tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41967002303874004802024-03-18T21:43:14.461-06:00Christian Romance Author Liz IsaacsonWebsite for Christian Romance Author Liz IsaacsonElana Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-50495175675600345952016-06-27T21:46:00.000-06:002016-06-27T21:46:00.665-06:00I'm Moving!<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so now that my books are gaining some traction, I've decided to build a dedicated website to my name and my books. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You can find everything about me, the books in the Three Rivers Ranch Romance series, and my blog on <a href="http://lizisaacson.com/" target="_blank">my new WordPress website</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And <a href="http://lizisaacson.com/blog/" target="_blank">I'm moving my blog over there</a>! I'm determined to talk about books, writing romance, and self-publishing on a more regular schedule, so I hope you'll join me in my new corner of the blogosphere.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZesvKJhOguQmcGuti3mpb9fEQK7MJcVHXf1NNoc1KaIn1o7gkb8sC9dOspTprHR5_ZNQjOCcYR12IQYNPbngFElQxQHIUJDG4d_pUyQ-8m32XRPhzVVP9XgMGP25CDqp3YKxSsWw9SEEG/s1600/elanajohnsonFO13CAA6AE54_rw2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZesvKJhOguQmcGuti3mpb9fEQK7MJcVHXf1NNoc1KaIn1o7gkb8sC9dOspTprHR5_ZNQjOCcYR12IQYNPbngFElQxQHIUJDG4d_pUyQ-8m32XRPhzVVP9XgMGP25CDqp3YKxSsWw9SEEG/s400/elanajohnsonFO13CAA6AE54_rw2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />Elana Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-64736960520361742792015-12-14T07:00:00.000-07:002015-12-14T07:00:01.189-07:00New: Reader's Facebook Group<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;">Okay, so I have a new idea for this coming year. 2016 is going to be amazing! I have a TON of stuff coming out next year, and I'm happy about that. But I've decided that I'd like to have a group of readers to interact with and give my books to for reviews.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> I have 4 full-length novels scheduled to come out in 2016, two self-published and two traditionally published.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> 3 of them are romance novels: A contemporary from Cleis Press in July 2016, and two more of my western inspirational romances under my pen name, Liz Isaacson, coming in February and May 2016. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> My last novel is RIFT, a YA time travel thriller coming from Jolly Fish Press in the fall. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> I also have 6 anthology collections coming out in 2016. All 6 of them are romance anthologies. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> 1. Sweet & Sassy Beach anthology (sweet and sassy romance): April 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> 2. Western romance anthology: April 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> 3. Hot & Haunted romance anthology: October 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> 4. City Christmas anthology (all written by me, contemporary romance under Elana Johnson): November 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> 5. Country Christmas anthology (all written by me, western inspirational romance under Liz Isaacson): November 2016</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> 6. The Knight Before Christmas anthology (Knight Brothers contemporary romance, under Elana Johnson): November 2016</span><br />
</span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmsIzsJRZQs5Jg60dLQicbeLoGQL3TnaFFsDul5beFU2YaKOIZEEIYIgfb3NqcWAOxf2tDC7QGGfH2ckpEHRwwI5AmLEXu7dEgY8El1cH8HjSCsNdXamxipo7EUv4lQksdX1c9MzFv-8/s1600/readersgroup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="font-size: 15px;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQmsIzsJRZQs5Jg60dLQicbeLoGQL3TnaFFsDul5beFU2YaKOIZEEIYIgfb3NqcWAOxf2tDC7QGGfH2ckpEHRwwI5AmLEXu7dEgY8El1cH8HjSCsNdXamxipo7EUv4lQksdX1c9MzFv-8/s640/readersgroup.jpg" width="580" /></a></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> <br />
<b style="font-size: 15px;">So here's how things will run -- in my head, it's this perfect system, much like Santa's workshop. Haha! </b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> I'm setting up a private FB group where you can get these new releases for FREE! It'll run like a "book of the month" club, where a forthcoming title will be available each month. You can read as many of my books (for free!) as you wish, even if it's not their assigned month. I have a pretty large backlist. :) </span><br />
<b style="font-size: 15px;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><br />
What I need from you: Reviews! </span></b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> Reviews are an author's best friend. They determine if advertising newsletters (like BookBub) will run ads for titles, if other people will buy the book, etc. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> So for every book I give you, I'd love to have a review listed on Amazon. (I'm specifically looking for reviews on Amazon for 2016, not Goodreads.) If the book is a new release, I'd like the review to be listed during the first 5 days of the book's release. I will give you lots of reminders, of course, via the private FB group when the books are releasing. You'll have plenty of time to read the titles in advance.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> You decide which books you want. You structure your reading around your life, vacations, etc. I'm excited to have more direct contact with my readers, and I'm willing to give my books away in order to get reviews. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: 15px;"> If you're interested, </span><a href="https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1hoW78lAYGWfx5vpGxRIS5wzMgACn-XBTyaO5UuV223Q/viewform" style="font-size: 15px;" target="_blank">please sign up in this form</a><span style="font-size: 15px;">, and I'll add you to the private Facebook group!</span></span></span>Elana Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-72632942188019037222015-10-05T07:00:00.000-06:002015-10-05T07:00:02.259-06:00Three Rivers Ranch Romance Series<span style="font-size: large;">My inspirational Western romance series has begun! Get the first book, SECOND CHANCE RANCH, now. Pre-order THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM, which will be released on December 1, 2015, and keep a lookout for the third, FOURTH AND LONG, coming February 24, 2016.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_b6zJGS0B4XSGsEthJvlfD8QgE3NShVO9Geb1li7eyUfhogbpWCK6kveGXBklaxMIDMbNAIpeKDAgzV5RXMJo1vFj841AbPb6UtD36Gzvqpf3BavnclDYshEPc2Zw_AQ6GsENJ_uLF8/s1600/SecondChance_CVR_LRG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp_b6zJGS0B4XSGsEthJvlfD8QgE3NShVO9Geb1li7eyUfhogbpWCK6kveGXBklaxMIDMbNAIpeKDAgzV5RXMJo1vFj841AbPb6UtD36Gzvqpf3BavnclDYshEPc2Zw_AQ6GsENJ_uLF8/s320/SecondChance_CVR_LRG.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>SECOND CHANCE RANCH: </b><span style="color: #990000;">After his deployment, injured and discharged Major Squire Ackerman returns to Three Rivers Ranch, anxious to prove himself capable of running the cattle operation so his parents can retire. Things would be easier if the ranch wasn’t missing 1.6 million dollars, which forces Squire to hire Kelly, the girl who rejected his high school prom invitation, as his accountant. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">She’s back in town with her four-year-old son, living in her parent’s basement until she can get her life back together. With fresh ink on her divorce papers and open gashes on her heart, she’s not ready for much beyond her new job on the ranch. </span><br />
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #990000; font-size: large;">Squire wants to forgive Kelly for ignoring him a decade ago. He’d like to provide the stable life she needs, but with old wounds opening and a ranch on the brink of financial collapse, it will take patience and faith to make their second chance possible.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0134QO10G" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTSROO6KxQ1zrFsQeCu2pqcKJ4rUzhH-wH2_wM7CUVK2l4nIP973eKejX4UCLcL3XkMZ3bIAL0XrlTrGWW2O4xfRR6U6cpp-drlymZBHZ3znBFAtaDPbovym0fyBVkIHqZMqFROXnAjcE/s1600/amazon-buy-button-png.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x2I18AxbnnApEN_0RJVyqJTXYvI1OTJwAcUadChtzHL3lY1YvaW3Te6q3XMlxoEYUDdrwaly6dVJMf8l3DeOR8smD7mygvhGnOqvSEkppE7zBz5XlYd5QYMlrzaRY27zkHCE5GDdUss/s1600/ThirdTimeCharm_CVR_LRG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x2I18AxbnnApEN_0RJVyqJTXYvI1OTJwAcUadChtzHL3lY1YvaW3Te6q3XMlxoEYUDdrwaly6dVJMf8l3DeOR8smD7mygvhGnOqvSEkppE7zBz5XlYd5QYMlrzaRY27zkHCE5GDdUss/s320/ThirdTimeCharm_CVR_LRG.jpg" width="213" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM:</b> <span style="color: #0b5394;">First Lieutenant Peter Marshall has never felt as safe and whole as he does at Three Rivers Ranch. With massive scars covering most of his upper body, he's self-conscious and searching for his life's purpose. He thinks he's found it in Courage Reins, an equine therapy program for veterans he's starting out at the ranch. He didn't plan on the beautiful Chelsea Ackerman looking at his deformities with admiration. </span></span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-size: large;">After her second failed engagement, Chelsea vows she'll never wear another diamond ring. But as she and Pete work together to train the horses and launch Courage Reins, she heals faster than she thought possible. Pete has a truckload of debt and no way to provide for a family, but Chelsea helps him see past all the obstacles, all the scars. With so many unknowns, Pete and Chelsea will have to develop the love, acceptance, and faith needed to find their happily ever after. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015U3083K" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGFyYYJEASlURqJa1jVY3DepeCYFH2j5wsvIy2RUiDlG_0Wy2Qm_BVlyqVrwuTnuYrBQhy_rDOMOmuY8adOJYSoVzWLfgSgMYNFMlZZDu65pLJwNkp0AUT_fkHttKG_QB3Yyb4Iy8YaDU/s1600/amazon-buy-button-png.png" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">FOURTH AND LONG: <i>Coming soon!</i></span><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8lYAdY2zGRsIYnPPLQNc-Gi41NdWcdpu0zwTbLJ8KFFUhkcSSGyV4ym4vFM7qBIB7wzjBqlYzFscQJlmFAqP1Fj-bFm7H1Q0QY2LDY6-H-x2yvI_VpF9Q8woxvd2OqcotKJH91vpd90/s1600/TRRcovers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ8lYAdY2zGRsIYnPPLQNc-Gi41NdWcdpu0zwTbLJ8KFFUhkcSSGyV4ym4vFM7qBIB7wzjBqlYzFscQJlmFAqP1Fj-bFm7H1Q0QY2LDY6-H-x2yvI_VpF9Q8woxvd2OqcotKJH91vpd90/s640/TRRcovers.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<i><br /></i>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-50521675933543321072015-09-28T07:00:00.000-06:002015-09-28T07:00:02.926-06:00Love is in the Air<span style="font-size: large;">So it's no secret that I'm a huge fan of romance novels. I love reading them and writing them. I just released my first inspirational romance, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0134QO10G" target="_blank">SECOND CHANCE RANCH</a>, a couple of weeks ago. My sister-in-law read it and texted me and said, "This is like a Hallmark movie! And I mean that in the best way possible."</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAf3FscDeF0wVp89-bpbgiOEpob7xFzuRdev3bVBm8fG_ZnJXgDfvqUUqXpEortIq3GwKu1FYjBCC_DxftkMkjYUjKcGmMZvd3i3pHtpDJG88qhTOVfYoQXbd81Zxc8SW38tE8NDmDZM/s1600/cdn.crownmediadev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTAf3FscDeF0wVp89-bpbgiOEpob7xFzuRdev3bVBm8fG_ZnJXgDfvqUUqXpEortIq3GwKu1FYjBCC_DxftkMkjYUjKcGmMZvd3i3pHtpDJG88qhTOVfYoQXbd81Zxc8SW38tE8NDmDZM/s320/cdn.crownmediadev.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">This warmed my heart. Because I love those Hallmark movies. And then I found out that Hallmark is showing a new movie every Saturday night! All the way until Christmastime, when the movies will be on twenty-four hours a day.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Love is obviously in the air! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've been busily working on the third book in my Three Rivers Ranch romance series. The second book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B015U3083K" target="_blank">THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM</a>, is at the copy editor and will be released in time for Christmas -- on December 1. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Between now and then, I'm going to be watching a lot of Hallmark movies...</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-76334327027057061142015-09-21T07:00:00.000-06:002015-09-21T07:00:01.364-06:00Things I Learned While Self-Publishing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtqa_jK3TNBg_q9lD16mESYLFyulNBKvo6D3nLjFiqHgryeKaS5fofcQDs3TXphBxBI4aOWMEiRmOMvbysSHKp0gTZcqGeMMJR66brG7GJIocySDw3Gd3bhImmTHNYm-B0aL02MHDndc/s1600/SecondChance_CVR_LRG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLtqa_jK3TNBg_q9lD16mESYLFyulNBKvo6D3nLjFiqHgryeKaS5fofcQDs3TXphBxBI4aOWMEiRmOMvbysSHKp0gTZcqGeMMJR66brG7GJIocySDw3Gd3bhImmTHNYm-B0aL02MHDndc/s400/SecondChance_CVR_LRG.jpg" width="266" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">So my western inspirational romance is out in the wild! It's been almost a week, and there's nothing quite like releasing a book, that much is for sure. It's been a fun journey, and I've enjoyed it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've learned some things along the way too. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>1. Ask for help.</b> I can't stress this enough. I can't make covers or do a lot of other design work. I hired someone to do that for me, and I asked friends for help with promotional graphics and such. There's no shame in this! I certainly am not good at every aspect of self-publishing.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>2. Pay attention to what's going on around you. </b>I'm in about five million Facebook groups. No, really. Okay, maybe only four million. I don't comment a lot, and sometimes I feel completely overwhelmed, but I pay attention. I see what other self-published authors are doing, and what they're saying works. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I take notes of these things -- literally. I have about 10 drafts in my email inbox right now with notes. Ad sites, promotions, boxed set ideas. The list goes on and on. I think that's one perk of self-publishing. There are unlimited ways to produce and promote your work. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>3. Release the book!</b> I have a game at school I have my 1st and 2nd graders play on the computer. It's called Seed Ball, and when I show it to them, I always say "Release the seeds!" in a really dramatic voice.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">That's what you have to do with your book. And in more ways than one. You release it. I can't tell you how many times I changed the release date. And there were Reasons. But really, I was waiting for something I couldn't really put my finger on. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So I finally chose a date and refused to change it. Not only do you actually need to hit Publish, but you need to release your attachments to the book. We put so much work and time and effort and emotion into our books, so this is hard to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But it can be done, and it should be done. Release it. Let readers love it or hate it. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>4. Write the next book. </b>I've done this, and it's currently with my editor. It's called THIRD TIME'S THE CHARM, and I'm getting the cover made right now too, because it will be released on December 1. #yay</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I learned tons more, but that's enough for today. I hope you'll give SECOND CHANCE RANCH a try. You can read it for free if you have Kindle Unlimited. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0134QO10G" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpGX_mANUjyb2YhLTurGf10cWq5FHbG0SoTXYEOD6DfhlrWKkpdfLHAbG5cZjqkpdWIs1vBiJcgCwbk1NR0qkps8wVZB08BdAzJcaoaorrQ8KnIkH8woV_O6C5PdtDvz6_KZ-qEjsFmLo/s1600/amazon-button-1.png" /></span></a></div>
<br />Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-56962524691031352072015-09-04T07:00:00.001-06:002015-09-04T07:00:01.102-06:00Whew! I'm Back!<span style="font-size: large;">Wow, summer has been so busy! The days flew by as I penned two more novels, revised a third, signed with an agent, and have been waiting on pins and needles for news from my submissions.<br />
<br />
I mean, whew! It's a lot, and I suddenly realized I haven't blogged in months! But my schedule is normalizing again, so I expect to be around a bit more.<br />
<br />
<b>What have you been up to this summer??</b></span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-44198014227271727302015-06-04T07:00:00.000-06:002015-06-04T07:00:03.107-06:00What You Should be Paying Attention To<span style="font-size: large;">This post first appeared on Thinking Through Our Fingers, a blog that I contribute to each month. To see the whole post, <a href="http://thinkingthroughourfingers.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-craft-of-pitching.html" target="_blank">go here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So I thought I'd talk a little bit about pitching. Not the baseball kind. The kind you can do in your pajamas, sipping apricot nectar, and scrolling through twitter. Have you seen the plethora of pitching opportunities that are available for authors these days? It is OUTstanding! (See what I did there? Did you??)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0E-EIUbzXlRPy7eNrm1OD0Ognw30L9eReTyb0rAw4DvLeyn2JhIWucxDEL5eeZ8iUsiQfzz6fOYi_8mqpkUZMx-ewnL-fIgc4HykRyJp6Sgy04mYzm5k1hmJb7iYv8gG1CMJ465hfwQI/s1600/baseball.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu0E-EIUbzXlRPy7eNrm1OD0Ognw30L9eReTyb0rAw4DvLeyn2JhIWucxDEL5eeZ8iUsiQfzz6fOYi_8mqpkUZMx-ewnL-fIgc4HykRyJp6Sgy04mYzm5k1hmJb7iYv8gG1CMJ465hfwQI/s400/baseball.jpg" width="400" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I could go through the many and varied opportunities over the course of the next six months. But John Berkowitz has already done that. You can <a href="https://johnrberkowitz.wordpress.com/2015/05/20/upcoming-pitch-contests/" target="_blank">see a pretty comprehensive list on his blog here</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://thinkingthroughourfingers.blogspot.com/2015/05/the-craft-of-pitching.html" target="_blank">Go see the advice I gave on preparing for and crafting your pitches</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">What I really want to talk about is the opportunities that are out there now for writers. Yes, you can get discovered simply by querying. I know, because it's happened to me. But I have a #MSWL column in my tweetdeck that I check every day. If I see someone tweet that they want something similiar to what I've got, I submit it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've co-authored a book with a friend, and last week, I saw an opportunity to submit to a new editor at Carina Press. She was taking pitches on a blog post for that day only. If I hadn't checked, we would've missed the opportunity. She was offering feedback on your whole novel. And we were selected! So we got to send our MS in, and she's going to give us feedback on it. Free! A priceless opportunity. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So while I'm not hugely active on social media, I'm there, paying attention. I think it's a valuable skill all authors should use. Pay attention to what's going on out there. I've decided that the #PitMad and similar things aren't for my novel. I've participated in those before with my YA novels -- which seem to do better than my adult romance (which is what I'm focused on right now). </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">You don't need to blanket the Internet with your pitch. You don't need to enter every contest and opportunity out there. It's about playing smart. Swinging at balls you think you can hit. So I pay attention. I read the agent bios in contests. If I haven't queried them before, and I think they might be a fit, I add them to my list. Online contests are a great way to get noticed, but not the only way. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />So be smart about it. If you have a novel in a genre that's hot, online pitches might be the way to get the attention you need. If you don't, you might do what I've done, and stick to querying privately. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Either way, you should be lurking on social media. You should be paying attention to the #MSWL feed, and check in with #PitMad and #PitchtoPublication and #QueryKombat. When you troll these threads, you'll see other hashtags that will lead you to more opportunities. It doesn't have to take a lot of time -- I get on once or twice each day and read until I'm caught up to what I've read before. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What are you paying attention to right now? </b>Maybe I need to be watching that too!</span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-91444989876979052192015-06-02T07:00:00.000-06:002015-06-02T07:00:01.087-06:00Words About Waiting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeoKH0wWbcK7UHS4xNVTc39dyDCsbcvoZXMyTfEuNVyePjsPo5jHRAROwLTlrVQM7sCXQ195RoFRxMUz08Q4miHpjcGkMKO9iIZe9YuvAq9wZo06TUeM8yqj_QVcbDHRCW7j6eaRxPyY/s1600/the-waiting-game.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="195" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfeoKH0wWbcK7UHS4xNVTc39dyDCsbcvoZXMyTfEuNVyePjsPo5jHRAROwLTlrVQM7sCXQ195RoFRxMUz08Q4miHpjcGkMKO9iIZe9YuvAq9wZo06TUeM8yqj_QVcbDHRCW7j6eaRxPyY/s320/the-waiting-game.jpg" width="320" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Ah, waiting. Why must you be so hard? I think I'm a fairly patient person. I can put something on the calendar and let it go. Sure, I might think about it from time to time, but it doesn't interrupt my sleep patterns or anything.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As I've been querying, though, I've become more and more impatient. Especially when I think things should move just a bit faster than they currently are. I find myself getting a little frustrated that I haven't received a certain email, or whatever. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So this past week, I pulled back a little bit. I reminded myself that this is not the first time I've submitted my work, and things will happen when they need to happen. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So I closed down the gmail tab (gasp!) and went back to the other duties and projects I need to get done. It is somewhat freeing. I don't find myself centered around the computer, constantly wishing the email will show up. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So yes, waiting is one of the hardest things we have to learn to do as humans. I'm not sure it's ever going to get any easier. But I'm hoping that I'm getting better at filling the time while I wait. I take care of the house, the family, my job. I'm writing a new project and submitting another. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you do to fill the hours while you wait?</span></b>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-53414667333801579412015-05-29T07:00:00.000-06:002015-05-29T07:00:07.679-06:00EXIT STRATEGY by Shirlee McCoy<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so I think I have a problem. Every time I read an amazing romance, I want to write one in that same genre. Read FIVE DAYS IN SKYE, felt the pull to write an inspirational romance (I had already started one, and it just fueled by fire). Read A HOPE REMEMBERED, wanted to write a historical romance.<br />
<br />
And now I've read EXIT STRATEGY by Shirlee McCoy, and I want to try my hand at a romantic suspense! See? A definite problem. <br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_xQvtPXqWdv6dCsF_O2dWjt77o9RhXPDxr_RlfhdtjEwAlscAIvLTZSTnYH2KwPXnLjyTjjzWxZMYdyLwTZ9exsfSCUIESCRFVsN_MhVVcSrITd6ETIpUwYTIrHMBTb9Z46M7Mql0pU/s1600/9780373446735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO_xQvtPXqWdv6dCsF_O2dWjt77o9RhXPDxr_RlfhdtjEwAlscAIvLTZSTnYH2KwPXnLjyTjjzWxZMYdyLwTZ9exsfSCUIESCRFVsN_MhVVcSrITd6ETIpUwYTIrHMBTb9Z46M7Mql0pU/s320/9780373446735.jpg" width="202" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's take a closer look at <b>EXIT STRATEGY:</b> <span style="color: #0b5394;"><i>Lark Porter thinks she'll find answers about her husband's death when she returns to their former home, but someone doesn't like the questions she's asking. She's quickly taken captive, and all that stands between her and certain death is a mysterious stranger telling her to trust him if she wants to get out alive. </i><br />
<i><br />
</i> <i>Hostage Rescue and Extraction Team member Cyrus Mitchell marvels at Lark's strength and determination to survive. The closer they get to freedom, the more dangerous the situation becomes. Once free, though, it takes all the skills and training Cyrus has to outmaneuver the deadly killers on their trail. </i></span><br />
<br />
I got this book from NetGalley, as it doesn't come out until next week. I would definitely recommend <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1420132350/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1420132350&linkCode=as2&tag=yaaueljo09-20&linkId=3DMQGOPBO7V4I5K2" target="_blank">buying this book</a>, and I just discovered that it's the second book in a series, so I've purchased the first <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I66BRX4/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00I66BRX4&linkCode=as2&tag=yaaueljo09-20&linkId=7VWMLTOI6N5QXKAI" target="_blank">Mission: Rescue title, Protective Instincts</a>.<br />
<br />
<b><u>My thoughts:</u></b><br />
1. Lark is multi-faceted. Strong, yet scared. Capable, but vulnerable. I really liked her as a heroine--someone who obviously needs the help of someone with more training and expertise, but someone who has a goal of their own.<br />
<br />
Cyrus is equally as dimensional. I really liked that he had a past that drove some of the decisions that he made in the present. I liked his strength, smarts, and sincerity. At the same time, he had flaws, which is hard to do with a protector hero.<br />
<br />
2. The suspense was suspenseful -- and believable! I've read some books that are supposed to be thrillers or suspenses, and they feel so far from reality that I'm not scared or kept in suspense. But EXIT STRATEGY keeps the tension on the page, the thought that Lark and Cyrus are just moments from being found, constant.<br />
<br />
If you've never tried out a romantic suspense novel, give EXIT STRATEGY a spot on your list. You won't be sorry!<br />
<br />
<b>What have you read lately that has inspired you to write?</b></span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-31451245321220761782015-05-27T07:00:00.000-06:002015-05-27T07:00:03.788-06:00Pinch Point, Pinch Point<span style="font-size: large;">So I've been working on a new romance. It's actually the second in a series, and I feel like I know the setting and I've been working on the characters. One of my biggest problems, though, in writing writing romance is maintaining the conflict between my hero and my heroine. I think I tend to let them get together too fast.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=yaaueljo09-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=061590811X&asins=061590811X&linkId=3AIUFHAGHX2FZ2YS&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
</iframe><br />
</div><br />
I've been reading some articles (Harlequin did an amazing Boot Camp this past week, with a <a href="http://www.soyouthinkyoucanwrite.com/2015/05/character-101-building-complex-interesting-memorable-characters/" target="_blank">fabulous article by Harlequin Superromance author Vicki Essex on how to write memorable characters</a>), and I bought a book (The Complete Guide to Writing Heroes & Heroines, above), and I've really been trying to map out the highs and lows in my books before I start writing them.<br />
<br />
I also attended a conference over the weekend, where a speaker spoke about <b>pinch points</b>. I'm familiar with them, because hey! They're in the romance planning sheets I found on <a href="http://jamigold.com/2012/11/write-romance-get-your-beat-sheet-here/" target="_blank">Jami Gold's website</a>. (You should totally be using these! I love them!)<br />
<br />
The presenter said that the pinch points pull the character back to their starting place and the turning points push the character toward their new state.<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><li>Pinch points -- pull the character back</li>
<li>Turning points -- push the character forward</li>
</ul><br />
<br />
I loved that. It made so much sense inside my head. It's helped me map out the ebb and flow of my hero's and heroine's relationships. <br />
<br />
<b>Do you outline using pinch points? What advice do you have for outlining a romance?</b></span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-17429427709779372862015-05-20T07:00:00.000-06:002015-05-20T07:00:01.955-06:00Learning From Rejection<span style="font-size: large;">So the Harlequin announcement for the From Blurb to Book announcement was last Friday. It was happening for me at 10:00, and I was attending a writer's conference that day, with a pitch session with an editor at St. Martin's at 10:10. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I should've waited to check the announcement, but do you think I did?? Ha! No way. And when I didn't find my name on the list, I'll admit, I was disappointed. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Which is ridiculous really. When you've been rejected as much as I have (which is A LOT), I know better than to be too hopeful, or too optimistic, or too whatever. But still. For some reason, which I still don't know, I really wanted to move on to Stage 3. I still really want to place my books at Harlequin. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, I wasn't on the list, and I was with my critique partner and friend, and I had a pitch in literally four minutes. It was a tumult of feelings, and I didn't quite know what to do with them. So I hitched on my smile and went to my pitch session. It went well, and she requested the full manuscript. So yay!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And yet, I still struggled for the rest of the day. I had to leave early for my daughter's dance, and I went home uninspired and kind of down. I missed an super-inspirational keynote, and as I was reading the tweets, I was further discouraged that what I apparently needed (inspiring words from someone who's been where I currently am), I hadn't gotten.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I got my feedback email from the editors, and it's honestly not bad. The things are fixable. It's just a matter of me doing the work--which honestly, sometimes I don't want to do. I think that's the real problem. I always feel like I'm working, working, working, but never making it to SOLD.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I went back to the conference the next day, and I attended an intensive editing workshop. I got the inspiration I needed! The instructor said things that reminded me that I CAN do hard work, that I CAN edit my writing to make it better, that I CAN move forward after rejection to success. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So that's what I'm going to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What have you learned from rejection?</span></b>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-6326397960534357412015-05-18T07:00:00.000-06:002015-05-18T07:00:01.480-06:00THE ACCIDENTAL BRIDE by Denise Hunter<span style="font-size: large;">So I've been reading a lot of inspirational fiction in the past few weeks. One of my new favorites is THE ACCIDENTAL BRIDE by Denise Hunter. I know it's not a super-new novel, but she's a new author to me.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2Cg7HCNObb3Wq-jBEvvszSoBkCh4hi1L_8gzmxfB5hGWlEdeb9RAqNDcJEnTbH08C_AW3ohoEL7l47uYcKiEQC56fMPIt0jerODpvcSeFJtjmhIb5uPDDAaGX3-n2v-Ny6l41V7TzNw/s1600/9781595548023.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2Cg7HCNObb3Wq-jBEvvszSoBkCh4hi1L_8gzmxfB5hGWlEdeb9RAqNDcJEnTbH08C_AW3ohoEL7l47uYcKiEQC56fMPIt0jerODpvcSeFJtjmhIb5uPDDAaGX3-n2v-Ny6l41V7TzNw/s400/9781595548023.jpg" width="262" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>About THE ACCIDENTAL BRIDE: </b><i>When a wedding reenactment turns real, Shay finds she's an accidental bride.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i> <i>Shay Brandenberger is raising her daughter in Moose Creek, Montana, on her childhood ranch, nestled against the Yellowstone River. Despite the hard work, she can't seem to keep her head above water--and now the bank is threatening to foreclose. She prays for a miracle, but the answer she receives is anything but expected.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i> <i>Having agreed to play the bride in the Founders' Day wedding reenactment, Shay is mortified to be greeted at the end of the aisle by none other than Travis McCoy, her high-school sweetheart--the man who left her high and dry for fame and fortune on the Texas rodeo circuit.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i> <i>Then the unthinkable happens. Thanks to a well-meaning busybody and an absentminded preacher, the make-believe vows result in a legal marriage. But before Shay can say annulment, Travis comes up with a crazy proposal. If she refuses his offer, she may lose her home. If she accepts, she may lose her heart.</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><br />
</i> <i>Shay isn't sure if the recent events are God's will or just a preacher's blunder. Will trusting her heart to the man who once shattered it be the worst mistake of her life? Or could their marriage be the best accident that ever happened?</i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">My Thoughts:</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">1. While this was inspirational, it was light on this end. I've been realizing that there are different degrees of the inspirational element in each novel. I didn't mind that it didn't have more of a Christian element, it was just something I noticed. Maybe I'm reading with too much of an author's eye!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">2. I really liked Shay as a main character. I thought her grudge against Travis was realistic and deserved. I liked that she was vulnerable in some ways, and strong in others. She had a real past, and it was communicated through her choices and actions now.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">3. I loved the premise of this book! When my friend recommended it to me, I was sold just on the idea alone. And the book delivered. I loved the accidental marriage and the proposal that Travis comes up with. I really wanted him and Shay to work things out, and since it's romance, we already know they will!</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe frameborder="0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" scrolling="no" src="//ws-na.amazon-adsystem.com/widgets/q?ServiceVersion=20070822&OneJS=1&Operation=GetAdHtml&MarketPlace=US&source=ac&ref=qf_sp_asin_til&ad_type=product_link&tracking_id=yaaueljo09-20&marketplace=amazon&region=US&placement=1595548025&asins=1595548025&linkId=JPJTMCU34S25K53E&show_border=true&link_opens_in_new_window=true" style="height: 240px; width: 120px;"><br />
</iframe></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I hope you'll pick this book up if you haven't yet. <b>What inspirational romance have you read lately that you loved?</b></span></div>
Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-26446098776929688102015-05-13T07:00:00.000-06:002015-05-13T07:00:09.897-06:00Joining RWA<span style="font-size: large;">So after several years of writing, now that I'm starting to look at it with an eye toward publication, I decided to join RWA. I'm well-versed in online forums and groups, so I don't think that's a problem. What I'm not sure about is what I can do with all that stuff on RWA. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I poked around a little bit, but honestly, I didn't find all that much. Is there more than what I'm seeing? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I joined my local chapter too, and I think that might be a place where I can really sink my teeth into. I just don't know. I've joined national organizations before, and never gotten much out of them. But, I thought since I'm getting serious about writing and publishing romance, that joining RWA made sense. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm just wondering how to get the best use of it. <b>Any ideas?</b></span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-86794762134866035192015-05-11T07:00:00.000-06:002015-05-11T07:00:04.302-06:00Reading and Editing, A Writer's Recovery Period<span style="font-size: large;">So I sent in my entry for the Harlequin contest, and it was intense getting those pages ready. Afterward, I was completely burnt out. I couldn't read, and I couldn't edit, and basically I sat on the couch like a slug for a few days. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Thankfully, that passed, and I've read a few books since then, and I got right to cutting those extra 13,000 words from my novel. See, Love Inspired has strict word count guidelines, and my book was too long. I'm happy to report that I've cut just over 12,000 words from the book, so I'm in the 60,000 range, but I still have about 900 words to trim.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Even that got old. The thought of opening the book one more time and reading it again... Nausea may have set in. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So I took a few more days off. Watched a lot of Burn Notice. Every reality TV show available. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I think these recovery periods are essential for writers. Deadlines are important, and it's good to learn how to work with them, but there's always a price to pay afterward. For me, my recovery periods include a lot of movies and going to performances and just getting away from the computer.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Now that I've had several days, I've decided to write again. Yay! I outlined (sort of) and started a new book over the weekend, putting in almost 8000 words. Drafting is my favorite thing to do, so I'm glad I'm most recovered and ready to dive into that pool again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you do during your recovery periods?</span></b>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-30077024049029886912015-04-27T07:00:00.000-06:002015-04-27T07:00:00.193-06:00Taking the Knife to Your MS<span style="font-size: large;">So I made it into Stage 2 of the Harlequin #Blurb2Book contest! I'm super-excited, and in fact, I've spent the past couple of weeks obsessing over my synopsis, cover letter, and pages. I sent them in last week, and now I'm turning my attention to the full manuscript.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The premise of this contest is to go from blurb to full book in just 5 months. I'm sort of cheating, because my book has been finished since January. I've edited it a couple of times and my critique group has read the first three chapters. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But, according to Harlequin's Love Inspired guidelines, my book is also 13,000 words too long. So now, as I go back to the full manuscript, I am looking for places to cut. A lot of places. I've done this before, but it is always a difficult process. When we write, we put in scenes we think we need. So now I have to decide what I don't actually need in order to meet the guidelines of the contest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Whether I make it into Stage 3 or not, I think this will be a valuable edit. I'll have to evaluate character, plot, and motivation on a deeper level, which is never a bad thing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever had to cut a lot of words? How did you go about doing it?</span></b>Elana Johnsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05877856005992028912noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-90656308139593571892015-04-20T07:00:00.001-06:002015-04-20T07:00:09.547-06:00Some Thoughts on Burning Out<span style="font-size: large;">So I made it into Stage 2 of the #Blurb2Book contest Harlequin is doing! Yay! (I blogged about the announcement last week before the lists were posted.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, the second stage requires a submission package that includes a 3-5 page synopsis and the first three chapters. I've written my entire book (it needs lots of work still, but it is done), but I hadn't tackled a synopsis yet. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">I've written them before, so I wasn't worried about it. I set to it and had a pretty decent one whipped out in a few days. Since my chapters were already written, I re-read the Love Inspired guidelines, combed the boards for more help, and edited the first three chapters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Again. And then again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">And again. Again. Again. Again.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">I felt like the bee on The Bee Movie, when he's trying to get out of the window that first time.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i>This time. This time. This time!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"> </span> <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//giphy.com/embed/TY5IC4nLQbaFy?html5=true" style="font-size: x-large;" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="480"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">By Thursday, I seriously wanted to do anything and everything EXCEPT read my own words again. Other people's words were equally as nauseous to me. I tried writing a new book. No dice. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">I needed a break. I was burnt out. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjap-YdMhjqw8ULpSTubTpTkEOMVWzPy1qnfw1Ib_vsswTowKccCPon6915WihX7oGNWlr_oQzQ_AZjH-xPhDLGBb-c2Ffeizt1T4WtcNTVaElRth5BAJZxpE8cxMKP7lv3tevbgXA-2Wm/s1600/BURNTOUT-300x220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjap-YdMhjqw8ULpSTubTpTkEOMVWzPy1qnfw1Ib_vsswTowKccCPon6915WihX7oGNWlr_oQzQ_AZjH-xPhDLGBb-c2Ffeizt1T4WtcNTVaElRth5BAJZxpE8cxMKP7lv3tevbgXA-2Wm/s1600/BURNTOUT-300x220.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">I've been writing for several years, so I've reached the Point of Burning Out several times. I've been here before. I know what I need to do: step back and take the break I need. So I passed my submission package on to a few trusted beta readers, and I set a date for when I can come back to my pages. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <span style="font-size: large;">Between now and then, I'm not reading or writing, and I can't wait for the mental vacation!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span> <b><span style="font-size: large;">Have you ever been burnt out? What did you do to rejuvenate your creativity?</span></b>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-77856766017602573162015-04-17T07:00:00.000-06:002015-04-17T07:00:07.790-06:00Thinking Through Our Fingers Blog<span style="font-size: large;">So I'm excited to announce that I've been invited to be an author on the <a href="http://thinkingthroughourfingers.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Thinking Through Our Fingers blog</a>! There are a great group of writers there, including Katie Purdie, Jolene Perry, and Tasha Seegmiller. I'm excited to see what I can learn from them, as well as what I can contribute.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll be blogging on the fourth Friday, so be sure to get over there and see what's going on!</span><br />
<br />Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-24631818275624907172015-04-13T07:00:00.000-06:002015-04-13T07:00:06.026-06:00#Blurb2Book Announcement Today!<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so I'd decided to stop entering contests like Pitch Madness and Pitch Wars and Pitch Slam. I didn't do very well in those arenas, and I wasn't sure if it had anything to do with my book/pitch. I've recently started querying, and I've gotten a 40% request rate so far. So I think I was right in thinking that my romance wasn't the right genre for the agents participating in those pitching events. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But Harlequin's Love Inspired line was doing a contest called From Blurb to Book. Harlequin is a publisher that publishes romance -- they're exactly who I want reading and considering my book. So I entered. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The announcement for those who made it into the second round are today. I entered for the Love Inspired line (there's also Historical and Suspense), and I'll find out today at 3 PM Eastern time if I made it into the second round.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm excited about it, but I'm also realistic. I know that lots of people entered (326, in fact!), and my submission might not have stood out. I know rejection is part of the publishing game. I still have my fingers crossed!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /><b>How have you fared during contests?</b> </span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-81055767089978386952015-04-09T07:00:00.000-06:002015-04-09T07:00:01.813-06:00Writing Romance -- Not As Easy As You Think<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so I'm not new to the writing game. I'm going into my eighth year of doing this for real, meaning I'm writing to publish, not just because I think it's fun (though I do). I've been published both in the traditional market and the self-publishing realm under another name, in another genre.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Believe it or not, I used to think reading romance was -- gasp! -- boring. I mean, I knew how it was going to end, so what's the fun in reading? I didn't realize that the joy, the journey, lay in how we get to the end. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So when I started writing straight romance (all my books have romance in them) last year, I had quite a steep learning curve. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large;">What I've Learned:</span></u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">It's about satisfying the reader. So I've spent a considerable amount of time reading romances and noting the things I really like about them. I've also had to spend some time telling myself that writing romance isn't necessarily about what *I* like in a character, but rather what romance readers are looking for. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And romance readers are mostly women. And women want a heroine they can relate to. Someone who's still beautiful and has flaws, but is relatable. They definitely want a hero that is swoon-worthy. Someone who can provide for and take care of the heroine, but also has things they need to overcome. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So I've worked on the characterization of my heroines and heroes. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Of course, I want to write the stories I love, in the way I want to. I'm still doing that. I've just realized that there are rules to romance, and they aren't as bendable as the other genres I've written in. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I've also made a list of things that I see in virtually EVERY romance I've read. I realized that those elements are there for a reason, and if I don't have them in my romances, I might need to reconsider what I'm doing. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Secondary characters, or a cast of characters is usually appreciated. Family dynamics are always a plus. Strong motivations for both parties. External and internal situations that both drive the characters together and keep them apart. Animals are usually welcome. Each person needs to sacrifice to be together. Each needs something at stake. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And that's just the tip of the iceberg. I'm still learning, but these are the things I consider now before I even start writing a new romance. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">What do you think of my list? What do I need to add?</span></b><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<br />Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-67408430143901344892015-04-07T07:00:00.000-06:002015-04-07T07:00:05.703-06:00Writing Report!<span style="font-size: large;">Okay, so I sort of fell off the face of the planet there for a few weeks! I was busy with writing things, I promise. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">First, I sent my novel to a freelance editor for a developmental edit. I got her notes back about mid-month, and got to work right away. One thing I learned: I'm not that great at developing secondary characters.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So I had to dive into the layers of the story and build them up. And that's hard, intricate work. I feel like I'm playing dominoes and if I make one false move, bam! The whole thing is going to go down.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">As I neared the end of the revision, I knew I wanted to start querying. So I spent what felt like years on QueryTracker, Publisher's Marketplace, and Agent Query looking up agents and making a list. Oh, and that pesky query letter needed a polish. I sent that to my critique group to get some extra eyes on it.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And last week -- on April Fool's Day no less -- I started querying! This isn't my first time in the pool, but I had forgotten that it's a lot of waiting. Perpetual waiting. So. Much. Waiting. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">So yeah. That's where I disappeared to. <b>What have you been up to with your writing? </b></span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-28141742749481160082015-03-09T07:00:00.000-06:002015-03-09T07:00:05.647-06:00To Pitch or Not to Pitch?<span style="font-size: large;">So I've been gearing up for #PitMad for about a month. I've been writing and rewriting pitches. I've been participating in some other online pitch opportunities.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The thing is, I haven't done super-well. Yes, I've gotten a request or two. Nothing major. I know the competition is tough, but after this last round of nothing, I had a distinct thought. "My novel isn't loud enough to stand out in a twitter pitch contest." </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">And I determined not to participate in #PitMad.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Because while I think my book is good, and there's a market for it, it's not something that's wildly looked after by the agents on twitter. That doesn't mean it won't find an agent or an editor. But after spending a lot of time online lurking in the hashtag threads, I've realized that there aren't a lot of adult romance agents in those threads. One search of the #MSWL proves that. (Yes, there are *some* people there. Not nearly as many as YA fantasy or another genre.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But since #PitMad is coming up, I am reconsidering my thought. Maybe I'll throw out a tweet or two. I don't know. I think it'll be such a windstorm that a genre like mine, with a book like mine, just won't stand out. And then I'll be disappointed again. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">I can query and submit. I'm not stranger to that. I just haven't decided if pitching is the way to go for this novel/genre.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Thoughts?</span></b>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-28444330249974362252015-03-05T07:00:00.000-07:002015-03-05T07:00:05.116-07:00Buying Books for Research<span style="font-size: large;">Yeah, that's right. That's what I'm doing... Ha! But I am getting ready to start submitting my contemporary romance to agents and editors. I've been doing a lot of research on the books I've read that I think are like mine. I'm checking out who sold those books, and to what publishers. I'm researching the publishers and agents using <a href="https://querytracker.net/" target="_blank">QueryTracker</a>, <a href="http://www.agentquery.com/" target="_blank">AgentQuery</a>, and some good old fashioned stalking on twitter and company websites.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeFkjj8nMnuvuem3J8stLVcJfns3m5cG0nGh3uACHAHdYermeD8f4EKSEMO3ylIKp7bDeIcPmjguUoJcNbDAnWMwzgQDUQIhD9T0xir-2GdwJJmoqdzZOoibL11Oilao0SsupapEztDg/s1600/www.randomhouse-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipeFkjj8nMnuvuem3J8stLVcJfns3m5cG0nGh3uACHAHdYermeD8f4EKSEMO3ylIKp7bDeIcPmjguUoJcNbDAnWMwzgQDUQIhD9T0xir-2GdwJJmoqdzZOoibL11Oilao0SsupapEztDg/s1600/www.randomhouse-1.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>Two books I just bought this week are LOVING YOU IS EASY by Wendy S. Marcus and CAN'T ALWAYS GET WHAT YOU WANT by Chelsey Krause.<br />
<br />
I'm excited to read both of these titles and see if they compare to mine. Because they're both Random House Lovestruck titles, and if they fit, I'd like to submit to the publisher.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvorCv-dhPCOkmlo7Gl9fy_dGn6jF1VQ4CjmGW_HGxyZpxS8cC1HP3XvMnjv6Ef2UxzSc8bw7106u-V-M978rzsPNk3uOPyZo1AJjM2z60AgCq6UrDZsKH6-qjQOTPfEXuUM98HeYQvfg/s1600/www.randomhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvorCv-dhPCOkmlo7Gl9fy_dGn6jF1VQ4CjmGW_HGxyZpxS8cC1HP3XvMnjv6Ef2UxzSc8bw7106u-V-M978rzsPNk3uOPyZo1AJjM2z60AgCq6UrDZsKH6-qjQOTPfEXuUM98HeYQvfg/s1600/www.randomhouse.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>I think it's important to take the time to do the research when getting ready to submit. I recently sat in on a panel where someone suggested buying the books of a publisher you're interested in. I think it's really sound advice.<br />
<br />
After all, it's not a race to submit. I want to make sure I'm trying to make the best match with my work to publishers and agents.<br />
<br />
And if that requires me buying books, so be it! It's a sacrifice I'm willing to make.</span><br />
<br />
Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-14143549493002391612015-03-03T07:00:00.000-07:002015-03-03T07:00:08.595-07:00Keeping the Tension High<span style="font-size: large;">Writing romance has had a big learning curve for me. Putting romantic elements in my books has always been innate, but writing a book that's main focus IS the romance is a who different story.<br />
<br />
Luckily, I have some great critique partners who've helped me realize some things. And double-lucky for me, I'm able to spend a lot of time reading and analyzing romance novels. I'm taking notes of what's similar, what each author does, and when, and why.<br />
<br />
There's been something I've learned about keeping the sexual tension high. This was hard for me until I read enough and talked to other people enough.<br />
<br />
Here's what I've come to realize. The romance -- and the sexual tension -- is all about <b><span style="color: red;">push and pull</span></b>, <b><span style="color: blue;">come and go</span></b>, <b><span style="color: #274e13;">fast and slow</span></b>, <b><span style="color: purple;">ebb and flow</span></b>.<br />
<br />
It's even a rhyme!<br />
<br />
Keeping this in mind helps me push the romance forward, keep the tension high, and keep the stakes on the page as often as possible.<br />
<br />
The hero and heroine come together, and then back off. Things move quickly, probably too quickly for one of the characters, and then they slow down. Everything seems to be working out wonderfully, and then they get sticky.<br />
<br />
It seems obvious, but it was revolutionary to me. <b>What have you learned that's helped you keep the tension high in a romance?</b></span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-67807369249023376292015-02-26T07:00:00.000-07:002015-02-26T07:00:07.445-07:00Cowboy Romances<span style="font-size: large;">So I've been researching and preparing to write a romance featuring a cattle ranch and cowboys. Naturally, I turned to published books to see what's being done, and by who. There's a LOT of cowboy romance out there!<br />
<br />
But two I've devoured in the past week are SECOND CHANCE RANCH by Cindi Madsen and THE COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS GIFT by Donna Alward.<br />
<br />
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAuUbm-OXeTHSsDHWratsQmwUk-NxXfwcahkYhxYwRPBJXkTkw0GrsY5ltPawzw90CW0tvILzttECCCNyY7faR3c8Q6cCYeQZnRmvtznI5d6tFHkIHS6bMIW7R9HlSW-t0lqOMdUoydw/s1600/9780373755455.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMAuUbm-OXeTHSsDHWratsQmwUk-NxXfwcahkYhxYwRPBJXkTkw0GrsY5ltPawzw90CW0tvILzttECCCNyY7faR3c8Q6cCYeQZnRmvtznI5d6tFHkIHS6bMIW7R9HlSW-t0lqOMdUoydw/s1600/9780373755455.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>About THE COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS GIFT:</b> Returning to Crooked Valley is more terrifying than the battlefield to ex-soldier Duke Duggan. Still, Duke has an important reason to be back--to take control of his late grandfather's ranch. But being thrown headfirst into his old life makes Duke feel like a fish out of water. That is, until he sees Carrie Coulter again. Twenty years may have passed but the chemistry between them is stronger than ever. <br />
<br />
When Duke threatens to sell the ranch, Carrie, the foreman, realizes she could lose her livelihood. But no decisions will be made until after the holidays. Until then, they have time to explore the feelings that draw them to each other. Together, can they come up with a way to keep the ranch...and the burning love between them?<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thoughts:</u></b><br />
1. I really liked the spicy heroine in this one. She's actually the rancher! I really liked that. I liked that Duke needed to learn as much as I did about ranching. <br />
2. The chemistry is hot in this one. I don't necessarily mind it, and Donna Alward always does a nice job of keeping the door somewhat closed. <br />
3. This had a surprise twist I wasn't expecting -- I won't divulge it, but I liked it. Made me think about my romance plots, and how they take shape. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_0ZPCtI351AOXUF8S93vFYS6VMpG_xAy2oEqeXntm00x0_pbTptQ_MRoCQCdaYNbPkzFJyJWodaK6EVA8Uz4qB53LzYtLytlFJ-gxAa-Am-VFOgQSvx3fw1VkpTucHaCTHSeyXT0-rQ/s1600/9781502317810.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_0ZPCtI351AOXUF8S93vFYS6VMpG_xAy2oEqeXntm00x0_pbTptQ_MRoCQCdaYNbPkzFJyJWodaK6EVA8Uz4qB53LzYtLytlFJ-gxAa-Am-VFOgQSvx3fw1VkpTucHaCTHSeyXT0-rQ/s1600/9781502317810.jpg" height="320" width="200" /></a></div>
<b>About SECOND CHANCE RANCH: </b>Sadie Hart has a plan: return to her small town of Hope Springs so she can regain her confidence—and bank account—before giving one more shot to her country music dream. The dream that means more to her than anything. The dream she chose over her high school sweetheart, the brooding and sinfully handsome Royce Dixon.<br />
<br />
Royce has moved on from his memories of the beautiful Sadie. Now he’s focused solely on running Second Chance Ranch, where he rehabilitates troubled teens through ranch work. But when he needs a new employee and Sadie’s the only one to volunteer, he has no choice but to offer his old flame a job.<br />
<br />
Whether riding a horse with the wind in her hair or mucking out the stalls, Sadie can still get Royce’s heart beating like no one else. But Nashville is her dream, and Royce can’t settle for second best.<br />
<br />
<b><u>Thoughts:</u></b><br />
1. I love the trope of second chances, as well as high school sweetheart reunions. I've written a couple of them myself. This fit that bill, and I liked it for that alone.<br />
2. I liked the dialog in this one. It helped me remember that cowboys are people too, and they don't all talk with a twang or need to be dumbed down. (Not that I think cowboys are dumb! Just sometimes the dialog feels stilted. This didn't.)<br />
3. This felt a little young to me. Like a YA novel, but with older characters. I realized that I wanted my cowboys to be older and feel that way too. It was a great read, so I'm not knocking that. It just helped me realize some things about my own book and what I'd like to do.<br />
<br />
<b>What cowboy romance have you read that you liked?</b></span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4196700230387400480.post-58491091423916961462015-02-23T07:00:00.000-07:002015-02-23T07:00:09.399-07:00The Stakes<span style="font-size: large;">I don't think I've ever realized how hard it is to pin down the stakes in a romance novel. I mean, we all know how the thing is going to end, right? So we know the hero and heroine will get over whatever's in their way, and they'll be together. It's a romance.<br />
<br />
But as I've been writing twitter pitches and revising my query letter (thanks to everyone who helped during the #SunvsSnow critique session!), I've realized that stakes are important. Even in romance. <br />
<br />
And it's hard to put them into the pitch. <br />
<br />
I think it's hard because they're usually not extrinsic. They're internal and if the people in my novel would just get out of their own way, everything would be fine. (Of course, this is why I love writing romance in the first place. I love reading and writing about people who realize their flaws and weaknesses and work to overcome them.) <br />
<br />
But the internal, character flaws are hard to put into words. They're hard to make into something that sounds "high stakes" enough. But I've been reading a lot of successful queries, and then spending some time with back cover copy, and I think I'm slowly wrapping my head around how to do it.<br />
<br />
<b>Any advice on how to get the stakes into a short pitch?</b></span>Liz Isaacsonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16636093158925154666noreply@blogger.com0