Thursday, November 4, 2010
Google/Blogger Statistics and Analytics
The analytics that Google provides are great. They are also addictive, as much as they are interesting.
"I just got Romania! Now, how to get a Bulgarian... It's the blogger version of the game "Risk", without the dice. Now if Google would just let me buy countries.... Ba ha ha! I must fill the map of the world with lime green shadows... Lime green? Genghis Khan wouldn't do LIME GREEN! There is Dark Green for most hits countries, I think. The list of countries is limited by how many hits, so ones and twos don't stay on the list for long... But I know they are there, and they're mine dammit! They can hide, in the back list of my conquests, but as long as they return for a visit, they will not incur my wrath... Once I figure out what kind of wrath is even possible. Maybe I'll book all the hotel rooms and not show up? Reserve all the window seats on Macedonia Airways and Crop Dusting...
These statistics are, in a word, COOL. I take my hat off to Google for creating them. They show traffic sources, audience, timelines (ranging from Now, Day, Week, Month and Alltime) and post hits. The post hits is really the one that I watch and I'm proud to say my posts out-do the links.
I know I put my ego at risk when I post a link to Janet Reid or Nathan Bransford . These two are more popular in the literary "blog-o-sphere" world than Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber (Nathan does have a bit of Bieber hair). Not that Gaga has anything to do with Janet "the Shark" Reid, far from it. Janet has a Rental Cat and Gaga has Rental People...
These stats also give me a clue on how much traffic I send to others. The nice people at Google said they will all send me money or gifts at Christmas (Then they told me to never call them again, saying they would penalize me by taking my countries one by one... Gulp! The whole "Absolute Power" thing comes to mind...)
All and all, these statistics are more instant gratification than usable for now. They do help me know that my efforts to expand my social network aren't in vain. Blogger does have its quirks and hitches. As you can see, their spell check lacks, which reflects badly on my, er, ah, ability to spell. (note to self: re-read my post on EDITING) Whatever can be said, saying that Blogger isn't doing a GREAT job isn't one of them.
Now... Can I please have Togo?
** Update- The link that has gotten the most hits? Natalie Wipple's post on Strong Female Characters beat them all.
"I just got Romania! Now, how to get a Bulgarian... It's the blogger version of the game "Risk", without the dice. Now if Google would just let me buy countries.... Ba ha ha! I must fill the map of the world with lime green shadows... Lime green? Genghis Khan wouldn't do LIME GREEN! There is Dark Green for most hits countries, I think. The list of countries is limited by how many hits, so ones and twos don't stay on the list for long... But I know they are there, and they're mine dammit! They can hide, in the back list of my conquests, but as long as they return for a visit, they will not incur my wrath... Once I figure out what kind of wrath is even possible. Maybe I'll book all the hotel rooms and not show up? Reserve all the window seats on Macedonia Airways and Crop Dusting...
These statistics are, in a word, COOL. I take my hat off to Google for creating them. They show traffic sources, audience, timelines (ranging from Now, Day, Week, Month and Alltime) and post hits. The post hits is really the one that I watch and I'm proud to say my posts out-do the links.
I know I put my ego at risk when I post a link to Janet Reid or Nathan Bransford . These two are more popular in the literary "blog-o-sphere" world than Lady Gaga or Justin Bieber (Nathan does have a bit of Bieber hair). Not that Gaga has anything to do with Janet "the Shark" Reid, far from it. Janet has a Rental Cat and Gaga has Rental People...
These stats also give me a clue on how much traffic I send to others. The nice people at Google said they will all send me money or gifts at Christmas (Then they told me to never call them again, saying they would penalize me by taking my countries one by one... Gulp! The whole "Absolute Power" thing comes to mind...)
All and all, these statistics are more instant gratification than usable for now. They do help me know that my efforts to expand my social network aren't in vain. Blogger does have its quirks and hitches. As you can see, their spell check lacks, which reflects badly on my, er, ah, ability to spell. (note to self: re-read my post on EDITING) Whatever can be said, saying that Blogger isn't doing a GREAT job isn't one of them.
Now... Can I please have Togo?
** Update- The link that has gotten the most hits? Natalie Wipple's post on Strong Female Characters beat them all.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
This lady knows humor... and lives it
I'm a fan of Tawna Fenske's blog, "Don't pet me, I'm writing". Have a look at an older post about Matt the Cat.
Tuesday, November 2, 2010
Writer Angst Part 2 + Literary Agents +
What do you think of bridges? Think about what they do, whether it's spanning the impassable or shortening a trip, they are great, right?
Agents are bridges. Oh, they are much more, but the first purpose is to provide a professional avenue to publication. Without an agent, you are left to your own devices. This is where you all-knowing types insert your ego: "I know as much as an agent", "They are just middle men", "I'm an attorney, so any contract they can do..." or worse still, "They are a cult, bent on keeping my work from a soon-to-be adoring public." Actually they are witches... Just kidding, though I know of one that thinks she is... Ok, knows she is, A SHARK (Though she suffers from ailurophobia).
An agent offers industry and market knowledge they are intimately associated with on a daily basis. They have expertise, gained by exhaustive reading in every genre. They do interject personal opinion, which is only natural, and something every author should be glad that they do. I, for one, would rather have an agent that liked or loved my work, rather than puts up with it. Agents are an extension of your passion into the marketplace. They get paid if they sell, so they are inspired like few others to make you a success. The whole, "like to have groceries and a place to live" thing works FOR you.
If you read Part 1, you'll know that you have a wimpy side... Admit It! Doubt, fears, nerves... ANGST of an author can be handled and, in most cases, shared with an agent as you travel the publication road. In fact, call them at home, late, late at night and they will send you gifts... (things to do: delete my e-mail address before I post this)
I am not an agent, but I know that to be an agent, they have to have the patience of a pre-school teacher, especially with debut authors. "Hand holding" is probably ranked as one of the worst things about their jobs. They buoy egos, talk away tears, and shake you by the shoulders to snap you out of a funk when you need it... All before their first cup of coffee in the morning. ( OK, maybe third cup) The agent is your deal maker, publicist (in some cases), and works vast social networks to give you the best chance at success. All this while they read... Gulp!... Queries of possible new clients, simultaneously pitching your book to editors and marketing executives. Add the "light reading" of partials and full manuscripts at the office and home, plus doing writer's conferences, blogs, pod casts and the obligatory cocktail party (insert fake arm twist) as well as book signing and supporting their colleague's efforts for their clients... Whew!
If you're thinking, "sucks to be them" you'd be wrong. The vast majority of agent live for their work. They LOVE it, even though it takes a huge toll on their lives in many cases. They feel frustration, when they can't find a place for a work they believe in. They strike out more than they succeed in many cases. So, look at it this way: You submit one book and hope and pray it goes to print. An agent handles multiple books, that they have placed their reputations and passions on, at once. Think about that for a second. They know they hold so many hopes in their hands, and most of them fail. That means, when you get "The Call" about a book deal, there is more than likely a failure they have to deal with after or before your call. Talk about "Peak and Valley"...
We, as authors, take more for granted, than we ever should, when it comes to an agent. The common view is that an agent wields Zeus-ian powers over literary life. In a small way, that is kind of true. Yet the power they wield, is tempered by intellect we, as authors, don't readily fathom. They live in the real world, a business world, and they have to make tough choices. Agents crush hopes, but as God is my witness, I know they don't relish doing so. Their business must take personal tolls, because some leave the business after only a few years. They start with idealism of finding wonderful works to bring to print, and many do. Agents have to toughen themselves, to numb themselves, to the reality that of the tens of thousands of works offered yearly, few fall into the category they dream of, and live for, every day.
There are bad agents. Some are scam artists, offering an easy road to your dreams. Remember the bridge reference earlier? Well, bad agents hide the "Bridge Out" sign. If you take the road of not doing your research into the qualifications and history of an agent... "Sucks to be you" will be your publisher. Never pay an agent to read your work. Never contribute money to an agent to "get the ball rolling". In fact, if an agent ever asks for money up front or at anytime, run! ( ****There may be a "returns-reserve coverage" problem that is legitimate I'm told, though I have never personally known anyone that has experienced this, see your contract, or ask... that's right, your agent. That is what they are there for and why they get paid. If anyone can enlighten me further on this aspect, please contact me)
The funny thing is, I have touched on so very little of what an agent does. I haven't touched the things they won't do (But they will wash your car, mow your lawn and do your taxes... I was supposed to remember to do something before I posted this...Hmmmmm?). Reading this, you may say I'm a huge fan of agents, and you'd be right. I respect everyone for the job they do, and thank God when they are doing the job for me. Getting an agent doesn't insure the success that so many believe it does, because there are no guarantees offered or given. Agents are about building a business, your business. Build it right and winning is left to your words. After all, that is what started this dream. Be bold... Be smart... Be patient... If that doesn't work, write about VAMPIRES...
Part three will be about editors... Till then!
Agents are bridges. Oh, they are much more, but the first purpose is to provide a professional avenue to publication. Without an agent, you are left to your own devices. This is where you all-knowing types insert your ego: "I know as much as an agent", "They are just middle men", "I'm an attorney, so any contract they can do..." or worse still, "They are a cult, bent on keeping my work from a soon-to-be adoring public." Actually they are witches... Just kidding, though I know of one that thinks she is... Ok, knows she is, A SHARK (Though she suffers from ailurophobia).
An agent offers industry and market knowledge they are intimately associated with on a daily basis. They have expertise, gained by exhaustive reading in every genre. They do interject personal opinion, which is only natural, and something every author should be glad that they do. I, for one, would rather have an agent that liked or loved my work, rather than puts up with it. Agents are an extension of your passion into the marketplace. They get paid if they sell, so they are inspired like few others to make you a success. The whole, "like to have groceries and a place to live" thing works FOR you.
If you read Part 1, you'll know that you have a wimpy side... Admit It! Doubt, fears, nerves... ANGST of an author can be handled and, in most cases, shared with an agent as you travel the publication road. In fact, call them at home, late, late at night and they will send you gifts... (things to do: delete my e-mail address before I post this)
I am not an agent, but I know that to be an agent, they have to have the patience of a pre-school teacher, especially with debut authors. "Hand holding" is probably ranked as one of the worst things about their jobs. They buoy egos, talk away tears, and shake you by the shoulders to snap you out of a funk when you need it... All before their first cup of coffee in the morning. ( OK, maybe third cup) The agent is your deal maker, publicist (in some cases), and works vast social networks to give you the best chance at success. All this while they read... Gulp!... Queries of possible new clients, simultaneously pitching your book to editors and marketing executives. Add the "light reading" of partials and full manuscripts at the office and home, plus doing writer's conferences, blogs, pod casts and the obligatory cocktail party (insert fake arm twist) as well as book signing and supporting their colleague's efforts for their clients... Whew!
If you're thinking, "sucks to be them" you'd be wrong. The vast majority of agent live for their work. They LOVE it, even though it takes a huge toll on their lives in many cases. They feel frustration, when they can't find a place for a work they believe in. They strike out more than they succeed in many cases. So, look at it this way: You submit one book and hope and pray it goes to print. An agent handles multiple books, that they have placed their reputations and passions on, at once. Think about that for a second. They know they hold so many hopes in their hands, and most of them fail. That means, when you get "The Call" about a book deal, there is more than likely a failure they have to deal with after or before your call. Talk about "Peak and Valley"...
We, as authors, take more for granted, than we ever should, when it comes to an agent. The common view is that an agent wields Zeus-ian powers over literary life. In a small way, that is kind of true. Yet the power they wield, is tempered by intellect we, as authors, don't readily fathom. They live in the real world, a business world, and they have to make tough choices. Agents crush hopes, but as God is my witness, I know they don't relish doing so. Their business must take personal tolls, because some leave the business after only a few years. They start with idealism of finding wonderful works to bring to print, and many do. Agents have to toughen themselves, to numb themselves, to the reality that of the tens of thousands of works offered yearly, few fall into the category they dream of, and live for, every day.
There are bad agents. Some are scam artists, offering an easy road to your dreams. Remember the bridge reference earlier? Well, bad agents hide the "Bridge Out" sign. If you take the road of not doing your research into the qualifications and history of an agent... "Sucks to be you" will be your publisher. Never pay an agent to read your work. Never contribute money to an agent to "get the ball rolling". In fact, if an agent ever asks for money up front or at anytime, run! ( ****There may be a "returns-reserve coverage" problem that is legitimate I'm told, though I have never personally known anyone that has experienced this, see your contract, or ask... that's right, your agent. That is what they are there for and why they get paid. If anyone can enlighten me further on this aspect, please contact me)
The funny thing is, I have touched on so very little of what an agent does. I haven't touched the things they won't do (But they will wash your car, mow your lawn and do your taxes... I was supposed to remember to do something before I posted this...Hmmmmm?). Reading this, you may say I'm a huge fan of agents, and you'd be right. I respect everyone for the job they do, and thank God when they are doing the job for me. Getting an agent doesn't insure the success that so many believe it does, because there are no guarantees offered or given. Agents are about building a business, your business. Build it right and winning is left to your words. After all, that is what started this dream. Be bold... Be smart... Be patient... If that doesn't work, write about VAMPIRES...
Part three will be about editors... Till then!
Urban Psychopomp: Proactive Protagonists
An easy read, as well as helpful, for those needing a reminder of your protagonist's focus.
Urban Psychopomp: Proactive Protagonists
Urban Psychopomp: Proactive Protagonists
Elections and Ground Hog Day...Hmmm?
You ever get the feeling that elections are a never ending cycle of the same thing, happening again and again...
Ebooks and the threat from "internal constituencies" - O'Reilly Radar
An excellent article showing another angle to the E-book evolution.
Ebooks and the threat from "internal constituencies" - O'Reilly Radar
Ebooks and the threat from "internal constituencies" - O'Reilly Radar
Monday, November 1, 2010
Quick Query Critiques : Marla Miller .com
Never seen Marla Miller critique a query? Watch the lady who I believe is the best at the "Hook Sentence"
Quick Query Critiques : Marla Miller .com
Quick Query Critiques : Marla Miller .com
Writer Angst Part 1
As hard core as our plots can be, or our characters all knowing, all writers have, shall we say... a wimpy side.
The act of writing a novel, submitting for publication, then review, can be a masochistic endeavor. The best and worst novel to write is the first. Easy to write because it lacks pressure, and you can still be naive about the publication process. The nervous tremors begin when you start searching the Internet for "How to get published" articles. Part one is about the Debut Author.
If any author, EVER, didn't say or think, "That will be easy" or "How hard can that be?", when they first heard or read the words "Query Letter", has to be a liar or from another planet (Where queries aren't allowed). This is where I add a piece of advice for a beginning author:
"Resist, avoid, deny, the query letter from your world till you have COMPLETELY finish your manuscript." Hell, even block the word Query in your search browser. This is the point where you first come in contact with what I will call "purpose diffusion". Your purpose is to write a great book at this point, period, not add to the things you need to do later. Concentrate on the work, edit like the wind, and move on to publication worries later. Trust me. There is a limbo in the unpublished author world, where the souls of writers are suspended forever... writing query letters, over and over again. Their fellow "limbo-ites" offering heartfelt advice in the quest for the perfect letter. All the while, their manuscripts sit, because a new writer has come to the conclusion that, "why can't I write a query letter, when I've written words numbering in the hundreds of thousands, but these 250-odd words fry my brain?" It will too. Ground Hog Day lives in the query letter maelstrom.
Editing, for me, is the toughest part of writing. The toughness starts when you learn about WORD COUNT. At first, you will have a few moments of, "They don't mean me?" People want THE WHOLE STORY, right?Then you will find article after article that re-affirms the publishing world's preference for brevity. You will learn it has to do with printing cost vs return on investment, shelf space in stores and even cast the reading public as having shortened attention spans. Some agents will have different views. Nathan Bransford , for one, is not intimidated by manuscript length, though "The Swivet" has a closer handle on agent's general opinions. I'll stop here about editing because my left eye starts to twitch at the thought, but I will offer this advice to make it easier:
Have someone else (that means other than YOU) read your work out loud while you listen. You will hear what I call "Bump Sentences". You will hear it, as your friend reads, where something isn't right or awkward. Sure, you could read it out loud yourself, but if you have been pouring through your work, over and over again, you may miss what fresh eyes won't. Plus, it's fun to hear your words out loud and how people in general try to read with an audience. You will hear any confusion in their voices too. A good hint that something needs another look.
This is memory lane for most authors. There will be some that deny a state of anxiousness ever existed. Leave them be to their super-ego selves. This is the real world of a debut author we are talking about, so be as wimpy as you want...Just don't let anyone see it. Part 2 will focus on agents, editors, and blogs. Until then...
The act of writing a novel, submitting for publication, then review, can be a masochistic endeavor. The best and worst novel to write is the first. Easy to write because it lacks pressure, and you can still be naive about the publication process. The nervous tremors begin when you start searching the Internet for "How to get published" articles. Part one is about the Debut Author.
If any author, EVER, didn't say or think, "That will be easy" or "How hard can that be?", when they first heard or read the words "Query Letter", has to be a liar or from another planet (Where queries aren't allowed). This is where I add a piece of advice for a beginning author:
"Resist, avoid, deny, the query letter from your world till you have COMPLETELY finish your manuscript." Hell, even block the word Query in your search browser. This is the point where you first come in contact with what I will call "purpose diffusion". Your purpose is to write a great book at this point, period, not add to the things you need to do later. Concentrate on the work, edit like the wind, and move on to publication worries later. Trust me. There is a limbo in the unpublished author world, where the souls of writers are suspended forever... writing query letters, over and over again. Their fellow "limbo-ites" offering heartfelt advice in the quest for the perfect letter. All the while, their manuscripts sit, because a new writer has come to the conclusion that, "why can't I write a query letter, when I've written words numbering in the hundreds of thousands, but these 250-odd words fry my brain?" It will too. Ground Hog Day lives in the query letter maelstrom.
Editing, for me, is the toughest part of writing. The toughness starts when you learn about WORD COUNT. At first, you will have a few moments of, "They don't mean me?" People want THE WHOLE STORY, right?Then you will find article after article that re-affirms the publishing world's preference for brevity. You will learn it has to do with printing cost vs return on investment, shelf space in stores and even cast the reading public as having shortened attention spans. Some agents will have different views. Nathan Bransford , for one, is not intimidated by manuscript length, though "The Swivet" has a closer handle on agent's general opinions. I'll stop here about editing because my left eye starts to twitch at the thought, but I will offer this advice to make it easier:
Have someone else (that means other than YOU) read your work out loud while you listen. You will hear what I call "Bump Sentences". You will hear it, as your friend reads, where something isn't right or awkward. Sure, you could read it out loud yourself, but if you have been pouring through your work, over and over again, you may miss what fresh eyes won't. Plus, it's fun to hear your words out loud and how people in general try to read with an audience. You will hear any confusion in their voices too. A good hint that something needs another look.
This is memory lane for most authors. There will be some that deny a state of anxiousness ever existed. Leave them be to their super-ego selves. This is the real world of a debut author we are talking about, so be as wimpy as you want...Just don't let anyone see it. Part 2 will focus on agents, editors, and blogs. Until then...
Week after Week #6
- Most authors think their genre's are competitive... HA! Check out January Magazine and the number of cookbooks being published. JM is a great place for quick reviews, as well as interesting industry news.
- Vertiginous - How I felt when I read about Tom McCarthy, Believer Magazine and The International Necronautical Society. Is this the birthplace of Steampunk?
- Nice to see that "The Call" isn't a one-sided celebration. It's why Jessica Faust is one of the best in the business.
- O'Reilly (not that O'Reilly, this one has Radar) is fast becoming a favorite place for interesting incites.
- It's November... we are talking leaves on the ground, cold wind a blowing in winter, sooooo... Here's a flower... Why? Because I'm the kind of guy that gives... errr, ok, I liked it and with all the politics about us, who can't use a flower...Have an epiphany on me! Flower courtesy of http://thewriteoneval.blogspot.com/ , check out her site when you get a moment, some cool picks.
- Finally, a bit more NaNoWriMo (hopefully) advice from Jennifer Hubbard and a "For those that are about to die at their keyboard from living on Pizza Pockets..." I Salute You!