Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Social Media Thoughts and Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas, everyone! I wish you all peace and joy over the holidays.

Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog’s question for this month was:

How about social media confessions? Do you twitter, FB, etc besides blogging? Why or why not?

I should admit first thing that I’m not a social person. In fact, I’m a borderline hermit. So social networking does not come easily to me.

I didn’t join Facebook because their insistence on sharing all our information horrifies me. Admittedly, we can opt out – with some difficulty, I’m told – but they’ve overridden that setting in the past. I simply don’t trust Facebook.

Tweeting? I’m amazed anyone has the time to follow in Twitter. I certainly don’t have the patience to read reams of everyday chatter. If I want that, I’ll go visit my mom. (Hi, Mom!) (Did I mention I’m a hermit?)

Blogging. Le sigh. I usually forget to blog. I feel I don’t often have anything interesting to say. I do read my friends’ blogs, though it don’t comment as often as I should. And sometimes when I try, Blogger acts up.
More sighs. ;-)

How about you? Do you find the time to Tweet? Do you trust Facebook?

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

I Survived NaNo

Better yet, I finished NaNoWriMo, though it was a close thing.  Now I have a cute little badge for the blog.

I didn't manage to write every day, though that was my goal.  Came down with a bug early on that laid me out for three days.  Le sigh.  ;-)   I forgot to add words to the counter until the next day a few times.  But overall I'm pleased with my output. 

It needs editing of course, but first it needs finishing - I expect the first draft to clock in between 90,000 and 100,000.  I'll need to cut or condense the boring stuff that currently contains nuggets I want to mine for characterization.  I surprised myself with the information that popped out of my subconscious when my characters were chattering away.  And that's one point of first drafts.  The writer can't fix a story until it's on paper or in a file.

I'm a layered editor, so I know I'll need several passes to add description and internal characterization, to clarify emotions, and generally add the sparkle to the story.  All of that has to wait for the completed draft and the cooling-off period.  Getting to close to a work makes it impossible to edit.

For now, I'll breathe one sigh of contentment, and dig back into my novel.

On a different note, I'd like to remind you that today was Laura's post for the Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog: Social Media Confessions.  This is a topic I'll need to think about!

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog


Thank you again, Lydia, Laura, Danyelle, for inviting me to join the Sisterhood!

And my apologies to all my readers for disappearing – NaNo and holiday preparations are eating my lunch.

What was your favorite childhood book and why? (Is it still on your bookshelf?)

I have many favorite childhood books – I was a prolific reader early on – but the book I most clearly remember discovering was Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.

I must have been eleven the day I explored my grammar school’s library, a cramped, windowless room in the basement. I was desperate for something new to read when this odd book fell into my hands and changed my life. I’d never read anything like it! It was a fascinating story filled with science and fantasy, bizarre adults and strong parents who still needed their children’s help. It made me feel both empowered and overwhelmed.

That book sent me on a lifelong search for great science fiction and fantasy. Contemporary novels simply didn’t hold the strength of speculative fiction.

At some point I went out and bought my own copy (I didn’t steal it from the library; today I checked the inside to make sure). I still reread it every ten or fifteen years, and each time it impresses me differently. This book is truly a classic!

What is your favorite childhood book?

Sunday, October 31, 2010

Happy Halloween

Halloween is my favorite holiday. The nights are getting cool – a bigger deal in Texas than you chilly-weather folk can imagine. The occasional tree has changed colors, and my sweetgum is a gorgeous shade of burgundy. Kids drop by in costume, begging for candy. I adore costumes, even the store-bought kind.

Only five children wandered so far out into the boonies this year, a record for this house. When I lived in town I’d get hundreds of Trick or Treaters, but a few miles on a dirt road discourages most callers. But I was pleased to see my youngest grand-nieces and nephew, who arrived as a sorceress, a princess, a cute little devil in a red dress, and Mrs. and Baby Santa Claus.

I have a bit of news – I’m honored to have been invited to join the Sisterhood of the Traveling Blog. That means you’ll hear from me on the fourth Wednesday of each month. Thank you, Lydia, Laura, Danyelle, and the retiring Zoe – I hope you new endeavors go well.

Happy Halloween, everyone!

Sunday, October 24, 2010

NaNoWriMo

NaNoWriMo starts November 1, and I’ve decided to join in. The goal is to write 50,000 words in one month – about half a fantasy novel.

I have about half an outline at this point, and hope to have it finished by Halloween. The beginning is clear, but the ending is shaky. I’d rather have the final chapters settled before I start writing, but I know my current three possibilities have been done many times. I need to think up a twist.

Now my problem is my twists usually come from a detail that crops up during the writing. That makes it hard to plan an ending! Right now I’m keeping track of my lame endings (#1 was so lame it limped off a cliff) and I'm hunting for a better one. They say throw away your first ten ideas, so I have a ways to go. :-)

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Dealing with the Blues


I have begun that terrifying journey called querying. After a hundred versions – I could have written a novel in that many words – I have a query that embraces the heart of my story. It’s time to send Anchoring the Rain out into the world.

To distract myself from the sensation that my guts are slinking under the nearest carpet, I’ve started a new project, plotting a novel currently called Iron Core. I’m also working on deep revisions in Wizard’s Route. I’d written it as two books, but the story line became too weak. So I cut 80,000 words and combined several characters. Now I’m creating new transitions and hunting for scenes that no longer make sense or are out of order.

I must admit, I enjoy editing almost as much as writing, but I adore plotting.

Happy writing, y’all!

Monday, October 4, 2010

Current links for writers - October 4

Sorry - this will be my last post for a while. My internet connection is about to get spotty.

Constructing Your Story Goal at Advanced Fiction Writing

Dialogue: the bare essentials by Jordan McCollum

Internalization, Silence and Avoidance at TalkToYoUniverse - What don't your characters say aloud?

Antagonists in Contemporary Fiction at Kidlit.com

Crunches and Munches at The Alchemy of Writing - Do you read your work aloud?

Got Rhythm? at The Blood-Red Pencil

A Delectation of Supernatural Collective Nouns at Gabrielle Edits

Color Commentary: On the Colors of Horses by Judith Tarr at Book View Cafe

Defeating Your Inner Critic Part I - Track the Problem by Carolyn Kaufman at QueryTracker

Writing Nowadays–Counting Words by Steven Harper Piziks at Book View Cafe

Behind the Scenes... "The Call" at Rants & Ramblings

Waiting for My Book's Publication Date, Guest Post by Aggie Villanueva at AuthorCulture

CONTEST

Wisdom--Drivel--Whatever at Seekerville

Thursday, September 30, 2010

Current links for writers - September 30

Dual Protagonists? at Fiction Workbench

T3 - Types of Grief, Part 3 at The Character Therapist - Distorted grief and Disenfranchised grief

Polite and long at edittorrent - a short post on polite language

Obsessive Compulsive Editing Disorder (And How to Fight It) by Jeanne Kisacky at Writer Unboxed

If you don’t research your stories, you’re an idiot at Behler Blog

Sept #2: Top 25 Reasons Your Submissions are Rejected at The Blood-Red Pencil - plus 8 of why she'd ask to see more

Method of wrapping carrier pigeons at How to be a Retronaut - WW I & II story detail

Panama Canal fossils reveal ancient collision of worlds at BBC.com - just too cool!

CONTESTS

Glorious celebrations demand free books! at The Magic District

Original Contest delayed.... ...so we'll run a new one in it's place! - at Coffey. Tea. And Literary.

“It’s All About the Characters” Barbara White Daille at Seekerville

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

Current links for writers - September 29

It's All About The Details by Jane Lebak at QueryTracker

Ambiguous Characters at Mystery Writing is Murder

Character arcs - how characters change at TalkToYoUniverse

The Rule of Two at The Laws of Making - what readers see as significant.

Don't Overuse Names in Dialogue at WordPlay

Talking to Agents and Editors at Conferences at Kidlit.com

Ten Ways to Get the Most from a Writers’ Conference at The Blood-Red Pencil

From Query Letter to Cover Copy by Elana Johnson

A BookEnds Rejection at BookEnds - what a typical (if kind) rejection looks like

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About Book Sales and one way to help - at The Roving Editor

Soliciting Elves at AuthorCulture - a new(ish) press is taking submissions for SF/F

Save the Adverbs! at Book Dreaming - LOL!

CONTEST

The Rats are Back - Hilary Wagner and Nightshade City! at Market My Words

Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Current links for writers - September 28

Better off dead? at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management - Dead parents in YA

Lists for Inspiration and characterization - at Mystery Writing is Murder

Complex sentencing at edittorrent - Double-negative Construction

A Rose By Any Other Name is Still Too Flowery. And Purple. at The Other Side of the Story

Tip Tuesday #56 at Literary Rambles - handling critiques

NaNoWriMo at Paperback Writer

The Importance of a Polished Manuscript - A Guest Blog at Chip MacGregor

More on the series question at Getting Past the Gatekeeper

The boutique query at Behler Blog - Get it right the first time.

Monday, September 27, 2010

Current links for writers - September 27

FtQ chapter on creating tension at Flogging the Quill

Diverting Attention at Mystery Writing is Murder

Quirk Ten at Paperback Writer - Ten Things to Give Your Characters More Character

Writing Nowadays–Why the Pen Name? by Steven Harper Piziks at Book View Cafe

Professional Address at Gabrielle Edits - about your email address

Do some agents give up if a manuscript doesn't sell in the first round of submissions? at Ask a Literary Agent

Demystifying the Mystical Art of Negotiation at Authorial, agently and personal ramblings

Marketing 101: You and Your Marketing Manager at The Roving Editor

Coordinating a book blog tour: Dotting your Rs and Crossing your… Rs by Crystal Patriarche at Writer Unboxed

Working Social Media at BookEnds

Monday Guest Blogging Post by Regan Leigh at GotYA - Why Adult Women Connect with Young Adult Books

Among my people at Behler Blog - Have you ever noticed that people don’t understand your writerly life?

CONTESTS

Birthday Contest! at * Fiction Groupie * - win Wicked Becomes You by Meredith Duran or a 5 page critique

Trish Perry's The Perfect Blend Review and Giveaway! at The Character Therapist

Sunday, September 26, 2010

Current links for writers - September 26

Banned Books Week: “Put her in the fire!” by Sherwood Smith at Book View Cafe

HIGH CONCEPT BOOKS at Help! I Need a Publisher! - What is high-concept?

So your character's "insane" - what does that mean? at TalkToYoUniverse

#179-FTW at Query Shark - a query that works for agent Janet Reid

Ever wanna know… at Behler Blog - just because it's too cool.
Short video: Bach Duo dance on a giant keyboard.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Current links for writers - September 23

250 Chances at The Other Side of the Story - the critical first page of your novel

Fixing Problems at Seekerville - Characterization and dialogue, and a writer's book contest

Cussing tips at The Blood-Red Pencil

T3 - Types of Grief, Part 2 by Jeannie Campbell at The Character Therapist - Conflicted grief and Chronic grief

5 Questions That Always Surprise Me When I Write a Book at Mystery Writing is Murder

In Defense of Dead/Absent Parents in Children's Literature by Nathan Bransford

I Did What?! at Book Dreaming - the importance of crit partners

Pitching part of a series at Getting Past the Gatekeeper - different advice than I usually read

Thrillers and Mysteries: Compelling and Enticing by Deren Hansen at The Laws of Making

When do you prefer to find out that a writer was formerly represented by another agent? at Getting Past the Gatekeeper

Hostility, Mr. Konrath? I think not at Behler Blog

App Goes PBW at Paperback Writer - with a hilarious definition of "editor"

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Current links for writers - September 22

It's About Time at edittorrent - more on prologues, and why they do or don't work

Favorites at Mystery Writing is Murder - another way to get to know your characters

Intimacy and Invasion at TalkToYoUniverse

Re-Write Wednesday: Oh, What Now? at The Other Side of the Story

Pointers from the Pros: Agent and Author Donald Maass on Great Fiction (Pt. II) at My Daytime Drama

Tools of the trade – MS Word at Behler Blog

Do Political Beliefs Impact Representation at BookEnds

Why, Oh Why, Did I Get Rejected? at Rants & Ramblings

Options! Options! Options! at Jennifer Represents... - the option clause in your contract

CONTESTS

Sixth ''Dear Lucky Agent'' Contest: Paranormal Romance & Urban Fantasy at Guide to Literary Agents

2K Giveaway! at Neverending Page Turner - two chances to win five books

Forecast: Early Frostfire at Paperback Writer - win an ARC of Lynn Viehl's next book

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Current links for writers - September 21

Making it realistic by Cheree Smith at Justified Lunacy

What. Would. My. Main. Character. Do. by Danielle Meyers at Revelations of a Smoothie Girl

Authentic Details Reflect Character's Inner Life & Change within the Story at Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers

Flirting Fails by Angela Ackerman at The Bookshelf Muse

New Beginnings by Arizela at The Write Life

Pacing Ourselves at Mystery Writing is Murder

Guest Blog Post: How Deliberate Practice Can Make You an Excellent Writer at Writer Beware® Blogs!

Things Writers Should Keep Track Of: Part 2 at Books & Such - After Publication: Promotion

The Tripod of Publishing: Establishing Priorities at Adventures in Agentland

To Multi-book, or Not to Multi-book at Jennifer Represents...

Secret Agent Message at edittorrent - what she'd rather not see

10 Ways to Annoy a Literary Agent at Rants & Ramblings

Sunday, September 19, 2010

Current links for writers - September 19

Props in Fantasy at Chandara Writes

The Two Kinds Of Inspiration by Cassandra Brown at Writer Unboxed

What do Writers Owe Readers? by Sherwood Smith at Book View Cafe

Tapping Our Inner Dog by Steven Popkes at Book View Cafe - who domesticated who?

SPEAK Up. at Adventures in Writing - the shame of censorship

I believe this with all my heart by Janet Reid - also about Speak

Saturday, September 18, 2010

Current links for writers - September 18

A Piggyback Post: When Should They Meet? at edittorrent - this advice applies to your inciting incident, too

A MAJOR FLAW IN TEACHING CREATIVE WRITING (FICTION) EFFECTIVELY LIES IN OUR TERMINOLOGY by Les Edgerton - What we say ain’t always what we mean…

Query Letters by Denise Little

letters from the query wars 9/17/2010 at Arcaedia - when your submission contained a mistake

offended by rank OBJECTIFICATION of writers at A Grammar - LOL

Comic: The Paperless Office by Debbie Ohi at Writer Unboxed

Tuesday, September 14, 2010

Current links for writers - September 14

Example of reader-character separation at edittorrent

Through My Eyes. Or Your Eyes. Or Somebody's Eyes. at The Other Side of the Story - about POV

Gender, Sex, Identity and A Bunch of Other Fascinating Issues by Deborah J. Ross at Book View Cafe

Treatment Tuesday - Postpartum Psychosis at The Character Therapist

Sweating Through Writer's Block at No Letters On My Keyboard

Deal Breakers: Do You Know What Yours Are? at * Fiction Groupie *

7 Things I've Learned So Far, by Thomas W. Young at Guide to Literary Agents

The Promotional Quantity at Pimp My Novel

CONGRATULATIONS!

David Bridger's The Weaverfields Heir is sold!

CONTESTS

Today's Agent Pitch Contest! at Market My Words -Win a 1st chapter/query critique from agent Sarah LaPolla

Please welcome The Grammar Queen at Seekerville - Win a copy of Grammatically Correct

So Many Giveaways! at Literary Rambles - Win an ARC of EXTRAORDINARY by Nancy Werlin or a hardcover of WILL GRAYSON, WILL GRAYSON by John Green and David Levithan.

Via Elana Johnson - Win LOSING FAITH by Denise Jaden and BREAK by Hannah Moskowitz.

By Jennifer Jackson at Arcaedia - Win a copy of Antiphon by Ken Scholes

At Confessions From Suite 500 - Win a copy of Lisa Desrochers' debut novel Personal Demons

WriteOnCon is have a flurry of contests! Leave a comment on each of the giveaways you wish to enter.

ARC of CHARLIE JOE JACKSON’S GUIDE TO NOT READING by Tom Greenwald

Between Shades of Gray ARC (by Ruta Sepetys) + Swag!!

Critique by author Caroline Starr Rose

Critique by author Tessa Gratton

Critiques, Books, Preorders, Oh My! (from Kendare Blake)

Critiques + Bad Taste in Boys (by Carrie Harris) Swag!

Pre-Order of WARPED by Maurissa Guibord + Unicorn Charm!!

Query + First Chapter Critique from Author Dawn Metcalf

Signed ARC of Across the Universe by Beth Revis

Signed Books from Author Randy Russell

Signed Copy of Personal Demons by Lisa Desrochers

Pre-Order of Memento Nora by Angie Smibert

Monday, September 13, 2010

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Current links for writers - September 9

Character Motivation at Gabrielle Edits

Finding the Funny in Your Writing by Margeanne Mitchell at * Fiction Groupie *

Increasing Conflict In Fiction at Fiction Workbench

What ''Show, Don't Tell'' Really Means, by Agent Mary Kole at Guide to Literary Agents

Seven Keys to Writing Good Dialogue by Nathan Bransford

Getting Violently Epic at The Other Side of the Story

Are You Connected? at The Blood-Red Pencil - Sometimes you can’t do the actual research yourself.

On Breaking the Rules at Pimp My Novel

Behind the Scenes at a Pub Committee Meeting - at Rants & Ramblings

Fish or Cut Bait by Allison Winn Scotch at Writer Unboxed - about that second novel

An Opportunity to Read for Weronika Janczuk

CONGRATS!

I Haven't Snogged on Myself in a While - Stephen Parrish and The Tavernier Stones

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

Current links for writers - September 7

Not at This Address by Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming

I Wish by Madeleine E. Robins at Book View Cafe - characterization wish fulfillment

Flirting 101: Bust a Move by Angela Ackerman at The Bookshelf Muse

Heroic Traits and Scene Development at edittorrent

Capitalizing on the Strengths in Your Manuscript at Mystery Writing is Murder

Tip Tuesday #53 at Literary Rambles

How to Deal With Contradictory Query Advice by Nathan Bransford

DC4W: Be Friendly, Let Them Talk, and Give Them a Chance to Say, "Yes" by Deren Hansen - includes tips on queries

Earning Money By Writing Fiction? Part 1 at Fiction Workbench

Either ... Or at Joyously Prolific - how the world of publishing is changing

Leaving Your Mark Behind while blogging - by Elana Johnson

CONTEST

Plum Blossoms Everywhere at Stephen Parrish

CONGRATULATIONS!

''How to Survive a Garden Gnome Attack'' Comes Out Today!!! by Chuck Sambuchino

Monday, September 6, 2010

Sunday, September 5, 2010

Current links for writers - September 5

Dragging out ending at edittorrent

Is Your Story Mysterious Enough? at Wordplay

Comic: Not An Old Wives’ Tale After All by Debbie Ohi at Writer Unboxed

Writer crash test by Holly Lisle - problems in novels & their fixes -- Holly is a great teacher

Current links for writers - September 4

Young Characters Are People Too at edittorrent

Setting Thesaurus Entry: Herbalist Shop (Fantasy) by Angela Ackerman at The Bookshelf Muse

Reviews – How should an author react? by Chris Dolley at Book View Cafe - about reviews

MONEY MATTERS FOR AUTHORS at Help! I Need a Publisher!

Reader Requests at The Blood-Red Pencil - "I recently asked readers in a Kindle forum what they would like to see more of in novels. Here are their answers, verbatim."

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Current links for writers - September 2

Lullaby Language: Putting Your Readers to Sleep by Gerald M. Weinberg at Book View Cafe - great tips to use these words to create the effect you want

What's in a name? at edittorrent - the comments are interesting, too.

Writing About People We Know at Mystery Writing is Murder

Washing Clothes across cultures at TalkToYoUniverse - details to consider in your fiction

The Pernicious Momentum of First Ideas by Nathan Bransford

This is Why You Always Meet Your Deadlines at Pimp My Novel

Fiction Book Proposal Questions at Fiction Workbench

Be Confident: Let your writing do the talking for your query - by Janet Reid

What Drives an Agent Crazy? Part 4 at Books & Such - when a client leaves an agent badly

Author Headshots at Rants & Ramblings - tips for the (dreaded) photo

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Current links for writers - September 1

Keep Unfolding by Shannon O'Donnell at Book Dreaming

Of Disasters and Scenes at Fiction Workbench

The Inner Journey by Donald Maass at Writer Unboxed

Re-Write Wednesday Golden Oldie: Get Over Overstating at The Other Side of the Story

The art of paragraphing by Jordan McCollum

Resources for Bloggers at Mystery Writing is Murder

How I Found My Agent by Sarah Page at Literary Rambles

Your Questions, My Answers at Rants & Ramblings - including query tips

Agent Barbara Poelle On: 6 Things Writers Can Do To Make Their September Rock at Guide to Literary Agents

From the Vault: Don't quit! at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management

After the Book Deal at Black Gate

Follow-Up on Writers Earning Money at The Rejecter

Promotion is like Costco at Behler Blog - great tips!

Secrets to Author Promotion by Danyelle Leafty at QueryTracker - more helpful tips

Self-Publishing Realities by Bob Mayer at GenReality

CONTEST

Happy September! at KT Literary - win a galley of Small Persons With Wings

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Current links for writers - August 31

Step Off the Gas at The Blood-Red Pencil

EDITING FOR TOUGHIES at Help! I Need a Publisher! - The difference between a first draft and the final draft should be vast.

5 Ways to Maximize Your Time with an Editor or Agent at The Roving Editor

Talking to Book Clubs at Mystery Writing is Murder

To Endorse or Not to Endorse at Rants & Ramblings

Happy Release Day for The Paperback Shifter by Janice Hardy at The Other Side of the Story

CONTEST

Bio Time at Shooting Stars

Monday, August 30, 2010

Current links for writers - August 30

Tension in your first sentence at Flogging the Quill

Chapters and Scenes at Kidlit.com

What High Concept Means by Nathan Bransford - think "Snakes on a Plane"

Learning From the Masters by Carolyn Kaufman at QueryTracker

Whom is the Person Which I Know? at The Blood-Red Pencil - quick tips to remember the rules

The science of paragraphing by Jordan McCollum

How to Write a Proposal That an Editor Will Love: Part 2 at The Roving Editor

From the Vault: What we do at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management - more things an agent does

Exclusives seem, to GK, nearly exclusively unwise. at Getting Past the Gatekeeper

Ignorant is as ignorant does at Behler Blog

Writing Online Book Reviews at Rants & Ramblings - tips for writers

Story Structure--Demystified, by Larry Brooks at AuthorCulture - a new writing book on my "I want it!" list

CONTESTS

"The Familiars" - Arc giveaway and Guest Post by Andrew Jacobson at Market My Words - plus a post on log lines.

A New Contest: win a query or one-page critique from Snarky! at Getting Past the Gatekeeper - write a rejection letter for Snarky

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Saturday, August 28, 2010

Current links for writers - August 28 - News!


I am thrilled to announce that my story,

Amber Profits,

was selected to be published in

Aurora in the Dawn

Aurora Wolf's first anthology.

Now available at:




Thursday, August 26, 2010

Current links for writers - August 26

Understanding Showing and Telling at Advanced Fiction Writing

Show and Tell by Candace Havens at GenReality

Building Character: Know More Than Your Reader by JC Hutchins at Writer Unboxed

ON WRITING FANTASY: Setting & the Five Senses by John R. Fultz at Black Gate

The Nose Knows at The Blood-Red Pencil

Symbolism Thesaurus Entry: Doomsday by Angela Ackerman at The Bookshelf Muse

Writing While Traveling at Mystery Writing is Murder

How can agents help – and make us lurve them even more at Behler Blog

Brainstorming with your agent - at BookEnds

How Many is Too Many? at Jennifer Represents...

When You Need a Mentor at Rants & Ramblings - Guest blogger: Mary DeMuth

Contemporary vs. Paranormal YA, trends, mojitos, and surfing at Getting Past the Gatekeeper

Why This is a Returnable Business at Pimp My Novel

CONTESTS

PARANORMALCY Giveaway by Elana Johnson

Are You DUFF Enough? (Contest Numero Uno!) at Kody's Blog

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Current links for writers - August 25

Coherence in backstory at edittorrent - The purpose of backstory is to show how the past affects this character in the present.

Controlling The Weather in Your Manuscript at QueryTracker

Unputdownability at Who Ate My Brain? - every book needs this!

Release Your Peeves at The Blood-Red Pencil - writing "rules" that aren't right, from a copy editor

On Queries, Part 1 at The Sharp Angle

Pulling the Trigger: Electronic Self-Publishing at AuthorCulture - things you need to do for success

A Target on Your Back at Rants & Ramblings

Q&A: My Thoughts on Book Publishing Today at There Are No Rules - Jane’s Simple Rules for Forum Participation

Tuesday, August 24, 2010

Current links for writers - August 24

Telegraphing (and other pace killers) by Therese Walsh at Writer Unboxed

Tip Tuesday #51 at Literary Rambles - Informing Your Manuscript, or, How to Use Your Friends and Strangers

What I've Learned From Critique Groups by Nancy Fulda

Writer’s responsibility at Behler Blog

Words to Think About From A to V at The Blood-Red Pencil - terms writers should know

Picking an Agent at Story Sensei

The What Ifs in queries - at Elaine English Literary

THE FANTASY AUTHOR’S HANDBOOK INTERVIEWS VIII: ETHAN ELLENBERG at Fantasy Author's Handbook

The Package of Services Publishers Provide Authors and How This Is Changing by Nathan Bransford

Are You a Do-It-Yourself Type? at Rants & Ramblings - about self-publishing

CONTESTS

In Bad Taste: Horrendously Hilarious Query Contest at Adventures in Agentland

Your Monday Giveaway. On a Tuesday. at Coffey. Tea. And Literary.

MOCKINGJAY Day Give-Away!!!! at GotYA

Mockingjay Giveaway! at Market My Words

What I learned while on Retreat by Sasha White at GenReality

Monday, August 23, 2010

Current links for writers - August 23

Inserting Nonfiction Into Your Novel at Advanced Fiction Writing

On the Naming of Horses by Judith Tarr at Book View Cafe - plus thoughts on character names

Creeps to Watch Out For at Gabrielle Edits - especially about names

Start with kitty-cats in action at Flogging the Quill - LOL, but good advice

Unleash Your Creative Genius! by Suzette Saxton at Query Tracker

Mental Health Monday–It’s All About Perspective at Diamond–Yup, Like the Stone

Special Guest Post: Stop Harping On What We Can't Do And Start Thinking About Who We Are, by Rachel M. at the Rejectionist - about "disabled" characters

Medical Mondays: Of Bulging Neck Veins and Contest Winners at The Word is My Oyster

Guest Blog by Kater Cheek at KT Literary - Congratulations, you’ve finished your novel! Now for the hard parts.

The Drug of Good Writing: the Weronika Janczuk interview by A. Victoria Mixon

At BookEnds - The Reason for "Rules" in query subject lines

TWITTER FOR AUTHORS - PART 1: WHY? at Help! I Need a Publisher!

CONTESTS

How Language Affects Thought -- plus book giveaway! at *A Brain Scientist's Take on Writing*

Great Gassy Goblins it's another writing contest! by Janet Reid

Saturday, August 21, 2010

Current links for writers - August 21

Em and En at edittorrent - about dashes

Character Flaw at Plot Whisperer for Writers and Readers

At Behler Blog - Finding a new home for a previously published book

CONTEST

Read, Remember, Recommend (for teens) at Confessions of a Wandering Heart

Current links for writers - August 20

Tips to spark your creativity at Chandara Writes

Reading Reminder at Cassandra Jade in the Realm - How often should you remind your readers?

Find Your Plot Fridays: Follow the Leader at The Other Side of the Story

TOP TIP 2: PAGE-TURNABILITY at Help! I Need a Publisher!

The Evolution of Rejection at * Fiction Groupie *

Guest Post: Inevitable Envy by Kim Wright at Pimp My Novel

How Much Does a Writer Make? at The Rejecter

CONTESTS

Ask An Editor: Positioning Your Book - at Romance University - great article, contest for a spot in Theresa’s September workshop

Mary Kole's Agent Pitch Contest! at Market My Words

Contest reminder! at The Word is My Oyster