Photos of South Africa

I've recently posted some photos of my first trip to South Africa on my facebook page here:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2044997&id=1497890985&l=7c9d336215

It includes captions and thoughts. I really did have a fabulous time.

Murloc Dance...

Just try not to tap for fingers on this song. I dare you...

Query Dissection: Kelly Gay's The Better Part of Darkness

I found this blog entry by Colleen Lindsay (from FinePrint Literary Management) very helpful on querying agents. A successful query letter is analyzed in detail, with notes on what worked on the letter and why, along with a link of the original author of the query letter and her take on why she succeeded.

Query Dissection: Kelly Gay's The Better Part of Darkness

Pendulum 'Witchcraft'

This song really has inspired my newest work. Not only because it is entitled Witchcraft, but because the energy and sound suits many of the action scenes in the novel.

Plots and things

I've gotten some good plot concepts down and will now work out fleshing out the story on my newest project.

I've gotten back into raiding in World of Warcraft. Fortunately, I've been able to finally reach the Lich King, which was something I thought I wouldn't see. I'm very happy to be part of a guild that is progressing nicely. It helps we have a good group of people. Which brings me to another subject...

My mother used to say, "People are stupid." Honestly, I have a more positive experience with people. Ever since I've started playing World of Warcraft, I've met some doozies and I've met some gems. Over the years I've developed friendships with people I not only associate with in the video game, but in real life too. They are good people with hearts of gold and I am tickled pink to know them. When I consider that I would never have met them had I not played the video game, it makes me realize just how amazing technology can be. More over, I am grateful to those who had a dream of making the best MMORPG in the world. It allowed people like my husband and I to connect while apart (my husband lived in South Africa while we 'dated' on-line), meet like minded individuals, and participate in a club-like environment to build and achieve goals as a team. I find it ironic that although the game has a more positive impact on people's lives, both the media and politicians focus only on the few individuals who can't seem to get a real life and use the game as an excuse to destroy their lives. Playing a video game is like anything else in life, you are in control not it. To blame video games for the ills of society is as foolish as spending 48 hours playing it without eating or working. So, play on my fellow gamers. And let the lootz roll.

Desperately Seeking An Agent

I bought the renowned Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents 2010 from the bookstore and have begun researching potential agents. I've had positive feedback on the latest novel, which is what I'm currently querying for. This is a long process that requires patience on my part. I know it is just as much timing as it is chance that my work will be considered. So, I'm going to keep at it until I get this thing published.

What it takes to write a novel

Tenacity.

Yes, you have to love to write, have a good story, and know how to market your product. But you have to actually write something first. The difference between successful writers and those that only have a dream is tenacity.

Like anything worthwhile in life, you have to work at something until you hone your skills, find the right resources, and figure out timing. Imagine that it's like a good poker hand. You've got to be patient, know when to hold 'em, know when to walk away, and know when to play the game even when everyone will tell you you'll never make it. The way to make it is to buckle down and write.

There are days every writer goes through when life keeps wiggling to the fore, while pushing creativity back. Tenacity will see you through at these times, to make sure you keep your butt on the chair and your fingers on the keyboard. If you need a break, make sure its not a long one and keep a note pad nearby when your muse decides to whisper into your ear. You'll be amazed when ideas crop up, but don't let them stew too long. Jot them down, get them onto the pages. Even if they're chapters way into the book, write them down and put them aside until its time to integrate them into the rest of the novel. I did this on my latest work, because I was ready for that part. With only some minor edits, it went straight into the end without a hitch.

Tenacity also describes getting published. I've been writing novels off and on for over ten years. Throughout that time I've written books in fantasy and paranormal fiction, and though I've been working to find a good agent, I know my dream will become a reality because I won't give up. I don't need positive affirmations. I'm my own affirmation, because I work hard and I keep at it. I am fortunate to have the support of friends and family now (not something I've always had, which sucked), and I feel strongly that my success is within reach, because I've labored hours upon hours to hone my writing skill until I could produce a quality product. I'm not boasting that I'm the best author out there. I'm certainly not writing literary classics, but I know my stories are fun entertainment that takes you to another place in time where endearing characters touch your heart as well as your funny bone. I know it, because each time I read my stories I actually enjoy them too. Yeah, that is odd since I couldn't say that at the beginning when I started over ten years ago. Tenacity kept me at the keyboard to keep working on all these stories I've conjured up since I was a kid.

So you have a novel you'd like to write. Good. Excellent! Then by golly, sit down already and write it. When your butt starts to lift off the chair, weight it down with some tenacity and keep writing.