I'll get the non-exciting things out of the way first.
1. I moved last week.
2. It took five trips back and forth and at least 30 trips up and down stairs.
3. Comcast totally screwed me and I hate them. (I'll be writing a letter)
4. I finally have internet again.
Now, onto the fun stuff.
I went to my first writer's conference this past weekend. The NJ Romance Writers held their annual conference in Woodbridge. If I remember correctly, there were about 430+ people there! It was a blast. Here's how it went down…with fun Jenn commentary to boot.
I woke up at 7am. No, I didn't have to be there that early; rather, I needed to close the book on my former living situation. I drove to Comcast and dropped off my old boxes. Then I went over to the old APT and walked through once more to make sure I got everything. After that, I took the keys to the landlord's office, called him, and let him know the keys were there.
I took former roomie with me to clothes shop because I had nothing to wear. I got a pair of pants and two shirts for under $50. Score! I looked damn good too.
So, I rush home, hop in the shower and get dressed. I searched the boxes in my room for my printer's power cord. Couldn't find it. I freak out, get all pissed off and start throwing shit around my room like a two year old. Finally, my former roomie walks in with it in his hand. Yay! I hook it up. Print out the crap I need for the conference, grab a stack of business cards (that now have the WRONG address on them…grrr), and get ready to leave.
The phone rings.
It's a campaigner trying to get me to volunteer. "Call me back, I'm late." I say and jet.
Of course, I hit massive traffic.
No lie, I get there with five minutes to spare. I register, say hi to a few people I know then go find something to do for the first hour. I sniffed out the newbie's welcome meeting thingy. The speaker was hilarious and I ran into a couple of my friends. Great start!
I hooked up with one of my Critique Partners and attended a self-defense, fighting, conflict type of workshop. The husband-wife team gave us some great pointers on how to get out of certain situations if being attacked. Good stuff. I, of course, had to ask the question. "Purely for research, do you know any methods to kill without weapons?"
They didn't tell me anything I didn't already know, but they gave me a plethora of other ideas to work with in the future.
So then I went into an Agent/Editor chat. There were chocolate covered pretzels in the room. I didn't eat any. The chat was great, more a Q&A session.
Afterwards, I ran into a few other friends of mine smoking outside the hotel. We talked a bit, figure out what we're going to do for the rest of the conference and whatnot.
I attended a pitch workshop, which I really needed because I hadn't had any time to fix mine or rework it or anything last week, so I was freaking. Anyway, the speaker gave us some general ideas for pitches, how to make them work, and what agents/editors look for when hearing them. I actually volunteered to read mine. Out loud. In front of like 50 people.
Now, you can ask me to sing in front of 1000 people and it's no problem. Talking…for some reason, I get nervous, flustered and usually turn a lovely shade of pink. Luckily, I didn't turn pink until after I sat down. So it worked out well.
After the pitch meeting, I went home to freshen up. As I was doing my makeup, I realized that I have twice as much gray hair as I thought I did. Thanks new bathroom with bright lights that I didn't have before…you make me feel SO much better. Bleh.
Still, I looked good in clothes that fit, with my hair done, and a bit of make up on. Told my brother he was going to have to beat men off me when I hit my goal weight. LOL Hey! I can dream, can't I?
I got back to the conference in time for the Awards presentation for unpublished and published manuscripts. I ate a bit. I think there were more chocolate pretzels there. Didn't have any. Sat with some friends, made new ones, and overall had a great time! A few of the ladies in my group won too!
It was an early night on day one, so I went home, hung out with the Family and some friends. We played Rock Band. Fun. Then, at 1am, I decided to fix my pitch.
Day two, I woke up, again, at 7. Get back to the hotel to attend JR Ward's special early bird gathering. She's so funny and I really enjoy hearing her talk about writing. We have some similar methods to our craft, so it was nice to hear I'm not the only crazy writer out there…
On to breakfast! I sat with some other NJRWA members that I've seen around but never really talked to. I talked to them this time, exchanged cards, talked the craft, and again, had a blast. The speaker, Eloisa James, is one of my sister's favorite authors. She was very funny. All us writers seem to have another creative streak unrelated to writing. Guess we're all wired that way…
From there I went to my pitch meeting. I tried not to freak out. Didn't work so well, but I made it through without making a complete ass of myself and the editor asked for a partial submission! Whee!
Next on my list was a World Building work shop with JR Ward and Jessica Anderson. I volunteered to host the room. Good information, fun answers, and nice people. Who could ask for more?
Our lunchtime speaker was just as funny. Seriously, I think I'm onto something…
After lunch I went to the Agent and Editor Panels. Lots and lots of good information there!
The public Book Fair seemed to go well. I was talking with one of my friends and she mentioned she was thirsty. I had an epiphany! I became the water girl! I went around to all the writers and gave out cups of water. It was hot in there. Such a great way to meet new people. They seemed to appreciate my efforts and I was glad to help.
During a little get together in one of my friend's rooms, I met and chatted with a female Special Agent with the FBI. I asked her all kinds of questions. Even the stupid ones. "Do you watch…Fringe, Criminal Minds, or Without A Trace." She told me exactly what I thought an Agent would say. They usually don't watch those shows because most are full of inaccuracies that drive them nuts. Hehe. Then we talked more about the Bureau, her jobs, what she wanted to write in the future. I had her ear for a good hour!
There were more chocolate pretzels there. I didn't have one. Honest!
The after conference party was a blast. We did karaoke, danced, got the DJ all worked up and on the floor…though he was really good himself at keeping us entertained. I sang a couple songs, which was nice. I haven't done that in a while.
I took four pretzels home with me and only ate one! Go me.
Overall I enjoyed myself tremendously. I didn't attend as many workshops as I would have liked, but my focus right now is getting my manuscripts published. So I needed the agent/editor information more than the writing help. However, there is always next year!
I'm motivated to get back writing and finish Lucky 3. First I have to unpack the rest of my boxes and buy a desk. More fun.
October 27, 2008
September 30, 2008
Yes, I'm still here.
Well it's been a crazy month.
I'm not even sure where it went. I've been busy, which is good, but I haven't done any writing. Bad Jenn!
However, my critique group has been helping me tighten up Lucky's first story. So far, so good. I know I need a swift kick in the backside and motivate my damn self, but with all the running around I've done, I haven't been in the mood.
I want to finish Lucky 3 before my writer's conference in October. That gives me about 20 days. It can be done. I just have to hunker down and freaking do it. Right? Yeah.
TV started up again. I'm glad I have the DVR, but it doesn't seem to be helping much. I picked up two new shows this season. Fringe and Gossip Girl. I'm not sure if I'll continue to watch The Mentalist...but it was very good. Wonder how many people noticed it was a drama rip-off of Psych on USA. I did. Still, good show.
Heroes is getting strange. Gossip Girl is awesome. Smallville and Supernatural are doing all right. SVU started out with a bang. Survivor looks like it'll be fun again this year. And let me tell you, watching it in HDTV on a big ass screen is amazing. It's SO pretty! In fact, watching anything NOT in HDTV hurts my eyes now. LOL.
Thursday night should be fun with the VP debate and all. The Prez debate was interesting. Made me like McCain that much less. I noticed how arrogant he acted. He barely even looked at Obama during it. Shame.
I've cut back on the amount of news I watch, but I've been reading more and more online during the day. There is so much crap going on in this world it really is hard to keep track of everything. Seems like the planet is going to hell on more than one level. Too bad we don't have any Super Heroes to save us.
It depresses me and scares me, the amount of pain and destruction people can inflict. That's probably an odd statement coming from a chick who is writing about an assassin. But that's fiction. I like my fiction dark and dirty, with the good guys winning in the end. Sadly, the good guys don't always win in reality, which is probably why it really hurts my heart when I read about some woman who put her kid in the microwave or that a young couple got killed in the islands on their honeymoon, or that there was another bombing in the Middle East somewhere. Bah. Sensory overload.
Well, that's all for now. Back to work!
Edit: I joined twitter. Why? WHY!
I'm not even sure where it went. I've been busy, which is good, but I haven't done any writing. Bad Jenn!
However, my critique group has been helping me tighten up Lucky's first story. So far, so good. I know I need a swift kick in the backside and motivate my damn self, but with all the running around I've done, I haven't been in the mood.
I want to finish Lucky 3 before my writer's conference in October. That gives me about 20 days. It can be done. I just have to hunker down and freaking do it. Right? Yeah.
TV started up again. I'm glad I have the DVR, but it doesn't seem to be helping much. I picked up two new shows this season. Fringe and Gossip Girl. I'm not sure if I'll continue to watch The Mentalist...but it was very good. Wonder how many people noticed it was a drama rip-off of Psych on USA. I did. Still, good show.
Heroes is getting strange. Gossip Girl is awesome. Smallville and Supernatural are doing all right. SVU started out with a bang. Survivor looks like it'll be fun again this year. And let me tell you, watching it in HDTV on a big ass screen is amazing. It's SO pretty! In fact, watching anything NOT in HDTV hurts my eyes now. LOL.
Thursday night should be fun with the VP debate and all. The Prez debate was interesting. Made me like McCain that much less. I noticed how arrogant he acted. He barely even looked at Obama during it. Shame.
I've cut back on the amount of news I watch, but I've been reading more and more online during the day. There is so much crap going on in this world it really is hard to keep track of everything. Seems like the planet is going to hell on more than one level. Too bad we don't have any Super Heroes to save us.
It depresses me and scares me, the amount of pain and destruction people can inflict. That's probably an odd statement coming from a chick who is writing about an assassin. But that's fiction. I like my fiction dark and dirty, with the good guys winning in the end. Sadly, the good guys don't always win in reality, which is probably why it really hurts my heart when I read about some woman who put her kid in the microwave or that a young couple got killed in the islands on their honeymoon, or that there was another bombing in the Middle East somewhere. Bah. Sensory overload.
Well, that's all for now. Back to work!
Edit: I joined twitter. Why? WHY!
August 18, 2008
What a weekend!
Great weekend! I saw my sister on Friday. Hung out, played some Rock Band.
Went to my writer’s meeting on Saturday. Wow.
First, it was great to see my new friends. We chatted, talked about our stuff. Had lunch. Talked some more. I love talking about writing. I have one or two friends I can blab with for a bit before they get bored, and ex-roomie will, thankfully, listen for hours on end when I need him too. But it’s not often I get to talk about it. That’s why I love these meetings.
Anyway, we had the chance to send in a one page synopsis for our current novels or WIP. I, of course, sent Lucky. Now mind you, I sent the synopsis in on Monday. Went to a critique group meeting on Tuesday, and changed my synopsis on Wednesday. I just missed the deadline to replace it. Grr. But, no worries. I had faith in the original one.
So, this wonderful editor lady comes to the meeting to read our stuff. Each one she gives feedback. What works, sounds good, intriguing, what doesn’t work, pieces missing or don’t make sense, etc. She gets to mine. Reads the teaser line. LIKES THE CONCEPT! Says it’s interesting and if executed well, could be great. Continues on, mentions a few wholes and unclear aspects to the story. But mentions if she were reading that for work, she’d request to see more.
Yes. My jaw broke off and fell to the floor.
After she read the rest, I shot my hand up for a question. I mention how my romance doesn’t really start until book two, and I have the whole story in three parts. I asked how I should mention books two and three in a future synopsis, she gives me some pointers. Then her literary agent got involved in the conversation about the three book arch I have. The editor thought the concept was interesting. The literary agent thought it would be hard to sell. I mentioned a few other new authors I’ve noticed getting three book deals. One of the board members said they’re more series books because minor characters take over in the subsequent books.
Interesting stuff.
Anyway, after the meeting broke. I spoke with the literary agent and asked if I could send her my new synopsis. She said yes! I asked if she wanted a query, and she asked for pages instead.
Freakin’ sweet!!
On the ride home I called my sister to tell her. Then I told everyone else. Even if I get nothing but great feedback from the agent, it really was nice and shocking to hear that someone out there likes my ideas. I may just make it after all.
I know my style…voice is different. And my romances are anything but traditional. I guess it takes a lot to sympathize with someone like Lucky. She’s an anti-hero. They work better in the movies. Maybe it’s that cynic inside of me that doesn’t allow me to really relate to formula romance. With some exceptions, the women are all so pretty and small and whatnot. The men are always big and alpha and heroish. Okay, granted, Kenji is a big guy, but he had to be taller and stronger than Lucky, and she’s already 5’10. The kind of happy ending, where I truly believe it, the couple has to really work to get there. Not just by avoiding the bad guys, but really getting to know each other. A lot of books throw the couple together and make the situations around them tense and dangerous. That leads to sexual tension, which leads to the romance. I don’t see a lot of relationship building and all the complications that come with that.
I like the way I’ve plotted out Lucky and Kenji’s relationship. It is real. Sure, it’s fiction, and they’re assassins…but it works and it feels right.
I’m feeling that little tingle I get when I’m excited about something. I want to finish book three before the writer’s conference in October. I need a great pitch for the trilogy. And I need to find someone who thinks it feels right too.
If they’re out there, I hope they’re ready. I am!
Oh, and on Sunday, I did chores. hehehe....
Went to my writer’s meeting on Saturday. Wow.
First, it was great to see my new friends. We chatted, talked about our stuff. Had lunch. Talked some more. I love talking about writing. I have one or two friends I can blab with for a bit before they get bored, and ex-roomie will, thankfully, listen for hours on end when I need him too. But it’s not often I get to talk about it. That’s why I love these meetings.
Anyway, we had the chance to send in a one page synopsis for our current novels or WIP. I, of course, sent Lucky. Now mind you, I sent the synopsis in on Monday. Went to a critique group meeting on Tuesday, and changed my synopsis on Wednesday. I just missed the deadline to replace it. Grr. But, no worries. I had faith in the original one.
So, this wonderful editor lady comes to the meeting to read our stuff. Each one she gives feedback. What works, sounds good, intriguing, what doesn’t work, pieces missing or don’t make sense, etc. She gets to mine. Reads the teaser line. LIKES THE CONCEPT! Says it’s interesting and if executed well, could be great. Continues on, mentions a few wholes and unclear aspects to the story. But mentions if she were reading that for work, she’d request to see more.
Yes. My jaw broke off and fell to the floor.
After she read the rest, I shot my hand up for a question. I mention how my romance doesn’t really start until book two, and I have the whole story in three parts. I asked how I should mention books two and three in a future synopsis, she gives me some pointers. Then her literary agent got involved in the conversation about the three book arch I have. The editor thought the concept was interesting. The literary agent thought it would be hard to sell. I mentioned a few other new authors I’ve noticed getting three book deals. One of the board members said they’re more series books because minor characters take over in the subsequent books.
Interesting stuff.
Anyway, after the meeting broke. I spoke with the literary agent and asked if I could send her my new synopsis. She said yes! I asked if she wanted a query, and she asked for pages instead.
Freakin’ sweet!!
On the ride home I called my sister to tell her. Then I told everyone else. Even if I get nothing but great feedback from the agent, it really was nice and shocking to hear that someone out there likes my ideas. I may just make it after all.
I know my style…voice is different. And my romances are anything but traditional. I guess it takes a lot to sympathize with someone like Lucky. She’s an anti-hero. They work better in the movies. Maybe it’s that cynic inside of me that doesn’t allow me to really relate to formula romance. With some exceptions, the women are all so pretty and small and whatnot. The men are always big and alpha and heroish. Okay, granted, Kenji is a big guy, but he had to be taller and stronger than Lucky, and she’s already 5’10. The kind of happy ending, where I truly believe it, the couple has to really work to get there. Not just by avoiding the bad guys, but really getting to know each other. A lot of books throw the couple together and make the situations around them tense and dangerous. That leads to sexual tension, which leads to the romance. I don’t see a lot of relationship building and all the complications that come with that.
I like the way I’ve plotted out Lucky and Kenji’s relationship. It is real. Sure, it’s fiction, and they’re assassins…but it works and it feels right.
I’m feeling that little tingle I get when I’m excited about something. I want to finish book three before the writer’s conference in October. I need a great pitch for the trilogy. And I need to find someone who thinks it feels right too.
If they’re out there, I hope they’re ready. I am!
Oh, and on Sunday, I did chores. hehehe....
July 26, 2008
Week in review, Jenn style.
The year of Jenn is going well. I’ve lost another 30lbs since April and I really can’t wait to be in Onederland, as my trainer calls it. I hope to be in the 100lbs range by the end of September! Woot.
I just got back from my Tiger Schulman class. It was a blast. I wish it weren’t so expensive; I’d probably keep with it. Instead, I think my trainer and I are going to look for a different place. I really want to take a kickboxing class. Just haven’t found one yet.
This week on SYTYCD was a shocker to say the least. I had picked Comfort and Mark to leave, only because they were the weakest dancers left. But Will? Come on! That was SO unfair. Okay, it’s probably my fault because I didn’t vote, like countless others who probably thought the same thing. You’d think I’d learn after Daughtry was kicked off Idol. Ah well. The show was awesome though, I loved most of the routines.
Last weekend I saw the Dark Knight. I was sitting in the second row…that’s how crowded it was at 10am Sunday. Yikes. What a great movie! Heath did an awesome job, he really gave the Joker a creepy streak that was missing in Jack’s performance. Such a shame he’s gone. I really liked him. Bale, of course, is wonderful. Even when he’s in a shitty movie, he’s awesome. And I’ve given him a new McHottie name. Hottie McKnight. I think it fits. LOL.
I actually started the whole McNickname thing before they started doing Dr. McDreamy for Grey’s Anatomy. The names I’ve come up with so far (In no order):
Hottie McHottie
Hottie McHottiehey
Hottie McKarate
And now Hottie McKnight
I have a few more faves that I haven't come up with their Hottie names yet, but I'm working on it! Though I can’t get credit for the McNickname thing, I just love how I come up with these great ideas and someone else makes it popular. I’m waiting for the Vampmance to be the new it word.
A few weeks ago I started reading Sherrilyn Keynon’s Dark Hunter series. I loved the concept behind the stories, but I didn’t really like the first few I read and ended up skipping most of the plot and focused on the romance and how it was written. But then this character, Acheron, started to stand out. He’s a great character and when I found out he was having his own book in August, I finished reading the series to catch up. For me, the books seemed to get better, then they reverted back to eh status, but I still wanted to make sure I had all of the info on Ash that I could get.
Jenn loves angsty, tortured characters. Ash has to be one of the most fucked over characters I’ve ever come across. I’m very interested to see what the author will put the poor guy through with her new book. I’m actually going to buy this one, considering I read all the other ones for free.
The most depressing thing about reading so many romance books, in a row, isn’t the constant repetition of the authors, no…it’s the longing for a relationship. Considering I’m a cynic, I would never expect a guy to act like they do in romance books. Granted, there are some out there who would be open with their emotions, strong willed, stubborn, yet sweet and romantic, manly and what not. However, I sometimes feel like *some* of these romances give people the wrong idea about love and relationships. Yes, yes, I know it’s fiction. It’s fantasy. It’s not supposed to be based in “reality”, but when you read 10-15 books in a row, that are romance to the nth degree, it kinda makes you wish you could find something like that.
I’m practical. I’ve been in a couple long term relationships. Have seen many, many relationships grow, change, and fail. Hell, I have more divorces in my family than marriages. We’re adding another one to the family soon. Great. And it was the one couple I really thought had a chance to make it.
Trying to focus on the Jenn has been great for me. I’ve been told I’m happier. I’m not so moody anymore. I definitely have more energy and vigor. My head is in a good place. If it didn’t happen when I was a crabby bitch, you’d figure it would happen when I’ve got my head on straight. Yeah, well, hasn’t happened yet.
My window of opportunity to have a family, if I actually do decide to have one, is slowly dwindling. More women are having children in their early 40’s, so I know that I have time, but each year that passes, I’m starting to realize my time isn’t infinite anymore. No, my biological clock isn’t ticking. I don’t have a strong desire to have a kid. But if I do find Mr. Right for Jenn, and he wants kids, and I decide I want kids too…I might be cutting it too close.
I want to find someone to share my life with. I want someone who I can depend on and who can depend on me. I want someone to snuggle with late at night watching the news or having a quite Sunday reading books or playing video games. I want someone to be there for me. I want to be someone’s number one priority. And vice versa.
At this point, I don’t know what to do anymore. I’ve tried the bar scene. I’ve tried online. I’ve tried not trying. Nothing seems to give. My mother’s voice keeps creeping up in the back of my head saying, “Maybe it’s not meant to be.” While I know, deep down, she’s right, I try not listen to it often. I deserve to be happy. I deserve to be loved. As much as I’ve suffered and given and helped people in my life, I feel like it’s my turn. I have a lot of love to give and I know, if he’s out there, we’ll have the best relationships out of anyone in my family. I won’t settle. I won’t jump into something. I want to take my time and build something so special, so wonderful, that it will make every romance quake in their boots. I’ve seen it. People have found it. I just hope I can find it too.
I just got back from my Tiger Schulman class. It was a blast. I wish it weren’t so expensive; I’d probably keep with it. Instead, I think my trainer and I are going to look for a different place. I really want to take a kickboxing class. Just haven’t found one yet.
This week on SYTYCD was a shocker to say the least. I had picked Comfort and Mark to leave, only because they were the weakest dancers left. But Will? Come on! That was SO unfair. Okay, it’s probably my fault because I didn’t vote, like countless others who probably thought the same thing. You’d think I’d learn after Daughtry was kicked off Idol. Ah well. The show was awesome though, I loved most of the routines.
Last weekend I saw the Dark Knight. I was sitting in the second row…that’s how crowded it was at 10am Sunday. Yikes. What a great movie! Heath did an awesome job, he really gave the Joker a creepy streak that was missing in Jack’s performance. Such a shame he’s gone. I really liked him. Bale, of course, is wonderful. Even when he’s in a shitty movie, he’s awesome. And I’ve given him a new McHottie name. Hottie McKnight. I think it fits. LOL.
I actually started the whole McNickname thing before they started doing Dr. McDreamy for Grey’s Anatomy. The names I’ve come up with so far (In no order):
Hottie McHottie
Hottie McHottiehey
Hottie McKarate
And now Hottie McKnight
I have a few more faves that I haven't come up with their Hottie names yet, but I'm working on it! Though I can’t get credit for the McNickname thing, I just love how I come up with these great ideas and someone else makes it popular. I’m waiting for the Vampmance to be the new it word.
A few weeks ago I started reading Sherrilyn Keynon’s Dark Hunter series. I loved the concept behind the stories, but I didn’t really like the first few I read and ended up skipping most of the plot and focused on the romance and how it was written. But then this character, Acheron, started to stand out. He’s a great character and when I found out he was having his own book in August, I finished reading the series to catch up. For me, the books seemed to get better, then they reverted back to eh status, but I still wanted to make sure I had all of the info on Ash that I could get.
Jenn loves angsty, tortured characters. Ash has to be one of the most fucked over characters I’ve ever come across. I’m very interested to see what the author will put the poor guy through with her new book. I’m actually going to buy this one, considering I read all the other ones for free.
The most depressing thing about reading so many romance books, in a row, isn’t the constant repetition of the authors, no…it’s the longing for a relationship. Considering I’m a cynic, I would never expect a guy to act like they do in romance books. Granted, there are some out there who would be open with their emotions, strong willed, stubborn, yet sweet and romantic, manly and what not. However, I sometimes feel like *some* of these romances give people the wrong idea about love and relationships. Yes, yes, I know it’s fiction. It’s fantasy. It’s not supposed to be based in “reality”, but when you read 10-15 books in a row, that are romance to the nth degree, it kinda makes you wish you could find something like that.
I’m practical. I’ve been in a couple long term relationships. Have seen many, many relationships grow, change, and fail. Hell, I have more divorces in my family than marriages. We’re adding another one to the family soon. Great. And it was the one couple I really thought had a chance to make it.
Trying to focus on the Jenn has been great for me. I’ve been told I’m happier. I’m not so moody anymore. I definitely have more energy and vigor. My head is in a good place. If it didn’t happen when I was a crabby bitch, you’d figure it would happen when I’ve got my head on straight. Yeah, well, hasn’t happened yet.
My window of opportunity to have a family, if I actually do decide to have one, is slowly dwindling. More women are having children in their early 40’s, so I know that I have time, but each year that passes, I’m starting to realize my time isn’t infinite anymore. No, my biological clock isn’t ticking. I don’t have a strong desire to have a kid. But if I do find Mr. Right for Jenn, and he wants kids, and I decide I want kids too…I might be cutting it too close.
I want to find someone to share my life with. I want someone who I can depend on and who can depend on me. I want someone to snuggle with late at night watching the news or having a quite Sunday reading books or playing video games. I want someone to be there for me. I want to be someone’s number one priority. And vice versa.
At this point, I don’t know what to do anymore. I’ve tried the bar scene. I’ve tried online. I’ve tried not trying. Nothing seems to give. My mother’s voice keeps creeping up in the back of my head saying, “Maybe it’s not meant to be.” While I know, deep down, she’s right, I try not listen to it often. I deserve to be happy. I deserve to be loved. As much as I’ve suffered and given and helped people in my life, I feel like it’s my turn. I have a lot of love to give and I know, if he’s out there, we’ll have the best relationships out of anyone in my family. I won’t settle. I won’t jump into something. I want to take my time and build something so special, so wonderful, that it will make every romance quake in their boots. I’ve seen it. People have found it. I just hope I can find it too.
May 25, 2008
Updates and Lucky Sample!
Submission update:
Queries sent: 107 (2 to editors)
Rejections: 66 (1 editor)
Partials requested: 9
Partials rejected: 9
Almost six months since I started submitting Lucky to agents/publishers. It’s so hard to keep positive. Especially when you get two nice rejections in a row that say you have great elements…but just not enough. Two agents read partials and wrote back that they weren’t drawn into the story. I wish I knew how…or why they felt that way, because to me, it doesn’t make any sense. Yes, yes, I know the business is subjective, but I worked VERY hard to make the first several chapters interesting and intriguing.
What do you think?
Here are the opening scenes (forgive the bad formatting):
August 14, 2005
Nevada
The clock in the assassin’s head ticked a silent countdown toward death. Looking two hundred yards through the rifle’s scope made the mark seem an arms length away. Each second that passed was a moment closer to the kill.
This time, what happened in Vegas wouldn’t stay in Vegas.
Keeping Conrad Andersen in the crosshairs through a small crack between the motel’s grimy plaid curtains tested the assassin’s patience. Only a portion of the bed was in view, limiting the probability of a clean shot via the window. However, the opportune condition would present itself and make the job easier with the chaos left behind.
It was reason enough to wait.
Andersen pulled a hooker over his lap and playfully spanked her ass. The middle-aged woman shook her highlighted dirty blonde head, laughed, and kicked her legs in false protest. When her skin turned pink, Andersen kissed the tramp-stamp tattooed on small of her back and fell to the bed. She slithered against him, gave him an exaggerated kiss, and then vanished.
After he wiped his mouth, traces of the hooker’s lipstick smeared across his face. He frowned and got up moving out of view.
The assassin used the free moment to ease the tension built up after two hours on a stakeout. First a stretch and twist sideways, popping a few vertebrae. Flexing both hands and rotating both ankles brought the circulation back. Then Lucky wondered if the military did similar exercises when they’d been watching a target.
Doubt any of them had to watch an extensive Viagra-induced sexcapade.
Lucky eased back into position as Andersen appeared in the scope again. He was dressed in his best Sunday suit, blue pinstriped with a white shirt. A decent looking older man, but knowing what he’d done made him ugly enough to eliminate.
The hooker reappeared and shared a tender kiss with the john before gathering her belongings off the nightstand. When the lights in the room dimmed, Lucky began slow deep breaths and eased into a final position.
Directing the scope three feet to the right and targeting ten inches below the top of the doorframe was the perfect height for the target. The shot window was approximately five seconds; the wind factor, distance, and bullet drop already part of the equation. As the door opened, Lucky let out one last breath and started counting.
One: the hooker emerged first, laughing and turned her head back nodding.
Two: Andersen appeared and threw his arm around the woman’s shoulder.
Three: she glanced up at him as Lucky eased the reticle of the scope to Andersen’s head.
Four: he leaned down and kissed her.
Five: the mark lifted his head searching the parking lot.
In the sixth second, the bullet penetrated his skull. The man’s eyes popped upon exit. Pink bits of his brain splattered back on the door.
The hooker screamed.
Andersen’s body slumped against the frame. Other rooms instantly sprang to life with activity. A dog barked in the distance.
What was left of his face stared back into the scope. Kill confirmed.
Burn in hell, bastard.
With the casing secure in the brass catcher, Lucky removed the silencer then quickly popped off the shoulder stock. Then she packed up the Heckler and Koch MSG90 rifle in the trombone shaped case.
She rolled up the blanket, surveyed the roof for noticeable evidence then slipped down the side of the house. The occupants and their neighbors could be home any moment and she had to move.
Weaving her way through the backyard, she hopped over the fence of the adjoining property and emerged on Margo Drive. She walked the length of the street listening for any sign of the police behind her.
Two minutes after the kill, she found her rental car around the corner on Pacyna. The smell of Vegas: sex, booze, and money lingered in the air. Streetlights sparkled, waiting for the last of the sunlight to vanish from the horizon. She’d get back in time for the free hotel happy hour.
Lucky opened the trunk, secured the case, and slipped into the car. Then she sighed. Her boss was forcing her to get rid of the sniper rifle despite pleas to keep the weapon for sentimental value. She knew he was right, still, it was a great gun—one she had for years—and she hated to melt it down.
As she drove to S. Nellis Blvd, sirens wailed in the distance. She traveled south toward E. Tropicana Ave, and picked up her cell phone when she turned onto Paradise Road.
“It’s done,” she said while checking the rearview mirror. “Our boy had a thing for hookers, apparently.”
“Leave the package where I told you, he’ll take care of it for us. I’ll see you when you land, okay?” the man on the other end replied.
“Sure, Phen. Tell Bet she owes me dinner.”
“She does? Why?” He huffed. “Don’t tell me you two are wagering over your jobs.”
“No, she owes me because I told her you’d make me get rid of Heckle today.”
“Don’t be sore, you still have the other.”
“Yeah, yeah. Talk to ya.” Lucky clicked off the phone and went to drop off her weapon to the butcher’s lock box.
From here I go into a little history and the “change” that starts the whole story, chapter 3 is another hit…and so on.
At this point, I’m so far into Lucky’s story as a whole, I’m not sure how else I can change it to make the first half of the book better, more alluring, if you will. Giving too much away in the beginning ruins the plot. Telling more of Lucky’s past would make her less interesting. I’ve got two death scenes in the first three chapters, how else can I draw someone in? I haven’t a clue, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try and rework some things here and there.
It’s both constructive and aggravating getting rejection letters with editorial tips. Good because it means someone is really reading my stuff, yay! Bad because, well, the tips are generalized and don’t help me in figuring out what is “gripping” to agents.
I’m heading to Staples today to buy more toner. I have four publishing houses I’m going to submit to this week and want to get everything printed and ready for Tuesday’s mail.
If this round of submissions doesn’t work, I may try some of the smaller presses. I know of a few that I like, and know other people have submitted to. Some smaller and epubs aren’t my cup of tea. Just like agent acceptance is subjective, Jenn’s submissions are subjective.
Positive thoughts…there is a good match out there for Jenn. I just haven’t found it yet.
Queries sent: 107 (2 to editors)
Rejections: 66 (1 editor)
Partials requested: 9
Partials rejected: 9
Almost six months since I started submitting Lucky to agents/publishers. It’s so hard to keep positive. Especially when you get two nice rejections in a row that say you have great elements…but just not enough. Two agents read partials and wrote back that they weren’t drawn into the story. I wish I knew how…or why they felt that way, because to me, it doesn’t make any sense. Yes, yes, I know the business is subjective, but I worked VERY hard to make the first several chapters interesting and intriguing.
What do you think?
Here are the opening scenes (forgive the bad formatting):
August 14, 2005
Nevada
The clock in the assassin’s head ticked a silent countdown toward death. Looking two hundred yards through the rifle’s scope made the mark seem an arms length away. Each second that passed was a moment closer to the kill.
This time, what happened in Vegas wouldn’t stay in Vegas.
Keeping Conrad Andersen in the crosshairs through a small crack between the motel’s grimy plaid curtains tested the assassin’s patience. Only a portion of the bed was in view, limiting the probability of a clean shot via the window. However, the opportune condition would present itself and make the job easier with the chaos left behind.
It was reason enough to wait.
Andersen pulled a hooker over his lap and playfully spanked her ass. The middle-aged woman shook her highlighted dirty blonde head, laughed, and kicked her legs in false protest. When her skin turned pink, Andersen kissed the tramp-stamp tattooed on small of her back and fell to the bed. She slithered against him, gave him an exaggerated kiss, and then vanished.
After he wiped his mouth, traces of the hooker’s lipstick smeared across his face. He frowned and got up moving out of view.
The assassin used the free moment to ease the tension built up after two hours on a stakeout. First a stretch and twist sideways, popping a few vertebrae. Flexing both hands and rotating both ankles brought the circulation back. Then Lucky wondered if the military did similar exercises when they’d been watching a target.
Doubt any of them had to watch an extensive Viagra-induced sexcapade.
Lucky eased back into position as Andersen appeared in the scope again. He was dressed in his best Sunday suit, blue pinstriped with a white shirt. A decent looking older man, but knowing what he’d done made him ugly enough to eliminate.
The hooker reappeared and shared a tender kiss with the john before gathering her belongings off the nightstand. When the lights in the room dimmed, Lucky began slow deep breaths and eased into a final position.
Directing the scope three feet to the right and targeting ten inches below the top of the doorframe was the perfect height for the target. The shot window was approximately five seconds; the wind factor, distance, and bullet drop already part of the equation. As the door opened, Lucky let out one last breath and started counting.
One: the hooker emerged first, laughing and turned her head back nodding.
Two: Andersen appeared and threw his arm around the woman’s shoulder.
Three: she glanced up at him as Lucky eased the reticle of the scope to Andersen’s head.
Four: he leaned down and kissed her.
Five: the mark lifted his head searching the parking lot.
In the sixth second, the bullet penetrated his skull. The man’s eyes popped upon exit. Pink bits of his brain splattered back on the door.
The hooker screamed.
Andersen’s body slumped against the frame. Other rooms instantly sprang to life with activity. A dog barked in the distance.
What was left of his face stared back into the scope. Kill confirmed.
Burn in hell, bastard.
With the casing secure in the brass catcher, Lucky removed the silencer then quickly popped off the shoulder stock. Then she packed up the Heckler and Koch MSG90 rifle in the trombone shaped case.
She rolled up the blanket, surveyed the roof for noticeable evidence then slipped down the side of the house. The occupants and their neighbors could be home any moment and she had to move.
Weaving her way through the backyard, she hopped over the fence of the adjoining property and emerged on Margo Drive. She walked the length of the street listening for any sign of the police behind her.
Two minutes after the kill, she found her rental car around the corner on Pacyna. The smell of Vegas: sex, booze, and money lingered in the air. Streetlights sparkled, waiting for the last of the sunlight to vanish from the horizon. She’d get back in time for the free hotel happy hour.
Lucky opened the trunk, secured the case, and slipped into the car. Then she sighed. Her boss was forcing her to get rid of the sniper rifle despite pleas to keep the weapon for sentimental value. She knew he was right, still, it was a great gun—one she had for years—and she hated to melt it down.
As she drove to S. Nellis Blvd, sirens wailed in the distance. She traveled south toward E. Tropicana Ave, and picked up her cell phone when she turned onto Paradise Road.
“It’s done,” she said while checking the rearview mirror. “Our boy had a thing for hookers, apparently.”
“Leave the package where I told you, he’ll take care of it for us. I’ll see you when you land, okay?” the man on the other end replied.
“Sure, Phen. Tell Bet she owes me dinner.”
“She does? Why?” He huffed. “Don’t tell me you two are wagering over your jobs.”
“No, she owes me because I told her you’d make me get rid of Heckle today.”
“Don’t be sore, you still have the other.”
“Yeah, yeah. Talk to ya.” Lucky clicked off the phone and went to drop off her weapon to the butcher’s lock box.
From here I go into a little history and the “change” that starts the whole story, chapter 3 is another hit…and so on.
At this point, I’m so far into Lucky’s story as a whole, I’m not sure how else I can change it to make the first half of the book better, more alluring, if you will. Giving too much away in the beginning ruins the plot. Telling more of Lucky’s past would make her less interesting. I’ve got two death scenes in the first three chapters, how else can I draw someone in? I haven’t a clue, but that doesn’t mean I won’t try and rework some things here and there.
It’s both constructive and aggravating getting rejection letters with editorial tips. Good because it means someone is really reading my stuff, yay! Bad because, well, the tips are generalized and don’t help me in figuring out what is “gripping” to agents.
I’m heading to Staples today to buy more toner. I have four publishing houses I’m going to submit to this week and want to get everything printed and ready for Tuesday’s mail.
If this round of submissions doesn’t work, I may try some of the smaller presses. I know of a few that I like, and know other people have submitted to. Some smaller and epubs aren’t my cup of tea. Just like agent acceptance is subjective, Jenn’s submissions are subjective.
Positive thoughts…there is a good match out there for Jenn. I just haven’t found it yet.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)