Special Wednesday The Next Big Thing

I've been tagged by Margo Dill in a blog game called THE NEXT BIG THING! (Writer bloggers answer questions around the web about the next big thing in publishing....because aren't we all writing that hugely popular, next best seller?!

Here are the rules per author Ey Wade’s blog:

“If you like the game of Tag, this is the game for you. If you’re tagged, you’re “it,” and you have to answer 10 questions about your WIP (work in progress) on your blog and then pass the baton on to 5 author volunteers who will answer the same questions the following Wednesday on their own blog.”   *After searching through all the blogs I follow, I'm not really sure who I could pass this on to. I have plenty of writer/blogger friends, but not many who have a WIP, that I know of. *

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Here are my 10 answers!

What is the working title of your book?

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs; A Memoir & More 

Where did the idea come from for the book?

After I'd been writing newspaper opinion columns and had a few stories published in anthologies including Chicken Soup for the Soul, the idea of a memoir came to me. I felt really motivated to write about various times in my life and I believed others would enjoy reading about them, too. 

What genre does your book fall under?

Memoir.

Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?

This is a great question. I was asked once who I thought should portray me in a movie and my answer was Janeane Garofalo. I love her sarcastic sense of humor and I'm a lot like that at times. As far as the child or teenager version of me, I can't think of anyone. I'll have my people get back to your people!

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your book?

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs; A Memoir & More contains snippets of my life, vignettes that tell the tales of an ideal childhood, shattered by my parents' divorce; plus teenage angst, unrequited loves, grown-up years, and humor when you'd least expect it. 

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

It is being published by a small press in Missouri, High Hill Press. 

How long did it take you to write the first draft of your manuscript?

Uh...how about 10 years and counting?? I'm trying to get it completed asap!

What other books would you compare this story to within your genre?

I really don't like to compare my writing to anyone else's. I'm still a beginner and wouldn't feel right saying, "Oh, my writing is similar to - - - - -."

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

My estranged dad and reconnecting with him again after MANY years. 

What else about your book might pique the reader’s interest?

I grew up in the 50s and 60s. My life was right out of "Father Knows Best" until Dad divorced Mom. It's real. It's funny. It's poignant. It's sad. And it's not just about my growing up years. There are also chapters from later on in my life. Thus the "& More" part of the subtitle. 

** Thank you, Margo, for tagging me! **

*Welcome to my newest follower, Mevely317. I hope you'll stop by often and always enjoy what you read and see! Thank you! *   

  

"There is always one moment in childhood when the door opens and lets the future in." -- Graham Greene

We Interrupt This Blog Break.....

No, I'm not ready to start blogging again yet, because I'm really rolling along with my writing,(Yay! Finally!) but just wanted to share something that is really BIG....for me.

Some of you may remember my anxiety trying to think of THE RIGHT title for my memoir. Although I wasn't anywhere near being finished, it was extremely important to me to choose one. After I did, I felt I could focus better on writing.

In just the past couple of days, it came to me. I ran it by some writer friends yesterday, and then Lou, my publisher at High Hill Press. Everyone loved it! So......without further ado......my memoir's title is............

From Pigtails to Chin Hairs

A Memoir & More

What do you think? Any thoughts??

"You can't turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again." -- Bonnie Prudden

The Times They Are a-Changin' ..with 2 add'l notes!

Changin'? Oh yeah! After discussing the sample of my cover today with Lou Turner, my publisher, she and I both envision a new direction....for both the cover....and the title! Instead of humorous...we're going to go with a nostalgic look.

I can't even remember how many years it's been since I chose the title for my memoir: That Crowbar Changed Everything! I was so sure IT was the one and only title I would ever want....Hmmm....just goes to show you (and me!) that sometimes what seems like THE only way to do something....ISN'T.

So, here's the fun part. I was thinking about what kind of contest I'd have for January....and now I know! Please help me with a new title for my memoir! I may not choose any of the suggested titles, but for each one, you'll be entered in the contest. The more titles, the more chances of winning. You don't even have to be a follower. Just leave a genuine possible title. The time frame of the book is from the 1950s til present, and it's both humorous and bittersweet.

I'll choose the winner a week from today, at midnight CST on January 25th, by random.org. The winner will win prizes yet to be determined! (My book title will not necessarily be the one suggested, either.)

Oh, and this little detour has not slowed down my determination or my happiness. In fact, I'm even more excited than I was yesterday! I just hope I can sleep tonight!

**Note: Added Wednesday, Jan 19th, morning. Thanks for all the suggestions already! This is so much fun! I wanted to mention that yesterday before I posted this, I looked on Amazon to check if there were any books already "out there" that had titles I was considering. And guess what?? There were some with the exact titles, and some with similar ones. I then looked just in the memoir section, and there were some that I thought had really strange or just plain bad titles! So, what did that teach me? I'm not really sure yet! But I think when THE title hits me.....I'll know it!!

**2nd Note: Added Wednesday, Jan 19th, afternoon:  It occurred to me that maybe I should provide a little more information about myself and my memoir, too! (I really didn't think that up myself. Someone e-mailed and asked!) So, here's a brief summary:

It will be short stories, in no particular order, about instances in my life....both childhood and adult. Some humorous, some sad...and maybe a little of both in the same story. Childhood vacations at grandma and grandpa's in Iowa. Schools. Jobs.Watching old TV shows in the 1950s & 60s. Parents. Siblings. First marriage "issues". Pet dog stories. My sons. The Ronald. Bus rides. Train rides. You know.....just life!! Oh, and my dad left us when I was about 8 years old. It was very devastating and it was honestly due to him that I became a writer...in my late forties!!

How's that?! I've had this all in my head and on paper for soooooo long, that I forget that not everyone knows all about it, or all about me, etc!

(image courtesy: boxshot3d.com)

"We don't know who we are until we see what we can do." -- Martha Grimes, Writer's Handbook

** Saturday Writers - Part Two **

Steve explained his reasons for writing Megan's story the way he did. He didn't want it to be the typical "Who, What, Where, When, Why & How" kind of newspaper article. He began it with the happy words Megan said to her mom about a new boy who was nice to her on My Space. His title did not include any words about suicide the way the online version does. I apologize for not remembering the title in the print version Steve brought with him. I should've written it down. He also spoke about his decision to not print the name of the neighbor who was involved in this horrible tragedy. She had a daughter Megan's age, who was once Megan's good friend, and he didn't want his article to possibly cause her to end her life, too.

There are several reasons why I enjoyed Steve's presentation. One, I haven't heard a newspaper journalist speak since I attended my first Missouri Writers Guild Conference in April of 2007. I find it so interesting to hear the ins and outs of writing columns for a paper, which is obviously much different than writing a book.
I enjoyed learning of his integrity, especially in today's world of Junk Journalism and the sick delight some people feel when they read about others' troubles. Thank you, Steve. It was a pleasure meeting you.

My buddy Sioux Roslawski agreed to be VP of Saturday Writers.

Yay, and thank you! (By the way, I'm the short one!)

(Boy, do I look like my mother in this picture! Scary!)

I won this awesome basket of chocolate goodies at the raffle.

I squealed and ran up to receive my prize as if I was on The Price is Right.

I didn't think to photograph it before I ripped off the pretty cellophane wrap!

Uh...I think there's a couple of things missing, too.

It was donated by the amazing Barb Hodges complete with one of Barb's poems!

Speaking of amazing Barb, she presented me with a little gift bag yesterday, which held these two adorable tea cups sets and Afternoon Tea book! What a sweet woman! I asked her why she was giving me a gift, and she said, "Just because". She went on to say how much she enjoys seeing the tea cups I post on my blog from time to time. Whenever I see her, she is a joyful, blissful woman. Thank you, Barb!

One more thing...Lou Turner of High Hill Press, worked night and day to get some brand new Cuivre River Anthology, Volume V books to our meeting. Isn't the cover beautiful? And look how nicely it blends in with my blue and white table lamp and blue mouse! Pat Wahler, Sioux Roslawski, Donna Volkenannt, Lou Turner and I all have a story or poem in it. I'd be happy to get their signatures, if anyone would like to buy a book or two. They'd make nice Christmas gifts! hint...hint

There are many other writers's stories, obviously, but these are the ones who have blogs or a website that you may be familiar with. The books are $16.95 and I will ship them anywhere in the US at no charge, to anyone who buys them from me. What a deal! A book with many autographs, and shipped free!

And I'll be happy to get as many signatures as I can, if someone would prefer that.

If you are interested, contact me at: Writergal53@aol.com.


P.S. I'll post my terrible poem at a later date. I don't want THAT to be what sticks in your mind, when you think about buying a book which contains a story of mine!

“To read a writer is for me not merely to get an idea of what he says, but to go off with him and travel in his company.” -- Andre Gide

* Anthology Acceptance & Other Writing Info *

First of all, I am thrilled to announce that an essay I submitted for the anthology, Cuivre River Anthology, Volume V, has been accepted! More on that at a later date.
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The newest Tiny Lights Sparks newsletter came out today.  Susan Bono is Editor-in-Chief ....extraordinaire! Please check it out, especially the section: Lights Online and then Searchlights & Signal Flares. That's where I submit monthly "answers" to Susan's very curious "questions". I've mentioned quite a few times, too, that anyone can submit their answers and they will be published online. There are no requirements, other than keep it "nice". There is no entry fee, judging, or money award involved, but "Hey...You get to see your work published!" I can't figure out why more of my writer friends haven't sent in some of their scathingly brilliant work!! Also, this month's "Featured Writer" is none other than fellow Missourian and great friend, Theresa Sanders (or Teri as most of us know her!) Why not go to the site and sign up for the monthly newsletter? Tell Susan, "Becky sent me!" ☺

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Welcome to my newest follower!... Betty Henderson, whose blog is Windy Ribbons. Betty's brand new book is just out: From Trash to Treasure; Evolution of an Ozarks Junkyard. Just the title made me curious! I've included the link to High Hill Press, Betty's publisher, where you can read Chapter One, for free! 

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In an attempt to find A GOOD WAY to keep track of the submissions I've sent, PLUS keep track of places I WANT to send my writing to, I typed up a "Writing Schedule", which is similar to the one in Bylines Desk Calendar. Sylvia Forbes, publisher & editor, included a really cute Top Ten Reasons to Buy Bylines Calendar on the website. (Sylvia also came to speak at one of our Saturday Writers meetings and she was excellent.) I hope the writers chosen to be part of the 2011 calendar will be announced sometime soon, because I submitted something and haven't heard yet. Even if I don't make it into the calendar, I'm surely going to purchase one because it is so much more than a calendar. Find out more on the site.
Last of all:  Happy Writing.....and Follow Your Bliss!

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“I began to have an idea of my life, not as slow shaping of achievement to fit my preconceived purposes, but as the gradual discovery and growth of a purpose which I did not know” -- Joanna Field

** Author Introduction & Interview **

Today, I'm highlighting a local writer and friend, Lonnie Whitaker, who I met through Saturday Writers. Lonnie recently published his first book, a novel titled: Geese to a Poor Market. His publisher, High Hill Press, is the same one that will (eventually) publish my book, when I finally get it completed! The book title comes from an old Ozarks expression, which means people believe "you could do better" with your life.


Here's one of the book's back cover blurbs, by Jim Bohannon: What happens when your cross Norma Rae with Thelma & Louise? You get a Waltons-on-steroids slice of rural Americana called "Geese to a Poor Market." Lonnie Whitaker has cooked up a batch of literary White Lightnin' that you shouldn't miss! (He also interviewed Lonnie on his radio talk show. I missed hearing it, but heard it was good!)

Hello & Welcome Lonnie!

1) What steps take place between your first full draft, your rewrite and the published book?

I lost track of the full rewrites--it was somewhere in the umpteens, I think. But when the manuscript was in pretty good shape and had been reviewed by a few good writers, I engaged the services of a copy editor, which helped get it market-ready. Even after it had been accepted for publication, I still continued to revise, including one "hold the presses" e-mail for a last-minute correction.
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2) Are you superstitious when writing a book? Do you keep the story close to your heart while you’re working on it, or do you feel free to talk about it?

I am mildly superstitious, but not particularly when it comes to writing. For me, it's not so much a matter of keeping the story close to my heart, but more that I have transitioned from showing my wife every page. Perhaps I grew a bit more seasoned and began to just quietly go about the business of writing. I also learned that once you've announced that you are writing a book, everyone you know will continue to ask, "Is it done yet?"
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3) How has publishing your first book changed your life?

It has gotten a lot busier. I'm like the dog chasing a car and the driver stops and opens the door, and the dog is confused. "Hey, I'm into chasing." I am changing mental gears from chasing to marketing. Teaming with a small press like High Hill Press, the author is responsible for most of the marketing. You have to be your own publicist, advance person, accountant, and salesman. It's exciting and fun, but with a day-job that can take 12 hours of the day, it's hard to find time to get everything done as quickly as I would like.
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4) Do you plan to write another book? If so, when?

I would hate to think that it's "one-and-done," so I expect I will start writing another book as soon as I get Geese to a Poor Market down the market road a bit further. The most likely scenario would be a sequel. I am flattered that several readers want to know what happens to some of the characters. Heck, I want to know what's going to happen to them. Since I don't write from an extensive outline, I often find out what a character is going to say or do as I'm writing.
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5) What do you like and dislike the most about writing?

I like the focus I get when the writing is flowing smoothly. I dislike that my writing area gets unorganized and I waste time looking for stuff.
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6) What has being part of a writers group meant to you?

The fellowship is great--it's fun to hang out with other writers--but the real benefit is the learning opportunity. Saturday Writers, for example, sponsors workshops, guest speakers, and provides writing opportunities with contests and the publication of an anthology.
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7) How long did it take from your first thought about writing this book, until its completion?

After I sold a magazine article and attended my first writers workshop (Midwest Writers Workshop-Muncie, Indiana) in 2001, I began thinking about writing a book of connected stories. The thought of a novel may have been too daunting. But by 2003, I changed directions and commited to writing the novel. So, really, about seven (7) years.

You can contact Lonne at his e-mail:  info@geesetoapoormarket.com. Since Lonnie also works full-time, he hasn't entirely set up a blog or website yet. He hopes to get more caught up on the marketing side soon. Until then, if you'd like to purchase an autographed copy, just send him an e-mail and let him know you'd like to purchase a book...or two...directly from him. They will also be available from Amazon, but you won't get a signed copy from there!

"Easy reading is damn hard writing." ~ Nathaniel Hawthorne

** It was a DIFFERENT Lou! **

Oh wow! I just experienced one of those fabulous "Twilight Zone" moments! ♪♫  Do-do-do-do  ♪♫

In my previous post, I wrote about Lou Grant inspiring me to work harder on my book......

But I just realized, it wasn't Lou Grant.....(or Ed Asner, for that matter).....

It was my publisher, Lou, at High Hill Press!

Oh my gosh!! I feel like it was one of those things that is right in front of you, yet you miss it, because you don't realize IT is what you're looking for!

I am SO doing the Happy Dance....even while sitting ON my office chair.....but as soon as I post this, I'll be dancing standing up......not too long, though. I gotta get back to my book!!

Thank you, Lou!! (and really, shouldn't I still thank the imaginary Lou, as well? I think so!)

The pieces of the puzzle are finally coming together.

Writing became such a process of discovery that I couldn't wait to get to work in the morning: I wanted to know what I was going to say. ~ Sharon O'Brien