Updates and contest announcement

I saw the final galley proof for my bi-monthly column "Dueling With Words" in the October issue of The Writer magazine entitled: "Sometimes you need to break out the editing chain saw to deal with a manuscript." As usual, I'm tickled with how it turned out. It'll be on page 10 and I talk about the rewrite process for Armed & Magical. Yes, that book was a nearly complete rewrite before it even reached my editor's desk, and you can read the entire hair-raising story.

As of yesterday, I am SO CLOSE to finishing the plot synopsis for Raine's 5th adventure. I would love to finish it today, though Kristin (bless her heart) has said that turning it in to her on Monday for her feedback will be just fine. But I want to finish it today and take the weekend off. I took most of last night off, lay in bed and watched TV. Sheer bliss! I told Derek that finishing a synop is the mini-exhaustion version of finishing a book. With my plot synops, I'm weaving the plot of a book out of thin air and it takes me about a month. One very intense month. Either this weekend or on Monday, I'll start the synop for Book 6. Baby needs a new book contract. ; ) The process is this: after Kristin helps me fine-tune the synops, she sends them to my publisher in a proposal package and then the negotiations start. A nerve-wracking process every time.

Keep sending your "Name That Book" entries until next Friday. I'll announce the winner(s) next Saturday. You can send in more than one entry. Thank you for those you've sent so far and keep 'em coming.

And on Monday, I'll announce a contest exclusively for the members of Raine's Rangers (my Yahoo Group fan club). If you'd like to be eligible to enter that contest, just click on any of the "Click to join Raine's Rangers" Yahoo Group buttons all over my site.

For tomorrow's Saturday Fun Pic, I'll post an hysterical video.

TGIF!
Lisa

Book recommendations for my sister

I have a question for you all -- I know you're avid readers (THANK YOU!), so I know you'll be able to help me out. Actually you'll be helping my sister out. Terie has run out of books to read. Yeah, gasp, it's a serious catastrophe. She goes into Barnes & Noble and walks out with nothing. It's a sad state of affairs. I told her not to worry, that I'd put the question in front of you all.

She likes urban fantasy and she hasn't read Ilona Andrews or Rob Thurman yet, so I've already made those recommendations. She also likes Charles de Lint, so she also goes toward the "urban fairy" end of things. I'm going to recommend Neil Gaiman's Neverwhere to her as well.

Okay, let's hear it -- what should my sister look into getting, so that next time she doesn't walk out of B&N empty handed? (BTW -- she already devours Jim Butcher's Dresden Files.)

Tomorrow I'll answer another reader question. I think. You'll have to excuse me, I just got up. And on Monday, I'll announce a contest that is exclusive to members of my Yahoo Group fan club Raine's Rangers. It's easy to join, just click on any of the "Click to join Raine's Rangers" buttons scattered all over my site, if you want to participate in the contest.

And BTW -- Webmaster Todd and Designer Elyse are proud parents again -- this time of a beautiful baby girl born on Sunday! CONGRATULATIONS!

Lisa

How long to write a book?

Another reader question: How long did it take you (about) to write Magic Lost, Trouble Found (the first draft, if you remember).

Probably about two years, which set a land speed record from my previous books (that are unpublishable and live in my office closet -- aka, my "practice books"). Back then, I only wrote when I was inspired. I've said this before and I'll say it again: if you're really serious about wanting to be published, you need to write every day. Set a modest (and easily attainable) goal at first, say a page or two, or whatever you're comfortable with. As you meet your daily goal, you'll gain confidence and feel motivated to do more. And here's the biggie: by writing everyday, you'll get better as a writer. And don't try to write during your every waking moment, it's SO IMPORTANT to take time to read. It's food for your muse.

Now I write my books in 8-9 months. Nine months is more comfortable for me. Yeah, I know the comparison to giving birth to a baby is obvious. And to tell you the truth, once I get to the last few chapters and uncomfortably close to my deadline, I tell Derek: "I'm tired; I don't wanna push anymore." ; )

Tomorrow, I have another question that I need your help on. Don't worry, it's easy and fun.

And on Monday, I'll be announcing a contest exclusively for those of you who are members over at Raine's Rangers (my Yahoo Group fan club). So if you're not a member yet, and would like to join, pop over and do so. And for those of you who are content to remain my blog buddies, there will be more contests over here, too. Don't worry, I'd never leave anyone out.

Lisa

Name That Book contest

I'm writing the synopsis for Raine Benares book #5 right now (and determined to have it to my agent for her review and feedback) by this Friday. This thing has taken me a month to weave and write. I'd forgotten how it takes. Dang. Once I've sent #5 to Kristin, then I'll start #6.

Oh, and BTW -- last Monday my publisher's editorial, marketing, and art departments met on my cover for Bewitched & Betrayed. I LOVE their ideas, inputed a few of my own, and I can't wait to see the new cover! Of course, I'll post it as soon as I get it.

The thing is, I hate calling my books by numbers. Within the next two months, I'll start writing #5 and I like to have names for my books when I start them. That's where you all come in. My poor brain is befuddled enough trying to come up with the story, let alone a title. So . . . I'm having a Name That Book contest. If one of the winning entries blows a breeze up my skirt (meaning that I like it), your winning entry will be the title for Raine's 5th adventure (unless it gets changed during editing, which has only happened with the first book). AND your reward will be having your name listed in the acknowledgements for Book 5 as having come up with the title.

Here are some guidelines:

• Anne (my editor) prefers to keep the titles in the same number of words, related in words, or tone. So we have Magic Lost, Trouble Found. Armed & Magical. The Trouble with Demons. Bewitched & Betrayed. You see the pattern. Try to keep your entries in the pattern -- either using the word "Magic" or "Trouble" or two words separated by "&" -- you get the picture. But if you come up with something outside of the pattern, send it.
• You can send more than one entry. Send as many as you can think up.
• Okay, in Book 5 will be spies, con men, political intrigue, assassins, and plotting, scheming, and scams galore. This gives you an idea of the direction I'm going.
• You can post any questions you have on the blog or my Yahoo Group (we have some fun and cool stuff planned for over there, so if you haven't joined already, you should). I'll be having another contest soon exclusively for Raine's Rangers members (that's the Yahoo Group).
• But don't post your title entries on the blog. You don't want to give everyone your brilliant idea, do you? ; ) Email them to me using the contact form on the Contact page or email me at lisa (at) lisashearin (dot) com (you guys know the address, I'm just jumbling it up to avoid it being picked up by spammers).
• Let's have next Friday, August 7 as the deadline for your inspired brilliance. Hopefully, there will be a clear winner which I will announce on Saturday, August 8.

Tomorrow, I'll answer another reader question about how long it takes me to write my books.

Lisa

Dealing with rejections

A question from Victoria -- What if, when I decide to send my manuscript out, I only get rejections? How many rejections do I need to get before I should start thinking about how to fix my project? How many rejections does it take to say that I should move on to something else?

Great question. And the answer is that there is no definitive number. I've never heard of an author who queried an agent and got an offer of representation right off the bat. In fact, I'm not sure that this has ever happened in the history of mankind. If it has, bravo & kudos to them!

Writers get rejected. It's a part of the job. I think it's God's way of asking "how bad do you want it?" When I first started sending out manuscripts, they always got rejected. There weren't any "maybes", not any "nice try" -- just "no, thank you." So I wrote another book, and went through exactly the same thing all over again. Wash, rinse, repeat. When I went to write the third book (yep, it was a good old fantasy trilogy), I realized something. I couldn't write the third book because the thought bored me; in fact, reading over the first two books bored me.

That was my lightbulb going off in my head that I was going about this all wrong. I was trying to be like authors who I admired, to write like them. Finally instead of writing what I thought I SHOULD BE writing, I wrote what I WANTED TO READ. I figured that if I liked it (and since I considered myself to have good taste), then other people would like it. (Yep, I had a bit of an ego going back then. I'll admit that I'm still trying to beat the pesky thing into submission.) But the thing is, if you enjoy what you're writing and have fun writing it, chances are really good that others (like agents) will like it too, because your joy and enthusiasm will be contagious. And also, by writing that much, you'll have become a better writer. Yep, practice does make perfect -- or at least publishable.

Uh . . . what was your question? Oh yeah, rejections. You're gonna get 'em. And only you, your muse, your gut, or whatever it is that tells you "this bites" or "dang, this is good" can tell you if you need to fix a project or move on to something else. Writing is subjective -- one person's "love it!" is another person's "this stinks." Just look at Amazon reviews of any top-selling books/authors for proof.

Hope this helps.
Lisa

COMING UP TOMORROW: I need you all to help me with some contest ideas. I have a big idea (which I'll tell you about tomorrow), but I want (and need) your input on some others. Fun contest ideas -- think about it today, and come back tomorrow with your thoughts.

Character development & moving your story forward

Today's reader question is actually four questions. (cracks knuckles in preparation). It's Friday, so I think I'm up for the challenge.

1. How much time should you spend developing a character?
2. Am I moving my story forward?
3. How do I figure out what happens next?
4. Keeping your hopes up while looking for an agent.

Character development -- Back when I started writing, I'd do the character building exercises where you map our all of your character's traits, down to their profession and why they chose it. For some people, this may be useful -- not for me. Generally my characters pop into my head (or get dragged into an alley or kicked out of a bar) pretty much complete personality wise. For me, the best way to develop a character is through the interaction they have with my other characters and how they fit into the story. For example, in The Trouble with Demons, Sora Niabi just popped into the chapter, and her immediate interaction and converstation with Raine established her personality.

Am I moving my story forward? Only you can know that in your gut. But to be sure of it, you need to have a "story core" for your book and a "story goal" for your protagonist. Each scene and chapter needs to progress toward answering that question or having your protag get closer to their goal. I've had to cut many a scene that didn't propel my story forward. I loved the scene, but it did nothing for the book, so it had to go. (Of course,I saved it in case it fit in another book.)

How do I figure out what happens next? My characters and the flow I've established for my book generally tell me this, but like every other writer, I write myself into a corner or smack into a brick wall. It's important not to try to force your characters into a situation or dialogue that isn't true to them. If you do that, you'll most definitely get off track. For me, if I'm stuck, the best thing for me to do is step away from the computer, get a pen & noteoad, and have a conversation with myself and my characters about why they're there and what they need to accomplish. This helps me determine what is really supposed to happen next as opposed to what I'm trying to force to happen next.

Keeping your hopes up looking for an agent? I searched through a lot of agents before finding the treasure personified that is Kristin Nelson. I kept my hopes up by being confident in my work, knowing that if I got it in front of the right person that they would offer representation, and never allowing myself to sway from that conviction. In short, I believed in myself and my work.

Since I'm determined to have the plot synopsis for Raine book #5 to Kristin by next Friday for her input, I won't be blogging tomorrow. But I'll be back as always on Monday morning with more reader questions, or something cool I found over the weekend. And soon I plan to be posting info about a new contest.

Happy Friday!
Lisa

Two distinct writing styles -- what to do?

Today, a writing question from Chicory: What do you do when you have two distinct styles of writing? I like to write fairytale parodies, but I also have stories are a bit more young adult. I'm worried that if I ever get published I might alienate half my audience with my other style. I thought of using a pen-name for one style of book, but then wouldn't I have to write two books a year? I don't think I could do that. I'm a really slow writer. Any suggestions?

Sweetie, having two very distinct writing styles is cause for celebration, not concern. So yea you!!!

I have some author friends who use a separate pen name for their Young Adult (YA) books versus their SciFi romance. Pen names are completely common, so while your status is still "pre-published," you might want to have some fun coming up with a second name.

And as to writing two books a year, don't worry about it. You might find that one style of book snags a book deal, while the market might not be ready for the other. But if you find agent and then publisher homes for both books, the power is in your hands. You tell them when you can deliver a manuscript. Though you just might find that as you write more books, you get faster (I know I did). So until it becomes an issue, don't worry about any of it, just revel in the fact that you have two distinct writing styles -- most authors would kill for that. ; )

Tomorrow, I'll answer another writing-related question.

Query letter critiques

Since so many of you are now preparing query letters to go agent hunting, I thought now would be a good time so share some client query letters that were sent to my agent, Kristin Nelson (including my own). Kristin goes through the letters and says what the author did right, and what made her sign them as clients. I also disected my own letter, so I'll post a link to that as well, so you can get my reasons for writing what I did in my letter, and compare it to Kristin's impression. I hope this helps.

Click on the links below to read the letters and Kristin's feedback. The purpose of this post is to give you some examples of the types of letters that worked (aka landed agent representation).
Bear in mind, these are Kristin's impressions. With offers of representation, one agent's gold is another's so-so, and vice versa. So just because you get a rejection from one or more agents (I certainly did), that doesn't necessarily mean that there's anything wrong with your book, it might mean that you just haven't found the right agent for you. So don't let agent rejections get you down. Keep submitting those letters and sample pages.

Kristin's impression of my query letter for Thief of Souls (the original title for Magic Lost, Trouble Found)

My reasons for writing that type of query letter.

Fantasy author Shanna Swendson's query letter to Kristin (with Kristin's impressions).

Sarah Rees Brennan's query letter for the YA fantasy The Demon's Lexicon.

Courtney Milan's romance query letter for Proof by Seduction.

There are a few other letters that Kristin analyzes. Just go to her Blog page "Pub Rants" and scroll down the right nav until you reach "Agent Kristin's Queries: An inside scoop"

I hope this helps! Tomorrow, I'll be back to answering your writing-related questions.

Lisa

Playing literary connect the dots

Recent milestones: I just passed my 600th blog post. When I first started blogging, I told Derek he'd have to help me blog, because I didn't have that much to say. Yeah, he still laughs about that one. And yesterday I passed the 600 mark in Twitter followers. Woot! I have to admit that I love Twitter. Great source of immediate pubishing industry news & goings-on -- if you're following the right people. For those of you who are thinking about getting on Twitter, take a look at who some of your fav authors are following. It'll give you some idea of who you'd like to add to your "following" list.

On Sunday night, Derek and I went back to fencing class after a nearly 5-year absence. When I signed on the dotted line of my first book contract, I had to stop fencing. Day job + writing job = no free time. Going back to the gym even one night a week is all part of my effort to write/work smarter so I don't have to work harder, so I can have a life outside of my office. It's one of my new goals. My legs can describe my first fencing class in one word: "Ow!" When I get back in decent shape, I'll post some fencing pics.

Now an update on writing the synops for the next three Raine books. I've decided to take the synopsis writing one book at a time. If ideas come to me for Books 6 and 7, I'll write them down, but the focus right now is on Book 5 (no title yet). I wanted to have all three done by the end of this month, but apparently that was an unrealistic expectation. My revised goal is to have the synop for Book 5 to my agent for her review and input by the end of the month. That's a do-able goal. I'd forgotten how long it takes to weave a story out of mid-air. Then I'll work on Book 6 and then Book 7.

The synop is still kinda convoluted right now, but it's finally starting to take shape. I have a story core and a lot of character motivation. Everybody is highly motivated, but those twisting and crossing lines have to weave together into a plot with a clear-cut storyline, otherwise all I've got is a lot of ugly.

I compare my synopsis writing process to a Nautilus shell. It starts out big -- meaning I'm including too much and I know it, but it's all part of the process. I write down almost everything: character motivation, goals, key scenes, etc. Then as I go through and organize things, I find that I have duplications or scenes that my gut tells me don't belong in a synopsis. They belong in the book of course, but only the high-level stuff should be included in a synop. I think of a synop kind of like book jacket copy expanded to explain more. Then as I edit the synop down, it goes in ever smaller circles (like that Nautilus shell), tightening and compressing (meaning getting rid of extraneous subplots that have no need to be in a synop) until I have a compelling synop that my editor will go giddy over (crosses fingers).

I'm trying to keep it around 8 pages double spaced. This is what works for Anne, my editor. When you all are writing synops, pay close attention to what the agent you're pitching to wants. If they say they only want 5 pages, don't give them 10. You've got one chance to make a good first impression, so give them what they ask for.

Last week I bought the soundtrack to the fabulous Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. It's really helping me get into my story.

Today and tonight will be working with good old pen & paper to work out some storyline connectors. My laptop can be intimidating when I'm trying to feel my way through new ideas. I'm more comfortable at that point writing the old fashioned way. It's like an artist sketching before starting to put paint to canvas.

I got a bit long-winded this morning, so tomorrow I'll blog on writing and submitting agent queries, since that's what a lot of you are doing right now. I'll give you a great resource for top-notch query letters, what's great about them, and why -- from a top agent's perspective.

Lisa

Grand Opening of new CafePress store!

Today is the Grand Opening of my new, improved, and uber cool CafePress store. You voted on what t-shirts you wanted to see/buy in the store and Jackie my graphic artist more than delivered. My problem now, is deciding which ones I want for myself and which ones I should buy for my fencing coaches for their upcoming birthdays. Hmmm, perhaps I'll send them the link and let them choose for themselves. Though for my head coach Wes (who was the basis for Phaelan), I think I'll get the "I'm not a pirate. I'm a seafaring businessman." ; )

To get to the store, click on the link above or anywhere else on my site that you see the "Shop for Gear!" button (I think they're on my Home and Blog pages). Once you're in the store, there are nine t-shirt designs, all on black.

To get a good, up-close look at the designs:
1. Click on the shirt
2. Click on "View larger"
3. If you need an even closer look, click on "Zoom in on Image"

Have fun browsing & happy shopping!

Tomorrow, I'll update you on my synopsis writing progress for Raine's 5th-7th adventures. And since a lot of you are writing & submitting agent queries right now, I'll also give you a great resource for top-notch query letters, what's great about them, and why -- from a top agent's perspective.

For the rest of the week and into next, I'll continue to answser the writing-related questions that you've sent. If you have more, just send 'em on -- you know I love to hear from you all!

Happy Monday -- try to make it a good one! (I'll be having a great day -- today is mine and Derek's 18th wedding anniversary. Yea, us!)

Lisa

The new CafePress store is open!

For all of you hard core fans who drop by every Saturday, I'm opening the CafePress store this morning. In fact, it's open now. The "Grand Opening" will be on Monday, but I thought I'd give you the first chance to browse & shop.

To access it, just click on the link above, or anywhere else on my site that you see the "Shop for Gear!" button.

Once you're in the store, there are nine t-shirt designs. They're all on black t-shirts, and Jackie my friend and designer did an amazing job. I'm ordering my first shirt this morning.

To get a good, up-close look at the designs:
1. Click on the shirt
2. Click on "View larger"
3. If you need an even closer look, click on "Zoom in on Image"

Have fun browsing & happy shopping!
Lisa

P.S.: Natasha (my kitty) is doing better this morning. I'm now officially a "kitty nurse", administering pain meds and generally keeping Her Royal Highness groomed, loved, and happy. We have a followup visit to the vet this Thursday. I'll keep you posted.

Sorry for the late post -- I have a sick kitty

Sorry for the late post everyone, but it's been a busy day -- and not in a good way.

I had to rush Natasha (our cat) to the vet this morning. I thought we were going to lose her. The vets are running tests, have the results of some, and are waiting on the results of others. We're eliminating options at this point, but the problem seems to be centering on her bladder and possibly kidneys. The details are complicated, so I won't go into them here. Natasha is 18 years old, so that limits some of the treatment options. I'll get to pick her up later this afteroon. She'll have another appointment for a few followup tests next week. When there's a definite diagnosis, I'll be sure to let you know.

Lisa

No blog today -- sick author

I don't know what I have, but I'm exhausted, stuffy, achy, and food & I aren't exactly the best of buddies right now. Hmmm, probably a cold. I have to go to work today, but I'll try to take it easy; should be back to blogging tomorrow.

Lisa

Writing through rejection

Today, I'm answering another reader question: How do you keep motivated to write after rejection?

Answer: It ain't easy. Rejection hurts. Self-doubt happens. Writing is personal; it's a part of you. To have a part of you rejected hurts. There's no getting around that. However, to keep going in this business (and yes, it is a business), you have to change that part of your thinking. Yes, what you write is a part of you, but you can't take that rejection personally.

What makes one agent/editor say "No, thank you" and another one email you and ask for a partial is PREFERENCE. Their personal preference. A rejection doesn't mean that your work is bad. It possibly means it could stand improvement. And that takes you examining your work with a critical eye. It helps to step back from it for a few weeks before sending out queries, then reading through it again. Does it still give you that same thrill? Or do you see places that aren't as strong as you thought they were? Looking at your book with fresh eyes can do wonders.

And adjusting your way of thinking (that rejection isn't personal) is vital to being able to push on through those rejections. And if you're like me, you'll get plenty of them before you hit pay dirt. If you're a writer, really a writer, you deal with it and you move on. Agents and editors WANT to find that golden needle in that haystack. They love great books, they love a compelling, page-turning story -- and they absolutely adore the writers who can give it to them.

I've heard it said many times, and I sincerely believe it's true: getting published is just as much about persistence as it is about talent. Plenty of talented writers got angry, got frustrated, got discouraged, and guess what? They didn't get published. They threw in the towel. As a result, no one got to read their books, to see how talented they were, because they gave up.

That being said, talent is a part of the equation. And nurturing talent takes practice, lots and lots of practice. For the vast majority of writers, success (i.e., reaching the goal of being published), takes a couple of manuscripts that are more than likely stuffed in a closet, before we write something publishable. (I've got my own "closet books.") Writing is hard work, but it's incredibly rewarding work.

I wanted to be published so badly that I was willing to write every day, even when I didn't want to, even when I didn't feel inspired, or even when I was just too danged tired. I wrote regardless of pretty much everything. That's not to say I didn't take the occassional day off. It's a good idea, for me and for my ever-patient & supportive husband Derek.

And a lot of people (sometimes family, friends, co-workers) don't take your work seriously. They think that if you haven't been published, that you're not a real writer. That's a load of bullpucky. If you write and work hard at it, you are a real writer regardless of whether you've ever signed your name to a publishing contract or not. And don't let anyone tell you otherwise; and if they do, don't believe them. I always told people that it wasn't a matter of IF I got published, but WHEN. Determination will take you a long way.

That's the biggest thing right there -- you absolutely must believe in yourself and what you are doing.

I've got a sticker on my computer that says "If they can do it, you know you can." It's been there for years, and I have no plans to take it down. Believe in yourself and your work -- if they can do it, you know you can.

Lisa

Just added: To give you all a better idea of how the money end of the publishing business works (aka authors getting paid and approx. how much), Ilona Andrews's blog post today does a great job. She's a "sister author" with me at Ace Books.

Coming up: Information on the opening of my new CafePress store, and more of your questions, including:
How much time do I spend developing a character?
How to know if you are moving your story forward?
How to figure out what happens next?
Keeping your hopes up while looking for an agent.
Getting "not quite ready" writing up to publishable standards.
Help! I have two writing styles.
How long did it take me to write Magic Lost , Trouble Found?

New CafePress t-shirt designs!

Here are a few of the t-shirt designs that my designer friend Jackie has done for my CafePress store. (The others are equally uber cool and awesome.) I could not be more thrilled! What do you all think? Let me know. As soon they're all finished, I'll be putting them in the store. Hopefully in the next week. I'll be sure to let you all know when.











And for those of you pre-published writers who don't read Pub Rants (my agent, Kristin Nelson's blog), her post last night will be right up your alley if you're choosing agents to submit your work to. I know from past experience that it's a nerve-wracking experience, but Kristin advises you not to discount the "Young Guns" when you're putting together that list of potential agents. Read the blog, you'll know what she means. ; )

And here's a gracious welcome for me & my new column from Jeff Reich, the editor of The Writer magazine. Thanks, boss! : )

Tomorrow, I'll answer more of your writing questions!

Lisa

Pitching to agents -- single or multiple queries?

Another great reader question: When sending a story to an agent is it best to pitch to a number of agents at a time or is it polite to approach them individually and wait for a reply?

It's accepted in the industry that when you're contacting agents you'll be submitting queries to multiple agents at the same time. Most agents are pretty quick to respond, but even they can get bogged under by the business of being an agent (which includes a LOT). So even the fastest responders can be slower than you (or they) would like. Then there are agents who take a long time to respond (fortunately these are few and far between). And sometimes your query can simply get misplaced/lost/mangled by a postal machine/or devoured by the great cyber beast in the sky.

So after you've done your agent research (critical to making a good first impression because sometimes this will be the only impression you get a chance to make) compile a list of your top choices and send those queries off. Though a word of caution, be sure that in your eagerness to send off those letters, that you don't inadvertently send the letter to your top choice with the name and address of another agent. That's a big whoops and uh-oh. Double and triple check the addresses and any comments intended for that specific agent before hitting "Send" or dropping that envelope in the mail box.

These "comments" should include why you're querying to that agent in the first place. Agents love it when you've done your research. For example, when I was submitting Magic Lost, Trouble Found to Kristin Nelson (my super agent), I noted in my letter that: "I read on Publishers Marketplace that you're interested in female-oriented fantasy. I think that Thief of Souls, the first novel in my fantasy detective series, might interest you." (BTW -- Thief of Souls was the first title for MLTF for those of you who didn't already know that.)

And good places to do that agent research are WritersNet, Agent Query, and Publishers Marketplace.

And on Kristin's blog Pub Rants (which is an amazing source of industry information) are sample query letters from her clients. Mine is one of them.

Good luck!!

Upcoming topics for the next two weeks:
How much time do I spend developing a character?
How to know if you are moving your story forward?
How to figure out what happens next?
Keeping your hopes up while looking for an agent.
Getting "not quite ready" writing up to publishable standards.
Help! I have two writing styles.
How long did it take me to write Magic Lost , Trouble Found?
How to stay motivated to write after rejections.

Photos and a present from my nephew

As promised, here is a pic of Derek on a horse (her name was Sugar) -- his first time horseback riding, by the way. Unfortunately, the photo of me on Johnny (hmm, wonder if he was named after Johnny Depp?) didn't come out. Maybe next time. Derek and I defintely want to do this again. If you're ever on Hatteras Island and want to ride on the beach, the wonderful folks at Equine Adventures will take great care of you.

A pic that I took while riding Johnny of everyone on the ride with us.

THIS is why we love the Outer Banks. Pristine and virtually empty beaches. Bliss!

Another beach shot. The water was almost Caribbean blue.



Marble stones that marked where the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse used to be before the U.S. Park Service had to have it moved after a major hurricane (can't remember the hurricane's name off the top of my head -- we get quite a few here in NC). If you click on the photo to make it bigger, you might be able to read the engraving. Each stone has the names of two or three of the lighthouse keepers all the way back to 1803. VERY cool.

This is the distance from the circle of stones marking where the lighthouse used to be to the lighthouse itself. As you can see, it was quite a feat of engineering.

Click to make it larger. Since Derek didn't have his telephoto lens, we didn't get too close. From my Internet searching, I think this is a Pygmy Rattlesnake. Not something we expected to find on a stroll down the beach. It was about 2-foot long.

And now to my present -- My nephew lives in Washington, DC, and just sent me the coolest present (it's a magnet that currently has a place of honor on my fridge). My immediate response (once I stopped laughing) was that I simply HAD to have that in a t-shirt. Hmmm, for some reason, Derek wasn't nearly as enthused about it. ; ) (See below for the link to the most perfect t-shirt in the world.) The Newseum at 555 Pennsylvania Ave. has it and more. Having worked as a newspaper reporter before and coming really close to making it my career, this is one museum that I have GOT to visit.

For you ladies who are writers, is this not the most perfect t-shirt in the world? (Yes, I will be ordering that one for myself.) And for the younger ladies, this opinion about boys might ring true for some of you. Here's the link to their online store. Have at it. ; )

Have a great weekend everyone! And on Monday, I'll be answering more of your writing questions.

Lisa

Pitching non-series fantasy books

Today's question comes from Superwench83 -- So, what if you're writing a book that's not a series? Since fantasy readers like series books, how big of a problem is it for a writer to be writing a non-series fantasy book? I know Guy Gavriel Kay and Brandon Sanderson have done it, but I also know that just because someone else has done something doesn't mean it will work for me. And yet three of my four books in one stage of development or another are stand-alone books. Any thoughts?

While fantasy series are very popular, single books can sell equally well; and who knows, one of those singles just might bloom into a series. If you love the characters enough, or if the characters and their stories just won't leave you in peace, chances are you've got a budding series on your hands.

And even if those books choose to remain stubbornly single . . . honey, that's not a problem, that's prolific. Count yourself very fortunate that you've got that many ideas running around in your head. Nurture those babies.

I scanned my bookshelves to find some non-series, single fantasy titles that I've really enjoyed over the years:

Faerie Tale by Raymond Feist (I need to read this one again)
Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
Mythago Wood by Robert Holdstock
Merlin's Bones by Fred Saberhagen
The Eyes of the Dragon by Stephen King

I know I have plenty more on my shelves, but like I said, this was a quick scan. What non-series fantasy books are among your favorites? I always love book recommendations.

Coming up tomorrow: Ye old Saturday Fun Pic featuring more photos from my and Derek's trip to North Carolina's Outer Banks. You get to see Derek on a horse and a rattlesnake on the beach. Now that's entertainment. And coming up next week, more of your writing questions. Keep 'em coming!

TGIF!!
Lisa

Upcoming topics for the next two weeks:

• How much time do I spend developing a character?
• How to know if you are moving your story forward?
• How to figure out what happens next?
• Keeping your hopes up while looking for an agent.
• Getting "not quite ready" writing up to publishable standards.
• Help! I have two writing styles.
• Pitching to agents -- Single or multiple queries?
• How long did it take me to write Magic Lost , Trouble Found?
• How to stay motivated to write after rejections.
  

How to set up a series for agent pitching

Today I'm answering a reader question from Marie. What is the best way to set up a series when you may only be able to sell the first book? Should I tell agents it's a series? And how cliff hangery of an ending should one do if there may be a chance that book one will have to stand alone?

When I submitted Magic Lost, Trouble Found to agents, I told them flat-out that it was "the first novel in my fantasy detective series." I did this because: one, it actually is a series; and two, in genre fiction, agents and editors (and readers) typically love series. Series are common in genre fiction, so don't hide the fact that you're writing one.

But at the same time, only pitch one book at a time. Once you've signed on the dotted line with an agent, then you can discuss whether you're ready to put the second or even third book on the table in a package deal to a publisher. This is where your agent's industry expertise (and knowing the editors at the various publishing houses) comes in. Typically you'll need a plot synopsis and the first few chapters to sell a second book along with the first. In my case, Armed & Magical sold along with MLTF as a two-book deal based on a synopsis alone.

This probably goes without saying, but before you start sending out those agent query letters, you must have a complete manuscript. There is no getting around that. Your book needs to be complete and as tight as possible and as good as you can make it before you start querying agents. When they request a full, you gotta have a full to send them.

And I told Kristin (my fabu agent) in my query letter that MLTF was my first novel. Don't be apologetic or beat around the bush with this fact; come right out and say it. Heck, everyone has to start somewhere.

As to a cliff-hanger ending for what may be a series -- I always try to wrap up all of the action that has taken place in that book. I don't like loose plot threads as a reader, so I try to write a tidy book. But at the same time, I set up the next book by having the ending raise a few more questions, so that it's obvious or at least apparent that there will be another book to follow.

Hope this helps, sweetie!

Lisa

P.S.: Since I'm in the info. gathering phase of my synopsis writing for my next books, please send me writing questions. My day-to-day writing activities (at least for this week and next) won't exactly make for compelling blog reading. ; )

Tomorrow's topic: Pitching non-series fantasy books.

My synopsis writing progress

I'm in the decidedly non-glamorous part of writing a synposis for the next 2-3 books. Actually, come to think of it, not one danged bit of it is glamorous, but in a way it is kinda fun, because since I only know the big things that happen, everything else is wide open. I can go anywhere and do anything. Well, I can do that IF I can tie it all into the main story, otherwise I'd have a collection of nifty scenes and not a book. (Been there, done that, it wasn't pretty and there was nothing fun about it -- but it all worked out very well in the end.) BTW -- that's the topic of my column in the October issue of The Writer.

Yesterday, I went through all of my notes (about 107 pages worth now), and highlighted the phrases/scenes/ideas that I think will be part of the synops that I'm writing. I then copied and pasted (never cut and paste, always leave the master notes file intact) all of the highlighted copy into a fresh Word document and named it "Raine Benares book synopsis #5." Then I un-highlighted it so I could actually read the stuff.

Once I've gotten in there and dug around awhile (kind of like cleaning out an attic and locating the treasures), I'll glean out the stuff that belongs in the next book and open a new file and call it "synopsis #6." And I'm actually planning on doing the same with Book 7. I'm keeping my fingers crossed on that one. I may be able to go that far, maybe not. Generally I've only been able to think two books ahead. But I have a reason to try for three -- and no, I can't tell you yet. ; )

For the rest of the month, that's what I'll be doing, sifting through my notes, scribbling new ideas that link the old ideas together, doing some research reading, and slowly but surely a plot will take shape. I'm rather relaxed about the whole thing (at least I am now), because I've been through it before (twice) and I know that I may have a mess of notes now, but it'll all come together. Though I'm really pushing for it to all to come together before the end of the month. I should have my editor's feedback on Bewitched & Betrayed by then, and I'll need to drop everything at that point to work on those edits.

Coming up tomorrow: A question from Marie -- What is the best way to set up a series when you may only be able to sell the first book? Should I tell agents it's a series? And how cliff hangery of an ending should one do if there may be a chance that book one will have to stand alone?

If you have any writing-related questions, either respond to the blog or email me at lisa @ lisashearin.com. You all know I love to hear from you.

Lisa

My first article in The Writer magazine

As I've said before, I've been reading and/or subscribing to The Writer magazine for decades. Yeah, I ain't exactly a spring chicken as we say here in the South. ; ) The August issue marks the debut of the column the folks at The Writer graciously invited me to write for them -- Dueling With Words. The column will run every other issue in the magazine's "Take Note" section. For my first column, I chose as my topic: "Really get to know your characters." If you're not already a subscriber, The Writer is available at bookstores and newsstands pretty much everywhere in the U.S.


My first column. Yes, I am thrilled! (It's on pages 10-11.)



A gracious welcome for me to the magazine by The Writer editor Jeff Reich. (It's the second paragraph.)

Tomorrow, I'll give you an update on my progress writing the synops for Raine Benares Books 5 and 6.

And BTW -- If you have any writing-related questions, send 'em on. I'll do my best to answer them for you.

Lisa

Raine song & winners of CafePress t-shirt contest

I got one of the coolest fan presents ever and have been dying to share it with you all. Abner Senires (AceTachyon online) wrote (and sings) a song for Raine! You simply have to hear this -- it is PRICELESS! Thank you, Ace! You rock!

And the winners of the CafePress t-shirt contest are (drum roll) Triffid Breeder and Pissenlit! Wooo! Ladies, I need you to email me your mailing addresses and I'll get some prizes in the mail to you.

I went with nine winning slogans instead of the five or so that I'd planned on. They had so many votes that I just had to go with nine. And the winning slogans that you'll be seeing soon on a t-shirt near you are:

That's not silence, it's reloading.

I'm not a pirate. I'm a seafaring businessman.

No, I don't feel manipulated by evil forces. Why do you ask?

Diplomacy [di-ploh-muh-see] - noun. Putting cannon shot across someone's bow rather than through their waterline.

Whoever said ignorance is bliss must have died a horrible death with a really surprised look on his face.

I have an eye for the finer things in life -- like hot elves and sexy goblins.

My preferred method of theft involves a ship, 40 cannons, and an overenthusiastic crew.

Sarcasm may not help, but it won't hurt.

I stormed the Gates of Hell and all I got was this t-shirt.

I gave the winning slogans to my designer late last week so she could ponder design brilliance over the weekend. I'll be taking her to lunch this week to discuss her ideas. These are gonna be great!

And finally, here are some pics from the fireworks show at David & Jo Drake's house on Saturday night. Mark Van Name had a few great posts on it, and Paul Cory (whom Derek & I met and chatted with over burgers) took some spectacular photographs.

For tomorrow, the August issue of The Writer magazine is out that features my first column for them. I'll be doing a column called "Dueling With Words" on fiction writing topics in every other issue. Tomorrow I'll post some page photos.

Lisa

Fireworks for tomorrow night at David Drake's house

I know I said that I wasn't going to blog today, but author friend Mark Van Name posted some pics on his blog this morning that I just had to share. Tomorrow night around 8:30 the cookout & eating portion of the 4th of July party at David & Jo Drake's will have concluded and the fireworks will begin. Dave & Mark do this up right every year. We're talking $2,000 worth of brightly colored combustibles. Mark posted photos of the pretty explosives in their crates. Dang, but that's a lot of boom! I'll see if we can get some photos to post. BTW -- the horseback riding photos from the beach only partially came out -- only the photo of Derek on his horse came out. I'll post it soon.

You'll be glad to know that the plot/ideas/scene/dialog for Raine Benares books #5 and 6 are coming fast and furious, and I'm on track to have the synops written and to Kristin my agent for review/suggestions by the end of the month. The moment I send them off to Kristin, I start writing Book 5.

BTW -- I've chosen the winners of the CafePress t-shirt design contest as of yesterday. I gave my designer the slogans I wanted and told her to let her creativity run free. I'll be meeting with her next week to discuss ideas so she can get started. I'll post the winning entries (and those who suggested them) on Monday. Prizes will be given. : )

Have a great holiday weekend for those of you in the U.S., and a great weekend to everyone else!

Lisa

Book 5 synopsis writing progress

Well, yesterday I whittled down my book notes file substantially from almost 300 pages, to just over 100 pages. Apparently I had quite a few scenes in there twice and even three times. Yep, I'm obsessive about losing things I've written. Hey, better paranoid than pageless. I've taken out the duplicate scenes, read through the remaining 104 pages, and plot elements for the next book have started jumping out at me and I've written those down in bullet form. These are the things that I think will go into Book 5. There are about ten bullet points, which isn't unmanagable at all. As of yesterday, I now know how Chapter 1 starts, ends, and what the "big boom" is that happens during it. Yea, me! Now I've just got to weave all those bullet points together into a coherent plot. (snort) Wish me luck on that.

Here's a really fun review of The Trouble with Demons over at Romance Reviews Today. Enjoy!

Since I'm trying to get those synopses started for the next two Raine books (and get another book contract), I won't be blogging tomorrow or Saturday. It's also a holiday weekend here in the U.S. Saturday is Independence Day, and most companies (including mine) are closed tomorrow.

Other than writing, my big task tomorrow is to wash my Jeep. I've had it for five years, and I think I've washed it three times. Derek gives me a hard time about my dirty Jeep, but hey, it's a Jeep. Dirty is it's natural state of being. Nothing says "art" like a good spray of mud down the side. In my opinion, mud covered is the sign of a happy Jeep. BUT, I bought a cool bumper sticker at the Outer Banks this weekend and I need to remove the dirt so it'll stick. So Jeep, here comes bath number four. Don't worry, I'll work fast and you won't feel a thing -- and you'll get a new bumper sticker that says "Outer Banks" with an uber cool pirate skull & crossed cutlasses. You'll love it, I promise.

Saturday afternoon/evening, Derek & I will be out at David & Jo Drake's place for a cookout and fireworks extravanganza. Dave is a danged near legendary SciFi/Fantasy author and an all-round great & cool guy. We're looking forward to the burgers and kabooms.

Lisa

Research books -- informative AND tax deductible

I bought another book last night to add to my research library: The Great Game: The Myths and Reality of Espionage by Frederick P. Hitz. It was recommeded by Tod Goldberg in his most recent Burn Notice novel, The End Game. (I love that TV series, and so do a lot of my other author friends. It's definitely worth checking out, and so are the books.) Goldberg's first Burn Notice novel is The Fix. The Great Game was one of Goldberg's favorite reference books. Since I'm dealing a lot now with goblin and elven intelligence agencies and their spies, I thought it was a must have.

And a book that's always a winner if you're dealing with intrigue (and the goblin or elven royal courts): Book of Poisons: A Guide for Writers, by Serita Stevens and Anne Bannon. I like how they added "A Guide for Writers" to the title; it makes my reading material choice less frightening for the bookseller when I take it to the checkout. ; )

And the best thing about these books (besides just being fun to read) is that as research books, they're tax deductible for writers.

Do you have any favorite research books connected with your writing? If so, what are they?

Lisa