tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677398489428982850.post1218774641651132947..comments2023-05-11T02:27:48.006-07:00Comments on On Becoming An Author: I Can Dream, Can't I?Jane Mariehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15503008712277275035noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677398489428982850.post-1849185321847975282011-12-29T15:26:39.531-08:002011-12-29T15:26:39.531-08:00Yes, I have been using agent query too. As for the...Yes, I have been using agent query too. As for the bio, what is considered substantial? The agents I have seen so far always want a bio, always. If I can't say who I am and where I'm from, I don't know what else I would put there. The publisher I sent my children's picture book to does not require a cover letter or query. I'm not necessarily running away from queries, but have decided to go off it for the moment. This children's book of mine is actually a lot older than the novel and I think it has a real chance. od course, the way things have been going this week, it may all go up in smoke. It has been a stinky week, for a lot of reasons, so I need a break from all this.Jane Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15503008712277275035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677398489428982850.post-57809239908041548722011-12-28T16:58:41.581-08:002011-12-28T16:58:41.581-08:00I love little English villages too! Someday, I'...I love little English villages too! Someday, I'd like to raise a family in the gorgeous town of Warwick. <br /><br />I, however, do not have the desire to write about these places at this time, but that might change. <br /><br />As for the comments on your piece: I adore Query Shark, her advice is always spot on; her approach is a bit, um, sandy, but that attracts people to read the review (apparently, like sex, snark sells). <br /><br />Generally, if you have nothing substantial to put in a bio you leave it blank. Agents don't like reading irrelevant/irreverent things, especially when it comes to unsolicited queries. <br /><br />Have you ever heard of Agent Query? It's a nifty site where you can input search parameters for agent name/agency/ and genre so you can find the proper agent for your book. Google it! <br /><br />I think you need a cover letter when submitting to publishers directly, and that's just as hard as a query. But I don't think running from queries is the solution, you simply need to read those that worked (there are a lot of places online you can find them) and practice on yours 'till it's right. It's also worth the effort to get a crit buddy or a crit group. These critique partners will voraciously read your stuff and point out any indiscrepancies. <br /><br />What is this new novel about? I love MG, extraspecially if it's for lil' dudes.T.D. McFrosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12923335522993845076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677398489428982850.post-85716006096104940592011-12-28T14:02:18.773-08:002011-12-28T14:02:18.773-08:00I'm glad you said that, and I thank you for it...I'm glad you said that, and I thank you for it. I didn't like it much, either, and it wasn't the criticism either. I expected that. But I felt like I was on the online version of a reality show, where they bare all and then stand there while people enjoy taking them apart! I can take whatever the actual agent says, she's the expert. But the rest of these people are in the same boat with me. They're no better than me, certainly. Could be that they have been at it longer than me and have more expertise at this query thing, but I know I'm a good writer. As for what I want, it's pretty simple. I want to feel that book in my hands, know that I wrote it, and share it with people who enjoy it. I read myself for enjoyment, and rarely for any other reason. One of my favorite authors is MC Beaton, a British mystery writer. Actually all of my favorite authors are British, and if I could I would write novels set in little British villages! But since I have never lived in England I can't very well do that. The closest I can come is to write about life in a small village in the States, which I have done! I didn't understand thew relevance of the comment where the lady said, why would you mention being from Western New York? And everything in my bio was trashed. If an agent requests a bio, what am I supposed to include if I can't include the fundamentals about myself? They don't care if I'm an axe murderer who has killed my whole family. It doesn't matter! So what should I put in a bio? Should I make up stuff about all the writing awards I haven't won and the books I haven't written? I consider myself fairly intelligent, but some of the things I read in the comments (including the comments of the agent) just don't make sense to me! Oh well. I'm doing something similar to what you are doing. I'm "shelving" for now, my novel, and submitting a children's book I wrote about three years ago to a local publisher. I think I may make a start there. And they don't require query letter! Whew!Jane Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15503008712277275035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677398489428982850.post-68461282450782300672011-12-28T11:57:30.310-08:002011-12-28T11:57:30.310-08:00I thought the comment by a certain "blogger&q...I thought the comment by a certain "blogger" (that's in quotation marks because you can't see his blog or read anything other than the sites he follows) was mean-spirited. And the fact that he laughed made me even more upset. It took a lot of self control to prevent my hands from typing a retort. Trust me, I so wanted to flame him. <br /><br />I dislike people who take a condescending approach to commenting (or critiquing, as he did nothing of the sort). There is no need to think yourself better than any other writer, because the only difference that divides us (craft-wise) is practice. Not skill or a degree or god-given aptitude--no! Plain old time and patience. <br /><br />You must completely sweep comments and writers like that aside, as they aim only to diminish your esteem and highlight their "prowess". (Ironically, those are the ones who don't get far). <br /><br />Anyway, I'm putting that MG novel in a drawer for now and starting a YA Urban Fantasy/Romance in January. I think this will be my debut, because it is just so good. Well, at least I think so. ^_^<br /><br />What are your writing goals? Who is your favorite authors? If you had the chance, which authors' career would you love to have? <br /><br />I simply must know!T.D. McFrosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12923335522993845076noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677398489428982850.post-51840145785009896082011-12-25T20:09:12.300-08:002011-12-25T20:09:12.300-08:00Thanks, Tyson! Few people in my life have been fas...Thanks, Tyson! Few people in my life have been fascinated by anything Jane Marie, so you know how to catch my attention. I certainly got sharked there on Query Shark, didn't I? I keep telling myself, "she warned everyone plenty, she'll take you apart!!!" Couldn't believe a subtle grammatical error tripped me up right at the start, but apparently the thing stank without that anyway. I thought the implication that I was a bad writer was a little harsh, and certainly untrue. But I gotta keep going. <br />I love MG books, especially the sci-fi fantasy, read them all the time. I am not sure why you hate your sewer cover sentence. I thought it was great, very visual and made perfect sense. Is your book a work in progress? Actually, I think they are all a work in progress until they actually and finally leave your hands. I say my first is "finished" but I can't seem to leave it be. <br />Thank you for your encouragement, and I know you have some idea of how much I need it!Jane Mariehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15503008712277275035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5677398489428982850.post-91383859454730525272011-12-25T18:45:43.944-08:002011-12-25T18:45:43.944-08:00Hi Jane!
I saw your query on Query Shark and thou...Hi Jane!<br /><br />I saw your query on Query Shark and thought it had great potential. However, what really drew me to comment on your blog was your personality. I love your sense of humor and your entire outlook on things. I think you are an inspiration in every way--from raising two autistic children (SUPER-DUPER HARD), to pursuing your dream regardless of the countless bumps along the narrow path.<br /><br />Jane, I strongly believe you will accomplish that dream of yours (don't ask me how, I just feel it). I would very much like you to keep updating your blog with your journey, as I am fascinated by all things Jane Marie! <br /><br />Thank you so much for being awesome! <br /><br />Have a Merry Christmas! ^_^<br /><br />Tyson.T.D. McFrosthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12923335522993845076noreply@blogger.com