Sorry to have been missing in action the last week or so. I've been in REVISION HELL. If you've never been to revision hell, picture a one-sentence bit of feedback from an agent or editor. And then imagine yourself mulling over that bit of feedback for a couple of weeks before it dawns on you that you have to rewrite the last quarter of a 100,000-word book. To put that in an equation format:
1 sentence of feedback + 3 weeks of mulling = 25,000 new words
Daunting. And at times... Hellish. The end result? A much better book. A much tighter mystery. A ramping up of the tension. I'm thrilled with the way these revisions came together, but we'll see what "they" think! This was a great learning exercise in which I was able to apply some of the things I learned last year when I added a 30,000-word subplot to an existing book to get it up to single-title length.
I'm looking forward to sitting down with a print out of the new version this weekend. I'll read it cover to cover to make sure everything syncs, and then I'll send it off.
If you've read the "About Marie" section of my website, you know that my dad has been a great supporter of my writing career. Long before I ever wrote the first word, he'd urged me to get serious about my longtime desire to write fiction. So when I finally finished my first book, shortly after my mother died, he became my No. 1 fan. Never much of a novel reader, he read each book as I finished it. Usually, he takes whatever I did the previous year with him on his winter jaunt to Florida.
This year his Florida trip was cut short by an injury, and he's been staying with my family for a couple of months while he recovers. While he's here, he figured he should get caught up on his reading... Gulp... It's one thing to have my dad read my sexy romance novels when he's fifteen hundred miles away. I'm finding it's another WHOLE story when he's reading them three feet from me. He recently finished the advance review copy of Love at First Flight, which got two thumbs up. When we were out to lunch today, he told my waitress friend that there's "some hot stuff" in that one. OY! Thanks, Dad! He's reading my first attempt at romantic suspense now and really enjoying it. Can't wait to see what he tells people about that one!
Friday, March 13, 2009
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
02871
Since I finished my first book almost five years ago, I've had an ongoing and ever-changing relationship with my local post office. At first, I'd make regular trips to mail query letters, partials and full manuscripts. I was lucky to receive numerous requests for full MSs before I sold Line of Scrimmage in 2007. Back when I was first querying, most agents still wanted full manuscripts printed out and mailed. I spent a small fortune in postage during those years, and I got so I hated trudging over there to mail off another envelope full of dreams.
Since I signed with my first and then my second agent and sold Line of Scrimmage, I haven't had as much cause to stand in line at the post office. However, I did send copies of Line of Scrimmage to a couple "Best of 2008" contests. As I was waiting in line earlier today, thinking about all the many trips I'd made to that place, I had to smile as I realized another milestone in my journey as an author. I've gone from mailing manuscripts held together by rubber bands and binder clips to mailing off MY BOOK. That is very cool, and it's another thing to celebrate along the way, even if LOS doesn't make a ripple in any of the contests. Today I also mailed a copy of my most recently finished MS to my friend Mary in Florida, who told me she can't possibly wait until she gets home in April to read it. She was one of my first and most rabid fans, and I'm delighted that she hasn't lost her enthusiasm for getting "hot-off-the-presses" books.
March came in like a lion here yesterday, dumping 8" of snow in our neck of the woods. My kids were out of school AGAIN, meaning they are now in school until June 25! That's the latest I can ever recall them being in school. While I don't enjoy being outside in it, I really do love the way the snow has the power to bring life to a halt the way almost nothing else can in this go-go-go world. Everything is cancelled when it snows, especially when it's part of what we like to call a Nor'easter in these parts.
Finally, I'm pleased to report that I have finished the galley proofs of Love at First Flight! And yes, I did find a mistake late in the book on the second read through—just like I did with Line of Scrimmage. So while it was EXTREMELY painful to read the same book twice in a week, especially when you know exactly what's going to happen, it was time very well spent. Now I'm working on the revisions to another book, have two contests waiting to be judged, and two critiques I promised a couple of my new writer friends. I'm also starting to get my ducks in a row for the publicity blitz that will surround Love at First Flight's launch in July. At least this time, I have an idea of what to expect, which is why I'm thinking about it now! What's keeping you busy these days?
Since I signed with my first and then my second agent and sold Line of Scrimmage, I haven't had as much cause to stand in line at the post office. However, I did send copies of Line of Scrimmage to a couple "Best of 2008" contests. As I was waiting in line earlier today, thinking about all the many trips I'd made to that place, I had to smile as I realized another milestone in my journey as an author. I've gone from mailing manuscripts held together by rubber bands and binder clips to mailing off MY BOOK. That is very cool, and it's another thing to celebrate along the way, even if LOS doesn't make a ripple in any of the contests. Today I also mailed a copy of my most recently finished MS to my friend Mary in Florida, who told me she can't possibly wait until she gets home in April to read it. She was one of my first and most rabid fans, and I'm delighted that she hasn't lost her enthusiasm for getting "hot-off-the-presses" books.
March came in like a lion here yesterday, dumping 8" of snow in our neck of the woods. My kids were out of school AGAIN, meaning they are now in school until June 25! That's the latest I can ever recall them being in school. While I don't enjoy being outside in it, I really do love the way the snow has the power to bring life to a halt the way almost nothing else can in this go-go-go world. Everything is cancelled when it snows, especially when it's part of what we like to call a Nor'easter in these parts.
Finally, I'm pleased to report that I have finished the galley proofs of Love at First Flight! And yes, I did find a mistake late in the book on the second read through—just like I did with Line of Scrimmage. So while it was EXTREMELY painful to read the same book twice in a week, especially when you know exactly what's going to happen, it was time very well spent. Now I'm working on the revisions to another book, have two contests waiting to be judged, and two critiques I promised a couple of my new writer friends. I'm also starting to get my ducks in a row for the publicity blitz that will surround Love at First Flight's launch in July. At least this time, I have an idea of what to expect, which is why I'm thinking about it now! What's keeping you busy these days?
Monday, March 2, 2009
From Around the Blogosphere
I've been reading some great blogs lately, chock full of tremendous advice for writers. Whether you're published, seeking representation, or just finishing your first manuscript, the blogosphere is ripe with information to help make the journey a little less confusing. Here are some recent highlights:
From Agent Janet Reid, who is flat out hysterical in her bluntness: Things to Skip in a Query Letter
More great query advice from agent Jennifer Jackson in her latest Letters from the Query Wars
Agents are lamenting across the board on their blogs that there's been a huge uptick in new queries in 2009. Make sure you pay close attention to the advice they give out on their blogs every day to make your letter stand out in an ever-crowded pack.
From Author John Scalzi, 10 Things to Remember About Authors
A great blog from uber author Danielle Steel about her writing process, called "Writing." Love her books or hate them, you won't believe how hard she continues to work after more than 100 bestsellers. And, she still composes on a typewriter! She also has a great blog on her fear of flying that I could totally relate to!
Agent Nathan Bransford did a tremendous blog about Sympathetic vs. Unsympathetic Characters last week. This is really worth checking out. If you take nothing else away from it, remember this word: redeemability. You can create the most horrific villain, but there has to be something about him we can relate to.
Finally, as authors we talk a lot about voice and how critical it is that we develop our own voice and let it shine through in our writing. If you struggle with voice and don't read mega best selling author Meg Cabot's Diary, you're really missing out. Her unique voice shines through in every posting. You can't read more than a few entries without getting a clue as to why her books are so successful.
My agent, Kevan Lyon, recently started her own agency with fellow agent Jill Marsal, called Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Kevan and I were talking about agent blogs, and I told her I still read them all, even though I'm blessed to be represented by her. Why do I still read them when I am happily represented and published? Because I learn something new about the business, about writing, and about how it all works every single day by spending 30 minutes cruising the blogs. It's time very well spent and a worthwhile investment in your writing career. And, it's all free advice! I will continue to post worthwhile postings from time to time.
From Agent Janet Reid, who is flat out hysterical in her bluntness: Things to Skip in a Query Letter
More great query advice from agent Jennifer Jackson in her latest Letters from the Query Wars
Agents are lamenting across the board on their blogs that there's been a huge uptick in new queries in 2009. Make sure you pay close attention to the advice they give out on their blogs every day to make your letter stand out in an ever-crowded pack.
From Author John Scalzi, 10 Things to Remember About Authors
A great blog from uber author Danielle Steel about her writing process, called "Writing." Love her books or hate them, you won't believe how hard she continues to work after more than 100 bestsellers. And, she still composes on a typewriter! She also has a great blog on her fear of flying that I could totally relate to!
Agent Nathan Bransford did a tremendous blog about Sympathetic vs. Unsympathetic Characters last week. This is really worth checking out. If you take nothing else away from it, remember this word: redeemability. You can create the most horrific villain, but there has to be something about him we can relate to.
Finally, as authors we talk a lot about voice and how critical it is that we develop our own voice and let it shine through in our writing. If you struggle with voice and don't read mega best selling author Meg Cabot's Diary, you're really missing out. Her unique voice shines through in every posting. You can't read more than a few entries without getting a clue as to why her books are so successful.
My agent, Kevan Lyon, recently started her own agency with fellow agent Jill Marsal, called Marsal Lyon Literary Agency. Kevan and I were talking about agent blogs, and I told her I still read them all, even though I'm blessed to be represented by her. Why do I still read them when I am happily represented and published? Because I learn something new about the business, about writing, and about how it all works every single day by spending 30 minutes cruising the blogs. It's time very well spent and a worthwhile investment in your writing career. And, it's all free advice! I will continue to post worthwhile postings from time to time.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
How Is This Fair?
Just saw this on Yahoo News:
(HealthDay News) -- Past studies have suggested that caffeine might offer some protection from skin cancer, and new research may explain why.
"We have found what we believe to be the mechanism by which caffeine is associated with decreased skin cancer," said lead researcher Dr. Paul Nghiem, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Washington in Seattle.
For the study, Nghiem's team looked at caffeine's effect on human skin cells in a laboratory that had been exposed to ultraviolet radiation. They found that in cells damaged by UV rays, caffeine interrupted a protein called ATR-Chk1, causing the damaged cells to self-destruct.
"Caffeine has no effect on undamaged cells," Nghiem said.
So just as I finally kick my caffeine habit, I learn that it was helping to stave off skin cancer? I have rotten, crappy Irish skin and need all the help I can get managing the damage I did years ago when I thought baby oil was the same as sunscreen. I guess I can either contend with heart palpitations or protect my skin. Hell of a choice! Can I say for the record? I hate the 40s. Everything starts to go!
Sorry to be so sporadic with the blogs. When I'm not working, I've been face first in the proofs for Love at First Flight. Good times!!
(HealthDay News) -- Past studies have suggested that caffeine might offer some protection from skin cancer, and new research may explain why.
"We have found what we believe to be the mechanism by which caffeine is associated with decreased skin cancer," said lead researcher Dr. Paul Nghiem, an associate professor of dermatology at the University of Washington in Seattle.
For the study, Nghiem's team looked at caffeine's effect on human skin cells in a laboratory that had been exposed to ultraviolet radiation. They found that in cells damaged by UV rays, caffeine interrupted a protein called ATR-Chk1, causing the damaged cells to self-destruct.
"Caffeine has no effect on undamaged cells," Nghiem said.
So just as I finally kick my caffeine habit, I learn that it was helping to stave off skin cancer? I have rotten, crappy Irish skin and need all the help I can get managing the damage I did years ago when I thought baby oil was the same as sunscreen. I guess I can either contend with heart palpitations or protect my skin. Hell of a choice! Can I say for the record? I hate the 40s. Everything starts to go!
Sorry to be so sporadic with the blogs. When I'm not working, I've been face first in the proofs for Love at First Flight. Good times!!
Thursday, February 19, 2009
A "Pinch Me" Week
FedEx started the ball rolling on Monday by delivering two packages, both from my publisher. One included Advance Review Copies (ARCs) of Love at First Flight. The other contained the galley proofs, which show the final layout of the book. This is the last time the author sees the book before it's in print. GULP. As for receiving the ARCs, I have to say it was so exciting to see LaFF as a real book for the first time (even if it's not the final, final version), just as much as it was with Line of Scrimmage. Check out my recent post on the Casablanca Authors site about how I broke some of the romance "rules" with Love at First Flight. I'm really excited (and nervous) to see what reviewers will think of this one. We did so well with LOS that I can only hope lightning will strike twice. Fingers crossed!
I'm about halfway through a first read of the galleys. I plan to read them twice because on the second run through the Line of Scrimmage galleys, I found a typo in the closing pages. As a professional copy editor, I live in mortal fear of missing the big mistake. In fact, I was SO afraid to even look at Line of Scrimmage after it was published for fear of what I might see. I told my friends, "If you see anything wrong with it, do NOT tell me!" (I never did hear of anything wrong with it. Not sure if that's because there was nothing wrong or people were afraid to tell me. Either way, ignorance is bliss.) But then my wise chapter mate Barbara Keiler (w/a Judith Arnold) told me to READ THAT BOOK. So I did and I only found some missing close quotes and a good morning that should've been a good afternoon. Not bad to say the book was 86,000 words. This one is 94,000. Again, I say GULP. The good news is that I love this book sooooooo much that reading the galleys is a treat. Let's hope it's still a treat the second time around!
This week I've also had lovely chats with my editor and agent. Then our very energetic Sourcebooks publicist Danielle weighed in with the amazing list of review sites she's targeted with ARCs of LaFF, hoping to generate some good buzz about the book. Editor, agent, publicist, galley proofs, ARCs... I feel like a real working author. Like I said, PINCH ME!
Recently, I've made a couple of new writing buddies by volunteering to critique manuscripts for unpublished folks. I have to say it's so great to work with people who are totally open to suggestions and who welcome honest feedback. I've also worked with a few who are less receptive, and that makes me sad for them knowing what's ahead. They may get lucky and sell their books but an editor is going to require significant changes and that can be difficult to handle. Two of my new friends are just hungry to learn everything they can, and I'm so excited to see how they will make out when they submit their work to agents. In addition, I've been judging a few contests, another thing I enjoy doing. It's a good thing I'm between books right now because by the time the day job is done and the kids are happy, there's not much time left in the day and it seems like I have a lot to do. I'm also supposed to be revising another MS, which I plan to get to right after I finish the galleys.
And, since I recently weaned myself off caffeine, I'm ready for bed most nights at eight o'clock lately! Horrors! That's my prime writing and TV watching time! Hopefully, I'll adjust soon to life without caffeine and be less exhausted than I've been for the last week or two. At least the heart palpitations that necessitated this unsavory development have let up, so I guess it was worth it. Zzzzzzzzz
I'm about halfway through a first read of the galleys. I plan to read them twice because on the second run through the Line of Scrimmage galleys, I found a typo in the closing pages. As a professional copy editor, I live in mortal fear of missing the big mistake. In fact, I was SO afraid to even look at Line of Scrimmage after it was published for fear of what I might see. I told my friends, "If you see anything wrong with it, do NOT tell me!" (I never did hear of anything wrong with it. Not sure if that's because there was nothing wrong or people were afraid to tell me. Either way, ignorance is bliss.) But then my wise chapter mate Barbara Keiler (w/a Judith Arnold) told me to READ THAT BOOK. So I did and I only found some missing close quotes and a good morning that should've been a good afternoon. Not bad to say the book was 86,000 words. This one is 94,000. Again, I say GULP. The good news is that I love this book sooooooo much that reading the galleys is a treat. Let's hope it's still a treat the second time around!
This week I've also had lovely chats with my editor and agent. Then our very energetic Sourcebooks publicist Danielle weighed in with the amazing list of review sites she's targeted with ARCs of LaFF, hoping to generate some good buzz about the book. Editor, agent, publicist, galley proofs, ARCs... I feel like a real working author. Like I said, PINCH ME!
Recently, I've made a couple of new writing buddies by volunteering to critique manuscripts for unpublished folks. I have to say it's so great to work with people who are totally open to suggestions and who welcome honest feedback. I've also worked with a few who are less receptive, and that makes me sad for them knowing what's ahead. They may get lucky and sell their books but an editor is going to require significant changes and that can be difficult to handle. Two of my new friends are just hungry to learn everything they can, and I'm so excited to see how they will make out when they submit their work to agents. In addition, I've been judging a few contests, another thing I enjoy doing. It's a good thing I'm between books right now because by the time the day job is done and the kids are happy, there's not much time left in the day and it seems like I have a lot to do. I'm also supposed to be revising another MS, which I plan to get to right after I finish the galleys.
And, since I recently weaned myself off caffeine, I'm ready for bed most nights at eight o'clock lately! Horrors! That's my prime writing and TV watching time! Hopefully, I'll adjust soon to life without caffeine and be less exhausted than I've been for the last week or two. At least the heart palpitations that necessitated this unsavory development have let up, so I guess it was worth it. Zzzzzzzzz
Saturday, February 14, 2009
The Romance World's National Holiday
Happy Valentine's Day! You'd think that as romance writers all my pals and I would be planning romantic outings with our significant others. Well, for me, Valentine's Day has included a dozen red roses, a box of candy, and a card that included a monkey sitting on a toilet. The card had the required "I love you" and made me laugh, so that's good. I also had breakfast made for me as I do most Saturday mornings. But going out? Not tonight. We're not into crowds and waiting an hour to get into a restaurant.My friend Robin Kaye is blogging today on our Casablanca Authors Blog about how she's not really much into Valentine's Day because her domestic god Stephen, who I jokingly refer to as my second husband, does lovely things for her every day. She'd rather have the cup of coffee he brings her in bed every morning than a three-carat diamond for Valentine's Day (not that she'd say no to the diamond, of course). The general consensus among my romance writing pals is that it's not about hearts and flowers, it's about having go-to guys who make our daily lives a little easier.
That definitely includes my husband, Dan, who takes a lot of grief from me, but gets it done not just for me but for my single mom cousin and many of my friends who bring their pants over to be hemmed by him. Yes, you read that right. I gave him a Singer for Christmas a few years ago, which was easily the best gift I've ever given anyone. He views it as a power tool, right up there with his drill or saw. Of course he does require a full inseam measurement for all alterations because, as he says, there has to be something in it for him. Since my friends need him to sew for them, I'd better keep him around!
Another note on Valentine's Day... This was my first one as a mom that didn't require me to buy little kid Valentine's for my children's classmates. With a daughter in 8th grade--she makes beautiful cards for her friends--and a son in fourth grade--his response to my query about Valentine's was "Get real, Mom"--my life as a Valentine-buying mom has come to an end. Boo hoo!
Friday, February 6, 2009
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