Welcome to the Conference Confidence Series:

ONE SHEETS

So you’ve worked on your pitch, gotten it down to a 30 second sound bite that will knock the socks of an editor. Now what if he/she wants to know more?

That’s when I pull out my One Sheet. I rarely have to do a lot of talking in my 15 minute interviews. I just let the One Sheet speak for itself. Then I shut up. (This is something I have not yet mastered!) Let the editor READ! Resist the Urge to Explain. You’ll have your turn when they start to firs off questions.

So what’s a One Sheet, you ask?

A One Sheet is a brief synopsis of your book which includes pertinent information like:

Title and tag line
Authors name: Big enough to stand out
Brief synopsis/Back Cover Copy and/or 25 word short pitch

Genre
Length, word count
Contact information: Address, Phone, email
Athor bio and photo

Can include one sentence summary of second/third book in series

What your One Sheet looks like is up to you. It should fit your personality and the mood of the book you’re pitching. But regardless of the style a One Sheet should:

Be professional and well written
Easy to read, not overcrowded
Have one to two complimenting graphics or photos

Here are some other articles on One Sheets.

http://linesfromlinda.com/?p=90

You can visit my WIP section of my writing blog to get an idea of what I include on my One Sheet. The only thing that’s missing is the author bio and contact info.

You can take the One Sheet one step further and make it an author bio sheet on one side and a very breif summary of your completed WIPs on the other side. You can even make one up for your series. It’s all up to you!

Need some other examples of a One Sheet? Visit these sites:
http://www.pammeyerswrites.com/writings.html

On a whim.. and one late night avoiding writing, I wrote a BAD poem for Chip Macgregor’s Bad Poetry contest and I won…among others in uniquely bad catergories.

And the poem, I will probably not frame and hang on my wall, that won…

“But if you want strange visions, take a look at this year’s WORST PROZAC POEM, from Gina Conroy, who really needs to have the doctor up her meds:”

Secret Admirer

My love for you is full and overflowing
Like my bladder after I can no longer hold it
Like I want to hold you…But you are not here
And I don’t blame you, well, yes I do.
I blame you for everything.
My depression, the medications, my therapist’s bill.

My Prozatic double vision wouldn’t be so bad if I saw two of you.
And the nightmares from hell might be bearable
if I woke up next to you.
And the drool on my pillow, shouldn’t be there.
It should be you, on my pillow, but you’re not.
You’re safe in your warm bed, snuggled next to your…dog
who’s on your pillow…drooling.

And you don’t care! You lie there like I don’t even exist.
Like I’m not knocking on the window of your heart.
I feel my soul emptying of life,
like my bladder right now on your lawn,
and that’s your fault too!

What do YOU think???

My intention is not to make light of those who have suffered real loss from death or tragedy, but I’ve been in a writing funk for a while…almost two weeks and suddenly realized I’ve been going through the five stages of grief. I’m happy to say I’m in the acceptance stage, but for a while it was ugly, real ugly.

After an incredible weekend with Susan May Warren and some sound writing advice I began to realize I might have to ditch the WIP I’d been working on for 6 months. All 50,000 words. Now you need to understand something. 6 months and 50,000 is a huge chunk out of my writing life, and I was not about to give it up without a fight. I was in the SHOCK and DENIAL stage all weekend. I couldn’t think, let alone apply any of the great teaching to my current WIP which was technically dead to me at the moment.

After the excitement and the adrenaline of the weekend wore off I went through a mixture of ANGER and BARGAINING and DEPRESSION. I don’t remember the anger stage being strong, but depression was incapacitating at times! I couldn’t write or even read. What was the point! My story was dead, and I wasn’t about to try and read someone else’s story while I was grieving. Then came the bargaining. Maybe, just maybe I can salvage the WIP. So I tried writing my historical romance in first person. Only got 113 words written before depression set in again and I realized it was useless. If I turned my WIP into women’s fiction, it would be a totally different story with a different feel and plot. Which was okay, but something I didn’t have the energy to do. After all, I was still grieving.

So I started revisiting an old idea, close to my heart that I’ve been afraid to write. First, I reread the 7 pages, the only pages I’ve written and my heart was stirred. I felt new life coming back into my soul. So I read it again, and edited just a few lines and added a few more. Could I do this? Then I sent it out to some trustworthy friends for confirmation that I should be working on this story. All the results are still not in from said friends, but my heart is stirred and terrified! It’s the story of my heart, and I don’t know if I have the skill to do it justice. It’s nothing like I’ve ever written before, and I don’t even know where to begin. But I’m finally in the ACCEPTANCE stage and ready to move on. I’m ready to write again.

Where are you in your writing? Are you grieving? Sometimes if we identify the loss, it makes it easier to move on!

As I continue on this journey of faith and publication it becomes more and more apparent that I’m the protagonist in my own story, and God is the author, moving me along my story arc as I race toward my happy ending.

While there is comfort in knowing that God is the ultimate author, and my story is safe in his hands, there is also fear.

I’m a writer. I know what authors do to their protagonists to get them to the end so they can be the person they were created to be. So they can ultimately reject the lies they’ve been believing about themselves, and embrace the essence of who they truly are. And walk in truth.

The protagonist must be taken on a soul-searching, gut-wrenching journey. A journey that tears them wide open, where everything in their life falls apart to bring them to their black moment where they cry “Lord, you’re the only hope for this heart.”

That’s where I am right now.

Desperately trying to figure out where I fit in this writing world, where God wants me to be. Trying hard not to listen to the lies blaring in my ears that tell me I can’t do this. That it’s too hard. That I’m a nobody. That I will never be who I dream to be, and maybe, just maybe, this is all that God has for me, and I should be content.

Yet, deep inside there’s still a pull, a longing to embrace the essence of who I know I am, who God created me to be, but not sure if I have the strength to go on.

I’m lost, wandering around in my own story arc. Have I reached my black moment in my writing life? Have I surrendered all? Will there be a happily ever after?

I don’t know, but what I do know is that this weekend when it felt like everything was falling apart in my writing life, God spoke to me at just the right moment, twice, through a song. And his message was clear.

“When everything falls apart
Your arms hold me together
When everything falls apart
Your the only hope for this heart
When everything falls apart
And my strength is gone
I find you mighty and strong
You keep holding on
You keep holding on.”

Where are you in your life’s story? Will you keep holding on?

Categories: Faith Walking , Things that Make me go Ouch , Writing |April 18th, 2010 | 8 Comments

I’ve been planning this for a loooong time, but there was always multiple things happening each weekend. But the time has finally arrived. I get to spend almost two days in a hotel room writing. I hope to crank out at least 10,000 words, (more will be better) and not get hung up on all the details! Pray for me! I’m sort of a perfectionist when I write and have trouble finishing a first draft, but my first 50 pages sure do shine!!!

I’ve realized a couple of these weekends a year are how I have to write during this season in life. Whether in a weekend in a hotel or all day in a coffee shop. I need a huge chunk of time to get the words flowing. And when I do, they flow!

How do you write? In little bits or big chunks? And what’s the easiest way for you to get back into your story if you’ve been away for a while? That’s how it’s been for me and I’d hate to spend an hour warming up!!

Hey, if you can’t sell ‘em, sing about it! I had fun writing this…Click for the musical inspiration…and beat to sing along to! And if you happen to like my rendition or can relate, please tweet or link or something, I’m on a Facebook twitter fast!!!

I stare warily at the screen this WIP has got to go.
Just hope that the editor doesn’t think my manuscript blows.

Is he ready? Is he ready for this?
Is he waiting on the edge of his seat?
Into his inbox my masterpiece flows,  his finger ready to hit delete, Yeah!

Another WIP bites the dust
Another WIP bites the dust
And another WIP gone
And another WIP gone
Another WIP bites the dust
Hey, I’m gonna get you too
Another WIP bites the dust

How do you think I’m gonna get along with this rejection?
It took me nearly a year to write and now it’s dead and gone.

Are you happy? Are you satisfied?
How long can I stand the heat?
Inside my head the voices fly to the sound of the beat (Look out)

Another WIP bites the dust
Another WIP bites the dust
And another WIP gone
And another WIP gone
Another WIP bites the dust
Hey, they’re gonna get you too
Another WIP bites the dust!

There are plenty of ways you can hurt a girl and bring her to the ground
You can beat her, you can cheat her
You can treat her bad and leave her when she’s down
But I’m writing, yes I’m writing it’s true.
I’ve got my butt in the chair.
Inside the voices fly, but what do I care? Oh yeeeah
Another WIP bites the dust
Another WIP bites the dust
And another WIP gone
And another WIP gone
Another WIP bites the dust
Hey, what’s a writer to do?
Another WIP bites the dust

So what?
Just write…

Need encouragement through the interruptions. Read Brandilyn Collins’ post here!

Since the blog has been running dry as of late, thought I’d cough up some more of my oldies, but goodies! Feel free to comment and share your thoughts.

January 1, 2007 Mystery Novella

March 25 , 2007 Mystery Novella Finished

May 10, 2007 1670

June 8, 2007 When Will I Learn?
June 23, 2007 7574 and Counting

July 27, 2007 Stifled Momentum
September 13, 2007 Sing with me: 50 Ways to edit my WIP
September 18, 2007 Am I a Writer?

September 23, 2007 My Debut Novel

I’m working on my Winter 2010 issue of my newletter Interlude and wanted to ask if there’s anything my readers are particularly interested in. If you haven’t subscribed, send me an email or if you know someone who might benefit from my occasional newsletter, drop them an email. I’m trying to use up the 166 credits I bought before they expire next month!!!

Here’s what I have so far:

In the Midst of Life: Waiting…
Writing…Interrupted: No News is Good News, Right?

Homeschooling HELP! Putting the FUN Back in your Phonics Lessons!

Homeschool Picks: Favorite websites

Selah: I’m Dulcinea!

CONTEST WINNER

Favorite Reads

I’ve come to the conclusion that it doesn’t matter how fast I run this publishing race, I’m not going to reach the finish line until God wants me to. So as I finish up edits on my current WIP, I’m looking toward the future and plan on stopping to smell the roses! That means slowing my writing down which would be like a snail instead of a tortoise!

Why slow down? If my writing career is in God’s hand, and I ultimately have no control over when I publish, why should I “kill” myself in the process. I’ve already “written” away so much time with my children, time I’ll never get back. If God’s timing is perfect, then even if I polish it in 3 months, which ain’t happening, it probably won’t be God’s timing. Right?

Or maybe my thinking is all wrong! Maybe it’s not so much the timing as in “when my kids get this age, then God will give me the green light.” Maybe it’s the timing of “the book” he wants me to write, which in that case, my whole theory of slow and steady wins the race is off, and I need to put on my running shoes!!!!

What’s your take on this? Where are you in your writing career, or in getting your “dream?” Tortoise or hare?

I’ve been reading the blog at My Book Therapy for a while now. It always has practical teachings you can apply to your work of fiction. Just reading the blog and participating in the NING group is a great way to improve your craft, but if you need some indepth critique, I suggest My Book Therapy services.

Meet the Therapists: Susan May Warren, Rachel Hauck and Sarah Sumpolec

I am really excited about the book From the Inside…Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You by Susan May Warren. I’ve had the privilege to sit in her writing workshops and get to know her a little better via email and conferences and I can tell you she’s an awesome teaching with a heart to help writers. Even if I didn’t know what the book was about, I’d buy it! I have learned so much from whatever she’s teaching. Here’s a little blurb about her book:
“Have you always wanted to write a novel, but didn’t know where to start? This book is for you. With proven techniques, easy to understand explanations and practical steps, From The Inside…Out will teach you how a story is structured then take you through the process of creating and marketing your novel. Topics include: Character-driven plotting, How to HOOK your reader, The elements and flow of SCENES, How to build STORYWORLD, Secrets to Sizzling Dialogue, Proven Self-Editing techniques, Synopsis and Query letter writing, How to manage your writing career …and everything in between!”

Convinced? Go buy it here: http://stores.lulu.com/mybooktherapy
I’m not too familiar with the Book Thearpy’s Blog a Book, but it seems like fun! Here’s what the gals have to say!

“Here at My Book Therapy, we love to write, and we love to teach writers how to find their voice. So, in 2009 we’ll be writing a book together!   Starting in January, we’ll create characters, a plot, develop conflict, the black moment, the epiphany and finally…the happy ending.  Then, week by week, you’ll be a part of the creation process, voting on the next step of our hero’s journey, watching the book take life, and learning the nuances of crafting a story. You’ll Blog-A-Book with the My Book Therapy authors and get tools to help you how to write your own novel.

And, at the end of the year, we’ll have a book we’ve all created, something that we’ll publish!  And, best of all, the proceeds will go to support IJM, an organization that fights human trafficking around the world.  I’m really excited about our new project, and can’t wait to see what the collective mind put together.  So, Come and Blog-A-Book.  Learn.  Fellowship.  Bless.”

For more stops on the tour go here.

And there’s MORE: A contest!
Enter the contests for the LOVE TO WRITE blog tour! http://www.litfusegroup.com/latest/current-blog-tours/71-the-love-to-write-blog-tour-for-my-book-therapy

You have two chances to win!

Want to win a copy of From the Inside…Out: Discover, Create and Publish the Novel in You (http://www.lulu.com/content/5272647) for your very own? Leave a comment here and tell us what kind of novel you have in YOU.

Do you already have your novel down on the page? Does it need a little THERAPY? Enter to win 10% off a Book Therapy Session (http://www.mybooktherapy.com/index2.php/?page_id=188 ) (that’s a savings of $30+) by leaving a comment here telling us a brief synopsis of your story!

Yep, know that. Understand it. I’m even appreciative of it. BUT good news is always better in the big scheme of things and since I’m leaning on the ONE who holds my future and writing career in my hands, I’m not really anxious. Working on a new WIP helps to take the edge off waiting. But wouldn’t it be great if I got “the call” soon!

Not only would it be awesome, but we could really use the income, especially if I want to go to ACFW Denver this year. (Keep praying for us to sell our old home!) So in the meantime, I’ll keep waiting, and writing and looking for new ways I can earn a buck or two. Have any brilliant but no so painful ideas?

I went to see Clint Eastwood’s Gran Torino last night and woke up thinking about it this morning. That’s when I know a movie or book has touched me forever, changed me for life. When I can’t stop thinking about the story and I can’t get the characters out of my mind.

When I picked the movie, I went on the five star ratings and one recommendation from a Twitter friend. I had no idea what the movie was about. I thought, “Clint Eastwood…make my day…guns…” How could I go wrong? It’s been a while since I’ve seen an Eastwood movie because I was waaaay off.

Sure, it had guns… and that “make my day” attitude, but the story went deeper.

Clint’s character, Walter, a racist, foul-talking, cantankerous old man, is not what you’d think of when you think of a hero in the context of story telling. But a hero he was in the end. I’m not going to give away any spoilers but I do want to share a few points.

1.  Walter’s use of foul-language and racism had a place in this gritty, gang-infested movie. It was raw and hard to listen to at times, but it wasn’t over done. The movie opens at his wife’s funeral, but Walter’s hardened disposition to life was well solidified before his wife’s death. Despite his in-your-face bigotry, you can’t help like the man. Mainly because those he’s “bigotring” can’t help like him. And that softens his character.

2. Little by little you see his redeeming qualities come out. Though still cantankerous and demeaning in speech, his actions betray his heart underneath. He’s growing as a character and touching the lives around him, the ones he’s putting down, in a profound and life changing way.

3. When the movie starts out, Walter wants nothing to do with God. But through the movie you see the struggle for his own redemption, though he claims to not need any. You see his struggle with his own sin and how, in the end, he plans on earning his forgiveness.

Though the story doesn’t give a Christian message that “there’s forgiveness in Christ alone,” it’s spiritual symbolism is touching and poignant. It’s a great example of how a gritty, ugly, story can present the gospel in a subtle but powerful way.

At least that’s how I saw it. How about you? If you saw the movie, what did you think? SPOILER ALERT: Don’t read the comments if you want to be surprised with is why this movie was so powerful for me!

And how do I know? Because several of my unpublished friends have received contracts in the last TWO to THREE months! Let me count, Ronie, Myra, Christa, and I know I’m forgetting one or two others, but that gives me hope.

What also give me hope is my agent who’s working for me and said this about my manuscript currently in front of editors. “You’re right — all in God’s timing. You’re a FINE writer. It’ll happen…It’s good — in a normal economy, it would have sold already.”

Someone in the industry believes I’m a fine writer, and I’m hopeful he’s not the only one!

I’m sure an extra prayer or two on your part couldn’t hurt!

The moving boxes are almost packed and put away. We’re just about settled into our new home and are making good use of it. In fact, over the holidays we had a total of four big “gatherings” in three days with miscellaneous friends popping in and out! It’s been a blast and exhausting, and I have yet to take down my Christmas decorations! But it will get done in time. Just like everything else.Eventually the dishes get done. Eventually the kids get fed. Eventually we start homeschooling. I can go on and on. But eventually I will finish my new WIP. I will get published, and I will lose that unwanted holiday weight gain.

How do I know this for sure? I don’t. But I have to keep believing, keep trying, keep striving. Because if I don’t, I’ll know for sure I won’t!

and leaving…

For a writing weekend! It’s been too long and I rarely have time to write out home, but the words to my new opening have been flowing and then stopping and flowing and stopping. I’m just gonna open up the flood gates for the weekend and hope I get carried away!

Hope your weekend is blessed!

Last Saturday our ACFW writer’s group had our second annual Christmas Basket fundraiser auction. We had 23 baskets of books and goodies. That’s about double the amount from last year. I wasn’t able to help put these together this year, but if it was anything like last year the ladies worked hard and had a blast.

I don’t have the total, but I believe we made close to $300 dollars and that was just from our members. Maybe next year we’ll have to open it up to the public!

Here are some photos of the baskets. I won two bids! Not that I needed anymore books, but I didn’t buy them for myself!

While checking my Google Alerts I can across a blog that caught my interest. I clicked over, read about Kathy’s faith, and her five children whom she homeschools. Seemed like I was on the right track to finding a new online friend.

Then I found out she and her family were vacationing in my hometown the following week. Talk about a Godincidence!

We exchanged numbers and met up the other day for two hours of frozen coffees and book talk! Now I challenge anyone to tell me that wasn’t a divine appointment!

Now my online friend is my real life friend.  At least for a day!

I have an agent!

If you’ve been following my quest for an agent, then you know all about. If not you can read all about it! But the abbreviated version is that I’ve been prayerfully considering which agents I’d submit my proposal to.

I narrowed it down to two, got to know these agents over a course of two to three years, and when I had a finished WIP, I pitched them at an ACFW conference. They both requested it, and I spent the next year agonizing over how I would choose between the two. Being the coward that I can be at times, I prayed that only one would want to represent me while fully aware that either both or neither would want to touch this newbie!

Well, God answered my prayers and guided my path. And now I have an agent before ACFW, which was my goal.

Who is my agent? Chip MacGregor.

It’s so clear to me now how the hand of God was nudging me toward him from the time I met him and heard God speak to my heart saying, “Maybe the agent you want is not the one you need” to the time I showed up early to meet with another agent and Chip had just had a cancellation. That’s when I pitched my WIP and the ball started rolling.

I had certain criteria I was looking for in an agent and Chip fit the bill. I’m excited to work with him for a number of reasons, but mostly because God not only knew what I needed in an agent, but ultimately he gave me get exactly what I wanted as well!

I’ve been pretty lax in advertising my own carnival these last several months, but it’s a good one! You won’t want to miss it! Just click on the button!