Writing Update
Thought you all might be interested in knowing that two of my manuscripts bombed in a contest. Okay, I don't know how they did yet, only that they didn't final. In the words of my dear writer pal who shall remain nameless, "Wah!"
But don't worry. My skin is thick and I'm well aware of how subjective a contest can be.
Thus, armed with that practical knowledge, I press on with revising Bad Boy's Redemption.
And guess what?
I've gotta do some research! Exciting stuff too. Since my heroine is a PI, I have a few questions for someone in that career. One lucky (or unlucky) detective will be getting a call Monday morning from an aspiring novelist.
Have you ever needed to talk to a professional about a subject/character in your book? What was the most exciting research you've ever done?
But don't worry. My skin is thick and I'm well aware of how subjective a contest can be.
Thus, armed with that practical knowledge, I press on with revising Bad Boy's Redemption.
And guess what?
I've gotta do some research! Exciting stuff too. Since my heroine is a PI, I have a few questions for someone in that career. One lucky (or unlucky) detective will be getting a call Monday morning from an aspiring novelist.
Have you ever needed to talk to a professional about a subject/character in your book? What was the most exciting research you've ever done?
Comments
Most exciting research? Hmmm...I called an architectural salvage yard in NYC. I know. Kinda boring.
Good luck with your call Monday. And Angie - how cool!
anyhoo, sorry if this is a bit 'plug like' and out of the blue but i've started a writer's forum where people who blog and are writers can network with each other and discuss everything to do with writing.
http://thewriterschronicle.forumotion.net/forum.htm
Its just starting out - it'd be great if you could drop by and have a look.
thanks
emily
As you well know, I bombed, too. So I second your "Wah!"
*snickering and chagrinned*
The coolest research I've done so far, I'm still doing. It's for my angel / gargoyle book and I've had to research circus life and sideshow people. They are a VERY interesting and brave lot.
Go you with your revisions and the new WIP. I LOVE the title, BTW! :-)
Blessings on "Courting Maggie." Is this your fourth book? You are amazing! Do you ever sleep?
Love,
Jen
I once tried to contact the Boston Public library for info-but they never called me back. Luckily you can find out a lot on the internet.
Have fun!
Most of my stories come from my life experiences. Haven't done much research, but thinking about writing a non-fiction book and will have to put out some calls for help.
I think I did read that you were a PI. If I think of any questions, I'll e-mail you. Right now, my main one is what kind of technology they use, if it's just normal stuff like a phone camera, or if they have any super cool gadgets.
But I was wondering if you need a degree?
I checked out your blog/forum and it looks great! I don't have much time to participate in stuff like that, but maybe some other commenters will?
Anyways, congrats on being so focused when you're only 21. That's awesome!
Thanks for stopping by.
Not brave, just whiny. LOL
Circus people would be interesting. Imagine having a physical difference, something that sets you apart from everyone you see, and flaunting it for a career. But flaunting in a good way. They are courageous. I'm afraid to go out when I get a cold sore. Again, very not brave.
:-)
I do sleep, actually, alot. I'm one of those people who need her nine hours at night. Yes, it's my fourth manuscript. Writing usually happens at naptime. I'm very scheduled so I usually have an open 1 1/2 slot every day.
So I'm amazing, huh? *blushing* I'm really not. Hope your writing is progressing well!
So you're going to do non-fiction? Go you!
At any rate, I've no exciting stories to tell! I once called a rock climbing place because I was writing a story about a guy who was always afraid of everything and at the end he decides to climb the rocks at Arches state national park.
Once I emailed a psychologist who specialized in people who hear voices - he works at one of the "top universities" and had all these papers out and about and etc - he was really nice and helpful....and it was for a story - Im' not hearing voices (much) *Laughing!*
Research--I mostly do mine via the internet, including e-mailing specialists who are willing to give of their time to answer specific questions. It's amazing how helpful people will be even for an unknown like me. So many blessings to be thankful for.
Speaking with a psychologist who deals with people who hear voices sounds absolutely fascinating!
I get so frustrated when you inquire by email to someone and they don't even bother to say, sorry I can't help you. I think, as writers, we'd love to be able to help someone with their research.
I have an idea about inspirational categories in contests. Unlike the others, where you are hopefully getting a historical-loving judge in the historical category, for instance, the inspirational category has a much wider variety of sub genres. That does make it a little more subjective I believe.
Jessica, you are obviously doing everything you can to move forward as a writer, so put the contest thoughts aside and pat yourself on the back. Perseverance!
Of two judges, out of 100 points, one gave me a 92 and the other a 59. LoL How's that for subjective. Hehee.
Research--most definitely NOT my favorite part of writing.
I commented this morning, but I don't see it on here. Maybe I forgot to hit the "Send" button. LOL!
Sorry your constest entries didn't get picked. I've only entered one contest and bombed out.
Although my novel is not "Amish fiction," I do have several Amish characters. One of my friends read an earlier version of my manuscript and suggested some changes relating to those characters.
I was surprised by her knowledge, and asked her how she knew so much. She told me she grew up Amish and was fluent in PA Dutch. Here I had an expert, and I didn't even know it.
Blessings,
Susan :)
Have fun with your research. That's one of my favorite parts of writing.
So cool about your friend. Maybe even providential?
:-)