Writer Merit Badges

Through a link on Query Shark I found a fun site that provides merit badges for certain achievements. Yes, much like the boy-scouts and girl-scouts do. I know it's corny, but I'm going to be posting some of the ones I qualify for on my blog because it's my blog and I'll cry if I want to.

Query Shark - 'nuff said

In my research to find out how to write a query letter that agents/publishers will actually want to read, one blog simply must be mentioned.

Query Shark is written by an actual agent (Janet Reid). What she does is post queries submitted by the braver portion of her readers who agree to have the Query Shark sink her teeth in their query. The result is gold to the potential query writer. Her insightful, often funny and sometimes brash remarks keep you entertained all while you're learning what a good query letter looks like.

If you're brave enough, I suggest sending your query. I'm working on reading through the archives of the blog. When I'm done I plan to write and submit my query into her chum bucket. Even if you feel like you've already got the query writing thing down this blog is worth a look. A warning though, read the archives. There are sooooooooooo many submitted queries that make the same mistakes over and over again. It provides some entertainment for those of us reading the blog, but you can avoid the need to get some use out of that tough skin of yours if you just read the archives. Don't worry, you'll enjoy it too.

A mentor can help

I had the opportunity to have lunch with T. L. Hines today. It was a very eye opening experience to get to sit down with a published author and pick his brain. He shared some great advice with me that has inspired me to take the next steps in my writing career. Now I get to pass that advice on to you.

Tony had a lot to say about what to expect as I become more serious about getting published. He reiterated what we've all heard so many times, which is it's important to have thick skin. He didn't just say it though, he shared his own story and encouraged me not to let it get me down when it comes. In turn I want to encourage you to find your own mentor. Somebody who's been there, done that, and can help you get there too.

At one point in our conversation I mentioned how I look back on my self-published book and cringe. I found it comforting to know I'm not the only one. I don't remember his exact words, but Tony said, "I can't even read my first books anymore. Every time I do I can't help seeing all the things I would change." I guess at some point you just have to set the novel aside and take the next step. It's that fine line between not being ready and getting too caught up in editing.

Since my genre is fantasy, Tony suggested I use Critters.org as a way to have my work critiqued. It also provides an opportunity to critique others as well as get that experience of seeing what works and what doesn't. Science fiction, fantasy and horror are the genres critters.org focuses on.

As for my personal situation, Tony recommended I find an agent. Once an agent agrees to represent you, you can once again focus on your writing. I've listed the websites he recommended at the bottom of this post. And while it's not a requirement to find an agent who's a member of the Association of Authors' Representatives (AAR), it's a big plus. On the other side of the spectrum (the bad agents) take a look at Writer Beware's legendary "20 Worst" literary agents.


Searching for an agent:
AgentQuery.com
Query Shark
Preditors & Editors
Writer Beware

Writer's Help:
Critters.org

Back At It

After years of letting writing take a back seat, I'm finally committing to bringing it to the forefront once more. I missed it enough that I just have to bring it back. I hope none of you writers reading this ever let your time writing slip away like I did. Who knows, I might have been published by now.