Muggin' It

Sometimes the best pieces of advice are the ones that stare you right in your face. Or in this case, every morning when I take a sip of coffee. 

I've had the pleasure of working with independent editor Lorin Oberweger and attending several of her Free Expressions conferences including The Breakout Novel with Donald Maass. For fun, she created a few t-shirts that including key phrases from some of the workshops. They caught on, and the rest is history. 

I love my mugs because after writing a scene or a chapter or whatever it is that I'm writing, I can look back and check off:

1) Was there "Tension on Every Page?"

2) Did I try to "Make it Worse?" 

3) Am I continuing to "Raise the Stakes?" 

If I haven't, well, first, I grab another cup of coffee, then I dig in again. 

You can check out Lorin's fun and informative merch here. 

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! 

Kicking Writer Butt

First off, congratulations to blog-mate Lauren Monahan and her gorgeous weekend wedding.  I'm hoping that she will blog about it soon but if ever there was a wedding full of beautiful literature and for the lovers of books, this was the one! Wishing her and her wonderful husband Dale an amazing start to a new life together!

Now back to the touch stuff.  I've been back at this writing thing for a few months now and yeah, it's just like I remembered it...hard as #$%#!.  But now that I've started, I'm determined to see this through to the finish line.  Being a part of San Diego Writers Ink has been invaluable and taking Tammy Greenwood's course has been a great re-jump starter.  But the last session was at the beginning of June and the next one doesn't start until the end of July.  So what's a girl to do in the meantime?

Luckily, I'm part of an online group who've attended the Donald Maas Breakout Novel workshop run by Free Expressions' Lorin Oberweger.  We're embarking on a July NanoWriMo or what I like to call July-o-ramo-wrimo, and the peer pressure and goal setting has been just what I need to keep pushing the writing along during this hump time.  Keeping it simple is the only way I'll make it through, so here's a few tips that I've found incredibly helpful to keep the ball (or pen, or keyboard) going.

1) Set Goals and Consequences

Lorin, who is leading our July-o-rama-wrimo had us all input our goals for July and also our consequences for not attaining those goals into a group excel spreadsheet.  I've tried to keep the word count realistic at 20,000 words and also will be reaching out to at least tow subject matter experts as part of my research.  When two weeks sans Facebook and wine are on the line, you bet I'm working my ass off to make that happen. 

2) Setting Daily Word Count Targets

I never thought that this would be such an effective motivator.  But when you see those little words add up while you're typing, it really helps to push things forward.  I use Scrivener and love keeping the tracker on the side.  It allows me to see how much of my daily goal I've attained as well as how close I am to my monthly goal of 20,000 words.

3) Hanging Out With Like Minds

I'm thankful to have July-o-rama-wrimo compatriots who share their daily wins and struggles honestly and without ego online.  It's helped me to say "I can do it to!"

4) Write, Write, Write!

It doesn't have to be perfect.  You don't need to be in front of your laptop with a coffee in hand and scrivener all set up.  It can be a few lines in your notebook ap while out and about or on your iPad at night, with your baby sleeping beside you.  Once the ball's rolling, the most important is just to make sure it doesn't stop. 

Are you in the process of working on a draft?  How do you continue to motivate yourself? 

Climbing the Writing Mountain

It's been a few weeks since I've jump started my writing again and while things are slow (well, compared to NANOWRIMO, slow), I can't help but feel invigorated.  I count myself lucky to be living in a city with a resource like San Diego Writers, Ink. and I'm now in week four of T. Greenwood's Novel II: Intermediate Novel Writing course. 

I've taken a number of classes and workshops previously and it did cross my mind 'am I taking a few steps back?'  But that idea was quickly wiped out as I immersed myself in the course and my writing.  Some of you may be in the same boat.  You may be asking yourself 'should I take another course when I've taken workshops before?' 

In my case, the answer was yes.  Having taken a break from writing, I needed to be reminded, to exercise my brain, and listening to others talk.  Reading John Truby's The Anatomy of Story and following the exercises and experiences of others in class helped me to think and build my own story in the process. It made me think about things that I wouldn't have thought about and in a way "forces" me to think.

Next week I submit the first four pages of my new manuscript.  Wish me luck!

In the meantime, I leave you with this great article about filter words by Suzannah Windsor that was forwarded to me by another great writer/editor Lorin Oberweger. 

"Filter words are those that unnecessarily filter the reader’s experience through a character’s point of view." 

It's one of the most useful articles I've come across in recent history.  How many of these can you find in your own work? 

To Self Pub or Not To Self Pub...

Self pub seems to be the hot topic these days.  Indeed we're seeing so many books on the scene, in Good Reads, fan fiction websites, Kobo, Amazon, you name it. It's everywhere, and for the average reader, this can be daunting.  How do you weed the good from the bad?  Where do you invest your time and energy? For writers, at first it may seem like a great idea, but most often, it's like running up a river with piranhas nipping at your toes. 

So how do you do it right? It's hard to think of your labour of love objectively.  I could probably go on and on about this topic but I'll highlight what I think are three key assets to break free of the self pub muck and have the potential to become a real indie breakout novel.

1. Independent Editors

You've invested months, maybe years of your time to create your piece de resistance. It sounds like music to your ears.  You pat yourself on the back for those witty lines or gorgeous paragraphs that paint a landscape worthy of being called a Monet with words.  

There lies the problem. 

It may be a masterpiece to you, but is it a masterpiece for the market?  Investing in an independent editor may seem like an unnecessary expense but you will soon find that the right one is invaluable.  Why? Because they've done it a thousand times, they know your market and they know story.  A great editor will also tell you the things you don't want to hear...that your story isn't perfect and they'll guide you to make changes to make it better.  Readers read books and often times they have no idea why they don't like it. They feel unfulfilled, bored, or frustrated with the protagonist.  An independent editor will help you to identify the issues in your manuscript that the readers can't communicate and fix them.  She's a secret I'd love to keep because she's that good, but if you're thinking of hiring one, check out Lorin Oberweger - might as well start with the best!

2. Covers

Don't judge a book by its cover...unless what you're talking about is actually a book.  What sets self pub apart from trad pub is that you have the ultimate control. You can decide what your cover will look like.  Self pub author and workshop guru Jacqueline Garlick has one of the hottest anticipated releases this Fall with the first in her Illumination Paradox series LUMIERE.  Check out her post here where she outlines in detail the intensive process she went through to make her cover the gorgeous artwork it is today.  Many authors in this arena seem satisfied with using stock photos but Garlick took it one step further and created her own.  I know what you're thinking - another cost?  And yes, this can run upwards of several thousand dollars, but this is a product, it won't sell itself.  Think of the cover as your calling card and a reader's first impression. If it looks like it was slapped together in two minutes, you can bet most people will assume what's inside was done the same way. 

3. Marketing

We're writers, we don't promote.  We huddle in our corners and play in the fictional worlds we've created.  Unfortunately, if we continue to do so, the only ones who will come play with us are probably also in our heads.  If you want your book to be a success, you need to be out there, making a mark on your readers.  They need to feel connected with you and interested in what you say.  Since you don't have that publishing machine behind you, that's all the more reason to get out there and make a statement.  Otherwise, how is a reader going to decide between spending their time reading a NYT Bestselling YA Dystopian novel and your self pub book that's currently number 750 on the list (and that's actually good!). 

So my thoughts on self pub - it's a great option...for the right book.  Great cover, fantastic edits (combined with positive feedback from professionals) plus a solid dose of marketing  hutzpah courtesy of the writer = a book that will rise above the rest and become the beautiful needle in a haystack (in a good way!).  

Fun Times and New Beginnings

Can't believe how fast the summer has flown by (kids going back to school, hello?).  I mean every time I go to the grocery store and see Halloween displays, I feel that ice cold trickle down the spine that makes me want to bolt for the exit STAT.  

But with all ends come new beginnings and in case you haven't heard, NYT Bestselling Author Veronica Rossi and Story Guru extraordinaire Lorin Oberweger have just launched their new venture Wildcard Storymakers - a premiere story studio.  Their game plan: 

To pair fresh ideas in middle grade, young adult, and new adult fiction with the writers meant to bring them to life.  

This dynamic trio (including Rossi's husband Michael) aren't starting off slow.  They've already inked a six-figure, three book deal for a new adult project (first book entitled BOOMERANG).  Can't wait to see what else they have coming out - at this rate, they may reach their yearly targets by Christmas!

Another writer who is embarking on a new journey is awesome conference organizer Jacqueline Garlick who will be launching her first self published YA novel Lumiere later this Fall.   Garlick has something most writers dream of: immense talent and infinite amounts of gusto - key ingredients if you want to stand out in the online crowd. Definitely one to watch in the coming year. 

Elizabeth Gilbert reading an excerpt from her new novel

Someone else who's also doing something new is NYT Bestselling Author Elizabeth Gilbert  (EAT, PRAY, LOVE).  Her first fiction novel THE SIGNATURE OF ALL THINGS will be on sale October 1st.  I had the pleasure of attending Penguin Canada's Indigo Exclusive Event where Laurie Grassi, Books Editor at Chatelaine Magazine sat down for a one on one discussion with Gilbert. Open bar, an evening with the ladies and a free advanced copy of Gilbert's latest novel - what's more to love?

Finally, the sad news is that it's still eleven months till Comicon, the good news is I got to do it all over again, Canuck-style this weekend.  Happy I got a chance to sit in on Canadian YA novelist Adrienne Kress' Steampunk Author Panel, see some old super hero friends and meet some new ones! Here's a recap of Fan Expo 2013 in photo:

Daleks - Dr. Who's No. 1 Enemy 

Spidey to R2: "Stop following us!"

Hulk Hogan, he wrestled our Mayor!

Vintage Stay Puft 

Ontario has a Ghostbuster Society - who knew?

Royal Blue Bundles and Baby Steps

I can't help but be a little proud of being a Canuck this week.  While other countries were sending the royal British baby boy gifts like baby suits, shawls, condoms? (the Finns), and crocodiles (those darn Aussies), Canada decided to give the gift of knowledge!  

Eleven books (all recipients of the Governor-General's prize for children's literature) were presented to the tiny tot.  

These included:

Alphabeasts, by Wallace Edwards
Amos's Sweater, by Janet Lunn and Kim LaFave
Cat's Night Out, by Jon Klassan and Caroline Stutson
Le grow monstre qui aimait trop lire, by Lili Chartrand and Roger Girard
Imagine a Day, by Sarah L. Thomson and Rob Gonsalves
Lili et les poilus, by Caroline Merola
Love You Forever, by Robert Munsch
The Hockey Sweater, by Roch Carrier
The Party, by Barbara Reid
Virginia Wolf, by Kyo Maclear and Isabelle Arsenault

Great gifts not just for George but for any newborn closer to home. 

In other news, this marks the final day of Camp Nanowrimo.  

My stats: 13,000 words (or 36 printed pages). 

Not great, but I'm happy I got something accomplished this month!  Plus, with the help of some talented campers I managed to wring out a logline.  Let me know what you think:

Elizabeth Dodge (22), a rising star DEA agent on a personal mission to take down the Mexican drug cartel responsible for abducting her and murdering her best friend five years ago, becomes conflicted when she discovers that the man she's hunting may not be the villain she thought he was.


Congratulations to all my campmates who made it through the month and did something awesome!  

Special thanks to Lorin Oberweger who provided inspiration, a supportive Nanowrimo facebook page and a weekly chatroom through Free Expressions that was worth its weight in gold.

Now onto the next deadline!  I've still got a lot of work to do before September's Writing the Breakout Novel workshop with Donald Maass.  *gulp!*

A Bit of This and A Splash of That

One Time At Band Camp....

I've always wanted to go to camp and it looks like I'll finally get the chance!  While I won't be building teepees or fighting off mosquitos, I will be joining a multitude of other writers who are taking part in Camp Nanowrimo.  Thirty one glorious days of writing in the month of July.  

Okay, so there's actually no physical camp but there is an awesome online community.  Check it out and set your goal of finishing a first draft of your novel by the end of the month.

*beat* Yep, I know what you're thinking.  Really, Jenn?  You?  I admit, that might be a bit of a stretch...so maybe at least a solid quarter draft right?...in time to submit my required homework for Writing The Breakout Novel.  

Sometimes instead of a Camp Councillor, you need a Drill Sergeant...

Which is what I know Donald Maass's weeklong intensive Writing The Breakout Novel will be.  Organized by Free Expressions, BONI (as it's also known as) is a no holds bar workshop where Maass tells you as it is.  While not specific to YA and Children's writers, it provides participants the opportunity to delve deep into their writing and search for the answers to those really hard questions in our stories that we all tend to dance around. 

Speaking of Free Expressions...

I can say from experience that Free Expression's Your Best Book for Writers of Middle Grade and Young Adult Fiction is one of the best workshops for published and yet to be published writers.  Program director Lorin Oberwger is one of the most thoughtful and impressive independent editors out there and she creates a program that is insightful and entertaining. 

Go Martina!

Screw it! I want some warm and fuzzy....

Congratulations to my fellow Your Best Book alumni Martina Boone who's Southern Gothic Trilogy was just picked up by Annette Pollert at Simon Pulse! YBB 2012 is on fire!

Industry Review: It's A Small World

Writing can be a very solitary activity.  Typing away on our keyboards as we stare endlessly at our computer screens.  From time to time we stand up and stretch, go for a walk or grab a coffee break, but interaction with others (especially during the work day) can be few and far between. 

Which is why I feel so blessed to have such a great writing community that I can turn to whenever I need a little nudge or a big guiding light. This past weekend I attended the Niagara Writers Retreat and Conference for YA and Children's Writers.  Organized by conference organizer extraordinaire Jackie Pynaert, I had the chance to spend three days with an intimate group of top notch writers, brainstorm with an incredible critique group (lead by indie editor Lorin Oberweger), have one-on-one time with Susan Rich (Editor-at-Large, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers) and be inspired by the likes of Ellen Hopkins, Sara Zarr and Kimberley Griffiths Little.  

It was a great event and I learned a lot, but more importantly, I came away with new friends who are all welcome additions to my writing family.  Through emails and Facebook, we keep in touch, spread important industry news and cheer each other on when we've finished writing a chapter or signed with a new agent. 

There are many ways to build your own network of cool industry peeps, from message boards to meet and greets at the local library. Below, I've listed a few of my support groups who all help to give me that extra kick in the writer pants (and a hug) when I need it.

1) Thinking to Inking

We started off as four strangers - most at our first writers conference (the Big Sur Writing Workshop) and came away bosom blogging buddies. 

2)  Torkidlit 

Where Toronto YA and Middle grade writers catch up online and off. 

3) The Conference Crew

Workshops aren't just weekend events, they set the stage to build long lasting friendships.  My "Your Best Book" class of 2012 is still going strong and keeping everyone informed and motivated through our Facebook group page.

Where do you go for your writer support and inspiration?  Feel free to post your replies here and spread the word on community. 

Deja Vu-Over

Whether you're attempting your first manuscript or a seasoned novelist, the creative life we chose is definitely not an easy one.  We work really hard to get our stories right, writing, then rewriting, continuously cultivating our craft and project.  You think you're almost finished and pat yourself on the back for a job well done.  Then the unthinkable happens.  You read about an existing series, the synopsis sounds exactly like yours - it's even located in the same city!  Paralysis takes over and instead of continuing to write, you're rummaging through the liquor cabinet for that 100+ proof bottle of scotch.  

That was how I began my week.  Wondering if I should throw in the towel and start all over.  Luckily, I have an incredible support group that consists of very smart people who know way more about the industry than I do.  Indie Editor Lorin Oberweger came to the rescue and offered some great insight into the "other" series, assuring me that the stories were very different (whew!).  

Writer/conference organizer extraordinaire Jackie Garlick also provided me with some sage advice and a great quote.  

"Write away from what you know the other story to be....make sure you make your book unique and your own...there are a million sci-fi novels...and many brush very close to one another...but they are all uniquely different because of who writes them and the angle the writers take.  Short elevator pitches can be misleading.  Don't doubt yourself.  Just write your book."

While you may not be writing a sci-fi novel, there will come a time when you hear of another project that sounds very similar (if not identical) to yours.  Just remember, an idea is a dime a dozen and at the end of the day, it really is all about (your) execution.  I for one am back to banging away on the keyboard (with my fingers, not my head).

2013: Baby Steps

This has been by far, one of the hardest posts to write.  

Is it because the subject matter is deep and dark?

Or that the topic is dear to my heart?

Sadly, I'm afraid not.  I am quite simply suffering from New Year's fatigue.  

So having said that, the light bulb flickered (ever so slightly) and I've decided to devote this post to four little things I've done to try and get me out of this rut.  

The first was easy.  I read this article by indie editor Lorin Oberweger.  Instead of five hours in a spin class, this article on writer's hubris is like starting the year off in a warm bath with a good book.  It's food for thought to savour and kick start a productive (and positive) writing groove.    

The second was ordering this:

Am I embarrassed that I have the computer skills of a twelve year old (actually, that's probably an insult to those smart little people).  Maybe a tad, but I'm determined to make this year as productive as possible.  If it takes a little pain to get a lot of gain, sign me up!  

The third is something most of us do at least once a day, if not more.  I checked my Facebook account. After copious "Happy New Year" status updates and celebratory photos (some more kosher than others), I clicked on the link to my very supportive writers group who wrote words of encouragement and notes on what they're goals are for 2013.  It's great to know that I'm not the only one swimming uphill to kickstart the New Year. 

Finally, I set a short term goal.  I signed up for the Novel Gurus workshop.  Actually, this is a bit of a lie as I booked the event prior to Jan. 1, but since it's less than two months away, I darn well better get hustling!  

Now if only I can get myself to the gym....   

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 

Workshops: Not Just For the Un-Published

I recently overheard a writer chatting to a friend about how one day when they get published, they won't have to attend all these conferences and workshops anymore.  To say that I didn't have this same thought when I first started writing would be lying.  I remember my first conference as a fantastic affair.  Still, you feel like a little fish in a very, very big pond especially when your value is rated by the word "published" in front of "writer".  I fathomed that once one reached the level of "published", it meant you should be the one lecturing at speaking engagements and not sitting in the audience engaging the speakers. 

But from these conferences and workshops, I grew to know many great writers, some published, some not who continue to attend these functions not just to meet publishers but to keep their skills fresh and to gleam ideas and perspectives they might otherwise miss holed up in their offices typing away. 

Novel Gurus Weekend Retreat
Duncan Conference Center

Workshops are especially helpful to published writers looking to write in a different age category or genre.  Where a writer's work may be stellar in middle grade, they may need new tricks of the trade and a fresh perspective to add spice to their foray into YA.


The last conference that I went to was SCBWI's LA conference which was a great event with round the clock speakers, activities and meet ups with old friends and new.  But the ones that really hit home for me, that I learned the most from as a writer were the more intimate workshops and smaller affairs.  The ones that offered opportunities for on the spot critique groups and small group presentations and work sessions. 

Which is why I'm very excited about two upcoming events. The first is Free Expressions Your Best Book workshop which is taking place in Charlotte, North Carolina starting this Friday.  This workshop offers an intimate setting for a small group of writers to learn from each other, to focus on their craft and projects and to meet with and listen to top agents, publishers and writers....for a week!  

The second is the Novel Gurus Weekend Retreat to be held in Delray Beach, Florida, March 1-3, 2013 where you get the opportunity to spend the weekend with two top publishers and freelance editor extraordinaire Lorin Oberweger.  The best part about this?  There's only room for 20 attendees!

Not everyone can afford to or have the luxury of attending all these workshop opportunities but for those who are published and think these aren't for them, I would say, think again, you just might find that it's more beneficial than you think.