The Great American Novel
So, you want to write the
Great American Novel?
Great! Welcome aboard! Here’s a brief look at what’s ahead for you.
First, longhand or typewritten manuscripts are quaint and nostalgic, but unworkable in the digital revolution. Writer’s use computers – a laptop or a desktop. Microsoft Word comes installed on most PCs now and is perfect for book writing.
You’ll be spending a lot of time writing, so you’ll want your work environment to be comfortable. The kitchen table is not a good writing environment on many levels so the den, a spare bedroom, or a corner of the living room is advisable.
Maybe you have an idea for your Great American Novel, or maybe writing in general has been a life-long dream. Either way, you need a basic plan, even if it’s to not plan at all.
Not plan? There are two basic kinds of writers – those who outline and those who don’t. Both can produce excellent books – it’s not the result that’s different; it’s the process. ‘Outliners’ plan and ‘pantsers’ don’t, so knowing which one you are will save time in the long run.
Now you’ve finished your book. What’s next?
You’ve finished the first draft … but now the hard part starts. You’ve got months of rewrites, edits and tweaks to do. Then, find a good editor – a fresh pair of eyes who can see what you can’t because she’s detached. A good editor will decimate your ‘baby’ but it’s worth it in the end.
Next, you’ll need to find an agent or a publisher. With the digital revolution, other options are now available, but most authors still work with agents who work with the publishers on your behalf. This sounds simple but the process can take months, years or even never, depending on a long list of variables.
Because of the recession and the digital revolution, the part your publisher plays in the life of your book is shrinking. The unsuspecting author will discover she now needs to be a marketing expert, too. The list of marketing tasks is as long – or as short – as you decide, and your book sales will reflect your work. Tasks include: establishing an online presence, building your brand, connecting with your readers, establishing media contacts, scheduling virtual book tours, scheduling other public events, and much more. It’s hard work and often well outside the average author’s skill-set and/or comfort zone.
Non-writers think being an author is a cake-walk. They see us sitting around in our pajamas, pouring words from our imaginations into our computers. Not true. The Great American Novel, like so many other things that are truly worth doing, is a lot of work and sacrifice.
- Do you want to write the Great American Novel?
- Are you ready to do the work and make the sacrifices?
- Have you dreamed about being an author your whole life?
- I look forward to your comments, so, please leave one!
Happy Writing!
Julie
PS: Please take a few minutes to read the Wedding Chapter – Edited from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’
The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP
Do you need an interview as part of your platform?
Check out our DIY Interviews (upper left column)!
APW: Editors – Friend or Foe?
Sunday morning, I put this on the Internet:
“AUTHORS: Blog post research – your feelings when you saw your first pub’s redline edits? STRICTLY CONFIDENTIAL. reply to: JulieCJ@aol.com“
What happened next blew me away. I apparently hit a nerve. Emails flooded my inbox. I’d figured I’d be lucky to get any responses at all!
I added their information feelings and comments to a Table, disregarding names, email addresses, titles, and any other identifying information – I then permanently deleted the emails. I’m humbled that so many people trusted me – or maybe it’s a reflection on their frustration.
This is a highly unscientific survey, needless to say. There are so many variables and uncontrollable aspects that it renders the information useless except as anecdotal information. However, to say I was surprised at the depth of the comments is an understatement. Of course, the number of responses amounted to less than 0.3% of the authors on my Twitter page – without even considering Facebook or LinkedIn.
Of the thirty-eight authors who responded, about half praised their editor to varying degrees. The rest had problems ranging from a vague ‘unhappy’ to a rather specific (I think) ‘&#%@$ EDITOR!’ Several asked for – and got – a second editing, either from the publisher or from an outside source – one of them called the editor a ‘prude.’ Three pulled their manuscript – one of them scrapped the edits, and went the self-pub route with some success. The other two didn’t say what they did after they pulled their ms. Several responders lamented that they felt the book was no longer theirs. How sad after all that work …
Editors and authors: see the raw material I collected (PDF). Data
My thanks to all who participated in this impromptu survey.
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Please check this out!
Sal Buttacii is my friend and fellow All Things That Matter Press author.
Master of the Flash is back! In his new collection of 200 short-short stories, Salvatore Buttaci introduces us to characters hard to forget. In less than 1,000 words they tell stories of humor, hidden emotions, love, nostalgia, violence, time and space travel, and downright horror. The author’s flashes appeal to all readers in search of a good read worth the purchase price. It won’t be so easy putting this book down.
Salvatore Buttaci is a retired English teacher who has been writing since childhood. His first published work, an essay entitled “Presidential Timber,” appeared in the Sunday New York News when he was sixteen. Since then his poems, letters, short stories, and articles have been widely published in The New York Times, Newsday, U.S.A. Today, The Writer, Cats Magazine, and elsewhere in America and overseas. In 2001, Pudding House Publications included his work in the Greatest Hits Series with his chapbook, Greatest Hits: 1970-2000. He was also the 2007 recipient of the $500.00 Cyber-wit Poetry Award.
Happy Writing!
Julie
PS: Please take a few minutes to read the Wedding Chapter – Edited from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’
The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP
APW: DIY Interview – Julie Rieman Duck
Name: Julie Rieman Duck
Email:
skodobah@yahoo.com
What is your blog URL?
www.julieduck.wordpress.com
What is your website URL?
www.julieduck.com
What is the contact information you are willing to share?
Email – skodobah@yahoo.com
Twitter – www.twitter.com/skodobah
FB – www.facebook.com/aplaceinthislife
Goodreads
Where were you born?
San Gabriel Valley in Southern California
What schools did you attend? What was your course of study?
San Clemente High School
Saddleback College
I studied English, of course
When and how did you discover you wanted to be a writer/author?
In the third grade, I discovered the ‘Little House’ books by Laura Ingalls Wilder. I wrote, illustrated and put together my first book, “Kittyland” and was hooked. My first published work was “Duckcat” in Highlights, the children’s magazine.
Are you a published author? Yes
Please list your published material, with dates?
I am a published magazine writer and editor, but that could go on and on. As for books, ‘A Place In This Life’ came out in late-September 2011.
If these materials are books, are they still available, and from where?
Yes! They’re available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble and Smashwords.
Please tell about your first publication – what was it, when, how you felt when it happened, problems you may have had, etc.
My agent recommended that I publish ‘A Place In This Life’ myself. It took some time to format the manuscript according to each book seller, as well as obtain cover art from my artist colleague. There were many steps involved, but worth it when completed.
Please tell about the most memorable moment in your writing career.
It was a call from a small outdoors publisher who offered me a job as a copy editor. That was more than 20 years ago and it set me on the road to where I am now. I was absolutely thrilled to be in publishing – magazines, books, whatever has words.
Have you won any awards? If yes, which award(s) and when?
Back in high school, I won several awards in the Academic Decathlon for essay writing, as well as an award from the National League of American Pen Women.
Have you been on a ‘best seller’ list? Which one(s) and when?
Not yet! ‘A Place In This Life’ has, however, garnered several 5-star reviews.
What problems have you encountered in your career and how did you deal with them?
Frustration with people who didn’t know what to do with my writing. I carried on and kept submitting queries and making contacts on Twitter. It’s who you know that drives any career.
Did an established writer mentor you in your early days?
No. I like to feel that I learned young adult writing from Judy Blume. She had it nailed – the emotions, the feelings and thoughts of puberty and beyond. Later, when I got into publishing I learned from editors and writers about how it all works.
What genre do you most often write?
Young adult (YA)
What other genres have you written?
Adult, self-help
Who are the authors who most influenced your writing and your career?
Judy Blume, Beverly Cleary and Laura Ingalls Wilder. I adore Laura’s ability to cherish everything she experiences with a concise and tasty description.
Who are the authors your read most often?
Okay, I do have the entire Twilight series. However, I am a fan of Anne Rice (better vamps there), Dr. Judith Orloff and Dr. Wayne Dyer (self-help rocks).
Please list the conferences/courses/webinars/workshops/seminars you have attended during the past year?
None this year, but I did attend the West Virginia Writer’s Conference in 2010. I don’t have a lot of time to make the rounds.
Have you mentored an aspiring writer? Would you mentor, if the opportunity arose?
I have mentored, I would gladly mentor
What would you tell an aspiring writer who asks you for assistance?
It depends on what they need, but I always offer insight and hope. There is a strategy to all of this, wrapped around a writer’s heart. The two are like oil and water but they must work together to accomplish the goal of creation.
What advice would you give to all up-and-coming writers?
Learn your craft. Write copy, write poetry, scribble words. Develop good editing skills and read the dictionary for fun. Becoming a good writer takes time, and whatever you write will help you get there sooner.
Are you involved in the ‘writing scene’ in your community/area?
Very active
Please tell about your other community activities.
I am a former editor of the Basset Hound Rescue of Southern California newsletter, and work as an editorial assistant for a professional magazine. It would be an honor to help kids with cancer, as my first book is deeply involved with that.
What is the name of your current project?
‘The Joy and Torture of Joshua James’
What is the expected release date?
February 15, 2012
What is the genre? YA
Please provide details of your upcoming blog tour, book tour, and/or book-signing.
I am setting up a blog tour that will hopefully happen in February, as well a publishing frenzy for ‘The Joy and Torture of Joshua James.’
Is this work a stand-alone or part of a series?
Stand-alone
Do you have any project(s) planned for the future? Yes
Please provide some details of the project(s).
I have two books on submission the traditional way through my agent – SWELL and little rooms. I would like to share those with my readers as soon as possible.
What is the anticipated release date? N/A
What conferences/courses/webinars/workshops/seminars do you plan to attend in the next 12 months?
Would love to go to SCBWI in Los Angeles, as well as the Los Angeles Times Book Fair in April.
Are you involved in publishing in any other capacity?
Editor, Reviewer, Other
If ‘other,’ please specify.
I beta read and provide editorial services. I am also a guest blogger for Apex Publications and YA Stands. Not to mention that I am a marketing copywriter.
Please provide any information you would like to share that is not covered above.
I love books and writing – when I see that passion in someone it inspires me to continue being my best. If I can help other writers achieve their goals, then my job is done.
I’d like to thank Julie for participating in the DIY Interviews program. See the details in the left column on how YOU can do your own interview, too. I’ll post all the interviews here, and then post them on the DIY Interviews Archive page with a Shortlink for your promotional needs.
Happy Writing!
Julie
PS: Please take a few minutes to read the updated, revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’
The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP
APW: On the Lighter Side!
On the Lighter Side!! Lighten Up, Already!!
Over time, I’ve collected a few images off the internet.
So, entertainment is what today’s post is all about!
Gotta have some fun sometimes, right?
- If memory serves, when I saw this, the caption was ‘An Agent’s Desk.’ I don’t even have a desk, but this is how I feel with preparations for the release of my first book, in March. There’s just so much to do!! That’s quite a slush pile!!
This is for those who having difficulty remembering this particular rule of English - an easy way to remember the need for commas in this instance. There are so many rules, and it's so hard to remember them all!
The Gutenberg vs. the iPad. Do you agree with the glee on his face?
A loaded bookstore, replete with plants to pump oxygen into the room for those who spend hours roaming the stacks. Look at all those books!!
This made the rounds at Christmas. Obviously, you're supposed to go quickly to the nearest bookstore for a 'book-fix.' Did you get to your bookstore and get your 'book-fix'?
A disclaimer. To whomever the originators are of these pictures, there was no copyright information with the pictures when and where I found them. I’d credit every one of them if I knew who you were. I assure you, I’m not making any money from the images. I am presenting them here today to entertain readers. The are just as they appeared when I found them on the internet. Thank-you for putting these images on the internet.
If you’ve got something fun that would tickle the funny bone of a writer, send it to me at JulieCJ@aol.com and I’ll post them on my blog.
Let’s have some fun!!
COMING SOON!
Right now, I’m working on an Author Website. I’ll be moving this blog to that website with a whole new look and even a new name. With the new website and blog, AND the release of my first book, that’s plenty of reason to have a CONTEST! Watch this space for details – coming soon!!
Happy Writing!
Julie
PS: Please take a few minutes to read the updated, revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’
The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 2012 from ATTMP
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP
APW: DIY Interview – Judith Price
Name: Judith Price
Email Address:
judithprice.com@gmail.com
What is your blog URL?
http://www.judithprice.com/index.php/myblog
What is your website URL?
http://www.judithprice.com
What is the contact information you are willing to share?
As above
Where and/or when were you born?
Canada in the sixties
What schools did you attend?
What was your course of study?
International Marketing & Sales
Are you a published author? Yes
Please list your published material, with dates?
SUDDEN DECEPTION: A JILL OLIVER THRILLER – September 2011
If these materials are books, are they still available, and from where?
http://amzn.to/SuddenDeception
Please tell about your first publication – what was it, when, how you felt when it happened, problems you may have had, etc.
In 2011 the coolest part about writing is receiving printed copies.
Please tell about the most memorable moment in your career.
Being on a dhow in Abu Dhabi. It looks like a pirate ship in which the protagonist sails on.
What problems have you encountered in your career and how did you deal with them?
I hired an editor in which I found out later that I should have asked for my money back.
Did an established writer mentor you in your early days? If yes, how did the mentor help you?
Yes, I had two NYT best-selling authors help with MS coaching.
What genre do you most often write?
Thriller
Who are the authors who most influenced your writing & career?
Greg Iles, Brad Thor and Lisa Unger
Who are the authors your read most often?
Greg Iles, Brad Thor and Lisa Unger
Please list the conferences/courses/webinars/workshops/seminars you have attended during the past year?
Deep POV
Prologue Structure
Surveillance 101
Have you mentored an aspiring writer? Would you mentor, if the opportunity arose?
I am mentoring right now
What would you tell an aspiring writer who asks you for assistance?
Don’t get stuck in the details. You can fill those in later.
What advice would you give to all up-and-coming writers?
Make sure to book time to write 1000 words everyday
Are you involved in the ‘writing scene’ in your community/area?
Active
Please tell about your other community activities.
I volunteer for one of the largest online communities where I live in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates in the middle east.
What is the name of your current project?
Matthew McGregor: A Jill Oliver Thriller
What is the expected release date?
April 2012
What is the genre?
Thriller
Is this work a stand-alone or part of a series?
Series
Please provide some details of the project(s).
INDECENT DECEPTION: A JILL OLIVER THRILLER Jill breaks open a money laundering scheme that is connected to one of the largest terrorist groups in the world. Along the way to uncover its intended use, Jill stumbles across a horrific kidnapping sex slave ring.
What is the anticipated release date?
Summer 2012
Please provide a blurb about your current book.
SUDDEN DECEPTION: A JILL OLIVER THRILLER. The protagonist, Jill Oliver, is a contemporary American heroine—a fresh new take on the popular type of action hero previously embodied by Jack Bauer of the hit series “24” and the characters of Tom Clancy, James Patterson and other bestselling authors.
I’d like to thank Judith for participating in the DIY Interviews program. See the details in the left column on how YOU can do your own interview, too. I’ll post all the interviews here, and then post them on the DIY Interviews Archive page with a Shortlink for your promotional needs.
Happy Writing!
Julie
PS: Please take a few minutes to read the updated, revised and edited Wedding Chapter Rev. from my soon-to-be-published book (2012) ‘Janelle’s Time.’ You’ll meet Richard and Janelle Grayson, the newlyweds, AND, meet Duke Logan Conor (he crashes the wedding) from my upcoming book, ‘Logan’s Time.’
The TIME Series – by Dayna Leigh Cheser
Janelle’s Time – Release: March 5, 2012
Moria’s Time – WIP – NaNoWriMo Project, 2011 Winner
Adelle’s Time – Planned
Logan’s Time – WIP
