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Being an aspiring writer isn't easy. If you are one, you know exactly what I mean. Being a writer who's caught the wave and surfed into the world of the "published" is even harder.
The purpose of this new column is to provide a resource for aspiring writers like you and I who need support and advice. I'm not talking about the abundance of general advice so easily found on the World Wide Web that may or may not reflect directly on the specific problem we face with our writing. DEAR AUTHOR provides an opportunity to get exactly the sort of detailed advice we need for the 'specific' problem we may be facing, be it problematic characters, sagging middles, dealing with self-doubt, writing snappy dialogue or manuscript submission how-to's.
I'd like to invite you to SUBMIT to me, any questions you'd like to put to our authors. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like. Our authors will do their best to answer them as precisely as they can.
Each month's questions and answers will be archived and available for ready reference at any time. I'd also love to hear any comments or questions you have about DEAR AUTHOR so please feel free to write me. |
September: Question 1 | Question 2
Dear Author,
I've finally finished my first manuscript and now find myself facing the terrifying challenge of writing an effective query letter to grab the editor's attention. Trouble is, I'm not good at writing query letters. In fact, I'm clueless! Could you please tell me what sort of information to include and what sort of things to avoid mentioning?
Sincerely,
Clueless in Washington
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Dear Clueless,
I'd love to help you, but I've never done a query letter, and am as clueless as you on the subject. I do know that most modern "how to write a novel" books include a chapter on query letters. Your local library and/or bookstore should be able to help you.
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Dear Clueless,
Congratulations on finishing your first manuscript! That's quite an accomplishment. Query letters don't have to be terrifying. The query is the writer's way of introducing themselves to a prospective editor or agent. I would recommend keeping the letter short, about three paragraphs. In the first paragraph, introduce yourself, let the reader know if you've been recommended by someone they might know, ie: an existing client, and inform them that your book is completed and what genre you are targeting.
In paragraph two give a brief synopsis of what your book is about and where you think it will fit on a publisher's list or what it may represent, ie: The Princess Diaries meets Will and Grace, or something to that effect.
The final paragraph should state what writing awards, if any, you've received, or if you've finaled in the Golden Heart or any other contest. If you belong to RWA, then state this, too.
The query letter is your opportunity to sell yourself, so do it with professionalism and enthusiasm. If you have multiple submitted or have included an SASE for return of the manuscript, indicate that here. A thank you sentence would be nice, too.
Good luck! |
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Dear Clueless,
Ah, you're asking about the ever-elusive perfect query letter.
The best advice I can give you is to be sure you know that the editor you're sending the letter to works on the type of book you are trying to sell her. Get her name and title right in the address. Call the publisher's switchboard and check if you need to. Then write a BRIEF and BUSINESSLIKE letter. Try for one page, two maximum.
Introduce yourself, mention if you've met her at a conference, had an apointment with her, or if she asked for material from you. Give your writing credentials including contests you've entered, or better yet, placed in. Tell her what you do for a living if it gives you credability as a writer. You might mention that you've been reading romances/her particular line of romances and are familiar with the genre/series requirements.
Tell her the title of your book and whether it is finished or not. Then tell her about your story. This is the hardest part. You need to tell the story briefly -- in three to five sentences. Seven tops. That means you tell about your heroine, your hero, the conflict and the setting. (Master this skill. You'll end up doing this a million times in your career as you explain your book to everyone from editors to reporters to the person who stops by your table during a book signing.)
As you put this description together, think about the selling points for your book, the things that will lure readers in. Be as specific as possible. In one of my books, PAINTED BY THE SUN, I would mention that the heroine is a PHOTOGRAPHER (Caps added for emphasis.) traveling through the west LOOKING FOR HER SON, who was mistakenly sent west on one of the ORPHAN TRAINS. The hero is a COLORADO TERRITORIAL JUDGE who... And so on.
In the last paragraph tell the editor what action you want her to take. If you want her to ask for a proposal, tell her that. If you're sending the query letter with requested material, tell her you are looking forward to her reaction to your synopsis/chapters/ whatever. I'd stop short of telling her I was looking forward to having her buy my book; that sounds pushy. Or just tell her you hope she enjoys your submission.
This letter is a sell piece. It should be your very best writing, snappy, upbeat, and most of all clear. Include your very best ideas polished until they shine, but don't be cute. Use standard business letter format, a standard type, and good grade business paper in a neutral color with an envelope to match. Once the query is printed out, seal it and get it in the mail.
After you've done that, don't second guess yourself. It may not be the perfect query letter, but it was the best you could do at the time. Then prepare to be patient. Answers from agents and publishers can take awhile. If you don't hear anything from a letter, send another in about six weeks. If you sent requested material, and you haven't heard anything in about eight to twelve weeks, then call and check on it. Just ask for the status; they should be able to tell you without it being a big deal.
As for things not to do -- well, I would avoid telling an editor how much my mother likes my work. I would refrain from telling her how much I write like Julie Garwood. (Editors like to discover that stuff on their own.) And I probably wouldn't ask if that grape punch I spilled all over her at the last conference came out of her ivory lace dress.
Be brave -- |
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Dear Clueless,
A query letter should be addressed to a specific editor--spell their name correctly. State the length of your manuscript, the genre and whether it is finished. The body of text should read like a book's back cover copy, summarizing the story in two short paragraghs. These paragrapghs should entice the editor. Polish. Rewrite and polish again. Conclude with a paragrapgh that states your relevant expertise or publishing background or professional organizations. Do not go over one page. Don't forget to include a self adressed stamped envelope for a reply.
Good luck, |
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Dear Washington,
Clueless? You're anything but. Congratulations on finishing your first book! That's *huge*. Give yourself a big pat on the back. Now you're ready to take the next step on the road to getting published -- your query letter.
As far as query letters go, the basics are straightforward, but they require a little creativity and thought to get right. The format is pretty simple. The first paragraph should state the book title, length, and the subgenre or line you're aiming at. The second paragraph should be a *brief* description of the story. The final paragraph should tell any details about you or your research for the book that are relevant and close with your contact details and a call to action.
Simple, right? Remember, though, this letter is the first impression of you, your writing, and your story that the editor will have. It should be punchy and exciting. It should show them that the person who wrote the letter can write a tight, exciting story. If I were writing a query letter for my current release, TURN ME ON (August 2004, Harlequin Blaze), it might read something like this:
Dear Editor,
Sometimes a lover lingers in your mind long after they've left your life...and sometimes they wind up back in your life after all. I love stories of ex-lovers reunited, and "Turn Me On," a 75,000 sensual romance aimed at the Harlequin Blaze line, let me explore this theme.
Documentary producer Sabrina Pantolini's once-sizzling affair with director Stef Costas burned them both, badly. Bringing him on board as director for her no-holds-barred project is like throwing gasoline on a fire. Strictly business, she tells herself. Nearly ten years have passed, but Stef can't forget Sabrina. He also can't avoid working with her. Strictly business, says Stef -- unless, of course, the scorcher they're filming turns into their reality and the go-for-it couple goes for it again.
To research the book, I interviewed a director who specialized in documentaries and visited Los Angeles to scout the locations used. I am an RWA-Pro member and this manuscript finaled in the 2004 First Starts contest given by the Anywhere USA Romance Writers. The manuscript is finished. I'd love to send you the proposal, so if you'd like to find out what happens when Stef and Sabrina start filming "TRUE SEX," then please contact me at janedoe@writernet.com or 8 am to 5 pm EDT at (123) 456-7890. I look forward to hearing from you. Best Regards, etc.
You want the letter to have a flavor of the book throughout. It should sound compelling, catchy. It should make them want to read the story. Don't be too cute and don't stretch it out too much -- short and punchy is much better than long winded. Of course you should be sure that there are no grammar, spelling, or punctuation errors in the letter, and that you're sending it to the correct editor for the line.
Good Luck! You'll do great! |
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Dear Clueless,
First of all, congratulations on finishing a manuscript! I hope you took time to celebrate. Feel good about yourself. Lots of people never get this far.
No doubt about it first thing to realize is that you need to keep it to one page. Agents and editors get dozens of query letters every day of the week, so they¹re going to want each to be as brief as possible. Tell them what kind of book you¹ve written so they¹ll know if it¹s something they know how to market. And be sure to put the book¹s name close to the beginning of your letter.
What¹s unique about your book? Are you characters unusual? If so, talk about them and how they come into conflict. Have you got a great plot? Then emphasize that. Go back to why you wrote this book. What about it kept you going through all the pain and delays and problems? That¹s the source of your passion, and that will sell it to someone else. For inspiration, go to a local bookstore and read the copy on the back covers of books in your genre. Those people are paid by publishers to do tantalizing summaries. Steal their techniques they use questions, look at what information they choose to leave out, and analyze what sort of information they give you.
If you have any special qualifications for writing this book (eg: if it¹s a legal thriller, are you a lawyer) be sure to mention that after you¹ve sketched out our story. If not, don¹t worry. Writing a good story is the most important thing.
And make sure you put your contact information (name, address, phone, email) on the letter. Good luck. I hope to be reading you soon. H. R. Knight (Harry Squires) |
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Dear Clueless,
Query letters should be kept to 3 paragraphs/1 page. In the opening paragraph describe your book in a way that will make the editor/agent want to read it immediately. If we use the first book in my Starlight trilogy Wanted: One Perfect Man, as an example, it might be: What happens when astronomer Daniel Murphy witnesses an amazing star fall, and the next day meets a woman so perfect he believes she has come down from heaven for him alone? Daniel and his son have secrets. Little do they know that Zara has a few of her own, and they are far more fantastic. Wanted: One Perfect Man is the first of three books in my contemporary fantasy, a tale of love between beings from different worlds.
The second paragraph should tell a little about yourself--are you a full time writer?--have you won awards for your work?--Have you written several novels? Anything that lets the agent/editor know you are a professional and serious about writing.
In the third paragraph thank them for considering your work and let them know you'd appreciate any criticism or praise they'd care to impart. Give them your home phone number and the hours you can be reached and end with a "I hope to hear from you soon" comment.
Best of luck, |
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Dear Clueless,
When writing a good query letter, think of the last back cover you read that really hooked your attention. You want to do the same thing with your query. If you were going to describe the book to a friend, what would be the first thing you'd tell her about it? I'd open the letter with a snappy opening paragraph that gives that information. For example, I might write something like this: "Reporter Jane Colby discovers that having a time-traveling bodyguard from the future isn't really all that bad. Baran is a handsome, genetically engineered warrior, dominant and seductive. His sidekick Frieka is a snarky talking wolf who keeps Jane in stitches. She'd be thoroughly enjoying herself if it wasn't for another time traveler: Jack the Ripper."
"That's the idea behind my completed 100,000-word paranormal romance, JANE'S WARLORD." Then you wrap it up by mentioning whatever contests you've won, if any, along with your membership in Romance Writers of America or whatever. If you have other writing experience -- in my case, I was a reporter for 10 years -- you can mention that too. Leave out the stuff about your kids and your dogs. You're looking for a job, and you want to be seen as professional. And please don't tell her you're the hottest thing since Nora Roberts. Trust me: bad idea.
Remember: the objective is to make her want to see more. |
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Dear Clueless,
Query letters are a challenge. Given that some agents and editors receive up to 400 proposals per week, your goal should be to 1.) grab the editor/agent's attention in as few words as possible, and 2.) let your manuscript do most of the talking for you.
To start, make sure the letter is addressed correctly. Do your research. A letter addressed to "Dear Editor" is either rejected or sent to the slush pile. Do make sure the chosen agent/editor is interested in the type of manuscript you're submitting. Do make sure you spell her/his name correctly.Incorrect spellings regularly result in rejections. Always address the letter to Ms. or Mr. You should never presume an editor/agent will take kindly to being addressed as Jennifer, Paige, or John, even if you've met them.
The body of the letter should contain three short paragraphs.
The first paragraph should tell the reader the approximate word count (to calculate, multiply 250 x the number of pages), genre (i.e. romantic suspense,) story setting (i.e. 11th century France,) and what your story is "about."
Example: A MAN IN A KILT, a light, 95,000 word romantic time travel set in 1408 Scotland, poses the question...Can destiny be changed?
The second sentence in this first paragraph should describe the high concept. (The story as a TV Guide blurb.)
Example: In this fish-out-of-water tale, a self-sufficient N.Y. City work-a-holic is wrenched back in time to find herself married to a Konan the Barbarian hero who speaks three languages, none of which she can understand.
Avoid phrases like "outrageously funny," "heart-wrenching" or "very poignant" when describing your manuscript. Editors/agents likes to make those determinations for themselves.
The second paragraph should list your contest finals/wins, credentials, or special research. Let's say you're submitting a medical romantic suspense. Here is where you let the editor know you've been a motrician or an Emergency Room nurse for 25 yrs. If you've never finaled in a contest or had a job that makes you particularly well-suited to writing this particular story, don't despair. You can always write that you're an "active member of Romance Writers of America." The editor/agent now knows you're interacting with other authors and consider yourself a professional.
Use the last paragraph to thank the editor/agent and state what you've enclosed with the query letter.
Example: Please find enclosed a partial and synopsis of A MAN IN A KILT and an SASE (self-addressed stamped envelope). Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you."
Don't bother saying you hope they enjoy the story. They know you're not only hoping, but praying like mad that they will.
It's time to let your writing (the partial) speak for you. Hint: Do make sure your partial ends with a killer hook. You don't have to include fifty pages just because they said you can. (I only included 9 pages with my query and my lovely agent wrote back asking for the full.)
I wish you the very best of luck. |
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Dear Clueless,
Think of your query letter as your advertisement, not just for your book, but for you! Start out with a hook for that book. For example, I'm currently in the midst of a series for Harlequin Superromance about Hot Shots (Wildland Firefighters). If I was writing a query letter for the first book in the series, I'd focus on what made the book unique, yet familiar (we are talking about category romance here
*Want Navy Seal action with twice the attraction of Navy Seals? Discover just how fun and sexy a team of 20 men can be in Getting Married Again, the story of how a Wildland Firefighter regains his courage and his family.
Be brief, but explain what your book is about. Don't excerpt scenes (although you can read mine on my website - LOL!). Then, because we're all attention deficit now, start a new paragraph going into more detail on the book (short summary - hit only the high points) and/or a bit about why you feel this story is right for their line. Finally, list a bit about yourself as if you were going on a professional job interview. For example, you might say, "I've been writing romance for two years and I'm a member of Romance Writer's of America, Sacramento Chapter." I might be interested in how many kids, jobs and soccer teams you juggle, but an editor wants to know you are a serious about writing even if you've never published.
Good luck with it! |
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Dear Clueless,
A query is your first impression on the editor. The editor wants to know what kind of story you've written so she knows if it fits with what she buys, i.e. A ROSE AT MIDNIGHT is a 75,000 romantic suspense. She wants to have a short synopsis (a couple of paragraphs) of the story so that she understands what the h/h wants, what they risk if they don't get it and what stands in their way of getting it. In the last paragraph of your query, tell her your qualifications, i.e. if you're a doctor and you wrote a medical thriller, your previous publishing credits or contest wins. Don't tell her how to feel about your story, i.e. don't say, this is the best story you'll ever read. Don't tell her that your critique group loved it. Don't tell her that if she wants to know how the story ends she'll have to buy it. Make your query look professional. Don't perfume your paper or send your query in a strange package (these days, things that look suspicious get tossed). You want to come across as a professional and present your story in its best light in one page or less. Good luck! |
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Dear Clueless,
As far as query letters are concerned, keep in mind, first and foremost, editors are pressed for time. Make your missive short and sweet, introduce yourself, including any relevant background information, provide a short synopsis of your story, one sentence, if possible. Describe the genre of the story, i.e. romantic suspense, mystery, traditional romance.
Use a flag, if at all possible. That is, anything that might grab the editor's attention, such as, "I have modeled my story on the recent news about call girls supplied to certain famous men." (Ha!) Or, "My uncle, Joe Smith, is your boss at the publishing house." Whatever.
Tell the editor what you have included with your letter, the first three chapters of your book typically.
Absolute rule: Make sure there are no spelling, punctuation or syntax errors in your letter. It has to be professional.
Good luck!
Carla and Molly (Lynn Erickson)
Look for AFTER HOURS in your bookstore now and HUSBAND AND LOVER coming in December. |
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Dear Clueless,
Nobody likes query letters.
First, I recommend getting a book about writing
them from your friendly on-line bookseller. It's good to have something to
hold in your hand for comfort as you get through it. However, here are a few
tips. You might want to use your one or two sentence hook as a starter.
Here's an example from the first book I tried to sell, SACRAMENT, "What if the man you loved was a vampire? How would you learn to embrace the darkness?" And "In the cyberpunk world of future Los Angeles, a brilliant hacker falls in love with the ARtificial Intelligence she creates," for BODY ELECTRIC. They aren't perfect, but you get the idea.
Then describe what kind
of book it is; for instance, both of these books are single title romances of 120,000 words. DON'T use any adjectives about your book praising it--that looks amateurish. Praise from the author doesn't count. If you want to, you can compare it to another book or another author.
Be sure that book or author has sold LOTS of copies, and be sure you really do compare if you're going to use that technique, though. Next do about a paragraph of succinct description of the story. A good way to do that is introduce characters, show their conflict, what they must learn, and the theme if you have one.
Then a bit about you: schooling, prior publishing experience if you have it, relevant experience (such as employment in the kind of world you are creating), contests the book might have won, and membership in RWA if you are a member.
End with what you want done with the manuscript and a thank you for taking the time. All this goes on one page with good grammar, spelling, and the best writing you can muster. Don't pitch more than one book at a time. Be SURE to include all the ways the agent or editor can contact you in your return address.
I know this sounds intimidating. But it does work. I sent my query letter for Sacrament to 35 agents, got 17 requests for all or part of the manuscript and ended up with an agent. Send them out all at once--it helps blunt the force of rejections.
Good luck! |
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Dear Clueless,
Look at the query letter as a challenge! It's your first chance to grab an editor's attention. Pay attention to voice. If you write comedy, I believe your letter should reflect that; same if your work is serious. For example: "Dear Ms. Editor: Have you ever dreamed of having a second chance with the guy who got away? My heroine Dr. Holly Evans, small town doctor following in her father's footsteps receives just such an opportunity when the love of her life, now a Hollywood hunk, returns home for Christmas. Can she hold onto him? My story "MIDNIGHT ANGEL" explores just such tantalizing possibilities! MIDNIGHT ANGEL is a contemporary romance of X amount of words, suitable for your X line of books."
You see how I bring the editor into the story immediately? Then I suggest you list your writing credentials and qualifications (even if it's just being an RWA member - a HUGE step for any writer! - see www.rwanational.org ), any contest wins or finals and any personal information you have to offer, for example, is your uncle a Hollywood action hero? Did you study acting in school? Are you a doctor turned romance writer? Any unique tie in to your story.
Thank the editor for their time and consideration because they are extraordinarily busy and overworked, and tell them you look forward to hearing from them. Don't forget to include a self addressed stamped envelope to make their reply easier and let them know that in the letter. I'm sure they will appreciate your thoughtfulness!
Good luck and best wishes! You can visit my website for more writing articles (click "For Writers") and remember I wrote and submitted those query letters for seven years and and peddled ten completed manuscripts (over and over and over again!) until I sold in 1998. You can do it if you believe in yourself~! |
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Dear Clueless,
You are not alone! A lot of writers, no matter how experienced, find writing a good query letter challenging.
When I sit down to write mine, this is what I include:
1. In the first paragraph, I usually start out with a hook sentence. Not every author does this, but I've feel it helps to catch the editor's interest right away. Then I provide my name, my work, including genre, title, setting and word count.
Here's an example of a hook sentence. I used this when writing the query letter for my paranormal romance, YESTERDAY'S PROMISE:
"Ghosts, time travel, reincarnation and past lovers reunited. Add an evil force determined to ruin the hero and heroine's second chance at love and you have the premise for my recently completed..."
2. The second and third paragraph should include a brief summary of the manuscript. Some people think of these paragraphs as almost a back cover blurb, supplying the kind of information about the plot or characters that will illicit interest. It's also important to establish your voice and the mood of the book at this time, so the editor can sense your writing style.
Here's an example of mood setting in a parargraph from the query letter for my futuristic time travel, ALL OUR TOMORROWS. I tried to create a sense of urgency, danger, intrigue and futuristic adventure with these words:
"Murder is far from Josh's mind as he tries to figure out how to fulfill his duty to his family and save Helen. Science suddenly becomes unfathomable to Helen as she is whisked off to the future where she must decide..."
3. The fourth paragraph should list your writing credentials or background. Any awards you've won, or writing organizations you belong to (like RWA) should be listed here. Also, if you've done any special research for your book, you should mentione it here.
4. Close your letter by letting the editor know that you'd be glad to send them a partial or full MS at their convenience for consideration. Also remind them that you've included a SASE and that you're looking forward to hearing from them.
These are the "do's" in query letters. As far as what not to do, I'd keep any personal information limited to only those facts related to your current work, or your professional experience. The editor doesn't need to hear about your Aunt's sick cat, etc.
Also, please don't mention any other queries you've sent to other publishers, agents, etc. This will make an editor feel "less than special".
Lastly, make sure your second and third paragraphs are clear and concise. Try to convey an interesting summary with voice and mood, without running on too long. Remember, an editor's time is limited, so you need to catch their interest relatively fast to keep them reading. Good luck with your query! :-) I hope this helps. For more writing advice, please check out the Writing Tools section of my website. It has helpful hints from authors, editors, and agents. Warm regards, |
Dear Author,
I've only been writing for the past year or so and the one thing I've heard over and over again is that the only way to write well is to write, write, write. Well, I'm doing plenty of that and I've been learning all the different skills that are involved with writing a good story along the way. But basic skills aren't all I want to work on. I find myself struggling with an identity crisis and need to 'find myself' through my writing. Could you recommend any exercises or thought processes or journaling aspects that could help a writer like me tap into her own individuality? I'm not just talking about find my author's voice and style but also on the subject matters on which they write. How can a writer harness her/his own personal individuality?
Sincerely,
Identity Crisis in Illinois
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Dear Identity Crisis,
It’s fine to write, write, write, but what is it you love to read, read, read? That’s the real question. I presume you want to write romance, so you must have strong leanings for certain lines or imprints.
Once you’ve identified what you love most, you need to immerse yourself in reading books from said line until you feel ready to write a scene and sequel that incorporates those elements you love most. See if the story takes off from the first hook into a fully emotional, involved plot that holds your interest so completely, you have to finish it. Then put the work away and start something else. After some time has passed, go back to your first novel and read it again.
Is it as riveting as the published works you’ve read and loved? Perhaps you’ve found your ‘voice.’ With a lot of rewriting it might end up being terrific. Then again, you may feel it was a valuable exercise to launch you into another book that will merit rewrites and possible publication.
My advice? Find one line you love and focus exclusively on it. Don’t be distracted by anything else.
I found that I loved Harlequin Romances best. I read at least three hundred of them before I even thought of trying to write one. Some dated back to the early 70’s. It didn’t matter the age of the book or the location, be it America, Australia, South America, Africa or Europe. The love stories were always memorable, there was always a hero to die for and a heroine I could identify with. I cried and laughed through all of them. They were the books I wanted to write. I’d found my voice. It was here I discovered I could harness my own individuality.
Ten years later I found that I also wanted to write books featuring secondary characters with a story of their own, thus I’m now published with Harlequin Superromance too.
Please visit my website. Click on ‘My entire library’ to see the variety of books I’ve written. I think if you’ll read my first Harlequin Romance, BLIND TO LOVE, and my latest Harlequin Romance, THE BABY PROPOSAL, you’ll see some evolution in the direction of the line, but the essence of the Harlequin Romance hasn’t changed. I’ve still got a strong heroine, a bigger than life Alpha male, a compelling plot, an unforgettable background and a resolution that makes the story mine alone, and it’s a keeper.
All the best, |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
Sorry, if you want to solve your identity crisis, see a shrink--writing isn't going to help. If you want to bring out your individual voice, you're already doing what you should be doing--studying craft and writing, writing, writing. |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
This is a very important question. We each need to take stock of our whole life and determine what¹s important to us because how we spend our time is what makes us who we are.
So you need to pay attention to what matters to you. What books do you like to read, what television shows are must-see for you, what movies do you look forward to going to? What do you do in your life that you can¹t wait to get to?
If you like fiction, what section of the bookstore do you gravitate to? If non-fiction is your passion, what topics excite you?
Once you figure out what type of writing and what topics you care about, that¹s the direction you should point yourself.
A lot of people go through an imitative phase. I went through several. When I was younger, I wanted to write like H.P. Lovecraft. I think you can still see a little of it in my book What Rough Beast. If you can find someone like that, adopt that person as a mentor (even if he or she is dead.) Read their books, read about them on the web, find out how they did what they did. Become a rabid fan. (But, please, not a stalker.) If this person is alive, write a fan letter. It¹s amazing how encouraging that kind of contact can be.
Try writing like them. Imitating someone really good, whom you love, is good practice. Of course, you realize that eventually you¹ll have to move on and be yourself. But for each of us, our personal writing style is a mix of whom we¹ve read and what we¹ve experienced in life.
Good luck! H. R. Knight (Harry Squires) |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
First off, you are already an individual. You don't need to find it. It's there. As you write, it will shine through in your choice of stories, in your dialogue, in everything you do. You just need to be confident in yourself and let go. Don't be afraid to take chances with an idea that has you excited. Push it -- and yourself -- as far as you possibly can. Safety is boring. And boring yourself and your reader is the worst thing you can possibly do. |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
I firmly believe a writer should:
Write what she loves to read. Those books are a facet of your personality. Too, how else can you identify quality within a specific genre? What specifically holds a reader's interest? What makes you keep coming back for more?
Second, an author should tap into her own experiences while writing. No matter our age, no matter our background, we all come to the blank page with baggage. Some good, some bad. Use it.
Example: If you've ever loved and lost, think back over how you felt at each stage of healing. Infuse those feelings (the pain, fury, jealousy, and acceptance) into your characterizations. What did you take away from the experience? Incorporate that growth, as well.
Because you're a writer, you're twice-blessed. Not only can you use your past experiences as tools, but you can also explore alternative endings/possibilities and thereby grow even wiser.
And last but not least, never lose sight of the fact that you're a bard. A teller of tales, an illusionist, a master of smoke and mirrors, the living embodiment of entertainers past. The woman who distracts a worried mother, the voice of experience for the inexperienced, and pleasant company for the lonely. Now go write. |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
Been there. Done that. Suffered that angst. While journal writing works for some, I’m a seat of the pants writer. Trying to sketch out a plot and character dynamics totally stifles me, so when it came to making my book mine, not just writing in my voice but sketching characters in my voice, I had to wander off the beaten path. Get creative. Do it the hard way. (When it comes to writing I always seem to do it the hard way.
I started analyzing how I interacted that made that work for me. I mean, I’m always in a state of angst when I go anywhere new or do anything new, but the magic of how I get over that is what I needed to take my books from flat to dynamic. I started making notes on what I noticed about the clerk at the hotel that made me choose that one to question. All aspects from facial expression to the way they dealt with the other customers. Who did I interact with while waiting? What made me share that sympathetic smile? Not every detail but the ones that trigger a response in me. And then I put those in my writing, using them as the vehicle that moves the scene, giving it, through my characters my own flair which has been very well received by reviewers and readers. . Both PROMISES LINGER and PROMISES KEEP have won CataRomances Reviewers Choice Award and PROMISES KEEP was awarded JERR”S Gold Star Award.
Let me give an example. Rather than saying he said she said, or describing an action, I take those highlights and weave them into the story, to pull the reader in. Rather than writing a mundane , “The wait was long and by the time she got to the counter her nerves were fried.” I’d probably write more deeply in the character’s point of view, incorporating those experiences and highlights I’ve been cataloguing to make the scene pop. Ie:
"The man to her left, the one with the overpowering aftershave, shifted closer as the crowd moved forward. A whining toddler provided her with the opportunity she’d been looking for. Taking advantage of the mother’s distraction, she slipped one foot to the left, releasing her breath as she stepped into fresher breathing space, refusing to feel guilty for taking advantage of a harassed mother. Surely God would forgive her just this once Especially after the day she’d had and the evening she had yet to get through. Behind her there was a cry, a wail, and a gasp. The crowd parted like the Red Sea as the mother grabbed up the toddler and spun around, just in time for junior to empty the contents of his stomach all over the top of her brand new kiss-me-quick pumps.
She sighed, dropped her bag to the floor and let the crowd surge forward without her. Something told her this blind date might be her most memorable yet."
That’s off the top of my head, but by picking the things that you, as person would notice, in situations you as a person can see yourself, and combining g them with the internal thoughts and actions that you actually have or would have, you make the story yours. You are the story teller. Your characters live and breathe through you and your perceptions. Learning what actions/reactions you have to the environment and incorporating them into your writing via your characters interactions will definitely help you identify what story styles you like (high drama, light humor, sweet tender) and let you own the style you write in.
Happy writing, |
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Dear Idenity Crisis,
Yes, I have a suggestion! Get THE ARTIST'S WAY by Julia Cameron and do the journaling and artist's dates. Dig down and find out who you are, and what matters to you, because it will then flow into your writing, whether you want that to happen or not. THE ARTIST'S WAY made a huge difference in my focus, helping me to cherish that creative person inside, the one who didn't like monster movies and loved sweet, nerdy guys. Hence, I'm now writing about nerdy guys, and there's a little suspense, but it's not heavy-duty stuff. I write comedy, because I learned that laughter is very important to me. I guess this is where I get to plug THE NERD WHO LOVED ME, out now from St. Martin's Press. But mostly I want to plug Julia Cameron's book, which is worth its weight in gold. Get one. Do the exercises. You'll be a better writer and a happier person! |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
First and foremost, you should write what you love to read -- there is no better formula. Nothing breeds disaster faster than a lover of romance setting out to write a great mainstream coming of age novel -- or vice versa. Follow your heart.
Next, don't put the cart before the horse! If you concentrate on telling the kind of story you love in a direct and entertaining manner -- whether your goal is to entertain through fright, passion or coming of age -- your individual style, your voice will emerge. Personality without story is flat -- lots of engaging characters bringing a story to life becomes who you are.
Try this little balancing act: When you transport a reader into a place and time -- whether that place is historic England or a laundry mart in Biloxi -- you have created the setting. Add characters with strong traits people can relate to and your reader will assume their dilemma -- and that is plot. Balancing these three story components will help you develop an unputdownable novel.
I think it's wonderful that you're doing a lot of writing and working hard at perfecting the techniques required. I honestly believe that in doing so, your individuality will emerge and your own unique style will be the result.
Much luck!! |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
Tapping into your own individuality is easy: you can't be anyone but you. No one can write the way you do. No one will see a story the way you do. No one will see characters the way you do. So I wouldn't "overthink" the subject of your individuality. Just sit down and "talk" to the computer, letting your own vocabulary and natural rhythms dominate your written words. If you do that faithfully, without thinking and re-thinking every phrase, you should find yourself very much in touch with your own unique way of expressing yourself. |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
My best advice for you would be to notice. Notice the things that attract you. Notice the things that come easily to you, i.e. descriptions roll off your pen, but dialogue is like pulling teeth. Notice the questions you ask yourself during the day, the news items that capture your imagination and fire your emotions. Notice what you love, what you hate. Once you notice where you are, you'll naturally pick the subjects and stories that show off your natural voice. Good luck. |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
Your question is a hard one. A person's writing is her fingerprint, something she is born with, something absolutely unique and unchangeable. The choice of subject matter is a little different. First of all, it has to interest you.
We use the old tried and true method of scanning newspapers and magazines, reading widely and seeing lots of movies, all of which immerse you in stories. Some of them will strike a chord, grab you. And you will ask yourself, "What if?" What if that heroine in the movie did this instead of that? What if your favorite literary tough guy found an abandoned baby? What if a heroine had been raped in college? What if that lady who was robbed had screamed and a handsome man had come to rescue her?
You will easily be able to recognize the subjects that take hold of you, the twists that your mind conjures up.
You may very well have favorite authors already. What is it about them that you like? Analyze the answers to these questions, and it will help you to know where your true interests lie.
Hope this helps
Carla and Molly (Lynn Erickson)
Look for AFTER HOURS in your bookstore now and HUSBAND AND LOVER coming in December. |
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Dear Identity Crisis,
I know you will get many different kinds of responses to this question. Here's my take: There are many books about using journals to unlock your secret self. Or you can use "affirmation" type books as a take-off point. One of my favorites is "Affirmations for Artists" by Eric Maisel. But I think you may be over-thinking the need to "be yourself." I think that the process of expressing your individuality starts as simply as thinking about things that interest you that you want to put into a book. They don't have to connect. And then you ask yourself questions about the character you want to answer, or put them in some kind of situation of conflict (the more extreme the better for my personal taste). And then (this is the key) you let them think about what to do, or who they are. That is really YOU thinking about who you are or how you feel about things. And voila! You have harnessed your identity. It doesn't have to be thought out at the beginning of the book. Thinking it out is the process of the book. It's way less scary that way.
Let me give you an example. I write paranormal. My next series is a vampire for St. Martin's. In the first book, THe Companion (May 05), I was very intimidated by working for a new editor. So I said, what interests me about vampires? I always wanted to write about a man who was made vampire and abandoned so he had to figure out the rules all by himself. I love the seafaring Patrick O'Brian novels, and wanted to try realism in a sea voyage.I was reading about slavery in North Africa and the beginnings of archeology, and I'm a big Regency fan. Not the stuff of a highly themed book? But as I worked through the hero's alienation from a society in which he no longer belonged, his need to find some kind of value in life when the worst has happened, his confrontation with his deepest fears, I was really working out my own opinions about how I want to live my life. And as you write him working that out--you end up with your identity and your concerns permeating the book.
The bottom line? Don't get too concerned about figuring out who you are. Let the process of the book tell you as you write. Sometimes I only figure out what the book was really about at the end. That's okay.
Go for it. |
