The Crime Sistahs (Test)

Using Social Media to Bring Your Characters to Life

2009-06-06T04:23:00.000-07:00

By Persia Walker

I admit it. I was (probably still am) behind the times. I was always one of those folks who noticed something waaaay after the rest of the world has done so. If you're one of those people who are fast and with it, then you can skip the rest of this entry. But if you're like me, a little slow on the uptake, then read on.

Most of you are aware of how useful it can be for writers to have a presence on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Tumblr, and Squidoo, among others, to spread news about their books and reach their readers. But do you just how much fun it can be to use these sites to explore and develop your characters -- to, in a sense, bring them to life?

For months, I played with the idea of giving my detective, 1920s society reporter Lanie Price, a blog of her own. I started one, but didn't get very far, simply because of time constraints. I still think it's a good idea to give her an online diary, though, and might resume it one day.

In the meantime, I plan to set up a Squidoo lens on her. I've already done a lens on Harlem Redux and one on its main character, David McKay. I'm almost finished with the one on Darkness and the Devil Behind Me. As soon as it's done, I'll do a page on Lanie and link them.

It was a lot of fun revisiting Harlem Redux and David. I decided to put up the pages after having a telephone visit with a book club in Atlanta, In the Company of Women -- Atlanta-style! They had so many questions and I had to much information to give them. Why not put it all down? I started work on the lens and it began to grow. Now, it's as though I have my own Wikepedia page on David and his story. Only it's better than a Wiki because it has graphics, it was fun, and I did it myself.

If you visit the lens for Harlem Redux, you'll see that I discuss its themes, characters and plotlines. The lens for David brings together all the information that's spread throughout the book into one place. Eventually, I'll add to that stock, building his character online. People unfamiliar with my work can find the lens and get to know David as I know him. Meanwhile, I'm inwardly aglow. It's as though I spent the afternoon visiting a wonderful and dearly missed friend, one whose story interests me still.

Authors can use sites such as the ones named above to build a scrapbook for their characters, a digital repository of information about the character's history, hopes, fears, appearance, liaisons, etc. For someone as disorganized as I am, Squidoo and Tumblr present marvelous opportunities to organize thoughts about a character. Sites such as Blogger, Wordpress, et al. provide a chance to have my character muse aloud, or to tell their story in their own words, maybe even as it's unfolding before them.

Black Mystery & Thriller Round-Up

2009-06-03T05:09:00.000-07:00

By Angela Henry

With all the recent bad news about black mystery writers being dropped by publishers, it got me to wondering what if any new or recent releases by black mystery/thriller writers were either out or on the horizon. So I put on my librarian hat and did some research. Here’s what I found.

Deadly Charm By Claudia Mair Burney is the third book in her popular Christian mystery series featuring forensic psychologist Amanda Bell Brown. I had the pleasure of interviewing Claudia here on the Crime Sistahs Blog back before the series made it’s leap from NavPress to Simon and Schuster’s Howard Books. I’m so thrilled she and Amanda Bell Brown are still around. Release Date: March 24, 2009.

Jericho’s Fall By Stephen Carter. This new thriller by New York Times bestseller Carter is about an explosive secret harbored by Jericho Ainsley, former head of the Central Intelligence Agency and a Wall Street titan who is dying. He confides the secret—that foreign governments and powerful corporations alike would kill to have—to his former lover. Sounds like a page-turner. Release Date: July 14, 2009.

Lust, Loathing and a Little Lip Gloss By Kyra Davis. After a two year hiatus, Kyra Davis is back with the fourth book in her wildly popular series featuring mystery writer and amateur sleuth, Sophie Katz. If you haven’t checked out Sophie and company, you’re in for a treat. Kyra is also giving away a trip to San Francisco, where the series is set, as well as other cool prizes. Click here for details. Release Date: June 1, 2009

Whiskey Gulf By Clyde Ford is the third nautical thriller featuring Charlie Noble. This outing has him investigating a missing sailboat and the couple aboard it. Visit Ford’s website for a video narrated by Morgan Freeman which accompanied the release of the previous Charlie Noble book, Precious Cargo. I’ve yet to read any of Ford’s books but I’ve added them to my ever-growing list. Release Date: July 14, 2009.

Black Water Rising By Attica Locke. Talk about a name meant for a book cover. Ms. Locke’s debut thriller features down and out lawyer Jay Porter and tells how his life is turned upside down after he saves a drowning white woman. This book is getting lots of buzz from heavy hitters like Georges Pelecanos and James Elroy and received a starred review in Booklist. I can’t wait to read it. Release Date: June 9, 2009

Cornered By Brandon Massey. Massey started out writing horror and has made a successful transition into thrillers. Cornered tells the tale of Cory Webb, a successful business and family man who’s dark past comes calling threatening to destroy everything he holds dear. Sounds like another winner. Release Date: August 4, 2009

The Long Fall By Walter Mosley introduces the bestselling and award-winning author’s new post Easy Rawlins character, private eye and former boxer, Leonid McGill. It’s also set in modern day New York City. It’s gotten rave reviews since its release and is sitting on my TBR pile. Release Date: March 24, 2009.

Black Noir: Mystery, Crime, and Suspense Stories by African-American Writers Edited by Otto Penzler-Features short stories by such talented authors as Paula Woods, Gary Phillips, Chester Himes, Walter Mosley, Edward P. Jones, and many others. This book is on NPR’s Recommended Summer Reading List. Click here for an excerpt. Release Date: March 3, 2009.

If I’ve left anyone out, please let me know. And please support these wonderfully talented authors and their books before black mystery writers become extinct. Enjoy!

2009-05-29T06:00:00.000-07:00

Twittering, the Crime Sistahs' Way
By Persia Walker

I call it being stylishly late to the party. Everyone knows that Twitters' been all the rage for some time now, but we CrimeSistahs took our sweet time getting there. No rush for us. Well, I'm happy to say that we are there now.

We. Have. Arrived.

I signed up for a personal Twitter account, oh, back in November, December? It was late last year. Then I did nothing, nada, nix. While the world partied, I kept thinking, what's so special about Twitter. I remember reading a New York Times article on something called ambient intimacy -- all about people connecting online. That article is what sent me to Twitter in the first place. The author of the article said that first he didn't "get it." It just seemed like a stream of meaningless jabber (which, quite honestly, it can be). But at some point, his mental lens focused, and out of this stream of nonsense formed information of import. He got it. A real ah-hah! moment.

Well, I had that moment a few weeks ago, and I've been working on tweeting ever since. No, I haven't totally changed my habits. I don't tweet as much as I should, but I try. I found a way to rapidly increase followers. Over the last few days I've gone from what, a couple of hundred to more than 700. I've been primarily trying to reach other writers and avid readers of mysteries. Yes, some other folks manage to get in -- but why not? If they love books and mysteries then I'm happy to tweet with them!

Someone likened tweeting to hanging out in your favorite neighborhood bar, some place to go where everyone knows your name. Twitter can certainly be like that. You have to carve out your little space. Get to know your folks and exchange silly jokes, advice, inspiration, and news.

News. Now that's important. Everyone I tweet with might one day become a reader, introduced to me and wyourork on the rather microscopic basis of my tweets. Some of them have already proven very helpful -- offering advice on optimizing my website, books to read, newspaper articles to catch, etc.

Back to promotion. I admit that my initial interest in Twitter had to do with promoting my work. But I've come to enjoy it for the moment to moment events, and that, oddly enough is why I believe that I'll be successful with it. I'm not trying to sell anything. I am, however, trying to build relationships -- small ties that don't bind, but do let folks know that I'm out here.

John Kremer, the guru of book promotion, has released a Twitter Manual for Writers and Booksellers. If you're an author and you're interested, then please download it. It's a good place to start. There's tons more to say about how to navigate Twitterdom, but his manual has more than enough to get you started. I can't find the original URL, but here's another one that's just as good (as it lists several sources from Kremer).

Best wishes for a happy Twitter Friday! :-)

2009-05-28T05:00:00.000-07:00

The Way Back: Blog #4, Re-package, They Call It!
by Gammy L. Singer

Finally got feedback from my agent regarding concerns shared with him about the fact that mystery writers are being dropped by publishers of African-American fiction.

Yes, the above was confirmed by conversations with the editors at Kensington and Grand Central and “some other editors.” (Not sure who the some others are, or if there even are “some others.” (I always had the feeling that my last manuscript was marketed solely to those two houses.) The exception to the trend seems to be Perseus and Clive Ford. Unidentified sources say: “In the past couple of years, that niche was not selling.”

However, I was told, non-African-American editors were solicited and if I “re-package” myself—i.e, write “white characters,” they might consider taking on my work under a pseudonym if I am a “proven writer.” Kiss mah grits. What about James @$&#*!! Patterson and his black protagonist? The mystery writing sisters, P.J. Parrish, who also have a black protagonist? At Kensington, I do believe. Under their mystery line. Oh-oh-oh, and let's not forget Alexander McCall and his loveable African sleuth! And I can't write an African-American protagonist--like the comics say--because I'm black!!

Sisters, does that mean the Crime Sistahs Blog is obsolete? That we are obsolete?

Let me go sit on the toilet and think.

What are your thoughts?

The End.

2009-05-24T21:05:00.000-07:00

Listen to Yourself
By Patricia Sargeant

I'm sorry I disappeared the last two weeks. The Final Deadline Lap was rough. But I submitted my manuscript to my editor last Monday, and now I'm trying to get my life back into balance. Ha!

But I digress.

I learned several Very Important Lessons while writing Sweet Deception, my June 2009 contemporary romance. I'd like to get your input on one of them.

When I started writing Sweet Deception, I signed up for a hands-on plotting workshop. The instructor was a former creative writing teacher and a very well-known author who consistently lands on the New York Times Bestsellers list. I was excited to attend the workshop.

One of the first exercises was to write the high concept of our plot on a scrap of paper and pass the paper forward for the instructor to read a loud and provide feedback. The high concept for Sweet Deception is, "When a minister's daughter's secret life as an erotic romance author is revealed, she has to choose between duty and desire." Or something like that.

The instructor ripped the high concept to shreds. Thank goodness we submitted our ideas anonymously.

The workshop shook my confidence. Temporarily. I believe in the story. I like the characters. And I have a lot to say about the story's theme, which is identity. So I stuck with the story. I'm glad I did. I'm proud of my work. As I mentioned before, the reviews are coming in, and I'm pleased with them.

You've probably heard this a million times. Let's make it an uneven one million and one. There are only two people whose opinion of your work really matter: you and your editor. If you have an agent, then there are three people whose opinion matter. But First, Last and Always - at the end of the day - the only person whose opinion of your work truly matters is you.

Here's what I think. If you truly believe in your story, never give up on it no matter what others may say. Keep working on it until it's the best it could possibly be. Then work on it some more. Listen to yourself, and never give up.

That's what I think. What do you think?

2009-05-22T06:33:00.000-07:00

On the Road
By Persia Walker

So last week this time, I was on my way to the airport to catch a plane to Houston for the National Black Book Fair. It was my first time taking part in such an event and my, my, my was it an eye-opener!

To put it in a nutshell, it was the first time I worked as a vendor, selling my own books, as opposed to serving on a panel or speaking at a bookstore. At the fair, I joined a hundred or so other authors in hawking our wares, so to speak.

What did I learn? Well, I've always had respect for booksellers, admiration, too. Now, let's just say I double it. Booksellers work hard, folks. We authors owe them a whole lot of support and gratitude. (Hint, hint: Shop at your local independent bookstores, folks!)

Most of the authors were quite experienced at this fair business and were generous with their wisdom and advice. First thing I learned was to compile a list of ready-to-go items:

Signage (a poster for your titles)
Table drape (not a table cloth. Often the fair provides this. A table drape, however, can help you stand out further.)
Gift baskets
Tickets to raffle off said gift baskets
Candies and candy jars to lure readers who have an appetite for sweets (or just a quick need for some energizing sugar)
A booklet, list or pad whereon one can have folks sign their names and email addresses to join your mailing list
Promotional material (business cards, magnets, sample chapters, chapstick, scratch pads, etc.)
A credit card machine
A small marking board where you can write (and sometimes amend) your prices
A SOLD OUT! sign
Book holders (to display your books)
Maybe bags to give your buyers to carry away goodies in

I also learned to take a number of things into consideration when choosing venues: Biggest consideration (beyond the registration fee) is distance, time to get there, cost of travel and accommodations. How much will this investment be offset by the potential sales? How much will tit be offset by the (sometimes hard to measure) value of exposure to new readers? Potential for developing invitations to speaking engagements? Sometimes, the value of a trip isn't obvious. Sometimes, it doesn't emerge until much, much later.

Whatever you decide, venues such as local or regional book fairs can be a lot of fun. They're hard work, but they can provide you with valuable new contacts among other authors and face time with new readers. You just have to count your numbers correctly.

2009-05-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

The Way Back: Blog # 3, What’s in a Name
By Gammy L. Singer

What is in a name? I’m not asking just to be Shakespeare-rhetorical, but I’m seriously thinking about how or who should submit the synopsis and three chapters I’m working on.

My chapter of Sisters in Crime and I had Linda Fairstein as a speaker at our May meeting, and I was quite intrigued by bits of what she said. First, it was notable that even she, a best-selling author, harbors trepidations about the “next book”—whether it will sell well, etc., but I also picked up on her use of the “branding” term and how she definitely relates it to her “product.” It is not just a buzzword thrown around like a frizzbee among marketing professionals, but it’s a very real consideration in bookselling and book-buying. So we authors should pay attention to branding. I should pay attention. You should pay attention.

What I've learned: Authors’ names are often their brand. Or their series may be their brand. But an author's name or series name should be short, memorable, and easy on the tongue. Hmm… but I wanted to call myself Annamaria George for my next submission. Works well with my numerology folderol. Is that too long? (It’s my given and middle names switched around. Georgeanna Maria.) And is it memorable? Ugh. Does it roll trippingly, off the tongue? (Channeling Shakespeare today—sorry, guys!)

I personally think the name Gammy L. Singer is more memorable, that's why I've used it professionally for all these years--(if you Google me, I pop up quite a bit)--but it seems I’ve trashed that name, put it in the toilet with low book sales. But, but, but hark ye--I’ve spent so many years building it up—do I have to let it go now? Hey, it took GE and Coca-Cola a lotta- lotta’ years—talk about branding!

Okay, supposing I compromise, maybe plug ahead with future mysteries under Gammy, if my new agent (whoever that's gonna be) concurs, and this new venture into Romance, Romantic-Suspense, Romantic-mystery (??!)--whatever--I use Annamaria George. Anna George? Scooby-Doo?

And how should I deliver the project I’m working on now? My current plan is: send it to the editor, bypass my agent, written by (new name) and submit. But how's the editor going to know who it's from? I have to let her know it's me. But that screws up the whole “New Identity” thing.

“Oh, what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” Shakespeare again.

Well, okay, if there’s a bite and an interest in publication, I’d contact an agent for representation (other than the one I have now, but with whom I'm not really happy) and we can go around the whole name thing at that time. Reasonable?

No, people, suffice to say, I have not ditched my current agent yet. Hedging, don’t want to do that until I’ve secured another. (I feel like Dick Cheney with all this skullduggery, but an author’s got to do what an author’s got to do, right? Should it be this hard though?)

What’s in a name? (hyperlink to Blog Branding et al.) Yikes. I guess I’ll find out.

(Does anybody say “yikes” anymore?) Did Shakespeare say it?

2009-05-21T05:26:00.000-07:00

The Waiting Game
By Angela Henry

Publishing is a game of hurry up and wait. When you’re looking for an agent or a publisher, and sending off query letters and sample chapters, you’d better be prepared to wait AND wait. Sometimes the answer is a quick yes or no, usually no. Yes, publishing is full of stories of manuscripts starting bidding wars between publishers mere days after being submitted. But those stories are few and far between. The reality is that most of us wait for several weeks to several months.

When I submitted sample chapters of my first book to BET Books back in July of 2003, I got a call about submitting the full manuscript six months later and had an offer of a book deal a few weeks after that. Seven months from submission to an offer is pretty typical. But it can be even longer. When I was looking for a new agent, I once had a request for my full manuscript from an agent who didn’t respond until two years later, after I had already sold the book myself. This particular agent had seen my book deal posted on Publishers Marketplace and remembered she still had my manuscript.

I now find myself in the same position once again. Patiently, or not so patiently—depending on my mood—waiting for an answer from the editors considering my latest manuscript. But things are different this time around because the revival of my writing career could hinge on this submission. It’s been about two and a half months since project X went on submission and I’m getting really antsy. My agent assures me that no news is good news. The longer it takes for a response, the better chance of getting a deal.

You see, for most editors acquiring manuscripts is a process. First an editor or assistant editor reads the manuscript. If they don’t like it, they pass on it. If they do like it, they pass it up the food chain for second and third reads from other folks at the publishing company. If the manuscript makes it through second and third reads, it gets discussed at an acquisitions meeting to see if it’s something the publisher would like to acquire. And this process can take months. Even if a manuscript gets that far, it can be rejected for reasons that have nothing to do with the quality of the writing.

For example, if the publisher already has a similar book on its list that didn’t sell well, or the sales and marketing department can’t figure out how to market the book, or if the author doesn’t have that almighty author platform, then the answer can be a resounding no regardless of the fact that more than one person at the company may have loved it. Then there’s the current economy. Many publishers are tightening their belts and being more selective in what they are acquiring, or so they say. A quick peek at the daily book deals posted on Publishers Marketplace shows that publishers are indeed still buying books. In the past twelve months alone, there have been 200 book deals posted for debut authors alone. So books are still being acquired.

As for me, I’m still waiting and hoping that the sound of crickets I’m hearing is a good thing ; ).

Later!

2009-05-14T07:00:00.000-07:00

The Way Back: Blog #2, Clearing a Path to Opportunity
By Gammy L. Singer

Today I took an inventory of how I spend the hours of my day. To keep body and soul together during these challenging times, I’ve been working part-time as a fill-in resident counselor in a temporary shelter for teens — approximately 15-20 hours a week. It pays next to nothing, but the positive — always look for the positive — is that it is triggering my desire to write YA and I do have a book in mind — in fact, several.

But I’m chucking the job in June. Starting a daycare in September, before and after school care. Yes, I am. No more looking for a 9-5. I did that for a year and look what it's got me! Nada.

I also spend about 20-25 hours a week performing duties as Youth Director at my church, Unity Church of New York in NYC; doing lesson plans for four groups of kids; assembling craft projects; shopping for the Sunday School; working with fourteen teachers, et al. It involves quite a bit, and practically all Sunday every Sunday is devoted to it. I leave at 7 a.m. and return home about 6:30 p.m. That includes travel time, of course. So, together with my part-time job, that’s a work week, isn’t it?

The church responsibility is off my shoulders during July and August. Time earned.

I live now near the Catskills. When auditions come up, I travel back down to the City, and time-wise, I unfortunately blow off a whole day. (However, I take my Alpha-Smart with me and I write — that is, if I don’t nap — 110 minutes on the train each way.)

Auditions taper off in the summer months until mid-August. More time.

I’m also president of Sisters in Crime, NY/Tri-State Chapter. Being dutiful at the job has stolen away writing hours. I’ve loved the experience, but two years is enough. (But I'm telling you, if you want to feel connected, there’s no better place than organizations such as Mystery Writers of America and/or Sisters in Crime. I also belong to the Harlem Writers Guild in NYC. Addendum: I received a “comeback” grant for $1000 from MWA. Did you know that Sisters in Crime also offers money to authors through stipends to bookstores for advertising and publicity for events at their stores — turns out to be a good deal for independent bookstores and a good deal for authors.)

My tenure as SinC president ends in June. Y-a-ay! Time.

Whassup in June besides it busting out all over, you ask? What’s the plan? What’s the attack?

Well, let me tell you what I've already done. I wrote an email to the executive editor of the house which published my previous novels. Put things in point-blank terms. It went something like this, abbreviated:

Me: What’s my status with the company? Should I submit?

Her: (Re: last book) Blah-blah —“…modest sales,” she says, “but we’ll take a look, and of course, if it’s really good, we’d accept it.”

Like the cartoons, I see question marks where my eyes are supposed to be. Is that response enough to “build a dream on?” A-a-argh. Well, nothing beats a failure but a try. What have I got to lose but time? When the going gets tough, the tough get going ... together with any other sayings or aphorisms necessary to whip myself up to do what I need to do. Besides, past advice from other writers who have been in my predicament say, in a nutshell, do something different, then submit, submit, submit.

Hmmm… So the first thing I’ll do on the comeback trail is to write something “really good.” Ha! Hey, I can do that. I do my homework. I really check out the line this time. Can I compete? A preponderance of romances. Okay, so what if …?

That’s it. By June 1, three chapters and a synopsis of a romance, Gammy-style. Can I even write a romance? I did the “Can I?” question writing my first book and also when I wrote my first short story barely two months ago. I just went ahead and did it. But hey, guys, I'm not cranking out an entire book on the slim promise of “we’ll take a look.” Anyway, this summer I’m birthing another book — and quietly amassing a list of agents I’d like to represent me, and other things I’m planning to do differently this time around. TBA, the mistakes I made.

In the meantime, y'all, keeping myself open to splendor and opportunity.

I can do it. Y-e-a-a-h! I’m disciplined, I’m tough, and I’m B-a-a-ddd!

(To be continued)

2009-05-13T05:50:00.000-07:00

Why I'm Glad I'm a Author and NOT a Singer!
By Angela Henry

Boy, the record biz is tough. Last week I was reading about how R & B singer Ciara's latest album was a flop and set to sell only about 70,000 units. A few months ago Destiny's Child alum Kelly Rowland got dropped from her record label despite her two solo albums selling a combined total of over 2 million records. I couldn't help but think that if these ladies were authors, they'd be bestsellers. Though I'm proof that poor sales can get you dropped by your publisher, 70,000 to 2 million copies sold of a book would make any author a hot commodity to a publishing company. Then there are the other things that make me happy that I'm not a singer.

1. Writers don't have to worry about being stick thin and gorgeous. We don't have to worry about not having the right "look". Unlike with this lady, no one is going to be shocked and surprised that a person who isn't beautiful has writing talent.

2. Writers can have a writing career no matter how old they are. I've heard of 90 year-old debut novelists but never a 90 year-old with a debut album out.

3. Writers can re-invent themselves by simply changing their names. If a singer's albums flop, they either disappear altogether or try acting. Successful comeback's, like Tina's Turner's, are possible but usually few and far between. Writers, however, can still write under a pen name and usually no one is the wiser. . .unless you get outed like this guy did.

Now, don't get me wrong. Being a writer has its own share of pitfalls and some of them mirror those of the record industry. Both publishers and record labels can be guilty of a lack of support for their own projects and dropping singers and authors with poor sales. Both industries are in big trouble and don't quite know how to handle digital content. On the plus side, Singers seem to have a bit more freedom to experiment with their music, while authors, unless they change their names, tend to get locked into writing the same kinds of books to please their fans. But from where I'm sitting, I still think I've got the better deal.

Later!

2009-05-08T11:09:00.000-07:00

What's On My Desk
By Persia Walker

So, after having debated say, oh, fifty seconds about what to write about today, I decided to follow Gammy's lead and try a bit of sharing. She's picked a large subject. I'm going to stick with a smaller one: What's on my desk today?

Actually that's not accurate. What I really intend to write about is what's on my hard drive, writing-wise, that is.

At last count, I had at least five incomplete crime novels in various stages of gestation (ahem, progressive perfection). When I say novels, I do mean novels, not slightly lengthy short stories. We're talking manuscripts ranging from as "little" as 50,000 to 75,000 that are still not done yet.

Then there are indeed the short stories, some as short at one line -- heck, some consisting of no more than a mere title -- others, fairly well-developed, but far, far, exasperatingly far from being polished.

Last, but not least, are all my ideas. Oh, yes! Let's not forget them! At a party recently, an agent asked me, "So do you have any ideas for a new book?"

Duh. Yeah. Way too many of them. To write them all out, I'd have to sit at my desk twelve hours a day, seven days a week, week after week, month after month, year after year -- which by the way, some writers do. (They're the ones we call prolific.) Obviously, I'm not one of them.

Me, I'd be content to finish one book a year. So ... according to that schedule, I have about five years worth of work on my hard drive already. Do I think I'll ever write all those stories? Who knows? Have I stopped thinking of new ones? Uh, no. Do I feel guilty about sitting down to work on the "new" stories instead of finishing up/polishing up the "older" ones? Yeah. But am I going to change? No.

And do I think I'm that different from most writers? Nope. Am I worried about it? Nope.

So what about you? Do you have a stack of stories, both big and small, that you've yet to finish? Are they like friends who keep winking at you out of the corner of one eye? Do you work on more than one story at a time? Or do you stick with one story and battle it through, until it's done and you can lay it aside?

2009-05-07T09:15:00.000-07:00

The Way Back: Blog #1, New Beginnings
By Gammy L. Singer

For over a year I’ve been piddling around, trying to find my way, after my last novel was rejected by my publisher. Not only that-- it was also rejected by my first and only real editor who jumped publishing houses after my first novel was released. I asked my agent to give me feedback regarding the rejection. Sales, he said. Sales.

Ahhh.

There’s more to this story, including going through four editors in quick succession, and having an agent who seeks to market my stuff only to African-American lines, but I won’t bore you with all that. The point is, my last novel didn’t get published. The second point is, I’ve found out other mystery novelists writing for African-American lines have also been dropped. A trend?

So what to do? A nice advance, two novels published, and my short-lived career now over? That ain’t right, I tell myself—that just is not right! You know the feeling, don't you? Like those sexual encounters we’ve all had, those zip, bam, thank-you, ma’am whizzes—over before you even got to enjoy it, over before you were beginning to get the hang of things, over before you got to groove.

Well, after being in this muddle, what to do, what to write, who to write as, who to write for, get another agent !?!--I’m returning to blog on this site. Now, methinks, what can I really share with other writers on Crimesistahs Blog that might have some value to myself and to others? Certainly not “How to Write,” “How to Market,” How to Get Published” pieces. Seems hypocritical at this juncture. Besides, narratives work best for me.

So I said to myself, okay, how about I chronicle my efforts to become published once again, to get that next sell, and share with you in the meantime what I’m doing—my ups, my downs, what’s working, what’s not--and maybe you can similarly enlighten me and share? Besides, blogging about my efforts might keep me from rolling over and just laying there. Not doing anything. Playing dead.

Life is in the doing. And so I begin.

Again.

(Speaking of beginnings, here's something for fun, my daughter in Atlantic emailed me this. Her mom (me) in one of her first movies, Black Sister's Revenge (ha!), on Youtube, talking about beginnings! And if you're in Atlanta and love to scrapbook, check out my daughter Laetitia's shop!) Oh yes, in the video I'm the one with the beauty-shop-out-cha'-home business!

Laetitia Russ
Scrap Chic Boutique
2774 E. College Ave.
Decatur, GA. 30030
(404) 378-2115
http://www.scrapchicboutique.com/
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2009-05-06T05:32:00.000-07:00

Jumping on the E-book Bandwagon
By Angela Henry

Okay, I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve been very slow to embrace e-books. As far as I’m concerned, nothing can take the place of holding a book in my hands and flipping through the pages. I love books. And I don’t care if I sound like a nerd for saying this, but browsing through libraries and bookstores looking for good stuff to read, is big fun to me. Always has been and always will be. If you saw my bedroom and all the piles of books on the floor and stacked on every flat surface, you’d know that I’m a woman who can’t live without my books. So, sitting in front of a computer reading anything other than a long news article just doesn’t do it for me. Or at least it didn’t until I recently bought an ipod Touch.

When I got my new ipod last week I went wild downloading all of the cool, free apps I could get my hot little hands on including Stanza, an e-book reader. I figured what the hell, it’s free and all of the hoopla surrounding other e-readers like the Kindle and Sony Reader made me curious. With this in mind I downloaded one of the many free e-books from Stanza’s online catalog, which by the way took less than thirty seconds, and started reading. Guess what? I loved it!

On my ipod screen the e-book looked just like a smaller version of a regular book. All I have to do to flip the page is touch the right side of the screen and it really looks like actual pages are flipping! I don’t have to worry about bookmarking the page I left off on because Stanza remembers it for me. I can even adjust the brightness. And when I was done, I didn’t have to worry about where I was going to put the book, losing it, or damaging it, I just turned off my ipod and put it in my purse.

Will e-books ever take the place of regular books for me? No. But in discovering e-books I feel like I’m enhancing my reading experience, and ensuring that one day I'll be able to see the top of my dresser, and that can only be a good thing ; ).

Later!

2009-05-03T21:00:00.000-07:00

Favorite Part
By Patricia Sargeant

What's your favorite part of the writing process?

Plotting: Do you prefer brainstorming your idea? Developing characters and situations. Researching locations that support - maybe even enhance - the story. Identifying plot points, twists, red herrings.

Writing: Do you most enjoy fleshing out the story? Developing scenes and sequels. Characters become three-dimensional. Maybe they follow your outline. Maybe they lead you to new discoveries that make the story even more exciting.

Revising: Do you like the editing process? Tightening scenes. Adding scenes. Deleting scenes. Moving scenes around. Adding layers - foreshadowing, motion, emotion.

Promoting: Do you get the biggest thrill from promoting your upcoming releases? Blogging. Guest blogging. Doing interviews. Requesting reviews. Sending press releases and/or press kits. Distributing promotional products (e.g., business cards, brochures, bookmarks).

My favorite part of the writing process is revising. I've gone through plotting and writing. I know I have a full, workable story. Revising allows me to further explore the characters and build on the layers of the story.

Which part of the writing process is your favorite? And why?

2009-05-01T13:22:00.000-07:00

Play on Emmett Till Wins Edgar Award
By Persia Walker

Chicago playwright Ifa Bayeza won the prestigious Edgar Award during yesterday's ceremony in New York for her work The Ballad of Emmett Till.

Bayeza, already a prize-winning author, said she was "thrilled" at receiving the Edgar, which is awarded by the Mystery Writers of America.

Her play stems from the August 1955 murder of Till, a 14-year-old Chicago youth who was brutalized during a trip to Mississippi. He had whistled at a white woman at a grocery store where he and some friends had purchased sweets. His mother's decision to hold an open-casket funeral for her son drew international attention to the horrors of lynching in the South.

The men who were accused of having killed Till were found innocent in court. Feeling safe from further legal prosecution by virtue of double-jeopardy, they later admitted to the killing. They said they originally didn't intend to kill Till, but after beating and torturing him, finally shot him because he didn't show fear.

Unlike other writings that have focused on the barbarity of the boy's death, Bayeza's work is a celebration of his all-too-brief life. The website of the Goodman Theatre in Chicago describes The Ballad of Emmett Till as a "soaring work of music, brilliant poetry and theatricality."

It was wonderful to be in the audience at the Grand Hyatt and see Bayeza accept her Edgar. Her other stage works include Amistad Voices, Club Harlem and Homer G & the Rhapsodies. Bayeza is known for authoring works that inspire dialogue among a diverse audience. She collaborated with her sister Ntozake Shange on Shange's landmark production of for colored girls who considered suicide when the rainbow is enuf, directed by Oz Scott, at New Federal Theater and The Public Theater. The two also collaborated on a new novel, Some Sing, Some Cry, to be published by St. Martin's Press.

2009-04-29T05:12:00.000-07:00

RIP Ernie Barnes

By Angela Henry

Acclaimed artist and former Denver Broncos football player Ernie Barnes passed away on Monday at the age of 70. Most people probably don't know Barnes by name. But if, like me, you were a child of the seventies and grew up watching Good Times, then you're probably familiar with his work. Barnes was the artist who painted every piece of JJ's beautiful art work for the show, as well as his most famous painting, The Sugar Shack (above). Every time I see one of Mr. Barnes's amazing paintings, it instantly takes me back to my childhood and Wednesday nights at 8pm watching Good Times. The world has lost a truly talented artist.

2009-04-26T21:24:00.000-07:00

Sweet Deception book video

By Patricia Sargeant

I'm very excited to share with you the book video for my June 2009 release, Sweet Deception.

In the interest of full disclosure, Sweet Deception is a contemporary romance. The plot doesn't include a mystery or suspense or thriller. The characters are fighting the enemies within rather than external villains.

Reviews have been good, though. RT Book Review gave it a four out of four-and-a-half stars and wrote, "Sargeant's novel develops into an interesting drama with many twists."

CLG Entertainment gave it four-and-a-half out of five stars and wrote, "I like both my male and female leads to be strong, yet vulnerable, and Sargeant handles this wonderfully in Sweet Deception."

It might help if I told you a bit about the plot. Sweet Deception features a dutiful minister's daughter who leads a secret life as an erotic romance author. When she begins an affair with a best-selling thriller author, she's outed and has to choose between duty and desire.

OK. If the above video doesn't work, then click here to view it. Send me your comments and let me know how you enjoy it.

Happy reading and writing!

2009-04-24T07:13:00.000-07:00

Book Deals for Bloggers With Catchy Ideas
By Persia Walker

So what's the latest trend in publishing?

Blog-to-book deals for folks who think up funny subjects, put up a blog, invite user content -- and then sell the whole package for a fat check.

The New York Times is writing about the success of comedy screenwriter Duncan Birmingham who decided to set up a blog featuring pictures of the funny, and sometimes undignified ways, in which people dress their pets. He called the blog Pets Who Want to Kill Themselves. The site went up in January. Visitors immediately started uploading pictures of dogs in underwear, cats dangling in socks, and other photos of that ilk. Not only did the general public think it was a good idea, so did the publishing world. According to the Times, editors and literary agents were contacting Birmingham within a week.

Then, there's the case of the ladies who created a blog that amalgamated funny e-mail exchanges between moms and their grown kids. For Doree Shafrir and Jessica Grose, the result wasn't just a well-visited site, but a book called Love, Mom.

Ka-ching!

The folks behind This Is Why You're Fat enjoyed similarly-attained success.

Ka-ching! Ka-ching!

The sole downside for the blog-owners? They have to track down the people who submitted the materials to begin with and get permission to use them. That, the Times writes, can become a "nightmarish task."

Somehow, I feel no sympathy. I mean, sheesh, these folks should do some work. After all, they're essentially making money off of other people's content. (Which also leads me to ask, why would anyone agree to let someone else make money off of their photos?)

As a writer who, like many writers, labors countless hours over a manuscript, fretting about plotting, characterization, and story arcs, I guess I should be angry over how these non-writers are getting over.

I should be angry, but I'm not. As a matter-of-fact, my little heart of crass commercialism feels only a touch of envy. At the most, I find myself wondering, "Why didn't I think of that?"

Does this lack of resentment stem from my odd, but firm, belief that there really is enough for everyone to go around, or is it disguised despair, or do I genuinely believe that these folks, with their witty ideas, are contributing something?

Perhaps it's a bit of all of that. Humor is something we're in dire need of. Reminders to laugh at ourselves, they're to be valued.

I do think I'm just a bit cynical, too. We all know that American publishers race from one fad to another. They're producing book versions of farcical blogs now, too? Why would that surprise me? Furthermore, I would never assume that money not spent on fad books would be spent on serious ones instead.

I could let this instance of industry foolishness get my dander up, but I refuse to. I choose to leave the anger to others. I choose to believe that eventually real writers will have their day. I choose to believe that the decision-makers in publishing will soon be forced to seriously reconsider their priorities.

Until that day comes, I'll keep writing and I'll keep believing that there's enough to go around.

2009-04-22T05:48:00.000-07:00

Niche Buster

By Angela Henry

The thinking behind the black book niche is that being black gives an author a built in audience, that our books appeal solely to other black people, and that no one but black people would be interested in reading books with black characters. Okay, now let’s all laugh together. Well what happens when a black author discovers that the audience that has overwhelmingly embraced her books is outside the black book buying niche?

That’s what best-selling author L.A. Banks discovered about her Vampire Huntress series. Banks recently did an interview with editor Karen Hunter for AOL’s Black Voices.com where she discussed attending DragonCon a few years ago and meeting her fans

"We were in the heart of Atlanta, where the majority of the population is black, but at the convention center, it was about 99 percent white," said Banks, who graduated from University of Pennsylvania with a degree in business and from Temple with a master's in filmmaking.”

"I had about 300 people in my room for a book signing and maybe five of them were black. I had so many white fans complaining about how hard it was to find my books and asking me why it was in the black section. I didn't have an answer. I went back and told my publisher that they had to do something. They needed to get me into the mainstream section of the stores." From L.A. Banks is Queen of the Damned by Karen Hunter, Black Voices.com.

You can click here to read the entire article to find out if Banks and her publisher succeeded in their quest to get her books moved. But the fact that her latest book in the series, The Thirteenth, is a New York Times Best-Seller should give you a clue ; ).

Later!

2009-04-19T00:00:00.000-07:00

Writing with a Day Job

By Patricia Sargeant

On one of my writers loops, there we had a really great discussion about writing with a day job. Since most of us don't make enough from our publishing contracts to support ourselves, we have to keep the day job.

Now don't get me wrong. Especially in this economy, I drop to my knees every day and give thanks and praise for that regular paycheck. But juggling a demanding full-time job, a family, personal commitments and a publishing deadline can get hairy.

A lot of really great suggestions and ideas came from that discussion. Writing during your lunch hour. Writing before work, if you're a morning person. Writing at night, if you're not.

Some people carry tape recorders. Others carry notepads.

Discipline is key. For me, at the end of the day, it's important to have written a certain number of pages to stay on schedule. Whether I'm writing in the morning, during lunch or at night.

How do you juggle writing with your day job?

2009-04-17T04:56:00.000-07:00

Want an Espresso? An Espresso Book Machine That Is
By Persia Walker

Good news for everyone, really. Print-On-Demand books might be coming to your neighborhood stores for real now, print-on-demand as in the ability to print books on the spot, when customers order them.

According to Publisher's Weekly, Lightning Source has entered into an Espresso Book Machine pilot program. The EBM device, which is made by On Demand Books, is said to work fast -- taking only 15 minutes to copy, print and bind books. Apparently, it can print 112 pages per minute, including four-color covers, producing books identical to traditional methods of printing.

Here's a YouTube video of an EBM from 2007. On Demand says it will display an updated model at the London Book Fair, so this video might be a bit dated. But it's still very informative.

LS has gotten some of its leading clients to sign on. That includes Simon & Schuster, McGraw-Hill, Macmillan and the Hachette Book Group. PW said that readers will soon be able to choose among some 85,000 titles at EBM stores across the country. However, it gave no specifics on which U.S. bookstores might be using the EBM.

So far, Blackwell's, Britain's leading academic bookseller, is the only bookseller I'm aware of to have formally announced its introduction of the EBM in its bookstores. Its news release is giddy with anticipation of increased sales.

It's clear that the EBM offers excellent benefits to booksellers: they needn't ever go out of stock and can offer a huge increase in their number of titles. What does it mean for writers and readers?

For writers whose books are regularly on display, this development mightn't mean anything. But for those whose books have disappeared from the shelves, it could mean a great deal. For self-published authors, whose books were never displayed in stores to begin with, it could be a watershed event.

For this last group, the EBM could help open up a whole new channel of distribution. One of the concerns that has caused bookstores to be so unwilling to stock books by independently- or self-published is fear that the books are unreturnable. Obviously, with the EBM, this isn't a problem. To underscore the point, Blackwell's says it actually "hopes to attract a new audience of eager, budding authors and self publishers keen to see their work in print." So here's a bookstore chain that's not only open to undiscovered talent, but thanks to its use of EBMs, can eagerly embracing it.

The EBM could also offer a lifeline to small, independent bookstores. These stores have suffered because they couldn't offer the kind of inventory available in larger chain bookstores. People would rather go to a large bookstore and make their on-the-spot purchase than go to a small one, order the book and wait a week for it. Now, when it's a matter of purchasing an out-of-stock or unstocked book, they might well decide to go to their neighborhood store rather than trek downtown to the larger store. Who knows? I hope so.

So far, there's only a smattering of EBMs in North America. That could soon change, given the number of titles now available. On Demand Books is seeking to develop the market. It will have a version of the EBM on display at the London Book Fair.

Questions remain, of course. While it's clear that the EBMs could be moneymakers for bookstores, it isn't yet clear how much of an investment they would represent. Some stores, especially smaller ones, might be reluctant to spend a significant sum on such new, and relatively untested, technology, no matter how exciting it might be. It could well be one of those cases in which everyone takes a wait-and-see attitude, then sees that it's working and makes a sudden rush for the gates.

One last point: It would be interesting to see how or if EBM printing affects the retail cost of a book. So far, on-demand printing has resulted in higher costs per unit than traditional off-set methods. Theoretically that wouldn't change with EBMs. However, EBM printing means no more warehousing or transportation costs for publishers. It means fewer returns and no unwanted copies. That means real dollars-and-cents savings. Wouldn't it be nice if such savings were passed on to customers?

As a closet techno-geek, of course, I'm really excited about the advent of the Espresso Book Machine. As a writer, even more so.

2009-04-03T07:00:00.000-07:00

AgentFail at BookEnds LLC

Fellow writers or those of you who just want to get a good inside look at the publishing business, literary agent Jessica Faust has opened up an AgentFail thread on her blog, BookEnds. The threat is definitely worth a read.

What's AgentFail? It's a listing of the ways and means in which authors feel their agent has failed them. Examples: Requesting a full manuscript, promising to read it within a month and then sitting on it for months. Submitting the manuscript to the wrong editors at the wrong publishers and then when it's rejected (surprise), telling the author, "There's no market for this."

It's the kind of stuff that writers swap privately, but never dare say publicly -- until now. There are hundreds of posts over there, some bitter, many heartbreaking. It's the kind of airing that's good for the soul, though. Agent Caren Johnson has already written a reply. It's heartfelt and apologetic, but she dodges the main thrust of the objections, and focuses on a minor point. (In reading her post, it strikes me that she's not the kind of agent the writers are talking about. The ones they're complaining about are the kind who wouldn't respond with sympathy, empathy or at all.)

Unfortunately, most of the complaints listed are experienced by most writers who stay in the business long enough. I have to see them as part of the emotional cost of doing business.

#AgentFail, by the way, is the writers' chance to respond to #QueryFail, a day on Twitter when agents got to put out (nicely and sometimes not-so-nicely) the things that writers do to ensure being rejected when submitting a query. On her blog, agent Colleen Lindsay wrote that the intent was not to "mock or be intentionally cruel, but to educate." The fall-out, however, indicated that many writers did indeed feel that too many agents were of the former, not latter, variety.

To be fair, both sides have valid points. In other words, both sides are misbehaving. Janet Reid has a wonderful post on her blog in which she concedes that it's very easy for agents to become ... well, oversold on themselves (to use my words). However, as many of the comments on #QueryFail show, too many writers are undermining themselves by failing to follow some basic and generally applicable guidelines. They're submitting work that falls into a genre that the agent doesn't handle, typing in all caps, or bragging about how wonderful the work is and demanding that the agent drop everything, but everything that exact instant, to read it. To wit, neither side seems to understand what the other side is up against, which is why such events as QueryFail and AgentFail, no matter how painful, are a necessary evil.

There's also a new thread over at Twitter, called #AgentInspire, where writers can say good stuff about their agents. So far, there's only one Tweet.

Update!

Today, Jessica had a feel good Friday -- AgentPass and AuthorPass Day -- in which she gave kudos to writers for their professionalism and writers wrote in to share positive experiences with their agents. A good read.

2009-03-27T20:29:00.000-07:00

Book in a Nutshell Contest

The literary agency, Knight Agency, is holding the Book in a Nutshell submissions contest. The deadline is April 20, 2009.

If you're interested in participating, submit three compelling sentences - 150 words maximum - about your completed, unpublished manuscript to submissions@knightagency.net. You must write BOOK IN A NUTSHELL in the e-mail subject line. One submission per project.

Agents will choose 20 of the best submissions and request the writers' work. The agent will then give feedback on that work. The contest may even lead to possible representation.

Remember, the deadline is April 20, 2009. Winners will be notified by May 1, 2009. For more information, go to http://tinyurl.com/cnfe9d.

Happy writing!

Patricia

A Sistah Sleuth On the Small Screen!

2009-03-25T08:28:00.000-07:00

By Angela Henry

For those of you who haven't heard, Grammy award-winning singer Jill Scott will be starring as Precious Ramotswe in HBO's new series, The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, which is based on the best-selling books by Alexander McCall Smith. Even though I'm a fan of gritty murder mysteries and McCall Smith's books aren't really mysteries in the traditional sense, I'm still looking forward to this series! Check out the teaser below.

Enjoy!
Angela

2009-03-20T08:20:00.000-07:00

Writing By Numbers
By Persia Walker

A few weeks ago, I decided that I needed to bring a sense or organization to my writing. The work would flow faster and be done quicker if I simply did more preparation. My usual way of writing was simply to get a story idea, jot down the high points, then sit down and go for it. The result was always a self-contradictory manuscript that got soft in the middle and the required multiple rewrites. Well, I was going to reform my ways. I was going to be organized.

I went to Amazon.com and bought that book by James N. Frey, How to Write a Damn Good Mystery: A Practical Step-by-Step Guide from Inspiration to Finished Manuscript. I'm sure that most writers have heard of Frey and his how-to books. I haven't read the How to Write a Damn Good Novel version, but I'm glad I read the one concerning mysteries.

It was an eye-opener. Oh, my. I saw everything I'd been doing wrong -- and everything I'd been doing right. Now, it was just a matter of moving from the instinctive to the intellectual, from guessing to knowing, from trial-and-error to figuring things out properly.

Frey recommends what he calls a stepsheet. It what the rest of us call a scene outline, or simply outline. His stepsheet, however, calls for you to list every scene with a description of what happens and how it leads to the next one. Simple, basic and essentially quite helpful. I'd usually written such things after I'd written my first draft. But now I was going to be a good girl and do it beforehand.

As usual, I have ideas for several stories in mind -- all of which I can't wait to start on. I decided that I would use organized approach for one of them, the least complicated story. I sat down to write this stepsheet -- and hit a wall.

All of the joy and sense of surprise that accompanies the writing of the first draft evaporated. I froze at the keyboard. Always a procrastinator, I suddenly found myself addicted to hours of Hulu. Nothing writerly got done. I couldn't even bring myself to work on the rewrite of my second Lanie Price book.

Finally, I sat down for lunch with a good friend, Catherine Maiorisi. She was very pointed and very direct. "Put the stepsheet aside and go back to what works best for you."

"But I want to be organized," I said. "I want to write like grown-ups do, get it done and get it right. How I write right now ... it's so ... so messy."

She shrugged. "But it works. When you're messy, you're creative. When you're neat, you sink."

I thought about it, came home and picked up the Frey book. It's such a wonderful book. Having read it, I now see the framework he outlines in just about every commercially successful mystery I read. It seems so obvious, you know? But if it's all that obvious, why can't I do it?

Grrrr ...

But Catherine was right. I'm not an organized person and my attempt to force my mind to work in a way that's absolutely antipathetic was actually blocking my process.

I put the Frey book aside and turned on my laptop. I opened Scrivener, my favorite writing program, and started a new document. A blank white digital page is every bit as intimidating as a blank physical one. Trust me.

So I did what one can't do with a typewriter. I turned off the lights.

That's right. I turned down the screen lighting to the point where everything disappeared. Then I closed my eyes just to make sure, put my fingers to the keyboard and began to type.

Oh my, what a relief! No outlines, no rules, no bright blank page. Just me and my imagination.

I'm averaging a thousand words a day now. As usual, I only know the beginning. I have only the vaguest idea of the ending. Will the story amount to anything? I haven't the faintest idea. I only know how much fun it is to love writing again, instead of viewing it as a task.

How to Write a Damn Good Mystery, meanwhile, has an honored place on my bookshelf. The lessons it contains will reside in my subconscious, where they belong. They will inform all of my writing from now on, but as a collaborating, but not dominant voice.

Yes, it feels good to be messy again.

2009-03-15T21:49:00.000-07:00

With a child's pen

I attended a lecture given by an elementary school teacher the other day. This teacher also is a multi-published author of non-fiction books.

During his presentation, he admitted the different writing styles of elementary school students fascinated him. He said you can give a writing assignment to two students in the same class. One student will approach the assignment with great energy and enthusiasm. She'll write page after page after page after page tirelessly. But her four-page assignment will be one run-on sentence.

The second student will approach the same assignment very studiously. Each sentence will have a noun and a verb that are in agreement. Each sentence will be punctuated correctly. Each paragraph will begin in the appropriate place. But, even though her assignment is mechanically correct, it will lack the energy and emotion that comes from the type of enthusiasm the first student demonstrated in her writing.

Has that ever happened to you? Have you ever found yourself so focused on the mechanics of writing - point of view, scene and sequel - that you're in danger of losing your creativity? I have. I'm struggling through that with my current work-in-progress.

We should all remind ourselves - frequently - that it's about the story. Enjoy the adventure. We can worry about the mechanics in revision.

Happy writing!

Patricia

2009-03-12T07:44:00.000-07:00

Things that make you go hmm

Every time I turn around I'm hearing about low sales figures and mass layoffs in the publishing world and how publishers are going to be tightening their belts and and acquiring fewer books. And, if you are one of the lucky ones to land a book deal in these economically trying times, expect a lower advance, and no book promo budget. Well, if that's the case, why am I seeing deals on Publisher's Marketplace like the ones posted below?

Comedian Kathy Griffin's comedic memoir OFFICIAL BOOK CLUB SELECTION, organized chronologically and promising never-before-discussed personal details about Griffin's life, her background, and how she became who she is today, reportedly in a major deal, "for more than $2 million,"

USAir Captain Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger's memoir, to William Morrow, reportedly for between $2.5 million and $3.2 million by various reports, at auction, in a two-book deal (the second said by the Daily Beast to be a collection of inspirational poetry).

Audrey Niffenegger's HER FEARFUL SYMMETRY, "a delicious and deadly twenty-first-century ghost story about her familiar themes of love, loss and identity," to Nan Graham at Scribner, in a major deal, reportedly for approximately $4.5 million, at auction, for publication on September 29, 2009.

Now, don't get me wrong. I don't begrudge any author a dime of their advance, especially Ms. Niffenegger who's first book, The Time Traveler's Wife, I've heard nothing but good things about and has an estimated 1.3 million copies in print. But Sully? Yes, he's a hero. No doubt about it. I wish he could be my pilot every time I fly. But what about his story haven't we already heard?

As for Kathy Griffin, I saw an episode of her show My Life on the D List where only thirteen people showed up to her comedy DVD signing at Tower Records after she had been all over TV and the radio promoting it. A 2 million dollar advance. . .really?

These are the kinds of deals that make authors want to pull their hair out, especially when you think about all the talented writers who are being passed over because they don't come with a ready made audience.

I'm just sayin'.

Angela

2009-03-08T21:55:00.000-07:00

Misbehaving

I attended a lecture last week. The speaker shared this quote by an anonymous source, "Well-behaved women rarely make history."

What do you think? Do you agree with that sentiment? I do. It makes me think of Rosa Parks, Ida B. Wells and Shirley Chisholm.

That quote reminded me of another presentation I attended years ago. The speakers were New York Times best-selling authors Jayne Ann Krentz and Susan Elizabeth Phillips. The title was "Secrets of the Best-Selling Sisterhood." The authors' main point was, to be successful, you have to break some rules. Misbehave, if you will. Of course, one should follow the basic tenants of social politeness, but at least question the rules.

Let's take publishing, for example. If publishers won't accept submissions unless that publisher has specifically requested the submission, then we'd be better served to wait for their request. But why can't we submit to multiple publishers at the same time?

If an agent's submission guidelines state she'll respond to our inquiry in eight weeks, why can't we follow up in nine or 10 weeks - if we haven't heard from her - to respectfully request a status on our inquiry?

If a publisher offers us a contract, why can't we try to negotiate for better terms, even on our first contract? Until I've signed the contract, that manuscript is mine. It's in my best interest to make sure I'm comfortable with the terms. After all, don't we want both parties have a good experience with this relationship?

What are your thoughts on misbehaving? Do good girls finish last? Or do you get farther by following the rules?

Patricia

2009-03-03T06:14:00.000-08:00

I'm back. . .at square one!

Okay, I didn't really mean to drop off the face of the earth. I've just been busy with other things, namely writing. One good thing about my series being dropped is that it has forced me to work on other writing projects and branch out in other directions. I guess I don't have much of a choice if I want to move forward. And as much as it hurts me to admit it--and even though I'm still hoping one day to find a new publisher for the two completed Kendra novels burning a hole on my hard drive--my series is pretty much dead in the water. I told my mother the other day that I feel like I've abandoned Kendra. She told me, "Don't worry. If I know Kendra, she'll be back." I just love my mother ; ).

So, fifteen years and three published novels later, I'm starting all over again. I recently finished a brand new novel. I'm really happy with the way it turned out. I won't say anything more about it since it's currently on submission to publishers. With the current state of publishing--namely all the layoffs--things are moving even slower than usual when it comes to submissions. Many editors, who were already overwhelmed, are now doing the work of two or more editors. I'm settling in for a nice long wait. But for me waiting is nothing new. It took me four years to write my first book and another ten to get a book contract. This time around though I have a wonderful agent and I think my writing has greatly improved since my first book. Keep your fingers crossed for me and I'll keep you posted.

Currently reading: The Agency by Ally O'Brien
Currently listening to: Sade Live

Later,
Angela

2009-02-22T22:22:00.000-08:00

Mantras

Do you have a mantra? A phrase that encourages you, inspires you, keeps you focused on your goal?

Last year, I read an interview with Mary J. Blige that appeared in a health magazine. This interview was about the healthier habits she was adopting, specifically her exercise routine. Her physical trainer gives all of his clients a bracelet with beads that spell "Discipline." I like that. I like it a lot.

We all know that word applies to more than physical fitness. We need Discipline for all aspects of our writing, too.

Recently I read a interview with Venus Williams. She shared a quote her sister, Serena, sent her, "Take your opportunities as they come and more will follow." Or something like that. It's a great quote, would you agree? It also applies to our writing careers.

In my upcoming June 2009 release, Sweet Deception, the heroine is a published author. Her screensaver reads, "Writers write."

Do you have a mantra or favorite quote?

Patricia

2009-01-20T06:03:00.000-08:00

Inauguration Day & Other News!

Today is history in the making as Barack Obama is sworn in as the 44th president of the United States! I'm currently at work but we're having a party here today and will be glued to the TV screen with the rest of the world.

Today is also day two of the auction for author Sharon Cullars. I've donated a Kimani Press messenger bag with autographed copies of all three of my books as well as other goodies. I'm not sure how much longer my books will be in print. So, if you'd like to read the series, or know someone who might, click here to make a bid. It would make a great Valentine's Day gift for the reader in your life and it's for a great cause ; ).

Check out this article about black film makers. They seem to be suffering from the same issues black authors are in trying to break out of the niche to mainstream audiences.

Speaking of movies, I always love to see black authors books being optioned for TV and the big screen. Here is the latest book by a black author to hit the jackpot.

And I can't wait to read this book this summer.

Later,
Angela

2009-01-18T19:28:00.000-08:00

Trifecta

Jan. 15, 2009, was Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 80th birthday.

Today, Jan. 19, 2009, is the 23rd national observance of Dr. King's brithday.

Tomorrow, Jan. 20, 2009, the country will observe the inauguration of our 44th president - and the first African American elected to the office.

Now, that's what I call a trifecta.

Where will you be during the inauguration? Will you watch it at home or somewhere else? Will you be with family and friends, or will you watch it alone? Will you tape the inauguration?

I'm going to tape it. I've started a new job, so I don't have any vacation time yet - drat! But my boss is opening the auditorium for people to view the inauguration. I'm still taping it, though. It's too significant an event for me not to.

Where will you be during the inauguration, and with whom will you observe history?

Patricia

2009-01-15T06:28:00.000-08:00

From Blogger Karen Scott

AUCTION FOR SHARON CULLARS

Hi Guys

First of all, I'd like to thank everybody who has so far donated to Sharon Cullar's Chip In fundraiser. In two weeks we've managed to raise over $1500, which is fabulous. So thanks loads for that.

Unfortunately, we're a little off the target that Sharon needs to help her stay in her home, so some of Sharon's fellow authors are organising an E-bay Auction to help raise the rest of the funds required.

With this in mind, we need freebies from bloggers, authors, editors, publishers, web designers, etc, so if you have items you can donate - books or book baskets/collections, critiques, ARCs of upcoming releases, review spreads, mentoring opportunities, web or promotional material design work etc., please email the item description either to myself, at hairylemony@gmail.com, or to author, Roslyn Holcomb at roslynholcomb@mac.com.

All the items donated will be added to the auction that will be taking place from Monday 19th January on the For Sharon website, which can be found here: http://forsharoncullars.com/. As a small way of thanking you for your generosity, all donors will be listed on the website, with links to your own sites. You guys have been amazing so far, and I think it would be fantastic if we could help Ms Cullars keep her home. If any of you still want to donate to the Chip In Fund, you can do so here.

All donations will be gratefully received. For those who have nothing to donate, don't worry, you can aid us, by helping to spread the word on your respective blogs. And for those of you, who may not be aware of Sharon's story, here are the relevant links:

http://karenknowsbest.com/2009/01/03/sharon-cullars-needs-help-to-keep-her-home/

http://sharoncullars.blogspot.com/2009/01/appreciation-as-some-of-you-know-ive.html

http://sharoncullars.chipin.com/sharon-cullars

I'm very aware that Sharon isn't the only person who's struggling, during this economical downturn, but I'd like to help in any way I can, and I'm hoping that some of you feel the same way too.

Thanks very much for taking the time to read this e-mail, and I'm very hopeful, that we can make this happen for Sharon.

Yours sincerely,

Karen Scott

www.karenknowsbest.com

2009-01-04T19:56:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009

Wow. I had no idea I've been gone for almost a month. I'm really sorry about that. Time flies when you're trying to get your act together.

How were your holidays? Did you receive any gifts that will help with your 2009 goals? Exercise equipment? Writing craft books?

I'm really jazzed. My husband bought me office furniture. Now, I can get organized, which I'm convinced will increase my productivity. I also received a very generous Borders gift card from my father-in-law. I'll use it to buy at least one craft book.

Speaking of 2009 goals, this is the fifth day of the New Year. How are you doing with your goals?

I haven't written as much as I'd hoped. Perhaps my weekly page count is too ambitious, but I don't think that's the case. I just have to get more focused and remember this first draft doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to give me content to work with; a direction for the story, which I can fine tune during the revisions.

So, how are you doing with your goals?

Patricia

2009-01-03T18:07:00.000-08:00

AN AUTHOR IN NEED

From blogger Karen Scott:

Sharon Cullars, the author of Again and The Object of Love needs our help. Since losing her job, she has been unable to find another. As a result, Sharon is about to lose her home to foreclosure.

Any donation you can make to help out will be greatly appreciated. You can make a contribution via PayPal by stopping at CHIP IN: SHARON CULLARS.

If you’re not familiar with Sharon and would like to learn more about her and her work, you can visit her web site (Sharon Cullars) and blog (Sharon’s Muse).

It would be great if you guys could help spread the word, so please feel free to copy and paste this info onto your blog.

Thanks in advance for your help!

Later,

Angela

2008-12-26T00:01:00.000-08:00

Seven Pounds

I saw a movie on Christmas Day that I feel compelled to write about: Will Smith's Seven Pounds. Critics have battered it.

Not to be contrary, I have to say that I liked it.

Yes, it made me weep. I was miserable for hours afterward, so miserable and disappointed about having seen a downer on Christmas Day that I slapped the poor guy who took me.

I'm not going to summarize the plot. You'll find that done elsewhere easily enough. I'm not going to regurgitate negative commentary here, either. I'll just say that while I agree with some of the comments, I disagree with their conclusions.

I agree that it was achingly sad, but ... I'm glad I saw it. Maybe I stayed in Europe for too long, where despair and the desire for redemption might be considered worthy subject matter, and where there's less preference for the contrived and saccharine storylines that we Americans strongly prefer.

The thing is, I do enjoy the contrived and saccharine. Very much so. They nourish my rather shaky sense of optimism. Having spent the last couple of months obsessing over the "realities" of life as we know it, and can expect it, through the prism of the esteemed New York Times, I was ready for the mindless relief of a truly heady dish of junk-food cinema, the deprivation of which led me to slap a really good friend. I wanted to laugh and be happy, especially on Christmas Day. Instead, I found myself weeping like an idiot, in public.

For a moment, I was furious.

But then I calmed down, and I realized that when all was said and done, it felt good to have downed this bit of cinematic medicine. This is indeed a movie that makes you want to call someone and say, "You won't believe this, but ..."

I wasn't the only one to dissolve into tears, and many in the audience burst into appreciative applause as the movie came to an end.

So, I don't give a damn what the critics say. I recommend Seven Pounds, especially if you're in the mood for a cathartic bout of weeping -- always a good thing to have, I'd say, at the end of the year.

Best wishes for very Happy Holidays,

Persia

P.S. There's still time to take part in the Win-an-iPod contest. Visit my site for details.

2008-12-08T00:00:00.000-08:00

Rallying cry

Have you thought about one thing you'd like to accomplish in 2009?

Rallying cries help me stay focused on my annual goal. I started the practice in 2003. I noticed I was spending so much time volunteering for my local writing chapter that I was getting very little - if any - writing done. That made for a very miserable Patricia. If I wanted to get back to writing, I'd have to cut back on volunteering. Spend less time on others and more time on myself. That's why my 2003 rallying cry became "2003: The Year of Me."

Did I mention I like rhyming rallying cries?

Despite my best intentions, I still spent more time volunteering than writing, so 2004's rallying cry was "Me Once More."

Moving into 2005, I found a variation on the theme. I drastically cut back on volunteering for my group, but I earned a promotion at my day job. My savings account was very happy, but my writing continued to suffer. In fact, I considered giving up my dream of becoming a published author. My brother talked me out of that insanity. I'll never forget what he said. "Don't give up your dream. Don't ever give up your dream. Even if you just write one page a day, don't ever give up your dream." He's the best. And, to my credit, I listened to him. The rallying cry for 2005 became "Keeping the Dream Alive."

I don't recall the rallying cries for 2006, 2007 or 2008. Perhaps I never identified them. But I do have a rallying cry for 2009: Managing My Time. This rallying cry is very sincere. I've got to do a better job of time management. Too often I've found either time managing me or no one minding the store at all. Before I realize it hours have flown by and I haven't completed my tasks for the day. So, for 2009, I want to focus on time management.

What's one thing you'd like to accomplish for 2009?

Patricia

2008-12-04T06:45:00.000-08:00

Carleen Brice--The Black Book Lady--Welcomes Non Black People To The African-American Book Section! Enjoy!

2008-12-02T09:40:00.000-08:00

December is buy a book by a black author and give it to someone not black month!

Ever since Barack Obama's historic presidential win, many black authors, myself included, have been wondering--hoping--the Obama Effect will trickle down to the publishing world and publishers will finally realize that the typical baby mama drama, street lit, and erotica books don't wholly represent black people and our experiences.

But as with any business, publishing is a numbers game. All publishers see are the big sales and dollar signs attached to publishing such narrow views of black life. So all of our bitching and griping, no matter how valid, thus far has been to no avail. As Shon Bacon so aptly put it in her recent Blogging in Black post,"They want to see the numbers, they want to see the sales, they want to SEE the change."

But such change is going to be hard to come by if we can't widen our readerships. Just in time for the holidays, Author Carleen Brice started a blog to introduce non-black readers to books by black authors. She's urging us to buy our non black coworkers, friends, and acquaintances books by black authors for the holidays.

I think this is an excellent idea. I fully believe that readers of all races will buy and read books that appeal to them, no matter the race of the author, IF they know about them. I've received email from readers across the globe who told me they enjoy my books. So, I'm not buying into the idea that our books don't have mainstream appeal. Because at the end of the day we're all just people, people who share many of the same human experiences. And our books reflect that.

Later,
Angela

2008-11-23T21:21:00.000-08:00

Giving thanks

I wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy and healthy Thanksgiving full of warmth, love and laughter.

I'm most thankful for my family. They're the foundation I stand on. I know no matter what life wings my way, with their help, I'll stay on my feet.

I'm thankful for my health. That's something I can't take for granted, especially with the cost of health care these days. As several of you reminded me around Labor Day, we've got to take care of ourselves. Get enough rest, eat right and exercise.

I'm thankful for my friends. It's a great comfort to pick up the phone and share with them what I'm going through, the good and the bad. Often they'll understand what I'm feeling because they've gone through the same or very similar situations also. One of my favorite sayings is, "A friend in need is a friend indeed." Would you agree?

What are you thankful for and why?

Patricia

2008-11-16T21:11:00.000-08:00

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Competition

Amazon and Penguin Group USA are partnering again on the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Competition.

The press release states the competition launches Feb. 2, 2009. Between Feb. 2 and Feb. 8, coordinators will accept 10,000 unpublished English-language novel-length manuscripts. Amazon editors will scale that number down to 2,000 entries for the second round. Amazon reviewers will narrow it further to 500 for quarter finalists. Publishers Weekly reviewers will select 100 semi-finalists. Penguin editors will evaluate the 100 semi-finalists and choose three finalists.

Sound daunting? Maybe a little.

Amazon customers will have seven days to vote for the grand prize winner from these three finalists. The winner will be announced on May 22, and will receive a publishing contract with Penguin, which includes a $25,000 advance.

For more details on the competition and its conditions, visit www.Amazon.com/abna.

Good luck!

Patricia

2008-11-14T17:03:00.000-08:00

On Rejection

"James Lee Burke had two literary books published as a young man, then couldn’t get published again until he turned to crime. Meanwhile, every year high six-figure advances get paid to authors who will have more copies in recycling plants than on bookshelves." - Dana King

I love this post on rejection by Dana King. Shows the nuttiness of it all.

- Persia

2008-11-12T08:04:00.000-08:00

Great minds think alike. . .especially when it comes to smut.

I mentioned a while ago that I was working on book 5 in my series when my publisher--excuse me, former publisher--pulled the plug on my series. In book 5 there is scene where my main character, Kendra Clayton, in the course of an investigation, shows up at what she thinks is an art studio but is actually a porn studio that just happens to be casting that day for a Star Wars inspired porn flick called Star Whores. If you've read my other books, you know that hilarity ensues when the people at the studio think Kendra is there to audition for the part of Jabba the Slut. It's my favorite part in the whole book and I had a blast writing it.

Fast forward to last week. I was reading movie reviews in People Magazine, trying to find out if there was anything at the theaters worth seeing, when I came across a review for a movie called Zack and Miri Make a Porno. I'd heard about this movie but didn't really know what it was about. And since it didn't sound like anything I'd be interested in seeing, I didn't pay it much attention. Then I read the review and my mouth fell open. Zack and Miri Make a Porno is about two cash strapped friends--Zack and Miri-- who decide to make a porn movie to sell on the internet to make some money. So what's the name of their sci fi porn movie? Star Whores!!!!!! What are the odds that we'd be using the same theme and title?

Now, I know you're probably wondering why I'm so aggravated since the plug was pulled on my series. Well aside from the fact that someone else beat me to what I thought was a great idea, I've decided come hell or high water the next two Kendra books, which are already finished, will be published even if I have to do it myself. So, I guess it's back to the drawing board. I'm going to have to rewrite the entire scene using a different movie. Any suggestions?

Later,

Angela ; )

2008-11-07T08:40:00.000-08:00

Pinch Me! It's Real!

I'm still at that stage of trying to absorb it all. My 91-year-old mother and teenage daughter (who voted in her first election this year) seem more able to accept the reality of Obama's victory than I am. It. Is. Just. So. Wonderful.

And I do hope that people will be realistic and give the man a chance. It took years of bad decisions to get us into this mess, to send the country into this downward spiral. I'd be content if he'd just manage to put on the breaks.

Whew!

As for me, I'm ...

Writing With My Eyes Closed

So that's what I'm doing today. I started doing it because of eye strain, but find it's really an enjoyable way to concentrate. The inner storyteller seems to be released. I can focus on the images in the my mind and describe them better. The NaNo writing's going well, well enough. I'm at that point where I'm already bored with the story, but I know from experience that that doesn't mean anything. It's a slow-moving story, not the kind of fast-paced narrative I usually strive to write. And it's sort of lacking a plot, sort of. We'll see. I'm happy with it. i'm happy with the lack of pressure that comes from just closing my eyes and letter the words come, without editorial judgment. It's nice. I'd love to hit 15,000 words today. Don't know if I will, but that's a goal. - Persia

Progress Meter Courtesy of Writertopia

2008-11-05T06:54:00.000-08:00

PRESIDENT OBAMA!!!!!!

2008-11-04T06:16:00.000-08:00

Did you vote today? If so, congratulations! If not, don't forget to vote! Every vote counts! Get out and VOTE!!!

I was in line this morning for an hour and a half, which is nothing compared to the wait some people across the country will have today. Some of the people waiting in line with me were so busy running their mouths and yakking on their cell phones they didn't realize they were in line for the wrong precinct. A couple of them got pissed and left without voting. So pay attention people! There are volunteers at the polls who are there to help you. If you don't know where you should be, just ask! It's not rocket science. You're not performing brain surgery. You don't need a PhD. Okay. Rant over. Just Vote!

Happy election day!

Angela

2008-10-31T08:24:00.000-07:00

My New Website's Up!

Hi Everyone,

For the past ten years, I've done my own website. The results were pretty decent if I say so myself, but last year, I decided I wanted to give myself the luxury of having a profi do it, and this year (early this year), I hired the team at AuthorBytes. For various reasons, finding artwork being the main one, it took several months to get the site up. Well, it's finally there. Check it out, okay?

The site comes up just in time for NaNoWriMo. Pat mentioned in a post earlier this week. I am an unabashed NaNo fan. This will be my third, or is it fourth, NaNo. In the first one, I managed to write the 50,000 manuscript. It became Darkness and the Devil Behind Me. The second NaNo I signed up for, but never really worked at. Too many things were going on. The third one I finished also. This fourth one, I'm totally committed to.

I find that the writing marathon that is NaNo helps me outrun my inner critic. So many times writers try to edit themselves as they write. These are two conflicting mindsets and the result can be a form of creative paralysis, sometimes known as writer's block. The fun thing about NaNo is that there's a release from the often self-imposed requirement that the first draft be good. We all know, under such a writing deadline, that the first draft will most likely be horrible -- and so we're sometimes pleasantly surprised to see that we've not only finished the target number, but have also come up with a fairly decent story. The story might not even be finished -- that doesn't matter. What matters is the word count.

Can you imagine? Not having to worry about quality or perfection? It's an incredible idea for a perfectionist who fusses over every line. And it's a wonderful excercise for people who write one or two or maybe even three chapters, and then spend months, sometimes years, polishing those same chapters, over and over again, and wonder why it is they can't finish the book. NaNo forces you to move beyond the first chapters. It forces you to write to the point of exhaustion -- and it's fun, because you're not doing it alone. You're doing it with hundreds of thousands of other nutcases around the world. :-)

So if you're thinking about writing, join NaNo. I hang out in the Mystery Genre Forum. You can reach me there, or stop by my brand new website and drop me a note. I'd love to hear from you.

Persia

2008-10-29T05:23:00.000-07:00

Books By the Banks

For those of you in the Ohio/Kentucky/Indiana area looking for something to do this Saturday November 1st, the second annual Books By The Banks: Cincinnati USA Book Festival will be held in downtown Cincinnati at the Duke Energy Center from 10am - 4pm. Admission is free and open to the public. There will be over 90 local and regional authors, book signings, panel discussions, and activities for the entire family.

I will be there all day signing copies of Diva's Last Curtain Call. I'll also be participating in a panel discussion: Voices in Contemporary African-American Fiction for Women along with authors Carmen Glenn, Sheila Williams, and Gayle Price Thomas from 10 -11 am in room 235. The panel will be moderated by Kathy Y. Wilson of Cincinnati Magazine.

I hope you can come out! I'd love to meet you ; ).

Later,

Angela

2008-10-26T19:43:00.000-07:00

NaNoWriMo

I'm curious. Have you tried NaNoWriMo? It's the writing challenge that takes place every November. Participants sign up with a national writing loop with the goal of writing 50,000 words by the end of the month. This year's NaNoWriMo starts Saturday, Nov. 1.

Have you ever tried it? If so, what did you think? Were you successful? Did it inspire you?

I've considered joining NaNoWriMo, but I don't think I'd be able to write 50,000 words in one month, primarily because of my full-time job. But perhaps I'm wrong. Have those of you with full-time jobs in addition to your writing career participated in NaNoWriMo? If so, did you meet the 50,000-word challenge? If not, how close did you get?

I'd love to pick your brains about NaNoWriMo. I'm not officially joining this year, but I do hope to start my next manuscript Nov. 1. Let's see how much I get done by Dec. 1.

So, please tell me what you think about NaNoWriMo and whether you'd recommend the event.

Oh, and remember, the Ohio Romance Authors' Halloween contest starts today. If you have time, I'd love for you to check it out.

Patricia

2008-10-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

Pub News You Can Use

Check out this article about author Clyde W. Ford's 20 minute film for his new thriller Precious Cargo--narrated by Morgan Freeman--and developing a new software system that allows readers to virtually visit locations featured in the book using Microsoft's Virtual Earth.

Read here about how first-time author and social and environmental activist Van Jones's new book , The Green Collar Economy, became a New York Times Best Seller with an almost nonexistent marketing budget.

Ever wonder why some books don't get picked up by Border's. Click here for the answer.

Today Show producer Jaclyn Levin gives tips on how authors--even self-published ones--can get booked on the show.

Want to know why author MJ Rose is giving away her last book The Reincarnationist? Click here to find out AND download the book for FREE!

Pitchengine uses social networking tools to create web-based press releases that include images, video, networking links, and more.

Later,

Angela

2008-10-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

Halloween Reader Appreciation Contest

I'm sorry for the late Monday post. I lost track of time last night.

Members of my group MySpace page, Ohio Romance Authors, are hosting a reader appreciation contest. The contest starts next Monday, Oct. 27, 2008, and ends Friday, Oct. 31, 2008. If you have the time - and the interest - you can visit the site and submit a comment on any or all of the blogs posted during that time.

On Oct. 31 - Halloween - one of the authors will select one of the commenters as the grand prize winner of the following:
Becky Barker, Chameleons
Jules Bennett, Naked Vengeance
Jacki Bentley, Blood Bond
Brit Blaise, Slayer Inc.
Dianne Castell, Hot and Bothered
Paige Cuccaro, Medusa's Folly, gargoyle statue
Carol Ann Erhardt, Twisted Spell; and Hit and Run
Lori Foster, The Watson Brothers; Caught; and I'm Your Santa
Tabitha Gibson, Rose Petals Volume 1 anthology (Tabitha Gibson, et al)
Marcia James, At Her Command, stuffed dog
Donna MacMeans, The Trouble with Moonlight
Janie Mason, The Power of Love anthology (Lori Foster, et al)
Erin McCarthy, First Blood
Jayne Rylon, Picture Perfect and an autographed cover flat of Nice and Naughty
Patricia Sargeant, The Mistress Diaries by Julianne MacLean
Kay Stockham, His Son's Teacher
Sandy Wickersham-McWhorter, Cottonwood Place

I hope you'll stop by.

Patricia

2008-10-13T06:49:00.000-07:00

Larger-than-life characters

As I mentioned in a previous post, I'm reading Donald Maas's Writing the Breakout Novel. I've just started his chapter on characters.

Characters can make or break a story. I think we all know that. I've read books in which the plot was circuitous. The writing needed a bit more polish. But the characters! Oh, the characters! I loved them. I wanted to know what they would do next. I wanted to make sure they'd be OK. I couldn't put the book down because of the characters. And years later, I still remember them.

Years ago, I attended a seminar by a multi-published, award-winning author. She said successful authors create characters who are "larger than life." I'd heard the term before, but I still didn't understand what it meant. What exactly were larger-than-life characters?

After the seminar, I popped a movie into my VCR and climbed onto my treadmill to exercise. The movie was Frequency starring Denis Quaid and James Caviezel. Have you seen it? The Aurora Borealis creates a rift in time that allows a police officer son in the present (Caviezel) to communicate with his now-deceased firefighter father 30 years in the past (Quaid). The son helps his father stop the serial killer who kills his mother in the past.

Are you still with me?

OK. While on the treadmill, I watched the scene in which the serial killer chases Quaid's character. That's when it hit me. Larger-than-life-characters are ordinary people driven to extraordinary behavior in desperate situations. Like Quaid's character who needs to stop a serial killer before he kills his wife.

Maas uses as an example of a larger-than-life-character James Patterson's Alex Cross. His moral compass and determination to do the right thing lifts him from ordinary to extraordinary - or larger than life.

Bringing this a bit closer to home, Angela's Kendra Clayton series takes an ordinary heroine who's driven to extraordinary behavior to save her friends and family.

In On Fire, my romantic suspense, a newspaper reporter needs to find the real arsonist to prove her lover's innocence.

Can you share examples of larger-than-life characters with us?

Patricia

2008-10-07T04:27:00.000-07:00

Hello Everyone,

So I'm dropping in (out of nowhere), with no apologies for (how many) months of no-show? :-)

Can I say that my thoughts have been with you all? Like my Crime Sistahs and, I'm sure, with many of you, the last few months have been packed with changes. I spent the summer in France (yes, it was fantastic), working on my newest manuscript (yes, I made progress, but no it's not done), and now I'm preparing to attend Bouchercon '08. I'll arrive in Baltimore on Thursday and stay through Sunday. On Saturday. I'll on a panel about amateur detectives, "Keeping It Real." (The title speaks for itself, don't you think?)

But the real reason I finally decided to post today after this embarrassingly long silence was to bring notice to a particularly marvelous, insightful and spot-on column that's appearing in the Baltimore Sun online. Fellow Bouchercon attendee Austin Camacho writes about black detectives. His topic: Black Ain’t Nothing But a Detective’s Color. He writes: "His topic: Black Ain’t Nothing But a Detective’s Color. Camacho writes:

"It’s not about race. It’s about the characters. It’s about the mystery.”

Camacho writes a hardboiled series, featuring detective Hannibal Jones, set in Washington DC. In this column, he notes how commentators always want to call Jones a "black detective, as if that were its own genre." He goes on to state, "If my work must fall into a subgenre, let it just be hardboiled detective fiction."

Thus Camacho touches upon an issue that continues to face many of us: If you are of the darker genus, then your work is often categorized first by your ethnicity, and then by, belatedly, by its literary genre. Thus, we have romance, then we have "black romance;" we have mysteries, then we have "black mysteries," etc.

Camacho then goes on to write what amounts to a fantastic tutorial on the nuances of noir and hardboiled detective stories. I loved it and hardily recommend it. And when I see Camacho this weekend, I'm going to let him know it.

I hope to also see some of you this weekend. If you're in the area, then please don't hesitate to walk up and say hello.

In the meantime, take care and God bless.

Regards,

Persia

(This is not my regular column day (that's Friday) and I want to thank my Crime Sistah for letting me put my two-cents in on her day.)

2008-10-05T19:50:00.000-07:00

National Domestic Violence Awareness Month

I wanted to take today to acknowledge that October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

You may recall that, in June, I participated with 11 other authors in the benefits anthology, The Power of Love. If you have a moment, I hope you'll take a look at the anthology. Details are on my Web site. All of the authors and our agents are donating all of our proceeds from that anthology to a battered women's shelter. With the way proceeds from book sales are paid, you could say the anthology is a gift that will keep on giving to the shelter.

But that's not what I wanted to talk about with you today, sister to sister.

Domestic violence statistics are tragically familiar. Annually, 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by their partner. One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. And 50 percent of men who frequently assault their wives also abuse their children.

If you or someone you know is in trouble, please remember help is available. The National Domestic Violence Hotline has a 24/7 toll-free number, 1-800-799-SAFE (7233).

Patricia

2008-09-28T20:40:00.000-07:00

Breakout Book

I'm reading Donald Maas's Writing the Breakout Novel. Have you read it? It's challenging my story ideas, which of course is Donald Mass's point. You don't want to write A Story; you want to write A Breakout Story.

Donald Maas asks a lot of pointed questions, including:
- Why are you writing this story?
- If you stopped writing this story, why would it matter?

Hmmm. Good questions. Can we answer them? I'll go first.

I usually find the purpose for the stories I write in the themes the characters are trying to convey. I think I may have mentioned that before. If I have trouble with a scene, I go back to my theme.

For example, in my last romantic suspense, On Fire, the theme is trust. I wrote the story to express my belief that trust is a vital part of any relationship. If I didn't write that story, I wouldn't be able to express how a lack of trust could destroy a relationship.

In my contemporary romance, which I just completed, Sweet Deception, the theme is identity. That story is important because the conflict is one a lot of people, especially women, experience. Do you define yourself or do you allow others to define you? In addition to entertaining readers, I hope the story inspires those in similar situations to define themselves.

What about you? Why are you writing your story?

Patricia

2008-09-22T18:49:00.000-07:00

Industry news

Author Cindi Myers provides a free monthly e-newsletter that provides information on the publishing industry - updates on what publishers are looking for, personnel changes, contests, etc. If you're interested in subscribing to this newsletter - it's free - send a blank e-mail to cynthiasterling-subscribe@yahoogroups. com. In the meantime, I've pasted the parts of Cindi's September e-newsletter that pertained to mystery, suspense, crime and thriller publishers below.

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Mystery Writers of America and St Martin's Minotaur is sponsoring a Best First Crime Novel competition. The grand prize is a $10,000 advance and publishing contract with St Martin's Minotaur. The contest is open to any writer who has not previously published a novel. You must submit a manuscript of at least 60,000 words in which a crime is at the heart of the story. Entries must be postmarked by Nov. 30, 2008. Details are available at http://us.macmillan.com/Content.aspx?publisher=smpminotaur&id=4933#bestcrime or http://tinyurl.com/63499z (Last year this contest received only 400+ entries. So far this year, submissions are down, so your odds are good.)

Benjamin LeRoy founded Bleak House Books in 1995. The Madison, Wisconsin-based company publishes approximately 20 titles a year, focusing on crime fiction and dark literary fiction. These are character-driven stories featuring flawed protagonists. Several Bleak House titles have been nominated for Edgar awards. The company will consider unagented submissions, though they want to see a query only at first. Detailed submission guidelines -- be sure to follow them -- are available at http://www.bleakhousebooks.com/submissions.htm Also, check out the blog and some of their upcoming titles to get a feel for what they're looking for.

Daniela Rapp is an editor at St. Martin's Press, where she acquires thrillers, mysteries, literary fiction and upmarket women's fiction, as well as narrative non-fiction. St. Martin's press accepts only agented submissions.

Faith Black is an associate editor at Avalon Books. Avalon publishes romance, mystery and westerns, in hardcover, primarily for the library market. Avalon stories contain no graphic violence, no swearing and no sex -- "good stories and wholesome entertainment." The books are short -- 40,000 to 60,000 words. Avalon accepts unagented material. See their submission guidelines at http://avalonbooks.com/wrtgdl.html. They also have an FAQ page with a lot of useful information.

Denise Little, executive editor at Tekno Books has worked in almost every aspect of the publishing industry. She was the national book buyer for Barnes & Noble before she joined Kensington Publishing in 1993, where she oversaw her own romance imprint, Denise Little Presents. She has been executive editor at Tekno Books since 1997. Tekno is a book packager. A packager acquires and oversees projects that are then sold to various publishers. Tekno acquires titles for Five Star Books. Like Avalon, Five Star publishes hardcover titles, primarily for the library market. Five Star Expressions is the company's romance and women's fiction line. They're looking for 75,000- to 100,000-word manuscripts in any sub-genre of romance, including contemporary, historical, inspirational, sweet romance, romantic comedy, romantic suspense, time travel, fantasy and paranormal and gothic romance. They will also consider chick lit. They also publish women's fiction. . Five Star also publishes mystery of 75,000 to 100,000 words. They are interested in cozies, private detectives, hard-boiled mystery, suspense, techno-thrillers and historical mystery. They pay a $1,000 advance against royalties. They accept unagented submissions, but not simultaneous submissions. They accept e-mail submissions only. For guidelines and more information, e-mail Rosalind Greenberg at tekno@new.rr.com

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Good luck, and happy writing!

Patricia

2008-09-19T06:53:00.000-07:00

The Other Call

I know. I know. I've been seriously shirking my blogging duties. I didn't mean to disappear. I had a really good excuse. I've been writing my hiney off working on two books. Or at least I was, until I got a call last Friday that changed everything. It was the call the every author dreads. While I was rushing to finish book five in my Kendra Clayton series, my agent called to inform me that my publisher, Kimani Press, has decided not to publish my next book, which was scheduled for a 2009 release. The official reason given was that they're moving in a different direction towards edgier, sexier books. My little small town murder mysteries don't fit in with this new direction and apparently weren't cutting the mustard sale wise, either.

Honestly, I saw this coming a mile away. Back when I was first told my fourth book was being postponed I had a sinking feeling something was up. If you follow the publishing world as closely as I do, you learn that postponed usually ends up meaning cancelled. But I remained hopeful and kept writing. As for what will happen with my series I can't say anything for certain except that Kimani Press is out of the picture. Whether I can find a new publisher for the series remains to be seen since I've heard it's really hard to find a new publisher for an existing series. But I remain hopeful. I'll keep you posted ; ).

Have a great weekend!

Later,
Angela

2008-09-14T20:24:00.000-07:00

Coming back

I'm sorry I've been missing in action for the past two weeks. That wasn't my intention at all.

The draft for my contemporary romance, Sweet Deception, was due to my editor Labor Day, Sept. 1, 2008. I made my deadline with five minutes to spare. But that rush to the end gave me a tension headache and eye strain. Or maybe the headache was a byproduct of the eye strain.

I thought a nap would help me feel better. I'd planned to start my next two projects - a romantic suspense proposal and the proposal for my second contemporary - after the nap. Silly me. I needed a lot more than just a nap.

Have you ever been completely wiped out after completing your manuscript? I felt as though my nerve endings had been fried. Although I was really tired after the long days of heavy revisions, I felt edgy and restless the entire week. Does that sound familiar?

Some people say they're depressed after completing their manuscript because it's hard to leave their characters. I don't feel that way. I'm excited to have told my characters' story. I love this book, and I really hope my editor does, too. But now I'm ready to move on to the next project. I feel as though I'm finally coming back to myself.

How do you feel after completing your manuscripts, and how do you celebrate your accomplishment?

Patricia

2008-08-22T05:41:00.000-07:00

Book News You Can Use

Dust off those short stories because Essence Magazine is having another short Fiction contest!

Check out this interview with author/publisher Karen Hunter about her new imprint with Pocket Books/Simon & Schuster.

Bookscreening.com is a site where readers can view book trailers and authors and publishers can have another outlet to showcase their books trailers.

Arabesque, a division of my publisher Kimani Press, is supporting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital through a fall 2008 book series, Novels of Hope. National best selling authors Sandra Kitt and Gwynne Forster have crafted two heartwarming novels that will bring awareness to the life-saving mission of St. Jude. Click here to read how you can become a Partner in Hope.

Voting continues for the 4th annual African-American Literary Awards Show nominees. Get those votes in before September 5th! (hint hint!)

Have greet weekend!
Later,
Angela

2008-08-17T22:07:00.000-07:00

Book videos: You Belong to Me, On Fire

I wanted to share with you book videos for my romantic suspense releases, You Belong to Me and On Fire. My husband, who's a videographer/editor, created them. I'm very proud of his work.

Here's the link to the You Belong to Me video and here's the one for the On Fire video. Don't forget to select the "watch in high quality" option, which appears under the "Views" counter. I hope you enjoy the videos!

Happy reading and writing!

Patricia

2008-08-04T19:57:00.000-07:00

VOTE FOR ME!

I must be living under a rock these days because I just found out that Diva's Last Curtain Call was nominated for an Open Book Award for Best Mystery by the African-American Literary Awards Show! My publisher, Kimani Press, was also nominated for Publisher of the Year! The nominees were announced last week and are voted on by the public. Click here to see the complete list of nominees and to vote for me (Pretty Please!). Voting ends September 5th and the winners will be announced in a live ceremony on September 25th at the Harlem Gatehouse in NYC! I'm so so honored! And so so surprised!!

Later,
Angela ; )

2008-08-03T20:10:00.000-07:00

Creative boosts

Last week, we talked about our creative spots; the place - or places - where we're the most productive with our writing.

This week, I'd like to chat about our creative boosts; what we do when we're having trouble with a scene or a chapter or maybe even the entire work in progress.

Some of my writer friends read the last couple of pages or scenes to get back into the story. Other friends re-read the synopsis to get back into the creative flow. I've found both of these suggestions very helpful. Have you ever tried either or both of these tricks?

I have a process. As I may have mentioned, I do most of my writing at night. I get home from my day job, have dinner and take care of a few chores. Then I exercise. While exercising, I'll think about where I am in the story and where I need to go. Then, in the shower, I'll talk through my next scene. Yes, that's right. I'll talk it through. Out loud. But, hey. I'm in the shower. The water's running. And, even if my husband hears me, he doesn't become overly concerned.

So, what are some of your tips for getting the creative juices flowing?

Write happy!

Patricia

2008-07-27T21:07:00.000-07:00

Your creative spot

On one of my authors e-mail loops, someone brought up the subject of where she does her best writing. Most of the authors who responded to this conversation thread said they had one particular location in which they preferred to write also.

One author said whenever she moved, it took her six months to get acclimated enough to her new home to start writing again. Another author said she'd tried but failed to write anywhere other than her home office.

What about you? Do you have one particular space in which you prefer to write? Your creative spot, so to speak?

I'm not so particular. Perhaps it's because I write in my day job, too, that I'm able to fairly easily change my creative locale. I've written in my kitchen as well as a home office I shared with my husband.

I really got mobile when my husband bought me a laptop for my birthday several years ago. Since then, I've written in the dining room, living room, family room, bedroom, hotel rooms, family guest rooms and libraries. This ability to pretty much write anywhere comes in handy for someone who writes as slowly as I do. Truly, missing one day of writing could set me back a week. Or more.

So what about you? Do you have one particular spot in which you prefer to write or can you pretty much write anywhere?

Until next time, happy writing!

Patricia

2008-07-21T00:00:00.000-07:00

Point of view

Point of view - POV - is one of our most powerful writing tools. Select the correct character's POV and your reader will feel the scene's emotion: love, hate, anger, fear, sorrow, joy. You'll actually put your reader in the scene. The correct POV can heighten the suspense, add information, explain a plot point all without slowing the story.

While watching The Closer last Monday, I experienced first-hand the power of the right POV. Have you ever seen The Closer? Here's a brief set up. The main character in the ensemble cast is Chief Brenda Lee Johnson of the Los Angeles Police Department. She's engaged to Fritz, an FBI agent assigned to the bureau's Los Angeles Office.

Spoiler alert in case you taped the episode and haven't watched it yet.

In past episodes, Fritz's role has frustrated me. He's almost a gofer for Brenda. She calls him and demands his help with her cases. He went along with her plan to hide their relationship from her parents. In last week's episode, they couldn't get their bathroom fixed because Brenda didn't want their landlord to know she has a cat in the apartment. This meant they couldn't use their home bathroom.

I wondered why Fritz put up with Brenda's challenging personality. Then I watched Monday's episode. In one of the subplots, Brenda learns from another character that Fritz has two driving under the influence charges on his record. She was furious and confronted Fritz.

In Brenda's POV, Fritz was in the wrong. She called Fritz a liar and said she didn't know whether she trusted him enough to marry him anymore. And in Brenda's POV, I was angry with Fritz, too.

Toward the end of the episode, we heard from Fritz. In his POV, he didn't lie. He'd told Brenda he didn't drink because he was allergic to alcohol. He didn't tell her about the DUIs because they were in his past; he had his problem under control. But the biggest bomb in his POV was when Fritz said Brenda had a lot of nerve condemning him as a liar when she was a liar herself.

Now that set Brenda and I both back. And Fritz supported his argument by pointing out that he'd cooperated when Brenda didn't want to tell her parents about their relationship. He'd also cooperated when she didn't want the landlord to find out about her cat - even though that lie meant he couldn't use the bathroom in his own apartment.

Fritz ended the scene by expressing his hurt and outrage that he'd accepted her weaknesses but she would threaten their relationship because of his. He said, and I'm paraphrasing, "I understand people's weaknesses because I sure have enough of my own."

Yeah. That last line made Brenda and I feel pretty small.

I don't know whether I'm doing a good job conveying the power in that scene. It's stayed with me and fascinated me for so many reasons. The timing, for one. We saw the relationship develop through Brenda's POV. But when that relationship was threatened, we finally saw it through Fritz's POV. It also reinforced the message that there's always more than one side to a story.

How do you decide which character's POV to use during a scene?

Patricia

2008-07-16T05:40:00.000-07:00

We All Scream for Ice Cream!

Today I read on USA Today.com that Ben & Jerry's has created a tribute ice cream flavor for Elton John called, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, which consists of chocolate ice cream, peanut butter cookie dough, butter brickle, and white chocolate chunks. Proceeds of the ice cream will be donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Sounds fabulous! I can't wait to try it.

I would love to have an ice cream flavor created just for me. It would have chocolate ice cream, brownie bites, Reese Cup chunks, chocolate fudge, and chocolate covered almonds. What would I call it? That's a hard one. Here's a list of potential names. Vote on your favorite in the comments section, or come up with a good one of your own, by midnight July 17th and I'll draw an entry at random and send that person a free book!

Murder on the Chocolate Express

Chocolate Victim

Mystery Chocolate

Chocolate Killed Me

Chocolate Death!

PS: Death By Chocolate is already taken.

Later,

Angela

2008-07-07T01:44:00.000-07:00

Replenishing the well

Sometimes we put such intense expectations on ourselves that we lose focus on the fact that we're not machines. We're humans. This means sometimes - once in a while - we need to completely forget about the eight-to-five job, the manuscript deadline, the household appliances that either need to be fixed or replaced, and indulge in some good old-fashioned fun. That's what I did this weekend, Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

In the interest of full disclosure, I had reservations about letting an entire weekend go by without checking in on my task list, especially the manuscript that's due any. Minute. Now. But, man, was it worth it.

I had great workouts every day, although Saturday and Sunday, I wanted to ignore the alarm clock. I cooked at home instead of eating on the run. I saw Will Smith's new movie, Hancock - and can definitely recommend it.

Now, as I sit here writing this post, I feel so much better. Much more relaxed. Remember that cranky post I shared with you last Monday? I was wound so tight, I was sure I'd snap. I've seriously mellowed over the weekend.

So, let's write this down. We won't go to hell if we take a weekend off to unwind, recharge our batteries and replenish our wells.

Until next time, write happy!

Patricia

2008-07-03T07:45:00.000-07:00

IF LOOKS COULD KILL

I happened to be flipping through the latest issue of Jet today, the one with Jordin Sparks on the cover, and came across an interesting ad for an interactive online sweepstakes from Toyota called "If Looks Could Kill". Apparently, Toyota has teamed with Essence magazine to try to get more African-American women interested in buying the 2009 Toyota Camry. The grand prize is (surprise) a 2009 Camry. But there are other weekly prizes as well, including a trip to Paris!

The game started on June 9th, runs for 7 weeks, and is centered around a website that features weekly webisodes revolving around Bianca Turner, an African-America fashion designer who finds herself caught up in espionage. Bianca uses her trusty Camry's features, as well as audience participation, to get herself out of each week's dilemma. Check out the trailer.

I think this is a pretty cool and interesting campaign on Toyota's part. I'd be very interested to see stats on whether this actually boosted sales of Camrys to black women. I'm even planning to sign up to play the game. However, Toyota has its work cut out for it when it comes to trying to get me to buy a car. With gas prices skyrocketing, and no end in sight, my next vehicle will most likely be one of these.

Have a safe and happy 4th everyone!

Later,

Angela

2008-06-30T04:27:00.000-07:00

Revisions

I'm in Revision Purgatory right now with the contemporary romance I'm writing for Kensington Publishing. I love the story, but it's slowly killing me, which is the reason this post is so cranky.

I borrowed from Jennifer Cruisie's lingo and dubbed my first draft the Don't-Look-Down draft. This basically means you just write the story. You don't worry about typos or grammar, and you certainly don't worry about any of the Writing Rules - point of view, the five senses, showing vs. telling. You just write.

Which appears to be fine - until you come to the revision stage and realize what you have is Blue Ribbon Drivel. I'm confident the story will shine like fine jewelry by the time I have to hand it in to my editor. It's getting to that shine that I'm struggling with.

During the Don't-Look-Down draft, I focus on the action: who does what, where, when, why and how. While revising, I layer in the five senses - what the characters see, hear, smell, taste and feel - and I dig deeper for the emotions. I also focus on making my characters individuals rather than having them all sound and react alike. After all, these aren't meant to be Stepford Children.

I'm going to end this cranky post and get back to my revisions.

I hope everyone has a safe, happy and healthy Independence Week!

Patricia

2008-06-27T20:03:00.000-07:00

Book Booty

Just a quick note today. There's a great entry on "Paper Cuts," the New York Times' blog about books. It's about the little promotional items that writers/publishers send out with books in the hopes of convincing the recipient, usually a book reviewer, to review the book.

In addition, there's a wonderful slide show that features photographs of a variety of items, "book booty," as the Times' calls it. Click here to see it.

I'm sure that, after reading the entry and seeing the slide show, you'll wonder about the efficacy of using promotional gadgetry -- at least when it comes to reviewers.

Persia

2008-06-19T06:02:00.000-07:00

Royalties & Reality

Many authors’ dreams of making writing their full time gig. I know I do. To be able to support myself solely through my writing is my ultimate goal. Only I need money to do that. The only way to earn enough money to write full time is to get multiple book contracts, and sell lots and lots of books, which is easier said than done.

There is no real way for an author to tell how many books they’re selling. You can ask your editor but they don’t have access to all the sales data. Amazon rankings mean nothing as do Ingram sales and demand numbers. So, you’re stuck fantasizing about your books selling like hot cakes, while waiting for something you get in the mail twice a year to give you an idea of how well your books are truly selling. . . your royalty statement. Of course they should be renamed Royal Pain in the Ass.

Nothing snaps you back to reality like getting a royalty statement. Forget the fact that they’re about as easy to understand as hieroglyphics. Usually, the big numbers you’ve fantasized about turn out to be just that, a fantasy. Add the tiny royalty check you got, or didn’t get, to the mix and those full time writing dreams go up in smoke.

But royalty statements can also be very informative. For instance, my first book, THE COMPANY YOU KEEP, released in ’05 and released in mass market in ’06, remains my biggest seller despite the fact that I haven’t been actively promoting it for two years. You’d think that my newer books would be selling better as they’re more likely to still be in stores. According to the royalty statement I just got on Monday, in the last six months my first book outsold my new book by double the copies. Why? It’s a mystery to me.

So, now it’s back to writing, promoting, and of course, fantasizing. December brings yet another royalty statement, and another taste of reality.

Later,
Angela

2008-06-16T00:30:00.000-07:00

Mid-year goals check

I'm sorry I missed the June 9, 2008, post. I got a bit overwhelmed last week.

I attended the fourth annual Readers & Authors Get Together in Cincinnati, Ohio, June 6 and 7. It was another wonderful event, but it wore. Me. Out. Once I got home, I had to play catch up with my writing as well as some personal chores. By Sunday night, I was just too tired to address the post I'd planned to write.

So, let's talk about it now.

We're halfway through 2008. What writing goals did you set for yourself this year, and how are they coming along? Are you on schedule or do you need to make adjustments?

I'm at least a solid month behind schedule. By this time, I'd hoped to have completed the initial revisions for my first contracted manuscript and submitted the proposal for my second contracted manuscript. However, I'm still working on the draft of my first contracted manuscript. <>

Needless to say, I'm making some adjustments. :) I just hope they won't have too negative of an impact on the writing schedule for my second manuscript.

So, how are you doing meeting your writing goals?

Patricia

2008-06-12T15:42:00.000-07:00

Summer Reading List

It’s that time of the year again. Everyone is releasing summer reading lists. I usually look forward to checking out the recommended books to get new ideas for my TBR pile. But I’m always disappointed in the lack of diversity most of these lists offer. So here is what I’m interested in reading this summer.

My Best Friend’s Girl By Dorothy Koomson
Koomson has written an enchanting tale of life's most unpredictable loves and heartaches, and the improbable bond between a single woman and an extraordinary five-year-old girl.

Sepulchre By Kate Moss
Following on her bestselling novel "Labyrinth," Mosse pens another haunting tale of double crosses, murder, and the occult set in both 19th- and 20th-century France.  

Don’t Ever Tell By Brandon Massey
From an award-winning author comes a bone-chilling new thriller about a ruthless murderer who will do anything to get back what belongs to him.

Orange Mint and Honey By Carleen Brice
This haunting, exquisitely written story about mothers and daughters and the power of healing and forgiveness marks the stunning debut of a new novelist.

Blood Colony By Tananarive Due
There's a new drug on the street: Glow. Said to heal almost any illness, its main ingredient is blood--the blood of immortals. A small but powerful underground railroad of immortals is distributing the blood, slowly wiping out the AIDS epidemic.

Fearless Fourteen By Janet Evanovich
A latest installment in the popular Stephanie Plum series places the irrepressible bounty hunter and her motley companions--including Grandma Mazur, vice captain Joe Morelli, and Bob the Dog--in a new adventure involving the Burg's premier funeral home and a family pot roast.

The Exorsistah By Claudia Mair Burney
The author of the Amanda Bell Brown mystery series makes her teen fiction debut with this smart, sassy, and fun new series about a young girl who must simultaneously battle the ups and downs of being a teenager, while fighting the forces of darkness.

The Spiritualist By Megan Chance
Acclaimed author Chance weaves together a tale of murder and intrigue, class and the occult, as one woman's search for a killer reveals that truth may be the greatest illusion of all.

Whiskey Road By Karen Siplin
This passionate and edgy love story asks the question: Where does a black woman born and raised in the big city go when she wants to escape, and what happens when she gets there?

Murder on the Down Low By Pamela Samuels-Young
Savvy L.A. attorney Vernetta Henderson takes center stage in another fast-paced legal thriller that erupts into a scandalous tale of vengeance.

So what's everybody else excited about reading reading this summer?

Angela

2008-06-04T06:38:00.000-07:00

The State of the Mystery Genre

Last month Sisters in Crime (not to be confused with the Crime Sistahs) sent a publishing summit team to New York to speak to publishing professionals about the state of the mystery genre. You can click here to read the entire four part report. Here's a brief overview of what I thought were the most interesting things that publishers had to say:

1. Thrillers are super hot right now as are cross genre books such as historical suspense.

2. Thrillers and suspense books get bigger print runs than straight mysteries.

3. Cozy mysteries are becoming a harder sell though crafting mysteries are still big.

4. In bookstores, mysteries are selling better in the fiction section than the mystery section.

5. Though thrillers are hot, mystery readers tend to be more loyal than thriller readers.

6. The most successful authors, and the ones getting the most publisher support, are the ones writing more than one book a year.

7. In order to broaden a mystery's audience, many publishers are avoiding the "mystery" label.

8. Hardcover book sales are down. Trade Paperbacks are doing well.

9. There is a demand for mysteries for younger readers.

10. Publishers like for authors to be active in book promotion.

Enjoy!

Angela

2008-06-02T04:24:00.000-07:00

The Power of Love

Initially, I was reluctant to talk about my latest release, The Power of Love, on the Crime Sistahs blog. The Power of Love, which is scheduled for release June 3, 2008 - tomorrow - is a benefits romance anthology and will be shelved under contemporary romance. However, the issue the anthology addresses is a crime.

The Power of Love (Berkley Publishing) is an anthology comprised of original short stories from Lori Foster, Erin McCarthy, Toni Blake, Dianne Castell, Karen Kelley, Rosemary Laurey, Janice Maynard, LuAnn McLane, Lucy Monroe, Kay Stockham, J.C. Wilder and me. The theme is female empowerment and the healing power of love. All of the authors and our agents have donated all of our proceeds to the Hamilton County (Ohio) YWCA Battered Women's Shelter.

You see, the crime this benefits anthology addresses is domestic abuse.

According to the National Domestic Violence Hotline, in 2001, more than half a million women were victims of nonfatal violence committed by an intimate partner. In a national survey of more than 6,000 families, 50 percent of men who frequently assaulted their wives also often abused their children.

In addition to raising money for the shelter, this anthology is helping to raise awareness of domestic abuse. It's physical. It's emotional. It claims victims now and, if the cycle isn't broken, will continue to claim victims for generations.

If you're interested, there are links to excerpts from each of the short stories as well as reviews for the anthology on my Web site, www.PatriciaSargeant.com. And, if the excerpts and reviews persuade you, I've also posted order links on my site. In addition to supporting a worthy cause, I hope the anthology provides readers with hours of enjoyment.

Patricia

2008-05-26T06:14:00.000-07:00

Plotting workshop

Kayla Perrin's How to Plot workshop is the final session I'd like to share with you from the 2008 Romance Slam Jam.

Are you familiar with Kayla Perrin's work? Kayla's a USA Today and Essence bestselling author. She's written for several publishers, including Avon, St. Martin's and Harlequin. She writes suspense, romantic suspense and contemporary romance. So Kayla knows what she's talking about when it comes to plotting.

She started the workshop with an exercise. Here's the premise. Your heroine leaves her home in the middle of the night. Answer these questions:
* Where is she going?
* Why is she going there?
* Who will she see?

OK. Take a few minutes to answer those questions, then come back.

Are you ready to move on?

Your first scene has a lot of work to do. It introduces your protagonist, establishes her goal and motivation, and sets up your story's conflict. Where is she going and why? How do these answers fit into the overall story?

Next, Kayla suggests plotting the black moment, otherwise know as your character's ordeal or the story's climax. This helps map where your story's going. The black moment has to be emotional. Emotion pulls readers into your story. Once you've plotted your black moment, ask yourself whether this ordeal is strong enough to sustain your story.

You have your opening scene and your story climax. Now identify at least four major plot points that move your story forward and smaller plot points that help your protagonist's development.

Used wisely, these tips will help you plot a full, multi-layered story.

Happy writing.

Patricia

2008-05-21T05:42:00.000-07:00

Helping Out Reporters

I'm constantly on the lookout for ways to promote my books. One of my more recent discoveries has been publicist and author Peter Shankman's HARO Newsletter. HARO stands for Help A Reporter Out. It's an email newsletter that Shankman sends out three times a day with queries from reporters and freelance writers looking for experts and everyday people to interview on a variety of topics.

The newsletter is free and is an excellent resource for authors and publicists looking to get more exposure. Like I said, this is a FREE resource but you need to practice some restraint. Some reporters are ONLY looking for experts on a certain topic. So, don't waste their time and yours by responding to queries you aren't qualified for. Also, some of the queries are specific to certain cities or regions of the country.

But the biggest rule of all is: Do Not Repost The Emails. . .ANYWHERE! Peter Shankman doesn't play when it comes this rule. He will put you on blast if you do. If you don't believe me, check this out.

Later,

Angela

2008-05-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

Promotion workshop

During the 2008 Romance Slam Jam, author Donna Hill conducted a workshop titled "How to Promote Your Book." Donna was fantastic; very informative. I especially appreciated the promotion timeframe she shared with us. Basically, don't wait until the book is released to begin marketing. Think about your marketing plan as soon as you turn in your manuscript.

Approximately six to nine months before your release date, answer these questions:
- What's your budget?
- How many promotional tasks do you need to do?
- What promotional things can you afford to do?
- What do you want to do? (e.g., book tours, conferences, bookmarks)
- What reviewers, book clubs, book stores do you want to contact?

Donna also shared the components of an effective Web site, including:
- Author biography
- Blurbs for books
- Cover images
- Excerpts
- E-mail address
- Book order information/links

Patricia

2008-05-14T05:06:00.000-07:00

Kendra’s Random Walk

Having a book published is a lot like scattering seeds in the wind. You never know where they will land and take root. I'm always surprised and thrilled when I get emails from readers telling me they're enjoying Kendra and her crazy adventures. But I'm even more surprised when I get emails from readers in other countries who enjoy my books, since except for my MySpace page, I don't do any promo to reach readers outside the USA. Yet, I've received email from readers in Canada, England, The Netherlands, Germany, and Japan!

One such email came from the fiction buyer for Random Walk, a bookstore chain in Japan, who discovered my books on MySpace. Not only is Random Walk now stocking my books in at least one of their stores, but I recently did a really cool interview for the website of Random Walk’s bookstore in Kobe Japan. Random Walk's owner is also the owner of the largest importer of foreign language books in Japan. So, if you’re ever in Japan, and need something to read, Random Walk has stores in Tokyo, Kobe, Osaka, and Kyoto. And if you find a copy of one of my books on the shelf, please send me a picture!

Later,
Angela

2008-05-12T03:36:00.000-07:00

Manspeak

One of the workshops I especially enjoyed during the 2008 Romance Slam Jam was Harlequin Kimani author Wayne Jordan's Keep Your Hero from Sounding Like a Heroine: Writing Believable Male Characters.

Wayne shared several tips to remember when differentiating male and female dialogue.
1. Women use more words to express themselves than men.
2. Women rely more on their feelings - both emotional and sensory - in their communication and reactions. Ask yourself, what does she feel in the physical sense as well as how does she feel in the emotional sense?
3. Men rely more on their visual perceptions. Ask yourself, what does this character see? And remember, he's more inclined to believe what he can see.
4. Women express themselves with emotion; men are more physically demonstrative.

One movie that illustrates this communication difference very well is Speed starring Keanu Reeves and Sandra Bullock. I've watched that movie several times in part to study the way the writers used dialogue to enhance characterization. Have you ever seen it?

Sandra Bullock's character is very nurturing. When the danger of the moment is over, the first words out of her mouth are, "Is everyone OK?" She puts others before herself.

Keanu Reeves' character is an impulsive, action-oriented person. Words aren't important to him. Dialogue is an afterthought. When one of the male civilians asks him if what they're about to do will work, Keanu just stares at him.

Of course, this type of exchange is easier in film. It's not as though we can have our heroine share her deepest, darkest fears with the hero and have the hero's response be a blank page. The way I try to work around this is by having an especially alpha male character speak with the least amount of words possible.

What have you observed about the difference in the way men and women speak? And how do you show this difference in your writing?

Next week, I hope to tell you about either Donna Hill's promotion workshop or Kayla Perrin's plotting workshop.

Patricia

2008-05-07T05:38:00.000-07:00

Nose--and Teeth--To the Grindstone

Sorry I've been such a bad blogger lately. I have a good excuse. I've been writing. I got some excellent feedback from my agent, and some outside readers, on the YA novel I've been attempting to write. The general consensus is that while I have a good story and characters, I'm not quite fitting what I've got into the right format for YA. ARGH! So, now I'm toying with whether to scrap the project altogether, or making the characters older, possibly eighteen, which would turn the book into an adult novel. I'm leaning towards the latter because I've fallen in love with these characters and really want to write about them.

Decisions Decisions.

I've also been working on Kendra book #5, which is a much easier process. I'm so comfortable writing about Kendra and co. that these books kind of write themselves. It's like putting on a comfy pair of shoes, while writing the YA novel is like trying to squeeze my feet into cute shoes that don't fit.

On the health front, I found out recently that at the ripe old age of 41, I have to have all my wisdom teeth pulled. All at once! One the same day! The date is set for next month. That means being sedated again and doing more weird stuff that I won't remember, and more funny stories for my family to tell me the day after. Fun! Fun!

Finally, for those of you who thought it might be fun to be an author's assistant, you may want to think twice after reading this man's story. Gee, I wonder who he could be talking about ; ).

Later,
Angela

2008-05-05T00:00:00.000-07:00

Back from the Slam Jam

I got back from the 13th annual Romance Slam Jam Sunday afternoon. I had a fantastic time sharing fellowship with other lovers of African American romance novels. But things have been a little hectic getting ready for the work week and catching up with everything that was on hiatus while I was away.

I'd promised to share tips from the workshops I attended during the conference, and I will. The workshops were excellent. But let me get my thoughts together first. I'll give you a run down next Monday.

In the meantime, check out the Urban Reviews blog. They've uploaded photos from the event and posted the 2008 Emma Award winners.

Have a great week!

Patricia

2008-04-28T18:00:00.000-07:00

No more distractions

Writers write.

Yes, we also promote ourselves and our work; study the writing craft as well as the publishing business; and read. A lot. But the priority is to write. If we don't write, we won't have a tangible product to sell. Unfortunately, there are a lot of distractions, aren't there? How do you deal with them?

The Internet is my main weakness. A dear friend, Lori Foster, created a wonderful MySpace page for me. I love the page. It's beautiful, and she created a lot of cool features. I'm very grateful to her. Unfortunately, Sunday alone, I spent five hours checking out my MySpace page, sending "friend" requests, and posting and reading comments. It's really addictive, isn't it? But I've got to finish my manuscript.

Quick segue, if you're interested, I'd love for you to "friend" me at MySpace.com/PatriciaSargeant. Thank you!

E-mails are another big distraction for me. I want to know what other people are doing, what they're talking about, what they're writing - when they aren't sending e-mails. In fairness, I've learned a lot about the business and craft of writing from these loops. The latest discussion on one of my writers loops is the pros and cons of performance bonuses. That's important stuff. But I've got to finish my manuscript.

Should I even mention television? I know. I know. Just turn it off. How do you turn off Law & Order? Yes, I've seen that particular episode three times. I can probably recite it back to you. But I love the scripts' twists and turns. And Tru.TV, formerly Court TV. What a line up: Forensic Files, North Mission Road. Don't forget Murder by the Book.

So how do you deal with these distractions, especially the Internet?

Patricia

2008-04-21T04:06:00.000-07:00

Book signings

The average author sells between four and seven books at a signing. That statistic supports the belief that book signings aren't about selling books. They're about making connections.

Book signings have a lot of benefits.
* Talking with readers to hopefully increase word of mouth about your books
* Meeting booksellers with the hope of creating a positive impression so they'll recommend your books
* Networking with other authors to talk about the writing life and share information about the industry

I don't do a lot of signings. They take a lot of time, the promotion beforehand as well as the hours at the event. But I do acknowledge the benefits of signings and I always enjoy talking books with other avid readers.

What are your thoughts on book signings?

Patricia

2008-04-16T06:55:00.000-07:00

My Second Life

To the real, everyday world I’m known as Angela Henry, or Angie to my nearest and dearest. But I have another life, a virtual life . . .a Second Life. In this virtual world, I go by the name of Rachel Silverstar, which despite what a friend once told me, does NOT sound like a porn star name. But, I digress. I joined Second Life about a year ago. And let me tell you, it’s a fascinating place.

In Second Life, you can look any way you want, dress any way you want, be anyone you want. Second Life is not a game. It’s a virtual community where you can interact with people all over the world, work, own property, attend classes, and even make money. Major companies, colleges and universities, libraries, and bookstores have opened branches in Second Life. There’s even a museum called the Second Louvre for those who can’t make it to the real one and the show CSI: New York even devoted an entire episode to Second Life. And I’m happy to see that publishers and authors are now getting into the act.

Authors and publishers are holding virtual book events in Second Life. Authors are opening their own bookstores where they are promoting and reading from their work, and providing links to purchase copies or ebook downloads. When my fourth book comes out next year, I’m hoping to do a virtual book launch in Second Life. There is even a Second Life Cable Network with shows that feature authors. I urge anyone who is even remotely curious, or authors looking for new avenues to promote their books, to check it out. It’s free to create an avatar and join, though buying property, and some of the more advanced features, costs money. Here are a couple of events you may want to attend. Who knows, you might see me there!

ALA-the American Library Association, is hosting events in Second Life all this week to celebrate National Library Week.

The 2nd Annual Second Life Book Fair will take place April 25th – 27th.

Later!
Angela

2008-04-14T03:19:00.000-07:00

Filters

I attended a writers seminar on story conflict. Conflict is the tool that keeps your story moving forward. It's the obstacle your antagonist throws in your protagonist's ways as your protagonist moves toward her goal.

During the seminar, participants anonymously shared their story conflicts, condensed to one line. The presenter praised many of the conflict ideas, but some of them she thought needed work. Understandably. But some of the ideas she praised, I didn't quite get and some of the ideas she thought needed work, I thought were fine.

As I drove home, I realized the reason the presenter and I had different reactions to the conflict ideas is that we have different filters. I define filters as a writer's background, her life experiences, her truths, which determines how she processes a story. When readers and authors have similar backgrounds, experiences and truths, they connect. Readers and authors who have different filters can't connect. No harm; no foul. They're just different.

Let's take the Peter Pan story as an example. The conflict of that story is Peter Pan didn't want to grow up. Ever. I can't relate to that. Hence, I don't particularly like that story. I don't particularly like the Cinderella fairy tale, either. I wanted her to move out of her stepmother's house.

My point is, don't shy from your story idea just because someone else can't connect with it. You may find the idea or conflict isn't big enough to carry a story. That's a another issue. But don't compromise your message just because someone else has a different filter.

Patricia

2008-04-11T18:20:00.000-07:00

My New Addiction

I'm an addict. I admit it. Before the entire world, I admit it. I mean, it's sort of ironic, you know? I managed to live for years without being struck by anything so incredibly and stubbornly incurable, but then I took a fall ... and when I did, I fell hard.

To what am I addicted? 3D graphics.

It started innocuously enough. I decided to do my own book cover. Now, this can be a dangerous decision, but I really wanted to do it. I can say I even felt compelled to do it. And so I went about finding a way. I searched for weeks, months really, for software that would allow me to do the kind of work I wanted to do, to create ... what? Well, I had a vision, initially of a woman running down a shadowy, snow-covered street, casting a terrified glance behind her. But ... as gripping as the image was, I couldn't figure out what program would allow me to conjure it up, and to do so with an appropriate amount of professionalism.

One day, I stumbled upon Poser. I bought the program and experienced mild levels of frustration as I struggled to learn it. For a while, I put it aside, but then came the time when I had to do the cover -- and I did. The cover for Darkness and the Devil Behind Me isn't quite the image I first dreamed of, but I think it's quite fitting. It's an image of Lanie, the newspaper reporter, whose determined inquiry solves a tough crime. Above is an image of Esther Sue Todd, the woman whose disappearance in December 1923 is at the heart of the case. And further down is an image of Esther's sister, Ruth, whose plea led Lanie to take another look at the disappearance and the million-dollar heist that followed it.

I not only discovered Poser, but the 3D community at Daz. There I found that I was rapidly falling in love with 3D graphics and all it might possibly enable me to do -- to create actual visualizations of my characters, for example, and of scenes from the book. The only limitation was my own abilities. Since then, I've created character studies, some good, some bad. I've uploaded some to my website, and moved others to my trash.

The reason I mention it is because I wanted to point it out as another possible method of livening your websites, adding content, and even enervating your imagination as you write. When preparing to write a novel, P.J. Parrish, for example, puts together a notebook with clipped photographs of people who resemble the book's characters. The folks who put together the Harry Potter movies spoke of how J.K. Rowling had notebook after notebook full of drawings of her characters, sets and scenes. Well, I could never bring myself to clip photos from magazines -- it didn't quite work for me. And I'm not talented enough to make the drawings myself, if that's what Rowling did. But I've discovered that today's friendly 3D programs allow even the least technically and artistically talented among us (ahem, like yours truly), create credible characters and tinker with them until they represent the images we had in mind when first conceiving our story.

For me, the only downside has been the addiction. Sometimes I spend more time working on 3D than I do on writing. But if the final character studies I end up with add to the vividness of my imagination, then I suppose this addiction can't be all bad.

Until next week then, keep writing!

Best wishes,

Persia

2008-04-09T05:10:00.000-07:00

Channeling My Inner Sixteen-Year-Old

For the past couple of months, I’ve been working on a proposal for my very first young adult novel. I’ve been wanting to write a young adult novel for a long time. I finally decided to take the plunge earlier this year. My trip to Paris last year gave me the idea for the setting for the first book this new series, which can loosely be described as the Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants meets Relic Hunter. The main characters in the book, four multicultural foster sisters, are all sixteen-years-old, which means I’ve had to reach back and remember what it was like to be sixteen. It hasn’t been easy. So, I’ve been looking through old yearbooks, and reading old letters, and diaries, and talking to my mom trying to jog my memory. I’ve remembered a lot. I’ve also remembered why I didn’t want to remember. Here’s why:

I was a dweeb with my nose stuck in a book all the time. I was scared of my own shadow and shy and self conscious. I was frequently grounded for reading Harlequin romances instead of doing my homework, which is really funny since I now write for Harlequin. People thought I was stuck up because I was so quiet. I always had crushes on boys who didn’t know I existed, except when they were making fun of me. I never dated. I always thought my mom didn’t know what she was talking about when she lectured me about life and my future. I was a loner with few friends. I always felt like I was on the outside looking in. I was very self-absorbed and moody.

Sixteen was not a fun age for me. Hell, my teen years period weren’t a good time for me. What has been so fun about writing this book is being able to give the four main characters some adventure, mystery, and intrigue to go along with the usual teen angst. Plus, it’s kind of like getting a second chance to have the kind of fun I never had at sixteen. How great is that?

One of the hardest parts of this writing process isn’t just seeing the world through sixteen-year-old eyes, but seeing it from four very different points of view. The first draft of my proposal, which included the first three chapters, were written in third person. My agent gave it to a young adult reader for feedback. The reader expressed not feeling connected to the characters because of it being written in third person. To be honest, I felt the same way.

So my agent suggested I write the book in alternating first person narrative. I was very doubtful about this approach thinking that shifting points of view could easily confuse readers. When I voiced this concern, he suggested I do it in sections by having each character narrate not just a chapter but an entire section. I have to admit he was right. In changing the perspective to first person, I’ve not only gotten a chance to better know my characters and what motivates them, but having each character telling what they are thinking and feeling in their own words makes for a better story. I turned in the revised proposal last week. I’ll keep you posted ; ).

Later!
Angela

2008-04-07T07:10:00.000-07:00

Joint promotion

Last week, we talked about promotion, and the amount of time and money it takes. But I also said it was a catch 22, meaning you have to promote your book if you want people to know it's available.

Joint promotion - authors helping authors - makes this catch 22 easier. It brings together a group of people to share responsibilities.

Multi-author blogs, such as the Crime Sistahs, is a perfect example of authors helping authors. In multi-author blogs, each author is assigned a day to post. This way, the site remains fresh and new without the responsibility falling to one person.

Group booksignings is another example of easing the stress of promotion. While one author contacts stores to set up the signings, a second author sends press releases to promote the event.

Group signings also provide opportunities to network with other authors, sharing information on the publishing industry, writing craft and career opportunities. It was by networking with other authors that I was able to participate in The Power of Love anthology, a project that benefits a battered women's shelter. Additional information about this anthology is on my Web site, www.PatriciaSargeant.com.

Multi-author anthologies also are a form of joint promotion. Several authors share the task of producing a book, and the finished product introduces the participants to each other's readership.

Do you have other examples of joint promotion? Or can you share your positive experiences with joint promotion?

Patricia

2008-04-02T05:25:00.000-07:00

READING & DATING

The other day I read an article on Galleycat that discussed dating deal breakers based on, of all things, non compatible reading choices. Yes, people, there are folks out there who have ended relationships because of the things the people they were dating liked to read.

If I was dating a man and discovered he had the Hit Man's Handbook or Bomb Making for Dummies on his bookshelf that would be a definite red flag. However, as a woman who is approaching her 42nd birthday, and isn't dating much at all, I must admit my criteria for what I'm looking for in a mate is dwindling daily, though good personal hygiene, employment, and mental stability remain a must. Personally, I'm happy if I meet a man who reads at all.

Most of the men I meet either don't read or only read nonfiction. Would I love to meet a man who's reading tastes were as varied as mine? Of course! Would I reject a perfectly good guy because all he read was the newspaper or Sports Illustrated? Nope!

So, what about you guys? Have any of you ever ended a relationship because the person you were dating 1) Didn't read at all 2), Read things you couldn't relate to, or 3) Criticized your reading choices?

Inquiring minds want to know ; ).

Angela

2008-03-31T04:01:00.000-07:00

What price promotion?

I finally got my taxes together. Yes, I've looked at a calendar recently. My how time flies when you're avoiding something.

Anyway, when I tallied my advertising expenses, I almost swallowed my tongue. And, really, who can tell you whether the money is well spent? There's an old saying about advertising, "Half of all advertising dollars are wasted, but no one can tell you which half."

Last summer, I asked an editor her opinion on the best promotional avenues. She said the best form of promotion writers have is their book. Write the very best book you can and the rest will take care of itself.

Music to my ears, right? But I think it's a catch 22. You can write the very best book you possibly can, but if readers don't know it's available, your very best book will sit unread on the shelves.

Once I freed my tongue from my throat, I decided I wouldn't lose my mind - or my savings - over advertising. I'll send announcements to bookclubs and bookstores and hope writing the very best book I can will take care of the rest.

As readers, what types of book promotion catch your attention? As authors, what types of promotion have worked for you?

Patricia

2008-03-28T10:45:00.000-07:00

Did You Miss Me?

The weeks have flown by and I'm stunned to find that I haven't filed anything with Crime Sistahs in way too long. A painful earache, the flu, seminars and running appointments have filled my days. But now I hope that's all settled down. By the way, did you notice anything missing in that list? I didn't say writing, did I? Sadly, I haven't had the presence of mind to write anything coherent -- and I'm not promising to write anything coherent today, but I'll try.

I'll start off easy.

By talking about me.

Yesterday, the doorbell rang unexpectedly. When I went to answer, I found a man from United Parcel Service. I was a bit skeptical. Okay, more than a bit. After all, I hadn't ordered anything. Being a crime writer, I wondered if this was a con. But still, I opened the door. The stranger dumped a small but heavy box into my arms and then stuck one of those electronic gizmos under my nose. I scribbled something that in no way resembles my signature, wished him a good day and went to examine the item he'd brought me.

It was certainly heavy and I certainly did not recognize the sender. Being a crime writer who has watched more than one too many true crime television programs, I was inordinately suspicious. "Could it be a bomb?" But hey, I'm not important enough for anyone to target. (Sounds gruesome, but that's the track along which my mind runs. What can I say?)

So I lugged it down the hall to my room, where upon further examination I found that the address label referred to an ISBN number. Ah, I thought. We're getting somewhere. I just wasn't sure where. I hadn't ordered any copies of my books. I sat down, plugged the ISBN number into my MacBook and did a search of the Internet.

Now the less patient among us might wonder why I just didn't grab a knife or pair of scissors and cut the thing open. I told you: I'm paranoid. Not by much, but just enough. It's the downside of being a mystery writer. You train your mind to think in nefarious ways. Furthermore, I was enjoying the suspense. (After all, I could've had only minutes left to live ...)

The Internet search returned instant results. (Oh, I love doing "research" on the Internet! It is truly for the armchair detective.) Taking it all in, I shook my head, and said, "I should've known."

Now, I grabbed for the scissors. You bet I did. I cut that box open as fast as I could. When I saw the contents, I grinned from ear to ear. What a beauty to behold! Complementary copies of The Blue Religion. I pumped the air with one skinny arm. Yes!

But then, being cerebral, I had to wonder. Why is it that I keep forgetting that the book is coming out? Maybe because it took so long to do so? Maybe because I'm scatterbrained? I think it's the latter. Or is it because as an anthology, it represents a collaborative effort, and so I don't -- can't -- regard it as my book and mine alone. Hmm ... Nope, I think it's because I'm scatterbrained.

No matter. I am fully aware of the book now. It has manifested itself in reality and I am so happeee! I'm looking forward to the book launch party, which will be held in exactly one month (April 29), at the Mysterious Bookshop at 58 Warren Street here in Manhattan, 6pm sharp. Naturally, you're invited. You'll meet bestselling authors, such as Michael Connelly, Alafair Burke and Paul Guyot. And of course, you'll meet little ol' me.

What can I say? I feel like a girl invited to her prom!

I do hope you'll come. It would be wonderful to meet you!

Persia

2008-03-24T06:00:00.000-07:00

Romance Slam Jam

I'm looking forward to attending the 13th annual Romance Slam Jam. The Slam Jam is a celebration of black authors and readers of romance. Every subgenre will be represented - contemporary, historical, suspense, paranormal, inspirational, etc. This year's event takes place April 30 to May 4, 2008, at the Wyndham O'Hare Hotel in Chicago.

For more information on the event - and to register, if you're interested - visit the Slam Jam Web site, http://www.romanceslamjam.org. More than 60 authors are attending, and there's a book signing May 3.

I'm especially looking forward to attending the Intimate Sessions with Bevarly Jenkins. I loved Sexy/Dangerous. Have you read it? The heroine is a bodyguard with attitude assigned to protect a world-famous scientist. I'm also looking forward to getting a copy of Kayla Perrin's How to Kill a Guy in 10 Days.

In addition to the author meet-and-greets, there are several business and craft workshops scheduled. I'm interested in Kayla Perrin's How to Plot Your Novel, Believable Characters by Marilyn Tyner, and Put Mystery and Suspense into Your Writing by Gloria Mallette. I'll be sure to share the tips I learn.

If you do attend the Slam Jam, I hope you'll stop by my Reader Session. It's 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., May 1.

Patricia

2008-03-18T05:26:00.000-07:00

Back From the Dead

Hello! Sorry I've been MIA for the past couple of weeks. I've been sick with that horrible flu that's been going around and I haven't had to the energy to do much of anything much less blog. And since I don't really have much to blog about at the moment, here are some links to some interesting stuff in the blog world.

Romantic suspense author Maureen Smith discusses the marketing of African-American Authors on the All The Buzz Blog.

NYT Bestselling author Tess Gerritsen has an very interesting discussion on her blog about race and publishing in reference to the lawsuit filed against Penguin by author Millenia Black. Lots of interesting comments in the comments section.

The RAWSISTAZS are giving away a book a day every single day in March in their Book-A-Day Giveaway!

Author Monica Jackson reported on her blog last week that author Michelle Monkou is running for president of RWA! Way to go Michelle and good luck!!!

That's it for now ; ).

Later!

Angela

2008-03-17T04:07:00.000-07:00

Desire

I finally saw the movie Glory Road. Have you seen it? It's based on the true story of Texas Western (now University of Texas at El Paso) and its 1966 men's basketball team, the first all-African American basketball starters to compete at the NCAA level.

There's a line in the movie I found particularly inspiring for authors at all stages of our career - aspiring, multi-published, bestselling. Now, keep in mind this movie is *based* on a true story. Chances are this dialogue didn't really happen.

In the scene, the star basketball player, Bobby Joe Hill (played by Derek Luke) tells his girlfriend, Tina Malichi (played by Tatyana Ali) that it was his dream to play at the NCAA level. Now, not only was he playing at that level, but his team was winning. They could make it all the way to the championship. However, people were trying to break their spirit and take that opportunity from them.

Bobby Joe told Tina he didn't want to want something so badly that someone else could take away.

Tina's response was someone could come along and take any thing away from you. But no one could take away your desire.

Wow. Isn't that the truth?

Our desire is to be published. Certainly along the way we've received rejections from publishers and agents. There are booksellers who won't stock our books; reviewers who won't review our stories. Or perhaps reviewers who give us crushing reviews. But despite these roadblocks and naysayers, we persevere. Because *no one* can take away our desire.

Write on!

Patricia

2008-03-10T04:29:00.000-07:00

Writers workshop

I attended a writers workshop this past weekend. Well, actually, the presentation and homework were posted on a blog because of the blizzard. Anyway, this workshop was the first of a three-part series. The title is The Core of the Story and Identifying the Central Conflict. The second one, which will be presented in April, is Plotting and Pacing. I can't remember the title of the third, which is scheduled for May.

The workshop presenter is Jennifer Crusie, a New York Times best-selling author who once taught creative writing at The Ohio State University. I've attended other Jennifer Crusie workshops and found them very helpful. One of the things I enjoy about them is the way they recharge my creative batteries.

During this particular presentation - or blog - Ms. Crusie posted questions such as what was your original story idea and what was it about that idea that hooked you into telling this story? What makes your protagonist and antagonists interesting people?

Take a moment and think about those questions as they pertain to your story. What did you especially like about your idea, your heroine and your villain?

Ms. Crusie led us back to recapture the excitement we felt when we first identified our story. The time before self-doubt set in. When the question was, "What kind of story do I want to tell today?" Instead of, "Do I have a whole story here?"

What was it about your story that initially hooked you? Why did you chose this particular idea above any of the other ideas tapping into your imagination? Remember that excitement and hold onto it with both hands.

Banish the doubting voices, including your own. Block the image of those reviewers, booksellers and even readers. It's just you, your heroine and the villain you love to hate because he - or she - makes the story so much more interesting.

Patricia

2008-03-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

All in the theme

Before I write a story, I have to identify its theme. What's the message I hope to convey with this book? I've found that focusing on the theme helps me keep the characters and the plot on course as opposed to bouncing all over the place.

As an example, the theme of my recent book, On Fire, is trust. The message I hope I conveyed in that story is the value of trust in every relationship. I tried to show that the heroine trusted the other protagonists. Conversely, the antagonists were people neither the hero nor the heroine could trust.

When constructing each scene and building those scenes upon each other, I stayed focussed on that theme. I was so focussed on that message that I had even relationships between minor characters deal with the issue of trust. I didn't even realize that until this very moment.

Have you identified the theme in your story? If so, I'd love to know what it is.

Patricia

2008-02-29T19:47:00.000-08:00

What I'm Grateful For ...

I wrote the first draft of Darkness and the Devil Behind Me as part of National Novel Writing Month -- 2004. It took me nearly four years to finish it. I started the next in the series last November, also as part of NaNoWriMo. Only I really don't intend to give myself four years to finish it. Actually, I'd hoped to have "finished" the second draft by now. I haven't, and so I'm frustrated. Me, yes, me. Patient Persia is frustrated. But you know what? I've decided to be grateful, grateful that I have a nice story to begin with, grateful that I've gotten so far with writing it, and grateful for the bursts of confidence that hit me every now and then and push me to dig deeper and write better than I thought I could. In other words, I'm going to stop beating myself up and give my inner writer a hug, and say, "You've done well. Keep it going."

Along those lines, I'm happy to mention that my story got a mention in Publisher's Weekly's review of The Blue Religion, the Mystery Writers of America short story collection I mentioned earlier. Here's the review:

The Blue Religion: New Stories About Cops, Criminals, and the Chase Edited by Michael Connelly. Little, Brown, $24.99 (384p) ISBN 978-0-316-01251-5

Mystery Writers of America presents a high-quality anthology of 19 original stories that explore a wide range of police experiences, from newcomer Polly Nelson's superb tale set in 1864 Kansas, “Burying Mr. Henry,” to editor Connelly's powerful and grim Harry Bosch investigation into a young disabled boy's death, “Father's Day.” The sordid mean streets, depicted in Persia Walker's “Such a Lucky, Pretty Girl,” are nicely balanced with the lighter touches of Jon Breen's “Serial Killer,” a darkly comic tale in which two police detectives recount one of their cases to a community college writing class. TV writer Paul Guyot contributes one of the volume's strongest selections, “What a Wonderful World,” about a cop's obsessive search for the killer of a hot dog vendor. This is one of those rare themed anthologies that can be enjoyed at one sitting. (Apr.)

Am I thrilled or am I thrilled? Yay!!!!

Till next week,

Persia

2008-02-25T03:53:00.000-08:00

So emotional

I've been stuck in a scene for two days. Has that ever happened to you? It's the weirdest thing. It felt as though I wasn't connecting with the characters so they wouldn't let me move forward. Very frustrating.

In the scene, the hero confronts the heroine about an issue that's very personal and important to him. At first I thought I'd have the hero appear slightly vulnerable. Halfway through the scene, it began to read like a Puffs facial tissue commercial. I appreciate a hero who's in touch with his feelings, but this was a bit too heavy-handed. It was making me sick.

When revising the scene, I decided to give the hero a temper. Three quarters through the scene, I realized the hero needed to be dialled back a notch or 12. If someone - man or woman - spoke to me like that, I'd smack them really hard and that would be the end of our story.

What to do? What to do?

Finally, I realized the reason I was writing in circles is that I was focussed on the very personal and important issue rather than having the hero react to the heroine. There are two characters in the scene. I needed the hero to react to the heroine in order to move the story forward.

That's my lesson learned.

Patricia

2008-02-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

Possibly One of the Greatest Characters Ever Ignored

As usual, upon waking this morning, I went down the hall and urged my son to wake up. It was time for school. Then I went back to my bedroom to throw on a sweater and while doing so, looked out the window.

I received a nice solid shock. It was snowing. Actually, it looked more like a blizzard outside. A thick layer of snow had covered the ground, the trees, the cars -- just about everything -- and more was coming down every second. Every plan I'd made for today shot through my mind. How would the weather affect it? In fact, the weather did cause me to alter some plans and delay others. I'm sure it did the same for tens of thousands of New Yorkers.

My point: the weather is an ever present and powerful force in our daily lives. Sometimes, it's quite benevolent and helpful; at other times, it makes difficult tasks even more difficult and complicates what could've been a simple matter. Most people don't dare walk out of the house without either looking out a window or checking for the weather report. Why then do so many writers simply ignore the weather when composing their stories?

Weather affects mood as well as movement. Some people have what I call the "Dandelion Syndrome." They slump when the sky is gray or the sun goes down, and perk up when the sun is high. They're melancholy when it rains, or short-tempered when it's very hot, or weepy with the full moon. (Not that dandelions are ever short-tempered!) They hate the cold and never go out when the days are short and dark. You get my drift.

Of course, you can have your serial killer schedule his merciless activities by the lunar cycle, but that's so obvious, I don't feel the urge to mention that here. What's more interesting -- to me, at least -- is when the writer shows how the weather affects individual characters and causes unexpected changes in the plot direction. Maybe you have a mother who works two jobs. It's harder to do so in the summer time because she can't afford air conditioning and it's so hot, she can't sleep, so she's extra exhausted during the day.

The weather also makes a wonderful tool to underscore and strengthen atmosphere (hot and lazy, hot and oppressive, cold and lonely, cold and refreshing, a coming thunderstorm to represent brewing anger, etc.).

Acknowledgment and use of weather is an easy way to strengthen a manuscript, to give it credibility and weight. It seems such a wasted opportunity to ignore it. The next time you sit down to work on your story, it's setting and characters, remember the weather. What time of year is it, what month and what kind of weather reigns? How does the weather affect your characters -- their moods and activities? Will the weather play a supportive role in your story, simply adding richness to the atmosphere, or will it at some point play a more active role?

For example, my latest book, Darkness and the Devil Behind Me, is set amid the cold of December. Everyone is running around with Christmas fever, everyone but Ruth Todd, the sister of a woman who vanished three years prior. Ruth's family is in agony over the never solved case of her sister's, disappearance. Now, it's December again and the anniversary of the loss, coupled with the family-oriented Christmas holidays, makes the loss even more poignant. Ruth asks society writer Lanie Price to remember Esther's case in her newspaper column. Lanie has to trudge through cold and snow as she seeks the truth about Esther's disappearance, and at the end, she has to engage in a terrifying battle on the ice in order to save her life. In writing this, I actually dug out old copies of the New York Times to check the weather for December 1923 and '26, the years in which Darkness and the Devil Behind Me plays out. It was fun and the results were worth it.

So please remember the weather when writing your tale. Be as aware of it as you are of dialog because the weather is always speaking to us, albeit subconsciously. See it as an active character and not just an inert part of a stagnant setting. See it for what it is, a living force that moves to its own rhythms, that impacts everything, whether large or small, in some way, some how. Add that extra dimension to your manuscript. You'll be glad you did.

Persia Walker

2008-02-21T07:39:00.000-08:00

Word-of-Mouth is Still King

In last week’s issue of Publisher’s Weekly, Felicia Pride reported on the results of the African-American Culture Study. It studied book buying habits in 2007. According to the survey, 33% buy 5 to 10 books a year and decide what to buy mainly through word-of-mouth.

In fact, 55% of those surveyed choose books through recommendations from family and friends. 34% got recommendations from bestseller lists, though only 18% through the Essence Bestsellers list, and 17% through book club recommendations. 20% got recommendations from African-American critics. But only 8% from reviews in African-American newspapers. Oprah’s influence also didn’t seem to be big factor as only 11% of those surveyed got recommendations from her book club.

One thing that shocked me was that although most of those surveyed claimed the last book they read was fiction, only 3% of those were street lit titles, making me wonder who is buying up all these street lit titles that are flying off the shelves, teens? I would have been interested to see the percentage of people who got recommendations from ads, commercials, book videos, and endorsements from other authors. I imagine those numbers must not have been significant enough to list.

In the end, I guess the lesson for authors is to write the best book you can, and if people love it, they’ll talk about it to everyone they know ; ).

Later,
Angela