It’s official! I have the cover for The Undead Space Initiative by Lex at Winterheart Designs! Thank you Lex!
Sci-Fi
Think Pink
Happy Friday everyone! And Happy New Year! Don’t forget to visit me at the Scribes, where I ask the question – What do I know?
A few weeks back I promised to share the details of my latest sale. Now that the paperwork is all in order, I can tell you this:
The Undead Space Initiative will be coming in 2012 from Pink Petal Books.
I am very excited that this book found a home and so quickly. If you want the details behind USI’s journey, visit me at the Scribes when you’re done here.
Now that I have two books sold, I have to face the next step in the publication process – editing! And after that promotion.
I’ll admit it – I am not very good at tooting my own horn. I realize that I need to get over that and fast, so expect to see me making the rounds at various blogs. Thank you to all my generous friends for use of the their blog space.
And, I assure you, I intend to keep working on my next book. So many things to do… so little time.
But I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Have a safe and wonderful New Year! See you on the flip side of the calendar!
Ever Been Rejected and Accepted in the Same Day?
Happy Friday everyone! Please be sure to visit the Scribes today. I have posted my recipe – Wyatt’s Whoopie Pies.
And if you still haven’t entered the Soul Mate Author’s December contest, what are you waiting for? The prize is a brand new Kindle! You can enter once per day!
As most of you know, I have two other completed novels, besides Mystic Ink: Ascension and The Undead Space Initiative. I have been actively seeking publication for both books. And both were out to editors. Key word in that last sentence – were.
Now, I never thought in a million years that I would receive a rejection and an acceptance all in the same day.
The rejection – Ascension – which boiled down to scheduling, was disappointing. But, I was expecting it. (I always expect a no, but that’s how I protect myself from being crushed by rejection!). The editor was kind and encouraging. I will try submitting that book elsewhere in the coming months.
Later, that same day, I received an offer for the book I wrote in a month as part of the Scribes double dog dare back in July.
Yeah – The Undead Space Initiative which I never, ever, thought would sell, that book received an offer!
I was so shocked, I asked my husband to read the e-mail to me. He looked at me like I was nuts, but obliged. After all, I had just been rejected, how is it possible that on the same day, I got an offer to buy USI?
I’m not complaining, but merely pointing out the strange way the world works. I’m thrilled! Ecstatic to have made another sale!
You may have noticed, I haven’t named names. I won’t yet. Not until everything is finalized.
I only mention the offer now, because two weeks ago, I promised on the Scribes page to mention good news faster.
And a promise is a promise!!
Once it’s a done deal, I will share the details.
And now, I really have to start my next book! Evil plotting – here I come!
Ever have good news, but been afraid to divulge it right away? If you have any good news or any news, feel free to share it!
Now the Fun Begins!
Happy Friday everyone. Don’t forget to visit me at the Scribes today and say “hi” to our special guest – Frankie Robertson. She’s discussing her move to indie publishing and her new, traditionally published book – Veiled Mirror.
After a few weeks of waiting, I’ve received critique for The Undead Space Initiative. The overall reception has been positive. The book isn’t perfect (nothing ever is) and I have a bunch of questions, comments and “things that may need more explaining” to sift through.
To my beta readers and critique partners – thank you for taking time out of your busy schedules to read and comment on my book. The book will only be better because of you.
How should a writer deal with feedback? Gracefully is always a good place to start. Try not to stress about it or take it personally.
But, practically, you also can’t please everyone. Nor can you re-make the book is someone else’s image. Balance is necessary. Take what works for you and discard the rest. But don’t toss it completely away (more on this at the end of the post).
One of the hardest things I’ve had to learn is what should be changed or not changed based on critique. Monday’s Scribe – Jamie Pope- has done a great blog post on critique and I urge you to read it!
The two questions I always ask myself – Do I agree? Will the change make the book better?
Notice, I didn’t ask, “Do I like it?” It doesn’t matter if I like the feedback or not. It doesn’t matter whether I want to hear that I might need to change something. If I agree, I suck it up, start evaluating, and make the changes.
Also, notice I said, “If I agree.”
And I always try to apply the unused, technique-related feedback to my next novel. That way I can grow and improve as a writer.
Besides, I’m still the Author Goddess. And what I say goes.
Evil Plotting
Yay! Another Friday. Don’t forget to check out my post over at the Scribes – I’m late, I’m late…for what exactly? and meet the Naggy Bunny.
Another week has come and gone. And I’m sad to say, not much plotting has happened for Devil’s Advocate.
I spent most of the week helping my fellow writers. I’ve been honored to read their works in progress and provide my feedback. I’ve read some sci-fi, paranormal romance, middle grade adventure and contemporary. I have such talented friends!!
I’ve received feedback on The Undead Space Initiative. So far, no one has told me the story is bad. I’ve gotten mostly high marks, which is always nice. Still, I’m not resting on my laurels. There will be edits. I’m not sure what form they will take yet.
I’ve been mostly reflective this week. Thinking about my new characters. What do they want? How will they achieve their goals?What happens next (my favorite question to answer). Not all that different from talking to my sons (what do you want to do with your life?).
Just thinking about the word “plotting” brings to mind a different word – scheming. When you think about it, as a writer, you really are contriving an entire story out of thin air – creating a whole new world that didn’t previously exist. Totally cool and frightening at the same time. And once the story is published, then that world is shared with your readers. They bring their own expectations and realities. Your world isn’t only in your head anymore.
It’s a big responsibility, which is why I spend more time on plotting, character creation, etc. than I do writing. I’ve learned the hard way that planning ahead works best for me. In a few weeks NaNo WriMo will begin and I plan to be prepared (like a good Boy Scout mother).
It’s hard to believe Fall is almost here. I’ll leave you with a photograph I took last October at Old Sturbridge Village in Massachusetts. If you live in the area and you’ve never been – plan a trip. Right now.
Casey Wyatt 