Nano 33.3333, Forward! and Retreats.

We're about a third of the way into Nanowrimo and wherever you are in the process, give yourself a pat on the back. Whether you're ahead of the curve, racing to catch up or extending your plan into December, the fact that you've put words to page is a great start. 

I've spent a lot of time these past few weeks writing away at my local Starbucks and it's been productive but the start of November also means the start of Christmas season and there's only so much seasonal music I can take. 

As important as it is to find time to write by yourself, sometimes it's great to be with like minds and in a setting totally different from the norm. 

Enter the writing retreat. 

It's a great opportunity not only to write but to meet new people or spend time with old friends. The bonus is breaks usually include scenic tours, great stories and a glass or two of wine. 

Not all of us can afford to take a week off to the mountains of Colorado or the vineyards of Tuscany but have no fear, there are mini-retreats usually right at home. 

Here are a few to give your search a boost. 

Gifts of the Night Writing Retreat - November 15 in San Diego with Judy Reeves

The Art and Craft of Children's Book Writing - July 2016 in Martha's Vineyard with renown editor Emma Dryden

Breakout Novel - April 2016 in Hood River, Oregon with Donald Maass

Looking for something in screenwriting? Try:

Nosara Screenwriting Retreat - May 2016 in Costa Rica with Bill Boyle

Check out your local writing groups for news on what's in your neck of the woods. 

Happy Nano-ing!

In the News: Revisions & Releases

Everyone yearns for that day when they type the last word of their manuscript and then stamp it with a big THE END! But sadly, we know the last word is usually the start of an even harder process.. REVISION!

We may take a few weeks off, come back and review. It's always great to look at a manuscript with fresh eyes.  But it's important to get different perspectives as well.  Whether it be from a writing group or other peers, the opinions of others are important.  

I am a big fan of the independent editor. Mostly because I've been lucky enough to know a few great ones.  From Lorin Oberweger at Free Expressions to Emma Dryden.  Yes, there is a cost to their services but the benefit of professional fresh eyes is invaluable.  

It doesn't matter if you're fifteen or fifty, revision is an important part of the writing process.  The blog Two Teachers Writing does a great job of providing an outline of the importance of revision and how to entice kids to go through the process in their own writing.  It's an article that I think is still relevant for those of us well beyond the high school years. 

It's during this phase of revision that we also go through the crazy neurotic process of comparing ourselves to others.  "OMG, I can't believe I wrote that crap." seems to be something I hear myself saying often.  Especially with all the Facebook groups and industry communities that we tend to be a part of, another person's success is often taken as our own personal failure.  Emma Dryden's post is a nice reminder that we don't have to play that game. 

Finally, a little bit of release news. I'm so proud of editor and friend Lorin Oberweger and the release of the third book in her BOOMERANG series BOUNCE!   Written under the pen name Noelle August with New York Times Best Selling Author Veronica Rossi, new adult novel BOUNCE follows Skylar and Grey who's budding relationship is anything but another girl goes gaga and drools over boy kind of book.  Check it out here! 

Industry Month In Review: You, Me, and Millennials

For those of us on the East coast, we're just now starting to breath a sigh of relief as six foot snowbanks make way for bright sunny skies and warmer weather.  So what better time to take a look at that manuscript you're working on with fresh eyes and a new perspective.  

One way is to take a look at your manuscript and it's potential audience.  Are you speaking to the Millennial generation?  If so, then you should make sure you're addressing their needs.  While this article in Marketplace speaks more to overall marketing to Millennials, there are quotes that hold true for story tellers as well.

MaryLeigh Bliss, a trends editor and strategic consultant with Ypulse, a youth marketing and research firm, says for Millennials, story is key.  

"Making it more than just a product, you know it gives it a background that you can connect with emotionally rather than it just being a thing," she says.

Bliss says Millennials likes to share experiences. They don't like to show off. So her advice to marketers –stop trying to promote your brand, and instead, focus on emotion.

So how do you know that you're manuscript is speaking to your audience?  I'm sure the majority of you are participating in helpful critique groups (whether locally or virtually).  These groups can provide great insight, but in some cases they can also veer you off from the right path.  It's important to assess from time to time the critique group you're a part of . Is it providing you with the right level of support and information?  

Emma Dryden, editor/publisher consultant extraordinaire provides a great recipe for a good critique group in her latest blog post.  I particularly like her final note:

Every once in a while, it's a good idea to add a one-time ingredient to this recipe, such as a professional editor or published author who will provide a new voice and perspective to the discussion. 

Now not everyone has access to professional editors or published authors but even a fresh addition or another writer from a different genre may help you see things you would not have seen otherwise. 

Finally, what's spring without the announcement of a highly anticipated new release?  So excited that Noelle August's (pen name for New York Times Best-Selling author Veronica Rossie and the truly talented independent editor Lorin Oberweger) first novel Boomerang is set to release July 15th.  It promises to be chalk full of romance, drama and titillating urban adventure. Can't wait to see what August has in store for us this summer!

Industry Review: Trains, Planes & Books!

This has got to be the highest trending topic for writers this week (besides the Olympics - congratulations Team Canada & Team U.S.A!). Amtrak's Writer's Residencies Program has got everyone uber excited. I bet there's not a writer out there who's not sitting at their desk daydreaming about a getaway to write while traversing the American countryside - for FREE! Well…the first two were anyway.  But the cool thing is, this all started on social media and with enough support, this could become a regular program (Canada Via Rail - hear that? *hint* *hint*). 

If you had a chance to book a train or flight to catch SCBWI's New York Conference this weekend, you were in for a treat! From sold out intensives like "For Writers: Plot and Structure in Fiction" moderated by veteran editor and publisher Emma Dryden to thought provoking keynote speeches by poet and best selling author Nikki Grimes and best selling author Kate Messner, this year's New York Conference was not one to miss. BUT, if you did, fear not. You can catch all the highlights on the official SCBWI conference blog.  

Fall may be quite some time away, but if you're planning a trip and you're looking for reading material, there are some great novels headed your way.  Publishers Weekly just released it's Fall 2014 Children's Sneak Previews.  Special shout out to author/friend Martina Boone who's Beholden will be published by S&S/Pulse. 

Now finally, everyone can enjoy a little downtime from all the activities these past few weeks and bask in their new found SCBWI knowledge and Olympic glow (hopefully aboard a scenic train ride across some great states ;)). 

The Independent Editor: My Not-So-Secret Weapon

You've passed on dinner with friends, avoided the gym and skipped out on family events but it's all been worth it cause now you're finally done! You type those two little words "the end" and sit back to admire your pièce de résistance...at least for a minute.  Then you press send and forward it to your beta readers and writing group for feedback.

 

A few weeks later, the responses trickle in. 

Mother's friend's daughter: "Fantastic! Wouldn't change a word!"

Your bestie Director of HR: "I think chapter four should be chapter one and chapter six should be chapter twelve and chapter two should be at the end."

Writing group friend extraordinaire: Love your protagonist but I'm having trouble believing your antagonist and losing interest in the second third of your manuscript.

You scan the replies and scratch your head (maybe even pull out a hair or ten).  What does this all mean? Where do you start? Who do you listen to?

At times like this, you wish you had someone to lean on, someone who really knew the business and the minds of the editors and agents alike.  Someone who's like an editor but will give you the detailed feedback you need to make your book that much better.

Well, there is, and you do.

Cue *angels singing from heaven*

These fine folks are known as independent editors.  Individuals who are not publishers or agents but who've worked in the business for years as publishers, editors and/or writers and who are in tune with the ins and outs of the industry.  Be it a synopsis, outline or full manuscript, you can hire these editors to review your work and provide feedback.

Wait...hold on.  I know what you're thinking.  You want me to shell out my hard earned money to get another person to read my book and give me notes? 

The answer: yes, and here's why.

Your manuscript is your baby and you've spent countless hours caring for and nurturing your story.  If time is money, then you've already invested at least the equivalent of a down payment on a country home.  An indie editor will help you take your manuscript to the next level.  They will identify those areas that don't work not because they "feel" it doesn't work but because they know the reasons why it doesn't work.  They will ask the hard questions (you know, the ones that your husband/child/sister wouldn't dare ask) and provide the guidance you need to improve not just your manuscript but also your writing skills.

Jackie Garlick-Pynaert of Blah Blah Blah Blogger provides a great analogy.  Behind every great athlete is a fantastic coach.  Athletes don't become great without someone pushing them to be better.  Think of your indie-editor as your coach, helping you to hone your craft and make your manuscript the best that it can be for the markets of today.

Over the past year, I've had the pleasure of working with Free Expression's Lorin Oberweger on my manuscript. Since I am one who outlines, Lorin's feedback has helped guide my story development and steer me away from storylines and tangents that may have resulted in many wasted hours (something I definitely can't afford).   

But how do you know the good editors from the bad?  The best thing to do is research.  Check out your editor's background.  What have they done in the industry, whom have they worked for and who are their clients?  Conferences and workshops are great places to meet indie editors where they often provide their services specific to the event at rates that are very affordable for attendees.  This is a cost effective way for you to test out potential indie editors and see if they are a right fit for you. 

While hiring an indie editor won't guarantee a publisher will present you with a six figure book deal, it will help you to create a better manuscript.  After all, your manuscript is a reflection of you and wouldn't you want an agent or publisher to see you at your best?  

For more information on independent editors, check out:

Lorin Oberweger and Brenda Windberg at Free Expressions
Emma Dryden at Drydenbks