| janfields |
September 5, OPEN FORUM
CHAT begins in five minutes. Today we're flying without a topic-- so
pop in with any questions related to writing or the writing life. So
be sure to join us in the Auditorium in five
minutes.
|
| janfields |
September 5, OPEN FORUM
CHAT begins in 2 minutes. Bring your questions about anything
related to writing...in two minutes.
|
| janfields |
If you want to ask a
question and be sure it has a chance to be posted, you'll need to
use either the "ask a question" button on the bar across the middle
of your screen. OR type /ask...then space once and type your
question. That passes the question to me and I can post it for
answer. If you type the question in the bar at the bottom of you
screen, I may not see it.
|
| janfields |
Welcome to OPEN FORUM
CHAT! Pull up a chair and be amazed as we talk about anything
related to writing...the skies the limit. What are you wondering
about today?
|
| janfields |
Hi writerfolk...I'm
delighted to see y'all today.
|
| janfields |
I wanted to cover a
little bit about chat in September.
|
| janfields |
It'll all be in
Friday's newsletter as well.
|
| janfields |
There will be NO open
forum NEXT TUESDAY, September 12...I'll be in Washington
DC
|
| janfields |
Soaking up a little
historical culture so I can look wise and educated.
|
| janfields |
There will be NO open
forum the NEXT TUESDAY, September 19 -- I know that stinks but I
have an appointment that had to be made a YEAR ahead and , that's
how it turned out.
|
| janfields |
Blah.
|
| janfields |
So, after today, the
next afternoon forum will be September 26: Scenes and
Chapters.
|
| janfields |
Now...onto the
questions.
|
| charweb |
Can we send a single
query letter for multiple subs.....
|
| charweb |
on a theme based
issues?
|
| janfields |
I know of several
writers who do.
|
| janfields |
Especially when the
theme is on their area of "expertise"
|
| janfields |
Aaron Miller (for
example) often sends "check list" queries...and he has had great
success with them.
|
| janfields |
He even sends them to
PICTURE BOOK PUBLISHERS!
|
| janfields |
But his area of
expertise is folklore and so he always pitches in that
area.
|
| janfields |
If a magazine is coming
out with a theme that is very much something that inspires several
ideas.
|
| janfields |
I would pitch all of
them.
|
| janfields |
I've seen it work well
for others.
|
| janfields |
And many times when
these magazines come out, they will have several articles in them
from each writer.
|
| coloradokate |
I'm writing realistic
fiction about a boy spotting a wolf or wolf-dog. I've spoken with
our local animal control, who would use a live trap, not a
tranquilizer rifle, but in my story I want them to use the rifle.
How accurate should I / do I need to be?
|
| janfields |
Live traps are very
much cheaper so they are probably much more used.
|
| janfields |
However, I think many
of us associate "tranquilizer guns" with capturing
animals.
|
| janfields |
So I would probably
stretch it that far.
|
| janfields |
I might have them try
the trap first and discover the animal is too savvy, nervous, or
whatever...then try the gun.
|
| janfields |
TERRI: I've written a
Native American story. Do you think a writer should be Native
|
| of
story |
|
| janfields |
Do I think you have to
be?
|
| janfields |
No.
|
| janfields |
Do many people think
you have to be?
|
| janfields |
Yes.
|
| janfields |
Many Native American
groups are really tired of bad Native American fiction -- tired to
the point of wanting to see all Native American fiction by Native
writers only.
|
| janfields |
And some publishers are
going along with that.
|
| janfields |
But the door hasn't
closed completely.
|
| janfields |
If you can prove the
value of your scholarship to the publisher
|
| janfields |
You're probably capable
of selling a Native American piece.
|
| janfields |
If you've extensive
experience in the culture...even if you aren't a member of the
group, you probably have a chance
|
| janfields |
But some publishers are
getting rigid about it, so you will have something of an uphill
climb.
|
| janfields |
You know, an
interesting person to ask this question to would be Cynthia
Leitich-Smith when she comes to chat on the 14th.
|
| janfields |
She's written a number
of Native American books (and is Native American) -- she may have
some good insights.
|
| eggamy |
What do you mean by a
check list qury?
|
| janfields |
A checklist query is
written something like this:
|
| janfields |
Dear
Editor,
|
| janfields |
For your September 2008
issue, I would like to pitch the following
articles:
|
| janfields |
__ A look at chocolate
as a cultural icon. Blah blah blah
|
| janfields |
__ Chocolate as a
health food. Blah Blah Blah
|
| janfields |
Where each pitch gets
it's own section of the letter but it's set up like a
checklist.
|
| janfields |
With clear deliniation
(wow, is that spelled wrong or what) between article
pitches.
|
| janfields |
tmteichroeb: I read
that Highlights likes to have copies of your sources for nonfiction
articles. Do you actually photocopy pages from books and magazines
to send with your bibliography? Doesn't this break copyright laws?
|
|
|
| janfields |
Within the copyright
law is a provision for "fair use"
|
| janfields |
This is to keep
copyright law from stiffling scholarship.
|
| janfields |
So a certain amount of
copying is considered acceptable.
|
| janfields |
And making copies of
the specific pages where information comes from for your
article
|
| janfields |
is well within fair use
because you aren't cutting into the likelihood of anyone buying the
original publication.
|
| janfields |
If possible copy ONLY
the pages you use rather than the entire article.
|
| janfields |
And never copy a whole
book...that isn't fair use
|
| janfields |
BETH: Is Editing
software, worth the money?
|
| janfields |
I know some folks who
like editing software.
|
| janfields |
And I know some people
who like story generating software.
|
| janfields |
And some folks who love
manuscript tracking software.
|
| janfields |
Personally, I'm cheap
and I don't buy what I don't NEED...not just want to play with but
NEED.
|
| janfields |
Right now, there is no
editing software that I consider up to the task of helping you
edit.
|
| janfields |
And using an editing
software can make you think you've done all you need, when you
haven't.
|
| janfields |
So, I'm pretty much an
old-fashioned gal.
|
| janfields |
I DO however really
like some self-editing books.
|
| janfields |
ICL has a self-study
course called REVISE TO PUBLISH that is terrific for teaching you
how to self-edit.
|
| janfields |
And there a book
called....hmmmmm....
|
| janfields |
Self-Editing for
Writers...I think.
|
| janfields |
I read it a long time
ago.
|
| janfields |
Anyway, I found it
really helpful for boiling my revision/editing process down to
steps.
|
| charweb |
Jan, where can I get to
see nice same of query letters?
|
| janfields |
Wow, I hate to be a
poop...but I don't really know.
|
| janfields |
I know Linda Sue Park
had hers on her site for a long time.
|
| janfields |
But it was quite an
unusual letter...the one for See-Saw Girl...her first
book.
|
| janfields |
Aaron Miller had a
little tutorial on his site for a while...might
still
|
| janfields |
That's not his
name...dang...Aaron Shepard
|
| janfields |
He would give me such a
raspberry for putting his name down wrong.
|
| janfields |
Their sites are just
www.lindasuepark.com
|
| janfields |
And
www.aaronshepard.com -- assuming I spelled his name
right.
|
| janfields |
I know he doesn't use
the H
|
| janfields |
Hmmm...I would have to
look around. I'll try to scare some up and put it in a
newsletter.
|
| caq |
I think people have to
realize that all that software, the spell checkers, grammar
checkers, etc. cannot replace the human brain and should be used as
an aid and not as a final say. They suggest alternatives because the
computer really doesn't know your thoughts.
|
| janfields |
Ultimately, you're the
writer...which is why I tend to like staying in
charge.
|
| janfields |
I think you can
second-guess yourself to death.
|
| caq |
For query letters
samples, I wonder, if someone is a member of SCBWI, if they were to
ask for samples of ones used by other members if they would be
willing to share them in the discussin board, so if you are a member
of that, you might try asking.
|
| janfields |
I dunno...it's
possible...again, I'll look around. I have a couple guesses, but I
want to check.
|
| janfields |
Glee2: I am submitting
several things, including a children's
|
| company wants a
bio. Do I include this on the |
|
|
|
| janfields |
Whenever I've sent a
bio to any publisher...I've always just put it in the cover
letter.
|
| janfields |
And, of course, you
only send one if they ask for it.
|
| janfields |
Even books tend to keep
your bio short...only a paragraph or two, and since cover letters
are so short...I've just found there is always
room.
|
| janfields |
It makes for one less
paper in a submission package.
|
| janfields |
The more sheets of
paper, the more you increase the chance of something getting
lost.
|
| janfields |
If you want to ask a
question and be sure it has a chance to be posted, you'll need to
use either the "ask a question" button on the bar across the middle
of your screen. OR type /ask...then space once and type your
question. That passes the question to me and I can post it for
answer. If you type the question in the bar at the bottom of you
screen, I may not see it.
|
| coloradokate |
I just looked - it's
www.aaronshep.com
|
| janfields |
Thanks...I haven't
visited his site lately
|
| janfields |
But it has always been
chock full of great stuff.
|
| janfields |
It's especially good if
you are considering writing folklore
|
| janfields |
because that's really
Aaron's specialty.
|
| janfields |
Sarah: Also, I am
interested in learning how to make money with my writing! What do
you recommend?
|
|
|
| janfields |
You could take your
heaviest manuscript and whap folks on the head with it until they
give you money to stop.
|
| janfields |
But there are other,
slightly less sure money makers.
|
| janfields |
One key, for me, has
been to stay fairly eclectic.
|
| janfields |
I write about a lot of
different topics, for a lot of different audiences.
|
| janfields |
I write both fiction
and nonfiction...and even some poetry.
|
| janfields |
I spend a LOT of time
networking.
|
| janfields |
And some of my BIGGEST
money makers have come that way.
|
| janfields |
Hearing of some company
looking for a specific thing.
|
| janfields |
I am on probably 6
different children's/YA writers mailing lists.
|
| janfields |
I get ALL the industry
newsletters.
|
| janfields |
I belong to
SCBWI.
|
| janfields |
I visit discussion
boards for children's writers.
|
| janfields |
All of these things
take time -- yes -- but they also bear fruit.
|
| janfields |
I've met editors
through these experiences.
|
| janfields |
So, you need to
consider networking part of your "worthwhile" research
time.
|
| janfields |
Which sounds a lot
better than...oh, yes, dear, I spent three hours hanging around on
discussion boards.
|
| janfields |
I spent three hours
networking!!
|
| janfields |
See -- it's all in
attitude?
|
| janfields |
I'm not a strong
believer in doing a lot of free writing.
|
| janfields |
I know some folks
are.
|
| janfields |
I'm
not.
|
| janfields |
I write for free ONLY
to help the publication...not because I think it's a huge help to
me.
|
| janfields |
Most free writing for
children doesn't result in clips that wow editors.
|
| janfields |
BUT it does result in a
certain number of children served by your writing.
|
| janfields |
Since I write almost as
much for AUDIENCE as for money...if I know I can get a solid
audience, and the magazine NEEDS my help, then I will write for
free.
|
| janfields |
Otherwise, I'm a firm
believer in simply storming the gates with submissions until you
either (1) hit the write manuscript to the right editor at the right
time...
|
| janfields |
or (2) grow in skills
and polish and time spent studying markets to manage
#1.
|
| caq |
I have a tip I would like
to share. I found 4x6 post its. They came in a package of 4
different colors. I have them stuck on my wall. I have a color for
characters, begininng, middle and end. I just use one of the walls
in my writing room to organize my thoughts that way. I write a few
lines on the proper color post it and stick it up.
|
| janfields |
That's a very nice
tip...thanks CAQ
|
| coloradokate |
Would you please list the
industry newsletters in your next newsletter? Thanks. Also--I spend
way too much time reading books and websites about writing, reading
email lists, reading the boards and blogs, and not nearly enough
time writing. Help me, please...
|
| janfields |
Um...there aren't
many.
|
| janfields |
SCBWI puts out one for
their national group.
|
| janfields |
MOST local SCBWI
branches put out one for their local group.
|
| janfields |
These local SCBWI
newsletter tend to be...iffy...
|
| janfields |
But it's nice to keep
up with what's happening around you.
|
| janfields |
Once Upon A Time is a
very nice one.
|
| janfields |
Children's Book
Insider...another nice one.
|
| janfields |
Children's Writer...I
probably like this one best.
|
| janfields |
And not just because I
work for ICL.
|
| janfields |
I find the whole
content a little more....market oriented.
|
| janfields |
And I tend to like a
lot of market information.
|
| janfields |
And there is slightly
more variety in writers represented.
|
| janfields |
But both CBI and
Children's Writer are excellent.
|
| janfields |
There have been a
couple to come and go.
|
| janfields |
Online...the BOOST
folks, Blue Oasis, they put out a newsletter.
|
| janfields |
I think you have to pay
for it...I have to admit, I don't get that one.
|
| janfields |
I do get the WONDERFUL
free email newsletter for children's writers put out by Publisher's
Weekly.
|
| janfields |
I think the free email
newsletter put out by ICL is cool :-)
|
| janfields |
And Kid Magazine
Writers is an online magazine...it updates monthly.
|
| janfields |
So...lots of stuff out
there.
|
| caq |
I love Children's Book
Insider.
|
| janfields |
I do too...they have
some wonderful...more editorial content.
|
| janfields |
If you want to read
about the philosophy of writing.
|
| janfields |
What goes on in the
minds of writers.
|
| janfields |
And about the nature of
children's work...CBI is terrific.
|
| janfields |
I enjoy it every
month.
|
| mudhen |
Do you have any news
about Carus publishing? I polled our local children's writers group
and betwen us Carus hasn't responded to over 30 submissions since
January.
|
| janfields |
Alice Letvin says they
are digging out from under submissions...finally.
|
| janfields |
I got an
acceptance...hmmmm...last month
|
| janfields |
But that was for a
submission from December...just before the move.
|
| janfields |
So, I would say, if you
don't get responses to subs from the beginning of the year
(Jan/Feb/March) by the end of this month, consider it lost and send
again.
|
| janfields |
I would put money on a
LOT of lost submissions.
|
| janfields |
They still want
everything sent to the Peru address.
|
| eggamy |
How can I get started on
mag. graduate coruse atICL?
|
| janfields |
Well, first one must
graduate from the beginning level course.
|
| janfields |
Get recommended by your
instructor...which I think they probably tell you around
graduation?
|
| janfields |
Then if you KNOW you
were recommended and you haven't gotten the info on the course
yet.
|
| janfields |
I am firmly in favor of
badgering student services.
|
| janfields |
I mean, don't be
obnoxious or anything...but sometimes these things have gotten
sidetracked.
|
| janfields |
And they want you to be
able to take the course if you want it.
|
| janfields |
So they'll want to make
sure you get the information.
|
| caq |
Yep, your instructor
tells you in his/her final letter. If you are recommended and don't
hear from ICL in a month, call them. THey thought they notified me,
but didn't.
|
| janfields |
Yeah, I would love to
say it's really really rare for that to happen...
|
| janfields |
but I've heard of it
several times.
|
| janfields |
So probably more
like...doesn't happen all that often...
|
| janfields |
but it does
happen...just keep emailing or give them a call.
|
| janfields |
Honestly, I think email
almost works better because it gives them more time to come up with
an answer and often you get a more thorough answer.
|
| janfields |
But the folks at
student services are sweethearts so calling is fine
too.
|
| caq |
Also, I didn't know this,
if your instructor recommends you for the advanced course and you
would rather have the book course, you can do that instead, just
tell ICL Student services.
|
| janfields |
That's
true...HOWEVER...
|
| janfields |
as an instructor who
gets to make these recommendations...
|
| janfields |
I can actually
stipulate that I think the student could handle the magazine course
just fine but isn't ready for the book course.
|
| janfields |
I don't do that very
often, but it is something the instructor can do.
|
| janfields |
If they think a writer
will have more immediate success with magazines than with
books.
|
| eggamy |
I graduateed over ten yrs
ago
|
| janfields |
Then you just need to
drop a note to student services or call
|
| janfields |
Counselor_Services@InstituteChildrensLit.com
|
| janfields |
Or
|
| janfields |
1-800-243-9645
|
| janfields |
And when the operator
says "Are you a student"
|
| janfields |
You can say, "Yes, I'm
a graduate"
|
| janfields |
Then just tell them you
want the information on the adv course and that you graduated ten
years ago.
|
| janfields |
They probably don't
still have your file
|
| charweb |
What's your opinion the
ICL aptitude test, Jan? Is it .....
|
| charweb |
just a regular procedure
or really a cadidate is being....
|
| charweb |
evaluated? I'm just
curious.
|
| janfields |
It's not so much an
evaluation of "are you a good writer" as an evaluation of "are you
at a point where a good teacher could help you get publishable work
written"
|
| janfields |
So not everyone who
passes is really at a point where they could just submit and sell
stuff.
|
| janfields |
But everyone is
competent.
|
| janfields |
And pays attention to
directions.
|
| janfields |
And write coherently
and with organization.
|
| janfields |
Stuff like that...a bit
more detailed.
|
| janfields |
Actually the procedure
for evaluating is kind of complex.
|
| janfields |
And it's funny, some
folks get a LOT of coaching from friends to fill out the
form.
|
| janfields |
And then when they
reach the course...um....it can be challenging.
|
| janfields |
Though I've seen some
folks who clearly were coached through the form (because the writing
there was good, solid stuff)
|
| janfields |
and then their first
assignment was....interesting.
|
| janfields |
But with determination
and real attention to the course and what I say.
|
| janfields |
Sometimes those folks
do FANTASTIC and go one to publish stuff in the
course.
|
| janfields |
So...people will
surprise you. But yes, there is a definite procedure for
evaluation.
|
| janfields |
Otherwise, instructor
life would be hell.
|
| bassoonhny |
Jan, what was your first
published piece and who bought it?
|
| janfields |
My first published
piece was a really really bad poem.
|
| janfields |
And I sold it to a
literary magazine that has since folded when I was
16.
|
| janfields |
Really
bad.
|
| janfields |
Ewwwww.
|
| janfields |
Then I wrote for a
newspaper during college and a bit after college.
|
| janfields |
But my first REAL
submission/acceptance/pay me moment
|
| janfields |
was to Teddy Bear and
Friends in 1983
|
| janfields |
They paid me 1500.00
for an article on designing soft toys.
|
| janfields |
Ruined me for
life.
|
| janfields |
I sold to a number of
craft magazines in the 80s and wrote church curriculum
then
|
| janfields |
And wrote for some
small regional parenting publications.
|
| janfields |
Oh...it ruined me
because I thought writing was a way to make lots of
money.
|
| janfields |
HA
|
| janfields |
Double
Ha
|
| janfields |
I've made more of a
single gig than Teddy Bear and Friends paid... but you guys know
that that kind of money isn't being handed out by
everyone.
|
| janfields |
Awww....thanks
scaredycat.
|
| coloradokate |
How are instructors
assigned? Is there some kind of "match up" or is it more "who's next
on the list"?
|
| janfields |
Most of the time...it's
a fairly ....ummmm....random match.
|
| janfields |
But not
always.
|
| janfields |
You can always request
an instructor who is a good match for your goals.
|
| janfields |
Even if you were
"assigned" someone else at the time of your evaluation and what
not.
|
| janfields |
The evaluation is
aboutr your writing, not really about your goals..
|
| janfields |
But almost all ICL
instructors are chosen for their ability to really meet the needs of
very different sorts of students.
|
| janfields |
One of the important
things is for the student to just tell us what they
want.
|
| janfields |
Some of my students
never include notes...so it's hard for me to tailor the instruction
to their desires.
|
| janfields |
Though I certainly
tailor it to their writing needs.
|
| janfields |
Some of my students
send lots of notes and I LOVE them because I know just what their
goals are
|
| janfields |
and I can slip them
information about market changes...
|
| janfields |
and
themes
|
| janfields |
and other bits that
meet their needs specifically.
|
| janfields |
So..as a student...send
notes.
|
| janfields |
Okay, folks, I need to
wrap up so I can collect my wild thing...it's school time
again.
|
| omalizzie |
Jan...can I switch to you
for my 10B lesson?...lol
|
| janfields |
Ha
|
| janfields |
Sorry, I only teach the
short course.
|
| janfields |
Alas
|
| janfields |
Thanks for coming out
to see me
|
| janfields |
I always have fun in
chat.
|
| janfields |
If you email me from
THIS FRIDAY through WEDNESDAY, September 13...
|
| janfields |
You'll have to wait a
bit for a response...as I'll be out of
town.
|