...no problem dishing it out. BTW, my short and self-serving post below was meant to point you to someone who really knows what they're talking about. (As far as I can tell.) And that would be Jerry Simmons of WritersReaders.com
His website is a cornucopia of related information that you need to know if you're writing a book or novel, and it's backed by plenty of publishing experience. I like his honesty and he never sugar-coats anything. (You can't handle the truth!)
Congrats on your website Jerry, I wish you the very best.
Literary Book Blog, Bookfreak, The Literary Files, Book Marketing, Book Reviews, Book Trailers, Debut Novels, Social Commentary, Satire, Movie Reviews, A Death for Beauty
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Does Your Book Cover Fit The Market?
Yes, I did it again. I tweaked the cover at least for the Hardcover version of my novel. Take a look below and see what I mean. Here's the ice-cream scoop. And BTW I've always been aware of this, but sometimes one is married to a certain design and you can't part with it. Although I've always wanted to make both the paperback and hardcover a little different, they almost looked identical so I finally decided to "do the right thing" (whatever that is). Let's not forget, I don't have all the answers, of course, and I'm winging it most of the time. (Plus my brain blinks on and off too much.)
Anyway, since my novel is "literary", (laughter here) and who would guess that a wise-cracking, smart-ass like me could pen a literary tome? Well, I'm bi-polar, or something like that. Who can even say that it masquerades as literary? Judge for yourself. I think it works. Maybe literary with shades of magical realism and dark satire all rolled into one. Who even cares?
At any rate, the cover should look like a librarian designed it. Somewhat stale, (I love librarians BTW) understated, and unadorned, I suppose. All I did was reduce the huge title and removed what I call a cameo frame, just to make it even simpler. I think it works and so I'm done with it, for now. If an agent ever gets a hold of this, I'm sure they'll suggest something that I'm really going to hate. Honestly, this is why I don't even want Lit Agents to get involved at this point. I'll be more than happy to strike out on my own. All I have to do now is sit back and watch the money roll in.
(LONG PAUSE)
And in case you didn't notice that last remark was a JOKE. And the joke is on me. I love it.
Check out this website for good marketing and publishing information by Jerry Simmons. www.WritersReaders.com/ Click on the Headline for the hyperlink to this website.
I think I'm due for a Mojito. And BTW, I'm not an alcoholic, I just sound like one because I keep burning the same old line. I've had enough too. (of the joke, not the drinks) Did I just break the first AA step?
Anyway, since my novel is "literary", (laughter here) and who would guess that a wise-cracking, smart-ass like me could pen a literary tome? Well, I'm bi-polar, or something like that. Who can even say that it masquerades as literary? Judge for yourself. I think it works. Maybe literary with shades of magical realism and dark satire all rolled into one. Who even cares?
At any rate, the cover should look like a librarian designed it. Somewhat stale, (I love librarians BTW) understated, and unadorned, I suppose. All I did was reduce the huge title and removed what I call a cameo frame, just to make it even simpler. I think it works and so I'm done with it, for now. If an agent ever gets a hold of this, I'm sure they'll suggest something that I'm really going to hate. Honestly, this is why I don't even want Lit Agents to get involved at this point. I'll be more than happy to strike out on my own. All I have to do now is sit back and watch the money roll in.
(LONG PAUSE)
And in case you didn't notice that last remark was a JOKE. And the joke is on me. I love it.
Check out this website for good marketing and publishing information by Jerry Simmons. www.WritersReaders.com/ Click on the Headline for the hyperlink to this website.
I think I'm due for a Mojito. And BTW, I'm not an alcoholic, I just sound like one because I keep burning the same old line. I've had enough too. (of the joke, not the drinks) Did I just break the first AA step?
Friday, April 11, 2008
Reviving Waters in The Valley
Okay folks, I’m back from the dead, almost literally. I’m on an extended “vacation” in beautiful Puerto Rico. (Just trying to keep the Board of Tourism happy you know.) It really depends where you are in Puerto Rico if you can say if it’s beautiful or not, much like anywhere else I suppose. But do they really want us to “Explore Beyond the Shore?” Because folks, that’s where the beauty starts and ends in my opinion. (Easy, native Puertoricans, don’t get your flags in a bunch but it’s the least I can do for all the taunting I got because of my fair skin when I was in High School here. And what’s with the lame phone lines filled with static? Its signal depends on which way the wind blows.
I am staying with my Mom, not far from the Arecibo Observatory and believe me, I need the almighty signals from that gigantic Dish Radio Telescope to get a decent internet connection in this area.
And as far as beauty goes; my mother’s house is nicely landscaped and gardened with a variety of colorful plants and evergreens but just across from her, her sister’s house looks like a nuclear blast has just gone off in front of her house. I’m still looking for the mushroom cloud above it. Nothing but truncated trees, rocks and grey sandy soil. Barely a green leaf in sight. Even the trees are bare. I’d love to show a split photo but of course I lost my camera cable so I can’t upload them. You’ll have to see this to believe it. My mother says that she’s just as fastidious about keeping everything bare as she is cultivating her colorful garden. And there you have it. Puerto Rico is beautiful. It just depends which side of the road you’re looking at. Go figure. I’ve never seen anything like it. (BTW my aunt is a sweetheart. I always thought she looks like a Spanish Marilyn Monroe. At least when she was younger. Thank God she won’t read this. It’s all in the hair after all)
Okay, so what am I doing in beautiful Puerto Rico? Uhh…my ex-wife kicked me out on the street? Yeah, that works. It’s funny anyway. It would be even funnier if it weren’t true. But don’t cry for me Argentina, I’m still alive and well and basking in the proverbial sun. Astray in the midst of a primrose path, as Shakespeare might say. But what the hell. Three home-cooked squares and all the sleep I can get. (God bless my mother) Just what the doctor ordered. Like I said, I’m back from the dead. Trying to get some rest in the back of my truck in a Walmart parking lot for a week is more than I care to ever venture. Those vacuum sweepers at midnight are awfully noisy you know.
So here’s the lesson in writing. (And you thought I was only venting) Don’t hold anything back. Spill it all out. We’ve all been through it before and if not yet, most of us are on our way sooner or later. There’s no shame in adversity. We’re all human and nobody is immune to the hardships in life. As my wonderful 76 year old mom says: You even pay for the laughter in this world. God sees it all.
These are the lessons that make you a better writer. A better person. Find the truth in all your stories. Tell that truth and tell it well. Write it down in blood. Bare your heart and soul because everything you’re exposing is already known to all of us and by confirming everything human within us, we validate our experiences and connect with our readers in special ways. There’s nothing new under the sun. It’s all been done before. And as writers, our goal is to say it like only we can say it; in a way only we can express it. In our style. In our own manner. With our own voice.
And everyone said: AMEN.
Next installment: Uhh...I'm still working on that but stay tuned because even the spacebar on my laptop conspires againstmethese days. (See what I mean?)
Me; paranoid and superstitious? Nah...it's all in your head. I've crossed the Atlantic. Those Haitian spells can't touch me.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
The DFB Website is Up!
Just a quick note: The Death For Beauty Website is up. You can log on at http://www.adeathforbeauty.com/ and see the new Book Trailer there, the Synopsis, The First Chapter and more. It's a work in progress and there's much more to be done with it. But it's a start. Check it out.
I won't be posting here for a while. Any questions, please e-mail me. Thank you for visiting.
I won't be posting here for a while. Any questions, please e-mail me. Thank you for visiting.
Monday, February 11, 2008
BubbleFuse!
Drama vs. Melodrama
Most dictionaries describe melodrama as “exaggerated actions", overt actions as opposed to drama which is internal conflict.
* A good example of melodrama is the Jerry Springer show. (Staged melodrama at that)
* An example of drama is something that might take place in a courtroom.
A lawyer's probing questions and a defendant’s careful answers.
Notice the big difference here. On the one hand, in the first example, there is arguing, accusations, and possibly even physical action against someone else. A slap to the face, or pulling someone’s hair, and so on. This is melodrama at it’s worst.
On the other hand, you have a mental duel going on. Inner conflict with someone’s emotions and their subdued reaction to all of it. This is drama at it’s best. Much like the courtroom scene in A Few Good Men played by Nicholson and Cruise. High drama, tension, and conflict.
Want to get rid of most of the melodrama in your script? Okay, open your file and go the replace feature in your word processor. Now replace all the exclamation points! With a period. When you read your script now, without any exclamation points, you’ll notice something. Most of the melodrama is gone, and you haven’t changed a word. Of course, you’re best bet is to go back and re-write all these melodramatic scenes in a more subtle way. Show the drama instead.
But even a fight scene need not be strewn with exclamation points and outlandish over-the-top language. That’s all melodramatic and unrealistic. In order to show drama, you must write scenes that have tension and inner conflict. Subtext, as in, don’t show everything. Write so that the reader can read between the lines.
Melodrama:
Jack arrived late to the office, as usual.
Hey, sugar, what's going on? he said.
Jack, you’re a pig! You’re never on time, you’re disrespectful to women and what I really want to do is slap you!
Drama:
Jack walked into the office and looked at the clock on the wall. He was eighteen minutes late.
Hey, sugar, what’s going on? he said.
Susan looked at the clock and took a deep breath, and glared at him.
Here’s your assignment. It’s due in twenty minutes.
She threw the files on his desk and left the room.
And there you have it. Big difference. Better writing.
Con·flict: What exactly is it?
1.
to come into collision or disagreement; be contradictory, at variance, or in opposition; clash: The account of one eyewitness conflicted with that of the other.
2.
to fight or contend; do battle.
3.
a fight, battle, or struggle, esp. a prolonged struggle; strife.
4.
controversy; quarrel: conflicts between parties.
5.
discord of action, feeling, or effect; antagonism or opposition, as of interests or principles: a conflict of ideas.
Here are many definitions of conflict. But from all these, which best suits your writing?
If you answered 5., you're right. This is the kind of conflict you're looking for most of the time. This is dramatic conflict. This is what will make your work professional and polished. If you're still writing conflict as physical or bombastic scenes and statements, you're cheating yourself.
Again, dig deep and think DRAMA. This is what really drives events in real life. Sure, there will be times when physical conflict is needed, that's also part of life. But you must keep these events to a minimum. You must balance your writing. And 50 pages of tension will beat one page of melodramatic physical conflict any day. Try it.
What's a subplot and why should you use them?
Subplots are minor plots that live within your story. They are like an undercurrent of themes that tie-in with the main plot of your story. And the key word here is tie-in. You don't include subplots for the sake of adding variety to your story. They must be relevant and tie-in, or serve a purpose to the main plot in some way.
For example:
If your story is about a murder, then a good subplot might be the murderer's fascination with guns, or maybe a fascination with stories about how people were killed. Maybe he or she dreams of working in a morgue. The subplot will enhance the overall main plotline, serving to enrich your story and add depth to your main character.
The reason you want to use subplots is obvious by now. They add dimension and plausibility to your story. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, you're going to need them if you want to breakout in a big way. That's the bottom line. Give it a try.
I know these installments are short but they are direct and to the point. Only the good stuff. The real stuff you need to know. The kind of stuff that will improve your writing and get you closer to your goals. By keeping them to the bare bones, you'll get to a point of clarity about all of it. Less is more folks. Questions? Feel free to email me or post a comment.
I'll post what's coming for next week later today. Come back and check it out.
Meanwhile, keep your dreams close to your heart, and the rest will follow.
Most dictionaries describe melodrama as “exaggerated actions", overt actions as opposed to drama which is internal conflict.
* A good example of melodrama is the Jerry Springer show. (Staged melodrama at that)
* An example of drama is something that might take place in a courtroom.
A lawyer's probing questions and a defendant’s careful answers.
Notice the big difference here. On the one hand, in the first example, there is arguing, accusations, and possibly even physical action against someone else. A slap to the face, or pulling someone’s hair, and so on. This is melodrama at it’s worst.
On the other hand, you have a mental duel going on. Inner conflict with someone’s emotions and their subdued reaction to all of it. This is drama at it’s best. Much like the courtroom scene in A Few Good Men played by Nicholson and Cruise. High drama, tension, and conflict.
Want to get rid of most of the melodrama in your script? Okay, open your file and go the replace feature in your word processor. Now replace all the exclamation points! With a period. When you read your script now, without any exclamation points, you’ll notice something. Most of the melodrama is gone, and you haven’t changed a word. Of course, you’re best bet is to go back and re-write all these melodramatic scenes in a more subtle way. Show the drama instead.
But even a fight scene need not be strewn with exclamation points and outlandish over-the-top language. That’s all melodramatic and unrealistic. In order to show drama, you must write scenes that have tension and inner conflict. Subtext, as in, don’t show everything. Write so that the reader can read between the lines.
Melodrama:
Jack arrived late to the office, as usual.
Hey, sugar, what's going on? he said.
Jack, you’re a pig! You’re never on time, you’re disrespectful to women and what I really want to do is slap you!
Drama:
Jack walked into the office and looked at the clock on the wall. He was eighteen minutes late.
Hey, sugar, what’s going on? he said.
Susan looked at the clock and took a deep breath, and glared at him.
Here’s your assignment. It’s due in twenty minutes.
She threw the files on his desk and left the room.
And there you have it. Big difference. Better writing.
Con·flict: What exactly is it?
1.
to come into collision or disagreement; be contradictory, at variance, or in opposition; clash: The account of one eyewitness conflicted with that of the other.
2.
to fight or contend; do battle.
3.
a fight, battle, or struggle, esp. a prolonged struggle; strife.
4.
controversy; quarrel: conflicts between parties.
5.
discord of action, feeling, or effect; antagonism or opposition, as of interests or principles: a conflict of ideas.
Here are many definitions of conflict. But from all these, which best suits your writing?
If you answered 5., you're right. This is the kind of conflict you're looking for most of the time. This is dramatic conflict. This is what will make your work professional and polished. If you're still writing conflict as physical or bombastic scenes and statements, you're cheating yourself.
Again, dig deep and think DRAMA. This is what really drives events in real life. Sure, there will be times when physical conflict is needed, that's also part of life. But you must keep these events to a minimum. You must balance your writing. And 50 pages of tension will beat one page of melodramatic physical conflict any day. Try it.
What's a subplot and why should you use them?
Subplots are minor plots that live within your story. They are like an undercurrent of themes that tie-in with the main plot of your story. And the key word here is tie-in. You don't include subplots for the sake of adding variety to your story. They must be relevant and tie-in, or serve a purpose to the main plot in some way.
For example:
If your story is about a murder, then a good subplot might be the murderer's fascination with guns, or maybe a fascination with stories about how people were killed. Maybe he or she dreams of working in a morgue. The subplot will enhance the overall main plotline, serving to enrich your story and add depth to your main character.
The reason you want to use subplots is obvious by now. They add dimension and plausibility to your story. Nothing wrong with that. In fact, you're going to need them if you want to breakout in a big way. That's the bottom line. Give it a try.
I know these installments are short but they are direct and to the point. Only the good stuff. The real stuff you need to know. The kind of stuff that will improve your writing and get you closer to your goals. By keeping them to the bare bones, you'll get to a point of clarity about all of it. Less is more folks. Questions? Feel free to email me or post a comment.
I'll post what's coming for next week later today. Come back and check it out.
Meanwhile, keep your dreams close to your heart, and the rest will follow.
Wednesday, February 6, 2008
What The?
Hey, just a few funny notes. My 2 year old just handed me his loaded diaper. That's right, for all of you who don't know this, they want to start toilet training between 1.5 and 2 years of age. And if you're not up to it, they have a good way of reminding you.
Anyway, it must have been around that same time (When Alex handed me his loaded diaper) when I lost my thought and had a massive brain fart. Well...it was more like a brain stroke as I now recall. Which leads me to my point. I'll be updating my opening chapter for the zillionth time. So by next week you'll be reading some new stuff. (if you're interested) I just re-wrote some of my narrative, switching point of view somewhat.
Hell if I know what I'm doing. It seems that every day I make some changes to something. It's like a living, breathing, organism that doesn't want to die. I'll give it 3 more months, tops. Take it or leave it, it's going to press. I'll also be updating my Book Trailer...again. Who even cares? I just thought I'd put all this out there in case anyone is interested. I realize one of the hardest things in life is talking about yourself. I hate it.
But, by airing out my dirty little secrets will give you insight to how all this will play out. My life is one big experiment after another. Some day I'll mix the right chemicals and...presto. Poof!
(I know, too many episodes of the Fairly Odd Parents)
Sidebar:
Check out Brooke Fraser's new Album "Albertine". The video is on your right. She's gorgeous and brilliant and can even make legalease sound beautiful. A pristine voice from NZ. Enjoy.
Anyway, it must have been around that same time (When Alex handed me his loaded diaper) when I lost my thought and had a massive brain fart. Well...it was more like a brain stroke as I now recall. Which leads me to my point. I'll be updating my opening chapter for the zillionth time. So by next week you'll be reading some new stuff. (if you're interested) I just re-wrote some of my narrative, switching point of view somewhat.
Hell if I know what I'm doing. It seems that every day I make some changes to something. It's like a living, breathing, organism that doesn't want to die. I'll give it 3 more months, tops. Take it or leave it, it's going to press. I'll also be updating my Book Trailer...again. Who even cares? I just thought I'd put all this out there in case anyone is interested. I realize one of the hardest things in life is talking about yourself. I hate it.
But, by airing out my dirty little secrets will give you insight to how all this will play out. My life is one big experiment after another. Some day I'll mix the right chemicals and...presto. Poof!
(I know, too many episodes of the Fairly Odd Parents)
Sidebar:
Check out Brooke Fraser's new Album "Albertine". The video is on your right. She's gorgeous and brilliant and can even make legalease sound beautiful. A pristine voice from NZ. Enjoy.
BubbleFuse!
The Perfect Query Letter
Here's a copy of my own Query modeled from samples on AgentQuery.com which is probably the best place for all kinds of information related to writing your novel. It so happens that one of the queries posted on their site fit the elements of my story so well that I used part of it. It also describes one of my favorite movies, The Bridges of Madison County. I've seen this movie many times, and the "haunting" reference in its logline is a little far-fetched, or off key in my opinion. Fits my story beautifully though, so I "borrowed it". (Okay, I ripped it off) Actually I use the word haunted several times towards the ending in my story but I never thought of trying it in my logline, until now. And it works. It's not as direct as before, which makes it more intriguing. And that's really what you want in your hook.
SAMPLE QUERY
Dear Agent:
Start with your personal short intro here. Don't forget to include the all important classification (genre) and word count here. This is where it really belongs.
The logline:
Set in rural Kansas during the legendary time of the gold rush in 1864, the renowned Dr. Maxine Hollingsworth ventures west and is captured by savage Indians. Filled with uncertainty, she is torn between the freedom she longs for, and the Sioux chief who wins her affection, when they are joined in an experience that will haunt her forever.
Its working title, A Death For Beauty, suggests the thread of the story; death, as the ultimate sacrifice. But our heroine, the headstrong Dr. Hollingsworth, Ph.D., a.k.a. Ms. Maxine, has an underlying obsession, according to the matriarchs, an unforgivable act. Ostracized from her church, and her community, she loses everything, including her home, which is burned down by ‘unsavory characters’.
This incident empowers her to start anew, far from the unspeakable sins she now leaves behind. With a poignant subplot, A Death For Beauty, combines elements of suspense and drama, and presents a fresh take on the ironies of love and the tragedy of death. I believe this story will appeal to readers who enjoy a daring heroine such as Ms. Maxine, and also to readers who identified with the somber tone in McCarthy’s All The Pretty Horses.
As a former copywriter my advertorials appeared in tabloid newspapers such as The Daily News and The New York Post. I’ve also authored two screenplays on spec.
Thank you kindly for taking the time to consider my story. A synopsis and sample chapters, or a polished MS is available for your review. If you’re interested so far, I’ll be glad to mail whichever you prefer.
Warm Regards,
Alberto Rios
ariosjr@writing.com
About This Query Structure:
Its structure is simple:
1. A Logline/Hook for the opening
2. A brief paragraph that encapsulates the main plot points in your story
3. A brief Author Bio
That's it. Follow this format and you can't go wrong. Check out AgentQuery.com for all the particulars. There's a lot more on their site which I highly recommend you peruse.
As you can see, I couldn't resist adding a reference to McCarthy (My literary mentor. His was Melville) You have to look up to and admire someone in literature, it may as well be Cormac McCarthy for me, as well as Barbara Kingsolver. Two of the best.
What Agents Are Really Looking For
First of all, agents are not all the same of course, although most of them should be looking for the same things. That is to say, the next breakout novel, or something close to that. The smarter ones are willing to nurture authors who show promise since it is in their best interest to do so. Let's face it, they only get paid if they sell your book.
So in a nutshell they're looking for brilliance. Not there yet? Most of us aren't and maybe never will be, but those of us who are still trying must believe enough in ourselves, based on what we've learned and based on feedback, that we're on to something. Otherwise we would've thrown in the towel a long time ago. Or burned our batches of rejection letters in a ritual bonfire, or something like that.
Want to please the agents you're submitting to so they can ask for your MS? Make sure you're doing the following:
1. Write the perfect query letter and get it to the right agent (of course)
2. Follow up (If requested. The first 5 pages, a synopsis, a sample chapter, a polished MS, your brand of toilet paper, whatever.)
3. Make sure any and all of the above have one thing: Conflict. And that means no melodrama! (Hence the !) Drama, yes. That's pure conflict. Subtle, emotional subtext. Suspense. What Hemingway called, the tip of the iceberg. That's what builds a page-turner. That's what sells books. Just ask Grisham and Koontz.
There you have it, short and snippy.
What Self-Publishing Can Do For You
Ever wondered what real publishing houses think of self-published authors?
Let's define Self-Publishing:
1. An author who pays to get their writing in print for fun, not profit.
2. An author who pays to get their writing in print for the purposes of creating an ARC. (Advanced Reader's Copy) a.k.a., a galley.
These are the two main differences. Although in my case I might add, that I also like the full control that SP offers me, plus, if you're able to work with a printing house that can print your books for about $3 bucks a piece, then you're really on to something. The problem with most Self-Publishers is the high cost of producing your book to begin with. As with any product, the golden rule is to buy low and sell high, so-to-speak. No different with your books. Easier said than done, of course. But not impossible.
So far the best website for my taste and ease of use as a designer is LULU (hate the name). I've only used them once for a softcover book and I was fairly impressed, although not 100%. (too much glue on front cover made it crack when you opened it) Nevertheless, I plan on using them again, hopefully the glue issue is not always the case. (Maybe the glue machine malfunctioned or a worker fell asleep at the switch. I speak from experience.) Worth another shot.
Anyway, getting your book in print is important since that way you can have a real sample that can be used for reviews, contests, and giveaways, and so on. Plus, if you can't get agents interested in it for whatever reason, or your good work just falls through the literary cracks of life, you can always peddle it yourself on the internet. Just might catch the eye of the right publisher or agent that might have missed your masterpiece. (Dream on--just trying to keep with the theme here folks.)
Botton line: The stigma attached with Self-Publishing is only true to the extent that you allow it to be. Write a crappy book with poor editing and see what you get. Otherwise, write a brilliant page-turner, edit it and design it professionally, and you have a winner. In other words, you have all the power and control of any large publishing house, as long as your work is the best it can be.
So how do you get to be the best? You must want it more than anything else in your working life and in your goals. You can't miss. Success is guaranteed to those who diligently and wisely and relentlessly seek it. Whatever the endeavor. You can do it.
Here's what's coming next week. (Monday's from now on)
1. One easy way to instantly get rid of melodrama.
2. What exactly is conflict anyway?
3. Do you need subplots?
Until then: Keep on learning, keep on writing, and never give up.
Here's a copy of my own Query modeled from samples on AgentQuery.com which is probably the best place for all kinds of information related to writing your novel. It so happens that one of the queries posted on their site fit the elements of my story so well that I used part of it. It also describes one of my favorite movies, The Bridges of Madison County. I've seen this movie many times, and the "haunting" reference in its logline is a little far-fetched, or off key in my opinion. Fits my story beautifully though, so I "borrowed it". (Okay, I ripped it off) Actually I use the word haunted several times towards the ending in my story but I never thought of trying it in my logline, until now. And it works. It's not as direct as before, which makes it more intriguing. And that's really what you want in your hook.
SAMPLE QUERY
Dear Agent:
Start with your personal short intro here. Don't forget to include the all important classification (genre) and word count here. This is where it really belongs.
The logline:
Set in rural Kansas during the legendary time of the gold rush in 1864, the renowned Dr. Maxine Hollingsworth ventures west and is captured by savage Indians. Filled with uncertainty, she is torn between the freedom she longs for, and the Sioux chief who wins her affection, when they are joined in an experience that will haunt her forever.
Its working title, A Death For Beauty, suggests the thread of the story; death, as the ultimate sacrifice. But our heroine, the headstrong Dr. Hollingsworth, Ph.D., a.k.a. Ms. Maxine, has an underlying obsession, according to the matriarchs, an unforgivable act. Ostracized from her church, and her community, she loses everything, including her home, which is burned down by ‘unsavory characters’.
This incident empowers her to start anew, far from the unspeakable sins she now leaves behind. With a poignant subplot, A Death For Beauty, combines elements of suspense and drama, and presents a fresh take on the ironies of love and the tragedy of death. I believe this story will appeal to readers who enjoy a daring heroine such as Ms. Maxine, and also to readers who identified with the somber tone in McCarthy’s All The Pretty Horses.
As a former copywriter my advertorials appeared in tabloid newspapers such as The Daily News and The New York Post. I’ve also authored two screenplays on spec.
Thank you kindly for taking the time to consider my story. A synopsis and sample chapters, or a polished MS is available for your review. If you’re interested so far, I’ll be glad to mail whichever you prefer.
Warm Regards,
Alberto Rios
ariosjr@writing.com
About This Query Structure:
Its structure is simple:
1. A Logline/Hook for the opening
2. A brief paragraph that encapsulates the main plot points in your story
3. A brief Author Bio
That's it. Follow this format and you can't go wrong. Check out AgentQuery.com for all the particulars. There's a lot more on their site which I highly recommend you peruse.
As you can see, I couldn't resist adding a reference to McCarthy (My literary mentor. His was Melville) You have to look up to and admire someone in literature, it may as well be Cormac McCarthy for me, as well as Barbara Kingsolver. Two of the best.
What Agents Are Really Looking For
First of all, agents are not all the same of course, although most of them should be looking for the same things. That is to say, the next breakout novel, or something close to that. The smarter ones are willing to nurture authors who show promise since it is in their best interest to do so. Let's face it, they only get paid if they sell your book.
So in a nutshell they're looking for brilliance. Not there yet? Most of us aren't and maybe never will be, but those of us who are still trying must believe enough in ourselves, based on what we've learned and based on feedback, that we're on to something. Otherwise we would've thrown in the towel a long time ago. Or burned our batches of rejection letters in a ritual bonfire, or something like that.
Want to please the agents you're submitting to so they can ask for your MS? Make sure you're doing the following:
1. Write the perfect query letter and get it to the right agent (of course)
2. Follow up (If requested. The first 5 pages, a synopsis, a sample chapter, a polished MS, your brand of toilet paper, whatever.)
3. Make sure any and all of the above have one thing: Conflict. And that means no melodrama! (Hence the !) Drama, yes. That's pure conflict. Subtle, emotional subtext. Suspense. What Hemingway called, the tip of the iceberg. That's what builds a page-turner. That's what sells books. Just ask Grisham and Koontz.
There you have it, short and snippy.
What Self-Publishing Can Do For You
Ever wondered what real publishing houses think of self-published authors?
Let's define Self-Publishing:
1. An author who pays to get their writing in print for fun, not profit.
2. An author who pays to get their writing in print for the purposes of creating an ARC. (Advanced Reader's Copy) a.k.a., a galley.
These are the two main differences. Although in my case I might add, that I also like the full control that SP offers me, plus, if you're able to work with a printing house that can print your books for about $3 bucks a piece, then you're really on to something. The problem with most Self-Publishers is the high cost of producing your book to begin with. As with any product, the golden rule is to buy low and sell high, so-to-speak. No different with your books. Easier said than done, of course. But not impossible.
So far the best website for my taste and ease of use as a designer is LULU (hate the name). I've only used them once for a softcover book and I was fairly impressed, although not 100%. (too much glue on front cover made it crack when you opened it) Nevertheless, I plan on using them again, hopefully the glue issue is not always the case. (Maybe the glue machine malfunctioned or a worker fell asleep at the switch. I speak from experience.) Worth another shot.
Anyway, getting your book in print is important since that way you can have a real sample that can be used for reviews, contests, and giveaways, and so on. Plus, if you can't get agents interested in it for whatever reason, or your good work just falls through the literary cracks of life, you can always peddle it yourself on the internet. Just might catch the eye of the right publisher or agent that might have missed your masterpiece. (Dream on--just trying to keep with the theme here folks.)
Botton line: The stigma attached with Self-Publishing is only true to the extent that you allow it to be. Write a crappy book with poor editing and see what you get. Otherwise, write a brilliant page-turner, edit it and design it professionally, and you have a winner. In other words, you have all the power and control of any large publishing house, as long as your work is the best it can be.
So how do you get to be the best? You must want it more than anything else in your working life and in your goals. You can't miss. Success is guaranteed to those who diligently and wisely and relentlessly seek it. Whatever the endeavor. You can do it.
Here's what's coming next week. (Monday's from now on)
1. One easy way to instantly get rid of melodrama.
2. What exactly is conflict anyway?
3. Do you need subplots?
Until then: Keep on learning, keep on writing, and never give up.
Thursday, January 31, 2008
BubbleFuse!
Are You America’s Next Top Novelist?
Okay folks, here it is. The first installment of my weekly essay called BubbleFuse! You guessed it. You have big dreams of getting published. Big fluffy, pink cotton candy, balloon dreams over your head, just like in the comics. Well guess who's going to burst them? That's right. It's a no holds barred, free-for-all, in-your-face (3 clichés) commentary about the realities of getting published in today's literary marketplace. Sissies and hacks need not apply. Serious writers only. That means you.
What's the point? You're going to learn something. Something that will get you closer to your goals by:
1. Weeding out the myths
2. Igniting a spark in your thinking
3. Lighting the fuse that will trigger an atomic explosion in your brain and burst your cosmic bubble to the four, dark, nameless corners of the earth. (How over-the-top can I get?)
And what qualifies me to dispense all this manna from heaven anyway? Scratch the vinyl record right here folks. Who cares? I'm 50 and I've already been up and down the godforsaken mountain more times than you can shake a Query at. I trust myself, and that’s more important than anyone trusting me. (Besides, I have 6 awesome children too. They teach me all I need to know. :)
Getting published, or getting anything else you want in life is more about knowing who you are and where you're going. It's about beating the system at their own game. Any system. The publishing system, the political system, the monetary system. Take your pick. Systems are run by people just like you and me. We all bleed the same way. We all have strengths and weaknesses. We all want the same things. (Except for Cormac McCarthy) Money, some one to love, and...more money. That's it. What’d you expect? Okay, let's throw in God's wisdom, salvation, and good health. Not in that particular order, mind you. But in my book, God comes first, although money is a very close second. Money, after all, does have the tendency to solve a lot of problems as long as we're responsible with it. Remember, it's the LOVE OF MONEY that's the root of all evil. Money itself has no power to ruin or destroy or to manifest anything of greatness. That kind of power, was, has been, and always will be in your hands.
And that folks is what this is all about. Your destiny, whatever that might be, is in your hands. It's all attainable and doable. You have the power to say YES or No to your dreams. All you have to do is put into action the right kind of work. STOP. The right kind? Yeah, you know, not the wrong kind. But the right kind. Not the kind that will get you nowhere because it's going in the wrong direction. SOUTH. Wrong button. Wrong curtain. Wrong fork in the road. You want the other one. The other way. The right way. The only way. (Hmm...how do I get myself out of this one?)
Ahh...Easy. All you have to do is remember one thing, and one thing only all your life. Nobody cares what you want. NOBODY! (Excuse the ! I really needed that.) Not even my Mama. She's got her own life too, you know. You're on your own. It's up to you and nobody else. Everyone else wants to get paid just like you. If there’s nothing in it for them, your SOL. That's the big secret. But of course you already knew that. I haven't exactly cracked open any mystic or cryptic Rosetta Stone with that one.
So then, why is it so difficult to get what you want? Aha…maybe certain gatekeepers want all the glory and all the power. The Romans did, why not them? (Ludicrous, you’re their livelihood) Maybe you don't know who the gatekeepers are, or how to win them over--persuade them to see things your way. (There’s only one way) Maybe the gatekeepers are not human. Maybe they don't speak the same language. (What language? The language of money? The almighty dollar? The pesos? El Dinero?)
Yeah, now you’re catching on--I’m insane. Well, yes, I am cuckoo for cocoa puffs, but that’s another story for another time. I’ve made my point. Stop living your life as if everyone owes you something. It’s the other way around. You and me owe what we have to life. We owe it to God himself. We have to be givers and not takers. Believers and not doubters. Leaders and not followers. (How preachy of me.)
Okay, okay, so what does any of this have to do with getting published? (Hell if I know) Good question, when you find out I’ll be the first who wants to know. Drop me a line and tell me all about it. (J.O.K.E.)
Trust yourself. What you know is not yours. It belongs to the world. It belongs to God. He created all things. What makes you think any of it belongs to you? Why should we own any of it? Who decides who gets what? Does God pick and choose who succeeds and who fails?
YOU DO. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you all along. It’s up to you. Get it done already. Stop procrastinating. Stop making excuses. You need a plan. And for God’s sake, stop thinking everything’s impossible. It’s always the opposite. All things are possible. Even getting published and becoming America’s next top Novelist. What’s so impossible about it? (Am I really preaching to myself here? Ahh...yes.)
Repeat after me: I can do all things. All things are possible. (This is getting freaky) I can do this. Okay, so what’s the next step? How do you stop getting all those rejection letters?
Here it is in 10 easy steps: (Yeah right.) I wanted to squeeze all this into the magical 3 easy steps but, dream on, this is about bursting bubbles, remember? Actually, it’s more like 100 easy steps, but I’ll have to break it down, 10 at a time, every week.
1. Classify your work (Mainstream Fiction, genre, Magical Realism, whatever) and get it to the right gatekeepers. That is, the right lit agent, or editor. The one you’ve researched and know that he or she is passionate about stories like yours.
2. But first, learn to write a kick-ass Query letter. (Always a catch, I know.)
3. Make sure your MS lives up to your Query letter. In other words, make sure your writing, the balance between your dialogue and narrative, flows. Like the Ying and Yang of prose. Write a page-turner. How? Do it the easy way. Write a story with built-in conflict and suspense. A detective or lawyer story. (A la Grisham) Not interested in those. Fine, make sure whatever you write has plenty of conflict and suspense that will always keep the reader engrossed in your story. How? Just do it. (Okay, that was outright incensitive.)
4. Learn how to write great openings. (“HOOKED”, by Les Edgerton, or “A Story Is A Promise” by Bill Johnson) (Both available on Amazon or Half.com)
5. Learn how to write good Dialogue and sub-text, and captivating narrative. (Any Writers Digest Series)
6. Learn how to develop intriguing characters. (WD)
7. Learn how to infuse your work with relevant themes.
8. Learn about plots and sub-plots and plot twists. (WD)
9. Learn the difference between a premise, a theme, a moral. (How To Write a Damn Good Novel II, James Frey.)
10. Find your own VOICE. (You’ll have to dig deep for that one. But it’s all about you.)
And of course all this is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg lettuce. Read more. Sleep more. Write more. And come back for more. Next time I’m going to blow your mind with stuff you’ve probably never heard before. I’m going to blow the lid right off this MOTHER. As only I know how, in my own way. Stay tuned.
LEARN, LEARN, LEARN. And you thought all writers were born geniuses? Pleeeeease. (Only Cormac McCarthy was born that way. I do think he was one of God’s chosen ones, hmmm…hard to say. I’d like to take a look at his massive library. Hemingway himself owned over 8000 books, so he claimed. All neatly stashed in his Finca Vigia estate in Cuba. Hemingway had a huge head and so does McCarthy, which means larger brains, hence more gray matter. Just thinking to myself.)
My nickname was peanut head as a kid. Still is, in fact. Enough said.
Okay, you’ve got the gist of it. The whole BubbleFuse! concept. First I blow your mind with some outlandish, bombastic, preachy monologue, then I save the day with some relevant information about writing. Which is what most of you will ever read. But that’s okay. You see, the monologue is mostly for me. For my benefit and my edification. It’s all so bittersweet. Just like life. Just like the ending to any good story. Chalk it up. Another tidbit right there. Seek and you shall find.
Here’s what’s coming up on next week’s installment:
1. The Perfect Query Letter
2. What Agents are Really Looking For
3. What Self-Publishing Can Do For You
Trust yourself, and the universe will surrender to you its infinite wisdom.
It has no choice, you are its only vessel.
Deepak Choprah?
Okay folks, here it is. The first installment of my weekly essay called BubbleFuse! You guessed it. You have big dreams of getting published. Big fluffy, pink cotton candy, balloon dreams over your head, just like in the comics. Well guess who's going to burst them? That's right. It's a no holds barred, free-for-all, in-your-face (3 clichés) commentary about the realities of getting published in today's literary marketplace. Sissies and hacks need not apply. Serious writers only. That means you.
What's the point? You're going to learn something. Something that will get you closer to your goals by:
1. Weeding out the myths
2. Igniting a spark in your thinking
3. Lighting the fuse that will trigger an atomic explosion in your brain and burst your cosmic bubble to the four, dark, nameless corners of the earth. (How over-the-top can I get?)
And what qualifies me to dispense all this manna from heaven anyway? Scratch the vinyl record right here folks. Who cares? I'm 50 and I've already been up and down the godforsaken mountain more times than you can shake a Query at. I trust myself, and that’s more important than anyone trusting me. (Besides, I have 6 awesome children too. They teach me all I need to know. :)
Getting published, or getting anything else you want in life is more about knowing who you are and where you're going. It's about beating the system at their own game. Any system. The publishing system, the political system, the monetary system. Take your pick. Systems are run by people just like you and me. We all bleed the same way. We all have strengths and weaknesses. We all want the same things. (Except for Cormac McCarthy) Money, some one to love, and...more money. That's it. What’d you expect? Okay, let's throw in God's wisdom, salvation, and good health. Not in that particular order, mind you. But in my book, God comes first, although money is a very close second. Money, after all, does have the tendency to solve a lot of problems as long as we're responsible with it. Remember, it's the LOVE OF MONEY that's the root of all evil. Money itself has no power to ruin or destroy or to manifest anything of greatness. That kind of power, was, has been, and always will be in your hands.
And that folks is what this is all about. Your destiny, whatever that might be, is in your hands. It's all attainable and doable. You have the power to say YES or No to your dreams. All you have to do is put into action the right kind of work. STOP. The right kind? Yeah, you know, not the wrong kind. But the right kind. Not the kind that will get you nowhere because it's going in the wrong direction. SOUTH. Wrong button. Wrong curtain. Wrong fork in the road. You want the other one. The other way. The right way. The only way. (Hmm...how do I get myself out of this one?)
Ahh...Easy. All you have to do is remember one thing, and one thing only all your life. Nobody cares what you want. NOBODY! (Excuse the ! I really needed that.) Not even my Mama. She's got her own life too, you know. You're on your own. It's up to you and nobody else. Everyone else wants to get paid just like you. If there’s nothing in it for them, your SOL. That's the big secret. But of course you already knew that. I haven't exactly cracked open any mystic or cryptic Rosetta Stone with that one.
So then, why is it so difficult to get what you want? Aha…maybe certain gatekeepers want all the glory and all the power. The Romans did, why not them? (Ludicrous, you’re their livelihood) Maybe you don't know who the gatekeepers are, or how to win them over--persuade them to see things your way. (There’s only one way) Maybe the gatekeepers are not human. Maybe they don't speak the same language. (What language? The language of money? The almighty dollar? The pesos? El Dinero?)
Yeah, now you’re catching on--I’m insane. Well, yes, I am cuckoo for cocoa puffs, but that’s another story for another time. I’ve made my point. Stop living your life as if everyone owes you something. It’s the other way around. You and me owe what we have to life. We owe it to God himself. We have to be givers and not takers. Believers and not doubters. Leaders and not followers. (How preachy of me.)
Okay, okay, so what does any of this have to do with getting published? (Hell if I know) Good question, when you find out I’ll be the first who wants to know. Drop me a line and tell me all about it. (J.O.K.E.)
Trust yourself. What you know is not yours. It belongs to the world. It belongs to God. He created all things. What makes you think any of it belongs to you? Why should we own any of it? Who decides who gets what? Does God pick and choose who succeeds and who fails?
YOU DO. That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you all along. It’s up to you. Get it done already. Stop procrastinating. Stop making excuses. You need a plan. And for God’s sake, stop thinking everything’s impossible. It’s always the opposite. All things are possible. Even getting published and becoming America’s next top Novelist. What’s so impossible about it? (Am I really preaching to myself here? Ahh...yes.)
Repeat after me: I can do all things. All things are possible. (This is getting freaky) I can do this. Okay, so what’s the next step? How do you stop getting all those rejection letters?
Here it is in 10 easy steps: (Yeah right.) I wanted to squeeze all this into the magical 3 easy steps but, dream on, this is about bursting bubbles, remember? Actually, it’s more like 100 easy steps, but I’ll have to break it down, 10 at a time, every week.
1. Classify your work (Mainstream Fiction, genre, Magical Realism, whatever) and get it to the right gatekeepers. That is, the right lit agent, or editor. The one you’ve researched and know that he or she is passionate about stories like yours.
2. But first, learn to write a kick-ass Query letter. (Always a catch, I know.)
3. Make sure your MS lives up to your Query letter. In other words, make sure your writing, the balance between your dialogue and narrative, flows. Like the Ying and Yang of prose. Write a page-turner. How? Do it the easy way. Write a story with built-in conflict and suspense. A detective or lawyer story. (A la Grisham) Not interested in those. Fine, make sure whatever you write has plenty of conflict and suspense that will always keep the reader engrossed in your story. How? Just do it. (Okay, that was outright incensitive.)
4. Learn how to write great openings. (“HOOKED”, by Les Edgerton, or “A Story Is A Promise” by Bill Johnson) (Both available on Amazon or Half.com)
5. Learn how to write good Dialogue and sub-text, and captivating narrative. (Any Writers Digest Series)
6. Learn how to develop intriguing characters. (WD)
7. Learn how to infuse your work with relevant themes.
8. Learn about plots and sub-plots and plot twists. (WD)
9. Learn the difference between a premise, a theme, a moral. (How To Write a Damn Good Novel II, James Frey.)
10. Find your own VOICE. (You’ll have to dig deep for that one. But it’s all about you.)
And of course all this is just the proverbial tip of the iceberg lettuce. Read more. Sleep more. Write more. And come back for more. Next time I’m going to blow your mind with stuff you’ve probably never heard before. I’m going to blow the lid right off this MOTHER. As only I know how, in my own way. Stay tuned.
LEARN, LEARN, LEARN. And you thought all writers were born geniuses? Pleeeeease. (Only Cormac McCarthy was born that way. I do think he was one of God’s chosen ones, hmmm…hard to say. I’d like to take a look at his massive library. Hemingway himself owned over 8000 books, so he claimed. All neatly stashed in his Finca Vigia estate in Cuba. Hemingway had a huge head and so does McCarthy, which means larger brains, hence more gray matter. Just thinking to myself.)
My nickname was peanut head as a kid. Still is, in fact. Enough said.
Okay, you’ve got the gist of it. The whole BubbleFuse! concept. First I blow your mind with some outlandish, bombastic, preachy monologue, then I save the day with some relevant information about writing. Which is what most of you will ever read. But that’s okay. You see, the monologue is mostly for me. For my benefit and my edification. It’s all so bittersweet. Just like life. Just like the ending to any good story. Chalk it up. Another tidbit right there. Seek and you shall find.
Here’s what’s coming up on next week’s installment:
1. The Perfect Query Letter
2. What Agents are Really Looking For
3. What Self-Publishing Can Do For You
Trust yourself, and the universe will surrender to you its infinite wisdom.
It has no choice, you are its only vessel.
Deepak Choprah?
Sunday, January 13, 2008
New Book Trailer "A Death For Beauty"
Check out the new trailer for the novel "A Death For Beauty". The main difference is the ending which shows the new book cover and a tag for Freedom Rivers Press. Enjoy!
Also, the Chapter Previews have been activated, so you can read the new opening in Chapter one. It's worth a read. Later on I'll tell my secret about the source that gave me new insights for openings like this.
It's a hell of a process folks. Learning the tricks of the trade, that is. Let's face it, if aspiring new writers want to break through all the clutter and stand a chance at getting published legitimately, we have to give agents and editors just what they're looking for. Nothing more or nothing less. It's like a rite of passage kind of thing. You get the idea. After first publication, then we can probably get away with openings like Ken Follet's in "Pillars of the Earth". Something about "Tom building a house". Not very provocative, makes you want to fling the book across the room. But it does get better folks. Much later. Too late if you were an unpublished writer seeking representation. But there you have it. Put in some sweat equity up front, then you can write your own ticket later on, if you want.
Let me hear what you think. Don't be lazy, I mean shy, I meant shy, really. Drop me a comment.
Also, the Chapter Previews have been activated, so you can read the new opening in Chapter one. It's worth a read. Later on I'll tell my secret about the source that gave me new insights for openings like this.
It's a hell of a process folks. Learning the tricks of the trade, that is. Let's face it, if aspiring new writers want to break through all the clutter and stand a chance at getting published legitimately, we have to give agents and editors just what they're looking for. Nothing more or nothing less. It's like a rite of passage kind of thing. You get the idea. After first publication, then we can probably get away with openings like Ken Follet's in "Pillars of the Earth". Something about "Tom building a house". Not very provocative, makes you want to fling the book across the room. But it does get better folks. Much later. Too late if you were an unpublished writer seeking representation. But there you have it. Put in some sweat equity up front, then you can write your own ticket later on, if you want.
Let me hear what you think. Don't be lazy, I mean shy, I meant shy, really. Drop me a comment.
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Flash Notes
Anyone serious about writing and getting published? These are my top 3 Websites or Blog's: Avoid them at your own risk. (Whaa?)
1. Author! Author! :: Anne Mini's Blog
This blog explodes with real enthusiasm, sincerity, and humor. Anne covers just about everything you need to know about getting published. I highly recommend her points of view on the industry.
2. Flogging The Quill
Want to improve your dialogue? Take a chance and post some of your work on this site hosted by Ray Rhamey and you just might get a public flogging of your own. Good stuff!
3. A Story is a Promise
This site hosted by Bill Johnson is by far the best I've seen when it comes to helping you with your openings. (Yes, I mean your novel openings people.) His essays on novels and screenplays are superb.
All these links are located on my BEST LINKS LIST, on the right--somewhere down yonder. Thank me later. Which reminds me, I removed the Forum since no one was interested. Anyone in favor of a guestbook at least? (crickets) Hey, it's all in good fun folks, don't be shy. Nothing serious or life-threatening. We're not trying to change the world--just hoping the world changes us--for the better. Amen.
More to come soon. Don't get your silk thongs in a bunch ladies. Guys--whatever. Happy New Year! Easy on the Mojito's. Godspeed.
1. Author! Author! :: Anne Mini's Blog
This blog explodes with real enthusiasm, sincerity, and humor. Anne covers just about everything you need to know about getting published. I highly recommend her points of view on the industry.
2. Flogging The Quill
Want to improve your dialogue? Take a chance and post some of your work on this site hosted by Ray Rhamey and you just might get a public flogging of your own. Good stuff!
3. A Story is a Promise
This site hosted by Bill Johnson is by far the best I've seen when it comes to helping you with your openings. (Yes, I mean your novel openings people.) His essays on novels and screenplays are superb.
All these links are located on my BEST LINKS LIST, on the right--somewhere down yonder. Thank me later. Which reminds me, I removed the Forum since no one was interested. Anyone in favor of a guestbook at least? (crickets) Hey, it's all in good fun folks, don't be shy. Nothing serious or life-threatening. We're not trying to change the world--just hoping the world changes us--for the better. Amen.
More to come soon. Don't get your silk thongs in a bunch ladies. Guys--whatever. Happy New Year! Easy on the Mojito's. Godspeed.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)