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Post by charlie on Apr 28, 2014 13:31:26 GMT -5
My wife and I have also talked about a mission. I still have to work for as least 9 and a half more years and my wife possibly longer. So the reality is in the future a ways.
While I see the good in critique groups, I do not like to be tied down to them. My writing style is that I write when inspired. I don't set time goals for finishing a story. I've made very little money from the stories I've written and that is okay. Financial reward is nice, but it has never been a driving force for me to write.
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Post by paulwest on Apr 28, 2014 17:44:56 GMT -5
I agree. My critique group (that I used to moderate) only required one chapter or even a half chapter if that's all you could do, up to 3 chapters or short stories. The main drawback I was finding was the time it consumed having to critique everyone else's work every month. That just got to be too time consuming and I couldn't find time to write. No, I'm kind of like you. I want to be able to write when I get the urge or muse, not be forced to do it. I have a daughter (I may have told you about her) who is writing a fantasy novel but she's doing it whenever she wants too. I think by now I know how to write and after I've gone over it for the umpteenth time I figure it's probably pretty good by then. Of course, a critique group can always find something to comment on, but is that necessary? I figure if my book ever gets accepted by an agent/editor they will find even more things that need changing. So, why bother with the critique group?
Well, hang in there. 9 1/2 years goes by pretty quickly and you'll be ready for your mission. Have you considered a home mission while you're waiting?
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Post by charlie on May 4, 2014 16:21:23 GMT -5
We've actually not talked about a home mission. It is something maybe we could look into. My wife and I work different hours and days so really the only day we have off together is Sunday.
I am mindful of the reader when I write, but I've always said my stories have to please me first. In other words, I try not to compromise those things most important to me. People have told me (some of them LDS) this isn't a good philosophy if I intend to make money.
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Post by paulwest on May 7, 2014 15:52:32 GMT -5
Good advice, but if you want to make money writing, you have to write for your audience as well.
My wife called me this morning and informed me that my jump drive got washed with the laundry. She found it in the dryer. I had all my writing on it, but I don't think I lost everything. I have most backed up, but that was some time ago. I also have some in my "Sent" basked in my email, and some more still posted with my old critique group. I'm estimating I'll have to rewrite about 5 or 6 chapters, but I'll know more when I get home to see what I do have backed up and what I don't.
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Post by paulwest on May 8, 2014 9:04:20 GMT -5
!!! YIPPIE !!!
Nothing is lost. When I got home yesterday after work I cranked up my 'puter and stuck my jump drive into the USB slot. It worked!!! I haven't lost anything,
Is there something about jump drives that protects them from drowning? I'm thanking Heavenly Father.
Then, shock of all shocks, I got a call last night from the Jordan River Temple. "What could they want?" I asked myself. I put the phone on speaker so my wife could hear. The brother who was calling told us that our Bishop had recommended us to serve in the Temple!!! He was calling to set up an interview with someone in the Temple Presidency next week. I'm scared to death. I'm totally bad when it comes to memorization. I just hope they don't put me in the Initiary.
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Post by charlie on May 12, 2014 17:55:51 GMT -5
That's great, Paul. I usually do an endowment a couple times a month. I go to the Idaho Falls Temple. About 60 miles from where I live.
You and your wife will be great workers. Remember the Lord doesn't call you to any calling without providing the skills to accomplish the task.
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Post by paulwest on May 13, 2014 13:13:54 GMT -5
I know. I just need to exercise more faith.
Going to the temple every two weeks, considering its 60 miles away, is very good. It would be great if everyone who had a recommend would go that often. That's great. I only live about 10 minutes away from the nearest temple here in the Salt Lake valley. The next nearest temple is about 15 minutes. I know, we're spoiled, LOL.
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Post by charlie on Jun 3, 2014 16:45:00 GMT -5
I just wrote 200 words in my new manuscript. It isn't much, but I feel it is an accomplishment since I haven't written anything for over a month. I've said before I have my own pace. Yes, sometimes very slow. Hope all is well for you, Paul. I've been hoping Mike would stop in and tell us about his Storymakers conference experience. Did you get to meet Brother Card, Mike? Was the conference a thumbs up?
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Post by paulwest on Jun 4, 2014 17:40:41 GMT -5
No, I haven't been able to go to any of the conferences. I did quit as moderator of my critique group and that has freed up more time to write.
Just FYI, tonight is our first night of training in the Temple. I'm kind of excited, yet scared to have to memorize all those ordinances word-for-word. Wish us luck. I don't do memorization well.
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Post by paulwest on Jun 11, 2014 17:49:08 GMT -5
Well, that publisher that I had so much hope for, finally gave me a rejection. It was a nice one, I have to admit, but I can't tell if it was a form rejection or a personal one. Here it is. What do you think:
Dear Mr. West,
Thank you for submitting your work, Bridge to Destiny. After careful consideration, we have decided not to publish your manuscript at this time. While your writing is very good, it was felt that the story did not have a strong enough hook to compete with other similarly themed books aimed at the same audience. Please be aware that we offer to publish less than six percent of the manuscripts we review, and although we did not offer to publish your manuscript, we encourage you in your endeavors to get it published. We do not feel like we could effectively represent your book in the marketplace right now and hope that you can find a publisher to better suit your needs.
Again, thank you for sending us your manuscript.
Sincerely,
The Editorial Board
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Post by charlie on Jun 16, 2014 14:42:56 GMT -5
Yes, I've received notices like yours. At least some try to sound positive and give you some encouragement to keep trying.
I keep adding a few words here and there to "Origin of Storms" (working title for new ms).
Good news. Got results from recent colonoscopy. No cancer.
Hope your temple prep is going well. Where are they starting you and your wife?
I have been looking at my family tree more closely now that we can get ancestry.com for free. That is nice.
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Post by paulwest on Jun 17, 2014 14:24:13 GMT -5
Hi Charlie,
Regarding that rejection, I think there was one bit of advice I need to take more seriously. She said "the story did not have a strong enough hook to compete with other similarly themed books." I've gotten similar comments from several agents in the past. So, I've decided to rework the opening and hope that will do the trick
Glad to hear no cancer. I had a colonoscopy a few months ago, but had some benign polyps. So, I need to go back in 5 years to re-check.
Our first day of temple training went well. Only trouble is we got to train for one day, then now we are in the middle of a two week break while the temple is closed for maintenance (and I think another new film). So, meanwhile, we're attending another temple where we can listen to those things we need to memorize. When we finally have everything memorized (ha ha) we will be doing everything from Initiatory, to Endowment. There's a lot more to it than what meets the eye. I doubt I'll have it all memorized any time soon. It seems most people I talk to take at much as 4 months to learn it all.
I too am excited about Ancestry.com being available on Family Search. I need to sign up somehow, if I ever find a free moment.
This Summer is turning out to be crazy. We will have to make two round trips to California to help my daughter and her family move from Rocklin, CA to Lompoc, CA, north of Santa Barbara. We're also helping my son move from Lehi to Virginia. His wife is starting MBA school at the University of Virginia. Then, my wife and I are planning an Alaska cruiz. I can't wait for that to let life settle down a bit.
Good luck writing "Origin of Storms." Let me know how it goes.
My wife enjoyed the book you sent. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to read it yet because my daughter challenged me to read all the Harry Potter books (all 7 of them, and they are thick books). But I'm almost finished with that and will finally have a chance to read your book.
Thanks again for sending it. I'm anxious to read it.
How is your Summer working out? I hope not as crazy as mine.
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Post by charlie on Jun 23, 2014 10:35:45 GMT -5
Sounds like you have a full summer ahead, Paul. I guess it's better to be active than idle.
Yes, most publisher/editors want that really strong "hook" early in your story. I, too, have received rejections that target that point.
We have a vacation planned for end of July to see my brothers and family in Seattle area, but that is all. Other things may pop up.
The I.F. temple is closed for cleaning/maint so I won't be going up for awhile.
It kind of surprises me that Gary, T. Lynn and Sachiko haven't visited for so long. I know people have things going on and lives get hectic, but I felt we'd had some great conversations. As well as developed friendships.
I am heading into see my grandson play T-ball so I'll talk to you later.
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Post by paulwest on Jun 23, 2014 13:03:09 GMT -5
Hi Charlie:
I wish I knew what publishers and agents want for a hook. My original hook began with an ominous buildup to a tragic accident where only the MC and his sister survive a horrible, fiery automobile accident on the Carquinez Bridge in California. I've built up sympathetic characters for the reader to feel sorry for, then described the accident in great detail. Evidently, that's not good enough.
So, I've revised it to having the MC mourning the loss of his family at the viewing. He cries over the caskets of his mom, dad, and baby sister, and his other kid sister is in the hospital in critical condition. The reader doesn't totally understand why how died, other than it was in a fiery accident on the bridge. At the end of the chapter he promises to get even with whoever caused the accident. Maybe that's what they are looking for??? I have no idea, but I'm going to try this approach and see what happens. It can't be any worse than the reactions I'm getting for the original so far.
I'm pitching it more as a literary, young adult rather than just plain young adult. Maybe that will catch more attention too, but I'm not sure it is literary. I've tried to ask writers to define the difference between literary and non-literary.
This coming Friday, my wife and I are going to resume our temple training, then it's off to California to get our daughter and her little ones and bring them back to Utah for a week (can't wait to see them all), then back to California after the 4th to take them home. I just hope I'll be able to stay awake as my wife can't drive my truck, and it's a long drive on little sleep after being in the temple from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. I will take a short nap before we go, however.
Yes, I wish all our old friends would come back. I miss all the good discussions we used to have. They helped me a lot. I have Michael Wright on Facebook, and I can't remember if I have you or not. I also think I have T. Lynn on Facebook, but don't hear from her much. I went to her blog, or web page, and it looks like she's doing well. She has her third novel out now. I've read her first two and need to get a copy of her third. So far, not having read #3, I think her first one was better than #2, but #2 was good too.
I'm almost done with Harry Potter, whew, and plan to read your novel next. If I ever get my novel published, I'll send you a copy.
Talk to you later, Paul
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Post by paulwest on Jun 25, 2014 8:35:39 GMT -5
P.S. I just found Sachiko. She says she misses us too and wants us to start a Facebook page with her. Go to www.facebook.com/r.sachikoburton to go to her Facebook page, and click on "messages" to talk to her and let her know whether you would like to join her and me in a Facebook page for all of us, maybe including T. Lynn and Michael Wright and maybe Gary McCalister too. I know T. Lynn and Michael are on Facebook. I've "Friended" them.
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