NaNoWriMo

 

If you didn't know, November is National Novel Writing Month. There's a whole website dedicated for it. The goal is to write 50k in one month! 50k isn't a complete novel, but it's a great start. And then December can be your month to fill in scenes and add layers to the characters and the conflict.

So, I did it last year. I even finished a couple days early! In December and January, I added to the 50k I wrote and finished with a 71k word novel that will release in February.

So, what are you waiting for? Get started.....and by that, I'm speaking to myself.

Good luck to everyone writing, and if you want to be buddies on Nanowrimo.org, I'm Librarian Laura. See you there.

 

 

 

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It's out there....a little bit

 

It's always exciting when you get an email from your publisher. Today, I got the news that my book is listed on Goodreads and Amazon. How fun!
Of course, with a common name like Laura Jackson, I knew there was bound to be another author with my name. Thankfully, the other Laura Jackson writes biographies, so it should be easy to tell us apart. So, if you find my book on Goodreads, if you click the name, it takes you to the other Laura's page.
I emailed Goodreads and hope to have my account associated with my book soon.

Hopefully, there will be a cover reveal soon too. I'm so eager to see what it will look like!

So, if you're on Goodreads, check it out. Thanks to my friend Chelle for already marking it to-read. (I hope one day I'll be able to do the same for you!)

Here's a link: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/18275917-worth-the-wait

 

 

 

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What's in a name?

 

 Last family picture with my dad

 

 

 

Names are so important. In the Bible, they often symbolize the person's nature. We learn about God through His different names. I'm known by different names: Ms. Jackson, Laura, daughter, sister, friend, Jackson, Jacko, Ms. Library Lady, and probably my favorite Library Girl. I was titled Library Girl by some kindergarten boys, and I love it.

 

So, as a writer, names are important to me. I want them to capture the character's personality. The problem is this--after eleven years in public education, I am running out of names. Even when it's a name I love, I try to avoid naming characters after former students because in my mind that name is that person.

 

So, I'm off to babynames.com. I love that website, and some old co-workers used to tease me about visiting it and even rating names. I need some new names that aren't associated with people I know.

 

 

Ellie Lansing is the main character in my first book (releasing 2-4-14). I picked her name because I love it. If I ever have a girl, I'll name her Jeanelle, which is a family name, and call her Elle for short. I wanted this character to have a short, fun, perky name to fit her character, and Ellie fit.

 

 

What's your favorite name? Do you think your name fits your personality?

 

 

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The Extroverted Writer: A Review

 

 

I'm an introvert by nature, yet it seems I've always worked in extrovert-type jobs. Teacher, Librarian, and now writer. Although I love talking to kids about books, I'm really nervous about the marketing side of being an author. This book is perfect for people like me--new and a little shy.

 

Organized by type of social media, this book shares tips and strategies for authors who haven't set up any social media to those of us who have it but need tips for how to use it. Although I have had FB, Twitter, etc for several years, I learned new ideas on how to make them work for me as an author. What I liked best was that the advice came across as if the author were sitting over coffee with you.

 

I've searched the Internet for advice and ideas about marketing, but this is the clearest, most concise advice I've found. If you're looking for some great tips for building a platform and using social media to reach readers, this book is for you.

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Author Facebook Page

 

 

 



 

My publisher emailed me a list of things to work on while waiting for my edits. One was to make an author Facebook page. So, I did.

If you'd like to keep up with me on Facebook, please like My Facebook Page 

I look forward to connecting with you there.

 

 

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Contract

As most of you know, I finished my first book a few months ago. I sent it to several agents and only heard back from one. She wanted to see a few revisions and asked me to resubmit, which I did.

After going to a workshop where several participants mentioned smaller publishers as an option, I targeted a couple small Christian publishing houses that don't require agents. I heard back a little over a week ago from Chalfont, asking to see the whole manuscript, which of course I sent right away.

Monday, I got the news that Chalfont House wanted to offer me a contract! I am so excited. Chalfont has published books for over a decade, but they just launched their fiction line (HopeSprings Books) in January.

I was waiting to post anything online until they received my signed contract, but I was thrilled to get this email in my inbox through the ACFW loop last night.

 

 

 

Isn't that awesome?

I am eager to get started on author things!

 

Here are a few random pictures of me signing the contract.

 

 



Thanks for all your encouragement through this process. I can't wait for people to meet Ellie.

First person or third person?

I asked this before on Facebook one day, and it was pretty much split down the middle.

Do you prefer reading in first or third person?

Do you prefer writing in first or third person?

I wrote my first completed story (the one I just sent in) in third person.
I started a new story, and I'm trying first person. 
I'm eager to see which one I like better. 
As far as reading, I like both, depending on the genre/character.

I got an email back!

Before I sent my book proposal out, I carefully researched agents and spent hours making sure my proposal fit their requirements. After I sent the proposals, I found several blogs by agents who shared how they send rejection notices and read all the various comments from other unpublished authors who shared their rejection letters.

I found a few similarities in stories.

*If you don't hear back from an agent within two months, they aren't interested.

*Some agents will send a one-line email letting you know it's not a good fit. 

*If the agent takes the time to give you feedback, there's hope.

Tonight, I sent out my last query letter/proposal, and I got a response within an hour. 

I'm copying most of it here.

Dear Laura, 

Thanks for sending this to me.

I like the story and I like the characters. I think this is worth working on. Unfortunately  I don't have time to do edits just now and I think the writing is a bit rough. 

Do you have a crit group? Do you have any money to hire an editor to edit the first few chapters. There are just a few things you could learn in the first few chapters and you could apply to the rest of the book. 

I really like this and pulled in, so I'd like to see it again. I wish I had time to work on an edit with you.

If you need suggestions for editors I have a few listed on my website on the writers' resource page: 

(I took the link out.)

If you don't have the money to hire an editor, and if no other agents pick this up, write back to me. I'll see if I can squeeze you in if you're interested in working with me. 

You have a good feel for story. (She then went on to add specifics from the book.)

I know it's a rejection, but it's so encouraging! Even if I don't hear back from anyone else, I will keep plugging away--reading books about writing, reading quality books, and rewriting my story. I am also planning to attend the ACFW conference in September.

I already contacted one of the editors she suggested, and I am looking forward to learning more.

Who knew rejection could be so nice. :)

I sent it.

Well, I did it. I emailed my proposal for my book to two agents. I am preparing myself for the rejection that will probably come. You always hear about authors, even amazing authors, who waited years and wrote several books before they got an agent, much less a published book.
But, it's still fun to hope! 
I am tweaking my proposal tonight to send to a third agency. Say a prayer.
Has anyone else sent a proposal to an agency? How did it go? Any advice for while I wait?

Now What?

Back in November, I began writing a novel for NaNoWriMo. I finished the book in January (70,000 words), and sent it to Betsy St. Amant for advice and editing. She just sent me back her corrections, and I'm tackling them.

Here's the tough part: what to do next. I spent several hours yesterday researching agents and their guidelines, query letters, proposals, cover letters, and synopsises. There is so much, and each agent wants something different.

I am preparing myself for rejection as I know most authors write several books before gaining an agent or having their book published.

However, there are a few things I can do while I wait. First, I joined ACFW, which I've heard nothing but wonderful things about. I'm hoping to go to their conference in September. Until then, I can join writing circles and loops to learn more tips. 
Second, I'm reading writing books and focusing on their tips while I finish editing this first story and starting my next.

While I edit the remaining chapters, I plan on sending in my proposal to a few agents by Spring Break. I'm so excited....and nervous.

What about you? Have you ever sent in a query letter or proposal?

Sarah Dessen

The story I've been working on for NaNoWriMo is a YA. One of my favorite authors, Ally Carter, often tells new writers to read books in their genre for the writing instead of for enjoyment.

Since my work in progress is about a senior in high school finding herself (and God), I decided to read (or re-read) all of Sarah Dessen's books since she is the queen of Coming of Age books in my opinion.

I planned to look at pacing and external conflict since those are two areas in which I struggle. But dang it, I get sucked into the story every time, even the ones I had already read. The way she develops a character is absolutely amazing. While not every book has been added to my list of all-time favorite books, every single one is great. Every one. I still have a few to go, but I'm sure they'll be just as good.

Do you have a writer that makes you forget everything but the characters in that book?


**Isn't it cool how well-read this book appears to be. Thanks to all the high school librarians in my district sending me their copies. :)

NaNoWriMo

I did it!! I wrote over 50,000 words in one month! 

I often think of great ideas in my head, but I don't have the discipline to sit down and write them out. I had been writing a story, but after realizing the plot needed to be reworked in a major way, I became more frustrated the longer I worked on it. 

Since NaNoWriMo was starting, I decided to sit down and write a story that had been on my mind a while. I just wrote without thinking of the "format" in which the story needed to be told like I had been. Having (Wanting) to enter my word count each day was a huge motivator. Next year, I hope to interact more with other writers and perhaps meet some writing buddies.

Of course, a novel is longer than 50,000 words, so I'm still plugging away. I still have a few more events to write in the story, and my goal is between 70-75,000 words. 

How about you? Are you writing anything? I would love to meet some people who are in the same boat as me: just starting out. 

Looking for help on your book?

When my dad was battling cancer and we felt he needed someone with him at all times, my sister and I would rotate staying with him on Sunday mornings so that my mom could go to church,teach Sunday school, and have a little break. During that time, I started working on a story. I wanted a happy ending story since we knew we weren't going to get one with my dad's cancer (although going home to Jesus is the BEST ending). So, I started writing a book with the Love Inspired series in mind.

After my dad's death, I put the story on back burner. Around the holidays, I picked it up again and am more than halfway finished! (It's so hard to find the time to write when I work so much, but I'm learning that 200 words a day is better than nothing!)

I have read Betsy's books for a while and stop by her blog regularly. She mentioned that she does editing, so I decided to try it out. She has been the BIGGEST help. She does line-by-line edits, and she caught so many things I didn't see. She also gives encouragement and praises what is done well. Because she has experience with Love Inspired, she is able to give me pointers for that specific publisher as well as overall tips for preparing a proposal to submit to an agent or publisher.

So, if you are writing your first novel, I would recommend hiring Betsy to look at your work. She has a quick return (within a day or two it seemed), and her price is fair. My mom, who taught high school English for over 30 years, read Betsy's critique and said, "You got your money's worth. She knows what she's talking about."

Here's a link to more information: http://www.betsystamant.com/speaking/ and if you haven't checked out her books, give them a try.