smoke during the whole class while spouting out journalistic do's and don'ts.
His words I remember as well and I'm enjoying putting them into practice. It is a real thrill to see your by-line in print whether it is on-line or in a newspaper and I love it that I can now say with confidence that I am a writer!
Monday, September 10, 2012
A Novel Idea
Everyone has at least one novel in them. Well, at least that is what one of my college professors said. Is it true? That depends on whether or not you have the courage or the time to put your story to the test.
Writing a novel is a huge undertaking, but if you are a writer or a writer at heart than you already have the answer. So, get started and don't let that age thing get in the way. You are never to old or too young to attempt something. If you want to write, don't let anything hold you back. All you need is a blank piece of paper or in today's techno world, a new word file.
If you have a story that you believe is a compelling one and the words and thought process to tell it, then do it. Otherwise, you will end up regretting it and life has enough regrets.
Some writers plot out their ideas first with a meticulous outline. Others wing it and dive write in. I am more in the middle. Some ideas warrant research. If you are interested in doing a period piece, than you will need to make sure your historical details are correct. Even if you are writing a mystery, you will want to make sure that the information you put in is accurate.
Whether you do that before or during the writing process is entirely up to you. I think it depends on how you write. As with most things, everyone is different and research today couldn't be any easier. You can get pretty much all of your information with the click of a mouse, but don't discount the human input.
If you are writing a mystery about a private detective, you might want to talk to you. Interviews, conducted in person, online, or by telephone, can be incredibly helpful and will bring a touch of reality to your plot which can be a selling point.
The easy part really is the writing. The tough part comes after. Trying to find someone to publish it!
Writing a novel is a huge undertaking, but if you are a writer or a writer at heart than you already have the answer. So, get started and don't let that age thing get in the way. You are never to old or too young to attempt something. If you want to write, don't let anything hold you back. All you need is a blank piece of paper or in today's techno world, a new word file.
If you have a story that you believe is a compelling one and the words and thought process to tell it, then do it. Otherwise, you will end up regretting it and life has enough regrets.
Some writers plot out their ideas first with a meticulous outline. Others wing it and dive write in. I am more in the middle. Some ideas warrant research. If you are interested in doing a period piece, than you will need to make sure your historical details are correct. Even if you are writing a mystery, you will want to make sure that the information you put in is accurate.
Whether you do that before or during the writing process is entirely up to you. I think it depends on how you write. As with most things, everyone is different and research today couldn't be any easier. You can get pretty much all of your information with the click of a mouse, but don't discount the human input.
If you are writing a mystery about a private detective, you might want to talk to you. Interviews, conducted in person, online, or by telephone, can be incredibly helpful and will bring a touch of reality to your plot which can be a selling point.
The easy part really is the writing. The tough part comes after. Trying to find someone to publish it!
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
THE ART OF TWEETING
As I mentioned in the previous post, if you are a writer, joining Twitter is a must whether you are just starting out or have a book to promote. It is a fantastic way to connect with other writers, gain knowledge about how to market you and your work as well as help to sell your books.
I'm not the computer guru, so it took me a bit to learn the ins and outs of Twitter. Hopefully, I can save you from that. With a few simple tips, you can be on your way.
First off, make sure that you identify yourself in your bio as a writer. It will help other writers to find you. Also, you should use your name or your pen name. This just makes it easier for other users to locate you. Them more creative your bio, the more likely you'll attract followers. If you have a website or a blog, put the link up with your bio. Hopefully, it will drag some of your followers or browsers over to take a look.
Along those lines, always provide a link, whether you are tweeting about your blog, book, or a fantastic recipe sight. In general, people do not want to have to search or type in the name of the website. They'll be more apt to take a peek at what your promoting or writing about if all they have to do is click.
If you're just getting started, you will want to search for other writers or writing sites. Believe me, there are a bunch! All you have to do is look and then click to follow. Generally, if you follow another writer, they will follow you back. However, if you are going to follow Patricia Cornwell or another famous author, do not necessarily expect a follow back.
When you do get a follower, remember that the same basic rules of manners apply on Twitter as well. Always thank a person or organization for following you and follow them back. If a person retweets one of your tweets or mentions you in a tweet, you should also respond with a thank you.
For the most part, the only people I don't follow back immediately are the ones who buy followers or who are offering to buy followers. A good general rule to follow is that if someone is asking you for money than that is a big red flag. I always take a few minutes to check out the person's blog or website too. That helps you get an idea of what they are about and the kind of books they write. This hasn't happened to me, but obviously if you are wary or offended by what you read, than thank the person for the follow and then don't follow back. If you don't follow back, the person will most likely unfollow you.
Once you've set up your sight and found some writers or other favorites to follow, you're ready to tweet. As a writer, tweets will probably come fairly easily. I love tweets that are informative, helpful to my writing, alert me to interesting blogs or sites, and the ones that are just plain funny. As in life, just remember to think before you tweet. If your going through a divorce or just broke up, you don't want to go tweeting about your ex's skanky new squeeze. Those kinds of things will come back and haunt you.
Also, if you are using Twitter for your writing than it's more professional than personal. Posting photos of yourself wearing a lampshade may not be the best thing if you are trying to attract some publishers.
Once you have built up a following, the feed can become really overwhelming and it is difficult to keep up with all of the tweets so don't try. If you get a new follower or someone mentions you in a tweet, you will get an e-mail. I set aside a certain amount of time to read the ones that I can. There's enough things to sweat in life so this shouldn't be one of them.
Finally, it is really easy to loose track of time whether you are on Twitter, Facebook, or just surfing the net. Since I'm doing a balancing act between kids, home, husband, and writing, I have limited time. I allot my time in sections so I have time to tweet, blog, check e-mails, submit, and work on stories.
There is a lot of great stuff on Twitter apart from writing. So don't forget to leave yourself a bit of time to play too!
I'm not the computer guru, so it took me a bit to learn the ins and outs of Twitter. Hopefully, I can save you from that. With a few simple tips, you can be on your way.
First off, make sure that you identify yourself in your bio as a writer. It will help other writers to find you. Also, you should use your name or your pen name. This just makes it easier for other users to locate you. Them more creative your bio, the more likely you'll attract followers. If you have a website or a blog, put the link up with your bio. Hopefully, it will drag some of your followers or browsers over to take a look.
Along those lines, always provide a link, whether you are tweeting about your blog, book, or a fantastic recipe sight. In general, people do not want to have to search or type in the name of the website. They'll be more apt to take a peek at what your promoting or writing about if all they have to do is click.
If you're just getting started, you will want to search for other writers or writing sites. Believe me, there are a bunch! All you have to do is look and then click to follow. Generally, if you follow another writer, they will follow you back. However, if you are going to follow Patricia Cornwell or another famous author, do not necessarily expect a follow back.
When you do get a follower, remember that the same basic rules of manners apply on Twitter as well. Always thank a person or organization for following you and follow them back. If a person retweets one of your tweets or mentions you in a tweet, you should also respond with a thank you.
For the most part, the only people I don't follow back immediately are the ones who buy followers or who are offering to buy followers. A good general rule to follow is that if someone is asking you for money than that is a big red flag. I always take a few minutes to check out the person's blog or website too. That helps you get an idea of what they are about and the kind of books they write. This hasn't happened to me, but obviously if you are wary or offended by what you read, than thank the person for the follow and then don't follow back. If you don't follow back, the person will most likely unfollow you.
Once you've set up your sight and found some writers or other favorites to follow, you're ready to tweet. As a writer, tweets will probably come fairly easily. I love tweets that are informative, helpful to my writing, alert me to interesting blogs or sites, and the ones that are just plain funny. As in life, just remember to think before you tweet. If your going through a divorce or just broke up, you don't want to go tweeting about your ex's skanky new squeeze. Those kinds of things will come back and haunt you.
Also, if you are using Twitter for your writing than it's more professional than personal. Posting photos of yourself wearing a lampshade may not be the best thing if you are trying to attract some publishers.
Once you have built up a following, the feed can become really overwhelming and it is difficult to keep up with all of the tweets so don't try. If you get a new follower or someone mentions you in a tweet, you will get an e-mail. I set aside a certain amount of time to read the ones that I can. There's enough things to sweat in life so this shouldn't be one of them.
Finally, it is really easy to loose track of time whether you are on Twitter, Facebook, or just surfing the net. Since I'm doing a balancing act between kids, home, husband, and writing, I have limited time. I allot my time in sections so I have time to tweet, blog, check e-mails, submit, and work on stories.
There is a lot of great stuff on Twitter apart from writing. So don't forget to leave yourself a bit of time to play too!
Sunday, September 2, 2012
WRITING SOCIAL
I confess to being a novice when it comes to navigating today's social networking highways. However, if you are a writer, it is definitely a must. When I finally made a Facebook page last spring, my sister commented that it was about time. She was right though I'm still grasping the concept of Facebook and how it can expand my readership. Since constructing my author page in July, I only have thirty something likes. Not exactly making a lot of waves, but it's a work in progress.
Twitter, on the other hand, has been a bit more successful. Joining the writing community on Twitter has been incredibly helpful. Irish author, Derek Hudson, gave me a simple piece of advice, follow other authors and hopefully they will follow you back.
This has led me to some great blogs, great books as well as writing opportunities. Twitter is where I read a tweet from Grit City Publications about writing blog post. They accepted one of my ideas and two weeks ago my post, The Write File premiered. Can't tell you how exciting it is to see your byline in print!
Twitter also led me to http://writethismoment.com which is a website that lists diverse paying opportunities for writers. They are based in the United Kingdom, but the jobs and publishers who are looking for authors are worldwide. The list is updated weekly and is easy to access. There is a fee, eight pounds for three months and twenty-four for a year, but it's money well spent.
I started with a three month membership and ended up getting it for a year when my trial period was up. The site has led me to publishers who may be interested in Secrets, Lies, and Trash, anthologies looking for short stories, travel writing jobs, as well as sites looking for bloggers. I highly recommend it if you are a free-lancer. It saves so much time. I check in one place every Monday instead of scouring multiple sites or purchasing various Writer's Markets.
Whether you are self-publishing or with a traditional publishing house, getting social is an important way to spread the work about your writing. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Pininterest are just a few of the places you can promote your work online.
Up next: The Art of Tweeting
Twitter, on the other hand, has been a bit more successful. Joining the writing community on Twitter has been incredibly helpful. Irish author, Derek Hudson, gave me a simple piece of advice, follow other authors and hopefully they will follow you back.
This has led me to some great blogs, great books as well as writing opportunities. Twitter is where I read a tweet from Grit City Publications about writing blog post. They accepted one of my ideas and two weeks ago my post, The Write File premiered. Can't tell you how exciting it is to see your byline in print!
Twitter also led me to http://writethismoment.com which is a website that lists diverse paying opportunities for writers. They are based in the United Kingdom, but the jobs and publishers who are looking for authors are worldwide. The list is updated weekly and is easy to access. There is a fee, eight pounds for three months and twenty-four for a year, but it's money well spent.
I started with a three month membership and ended up getting it for a year when my trial period was up. The site has led me to publishers who may be interested in Secrets, Lies, and Trash, anthologies looking for short stories, travel writing jobs, as well as sites looking for bloggers. I highly recommend it if you are a free-lancer. It saves so much time. I check in one place every Monday instead of scouring multiple sites or purchasing various Writer's Markets.
Whether you are self-publishing or with a traditional publishing house, getting social is an important way to spread the work about your writing. Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr, and Pininterest are just a few of the places you can promote your work online.
Up next: The Art of Tweeting
Sunday, August 26, 2012
Mystic's Mystique
If you are looking for a great spot for a weekend trip or a stopover point on a longer trip up the Eastern Seaboard, then do not search any farther than Mystic, Connecticut. The small village is nestled along the Mystic River with its two major attractions being the Mystic Seaport and Mystic Aquarium.
The Seaport offers historic tall ships which you can climb aboard as well as one where you can watch the ongoing restoration process. It is an ideal place for kids of all ages with a Discovery Barn, a hands-on Children's Museum, Planetarium and art museum. You can explore a 19th Century seafaring village on foot or by horse and carriage. Water activities include taking a cruise aboard a steamboat or chartering a sail on the Breck Marshall or Araminta. My children loved a short sail along the river where the captain guided them as they took turns sailing the boat. There are also sailboats and rowboats for rent for those seafaring souls.
The focal point of the Mystic Aquarium is the beluga whale exhibit which is quite an undertaking. You can observe four of them from above and below their habitat. The bird sanctuary where you can feed some feathered friends was a lot of fun, but it can be frustrating for little ones who can't quite keep a bird on their seeded stick. This is definitely a must stop, but bring your patience if you go during the peak summer season. It was packed!
We stayed at the Whaler's Inn which is centrally located in downtown Mystic. Its convenient location is within walking distance of the village's main attractions as well as shops and restaurants. The historic inn offers a pleasant atmosphere in addition to being comfortable and clean. Their prices were affordable and the inn also offers on-sight parking. The staff was affable and helpful. They provided us with a refrigerator for the baby's milk and yogurt without charging us. a nice touch which we greatly appreciated.
Mystic Pizza was another must stop, especially if you've seen the movie. The film of the same name premiered in the late eighties and marked the debut of Julia Roberts. It was filmed on location in the town. The restaurant definitely attracts tourists, so be prepared to wait, but it's worth it. The food is good and so is the ambiance. However, it is not stroller friendly, so if possible leave it in the car or hotel.
It's a perfect place to explore by foot, bike, boat or kayak. There are different types of harbor cruises available for guided tours if you are so inclined as well as boats and kayaks to rent for your own exploration.
As my kids said a few moments after arriving, Mystic is definitely a re-do. It's worth checking out!
Please check out these links to help prepare your visit!
http://WhalersInnMystic.com
www.oldemistickvillage.com
http://mysticaquarium.org
www.ArgiaMystic.com
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Tantalizing Titles
Choosing a title for your work whether it's a short story or a novel can be as agonizing as choosing a name for your baby. Well, maybe not your baby, but it's still a major decision. It's the first thing the reader sees and it can be the make or break difference between someone deciding to read your work or pick something else. Therefore, you want to make it a good one.
Recently, I picked up Diners, Dives & Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin. My husband is a fan of the Food Network show Diners, Dives, and Drive-ins. I couldn't resist and I have to admit the title is what got my attention. This is Ms. Austin's debut novel and it's a fun read so I was glad I brought it.
Unfortunately, there aren't any hard and fast rules for picking a title for your work. Sometimes it just comes to you and it's fantastic. Other times, it's awful, but you keep it for the time being until something better pops up and it's also a handy name for your file.
The key is to keep the title brief and catchy. Writing a title is akin to creating an advertising slogan. You want it to be memorable yet short and sweet. As with anything in life, practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the easier it will be. When you find one that feels right to you, then you know you have a winner!
Recently, I picked up Diners, Dives & Dead Ends by Terri L. Austin. My husband is a fan of the Food Network show Diners, Dives, and Drive-ins. I couldn't resist and I have to admit the title is what got my attention. This is Ms. Austin's debut novel and it's a fun read so I was glad I brought it.
Unfortunately, there aren't any hard and fast rules for picking a title for your work. Sometimes it just comes to you and it's fantastic. Other times, it's awful, but you keep it for the time being until something better pops up and it's also a handy name for your file.
The key is to keep the title brief and catchy. Writing a title is akin to creating an advertising slogan. You want it to be memorable yet short and sweet. As with anything in life, practice makes perfect. The more you do it, the easier it will be. When you find one that feels right to you, then you know you have a winner!
Friday, August 10, 2012
Working at Home
There are many before me who have attempted to find the balance between taking care of a family while doing your job at home. In theory, this is a wonderful idea. On the one hand, you do not have to pay the enormous price tag attached to quality childcare. You are able to be around to enjoy those priceless moments like first steps and see all of the adorable things children do without hearing about them second-hand from your spouse. I have done both and I definitely prefer the later. However, finding the equilibrium between the two is nothing less than a daily tightrope walk.
For the parent who works at home, the mantra is family first. The needs of the children are first and foremost, pushing your work to the back burner. Once those are taken care of it would seem to reason that it is time to attend to your work. However, the responsibilities of parenting are twenty-four seven which means work gets squeezed in whenever you can.
I've read that Mary Higgins Clark used to wake up at an ungodly hour to write her short stories before her children needed to get up for school. A wonderful idea. That is how I manage to work running and yoga into my day. So that is already taken. Nap time is the perfect opportunity especially when the older ones are at school. This plan runs pretty smoothly until school lets out for summer. Bedtime is the next uninterrupted block of time.
When kids are settled down for the night, it's generally 'me' time for the parents. Though if you are already getting up early, going to sleep late is not always a fantastic idea since you don't want to be a complete grump the next morning and let's not forget your other half. Couples need quality moments too if you want to keep your relationship in tact.
This is where the tightrope walk comes into play. Where is the balance? What do you sacrifice because you want to write? You don't want to scrimp on your time with your children or your spouse and there are household chores which need to be done. If you don't attend to those, you'll end up living in one of those nightmare houses you see on reality shows and no one wants that.
I thought a helpful solution would be a laptop. I could do my writing while waiting for my children at their various activities. Again a good idea in theory or one which probably works better when your kids are older. Mine are not. If I work while the older ones are at practice, what is the little one doing? She's confined to her carriage. Not the best choice since she needs exercise too. And then there's the guilt that inevitably comes when the middle one runs up and wants to know if I saw the awesome goal he scored.
Then, there's always trying to write when the children are awake and hopefully occupied inside or outside of the house. Anyone who has ever tried to have a telephone conversation when children are around knows how well that goes. Hopefully, you can get a sentence or two written before someone starts crying or an argument breaks out.
I've learned since I became serious about being a writer that there aren't any easy answers to this age-old dilemma. It's one which many face and what works for one may not work for another. I suppose the answer lies within yourself and with experimentation you will eventually find the balance you seek, at least in theory. I'm still working on mine.
For the parent who works at home, the mantra is family first. The needs of the children are first and foremost, pushing your work to the back burner. Once those are taken care of it would seem to reason that it is time to attend to your work. However, the responsibilities of parenting are twenty-four seven which means work gets squeezed in whenever you can.
I've read that Mary Higgins Clark used to wake up at an ungodly hour to write her short stories before her children needed to get up for school. A wonderful idea. That is how I manage to work running and yoga into my day. So that is already taken. Nap time is the perfect opportunity especially when the older ones are at school. This plan runs pretty smoothly until school lets out for summer. Bedtime is the next uninterrupted block of time.
When kids are settled down for the night, it's generally 'me' time for the parents. Though if you are already getting up early, going to sleep late is not always a fantastic idea since you don't want to be a complete grump the next morning and let's not forget your other half. Couples need quality moments too if you want to keep your relationship in tact.
This is where the tightrope walk comes into play. Where is the balance? What do you sacrifice because you want to write? You don't want to scrimp on your time with your children or your spouse and there are household chores which need to be done. If you don't attend to those, you'll end up living in one of those nightmare houses you see on reality shows and no one wants that.
I thought a helpful solution would be a laptop. I could do my writing while waiting for my children at their various activities. Again a good idea in theory or one which probably works better when your kids are older. Mine are not. If I work while the older ones are at practice, what is the little one doing? She's confined to her carriage. Not the best choice since she needs exercise too. And then there's the guilt that inevitably comes when the middle one runs up and wants to know if I saw the awesome goal he scored.
Then, there's always trying to write when the children are awake and hopefully occupied inside or outside of the house. Anyone who has ever tried to have a telephone conversation when children are around knows how well that goes. Hopefully, you can get a sentence or two written before someone starts crying or an argument breaks out.
I've learned since I became serious about being a writer that there aren't any easy answers to this age-old dilemma. It's one which many face and what works for one may not work for another. I suppose the answer lies within yourself and with experimentation you will eventually find the balance you seek, at least in theory. I'm still working on mine.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
The Sweetest Place on Earth
If you are looking for a weekend getaway this summer, then don't look any farther than Hershey Park, Pennsylvania. Yes, it is the home on the world famous chocolate factory and it is the perfect place for some family fun and some innovative story ideas.
For a little town, there is a great deal to do. For starters, The Hershey Story is the official museum and it even has a hands-on chocolate lab along with chocolate tasting. It is located on Chocolate Avenue where the street lights are actual Hershey Kisses!
Hershey's Chocolate World is a must see. There is a free chocolate making tour ride, a 3-D show, and a new tasty addition-a make your own chocolate bar experience where you actually get to create your own candy bar, complete with toppings and fillings. Be forewarned though, it can be a long wait for impatient little ones and everyone including babies must wear a hair net. Strollers are left outside, so it's a good idea to leave them in the car to begin with.
Chocolate World also offers a nostalgic and historical trolley ride through the city which was a lot of fun. Get your singing voice ready for this one and your appetite. Free samples are included. Combination tickets can be brought for all the different activities that are available. The gift shop is to die for, offering any Hershey product your heart desires. Definitely not the place to stop if you are on a diet!
The world-class Hershey Park amusement attraction is right next door and it offers over sixty-five rides including eleven roller coasters and a water section called The Boardwalk. Be sure to search the net for coupons. Park entrance prices are high. Cost goes down at dusk. There are rides for the younger set as well as shows and ZooAmerica. This is a perfect sized zoo for younger kids and a don't miss. We had a lot of fun here.
In addition to the main attractions, there are also the beautiful Hershey Gardens, an antique car museum, and summer concerts. If you visit in the off-season, you can check out the American Hockey League champion Hershey Bears who play in town and are the farm team of the Washington Capitals.
There are many types of accommodations available from affordable to pricey. I would have loved to stay at the historic Hotel Hershey, but it was way out of our price range though worth a walk through for the architecture, history, and setting potential. There is even a campground nearby if you are so inclined.
There is also more than chocolate to eat here! The Chocolate Grill, located on Chocolate Avenue, was delicious and kid friendly. The Brick Oven Pizza also located on Chocolate Avenue didn't look like much from the outside or inside for that matter, but the food was fantastic and definitely worth checking out.
Please check out the links below to help you plan your trip and enjoy!
www.hersheypartnership.com
www.HersheysChocolateWorld.com
www.hersheygardens.com
www.hersheystory.org
www.Hersheypark.com
www.aacamuseum.org
www.adventurehershey.com
For a little town, there is a great deal to do. For starters, The Hershey Story is the official museum and it even has a hands-on chocolate lab along with chocolate tasting. It is located on Chocolate Avenue where the street lights are actual Hershey Kisses!
Hershey's Chocolate World is a must see. There is a free chocolate making tour ride, a 3-D show, and a new tasty addition-a make your own chocolate bar experience where you actually get to create your own candy bar, complete with toppings and fillings. Be forewarned though, it can be a long wait for impatient little ones and everyone including babies must wear a hair net. Strollers are left outside, so it's a good idea to leave them in the car to begin with.
Chocolate World also offers a nostalgic and historical trolley ride through the city which was a lot of fun. Get your singing voice ready for this one and your appetite. Free samples are included. Combination tickets can be brought for all the different activities that are available. The gift shop is to die for, offering any Hershey product your heart desires. Definitely not the place to stop if you are on a diet!
The world-class Hershey Park amusement attraction is right next door and it offers over sixty-five rides including eleven roller coasters and a water section called The Boardwalk. Be sure to search the net for coupons. Park entrance prices are high. Cost goes down at dusk. There are rides for the younger set as well as shows and ZooAmerica. This is a perfect sized zoo for younger kids and a don't miss. We had a lot of fun here.
In addition to the main attractions, there are also the beautiful Hershey Gardens, an antique car museum, and summer concerts. If you visit in the off-season, you can check out the American Hockey League champion Hershey Bears who play in town and are the farm team of the Washington Capitals.
There are many types of accommodations available from affordable to pricey. I would have loved to stay at the historic Hotel Hershey, but it was way out of our price range though worth a walk through for the architecture, history, and setting potential. There is even a campground nearby if you are so inclined.
There is also more than chocolate to eat here! The Chocolate Grill, located on Chocolate Avenue, was delicious and kid friendly. The Brick Oven Pizza also located on Chocolate Avenue didn't look like much from the outside or inside for that matter, but the food was fantastic and definitely worth checking out.
Please check out the links below to help you plan your trip and enjoy!
www.hersheypartnership.com
www.HersheysChocolateWorld.com
www.hersheygardens.com
www.hersheystory.org
www.Hersheypark.com
www.aacamuseum.org
www.adventurehershey.com
Monday, July 30, 2012
GONE GIRL-Summer Hit or Miss
Unless you've had your head buried in the sand for the past few months, you heard all the hype about GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn. GONE GIRL currently occupies the third spot on the New York Times Best Seller List and has been mentioned in just about every hot summer read suggestions I've seen this season. I ended up buying it because the line to borrow it from the local public library was too long and I had to see what all the fuss was about.
I decided to review it in a post instead of putting it on my Note Worthy Book page. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not that this is not a good read because it is. It is just not one of my personal favorites.
I have never read any of Gillian Flynn's other works which have also met wide acclaim, so I didn't know what to expect when I picked it up. Ms. Flynn is without a doubt an incredibly talented author. Her writing is smart, creative, and unique. The premise behind this plot is well-crafted and brilliantly executed.
If you love a dark, suspenseful thriller with a dash of psychopath thrown in, this one is for you. Nick and Amy are truly two characters you will not soon forget which was part of the problem for me. Both of them are so unlikeable as human beings there just wasn't anyone to root for here. Maybe it's just me, but I like to have a least one protagonist you want to see come out on top. Here, I was hoping there was a way for both of them to get their due.
Even so, I still enjoyed it and was reluctant to put it down until I finished it. Don't wait for someone to make GONE GIRL into a movie. The book is always better anyway!
I decided to review it in a post instead of putting it on my Note Worthy Book page. Now, don't get me wrong, it's not that this is not a good read because it is. It is just not one of my personal favorites.
I have never read any of Gillian Flynn's other works which have also met wide acclaim, so I didn't know what to expect when I picked it up. Ms. Flynn is without a doubt an incredibly talented author. Her writing is smart, creative, and unique. The premise behind this plot is well-crafted and brilliantly executed.
If you love a dark, suspenseful thriller with a dash of psychopath thrown in, this one is for you. Nick and Amy are truly two characters you will not soon forget which was part of the problem for me. Both of them are so unlikeable as human beings there just wasn't anyone to root for here. Maybe it's just me, but I like to have a least one protagonist you want to see come out on top. Here, I was hoping there was a way for both of them to get their due.
Even so, I still enjoyed it and was reluctant to put it down until I finished it. Don't wait for someone to make GONE GIRL into a movie. The book is always better anyway!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
The Joy of Sex
After reading my first two novels, my mother said to me, "I liked them, but you need some sex in there. Sex sells." After the initial do I really want to have to this conversation with my mother reaction wore off, I had to admit, she had a point. Who doesn't enjoy good sex? Whether it's in a movie, television show, or book, those are the scenes which garner the most attention and conversation.
Take the hot-selling FIFTY SHADES OF GREY trilogy, for example. The series is a tremendous best-seller in thirty-seven countries, but I have yet to encounter a reader who can tell me the author or the plot for that matter. I usually do not get past the, "On my god, the sex!" Probably not what E.L. James had in mind when she wrote them, but then her name is on the checks and readers only need to know the title to buy the book.
When I started penning the sequel to SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH, I tried to keep my mom's suggestion in mind having my married detective character embroiled in a tawdry affair with a sexy coroner. However, I soon found this was easier said than done. Painting a romantic scene and dialogue was simple enough, but when loins started exploding my keys stopped typing.
This genre is definitely out of my comfort zone. My mysteries fall into the cozy category. Even though the stories generally revolve around a murder, I tend to back off of the gore and violence. Everyone needs a little romance in their life and I enjoy mixing it into my story lines.
However, I now know my limitations. When the clothes start hitting the floor, it's best to tease and leave the rest to the reader's imagination and the romance writers of the world.
Take the hot-selling FIFTY SHADES OF GREY trilogy, for example. The series is a tremendous best-seller in thirty-seven countries, but I have yet to encounter a reader who can tell me the author or the plot for that matter. I usually do not get past the, "On my god, the sex!" Probably not what E.L. James had in mind when she wrote them, but then her name is on the checks and readers only need to know the title to buy the book.
When I started penning the sequel to SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH, I tried to keep my mom's suggestion in mind having my married detective character embroiled in a tawdry affair with a sexy coroner. However, I soon found this was easier said than done. Painting a romantic scene and dialogue was simple enough, but when loins started exploding my keys stopped typing.
This genre is definitely out of my comfort zone. My mysteries fall into the cozy category. Even though the stories generally revolve around a murder, I tend to back off of the gore and violence. Everyone needs a little romance in their life and I enjoy mixing it into my story lines.
However, I now know my limitations. When the clothes start hitting the floor, it's best to tease and leave the rest to the reader's imagination and the romance writers of the world.
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
The Joys of a Good Book
Recently, I made the decision to make MURDEROUS DESCENT available on Nook and Kindle. I think the technology is great especially for people who travel a great deal by airplane or even commute daily on the train or bus. I'm sure it is a real space saver as well as convenient. E-books are quite popular and if it gets people to turn off the television and read more, all the better.
However, I must say that I do not own one and probably never will. There is just something about having the book in your hand. It's one of those simple pleasures in life like sipping a lemonade on the front porch. When I curl up with a great read, I like being able to turn the actual page and not scroll down. Holding a Nook or a Kindle in your hand, really doesn't invoke the same emotion. As a child one of my favorite activities was to take a walk to the library and load up my bag with books for the week. For me, buying a new one is like purchasing a new pair of shoes. It's an adrenaline rush. I suppose that is the writer in me. Writers love to read.
Ironically, two of my children received Nooks as presents. They love them though I don't love how long they need to charge. When I reminded them that they were for more than just playing Angry Birds, the six year old made a telling observation. He said books were for reading and Nooks were for playing. There was a remark I couldn't argue with.
However, I must say that I do not own one and probably never will. There is just something about having the book in your hand. It's one of those simple pleasures in life like sipping a lemonade on the front porch. When I curl up with a great read, I like being able to turn the actual page and not scroll down. Holding a Nook or a Kindle in your hand, really doesn't invoke the same emotion. As a child one of my favorite activities was to take a walk to the library and load up my bag with books for the week. For me, buying a new one is like purchasing a new pair of shoes. It's an adrenaline rush. I suppose that is the writer in me. Writers love to read.
Ironically, two of my children received Nooks as presents. They love them though I don't love how long they need to charge. When I reminded them that they were for more than just playing Angry Birds, the six year old made a telling observation. He said books were for reading and Nooks were for playing. There was a remark I couldn't argue with.
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Should I Or Shouldn't I?
One of my favorite scenes from the movie, WHEN HARRY MET SALLY, is a recurring one where Billy Crystal's character keeps flipping to the last page of a book to read the ending first. His rational, which his counterpart Meg Ryan thinks is completely insane, is that at least he will know how it ended in case he dies before finishing it.
When a writer sets out to create a piece of fiction, mystery or otherwise, the plot usually proceeds in one of two ways. The first is perhaps the easiest. You have your outline in place and you know exactly how the story is going to begin, climax, and ultimately end. The other can be challenging, invigorating, and incredibly frustrating all at the same time. That is the scenario where you have an idea which takes on a life of its own, sometimes even surprising the author with the conclusion.
In writing mysteries, the author needs to carefully weave clues into the progression on the plot which will gradually lead the protagonist as well as the reader to the eventual solution of the puzzle. The trick is not to make the pieces too obvious or too obtuse. I hate it when the villain turns out to be a minor player who didn't really have a substantial part. It is equally as annoying when you are able to discern the identity of the killer within the first few chapters due to a predictable story line.
Recently, I purchased GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn. It was listed on every suggested summer reading list I've seen this season as well as a mainstay on the New York Times Bestseller List. After hearing a disc jockey rave about it on the radio, I decided to take the plunge.
I don't know if it is just me, but I think writers read books a bit differently than the average person. Right off the bat, I liked the lay out of the book. It's a first person narrative that alternates between the two major characters, one via diary entries. I love reading and writing in first person. It is as though the character is talking in your ear.
While I was reading a minor plot point caught my attention and made me stop, glancing at the end of the book. It is a long one, four hundred and nineteen pages. Pausing, I thought about it. Should I or shouldn't I? It's not like I think I am going to meet an untimely demise before finishing it. I just want to know if I'm right.
When a writer sets out to create a piece of fiction, mystery or otherwise, the plot usually proceeds in one of two ways. The first is perhaps the easiest. You have your outline in place and you know exactly how the story is going to begin, climax, and ultimately end. The other can be challenging, invigorating, and incredibly frustrating all at the same time. That is the scenario where you have an idea which takes on a life of its own, sometimes even surprising the author with the conclusion.
In writing mysteries, the author needs to carefully weave clues into the progression on the plot which will gradually lead the protagonist as well as the reader to the eventual solution of the puzzle. The trick is not to make the pieces too obvious or too obtuse. I hate it when the villain turns out to be a minor player who didn't really have a substantial part. It is equally as annoying when you are able to discern the identity of the killer within the first few chapters due to a predictable story line.
Recently, I purchased GONE GIRL by Gillian Flynn. It was listed on every suggested summer reading list I've seen this season as well as a mainstay on the New York Times Bestseller List. After hearing a disc jockey rave about it on the radio, I decided to take the plunge.
I don't know if it is just me, but I think writers read books a bit differently than the average person. Right off the bat, I liked the lay out of the book. It's a first person narrative that alternates between the two major characters, one via diary entries. I love reading and writing in first person. It is as though the character is talking in your ear.
While I was reading a minor plot point caught my attention and made me stop, glancing at the end of the book. It is a long one, four hundred and nineteen pages. Pausing, I thought about it. Should I or shouldn't I? It's not like I think I am going to meet an untimely demise before finishing it. I just want to know if I'm right.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Turn It Off
This really should be the mantra for the twenty-first century! It doesn't matter if it is an IPad, IPhone, cell phone, computer or video game. People spend entirely too much time involved in electronic pursuits.
Now, here comes the irony. I am a writer and I use my computer to create my manuscripts as well as submit them to publishers. Modern technology via this blog, Twitter, Facebook, and other facets of the Internet enable me to reach an audience that I might not be able to do otherwise. Saying that I understand its purpose is an understatement. The simple fact is that I am only just grasping the potential.
However, as with anything in life, somethings need to be done in moderation. Technology is amazing and awesome. It is easy to see how people can get carried away. If I'm not careful, my already limited work time can be quickly eaten away by surfing the net. Therefore, I set limits. I give myself about ten minutes to play and then get to work.
Studies have repeatedly shown that excessive amounts of electronic stimulation is not a good thing, especially in children. It can even become addictive. Limiting time would seem to be the worthwhile solution. Prepare yourself for the whining and complaining and set the clock. It will be beneficial to you and them in the long run.
Meals really should be a cell phone free zone. There isn't anything more annoying than having a conversation interrupted by your companion or child texting and or chatting with someone else. Unless it is an emergency, it probably can wait until the meal is over.
Bedrooms should also be void of technology or at the very least turned off an hour before you plan on going to sleep. This is especially true if you have issues with insomnia. One of the first things a doctor will tell you is to pull the plug to help let your brain wind down and let's face it, do you really want your significant other paying attention to you or the IPad?
Technology is a wonderful thing and it certainly has its place. For a writer, it is a lifeline. The key is to remember to take a breather and step outside once in a while and when you do remember to keep the cell phone in your pocket! You just might discover someone or something new for your next story.
Now, here comes the irony. I am a writer and I use my computer to create my manuscripts as well as submit them to publishers. Modern technology via this blog, Twitter, Facebook, and other facets of the Internet enable me to reach an audience that I might not be able to do otherwise. Saying that I understand its purpose is an understatement. The simple fact is that I am only just grasping the potential.
However, as with anything in life, somethings need to be done in moderation. Technology is amazing and awesome. It is easy to see how people can get carried away. If I'm not careful, my already limited work time can be quickly eaten away by surfing the net. Therefore, I set limits. I give myself about ten minutes to play and then get to work.
Studies have repeatedly shown that excessive amounts of electronic stimulation is not a good thing, especially in children. It can even become addictive. Limiting time would seem to be the worthwhile solution. Prepare yourself for the whining and complaining and set the clock. It will be beneficial to you and them in the long run.
Meals really should be a cell phone free zone. There isn't anything more annoying than having a conversation interrupted by your companion or child texting and or chatting with someone else. Unless it is an emergency, it probably can wait until the meal is over.
Bedrooms should also be void of technology or at the very least turned off an hour before you plan on going to sleep. This is especially true if you have issues with insomnia. One of the first things a doctor will tell you is to pull the plug to help let your brain wind down and let's face it, do you really want your significant other paying attention to you or the IPad?
Technology is a wonderful thing and it certainly has its place. For a writer, it is a lifeline. The key is to remember to take a breather and step outside once in a while and when you do remember to keep the cell phone in your pocket! You just might discover someone or something new for your next story.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
The Write Stuff
Before I made the decision to start submitting my mystery SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH to publishers, I did some more revisions. Taking a lesson from past mistakes, I sent it to one publisher and recently submitted it to Red Queen Press as well. They publish e-books. Their response time was listed at four weeks. They responded in two.
Another rejection, though I must say that I do appreciate the promptness of their reply. The editor read my sample chapters and synopsis and decided it wasn't for them. Okay, I can live with that. Publishers reject manuscripts for a wide variety of reasons. The trouble is, the writer is rarely privy to what that reason was. In all the rejections that I have received over the years, only one gave a reason and that reason led me to take a novel writing class which in turn helped me to tighten up my writing.
Now, I understand that it is virtually impossible for editors to respond in detail to the large number of submissions they receive. However, it would be nice because with rejection comes doubt. In order for a manuscript to grab an editor's attention, it needs an intriguing plot with an auspicious beginning and memorable characters. The writing should also be good, especially the mechanics. For the most part, all writers write with these points in mind.
When you are finally ready to submit a piece of you work, you have labored over it for months or sometimes years. It literally is a piece of you. You believe in it and its ability to find an audience. Rejection is and always will be a part of this business. However, when you get one, that seed of doubt always resurfaces and begs the question-does my manuscript have the write stuff?
Another rejection, though I must say that I do appreciate the promptness of their reply. The editor read my sample chapters and synopsis and decided it wasn't for them. Okay, I can live with that. Publishers reject manuscripts for a wide variety of reasons. The trouble is, the writer is rarely privy to what that reason was. In all the rejections that I have received over the years, only one gave a reason and that reason led me to take a novel writing class which in turn helped me to tighten up my writing.
Now, I understand that it is virtually impossible for editors to respond in detail to the large number of submissions they receive. However, it would be nice because with rejection comes doubt. In order for a manuscript to grab an editor's attention, it needs an intriguing plot with an auspicious beginning and memorable characters. The writing should also be good, especially the mechanics. For the most part, all writers write with these points in mind.
When you are finally ready to submit a piece of you work, you have labored over it for months or sometimes years. It literally is a piece of you. You believe in it and its ability to find an audience. Rejection is and always will be a part of this business. However, when you get one, that seed of doubt always resurfaces and begs the question-does my manuscript have the write stuff?
Monday, July 16, 2012
Don't Let The Bedbugs Bite
Why is it that whenever you are packing for a trip or planning one, the newspaper or television is doing a story on bedbugs? Just the sight or mere mention of them can make you want to abandon your plans for a staycation. At least you know that your home doesn't have the pests hiding somewhere. Well, don't. Travel is the perfect way to refresh, rejuvenate, and find inspiration for your writing.
A few practical, common sense suggestions can help make your stay at a hotel or vacation rental more pleasant. First off, before booking, do your research. A little surfing on the net will let you know whether a hotel has had any complaints regarding bedbugs and if worse comes to worse, ask. If there is a long pause on the other end, you have your answer.
Upon arriving, check the pad and mattress for the tell tale blood spots. If you see those, you can request another room, though I would probably leave despite the objections of my other half. Another point to remember is to keep all suitcases and bags off of the floor and way from walls. Also, avoid unpacking your clothes into the drawers. Keep them in your bags and keep the bags closed until you need something. Store dirty items in plastic bags you can seal. Those huge Ziploc bags are great!
Finally, when you arrive home wash everything regardless of whether it was worn or not and this includes your children's plush toys. The heat of the dryer kills most things. If you stayed at a rental where you needed to bring your own towels and linens, make sure you wash and dry those as well. Don't forget to vacuum out those suitcases and bags before bringing them in the house. This is definitely the worst part of returning home, but it's a step that could possible save you some major pain later on.
Bed Bath and Beyond makes a bedbug spray and they recommend spraying it around the bed as well as the dressers and closets. It is non-toxic since it is made from all natural materials. Don't know if it works, but it smells nice and offers some piece of mind.
Don't let anxiety or fear keep you from enjoying all the wonderful sites the world has to offer. I know I won't. My spray is already packed.
A few practical, common sense suggestions can help make your stay at a hotel or vacation rental more pleasant. First off, before booking, do your research. A little surfing on the net will let you know whether a hotel has had any complaints regarding bedbugs and if worse comes to worse, ask. If there is a long pause on the other end, you have your answer.
Upon arriving, check the pad and mattress for the tell tale blood spots. If you see those, you can request another room, though I would probably leave despite the objections of my other half. Another point to remember is to keep all suitcases and bags off of the floor and way from walls. Also, avoid unpacking your clothes into the drawers. Keep them in your bags and keep the bags closed until you need something. Store dirty items in plastic bags you can seal. Those huge Ziploc bags are great!
Finally, when you arrive home wash everything regardless of whether it was worn or not and this includes your children's plush toys. The heat of the dryer kills most things. If you stayed at a rental where you needed to bring your own towels and linens, make sure you wash and dry those as well. Don't forget to vacuum out those suitcases and bags before bringing them in the house. This is definitely the worst part of returning home, but it's a step that could possible save you some major pain later on.
Bed Bath and Beyond makes a bedbug spray and they recommend spraying it around the bed as well as the dressers and closets. It is non-toxic since it is made from all natural materials. Don't know if it works, but it smells nice and offers some piece of mind.
Don't let anxiety or fear keep you from enjoying all the wonderful sites the world has to offer. I know I won't. My spray is already packed.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
So You Call Yourself A Writer
At what point do you begin identifying yourself to others as a writer? Is it when you have something published? Is it when someone else reads your work or when you begin making money from your writing?
I recently read an online article on becoming an author and one of the tips was to describe yourself as a writer. It was one that I knew that I should take to heart, but would find difficult. Perhaps it is growing up in a capitalist environment, but even though I have had a few things published, I still have trouble identifying myself as a writer. Probably because my last check from PublishAmerica was for $1.50, not exactly commercial success.
When I decided a couple of months ago to work on my writing full-time, I got a piece of advice from an area sports writer whose blog I enjoyed reading. It was simple, start small. His first assignment was not covering the local NHL team. It was high school sports. You work hard and slowly make your way up the ladder, the same as in any other profession. It was advice that I took to heart.
Recently, my husband purchased a laptop for me. When I balked at the price tag, he remarked that it was my profession and I needed a good one. The gift will be incredibly helpful to me and I love it, but I found the comment to be much more meaningful since it helped me come to the realization I've been ducking. I am a writer.
I recently read an online article on becoming an author and one of the tips was to describe yourself as a writer. It was one that I knew that I should take to heart, but would find difficult. Perhaps it is growing up in a capitalist environment, but even though I have had a few things published, I still have trouble identifying myself as a writer. Probably because my last check from PublishAmerica was for $1.50, not exactly commercial success.
When I decided a couple of months ago to work on my writing full-time, I got a piece of advice from an area sports writer whose blog I enjoyed reading. It was simple, start small. His first assignment was not covering the local NHL team. It was high school sports. You work hard and slowly make your way up the ladder, the same as in any other profession. It was advice that I took to heart.
Recently, my husband purchased a laptop for me. When I balked at the price tag, he remarked that it was my profession and I needed a good one. The gift will be incredibly helpful to me and I love it, but I found the comment to be much more meaningful since it helped me come to the realization I've been ducking. I am a writer.
Thursday, July 12, 2012
RSVP
When you send your children off whether it is to summer camp, college, or elsewhere, you expect to get some sort of an update from time to time. Well, it is the same with your manuscript. Any writer will agree that a manuscript is like one of your children. You nurture it, develop it, and then you send it off into the world. As with any child, you'd like to know how it's doing. Is it sitting in a slush pile somewhere? Does it have any shot at all at publication?
The question which always plagues me is, how long are you supposed to wait for a reply? Now I understand that publishers are busy and are often inundated with submissions. However, isn't everyone entitled to a timely response?
One of my past mistakes was to submit MURDEROUS DESCENT to several publishers. Even though some of them specifically stated that they did not accept simultaneous submissions, I figured, what are the odds? Well, apparently pretty good because shortly after I accepted a contract from PublishAmerica, I received an e-mail from another publisher who was interested in my book. In retrospect, the second offer would have been the better one, but they had been sitting on my manuscript for almost a year.
When I started to resubmit my newest endeavor, I decided to choose carefully and do one at a time. It did not take long to encounter a familar problem. This is what I find to be the most frustrating aspect of writing. I'm a former writing teacher and you pretty much know the difference between a paper that has potential and one that completely missed the mark right away. Why does it take so long for a publisher to reply? If you hate it, send it back. If you love it, let the author know. If there's potential, but it needs more work, say so.
Perhaps what the publishing world needs is an Emily Post refresher course. All of your contact information is a click away. We're not asking for the moon, just an occasional update so you know how your baby is doing.
The question which always plagues me is, how long are you supposed to wait for a reply? Now I understand that publishers are busy and are often inundated with submissions. However, isn't everyone entitled to a timely response?
One of my past mistakes was to submit MURDEROUS DESCENT to several publishers. Even though some of them specifically stated that they did not accept simultaneous submissions, I figured, what are the odds? Well, apparently pretty good because shortly after I accepted a contract from PublishAmerica, I received an e-mail from another publisher who was interested in my book. In retrospect, the second offer would have been the better one, but they had been sitting on my manuscript for almost a year.
When I started to resubmit my newest endeavor, I decided to choose carefully and do one at a time. It did not take long to encounter a familar problem. This is what I find to be the most frustrating aspect of writing. I'm a former writing teacher and you pretty much know the difference between a paper that has potential and one that completely missed the mark right away. Why does it take so long for a publisher to reply? If you hate it, send it back. If you love it, let the author know. If there's potential, but it needs more work, say so.
Perhaps what the publishing world needs is an Emily Post refresher course. All of your contact information is a click away. We're not asking for the moon, just an occasional update so you know how your baby is doing.
Monday, July 9, 2012
Do You Need an Agent?
This is a question that I have pondered over and over again for the past few years and I still do not have an answer for it. I am sure having an agent would be a wonderful thing. Having someone in your corner who believes in your work and is trying to help you find the right venue for it, sounds like an oasis. Practically speaking, an agent would also be a tremendous time saver. I probably spend just as much time on queries as I do on writing my stories. However, finding an agent is just as time consuming as finding a publisher, if not more so and the question remains. Do you really need one?
If you look, there are publishers that take unagented manuscripts. Most of the large houses are only interested in agented material. I often wonder how Mary Higgins Clark found hers when she was a struggling writer who would wake up at an ungodly hour to write before getting her children up for school. Some writers tell you that an agent is necessary if you want your work to find commercial success. Yet there are others who will tell you that an agent is a blood-sucking leech and going it alone is your best bet. I suppose it is like one of those research studies. If you look, you can always find data to support your stance either way. I may not have found commercial success, but I have had some things published and as with anything in life, you take it one step at a time.
I do not know if you need an agent, but I have come to the realization that I am probably never going to have one. I have sent numerous queries out to literacy agencies that have gone unanswered. Once in a while a standard rejection would arrive after an incredibly long amount of time telling me that they only take clients on referrals. However, the last straw was when I asked another author for a referral and the response was no.
That was when I came to the realization that if I wanted to get published than I had better get to work because sink or swim, it was all on me.
If you look, there are publishers that take unagented manuscripts. Most of the large houses are only interested in agented material. I often wonder how Mary Higgins Clark found hers when she was a struggling writer who would wake up at an ungodly hour to write before getting her children up for school. Some writers tell you that an agent is necessary if you want your work to find commercial success. Yet there are others who will tell you that an agent is a blood-sucking leech and going it alone is your best bet. I suppose it is like one of those research studies. If you look, you can always find data to support your stance either way. I may not have found commercial success, but I have had some things published and as with anything in life, you take it one step at a time.
I do not know if you need an agent, but I have come to the realization that I am probably never going to have one. I have sent numerous queries out to literacy agencies that have gone unanswered. Once in a while a standard rejection would arrive after an incredibly long amount of time telling me that they only take clients on referrals. However, the last straw was when I asked another author for a referral and the response was no.
That was when I came to the realization that if I wanted to get published than I had better get to work because sink or swim, it was all on me.
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Finding An Audience
I don't know if I am exactly qualified to write on this topic since I am still looking for mine. However, I will tell you what I have done and some of the lessons that I have learned along the way. Even though I have had my work published, I do not feel that I have been successful. A journalist who covers an area sports team recently gave me a simple piece of advice, start small and keep writing.
When I first began looking for a publisher, I began with a copy of THE WRITER'S MARKET. You can find one online or in any bookstore. THE WRITER'S MARKET contains a list of publishers for just about anything you can write. They also include articles on writing query letters and inspirational stories from published writers. If you want to focus your search, they sell other more targeted books as well. For example, THE NOVEL AND SHORT STORY WRITER'S MARKET. I have purchased both and had an easier time navigating the later, especially for short stories.
When you do find a publisher that seems like it will be a good fit, take the time to do your research. I already made that mistake and will not repeat it. Writers Beware is a website that lists publishers that writers have had difficulty with. While I was sending queries out for my latest manuscript, I got a bite from a publisher who seemed interested, but wanted me to put up $7,000. FYI, a request for money is always a huge red flag. I did a google search of the company and found that there were several complaints filed against the editor with whom I had been e-mailing. She was less than pleased when I declined and requested my work back. Her comments were quite nasty, but I considered the source and moved on.
There are publishers out there who accept unagented material. It has been my experience that trying to obtain an agent is just as daunting as trying to find a publisher. Many will only accept referrals from clients. While I was doing a book signing and talk at my local library with an area romance author, I asked her who her agent was, hoping to get a contact. She responded with a name, but asked that I not use her name when spoke with them. Fat lot of help that was. I sent a letter and the response? We only take clients recommended to us.
Another helpful suggestion on trying to find a publisher and an agent was to attend writing conferences. Great idea, but not exactly practical when you have three young children. I knew I couldn't leave my husband with the kids to travel to South Carolina for a mystery writing seminar, so I joined the local chapter of Sisters in Crime, a mystery writing organization, instead. Problem? The monthly meetings are on Saturdays and for those of you who have children in youth sports, especially travel teams, you know how your weekends are spent. My husband also coaches which is tough to do with a baby in tow. Thus far, I haven't been able to attend one meeting, but did get two short stories published from an advertisement I saw in their newsletter for crime stories set in New Jersey.
Recently, I began using a website called writethismoment.com which for a small fee($8) will help you to connect with paying opportunities for your writing. Since signing up with them, I have been able to find some outlets for my work. Let you know if something pans out.
The bottom line is as I tell my children, there aren't any short cuts in life and anything worth pursuing requires perseverance and hard work!
When I first began looking for a publisher, I began with a copy of THE WRITER'S MARKET. You can find one online or in any bookstore. THE WRITER'S MARKET contains a list of publishers for just about anything you can write. They also include articles on writing query letters and inspirational stories from published writers. If you want to focus your search, they sell other more targeted books as well. For example, THE NOVEL AND SHORT STORY WRITER'S MARKET. I have purchased both and had an easier time navigating the later, especially for short stories.
When you do find a publisher that seems like it will be a good fit, take the time to do your research. I already made that mistake and will not repeat it. Writers Beware is a website that lists publishers that writers have had difficulty with. While I was sending queries out for my latest manuscript, I got a bite from a publisher who seemed interested, but wanted me to put up $7,000. FYI, a request for money is always a huge red flag. I did a google search of the company and found that there were several complaints filed against the editor with whom I had been e-mailing. She was less than pleased when I declined and requested my work back. Her comments were quite nasty, but I considered the source and moved on.
There are publishers out there who accept unagented material. It has been my experience that trying to obtain an agent is just as daunting as trying to find a publisher. Many will only accept referrals from clients. While I was doing a book signing and talk at my local library with an area romance author, I asked her who her agent was, hoping to get a contact. She responded with a name, but asked that I not use her name when spoke with them. Fat lot of help that was. I sent a letter and the response? We only take clients recommended to us.
Another helpful suggestion on trying to find a publisher and an agent was to attend writing conferences. Great idea, but not exactly practical when you have three young children. I knew I couldn't leave my husband with the kids to travel to South Carolina for a mystery writing seminar, so I joined the local chapter of Sisters in Crime, a mystery writing organization, instead. Problem? The monthly meetings are on Saturdays and for those of you who have children in youth sports, especially travel teams, you know how your weekends are spent. My husband also coaches which is tough to do with a baby in tow. Thus far, I haven't been able to attend one meeting, but did get two short stories published from an advertisement I saw in their newsletter for crime stories set in New Jersey.
Recently, I began using a website called writethismoment.com which for a small fee($8) will help you to connect with paying opportunities for your writing. Since signing up with them, I have been able to find some outlets for my work. Let you know if something pans out.
The bottom line is as I tell my children, there aren't any short cuts in life and anything worth pursuing requires perseverance and hard work!
Sunday, July 1, 2012
GETTING STARTED
If writing is in your blood, you already know it and the great thing about writing is, all you need is a blank piece of paper or computer screen, if you will and an idea. It is as simple as the Nike motto, just do it. I majored in English at Douglass College which is a campus of Rutgers University. All of the classes in my major had a writing slant after I switched out of the journalism program. For a while, I wanted to be a play write. Eventually, I saw that my talent swung more in the direction of fiction. Even while I was teaching, I was writing. First children's books and finally mysteries.
Whether it's mysteries, romance, or horror, write your story. As with any topic, there are books available that can assist you as well as websites. However, first and foremost, is writing something. You can start small with a short story or dive right in and start your novel. The thing to remember is, that as with anything else in life, the more you write, the more proficient you will become.
Gotham Writer's Workshop, which is based in Manhattan, offers a diverse field of online classes ranging from Novel Writing to Script Writing. So if the idea of writing seems a bit daunting at the start, try taking a class first. If you are enrolled in a class, you will have assignments to work on and that can be a bit more comforting than a blank page. I took Gotham's Novel Writing One and Two and found them extremely helpful in fine tuning my voice. They also have periodic workshops in NYC. I would love to attend one, but the crazy schedule with the kids always gets in the way which is why the online option is awesome. Their newsletter is a big help as well because it highlights contests and upcoming writing events.
Many adult continuing education programs offer creative writing classes or workshops as does many public libraries. Check out what's in your area.
Once you have your story whether it's a short or something longer, comes everyone's least favorite part-revisions. Some writers save that to the end and concentrate on the writing part, going from beginning to end. I like to revise as I go. Before I dive in for the day, I will reread and edit what I wrote the previous session. When I have completely finished a piece, I will reread it and then let it sit for a day or two depending on the deadline and then revise it one more time. If you're comfortable and have someone who is willing, have a friend read it for feedback. A third party can be quite helpful.
For a while, a classmate from my online class was reading my stories and it was great to get an opinion from someone who doesn't know you personally. The closer the person is to you, the harder it can be to take the criticism. That's why my husband never reads my stuff.
Now that you have your story or your manuscript and have edited it, comes the really hard part, finding a publisher. However, that's another post entirely!
Whether it's mysteries, romance, or horror, write your story. As with any topic, there are books available that can assist you as well as websites. However, first and foremost, is writing something. You can start small with a short story or dive right in and start your novel. The thing to remember is, that as with anything else in life, the more you write, the more proficient you will become.
Gotham Writer's Workshop, which is based in Manhattan, offers a diverse field of online classes ranging from Novel Writing to Script Writing. So if the idea of writing seems a bit daunting at the start, try taking a class first. If you are enrolled in a class, you will have assignments to work on and that can be a bit more comforting than a blank page. I took Gotham's Novel Writing One and Two and found them extremely helpful in fine tuning my voice. They also have periodic workshops in NYC. I would love to attend one, but the crazy schedule with the kids always gets in the way which is why the online option is awesome. Their newsletter is a big help as well because it highlights contests and upcoming writing events.
Many adult continuing education programs offer creative writing classes or workshops as does many public libraries. Check out what's in your area.
Once you have your story whether it's a short or something longer, comes everyone's least favorite part-revisions. Some writers save that to the end and concentrate on the writing part, going from beginning to end. I like to revise as I go. Before I dive in for the day, I will reread and edit what I wrote the previous session. When I have completely finished a piece, I will reread it and then let it sit for a day or two depending on the deadline and then revise it one more time. If you're comfortable and have someone who is willing, have a friend read it for feedback. A third party can be quite helpful.
For a while, a classmate from my online class was reading my stories and it was great to get an opinion from someone who doesn't know you personally. The closer the person is to you, the harder it can be to take the criticism. That's why my husband never reads my stuff.
Now that you have your story or your manuscript and have edited it, comes the really hard part, finding a publisher. However, that's another post entirely!
Monday, June 25, 2012
The Scrap Heap
Some stories write themselves. Others are like giving birth. They are a labor of love. It's painful during the process, but the end result is beautiful. Still others are worse than a trip to the dentist for a root canal. That is when you sometimes come to the realization that the project you were enthralled with a few weeks ago, is ready for the scrap heap.
I have always been interested in travel, especially anything involving Europe. I love to read books depicting settings in far away places and enjoy blogs along those lines as well. It's funny considering I was in college before I actually left the tri-state area and flew on an airplane. I was married when I got a passport and ventured out of the country. My husband and I spent ten days in London and Paris. It boggles my mind to this day that I was that close to Ireland and still didn't make it.
Last summer after reading a travel related blog, I got a great idea for a new manuscript. I even came up with the title, TRAVELS AND TRIBULATIONS. Now since the plot that I had in mind was way outside of my comfort zone, I knew that I needed to do some research. I conducted some interviews with travel bloggers, people who worked in the industry, friends who have been abroad, and did a lot of reading on European destinations. With my middle one entering school full-time, I was all set to get to work when September rolled around.
However, when I sat down to begin, the writing stalled worse than a traffic jam on the Garden State Parkway during a summertime Friday. No matter how hard I tried, the words just would not flow. I worried that I had lost it. In desperation, I shelved it for a few weeks and went back to give SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH another once over.
When I returned to it and I was still blocked, I begrudgingly had to admit I had bitten off more than I could chew and put it away permanently. I hated to do it because I put so much time and effort into the research, but the simple fact was the idea didn't work. It wasn't a total loss though because this was where my new character, Rainer Donovan came from. She didn't work in TRAVELS AND TRIBULATIONS, but she came into her own in HOLMES AND HANDCUFFS.
I know there is a novel in Rainer yet. I just haven't found the right venue for her, but I will. The moral here is that not every idea you have is going to turn into a hot page-turner. Some do, but many do not. Don't hit the delete button. The research I did may come in handy on another story or perhaps a free-lance article. You never know and that is one of the joys of writing. There's always another blank page and the thrill of it is that you never know quite where that journey is going to take you. So enjoy the ride.
I have always been interested in travel, especially anything involving Europe. I love to read books depicting settings in far away places and enjoy blogs along those lines as well. It's funny considering I was in college before I actually left the tri-state area and flew on an airplane. I was married when I got a passport and ventured out of the country. My husband and I spent ten days in London and Paris. It boggles my mind to this day that I was that close to Ireland and still didn't make it.
Last summer after reading a travel related blog, I got a great idea for a new manuscript. I even came up with the title, TRAVELS AND TRIBULATIONS. Now since the plot that I had in mind was way outside of my comfort zone, I knew that I needed to do some research. I conducted some interviews with travel bloggers, people who worked in the industry, friends who have been abroad, and did a lot of reading on European destinations. With my middle one entering school full-time, I was all set to get to work when September rolled around.
However, when I sat down to begin, the writing stalled worse than a traffic jam on the Garden State Parkway during a summertime Friday. No matter how hard I tried, the words just would not flow. I worried that I had lost it. In desperation, I shelved it for a few weeks and went back to give SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH another once over.
When I returned to it and I was still blocked, I begrudgingly had to admit I had bitten off more than I could chew and put it away permanently. I hated to do it because I put so much time and effort into the research, but the simple fact was the idea didn't work. It wasn't a total loss though because this was where my new character, Rainer Donovan came from. She didn't work in TRAVELS AND TRIBULATIONS, but she came into her own in HOLMES AND HANDCUFFS.
I know there is a novel in Rainer yet. I just haven't found the right venue for her, but I will. The moral here is that not every idea you have is going to turn into a hot page-turner. Some do, but many do not. Don't hit the delete button. The research I did may come in handy on another story or perhaps a free-lance article. You never know and that is one of the joys of writing. There's always another blank page and the thrill of it is that you never know quite where that journey is going to take you. So enjoy the ride.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
The Name Game
Naming a character is like naming one of your children. You want to choose carefully and pick something that will make an impression. However, there is a fine line between unique and just plain bizarre. My sympathies go out to the Apples and Blues of the world. At least a book character does not have to endure a lifetime of snickering and eye rolls after an introduction.
When I was pregnant last year, I was on the lookout for names. I wanted something different, but not completely off the wall, with an Irish flavor. I found myself checking pretty much everything that had a name written on it. My quest netted me quite a list, not just for our new addition, but for future characters as well. It was how my new protagonist, Rainer Donovan, was born.
My husband, of course, hated every name I came up with. His claim was that he had the choice for the third one since the first two were my pick. Nice thought, but for everything women go through to give birth, they really should have the final say. Jokingly, he made reference to the surname of an infamous hockey player. The older ones loved it and after a little research, I found it was actually an English name. We ended up pairing it with a classic and I got my wish. Something pretty with an unusual flair.
Generally, I find choosing the first name of a character much easier than the last. I always keep my ears and eyes open for a good one and file it away in a notebook I keep. In a pinch, you can let your fingers do the walking through a phone book until those become completely obsolete.
A classmate from an online writing class once pointed out to me that I shouldn't have named two characters in my story Michael and Mark. His feeling was that you should not have characters with the same beginning letter because it is too similar and can be confusing to the reader. I don't know if that is necessarily true, but it can be something to be mindful of.
Whatever moniker you decide on, be sure to stay with it throughout the manuscript. You don't want Claire to turn into Clarice by Chapter ten.
When I was pregnant last year, I was on the lookout for names. I wanted something different, but not completely off the wall, with an Irish flavor. I found myself checking pretty much everything that had a name written on it. My quest netted me quite a list, not just for our new addition, but for future characters as well. It was how my new protagonist, Rainer Donovan, was born.
My husband, of course, hated every name I came up with. His claim was that he had the choice for the third one since the first two were my pick. Nice thought, but for everything women go through to give birth, they really should have the final say. Jokingly, he made reference to the surname of an infamous hockey player. The older ones loved it and after a little research, I found it was actually an English name. We ended up pairing it with a classic and I got my wish. Something pretty with an unusual flair.
Generally, I find choosing the first name of a character much easier than the last. I always keep my ears and eyes open for a good one and file it away in a notebook I keep. In a pinch, you can let your fingers do the walking through a phone book until those become completely obsolete.
A classmate from an online writing class once pointed out to me that I shouldn't have named two characters in my story Michael and Mark. His feeling was that you should not have characters with the same beginning letter because it is too similar and can be confusing to the reader. I don't know if that is necessarily true, but it can be something to be mindful of.
Whatever moniker you decide on, be sure to stay with it throughout the manuscript. You don't want Claire to turn into Clarice by Chapter ten.
Friday, June 22, 2012
A Cast of Characters
I don't know if it is all writers or just me, but I am definitely an observer of human nature. Perhaps it is my shyness coming into play again, but I have always been more comfortable sitting back and taking things in than diving in. However, it is a personality trait which I find comes in quite handy when creating characters and let's face it, who hasn't indulged in a little people watching. Everyone does it. It's why many tune into watch the red carpet for the Academy Awards and then turn it off. The best part is seeing what people are wearing.
Bringing a character to life is an integral part of any novel. Reading a great novel is like taking a journey. You want to grab your readers and keep them hooked and in order to do that a writer needs two things, a intriguing plot and compelling characters. One of my favorite professors in college once said that to be a good writer, you need to experience life. I think that is true to a certain extent. If you want your readers to truly experience what if feels like to take a walk along the Jersey Shore, it helps if you have actually done it yourself.
That is one of the reasons I have never set one of my stories in Ireland. I love Ireland with its beautiful landscapes, culture, and mystery. Yet, I have never written about it. The idea intimidates me because I am not sure I can grasp the essence since I have not been there. I will someday. Even if I am a senior citizen when I do it.
In the meantime, I will stick to settings I am comfortable with. My time in education, vacations, and especially my adventures in youth sports have given me quite a cast to work with. New Jersey is the home of many diverse locales. It is one of the few states where you can find a little bit of everything from a hike in the mountains to a stroll on a sandy beach and finally to dinner and dancing in a happening city. As the cities and towns differ, so do the people.
I live not far from where I grew up and for some reason, I never attended our town's church fair. We always meant to go, but for one reason or another, never got there. This year we made it and boy was I glad that I did. The money we brought was gone in about twenty minutes since the prices were beyond outrageous. This left the little one and I influx because the big one had gone off with his friends. He turned to me after the ride tickets were used up and asked, "What do we do now?"
I smiled and took him over to the playground. He had fun playing(for free I might add) and I found the perfect spot to sit back and watch. The people enjoying the warm summer evening were as different as night and day and for a writer, a bonanza of story lines and potential characters. On the walk home, listening to my boys talk about their adventures, my mind was whirling with ideas I couldn't wait to bring to life. A great night was certainly had by all.
Next Up-What's in a Name?
Bringing a character to life is an integral part of any novel. Reading a great novel is like taking a journey. You want to grab your readers and keep them hooked and in order to do that a writer needs two things, a intriguing plot and compelling characters. One of my favorite professors in college once said that to be a good writer, you need to experience life. I think that is true to a certain extent. If you want your readers to truly experience what if feels like to take a walk along the Jersey Shore, it helps if you have actually done it yourself.
That is one of the reasons I have never set one of my stories in Ireland. I love Ireland with its beautiful landscapes, culture, and mystery. Yet, I have never written about it. The idea intimidates me because I am not sure I can grasp the essence since I have not been there. I will someday. Even if I am a senior citizen when I do it.
In the meantime, I will stick to settings I am comfortable with. My time in education, vacations, and especially my adventures in youth sports have given me quite a cast to work with. New Jersey is the home of many diverse locales. It is one of the few states where you can find a little bit of everything from a hike in the mountains to a stroll on a sandy beach and finally to dinner and dancing in a happening city. As the cities and towns differ, so do the people.
I live not far from where I grew up and for some reason, I never attended our town's church fair. We always meant to go, but for one reason or another, never got there. This year we made it and boy was I glad that I did. The money we brought was gone in about twenty minutes since the prices were beyond outrageous. This left the little one and I influx because the big one had gone off with his friends. He turned to me after the ride tickets were used up and asked, "What do we do now?"
I smiled and took him over to the playground. He had fun playing(for free I might add) and I found the perfect spot to sit back and watch. The people enjoying the warm summer evening were as different as night and day and for a writer, a bonanza of story lines and potential characters. On the walk home, listening to my boys talk about their adventures, my mind was whirling with ideas I couldn't wait to bring to life. A great night was certainly had by all.
Next Up-What's in a Name?
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
The Write Time
As the school year draws to a close today, it presents an interesting problem for me. With all three of my children home and the daily schedule in flux, when will I find the time to write? I spent fifteen years teaching in the trenches and I was still able to find time to crank out two novels and a few short stories. I was even able to take an online creative writing class as well. Of course, I didn't have my oldest until I was near the end of my tenure as an educator. Putting children into the equation changes everything.
Being a mom is a twenty/four seven job. I've been a working mom and a stay-at-home mom and while both are incredibly difficult and rewarding, I have to say that the later is more challenging, especially when you are trying to incorporate work. Perhaps it is because when you are at home, the general consensus is that you do not work. That observation could not be farther from the truth. I work more now than I ever did when I was in the classroom and there really isn't any down time. I am literally always on the go.
My middle one made a comment a couple of months ago that when he was older, he wanted my job. I said, "Oh, that's great! You want to be a writer?" He responded, "No, I want to stay home like you." I bit my tongue and reminded myself several times that he was only a kindergartener. It was only recently that I began to think of myself as a writer. Before I always thought of myself as a teacher. The school district where I taught forced my hand in a sense, giving me the ultimatum of returning to the classroom or resigning after I gave birth to my second child during a leave of absence.
My last principal asked me the question, "Where do I want to be school or at home?" The answer was simple, at home which is why my husband and I decided to bite the bullet financially. In my heart, I always knew writing was my true passion. It just took a while for me to take the plunge. I have done more writing in the past two months than I have in the past two years and I want to keep it going.
The predictable nature of the daily school schedule and the baby's nap time gave me a nice block of time to devote to my creative pursuits. Summertime changes everything, but I am determined to keep my goal in sight even if it means becoming an owl because the write time is going to be the nighttime.
Being a mom is a twenty/four seven job. I've been a working mom and a stay-at-home mom and while both are incredibly difficult and rewarding, I have to say that the later is more challenging, especially when you are trying to incorporate work. Perhaps it is because when you are at home, the general consensus is that you do not work. That observation could not be farther from the truth. I work more now than I ever did when I was in the classroom and there really isn't any down time. I am literally always on the go.
My middle one made a comment a couple of months ago that when he was older, he wanted my job. I said, "Oh, that's great! You want to be a writer?" He responded, "No, I want to stay home like you." I bit my tongue and reminded myself several times that he was only a kindergartener. It was only recently that I began to think of myself as a writer. Before I always thought of myself as a teacher. The school district where I taught forced my hand in a sense, giving me the ultimatum of returning to the classroom or resigning after I gave birth to my second child during a leave of absence.
My last principal asked me the question, "Where do I want to be school or at home?" The answer was simple, at home which is why my husband and I decided to bite the bullet financially. In my heart, I always knew writing was my true passion. It just took a while for me to take the plunge. I have done more writing in the past two months than I have in the past two years and I want to keep it going.
The predictable nature of the daily school schedule and the baby's nap time gave me a nice block of time to devote to my creative pursuits. Summertime changes everything, but I am determined to keep my goal in sight even if it means becoming an owl because the write time is going to be the nighttime.
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Waiting Game
Writing and waiting go hand in hand. You carefully choose a publisher to submit your work to and then you wait, wait, and wait some more. Most publishers give you a general idea of when to expect a response. However, the simple truth of the matter is, it takes forever or it just seems like that. Your manuscript is like a child in some ways. It is a piece of yourself and when it is sent out, you want to hear from it. How is it doing? Does the editor like it or has it been placed on a slush pile where it will be left to starve?
This waiting game puts an author in an awkward position. It begs the question, "What do you do in the meantime?" The quick answer is work on another piece. I always have ideas on the back burner. So, when one manuscript is out, it would seem to be the perfect time to start working on a new project or editing an old one. Submitting is in itself a full-time commitment. It is sometimes helpful to divide the week into sections where you either work on a manuscript or concentrate on finding a home for one. If the creative juices are stumped on a particular day, then it is probably a good idea to research publishers or send out a submission.
My problem has always been determining when is too long. When should you contact a publisher and ask if your manuscript has a chance? When I first started sending out MURDEROUS DESCENT, I sent it off to Avalon Books. I was beyond thrilled to get a response in a month requesting to read the entire manuscript. Carefully, I followed their instructions to the letter and sent back an outline, summary, and the whole book. Then, I waited for months without a response. I even contacted them by mail for an update after six and still heard nothing. I kid you not when I say that a year later an envelope shows up with a rejection letter addressed to me with another person's manuscript. When my follow-up letter went without a response, I had pretty much given up hope. However, it was difficult to fathom that they couldn't even be bothered to return the correct manuscript. I mean really, how hard is it?
Now, being the considerate person that I am, I contacted the author whose manuscript I had gotten using her e-mail address, explained the situation, and offered to send it to her. I was also hoping that she had mine. Instead, of answering me, she must have called Avalon screaming because a short time later, I got an e-mail from an editor apologizing for the confusion and asking me to send the woman her book. Well, isn't that what I offered to do in the first place?
Eventually, I got my manuscript back and in that long time frame, I had done some more revisions on it and started submitting the book elsewhere and crossed Avalon off my list for future projects. I know it was probably an intern who made the mistake and I'm not Mary Higgins Clark, but even the little guy deserves the courtesy of a prompt and professional response.
This waiting game puts an author in an awkward position. It begs the question, "What do you do in the meantime?" The quick answer is work on another piece. I always have ideas on the back burner. So, when one manuscript is out, it would seem to be the perfect time to start working on a new project or editing an old one. Submitting is in itself a full-time commitment. It is sometimes helpful to divide the week into sections where you either work on a manuscript or concentrate on finding a home for one. If the creative juices are stumped on a particular day, then it is probably a good idea to research publishers or send out a submission.
My problem has always been determining when is too long. When should you contact a publisher and ask if your manuscript has a chance? When I first started sending out MURDEROUS DESCENT, I sent it off to Avalon Books. I was beyond thrilled to get a response in a month requesting to read the entire manuscript. Carefully, I followed their instructions to the letter and sent back an outline, summary, and the whole book. Then, I waited for months without a response. I even contacted them by mail for an update after six and still heard nothing. I kid you not when I say that a year later an envelope shows up with a rejection letter addressed to me with another person's manuscript. When my follow-up letter went without a response, I had pretty much given up hope. However, it was difficult to fathom that they couldn't even be bothered to return the correct manuscript. I mean really, how hard is it?
Now, being the considerate person that I am, I contacted the author whose manuscript I had gotten using her e-mail address, explained the situation, and offered to send it to her. I was also hoping that she had mine. Instead, of answering me, she must have called Avalon screaming because a short time later, I got an e-mail from an editor apologizing for the confusion and asking me to send the woman her book. Well, isn't that what I offered to do in the first place?
Eventually, I got my manuscript back and in that long time frame, I had done some more revisions on it and started submitting the book elsewhere and crossed Avalon off my list for future projects. I know it was probably an intern who made the mistake and I'm not Mary Higgins Clark, but even the little guy deserves the courtesy of a prompt and professional response.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The First Line
THE FIRST LINE is a quarterly magazine which was founded on the premise of providing authors with an opening. It is based on the theory that the stories are all beginning in the same manner yet take off in innumerable directions. I first came across the publication a few years ago when I was browsing through WRITER'S MARKET. I loved the idea because it was one which I used when teaching writing to my third grade students. I decided to give it a try and failed. Not that I didn't come up with a good story. I thought it was great and eventually THE SILVER SWAN found a home in CRIME SCENE NEW JERSEY which is an anthology featuring mystery stories that are all set in the Garden State. The editors of THE FIRST LINE just did not share my opinion which is of course their prerogative and par for the course when writing.
The rejection stung, but I nevertheless vowed to keep submitting until I finally hit one. I've yet to reach my goal. However, I did come close once and appreciated the editor's comment on my rejection letter that I'd just missed. I couldn't help but wonder what it was that kept it out of that issue. However, I've read that you should just accept your rejection and move on. In the end, my quest netted quite a few short stories. Four of which found homes in other publications. Moral? What one editor doesn't like, another might. Do not give up.
Eventually, I became frustrated and stopped submitting. Recently, I decided to take up my quest. I tell my children not to quit and it's always best to try and set a good example. So I made a pitch for the summer issue. The opener wasn't a great one. "Rachel's first trip to England didn't go as planned." However, I am a closet traveler and someday hope to backpack around Europe, even if I'm a senior citizen when I do it. So, I gave it a shot and came up with HOLMES AND HANDCUFFS which is a mystery set in my favorite spot, Spring Lake. It also introduces my newest protagonist, Rainer Donovan, who is a journalist who yearns to escape her life to explore the great unknown. Instead, Rainer finds herself investigating Rachel's apparent suicide when she turns up dead on the night before her trip to England. THE FIRST LINE didn't like it and I have since set it off to another magazine called ONE STORY which is a publication that features simply one short story. I've yet to hear, but am hopeful.
I've learned that there are three things that are essential to writing. The first is of course a thick skin. You have to shake off the rejection and move on. The second is patience. You submit a story and then you wait, wait, and wait some more. The third is hope. As with everything in life, you have to have hope. Without that, what do you have?
The rejection stung, but I nevertheless vowed to keep submitting until I finally hit one. I've yet to reach my goal. However, I did come close once and appreciated the editor's comment on my rejection letter that I'd just missed. I couldn't help but wonder what it was that kept it out of that issue. However, I've read that you should just accept your rejection and move on. In the end, my quest netted quite a few short stories. Four of which found homes in other publications. Moral? What one editor doesn't like, another might. Do not give up.
Eventually, I became frustrated and stopped submitting. Recently, I decided to take up my quest. I tell my children not to quit and it's always best to try and set a good example. So I made a pitch for the summer issue. The opener wasn't a great one. "Rachel's first trip to England didn't go as planned." However, I am a closet traveler and someday hope to backpack around Europe, even if I'm a senior citizen when I do it. So, I gave it a shot and came up with HOLMES AND HANDCUFFS which is a mystery set in my favorite spot, Spring Lake. It also introduces my newest protagonist, Rainer Donovan, who is a journalist who yearns to escape her life to explore the great unknown. Instead, Rainer finds herself investigating Rachel's apparent suicide when she turns up dead on the night before her trip to England. THE FIRST LINE didn't like it and I have since set it off to another magazine called ONE STORY which is a publication that features simply one short story. I've yet to hear, but am hopeful.
I've learned that there are three things that are essential to writing. The first is of course a thick skin. You have to shake off the rejection and move on. The second is patience. You submit a story and then you wait, wait, and wait some more. The third is hope. As with everything in life, you have to have hope. Without that, what do you have?
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
The Ghosts of Cape May
Nestled on the tip of its peninsula is by far one of the Garden State's best kept secrets. Way, way back in the day, Cape May, New Jersey was a playground for English royalty and early American politicians with its breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean and quaint inns. Today this Victorian, sea-side hamlet is the quintessential vacation spot, offering something for everyone. It is also a mystery writer's paradise.
Cape May is rich in history dating back to before the Revolutionary War. A Japanese ship even surrendered just off the shore near the end of World War II and the prisoners were detained nearby. Fires have destroyed large sections of the Cape on several occasions, including a major one during the Victorian era which nearly decimated it completely. Each time Cape May rebuilt. All of this history and tragedy begs the question, is Cape May haunted?
Many will answer yes without hesitation. Craig McManus and Charles Adams have filed at least three books with ghostly tales of Cape May. Even the SciFi channel's show Ghost Hunters has visited and determined that the beautifully historic Victorian Southern Mansion is inhabited by a ghost who interestingly enough has a hair fetish. Many who have visited the highest portion of the stately inn have reported the sensation of someone or something running fingers through their hair.
My family and I have been making an annual trek down the Parkway for a summertime respite since the oldest was three. We've stayed in a few different places during that time and I have always wanted to write a story set here. I'm not a horror writer because I am a self-confessed chicken. I do not watch horror movies or read scary books, but I found it almost impossible to set a story in Cape May without adding a little paranormal because it is such a central part of the town's identity. The locals speak about spirits casually as if everyone has one inhabiting their house.
When I first started writing WAVES OF DECEIT, I began doing some research into the a fore mentioned ghosts by reading a few books on the subject. A process I abandoned after some sleepless nights. My husband refuses to sleep with the light on and that really doesn't set the best example for the children. On the one hand I'm telling them there aren't any monsters in the closet, but am afraid to turn the light off because I read a book that freaked me out.
Our family had stayed for two summers at the Harvard Apartments which is where Russell and company decided to vacation in my novel. Unfortunately for us, the lovely place played havoc with every one's allergies and we had to look for a new place. My husband found this one which was situated right across from the beach. We soon found out why this highly sought after address was still available so late it the season. It was the filthiest place I have ever seen. If we had had the baby that summer, I would have taken her and driven home. However, in the spirit of marital harmony, I cleaned it, refused to cook anything, and made the best of it. We still refer to it as the 'Ant House.' In addition to giving me a sinus infection, it also gave me my own Cape May ghostly encounter, though my husband will swear it was all in my imagination.
I never sleep well when not at home and especially with ants creeping everywhere, but our first night in the house, I couldn't fall asleep because I kept hearing doors slam. When I complained about it the next morning, my husband's response was that we were above a hot dog shop and a store. Of course, I was going to hear sounds. He could not explain why I was the only one to hear them however. The next day I did a little looking around and discovered that the hot dog shop closed at five and the clothing store did not have a back entrance. The kids' rooms were at the front of the apartment. Ours was at the back. The doors underneath us would not be slamming in the middle of the night. The next evening, after several door slams, I woke my husband. I won't repeat what he said, but needless to say, he was annoyed and never heard a door slam.
Cape May has several ghost tours, but the original was a walking tour(it has sadly closed due to the recession). As a part of my research, I wanted to take the tour so my niece and I embarked on the Ghosts of Cape May Tour, which took you to several parts of the town where the guide related ghostly tales. A couple I knew from my research, but several were new. Door slams seemed to be quite popular, especially at the Hotel Mawcomber a few blocks over. At the end of the tour, we were walking down Jackson Street which is where we were staying. My niece and I looked at each other when the guide stopped directly below our apartment. She proceeded to depict how Jackson Street was the most haunted on the Cape and relayed a couple of tales. I was tempted to raise my hand, but decided to save it for my book.
Last summer with the baby just a couple of months old, we decided to skip a vacation, but gave in to the boys' pleadings with a couple of nights near the end of the summer. This time I found the place which was thankfully immaculate, though I was a little concerned when my husband pulled into the narrow driveway at the back of the house. I was ready to cry, but decided to wait until I saw the place in its entirety. It paid off. The problem with our little stay was that my husband was called into work. Instead of canceling, we decided that the kids and I would stay the first night without him.
I wasn't too concerned about being on my own with the two boys and a newborn until the oldest asked the innkeeper if the house was haunted to which she replied yes. When the three of us stared at her, she added that the ghost was friendly and loved babies and didn't we have a cute one. I can't say that made me feel a whole lot better. I was petrified I was going to wake up in the middle of the night and see a ghost standing over the baby which is why I left every light on in the house. So much for setting a good example for my sons.
I'm still deciding what ghostly twist my tale will take. WAVES OF DECEIT is currently under consideration by JUKEPOP which publishes your work chapter by chapter like old-fashioned serials. Mine will have enough hooks to keep a reader coming back. I just hope they feel the same way.
Cape May is rich in history dating back to before the Revolutionary War. A Japanese ship even surrendered just off the shore near the end of World War II and the prisoners were detained nearby. Fires have destroyed large sections of the Cape on several occasions, including a major one during the Victorian era which nearly decimated it completely. Each time Cape May rebuilt. All of this history and tragedy begs the question, is Cape May haunted?
Many will answer yes without hesitation. Craig McManus and Charles Adams have filed at least three books with ghostly tales of Cape May. Even the SciFi channel's show Ghost Hunters has visited and determined that the beautifully historic Victorian Southern Mansion is inhabited by a ghost who interestingly enough has a hair fetish. Many who have visited the highest portion of the stately inn have reported the sensation of someone or something running fingers through their hair.
My family and I have been making an annual trek down the Parkway for a summertime respite since the oldest was three. We've stayed in a few different places during that time and I have always wanted to write a story set here. I'm not a horror writer because I am a self-confessed chicken. I do not watch horror movies or read scary books, but I found it almost impossible to set a story in Cape May without adding a little paranormal because it is such a central part of the town's identity. The locals speak about spirits casually as if everyone has one inhabiting their house.
When I first started writing WAVES OF DECEIT, I began doing some research into the a fore mentioned ghosts by reading a few books on the subject. A process I abandoned after some sleepless nights. My husband refuses to sleep with the light on and that really doesn't set the best example for the children. On the one hand I'm telling them there aren't any monsters in the closet, but am afraid to turn the light off because I read a book that freaked me out.
Our family had stayed for two summers at the Harvard Apartments which is where Russell and company decided to vacation in my novel. Unfortunately for us, the lovely place played havoc with every one's allergies and we had to look for a new place. My husband found this one which was situated right across from the beach. We soon found out why this highly sought after address was still available so late it the season. It was the filthiest place I have ever seen. If we had had the baby that summer, I would have taken her and driven home. However, in the spirit of marital harmony, I cleaned it, refused to cook anything, and made the best of it. We still refer to it as the 'Ant House.' In addition to giving me a sinus infection, it also gave me my own Cape May ghostly encounter, though my husband will swear it was all in my imagination.
I never sleep well when not at home and especially with ants creeping everywhere, but our first night in the house, I couldn't fall asleep because I kept hearing doors slam. When I complained about it the next morning, my husband's response was that we were above a hot dog shop and a store. Of course, I was going to hear sounds. He could not explain why I was the only one to hear them however. The next day I did a little looking around and discovered that the hot dog shop closed at five and the clothing store did not have a back entrance. The kids' rooms were at the front of the apartment. Ours was at the back. The doors underneath us would not be slamming in the middle of the night. The next evening, after several door slams, I woke my husband. I won't repeat what he said, but needless to say, he was annoyed and never heard a door slam.
Cape May has several ghost tours, but the original was a walking tour(it has sadly closed due to the recession). As a part of my research, I wanted to take the tour so my niece and I embarked on the Ghosts of Cape May Tour, which took you to several parts of the town where the guide related ghostly tales. A couple I knew from my research, but several were new. Door slams seemed to be quite popular, especially at the Hotel Mawcomber a few blocks over. At the end of the tour, we were walking down Jackson Street which is where we were staying. My niece and I looked at each other when the guide stopped directly below our apartment. She proceeded to depict how Jackson Street was the most haunted on the Cape and relayed a couple of tales. I was tempted to raise my hand, but decided to save it for my book.
Last summer with the baby just a couple of months old, we decided to skip a vacation, but gave in to the boys' pleadings with a couple of nights near the end of the summer. This time I found the place which was thankfully immaculate, though I was a little concerned when my husband pulled into the narrow driveway at the back of the house. I was ready to cry, but decided to wait until I saw the place in its entirety. It paid off. The problem with our little stay was that my husband was called into work. Instead of canceling, we decided that the kids and I would stay the first night without him.
I wasn't too concerned about being on my own with the two boys and a newborn until the oldest asked the innkeeper if the house was haunted to which she replied yes. When the three of us stared at her, she added that the ghost was friendly and loved babies and didn't we have a cute one. I can't say that made me feel a whole lot better. I was petrified I was going to wake up in the middle of the night and see a ghost standing over the baby which is why I left every light on in the house. So much for setting a good example for my sons.
I'm still deciding what ghostly twist my tale will take. WAVES OF DECEIT is currently under consideration by JUKEPOP which publishes your work chapter by chapter like old-fashioned serials. Mine will have enough hooks to keep a reader coming back. I just hope they feel the same way.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Prologue of SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH
The quick-moving thunderstorm did little to ease the thick blanket of heat and humidity which had gripped Central Jersey for what seemed like weeks. It gave new meaning to the phrase, 'dog days of summer." The air was almost too heavy to breathe. Patrick McNeill felt the sweat dripping down his armpits and soaking into his t-shirt as he struggled to drag the overloaded garbage cans to the curb. He paused for a moment at the end of the winding driveway to wipe the river of perspiration flowing from his brow and to calm his labored breathing. It had been a long night and his recent lack of gym time was starting to catch up. The street lamps on this side of the cul-de-sac were still out. That along with the moonless night gave him the benefit of additional darkness. A slight smile crossed his lips as he turned and made his way back up the drive to the suitcases which stood on the front porch. The timing had been perfect. Now all he had to do was wait.
***
This is just the start to a real-page turning mystery set in the Garden State. It's hoping to find a home.
The Journey of SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH
SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH was my first novel with working-class protagonist, Russell Waverly. The character of Russell was inspired by my then four-year-old son's fascination with the garbage truck. Whenever he would hear the truck from the time he could walk, he would sprint to the window and watch. When he was a pre-schooler, one of the sanitation workers would let him throw small bags into the truck which he of course loved. Eventually, he grew out of this and the younger one never really had the love of trucks that his big brother did. However, his acute interest in the garbage truck and our town's nearby recycling center gave me a wonderful character and an intriguing storyline as well as the opportunity to set a novel in our hometown.
Russell was a lot of fun to write and he and the other cast of characters I created embarked on a new mystery to solve in my second favorite New Jersey hot spot, Cape May. It is called WAVES OF DECEIT. I was about half way through it when I took a self-imposed hiatus from writing which was mostly out of frustration with the publishing process.
My first two novels were published by PublishAmerica which ended up being like self-publishing except I did not have to put up any money for the publishing costs. Naively, I thought that I could market the print on demand books myself. Sadly, I never had that thing you do moment. (My favorite part in the tom Hanks movie, THAT THING YOU DO, is when the group hears their record for the first time on the radio and the excitement that ensues.) I suppose that is what I was looking for. The thrill of seeing my book on the shelf in a bookstore.
Unfortunately, it never happened. The books are available online and I did sell a few copies. I even managed to have them featured in the "New Jersey Ink" section of the Newark Star Ledger which used to be a column that focused on NJ authors. Due to budget cutbacks it is not a part of the paper any longer. However, my two little mysteries got some positive press. I even did a book signing at my Alma Mater Douglass College/Rutgers University because of the write up as well as an additional review in their alumni magazine.
I decided with SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH that I wanted a more traditional publisher. I had also learned my lesson and when I got a couple of bites, I did research instead of jumping in head first. One bite was from a Southern based publisher who was in the process of being sued several times over for fraud. I said, "No, thank you" and got quite a nasty response in return. The second was from a publisher who wanted to publish it, but wanted help subsidizing the costs. A no-no I had read about many times over in my research. In the end, I sat on it and shelved it. After the birth of my daughter, I decided to dust it off, give it yet another revision, and start submitting it.
It is currently being reviewed by Bang Publishing which is a British based publisher who said they were looking for novels with series potential which is what I had in mind when I created Russell and friends. Their website said six to eight weeks and it is almost eight weeks. My fingers are crossed and hopefully they will see the potential, but if not. I'll keep submitting until I do. I keep reminding myself that THE FIRM was rejected a bunch of times and look at John Grisham now. I don't need to see my book on the New York Times Best Sellers list though it would be nice. I just want to see it on a bookshelf in an actual store! Everyone should have that thing you do moment, at least once in their lives.
Russell was a lot of fun to write and he and the other cast of characters I created embarked on a new mystery to solve in my second favorite New Jersey hot spot, Cape May. It is called WAVES OF DECEIT. I was about half way through it when I took a self-imposed hiatus from writing which was mostly out of frustration with the publishing process.
My first two novels were published by PublishAmerica which ended up being like self-publishing except I did not have to put up any money for the publishing costs. Naively, I thought that I could market the print on demand books myself. Sadly, I never had that thing you do moment. (My favorite part in the tom Hanks movie, THAT THING YOU DO, is when the group hears their record for the first time on the radio and the excitement that ensues.) I suppose that is what I was looking for. The thrill of seeing my book on the shelf in a bookstore.
Unfortunately, it never happened. The books are available online and I did sell a few copies. I even managed to have them featured in the "New Jersey Ink" section of the Newark Star Ledger which used to be a column that focused on NJ authors. Due to budget cutbacks it is not a part of the paper any longer. However, my two little mysteries got some positive press. I even did a book signing at my Alma Mater Douglass College/Rutgers University because of the write up as well as an additional review in their alumni magazine.
I decided with SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH that I wanted a more traditional publisher. I had also learned my lesson and when I got a couple of bites, I did research instead of jumping in head first. One bite was from a Southern based publisher who was in the process of being sued several times over for fraud. I said, "No, thank you" and got quite a nasty response in return. The second was from a publisher who wanted to publish it, but wanted help subsidizing the costs. A no-no I had read about many times over in my research. In the end, I sat on it and shelved it. After the birth of my daughter, I decided to dust it off, give it yet another revision, and start submitting it.
It is currently being reviewed by Bang Publishing which is a British based publisher who said they were looking for novels with series potential which is what I had in mind when I created Russell and friends. Their website said six to eight weeks and it is almost eight weeks. My fingers are crossed and hopefully they will see the potential, but if not. I'll keep submitting until I do. I keep reminding myself that THE FIRM was rejected a bunch of times and look at John Grisham now. I don't need to see my book on the New York Times Best Sellers list though it would be nice. I just want to see it on a bookshelf in an actual store! Everyone should have that thing you do moment, at least once in their lives.
Saturday, June 9, 2012
PORTRAIT OF VENGEANCE PROLOUGE
As beads of sweat began to form on her forehead, twenty-six-year-old Rebecca Rollman grabbed the top of her chair in a vain attempt to steady herself. A sudden wave of extreme nausea gripped her abdomen with such ferocious vigor that Rebecca doubled over to try and alleviate some of the terrible discomfort.
The classroom began to spin. Spasms of pain exploded throughout her body. She could feel her chest tightening with each labored breath she she struggled to inhale the much-needed oxygen. Rebecca was vaguely aware of her second-grade students working diligently at their desks as she collapsed in a heap and closed her eyes forever.
PORTRAIT OF VENGEANCE was published by PublishAmerica and is available on PublishAmerica.com and Amazon.com.
The classroom began to spin. Spasms of pain exploded throughout her body. She could feel her chest tightening with each labored breath she she struggled to inhale the much-needed oxygen. Rebecca was vaguely aware of her second-grade students working diligently at their desks as she collapsed in a heap and closed her eyes forever.
PORTRAIT OF VENGEANCE was published by PublishAmerica and is available on PublishAmerica.com and Amazon.com.
Friday, June 8, 2012
MURDEROUS DESCENT PROLOGUE
Susan Reed sat curled up on the lounge chair watching the snow fall. It cascaded serenely down the sides of the glass enclosure which separated her from winter's cold embrace. With her robe wrapped tightly around her and the heat steaming up from the pool, winter seemed a million miles away. She laughingly dismissed Dylan's idea on an evening swim as ludicrous, but he quickly changed her mind with a sudden burst of warmth and exuberance that had long been absent from their relationship. The explosion had been short-lived, however. Here she was waiting for him, again.
Susan sighed. Since they'd married, two and a half years ago, that was all she seemed to do. She was forever waiting for him. Actors. It was one of the main resons she's asked for the divorce in the first place. The thrill of being married to television's treasured space avenger had evaporated after about six months. Enough was enough. Susan was tired of being the trophy wife and yearned to be back in the spotlight on her own instead of in the shadow of the icon Dylan Reed.
Dylan had suggested the move to his native New Jersey. He thought being away fro the lure and glitz of Hollywood would help them get their marriage back on solid ground. Guilty about he an affair with an up and coming stud she had reluctantly agreed. The change in scenery worked for a while, but things soon slipped back into the same old pattern.
When the telephone rang again, Susan rose from the chair. Judging from the tone of his voice, Susan guessed the caller to be Dylan's agent. Romantic supper indeed! All she's done since their candlelight supper was sit out here and wait for him.
As the snow floated down, Susan slipped the pink terrycloth robe from her slim, muscular arms. She could feel her long blond hair cascade down her back. A slight chill ran through her. She walked slowly toward the pool, glancing uneasily around. For a moment, she felt as though she was being watched. Susan shrugged off the eerie feeling and stopped at the pool's edge. The tall shrubs which surrounded the backyard concealed the house from curiosity seekers and photographers. From the distance she could hear Dylan's voice bidding the caller good-bye.
Once again Susan cast a hasty look toward the door which separated the inside oasis from the rest of the stately yard. For a moment, she thought her eye picked up a shadowy figure caught in the glow of the angelic snowfall. Laughing quietly to herself, she dismissed the sensation as wishful thinking. As usual she was alone.
"Oh well, his loss," she muttered out loud as she slid her naked body into the tepid water. Finding the soothing water strangely sensual, she closed her eyes to drink in the sensation.
With a quick flip, she dove under the water and pushed off the side. A strong swimmer, she's made it across the long pool in a few strokes. As she felt her hand touch the side, her head came up for air only to find it forced back under the water.
Panicked, she tried to push the firm grip away. In an instant, her head was thrust forward and smashed into the side of the pool. As the hand let go, the crystal clear water took on a red haze around the head of thirty-five-year-old Susan Reed.
Overhead, the once peaceful snowfall took on a frenzied pace as the wind turned violent. Its painful howl became the cry Susan Reed could no longer utter.
MURDEROUS DESCENT was published by PublishAmerica and is available on Amazon.com as well as
PublishAmerica.com.
Susan sighed. Since they'd married, two and a half years ago, that was all she seemed to do. She was forever waiting for him. Actors. It was one of the main resons she's asked for the divorce in the first place. The thrill of being married to television's treasured space avenger had evaporated after about six months. Enough was enough. Susan was tired of being the trophy wife and yearned to be back in the spotlight on her own instead of in the shadow of the icon Dylan Reed.
Dylan had suggested the move to his native New Jersey. He thought being away fro the lure and glitz of Hollywood would help them get their marriage back on solid ground. Guilty about he an affair with an up and coming stud she had reluctantly agreed. The change in scenery worked for a while, but things soon slipped back into the same old pattern.
When the telephone rang again, Susan rose from the chair. Judging from the tone of his voice, Susan guessed the caller to be Dylan's agent. Romantic supper indeed! All she's done since their candlelight supper was sit out here and wait for him.
As the snow floated down, Susan slipped the pink terrycloth robe from her slim, muscular arms. She could feel her long blond hair cascade down her back. A slight chill ran through her. She walked slowly toward the pool, glancing uneasily around. For a moment, she felt as though she was being watched. Susan shrugged off the eerie feeling and stopped at the pool's edge. The tall shrubs which surrounded the backyard concealed the house from curiosity seekers and photographers. From the distance she could hear Dylan's voice bidding the caller good-bye.
Once again Susan cast a hasty look toward the door which separated the inside oasis from the rest of the stately yard. For a moment, she thought her eye picked up a shadowy figure caught in the glow of the angelic snowfall. Laughing quietly to herself, she dismissed the sensation as wishful thinking. As usual she was alone.
"Oh well, his loss," she muttered out loud as she slid her naked body into the tepid water. Finding the soothing water strangely sensual, she closed her eyes to drink in the sensation.
With a quick flip, she dove under the water and pushed off the side. A strong swimmer, she's made it across the long pool in a few strokes. As she felt her hand touch the side, her head came up for air only to find it forced back under the water.
Panicked, she tried to push the firm grip away. In an instant, her head was thrust forward and smashed into the side of the pool. As the hand let go, the crystal clear water took on a red haze around the head of thirty-five-year-old Susan Reed.
Overhead, the once peaceful snowfall took on a frenzied pace as the wind turned violent. Its painful howl became the cry Susan Reed could no longer utter.
***
MURDEROUS DESCENT was published by PublishAmerica and is available on Amazon.com as well as
PublishAmerica.com.
Stand Alone Versus Series Mysteries
In my opinion, Mary Higgins Clark is the reigning queen of the stand alone mystery. Her daughter, Carol Higgins Clark, on the other hand began her writing career with a series featuring her private detective protagonist, Regan Reilly. I admit to being an instant fan of Mary Higgins Clark after reading her first published endeavor, WHERE ARE THE CHILDREN. It took me a while to warm to her daughter though. I felt as though she was trying too hard to imitate her mother's style instead of developing her own. That is not to say her mysteries were not enjoyable, just not as gripping as her mother's early ones.
The stand alone mystery has its advantages. The author introduces a cast of characters who embark on a journey to solve a crime, right a wrong, or save a helpless victim. Mary Higgins Clark has built a remarkable career introducing readers to a wide variety of characters who find themselves either in the middle of a murder or the target of one. They are great fun to read, the plot is fast-moving, and the ending is always happy.
The trouble with this is that you sometimes create a character who begs for his or her moment at center stage and this is when you know you have the makings of a great series. Anne Perry has done an amazing job of this with her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt Victorian mystery series. THE CATER STREET HANGMAN us to Thomas who meets Charlotte when her oldest sister is the victim of a gruesome murder. He, of course solves the crime, with her help and wins her hand in the process. Interestingly, she leaves her aristocratic station for love to marry beneath her. In the novels that follow, Perry takes you on a journey where in the midst of solving some intriguing crimes, you find out what happens to Charlotte, Thomas, and company. What Perry created is a terrific hook which keeps readers coming back. You really what to know how their lives have changed and moved forward in the next novel. I always thought Perry could have kicked off another series with the Pitt's spunky maid Gracie. I was happy when she married her off to one of Thomas' detectives, but would have liked to see her with her own story.
When I decided to write my own mysteries, I suppose I was looking to create a combination of the two. You want to create a gripping story which can stand on its own but with characters who are engaging enough that your readers will want to keep coming back for more. My first three novels(the first wasn't really fit for publication) featured Jamie Hamilton an elementary school teacher who becomes an amateur sleuth when her best friend is murdered by her husband. Jamie a testament to my favorite television show growing up, MURDER SHE WROTE.
In MURDEROUS DESCENT, Jamie sets out to prove a down and out sixties television star murdered his wife, much to the embarrassment of her Prosecutor husband. PORTRAIT OF VENGEANCE has her solving the murder of a fellow teacher who dies in front of her second grade class after she is poisoned. All the evidence points to her husband, but did he do it or was he the victim of an elaborate frame?
I wrote several short stories with Jamie and her husband at the center before deciding to let them live happily and peacefully to enjoy their baby. I then created working-class protagonist, Russell Waverly, who is the central character of SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH. I'm still hard at work looking for a publisher for this one and am in the middle of the next installment.
In the posts to follow, I will have the prologues to MURDEROUS DESCENT and PORTRAIT OF VENGEANCE. I hope you will read them and decide to check out the books. They are available on Amazon.com.
The stand alone mystery has its advantages. The author introduces a cast of characters who embark on a journey to solve a crime, right a wrong, or save a helpless victim. Mary Higgins Clark has built a remarkable career introducing readers to a wide variety of characters who find themselves either in the middle of a murder or the target of one. They are great fun to read, the plot is fast-moving, and the ending is always happy.
The trouble with this is that you sometimes create a character who begs for his or her moment at center stage and this is when you know you have the makings of a great series. Anne Perry has done an amazing job of this with her Thomas and Charlotte Pitt Victorian mystery series. THE CATER STREET HANGMAN us to Thomas who meets Charlotte when her oldest sister is the victim of a gruesome murder. He, of course solves the crime, with her help and wins her hand in the process. Interestingly, she leaves her aristocratic station for love to marry beneath her. In the novels that follow, Perry takes you on a journey where in the midst of solving some intriguing crimes, you find out what happens to Charlotte, Thomas, and company. What Perry created is a terrific hook which keeps readers coming back. You really what to know how their lives have changed and moved forward in the next novel. I always thought Perry could have kicked off another series with the Pitt's spunky maid Gracie. I was happy when she married her off to one of Thomas' detectives, but would have liked to see her with her own story.
When I decided to write my own mysteries, I suppose I was looking to create a combination of the two. You want to create a gripping story which can stand on its own but with characters who are engaging enough that your readers will want to keep coming back for more. My first three novels(the first wasn't really fit for publication) featured Jamie Hamilton an elementary school teacher who becomes an amateur sleuth when her best friend is murdered by her husband. Jamie a testament to my favorite television show growing up, MURDER SHE WROTE.
In MURDEROUS DESCENT, Jamie sets out to prove a down and out sixties television star murdered his wife, much to the embarrassment of her Prosecutor husband. PORTRAIT OF VENGEANCE has her solving the murder of a fellow teacher who dies in front of her second grade class after she is poisoned. All the evidence points to her husband, but did he do it or was he the victim of an elaborate frame?
I wrote several short stories with Jamie and her husband at the center before deciding to let them live happily and peacefully to enjoy their baby. I then created working-class protagonist, Russell Waverly, who is the central character of SECRETS, LIES, AND TRASH. I'm still hard at work looking for a publisher for this one and am in the middle of the next installment.
In the posts to follow, I will have the prologues to MURDEROUS DESCENT and PORTRAIT OF VENGEANCE. I hope you will read them and decide to check out the books. They are available on Amazon.com.
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