A few more months ago than I care to admit, Claire at Points of Clair-ification held a book give away. I was fortunate to win Write to be Published by Nicola Morgan. Notwithstanding my delight at winning, (Thank you Claire!!!) upon receiving the news, I stood on an anthill of niggling self-doubt. Due to irreconcilable differences, I had shelved a miserable, one-time edited draft of a first ever WIP and had slogged out about 20K into a new project (the first draft of which is now complete). That was the sum and total of my book writing experience. Reading a book with this title seemed presumptuous. Who did I think I was? But then the book arrived in my Post Office box.
The back cover of Write to be Published says: “You want to make a publisher say yes? First understand why they say no; then apply that knowledge to your book.” Whether I’m published tomorrow (yeah, right), in the next five years (in my dreams) or never (nightmares abound), this book is a treasure of lessons about writing, and information relating to how to conduct the business of writing in a manner most likely to result in positive feedback.
Whether you're a novice like me or a ready to be published pro, reading this book is well worth the time. Turning the pages is like sitting in class while an engaging and enthusiastic professor calls all your bluffs and then directs you how to do things the right way. Published over 90 times herself, and the creator of the blog Help! I need a Publisher, it took Morgan something like 20 years achieve publication, so she knows the downsides as well as the up. She's a British author so US readers, make allowances for cultural variances. But no matter where you are from, the entire section called “Written in the Right Way” will resonates with the wisdom she imparts pertaining to what it means, and what it takes, to write “right.”
I could go on and on. But I won’t. Instead, I’m going to go back over the book and highlight everything that resounded in me. Then, to say thank you to everyone who’s been so supportive and encouraging in my quest to improve my writing, I will put names in a hat for anyone who has commented here at Middle Passages in first three weeks of January. That means if you've already commented, or you do so in the next six days, you get one chance. Next week, I'll pull out a winner and send them a copy of Write to be Published, by Nicola Morgan. Hopefully it will be as helpful to someone else as it has been to me.
17 comments:
That's a wonderful idea. I love the word "slogged."
Oh wow!!! Love that Nicola Morgan's book is speaking volumes with you and inspiring you to re-do your wip!! Great stuff! take care
x
I've never heard of this book, Liza. It sounds great. I'll have to buy it now. (I'm having those nightmares too) Thanks for the tip, my friend. *waving*
Liza, it sounds like a wonderful book - I need to be surrounded by encouragement and so do you. We are moving beyond that negative naysayer who takes up too much real estate in our souls. I'm going to go back (after my next revision of The Rock Walker) to my first shelved book. I like it, it deserves better. You are a wonderful writer - I've been saying that for several years now - and I can't wait to crack open a book by you.
I'm almost afraid to read this. But it sounds like I should.
That sounds like an inspiring book. I was given one at Christmas called 'How Not to Write a Novel' by Howard Mittelmark and Sandra Newman (Americans)- I giggled my way through it and recommend it to anyone looking for sensible advice.
As long as you don't give up!
I need to get that book.
I love Nicola's blog. She's so sassy.
I got a new monitor for my computer so your header picture really makes me cry now.
Just saying.
Writers never stop learning. I learn at least one new thing every day, usually more, and usually at least one of the things I learn each day is about writing.
What a lovely thing for you to do! It sounds like a book all of us could use.
I have this book on hold at the library and can't wait until it becomes available. My favorite book on craft is Writing the Breakout Novel by lit agent Donald Maass and also his other book, The Fire in Fiction. Both are fantastic reads, full of wonderful advice, and will guide you through your writing goals.
What a kind and generous way to pay it forward. Terrific idea! (Sounds like a terrific book, too.)
Great idea to pay it forward!
Perfect day to come here.
Yes, I want this book.
Yes, I have to do something that bring my dreams closer bit by bit.
Thank you for the giveaway.
Liza, I just came here after a google alert sent me your way. Thank you SO much for this! Not just for your lovely comments (you've taken exactly what I wanted people to take from the book and expressed it brilliantly) but for actually promising a copy of the book to one of your own readers. I'm overwhelmed.
And thanks to the commenters who know me from my blog or book. I love seeing you in different places!
YES! *pumps fist* Sounds like an amazing book.
Catherine Denton
This does sound like a great book. I'm so glad it's "resounding" in you! Just keep writing. You never know, if you do, how or when you may one day be published!
Ann Best, Author of In the Mirror & Other Memoirs
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