tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post6229210900092549452..comments2024-03-18T09:09:59.625-04:00Comments on Janet Reid, Literary Agent: Writing in two categoriesJanet Reidhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00615380335938685231noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-53657932742866933862016-03-24T02:30:32.239-04:002016-03-24T02:30:32.239-04:00Don't forget Jurassic Jane Eyre.
Whilst I wou...Don't forget <a href="http://www.amazon.com.au/dp/B00Q3OBIEO" rel="nofollow">Jurassic Jane Eyre</a>.<br /><br />Whilst I would have loved to have been published decades ago, I am grateful I have had the opportunity to develop not only my voice and preferred genres, but have had the opportunity to establish good working habits. I'm gonna make an agent really happy for a very long time, someday.<br /><br />Now, to convince several key people that I can write a great novel that makes people shove money into my fists for the privilege of reading it. "Take my money NOW!!" they'll cry.<br />Her Grace, Heidi, the Duchess of Knealehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17818060864422019573noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-86184839121909249282016-03-24T01:17:59.513-04:002016-03-24T01:17:59.513-04:00Diane,
I meant it sounds like something you would...Diane,<br /><br />I meant it sounds like something you would hear on Firefly, which isn't a bad thing.JulieWeathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01361549099072091350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-72208344065076976872016-03-24T00:26:27.369-04:002016-03-24T00:26:27.369-04:00I don't think there is anything more to be sai...I don't think there is anything more to be said. Reiders rock!AJ Blythehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04529233142099749005noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-76265692559292730732016-03-23T22:59:49.449-04:002016-03-23T22:59:49.449-04:00Welp. Maybe I can disagree without being disagreea...Welp. Maybe I can disagree without being disagreeable. I can't second-guess how Janet perceives this issue or how she thinks it's best to handle it as an agent. That's her call and I respect her experience. But I pretty strongly disagree with one aspect of this post.<br /><br />I don't think it's true that writers can't excel in more than one category. I simply know too many writers who have done/are doing so. But maybe I happen to know a lot of exceptional writers. Probably that's true.<br /><br />Kae, I do agree that as a new-ish and less experienced writer, you'd be making things harder on yourself than they need to be by trying to start off your career that way. There are so many things to learn when you're starting out, not just about writing and finding your voice and balancing life but also about all the various options and pitfalls involved with the business of publishing. Trying to figure out how to do all that in more than one genre/category/whatever-we're-calling-it-this-week, all at the same time, is going to be really difficult. And potentially discouraging. No one wants that.<br /><br />So get your feet under you first. Gain some (more) confidence. Enjoy some success. But don't ever be afraid to take chances and do different things if inspiration strikes. I honestly think that advising a writer to write only one thing, ever, is dangerous advice. For writers who are prolific and have varied interests and a wide-ranging curiosity, it's the kind of thing that can be harmful and stifle creativity. I don't know, maybe that <i>is</i> a very small group of exceptional writers. Maybe not. But maybe you're one of them. Don't limit yourself preemptively by believing what anyone else tells you you're not capable of doing.<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-3196600866648075212016-03-23T22:38:23.763-04:002016-03-23T22:38:23.763-04:00I have to admit the first time I read this post it...I have to admit the first time I read this post it made my hackles rise.<br /> <br />My train of thought went something like this:<br /><br />Hey! What do you mean people can't excel in different categories? I write in more than one category! I'm good at it. Aren't I?<br /><br />Who cares? Even if I am the exception, then as soon as I tell Super Agent that I write in more than one category she won't sign me. Maybe I should burn my manuscripts. But which ones? How do I choose? Which manuscripts am I more passionate about?<br /><br />I love them all! They are all my preciouses. I am the exception! I have to be.<br /><br />But the QOTKU says that writing in more than one category prevent someone from reaching their full potential. So the QOTKU must think I'm a failure. I'm a total failure. I suck. All of my manuscripts suck. I should burn them all. <br /><br />*sniffle* I'll never be a writer. *pours a whiskey sour* Never. *sips*<br /><br />Wait a minute...I'm doing that horrible woodland creature thing! I'm turning a post into rejection! Silly woodland creature. The QOTKU is not saying you stink (at least not out loud). She hasn't bitten you. She hasn't even exiled you to Carkoon. Reread the post.<br /><br />That's when I realized that the first time I read this post, I did so with a narrow interpretation. This interpretation caused a whirlwind of self-doubt that is in no way what the QOTKU intended. And I realized the QOTKU made a strong point. There's a difference between writing whatever you want and building a writing career. <br /><br />You should always write what you love, but everything you write isn't going to be all shiny and marketable. If you want to be an expert in your craft, depth might just be more important than breadth.<br />Megan Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00752842865397799428noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-34553434270925607452016-03-23T21:55:03.500-04:002016-03-23T21:55:03.500-04:00Julie, I've only actually seen Firefly once th...Julie, I've only actually seen Firefly once through, but that phrase is common as can be where I come from. I've been telling Mr. X he ain't right for 14 years (and I'm not done yet).<br /><br />At this point in my day, I'll take a bit of snoozing for liberty - or (strictly temporary) death.<br /><br />Thank you for the nominations. And sincere, I-love-y'all-man Very Special Episode thank you to those who have prayed for my mom.DLMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08768285199864217885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-14657381470248824602016-03-23T20:44:57.126-04:002016-03-23T20:44:57.126-04:00Diane,
"Y'all ain't right." St...Diane,<br /><br />"Y'all ain't right." Stop channeling Firefly! I don't have time to watch it.<br /><br />Kae,<br /><br />I understand your pain, believe me. I finished <i>The Archer's Tale</i> by Bernard Cornwell today. It's pretty good, but it was gut-wrenching at the end and I almost didn't finish it because I knew what was coming. John the Blind of Bohemia died with twelve of his knights at Crecy. He had been blind a decade, but refused to sit out the fight, so his knights tied their bridles together so they would not get separated from him. The battle was going badly. The French army was breaking, but he insisted on going to where the fighting was heaviest. His knights, Lords in their own right, refused to leave him. They were hacked to bits with no quarter.<br /><br />I've wanted to write a story about John for years. The problem is, there are hundreds of fascinating stories I'd love to write. We have to focus otherwise we would run around like a blind dog in a meat house. <br /><br />I wish you well whatever you wish to do. You may have to write a few books to figure out what really resonates with your writing soul. <br /><br />JulieWeathershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01361549099072091350noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-72764294456674246772016-03-23T19:49:49.613-04:002016-03-23T19:49:49.613-04:00Hey y'all. I know I haven't posted in a wh...Hey y'all. I know I haven't posted in a while, but I ran into a sort of technical issue. I have spent my down time trying to write Dino porn but found it to be an extinct genre, not to mention that all the actors looked like they were just a pile of bones. I am going to try my hand a fish porn next. I am thinking of naming my star Sharky McFluffer.<br /><br />On a the topic at hand, if the OP wants to write in two different genres would it be advised that they write under a different name for each? Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05928795394255396224noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-22374589730482428392016-03-23T19:47:47.411-04:002016-03-23T19:47:47.411-04:00Regarding my 11:16 am comment. I should have added...Regarding my 11:16 am comment. I should have added that I am damn lucky I am able to make $ writing what I love. And though I am comfortable within my realm of word search it does not mean I do not continue to reach.<br />The key is FOCUS. <br />Narrowing in is hard but it builds a foundation (career) you can wrap your arms around.<br />Best of luck.<br />Here's another piece of advice.<br />Spend life with your kiddos and write around the edges of your life. It's hard but oh so satisfying.Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-13250341413787282582016-03-23T17:30:48.725-04:002016-03-23T17:30:48.725-04:00So I've just woken up after finally making it ...So I've just woken up after finally making it to bed at 1, and am chortling with those 'Give Me Liberty' comments! A born and bred Aussie, we get a daily run-down of all your election dramas... it certainly seems an 'interesting' point in time over there right now!<br />And thank you to all those with personalised comments; you are treasures, each and every one of you, and I appreciate your words of wisdom more than you realise. Thanks for your advice, your suggestions, and for your encouragement. Youze guyz are the best!Kae Ridwynhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10356868531870405990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-592799365169649982016-03-23T16:26:49.146-04:002016-03-23T16:26:49.146-04:00Ditto on the short story writing advice from BJM a...Ditto on the short story writing advice from BJM above. It's great practice, at whatever needs work, but in much less time. It's like the microwave oven for writing when you don't have time to cook a real dinner.<br /><br />For me, it is not so much picking the genre, but more that I have a hard time writing the darker side of man's consciousness. Short stories allow me to practice this.Kae Bellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17392544505852857299noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-53180028076423689292016-03-23T15:52:40.001-04:002016-03-23T15:52:40.001-04:00Kae~ I just took the time to read other's com...Kae~ I just took the time to read other's comments, and came across yours - you revealed yourself and were so honest with your vulnerabilities; I just had to respond!<br /><br />If I put myself in your shoes, I can see where the dilemma is. You have a gift - you are writer because you see the stories everywhere. Not everyone does that :)<br /><br />Now you just need to master it (like all of us!). And I know you know that takes time, hard work, editing and more time. Janet's advice actually is good for all things- focus on what makes you think and feel "complete" when doing so. I know you know what Im talking about :D<br /><br />And actually, when your kiddos are older, they are going to have many, many opportunities to try new things - some of which will take time, dedication, and more time. A hard lesson is for them to try ALL at the same time - the old saying "Jack of all trades, Master of none" comes to mind. But heres the kicker - how wonderful that your kids will see their parent leading the way in how its done - the best kind of parenting.<br /><br />Hugs to (((you!))) #pooryouimahugger #writingandparentingnodifference <br /><br /><br /><br />Janice Grinyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14363741660626407979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-92197963659538109902016-03-23T15:45:14.105-04:002016-03-23T15:45:14.105-04:00It would be nice if writers could write what they ...It would be nice if writers could write what they want. We are all almost human and therefore things change. Some things that might change are based in the confidence we have as writers. I don't think I could make a MG or YA voice work if my life depended on it. That doesn't mean that it might not happen down the road. Then I might want to.<br /><br />I guess that on top of a query, a synopsis, killer first paragraph or chapter, and six kinds of pitches you need to sit down and come up with a plan. What do you want books two through six to be. When you get the call make sure you mention that plan.<br /><br />I yearned to make time to write scifi for years. Then I started on it and decided I could build a better story if I started with a few straight ahead thrillers. I wrote a timeline so that I can build my characters until they take that big step off planet.<br /><br />Maybe that is why the query for where I want to start eludes me.Craig Fhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07157301156577795781noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-17422498525930203542016-03-23T15:43:55.685-04:002016-03-23T15:43:55.685-04:00I know it's been mentioned before, but anyone ...I know it's been mentioned before, but anyone who writes in any of the kidlit genres would do well to join SCBWI. (Society of Childrens Book Writers and Illustrators.) I've learned tons from them, and they have extensive agent and editors listings for their members, in all the kidlit permutations. <br />Since all of what I am doing is author/illustrator stuff, kidlit is where I live, at least for now. Whether I will ever be inspired to do adult graphic novels is still to be discovered. There are a number of agents who rep both middle grade and picture books, so that's what I'll be looking for when I'm ready with my MG GN.<br /><br />Meanwhile, I would love to read some dino porn, while eating a fried kale sandwich.<br /><br />I'm down for the count today, having managed to pick up some travel crud from my travels last weekend. Thanks for cheering me up, you guys.Panda in Chiefhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14160375490647791433noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-83210544034084857742016-03-23T14:39:39.482-04:002016-03-23T14:39:39.482-04:00I'm with E.M. about the subheader. :)
My wor...I'm with E.M. about the subheader. :) <br /><br />My workplace has a stellar cafeteria (I'll bring this back to the point, I promise!). Subsidized food, full-time culinary team, delicious foods from every culture, and fresh homemade gelato three days a week. When I first got here, I asked one of the culinary team how anyone could work here without gaining 50 pounds. She smiled benignly and said, "Just remember, it'll all be here tomorrow. You're not losing out by eating healthy." <br /><br />I feel like that applies here. I absolutely believe that if your passion is pulled in two directions - both toward MG adventure and historical fiction - you absolutely can write and pursue and publish in both genres. I'm a dreamer, I know. <br /><br />You may not be able to build a career from both genres, though, and that might mean sitting on one of your dreams for a decade or two. That's okay. Your passion will still be there tomorrow. You're not losing out by focusing on one dream at a time. Bethany Elizabethhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12829932931010851406noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-45472694812062791342016-03-23T14:39:02.552-04:002016-03-23T14:39:02.552-04:00"Anything that gets in the way of you making ..."Anything that gets in the way of you making money is a problem. Right now you're only thinking about what you like to write. That's great. But when you involve me in the situation, the discussion is about how to build a career."<br /><br />Exactly the right words every writer who wants to be traditionally published needs to read and hear, Janet. This isn't just about ego, this is about producing great work that benefits writer, reader and the industry, both literary and monetary. A Career. <br /><br />As a writer it certainly is imposing when you look at your work and realize it needs help. I'm at that stage right now; either I make this great by hard work & time, or decide it's something that I just can't do. I know I certainly don't want to waste my time or others if this is just about making me feel good about myself. <br /><br />So "Focus". What a wonderful word when it's finally achieved. Thank you for answering Opie's question, and reminding all of us to focus, QOTKU!Janice Grinyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14363741660626407979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-49793135507932923722016-03-23T14:31:28.140-04:002016-03-23T14:31:28.140-04:00“Give me liberty or give me death.” Awe come on.
T...“Give me liberty or give me death.” Awe come on.<br />That may have been fine for Patrick Henry but how about the really serious stuff like give me liberty or give me a hot fudge Sunday. Liberty can wait while I down 5000 calories topped off by a once healthy cherry, which looks and tastes like plastic because it’s been soaking in red dye #5 since the Reagan administration.<br />Give me liberty or give me a winning lottery ticket. I could buy Connecticut and with the change, finance an election which would insure us a leader promising liberty for all. Now, if I could only find an honest politician in CT. (We’ve had a few do time.) Think Bernie would sell me VT.<br />Give me liberty or give me a gallon of Sherwin Williams, a brush and a day in Reider’s retirement home. See y’all on the shuffleboard court with Mr. Henry. <br />Carolynnwith2Nshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18394998702410764388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-36127608601925334012016-03-23T14:10:58.889-04:002016-03-23T14:10:58.889-04:00OP, I am guessing there are a lot of writers out t...OP, I am guessing there are a lot of writers out there who can relate. Most of us like to read in more than one category, so I think many of us start out wanting to write in more than one category. <br /><br />One of the most surprising things for me when I started writing novels [redacted] years ago was that my favorite categories to read were not necessarily the ones I write the best. I had to write a lot of different books to find my sweet spot.<br /><br />The authors I can think of who write in multiple categories most successfully tend to write across categories but in the same genre. Chuck Wendig writes adult and YA, and all his novels are generally SFF-ish/horror. Victoria Schwab writes MG, YA and adult, and her novels are all fantasy. Richelle Mead has successful YA and adult series, all romance. Mindy McGinnis is one of the few authors I can think of who writes dystopian, historical, and contemporary YA.<br /><br />Lucie Witthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08521285162656949602noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-86943599990386173642016-03-23T13:41:09.948-04:002016-03-23T13:41:09.948-04:00You have to write what you love. I keep trying to ...You have to write what you love. I keep trying to write adult books, but every time I start thinking about the characters and where they came from, how they got to this point, I end up writing their backstory as a YA novel.<br /><br />So I guess I'm a YA author. I love writing that time of life where personalities and ideas and identities are still being forged and discovered. And after many years of trying to break away from that, I'm now happily embracing that I am a YA author.<br />Kate Larkindalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06202347563426692610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-90331375878793540522016-03-23T13:14:44.876-04:002016-03-23T13:14:44.876-04:00Colin: good point.
Wouldn't Janet want a dou...Colin: good point. <br /><br />Wouldn't Janet want a double Scotch over vodka? Or is Dino Porn better with clear liquids. Do you think she likes Johnny Walker Red? One wonders. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-89421341657823185882016-03-23T13:04:53.920-04:002016-03-23T13:04:53.920-04:00EM: I agree. About Diane's comment. As for the...EM: I agree. About Diane's comment. As for the coffee, well, you should know better than to read the comments with full cheeks. ;)Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-70208281700299320092016-03-23T13:02:49.594-04:002016-03-23T13:02:49.594-04:00And there's next week's subheader
"Y...And there's next week's subheader <br />"Ya'll ain't right" - DLM<br /><br />And Colin, you owe me a cup of coffee. Your last bit sent coffee all over my work station. Dear Lord, help us. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-4835861279404707512016-03-23T12:58:03.873-04:002016-03-23T12:58:03.873-04:00Y'all ain't right.Y'all ain't right.DLMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08768285199864217885noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-67450577836924492342016-03-23T12:55:16.239-04:002016-03-23T12:55:16.239-04:00"Is this blog so dear, or my sanity so sweet,..."Is this blog so dear, or my sanity so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of Dino Porn? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me another double vodka!" - Janet Reid, March 23, 2016<br /><br />;-)<br /><br />Colin Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03292997431935215499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17040756.post-88491755830309953702016-03-23T12:47:07.403-04:002016-03-23T12:47:07.403-04:00For Diane
"Is life so dear, or peace so swee...For Diane<br /><br />"Is life so dear, or peace so sweet, as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God! I know not what course others may take; but as for me, give me liberty or give me death!" - Patrick Henry March 23, 1775<br /><br />This could be used beautifully in Dino Porn Hist-Fic MG Crime Thriller I am sure. So it's relevant. E.M. Goldsmithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18387494005655553037noreply@blogger.com