Cherie's musings

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 22:20:14 GMT

I know, it's hard to believe, but I'm posting a second time in one day.

No, the world isn't coming to an end.

I just finished reading a book that left me feeling cheated. The last page is in the middle of the climax. Now don’t get me wrong, I love to be pulled into the world a writer has created and to want to keep reading to learn more about the characters. I want to feel like I’m right there with them. To be completely enveloped in their world. I’m equally as excited when I find out a second book is being published and I’ll be able to jump into another story with familiar characters. But, and this is a big but for me, after devoting myself to nearly 500 pages, I want there to be a conclusion when I reach the last page. I can’t decide if I want to buy the next book in this series. I could see if the library has it, but do I want to devote myself to another 500 pages to find out the next book doesn’t end either?

Is it just me? While leaving a book dangle at page four hundred and eighty-something is one tactic to use to get readers to buy the next book, is it the right way?

I have a novel that I could end this way – leaving the reader dangling right at the climax. I didn't, but it would make a great opening to a second book. I know it would. And the reader would have to buy the next book to know how the first book ends. But, if I’m fortunate enough to see this book published, wouldn’t the reader feel the way I do now?

Maybe it’s just me. **Big sigh**

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 18:24:48 GMT

I’m patiently waiting for replies to my queries. Really, very patiently.

But it’s so hard, you know?

I have received a few responses. One agent requested more and one said my writing shows real potential. Funny how that can lift your spirits, even when the agent says the story isn’t for them. Only a writer, or someone close to a writer, can understand that.

I read through the novel this weekend. One last time, just to be sure I tied up all the loose ends and caught any typos. I have my envelope ready to take to the post office. And, I’m back to not thinking about it.

Honest.

Today is proving to be a lazy day. I think everyone needs one of those now and then. I might even have time to curl up with a book and read for a while. That will take my mind off my submissions. (Oops… I was forgetting about them.)

I’ve been watching Gustav on the news and my prayers go out to those in or near Louisiana.

Hope everyone is enjoying Labor Day.

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 22:27:38 GMT

My week is off to a good start. To sum it up in under 250-words…

We had a really nice Sunday, which included a stroll through the Botanical Garden, shopping in Geneva, a visit to Anderson Books, and lunch at a cute little restaurant not far from the bookstore.

Today I worked a normal 8-hour day and I actually took a lunch. (Doing a happy dance over here.) I work full-time and with others out on vacation I swear I put in three weeks worth of hours in the last two weeks. I haven’t actually added it up because there is no point in depressing myself since I don’t get paid overtime.

This weekend I finished proofing my YA vampire novel and I sent off several queries to agents who have either requested to see more of my work in the past or I’d really like to work with so I just keep trying. If anyone can spare some good vibes, please send them my way!

I received an encouraging rejection from an agent who had requested a partial of Cursed. It included comments like ‘this book is close to the mark’ and ‘your effort is obvious on every page of this project’. Well I wished it didn’t include the word ‘unfortunately’, it was really nice to hear it was close.

Oh, and our boys were looking forward to their second week of school. Always a plus.

And that’s the beginning of my week in under 250-words. Thanks for stopping by.

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 03:00:05 GMT

We went to a Japanese Garden in Rockford today. I just found out it’s there and it’s very beautiful, and very peaceful. I could have set cross-legged in front of the waterfall all afternoon. My pictures really don’t do it justice, but I thought I’d share a couple of them.

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 02:06:59 GMT

Why is it the AC always goes out on holidays and weekends? It hit 85 degrees in our house by Saturday evening. That was with the windows open. We called the repair man this morning. Of course, by the time he got to our house the AC was working. Did you know if you are low on freon the coil can freeze forming a block of ice that blocks the air from being able to be blown up the vents. By turning off the AC Saturday night we gave the ice time to melt.

You learn something new everyday.

Hope everyone had a cooler weekend than we did. :-)

Wed, 02 Jul 2008 00:29:16 GMT

This story is too cute not to share. I took our youngest son to the store the other day – to replace the socks that got sucked into the black hole – and he starts to tell me how one of his best friends made up a girlfriend. I’ll call his friend Boy X. Boy X is eight. At first I thought I heard wrong. I mean, Boy X is only eight. My son doesn’t have a girlfriend, but he does have a lot of friends that are girls. As far as I know, none of their friends have girlfriends. So I’m really not sure why Boy X felt it was important that he did. Maybe because Boy X is a little over a year younger than the other boys, he thought a girlfriend is a must when you are in forth grade.

Anyway, Boy X kept this lie up for a couple of months. He did lots of fun things with his imaginary girlfriend. He knew her favorite color and food. (How sweet is he!) She even loved skateboarding (which so happens to be my son’s absolute favorite thing to do). When Boy X finally admitted to my son he made her up, he said he did it because he wanted my son to like him.

It could just be me, but at eight-years-old my imaginary friends included a couple of fairies, a friendly witch, and people I saw on television I thought were cool or I wanted to be like. Dreaming up my perfect boyfriend didn’t come until junior high and even then I kept him to myself.

Anyway, my son proceeds to tell me he told Boy X that he doesn’t need to make up girls or anyone else to be his friend. He liked Boy X for who he is. How grown up is that?

Kids can be so silly and so cool and so grown up. Cherie

Children

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 19:00:22 GMT

My nine-year-old stepson has been here for the past couple of weeks. There are a few things one quickly forgets when they have teens:

1) There is no such thing as sneaking out quickly with children. I was supposed to be working (hence my need to sneak). I know he can be quick, but OMG if he walked any slower we’d still be in the parking lot!

2) Don’t give them a large chocolate chip cookie to eat in front of the television and actually expect them to be neat. I sucked up all the crumbs this morning.

3) Socks go into a black whole. We aren’t sure exactly where this black whole is, but it must be between his bed and the hamper 5 feet away.

4) If you forget to tell them they did a great job putting their bowl in the dishwasher, odds are the next bowl will be left in the sink.

5) He may be the smallest person in the house, but he sneaks out of bed like a small heard of elephants running away from a mouse.

6) They love to help. Add additional time to everything you do.

7) As soon as you are busy, they are hungry and want something they can’t get by themselves.

8) They tell the funniest stories. I do enjoy that!

9) He’ll be ten soon; double digits as he called it.

10) The hamper of a young child who has played outside half the day smells worse than a teenager’s gym uniform.

I bet all the moms and dads of young children can probably add to this list.

What would you be called if you were a fairy?

Sun, 18 May 2008 23:26:02 GMT

Yes, I often wonder odd things like what would my name be if I was a fairy? What would I look like? And even, where would I live?

And wouldn't you know the www would have the answer!

Here are my results:

Your fairy is called Thorn Hailglitter

She is a protector of the lonely.

She lives in brambles and blackberry bushes.

She is only seen in the light of a shooting star.

She wears purple and green like berries and leaves. She has cheery turquoise wings like a butterfly.

You can find your fairy name at
http://www.emmadavies.net/fairy/default.aspx?firstname=&lastname=&submit=Find+My+Fairy+Name

Sat, 22 Mar 2008 00:32:42 GMT

Wow, has it really been that long since I posted? I guess I’m better at reading my friends pages than I am at posting. I didn’t get quite as much writing done as I would have liked, and I didn’t get any responses on my queries. I was hoping to get one or two. The waiting is killing me, so I made a quick list of what I have out there.

Witch novel: 1 full and 4 queries out to agents/editors I met or heard speak at the SCBWI conference. Since I queried a few editors, I keep reminding myself their response times are longer, but it’s going on 3 or 4 months now.

Vampire novel: a query to the editor I had my critique with at the conference and 3 agents who I emailed in January. Not sure if I’m going to hear back from the agents.

On my werewolf novel I sent 5 email queries in the beginning of March and received 1 quick not for me. Lots of body parts crossed I get one or two requests back.

To pass the time and help me forget about the waiting, I’d love to hear from other writers. If you have an agent, how did you find your agent and how long were you writing before you signed with them?

For those still looking for an agent, what sort of timeframe are you giving for email queries before you consider it a rejection or do you allow X number of weeks and resend? How many agents/editors do you queries at one time? Me, I usually query 4 or 5.

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 03:01:18 GMT

I attended Anderson’s Bookshops Children’s Literature Breakfast this past weekend. The Spatulatta Sisters showed us how to make their spinach and cheese scrambled eggs and Mom’s a star toast. They are delightful and funny and their cookbook looks like it is packed with great recipes for kids. If you have kids old enough to help in the kitchen, check out their website, http://www.spatulatta.com/ .

Kevin Henkes read from his new novel, Bird Lake Moon. He is the author of several books, including Lilly’s Big Day. Richard Peck (A Year Down Yonder and A Long Way from Chicago) ended the conference with an insightful and witty speech. I don’t think I’ll ever tire of hearing authors speak.

I got to meet Laura Ruby. I really enjoyed her novel The Wall and the Wing so I was excited when she sat at our table. We also had the opportunity to meet Blue Balliett (Chasing Vermeer), Jim Aylesworth (Little Bitty Mousie), and Betsy Herne (Hauntings: Tales of Danger, Love, and Sometimes Loss). Each shared a bit about their life and writing process.

I always enjoy listening to others tell their success stories, how they work, or even how they came up with an idea for a new book. I think Richard Peck said it best, every story starts with “What if…”

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 00:58:05 GMT

I just love fortune cookies. Little words of wisdom wrapped in a cookie. What’s not to like? So, after my scrumptious lunch, I grab a cookie and eagerly slip the piece of paper out and it says, “Good news will be brought to you by mail.” What writer wouldn’t like to hear that? Someone did forget to tell my postman about this. I’m sure he’ll be filled in for Monday’s mail

I’m hoping it’s good news on the full ms I have out. Hmm… would that come in the mail? Maybe a request for a full on one of my queries. That’d be nice.

I’ve taped my fortune to my computer. Anyone else ever save their fortune?

Fri, 18 Jan 2008 16:45:56 GMT

I just love getting feedback on my WIP. I’m reading through the notes from those who’ve read my latest novel and from my critique partners and I can’t help finding their comments enlightening. It’s fun to hear what other liked, what they thought needed work, and where the story got confusing. I have some great suggestions and with their help can see where my story needs work. Now if I can only convince my work and family that I’m not here so that I can bury myself in revising. Hmm… sometimes that’s harder than writing.

Queries, mss, and books you're reading

Sun, 30 Dec 2007 21:31:14 GMT

What do you do when you’re waiting to hear back on your queries or manuscripts?

I try to forget about them and diligently work on something else.

I visit the library where I check out several books, fly through the ones that interest me, and return the ones that don’t.

I re-read one of my finished ms and cringe when I find a typo (‘cause of course it’s in the one I had a request for the full and of course I typed you’re instead of your).

I type the synopsis for my latest WIP, then admit that three single spaced pages may be a bit too long for said synopsis and work on narrowing it down to convey plot, theme and heart of the main character in one page.

Then, realizing I’m not doing a good job forgetting about my queries or the ms I have out there, I check the date I sent them to remind myself it really (in the publishing world’s sense of time) hasn’t been that long.

I started a new WIP… trying to convince myself I might as well get the first draft of one of the stories that has been bouncing around the back of my head done.

And, I’m still not doing a good job forgetting about what’s out there.

So, I’m reaching out to my LJ friends looking for some suggestions on books you’ve read and just couldn’t put down.

Sun, 23 Dec 2007 13:54:39 GMT

Before the holiday fully kicks off, I'd like to take a moment to wish those who celebrate it a very Merry Christmas!

And may Santa be good to everyone!

Best Wishes, Cherie

The next Harry Potter

Thu, 20 Dec 2007 17:04:36 GMT

I saw this link on the Blue Board and found it interesting.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/12/18/books/18scho.html?_r=2&ref=books&oref=slogin&oref=slogin

The link discusses Scholastic’s “next Harry Potter”. I’m not so sure anyone can plan the next HP. I can’t imagine J.K. Rowling knew how big her little boy wizard would end up when she sent out her queries.

The concept for these books sounds fun, and something I can see kids enjoying. Time will tell if they become as big as HP. The first book is scheduled to be out next September.

The good and the bad

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 22:18:27 GMT

I received a response from an agent who had the full for my YA witch fantasy since March. I really thought I was never going to hear back from her, so I was thrilled when I received the reply. She said “I read the work with great interest, and certainly felt it had a lot to recommend it. Regrettably, though, ultimately, I had to pass.”

She gave me a couple of paragraphs on why she passed, which is great and I’ve since gone back through and read the story again. The letter was encouraging. She said, “I enjoyed reading the story, and I certainly held on to it to keep reading, so I can see there is potential there.” She didn’t ask for a revision though. Sigh. And I just finished reading it and did make some changes that I think helps the plot and adds additional spark to the characters. I plan on waiting a week or two and reading it again. Maybe I should send the agent a different novel?

I have this ms out to an editor who asked for the full earlier this month. I’m now biting my nails and hoping and praying her response includes wanting to see it published. Or even a revision.

On an up side, I entered Cynthea Liu’s cynthea Free-tique contest and received a great response from her about my vampire novel. I haven’t had much time to post on LJ lately, so this good news is a bit late. Anyway, Cynthea said, “she didn’t have much to say in the way of a crit since she liked this one quite a bit. It was somewhat reminiscent of the Anne Rice books she read as a child.” She went on to list a few questions she had and thought should be addressed in the first few chapters. The answers to these questions are covered in chapters four and five. I’ll have to see if it’s possible to move them up a bit. That email just made my day, week, month.

I also won a copy of Voice of Crow by Jeri Ready-Smith over at Fangs Fur Fey fangs_fur_fey. So I'm excitedly awaiting the book's arrival.

It's been one of those good months, mix with a bit of disappointing news that has left me hoping I didn't blow it with the editor who still has the full of my ms.

Well, I don't post in awhile, then I cram everything that's happened in one post. If I don't get back on before Thursday, hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving!

What are you reading?

Sun, 14 Oct 2007 01:41:28 GMT

I finished Wicked Lovely Thursday. No spoilers. I’ve always had a thing for books that include the possibility of what might be. Especially when it comes to romance. For me, Wicked Lovely offers just that wrapped up in a modern-day fairie tale. By the middle of the book I didn’t want to put it down and found myself having to make extra strong coffee in the morning because I stayed up late reading the night before. If you haven’t read it yet, and you enjoy fantasy and fairies (or you just like the possibly of what might be), I think you’ll really enjoy this book.

That leaves me scouring the bookstores and library for another book that offers fantasy, romance, and (of course) the possibility of what might be. Any suggestions?

Fri, 12 Oct 2007 01:37:57 GMT

My son had his wisdom teeth pulled today. He’s doing great, cheeks aren’t badly swollen and he’s not complaining about being sore. Of course, the pain medicine made him think it’s really nice outside – and it’s actually windy and cold (not that I’m complaining – but I would have grabbed my jacket when I ran out earlier, had I known). It’s funny how fast time seems to go these days. It seems like just yesterday I was sneaking into his room to exchange a lost tooth for a dollar. So what are teeth going for at your house these days? The four wisdom teeth went for about $500 each (thank heavens for insurance).

So, I’m on a call with my manager this afternoon, and he mentions he’s having his wisdom teeth pulled Friday and a co-worker is having her’s out at the end of the month. That got me wondering if anyone still has all four of their wisdom teeth. I think everyone I know has had at least two pulled. How about you?

Too Funny

Mon, 08 Oct 2007 14:50:18 GMT

For the mom's who haven't seen this yet, a comedian somes up what a mom says all day in about three minute. It's too funny....

http://video.yahoo.com/video/play?vid=1197846

Fall

Wed, 26 Sep 2007 02:22:46 GMT

We went for a drive over the weekend. I just love fall. Most mornings (I say most because weather in the Chicagoland area doesn’t seem to want to make up its mind these days), so most mornings there is a nice little nip in the air. Red is starting to burn through the green at the tops of the trees and there is a hint of yellow everywhere. The cornstalks seem to glisten like honey in the sunlight and the fields are a patchwork of burnt orange, yellow and tan. I can’t wait until more of the leaves change! Or to start decorating the outside of the house for Halloween. And to see all those Trick or Treaters. Did I say I love fall?

What’s your favorite time of year?

You Tube Form Reject

Wed, 19 Sep 2007 00:43:53 GMT

Kim Brunner shared this link on the SCBWI Illinois Listserv. It had me laughing out loud so I wanted to share with everyone. There is some off-color language, so if you're at work or have young children near you, turn down the volume.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6SERaRPhdM

And I've already missed my once a week goal...

Wed, 12 Sep 2007 22:16:11 GMT

Okay, work has been exhausting and by the end of the day I’m too beat to be creative and think of something to post, and I’ve already missed my post once a week goal. I have, however, tried to read what others are doing and reply when I can. Does that count? I’ve noticed a few of my friends missing as well. It must be the time of year. So today I’m going with rambling… you might have noticed. And then I’m going to take a deep breath, organize my thoughts, and get ready to coax a young and scare vampire out of the darkness where he’s hiding and continue with revising my first couple of chapters.

Cheers until next time!

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 00:07:16 GMT

I’m about a third of the way through revisions on one of my current WIP. I’m hoping to get all the way through it by the end of the long weekend. (I really should be working on it now.) I keep pulling out my notes from either my critique groups and from the editor (this is the one I had critiqued in LA). I know sometimes during a critique my expression must resemble a deer caught in the headlights. Or maybe I look more like the smiley with three question marks above its head as I think hmm, nope that’s not what I meant at all. My favorite is that feeling of yeah, that’s good. Yep, Yep that’s exactly what I was thinking when I wrote that. Ever feel that way?

Happy writing everyone!

Renaissances Fairs

Wed, 22 Aug 2007 00:54:27 GMT

Fantasy lovers, have you been to a Renaissances Fair? Okay, you can love everything medieval too. For me, it was like walking into a story yet to be told. Transported back in time, with Lords and Ladies abound, we visited just about every shop. They had the coolest jewelry, hand crafted swords and daggers, smoking dragons (so cute), wizard supplies, potions (I resisted the temptation to buy the small vial necklace. Hmm… what potion would you want to carry close to your heart? One to make your ms irritable maybe?). If you write fantasy, it’s a great place to get ideas for characters and towns. Where else will you hear a harp being played, see acrobats, jugglers, and be able to shoot a crossbow? Which, they will hand to a very excited nine-year-old. He wasn’t a bad shot either.

I came home dying to start a new story. Something set in mid-evil times, of course. I resisted that temptation too. I’ve been busy revising the novel I had critiqued at the conference. So far I’ve added a prologue, a character, and about 6,000-words. It’s not that I set out to add words, but it would be impossible to add either without adding words, right?

So, my once chapter two is now chapter four and I plunge forward trying to weave in the new character, which ultimately change the all the scenes. It’s fun, challenging, frustrating, rewarding, and a bit scary.

A bit more on Voice

Fri, 17 Aug 2007 02:26:35 GMT

I'm always tweaking my characters voice, which is why I enjoyed Kirby Larson's Voice Lessons so much.

My notes are below:

Diction: Know your characters vocabulary. For instance, how would your character say, “We had burgers for dinner.” My YA vampire might say, “Emily ate a burger and fries. I pretended to have the same.” A nine-year-old boy might say “Mom worked late, again. That meant dinner was hockey pucks on buns and cold fries.”

Tone: How does he say what he has to say? Put yourself in your characters shoes while writing dialog and read every bit of dialog aloud. If it doesn't sound right when you say it, it's not going to sound right when your character says it. And don’t forget nonverbal clues. i.e; eye contact, gestures, facial expression, body movement, and tone or volume of your character’s voice.

How does he interpret the world? For instance, a boy who loves baseball might compare everything to the sport. Create a word list of things related to this interest to refer back to while writing.

Another exercises to try is write letters or emails from your mc to the other characters in your book. While these letters may never make it in your book, you will get a better feeling for the mc's relationship with the other characters.

One of my favorite books on voice is On Writing by Stephen King.

I'd love to hear how others get to know their characters voice!