Search found 38 matches

by SmurfHead
December 23rd, 2009, 10:11 pm
Forum: Books
Topic: Maureen Johnson giving free e-copies of "Suite Scarlett"
Replies: 0
Views: 2346

Maureen Johnson giving free e-copies of "Suite Scarlett"

Wowza. http://www.maureenjohnsonbooks.com/bulletins.html I couldn't believe this was legit, but MJ twittered about it, so it must be okay, right? I know I got my free Kindle copy of "Suite Scarlett" (which has been on my to-read list for longer than I'd like to admit) from Amazon.com witho...
by SmurfHead
December 23rd, 2009, 10:04 pm
Forum: Self-Publishing
Topic: What's your take on the B&N Nook?
Replies: 4
Views: 3646

Re: What's your take on the B&N Nook?

I found this on BusinessWeek.com: http://www.businessweek.com/magazine/content/09_51/b4160087988511.htm There's a link to a fuller review, but it's a nice, quick run-down of the two devices. Looks like they both have their respective flaws, though I have to give B&N props for letting users lend ...
by SmurfHead
December 23rd, 2009, 9:54 pm
Forum: Writing
Topic: Writer's Block
Replies: 34
Views: 14966

Re: Writer's Block

Most of the time when I feel like I have writer's block, it is because I am afraid that my writing won't be good enough. Sometimes when I'm really excited about a scene, I have trouble writing it because I expect that particular scene to be great...so then I stare at the screen terrified to write a...
by SmurfHead
December 23rd, 2009, 9:38 pm
Forum: Writing
Topic: Sharing plot ideas that you couldn't/wouldn't write yourself
Replies: 19
Views: 9320

Re: Sharing novel ideas (that you couldn't write yourself) ?

Fun thread! The conjoined twin idea sounds really cool, but yeah, not terribly easy to accomplish. I've always wanted to write an historical romance, but since I don't particularly enjoy research, that could be a small problem. :) Guess that novel about Cleopatra's sister is going to stay unwritten ...
by SmurfHead
December 23rd, 2009, 2:55 pm
Forum: Self-Publishing
Topic: What's your take on the B&N Nook?
Replies: 4
Views: 3646

Re: What's your take on the B&N Nook?

The Nook does look pretty slick, but I don't know that I could get past that LCD screen on the bottom. I assume it turns off while you're reading, which would probably help, but the screen seems so distracting. I'm a Kindle owner, though, so I'm sure I've got some preconceived notions. I think B&...
by SmurfHead
December 23rd, 2009, 2:45 pm
Forum: Writing
Topic: Re-imagining Shakespeare
Replies: 2
Views: 1708

Re: Re-imagining Shakespeare

Agreed. I'm a fan of retellings--fairy tale, Shakespearean, whatever--so I'm probably a little biased, but I think this sounds like a cool idea. Good luck!
by SmurfHead
December 23rd, 2009, 12:04 pm
Forum: Finding An Agent
Topic: Let's Play Pretend:
Replies: 2
Views: 2551

Re: Let's Play Pretend:

Hmm. I don't know, but it's a wonderful situation to be in! I'm not sure if finding an agent now is crucial (it's my impression that these contests have pretty definite terms when it comes to advances, contracts, etc.) but I'm sure that the win would certainly add something to that dreaded paragraph...
by SmurfHead
December 22nd, 2009, 4:36 pm
Forum: Writing
Topic: Writer's Block
Replies: 34
Views: 14966

Re: Writer's Block

I try not to call it writer's block. It sounds too much like a disease or something. I just say, "I'm having a hard writing day." That way, it seems much more temporary, because (at least to me) it implies that tomorrow stands a good chance of being better. Also, if I'm having a hard time ...
by SmurfHead
December 21st, 2009, 9:46 pm
Forum: Self-Publishing
Topic: 7-Figure Deal for YA author? - Link
Replies: 22
Views: 9694

Re: 7-Figure Deal for Debut YA author? - Link

I think Max and jnduncan bring up some good points. Obviously, I wouldn't refuse a 7 figure deal, but I wouldn't look forward to all the pressure that comes with being crowned the next big thing.

However, I'd certainly be happy to deal with that problem if it ever comes. :)
by SmurfHead
December 21st, 2009, 12:16 pm
Forum: Writing
Topic: I am vs. I'm and so on...
Replies: 10
Views: 4612

Re: I am vs. I'm and so on...

Not a stupid question at all! One isn't better than the other, but I suspect that since you're adding contractions when you speak, the contractions might be better than "he is" or "she is"--which, you know, is why writers read their WIPs aloud. Sounds like you've already got a go...
by SmurfHead
December 19th, 2009, 7:39 pm
Forum: Writing
Topic: Show Don't Tell
Replies: 11
Views: 5095

Re: Show Don't Tell

For me, it helps a lot to read through something and keep an eye out for characters or moments that feel bare or unexplained. Nine times out of ten, that means I'm TELLING and not SHOWING. For example, one aspect of my current WIP is the main character's disconnection from the "ordinary" p...
by SmurfHead
December 18th, 2009, 5:07 pm
Forum: Finding An Agent
Topic: Just call the agent on the phone is a bad idea.
Replies: 18
Views: 9054

Re: Just call the agent on the phone!

Cold-querying (sans phone call) hasn't worked for the OP, just the way it hasn't worked for a lot of us--yet. That doesn't mean that it can't work. According to one poll, that's how many authors connected with their agents: http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/Cold+Querying+Still+Works.aspx Bel...
by SmurfHead
December 18th, 2009, 10:50 am
Forum: Self-Publishing
Topic: 7-Figure Deal for YA author? - Link
Replies: 22
Views: 9694

Re: 7-Figure Deal for Debut YA author? - Link

Of course, I'd be pleased with a 2-figure deal, but I wouldn't turn my nose up at 7 :)
by SmurfHead
December 17th, 2009, 9:22 pm
Forum: Self-Publishing
Topic: 7-Figure Deal for YA author? - Link
Replies: 22
Views: 9694

7-Figure Deal for YA author? - Link

What the what?

http://www.agentsavant.com/as/index.cfm ... A%20Author

I'm kind of speechless. Not too surprised to see Jodi Reamer (Aprilynne Pike's and Stephenie Meyer's agent) on this, but still... wowza. Seven figures? I'm in awe.
by SmurfHead
December 17th, 2009, 6:30 pm
Forum: Writing
Topic: Finding an unforgettable (and hopefully unused) title...
Replies: 16
Views: 8722

Re: Finding an unforgettable (and hopefully unused) title...

I had a pretty difficult time finding a title. I've been working on my book since May and I didn't come up with a title until early November. What finally worked was writing out a list of terms that were specific to the book, and then trying to combine them into something I didn't want to throw out ...