September 2010
One
edit down, one to go! I've delivered the revised manuscript for the sequel
to Santa Olivia, now titled Saints Astray. And if you missed
a chance to take part in the Rename that Novel contest... come join me
on Facebook!
Now, on to the edit of Naamah's Curse.
Speaking of Facebook, I've been getting a lot of aspiring writer questions there. There's truly very little I can add to the advice in my FAQ here on this site. Every professional author will say the same thing: Write, write, write. We say it because it's true. It's the only way to learn the craft, to learn what works for you. And I'm not the best person to ask, because other than one creative writing course 20+ years ago in college, I'm pretty much entirely self-taught as a writer. I've never taken part in a workshop, never been part of a critique group. I know those things do help many writers, and there are exercises one can do to hone your craft... I'm just not familiar with them.
In a similar vein, I know many writers use systems of flow charts, index cards, or organizational software to aid them in the creative process. I don't have any experience with them. Maybe one day, when my head has become altogether too crowded, I'll experiment with these tools. For now, I'll stick with what works for me, and that's just plain old writing, augmented by a lot of old-fashioned research. If I had any secret tips or methods, I'd be happy to share them! Truth is, I don't.
Then there are the How to Get Published questions, to which I can only say, there's a reason entire books are written on the topic! Back in the day, I used the most recent edition of Writers Market as my go-to resource (and I could usually find a copy in the reference section of my library). But that was a long time ago. After my own struggling writer years, I've been with the same literary agency since 1998. I no longer know who's open to what kind of submission, or even what resources are best to consult regarding the literary marketplace.
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Here's an exception, though. One resource any aspiring writer, especially in F/SF, should know about, is Writer Beware. There are lots of scam artists out there eager to prey on your hopes and dreams. Writer Beware is dedicated to helping you avoid them - and providing a lot of good information and additional resources in the process. And that's all I know about that! Lots of great new tattoos in the Gallery this month. And on the homepage, a vista of a Michigan meadow in late summer. Pretty, no?
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 Naamah's Curse, US hardcover release, June 2010
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,
US paperback release, May 2010
,
US trade paperback release, May 2009
Read the first chapter of Naamah's Curse
Read the first chapter of Naamah's Kiss
Read the first chapter of Santa Olivia
Read the first chapter of Kushiel's Mercy
Read the second chapter of Kushiel's Justice
Read the first chapter of Kushiel's Justice
