CONGRATULATIONS to the following randomly selected winners of our Tor Teen book giveaway!
Thanks to EVERYONE for entering, and thank you also to those of you who asked Elayne Becker such thoughtful, interesting questions. All in all, it was a great day!
THE WINNERS:
Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre (ARC) — Krista Van Dolzer
When I Cast Your Shadow by Sarah Porter —Buba Petreska
Roar by Cora Carmack—Jamie Soranno
Dare You to Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch (ARC)—Cristin Bruggeman
Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway (ARC)—Tiffany Meuret
Blood and Sand by C.V.Wyk—Heather Bell Adams
The Echo Room by Parker Peevyhouse (ARC)—Sherry Smith
Metaltown by Kristen Simmons—Sandy
Windwitch by Susan Dennard—Jen Schafer
The Dark Intercept by Julia Keller—Jessica Michelle Shrock
To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough—Maggie Boehme
GRAND PRIZE: A box of NINE of the above books/ARCs!—Carolyn Chambers Clark
(WINNERS: You will receive an email from me [Jillian Boehme] shortly.)
Miss Snark's First Victim
Showing posts with label Blog Birthday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blog Birthday. Show all posts
Thursday, April 5, 2018
Wednesday, April 4, 2018
Exclusive Interview and Q&A with Elayne Becker--and a Big Tenth Birthday Book Giveaway!
Happy Tenth Birthday, Miss Snark's First Victim! And a HUGE thank you to EACH OF YOU for being part of this community over the years.
It's no exaggeration to say that I'm thrilled beyond measure to be working with Elayne Becker at Tor Teen. Her heart for my story and her incredible insight and editorial superpowers (not sure what else to call them--this gal knows her stuff) are making this journey toward publication an incredible one. (I mean, when your editor writes, "I punched the air with my fist!" when she reads a change you've made, what more can you want?)
Here, without further ado, is the interview I've been promising:
Jillian: So you're now an Associate Editor at Tor/Forge Books and Tor Teen (congratulations!). Can you tell us a bit about the journey that brought you to this place?
Elayne: As I'm sure is the case with most publishing professionals, my journey began with a lifelong passion for reading. With children's books in particular, I remember the impact my favorite novels had on me as I was growing up. At a certain point, I suppose it just hit me: what if I could turn that passion into a career? And if I could help put novels on the shelves that might become favorites for the next generation of readers, even better. Fast forward several years, and I'm about to enter my fourth year at Tor. (After studying Classics and History, I might add--no English degree for me!) It's been quite the ride! Working my way up from the entry assistant level required a lot of hard work and long hours, but reaching the stage wherein I get to champion new voices (like yours!) has been a blast and a privilege.
Jillian: I love that you are championing authors, which is above and beyond "editing" or "publishing". What does the process look and feel like to you, from first peek at a submission to that glorious moment when you make an offer?
Elayne: Yeah! A common misconception is that being an editor means spending your day reading and editing manuscripts, when in reality, there's a lot more to it. We're on the front-lines when it comes to working with other departments in-house and endeavoring to secure the best opportunities we can for our titles.
As far as the submission process goes, the best word I can use to describe it is: slow. Due to the busy nature of this job, most of my reading time has to be squeezed in after hours or during that rare quiet week. (I often feel guilty about making agents and authors wait a long time for my response, but I always prefer to give careful reads--and feedback, when I can--rather than rushing an answer out the door.) That being said, time constraints aside, reading submissions is tons of fun! Probably one of my favorite parts of the job. There's such a large breadth of talent out there, and it's a treat to be privy to so many stories in the making. I can usually tell within the first chapter if the writing is at the level I'm looking for. Then, if the foundation is solid, I look at other markers--characters, pacing, worldbuilding, etc. It's important to note that all of those things can be excellent and I might still not feel like the right editor for the project.
Ultimately, it comes down to which story feels right for me, and which I think I can promote to the best of my ability. Not much beats that moment when you find that book that steals your heart and needs to be yours. Several factors go into whether I can make an offer, and what that offer entails. For instance, before I even buy a book, I'm already looking at comparable titles, generating bullets for sales, examining its place in the market, and figuring out how to position it in a way that would maximize its chance at success. Making the offer itself is incredibly exciting -- but also sometimes nerve-wracking! When I love a book, I love it, and there's always the possibility that my offer will not be the one accepted.
Jillian: So, clearly this is a love relationship from the start, and like any relationship, there will sometimes be rough spots. What are some of the more difficult things you encounter between acquisition and release? What can authors bring to the table that will make this process run more smoothly?
Elayne: Generally speaking, one of the hardest parts of the publication process is the fact that there will always be variables outside of our control. We buy books because we love them, we believe in them, and we believe we can sell them. But we can't always predict the outcome. Patience is truly a virtue in this industry. And so, when authors offer patience and understanding, it's enormously helpful. Kindness really does go a long way! Be aware that editors collaborate with several different departments in-house on a daily basis, and as a result may be slower to respond. Understand that editors can't control every part of the process. (Unfortunately! 🙂) Recognize that not every step will be as you envision it, and be open to making changes to the manuscript; your book is your baby, and your editor will respect that, but they'll also recommend changes that will enable you to make your story the best it can be. Be passionate, and fight for your book. But, difficult as this may be to hear, manage expectations. And always, always keep writing.
Jillian: And, of course, you're taking your own advice here, since you are also a writer (freshly agented--congratulations!). I know firsthand the passion and purpose you bring to your authors' stories. How do you balance your time and creative energy between editing and writing? In what ways does your own writing journey bring depth to your career as an editor?
Elayne: Thanks! While I'm usually pretty good at switching between my editor and writer hats, the two do inevitably bleed together a bit, which I feel is a good thing. I like to think that being an editor who's also a writer means I have more empathy for my authors. I know what this journey means to them, and because of that I take my role as their in-house representative incredibly seriously. Also, I know that things on my side of the desk can feel rather "behind the curtains" for many writers, so I try to be transparent about the process, to the extent that I'm able. Essentially, it's just another form of treat others the way you hope to be treated!
And, for the record, the reverse is true as well; being an editor has absolutely been beneficial to my writing. Industry knowledge aside, editing the manuscripts on my list, and listening to colleagues describe the changes they're recommending for their own projects, has enabled me to approach my own writing with a more solid foundation than I'd previously experienced.
Components I tell authors to watch out for -- character development, pacing, worldbuilding, etc. -- are things I tell myself as well. In terms of balancing time and creative energy, I won't lie -- it can be difficult! Working a rather intense day job means I have to squeeze in writing time whenever I can; namely, early mornings before work (bless Bath & Body Works for their forest-scented candles), and throughout the weekends. Sometimes I joke that I've forgotten how to be a person, because I'm not exactly sure what it's like to *not* always be working! It can also be a little challenging to not have that mental divide, since I wake up and think about books, go to work and think about books, and come home and think about books. But, I'm not complaining. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a foot in both doors, and as I said, each informs the other!
Jillian: Well, I'm thankful to be on the receiving end of your boundless insight and experience! In closing, I'd be remiss not to ask you the quintessential interview question: What do you read for pleasure? What are your favorite Books of All Time?
Elayne: Ooh! I don't have as much time to read for pleasure nowadays as I would like, but my queue is a mixed bag! I typically alternate between adult and YA, and recently I've been introducing more nonfiction into the mix as well; Gillian Gill's We Two, a biography of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and Robert Moor's On Trails, are two books I've been enjoying immensely.
In terms of all-time favorites, how do I choose?! J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is definitely my favorite series of all time, for so many reasons--the timeless quest, the characters, the land, the insane worldbuilding... I could go on and on, so let's just say, I adore it. Juliet Marillier's Daughter of the Forest has some of the most beautiful prose I've ever encountered; it's a gorgeous story about a girl persevering in the face of adversity in order to save those she loves. Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice are certainly on the list--partly because I admire the authors, and partly because I see myself in their protagonists. Anything Ruta Sepetys writes, and especially Between Shades of Gray. Harry Potter, of course, and my favorite in the series is Order of the Phoenix. If we're stretching back to childhood, I have to mention Anna Sewell's Black Beauty and Erin Hunter's Warriors series (the original) -- I've always been an animal person, so novels about horses and cats were definitely my jam. And finally, Shannon Hale's The Goose Girl, which I've probably read eleven or twelve times by now. It's a fairy tale that never ceases being magical.
Jillian: A wonderful glimpse into the world of books you love--thank you, Elayne! And thanks so much for this interview.
AND NOW FOR THE Q&A!
Leave your questions for Elayne in the comment box below. Ask her anything you'd like to know! Note: I will accept questions for 24 hours; after this time, I will delete any questions that show up, in the interest of respecting Elayne's time. She will answer as many questions as she can today, and she will return on Monday to answer any remaining questions.
On behalf of everyone--thank you, Elayne!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
It's no exaggeration to say that I'm thrilled beyond measure to be working with Elayne Becker at Tor Teen. Her heart for my story and her incredible insight and editorial superpowers (not sure what else to call them--this gal knows her stuff) are making this journey toward publication an incredible one. (I mean, when your editor writes, "I punched the air with my fist!" when she reads a change you've made, what more can you want?)
Here, without further ado, is the interview I've been promising:
 |
| Elayne Becker |
Jillian: So you're now an Associate Editor at Tor/Forge Books and Tor Teen (congratulations!). Can you tell us a bit about the journey that brought you to this place?
Elayne: As I'm sure is the case with most publishing professionals, my journey began with a lifelong passion for reading. With children's books in particular, I remember the impact my favorite novels had on me as I was growing up. At a certain point, I suppose it just hit me: what if I could turn that passion into a career? And if I could help put novels on the shelves that might become favorites for the next generation of readers, even better. Fast forward several years, and I'm about to enter my fourth year at Tor. (After studying Classics and History, I might add--no English degree for me!) It's been quite the ride! Working my way up from the entry assistant level required a lot of hard work and long hours, but reaching the stage wherein I get to champion new voices (like yours!) has been a blast and a privilege.
Jillian: I love that you are championing authors, which is above and beyond "editing" or "publishing". What does the process look and feel like to you, from first peek at a submission to that glorious moment when you make an offer?
Elayne: Yeah! A common misconception is that being an editor means spending your day reading and editing manuscripts, when in reality, there's a lot more to it. We're on the front-lines when it comes to working with other departments in-house and endeavoring to secure the best opportunities we can for our titles.
As far as the submission process goes, the best word I can use to describe it is: slow. Due to the busy nature of this job, most of my reading time has to be squeezed in after hours or during that rare quiet week. (I often feel guilty about making agents and authors wait a long time for my response, but I always prefer to give careful reads--and feedback, when I can--rather than rushing an answer out the door.) That being said, time constraints aside, reading submissions is tons of fun! Probably one of my favorite parts of the job. There's such a large breadth of talent out there, and it's a treat to be privy to so many stories in the making. I can usually tell within the first chapter if the writing is at the level I'm looking for. Then, if the foundation is solid, I look at other markers--characters, pacing, worldbuilding, etc. It's important to note that all of those things can be excellent and I might still not feel like the right editor for the project.
Ultimately, it comes down to which story feels right for me, and which I think I can promote to the best of my ability. Not much beats that moment when you find that book that steals your heart and needs to be yours. Several factors go into whether I can make an offer, and what that offer entails. For instance, before I even buy a book, I'm already looking at comparable titles, generating bullets for sales, examining its place in the market, and figuring out how to position it in a way that would maximize its chance at success. Making the offer itself is incredibly exciting -- but also sometimes nerve-wracking! When I love a book, I love it, and there's always the possibility that my offer will not be the one accepted.
Jillian: So, clearly this is a love relationship from the start, and like any relationship, there will sometimes be rough spots. What are some of the more difficult things you encounter between acquisition and release? What can authors bring to the table that will make this process run more smoothly?
Elayne: Generally speaking, one of the hardest parts of the publication process is the fact that there will always be variables outside of our control. We buy books because we love them, we believe in them, and we believe we can sell them. But we can't always predict the outcome. Patience is truly a virtue in this industry. And so, when authors offer patience and understanding, it's enormously helpful. Kindness really does go a long way! Be aware that editors collaborate with several different departments in-house on a daily basis, and as a result may be slower to respond. Understand that editors can't control every part of the process. (Unfortunately! 🙂) Recognize that not every step will be as you envision it, and be open to making changes to the manuscript; your book is your baby, and your editor will respect that, but they'll also recommend changes that will enable you to make your story the best it can be. Be passionate, and fight for your book. But, difficult as this may be to hear, manage expectations. And always, always keep writing.
Jillian: And, of course, you're taking your own advice here, since you are also a writer (freshly agented--congratulations!). I know firsthand the passion and purpose you bring to your authors' stories. How do you balance your time and creative energy between editing and writing? In what ways does your own writing journey bring depth to your career as an editor?
Elayne: Thanks! While I'm usually pretty good at switching between my editor and writer hats, the two do inevitably bleed together a bit, which I feel is a good thing. I like to think that being an editor who's also a writer means I have more empathy for my authors. I know what this journey means to them, and because of that I take my role as their in-house representative incredibly seriously. Also, I know that things on my side of the desk can feel rather "behind the curtains" for many writers, so I try to be transparent about the process, to the extent that I'm able. Essentially, it's just another form of treat others the way you hope to be treated!
And, for the record, the reverse is true as well; being an editor has absolutely been beneficial to my writing. Industry knowledge aside, editing the manuscripts on my list, and listening to colleagues describe the changes they're recommending for their own projects, has enabled me to approach my own writing with a more solid foundation than I'd previously experienced.
Components I tell authors to watch out for -- character development, pacing, worldbuilding, etc. -- are things I tell myself as well. In terms of balancing time and creative energy, I won't lie -- it can be difficult! Working a rather intense day job means I have to squeeze in writing time whenever I can; namely, early mornings before work (bless Bath & Body Works for their forest-scented candles), and throughout the weekends. Sometimes I joke that I've forgotten how to be a person, because I'm not exactly sure what it's like to *not* always be working! It can also be a little challenging to not have that mental divide, since I wake up and think about books, go to work and think about books, and come home and think about books. But, I'm not complaining. I feel incredibly fortunate to have a foot in both doors, and as I said, each informs the other!
Jillian: Well, I'm thankful to be on the receiving end of your boundless insight and experience! In closing, I'd be remiss not to ask you the quintessential interview question: What do you read for pleasure? What are your favorite Books of All Time?
Elayne: Ooh! I don't have as much time to read for pleasure nowadays as I would like, but my queue is a mixed bag! I typically alternate between adult and YA, and recently I've been introducing more nonfiction into the mix as well; Gillian Gill's We Two, a biography of Queen Victoria and Prince Albert, and Robert Moor's On Trails, are two books I've been enjoying immensely.
In terms of all-time favorites, how do I choose?! J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is definitely my favorite series of all time, for so many reasons--the timeless quest, the characters, the land, the insane worldbuilding... I could go on and on, so let's just say, I adore it. Juliet Marillier's Daughter of the Forest has some of the most beautiful prose I've ever encountered; it's a gorgeous story about a girl persevering in the face of adversity in order to save those she loves. Charlotte Bronte's Jane Eyre and Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice are certainly on the list--partly because I admire the authors, and partly because I see myself in their protagonists. Anything Ruta Sepetys writes, and especially Between Shades of Gray. Harry Potter, of course, and my favorite in the series is Order of the Phoenix. If we're stretching back to childhood, I have to mention Anna Sewell's Black Beauty and Erin Hunter's Warriors series (the original) -- I've always been an animal person, so novels about horses and cats were definitely my jam. And finally, Shannon Hale's The Goose Girl, which I've probably read eleven or twelve times by now. It's a fairy tale that never ceases being magical.
Jillian: A wonderful glimpse into the world of books you love--thank you, Elayne! And thanks so much for this interview.
AND NOW FOR THE Q&A!
Leave your questions for Elayne in the comment box below. Ask her anything you'd like to know! Note: I will accept questions for 24 hours; after this time, I will delete any questions that show up, in the interest of respecting Elayne's time. She will answer as many questions as she can today, and she will return on Monday to answer any remaining questions.
On behalf of everyone--thank you, Elayne!
THE GIVEAWAY
Enter below for a chance (or many chances!) to win ALL THE BOOKS! Eleven people will win 1 book each, and 1 lucky winner will win a box of NINE BOOKS. Titles and authors are listed in the rafflecopter box. The raffle closes at midnight, and winners will be announced tomorrow.
(Note: If you've already subscribed to my newsletter, you can still check off that option for your mandatory entry. I'll be double checking all winning entries, so as long as your email is on my list, you're good to go!)
Good luck, everyone!
Good luck, everyone!
Monday, April 2, 2018
Our Tenth Birthday Giveaway!!
It's happening--Miss Snark's First Victim is celebrating TEN WHOLE YEARS this Wednesday, April 4!
To celebrate, there will be an exclusive interview and Q&A session with Elayne Becker, my lovely editor at Tor Teen. As in, SHE WILL ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS! So be sure to stop by and ask them. (And remember--some questions are universal, so don't feel like you can't ask a question if you don't write what Tor Teen publishes. ASK ANYWAY! This session is for everyone.)
In addition to the Q&A, we are having a HUGE BOOK GIVEAWAY FROM TOR TEEN! I'm super excited to offer these books, and a few ARCs, to you.
I mean, LOOK AT THESE BEAUTIES!
Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre
YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS THIS! Mark your calendars for Wednesday and get your questions ready for Elayne.
T minus 2 days to Birthday Hoopla!
To celebrate, there will be an exclusive interview and Q&A session with Elayne Becker, my lovely editor at Tor Teen. As in, SHE WILL ANSWER ALL YOUR QUESTIONS! So be sure to stop by and ask them. (And remember--some questions are universal, so don't feel like you can't ask a question if you don't write what Tor Teen publishes. ASK ANYWAY! This session is for everyone.)
In addition to the Q&A, we are having a HUGE BOOK GIVEAWAY FROM TOR TEEN! I'm super excited to offer these books, and a few ARCs, to you.
I mean, LOOK AT THESE BEAUTIES!
So, how do you win? Easy! On Wednesday, I'll post a Rafflecopter entry form, which will give you a few different options for entering (you may choose as many as you'd like for extra entries!). Winners will be announced on Thursday.
IMPORTANT: This contest is US-only. I HATE THAT, but there's really no way around it. It's true that the majority of my readers are in North America, but I know that some of you hail from elsewhere on the globe. I'm sorry!
Several people will win a single title, and then there will be one grand prize winner who will receive A WHOLE BOX OF BOOKS.
Here are the titles:
Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre
When I Cast Your Shadow by Sarah Porter
Roar by Cora Carmack
Dare You to Lie by Amber Lynn Natusch
Dark of the West by Joanna Hathaway
Blood and Sand by C.V.Wyk
The Echo Room by Parker Peevyhouse
Metaltown by Kristen Simmons
Windwitch by Susan Dennard
The Dark Intercept by Julia Keller
To Catch a Killer by Sheryl Scarborough
T minus 2 days to Birthday Hoopla!
Monday, April 6, 2015
Happy Birthday MSFV!
Miss Snark's First Victim turned 7 on April 4. The hard-to-believe-ness of that doesn't bear repeating.
This blog post from 2 years ago, though, does. For our fifth birthday, I compiled a collection of memorable posts from the first 5 years of this blog. So here they are again, for your enjoyment:
READ MEMORABLE BLOG POSTS HERE
And here are a few of my favorites from the 2 past years:
Why I'm Not Self-Publishing (right now)
MSFV Success Story Authors at EMLA
Our Genre Mash-up Group Story
Also: HEADS UP! Tomorrow I will announce submissions for this week's critique round: NAME THAT GENRE!
(Read about our last round HERE. Fresh submission guidelines will post tomorrow.)
This blog post from 2 years ago, though, does. For our fifth birthday, I compiled a collection of memorable posts from the first 5 years of this blog. So here they are again, for your enjoyment:
READ MEMORABLE BLOG POSTS HERE
And here are a few of my favorites from the 2 past years:
Why I'm Not Self-Publishing (right now)
MSFV Success Story Authors at EMLA
Our Genre Mash-up Group Story
Also: HEADS UP! Tomorrow I will announce submissions for this week's critique round: NAME THAT GENRE!
(Read about our last round HERE. Fresh submission guidelines will post tomorrow.)
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Bonus Babies
One final birthday huzzah for MSFV!
I so loved the idea of babies on my blog (oh, those tiny agents!) that I also asked some of my critique partners to send in their baby pictures. And they were happy to oblige!
(I would have invited Adam Heine, except that he's a, yanno, boy. Kind of a dead giveaway.)
The gals here have mightily impacted my writing, my journey, or both. Your job is to guess WHO IS WHO.
Each author has graciously offered a prize to the winner, which will be drawn at random from all guesses beneath each photo. So if you guess 5 times, you have 5 chances to win.
THE NAMES:
Holly Bodger (a 3-chapter critique)
Julie Butcher-Fedynich (a 3-chapter critique)
Jodi Meadows (something yarny or a 30-page critique; winner's choice)
Beth Revis (a signed copy of Shades of Earth -- US only)
Authoress (a 30-minute voice chat to discuss your writing/career)
You don't have to guess correctly to win; all winners will be drawn randomly.
And yes, it's true. You're seeing my face for the first time. Albeit my tiny, doesn't-look-anything-like-authoress face. But it's a start.
Have fun! Voting will close at the end of the day Thursday; I'll announce winners next Tuesday.
I so loved the idea of babies on my blog (oh, those tiny agents!) that I also asked some of my critique partners to send in their baby pictures. And they were happy to oblige!
(I would have invited Adam Heine, except that he's a, yanno, boy. Kind of a dead giveaway.)
The gals here have mightily impacted my writing, my journey, or both. Your job is to guess WHO IS WHO.
Each author has graciously offered a prize to the winner, which will be drawn at random from all guesses beneath each photo. So if you guess 5 times, you have 5 chances to win.
THE NAMES:
Holly Bodger (a 3-chapter critique)
Julie Butcher-Fedynich (a 3-chapter critique)
Jodi Meadows (something yarny or a 30-page critique; winner's choice)
Beth Revis (a signed copy of Shades of Earth -- US only)
Authoress (a 30-minute voice chat to discuss your writing/career)
You don't have to guess correctly to win; all winners will be drawn randomly.
And yes, it's true. You're seeing my face for the first time. Albeit my tiny, doesn't-look-anything-like-authoress face. But it's a start.
Have fun! Voting will close at the end of the day Thursday; I'll announce winners next Tuesday.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Special Gifts From Leah Petersen
Just when you think all the fun's been had:
Lean Petersen, in reading through all the entries for the JAYNE HAT GIVEAWAY, fell in love with a few of the answers people gave to the question, "Why do you deserve a Jayne hat?" So she decided she'd make a Jayne hat for each of them.
Isn't she amazing?
So here they are: Leah's 4 favorites. If this is you, please email me at facelesswords(at)gmail.com for instructions!
Kari Maaren -- I robbed from the rich and I gave to the poor. I stood up to the man and I gave him what for. My love for this hat ain't hard to explain. It's orange and has stripes...and reminds me of Jayne.
Sam Beringer -- My sister loves the show and it would be a great present for her
Laura Herbenick Hughes -- Because Mrs. Cobb would want me to have it. She'd know I'd love it as much as her son would.
Lindsey R -- The care package from my mom did not include a lovely hat :(
Lean Petersen, in reading through all the entries for the JAYNE HAT GIVEAWAY, fell in love with a few of the answers people gave to the question, "Why do you deserve a Jayne hat?" So she decided she'd make a Jayne hat for each of them.
Isn't she amazing?
So here they are: Leah's 4 favorites. If this is you, please email me at facelesswords(at)gmail.com for instructions!
Kari Maaren -- I robbed from the rich and I gave to the poor. I stood up to the man and I gave him what for. My love for this hat ain't hard to explain. It's orange and has stripes...and reminds me of Jayne.
Sam Beringer -- My sister loves the show and it would be a great present for her
Laura Herbenick Hughes -- Because Mrs. Cobb would want me to have it. She'd know I'd love it as much as her son would.
Lindsey R -- The care package from my mom did not include a lovely hat :(
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Five Years of Miss Snark's First Victim
I've tried to come up with a mixture of landmark, informative, and personal blog posts from the past 5 years. Grab your favorite drink and enjoy this retrospective.
And thank you. Because, without you, there wouldn't be an MSFV.
2008
First Advice on Writing From the fingers of the newly created "Authoress"
First Friday Fricassee A weekly feature that has morphed a bit over the years
First ARE YOU HOOKED The agentless prototype for the Secret Agent Contests!
First positive impact on a writer In which not-yet-published author Karen Duvall expresses thanks.
First DROP THE NEEDLE So long ago!
Anniversary of Miss Snark's final farewell The inspiration for MSFV's name
First SECRET AGENT CONTEST The beginning of the blog's hallmark contest!
And our first SECRET AGENT Holly Root, who fearlessly critiqued 114 entries
Holly's open letter to the blog ...and then wrote words of encouragement
LETTUCE LIPS Nearly forgotten words of endearment from my beloved Mr. A
Release of AGENT: DEMYSTIFIED Authoress's what-you-need-to-know e-book
2009
ODE TO MY READERS Don't miss this poem -- it was written for YOU!
The Birthing of a Blog In which I receive advice from readers
The first 2 announcements of success attributed to blog Self-explanatory
MSFV turns 1 First birthday!
The Book Trailer Produced by Mr. A to promote AGENT: DEMYSTIFIED
On the Overshopped Query Letter (and why I hate it) an important Authoress philosophy
Beth Revis's entry in our June, 2009 Query Contest: History in the making!
The first SECRET AGENT SIGNING Elissa Cruz signs with Josh Getzler
BYE-BYE MICROSOFT in which Mr. A buys me a Macbook Pro
The first BOOK DEAL attributed to the blog The debut novel from Lisa and Laura Roecker
SNARK, THE HAGGARD AGENTS SING in which Authoress SINGS (turn up your speakers!)
2010
KNOWING MYSELF On finding your AUTHENTIC SELF
In which the MSFV automated submission system comes to life Praising Michael Kato
In which Beth Revis shares her success story MORE history in the making
MOST BIZARRE REJECTION LETTER EVER It was too weird not to share.
ON WRITING AS A CAREER Because that's what we're after, yes?
ON THE METAMORPHOSIS OF A WRITER A Friday Fricassee gem
Announcement of the first BAKER'S DOZEN AGENT AUCTION Hooray!
The 2010 Baker's Dozen Line-up Our first gaggle of agents, authors, and an editor
My Biggest Announcement Ever In which I sign with Agentman, a.k.a. Josh Getzler
The Josh Story, Part 1 The Authoress backstory
2011
The Josh Story, Part 2 Starring Josh Getzler as co-writer
The Josh Story, Part 3 The conclusion
Our First Baker's Dozen Signing From bid to offer!
AUTHORESS'S GREAT ESCAPE in which Jodi and Josh get to wear the Red Hat
SWALLOWED ALIVE: THE FEAR OF INCOMPETENCE Another must-discuss topic
The 2011 Baker's Dozen Line-up Another all-star list
ON GIVING UP In response to one discouraged aspiring author
ON SAN FRANCISCO, THE RED HAT, AND CHOCOLATE Pictures!
2012
In which Authoress confesses that she is no longer a pantser And hasn't looked back!
ON REACHING THE END When we go "there"
Market or Heart Invariably "heart"
A WRITER REFRESHED More pictures!
Our first critique partner dating service Matches made in heaven
AVOIDING BITTERNESS Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned...
The 2012 Baker's Dozen Agent Auction Line-up It just keeps getting better
2013
Our second critique partner dating service And we'll have more -- I promise!
Everything you need to know about MSFV This about covers it.
And thank you. Because, without you, there wouldn't be an MSFV.
2008
First Advice on Writing From the fingers of the newly created "Authoress"
First Friday Fricassee A weekly feature that has morphed a bit over the years
First ARE YOU HOOKED The agentless prototype for the Secret Agent Contests!
First positive impact on a writer In which not-yet-published author Karen Duvall expresses thanks.
First DROP THE NEEDLE So long ago!
Anniversary of Miss Snark's final farewell The inspiration for MSFV's name
First SECRET AGENT CONTEST The beginning of the blog's hallmark contest!
And our first SECRET AGENT Holly Root, who fearlessly critiqued 114 entries
Holly's open letter to the blog ...and then wrote words of encouragement
LETTUCE LIPS Nearly forgotten words of endearment from my beloved Mr. A
Release of AGENT: DEMYSTIFIED Authoress's what-you-need-to-know e-book
2009
ODE TO MY READERS Don't miss this poem -- it was written for YOU!
The Birthing of a Blog In which I receive advice from readers
The first 2 announcements of success attributed to blog Self-explanatory
MSFV turns 1 First birthday!
The Book Trailer Produced by Mr. A to promote AGENT: DEMYSTIFIED
On the Overshopped Query Letter (and why I hate it) an important Authoress philosophy
Beth Revis's entry in our June, 2009 Query Contest: History in the making!
The first SECRET AGENT SIGNING Elissa Cruz signs with Josh Getzler
BYE-BYE MICROSOFT in which Mr. A buys me a Macbook Pro
The first BOOK DEAL attributed to the blog The debut novel from Lisa and Laura Roecker
SNARK, THE HAGGARD AGENTS SING in which Authoress SINGS (turn up your speakers!)
2010
KNOWING MYSELF On finding your AUTHENTIC SELF
In which the MSFV automated submission system comes to life Praising Michael Kato
In which Beth Revis shares her success story MORE history in the making
MOST BIZARRE REJECTION LETTER EVER It was too weird not to share.
ON WRITING AS A CAREER Because that's what we're after, yes?
ON THE METAMORPHOSIS OF A WRITER A Friday Fricassee gem
Announcement of the first BAKER'S DOZEN AGENT AUCTION Hooray!
The 2010 Baker's Dozen Line-up Our first gaggle of agents, authors, and an editor
My Biggest Announcement Ever In which I sign with Agentman, a.k.a. Josh Getzler
The Josh Story, Part 1 The Authoress backstory
2011
The Josh Story, Part 2 Starring Josh Getzler as co-writer
The Josh Story, Part 3 The conclusion
Our First Baker's Dozen Signing From bid to offer!
AUTHORESS'S GREAT ESCAPE in which Jodi and Josh get to wear the Red Hat
SWALLOWED ALIVE: THE FEAR OF INCOMPETENCE Another must-discuss topic
The 2011 Baker's Dozen Line-up Another all-star list
ON GIVING UP In response to one discouraged aspiring author
ON SAN FRANCISCO, THE RED HAT, AND CHOCOLATE Pictures!
2012
In which Authoress confesses that she is no longer a pantser And hasn't looked back!
ON REACHING THE END When we go "there"
Market or Heart Invariably "heart"
A WRITER REFRESHED More pictures!
Our first critique partner dating service Matches made in heaven
AVOIDING BITTERNESS Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned...
The 2012 Baker's Dozen Agent Auction Line-up It just keeps getting better
2013
Our second critique partner dating service And we'll have more -- I promise!
Everything you need to know about MSFV This about covers it.
Birthday Gift Winners!
First of all -- this was hard! I so love to see the other sides of writers' creativity. The non-writing stuff that is yet another beautiful extension of people's hearts and souls.
So the first thing I want to do is to THANK EACH ONE OF YOU who sent something in. Each gift was a delight to receive, and I treasure them all.
I am awarding the following prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place:
1st place: A 3-chapter critique from Authoress and a TINY RED HAT
2nd place: A 1-chapter critique from Authoress and a TINY RED HAT
3rd place: A TINY RED HAT
(The TINY RED HATS are Barbie-sized and hand-crocheted by Jodi Meadows. A perfect memento of MSFV. So perfect, in fact, that I've begged Jodi to make one for me, too.)
Here are my choices:
HONORABLE MENTION: Patricia Moussatche
.jpg)
THIRD PLACE: Heather Hawke
The unusual, artistic flair of this one grabbed me. I love the different textiles -- and the music in the bubble by the bird is HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Perfect, right?
Thank you, Heather!
SECOND PLACE: Rebecca Thompson
FIRST PLACE: Charlie Holmberg
Bestill my heart -- Charlie has WRITTEN ME A SONG! I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this over the past few days. I LOVE THIS! I love this so much that there are no words. Listen for yourself. I've included the lyrics below (so you can, yanno, sing along).
Verse 1:
Once when I was stalking agents
trying to pawn off a book
I found a blog called "MSFV"
and decided to take a look
The woman there, she had no face
and wore a red hat to hide her hair
and I tell you, I never thought
I'd still be reading five years later
Chorus:
Five years at Miss Snark's First Victim
Five years of contest entries
Five years of Baker's Dozen
Five years of extra coffee
Five years chocolate donations
Five years of group critiques
Five years of chances to win
her next success story
Verse 2:
I love the posts by Authoress
though I doubt I'll ever meet her
I don't even mind it when she
floods my Google Reader
I have to confess
I think she works for the FBI
How else could she have written
Agent Demystified?
[Chorus]
Bridge:
Every month a secret agent
Every week a fricassee
Authoress on your next contest
I'm begging you--please choose me.
And hey, by the way,
Did you know your blog and I share a birthday?
[Chorus]
Thank you, Charlie! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
---
Winners: Please email me your mailing addresses AND, if you've won a critique, to receive submission instructions at facelesswords(at)gmail.com.
Thanks again to everyone who submitted something!
So the first thing I want to do is to THANK EACH ONE OF YOU who sent something in. Each gift was a delight to receive, and I treasure them all.
I am awarding the following prizes for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place:
1st place: A 3-chapter critique from Authoress and a TINY RED HAT
2nd place: A 1-chapter critique from Authoress and a TINY RED HAT
3rd place: A TINY RED HAT
(The TINY RED HATS are Barbie-sized and hand-crocheted by Jodi Meadows. A perfect memento of MSFV. So perfect, in fact, that I've begged Jodi to make one for me, too.)
Here are my choices:
HONORABLE MENTION: Patricia Moussatche
.jpg)
This is so beautiful that I wish I could hold it in my hands and caress it. I am an absolute sucker for gorgeous, homemade cards, and this one is exceptionally pretty.
Thank you, Patchi!
THIRD PLACE: Heather Hawke
The unusual, artistic flair of this one grabbed me. I love the different textiles -- and the music in the bubble by the bird is HAPPY BIRTHDAY. Perfect, right?
Thank you, Heather!
SECOND PLACE: Rebecca Thompson
This is SO CLEVER; I just keep looking at it over and over again. Rebecca spent a lot of time sifting through the blog to find those pictures, that's for sure. And I love the composition! My favorite? "Read the post that started it all!" The ultimate inside joke.
Thank you, Rebecca!
FIRST PLACE: Charlie Holmberg
Bestill my heart -- Charlie has WRITTEN ME A SONG! I can't tell you how many times I've listened to this over the past few days. I LOVE THIS! I love this so much that there are no words. Listen for yourself. I've included the lyrics below (so you can, yanno, sing along).
Verse 1:
Once when I was stalking agents
trying to pawn off a book
I found a blog called "MSFV"
and decided to take a look
The woman there, she had no face
and wore a red hat to hide her hair
and I tell you, I never thought
I'd still be reading five years later
Chorus:
Five years at Miss Snark's First Victim
Five years of contest entries
Five years of Baker's Dozen
Five years of extra coffee
Five years chocolate donations
Five years of group critiques
Five years of chances to win
her next success story
Verse 2:
I love the posts by Authoress
though I doubt I'll ever meet her
I don't even mind it when she
floods my Google Reader
I have to confess
I think she works for the FBI
How else could she have written
Agent Demystified?
[Chorus]
Bridge:
Every month a secret agent
Every week a fricassee
Authoress on your next contest
I'm begging you--please choose me.
And hey, by the way,
Did you know your blog and I share a birthday?
[Chorus]
Thank you, Charlie! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
---
Winners: Please email me your mailing addresses AND, if you've won a critique, to receive submission instructions at facelesswords(at)gmail.com.
Thanks again to everyone who submitted something!
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
FAKE LOGLINE CONTEST: The Rules!
So here we go!
Voting is easy -- just read each logline, and write YES or NO in the comment box. Your YES or NO means "Yes, this should go on to the next round," or "No, this should NOT go on to the next round."
IMPORTANT: Please (please oh please) type your YES or NO first. If you want to say more, fine. But PLEASE type your vote first. That makes counting the votes much, much easier.
Voting will close at 8:00 am tomorrow (Wednesday). The top 20 entries will go on to Round 2, which will be judged by the illustrious Logline Queen, Holly Bodger.
Leave your questions below! Otherwise, happy voting!!
Voting is easy -- just read each logline, and write YES or NO in the comment box. Your YES or NO means "Yes, this should go on to the next round," or "No, this should NOT go on to the next round."
IMPORTANT: Please (please oh please) type your YES or NO first. If you want to say more, fine. But PLEASE type your vote first. That makes counting the votes much, much easier.
Voting will close at 8:00 am tomorrow (Wednesday). The top 20 entries will go on to Round 2, which will be judged by the illustrious Logline Queen, Holly Bodger.
Leave your questions below! Otherwise, happy voting!!
FAKE LOGLINE #49
TITLE: Anonymous in a Brown Coat
GENRE: NA
Life can never be the same, when you never really exist. Fighting against the comma challenged and the grammar phobic, the secret mistress of editorial perfection lives her life in secret, her goal a world of perfect grammar and intriging plot lines. One day the brown coat is pulled off, and she enters the ultimate battle, editing her own MS.
GENRE: NA
Life can never be the same, when you never really exist. Fighting against the comma challenged and the grammar phobic, the secret mistress of editorial perfection lives her life in secret, her goal a world of perfect grammar and intriging plot lines. One day the brown coat is pulled off, and she enters the ultimate battle, editing her own MS.
FAKE LOGLINE #48
TITLE: Defeating the Dangling Participle
GENRE: Suspense
In Paris, a gorgeous woman in a red hat finds herself surrounded by the disciples of Unedited Fiction. With only a red pen and clever wit at her disposal, she must figure out what the disciples are trying to say before they send their work to unsuspecting literary agents.
GENRE: Suspense
In Paris, a gorgeous woman in a red hat finds herself surrounded by the disciples of Unedited Fiction. With only a red pen and clever wit at her disposal, she must figure out what the disciples are trying to say before they send their work to unsuspecting literary agents.
FAKE LOGLINE #47
TITLE: Miss Snark's Last Victim
GENRE: Young Adult Thriller
Little does Miss Snark know what evil awaits when she opens her Blog Tuesday morning - The Snark Slayer is on the loose and will stop at NOTHING to ensure that her post is only one left in the Logline prize. Miss Snark has 10 mins to stop the Snark Slayer's evil virus, before her reputaion and blog lies in shreds!
GENRE: Young Adult Thriller
Little does Miss Snark know what evil awaits when she opens her Blog Tuesday morning - The Snark Slayer is on the loose and will stop at NOTHING to ensure that her post is only one left in the Logline prize. Miss Snark has 10 mins to stop the Snark Slayer's evil virus, before her reputaion and blog lies in shreds!
FAKE LOGLINE #45
TITLE: BETWEEN A ROCK AND A SNARK PLACE; OR, WHAT THE THESAURUS SAW
GENRE: Memoir
When Authoress goes mad from dissecting one error-strewn chapter too many, she takes her razor-edged wit and and bloody scalpel directly to befuddled writers. The legendary Miss Snark, armed with a cluegun, throwing stiletto, and spiked thesaurus on a chain, must return from her lovenest at Lake Cuomo to stop MSFV from claiming more victims for herself.
GENRE: Memoir
When Authoress goes mad from dissecting one error-strewn chapter too many, she takes her razor-edged wit and and bloody scalpel directly to befuddled writers. The legendary Miss Snark, armed with a cluegun, throwing stiletto, and spiked thesaurus on a chain, must return from her lovenest at Lake Cuomo to stop MSFV from claiming more victims for herself.
FAKE LOGLINE #44
TITLE: Steamy Hot
GENRE: Steampunk Romantic Comedy
Against the wishes of her Victorian family, Authoress constructs a coterie of clockwork minions to assist in her grand plan of opening a love-match steamnetwork. But a business rival kidnaps her silent partner (and secret love) Mr. A in a bid to shut down her now-thriving business. Can Authoress and her clockwork minions rescue Mr. A before it’s too late?
GENRE: Steampunk Romantic Comedy
Against the wishes of her Victorian family, Authoress constructs a coterie of clockwork minions to assist in her grand plan of opening a love-match steamnetwork. But a business rival kidnaps her silent partner (and secret love) Mr. A in a bid to shut down her now-thriving business. Can Authoress and her clockwork minions rescue Mr. A before it’s too late?
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