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Post by charlie on Jan 7, 2014 19:27:13 GMT -5
Well, it is now 2014. I am back from visiting family for the holidays. Earlier today I wrote approx. 800 new words on a story I started last year. It has sat for several months so it felt good to put down something to move it forward, if only a little. I will try now to continue writing and build up some momentum.
Hope everyone has a great year in 2014. T. Lynn, Sachiko and Gary stop by and say "hi" sometime. We'd love to hear how things are going for each of you. Paul, I hope this is a break out year for you.
Happy New Year.
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Post by paulwest on Jan 14, 2014 15:41:36 GMT -5
Hi Charlie. Sounds like you're back in the swing of writing. A great way to start a new year. I hope you keep up with your goals and dreams.
Thanks for your well-wishes. I hope I can break out too, but then I've wished for that for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOG time now.
I too hope to hear from T.Lynn, Sachiko, Gary and Mike, and maybe even a few new friends. My critique group has 4 members now. We just lost two. Three of us are LDS. Maybe I can talk one or two of them into joining us here???
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Post by rahmuss on Jan 20, 2014 11:51:46 GMT -5
New year, new beginning, I've got to de-clutter my life so I can get some writing done. At least I'm still writing down ideas for the stories I've started to outline. Now I just need some free time to write, though I doubt that will happen any time soon as work is very busy and I'm going to have to get another job (part time luckily) in addition to my full-time job so I can make the house payments for our new home we'll be moving into in April. Does life ever slow down?
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Post by charlie on Jan 20, 2014 22:55:35 GMT -5
Mike, it sounds like your life is filled with activity. Appreciate you stopping by. Hope all is going well for you and family.
I have managed about 500 more words on my new story. Still very early.
Paul, I hope you get your friends to join. I would like to visit with and learn from new people. It would be fresh at least.
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Post by paulwest on Jan 23, 2014 19:13:25 GMT -5
Great to hear from both of you. I'm looking forward to this new year as the year I break out. Wish me luck. I've decided to submit my novel to small publishers. Number 1 on my list is Cedar Fort. But their submission requirements are outrageous. They want a submissions for that covers everything from my bio, to the story description, a synopsis, a marketing plan as well as the manuscript. And they want the manuscript formatted their way. I've spent hours trying to put this all together. But I'm pulling it together. Wish me luck.
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Post by rahmuss on Jan 31, 2014 16:26:53 GMT -5
Looks like the forum has a new look to it. Interesting.
Wow, they want a marketing plan too? Sounds like a lot of work.
I'm going to LDSStoryMakers in April. First real conference I've been to. Hopefully I'll be able to make it worth it by brushing up on my short and long descriptions of my stories. I won't have anything to show for it; but if I can at least mention what they are it'll make me feel good.
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Post by paulwest on Feb 5, 2014 13:25:36 GMT -5
They not only want a marketing plan, but a reformat of my entire novel, writing an outline for every chapter, write a short synopsis, a jacket blurb, etc. Gads, what more can they ask? And for what? They'll probably reject me like all the agents have done.
Anyone have any interesting writing successes here?
By the way, the writers forum I follow most is called Authors by Design. If you're interested in conversing with fellow writers, go there and check it out. It's a fun place for writers and we do a lot of give and take on the art of writing.
Even if you don't decide to join, check it out anyway. When you do, you'll see posts by Carquinez. That's me.
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Post by charlie on Feb 10, 2014 19:49:01 GMT -5
I have considered the LDStorymakers conference before but the timing is usually not right or I can't afford it. I understand Orson Scott Card will be there this year. Would be okay to meet him and ask a few questions. Hope you have a good time, Mike.
Paul, I think most publishers now want authors to do most of the leg work when it comes to promoting books. They say they don't have the budget or words like that. I have heard Cedar Fort is a reputable company in the LDS market. I submitted to them several years ago but got turned down. I am considering submitting the manuscript I wrote about my GG grandfather to them. Good luck with your submission if you decide to go forward with whomever.
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Post by paulwest on Feb 11, 2014 17:21:22 GMT -5
Hi Charlie,
Just a quick question. Whenever you get around to responding is OK. But when you submitted to Cedar Fort, did they ask for all that stuff I mentioned above? It seems a bit much for just a query.
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Post by charlie on Feb 12, 2014 12:29:29 GMT -5
I do not recall them asking for all the stuff you mention, Paul, but like I said it was several years ago when I submitted. You're right, they do expect much more from authors and it does seem like a lot.
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Post by paulwest on Feb 12, 2014 12:40:27 GMT -5
Thanks Charlie. I think I have together most of what they're asking for. I have to go out of town and won't be back on-line until next Monday or Tuesday so I can't submit it until at least then. But then, I'll probably want to go over it again to make sure I have everything and proofread it one last time before sending it to them.
Wish me luck. After nearly 15 years of trying to attract an agent, I need it.
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Post by charlie on Feb 24, 2014 12:58:08 GMT -5
I am thinking about using CreateSpace or something like it to self publish a couple works I've completed and that have been sitting around for awhile. One is the story of my GG grandfather's life which is basically intended for a limited audience anyway. The other is an LDS romantic suspense I've already pitched but I still believe it is a good story. Still deciding. How are things going for the rest of you?
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Post by paulwest on Feb 24, 2014 19:07:53 GMT -5
I think your ideas of publishing are great. I wish you luck with the LDS romantic suspense. That's kind of my genre, though somewhat historical. I would also love to read your grandfather's story. From what you've said before, it sounds fascinating.
I just sent Bridge to Destiny to Cedar Fort via their new on-line submission form. Alissa Voss, fiction acquisitions editor, responded and said she got it. Here's to not holding my breath again. The automated response email said they typically take 2 to 6 weeks to respond.
Wish me luck. I'm running out of ideas to get published.
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Post by paulwest on Feb 24, 2014 19:09:56 GMT -5
By the way, I ran into Michael Wright in my writers forum Authors by Design. You might consider joining us too. There are lots of great discussion regarding writing and publishing there.
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Post by charlie on Mar 3, 2014 13:32:27 GMT -5
I tried a couple times to join the authors by design forum. I am being rejected for some reason. When I set up a username and password it says a confirmation email will be sent but I'm not receiving one. I guess we'll have to keep in touch here for now. Someone has to keep this little site going.
I decided to self publish Destination Zion through Createspace because of some time constraints (certain family I wanted to have a chance to read it aren't in the best health) and because it is intended for a targeted audience (although I won't be upset if more people buy it. The process was actually fairly easy to follow and the options I chose didn't cost me anything. There are pay services if a person chooses to have some help.
The book is currently available only on the Createspace e-store, but will be available at Amazon.com and the Kindle store within a week or so. Other extended options like B & N and bookstores, etc. will take longer. Approx. 6 to 8 weeks according to CreateSpace.
How are things going for you, Paul? Have you heard anything more from Cedar Fort?
Mike, hope you have a good time at the conference. Give us a critique when you have time.
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