When Not to Put it in Writing

Or should I say, when NOT to put it in writing....OK????

Watch this video. It's really funny. But it's a good reminder not to put angry feelings down on paper, real or virtual. Ever. Even if those emotions are justified. Even if you are correct. Probably especially if you are correct. They never go away. And do you really want your pissed off letter on some agent's web page? I didn't thinkkkkkkkkk so. :-)

Deep Into the Forest

Valentine’s Day Eve finds me in the woods, but not in a bad way. I’m about a third done with my new fantasy book. It’s been fun immersing myself in what I would classify as a traditional fantasy, albeit I’m writing in first person.

I’ve noticed a few things along the way. First, to use or not to use “medieval speak”, such as thee, thou, milady, forsooth, etcetera. I’ve decided not to. As my sister says, we don’t really know if people spoke that way, it’s hard to do well and consistently, and, even when you do accomplish it can be irritating for the reader.

Second, where are we, exactly? Old earth? OK, but that limits you to say, dragons. Most fantasy writers ask the reader to imagine an alternate earth somewhere out there or a parallel timeline. You know, where there are dragons. :-) I’ve decided to do that. Which opens up its own can of worms, such as, are there worms? And should they be in a can?

What I’ve chosen to do is try not to be too earth-like. So, while I may use the word apple, I don’t have my apples coming from a known orchard or dipped in Kraft caramel coating. My criteria? If it’s too distracting or jumps out at me when I re-read I choose another word.

Lastly, how does the magic work? I think this one is very important. Are people born with magic or must you learn it...or both? Does it bubble up from some sort of magical font? Ride in on a comet? There are some who believe fantasy is easier to write than Sci-fi because you don’t have to explain the science, but I disagree. Magical boundaries and criteria are just as important.

At least, they are in my book. Tally ho and all that rot.

A Nice Gift

I think the best sorts of gifts are surprises: a card in the mail for no reason at all, my husband bringing home a special kind of bath goo, a stranger telling me she loves my dress.

I received a totally unexpected gift yesterday from a literary agency. I never really expected to hear from them one way or another…lots of agencies don’t answer when they mean no, especially big famous agencies like this one. I certainly didn’t expect the kind note I received in response to a query.

No, I wasn’t offered representation, but I got something almost as good…a personal note from the agent’s assistant telling me not to give up, and that my book, although it didn’t fit the agent’s portfolio, would surely find representation somewhere.

She didn’t have to do that. She didn’t even have to answer at all. But that small paragraph made my day, and more than that, fortified my resolve.

Thanks, Jenna.

BARBECUING HAMLET

My niece Ruthie is in another play!!! It starts tomorrow...here's the scoop from the Buckcreek website:

BARBECUING HAMLET
a hilarious farce by Pat Cook

Wouldn't it be fun to direct Shakespeare's Hamlet? That's what Margo Daley thought until she is hired by the Peaceful Glen Memorial Players. She must turn the play into a melodrama, the sponsors' names must be added, and it must also be set in the Old West! Fast lines and even faster exits punctuate this farce as this troupe of misguided actors find out what it's like when they begin Barbecuing Hamlet.
February 4-5-6, 11-12-13, 2011