Writing Advice to add to the pile

The longer I write the more I realize...

Writing advice is both awesome and stupid.



I do whatever the ding-dang, butt-splinter can't sit, surge-protector fail, nap laziness, comma deficient run on sentences, cliché your face, I'll metaphor every line if I want to, awkward sentences are my style, it takes to get the words on the cursing page.



My advice?

Write the words. Let them be crap. Let them be cringe-worthy, industry-shunful embarrassment piles of letters arranged half-hazardly with unfinished thoughts as you spew forth the voicey storyline.

 

So here's the real advice.

Get VOICE in those words--all the VOICE



then, REVISE



That's the secret. Take our smoldering pile of thought puke and find all the diamond shards and ruby crumbs. All the sharp jewels that kept poking your brain to get out--gather them together--go back to those preschool sorting and puzzling skills and make something fridge-magnet worthy.

That thing where you sign your name and freak out at the same time.

Contract for Publication.

There is nothing as exciting as putting your name on a paper that says, "I believe in you and your writing."
That happened for me today.

My YA novel KILLER POTENTIAL has been offered a home at BookFishBooks.
I should add--I've had my eye on these guys forever. (you should see their covers--gorgeous).

So this offer was something that hit me right in the heart--and also sent me a little insane--This is how I look dancing with joy.



This wonderful thing didn't just happen out of thin air. My writing groups, Critique Partners (especially my CPs), supportive and encouraging family and friends, Conferences, Being stubborn, Writing contests, Great authors I cut my teeth on, Amazing publication options available today, and sheer blessings--I've probably missed something too--all combined for this honor.

 

This is how my son and I greeted the inbox today.

 

I have no idea where my upper lip goes when I smile.

 

 

 

#Writer4Life

#PitchWar Mentee WannaBe

I was hugely impressed with all the mentor blogs.

That's basically the only reason I'm doing the #PitchWars bloghop.
I want you to want me as badly as I want you.
But, I know I'm actually this:

If you're still with me I'm thrilled, and probably a little emotional.

Here goes:

What I love:
READING and WRITING

Okay that's a given, but it can't go unsaid even still.


My Patronus would be a goat.

And not for the obvious reason that Dumbledore's patronus is a goat.
Reason:
Goats are not followers. Believe me on this--no matter how painful--they will not follow for the sake of following. 
And
Goats go to hell, as Cake informs.

Now that my life destination is out of the way...

I'm a Geek.

If you're a mentor who doesn't appreciate extensive knowledge in dorkdom, go ahead and pass on me. I'm full Star Wars dork with Aquabat envy.

Comedy:
I prefer comedy everything, however, I've learned I'm only funny when I'm not trying.
Basically, I'm funny 1/18th of the time because I'm mediocre-always trying to be funny.

I even planned a stand-up comedy routine when I was six including a shock-therapy bit--it was awesome.


Why you want to work with me:
Please pick me if you agree that revision gives you the same feeling as falling in love at the age of fifteen.

Angsty and magical.

Revisions:
Where the MS is all:


And I get fixing and things change for the better, as far as I'm concerned.
Then it gets serious to the point of:



Somehow by the end the MS is all:


Uhm...I love David Bowie.


So I'm a hard working dork willing to put in the time and go to hell and back for an MS that will make agents feel:

and


I believe in the mentor/mentee relationship.

I WannaBe Your Mentee.

Back to School Back to Blog

First Three Pages?

Are you kidding me?

I have to be interesting within the first three pages?
Wait, you said paragraphs...
That's not better.

I have a tendency to ramble into something good. I often fail at landing there directly.
When authoring a book there is a challenge--be interesting fast.

If you're reading this with the hope of my secret trick to overcome this obstacle you're in luck!

My Solution:
Write whatever comes out; Edit until you're left with something interesting.

Where does that leave me now?
Revising/Editing.