STATUS: HOTEL landed in the USA Today bestseller list for the very first time. Granted, pretty high up there at #118, but hey it’s start. Right after Eckhart Tolle.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN? by Spin Doctors (CCR cover)
June 9th.
The galleys didn’t even have the cover. You blog readers are some of the first people to see it.
STATUS: I actually stayed at home sick today. I’m feeling a lot better though so I think I’ll make it into the office tomorrow.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? BEFORE HE CHEATS by Carrie Underwood
There is so much dreary news as of late that one has to wonder if anyone is buying books. Well, they must be because today I found out that two of my authors’ books have gone back for their fifth reprinting this week!
And both have love stories at the core. Hum…
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STATUS: If you’re happy and you know it, clap your hands.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? IN THE MOOD by Glen Miller Orchestra
Congratulations Jamie on now being a New York Times bestselling author—debuting at #30 on the extended hardcover list.
We here at the Nelson Agency are just thrilled to pieces for you! Go knock ‘em dead in Milwaukee tonight.
STATUS: Getting an early start on today’s blog as I know the event is probably going to go late again tonight.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? ONE FLIGHT DOWN by Norah Jones
A couple of weeks ago, one of my new authors, Gail Carriger, was blogging about why SF & F novels don’t have pets in them. After all, they are an essential part of life in the twenty-first century. It would follow that they’d still be important in the future.
Of course I started laughing because I honestly hadn’t thought about that but then I emailed her and said, “well obviously you have not read Linnea Sinclair.”
Linnea has pets in space.
In fact, there is a pet in her latest SF novel entitled HOPE’S FOLLY that, speak of the devil, releases today. It’s one of the reasons why I love her stuff so much. Her worlds always feel effortlessly fully developed.
Happy Release Day Linnea!
With this electrifying new novel, RITA® award-winning author Linnea Sinclair delivers her most intensely romantic interstellar thriller yet. This time a woman and a rebel leader join forces—and fates—on an impossible mission of romance and revolution that’ll turn them into the galaxy’s most wanted fugitives…
HOPE’S FOLLY
Rya Bennton has been in love with Admiral Philip Guthrie since she was a girl. But can her childhood fantasies survive a hazardous encounter with the newly minted rebel leader? Not much can rattle Philip’s legendary cool—but Rya does. She’s the daughter of his best friend and first commander—a man whose death is still on Philip’s conscience. Now aboard his command ship Hope’s Folly, this man who feels he can’t love and this woman who believes she’s unloveable will put their hearts and lives at risk. Not just with each other…but against an enemy that will stop at nothing to crush them both.
STATUS: Late night for me! Just got back from having dinner with Jamie Ford and his wife. Their plane was a little delayed getting in to Denver. Everything is all set for the event and signing tomorrow.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? WATERMARK by Enya
Considering it’s so late and I’m not sure I’m capable of writing a coherent blog entry (and no, I didn’t have that much wine!), I figured I’d pop you over to Jamie’s blog where he has been talking about being on book tour—13 cities in five weeks.
His blog almost puts you there—except that you don’t have to wait in line or have odd moments with security.
My favorite shot is the Costco warehouse in Seattle. Where’s a soundtrack when you need it?
STATUS: I’m having a very interesting cover discussion tomorrow. And I’m sharing a fairly hilarious cover discussion in my February newsletter so be on the look out for it.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? CHANGE by Tears For Fears
I actually should not be tackling this subject because for the most part, I don’t read or use synopses.
I know. Shocking. It’s the complete opposite of what you hear. I’m just the maverick in that department.
When I go out on submission with a project, I have my cover letter (many of which I’ve shared with my blog readers) and the full manuscript. That’s it.
If I’m selling something that’s a first in a series or trilogy, I’ll also include a one-page (2 tops) teaser blurb regarding the subsequent possible books.
The reason why? For the most part, from what I can tell, I’ve got many a client who can write one hell of a novel but suck at writing a synopsis. Seriously, it’s almost physically painful to wade through them. I end up asking more questions than the synopsis answered!
But sometimes you can’t escape it and we have to do it. When that happens, here are the tips that I tell my clients so they can write a half-decent synopsis.
1. As you begin, pretend that the reader of the synopsis has not read any prior books in said series so your opening paragraph or paragraphs, sums up the previous novel and explains the world (if that’s pertinent). It creates a base in which to build the rest. Often, even the editor won’t remember every character or background tidbit in a novel that they edited! Not to mention, when selling on synop, the editor may be sharing your explanation with folks who have, indeed, not read your work yet.
It helps to orient the reader in this way and if done right (and succinctly).it can go a long way to making a synopsis strong.
2. Outline your character or characters’ internal conflict.
3. Briefly outline your external conflict and plot points.
4. Once that is clear in your head (and on paper), then you have to decide how is the best way to convey both plot and theme in the synop. My suggestion? Start with plot first. Get that down in a clear, concise manner. This is what will happen in the novel. Once the plot path is clear, then go back and interweave why the heck the events unfolding are important to the story (which is theme.)
5. Now hand this off to a person who knows nothing about your work and see if they can follow the synopsis. If that person can’t, you know you’ve missed and you have some real work in front of you.
The real problem with writing the synopsis is that the story is so clear in the author’s head, they mistakenly assume that it’s clear on the page as well. After all, it makes perfect sense to them.
And when even that fails, just start writing. As long as we have sample chapters on hand, I can squeak by with a very short, one-pager synop that’s more teaser than it is full outline.
And it goes without saying that if you are a new or a debut writer, you must have a full manuscript. Still, even with that in hand, lots of agents request the synop so you might as well get as good as possible at it. I know that at conferences, they often host hour long sessions on how to write a decent one. Time well spent most likely.
STATUS: It’s early in the day and I’m tackling my To Do list. Woot.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? SOMETHING IN THE WAY SHE MOVES by James Taylor
Talk about a rare opportunity! An insider publishing party and you blog readers are invited.
Jamie Ford, author of a debut novel called HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET, is coming to the Denver Tattered Cover on Colfax this February 24, 2009.
To celebrate, the Nelson Literary Agency is hosting a pre-booksigning happy hour* at Encore Restaurant, which is adjacent to the Tattered Cover.
And if you live in the Denver Area, you can join us. Click to play invite.
Both Sara and I will be there and we’ll be raffling off two free copies of HOTEL to some lucky guests. All we ask is that you RSVP to rsvp@nelsonagency.com so we have an accurate headcount. Please also plan to attend the booksigning that will follow as that is the point. Knowing my great blog readers, I probably didn’t need to mention that.
Cheers,
Kristin
*Cash Bar. Appetizers will be served.
Also note that the TC has a free parking garage on the west side of the complex.
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| Make a Smilebox greeting |
STATUS: If I can have the rest of the week be as productive as today, then I might finally be caught up. Did I jinx myself by saying that?
What’s playing on the iPod right now? THINK I’M IN LOVE by Eddie Money
As much as I hate to say it, there is a lot of dreck that is published in the genre of romance.—and I’m a huge fan! But there has been many a time when I’ve started a novel just to get frustrated within the first 60 pages on the shallowness of the characterization, on the unoriginal plot structures, and just the sheer dumbness of some of them. I’ll put the novel down and not pick it up again. And I’m very suspect of that author’s next romance.
I’m not a fan to keep reading an author just because I might have really loved something they’ve done in the past. If disappointed one too many times, I’ll stop buying that writer. [A fact I wish more romance readers would do when already established writers aren’t living up to their past writing prowess]
So I have to say that it’s with delight when an established writer WOWs me with her tenth novel but that’s exactly what Eloisa James did for me in Desperate Duchess.
But he’s not the hero that she really needs to fall for and marry.
Love it!
The main character doesn’t particularly care for children. Holy cow! Can she get away with it? And she does.
Love it because I’ve never, ever ever seen that before in a novel and she pulls it off. At least for me, I still really liked the heroine (and yes, she softens her stance as the novel progresses but still!)
A secondary story line that has nothing to do with romance but yet has everything to do with the plot unfolding.
Masterful!
So I could rave on and on about Eloisa James but what I’m trying to highlight here is that I’m really picky when it comes to reading historical romance. I want it to be complex, emotionally pulling, and hot! That’s why I represent Sherry Thomas who has been called one of the best historical romance authors writing today. That’s why I represent Courtney Milan who hasn’t debuted yet but I think is in the same category.
And that’s why I’m also so proud to be representing Carolyn Jewel’s fourth historical romance that hits the shelves today—SCANDAL.
I personally think this work is a tour de force. The best thing she has ever done. And don’t just take my word for it, hear what the Smart Bitches had to say about this novel.
Now Carolyn also writes paranormal romance and in this realm, she writes very gritty, lots of language, and hot bordering on erotica. If that’s not your thing, that’s okay. You can still pick up her historical romance which is a whole different ball game. In the HR realm, in my opinion, she’s writing up there with Eloisa and Sherry and if you like those authors, SCANDAL will not disappoint!
Happy Launch Day Carolyn!
STATUS: It’s almost 7 pm. I’m ready to leave the office.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? DON’T TREAT ME NO GOOD NO MORE by Sonia Dada
I have to say it’s rather rare to have two books release on the same day. I didn’t want Jana to think that I had forgotten about her so also hitting shelves as of today and yesterday is TROUBLE IN MUDBUG by Jana DeLeon.
I have to say that I love the concept for this novel and so does Hollywood. We’ve had some nice interest that we can only hope will evolve into something.
Meanwhile, if you like your mystery with a zany southern Louisiana flavor, then the first book in the Ghost-in-Law series will be right up your alley.
TROUBLE IN MUDBUG
A Ghost-in-Law Mystery Romance
by JANA DeLEON, Author of Unlucky
“Original, smart and comedic writing.” —RT BOOKreviews
Maryse Robicheaux can’t help heaving a sigh of relief at the news that her not-so-beloved mother-in-law has kicked the bucket. The woman was rude, manipulative and loved lording over everyone as the richest citizen of Mudbug, Louisiana. Unfortunately, death doesn’t slow Helena Henry down one bit.
“Jana DeLeon is very good at writing zany comedy as well as spicy romance.”
—Affaire de Coeur
Being haunted—or more like harried—by Helena’s ghost isn’t even the worst of Maryse’s problems. Close to making a huge medical breakthrough, she’s suddenly been given an officemate, and the only thing bigger than Luc LeJuene’s ego is his sex appeal. Maryse would bet her life the hot half-Creole is hiding something. Especially because it seems someone’s out to kill her. But getting Luc to spill his secrets while avoiding Helena’s histrionics and staying alive herself will be the ultimate bayou balancing act.
“DeLeon has an excellent knack at weaving…the right amount of mystery and suspense with plenty of romance and lots of laughter.” —Once Upon a Romance
STATUS: Very excited for this book to hit shelves today.
What’s playing on the iPod right now? BLUE by The Jayhawks
February 2009 Costco Pennie’s Pick
An IndieBound NEXT List selection for February
Borders Original Voices Pick
Pulpwood Queens Bonus Book Pick
Barnes & Noble March New Reads Book Club Pick
HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET is the story of Henry Lee, a Chinese boy in Seattle who falls in love (although it is forbidden) with a Japanese girl named Keiko right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. It is also the story of Henry Lee as a middle-aged man forty years later who, when passing by Seattle’s old Japantown’s Panama Hotel, stumbles into a news conference on the hotel steps where the new owner has discovered in the basement the untouched belongings of thirty interned Japanese families. When the owner unfolds, for the news cameras, a Japanese bamboo parasol with a bright orange koi painted on it, Henry instantly recognizes it as Keiko’s. In that moment, he can no longer suppress his familiar and never forgotten longing and he must confront the memories and the choices he did or did not make all those years ago.
“Mesmerizing and evocative, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet is a tale of conflicted loyalties, devotion, as well as a vibrant portrait of Seattle’s Nihonmachi district in its heyday.”
–Sara Gruen, New York Times Bestselling author of Water for Elephants
“Jamie Ford’s first novel explores the age-old conflicts between father and son, the beauty and sadness of what happened to Japanese Americans in the Seattle area during World War II, and the depths and longing of deep-heart love. An impressive, bitter, and sweet debut.” – Lisa See, bestselling author of Snow Flower And The Secret Fan
“A tender and satisfying novel set in a time and a place lost forever, Hotel on the Corner of Bitter and Sweet gives us a glimpse of the damage that is caused by war–not the sweeping damage of the battlefield, but the cold, cruel damage to the hearts and humanity of individual people. Especially relevant in today’s world, this is a beautifully written book that will make you think. And, more importantly, it will make you feel.”
–Garth Stein, New York Times bestselling author of The Art of Racing in the Rain
The Panama Hotel
Several years ago, the owner of the Panama Hotel did discover the belongings of Japanese interned families in the basement. Jamie read about this discovery and it became the starting framework for his novel. Jamie’s father had also related a story of his wearing an “I Am Chinese” button right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, a historically accurate tidbit that plays a key role in HOTEL ON THE CORNER OF BITTER AND SWEET.
An Interview with Jamie Ford where he discusses the writing of HOTEL:
A walking tour of Seattle narrated by Jamie. In this video clip, Jamie explores the history of all the real places mentioned in HOTEL:
But despite all the historical places and historical accuracies, the story of Henry and Keiko existed only in Jamie’s mind and now on the pages of his novel. HOTEL is a work of fiction.
Enjoy!