Don't Rush It - Tips for Authors

I am a Type A (ESTJ) girl, and I like action. “Maybe” or “Wait” drive me crazy, but I had to learn not to rush my writing life. Many times, you only get one chance with an agent, editor, or publisher. Make sure you and your book are ready.

Your Work in Progress (WIP)

• Make sure it is formatted like a standard manuscript (12 pt. Times New Roman, Paragraph Indents instead of Tabs, Double spaced, with One-inch Margins).

• Proofread, proofread, proofread. Do a round of proofreading every time you make major edits.

• Print out your manuscript to review. You will catch more errors on paper than you will on screen.

• Make sure all character and place names are spelled the same. If you changed character names, make sure you’ve removed all old references. (And if you write multiple series, make sure the other books’ characters don’t appear by mistake.)

• When you think you’re done, read it again.

• Make sure to build in time for beta readers or critiquers to go through your manuscript. My critique group reads 50 pages a month, so it takes a while to get through a novel. They are not reading the book end to end in a few days like a reader would. I make sure I have a few beta readers who will read the entire manuscript as they would a book and provide feedback.

Querying

• Be prepared. Each agent, editor, or publisher is going to have his/her own process.

• Do your homework. Don’t do a shotgun approach and query 50 agents at once. Target ones who represent (and sell) books like yours.

• Query in small batches and keep a list/chart/spreadsheet of who, when, and the result.

• The agent or editor shouldn’t be the first person to read your book. You need a critique group, writing partner, or beta readers to give you feedback on your writing. Make sure your early readers read your genre.

• Have all of your documents ready. You will need a synopsis, character list, and a list of comps (books comparable to yours). Take the time to prepare these. Make sure that all of your documents are polished and look professional.

• Follow all instructions for the person you’re querying. Some have specific requirements for formatting and what documents they want to see.

• If you’ve had contact with the person (e.g. at a conference or a personal reference), make sure to include that. Don’t exaggerate the connections though. People talk, and they check references.

• Make sure your WIP fits the conventions of the genre. Don’t submit a 250,000 word manuscript for a cozy mystery.

• Know how to describe your work. Agents/Editors will ask you where your book fits. Bookstores won’t know how to shelve a Western, romantic, paranormal suspense with vampires, space aliens, and clowns.

Take your time and make sure you and your manuscript are ready. You may only get one chance, and you need to make it the best it can be. Best wishes with your writing project!

Behind the Scenes - Larping

Surprisingly, I do a lot of research for my mysteries (even though the books are fiction). For The Tulip Shirt Murders, my sassy PI, Delanie Fitzgerald, needs to interview a twenty-something who was accused of stalking. In their conversations, she learns he larps (live action role playing).

According to C. Don Wilson in the Urban Dictionary, This is a “form of role-playing game where the participants physically act out their characters' actions. The players pursue their characters' goals within a fictional setting represented by the real world, while interacting with one another in character.”

Originating in the 1970s, the activity gained popularity in the 1980s. According to Wilson, “The fictional genres used vary greatly, from realistic modern or historical settings to fantastic or futuristic eras. Production values are sometimes minimal, but can involve elaborate venues and costumes. LARPs range in size from small private events lasting a few hours to huge public events with thousands of players lasting for several days.”

According to the World of Geek, larping differs from cosplay in that larping involves action and reenactments. “Cosplay, from the words ‘Costume’ and ‘Play,’ is about costuming and re-creating the design of already existing/original characters.” (World of Geek). Cosplay usually involves less role-playing and action events like battles.

Larping often has rules, and participants “immerse themselves entirely in their character and act out their actions” (World of Geek).

In my story, the suspect, Douglas Black, invites Delanie to an event in a local park where his group or guild reenact Medieval life, including battles between warring factions. He tries to convince her to join him by offering to lend her a replica sword.

Popular culture is a large part of the Delanie Fitzgerald series. In her investigations, she meets all kinds of interesting people with unique jobs and hobbies, and it’s a fun way for me to learn about new things.

Check out the adventures of Delanie, Duncan, Margaret, and Chaz in The Tulip Shirt Murders.

Required Reading - Tips for Authors

I was the kid who got her first library card at four, and a trip to the library or bookstore was always magical. I was also over the moon every time the teacher said read quietly at your desk.

Good writers need to be good readers. Read everything you can get your hands on and make sure to read books in your genre.

I use the annual GoodReads reading challenge as a way to track what I’ve read throughout the year.

Here are some ideas of things to look for as you read:

The Industry

• Read author acknowledgment pages. See who the agents and editors are. Keep a list of those who specialize in what you write. You will be at the querying stage, and this will help you target who represents your genre.

• See what groups authors belong to.

• Look at the publishers and editors for the type of books you write.

• Recently at SleuthFest, author Richie Naraez reminded the audience to not only read contemporary books in your genre, but also read the classics. If you’re a mystery writer, you need to understand the history of the mystery (e.g. cozies, hard-boiled, pulp fiction, etc.).

The Craft of Writing

• Pay attention to the dialogue and techniques.

• Watch how authors transition from one scene to another.

• Look at the ways the writer moves the story along. He or she doesn’t give you every mundane detail.

• Look for “rules” or conventions in your genre. Does the murder happen in the first few chapters? Is the sleuth a professional?

• When you like a book, think about what caught and held your attention.

• Watch how the ending is revealed.

The Details

• Look at the character names. In many cases, the name has some meaning or reveals something.

• For series, see how the author sprinkles in details from the past in each book.

• Where is the book set and how does that affect the story?

• Look at the minor characters and how they support the protagonist.

• Pay attention to how the writer uses conflict to move the story along.

Make sure that you have time to read. It’s research. And be kind and leave a review for the books you like. It doesn’t have to be a book report, but reviews do matter to writers.

Grit and Grind - Two Tools for Your Writer's Toolbox

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Grit

firmness of mind or spirit; unyielding courage in the face of hardship or danger (Merriam-Webster)

Grind

to work hard; to be fully dedicated; to have no limits (Online Slang Dictionary)

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I often mentor folks who are interested in starting or furthering their careers. One of the frustrations I hear a lot is that it takes too long to get where I want to be or I seem to be spinning my wheels. My advice is often that you need to make sure that you’re putting in the time and effort to gain the experience, knowledge, and connections to move yourself on the path where you want to be.

Grit, grind, and even hustle have popped up in my consciousness and readings a lot lately. And it’s been a good reminder to me to review my goals (life and writing) and my daily routine Am I doing the things that will get me where I want to be?

Recently, I finished Trevor Moawad’s It Takes What It Takes. He is a mental conditioning expert who I heard speak at a Risk presentation at Virginia Commonwealth University. He’s worked with some stellar athletes (including hometown favorite, Russell Wilson) and elite military units. Check out his book. It puts things in perspective. You have to change your way of thinking, you need to adapt, and hard work/discipline are the keys to success.

These truths apply to your writing journey, too. There are very few Cinderella stories where an author pens a book and tops all the charts. If you talk to successful authors, they will tell you that years of hard work led them to where they are today.

Author Brad Parks gave a wonderful closing address at Sleuthfest 2021. He encouraged writers to have a routine, write daily, exercise, eat right, and focus on your end goal. Sitting at your desk for six hours watching cat videos is not writing. He also talked about professional athletes and their routines. He provided numbers of how many athletes are at the top of their professional game, and the numbers are relatively small. He compared that with top tier writers. Writing is a tough industry with a lot of disappointments. Writers need to work on their craft and to write.

One of his tips for avoiding distraction was to type “XXX” in his manuscript when he needed to research something. Then when he was at a stopping point, he would search/find the spots and do all the research at one time. (He called it doing his “exes.”) During this crazy pandemic time, I find myself getting distracted easily, and this tip is on my list to try with my new work in progress.

Literary agent, Jill Marr, and editor, Terri Bischoff, did a workshop recently where they critiqued query letters. Both stressed the importance of writers doing their homework. Query letters and manuscripts need to the be the best they can be. Don’t get excited and start querying too early. You often get only one chance. When you think you’re done, edit/revise it again. The editor or agent should not be the first one to read your manuscript. Also follow the conventions and the standards for content, formatting, and style. Do your homework. Make sure the agent/publisher is a good fit for your manuscript.

Back to my earlier question. Am I doing the things that will get me where I want to be? Decide where you want to go with your writing career. You need to be the professional. Invest the time, energy, and money to hone your skills. Put in the hours (weeks, months, years) it takes to write and revise, read books in your genre, network, and build your platform. Decide what works with your life and responsibilities and focus on your writing life.

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Vicki Batman

I’d like to welcome author, Vicki Batman, to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday.

A few of your favorite things: my books, my dogs, handbags, Handsome, family

Things you need to throw out: books I won’t read again, old canned goods

Things you love about writing: words flowing from brain to word doc, polishing to near perfection

Things you hate about writing: marketing--although I like writing blogs

Things you never want to run out of: milk, shampoo, hairspray, dog food, chocolate

Things you wish you’d never bought: jeans that won’t fit

Words that describe you: sassy, funny, tall

Words that describe you, but you wish they didn’t: hmm

Favorite foods: milk, chocolate, cake, donuts, hamburger

Things that make you want to gag:  green peas, any beans or peas, canned veggies.

Favorite music or song: L O V E by Nat King Cole, Pina Colada song, seventies rock

Music that drives you crazy: have to say rap

Favorite beverage: Dr Pepper
Something that gives you a sour face: coffee

Things you always put in your books: handbags, donuts, a handsome hero with an eye twinkle

Things you never put in your books: snakes

 Favorite places you’ve been: Luzerne, Switzerland, Colorado

Place you never want to go to again: Istanbul, Turkey

Most embarrassing moment: Miss Oak Lawn Moped
Proudest moment: Publishing my first story

About Vicki:

Funny, sweet, and quirky, Vicki Batman’s stories are full of her hallmark humor, romance, and will delight all readers. She has sold many award-winning and bestselling romantic comedy works to magazines and most recently, three humorous romantic mysteries. An avid Jazzerciser. Handbag lover. Mahjong player. Yoga practitioner. Movie fan. Book devourer. Cat fancier. Best Mom ever. And adores Handsome Hubby.

Let’s Be Social:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

Amazon Author Page

Goodreads

Instagram

Bookbub

Things You'll Need to Prep for Your Book Launch

As you begin to query or promote your book, there are things you’re going to want to have on hand. It is better if you can create and polish them ahead of time instead of having to draft them on the fly.

Elevator Speech - This is a short description (2-3 sentences) of your book. M. M. of Finck of Query Quill says that it should be about 25-30 words, and it should create interest in your work. This description is at the summary level and should create an emotional connection or inspire curiosity.

Back Cover Copy - I usually draft this to go along with my proposal. Your publisher usually creates this, but sometimes, you may be asked for a draft. This type of promo for your book is longer than your elevator speech. It’s written to draw readers in, and it doesn’t give away the ending. M. M. Finck said to look at other books in your genre to get ideas for content and style.

Synopsis - Agents or publishers will often ask for a synopsis. This document isn’t for your reader. It’s usually about one to two pages single-spaced. It contains the title, author, genre, and word count and summarizes the action with the major characters and contains spoilers.

While I’m planning and writing, I create a document with a short summary of each chapter. It helps me see where the clues, action, romance, and comedy are. I later use this to create a synopsis.

Biography - You need to have several versions (e.g. short, medium, and long) of your biography. I put these on my website and in my press kit. Reporters, librarians, bloggers, and others use these when they feature your work or invite you to speak.

List of Book Links and Social Media Links - You will be asked frequently by bloggers, reviewers, and those managing book promotions for your links. I create a Word document for each book and store them all in one file. It’s easier to have them in one location.

List of Characters/Settings - Some people call this your book bible. I always create a document with the names and characteristics of each named character and location. If I’m writing a series, I create a Word table with a column for each book. I note key items like hair color, eye color, type of car, pet, etc. I want to be consistent across all the books. It also helps me not to reuse a name or pick a name that sounds like one I’ve already used.

Press Release - Your publisher or publicist will usually create create this. This is the formal announcement about your book, award, or special event for the media. If you Google “press release” there are lots of examples and templates to give you an idea if you’re creating your own.

Pictures - I keep a folder on my computer of my headshots in different sizes. I have another electronic folder of all my book covers in different sizes. This makes it easier when doing book promotions. All of them are in one place.

It helps to have all of your documents ready and in one place where you can quickly access them for queries, marketing, and promotions.

#ThisorThatThursday Author Interview with Kerry Cox

I’d like to welcome author, Kerry Cox, to the blog for #ThisorThatThursday.

Favorite music or song: As a mediocre ex-drummer in what was a pretty good bar band, I like and appreciate an eclectic range of music, which is why you’ll find such varied artists as Tom Waits, BB King, Jimmy Buffet, Eminem, Caro Emerald, Leon Redbone, Cherry Poppin’ Daddies, Dean Martin, Luther Allison, Big Rude Jake, Eminem, James Taylor, and Gypsy Kings on my IPod.

Music that drives you crazy: I can’t handle the male vocalists today who whine their way through a tune. It’s not just the pitch, it’s the tonality. Makes me nuts.

Favorite beverage: Beer.
Something that gives you a sour face: When there’s no beer.

Favorite smell: Lavender. I plant it everywhere. Where I live, the fact that it’s drought tolerant and deer resistant is another great reason to plant it.

Something that makes you hold your nose: Litter boxes. And we have a number of them, because my wife has been active in feral cat/kitten rescue for decades. So, I built waterproof outdoor enclosures, accessible through cat doors from the house, for all the litter boxes.

Something you’re really good at: Swimming. I’ve been swimming since—well, home movies show my first lesson at 6 months old. I played water polo at Oregon State University, taught swimming and coached a youth swim team for years.

Something you’re really bad at: Modesty. Just kidding, I’m great at modesty.

Something you wish you could do: Play boogie-woogie piano.

Something you wish you’d never learned to do: Honestly, there isn’t a thing I regret learning. Life is about learning; when you stop learning, you’re either dead, or you might as well be.

Things to say to an author: “This is crisp, authentic dialogue that moves the story along nicely, well done!”

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: “You should write a story about the crazy people at my job.”

Favorite books (or genre): My favorite novel is A Confederacy of Dunces, by John Kennedy Toole. That said, my favorite genre remains the one I write in: crime fiction, from procedurals to thrillers.

Books you wouldn’t buy: Fantasy, Historical Romance, Slasher Horror, Cookbooks.

Favorite things to do: I love the outdoors and play a variety of sports, so whether I’m kayaking, playing pickleball, or landscaping my yard, I’m a happy guy. I love working with stone, growing my own vegetables, and the volunteer rescue work I do with Pacific Wildlife Care and The Marine Mammal Center here on the Central Coast.

Things you’d run through a fire or eat bugs to get out of doing: I hate cleaning the shower. I hate working high up on a ladder. I detest standing in long lines. No matter what, I will never go to Disneyland again.

 About Kerry:

When I was a kid, I didn’t want to be a policeman, or fireman, or astronaut, or major league third baseman. I wanted to be a forest ranger.

Okay, also a major league third baseman. Y’know, as a summer job.

But it turned out my inability to comprehend biochem made a career in wildlife management as realistic as my chances of starting for the Dodgers.

So, after four years at Oregon State University I declared myself graduated, and returned home to Southern California. There I taught swimming, karate, and pre-school while I sold articles to various magazines, wrote children’s shows for The Disney Channel, and eventually became a full-time writer.

And because one of my childhood dreams lives on, I now write novels focused on the dark underworld of wildlife trafficking, and work with various wildlife, marine mammal, and feral cat/kitten groups as a rescue volunteer along California’s Central Coast.

I’m still waiting on that call from the Dodgers.

I live by the ocean in Cambria, California with my wife and a clowder of cats.

Let’s Be Social:

 Website: www.kerrykcox.com

FB: https://www.facebook.com/kerry.cox.501/

Twitter: @WalkingbirdKC (https://twitter.com/WalkingbirdKC)

#WriterWednesday Interview with Author Justin M. Kiska

I’d like to welcome author, Justin M. Kiska, to the blog for #WriterWedneday.

Things you love about writing: The challenge of coming up with creative storylines and (for my interactive murder mystery events) over-the-top suspects.  While I want my novels to be clever, I want my live mystery events to be funny.  

Things you hate about writing: The pressure I can put on myself.  Some days are easy and I can just sit down and write for hours and everything comes out great.  Other days, the words just don’t come and I start to wonder what I’m doing wrong.

Favorite foods: My absolute favorite food is pizza.  I can eat a full five course meal, leave the restaurant, walk by a pizza shop, and immediately crave a piece of pepperoni and extra cheese.  If pizza isn’t an option, give me a greasy, gooey bacon cheeseburger and I’ll be happy.  As much as I love pizza and burgers, I do eat much healthier.  My doctor insisted on it.   

Things that make you want to gag: Peppers.  Green, red, it doesn’t matter the color or type.  I hate peppers.

Favorite music or song: As a theatre producer, I listen to showtunes all the time.  Thankfully, I like showtunes.  I always have.  I’m also a fan of oldies.  Golden oldies from the ‘50s and ‘60s --  to be precise.  I realize the definition of “oldies” is changing.    

Music that drives you crazy: I wish I could say I was one of those people that liked all music.  But I’m not.  County music just isn’t my thing.

Favorite beverage: Caramel iced coffee.  I’m addicted. 
Something that gives you a sour face: If you heated up that iced coffee.  I won’t touch regular hot coffee.  What can I say?  I’m a puzzle.

Something you’re really good at: Sarcasm.  I have an advanced degree.

Something you’re really bad at: Making pancakes. I burn them.  I always burn them.

The last thing you ordered online: An antique Prince of Diamonds candlestick from 1885 to match the one used in the movie Clue. It’s my favorite movie and I’m putting together my own collection of weapons to exactly match the ones used in the film.    

The last thing you regret buying: I regret nothing!  Nothing!

Things to say to an author: “I enjoyed reading your latest book.”

Things to say to an author if you want to be fictionally killed off in their next book: “If I’d written the book, I would have . . .”

Favorite places you’ve been: I love traveling.  If I could live on a cruise ship, I’d be in Heaven.  For the history, I love London.  For the scenery, I love Italy.  For the energy, I love New York City.  

Places you never want to go to again: New Orleans in the summer.  I loved New Orleans, but it was so hot.  Soooooooooooo hot.    

Favorite books (or genre): Even though so much of my work revolves around mysteries, I’m a sucker for a good who dunnit?  Cozy, historical, it doesn’t matter.  Give me a good detective story any day.

Books you wouldn’t buy: Young adult fantasy fiction.  My wife reads it all the time and I . . . I just can’t

The coolest person you’ve ever met: I’m a political/news junkie and had always planned on going into government when I was growing up, so having been able to work for Elizabeth Dole for two years was incredible.  I learned so much from her and got to meet so many of my political heroes.  I realize politicians aren’t necessarily “cool” but people like Elizabeth and Bob Dole and Jack Kemp were some of the best public servants from a different generation.  I also enjoyed meeting Martin Short.  The man’s a comedic genius and so nice.    

The celebrity who didn’t look like he/she did in pictures/video: Christie Brinkley.  She was stunning, but she just didn’t look like Christie Brinkley for some reason.  

About Justin:

JUSTIN M. KISKA

When not sitting in his library devising new and clever ways to kill people (for his mysteries), Justin can usually be found at The Way Off Broadway Dinner Theatre, outside of Washington, DC, where he is one of the owners and producers. In addition to writing the Parker City Mysteries Series, he is also the mastermind behind Marquee Mysteries, a series of interactive mystery events he has been writing and producing for over fifteen years.  Justin and his wife, Jessica, live along Lake Linganore outside of Frederick, Maryland.

 Let’s Be Social:

Website: www.JustinKiska.com

Facebook: www.Facebook.com/JMKiska

Twitter: www.twitter.com/justinkiska

GoodReads: www.goodreads.com/justinkiska