I’d Rather Be in the Attic

November 28, 2007 | Business, Writing

So today I’m starting to put together some marketing ideas for me and Living Lies. While the book will not be released until next year, (probably late spring, early summer unless something changes) I want to be prepared. A big part of this need to feel like I have all my ducks in a row I think stems from the feeling that I don’t know what the hell I’m doing. I’m a control freak so that kind of uncertainty completely throws me off.

Yesterday, I pulled out every writing magazine and newsletter I had stashed away in my office. The number is considerable. (I have a theory that all creative people fight a constant internal battle between their inner pack-rat and the annoyance of too much clutter.) Then I marked any articles that had anything to do with PR or marketing and began making notes.

With my notes before me two things have become perfectly clear. The first, I’m going to have to start scheduling my time better. And the second, I’m going to start putting myself out there more. This last one will be hard for me. I’m actually really shy and total lurker when it comes to listservs and blogs.

So, as I screw up my courage to de-lurk, I have a question for you all five of my faithful readers. (Provided of course you managed to make it to the end of this rather lengthy post) Which marketing techniques worked best for you and at what stages–before, when and after the book was released? I’m very curious.

Mood: Thoughtful
Music: Hurdy Gurdy Man, Donovan

The Click

November 27, 2007 | Writing

Today my story clicked.

This is my very favorite part of writing , that moment when all the loose ends finally connect and the story just sort of, well, clicks. As I don’t plot before hand, there are times while writing that the book seems to be escaping me. My characters are off doing their own thing, the story is unfolding far removed from my initial idea, then all of sudden I discover that piece to tie it all together. It’s a mighty fine feeling.

I also broke my rule of no coffee past three o’clock. Not only did I have third cup of coffee today at three-thirty, but I also I had a Coke with lunch. I could be up for hours.

Mood: Tired, but oddly energized.
Music: Penny Lane, The Beatles

Good Bye NaNo

November 21, 2007 | NaNo, Writing

So today I decided to give up on NaNo. This goes against the grain for me as I typically don’t like to give things up once I’ve dug my teeth in, but I need to face a few facts. Having written a little over 20K, I doubt very much I’ll be able to reach 50K by the end of the month. And I just have too much happening right now to dig in and get it done.

Sigh.

On the upside, I’ve written about twenty pages more than I normally would have in a month. I will of coarse continue to write said story, but back to my thousand words per day. This will give me time to continue rewriting Blood and Bone, catching up on crits that I owe, (thank you crit partners for being so patient.) fixing the last few chapters of Witch and, blech, bookkeeping. (I may need to face a few facts about that last one, but I’ll wait until the new year.)

On the Living Lies front, I’m just finishing up my book blurb. Writing this has proven not all that dissimilar to writing a query or synopsis–except maybe worse. It’s one thing trying to get your work in front of an editor or agent, but quite another trying to convince a potential buyer to shell out X amount to read your book. Oh, the pressure.

I also received my signed copy of the contract yesterday. I put in my filing cabinet with the printed version of the MS, the CD and all my notes from when I was writing it. Then I stared at it while thinking about writing the first draft nearly seven years ago. It was a real full circle moment.

Mood: Content

I Have a Theme Song. Who Knew?

November 18, 2007 | life

Your Theme Song is Back in Black by AC/DC

“Back in black, I hit the sack, I’ve been too long, I’m glad to be back” Things sometimes get really crazy for you, and sometimes you have to get away from all the chaos. But each time you stage your comeback, it’s even better than the last!

Out of Practise

November 6, 2007 | NaNo, Writing

Okay, I’m sucking at NaNo.

I have to admit I’m a little surprised by this turn of events. Usually, I write 1,000 words a day on WIP and get it done in about two hours. I’m a pantser and do all my editing after the first draft is complete so I thought NaNo would be right up my alley.

Huh!

If I’d been writing 1,700 words a day (to get 50k I think you only need 1,667 per day, but I was planning on padding a little in case I fell behind. So much for that.) I should be hitting 10,200 words today. I’m at 6,900. That’s more than a little behind.

I of course have a theory. (Don’t I always? or a plan, or a list…)

I think I’m out of practise. After putting the WIP aside over the summer to clean up after my computer crisis, then waiting for NaNo to start, I think I’ve lost my writing stride. Sure, I’ve been rewriting, but that’s not the same as a first draft, as grabbing hold of all those random ideas and putting them down on paper in some semblance of order now is it?

So today, I locked myself in the attic. (that’s where my office is, not as some kind of self-punishment) Just me, laptop and coffee.–ah, sweet nectar of the Gods. No email, no blogs, no Facebook. And a mere three and a half hours later, I had met my 1,875 word goal for the day.

Yes, 1,875 words is what I have to do everyday now to reach 50K by the end of the month. No padding this time around. Everyday until the 30th.

Mood: To be determined
Music: None-My CD player broke.

The Call

November 5, 2007 | Writing

At long last, I got the call–well actually the email. I’ve sold a book!!!

And actually, I received the email a couple of weeks ago, but was a little paranoid about the jinxing things so I didn’t want to say anything too soon. But I’ve since signed and mailed back the contract so it looks like it’s a done deal. Touch wood!

An interesting side note–well interesting to me–the offer for contract came on the heels of a rejection. All the things the rejecting editor claimed were lacking in my ms, the editor offering me the contract (or my editor as I can say now) loved. Another fine example of just how subjective this business can be.

I’ve made my first sale to Samhain Publishing. The book is titled Living Lies. It’s a romantic mystery with a paranormal twist. Here’s the premise:

Haley Carling’s life changed forever the day her sister vanished, leaving her tied to an alcoholic mother and struggling family business. With the discovery of Michelle’s body, Dean Lawson, the leading suspect in her disappearance, has returned determined to clear his name. Now, Haley must face the frightening secrets within her family, Michelle’s last living days and her own unresolved feelings for Dean. She may come to trust him with her life, but her heart is another matter entirely.

After leaving town more than a decade ago, Dean Lawson believes he has the evidence to prove who really killed Michelle. Aware the shocking truth will hurt Haley and her family, he can no longer live falsely accused. But he hadn’t counted on falling in love with Haley—or on a killer who will stop at nothing to silence them both.

I’m so excited, and will keep you (all five of my faithful readers) updated as I learn more.

NaNoWriMo

November 1, 2007 | NaNo, Writing

Today is the first day of NaNo and, upon flipping through my calender, I realized the DS has doctor’s appointment today and no school tomorrow. A bit of an ominous start. On the upside, after last night I have more than enough chocolate to see me through the month. Yay!!!!

Today’s goal is 1700 words. Wish me luck.