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....

Using Amazon Free Samples to Better your Writing

I have a confession. I may or may not be addicted to those free samples on Amazon. You know, the teasers you can download to convince you to buy the book? 

It’s a great marketing tool, and an awesome way for readers to decide whether or not they want to invest in the characters. For writers, it is also a fantastic way to really study the beginning of the competition. 

When I read these beginnings as an upcoming author, I like to look at the first line and see if it hooks me. Examining the sample allows me to figure out the best way to convince a reader that my words are worth their time and money. How does the author make the character or their plight memorable enough to warrant further reading? What unique features of the world or magic system (I love fantasy!) or government or society are highlighted so the reader is immersed? How can I apply those calculations or techniques in my own writing to make my agent able to sell my books to editors who can sell them to the public?

Do you utilize those Amazon samples as a reader or writer? Or do you study the beginnings and blurbs of books you buy? Have you ever done this to improve your writing and/or marketing strategy? Let’s chat about it in the comments below!

Storystorm Part 1: Are you participating?

I don't know if you heard, but Tara Lazar's #PiBoIdMo was transformed into #storystorm, 

and in January 2017 authors all over the world (including moi) are attempting to come up with a new story idea every single day. That's a lot of creativity.  We're about halfway through the month, and I will will be sharing a few of my ideas in a later post, but I wanted to see who else I know is participating and encourage others to jump in on the creative brain stewing, even if the official registration is closed.

Even if you only get 

ideas, that's more than you had on December 31st. 

And who knows where those ideas will lead you?

A Desert

Or a Rainforest

Or a neighbor's yard

Or outer space.

Or just finish that other idea you had!

Tell me if you're participating and the fun idea you're most excited about so far, or just share about other projects your working on. I'd love to hear from you in the comments below or via email.

5 Reasons to sign up for National Novel Writing Month (and giveaway announcement!)

Wow, okay so an update: This summer was insane in all the right ways. Lots of editing on my fantasy trilogy novels, and roping a few new (fantastic!) critique partners. I also helped put together a local writers conference in September, and did my first official speaking engagement related to writing. It was "A Self-Starters Guide to Freelancing: How to Get Started." All those nerves slipped away as I hit all my speaking points and people had some great questions. I might have to do that again some day.

I'm also proud to say that my Freelance Editing Services got a tremendous boost this summer. I'm so thankful to all my clients, old and new, for making this dream a reality. Not to mention, it helps with life's expenses, not dis-cluding the tuition for my girl's school this year.

I've been reading  researching for my fantasy trilogy, and sliding a few new shiny ideas in a drawer to focus on my current monstrous project. Did you know that the always debated pantser versus plotter theory has actually been debunked? I've in fact found out that I am actually a plotser or something like that, meaning I actually do some plotting just on a minor scale and usually in my head. Go figure!

Also, I've discovered Amazon Unlimited. To my husband's exasperation, poor guy.

GUESS WHAT? A short story that I submitted and was paid for over a year ago is finally going to be printed in 2017! I got the official word this week via email, so keep your eyes on my social media for when it releases. It's for the story "Wearing Teresa's Boots" that I mentioned months and months ago!

Okay onto my favorite writing topic this time of year.....

NATIONAL NOVEL WRITING MONTH IS UPON US!!!

I can easily confirm that #NANO has singularly made my writing career possible. I've won for three years in a row and intend to keep up the tradition. This year will complete the draft of my fantasy trilogy. I'm throwing out about 15k words from last year to rewrite now the first two novels are in better shape.

WHY should you join the world-wide wackiness that is NaNoWriMo? Here are five good reasons!

1. International Event: You won't be alone! We're talking thousands of people committing to the same insane goal of 50 thousand words in 30 days. 
2. TONS of support: Forums to post in, blog and vlogs, virtual write-ins, local write-ins... if there is a will there is a way, so just do it.
3. Cool swag before, during, and after, plus winner discounts and freebies...... example A below: 
   
4. What you really get out of it: Writing habit, creativity flow, networking, word counting convenience, and just plain writing the words down. No pressure, right?
5. IF you need one more reason: #thequeryhelper be giving away three (3) query letter critiques at the end of the month for anyone that wins NANO! So be sure to follow my blog, network with me, and come on back on December 1st once you've crossed that finish line!

Are you participating in NANO this year? What's your favorite part of NANO or what are you most looking forward to?

#FicFest Fables #3 - 5 Big Trends in the Slush

Through out my #FicFest teasers as I perused the slush, I noticed several trends. Some of them followed the industry ones while others hinted at up and coming ones. I actually chatted with a local writer friend and one of my mentees about a few of these on Thursday and Friday nights, and both of them had some input on why the trends might be around.

Trend #1 - Diversity

This is a no brainer trend that's at the forefront of the industry, since #weneeddiversebooks has become a leading campaign and demand, as well it should be. The slush was heavy with not only cultural diversity, but also family dynamics, physical and mental disabilities, and even non-fiction characters breaching diversity gaps. It also makes sense that so many diverse books made their way into the slush because many of the participating picture book agents asked for it as well.

Trend #2 - Man's Best Friend

Whether they brought a forgotten item, became a hero, or just got into trouble, dogs abounded in the Ficfest entries. I actually learned that pets in general, and dogs especially, make up a large portion (nearly 50% according to a source!) of characters in picture book submissions. So it only makes sense that the special animals in our lives also make it into our stories!

Trend #3 - The Wild Jungle

Though less often then a dog, jungle animals appeared in at least half a dozen of the more then 50 entries I read. Some were in the wild, others in a zoo, all of them offered up fun dialects, silly points of view, and loads of laughs. Just like dogs, however, this trend really makes the writers that write well to stand out.

Trend #4 - Art

In many ways big and small, with strokes of genius and expression of self, art took a lead in the Ficfest slush. I found it surprising and strangely rejuvenating. In years past, it seemed that music and art got pushed to the way side, but in recent years the call to return to the arts for their mental stimulation and stress relief have made it important again in schools. Perhaps this is the reason for the influx in art in picture books? This was my favorite trend! I loved many of the stories that included it, especially one about murals.

Trend #5 - Japan

The Japanese folklore and ancient culture came up in several of the Ficfest entries. Some of them only mentioned it in the "Where in the world" portion of their email, while others based their story upon it. I really have no ideas on why this trend is happening, but I want to do some more research or discussion on it. (If you have any ideas, I'd love you to leave a comment below!)

Please come back for our last #FicFest Fable post about common issue I saw in the slush, and a sample query letter from the #QueryHelper!

#CPfest 2016 Query Critique Day 3

Are you getting excited about #FicFest? I know I am! In honor of this first annual manuscript contest, a few of the mentors (incluyendome a mi) are giving away a query critique each day leading up to submission day (that's April 24th guys, as in a day!) For more details, check out my posts here and here, and the hostess with the mostest Tiffany Hofman's post here.

When Friday strikes and you volunteer to help at your daughter's private school's auction and get roped into clean up crew, you post at nearly midnight.....

Day 3 #QueryHelper Critique

First thoughts: Great length of query (a common theme in CPFest critiques, so bravo all of you!), though its broken down into littler paragraphs. We'll see if that is necessary.

Dear Outstanding Mentors,[EM1] 

As fear rips the world apart[EM2] , Allisane and Damien will sacrifice everything to protect their people. The problem? They’re on opposite sides.[EM3] 

Existing in self-imposed isolation, Ӕled and the Empire of Voluce have maintained a fragile peace that shatters when the Empire begins exterminating Ӕled’s winged horses. As a Wind Rider trained in combat, Princess Allisane Kent is used to confronting conflict head-on, but she knows her people cannot survive open battle. Their inexplicable power to control light vanished generations ago. To let the Empire know could mean a stay of war. Or immediate annihilation.[EM4] 

Captain Damien Ardeo, common born and uncommonly advanced[EM5] , will do anything to prevent war between the men of fire and flight. But with every winged horse trained, the light-wielding Ӕleders threaten his people’s very existence. [EM6] His Emperor spurs the conflict. His nobility preys on their own subjects. Who truly deserves his protection?[EM7] 

When an overzealous division of Imperial Corps attacks Allisane, mistrust ignites into total war. As power collides, one race will rise in power. The other faces extinction.[EM8] 

ASCEND is an adult high fantasy with crossover potential complete at 113,000 words with a level of violence and multiple POV style similar to Sanderson’s Mistborn trilogy and a depth of world resembling Maas’s Throne of Glass.  
[EM9] 

Graduating this May with a degree in English, I am a recipient of multiple academic awards for writing but am not yet published.  Thank you very much for your time.[EM10] 

Sincerely,

Rachel C.

---

 [EM1]Wonderful opening, J

 [EM2]This feels a little vague. Can you be a tad more specific to add to your hook?

 [EM3]I think this whole paragraph could work as a hook if it was written a tad differently with more specifics.

 [EM4]I had to read this several times to understand it, I think because of all the pronouns. Then you throw in Imperial Corps below and I don’t know whose side their on? Maybe bring up the fire vs. flight races sooner will help us sort out the problems sooner? Make it clearer which side each of your MCs are one and what they stand to lose.

 [EM5]What does advanced mean? Intelligent? Programmed? Good fire power?

 [EM6]This almost seems like the eleders train the horses? Is that right?

 [EM7]This almost seems like he’s uncertain of how right his side of the conflict is. If that’s the case, make it more clear and use it to add tension to your query. What is he questioning and does he consider switching sides? What holds him back? This doesn't all have to be included in the query, but these questions can help you with the stakes for this character.

 [EM8]While I understand that the stakes are which side of war will win, I’m not invested or rooting for either one. Also, no where in this query do we know if Allisane and Damien meet or end up working together, or if there is a connection there. If you use the connection in your opening hook, I’d almost want to see it in the stakes wrap up too. Bring it full circle.

 [EM9]Great comps here.

 [EM10]Great self info!

Final thoughts: This query is a little confusing because there is a lot going on and we aren't grounded in the world and don't completely understand the sides. Also, I want to know if there is more of a connection between the MCs and how that plays out. Don't despair with all my suggestions. Use what works for you and your novel.

Thank you Rachel for trusting me with your work!

The rafflecopter picks have already been chosen, but I may or may not have a little surprise coming on tomorrow. So keep coming back to these critiques and connect with me on twitter for the announcement.

All #PCFest posts for PB writers will be in the comments on Monday's post. You are welcome to comment however you like, though if you are specifically searching for a CP, you should make sure to include your critiquing style, maybe some favorite authors of yours, what sort of critique you are looking for, etc. You don't have to be entering Ficfest to post in the #CPFest. 

Come on back tomorrow for our next #CPFest critique!

Release day Interview with Shari Schwarz for TREASURE AT LURE LAKE

It's with a mega grin and confetti that I announce that my dear fried Shari L. Schwarz is releasing her debut middle grade labor of love, TREASURE AT LURE LAKE. This story has been through a ton of revisions and late night talk-it-out sessions, plus all the other craziness that debuts normally do. Shari is an incredible mom and critique partner, but even more so, a friend. She offered to do an interview, and I thought what better way to let all of my readers really get to know her? So once you've swooned over the cover, fallen in love with the plot teaser, and read a bit about Shari, we get to really get to know her below. Without further adieu....

It's it shiny and beautiful???

Twelve-year-old Bryce’s best-laid plans for a backpacking trip with his grandpa seem about to fall through all because his big brother, Jack, is threatening to boycott the trip. But when Bryce stumbles upon a secret treasure map in his grandpa's barn loft, he doesn't mean to steal it or unearth a painful family secret that will explain the root of the brothers’ conflict. Bryce is determined to find the treasure even if it means lying to his grandpa.

As Bryce, Jack, and Grandpa hike to a remote cabin in the Rocky Mountains, sibling rivalry clouds the brothers' judgment, and all Bryce's plans for an epic adventure go downriver. The boys must work together to survive the dangers of the wilderness, and each other, or the treasure and their family's secret may never see the light of day.

Amazon / Goodreads

Shari Schwarz lives in Colorado with her husband and their four boys. TREASURE AT LURE LAKE is her debut middle grade adventure which reflects her love for a good adventure story and spending time hiking and camping in the Northern Colorado Rockies.

Blog / Facebook / Twitter

EM: How many versions of TREASURE's manuscript did you go through?

SS: It went through five major versions of the story which included POV changes, plot changes, and even character changes. I always had the grandfather in the story, but in the first version, he was a very minor, background character. In the final version, he's the one who goes on the backpacking trip with the boys.

EM: What was the hardest part of writing TREASURE?

SS: The hardest part was learning what advice to use on my writing. I had well over 30 critique partners or beta readers look at parts of or the whole manuscript. At first, I tried to take almost every piece of advice. It was like trying to constantly do a patch job on my manuscript. I learned the hard way that, although I became good at receiving critiques, the process wasn't meant for pleasing every single person. I had to learn to pick and choose the advice that I knew would work with the story I was trying to tell.

EM: How about the easiest part of writing it?

Ha! The easiest was planning and writing the first draft! It only took two months and pretty much just came out as a whole story. If I had been told then that it would be the easiest part, I would have laughed! I wrote a book! At the time it didn't seem so easy.

EM: What personal experiences, if any, influenced this story?

SS: I actually made a list of these recently and there are at least twenty different people in my life that I owe a nod of thanks to (or much more than that) for the experiences that in some way shaped TREASURE AT LURE LAKE. One experience was camping with my husband in the mountains one June and enduring a surprise ice storm that night. Another experience that went into the book was my love for rock-climbing or bouldering along rivers when I was younger and the terror I have felt when one time I was sure I was going to fall off the rock face to my death.

EM: Yeah, that all seems like too much real-life adventure for me. Did you do any special research to write TREASURE?

SS: Yes! I researched a lot of near-death or out-of-body experiences...people who have died and then come back to life with stories of life on the other side, so to speak. I also researched a lot of survival techniques like starting fires, setting traps, skinning and cooking a marmot...you know, normal stuff like that. I also had to research the habits of bears, elk and mountain lions, although the mountain lion scene didn't make it into the book.

EM: I bet you were getting camping gear ads on your computer side bars. lol. Do you feel like the multi-age POV will mean that your readers can be of both age groups? Why or why not?

SS: This is a great question. I really struggled with the ages of the boys. Originally I had them as 16 and 14 years old because they were going on the hike alone. But I really wanted to write a book geared towards middle schoolers, not high schoolers, so I toyed with lowering their age and sending their grandpa along with them. Right now, two of my own boys are reading it and love it and they are ages 11 and 14, the exact age range that I was shooting for, so I feel like I got that right.

EM: At least you had a firm grip on what you wanted your readership to be in terms of age. That can be hard sometimes. In what ways do you think this story will most resonate with middle grade boys?

SS: From the feedback I've gotten from the few middle school boys who have read it/are reading it, they say that it's exciting and suspenseful. My 14yo son said that it's one of the best survival books he's ever read. I also hope that there might be something that boys with siblings can take away from the complicated relationship between Jack and Bryce, the brothers in the story. Despite the deep issues they have to work through, they are able to come out knowing that their bond as brothers is stronger than just about anything...even death.

EM: What else are you working on now that TREASURE is out in the world?

SS: I'm working on several picture books and a chapter book. I also have a YA historical fiction set in WWI that is written but needs a lot of revising time. I can't wait to get back to that soon!

EM: I can't wait to help you look over the WWI book. Some people claim this book is religious, but you are surprised by this reaction and how do you respond to it?

SS: I asked my husband what he thought about this the other day when he finished reading TREASURE AT LURE LAKE. He said he was surprised at how non-religious it was. It was not my intention to write a religious book...there certainly is no overt religion in it. There is, however, the near-death-experience which points to an afterlife. There is also a point at which one of the brothers becomes so desperate that he tries praying. More than anything, my intention was to address themes of purpose, worth and hope. Themes that children in their early teens really start to question and wonder about. I hope that these are the takeaways, not any one religion.

EM: Love this answer. When I read through the draft, I was surprised how un-religious those parts felt. They felt very real to me, not preachy at all. So I agree with your husband. So tell us. Are you a fly-by-the-tap-of-your-fingers pantser or twelve-piles-of-paperwork plotter?

SS: I am a plotter, for sure. I love the process and all of the different kinds of outlines and worksheets that can help you along the way. I'm kind of a geek that way! One of my favorite ways to plot is to use the Plot Whisperers Workbook by Martha Alderson. However, I didn't know about that when I wrote TREASURE AT LURE LAKE as I was quite the newbie to writing at the time.

EM: Do you prefer the writing or editing stage more?

SS: This is a hard one! I love editing, and I'm constantly learning more about it. But the writing process probably edges out for first place for me. I love writing and always have. I love the freedom of writing a first draft. I don't edit much as I go. Even though I have things plotted out in advance, I still allow room for twists and turns that I didn't see coming. This is so exciting to me...just like reading a book with plot twists or a movie where you're on the edge of the seat as the scenes unfold. As the words come out, sometimes I am shocked or moved. It's an amazing process! Writing is how I express myself.

EM: What is your favorite drink if any while writing and editing?

SS: An almond milk latte or spicy chai...every time...all the time! :) I love writing at coffee shops while my son is in preschool or my big boys are at youth group.

EM: Do you have any other writing rituals? (music, quiet, place, space, etc...)

SS: It makes me sad, but I cannot write with music on. I just can't concentrate unless it's background music. But I can write in the middle of anything. I write in the kitchen, in the carpool line, at coffee shops. However, I can't edit that way. When I'm editing, I need a pretty quite and concentrated amount of time. That's the hard work of writing a book!

EM: I can think of a few places we've hung out that you probably wrote chapters at. Now the question some people are dying to know. Which house of Hogwarts?

SS: Seriously? Are you going to ask me this question? (Shhh...don't tell anyone. I have started Harry Potter three times and have't gotten past the second chapter. Ugh! I promise I will someday!)

EM: Don't worry. I won't tell anyone. haha. If I had to guess I'd say you were Hufflepuff. Bet that will make you get reading. :) What's your favorite outdoor activity?

SS: I love hiking! We live close to the foothills of the Rocky Mountains, and I can walk from my front door and be hiking in them in about seven minutes. I also love mountain biking and rock climbing but my old body is not letting me do those activities these days. I'm working on getting back in shape to take my boys mountain biking this summer.

EM: Now for the most important question (or at least I think). What is your favorite ice cream flavor?

SS: Anything with chocolate and peanut butter or caramel. Oh, and Ben and Jerry's, 'Everything But The.'

EM: Girl after my own heart. Lastly, if you could go anywhere in the world for free, where would it be?

SS: One place?! Hmm...In my mind, I keep coming back to Italy, somewhere along the coast. I'd love to go on a photography tour where you get to experience the culture and learn photography. Is there something like that? Now you've got me thinking!

EM: I'm cool like that. I'd go to Italy with you. We can hunker down in coffee shops and write for an hour each morning and then spend the rest of the day exploring. We gotta make that happen!

Thank you so much for stopping by Shari and congrats on the release of TREASURE AT LURE LAKE!