![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
jasonandrewThe Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award finalists were posted this morning. You can check it out here: http://www.amazon.com/gp/feature.html/ref=amb_link_363151022_1?ie=UTF8&docId=1000803041&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=left-1&pf_rd_r=13BXGR27J9C8RNJ78209&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=1369538842&pf_rd_i=332264011
Congratulations to all of the authors that progressed to the final round! All of the entries that I’ve read thus far have been well deserving of moving to the next round. It is interesting to see how the different judges commented on the various entries. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about how the gate keepers will review a submission. Skill and preparation can take you to the door, but you won’t be invited in unless the story strikes the right emotional response in the reader.
After five weeks of heavy, heavy freelance work, I’ve decided to take this week off from the grind in order to rest. (My vacation might get shortened if I get more work or edits back before the weekend is over.) I have a lovely road trip to Portland planned for this weekend. This means I shall get to go to my favorite bookstore in the world. Yes, I love Powells.
I’ve been reading a book about creativity and success. Successful artists tend to have two common characteristics; versatility and raw determination. An artist might not be able to do his dream job right away. The trick is to put his dreams into every job. Raw determination is almost as important as talent. I’ve seen really talented writers, singers, and painters simply surrender their dream.
This morning I pulled out my notebook to plan the next writing cycle to maximize my time and help focus. I should have several weeks between technical writing contracts in the near future and I want to make sure I have a good focus during that time least I spend all of my time in my polar bear PJs watching old episodes of the Misfits of Science.
Here is my to do list:
• Revise synopsis down to one page, submit to a new publisher.
• Submit The Highway West to a new agent.
• Finish writing the first draft of A Wicked Messenger (20,000 words left)
• Write a story about Papo in the afterlife for an upcoming anthology
• Write a story about a unicorn named Sky for an upcoming anthology
• Look at list of awesome anthologies and try to squeeze in stories
• Edit The Maelstrom of Forever
• Write novella Salvation Heights
• Write Parliament of Stars
Congratulations to all of the authors that progressed to the final round! All of the entries that I’ve read thus far have been well deserving of moving to the next round. It is interesting to see how the different judges commented on the various entries. I feel like I’ve learned a lot about how the gate keepers will review a submission. Skill and preparation can take you to the door, but you won’t be invited in unless the story strikes the right emotional response in the reader.
After five weeks of heavy, heavy freelance work, I’ve decided to take this week off from the grind in order to rest. (My vacation might get shortened if I get more work or edits back before the weekend is over.) I have a lovely road trip to Portland planned for this weekend. This means I shall get to go to my favorite bookstore in the world. Yes, I love Powells.
I’ve been reading a book about creativity and success. Successful artists tend to have two common characteristics; versatility and raw determination. An artist might not be able to do his dream job right away. The trick is to put his dreams into every job. Raw determination is almost as important as talent. I’ve seen really talented writers, singers, and painters simply surrender their dream.
This morning I pulled out my notebook to plan the next writing cycle to maximize my time and help focus. I should have several weeks between technical writing contracts in the near future and I want to make sure I have a good focus during that time least I spend all of my time in my polar bear PJs watching old episodes of the Misfits of Science.
Here is my to do list:
• Revise synopsis down to one page, submit to a new publisher.
• Submit The Highway West to a new agent.
• Finish writing the first draft of A Wicked Messenger (20,000 words left)
• Write a story about Papo in the afterlife for an upcoming anthology
• Write a story about a unicorn named Sky for an upcoming anthology
• Look at list of awesome anthologies and try to squeeze in stories
• Edit The Maelstrom of Forever
• Write novella Salvation Heights
• Write Parliament of Stars