Writing and finishing a novel is only the first step on the long, hard road to publication. For an unpublished author, it is a very difficult process indeed. There are dozens of different publishing options, and many decisions a writer needs to make.
First, it's important to understand what style and genre your novel falls under. Mainstream fiction, literature, thriller, paranormal, romance, suspense, young adult, mystery, western, science fiction, horror, action-adventure. And these are just some of the styles to indentify your work. Within these genres there are sub-genres.
You may have a young adult novel which is also a mystery -- Hoot by Carl Hiaasen, or a fantasy/paranormal -- all the Harry Potter books by J.K. Rowling
Or a romance that is also a suspense novel -- I'm watching You by Karen Rose
Or an historical that's also a romance -- Unmasked by Virginia Henley
Then it's a matter of researching literary agents and publishing houses to determine the best fit for you and your book. This is a time-consuming, but necessary job for anyone interested in getting their work published. It's a waste of your time and the editor or agent if they don't represent or publish your genre of writing.
One excellent way to possibly get in front of an editor or agent is by entering contests. There are hundreds of contests out there for fiction writers. In the romance writing world, almost every chapter of the Romance Writers of America sponsors a contest. Usually the final round judges are from some of the top publishing houses in the industry.
The Mystery Writers of America and the Sci-Fi Writers of America probably have simliar opportunities as well. Being a writer of romance, I don't know about their organizations first hand.
Check the internet for any fiction writing contest opportunities.
Just remember to do your research. Make certain the organization hosting the contest is legitimate, that the contest offers your genre of writing, and that the final editors are from a publishing house where you would want your work published. Also make certain the price is right. Most contests charge a fee to help raise money for their chapter or organization. However, some of them also offer a critique with your entry. This is a great tool to becoming a better writer and enhance your novel.
Every year, in the fall, The Romance Writers of America hosts the Golden Heart Contest, a national fiction romance writing contest for unpublished authors. I plan to enter this year with my manuscript Summer Light. :)
Wish me luck!!
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Monday, August 4, 2008
RWA News
The annual conference for the Romance Writers of America took place last week in the beautiful city of San Francisco. It is a four day conference with additional days for board members and business meetings. I wish I could tell you first hand how wonderful the speakers and workshops were, but alas I did not attend. Since first joining RWA four years ago, I have dreamed of attending a national conference. Maybe, next year where it will be held in Washington DC.
One exciting aspect of the conference is the pitching sessions. RWA members have the opportunity to pitch their stories to agents and editors. It's a fantastic way to possibly get an unpublished manuscript in the hands of the people who have the power to get that book on the shelves.
Another highlight of the conference is the RITA and GOLDEN HEART Awards. They are the Oscar awards of the romance writing world. The RITA awards are for published writers. The Golden Heart is a contest for unpublished writers.
Tampa Area Romance Authors had two winners this year. TARA member Terri Garey won a RITA for best first book for Dead Girls are Easy. TARA member Christa Selnick won a GOLDEN HEART for her manuscript The Devil You Know.
Congratulations to both Terri and Christa!
Check out their websites.
http://www.tgarey.com/
http://www.nicholechristoff.com/
Also check out the RWA website for more conference highlights and additional information.
http://www.rwanational.org/
One exciting aspect of the conference is the pitching sessions. RWA members have the opportunity to pitch their stories to agents and editors. It's a fantastic way to possibly get an unpublished manuscript in the hands of the people who have the power to get that book on the shelves.
Another highlight of the conference is the RITA and GOLDEN HEART Awards. They are the Oscar awards of the romance writing world. The RITA awards are for published writers. The Golden Heart is a contest for unpublished writers.
Tampa Area Romance Authors had two winners this year. TARA member Terri Garey won a RITA for best first book for Dead Girls are Easy. TARA member Christa Selnick won a GOLDEN HEART for her manuscript The Devil You Know.
Congratulations to both Terri and Christa!
Check out their websites.
http://www.tgarey.com/
http://www.nicholechristoff.com/
Also check out the RWA website for more conference highlights and additional information.
http://www.rwanational.org/
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Plot and Conflict
When we pick up a book in a bookstore or library, what are we looking for in a good read? Compelling characters? Exciting adventures? Exotic settings? An original and fresh idea?
Do we want a biography of some notorious criminal? Or perhaps an autobiography of our favorite historical figure?
Do we want a mystery or thriller? Fantasy? Western? Science Fiction? Family saga? Romance? Horror? Do we want a blend of styles and genres? Do we want James Patterson, John Grisham, Jane Austen, or Stephen King? Danielle Steel, perhaps? How about J.K. Rowling, Tony Hillerman, Nora Roberts, or Robert Ludlum?
Whatever your passion as a reader, there are stories to accommodate every taste.
As a writer, whatever style or genre, whether you are a NYT best selling author, or a struggling newbie just learning the ropes, every story must have the elements of plot and conflict. Without the drama of a plot, without the tension of conflict -- there is no story.
Every character must struggle with questions, problems, mysteries beyond their control. They strive to uncover clues, discover answers, maybe even fall in love. As readers, we hope to escape into other worlds created by talented authors. As writers, we continue to strive to make our words flow with powerful stories, exciting plots, nail-biting tension, and unforgettable characters.
Discover your passion! :)
Do we want a biography of some notorious criminal? Or perhaps an autobiography of our favorite historical figure?
Do we want a mystery or thriller? Fantasy? Western? Science Fiction? Family saga? Romance? Horror? Do we want a blend of styles and genres? Do we want James Patterson, John Grisham, Jane Austen, or Stephen King? Danielle Steel, perhaps? How about J.K. Rowling, Tony Hillerman, Nora Roberts, or Robert Ludlum?
Whatever your passion as a reader, there are stories to accommodate every taste.
As a writer, whatever style or genre, whether you are a NYT best selling author, or a struggling newbie just learning the ropes, every story must have the elements of plot and conflict. Without the drama of a plot, without the tension of conflict -- there is no story.
Every character must struggle with questions, problems, mysteries beyond their control. They strive to uncover clues, discover answers, maybe even fall in love. As readers, we hope to escape into other worlds created by talented authors. As writers, we continue to strive to make our words flow with powerful stories, exciting plots, nail-biting tension, and unforgettable characters.
Discover your passion! :)
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
TARA Contest Finalists Announced
The 2008 TARA Contest has completed the first round judging and announced the finalists. The top three scoring entries in each category move on to be judged by an acquiring editor in their genre.
Check out the TARA website for a complete list of finalists. http://www.tararwa.com/
We had a great turnout for the contest this year with a large number of entries, making the competition really tough. Congratulations to all the finalists!
A special congrats to TARA members, Sharron Houdek and Laurel Natalie for being amoung the finalists. Good luck to Sharron and Laurel!
Happy Writing :)
Check out the TARA website for a complete list of finalists. http://www.tararwa.com/
We had a great turnout for the contest this year with a large number of entries, making the competition really tough. Congratulations to all the finalists!
A special congrats to TARA members, Sharron Houdek and Laurel Natalie for being amoung the finalists. Good luck to Sharron and Laurel!
Happy Writing :)
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Summer Solstice
I have three calendars in my life. Two at home and one at work, and each one announces the beginning of summer differently.
The one hanging over my desk with an adorable kitten meowing at me announces summer on June 21, 2008 with the words: Summer Begins.
My calendar of Light Houses hanging in my bedroom says on June 20th: First Day of Summer.
The one at work from the World Wildlife Fund claims June 20th to be the first day of summer with a simple: Summer.
In New England the start of summer is celebrated with balmy breezes, cookouts, trips to the beach and bug spray.
In Florida summer is tolerated with adjustments to the air conditioner to kick it into overdrive, and a concerned eye on the tropics.
I completely get the whole snowbird concept -- live in the north in the summer, the south in the winter. :)
For me, it's always been a time of enjoying the longer days and warm nights. Whether I'm on the west coast of Florida watching the pelicans and dolphins, or strolling the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, I love the summer solstice.
Enjoy!
The one hanging over my desk with an adorable kitten meowing at me announces summer on June 21, 2008 with the words: Summer Begins.
My calendar of Light Houses hanging in my bedroom says on June 20th: First Day of Summer.
The one at work from the World Wildlife Fund claims June 20th to be the first day of summer with a simple: Summer.
In New England the start of summer is celebrated with balmy breezes, cookouts, trips to the beach and bug spray.
In Florida summer is tolerated with adjustments to the air conditioner to kick it into overdrive, and a concerned eye on the tropics.
I completely get the whole snowbird concept -- live in the north in the summer, the south in the winter. :)
For me, it's always been a time of enjoying the longer days and warm nights. Whether I'm on the west coast of Florida watching the pelicans and dolphins, or strolling the sandy beaches of Cape Cod, I love the summer solstice.
Enjoy!
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Smell the Roses
Don't forget to Stop and Smell the Roses! Okay, that is certainly the classic cliche, but no less true.
A few days ago I overslept by an hour -- something I rarely ever do. I jumped out of bed, squeaked something rather unladylike, and raced into the shower. Fortunately for me -- in more ways than one -- I live very close to my day job. So, I still had time to shower, dress, and take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee.
I stood in the kitchen, sipping my coffee, and staring out the window. Because I was off-schedule and in the kitchen at a later time in the morning, I saw a breathtaking sight.
The sun was shimmering through the big tree in the backyard, lighting upon a massive spider web. (If I had a digital camera, I would insert photo here) :) It was sparkling in the sun, radiating white, silver and a touch of other earthy colors. I couldn't see the owner of the web, but did spot a few unlucky bugs trapped in it's clutches.
I took a deep breath and relaxed, content I was able to enjoy the quiet moment. A perfect time to slow down and put everything into perspective.
Embrace life.
Happy Father's Day!!
A few days ago I overslept by an hour -- something I rarely ever do. I jumped out of bed, squeaked something rather unladylike, and raced into the shower. Fortunately for me -- in more ways than one -- I live very close to my day job. So, I still had time to shower, dress, and take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee.
I stood in the kitchen, sipping my coffee, and staring out the window. Because I was off-schedule and in the kitchen at a later time in the morning, I saw a breathtaking sight.
The sun was shimmering through the big tree in the backyard, lighting upon a massive spider web. (If I had a digital camera, I would insert photo here) :) It was sparkling in the sun, radiating white, silver and a touch of other earthy colors. I couldn't see the owner of the web, but did spot a few unlucky bugs trapped in it's clutches.
I took a deep breath and relaxed, content I was able to enjoy the quiet moment. A perfect time to slow down and put everything into perspective.
Embrace life.
Happy Father's Day!!
Monday, June 9, 2008
What's in a Name?
Plenty!
As a fiction writer, I strive to create compelling, dynamic characters to live and breathe in my stories. It is imperative that my characters are as real as possible to me and to the reader. Of course, this is one of the most difficult challenges we must face as fiction writers -- make the story believable and make the reader want to turn the page.
One aspect of character development -- and there are many -- is choosing a name that fits the character. Finding a name that depicts the time-period, setting, character background, and personality is not always easy, but for me, it's always fun.
I have three different books of first names that I use to help find that perfect fit. I also use the phone book, television and movie credits, and other books, both fiction and non-fiction to help find that unique name for a character.
Here are a few notable fictional characters:
Scarlet O'Hara
Jo March
Christopher Robin
Ebenezer Scrooge
Sonny Corleone
George Bailey
Stephanie Plum
Jessica Rabbit
Oliver Twist
Recognize any of them? :)
They may not have the most unusual name (George Bailey), or maybe they do (Ebenezer Scrooge), but their names fit their characters for their story.
Whether choosing the name for the hero of your book, or the villian, use your imagination (and any other means you can find) to bring your characters and your story to life!
As a fiction writer, I strive to create compelling, dynamic characters to live and breathe in my stories. It is imperative that my characters are as real as possible to me and to the reader. Of course, this is one of the most difficult challenges we must face as fiction writers -- make the story believable and make the reader want to turn the page.
One aspect of character development -- and there are many -- is choosing a name that fits the character. Finding a name that depicts the time-period, setting, character background, and personality is not always easy, but for me, it's always fun.
I have three different books of first names that I use to help find that perfect fit. I also use the phone book, television and movie credits, and other books, both fiction and non-fiction to help find that unique name for a character.
Here are a few notable fictional characters:
Scarlet O'Hara
Jo March
Christopher Robin
Ebenezer Scrooge
Sonny Corleone
George Bailey
Stephanie Plum
Jessica Rabbit
Oliver Twist
Recognize any of them? :)
They may not have the most unusual name (George Bailey), or maybe they do (Ebenezer Scrooge), but their names fit their characters for their story.
Whether choosing the name for the hero of your book, or the villian, use your imagination (and any other means you can find) to bring your characters and your story to life!
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