My copy of Loving the Undead showed up in the mail today! But, reading it brings up an interesting subject (and a little of my lunch): Should a writer read their material after it's published? I'm going to go with a big NO on that one. I found way too many things I'd change, if I were even to submit it again.
Don't get me wrong, I'm beaming. But from now on I'll love my babies from afar.
3.01.2007
Have been surfing the net, and finding some interesting publishing outfits out there. Mostly trouble I think. But am doing the old research, why not? Its a freebe to do. It seems as though
there are lots of places just dying to get someone to publish with the, for a price of course. I plan to stay away from those. But one can garner a great deal of info on what is happening in cyber space. Don't you just love the language!!!
Sherylle
there are lots of places just dying to get someone to publish with the, for a price of course. I plan to stay away from those. But one can garner a great deal of info on what is happening in cyber space. Don't you just love the language!!!
Sherylle
2.27.2007
Loving the Undead, Available Now!
Loving the Undead, An Anthology of Romance…Sort Of contains Mark's short story, An Acquired Taste. It's available at From the Asylum.
Last February Meeting
Two of us have been editing and brought nothing to read–naughty Monica and Me. But we've committed to three pages of new material a week, even during the editing of our manuscripts. Monica shared the story of her new novel, which sounds like literary fantasy (I think A Garden of Dreams would be a cool title). I'm going to bring in the opening of Road Trip of the Living Dead. Megan is plugging away at Chameleon Red (Yep, she settled on the title), and brought a sexy little piece from the middle of the book. Sherylle is untitled at the moment and focused on the Ann Rule thingy. Both Megan and Sherylle are committed to completion of their novels, prior to starting on other work.
2.13.2007
February 12th Meeting
This week we welcomed Tom Wright to the group, he's written a scifi/spiritual Crichtonesque manuscript, called In The Wild. The group discussed fine tuning a manuscript and a number of ideas for making the work "sing". We reviewed PNWA literary contest submission materials and traded our work for editing. Monica moved to meet on Saturday morning to review the edits and to allow time to finish the pieces prior to mailing on Tuesday the 20th (deadline). Megan agreed to email the first 25 pages of her ms, for editing. Reminder to all check out Tom's first chapter at http://www.inthwild.us/
Next meeting: Saturday 17 @ 9:00 am.
Next real meeting: Monday 26 @ 6:30 pm.
Next meeting: Saturday 17 @ 9:00 am.
Next real meeting: Monday 26 @ 6:30 pm.
2.11.2007
Great News!
The following was posted in the Friday morning online issue of Publisher's Marketplace:
8 February, 2007
Fiction: Debut
Mark Henry's THE UNDEAD SOCIALITE'S GUIDE TO NIGHTLIFE, about an ad-exec turned zombie trying to save a missing friend, "Shaun of the Dead" by way of Paris Hilton, to John Scognamiglio at Kensington, in a three-book deal, by Jim McCarthy at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management (World).
8 February, 2007
Fiction: Debut
Mark Henry's THE UNDEAD SOCIALITE'S GUIDE TO NIGHTLIFE, about an ad-exec turned zombie trying to save a missing friend, "Shaun of the Dead" by way of Paris Hilton, to John Scognamiglio at Kensington, in a three-book deal, by Jim McCarthy at Dystel & Goderich Literary Management (World).
February 5th Meeting
Sherylle presented a great story for submission to the PNWA literary contest, her goal is to rework it by the deadline. Monica has completed her synopsis and moved for trading our work at the February 12th meeting for deeper editing. Mark reported his great news that he'd just signed with an editor. So here's the plan: next meeting's focus will be on the final submission edit.
See you there.
See you there.
1.29.2007
January 29th Meeting
Tonight's meeting concluded our discussion of synopses and the need to keep them short and have them prepared for the February 20th deadline for the PNWA literary contest. We discussed self publishing pros and cons. The suggestion was to bring the first 25 pages of our novels and take them home to provide a formal critique.
1.22.2007
Writing Library
I'd like to put together a list of books on writing that we could access from each other. I'll keep track of them on this blog, over there on the right hand side. Take a look. Feel free to email me with your list.
Assignment for Meeting: 1/29/07
Complete a synopsis for your novel or novel in progress, using the mythic story structure prompts below.
Meeting Notes: Slow on the Updates
Hey y'all! It seems we've been on the same topic for three weeks in a row. That's right, it's our foe, the synopsis. Me and Megan had a tete-a-tete with New York Times Bestselling Author, Bob Dugoni–he's had his name legally changed to include the first five words. Actually, it was just a tete, as neither Megan, nor myself, did any teting, except to make fun of New York Times Bestselling Author, Bob Dugoni. His advice on synopsis? Keep it short (1-2 pages), third person/present tense, and sweet Jesus, make sure to show the editor/agent that you understand story structure. If we follow NYTBA Bob Dugoni's 17 step plan, we'll have a finished synopsis. Just…
Write a single sentence for each question.
1. What is your character’s Ordinary World (comfort zone)?
2. Describe the character’s Call to Adventure (the event that moves the story)?
3. Does your character struggle with a Refusal the Call?
4. Who is your character’s mentor (Supernatural Aid)? Is there someone who provides lessons?
5. Describe your hero Crossing the First Threshhold (new zone of experience)?
a. Is this experience more of a Rebirth?
b. Does your hero undergo an Initiation?
6. Describe the hero’s Road of Trials?
a. Is there a Marriage (the ultimate trial)?
7. Is there a seduction (Woman as Temptress)?
8. Describe the hero’s Atonement with the Father figure (coming to terms with tyrannical/merciful aspects so to understand the father better, and likewise the self)?
9. Describe the hero’s Apotheosis (disintegration of ego/breakthrough).
10. (The Ultimate Boon) Describe the hero’s readiness to obtain that for which he/she has set out, an item or new awareness, that once returned, will benefit the society he/she has left.
11. Describe the hero’s Return.
12. Is there a Refusal of the Return? (Does your hero prefer to stay?)
13. When the boon’s acquisition—or the return—comes against opposition, a chase or pursuit may ensue (The Magic Flight), if so, describe.
14. Does your hero need to be rescued by forces from the ordinary world, either because he/she is blocked or refused to return (Rescue from Without)?
15. Describe the Crossing of the Return Threshold. Is there an acceptance of reality?
16. (Master of Two Worlds) does the hero, instead, perceive both worlds?
17. Describe the bestowal of the boon (Freedom to Live).
It seems he culled the information from Chrisopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey, which itself borrowed from Campbell's The Power of Myth.
Write a single sentence for each question.
1. What is your character’s Ordinary World (comfort zone)?
2. Describe the character’s Call to Adventure (the event that moves the story)?
3. Does your character struggle with a Refusal the Call?
4. Who is your character’s mentor (Supernatural Aid)? Is there someone who provides lessons?
5. Describe your hero Crossing the First Threshhold (new zone of experience)?
a. Is this experience more of a Rebirth?
b. Does your hero undergo an Initiation?
6. Describe the hero’s Road of Trials?
a. Is there a Marriage (the ultimate trial)?
7. Is there a seduction (Woman as Temptress)?
8. Describe the hero’s Atonement with the Father figure (coming to terms with tyrannical/merciful aspects so to understand the father better, and likewise the self)?
9. Describe the hero’s Apotheosis (disintegration of ego/breakthrough).
10. (The Ultimate Boon) Describe the hero’s readiness to obtain that for which he/she has set out, an item or new awareness, that once returned, will benefit the society he/she has left.
11. Describe the hero’s Return.
12. Is there a Refusal of the Return? (Does your hero prefer to stay?)
13. When the boon’s acquisition—or the return—comes against opposition, a chase or pursuit may ensue (The Magic Flight), if so, describe.
14. Does your hero need to be rescued by forces from the ordinary world, either because he/she is blocked or refused to return (Rescue from Without)?
15. Describe the Crossing of the Return Threshold. Is there an acceptance of reality?
16. (Master of Two Worlds) does the hero, instead, perceive both worlds?
17. Describe the bestowal of the boon (Freedom to Live).
It seems he culled the information from Chrisopher Vogler's The Writer's Journey, which itself borrowed from Campbell's The Power of Myth.
12.17.2006
Happy Holidays, See You in 2007
The next meeting of the South Sound Algonquins will be on January 8th at Cafe Pegasso in DuPont. Hope to see you all there.
12.12.2006
Update: The Last Two Meetings
Hey all. Wanted to bring you up to date on the last two meetings. Yes, three months now and we're still meeting. Although much less of us. I'm thinking we may want to put the word out for a few more members.
It has been posited that we take a break over the holidays, I seconded. Although, if anyone would like to meet on Monday, the 18th, I'd be happy to. Otherwise, the next meeting of the South Sound Algonquins will be on January 8th at 6:30 pm @ Cafe Pegasso.
The writing is going well. We could all probably benefit from a boost of enthusiasm. The holidays really seem to sap the energy.
It has been posited that we take a break over the holidays, I seconded. Although, if anyone would like to meet on Monday, the 18th, I'd be happy to. Otherwise, the next meeting of the South Sound Algonquins will be on January 8th at 6:30 pm @ Cafe Pegasso.
The writing is going well. We could all probably benefit from a boost of enthusiasm. The holidays really seem to sap the energy.
11.28.2006
Last Night's Meeting
I'm not sure if anyone reads this, including the members (no one leaves comments). At last night's meeting I brought an editing checklist which fits onto the front and back of a single sheet, if you'd like one e-mail me.
Megan, Sherylle and I braved the weather. Megan introduced her new untitled YA fantasy which sounds really interesting, the first five pages hook! Sherylle brought a short story about an incident with a dove (she could use some help finding a rescue mission for the bird, in all reality). I brought a quick rewrite on my manuscript, which needs some work and a humor injection.
I hope that others can join us next week.
See you. Be careful in this crazy weather.
Megan, Sherylle and I braved the weather. Megan introduced her new untitled YA fantasy which sounds really interesting, the first five pages hook! Sherylle brought a short story about an incident with a dove (she could use some help finding a rescue mission for the bird, in all reality). I brought a quick rewrite on my manuscript, which needs some work and a humor injection.
I hope that others can join us next week.
See you. Be careful in this crazy weather.
11.22.2006
Some Writing Advice
I recieved this in an email:
As you know, my happiest writing is done at night when everyone (but you, me, and the other night owls)is asleep, especially husbands, children, and telemarketers. I think I need to renew my Do Not Call request. LOL. I don't do enough PR. It's the writing I really like.
My advice to novice writers is that you read a lot of what you want to write before you start, when you have something to sell attend conferences where you'll meet editors and agents to whom you can pitch your work; exploit connections you might have in the publishing world, never submit a book that hasn't been thoroughly proofed, start the next book as soon as the first one is in the mail, continue doing that until you get an acceptance, file the refusals and never think about them again, and don't quit your day job, divorce your husband, or in any way give up your means of support until you're making enough writing to eat and pay your bills. LOL.
Her website is HERE.
I have no clue who this Nancy Fairbanks is, but the advice is sound.
As you know, my happiest writing is done at night when everyone (but you, me, and the other night owls)is asleep, especially husbands, children, and telemarketers. I think I need to renew my Do Not Call request. LOL. I don't do enough PR. It's the writing I really like.
My advice to novice writers is that you read a lot of what you want to write before you start, when you have something to sell attend conferences where you'll meet editors and agents to whom you can pitch your work; exploit connections you might have in the publishing world, never submit a book that hasn't been thoroughly proofed, start the next book as soon as the first one is in the mail, continue doing that until you get an acceptance, file the refusals and never think about them again, and don't quit your day job, divorce your husband, or in any way give up your means of support until you're making enough writing to eat and pay your bills. LOL.
Her website is HERE.
I have no clue who this Nancy Fairbanks is, but the advice is sound.
11.21.2006
The First Draft Is Done!!!
I have great news to share. At 5:30 today, I typed the last words into the first draft of The Undead Socialites Guide to Nightlife. I'm so excited to begin another process not yet tackled in earnest, editing.
Now I'm really going to need the group's help.
Thanks for all your support.
Now I'm really going to need the group's help.
Thanks for all your support.
Thanksgiving Week Meeting
Our meeting was small but productive. Sherylle was sick, and Megan had family obligations. Monica and I discussed marketing to a variety of genres based on themes that pop out from the material. We discussed the editing process and what publishers might be looking for.
Hope to see everyone at the next meeting.
Hope to see everyone at the next meeting.
11.14.2006
November 13th Meeting
The creativity is flowing like gas through a pump nozzle, ready to ignite. The work being presented is looking great. The more cleaning we do in critique, the better the writing comes out the other end (so to speak).
Goals for the week:
Goals for the week:
- Mark: 90 more pages by next meeting.
- Megan: A start for her new fantasy novel.
- Monica: three more chapters of revisions.
- Sherylle: A short story with supernatural undertones.
11.08.2006
Site Review: Bookslut
Looking for interesting book reviews, interviews and insights into literature? Look no further than Bookslut, a literate exploration of the authors craft.
Check it out!
Check it out!
Meeting Update
The writing group is a success. We have all made progress toward the goal of completing our manuscripts.
This week, we discussed becoming bored with your work and delving into the whys, and hows to alleviate the situation.
We didn't have time, but I brought an exercise that we agreed to start at home (I list), for character exploration. If you weren't at the meeting on Monday, and would like a copy. Email me.
This week, we discussed becoming bored with your work and delving into the whys, and hows to alleviate the situation.
We didn't have time, but I brought an exercise that we agreed to start at home (I list), for character exploration. If you weren't at the meeting on Monday, and would like a copy. Email me.
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