#QueryFriday

 

 

It's time for #QueryFriday! Enter for a chance to win a query critique by yours truly! Here's how to participate:

1. Comment on this post and at least one other post from this week by SUNDAY 02/28 at 12 pm EDT.

2. Leave your email address in the comment or have it available on your Blogger profile. (If I can't find you, I can't get in touch with you!)

The winner will be chosen via random draw and will be announced in the comment section of this post on Sunday.

See this post for additional rules. Good luck!

-Amren

Dear O'Abby: What's the best giveaway?

 Dear O'Abby,

I have a book coming out soon, and have a fairly substantial blog tour scheduled to promote it.  Some of the hosts have asked if they can do a giveaway as part of the promotion and I was wondering if you had any advice about what might be best to give away in this scenario.

Best,

Prize Challenged

Dear Prize Challenged,

What a great question!  And something that is very top-of-mind for me right now because I have a book releasing this week.

My first piece of advice would be not to offer the book you're promoting as a prize.  At least not in too many places.  You want to sell that book, and if you give it away, you're potentially losing a sale you might have had.

But don't despair!  There are lots of other things you can give away that won't break the bank.

If you have other books, you could offer one or more of these back catalogue titles as a prize. A winner may love the book you send so much they rush out to buy the new one.  And hopefully the rest of your back catalogue too! 

If you don't have back catalogue books, deleted scenes or stories set in the same world as your book can also be a great prize.  Especially if they aren't available anywhere else.  People like to feel that they are getting something unique or special and will value something exclusive far more that something a lot of people have access to.

They say someone has to see your cover seven or more times to remember it, so getting branded swag made with your book cover, website address and purchasing information is a valuable tool for getting the word out.  You can get bookmarks, badges and other swag printed fairly cheaply.  I'm always a big fan of magnets too.  People go to their fridges a lot, and if your magnet is attached, they see your book cover several times a day, even if they're not conscious they're looking at it. Be imaginative about the kind of swag you create.  Tote bags are always handy, and if your readers are out and about, your book cover on a bag could be catching a lot of eyes.

Your book may have a very specific image or symbol that could be made into a brooch or earrings or other piece of jewellery or ornament.  If these are limited in number, they are even more valuable.

Another thing you can offer is the opportunity for your winners to be in your next book - promise to name a character after them.  This is doubly effective, because if they're promised a character, you've probably already sold them your next book.

If you're not shy or phone-phobic, you can offer your winners an opportunity to speak to you on the phone or via Zoom or Skype.  You may want to make it clear ahead of time how long you are willing to talk, and if there are subjects you don't want to discuss, put that up front too.  

With so much modern communication happening online these days, getting a hand-written letter in the mail is really special.  Offer to hand-write a letter or postcard to a contest winner.

And anything you can autograph, do.  You may not believe your signature is worth anything, but to your readers is might be.  Especially if you can personalize the autograph to the person who will be receiving it.  Obviously this isn't always possible, especially if, like me, you're living in a remote location where shipping signed books can cost a small fortune, and it's easier to get prizes sent to the recipient directly from a retailer.  But you can create book plates that can be emailed to the prize winner so when their copy arrives, they can print it on a sticker or glue the bookplate into the front of the book.

That's a few ideas.  At the end of the day, your imagination is the limit.  Just don't go overboard when it comes to spending money. A lot of promotion can be done very cheaply, and the most valuable giveaways are often the things that only cost you your time.

Good luck with your release!

X O'Abby

Spotlight on New Book Debut Author Halli Gomez #giveaway

List of Ten by Halli Gomez

Be sure to check out the GIVEAWAY for List of Ten book swag which includes a journal, bookmark, and sticker.


1- How did you get into teaching martial arts and what does it mean to be a fourth degree black belt?

I started martial arts for my kids when they were young because I loved the life skills. Not long into it, I was hooked. I guess my excitement was obvious because my instructors at the time asked if I wanted to become an instructor. Becoming a fourth degree black belt was a big accomplishment for me. I was older when I started training, and never dreamed I’d get this far, but I put my heart and soul into it and wouldn’t let myself give up.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Stories are subjective. There are books you love and books you don’t. Just because your story isn’t right for one doesn’t mean it’s not perfect for another.

3- What most motivates you to read a new book?

I hate to admit this out loud, and on internet where it will live long after me, but when I was young, I was drawn to books by their titles. I did find great books that way, but also missed quite a few. Now that I’m older, I look at them in different ways and focus on genres, plots, and authors.

4- What are the most common misconceptions about Tourette syndrome?

The most common misconception about Tourette syndrome is that everyone has coprolalia, which is the use of uncontrolled abusive, obscene, or offensive language. Of course that is one of the most shocking tics, and therefore newsworthy, but the percentage of people with it is actually very low.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book and dog?



6- What are some ways a teen contemplating suicide might best get help?

In my opinion, the number one way to get help is to ask for it. I know that is the hardest thing to do. Not just for teens but adults as well. There are many places to find help for people contemplating suicide – the suicide hotline, teachers and counselors at school, doctors, and many others. I spoke with a psychologist while compiling the discussion questions for LIST OF TEN and she strongly encourages teens seek out an adult. Friends may feel the need to keep it secret or believe they can help. What someone thinking about suicide really needs is to speak with a professional. Suicide hotline: 800-273-8255.
There's also a website: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org

7- What is your favorite book to movie adaptation?

My all-time favorite book to movie adaption has to be the Harry Potter series mainly because of the way the set designers recreated the detail and magnitude of the Hogwarts castle and grounds. A few years ago, I went to the Universal Studio in London and saw a lot of the sets and castle miniatures. It is so interesting to learn the behind the scenes tricks.

8- When did you first know you wanted to publish a book someday?

I hear a lot of stories about authors who knew they wanted to publish books as a child. Way back then, I was content to just read them. I didn’t even start writing until I was an adult and moved to NC. I had no job, my kids were in school, and I thought, hey, why not try this writing thing. Many years later, here I am!

9- Are you a Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser, and how did you adopt that style?

I am definitely a Plantser. I start with ideas for a story and plot it out the old-fashioned way - on paper. As I begin to write the story, I find new ideas creep in or the characters decide they want to go in different direction. Who am I to ignore them? And oh, the thought of not exploring a possibly better storyline, I wouldn’t be able to live with myself.

10- What does your basic writing schedule look like, and how often do you write?

My writing schedule is best described as whenever time allows. I would love to write for hours during the day when the hubby is at work and my son at school, but I can never find the uninterrupted time. I do try to write every day, but it is usually when I can find time. So, a little in the morning, afternoon, and evening.

11- What is your favorite book by someone else, what's the author's Twitter handle, and what do you love most about that book? #FridayReads book recommendation time!

This is the hardest question I have ever been asked! There are SO MANY good books out there. I will give a shout out to the authors in my debut group, #the21ders. Readers – you are in for a treat this year! But if I must pick one. I can’t. Here are two (both debuts)
Author name: James Matejek-Morris @mjatejekmorris
Title: My Ex-imaginary Friend
Love because: I love how the author used creativity and originality to tell the story of divorce and mental illness in a family.
Check out the interview with this author!
Author name: Cory Anderson @coryanderwrites
Title: What Beauty There Is
Love because: The characters and story are captivating and haunting. I couldn’t put the book down.


12- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

I wrote LIST OF TEN without sugarcoating anything because that’s not how real life is, and I know this may sound mean, but I want readers feel everything. The good, bad, and ugly. Early praise makes me feel like I have accomplished that goal. Reviewers used words powerful, heartfelt, and humorous. They laughed and cried.

13- What kind of impact do you hope your book will have?

I hope LIST OF TEN reaches the people who are in the same or a similar circumstance or feel lonely. This book was written, in part, so people feel seen and understood. I also hope it touches others and makes them rethink how they look at and treat others.

14- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

This will sound strange since we have all been on some sort of lockdown for almost a year, but my favorite non-writing activity is being locked in escape rooms. I love the creativity of the stories and puzzles, and it’s a great activity to do as a family.

15- In what ways are the main characters in your book diverse? diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

LIST OF TEN is an own voices novel and definitely fits in the diverse book movement. Tourette syndrome and obsessive-compulsive disorder are characterized as neurodiverse. In other words, variations of the brain. Both neurodiverse characters and authors are underrepresented in publishing today.

16- What method do you feel is the best way to get book reviews?

Begging your friends and family? And writing the best book you can, of course.

17- What was the deciding factor in your publication route?

I know people who have self-published, but I never considered it. You have to be able to market yourself and your book well because if you don’t, no one will. I don’t have the right personality for it. I am way too shy.

18- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

My mother and I always joked that seeing my book on a bookstore shelf would be the ultimate! And it will be incredible. But since I started writing, I began looking at what it really means to be a reader involved in a story. Now my goal is to write stories that move people. My biggest goal is to write a lot of them!

19- Would you please ask our audience a question to answer in the comments?

What is one thing that puts a story on the top of your favorite list or buried on the bottom never to be seen again?

20- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

I love this comment from a fellow debut author. This is what I hope all readers walk away feeling “LIST OF TEN begs for compassion and hope, making it a story that will stay with the reader long after the final page.”
Halli Gomez teaches martial arts and writes for children and teens. When no one is looking, she sock skates through the house and talks to dogs like they are human. When people are looking, she enjoys reading, outdoors, and breaking out of escape rooms with her family. Halli lives in North Carolina. LIST OF TEN (Sterling Teen, March 16, 2021) is her debut young adult novel.

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List of Ten by Halli Gomez

March 2021 Pass Or Pages Agent Panel Reveal!

 

 

Meet the agents who will critique your LGBTQ+ Romance entries!

 

 

Silvia Molteni

Peters Fraser and Dunlop Group

Silvia Molteni is the head of the children’s and YA books department at PFD. She manages her own list of clients alongside selling foreign rights in our children’s and YA titles worldwide. Silvia also handles all audio rights for the agency. The Bookseller named Silvia 2019’s Rising Star. Across MG and YA fiction, Silvia is drawn to voice-driven and character-driven narratives, LGBTQI story-lines and characters, endearing narrators, magical realism and upmarket literary fiction.

 

Jess Dallow

Brower Literary and Management

Having grown up with the same name as her favorite Sweet Valley High twin, Jess has always had a love for books, especially those that feature child psychopaths, platonic friendships between men and women, a romance that makes her heart beat faster, and serial killers. She has a BFA in Writing for Film and Television from the University of the Arts and worked in entertainment for eight years before returning to her home state of NY where she worked at a literary agency for two years before joining Brower Literary & Management.

Lucy Irvine

Peters Fraser and Dunlop Group

Lucy Irvine is an Associate Agent, working primarily on PFD’s children’s list. After graduating from University College London with an MA in Issues in Modern Culture in 2017, she interned at Agora Books, PFD’s publishing arm, before becoming assistant to CEO Caroline Michel. She began building her own list in the summer of 2019. Alongside building her own list of clients, Lucy sells foreign rights in children’s and YA titles in Eastern Europe and Russia, and handles audio narration rights for the agency. Lucy is always looking for diverse protagonists across race, sexuality and gender. Lucy is particularly keen on fantasy, sci-fi, and speculative fiction, and in these genres will read submissions aimed at adults as well as children’s and YA.

 

Details for March 2021 Pass or Pages: 

Entry starts: Monday, March 1st at 6 a.m. Eastern
Entry ends: Friday, March 5 at 6 p.m. Eastern
Category/Genre: LGBTQ+ Romance!
How To Enter: Fill out the entry form on the contest post when it goes live on March 1.
What Is Required: Your query (NO BIO or personalization for agents), your first 250 words, a complete and polished MS

You can also read more about the rules here.

The winning entries with agent commentary will be posted on Operation Awesome the week of March 15th, one entry each day. If you aren't comfortable with having your entry (which will be anonymous) shared on the blog, please don't enter Pass or Pages!

If you have any questions, please ask in the comments or tweet @OpAwesome6. Also, feel free to chat about the contest with fellow participants with the hashtag #PassOrPages.

 

Writer's Block

One topic that blog readers suggested for OA to address in 2021 was resources to fight writer's block.  Here are some suggestions and links for additional information:

Writers on writer's block
Some writers don't believe in writer's block, others do

Reedsy's 20 suggestions to overcome writer's block
Including developing a writing routine and writing something else

Writing Cooperative
Including read [learn from other writers] and write a short story

Master Class
Including do something else, start in the middle, and freewriting

Writing Prompts
https://blog.reedsy.com/creative-writing-prompts/
https://www.writersdigest.com/prompts

I like the ideas to write something else and to start in the middle.  The writing prompts sites are also interesting.  I went to the first one [Reedsy] and, because I write MG, set the drop-down to "for kids".  The first prompt was "Write about someone taking a child trick-or-treating for the very first time."  This actually ties in with my current WiP, so if I was stuck on my story at this point, using this prompt would have definitely helped me get unstuck.

What do you do when you're blocked?

Flash Fiction Friday 57 #FlashFiction

 It's Flash Fiction Friday! I'm moving to a new house this weekend, so our prompt is A New Start.

[Image: Text "RESIST" with raised fists]

Length: 2000 words
Deadline: Sunday, February 21, 2021, 2am Central Standard Time

Leave your entry in the comments, please. As always, the winner will get a badge and bragging rights!

Dear O'Abby on what you should expect from your agent

There has been a lot of discussion on Twitter this week about badly behaved agents, so I thought it would be useful to discuss what writers should and shouldn't expect from their agents.

The first thing to remember is that the author-agent relationship is a professional partnership.  The agent only gets paid when they sell the author's work, so in that respect, the agent works for the author.  At no time should an author feel that they can't speak to their agent about anything career related that may be bothering them.

Too often I hear writers saying they feel like they'd be bothering their agents if they email to ask them something.  You should never be afraid to contact your agent.  If you are worried about something to do with your writing career or have questions, you should be able to reach out.

You should also expect a reply.  Maybe not immediately, but certainly within a reasonable timeframe.  Even if it is just a quick note to let you know your email was received, and that the agent has back-to-back appointments for the next three days, but will get back to you after that.

We're all busy.  Most writers are juggling a day job with their writing careers and probably a family on top of that.  Being busy is not a good enough excuse not to communicate.  If your agent doesn't get back to you in a reasonable timeframe, or keeps promising answers to questions that are never forthcoming, it is not acceptable.

Neither is withholding information about what is happening with your book on submission.  Before your agent takes your book out on submission it's important to discuss with her how much feedback you want from the editors she's pitching.  Some writers just want to know if it was a pass or not, while others want to see exactly what each agent said about the book.  Whatever it is you want, your agent should supply.  It's critical you know where your book has been pitched and to who.

Communication - or lack of it - seems to be the biggest issue writers have with their agents, so I believe it's something that should be discussed before signing the agency agreement.  If you're not great on the phone, or on Zoom, make sure your prospective agent is aware of this and is willing to communicate primarily via email or text. It may also be worthwhile to discuss how often you want to be in touch.  Obviously when you have a book on submission you will probably need to communicate far more often than you would while you're revising or editing or writing something new.

When I had an agent, we decided monthly check-ins were fine when we weren't on submission or in the midst of an edit to get the project submission- ready and that worked really well for us.  We also agreed that most communication would be by email because of the time difference between New York and New Zealand.

If your agent isn't communicating with you the way you want to be communicated with, or you feel that they are withholding information or not being transparent with you, then it may be time to consider ending the relationship.  There is nothing to be ashamed of in this scenario.  It is better to have no agent than to have an agent you don't trust or who is not being proactive in providing you with information about what is happening to your book.  

Many writers end up having multiple agents through their careers, and this is not necessarily a sign that they are demanding or difficult to work with.  Agents leave the profession, and sometimes this leaves the author high and dry if there is no one else at the agency willing or able to take them on.  The relationship that seemed so perfect at the start may not run as smoothly as both parties hoped.  Or the writer may just want to move in a direction the agent does not feel qualified to support.

Your agent is your advocate and her role is to champion your work to editors and to help you make the best possible decisions about your career.  If she isn't fulfilling those roles, it doesn't matter how much you like her, or how good she looks on paper, or how much you enjoy being able to say "X is my agent."

I've already said it, but I'll repeat myself:  having a bad agent is worse than having no agent.

So don't be afraid to speak up and ask for what you need.  And if you don't get it, don't be afraid to terminate the relationship before it destroys you..

Spotlight on New Book Debut Author Sam Taylor

We Are the Fire by Sam Taylor

1- If you could be anywhere in the world right now, where would you be and why?

Iceland. It’s one of my favorite places in the world, wild & mythical, serene & powerful, and always gorgeous.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Always be sure the characters’ motivations are clear and understandable, and that the stakes are well-defined and compelling.

3- What most motivates you to read a new book?

A really unique concept or pitch. Comping to a book or movie that I love is another big draw. And an amazing cover never hurts!

4- Today is #RandomActsOfKindnessDay -- What random act of kindness might you do today? What could someone do for you?

I’d love to be able to surprise someone with cookies! As for me—leaving a review of my book on Amazon or Barnes and Noble, or requesting it at your library, would be lovely.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book with some ... flame cookies?



6- Do you hope a fantasy book (such as yours) might prevent real children from being stolen from their families to serve a cruel government one day?

I think so much can be changed for the better with deeper empathy for others and a stronger understanding of ourselves and the effects of our actions… and I hope a book like mine can help open readers’ minds and perspectives.

7- What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?

I’m @jsamtaylor ! Special shoutout to my friends @KG_Mach and @lj_lawless whose feedback was invaluable while working on my edits for WE ARE THE FIRE, as well as @kimsmejkal , who has been so supportive of me and my writing for years.

8- Do you have a favorite #bookstagram image or account/ profile?

Megan LaCroix, @meganwritenow , puts together some amazing book photography, include creating vintage-style images of recently released books she’s loved! It’s incredible.

9- Are you a Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser, and how did you adopt that style?

Plantster! I always outline before drafting, but during my rough drafts, I’m always surprised by great new ideas that are more interesting and imaginative than anything I expected.

10- What does your basic writing schedule look like, and how often do you write?

Been part of the #5amwritersclub for almost three years now! It’s hard to get much done while my kiddos are awake, so I have to get up before them to get some words in. I’ll also write in the afternoon while they’re both napping. I try to write at least a little every day.

11- What is your favorite book by someone else, what's the author's Twitter handle, and what do you love most about that book? #FridayReads book recommendation time!

Author name: Joanna Ruth Meyer @gamwyn
Title: Into the Heartless Woods
Love because: Gender-swapped telling of Beauty and the Beast with a tree-siren girl and a cinnamon roll astronomer boy. It will wreck you in the best way possible.


12- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

My book goes to some dark places and addresses some difficult events and themes, but ultimately, I hope readers leave with a sense of hope and feeling like they can also overcome difficult circumstances.

13- What kind of impact do you hope your book will have?

I hope it can help reassure readers who may feel trapped by their circumstances, that they can and will be able to find a way out.

14- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

Baking! I especially love making cakes. And dance workouts are also fun.

15- diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks What's your favorite book with a diverse main character?

American Panda by Gloria Chao is at once hilarious and a deeply poignant and insightful look at the cultural and generational clashes in 17-year-old Mei’s Tawanese family.
Meet Gloria Chao in this Debut Author Spotlight

16- What method do you feel is the best way to get book reviews?

Reviews on Amazon and the Barnes & Noble websites are important in helping new readers find an author’s work. And don’t forget about word of mouth! If you look a book, tell friends and family about it. That can make a big difference for any author.

17- What was the deciding factor in your publication route?

Self-publishing requires some expert marketing experience that I don’t have yet, so I went traditional to rely on the resources of a bigger, well-connected publisher.

18- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

Honestly, just to be able to keep writing and publishing books.
Though it would be nice to have a Webtoons adaptation of one of my stories…

19- Would you please ask our audience a question to answer in the comments?

What book (or books) made you into a reader?

20- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

We Are the Fire features fire magic, twisted alchemy, ash-gray morals, and is perfect for fans of An Ember in the Ashes or the legend of Spartacus.
Follow me on Instagram at @jsamtaylorauthor for bookish fun and recommendations, baking pictures, and more about my debut novel!


We Are the Fire by Sam Taylor

March Pass or Pages Genre Reveal!

 

The genre for the March 2021 Pass or Pages is...

LGBTQ+ Romance!

Here are the important dates for this round:

February 23rd: Agent panel announcement

March 1st to 5th: Entry window (via a form here on our blog)

March 15th to 19rdth: Feedback reveals!

For a recap of the rules and links to previous rounds, click here. Stay tuned for our agent panel reveal next week!

 

First Page Critique - YA Contemporary

We received a First Page Critique entry.  In other words, another brave soul needs our help! It's up to all of us [including YOU] to provide that help.  Please offer your thoughts in the comments section.

Reminder: Be nice, but be honest. [Comments that are not polite/respectful will be deleted.] What would YOU like to know if this was YOUR first page? Do you think it has a good opening line? Does it have a hook? Does it pull you into the story? Do you want to read more? Why or why not? Be specific, so your critique helps the person who wrote the entry.

Category/Genre – YA Contemporary

Shakespeare is the worst.

I can’t stifle the sound that escapes when Mr. Bookman announces we’ll be reading Romeo and Juliet. (And no, the irony of an English teacher named Bookman isn’t lost on anyone.) My groan joins a chorus of disapproval.

Not from Remy, though. I look at him—today he’s wearing a brown and white striped skirt over green leggings and a green fabric headband thing—and he smiles. Always one for romance, even if we won’t understand when the romantic parts are happening.

Mr. Bookman enlists a couple kids to pass out copies. Flipping quickly through the book, I slump in my seat. It’s hard to say if I’m more depressed by the pages with lots of footnotes or the ones with just a few.

Without wasting any time, we go over the characters, then Mr. Bookman calls two guys to the front and assigns them parts. To read out loud. On day one. I could be wrong, but shouldn’t Shakespeare have a little foreplay? Maybe some 16th century English lessons before reciting iambic pentameter in front of a crowd?

Ruben and Judah take the toy swords Mr. Bookman hands them, and the first thing Ruben does, of course, is hold it in front of him like a penis. Dick.

Several people laugh, but Mr. Bookman waves his hand. “Don’t worry. We’ll get to the sex references soon enough.”

Someone catcalls as Mr. Bookman signals for Judah to start reading.

#QueryFriday

 

It's time for #QueryFriday! Enter for a chance to win a query critique by yours truly! Here's how to participate:

1. Comment on this post and at least one other post from this week by SUNDAY 02/14 at 12 pm EDT.

2. Leave your email address in the comment or have it available on your Blogger profile. (If I can't find you, I can't get in touch with you!)

The winner will be chosen via random draw and will be announced in the comment section of this post on Sunday.

See this post for additional rules. Good luck!

-Amren

Dear O'Abby: Can I make a living as a writer?

 Dear O'Abby,

Is it possible to make a living as a writer?  What should I do to make this happen?

Yours,

Directionless

Dear Directionless,

Short answer, yes.  It is possible to make a living as a writer.  But...

It really depends on what you want to write.  Very few writers make a living writing novels or picture books or even non-fiction books.  So if that's what you're talking about, I'd say probably not.  And certainly not right away.  If you're lucky enough to write a book that's a runaway smash hit and shoots to the top of the best-seller list, then you may be able to make a living writing books.  At least for a while.

If you're willing to consider other kinds of writing, there are certainly ways to make a living.  You could freelance and write stories for newspapers and magazines and other publications.  It's not always easy to get hired for these things, but if you're eager and persevere, you may be able to get enough work to get by and if you're good, you may get offered a regular column or feature in one or more of these publications.

You could also consider technical writing - writing manuals or guides or webpages.  If you have some specialist knowledge in a certain area, this could be something you can put to use.  But even if you don't, if you can analyse and understand concepts and put them into words clearly, you can probably work in this area.  Some companies will need in-house people to do this work which could be a full-time position, whereas others will hire freelancers when and where they need them.

Advertising agencies need writers to come up with the perfect words to sell products.  If you're good at coming up with pithy one-liners or catchy phrases that stick in the brain for days, copy writing for an advertising agency could suit you.

And of course there's writing for film, television and theater too.  Screenwriting and playwriting are quite different skills to writing prose, but good writing is is good writing, regardless. And a compelling story or character is compelling on screen, on stage or on the page.  If you are thinking about trying out something in this arena, my advice (as someone who works in the screen industry) would be to remember that these are visual mediums.  Think about how you might tell a story visually.  That whole show vs tell tell thing becomes way more critical when the story is going to play out in front of the audience. 

With social media being such a crucial tool for engagement these days, there are also opportunities for those who can write smart, succinct, engaging social media posts across platforms.  So if you're glued to your phone and spend much of your time on Instagram and Twitter and Snapchat, there may be a role for you writing this type of content.

If you have an eye for detail and excellent knowledge of grammar, spelling and punctuation, there may be opportunities for you to work as a proof reader or editor.  Again, this could be a full-time, in-house position at some companies, or something you do on a freelance basis.  It's not actually writing, but you will use the skills and knowledge you have developed through writing to improve the writing of others.

And that's just a handful of the opportunities that may be available to you if you want to make a living as a writer. Even if that's not exactly what you had in mind, and your dream is to write best-selling novel after best-selling novel, doing other types of writing will only help hone your skills. I write for a living in my day job, creating web content, newsletters, press releases and corporate documents, and proof-reading and editing other documents. It all helps me become a better writer.

Good luck!  I hope you this was helpful.

X O'Abby

Spotlight on New Book Debut Author Jimmy Matejek-Morris

My Ex-Imaginary Friend by Jimmy Matejek-Morris

1- How might someone celebrate imaginary friends they may have had in youth this Valentine's day?

You may not know this, but imaginary friends love receiving mail. Just ask George. The perfect way to honor your past imaginary friend is to write them a card and drop it in the mailbox. Your imaginary friend might also enjoy a tasty treat, so why not order a box of your favorite snacks and leave it open? By the end of the night, you just may find your imaginary friend has eaten their fair share!

I know who else loves getting letters — Santa! 🎅 And he's always looking for elves to help make sure that every letter gets answered.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Find a supportive yet tough group of beta readers and learn to take constructive feedback. It's okay to put a project down and take a break. You can do this.

3- What most motivates you to read a new book?

I am drawn to books that feature LGBTQ+ characters as well as characters who have identities and experiences different than my own. I enjoy broadening my world through reading. Reading books from a diverse group of authors is an excellent way to build compassion and understanding.

4- How much does George have in common with Bing Bong of the animated feature film Inside Out?

George, half walrus, and Bing Bong, part elephant, part dolphin, and part who knows what else, are both delightful company. Each enjoys seeing the best in their human companions and would do anything to keep their friends happy. They are fun-loving, larger than life, and whimsical. They can make you laugh, they will make you cry.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book with some fun merchandise?

I am so grateful to have a husband and friends who are as passionate about "My Ex-Imaginary Friend" as I am. They have handmade a huge amount of merchandise for me, including a crochet George, a George Funko Pop, a t-shirt, facemasks, and more. As an odd coincidence, Target happened to release a series of blue walrus plush and blankets that perfectly match the book's cover. I have embraced these goods as "official" George merchandise. Attached is a picture of me sporting all of the above.

6- Other than 💩, what are some potty words that get alternatives in your next book?

So many nasty, nasty terms. Pee. Booger. Fart. It's an absolutely appalling list of words!
– April 20, 2021

7- What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?

My twitter handle is @jmatejekmorris .
Three of my favorite fellow writers and beta readers are Sandy ( @sandyjoys ), Shoshana ( @ShoshanaFlax ), and Jen ( @jenstjude )

8- Do you have a favorite #bookstagram image or account/ profile?

I really love following LGBTQ+ bookstagrammers and accounts that feature LGBTQ+ books. Some recent favorites include @bartowskibookclub, @sleepy_librarian_, and @jordys.book.club

9- Are you a Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser, and how did you adopt that style?

I tend to start a project as a Panster, feeling out the characters and seeing where they will take me. Once I've met all my main characters and have a general sense of where the book is going, usually five or six chapters in, I pause and become a Plotter. I use color coded note-cards to plot out the rest of the book, creating a notecard for each scene or chapter and assigning each character a color. If the character appear in a chapter or scene, I will put their color on the corresponding notecard. This way, I am able to spread my scenes out and see them all at once, while also tracking each character's arcs to make sure they do not get lost. I guess this means I'm a Plantser.

10- What does your basic writing schedule look like, and how often do you write?

My writing schedule varies. In my perfect world, I will do one hour of writing in the morning before work, and at least 30 minutes of additional writing in the evening.
Unfortunately, I am not a morning person so I sometimes struggle with this habit. When I do miss a morning session, I try to make it up by doing additional time in the evenings or over the weekends. I don't fret if I don't write every day, but I do track hours spent writing on a calendar so I can make sure I'm consistently putting in effort. As somebody once advised me, create input goals, not output goals, and you will eventually reach the end of the book. The calendar helps remind me of this progress.

11- What is your favorite book by someone else, what's the author's Twitter handle, and what do you love most about that book? #FridayReads book recommendation time!

Too many to name, but my most recent favorite is:
Author name: Kalynn Bayron @KalynnBayron
Title: Cinderella is Dead
Love because: I adore fairy tale retellings, and this one had me on the edge of my seat the whole time. Very strong world building, complex characters, and awesome heroines.

12- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

"My Ex-Imaginary Friend" tackles some really difficult topics, but it does so with kindness, compassion, and humor. I hope this juxtaposition will leave a reader feeling empathy for Jack and George, hope that their own potential feelings of invisibility or loneliness can be overcome, and understanding for Jack's Mom by the end of the book.

13- What kind of impact do you hope your book will have?

I hope that "My Ex-Imaginary Friend" will help a child reader to feel seen, less alone, and more compassionate for people struggling with their mental health.

14- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

I've dabbled in many creative areas over the years. I love live theater, and though I haven't drawn much lately, it has always been something that I have enjoyed. Growing up, I wanted to be an artist, animator, filmmaker, and actor. I was certain I was destined to be a star on the stage and screen, but my stage fright, anxiety, and lack of theatrical talent rerouted my creative energies at an early age. With writing, I found that I could be all of the above and build complex characters and emotional journeys without the fear of falling off the stage.

15- In what ways are the main characters in your book diverse? diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

First, "My Ex-Imaginary Friend" has a queer author. While LGBTQ+ themes do not play an explicit role in the plot, there are many experiences and feelings in the book that were drawn from my own experiences as a gay man.

Second, and most important, "My Ex-Imaginary Friend" explores mental health. Jack's mother is struggling with bipolar disorder, and over the course of the novel, Jack and the other characters come to learn what this means and how to discuss and accept mental health with kindness and respect.

16- What method do you feel is the best way to get book reviews?

I encourage my readers to post reviews on Goodreads and/or on whichever website they used to purchase the book. While reviews are a great way in generating interest in the book, I do try to avoid reading them personally. Once a week or so, I will ask my husband to read my reviews. He will quote the positive excerpts and summarize the rest. This step creates a useful distance between myself and the reviewer that helps remove some of stress I otherwise feel when looking at reviews directly.

17- What was the deciding factor in your publication route?

Traditional publishing was always my dream, but I do have so much respect for folks who self publish. I don't think I have the skills to design and market my own work. After submitting queries, I was very fortunate to connect with my agent via Twitter (through DVPit), who then was able to connect me with my editor and guide me through the traditional publishing route.

18- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

I would love to receive a letter or email from a young reader about how one of my books has influenced or inspired them.

19- Would you please ask our audience a question to answer in the comments?

What qualities would your ideal imaginary friend have? Describe them!

20- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

"My Ex-Imaginary Friend" is a story of friendship, growing up, mental health, and what it means to be family, as told by ten-year-old Jack and the part-walrus imaginary friend he thought he'd outgrown.

Reviews have said:

"Twin themes of abandonment and belief twine through this somewhat mind-bending debut." -Booklist

"Complicated emotions and difficult family conversations are bracketed with kindness in this unusual book." - Kirkus

"With frank talk surrounding mental illness and what it really means to be a family, this is a story about a boy and his imaginary friend who are desperate to figure out where they belong. VERDICT A poignant, multilayered story that will appeal to those looking for a heartfelt family drama" -School Library Journal

I grew up in New Jersey as the middle child of five kids. I enjoy musical theater, Muppets, ice cream, and action figures. I currently live in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with my husband, Scott, and a very well-dressed poodle-Pomeranian named Rudy. When I am not writing books and screenplays for kids and young adults, you can find me peeking through the blinds in hopes of spotting baby bunnies.

I have a BA in Film and English from Cornell University and an MFA in Writing for Children from Simmons College. My debut novel, "My Ex-Imaginary Friend" is out now from Lerner/Carolrhoda. My debut picture book, "Don't Say Poop," will be out April 20 from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. I can be found on Instagram ( @jmatejekmorris ) and Twitter @jmatejekmorris.


My Ex-Imaginary Friend by Jimmy Matejek-Morris

OA Recommends - Write Edit Publish #WEP

Every month we introduce you to a different writer-oriented website. These are sites with which one or more of our team members has had positive experiences. We hope you'll check them out and let us know what you think!

For our second installment of OA Recommends, we interviewed Denise Covey of the Write...Edit...Publish blog.  Welcome Denise!

1- Are there any big events or exciting news for WEP in 2021?

We are, for the first time, using world art as prompts throughout the year. The artworks have been chosen after much deliberation - to reflect the current socio-political issues we are facing on an ongoing basis worldwide. They represent a swathe of artists, eras and places, from Italian masters to modern day painters. The last time we used an art prompt concept – in Feb 2020 with van Gogh’s Café Terrace, there was such an explosion of creativity – can’t wait to see where a whole series of arty prompts leads us! Excited!

2- Other than the bimonthly flash-fiction event, what does the WEP site offer?

We are connected to a huge pool of talent in writing and publishing and our prizes reflect this – we offer critique prizes to the challenge winner from professional editors and/or published authors. But that apart, depending on the member’s preference, we offer immediate individual critiques through our monthly challenge bloghop, tailored to their requirements. We are a supportive community that provides usable and actionable feedback on writing efforts, regardless of a writer’s proficiency levels. Many of our members have gone on to publish short stories or novels that started as a response to one of our challenge prompts. That’s so exciting for us!

Besides which, WEP is a great place to connect with like-minded writers and just generally hang out, we are a fun and a close knit community.

3- If someone wanted to offer a critique prize, what qualifications, background, or pedigree should they have, and how would they contact you?

Email Denise Covey at – den.covey@gmail.com with an initial enquiry outlining publishing creds, unique writing successes etc. (We’re always seeking out critique prizes for our writers!) There’s a page on our site which outlines what can be sent for publicity – bio, image of latest book and what critique prize on offer (check out the sidebar at WEP for ideas).

4- What are some of the biggest changes WEP has experienced over the years and have your original site goals changed?

A major change was when we began, our word limit was 400 words! Now it’s 1,000 words, the maximum for flash fiction. Having a word limit encourages our writers to learn how to edit superfluous words, a useful tool. Our original overall goal was to provide immediate feedback for writers and this continues to be our most important role in the online writing community.

5- What is the origin story or history of the site?

WEP began as Romantic Friday Writers in 2010. Many participants were uncomfortable with the romantic element, so we dropped that requirement. From the outset there were two hosts – the original founder, Denise Covey, along with Francine Howarth. Since then, Denise continued with Donna Hole as co-host, then alone for a short time when changing from RFW to WEP. Now we have a team of five – Yolanda Renee, Nilanjana Bose, Olga Godim and Laura Keltner -- all with their own complementary roles.

6- What does it take to win the "BEST COMMENTER AWARD"?

Easy - commenting widely! The Best Commenter award is given to the members who visit and comment on maximum entries. Where there are multiple bloggers eligible the winner is chosen by lottery. This award is on hold for the time being though, as WEP is in an era called “WEP-lite” as members grapple with life events and the challenges of the pandemic. To their credit, through this award, members are in the habit of commenting/providing feedback.

7- What is the most beneficial aspect of WEP for writers who are new to the site?

The gift of confidence and self-awareness. Some new writers are tormented by self-doubt. Some want to polish up a certain aspect or writing skill. WEP can help them identify what they need to do to improve in a non-judgemental, impartial but supportive way. Whether they choose to publish or not, their control over their writing will be greatly enhanced at WEP. And they will have a lot of fun. And that fun includes friendships. Many WEP participants have formed bonds which continue outside of WEP. The fact that some current members have been with us since 2010 is a great testament to how they see WEP as being important to their lives.

8- Which genre is most often used for the thousand-word stories?

No genre restrictions apply at WEP except erotica. We welcome all genres – crime, horror, fantasy, action, sci-fi, drama, romance, poetry, women’s fiction, non-fiction… The prompt often dictates genre. And some clever writers have used the prompts to write ongoing serials during the year. We have those who toy with super-short fiction, which is always delightful. In a word – “diversity”.

9- With all the websites for writers out there, why should someone take the time to be on yours; what makes it unique?

The unique, customised support we provide to writers though our feedback, all sorts of support along with the critique prizes. And we have the most sumptuous badges, too, to display on websites! Nowhere else! A participant recently said: “There are not many websites that offer writers the opportunity to publish their fiction and have speedy feedback from other participants. Personally, I treasure this feature of WEP.”

10- Would you please list your links and ways people can find and connect with WEP?

The only link anyone interested to learn more needs is to our WEP website: https://writeeditpublishnow.blogspot.com All other links and information can be found there.

Flash Fiction Friday 56 #FlashFiction

It's Flash Fiction Friday! This week we have a longer prompt: 

You can feel her staring at you when you close your eyes, but when you open them, she's gone. 

[Image: Text "RESIST" with raised fists]

Length: 2000 words
Deadline: Sunday, February 7, 2021, 2am Central Standard Time

Leave your entry in the comments, please. As always, the winner will get a badge and bragging rights!

 Dear O'Abby,

I'm hoping you will have some advice for me because I find myself in kind of a tricky position.  I have an agent and we've worked really well together on three projects over the last five years.

But she's leaving the agency and agenting to take up a new role.  None of the other agents at her agency look after books in my genre/style, so she has suggested the best thing for me is to terminate the agency agreement so I can start looking for new representation ASAP.

I'm kind of devastated by this.  It took me over five years and three books to get an agent in the first place, so for this to happen feels like a huge blow to me personally and to my writing career.

What should I do?

Yours,

Agentless 

Dear Agentless,

I sympathise with you.  I have been in a similar situation and know exactly how crushingly disappointing it can feel.  

But I also think it's a common misconception that writers find an agent and they ride off into the sunset together and live happily ever after.

It's not uncommon for writers to have several agents over the course of a career, so the situation you find yourself in is not at all unusual.  Writers leave agents, and agents leave agenting.  It sounds like your agent is being very supportive of you finding a new agent in that she understands there is no one within her current agency who would best represent you and is freeing you up to look for someone who can.  Think how much worse it would be to be handed off to another agent within the agency who doesn't like or understand what you love to write!

You've had an agent now, so you know you can write a query that grabs attention.  You didn't mention if your current agent managed to sell any of the books you worked on with her, but if she did, then you know you can write a book publishers want.  So you're in a much stronger position now than you were when you were querying five years ago.

It's probably best to query new agents with a new project, a clean slate, if you have one.  Once you have a relationship, then you can have a conversation about what best to do with the books you worked on with your old agent that may not have been sold.

Be honest with the agents you query and let them know the situation.  Make sure your current agent lets you know what the status is with any of the books you've worked on together. She should be able to let you know which editors they have been pitched to so your new agent won't waste time submitting something they have already seen and rejected.

I know it's hard, and the idea of diving back into the query trenches can be terrifying and soul destroying.  But try to think of it as a new opportunity.  A fresh start. A new set of eyes on your work.

It's okay to feel sad.  Any relationship break-up is difficult.  Feel free to wallow for a day or two.  Eat chocolate and drink wine (responsibly of course) and cry in front of trashy Netflix movies.  Then get to writing the killer query for your new book you know you can write and get out there and nab yourself a new agent.  

You know how to do it.

Best,

O'Abby

Spotlight on New Book Debut Author Emily Victoria #giveaway

This Golden Flame by Emily Victoria

1- What does it take for a notebook to be great, to be worthy of planning your novel?

I’m one of those writers with a huge stash of unused notebooks. Most of them have something cute or nerdy on the cover, but after years of collecting them, I have quite a range now of every notebook type imaginable. And strangely enough, it’s usually just what I grab first.

2- Would you please, in 160 characters or less, give a #WriteTip ?

Start with an idea you love. Almost everything else—character, plot, worldbuilding—can be fixed through edits. But you need to start with that gripping idea.

3- What most motivates you to read a new book?

As per the above, it’s usually something enticing in the description that grabs me. Whether that’s an interesting magic system, or a unique character, or even an idea framed in a way I hadn’t thought about it before, I usually choose what to read next based on finding a hook that grabs me and won’t let me go.

4- Which of Jacques de Vaucanson's automatons is your favorite?

I have never heard of these things. Thank you so much for introducing them to me! I’m not going to lie: I kind of like the Digesting Duck.

5- Would you share a picture with us of your book with the dolls you crocheted of your characters?

Absolutely! Here is Karis and Alix with This Golden Flame.


6- How could someone celebrate the magic of friendship this month?

These are weird times, and I know for a lot of us, friends feel farther away than they usually do. So, I would say just connect. You don’t need to organize something big or make a bit deal out of it. Friendships are built in the little times as much as the big times.

7- What's your Twitter handle, and do you have two or three writer friends on there to shout-out to for #WriterWednesday ?

My twitter handle is @avictoriantale and I’m going to shout out to @alexandraovery and @ByEllieM !

8- Do you have a favorite #bookstagram image or account/ profile?

There are so many of these that I love. It was a writer’s dream of mine to one day see my book featured in a bookstagram, and I’m just so thankful to all of the bookstagrammers who have picked it up. I will say that I do really enjoy the pictures that fictionfare posts. @fictionfare

9- Are you a Plotter, Pantser, or Plantser, and how did you adopt that style?

I am a hardcore plotter. I adopted it because I tried pantsing and it just didn’t fit me. My first drafts were so rough there wasn’t much salvageable when I tried pantsing. I just couldn’t hold everything that I needed to in my head without an outline.
So nowadays I play to my strengths. I’m a visual person so typically I’ll outline using cue cards so that I can lay them all out and see the overall structure of my novel. Plus, I really like having my pile of highlighters to color code the cards and make them pretty.

10- What does your basic writing schedule look like, and how often do you write?

I don’t necessarily write every day, but when I do I like having a solid chunk of time set aside. I don’t do particularly well when I can only steal ten or so minutes at a time. Rather I like being able to settle down for a long stretch and really dive into it.

11- What is your favorite book by someone else, what's the author's Twitter handle, and what do you love most about that book? #FridayReads book recommendation time!

Author name: Lyla Lee @literarylyla
Title: I’ll Be the One
Love because: This book is just so upbeat and fun and body positive. I love the main character, Skye, so much. She knows who she is and knows what she wants, and she chases her dreams with so much fierceness!


12- What emotions do you hope your book will evoke for the reader?

More than anything, I hope that they’ll feel the journey alongside the characters. That they’ll empathize when the characters are sad, and celebrate when the characters are happy. That’s all I can ask as an author.

13- What kind of impact do you hope your book will have?

My book is really about finding yourself and finding hope. So I hope that it will show readers that all of us together really can change the world. And that we’re so powerful when we’re true to ourselves.

14- What is your favorite creative non-writing activity to do?

I’m a big crafter, and I’ve gotten into felting and cross-stitching lately, but I will say that my favorite is probably still crochet. I find it very relaxing to do and I love the wide range of projects that you can tackle.

15- In what ways are the main characters in your book diverse? diversebooks.org #WeNeedDiverseBooks

My book features an #ownvoices aroace main character. It also has an mlm relationship, a nonbinary character who uses they/them pronouns, and a character with a visual impairment.

16- What method do you feel is the best way to get book reviews?

I feel that a lot of my book reviews came thanks to the wonderful team at Inkyard and their amazing efforts. That being said, just getting my book out there on social media and letting people know that ARCs are available on Netgalley seems to have worked.

17- What was the deciding factor in your publication route?

A couple of factors went into this. I knew I wanted an agent, someone who would be there even when I was between projects or between editors. Someone who I knew would always be in my corner. I also love libraries, and it’s my dream to see my book in libraries all over the world, which I think is a bit easier if you go the traditional route.

18- What's the biggest writing goal you hope to accomplish in your lifetime?

I would love to have a long-term sustainable writing career. It doesn’t have to be flashy or anything. I just want to be able to keep writing and to keep sharing my work.

19- Would you please ask our audience a question to answer in the comments?

What 2021 book release are you really looking forward to?

20- Anything else you would care to share about your book and yourself?

Bio

I am a Canadian prairie girl who writes young adult science fiction and fantasy. When not word-smithing, I like walking my over-excitable dog, drinking far too much tea, and crocheting things I no longer have the space to store.

Blurb

Orphaned and forced to serve her country’s ruling group of scribes, Karis wants nothing more than to find her brother, long ago shipped away. But family bonds don’t matter to the Scriptorium, whose sole focus is unlocking the magic of an ancient automaton army.
In her search for her brother, Karis does the seemingly impossible—she awakens a hidden automaton. Intelligent, with a conscience of his own, Alix has no idea why he was made. Or why his father—their nation’s greatest traitor—once tried to destroy the automatons.
Suddenly, the Scriptorium isn’t just trying to control Karis; it’s hunting her. Together with Alix, Karis must find her brother…and the secret that’s held her country in its power for centuries.

Social Media Links

Twitter: @avictoriantale
Instagram: @avictoriantale
Website: http://avictoriantale.com

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This Golden Flame by Emily Victoria