Moving to a new blog

Hello all - since I'm updating my website, I've decided to move to a new blogger name.
Please visit me there and sign up to follow me.
Thanks!
Kris

Thanksgiving Thoughts

Thanksgiving will be bittersweet this year. It's the first Thanksgiving without my dad. Last year he passed away suddenly the day after Thanksgiving on November 27th. It's also the last holiday that we have to go through as being the "first without Dad". I'm glad for that because those "first" holidays - especially Christmas and his shared birthday with my youngest son- were very difficult.

Even though his death was such a shock, I was grateful to have spent the prior day with him and the rest of my family. It was like Thanksgiving was even more of a gift than usual. We laughed and talked, ate and drank. I sat across from him and worried about the triple by-pass he'd just undergone a week or so prior, and if he really felt as good as he said.

This year as we gather at my sister's house, I'm sure we'll all be thinking of that last Thanksgiving.The food will be similar or the same, the company almost the same. But we'll all miss my dad's snarky remarks, his booming laughter, and his huge bear hugs. I know, though, that he'll be with us in spirit.

Love you, Dad.

Lee Dewstow

1935-2009

New Picture Book to be Released

I've very excited to mention that in just a matter of days, this book will be shipped off to the printer. Chuck Gaidica, a TV and radio personality in metro-Detroit, came to the press I work for interested in several projects. The first that we are publishing is Tommy Starts Something Big: Giving Cuddles with Kindness. Chuck had an idea for the book, but no manuscript. I was able to help him create the text, as well as be his editor and project manager. We found a lovely illustrator, Mary Gregg Byrne, who was able to bring the characters to life in exactly the way Chuck wanted.

Here's the back cover blurb:

Have you ever been hurt or felt lonely and wanted a cuddle? That was Tommy, until he discovered what made him feel better. He also realizes that reaching out to others makes him feel special. Now Tommy wants to share that feeling with everyone. Will his cuddle alerts start something big?

The book will be available in December and can be purchased at www.cuddlealert.com, Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and of course the press I freelance for, www.nelsonpublishingandmarketing.com.

Book Awards - shameless SP for the press that employs me...

Today, we found out that ten of the books published in 2009/2010 for the press I work for received awards from USA Book News. I'm especially happy because seven of those books were ones that I had edited. I've put a * by those books.

The books are:

* Read to Me Daddy, My First Football Book 2010 USA Book News Finalist- Children’s Education

* Divorced Together for the Sake of the Children 2010 USA Book News Finalist- Parenting/Family: Divorce

* The One and Only Bernadette P. McMullen 2010 USA Book News Finalist- Children’s Fiction

* Bartholomew’s Gift 2010 USA Book News Finalist Children’s Picture Book-HC with Audio

* Hank the Tank Engine 2010 USA Book News Finalist- Children’s Non-Fiction Picture Book

Engineering the ABCs 2010 USA Book News Finalist- Children’s Non-Fiction Picture Book

* Dadsongs: Remembering a Loved One’s Melody 2010 USA Book News Finalist-Death& Dying

* Opening Doors, Opening Lives 2010 USA Book News Finalist Education PreK-12

Bursting with Joy 2010 USA Book News Finalist: Self Help/Relationship

Poetic Camera 2010 USA Book News Finalist- Photography: Nature

It is great news for the authors, as well as Nelson Publishing and Marketing. If you're interested in finding out more about these great books, please visit www.nelsonpublishingandmarketing.com.

Should a writer ever be "in-between" projects?

For those of us who have not been published in our genre, like myself, I always wonder as to whether one should keep working on a project that is out on submission (i.e. the next book in the series), or if one should start something new, OR (God forbid) take a break and not write at all.

Part of me wants to keep working on the current project. The characters are fresh in my mind, their problems seemingly to mount with each day that I'm not at the keyboard.

Another part of me would like to revisit a previous project and maybe improve it.

Still, maybe it's time to think of something new to write.

Or maybe it's time for a writing break?

The issue with the last one is that the break can last much longer that I ever intend. Days, weeks accumulate into months, and that becomes a whole new problem in and of itself.

What do you do when you've typed The End and shipped the manuscript off to your agent - do you keep writing the same series, start something new, or take a break?

New Editing Projects

I don't often brag about any of the editing projects that I work on for Nelson Publishing & Marketing. I'm not sure why because they really are wonderful titles. I think it's because I don't want to hurt an author's feelings by not blogging about their book. There are several new books, though, that I believe will truly make a difference in the world. 

They are:

The Juice Box Bully: Empowering Kids to Stand Up for Others by Bob Sornson and Maria Dismondy

Here's the back cover blurb:

Have you ever seen a bully in action and done nothing about it? The kids at Pete’s new school get involved, instead of being bystanders. When the juice box mess becomes more than just a dirty shirt, Pete’s classmates teach him about “The Promise”. Will Pete decide to shed his bullying habits and make “The Promise”?

Does This Make Me Beautiful? by Harriet Morse

Here's the back cover blurb:

Does a certain pair of jeans or type of shirt make a person beautiful? How about a shiny gold necklace? Harriet thinks that these are the things that can make her beautiful. And she’s sure that her red hair and freckles do not help. But will an old family mirror teach Harriet what true beauty really means?

Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness: Three Rules for a Happier Life by Carol McCloud

Here's the back cover blurb:

Do you know you have an invisible bucket which is filled with all of your good thoughts and feelings?  If you're new to the concept of bucket filling and bucket dipping, then this book is for you. With easy to read chapters, colorful illustrations, and daily questions to help readers become better bucketfillers, Growing Up with a Bucket Full of Happiness: Three Rules for a Happier Life gives readers the tools to live a life filled with happiness.

All three of these books will help readers in many aspects of their lives, and I'm pretty proud to have been involved. All of these books will be available within the next month, either at amazon.com, bn.com, your local bookstore, or nelsonpublishingandmarketing.com.

They are all worth your time.

Kris

Synopsis...the dread word....umm.....document.

How many of you write your synopsis before you write your story? How many afterward?

If I had a choice, I would write it afterward.

But the publishing industry often times wants a synopsis along with a partial when agents submit to editors. As a writer, I hate this. It's not because I don't like to write the synopsis--ahem.-- but because I generally do not have a clue as to where the story will take itself once I start writing. I usually know the beginning, part of the middle, and how it ends. But getting from a to b to c, at least for me, is not a straight line.

I did something different with this current manuscript; I created chapter titles and a one-to-two sentence of what happens in that chapter. I'm not sure if my agent submitted this partial synopsis to the editors. I do know that it helped me tremendously when I needed to get back to writing this story. I can see myself doing this for future stories--especially for ones that I write only a partial and then move on to the next story. I've laid the groundwork for what I was originally thinking, and I then only have to fill in the spaces (chapters) that are unfinished.

Now that the manuscript is done, though, I need to write the full synopsis. It's still not my favorite thing to do, but it sure will be a lot easier since the manuscript is finished.

Did I fudge by not having the synopsis done when I submitted the partial? Yeah, probably. But now that my hands are not throbbing, I can work on cranking out those lovely pages and sending those off to my rock star agent. At least this time when I attempt to write it, I know what happens!

The Amazing Flying Fingers

There's nothing more motivating to finish a manuscript than to have your agent call you and say, "So and so is interested in reading more. Have you finished?"

That's the gist of the phone call I received a little over a week ago - right before I was packing my family up for a long weekend in Chicago. I've never felt so ashamed--this manuscript should've been finished at least a month ago. Life got in the way - major drama - so it sat, waiting for me to return.

Luckily for me, my agent was understanding. She's one of the last people on this planet that I want to disappoint. I promised her that it would be done by the end of the month, and I am going to make way, way good on that promise --sorry, still channeling my twelve-year-old main character.

I wrote while driving to Chicago, until my neck hurt. I wrote while my family frolicked in the pool. Then I stopped writing. I enjoyed myself and all the sights we took in. I didn't write on the way home, but thought about my characters problems and how they were going to be solved.

After unpacking, I sat my butt in my chair and I let the words flow. And they've been flowing every since. I did have to do some work for the day job, but I've been able to spend a great deal of my time writing. I've written over ten thousand words in the last five days. Not too bad for someone who hadn't written seriously for over six weeks. Man, if I carved out the time each week, I could write 3 or 4 books in this series in a year. Wouldn't that be wonderful?

Okay, so it's back to my manuscript now. I hope you all get a similar call or THE CALL soon, if you haven't already. I'm certainly hoping that this manuscript is the one that gets me THE CALL. That would be too cool.


Peace,
Kris

Busy with life

I can't believe that it's been almost TWO months since I've written a blog post. Thank goodness this is not a reflection of my "real" writing - I've been busily working on a manuscript geared to 5th, 6th, and 7th grade boys. I'm having fun with the characters, and I'm hoping that this will turn into a series.

What have you been writing?

How do you stay motivated?

So you've started a new story. It's all fresh and new, and you can't stop thinking about it. Your characters are really coming to life, and you are really beginning to care for them. You're cruising right along and then BAM! You lose interest.

I really don't like it when this happens to me. I'm not exactly sure what sparks this sudden non-desire, but my hard drive is riddled with abandoned stories.

I've found that when it really counts and I have to finish the story, I'll find pictures of what I think the characters look like. I'll either cut them from magazines or find them online. Having a clear idea of who they are, and then having them staring at me is really motivating. Or, if I've based the characters loosely on someone I know, I'll either visit or find out someway (Facebook) how they are doing, thus piquing my interest again. These are odd little quirks - I know - but I'm pretty much a visual person, so having either the storyline, images, or even just the list of characters in my face, helps me focus.

Does this ever happen to you? What makes you move on? What keeps you from abandoning your wip - other than a concrete deadline?

Another new story, but only a partial

I'm off and writing a new partial for my agent. Even though I've written one other middle grade partial, my agent told me to start on a new story while she's shopping the one full MG and the partial MG manuscripts. I guess from now on, since I've written a full in each genre I write, I only need to write partials for her to submit. I'm not sure if all agents work this way, but mine does. And, I have to say that I really like it. I don't have to commit myself (or the time) into completing an entire story. I can write a partial and synopsis and then move on.

The only downside that I see to this arrangement is that perhaps my enthusiasm for the story may wane if I don't keep plugging along. I've got several women's fiction manuscripts that are partially completed because I lost interest. But those cases are different, I think (I hope) because I hadn't written a synopsis and they were written early in my writing career - meaning, I've learned a lot more since then and I'm sure if I went back to those, I'd see the problem I lost interest - no clear story problem.

Either way, I think it's pretty cool that I only have to commit to three-five chapters and write the dreaded synopsis.

How do you write? One full story at a time, or in partials?

Brenda Novak's Annual Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes Research

My agent wanted her clients to get the word out about this wonderful fundraiser -Brenda Novak's Annual Online Auction to Benefit Diabetes Research. Please visit Brenda's website for all the details:
 
http://brendanovak.auctionanything.com/Home.taf

A ton of items are being auctioned - books, art, tickets, gifts, critiques, meetings, meals, conference fees, etc..  In addition, numerous industry pros have donated critiques and manuscript evaluations to help the cause.

My agent donated a critique/evaluation of a partial (synopsis and first three chapters) and a follow up phone call w/in 1 week.

One lucky winner will get a manuscript evaluation (pubbed or unpubbed) from Hollywood actor/writer/
director Doug McKeon with a follow up phone call (or meeting in L.A.).

So head on over to Brenda's site and help raise money for a great cause while earning a chance at a bunch of cool prizes.

Finding Your Inner Voice

As an editor, I am very aware of my authors' voices. When doing a line or content edit, I try very hard not to change their words into my words. When I meet with authors, I tell them up-front, "I won't change your voice." Sometimes they look at me like I'm crazy. I'm used to that. But other times, more often, they thank me and we get on with our meeting.

Recently, I had a conversation with my agent. I was feeling unsure of the genre that I've decided to concentrate my time and effort into now. My instinct, before at least, was to write stories that dealt with adult women and their issues - something I know a lot about! But when she poised the question - or request - of writing in a new genre because the women's fiction market was flat, I decided to try middle grade. I didn't think it would be that hard; I've got two youngish boys in my house and a husband who is a big kid himself (sorry, honey, but you know it's the truth.) I wrote a full manuscript (book one in a series) and then a partial for a completely different series. I felt pretty good about the stories, or the potential for each story.

Since those two manuscripts, along with a women's fiction mss, are floating out in editorville, it's easy to doubt my new found MG voice. Is it authentic? Will readers gravitate toward it? Will they realize that an "old" lady wrote it and not some young, hippy chick?

I certainly believe that my women's fiction voice is not the same as my middle grade voice. In MG, my characters say "crap". In my women's fiction, my characters say "shit" or something much stronger since shit is not my favorite swear word. : )

I'm so much more aware of how my boys talk now. Whether it's talking to each other, to my husband or me, or to their friends, their lingo is becoming my MG voice. It's still my voice, but at a much younger age. And who wouldn't want to be younger these days?

Music also helps me find my voice, especially if it's for someone much younger. I listen to Linkin Park, Black Eyed Peas, Katy Perry, Lady Gaga, Pink, Train...just to name a few.

When my characters seem like real people, my voice comes so naturally. I've created these "people", so I get to live out their adventures. It's way cool.

In whatever genre, author voice is distinct to each writer. Do not try to write like someone else. When you do that, the writing is not authentic. I learned early on that copying (not plagiarizing), but copying someone else doesn't make me sound real.

Do you notice your voice? How do you feel when others (editors or critique partners) try to change your voice?

Oh, and that conversation with my agent, yeah, she told me I had a younger voice. I tend to agree.

When Characters Pop In My Head

So...I'm supposed to be working on finishing up the partial my agent submitted a few weeks ago. It's a story that I really like, with characters that I can see having fun and growing. It's the first of a series, so I feel like there are a lot of opportunities.

But I've got this nagging character from another story chirping in my ear. I'm pretty sure she's the same one that's hanging around in a women's fiction manuscript I started, but haven't finished. She's been bothering me big time lately. So much so that I sat down and wrote a page for her. She's quieted now for the moment, but I know she'll be back.

They always come back.

I know this sounds like I'm crazy. But if you're a writer, I'm sure this doesn't sound any different than what goes on in your head - at least I hope it doesn't sound any different! If it is, someone call the white-jacketed men so they can take me away!!

What do you do to calm those pesky characters who want to be heard now, who don't want to wait? Do you write a bit? Do you outline their story? Do you take notes and then get back to your current wip? Or do you ignore them all together?

I know this chick is not going to leave. I've been thinking about her story off and on, knowing that I needed to return to it at some point. I've put about 25k down in words for that story, and I don't want the time I spent on it to go to waste.

What do I tell her? I've given her a new beginning, and she's happy for now. But that won't last long. Sooner or later, I know I'll cave and get back to her, even though I've told my agent that I want to write MG now. Guess I can't help my women's fiction roots.

Writing Inspiration

As a creative person, inspiration for me comes in many muses. One day it could be the dark and foreboding clouds, the anticipation of them bursting into rain. Another day it could be the silly ramblings of my boys, as they play or even fight with each other.

There are seasons which are more inspirational for me, like Spring and Fall. I love to sit and write in front of our big picture window while the flowers bloom and the hummingbirds dance on the feeder or at the swaying bee balm. Fall brings the changing of the season in bright, bold colors, usually ending in a shower of leaves which end up in brown piles against the green carpet of grass.

People are sometimes my inspiration. More so than not, only pieces of people I know, and don't know, trigger something which usually becomes a character trait (or flaw) in my work. But sometimes, a person makes such a difference in my life that they truly become my muse.

What inspires you to write? What doesn't?

The Long and Endless Wait

Are you like me, on submission?

I'm past the excitement stage of being on submission. Don't get me wrong; deep down, I'm ecstatic that several editors have three of my manuscripts - well, two fulls and one partial. But it has been so long that they've been out there, that I'm losing steam.

Really, what I'm losing is confidence. Confidence in my writing ability, especially since two of the stories are a new genre for me. I know I shouldn't feel this way; just because I'm on submission does not guarantee a sale. I know this. I'm not stupid. But as my agent has said several times to me, as well as in other areas on the internet, it is hard to wait for "green" authors.

So, what do I do? Start a new story? Finish the partial that's out on submission? Yes to both, I imagine.

But I can't seem to find my writing mojo. Probably not a good thing to put out there in the public since I am on submission. So, if you're an editor who has any one of the three manuscripts, thank you for stopping by, but there's nothing here for you to read. Carry on with your day/night.

For you writers, who like me are in the endless waiting game, can you give me some help?

What do you do when you feel like you're losing your writing confidence? What helps?


I'd love to hear your comments.

Happy Holidays!

I've been so busy with work that I haven't had time to blog (or write, but don't tell my agent, 'kay?) I'm hoping with a less stressful week ahead (both with work and having the kids home), I'll be able to get back into the groove of writing.

I can tell it's been awhile because I'm actually itching to sit down and write. Something is definitely missing in my world, and I know it's writing.

Bad, bad, bad-I know-but I have to do the day job in order to help pay those darn bills.

One place that I have been hanging out a bit is http://inkwell.ning.com/ . It's a new site for writers - and not just for MG or YA writers, but Adult as well. Check it out when you get a chance. It's just starting up and there are a lot of great people and resources there.

Happy Holidays All!

Editing and 7th graders

Today I'm speaking to a 7th grade English class about editing. It's going to be more question-answer than a real presentation. One of my authors, Jennifer Charron Ward, is working on her second book. During this second round of editing, she's been talking with her daughter's English class about publication, and Jennifer asked if I'd be interested in speaking to the class.

How could I pass that up?

What are your presentations like? I've only given writing workshops, no "book" presentations.

I'll let you know how it goes.


Wish me luck!

Keep On Writing

Do you ever get an idea and it won't leave you alone when you're away from your writing implement (be it keyboard or pen/pencil)? That's a writer's joy because the words flow out almost seamlessly.


What about when you love your story idea, but the words won't flow? Does this happen to you? Would you consider it a semi-writer's block?


What if (oh no) you've fallen out of love with your story idea, but people (like your agent or an editor) are expecting you to finish it? Has that ever happened to you?

I've experienced two of the three above, and even sorta the last one - although it was with a manuscript that I'd already finished, but needing tweaking.

I've never thought of myself as fickle; but I guess it does happen. One day I love the idea I'm working on, then the next day, not so much.

My advice to myself is (especially if it's the last situation) - keep on writing. Isn't that what all the "pros" in the writing industry say to do? If we don't sit our tushies down and write, the story will never get finished.

If I find myself in either #2 or #3, I might create a new playlist, devise new characteristics for my characters, or change the setting. I try to let the words flow where ever they may go, and I don't allow my own "ideas" to get in the way.

What are your writing strategies when you're stuck?

Working and Writing from Home

Have I told you how hard it is to work and write from home?

So many of my friends are like, "Awesome! You work from home."

Yeah, not so much.

I'm a typical, Type-A workaholic. I have mellowed over the years, but still my initial inclination is to work, work, and then work some more. My employer loves that about me; my family not really. Working from home does have advantages:

1. I can set my own hours.
2. I can take a lunch with a friend at a moment's notice.
3. I'm available to my son's almost whenever they need me.
4. I don't have to worry about child-care if my sons are sick or off from school.
5. I can work as much or as little as I want on any given day.
6. I can work in my pjs or sweatpants if I want.

But there are also some disadvantages:

1. My email is always on and I feel compelled to answer work emails even if it's after hours.
2. There are no "after hours".
3. My work is constantly on my desk or in view, 24/7.
4. I can take a lunch with a friend at a moment's notice (sometimes it's hard to say no.)
5. I can work as much or as little as I want on any given day.

I'm sure there are more for each list, but these are the first and foremost in my mind today.

Don't get me wrong; I love, love, love my job and the flexibility that it brings. I love being my own boss (essentially), but I do have to learn to say no to myself when it comes to work. I do try hard to take Fridays off, but most of the time I do end up working at least a half day.

When I write, I have to have designated "writing" days, and I don't usually write at my desk. I'm easily distracted by email especially, so I write (most of the time) on my netbook sitting in our big window in the living room. I am inspired by nature and by having it a glance above my screen keeps my juices flowing.

Do you work from home and write? What are your strategies for keeping on task and meeting deadlines, either work or writing?