Search found 22 matches

by matildamcc
March 1st, 2010, 10:53 am
Forum: Writing
Topic: Are dialogue tags really that bad?
Replies: 44
Views: 17028

Re: Are dialogue tags really that bad?

I think dialogue tags ARE really bad--if possible don't use them. You should probably write "Stand up." Then include a "beat"--something about what the character is doing. "Stand up," he ordered sounds redundant. If you want to be convinced about this, read SELF-EDITING...
by matildamcc
February 27th, 2010, 11:40 am
Forum: Finding An Agent
Topic: Rejection Stats
Replies: 227
Views: 148996

Re: Rejection Stats

SONG OF A CROCUS MOON Sent about 70-80 queries @20 requests for partials @5-10 request for fulls (only a few of these, however, were after reading the partial first) Maybe about 10 agents I didn't hear from at all. @5 agents I didn't hear from after sending partials or fulls. Rest were form rejectio...
by matildamcc
February 22nd, 2010, 3:49 pm
Forum: Writing
Topic: Ten Rules for Writing
Replies: 5
Views: 2752

Re: Ten Rules for Writing

I loved reading these writers' rules! Here's one:

Helen Simpson

The nearest I have to a rule is a Post-it on the wall in front of my desk saying "Faire et se taire" (Flaubert), which I translate for myself as "Shut up and get on with it."

Thanks for posting the link.
by matildamcc
February 21st, 2010, 5:42 pm
Forum: Procrastination
Topic: Staddicts
Replies: 18
Views: 21121

Re: Staddicts

OMG--finally a name for my affliction!! I have all these cool notebooks lying around--and I keep buying more...problem is I have notes in all of them and now I'm confused. I love post-its in strange shapes and bright colors. I love buying those little planners that I'm too disorganized to bring with...
by matildamcc
February 18th, 2010, 11:04 pm
Forum: Books
Topic: TWILIGHT - thoughts?
Replies: 107
Views: 46875

Re: TWILIGHT - thoughts?

I'm not a great TWILIGHT fan--I really only liked the first book. I think TWILIGHT succeeds because it has an original story, a great setting, a unique hook, and lots of tension (will they or won't they?)...if you read the book carefully the author doesn't do a lot of cliched things....for example, ...
by matildamcc
February 17th, 2010, 9:32 am
Forum: Procrastination
Topic: 'Fess Up
Replies: 14
Views: 6281

Re: 'Fess Up

I think I wrote about 1000 words this past week....but between pet sitting a parrot and a truly gigantic cat (2 different houses), a full-time job, memorizing Hebrew for a concert I'm in on Saturday, and working on my frog blog, I didn't have much time to write....yikes, I need to prioritize and ste...
by matildamcc
February 12th, 2010, 1:00 pm
Forum: Books
Topic: Recommendations: How to Books on Fiction Writing
Replies: 24
Views: 11936

Re: Recommendations: How to Books on Fiction Writing

I agree with many of the titles already mentioned--esp SELF-EDITING FOR FICTION WRITERS and THE FIRST FIVE PAGES. Here are some others I've found helpful: THANKS BUT THIS ISN'T FOR US: A (SORT OF) COMPASSIONATE GUIDE TO WHY YOUR MANUSCRIPT WAS REJECTED by Jessica Paige Morrell MANUSCRIPT MAKEOVER by...
by matildamcc
February 10th, 2010, 2:26 pm
Forum: Self-Publishing
Topic: Do you have a rejection contingency plan?
Replies: 38
Views: 20170

Re: Do you have a rejection contingency plan?

My rejection contingency plan is usually to start a new novel. Once I start writing the new novel, I'm surprised how much better it is than the one I just put in the drawer. If I feel in my gut I've really given the ms a fighting chance (queried 70-100 agents, had beta readers critique it etc etc) a...
by matildamcc
January 28th, 2010, 5:46 pm
Forum: Procrastination
Topic: What writing disorder do you suffer from?
Replies: 49
Views: 21795

Re: What writing disorder do you suffer from?

Anorexia. My novels are too too skinny.
by matildamcc
January 21st, 2010, 9:59 am
Forum: Books
Topic: Men and Fiction
Replies: 36
Views: 18596

Re: Men and Fiction

I wonder if it's partly a generational thing. Despite growing up in a bookish house, my sons grew up playing video games not reading fiction. My husband and I sometimes wonder if they are able to follow a narrative the same way we are (they get bored easily by a lot of movies). They do have friends ...
by matildamcc
January 15th, 2010, 9:21 pm
Forum: Writing
Topic: Breaking Silence
Replies: 2
Views: 1823

Re: Breaking Silence

Nice post. I love Tillie Olsen, too. I remember a story she wrote called "I Stand Here Ironing," maybe it was in SILENCES?
by matildamcc
January 15th, 2010, 1:31 pm
Forum: Books
Topic: Creeping to the future with my Kindle
Replies: 5
Views: 3698

Re: Creeping to the future with my Kindle

I have a new e-reader (I didn't buy it) and I hate how COLD it is...in fact, that's one of the things that keeps me from using it much. (Mine is made of metal, not plastic). I kept wondering if someone had made little things to go over e-readers to make them a bit cozier...so maybe you should sell t...
by matildamcc
January 15th, 2010, 11:16 am
Forum: Procrastination
Topic: The toilet wins every time
Replies: 4
Views: 2568

Re: The toilet wins every time

You know, I think your friend is right--which is why I never go camping with my family--I need nice motels with good indoor plumbing.....#1 requirement in life.
by matildamcc
January 15th, 2010, 11:11 am
Forum: Books
Topic: Passion?
Replies: 4
Views: 3021

Re: Passion?

I have two copies of that orange beast...it's essential...though I wish it was easier to use.
by matildamcc
January 15th, 2010, 11:08 am
Forum: Writing
Topic: Lessons From The Three Little Pigs
Replies: 2
Views: 1467

Re: Lessons From The Three Little Pigs

I like Jon Scieszka's THE TRUE STORY OF THE THREE LITTLE PIGS (told from the wolf's perspective)....