In Which I Re-enter the Fray

I begin querying my second manuscript today: Running from Ruby Ridge. Most of you have read the query. It's changed a bit since then, but fundamentally it's pretty much the same.

I've been at this (attempt at) publishing thing for nearly four years now. When I thought about that last summer, it kind of depressed me, but jumping into the query waters once again, in what is honestly only my second real try, kind of puts things in perspective. I have friends who wrote eleven books before they got an agent. That's actually not all that many, compared to some.

I had a lot of success with my very first manuscript. No book deal, no representation from a literary agent, even, but I did get several full requests, and when you think about it, a publishing professional spending a good deal of their very valuable time to give honest and hard thought consideration to your work, your very first work, is a pretty big deal.

Of course I also spent three years writing and revising that manuscript, but this one only took me one year, so hopefully my attempts at submission will go that much better too.

I'm taking it seriously this time (not that I didn't before) with a saved project at QueryTracker.net, and paying extra attention to Publisher's Marketplace. Though I've been familiar with them for some time, I've never officially used these resources before (an Excel spreadsheet carried me through my last round) so I'll be sure to keep you all up to date on how they work out for me.

That's it, I guess. Wish me luck!

Teenage Heartthrob Blogfest

First things first, today I finally begin querying WARRIOR-MONKS. Yes, the manuscript that has been four years in the making is actually (hopefully) ready for submission. I'm only sending out 3 letters. I had hoped to send 5, but 2 of the agents I had planned on submitting to are currently closed to queries. No worries, I'd rather wait and make sure everything is working, rather than just shotgun as many agents as possible, as I have done in the past.

Anyway, today is, as you can see from the loveliness above, The Teenage Hearthrob Blogfest, hosted by Sarah Ahiers (Falen), Vic Caswell, and Emily White. Josh, Alex, and I are the only dudes taking part, so please applaud us for our courage.

(One of) my main crushes when I was younger (who am I kidding, I still love her), was Gwen Stefani of No Doubt fame. The 2 Tone, ska, and punk-rocker is one of the most beautiful women to ever record an album, and her taste in music isn't half bad, either. Rather than go into a long history of why she rocks (a couple of quick examples: working with Sly and Robbie, and Bounty Killer), I'll just give your eyes some gifts:

And here are two of my favorite songs of hers:



Wait for Bounty Killer. He kills his verse. Get it?



Listening to this one makes my throat tight every time.

That's it. You're welcome for all the hotness. No go check the other posts.