The "Q" word.

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This is what it may feel like when writing a query. All levels--do I go up? down? change this? do what?Where do I go? One step at a time.

I'm not talking quitter. I'm talking query. Ahh... the query. Just the sight of the word makes many folks want to curl up in a ball or go hide in a cave of darkness, maybe even attempt cliff diving instead of writing it. You can see it on fellow writers' faces right when you say "que", their noses scrunch up and their eyes squint like they've eaten a lemon (unless they have no idea what you're talking about, in that case, they just give you the distant stare).


A page that is what your whole story is about. It must have voice, important info, sass, must be eye catching, I could go on. All of it in one little package. It's the first impression. Yeah, talk about pressure. The logline  or pitch is less than 40 words and must be catchy enough for an agent to want to read it. The crazy part (just like everything else) it's subjective (not all agents read the whole thing either). Of course, there are some rules, or should I say, guidelines, but all in all, you're putting it out to gain an agent's love.

Really, it's like your ticket to the ride of a lifetime. Okay, calm down. Breathe. Eat some chocolate or get a drink. Whatever soothes you. I'm not writing this to scare you. It's something we all must face. I, of course, am not there, well I've written them, but have not sent any out. Last night, I started to freak out a little after reading my query and researching agents. I wanted to print it out and crumble it into a ball, thinking for a second to light it on fire as I look at a flameless candle (little freak out crazies, no biggie). Yeah, the thought of "it's never going to happen" made an appearance and I may have posted my fear on FB. Then I calmed down. Turned my mindset to growth and calmly tuned it out. Nothing will happen if I don't try. Will there be rejections? Yep. Disappointment? Probably. But there is always hope. To try again and NEVER give up.

So, I thought I would share some links that may help. Believe me, there's lots of support and info out there.

YA Author, Elana Johnson. Her book From the Query to the Call is free go here to get it.

QueryTracker. net. Helps you find agents and publishers and tracks your process. I was on there last night for a few hours researching and getting a little scared. :)

More info on writing the query:

Fiction Notes: http://www.darcypattison.com/marketing/ultimate-query-letter/

Writer's Relief-Has tips on what not to put in your query.

Needs some feedback. Go to these sites:

Matthew MacNish --The QQQE--Can't even begin to tell you how helpful his feedback is.

Query Shark-- A place to go for feedback

Evil Editor--Another place to go for feedback.

Casey McCormick--For feedback and other advice.

There you go. Now go and get started on that query. I'm still working on mine. If you have any other sites that you love for queries. Let me know.

Have a great day!

Would you keep reading ?

Holy cow! my followers have grown.  Thank you guys! I guess I will have to start thinking about a 100 followers contest.  I hope everyone had a great weekend! I got a lot done.

1. Read my baby beginning to end and boy do I have a lot of revising.

2. Came up with a new twist that I will most likely put in Book 2.

3. Came up with some ideas for another idea I thought of a few months back that is totally unrealated to my current WiP.

4. I actually had a dream for a new idea which is weird for me because usually music guides me.

5. Finished a critique.

6. Revised my first chapter for the 3rd time.

7. Won a gift card on sarahjayne's blog.  Thank you again! Yeah! I hope I have luck like this when I start to query.

My brain was really working.  Before I start my post a couple of things --

1. Go to Kelly's Compositions and sign up for the first page blogfest.  It will take place on April 2nd.  This is the first blogfest I will be participating in--yeah!

2. Every Tuesday and Thursday --The Beta Club over at Roni (Fiction Groupie) posts a piece for an open critique.  Roni is so awesome. So go there and give your thoughts on the piece posted.  I will be posting but not until April.

Now on with my post.  I wrote this quickly and wanted feedback. I have been finding any sort of feedback extremely helpful so comment away but keep it in a nice tone.

 I am not going to tell you what it is for--it could be for my current WiP or something else I am thinking about.  After reading it, please review my questions below. Thanks!

Excruciating pain bled through my body as I hit the hard pavement. I landed on my back and I laid there looking up at the dark sky watching the stars wink at me.

What happened? Ran through my mind.

The heat began to slide down out of my body leaving it numb as it escaped. My throat constricted allowing limited air flow to my lungs. Faces of people began to crowd my view and their voices muffled as their mouths moved in slow motion. A metallic smell began to flood my nostrils as warm sticky liquid dripped into my ear.

My vision blurred then a curtain of black lowered in my sight.

So give me your thoughts.

Here are some questions too.

1. If you read this at the end of a first chapter would you want to continue reading?

2. What do you think is happening here?

3. Any pointers on what I could do to make it better?

Just some fun.  Thought I would put it out there.  My posts may be random this week so keep checking. As always I will be commenting, I can't seem to keep my mouth shut. :) Have a great day!

Blogs..blogs ..blogs

Oh blogging-- how I love thee. I started blogging not knowing where it would take me or if I could even get the hang of it. I was told it will help get my name out there-- more of a marketing tool.  To be honest my eyes opened wide when I realized it is not only a marketing tool but a classroom.  I have been a crazy blogger for about a month and I have learned way more than I could have ever imagined.  You can ask anyone your biggest fear or how to cure you biggest writing flaw and --wah la --you have an answer.  You really do get a response in the blink of an eye.
The other little nugget I did not expect is how many supportive people I would meet.  Really, I can't believe it.  All I have to do is write about my mood and my fellow bloggers lend a tissue when I am sad or rejoice when I am celebrating.  They give the best advice because they are in the same boat.  Writing is not easy but it is what we all love.  So keep it coming!  I will do my best to return the support. 

Again a short blog-- I know-- but I have been finishing up some writing on my WIP so my brain is not firing on all cylinders. 

Question: What have you gotten out of blogging? Was it what you expected? What attracts you to a blog? What makes you follow a blog? Are there changes you think I should make on my blog?

Have a good day!