Learn From Glynis She Does It All The Hard Way!

The current news on my manuscript is that it is in cyberinbox of four agents. I am preparing a submission sheet to keep track of who I have sent it to, and the final outcome.
Now here comes the lesson. I was distracted by visitors when I was file clearing and deleting. I could not remember the full name of one of the agents, so looked at my sent file for the embedded email.

* Look of horror*

*Sick feeling in gut*

I had copied and pasted from a rough draft, that had old edits retained in wrong places!

*BIG SCREAM*

This is what happened in my house today:

What are you screaming for Glynis?

I am a fool, this whole submitting thing is a nightmare.

Calm down. Cup of tea?

No, will it clear up a major embarrasing faux pas? No I think not. I am not being sarcastic, I am upset.

Yes DH, you go and pull some weeds, good idea.

OK. Breathe Glynis Breathe.

What are you going to do?

Nothing, there is nothing I can do.

At least you have learned a hard lesson.

Oh brain, shut up!

OOH, who's snarky?

Right this is getting me nowhere.

I have lost my chance with that agent. So Breathe Glynis Breathe and deal with it.

Delete the files that are no good to me.

Feels good.

I liked that agent, shame.

Oh to heck with it. Do something in true Glynis style.

Dear Agent

Apologies for ...

Yes I wrote an apology for embedding faulty work from a poorly edited file. I embedded the correct information again. I thought, if nothing else, I feel better for doing it, and the agent can see I proofread. *Smile*

So, clear out any files that have no use to you what so ever. I had given mine very close names, and clicked on the wrong one. So name files completely different if you do have to keep them.

Hi did you get the weeding done?

Me? I am OK, I did some weeding of my own.

Yes, it happened and there is no point in crying over it. Just don't let visitors in the house anymore.

No, I am not saying it was your fault. It was my fault, I failed myself but I learned a lesson the Glynis way.

Yes DH it is the hard way to learn.

It is not the end of the horror story, I looked back and noted I had used the same file for another agent. This one has a different submitting system, so I cannot send a 'Love From Glynis' note. I have to accept that two out of the four agents I have now submitted to will not give me a second look, but life is not all about what you are taught, it is about what you learn.

*Still breathing*

Breathe Glynis Breathe

Well I have done it - I have submitted to my first agent!

Guess what? I can't breath...or is that breathe?

Those words used to drive me insane when I was a nurse. Then I was taught:
To avoid death you need BREATH in order to BREATHE...remember the EEE sound is the E on the end.

(Picture courtesy of MedGadget)

I tell you this, I could not hit that send button when the time came. I felt like this when I took my final nursing exams. When you want something so badly, but you know the chances are minute of you getting it, why do you want it more?
This is what happened tonight inside my home.

Breathe Glynis breathe, just hit the button.
OK, a cold drink might help.
I wonder how D1 is doing? What time is it in the UK? Oh, she will still be at work.
D2? No, it is salon day for her.
Son? No, Canada is not open yet.
I wonder how Helen, Emily and Alex are doing. No, no blogging tonight, click the ruddy button Glynis.
Breathe Glynis Breathe
Yes DH, thanks a coffee would be lovely. No, not sent it yet.
Yes, yes I will. I am ready, yes it's ready. Well I just can't do it yet. I just can't, that's why not.
Why not?
Well, what if they laugh?
Why are you laughing?
Oh, I know, I know I won't hear or see them if they do, but what if they do?
No, I don't think I am being silly.
NO, you are not going to do that...it is my baby to kick out of the nest.
Did you walk the dogs?
I am not changing the subject, no I am not.
I feel sick.
Why did I write the book? I had to that's why.
I know, I know, yes it was my dream to send it out to agents.
Hey, DH.
Did it.
What do you mean, what?
I sent my query, that's what.

Breathe DH Breathe
When will I hear anything?
If I am lucky about 4-6 weeks
That's not fair, I won't be hell to live with...I won't, will I?

Can You Help Me Please?

Ripped Genes is coming to life. This second novel (ooh, I love saying that), this second novel will be based in America, (I can hear all my friends over there cheering, thanks guys). I need links and any trivia to do with the US (let's say New York) from 1889 to approx 1910. I am learning the language. Cookies and Eggplant. See I can say biscuits and aubergine in American already!

I am learning about ships at the moment (yawn), and to my delight found a little piece of history I can slip into book two that sits nicely with my POV, Sali Joel.

I know it is really Karoline Herfurth but she is the image of my MC Sali Joel

Yes she has a name now. It is a name my previous POV Kitty Harper, (my dear sweet Kitty who started my writing journey) invented from four characters and Christmas in book1, I had nothing to do with it, she did it for good reason (no spoilers on this blog).
The month is December and near Christmas, so she thought of Noel as a surname. Then she played around with the names of friends and family: Noel (Christmas) + Sally, Joe, Lilly and Sarah = Sali Joel. It is an unusual name, and she wanted it to stand out, but be easy to say.

The whole thing landed on my lap one night while she was resting after her 80,750 word journey (yes I added a few more). She played around with ideas and hey presto handed it over to me. With her assistance it was a doddle. I am sure the rest will not be so easy. She is so clever but I am not sure how much longer she is going to be with me. I fear I  must move forward with book2 without her soon, but I do look forward to working with Sali Joel. I wonder where she will take me and where did she come from? Why did Kitty need to make up a name? Who is it for?

What are you asking me for? She is the one with the answers, I am just the scribe.

DL Hammons Blogs Around The World

I came across a new blog and want to share it with you. CRUISING ALTITUDE is the baby of DL (not sure what it stands for) Hammons.

DL, has a great page to collect bloggers from around the world. Cyprus bumped his number up from 18 countries to 19. He is tracking where his followers come from, and it is great fun to see such a variety.


In the same post he is sharing space for us to let our favourite post shine. I added the link to my snarky response to that rude emailer. Do you remember I am English Leave Me Alone? It was a toss up between that one or Group Hug and Gucci Shoes-No Thanks and oh, and what about Dear Agent? I have posts I cringe over big time, but these three were fun to write.

Anyway, I though his idea was great, so pop over and have a browse. (The post is Bump) Then leave a link to your favourite post. Go on hunt out the ones you have written that make you smile when you read them over and think, I liked that one.

~~~~~~~~

Agent Search and Wetting Myself

Just in case you missed the announcement, I have finished my first novel. Yes, Ripper, My Love is complete, edited and filed. It is waiting to be submitted to the big outside world. My quest is to find an agent who is interested in Historical Romance Thrillers. They are to be email friendly and not allergic to the smell of a new writer. You know the smell; sweat, tears, coffee and fear.

Well during my browsing time, I came across several. Without further ado let's get reading their submission rules.

1. Ooer, that link is dodgy, it goes to a blank page. If you can't maintain your website to promote yourself-no thanks.
2. Rule 175 - you lost me baby. I cannot work with a dick-tator and you come across as a big arrogant *bleep*. Not author friendly at all.
3. Yawn, your website is soooo boring and what do you look like?  I must see a smile or a picture, your eyes tell me a lot about you.
4. Set up last month? OK you might not be new to the business though, let's see your credentials. I said who can back you up? OK, who wrote the 150 books you represent?  Sorry can't see it -bye.
5. Really? You take that much away for commission? -Click
6. I need to pay how much upfront? Can I deduct the floor cleaner I have just had to buy? I wet myself laughing.
7. You need an emailed query, synopsis and the first 50 pages...say that again...yeah where's the catch? Nowhere? You are established: check. You have a lovely smile: check. You are not adverse to new smells: check. Your website is easy to read: check. Your colleagues all smile and have great client list: check.Winner! However, you are not accepting at this present time due to the vast amount of submissions - I AM NOT SURPRISED, just my luck.

As you can see some of those I have found are not worthy of a query letter from me. I am not a snob, nor do I think I am above agents (I want one), or clever because I have written a book. The reason they are not going to be approached by me is that I want to find an agent I can trust, (like number 7 on my list). To gain my trust it is up to them to be honest and upfront, approachable and professional. I want to be part of the team. I want to be taught by them how to work the book into the publishing world. If there is not a picture of the agent, or they want money from me before the journey begins, to me there is nothing to build upon. Some of the sites that claimed to be agents blah blah International, blah blah, made me laugh so much I needed to cross my legs.

One agent (7), has a lovely bright smile, all the history of their work is there for me to see. They are recommended by Preditors and Editors. There is a blog where I can find out a little of their personality to make me feel at ease. To me that is a professional. There are amazing agents out there, some of whose blogs I follow, (sadly I do not fall into their genre). They make an effort for their clients, who have made an effort to write the book that will earn them money, they deserve the queries.

We read over and over what agents want from the author and we are frantic to fulfill the order. What we must remember is we are in this too, we pay eventually and need to have good support, they have to fulfill our order, it is a partnership.

So I am off to browse some more, and if you are an agent representing my genre, have a lovely smile and great website...you have been warned. I am looking for you.

 

PS:

What A Day To...

Today it is the first wedding anniversary of my daughter Nicola. Remember when I wrote an idea on a napkin at her reception?
Well what a day to finish writing my novel. OH DIDN'T YOU HEAR ME?

I HAVE FINISHED MY NOVEL! 

Ripper, My Love by Glynis Smy really exists, it is not in my mind. If it never gets published, that is fine, I have achieved what I set out to do. I am a writer an author of books (well 1 and a tiddley bit).

Despite my fears of not being able to complete the targeted 80,000 words, then losing 25,000 (what a day that was), I have finished on 80,450. All edits are complete, the query letter is finished and the synopsis will be tweeked over the next few days.

From concept to completion it has been 18 months. Now I am ready to hunt for an agent, I have my eye on a couple, but as you know I am now going to target the US, so am browsing at the moment. August should see me submit for the first time.

My problem is I have written myself out of my original genre. It started out as an Historical Romance, and is now an Historical Romance Thriller or Suspense. Any links to agents you have come across in this genre will be gratefully received.

Thank you all for your support and kind words during the whole process, now can I ask you do the same again for book 2, Ripped Genes?

August Release for Kathi Oram Peterson

Let me get one thing straight, Kathi is not in prison and due to be released. My title is a classic case of how to get it wrong!

Kathi Oram Peterson is only guilty of writing novels. Good ones.

 

(I love the covers and don't you just love the way the colours match my blog?)

What about this gorgeous beast?  The book is due for release in August 2010.

 

Visit Kathi's Writing Nook for a first sighting contest she has created. Such cute prizes!

Find out more at Kathi's Website

Still Here and Sharing Another Video

Now I am not wanting to share this just because my name is on it. If you watch closely you will see the mention of a new publishing site to visit. I love the music that goes with the video. Another great marketing project.




My week has been a busy one.

The 80,000 words will probably only ever be 75,000 but that is alright for a first novel. As hard as I have tried the 5,000 from the 25,000 I lost have never returned. Unless they arrive during the last edits, they never will.
I am finding the synopsis a challenge, but I am getting there. Help and advice from friends has put me on the right road with the query letter and this final hurdle.

When I read through my work, I noticed not all of my characters had features or movement. I have been glued to coffee shops, supermarkets and the Internet trying to form the correct image for each one. It is frustrating when YOU know what they look like, but your MS has no imagination and refuses to record what you envisage. I am very positive about the weekend. If I continue the hard work, I can move forward from writing, to submission.

In true Glynis style, I have a question. I understand I have to insert a page break to indicate a new chapter. Is this the case?

Another Amazing Book Promo Video

Alex Cavanaugh has a great book video to share with us. Why? Because he has a book coming out in a few months, how exciting is that?

Congratulations Alex!

You can find my blogging friend OVER AT HIS BLOG.

The name of his book? *CassaStar*

Well Now I Have...

...written many, many words this week to get the novel alive and kicking again. I wrote 14,795. I still have about 10,000 to go, this will get me back to the 80,000 words I had before THE disaster. I became a little mind boggled, and decided to tackle the query letter and synopsis again. I wrote them out recently, and Nadine Laman offered to glance her eye over them should I need it. Now this offer came at a timely moment. My mentor Louie Jerome is poorly, and is not writing at the moment.
Anyway, I sent the query letter to Nadine, and she offered some great advice. I chose to ignore some of it and kept some, kicked it around the room a few times and hey presto it looked OK.

I sent it back to her and got, a positive response and poured a glass of wine.

I read it through again, wrote a bit more, cut and chopped and guess what?

It is done, dusted and filed! Thanks for your support and encouragement my friends.

Not Today

 

I had them there, or so I thought,
Notes scribbled from my head.
When I returned to read them,
I found gobbledygook instead.

The pen I used had turned to mush,
And dried up all its ink.
My brain cell packed its suitcase,
And ran away to think.

On its return, we had a chat,
It told me which way to go,
I listened to this inner voice,
And a manuscript of sorts did grow.

At first it was hard going,
But I persevered.
A novel rose from the page,
I sang, and danced, then cheered.

It's finished! I cried out with glee,
The book is now complete,
Then brain cell remembered edits,
So my butt's back in the seat.

Writing's a roller coaster,
A sickening ride for some,
It takes time to perfect the words,
And a writer's work is never done.

The end is in sight, all's not lost,
Brain cell and me are a team,
I stopped fighting with it,
Between us this WIP will gleam.

Well OK, it won't shine bright,
There will be errors along the way,
But brain cell has inked my pen,
And the final word will be written...well maybe not today.

Panic Ye Not

My break from blogging has been traumtic, yet productive. Last year I learned a great lesson in backing up my work. I have been so good about it since, and keep a tidy system. So you can imagine my horror when my computer, word and another piece of software crashed and died, just as I got going on my heads down and finish week.

In an email that was bouncing back and forth between, Nadine Laman and myself, I mentioned that a couple of chapters had gone missing. I later realised it was 25,000 words. I felt much better when she mentioned it had happened to her in the past. She also wrote these words, and they spurred me on.

Consider it the gods that are nudging you to rewrite those two chapters.

DH, said maybe it was meant to be. I said...well actually you don't want to know what I said. Anyway, I think they were both right. Yet again Ripper, My Love has taken a slightly different direction. I am now 14,000 words short of my 80,000 I had achieved, so you can see, I have not been slacking during my blogging break. I have the words, they are in my head and will be added in the next day or so. My computer is having an overhaul, so am taking it in turns with DH on the main one. I could have thrown in the towel, but instead I grabbed one, jumped in the pool, swam to clear my mind. It worked, I am on a roll as they say.


I will take a browse around your blogs, but will not be back here again for a few days. See you soon.