Well, it was an exciting week. I went to NYC for four days to attend a writer's conference. Had some other adventures along the way: lunch with a friend I haven't seen in 10 years, an authentic Spanish dinner with my cousin Ellen, a harrowing ride on a pedi-cab (those people are nuts!), and enough wine Friday night to keep me marinated for a week. The shoe shopping was good, the hotel was great, and I met a fantastic singer whose performances I look forward to seeing.
The writer's conference itself? In my mind, a success. My book was well-received by both agents and fellow authors alike, I learned quite a bit about the industry, and I look forward to sending "my baby" out into the world over the next few weeks.
It was very validating to find that I don't just love my book because it's mine... it actually is a good book that other people (really!) want to read. And not just any people, but people who have an impartial perspective; who don't know me and love me, but are nonetheless psyched about my book.
The Momnesia Chronicles will continue in a few days... as soon as my feet heal from all the walking and my heart heals from being away from my husband for four days. See you soon!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
I'm At the Writer's Conference!...
I'm in NYC for the Backspace Writer's Conference. Actually, I've been here since Wednesday and I would have told you but I was too busy hoping that I wasn't the only one who likes the trees in the proverbial forest that is my book.
Yesterday was "Agent-Author" day and much to my relief, both my query letter and sample pages of my book were well received. No, the agents did not clamor for my attention, jumping off their podiums and begging to represent my book. But they did seem interested, which is what I hoped for.
Because, although I'm confident that it's a good book, it is also... well, mine. Which means that (not unlike our children), I couldn't disregard the possibility that maybe other people wouldn't love it quite as much as I do. As the adage goes, sometimes it's hard to see the forest because of all the trees in the way. Or something like that.
Today I launch into another day of seminars, networking, and workshops. I'm entering my book into a contest, "Midtown Idol." Alternately pumped up on coffee and eating bits of chocolate to get through the adrenaline valleys, I'm headed for another day of learning, networking, and probably a little fun.
There's even a cocktail party tonight, and I'm sure I'll need it (too bad they don't have a morning one as well). Wish me luck!
Yesterday was "Agent-Author" day and much to my relief, both my query letter and sample pages of my book were well received. No, the agents did not clamor for my attention, jumping off their podiums and begging to represent my book. But they did seem interested, which is what I hoped for.
Because, although I'm confident that it's a good book, it is also... well, mine. Which means that (not unlike our children), I couldn't disregard the possibility that maybe other people wouldn't love it quite as much as I do. As the adage goes, sometimes it's hard to see the forest because of all the trees in the way. Or something like that.
Today I launch into another day of seminars, networking, and workshops. I'm entering my book into a contest, "Midtown Idol." Alternately pumped up on coffee and eating bits of chocolate to get through the adrenaline valleys, I'm headed for another day of learning, networking, and probably a little fun.
There's even a cocktail party tonight, and I'm sure I'll need it (too bad they don't have a morning one as well). Wish me luck!
Monday, May 24, 2010
Momnesia Chronicles: Episode 1 continues...
Thanks to those of you who have participated by commenting on the blog (and also those who have phoned and e-mailed!) Hope you're enjoying the little break from your hectic day, and maybe even having a laugh or two!
Here's another good one:
You might be experiencing Momnesia if...
You find yourself with some free time and the first thing that pops into your head is: "Thank goodness... now I can go food shopping by myself!"
Got any good ones? Post your comment here!
Here's another good one:
You might be experiencing Momnesia if...
You find yourself with some free time and the first thing that pops into your head is: "Thank goodness... now I can go food shopping by myself!"
Got any good ones? Post your comment here!
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Momnesia Chronicles: Episode 1
Thanks for joining the fun with The Momnesia Chronicles!
What are The Momnesia Chronicles? A fun way to connect with other women for a few laughs, a break from your hectic day, and a little commiserative fun! I look forward to your comments, and anticipate quite a few laughs together!
In my novel, Momnesia, the main character, Shelley, struggles to find a balance between her "motherliness" and her "womanliness," after diagnosing herself with Momnesia:
Momnesia (mahm-nee-zhuh) -noun-
Loss of the memory of who you used to be. Caused by stretch marks, toddler play dates, and trying to keep the house cleaner than the Joneses.
What about you? Have you or someone you know ever "suffered from" Momnesia? I know I sure have! So let's kick off the first episode of The Momnesia Chronicles with this question (I'll go first):
You might be suffering from Momnesia if:
You've ever found yourself sitting at your computer ordering American Girl Doll pajamas, and realize they are not only prettier than yours, but more expensive too!
Can't wait to hear yours! Please feel free to share this with your friends who may want to join in!
What are The Momnesia Chronicles? A fun way to connect with other women for a few laughs, a break from your hectic day, and a little commiserative fun! I look forward to your comments, and anticipate quite a few laughs together!
In my novel, Momnesia, the main character, Shelley, struggles to find a balance between her "motherliness" and her "womanliness," after diagnosing herself with Momnesia:
Momnesia (mahm-nee-zhuh) -noun-
Loss of the memory of who you used to be. Caused by stretch marks, toddler play dates, and trying to keep the house cleaner than the Joneses.
What about you? Have you or someone you know ever "suffered from" Momnesia? I know I sure have! So let's kick off the first episode of The Momnesia Chronicles with this question (I'll go first):
You might be suffering from Momnesia if:
You've ever found yourself sitting at your computer ordering American Girl Doll pajamas, and realize they are not only prettier than yours, but more expensive too!
Can't wait to hear yours! Please feel free to share this with your friends who may want to join in!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Is she Me? Clarifying Momnesia
So, yesterday I sent out several hundred invitations to my upcoming blog event, "The Momnesia Chronicles." I also provided a link to a brief synopsis of my novel, Momnesia.
In response, I received many, many phone calls, e-mails, Facebook posts and the like (thank you!)... many of which included statements like, "It sounds like it's the story of your life!"
I have to laugh. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Momnesia is that it creates parallels with many of our lives. But alas, I could only dream of having some of the strengths my book's character does, and on the other side of that?... I'm also glad my life has not been nearly as dramatic as hers.
Of course, there are similarities. Yes, we are both Type-A New Yorkers who have relocated to North Carolina. Yes, I have been known to enjoy Metallica CDs. Yes, we each have two cats; both rotten. But that's about it.
Thankfully, my husband is not hung up on get-rich-quick schemes (and neither is my ex-husband), my mother doesn't imply that I sit around eating Bon-Bons all day... well, you get the point.
It's a fictional story--drummed up from my imagination combined with experiences I've had, observed, or thought about.
On second thought, there is another similarity between me and Shelley in the book: We've both suffered from severe cases of "Momnesia." What about you?
I'm looking forward to sharing our stories beginning Friday when I launch "The Momnesia Chronicles" here on my blog. Stay tuned!
In response, I received many, many phone calls, e-mails, Facebook posts and the like (thank you!)... many of which included statements like, "It sounds like it's the story of your life!"
I have to laugh. One of the most enjoyable aspects of Momnesia is that it creates parallels with many of our lives. But alas, I could only dream of having some of the strengths my book's character does, and on the other side of that?... I'm also glad my life has not been nearly as dramatic as hers.
Of course, there are similarities. Yes, we are both Type-A New Yorkers who have relocated to North Carolina. Yes, I have been known to enjoy Metallica CDs. Yes, we each have two cats; both rotten. But that's about it.
Thankfully, my husband is not hung up on get-rich-quick schemes (and neither is my ex-husband), my mother doesn't imply that I sit around eating Bon-Bons all day... well, you get the point.
It's a fictional story--drummed up from my imagination combined with experiences I've had, observed, or thought about.
On second thought, there is another similarity between me and Shelley in the book: We've both suffered from severe cases of "Momnesia." What about you?
I'm looking forward to sharing our stories beginning Friday when I launch "The Momnesia Chronicles" here on my blog. Stay tuned!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Introducing... The Momnesia Chronicles!
Have you or someone you know ever suffered from Momnesia?
Momnesia (mahm-nee-zhuh) -noun-
Loss of the memory of who you used to be. Caused by stretch marks, toddler play dates, and trying to keep the house cleaner than the Joneses.
If so, you'll love my upcoming series, The Momnesia Chronicles! Join me for some fun, laughs, and commiserative rapport beginning this Friday, May 21! You can share your own parables with Momnesia, make comments, or just take a break from your hectic day.
Know someone who may be interested? Share this on Facebook!
Don't want to miss out? Follow this blog so you can stay tuned!
I've also recently posted a synopsis of my novel, Momnesia, for your enjoyment. Click here to read the synopsis!
I look forward to "playing with you," here on my blog in the upcoming weeks! See you then!
Momnesia (mahm-nee-zhuh) -noun-
Loss of the memory of who you used to be. Caused by stretch marks, toddler play dates, and trying to keep the house cleaner than the Joneses.
If so, you'll love my upcoming series, The Momnesia Chronicles! Join me for some fun, laughs, and commiserative rapport beginning this Friday, May 21! You can share your own parables with Momnesia, make comments, or just take a break from your hectic day.
Know someone who may be interested? Share this on Facebook!
Don't want to miss out? Follow this blog so you can stay tuned!
I've also recently posted a synopsis of my novel, Momnesia, for your enjoyment. Click here to read the synopsis!
I look forward to "playing with you," here on my blog in the upcoming weeks! See you then!
Monday, May 10, 2010
There's No Such Thing as "Done"
I've written a book. Three books actually, although only one of them is already published, while the other will soon be sent out into the world to woo representation from an agent who will love it as much as I do. (The third... don't ask. It's been three years and I still haven't recovered from the crash of my hard drive.)
The books, technically, are both done. Which is what they have to be before they can be published or offered to an agent. Obviously.
But alas, experience tells me that in my own mind, they will never be "finished." Because despite the great reviews on Amazon, despite the positive comments from newspaper book reviewers, and regardless of the industry professionals who tout my book to their circle of influence on a regular basis, there are still things I'd like to change.
In both books. As well as just about every article, blog post, e-mail, or other document I've written.
I write quickly. Then I edit. Then I walk away. Then I reread, edit again, walk away again, and usually (particularly with shorter material), I'm done. Pleased with my work, I hit Send, happy with meeting my deadline.
Unfortunately, I also have a tendency to go back and read them again. And again.
After.
After it's too late to make further changes. After it's already been read by the recipient. And I'm sure it will happen long after my agent is happily representing me and my book, offering it to editors, also thinking it is "done."
If I have to be honest (and I do), I've probably read my House Training book at least 36 times.
And I've never not found something I wished I could change.
Which brings me back to my original point: There's really no such thing as "done."
The books, technically, are both done. Which is what they have to be before they can be published or offered to an agent. Obviously.
But alas, experience tells me that in my own mind, they will never be "finished." Because despite the great reviews on Amazon, despite the positive comments from newspaper book reviewers, and regardless of the industry professionals who tout my book to their circle of influence on a regular basis, there are still things I'd like to change.
In both books. As well as just about every article, blog post, e-mail, or other document I've written.
I write quickly. Then I edit. Then I walk away. Then I reread, edit again, walk away again, and usually (particularly with shorter material), I'm done. Pleased with my work, I hit Send, happy with meeting my deadline.
Unfortunately, I also have a tendency to go back and read them again. And again.
After.
After it's too late to make further changes. After it's already been read by the recipient. And I'm sure it will happen long after my agent is happily representing me and my book, offering it to editors, also thinking it is "done."
If I have to be honest (and I do), I've probably read my House Training book at least 36 times.
And I've never not found something I wished I could change.
Which brings me back to my original point: There's really no such thing as "done."
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