by Joanne Wadsworth | Feb 25, 2013 | Author Blog
LOL. Ahh, yes, so true. 🙂
The writing process is an interesting topic and one I’m driven to share, because this process is much the same for all of us, whether we’re on the road to publication or have already arrived there. The journey never stops.
Let me give you some points to note about the fabulous writing process. Sit back. Relax. Because this is truly how the writing process works, and as writers we quickly learn to trust in it.
STEP ONE:
- The task isn’t in the writing, but in the rewriting.
- Seriously, your first draft isn’t supposed to be that great. You’re supposed to just continue on right to the end without too much self-editing. Phew. *wipes brow*
- Why? Because as you write this first draft, your story will build, and you will come to know your characters’ personalities.
- Which means the second draft will be better. Oh yeah.
- The third better still. *smiling*
- Now I know you see where I’m heading with this, because the more each chapter is rewritten, the better it’ll get.
- So, how many rewrites are there? Most authors will tell you around seven.
- Yes, we edit and edit far more than we ever spent time in originally writing the book.
- How come? Because we trust in the writing process, and it’s simply how it’s done.
STEP TWO:
So, back to that all important first draft, and the writing process for this. Do we plot? Or do we fly by the seat of our pants and make it up as we go along? Often referred to as being a pantser.
- That’s entirely up to you. As writers we have very creative minds, and our characters do as well.
- Plotting is great, and I’m completely on board for this.
- But at heart I’m a pantser. I love to let my characters take over. They drive the story, often throwing me into the backseat and taking the wheel. It’s all about strapping on a seatbelt and enjoying the ride.
- For me, my first three contracted books were 20% plotted and 80% flying by the seat of my pants. Two of these three books are part of an eight-book young adult series. So for the third book in the series which I’m currently writing, I’ve swapped to 80% plotted. Why the change to plotting for someone who’s a pantser at heart? Because it’s part of the writing process. As writers we have to adapt, and for me, here’s my reason why.
- I was requested during the submission stage of my second book in the series, to provide a synopsis for the third book. Now, this is a book I hadn’t yet written, although from the moment I was asked, I was actually beyond excited. The pantser within me of course had a few doubts, but I set her worries aside and instead spent an entire day plotting and plotting, and by the end of it I’d written a fabulous synopsis for my third young adult book. At the moment I’m close to finishing that first draft, and during the writing process I’ve actually managed to stay on track, all while allowing the creative pantser within me a little of her crazy streak.
- What I can happily report is that plotting definitely pays off. My current book’s first draft has been written quicker and smarter due to having a plotted synopsis on hand. And whenever I veer too far off track, one look at my synopsis brings me back. My characters still burst with personality, and they still tell me to take a backseat at times, but I’ve found an even sweeter balance with the switch to a greater plotting level. Step by step, I’m still learning.
- So, if you’re right now a pantser and considering plotting your next book, I can say it works. I’ve already plotted the storyline and written the synopsis for the next book which I’ll begin in a couple of months. I’m all ready to go, and it’s a wonderful feeling. I’m ready for both my front- and backseat rides.
So, are you a plotter or a pantser? Or like me, have you discovered you can actually work at being both? What’s your percentage? Maybe it’s half and half. Leave me a comment and let me know. I love hearing from you.
Thanks for dropping by to see me this week, and if you’d like to pick up your fabulous “fly by the seat of your pants” copy of Protector or to gift it to someone special, the links are just below. 🙂 Have a fabulous week.
* * * *
PROTECTOR–BUY THE BOOK: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Lyrical Press / Kobo.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Feb 12, 2013 | Author Blog, Protector
I’ll never forget my first attempt at writing a query letter. I even showed it to a writer friend, who had just scored an agent, and I couldn’t wait to hear her opinion. Only it didn’t quite go as I’d hoped, the tale more or less like this.
“Joanne, what on earth are you thinking?” She waved the four crisp pages of my query letter in front of me.
“Um… That I’ve written a fabulous query letter. Why?”
“It’s too long. Way too long.”
Okay, I could deal with that. I could shorten it. “What length should it be?”
She leaned it. “I have a book on how to write query letters, and I’ll give it to you. Your query letter is your sales pitch to the screener of the slush pile. That means, it’s one page in length.”
“One page?” She had to be kidding, only I saw by the frankness of her expression she wasn’t. “But I’ll only get three paragraphs in.”
“Exactly. Imagine you’re in an elevator, and you hand your query letter to the editor who happens to be going up one floor. That’s about the length of time you have to engage their attention and tempt them into reading your synopsis next.”
“Seriously?” So unfair. “So they might not even read my synopsis if I can’t capture their interest with the query letter?”
“Yes, my friend.” She handed me back my wad of papers. “Welcome to the wonderful world of trying to find an agent or a publisher.”
So, I set to work and read the book she gave me from cover to cover. First, I was in shock that writers actually sell books on how to write query letters, but it’s totally true. And second, the next time I presented my friend with my new query letter, she sighed with delight. It was perfect, and her happiness had me delirious.
So, what makes a great query letter? Let me detail what I’ve learnt.
- Keep it to one page. 🙂 (Yep, that’s me being ever so helpful.)
- Ensure you address your query letter personally to the agent or editor listed on the submissions page. A must.
- Then your first paragraph goes something like this:
I am seeking representation for my “Genre_of_your_Novel and Book_Title,” complete at “Word_Count.” I am enclosing a synopsis and a sample chapter as per your submission guidelines. (In one or two brief sentences list your credentials, but make sure you touch only on the most impressive.) (In one or two brief sentences describe your desire to write so that the agent/editor understands this is your passion, and refer to any published works if you have them.)
NOTE: The line of what you’re enclosing needs to reflect what the agent’s or publisher’s submission guidelines request.
- Next, you detail your blurb or pitch of the book, so keep it short. For this, just imagine you’re standing in a book shop and you’re checking out the books on the shelves. You see one you might like, and you flip it over and read the back cover. As you read this, you’re going to either find it engaging, or not. It’s the back cover which will decide whether or not you buy the book. Now, this is your pitch for your query letter, and this blurb needs to entice the agent or editor into looking at your synopsis next.
- Lastly, thank them for their generous time in a nice single sentence.
- Also ensure you include your name, address, phone number, and email address on the letter.
That’s it. Nothing else, unless they specifically ask for it within their submission guidelines. The query letter is often referred to as the bait, and your synopsis the hook. Then the sample of your manuscript needs to reel them right in. I love that analogy, and it’s so very true. If you’re after some more tips on how to write a synopsis next, you’ll find that on a post I did right HERE.
Okay, it’s time to announce the winner of my blog hop’s draw. For those who left a comment WITH THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS, I used random.org to draw a name for a chance to win an ebook copy of PROTECTOR. That winner is:
** Meghan Stith **
Congratulations, Meghan. I have your email, so I’ll be making contact with you today to send you your prize. Of course the Grand Prize winners will be posted later today on Carrie Ann Ryan’s Blog Hop Page HERE, and they’ll be notified via email of their win.
Don’t forget, if you want to leave a comment, you know I love them. Perhaps you have another tip to add in writing a great query letter? Let me know, and thanks for dropping by to see me this week. If you want to pick up your copy of Protector, the links are just below. 🙂
PROTECTOR–BUY THE BOOK: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Lyrical Press / Kobo.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Jan 27, 2013 | Author Blog
Love this picture. So cute. 🙂
Note: At the end of this post you’ll see the 4-page critique is back. I know you guys love this, so don’t miss out if you’re keen. Follow the instructions below to enter the draw.
Let’s jump into the Common Red Flags Seen In Submissions. And for those of you seeking an agent or publisher, have you ever wondered how big their submission pile is? It’s huge, and some agents even report as many as 100 submissions hit their inbox in a day. A day! How on earth are they going to get through that many?
If you haven’t guessed it, as they read through these submissions, they keep an eye out for certain things which may alert them to giving a quick “no.” These red flags MAY mean your submission might get rejected before it even gets read. That would be awful, and the last thing any writer wants.
So, what are these red flags? And how do we ensure we don’t spark one?
We make sure we follow some simple rules, and here they are:
- Follow the agent or publisher’s submission guidelines to the letter.
- This means you must read their website’s guidelines. They always have a submissions page, and it details exactly what they require of a writer who submits. Follow each directive given, because you’re a professional, just as they are, so ensure your first communication is equally so. If they say to format in a particular font, do it. If they say they want only one chapter, don’t go sending the first three. If they want a blurb, yep, you got it, include it. There is always a list of what they need, so don’t deviate from it.
- Â Incorrect grammar and typos.
- Oh yeah, your spellchecker doesn’t always pick up the misuse of words like “there/their.” And as a writer, it’s our job to know how to spell, and to use correct punctuation. The only problem is we all make mistakes, so get someone you trust to check your query letter, synopsis, and those first few crucial pages of your manuscript. A second set of eyes never goes amiss, particularly when you usually only get one chance to submit your work to each agent/publisher.
- Know your word count.
- Inappropriate word counts are red flags for agents and editors. If they say we take submissions of between 20,000 to 100,000 words, don’t go submitting your 120,000 word novel. It’ll get rejected because it’s outside their guidelines. Why spend your precious time on submitting when it won’t even get looked at. Just move onto another agent or publisher and see if your book will suit them.
- Don’t over-explain.
- I’ve heard agents and editors say some writers who submit will over-explain within their query letter. An agent or editor doesn’t want to hear how your mother read your book and loved it, so they should too. 🙂 Yeah, I imagine you get my drift–let the agent or editor decide for themselves. You want to make sure your query letter shines with professionalism.
And lastly, don’t get upset when you get the inevitable “no.” Every writer gets these, and in bucket loads. It’s said, for every thirty queries you submit, expect one request for a partial or full manuscript. I’m not kidding you. The odds are 30 to 1, and that’s not even with a guaranteed “yes” after they’ve seen your partial or full.
Here are some of my statistics, which makes for interesting reading. It certainly shows my writing journey, and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel if you’re seeking an agent or publisher.
To begin with I wrote FOUR BOOKS in 2009. None of these were ever submitted, but I did rewrite the first one in 2011, and its titled PROTECTOR.
NOW, HERE’S THE INTERESTING DATA–
THE INHERITANCE was written in 2010. Here I sent out 52 submissions. 12 I never heard back from, 39 gave a “no,” and one UK agent requested a partial, and then said “no.” But the feedback I got from her was invaluable, and I even halted any further submissions on this book in order to set the work aside for a rewrite. What was her advice? To hone my writing skills, but that my ability to tell a story was fantastic. I spent 2010 and 2011 doing just that and studying my craft like crazy.
MOON FORCE was written in 2010. Here I sent out 31 submissions. 11 I never heard back from, and 20 gave a “no.” A couple of the agents though did give feedback They told me the same as the UK agent that year. And as soon as I heard the identical advice, I set this book aside for a complete rewrite.
I wrote THREE further books in 2011. I submitted these in various writing competitions, and it was my way of getting some editorial feedback. None ever placed, but I got the feedback I was after, and as I wrote, I kept honing my skills.
PROTECTOR. This is the first book I rewrote in 2011 after learning everything I could. I felt I really had a chance with this one, so in 2011 I sent out 48 submissions. 23 I never heard back from, 24 gave a “no,” and yes, I had one CONTRACT issued on a full manuscript. Yee-ha!
Now, yay, I seem to be away–
WARRIORÂ was written in 2012. Here I sent out 1 submission, and yes, one CONTRACT was issued.
WITNESS PURSUIT was written in 2012. Here I sent out 1 submission, and yes, one CONTRACT was issued.
This year I’ll write three more books. I go through the same submission process every single time, and I make sure I follow the publisher’s guidelines to the letter. I cross my fingers and hope for good news, but this truly is a never-ending journey we writers travel. It’s tough and takes hard work, no matter which route we take.
So, tell me where you’re up to in your journey. I love hearing from other writers, so leave me a comment and let me know how it’s going for you? What’s your battle? Are you still struggling with the frustrating rejection letters? If you’re self-publishing, what’s been the most difficult part of the journey for you? Because we’re ALL in this together. We’re writers, and no one else can truly understand us, except for another writer.
* * * *
And since I’m all for writers supporting writers, my offer for a 4-page critique is back . What do you win? Yours truly shall be your second set of eyes to go over the FIRST FOUR PAGES (or 1500 words thereabouts) of your novel.
Amy Kennedy, Kozo Hattori and Heather Jensen have all been winners and had their prize redeemed in the past three months. I loved getting to know them and their wonderful work. So don’t be shy, if you want to enter, take advantage of all the hard slog I’ve put in and get some quality editing feedback. Simply drop in a COMMENT asking FOR A CRITIQUE.
I’ll pick a winner using random.org and post the name next week on my blog, so keep your eyes open for who that is. (Particularly the winner, because you’ll need to get in contact with me via email.)
Okay, catch ya all later. Have a wonderful week.
* * * *
PROTECTOR–BUY THE BOOK: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Lyrical Press / Kobo.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Jan 21, 2013 | Author Blog
Yes, I do. Because I’m a Writer. 🙂
Love that saying, but in all seriousness, “When Can I Call Myself A Writer?”
I was asked this question recently by a friend who’s been writing solidly for three years and is completely committed to her goal of getting published, only it hasn’t happened yet. She sets aside a certain number of hours each day just to write and to keep progressing in her craft.
Well, her goal is to find an agent for one of the books she’s written, but whether taking that route, or to be self-published, or submitting to a publisher, her drive and ambition is still the same. She’s committed to what she does. She’s not writing just when she feels like it, but every day. She’s focused and determined on being a writer.
So, when can she call herself a writer when she doesn’t have a published book?
I drew my answer into a story for her, because yes, that’s what we writers do best, we weave a wonderful tale. Here it is, and imagine this is you.
You bump into an old friend or family member on the street, one you haven’t seen in a while. Wow, it’s great to catch up. You ask what she’s been up to, and listen intently, and then yep, she asks the same of you. You think back over the past three years of slogging away at your laptop, at the countless books you’ve written. Hmm, should you say it?
Raising a brow, you go for it. “Ah, I’m a writer.”
Her eyes light up. “Oh, so you have a book out?”
“No, but I’m trying.”
“But you said you’re a writer.”
“I am.”
She frowns. “And you don’t have a book out?”
You stare her down (because I like that part of the tale.) “No, but I’m still a writer.”
Why are you still a writer?
Because you’re committed to writing, setting aside time every day, and you’re in this for the long-haul. Being a writer isn’t like other professions. My sister trained for three years at university to be a nurse. Once she got her degree, she was a nurse.
Writers don’t have a degree to wave in the air. Sure, it’d be nice to have a book as that final piece of evidence, but in fact, you’re a writer if you write each and every day, sticking to it to get your first book published. Simply put, a writer is dedicated to the career path they’ve chosen.
Oh, but then, once you’re there, and you’re published by the route you’ve chosen. Yay! Jump around and grin like crazy. You’re an Author. And you can tell that friend or family member just where to buy your book. 🙂
Okay, so calming down again. Do you agree? Can she call herself a writer? Perhaps this tale rings true for you? Leave a comment and let me know. I love hearing from you all.
Right, so now it’s time to announce the winner of the offer I made last week. For those who left a comment asking for a critique, they had their name put into a draw. What could they win? Yours truly will be their second set of eyes to go over the first four pages (or 1500 words thereabouts) of their novel. That’s the first four pages. Not four pages from the middle of the book, but the first four pages. So, for this fabulous critique, the winner chosen by random.org is:
*** Heather Jensen ***
Hey, congratulations, Heather. Please email me the first four pages of your novel as a word document attachment so I can insert “review bubbles” for personalized editing advice. My email address is located under the “Contact tab” on my website, or of course it’s joannewadsworth007@gmail.com
I’ll be making this offer again in the near future. I’m all for writers supporting writers, and you guys rock with the way you support me on my website.
Have a wonderful week. Catch ya all later.
* * * *
PROTECTOR–BUY THE BOOK: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Lyrical Press / Kobo.
by Joanne Wadsworth | Jan 7, 2013 | Author Blog, Protector
Random Picture Alert — This was too cute not to share. And even the baby and cat have a voice. 🙂
Before I jump into covering the header’s topic, stay tuned, for at the end of this post, I’ll be announcing the winner of my draw in last week’s blog hop. Thank you so much if you commented, or took the time to “like” my facebook author page or sign up to receive my blog via email. I loved that. And lastly *jumping up and down with excitement* for those who bought PROTECTOR in its opening few days–Wow! I’m beyond thrilled you did. It’s the most amazing experience to have my debut novel release–it means the world to me that you’ve joined me for this ride.
And in case you missed PROTECTOR’s January 7th release date book links, here they are for your complete convenience. 🙂 Yeah, no problem. I don’t mind sharing them again.
BUY THE BOOK: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Lyrical Press / Kobo.
Okay, it’s time to get back to the serious business of this post. How do we find our writer’s voice?
Having entered a few writing competitions during 2010 and 2011, I heard the organizers of them say time and time again, “We want to see new talent. We want to hear your writer’s voice. We want you to be unique. We don’t want another … We have her/his books. If you’re entering our competition, we want your submission to offer us something we haven’t seen before.”
After entering and receiving the standard no letter, I began to wonder what is this uniqueness they want? I thought my submission was one-of-a-kind. My voice hasn’t been heard before. Yep, and at times I even questioned if they’d read my submission at all? (Yes, haven’t all writers done that? Nod if you agree.)
So how does one find their writer’s voice?
Ahh, let me share the secret. Here’s the answer–and it’s so simple. One’s writing voice is easiest found when it’s closest to how you would normally speak.
That’s right, your writing will be far more believable if you allow it to flow as if talking in your own voice. To expand on this, when speaking to your friends, do you occasionally interrupt each other? Do your sentences trail away at certain times? As I writer, I often find myself listening to others, hearing exactly how they speak and taking note of it. As writers, we never stop learning.
Here’s an example of what the wonderful author, Maeve Binchy, once said of her writing secret in finding her voice.
“I don’t say I was proceeding down a thoroughfare, I say I walked down the road. I don’t say I passed a hallowed institute of learning, I say I passed a school.”
What she’s saying is if we allow our writing to turn too fancy, it can become stilted. Her secret was to keep it simple and closest to how she would normally speak.
To give you a taste of my writer’s voice (because I find it’s important to add a showing to my posts), here are a few lines from my latest WIP titled “Witness Pursuit,” one which I sent away for submission two weeks ago. To set the scene, my heroine is in the Witness Protection Program and standing beside her bodyguard at a marina, readying to board a super-yacht. She doesn’t want to leave the country and the security of her safe-house.
“That is one massive super-yacht–and one I shouldn’t be on.”
Lydia crossed her arms, eyeing the four levels of darkened glass and sleek white panels, the luxury ship sitting proud in its private berth at Auckland marina’s gated wharf. The ship was close to 150 feet long, the area above the captain’s bridge at the top holding a communication platform with duel antennas spiking a further fifteen feet high. And was that a pool? Her eyes narrowed into slits. Yes, it was. All the comforts one could ever desire, except she shouldn’t be here.
“Ben.” She swung around, her sight targeted on her bodyguard, the one she’d lived with for the past year.
He scanned the marina. “Don’t say it. You’re getting on that ship and working as a caregiver. That’s your new cover.”
Digging her nails into her palms, she considered a tactical response. “Tyler Whitehall will throw me off his ship, or he would if he remembered me. What happens if he does?”
“He’ll have to dive in to rescue you.” The corners of his lips lifted, then straightened. “Tyler’s one of the best bodyguards in the business. He saved your life last year, and even though his memory loss is permanent from those few weeks, I still need to place you somewhere safe and away from home shores. Tyler’s ship is my choice.”
I hope you enjoyed that little snippet–and to this manuscript I’ve submitted, I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. It’s always a nerve-wracking time waiting to hear back.
Okay, it’s time to announce the winner of my blog hop’s draw. For those who left a comment WITH THEIR EMAIL ADDRESS, I used random.org to draw a name for a chance to win an ebook copy of PROTECTOR. That winner is:
*** Missie Jones ***
Hey, congratulations, Missie. I have your email, so I’ll be making contact with you today to send you your prize.
The Grand Prize winners will be posted later today on Carrie Ann Ryan’s Blog Hop Page HERE, and they’ll be notified via email of their win. Carrie Ann did a great job organizing for all of us. I hope everyone had fun. I certainly loved my first hop!
Thanks for dropping by to see me this week. Take care and remain safe. Catch ya all later.
* * * *
PROTECTOR–BUY THE BOOK: Amazon Kindle / B&N Nook / iTunes / Lyrical Press / Kobo.
LOL. Ahh, yes, so true. 🙂
