The Quote that Kissed Me First

Boats against the current

“So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.” This quote by F. Scott Fitzgerald is without a doubt my favorite literary quote ever.

Ever.

I know, with the same certainty that I know the sun will rise tomorrow, that no quote will ever top this one. Is this because there is no other combination of words better than this?

No.

Is it that no one can write anything more poetic?

No.

The reason I know this will always be my favorite literary quote is it’s the one that made me fall unabashedly in love with literature. In essence, this quote was my first kiss. You never forget your first kiss. There will be other intimate moments, other ones that are more passionate, less awkward, more fulfilling. But you never forget the kiss that starts an obsession. Since these words of Fitzgerald’s passed over my lips for the first time, I’ve been an addict, seeking out novel after novel – searching for that orgiastic moment.

So what quote started your love affair with literature?

Nov 9, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Quote that Kissed Me First

There is No Spoon

there-is-no-spoon

Telekinesis. Also known as Psychokinesis. It’s a paranormal ability that allows people to move and manipulate objects using their mind. In The Lucidite Series, the clever Trent has this ability. And if we could just hone this skill in ourselves then we wouldn’t have to get up to fetch the remote and we could play awful tricks on the general public. But is this a talent that can be taught? According to some, yes. Jack Houck, the founder of the PK Parties, claims that “85 percent of the attendees” to his events are successful with bending metal and plastic.

So let’s just say that you’re tired of throwing the same old holiday party. Well I’ve got a new idea for you. How about throwing a PK Party? What friend wouldn’t be intrigued with leaving your shindig with a broken spoon and a cool new party trick under their belt? So if the idea interests you then check out the format for the party and then hop off to the hardware store. And if you do throw one of these parties, please send me an invite.

Nov 2, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on There is No Spoon

How I Screwed Up My Chances with the Biggest Agent in the Business

haveyourzebra

I’m infinitely grateful I’ve chosen to be an indie author. The path that led me here was frustrating and downright disparaging at times. But I’m thoroughly glad at where I arrived. I like control. I like knowing things are being done to my specs. And as an indie I can do that. A traditionally published author, as I’ve heard from numerous sources, doesn’t have these freedoms. Usually the publisher dictates the content of the book, gives a couple of options for a final cover, and handles all of production. So I’m glad to here, but my past self DID NOT like the idea of indie publishing. That girl, she wanted the biggest and best agent representing The Lucidites Series. Let me take you back.

*Flash back music

September 2012

I’d just completed the first draft of the first book in the series, Awoken. And I knew as I was writing the book who I was going to send it to first: Jodi Reamer. She’s one the biggest literary agents out there and represents Stephanie Meyer, John Green and Ally Condie, just to name a few. She’s a big deal. And we had history together. She asked for and read one of my previous manuscripts (from a book that I had adapted from a blog). And she liked it…but didn’t love it. She eventually passed on the manuscript, but asked if I’d send her future work.

Yes, I will.

So I’m writing Awoken, daydreaming about how much Jodi is going to love it. The book was so solid in my mind I didn’t even proof it when it was done. Yep, that’s right. No proofing. The only thing I did when the book was done was send a query to the biggest agent in the business.

And I waited.

And waited.

And then she finally responded! Well her assistant did. And he said, “Jodi’s intrigued. Please send full manuscript.”

Well I screamed. Woke up my infant. Did the happy dance and hit “send.”

I had no idea how much work that book needed. I didn’t know what I didn’t know. I didn’t know that books need multiple rounds of revisions, beta readers, editors. That books need to be left alone and then picked up with a fresh editorial mind. But my reality check was in the mail, so to speak.

Did Jodi tell me to take a hike? Nope. Did she write back and pass on this book but invite me to send others. Nope. She did what most agents who come in contact with amateur writers do. She ignored me. Never responded. And that’s okay, because her silence finally sunk into my dense brain and I went and figured out what I didn’t know I didn’t know. And I learned it. I took my books on a revision retreat, where I woke them up every morning, made them run laps until they were as toned and strong as they could be. In the afternoon we meditated together, became connected. And in the evening I had them meet with bright minds who offered feedback on how my books could improve themselves (my beta readers).

Well I hope you enjoyed that analogy. The truth of it is that I was ignorant. Then I became educated. And then I whipped my books into shape. And when I was done with that journey I realized I’d come so far that I didn’t want Jodi or any other agent’s help. I had proven that I had the fortitude and awesome support system to do this myself. And so I became what I never expected: an indie author.

So let’s raise our glasses to failure. Let’s toast to all our screw ups, because without them we may not become a better version of ourselves.

Oct 28, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on How I Screwed Up My Chances with the Biggest Agent in the Business

Yes, I Lived a Double Life

Most people were pretty surprised recently when I came out of the writer’s closet.

“Why keep it a secret?” “What else are you hiding?” “Now I’m not sure who you are anymore.”

These are some of the comments I’ve gotten. Ninety-nine percent of the people in my life had no idea that I declined social invites and perfected a hermit lifestyle because I’m a writer. And so when I dropped the news with also the details that I’d finished a three book series during this stint, I surprised a lot of folks.

Here’s the first reason for my secrecy: First of all, saying you’re writing a book is like saying you’re going to New York to get a job on Broadway. Most people smile politely and then shake their head and say “good for you.” However, when you come out of the writer’s closet after the books are completed, people are impressed. You’re not aspiring to write anymore, you’ve written. Secondly, I love my friends and family, but writing is a very personal and intimate affair. Instinctively I knew I had to keep people out of my head. The first question people have when you say you’re writing is, “What’s it about?” And then people have suggestions or comments and then you’re no longer alone writing this book. Aunt Mary tells you to put a character in your book who resembles Grandpa Bob. Tell people after the books are done and they only have encouragement to offer (I’ve found), no input or advice on settings and plot line.

So that’s why I lived this secret life. Just suited me better. And while I’m at it, divulging secrets, I’ll tell you that I also had a fairly successful blog for a few years. It was under a pseudonym. Again me with the secrets. The reason this time is it was a memoir and I didn’t want to publicly air all the family secrets. But I’ve got a story or two from that blog that would fit perfect here (paranormal stuff), so be on the lookout.

 

Oct 15, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Yes, I Lived a Double Life

Breakfast

grits2

I really couldn’t resist. As a Southern, I find the best days are the ones I start off with a bowl of grits. These cheesy grits are truly delicious. Don’t ask for the recipe. It’s not that type of blog. And I’m only posting this to be ironic, something I do all too often.

 

Oct 15, 2014 | Posted by in Uncategorized | Comments Off on Breakfast