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Aspiring Writers Looking for an Agent MUST Read This

Author Allison Winn Scott is offering such a fabulous offer, it’s just too good to be true for aspiring writers. For me personally, I have just finished putting the final touches on the novel I wrote, and am working on my query letter for agents. Thanks to Allison, I now have a sure way that a great agent will actually read my query letter AND the first chapter of my manuscript. How can that be? Allison’s agent, Elisabeth Weed, has offered to read each and every query letter and first chapter for writers that purchase a copy of The One That I Want between now and June 5th. Just send a copy of your receipt to the email address stephanie@weedliterary.com., along with your query letter and first chapter, and have the chance of securing an agent. Even if you aren’t quite ready to turn your manuscript in, you can still purchase the book and let Elisabeth know you need a little more time, and that is no problem. I have yet to hear of an opportunity like this, and even though I already have a copy of The One That I Want, well I’m sure going to purchase another! I have provided the Amazon link below- and please note that all submissions need to be fiction or a memoir- do not submit genre fiction. Good luck to all!

Should You Work Out While Watching TV

I am the definition of a multi-tasker. I read while I eat, I always have at least two browser windows pulled up when on the web, and I watch TV while working out. It’s the last one of my list that has began to worry me. The thought came to me last night while I was watching the season finale of Dancing With the Stars while trying to complete a high intensity cardio workout along with Billy Blanks. I actually have two TV’s in my living room, one for watching regular television and one that is hooked up to the Wii and DVD player. This way, I can watch my favorite shows while feeling the burn. Great idea right? Well lately I’m not sure how great that really is. While trying to watch Nicole jive her way to the mirror ball trophy, I realized my workout was seriously slacking, I couldn’t take my eyes off the TV long enough to listen to Billy’s instructions, and I kept messing up moves that I normally would be able to hit. And I would never move my head away from the TV screen to really get into the cardio set or stretch I was to be performing.
So that got me thinking, even though I feel great that I can watch my favorite TV shows and get in a workout at the same time, am I really benefiting? Since I am not putting my full concentration into each punch and kick, am I better off shutting the tube off while working out? I know I enjoy watching TV while walking on the treadmill or elliptical machine, but that is different from having to pay attention to what an instructor is telling me. I couldn’t find anything in my research to support or advise against working out while watching TV, but I think I will break my habit of watching TV while trying to complete workout videos. Anyone else have an opinion on this topic?

Interview with Catherine McKenzie

Q: Why do you love writing?

To be a little poetical – I love the feel of words in symbiosis under my pen. Translation: it’s just kind of cool to be able to write about experiences or make characters in my head come alive. When someone tells me that they have a crush on Henry (the romantic lead in Spin) it makes me smile – that means I made him real enough to evoke feelings in other people – how awesome is that?

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> Q: What do you want readers to take away from your books?

Mostly I want them to laugh, enjoy, just get engrossed in the story. In Spin I was also trying to poke fun a little at our obsession with celebrities and their life styles. There’s also a lot of music in the book and it’s nice when readers tell me they discovered a new song or band because of it.

> Q: What was the hardest part about finding an agent?

Just the amount of time and the lack of general response. I sent out 8-10 query letters a day for months and didn’t hear anything from most of them (not even a no-thank you). You have to grow a thick skin pretty fast, because, hey, more rejection is coming!

> Q: Was there anything that really surprised you about the writing industry or being an author?

I think it’s that there are so many resources out there for the first part of the writing process – how to write a novel, how to find an agent etc. But there is almost nothing, nothing I’ve found anyway, about how to negotiate your way through the process once you’ve got a book deal. There’s a big learning curve. You go from being a writer to a marketer overnight – not the easiest transition.

> Q: Have you ever suffered from writers block? Any tips on how to work through it?

I don’t think I’ve ever been totally blocked. I think I’ve more had periods where I’m gestating or thinking about where to go next. I think the trick is to find time to write every day and write even if you are not feeling inspired. Also find thing to inspire you – good music or going for a run or whatever makes you feel creative.

> Q: How did you celebrate your first publishing deal?

After I finished my happy dance, I called everyone I knew and then went for a nice dinner with my husband.

> Q: How do you think social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook help support authors?

I still haven’t totally figured that out yet. I think Facebook is a great place for fans to go and leave messages for authors of support – the feedback I’ve gotten there has been so nice and encouraging. Twitter is harder to pin down. It can be a big time suck (as people say), but I know it also provides support for those that feel alone while they are writing. I’m also hoping Facebook and Twitter can be a place to bring some attention to some authors who deserve it (check out my I bet we can make these books bestsellers group on Facebook and Goodreads). I have also connected with some authors and readers on Twitter – and sold a few books that way too – hard to say how many.

> Q: How do you enjoy any down-time?

I run, I read, I watch TV, hang with my friends. I think it’s important to stay connected with the world so the characters in your books stay realistic.

> Q: What is your advice to aspiring writers?

Keep at it if it brings you joy. Be reader to have a lot of rejection. Don’t give up on traditional publication too early – I don’t think self-publishing is a satisfying experience for most people.

> Q: Where would be your dream vacation?

A cottage on the ocean.

Lowering Breast Cancer Risks

While there is no cure for breast cancer, I think it is important that women know and understand what they can do to lower their chances of getting the disease. After losing my grandmother last year to the cancer, I now pay even more attention to topics such as prevention and risk factors. Shape.com put out an article titled ‘Lower Your Breast Cancer Risk’ and it includes 4 healthy breast habits that all women should be aware of.
1. Maintain a healthy weight. Women who are overweight have a higher chance of being diagnosed with the cancer, in addition to being more at risk to recurrence and morality. Exercising on a regular basis will not only keep your weight in check, but can drop your risk up to 50% if you exercise vigorously for three to four hours a week.
2. Eat a balanced diet. Not only will eating healthy in general give you health benefits, but there are certain foods that can lower your risk of cancer by 20%. Those include foods rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene, such as carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes. Vitamin D and calcium are another strong source, found in fish, such as salmon, trout, sardines, milk, yogurt, cheese and vegetables like broccoli and kale.
3. Examine yourself. While an annual checkup may be unpleasant and dreaded, it is important for women to go. The doctor will perform a breast examination, looking for any abnormalities including lumps that could require further testing. But you cannot just count on that one time a year exam. Women should perform monthly self breast exams as well, generally the best time being the week after your period. This is the time frame where there is less estrogen stimulation, so breasts are not lumpy or tender.
4. Know your breasts. You’re the one that knows your breasts the best, so you will be able to tell if there is a change or any abnormalities that are occurring. Shape recommends going to a doctor if you find swollen lymph nodes, changes in nipples, or if skin turns a color.

Source: Shape.com

Interview with Diane Chamberlain

Q: What gave you the inspiration and drive to start writing?
A. My Dad was a school principal who brought home books for us every week. I read so much that I began narrating my own life in my head. “Diane reluctantly got out of bed, dragged herself to the bathroom and brushed her teeth.” I had an unstoppable imagination and began writing my own little books when I was twelve and I haven’t stopped since.

Q: What part of writing would you say is the most difficult?
A. For me, the hardest part is fitting the pieces of the plot puzzle together. My stories are always so complex that I often write myself into a corner. That first draft, as I figure out how to make what happens engrossing and believable yet at the same time surprising, is my biggest challenge.

Q: You used to run a private psychotherapy clinic. What did you most enjoy about going to work every day there?
A. I worked primarily with teenagers and they were a joy. As a teen myself, I spent a few years in therapy and I felt a kinship with my clients. I loved knowing that I was able to help them the way I’d been helped.

Q: How do your degrees in social work tie in with your novels?
A. Being a social worker gave me insight into what makes people tick. More than anything, though, as a social worker I was a witness to how strong and resilient people can be in the face of crisis and trauma. I borrow those characteristics to use in my novels. I like my characters to ultimately triumph over their problems, but that’s only possible if they have something tough to overcome.

Q: Your first book, Private Relations, won a RITA award for Best Single Title Contemporary Novel. How did you celebrate that achievement?
A. That was such a high for me! Private Relations was not a typical book to win the RITA and I was shocked and thrilled. While sitting at the table waiting for the winners to be announced, I’d taken off my shoes and I was so surprised when my name was called that I forgot to put them back on. I went up on stage and received the RITA from Jude Devereau in bare feet. (There’s a picture on the Gallery page of my website). The RWA conference was held in San Francisco, so my then-husband and I celebrated with a trip down the coast to Big Sur, one of my favorite places.

Q: What do you hope readers take away from your books?
A. More than anything, I hope they will be entertained. I love hearing that someone stayed up all night to finish one of my books. If they feel inspired and touched by my characters, that’s a bonus.

Q: You have been diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, which can make typing extremely difficult. I’ve read you sometimes rely on voice recognition to get your writing onto paper. How amazing is it to be able to use this technology?
A. I’m very fortunate that I rarely have to use voice recognition now. The medications for RA have improved to the extent that I can usually type all day long without a problem. I’m glad, though, to know that technology still exists and of course I have it installed on my computer. I did write two books using voice recognition entirely. It’s both wonderful and annoying, because it makes a lot of mistakes as it tries to make sense of what you say. One of my favorite voice recognition mistakes is this: I said “The feeling was quick and unbidden, but welcome nonetheless,” and the voice recognition program typed “Panasonic’s business decisions upset its chicken’s contraceptives.” You can see the problem!

Q: I just received your latest book, The Lies We Told. Just from the synopsis I am already hooked. Where did the plot idea revolving around the two sisters lives come from?
A. I usually start with a situation in mind, and that was the case with The Lies We Told. The situation was that a woman is presumed dead and while her husband and sister grieve for her, they develop a very close relationship, ultimately falling in love, not knowing that their sister and wife is still alive. With that basic idea in mind, I then came up with the storyline that would create those circumstances. In this case, I made all three characters doctors working with a relief agency after a hurricane.

Q: How do you enjoy your ‘me-time?’
A. We have an oceanfront condominium on the North Carolina coast. Although we rent it out during the summer, we enjoy it off and on the rest of the year. I feel rejuvenated when I go there. I love spending time on the beach with my dogs. Just being near the water lifts me up.

Q: What would be your best advice for aspiring writers?
A. Don’t give up, but make sure your writing is the very best it can be before you try to get an agent or a publisher. I think too many writers these days rush their work to publication before it’s ready and then wonder why it’s rejected. I write five drafts of my book before my editor sees it, and another draft after she and I discuss revisions. Get feedback from trusted, honest readers to help you hone your story and polish your work.

Q: What would be your dream vacation?
A. A month in a villa in Tuscany with a group of friends, all of whom love to cook! I’d have my work-in-progress with me, of course. I’m happiest when I have a project, even on vacation.

In My Mailbox: Week of May 23

In My Mailbox: Week of May 23, 2010

Title: Hook, Line and Sink Him
Author: Jackie Pilossoph
Received: From Jackie Pilossoph for Review & Giveaway
Synopsis: Anna wants to get married. Her boyfriend Chris wants to wait. But now, help may be on the way. Meet Jeff and Dave, two commitment phobic guys who overhear the couple arguing at a popular Chicago bar, and guarantee Anna they can con Chris into springing for a ring and walking down the aisle. When she takes them up on their offer, and the plan actually works, the three decide they’re going into business to help other bride wannabees. Come along for the ride with Anna and these two loveable, very funny guys while they take on clients, manipulate boyfriends, and turn frustrated girls into blushing brides, all while raking in the cash. But the marriage business gets messy when Jeff discovers he’s got a little problem. He never counted on falling madly in love with Anna, his new business partner and the girl who is now planning her wedding, thanks to him.

Title: A Job to Kill For
Author: Janice Kaplan
Received: From Public Library
Synopsis: At the start of Kaplan’s fun, breezy second mystery to feature ditzy L.A.A interior designer Lacy Fields (after 2007’s Looks to Die For), Lacy’s latest chic client, Cassie Crawford, drops dead whileA inspecting the decor ofA the poshA penthouse Cassie and her new husband, billionaire Roger Crawford, were planning to buy. Cassie, it turns out, made a fatal mistake by drinking a bottle of arsenic-laced Japanese tea from the penthouse’s Sub-Zero refrigerator. To Lacy’s dismay, the fingerprints of her casting agent pal, Molly Archer,A who’s been schmoozingA with Roger, are found on the fridge, making Molly a top suspect. But when Billy Mann,A Cassie’sA biker friend, isA murdered after confiding in Lacy that Cassie fearedA for her life,A LAPD Det. Brian Wilson decidesA Lacy makes a betterA suspect. While Lacy’s Dolce & Gabbana shoes andA her linen Calvin Klein shirt suffer damage near story’s end in a tight fix Edgar Allan Poe might have devised, Lacy’s blithe, la-di-dahA spirit remains unscathed

Title: Handbags and Homicide
Author: Dorothy Howell
Received: From Public Library
Synopsis: Haley Randolph is always ready to go to any lengths to get the latest Louis Vuitton. Unfortunately for Haley, her life goes from glam to grim when her passion for fashion outlasts her credit cards, and she’s forced to work at Holt’s–a mid-market department store. Looking for a bit of shopping inspiration, Haley sneaks into the stock room to get a first glimpse of Holt’s one-of-a-kind selection of handbag styles. But instead of the newest Vuitton, Haley discovers her boss is the ultimate fashion victim.
According to the security tapes, Haley was the only person in the stockroom before, during, and after the murder. With everyone in the store eyeing her like last season’s Marc Jacobs, Haley turns to the hunky Ty Cameron, who heads up the store’s loss prevention unit, to help her investigate the murder. Now her knowledge of hot trends will take her from the sales floor to the boardroom to the gritty streets of L.A.’s Garment District as she searches for a killer with impeccable fashion taste. . .

A Facebook Group for Readers & Authors

I recently “met” (virtually) author Catherine McKenzie, and she informed me about a great Facebook group she created. The name of the group is ‘I bet we can make these books best sellers’ or the AUTHOR EFFECT. How it works is every three months, McKenzie will choose a book that she (or suggestions from the people) think should be a best seller but isn’t. The hope is that more people will get out and buy the book, spreading the good word and making that book…a best seller! The current project is two books from author Shawn Klomparens, Jessica Z. and Two Years, No Rain. Click the link below to join the Facebook group or the Amazon links to get Klomparens titles.

Interview with Mary O’Sullivan

Q: I read on your website that your passion was always writing. How were you finally able to break into the industry?
A: I sent the manuscript of my first novel, Parting Company, to Pooolbeg Press in Ireland, more in hope than expectation. I didn’t hear back from them for a while so I was bracing myself for rejection when Poolbeg director, Paula Campbell, rang to offer me a three book contract. That is a moment I will always treasure. Of course it takes hard work and many, many hours of writing and re-writing to produce a manuscript that will interest a publisher but I also believe that good old-fashioned luck plays a part too. I certainly feel very lucky to have had my stories published.

Q: Where do the ideas for your stories come from?
A: I always start with a subject or situation that interests me and I ask the question ‘what if?’ For instance in my first novel, Parting Company – what if someone discovered the cure for cancer? In As Easy As That the question was, what if you suspected your boss of being involved in criminal activity? I have covered topics in my books such as post traumatic stress disorder, the possibility that ghosts exist and religious cults. But no matter what the background to a story, the characters and how they deal with the situations are the most important and satisfying element in writing a book.

Q: What is the best part about being a full time writer?
A: It has to be the freedom to write whenever you like. I spent many years working full-time as a lab technician, always with story ideas in my head but no time to develop them. Now if I feel like writing into the small hours, I can do so without being worried about getting up early to go to my job. I currently work harder and put in longer hours than I have ever done but every minute of it is a pleasure.

Q: You have 5 published novels. Do you have one in particular that you really loved either writing or doing research for?
A: This is a hard question to answer as each of my novels is important to me in its own way. The first, of course, will always hold a special place in my heart. Both my parents died from cancer and writing a fictional cure for the disease in Parting Company was very helpful as part of the grieving process. Under The Rainbow, my latest book, is also very special as it is the only novel I’ve written in the first person. Telling the story in the main character’s voice rather than third person allowed me to get to know everything about Adele Burke, even things she probably wouldn’t want me to know!
The most interesting research I’ve done is for my next novel Time And Tide (Apr 2011). For this book I read up on Climate Change and studied both sides of the Global Warming argument. In my reading I came across the curious fact that the Maya calendar ends on December 31st 2012. Many believe this means the world will end on that date though what the Maya predicted was a change rather than an ending.

Q: What do you find most difficult about the writing process?
A: Probably letting go. It takes at least a year for me to write a novel. In that time I live with the characters and their story day in, day out. I love them all, even the baddies as they are fun to write. Then comes the day when you type THE END. Silly as it seems, I always feel lonely when I finish a book. The only cure is to start another one.

Q: Do you have a certain area that you get all your writing done?
A:I have a small office into which I have squashed all my favourite things – two book cases, family photos, my collection of stones from special places I have been, Martin Luther King’s ‘I Have A Dream ‘poster and a large wall map of the world. A stack of CD’s sits on my desk as I always play music when I write- each book has its own individual soundtrack. It’s a cosy little room and conveniently close to the kitchen for the endless cups of coffee.

Q: Have you ever had an idea for a plot or character at a strange place or time?
A:I got the idea for Under The Rainbow as I was sitting in a seaside café having coffee (again!) with a group of friends. I wondered if childhood friends who had gone their separate ways could meet up as adults and resume their friendship with the same intensity. This thought raised many more questions in my mind and the end result of mulling over the answers was Under The Rainbow.

Q: Who are some of your favorite authors?
A: John Irving – The World According To Garp is one of my all-time favourite novels ; Jodi Picoult ; John Connolly ; Sebastian Barry; Val McDermid; MandaSue Heller; Mary Malone ; Walter Macken and many ,many more authors who have given me hours of pleasure reading their wonderful work.

Q: Do you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day? Any fun celebration stories?
A: I certainly celebrate St Patrick’s Day. It’s a great day to be Irish. I remember a year when the shamrock did not grow very well. My mother went searching for some and arrived home with lovely sprays which we proudly wore on St Patrick’s Day. It was much later before she admitted that the sprays we had worn on March 17th had actually been clover and not shamrock at all. At least it didn’t affect our celebrations and I’m sure St Patrick forgave us!

Q: What would be your best advice for aspiring writers?
A: My advice would be to never give up and to take hope from my history. I had been writing since I was a child but being occupied in full-time work and rearing a family I believed my chance to be a published author had passed me by. I eventually got my lucky break and I would advise anyone with the passion to write to keep working hard on your manuscript and your opportunity will come too.

Q: Is there any place in the world that you would love to travel to?
A: Reading Stephen King and John Connolly piqued my interest in Maine, USA. I based part of my fourth novel, Inside Out there. I researched the state thoroughly, read books on it, got maps and visited on-line Maine sites. The more I learned about the scenery, the history, the uniqueness of Maine, the more I wanted to visit there. A trip to beautiful Maine is definitely on my wish list.

Interview with Jackie Pilossoph

Q: When did you first know you wanted to be a writer?
About nine years ago, I had a great idea for a romantic comedy. I used to go jogging on the lake front in Chicago and write the story in my head. Shortly after, I began writing my ideas down on my computer. One story lead to another, and another, and another, and nine years later, I’ve finished seven screenplays and four novels.
Q: In addition to novels, you have also written screenplays. How different and or/alike are writing novels and screenplays?
VERY different. Novels are a lot more fun for me to write, because I get to live inside the minds of my characters, and I get to tell readers what my characters are thinking and feeling. I enjoy creating funny and lovable people, or if someone’s a villain, it’s fun to make him or her really unlikeable. When it comes to movies, the actors and director both have so much more control over character personalities.
Writing novels and screenplays are similar in regards to dialogue. In both, I truly enjoy delivering great dialogue to make my characters’ conversations witty and funny and hip and dramatic. Then again, in movies, an actor can be flexible with his or her lines.

Q: Your fist novel, Hook, Line, and Sink Him! Is based on some of your dating experiences. What is the worst first date you have been on?
I actually have a name for my worst first date, worst date ever, in fact. Let’s call him, “Root Canal Rick.”
Several years ago, I met this guy at a diner while visiting friends in Boston. He lived in Minnesota, I lived in Chicago. After no more than a twelve minute conversation, we decided to exchange numbers. Neither of us knew if we’d ever see each other again, but we’d really hit it off, so we figured it was the right thing to do.
As fate would have it, about a year later, I got a TV reporting job in none other than Minnesota. So, one of the first things I did when I moved there was call the guy, who was pretty much a stranger to me, but who I’d thought about so many times during the past year. Maybe this was fate! It was really exciting!
We ended up going out to a bar/restaurant where we had dinner and where he consumed at least seven beers. ‘Maybe he’s just really nervous’ I rationalized to myself, as I watched him chug and chug and chug.
After dinner, we decided to play a couple games of pool in the next room. A very nice guy (who was also kind of cute) said “Nice shot,” to me, after I sank the 7 ball into the side pocket.
Staggering up to the guy, my date said, “Hey, what do you think you’re doing, jerk?”
“What?” asked the other guy.
“Is something wrong?” I asked my heavily buzzed date, who had just ordered another beer.
“Yes!” he practically shouted, “I just bought you dinner and you’re hitting on another guy!”
I was dumbfounded. “I’m not hitting on anyone,” I defended.
He then called me a few names that I’d rather not mention in this interview. All I can say is THANK GOD I drove separately that night. I put my pool stick down on a nearby rack, and then told my date I was leaving and that he should consider calling a cab versus driving home.
As I exited the place, I could hear him shouting obscenities. I was practically running out of there, which is why it shouldn’t have surprised me when I bumped into some guy on the way out, and his beer spilled and splashed all over me.
Driving home, drenched, cold, disappointed and hurt, I actually felt really happy, too. The guy I thought could be my soul mate had turned out to be a drunken, abusive idiot. It was sad, but I no longer had to wonder. Plus, I NEVER had to see the guy, EVER again!
If someone gave me a choice between experiencing this date and having a root canal, I’d choose the root canal, hands down!

Q: Are you currently working on a book # 2?
Yes, and it’s awesome! Just wait! I am so excited to share it!

Q: If you hadn’t started writing, what do you think would be your career?
I’ve had a bunch of different careers in my life. I’ve been a sales representative for a few different companies, I’ve been a financial advisor, I’ve been in sales management, I’ve been a TV news reporter, I’ve been a college professor, and now, I’m an author. I can’t imagine being anything else anymore. But one job I think would be really, really fun would be a barista at Starbucks. Stress free, talking to people all day, and free coffee! What could be better than that?!
Q: What is your biggest personal accomplishment?
Becoming a mother to my two beautiful, wonderful children and raising them.
Q: Who are some of your favorite authors?
Jonathan Tropper, Emily Giffen, Jennifer Weiner, Sophie Kinsella, Terry McMillan
Q: What is the perfect ‘girl’s night out’ for you?
I LOVE girl’s nights! It’s so much fun to get together with a bunch of chicks, all who dress up for each other. We wear our favorite designer jeans, cute little tops, big hoop earrings, heels, little hand bags and lots of lip gloss. I think it’s really sweet that girls dress to the hilt for other girls.
I enjoy drinking wine or sangria or martinis, and eating sushi or sharing a bunch of appetizers, while all the girls tell and listen to stories, and laugh and joke around. It’s entertaining and relaxing, but there are emotional moments, as well. One minute someone’s telling you her eye shadow’s Bobbi Brown, the next, someone starts crying about her impending divorce.
The nights almost always include funny encounters with strange men sitting at the bar, or someone running into a random acquaintance, such as the cousin of a friend of her ex-boyfriend from college. Funny memories are always created when girls get together!
At the end of the night, two things are guaranteed; girls hug like they’re never going to see each other again, and everyone vows to do it again real soon.
Q: What is your best advice for aspiring writers?
DON’T GIVE UP! It would be impossible for me to count the hundreds of rejections I received when submitting my work to agents and publishers. If you keep sending out your writing, people will give you advice and tips and they’ll help you become a better writer. And then, one day, someone will give you a contract! But remember, that’s only if you DON’T GIVE UP!
Q: What would be your dream vacation?
I’ve always wanted to go to the Amalfi Coast in Italy. It looks amazing! I would go there with my entire family, my kids, my parents, my brothers and sisters, and their families. We all love each other very much, but we drive each other crazy. That’s why I’d make sure we got separate villas!