Bambi Goes Crazy-8 Bonkers with his Drill and Sex....

[wednes]

Oh how I wish I had the Young Ones box set...those fuck-wads over at BBC America have stopped showing it. Therefore, they can all kiss my fat ass. Oh, I mean "arse".

I had a a bunch of crap to do today, and I actually did most of it. I went to the stupid doctor, to get stupid med refills. My regular doc didn't know I was doing the rehab thing. Just as well I suppose since I'm talking about it much more than I'm actually doing it. Que Sera and all that there. Then to the grocery store to get groceries (obviously) and my scrips. I treated myself to some grapples, some honey roasted peanuts, and some shrimp and crawfish for alfredo pasta which will be our big calorie splurge for the week. Whee.

When we got home, my Amazon box had arrived. It's my 2005 Writers Market (specially for novelists and short story peeps) and the 2005 Agents Guide. As one might expect, I'm now thinking hard about publishers and agents and deals and stuff. It's odd how that whole thing changed in your mind as time goes on. First, I thought I'd be damn proud of myself just for finishing a novel...and I am. But now that seems like nothing compared to being validated by an agent or publisher. But even if I get an agent or an offer, that's still just one mall step. I mean, just because it's in print doesn't mean anyone will buy it, or read it, or like it, or give a rat's ass. So I guess the most important thing is that I make it just exactly what I think it should be.

However...I'm not even sure of what genre my novella is. I mean, I think it's horror. It's horrifying, bloody in parts; and just plain disturbing and awful in other parts. Before I submit anything to anyone, I have to know what genre it is. So I'll ask those of you who've read it...hang on. I just remembered that i'm a paid member, so I'll do a poll. Of course, it's hard to remember I'm a paid member since Lj has been running so suckily lately.

[Poll #450345]

I also have to start sending out query letters and stuff. Surprisingly, most people seem to want paper copies sent by snail mail. Sounds slow moving and expensive to me...but maybe that's because I still don't have a job.

Comments

[absinthofheart.livejournal.com]

Most agencies and agents want the first chapter (paper copy) and a cover letter, I think.



When you get famous, can I ride your coat tails? (A hand-up, not a hand-out :)

[wednes.livejournal.com]

If I find a good agent I will likely make referrals. Though it's a distant and unlikely possibility that I'll ever be in such a position.

[the-omega-man.livejournal.com]

I'd strongly recommend picking up a copy of "on writing" by Stephen King. There's a great section in there about pitching towards agents and so forth. And being King, its also bullshit free and a very entertaining read.

As for genres...I don't like them. My favourite fiction generally bestraddles genres. Writing your novel to fit one particular genre market seems like a bad idea. You run the risk of robbing it of its spark. Just write and let it breathe.

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I have read that King book. You're right, it's good stuff.

I want to assure you that I am certainly not writing to fit any genre in particular. When looking for publishers and agents, they tend to only handle certain genre's so I have to decide how to pitch it. This is something I honestly had not considered while writing, I just had a story to tell. I'm not really into the whole agenty/pubishy side of this. But I have to figure it out if I want anyone outside my friends list to know I've written something.

I kind of wish I could write just for the market, as there are some virtually untapped ones out there...like Christian thrillers or mysteries. And gay drama...can you beleive there's a shortage of Gay Drama?

[psychswitch.livejournal.com]

Hey, i tried callin you on sunday, gimme a jingle.
D-

[wednes.livejournal.com]

I didn't get your message until late.

Sorry man.

I do need to get that 100 movie moments deal back from you so I can make some copies. I think I told you, I need to trade them with someone.

Something else worth trying

[beninem.livejournal.com]

I still think it can't hurt to try writing some romance stuff & see if you enjoy doing it. As long as it's fun, who cares how the genre is percieved?

I recently heard a This American Life episode that provides some good insight on the romance industry. The romance people are way nicer than other areas of publishing, and new authors are given a break way more often
Here's a link to the show:
http://207.70.82.73/pages/descriptions/03/247.html
If it turns out you don't like the genre, you'd probably still be good at it, and getting something published is a great way to get good representation.

I've discovered that making "uncool" music was just as fun as making the cool stuff, and now it pays my bills. As a result, I'm big on not ruling out that which is cornball.

Re: Something else worth trying

[nate101000.livejournal.com]

It's funny that you mention this. I love TAL, and I told Wednes about the same story. Wasn't it interesting?

Re: Something else worth trying

[wednes.livejournal.com]

My next project is indeed, a foray into the world of smut and bodice ripping *snerk*.

I'll just be less vigilant about posting chapters in my LJ for perusal. Thankfully, I also run a smut community.