Writing aids & tips:
As any author will tell you, writing is a craft. And just as any other craft, it takes practice and patience to master it. Over the past several years I’ve written at least a million words, (really, that’s no exaggeration—just ask my disjointed keyboard), but I still learn something new every day. I think perhaps this is the allure of writing to me—the promise of never meeting the bar … the constant challenge of improving upon yesterday’s accomplishments.
When I first made up my mind to learn to write, I opted for the self-taught route in lieu of creative writing courses. I joined PPW, found a critique group, took out a subscription to Writer’s Digest Magazine, and became a member of Writer’s Digest Book Club. Within the span of a year, I had accumulated enough books on the craft of writing to shame any college syllabus. For a list of the books I’ve read, studied, and swear by, visit my Favorite Books page.
I’ve also listed a few sites below that were indispensable tools in writing my first novel. To this day, I still use the Rhyme Zone and Online Thesaurus in my daily writing stints.
My favorite research links: When I undertake a new novel, the first thing I do is pull out the resources—be it online, at the local library, or actually shucking out the coinage for a prolific addition to my personal bookshelves. Often, my most unique scene ideas are gleaned from some tidbit of trivia I happen across in my studies. To sweeten the deal even more, not only does research make a story interesting, it makes it believable. And, isn’t that what every fiction author aspires to in their writing?
When you can't find what you need in a book, the internet is also a great source for research. Below are some of my most used sites while writing my historical romance series.
Links to help you get published: So you’ve finished writing your book? Great job! You’ve written a Pulitzer prize-winning manuscript, edited it so many times you can recite it chapter by chapter in your sleep (to which your insomniac significant other and family pet can attest), and now it’s just a matter of getting it into a publisher or agent’s hands, right?
Wait!
There are many things to consider when you begin your quest for publication. First of all, should you get an agent or go directly to the publishers? This decision is not to be taken lightly. An agent can do so much for you in the way of opening doors as they have pockets full of shiny gold skeleton keys to open the locks on those “big-name” publishing houses, who without agent representation will not give a newbie-unpublished author a second glance.
For an article with some helpful insight into this debate, go to: http://www.myboot.com/articles/499-publishing-your-first-book.html
Once you’ve made the decision as to what is right for you—representation or no—then you have to research your options. Yes, I said the R word again. It’s all about the research. You have to know what genre (or a reasonable facsimile thereof) your story falls into. Then you research each agent/publisher to see what sort of literature they take. A great way to find an agent/publisher match is to read a lot of books in your genre. When you come upon a story similar to yours, look inside the cover to find out who published it, or go to that author’s website and find out who their agent is.
Then, the real work begins. It’s time to send out the queries. Here’s a site that gives a quick run-down of the elements often included in a submission:
Now, I’d like to take this opportunity to address the importance of tenacity. It’s very possible you could go through every name on the above sites and get nothing but rejections. This hurts, despite the fact that you’re walking over the same fiery coals as many famous authors:
Stephen R. Donaldson’s Lord Foul's Bane got forty-seven rejections; it was rejected by every fiction publisher in the United States.
Dr. Seuss’ And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street was originally rejected by 43 publishers.
Tolkien received a whopping eighty rejections for Lord of the Rings. OUCH!
Even knowing other people have been in the same sinking boat and came out hanging ten, it’s still infuriating. This book is your golden-haired baby and those heartless New York tyrants have shaved it bald, yanked out its eyelashes, and tossed it back in your face with the retort that it’s too ugly for them. Okay. So throw a fit. Write a rejection letter back to the agent/publisher telling them why you’re rejecting their rejection letter (only make sure you don’t accidentally mail it in a moment of blind fury). Eat a gallon of ice cream. Call your mommy and cry on her shoulder. Do what you have to do to get past it.
Then take stock of the situation. If they offered any criticism, take a breather for a day or so, then go back and reread the letter. Editors and agents rarely stop to comment on queries or submissions, so maybe—just maybe—they saw something unique in your writing or idea and were sincerely trying to help you. See if you can use what they said to better your manuscript. Then send out another wave of queries. But above all else, NEVER GIVE UP! I know of what I speak. It took me 2 years, four books, and over a hundred rejections to snag my agent. She was well worth the wait and work. Check out my personal interest links for a more detailed introduction to my agent.
Links geared to protect the aspiring writer: Before you send out those feelers, don’t forget the most important step in your research: Check out the agent or publisher. Just because they say they’re legit, doesn’t make it so. You’ve poured your heart and soul into this book. Don’t sell it to the devil simply because you’re in a hurry to get it published. Take your time and research. There are several organizations devoted to protecting the rights of the writer. Below are the three sites I rely upon most heavily and they’ve never once led me astray.
My personal interest links: Kick back, pour yourself a steaming cup of buttered-rum tea, and let’s surf the web. You don’t even have to don a swimsuit to ride this wave. Below are some of my favorite sites to visit whether I’m taking a break from life, or trying to improve the quality of it.
BookEnds, LLC: Home to my agent, Kim Lionetti, and her colleagues, Jessica Faust and Jacky Sach. They represent non-fiction books such as spirituality, self-help, and business, as well as novels of mystery, all forms of romance, and literary works. These ladies are classy, professional, and knowledgable, with the entusiasm, connections, and know-how to get you published. Drop by their website for submission guidelines if you're seeking representation for any of the afore listed genres. They accept queries from published and unpublished authors alike. http://www.bookends-inc.com/index.htm
And don't forget to visit their blog for professional insights and behind the scenes tips to improve your writing. You never know, their advice just might help you snag an agent of your very own.
Gothic Southern Belle Art: Ever wanted to open Pandora’s Box, just for a peek inside? This blog has a selection of articles one might expect to see in any forbidden treasure chest: mourning dolls, shadow boxes, pin cushions, and unique ornaments—each of them elegant and gothic, strange and unusual. The artist, Nina, describes herself as part Scarlett O'Hara, Morticia Addams, thrown together with a splash of "Flowers in the Attic". I think that description fits her unique wares perfectly, as well. http://gothicsouthernbelleart.blogspot.com
The Velvet Garden: Just as the beautiful name implies, this is a lush garden filled with Goth-Victoriana merchandise at your fingertips. Take a walk through this online thrift store and find bargains that will delight even the most melancholy heart. In an e-bay style format, they offer everything from apparel to jewelry and home décor. Best of all, they accept pay pal! http://www.velvetgarden.net
NightShade Jewelry: A unique collection of decadent and handcrafted jewelry. If your taste is eclectic and you’re partial to lace, velvet, and beads, this online store offers a variety of modern, Victorian inspired, gothic and nouveau garnitures that will satisfy all of your adornment needs. http://www.nighteshade.com
Romance Writers of America (RWA) is the national association for published and aspiring romance writers. The association provides not only a newsletter for its members, but also sponsors a yearly conference that offers a professional yet fun atmosphere where aspiring and already published authors can meet editors and agents to further their career. RWA home: http://www.rwanational.org/cs/home
RWA also has over 130 local and special-interest chapters which provide opportunities for members to come together to discuss the industry, build connections and find support. Here's a list of my favorites:
Fantasy and Paranormal Chapter: Here you’ll find more great author websites to explore, as well as contests and announcements relevant to those who follow the fantasy/paranormal side of the romance genre. http://www.romance-ffp.com/
The Beau Monde Chapter: If regency romance makes you vapid and weak in the knees, this site is for you. For authors, it offers such amenities as writer’s resources focused on that short-lived and passionate era between 1811 and 1820, Regency Academe—specialty classes online to help hone your regency P’s and Q’s, and even a list of other regency authors so you can keep an eye on the competition. For readers, it has an archive of regency romances to help you find titles you may have missed by your favorite author, or find an insider’s glimpse into up and coming authors to watch for. http://www.thebeaumonde.com/
GothRom, Gothic Romance Chapter: If you love writing or reading true gothic romance—a heroine in peril in an isolated setting paired with a sexy, dark hero of questionable intent, then you’ll want to visit this site. Just like the regency chapter, it provides great links for writers and book lists for readers who prefer romance with a blush of the macabre. http://www.gothrom.net
Hearts Through History Chapter: For authors of historical romance—be it civil war, time travel, renaissance, regency, or victorian—this is your place to nest. This site provides FAQs, contest info, and member websites. For readers of this genre, there's a mall with tons of books to choose from. http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/
Romance Writer’s Association Member website addresses: Check out these great RWA member websites to inspire your own creative links, or simply visit them to see how other aspiring writers are faring on their journey to best seller-dom. http://www.rwanational.org/cs/rwa_author_web_sites
Mrs. Giggles Romance Book Reviews: Just like the name implies, it’s a great place for laughs. Mrs. Giggles is the Simon Cowell to all romance novelist wanna-be’s. But I must admit, each time I read a review, I take something away to improve my own writing. So it’s not all mean-spirited cynicism. She actually has some very incisive observations into plotting and characterization. http://www.mrsgiggles.com/books/index.html
Panhandle Professional Writers: A great group of writers located in the Texas Panhandle. These folks are every bit as serious about getting published as you are, and they have great tips and advice to help you along the way. http://www.panhandleprowriters.org/
Author Websites: Below are my fellow writers' personal websites. Some are published and some, just as me, are weaving their way through the long and winding road toward publication.
If you're in the mood for some twisted paranormal activity, put away your tarot cards and visit the link below. Sariya Dhemitriya is an exceptional young talent that writes young adult/adult novels. Her characters face coming of age issues and personal dilemmas while trying to make sense of newly realized extrasensory powers. Be prepared ... things aren't always as they seem. And the ghost isn't always the bad guy! Be sure and check out her great articles, poetry, artwork, and personal blogs, and don't forget to email her. Tell her Anita sent you! www.writtenrealm.com
If you want high fantasy romance in rare, intriguing settings, Katie Lovett is a must read. Katie’s first novel is set in the Baroque Era—the era of the Three Musketeers and Pirates of the Caribbean. Her hero sports a cavalier coat; he and the heroine attend a four-hundred-year-old school snuggled within a nest of Baroque-style buildings; and amidst running from demons and uncovering age-old secrets, they even find a moment to dance at a ball or two. Visit Katie’s site to learn more about this lush and descriptive world of mystery, danger, and passion. And be sure to check out the great articles on her personal blog. www.katie-lovett.com
Gail Dayton writes paranormal and fantasy romance for Harlequin’s Luna line. Her first novel was a RITA award finalist for “Best First Book.” www.gaildayton.com
Jaycee Clark writes romantic suspense, paranormal romance, historical romance… well, you name it. She’s just an all around uber-talented, multi-published author. www.jayceeclark.com
Want to meet a witch with sass enough to take on the demons of hell but class enough to maintain her perfect manicure? Let Candace Havens introduce you to Bronwyn. Candace is the best selling author of “Charmed and Dangerous,” the diary-stylings of Bronwyn—a beautiful witch that’s in the business of protecting the little people. Candace’s newest release, “Charmed and Deadly” is getting rave reviews and there are still other installments of Bronwyn in the works. www.candacehavens.com
Jennifer Archer is an award winning author of paranormal romance and women’s mainstream fiction. Her unique outlook on life comes through in every sentence of every story. Her style combines a comical edge with an inspirational tone that will leave you laughing as you find the silver lining in every cloud ... even if your lining happens to be a radio-active glow and your cloud is an exhaust emitting from a power plant in Los Angeles' lower suburbia. www.jenniferarcher.net
Linda Castillo is a National Bestselling author of romantic suspense, and a master story-teller. Her characters—all the more intriguing for their exquisite flaws—leap off the pages and hold you riveted with voice and depth. Whether you're into investigating a horrific murder scene, running from a fractured past, or smoldering in the embrace of a passionate lover, Linda’s books—rich with description and emotion—will satisfy all of your literary cravings. www.lindacastillo.com
Jodi Thomas is a bestselling / award winning writer of historical Texas romance and has also successfully branched out into mainstream women’s fiction. In July of 2006, she was awarded the RWA’s prestigious RITA award for the third time, and as a result is now in the RWA Hall of Fame. www.jodithomas.com
Britta Coleman writes inspirational women’s mainstream fiction. Her first book, “Potter Springs,” won the prestigious Lone Star Scribe Award. Her lovely, sparse writing style has been compared to Ernest Hemingway and other classical authors. www.brittacoleman.com
Terry Burns writes award winning inspiration fiction with a western flair. www.terryburns.net
Kendall Bell has won more than twenty awards from the South Carolina Press Association and the Associated Press. Speaker as well as author, Kendall has developed workshops for beginning writers and advanced workshops for published authors. His classes cover topics such as book promotion and how to get book reviews. He is best known for his compilation of “feel good” inspirational stories in the “From the Heart” story collection series. www.kendallbell.com
Kymber Lee is a talented author of inspirational historical romances. She provides wholesome reading material for younger readers and adults alike. Her style combines the moral discernment of Janet Oake with the sparse and lovely prose of Ernest Hemingway. Her first novel, 'Treasured Love' takes place during the Regency era and is a sweet rendition of finding the treasure of your heart in the most unexpected place. www.kymberleebooks.com/
Ronda Thompson wrote novels for over ten years and was the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of both historical and paranormal romances. Her werewolf series, Wild Wulfs of London, was well received by her many fans, and made her some new ones to boot. Ronda passed away suddenly only a few weeks after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer in the summer of 2007. In her memory I have chosen not to delete the link to her website, although it has been disabled. 'Confessions of a Werewolf Supermodel' was the last book she wrote, and was intended to head off a series. She was a dear friend and will be missed, but has left a legacy through her writing. www.rondathompson.com