My Favorite Darlings...

Ok, so I need somewhere to put my all the darlings I kill. Some I do admit are a waste of time. They need to be offed. However, like this one, I just LOVE IT! And I might still use it somewhere in the novel. But for now, I'd like to share one of my favorite darlings.

Oh, and if you're wondering, a 'darling' is a word, line of words, paragraph, or even a whole chapter that you utterly LOVE! But for reasons beyond your control, they just don't work! Your book will be better for their departure. However...they are your darlings!

I think the massacre is the hardest part of editing. Maybe why many writers stop short of brilliance because they just can't do it. It hurts too much!

This one hurt me a lot! Yet, it had to be done...and done it is. I am forever encasing this lovely darling on my blog so I can come back to it and weep...and maybe find a new place for it. Oh, wouldn't that just be so nice! To resurrect a darling!

Yes. That's why we hold on to them for far too long. Main reason I couldn't edit chapter three was because of this little one.

Staring between the door I came in, a sign adhered to its back labeled exit, and an opposing door with a sign reading office, I feel like running. I want to leave. Then again, I have to stay. Thankfully, I’m alone in the waiting room, free to sweat bullets one second and attempt some form of relaxation the next.

Annoying as it is, I am getting used to this rollercoaster emotional thing: In the three weeks it’s taken me to make the appointment, I’ve traversed between the two extremes more than once.

Rest in peace my lovely words...

:(

The Best Agent Blogs...IMHO :)

I think every writer out there interested in getting published needs to read an Agent blog or two. Just to get into our heads just what they are looking for in terms of query letters, synopsis, and, above all, how to approach them!

I've been reading the following literary agent blogs and I must say, I had no idea some were so heartless! While others are working like hell to get good books out of good writers. Sometimes helping little ol'writers like us improve our prose with constructive criticism.

ALWAYS constructive...should there be any other form?

My list of THE best agent blogs :)

Nathan Bradsford
Not only is he easy on the eyes, he's down to earth, a writer himself, and tells it like it is when he comes across horrid writing. I respect such honesty.

Rants & Ramblings
Her view on self-publishers hooked me into reading the rest of her blog.

Query Shark
Need I say more? Query Shark shreds query letters down to size and points out in minute detail just what is wrong with them. What's nice is that she lets authors 'try again'...

Pub Rants
I love her 'beginner writer mistakes' blog posts. Helps to know what's up the road :)

Janet Reid
Tells it like it is. She doesn't mince words. Refreshing to see someone just get out there and say what needs to be said in a professional manner without taking everything too seriously.

Q for U: What are your favorite blogs?

Not My Daughter...Read Chapter One!

Barbara Delinsky has done it again. Not My Daughter is her new upcoming book to be ready for sale early next year.

But don't despair...you can read the first chapter online now!!!