Writing in the 21st Century

Just finished reading - The Boldest Man in Ballymuir and The Boldest Flame in Ballymuir by Dorien Kelly

I was watching Little Women (the one with Winona Rider) and I marveled at how easy (in some ways!) writers have it today. Jo wrote each manuscript by hand, her fingers were stained with the ink of a fountain pen, and as a woman, she faced discrimination and scrutiny.

Now we have computers that not only help with the writing process, but research, marketing, communication, and design. Websites, twitter, facebook, and book trailers are awesome tools to spread the word about writing and books.

Some technology tools I love?

Old writing technology

Computer (obviously)
Email
Twitter
Facebook
Websites
Dragon Dictation (app)
IFTTT - feeds website update to facebook/twitter
Pinterest

There are so many that are daily habits, that I'm sure I'm missing many. What is great is they make our job easier, just think of research and how much easier it is to gather facts and ideas and communicate with experts.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles~
Madelyn

The Waiting Game

Waiting to hear back from editors and agents can be a draining task.  I recently sent out a proposal in which the editor received but said it would be 6 months before they responded.  6 MONTHS!!! Torture, pure torture. 

So, I sent off the second book in the series just be ahead in the game.  But I'm not putting all of my eggs in one basket, I'm sending elsewhere and will pursue agents as well.

One that that has gotten easier in regards to submitting proposals is that most are electronic. You don't have to print out all of those pages, go to the post office, make sure you have a SASE. Nope, just a click of a button and you're set.

For my adolescent series I'm going the agent route. Adolescent novels have taken off since the debut of Harry Potter and now with Twilight and Hunger Games, the genre has changed. Books are grittier, violent, appeal to adults and children. It's interesting how a genre that includes Little House On The Prairie can shift so much.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles,
Madelyn

Researching!

I was doing some additional research for my current Scottish historical and stumbled upon the perfect place for my heroine to "hide".  I had a picture in my mind, but wanted to check the geography of the region (north east Scotland).  Amazing how my imagination closely matched what I found.

I love stumbling upon great images and factual tidbits. You just never know where you may use it in a story, but it's nice to tuck away for later use. These caves are perfect for my story and I can't wait to write the scene(s).
I also needed some flora and fauna information. We all know about the Scottish thistle, heather, and lavender.  I needed so deep details, more specific to a region. I was surprised to learn about some of the trees that grew in the area which seems a little bleak to even allow anything to take life.
I was pleased to learn about the bottle nose dolphin that populates the waters shown in the picture.  Moray Firth is swimming (sorry the pun) with them and I love the dolphin and will love to pull some into my story as well.

And who couldn't love the Highland Cattle (Gaelic: kyloe)? They are so cute and furry that I would love to have them in the back yard.  My husband said no. He didn't even hesitate, just no!  And I'm sure my dog would have heart failure at the huge beasties roaming her territory.

Reading & Re-Reading

I've just finished a great Scottish Historical that I loved. It is the first book in a series by Maya Banks. I've already read the series, but it's in my Nook app on my iPad and it's super convenient to read when I'm on the treadmill.  Plus I've exceeded my book purchase budget this month, so I'm stuck re-reading.

There are very few books that I re-read. I'm always in for a Jane Austen reread. I make it a point to read Jane Eyre at least once a year. And Shakespeare, I read him as much as possible. But there are also a ton of variations on these classics and I enjoy the creativity to make the story new and fresh.

So what do you re-read? Is there that book you must read every so often or else you feel as if you are missing out? Do you hate to re-read and just wait for new releases?

I'm patiently waiting for the next Scottish Historical by Maya Banks, but it looks as if that is months away - heavy sigh.

That's it According to Maddy~

Tootles,
Madelyn

New Blog Design

Hello,
There has been some chatter on writer blogs these days about writer's websites. With Facebook and blogs is it really necessary to have a website? At first I thought yes. But as I thought about things, really why do you need a website if you are visible on facebook and have a blog (which feeds to Facebook)?

I can add book excerpts, writing updates, add pages for contests and contact info. So really a website isn't truly necessary.

What is necessary is a way for writers to find you. See what you are currently doing and look at our backlist. Readers need to be able to email us or post a comment on Facebook. Just a way to communicate and share. And a website is static where as Facebook and blogs are asynchronous communication avenues that work great for writers and readers.

So my website address will now filter to my blog which will allow for readers and writers to access as well as feed to Facebook. All and all a great solution.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles,
Madelyn

Website Down!

Hello,

I've tweaked my blog a bit because my website is undergoing construction and I've no where else to share writing news. I'm nearly done (finally!) with Hope, Book 1 in the Wild Thistle Trilogy. This book is truly the book of my heart. I love the characters, setting and plot. The heroine is one of the strongest I've written and I love writing her. And the hero, I must say is sexy, strong, and loves to tangle with the heroine.

Once I give the book one more run through, it's off and running. Wish me luck!

Tootles~
Madelyn

Writing

Hello!

I'm writing more these days which is so great. I feel an energy when I'm working on a story that is hard to define. Creativity flows-ideas percolate-fingers fly over the keyboard. Sometimes I feel as if I have a split personalities -- the contemporary, writer, the historical writer, and the teen novel writer. I read everything and it seems that stories pop into my mind that are as varied as my many moods.

I know there are several writers who compose for different genres, and I love that. But I wonder with myself if I am doing my writing a disservice since it takes different ideas, research, and energy to write different genres. I don't know, but I can't help but nurture these stories and allow them to come to light. So, it may take me longer, but I think my inner muse is happier.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles~
Madelyn

Movies, Books, Can't Wait

I know I have written about books to movies, but some friends and I were talking recently about one of our favorite character-Stephanie Plum. I'm so curious to see how Katherine Heigl does in the role of Stephanie. I've seen some pictures and with her hair dyed dark brown, she kinda looks like the what I expect Stephanie to look like.

Don't we all do that? Envision characters and then when they are cast in a movie, we cry outrage? I guess that is why I love books so much. I get to cast the characters with the help of the writer and their imagination-descriptions, actions, and story.

So,
Sherri Sheppard = Lula = Genius
Debbie Reynolds = Grandma Mazur = I can live with this choice
Patrick Fischler = Vinnie Plum = Perfectly smarmy and creepy
Jason O'Mara = Joe Morelli = Confusing, isn't he really Irish?
Daniel Sunjata = Ranger = Not beefy enough (was The Rock unavailable)

They may all surprise me. Sunjata may be the best option for Ranger. I guess I just picture him as this huge man, sexy, rough, but with a soft spot for Stephanie. And O'Mara? He is not even remotely Italian looking. I've heard some people wanted Mark Wahlberg for the role - now that would be inspired.

Well, I guess I have complained enough. I'm very excited for the movie. Truly! I am! I love the characters and want to see them brought to life. And I know that with Evanovich's witty writing, the movie is going to be great.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles~
Madelyn

When Writing

When I write, I am sometimes focused and sometimes scattered. And when I'm scattered, it is so frustrating. I will write a few paragraphs, then become distracted by email, or searching the net, or check out facebook. Sometimes I wonder if I should have a laptop dedicated to writing and keep it bare bones--without internet access. (I have to admit, this makes me nervous)

Then I talk myself out of cutting out the net. Let's face it, I need it to do research, check facts, and search for submission guidelines, contest, and other authors.

So, I have to constantly work on keeping focused. I have remind myself that focused = better work. Focused = complete work. Focused = submitted work.

So I guess I'll have to stop writing while watching the latest reality show, talking with the kids, playing Sorority Life on Facebook, and checking my status?!?!

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles~
Madelyn

Series versus Single Title

Do you like reading a continuing series? Or do you like reading one book and being done with it?

I love continuing series. There are several that I wait and wait for the next one to come out. Some of my favorites are Adriana Trigiani, Big Stone Gap Series, Very Valentine Series, and Nora Robert's, Bed of Roses Series are some of my favorites.

And of course there are the Harry Potter and Twilight Series. I love these books and waited for them to be delivered by my faithful mailman.

Of course there is a downside to series. Waiting for the next book to be written, published, and released can take forever. And some writers have a hard time keeping the series fresh and the characters engaging.

Here's a list of my favorite series that I often go back and read again and again:
Evanovich's Stephanie Plum Series
Jan Karon Mitford Series
Lisa Kleypas' historicals
The Outlander Series

Share some of your favorites! I love to hear what others are reading.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles~
Madelyn

The Inspiration of Fall

I love fall. I love the scent of the cold, crisp air, wearing sweaters, camp fires. I love it all up until the snow falls. In western NY we get a lottttt of snow. Too much snow. Heaps and heaps of snow.

But I digress. I love fall and this fall I have sent out 3 short stories, received 2 rejections (but good ones--writers know there is a difference and one even had hand writing to keep sending). So all in all, not too bad.

I'm also continuing my new young adult romance and I'm really excited about it. The research, listening to young adults talk, and making sure each sentence zings. The pacing is a new element and I'm really learning.

My interest in young adult novels started while I completed my Master's Degree in English Education. A semester full of YA novels, creating lesson plans around such novels, and enjoying the classics. (Remind me to tell you about my time spent with Shakespeare). Dissecting a YA novel through the lens of an educator is one thing, but writing it so the teen lens likes it is another.

So, wish me luck and my latest read was "Read My Lips" by Teri Brown. Very nicely done with great characters and some really unique circumstances.

My latest adult read was Nora Robert's "Bed of Roses" part two of the Bride Quartet series. Lovely book and I'm speechless at all of the detail that is so naturally done. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Feel free to share what you're reading!

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles,
Madelyn

Writing & Reality

Okay, My reality is that I work full-time, have three children, one husband, and a dog. I shuttle back and forth from soccer to dance, to basketball, and social engagements. My reality is--I really don't have time to write. I want to, daily. Do I get to? No (see my silly promise in the blog posting below).

I've resigned myself to accept that I won't be able to write everyday. But I have also promised myself to think about my writing, characters, plot, and editing daily.

Is thinking about writing the same as writing? Yes and no. When I think of my writing, it is almost like a pre-planning or outlining session. I find that I'm much more focused and I don't spend as much time staring at the screen wondering what the heck I'm going to write.

Of course nothing soothes the writing beast like clicking away at the keyboard or taking pen to paper to really get my story down. But in my reality, I have to adapt and pray for free time.

So, next time you are waiting for an appointment, taking a lunch break, or waiting for your children to hurry up and get in the car, think about your writing-- you may find that you've broken through a block or solved a story thread.

That's it according to Maddy~

Tootles,
Madelyn

Contest - To Enter or Not To Enter - That is the questions

Contest.
I'm sure the word dredges up memories and some of them not very pleasant. As a frequent contest entrant and a frequent contest judge and contest coordinator, I find that the experience is often wrought with problems and broken dreams.

As an entrant I have won, placed, and lost contest. Of course this breaks my heart, I question my ability as a writer, I curse the judge for her lack of insight, and I dwell on the comments way too much. Is this abnormal? Of course not. Is this productive? Of course not.

I took a break from entering contests. I found that it helped tremendously with my confidence. Also, I found that I was able to focus on an entire manuscript instead of perfecting the first three chapters of a manuscript. And, I found that by submitting to contests as a way to stalk(yes,I mean that type of stalking) a particular editor or agent, it took longer to hear back from them. In fact, sending query and receiving a request cut the response time considerably.

Not that contest are bad, mind you. Many cater to specific genres and topics. This can be a godsend to those writers who target this type of market. And many people enjoy entering contests and do very well. They receive a check or other type of reward and their name is printed in the RWR, which is a great marketing tool.

I guess for me, that I will hold back and try to critique with my trusted critique partners and send queries and manuscripts to those who ask. In fact, after a few years of entering contests, I am now frequently sending my manuscript to editors at their request. So, I did learn from contests, I did grow as a writer, and the comments (both negative and postitiv) have added to my toolbox.

That's it according to Maddy ~

Tootles for now,
Madelyn