Constructive Criticism

Well, my pitch didn’t wow the publishers of Entangled. I did get some great feedback though. Basically, she really liked my idea, but not my first 100 pages. After reading over it, I agree. It isn’t actually my first 100 words of my book. I have a prologue. I went back and changed my first chapter and I think I made it a lot better.

I have been getting up for the past three weeks at 7am to work on my book for a few hours before Ryan wakes up. I am re-writing the ending to DREAMER. When I started my massive re-write a few months ago, I started with Chapter 17 and I wrote 3 chapters.  Then I put it down to finish off SEA OF PASSION. Last week when I opened up the file to get going on it again, my worst nightmare came true!  My file wouldn’t open, it said it was corrupt. I tried everything, which isn’t much because I am not computer savvy. So, I called my brother Troy who is a computer programmer. He couldn’t help me either. So, Monday night, I sat down and started from chapter 17 again. I have been moving along really quickly. I am up to Chapter 30 today!  I have 37 chapters outlined for the book.  So, then I get to go back through to re-read and edit it all over again.

 My goal is by next week when I blog to have the synopsis and first three chapters set to send off to agents and then I can hold my breath.

I know it's not my day to Blog...

But, I've been so hyped about this new SNN that I've already created a query letter for it and I had to share.

Dear Agent,

The mob killed Angelica's husband Charles. But dead doesn't have to mean gone. Now she and Charles are going to give them hell.

Angel copes with her husband's death the only way she knows how, she sets out to make them pay. With Charles’ ghost riding shotgun, she tracks the thugs down and tortures them, looking for her husband's killer.

But the mob isn’t dumb. They find out Angel's behind the attacks. Now Angel's at the bottom of the Detroit river - and it's not just her breath that's running out.

WITH A VENGEANCE is an 80,000 word paranormal mystery. Thank you for your time and attention.

Let me know what you guys think.-Stacey

WITH A VENGEANCE: New SNN!

FYI: It’s official.

I have been tempted and given in to my new SNN (Slutty New Novel)!!! GRRRR. I couldn’t help it. It wouldn’t go away! I begged and begged for inspiration on my reapers book and I just couldn’t do it. Now, I am dedicated to my new book called WITH A VENGEANCE. It’s a cool new criminal paranormal mystery fiction novel. Is that even a genre? Who knows?

In case you haven’t noticed Jennifer and I have both published visible widgets on our blog page Our Pages Aren’t Numbered, now everyone can see our writing progress on our SNN’s. Thus far I have completed an average of 2,700 words per day. If I write everyday at least 2,700 hundred words I will have met my quota in thirty days. Of course, that is a very aggressive deadline…but it is happening. I refuse not to write everyday and give into the temptation of procrastination. This book is happening. And I grow more and more excited. The best part about this book is I can literally throw in any type of craziness (conflict) and in the end it will all still tie in together.

I started it by typing out a general outline of everything I wanted in the book. And as I began to write my characters begin to run away from the outline and I have had to add in some scenes that weren’t mentioned as planned but are necessary to move the plot along. That is all that matters anyway. But, I am super excited. This is more different than anything I have ever written before and I hope I don’t disappoint. Okay, got to run. Adios my friends.

Better late than never...

I have a confession to make. I forgot it was Wednesday and therefore my turn to write a blog post *hangs her head in shame*. I know, I know. I fail on a major level and there’s really no excuse for it aside from the fact that my time schedule has been all out of wack lately. Because of my confusion, I had absolutely no idea what my topic should be. But then, I got to thinking about what blogging means to the writer’s community. Blogging, twitter, facebook, all of it.

I know that all forms of social media have been a direct influence on how I view the writing process, getting an agent, and the publishing business. Seriously, looking back on the past two years of my writing journey, a good portion of that time has been spent reading every little tidbit I could get my hands on and learning everything I could learn from some of the writing world’s most prominent voices. It’s actually quite humbling to read blog posts from my favorite agents and authors, knowing that I’m trying to share my own voice and opinion in the same fashion that they do. Granted, I know I don’t have the same audience that they do, but even they had to start somewhere and now look where they are.

It’s a lot of pressure for one person though. That’s why I’m so glad that I have the support of my fellow bloggers for “Our Pages Aren’t Numbered” because each of us brings something different to the table. With Tina, Stacey, Becca, and myself, each of us views writing in our own personal way, we each have a very distinct voice, and different views that together make up a well rounded unit. I view their writings the same way I view my favorite agents and authors, and look forward to seeing what they come up with everyday.

It’s an entire process. We learn from others, gather our own information and then share our knowledge with the next person in line. I just hope there are people out there who find anything that is posted on our blog as useful or entertaining. I know that I do. And I know that I am proud to be a part of the writing community, a part of this blog, and a part of the foundation that future writers will build upon. With the internet and social media venues as our playground, the world is a benefactor with unlimited means. All we have to do is reach out and grab it.

Exit to Eden Book Review

Exit to Eden is written by Anne Rice and published in 1985.  

The books main character is Lisa Kelly, who manages an isolated BDSM resort, called The Club.   BDSM is an preference and a form of personal relationship involving the consensual use of restraint, intense sensory stimulation, and fantasy power role play. The acronym BDSM combines bondage and discipline dominance and submission.  This club offers clients an exclusive setting in which they can experience the life of a Master or Mistress. Prospective sex slaves volunteer to play this role and are paid at the end of their term at Eden.  In the beginning of their journey each slave is presented at auctions by the most respected trainers from across the world. As head female trainer and co-founder Lisa gets first pick of the new slaves, and chooses Elliot Slater.  Elliot is one of the most prideful slaves and she shares an  undeniable chemistry that intensifies throughout their time together, eventually resulting in love.  

This book was an interesting read.  Normally, I don't read erotica as my choice of genres.  However, my sister Stacey recommended it, so I followed like always.  The sex scenes can be steamy, and raunchy at the same time.  A few parts made me want to lay down the book and light up a cigarette.   On the other hand, the author lays the book out in a chapter format which bounces back and forth between the two main characters.  If your not paying attention to who each chapter is written for, the book can become unnerving.  I would still recommend this book to readers who enjoy the exotica genre, if it isn't your style, then don't bother.

Upcoming Pitch Events

June 2012 Pitch Events
Jun 22	Pitch your book to Deb Werksman of Sourcebooks Deb Werksman, editor at Sourcebooks, will be taking three line pitches on the savvy blog on Friday, June 22nd. Deb is seeking single title romance, single title romance series and romance trilogies in paranormal, time travel, romantic suspense, historical, contemporary and erotic romance. Also commercial women’s fiction.... {more info} Duration: 1 day. FREE/FREE (Query/Pitch, Editor/Agent)		(Pitch Your Book)
July 2012 Pitch Events
Jul 6	Pitch your book to Tamar Rydzinski of the Laura Dail Literary Agency On Friday, July 6th, agent Tamar Rydzinski will be taking one line pitches on the Savvy Blog from 9 a.m. to midnight (EST). Tamar is not interested in prescriptive or practical non-fiction, humor, coffee table books or children’s books (meaning anything younger than middle grade). She is interested in everything else that is well-written and has great characters, including graphic novels. A fantastic query letter is essential – “you need to make me want to read your book, and be excited to re... {more info} Duration: 1 day. FREE/FREE (Query/Pitch, Editor/Agent, Contests)		(Pitch Your Book)
Jul 11	Pitch your book to Lauri Blasch Of Black Opal Books Acquisitions editor, Lauri Blasch of Black Opal Books will be taking three line pitches on the savvy blog on Wednesday July 11th from 9 a.m to midnight EST. Lauri is looking for all romance genres, including paranormal and erotic, and YA. In addition, we’re accepting novels and novellas that aren't romances, but have strong romantic elements, such as women’s fiction, chick lit, etc. So if it has romance in it, it's a mystery, a thriller, or it’s YA, they want to see it. They are also acceptin... {more info} Duration: 1 day. FREE/FREE (Query/Pitch, Editor/Agent)		(Pitch Your Book)
Jul 13	Pitch your book to Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency Jill Marsal of Marsal Lyon Literary Agency will be on the savvy blog taking one line pitches on Friday, July 13th!... {more info} Duration: 1 day. FREE/FREE (Query/Pitch, Editor/Agent, Contests)		(Pitch Your Book)
Jul 16	Pitch your book to Laurie McLean of Larsen Pomada Literary Agency Laurie McLean of Larsen Pomada Literary Agency will be taking one line pitches on the Savvy blog on Monday, July 16th, from 9 a.m. to midnight! Laurie handles romance, fantasy, science fiction, horror, mystery, suspense, thriller and "new" western novels. She also represents children's young adult (YA) and middle grade fiction. (YA is for high school readers and middle grade is for middle school readers.)... {more info} Duration: 1 day. FREE/FREE (Query/Pitch, Editor/Agent, Contests)		(Pitch Your Book)
Jul 23	Pitch your book to Peter Knapp of Park Literary Group Agent Peter Knapp of park Literary Group will be taking one line pitches on the Savvy blog on Monday July 23rd from 9 a.m. to midnight (EST).... {more info} Duration: 1 day. FREE/FREE (Editor/Agent)		(Pitch Your Book)

What's next?

I finished editing my historical romance novel on Wednesday and I was at a loss for what to work on next. The question was answered for me when I got an e-mail about an editor for Entangled e-book publications, that was taking pitches yesterday only for adult romance or young adult with a romantic element. I sent in my pitch for my young adult paranormal, mystery romance. I still need to edit the end and change some things, but I am about a month away from it being finished. So, now I know what I want to work on next, while I am waiting with fingers crossed for good news on my historical romance!

Here is the pitch that I sent in…

DREAMER is a tale of secrets, unique abilities, and young love. Never been kissed Rory Adair is torn between twin brothers while trying to solve the disappearance of four missing women, by following the clues of her nighttime dreams that always come true. After Rory’s best friend Stacey becomes the fourth missing woman, she teams up with Bryce Wyatt, who has a secret ability of his own. Rory must sort through her feeling for the Wyatt brothers and find her friend before she loses them all.

First 100 words

The screen lit up with Ryan Gosling’s face.  I smiled to myself. I knew I was going to want to see this movie when it came to theatres.  I loved to watch the previews.

            “Rory, do you want any popcorn?” A male voice whispered into my right ear.

With my eyes still on the screen I shook my head no. If I ate popcorn I was going to be thirsty and then I would have to go to the bathroom in the middle of the movie.

I squirmed to get comfortable in my seat. My left hand was seized and held onto.

            Beep…beep…beep.

That’s it, 100 words is hard to show off your book!! I had to cut out a few lines just to make it to 100 words. It is actually 103.  I couldn’t cut out the beep…beep…beep!

 Time to get back to work now J

My Muse is Rebelling!

Dear Muse,

        Please come back. I promise I won’t beat the sh*t out of you again. It’s just…I’m under a lot of pressure and I’m trying my best to get these books in order and my SNN’s (slutty new novels) have been tempting me. You have no idea. And then my LIFE is just hectic and I’m emotionally up and down on a daily basis. I need your help. Why have you forsaken me? I promise not to neglect you anymore if come back. Please.

                                                        Love,

                                                        Stacey

As you can see, I’ve had my last draw. I can’t do it anymore. I’m stuffing my face under my pillow and I’m never getting out of bed. My muse is mad at me because I pushed her too hard. I made her write when she didn’t want to, I milked every creative idea and awesome word I could. And now she is rebelling. What to do?

Maybe this means I need a mini-vacation…preferably away from the literary world. Just so I can breathe. And think. And rejuvenate her so she will come back out and play with me. We’ll see.

Goodreads

For the last few weeks I’ve been on a reading spree. I’ve read so much that the people at my local library are probably beginning to get tired of seeing my face, but honestly, there is no place I feel more at home (Well, aside from my actual home) than the library. There’s something about walking down aisle after aisle and perusing over walls to walls of books that gets my blood flowing. I love reading just as much as I love writing, and that’s really saying something.

That’s probably why www.goodreads.com has become one of my most recent obsessions in my quest towards literary accomplishment. It has everything you could ever need to learn more about your favorite authors, the new up and coming authors, and the books they have written/are writing. But the most important aspect of Goodreads is the book reviews to be found there. You can type in the title of practically any book and read a plethora of reviews, each more colorful than the last, and each incredibly honest, sometimes to the point of being painful.

I have to admit, I’ve given my share of negative reviews where I probably could have been more tactful than I was, but as a reader I know what I like to read and how I like my books to end—which, more often than not, is with Happily Ever After. However, after much contemplation, I now realize that as a writer myself I’m far more critical of other authors than I was when I was only a reader. On one hand, I can appreciate the work and effort it takes to write and finish a book, nevermind landing and agent and inevitably finding publication. But sometimes I have to wonder how some authors I’ve read have even made it that far given the quality, or lack thereof, of their writing. The last two books I read and reviewed on Goodreads had this problem.

I hate feeling like I’ve wasted precious hours of my life on a book that either has weak, stagnant characters or a plotline that never leads anywhere. Unfortunately, it’s my weakness that I tragically feel the need to give authors the benefit of the doubt even when I’m ¾ finished with the book, nothing has happened, the characters are driving me insane with their annoying one dimensional personalities, and I’ve read a long line of Goodreads reviews telling me to runaway before I get sucked into the pit of despair. I’m always optimistic that an author will surprise me. I’m always hopeful that the next book I read will be the literary work of the century. I’ve also been more disappointed in the books I’ve read the last two weeks than I have in a long time. I hope this isn’t a growing trend because somewhere out there is that book I can’t put down. Where the characters are layered and complicated, the storyline is exciting and full of conflict, and the ending leaves me with a sense of complete satisfaction. I want that book.

Heck, I want to write that book. Maybe I’ll get that lucky. Maybe I won’t. But for the time being I’m going to keep up the search and I’m going to use www.goodreads.com to do it.

Who are you?

I had a job interview last week. Don’t get excited…I didn’t get the job L  To be honest I am a little shocked they even interviewed me. I guess to get my hopes up for a minute that I might actually get a job after two years of looking. Anyways, they wanted someone with an extensive background in Economics. I have a Social Studies minor, which means I have taken two college courses in Econ.  I thought I did fairly well in the interview, except one question threw me off. It had nothing to even do with teaching or economics. They asked for me to tell them about myself, essentially who am I?

I froze!  Who am I? I paused before starting out. I responded that  I am a single mom with a two year old, I like to write and then I kind of went off on a tangent that had nothing to do with who I am.  All weekend long, I thought about that question. If asked again I won’t be shocked. I know who I am…but I actually had to think about it for a minute. So, I am asking all of you to think about the same question. Who are you? I hope you are happy with the answer to that question, if not you better get working!