Writer/Writing Tips
Never Underestimate Your Local Library
A common bit of advice I’ve heard from just about every agent/editor/writer/etc that I’ve come in contact with is: to become a better writer, one must READ. Now for me, that is easy. I often read more than one book at a time. I also like to reread books and series. So even if I am not posting reviews, you can safely bet that I am reading something. I know your are probably thinking, get to the point already. Well the point is go the library. Yes, I recommend a quick trip to your local bookstore too, but if you are like me and trying to pinch pennies, then the library just might become your new best friend. The library closest to me works like this: If you are an in town resident you get a free “advanced” card. Out of town residents have to pay 60 dollars per household per year for an “advanced” card. OR you can have a “basic” card where you can have one item out and one item on hold. That is what my husband and I both currently have. I’m digressing from my point aren’t I?
Bear with me a little longer. When I was in college at Linfield, they have something called Summit/WorldCat as part of the library. WorldCat bye the way is short for world catalog and not some clever name derived from Linfield’s mascot, the wildcat (yes I actually thought that up until two days ago–feel free to laugh hysterically at me–I won’t mind.)
I just found out that my local public library also has access to Summit/Worldcat. You just have to ask the librarian for an inter library loan form because it is not on their website and it is not really advertised or explained on their website. I happened upon this information accidentally and then called the library and was told about the form.
So now I have access to a vast array of books I had been pinning over.
So my point is to talk to your librarians and to never underestimate your library. So go find a good book!
~keep reading
World Building
Well I’ve been fleshing out Pelegra even more. If you know me, then you know that I like to research, well just about everything, so I found a couple of cool sites that seem like they might be helpful.
Befuddled
So, if you have perused the “I recommend books for writers” section you will see I have added a couple of books. Since reading these books I have been able to write a succinct synopsis (which I am astounded at accomplishing) and have determined that I have throw out the prologue and majority of chapter one and essentially re-write the beginning of my book. I wasn’t happy about that to say the least, but after combing through the subplots and really getting to the nitty gritty, I discovered I have a bunch of useless information that, while interesting, is not vital to moving the story along. So that is where I sit. Befuddled as I examine past drafts to determine how I’m going to do this.
A reminder to all
Hello again, well I thought perhaps some of you were balking at my short post over being rejected. I had several friends express outrage, but I just kind of chuckled at them, and stated the obvious: The publishing world is very subjective and you can’t take rejection personally. So I just want to remind all of you out there, that yes while reading any rejection letter is like a punch in the stomach that forces the wind out of you, you have to remember to take a deep breath, get past it, and remain the professional. ~keep reading
Books On Writing
If you are a writer, it may seem futile to read books on the subject of writing, but in reality, they can be very helpful. On this site, there is a page called I recommend. Under that is a subpage called books for writers. These are titles that I found particularly helpful on crafting prose and editing. I have read several books on writing and continue to do so, but only the ones I feel are the most beneficial are posted here. I update fairly regularly–depending on what I’ve read recently. So check back often.
~Keep Reading
Things I ‘ve learned the past week or two…
Ok. I think I’m done rambling now.
Word Count
I have found a couple of places that have extremely useful and I feel reliable, information regarding word count.
http://www.renlearn.com/store/quiz_home.asp
This is a great database where you can look up the word count of books already in print. It’s always a good idea to see how long current books are running in the genre that you are writing.
http://www.agentquery.com/format_tips.aspx
This site has some great information on word counts, formatting, and submissions. I found it very helpful.
Manuscript Boxes
Well, I thought that it was going to be difficult to find the Manuscript Box creature, as it has been elusive in the past. However, I was wrong and happy to be so. I live in Northwest Oregon. I live in Yamhill County an area known for its wines but not necessarily exhaustive stationary supplies. Anyway, I figured the most logical place to look The UPS Store. Score 1. They do have top and bottom boxes that fit letter size paper. Yay!
Next stop, because I needed printer paper and it’s across the street was Staples. So I decided what the heck, let’s look at boxes. Low and behold, score two! They have corrugated mailing boxes (white) that are 11 1/8 x 8 7/8 x 2 1/4. They are very sturdy and come in a package of 5. I paid $8.49 for them. Oh and they were the “stapels” brand. They were with all of the other shipping/packaging stuff.
So I was very pleased that I didn’t have to drive far to find a manuscript box.
