My first round of queries went out today for my novel.
The best thing I could have done was plan to submit the queries on the day I left for a trip...after all, now I have other things to worry about besides the resulting rejections (or requests for pages -- you never know).
I am going to be online throughout the trip, so on the off chance I hear back from anyone, I can respond. Although to be honest, I doubt I'll start hearing back for a few weeks yet. So, I can go enjoy Las Vegas without any worries at all. I plan to do all sorts of exciting things beyond my friend's birthday party. Tomorrow, for instance, I'll be headed to the Grand Canyon. I've always wanted to go back.
On the writing front, my attention will shortly move from the book to the screenplay. My goal is to have that drafted by mid-July.
Jana (Never one to be bored)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Busy, Busy
Nothing like being busy to remind me how interesting life can be...fortunately all to the good.
Book Update
The final draft of the book is underway, complete with edits as my third round readers get back to me. So far, all comments have been really positive or very minor (i.e., line edits). No major issues identified to date.
I am currently investigating other options for a title, because pretty much every reader I’ve had agrees that the current one doesn’t fit what the book is now (The original version of Summer of Flight was initiated in 2005 – and included a roller coaster accident).
My current front runner titles are A Breath of Air or A Rustle of Wind, the latter of which is very close to a friend’s short story title that I’ve always loved (Hi Ruth!). Not sure either of these fit better. Maybe I'll leave it as is and see what happens.
Query Letter Update
I had to go back to the drawing board for the two paragraph summary (to go in my query letter). Apparently my version didn’t cut it. I kind of expected this – which is why I am glad I have twenty more days to work on it. A friend took the new version I came up with and actually made it good. It's a bit long, but hopefully I can edit it down without loosing the awesomeness.
Synopsis Update
I have one page of my synopsis done (courtesy of my grant application way back when). Next, I have to write the second half. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to writing it. ::laugh::
Television Show Pitch Update
This morning, I finished my last three television show pitches – this time for family dramas with a specific twist. Technically there are only two pitches – but one has two versions (a mainstream audience version and a speculative audience version). If you recall, I was asked to write concepts for a show I would watch. It was kind of fun, actually, trying to figure out what kind of show would make me tune in every week. I think these ones would.
Needless to say, I believe these are my best ideas yet - probably because of the vested interest. Mind you, I also think these are going to be the hardest to win support for - so I don't have my hopes up too high. At least I won't have long to wait to see if the development company is interested. Apparently, there's a meeting tomorrow to discuss them. So, if it's a "not quite right" (which I wouldn't at all be surprised by) I'll know by then.
Goodness, I love the speed of their decisions. No time to even be worried.
I’ll let you know what happens.
Book Update
The final draft of the book is underway, complete with edits as my third round readers get back to me. So far, all comments have been really positive or very minor (i.e., line edits). No major issues identified to date.
I am currently investigating other options for a title, because pretty much every reader I’ve had agrees that the current one doesn’t fit what the book is now (The original version of Summer of Flight was initiated in 2005 – and included a roller coaster accident).
My current front runner titles are A Breath of Air or A Rustle of Wind, the latter of which is very close to a friend’s short story title that I’ve always loved (Hi Ruth!). Not sure either of these fit better. Maybe I'll leave it as is and see what happens.
Query Letter Update
I had to go back to the drawing board for the two paragraph summary (to go in my query letter). Apparently my version didn’t cut it. I kind of expected this – which is why I am glad I have twenty more days to work on it. A friend took the new version I came up with and actually made it good. It's a bit long, but hopefully I can edit it down without loosing the awesomeness.
Synopsis Update
I have one page of my synopsis done (courtesy of my grant application way back when). Next, I have to write the second half. I can't tell you how much I am looking forward to writing it. ::laugh::
Television Show Pitch Update
This morning, I finished my last three television show pitches – this time for family dramas with a specific twist. Technically there are only two pitches – but one has two versions (a mainstream audience version and a speculative audience version). If you recall, I was asked to write concepts for a show I would watch. It was kind of fun, actually, trying to figure out what kind of show would make me tune in every week. I think these ones would.
Needless to say, I believe these are my best ideas yet - probably because of the vested interest. Mind you, I also think these are going to be the hardest to win support for - so I don't have my hopes up too high. At least I won't have long to wait to see if the development company is interested. Apparently, there's a meeting tomorrow to discuss them. So, if it's a "not quite right" (which I wouldn't at all be surprised by) I'll know by then.
Goodness, I love the speed of their decisions. No time to even be worried.
I’ll let you know what happens.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Well, that was a Surprise
The completion of Draft #3 that is. It was supposed to take me to the end of next weekend. I thought I'd need to do a fair bit of re-work to address feedback on my second-to-last chapter.
No, I just needed to not to be dumb. In other words, I needed to put in the real reason for why X occurred...which just happens to link to the whole giant story arc.
Funny how that works.
So, Summer of Flight has the right ending, two characters that I had made "not themselves" are back to being who they were supposed to be...and I can go about being a surprised, yet happy, writer.
Draft 3 Word Count? 78,823.
Edited to add: Wow. Amazing what words I use way too much. I just did a search for "At Least" and "Even." These two must join "just" on my list of overused (way too much) words.
No, I just needed to not to be dumb. In other words, I needed to put in the real reason for why X occurred...which just happens to link to the whole giant story arc.
Funny how that works.
So, Summer of Flight has the right ending, two characters that I had made "not themselves" are back to being who they were supposed to be...and I can go about being a surprised, yet happy, writer.
Draft 3 Word Count? 78,823.
Edited to add: Wow. Amazing what words I use way too much. I just did a search for "At Least" and "Even." These two must join "just" on my list of overused (way too much) words.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Quick Update
May 1st.
Considering June 1st is my (personal) deadline for getting the book out to my first round of Agents - I had better get to work. Not too much time to blog.
Did I mention I have to take five people for High Tea if I miss the deadline? Yikes. Talk about incentive. Mind you, I won't send it out unless I am ready...but still, that would be a painful penalty! On the positive side, if I do get it out the door, I am the one who will be taken out. Much nicer option.
Currently working on Draft 3. Most changes at this point are finicky - to address points of confusion, etc. Last weekend I did have some real fun when I added a thousand words just beyond "X" in order to build a relationship up a bit more. Nice to have something fun and easy to do.
Today it's back to the more challenging bits. Those are fun to address too - just in different ways.
Other things...I've pretty much given up hope on the television pitch going anywhere. That's okay. Like I said, I've learned a lot from the whole process -- more so than most new writers in the field. And, seeing as I knew zilch about TV going in, I can't really complain. I now am that much farther ahead for next time.
I have been asked to write another pitch...this time, for a show I'd never want to miss. This is kind of fun, because it'll be like writing for an anthology. I'll create something just for me. I figure it'll be the most fun to write yet, if the least likely to go anywhere. ::chuckle:: To a degree, it's a blank slate with a theme.
This new pitch also needs to get done before the end of next weekend. Yea! Nothing like multiple deadlines to make me work harder.
So -- looks like I am in for a busy few weeks. I'll let you know how it goes!
Considering June 1st is my (personal) deadline for getting the book out to my first round of Agents - I had better get to work. Not too much time to blog.
Did I mention I have to take five people for High Tea if I miss the deadline? Yikes. Talk about incentive. Mind you, I won't send it out unless I am ready...but still, that would be a painful penalty! On the positive side, if I do get it out the door, I am the one who will be taken out. Much nicer option.
Currently working on Draft 3. Most changes at this point are finicky - to address points of confusion, etc. Last weekend I did have some real fun when I added a thousand words just beyond "X" in order to build a relationship up a bit more. Nice to have something fun and easy to do.
Today it's back to the more challenging bits. Those are fun to address too - just in different ways.
Other things...I've pretty much given up hope on the television pitch going anywhere. That's okay. Like I said, I've learned a lot from the whole process -- more so than most new writers in the field. And, seeing as I knew zilch about TV going in, I can't really complain. I now am that much farther ahead for next time.
I have been asked to write another pitch...this time, for a show I'd never want to miss. This is kind of fun, because it'll be like writing for an anthology. I'll create something just for me. I figure it'll be the most fun to write yet, if the least likely to go anywhere. ::chuckle:: To a degree, it's a blank slate with a theme.
This new pitch also needs to get done before the end of next weekend. Yea! Nothing like multiple deadlines to make me work harder.
So -- looks like I am in for a busy few weeks. I'll let you know how it goes!
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Where I've Been, What I am Doing
I had a lovely time at Ad Astra. Met some interesting new people, saw some folks I know but never see often enough, and spoke about all sorts of interesting things…like taxes for writers. ::cough::
Overall, a very productive convention.
Right before I left for the convention, I received comments on my second draft from someone whose opinion really matters to me. I admit to having been terrified while I waited – hoping this person wouldn’t say it was dreadful.
Instead, it sounds like this person liked it. Sure there were suggested edits – but nothing really crazy (yea!).
My favourite part of the comments? Having my book called “exquisite and entrancing.”
::smile:: That compliment will carry me through many a month of wondering when I do get this out to agents (Yes, I am still on track for end of May).
Speaking of which, I’ve been making a list of good YA agents, and then ranking them according to personal preference.
I’ve been reading blogs and documenting contact information, submission requirements, and the like.
It’s been very interesting to learn about all the slight differences that make individual lives easier. As someone who is finicky about formatting, I am more than happy to oblige by giving each agent what they ask for.
But still – definitely no standards in terms of preferences. From 3 pages to 3 chapters, Times New Roman to Arial (Yuck), email to hard copy, synopsis or no synopsis…its all over the map.
Once draft three is done, I’ll be starting to develop my submission packages. I can already see that will be fun!
Overall, a very productive convention.
Right before I left for the convention, I received comments on my second draft from someone whose opinion really matters to me. I admit to having been terrified while I waited – hoping this person wouldn’t say it was dreadful.
Instead, it sounds like this person liked it. Sure there were suggested edits – but nothing really crazy (yea!).
My favourite part of the comments? Having my book called “exquisite and entrancing.”
::smile:: That compliment will carry me through many a month of wondering when I do get this out to agents (Yes, I am still on track for end of May).
Speaking of which, I’ve been making a list of good YA agents, and then ranking them according to personal preference.
I’ve been reading blogs and documenting contact information, submission requirements, and the like.
It’s been very interesting to learn about all the slight differences that make individual lives easier. As someone who is finicky about formatting, I am more than happy to oblige by giving each agent what they ask for.
But still – definitely no standards in terms of preferences. From 3 pages to 3 chapters, Times New Roman to Arial (Yuck), email to hard copy, synopsis or no synopsis…its all over the map.
Once draft three is done, I’ll be starting to develop my submission packages. I can already see that will be fun!
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Waiting...Waiting...
Seems like "waiting" is the order of the day.
Waiting for news. Waiting for readers. Waiting for Air Canada to to be less dumb with their ticket pricing.
Okay, I figure the latter will never happen, but it's a thought. ::laugh::
Waiting. Still, there's the long weekend this weekend...then next is Ad Astra. So plenty to keep myself busy.
Waiting for news. Waiting for readers. Waiting for Air Canada to to be less dumb with their ticket pricing.
Okay, I figure the latter will never happen, but it's a thought. ::laugh::
Waiting. Still, there's the long weekend this weekend...then next is Ad Astra. So plenty to keep myself busy.
Sunday, March 28, 2010
Summer of Flight - Draft 2
...is done like dinner.
Okay, maybe not like a dinner I've made, since I can't cook my way out of a paper bag.
...how about done like a plate of delicious gnocci from DaVino's though? (the best Italian restaurant in the Windsor - Essex Region).
Writing retreats -- oh how I love you.
Yes, I just got back from two nights in London, Ontario.
London -- Cheap, close, and I don't know anyone who lives there. What more could I have asked for? The weather was even dreadful, making me have no desire to go outside. It's like everything was in my favour.
Funny thing -- I wasn't actually intended to finish the second draft this weekend. I wanted to get the mass of niggly edits done, so I could focus another retreat on writing the two new scenes I wanted to add. Apparently, my brain thought that wasn't enough work.
I am not complaining.
I don't actually know my final word count for the weekend, since I know I got rid of a lot of words -- especially some bumf (is that a real word?) at the beginning.
I did up the word count to 76,991 from the first draft tally of 74,325. This still lands it nicely in the YA target of under 80k, which is good.
The scary thing is that now I'll need to let people who aren't my awesome writing partner read it.
Scary. Scary. Scary.
I do think it's to the point where it's not dreadful. At least, I can hope. But the people I'm going to ask likely won't pull any punches if it is. Not that I'd want them to.
I guess I'll find out soon enough.
As to the Television Show thing -- the big boss of the company was out of town last week, so not much was happening. Apparently the main topic is over the best target audience (i.e., the 8pm or 10pm crowd). This is one I don't have a clue about, so it should be interesting to see what the verdict is.
Okay, maybe not like a dinner I've made, since I can't cook my way out of a paper bag.
...how about done like a plate of delicious gnocci from DaVino's though? (the best Italian restaurant in the Windsor - Essex Region).
Writing retreats -- oh how I love you.
Yes, I just got back from two nights in London, Ontario.
London -- Cheap, close, and I don't know anyone who lives there. What more could I have asked for? The weather was even dreadful, making me have no desire to go outside. It's like everything was in my favour.
Funny thing -- I wasn't actually intended to finish the second draft this weekend. I wanted to get the mass of niggly edits done, so I could focus another retreat on writing the two new scenes I wanted to add. Apparently, my brain thought that wasn't enough work.
I am not complaining.
I don't actually know my final word count for the weekend, since I know I got rid of a lot of words -- especially some bumf (is that a real word?) at the beginning.
I did up the word count to 76,991 from the first draft tally of 74,325. This still lands it nicely in the YA target of under 80k, which is good.
The scary thing is that now I'll need to let people who aren't my awesome writing partner read it.
Scary. Scary. Scary.
I do think it's to the point where it's not dreadful. At least, I can hope. But the people I'm going to ask likely won't pull any punches if it is. Not that I'd want them to.
I guess I'll find out soon enough.
As to the Television Show thing -- the big boss of the company was out of town last week, so not much was happening. Apparently the main topic is over the best target audience (i.e., the 8pm or 10pm crowd). This is one I don't have a clue about, so it should be interesting to see what the verdict is.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
