Meeting With Aspiring Writers

Last night's workshop, Bursting the Myths of Publishing, with Sarah Totton was an interactive one.

I was impressed and reassured by the following statistics...

• J. K. Rowling received a $3,000 advance for her first Harry Potter novel. The publisher did not believe the book would sell too many copies.
• A survey of 185 professional writers revealed that more than half of them got agents and sold their books without connections.

I liked Sarah's tips...

• American agents are in a better position to sell North American rights for your book.
• Get a professional critique of your query letter before sending it out. Visit Evil Editor for a free critique.
• Send out query letters to at least 100 agents for your current book. Send five query letters at a time. If you don't get a positive response, consider revising your letter.
• While you are querying, start working on your next book.
• Visit Predators and Editors to get a background check on all editors.
• Get more information about self-publishing and e-publishing at J.R. Konrath's website and blog.

The Lincoln Lawyer

I enjoyed seeing Matthew McConaughey play the role of sleazy lawyer, Mick Haller, who conducts business from the back of his chauffeured Lincoln. His clientele includes bikers, drug dealers, rapists and killers.

In The Lincoln Lawyer, Mick Haller is hired to defend a Beverly Hills playboy, Ryan Phillippe, accused of the attempted murder of a prostitute. The case takes a deadly turn and Haller finds himself caught between the interests of two clients. 

The cast also includes Marisa Tomei who plays the part of Maggie Macpherson, a prosecutor and Haller's friendly ex-wife.

Watch the trailer.

Sundays for Writers

This afternoon, I joined Cindy Carroll and a few other members of Guelph Write Now at Lucie's Bakery in south Guelph.

Sue and I shared the first few pages of our novels. Cindy, Danielle and Matthew provided excellent suggestions and supported our fledgling works.

I find these Sunday sessions very interesting and informative. I am learning more about ebooks and their future potential. I am hoping that Danielle will share more of her expertise and experiences with us at future meetings.

We also enjoyed the delicious coffee, sandwiches and desserts.

Published

Today, my review of Butterfly's Child appears in the Waterloo Record and Guelph Mercury.

Read my review.

Spectacular Second Acts

Whenever I experience writers' block, I like to read about other artistic souls who found new passions after age 50.

Frank McCourt wrote Angela's Ashes at age 65. The novel won a Pulitzer Prize in 1997.

Grandma Moses started painting at age 73.

Laura Ingalls Wilder published the first book of the Little House on the Prairie series at age 65.

Alfred Wallis took up painting at age 60.  He needed a hobby "for company" after the death of his wife. His paintings are part of the Tate collection.

Advice from Louise Penny

Last summer, I discovered Louise Penny at Stratford's Celebrated Writers series.  Along with 200+ of her fans, I listened as she read from her latest novel and talked about the writing process. When asked about inspiration, she commented that she would have major problems if she waited for the muse to strike.

Since that time, I have read all her novels based in the Eastern townships of Quebec. I also visit her blog each day. In today's entry, Louise describes her writing process as she starts her eighth novel.

Here is an excerpt from that blog posting:

But here we are! Just finished writing for the day. Always momentous - that first day. I had set a goal of 500 words. Ended up writing just over 900. Feels good. First go a little rough...but I read and re-read and smoothed. And now I like it. Will re-read it tomorrow before starting on the original writing for that day. I find it's important not to get caught up in editing, at least for me. I can smooth and polish and edit for days and weeks and months, ending up with the finest 1000 words you've ever read...but no closer to actually writing the book. For me, editing can be an escape - I can hide in it. Kidding myself I'm being useful, when all I'm doing is running on the spot. 

Check out her blog. 

Dinner with Writers Ink

I enjoy the monthly dinner meetings at Symposium Restaurant.

Tonight, nine of us gathered to talk about writing, Mexico, Banff and our respective creative journeys. As usual, the conversation was lively and stimulating. I always come away inspired and ready to resume my writing.

Visit the blog for Writers Ink.