Random Writing Tips

We're all tired of hearing how the odds are stacked against writers, and how selling a first novel is impossible in this economy. We're saturated with pessimistic ponderings from publishers and literary agents. We know the bad odds, and yet we keep on writing, working hard and waiting.

So, while we wait for things to "get better," how about some hopeful stuff to read? According to agent Kristin Nelson of Nelson Literary Agency, the news for debut authors isn't all bad. In a recent blog post she advises, "I would be concentrating on writing the best freaking novel you are capable of writing because lots of debuts astound the market." Read the rest here:
http://pubrants.blogspot.com/2008/11/still-room-for-debut.html

Author/blogger Holly Kennedy thinks we should all get a bottle of Bum Glue and get busy. [I know some of you already saw her post because I read your comments over there. I think you'll agree it's an inspiring read.] Check out the blog entry and see if I'm not telling the truth: http://author-in-the-trenches.blogspot.com/2008/11/must-have-for-serious-writers_18.html

Along with these two ladies' thoughts, I'll share some good tips I got from a writing conference not too long ago. The NYT best selling authors were generous with their tippage too, so here's a few tidbits to file away for later:

• Successful writers run the business of writing like any other -- with a business plan. Update it every six months or so, but definitely annually.
• Start and keep a perspective agent file with research notes, including who gets the big sales and large advances. Look for agents who love what you write; don't waste your time on those who don't.
• A good friend and successful author who's writing book 5 or 6 now advises using the "shotgun" approach to finding an agent. When your synopsis and query packet is as good as it can be, send it far and wide.
• When your manuscript is accepted, or while it is making the rounds, begin work on your second.
• Check the shelves of your favorite bookstore (brick & mortar, as well as online) to see what's hot in your genre. Check the acknowledgment pages while you're there to see if agents are mentioned. If so, add them to your list.
• Branding is important and should extend to your website, logo design, blog, etc.
• Follow the rules and preferences of the person(s) and place(s) to which you plan to submit. If you don't, you'll likely end up in the slush pile.
• Have a log line/hook line/tag line for your book, and one for your writing style-- a short, catchy description that will help an agent or editor grasp and remember your book. [Ex. "Ledbetter writes as if she is the love child of Wally Lamb and Dorothy Allison."]
• Your synopsis should explain what the emotion of your story is.

Okay, we all know that after five minutes of a lecture or a page of notes, our brains turn off. In the interest of mental health, I'll stop here for now.

So, how's about some tit for tat? What's the best writing, publishing or agent-finding tip you ever got?

Chicken Salad Recipe

It's Tuesday once again, so that means it's time for Gumbo Writer to pull out her trusty recipe file and share something good with her friends. Today's offering is something my family loooooves. It's perfect party food too, and yes, it's great for using up leftovers and staples you probably already have on hand.

But before we begin, let's all take (or re-take) the Home Cook's Pledge I originally posted here:

http://angie-ledbetter.blogspot.com/2008/09/thems-fightin-words.html --->

"I will henceforth and forever after not feel guilty when a member of this household accuses me of not providing for their nutritional needs. I know there is plenty of food in this house. And in fact, the very next time I hear words to the contrary, I will smack the offender in the head with this wooden cooking utensil and take myself out to dinner. This I do swear, on the ____ day of _____ month, 20__, in the sacred names of Betty Crocker, Aunt Jemima and Chef Boyardee."

Best Ever Chicken Salad

1 roasted chicken (found at bigger store's deli already prepared)

2 cups fat-free mayo (I use Duke's), or more to taste

1 cup Craisins

1 cup nuts (almonds, pecans, walnuts, pine nuts or a mixture)

1 small green apple, skin on and chopped small

2 cups seedless grapes, cut in half

Debone chicken and cut in small cubes. Mix all other ingredients in and stir well. Voila! You've got an awesome sandwich spread, cracker dip or even a nice side dish with soup. I've also put the chicken salad on lettuce bowls.

Before and After pics:

Which Superhero are You?

Ever fantasized about being a superhero in real life? Have an idea which one you'd be, or would you make up your own comic book personality? Would you save the world? Clean your house at the speed of light? Have the ability to speed-read books in five minutes? Fly through the universe and explore unknown galaxies? Vaporize mean and evil people in your path?

If you've got a few minutes, this quiz is fun and just might clue you in to a new facet of your personality. Have fun and don't forget to report your results. Whichever hero represents you, hope your week is a super one!

http://www.thesuperheroquiz.com/

Politically Incorrect Kartoon (PIK)

Hello, bad children of the Blogosphere! For your giggly enjoyment, today's offering of PIKs are below. I'm numbering them, so please "pik" your fav and let me know in a comment.

1. Rabid Fan:

2. Holiday Happiness:

3. DST:

4. Sniper Kitty:

5: Smoky the Snowman:

Spotlight On...Memes

I'll admit, not too very long ago, I had to look up the definition and pronunciation for the word meme. Here's what I found at Wikipedia:

A meme (pronounced /miːm/)[1] consists of any idea or behavior that can pass from one person to another by learning or imitation. Examples include thoughts, ideas, theories, gestures, practices, fashions, habits, songs, and dances. Memes propagate themselves and can move through the cultural sociosphere in a manner similar to the contagious behavior of a virus.

Interesting, hunh? So, yesterday I got tagged by SmallFootprints of the lovely blog http://reducefootprints.blogspot.com/ which gives all of Blogland nifty-fied tips on reducing waste and keeping our Earth clean, along with some good veggy-tarian recipes now and then.

I'm playing along here in a post. Instead of tagging others as directed (Gumbo Writer has been known to not be such a great rule-follower). Your assignment, if you choose to accept it, is to share one (1) weird, funny or off-the-wall factoid about yourself in a comment.

Eight random facts and/or habits about myself~~

1. I have an identical twin sister.
2. I do not like any form of Math! Not in a box, not with a fox, not in any way, shape or form, Sam I Am.
3. Napping is one of my secret pleasures.
4. Hello, my name is Angie, and I am addicted to caffeine.
5. I miss my 16-year-old Boston Terrier Darla.
6. I wish I could draw. I might enjoy being an artist.
7. Writing is good for the soul, I believe.
8. I love listening to and watching a good storm.

Now...on with your great and glorious and relaxing and restful weekend plans! I'll leave you with a nice deep Saturday thought...(and PS, the author of the original SNL skit named Deep Thoughts is Jack Handey).

Ledbetter Lunacy Part III

Yes, dear blog buds, it's Friday, and

according to my newly minted schedule,

it's time for your TGIF treataroni!

~~shrill flute music & cymbals crashing~~

LEDBETTER LUNACY!

The Floor is Open...

What are we gonna chat about today?

You're most cordially invited to throw out a question, suggestion, comment, or something that makes ya go "Hmmmm?"Or post a link to your best ever post or recommend a site or blog for us to check out. Thursdays are reserved for "talking amongst ourselves," so let your imagination run free.

And/or feel to continue with the limericks from yesterday. If you've already done one, that's okay, post another! There are some real winners there. I might just have to get out the ol' prize bag and do a poll of the top 3 entries for y'all to vote on.

So don't be shy, and you quiet readers -- it's time to delurk and let your bloggy voices be heard. :) Come on...we promise not to bite!

There once was a gal from...

Since it's Writing Wednesday, let's have some fun with limericks! Don't be shy, it's easy. A standard limerick has 5 lines with an aabba rhyme scheme. Legend has it that this poetry form sprung up in a wee Irish place by the same name, and became a popular form of drinking poetry.

Think of that old Hickory Dickory Dock nursery rhyme and you're halfway there. We may even vote on our favorite after it's all said and done.

Here's mine:

Limericks take hold in your noggin
Worse than set loose graveyard goblins.
They howl and they moan,
Get down in the bone,
Your brain pipes always a’cloggin’.

And if you're not feeling a bit creative today, here's a cheat for ya. It's a Limerick generator ---> http://www.jjjwebdevelopment.com/306sites/limgen/

Easy Gumbo Recipe(s)

Yep, it's Tuesday, and that means it's time for another Gumbo recipe. And guess what? Today, it actually is gumbo!

Since my DH (Deer Hunter), aka King Rufus, loooooves to hunt, he brought home ducks the other day. Now, I likes to eat and I ain't picky about what I eats, but I draws the line at most wild game. But, being the good sport that I am, I did agree to show him how to make a gumbo, and we cooked our own versions together. His we'll call the Beast Feast. Mine's just regular ol' chicken, turkey and sausage.

I was unaware of this, but was informed there is only certain TV programming allowed when cooking. For the gumbo-making, it was a Saints football game.

Now, men, I don't mean to sound sexist or anything, but how can you watch TV with any attention when you are wielding very sharp buck knives and working with fire? These are skills I do not have.

Here, Chef Rufus is cutting up duck breasts and andouille sausage (a really yummy smoked version of sausage, full of subtle spices!). So if you're following along with these visual aids, it's time to go cut up whatever meat you plan to use and brown it in canola oil.

When your meat is browned but not cooked to the point of rubber, it's time to remove it to a bowl and brown your veggies.

My regular gumbo meats are on the left. DH's are on the right. [Notice to cooks: Most recipes are just guidelines. You are free to add, subtract, and doodle with them to your heart's and taste buds' content.] I used a frozen bag of seasoning veggies which are pre-cut, plus cut up 2 large yellow onions to add to the mix. The minced garlic (about 3 tablespoons) went in last, because if you overcook Mr. Garlic, he gets bitter.

Hang on, we're almost there! After your veggies are soft, add flour to your pot. How much? About half the amount of oil that's already in there. Some people make their roux separately, but I do mine right in with the veggies. Stir over low to medium heat until it turns the color you like, and is the consistency of paste. If it doesn't get brown enough and/or you're afraid of burning the roux, add in a bit of Kitchen Bouquet.

Fill a large pot halfway with water or a water and beef broth combo. Add in meat, roux, and veggies. Bring to a low boil, stirring constantly. Turn heat as low as possible and put the lid on, but leave it askew so that steam can escape and gumbo will thicken. All you need now is some rice. And gumbo is one of those awesome dishes that just gets better and better as it sits in the fridge. Ca c'est bon!

Right Brain, Left Brain

Have you ever taken one of those tests that's supposed to tell you which is the dominant side of your brain? I confess I find these (and similar personality or learning style) tests fascinating. But I always come away with results which say I'm equally left and right brained. Hmm, does that mean I'm a halfwit, or just terribly confused?

It does make sense, though, because I have characteristics that fit with both hemispheres' notable functionings -- I'm creative, but also analytical. I'm organized about some things, and a terrible stack-and-pile-maker in others. I'm really bad at math, but sometimes I can come up with a complicated equation's answer, but not be able to explain how I got it. So, tell me, blog buds, what's it all mean?

While both sides of the brain reason, it is done by very different strategies. The left side o' the gray matter is considered to use the good worker bee analytical sort of functioning, and the right is called "holistic" or "global." Lefty likes to learn new things in a step-by-step progression. Righty is a "simultaneous processor," starting with a general concept, then ratcheting up with specifics.

Depending on our brain's dominant side, our learning styles, established patterns and ways of responding to experiences can be totally different.

So, are you more analytical or intuitive? Or like me, pretty equal on both sides of the cranium? Here's a few nifty tests to find out, if you have some time to waste on a Monday:

http://www.web-us.com/BRAIN/braindominance.htm

http://similarminds.com/brain.html

Pretty interesting stuff. And it might come in handy the next time you're crafting a story or novel character.

After you've discovered something new about yourself, get out there and have a good week! Oh, and let me know if you're a Lefty or a Righty.

Politically Incorrect Kartoons (PIKs)

Don't hate me. I cannot help that I find these things humourous! And because I do, I must share them. If you can't laugh at something, deeper analysis may be needed.

Spotlight on...Small World

No, this isn't one of those dweebish posts about technology and communication advances making us all neighbors around the planet, but rather, one of those dweebish posts about how coincidental things happen that cause us to say (even though we've sworn we never will, or any of those other fruitcake things your parents said): "Oh, my, what a small world we live in!" This especially applies to seeing someone you know in a different place than normal, or some other coincidental and unexpected event. [Sidebar: Are you humming, singing or thinking about the song, "It's a Small World After All" yet? I wish I could get that outta my head!]

Before I go off on a complete "tangerine," as I heard a good ol' Cajun lady say once, I'll get back to the point. I had one of these Small World moments yesterday. Here's how it went~~

Back story: I belong to a church group that makes food for church members who have lost a loved one, mostly to be served wakes or afterward. Sometimes we also bring food to shut-ins when there's a request. I got one of the latter calls and made arrangements to bring food to an address not too far from my house.

Me: (knocking on door) "Hello, I talked with you on the phone yesterday, and am here to drop off some food."

Her: "Oh, hello. Just a second." (Rattle noises as if searching for deadbolt keys and/or retrieving walker or cane.)

Me: "That's okay. Take your time. I'm not in a hurry."

Her: (Unlocking door and letting me into her small apartment.) "Hi there. Thanks for coming..."

[Here we chat a bit and I explain to her I've brought salad, lasagna, cornbread and a miniature chocolate cake. She looks like a little elf with shining eyes as she oohs and ahhs over the food. Then, I don't know how we got on the subject, but I'm telling her about how ill my mother is.]

Her: "Would you mind writing your mom's name down on that little tablet for me so I can pray for her?"

Me: "I sure will. And I'll write your name down to take with me too since you live so near me. I'm always on the road, and I bring food to my parents' often. It'd be my pleasure to bring you some again if you're ever in need." [I write Mom's name down for her.]

Her: "Hmm. That name is so familiar. Is your Dad's name _____? I knew someone with that name a long time ago. There couldn't be two because it's quite unusual. I once lent them my baby stroller when they had their twins."

Me: "Yes, that's my dad and mom! And I'm one of those twins. See, I'm paying you back after all these years for helping my family out." (Laughing.)

[Here there is much hugging and promises to pray for each others' families, and to meet up again soon. She pats me on the shoulder with her arthritis-crippled hand and reminds me to tell my parents Charlie Jo Thibodaux sends her regards.]

I just love these Small World happenings. They're almost as good as those unexplainable "coinkidinks" or "Godincidences." Feels nice to be part of something bigger. Something being directed by a much larger force outside oneself. Something kind, gentle, just and just a tad humorous.

Have you had a Small World meeting lately? If so, please share. They're fascinating.