As writers, especially unagented or unpublished, we're working working working toward goals. "When I get an agent..." or "After I get published..." I think we labor under some myths that those are finite points in The End Game, and things will be all fluffy rainbows and sparkly unicorns. Well, I've been learning as I go, and I've learned they aren't. They are turning points on a rollercoaster that keeps going faster and faster, or to keep up with the damn Game metaphor I started myself on, they're the opening moments in The End Game of ALL GAMES.
When I landed my agent years ago, the type of writing work I did changed. I wasn't just creating stories, I was suddenly outlining more and discovery writing less, roughing up pitches, writing summaries and synopses, researching the market, AND writing. Signing with Gina was the start of a new and more focused event.
Since BROKEN's been picked up by Strange Chemistry for publication this upcoming January, I've been working on an author questionnaire, written a guest blog post, filled out an interview, discussed single sentence/paragraph synopses, thought up cover concepts, approached authors for cover quotes, and more. And I haven't received my edits yet! Then there will be revisions, proof reads, blog tours, contests, more interviews... Signing that publishing contract was kind of like jumping into a storm of BUSY, or throwing the first pass in the Super Bowl of End Games.
Yes, keep reaching for those goals. Don't ever quit if writing is what you love and cutting it out would be tantamount to digging your heart out of your chest. Getting an agent, selling a book are amazing goals to achieve. Just... be prepared to be BUSY.
I could have gone with a generic title. You know, the whole TBR list and all. But I could not resist using the title of the book I'm highlighting from the mountain of books I long to read.
UNTIL I DIE, by Author Amy Plum
Seriously? It gives me chills, makes me think, and gives me visions. Love it!!
Okay, so now I'm going to gush about the cover!
It's gorgeous!!
I need to make a confession. I don't choose books for their cover art very often. I read the story blurb and about the author. I usually thumb through the book and then read a chunk of pages here and there.
I did choose this book, initially, for its cover. TO DIE FOR.
Description:
I wish there was only today, just right now, and no forever.
It seems fitting that I fell in love in Paris, the most beautiful city in the world. And if I pretend, I can almost believe that my life is normal and everyone I care about is safe.
But as long as I’m with Vincent, “normal” doesn’t exist. Gorgeous, charming, and witty, he’s everything you could ask for in a boyfriend—but his destiny is so much more.
Even more terrifying than his destiny are his dangerous enemies, enemies who will kill for immortality. How are Vincent and I supposed to be together forever if we’re always in danger?
I know I’ll do whatever it takes—even if it means lying to the people I love—to fight against a fate that is trying to tear us apart.
Yeah. Yummy, right? But you'll have to wait to get it on its Book Birthday, May 8th, 2012; publisher: HarperCollins
It's that time again! Comment with your email address to be entered to win a 500-word critique from all six Oasis Sisters, including A.E. Rought who announced her debut YA book deal yesterday!
We'll randomly choose a winner next Thursday, and post our critiques the following Thursday.
Thanks for entering, and HAPPY THURSDAY!
