Balls and Walnuts
more than you ever wanted to know
Work, work
It’s the good work, the kind of stuff I don’t mind doing.
Thus far, I have:
*identified eight agents who want new clients, represent romance, and represent science fiction. I found them using Agent Query, an online searchable agent database,
*written my query letter,
*reviewed and spiffed my first three chapters, and
*made a dent on my synopsis — the first three paragraphs, anyway, using this page as a model.
The synopsis is the bitchiest part. I’m sure I echoed thousands of writers before me when, upon first learning about synopses, I said, “I have to do WHAT?” And it tweaks me that even if I write a great one-page synopsis, some agents will want to see more detailed three- or five-page synopses. It makes me want to scream, to tell you the truth.
Here’s another page on synopsis writing, one which boils down a lot of the advice I’ve read elsewhere.
And here’s a huge clearinghouse of links on synopsis-writing.
Tempted as I am to send off queries to those folks who ONLY want a query letter, I’m going to hold off until I have the synopsis written. By Murphy’s Law, if someone’s interested in my work, what are they going to want next? The synopsis, of course.
And now, for microsoar and protected static:
Four ferrets and a German Shepherd pup
Yeah, I didn’t waste too much time watching ferret vids . . .
D.
Glad you’re working on the writing and whatever, but THOSE VIDEOS ARE ADORABLE!! Ferretty cuteness!
See? All this effort you have to put in is why I’ll never write a book. Too lazy.
BTW, that last video is the best illustration of why cats sometimes attack their people’s feet at night. They are hunting undercover bed ferrets!
btw Doug, where did you get Zappa?
Pet shops here in Oz don’t carry ferrets. You generally have to seek a ferret breeder. Most of the breeders live on the outskirts of the city in the rougher suburbs; in my experience they tend to be “unusual” people, often almost hillbillyish.
Suisan, now I see your true colors. Post ferret videos and you’ll followe me anywhere.
DN, there was even a video of a ferret pestering a lion cub!
ms, in Oregon, our pet stores sell ferrets. We liked Zappa’s personality instantly. Today, unfortunately, he’s being a bit more bitey. More on that to follow.
Good job, Doug!