Bloopers and Blunders

Through the wonders of DVR, I’ve seen my share of bloopers and blunders. While watching one of my numerous medical dramas, there was some dead air time–you know the black screen with no talking–on a major DFW network. Except, a leading anchor woman was shooting a promo for the ten o’clock news. And she was NOT happy. No curse words were used, just a huffy tone. I laughed, replayed it, and laughed again. Sometimes when watching movies, I spot blunders, like using inaccurate terminology. Reading the newspaper, I have been known to get a red pen to circle the misspelled words.   :-)

However, the other day I ran across a person who finished and published said novel in less than a year and a half. Wow, I thought. I’m proud of this accomplishment, of the tenacity to publish this story.  As I thumbed through the 200+ pages, I found more than a few typos and the enthusiasm of a beginning writer. In today’s techno world anyone can self-publish their work. But should they?

My first completed book–I was so proud of it–was horrible. A good first attempt, a true learning experience, and it didn’t deserve to be printed. My second book was better but still not publishable. With the help of my critique group, I finished SHADOWS. Even though New York didn’t want it, another publisher did. My editor’s suggestions improved the book. I believe we all can benefit from fresh eyes and a sharp pencil–so to speak.

There’s nothing wrong with self-publishing–I’ve done it with Cinderella’s 2nd Marriage–I just wish some of the new authors would take a step back, reflect on why they were rejected, and get a really good editor.

What is your opinion on self-publishing–boon or blunder?

Taking The Plunge

I’ve done it. I’ve taken the plunge. I’m holding my breath and jumping right in. What you may ask, is it that’s so monumental?

Building a website.

Rather, I’ve hired Kira Daniels www.kiradaniels.com , designer extraordinaire, to build it for me. Most of you think this is no big deal. Everyone has a website! Except, for me, it is a big deal. I’ve been working on the craft for a while, but have held off in putting my ‘web presence’ out there. Why? Well, like a lot writers, I’m not one of those that boldly go where no man (or woman) has gone before. I’m a lurker, so showing my face on the web is a major step.

As writers, we have to be willing to do whatever we need to in order to create the best book we can, and then to sell said book. Being out on the web is a terrific way of doing that. You’re showing the prospective publisher or agent that you’ll do your part in selling as many of your books as they’re willing to print.

Besides, you’ll make new friends. Right? And I really do enjoy making new friends. The more the merrier.

So — for those of you that don’t have a website yet, why not? What’s holding you back? Come on, take the plunge.

I’ll keep you posted, but sometime after the holidays, besides here on the Writing SLUTS, you’ll be able to find me at www.LindaTrout.com. WooHoo!

Beautiful Christmas

Here something to get you and me into the Christmas spirit. It’s hard, especially when family can be hard-headed jerks. I know every family has them from time-to-time. But there are certain people I would like to knock some sense into right now.

But I want to put it all aside and focus on what matters. Family….now if I could only convince other people the same thing. *mutters and smiles*

Colder than a Witch’s . . . .

Well, you know what’s supposed to be cold on a witch. Right? (If not, email me and I’ll let you in on the secret. You can find my email address on my website. )

In case you hadn’t figured it out, most of us Writing Sluts live in Oklahoma. And baby, it’s cold outside!

The calendar says it’s almost winter, but I didn’t need a calendar to tell me. Here are a few hints:

Every leaf off every tree in my neighborhood is in my yard. I’m not sure how that happened since I have houses all around me, but I think it has something to do with leaf blowers and me going to work every morning.  

Day before yesterday that we had a killing frost, which is good because it seems to have frozen out the ants that invade my kitchen in regular waves. (Either that or the sugar laced poison DH puts out for them.)

Wednesday, on my way to work, it sleeted on me. Luckily the sleet was light and didn’t last long. Thank heavens! The last thing I want is to get stranded at the office. I’d much rather get stuck here at home, where I have DH, wood and a fireplace, my computers and story ideas, yarn and knitting needles. A bed to sleep in and DH to snuggle with.

The puddle my back tires had parked in all day yesterday was frozen solid. 

It’s 21 days till Christmas and I haven’t started shopping.

It’s 21 days till Christmas and I don’t have want lists from kids. (Haven’t made mine, either.)

It’s 21 days till Christmas and I haven’t decorated.

The heat runs constantly while I’m home.

The “I want to knit something” urge is bugging me.

I snuggle more.

My hip hurts.

The urge to store acorns is on me.

All in all, I have to say thank goodness, I’m not a witch!

Down-time, or; what do you do when you are not writing?

I recently went through a phase in which writing was impossible. Too many conflicts, not enough hours in the day. I simply could not get to the computer. I barely managed to get any editing done on Demon Heart…forget about putting any hours in on my WIP! (work in progress)

So…no writing. Life is boring. Only…it wasn’t, exactly. Turns out that my  imagination, when left with no outlet, will find it’s own way to keep itself amused. I would find myself standing in line at the grocery store, and suddenly, the innocent little old lady with the rutabagas was an undercover FBI agent bent on breaking a Midwest crack cocaine ring. The chubby clerk at the convenient store? He was (in my own mind’s eye, anyway) a headlining stripper down at Joe’s All Night Bump And Grind Emporium.

Anyway, I am back to writing now and am, of course, l0ving it. It is what I do. It is what I thrive on…only…now that my imagination again has it’s fantasy land, real life is sorta…blah. No undercover agents, no chubby strippers. Just store clerks and little old ladies.

How ’bout anyone else? Where does your mind  wander when you just can’t get any writing done? Or am I the only one that goes mildly insane when deprived of writing?

Call me a lunatic!

The strangest, but true thing happened this week. While driving home last night after chauffeuring my kids to karate and guitar practice, my daughter observed that the moon was so bright we hardly needed the high-beams. We live out in the middle of nowhere. Driving home late in the evening over a winding two-lane blacktop can be kind of scary. So yes, I’m that annoying jackass who drives with their Brights on and blinds on-coming motorists.

But my DD was right. The moon was full and bright. We pulled into the local “stop and rob” for gas and noticed a large, and I’m mean huge, black wolf-mix dog sitting in the grassy easement between the road and the gas station. He had no collar and didn’t seem to be the least bit afraid of strangers. He simply sat with his head cocked watching folks pump gas.

And it was a little creepy.

My overactive imagination could practically hear him thinking, “That one’s breakfast. Oooh, there’s lunch. And ah, the big guy’s dinner.”

The incident inspired me to go home and write a short story about a werewolf. This just goes to show, you never know where the inspiration for your next story will come from.

So tell me, what’s the strangest or most interesting event, place or person that’s ever inspired you?

L Somerville

YEAH!! That Felt Good

For a third year running, I competed in NaNoWriMo. One of the great things about competing in this writing exercise is that there is no shame in not completing it. Kind of like golf, you compete against yourself.

I’ve written about the process, and how it works for me. But I think the biggest thing it’s done for me is unleashed the writing and but the reins on the editing. As a technical writer, I’ve worked in IT for more than 15 years. I’ve done online help files, training manuals, technical documentation for projects and applications. In all aspects of this, I’ve done more editing than actual writing. I’ve edited newsletters, articles and online content. More editing than writing. And what it’s done to me is make me perseverate over the same pages over and over. I can always find something to change or correct. I have a hard time letting go.

And it’s almost impossible to make me submit something… because it’s never good enough. I can always give it one more pass to clean it up. Make it better. Dust it off.

NaNoWriMo says NO to editing. Only writing counts. You post your word count and work against the clock to see if you can make 50,000 words on one novel in thirty days in November. This year was challenging. We spent a week in Houston while DH went to a training class. I wrote in a hotel room and visited with grandbabies. We spent Thanksgiving away from home, and I had to visit with relatives and friends and try to write quietly at night after everyone went to sleep. And I did it!! For the third year in a row, I wrote 50,000 words in a novel.

The difference is that this year, I got a couple of critique partners to go over it with me. They understand my issues and have promised not to let me edit the voice right out of my WIP. So, I send off the second chapter to my buddies and hopefully, I can work through this manuscript and try to make a good story out of it. Then, with some help, I’ll submit it to someone and see if it makes the grade.

For someone who has a hard time letting go, this is a big step.

–Sandee Wagner

SURPRISES IN FRUMPY PACKAGES

Last week, I received Susan Boyle’s first professional CD.  You remember her; she’s the frumpy lady from Scotland that sang so beautifully in the British version of AMERICAN IDOL.  When she first came on stage, the entire audience, including the judges, started chuckling.  She looked like a wannabe of all wannabes.  But the moment she started singing, mouths dropped open and eyes widened all over the auditorium.

As is common today, her entire performance ended up on YouTube and made one million hits in less than a week.  Everywhere, Susan Boyle was on everyone’s lips, in everyone’s email, on everyone’s TV show.  By the end of two weeks, she was as well known as what’s-his-name who became the first African-American President of the USA.

Strangely enough, she didn’t win the contest.  A bunch of dancers beat her out.  Does anyone remember the group’s name?  Does anyone remember what kind of dance they did?  Are they bringing out any kind of DVD?  And if so, is it being anticipated as much as Susan’s CD was?  I understand, her disk pre-sold over one million units.  Wow!

I have a theory about that; I think when the kids were announced as a dance group, they looked like a professional dance group and no one doubted that they would do a great job.  But Susan came out, her graying hair disheveled, and looking like a middle-aged housewife.  When Simon questioned her, she sounded like someone’s mother…not a semi-trained musician.  But when that voiced poured out like gold…man!

I’ve read books like Susan Boyle.  Crappy covers, so-so back blurbs, or maybe having a doubtful premise, but because I was judging it for a contest, I HAD to read it, no matter what.  Then I get into it, and whoosh!  I can’t put the book down.  It’s the kind of story that can keep me from doing my housework (not always that hard, I will admit).  Or maybe I stay up all night, unable to sleep until I know what happens next.

That’s the frumpy book that reads like an angel.  I haven’t written one yet.  I’ve written good books and I’ll write better ones as my skills become stronger.  But I can’t wait to write my “Susan Boyle” book, the one that may look frumpy, but will blow the reader away.

Interview With Holly Jacobs

Who/What influenced your writing the most?
I fell in love with books…well, I don’t remember when, just as I don’t remember a time I couldn’t and wasn’t reading. My earliest favorite writers were Tolkien and Heinlein. They had two very different styles of writing, but both were storytellers. And I guess they, and the multitude of other authors I’ve read and loved, have all influenced my writing.

Did you always want to be a writer? If not, then what?
Being a mom is the job I’m most proud of. And for years, when the kids were young, it was the only job I could really dream of. It was all-encompassing. But eventually I realized that they were getting older and one day soon I’d need to get an outside job for some added income (kids are expensive pets to keep ) and I asked myself what I would like to do with the rest of my life. That’s where my love of reading kicked in. I realized I wanted to write. I was very fortunate that my family supported me. They were, and are, my biggest cheerleaders!

You mentioned on your website that your brothers and your husband were all cops. Do their experiences on the job give you fodder for your plot lines? If so, how?
I’ve definitely written characters who were police officers, but I don’t do mystery or action adventure. I write about people and relationships. I’ve had three reader letters recently that commented on the realism of my books–they feel as if they really know my characters. So, when I write a cop, it’s more about him, than the job…if that makes sense.

What does your normal (writing) week look like?
I make the school drop-off drive, take the dogs for a walk, then I write. I treat my writing like any other job. I work until lunch. Then pick up again and work until I make the school pick-up run.
I tend to have a page-count daily goal. But even when those pages are done, there’s still more work to do. There are interviews, like this. Blogs and guestblogs. I’ve been writing articles and those take work. Then there’s Facebook and other online communities I visit. I tell people those are my water-cooler moments. I don’t have coworkers in the same office as me…I just have the dogs, and they truly don’t have too much to say. So Facebook gives me a way to touch base with people…real people, not just the people in my head! LOL

Do you work with critique groups? How has your experience with them been?
No, I don’t have a critique group or partner.

If you could write yourself into a story, what would your character be and be like?
Wow, now that’s the first time that particular questions been asked. My character would definitely be a mother…and odds are she’d have kids that were… (I’m trying to think of how to put this so my kids won’t be insulted if they read this)… uh, how about a mother who’s kids were very active and creative! LOL This character version of me would have very unruly hair, a rather sanity-challenged (which sounds nicer than crazy) extended family, and a fondness for ugly dogs that no one else wanted to adopt.

Your writing bio jumps from one line to another. Has Harlequin (or any other publisher) offered to pay you to NOT write for them to keep another line from dying? =) Seriously though, how have those changes impacted your writing career?
Oh, I won’t lie, the fact that I’ve written for so many lines that have folded has certainly made my writing career… interesting. Remember that old curse, may you live in interesting times? Yeah, like that! I’m hoping now that I’m writing for SuperRomance I’ve found a long-term writing home, but if nothing else I’ve learned that nothing in this business is ever static. All I can do (all any writer can do) is write stories I love about characters I love and hope that editors and readers love them, too!
Speaking of readers, I will add that I’ve been very fortunate to have readers who’ve followed me no matter what line I was writing for. Seriously, I have the best readers out there!

What do you do to relax (not writing)?
My favorite thing is hanging with my family! And of course, I walk the dogs a few miles each day…it’s a great time to think and mull. I like to do crafts. I cross-stitch and crochet. I do projects around the house with my husband. And because we heat with wood, I do all the splitting. Yep, I’m quite the lumberjack…er, jill. Now, that might not seem overly relaxing, but to be honest, I love it. I spend a great deal of my day sitting on the couch working. Wood splitting, household projects, walking the dogs…they all get me moving and give me time to just be.

What do you wish you had known earlier in your writing career?
Writing isn’t a sprint…it’s a marathon. You’ll have ups and downs. You just have to ride the highs, slog your way through the lows and simply enjoy the moments!

What’s coming up next for you?
I have a November SuperRomance, UNEXPECTED GIFTS. Now, for those who aren’t familiar with Harlequin, the books are available for just one month, so while it’s currently on the shelves, it won’t be in another week or so, though bookstores can still order it, and it’s available all over online. They’re also available as eBooks, including the Kindle format.
I have a December release from Avalon (these are books marketed to libraries, so if you want to read it, you should request it and borrow it!) called EVERYTHING BUT A CHRISTMAS.
Then in February, just in time for Valentines, I have another SuperRomance release, A ONE-OF-A-KIND FAMILY.

Would you mind giving us a sneak peak at your current or upcoming release? =)

Unexpected Gifts
by Holly Jacobs
ISBN #978-0-373-71601-2
Harlequin SuperRomance, 11/09

Life happens…and then life really happens!
Teacher Eli Cartwright has it all figured out—the career, the reliable boyfriend and the next few dependable decades. But life has quite a sense of humor, it seems, since her perfectly ordered existence has been completely upended. Because now Eli is counseling pregnant teens—with an unplanned pregnancy of her own!

So Eli is single, terrified…and exuberant. And her colleague, Zac Keller, has never been more attracted to her. But can he convince Eli that life sometimes offers more than one unexpected gift at a time?

9 Months Later: It’s not what they’re expecting

~~~~

Just a bit about this book. I’ve volunteered with our local teen parenting program for years. The staff that works with these girls…well, they’re amazing. And because of them, the number of teen-moms who finish high school have risen, and they’ve got great stats on moms who go on to continue their education in college or some other educational program. I thought a woman who did similar work would make an excellent heroine, and I can only hope that Eli Cartwright can shine some light on these unsung local heroes.

And the hero, Zac Keller, comes from a rather untraditional family. He’s all heart…and was the perfect hero for Eli. I’m happy to report that he has a cameo in the February book. He gives a job to a very ‘special’ character in A One-of-a-Kind Family.

I guess that’s it! I want to thank you for letting me come visit today! People can always find me online at www.HollyJacobs.com, and they can find a link to my Facebook page there. I always welcome new watercooler friends!

Breaking The Routine

I must confess: I’m a shopaholic. Shameless sale hussy. Clearance Queen. Bargain Babe.

And for the first time in 1o years, I didn’t get up at 4 am…but I did shop the Black Friday Sales at 8:30–in Dallas.  For me! I’ll try to get a picture on The Twisted Sisters blog later.

But that’s not my topic. I broke a routine, and for me that’s a big deal. Bigger than scooping an awesome bargain!!  This year has been my time to deviate from my carefully normal ordered  life.  I discovered that I can write almost anywhere, not just my office, or when it is quiet, or only in the morning. I don’t even have to ‘have’ a lap top. There are notes on several napkins, paper towels, and the backs of envelopes.

During the next few months, I will be driving my husband to work (in Dallas) as he recovers from double shoulder separation/tendon repair back to back surgeries. As much as I LOVE to shop, and I do know where the bargains are, I will be writing, or doing research either camped out in his office building. Or if the weather is nice, across the street at the Frisbee park. 

Are you going to break a routine that may be holding you back?