Gig 'em and Hook 'em

January and February have been filled with judging contest--published and unpublished categories. I think judges learn a lot by delving into the first thirty to fifty pages of an unpubbed manuscript, and just as much by reading published books.

I'm a pretty lenient judge. I tend to offer a lot of suggestions and smiley faces. I also ask a lot of questions or note what I'm thinking when I read a passage--especially if I think it might not be what the author wants me to be thinking. I don't give extremely low scores because I can't stand the thought of discouraging anyone. Truth be known, I come away more discouraged from judging than I do from entering contests.

First chapters are supposed to yank the agent, editor, reader into the story and keep them there. During these two months, I haven't read any published books that have yanked me in and kept me there. I wonder why? Is it me? I called a writer friend who has some fourteen books on the stands. She's judging too. It's not just me. She's wondering where the hooks are? Why aren't those first few pages keeping her attention.

So... if I had one wish today, I'd wish to meet the agents and editors of those published books. I'd like to sit across from them, sip a white-chocolate mocha and have them explain why they bought such-in-such book, what it was that jerked them into the story and kept them there? Why they kept reading.

Anyone want to grant my wish?

Want to come live at my house?

Sometimes I just want to get lost in foolishness. How about you?

http://www.linein.org/media/screen_clean.swf

Last Minute Decision Pays Off

Back in my younger days, I was a real contest junkie. I mean all contests. I'd send my name and ten soup labels in hopes of winning a truck load of firewood for the winter--okay, slight exaggeration. But I really did enter those kinds of contests. . . for awhile.

In December, I felt drawn to the North Texaas RWA Great Expectations contest. I waited until the deadline had passed, sort of regretted not entering then learned that the deadline had been extended.

I entered

Four reasons I was drawn to this contest is:

1) I could submit my 30 pages via email
2) I could write a query telling a little about myself and my book (no names allowed)
3) I would have a chance to revamp my submission if I made the finals.
4) Melissa Endlich of Love Inspired judges the finalists.

And I placed.

For the past few months, I've been praying about putting my fiction aside and concentrating on nonfiction. I have more NF publishing credits and I can whip out articles and essays a heck of a lot faster than I can a novel. I wonder if this is God's little nudge of encouragement, telling me to hang in there. I don't know.

Here are the finalists. Take a look at this contest for next year. It's a good one.

North Texas RWA congratulates the following finalists of the 2008 Great Expectations contest. We wish everyone the best of luck in the final round.

~~ Contemporary SERIES Category ~~

FINAL ROUND EDITOR: Megan Long, Editorial Assistant, Superromance, Harlequin Books

The Goblin's Trick by Ella Drake

Diner Girl by Mary Duncanson

The Cleopatra Secret by Greta MacEachern

The Nanny's Secret by Ami Weaver

~~ EROTIC ROMANCE Category ~~

FINAL ROUND EDITOR: Raelene Gorlinsky, Publisher and Senior Editor, Ellora’s Cave

Wings of Desire by Cynthia Arends

Running From the Past by Katie Reus

Eternally Three: Perfection by Lee Swift

~~ HISTORICAL CATEGORY ~~

FINAL ROUND EDITOR: Tessa Woodward, Editorial Assistant, Avon Books

Midnight Promises by Anne Barton Ardizzone

The Duchess Competition by Vicky Dreiling

The Making of Jenny Keeble by Courtney Milan

Passionate Persuasions by Jennifer Ziros

~~ INSPIRATIONAL Category ~~

FINAL ROUND EDITOR: Melissa Endlich, Harlequin Books

Sarah's Rainbow by Margaret Brownley

Miranda's Mistake by Jessica R. Ferguson \o/

Sourdough Creek by Caroline Fyffe

New Hope by Yvonne Harris

~~ MANSTREAM with romantic elements Category ~~

FINAL ROUND EDITOR: Liza Schwartz, Editorial Assistant, NAL

Kingdom On Fire by Yvonne Harris

All For One by Chris Keniston

Heart Wishes by Edie Ramer

Twisted Snare Of Fate by Gracie Stanners

~~ Romantic Suspense Category ~~

FINAL ROUND EDITOR: Allison Brandau, Editorial Assistant, Berkley/Jove

Lying Eyes by Amy Atwell

The Chameleon Effect by Tina Butts

The Surrogate by Tina Butts

See Jane Run by Angela Platt

~~ Single Title Category ~~

FINAL ROUND EDITOR: Alex Logan, Editorial Assistant, Grand Central Publishing

Saints And Sinners by Catherine Chant

The Cost of Love by Vannetta Chapman

The Weight of Love by Vannetta Chapman

Once Upon A Margarita by Heidi Luchterhand

~~ SPECIALIZED Category

Fantasy, Futuristic, Paranormal & Time Travel ~~

FINAL ROUND EDITOR: Chris Keeslar, Senior Editor, Dorchester/Leisure

Love Bites...Literally by Michelle Lauren

The Night Caller by Laura Martello

The Slayer's Circle by Michelle Odell

To Tame His Heart by Lori Sowell

~~ YOUNG ADULT Category ~~

FINAL ROUND EDITOR: Karen Chaplin, Associate Editor, Puffin/Speak Books

Super Chick by Kimberly Duffy

Fear of Falling by Amber Royer

The Art Of Selling My Sister by Shana Silver

Megan Delaney, Psychic Misfit by Bonnie Staring

We All Need Mending

Listen to this beautiful essay, We All Need Mending by Susan Cooke Kittredge.

Do you have a story that can touch someone's life the way Kittredge's does?

Some of you may remember how your parents or grandparents gathered at their radios to hear essays by Helen Keller, Harry Truman, and others. Now you have an opportunity to share the essence of your day-to-day philosophy and shaping of your beliefs. In 300-500 words touch our lives. See guidelines here.
Payment is $200.

Jay Allison and Dan Gediman united in hopes that in sharing one's story, others will come to respect a view different than their own. They've done a fantastic job. Explore their website and feel something. This I Believe is based on the 1950s radio program of the same name, hosted by acclaimed journalist Edward R. Murrow.

Want an agent?

Here's how do get one:

Out of Pocket for Awhile

Comic by Debbie Ridpath Ohi from Inkygirl.com with permission.

Writing Like A Susan

Browsing the different blogs and websites, I see the latest trend appears to be write fast.

For several days I hung out on Randy Ingermanson's Advanced Fiction Writer's Blog where Susan Meissner chatted about her accelerated pace. She usually starts and completes her novels in 6-10 weeks. I also attended Susan's session at the ACFW conference last September where she spoke on the same subject and "sat in" on her ACFW online course. I'm fascinated by those who can write fast.

Back in 2002 award winning author Susan Mallery spoke at the RWA conference on Writing More While Writing Better. I have the tape and have devoured every word Susan spoke. In fact, I've practically memorized her spiel. Susan's energy flows into me and by the end of her talk, I know I can write fast too.

I noticed today that Susan May Warren is also talking about writing fast. She goes into great detail, explaining just how many minutes it will take to create a scene or a page, provided the scene is about 1500 words. This boggles my mind.

What it all boils down to--as each of these wonderful authors point out--is pre-writing, thoroughly planning your story so you know your characters, your plot, the conflict and the ending.

Pre-writing. A lot of work before the work.

At my age I'm not nearly as fast as I used to be. I don't move fast, think fast or eat fast. I certainly don't write fast. So I'm wondering. . . what if I just change my name to Susan? :)

Ohhhhhhh, yes. How I love shortcuts.