LIVING WELL
I got so wound up in my fiction, that I almost forget to post this!
Here's my schedule for my radio talk tour about my book, LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY: WHAT YOUR DOCTOR DOESN'T TELL YOU...THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW.
NOTE: ALL TIMES ARE Eastern Standard Time! (You'll have to add an hour for Minnesota time on the radio, and three hours for Colorado, and so forth.)
Monday, April 17th , 2006
WOCA-AM Ocala/Gainesville FL, The Larry Whitler show, 11:10-l1:35 am
Tuesday, April 18th, 2006
WBBM-FM, Chicago, IL - The Greg Murray show; taped to air a Saturday in May from 5-6 a.m. You'll have to call the station to find out when!
WLW-AM, Cincinnati, OH - The Morning Show with Jim Scott; taped, show airs weekdays 5-9 a.m. Eastern. You may have to call the station to find out the time and day.
WXCE-AM, Minneapolis, MN, The Morning News with Greg Marsten, live l0:20 a.m.-10-30 a.m. To be rescheduled
WJJG-AM, Chicago, IL, That Healthy Talk Show, Dr. Wayne Cichowicz, live, l0:30-11:00 a.m. (switched to Wednesday, April 19th, same time period.)
KUCR-FM, Riverside, CA National Public Radio, Education Today, Dan Angelo, Taped to air Tuesday at 6:30 pm Pacific
Tuesday, April 25th, 2006
WTBQ-AM, NY/NJ regional, Frank Truatt Show live at 7:15 a.m.-7:25 a.m.
WEAA-FAM, Baltimore#20 National Public Radio, Morning Journey with Sandi Mallory, live 7:42-7:50 a.m.
WAMV-AM, Roanoke, VA, morning news with Bob Langstaff, live 8:10 a.m. to 8:20 a.m.
CRN, nationally syndicated out of LA, simultaneous on the Internet, The morning Show with Mike Horn, live at 9:10 - 9:20 a.m., and they'll be giving away a copy of my book!
KTOE-AM, Mankato, MN, The Morning Show with Red Lewis and Don Rivet, live at 9:20 -9:40 a.m.
KCMN-AM, Colorado Springs , Tron Talk with Tron Simpson, Live 9:30-9:40 a.m. They'll be giving away a free copy of my book!
WICO-AM, Salisburgy/Ocean City, MD, Bill Reddish taped. Call the station for when my interview will air.
KUTR-AM, Salt Lake City, UT, Wakin Up with Rebecca and Kurt, live at 11:35-11:45 a.m.
Sunday, April 30th, 2006
WKRC in Cincinnati, live, 1:30 p.m.
Wednesday, May 3rd, 2006
WACK-AM, Rochester, NY, The Morning Show with Kevin Federico and Dennis Federico, live 8:15-8:30 a.m.
WNTN-AM, Boston, 1550 Today with Paul Roberts, Taped. Call studio for when my interview runs.
KWIX-AM, Columbia Mo, KWIXland This Morning with Stephanie Ross, taped. Call studio for when my interview runs.
KNND-AM, Eugene, OR, Paul Schwartzberg Show, 11:30 a.m. to noon, live
KPQ-AM, Seattle, WA The Two O'Clock Show with Ken Johannessen, live 5:05-5:25 p.m.
Tuesday, May 16th, 2006
WJCC-AM, Duluth, MN, Northland Notebook with Ted Elm, live, l1:00-11:20 a.m.
If you're in any of these areas, be sure to listen to me! If you're not but have family or friends who can listen, tell them. You can also go online to CRN program nationally syndicated out of LA! You can also get an autographed copy of my book by clicking on the link below my picture on the right side of this page.
Monday, April 17, 2006
Friday, April 14, 2006
LIVING WELL
INTEREST IN OUR YOUNG ADULT NOVEL
Two agents have now indicated an interest in the full manuscript for another of our young adult novels. This is
so great!
It would be so wonderful to have just one of our novels published, let alone two!
I get excited, and then I have to calm myself down so I
can go back to writing---which is what keeps me grounded and makes me happy.
Publication---that's something else.
Keep on reading and writing.
Stay Well,
Carolyn
Two agents have now indicated an interest in the full manuscript for another of our young adult novels. This is
so great!
It would be so wonderful to have just one of our novels published, let alone two!
I get excited, and then I have to calm myself down so I
can go back to writing---which is what keeps me grounded and makes me happy.
Publication---that's something else.
Keep on reading and writing.
Stay Well,
Carolyn
Tuesday, April 11, 2006
SEND COMPLETE MANUSCRIPT
Except for I love you, there may be no sweeter words than "Send Complete Manuscript!" That usually, but not always, means a publisher is very interested in our work.
Yes, there are still some publishers---and some good ones, too---who will talk directly to writers without going through an agent. My husband and I---who write young adult novels together---received those sweet words yesterday.
Even better, we didn't even have to print it out, address it, or pay to mail it. "E-mail it in Word," the message said. Can't get better than that.
With sweaty palms and shaking legs, I went through the manuscript one more time, just to make sure we hadn't missed any typos or written any really silly sentences. Then I punched it up and sent it into cyberspace, along with a couple of thousand angels and a prayer.
As sweet as those three words are, Sending a Contract, might be even sweeter! Stay tuned to see if it's a hit or a miss.
Keep on writing, reading, and living well!
Best,
Carolyn
Yes, there are still some publishers---and some good ones, too---who will talk directly to writers without going through an agent. My husband and I---who write young adult novels together---received those sweet words yesterday.
Even better, we didn't even have to print it out, address it, or pay to mail it. "E-mail it in Word," the message said. Can't get better than that.
With sweaty palms and shaking legs, I went through the manuscript one more time, just to make sure we hadn't missed any typos or written any really silly sentences. Then I punched it up and sent it into cyberspace, along with a couple of thousand angels and a prayer.
As sweet as those three words are, Sending a Contract, might be even sweeter! Stay tuned to see if it's a hit or a miss.
Keep on writing, reading, and living well!
Best,
Carolyn
Saturday, April 08, 2006
On the Road
SELLING BOOKS IN ST. PETERSBURG
We had a great---make that a tremendous!---day in St. Petersburg!
Librarians are such nice people and the group from the Church and Synagogue Library Association were especially terrific. Not only did they buy my books in record numbers, but they asked intelligent questions, made super suggestions, and agreed to send in even more orders once they got home!
What surprised me was the librarians were so interested in my mysteries set in St. Petersburg. Now why hadn't I guessed that? What may have sold them were the covers! The Don CeSar, world reknowned resort , that pink beauty, was painted by our daughter Noelle on one, and for the other, she'd painted a parrot, a match book cover from the Single Hearts Club, and a black straw hat---all clues in the mystery. Actually, I had considered bringing a box of my mysteries, but we'd left the house at 7:15 a.m., and I'd forgotten the books. Luckily, I'd made order sheets and quite a few librarians promised to send me orders through the mail.
I also got to see my writing teacher, Charlotte, who was honored by the group for her work as a founder of the Florida-Suncoast Chapter with a beautiful custom-designed monarch butterfly pin. I was so happy to be there and congratulate her and donate a book to her church library. At 80, she's still a live wire, teaching at Eckherd College, teaching writing students, and being librarian for her church library. I plan to follow in her energetic steps and continue writing at least until I'm 90!
Lunch was another adventure! We planned to meet a couple of friends. When we got there, we found the restaurant we love was closed and under renovation. We tried to call our friends, but they had already left home, so we waited for them. They had another restaurant in mind and it had a terrific Chinese buffet, which we gobbled up.
All-in-all, a great adventure!
Keep reading, writing, and adventuring!
Carolyn
We had a great---make that a tremendous!---day in St. Petersburg!
Librarians are such nice people and the group from the Church and Synagogue Library Association were especially terrific. Not only did they buy my books in record numbers, but they asked intelligent questions, made super suggestions, and agreed to send in even more orders once they got home!
What surprised me was the librarians were so interested in my mysteries set in St. Petersburg. Now why hadn't I guessed that? What may have sold them were the covers! The Don CeSar, world reknowned resort , that pink beauty, was painted by our daughter Noelle on one, and for the other, she'd painted a parrot, a match book cover from the Single Hearts Club, and a black straw hat---all clues in the mystery. Actually, I had considered bringing a box of my mysteries, but we'd left the house at 7:15 a.m., and I'd forgotten the books. Luckily, I'd made order sheets and quite a few librarians promised to send me orders through the mail.
I also got to see my writing teacher, Charlotte, who was honored by the group for her work as a founder of the Florida-Suncoast Chapter with a beautiful custom-designed monarch butterfly pin. I was so happy to be there and congratulate her and donate a book to her church library. At 80, she's still a live wire, teaching at Eckherd College, teaching writing students, and being librarian for her church library. I plan to follow in her energetic steps and continue writing at least until I'm 90!
Lunch was another adventure! We planned to meet a couple of friends. When we got there, we found the restaurant we love was closed and under renovation. We tried to call our friends, but they had already left home, so we waited for them. They had another restaurant in mind and it had a terrific Chinese buffet, which we gobbled up.
All-in-all, a great adventure!
Keep reading, writing, and adventuring!
Carolyn
Tuesday, April 04, 2006
LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY -- On the Road Again
Living Well
My husband and I (isn't he great!) will be taking our dog and pony show on the road on Thursday to St. Petersburg, thanks to my ex-writing teacher, Charlotte Andersen. It's great to know people in high places! I'll be presenting to the Florida-Suncoast Chapter of the Church and Synagogue Library Association and they have budgets to buy books! Unlike doing signings at bookstores, where people come in to buy other books, not mine (a real hard sell situation), or even libraries (where people often go there to take out books because they can't afford to buy them), this should be a wonderful place to sell books. Yes, yes, cross your fingers and toes!
Charlotte says LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY is perfect because it delves into the spiritual side of anxiety (as well as the mind/body), which few self-help books do.
She also suggests bringing CAST INTO THE FIRE, an historical novel I wrote about the history of women healers at the time of the Inquisition and Salem Witch Trials. Did you know that wise women...precursors to nurses...were persecuted as witches by the church and doctors? It's all in there.
If you want to read reviews of LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY, go to www.publishersweekly.com
click on book reviews", then click on "reviews" and type in "anxiety" when the next page comes up. The reviewer says "What makes this book stand out isn't the clinically accurate overview of anxiety's causes and effects or the contrast of medical and holistic treatments, but its person-centered, stragic action plans..."
LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY also presents nutritional, herbal, time management skills, how exercise affects anxiety and more...It even helps you create an Anxiety Success Plan.
I wrote the book because millions of people---in fact, all of us---suffer from anxiety to various degrees, and most of us never seek treatment. For millions who suffer from panic attacks, fear of flying, fear of insects, fear of, fear of social or work situations, fear of public speaking, test anxiety (or any other fear), or obsessive-compulsive behaviors, this could be their only aid.
To get an autographed copy of the book, go to http://home.earthlink.net/~cccwellness/id28.html
Stay Well,
Carolyn
My husband and I (isn't he great!) will be taking our dog and pony show on the road on Thursday to St. Petersburg, thanks to my ex-writing teacher, Charlotte Andersen. It's great to know people in high places! I'll be presenting to the Florida-Suncoast Chapter of the Church and Synagogue Library Association and they have budgets to buy books! Unlike doing signings at bookstores, where people come in to buy other books, not mine (a real hard sell situation), or even libraries (where people often go there to take out books because they can't afford to buy them), this should be a wonderful place to sell books. Yes, yes, cross your fingers and toes!
Charlotte says LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY is perfect because it delves into the spiritual side of anxiety (as well as the mind/body), which few self-help books do.
She also suggests bringing CAST INTO THE FIRE, an historical novel I wrote about the history of women healers at the time of the Inquisition and Salem Witch Trials. Did you know that wise women...precursors to nurses...were persecuted as witches by the church and doctors? It's all in there.
If you want to read reviews of LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY, go to www.publishersweekly.com
click on book reviews", then click on "reviews" and type in "anxiety" when the next page comes up. The reviewer says "What makes this book stand out isn't the clinically accurate overview of anxiety's causes and effects or the contrast of medical and holistic treatments, but its person-centered, stragic action plans..."
LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY also presents nutritional, herbal, time management skills, how exercise affects anxiety and more...It even helps you create an Anxiety Success Plan.
I wrote the book because millions of people---in fact, all of us---suffer from anxiety to various degrees, and most of us never seek treatment. For millions who suffer from panic attacks, fear of flying, fear of insects, fear of, fear of social or work situations, fear of public speaking, test anxiety (or any other fear), or obsessive-compulsive behaviors, this could be their only aid.
To get an autographed copy of the book, go to http://home.earthlink.net/~cccwellness/id28.html
Stay Well,
Carolyn
Saturday, April 01, 2006
Line Dancing
Living Well
Dancing is great exercise. My husband and I went line dancing this week and had great fun! My only regret is the country music---which used to be easy to dance to, is now full of changes in the pace of the song, and sounds more like hard rock to me with a touch of rap. Not my favorite things to dance to. Guess it's a sign of old age---or could it just be music preference? BTW, can rap be classified as music? I thought music had to have music in it. Oh, well---more old age creeping in. I prefer Michael Boulet, Harry Connick, Jr., and the Eagles---not for line dancing, but they're much easier on the ear and brain than the country music the teacher chose to play. I guess when I rule the world, it'll be Michael, Harry and the Eagles!
In the meantimes...Keep reading, writing, and dancing!
And stay well!!!
Carolyn
Dancing is great exercise. My husband and I went line dancing this week and had great fun! My only regret is the country music---which used to be easy to dance to, is now full of changes in the pace of the song, and sounds more like hard rock to me with a touch of rap. Not my favorite things to dance to. Guess it's a sign of old age---or could it just be music preference? BTW, can rap be classified as music? I thought music had to have music in it. Oh, well---more old age creeping in. I prefer Michael Boulet, Harry Connick, Jr., and the Eagles---not for line dancing, but they're much easier on the ear and brain than the country music the teacher chose to play. I guess when I rule the world, it'll be Michael, Harry and the Eagles!
In the meantimes...Keep reading, writing, and dancing!
And stay well!!!
Carolyn
Friday, March 31, 2006
LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY
Remember the old Donna Summers song, "On The Radio?" I love that song. My husband and I used to disco to that song. It has a permanent place in my heart.
The middle of this month, I'm going to be "On the Radio" myself. My book, LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY - WHAT YOUR DOCTOR DOESN'T TELL YOU...THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW comes out April 6th and I'll be talking on about 20 radio stations (Jan, My PR person at McCallister Communications tells me) soon after that. HarperCollins, my publisher is doing this nice little thing of paying for Jan to set up my radio dates. We hope it will help with the sales of the book. As soon as I get the schedule, I'll post it here, in case you're in listening distance!
The book focuses on a self-care approach to anxiety. Did you know anxiety is the number one mental health problem for women in the U.S. and number two for men (behind alcohol and drug abuse.) The problem is many of the 30 or so million who suffer from anxiety don't seek help. That's why I wrote, LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY, because many of my clients and students suffer from it too, and I wanted to help.
All of us suffer from varying degrees of anxiety---that uncomfortable feeling in unfamiliar situations. Some common anxiety situations are fear of taking tests or speaking in public, being humiliated or embarrassed, fear of animals (insects, flying, being in high or exposed places, meeting new people, taking an elevator or escalator, eating or drinking in public, using public rest rooms, that something bad will happen), trauma or a life-threatening experience, worry about dirt or germs, inability to throw away unneeded things, inability to control impulses or images, worrying excessively.
THREE SIGNS OF ANXIETY ARE:
* excessive worry
* panic attacks
* discomfort and irritability in social or work situations
SOME SELF-CARE TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY
* change eating and drinking habits
* learn relaxation and coping skills
* exercise away tension and stress
* change the way you think about situations
OTHER TOPICS COVERED IN LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY:
* self-diagnosing your anxiety
* the dangers of psychiatric drugs
* finding relationships, purpose and spiritual approaches that help
* finding a health care practitioner who's right for you
* designing your own Anxiety Success Plan
If you want an autographed copy of the book, click on http://home.earthlink.net/~cccwellness/id28.html
Stay Well,
Carolyn
The middle of this month, I'm going to be "On the Radio" myself. My book, LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY - WHAT YOUR DOCTOR DOESN'T TELL YOU...THAT YOU NEED TO KNOW comes out April 6th and I'll be talking on about 20 radio stations (Jan, My PR person at McCallister Communications tells me) soon after that. HarperCollins, my publisher is doing this nice little thing of paying for Jan to set up my radio dates. We hope it will help with the sales of the book. As soon as I get the schedule, I'll post it here, in case you're in listening distance!
The book focuses on a self-care approach to anxiety. Did you know anxiety is the number one mental health problem for women in the U.S. and number two for men (behind alcohol and drug abuse.) The problem is many of the 30 or so million who suffer from anxiety don't seek help. That's why I wrote, LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY, because many of my clients and students suffer from it too, and I wanted to help.
All of us suffer from varying degrees of anxiety---that uncomfortable feeling in unfamiliar situations. Some common anxiety situations are fear of taking tests or speaking in public, being humiliated or embarrassed, fear of animals (insects, flying, being in high or exposed places, meeting new people, taking an elevator or escalator, eating or drinking in public, using public rest rooms, that something bad will happen), trauma or a life-threatening experience, worry about dirt or germs, inability to throw away unneeded things, inability to control impulses or images, worrying excessively.
THREE SIGNS OF ANXIETY ARE:
* excessive worry
* panic attacks
* discomfort and irritability in social or work situations
SOME SELF-CARE TREATMENTS FOR ANXIETY
* change eating and drinking habits
* learn relaxation and coping skills
* exercise away tension and stress
* change the way you think about situations
OTHER TOPICS COVERED IN LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY:
* self-diagnosing your anxiety
* the dangers of psychiatric drugs
* finding relationships, purpose and spiritual approaches that help
* finding a health care practitioner who's right for you
* designing your own Anxiety Success Plan
If you want an autographed copy of the book, click on http://home.earthlink.net/~cccwellness/id28.html
Stay Well,
Carolyn
Monday, March 06, 2006
Second Printings
Living Well
Yes, LIVING WELL WITH MENOPAUSE is going into a second printing! Yahoo!
LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY comes out next month and it got a great review on
Publisher's Weekly. Check it out at www.publisherweekly.com at reviews and click on anxiety.
While I wait to hear if my agent sells foreign rights to either book at the London Book Fair, I'm back writing fiction with my husband. This time a Young Adult novel.
Hope you're reading and writing.
Best,
Carolyn
Yes, LIVING WELL WITH MENOPAUSE is going into a second printing! Yahoo!
LIVING WELL WITH ANXIETY comes out next month and it got a great review on
Publisher's Weekly. Check it out at www.publisherweekly.com at reviews and click on anxiety.
While I wait to hear if my agent sells foreign rights to either book at the London Book Fair, I'm back writing fiction with my husband. This time a Young Adult novel.
Hope you're reading and writing.
Best,
Carolyn
Sunday, January 29, 2006
Ups and Downs
Living Well
Yes, I'm happy about my mystery, although it was only a bite, not a contract, let alone a sale, but it was something.
Today, I got an e-mail from an editor telling me (about yet another of my manuscripts) she loved my dialogue and characters and the story made her laugh. BUT, chick lit is a VERY crowded market and ghosts are overdone and yada yada. Now what? I even suggested the dead dog go back to earth instead of the protag. Too far out, I was told. Actually, I knew that when I sent it. Frustration does funny things to one's brain.
Now what? I'm getting yet another critique partner to brainstorm with. Let's see, at my age, by the time I'm 95, I may just get a contract with an agent.
Oh, cheer up, will you!
Okay, I don't have cancer, and I have all four limbs, and I have full use of my faculties...sort of...yes, life has been good to me.
And I've been working in my gardens again, putting in tiny papaya plants I grew from seeds I took from a delicious red papaya I ate a couple of months ago. I've also got flowers, kale, spinach, bok choy and marigolds started. I even put down a new layer of pine needles and the gardens---front, back, and sides---look terrific.
So shut up and get back to writing!
Besides, writing and publishing are two different processes. I write because I love to and have to (even if I have to keep reminding myself of this!), not because I'll get rich or famous doing it.
Okay, enough complaining and analyzing--so back to writing. You, too. Or reading, as the case may be.
Carolyn
Yes, I'm happy about my mystery, although it was only a bite, not a contract, let alone a sale, but it was something.
Today, I got an e-mail from an editor telling me (about yet another of my manuscripts) she loved my dialogue and characters and the story made her laugh. BUT, chick lit is a VERY crowded market and ghosts are overdone and yada yada. Now what? I even suggested the dead dog go back to earth instead of the protag. Too far out, I was told. Actually, I knew that when I sent it. Frustration does funny things to one's brain.
Now what? I'm getting yet another critique partner to brainstorm with. Let's see, at my age, by the time I'm 95, I may just get a contract with an agent.
Oh, cheer up, will you!
Okay, I don't have cancer, and I have all four limbs, and I have full use of my faculties...sort of...yes, life has been good to me.
And I've been working in my gardens again, putting in tiny papaya plants I grew from seeds I took from a delicious red papaya I ate a couple of months ago. I've also got flowers, kale, spinach, bok choy and marigolds started. I even put down a new layer of pine needles and the gardens---front, back, and sides---look terrific.
So shut up and get back to writing!
Besides, writing and publishing are two different processes. I write because I love to and have to (even if I have to keep reminding myself of this!), not because I'll get rich or famous doing it.
Okay, enough complaining and analyzing--so back to writing. You, too. Or reading, as the case may be.
Carolyn
Sunday, January 22, 2006
Am I In Heaven or What?
Hurrah! I finally got an agent interested in a mystery I wrote a couple of years ago. You won't believe how many incarnations this story has gone through. First, it
was written from the viewpoint of a female P.I. When no one wanted it, I made her paraplegic. No dice. Then I changed her into an old nursing professor. Still no bites. Agents and readers kept saying it sounds old-fashioned. No wonder. That's exactly how I pictured my protagonist.
Then I "got it," and changed it to a historical (or is it an historical?) novel set in the 1930s.That fixed it. Sort of. The agent liked the premise and wanted me to tighten the writing and throw out all back story and descriptions and stick to narrative and dialogue and no inner musings. I did that and now she wants to see the whole manuscript. THE WHOLE MANUSCRIPT!
Things can't get sweeter than that.
Now I just have to go through the other 300 pages and tighten it up. That'll only hurt for a little while and then I'll send it off to postofficeville and wait. And pray!
Send me some angels, will you?
I may need them.
Keep reading and writing...
Carolyn
was written from the viewpoint of a female P.I. When no one wanted it, I made her paraplegic. No dice. Then I changed her into an old nursing professor. Still no bites. Agents and readers kept saying it sounds old-fashioned. No wonder. That's exactly how I pictured my protagonist.
Then I "got it," and changed it to a historical (or is it an historical?) novel set in the 1930s.That fixed it. Sort of. The agent liked the premise and wanted me to tighten the writing and throw out all back story and descriptions and stick to narrative and dialogue and no inner musings. I did that and now she wants to see the whole manuscript. THE WHOLE MANUSCRIPT!
Things can't get sweeter than that.
Now I just have to go through the other 300 pages and tighten it up. That'll only hurt for a little while and then I'll send it off to postofficeville and wait. And pray!
Send me some angels, will you?
I may need them.
Keep reading and writing...
Carolyn
Monday, January 16, 2006
Time Flies When You're Having Fun
I can't believe I haven't blogged in nearly a month! Time does pass. Do you think I've been on vacation in Hawaii, or lying in bed eating bon bons?
Nice images, but the truth is I've been chained to my computer, writing, writing, writing. Well, that's not exactly true. Mostly I've been revising. I got a couple of positive responses from agents and so I've been polishing, polishing, polishing those 10 pages or whatever they requested, and finally sending them in.
I keep telling my students that writing is mostly revision, but it still astounds me how true that is.
Keep reading and writing!
Carolyn
Nice images, but the truth is I've been chained to my computer, writing, writing, writing. Well, that's not exactly true. Mostly I've been revising. I got a couple of positive responses from agents and so I've been polishing, polishing, polishing those 10 pages or whatever they requested, and finally sending them in.
I keep telling my students that writing is mostly revision, but it still astounds me how true that is.
Keep reading and writing!
Carolyn
Monday, December 19, 2005
First Lines
Living Well
I always have trouble starting a book. Once I get rolling, the writing gets easier. Sometimes I have to write the first page 100 times to get a right, and even then, it doesn't always grab people.
But first lines are even more important than I thought. I learned this on the chicklit digest I get. You'd be surprised at how many digests I get. If I wanted to, I could spend my day reading digests and never write a word. But I digress...On this chicklit digest we even shared first lines and although I thought all of mine were great, not every else did. Wow! Visualize light bulbs going on. This little exercise helped me see what grabs people, and it's usually something short. Remember the Henny Youngman quote: Take my wife. Please!
Yes, that short. A first line can also be astounding, something about dogs wrestling or bedwetting, just as long as it grabs. In fact, one of the members shared that if you don't hook an agent or editor with your first line, you might as well wrap it up, because they do. Chong! That's the sound of your manuscript hitting the waste basket. Yes, Virginia, not only is there no Santa Claus, but your story has been rejected.
It doesn't matter that you've written an epic novel or a cute chick lit delight. First lines are important. So, if you're a writer, sharpen that pencil and make it short and sweet.
If you're a reader, check out some of the first lines from the books you love---they have to current, because this has only come to pass since we've become a fast food nation---and see whether the first lines that grab you are short. If they're not, maybe I'm all wrong about this. Check it out and let me know, but bare in mind that I hate to be wrong.
Keep on reading and writing.
Happy Holidays!
Carolyn
I always have trouble starting a book. Once I get rolling, the writing gets easier. Sometimes I have to write the first page 100 times to get a right, and even then, it doesn't always grab people.
But first lines are even more important than I thought. I learned this on the chicklit digest I get. You'd be surprised at how many digests I get. If I wanted to, I could spend my day reading digests and never write a word. But I digress...On this chicklit digest we even shared first lines and although I thought all of mine were great, not every else did. Wow! Visualize light bulbs going on. This little exercise helped me see what grabs people, and it's usually something short. Remember the Henny Youngman quote: Take my wife. Please!
Yes, that short. A first line can also be astounding, something about dogs wrestling or bedwetting, just as long as it grabs. In fact, one of the members shared that if you don't hook an agent or editor with your first line, you might as well wrap it up, because they do. Chong! That's the sound of your manuscript hitting the waste basket. Yes, Virginia, not only is there no Santa Claus, but your story has been rejected.
It doesn't matter that you've written an epic novel or a cute chick lit delight. First lines are important. So, if you're a writer, sharpen that pencil and make it short and sweet.
If you're a reader, check out some of the first lines from the books you love---they have to current, because this has only come to pass since we've become a fast food nation---and see whether the first lines that grab you are short. If they're not, maybe I'm all wrong about this. Check it out and let me know, but bare in mind that I hate to be wrong.
Keep on reading and writing.
Happy Holidays!
Carolyn
Wednesday, December 14, 2005
Hope
Everytime I send out a query, a couple of chapters, or a complete manuscript, hope rises. I think---this will be the one that sells. This will be the one this agent loves enough to want to fight for it with editors.
My husband and I write romantic comedies. We just sent out one to an agent who'd already read 10 pages and liked that enough to request the full manuscript.
Now comes the wait. While we work on new stuff, edit and revise old stories, and send out queries for our other books, we wait. And try not to remember we're waiting.
If we thought about it---which we don't, because we love what we're doing---we'd have to admit that this is a strange way to spend one's existence. Especially since I've had enough of my non-fiction books published to know selling a book is only the beginning of the work. Then comes editing, marketing, book signings, yada yada...
Been doing this since the 80s, so I guess hope does spring eternal.
Keep reading and writing!
Carolyn
My husband and I write romantic comedies. We just sent out one to an agent who'd already read 10 pages and liked that enough to request the full manuscript.
Now comes the wait. While we work on new stuff, edit and revise old stories, and send out queries for our other books, we wait. And try not to remember we're waiting.
If we thought about it---which we don't, because we love what we're doing---we'd have to admit that this is a strange way to spend one's existence. Especially since I've had enough of my non-fiction books published to know selling a book is only the beginning of the work. Then comes editing, marketing, book signings, yada yada...
Been doing this since the 80s, so I guess hope does spring eternal.
Keep reading and writing!
Carolyn
Wednesday, December 07, 2005
It's Finished
Where have I been?
Chained to my computer, that's where. Except for a brief foray into BAMLAND, where I did a book signing for LIVING WELL WITH MENOPAUSE, I've been writing my paranormal mystery.
Guess what?
It's done!
Well, the first draft anyway. Now I go through the arduous rewrite/revise process, get input from various critiquers I work with, and then I'll send out queries.
So far, everyone has been astoundingly helpful and encouraging. Everyone has been interested in the premise and the writing. Everyone said they would read on, after seeing a chapter or a partial chapter. That makes me feel terrific!
Hoping to be a little more regular in my posts now that my baby is birthed.
Keep on reading and writing,
Carolyn
Chained to my computer, that's where. Except for a brief foray into BAMLAND, where I did a book signing for LIVING WELL WITH MENOPAUSE, I've been writing my paranormal mystery.
Guess what?
It's done!
Well, the first draft anyway. Now I go through the arduous rewrite/revise process, get input from various critiquers I work with, and then I'll send out queries.
So far, everyone has been astoundingly helpful and encouraging. Everyone has been interested in the premise and the writing. Everyone said they would read on, after seeing a chapter or a partial chapter. That makes me feel terrific!
Hoping to be a little more regular in my posts now that my baby is birthed.
Keep on reading and writing,
Carolyn
Tuesday, November 08, 2005
Helpful Rejection
I got a helpful rejection today. I would rather have an acceptance, but at least the agent thanked me, told me I had some unusual elements she liked----but, she didn't feel the overall dramatic question for the book (the hook) wasn't strong enough to stand out from the crowd.
She informed me that chick lit's still selling, but it takes an unusual plot to stand out. Mine has two gay guys, a nurse practitioner, a sister-in-law with breast cancer, a sex-crazed doctor, a seven-year-old going on 30, and a friend who could pass for a sergeant in the military.
The agent was kind enough to tell me I had (a) a nice writing voice (b) just the right tone for chick lit and she'd be glad to get a pitch from me for future chick lit novels.
What's an unusual plot? I'm at a loss. I thought mine was unusual.
Any ideas?
Keep reading and writing,
Carolyn
She informed me that chick lit's still selling, but it takes an unusual plot to stand out. Mine has two gay guys, a nurse practitioner, a sister-in-law with breast cancer, a sex-crazed doctor, a seven-year-old going on 30, and a friend who could pass for a sergeant in the military.
The agent was kind enough to tell me I had (a) a nice writing voice (b) just the right tone for chick lit and she'd be glad to get a pitch from me for future chick lit novels.
What's an unusual plot? I'm at a loss. I thought mine was unusual.
Any ideas?
Keep reading and writing,
Carolyn
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Ups and Downs
Life certainly is filled with ups and downs. My nonfiction agent tells me a publisher is interested in two nonfiction titles my current publisher turned down. This made me think of developing a whole series on the topic. Amazing how just a little bit of encouragement (and the publisher hasn't even mentioned more than a passing interest) can spark ideas, hope, energy!
I was interviewed on my local radio station and by a local newspaper about LIVING WELL WITH MENOPAUSE. What fun that was. I love talking about my work, love helping people and giving them tips on healthy living. Some people came to my latest book signing because they heard me or saw the interview in the paper. Still, turnouts aren't as terrific as I'd envisioned---you know, thousands screaming my name, millions buying my book. I keep thinking of something I read that Tess Gerritsen said about signings. Having one person come and one person buy a book is the norm. What we authors won't do to sell a book.
Then there's the new Michael Moore movie, "Bowling for Columbine." I taped it because it was on later than I stay up. Glad (and sad) I did. See it if you can. I think he's my new hero. This guy confronts the really important issues in our country. This one is on the culture of fear. It's scary, frustrating, and made me cry to see some of the heartbreaking stories. Catch it if you can and let me know what you think.
Been working on a ghost story. It's such fun to be whimsical. It gives me a perspective on the world.
Another up---two agents have indicated an interest in my juvie fantasy. One asked for the whole manuscript online. I love that. Saves me time, effort, money and I don't have to print out the darn thing. The other wanted 20 pages. More on this later...
Stay well and keep writing and reading...
Carolyn
I was interviewed on my local radio station and by a local newspaper about LIVING WELL WITH MENOPAUSE. What fun that was. I love talking about my work, love helping people and giving them tips on healthy living. Some people came to my latest book signing because they heard me or saw the interview in the paper. Still, turnouts aren't as terrific as I'd envisioned---you know, thousands screaming my name, millions buying my book. I keep thinking of something I read that Tess Gerritsen said about signings. Having one person come and one person buy a book is the norm. What we authors won't do to sell a book.
Then there's the new Michael Moore movie, "Bowling for Columbine." I taped it because it was on later than I stay up. Glad (and sad) I did. See it if you can. I think he's my new hero. This guy confronts the really important issues in our country. This one is on the culture of fear. It's scary, frustrating, and made me cry to see some of the heartbreaking stories. Catch it if you can and let me know what you think.
Been working on a ghost story. It's such fun to be whimsical. It gives me a perspective on the world.
Another up---two agents have indicated an interest in my juvie fantasy. One asked for the whole manuscript online. I love that. Saves me time, effort, money and I don't have to print out the darn thing. The other wanted 20 pages. More on this later...
Stay well and keep writing and reading...
Carolyn
Monday, October 10, 2005
Ghosts
Living Well
Ideas are apoppin'. Sometimes I go for long periods of time without new ideas for a book. This week, two came to me, so I jotted them down.
Guess what? They've been calling to me, so I've been writing a little on each for the past few days. I know agents always caution to stick with one manuscript, but I have to go where my muse leads me.
I got that doing twenty things at once from my mother and to me, it seems a natural thing. I've always done a lot of things at once...not exactly at once. When I'm working on the one that's a ghost comes back to solve her own murder, I do put my total attention on that, and when I go to my old-love-returns story, I'm totally focused on that. By afternoon, I'm doing pr for my already published books, reading my email, doing book signings, etc.
It's how I've always worked and will continue. Otherwise, I get bored or stuck. This keeps me well-greased and interested in what I'm doing.
Hope you can say the same.
Keep reading and writing.
Best,
Carolyn
Ideas are apoppin'. Sometimes I go for long periods of time without new ideas for a book. This week, two came to me, so I jotted them down.
Guess what? They've been calling to me, so I've been writing a little on each for the past few days. I know agents always caution to stick with one manuscript, but I have to go where my muse leads me.
I got that doing twenty things at once from my mother and to me, it seems a natural thing. I've always done a lot of things at once...not exactly at once. When I'm working on the one that's a ghost comes back to solve her own murder, I do put my total attention on that, and when I go to my old-love-returns story, I'm totally focused on that. By afternoon, I'm doing pr for my already published books, reading my email, doing book signings, etc.
It's how I've always worked and will continue. Otherwise, I get bored or stuck. This keeps me well-greased and interested in what I'm doing.
Hope you can say the same.
Keep reading and writing.
Best,
Carolyn
Wednesday, September 28, 2005
Ah, the Media!
It's fun seeing my picture in the newspaper. Sometimes it even makes me feel better than seeing my book in print.
Francine Milford, community reporter for the Venice Herald-Tribune deserves kudos. She did a wonderful job interviewing me. She made me sound so good, I'd go and see ME and buy my book. And she took a great picture of me holding my book, LIVING WELL WITH MENOPAUSE. And you can even read the title of the book.
We met by the fountain outside the Jacaranda Library and she took pictures amid the Florida flora. Now, that's what I call low stress. Thanks, Francine. You are a credit to your profession.
I must admit, I've been interviewed under much more stressful conditions. Interviewers misspelled my name, made uninformed comments about my practice and books, and generally made me gasp and go into panic attacks when I saw what they'd written. But, not Francine. She presented the essential me.
Is this what this is all about---ME, ME, ME?
Maybe...
But...
after
*1 person shows up for a booktalk
*50 people show up for a booktalk and no one buys a book
*agents who ask to see my work and then never get back to me or even answer my e-mails after I've sent it
*not receiving the proper royalties and being told I'll get them, then never getting them
*and more---
having someone interview me and take my picture, and treat me like someone who might have something valuable to say... is truly wonderful!
If you want to read the interview and see ME and MY BOOK, go to www.heraldtribune.com/venice for September 28, 2005, Venice Community Central, p. 4B. (You can also click on the Herald Tribune Interview link to the right and be zoomed right there!)
Keep reading and writing----it all does even out!
Best,
Carolyn
Francine Milford, community reporter for the Venice Herald-Tribune deserves kudos. She did a wonderful job interviewing me. She made me sound so good, I'd go and see ME and buy my book. And she took a great picture of me holding my book, LIVING WELL WITH MENOPAUSE. And you can even read the title of the book.
We met by the fountain outside the Jacaranda Library and she took pictures amid the Florida flora. Now, that's what I call low stress. Thanks, Francine. You are a credit to your profession.
I must admit, I've been interviewed under much more stressful conditions. Interviewers misspelled my name, made uninformed comments about my practice and books, and generally made me gasp and go into panic attacks when I saw what they'd written. But, not Francine. She presented the essential me.
Is this what this is all about---ME, ME, ME?
Maybe...
But...
after
*1 person shows up for a booktalk
*50 people show up for a booktalk and no one buys a book
*agents who ask to see my work and then never get back to me or even answer my e-mails after I've sent it
*not receiving the proper royalties and being told I'll get them, then never getting them
*and more---
having someone interview me and take my picture, and treat me like someone who might have something valuable to say... is truly wonderful!
If you want to read the interview and see ME and MY BOOK, go to www.heraldtribune.com/venice for September 28, 2005, Venice Community Central, p. 4B. (You can also click on the Herald Tribune Interview link to the right and be zoomed right there!)
Keep reading and writing----it all does even out!
Best,
Carolyn
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Communicate This!
Living Well
It's amazing how one little communication, be it e-mail or phone can make, and sometimes break, my day.
Am I normal, and is this your experience, too? (Please say yes so I don't have to
commit myself to my local psychiatric facility!)
Two days ago, I got a call back from BAM corporate after I'd called my local bookstore and asked to come in and autograph my books. The cashier couldn't tell me, and the manager asked me to call corporate, which I did. I left a long and involved message on someone's answering machine about my book, me, and the history of the world as I know it.
I thought that was that. Then, wonder of wonders, I got a call back from a wonderful female BAM employee who schedules events at BAM stores. She apologized for not leaving a message on my machine a few days earlier. I was just glad she called back. I learned that she could set up events at the bigger BAM stores by partnering with community organizations---what a great idea! She also told me when and where to do book signings that might even result in the sale of some books.
I hung up feeling as if I'd made a friend, and better yet, made a connection with a PR genius.
Then yesterday, my agent e-mailed that yet another editor had turned down another of my books, and that he may not be able to sell it. The air went out of my balloon in about a millisecond.
Last night, unable to get myself to write a word, I sent out a gizillion queries via e-mail, my favorite communication tool. Immediately I got back three replies informing me, "this is not for me." Okay, at least you're up and working, I thought, but I was still depressed from my agent's comment.
Then came an e-mail just before I turned off my computer companion that sent me into an even deeper depression. She wrote that the beginning just did not pull her in as much as she had hoped, so bye bye.
This after I had just revised the beginning to make it a snappier, more in the middle of the action start. Oh well...
Today, I got a chatty e-mail about my query and how "this sounds like great fun" and other such encouraging comments. Now I'm back on top of the world again. Of course, there is that soft nagging voice in the back of my head...she may change her mind after she reads pages.
I guess I've mastered the art of query letters, but it could be the novel itself that needs work. Back to the drawing, or should I say writing, board.
Before I go, should you yearn for the sound of my voice, you can download my voice video by going to http://home.earthlink.net/~cccwellness. Ah, the wonder of electronics. (Let me know if you find any snafus upon reaching that web site.)
Keep reading and writing...
Carolyn
It's amazing how one little communication, be it e-mail or phone can make, and sometimes break, my day.
Am I normal, and is this your experience, too? (Please say yes so I don't have to
commit myself to my local psychiatric facility!)
Two days ago, I got a call back from BAM corporate after I'd called my local bookstore and asked to come in and autograph my books. The cashier couldn't tell me, and the manager asked me to call corporate, which I did. I left a long and involved message on someone's answering machine about my book, me, and the history of the world as I know it.
I thought that was that. Then, wonder of wonders, I got a call back from a wonderful female BAM employee who schedules events at BAM stores. She apologized for not leaving a message on my machine a few days earlier. I was just glad she called back. I learned that she could set up events at the bigger BAM stores by partnering with community organizations---what a great idea! She also told me when and where to do book signings that might even result in the sale of some books.
I hung up feeling as if I'd made a friend, and better yet, made a connection with a PR genius.
Then yesterday, my agent e-mailed that yet another editor had turned down another of my books, and that he may not be able to sell it. The air went out of my balloon in about a millisecond.
Last night, unable to get myself to write a word, I sent out a gizillion queries via e-mail, my favorite communication tool. Immediately I got back three replies informing me, "this is not for me." Okay, at least you're up and working, I thought, but I was still depressed from my agent's comment.
Then came an e-mail just before I turned off my computer companion that sent me into an even deeper depression. She wrote that the beginning just did not pull her in as much as she had hoped, so bye bye.
This after I had just revised the beginning to make it a snappier, more in the middle of the action start. Oh well...
Today, I got a chatty e-mail about my query and how "this sounds like great fun" and other such encouraging comments. Now I'm back on top of the world again. Of course, there is that soft nagging voice in the back of my head...she may change her mind after she reads pages.
I guess I've mastered the art of query letters, but it could be the novel itself that needs work. Back to the drawing, or should I say writing, board.
Before I go, should you yearn for the sound of my voice, you can download my voice video by going to http://home.earthlink.net/~cccwellness. Ah, the wonder of electronics. (Let me know if you find any snafus upon reaching that web site.)
Keep reading and writing...
Carolyn
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Miss Snark To the Rescue
Living Well
I love Miss Snark. She is quick, quick-witted and snappy!
I queried her about a querying process that has me bamboozled. According to one of my writing listservs, some agents are requesting marketing plans at the time you query them about a book.
That sounded premature, but I'm not an expert on these things. That's why I went to my hero, Miss Snark. I was so happy to find that she agrees, and says you do that after you sign on the dotted line with an agent, and you do it together because (this isn't a direct quote) "I know a helluva lot more about marketing than my clients do and together we'll work out how to position the book."
Here I was thinking I had to go back and get an MBA to submit my ideas. Miss Snark made me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Thank you, Miss Snark!
Keep on reading and writing,
Carolyn
I love Miss Snark. She is quick, quick-witted and snappy!
I queried her about a querying process that has me bamboozled. According to one of my writing listservs, some agents are requesting marketing plans at the time you query them about a book.
That sounded premature, but I'm not an expert on these things. That's why I went to my hero, Miss Snark. I was so happy to find that she agrees, and says you do that after you sign on the dotted line with an agent, and you do it together because (this isn't a direct quote) "I know a helluva lot more about marketing than my clients do and together we'll work out how to position the book."
Here I was thinking I had to go back and get an MBA to submit my ideas. Miss Snark made me feel all warm and fuzzy.
Thank you, Miss Snark!
Keep on reading and writing,
Carolyn
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