First Lines

As I have stated before, I have been reading dozens of books and magazines on the business, gathering information to make this process all just a little bit simpler and less daunting. I have been analyzing past attempts and determine new courses of action.

Today, I read Snazzy First Lines: Seven Styles to Snag the Reader by Stefanie Freele in Writers' Journal (Jan./Feb. 2009). If you haven't read it, it really gives some sound advice on that all important first line. Important because as someone (not sure where I read this in the last three months) said you have one paragraph to capture a publisher. Some don't make it past the first lines.

I realized that part of the problem in the past has been those dreadful first lines. I have never been satisfied with them, and then have sent most of my time trying to find one, essentially giving up after time.

I have a tool now to solve this issue. So, now I feel that I have one less excuse for not finishing what I have tried so many times to start. Happy Writing.

Creativity Theory

Do you feel creative today?

Usually a question that I ask myself almost every morning. Yes? No? The answer is always a little different, but I have noticed that the muse inside of me is somehow tied to nature.

Today, it is snowy. We had another snow day, and God willing, we will have another tomorrow, considering that it is still snowing and suppose to continue until 10 p.m. Today has been fairly productive considering that I have devised this little theory.

Okay, the theory: I feel that when nature is most creative that I am most creative. Today, Mother Nature transforms the world with a blanket of snow into a mysterious wonderland.

In Florida this summer, I felt incredibly creative. But each morning, I watch Mother Nature paint the morning sky with breath-taking colors. So, to massage my muse, I think that I am going to add nature shoots to my blog to get the creativity following each morning.

The Game Plan

Game plans, action plans, attack plans, working plans, strategic plans, tactical plans…whatever they are called, no one can deny their importance. Everyone has a plan….CEOs, administrators, professional athletes, agents, managers, etc.

So, what is mine?

Several, several years ago, when the St. Louis Rams were still the "Greatest Show on Turf", my husband recommended a short weekend getaway to the Rams training camp. (I guess now is a good time to tell you that I am an avid football fan. So, I did not consider the trip unpleasant.)I took in everything those mornings we sat ogling our gridiron heroes.


I realize now, like a professional athlete preparing for a championship season, I have quite a bit of work to do. Like the Rams, I need to do conditioning drills, attend practice and devise a winning game plan.


But, how does one even sit down and begin to scratch out a playbook? Study game film? Exactly. I have spent the last months reading several blogs from authors, publishers, agents, etc. I mined out a few gems that I believe can get me started. (I would like to mention Alice Pope’s Blog on Children’s Writers’ and Illustrators’ Market. I read her blog first and used it as a way of locating other blogs, using some of her recommendations. Alice, if you ever read this, a heart-felt thank you.)


My Game Plan:

1. Conditioning

• Read, Read, Read.
• Continue to mine blogs for useful information. Any information learned now, can only help later.
• Seek out Critique group and writer's support.

2. Attend Practice

• Write daily on blog.
• Write on project daily. (I believe the quote was "Ass in seat and write."

3. Devise winning plan.

Do I expect this all to work the first time? No. I know that at times I will have to scramble, change course, and punt. The game will never be perfect, but that is why there is half-time.