The final decision has been made and I now have a new title for my book. "Winter's Captive".
It feels so good to have it behind me and be happy with the end result. I dreaded this part of the process but believe me when I say, that once I saw the logic in changing the name, it became a fun, creative process.
For anyone out there who is faced with this decision, my advice is don't hang onto an idea just because you want control or believe you are "right". Open your mind up to the bigger picture which is "marketing".
Now on to the cover design. Another exciting step on the way to publishing my book.
Of course, I have my work cut out for me changing my book trailer, and anywhere else the old name appears.
Meanwhile, keep on keeping on writing.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
...IT'S ALL IN A NAME
...how do you give up your baby? I just spent a very painful week trying to come up with a new name for my book. The old name has been with me for so long, it is very hard to give up. I knew when I signed the contract in January that this day would be coming. My editor told me they wanted to change the name even back them. So we are now at the cover design stage and the name must be chosen.
I presented my argument to my editor as to why I love the name and how fitting it is to my story. She presented a very fitting argument back and in the end I bowed to her publishing and marketing expertise. I've come to the conclusion that my title is great for a non-fiction self-help book, but it does not fit with the entertainment value of the story. It is, after all, a fiction story that entertains.
All of this brought me to realize how important the cover and the title are. No matter how good the pages inside are, the cover design and title do sell the book, in my opinion. I'm ashamed to say, I choose a book by it's cover. I gravitate towards names that catch my attention and rich, vibrant colours that I love. I may have missed reading some great books because of this, but being a writer is like being an artist. We are creative and we paint the story on the pages, so the title and cover need to paint a story as well.
In spite of the pain of leaving my comfort zone and giving up what feels like an old friend, the process has been fun and a learning experience. I'm not going to tell you the new name just yet, as I have it down to two and the final decision has not been made. I'm letting it gel and soon will take a deep breath and choose.
Until then, keep on keeping on writing.
I presented my argument to my editor as to why I love the name and how fitting it is to my story. She presented a very fitting argument back and in the end I bowed to her publishing and marketing expertise. I've come to the conclusion that my title is great for a non-fiction self-help book, but it does not fit with the entertainment value of the story. It is, after all, a fiction story that entertains.
All of this brought me to realize how important the cover and the title are. No matter how good the pages inside are, the cover design and title do sell the book, in my opinion. I'm ashamed to say, I choose a book by it's cover. I gravitate towards names that catch my attention and rich, vibrant colours that I love. I may have missed reading some great books because of this, but being a writer is like being an artist. We are creative and we paint the story on the pages, so the title and cover need to paint a story as well.
In spite of the pain of leaving my comfort zone and giving up what feels like an old friend, the process has been fun and a learning experience. I'm not going to tell you the new name just yet, as I have it down to two and the final decision has not been made. I'm letting it gel and soon will take a deep breath and choose.
Until then, keep on keeping on writing.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
...LOSING CINDERELLA BOOK TRAILER
Marketing, marketing, marketing! I'm still working on my marketing to do list for my editor, while I wait for updates on the manuscript. I just finished my book trailer for Losing Cinderella and posted it on You Tube. I'm posting it here so you can get a sneak preview. It probably took me a total of 30 hours over a three-week period to get it right. Actually, I enjoyed the creative process of making my video, a different kind of creative effort.
I used Microsoft Movie Maker and had fun finding photos to match the storyline, and even dragged my husband out into the snow covered ranch lands to get some. The hardest part was finidng the music. First of all, copyright can be an issue. But I found a classical piece of music out of copyright and paid to download it from the pianist who recorded it. There are lots of sites on the internet offerening music loops for book trailers. Be careful. Just because they offer it, doesn't mean they have the rights to allow you to download.
My book trailer video for my debut novel, Losing Cinderella, available in October, 2011 by Asteroid Publishing Inc:
One step closer to launch date.
My next project is to finish my website. Then I must find a photo to place on the back cover. I'm waiting until I go to Vancouver Island in April to a wedding. Hopefully, the weather will be beautiful and I can get an outdoorsy photo in nature. Since my writing inspiration comes from nature, it is fitting my photo follows that theme.
Although this is a very special and exciting time for me, enough about me and my book. I wish to take a moment to share my thoughts about the horror facing the Japanese people.
I don't think any of us can know what they must be feeling with this triple catastrophy. But we can keep them in our thoughts and offer our prayers and best wishes. The losses they have experienced just from the earthquake and tsunami are astronomical and now the threat of nuclear contamination looms over the entire country and other Asian countries, if the wind blows in their direction. One Japanese elder said it all yesterday when asked if she couldn't help but compare the present situation with Hiroshima, WWII. She said: "There is no comparison, Hiroshima is our past, the nuclear threat today is our future." That really knocked me back.
I used Microsoft Movie Maker and had fun finding photos to match the storyline, and even dragged my husband out into the snow covered ranch lands to get some. The hardest part was finidng the music. First of all, copyright can be an issue. But I found a classical piece of music out of copyright and paid to download it from the pianist who recorded it. There are lots of sites on the internet offerening music loops for book trailers. Be careful. Just because they offer it, doesn't mean they have the rights to allow you to download.
My book trailer video for my debut novel, Losing Cinderella, available in October, 2011 by Asteroid Publishing Inc:
One step closer to launch date.
My next project is to finish my website. Then I must find a photo to place on the back cover. I'm waiting until I go to Vancouver Island in April to a wedding. Hopefully, the weather will be beautiful and I can get an outdoorsy photo in nature. Since my writing inspiration comes from nature, it is fitting my photo follows that theme.
Although this is a very special and exciting time for me, enough about me and my book. I wish to take a moment to share my thoughts about the horror facing the Japanese people.
I don't think any of us can know what they must be feeling with this triple catastrophy. But we can keep them in our thoughts and offer our prayers and best wishes. The losses they have experienced just from the earthquake and tsunami are astronomical and now the threat of nuclear contamination looms over the entire country and other Asian countries, if the wind blows in their direction. One Japanese elder said it all yesterday when asked if she couldn't help but compare the present situation with Hiroshima, WWII. She said: "There is no comparison, Hiroshima is our past, the nuclear threat today is our future." That really knocked me back.
| Good luck! | Ganbatte ne! がんばってね！ |
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
...YES, I AM A SURVIVOR
Time flies. I strarted a new part-time job three weeks ago and it has flown by. I'm loving the new job, but it does curb my writing time. I haven't done much with my new book, Blended.
However, I have been working on the marketing task list given to me by my editor, for my debut novel, Losing Cinderella. I'm just about finished the list, but in writng the required short and long biographies for various on line and print media, I came face to face with my past, which forced me to make an important decision. Thus, the heading of my blog post.
Yes, I am a survivor. My debut novel, Losing Cinderella, was inspired by events I experienced in my own life and the lessons I learned. I chose to convey this through the fictitious story of my main character, Georgia Charles. Years back, when I began this book as a fiction tale, I believed my own life story would be of no interest to anyone. Why? Because saying I was the victim of an abusive spouse, made me feel like a fraud. Again you ask, why? Because I didn't sport black eyes and broken bones, and serious physical beatings.
I have come to realize I suffered from mental abuse on a daily basis, and yes, there were forms of physical abuse. The only resason I avoided physical beatings is because I came to recognize that certain look in his eye. When I saw that look, I became instantly passive and subservient, while household furniture and objects became the focus of his rages. After nine years of living with this behavior, I realized this wasn't enough for him anymore; he wanted a reaction from me. "The "look" was suddenly being directed at me and my four-year-old. That's when I packed up and left, no longer able to deny the abuse I was living with and knowing what was to become the inevitable.
This brings me back to my marketing chores. Part of my bio package was to explain where my experience came from to write this story. I realized it was necessary to connect my writing of this book to my past experiences and I needed to be able to do so publicly. Another reason I was reluctant to recount my story in a non-fiction venue, was out of respect for my ex-husband's family and for the sake of my son. I recently reunited with one remaining family member who gave me her blessing and I'm so happy to have her back in my life. My son is very supportive
.
I chose to share my life-changing experiences through the fictitious story of one woman’s compelling and heroic survival against all odds. My goal is the reader will connect to my main character’s plight on a personal level as well as be entertained.
Being raised by a very private, British mother who believes in keeping our private lives private, it was a difficult decision to "out" myself. But the decision is made and I am okay with talking publicly about my past and how it relates to my debut novel, Losing Cinderella. Do understand that the book is less aboout an abusive spouse, and more about the misconceived myths and expectations naive couples take into a relationship, only to be disillusioned.
So, my writing has proven itself once again to be a part of my healing process and I'm ready to shout it from the rooftops...yes, I am a survivor.
Keep on keeping on writing!
However, I have been working on the marketing task list given to me by my editor, for my debut novel, Losing Cinderella. I'm just about finished the list, but in writng the required short and long biographies for various on line and print media, I came face to face with my past, which forced me to make an important decision. Thus, the heading of my blog post.
Yes, I am a survivor. My debut novel, Losing Cinderella, was inspired by events I experienced in my own life and the lessons I learned. I chose to convey this through the fictitious story of my main character, Georgia Charles. Years back, when I began this book as a fiction tale, I believed my own life story would be of no interest to anyone. Why? Because saying I was the victim of an abusive spouse, made me feel like a fraud. Again you ask, why? Because I didn't sport black eyes and broken bones, and serious physical beatings.
I have come to realize I suffered from mental abuse on a daily basis, and yes, there were forms of physical abuse. The only resason I avoided physical beatings is because I came to recognize that certain look in his eye. When I saw that look, I became instantly passive and subservient, while household furniture and objects became the focus of his rages. After nine years of living with this behavior, I realized this wasn't enough for him anymore; he wanted a reaction from me. "The "look" was suddenly being directed at me and my four-year-old. That's when I packed up and left, no longer able to deny the abuse I was living with and knowing what was to become the inevitable.
This brings me back to my marketing chores. Part of my bio package was to explain where my experience came from to write this story. I realized it was necessary to connect my writing of this book to my past experiences and I needed to be able to do so publicly. Another reason I was reluctant to recount my story in a non-fiction venue, was out of respect for my ex-husband's family and for the sake of my son. I recently reunited with one remaining family member who gave me her blessing and I'm so happy to have her back in my life. My son is very supportive
.
I chose to share my life-changing experiences through the fictitious story of one woman’s compelling and heroic survival against all odds. My goal is the reader will connect to my main character’s plight on a personal level as well as be entertained.
Being raised by a very private, British mother who believes in keeping our private lives private, it was a difficult decision to "out" myself. But the decision is made and I am okay with talking publicly about my past and how it relates to my debut novel, Losing Cinderella. Do understand that the book is less aboout an abusive spouse, and more about the misconceived myths and expectations naive couples take into a relationship, only to be disillusioned.
So, my writing has proven itself once again to be a part of my healing process and I'm ready to shout it from the rooftops...yes, I am a survivor.
Keep on keeping on writing!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
QUERY TIME AGAIN!
For all of you with books to pitch, now is the time to get your query ready and sent out. February seems to be a very busy month for agents and publishers looking to line up their book projects for the year.
It seems most of us writer's have no problem writing a 65,000 word novel, but struggle over a one page query letter. Why is that?
Because that one page is the most important piece of paper we will ever write. Why? Because we need it to sell the book and sell ourselves.
If an agent or editor reads our manuscript and likes it, we know they'll be more than happy to help us hone it into a saleable book. But there are no second chances with our one page query letter. Get it right the first time or rejection is a definite outcome.
Our query is for one reason only, to introduce ourserselves and our book. Keep it to one page.
There are three elements to a good query letter.
The first element is the hook, and the first paragraph. A tag line that is designed to catch the attention of the reader and leave them wanting to read more. Do this in one or two sentences.
Here is a sample of the one I used for my book, Losing Cinderella.
"A pregnant, urban woman escapes kidnappers in the wilderness. Facing a harsh, cold winter and fears of childbirth lost and alone, she must find inner strength to survive—or perish."
The second element and second paragraph is a short description of the entire book. I suggest writing and rewriting this paragraph until you feel you have caught the essence of the story and all the important points, such as plot, characters, what the MC needs to do, the struggle, but leave it with an element of surprise. Don't tell all.
The third element and final paragraph is about you. It should be the easiest, but is it? Most of us don't like to talk about ourselves. The important thing here is keep it brief. State your education, or what qualifies you to write this story, and what inspired you to write it. Include any publishing credits. Write something personal, like where you live.
Sell yourself, but do it briefly.
Once again, the internet is a great source for finding samples of query letters and templates. Get your writing friends to crit for you. Here's a link that is very resourceful: http://querytracker.net/ A great resource of writing tips, samples, and links to agents, and publishers.
So get query writing and sell your project and sell yourself.
Keep on keeping on writing.
It seems most of us writer's have no problem writing a 65,000 word novel, but struggle over a one page query letter. Why is that?
Because that one page is the most important piece of paper we will ever write. Why? Because we need it to sell the book and sell ourselves.
If an agent or editor reads our manuscript and likes it, we know they'll be more than happy to help us hone it into a saleable book. But there are no second chances with our one page query letter. Get it right the first time or rejection is a definite outcome.
Our query is for one reason only, to introduce ourserselves and our book. Keep it to one page.
There are three elements to a good query letter.
The first element is the hook, and the first paragraph. A tag line that is designed to catch the attention of the reader and leave them wanting to read more. Do this in one or two sentences.
Here is a sample of the one I used for my book, Losing Cinderella.
"A pregnant, urban woman escapes kidnappers in the wilderness. Facing a harsh, cold winter and fears of childbirth lost and alone, she must find inner strength to survive—or perish."
The second element and second paragraph is a short description of the entire book. I suggest writing and rewriting this paragraph until you feel you have caught the essence of the story and all the important points, such as plot, characters, what the MC needs to do, the struggle, but leave it with an element of surprise. Don't tell all.
The third element and final paragraph is about you. It should be the easiest, but is it? Most of us don't like to talk about ourselves. The important thing here is keep it brief. State your education, or what qualifies you to write this story, and what inspired you to write it. Include any publishing credits. Write something personal, like where you live.
Sell yourself, but do it briefly.
Once again, the internet is a great source for finding samples of query letters and templates. Get your writing friends to crit for you. Here's a link that is very resourceful: http://querytracker.net/ A great resource of writing tips, samples, and links to agents, and publishers.
So get query writing and sell your project and sell yourself.
Keep on keeping on writing.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
...AND NOW I WAIT
It's been quite a month for the first of 2011. I finished my manuscript edits and forwarded them to my editor mid-January. With no idea how long it will take for her to return my story with rewrites, I started working on my next project. Tentatively called, Blended, this book is the sequel to Losing cinderella, a continuing saga of Georgia Charles journey of growth. She is a work in progress, as we all are in our travels in life.
This story forces Georgia to put her newly learned beliefs to the test. She must make a life-changing decision that will affect not only her life, but her daughter's, and all of those nearest and dearest to her.
As mentioned in previous posts, I belong to a writer's group on Critique Circle. We submit chapters to our queue for critiquing and earn points to submit by critiquing others in our queue. This left me with a dilema. We usually submit with Chapter 1 and progress through the story chapter by chapter. I realized this story is still in the writing stage. I have a general outline of what I want to cover in the story, adding to it as I go along. But I don't write in order. Wherever my creative juices take me, that is where I write. As of this moment, I have written eight chapters, the first one, some near the beginning, some in the middle and the second to last chapter. Today, I plan on writing the last chapter. That's the only way I can function. Eventually, I'll have a rough draft and it will all come together. Until then, I won't submit anything. It would be too confusing to the reader and they would have a hard time following plot line and flow.
Instead, I've decided to crit everyone else's works and build up my points until I'm ready to submit. I would love to hear from others on how you write. Do you follow an outline from Chapter 1 through to the end, or do you create whevever the muse takes you?
I strongly recommend you join a writer's group, either one in your area, or if you live rurally like I do, join an on line group. Critique Circle is one of the best in my opinion and I believe, withoout a doubt, my writer's queue led me to finding a publisher for my first novel. Here is their link if you wish to check them out.
This story forces Georgia to put her newly learned beliefs to the test. She must make a life-changing decision that will affect not only her life, but her daughter's, and all of those nearest and dearest to her.
As mentioned in previous posts, I belong to a writer's group on Critique Circle. We submit chapters to our queue for critiquing and earn points to submit by critiquing others in our queue. This left me with a dilema. We usually submit with Chapter 1 and progress through the story chapter by chapter. I realized this story is still in the writing stage. I have a general outline of what I want to cover in the story, adding to it as I go along. But I don't write in order. Wherever my creative juices take me, that is where I write. As of this moment, I have written eight chapters, the first one, some near the beginning, some in the middle and the second to last chapter. Today, I plan on writing the last chapter. That's the only way I can function. Eventually, I'll have a rough draft and it will all come together. Until then, I won't submit anything. It would be too confusing to the reader and they would have a hard time following plot line and flow.
Instead, I've decided to crit everyone else's works and build up my points until I'm ready to submit. I would love to hear from others on how you write. Do you follow an outline from Chapter 1 through to the end, or do you create whevever the muse takes you?
I strongly recommend you join a writer's group, either one in your area, or if you live rurally like I do, join an on line group. Critique Circle is one of the best in my opinion and I believe, withoout a doubt, my writer's queue led me to finding a publisher for my first novel. Here is their link if you wish to check them out.
Have a great week and keep on keeping on writing.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
MY FIRST AWARD
So I signed onto my blog today and guess what? I was nominated for the stylish blog award. What a nice surprise.
Thanks to Liz Davis of http://novel-moments.blogspot.com/ for
nominating me. I'm honored.
The rules for accepting this award are:
Thank and link back to the person who awarded you this award
Share 7 things about yourself
Award 10 recently discovered great bloggers
Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award
Here they are, seven things about myself.
1. I was born and raised in Montreal, spoke French although I am English born, but since living in British Columbia, I have to say I've lost a lot of the language.
2. I am a grandmother of nine grandchildren, aged seven months to seventeen, five girls and four boys.
3. I love to write, sing, and read.
4. I'm married to a very talented artist who shares my love of music and reading.
5. I belong to an on line writer's group, the golden girls, on Critique Circle, the best online group there is. I owe my publishing success to this site.
6. I live in the beautiful interior of British Columbia, surrounded by mountains, lakes, and wildlife such as bears, coyotees, mountain lions, and have my own trout stream running through my property where I love to sit and create characters and plots.
7. My first book is being published sometime in the fall and I'm thrilled.
My nominees are:
1. Tiffany Cannon tiffanyc7.blogspot.com
2. Marva Dasef http://mgddasef.blogspot.com/
3. Shannon O'Farrell http://shannonofarrell.blogspot.com/
4. D.L. Jackson http://backwardmomentum.blogspot.com/
5. Samantha Gentry http://samanthagentry.blogspot.com/
6. Sophie McIntyre http://roundandroundc.blogspot.com/
7. Jayde Scott http://jayde-scott.blogspot.com/
8. Patricia Puddle http://trish-mollygumnut.blogspot.com/
Thanks again, Liz, for the nomination. I've found some new writing bloggers and look forward to blogging with them.
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