tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post8972335510626400028..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: I'm doing a Work For Hire. Will that hurt my novel?Janet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger34125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-17687554732650297672016-03-27T11:24:23.600-04:002016-03-27T11:24:23.600-04:00I was taught once how to make pysanka, a long time...I was taught once how to make pysanka, a long time ago. It was a one-shot workshop, which meant we didn't get to actually make a full pysanka. You see, the time factor isn't just in the tiny, intricate details, but also in how it's made. They're not just dipped in black dye and the other colours painted on.<br /><br />Instead, you start with the lighter colours. If you want white on your egg, you cover the parts you want white with wax. Then you dip the egg in the palest colour you're using. Once that dries, you cover the parts of the egg you want kept that palest colour with wax. The wax keeps the subsequent dyes from attaching to the egg. Black is the last colour you use, and it will cover the parts of the egg that has no wax. Once the final colour has been dyed on and dried, the wax is then removed. The repeated dyeing and drying processes mean that an egg can take days to make. <br /><br />I have a few pysanka, given to me by a neighbour of my grandmother's. Beautiful work. My mother has a bowl of them, gathered from various sources, including this same friend. <br /><br />The world's largest pysanka is in <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vegreville#/media/File:Vegreville_pysanka_August_2008.jpg" rel="nofollow">Vegreville, Alberta</a>.<br /><br />This bit of trivia is my Easter present to you all. Hope you all have a wonderful day, whatever your beliefs, and a blessed Easter to all who believe!<br /><br /><br />BJ Muntainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12977414826388000094noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-60783480879339784392016-03-27T09:53:52.709-04:002016-03-27T09:53:52.709-04:00Julie, I went to see Marsha's eggs. (Boy that ...Julie, I went to see Marsha's eggs. (Boy that sounds weird, doesn't it?) and they are absolutely gorgeous! I always think I'd like to do that, but then I think, "In my spare time? Bwahahaha! What is spare time????"<br /><br />Happy easter everyone. bring on the chocolate bunnies! (A bourbon filled chocolate bunny would be awesome!)Panda in Chiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160375490647791433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3569897062718254062016-03-27T09:50:49.953-04:002016-03-27T09:50:49.953-04:00May all your eggs be colorful and your bunnies hop...May all your eggs be colorful and your bunnies hoppy.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-2557484294115084842016-03-27T09:28:21.189-04:002016-03-27T09:28:21.189-04:00I want to wish Janet and all the Reiders Καλό Πάσχ...I want to wish Janet and all the Reiders Καλό Πάσχα! My son-in-law is Greek, and he's made spanakopita and baklava for our dinner today. Kittyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09868642232827730189noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-69976318123026165472016-03-26T22:31:36.881-04:002016-03-26T22:31:36.881-04:00Marsha Skrypuch, whom I adore, follows this blog. ...Marsha Skrypuch, whom I adore, follows this blog. She was unfailing kind to me when I was trying to write children's books and so patient to help, advise, and encourage me. She's posted some new pictures on her facebook page of her pysanky eggs. I'll link to it here and hope you can see it without being a friend. <a href="https://www.facebook.com/marsha.skrypuch" rel="nofollow">Marsha's gorgeous eggs!</a><br /><br /><a href="http://darkroom.baltimoresun.com/2014/04/pysanky-the-art-of-making-ukrainian-easter-eggs/#1" rel="nofollow">Pysanky eggs are often associated with Ukranian people but other Slavic cultures make them also.</a> I have two a friend from Palestine made me years ago and I treasure them like gold.<br /><br />Sometimes "to write" creates beauty in more ways than one.JulieWeathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01361549099072091350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45330275853278041892016-03-26T20:52:17.787-04:002016-03-26T20:52:17.787-04:00If I was a gamer and fell in love with someone els...If I was a gamer and fell in love with someone else's world I might consider being a WTF. I mean a WFH. Or something like that. To hang out a shingle for it would make me feel like a hooker. I'm sorry and i know that people have and are making respectable livings from this.<br /><br />I would rather make up my own worlds and take a chance that others might respect them.<br /><br />Happy Easter to all who celebrate it. Whether it is Christian, Wiccan or Druid I hope you enjoy. I have three more pies to make for friends. It is a pain in the ass, especially since I let a few folks know that I now have a great cheesecake.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-12429895061955397252016-03-26T20:05:48.540-04:002016-03-26T20:05:48.540-04:00Karen M., Lilac, Donna and I decided we are going ...Karen M., Lilac, Donna and I decided we are going into the t-shirt business (not really), Donna has the southern franchise, Lilac is hawking shirts on the other side of the world and I'm hefting a wheelbarrow full down to the streets of NYC. Should be fun if I don't get lost or mugged.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-71146271878864879932016-03-26T19:58:55.430-04:002016-03-26T19:58:55.430-04:00Carolynn has provided my nomination for a new subh...Carolynn has provided my nomination for a new subheader: "A blessed day to all in this crazy mixed up place we call earth." Amen. Sending hope and peace to those who've shared their life struggles here among friends, and also to those who have struggles still unshared.Celia Reaveshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14477769617945528997noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-92042550952217768592016-03-26T19:19:00.246-04:002016-03-26T19:19:00.246-04:00Playing blog catch up between shopping and Mass, w...Playing blog catch up between shopping and Mass, waiting for the rain to ease up before the mad dash across the parking lot. After having to park a block away and dodge lightning bolts getting to Holy Thursday mass I was here early tonight.<br /><br />BJ, I am so sorry. Hugs and prayers across the miles.<br /><br />Doesn't look like the rain is going to stop, so will have to swim. Sunshine State my Aunt Fanny! We're on for Easter Vigil Mass tonight and 9:30 am tomorrow. If you're in Winter Park, stop by.<br /><br />Happy Easter, y'all!<br /><br />Getting a regular paycheck for writing sounds fabulous.<br />CynthiaMchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12175917641033760408noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-6853336336037381952016-03-26T18:38:35.451-04:002016-03-26T18:38:35.451-04:00Karen,
Julie: Perhaps an epic fantasy horse story...Karen,<br /><br />Julie: Perhaps an epic fantasy horse story is in order?--<br /><br />In <i>Far Rider</i> one of the main cultures are horse lords. Horses become characters in the Civil War book and of course in the Cowgirls book.<br /><br />JWJulieWeathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01361549099072091350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-76642776497937035632016-03-26T17:59:03.010-04:002016-03-26T17:59:03.010-04:00My eyes glaze over when I read anything legalese, ...My eyes glaze over when I read anything legalese, so I would never think of signing without advice. And now I want doughnuts. Not chocolate glaze though. It's Easter Sunday here and the household is already close to Easter chocolate coma. <br /><br />For those Aussies amongst us - because many are published here without an agent - there are similar services available locally to get your contracts reviewed. At a writing conference I'm going to in August one such person is speaking on "Before you sign: 10 tricks and traps of publishing contracts".<br /><br />BJ - I'm terribly sorry to hear about your loss. My thoughts are with you and your family.<br /><br />Happy Easter to everyone. I hope the day fills your soul however you choose to spend it.<br /><br />AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-74661182418584833282016-03-26T16:46:00.046-04:002016-03-26T16:46:00.046-04:00I had the opportunity to audition for a WFH projec...I had the opportunity to audition for a WFH project a couple of years ago. The story outline I was sent to work with was very, very different to anything I'd write on my own, but in a way that was exciting because it encouraged me to think about a world and a story type I'd never written before. I didn't end up getting the gig, but I'm still glad I gave it a go rather than just rejecting the idea outright when I realized they wanted me to write fantasy (which I have never enjoyed at all).Kate Larkindalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06202347563426692610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45463705557784312332016-03-26T16:07:25.583-04:002016-03-26T16:07:25.583-04:00Ah, Lilac! Posted same time as you - thank you! ...Ah, Lilac! Posted same time as you - thank you! I do feel better than I did, but still sort of limping along.Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3918455169924585392016-03-26T16:04:57.198-04:002016-03-26T16:04:57.198-04:00@Theresa - so much for the cough syrup. I almost ...@Theresa - so much for the cough syrup. I almost choked I laughed so hard at that!<br /><br />Adib, you said, "What could be better than getting to play around in a world you know and love? And getting PAID for it?!"<br /><br />Oh the paid part, yeessss, nicccceee. But, how much work is this, I wonder? And how would you know if you get their world the way they want their world? Maybe there's a lot of back and forth, i.e. they say, "yes, yes, yes, uh, no," to what you write about...? <br /><br /><br />I'm flummoxed but I guess I've read about it before and immediately (and quickly) wiped it from my mind b/c it's something I can't see myself doing. I guess there's a lot of it out there. IDK. WTF. I'm tired.Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-13703258544792709882016-03-26T15:55:35.765-04:002016-03-26T15:55:35.765-04:00I also read WIT as WTF...I had no idea why, but Do...I also read WIT as WTF...I had no idea why, but Donna's comment opened my eyes. ;-) On a serious note, I completely agree with her.<br /> <br />Donna: get better soon, dear! <br /><br />BJ: I’m so sorry for your loss. I have deep appreciation for people who know what's right and stick by that. Stubborn shit-disturbers are my kind of people! Sending you hugs and love! ((( <3 ))) <br /><br />Happy Easter to those of you who celebrate it! <br />Lilac Shoshanihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06657389796454895412noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-73812069530414932522016-03-26T15:35:10.924-04:002016-03-26T15:35:10.924-04:00WTF, I'd be willing to give WFH a try.WTF, I'd be willing to give WFH a try.Theresahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18165072684559960801noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-90252204030955284242016-03-26T15:27:33.439-04:002016-03-26T15:27:33.439-04:00If it was a property I loved and a world I wanted ...If it was a property I loved and a world I wanted to play in, I would leap at the chance to do work for hire. <br /><br />What could be better than getting to play around in a world you know and love? And getting PAID for it?!Adib Khorramhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03836332867898941638noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-14539876397945061012016-03-26T14:17:16.329-04:002016-03-26T14:17:16.329-04:00Maybe I still have flu brain, (most likely) becaus...Maybe I still have flu brain, (most likely) because honest to Godiva (to use one of QOTKU's expressions and...b/c Easter and...because, hello chocolate bunny!) I can't imagine having enough time in the day to do this AND write my own stuff.<br /><br />So, therefore. I decree WFH officially as WTF since some of us are seeing it as that anyway, and I sure am, b/c I mean WTF? I can hardly find time to write my own sh*t much less someone else's sh*t. Why can't they write it? Why would they want someone else to write it? I don't get it. Hence, WTF?<br /><br />Never considered it. But I sure had a lot of fun writing this comment. Back to sucking on cough syrup.<br /><br />***BJ, thoughts with you as you navigate this most difficult time. Thank you for your kind words of appreciation, although they aren't necessary. Just take care of yourself.<br />Donnaevehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09026536210749494257noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-11402360611135604702016-03-26T13:52:47.818-04:002016-03-26T13:52:47.818-04:00Lennon,
You're so right. I did the same thing ...Lennon,<br />You're so right. I did the same thing with WFH and WTF. Now, reading your note, it's funny for me all over again. A nice reprieve from mind-exhausting work, otherwise known as editing.John Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01702305890462479118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-52074235520899967932016-03-26T13:37:06.507-04:002016-03-26T13:37:06.507-04:00Every time I read, 'WFH' I read it as '...Every time I read, 'WFH' I read it as 'WTF.' The post and comments are surprisingly funny like that. I haven't any experience on the actual subject so there's my words of real wisdom for today. <br /><br />BJ - so glad you are finding support. <br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend everyone! Lennon Farishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03570629350169504234noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-33836330380576375752016-03-26T11:42:14.904-04:002016-03-26T11:42:14.904-04:00Jason, WFH isn't always just a part of the pro...Jason, WFH isn't always just a part of the proceeds. For example, you can also be offered a flat payment, or a pay structure that includes a set payment plus royalties. <br /><br />I know a few people who've done work for hire for major (big 5) publishers, and it sounds like a good experience if it's the right fit. One of my critique partners has made a career of it. A different friend used a pen name for her WFH and her name for her novels. The Sleepy Onehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17406738871201908077noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-15028049465910363922016-03-26T11:35:12.339-04:002016-03-26T11:35:12.339-04:00Julie: Perhaps an epic fantasy horse story is in o...Julie: Perhaps an epic fantasy horse story is in order?<br /><br />BJ: Donald Maass is a great example. Will continue to think of you and your family, especially this coming weekend.<br /><br />I think 2N's needs to get into the T-shirt and/or bumper sticker business for her constant cleverness. "A blessed day to all in this crazy mixed up place we call earth" indeed!Karen McCoyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02640324898284007337noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-1079846399039011162016-03-26T11:28:22.261-04:002016-03-26T11:28:22.261-04:00When I was speaking with the TOR editor, he said t...When I was speaking with the TOR editor, he said the 23 years experience at the horse racing magazine wouldn't mean much aside from writing experience. Most horse racing people won't transfer to epic fantasy readers. He was right.<br /><br />Now, writing for a fantasy gaming company will transfer into readers and in the case of the game company I write for, even Civil War since the core story is about a CW soldier.<br /><br />The point I'm making is you really do need to look at the big picture. I mention briefly both writing jobs in my queries because it adds to my writing platform. Any professional work should help. I say should because nothing is absolute. Either way, get a professional to look at the contract.<br /><br />Good luck. What great news for you. <br /><br />JulieWeathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01361549099072091350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-59831359198670003942016-03-26T11:16:41.227-04:002016-03-26T11:16:41.227-04:00I am so glad Janet added that last paragraph.
&qu...I am so glad Janet added that last paragraph.<br /><br />"This seems like a good opportunity to build your writing portfolio..."<br /><br />Not that I'm in the position of Opie, but it DID sound like a great opportunity. You're practicing with real consequences attached to everything you do. So you're learning plot, pacing, structure all the good stuff PLUS deadlines and organizational skills that a typical debut author doesn't have to deal with. <br /><br />Except self-imposed deadlines like the one staring at me. Good luck, Opie, my red pen is dancing my way.John Frainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01702305890462479118noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-39374200788797096222016-03-26T11:05:08.848-04:002016-03-26T11:05:08.848-04:00I have not really considered WFH before. I would p...I have not really considered WFH before. I would probably consider it for my genre of the characters/ worlds intrigued me. I have no familiarity with this topic at all so OP, look to other sections of the reef. I am still hunting chocolate cake. Elusive beast that. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.com