Wickedly Wonderful News on a Wednesday

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I'm trying to think of a clever way to say this, but I'm all giddy and jumpy and I just can't hold it in

so I'll blurt it out and hope you'll forgive the sloppy presentation.

Steven (super-duper cool agent dude) sold my novel With A Name Like Love!

It will be published by Farar, Straus & Giroux (Macmillan) and is slated to come out in Fall 2011 (eons and eons away..but I'm not complaining)

Now, pretty pretty please put this coming Monday (Dec 7th) on your calendar to check back in because I am cooking up a rockin' blog party to celebrate. There will be prizes, treats, music, dancing (well, I'll be dancing here)

I promise a good time for all.

Now excuse me, I'm off to celebrate by stealing candy from the kids treat bucket and watching trashy TV. That will have to do until Friday night when we can get out as a family to properly celebrate.
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Wa-hoo!!!!!!!!

Fat Characters

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Too much pumpkin pie and trimmings got me thinking about fat characters

not fat in the literal sense, but more overdone (a little like my turkey this year .. sorry sweetie!)

I am reading a book right now that is almost comical in its character tells:

the grandma picks her ears

the sister twirls her hair

the father snorts constantly

the dark, mean antagonist licks his lips to no end

it's all a little too much.

Now, I am all for a well placed character tell here and there -- but too many can make your otherwise dark and scary novel into a Mel Brooks production (bring out your dead!)

It's sad really, because this novel has great potential and I want so badly to stop giggling at the overwritten characters long enough to enjoy it.

Oh well, at least I can learn from it. It caused me to go back to my WIP and cut out a few of my own overwritten characteristics. All things in moderation, right?

Know this: I totally use character tells. They can really enhance a piece and make you feel more connected to the characters. I am just seeing how they can also distract from a piece if overdone.

Questions: how do you use character tells? do you agree that they can be overdone? have you seen that? done that? weigh in!
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The Best Reasons to be Thankful

Let's be thankful - we have it better than these guys:
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At least no one has their rear end in your face --

your mom isn't a tart (I sincerely hope not!)

and you are not on the menu!


Happy Thanksgiving all -- see you Monday!
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How I Know I'm With The Right Agent

This post may be longer than most ... and maybe a little rambling, but I wanted to talk about the difference between having an agent and having the right agent for you.

there is a difference.

When I decided to query agents, I had a few friends say you've got to query agent x - he runs such a cool blog! or why don't you query agent z, she's a friend of a friend.

Instinctively, I knew it would be better to proceed a little more objectively.

I have had three different writing friends who have decided to part ways with their agents due to various reasons, but the heart of the problem was always related to the fact that the agent really didn't get the writer's style/voice/work as much as was required.

I wanted to avoid that situation if possible. So, I researched agents based on their client list and how their current work/style fit with my work/style. I then googled their names, read every word on their websites, read past interviews, read their clients blogs and even read some of their client's novels.

When I had a list of agents I thought would be a good fit, I began the query process.

In the end, Steven Chudney extended an offer of representation and I was thrilled to accept.

But recently, I had an experience that let me know how perfect he really is for me

what was that experience? I'll tell you...

My novel With A Name Like Love is under submission. It is a long process, but I am being patient and writing away at my next novel in the interim. I got to the point where I decided to let Steven know what I was working on.

I wrote him an e mail and told him it was a Middle Grade novel that involved this and that and stuff but promised lots of action and adventure.

Truthfully, I was hoping to be able to write a more plot driven novel this time. I have a tendency to write character driven pieces. So, I thought I would try to deliver a plot driven novel but I was inwardly worrying about actually delivering one.

Could I do it? Would it work? Or, would it be a horrible flop?

Steven's response?

Something along the lines of .... 'this and that sounds interesting, but just make sure the gist of the story is about the characters and the family.'

Perfect.

I can do that.

Questions: What do you think about this experience? Would you accept representation from any agent that offered (if you are seeking same)? What is your querying plan of action? If you are agented, how did you know the fit was right for you?
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Deep Thoughts on a Friday

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Who out there remembers Deep Thoughts by Jack Handey?

you know, Saturday Night Live, circa 1990...

Those who do will get this. Those who don't will think I'm insane. Oh well, here goes :D

Deep Thoughts...
by Jack Handey

Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself.

Mankind.

Basically, it is made up of two separate words

"mank" and "ind".

What do these words mean?

It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.

happy weekend! remember to laugh, be silly and maybe even take a nap
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Wish I Knew Wednesday #2

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Today I want to discuss internet security

This is a small thing and maybe you already know this....

Security tip #1: don't use your actual e mail address in the face of your blog.

why? there are malware and spam programs that troll blogs searching for e mail addresses. Granted, there are zillions of blogs out there, but why take a chance? If one of these programs picks up your e mail address, it will send malicious files to you under generic names in hope that you will open them.

What to do: instead of using the @ and .com -- write it out. For example, I will say my e mail address is tesshilmo(at)comcast(dot)net It is those two symbols (the @ and .com) that identify something as an e mail address to these trolling programs.

Super easy to do, plus I am adding an extra layer of protection against spam and malware.



Did you know this? Will you consider changing your habits to add this layer of protection or is it just not worth it to you? Who out there is hosting a Wish I Knew Wednesday? I'd love to learn your tips!

Monday Winner!

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I enjoyed reading your comments over the weekend -- thank you all so much for taking the time to share some grateful thoughts.

It made me think of all the blessings in my life.

And, using random.org, I am here to announce that today's Monday Winner is...

Kristen Torres-Toro

so, Kristen, e mail me at tesshilmo(at)comcast(dot)net and I will respond with your $10 Amazon gift card (in e mail form).

Congrats!

Truthfully, we are all winners when we choose to live grateful lives.

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