Musings of a Hopeful Author

In the hope of maybe trying to get my story published, I have started researching query letters and best practices.  I think they might be harder than resume and cover letter writing combined.  And we all know those are painful.  I think every aspect of it is difficult. First, I have to be able to sum up the entire story in 1-2 paragraphs. Second, I have to be able to explain why it's a good fit for the agent to whom I'm sending the query.  Third, I have to list my own credentials as a writer. Fourth, I need to list reasons why my story fits a specific genre and why people who like that genre will like my story. And fifth, I have have to list the length. As if any one of these were not hard enough, I also feel that I will be held to an industry standard that my story doesn't exactly fit.  Granted, that's part of the reason I wrote the story.  It fills a gap, in my mind at least, where a lot of stories could be told. The word count is brutal....

So, in the time since my last post I have not been idle.  Only a few self-congratulatory pats on the back for finishing the first draft were given before doing a few more edits and sending it out to a select few friends for feedback and typo/grammar checks.  While not wanting to spend each moment waiting for them to finish (and not wanting to apply undue pressure by asking about progress), I have started on my next story. (EXACTLY MY POINT!!) My latest story, which currently has been outlined about 80% of the way (at a high level) is a live interview with a former President and First Lady by the host of a Dateline-esque type show.  The fictitious former President and his wife were extremely popular during his time in office, and have decided to come out of their incredibly private existence away from the public eye to give an interview in honor of the 20th anniversary of his presidency.  The interview, done through the eyes of the anchor, will go through th...

After months of brainstorming, thinking, and writing, I've finally gotten the first take of the first draft of my angel story done!  I've felt like this ever since I finished. Now, though, it's time to really buckle down and start editing that first draft to get it in a bit better shape and add in the little bits here and there I realized I needed as the story progressed.  But for just a little while longer, I am going to simply enjoy the excitement of having finished a draft.

Has it really been two months since my last post?  Where does the time go?  Well, while I might have been neglecting to post on here, I was not neglecting to write at home.  I am now working on Chapter 30 of what I can only see being a book of 32-34 chapters.  34 sounds like a lot when I say it like that, but what I mean is there are only a few chapters left before I have to go back in and make a few global changes.  After that the real fun begins; EDITING!! For now, though, let's get you caught up on what's going on.  In Part III, a few years have past since where Part II left off.  All of the characters have moved forward in their lives and are on various paths with varying degrees of success.  I won't give you more than that, but most are happy, some are fine with the status quo, while still others want more.  Life, so to speak. There are few more emotional twists in this part than the others, which makes sense now that you know the ch...

As I near the end of Part 2 of my Angels story, I cannot help but note the differences between it and Part 1.  There is a difference in POVs for one thing, but not enough that it draws your attention, but more of a feel that there is a certain inevitability to some story lines and characters.  Will Luc keep his word and not go nuts on someone in a jealous rage when the man in question flirts with Amelia, talks to her, looks at her, touches her, or even kisses her?  Will Ray say something to Amelia against Luc?  Will Peyton find happiness?  Will Mick and Gabe have a greater role to play in the story?  Will they meet Luc?  What will happen to Mason?  Is he really going to be allowed to help Amelia in her theatrical pursuits?  More than those questions, I think you feel a darker turn in the story.  It's subtle, because there is a lot of happiness and joy in Part 2.  It's more of a feeling that things cannot continue on because too...

As chapter 19 drew to an end, I couldn't help but think through the many faces of Luc D'Angelo.  He's the suave, handsome, wealthy, and eternally confidant man Amelia meets in New York at the start of the journey, and yet he's also willing to do what it takes to make a good impression on those Nebraska farmers by rolling up his sleeves and helping out.  Can you picture the two men? Here's sort of how I envision Luc in scenario 1:     And this is sort of how I envision Luc in scenario 2: But one of my favorite imaginings of Luc in all of his forms is him with Amelia.

What am I talking about?  Well, it's Part 2 in Book 1 of my Angels story, and we have left the city streets long behind to see different views of the world.  Amelia travels home to Nebraska, taking friends and the story with her, while Peyton struggles to start a new life in Arkansas.  Unlike Part 1, Part 2 goes back and forth between the perspectives of the sisters in order to show the similarities and differences they are experiencing as a result of the choices they have made.  The return to Nebraska is to show what and who they left behind rather than just referring to them in passing every so often. Old wounds are opened/healed/suppressed just as new experiences are gained, loves experienced, and hurts made.  While not everyone might enjoy the journey, a great deal growth should touch of the characters in some way or another.  At least that's the hope.  Who knows what folks will actually think?!  

As I finally turn my attention from Part I to Part II of what is anticipated to be III parts of this book, I thought it might be nice to introduce you to some of the places we've visited thus far and will be visiting in future chapters. Here are a few images to get you in the right mindset for the time period. Ellingsworth, Nebraska (or similar such images) - Amelia and Peyton's hometown New York City, 1910 - Amelia's home when she grows up Gideon, Arkansas - Peyton's home when she grows up These might seem like obscure or random places at the moment, but they will become more real in the story if/when you read through it.  The orchard will play particular significance for Peyton, so keep an eye out for it in Part II.

Mr. Darcy's Little Sister by C. Allyn Pierson My rating: 3 of 5 stars While I did enjoy this book, I don't think that it necessarily went that well with Pride and Prejudice. Yes, it used several of the same base characters, but I think it would have been better to have invented a whole new group and develop relationship points on its own while borrowing some (like having duel dual guardians) when needed. Why do I think this? Mainly because she changed the voices of characters like Elizabeth and Darcy. While she described their personalities in a way that supported their original depiction, their dialogue was just different. I also felt that the use of "my dear" and other such endearments in nearly every conversation made for a slightly annoying read. By the end of the book, I almost felt as though any dialogue that didn't have such a qualifier must have accidentally slipped through the cracks, and I hated having such a petty feeling about a book I otherwi...