15. December 2009 by Gore Wehner.

If you’re new to writing, you’ve probably already taken the first steps in becoming a better writer by purchasing books on the craft or taking courses either on-line or through school. If you have, that’s wonderful! Having a mentor makes all the difference in the world.

I took the hard road…writing with hope and receiving only rejections. Not because my ideas weren’t worthwhile. Not because I didn’t work hard on my stories. But because I didn’t understand how important the structure of the story was. And I didn’t realize the basic rules that can make or break one’s chances for success. A story that might have been considered well written twenty years ago may not have a chance with a publisher today. It’s smart to keep up-to-date on the trends. I’m not talking subject matter, I’m talking style and voice.

In this blog, and in my future ones, I will discuss tips on how to make your writing the best it can be based on my experiences and what I’ve learned through taking classes, reading books, teaching creative writing, and freelance editing.

Today’s topic is: genre

You might not have considered what genre your work is in. But it’s important to know. If you want to be published someday, you need to know where your work fits in. Experimental short stories your thing? You probably won’t be sending your piece to Woman’s World. Are you working on a historical romance? Don’t query the agent who prefers mainstream contemporary. In other words, you need to know what genre you’re working with in order to find the best fit with an agent or editor.

According to The American Heritage Dictionary, genre means <i>type or class</i>. General genres are: romance, mystery, Christan, western, science fiction, and fantasy, among others. You may want to get even more specific: paranormal romance, detective mystery, speculative sci-fi, etc.

Not sure what genre you like to write? What is the book on your nightstand right now? Most people tend to write the type of fiction they like to read. Look on-line (or ask at your local library) to see what category the book you’re reading falls under. Soon, you’ll begin to understand what genre you like to work with, and you’ll be well under way to knowing what audience you’re writing for.

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9. December 2009 by Gore Wehner.

Author bio: can be found at www.elizabethlyon.com

Year of Publication: 1997 Perigee

Still relevant?: yes

Topics covered:  The ways people can get their novel into the hands of agents and publishers. How to discover what genre you write in. How to write a synopsis. In depth look at synopses, including ones written by authors such as Rainer Rey and Patricia Jean Hyatt. How to write a query. Explains the various types of queries. Contains many examples of queries in several genres including magical realism, Christian and Romance. Explanation of what is expected in your first chapter. Includes information on prologues and how to format your submission. Gives information on how to research agents and publishers. Discusses the different types of rejection letters. Gives detailed information on agents and what questions to ask a prospective agent. Also talks about what happens after an offer is made on your book.

What you will learn in this book: Everything you need to know to put together a proposal package for your novel, including how to write a query and synopsis.

What you will not learn: How to write your book.

Who this book is for: Anyone ready to see their book go into print.

Personal review: Excellent book. Packed with information, and although Ms. Lyon is an editor, she’s not taking up space trying to sell your her editing services. If you’re ready to take the next step in finding an agent or publisher, whatever the genre, this book will help you move forward.

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4. December 2009 by Gore Wehner.

If you’re like me, you like playing around with your story, revising until your fingertips are calloused from typing. So I am proposing exercises to (hopefully) strengthen your manuscript. You may already use these methods, but if not, maybe it will give you something to work with.

First of all, I suggest starting with a chapter in the middle of your story or novel. The middle seems to be where most of my creative writing students falter the most. Sometimes it needs a “pick-me-up.” Therefore, that is why I propose beginning in the middle, so to speak.

Notice your character’s reactions. Are they strong? Is there emotional conflict? Every scene should either drive the plot or add emotional impact. If your scene does not have enough oomph, take it up a notch. Again, this is only an exercise. It may not work for your particular novel, but it’s fun to see where it might lead.

Here’s an example:
Cinderella realizes she doesn’t have a dress for the ball. Good conflict. Let’s take it up a notch.

“All my clothes look like soot and ashes. I can’t go. It’s not fair!” She kicked the broom and it skittered into the corner. Cinderella glared at it. “It’s all your fault, you pathetic thing! Wal-Mart special! If only I had the Nimbus 2000, this place would be spotless!”

The broom shook, sputtered to life. Startled, Cinderella shrieked. The broom chased her around the room, sweeping all the while, until the place was spotless.

See how I’ve given the old story new life? Try it with your work, see what happens. You might find yourself pleasantly surprised at what comes out. Good luck!

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