Well, I can hardly believe it but it's been A YEAR since I started this blog! Happy anniversary to me! Which means that, while I haven't counted, I must have answered a couple hundred questions by now...and I hope that I've proven myself helpful and put some good juju out there in the world.
SO.
I think, as recent posts have indicated, that I'm going to shift gears a bit from here on out. I feel like I've answered just about every question related to writing that's humanly possible, so I want to expand the blog a bit to discuss a wider range of industry and writing-related subjects. Is that cool with you guys?
I'll definitely still be answering questions: so please don't think that you can't email me with them. You can, and I'll happily post them, along with my insights. But, well, I have other things to say, dammit, and I want to say 'em! :) This also might mean that I'll slow down the pace of the blog, but we'll see how it goes.
So from here on out, that's what we'll be doing. Cool?
In the meantime, if you haven't bought TDLF, why not??? Here's another rave review from the Tampa Tribune, along with another one from Coffee Time Romance. Now, explain to me again what you're waiting for? Buy it here. Buy it now.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Why Do I Write?
Yes, I'm in a philosophical mood these days.
I've been mulling over this question of late. I've been fortunate enough to receive a bevy of emails from people who have read TDLF and with whom it resonated enough that they actually took the time to track me down online and send me a few kind words. Some of these people have been touched by cancer, others are cancer survivors themselves. And their notes mean EVERYTHING to me. I mean, seriously. Here I am, just someone who had the misfortune of losing a loved one to cancer, but not anyone who battled it herself, so for these survivors to reach out to me and say, "Hey, thank you for writing my story," or "Thank you for portraying a kick-ass woman who is strong enough to wreak fury on the disease," or "Thank you for helping me to heal when cancer took my mother," well, seriously, it's truly hard to express the emotions that these notes drum up for me.
All of which has gotten me thinking. I wrote TDLF as a way to cope with my own grief. The truth of the matter is, that I'm not sure why else I wrote it. I guess, now that it's out there in the world, part of me must have written it as a way to connect with others, to share my story and hope that it resonated with them. Is this why we write? Is this why we pick up books? I guess so.
It would be easy for me to say that I write because I'm good at it. But I'm good at a lot of things - I don't expect to be paid for them. I'm an excellent Precor-er, that doesn't mean that I think I should be a professional aerobics instructor! (I'm stretching my point, but I think you get it.) I mean, I do write partially because I'm good at it, but there has to be something more than that. I suspect that some people write because they want the world to see how brilliant they are...they should only wait until they get their first scathing review or discover that the world doesn't think they are as brilliant as they anticipated. Others write because "it's their calling." But what does that really mean? (And I'm being serious in asking this.) Is it your calling to share your stories or to entertain people or to be able to make money while working in your pajamas? Which is it?
I think that I've finally realized that for me, as I said above, it's about being able to connect with people. I don't kid myself that my work will win huge prizes or land on the top of the NY Times list...but I guess that via the emails I've gotten, I now understand that I write because my story is also someone else's, and in reading the book, it helps/entertains/amuses/soothes that other person.
But what of all those unpublished writers whose work might never see the light of day? (Though hopefully it will!) Why do they write? Or even for other published authors...why do you write? I think it's an interesting question that a lot of us don't focus on...because we're too busy writing. :)
I've been mulling over this question of late. I've been fortunate enough to receive a bevy of emails from people who have read TDLF and with whom it resonated enough that they actually took the time to track me down online and send me a few kind words. Some of these people have been touched by cancer, others are cancer survivors themselves. And their notes mean EVERYTHING to me. I mean, seriously. Here I am, just someone who had the misfortune of losing a loved one to cancer, but not anyone who battled it herself, so for these survivors to reach out to me and say, "Hey, thank you for writing my story," or "Thank you for portraying a kick-ass woman who is strong enough to wreak fury on the disease," or "Thank you for helping me to heal when cancer took my mother," well, seriously, it's truly hard to express the emotions that these notes drum up for me.
All of which has gotten me thinking. I wrote TDLF as a way to cope with my own grief. The truth of the matter is, that I'm not sure why else I wrote it. I guess, now that it's out there in the world, part of me must have written it as a way to connect with others, to share my story and hope that it resonated with them. Is this why we write? Is this why we pick up books? I guess so.
It would be easy for me to say that I write because I'm good at it. But I'm good at a lot of things - I don't expect to be paid for them. I'm an excellent Precor-er, that doesn't mean that I think I should be a professional aerobics instructor! (I'm stretching my point, but I think you get it.) I mean, I do write partially because I'm good at it, but there has to be something more than that. I suspect that some people write because they want the world to see how brilliant they are...they should only wait until they get their first scathing review or discover that the world doesn't think they are as brilliant as they anticipated. Others write because "it's their calling." But what does that really mean? (And I'm being serious in asking this.) Is it your calling to share your stories or to entertain people or to be able to make money while working in your pajamas? Which is it?
I think that I've finally realized that for me, as I said above, it's about being able to connect with people. I don't kid myself that my work will win huge prizes or land on the top of the NY Times list...but I guess that via the emails I've gotten, I now understand that I write because my story is also someone else's, and in reading the book, it helps/entertains/amuses/soothes that other person.
But what of all those unpublished writers whose work might never see the light of day? (Though hopefully it will!) Why do they write? Or even for other published authors...why do you write? I think it's an interesting question that a lot of us don't focus on...because we're too busy writing. :)
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
When A Book Changes Your Mind
So I'm reading a book now (shout out to Trish Ryan!) that won't hit shelves until 2008, so I can't really chat too much about it, but I'm having a really interesting experience with it. Here's why: it's a subject matter about which I have not that much interest or experience - namely, religion - so I was really hesitant (and expressed this to Trish) about whether or not it would appeal to my sensibilities. And here's what I've found so interesting: through her writing, which is strong and relatable and at times, so funny (seriously, some of her dating experiences have had me giggling with glee on the Precor at the gym), that I've found myself tugged into her world, despite the fact that I didn't think I would be.
I've heard similar comments about my own book: that because it's about breast cancer, people aren't initially interested. But once they're drawn into the story, they discover that a) it's not really about breast cancer, just as Trish's book isn't about religion, and that b) there's a lot to learn about experiences that aren't your own or even ones that you thought would interest you so much. Rather, TDLF is about one woman's journey of finding her way in the world, and in the book, cancer is just the catalyst for that. Just as in Trish's, religion is the catalyst for her path to self-discovery. (Trish, I hope you don't mind me taking liberties here!) :)
And this was a sort of eye-opening experience with me: I tend to pick up books that might in some way reflect something that I've already gone through, but I'm learning that this is a mighty small box that I've constructed for myself. It's the reason that I haven't read The Kite-Runner (shhh!). I thought, "Ugh, I won't relate to that," but I'm guessing that just because I don't really have a HUGE interest in Afghanistan in the 70s, that there are still things to be learned, just as I'm learning about religion and spirituality via Trish, and just as people might have learned about cancer via my book.
I dunno. I can't believe that it's taken me this long to figure this out. But I guess I look at books as entertainment, even if it's heavy entertainment, so I've never wanted to slog through something that didn't immediately appeal. But I'm learning that my gut instinct might be wrong.
So let me ask you: have books ever surprised you? Have you ever found yourself interested in a book that you thought would hold little interest? If so, which ones? Or am I alone in my discovery? (Please say no!)
I've heard similar comments about my own book: that because it's about breast cancer, people aren't initially interested. But once they're drawn into the story, they discover that a) it's not really about breast cancer, just as Trish's book isn't about religion, and that b) there's a lot to learn about experiences that aren't your own or even ones that you thought would interest you so much. Rather, TDLF is about one woman's journey of finding her way in the world, and in the book, cancer is just the catalyst for that. Just as in Trish's, religion is the catalyst for her path to self-discovery. (Trish, I hope you don't mind me taking liberties here!) :)
And this was a sort of eye-opening experience with me: I tend to pick up books that might in some way reflect something that I've already gone through, but I'm learning that this is a mighty small box that I've constructed for myself. It's the reason that I haven't read The Kite-Runner (shhh!). I thought, "Ugh, I won't relate to that," but I'm guessing that just because I don't really have a HUGE interest in Afghanistan in the 70s, that there are still things to be learned, just as I'm learning about religion and spirituality via Trish, and just as people might have learned about cancer via my book.
I dunno. I can't believe that it's taken me this long to figure this out. But I guess I look at books as entertainment, even if it's heavy entertainment, so I've never wanted to slog through something that didn't immediately appeal. But I'm learning that my gut instinct might be wrong.
So let me ask you: have books ever surprised you? Have you ever found yourself interested in a book that you thought would hold little interest? If so, which ones? Or am I alone in my discovery? (Please say no!)
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Getting Organized
I was wondering if you could recommend some writers' organizations I could look into joining. Do you belong to any?
The only "official" organization to which I belong is the American Society of Journalists and Authors, also known as ASJA. It's a group of talented, well-regarded journalists (they have fairly strict entry requirements), and its focus is on non-fiction journalism. You can grab invaluable contract advice from its contract committee, and I particularly enjoy the month newsletter, which has insidery tips on who is paying what, who is delinquent in payment and lots of other good scoop.
That said, ASJA does not cater to fiction writers, so I'm also debating joining The Authors' Guild. I received an invitation package when TDLF came out, but I just haven't gotten my rear in gear. But I've heard that TAG is a wonderful advocate on behalf of writers, and from what I could tell, it looks like a network of tremendously accomplished authors.
There is also the National Writers Union, which I really know very little about, and I'm sure that there are a slew of others. Anyone want to chime in on where you belong and why?
I should note that the membership I find the most valuable is at FreelanceSuccess.com, which has no strict requirements for entry - but just asks that you maintain a professional, helpful and friendly attitude on the boards. Which, for 99% of the folks there, isn't hard at all.
So where do you guys belong? And why?
The only "official" organization to which I belong is the American Society of Journalists and Authors, also known as ASJA. It's a group of talented, well-regarded journalists (they have fairly strict entry requirements), and its focus is on non-fiction journalism. You can grab invaluable contract advice from its contract committee, and I particularly enjoy the month newsletter, which has insidery tips on who is paying what, who is delinquent in payment and lots of other good scoop.
That said, ASJA does not cater to fiction writers, so I'm also debating joining The Authors' Guild. I received an invitation package when TDLF came out, but I just haven't gotten my rear in gear. But I've heard that TAG is a wonderful advocate on behalf of writers, and from what I could tell, it looks like a network of tremendously accomplished authors.
There is also the National Writers Union, which I really know very little about, and I'm sure that there are a slew of others. Anyone want to chime in on where you belong and why?
I should note that the membership I find the most valuable is at FreelanceSuccess.com, which has no strict requirements for entry - but just asks that you maintain a professional, helpful and friendly attitude on the boards. Which, for 99% of the folks there, isn't hard at all.
So where do you guys belong? And why?
Monday, July 09, 2007
Query Letter Confusion
I am writing because I am a little confused about the whole query letter thing.
Let me start by saying, I did not write a book for anyone but my daughter. I wrote her a story of her own because she hated Harry Potter, not because she read it and did not like it but because her brothers loved it.
After I wrote, “Anna and Her Amazing What if Machine” something odd happened. My daughter started passing it around to her friends. Much to my surprise, they loved it. Then my daughters teacher read it and she loved it. Together they pushed me to get it edited and ready for publishing. I did, and now I am stuck. I have read every website, and I have seen so many different variations on the query letter, my head could spin. I have sent out a few letters and no takers so far.
I could use some good advice…..Can you help me?
Hmmm, well, I'll try. To begin with, I'm not sure what "a few letters" means, but most folks have to send far more than "a few" to land an agent. I've rarely heard of writers who have sent out fewer than, at least, a dozen, and most send out five times as many. If you're serious about getting an agent, then you have to keep pitching and pitching. I started with my top twelve or so, then kept sending out a new letter every time a rejection came in.
As far as query letter format, yes, there are some variations, but in general, there are also some rules.
1) Limit it to a page. If you can't sum up your book in that amount of space, you need to figure out how to hone your writing.
2) Imbue the letter with the same voice that you use in your book. Don't just make it an, "I wrote this book and I'm sure it will top the charts" letter. Agents get that all the time and honestly, there's nothing unique about that at all.
3) Toot your own horn but depersonalize it. What I mean by that is that I would emphasize your professional accomplishments, but I wouldn't let them know that your friends and family endorse your book. That screams amateur, and frankly, agents don't care if your mother thinks it's the greatest thing since sliced bread. That's part of a mother's job.
4) This isn't a rule, but I like to set up my letters in the following format: opening paragraph is a brief, snazzy, grabs-ya summary of the book and what makes it unique. Second paragraph is a real push for why readers will love it. Third paragraph is my bio. (See last week's posts for my query letter for TDLF)
Hope this helps. Anyone else have other query letter tips to help out this reader?
Thursday, July 05, 2007
Top Freelancers' Traits
I'm still in vacation-land (mentally, anyway), but wanted to pass on this fabulous article from MediaBistro today. True, I'm quoted in it, but that's not what makes it fabulous. :) (Though that doesn't hurt!) Heh. No, it's about the top qualities you need to make it in this crazy biz.
Read it here.
Hope everyone's holiday was happy and healthy! And given that Al Gore's son was arrested for a DUI...? Well, it just goes to show, as I noted below, that education and wealth do not equal class. Period. (Please note, this isn't a political statement of any kind, just my overall disgust at Junior's behavior, and anyone else who behaves similarly.)
Read it here.
Hope everyone's holiday was happy and healthy! And given that Al Gore's son was arrested for a DUI...? Well, it just goes to show, as I noted below, that education and wealth do not equal class. Period. (Please note, this isn't a political statement of any kind, just my overall disgust at Junior's behavior, and anyone else who behaves similarly.)
Monday, July 02, 2007
Vent of the Day
Warning: non-book related vent ahead...feel free to skip if you're so inclined.
So, my husband and I are at a wedding a few weeks ago, actually, the following event takes place at the rehearsal dinner, and I'm sitting nearly across (just to the right and then across) of some dude I don't know. I overhear his conversation with the gal next to me (the girlfriend of one of my husband's friends), and cock an ear. I pick up on the fact that he's a lawyer of some sort, and the convo then goes something like this:
"Yeah, no, I could never have been a prosecutor." - Him
"Why not?" - Her
"Oh because I could never prosecute someone for things that I do, you know, like driving drunk. I mean, I do that all the time, so how could I string someone up for that?" - Him
Stunned silence - Her. And from me. Though at this point, I'm seriously considering leaping across the table, shoving a breadstick up his nose, dousing him with wine and setting him afire with a tea candle.
I mean, I just CANNOT believe that there are idiots out there like this guy: educated enough to be a freakin' lawyer, yet clearly so dumb that he doesn't even realize that he's risking not just his (stupid, insignificant) life, but lives of innocent others when he gets behind the wheel. Seriously, I wanted to punch him in the face.
Anyway, the point of this post - and there is one - is that a lot of us will be on the road over the holiday week, so please have a safe and healthy one. Morons are littered among us (and sorry, drunk driving, which is so easily preventable, is just inexcusable and one of my major causes), so please go out there and have a great time, but have a safe one too!
I'll be hanging with my fam for the next few days, so I'll be back on the blog later this week!
So, my husband and I are at a wedding a few weeks ago, actually, the following event takes place at the rehearsal dinner, and I'm sitting nearly across (just to the right and then across) of some dude I don't know. I overhear his conversation with the gal next to me (the girlfriend of one of my husband's friends), and cock an ear. I pick up on the fact that he's a lawyer of some sort, and the convo then goes something like this:
"Yeah, no, I could never have been a prosecutor." - Him
"Why not?" - Her
"Oh because I could never prosecute someone for things that I do, you know, like driving drunk. I mean, I do that all the time, so how could I string someone up for that?" - Him
Stunned silence - Her. And from me. Though at this point, I'm seriously considering leaping across the table, shoving a breadstick up his nose, dousing him with wine and setting him afire with a tea candle.
I mean, I just CANNOT believe that there are idiots out there like this guy: educated enough to be a freakin' lawyer, yet clearly so dumb that he doesn't even realize that he's risking not just his (stupid, insignificant) life, but lives of innocent others when he gets behind the wheel. Seriously, I wanted to punch him in the face.
Anyway, the point of this post - and there is one - is that a lot of us will be on the road over the holiday week, so please have a safe and healthy one. Morons are littered among us (and sorry, drunk driving, which is so easily preventable, is just inexcusable and one of my major causes), so please go out there and have a great time, but have a safe one too!
I'll be hanging with my fam for the next few days, so I'll be back on the blog later this week!
Friday, June 29, 2007
A Little Horn-Tootin'
Wanted to take today to note some new raves and reviews for TDLF.
Haven't gotten your copy yet? WHY NOT???
Buy it here: Amazon.
- One of my favorite book blogging sites, Trashionista, posted a wonderful review last week, calling it "thoughtful," "heartwarming," "informative," and yes, "funny."
-The lovely librarians at Hennepin County Library in Minnesota have a fab book blog, and this week, they highlighted TDLF, noting that they found it, "Just plain great." Woo-hoo!
And finally, Romance Junkies (rated one of the top 101 sites by Writers Digest), has this to say about the book: "A fantastic debut. I loved this book, and would recommend it to those looking for a story strong in both love and friendship."
So what are you waiting for??? Buy it now!
Haven't gotten your copy yet? WHY NOT???
Buy it here: Amazon.
- One of my favorite book blogging sites, Trashionista, posted a wonderful review last week, calling it "thoughtful," "heartwarming," "informative," and yes, "funny."
-The lovely librarians at Hennepin County Library in Minnesota have a fab book blog, and this week, they highlighted TDLF, noting that they found it, "Just plain great." Woo-hoo!
And finally, Romance Junkies (rated one of the top 101 sites by Writers Digest), has this to say about the book: "A fantastic debut. I loved this book, and would recommend it to those looking for a story strong in both love and friendship."
So what are you waiting for??? Buy it now!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
What's In A Name?
How did you feel about changing the title of your book? I like Round Trip as well! Who chose TDLF for a title--did you have to brainstorm?
Well, I really liked Round Trip too because I felt like it really played on the rounds of chemo that Natalie went through but also spoke more metaphorically to how she comes full circle and rediscovers her life.
But.
Nearly every business-y side person thought that it wasn't strong enough, eye-catching enough, if you will. So, what was I going to do? I mean, I wasn't not going to change the title when my agent so strongly urged me to (and my agent before that too), and when her whole agency agreed.
So...my agent and I brainstormed for a while, but didn't come up with anything really genius. In fact, I'm embarrassed to admit them now because they just feel so off. So anyway, my agent also asked for input from other agents at her firm, and bam, her boss came up with TDLF. While I liked the catchiness of it, I wasn't sure, frankly, how well it tied into the book, so I went back and tweaked a scene (toward the end with Susanna Taylor when they're eating scones) to make the title feel less esoteric. Once I did that, it was settled. TDLF was born.
Anyone else have his or her title changed? How did you feel about it?
Wednesday, June 27, 2007
The Rejection Blues
Allison, you seem like an upbeat person. Congrats on your book, btw. I am wondering if you've experienced a lot of rejection as a writer and how you deal with it. Also, what do you think of my new blog? You can check it out at Literary Rejections on Display. I guess I'm naming names! www.literaryrejectionsondisplay.blogspot.com.
First: your blog. Hey, if you're willing to put yourself out there and risk that an editor might recognize you, then more power to you! Personally, I'd be wary because the industry is small and incestuous, and you never know with whom you might work. BUT, it seems like you're just reporting the facts and not disparaging anyone, so yeah, if you're comfy w/it, so am I. And maybe people can find solace in numbers.
As far as personal rejection? Well, I think there are different types of personalities in this world: people who take rejection personally and people who do not. I fall into the latter category. My ego must be too big or something because yup, between the magazine world and the book world, I've gotten rejected hundreds of times, and I just don't care that much. In fact, my agent and I were chatting the other day about a rejection for TDLF, and we were cracking up at it (not at the editor, I should note, just the strong distaste noted for the book in the rejection)...which was sort of the same reaction that I had at the time. What else can I do but laugh?
I dunno. My attitude is always like, "Oh well, what am I going to do about it?" Which isn't to say that you can't learn from rejection. You often can and even more often should, but I've been around long enough to know that an editor or agent or whomever isn't rejecting me when he or she says no to an idea or a pitch or even a completed manuscript. By depersonalizing it, I've already removed the emotion from the situation.
I also find that it's really helpful to get right back on the horse. When I was in the midst of my agent hunt, I'd send out a query as soon as I got a rejection back from someone. That whole "close one door as another one opens" idea.
So readers, how do you deal with rejection? Any good coping strategies?
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Milking Money From Fiction
I'm an aspiring literary novelist, and have been for many years. All this time, I've also been freelancing unrelated (and un-literary) nonfiction work, both in the form of books (low-paying) and magazine articles (high-paying). My freelance work has been just a job to me -- I've mastered it enough to do it half-asleep, but I only do enough to keep the bills paid and buy time for my "real" work that I put everything into.
Now that I'm selling my novel, I feel ready to show my "real" self to the world, and never again go back to those nonfiction articles I only did for money. So I've begun to sell some of my short stories, but while I regularly got 4-digit sums for nonfiction magazine features, I'm discovering that magazine and web outlets don't seem to pay much at all for serious fiction. What should a writer in my position do to shift successfully to fiction?
First of all, congrats on selling your book! That's a big accomplishment.
Second of all, I don't have much advice that you're going to want to hear. I feel your pain - I do - I certainly understand the tug of fiction and the monotony that one can feel (but not always because, hey, some magazine assignments are interesting and informative, etc, etc, etc,) with the freelancing gigs. But the truth is that fiction just doesn't pay well, and often times, the only way to keep a steady flow of incoming coming in is to make compromises with yourself and with your career.
I can't tell you how many best-selling authors I know who didn't quit their day-jobs until their third or so book. Because then, and only then, will you (hopefully) have an influx of royalties, as well as money from new advances, coming in. It sucks to say and to hear, but it's the truth. Even if you get a 100k offer, that's 85k after your agent's cut, then say, 50k after Uncle Sam is done with you...and that's your income until you crank out another novel. Short stories and such? Well, unless you're writing for top markets - Esquire, The New Yorker, etc - you're just not going to bring home a lot of bacon.
I wish I had better news. I wish I could say, "kiss all that soul-sucking work goodbye," but I can't in good conscience do so. Sometimes, it's called a job because it IS one. So the best advice I have to offer is to keep writing - the more books you sell, the more money you have to potentially pad your back account.
But readers, am I too conservative? What advice would you have for transitioning to fiction full-time and not going hungry?
Now that I'm selling my novel, I feel ready to show my "real" self to the world, and never again go back to those nonfiction articles I only did for money. So I've begun to sell some of my short stories, but while I regularly got 4-digit sums for nonfiction magazine features, I'm discovering that magazine and web outlets don't seem to pay much at all for serious fiction. What should a writer in my position do to shift successfully to fiction?
First of all, congrats on selling your book! That's a big accomplishment.
Second of all, I don't have much advice that you're going to want to hear. I feel your pain - I do - I certainly understand the tug of fiction and the monotony that one can feel (but not always because, hey, some magazine assignments are interesting and informative, etc, etc, etc,) with the freelancing gigs. But the truth is that fiction just doesn't pay well, and often times, the only way to keep a steady flow of incoming coming in is to make compromises with yourself and with your career.
I can't tell you how many best-selling authors I know who didn't quit their day-jobs until their third or so book. Because then, and only then, will you (hopefully) have an influx of royalties, as well as money from new advances, coming in. It sucks to say and to hear, but it's the truth. Even if you get a 100k offer, that's 85k after your agent's cut, then say, 50k after Uncle Sam is done with you...and that's your income until you crank out another novel. Short stories and such? Well, unless you're writing for top markets - Esquire, The New Yorker, etc - you're just not going to bring home a lot of bacon.
I wish I had better news. I wish I could say, "kiss all that soul-sucking work goodbye," but I can't in good conscience do so. Sometimes, it's called a job because it IS one. So the best advice I have to offer is to keep writing - the more books you sell, the more money you have to potentially pad your back account.
But readers, am I too conservative? What advice would you have for transitioning to fiction full-time and not going hungry?
Monday, June 25, 2007
You Show Me Yours...
Now that I've read TDLF, would you mind sharing your query letter for it? It might help inspire those of us struggling to concoct the perfect letter!
Sure, no probs. Here ya go (note, the name of the book got changed after I signed w/my agent):
Dear XX,
Natalie Miller had a plan. She had a goddamn plan. Top of her class at Dartmouth. Even better at Yale Law. Youngest aide ever to the powerful Senator Claire Dupris. Higher, faster, stronger. This? Was all part of the plan. True, she was so busy ascending the political ladder that she rarely had time to sniff around her mediocre relationship with Ned, who fit the three Bs to the max: basic, blond and boring, and she definitely didn't have time to mourn her mangled relationship with Jake, her budding rock star ex-boyfriend.
The lump in her breast that Ned discovers during brain-numbingly bland morning sex? That? Was most definitely not part of the plan. And Stage IIIA breast cancer? Never once had Natalie jotted this down on her to-do list for conquering the world. When her (tiny-penised) boyfriend has the audacity to dump her on the day after her diagnosis, Natalie's entire world dissolves into a tornado of upheaval, and she's left with nothing but her diary to her ex-boyfriends (who, in her haze of delirium, she tracks down like a wolf does prey), her mornings lingering over the Price is Right, her burnt out stubs of pot which carry her past the chemo pain, and finally, the weight of her choices - the ones that might drown her if she doesn't find a buoy.
Round Trip is a story of hope, of resolve, of digging deeper than you thought possible until you find the strength not to crumble, and ultimately, of making your own good luck, even when you’ve been dealt an unsteady hand.
I'm a freelance writer and have contributed to, among others, American Baby, American Way, Arthritis Today, Bride's, Budget Living, Cooking Light, Fitness, Glamour, InStyle Weddings, Lifetime Television, Men's Edge, Men's Fitness, Men's Health, Parenting, Parents, Prevention, Redbook, Self, Shape, Sly, Stuff, USA Weekend, Weight Watchers, Woman's Day, Women's Health, and ivillage.com, msn.com, and women.com. I also ghostwrote The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers.
If you are interested, I'd love to send you the completed manuscript.
Thanks so much! Looking forward to speaking with you soon.
Allison
Sure, no probs. Here ya go (note, the name of the book got changed after I signed w/my agent):
Dear XX,
Natalie Miller had a plan. She had a goddamn plan. Top of her class at Dartmouth. Even better at Yale Law. Youngest aide ever to the powerful Senator Claire Dupris. Higher, faster, stronger. This? Was all part of the plan. True, she was so busy ascending the political ladder that she rarely had time to sniff around her mediocre relationship with Ned, who fit the three Bs to the max: basic, blond and boring, and she definitely didn't have time to mourn her mangled relationship with Jake, her budding rock star ex-boyfriend.
The lump in her breast that Ned discovers during brain-numbingly bland morning sex? That? Was most definitely not part of the plan. And Stage IIIA breast cancer? Never once had Natalie jotted this down on her to-do list for conquering the world. When her (tiny-penised) boyfriend has the audacity to dump her on the day after her diagnosis, Natalie's entire world dissolves into a tornado of upheaval, and she's left with nothing but her diary to her ex-boyfriends (who, in her haze of delirium, she tracks down like a wolf does prey), her mornings lingering over the Price is Right, her burnt out stubs of pot which carry her past the chemo pain, and finally, the weight of her choices - the ones that might drown her if she doesn't find a buoy.
Round Trip is a story of hope, of resolve, of digging deeper than you thought possible until you find the strength not to crumble, and ultimately, of making your own good luck, even when you’ve been dealt an unsteady hand.
I'm a freelance writer and have contributed to, among others, American Baby, American Way, Arthritis Today, Bride's, Budget Living, Cooking Light, Fitness, Glamour, InStyle Weddings, Lifetime Television, Men's Edge, Men's Fitness, Men's Health, Parenting, Parents, Prevention, Redbook, Self, Shape, Sly, Stuff, USA Weekend, Weight Watchers, Woman's Day, Women's Health, and ivillage.com, msn.com, and women.com. I also ghostwrote The Knot Book of Wedding Flowers.
If you are interested, I'd love to send you the completed manuscript.
Thanks so much! Looking forward to speaking with you soon.
Allison
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Going Into My Cave
Apologies, guys. I'm am getting my booty kicked with a project I'm working on and am behind in my blog posts. I'm taking the rest of this week off and will be back on Monday to answer more questions. (Yes, I know that they've piled up!) I just have to burrow down and crank out some work until then...I'm sure that you can relate!
Thx!
Thx!
Wednesday, June 20, 2007
Reading Quandary
So I'm halfway through a book that I was enjoying enough to keep going. Parts of it were really pulling me in, and parts of it were good enough to have me flipping to the better parts. But now I've hit a wall. I've set it down for three days, and even though I keep walking by and looking at it and thinking, "I should pick it back up," I haven't yet been able to.
Now this was a big bestseller that got rave reviews. So that's probably why I feel compelled to keep going. I mean, if people say it's great, it's great, right? Well, not always. And I'm not talking about this particular book, but I can't tell you how many times I've read a book or seen a movie that has been lauded and lauded some more, and thought, "Well, that sucked."
(Though here's a secret: the more people I talk to about this book, the more admit that they didn't love it either, though they say so in hushed voices. Interesting.)
So my question is, do I keep at it? Is the critical praise worth anything? When do you guys abandon a book? Honestly, if something doesn't draw me in within the first 50 pages, I put it aside with absolutely no guilt. But I'm halfway done with this one, so...what to do? Complicating matters further is that I'm not someone who reads two books at once, so I've been holding off starting something new because I know that means that I'll have given up on this one forever.
So what are your rules for reading books? When do you throw in the towel?
Now this was a big bestseller that got rave reviews. So that's probably why I feel compelled to keep going. I mean, if people say it's great, it's great, right? Well, not always. And I'm not talking about this particular book, but I can't tell you how many times I've read a book or seen a movie that has been lauded and lauded some more, and thought, "Well, that sucked."
(Though here's a secret: the more people I talk to about this book, the more admit that they didn't love it either, though they say so in hushed voices. Interesting.)
So my question is, do I keep at it? Is the critical praise worth anything? When do you guys abandon a book? Honestly, if something doesn't draw me in within the first 50 pages, I put it aside with absolutely no guilt. But I'm halfway done with this one, so...what to do? Complicating matters further is that I'm not someone who reads two books at once, so I've been holding off starting something new because I know that means that I'll have given up on this one forever.
So what are your rules for reading books? When do you throw in the towel?
Tuesday, June 19, 2007
I Want More Peanuts!
I have been contributing regularly to a magazine for about a year. It pays me the least of any other publications to which I contribute, but I love it the most. Right now, they pay me about one peanut. I'd like to ask for two peanuts. How do I go about this professionally and in the right way with the editor? Can I even go there?
Yes! You can and should go there, in fact. But asking for a raise seems like one of the most daunting things that we do, right? I mean, it's one of those pulse-pounding sweat-inducing tasks that we put off at all costs. Why? Because we're so grateful that someone is handing us work that we don't want to seem ungrateful, nor do we want to offend the person offering said work.
But.
Here's the thing: in any job, you'd get raises as time goes on and after you've proven yourself a valuable commodity. Writing is no different. If you feel that you deserve a raise, well, then figuratively march yourself into your boss's/editor's office and ask for one.
Here are some tactics as to how to go about it:
1) Say something like: "You know how much I enjoy writing for you. However, I earn more money writing for your competitors and was hoping that we could discuss a boost in my rate."
2) Be prepared with a number to offer. I think the best tactic to do so is to figure out how much you need or want to earn per hour for each article, and then suggest the word rate that will get you there.
3) Be kind and gracious yet still professional and firm. One of the best negotiating tips that I've read said, "Pretend that you're negotiating on behalf of a friend. You'd never allow her to get paid poorly, so do everything for yourself that you'd do for her."
4) Don't take it personally or worry that you'll be fired for asking for a boost. Most editors are actually PREPARED to raise rates if they can - the author just has to ask. And if they like you, they sure as hell aren't going to ditch you for asking. They might not be able to raise your rate, but seriously, you'll almost NEVER lose the job just for asking...and if you *do* lose a gig over getting money that you deserve, is this really an outlet you want to be associated with? (Other readers can chime in here to agree with me!)
So, those are my thoughts. Other writers out there who ask for raises, how do you go about it?
Monday, June 18, 2007
Final Formatting
Once you've gotten the go-ahead on a story, how do your format it for submission and how do or do you include sidebar information if you have it?
I think that every writer has his or her own way of formatting, and I don't think that there is a truly wrong way to go about this, but that said, here's how I set up my stories:
Greatest Article Ever Written: Allison Winn Scotch, Genius Magazine, December 2007
(Note: the above is the publication date, not the date that I hand it it)
Text, text, text that is written in Times font, size 12 and double spaced or 1.5 spaced
End of text
Sidebar: Why this story is so genius
Text, text, text
And that's it! Sort of common sense, and unless you turn your piece in on paper with unicorns in the background, I think you'll be okay.
But writers, I'm curious: how do you format your pieces when you hand them in? I know that everyone does it differently!
I think that every writer has his or her own way of formatting, and I don't think that there is a truly wrong way to go about this, but that said, here's how I set up my stories:
Greatest Article Ever Written: Allison Winn Scotch, Genius Magazine, December 2007
(Note: the above is the publication date, not the date that I hand it it)
Text, text, text that is written in Times font, size 12 and double spaced or 1.5 spaced
End of text
Sidebar: Why this story is so genius
Text, text, text
And that's it! Sort of common sense, and unless you turn your piece in on paper with unicorns in the background, I think you'll be okay.
But writers, I'm curious: how do you format your pieces when you hand them in? I know that everyone does it differently!
Friday, June 15, 2007
The End of an Era
Wow, so today is Bob Barker's last day on The Price is Right. So sad, but yeah, looking at him, it does seem like it's time to ride off (in a new car!) into the sunset. The man has been on TV for FIFTY YEARS! Can you imagine?
For any of you who read the book, you know what a big Price is Right fan I am, so I thought it was only fitting that we spend today sharing our favorite Price is Right moments and games.
My fave? Undoubtedly, Plinko. They only rolled it out, like, once a month, but when I was a kid, I waited with breathless anticipation for that wonderful day! And yes, it's true, when I was younger, I thought I would spend my 18th birthday on the show: that's how old you have to be to go on it, so, at 12 or 13 or whenever I was at the height of my PIR obsession, that was the fantasy.
So...what was your favorite game? Did you ever dream of going on the show, like I did?
For any of you who read the book, you know what a big Price is Right fan I am, so I thought it was only fitting that we spend today sharing our favorite Price is Right moments and games.
My fave? Undoubtedly, Plinko. They only rolled it out, like, once a month, but when I was a kid, I waited with breathless anticipation for that wonderful day! And yes, it's true, when I was younger, I thought I would spend my 18th birthday on the show: that's how old you have to be to go on it, so, at 12 or 13 or whenever I was at the height of my PIR obsession, that was the fantasy.
So...what was your favorite game? Did you ever dream of going on the show, like I did?
Thursday, June 14, 2007
But What Happens Next?
For my post today, head over to Writer Unboxed, where I talk about the post-publication letdown, er, experience. :)
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
Parenting Essays
How can I find a good place to to send a parenting essay?
Well, this might seem obvious, but the place way to find outlets is to read those outlets. I've said it before here, but editors can get quite peeved when people submit to them and the mag doesn't actually cover said material. So I'd be sure to flip through the mags you plan to submit to before doing so.
That said, Cookie runs a lot of essays, Parenting usually runs (I think) about one per issue, as does American Baby, and Parents runs the occasional one. But there are sooooo many other options out there: your local paper, bigger papers like the Christian Science Monitor, and a ton of websites. Just google "parenting essays" (without the quotes), and you come up with a lot of options.
Good luck! And what say you readers? Do you have favorite outlets for your essays about your adorable tots?
Well, this might seem obvious, but the place way to find outlets is to read those outlets. I've said it before here, but editors can get quite peeved when people submit to them and the mag doesn't actually cover said material. So I'd be sure to flip through the mags you plan to submit to before doing so.
That said, Cookie runs a lot of essays, Parenting usually runs (I think) about one per issue, as does American Baby, and Parents runs the occasional one. But there are sooooo many other options out there: your local paper, bigger papers like the Christian Science Monitor, and a ton of websites. Just google "parenting essays" (without the quotes), and you come up with a lot of options.
Good luck! And what say you readers? Do you have favorite outlets for your essays about your adorable tots?
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Jumping the Gun
Thanks for all the insightful comments on yesterday's post...at the very least, it's a good thing that people like us are concerned about this trend, and will raise our children (and spouses, hee!), differently.
Question of the day: Can I pitch a story without having the story written, or the subject on board? For example, if I would like to write a profile of someone (well-known or not) do I have to get their approval before pitching the article?
Well, this raises two questions. First of all, you should never write the complete article until the editor has given you the green-light. The exceptions are essays and travel pieces. As I've said before on this blog, sending in a complete story before an assignment is a huge newbie mistake and sends red flags to editors right away. (Search the archives of the blog for more info on this.)
But things do get tricky when you're pitching a celeb piece or a profile. It's a bit of a catch-22 situation because if you approach your subject first, then don't get the assignment, you've let that person down...and if you approach your editor first, then can't land the subject, you risk letting your editor down. BUT, if this is a well-known person (a celeb, for example), most editors understand that landing the interview isn't a slam-dunk. I do celeb pieces (have a cover story coming out on the 15th with Jaime Pressly), and when my editor and I chat about who he wants me to cover, it's always with the understanding that the publicist might say "no."
So...if you're uncertain that you can land your interview subject, I'd probably just be up front with the editor and say, "I'd love to cover this story for you, and while I *think* I can land Brad Pitt, I just wanted to see if you'd want to run the story if, indeed, I can land him." This covers all bases: you've pitched the story, but also given yourself an out. In my case, since I have a relationship with my editor, I'd rather give myself that flexibility than waste the time of Brad Pitt and his publicist, who might not take kindly to my wasting their time.
But there really aren't any easy solutions for this type of situation, at least not that I've found. Readers, do you have better suggestions? I'd welcome hearing them.
Question of the day: Can I pitch a story without having the story written, or the subject on board? For example, if I would like to write a profile of someone (well-known or not) do I have to get their approval before pitching the article?
Well, this raises two questions. First of all, you should never write the complete article until the editor has given you the green-light. The exceptions are essays and travel pieces. As I've said before on this blog, sending in a complete story before an assignment is a huge newbie mistake and sends red flags to editors right away. (Search the archives of the blog for more info on this.)
But things do get tricky when you're pitching a celeb piece or a profile. It's a bit of a catch-22 situation because if you approach your subject first, then don't get the assignment, you've let that person down...and if you approach your editor first, then can't land the subject, you risk letting your editor down. BUT, if this is a well-known person (a celeb, for example), most editors understand that landing the interview isn't a slam-dunk. I do celeb pieces (have a cover story coming out on the 15th with Jaime Pressly), and when my editor and I chat about who he wants me to cover, it's always with the understanding that the publicist might say "no."
So...if you're uncertain that you can land your interview subject, I'd probably just be up front with the editor and say, "I'd love to cover this story for you, and while I *think* I can land Brad Pitt, I just wanted to see if you'd want to run the story if, indeed, I can land him." This covers all bases: you've pitched the story, but also given yourself an out. In my case, since I have a relationship with my editor, I'd rather give myself that flexibility than waste the time of Brad Pitt and his publicist, who might not take kindly to my wasting their time.
But there really aren't any easy solutions for this type of situation, at least not that I've found. Readers, do you have better suggestions? I'd welcome hearing them.
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