BeeJaySez

2007-11-17T12:49:00.000-06:00

World record rejection time for a novel

I located the name of an agent in a national newsletter interview. She seemed like a good fit, so I tracked down the agency details on the internet and found that she accepts email queries. Early in the day, I converted my query letter to an email format and off it went.

About two hours later the agent replied to my email query and requested 20 pages of the novel manuscript. An hour later I winged the excerpt through the ether to her marveling at the rapid response.

Several hours later, I had another reply from this agent. Rather than the usual: doesn’t fit my criteria or my plate’s too full at present — she added positive critique comments. It was a turn-down to be sure, but I truly appreciated the fact that she took the time to pass along meaningful remarks I can incorporate into my writing.

World Record? Maybe, maybe not, but the entire exchange took a few minutes under twelve hours. I’ve waited six months and not received an answer from harried and less courteous agents, so I’ll accept the positive aspects. The rejection was swift, but the results were positive. I don’t have to sit around waiting and I have valuable input to utilize.

Thanks to this considerate agent and I’ll wish for the next block-buster novel to come her way.

Bee Jay Sez

2007-11-12T16:28:00.002-06:00

Um’s and Er’s

While listening to NPR (National Public Radio) I was overwhelmed with the words of the person being interviewed as he defended the current trend in speaking which includes all manner of “place holders.” I’ve long stressed to writers: if you want to be a writer, you also need to become a speaker — because speaking is part of the marketing process. At the same time, you don’t want to sound like an illiterate.

This NPR guru has a theory that all the “er’s,” “um’s” and “ya know’s” belong in our speech patterns to allow the listener to recognize that “more is coming.” Yeah, right! If the listener cannot figure out there is more coming on their own, I hold that the speaker doesn’t have much worth listening to.

Example: Another NPR — and I really do like NPR — interviewee held sway. He is a movie actor and a stand-up comedian, but he left those fields far behind. I was appalled with the number of “ya know’s” he tossed out. When I quit listening to whatever it was he was trying to say, he was clipping along at 10 YPM (“Ya know’s” Per Minute) — that’s one every six seconds folks. If the speaker is tossing in one of these place-holders that often, he’s going to lose me … and he did.

Positive example: this NPR interviewee is an Emmy winner, an Oscar winner and has a Nobel Peace Prize. I listened to former Vice President Al Gore for twenty minutes or more without a single “ya know” and I got his full message.

Back to our first individual — the intellectual minimalist, the legend in his own mind — I don’t believe a word he says. He seems to be excusing others of his ilk who are unable to carry on an intelligent conversation without inane fillers.

Bee Jay Sez

2007-10-20T16:02:00.000-05:00

Developing Characters

Several weeks ago I attended an hour seminar on characterization presented by Robin Miller. Robin writes as Robin Caroll and you can find details about her on the web at: robincaroll.com

She is the president of ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) and just signed a three-book contract. As you might guess by the office she holds, we are a world apart on background and writing genre.

Robin uses a different approach than I do when it comes to fleshing out characters, but her method is outstanding. I learned long ago, that there is little difference in genre when it comes to creating characters. No writer will last long with flat, two dimensional people in the prose. Take advantage of every opportunity to learn and pick the brains of the best.

Bee Jay Sez

2007-08-11T13:58:00.000-05:00

Conference Conferees

Everyone in the audience wants to meet the speaker when they finish the presentation. The applause dies — the rush begins. Elbows flailing, the strongest predators lead the charge. No problem, I think; plenty of time and I’m only tenth in line. Alas, the head of this line is the conference pest. He monopolizes the speaker’s time. Shifting from foot-to-foot, grumbling and erupting in my most stage-like throat clearing accomplishes nothing. The oblivious lout is unaware of the line behind him. This one person still has the speaker button-holed when a conference host pries the poor presenter loose from the clutches of the pest.

Next on the schedule are several round-table discussions where each facilitator works with a small group of would-be writers. This female conferee pest never heard the word succinct. Getting the facilitator’s attention, she launches into a long, rambling soliloquy turning an insignificant event into a novella. Stopping to inhale, she no longer remembers what she wanted to ask. During the lull for that inhalation, a second time-waster leaps into the breach. He relates a small slice of life story in minute and excruciating detail, in an attempt to maintain center stage. With side trips to tedium, he turns trivia into an epic saga.

The time allotted for this session has also expired. The facilitator and the other participants have a thousand-yard stare on their faces while considering whether it is worth attending any more of this conference.

The next pest corners the conference Director with a question: “Why didn’t you have a speaker representing the (pick any genre to fill the blank)?” The Director tells this guy about national organizations and conferences specializing in his particular area of writing interest. When it dawns on the persistent pest a modicum of cash would be needed to attend and join, the ardor wanes and he beats a hasty retreat.

I would be remiss if I ignored the pest who becomes a presenter. The one who prefers his voice to that of others — who prefers his own work to that of others. He has no regard for structure and schedules and “a minute” becomes a half-hour devoted to himself.

We don’t need time and space hogs wasting our time. My time is far too valuable to squander — and so is yours. Ignore and avoid these inconsiderate oafs.

A final word to the self-centered, inconsiderate pest; next time stay home.

Bee Jay

2007-06-07T16:32:00.000-05:00

The first week of June has come and gone again. Yesterday, the 6^th of June passed with barely a mention of this date made famous in WW II. Take a moment out of your busy day to remember those brave souls who stormed the beaches of Fortress Europe that day more than half a century ago.

The Pen Women in Little Rock, AR again put on an outstanding meeting (Arkansas Writers’ Conference). I got an Honorable Mention, which I considered a positive considering there were 86 entries in that category. The recognition was for a short story called “Saying Goodbye” and I’ll get it up on my web site shortly. Also, that story will appear in a anthology published in the fall by the Missouri State Poetry Society. They publish the book of poems and short stories every year.

Next week begins a week long writers’ retreat at the Hemingway-Pfeiffer Learning Center. This is the fourth year I’ve been able to attend this gathering in Piggott, Arkansas. This year my goal is to finish my second mystery novel and begin the first rewrite. I have about eight pounds of notes from my critique group to get through.

Bee Jay

2007-05-12T12:22:00.000-05:00

Another letter to the editor published in “The Writer” magazine. It’s worth saying again, so here it is.

I believe the February Dear Writer column, which discusses the reliability of information on the Internet, leaves a faulty impression in readers’ minds.

I disagree that organization (.org) sites, among others, are always “trustworthy sources.” These domains are available to anyone with $10 to spend.

The column also implies that education (.edu) sites do not promote “a bias or a cause.” Consider these examples: Liberty University and Oral Roberts University are both .edu domains, but I doubt Jerry Falwell and Oral Roberts (both chancellors of the respective schools) can be counted on to provide unbiased opinions.

My point is this: Beware of everything on the Web. Everyone has an agenda or goal (good or bad) to promote. Use common sense when reading anything out there in cyberspace.

Bee Jay

2007-04-28T16:27:00.000-05:00

What is a mystery?

Many readers and writers as well, confuse genres. I’ve seen a reference to a mystery/thriller. I’m not sure how to untangle that one.

A suspense novel starts with a situation and moves to the climax where the “main event” happens or doesn’t happen. A thriller is the same format as a suspense with more in the way of fast-paced action. The struggle is between the good-gal doing her best to stop the bad-guy from accomplishing the main event, explosion, war, etc.

A mystery flips the sequence. The “main event,” most times a murder, occurs up front. The rest of the time is spent as the good-guy works to uncover the identity of the bad-gal. Here, the climax is the unmasking of the culprit. Hercule Poirot (Agatha Christie) loved the “drawing-room” scene. He eliminates the suspects one-by-one until the bad-guy confesses and bolts for freedom. Avoid these kinds of info dumps.

There are a ton of sub-genres within the mystery category: cozy, hard boiled, medium boiled, amateur sleuth, police procedural, to name a few.

If you plan to write mysteries or any genre, do some research so you sound like you know what you’re doing. One of the best descriptions of fiction genres I’ve run across is at — www.pcbios.com — a web site by Linda Rohrbough. Look for “The Genre Hurdle – Table 1” link on her “Business of Writing” page.

Bee Jay

2007-04-06T16:36:00.000-05:00

Panels

In my previous blog, I discussed public speaking as a marketing tool. Think of the last time you sat in an audience. Do you think the crowd remembered you or the speaker? Rhetorical — no need for an answer.

Speaking as a panel member may be easier than carrying the entire load. Still, you need to prepare, have some notes and do your practice aloud.

Recently, I participated on a panel discussing the mystery genre. I was the only one on a panel of four who didn’t have a published novel. The three others finished speaking — without interruption — and none of them bothered to define a mystery. A person in the audience requested a definition.

Since part of my pre-panel prep was coming up with definitions for both mystery and suspense stories, I took this opportunity to speak. I explained the difference between a suspense/thriller and a mystery. As I added a few comments on mysteries, both panel members of the female persuasion decided it was time to interrupt and to challenge and disagree with me. My comments were correct and on point — their disagreements came from deep left field.

I don’t mind folks who disagree with me, but good manners dictate they do it in their own turn. For a minute I thought I missed some of the rules for the panel — if you’re female and published, it’s okay to be obnoxious.

I could have defended my position and argued with them. Instead, I let each extol their point while I stared at the audience. When they finished their spiels, I continued my presentation.

I think my approach won the day. After the meeting, several from the audience thanked me for my presentation and passed rather disparaging remarks about the two “ladies.” When appearing in public, remember we can disagree without being disagreeable. While publishing and writing appear to be a big, big business, it’s more like a small town.

Bee Jay

2007-03-25T13:19:00.000-05:00

Public Speaking

Are you a public speaker? If you are a writer and your answer was no, you need to think about becoming one. Not everyone was born with the public speaking gene — I wasn’t. I gained the ability through years of practice, and as a writer it is a critical asset.

This is for those of you who said no to my first question. Speaking to groups is part of marketing yourself and your writing. Consider it another tool in your arsenal along with networking, book signings and everything else you do to promote yourself.

Don’t be concerned about pleasing everybody in your audience. As an instructor, I heard a train-the-trainer say: 20% will hate you no matter what you do for them; 20% will love you no matter what you do to them; present to the middle 60%.

Overcome the jitters. Do all the things you’ve heard of — picture the audience naked; tell yourself they get into their pants/panties one leg at a time. Beyond those, take your presentation into a quiet room where you can be alone. Stand up and give your entire speech — word for word — out loud. For me this last step is the most important. Once I’ve heard the words aloud, the next time I “hear” them — in front of an audience — the tension is eased and I’m more comfortable.

Start small if need be. Accept every opportunity that comes along. If they don’t come on their own, create them. Volunteer to discuss your favorite writing subject or book to your writing or critique group. Most times I have a briefcase with me containing several presentations. Always ready for a last minute fill-in for a no-show speaker.

Give it a shot; I think you’ll enjoy your time in front of audiences.

Bee Jay

2007-03-01T13:29:00.000-06:00

Criminal Pursuits

Last Friday and Saturday found me attending Criminal Pursuits. This was the second annual mystery conference in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The event is sponsored by the Southwest Chapter of Mystery Writers of America and put on by P.J. Nunn, founder of BreakThrough Promotions.

Featured speakers were Barbara Colley (Charlotte LaRue mystery series) and Jane Cleland (Consigned to Death). Barbara spoke about “the Good, the Bad and the Ugly of writing” as well as character development, and Jane discussed “Branding yourself, a marketing plan.” Both authors gave the audience solid information and advice on writing and a writing career.

The most unusual part of the event was Friday evening. After dinner, Mike Witzgall, a SWAT instructor, consultant and Peace Officer, introduced “Crime Scene Interpretation.” This exercise included two dead bodies (mannequins) as well as props and a liberal sprinkling and spattering of stage blood. Three teams gathered clues and vied for the most correct solution to the crime.

What does this have to do with writing? You may have heard others tell you to read if you want to be a writer — I put attending conferences in the same category. This one was well worth the effort and investment.

Bee Jay

2007-02-17T10:21:00.001-06:00

Writer’s Block

I’m sure you’ve heard the term writer’s block — does it exist? I agree with a growing number of authors, editors and others who write books on writing — people who should know.

Before I divulge my answer, let me describe the process for the first two books I wrote. The first one popped out like Athena — full grown from the head of her father, Zeus. I knew the story from A to Z before I began writing. The second was more difficult. I knew where A was and I knew where Z would be, but B through Y were nowhere in sight.

In the first case, I kept an outline, which ran a chapter or two behind. For the second effort, I needed an outline prepared ahead of the writing.

A lot of sources agree, including Stephen King (non fiction, On Writing), there’s no such thing as writers’ block. Staring at a blank screen when the words don’t come, means you don’t know where the story line (plot) is going.

When such a feeling descends on me, I haul out my notes and turn to the Outline section. A few minutes there will put me back on track.

How much to outline? Depends. For my second book I did an A to Z outline. Remember, you’re not locked in. If you need to deviate, do it. Sometimes I don’t want the outline to get too fare ahead of the writing. I get excited learning where the plot is going — like I hope the reader will.

Bottom line — add this to what you already know and do what you need to do to get the job done. Don’t let “writer’s block” stymie you.

Bee Jay

2007-01-20T16:19:00.000-06:00

Writing Expenses = Tax Deductions

At the git-go, let me say I’m not a tax consultant or accountant and I am not an attorney. Before you put these ideas to work, check out the legalities for yourself.

If you are serious (an operative word) about writing, you are piling up expenses. At this moment, I’m sitting in a motel room about 130 miles from home. Tonight I will speak to a group of writers and return home in the morning — just ahead of the predicted ice storms … I hope.

This trip I’ll have mileage, meals and the motel I can itemize on my tax forms. Actually, the “I” is the royal pronoun; I use hardware named Jim. He does a fantastic job of tax preparation. What about the three-year rule you ask? Don’t you have to show a profit? Big misconception. Some of what I’ll detail here can also be found in Writer’s Digest, Writer’s Yearbook 2007, in an article called “Tax Relief” by Sue Lick. Also pay particular attention to the side bar, “Proving You’re a Business,” by Diane Kelly.

The three-year rule (make a profit in three of the last five years) isn’t exactly a rule. If you do make a profit as specified — great, you’re home free. If you don’t, the onus is on you to prove you’re running a business — you are serious about writing and are making an effort to produce income.

This quote from the article: “You can offset the taxes you owe from your day job and other sources by deducting your writing expenses” spells it out pretty well. How do you prove you are a business so you can take advantage of the deductions?

Keep rejections to prove you’re sending material out to agents and publishers. Don’t forget the postage needed to send the query, and the SASE and manuscripts out. Save receipts for writing related items like magazines, mileage to attend writing groups, conferences, etc. and dues for writing groups and contest fees plus associated postage.

Many writers include office and computer supplies, computer depreciation and a portion of your home as an office. These can get tricky and may prove to be more trouble than they are worth.

Keep good records — whether with software like Quicken (which I use) or a shoe box — to make the process easier at tax time. Since it’s January, this is a good time to start.

Finally, consult an expert and discuss your situation before you do it and file a Schedule C.

Bee Jay Sez

2007-01-01T09:27:00.000-06:00

Happy 2007

Once again the New Year arrived, around the world, without my help. I planned to stay up until 11 p.m. (Central Time) in order to see the ball drop in NY (Eastern Time) at midnight. Alas, I didn’t make it.

Resolutions anyone? This morning I heard an on-air TV personality make a continuing resolution (apparently oft repeated) about trying to be a better person. The individual said “even if I don’t make it, I’m trying.” Oops. I’ve read in psychological literature that “try” is a failure oriented word. Don’t believe that, examine this: I invite you over tonight for steaks I plan to grill. You say, I’ll try to make it. Should I thaw a steak for you or not. I think not.

I received a manuscript returned from a NY literary agent saying: The agent who requested your story doesn’t work here anymore. You gotta admit it’s not a typical form letter rejection. Time to crank out more query letters.

Don’t “try.” Do it. Here’s a wish 2007 is the year we both have a novel accepted for representation and publication.

Bee Jay Sez

2006-12-22T15:21:00.000-06:00

Love to see my name in print ...

Apologies for being away for a while. The season and medical stuff got in the way. As a matter of fact, I saw my name while sitting in a hospital waiting room.

I was thumbing through the latest issue of Writer's Digest magazine. When I got to letters to the editor, I looked at the names to see where they were writing from.

Surprise. I saw my name and city listed. I was almost dumbfounded. I scanned the letter and realized it was one I did send. Written quite a time ago, I forgot about it.

Oh, well. Better than not ...

Happy holidays and a prosperous New Year to you all.

Bee Jay Sez

2006-11-11T19:01:00.000-06:00

Intellectual Property Theft

Years ago a young office worker came to me because everyone knew I wrote. Because I detest the Politically Correct “he/she” or alternating gender pronouns in favor of fairness, I’ll refer to this person as feminine. He/She or It may or may not be female. She asked me to read and critique a children’s short story she wrote.

At home, I was moving through the prose when something reined me in. I went back over the last few paragraphs then put the narrative down and pulled a thin hardback from a bookcase shelf — The Velveteen Rabbit.

In seconds I located the familiar passage in the book. Comparing the book to her story, I found she lifted entire paragraphs verbatim. That’s Intellectual Property theft — plagiarism.

The next day, I pointed out the problem to her. Her defense was, “… but the author said exactly what I wanted to say.” My reply was, “You can’t ‘borrow’ the words of others. You have to find your own language to get the job done.” I’m not sure my critique soaked in. I said I would read the whole story when she came up with her own version. I don’t remember her returning for a re-read.

Excuses abound: I didn’t see a copyright notice. Makes no difference. If you didn’t write it, someone else holds the copyright. All I have to do is put pen to paper — or in this age, fingers to computer keyboard — and I own the copyright. The Internet makes plagiarism a cake walk — highlight text, edit/copy, edit/past and instantly — it’s mine, all mine.

I hope, dear reader, you realize there are software programs today designed to identify “lifts” such as those. Also, think back to my opening example. What kid would not recognize a passage from The Velveteen Rabbit?

Suppose I plan to write a sweeping epic of the U.S. Civil War era and call it Gone With the Wind. Can I do this? Yes and No. I doubt I could write that novel, but if I did, I could use the same title. You cannot copyright the title of a work.

Theft has cost several journalists their jobs and at least one novelist her book advance. How would you feel if you posted a short story on the web only to find another person did a copy/paste and won big bucks in a contest sponsored by a writers’ magazine? If you don’t want that to happen to you, don’t do it to others. Stay away from the theft of Intellectual Property — don’t plagiarize.

Bee Jay

2006-10-17T09:21:00.000-05:00

More about Critique Groups

Last time out, I stressed the importance of critique groups and warned of certain personality types. The group I work with now is made up of six authors who are writing long works of prose. We’ve limited ourselves to this number, which allows time for each one to present about four pages and get input on the writing and not go over the two hours set aside for critiques.

With any luck at all, you won’t run into the types I warned you about. If you do, the group is faced with a decision. Do you allow someone to disrupt or waste the group’s time? If the answer is no, the only alternative is to ask the person to leave the group. Harsh? Yes, but better than later altercations or recriminations.

Protocols: On the giving end, be positive; point out the good parts as well as criticisms. When it’s your time in the barrel, don’t be defensive, and don’t defend your work. Make note of the criticisms, and how many in the group agree with the comment. One only — may well ignore it. A majority — best pay heed. However, in the end, it is author’s choice — you must decide whether to change the prose or not.

There are wide variations on how to run critique groups. Rather than an attempt to cover them here, I’ll recommend: How to start and run a writers’ Critique Group, by Carol J. Amato.

BeeJaySez

2006-10-07T20:23:00.000-05:00

Critique Groups

I cannot over-emphasize the importance of a good critique group. I completed a novel before joining a group the first time. Figuring I would be the big frog in the small pond, I plunged ahead. After the others bled red ink all over my prose, I began to appreciate the value of honest comment and critique, and found I was happy to be a small frog.

There are some areas where caution should be exercised. As long as other members are offering honest impartial input, fine, however problems can arise when you run into some of the following types.

= Sergeant-at-arms: The door keeper, the rule enforcer. Dennis Lehane said, “Know the rules before you break them.” The Door Keeper won’t allow any variation from a strict interpretation of the “rules” of writing.
= Know-it-all: The Big Frog. This person will waste the group’s time while concentrating on themselves.
= Non-reader: This one doesn’t bother to read and “anything’s okay.” Another time waster.
= Guru: Previously published (in one way and mostly in another) and it’s “my way or the highway.”
= The Realist: This person is unable to suspend reality and isn’t capable of giving the reader any credit.
= Keeper of Moral Values: Probably enough said without expanding.
= Market Expert: A variation of the Know-it-all, this one “understands” the market and will give you all the reasons your book will not sell.
= Word Smith: Always looks for ways to change your prose. Does not understand Voice. Be especially aware of this one when they tinker with your dialog.

Don’t let these warnings scare you off. When you find a good fit, a critique group will return benefits beyond your imagination.

BeeJay

2006-09-27T12:36:00.000-05:00

Pet Peeves

Improve your writing by eliminating words that are for the most part, meaningless.

I am referring to ones like the ubiquitous had, and the infamous had had. I read a thriller by a well known author and counted had’s for the first part of the book. Interpolating for the whole tome, I figure the author could have shaved six pages off the manuscript by eliminating the word had. There are a few instances where had’s use is justified. One is to set a flashback into the past. After the first one, the rest can be eliminated as long as there is a clear transition back to the present. Come on folks, seven in one paragraph, or fifteen on a page is downright excessive.

Others falling into this ilk are: very, just, than, that, and only. Toss in the most innocuous, imprecise word in the English language, nice. Example: She was nice. Does that mean she was pretty, fat, articulate, shy, loquacious, skinny, ugly? Any of those would be better than nice.

On this one, I agree with Mark Twain, if you see an adverb, kill it! (He is reputed to have said the same about adjectives.) Adverbs are lazy writing — they tell rather than show. And if used in a dialog attribution, the author should be executed at dawn — he said angrily :-)

These are space fillers for third grade word counters. Remember how hard it was to get one-hundred words down on paper? Watch books by multi-published authors and how they ignore this idea. I consider it lazy writing and an insult to their readers.

Bee Jay Sez

2006-09-22T16:43:00.000-05:00

I just accepted an invitation to speak to a writers’ group. For this one, I’ll need to drive 100 miles to meet with a group of a half-dozen or so. I’ve spoken to assemblies of various sizes way larger than this. Why this one, you ask?

I think part of the role of a writer is to share, to give something back. So many others have done this before, and I’ve garnered a wealth of information from them. It is my turn.

The people I will speak to live in a relatively small town and off the beaten path. They’ve been meeting for just over a year. I believe they are a group of writers serious about the craft, and that is all the incentive I need. I hope I can tickle their muse.
BeeJaySez