naughtybett

Proposals

Sat, 03 May 2008 01:21:29 GMT

My brain is currently soaking up information in the research phase.

I wrote a good query letter, which passed muster (or mustard as I used to say) and now I need to come up with the layouts and proposal.

Petroleum history is quite revealing.... I understand current politic much better given what I have learned.

And on a side note- I got a very encouraging email from an editor who wants me to do some revisions. Problem is- she's not so specific and I'm worried I might do them wrong and blow my chance.

But, I'm going to try. I'll think about it for a while... then get to work.

TLA Day 2

Fri, 18 Apr 2008 09:48:00 GMT

My publisher, Sylvan-Dell, is right next door to the Simon Schuster booth.

Day 1 it killed me with jealousy.
Day 2- I only stole a few glances in the morning, but by the afternoon, the green monster had worn off. I was busy selling like a mad woman.

But it set me off- I wanted to figure out what my next picture book for SD will be. If you get the right piece accepted there - it's fully supported with so much stuff, you can't help but be successful.

I also pitched at two publishers who want to see proposals ASAP.

Then got home to have an assignment in my email from a magazine.

What? It's like the excitement of Christmas all at once. I just have to tell myself. Christmas is good.... Christmas is good. It's not scary at all... do not hyperventilate, you can get it all done in time and people will like the result.

I think I better go get ready for day 3- the feeding frenzy.

Texas Libarian Convention- wheeeee!

Thu, 17 Apr 2008 11:57:00 GMT

It's been a busy month of craziness.... please forgive the lack of posts.

I went to one of my favorite events of the year, TLA. It is book heaven for me. This is the place publishers show up to push their wares, and the place the librarians we love come to buy, or become interested to buy.

But this year, I have a home at Sylvan-Dell, my publisher. I stood for several hours yesterday proclaiming the wonders of my house.

But here the cool thing- they have reallllllllyyy cool stuff to sell to support the book, and alot of it for free. We also have a super e-book support that can flip the book back and forth between English and Spanish, audio, etc. It is so cool, and the customers were wowed about it. Check it out when you have a chance:

http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/ Look in the right hand corner for all the tools!

Just imagine having a bilingual story time. Your reader can be an English speaker, but have a project scene behind with the Spanish version of the book. The reader can speak in English and then use a Spanish audio. Way super cool. S-D is a picture book house, but these online tools are magnificent and a great promotion tool for the actually book. I'm really excited to see what Moose will be doing.

The other funny thing, is that we still haven't found a wonderful name for the Moose book (all too long). So every time someone asks me, I make up a new name. We're up to twenty or so titles. Very funny.

The other great find of the day was author and illustrator Melanie Watt of Scaredy Squirrel. I found the book at the Kids Can Press booth. I laughed so hard I begged to by the book. It's so whimsical you laugh over and over again!

More info to come
love,
me (with tired feet)

The origins of cake

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 01:53:15 GMT

I read a nice article today in Redbook (Feb 08, I think). The woman was talking about baking, and how at an early age, she tried to gain her cocaine addicted mother's attention by baking her a cake... and it soured.

My own childhood was mixed. Wonderful opportunities with loving relatives, decent education, mixed with an alcoholic father and thus dysfunctional family.

But, I know two things. My fourth grade teacher, Velma Lee Williams, was a magical person. I told her I wanted to be a writer and I made her a birthday cake.

I revealed in the attention it garnered. Ms Williams took the cake to the teacher's lounge. That mystical place we all wondered about. Teachers I didn't know complimented me. I felt like Miss America.

It was a Duncan Hines German Chocolate cake mix with milk chocolate frosting from a can. But, it was made with every ounce I love and admiration I had in my heart.

To me, cake means love. Cake means words and writing. Cake is Ms Williams.

Dammit, cake also means extra large pants. Some things in life just aren't fair.

Morning Pages

Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:30:29 GMT

Okay, so I did learn something this weekend. I've heard about morning pages for a long time (The Artist Way), but never done them consistently. I'm going to do it for a while- it's a nice way to brain flush, and I did it while completely sleepy, so I only would have been sitting on the couch watching the same weather report five times, so no wasting time.

I've also discovered I'm a bit of a snob with writing tourists- and I vow to change. The conference was mostly newbies and retirees. I found myself being perturbed... because I wanted more complex info, not just "don't send in clip art."

But, I forget, writing is for everyone. The joy of the word. The happiness in shared story is how we reach out. It's not all meant for publication (yes, even me- as I preach to my own choir). Some stories are only for mother to child whispered in the dark, over and over again until sleep knocks us both out.

Those stories get no medals or royalty checks- but they are important.

Now, back to the coal mine.

Determined to learn something

Sat, 08 Mar 2008 02:57:41 GMT

I am at a conference today and tomorrow. The poetry reading tonight was nice, but the afternoon session was.... lacking.

The unnamed presenter whined... presented topics outside of topic, and was just plain wrong about a few things.

When we introduced ourselves, I gave my experience. Turns out, I was the only professional in the room besides the presenter, and a few self published people.

Thoughts in my mind wandered. Where is my opportunity....

we'll see tomorrow. I must open my mind... there is always something.... I didn't drive all the way out here for nothing.

Great advice when editing

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 17:06:36 GMT

On Friday, I met with my "inperson" dfw group for critique. usually we are low in production, with only one of the four presenting. We like the company and the bagels (yeah einsteins).

But, we were digging to find a way to make my manuscript better. While I understand "show, don't tell" I stumble with it when using a 1st person POV. Julie found a perfect way for me to find it.

"You are always using ' I saw, I feel, etc.'"

Wow. Boom. There is was.....all over the manuscript~ You have to use a little but of I, but jezzsh, I was in overkill.

But, makes it easy to find. Sentence by sentence, I rearranged, looking for powerful verbs, poignant description, and uses every sense I could (except ESP- which is totally another book). It took me a week to do fifty pages and send off to the agents.

Now, another 100ish pages to go. Onward!

A tree, my dog, and God

Tue, 26 Feb 2008 16:21:05 GMT

I was driving back from the grocery store this morning, and it is bitterly, windy cold. Yesterday it was up to 80 degrees, so our bodies are all confused.

In my alley, I saw a tree, but it looked strange. Upon closer examination, every mourning dove, chickadee, and tit mouse were clinging together. Fluffing their wings, jumping from branch to branch, just trying to seek shelter and warmth. The limbs seemed to pulsate rather than sway. It was very cool to observe.

When I got home, my dog whined and moaned around my desk as I began my rewrites on another project. Pee-pee? I asked. No. Food? His answer is always yes, but he is a liar. His blanket had been washed and not properly placed back on the floor next to my desk (the turkey has three beds, one in each room I hang out in). I flopped it back to the floor and watched him burrow in and sigh in that doggy way. Heavy, relieved, as if all is right in the world.

So, I was thinking about book #1- which has alot of religious themes that I try not to be preachy about.... heck I have weird views myself about God. I like to have faith, and don't need it to be explained. I like old fashioned church services with a liturgy. A heavy handed organist. A cantor.

I grew up with a conservative Lutheran and Catholic family. I now hang out at a Presbyterian church, but haven't joined. I just like the spirituality of it all. And, just like my characters, I have often been so mad at the creator that I have stopped contact for years. Now, I chat often. I like the idea of something bigger than me. I feel protected and guided... even when lost.

enough,..... back to the coal mine as edits need to be done!

Happy Anniversary to me

Thu, 14 Feb 2008 15:55:16 GMT

February 14, 2002 is my writing anniversary. It's the day I decided to look internally to pursue my goals... not to some sort of external goal.

Six years later, I have three novels under my belt, a picture book coming out, and I write full time. I would have never guess this for myself.

For once, I proud to say, I did good.

Yeah for me. Now I have to go finish cleaning the toilet and getting my outlines done. :-)

Recovering....again

Tue, 12 Feb 2008 01:37:11 GMT

I finally gave in and got some antibiotics on Saturday.

Writing is going slow, but things take time with new characters.

I read a beautiful book and cried like an idiot, Same kind of different like me. You should read it too.

Now going to bed early.

40 days and nights

Thu, 07 Feb 2008 02:58:13 GMT

You know, in biblical references, this actually translates to "a really long time". (this is not a sermon, just musings of a religious nature).

Life was simpler then. Who knows how long the Israelites were nomads in the desert! How long did Jesus wander in the wilderness? When will I get a novel manuscript accepted?

40 days and nights - a really long time from now (in undefined terms).

But, at the end of each event, those people came out of their desolation to do really great things (biblically speaking). Perhaps I'll be in a different place in 40 days.

It will be interesting to see.

Where will you be in 40 days?

Soap Operas y Telenovelas

Wed, 06 Feb 2008 02:37:04 GMT

I finally get to do some fun research.... telenovelas!

I watched a few soap operas when I was younger. Does anyone remember Santa Barbara?

One summer in 8th grade, it was all about young and the restless.

But now, it's telenovelas.... and it's hysterical. Each country has a unique flavor. The colombians are funny, the mexicans tragic, the brazilians naked.

Fun fun fun.

What soaps did/ do you watch?

Poetry Friday

Fri, 01 Feb 2008 14:12:37 GMT

I love reading and playing with other people's blogs about poetry, especially Lara Purdie Salas. (laurasalas)

I am a self proclaimed idiot when it comes to the specifics of poetry. I enjoy listening to the daily entry from garrison Keeler on NPR.

Today's challenge is a roundel/ Rondel. (from Miss Rumphius Effect) A poem with eleven lines in the rhyme scheme abab bab abab. But wait! Lines 4 and 11 must be the same.

Here's a good example from Diane Davis (dianemdavis) I tried several times, but structure poetry is not my forte. perhaps I'll try again, but for today, this is what I have.

It may not be the assignment... that is okay, because no one is handing out grades or contracts. It's just never okay not to try.

The writing waits,
it moans and wails
life screams for attention
in ways I can't hear.

I breathe with my characters
and listen to their woes
I sing advice
in ways they can't hear.

Because the best story breaks you heart
you ache for them
until one day, in a small way
they change
in a way you never heard before.

Bettina Restrepo
www.bettinarestrepo.com

Neat

Thu, 31 Jan 2008 03:31:56 GMT

I love make-over shows.... closet make-overs.

I'm becoming less of a collector, and more of quality/uniqueness/clothing thing. I actually want less stuff that fits perfectly.

Basically, in the house, I live in my pj's or some version of stretchy pants and a tshirt. Then I go to the gym.... they get to see my better t-shirts and non smelly clothes.

I have leftovers from my corporate days, so I use those for church or the random occasional I must look professional.I'm still not sure what to do with a small drawer full of panty hose. I'll take suggestions.

I just weeded out all of my old gross t-shirts. I'm getting rid of my turtlenecks. I don't know why....cotton turtle necks seemed to make sense, but they are not flattering on most body types, esp. mine.

Out, out out.

I think I'm cleaning to avoid my articles, besides, no Project Runway tonight.

I went to Joann's today and found myself cruising the fabric.... which only means one thing.... Avoidance.

I must repeat to myself.... the manuscript will not bite me. I am not afraid of the manuscript.

I'm out of closets to clean.... better go back to the keyboard.

Rejection sucks, but we all must practice...

Mon, 28 Jan 2008 23:39:37 GMT

Two rejections today. I only cried over one, which I normally don't do anymore because I understand it's part of the game.

Perhaps it's because this is the first agent who ever rejected me (way back to 2003). She seemed interested in my newest novel (which has never been submitted to anyone except readers). I think I cried for the novel. Of course we all want to hear we are brilliant....

But, the tears only lasted 9 minutes (the amount of time to boil noodles for Little man's dinner). Then I was done. Really.

Wow, I'm not even going to binge on sugar or open a bottle of wine.

I think I'll just start again tomorrow. I can do this.

Today proves it...

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 15:14:51 GMT

I know I'm a writer when, even though I am very sick with some sort of ghastly stomach problem, I can't wait to write today.

I went to the library yesterday with my son and picked up a few books on digital photograpghy. One of my characters is an aspiring, but very amateur photographer (hey, me too!). I need some knowledge.

After reading for about an hour.... I had about two ounces more knowledge and a ton more questions. Photography has more to it than point and click.

I'd like to post a draft a a poem I'm working on in my novel, 700 Days.

Nancy Bauer, the main character, is quite worried about her upcoming state exam (in Texas they call it Taks, or Taas, or whatever...) In the past, she has always scored average. She really wants to be above average, because in her mind, this would solve her problems.

Test-o-Bismol

A small pinky chewy pill
should be able
to ease the knot
of fish line thread
scrambled into a bird's nest ball
in my stomach.

Can I just do
good enough
to make a difference?

Or will it be
like every time before?
Not good enough,
Never good enough,
to solve the equation
of what exactly went wrong.

Maybe one day

Tue, 22 Jan 2008 14:52:57 GMT

Today I attended a lecture through the Dallas Museum of Art Booksmart series, Eoin Colfer (pronounced Owen). A cheerful, humorous Irishman in his early forties. The stories of his youth, dirty diapers, and flatulence of all types.

His hour and a half lecture was primaries for the preteen boy and parents who enjoy funny stories. I laughed, alot. I wish I could hear more about his craft, but I left the lecture inspired.

Boys of all ages, and some girls, clamored over his books. I heard some exclaim "I even read the prologue.... everybody knows that prologues are useless, but these I liked!"

I stood next to them and felt a warmth... like I would be at a big reading one day, and people would be waiting for me... actual readers who would want to know where my words came from.

Then, I could look at them and feel so grateful. People will read my work (Gosh I hope!- otherwise my publisher will be PO'd).

My goal is to write a version of someone's truth. Funny, heartbreaking, descriptive. I want to touch people in the mystical way these readers today stood entranced with the stage, with this author.

Back to the coal mine.

Bathroom humor

Mon, 21 Jan 2008 01:52:44 GMT

Misplaced my Mojo?

Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:17:29 GMT

Okay, while I'm in the midst of doing a nice first draft, I get a lovely letter from an agent I wrote four months ago. I had put the entire thing out of my mind.

The thing is, I didn't even get excited. While she wrote that she wasn't drawn to my first manuscript, Mija, she would like to see my other semi-done manuscript 700 Days.

here's the deal, I gave the entire manuscript of Mija to another agent in late December.

I have huge hopes of landing an agent with an editorial eye because I need and want guidance....

Here is where I am confused:
- Mija has been looked read by about ten readers with excellent comments. All agree I should not abandon the manuscript. I am confident that most of the readers would give me an honest opinion. I even reached out to on-line readers who don't know me personally.

- I've received partial request from over ten agents,only one full request (the one mentioned above). All comment they like the premise, they like my style, but aren't drawn in (or whatever handy comment of the day).

- I recently got dinged by a magazine editor that my stuff doesn't flow. She's working with me.

- I'm feeling kinda dumb. Not unmotivated, just apprehensive (which isn't me at all). I'm kinda like the goat the pasture who will eat everything, including the garbage, then knock down the fence just to see if I could do it.

Now, I'm a shy field mouse. Am I growing? Am I regressing? EKKKKKKK!

So here's what I'm going to do:

I'll send 700 Days to the agent next week after I make sure it flows and it has been looked at several time. I'll express sadness in Mija, but express gratitude she wants to view my other work. I'm not mentioning the other agent, because nothing has been offered, no exclusive has been mention, and basically, agent #2 passed on the project.

I'll wait on agent #1 for Mija. I want an agent who wants all of my work. Perhaps agent #2 will fall in love with 700 Days, but then offer suggestions on Mija.

Who knows? I don't want to be a goat or a mouse. I just want to write and publish well. I want to tell a meaningful story that exudes truth. I want someone to find solace in my words the way I found solace in books and stories. I hope through this approach all will turn out okay (which I know it will).

Mistakes will happen.... I will make most of them, but I promise to dust myself off each time and get up.

In the mean time, no more pop tarts in the house. Those things are deadly delicious, but I have outgrown my pants (it's the damn goat speaking again.)

Think good thoughts for me.

Back to work!

Wed, 09 Jan 2008 13:40:21 GMT

Yeah, on Monday, I sent the little man back to school and I have been working like a maniac to get things off my desk.

But then, I had a hissy fit this morning.
Laundry, dishes, watching little man pour his cereal on the floor, bitchy husband, needy dog.

Don't they realize I'm in the zone? I'm throwing away from maid outfit and keeping on my writer pajamas today. arghhhhh!

Their needs can jump in the lake. (ish)

Back to the coal mine.

I'm sure you can relate

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 14:16:50 GMT

The holiday trench hit and I'm doing very little writing, but that doesn't mean I've been taking time off.

I've been reading, thinking and generally flogging myself (then trying to recover from the self-flog and think nice thoughts). This is all generally non-productive time.... but it does create an itch.... and not the kind fixed by a medicated cream (not e to self: buy a medicated cream for that spot).

I'm ready for the kid to go back to school and get some work done. But, we have a play date this morning, and tomorrow I have a few hours away with a babysitter, and I'll beg a few hours on Friday from hubbie.

I want to write... I've got stuff flowing in my mind that even a plumber can't fix.

Getting stuff done... during this crazy season

Tue, 11 Dec 2007 02:08:12 GMT

I sat down today to look at outstanding projects.... it's tough, but stuff... and I mean writing, has to get done.

The good news is that I have some non-fiction research that can be done online via the library. I finished hag fish this morning... elephant seals, jelly fish and coral reefs left.

I'm not feeling ultra creative, so it's good I'm not doing fiction right now.

But, Jan 1st, I will begin what I haven't finished. My Nanowrimo project will start again where I left off, and I'm looking forward to it.

Back to the coal mine. Sea creatures are waiting.

-me

Signed... and now it begins

Sun, 02 Dec 2007 04:10:24 GMT

Today my contract and advance arrived, but I was too tired to be excited.... is this life or what?

DH is still sick and on a second round of antibiotics, but that doesn't mean we slow down. We had a happy hour for his work at a very trendy place last night. We left around 9 pm to make it home at a decent hour and the prettiest people were coming in.

I didn't know people like that existed outside of People magazine. Very short skirts on very pretty girls. High heels, high thigh boots.

I'm glad I'm not twenty anymore.... I couldn't compete then, or now. Good thing we aren't racing. They can be happy and shiny, and I can enjoy watching their youth.

We went to the Dallas World Aquarium for the DH children's christmas party. A nice affair, but we were sleeping in the soup as Allen ran circles around us as a result of chocolate fondue. I also bought him a snake in the gift shop.

Finally, I have sat down to read the thing again... yep same nice wording.

I signed it and Monday I will deposit the advance check. I have a bottle of wine from 2002 that I bought to celebrate my first book. It's chilling.... I don't have the guts to open it yet.

My goodness, I think I'm an author.

I think I actually grew up and became who I wanted to be... Scary and intimidating.

Publicity?

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 21:22:02 GMT

Okay, so I'm here at the library and I'm just MORTIFIED at the dismal selection of current books on publicity. Maybe it's just plano, and I have several other avenues to explore, but the most recent book the have on publicity is 2001, and before that 1993! (pre-internet). I'm sure I could just pony up and order something from Amazon, but geezsh!

Okay- I signed the contract and thrown some salt overt my shoulder. Now it's upo to me.

- I'm thinking about holding a contest for the title of my book. Essentially , "name my moose book". Free publicity and a chance to get emails... I'll ask the publisher.

- Give myself to January-ish to get myself thinking about a marketing plan and some new business cards.

- I think I may skip NYC. Too many newbies, not enough substance. If I need to go, I'll go when I have product in hand.

Seems like a much saner type of day.

Cold still here, but Nyquilling and Dayquilling.

my brain hurts

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 03:49:48 GMT

Hubby says I can prob. go to NYC- we just need a few more days of planning. So, if the writer's intensive is open, I'll go, if not, no.

Head hurts from re-reading contract too many times. I think I'll just sign tomorrow to get it over with.

taking nyquil, sneezing. yuck.