When you are finally done that manuscript and are ready to submit it to a publisher, things can seem quite confusing. Because of this, I've already submitted a post in my blog that states both the difficulties and the ways to navigate this particular endeavor (Attempting To Get Published).
Before submitting my manuscript to a publisher back in January 2013, I had joined Harper Collins' website (Authonomy.com) as an extra effort to make sure I would be submitting the best manuscript I could. The site is excellent in the sense that many aspiring authors (as well as seasoned authors) post their manuscripts for critiquing amongst their peers. It is the equivalent of a writer's group, only with the added benefit of convenience by being held online, and in the event that your book is a good one, one has a good chance of having it rise through the ranks simply based on word of mouth. If your novel is good enough, other aspiring authors will place it on their shelves to be read, and so-on-and-forth. It will get around. And finally, if that is the case, if your book makes it into the top 5 and finally to the coveted No. 1 spot, Harper Collins will consider that manuscript for publishing.
The downside, however, is this...The aspiring writers who are critiquing your work are amateurs, just like yourself, provided you are a 1st time author. What do they know? Well, truthfully, if they are avid readers such as myself, they can in fact offer quite a bit to help one improve upon their writing. However, that said, they are still not professional editors and cannot take the place of one.
Now I am not going to get in to how to find a publisher as, like I've said, that information can be found within my first post. But for those of you who are still in the thought process in regards to writing a book, I may be able to add a little something else...
When I wrote my book about Billy the Kid, I initially began it as a biography. Well...I quickly abandoned that approach as there are already TONS of biographies out there.
One of the most important rules of writing is to write what you know, especially if it is your first novel. Well, I knew all about Billy backwards and forwards--No problem. So, because I chose to abandon the biography as they are a dime a dozen, I decided that if I were going to take the time to write this novel I was going to write it so that it had the potential of possibly bringing in a fair income. Will that happen? I can't say. I can tell you, however, That Billy the Kid sells! Unfortunately, obscure topics are often much more difficult for readers to locate. Basically, I'm praying/hoping that my book will be granted the same fortune as all of the other books that reveal the life of William H. Bonney. And as I had mentioned previously in my blog as well, I did not write this book in an orthodox manner. I wrote it through the eyes of a fictitious, young wealthy socialite from the east who had been sent to New Mexico to marry Billy's employer and owner of the land Billy and the other hired-hands worked
The reason I told you ALL of this information just to get to the part where I discuss the publisher is this:
I wrote about Billy the Kid, therefore, I checked out the very same publishers who publish books on him and other western literature. My first choice was Sunstone Press, the very same publisher who publishes the books on the accepted, undisputed authority on Billy the Kid, Frederick Nolan. When Sunstone Press accepted my book (very quickly I might add), I was so very, unbelievably excited! I was going to be published alongside the very man whose books taught me about my subject, not to mention the man who is undisputed to be the expert on Billy the Kid.
My novel is an epic length (130,000 words) which is difficult for a first time author to get published. Remember, publishers want to make money, and to do this they need to spend money on you in order to get your book out there in addition to running marketing campaigns, etc., etc...
As a 1st time author on their payroll, you must remember that you are at their mercy--don't argue! Of course you may voice your concerns and opinions, but don't be a pain in the ass; don't make them sorry they administered a contract to you.
The option of self-publishing is a wonderful ability now, but before you decide to turn to that, try seeking out a publisher first!
Now, I was nervous! Under Sunstone Press's website (Sunstone Press) they have several groups of genres. They have Outlaws, which most of you ought to know that is what Billy was considered and is found under that category. They had a genre marked strictly for cowboys, which of course Billy the Kid is found under as well. However, Billy has his own genre--Click on "Billy the Kid" and it takes you to all of the books they sell/published on the infamous, notorious outlaw. This had me extremely anxious! But no matter, I submitted my manuscript nonetheless because if you want to be a writer you have to ignore the personal roadblocks and go for it. You have to leave the fright far behind!
Upon receiving a letter from the publisher (which could have only meant good news as compared to receiving back your full manuscript) I was thrilled!
And not only did I receive the letter, but within the letter, sent directly from my editor, he told me that I "obviously knew what I was talking about." Reading those words gave me a heady feeling and I only wish it for each and every one of you who are trying to get your foot in the door in the publishing community!
Now that I've mentioned that last bit yet again, as I've discussed it in my first post, please remember that you must submit your manuscript to a publisher that deals with your genre. For example, you do not want to send a horror or thriller story to a publisher that strictly prints books on gardening! This is where researching your publishers come in, and that being said, be prepared to be rejected more than once! But don't lose heart! A true writer who believes in their brainchild will not give up!
Now, that being said, be sure you spend the $35 dollars to copyright your precious work!!! Take no chances!
A publisher/editor doesn't want to see a sloppy submission, so go to the site of the publishing house you want to submit to and be sure to find out what they require in forms of submissions; usually one example chapter, an Author's Bio, a Marketing Plan, Brief Synopsis, and in my case, a movie treatment in the event it is sold to Hollywood. And please remember that the last thing you want to do is come off cocky in your submission! You should certainly appear confident, but watch your tone! Remember...you are humble as a new author--a publisher/editor holds your future or literary happiness in their hands, so respect that.
For some extra help, go to the Literary Market Place to research publishers.
I have been writing since I was six years old, and now I'm in on how it all works. It used to seem so hard, difficult, and confusing, and certainly submitting a manuscript was not as easy as it is today!
One of the MAJOR rules to consider is to make sure your writing is clear and that you've edited your work before submitting it. No editor/publisher wants anything to do with a potential author who doesn't bother to even submit the necessary work right.
And remember to please, please, please come to any one of us published authors with questions. We're all only too happy to help :o)
Author of the Bandita / Billy the Kid Series and currently working on and writing a contemporary novel with plans to publish soon. www.nicolemdixonauthor.com Follow Me On Twitter: @NMDixonAuthor Like My Bandita Page @BanditaBonitaandBillytheKid Website: NicoleMDixonAuthor.com
Saturday, October 26, 2013
How To Handle Manuscript Submissions
When you are finally done that manuscript and are ready to submit it to a publisher, things can seem quite confusing. Because of this, I've already submitted a post in my blog that states both the difficulties and the ways to navigate this particular endeavor (Attempting To Get Published).
Before submitting my manuscript to a publisher back in January 2013, I had joined Harper Collins' website (Authonomy.com) as an extra effort to make sure I would be submitting the best manuscript I could. The site is excellent in the sense that many aspiring authors (as well as seasoned authors) post their manuscripts for critiquing amongst their peers. It is the equivalent of a writer's group, only with the added benefit of convenience by being held online, and in the event that your book is a good one, one has a good chance of having it rise through the ranks simply based on word of mouth. If your novel is good enough, other aspiring authors will place it on their shelves to be read, and so-on-and-forth. It will get around. And finally, if that is the case, if your book makes it into the top 5 and finally to the coveted No. 1 spot, Harper Collins will consider that manuscript for publishing.
The downside, however, is this...The aspiring writers who are critiquing your work are amateurs, just like yourself, provided you are a 1st time author. What do they know? Well, truthfully, if they are avid readers such as myself, they can in fact offer quite a bit to help one improve upon their writing. However, that said, they are still not professional editors and cannot take the place of one.
Now I am not going to get in to how to find a publisher as, like I've said, that information can be found within my first post. But for those of you who are still in the thought process in regards to writing a book, I may be able to add a little something else...
When I wrote my book about Billy the Kid, I initially began it as a biography. Well...I quickly abandoned that approach as there are already TONS of biographies out there.
One of the most important rules of writing is to write what you know, especially if it is your first novel. Well, I knew all about Billy backwards and forwards--No problem. So, because I chose to abandon the biography as they are a dime a dozen, I decided that if I were going to take the time to write this novel I was going to write it so that it had the potential of possibly bringing in a fair income. Will that happen? I can't say. I can tell you, however, That Billy the Kid sells! Unfortunately, obscure topics are often much more difficult for readers to locate. Basically, I'm praying/hoping that my book will be granted the same fortune as all of the other books that reveal the life of William H. Bonney. And as I had mentioned previously in my blog as well, I did not write this book in an orthodox manner. I wrote it through the eyes of a fictitious, young wealthy socialite from the east who had been sent to New Mexico to marry Billy's employer and owner of the land Billy and the other hired-hands worked
The reason I told you ALL of this information just to get to the part where I discuss the publisher is this:
I wrote about Billy the Kid, therefore, I checked out the very same publishers who publish books on him and other western literature. My first choice was Sunstone Press, the very same publisher who publishes the books on the accepted, undisputed authority on Billy the Kid, Frederick Nolan. When Sunstone Press accepted my book (very quickly I might add), I was so very, unbelievably excited! I was going to be published alongside the very man whose books taught me about my subject, not to mention the man who is undisputed to be the expert on Billy the Kid.
My novel is an epic length (130,000 words) which is difficult for a first time author to get published. Remember, publishers want to make money, and to do this they need to spend money on you in order to get your book out there in addition to running marketing campaigns, etc., etc...
As a 1st time author on their payroll, you must remember that you are at their mercy--don't argue! Of course you may voice your concerns and opinions, but don't be a pain in the ass; don't make them sorry they administered a contract to you.
The option of self-publishing is a wonderful ability now, but before you decide to turn to that, try seeking out a publisher first!
Now, I was nervous! Under Sunstone Press's website (Sunstone Press) they have several groups of genres. They have Outlaws, which most of you ought to know that is what Billy was considered and is found under that category. They had a genre marked strictly for cowboys, which of course Billy the Kid is found under as well. However, Billy has his own genre--Click on "Billy the Kid" and it takes you to all of the books they sell/published on the infamous, notorious outlaw. This had me extremely anxious! But no matter, I submitted my manuscript nonetheless because if you want to be a writer you have to ignore the personal roadblocks and go for it. You have to leave the fright far behind!
Upon receiving a letter from the publisher (which could have only meant good news as compared to receiving back your full manuscript) I was thrilled!
And not only did I receive the letter, but within the letter, sent directly from my editor, he told me that I "obviously knew what I was talking about." Reading those words gave me a heady feeling and I only wish it for each and every one of you who are trying to get your foot in the door in the publishing community!
Now that I've mentioned that last bit yet again, as I've discussed it in my first post, please remember that you must submit your manuscript to a publisher that deals with your genre. For example, you do not want to send a horror or thriller story to a publisher that strictly prints books on gardening! This is where researching your publishers come in, and that being said, be prepared to be rejected more than once! But don't lose heart! A true writer who believes in their brainchild will not give up!
Now, that being said, be sure you spend the $35 dollars to copyright your precious work!!! Take no chances!
A publisher/editor doesn't want to see a sloppy submission, so go to the site of the publishing house you want to submit to and be sure to find out what they require in forms of submissions; usually one example chapter, an Author's Bio, a Marketing Plan, Brief Synopsis, and in my case, a movie treatment in the event it is sold to Hollywood. And please remember that the last thing you want to do is come off cocky in your submission! You should certainly appear confident, but watch your tone! Remember...you are humble as a new author--a publisher/editor holds your future or literary happiness in their hands, so respect that.
For some extra help, go to the Literary Market Place to research publishers.
I have been writing since I was six years old, and now I'm in on how it all works. It used to seem so hard, difficult, and confusing, and certainly submitting a manuscript was not as easy as it is today!
One of the MAJOR rules to consider is to make sure your writing is clear and that you've edited your work before submitting it. No editor/publisher wants anything to do with a potential author who doesn't bother to even submit the necessary work right.
And remember to please, please, please come to any one of us published authors with questions. We're all only too happy to help :o)
Before submitting my manuscript to a publisher back in January 2013, I had joined Harper Collins' website (Authonomy.com) as an extra effort to make sure I would be submitting the best manuscript I could. The site is excellent in the sense that many aspiring authors (as well as seasoned authors) post their manuscripts for critiquing amongst their peers. It is the equivalent of a writer's group, only with the added benefit of convenience by being held online, and in the event that your book is a good one, one has a good chance of having it rise through the ranks simply based on word of mouth. If your novel is good enough, other aspiring authors will place it on their shelves to be read, and so-on-and-forth. It will get around. And finally, if that is the case, if your book makes it into the top 5 and finally to the coveted No. 1 spot, Harper Collins will consider that manuscript for publishing.
The downside, however, is this...The aspiring writers who are critiquing your work are amateurs, just like yourself, provided you are a 1st time author. What do they know? Well, truthfully, if they are avid readers such as myself, they can in fact offer quite a bit to help one improve upon their writing. However, that said, they are still not professional editors and cannot take the place of one.
Now I am not going to get in to how to find a publisher as, like I've said, that information can be found within my first post. But for those of you who are still in the thought process in regards to writing a book, I may be able to add a little something else...
When I wrote my book about Billy the Kid, I initially began it as a biography. Well...I quickly abandoned that approach as there are already TONS of biographies out there.
One of the most important rules of writing is to write what you know, especially if it is your first novel. Well, I knew all about Billy backwards and forwards--No problem. So, because I chose to abandon the biography as they are a dime a dozen, I decided that if I were going to take the time to write this novel I was going to write it so that it had the potential of possibly bringing in a fair income. Will that happen? I can't say. I can tell you, however, That Billy the Kid sells! Unfortunately, obscure topics are often much more difficult for readers to locate. Basically, I'm praying/hoping that my book will be granted the same fortune as all of the other books that reveal the life of William H. Bonney. And as I had mentioned previously in my blog as well, I did not write this book in an orthodox manner. I wrote it through the eyes of a fictitious, young wealthy socialite from the east who had been sent to New Mexico to marry Billy's employer and owner of the land Billy and the other hired-hands worked
The reason I told you ALL of this information just to get to the part where I discuss the publisher is this:
I wrote about Billy the Kid, therefore, I checked out the very same publishers who publish books on him and other western literature. My first choice was Sunstone Press, the very same publisher who publishes the books on the accepted, undisputed authority on Billy the Kid, Frederick Nolan. When Sunstone Press accepted my book (very quickly I might add), I was so very, unbelievably excited! I was going to be published alongside the very man whose books taught me about my subject, not to mention the man who is undisputed to be the expert on Billy the Kid.
My novel is an epic length (130,000 words) which is difficult for a first time author to get published. Remember, publishers want to make money, and to do this they need to spend money on you in order to get your book out there in addition to running marketing campaigns, etc., etc...
As a 1st time author on their payroll, you must remember that you are at their mercy--don't argue! Of course you may voice your concerns and opinions, but don't be a pain in the ass; don't make them sorry they administered a contract to you.
The option of self-publishing is a wonderful ability now, but before you decide to turn to that, try seeking out a publisher first!
Now, I was nervous! Under Sunstone Press's website (Sunstone Press) they have several groups of genres. They have Outlaws, which most of you ought to know that is what Billy was considered and is found under that category. They had a genre marked strictly for cowboys, which of course Billy the Kid is found under as well. However, Billy has his own genre--Click on "Billy the Kid" and it takes you to all of the books they sell/published on the infamous, notorious outlaw. This had me extremely anxious! But no matter, I submitted my manuscript nonetheless because if you want to be a writer you have to ignore the personal roadblocks and go for it. You have to leave the fright far behind!
Upon receiving a letter from the publisher (which could have only meant good news as compared to receiving back your full manuscript) I was thrilled!
And not only did I receive the letter, but within the letter, sent directly from my editor, he told me that I "obviously knew what I was talking about." Reading those words gave me a heady feeling and I only wish it for each and every one of you who are trying to get your foot in the door in the publishing community!
Now that I've mentioned that last bit yet again, as I've discussed it in my first post, please remember that you must submit your manuscript to a publisher that deals with your genre. For example, you do not want to send a horror or thriller story to a publisher that strictly prints books on gardening! This is where researching your publishers come in, and that being said, be prepared to be rejected more than once! But don't lose heart! A true writer who believes in their brainchild will not give up!
Now, that being said, be sure you spend the $35 dollars to copyright your precious work!!! Take no chances!
A publisher/editor doesn't want to see a sloppy submission, so go to the site of the publishing house you want to submit to and be sure to find out what they require in forms of submissions; usually one example chapter, an Author's Bio, a Marketing Plan, Brief Synopsis, and in my case, a movie treatment in the event it is sold to Hollywood. And please remember that the last thing you want to do is come off cocky in your submission! You should certainly appear confident, but watch your tone! Remember...you are humble as a new author--a publisher/editor holds your future or literary happiness in their hands, so respect that.
For some extra help, go to the Literary Market Place to research publishers.
I have been writing since I was six years old, and now I'm in on how it all works. It used to seem so hard, difficult, and confusing, and certainly submitting a manuscript was not as easy as it is today!
One of the MAJOR rules to consider is to make sure your writing is clear and that you've edited your work before submitting it. No editor/publisher wants anything to do with a potential author who doesn't bother to even submit the necessary work right.
And remember to please, please, please come to any one of us published authors with questions. We're all only too happy to help :o)
Don't Make Your Protagonist Perfect, Perfect, Perfect. Employ Character Flaws!!!
When writing...
If you have a solid idea of the bare bones of your story and are ready to flesh them out, try to remember this: Make your characters as fallible as you can. After all, nobody is perfect--we all have flaws.
The reason I raise this issue is not only because it's true, but because I knew a girl who aspires to be a writer. She's in her mid to late 20s, and she had put me on the spot and had me read what she had written so far.
From what I read, the dialogue wasn't up to par, and more than that, her protagonist and subsequently the "good guys" relating to the protagonist were all described as good-looking and otherwise perfect, whereas her antagonist(s) sported seriously flawed looks and behavior. What utter triteness! The good guys are beautiful, the bad guys are ugly. Check please!
I pointed this out to her and suggested that she use every chance she could in order to create a much more realistic, and therefore profound story, and that included putting a blemish on her faultless protagonist, et al. The more imperfect your characters are, especially those in the protagonist role, the more you have to work with (not to mention the realism you'll garner within your pages). Creating imperfect characters who are subject to the moral code and confused when confronted with it is not only much more fun but makes for an interesting read. Tormenting your protagonist with a dilemma enables you add depth and character as well as interesting scenarios.
At any rate I don't think she agreed with me, and that among other things told me she wasn't mature yet enough to write a novel. That being said, she had abandoned her "novel" which only stated further that she wasn't a true writer, at least at present. Writer's don't abandon their work for new boyfriends. And though I knew this, as a writer, I still felt obligated to be truthful to her while reading her shaky, unfinished manuscript.
I am not fair to any of my characters. They all have good in them, they all have bad in them. The only intervening factor regarding both aspects is the degree to which they are good and bad. Employing these characteristics to all of my main characters allows me to have something to work with, to perform character arcs and quite possibly allow them a form of redemption if their character is found wanting. You'll have the ability to allow your characters to grow.
You want to make sure your characters have to face adversity, and by causing them to face moral and ethical situations will allow you to push the story in different directions all while keeping your readers on their toes. Don't make it too easy for your audience to know what your character will do based on the personality you have created for him/her. A character that does not make any mistakes and, therefore, cannot grow and learn, is boring. Making your characters imperfect will also help your readers relate to your work which, I might add, opens the door to their becoming attached to your story.
In my case, my characters have the potential to surprise my audience (and even myself) by possibly doing the opposite of what they and the readers would think. There is no telling what either my protagonists or antagonists will do in any given situation, and this helps keep the suspense going.
If you keep everything on the straight and narrow you won't have much of a story. You certainly wouldn't have an interesting story (in most cases) to say the least!
If you have a solid idea of the bare bones of your story and are ready to flesh them out, try to remember this: Make your characters as fallible as you can. After all, nobody is perfect--we all have flaws.
The reason I raise this issue is not only because it's true, but because I knew a girl who aspires to be a writer. She's in her mid to late 20s, and she had put me on the spot and had me read what she had written so far.
From what I read, the dialogue wasn't up to par, and more than that, her protagonist and subsequently the "good guys" relating to the protagonist were all described as good-looking and otherwise perfect, whereas her antagonist(s) sported seriously flawed looks and behavior. What utter triteness! The good guys are beautiful, the bad guys are ugly. Check please!
I pointed this out to her and suggested that she use every chance she could in order to create a much more realistic, and therefore profound story, and that included putting a blemish on her faultless protagonist, et al. The more imperfect your characters are, especially those in the protagonist role, the more you have to work with (not to mention the realism you'll garner within your pages). Creating imperfect characters who are subject to the moral code and confused when confronted with it is not only much more fun but makes for an interesting read. Tormenting your protagonist with a dilemma enables you add depth and character as well as interesting scenarios.
At any rate I don't think she agreed with me, and that among other things told me she wasn't mature yet enough to write a novel. That being said, she had abandoned her "novel" which only stated further that she wasn't a true writer, at least at present. Writer's don't abandon their work for new boyfriends. And though I knew this, as a writer, I still felt obligated to be truthful to her while reading her shaky, unfinished manuscript.
I am not fair to any of my characters. They all have good in them, they all have bad in them. The only intervening factor regarding both aspects is the degree to which they are good and bad. Employing these characteristics to all of my main characters allows me to have something to work with, to perform character arcs and quite possibly allow them a form of redemption if their character is found wanting. You'll have the ability to allow your characters to grow.
You want to make sure your characters have to face adversity, and by causing them to face moral and ethical situations will allow you to push the story in different directions all while keeping your readers on their toes. Don't make it too easy for your audience to know what your character will do based on the personality you have created for him/her. A character that does not make any mistakes and, therefore, cannot grow and learn, is boring. Making your characters imperfect will also help your readers relate to your work which, I might add, opens the door to their becoming attached to your story.
In my case, my characters have the potential to surprise my audience (and even myself) by possibly doing the opposite of what they and the readers would think. There is no telling what either my protagonists or antagonists will do in any given situation, and this helps keep the suspense going.
If you keep everything on the straight and narrow you won't have much of a story. You certainly wouldn't have an interesting story (in most cases) to say the least!
Don't Make Your Protagonist Perfect, Perfect, Perfect. Employ Character Flaws!!!
When writing...
If you have a solid idea of the bare bones of your story and are ready to flesh them out, try to remember this: Make your characters as fallible as you can. After all, nobody is perfect--we all have flaws.
The reason I raise this issue is not only because it's true, but because I knew a girl who aspires to be a writer. She's in her mid to late 20s, and she had put me on the spot and had me read what she had written so far.
From what I read, the dialogue wasn't up to par, and more than that, her protagonist and subsequently the "good guys" relating to the protagonist were all described as good-looking and otherwise perfect, whereas her antagonist(s) sported seriously flawed looks and behavior. What utter triteness! The good guys are beautiful, the bad guys are ugly. Check please!
I pointed this out to her and suggested that she use every chance she could in order to create a much more realistic, and therefore profound story, and that included putting a blemish on her faultless protagonist, et al. The more imperfect your characters are, especially those in the protagonist role, the more you have to work with (not to mention the realism you'll garner within your pages). Creating imperfect characters who are subject to the moral code and confused when confronted with it is not only much more fun but makes for an interesting read. Tormenting your protagonist with a dilemma enables you add depth and character as well as interesting scenarios.
At any rate I don't think she agreed with me, and that among other things told me she wasn't mature yet enough to write a novel. That being said, she had abandoned her "novel" which only stated further that she wasn't a true writer, at least at present. Writer's don't abandon their work for new boyfriends. And though I knew this, as a writer, I still felt obligated to be truthful to her while reading her shaky, unfinished manuscript.
I am not fair to any of my characters. They all have good in them, they all have bad in them. The only intervening factor regarding both aspects is the degree to which they are good and bad. Employing these characteristics to all of my main characters allows me to have something to work with, to perform character arcs and quite possibly allow them a form of redemption if their character is found wanting. You'll have the ability to allow your characters to grow.
You want to make sure your characters have to face adversity, and by causing them to face moral and ethical situations will allow you to push the story in different directions all while keeping your readers on their toes. Don't make it too easy for your audience to know what your character will do based on the personality you have created for him/her. A character that does not make any mistakes and, therefore, cannot grow and learn, is boring. Making your characters imperfect will also help your readers relate to your work which, I might add, opens the door to their becoming attached to your story.
In my case, my characters have the potential to surprise my audience (and even myself) by possibly doing the opposite of what they and the readers would think. There is no telling what either my protagonists or antagonists will do in any given situation, and this helps keep the suspense going.
If you keep everything on the straight and narrow you won't have much of a story. You certainly wouldn't have an interesting story (in most cases) to say the least!
If you have a solid idea of the bare bones of your story and are ready to flesh them out, try to remember this: Make your characters as fallible as you can. After all, nobody is perfect--we all have flaws.
The reason I raise this issue is not only because it's true, but because I knew a girl who aspires to be a writer. She's in her mid to late 20s, and she had put me on the spot and had me read what she had written so far.
From what I read, the dialogue wasn't up to par, and more than that, her protagonist and subsequently the "good guys" relating to the protagonist were all described as good-looking and otherwise perfect, whereas her antagonist(s) sported seriously flawed looks and behavior. What utter triteness! The good guys are beautiful, the bad guys are ugly. Check please!
I pointed this out to her and suggested that she use every chance she could in order to create a much more realistic, and therefore profound story, and that included putting a blemish on her faultless protagonist, et al. The more imperfect your characters are, especially those in the protagonist role, the more you have to work with (not to mention the realism you'll garner within your pages). Creating imperfect characters who are subject to the moral code and confused when confronted with it is not only much more fun but makes for an interesting read. Tormenting your protagonist with a dilemma enables you add depth and character as well as interesting scenarios.
At any rate I don't think she agreed with me, and that among other things told me she wasn't mature yet enough to write a novel. That being said, she had abandoned her "novel" which only stated further that she wasn't a true writer, at least at present. Writer's don't abandon their work for new boyfriends. And though I knew this, as a writer, I still felt obligated to be truthful to her while reading her shaky, unfinished manuscript.
I am not fair to any of my characters. They all have good in them, they all have bad in them. The only intervening factor regarding both aspects is the degree to which they are good and bad. Employing these characteristics to all of my main characters allows me to have something to work with, to perform character arcs and quite possibly allow them a form of redemption if their character is found wanting. You'll have the ability to allow your characters to grow.
You want to make sure your characters have to face adversity, and by causing them to face moral and ethical situations will allow you to push the story in different directions all while keeping your readers on their toes. Don't make it too easy for your audience to know what your character will do based on the personality you have created for him/her. A character that does not make any mistakes and, therefore, cannot grow and learn, is boring. Making your characters imperfect will also help your readers relate to your work which, I might add, opens the door to their becoming attached to your story.
In my case, my characters have the potential to surprise my audience (and even myself) by possibly doing the opposite of what they and the readers would think. There is no telling what either my protagonists or antagonists will do in any given situation, and this helps keep the suspense going.
If you keep everything on the straight and narrow you won't have much of a story. You certainly wouldn't have an interesting story (in most cases) to say the least!
Friday, October 25, 2013
Blog Hop Interview
I want to thank Reece (@Reece_Bridger ) for the opportunity to be a part of this by selecting me and pinging me to take part in a blog-hop, prompting me to discuss my work.
I think it’s wonderful that she has taken the time to initiate this interview as a way to encourage writers to discuss and promote their writing—I think we all (those of us who are fortunate to be published authors) want to help others who are aspiring to achieve their own literary dream, and I am more than happy to participate. Any considerate offering such as this ought not to be squandered!
So thank you kindly, Reece, for selecting me as one of your three picks and boosting me to discuss my novel!
1) What are you working on right now?
Presently, I am in the final proofing stages of my first novel (with the sequel itself halfway written) which I had gotten the idea for about 25 years ago when I was thirteen—I wasn’t mature enough back then to tell the story in the profound way it deserves, but little more than four years ago that old idea began to surface in my mind again and so I decided, “Why not?” After all, I had invested so much time in learning about all of the facts and details concerning what had happened under recreational circumstances which could only mean I’d be able to put my story together appropriately. Bandita Bonita: Romancing Billy the Kid is a story that details the account of the New Mexican Lincoln County War (1878), the small war that was responsible for initially catapulting William H. Bonney, aka, Billy the Kid, into the legend he became in those days and still is today. The story deals with Elucia Howard, an eastern socialite who crosses paths with the Kid and, through unfortunate circumstances, finds herself caught up in the whirlwind along with Billy and the gang of men who fought with the Regulators. She describes the account of the war from a first person perspective, as well as giving the audience a look into Billy’s personality which I was able to put together based on the countless, detailed information and interviews taken from those who knew him during those volatile days.
2) How does it differ from other work in its genre?
I suppose I couldn’t say for sure, but though I had to tell this story in an unconventional manner, creating a fictitious female protagonist whom did not exist, let alone ride with the Regulators and fight alongside of them, I had an initial goal of using my protagonist to tell the details as we know them today, and so the story sticks very closely to the facts. I did not take liberties and bend the facts to fiction, but rather I made sure to bend fiction to fact, making sure the two melded nicely and justly. So it’s half fiction/fantasy and historical fact.
3) Why do you write what you do?
Because over the years I had not only become extremely fascinated with Billy—this boy who not only had to learn to survive on his own from the tender age of 14—but began to hold a considerable amount of affection for him as he is one of my three favorite historical figures. The maternal instinct in me developed the desire to want to nurture his memory and try to offer my own perspective on who I believe this boy was based on the numerous accounts told of him, and to have my book serve as a highlight to the biographies written by the countless numbers of men—the veritable “Boys Club” of Billy Bonney. I wanted to create a character study, but I did not want to write yet another biography. I wanted to tell a story that paints Billy as a three-dimensional literary being, and for the most part, I think I have a pretty good handle on him.
4) How does your writing process work?
I spend a lot of time thinking up a story before laying it down. It took me three years of mentally considering this account before finally sitting down to write it about a year and a half ago.
My writing process consists of driving around endlessly while listening to my music (especially music that I can make relate to the tale I want to tell) and thinking about what it is I want to say. It often works like a charm, and though I’m extremely fortunate in that I can come up with fun scenarios or dialogue without too much effort thanks to all of that time spent sussing things out and smoothing out the lines before even beginning my project, there are some occasions when I hit a wall. I can’t rightly consider it writer’s block because I’m far too involved in this story to truly have any problems such as that (this story now unfolds in my mind as though it is second nature), but sometimes I have a new idea that I want to insert and so I head out in my car, drive for however long it takes, and when I arrive back home I’ve got the answer!
I hope the three I select will also take the time to complete this short interview as it does serve an incredible purpose. That is…it serves a purpose if you truly believe in your work and have every intention of taking advantage of any opportunities that come your way to get it out there and share it with others.
I would like to select these three in the hopes that they, too, will take this opportunity and run with it. Publicity is publicity—don’t waste it!
** Please take these questions and apply them and their answers to your blog/website.
@Gary_C_King
@GiselleMarks1
@KMWeiland
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