Rejection

Ten months after I first submitted it to a publisher, the manuscript of my latest novel has come back. Four months ago, one of their editors asked to see the rest of the story. (I had submitted, as required by this publishing house, the first five chapters, along with a synopsis of the whole book.)

I think I knew it had been rejected long before the package was returned. I'm sure that, had it been accepted, I would have been contacted by phone or email.

I read with interest the editor's comments and the sad fact that there was no room for it in their publishing program at this time. Even if one editor likes a story it has to be approved by a long line of other people at the publishing house, including the sales and marketing team. Naturally, they're looking for a bestseller.

Rejection is always disappointing, but this time, it was less so. Because I know it is a good story, that the writing is strong, the characters fully developed and my two main characters especially engaging. It's the best thing I've ever written.

Now, after being away from it for a long time I'm able to re-read it with fresh eyes. What happened that the later part of the story failed to live up to the promise of the first five chapters?

It needs work but I'm feeling positive about it. One day I'll send it out again. Somewhere I believe there is room for this story. And someday some young reader will fall in love with Ivy Chalmers.

Write on, with courage!

Screenwriting techniques

I'm applying screenwriting techniques to my new novel-in-progress. It's an interesting process. The technique involves writing the story in Three Acts. I have developed the inciting incident early in Act I. This incident forces the main character to make a decision. The decision that comes at the end of Act I changes the direction of the story.

Act I in my new novel covers the first five chapters. I have reached this point in the writing. Next comes the middle section--Act II. For me, this is the hardest part to write. I know where I'm going, but I must not make it easy to get there. I will create barriers so that the main character doesn't get what she wants without a struggle.

To create interest, I will need a combination of scenes of tension and of relaxation. Just when things are looking good, bad things will happen, until finally the crisis comes that ends Act II. I don't know yet what this will be, only that reaching her goal has now become more dangerous for the main character.

The last three chapters of the novel will make up Act III. This is where the climax of the story comes. Afterwards, the story should end as quickly as possible. I know from experience that any subplots in the story must be concluded before the climax and, of course, the cardinal rule: Never take the climax out of the hands of the main character.

Write on!

Spirit of the Hills

I went to an open house this past week put on by Spirit of the Hills, a group which operates under the umbrella of the Northumberland Hills Arts Association. Spirit of the Hills is "dedicated to promoting ALL creative art forms and traditions in Northumberland County..."

The purpose of the meeting was to let local writers know the benefits that are available to them by becoming members of the Spirit of the Hills Writers' Group. At the end of the evening I was happy to sign up. It's encouraging to discover people who want to champion the cause of local writers.

I have selected from the list of benefits to members those that interest me, personally. Spirit of the Hills will:

• find venues for book promotions in public places
• organize launches, signings, workshops
• create media alerts to announce launches, signings, promotions/events
• display their writers' work at various arts conferences
• work to increase the writer's public profile

This last benefit alone is worth the membership fee. We seem more and more now to have to do our own publicity. If people have never heard about our books how can we expect to sell any? Here is an organization that will help spread the word.

Write on!

Stephen King's "On Writing"

I had to share my prize lily with you. I keep going into the garden and taking more pictures of it. I hope it brightens your day.

A friend of mine has just returned my copy of Stephen King's book, "On Writing: a Memoir of the Craft" (Pocket Books, 2000). Instead of putting it back on the shelf above my desk, I've been re-reading it. I've read it at least twice before, but it's one of those books on writing that I never tire of. I highly recommend it.

Although not all of King's stories are to my taste, I recognize that he is a master of his craft. His writing is tight, he eschews adverbs and reminds us to "omit unnecessary words."

I found most helpful his section on "the bells and whistles," i.e., pacing, theme and symbolism. There comes a point, usually after the first draft is done, where you ask yourself, "What is this story about, anyway?" Perhaps it seems to be going off in many different directions.

Now is the time to re-read your story, all at one sitting if you can. If you discover during this reading that there is evidence of a theme or something recurring that could be used as a symbol, you can bring this out and reinforce it in the second draft.

King reminds us, "None of the bells and whistles are about story, right? Only story is about story." He says, "Symbolism (and other adornments too) ... can serve as a focusing device for both you and your reader, helping to create a more unified and pleasing work. ... When you read your manuscript over...you'll see if symbolism or the potential for it, exists. If it doesn't, leave well enough alone. If it does, however... go for it. Enhance it."

I've found this advice has helped to strengthen and unify my own stories.

Write on.

Summertime Writing

I find it especially hard in the summertime to maintain a regular schedule of daily writing. There are so many distractions--invitations from family and friends for weekend gatherings, a strawberry social, a concert in the park, a reunion picnic.

At home, the outdoors calls me to come and enjoy it while the weather is good. I should weed the garden, finish painting the lawn furniture. But I'd rather sit in the shade with a good book, a cup of coffee or a cool drink, and a light breeze to keep the Southern Ontario humidity at bay.

As I stretch out on the chaise longue, I remind myself that writers are people who read. And just this morning I printed off the first chapter of the first draft of my new novel, so that I could take it outside with me.

At this time of year, it's all good.

Author Visit

This is a view of part of the class I spoke to at the Picton Library on Thursday, June 18th. They were such a great group of kids to talk to. Today the librarian informs me that already one of the students has come back to the library to get a card and take out Sky Lake Summer. On the day of the visit, those who had library cards borrowed most of my books from the display. I'm glad there was one left for the newest library patron. My thanks to the Grade 5 class, their teachers and the library in Picton for hosting the event.

Read on!
Peggy

Reluctant Reader No More

"Catherine used to be a reluctant reader, until she read one of your books."

Now those are the words a children's writer loves to hear. When Catherine's mother saw how much her daughter enjoyed that first book of mine, she went out and got her the next one. "Catherine read it in four days!" her mother said. "All by herself!"

Last Thursday, at the Picton Library, I gave a presentation and a reading from Trouble at Turtle Narrows to a class of Grade 5 students. Catherine is in Grade 4 and is home-schooled, but she came with her mother to hear me and to have me sign her books. Now I have a new young friend, and Catherine has discovered the joy of reading.

It was a delightful group of children gathered there on the floor in front of me--good listeners, full of questions about the books. Their teacher is reading Treasure at Turtle Lake to them, and they were pleased to hear about the sequel. Such a pleasure to talk to kids who are familiar with the characters and the setting. Thank you to their dedicated teacher, who is himself enthusiastic about reading.

Happy summertime reading!
Peggy