Myth #5
Once You Have a Good Book on Craft, Stick With It
To go along with all books being created equal, I also thought that one book would serve all my needs forever.
In fact, things change so rapidly in this industry, (not to mention the world in general), that even books written five or ten years ago can seem hopelessly out of date. Especially when it comes to dynamic things like getting an agent, or trends in publishing. Not that books written several years ago can’t have value, it’s just important to make sure you understand the context and relevance of the publication. It’s important to keep reading new things every year. If updates or 2nd additions to your favorites come out, to see what’s been added that might be significant for your current WIP.
How many books on craft do you read every year. If a book has a sequel or 2nd addition would you invest time reading it?
Monday, September 20, 2010
Friday, September 17, 2010
Fonetic Friday: Word of the Day
Hey, you know those cool words they make you type when you comment on a blog, the ones that prevent spammers from commenting? If they were real words, what would they mean? See if you can come up with a definition and use it in a sentence.
Today’s word is:Puress
HAVE FUN! AND HAPPY FRIDAY?
My definition is: The title of the Empress of Pure.
Can I get you another blindfold, Your Puress?
Today’s word is:Puress
HAVE FUN! AND HAPPY FRIDAY?
My definition is: The title of the Empress of Pure.
Can I get you another blindfold, Your Puress?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
What Would Your Character Say/Do Wednesday
I’m always looking for questions to ask my characters; anything to pull them out of their shell and see how they act in foreign territory. I wondered what it would be like if my characters participated in other Middle Grade and Young Adult stories. How would they act in Narnia, or at Hogwarts? It’s interesting to see how your characters act in a completely different setting.
Interview questions for your character based on “Fabelhaven.”
1)What if a trusted friend betrayed your character? How would they feel? What would it take to earn their trust back?
2)If your character was given “dark powers” would they use them for good or evil? How could they make use of dark powers? What kind of dark powers would they want?
3)If your character was forced to wear a “truth chain,” what truths would he/she hat to have to tell?
4)What kind of potion would your character have Tanu make up for him/her?
5)If your character cold have one artifact to use as they wished, which one would it be? And how would they use it.
a)Sands of Sanctity for healing
b)Chromometer to control time
c)Oculus- unlimited sight to any place.
d)Translocator-control space, move from place to place
e)Font of immortality- for everlasting life.
Interview questions for your character based on “Fabelhaven.”
1)What if a trusted friend betrayed your character? How would they feel? What would it take to earn their trust back?
2)If your character was given “dark powers” would they use them for good or evil? How could they make use of dark powers? What kind of dark powers would they want?
3)If your character was forced to wear a “truth chain,” what truths would he/she hat to have to tell?
4)What kind of potion would your character have Tanu make up for him/her?
5)If your character cold have one artifact to use as they wished, which one would it be? And how would they use it.
a)Sands of Sanctity for healing
b)Chromometer to control time
c)Oculus- unlimited sight to any place.
d)Translocator-control space, move from place to place
e)Font of immortality- for everlasting life.
Monday, September 13, 2010
Melissa's Myths for Mondays
Myth #4
All Books About Writing Are Created Equal.
My first thought was to find the quintessential book on writing, and make that my bible. Surely if I chose the “best book” on writing, I could use that as my life long guide.
Not all books on writing are created equal. Writers who write about writing have to find a hook, just like the rest of us. There are some fundamentals that every book on craft will explore, Show Vs Tell, POV, Voice, etc… It’s the added information that makes reading a variety of books valuable. It’s those precious nuggets of fresh information that can add a layer to your story that will set it apart from the crowd.
What books on craft have you found that have an unusual slant, or different approach?
All Books About Writing Are Created Equal.
My first thought was to find the quintessential book on writing, and make that my bible. Surely if I chose the “best book” on writing, I could use that as my life long guide.
Not all books on writing are created equal. Writers who write about writing have to find a hook, just like the rest of us. There are some fundamentals that every book on craft will explore, Show Vs Tell, POV, Voice, etc… It’s the added information that makes reading a variety of books valuable. It’s those precious nuggets of fresh information that can add a layer to your story that will set it apart from the crowd.
What books on craft have you found that have an unusual slant, or different approach?
Saturday, September 11, 2010
I Need Help From My Brilliant Blogging Friends
Help!
I entered a contest on Adventures in Children's Publishing: http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/.
The contest is to 1) write a synopsis, that will become part of the query and 2) write a one sentence pitch. These are reiewed by debut authors who provide feedback, and other followers who also provide feedback.
Ultimately the two pieces will be put together into what becomes your query. There are prizes, etc.. But what I'm really interested in is getting a really good solid query and log-line.
It's a great contest, the only problem is that once you get the feedback, you can make changes and additions, but rarely will people come back and critique those. Understandable, most people don't have time to visit the same posts over and over.
So now I need feedback on my changes. My query synopsis was a complete disaster at first. I wasn't clear on what they were looking for, so I submitted something that seemed more like a synopsis, but anyway, you can see what I did here. EM Kokie is the expert. I added my normal query which is what I really need help with. http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2010/08/pitch-entry-5-melissa-gill.html
My log-line was a little better, but I used the x meets y format. I was very deliberate in the choices I made, Watership Down meets Zombieland. I chose Watership Down, because my story is about the journey of a rabbit who faces dangers and challenges as he grows into an inspiring leader. Unlike Watership Down, my story is humorous. So I chose Zombieland because that's a funny movie, with a lot of physical comedy which equals my book.
The problems with these choices are, Watership Down may not be considered a children's book??? I find this hard to believe because it was one of my favorite books as a child, but then I enjoy it just as much today so maybe I'm wrong. But really in spite of the difference in humor (and Richard Adams writing skills) I really think Watership Down is a solid choice.
As for Zombieland, of course this is a movie, not a book, and it's definately for adults, but again it has the physical comedy, inspired by zombies.
Another book I thought of was Bunnicula, because many people have made that comparison. So I might go with Watershipdown meets Bunnicula.
This is where all my wonderful bloggin friends come in. Here's a link to my log-line. http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2010/09/pitch-entry-5-melissa-gill.html
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Melissa
I entered a contest on Adventures in Children's Publishing: http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/.
The contest is to 1) write a synopsis, that will become part of the query and 2) write a one sentence pitch. These are reiewed by debut authors who provide feedback, and other followers who also provide feedback.
Ultimately the two pieces will be put together into what becomes your query. There are prizes, etc.. But what I'm really interested in is getting a really good solid query and log-line.
It's a great contest, the only problem is that once you get the feedback, you can make changes and additions, but rarely will people come back and critique those. Understandable, most people don't have time to visit the same posts over and over.
So now I need feedback on my changes. My query synopsis was a complete disaster at first. I wasn't clear on what they were looking for, so I submitted something that seemed more like a synopsis, but anyway, you can see what I did here. EM Kokie is the expert. I added my normal query which is what I really need help with. http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2010/08/pitch-entry-5-melissa-gill.html
My log-line was a little better, but I used the x meets y format. I was very deliberate in the choices I made, Watership Down meets Zombieland. I chose Watership Down, because my story is about the journey of a rabbit who faces dangers and challenges as he grows into an inspiring leader. Unlike Watership Down, my story is humorous. So I chose Zombieland because that's a funny movie, with a lot of physical comedy which equals my book.
The problems with these choices are, Watership Down may not be considered a children's book??? I find this hard to believe because it was one of my favorite books as a child, but then I enjoy it just as much today so maybe I'm wrong. But really in spite of the difference in humor (and Richard Adams writing skills) I really think Watership Down is a solid choice.
As for Zombieland, of course this is a movie, not a book, and it's definately for adults, but again it has the physical comedy, inspired by zombies.
Another book I thought of was Bunnicula, because many people have made that comparison. So I might go with Watershipdown meets Bunnicula.
This is where all my wonderful bloggin friends come in. Here's a link to my log-line. http://childrenspublishing.blogspot.com/2010/09/pitch-entry-5-melissa-gill.html
Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Melissa
Friday, September 10, 2010
Fonetic Friday: Word of the Day
Hey, you know those cool words they make you type when you comment on a blog, the ones that prevent spammers from commenting? If they were real words, what would they mean? See if you can come up with a definition and use it in a sentence.
Today’s word is:Hyptati
HAVE FUN! AND HAPPY FRIDAY?
My definition is: A slang term, familiarized by the residents of the remote island, Beerabonga, to describe the reaction to the local fire water.
That gelloshota (their term for tourist) is so hyptati he can’t get his big white hairy behind off the beach.
Today’s word is:Hyptati
HAVE FUN! AND HAPPY FRIDAY?
My definition is: A slang term, familiarized by the residents of the remote island, Beerabonga, to describe the reaction to the local fire water.
That gelloshota (their term for tourist) is so hyptati he can’t get his big white hairy behind off the beach.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
What Would Your Character Say/Do Wednesday
I’m always looking for questions to ask my characters; anything to pull them out of their shell and see how they act in foreign territory. I wondered what it would be like if my characters participated in other Middle Grade and Young Adult stories. How would they act in Narnia, or at Hogwarts? It’s interesting to see how your characters act in a completely different setting.
Interview questions for your character based on “Harry Potter.”
1)Make up a spell for your character to cast, what would it do?
2)If you character were to send an owl, whom would they send it to? What would it say?
3)What would you character do if they had an invisibility cloak?
4)Make up a “house” for your character and his/her friends. What would their symbol be? What would their colors be? In what part of Hogwart’s Castle would they live?
5)If your character could have any magical animal as a pet, what would it be and why?
Interview questions for your character based on “Harry Potter.”
1)Make up a spell for your character to cast, what would it do?
2)If you character were to send an owl, whom would they send it to? What would it say?
3)What would you character do if they had an invisibility cloak?
4)Make up a “house” for your character and his/her friends. What would their symbol be? What would their colors be? In what part of Hogwart’s Castle would they live?
5)If your character could have any magical animal as a pet, what would it be and why?
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