Ask O: WHY Do I Need an Agent? Part Three

Happy Wednesday, my writing friends!

I promise, this will be my last post about agents. I’m having fun delving into the topic, and this question came from a comment on Part One.

First, many (if not most) publishers require new authors to be agented. It’s pretty simple. If you want a publisher to look at your proposal, it must be handed to them by an agent.

I can’t say I blame them. Agents are invested in recognizing marketable writing. Publishers know this and rely on them to deliver the best. If I were a publisher, I’d appreciate receiving a proposal first screened by an agent, wouldn’t you?

Second, agents are objective. They care about their clients and support the works they promote, but they aren’t nearly as emotionally invested as we writers are. How many times have you heard a writer call a book her “baby”? We love our stories! We cry, laugh, labor for hours, and when we are done, it’s hard to look at our work without a mama-like bias. “Isn’t my baby just wonderful?” Yeah … agents don’t have that problem. Without the emotional blinders, they can spot weaknesses we easily miss.

Third, agents tell the truth. I know if my agent likes something, it’s truly good. She doesn’t gain anything by puffing me up if a project lacks promise. I don’t know about you, but I find this refreshing. If my idea stinks, tell me. I’d rather know than waste my time.

Fourth, the contracts! I’m so grateful for my agent’s skills in looking over contracts for me. I have close to zero ability to know if a contract is fair or not. But she knows.

Finally, agents support you, play defense. I don’t like getting rejected, but it’s much nicer to have the dreaded “no thanks” filtered through my agent—who I know believes in me and my project—than the unknown editor.

And that’s all I have to say about that. What thoughts do you have about agents? I’d love to hear your perspective.

Happy writing and God bless,

Ocieanna

Roots: Keys to Our Pasts and Futures by Cara Putman

Isn't this a cute group of kids? My dad's buried under the pile. I'm probably eight, since I'm guessing Joel is about one.

You can learn a lot about me by looking at this photo. I smile big. I’m the big sister.

And I got to thinking about what that means for the characters I create. Right now, I’m  working on deepening the main characters for a new series’ proposal. I’ve got the historical hook – a really unique and high-concept one.  I’ve got the setting – dictated by the history. I’ve even got most of the plot points and conflict. The hardest part of the process for me is taking the time to drill down into the main characters' psyches. Even after all the books I’ve written this is where I still have to work – and it is work for me. What makes them act, think and talk the way they do?

For example, most who know me correctly identify me as Type A within about three minutes. Look at this photo. Doesn't it make sense? I'm your stereotypical first born...just read Kevin Leman's Birth Order book if you're not sure what that entails. And this photo clearly shows that. Who has her arms wrapped around all three of her siblings? Yep...

But that's a simple characterizer. Identify the birth order of characters and it gives a core set of criteria for how they might act. But it's certainly not a guarantee.

I also tend to engage a full room -- doesn't matter how many people are in it. That's not necessarily a function of my birth order. For me, I think it had more to do with being an early homeschooler who felt the need to break the stereotype that homeschoolers are wallflowers. And I genuinely like people. But why might a character be an extrovert or introvert? What's the lie they believe about themselves?

All of these questions require thought and diving deep. Hard work. But critical to creating characters readers can emotionally connect with. And that after all is what we all want!

What’s a book you read lately that had characters that were rich and deep? If you’re a writer, how do you dig deep enough to create those kinds of characters?

Cara C. Putman lives in Indiana with her husband and four children. She’s an attorney and a ministry leader and teacher at her church. She has loved reading and writing from a young age and now realizes it was all training for writing books. An honors graduate of the University of Nebraska and George Mason University School of Law, Cara loves bringing history and romance to life.

Cara love for readers to stop by her website where they can read excerpts of her books including her spring releases Cherry Blossom Capers and A Wedding Transpires on Mackinac Island. Http://www.caraputman.com and you can find her blog Http://blog.caraputman.com. She’s also on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/cara.putman and Pinterest.

Break the Chains by Marianne Evans

We're in for a treat these next four Mondays as multi-published and award-winning author, Marianne Evans, visits with a splash of wisdom, a bucketful of encouragement, and a helping hand to share the writing journey with us. Welcome, Marianne! ~ Annette

Break the Chains

by Marianne Evans

I have a confession to make. I’m scared.

There are innumerable moments in my writing life when I fear my writing “gift” for want of a better word, will vanish. That my story ideas will disappear and my ability to express the scenes and plot scenarios in my heart, will somehow evaporate.

I’ve hit dry spells in my writing, and I think there are a few of you out there who can relate. I’ve been asked: How do you cope when words dry up? When you stare at that blinking cursor hovering over an empty page, and the words just won’t come?

The only solution I’ve found is to (gasp!) break the chain that holds me to the computer and shift emphasis. No one is asking you to leave your characters or plotline behind, but, do something different. Try some basement organizing/junk tossing. Work on the landscaping. Shovel some snow. Crochet, cross-stitch, scrapbook, or take a long drive. Perform any one of a thousand different tasks that will, yes, consume your focus, but will also allow you the luxury of accomplishing something in need of “doing” while freeing your creative side to listen to the voices of your characters, or craft the plotline (and its conflicts) that will ignite your muse to action.

When I’ve followed through on this exercise, I invariably hear the voices of my characters, sorting through their own conflict in the midst of a scene. Or, I can feel plot elements take shape as I observe the world around me outside the context of my computer screen and cyber-world.

Give it a try, and, please let me know how it works for you!! God bless, and happy writing!!

~~~
From This Day Forward
Christian Music agent Kellen Rossiter has everything he ever wanted: A-list clients from coast to coast, a loving wife who honors and respects him, and a faith life that’s never wavered—until now.


Juliet Rossiter has the perfect life: a rewarding schedule serving the underprivileged, a husband who loves her as Christ loved the church, and a blessed future as a mother—at least that's what she thinks.


For Better or Worse
But what happens when their rock-solid marriage begins to crumble under the weight of an unexpected and powerful temptation? How does love survive when its foundation is shaken?


'Til Death Do Us Part
When human frailty and the allure of sin deal a harsh blow to their relationship, it will take more than love to mend the shattered trust and heartbreak. It will take a lifetime of devotion.

http://www.pelicanbookgroup.com/ec/devotion-softcover

COUPON CODE:  FALLPREVIEW 2012

~~~

Marianne Evans is an award-winning author of Christian romance and fiction. Her hope is to spread the faith-affirming message of God’s love through the stories she creates. Her acclaimed novella, Hearts Crossing led to the creation of the four-book Woodland Series. Next, Evans tackles the topic of a loving marriage in turmoil in her Christian fiction debut, Devotion coming in November, 2012 from Harbourlight Books. Also in 2012, Evans kicks off her second Christian romance series with White Rose Publishing. Search & Rescue will be book one of the Sales Place series, which revolves around the folks who frequent a cozy and historic riverfront diner in downtown Detroit. A lifelong resident of Michigan, Evans is very active in a number of RWA chapters as well as ACFW and the Michigan Literary Network.

Connect with Marianne at:
www.marianneevans.com
www.marianneevans.blogspot.com
Facebook Reader Page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Marianne-Evans/308711716744
Twitter Handle: @marmo212

Peppered Path by Lynda Lee Schab

On Fortifying Fridays, we provide opportunities for authors to share their personal journeys to publication. It’s inspiring and encouraging to learn that we not only have similar experiences along the way, but that each path is still different. God has a unique plan for all of us. Today, author Lynda Lee Schab shares her journey. Enjoy! 
~ Dawn

Peppered Path

by Lynda Lee Schab

I don’t admit this to everyone, but I’m 43 years old. I will admit to just about anyone that I have always dreamed of being a published novelist. The thing I don’t like to admit is that it took about half of those 43 years for me to achieve that dream.

But, sometimes—no, most of the time—it’s not so much about achieving the dream as it is about getting there.

I submitted my first work for publication at age twenty. Despite a couple of people who discouraged me by telling me not to get my hopes up, I ended up with three greeting cards published. I went on to submit to magazines, and among the many rejections, somehow managed to get a few articles published, too. But my passion—my dream—was to write a novel.

Then kids happened. And my manuscript, along with my dream, got shelved for a few years while I took care of my family.

Then my kids grew up. At least, “up” enough to fend for themselves. I knew it was time to reach for my dream. But before I did, I needed to hone my skill. Yes, I had some raw talent, but that wouldn’t be enough. Since I’d never taken any writing classes, I needed to learn some writing “rules,” and connect with more seasoned writers I could glean from.

I joined writing sites. Entered contests. Started a blog where I featured other authors. Continued to freelance. And I started that book. Because the dream of becoming a published author was stronger than ever. Two years later, I typed The End.

In 2010, I signed with my agent, Terry Burns, of Hartline Literary Agency. “Finally!” I thought. “Now I’ll realize my dream of becoming a published novelist!”

But almost a year and a half went by with rejection after rejection from publishers. They liked my voice, and the story, but “lits” (my book is a “Mom lit” style) were not what they were looking for. I had many frustrated moments. Times when I expected an email from my agent telling me he’d exhausted all avenues and was dropping me as a client. Times when I asked God why He wasn’t making it happen for me.

And then, this past June, 2011, I got “the call” informing me that OakTara had offered me a contract. And I said, “Quick, send it to me before they change their mind!”

So here I am. My first novel, Mind over Madi, was released on November 15, 2011, a whole 23 years after submitting my first piece of writing. Looking back, I think—no, I know—I needed every minute of those 23 years to prepare me for this moment. I could spend my time wishing I’d had my first book published ten years ago, like some of the incredible young authors I know. That I was publishing my fifteenth novel instead of my first. But all that would do is fill me with disappointment and regret.

We all have our own dreams. And our own peppered paths to get there.

Today I am blessed to say I’ve finally achieved the dream God dropped in my heart all those years ago. But, even more, I am grateful for the doors He opened, the people I’ve met, and the things I’ve learned along the way.

LYNDA LEE SCHAB got her writing start in greeting cards (Blue Mountain Arts, Dayspring) and from there  went on to write articles and short stories (Mature Living, Christian Home &  School)  and in many places online (including www.Examiner.com  and  www.wow-womenonwriting.com ), but  her passion has always been fiction.

Mind Over Madi, her debut novel, is near and dear to her heart. Lynda admits she has a lot in common with the character of Madi. Not only are they both addicted to ice cream, chocolate, and computer games, they struggle with the same types of insecurities and continually require a hefty dose of God’s grace.

Lynda works behind the scenes at FaithWriters.com and is a member of ACFW. She is a regular book reviewer for FaithfulReader.com and is the Grand Rapids Christian Fiction Examiner and the National Writing Examiner for Examiner.com. Mind Over Madi received Runner-up in the 2007 FaithWriters Page Turner contest, was a finalist in the 2007 RWA Get your Stiletto in the Door contest, and won second place in the 2008 ACFW Genesis contest, Chick Lit category. Lynda lives with her husband, Rob, and two teenagers in Michigan.

To learn more about Lynda, please visit

Website: www.LyndaSchab.com

Blog: www.on-the-write-track.blogspot.com