The Barblog

Creating, Waiting, Updating

2006-03-05T10:13:00.000-05:00

The work of course, isn't the only reason why we do what we do. We also want to get our work "Out There." So we have to send it.
At this moment, I have circulating one romance novel at a contest; one non-fiction book at the American Bar Association for review, a sci-fi novel at Baen Books and the latest opus at the desk of a New York agent, as well as some short fiction scattered about. So theoretically I could be multi-published in a matter of weeks, right?
The waiting is hard.
The best way to get past it is to revise other pieces that hadn't been accepted, which I've done, or try new work. Lucky Novel #14 has been born this week, a story of culture clash set in New Mexico. It's still early, so the adrenaline rush of the creation process hasn't kicked in hard. But I've got a cast list, and an outlined premise, which is new for me -- I tend to be a more seat of the pants flier when it comes to plot. The conflicts are inherent in the characters and the setting, so I expect it will flow.
Meantime, we watch the mailbox...and wait.
Maybe I'll put on some coffee till the postman comes. Help pass the time. Want some?

It May be Work, But it's GOOD Work

2005-12-27T15:20:00.000-05:00

Remember that opus I was talking about? It got HUGE. First draft was finished mid-December with 327 pages, nearly 100,000 words. But it's fascinating -- a convoluted plot with multiple characters and it all hangs together!

I put it aside for a couple of weeks and worked on creating other things (and finishing all the Christmas projects I'd started!) but I'm about to get to the first major revision. Thanks again to my Aroma's buddies, who have been invaluable and supportive in this endeavor.They are a smart bunch of scribblers! They know facts I've never heard of -- and catch those pesky little errors we all overlook in our own special children.

Still waiting on news on several short stories I have out as well as my Domestic Violence manuscript. here's hoping the new year brings success! All of you keep writing as well!

What do you mean, Writing is WORK???

2005-10-18T17:05:00.000-04:00

I've finally begun working in earnest on my next opus. My main inspiration has been my association with a group of serious, published writers who meet semi-monthly in Erie at a lovely coffeeshop called Aroma's. It's a small group, educated and also intent about the work. I've received good feedback, and hopefully given the same to others.

I have to admit, it's been a fight to get rolling again. I'm not one who is stopped by writer's block, because there's always ways to pick away at that. But without reinforcement from the publishing community, sometimes it's hard to keep working. There's the temptation to just throw up your hands or toss the keyboard in the nearest dumpster and go back to watching FOX reality shows. (since they cancel all their worthwhile programming).

So thank you, Aroma's groupmates, Ed, Paul, Jeff, Jean, Gene, Dave, Jeff and all, for reminding me of the joy of creation. And more importantly, the satisfaction of GOOD creation.

The Long Hot Summer

2005-07-07T20:15:00.000-04:00

Well, waiting isn't everything it's cracked up to be.

Some of my pieces have been accepted, some have returned home and been resent. Sadly, the agent did not accept my manuscript, but I polished it again and sent it out to someone else. That's the way the business works. Else we'd all quit and drop-kick the old word processor, right?

Meantime there is no lack of things that need tending. The garden thrives apace -- my daughter has tasted her first peas straight from the pod, and found they were good. Vacation means explanding horizons, and we've been to D.C. and Disney, finding each to be a Mickey Mouse production. Still on the agenda, camping in the deep woods, and museum trips to remind us of the wonder of things.

A hiatus from writing allows the recharge of mind and thoughts. Reading stimulates the seeds yet within. More...when it comes.

And now the Waiting, Folks...

2005-05-26T21:11:00.000-04:00

The last week has been a writing/sending frenzy with no less than ten pieces out. One piece was accepted and I'll be in print again locally June 2. Online you can catch me in June at http://newcamphorror.i8.com/ AND I've got an article with pix in a small arts magazine from New York.

I've also touched bases with many folks I met at the Pennwriters conference. What a great experience! I'm still unraveling some of my notes and finding good stuff. The things one would never think of...like using U.S. flag stamps to mail to NYC, especially after 9/11. E-mailing editors at 10 and 2, when they're likely to be taking a coffee break. Making $150 each for greeting card jingles!! If you want to be a writer, I guess you need to think like one.

I just have to think about seven extra hours in each day.

Yeah...that's the plan....

Whew!

2005-05-16T22:01:00.000-04:00

What a weekend! The Pennwriters conference was more than I'd ever expected -- even though one of the biggest perks I expected didn't come through. Alison Way wasn't able to come, but I did get partnered with lawyer/author Jeremiah Healy, who also publishes as Terry Devane. He was fascinating, had a great trial-court voice and some wonderful tips for everyone.

The good news, though, is that my meeting with Cameron McClure went well, and she invited me to submit my manuscript to Donald Maass!! So I'm polishing like mad, of course. But the interesting development was when my Friday night critiquers, Jonathan Maberry and Jack Hillman, gave me a good thumbs-up on the opening pages. Jonathan suggested the story sounded like "Firefly meets Deep Space Nine meets Anime" -- how funny is that, for you Maquis-ites? Exactly the stew in which these characters have been brewed.

He also suggested it sounded more like a series than a single book. So, up to most challenges, I've drafted up synopses for two followup stories, and they actually make the story complete. Heck, I feel like George Lucas!

I also made some great connections for the domestic violence book as well. So I'm thrilled, tired, overloaded with information, and ready to be a writer.

Taking some of Jack's suggestions to heart, I came home, started rearranging my office and creating files for my pieces, pulled my research books all together. I've got to get more pieces out, having sold two just in the last week! It's a great energy. I hope it keeps going!

Conference!

2005-05-09T18:33:00.000-04:00

I'm looking forward to my first big writer's conference in 10 years this weekend as Pennwriters comes to Pittsburgh for its annual blowout. There are dozens of editors, famous writers and agents who will be attending, in addition to all of those of us who write but haven't yet hit the big time.

Trying to remember everything I have to bring (besides comfortable shoes!!) is a little nerve-wracking. I've been invited to take copies of my book to sell, so I'll be doing that. I have at least a dozen workshops I want to take. I've been given the opportunity to mentor an editor on site, so I'll be her "friend" all weekend and make sure she gets where she needs to be. She's an editor at Dorchester Media named Alison Way. I'm sure we may have at least a few minutes to take about something I've written! So that's exciting!

Then Friday I have an appointment with New York literary agent Cameron McClure to pitch Horizon's Shift. I hope I remember to breathe. If I survive that, I've got a critique session for the book too. So I expect I'll learn a lot.

I'm also entering several contests for the writers there and just planning to soak up the knowledge. Wish me luck!

Quickie Update

2005-05-08T23:13:00.000-04:00

Just letting you know that the website is more functional now but still growing. Again, please be patient with the progress and check by often! The mailing list is also now available through Yahoo! Groups. Look for "Barb's VIP List" or check my link section to sign up.

I can't wait to hear from everybody!

New Beginning

2005-05-04T20:39:00.000-04:00

Every story has a beginning. This one belongs to my blog. There will be much more to come in the future, of course: stories, anecdotes, and news from my neck of the woods. So grab a soda and pull up a chair, and I hope you enjoy the ride!

Now, a few things first. I'd like to direct your attention to the list of links on the righthand side of this page. The link "The Homepage" will take you (this is a no brainer) to my homepage at http://www.crystalvalley.us/mountjoy/index.html . The site was composed by a friend of mine with too much time on her hands. "Maquis Universal" is actually a small community of friends I've gained over the years online. They serve as inspiration for many science-fiction stories, as well as the occasional off-beat romance. Feel free to peruse as you will.

Later, other links will be added, including a link to help you join my mailing list and a shortcut to some internet-published pieces of mine you might enjoy. Other things will come as I find them interesting and want to share, but this is a work in progress, so I'm hoping we're all patient and stick around for the end-product.

Thanks for stopping by, and I can't wait to get this thing rolling!

-B