Last week I was at a complete standstill in the writing world. I often find this problem when I begin querying. I feel like I've lost myself and it takes a bit to find me and get back to action.
Everyone knows I have an idea bucket. When a seed is planted in my head, I love to write it down and keep it safely tucked in my idea bucket for a later day. After all those ideas don't stay locked up in the brain forever.
Now most of you know I've written six novels in the year and a half I've been blogging. Four of them were young adult and the other two were Chick lit. Switching my genre showed me I'd finally found my place in the big world of writing and feel safe and secure in my choice.
However, it then got me wondering. When an agent represents you and you've made your money in one genre, they often like you to keep within that genre. Now, I know they're not against you switching, but if they don't rep it, chances are you'll be thrown back in agent waters all over again.
It got me thinking if switching point of views was the same way. What if one was used to reading your work in first person. Would they be open to you switching to third person? What if it remained in the same genre?
What? You expected me to answer? This one is really open to my fellow bloggers and writers. How big of a difference is it if you switching POV's because you know it'll make the story that much stronger? Will agents still want that book? Are they more based on your story telling and personality versus how the story is actually told?
Friday, October 7, 2011
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Ten foot blow up... No, not a doll
It's thursday again and it's seeming like people love the days in which I talk about the crazy antics that happen in the Daiker household. Seeing as I'm such a giving person I graciously share my ridiculous antics.
This week my hubby and I were talking about Halloween decorations. This year we're going to be buying some fabulous stuff for the good old halloween party, it's tradition in our household. With the hubster a halloween baby it's only right.
Me: I really want that ten foot blow up door piece.
Hubs: No way is a door piece ten feet Jen. Are you talking about the thing we saw at Walmart? (Note to readers: This is Jen talk)
Me: Yup. The black and orange thing with like those things hanging down.
Hubs: We need to see what your mom already has before we start buying crap.
Me: It isn't crap and she most certainly doesn't own this, it's new. But she'll want to own it.
Hubs: I'm not buying it because you want it.
Me: Isn't that the only reason you buy stuff?
Hubs: *silent* (He knows I'm right)
Me: Besides I think we should buy everything, after all, options, options, options!
Hubs: Quit switching the realtors words around.
Me: She had a good point though.
Hubs: Yes about locations, that has nothing to do with halloween.
Me: Sure it does. That ten foot thing belongs at the front entrance. Location, location, location.
So I'm sure you'd like an update. That ten foot thing-a-ma-bob will be purchased by the time Halloween rolls around. I sold him the minute he said the word location. I think you saw it. It was all a setup. I take full responsibility for being completely unaware that he'd plant the seed that would allow me to sell him on the idea.
What weird conversations have you walked into lately?
This week my hubby and I were talking about Halloween decorations. This year we're going to be buying some fabulous stuff for the good old halloween party, it's tradition in our household. With the hubster a halloween baby it's only right.
Me: I really want that ten foot blow up door piece.
Hubs: No way is a door piece ten feet Jen. Are you talking about the thing we saw at Walmart? (Note to readers: This is Jen talk)
Me: Yup. The black and orange thing with like those things hanging down.
Hubs: We need to see what your mom already has before we start buying crap.
Me: It isn't crap and she most certainly doesn't own this, it's new. But she'll want to own it.
Hubs: I'm not buying it because you want it.
Me: Isn't that the only reason you buy stuff?
Hubs: *silent* (He knows I'm right)
Me: Besides I think we should buy everything, after all, options, options, options!
Hubs: Quit switching the realtors words around.
Me: She had a good point though.
Hubs: Yes about locations, that has nothing to do with halloween.
Me: Sure it does. That ten foot thing belongs at the front entrance. Location, location, location.
So I'm sure you'd like an update. That ten foot thing-a-ma-bob will be purchased by the time Halloween rolls around. I sold him the minute he said the word location. I think you saw it. It was all a setup. I take full responsibility for being completely unaware that he'd plant the seed that would allow me to sell him on the idea.
What weird conversations have you walked into lately?
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Stars, Trees, Sunset...
Today I have a new author, Lorena Bathey who wrote the novel Beatrice Munson!
You know the drill - I’ll ask some really random questions to get to know how the writer really thinks!
1. What was your favorite sitcom growing up?
One Day at a Time with Valerie Bertinelli
2. What’s the first thing you notice in the opposite sex?
I'm a romantic...the eyes...then the wrists. I know, weird!
3. What famous landmark would you love to see in person?
Well, this isn't exactly a landmark but the leaves changing in the fall on the East Coast.
4. What’s your current obsession?
Photography and the jewelry on Etsy.com!
5. Describe your perfect evening.
It's a toss up between two. First, is with the whole family together, kids, grand kids having dinner and laughing. Second, spending the night with my busband (more than a boyfriend, more like a husband) at a new restaurant enjoying a delicious meal and even more delicious conversation.
Okay now on to our one word answers…
1. Climb a tree or the tire swing: Tire Swing
2. Lavish party or small get together: Small get together
3. Cosmo or Margarita: Okay..that's a tough one. Gonna say Cosmo!
4. Take the photo or be the star: I'm a Leo...gotta say Star!
5. Sunrise or Sunset: Sunset...it's time for happy hour ;)
It's true, you really learn a lot about a person based on their answers! I love the LEO being brought out and her excuse to enjoy the sunset! She's one smart cookie! For more information on the fabulous Lorena visit the link at the top of the page!!
You know the drill - I’ll ask some really random questions to get to know how the writer really thinks!
1. What was your favorite sitcom growing up?
One Day at a Time with Valerie Bertinelli
2. What’s the first thing you notice in the opposite sex?
I'm a romantic...the eyes...then the wrists. I know, weird!
3. What famous landmark would you love to see in person?
Well, this isn't exactly a landmark but the leaves changing in the fall on the East Coast.
4. What’s your current obsession?
Photography and the jewelry on Etsy.com!
5. Describe your perfect evening.
It's a toss up between two. First, is with the whole family together, kids, grand kids having dinner and laughing. Second, spending the night with my busband (more than a boyfriend, more like a husband) at a new restaurant enjoying a delicious meal and even more delicious conversation.
Okay now on to our one word answers…
1. Climb a tree or the tire swing: Tire Swing
2. Lavish party or small get together: Small get together
3. Cosmo or Margarita: Okay..that's a tough one. Gonna say Cosmo!
4. Take the photo or be the star: I'm a Leo...gotta say Star!
5. Sunrise or Sunset: Sunset...it's time for happy hour ;)
It's true, you really learn a lot about a person based on their answers! I love the LEO being brought out and her excuse to enjoy the sunset! She's one smart cookie! For more information on the fabulous Lorena visit the link at the top of the page!!
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Carrie Bradshaw minus the sex
Someone last week told me I reminded them of Carrie Bradshaw. Apparently my blog has a certain something laid on the table.
Since I'm, well, me, I decided I should disect the situation until I came to the truth.
For the record: I adore Carrie and the Sex and The City gang. It seems when writing this post I was in a snarkier mood therefore it may come off as.... snappish (yes I'm using Hannah's phrase from the comments). LONG LIVE THE COCKTAIL QUEENS!
In ways I'm like Carrie...
I'm blonde.
I can make bad decisions when picking out clothing.
Shoe hoarding would be possible if I was a fictional character with lots of money.
In ways I'm not like Carrie...
I don't sleep with every available guy (even if she claims it's 'research').
I don't get paid for my awesome posts.
I never cheated on Aidan.
I don't have uptight, overworked, sex addict friends.
Wow. This blogger is right. I am Carrie Bradshaw, minus the sex, the emotional instability, and the over the top friends.
Thank you avid follower for bringing this to my attention. Your flattery has gotten you everywhere. Keep on keepin' on.
Who do you remind people of? Dare I ask who you think I remind you of?
Since I'm, well, me, I decided I should disect the situation until I came to the truth.
For the record: I adore Carrie and the Sex and The City gang. It seems when writing this post I was in a snarkier mood therefore it may come off as.... snappish (yes I'm using Hannah's phrase from the comments). LONG LIVE THE COCKTAIL QUEENS!
In ways I'm like Carrie...
I'm blonde.
I can make bad decisions when picking out clothing.
Shoe hoarding would be possible if I was a fictional character with lots of money.
In ways I'm not like Carrie...
I don't sleep with every available guy (even if she claims it's 'research').
I don't get paid for my awesome posts.
I never cheated on Aidan.
I don't have uptight, overworked, sex addict friends.
Wow. This blogger is right. I am Carrie Bradshaw, minus the sex, the emotional instability, and the over the top friends.
Thank you avid follower for bringing this to my attention. Your flattery has gotten you everywhere. Keep on keepin' on.
Who do you remind people of? Dare I ask who you think I remind you of?
Monday, October 3, 2011
Why Twitter land Rocks
Let's just say I've become obsessed with social media. What can I say, it suits me.
My therapist says I lack attention in reality.
Hmm, probably true Dr. House, probably true.
Then again I'd say he lacks bedside manner, yet people still want him to solve problems.
I suppose there's something there. I'll have to disect the facts later.
I'm not here to talk about my therapy sessions at 8 o'clock on FOX, I'm here to talk about why Twitterland rocks. For those of you who aren't conforming, hop on this here bandwagon. You wanna learn the ropes? Well, I'm about to help you out.
Reasons Twitter Land Rocks.
1. Cutting in on conversations is not only allowed, it's encouraged.
2. Random becomes your middle name. (If you don't find yourself funny, nor does anyone else, do not attempt this alone. Use backup). My best tweets (most retweeted) last week were as follows:
*rides onto twitterland on my little pony* Oh, hello twitterland *adds princess wave*
Let the DRUNK TWEETING begin.
Who would tattoo the Japanese word for Fishy Smell on their body? Apparently someone if it's an option --> Right next to the word Prison
You know you're a writer when progress is putting clothes on before noon.
3. No one has time to get bored in a 140 characters (unless you just suck).
4. Stalking is legal.
There you have it, you're allowed to stalk, cut in on conversations, talk about weird ass crap, and everyone loves you because it's only in 140 characters. That's why it rocks. That's why people find people fascinating.
I worry about future generations. I really, really do. Have you conformed?
Join me --> @jenunedited
My therapist says I lack attention in reality.
Hmm, probably true Dr. House, probably true.
Then again I'd say he lacks bedside manner, yet people still want him to solve problems.
I suppose there's something there. I'll have to disect the facts later.
I'm not here to talk about my therapy sessions at 8 o'clock on FOX, I'm here to talk about why Twitterland rocks. For those of you who aren't conforming, hop on this here bandwagon. You wanna learn the ropes? Well, I'm about to help you out.
Reasons Twitter Land Rocks.
1. Cutting in on conversations is not only allowed, it's encouraged.
2. Random becomes your middle name. (If you don't find yourself funny, nor does anyone else, do not attempt this alone. Use backup). My best tweets (most retweeted) last week were as follows:
*rides onto twitterland on my little pony* Oh, hello twitterland *adds princess wave*
Let the DRUNK TWEETING begin.
Who would tattoo the Japanese word for Fishy Smell on their body? Apparently someone if it's an option --> Right next to the word Prison
You know you're a writer when progress is putting clothes on before noon.
3. No one has time to get bored in a 140 characters (unless you just suck).
4. Stalking is legal.
There you have it, you're allowed to stalk, cut in on conversations, talk about weird ass crap, and everyone loves you because it's only in 140 characters. That's why it rocks. That's why people find people fascinating.
I worry about future generations. I really, really do. Have you conformed?
Join me --> @jenunedited
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)