Monday, April 21, 2008
Susan's Inside Writing: High Concept
One of the things that is frequently talked about in the marketing of your book to publishers and agents is this idea of high concept. Problem is, no one really can define it.
Author Karin Gillespie gave a talk at the RT Convention about it. And suddenly, it all made sense.
One thing I'm always struggling with when it comes to Trevor and the band is the very fact that Trevor's the bass player of ShapeShifter. How often did I say, "I write about rock bands and the people who orbit them" to the people I met? To agents, editors, readers, writers?
Yet I'm told time and again that books about rock stars don't sell. And besides, Trevor's Song isn't about a rock star. It's a book about a man with two large problems.
Enter Karin and her seminar. First off, let me tell you that Karin is the greatest. Simply put, she's amazing. She could give JA Konrath a run for his money when it comes to marketing, and JA is the king. (Not to discount MJ Rose in all this, either.)
All this brings me to the inspiration that struck yesterday. Constructive comments are encouraged, but anything abusive or mean won't be allowed through moderation.
Ready?
Trevor's Song as high concept:
Trevor Wolff's best friend has gone and done the unthinkable by committing an act of monogamy, and now Trevor himself learns he's got an even bigger secret to conquer. Will this conspire to bring him down, or will everybody's favorite bad boy Trevor Effing Wolff triumph yet again?
(Yes, the actual piece of paper I wrote this on spells out that bigger secret. I'm holding back on you guys!)
I'll tell you, this is one wind of change I hadn't seen on the horizon. As soon as I'm more caught up on my sleep, I'll share more with you. (hint: get to know my sidebar real good!)
Author Karin Gillespie gave a talk at the RT Convention about it. And suddenly, it all made sense.
One thing I'm always struggling with when it comes to Trevor and the band is the very fact that Trevor's the bass player of ShapeShifter. How often did I say, "I write about rock bands and the people who orbit them" to the people I met? To agents, editors, readers, writers?
Yet I'm told time and again that books about rock stars don't sell. And besides, Trevor's Song isn't about a rock star. It's a book about a man with two large problems.
Enter Karin and her seminar. First off, let me tell you that Karin is the greatest. Simply put, she's amazing. She could give JA Konrath a run for his money when it comes to marketing, and JA is the king. (Not to discount MJ Rose in all this, either.)
All this brings me to the inspiration that struck yesterday. Constructive comments are encouraged, but anything abusive or mean won't be allowed through moderation.
Ready?
Trevor's Song as high concept:
Trevor Wolff's best friend has gone and done the unthinkable by committing an act of monogamy, and now Trevor himself learns he's got an even bigger secret to conquer. Will this conspire to bring him down, or will everybody's favorite bad boy Trevor Effing Wolff triumph yet again?
(Yes, the actual piece of paper I wrote this on spells out that bigger secret. I'm holding back on you guys!)
I'll tell you, this is one wind of change I hadn't seen on the horizon. As soon as I'm more caught up on my sleep, I'll share more with you. (hint: get to know my sidebar real good!)
Labels: Susan's Inside Writing, Trevor's Song
Friday, August 31, 2007
Susan's Inside Writing: I have a confession to make
Originally, Trevor's Song was supposed to be the follow-up book to the story of Mitchell, Kerri, and Kerri's mother. It was supposed to tell the story of ShapeShifter's dead bass player. The hows, the whys ... all that fun stuff.
But then I woke up one day and realized that Trevor's Song is really the better story. That I'm still floundering with the story of Kerri's mother; it's not right. Yet. So shopping commenced and by last May -- yeah, a few short months ago -- I realized that the problem I'm having with selling Trevor's Song isn't the writing or the story or anything of the sort. It's that it's hard to sell a book about a rock star. It's hard to sell a book about a dude with cancer.
Put them together and it ain't like what you get when chocolate and peanut butter taste great together.
At about this time, some of you devoted groupies started to really fall hard for Trevor Wolff. You guys love the man.
And I began to feel guilty. Because, after all, I know how the book ends. It ain't pretty. And you guys won't like it. The more Rhian fights the whole world for her shot at Trevor, the worse I've been feeling.
Thunder and lightning have been themes for me this summer, and today, lightning struck in the form of Lisa Andel, who is probably floored by the ease with which I took what was a very bold, critical statement and found paydirt. All those years of writers' workshops in undergrad and MFA programs do pay off in the long run, boys and girls. They teach you how to stare down an ugly truth and turn it into something beautiful.
So... the post I had edited for later today will have to wait a few while you digest this news and try to figure out what I'm up to. Booking Through Thursday, which I was going to have a lot of fun with this week, will have to wait for another day and another topic.
Right now, I've got a book to revise. And an ending that'll make Rhian just that much happier.
Maybe.
I mean, there's still this girl named Heather for her to consider...
But then I woke up one day and realized that Trevor's Song is really the better story. That I'm still floundering with the story of Kerri's mother; it's not right. Yet. So shopping commenced and by last May -- yeah, a few short months ago -- I realized that the problem I'm having with selling Trevor's Song isn't the writing or the story or anything of the sort. It's that it's hard to sell a book about a rock star. It's hard to sell a book about a dude with cancer.
Put them together and it ain't like what you get when chocolate and peanut butter taste great together.
At about this time, some of you devoted groupies started to really fall hard for Trevor Wolff. You guys love the man.
And I began to feel guilty. Because, after all, I know how the book ends. It ain't pretty. And you guys won't like it. The more Rhian fights the whole world for her shot at Trevor, the worse I've been feeling.
Thunder and lightning have been themes for me this summer, and today, lightning struck in the form of Lisa Andel, who is probably floored by the ease with which I took what was a very bold, critical statement and found paydirt. All those years of writers' workshops in undergrad and MFA programs do pay off in the long run, boys and girls. They teach you how to stare down an ugly truth and turn it into something beautiful.
So... the post I had edited for later today will have to wait a few while you digest this news and try to figure out what I'm up to. Booking Through Thursday, which I was going to have a lot of fun with this week, will have to wait for another day and another topic.
Right now, I've got a book to revise. And an ending that'll make Rhian just that much happier.
Maybe.
I mean, there's still this girl named Heather for her to consider...
Labels: Inside Writing, Rhian/Crowwoman, Trevor's Song
Friday, July 06, 2007
Susan Speaks/Booking Through Thursday: The Great American Novel
This week's Booking Through Thursday asks what we think of as the Great American Novel (or, if you're not American or thinking about American novels, to replace American with the country/region of your choice).
I'm sure that this wasn't the intended answer, but after yesterday's Thursday Thirteen, in which I saw a record number of hits here at the Meet and Greet, and in which I saw my name pop up over and over on your lists, I'm sort of feeling my oats and thinking that, in all our minds at least, Trevor's Song fits that bill.
Even though none of you have read it. Yet.
After all, you guys have awarded me with three Thinking Blogger awards (from Milan, Amy, and Robin) and now two Rockin' Wench Blogger awards (Rhian and Red). You come back day after day, week after week, to check in on the adventures of Trevor, the rest of the band, and the fringe characters like Pam and Chelle -- and the new Roadie Poet, who'll be back soon.
I'm honored. I'm flattered. I'm watching my dreams come true, and you guys are helping to fuel that.
I've got a few surprises related to all this, but you'll have to wait until later this weekend from them (Yes, I'm still recovering from the Fourth. YOU try sleeping in the middle of the Science Center's exhibits and tell me how well YOU fare).
Let me just say, for now, thank you. Keep on helping me spread the word and build up Trevor's fan base; the more of you there are on board with me, the better. You guys inspire me and motivate me.
And when it comes to writing a great novel, isn't all about inspiration and motivation?
I'm sure that this wasn't the intended answer, but after yesterday's Thursday Thirteen, in which I saw a record number of hits here at the Meet and Greet, and in which I saw my name pop up over and over on your lists, I'm sort of feeling my oats and thinking that, in all our minds at least, Trevor's Song fits that bill.
Even though none of you have read it. Yet.
After all, you guys have awarded me with three Thinking Blogger awards (from Milan, Amy, and Robin) and now two Rockin' Wench Blogger awards (Rhian and Red). You come back day after day, week after week, to check in on the adventures of Trevor, the rest of the band, and the fringe characters like Pam and Chelle -- and the new Roadie Poet, who'll be back soon.
I'm honored. I'm flattered. I'm watching my dreams come true, and you guys are helping to fuel that.
I've got a few surprises related to all this, but you'll have to wait until later this weekend from them (Yes, I'm still recovering from the Fourth. YOU try sleeping in the middle of the Science Center's exhibits and tell me how well YOU fare).
Let me just say, for now, thank you. Keep on helping me spread the word and build up Trevor's fan base; the more of you there are on board with me, the better. You guys inspire me and motivate me.
And when it comes to writing a great novel, isn't all about inspiration and motivation?
Labels: Booking Through Thursday, gratitude, Rockin' Wench Award, Susan Speaks, Thinking Blogger Award, Trevor's Song
Wednesday, March 14, 2007
Susan's Book Talk: Groupies Galore
I got TWO rejections from agents Monday, and like the two before them, they said the same thing, if you read between the lines. It's either they hate that Trevor gets sick, or that they think they can't sell the book somehow.
I think the worst part is that these rejections I'm getting come in one of two varieties: the form letter that tells me they didn't read past the first word, or else the personal letter that's truly regretful and yet hopeful that I'll find the right one of their colleagues who'll take this on. One of the letters yesterday, from a VP at one of the biggie agencies, handwrote an additional "I am sorry" on the bottom of the letter. Like she'd wanted to take me on but someone stopped her.
Okay, enough of my frustrations. On to the good stuff.
I've been talking to Breeni about having a graphic made for when I talk up my groupies and when you guys blog about me. What do you think? You game? Do you want an official West of Mars Groupie graphic? What? (go on and say t-shirts; I'm on it)
Claire found this gem of an idea. We all know what I want for the world -- for everyone to have the chance to meet Trevor. What do you want?
Now, the real news: Camille at Littlebird blue sent me this link, to Green Man Review, where she's got a few reviews posted. Check them out.
And Karen and Janelle and I have been discussing this one via e-mail: The Bookseller is out with their (his? Her?) annual list of the oddest book titles. Be sure you vote.
Debut a Debut author Joshua Palmatier dropped into my inbox to tell me that his debut novel, The Skewed Throne, is one of the four finalists for the Baltimore Science Fiction Society's Compton Crook/Stephen Tall Memorial Award for best first novel of 2006. HUGE congratulations to Joshua!! May the best book be yours!
Lastly, a shameless plug that you go check out what's new at Front Street Reviews. Nothing from me (I'm too busy with the query letters), but plenty of other gems that you might want to consider for the summer reading contest... Stay tuned for that, as well as that graphic I'm thinking about. If you'd like it, give me a yay or nay in the comments.
I think the worst part is that these rejections I'm getting come in one of two varieties: the form letter that tells me they didn't read past the first word, or else the personal letter that's truly regretful and yet hopeful that I'll find the right one of their colleagues who'll take this on. One of the letters yesterday, from a VP at one of the biggie agencies, handwrote an additional "I am sorry" on the bottom of the letter. Like she'd wanted to take me on but someone stopped her.
Okay, enough of my frustrations. On to the good stuff.
I've been talking to Breeni about having a graphic made for when I talk up my groupies and when you guys blog about me. What do you think? You game? Do you want an official West of Mars Groupie graphic? What? (go on and say t-shirts; I'm on it)
Claire found this gem of an idea. We all know what I want for the world -- for everyone to have the chance to meet Trevor. What do you want?
Now, the real news: Camille at Littlebird blue sent me this link, to Green Man Review, where she's got a few reviews posted. Check them out.
And Karen and Janelle and I have been discussing this one via e-mail: The Bookseller is out with their (his? Her?) annual list of the oddest book titles. Be sure you vote.
Debut a Debut author Joshua Palmatier dropped into my inbox to tell me that his debut novel, The Skewed Throne, is one of the four finalists for the Baltimore Science Fiction Society's Compton Crook/Stephen Tall Memorial Award for best first novel of 2006. HUGE congratulations to Joshua!! May the best book be yours!
Lastly, a shameless plug that you go check out what's new at Front Street Reviews. Nothing from me (I'm too busy with the query letters), but plenty of other gems that you might want to consider for the summer reading contest... Stay tuned for that, as well as that graphic I'm thinking about. If you'd like it, give me a yay or nay in the comments.
Labels: agent hunting, book reviews, books, Front Street Reviews, Green Man Review, Joshua Palmatier, Trevor's Song, writing process
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Thursday Thirteen #16 -- More About Trevor Wolff
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Over the past few weeks, I've been helping you guys get to know the characters of Trevor's Song in more depth. Here's some more about the star of this show, Trevor Wolff. Thirteen reasons why Trevor picked up the bass 1. Four strings means two less to learn. 2. Mitchell told him to. 3. Bass players are moody, elusive, and hypnotic. 4. Bass players were in short supply in Riverview at the time they decided to create the band. 5. Anything in short supply is in demand and therefore hot. Desirable. Maybe even respected. 6. Bass can be as much or as little as you want to make it, and it all sounds good. 7. Bass is the backbone of the metal sound even though most people don't pay attention to it. 8. It'd piss off Hank once he heard what his son was doing. 9. Mitchell's sister Amy bet him he couldn't do it (jury's still out on who won that bet). 10. It seemed the easiest thing to learn to play if he was going to be in this band he was dreaming up. 11. He could practice in his and Mitchell's room and not the garage, like if he had drums. 12. Mitchell's father, Patterson, showed up one night with a used bass in the back of his car and said that Trevor didn't need to pay him back for it if he'd learn to play it. 13. Whenever someone says he can't, that's a sign that he must. Have you been following the Debut a Debut submissions? See them here and expose yourselves to some great new reads. Be sure to stop in on the 19th to see who won our store of great prizes! Special thanks to Heather for the cool banners! Links to other Thursday Thirteens! |
The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!
View More Thursday Thirteen Participants
Labels: character sketch, meme, Thursday Thirteen, Trevor, Trevor's Song
Susan Speaks: Some Writing Thoughts
After finding my groove yesterday for the first time in what felt like forever, I wrote six or seven pages of the WIP, which I'm thinking will be the follow-up to Trevor's Song. Although it's nothing like what I used to be able to do in the days before small distractions who like to call me such odd things as "Mom," it felt good.
I finally shut the computer in time to pick up a book and wait for James to win Best in Show at Westminster. I'll have to rave about this book once Debut a Debut is over (why haven't you entered yet?), but for now, let's just say that its sensibility is so similar to Trevor's that I've embarked on an information-gathering expedition about the author's agent. Interesting that the books I've been encountering lately that seem to mesh with Trevor are all represented by agents who do a lot, if not all, YA lit. What does that say about literature right now?
What does that say about my getting Trevor's Song into print?
I finally shut the computer in time to pick up a book and wait for James to win Best in Show at Westminster. I'll have to rave about this book once Debut a Debut is over (why haven't you entered yet?), but for now, let's just say that its sensibility is so similar to Trevor's that I've embarked on an information-gathering expedition about the author's agent. Interesting that the books I've been encountering lately that seem to mesh with Trevor are all represented by agents who do a lot, if not all, YA lit. What does that say about literature right now?
What does that say about my getting Trevor's Song into print?
Labels: agent hunting, Debut a Debut, Susan Speaks, Trevor, Trevor's Song, writing process
Friday, August 11, 2006
Susan Speaks: Aug 11th
In the under two months it took me to revise Trevor's Song, I managed to completely lose track of all the different threads holding Behold Me together.
I'm not the type who can not be working on something original. While redoing Trevor, I had plenty of chances of that (it was a pretty extensive change I made. And so, so much better) original part. But now that I'm doing a quick once-over to make sure it's where I want it, I need to be writing again. NEED.
This is when I'm thankful I don't have a deadline or book on spec or anything like that. I'm considering this a luxury; having the time to muck around and figure out what wants to be written next.
I like the first page of what I've come up with so far...
Stay tuned. More fictional fun to follow.
I'm not the type who can not be working on something original. While redoing Trevor, I had plenty of chances of that (it was a pretty extensive change I made. And so, so much better) original part. But now that I'm doing a quick once-over to make sure it's where I want it, I need to be writing again. NEED.
This is when I'm thankful I don't have a deadline or book on spec or anything like that. I'm considering this a luxury; having the time to muck around and figure out what wants to be written next.
I like the first page of what I've come up with so far...
Stay tuned. More fictional fun to follow.
Labels: Susan Speaks, Trevor's Song, writing process
