The game authors play more than any other. It starts with beta readers then agents then editors then publishers, etc. The best way to play the game? Keep yourself occupied.
I've been waiting to see if the agent with the query critique blog will select mine or not. I'm hoping she does, of course, but I'll be forced to move on if she doesn't. In the meantime, I went ahead and edited my book again. It's amazing how much I've learned since the last time I edited. Now that I'm happy with it, I have *pause for dramatic affect* started writing the next installment in the series. Yesterday, I started out strong writing 11 pages in 3 hours. I'm already developing my own voice in my writing and it's exciting to see how far I've come since I started my first book.
So, I'm keeping this blog short so I can get back to the writing. If you have any questions, comments or suggests for blogs, please leave a comment below, on my facebook fan page or facebook group page.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Monday, April 19, 2010
Taking the plunge...
Some of you may be wondering why I haven't said anything about sending out my next query letter. Well, I haven't sent it out yet. Besides having personal events that required my time and attention for a while, I've been researching the next agent on my list. Turns out she has a blog dedicated solely to critiquing query letters.
Here's how it works:
1. You read every single letter she's critiqued and learn as much as you can from them. There are over 150 people who have sent letters in and many of them have been critiqued 3 or 4 times.
2. You read the rules for how to submit your query letter. Very important because if you don't follow the rules, your letter gets deleted without being read.
4. You write your query letter.
5. A week later, you re-read your letter and make any changes you think need to be made.
6. You submit your letter... and wait.
7. She emails you when your letter is critiqued.
8. You read the notes she's made, make any changes that need to be made, and repeat steps 7 and 8 however many times you like.
There has been 1 letter that was perfect from the first draft and she asked for pages. There have been 7 more letter that went through revision a few times, but ended up perfect in the end... and she asked for pages. So, there's a lot of reading and studying on my part and even then, my chances of being asked for pages is like 1 in 19.
But, it is so worth it! I have no idea what I'm doing here. I've never done this before. This agent is basically giving people a chance to try again until they get it right. Of course, she expects the book to be as well written (if not better) than the query letter, so you need to apply what you've learned from her blog to your novel as well. But, I don't know of any other agent that gives you this kind of opportunity.
So, I've decided to send my query letter to her blog instead of straight to her. I wrote it about 10 days ago and have read over it again. Do I think it's good enough not to get a rejection letter? Probably not. But I have read and learned from every single query letter she has critiqued, and I've done the best I can. It won't hurt to try, right?
Wish me luck!
P.S. For any aspiring authors who want to know who this agent is and where to find her blog, please email me at odell.courtney@yahoo.com. For friends and family, sorry. I'd like to keep the humiliation to myself until she finally asks me for pages. I'm sure you understand. The blog redacts all personal information including my name, but you know enough from Dan's teaser to be able to figure out which letter is mine, being chopped to pieces for all to see. I'll be glad to post the finished product once pages have been requested.
Here's how it works:
1. You read every single letter she's critiqued and learn as much as you can from them. There are over 150 people who have sent letters in and many of them have been critiqued 3 or 4 times.
2. You read the rules for how to submit your query letter. Very important because if you don't follow the rules, your letter gets deleted without being read.
4. You write your query letter.
5. A week later, you re-read your letter and make any changes you think need to be made.
6. You submit your letter... and wait.
7. She emails you when your letter is critiqued.
8. You read the notes she's made, make any changes that need to be made, and repeat steps 7 and 8 however many times you like.
There has been 1 letter that was perfect from the first draft and she asked for pages. There have been 7 more letter that went through revision a few times, but ended up perfect in the end... and she asked for pages. So, there's a lot of reading and studying on my part and even then, my chances of being asked for pages is like 1 in 19.
But, it is so worth it! I have no idea what I'm doing here. I've never done this before. This agent is basically giving people a chance to try again until they get it right. Of course, she expects the book to be as well written (if not better) than the query letter, so you need to apply what you've learned from her blog to your novel as well. But, I don't know of any other agent that gives you this kind of opportunity.
So, I've decided to send my query letter to her blog instead of straight to her. I wrote it about 10 days ago and have read over it again. Do I think it's good enough not to get a rejection letter? Probably not. But I have read and learned from every single query letter she has critiqued, and I've done the best I can. It won't hurt to try, right?
Wish me luck!
P.S. For any aspiring authors who want to know who this agent is and where to find her blog, please email me at odell.courtney@yahoo.com. For friends and family, sorry. I'd like to keep the humiliation to myself until she finally asks me for pages. I'm sure you understand. The blog redacts all personal information including my name, but you know enough from Dan's teaser to be able to figure out which letter is mine, being chopped to pieces for all to see. I'll be glad to post the finished product once pages have been requested.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Pictures as Promised:
Here are some pictures from my acting experience. Enjoy!
Here I am driving. My "movie son" Trey is in the back seat pretending to sleep. It was important for us to make it clear to Trey that he just needed to pretend to sleep. He thought we really wanted him to sleep and he wasn't okay with that.
Here I am with the camera in my face. Talk about a close-up!
Kal and Tyler carefully operating this big pole (I should really know the name of).
Suzanne: couldn't have done it without her!
Here's a scene at an old abandoned gas station. Kal is walking away from me laughing because of a practical joke Michael had played on me. Kal couldn't keep a straight face and almost blew it... yeah right... I'm the most gullible person on the face of the planet. I totally fell for it!
Michael directing Trey through a very complicated scene. They both did a great job!
My beautiful cousin Teri keeping Trey company while the adults get their act together.
An emotional scene for me, hence the pursed lips and hint of a tear in my eye.
Here I am driving. My "movie son" Trey is in the back seat pretending to sleep. It was important for us to make it clear to Trey that he just needed to pretend to sleep. He thought we really wanted him to sleep and he wasn't okay with that.
Here I am with the camera in my face. Talk about a close-up!
Kal and Tyler carefully operating this big pole (I should really know the name of).
Suzanne: couldn't have done it without her!
Here's a scene at an old abandoned gas station. Kal is walking away from me laughing because of a practical joke Michael had played on me. Kal couldn't keep a straight face and almost blew it... yeah right... I'm the most gullible person on the face of the planet. I totally fell for it!
Michael directing Trey through a very complicated scene. They both did a great job!
My beautiful cousin Teri keeping Trey company while the adults get their act together.
An emotional scene for me, hence the pursed lips and hint of a tear in my eye.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Dear Val...
I have plenty of ideas on things to blog about, but I want to write about things that interest you, my readers, so I figure until I am completely consumed by writing and such, I can take the time to answer individual questions from people personally. If you have a question or something you would like me to write about, feel free to leave a comment here, or on my Facebook fan and group pages, and I will be glad to answer them.
My awesome cousin Val wrote: Blog about your inspiration to write- the people that you've met in life that have influenced you.
Dear Val,
I'd have to say that my #1 inspiration has been my husband. Besides the fact that he reads a book a week, is very intelligent, and supports me to no end, he also turned me on to reading again when I had stopped completely. When we met, I wasn't much of a reader... felt like I had better things to do. He encouraged me through example, not words, which is more than I can say about anyone in my life who has ever tried to get me to read something. I love him even more for that because when you are a writer, reading is just as important as writing.
My second inspiration comes from reading a book. While I'm in a book, I feel like I'm really there. Like I know the characters and places. Like I can relate to them in some way or another. Like I care about them. That all-too-real feeling of having stepped into another world and having somehow gone through the trials the characters face is all consuming... to the point that when I finish reading a story, I feel sad about saying goodbye to the characters and places. I think that's how it is for most people. You develop a personal connection to the entire story and it's like you've left a part of yourself there when it's over. Which, I think, is why most people love series. Each installment brings you back to that part of yourself that you once left behind. It's a great feeling, and I will never stop reading again because of it. I want to give that feeling to people. Let them walk around in my imagined world and feel like they belong.
As far as influential people I've met, my husband is at the front of the line again, but there are many more. I've always known that my mother has a gift with words. She is a poet among other things and her talent has impressed me many times. There are also writers on my Dad's side of the family, Teri Robinson (one of the screenwriters of the film I was just in) is one, and very talented as well. Friends and family influence me more than I can say. The support that they provide, and even the ones who want to keep me firmly planted in reality by pointing out just how difficult it is to get published, in one way or another, you all play an important role in my writing.
I also think that the authors of the books I read influence me. Although I've never met most of them, I still feel like I have met them while reading their books... because I know from experience how much of yourself you put in the written words on the page. I was fortunate enough to meet one of my favorite authors, Richelle Mead. The experience was short, but nice.
I'd have to say everyone I've ever known, know, and will know, have the ability to influence my writing. Corny as it may sound, I am a student of life, always learning, growing, and most importantly, living. It would be impossible for me not to write a book without including life lessons I've learned. Everyone around has played a role in those lessons in some way or another. And, I'm happy to say, most people in my life have been positive.
My awesome cousin Val wrote: Blog about your inspiration to write- the people that you've met in life that have influenced you.
Dear Val,
I'd have to say that my #1 inspiration has been my husband. Besides the fact that he reads a book a week, is very intelligent, and supports me to no end, he also turned me on to reading again when I had stopped completely. When we met, I wasn't much of a reader... felt like I had better things to do. He encouraged me through example, not words, which is more than I can say about anyone in my life who has ever tried to get me to read something. I love him even more for that because when you are a writer, reading is just as important as writing.
My second inspiration comes from reading a book. While I'm in a book, I feel like I'm really there. Like I know the characters and places. Like I can relate to them in some way or another. Like I care about them. That all-too-real feeling of having stepped into another world and having somehow gone through the trials the characters face is all consuming... to the point that when I finish reading a story, I feel sad about saying goodbye to the characters and places. I think that's how it is for most people. You develop a personal connection to the entire story and it's like you've left a part of yourself there when it's over. Which, I think, is why most people love series. Each installment brings you back to that part of yourself that you once left behind. It's a great feeling, and I will never stop reading again because of it. I want to give that feeling to people. Let them walk around in my imagined world and feel like they belong.
As far as influential people I've met, my husband is at the front of the line again, but there are many more. I've always known that my mother has a gift with words. She is a poet among other things and her talent has impressed me many times. There are also writers on my Dad's side of the family, Teri Robinson (one of the screenwriters of the film I was just in) is one, and very talented as well. Friends and family influence me more than I can say. The support that they provide, and even the ones who want to keep me firmly planted in reality by pointing out just how difficult it is to get published, in one way or another, you all play an important role in my writing.
I also think that the authors of the books I read influence me. Although I've never met most of them, I still feel like I have met them while reading their books... because I know from experience how much of yourself you put in the written words on the page. I was fortunate enough to meet one of my favorite authors, Richelle Mead. The experience was short, but nice.
I'd have to say everyone I've ever known, know, and will know, have the ability to influence my writing. Corny as it may sound, I am a student of life, always learning, growing, and most importantly, living. It would be impossible for me not to write a book without including life lessons I've learned. Everyone around has played a role in those lessons in some way or another. And, I'm happy to say, most people in my life have been positive.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
... and action!
Quite a few people have been asking me about my acting experience this past weekend, and while I had intended this blog to be used only for my writing, I don't see any reason I can't deviate this one time. I was hoping to have pictures to post with this blog, but I didn't take any. However, other people who were on the set did, and I will add a few to the blog as soon as I have access to them.
About a month ago, my cousin Teri Robinson asked me if I had any acting experience. The answer, of course, was no. She and her writing partner, Michael Farrell, wrote a short screenplay called "Priceless" for a contest and they wanted to make it into a film. I told her I'd try anything once. After I received the script, my husband and BFF helped me make an audition tape to send to them. Teri and Michael liked it and hired me.
I can't say much about the film as it is entered in a film festival and could be disqualified if it received any publicity before its premiere date. I have been given permission to say that I play the lead role; a mother down on her luck. It is going to take a few months to edit, and I've been told the premiere date is in July, so you'll have to wait a while to learn any more about the film. On the up side, I think the film can be aired on Youtube once it has been shown at all of the film festivals it has been entered in, so there will be easy access.
They also mentioned that the film would be put on IMDB.com (internet movie database), and that I would have my own actor page. I know a few months is far away and most of you will forget all about it by then, but I will post as many links as I can on my blog, Facebook fan page, and personal Facebook page when the time comes.
The film is approximately 12 minutes long. That is why it could be filmed in 3 days. All the same, we still worked our hind ends off. All 3 days were 12 hours "shifts." The hair and make-up person flaked on us everyday, so Suzanne Manthei (location/casting director) and I did my own make-up. Since I played the mom of a young child, we kept it pretty natural and I basically looked like I always do expect with thicker foundation.
Teri produced the film and Michael directed. They make a great team! Our DP (director of photography) was Kal Toth. He is so good at what he does! He is also a musician and his music is worth checking out: www.hearKAL.com (sorry, can't get the hyperlink to work)
I know I made mistakes and probably some ignorant comments too, but everyone was extremely patient with me. In my opinion, my first day was a little rough (being that I had no experience and didn't know what to expect), but that day of filming had no dialogue and was mostly scenery, driving, and time lapses, so I think it worked out. I settled into my role a little more each day and by the last day I was ready for most of the dialogue sequences.
The little boy who played my son, also did a great job, but much patience was required by all. It was his first acting gig as well... and he's only 4.
Without giving too much away, there were a few emotional scenes for my character and tears were encouraged. That part came pretty easily though, since the story hit kind of close to home and just thinking about what my character was going through makes me want to ball my eyes out.
I really have a new found respect for actors though. They are expected to act out the same scene over and over with the same (if not higher) level of emotion and feeling. I had to redo an emotional scene many times, not because I messed up, but because we had to shoot it from a few different angles as well. Grueling is a good word to describe it, but I still loved every second of it.
I should also say that the point behind the film is to inform people about a charity. And, that's all I can say about that.
Overall, the experience was amazing... almost surreal. In fact, if I didn't have a few new friends on Facebook who were there, I'd be totally convinced that it was all a dream. I really stepped out of my box and now I have this awesome experience and incredible new friends.
About a month ago, my cousin Teri Robinson asked me if I had any acting experience. The answer, of course, was no. She and her writing partner, Michael Farrell, wrote a short screenplay called "Priceless" for a contest and they wanted to make it into a film. I told her I'd try anything once. After I received the script, my husband and BFF helped me make an audition tape to send to them. Teri and Michael liked it and hired me.
I can't say much about the film as it is entered in a film festival and could be disqualified if it received any publicity before its premiere date. I have been given permission to say that I play the lead role; a mother down on her luck. It is going to take a few months to edit, and I've been told the premiere date is in July, so you'll have to wait a while to learn any more about the film. On the up side, I think the film can be aired on Youtube once it has been shown at all of the film festivals it has been entered in, so there will be easy access.
They also mentioned that the film would be put on IMDB.com (internet movie database), and that I would have my own actor page. I know a few months is far away and most of you will forget all about it by then, but I will post as many links as I can on my blog, Facebook fan page, and personal Facebook page when the time comes.
The film is approximately 12 minutes long. That is why it could be filmed in 3 days. All the same, we still worked our hind ends off. All 3 days were 12 hours "shifts." The hair and make-up person flaked on us everyday, so Suzanne Manthei (location/casting director) and I did my own make-up. Since I played the mom of a young child, we kept it pretty natural and I basically looked like I always do expect with thicker foundation.
Teri produced the film and Michael directed. They make a great team! Our DP (director of photography) was Kal Toth. He is so good at what he does! He is also a musician and his music is worth checking out: www.hearKAL.com (sorry, can't get the hyperlink to work)
I know I made mistakes and probably some ignorant comments too, but everyone was extremely patient with me. In my opinion, my first day was a little rough (being that I had no experience and didn't know what to expect), but that day of filming had no dialogue and was mostly scenery, driving, and time lapses, so I think it worked out. I settled into my role a little more each day and by the last day I was ready for most of the dialogue sequences.
The little boy who played my son, also did a great job, but much patience was required by all. It was his first acting gig as well... and he's only 4.
Without giving too much away, there were a few emotional scenes for my character and tears were encouraged. That part came pretty easily though, since the story hit kind of close to home and just thinking about what my character was going through makes me want to ball my eyes out.
I really have a new found respect for actors though. They are expected to act out the same scene over and over with the same (if not higher) level of emotion and feeling. I had to redo an emotional scene many times, not because I messed up, but because we had to shoot it from a few different angles as well. Grueling is a good word to describe it, but I still loved every second of it.
I should also say that the point behind the film is to inform people about a charity. And, that's all I can say about that.
Overall, the experience was amazing... almost surreal. In fact, if I didn't have a few new friends on Facebook who were there, I'd be totally convinced that it was all a dream. I really stepped out of my box and now I have this awesome experience and incredible new friends.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Mind's Eye Teaser
Hi everyone!
I find myself very busy this week, working on a project that has nothing to do with my book, or writing, so I won't have much time to blog, but I know some of you want to know what my book is about. My husband wrote this teaser and I think it is a good place to start describing my book. Enjoy!
Mind's Eye
Contessa Vasser hoped that moving to New Orleans would be a fresh start. As a recent college graduate, she relished the idea of leaving behind her mundane student life, reconnecting with a long time friend, and enjoying big city freedom and excitement. How was she to know her relocation to the Crescent City would ignite a chain of events that forever alter her life and the lives of those around her?
As her new life unfolds, Tessa assimilates easily to the city and its culture. Securing a job at a popular local nightclub, she finds herself magnetically drawn to her mysterious manager as well as the enigmatic owner, if in different ways. As the pull increases, Tessa is immersed in a world she believed to exist only in Cajun folklore and movies. She must reconsider her view of reality as dreams take on real meaning, superstitions remembered from childhood are proven true, and preconceived notions are shattered.
Under the guidance of her manager, known only as Mick, with the support of her newfound friends and coworkers, and under the ever watchful eye of the bar’s owner Barron, Tessa will learn the true depth of friendship, loyalty, and love—as well as supernatural abilities she and others around her possess. There is a fine line between good and evil, and for good to prevail, she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
I find myself very busy this week, working on a project that has nothing to do with my book, or writing, so I won't have much time to blog, but I know some of you want to know what my book is about. My husband wrote this teaser and I think it is a good place to start describing my book. Enjoy!
Mind's Eye
Contessa Vasser hoped that moving to New Orleans would be a fresh start. As a recent college graduate, she relished the idea of leaving behind her mundane student life, reconnecting with a long time friend, and enjoying big city freedom and excitement. How was she to know her relocation to the Crescent City would ignite a chain of events that forever alter her life and the lives of those around her?
As her new life unfolds, Tessa assimilates easily to the city and its culture. Securing a job at a popular local nightclub, she finds herself magnetically drawn to her mysterious manager as well as the enigmatic owner, if in different ways. As the pull increases, Tessa is immersed in a world she believed to exist only in Cajun folklore and movies. She must reconsider her view of reality as dreams take on real meaning, superstitions remembered from childhood are proven true, and preconceived notions are shattered.
Under the guidance of her manager, known only as Mick, with the support of her newfound friends and coworkers, and under the ever watchful eye of the bar’s owner Barron, Tessa will learn the true depth of friendship, loyalty, and love—as well as supernatural abilities she and others around her possess. There is a fine line between good and evil, and for good to prevail, she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice.
Friday, March 19, 2010
To friends and family:
Have you ever asked me, "Hey, how's the book going?" Did you know I wrote a book?
Well, if you didn't, you do now. I have written a 420 page paranormal fiction novel and am in the process of trying to get it published. I will be posting more information about the novel soon for anyone who is interested. Also, in a few weeks, I will be asking my "beta" readers to comment on it here. Beta readers are the people writers ask to read their book before they send it to anyone.
At the moment, I am trying to find a literary agent to represent me and help me sell my book to publishers. It's a long, drawn out, tedious process, and nothing helps you do something tedious like support from friends and family.
You can help by becoming a follower of my blog, becoming a fan on Facebook, and joining my Support Courtney Odell's Literature group on Facebook. After you've done that, feel free to leave questions or comments on any of these 3 pages and I will answer them as they come in.
Thanks so much!
Courtney Odell
*A very special thank you to Peter, my awesome brother in law, for setting up the group and fan pages on facebook. You're really helping get the ball rolling!
Well, if you didn't, you do now. I have written a 420 page paranormal fiction novel and am in the process of trying to get it published. I will be posting more information about the novel soon for anyone who is interested. Also, in a few weeks, I will be asking my "beta" readers to comment on it here. Beta readers are the people writers ask to read their book before they send it to anyone.
At the moment, I am trying to find a literary agent to represent me and help me sell my book to publishers. It's a long, drawn out, tedious process, and nothing helps you do something tedious like support from friends and family.
You can help by becoming a follower of my blog, becoming a fan on Facebook, and joining my Support Courtney Odell's Literature group on Facebook. After you've done that, feel free to leave questions or comments on any of these 3 pages and I will answer them as they come in.
Thanks so much!
Courtney Odell
*A very special thank you to Peter, my awesome brother in law, for setting up the group and fan pages on facebook. You're really helping get the ball rolling!
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