Shellee Cruz

Rain, Rain, Go Away

Posted on February 1, 2010 by shellee cruz

Remember last October when I was fondly ruminating about how much as a writer I love the rain, and listening to it gently tap against the window evoked some writerly response in me?

Yeah, well, I’m over that now. I want this flippin’ rain to go the flip away. All this ballyhoo over how Austin has some 300+ days of sunshine a year?? Where? Where is it? Cause so far we’ve had about 3 days in a row with sunshine, and I have had it with cold, gray and overcast. And, I am in carb overload (friggin’ Girl Scout cookies!–I can’t escape them).

Anyway, while I battle S.A.D. with a full-spectrum lightbulb and surfing beach pictures at aruba.com, I’m still managing to make forward progress on my new WIP. My target is a first draft before Spring Break (remember, for whatever reason, I still plan my life around the academic calendar. Don’t know why, just do.) But, I’m going to need some sunshine to do it, or prozac…I’ll take either at this point.

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The Plot Thickens

Posted on January 15, 2010 by shellee cruz

So, amazingly, this plotting thing is not so bad. I’ve got two days to go on my self-imposed deadline for plotting my new WIP before I hit the ground writing on Monday.

I’ve accomplished charting actual real goals and motivations for my characters, and there is actual real conflict . Also, by pre-writing my synopsis before diving in head first without checking the pool for water, I’ve been able to see where my story is weak and been able to head that off before I’m in 65,000 words. I’m currently in the midst of creating a scene list and organizing it with my swanky new Scrivener software, which I LOVE (thank you, Julie K!) In fact, I’m totally optimistic that there’s a real story here, and not just a series of 100-odd scenes that I’ve cobbled together to force into a story.

I can’t believe I’m saying this, but I may actually be a plotter. Who’d have thunk it?

When next we meet I will have (better have) laid down some actually words on paper because I’ve set my next self-imposed (self-inflicted?) deadline for six weeks hence to have a first draft in the can. This will take willpower on my part the likes of which most have never imagined–for god’s sake, new episodes of White Collar, Burn Notice and Psych all start nest week, not to mention the final season of Lost in February and I have to, have to know what the hell is up with that island, not to mention whom Kate ends up with (better be Jack, just sayin’).

Wish me luck and may the force be with me.

P.S. I did not complete a character worksheet, not one.

Filed under: On Writing | 2 Comments »

To plot or not? That is my conundrum.

Posted on January 4, 2010 by shellee cruz

If I’m reading Debra Dixon’s treatise on Goal, Motivation & Conflict, then it must mean I’m starting a new manuscript.

Tis true, tis true.

I’m still (as always) revising the old one, but I yearn for new words, new characters, a new story. And this time, with this book, I’ve vowed to do something different, something wild and out-of-the-box: I am going to plot before I write.

Noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

Yes, while I have always avowed that I am a yellow dog fly-into-the-mist pantster, that I get hives just thinking about filling in character worksheets, scene lists and, dear God, no!, anything but a GMC chart, I am turning to the dark side. Actually, more like accepting my true nature: I am, afterall, Queen of the Lists, Master Organizer, and File Keeper Extraordinare. So, I can plot. Right?

I’ve been thinking how I’m going to do this and have come up with an amalgamation of techniques that I think will keep me on the right track without burning me out before I even lay pen to paper. These include a stripped down version of the Snowflake Method, a quick reread of GMC, and hammering out a scene list on my nifty new Scrivener software that I bought based on the fabulous multi-pubbed, multi-genred Julie Kenner’s suggestion.

Also, I’m giving myself two weeks max to get the plotting done before diving in. Any longer and I’m afraid I may plot myself and the story to death or worse, fall into the research black hole. (Yippee! New research: clothing, setting, transportation, mundane facts about the Yucatan rebellion of 1847, the cost of tea in China and…oh, wait. Sigh.).

But, I will not, will not, fill out a single character worksheet, I tell you. And no one can make me.

Any tips out there on a quick and dirty method for plotting? Much appreciated.

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Farewell the Aughts

Posted on December 31, 2009 by shellee cruz

I remember vividly the New Year’s eve we entered this decade, how could I not–we stayed home to celebrate just in case every thing did go kabluey! at the stroke of midnight on 1/1/2000. My then 26 year old hubby got smashing drunk on cosmos (yes, cosmos…I swear he’s a dude) and spent the entire next day with his head in the toilet. What a way to begin a new decade…

And already, we are saying goodbye to it. These 10 years have not flown by, they have vanished in an instant it seems. So much happened to me and mine, some wonderful and some not so much. But, I’m still here, still healthy (for the most part), not wealthy (yet), and wise(r) I hope.

Tomorrow I start a new manuscript. So, there’s goes my mental health at least.

For now, I’m off to drink champagne and have a kiss, and hopefully not have to hold my now 36 year old husband’s (who should know better by now) head out of the toilet to ring in this next decade.

Be always at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let each new year find you a better man. ~Benjamin Franklin

Filed under: General | Tagged: New Year's Eve | 1 Comment »

Here Comes the Rain Again

Posted on October 9, 2009 by shellee cruz

Aaaahhhhh…it’s raining. Finally.

After no precipitation since Before Christ, it’s been nice the past few weeks to actually see water fall from the sky. And with it, the temperature. It’s delightfully cozy.

We writers love the rain. My friends and I often daydream of long, dreary autumn days with nothing to do but write and write and write.The idyllic image of the solitary writer pecking away at her typewriter, a steaming beverage at the ready, soothing music to guide the Muse as the words come strong and steady. All the while rain pitter-patters at the window pane.

The reality: my desk is a cluttered mess of mail to be sorted and rickety stacks of papers to be filed; sticky notes of

half-baked dialogue and plot points litter the area like the detritus of a ticker-tape parade; I can’t hear the music over the jarring knocking of my unbalanced washing machine; I’m working on a laptop that is sitting atop another laptop that itself is sitting atop a box of mail ordered clothes that need to be returned; and, my tea is cold.

But, the words are coming. Maybe not strong and steady, more slow and sporadic, but it’s better than a blank page. And the rain is pitter-pattering at the window pane…

I sigh with contentment.

Filed under: On Writing | 1 Comment »

Back on the Chain Gang

Posted on September 4, 2009 by shellee cruz

It’s that time of year…pencils, books, teachers’ dirty looks (which I never got, by the by).

My sweet petite began kindergarten last week. So we’re back to schedules – she’s going to bed earlier, I’m getting up way earlier (who knew there was so much world going on at 6:30 AM?). All of this means, of course, that I have one less excuse in my procrastination arsenal. So, it’s down to the dirty business of deep revisions for me.

And speaking of business…

I was lucky enough to moderate a ginormously informative workshop at RWA Nationals on the business of being a writer from the prolific (and tiny –- she made me feel tall at 5′2″) Stephanie Bond. In the workshop entitled, “How to Make a Living Writing Romance Novels”, Ms. Bond broke down the nuts and bolts of the business side of doing this as a career. She talked money, contracts, print runs, payouts – everything you need to know to be your own small business owner, which is exactly what you are when you’re a published author.

The highlights:

1) Write category romance – Now this was not something I’d ever really considered, at least not before my historical manuscript was requested by a Mills & Boon editor. But, as Stephanie explained, one’s ability to make a living in this business depends on cash flow. And while you may make more money per book from writing single-title, writing category will provide you with cash flow. Category will also help keep your name in front of buyers between single-title releases. So, if you really want to write single-title, consider writing category as well.

2) Production –- One’s production is the only thing you can control in this whole publishing biz. So, the more pages you can produce on a daily basis, the more potential books you have to publish. Stephanie’s example is 5 pages per day for a total of 1,825 pages per annum. That’s over 450,000 words, even with a day off here and there. This is the equivalent of 2 single titles, 3 category and 2 novelas, which is about her production each year.

3) Incorporate – For tax purposes, a writer should incorporate as soon as s/he receives that first dollar, and copyright their work under the business name. I’m always amazed that most writers don’t do this, because it seems like a no brainer to me. This is a business, so run it like one – incorporate, get an accountant, an attorney and insurance

I really appreciated Stephanie’s open and detailed information. I don’t think writers ever get enough of this type of stuff – we’re too worried about craft, the agent chase, making the lists. Maybe it’s because this is all left-brain stuff and we prefer to live in the right-brain. I love it, though, because this begs of checklists, and goals, and other concrete and actionable stuff, rather than the subjective and squishy aspects of writing and getting published. It’s certainly easier than rewriting Chapter 4, Scene 1, for the jazillionth time.

Stephanie Bond’s How to Make a Living Writing Romance Novels will be available on the 2009 RWA Conference Recordings. She also has dozens of how-to writing and business articles available through Amazon Shorts.

Filed under: Uncategorized | Tagged: RWA National, Stephanie Bond | Leave a Comment »

Cruel Summer

Posted on August 9, 2009 by shellee cruz

101, 102, 104, 103, 102, 103, 95

Number of words I’ve written on each of the last seven days? Nope. Those are the actual high temperatures in my town last week. And let me tell you, 95 degrees felt like a friggin’ cold front. We are on, like, day 9,263 of triple digit temps for this year. I can barely function – it’s taking a concerted effort to lay on my sofa in a t-shirt and not sweat.

But, I have decided I must persevere, like my frontier ancestors before me, and forge ahead with my trusted non-fat chai latte (iced, of course) by my side.

Now, most adults I know schedule their lives on the annual calendar. For whatever reason my brain still plans via the academic calendar (it’s the thwarted professional student in me). So, my year is quickly drawing to a close and I feel I must regroup for the fall semester. This requires a quick review of my goals:

Finish Current WIP – in a manner of speaking it is, but recent revisions from an editor request require continued tweaking;
Plot 2 more stories: complete one and have first draft of other by year end – Okay, this is probably reaching for me, but in my defense, I did have to return to a full-time day job, so my time is not quite as dedicated to writing as I’d like. I still hope to complete one more manuscript before the end of the calendar year, however;
3 submissions out at all times – Check. This one I’m actually managing to follow through with;
Enter Golden Heart – I’m on target for this come November;
Get PRO designation – I’m working on it, Courtney.

So, full speed ahead between now and Decemeber. Or until my electric bill bankrupts me and I’m living on the street.

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Just What I Needed

Posted on June 19, 2009 by shellee cruz

I shall begin with my favorite three-letter acronym – WTF? Where has June gone? Here it is the 19th of the month already and I’m just now getting started on my June “To Do” list.

It started out well enough: the first weekend, a writing friend and I escaped to a resort on the lake for an overnight write-a-thon, at which we both aimed for 5,000 words in the one night (she, of course, made it; I got a little more than half-way – damn Beergarita!); the following Tuesday, the fabulous Tracy Wolff and I presented a TED-worthy talk on “Writing vs. Storytelling” to the Austin RWA chapter and we had a blast.

Then it devolved from there: my two co-workers each left for a two-week vacation on the same day, leaving me to toil alone on our project and fend off upper-management; my hubby left for a four day (4 day!) all-guy trip to the beach from which he has just now recovered (you’re not 22 anymore, baby); and then his grandfather passed away, so we had to made a quick flight to the funeral and back in less than 24 hours (in which, one of our planes had to taxi back to the gate because the right engine was smoking, causing me a panic attack).

Through all this activity, I was, of course, doggedly turning out pages each time I could steal away, taking every chance to “stay in my story”, pushing toward that final goal of “The End” with every word…NOT! I got in about 25 words during the last 18 days. Stress and writing are not boon companions in my world.

But then there was Tuesday.

On Tuesday afternoon, my hubby and I were leaving for the funeral. That morning, after I finished throwing my tons of toiletries into a bag (seriously, I have to bring the whole bathroom for one night??) I logged onto my email, deleted the various sales and penile enhancement ads, and almost missed the one that said “Congratulations!”.

I opened it up and this is what it said:

“Your manuscript, “Spanish Eyes” won First Place in our Spring into Romance Contest.

And there’s more.

The editor wants to see a full manuscript, with some revisions which she will work with you on doing. I have given her your email address so she can contact you directly.”

Now, to be honest, I had completely forgotten about this contest after my epic fail in the third contest I entered this spring, so this was huge! A real, live, breathing editor wanted to read my manuscript! To say I was excited would be like saying Ann Coulter dislikes liberals. I was stoked!!

Then yesterday I received a very lovely, enthusiastic email from said editor saying she loved my voice (Yay! I’ve got voice.), she thinks it’s a good fit for their line and she wrote several nifty paragraphs on ways I could strengthen the opening. Then she requested that I submit the story for consideration.

It. Was. Awesome.

I know this may not seem like much to some, but I think most unpublished writers are constantly seeking validation - for someone to read their writing and tell them they do not suck – or at least that they don’t suck as bad as others have sucked. And after this email, I really felt validated.

So, bite me, contest judge H09. I do not suck…at least as bad as others.

Filed under: General | Tagged: Austin RWA, Spring Into Romance Contest, Tracy Wolff | 1 Comment »

Confessions of a Contest Queen: An Interview with Jenna Stuart

Posted on May 27, 2009 by shellee cruz

After my recent ride on the contest feedback rollercoaster I decided to turn to a contest veteran for some guidance and a pep talk. Jenna Stuart writes ravishing Scottish Regencies and her manuscript, Highland Honor, is a 2009 Golden Heart Finalist.

Jenna, tell me about your writing.
I write historical romances–currently Scottish Regencies. I’ve been writing all my life,
but have actively pursued publication for the last 5 years.

Everytime I turn around one of your manuscripts has finaled in another contest! In how many contests have you finaled and were they all with the same manuscript?
I’ve finaled in 41 contests with three different manuscripts . . .or a dozen manuscripts, if you count rewrites, lol. I’ve had 14 wins; 8 with my current manuscript, which also landed me my agent. That same manuscript is a 2009 Golden Heart finalist.

What was your end goal for entering all these contests? Was it feedback or hoping to catch the eye of an agent or editor?
When I entered my first contest, I knew nothing about the industry. I guess I just wanted some all-knowing contest judge to tell me whether or not I was destined for a writing career. I lucked into the perfect judge, one who was helpful and motivating. . .and very, very patient with a newbie. She gave me the courage to enter contest number 2. From then on, I had a specific business goal in mind: to improve my craft and get in front of the right audience. In the beginning, I looked for final round judges from houses that seemed a match for my genre and voice. At some point I decided that targeting agents better fit my marketing plan.

Did you begin the query process before entering contests?
I entered contests for several years before I worked up the courage to query, and in the beginning I received several requests for work that really wasn’t ready. That was a tough but valuable lesson. Since then, I’ve used both contests and direct querying to market my work. And along the way I’ve met wonderful published authors who have become mentors and fellow contest competitors who have become friends.

So you’ve used contests as a networking tool as well. Absolutely. Romance writers are an amazingly supportive community of people.

As I’ve learned firsthand in recent weeks, feedback from contests is a crapshoot – what is your best advice for taking the comments you receive from a contest entry and discerning what to use and what to disregard?
I joke that I have a Jekyll and Hyde pattern with contest feedback – judges either love my work or they can’t stand it. But the feedback made me thick-skinned and that’s a good survival skill in this business. My advice with comments: read them and then step away. Comments can help hone your writing, but it’s easy to get caught up in revisions. And I’m on the 1000th version of my manuscript, so I know what I’m talking about on this one.

You make a great point—it is easy to get caught up in revising that 1st chapter over and over and not getting to the rest of the book. Should you enter contests before you have a complete manuscript?
Laughs. The correct answer is no, but I didn’t take my own advice. None of my manuscripts were complete when I first entered them in contests. I used the feedback I got from those contests to help guide me. Consider the advice you receive, but don’t get caught up in the first chapter, because it’s just one chapter. It’s a shame to write a wonderful first chapter and then lose the rest of the book.

Contests can get expensive! What’s your advice for maximizing your contest dollar and which contests did you feel gave you best return for your money?
I could probably buy my weight in Godiva Chocolate with what I’ve spent on contests. I entered different contests based on where I was in my writing career. My goal was to reach specific editors or agents. You also want to think about the feedback you are seeking. For example, contests like the Maggie, the Emily and the Heart of the Rockies give you one or more published author judges, so you know the experience level behind the critiques. Great Expectations reviews your query. Happily Ever After judges your last chapter. And if you feel daring and want to test out your opening hook, you can enter short entry contests like the 10 page Fabulous 5.

How many requests have you received from agents or editors from a contest entry?
I’ve had 6 requests from agents or editors who judged my manuscript in a contest.

You signed with an agent in January, did that happen through a request from a contest?
I did not get my agent through the contest route, but I do believe that if weren’t for the feedback and experience I got through contests, I would not have an agent today.

Lots of writers final in contests with manuscripts that never sell. In your opinion, what’s the difference between a manuscript that finals in contests and one that sells to an editor?
Want to ask me that when I sell? LOL. You know I’ve been doing this for awhile now, through many revisions of my story, and I thought about giving up several times. But I persevered and now I’m working with my dream agent. I believe you have to work on your craft and have some talent, but from there, perseverance is key.

Is there anything else you would like to say about contests or writing, in general?
One of my favorite contest stories is from a friend who said that her contest judge wrote, “You kept me reading and dinner was late” [Squee!! That’s my story --Shellee.] I thought that was really great! Every writer wants to hear that. It’s why we enter contests, revise, submit and keep going – we’re looking for those days when someone really connects with our work.

Filed under: General | Tagged: Golden Heart, Jenna Stuart | 6 Comments »

Synchronicity

Posted on May 22, 2009 by shellee cruz

I came across this terrific blogpost today about another writer’s decision to write romance that so closely mirrors my own it’s like she’s my doppelganger. I, too, considered myself a literary snob, my favorite book of all time (and remains so to this day) is Garcia Marquez’s classic Love In The Time of Cholera, and I deigned to read “romance” – until I realized that I really only enjoyed books that included a strong element of romance. And after surreptitiously purchasing my first romance novel my sophomore year in college and reading it under the covers, lest my roommate discover I was “slumming”, I have never looked back.

Anyway, enjoy the long weekend!

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