Tuesday Museday

Do you use the term "ear worm" to describe a song that just gets into your head and won't leave?
My husband plays this game with me: He'll hum a song and time how long it takes for me to start humming it after he's stopped. I get ear wormed fairly easily.
My current ear worm is your writing prompt for today. My kids are obsessed with Big Hero 6, and the Fall Out Boy song that plays while the heroes are practicing with their new suits. My three-year-old calls it the "Baymax song" and demands that we listen to it every time we get in the car. It's got some cool lyrics; hopefully some part of this song will inspire your writing. Or the concept of an ear worm will. Whatever it is, if you are feeling stuck today, check out Immortals, by Fall Out Boy by clicking here. You can listen to the song on the band's official Vevo channel, while watching the most boring video imaginable.

If you are working on a query and you'd like fresh eyes on it, let me know in the comments! I'll pick someone for a query critique.

Writing Series: Major Rewrites

Writing a novel is hard. Editing a novel is hard. Going back and rewriting a novel? Well, that can be heartbreaking.
When I queried my first novel, the overwhelming response I got back from agents and editors was "not enough conflict." As I looked it over (for the millionth time), and decided that they were all correct, I was faced with a choice: Scrap the novel (except for premise and characters) and rewrite it, or move on to something new.
I chose to work on something new, a much stronger novel with a lot more conflict (I learned from that first one!). But now, as I'm moving on to something new yet again, that old first novel continues to niggle at the back of my mind.
People love the premise.
Your characters are really unique.
But then I respond with, "So. Much. Work." And the little voices die down.
You see, I love that novel. It's my first book child. The thought of ripping it apart and changing it hurts. Part of me can see how much stronger it could be; the other part isn't willing to change it because in the end I might not love it as much.
The decision to rewrite a novel is about taking a risk. Is it really worth it? Will the work pay off? What if I can't actually make it better?
So for me, I have decided to keep that novel in a drawer. If I ever land an agent, I will probably bring it up with her to get an expert opinion on whether or not it's worth the work to revise it. But for now it sits in my computer, patiently waiting for the day when I run out of other ideas and have nothing else to write.
Do you have experience with completely overhauling a novel? Was it good, or bad? What convinced you to do it? I'd love to hear from you.

Introducing Samantha

Hello, fabulous fellow writer- and reader-folk! Around these parts, I'm known as S. L. Saboviec, although you can call me Samantha. I’m a member of the current freshman class here at Operation Awesome, and I’m thrilled to join this great bunch.

Shall we jump right into me? Because, after all, this post is about me. Who doesn’t like talking about me? I definitely do.

In a sorta particular order, but not precisely so, here are ten things about me:

1. I love villains. They’re fascinating. I can list more favorite antagonists than I can favorite protagonists, ohyesreally: Hannibal Lector, Agent Smith, Frank Underwood (fine, he’s a protagonist, but he’s villainous), Keyser Soze, Tyler Durden… Who am I missing?


2. I wrote my first book when I was twelve years old. It’s about a girl who discovers a journal in a shack in the woods. This journal chronicles the sad, lonely life of a man whose wife died at a young age. When my protagonist reaches the end–hold onto your hats for this plot twist–she realizes he’s still writing in it and that he’s the creepy, old hermit everyone is afraid of. But now that she knows, she understands that he’s just sad and lonely! No one has to be afraid of him anymore!
   
   I wanted this to be made into a Disney movie, but sadly, no one from Disney has broken into my file archives and stolen it to pitch to their producers.


3. I love fall. And pumpkin spice everything. And nippy weather, warm jackets, and fireplaces after being outside.


4. My house doesn’t have a fireplace. L


5. I was recently curious about my strengths as a critique partner, and after asking a CP what I'm good at within the critique process, I received this as a response:
   
   
   
   
   I've decided this is a compliment. I'm good at the pointed comments. Yes, sir, I pull no punches. Want me as a CP? I will, apparently, make you cry.


6. I’m a perfectionist. I love grammar. My latest mission is to ensure everyone understands the difference between “compliment”and “complement.” Please use it properly, I beg of you. The misused "i" version wants a break.


7. I self-published my first novel, Guarding Angel, in May 2014, and I’m releasing the sequel, Reaping Angel, in February 2016. The journey has been fraught with many lessons and sharpenings of my writerly tools. Although I don't consider myself an expert, I’m happy to field self-publishing questions. Hopefully I will have an answer. If not, I’ll make something up. Just kidding. Probably. I did mention I write fiction, yes? I like making things up.


8. I’m on the third revision of my fifth novel. (OK, fine, fourth, since you insist upon not counting the childhood one.) I plan to start querying agents in 2016 after another revision or two. I’m going the hybrid route: my self-published novels are paranormal (eek, I know), and my latest is science fiction with more mass appeal. Also, it has a villain protagonist. Yes, I see your look of complete and utter not-surprise.


9. My one-year-old daughter, Morrigan, is pretty much the cutest thing ever:
   
   
   
   
   You think this is cute? You can't see the little curls she's growing on the back of her head, which would, if I shared them, cause the entire internet to break.


10. Starting two weeks from today, I will be hosting a twice-monthly flash fiction contest. The prizes, at the moment, are increased command of your writing ability as a result of creating an inspired flash piece and a nifty badge proclaiming you won.
    
    Come back on the morning of Friday, September 18^th, for your first writing prompt. You’ll have until Saturday at midnight Eastern to post your story in the comments. I will choose and post a winner by Sunday night.
    
    Note: This contest is just for funsies. My judgments will be based on personal taste and should not be construed as a statement on your talent at the writing craft.
    
    Also, I might invite guest judges and/or introduce more exciting prizes in the future if you guys decide you like the contest.
    
    So show up, is what I’m saying.
    
    And don’t take it personally because funsies.

Thanks for reading. I’ll see you again in a couple weeks!

P.S. Here are some links, in case you're interested:

• My website, which includes Guarding Angel links
• Chat with me on Twitter (I'm on a lot!)
• Like me on FaceBook (I'm not on as much there.)
• Check out  visual representations of my brain on Pinterest
• Are you a book blogger or reviewer? Sign up to help with my cover reveal in about a month or to get a Reaping Angel ARC at the beginning of next year.

Guest Post: Self-Publishing for Author/Illustrators, by Taryn Skipper

Writers write. Illustrators illustrate. Publishers publish. Right? Sure. Unless you’re like me and choose “D, all of the above.” I’m all over the place, and I love it. 

The first book with my name on it was written by someone else who commissioned me to illustrate. The second was a story my son and I came up with at bedtime, and I couldn’t help but illustrate it and put it all together for him. The third was inspired by niece of mine. It rhymes, teaches a moral, and comes as a package deal with the illustrations (I know, so many faux pas). And the fourth doesn’t even have any words yet, just one full-page illustration and a few ideas wafting around it.

While a writer of children’s or picture books may have at least a rough vision for their story’s illustrations, an author/illustrator may very well be composing paintings in her head while writing. Sometimes the illustrations come before the words are even penned.

Our processes may differ, but I think author/illustrators can agree on a couple constants. First, we couldn’t bear to have the stories of our hearts illustrated by some stranger who will probably get everything wrong. Even if that stranger is a better artist than we are, it would feel as if he were taking the brain out of our baby and putting it into the perfectly polished body of someone else’s baby. It would still be half ours, kind of, and it may be beautiful, but all we really want is our own baby, the way we made her. The other constant among us is that we all want our books to be successful. We want people to read them, and love them. We want to be published.

Unfortunately for author/illustrators, publication means that we need to find an agent and/or a publisher who not only loves our story, but loves our illustration style as well. And if they love both of those, they also have to love them together. Every step of the way, our chances of being traditionally published diminish.

So hold out your hopes for traditional publishing, if that’s your end goal, but I suggest considering self-publishing for the following reasons:

You get to finish your book.

Self-publishing means that you get to see your entire project through on your own terms, on your own timeline, and with your own creative touch on every single aspect. You cut out any kind of middleman and get full rights and total control. I do suggest reaching out and gathering all the feedback you can possibly get, but in the end, all the final decisions are yours alone. Cover art, illustrations, revisions--all of it will be exactly how you envisioned it because you’re in charge. Of everything. Which leads me to the next reason to self-publish.

You get to learn about marketing your book.

Cutting out the middleman does mean more work for you. Even if you are traditionally published at some point, no one will ever care about your book as much you do, and even the biggest publishers will expect you to do your part in marketing. So why not learn what you can now, and get a head start? Establish a presence on Facebook, Twitter, and your own blog or website, and start to make friends and build up your networks. Research and experiment and find out what sells for you and what doesn’t. One of my favorite things to do to increase my readership and create publicity for my books is to attend craft fairs and art shows. I sell my art and jewelry and I hold a book signing at the booth for my books. In every event, I sell more copies of my books than anything else. 

Contact libraries, bookstores, toy stores and gift shops to set up readings and book signings. You get to negotiate your own terms and percentages. With every meeting and event, marketing and selling yourself and your book will become easier and more efficient. If you ever land a book deal, you’ll have an advantage, and if you don’t, then at the very least you’re already doing something about getting your book out there yourself.

Self-publishing is totes legit.

There was a time when “self-publishing” was used interchangeably with “vanity publishing.” That time is trying to hang on and occasionally puts up a fuss, but it’s on its way out. Saying that you’re self-published is no longer followed up by that look of “Oh… so not very good, huh.”  In this DIY crowd funded entrepreneurial start-up world, people respect those who go it alone, put their best work out there, and let the people judge for themselves. My first book signing was at the Stanford Children’s Hospital gift shop, and even in such an upscale area, people were impressed, and not disappointed, by my being self-published. When people ask who I publish through and my answer is myself, their curiosity is actually piqued and they want to know more about the process. They then read through the book and almost always buy it. Who cares how it’s published if it’s good? I’ve had a few people buy my books just so they can say, “I knew you when....” Be confident and don’t make excuses for being self-published, but if it helps boost your confidence, use phrases like “cutting out the bureaucracy/red tape” and say “indie author” or “independently published” instead of “self-published.”

If you are interested in traditional publishing someday, be sure to check that your target publishers will accept self-published manuscripts, as there are some who will not. But if they do, and if you’re up for a little adventure, self-publish. You’ll learn a lot about every step of the process, and whether or not a publisher ever picks up your book, you’ll still get it out into the world.

If you ever have any questions about my self-publishing experience, find me at:

Facebook.com/SkipperBooks

www.SkipperBooks.com

@Skipper_Bay on Twitter

Here are my books (I published through CreateSpace, owned by Amazon, and I love it):

The Bear, The Box and the Boy (also available in bilingual English/Spanish, Russian, or Chinese) http://amzn.com/1502493136 

The Girl Who Knew She Was a Princess http://amzn.com/1503321916

And the hand-painted wearable art and miniature paintings I mentioned:

http://Etsy.com/shop/SkipperBay

***********

Taryn is offering a giveaway of one of her books! If you are interested, please let her know in the comments which of her two books you'd like, and include your Twitter handle or e-mail address so she can contact you. Taryn will choose a random winner on Saturday night, so you have until then to enter! International entries are welcome.***********GIVEAWAY CLOSED. Thanks to those who entered!

Wednesday Debut Interview: Traitor Knight by Keith Willis

This week's Wednesday Debut Interview features Keith Willis, talking about his new fantasy novel, Traitor Knight.

First off, tell us a bit about yourself! What's one thing people might not expect about you?

I live and work (and write) in the upper Hudson Valley region of NY. Those rumbling noises attributed to Henry Hudson’s crew bowling? They’re really the sounds of the dragons grumbling. I enjoy campering, canoeing, and cutthroat games of Scrabble with my loving, extraordinarily patient, and encouraging wife Patty.

Scrabble's one of my favorite games, too!

So, how would you describe TRAITOR KNIGHT in one sentence?
TRAITOR KNIGHT is a swashbuckling adventure tinged with romance and humor, and is intended as an homage to Saturday-afternoon-at-the-movies fun.

Sounds fun! How long as this process taken for you, from the time that you began the first draft of this book until the date of its publication?
The idea for the story first came to me in Oct. 2008, when I wondered what would happen if I turned the traditional knight-vs-dragon story on its head: a dragon with the hiccups and a maiden who didn’t want to be rescued—at least not by this particular knight. So the process (including approximately 67 iterations of the book) took roughly seven years. Obviously I wasn’t working on it non-stop that entire time—the first draft probably took about six months. After that it was just revision after revision, in between bouts of saying ‘ah, the hell with it’ and putting it aside to molder for a while. Before being inexorably dragged back into that world again. There was always something about these characters that just resonated with me, and I couldn’t get away from them.

Your book contains knights, castles, dragons, and magic! What's your favorite aspect of the world you created?
I think it would have to be the dragon, Wyvrndell. Although he doesn’t have a huge role in TRAITOR KNIGHT [spoiler alert—he makes another appearance in Book 2, with a much larger impact], I think he’s a really fun character, and the people that have read the book so far have wanted more Wyvrndell. He’s a little sardonic, a bit snarky, and feels vastly superior to the humans he comes into contact with. And yet deep down, he’s a little wistful and a bit lonely. And he gave me a sense of the magic that imbues the kingdom of Kilbourne.

What character did you most enjoy writing?
Although the main focal character is Morgan McRobbie, the titular ‘traitor knight’, I think I actually enjoyed writing the character of Marissa duBerry’s the most. It was really challenging trying to get inside a feminine mind – especially one as quick and acerbic as Marissa’s. Hopefully I did a good job of it, but the jury’s still out. I will say that Marissa is not based on anyone I happen to know (or to be married to). She has spunk and spark. I like to think she’s rather a product of the young women of Wodehouse, Christie, and Heyer—blithe and bantering, impetuous and loyal, a bit wary of conformity, and able to hold her own with the men of her society. And she packs a killer slap—just ask Morgan.

Every writer experiences some rejection and setbacks along the way. How did you learn to cope with them and move on?
I think the best thing a writer can take away from rejection is to view it as a tool for moving forward.

First off, never take things personally. Rejection doesn’t mean you’re an awful writer, or that your story stinks. And if a response ever tells you that, you’ve obviously picked on someone you really don’t want to deal with anyway. But I have to say that every reply I got during the eighty-ump times I sent out a query, whether a rejection or a request for pages, was courteous and encouraging. But generally a rejection just means that a) it didn’t fit that agent/editor’s wish list at that moment in time; or b) your manuscript needs more work to get it to the point where it will garner interest (and requests).

Secondly, I always maintained an attitude of optimistic persistence (or perhaps pure pig-headedness). And that can be really tough sometimes, when you get three rejections in one day. But I was always certain that I had an entertaining story to tell, and that it just needed to resonate with the right person. So I kept revising both manuscript and query letter, over a period of six years. I looked on every scrap of feedback I got from agents and editors as an opportunity for improvement, and examined my manuscript to see if and where I needed to make changes. And changes. And changes. Trying each time to make it just that little bit better, so the next time I sent out a query it might be The One That Leads to Yes.

How did you find your publisher? What makes them a good fit for you and your book?
I connected with my publisher through Twitter, of all things. I’d been slogging through the query trenches, as so many of us do, and then stumbled on a Twitter contest--a pitch party where authors with completed, polished MS’s tweet pitches of their story to agents and editors. I jumped in, got a couple of favorites and send out requested pages, which were subsequently rejected. And from there I was hooked. I entered another, and another, and then landed on Brenda Drake’s #pitmad. Cassie Knight, the senior editor from Champagne Book Group, favorited one of my pitches and requested a full MS. I sent it off without thinking too much about it. I had a several partials out, and a couple of fulls, and was focused on those. So when Cassie sent me an email on 10/1/14 (at 3:10pm, to be exact) with an offer of contract I was flabbergasted; overjoyed; and nervous as a cat in a strange alley.

Champagne is a good fit for me (and TK) because they do publish quite a bit of SFF—they even have a separate imprint (BURST) just for that genre. And they seem genuinely appreciative of their stable of writers, and eager to work with them as much as possible. I could have self pubbed, but I really wanted to go with a traditional publisher who would provide both editorial and art-work support, and I have to say I’ve been very happy with both aspects.

Tell us about your cover! How much say did you have in it? What do you want it to tell your readers about your story?
I do have a cover (just revealed on 8/7/15, thanks to lots of my writer friends on Twitter who helped to publicize it on their blogs). One of the first things my publisher asked for was a cover art data sheet—descriptions of the characters, setting, etc., along with a log-line. They hired the artist, gave them my info, and turned her loose to create. And I have to say that I think the cover is amazing. I love the sense of power and menace that it exudes, and I think the log-line (Lies…Betrayal…Deception… And that’s just the good guys) gives a hint of the humor inherent in the story.

Tell us about the title: TRAITOR KNIGHT. Was this the original title you'd had in mind? If not, what made you change it?
My original title was PASSION’S KNIGHT—but that was back during in one of the earliest iterations, when I hadn’t really realized exactly what the story was, and was focused more on the romance aspect (with a pretty high heat level). As I dug deeper into the story, I realized that the major focal point was really on Morgan, a man with a strict sense of honor, having to become (at least in appearance) his total opposite, in order to protect his kingdom by betraying it. I liked the dichotomy of the juxtaposition of the two words in the title—the concept of ‘knight’ as honorable and just, paired with ‘traitor’. In addition, it was a bit of wordplay, as much of the book takes place during the night-time hours, thus lending itself to the notion of ‘traitor night’ as well.

What's next for you after this book debuts? I noticed on your blog that TRAITOR KNIGHT will be a trilogy. Are you working on anything else as well?
I’m well into Book 2 of the Knights of Kilbourne series—I essentially had thought it was finished, but I ended up making so many changes to TRAITOR KNIGHT that they predicated corresponding changes in the second volume, and I’m not quite sure how I’m going to work those out. I know the beginning and the ending, but I’ve got a bit of work to do to get from point A to point C. I also have a fairly good start on Book 3, but I’m absolutely a seat-of-the-pants plotter, so I’m waiting to see what my characters tell me about where the story goes.

How does it feel to finally have your book out in the hands of readers? Do you have any events planned you want people to know about?
The book actually won’t be released (digitally) until September 8th, a date I’m eagerly counting down towards. I’ll be working hard in the next days to set up a couple of release parties—one at a local (Albany NY) SFF bookstore, and another at my local library (I have a good in with them, since I used to be on the FOL Board for a number of years). I also have a giveaway going, where people can sign up via rafflecopter to win a digital copy of the book when it’s released.

http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/6f03957e0/

After I’ve met a threshold of e-book sales, my publisher will look at doing a print version. At that point, I’m planning to go on the road with my wife and our camper, traveling around to bookstores and libraries in the New England area to do readings and promote the book however I can.

Is there any other advice you'd like to pass on to others pursuing publication? Anything you would have done differently?
I think the only thing I would have done differently (had I but known) would have been to connect with the amazing community of writers on Twitter earlier. So many people there have been such a blessing to me, offering help, encouragement, support, and laughs. And hopefully I’ve given some of that back in return. It’s a pay-it-forward kind of environment, and it’s fabulous.

In terms of advice, I think the best thing I can offer is –don’t give up. Keep writing, keep revising, and keep faith in your story. Learn all you can, from anyone you can, and appreciate both the good times and the bad. Because it’s all part of the process, and we all go through it.

And, just for fun: which author or celebrity do you think would enjoy reading TRAITOR KNIGHT and why?
A posthumous one—PG Wodehouse, the grand master of English comedy. I’ve always felt that TRAITOR KNIGHT was fantasy in a slightly Wodehousian mode, and hopefully he would appreciate it.

Thank you so much for your participation in this Wednesday Debut Interview!

Thank you for joining us and congrats on your debut!

Readers, buy your copy here: http://champagnebooks.com/store/index.php?id_product=586&controller=product

---------------------------

If you are an author looking forward to your debut sometime between December 2015 and June 2016 and are interested in being part of our Wednesday Debut Interview feature, please contact me at wendynikel at gmail dot com with your book title, category, genre, publisher, and release date.

NaNoWriMo Prep: Using Writing Craft Books

NaNoWriMo starts in two months! Who's excited?
*crickets*
What do you mean, you haven't even started thinking about NaNoWriMo yet?

I am a four-time NaNo winner who loves November with all her chilly little heart (I live in Wyoming--it's cold here in November). I also started doing Camp NaNo this year, both the April and July sessions. The first year, I pantsed my way through 50K. Second year was the same. The third time, I tried to spend fifteen minutes each night outlining where I would go the next night. By the fourth year, I converted to outlining, spending September and October laying out each scene for that year's project.
I completed and polished both the novels from year one and year four, and after both editing experiences I can definitely say that editing the outlined book was amazingly easier. So I am a confirmed planner now (sorry, Team PANTS).
But wait! Don't go away, pansters! I have a little something for everyone today. Whether you like to go into NaNo with a fully-outlined novel or just the hint of an idea, you can still begin your preparation now.
I didn't discover writing craft books until I'd been aimlessly writing for a few years. I always had this notion that writing was something that couldn't be taught; you either had the skill, or you didn't.
SO NOT TRUE.
You can develop your skills, and one tool for doing so is reading books about how to write. Whether they are the musing type, like Stephen King's On Writing, or the practical how-to type, you can find something that works for you. Maybe punctuation is not your thing, and the thought of having to copy edit 50K+ words makes you die a little inside. Spend September and October reading a grammar and punctuation book! Have a great idea for a plot, but not sure how to flesh it out with meaningful characters? Pick up a book on developing your characters! Or maybe you are like me, where a premise comes easily to you, but plotting a beginning, middle, and end is a struggle. There are books out there that will help you shape your plot! I love Blake Snyder's Save the Cat!, even though it's technically a screenwriting book. Sound off in the comments with your favorite writing craft books!
This is your assignment for the next two weeks, should you choose to accept it: Find a book on writing that plays to your weaknesses, and READ IT.
I'll be back in two weeks with our next prep topic: Brainstorming.

Writer's Block Tutorial by Em Hacker

If you were intrigued by the Writer's Block I featured in my post two days ago, then you are lucky because Em wrote up a tutorial so you can make one for yourself! Check it out!
-Kara
************

Writer’s Block sounds like a disease.

“I’m sorry; I can’t go to work today. I have Writer’s Block.”

Writers would probably agree that it is a disease. A disease brought on when Creativity decides to disown you and you stare at blank pages with a blank mind and feel as blank as both.

So what does a writer do when Block knocks on the door and then smothers Creativity right there in front of your face? Convulse a little? Probably. Scream? Definitely. And then write!

“But my page, mind, and self are all blank right now,” you reply.

Well, of course they are. Creativity just died right in front of you. Blank is an appropriate response. But Creativity is a curious creature, and has more lives than a cat. Or a few hundred of them. So revive it. And get yourself a Writer’s Block. To fix . . . Writer’s Block.

Commence dazed expressions now.

A Writer’s Block is a life-saving device I use on a regular basis. The idea of it was first introduced to me by a teacher. I took said idea . . . and ran with it. Seriously, I had to make myself a new Block just for this tutorial because mine was so beat up. I had to. Yeah. We’ll go with that.

What I got from my teacher was an extremely tiny box that contained a few foil-wrapped items.

I nicknamed it Writer’s Block – because irony has a place in my life. But a few bouts of actual Writer’s Block later, and . . . the foil objects were gone!

Duh, duh, duh!!!

So I made myself a new, much more official Writer’s Block. And I decorated him with the desiccated remains of an old book.

Gasp!

What?!?!?

I guess I forgot to warn you that a book died in the making of this Writer’s Block. But calm down, I already own a fully-functional copy of said book. This one was rather haggard, a bit stained, and rescued from the free section at my local public library. Rescued, and then tortured at the hands of yours truly, true. But my Writer’s Block looks fabulous.

And while we’re at it, I craft with books frequently. You should see my book pumpkins. But not right now.

SOOOOOO, let’s get started.

(1) Go to the dollar store and buy one of these.

Lovely. And now that it’s yours, it is no longer a box. It is a Block. Guard it like a dragon hoarding treasure.

This is my Writer’s Block.

(2) Now you need to rescue a little victim to torture. Don’t worry, it will only hurt a little. On the inside. Way down deep. In your soul! Now, tear out some pages. Just close your eyes and do it. Do it! Don’t worry, you’ll feel okay again eventually. Maybe this will help: tear the pages into smaller pieces.

If you passed out, I’ll give you time to recover. Oh, who are we kidding? You’re reading. I don’t have to give you anything. Hey, you’re conscious again! Welcome back. I’m still here.

(3) For this next step, you will need Mod Podge. Mod Podge is awesome. Or, make your own DIY Mod Podge at home. Using a paint brush – that has never before befriended a jar of paint, nor has intentions of doing so in the future; aka, brand new – spread a thin layer of Mod Podge across a portion of your Block. Then place a few of your crying book page pieces on the Mod Podge.

This process is called decoupage. Keep going.

And going.

And going.

If you just pictured the Energizer Bunny, then you’re awesome. Keep going.

Hey, look, you’re done. I was totally done first, but no one’s keeping score. This is like Preschool Soccer. Just kick the ball.

Besides, you’re not actually done.

(4) Let your block dry. All the way. Don’t get antsy. Be patient. It doesn’t actually take very long. Oh, and rinse your brush, or the Mod Podge will dry on it, and it will be good for nothing . . . but the trash can.

(5) Spread a thin layer of Mod Podge over the entire Block, and let it dry again. If you do this step before Step 4, your Writer’s Block will suddenly look like an old man who loves the sun (wrinkled!) so don’t do it. Also, don’t set your wet Block down on anything, or it will be sad. And stuck. Do it in stages. Or do something like this:

This would also be the stage where you can personalize your Writer’s Block. You have to re-do Step 4 if you get fancy, though, so be warned! Add some of your favorite quotes. This one’s my favorite, and a must for me. It goes around the top of my Block. Because it’s funny. And oh, so true.

Okay, now let it dry.

Ta-da!

I’m messing with you, it still isn’t done.

(6) Fill the box. Only you can’t fill the box!

“Excuse me?” you say.

Sorry, but you can’t.

Recruit family and friends. Ask them to gather random things for you. They can be items from around the house, or lost things found on the road, or in the parking lot at work, or at the grocery store. Anything is game, so long as it fits inside. And is legal. And isn’t alive.

Sometimes I send my kiddos outside with small sheets of foil.

It’s not weird. Seriously, neighbors. Not. Weird!

Seeing an object through the eyes of a child is like being handed a freshly-baked character on a cookie sheet: deliciously perfect. The kind of character you can practically hear, smell, see, touch, and even taste . . . if you’re into that.

My husband has also been tasked with the lifelong thrill of sneaking random goodies into my Writer’s Block. And some of the best “objects” that have ever been wrapped for me are pictures. A picture is worth a thousand words, right? So write them down!

Look! My family and friends love me.

But . . . oh, dear. This won’t do at all. These things are naked. Don’t let your friends and family give them to you like this! That would be scandalous! Make sure they know to wrap each item in aluminum foil. You don’t want to see them before you need them, or the Writer’s Block will lose all magic.

Much better! These lovely, foil-wrapped mysteries may now be placed inside your Writer’s Block. And let everyone know that they can give you foil-wrapped offerings at any time, on any day . . . for the rest of your life!

And now you’re set! Forever. When Creativity is murdered at your feet and you find yourself Blocked, grab your Writer’s Block. Take a deep breath, reach inside, and pull out a foil of mystery. Open it up.

And then WRITE!

Write the first thing that comes to mind. And then keep writing! The surprises in your Writer’s Block are like tiny defibrillators for Creativity. They shock it to life again, and before you know it, your fingers will be flying across the paper. Or keyboard. Or phone, as is usually the case for me. Writer’s Block thusly banished . . . by a Writer’s Block!

Happy Writing! 
***********


This is me.

Em!


I have been writing since I could wield a pencil. The thrill and magic of that pencil is that it can be anything - a sword, a wand, or even a crutch. Stories skulk through my skull. They live in my veins. They permeate the air I breathe.


If I didn't let them out, I'd probably be strapped down in a mental institution. And not the kind we have today; the old ones, that have succumbed to time, and have seedy pasts. My bed would be the moldy one in the corner.


Except that I write! So I'm insane, but not clinical.


And I'm me! Mom to three. Wife. Quirky and proud of it.


Writer.


Me.

Wednesday Debut Interview: A Clear Solution by Eric McFarlane

Today's Wednesday Debut Interview features Eric McFarlane and his humorous adult crime novel, A Clear Solution, which is now available from Accent Press.

Tell us a bit about yourself, Eric!
First, Wendy, thanks for having me on Operation Awesome. Ignoring the writing, I'm a chemistry graduate who worked for the same company for many years in the Pharmaceutical industry, latterly as laboratory manager. After redundancy I had several other jobs in the sector before throwing in the towel and starting a business selling stamps over the internet. This is how I currently find an income, not, sadly, through my writing.


Tell us about A CLEAR SOLUTION!
The book’s unlikely hero is Daniel Dreghorn, chemistry technician, a man with the knack of being in the wrong place at the wrong time. A series of deaths are incorrectly attributed to him and as a result a clutch of his crazy colleagues and acquaintances believe he may be able to help them with their own nefarious schemes. These to include unwanted spouse disposal, exam paper theft and drug production.

In a single sentence: If it can happen it will.


The main character of A CLEAR SOLUTION is a lab technician — have you had experience working in science labs?
Most of my working life has been spent in laboratories. It was a natural background for my first novel.

Between chemical labs, homicidal bank managers, and crime... what part of this book required the most research?

I must admit to always keeping research to a minimum in anything I write. I knew I was ok with the setting. Homicidal bank managers? – well, who doesn’t know one of those? I did some research into the effect of cyanide poisoning but for the most part I just made it up as I went along.


Let's talk a bit about your publishing journey. How long as this process taken for you, from the first draft until publication date?
A long time! The novel was started more than 15 years ago as an antidote to redundancy. I also began to write short stories. Then I read a comment somewhere to the effect that there was no market for comedy. So why am I writing comedy? I dropped A Clear Solution and started writing a thriller. This in turn was dropped when I had an idea for a novelisation of an SF short story I had written. Then, unbelievably to me now, I launched into yet another novel length project. At this point I stopped and gave myself a shake. You’ve got to finish something. So A Clear Solution it was, being the project nearest completion.

After more months of editing I finally found enough courage to send out to a couple of agents with the inevitable result. Over the next few years it was turned down by more than 50 agents and publishers. Although there were a few positive comments it was dispiriting and I put A Clear Solution aside. During this time I had completed my crime thriller and started to concentrate on finding a market for that. Then I heard about Accent Press in a writing magazine and that they were looking for crime novels. A Clear Solution is firstly a humorous novel but crimes happen in it so why not. I sent it away and forgot about it.

I remembered about it during a holiday in Australia when checking my e-mails. There was a note from an Accent Press editor who was reading my submission and liked it. Could I send the rest?

Could I? Well no, I couldn’t, not until I returned to the UK three weeks later but that didn’t seem to be a problem. The surreal element was that this editor, working for the Welsh Accent Press, was currently living not 50 miles from where I was staying in Melbourne. Now it’s on the shelves. As I say, a long time!


Wow! That is quite the journey! Every writer experiences some rejection and setbacks along the way. How did you learn to cope with them and move on?
If you’re going to write for publication then you’re going to be rejected. It’s harsh but that’s how it is and every writer has to find their own way to cope. Personally I’ve never had a problem with coping. It’s your fiction that’s being rejected not you. If you try to understand the writing industry as it is now and the economic situation you’ll learn not to take it personally.


What makes Accent Press and your editor(s) there a good fit for you and your book?
Accent Press are I believe among a growing number of smaller publishers who are able to take a chance on novels which are not mainstream and would be turned down by the larger companies.

Tell us about your cover. It's been awhile since I took chemistry, but I like how the title is written a bit like a chemical equation. Who designed it? How much say did you have in it? What do you want it to tell your readers about your story?
The cover came from Accent Press, I had no hand in it but thought it was great as soon as I saw it. It includes many aspects of the novel; humor, chemistry and murder.


Was A CLEAR SOLUTION the original title you'd had in mind for this story? If not, tell us about how it came to be titled that.
A Clear Solution was my title for the book from the start although I didn’t think of it until the first draft was finished. Accent were happy with it. It has several meanings which are combined by the end of the novel. To say any more would be a spoiler.


Can you tell us about some of the things you been working on between signing a contract for A CLEAR SOLUTION and its release? What about the post-book-deal process been most surprising for you?

I had already completed a sequel to the novel when it was taken up so am doing final edits on it.

I also have an SF novel I’d love to see published and have been tweaking that. I’m also in the middle of a comedy crime novel with a female lead character. I’ve been surprised at how much time book promotion has taken up, seriously digging into writing time.


How does it feel to finally have your book out in the hands of readers?
It feels fantastic. I always believed in the book, the friends who had read it liked it but now I know for sure it was good enough to be published and that’s a great feeling


Is there any other advice you'd like to pass on to others pursuing publication? Anything you would have done differently?
Don’t give up! See my comment above about rejections. But DO listen to advice. Actively look for criticism and if several people say the same thing they are probably right so act on it. When you’ve finished something don’t concentrate exclusively on looking for publication. Write something else. The more you write the better you get at ANY stage of your career from beginner to best-seller.


And, just for fun, since the blurb mentions a particular doughnut that may not be all it seems to be, what's your favorite type of doughnut?
Coated with sugar and oozing cream of course. Ah that reminds me, coffee break.


Thanks so much for joining us!

Readers of crime & humor -- pick up Eric McFarlane's book here: http://amzn.to/1FNkp38

---------------------------

If you are an author looking forward to your debut sometime between December 2015 and June 2016 and are interested in being part of our Wednesday Debut Interview feature, please contact me at wendynikel at gmail dot com with your book title, category, genre, publisher, and release date.

Tuesday = Museday

I have a really crafty writer friend named Em. She used to live around the corner from me, and when she moved she gave me an awesome present: a writer's block! No, no, hear me out. It's a good thing. She took a box and modge-podged pages of an old book (sacrilege, but we'll make an exception because it looks cool) all over it. Then she wrapped little things in tin foil to go inside the box. The idea is that whenever I am not feeling creative, or need a writing prompt, I can take something at random out of the box and work with it. What a cool gift for a writer!

So this is my virtual writer's block. Take the prompt below, and incorporate it into your WIP (work in progress). Or write a flash fiction story about it. Or think about something completely unrelated and use that to fuel your writing.
For fun, put an excerpt from whatever you do with the prompt on your blog, and link to it in the comments. One random person will win a query critique from me! If you want the critique, include your Twitter handle so I can contact you easily (and so I know you are interested in the critique).

Garden of the Gods, Colorado Springs

Beta Readers

Do you ever look back on yourself from the early days of your writing journey and just think, "Aww... I didn't know a thing back then!"
I remember when I first decided that I would make a real effort towards getting my work published. I knew it would be important to have other people read my book and give me feedback, but I had no writer friends at the time. So I put out an open call on Facebook, and sent it off to a few friends, my little sister, and my grandmother. Grandma, who pretty much only reads mysteries, never made it past the first chapter of my New Adult contemporary.

This is my grandma. I will love her forever for introducing me to Agatha Christie. If you need a beta reader for a cozy mystery, she's your woman.

The feedback from most of my friends was "This is really great! It's like a real book!" You can imagine what that did for the ole ego.
So, like the overeager fool I was, I started querying. Fortunately, I also got involved in the writing community on Twitter, and discovered the importance of having both critique partners and beta readers.
A critique partner is exactly what it sounds like: a partner. Usually there is an exchange of work. Critique partners are people who write and are familiar with the publishing industry. You don't feel guilty about nagging them over and over about your first paragraph because they get it.
But what about a beta reader?
As the "beta" part implies, a beta reader is not your first pass reader. A beta reader should be reading the most polished version of your manuscript, one that has been edited several times and already been seen by your critique partners. Don't waste your beta readers on picking up typos (though I always tell mine to mark it if one jumps out at them). Have them read your manuscript as if it were a book they picked up off the shelf.
Find beta readers with expertise in the areas of your book that stretch you, and have them help you make those scenes more realistic. For example, my sister is in her fourth year of vet school, so she helped me immensely with the vet clinic scenes in the book I'm currently querying. The book I'm working on right now is set in the area of upstate NY where I went to elementary school. I don't know what it's like to live there as an adult. So when I'm done, I'll reach out to one of my friends from elementary school on Facebook and ask her to evaluate that aspect of the book. Beta readers are great tools for developing diversity in your work as well. Be bold! Write that character with a different race, sexual orientation, or socioeconomic status than your own! Then have a beta reader (or two!) from that group help you with accuracy and sensitivity.
Beta readers are a valuable tool in the editing process. When you receive feedback from one, thank them graciously. And don't forget to include them in the acknowledgements when you finally get published!

After I initially wrote this post, I read an article in the October 2015 issue of Writer's Digest on beta readers. It's by Amy Sue Nathan, and it really goes in-depth on the topic of finding and keeping beta readers. I'd really recommend it to anyone interested in learning more!