Jul 16
Here we go people, hold on to your hats it’s too exciting!
Monday – Work …sleep at 7pm
Tuesday – Work …speep at 8pm
Wendesday – Work…sleep at 7:30pm
Thursday – Work…sleep at 9:30pm (whoa!)
Friday – Work…pedicures…pizza…sleep?
You see what I see?
I work to damn much!
(PS – notice there was no writing listed. It’s so sad, but true)
May 24
I am trying to get motivated to write and all I want to do is play outside and lay in the sun. Summer is about enjoying the outdoors not shoving your face in a laptop. Did you know it’s so freaking hard to write outside on a laptop? The sun hates my netbook. I can’t see a thing! Maybe there is an extra screen or something I could buy, but then again do I really want to?
My 12 year old son had spring fever really bad. He actually made some terrible decisions. He and a friend decided to leave 6th grade. Just leave at 10 and go to the park. Have you ever gotten a phone call that said, “Your son has left school and is now missing”. Let’s pray you never do. He was fine and we found him unharmed. Most people are surprised he lived once I found him and it was touch and go there for a while. He is now living in my our personal jail. NO privileges. I mean nothing. No TV, games, phone, that is typical. But he has nothing. Only approved clothes, no curtains, furniture but a bed. I kind of feel sorry for him, but just a little.
Sylvia is two and she loves the summer. She has a tiny pool and loves it. I layout and she “swims”, we make a great team. Not to mention my hubby has golf tournaments and Cardinal games like every week. Then there is family, BBQ’s, parties, and anything else but writing.
You see, there is just not enough time in the day to play and work. UGH!
I’m going to stay positive and make priorities. It’ll get done, right?
Summer Goals: Blog weekly, write 1/2 of WICKED WHISPER, have oodles of fun with the kids and hubby!
May 10
I’ve been posting about my now not-so-recent 2010 Missouri Writers Guild convention. I wanted to tell you the rest of by story. Better late than never, right?
After the first night, I knew I was going to like the group. We had so much fun, laughing and just being silly. I really clicked with a few of the writers. Saturday was the BIG day. The day we were pitching to the agents. I was as cool as a cumber that morning. I had it all down and I was going to do a fantastic job. I was so sure of it! Well, let me tell you I should have been more humble.
I went to the fist session and it was all about pitching. I sat there while author Dakota Banks gave us tips and tricks. She was calm and gave great advise. At that moment all the self-doubt in the world fell on me. I was a mess! I was so nervous, I rushed to my hotel room just to look up my query letter and jot down notes. I glanced at the laptop clock and holy cow it was my time to pitch! I ran from my room and down the stairs.
Argggg!
I got to the two “wardens” of pitching completely flustered. I gave my name, she looked at her list and gave me a “sorry but your late” smirk. That’s when I was informed that they gave my time away! I was so stunned and shocked. Any confidence I had left was shattered. I was “granted” another time and waited nervously. I wasn’t leaving, no way was I missing my chance again.
I walked into the room and sat across from Suzie Townsend, Junior Agent with Fine Print. She was young, pretty, and fashionable. I was so nervous, I stuttered a greeting. The proceeded to ramble incoherently to this girl who just smiled and nodded. She said thanks and to send her 3 chapters. But, she asked that from everyone not just me, so it didn’t really mean anything exceptional. I left there almost in tears.
I retreated to my conference friends, my head hanging low. Later that day, I pitched again to Joanna Stampfel-Volpe, Agent with Nancy Coffey Literary and Media Representation. It was better, not stellar, but better. The only reason it was better is because author and president of Missouri Romance Writers of America, Kimberly Killion, helped get my head together. She was super nice and spent some quality time with me. I was and am so grateful.
Kimberly Killion
After the pitching nightmare I settled into the courses and had a great time. I learned a lot and loved every minute of it. The then president of MWG, Emily Hendricks, was so great. She was funny and charming. She invited me to the dinner that evening. There I was asked to be the “Member-at-Large” for the Missouri Writer’s Guild! I couldn’t believe it and was thrilled. Not really knowing what that entailed I of course said YES! We took pictures with the 2010-2011 board and should be in the journal soon. I will let you all know the details of my newly appointed position, as soon as I do.
Disclaimer* I am not a full member of the MWG, only an associate member because I am not “published” …yet!
Keep Writing!
Brandi
May 11, 2010
Agent Rachelle Gardner (Literary Agent) just posted a great Pitch Post, check it out.
http://cba-ramblings.blogspot.com/2010/05/secrets-of-great-pitch.html
Apr 21
I attended the Missouri Writers Guild 2010 conference this past weekend. It was great! I was so pleased with the people, the courses, the food, and the fun. I met some amazing authors and aspiring authors.
As soon as I sat down Friday afternoon, Jane and I clicked. She is an aspiring author writing a paranormal/romance novel. I think it was that genre. Actually the more we talked to people the more confused we became about genres. I thought mine was a paranormal romance, but it’s not for many reasons. I would say it is a paranormal Christian book.
Paranormal Christian isn’t a recognized genre, but I’m going start it with TRUE SIGHT. That is what I write, paranormal novels with a Christian tone. I don’t’ choke the reader with Christian beliefs but it’s in there. Our world is filled with good and evil, I’m helping put it on the page. I know this is what I am meant to do. Don’t ask me how, I just know.
My greatest inspiration is the Bible. It is the best supernatural book ever written! Burning bushes, parting seas, angels, half-god baby boys what is more supernatural?
Typical “Christian” books have very specific rules. Rules that say you can’t curse, have sex, drugs and all the nasty real parts of life. I took a course this past weekend called “Writing the Faith Based Novel”, presented by Bobbi Smith. Bobbi Smith is a HUGE author of romance novels and has written two Christian books. She was super nice, very faithful woman and honestly just being around her I felt like a whore in church. Here’s how it went.
Bobbi
“We are going to give away this book, who wants it?”
Me
Hand waving like it’s on fire, “ohohoh me me me!”
The room decided to pick a number between one and ten, after like a million iterations we were finally down to me and another lady. We picked again and we were both away from the number evenly.
Me
“Aw Hell!”
Bobbi
“Did you say Hell?” crooked look in my direction.
Me
“Um, yes” giggle and twist in chair, eyes to the ground.
What the hell? I am 32 and can say what ever I want, but just then I was 8 and standing in front of Sister Mary Margaret getting in trouble for calling Elizabeth a poo-head at recess.
We are all blessed and made in his image; therefore a part of him is me (probably not the part that calls people a poo-head). He made me how I am and I love it. I don’t argue, to hell with that! By the way, I won the book. The sinner is the winner! Hell Yes!
Ted Dekker
I curse, sin, and pray. What does that make me?
Just me, Brandi, the perfectly imperfect me.
What has he made you?
Feb 24
I completed TRUE SIGHT in November and since then have been polishing the manuscript. I bet I could edit it thousands of times! I am still looking for the agent that will love it as much as I do. I have also updated my query like a million times. I did get some great feedback from an author I respect and made those changes to the query. I think it’s great (I better!). Here is an example of the first query I sent out and the most resent I sent yesterday. It has changed SOOOO much!
*****
Query from November:
Dear Agent (I used her name):
Twenty-four year old Trudence Leigh Darling’s life finally began after an electrical accident presented her with enhanced sight, forever changing her, inside and out. Tru must discover her new power to see soul sparks, find their perfect mate, fuse them and still have time to date Weylin, the mysterious billionaire who befriended her bother and rivals her best friend. Eventually, when her heart, soul and mortal existence are on the line, she must choose between her destiny as a sparkler or join the darkness that may truly destroy her. The 75,000 words of my woman’s fiction novel, True Sight, follow Tru’s experience of unbelievable love, untameable evil and her sometime humorous place in the middle. This is book one in the three book sparkler series. Books two and three, True Friends and True Love, are currently in development.
I graduated from the Washington University Biomedical Engineering Science degree program in May 2005. I offer experience as a wife, mother, soul mate, and hold the faith that there is love at first spark.
Most Resent Query:
Dear Agent,
I found your blog link while reading Jennifer Jackson’s Query War’s posting. Your latest post really attracted me. Your sincerity and faith in your client is really inspiring. I really hope you enjoy my novel.
The 80,000 words of my paranormal/Christian novel, TRUE SIGHT, follow Tru’s experiences of unbelievable love, untamable evil and her sometime humorous place in the middle. This is book one in the three book Sparkler series. Books two and three, TRUE FRIENDS and TRUE LOVE, are currently in outline form.
Twenty-four year old Trudence Leigh Darling’s mundane life as a bank loan processor ends after an electrical “accident” gifts her with divine sight, forever changing her, inside and out. Tru’s self-defeating personality concludes she is either insane or has a toxic tumor once she starts seeing brilliant and beautiful, sparksin the eyes of strangers. The sparks call to her and guide her to be more than she ever dreamed possible. Tru isn’t insane or dying but has been chosen to serve a greater purpose. She learns she was chosen to have the divine gift of seeing people’s soul sparks.When a soul is ready for true love, it sparks; only she can see it and must find its perfect mate by finding its matching spark. Attempting to not to look like a crazy stalker chick, she uses her wits, luck and a bit of questionable intervention to fuse the sparks in eternal love. Although surrounded by love, it isn’t her own, which has eluded her despite the most ambitious meddling from a loving mother. While juggling her divine duties she’s determined to find time to date Weylin, the mysterious and devilishly irresistible billionaire who befriends her bother and rivals her best friend. Initially she’s unaware of the evil that lurks in the shadows. When her life and faith are threatened she begins to understand the power of her gift and the danger of choice.
Karlie, Tru’s best friend, begins sketching private moments from Tru’s life; reluctantly she accepts the truth about Weylin. {took out the ending spoiler}. After all, what choice does she really have?
Set in St. Louis Missouri, TRUE SIGHT is the ultimate journey of a young woman’s self-discovery with twists of weakness, peaks of strength, and a glimpse at the holy battle for souls.
I graduated from the Washington University St. Louis Biomedical Engineering Science degree program in May 2005. I offer experience as a wife, mother, soul mate, and hold the faith that there is love at first spark. (I know it’s cheesy, but I really do.) I am an active member of several St. Louis writing groups and have attended writing conventions. I study the publishing business extensively and look forward to your feedback.
*****
So what do you think? Would you want to read more? I am taking all comments. I want it to be the best it can be. I’ve been reading a blog by agent Jennifer Jackson. She posts each week how many queries she reads and how many she requests. The percent is staggering, less than 1% requested ! I was shocked. With that said, my query better be OUTSTANDING!
THANKS!
OK – I published this at 8:44am and by 9:00 I got a request for a full manuscript read! Holy crap, I guess the query was pretty good!
Current Mood:
Alarmed
Feb 10
It’s nearing Valentines and love is in the air. What is more fun then a soul mate quiz. But here it’s a soul SPARK quiz. TRUE SIGHT is a novel about love and finding that perfect soul mate, the person that sparks your soul. Have you found your? I was one of the lucky and found mine.
Check out this quiz and see if you and your sweetheart are Soul SPARKS! Actually this quiz is called “True Soul Mates?” perfect huh?
And if you haven’t found that SPARK then check out this quiz from the author of THE SOULMATE SECRET, Arielle Ford.
Enjoy and let the love spark on!
This pic’s just because he’s cute and I am sure the want-ta-be soul mate for millions of girls. Oh Edward…..
Feb 1
I am done with TRUE SIGHT, well done with the first draft. Now what to do??? I have a ton of different ideas, maybe you can help narrow it down.
1. Non-fiction Tween Book to help kids and parents communicate about life and all the ups and downs.
2. Non-fiction book for engineers with no personalities.
3. A YA book about a boy, his sister, parents and a NEW TOWN. Scary book with wolf/bears and sacrifices.
4. Sevens Series, books based on the seven deadly sins and how teens survive by the grace of God. YA books that are dark and interesting with a hint of faith and love.
5. A twist on immaculate conception. In my version it’s not the son of God that comes to earth, but GOD’S BEST FRIEND.
OK – what do you think? I love them all.
Current Mood:
Confused
Dec 17
Like most of you, this time of year I reflect on what I have and haven’t accomplished in 2009. My life took a dramatic turn in March. I fell in love with books and desperately wanted to become an author. It’s amazing how your entire life can change in a moment. I didn’t push away the desire or talk myself out of it. I knew it would be hard, I knew there was a great possibility for failure. But none of that stopped me and I moved forward. I was able to write a beautiful novel that I love. I met a ton of new people with similar interests in my meetup.com group. I found something in common with my mother that has brought us closer than ever. I realized though events that my family is truly amazing (all of them). My in-laws are great and love us so much. My sisters are so amazing and talented. My friends are a wall of strength and support. Even my neighbors are family.
I’m Especially grateful for my husband. He is the most amazing and wonderful man. I know I gush over him, but he is that great. I am so thankful for him and everything he does for me. I try everyday to show him how much I love him. Our kids are also amazing, so sweet and kind. I can’t say enough about them.
Me and Sylvia putting on the Christmas tree star
I think my faith is the greatest growth this year. I have joined an exceptional church (Faith Church St. Louis). I feel like my soul is changed, softened, happier, filled with hope and true joy. Don’t think I am some crazy bible thumper. I have really embraced my relationship with God and it’s changed my life. Please don’t take this a “preachy” this is just my life, take what you like and leave the rest. I feel blessed and thank God for all that he has given me, especially for you.
I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Love Lots, Laugh Hard and Sing Loud!
Nov 18
Last night I sat at my meet-up group. Friends all around, my mother by my side and typed the last sentence and the elusive “The End” to my first novel TRUE SIGHT.
I can not explain the excitement! My hands were shaking, my stomach turned, it was pure elation. Almost automatically the characters in my head stopped yelling and went quiet (I know sounds nuts). The story is out!
My wonderful and amazing husband congratulated me when I got home. He’s been so supportive. Some husbands would be like, “Glad that’s over” or “Now you can get back to life.” etc.. But, not my husband. He simply asked, “What’s next?”. He didn’t expect me to stop, he wasn’t jealous of the time I spend with my novel, he is the most amazing man. I know I have a great husband when I lay in bed thinking about how to be a better wife, not because I’m bad, because he’s that good. Not to mention my two beautiful kids, Bailey and Sylvia. You inspire me to be a better mom every day!
I want to thank my mother, Bonnie Allen (author and publisher) with LeClere Books. She has been a great inspiration. I must of gotten this talent from her, because she is an amazing writer. She has always supported this dream. I can’t thank her enough.
In addition I want to thank my mother-in-law, Leigh Ann. She has read the entire book and has been a great support. I appreciate everything she does for me and my family.
There are so many friends and family I need to thank, Alex Boles, Jenny Boles, Carissa Conardy, Ron and Melinda Conardy, Tom Schmidt, Mary Beth Schmidt, Katie Schmidt (no relation but BFF), and so many more.
A special thanks to my computer!
So many nights have been spent at the laptop, thank you for not crashing!
Oct 20
My sister, Alex Boles, started this project and is doing so well with it. She is currently putting together her first book. I am so proud of her. Please go an check it out. Write that letter you’ve always wanted to. It’s a great way to get closure.
