Since most writers, agents, and editors are enjoying the holidays, there really aren’t many publishing links this week, although you might find Janet Reid’s adventure with a self-sabotaging author funny yet disturbing.
But, there is good news for the new year: a study at the University of California, San Diego, has found that the internet has reversed a long-term downward trend in reading probably caused by television.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Amalgam’s calendar was brought to court:
in counting out the seasons, it fell short.
Its harvest was too far into the frost,
and every year some farmer’s crop was lost.
Jollies Another name for the Royal Marines. Originally all soldiers carried on board a British warship were known as “jollies,” with a “tame jolly” being a militiaman and a “royal jolly” a marine.
– Ship to Shore: A Dictionary of Everyday Words and Phrases Derived from the Sea by Peter D. Jeans.
HAVE A JOLLY CHRISTMAS!
Over Amalgam’s noon a call was heard
that was no robin, jay, or other bird.
The priests knelt down and prayed to God for luck;
the monks then shrugged and said it was a duck.
“Hey, John!” I imagine you say, “Why are you not writing more of The Crow and the Kinnebeck, instead of posting another round of links to other blogs?”
Well, first of all, I am still writing, but I am also doing some reading and research essential to getting the historical and literary references just right.
Secondly, stop italicizing the title of that short-story-gone-rogue as if it will become a novel! I don’t care that you’re only italicizing it in my hypothetical typed form of an imaginary conversation with a notional reader. Do not conspire with the Muse. She has a strong enough grip on me already. Note how She recruits even my psychological projections to do Her bidding?
So, where was I? Oh yes: more publishing and writing links! I know the last bunch were professedly for Christmas, but just consider them the “under the tree” links. You know how, every year, you ravenously tear open all the “under the tree” presents until you’re sitting there (possibly breathing hard) in a nest of bows and shredded paper feeling a sudden, inexplicable emptiness? Then HO-HO-KAPOW: you remember the stocking!
Consider this is your link stocking. And, for some odd reason, just like real footwear all of the items below come in twos.
Lydia Sharp shares her dream about meeting — and then becoming one of the — characters from Twilight. If this sounds like an awful stocking gift, consider this spoiler (alert!): unlike the fictional Bella, and unlike millions of emotionally manipulable readers, Lydia loses/rejects both of the B-grade YA Romeos.
I have also added the following publishing-related blogs to my reading list: Alice’s CWIM Blog (why are there so many YA and Children’s Lit blogs?) and Booksquare.
Rachelle Gardner offers up some good words on who should and shouldn’t self-publish, and how her insane work-out schedule helps her help you!
And finally, guest contributor Randy Susan Myers at Pimp My Novel offers up a smorgasbord of books on writing, conveniently organized into two categories: “Part One – Before: Technique, Tools, and Support” and “Part Two – After: Selling Your Book Without Selling Your Soul.”
Oh, Christmas came early for writers, readers, and those who love the publishing biz!
Lydia Sharp hands out some excellent advice on two issues I have to admit have vexed me as a writer: how to write sex scenes without being pornographic, and how to write believable relationships.
The Book Ends agency ups the ante with three bits of advice: how to negotiate an advance (something I am admittedly not interested in), how to find an agent when you write in multiple genres, and what I have to say is a not altogether convincing defense of literary agents who disagree with successful authors’ opinions of other writer’s work.
Mandy Morgan teases readers with another tidbit of from her YA story Zombie Is An Inflammatory Word (And I Resent That).
I have Kristin Nelson to thank for this link to Richard Curtis’s discussion of “The Separation of E-Book Rights: Publishers’ Worst Nightmare.”
The ever-intriguing Mr. Nathan Bransford offers up some sage advice to writers about entering writing contests.
I saved the best for last, at least from my perspective! Alan Rinzler offers some good news to beginning novelists on the publishing biz’s interest, and a very informative talk with Jay Schaeffer about the draw of an unknown author.
DISEMBOGUE To sail out of the mouth or strait of a gulf.
_
– The Pirate Dictionary by Terry Breverton.
The minty taste Amalgam’s root mondray
holds in its flesh grows stronger as it dries:
a cool but bitter flavor that they say
can soothe a burn or kill a dozen flies.
possum beer. A variety of homebrew made from persimmons..
– The Encyclopedia of Civil War Usage by Webb Garrison with Cheryl Garrison.
Authors are overflowing with two things: stories and questions for literary agents. This week’s publishing links are dedicated to the latter. Our cupth runneth over!
Got a question? Read on… one of my favorite literary agents may have the answer.
Lit agent Jessica at BookEnds responds to a question about the submission process with both good advice for authors, and some pointed commentary on agents who insist on a “no simultaneous submissions” rule. Hint: they don’t come off well in her analysis.
Chasya at Dystel & Goderich also poses a question from a blog reader — “What are the biggest mistakes writers make when pitching their work at a conference?” —and publishes responses from several agents at the firm. Bonanza!
The Editorial Anonymous blog takes on the mysterious rejection “Not for me, thanks” and what it really means in all of its possible permutations. (Warning: may induce chuckling.) Thanks to Janet Reid for pointing me toward this one.
Agent Kristin Nelson answers two series of questions this week (count ’em: one! two!), tackling issues like revisions, the struggling economy, and angels vs. vampires. (My initial thought: both groups are immortal but only one is sparkly and vaguely pedophilic?)
If I were going to ask a literary agent a question, it would probably be about the use of pen names. Lo, and Behold! Nathan Bransford has answered that very question in a recent blog.
Author and Knight Agency lit agent Lucienne Diver tackles the publishing buzz question of the year: “Can any device save publishing?” She answers the question by questioning it.
HIGHLIGHT LINK DU JOUR DE LA SEMAINE: At the Book Deal blog, publisher Alan Rinzler answers some fascinating questions about writing in light of discoveries in neuroscience. You don’t have to write cyberpunk to appreciate these methods for hacking your readers’ brains.
