Toronto Library's Writer In Residence Program

One of the many wonderful things about the Toronto Public Library system is their Writer In Residence program.  I'd never heard of it until a friend pointed me in that direction last year, just in time to get an except of Carving The Light submitted to the woman who was the WIR that time, Elizabeth Ruth.
 
The idea is that, depending on what sort of manuscripts that particular author is willing to work with, budding writers can submit the first 10 pages or so of their work, and earn a conference with a published author to receive feedback and possible tips for strengthening their manuscript.  There are usually several lectures, receptions, readings and such, as well, but I have yet to attend any of them due to time constraints and my work schedule.  One of these days, hopefully.

Last year, unfortunately, I got my submission in so late that Elizabeth didn't have enough conference slots to book me into before the end of her term.  However, she decided to go through and make notes for me, anyway, then delivered the whole thing to me in person so that we could go over it all at least for a few minutes!  Who does that?  :)

Her notes were very helpful to me, actually, and I used many of them - along with feedback from Vine Reviewers - to re-work the entire manuscript for the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award when I submitted it this year.  Since Carving The Light was named as a Quarterfinalist in the contest this time around, and since the reviewer from Publisher's Weekly who read it did not seem to abhor the entire submission, I'm thinking that all of that advice put me futher along on the right track!  My plan for CTL now is to take all of the feedback I've been receiving, re-work the complete manuscript once again, and then re-issue the book in paperback and e-book versions again.  I'm taking a break from it first, though, because I want to let it sit for a bit - and because I have far too many other things to focus on at the moment!

Anyway, THIS year, the Writer In Residence is children's author Sarah Ellis.  I was deciding between sending her Ebon Black and the Seven Dryads - which is already in print - or the rather new and untitled Ellie Skye story that I wrote for NaNoWriMo last year.  I submitted pretty much right away this time, and then waited a few months before getting my conference time with Sarah booked.  Which means that, by the time I got to her office, I really had no idea which manuscript I'd decided to send her.

Luckily for moi, Sarah Ellis is a lovely person, and we had a great chat about writing and indie publishing and choosing children as a target audience before we even bothered to get down to the actual submitted piece.  I was pretty sure walking in that I'd given her the more polished Ebon piece to read, and was all ready to talk about possibly fleshing it out and making it more appropriate for young adult readers, rather than children.  So it was kind of a happy surprise to find that I'd actually given her the first chapter or so of Ellie Skye, instead!

I had to change gears, but it all came back really quickly, and we started off with the things I'd done well, before moving to the things I could work on in the next draft.  She loved Ellie as a character, and said I'd gotten her voice just right for a 12-year-old girl.  She also loved Teddy the stuffed dog as a character, because I'd infused him with all the personality that he has in Ellie's eyes.  And some of my imagery was unique and well done, to boot, so apparently I am off to a good start.

We discussed narration, and I told her about how I'd written Ellie so quickly (50K words in 30 days) and that I'd done Ebon not long before, so I struggled with keeping Ellie's close 3rd person voice throughout, rather than slipping into the sardonic omnicient 3rd narration of Ebon's tale from time to time.  We also discussed the infamous show-don't-tell rule, and she showed me examples where I'd done each one, while giving suggestions for how to show more of the things I told.  Oh!  And she said I'd created Nana's house so concretely that she felt it was an actual house I'd known in life.  It's not, but parts of it are based in reality, and I drew a floorplan for how I thought it would actually look before i wrote about it.  That helped a lot, but I am pleased to know that the world I was creating seemed visual and real to the reader, too!

Sarah gave me the excerpt back with her typed-out notes to take with me when we were done.  Then she sat back in her chair and said, "So...what happens next?"  I spent a good 20 minutes or so going over everything that happens in the book, after which she asked detailed questions about different character motivations, how hierarchy in the alternate world was established, what the weather is like there, how time works between the two, etc.  The funny thing is, I haven't looked back at Ellie since I wrote its first draft in November 2011.  But as we talked about it, everything came rushing back to me, and I was answering her questions with the knowledge of the story that is in my head.  Now, whether that is all evident in the book, or not, remains to be seen.  But as I shook her hand and left, I felt pleased with and excited about the story again.  It's back in my mind, and now I have both the bare bones of a first draft to work with, as well as the overall tips I received from my conference with Sarah to help me move through the editing and revising process.  There is something important I think I need to write first, but Ellie is definitely still in there.  Maybe now she stands a good chance of being seen in print one day soon, as well!

A fabulous experience, this Writer In Residence program.  I'm so happy that my friend finally showed me the way!

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award 2012 - Carving The Light is a Quarterfinalist!!!

I'm still sort of in shock, and struggling to figure out what I want to say, let alone how to say it, but I promised myself that I would do my best to get some thoughts down tonight, on the eve of this very crazy day.

Carving The Light was announced as one of the 250 General Fiction novels to advance to the Quarterfinal round of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award contest. I can't believe it! I checked the list, saw my name, and was in the processing of refreshing the page (I was certain that I was still looking at the 2nd round list instead of the quarterfinalist list) when I got the first congratulatory note on my Facebook profile page. It was true - it was real. I'm a quarterfinalist for the first time ever!

Before I talk about my reviews this year, let me first talk about last year. It was my first time entering the contest, and I met a lot of wonderful people (many of whom I'm still in touch with), and learned SO much about the contest and the process of finding a publisher and/or agent for my work. I got help from the awesome folks on the Pitch Thread, and they helped me craft a pitch that was good enough to get me through the first round. After that, it was a matter of waiting for the excerpts to be reviewed by two different Vine reviewers to see who would advance to the Quarterfinals from there.

I was not one of them. My reviewers both pretty much hated my excerpt. They didn't like the characters, they felt the plot was slow to nonexistent...there wasn't much good to say about it at all. And I was heartbroken. More than that, I'd already lost all faith in myself, before I even wrote the book. But this was somehow more personal. I'd had faith in the characters - in the story - and now it seemed I'd been mistaken in that, too.

So I pouted a good long while, and then wrote the first draft of a whole different story to enter this year. A couple of months before ABNA submissions began, however, I slowly began to realize that Carving The Light and I weren't done with one another yet. There were still revisions to be made, and it still needed to make another run at this whole contest-entering process.

I started trying to come up with ways to change the manuscript and make it stronger. I went through all of the criticisms that had been brought up in conversation over the years, and the two reviews I received in the second round last year. I even tried to come up with ways to make it flow a little more logically for my own mind.

I focused on the beginning; on making the excerpt strong. I wanted to make it move faster, and have the tension build for the reader as much as it was building for the Collins girls as the weekend grew closer. I made the time between the death of their parents and the present events, so everyone is younger. This benefits Trick the dog especially well. I was also told to focus on the present more in the beginning, so i moved some flashbacks either further back in the story, or took them out all together. I tried to lose most of the adverbs in the excerpt (though I suspect they are still plentiful in the rest of the manuscript). I tried to make Sarah stronger and less willing to just accept all of Sam's crap all the time. I think there were other things, but I am too distracted to remember now. Suffice it to say, I tried to create a stronger beginning, and am now wishing I'd spent more time on the rest of the manuscript, since now it's all going to be read from start to finish, and by Publisher's Weekly, of all things! Egad.

Additionally, there were some small but wonderful changes in the ABNA process this year. One is that the Vine reviewers were also given a copy of the pitch to read with the excerpt, which would give them a chance to see where the story was going once the beginning pages had been read. Another was that the reviewers were able to list their preferred genres to read, which means there was at least a minor chance that our manuscripts would end up in the hands of readers who wouldn't hate them from the opening lines.

Based on my experience from last year, all of this made me hopeful that my reviews would be a little better this time around. I used the same pitch to get through the first round again, and then basically just prayed quietly that my literary baby wouldn't be quite as chewed up this year.

NONE of that made me think I'd make it through this round to the quarterfinals, though! I mean, I didn't even talk about it! I didn't tell anyone how nervous i suddenly was this morning, waiting for the lists to go up. I couldn't mention how many times I checked the boards to commisserate with my fellow 2nd round authors as we all waited together. And even when I actually saw my name on the list, it wasn't until after I'd received my first congratulations (Fielder, that was all you, so you know) that I verbalized the impossible. Somehow, Carving The Light had made it through, and had become an ABNA Quarterfinalist at last!

I hadn't even bothered to look ahead to what this round would entail. I had to go back and read the rules to find out what's supposed to happen now. And, admittedly, part of me want to check AGAIN to be sure that I made it through before I even post this. However, I have received my two Vine reviews, and I will post both of them below. Also, once everything has been set up, you'll be able to read everyone's excerpts and reviews and leave comments of your own here.

I've read the reviews  below through a couple of times, and I am still having trouble sorting out my thoughts. I am grateful, I am relieved, I am eager to make even more changes (though I will wait for Publisher's Weekly to give their two cents first), and I am suddenly a bit panicked at the idea that I may have to revise and re-issue Carving The Light in softcover and e-book versions a third time to keep everything consistent. Sigh.

But that is for another time. For now, please feel free to read and comment on the reviews I received below, and once the Amazon links are up, I highly encourage everyone to go through and read some of the other excerpts that made it through this year. You can even read mine, since I don't think I let anyone read what I actually submitted to ABNA, now that I think about it! ;)

There are a lot of wonderful indie authors out there, and not all of them made it through to this round. I am honoured to be among them all, however, because just entering takes an enormous amount of courage and determination, and as peers and friends, I don't think I could ask for any better. I am a very lucky Sue, indeed.

ABNA Expert Reviewer
What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?

The story line, the writing, the characters, the situations each girl finds herself in, all are strong and firm aspects of this excerpt. The book seems to be headed in a good and definite direction. The plot is interesting and held my attention. The characters are people a reader would care about and want to travel on their journey with them.

What aspect needs the most work?

Honestly, no weak points were evident to this reader.

What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?

This reader would love to read this book. This excerpt had my rapt attention and I was sorry when it ended. I wanted more -- !!!

This would be a great book club read. This is definitely a book for women. Each character has a story to share that most women can relate to.

There is a strong sense of family and love, which just adds sweetness to the pot. However, this book has depth and isn't some sunshine and lollipop read.

　

ABNA Expert Reviewer

What is the strongest aspect of this excerpt?

Three sisters, each harboring secrets from the others, are preparing to meet for Thanksgiving. Good start on a story with infinite possibilities. Thanksgiving is always a hotbed of family intrigue, and this one promises to have more than most.

What aspect needs the most work?

It's a quirk of mine, but I like knowing where events are taking place. Reference is made to plane travel, to weather issues, but I'd like a little more specificity with regard to locations.

What is your overall opinion of this excerpt?

Three sisters who have had to be unusually close due to the sudden death of their parents 15 years earlier, plan their Thanksgiving reunion. Each is harboring secrets of their own, worrying about whether truths will be revealed. Each is so self absorbed that she doesn't realize the other two are holding their own earth shaking revelations. The reader is teased about what the final outcome will be, and since the younger two have secrets of exceeding relevance, it pricks interest in the outcome. The writing is smooth, and the excerpt ended with me wanting more.

Fictional Characters on Twitter!!!

Now you can follow a couple of your favourite characters from Carving The Light and Ebon Black and the Seven Dryads on Twitter!

Look for the Collins sisters' loyal dog, Trick at @TrickTheDog, and follow Ebon's favourite Dryad, Pam, at @PamDryad.

And spread the word so they both get more followers!  At the very least, it's a fun waste of time!  ;)

Until soon,

SAM

FREE E-BOOKS!!!

Both of my books are available electronically for FREE at an Amazon near you, but only for this long weekend!  After Monday, February 20, 2012, both will skyrocket in price up to a whopping $0.99 each!  :)

So download your free copies of each today, and tell everyone you know to do the same!

Spread the word, spread the love.  Below are links to the books on Amazon.com, but both are available at Amazon sites around the world, so you can use whichever one you have a regular account with!

SAM

Carving The Light

Ebon Black and the Seven Dryads

FREE e-copy of Carving The Light!!!

Available now, through the end of July!

It's poorly formatted, but it's FREE!!!

Tell your friends!

http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/66162

IndieReads.net Interview!!!

Shawn Graham at IndieReads is featuring Carving The Light today on his blog, and including an interview with me tomorrow!

Get on over there and check it out!

His is a fantastic place to discover new indie authors and publishers that you may not get a chance to hear about otherwise, so it's definitely worth checking out from time to time - not just for me!  ;)

Also, word is there will be more and more indie book reviews going up on the site, as well, so it's definitely a fantastic way to keep in touch with the indie book world!

Check it out!

So Many Projects, So Little Time

Good grief - it's been awhile, sorry!  I've been having problems with my eye for the past month, and most of my time off has been spent going to various doctor appointments to see if we can figure out what's wrong.  There's no end in sight (haha - sight - get it?) just yet, but in the meantime, I have also managed to take some baby steps on a number of different things, so that's something!

ABNA Second Round Reviews!!!

Okay! As expected, I did not make the cut in this round, but my reviews were posted much faster than anticipated, so that's good! My whole reason for entering the contest this year was to try and make it to this round, and get some feedback from the Amazon Vine Reviewers who worked so hard over the past few weeks to judge this crazy round. And now, for your reading enjoyment, here they both are!  You can find 'em after the jump.

More Updates - On Everything

Wow...a lot has been happening lately!  Or, maybe I should say, a lot has come up, and will happen later.  Because I still feel as though I'm not moving in any direction at all...just kind of standing and preparing to move.

If that makes any sense!

I can't decide where to begin, so I'll just ramble off some of the stuff that's been going on since my last post.

Holy crap - I made it!

I just found out that I made it through the first round (Pitch) and into the second (Excerpt) of the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award!

I think I might still be in shock.

Carving The Light on Kindle!

I'd made CTL available on Kindle after I originally published it last year.  But this morning, I uploaded a better, stronger, faster version that I'm hoping will fare better.  It has fewer mistakes, anyway!  :)

Enjoy!

S.A.M.

Carving The Light - (Hypothetical) Casting Call

What if Carving The Light was made into a movie?  Who would you cast? 

That's the question posed on the ABNA message boards and, coincidentally, a subject which has come up a few times between some of my friends/readers and I since the book was first published.

There have been MANY suggestions, some of which I agree with, and some of which I do not.  And, truth be told, I had very specific and completely different people in mind while I was writing it.  But let's face it, even if it ever were to be brought to life as a film, I would have NO say as to who got approached to star in it, so this is really my only chance to make my wishes heard.

So here it is, take it or leave it.  What follows is my first choices for who I think should play the main roles in the big screen adaptation of my book, Carving The Light.

Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award 2011

So here I am, one day and...a bunch of hours...to the time when the ABNA submission window will finally be open for 2011.  I am nervous, excited, overwhelmed, fired up and tired.  I've never entered before but, more importantly, this is my first practice stab at querying, and it's really all about the feedback and the experience, at this point!

I'm still not entirely sure what exactly I want to write about, with respect to the contest, but I am feeling the need to sort of chronicle the experience, both for myself, and for anyone else who may be considering entering themselves.

That being said, there is a very strong chance that I won't make it past the first round, which I thought would probably render all of my musings sort of moot.  However, as I keep reminding myself, it truly is about the experience, and as with most things, even failure can be something to learn from.

Sometimes you can even learn more.

Pitch Revisions!

Whew!

It seems that every time I take a breather and then go back to my pitch, I find more ways to tinker with it!  I even have visions of myself doing some last-minute tinkering at 11:59pm on the 23rd!  lol

Good grief.

At any rate, have a look ahead to see where my pitch is at today.

Writing The Perfect Pitch

I have no idea how to write a pitch for a novel.  I've never had to write one before, but now am struggling (and determined) to create one for Carving The Light.  One which will hopefully get me through the first round of the Amazon  Breakthrough Novel Award this year.

I have no illusions of winning, nor even of making it past the second round.  But if I can get TO that coveted second round, I will be one very happy first-time author!

The hurdle I must face, really, is the Pitch.  The first round is all about the Pitch.  If the judges feel they want to read more, based on what the Pitch reveals about the novel, then on to Round Two I will go.  If it fails to grab them, however, I'll sit back with the other 4000-odd entries that won't make it through.

And I do not care for that.  lol

So I have to grab them.  I have to find a way to lure perfect strangers into the world of the Collins sisters enough that they will want to read more about them.  And they are good girls.  They deserve to be read about!

News And Reviews

Just wanted to post a quick mention that Carving The Light has been reviewed favourably over at Living In The Kitchen With Puppies, which makes me feel better about how it's being received by people who don't know me!  ;)

Additionally, I have more crappy prizes coming in for the Spot The Ad contest - some of which actually involve a copy of the ad as the main image, so watch for photos and updates on that soon, as well!

Hope everyone is having a happy holiday thus far.  Bring on 2011!

Vote For Carving The Light!!!

It has to be a write-in vote, of course, but how fun is it that you can actually vote for it as your Favourite book of 2010?  :)

You can also vote for it in Fiction, as well.  What the heck, right?

In fact, you can get away with writing it in for Debut Author, Goodreads Author, and Cover Art, to boot!  I would encourage you to vote for Timothy D Rideout's Cherubs in the Mystery & Thriller section, as well. 

Go vote!  No matter what you vote for, it's good to get people thinking about books, for a change, so get to it, folks!

Until soon,

S.A.M.

For The Browncoats!!!

I've been debating about whether or not to mention this here, as it's not exactly something that I "wrote", per se, so I wasn't sure whether it should be included as part of this blog, or not.

But really, it's creative.  And it involves words.  And it has taken up a lot of my time and energy lately.  I am kinda proud of it, AND there will be versions for Carving The Light and Ebon Black soon, as well, so I figured, what the heck?  Throw it up and see what happens!  ;)

For all you Browncoats out there, I have created our very own fridge magnet poetry set!  You can find it on Etsy and Ebay, so go have a look at the newly revamped Magnet-y Poetical Lingo For Browncoats!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/64081725/browncoat-fridge-magnet-poetry-set

I cut them by hand, which is more time-consuming and body-hurting than it sounds!  lol

And I package them all in wee Chinese food take-out boxes to make 'em appear more stylish and irresistably cute!

So go take a look...I'm getting faster at assembling them now, so I should be able to get orders shipped out quickly now.  And if I see you in person, all the better, because it'll save you on ridiculous shipping charges!  ;)

In the meantime, keep watching for my Ryerson ad around the city of Toronto, and enter the Spot The Ad contest for your chance to win!  Please also take a moment to check out the free preview of my next project, Ebon Black and the Seven Dryads! 

Lots on the go...'tis the season, I suppose!  So, with all that in mind, happy holidays one and all!

Until soon,

S.A.M.

Carving The Light Free Previews

This will be news to some of you, a quick reminder to others, and met with complete indifference from still more!  ;)
But I wanted to just put it out there as we wade through this holiday season.  There are some free previews of Carving The Light available out there on the world wide interweb!  The first few pages of the book are visible through the Search Inside feature on the book page at Amazon.com (Carving The Light).

Additionally a full scene from further along in the story can be found here.

In other news, the Ryerson Chang School ad is appearing more and more frequently across the city of Toronto, on subway platforms and now in public transit vehicles all over the place.  So keep your eyes peeled and cameras at the ready!  The Spot The Ad Contest is in full swing, and there are tons of crappy prizes to be won!  Search Carving The Light on Facebook, and this blog, for full contest details!

Until soon,

S.A.M.

Toronto - Spot The Ad Contest Now On!!!

Okay, Toronto, here we go!  The Ryerson ads are going up all over the TTC, across the city, and will be up through the holiday season!  Keep your eyes peeled, and your cameras at the ready, to give yourself a shot at winning any number of the fabulously crappy prizes available to be won!  :)