We all get it every now and then---that moment, or hour, day, week (maybe longer!) where we just can't seem to get anywhere with our manuscript. We stare at it, type a few words....backspace, backspace. Type a few more words....still not right. Backspace, backspace. And this goes on and on. You can't seem to get past that one phrase or one paragraph.
First of all, it's normal. But as we all know, it can be very frustrating. OK, very VERY frustrating.
Here are a few things I've found that help with writer's block:
1) If it's daytime: Take a break and go outside. Get some exercise, work in the yard, play with the dog--whatever. Just move around! Staring at that screen and getting more and more annoyed with yourself/lack of creative flow is not accomplishing anything. Maybe some fresh air will rejuvenate you.
2) If it's nighttime: (And by nighttime I mean it's late---you can feel those circles growing under your eyes, you know you have to be up early in the morning, and everything you try to write just isn't working.) Go to bed! You may have had X amount of pages you wanted to accomplish tonight and you're DETERMINED to reach that goal, but if you're truly stuck--on top of being tired--you would probably be better served to go to bed and start fresh tomorrow.
3) If it's been several days now and you're still stumped...Ideas aren't panning out. Words aren't sounding right. That little cursor just keeps blinking back at you.... Try this. Go online and type in "writing prompts." Choose one that hits you and get to writing. What you write really won't matter---you're just doing it to get back your writing flow. More than likely, your writer's block is partially due to the fact that you've got so many OTHER thoughts besides just the story in your head: things like (well if I say this, then I can't use the transition into the next chapter that I had planned, or if I say this, that contradicts what I told my agent I had in mind for the ending.) So...just getting back into the flow of pure writing may help gain back your momentum on your manuscript.
4) Ok, so maybe the writing prompt thing doesn't work for you. Even writing about a random topic has you totally hitting a wall with no burst of creativity striking you. Well then, what gets your creative juices flowing? For me, that's busting out my camera and producing some really great photography. Or listening to music. Or going to see a really well-done movie and noticing all the great acting, filming, sound effects, etc. Wherever you get your boost of creativity, go there. Do it. It just might translate to the page when you set back down to work on your manuscript.
5) Other times, when you've had writer's block for several days and still can't kick it--- you may just need to take a full on break from writing. Put your manuscript aside, forget about all the little things that aren't working, and just focus on other things in your life for a couple days or a few weeks. Now this can be hard to do--you may feel guilty for not working on it--but don't look at it as losing those days of writing/therefore getting behind. Look at it as simply part of the writing process. (No different than cutting out scenes that aren't working, adding in a new character, or building suspense in your plot.) And hopefully, when you return to your script, you're refreshed and free of writer's block. During your time away, you may have even thought of some much needed ideas or solutions that were holding you back before. Or perhaps just starting up with a clean slate/fresh perspective will get you back in the game.
5) If you've had writer's block for several weeks or maybe even a couple months, it may be time to seek out the advice from a fellow writer--or if you don't know any, perhaps an online community for writers can help. Talking about the part you're stumped on and brainstorming on ideas may be just the thing that pushes you over that hump. Writing can be a very lonely process at times. It's healthy to engage others in the process from time to time, especially when writer's block is getting us down.
I'll end this post with a question-- What do YOU do when you have writer's block? Maybe you can share some tips and help out other writers who are following the blog. THANKS!
Happy Writing
Friday, April 1, 2011
Friday, March 25, 2011
Professional Critique
For all you writers out there, I have an important question to ask you:
What you do want to ensure, of course, is that you seek this critique from a reliable source. Unfortunately, there plenty of scams out there on the Internet. But if you see a list of independent editors via a well-researched book such ast Jeff Herman's Guide, you should be okay. For safe measure, you should ask the editor for a couple of references. Speaking to people the editor has worked for in the past will give you an idea of the quality of the critique, the editor's timeliness and professionalism, and the person's overall satisfaction regarding the experience.
As far as price goes, each editor tends to arrange their fee schedule differently. Some charge by the hour, others charge per page. A lot of times it will depend on the length of your manuscript.
Be prepared that not every editor will feel your project is right for him/her. They may have certain specialties on the types of genres or writing styles they work with; for this reason, sometimes they will ask to see a sample before committing to taking you on as a client. This is also a beneficial excerise for you, the writer. After all, if you're going to spend the time submitting your manuscript to someone (and invest monetarily in "hiring" them) you want to make sure that particular editor is the right person for YOU--and that they are capable of providing the kind of advice you're looking for. Example: Someone who specializes in literary prose may not be the right fit for reading and critiquing a Chick Lit novel. Or someone who specializes in YA fantasy may not be the right fit for a non-fiction project.
You may be wondering...So, what exactly can I expect from a critique?
Again, there is room for variation here. Some editors make line-by-line comments or changes, AND an overall critique where they summarize what they feel are your strengths and weaknesses. Others make page-by-page comments and do an overall critique. It really just depends. Evaluate what you think might be best for your manuscript--your goals and expectations for a critique-- then ask the editors if their approach matches yours. From there, you may be able to customize your own little package deal. It really just depends on how flexible the editor is on their approach. Rest assured, though, "It doesn't hurt to ask!" Because you know what?
You guessed it...."It never hurts to ask."
Best of luck to you on seeking a professional critique. I think you'll find it worth the investment.
- Have you had a professional critique done on your manuscript?
What you do want to ensure, of course, is that you seek this critique from a reliable source. Unfortunately, there plenty of scams out there on the Internet. But if you see a list of independent editors via a well-researched book such ast Jeff Herman's Guide, you should be okay. For safe measure, you should ask the editor for a couple of references. Speaking to people the editor has worked for in the past will give you an idea of the quality of the critique, the editor's timeliness and professionalism, and the person's overall satisfaction regarding the experience.
As far as price goes, each editor tends to arrange their fee schedule differently. Some charge by the hour, others charge per page. A lot of times it will depend on the length of your manuscript.
Be prepared that not every editor will feel your project is right for him/her. They may have certain specialties on the types of genres or writing styles they work with; for this reason, sometimes they will ask to see a sample before committing to taking you on as a client. This is also a beneficial excerise for you, the writer. After all, if you're going to spend the time submitting your manuscript to someone (and invest monetarily in "hiring" them) you want to make sure that particular editor is the right person for YOU--and that they are capable of providing the kind of advice you're looking for. Example: Someone who specializes in literary prose may not be the right fit for reading and critiquing a Chick Lit novel. Or someone who specializes in YA fantasy may not be the right fit for a non-fiction project.
You may be wondering...So, what exactly can I expect from a critique?
Again, there is room for variation here. Some editors make line-by-line comments or changes, AND an overall critique where they summarize what they feel are your strengths and weaknesses. Others make page-by-page comments and do an overall critique. It really just depends. Evaluate what you think might be best for your manuscript--your goals and expectations for a critique-- then ask the editors if their approach matches yours. From there, you may be able to customize your own little package deal. It really just depends on how flexible the editor is on their approach. Rest assured, though, "It doesn't hurt to ask!" Because you know what?
You guessed it...."It never hurts to ask."
Best of luck to you on seeking a professional critique. I think you'll find it worth the investment.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Writing--No Matter What
We've all heard it before---you should be writing every day (or close to it) if you really consider yourself a writer. And especially if you want to become an author.
I can't tell you how true I think this statement is.
I used to write whenever the mood would strike--and usually, that mood would strike often. I loved to write. There was a huge part of me that had to write, much like some people have to go for a run. But there would be occasional times where I'd go a long time without that mood striking. Sure, I'd blame it on busyness, on work, on family obligations, etc. And while I wouldn't feel all that bad about it--because I knew, probably sooner rather than later, that I would go through another phase of writing a lot--they were still excuses. And that gap between writing a lot and going through a slow spell before hitting the keyboard again would really slow down my momentum.
I finally made a conscious decision to follow the advice I had been hearing for so long--to write every single day. When I made that decision--though I didn't realize it at the time--it was a step toward taking myself seriously. It was admitting that behind all those excuses, there was doubt--that I couldn't do it, that I would fail, that I didn't really have it in me.
I am happy to say that I stuck to it. My novel is complete. Complete! Know what that means? My determination and discipline paid off. That gut feeling inside that had dared myself to believe in my story, my writing ability, myself WON over those little spurts of doubt. And now, after many, many revisions, after having qualified editors review my work, after more revisions, it's really real:
If you're struggling with staying focused and following through---make up your mind that you WILL stay focused. You HAVE to, because otherwise you will always wonder if you were capable. Did you hear that? (Ok, I know you did but I think it's worth repeating.) You will ALWAYS wonder if you were capable.
Dare yourself to believe you are capable.
Yes, it will be hard. Yes, it will take up a lot of your time. And yes, there will be times when you'll hit a road block in your plot you hadn't considered--and that has to be resolved before the story can continue and still make sense. Or times where you'll spend 100 pages developing a character only to realize he/she just isn't fitting in or coming across as well as you had hoped. Or times when you have had a long day at work and really just want to watch a movie/promise yourself to work on your manuscript tomorrow. All of those things WILL happen.
My advice for you is to be prepared for those moments--and to push through them and stay committed to your goal. Because if writing is truly your passion, no matter how much you're tempted to call it a day and procrastinate for "when the mood strikes" you'll feel much more satisfied after getting your words down THAT day, EVERY day (even if it's only for 30 minutes or an hour ....or 2 pages or 10 pages or 50 pages--however you quantify it). And all those days will add up until one day....ONE DAY, your manuscript is complete.
I can't tell you how true I think this statement is.
I used to write whenever the mood would strike--and usually, that mood would strike often. I loved to write. There was a huge part of me that had to write, much like some people have to go for a run. But there would be occasional times where I'd go a long time without that mood striking. Sure, I'd blame it on busyness, on work, on family obligations, etc. And while I wouldn't feel all that bad about it--because I knew, probably sooner rather than later, that I would go through another phase of writing a lot--they were still excuses. And that gap between writing a lot and going through a slow spell before hitting the keyboard again would really slow down my momentum.
I finally made a conscious decision to follow the advice I had been hearing for so long--to write every single day. When I made that decision--though I didn't realize it at the time--it was a step toward taking myself seriously. It was admitting that behind all those excuses, there was doubt--that I couldn't do it, that I would fail, that I didn't really have it in me.
I am happy to say that I stuck to it. My novel is complete. Complete! Know what that means? My determination and discipline paid off. That gut feeling inside that had dared myself to believe in my story, my writing ability, myself WON over those little spurts of doubt. And now, after many, many revisions, after having qualified editors review my work, after more revisions, it's really real:
- My novel.
- The potential of my novel to peak an agent's interest, then make it to a publishing house.
- The fact that I can truly say I'm a writer--not just one who jots down some stories now and then before getting busy and forgetting about them, not just one who has a dream of writing but no discipline to put that dream into action.
If you're struggling with staying focused and following through---make up your mind that you WILL stay focused. You HAVE to, because otherwise you will always wonder if you were capable. Did you hear that? (Ok, I know you did but I think it's worth repeating.) You will ALWAYS wonder if you were capable.
Dare yourself to believe you are capable.
Yes, it will be hard. Yes, it will take up a lot of your time. And yes, there will be times when you'll hit a road block in your plot you hadn't considered--and that has to be resolved before the story can continue and still make sense. Or times where you'll spend 100 pages developing a character only to realize he/she just isn't fitting in or coming across as well as you had hoped. Or times when you have had a long day at work and really just want to watch a movie/promise yourself to work on your manuscript tomorrow. All of those things WILL happen.
My advice for you is to be prepared for those moments--and to push through them and stay committed to your goal. Because if writing is truly your passion, no matter how much you're tempted to call it a day and procrastinate for "when the mood strikes" you'll feel much more satisfied after getting your words down THAT day, EVERY day (even if it's only for 30 minutes or an hour ....or 2 pages or 10 pages or 50 pages--however you quantify it). And all those days will add up until one day....ONE DAY, your manuscript is complete.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Agent Advice from Rachelle Gardner
Literary Agent Rachelle Gardner has a great blog, which she updates regularly. Today her post has particularly good advice for first time authors. Check it out!
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=50
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/search?updated-min=2011-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&updated-max=2012-01-01T00%3A00%3A00-05%3A00&max-results=50
Monday, March 21, 2011
Agent Credibility
When I'm thinking about who to query, an agent's website speaks volumes to me. There are two big things I'm looking for:
1) Does it look professional?
If the answer is yes, that tells me that other parts of the agency are probably run in a professional manner as well. If the answer is no and the website gives off a sloppy vibe, I probably won't send my query letter there. Why should I? There are hundreds of other agents out there who DO have professional looking websites. Not that the website is everything. But it is a first impression. And just like a query letter, it should be in the best shape possible.
2) Do they provide a list of authors and/or books they represent?
Whether it's an actual list or a rotating scroll of book covers, I absolutely want to see this. It shows me--upfront with no games--who the agency represents. Meaning...
1) Does it look professional?
If the answer is yes, that tells me that other parts of the agency are probably run in a professional manner as well. If the answer is no and the website gives off a sloppy vibe, I probably won't send my query letter there. Why should I? There are hundreds of other agents out there who DO have professional looking websites. Not that the website is everything. But it is a first impression. And just like a query letter, it should be in the best shape possible.
2) Do they provide a list of authors and/or books they represent?
Whether it's an actual list or a rotating scroll of book covers, I absolutely want to see this. It shows me--upfront with no games--who the agency represents. Meaning...
- I can go online or go to the bookstore and validate that indeed they are legit.
- If I recognize a few titles or authors, that's great. I just might put that agency on the top of my wish list.
- I can be "wow'ed" by how truly awesome this agency is.
- If this agency happens to sign me, my name/book will be featured on the website too
- Do they have something to hide?
- Do they rest on their laurels and just assume everybody knows they're awesome/they represent so and so?
- Are they so against random queries/ solely interested in referrals that they don't feel the need to share this information?
Query Numbers
If you've researched the query process at all you've heard that the odds aren't exactly in your favor, that literary agents are swamped and that the slush pile is exactly what it sounds like---slush.
It makes you wonder what ARE the odds...doesn't it?
Tip: Many agents post their query stats on their blog. I have found this to be very helpful. You can see how many queries they received in a month, how many they requested a partial or a full from, etc. Sometimes the numbers are pretty discouraging, but they are informative and worth viewing. One agent in particular who posts this kind of information on a regular basis is Kathleen Ortiz at Lowenstein Yost Literary Associates. Visit her blog: http://www.kortizzle.blogspot.com/ and check it out.
Best of luck to beating the odds! (And we do know that happens!!!)
It makes you wonder what ARE the odds...doesn't it?
Tip: Many agents post their query stats on their blog. I have found this to be very helpful. You can see how many queries they received in a month, how many they requested a partial or a full from, etc. Sometimes the numbers are pretty discouraging, but they are informative and worth viewing. One agent in particular who posts this kind of information on a regular basis is Kathleen Ortiz at Lowenstein Yost Literary Associates. Visit her blog: http://www.kortizzle.blogspot.com/ and check it out.
Best of luck to beating the odds! (And we do know that happens!!!)
Form Rejections
If you've just started the query process, more than likely you've received your first few "form rejections."
Depressing, I know. The first few I got were so sad--so simple and...empty. All that effort to re-word my query 500 times until it sounded PERFECT....all that effort to find a good, solid agency, read all the bios of the agents, carefully choose the "right" agent for my kind of work, study the submission guidelines and format my materials accordingly, re-read and re-read and re-read my final package before clicking "send"........then WAIT (i.e. check my email 100 times a day) for that. That little, utterly empty response.
It stinks--any way you look at it.
But let's not get off on the fact that form rejections are impersonal, therefore we hate them. (I see this on a lot of other blogs.) It's true--they ARE impersonal. But let's be honest...what really hurts is the fact that we have to go back to the drawing board: re-read our query (that we probably have memorized by now), take another look at our sample pages (also practically memorized by now), and try to figure out what was missing. This is something that's VERY tough to do when you've been working on a manuscript/concept/pitch for a very long time--on average, I would say a year--and honestly, by this point you're so close to it you can't see the flaws.
Sound familiar? You start to think how you've poured your heart and soul into this, analyzed it to death, taken a break, then analyzed it to death some more. It was supposed to be perfect. It was supposed to work. All may be true...but don't get discouraged.
You've got passion. That's what drove you to write the darn thing to begin with. And that is what will help you persevere through receiving these form rejections. Eventually--if it's true that your query letter and materials are in tip top shape--you should begin to receive some requests for partials or fulls. If you don't receive those requests, I recommend visiting http://www.queryshark.blogspot.com/ or http://www.pubrants.blogspot.com/ for some tips on query letters and submissions. Oh, and a glass of wine. Or two. : )
Depressing, I know. The first few I got were so sad--so simple and...empty. All that effort to re-word my query 500 times until it sounded PERFECT....all that effort to find a good, solid agency, read all the bios of the agents, carefully choose the "right" agent for my kind of work, study the submission guidelines and format my materials accordingly, re-read and re-read and re-read my final package before clicking "send"........then WAIT (i.e. check my email 100 times a day) for that. That little, utterly empty response.
It stinks--any way you look at it.
But let's not get off on the fact that form rejections are impersonal, therefore we hate them. (I see this on a lot of other blogs.) It's true--they ARE impersonal. But let's be honest...what really hurts is the fact that we have to go back to the drawing board: re-read our query (that we probably have memorized by now), take another look at our sample pages (also practically memorized by now), and try to figure out what was missing. This is something that's VERY tough to do when you've been working on a manuscript/concept/pitch for a very long time--on average, I would say a year--and honestly, by this point you're so close to it you can't see the flaws.
Sound familiar? You start to think how you've poured your heart and soul into this, analyzed it to death, taken a break, then analyzed it to death some more. It was supposed to be perfect. It was supposed to work. All may be true...but don't get discouraged.
You've got passion. That's what drove you to write the darn thing to begin with. And that is what will help you persevere through receiving these form rejections. Eventually--if it's true that your query letter and materials are in tip top shape--you should begin to receive some requests for partials or fulls. If you don't receive those requests, I recommend visiting http://www.queryshark.blogspot.com/ or http://www.pubrants.blogspot.com/ for some tips on query letters and submissions. Oh, and a glass of wine. Or two. : )
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)