Two Firsts (Part 1) - First Live Pitch to an Editor

I just got back from an invigorating experience at the Idaho Writers League (IWL) 2017 annual conference. This year it was held in Pocatello, which really isn't a big, exciting city. In true Emily fashion, I made the most of it.

Our Travelodge was lackluster, but I only needed to shower and sleep in my room. The true gems of this place were the comfy chairs in the lobby and the bar with live music on Friday and Saturday nights. The first night was all Smirnoff and southern rock, and it was pretty much our small group of older white folk playing pool and dancing until eleven o'clock.

The second night, we were outnumbered in a sea of culture. A better known group speaking rapid Spanish and serenading couples with a saxophone put some mariachi rock out there. The dance floor was packed. I nursed wine that night, and was dubbed the pool shark. The name was hilarious since the seven games in a row that I won were accomplished through no fault of my own. My opponents kept following the eight ball with the cue ball into a pocket.

You didn't come to this post to read about the fun, but its important to remember the details when you journal, or so the Gary Eckhart said in his talk on journaling. I think its time I start treating this blog like one and see what happens.

Speakers at the conference!

I spent almost as much time learning about Idaho Magazine, writing fantasy, and book marketing as I did running around and accomplishing some of my IWL duties as state treasurer and Coeur d'Alene Chapter president. Checks needed written, votes needed cast for big changes, and I needed to meet a lot of people. It's amazing how writing can forge friendships.

Why would I drive eight hours just to go to a conference? Well, I am a leader, and I really really really enjoyed the carpooling with friends and the free writing time. (Seriously, I haven't written that much in one day in over a year, and I got to do it twice in four days!). The biggest reason in my mind was pitching to a publisher.

My three carpooling buddies Kathleen, Bill, and Jeremy!

Some of you know that I've had an agent for nearly two years now, and in that time I've written five novels, half a dozen picture books, and countless queries (my own and some of yours, too!). Small submission batches for the BIG publishers had already gone out via my agent, with some returning quickly and some not yet responding. When I saw the conference speaker bios and that I could pay for a 15-minute session, I had to check out the publisher.

I couldn't believe it. TWO of my books would fit right into their list. MOON DAUGHTER RISING was a middle grade fantasy with dark and family-based themes. They had also recently published some middle grade contemporary novels and had another one releasing, so ROWDY DAYS OF DOM SANDERS was another contender. This was my chance.

Twitter stalking was impossible, as the editor that was taking the pitches keeps a low profile on social media. I did check out their authors, excitement flaring at the pictures of book signings and readings plastered on their social media. That could be me!

My slot was scheduled about 11:00am when sweet Alice Dun of Pocatello chapter came with a slip of paper with 15 minute intervals in a list.

"How about 10 minutes from now?" she asked.

I quivered. I wasn't ready yet. I needed to go to my hotel room and talk myself straight. I asked her if I could have 45 minutes and she switched with me. I hugged her and rushed to my room.

Then I went back over my pitch and bio, as well as the blurb my agent told me to include with her take on the manuscript. I'd spent the last four weeks polishing it in case the editor wanted it next day. Those stories had been repeated to me by just about everyone I'd encountered and all our chapter members the week before at one of our meetings. I gathered my business card, my agent's business card, and the printed first chapter of the manuscript into a folder and pinned it all together with a paperclip. Deep breaths, ready. Not ready. No, no, I was ready.

I walked down the hotel hall with confidence, rocking my power outfit and heels. Preparation was my middle name. I had this.

I reached the coffee pot where it was far enough away to not intrude on the pitch in session, but close enough that they knew I was there and waiting. I was excited for my friend currently sitting with the editor, but he went way past his 15 minutes. I said a prayer and tried to hold still. A few friends walked through the lobby and into the presentations going on, each stopping to chat for a minute. They each calmed my nerves (thanks Lila, Jeremy, Larry, and Richard!).

Playing with the Conference props. Theme: Rendezvous

My turn! The editor (who must not be named) invited me to sit, and I perched myself on the edge of the plush, red wing-backed chair.

Make eye contact, speak slow. I reminded myself.

I was vulnerable. I told her that it was my first pitch session but that I was excited to meet her. I asked if she'd like to hear more about me or my pitch first. She asked for the pitch. So I took a breath and managed to get the pitch out, including word count, comparison titles, and my agent's words of praise. Then I told her how I decided to pitch to her because I felt my books would fit right onto her list.

She asked questions. I responded. We joked like old friends. She complimented me, asked about my contemporary novel ROWDY DAYS OF DOM SANDERS, and seemed interested. I gave her the folder. Then she complimented me on my pitch, preparation, and said I did great.

THEN SHE SAID SHE WANTED A FULL MANUSCRIPT  WITHIN TWO WEEKS AND SAID SHE'D BE CALLING MY AGENT!!!!!

via GIPHY

Guys, GUYS, this is what dreams are made of. I shook her hand and practically skipped back through the lobby. The rest of the weekend, my friends laughed at my dream face, like....

via GIPHY

Jeremy even insisted on calling the chair I sat in during the pitch my throne, and made me blush more then once talking about what happened.

This could be it! I had to chronicle the experience.

So I've been doing another sweep through the manuscript and just sent it to my agent and a few critique partners for final read-throughs. Part two comes from one of these read-throughs, so if you haven't followed my blog yet, please do! You won't want to miss it! 

Hint: I've always dreamed of seeing a child read my book....

Two Necessary Traits in Writers, plus Contest Period Extended

Hi All!

I warned about high emotional content in this blog post, but I'll reiterate it. I don't often talk about my personal life on here, but the last month has taught me a lot that I'd like to share. Expect choking up, frowns, smiles, and probably some venting because, well, moving sucks.

Just before April, my husband graduated from his tech school. He had high hopes for a quick job, as two big companies showered him with interest at the school job fairs and had even set up phone interviews. He convinced me to pack up everything we owned in a livestock trailer we bought so we could head out to Idaho, where both companies were located. We'd go have a quick week with my in-laws, stop by both companies and see which one offered the better job package.

You guys, they both turned him away. Devastation, confusion, and frustration ensued.

This lead to a frantic and massive job search in five states, and all from a 35 foot RV where our family of four, a ferocious cat, and an energetic terrier dwelt for going on 33 days. It took three weeks to find work, but the depletion of funds kept us there until the first paycheck and our previous rental's deposit came in the mail. My husband is currently commuting an hour each way.

Now those of you that know me personally (or for longer then a few months via twitter or facebook) know that I'm a glass-half-full type person. My faith and my family keep me afloat, and years as a navy wife have made me resilient.  But this was tough. The property we're staying on is in the armpit of some Northern Idaho mountains, where the fastest internet available moves slow as molasses in a cold February. I'm not over exaggerating. Of course, it is during this limited accessibility that I'm trying to maintain our only income, and that two of my freelance clients ask if I can take on more hours. Hours I need to keep my family from floundering. Oh and did I mention that I have an agent now, one who thankfully wasn't as demanding of edits as I was making myself of work?

Okay, venting aside. All this to say that as writers, especially cooped up and strung out amateurs (moi), we need to be completely and utterly okay with being patient and optimistic. That's really the only way to get through life, but especially in the writing industry. Without creating our own happy moments and staying busy when waiting takes forever, we'll spiral into a deep and dark place. I know, I've been there. Recently.

If you are the praying or finger-crossing kind, please do so for our family. We look at a rental much closer to my husband's new employment place today. Less commute, more internet access, it all adds up to settling down. And then I can be online with all you wonderful, writerly friends more often.

By the way, I'm not sure why but my book giveaway last Monday had ZERO entries. I was in complete and utter shock. So I've extended it another week. Please, please, please check out the interview, book review, and info to enter here. It's for a wonderful cause and an awesome read!

Author Interview and Book Review: Shadow of Deception by Sophia L. Johnson

www.sophialjohnsonbooks.com

www.facebook.com/shadowofdeception

www.twitter.com/AuthorSLJ

Hi Sophia and thanks so much for coming to my blog! I’m super excited to have you here and have a bazillion questions about you, your debut novel SHADOW OF DECEPTION, and the cause you’re donating all your first year’s profit to. Let’s start there. Please tell me a little bit more about Covenant House and why this particular charity is so near and dear to your heart?

Covenant House is the largest charity in the Americas dedicated to help homeless, abandoned, abused, trafficked, and exploited youth.  They have shelters across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico.  They have a wide array of programs designed to provide youth in need with a holistic approach to leaving the streets and achieving independence.

I used to teach at a career college in downtown Toronto and there was a Covenant House shelter nearby.  I saw many homeless kids needing care and guidance during the time.  In my teaching I also encountered some under-privileged students who were trying their best to make something out of their lives despite the difficult circumstances they were in.  I wanted to help and encourage them because as cliché as it sounds, they are the future of our society.  They can do great things just like any other kids.  They just need a little help along the way so they can get there.

 

I've had similar experiences with Teen Challenge in San Diego through my church, which is why I reached out to you. (Readers, check out more about Covenant House and donate here.) Did you decide to donate to Covenant House before or after you began writing Shadow of Deception?

I decided to use my book as a fund-raising tool for Covenant House after I began writing it.  To be honest, Shadow of Deception is the first full length novel I've ever written and I didn't even think it could make it this far until it was almost done.

Is SHADOW OF DECEPTION traditionally or self-published? How did this affect your decision to donate to Covenant House?

It is self-published and it didn't really affect my decision either way.  In fact, self-publishing made this happen much quicker and I have full control over the entire process.

Although the book is not traditionally published, I did go through a querying process before I decided to self-publish.  I queried over forty agents and had some positive feedback and a couple of manuscript requests but it only went as far as that.  I could have continued querying but I knew this battle could go on for a long time.  I just wanted my first book to be printed exactly how I like it to be and in a timely manner.

Where did the inspiration or ideas for SHADOW OF DECEPTION come from?

I remember having a spark of imagination in my head one night that I should create a character like Kazumi and that was the start of it all.  I didn't have anything else to build on or even a plot.  I just sat down and started typing.  I remember telling my husband that I was going to write a novel.  He looked at me from the corner of his eye and said, “Sure dear,” and went back to watching his show.

I love Kaz’s voice, especially as her memories return. Did she come to you as a fully formed character or did you have to take some time to develop her before you started writing?

To elaborate on the previous question, she did come to me as my primary inspiration.  I wanted her to drive the story and any changes I made were not to her as a character but how she influenced the plot.

It’s really hard for me to write romantic parts in YA novels. How are you at it? Did Kaz and Finn’s slowly budding relationship challenge you?

Actually not at all.  Kaz and Finn's relationship came quite easily to me.  I think this is because I've always daydreamed about awkward and weird romantic situations ever since I was a little girl.  (Oh I think that came out wrong.  By weird I didn't mean anything kinky.  Oh God no!)  I meant I like complications in a relationship.  Make them work for it.  It builds a stronger bond between the characters.  The hardest part of writing Kaz and Finn was trying to keep it grounded, realistic, and of course PG.  I did have to delete a couple of scenes that were too steamy.

Steamy scenes can happen in YA. I've read some that make me blush. But you seemed to figure out the perfect balance in this novel. Diversity is such a hot topic right now, and your novel fits the bill perfectly with Kaz’s Japanese ancestry highlighting the back story. Was that part of your original novel planning or did it come in later versions of the manuscript?

I love that you brought this up.  I knew the minute I concocted her in my mind that she'd be mixed race.  The only thing I had to decide on was what mixed with what.  I didn't want her to be Chinese because being Chinese myself, I think it'd be hitting too close to home.  But I needed a heritage that I have a good understanding of, hence Japanese.  (My parents lived in Japan when they were young and I took a couple years of Japanese myself.)

I've heard writing industry professionals talk about how often diversity takes over a book, but you really managed to make it part of who Kaz is rather than what she's all about. Bravo! What was your favorite part of SHADOW OF DECEPTION to write? Which was the most difficult?

I loved writing scenes where Kaz kicked ass.  I felt like she deserved those moments after what she had been through.  It was thrilling and satisfying for me.

The most difficult parts had to be scenes where I killed off my characters.  Needless to say a lot of tissues were used during the writing of those scenes.  I even scared my husband one time when he came home and saw my mascara-streaked face bawling over the laptop.

I actually think that the fighting scenes were some of the best parts of the novel, so I can see why you loved writing them! Is SHADOW OF DECEPTION considered speculative fiction or science fiction?

A very good question!  The simple answer is both.  But I labeled it science fiction based on the elements of the genetically advanced humans and the fact that more people can relate to this genre.  But in terms of the world setting, I think it's definitely speculative. 

Is there a sequel to SHADOW OF DECEPTION being written? If so, can you give us some hints?

Definitely!  I have two more books planned in this series.  The main plot of the second book has been drafted.  There will be deception of course but less shadows.  While the first book focused on the Sarcomeres, the second book will cast light on the Neuronics.  We will also explore Kaz and Finn's relationship a bit further and who knows, maybe I might throw in another love interest.  Dun-Dun-Duuun!!!!!

AH! A love triangle?!?! Now I'm going to be so impatient for book two! :0) What else do you have in the works now? Story ideas? A manuscript in progress? Any hints?

The next two novels will keep me busy for a while.  Not to mention I have a little munchkin at home who takes up a lot of my time as well. :)

I'm a mommy too, so I totally know where you are coming from. Are you a plotter or pantser? Or something in between?

I was definitely a pantser for Shadow of Deception.  I only had Kazumi created in my mind and I let the typing take me away.  But for the second book, I'll need to be a bit of a plotter in order to make the story consistent.

I'm a fellow panster, but I've come to appreciate plotting for certain parts and pieces of my more complex novels. What do you consider your writing strength(s)? Weakness(es)?

Oh this question takes me back to my job interview days.  My weakness is that I care too much. . .  just kidding.  I think I write good dialogues, hence am able to drive the story forward in a swift pace.  I'd like to think I have a good imagination as well which helps my world building and what not.  But all this is really for the readers to decide.  If they think my dialogues are crap then maybe being delusional is my weakness.  I do have one major weakness though, and that is grammar.  Hate the big G word.  English being my second language just makes things more challenging.  But I'm working on it. :)

Grammer is my nemesis too. We should start a meeting. haha. Now for some fun stuff! What’s your drink of choice when writing? Wine? Something stronger? Tea? Coffee?

Sorry to disappoint but a nice cup of tea is all I need.

I love tea sometimes too! If you could have lunch with any character, who would it be and where would you dine?

I'd choose Finn because come on, he's dreamy.  But also so I can smack him on the head. (You know why.  No spoilers!)  And as for the place to dine, I'd have to choose the underground village inside their Rocky Mountain headquarters.  I'd love to see that weather hologram in person and see if it's made to my standard.

Describe your dream office or library. Where would you build it? What would it look/smell/feel like while sitting in it? Any windows with views?

Oh there's so much I want for my office slash library.  First of all, it has to be very bright and airy.  Huge floor-to-ceiling bay windows overlooking a bustling city with a dash of greenery here and there.  It has to be high above ground so the noise and action of the city don't disrupt my thinking.  I need to be in complete silence when I write.  The interior will have to be modern and elegant, with a hint of femininity.  Columns of books will line the walls in glass shelves free of dust.  The light yet aromatic smell of fresh peonies will permeate the room, telling visitors that the occupant is classy, fresh, and well-educated.  Too much??

Never too much! What recent book have you read and fallen in love with?

I just finished the series, Inheritance Cycle, by Christopher Paolini.  A fantastic fantasy series about a dragon and its rider.  And Christopher wrote the first one, Eragon, back when he was only sixteen and his prose was already better than a lot of adult writers.    

Christopher Paolini is awesome. I didn't want that series to end! I remember being quite irritated when I finished it. What is one of your favorite classic books?

The Chrysalids.  Even though I didn't understand the majority of it when I read it in grade school, it left its mark in my mind—an urge to understand.  So I re-read it a while back and finally was able to appreciate its significance and beauty.

I've never read that. [Adds to Goodreads.]

Thanks again for coming on my blog today! I really appreciate it and am 100% behind you and your donation to Covenant House. And because of this, I’m buying two more electronic copies as giveaways to blog readers!

To enter the Ebook giveaway,  comment below and make sure you follow my blog. Tell us if you’ve read or would like to read SHADOW OF DECEPTION, feel free to ask Sophia a question, or just leave a fun comment. Please also put your email or twitter handle in the comment. I’ll draw and announce two names on my next post Monday, May 4th.

If this interview hasn’t convinced you to buy SHADOW OF DECEPTION yet, read on for the synopsis and my review!

[From Goodreads] A horrific plane crash kills all five hundred and forty-two passengers except one. Kazumi comes out of the wreckage physically unscathed but wiped of all memories. Her miraculous survival attracts the attention of the Sarcomeres, a secret society of genetically advanced humans. Their heightened physical abilities and high-tech gadgets are not the only things that fascinate Kazumi, Finnegan O'Riley, a fellow Sarc also gets her heart racing. When she discovers that she possesses the genetic potential to become a Sarcomere, she welcomes the chance to train with them in the hope that she would recover her memories.

Meanwhile, thirty years after the Great War that almost destroyed the world, a centuries-old nemesis of the Sarcomeres begins to stir in the dark. Just when Kazumi thinks she can help protect her new found home, past memories surface to threaten her new identity. She soon realizes that layers of deception run deep and everyone has a secret agenda, including herself. Who can she trust when she can't even trust herself? One wrong decision could bring forth consequences worse than death. Is Kazumi ready to face her destiny?

My review of SHADOW OF DECEPTION:

It’s the year 2153 and natural disasters have whittled the world down to only three damaged and recovering areas: America, Europe, and China. The main character awakens to death and destruction, and quickly passes back out. She opens her eyes again without memories and at the mercy of the hospital that cared for her as the sole survivor a horrible plane crash.

Within a month of recovery, the hospital turns her out into an unfamiliar city. A motherly nurse whisks her away to Colorado, where super humans thrive in an underground city. As she learns of her own fast healing and agile-moving body and uncanny gun fighting abilities, memories surface and she discovers her real name: Kazumi. Friends and enemies are formed, loyalties tested. An unexpected twist in the plot had me flailing in my in-laws living room. I won’t tell much more in order to not spoil the ending. Sophia is an expert at creating characters. She also has a way with pacing, creating a plot that ebbs and flows naturally. I was sucked in and finished reading in less than 3 days, to the detriment of my sleep, work, and family.

Like many self-published books I’ve read recently, SHADOW OF DECEPTION would have benefited from a few more rounds with critique partners and an editor to weed out grammer, spelling, filtering, and adverb issues. But the story was so engaging that I hardly noticed these flaws. This book solidified me as a Sophia L. Johnson fan, and I’d love to become her critique partner if only to get to read the second Kazumi Chronicle that much sooner.

Don't forget to subscribe and comment for your chance to win one of two copies of SHADOW OF DECEPTION! I'll see you all next week!

 

Welcome Becky Villareal!

Happy Monday Everyone!

I'm thrilled to be interviewing Becky Villareal today as a stop on her blog tour for her novel Gianna the Great, recently published by Anaiah Press.

1. Can you tell us a little bit about your writing career? Is this your first published novel?

I have been writing since I was six years old and could make little books out of scraps of paper.  Since then, I have published articles in the Dallas Morning News, have been a finalist in the Texas Writer’s Journal quarterly, and have a website entitled “Becky’s Getaway” at https://vramon249.wordpress.com/ where I publish short stories. Gianna the Great is my first published novel.

2. What inspired Gianna the Great?

Gianna was inspired by two people, my mother, and a young girl from my journal club named Gianna.  She was interested in everyone and everything and very bright and articulate.  My mother did not have any knowledge of her family history and I began my genealogical research because of her. I was also inspired by the character Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee. 

3. In the blurb released by Anaiah Press, Gianna is looking for her family history. Why is this so important to her?

Gianna has no knowledge of her family.  She knows she doesn’t look a lot like her mother and wonders who she does look like.  She wants to find out not only about her family, but the beginnings of her family as well.  As it turns out, the more she finds out, the more she wants to know.

4. What are Gianna's talents? Flaws? How do they help and hinder her in the novel?

Gianna is bright and curious especially about people and the reason they do things.  This is the biggest reason she is so interested in her family.  Her determination and doggedness, though a bit aggravating to her mother at times, will help her persevere when she comes to dead ends.  She also wants to know why her ancestors made the decisions they did.  How did these decisions help them to survive and go on?  This will be revealed more and more as the stories go on and she is able to help others in their journeys as well.

5. What kind of research did you have to do?

In order to complete this work, I had to explore all the avenues of genealogical research including the National Archives, the Baptismal Records of Mexico, and pictorial records from Fold 3 as well as Ancestry.com.  I also had to do research within the library system itself and within the records of the Family Search organization in order to find out not only about my own family but to experience what Gianna will have to face as she continues this journey.

6. How much time did you spend on the opening line or paragraph? Has it changed in the publishing process?

This opening line has changed again and again especially when the book format itself changed to become that of an early reader instead of a young-adult book.

Why did you decide to work with Anaiah Press to get Gianna out into the world?

Jessica Schmeidler, the editor I worked with in the beginning, showed a genuine interest in not only my work but my characters as well.  “I want to see more of them,” she stated and won me over completely.  

7. Where's your favorite place to write?

In a big blue leather chair and ottoman by the window in the den of my home.

8. When do you do your best brainstorming?

I can be in the middle of house cleaning, making dinner, or driving home from work and ideas pop into my head.  I have to keep a notebook close by otherwise I’ll lose those nuggets of inspiration the Lord sends from time to time.

9. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

To believe in yourself and never give up.  To believe in your writing and follow your personal passion.  I would also like to recommend for them to look inward, what is special about you and your story?  What can you bring to the table that is fresh and alive that no one else can share?   Also, collect positive quotes about writing and join others who are struggling and don’t be afraid to help other beginning writers. 

That advice speaks so much to me! Thank you so much for being here today Becky! Congrats on Gianna's release!