After reading his comments, I worried that there were no redeeming qualities about my chapter, but after a few deep breaths I told myself "If at first I don't succeed... rewrite, rewrite, again."
The week before the conference, a member of my critique group named Cindy--an excellent writer of middle grade horror--had mentioned that I start with the second chapter because it delves into action right away.
Several months before that, another member of my critique group, Carol--a published author of several middle grade novels--told me to put my main character into the same scenes that Chris from Firebrand said in his review.
Maria--she writes scary stories--another member of my awesome critique group, told me that I cannot be afraid of the emotions my main character is going through.
So, that's what I do when I work on my rewrite.
Wish me luck!
Wednesday, May 20, 2009
SCBWI Agent's Day in Newport Beach
Last Saturday, I attended SCBWI Agent's Day. I submitted the first chapter of my novel for review. Chris gave me some ideas and expressed concerns.
One of the concerns was that I might be approaching a serious mental illness--bipolar disorder--with what feels like a light touch.
I agree with his observation, although children see their world as "theirs alone" and everything is always about "me" not the parent. A crazy home life is dealt in several ways, which include acting out, introversion, or sarcasm/humor.
I grew up in such a household and, as an adult, had to suffer with said illness for over ten years before diagnosis. Humor is a way that my MC is able to cope with her surroundings.
He was also concerned with the the word "CRAZY" title of my book. This concern doesn't bother be because it is ultimately up to the publisher to give final title approval. Crazy can also imply kooky or wacky and doesn't have to be interpreted with such a PC diagnosis.
I was reminded that the structure of the first chapter has a lot of recollection and back story. I was "telling" rather than "showing." I need put the reader in all of the scenes because it will help him/her relate to what my MC is going through, even if she's presenting the facts with a level of brevity.
His main concern is how the darkness of the disorder may possibly conflict with the fact that this work is a middle grade.
He advised me to tread lightly with some of the topics, given that middle grade is typically for readers from 8-12 and that I need to make sure to approach it with the right mix of humor and seriousness, but be careful not to write about areas that are too dark for young readers.
Chris provided me with excellent info to help me improve my writing. Kudos to the agent.
One of the concerns was that I might be approaching a serious mental illness--bipolar disorder--with what feels like a light touch.
I agree with his observation, although children see their world as "theirs alone" and everything is always about "me" not the parent. A crazy home life is dealt in several ways, which include acting out, introversion, or sarcasm/humor.
I grew up in such a household and, as an adult, had to suffer with said illness for over ten years before diagnosis. Humor is a way that my MC is able to cope with her surroundings.
He was also concerned with the the word "CRAZY" title of my book. This concern doesn't bother be because it is ultimately up to the publisher to give final title approval. Crazy can also imply kooky or wacky and doesn't have to be interpreted with such a PC diagnosis.
I was reminded that the structure of the first chapter has a lot of recollection and back story. I was "telling" rather than "showing." I need put the reader in all of the scenes because it will help him/her relate to what my MC is going through, even if she's presenting the facts with a level of brevity.
His main concern is how the darkness of the disorder may possibly conflict with the fact that this work is a middle grade.
He advised me to tread lightly with some of the topics, given that middle grade is typically for readers from 8-12 and that I need to make sure to approach it with the right mix of humor and seriousness, but be careful not to write about areas that are too dark for young readers.
Chris provided me with excellent info to help me improve my writing. Kudos to the agent.
Friday, May 15, 2009
My husband
Just a note about my wonderful husband. I got really lucky on this deal. We've been married for seventeen years, and he still loves me.
He gives unconditionally to his family and friends. Loves to camp and tries his best to make everything fun for anyone who camps with us.
He's an awesome cook, and doesn't care that I'm a horrible housekeeper because our house looks like a pig sty most of the time.
I love you, Lorne.
He gives unconditionally to his family and friends. Loves to camp and tries his best to make everything fun for anyone who camps with us.
He's an awesome cook, and doesn't care that I'm a horrible housekeeper because our house looks like a pig sty most of the time.
I love you, Lorne.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Technology is scarry as hell!
When I was in high school--too long ago to mention the year--personal computers hadn't really become commonplace. In fact, my high school offered only one computer class, and it had only 10 computers, which ran on an operating system called DOS. The monitor was only about 4 x 4 inches and it was connected to the computer hard drive.
I remember clearly, my father (he was the age that I am, now) telling me to take the class as my elective. My response to him was "Oh, Dad. Computers are just a fad. It's like math, I'll never need to use it in the real world."
HA!
Well, I computers weren't a trend, and neither was/is the Internet; so, I guess, blogging is here to stay. Be patient with me as I learn, and ignore the millions of mistakes I know I will make along the way.
Many thanks!
JW
I remember clearly, my father (he was the age that I am, now) telling me to take the class as my elective. My response to him was "Oh, Dad. Computers are just a fad. It's like math, I'll never need to use it in the real world."
HA!
Well, I computers weren't a trend, and neither was/is the Internet; so, I guess, blogging is here to stay. Be patient with me as I learn, and ignore the millions of mistakes I know I will make along the way.
Many thanks!
JW
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
