Willa Burke

Spent Some Time with a Blogger

2004-11-16T20:48:00.000-05:00

Over the weekend, I spent a good bit of time with a blogger. I talked about my idea of creating a community of generous people who shared ideas of finding agents. The blogger asked how many hits my site got. And I said, if I didn't count my mom: not many. The blogger warned me of the time blogs can steal from writing and the agent search itself, and said that maybe I ought to close shop before I had too many readers pressuring me to continue posting.

I'm sorry if this is a disappointment to anyone. I learned a long time ago to listen to people with more experience. If any of my words or my links has been a help to you, I'm happy for it. And now I'm going to write and search again in private. Maybe I'll run into some of you at a reading or a conference some time. Peace.

MY NEW FOCUS; Site-of-the-Week

2004-11-12T11:32:00.000-05:00

I have a new focus. I've researched a lot about the process of finding an agent (the role of the agent, who's good, how to write a synopsis that gets some notice), and I'll continue to post whatever I learn. But the more I look into workshops and forums, it seems the best information is found talking to real people who have made it past where I am. And so my focus will be attending as many readings and conferences as I can, and I'll report back here any helpful tips I learn. If you know of readings in the NYC area, just drop me a note and I will certainly consider attending. (But be careful: I can be an awful gossip, and it might just show up on the internet.)

My Site-of-the-Week is RuPaul RedHot because RuPaul is funny and sexy, and lately, he's been posting some important words from Larry Kramer about human rights in a frightening political age:

"Why can't we look at our bodies and see not just a sexual definition? Why can't we see in the body all that the body represents? Sexuality, yes. But also mortality, humanness, humaneness, innocence, purity, health, sickness, strength, consideration, responsibility, divinity. When did we rob our bodies of all the complexity they possess? Why do we refuse to see all that we are capable of? All the other things that make us full beings." That very beautiful paragraph was written by my friend, Jordan Roth, who is one day going to be a very fine writer if he just keeps at it.

Former President Jimmy Carter also speaks about the human condition, in light of Yasser Arafat's death:

It was very frustrating to deal with Mr. Arafat in seeking a clear position of the Palestinians, because he was very careful to avoid making a final decision that, when revealed, might arouse intense opposition or rebellion from one of the many competing groups that accepted him as its spokesman. At the same time, his sensitive political antennas endowed him with the ability to enunciate a consensus with reasonable accuracy.

I'm writing all day. I'm determined to take the slow-paced chapters from my finished novel and make them page-turners.

Online Fiction and Book Promotion

2004-11-11T08:43:00.000-05:00

Two issues have been buzzing around a number of writers' workshops lately: Is online fiction as legit as print? And how much are authors meant to participate in the promotion of their books? I like the discussions I've linked below.

Danforth Review and the Impact of Online Fiction

Book Promotion 101, Publishers discuss marketing (thanks to M.J. Rose for the link)

Online Fiction; Also, Variations on Writer's Block

2004-11-10T09:02:00.000-05:00

Editors speak about the impact of online fiction: here

Frankly, it seems like a no-brainer. I buy maybe 20 books a year. I subscribe to 2 literary magazines. But online, I read 5-10 stories a day. Most of the books I buy come from my familiarity with authors via mentions in blogs or via their work online.

Now, back to my novels-in-progress.... What I find frustrating right now is that I thought I knew roughly how the novel would end (I'm talking about novel #2 here--#1 is finished but needs to be raked through). But as I followed the rough outline I had in my head, the characters turned in a completely different direction and I've lost all control. For now, I'm following them around, but as I write, I can feel myself nudging (okay, forcing) them back in the direction that will head to the beautiful ending I've forseen from the start. I'm afraid the last 50 pages I've written will eventually be scrapped and I'm impatient with the story right now. I wonder if I should put this novel away for a while or if I should trust that all this wandering about in the wilderness will lead to something better than I had originally imagined.

Photos regarding this year's election. Take a look, please.

Oh, I Had Just an Awful Writing Day

2004-11-09T09:11:00.000-05:00

Do you ever feel like your writing is on fire--and say, it is in terms of speed and volume--but you look at what you've written and it's plain awful? Please tell me this has happened to you.

Do you remember that Charlie Kaufman film, Adaptation? It's a gorgeous movie about a screenwriter--or maybe a novelist?--who is writing this stunning, literary piece. But at some point, he gets stuck and ends up going to a writing seminar to help find the ending to his movie/book and there he is talked into using all the blow-em-up cliches to get the job done. It was painful to watch, and the ending to the movie sucked--it had to, in order to make the point.

There should be a lesson for me in that movie. But honestly, I struggled so much yesterday that I am now Googling "plot 101" just to get some ideas of how to get myself out of this jam. Here's what I found:
Writing Tips and Help
Write 101
10 Tips for Writing Your Mystery Novel
No Plot? No Problem!

Yes, I am feeling desperate.

More Agents I Like

2004-11-08T09:10:00.000-05:00

Joanna Pulcini, Joanna Pulcini Literary Management

Linda Chester, Linda Chester Literary Agency

Sarah Chalfant, The Wylie Agency

P.J. Mark, Collins McCormick

Loretta Barrett, Loretta Barrett Books

(and a nice little article about her here)

Bye. I'm writing all day. Have lots of ideas.

Which Literary Magazines are Agents Reading? and Site-of-the-Week

2004-11-05T13:14:00.000-05:00

One of my worries of contacting an agent is that I want them to recognize my name first. Or, if not that, I want them to see my list of publications and know that I'm worth reading. It's all about standing out in the slush pile, guys.

So... I guess the big question is what are the most effective ways for writers to get noticed in the slush? I've done a little snooping on this and have learned that blogs do help (uh, if anyone reads them, that is). So do writers' workshops and forums like Readerville . The more writers you know, the more someone might have a contact somewhere or someone else could suggest a good match for you, based on their own experience. But I'd like to debunk the myth that knowing other writers and helping them get their footing is sleazy in any way. It can take years and years to find out the tricks of the trade, to learn the best markets and the best ways to approach agents. Why not form a community and share what you know? That's what this blog is all about.

What about publications--which ones are actually read by the agents? Probably the safest bet is to be prolific and get your stuff out everywhere you can. Strangely, I've heard that online publications can count more than print because then people can Google you or stumble across your work. Some impressive ezines: Vestal Review , 3 a.m. , failbetter , Narrative Magazine , McSweeney's Internet Tendency . I've also heard that some of the hottest magazines right now, as far as agents reading them goes, are The Paris Review , McSweeney's , Zoetrope: All-Story , Other Voices , Tin House , Open City , Night Train , Granta, Ninth Letter , and Swink . This list comes from my confidential contacts at DoubleDay and Random House. Get your work out there and aim high and share what you know.

As for my Site-of-the-Week, I'd like you to check out MoorishGirl : a smart site featuring book reviews, interviews, virtual book tours and literary news with an emphasis on the Arab perspective.

Thick Skin

2004-11-04T08:09:00.000-05:00

I admit that I'd rather have another day curled up on the corner of the couch, moping about the direction the world is headed in. But I am a writer. I am a person who is passionate about writing despite having a drawer full of letters that say "Nope, don't like this," "Try again," "Write another."

I've never let a rejection letter get in the way of my passion, and I'm not going to let a terrorist in the White House strip me of it, either. Hell, some of the best writing has come in the darkest times.

So today I'm writing. And you write, too. Your story, your unique window on the world, your humor--it's all still relevant. If you don't feel like this government represents you, your voice is all the more important now. Go write.

.....sigh....

2004-11-03T14:21:00.000-05:00

I'm too depressed to even move. I hope I can write again tomorrow.

Vote Early

2004-11-02T06:17:00.000-05:00

Please vote for a new president today.

Synopsis (The Sales Pitch)

2004-11-01T00:11:00.000-05:00

I've heard plenty of variations: the synopsis ought to be two pages and walk through the plot and major themes of the novel. It ought to be 200 words and read like a back-cover blurb. It ought to be one sentence, just like the descriptions you read on the bestseller list, that really nails what the novel is about. In short, you take the complicated novel you've been writing and massaging for two (maybe ten, maybe twenty) years--the novel that is literary, poetic, subtle--and suddenly you must describe it as if it's plot-driven, commercial, more about the sum of its parts than the many beautiful windows and quiet details.

This frustrates me a great deal. I feel nearly ready (on good days) to begin making contact with literary agents, but I'm so turned off by this step, I feel paralyzed. What if that sentence doesn't get at the heart of my book? What if it doesn't contain the fire that the novel does? What if it's misleading and they like the sentence (or paragraph or two pages) better than the real thing?

Oh, but I'm tenacious, so I'll figure this out. I'll write the damned thing, and I'll send at least one letter out before the end of the year. And so here are some guidelines for writing the sales pitch:

Imagine that you're writing a jacket blurb for the novel, one that will pique the casual browser's curiosity and make him or her want to buy the book to see what happens. (Marg Gilks)

It gives the complete story line (if fiction), including the beginning, the middle, and the end of the story. And don't "tease" the editor by only hinting at the end of the story. Tell them exactly how it ends. (W. Gail Manchur)

It's written in the same style of writing your book is written in. If your book is "chatty," then your synopsis is, too. If your book is serious, literary, filled with dialect, or any other style, so must your synopsis be. (Fiction Writer's Connection)

Once you've reached the end of your story, you may have something else you want to say. If you are using historical events, you may want to tell the editor (quickly) which events were real and which were made up. If your manuscript is the first in a series, you may want to give the editor a quick introduction to the next book. (The Scribe)

Am I ready for this? Sadly, no. I'm having too much fun working on my other writing projects. But on a day when I have writer's block, I'm going to have everything right here--agent links, synopsis help, inspiration--and I'll get it done.

In the meantime, I'm off to write for the day. I'm taking the day off tomorrow because I'm very nervous and distracted about the election and the state of the world. My NY vote for Kerry will not swing the election, but if you live in Michigan, Hawaii, Florida, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Ohio, Pennsylvania or West Virginia, I urge you to vote for a new president and a new administration.

J.B. Borders talks about payback on ChickenBones
McSweeney's Daily Reasons to Dispatch Bush
Stop by Lindsayism
Stop by Video Vote Vigil
And always listen to the lovely RuPaul, who has brain, heart and humor

Literary Gossip: Pindeldyboz, and Site-of-the-Week: Bazima.com

2004-10-29T08:42:00.000-04:00

When Pindeldyboz throws a party, the crowd is young and hip, and if you don't want to look silly and matronly, you should be quick with quips. I didn't fit in so well, but I enjoyed myself and the mellowish rock music, a funny guy from VH1, and solid readers: Michelle Orange, Greg Sanders, Dalia Azim, and one so cute you must click here and see.

There has been a shuffling of editors at P-Boz: the founding editor has moved over to Entertainment Weekly , there are new girls at the helm, and their web editor moonlights over here. I picked up the 4th issue (the gerbil issue), and I'm enjoying it.

Have you visited my Site-of-the-Week, Bazima.com ? Blaise K. is a writer with lots of energy and attitude. She says this about her site: "Bazima.com began as 'The Bazima Chronicles' in September, 2001. I started it for attention and invitations to more parties." Go check her out. She's good people.

Time for me to work on my story collection. Don't forget: Set your clocks BACK an hour on Sunday, and also change the batteries in your smoke detectors.

What Does a Literary Agent Do?

2004-10-28T10:28:00.000-04:00

Want to hear literary agents talk about the things that matter to them? Literary Agent Roundtable

According to writers.net a literary agent is someone who knows what sells where, and most importantly, they have connections with people at publishing houses. More specifically, Gary Kessler says the following:

A good literary agent will:

* Target the search for a publisher on publishers that are the best fit for the author.
* S/he will fully understand the provisions of the contract offered by a publisher (most lawyers can’t, because most lawyers don’t specialize in publishing terms) and will be able to explain the terms of the contract to the author.
* S/he will negotiate the best possible terms and advance for the author.
* Possibly edit--as part of the basic service--the manuscript to make it more marketable. But be careful. If the agent offers to edit the manuscript for a fee or recommends someone specific who can do this, it’s quite possible that the agent actually is in the edit-for-a-fee business rather than the literary agency business.
* Run interference for the author during the publication process and the marketing phase.
* Help authors take the best-possible advantage of the publishing rights.
* Handle the business matters for the book, including the collection and disbursement of royalties.

Here's more on that: writers-publish

Now, what if--like me--you work best socially. What if you think you can pitch your story better in person than on a piece of paper? Here are some places you might be able to mingle with agents so they can put a face to your work when they receive those first 50 pages: Go to writers' conferences and workshops

This one's the BIGGIE.

Vote

2004-10-27T13:36:00.001-04:00

Today I'm working on my collection. I have GOSSIP from the Pindeldyboz Cabaret and will share it tomorrow or Friday. In the meantime, please read this important article regarding the election. For the first time in its 80-year history, The New Yorker has backed a presidential candidate.

Also, I admit: I'm an Eminem fan.

Setting as Character

2004-10-26T15:53:00.000-04:00

I've spent the last week researching a certain period in time and a certain place. And now I'm going to go back through the draft of my novel and make sure the setting is alive. That it is a character itself. That it pushes and pulls on the actors in my novel and creates tensions and choices for them.

Some links to get you thinking (some of these links are more useful than others, but I'm all for a diversity of thought):

character and setting interactions
the setting as character
the setting of Mystic River
the caldron of place
more Mystic River
Eudora Welty on setting

More Agents Who Impress Me

2004-10-25T14:41:00.001-04:00

I'm continuing to collect names of agents who represent work similar to mine. Not ready to contact anyone yet, but gathering the list makes me feel a little closer to taking the plunge.

Michelle Tessler, Tessler Literary Agency, LLC (interesting article)
Molly Friedrich, Aaron Priest Literary Agency
Wylie Agency (oh, but they don't accept unsolicited manuscripts, darn it.)

Tomorrow I'm working on nothing but my novel. Then I'm going to get all doo'ed up for the Pindeldyboz reading.

Decisions, Decisions

2004-10-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

As part of my plan to get myself out there, I have decided to attend one of these readings--not sure which yet.

THE PINDELDYBOZ LITERARY CABARET, Tuesday, October 26

October 26, 2004, 8pm ($7)
Junno's, 64 Downing Street, off 7th Avenue

A night of literature, music, parlor games and swanky fun with your host, comedian Seth Herzog. Featuring the literary stylings of Darin Strauss, Michelle Orange, Greg Sanders and Dalia Azim. Along with the musical stylings of The Jim Daves – with one of the Daves being David Gates. Come for the words, stay for the drink specials, auction and yes people, post-show karaoke.

Open City at KGB Bar, Wednesday, October 27

October 27, 2004 7-9 PM, FREE!
KGB Bar, 85 East 4th Street

JONATHAN AMES is the author of I Pass Like Night, The Extra Man, What's Not to Love?, My Less Than Secret Life, and Wake Up, Sir! He is the winner of a Guggenheim Fellowship and is a former columnist for New York Press. Mr.Ames contributes to the radio show "The Next Big Thing" and has been a recurring guest on the Late Show with David Letterman.

AMBER DERMONT is the writer-in-residence at Rice University in Houston. Her work has appeared in the Alaska Quarterly Review, The Gettysburg Review, and Zoetrope.

Connections

2004-10-21T14:24:00.000-04:00

Today I networked. I found reading groups, discussions, sent emails, reconnected with college alumni. I thought it would feel slimy but it was great. As soon as I found other writers, I realized there was nothing disingenuous about my desire to talk with them and to hear all of their tips and struggles and the writing they're so fired up about.

I did a lot of work on my collection today and am really happy with the crazy direction it's going in. Feeling good, and tomorrow I'll look into upcoming readings.

Always a To-Do List

2004-10-20T09:27:00.000-04:00

I'm learning that I have to push myself if I want to accomplish anything, much less break out of the pack. Today: an hour and a half of work on my story collection, and an hour and a half reading a book which is research on the setting of my second novel.

As far as the agent hunt goes, I'm continuing to research the agents who like work most similar to mine, but I hate the idea of being in the bottom of their slush pile and thinking they'll only read the first page of my novel before making up their minds. My secondary plan is to go to readings and conferences attended by high-profile and high-power people in the business. Goofy? Maybe. But look at the circles of writers who lift each other through the business. Their success is merited, but sometimes you need good fortune besides. So today, I'm also scouring the internet and the NY Times for ways to spend my weekend. I'll present a list every weekend of what's hot.

Today, no hunting. Just writing.

2004-10-19T20:04:00.000-04:00

The hunt for an agent takes something away from me. What I love is writing, and today I'm taking a break from all the marketing hoo-ha. I'm going to spend an hour and a half on my second novel and an hour and a half on my short story collection. If you are reading blogs today, take a break for a half hour and write something--what you see out your window, how you feel about the Red Sox and Yankees games, what you had in your life ten years ago that isn't there now. Go on, write!

Short-List of Literary Agents

2004-10-18T09:11:00.000-04:00

Today I'm looking through my bookshelf for books that are similar to
mine, with the goal of finding out the names of literary agents
associated with those books.

I will use these sites as well:
Guide to Literary Agents
Writers' and Artists' Yearbook
Preditors and Editors
Agents Actively Looking
Bill's List
AAR List
Another AAR List

So far, these are the names of agents on my short-list:
Virginia Barber, William Morris Agency
Phyllis Wender, Rosenstone/Wender
Jennifer Carlson, Dunow Carlson Literary Agency
Jenny Bent, Trident Media Group
Melanie Jackson, The Melanie Jackson Agency
Amy Williams, Collins McCormick Literary Agency
Michael Congdon, Don Congdon Associates

But I'm not ready to contact them. The thought of it makes my stomach
hurt. So instead, I'll work on the opening of my second novel--writing
when I'm inspired, and reading openings from my favorite works when I'm
not.

Willa Burke

2004-10-17T20:22:00.000-04:00

To new beginnings. My name is Willa Burke and I've been a closeted
writer for a very long time. Because of recent events in my life, I'd
like to make a go of it. Maybe drag my three nearly finished novels off
my hard drive and see if anyone is interested.

This blog is like any blank page I've learned to deal with. Full of
fear and opportunity. Today marks the day I will begin to put my novel
in its final form and search for an agent.

If you'd like to keep an eye on my journey, learn from my mistakes and
my tenacity, then welcome.

Thanks for visiting, and please come back often. wb