Writing A Query Letter

It's certainly a suckish truth. Fact is, most Query Letters are very hard to write. If it came easy, I congratulate you, because you know your book like a reader does. Readers (okay, most readers) don't get caught up in every detail writers look at as vitally important. Readers only focus on the story. Which means, without being bogged down by these all important details, they have a much easier chance of answering the question, "What is the book about?"

Possibly the hardest question ever asked in the literary world. And, just our luck, it's pretty much what the Query letter is. What your character wants, how your character will get it, and the stakes if your character fails. But, as writers, we don't see our books as that simple. There is so much more, we insist, that must be said! But does it have to be said?

When I was writing the third version of my query, I realized something. I couldn't use the simple formula above, I had to tweak it a little, simply because Eric doesn't know what he wants for most of the book. Even at the climax he's not sure if he's making the right choice, if he wants to give up half of his being. And that caused some complications for me, because I felt like I needed to show everything that led up to the decision. I needed the agent to understand why things happened, even if they were small and didn't serve a final purpose. In other words, I thought every last conflict was vitally important. Which, of course, it wasn't. At least not in a query. Let me give you an example.

This was my very first Query. And while I succeeded in keeping it rather short, it lacked detail.

Dear Agent,
Eric Vilanova is evil. And, truthfully, he likes it that way. So when he dies and winds up in Heaven, he's a little pissed.

But after an innocent prank causes too much trouble, he's told he has to at least pretend to be good, or risk the wrath of his new friends. Talk about a welcome.

Eric struggles with pretending to be good, especially when his friends begin to believe his act. But when Eric discovers the ruler of the Spirit World, Acelin, is planning to instigate a war between Hell and Heaven he has more problems than his acting skills. When Acelin stops the war, she'll gain the trust of Heaven and punish Hell as she sees fit. The problem? She wants Eric to do her dirty work.

Now, caught between his new friends and the dark promises of Acelin, Eric is forced to make the decision that could destroy everything. But does he want to be evil, or good?

BEING EVIL is a YA fiction novel, complete at blah blah words.
{contact info}
Thank you for your time and consideration

From, Me

You see? It wasn't absolutely horrible, and it peaks some interest, but it needs a little more meat. Unfortunately my next try gave meat, seasoning, salad, and potatoes all mashed together in a confusing redundant mess.

Eric Vilanova is evil. And, truthfully, he likes it that way. But when his Sorter Lari places him in Heaven and his Patron Julia tells him he’s going to live in a fern, he’s begging for Hell.

After his ingenious plan to get kicked out goes wrong, he meets with the ruler of the Spirit World, Acelin. He’s even more confused when Lari and Julia seem to not only hate her, but are afraid of her. They warn him that he has to at least pretend to be good, or else they’ll be put in Hell as well.

Eric struggles with pretending to be good, especially when his friends begin to believe his act. Especially when he begins to believe it. But he has more problems than his acting skills, when he discovers the ruler of the Spirit World, Acelin, is planning to instigate a war between Heaven and Hell. When Acelin stops the war, she'll gain the trust of Heaven and punish Hell as she sees fit. The problem? She wants Eric to do her dirty work, so she keeps her hands clean.

Now, caught between his new friends and the dark promises of Acelin, Eric is forced to make the decision that could destroy everything. But does he want to be good or evil?

I really just slammed revisions into my old query and hoped they stuck. I added things that could've been said better, and didn't really need to be said at all. But I thought they were vitally important. Plus, it had mistakes.

This is my latest try and it, also, is destined to be eaten and spit back up in a sobbing broken mess. But I think it's getting somewhere. Because I'm finally seeing that I don't need an info dump, but a little information here and there won't hurt.

When Eric Vilanova dies and ends up in Heaven, there’s only one thing on his mind; how to get out. But his ‘ingenious’ plan only lands him with a meeting with the ruler of the Afterlife; Acelin. To his surprise, Acelin is fooled by his fake files, and lets him go. Which only makes Eric wonder why the files of his life were tampered with- and why his new friends are so keen on kicking the new ruler off the throne?

Eric agrees to take part in the conspiracy. Unfortunately, his main role in the plan is to pretend to be as good as his file suggests, which doesn’t come easy. Wandering around one night, he discovers Acelin’s plan to get support from Heaven. She will start a war between Heaven and Hell. When all seems lost she will come to the rescue, gaining trust and securing her power. She wants Eric to help, but first, he must kill one of his friends.

Suddenly, Eric doesn’t know what he wants. He doesn’t want to help Acelin, but this is a one way ticket out of a place he hates. He does hate it…right?

Slightly better, not quite right, but I'm on track. Which, frankly, makes me slightly happier.

Feel free to chew it to bits (erm...critique it.) Here. (You do need an Absolute Write account, although I think most of the people who read this have one already.)

-Jessie

50th Post! (Clerid's Tales, Part One)

Dealing with letting BE sit and rust for awhile is taking some effort, I have to admit. My first instinct was to tear it to shreds in editing right away. I know it's better to let it rest, but I can't help it. I want to finish. 


So in my new effort to keep my mind away from BE, this is a (really) short story I wrote. I don't know how good it is, but I figured it would keep me doing something to escape the madness. 

Clerid eyed the grubby, shrub covered landscape as a personal insult to his honor. How he hated the stupid place he was in, filled with all the stupid trees and stupid plants it could muster. And all, it seemed, to wreak complete havoc on his happiness. Plants are supposed to be green. Definitely not brown, and not a thriving brown at that.

Flicking his staff angrily, he turned around to trudge up the hill again, hoping, for an instant, that everything would have suddenly, magically turned green behind him.

It hadn’t, which only served to make his mood much worse. He busied himself with knocking pebbles down the hill with his staff. He started out with small stones, slowly growing larger in size as his walk went on. Finally, almost at the height of the hill itself, he saw a boulder. A beautiful, majestic, wonderful boulder. He decided to knock it down. Bracing his staff behind it, he pushed and shoved and cursed until the boulder broke free of the ground and went down the hill in a crashing, destructive sort of way. Feeling as sort of depressed sense of achievement, he watched his handiwork crush the stupid brown ground. He would have been more proud of himself, had the boulder not been brown.

“Hey!” Blinking in surprise, Clerid spun around in time to see a woman walk clear out of an ancient oak tree. She crossed her arms angrily.

“I’ll have you know that was my favorite boulder. It was the only one I could stand to look at for hours at a time. I lugged my tree halfway across the plain to watch this boulder, and then you come along!  What have you to say for yourself?” She asked threateningly, brandishing a rather evil looking twisted root. Clerid stared at her a moment, then continued on past her, down the other side of the hill.

“Right fine day this is.” He muttered at her. She raised her eyes in disbelief, then turned and looked forlornly after the boulder. She could hardly make it out; it had already blended in with the rest of the landscape.

“It had potential.” She answered glumly. The dryad turned and followed after him silently, picking up small burned flowers as she went and crushing them in the palm of her hand.

“Where are you headed?” She asked him. He glanced back at her before turning away again.

“Does it matter?” And she had to admit, it didn’t.

See? Silly, but I have to admit I rather like it. I'm reading a Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy right now so I'm trying my best to replicate redundant humor. Oh I love these books.


Okay bye, everyone!
-Jessie

So uh...I'm insane.

Yes I am. You wanna know why? Because just days after completing BE, I am now outlining two more novels.
Oh yes. You read right. Two. More. Novels.
I am insane.

And as much as I enjoy writing and the two new novel ideas, I can't actually believe I'm starting one so early! I mean, my imagination practically abandoned me toward the end of BE, but now that I'm done it suddenly wakes up and starts running on the treadmill again.

On top of that I also have to figure out which one I should actually start. I know normally people, when faced with this dilemma, just switch back and forth. But my past experiences show that, well, it just doesn't work for me. I end up getting bored and scrap all the novels. BE was almost scrapped in a situation like that. (I'm so happy it wasn't!)

I love both new ideas and I cannot figure out which one to choose. Want to help?

WIP #1 (Just Add Water)

Cassia London’s obnoxious Aunt Daphne is coming to visit to…discuss her ‘desperate need’ of a husband. In a ditch effort to avoid the conversation (again!) Cassia decides to visit the hedgewitch. Maybe there’s a potion that will make her aunt nicer. Or turn her into a frog. Whatever works.

Instead of finding the witch, she finds the witch’s son, who shows her what she really needs; a seed that grows into the perfect man. Just add water!

Cassia is almost positive she did something wrong. The seed grew into Zayn Merc, an obnoxious self-proclaimed ‘bad boy’ who seems to destroy everything he touches. Including Cassia’s garden.

Unfortunately it’s too late to get a refund, because there are no more seeds left and Auntie Dearest has arrived.

To her surprise Zayn acts perfect, charming her aunt into an almost pleasant mood. Cassia starts to fall for Zayn. Maybe he wasn’t so obnoxious after all.

But then the truth comes out from the hedgewitch. There’s a reason they’re called the seeds of all evil. You can’t help but fall in love with your seed. And then the seed dies.

I know that's long. Bear with me, the second is much shorter!.

WIP #2 (Lost in Whimsy)

Alice and Dorothy are twin sisters, with nothing to do. After Alice begs Dorothy for a story, she finally agrees. The two are so absorbed into the story, they don't notice anything wrong. Until Alice looks around and notices they aren't in their backyard anymore.
They're in Whimsy, the strange land, home to all of Dorothy's stories. And somehow they have to get out. Because one of the side effects of being in Whimsy? You tend to get a little insane.


Okay the second one doesn't have a great amazing description (it's late okay?), but it is slightly more exciting for me. They're both YA for now, although I don't know how the Dorothy and Alice story will turn out. And I did check to make sure Alice in Wonderland/Wizard of Oz are free game for writers. Apparently they are, although if anyone knows something different please let me know.


So what do you think guys? Lost in Whimsy or Just Add Water?


-Jessie

Well Maybe it's your fault

Mood: Kitty-Bear (Finally!)

I'm back, with great news everyone! As you know, I lost my yellow notebook, that had a couple chapters in it. I was upset and angry and definetly didn't want to rewrite everything (which is what I convinced myself would happen). Obviously, it wasn't the complete end of the world, but I had a little bit of a meltdown.

But I still hadn't successfully found it, and on Thursday i was about to just give up and write the dang thing. Hell, eventually I would have to anyway. As I decided this, who walks up? Beta-reader. (That's her official title btw)

Now it should be noted that during the Great Hunt, Beta annoyed me everyday, wondering whether I had found it yet. So when she came up to me on Thursday I was already to deflect her question.

"Did you find the yellow notebook yet?" She asked, overly-cheerful for it being 7:30 a.m. on a cold rainy morning. So I rolled my eyes and walked around her.
"No, I didn't." Truthfully, I was more concerned with pushing people out of my way to get to the only mode of transportation I had with heat; the bus.
"Good, because I have it." 

I nearly pounced on her and tore the notebook off her body. What did she mean she had it? This whole time? With her being annoying everyday? SHE HAD IT?

One long story and angry bus ride later, I had my precious yellow notebook as well as my crushed (mauled, destroyed, beyond repair) notepad with the last chapter on it.

So I have my notebook! And I have started working on my query which has been cheerfully ripped apart at Absolute Write forums. Yay! Next post, I'll put it up...if I can find the pieces.

-Jessie

Happy Holidays!

Hey everyone! I might get on sometimes this weekend, but with the holidays and having to clean up the house, who knows?

I don't have much news about BE, but I do have a set idea for my next book once I'm completely finished with BE. I'll get a synopsis up sometime after the holidays.

So you're all caught up. Everyone have a great holiday and be careful!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody.

-Jessie

This Happy.

Well, it's official. The very last chapter of BE was finished last night at exactly 12 a.m! It's done! I still have the epilogue and all the other work, but it's over! From here on out it's editing. And I am amazing at editing...it's what prevented me from ever finishing a book.

I still have to find the other chapters but I don't care because right now I'm happy!

This happy.

- Jessie

Come Out Come Out Wherever You Are

Yellow Notebook: 1       Jessie: 0

I will find you Notebook. And when I do....you'll regret getting lost! I vow it!

I suppose in the meantime I can start typing up my other  chapters....my deadline for Thanksgiving is quickly drawing to a close. Must finish.....!

I also read somewhere that agents generally don't read queries until after the holidays, which is perfect. I'll have a solid month or two of editing so Being Evil will be ready for queries in the New Year!

-Jessie

I Could Have Better News

With me not having my computer for something along the lines of three weeks, I fell behind with typing up all the chapters I wrote in various notebooks. I just now decided to at least sort everything out so I can start typing it up. And wouldn't you know it, I'm missing a notebook.

I am really angry right now. I don't want to rewrite those chapters, especially because one was already half-typed up and I can't remember half of what I wrote. Downside of writing while half-asleep.

I'm still hoping that maybe I'll find that notebook and it'll have the two chapters in it. But I am just so not in the mood. All my hard work, almost done, and now it turns out that yet again I have to say 3 more chapters to go.

It absolutely sucks. Excuse me, I have to go tear apart my living room...

-Jessie

A Comprehensive History Of Being Evil

 Mood: Kitten-bear. I am pretty much stuck in reminiscing. *Sob*. Just kidding.

Yes! My Laptop is officially and completely decontaminated. Viruses couldn't stand up to my awesome powers! And I had help...

Anyway, I finally have complete computer access holed up in my room so I don't have to venture out in the public that is my house because somehow there is always fifty people invading our space.

The bad part? I have about nine chapters I now have to type up onto my computer. I hate transcribing my writing. (That's the right word, right?)

The good part? Duh, duh, duh! I only have the last chapter and the epilogue to write before the first draft is completely done. That's it, it's over!

This has been a really long process for me. I started the idea for my book in May or June and wrote three chapters sometimes in June that later became Chapters 1,4, and 5. I put it on hold for a while when I went on this psychotic rampage, writing a whole lot of random story-starts that didn't go anywhere. I wasn't really focused, although I stayed in my room almost all summer working on another book I was hoping to publish. I got about nine chapters done at that book before I decided I just didn't know enough to try and create a complex world that has issues in religion and society, and culture. Plus, way too many weapons I had to name and describe.

From there, that story was moved to the back burner and I decided to focus on Being Evil. This was either late July or early August....or maybe the middle of August. I started writing, but not like crazy. It wasn't until I showed my friend did I really start moving. She loves the book and threatens me with bodily harm if I take more than a week to write the next chapter. I only take two days to write, the other five are for whining and slacking.

And of course, the rest is history. I worked my butt off, probably wrote some questionable material (ready for a rewrite chapter 2?) but now look! Three months later and I'm almost done! A more than NaNoWriMo, but still, not too shabby.

And now, my writing is almost coming to an end. It'll be completely finished and I'll be forced to bid adieu to Eric.

Oh who am I kidding. After I finish, that's when the real work starts!

-Jessie

It's me again!

 Mood: Major Problems Detected

And guess what? I'm sick. Again! Why does my body hate me? What did I do to deserve this punishment? I only just got over my last cold!

But the good news? All the information I posted last time is completely obsolete. Yup, that's right! I obviously have a death wish! And time is going by so fast! I was betting I would be done next Friday, but I have to write three more chapters. And with my luck, I'll probably add more as I continue to write.

I'm also getting kind of depressed in my writing skills. My normal-people friends (like my pre-beta) all think I deserve to be published, I'm amazing, blah, blah, blah. But I read it over and all I see is mistakes or things that I feel are stupid. I mean, it's a humorous YA book, so it's not horrible if it's supposed to be stupid, but I just look at the page and all I see is this.

You see the problem? I'd like to think maybe it's Eric's fault. Or maybe my imagination-sucking-octopus-squid-monster.

Yes. This.
-Jessie

Heyyy, I'm baaaack!

I know I haven't posted anything in a couple weeks...although I believe it was only two. Oh well.

I was really sick for a while and had a lot of work to catch up on-still do! And against my prediction earlier, during that time I did not write, because I was still stuck in a huge slump. Possibly, I've had these before, but I've only started seriously writing in June, so I'm not sure. Anyway, a couple of days ago I forced myself to lie down in the pitch dark (okay I had a light) and write into the wee hours of the morning. I, uh, unfortunetly then had to get up early the next day, but it was worth it! I finished another chapter! Finally, after two weeks!It felt like a great accomplishment.

Unfortunately a whole load of new issues were dumped upon my poor little plot. Good issues, 'cuz they keep readers reading, but it's hard to keep track of the questions I ask and make sure I answer them. Hopefully, my pre-beta can help me with that. She's pretty good at asking questions. (can you feel the sarcasm? good.)

To make matters a little (a lot) worse, my computer somehow contracted a virus that then installed fake spyware and now the whole thing's messed up so I have to slip onto other computers when people go to the bathroom. So the new chapter I just wrote up still hasn't been typed up. On the plus side, I broke down my entire book, including what I need to do to finish. I will gladly share it to you, because I can tell your all soo interested.

Chapters completely done and typed: 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 (8/15)
Chapters that are at least written: 1, 3-11 (10/15)
Chapter on hold: 2
Chapters half-written: 12
Chapters in need of typing: 9, 11
Chapters not written: 13, 14, 15

I have 5 chapters to write and in a perfect world, at most it should take 4 days to finish one chapter. 20 days form now, is November 5th. I should be done by then, but that most likely won't happen. But I have to try.

I know, I'm not funny. It's late. I'll be funny next post. Promise.

-Jessie

Rainstorm: Getting Ideas

Okay so I decided to change the topic for today's rainstorm. And it's not really a rainstorm so much as an informative insight on writing.

Writers are a curious people. Often, non-writers don't understand how we get our 'ideas'. It's a dead giveaway of someone who is new to writing. There's no magic formula to find a great idea. Writers, by nature, think differently I think.

There are two types of writers. Natural born writers, where ideas seem to flow continuously into their brain no matter what. And then there are writers who have to be on the lookout for ideas.

Writers pay attention. But they don't pay attention to what they're doing, like work or at school. We pay attention to the words, the ideas. We, almost instinctively, look at something and get an idea. Because our brains are always searching for one.

There's no magic formula. And, it must be really hard to learn. You have to re-train your brain. INstead of looking and seeing "what is", try to see "what if".

-Jessie

Just For You....

You're Welcome.

-Jessie



ETA: crap. I just remembered I promised you guys a rainstorm days ago. I'll get that in tomorrow, promise!

And so the Invasion begins...

 Mood: Red Alert

I know I haven't really posted anything about me finishing/achieving anything with my writing. There's a good reason for that.

I haven't. I don't know what's wrong. I don't even have a drive to write anymore. Yes, I still have that huge 'want' feeling when I imagine it being published, and a bestseller and all my other far-fetched dreams, but as soon as I think of actually writing? Pass.

I don't why my brain is refusing to cooperate. I would like to blame squirrel baby, but I'm not so sure...normally when I'm in squirrel mode, I'm super excited to write, but can't focused, or just to distracted to even try to write. This doesn't feel like that. it feels more like...like I'm not a writer. Like I did before I realized how good I was at it. The thought to write doesn't even occur to me. The drive...it isn't there. And to be honest, that scares me. Writing is who I am. I've wanted to be an author, literally, since second grade. And without that...well it's a little late to change my entire life's dream.

I think something's invading my brain.
And I'm pretty sure it's this;

-Jessie

Staying Home Sick

 Mood: Squirrel Baby

Has anyone ever felt like they wanted to be sick? Like you just wanted to be sick so you could stay home and sleep all day.

I've had an ongoing slight cold for about three months now. It won't go away! It just makes me feel miserable most of the time! I constantly get stuffed/runny noses, my throat hurts, and I just feel generally sore and tired.

And some days I wake up (6:30 AM. something is wrong with me for willingly doing this every weekday) and just stare at my pillow, wishing I could go back to bed. Wishing I had some sort of excuse so I could.

And sometimes I think If I was home sick, I would actually finish a lot in my book. That's probably me just adding to the list of reasons I should stay home though.

-Jessie

I've come to the conclusion my characters hate me

Mood: Frustrated. I don't who in my brain is in charge of that but if they don't get back to work right now, so help me god I will get Block on their butts!

So I've heard some other writers, mainly on the AW forums, mention how their characters actually *talk* to them and help them write the story. In a theoretical sense, not like we're seeing people. It's one of those things authors do, we simply listen as the main character tells us the story, and we write it down with the character breathing over our shoulder the entire time. Wouldn't want them to misrepresented or anything.

But my characters don't seem to like me, as not one of them is coming over and saying "Oh hey, remember that part I told you about? Well it actually was more like this...". No. Nothing. No wonder I'm having so much trouble. My characters hate me!

Of course Eric has dropped in a couple times to say hello. And critique my writing ability. Did I mention he was evil? Well he is.

But I would much rather have Lari help me out.

Oh no. Did you hear that door open? Oh no. I think Eric's come for a visit. He wasn't scheduled until tomorrow!

*Shuffles papers around*

I have to go. If he sees this post I"m in troub-!

Hello everyone. Eric here. Well isn't this just a lovely post here. If you excuse me, I have to talk to Jessie for a second. Please accept my apologies. 
What, this bag? What's in it? Oh...nothing...

-Eric

Just an Update...Don't get too excited

Mood: Crossbreed; Hyper-depressed Squirrelicorn

Okay so I finally finished the chapter. Normally writing one chapter fixes the problem, and I can work a my normal pace again. Not this time. I'm still dragging my feet. And I still have to type it up onto my computer.

Ugh! It takes forever to type it up. And everyone keep bothering me. All I ask for is complete and utter solitude! Is that too much to ask?

Apparently yes. With juggling everything else in my life I'm starting to put my writing on the back burner. Which is horrible. I want to finish my book and publish it, but life gets in the way.

And have you ever felt like maybe some people are ignoring you? Or don't care because you put up with stuff for so long. And you tell them about something you love and they laugh and go suuuuurrrrre. And that's it, self-esteem shot down to zero.

That's how I feel when someone says they don't want to read my writing. Like just because they supposedly hate reading, they won't even give mine a try. Even for a friend! And I take it as a personal blow.

Which introduces the next topic for our Rainstorm (wow it's been a while since we did that, huh?); Sensitivity and Emotion for Writers.

I'm planning on writing it sometime tomorrow, so keep an eye out.
And now back to Being Evil. It was a dark and stormy night...Nah, too Snoopy.

-Jessie

Erm....Pink Panther?

Mood: Depressed Unicorn  

So I pretty much don't have a title. oh well.

I've been having a relatively new problem with writing lately. It's not that I lack inspiration, or even have another block. I just don't have the urge to write at all. I don't have that "oh my gosh I need to write this it's amazing!" feeling that I normally have. This is one way that having that reader friend may help. On one hand she encourages me to write. On the other, it's really annoying. She doesn't get that writers just can't spew out a book in a couple weeks. I guess she doesn't understand how heart soul and effort goes into books.

I really don't feel like writing tonight. But my friend gave me a deadline of Monday. And while I think it's reasonable, I don't know if I can force myself to slug through it. Maybe I just don't want to. I feel like my character is slowly becoming less dynamic as the story goes on. What kind of crappy book is that? What kind of ending would that make?

Since I don't even want to continue writing this post, here;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OPc7MRm4Y8&feature=related

-Jessie

Hmm...

 Mood: Squirrel Baby

It occurs to me that for a pretty complain-y looking blog, I'm a pretty happy person. I mean the name and background are pretty deceiving based on what I post. Although I do think Sad Unicorn fits in perfectly.
I've been working through the block. I think I may have figured it out to where, at the very least, a reader will acknoledge that it is semi-plausible in a fiction world.

That was a lot of conditions. Oh well.
So, I've decided to start writing again this weekend. I don't feel up for it during the week, especially feeling so tired and sick lately. But at the same time I feel as though I shouldn't slack off. Then again, every writer needs a break, right?

See where Squirrel Baby comes in?

Plus, that friend I told you about? She will not stop badgering me about the book. And while I'm extremely flattered and excited that I've garnered such a response form a reader, she is driving me up the wall!!! When I first showed it to her, she gave me two weeks to finish it. May I remind you, I still had seven chapters to finish. So after I explained to her that that was, frankly, impossible she asked me when I thought it would be done.

I guess 'Before Thanksgiving' wasn't a suitable answer.
-Jessie

Well...

You'll be glad to know my awesome days are over. Because the next chapter I'm working on, I'm dragging my feet.

See? See? I told you! I told you a block was coming!

He's so mean to me...

Anyway so this is the big conspiracy chapter where my hero discovers that the leader is actually evil (or doing bad things for kind of selfish reasons. Okay, yeah evil works), and she offers him a position on the "dark side".

But the chapter is right after this big dream/nightmare sequence and I'm not sure how to get from point A to point B without it being too convenient. (I mean, he just happens to walk into this area alone, where he's not supposed to be, and just happens to see her there? Suspending disbelief a little too much?)

As usual I'm probably reading too much into it. But it does pose an interesting question. When do things get too convenient for a book?

-Jessie

You'll never guess (Another Chapter Down)

Awesome! I finished  (wait for it..............) Another chapter!!!!!!!!!!! All I have to do now is type it up. That's 8/15 down...right? Oh who cares. One more from my last post. (<---------------not good at math)

Anyway I'm happy, but the way I'm procrastinating with typing isn't boding well for me. I have a feeling a block is coming up soon. Especially since the next chapter is a hard one. I'll just have to force myself through it I guess.

But anyway, since I'm super sick of parties, I decided to open my blog up to questions. Anyone have a question? Send it here; keowriting@yahoo.com

And if It's interesting enough I'll put it in my blog. Or you could request I don't put it up too if you want. Ask about anything you want, writing, publishing, stuff in general. I'll try to help, either with my own opinion (take it with caution!) or with links to some other sites as well.

So get writing people!
-Jessie

OMG I'm Even Awesomer!!!

Yay! I finished another chapter! I'm on a roll!

For those of you counting, that's 7/15 completed at exactly 19,000 words. I'm really hoping it works out to be over 50,000.

And even more good news! (I know, I'm extremely happy)

I sent Being Evil to my friend (not a real beta reader) and she called me up laughing from the first paragraph. How much better can it get?

Unfortunately I don't think I'll use her for a serious beta. But she will definitely help me with the more vague suggestions (such as this part was boring, this description took too long, or I didn't understand this part).

But OMG another party is in order. Only I am NOT buying the snacks.

-Jessie

AHA! I Knew I was Awesome...

Yay I finished another chapter! That means I'm 6/15 done! Dude, let's celebrate!!


I figured out a new routine. Since I really want to write my other WIP, that's my reward. If I accomplish something with Being Evil, I'm allowed to work on that.

Ah yes my WIP. Well I don't really want to talk about it too much, but I am doing a lot of different things for this book. Firstly, I'm not outlining beforehand, which is big because I always outline. But I've also never finished a project, so fingers crossed no outline actually helps my ability to write. The book also features a very stubborn, kind of naive, childish young lady. She lives in a world full of magic and wonder, and all she wants to do is have fun and explore. But she doesn't have a husband, a point her aunt continues to make a fuss over. I'm really excited about it.

So yeah everyone it's a celebration! Woot! Only nine more chapters and Being Evil (1st draft) is done. Everyone knows that's the hard part...

For your enjoyment, this is an installment of my brain;

Of course you've already met my depressed unicorn. She controls...well nothing really. She just keeps me company when I'm sad. She's too sad to do anything else.

This is my baby squirrel. She is really not allowed to be in charge of anything, but seems to ignore me most of the time. Of course, anything she starts never gets finished...I have no idea where she gets it from.

And this is Kitty-Bear. Aww isn't he cute? He looks so shocked. How many people want to bet it's cuz of baby squirrel? But like I said, he's hibernating, and he's in charge of everything. He finally woke up long enough to help me finish that chapter, but that's about it.

Okay, bye people!
-Jessie

Sad Face

I've been so busy lately I've accomplished nothing! And I had a new *brilliant* flash of inspiration for a story, which isn't helping because every two seconds i think of how much BETTER the other book idea is. Even though it really isn't I have that spark that makes me think I can finish it in two days so It's a better investment. Or something like that. I sometimes have no idea what my brain is thinking. It's pretty much split into two sections, a hyperactive squirrel baby screaming about peanuts, and my sad unicorn. (Yeah, I have a sad unicorn. Jealous? Don't be she actually sucks...). Also, there's my big fluffy kitten-bear, but he's hibernating right now. Which is why I'm hacking around. He was the focused one...

-Jessie

IGNORE

This started out as me just needing the picture. But I might as well talk about them. Although I don't have much to talk about. The shoes came from If Shoes Could Kill, which by the way is an awesome website. Without further ado;

 

Kay so I'm going now. Leave your comments in the comments! (duh)

-Jessie

Update Peoples!!

So I realize that my last post was kind of, um, well...how do I put this?
Terrible.

But that's okay! Because I was really tired so It's really not my fault. I think I need some new excuses. Oh well.

Anyway I'll make this quick.

I'm stuck again.

-Jessie












You didn't actually think that was it, did you? Oh you silly human-person!
I'm stuck on another (2) of my chapters. Which is annoying because I can almost feel the end. It's near!
Yes, that's right. The end is near.

But in all seriousness, I'm starting to realize that the real Rainstorm that hits us is ourselves. We each have our own little quirks and problems that we meet in our writing life, whether in real life or in your book. I myself, along with lack of inspiration, am struggling with not having enough time, or enough space. I keep dreaming about my perfect writing hidey-hole, but It'll be a long time before I get one of those. Can't.....wait....

And sometimes all that self-editing/self-critisizing gets in the way, throwing insults at your brain the entirer time. How the hell are you supposed to fight your own mind? It's not easy, let me tell you! first of all, you have to get a really small imaginary sword and then you....uh....I'm getting off topic again aren't I?

Yeah, I tend to need guidelines when it comes to my writing.

I have to go guys, it's late and guess who has to get up early tomorrow?

ME. 

-Jessie (for real this time)

DUDE

Oh. My. God.

So I was following this thread, on AW forums. Basically it started about how to get your avatar bigger. But then I saw MacAllister (the awesome dude of awesomeness) would randomly give out ultra-cool avies.

So I asked if this was true. And a small convo ensued. I went to check out some other threads. Then, suddenly I looked down, and my avatar was different.

It was supposed to be this;

But instead it was this;

OMFG!!!! ISN'T THAT THE MOST FREAKIN AWESOME THING YOU HAVE EVER SEEN??? IT'S SO FREAKING AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Okay I'm done freaking now. I was toatally blessed by the AW gods!!! It's so amazing!!!!!

And the lesson in this, children, is as follows;

"Always buy apples without chickens"

-Jessie

ETA: I'm really sorry about this post....It was very late. I think i may have been suffering from sugar-rush. Sorry you had to witness it...

Bartholomew

This is Bartholomew. He's our family spider.

Bartholomew is very good at catching flies. We've known him since he was barely the size of a ladybug. Now he's about an inch from the tips of his legs.

Some people think this is strange, to have a 'wild' spider living in your home. Well I like Bartholomew. I think he *was* adorable. That is until he grew up to be a raging bloodsucking monster in waiting!!

You should see him hunt! A fly gets caught and BAM! He jumps down and gobbles the thing whole. Then he propels up like a freaking navy seal and lands in the EXACT SAME SPOT he was before.

Now I'm using capitols because I want to impress this point onto you.

I have a trained Navy seal spider that can kill in seconds. That's right agents. Be afraid. Be very afraid.

Exposition Man

Exposition: An explanation of a certain topic, generally written

Hey people! You may be wondering why there's a random definition up there. Well, it's not that random.

See, I saw a thread on Absolute Write Forums (great website btw) about a new writing muse; Exposition Man*!
And surprisingly, it actually helped me work through some rough patches in my writing, where I lost the true essence of my character! It's very helpful to use to get out of boring patches and be true to your character. My example;

Exposition Man ran into the room and forcefully shoved Eric into another room.

“Hey! What’s the big deal?” Eric yelled, being shoved onto a chair in the middle of the room. A single light bulb lit up the chair, but he could see someone in the shadows pacing.

“Please. Do you honestly think people care about you getting sick? Talk about a boring beginning! Get to the prank! Get to the good stuff! Don’t you get it? People want to see you in trouble!!” The voice said. Eric frowned irritably.

“It’s not my fault. I have to wait for Julia.” He mumbled, slinking down in his chair and folding his arms over his chest. Another exasperated sigh came from the shadows.

“Eric, for god’s sake! You are in the most interesting place you’ve ever been, and now you choose to wait around and follow rules? What are you going to give up you’re ‘I’m evil and proud’ badge too? Snap out of it!” An evil grin spread across Eric’s face. He got off the chair and laughed.

“Hey you’re right. There’s no way I would ever normally be bossed around by a goody-two-shoes. I would bail this place as soon as possible!” He said. He turned to the shadows. “Thanks man.”

Exposition Man walked out, wearing bright purple tights, a sparkly gold cape and a matching grin.

“No problem Eric. Now go break some rules.” 

Now I know that this excerpt is full of mistakes and probably pretty confusing. But the important thing is, my muse did it's job. It cut straight to the problem in my boring patch of writing. I realized my character was being to laid-back, too calm. Too boring! He was being patient instead of the evil mischievous person he was supposed to be. I fixed it up and, what do you know! Suddenly one of my plot holes stitched itself up! 

You can see some more examples, as well as the birth of Exposition Man here. 

My Exposition man is slightly different from other people's I think. Take a look!

I think he looks cute, don't you?

Good luck with your muses!
-Jessie 

*Full credit to Exposition Man goes to Mara  

YES! Attack of the Werewolf.

YAY!! Last night I managed to finish another chapter! Out of a total of 15 chapters, I'm a third done!! And it took me less than two months! And I configured (cool word) the total word count and it's probably going to be slightly under 50,000.


Which is the part that makes me sad. 50,000 is the minimum for a novel right? So I have to get it over 50,000 to be able to sell it as such...which means I can't say this is my first novel. (Oh who cares, I'll just fudge it.)



But anyway, I have a theory. based on my writing habits (getting my inspiration to write just before I have to go to bed ) that left to my own devices I would become nocturnal.

Just me.   


I have to find some way to break this habit because school starts up soon, and I need to get it my book done before 2011. Wish me luck!


-Jessie

Present Time!!!

I thought I would be nice and give everyone a present.

That's right. Everyone thank me.
(In an effort to save the environment, I run on praise now)


Well I think you can tell by the picture...


Kittens! Here's one for you, and one for you, and you, and one for you, and one for you, and you, and you, and everyone else who wants one! Except you crazy cat lady. I think you need an intervention. That's the next blog over.


So here is your very own montage of cute (and funny!) kittens to play with. Enjoy. I want them back tonight. No exceptions.

Thank you, thank you. *hissed* this is the part where I get a standing ovation. NOW!!!
Lol, hope you enjoyed your present! Courtesy of I can has Cheezburger. Website.


Bye guys! (and yes this counts as an update. Why do you care what I'm doing? My writing is doing FINE thank you!)


-Jessie

Toy Story 3?

8/20/2010  5:00 PM

Okay I know this is really late. But a while back I went to see Toy Story 3 in theaters. And I have to admit, it was a sad movie!


It end bitter-sweet when Andy still has to leave his toys behind. And I kind of felt cheated (I know, grow up.) And all in all it was an amazing movie. But one thing that (really) confused me was Jessie and Buzz falling in love. What was that about???


I thought it was Woody + Jessie but she randomly fell in love with Buzz? And Woody was like fine with it?
*so confused*


But anyway I was just thinking about it today. Feel free to post whatever reviews you have in the comments section. Bye guys!


-Jessie

Rainstorm: Character Development

 8/18/2010  5:50 PM

Character Development is a tricky rainstorm. Sometimes it can be on a warm summer evening, when you dance in the rain laughing just because the rain feels so good. But sometimes it can be a huge terrifying lightning storm that gives you nightmares of freaky bat aliens.


Just me?


And it all depends on whether all the pieces fit together or if they seem completely unrealistic. Characters are people. Where they come from, and what happened there define who they are in your book. And your character cannot be unrealistic. How can someone with a perfect life, and who was completely happy, suddenly become sullen in your book? No, don't give me that moody teenager excuse. Readers aren't stupid, and we don't like feeling cheated when we read. Characters are real to us. Make them real.


But don't stress. And never lose the essence of your character. Too many suggestions can drown your character. To strengthen your character, add controversy, and interesting stories. But remember; too much going on can leave the reader confused, and sometimes it may not make sense. 


Which storm hit you?


-Jessie

Plot Walls: Just Another Day In The Life

 8/13/2010  2:30 PM

Hey people!! So I told you that I retired my ms Fighting Samuaii, and that I'm finishing my novel Being Evil. Which, by the way, is an amazingly sarcastic portrayal of a self-proclaimed villain's adventures in heaven.


So how did that sound? Sophisticated right? I know! Eeep!


But I'm stuck on where to go. I've outlined up to chapter seven, but somehow I'm stuck. I know how it's supposed to end, just not a clue how to get there. Does anyone know a site that helps people flesh out ideas?


Oh who cares. I figure it out eventually. Anyway, I'm here to talk about a website. What was it again? 
*Shuffles through papers on desk*
Ah! Here it is! Let's see *squints* Umm 'Lite or Shy by Shocker Mickey'? Well that can't be right...
Oh I'm sorry! Write or Die by Dr. Wicked! 


Come to think of it that doesn't sound much better.


Anyway I highly recommend this website! It's amazing! You get to pick your word limit, the time, the forgiveness level as well as how strict the consequences are.


I'm really not doing it justice. Basically it helps you write. The only problem I have with this website is that if you're playing a song on say youtube or something, writing in the window pauses the song. So you have to go back to the window and click play again, which wastes time. Other than that (and it's really just a minor annoyance) It's a wonderful website. I am neglecting writing in it lately, but I feel like I'm over analyzing everything. I just need to write and stop worrying! 


Anyway I gotta go guys! 


Ohmygod. I just realized today was Friday the 13th. YAY!


Okay perhaps I need to explain. I was born on the thirteenth of March. granted, it was on a Monday, but apparently because I was born on that day, every time it rolls around I get good luck. Something about being blessed by the devil? Not sure. All I know is that this is the perfect day to write  Being Evil.


Lol, bye guys!


-Jessie

Abandoned

Yeah, yeah I know. I abandoned you guys. But hey, I have an excuse!

No. No I don't. Other than I'm lazy, and was putting off writing all together. Which, in my book, is a completely valid excuse. And your arguments don't apply.

I SAID STOP ARGUING!

Alright, now that that's done, lets get on with our new post, okay children?

Okay I'm sorry for sounding condescending. I've been really tense lately with all my chores and responsibility, and my annoyance at interruptions from my writing, as well as my writing actually. I've decided to put my ms on the shelf for the time and work on my other one. So I'm working on the plot line and everything.

I never really thought writing was hard. I would always say, oh the words just come out. But now, starting to dive into the real world of writing, I'm getting cold feet. I'm even more harsh on my writing, and I tear myself down all the time. Writing can suck. It can be wonderful, exciting, empowering, but it can also be saddening, discouraging, and maddening. It's a hard art to master, and an even harder one to breakthrough. Art is just as bad, but at least you can become a famous artist after you die. When you write a book, if it gets past publishing, the chances of becoming famous after death is slim to none. More likely none.

But I don't want to discourage anyone. I love writing, and could never give it up. What can I say? I'm a masochist. Writers by definition are masochists.

-Jessie

Rainstorm: Plot Walls

8/8/2010   4:40 PM

Everyone hits plot walls. No matter how well thought out something is, when a hint of doubt enters your mind, suddenly everything is wrong. 


This happened to me recently. I was feeling really down about my story, I kept feeling like something was wrong, something was pulling the story down, but I couldn't figure it out. Then I suddenly realized two of my characters were completely useless. I actually had to remind myself to write about them. It was as if they were completely invisible and, somehow, those two characters translated into a boring/depressing writing experience, that I avoided at any cost.


Plot walls are good. They're the stress button that tells a writer something's wrong, and something needs to be changed. But you have to be careful. If it's a big plot wall, that needs major editing and you're almost done writing, finish the book. Just write down your notes and finish the book. You would've had to rewrite eventually. You might as well have something to work with. 


Hey, I think the clouds are clearing up...


-Jessie

Hey people!

8/8/2010   12:12 AM

Hey everyone! I figured I owe everyone a post because I missed a couple days here. Only, I don't know what to write about. I've been separating myself from my story for a while to be able to look back with "new eyes" after hitting the editing a little hard. I was freaking out for a while.


So I guess that's just another update...and I think I have our rainstorm too.


Bye, guys! Seeya tomorrow....or today I guess lol!


-Jessie

Update

8/6/2010   1:50 PM


Hey everyone! I know I've been away for a while, and haven't been keeping up with things. I've just been so busy! So I have some updates;


First, I'm changing your Daily Adventure to your Weekly Rainbow, posted every Monday after your Rainstorm. Posting 750+ everyday was really sapping all my creativity. I had no will to actually working on my projects.


Speaking of projects, I'm working on so many! I've put most of them on hold for my first *real* novel, which I'm hoping to publish. I've been having some trouble with it lately (hitting that dreaded breakdown point) but I'm getting over it.


Once again, sorry about the missing posts, but you will definitely have your Rainstorm and Rainbow! Thanks guys!


-Jessie

My Apologies

 8/4/2010   4:20 PM

I'm really sorry guys! I have an emergency edit attack on my ms and have no time on my hands! So I missed yesterday's Daily Adventure, and most likely will miss today's. And maybe some more along the way.


It doesn't help that I'm a compulsive procrastinator...


But I'm hoping I'll get some posts in soon.


Once again, sorry for the short update and everything. Love you guys!


-Jessie

Daily Adventure: 3

 8/2/2010  3:30 PM

"Laura! Laura! God damn it. Laura!" Michael cursed, tripping over another stick. It was cold, dark, and late to be wandering around the forest. But Laura was still missing. He raised his head again.

"Laura!" He fell silent. It was no use. His throat was raw from yelling and he still hadn't found her. He rubbed his arms feverishly, gazing at the tall oaks surrounding him. The smell of the forest usually calmed him down, but the forest fire had masked the sweet scent. Now the forest smelled like smoke and burnt trees.

Michael coughed roughly, wincing as his throat pained again. The smoke hadn't been good for it either. He felt a flash of anger hit him again. The fire had been Ryan fault after all! Why did Laura have to be the one missing after it was put out? And why did Ryan refuse to help?

Crack!

Michael's head shot up, and he crouched down near the base of a tree, slowing his breathing, listening intently. But the forest was quiet.

"Laura?" He whispered tentatively, coming out of his hiding space. No one was there. He sighed shaking his fear, preparing himself to continue searching.

"Help!" Suddenly a girl crashed into him, knocking him flat to the ground.

"I am so sorry!" Michael turned, seeing Laura's face.

"Laura? What are you doing here? What happened during the fire?" Laura's eyes looked glazed over, but she was smiling, with no burns noticeable. Michael was ecstatic. Laura was okay. Hugging her tightly, he laughed out loud, picking himself, and her, off the forest floor.

"You're alright! I was so worried!" He exclaimed, still holding her hand. Laura smiled too, but it seemed vacant, dazed. 

"Yes. I am fine. Come with me!" She said suddenly, tugging him forward. Following blindly, a hint of doubt entered Michael's mind.

They ran through the forest, Laura leaping like a deer between the trees. many times Michael almost fell down, tripping and slipping on the sticks and leaves.

"Where are we going?" His heart started beating faster. She turned and shushed him, winking coyly. Michael was confused. The forest started to look more menacing as it became darker and darker. Shadows were elongated and noises started up again, as the night animals came out, confidant the fire was gone. They began leaping down a hill, Michael running faster than he ever had before, but unable to stop. He spotted a silver pool of water in the distance, and Laura was heading right for it.

"Laura, uh where are we going? We should get home, your parents are looking for you..." His voice trailed off. It was hard to talk and try to suck air into his lungs. But Laura ignored him, still barreling straight toward the water. Suddenly, Michael's instincts screamed at him to stop. He dug his heels in, wrenching Laura back. He turned her to face him and gasped.

It wasn't Laura's face. The thing had her red curly hair, but had huge eyes, with black cat pupils. The teeth were serrated, and pointed. It grinned at me, unblinking.

"Come one Michael. Let'sss go ssswimming." She hissed, her voice coming out liek a snake's.

"Laura? What did you do to Laura?" Michael asked. He was scared, but he felt his heart slow looking into the beast's eyes. Her image shifted, turning into Laura again. Laura frowned.

"What are you talking about? Let's go swimming Michael." His vision swam, his head felt fuzzy, like everything was muffled. He nodded slowly, stumbling after her as she pulled him along. Her face kept shifting, but Michael couldn't remember which was real. he followed her into the silver pool. It seemed thick, like syrup, but it was cool. Laura smiled, pulling him deeper into the pool, gesturing him towards her. Soon, they were approaching the middle of lake.

"Just a few more feet Michael. Then we can swim together." She whispered, pulling him under the water. Michael smiled sleepily, as the strange silver liquid crept up to his chest. It reached his neck. Michael frowned. Something was tickling the back of his mind, something that warned him Laura was dangerous.

"Let's swim Michael." Laura said more forcefully, gripping his arms tightly. Michael shook his head slowly. The silver water was starting to burn.

"I...don't want to...swim." He whispered pitifully. Laura smiled sadly at him.

"But, I thought you liked me." She whispered. She swam closer to him, and kissed him, drawing him closer to her. He gave up, kissing back, feeling himself fall. The burning sensation traveled up his leg, like acid. Suddenly he opened his eyes.

Laura was gone, replaced by a reptilian monster, completely naked, that was drawing him deeper into the burning silver. he let a shout, the water rushing into his mouth. It was bitter, heavy.

He flipped around, fighting the beast desperately to return to the surface. And then he saw Ryan, smiling down at him.

"Have fun Michael. It'll be a real shame when you and Laura go missing."

Anticomplished

 8/1/10   8:40 PM

*Sigh*


Remember that rainstorm today? Well guess what just hit me. *Nods sadly*
I need someone to force me to write! God, sometimes I hate writing! Like I just can't force myself to write! I have so many barely-started books, and the one I love, happens to suck. In my opinion. I have no idea what to do. How do I show time passing? How do I do this? How do I do that? 


I hate writing. God it sucks.


And now it's raining.


-Jessie