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Saturday, December 15, 2012

I HAVE AN AGENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Psst!


Hi.




So... I'VE GOT AN AGENT!!!!


I know. No one's more surprised than I am.


Let's hear it for self-confidence!


When Jessa Russo and I organized Pitchmas, we never dreamed anything like this would happen. But one of the agents noticed my pitch in the example, and requested the full. She read it in three hours, and wooed me on twitter the next day.At least, I felt very wooed.

She called me on Saturday, and her enthusiasm bowled me over.

Seriously. I felt like this:




So, after nudging the others who had my full, and thinking long and hard about what I wanted, I made a decision.

With delight, and shock, and awe, it's my PLEASURE to announce I've signed with MARISA CLEVELAND of the SEYMOUR AGENCY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Words can't describe the awesomeness that clings to her. She is just epic, and I love her already. But you can't have her cuz she's all MINE! <--That's how it works, right? I don't have to share? :P Either way, she's my new partner in crime.





It took a lot of caffeine to get me to this point. There was laughter, tears, rending of garments, and gnashing of teeth.

But it was because of my CP's - my critique partners, that I got through it.

Jessa, my first CP ever, who was there from the start, and redirected me from my other WIP, and told me I needed to write Moondreamer. I don't know how we made it 30 years without finding each other. Without her, I wouldn't have even written this book. Okay, maybe eventually I would have, but not for a while. My twin separated at birth. My number one girl. Even though we've never met, we're so close, our husbands worry we're lesbians.I'm not saying we are. But I'm not saying we're not. :D

Laura, whose sharp eyes picked up the embarrassing bonus commas, and other lame shit that others missed. She is incredibly sweet, JEOPARDY smart, and an amazing cheerleader. Seriously one of my favourite people. She made me a bracelet for when the zombie apocalypse hits. She's like Macguyver with a vag. And a credenza.

To the Mistresses of the Written Word: I hope you all know how much you mean to me. Every day you made me strive harder to be better, simply by being amazing in your own ways. *pervy group hug*

Thank you all. For picking me up, and talking me down when I needed it most.
Especially on the days where I felt like, 'I've GOT this!' only to promptly fall short of my goal.


Or the days like this:

 Or where I felt like this:

This too. OH there was a lot of this: 


And some of this:


But I got up, put on my big girl panties and kept writing. Because



...when they want to succeed.




So thank you to everyone who believed in me, and was there for me when I needed it. You know who you are. I hope. Basically, this:



And this:






And possibly (definitely) a little of this too:








Because of you -


Or at least, I feel like I do. :)



Because here's where I'm at now, after writing, query trenches, shelved manuscripts, revisions, PATIENTLY waiting (hysterical laughter) and writing more, then the insanity of Pitchmas: I'm agented with someone who GETS me, and GETS my manuscript, and believes in me. ENTHUSIASM FTW! She fits me like a non-sexual analogy!!! Maybe slightly naughty. But only because she is truly epic.

I feel like this:









Although if you see me, it looks more like this:







And although the journey is FAR from over, I will never forget all the words of encouragement, and those of you who helped me make MOONDREAMER better.<3



To the haters, who thought I'd never do it, and have probably read this blog with THIS expression:







But not really. Because,

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

PITCHMAS IS LIVE!!!

Pitchmas is now LIVE!


Post your 35 word pitch in the comment section of THIS post!


Submissions should look like this:

Your name: Tamara Mataya
Your email address:
Title: MOONDREAMER
Genre: Upper YA Urban Fantasy

Pitch: After I got off the bus to avoid those two creepy guys sniffing the air, I learned how to fly, met a leprechaun, and slept with an incubus. Best. Bus Stop. Ever.***


Submission window is NOW CLOSED.


 Comments are open for the Editors and Agents! Anyone tries to sneak in an additional pitch will be swiftly deleted. And given the e-stink-eye.No comments on pitches please - if a judge asks you about your MS, you may answer.




***While it's tacky to enter the contest myself, I should mention this would be my pitch if I entered, and I am currently seeking representation ;)

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Pitchmas judges revealed

And now the moment you've been waiting for. Now the moment WE'VE been waiting for! GAH! ALL the excitement!  

THE BIG REVEAL!

Pitchmas's final judge count?  

8 Amazing Agents, and 8 Exceptional Editors! 

(We're all about alliteration in these parts!) 

*kermit flails* 

We're so excited about this contest, and hope you are too. But what's a contest without some EPIC judges? 


Up first, let me introduce The EDITORS!

Kate Kaynak - Spencer Hill Lead Editor at Spencer Hill Press, Editor of The Covenant Series, Cursed, The Veil Trilogy, PODs, and Amarok, Co-Editor of UnCONventional, Milayna, Elemental, and Fae) is the author of Minder, Adversary, Legacy, Accused, and Operative.We are interested in Young Adult, New Adult, and Middle Grade sci-fi, psych-fi, paranormal, or urban fantasy, particularly those with a strong and interesting voice. We only take on new projects that inspire us and make us want to read more.

Lewis Pollak - Entangled: I began working for Entangled as a publicist in 2011 but joined the editorial staff earlier this year to get involved with authors and their stories at an earlier stage. A former graduate and medical student, I'm either a Renaissance man or indecisive, depending on how you choose to look at it. Find me on Twitter @LewisPollak
   My tastes are wide-ranging, but there are certain things I tend to favor that are more important to me than genre. I really appreciate a story that offers a mix of humor and drama. I prefer heroines that are resourceful, that stand on equal footing with the hero in some way. My favorite characters also tend to solve problems with their brains more than brawn, but a mix of both works great as well.

Kate Fall - Entangled: Kate Fall is an editor with Entangled Publishing. She previously interned at Rhemalda Publishing, is a member of SCWBI, and has been writing and editing professionally for 14 years. She loves novels with humor, settings that come to life (whether historical, contemporary, or futuristic), and main characters with what the Irish call "a good person's faults." She is especially looking for sweet romance for any age group with a well-rounded cast of characters, a love interest down on his luck, unusual American town life, or a unique twist on a time-honored plot.

Kathleen Kubasiak - Curiosity Quills:As an avid reader, a former Language Arts teacher and librarian, and a current homeschooling mother of three, I have spent my life surrounded by literature. My current role as acquisitions editor for Curiosity Quills Press allows me to have a different relationship with the written word. I am very pleased to now be in a position to help authors achieve their dreams of publication.


Ben LeRoy - Tyrus Books:Ben LeRoy grew up in Madison attended college in Milwaukee, and has been running publishing companies–first Bleak House Books, now Tyrus Books–since the turn of the century. He has traveled the country extensively including stops on stage with the President and hanging out with Jesco & Mamie White in Boone County, West Virginia. He blogs regularly for Hey, There’s a Dead Guy in the Living Room and less regularly for The Huffington Post. He also discusses Tyrus Books, publishing, and a whole bunch of other nonsense on Twitter (@TyrusBooks). His personal website, featuring various thoughts about music, baseball, books, and American-ness, can be found at http://www.benjaminleroy.com/

Looking for crime and dark literary fiction. Not looking for thrillers, suspense, or any adaptations of tv shows. Want books that focus on people's worlds getting torn apart (sometimes subtly) and how the characters survive. More interested in the human condition than I am crazy plot twists and violence. On whether or not Ben is looking for YA or Adult: In theory, I could envision a YA that fits, but it'd be one of those books that works in both worlds.


 Rudy - Immortal Ink: Owner, Acquiring Editor, and Website Manager - Immortal Ink Publishing is open to most genres, but we're specifically interested in the following:
  • Horror (especially literary)
  • Paranormal (fantasy, romance, and mystery)
  • Literary Fiction (well-paced and accessible)
  • Women's Fiction
  • Crime/mystery/thriller
  • Young adult
We are not interested in bibles, elves, dwarves, and purple moons.



Andrew Buckley - Curiosity Quills: Andrew Buckley is an author, podcaster, and professional unicorn wrangler.In his past life he was a slightly awkward ninja with no sense of balance. He’s also the Adult Acquisitions Editor for the innovative publishing house of Curiosity Quills Press. He’s currently looking for strong sci-fi, fantasy, mystery, and anything quirky. He has a strong sense of literary ethics and, as such, is totally open to bribes.Oatmeal raisin cookies and/or jammie dodgers are his favorite.

Andrew’s debut novel Death, the Devil, and the Goldfish, hits digital shelves December 5

Katie Henson - Sapphire Star:Co-owner and acquisitions editor at Sapphire Star Publishing, a full-service small press with a focus on ebooks. We opened our doors at Sapphire Star in January of 2012, and we’ve had the privilege of bringing many talented authors into the Sapphire family over the past year. We look forward to what 2013 will bring—we’re always on the hunt for “a good story well told.” We accept all genres of fiction, but we have our eye out for New Adult Romance in particular at this time.



And now -  The AGENTS!


Brooks Sherman! FinePrint Literary Management: On the adult side, Brooks is looking for literary and upmarket fiction, speculative (particularly urban/contemporary fantasy rooted in realistic settings and horror/dark fantasy), as well as historical fiction and crime fiction.

On the children’s side, he is seeking middle grade novels of all genres (but particularly fantasy adventure and contemporary), and is open to YA fiction of all types except paranormal romance.

He would especially love to get his hands on a dark and/or funny contemporary YA project.



Kim Lionetti! Bookends LLC:Kim Lionetti is an agent with BookEnds LLC representing a variety of bestselling YA, romance, women's fiction and cozy mystery authors.  Kim spent over eight years as an editor at Berkley Publishing before joining BookEnds in 2004, therefore she bring a hands-on approach to her clients and enjoys helping them bring their work to its fullest potential. She's currently seeking fresh voices in new adult, young adult, women's fiction, romance (excluding inspirational) and cozy mystery.


Bree Ogden! D4EO Bree Ogden joined D4EO in November 2011, after having been an associate literary agent at Martin Literary Management for nearly 2 years representing children’s, YA, and graphic novels.
Bree graduated with her BA in Philosophy from Southern Virginia University where she served as editor-in-chief of the University’s newsmagazine. She received her MA in Journalism with an emphasis in editing and expository writing at Northeastern University where she worked on both the New England Press Association Bulletin, and also served as the features editor of the premier campus music magazine, Tastemakers Magazine.


Here's what she's seeking:
~Highly artistic picture books (high brow art, think Varmints)
~Middle grade, Young Adult, Adult
~Graphic Novels
~Nonfiction, Humor, Pop Culture, Art books
Genre-specific (Both in Adult and YA):Transgressive fiction, Genre horror, Genre noir, Genre romance, Dark (not angst-ridden), Realistic, Psychological horror (with no paranormal elements), Hard sci fi. Meaning no fantasy, or magical realism at all
~A Dexter-ish type YA black comedy (COMEDY being the operative word)
~A Roaring Twenties historical for YA
~A manuscript written in the era of Mad Men with panache and style
~A unique and theme-driven art book
~Any book dealing with Anne Boleyn
~Historical fiction (love crime-driven historical fiction, i.e. Black Dahlia)




Marisa Cleveland! The Seymour Agency: Her Intern to Agent journey

A high school English teacher for seven years, I spent the past seventeen years teaching various forms of artistic movement, including dance, gymnastics, and cheerleading. I am a member of SCBWI, RWA, and YA-RWA. My super fabulous agent sold my category romance to Entangled Publishing, and now I'm shifting positions at the agency from intern to agent, hoping to make someone else's dreams come true.


Here's what I need: A middle school novel I can’t put down until the last page and can’t stop discussing. Voice is definitely key for me. If I’m going to sign (and sell) someone or recommend someone, then the writer’s voice has to speak to me. I have to be able to listen (vocally and on the page) to that writer through revisions and edits and book after book. I want to find characters I’d want as my best friends and partners in crime long after the story ends, whether it’s in this world or an alternate universe… and middle grade means the content where issues are age-appropriate and not based solely on lexile levels.

Nicole Rescinti! Seymour Agency: Nicole has been listed by Publisher's Marketplace as a top dealmaker in the country, and named ACFW's 2012 Agent of the Year.
      She loves discovering new talent and helping established authors to take their career to the next level. Do you have the next project to feed her book addiction? A smart, tight read she won’t be able to put down? A signature voice she’ll fight to represent?
HEA’s are a must for romance. Mainstream suspense, thrillers, mysteries, YA and inspirational novels are welcome. A consummate science geek and card-carrying Mensa member, Nicole would love to find the next great science fiction/fantasy novel or action/adventure masterpiece.  
       Nicole is a member of AAR, ACFW, RWA, and Mensa. She holds degrees in biology, psychology, and behavioral neuroscience. Nicole taught in the public school system and has worn many hats before heeding her calling to become a literary agent.

Pooja Menon! Kimberley Cameron Agency: As a new agent, Pooja is looking to build her client list and is eager for submissions by debut novelists and veteran writers. She's looking for writing that has an easy flow and a timely pacing, along with a unique perspective and a strong voice. 
  
 In fiction, she is interested in literary, historical, commercial, and high-end women's fiction. However, she's most drawn to stories with an international flavor, vibrant characters, multi-cultural themes, and lush settings.

In fantasy, she's looking for original, layered plots with worlds as real and alive as the ones that were created by J.K Rowling and Tolkien.

In non-fiction, she's looking for adventure & travel memoirs, journalism & human-interest stories, and self-help books addressing relationships and the human psychology from a fresh perspective.


In YA, she's looking for stories that deal with the prevalent issues that face teenagers today. She is also interested in fantasy, magical-realism, and historical fiction. I'm looking for unputdownable fiction in the following genres: Contemporary, Historical, Adventure, Mystery/Thriller, Steampunk, as well as non-fiction. 


 Adult fiction: she's looking for multicultural fiction in both contemporary and historical genres, with strong voices and lush settings.

Julia Weber! J. A. Weber Literaturagentur GmbH: Having set up her own literary agency in January 2012, Julia is specializing in representing international authors of unique and captivating commercial fiction, namely thrillers and romance as well as Middle Grade, Young Adult, New Adult and Women's Fiction. Julia's not too keen on sci-fi and futuristic stories and Fantasy should be set in the real world. Other than that, she's open to all sub-genres. A hooking plot, engaging characters, and a fresh voice are a must.

Jordy Albert! The Booker Albert Literary Agency:Formerly with the Corvisiero Agency, Jordy Albert recently teamed up with fellow agent, Brittany Booker to form The Booker Albert Literary Agency. She mentored under Marisa Corvisiero for the past two years, and is looking to grow her client list.

She is interested in women's fiction and romance, especially historical and Regency romance.
She is also looking for YA contemporary/historical or dystopian, sci-fi/fantasy with romance weaved throughout. She is also open to YA GLBT within those genres. Jordy would love to see unique, well-developed plots featuring time travel, competitions, or travel.

Jordy enjoys intelligent, quirky, complex characters, and characters who have a self-deprecating sense of humor.





So there you have it! We'll see you on Tuesday December the 4th for the Pitch Polishing Workshop over at Jessa's Blog!

And if we don't see you there, we'll see you when the Pitching goes LIVE, right here on this blog, that evening. If you missed the official details post, it's Right Here

Will our judges be Naughty or Nice to you? Only one way to tell... 

Pitchmas 2012

See you soon.

XOXO
Jessa and Feaky



Monday, November 19, 2012

Official Pitchmas Rules!





Official #PitchMAS Details

Welcome to our amazing Holiday Pitch Fest … PitchMAS! Like Christmas only better, because instead of a fat man getting stuck in your chimney, you get Jessa and Feaky! Woot woot! 

Tuesday 12/4: 4am-9pm PST
PITCH-HONING WORKSHOP (Jessa's Blog)
Tuesday morning at 4:00am Pacific Standard Time, a post will go live on Jessa’s blog announcing the Pitch-Honing workshop. All day Tuesday, you will be able to comment on the blog post with your pitches (both 35 word blog pitches and 140 character Twitter pitches). Your peers will comment and help you hone your pitches into something that will grab the attention of our esteemed editors and agents during the live pitch fest.

An example of a comment during the pitch-honing workshop could look something like this:

Jessa Russo
EVER, YA ParanormalRomance

35 word blog pitch:
Seventeen-year-old Ever Van Ruysdael knew her heart was on the line when she met Toby James. What she didn’t know was that her soul and the souls of those she loved were also in danger.

Twitter pitch:
17yo Ever knew her heart was on the line when she met Toby James. What she didn’t know was that her soul was in danger as well. #PitchMAS

Once your comment has posted, people can respond telling you what would work better for your pitch, and we can all help each other with honing our pitches and making them contest ready.


Tuesday 12/4: 11pm-2am EST
First PITCH SUBMISSION WINDOW (Tamara's Blog)
Tamara’s contest post will go live at 11pm, and will remain open until 2am. At this time, please comment with your pitch. She will only take the first 50 blog pitches. Please only post ONCE, and do not comment on other contestant’s comments. If you do not get in during this window, have no fear – there will be a short window first thing Wednesday morning. 



Submissions should look like this:

Your name: Tamara Mataya
Your email address: tamara (at) wherever (dot) com
Title: MOONDREAMER
Genre: Upper YA Urban Fantasy

Pitch: After I got off the bus to avoid those two creepy guys sniffing the air, I learned how to fly, met a leprechaun, and slept with an incubus. Best. Bus Stop. Ever.


Wednesday 12/5: 10AM EST-11AM EST
Second PITCH SUBMISSION WINDOW
Comments on Tamara’s contest post will be open again, and she will take an additional 25 pitches only.

Wednesday 12/5: 11:30am-9:30pm EST
BLOG PITCH CONTEST (Tamara's Blog)
This is when agents and editors will be able to scroll through the comments with the 75 pitches, and make requests, or ask questions. Please do not comment on any of the comments at this time, UNLESS an agent or editor has asked you a question specifically.

Thursday 12/6: All day!
TWITTER PITCH PARTY! 
{140 Characters or Less - obviously}
Everyone can join in on the Twitter party, regardless of your participation in the pitch-honing workshop, or the blog pitch contest. Also, EVEN If you’ve received requests, you may still pitch during the Twitter party because you never know when a ninja agent may be lurking.

Your Twitter pitch MUST CONTAIN the hash tag or the agents will not see it.

You may not pitch more than twice per hour. Please respect your fellow pitch fest contestants buy obeying this rule. It is unfair to clog the feed with your manuscript every two seconds.

We will notify you throughout the day if we see an agent or editor is lurking, so make sure you follow both Tamara and Jessa on Twitter.

***Follow along with the hashtag: #PitchMas***

*You may only pitch completed and polished manuscripts.
*You may pitch more than one manuscript, but each pitch must be its own comment, or its own tweet. (Read: Do NOT pitch multiple manuscripts in ONE comment or ONE tweet).

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

OBAMA WINS - Let's hide on Twitter.

I've heard way too many friends express disgust over hatred/ intolerance being spewed all over their facebooks, mostly from ROmney supporters. But instead of saying anything, they are choosing to 'be the bigger person.'


You know what? The bigger person DEFENDS the minority. The bigger person stands up for what they believe in - for what they know to be right.

The bigger person says, 'It's FUCKED UP that human beings are having their rights VOTED on, and aren't being granted the same rights that others have.'

Do not EVER let a bigot silence your voice. Your voice is the only one you've got.

Why aren't you using yours?

No hate for them - their intolerance blocks logic and compassion from their hearts and minds. But I'm sorely disappointed in you - because I hold you to higher standards than them.

I expect better from you - from me, from us.

USE your fucking voice. You used it to vote. Now use it to spread love, to stamp out bigotry.

To show support for those who desperately need to hear it.

An older vid but it still applies

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

PITCHMAS!




Our Holiday PitchFest is
coming!


What is a Holiday PitchFest, you ask?

Well it’s an event
full of awesomeness that Tamara (@FeakySnucker)
and Jessa (@JessaRusso) are working on! 




This will be a three-day event (you will not have to participate in all three days if you don't want to) where your peers will first help you hone your Twitter/Blog pitches and then you will have the chance to pitch your manuscript to your dream editor or literary agent!!! 

*All manuscripts must be completed and polished. If they are not completed and polished, we suggest finding a critique partner - and hey, that's how the two of us found each other! 

We are currently compiling a list of super awesome publishing houses and literary agents who will participate, and we're really excited!

So Happy Holidays to
YOU, right?!

The schedule for the
Holiday PitchFest will be as follows:

Tuesday
12/4:
PITCH-HONING
WORKSHOP

Wednesday
12/5:
BLOG
PITCH CONTEST
{35 Words or Less}

Thursday
12/6:
TWITTER
PITCH PARTY! 
{140 Characters or Less - obviously}

Follow along with the hashtag: #PitchMas

Specific details and the list of editors/agents participating will go up in November. Please stay tuned! 



Meanwhile, if you have ANY questions, or if you need help finding a critique partner, please contact either one of us privately or comment below!



Psssst ... please spread the word and grab the button!










Holiday PitchFest 2012

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Jessa Russo Interview!

Some of you are aware of my delightful Crit Partner, Jessa Russo, and her recent AMAZING news - her book deal with Curiosity Quills.

Well, her debut novel EVER has been officially released, and you hardly know anything about Jessa and EVER.

Today, we change that. I give you... Jessa Russo!

Oh, and if you aren't following her blog RUN! Follow her now and avoid the rush.

She's also on Twitter




You guys don't even know how excited I am about this. I'm this excited. Seriously.



In the interest of full disclosure, I should note that Jessa and I were Crit Partner-less until we found each other this year. When we met - ALL THE THINGS HAPPENED! SO if you don't have a crit partner - RUN out there and FIND ONE! But not mine. She's taken.

Sidenote - look how gorgeous she is!






Dontcha wish your CP was hot like mine? Dontcha wish your CP was a... *cough* Let's get to the interview, shall we?


1. Your debut novel, EVER, comes out October 1st. Tell us a little about it.

EVER is a story of first love(s), friendship, new experiences, and a little bit of the paranormal because I think EVERYTHING is better with a dash of paranormal. EVER started out as a story about a young girl with a house full of ghosts, but over time (and after many revisions), it became a story about a young girl with one ghost – her best friend and secret first love.



2. What made you decide to sign with Curiosity Quills - other than their awesome logo? ;)

Aside from the logo, huh? Well in that case, my editor Krystal was the other reason. She was able to tell me exactly what she loved about my story, as well as exactly what needed to change. She didn’t just gush about it – though there’s nothing wrong with gushing – but she gave me a solid critique, and was thorough. A good balance is something I’m finding I love about reviews now as well. I want to hear both sides of a review because having likes and dislikes is honest and normal. Though there is an upside to strictly gushing, and when people gush about loving EVER, I don’t need much else. In that note, there’s a downside to not gushing at all, and those reviews take some time to get over. I’m not supposed to read them, but aren’t all of us a bit masochistic by nature?



3. Is the editing process as brutal as you'd imagined? Did you have any darlings that were particularly hard to kill?

The editing process doesn’t bother me as much as I expected it to. Well, no, that’s not really true. I didn’t really know what to expect, to be honest. The worst part about my editing with EVER was that Krystal asked me to change the tense from present to past, which wouldn’t have been so painful had I not already changed it from past to present. As you already know, Tam. Lol ;-) But the best part about editing? Going through that process, as long and as hard as it was at times, has made me a much better writer and editor, and hopefully that will pay off in future works.



4. One of Ever's love interests is a ghost. Do you believe in ghosts?

Yes. Absolutely. I don’t have an explanation for them, because their existence kind of goes against my Christian upbringing, but I do believe. There have just been too many instances in my life of “seeing” something that shouldn’t have been there, or “feeling” something odd, to be blamed on anything but the paranormal.



5. Writers often talk of those dark days where they wanted to give up on their work. Taking a different angle, did you have a moment when writing EVER where you knew you HAD to write it, and get it published?

Hmm. You would know best about my dark days, and there were many as you know. But as far as having moments where I just knew I had to get EVER published or even finished? I don’t know that I can recall any specific moments like that. I just have a ridiculous perseverance (surprising even myself) and I apparently don’t take no for an answer. Who knew?



6. Other than hard work, was there anything instrumental in getting EVER *there*? (Caffeine, chocolate etc.)

My critique partner. And I’m not just saying that because I’m on your blog, so just stop shaking your head at me. I honestly don’t know if EVER would be published had I not met you. Not only was your critique instrumental in getting EVER to the place it needed to be, but you were able to keep me moving forward when I tried to give up. I can’t even put into words how much that means to me.

And yes to coffee as well. ALL THE COFFEE.



7. *Blushes furiously from #6* If you could choose, who would play you in the made-for-tv movie all about how you were the stunningly talented author of the wildly successful EVER series? (Doubters can suck it - this is NOT flattery!)

Hahaha! See!? THIS is why I love you. I have NO idea who would play me. That’s a tough question. But obviously it would have to be someone brilliant and drop-dead gorgeous. OBVIOUSLY. Lol!



8. OBVIOUSLY! :D You recently accepted a position at CQ - as Acquisitions Editor! How does it feel to be on the other side of the velvet rope?

It feels amazing. Except when it doesn’t. Then it feels like poop. Like when I have to reject a submission. But I think I can offer something that many literary agents and publishers/editors aren’t able to offer: compassion. Now, before anyone jumps on me for saying that, I’m not saying they aren’t compassionate (well, those of us who’ve ever been in the query trenches know that some actually are not) but I am saying that because I know VERY WELL what it feels like to receive heartless form rejections, I try not to do that to the authors I am in contact with. I know all too well how heartbreaking it is to receive a rejection, even more so when the agent calls you Sir (when you’re clearly not a Sir), or misspells your name. So I like to think that since I’ve been there, I may be able to soften the blow a little bit more than others who haven’t experienced query hell.



9. Finally, tell us something you'd like everyone to know about EVER.

EVER is my very first book. I have many works in progress now, but EVER is my firstborn. So even if someone hates my book, or thinks my writing needs work, etc, I have only one direction to go, and that is UP. And I have NO intention of not climbing the ladder in front of me.

Also, there’s a LOT of myself in EVER. The death of my father when I was 16 – something I hadn’t planned on including in the book – just happened to find its way into the story. The beautiful best friend I never felt I measured up to – she’s still my best friend, she’s just as amazing as I hope you find Jessie, and I still don’t think I measure up to her. The good guy vs. the other guy (not bad, but not necessarily good either) – pretty much my dating history in a nutshell. I’ve dated them all. I ended up with a really good man WITH tattoos. It’s a perfect combination. Like Ever, I’m both awkward and strong, shy and confident. It’s a strange mixture.



10. I'm so proud of you, and happy that the world is going to meet EVER:) *hugs*

I love you and can’t wait to make YOU answer questions for your stop on my blog! Now hurry up and get MOONDREAMER agented so I can gush about Draven to everyone I know!!! You’re the best CP a girl could ask for.


Friday, August 31, 2012

Getting to know you

Where do you write?
1.In a smooshy black leather chair. Laptop in my lap.

2.Quick. Go to your writing space, sit down and look to your left. What is the first thing you see?
The remote control. I CONTROL THE SPICE!

3.Favorite time to write?
When I have an idea and a few minutes to actually get something down. It can be anytime, but sometimes inspiration strikes as I'm walking out the door to go to work. Inspiration, thou art a heartless bitch.

4.Drink of choice while writing?
In the mornings - coffee. The rest of the time, there's no set drink. Suppose that's boring. Okay, um, the tears of my vanquished enemies.

5.When writing , do you listen to music or do you need complete silence?
MUSIC! Because I write in the same room as the tv and my noisy husband.

6.What was your inspiration for your latest manuscript and where did you find it?
It came to me as a dream. I added a new beginning, and then had to figure out where to go after the dream ended, but the idea came from a dream. My subconscious has ALL the talent.

7.What's your most valuable writing tip?
Writing is work. People might think that you are “just” writing. Eff that. YOU ARE BUILDING WORLDS. There is nothing insignificant about that. Your writing deserves your time and attention. The laundry can wait. I promise. ;)


Monday, August 6, 2012

Where are their friends?!

This is a sort of open letter/ PSA to the writing community regarding social media, and holding our friends accountable.

Are we the company we keep? If our publishing house sister is spamming the crap out of Twitter, does that reflect poorly on the house, and ourselves?

There is a fine line between self-promotion and spam.

Some writers are fine dancers, courting the line but never stepping on its toes.

Other writers pole vault right over that line, straight into the land of ZOMGLOOKATMELOOKATMELOOKATMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Whenever I see one of these pole vaulters, I can't help but wonder where their friends are. Where are their crit partners? Where are their friends? Agents? Anyone? ANYONE?!

This writer is alienating their fan base/ followers. They are engaging in social media practices that are detrimental to their success.

So why aren't their friends saying anything to them?

We can be happy for our friends while holding them accountable for the things they are doing/ saying. If one of my CP's/ friends was constantly Following/ Unfollowing people to try to get their attention, or spamming my Twitter/ Facebook feed with shameless self promotion I would SAY SOMETHING!

Maybe these people's friends HAVE said something, and they didn't care to listen.

If that's the case, then we need to spread awareness about this. When I see a mention of your book, I should be excited, and happy for you. I shouldn't roll my eyes and go, 'oh fuck, here we go AGAIN. I hate this book and I haven't even read it...'

Friends don't let friends sabotage themselves. Friends shouldn't let friends self-promote to the point of Spamming. You may think one or ten posts a day isn't a big deal.

But when it's the SAME post, or a slightly different worded version of the same post, it's like gum we've already chewed. We're going to spit you out. We want something fresh.

Interact WITH us, don't talk AT us. It's a much better way to promote yourself, and your work.

Hold your friends, and yourselves accountable. We're all in this together.

Thanks.



Thursday, July 19, 2012

Writers. Represent. Enjoy.


When someone hurts my CP's feelings
Hermione punch.

When I get a form rejection from an agent I love
Jareth; Waiting.. Pictures, Images and Photos

When an agented writer tells me that they had to query 5 whole agents before being signed,and that they understand how I feel
Jareth; Waiting.. Pictures, Images and Photos


My ever-increasing caffeine needs
Jareth; Waiting.. Pictures, Images and Photos

When I finish the first draft!

GIFSoup

When I finish the first round of edits

GIFSoup

When I see someone new and awesome to stalk on twitter
Jareth; Waiting.. Pictures, Images and Photos


When I accidentally send out a rough version for someone to read, instead of the new shiny one
Its Evil! Dont Touch It! Gif - Its Evil! Dont Touch It!
see more Gifs

When I'm waiting for a beta reader to get back to me
Jareth; Waiting.. Pictures, Images and Photos

When I'm waiting for an agent to respond to a full submission, and my CP has to talk me down
Photobucket




When someone spams my twitter feed with their blog/ book every ten minutes
Photobucket





Friday, July 13, 2012

Tagged.

Megan tagged me! :D Go follow her blog, she's fooled me into thinking she's cool for way too long for it to be a lie.

Stay for the Gif parades


1.What's your favorite song?
No. I can't possibly answer this. I'm a singer, and I prefer songs that I can sing to. BUT a few of my favourites are: Strange face of love by Tito and Tarantula, Stuck in the middle with you, by Stealer's wheel, and I also love Superbad by James Brown.


2.How many times did you fail your driver's license test?
Never. I haven't taken it. I only got my learner's a couple years ago. I never needed it! :D

3.Who's your celebrity crush?
Hmm. I have a few. Esthero, Angelina Jolie, Timothy Olyphant, Mila Kunis.

4.What is the most disgusting word you can think of?
Smear. It immediately brings to mind, 'Feces.' Ew.

5.Don't you think Tombstone is the best movie of all time?
No. But I don't have a solid fave, I have a few. Time Bandits, The Labyrinth, Dirty Dancing, The Princess Bride. Monty Python's the meaning of life.

6.If you had to eat one food every day for a year, what would it be?
My mum's homemade Ham and Cheese Turnovers.

7.What are your top 3 favorite books?
Fuck. Okay, favourite is Les Miserables by Victor Hugo. Then it falls to shit. Cold comfort farm by Stella Gibbons. Alice in Wonderland and Through the looking glass - the version with Tenniel's original illustrations. Stupid and contagious by Caprice Crane is awesome. The stupidest angel by Christopher Moore.

I'm a book slut. Let's just say that there will always be a new favourite added to the list. It's about the right book finding me at the right time, and taking me away.

8.Have you ever met anyone in real life that you originally met on Twitter?
Nope, but my husband and I met in a guitar player's group on Myspace. 3 years and international immigration later, we're still here.

9.What was your first job?
Holding the flashlight for my dad. :D

10.Peanut Butter and Jelly Sandwich- do you put pb on one slice of bread, jelly on the other, and then marry the two? Or do you put pb on one slice of bread, spread jelly on top of the pb, and put another slice of bread on top? (My grandfather has a VERY SOLID opinion on this subject.)
No. butter both sides. PB on one piece, Jam on the other. You have to eat the PB on the bottom. It tastes different, and helps the jam from sogging into the bread. But it should be toasted.

11.Name one thing that majorly creeps you out.
Ants. Or parrots. No, really.
I made a vid

Thursday, July 5, 2012

And now... a sloth scratching it's ass.

I had no idea there would be such a demand for this picture.

I just knew when I saw it happening that I had to capture it on film.

I actually snatched the camera from my husband's grasp.

I give you, 'Sloth Scratching it's Ass.'





In case you're wondering, a sloth scratches it's ass V-E-R-Y slowly.