What the Writers in Residence are Grateful for this Thanksgiving

Yes, yes, I am grateful for all the usual stuff - all the stuff we should be grateful for. But I am grateful for Pain and Loss, too. When the Bad Stuff is there, the balance is there, and the balance is what keeps us on an even keel in a world that doesn't always make sense. 

I am grateful for Pain.

When I was in the Army, the Marines used to tell us that pain was weakness leaving the body. Nice idea, but that only applied to exercise and physical endurance. Real pain, the kind you feel in your body when there is something terribly wrong, is a constant reminder that you are alive and need to do something to alleviate that pain. See a doctor, take your medication, do all you can to feel better so you can really live. Do distracting things, like helping others, to get your mind off any pain that your doctor cannot fix.

Real pain of the other kind, the broken-heart kind, also reminds you that you are alive and human. You only feel that kind of pain when you have a depth of feeling which is in itself a gift. Tears can help you through it, but recognize it for what it is: a common experience which binds us together and reinforces our humanity. Pain shared is pain lessened.

I am also grateful for Loss.

Loss teaches us the value of - and fleeting nature of - all things. All things. Our loved ones, ourselves, our world, everything. How many times must loss teach us the same lesson? Every day we learn it over again. Live each day fully, appreciate each moment, live without regret. Know that Loss will touch you as it touches everyone, so be ready. Live with sincere love and caring every day, and don't be afraid to show it.

I am grateful for Inconvenience.

Inconvenience is the niggling teacher of patience. A little patience can go a long way in overcoming Pain and Loss, so embrace it as a way to slow down and see the very real wonder of this world.

Moderation is key to appreciating Pain, Loss and Inconvenience. There is nothing at all to be gained from wallowing in them. But remember their useful qualities the next time you must experience them. And be grateful you are able to feel. It means you are alive and human, which is a very good thing.

                                                          Kate Thornton

I'm grateful for so many things, but to me, the "basics" are very important, and are the foundation that enables me to write. Very thankful I was born in The United States of American during this era, with all it offers on every level, have decent health, and people and animals with whom to share love and experiences. It is with that support I am able to write.        

                             Madeline (M.M.) Gornell

I am grateful that I was taught how to read; reading sparked my interest in writing. I often take it for granted, but there are many places in the world where people don’t have this skill. The work of other writers, in all its variety, is one of the best writing teachers in the world.

Bonnie Schroeder

For me, I truly believe that any talent I have to write, whether seriously or tongue-in-cheek is God-given. I'm also thankful for curiosity and nosiness, which helped me as a newspaper writer, and the love of reading which helped me build a good vocabulary.

Jackie Houchin

I am thankful for the rich inheritance I received from my family which includes: a smattering of my father's witty sarcasm, some of my mother's artistic talent, my grandfather's love of history, my grandmother's stubbornness (when it counts), my Aunt Mollie's love of writing, and a pinch of sewing prowess from Aunt Dottie. I hope everyone has a few people from whom they learned wonderful things.

Gayle Bartos-Pool

I'm grateful for my husband

                       and family,

                                my friends

                                             and good neighbors.

                                                             Miko Johnston

I am grateful for the ability to be grateful. Many people have gifts and blessings, but they are unable to recognize them. That is what makes Kate Thornton's post above so beautiful. It's easy to be grateful for the good stuff, but it takes an open heart to find the redeemable qualities in the poop. Gratitude means getting out from under the weight of entitlement and embracing the fact that I don't deserve anything, but that the Bon Dieu (as Hercule Poirot would say it) has seen fit to grace me. And then saying Thank You. 

                                      Jacqueline Vick


Goodness, I have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. Where do I start?

Without the friendship and encouragement of my fellow Bloggists (is that a word?) my world would be bleak. We really do laugh together and cry together. They inspire me. Our monthly luncheons are a treasured time to talk of writing, of our home-lives, of cabbages and kings. The time goes by far too fast before we scurry off in our different directions.
I am thankful for the fascinating people and wonderful friends I have made since I found my new life in this 'land of the free and the home of the brave.'

For the amazing adventures life has thrown at me. For the strength and ability to survive.

I am also truly thankful to have my loving family in England. My big sister Annie, my brothers Ted, Phil and Peter, my cousins, nieces and nephews. Although we may be thousands of miles apart, we are very close, speak often and meet up whenever we can - and still giggle together like a bunch of five-year-olds.

I am eternally thankful for the many years I had with my darling Rick, my late husband, who I feel watches over me still. He taught me so much and always helped me to laugh at life's adversities. I think I am most grateful for the gift of laughter: the ability to laugh with others, to laugh at myself and at life's absurdities.

And I am most grateful to have this Blog, that gives me the opportunity to formulate and share my thoughts...

                                                           Rosemary Lord

Interview with WinR Jackie Houchin

Most people know Jackie Houchin as that lady who shows up with pen, paper and camera and churns out articles that make the rest of us look good, whether she's covering an author event or a play. She has her own blog at Jackie Houchin's News & Reviews and writes regularly for Sisters in Crime and local newspapers. Her book reviews can be see in magazines such as CrimeSpree and Mystery Scene.

Welcome, Jackie!


You’re a photojournalist, a children’s book writer, a book reviewer and a theater critic. What’s your favorite type of writing and why?

I really, really enjoyed writing the serialized stories for my three granddaughters (a different one for each of them). It was fun making up the characters, plotting the story lines, and seeing the girls eagerly awaiting the next installments. Sometimes I drew simple illustrations to make them more fun. When I wrote the two "Kinko-published" children's books for them, I also included simple line drawings in each chapter. However, my "Drawing Muse" isn't always so cooperative!

The reviews and articles I write for my "News & Reviews" website and the various local newspapers and newsletters are ways to use my "teaching gift" if you want to call it that. (Yes, I've always been sort of bossy and "know it all." Ha-ha) I enjoy meeting all the interesting people I interview. I use photography instead of drawing in this genre.

I also love seeing theatre plays (for free!) and reading books before they're published. But lately this writing angle is becoming stressful for me. Call it writer's block, but I seem to approach each new review with trepidation, even dread! Help!

How does someone with so much to do plan her writing time?

Funny you should ask! For one who enjoys everything organized and in order (some would call me OCD – ha-ha!), I don't plan my writing time well. Usually it's a looming deadline that gets me in the chair in front of the computer, frantically pounding the keys, while guzzling an entire pot of coffee.

Of course I have to be responsible about dates & times for the events I cover and the people I interview (these are faithfully marked on my calendar), but the actual writing is usually a last minute scramble. (Does it show?)

As a book reviewer, what mistakes do you find repeated, and what brings joy to your work?

Mistakes in the BOOKS, or MY mistakes? In books, I often see typos, of course. They are less evident with big-name authors and publishers. Occasionally I've seen name changes mid book, and even sex changes. (Yikes, I didn't mean it THAT way!)

As for MY reviews, sometimes when they are printed - and I cringe here - I see a typo I've forgotten to correct, or two words remaining where I changed one and forgot to take out the other. Gulp!

The joy comes from seeing my work in print, and in the feedback I sometimes get from authors (or actors in the case of theatre reviews).

What’s your favorite type of book to read?

Absolutely my favorite reads are mysteries – strongly plotted ones without too much grit, grizzle or gore. I also enjoy "adult" women's fiction (not chick lit) and historic novels. I will listen to audio books on history and biography, IF the author gives his information in "story" form. And, surprisingly, lately I've enjoyed a few Westerns. Go figure!

Christian fiction is a huge and growing market. Have you thought about writing either fiction or non-fiction for that market?

I'm a Christian, and ALL my writing is influence by that. My children's stories always have a moral to them (be it vague or bold), and often use Bible passages, proverbs, or parables as a foundation. (Don't worry! They aren't "preachy.")

I try to keep all my writing clean, and as positive as possible. (Even the newspaper events I cover.) I also won't review books or plays that are offensive to me (sacrilegious, sexually explicit, or with overt violence or language). And, while I'm no academic, I did write curriculum for a 10-year Bible study I taught.

Are there any fiction projects in the works for you?

Fiction.... hmm. Do I dare share my secret?

I have a women's fiction novel started and languishing in my files. It's an ambitious work (or so I've been told) and tracks the stories of three sisters, each in a potentially life or lifestyle-threatening dilemma. I've been told I should tell each story separately, like Nora Lofts does in her trilogy books. But these women's lives and problems are inexorably entwined, as are the eventual solutions, each dependent on what the other does.

So will "Sister Secrets" ever see the light of day and be at least "e" or self-published?

Your guess is as good as mine!

Thank you, Jackie.

Just a note: I've read Jackie's books and they are some of the most entertaining, well-written children's fiction I've ever read. Please get them published!!!

My Tried (and sometimes True) Interview Techniques

Last time, I wrote about where I got my ideas for the articles and profiles I write. I started out by getting the assignments from my editor.

Then I began seeing possibilities for my own stories everywhere i.e. in Starbucks, at bookstores, or on the street. I followed up on referrals from friends and information I found in newspapers, newsletters, or around my neighborhood. I let my curiosity lead me to hobbyists, collectors, and folks with unusual occupations.

So many people: so many interesting stories! Next I needed to to pick their brains, pry out their deepest secrets, find out how and why they do what they do! I had to interview them.

There are three main steps (or methods to my madness) in how I interview folks.

Before the interview

I first decide why I want to interview the person, what I hope to learn, what kind of story I want to write. (A lot of this will depend on where I hope to place or sell the story.) Will it be informative, inspiring, promotional, or...simply someone I personally want to know more about. (Having my own News & Reviews website, helps with that last one.)

I contact the person (on the spot or by phone) and set up a time and date. I let them know who I am, who I write for, and the general topic I want to cover.

Then I do a little research on the person or their specialty, occupation or craft. From my "research" I make a list of questions I want to ask.

I make sure I have a notebook, pens, MY CAMERA, and a tape recorder if it's going to be a fact-heavy interview. (Fresh or recharged batteries are a given, of course)

During the Interview

I try to establish a conversational mood by commenting or complimenting (depending on where we meet) on our surroundings. I thank them for letting me interview them, tell them what I hope to write about, and get a bit of basic info from them (correct spelling of name, title if any, etc.)

Then I pick up my notebook and pen, turn on the recorder if using it, and dig right in with the first (and easiest) questions. I never stick strictly to my written questions. If something more interesting (or tantalizing) comes up in their answers, I will follow it like a vein of silver in a Colorado mine. And – confession-time here – sometimes I will ask a question I have no intention of using in my story, just because I want to know.

I mostly listen and add questions as promptings to keep them talking. I smile and encourage them with nods or soft, sympathetic sounds. I haven't mastered the "silence strategy" yet, but I'm told that if you can simply remain silent, your subject will begin to fill it with more info. It's usually too uncomfortable for me to do that.

I take "off the record" seriously and will never write something I'm asked not to. That doesn't mean I don't want to hear it, however. Secret confessions sometimes help me to understand where the person is coming from. I'll take notes, and I might use the revelation to shade or slant the story, but not even that, if it is too sensitive.

If I get behind on my note taking, I ask them to repeat, slow down, or clarify what they said, especially if I plan to quote it in the story. (Quotes must be 100% accurate!) If they are showing me objects they've collected or made, I will ask if I can photograph them. Always at the end of the interview I will get several shots of them with something meaningful to the story. (Projects, pets, creations, gardens, workplace, etc.)

When the interview is winding down, I quickly look over my questions to see if I got everything I need, then I'll ask if they want to tell me anything I didn't ask about. (Great stuff sometimes comes out this way.)

I thank them, give them my card with contact info, and offer to send them a hard copy of the finished story (or the link, if it appears in an online magazine).

After the Interview

I review my notes (it's easier to decipher my scribbling if I do this right away), underlining key words and looking for a really cool approach to the story. I also try to come up with a good strong opening statement – whether it's dramatic, provocative, humorous, or teasing. What I want is something that will suck in the reader. Wait, that's called a "hook" right?

I also look for facts that I might need clarified or explained. If I find any, I'll do a brief call-back by phone.

And, the rule is to never show the interviewee the piece before it is published. But on occasion, under special circumstances, I have been known to do that.

(I'm such a softie!)

Next time: How I Edit or "Weight-watching for Writers"

Where to get Article Ideas?

Ideas for Articles and Profiles by Jackie Houchin


I'm not a fiction writer, but I still get asked the question, "Where do you get your ideas?" Of course they mean, where do I find interesting people and events to write about, but that's okay, I know what they mean.

Editor Assignments

When I first started writing for a local newspaper, the editor sent me out on specific story assignments – a quadriplegic who'd lived 20 years on life support (that actually turned out to be his mom's story), a man who built model airplanes, a woman injured at a car repair shop, a sculptress who made marble look sensual, a market-window muralist, an orchestra conductor, a trailer park scandal, a middle school with security issues, burglaries at a church and a neighborhood market, and my recent 3-part story on Women in the LAPD.

He also assigned profiles on local businesses, including several restaurant reviews (yum and yech!), and a calendar of community events. Easy, right? Just go where I'm told. Yes, that's true, and I did get some "spin-off" stories from those assignments.

Observation

But what is interesting is that I began to "see" my own stories everywhere. A man in the Starbucks line in front of me had a crossword puzzle on his T-shirt. I commented on it and we started talking. I learned that he created personalized puzzles for businesses, individuals and magazines. (One job was for a young man who used the puzzle to propose to his girlfriend.) He and his business made a great story!

Driving from Costco one day I saw a man walking a giant Tortoise. A slammed on the brakes and pulled to the curb, utterly fascinated. I set up an interview and photo shoot and after spending a delightful morning with the two friends, wrote, "Walking Newman." It made it into the Los Angeles Daily News – front page!

Browsing in the Flintridge Bookstore one morning, I noticed their barista making a latte for a customer. He showed an unusual amount of pride as he handed over the cup. Turns out, he was a "latte artist." He (and the bookstore) allowed me to take notes (and photos) on each step of his creative process, including the foam artwork atop the brew. They still have a faded copy of the newspaper story in a frame on their counter.

While pumping gas one afternoon, I noticed a small faded sign across the boulevard that read "Adventure in Postcards". When I finished, I investigated, and found a little shop crammed full of antique and collectible postcards. Thousands of them all categorized and labeled in shoeboxes and shelves. The reclusive (for health reasons) woman gave me a fascinating interview, photo and resulting story.

Friends & Family Referrals

Friends are also great sources for story ideas. I wrote a series on a local Toastmasters chapter at one friend's suggestion; two stories on a Pet Detective who, with her bloodhounds, finds lost pets (another friend's idea), and the exciting experience of a young swimmer in the "Escape from Alcatraz" competition (my granddaughter's friend). And from the elderly neighbors of another friend, I got a tender story and some wise observations on life.

Collectors & Hobbyists

"Crafty" people always make good subjects. I discovered a woman who sews winter blanket-coats for dogs, and vintage (1920's) dresses for women. Another woman has a vast collection of Santa Claus figures.

My hubby is a hot-rod enthusiast. His contacts netted me stories about car owners and clubs (one donates to the City of Hope, another collects toys for needy kids at Christmas). A man stopped by to admire our flashy-red Roadster in the driveway and began talking about the vintage airplanes he restores. I got some terrific photos and a story about his current plane (and the ones he's crashed).

Unusual Occupations

I've written several stories on a local Alpaca rancher, one on a magician who teaches kids about books, another on a man who drives a cesspool pumper truck (oh the things they find in those portable potties!). A tour of a beachside lifeguard station - with a few true life rescue-stories - made another fine story.

A family-owned Art Glass company promised to be an interesting profile in itself, and then I heard the grandfather tell how he earned his apprenticeship restoring the ancient glass in England’s Canterbury Cathedral after WW II. (It still gives me shivers.)

My farrier (horseshoer) and my large animal vet were fodder for interesting equine stories. The artsy photo I took of the farrier ended up in Country Magazine, the equine dentistry shots on the Vet's website. Note: it helps to be able to "shoot" your subjects.)

Event Notices

Pay attention to those banners in your neighborhood announcing upcoming events or shows. I've written several stories about festivals, breakfasts, and shows at a local institution for the developmentally handicapped. The American Legion once hosted an official "flag-burning" ceremony I wrote about. An elementary school drama club and a new horse trail dedication got ink too.

I also scope the morning newspapers and group newsletters for upcoming events that sound fun or informative. (Art exhibits, author signings, workshops, expos.) From local pet announcements, I wrote stories on Pet Scanners and Protecting Pets in Hot Weather. An announcement about an FBI Agent speaking Identity Theft made another story.

Organizations

There are always things to write about the organizations you belong to. The speaker's bureau of our local Sisters in Crime has set up many author panels and workshops that I've written about (or at least blurbed). THIS Writers In Residence group has gone on "outings" that were fun to write about (A class on hand-gun safety at a local firing range, and a trip to the famous Greystone Manor for a reenactment of a murder - see them archived in this blog).

These are only some of the places you can find story ideas. Use you natural curiosity, your observation skills, your contacts, and various announcements/notices. Soon you will have more stories than you have time to write.

Next Time: My tried and (sometimes) true interview techniques.

Publicity Responsibilities versus Author Payment

An interesting article appeared in the January 2010 issue of The Writer. Author M.J. Rose suggested that book authors should be compensated for publicity duties. Since the marketing effort is no longer born by the publisher, revenues should be more equitably split.

Read what the WinRs have to say and then let us know what you think!

****

Jacqueline Vick self-published her children's book, Logical Larry. She has several mystery manuscripts making the rounds.

I hadn't really considered this issue before, assuming that advances were destined to be spent on marketing, but Ms. Rose's comments made me wonder if I'd been going with an outdated assumption.

Her two suggestions in the article were to allow authors to subtract marketing expenses from their book advance so they could collect royalties sooner and to give athors a highter royalty rate.

I'm a big fan of "buy in", and if authors saw a benefit to spending those hard earned dollars on marketing (other than possible increased sales) then more authors might be effective at selling more books--a benefit to publishers.

Why not a tiered royalty system to give writers something to work for? This system has been used to incentify sales people for decades.

Would this system keep publishers from purchasing as many manuscripts? I don't see why. There would be more opportunities to earn revenue.

That being said, publishers are in control unless an author self-publishes. If the current business plan says that authors have to cover publicity costs out of their own pocket, then those serious about a writing career will do it.  I think that's what defines a successful person--she jumps in and does the stuff that most people complain about and avoid.

Another interesting note from the WD article (paraphrased): If you run into a musician and they've hired a studio and musicians and put together their own CD, you don't automatically thinks it's sub-par, that if it was good, he'd have signed with a label. Why is it that we assume self-published books are "unworthy?

Some of my favorite books and CD's have been put together by the artist. I'm smart enough to flip through a book to see if I like the writing style before I buy it, and I've bought plenty of traditionally published books that I've hated. I'd rather run into a grammar error in a fabulous story than have a perfectly edited book that's a stinker. I also don't sneer at hand-crafted goods that aren't mass produced and sold at department stores. I actually hold them in higher esteem.

***

Jackie Houchin is a photojournalist and a book and theater critic. She has written several manuscripts, so she can give us the perspective of one who isn't actively seeking publication but may do it in the future.

If I ever did anything with the kids' stories (or the women's novel) I wrote, I would DEFINITELY self publish, no if's, and's, or but's, about it. That way, I would not have to deal with sharing any of my advance with the publisher over marketing strategies and profits. (Of course, I wouldn't be getting any advance - ha-ha). Instead, I'd be able to decide just how much effort I wanted to put into the project. I definitely wouldn't be doing it "for the money".

Since being in the SinC and MWA organizations, I've heard countless authors bemoan the facts of publication:

---that it is very hard to get an agent or publisher even interested in your work...

---that it takes years to publication even after one agrees to look at your work...

---that you don't get any money to speak of...

---that you are supposed to market yourself or at least come to them with a huge "platform" so they don't have to do much but reap the benefits...

---that you may not get a contract for another book...

---that you may be dropped if you don't sell as much as they like...

---that your publisher may go out of business.

It makes me wonder why anyone would want try to break into the fiction industry right now.

All this sounds depressing, I know, but that's the reason I would go FIRST to a self publishing and/or POD method.

Of course another factor for me might also be that I've always worked for myself (in photography and reviewing) and could pretty well set my own parameters. 
As for your original questions, I don't think authors have much say in what publishers do at this point. They may feel a larger advance is warranted or that they should be able to deduct marketing expenses from their advances - but that is really up to the publishers. I do feel that marketing should be a tax-deductible item...but, isn't it already for the serious writer?

***
Bonnie Schroeder has finished her first novel manuscript and is shopping it to agents.

First off, from everything I’ve read and heard, nobody earns a living off their books – except for a lucky handful of writers. My biggest gripe is the lack of attention given to new authors, but the reading public has to share the blame. Few people seem willing to invest their time and money in an unknown author not sanctioned by Oprah. Publishers make their money off superstars like King and Evanovich, and it appears from the sidelines like these writers don’t even need much marketing beyond an announcement of their next new blockbuster. It doesn’t seem fair (the “F word” in business) that these writers get free publicity that they don’t even need.

So, if I did get past all the gatekeepers and obstacles and finally sold a book and then if had to pay for my own marketing and publicity, my first question would be, what the heck is the publisher even doing for me besides (maybe) strong-arming the local Barnes & Noble into stocking a few copies of my book? I’m still looking for an answer.

However, since I guess I understand the realities of the marketplace, and since I’ve chosen to play this little game, I’d swallow my resentment and do whatever I could afford to do, to show the world what a great book I’ve written. It would then make sense that if I do a good job and work up enough interest to generate sales, that after a certain threshold (and I have NO IDEA what that would be), I’d get reimbursed for my expenses and that the publicity for the second/ third, etc. book would be covered by the publisher.

***

GB Pool is the author of several short stories which have appeared in Anthologies and penned the novel Media Justice.

The End of the Buggy Whip

Fair? Who said life was fair? Or for that matter, the publishing business.

Publishing came to America around 1800. Many famous publishing houses started back then. By the end of the 19th Century there were hundreds of publishers and a smattering of writers. The vast majority of Americans worked on farms or in factories with no time to write. Today there are five major publishers still in existence, most owned by foreign enterprises, with a smattering of small publishers picking up the slack. Farms have mechanized, factories have moved to China, but now there are thousands and thousands of writers.

What used to be a hard back book business changed into a paperback and trade paperback enterprise. It’s cheaper to make those paperbacks. Then came discount stores and Amazon. Now there is Kindle and the other downloadable reading devices that don’t require paper at all. And don’t forget the self-published author. Even the few name publishing companies provide POD (print-on-demand) books.

As the changes in the publishing business hit, the revenues shifted. No longer are people buying those expensive hard cover books. The trade paperback sometimes comes out six months after the hard cover version. And the downloadable book will soon follow.

As the revenue shifted, so did the perks. Editors disappeared. Book tours and publishing house publicity vanished. (They got rid of the buggy whip, too. Want to go back to the horse and buggy?)

Publishers aren’t making the money they used to, even with the outrageous cost of those hard cover books. Most of the old publishing companies don’t exist. If you are lucky enough to get one to publish your book, show them you will go all out to help sell that book of yours. Your effort will not only help to sell more books, but your publisher will see you as a go-getter and they might be more eager to take on your second book.

With the tremendous number of would-be writers clamoring for their books to get noticed and eventually be published, it will be the writer with the skill and nerve to face those audiences and sell their book themselves who will succeed.

Welcome to the new normal.