tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36219070304539773492024-03-13T09:33:38.320-07:00Kathryn Packer RobertsKATHRYN PACKER ROBERTS :
Literary Works in the WorksKathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.comBlogger175125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-14574208292027931232015-04-20T11:58:00.001-07:002015-04-20T11:58:35.979-07:00Going under the knife!You think this post is about editing, don't you?<br />
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It should be. But it's not. I'm going in for major surgery and probably won't feel like blogging for a couple of months. Then we move into a new house, so it's going to be hectic. But why don't I leave you with a bit of editing advice anyway?<br />
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After having several people look over your 'completed' work (which everyone should do before submitting if they possibly can), it can be confusing as to which advice to take. Every person has a different opinion of what works in a story and what doesn't. This is like going to the zoo and saying that Bears are best, when in fact cats are way cooler.<br />
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Instead of taking each and every offer of baby slaying to heart, look at the bigger picture. What do all your critters say that is similar?<br />
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If we applied this to the zoo, we could ask: Is there a door missing on one of the alligator cages? Or lion cages or both? What if the visitors can get in, but not out? And maybe someone forgot to feed said wild animals and now all they want to do is eat little Billy who is covered in the chili from his chili-dog? This would be a fun plot idea for a story, but not so much for real life. No one could run a zoo like that. Nor should one have their character run amok. Unless it is vital to the plot, that is. =)<br />
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So, if every one says you change POVs several times on one page? You should listen. OR if they hate your MC because he's a sniveling sissy and not likable in any possible way, then maybe you should give him some butt-kicking muscle. Or yada yada yada, the list goes on. Don't be too proud to change your story--even in a major way--if something isn't working. In the long run it's better to change and have people buy your book than let it collect dust. And ants. (The ants come because you're in a depression-eating binge and letting crumbs settle on top o' the manuscript pile. It happens when you don't sell your story.)<br />
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<br />What zoo animals do you like? This thought will keep me occupied for several days while in hospital. Especially if you comment =)<br /><br />
<br />Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-2914277416758152582015-04-08T19:32:00.001-07:002015-04-08T19:32:24.497-07:00Where to find Agents Since I'm doing this right now I thought I'd write down a few ways to find agents for those of you who are stuck and don't know where to look.<br />
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It's hard when you start out writing and have no connections in the publishing world. When I started I had no clue where to look. A lot of newbie writers fall into predatorial traps. They find so-called agents that want to publish their work that contact you with the efficiency of blood-thirsty telemarketers. They feed you lines, like your work is so close to perfection--you're so amazing!--that you just need to fix a few typos and with a small FEE they will find the right publisher for you in no time at all.<br />
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This is WRONG. Don't fall for it. I almost did, lo those many years ago when I first started out. Then I stopped and thought for half a second and realized this pretend agency had on hire a rainbow-barfing cat aimed in my direction. After dusting pink and blue fairy dust out from beneath my eyelids, I went to work finding the RIGHT way to do things.<br />
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Perhaps this seemed hard at first, but Google didn't betray me a second time. I researched books, found an author that was working with my husband's law firm at the time and between the two I got some great insight. If you can find a writer they are usually quite helpful. The lady I talked to was so enthusiastic I had to keep my pen working until my hand-cramps stopped me. She gave me so much info that I soon saw I had a lot of options. But more than that I found that I had a lot of studying to do before I sought out said beloved agent. My work wasn't ready.<br />
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But that's another post entirely.<br />
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The ways I've found most helpful in finding an agent are these:<br />
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<li><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Hermans-Publishers-Editors-Literary-Agents/dp/1608683095/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1428534037&sr=8-1&keywords=jeff+herman+guide+to+agents+editors+and+publishers">JEFF HERMAN'S GUIDE TO BOOK PUBLISHERS, EDITORS, & LITERARY AGENTS</a></b>. If you do nothing else but buy this book, you'll be taking a step in the right direction. Not only does Mr. Herman keep an up-to-date list of agents and their preferences, he also gives you article after article of tips and advice on how to perfect the craft. Just an FYI though, agents sometimes change preferences on their websites after Jeff's book has been sent to the printers, so you want to double check online to see if the agent is really a fit for your work. It's always good to do as much research on each agent as possible before submitting to them anyway.</li>
<li><b>WRITERS CONFERENCES. </b>If you can't go to one to meet key people (for me it was too expensive in the beginning. Hey, I was a struggling artist!), you can at least go online and type in "Writer's Conferences" and it will pull up a bazillion of them for you. After you do this, check to see who is currently attending them. You can Google the names of each agent or their agency, see if they have blogs and at the very least check out what types of MS (manuscripts) they are accepting and what their guidelines are for submissions. Some will click delete as soon as they get a query letter if you don't follow their steps to the 'T'. So do your research!</li>
<li><b>BOOKS. </b>Look in books that are similar to the one you've written. Sometimes the author will mention their agent in a section devoted to thanking the people who helped them get published. Sometimes this doesn't pan out. They may not cover your genre, but at the very least (if there is an agent mentioned in the book) you can go to the agent's website and maybe find another agent in their agency that can help, or find a link to their blog with other cool info. </li>
<li><b>BOOK BLOGGERS. </b>There a tons of bloggers that review books out there hoping you will become part of their special brand of follower. Many have so many followers that writers and publishers send them books to give away as prizes to contests they throw. Some have links to author blogs, who have links to their agent's websites or at least give mention to all the fabu people they meet in the publishing industry. This name dropping can be very helpful and give Google even more business as you go on yet another journey of research. </li>
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This, at least, is a beginning. Don't underestimate the power of research at any stage of your writing career. It's key. Find a clue, track it over the internet and see where it leads you. Once you're in you'll have a plethora of possibilities to choose from. Follow book bloggers, agents, editors, anyone who can give you more information. It's also a great way to be 'seen'. If you are a regular commentor and get involved this helps get you noticed and helps you as you build a platform. </div>
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THE END.</div>
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Ha. Not really. Let's see if anyone can give us some more tips in the comments. If you do, you'll get the prize of...being my friend? =) </div>
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In the meantime, I should really be updating my links, eh?</div>
Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-26412765008058460902015-03-19T08:47:00.000-07:002015-03-19T08:47:13.707-07:003rd Rock Humor, A tribute toJust a quick post today. I was watching 3rd Rock From The Sun with hubby last night and remembering what great writers they had on that show. I think some of the funniest humor comes from analyzing the mediocrities of life. Not that this first clip is mediocre in any way! But seriously? 3rd Rock writers had it down to a science!<br />
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And just to prove that even something as mundane as tissues can be evocative if you go about it the WRITE way....<br />
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And just because this scene is one of my favorites:<br />
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Have a great diurnal! (Or day, depending on who or what you are)Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-74429464708083567962015-02-25T23:37:00.001-08:002015-02-25T23:37:44.690-08:00Why we write for teens<p dir="ltr">Between birthday bashes and buying a house I've had very little time to post,  but in the after math of craziness, watching my old favorite ANNE OF GREEN GABLES,  I had a thought. Why do I write for teens?  </p>
<p dir="ltr">I've probably written about this before,  but in a different light let's think about why teens read at all.  For me it wasn't only escape. It was more than that. Let's be honest,  whether a teen has valid reason or not,  they think their lives are pretty sucky. Whatever situation there's a void that needs filling. Maybe they don't have friends. Maybe they have parents that aren't understanding. Or maybe their situation is less than desirable. </p>
<p dir="ltr">The world isn't the pretty picture our parents often times paint for us. </p>
<p dir="ltr">In our teen years we discover this. That life's a complex place where things are tough. There are trials we all face that sometimes we don't think we can handle. Even if we had it hard as kids-in the teen years our faith that things will work out wavers. </p>
<p dir="ltr">This is where books can be beneficial. They allow us to have friends that care and have parents that (hopefully) love us,  where trials find happy endings.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Now I'm not going into preaching mode. This is just where I leave all you fellow writers and others to ponder. I'm sure I could list lots of scenarios in which books help. But maybe you can add those in the comments. </p>
Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-7539432686163026302015-02-02T22:26:00.001-08:002015-02-02T22:26:21.756-08:00Maze Runner in Germany<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I had to post this pic of the first MAZE RUNNER movie opening in Germany. I loved listening to James Dashner talk about his 'study' schedule while writing these books when at an event at a Barnes & Noble here in Utah a couple years back. He was already at a point where he was able to quit his day job and spend a good about of time going to movies. It seemed funny to me (funny in a jealousy-enducing sort of way), and yet now that he's helping with screenplays it all makes sense.<br />
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Reminds me of that saying, 'Dress for the job you want', or something to that effect. We could apply this to writing. You have to put in the work for the level of success you want to achieve. If you're only in it for the money and don't put your heart and soul into your writing, you probably won't get anywhere.<br />
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Don't worry. I'm sweating over my work and am still not published either. But I dream. And have hope that things will work out. Maybe soon? Whatever happens, it's been worth it. I LOVE to write. More than that I love to improve at whatever it is I'm doing.<br />
<br />How about you? Are you there yet? Keep trying! You will get there!<br />
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And for fun....<br />
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How sweet. They have cute animals in Europe, too. Who knew? =)</div>
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There's a deeper message there. I'll let you figure that one out on your own. </div>
<br />Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-6646298064722850552015-01-20T11:15:00.002-08:002015-01-20T11:15:36.165-08:00Spring Cleaning and QueryingOkay, so it's not spring. But it sure feels like it! Holy cow! Talk about crazy weather! I'm so loving the warm temperatures, though. Aren't you?<br />
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So, here's a random pic that I love. Taken on the banks of the Thames river when I was in Europe this past fall. I don't know why this interests me, but can't you imagine a story just from this picture?<br />
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What happened to this person? Why did they lose a shoe? Was it some ruckusy party that she was a part of and just got too drunk and decided to throw her shoe overboard? (Which is just another reason one should never drink. I hate losing shoes! Or getting kidnapped, which is my next point). Or was it a scary incident of kidnapping (see) where she was, of course, drunk, tried to hit her assailant with the sharp end of her stiletto, he slapped it out of her hand, and it got tossed into the Thames? Either way there had to be a boat involved, I'm thinking.<br />
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What gives you inspiration? I love seeing new places (and sometimes old ones I'm familiar with) and coming up with a background story. Also, there were a lot of interesting people on this trip. I took pictures of some of them when they weren't looking. Sorry O:). Frankly, some types of people really used to scare me, but to get over it I imagine them as characters in my book and then decide what happened in their life to produce their current state-of-self.<br />
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On an awesomer note, I am now done with edits and also with writing my query letter for DEAD LIBRARY! My critter will be looking it over and then PHEW, I will submit my story. Wish me luck! (No really, I'll need it!)<br />
<br />Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-68211035053627265252014-11-12T22:36:00.001-08:002014-11-12T22:56:44.918-08:00I think I'm back now OR Europe Part 1Wow, what a RIDE!<br />
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First jetlag, then personal health stuff that was less fun than, well, anything else.<br />
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Now that I'm back let's get down to some Europe pics. Book related mostly, but maybe I'll be nice and add a few extra...<br />
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First, (and this isn't the book related ones...), I had to add this picture. The hubbs bought himself LEDERHOSEN! Yes. The full garb. This is his hat, which he wore EVERYWHERE. It was awesome. I love that man of mine.<br />
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Don't know why, just cool.</div>
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I keep thinking somehow the druids will make their way into DEAD LIBRARY, but I haven't quite figured that one out. But Stonehenge was every bit as cool as I imagined.</div>
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Yes, I totally did that...</div>
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This first Europe Edition Book Of Mormon will mean something to other LDS folk. =)</div>
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This is a place that's special to me. Groombridge Place is my ancestor's home. And though it's not so much a literary place, I've personally read about it in my own family history books, so I added it. Also, if you've seen the Kiera Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice, this is the house they used. They now do tours there. Unfortunately for us it was closed the only day we could go see it. But we did get some great pictures of the outside. </div>
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The white cliffs of Dover. Wow, how beautiful! Has anyone read a book where they were mentioned? I'm curious. It seems like a place that should be written about. </div>
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Kings Cross Station. Wish we could've gone in, but we were on a mission that day and couldn't spare the time. </div>
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And next just some other random pics from London. I think you'll recognize some of these =)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">hahaha</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buckingham Palace</td></tr>
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You'd be surprised how hard it is to get a great shot of Buckingham Palace. This wasn't the best view, but you get the idea.</div>
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The second one was better, I think.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Westminster</td></tr>
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You've got to zoom in on this one. I loved the ads on these buses.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare's theater</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shakespeare's Theater</td></tr>
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Anyway, that's all for now. I may post more. There was at least one other pic that was book worthy that I should put on here. This is a drop in the bucket. I think I took over 3000 pics. But man! If you ever can--I know how hard/expensive it is--go to EUROPE! So much culture there, so much to learn and see and experience. And so much fodder for stories.</div>
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<br />Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-34312726170842575802014-09-04T18:35:00.001-07:002014-09-04T18:35:27.828-07:00Laziness in writing and vacation time baby!I'm going to write possibly my last post for the next three weeks or so because not to get all excited, but<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">I'M GOING TO EUROPE!!!!! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">AHHHHHH!!!!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><br /></span>
Don't you just hate people that say things like that? I do too. But...<br />
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Yeah, I'm sorry. Feel free to hate me. I was lucky enough to live in Germany for three years as a teen because of my dad's work with the LDS church. It was hard, painful, terrifying (not knowing the language and all and going to local Germany schools) <b>AND </b>the best thing that could have happened to me and I wouldn't change those years for anything.<br />
<br />
So, what happens when I get married? (this is about fifteen years ago)...My parents take all my siblings but me back. I tried not to be jealous. It was hard. But hey, I got to babysit the cat for a while there, so that was fun. ALMOST as fun as going to Europe. So, when my dad passed away not quite two years ago my mom decided it would be a nice break to treat herself and my husband and I (also to make up for that trip lo all those years ago) and take us to Europe. We decided to wait until she was up to it, and here we are, ready to leave in just two weeks!<br />
<br />
You don't feel bad about me going now, do you?<br />
<br />
Okay.<br />
<br />
But that's all off topic. If I have to have a theme for this post it would be laziness.<br />
Didn't expect that did you? Oh yeah, it's in the title of the post.<br />
<br />
So, what does laziness have to do with writing? Well, I think it may be obvious. Sometimes, (and I hope I haven't written a post like this yet...probably I have, but I'm getting old...36 now, you know. Gettin' gray hairs and everything) when we are learning the rules of writing, what keeps us from following through? Why aren't our stories magically executed in perfection?<br />
<br />
Laziness.<br />
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At least for me, I think this is it. Practice also helps. Sometimes we can't get it right the first time. But in all honesty, I think it's laziness and we don't even realize it.<br />
<br />
Yes, I think I've written a post like this before. =) But this is on my mind all the time. I'm always pushing myself to not give up just because things don't seem to come out the way I want even after wishing on that sparkly star in the sky each night. I'm tellin' ya, it's not usual for those stars to come down and write your book for you. It sucks. What's wrong with them anyway? I mean, I took the time to talk to them and everything and not just stare up at them with manga anime eyes, adoringly.<br />
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Give it a try. If you're not executing things the way you've learned, take the time and really work on it until it comes out the way you like. The inspiration will come. I promise. And if it doesn't, I'll help you (not that I know much more than you do probably =).<br />
<br />
Anyway, Adios, unless I find the time in all my packing and planning to blog again. And next time I'll be totally awesome and write something unique for a change. Eh?<br />
<br />
In the meantime, tell me what you've learned lately. I'd love to hear. Or read, whichever...Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-14199928549305162422014-08-29T11:29:00.001-07:002014-08-29T11:29:14.450-07:00Saying Goodbye to a friendI wasn't sure I wanted to write this post. But I will...<br />
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My critique partner and friend, Estee Wood, passed away last week. This was harder one me than I thought it would be. We've only ever met in person once, but right away I felt a close connection to her. She has always been an awesome friend and writing critter with so many strengths I'm sure I don't know all of them.<br />
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In her last days she didn't even let me know how much she was suffering with her cancer, but she did one final critique for me anyway. I can't express what that means to me, or how much it hurts. I wish I could have been more help to her. I wish I would've gone to visit her one last time whether I was up to it or not. I wish I could've seen her reach her publishing dream before she went. I wish so many things.<br />
<br />
But one thing is for certain. Her family was the most important thing to her. No matter how much we dream and want to accomplish, family is what counts most of all as well as other relationships we build around us.<br />
<br />
We don't take our achievements with us when we die, unless they are achievements of goodness, virtue, charity. These she had in spades/<br />
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I hope I can be as strong as Estee during my trials. She was a trooper.<br />
<br />
Love you, Estee.<br />
<br />
Until we meet again.Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-42738837607009604192014-08-14T08:55:00.003-07:002014-08-14T08:58:49.463-07:00Navy SEALsNavy SEALS are heroes! Wow.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tei_JXAGZko/U-zb0quamrI/AAAAAAAAHjo/5Otfa6nrtdQ/s1600/seal-swcc-dot-com-navy-seal-photo-download-000470.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Tei_JXAGZko/U-zb0quamrI/AAAAAAAAHjo/5Otfa6nrtdQ/s1600/seal-swcc-dot-com-navy-seal-photo-download-000470.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.sealswcc.com/slideshow/albums/album-310566/lg/seal-swcc-dot-com-navy-seal-photo-download-000470.jpg</td></tr>
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Had my interview with former Navy SEAL man. His experiences were just what I read about, but it was great hearing his point of view of things. Boy, do they go through a lot! For example, the first week (lovingly entitled 'Hell Week') they don't sleep. Ever. On top of which they have to do extreme physical stuff, like carry a 200lbs boat around with them every where they go. Or doing exercises with a giant log. Or running on a soft-sanded beach. And if you fall behind, you become a part of the 'Goon Squad', where they Sugar-cookie you (Roll in the wet sand) and make you do extra work before finishing the run.<br />
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Not only will this information now round out my MC, but what I learned can help with 'battle plans' later on. Sort of like the Harry Potter idea where Harry learns things throughout the year and then applies it. I don't think that is ever a cliche.<br />
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The only downer? I asked former Navy SEAL dude what he read when he was younger. He was into Non-Fiction books that would help him prepare to be a Navy SEAL. And Stephen King =). But maybe I can grab guy readers who'll appreciate a fictional view of things realistic. It's not as easy getting into a guy's head as a female, like I used to think. Growing up with mainly men all around helped, but I have had to dig deeper. It's an experience I love as a writer, though. It's always a good thing to try to understand others, especially those most different from you. Think of all the wars fought throughout history. They all began because of a difference of opinion.<br />
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Just thinking aloud here.<br />
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Anyway, there you have it. Carry on, people. Carry on.Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-75408092788496106992014-08-11T10:12:00.000-07:002014-08-11T10:12:06.889-07:00Research!Just a quick stop-in to say 'hi'.<br />
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Here's something exciting I learned while doing research for my MC...<br />
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Question: Have you ever felt like you could never find the right person to talk to? I mean a professional type to research and glean certain info from? Well, I'm here as proof that it can be done. I'll admit I'm a pretty lazy person sometimes, at least when it comes to talking to people I don't know well or know at all. Shy party of ONE here.<br />
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Anyway, I did it! I found an impossible to find person. A NAVY SEAL! Well, former Navy SEAL. (You shouldn't be able to find current ones because their identity needs to be secret for obvious reasons). He lives just a few blocks away! AND he's willing to talk to me! I'm so stoked about this because I've read so much, but you can only get so far that way. Talking to someone who's been there is the best way to get what you need to form a realistic character.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mwa0LlPoEA/U-j40z4GuzI/AAAAAAAAHi4/zeEnHfiTLPk/s1600/seal-swcc-dot-com-navy-seal-photo-download-000439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0Mwa0LlPoEA/U-j40z4GuzI/AAAAAAAAHi4/zeEnHfiTLPk/s1600/seal-swcc-dot-com-navy-seal-photo-download-000439.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">http://www.sealswcc.com/navy-seals-photos.html#.U-j46fldXpV<br /><b>These guys are my heros!</b></td></tr>
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So, that's my news. Have you needed a professional to talk to for a character profile? Were you able to find one? How did you go about it?<br />
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As silly as it sounds, all I had to do was be open with someone I was talking to. Be myself and let them know what I was doing and they helped with the rest. Stupid, I know. Maybe you don't have that problem. Maybe you're super outgoing, but for all those who aren't, keep trying! You can do it!<br />
<br />Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-85642078060054853422014-07-23T19:36:00.001-07:002014-07-23T19:36:34.602-07:00The Importance of Research<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kg0rkRRBPz4/U9Bw_vehfRI/AAAAAAAAHfg/GEKG6Ap62jk/s1600/Charles+Manson+Charles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-kg0rkRRBPz4/U9Bw_vehfRI/AAAAAAAAHfg/GEKG6Ap62jk/s1600/Charles+Manson+Charles.jpg" height="242" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles Manson. Sorry about the creepy image. It will prove a point later on, I promise.</td></tr>
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I've been learning the lesson of what good research can mean for a story. Not just mediocre okay-I-did-some-scooping-research. But GOOD, in-depth research.<br />
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In the beginning years I naively thought that a trip to Wikipedia would be sufficient for all my research needs. Years later as I'm doing final edits on a certain project I decided to dig deeper. Get to the real juicy stuff. And you know what?<br />
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I LEARNED SOMETHING.<br />
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Yes, I did. Not that Wiki isn't great and all, but I saw several shades of the people I was researching for, other points of view that really rounded them out for me and gave me something more to add to the kaleidoscope that is them. Added depth. And in the meantime there was this great side effect of me getting smarter, too.<br />
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It opened up another idea for me, too. Not just getting the facts straight in my novel, but also realizing all the different ways I can see a character. It affected the way they spoke to each other, how they perceived different situations, how it changed their daily routine/focus or what they did in their down time or when they were stressed. You know, a more psychoanalysis of them. <br />
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You might think that one could get carried away with this. Okay, you could. Maybe. But don't despair, my brain did not explode. I got what I needed, and then kept editing. Sometimes I would go on stints. Edit. Research. Edit. Research something new. Edit. Research an even newer topic. In this way I was getting what I needed and not tiring my brain and also not getting out of the habit of editing either.<br />
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Here's an example of what I had in the works:<br />
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In my story DEAD LIBRARY, my MC, Christian Lewis is a military brat. In the beginning I had him totally obsess about this girl, a girl that he not only likes, but also appears in his dreams in rather realistic ways (don't worry, nothing gross here). Well, my critters thought he sounded like a stalker and needed more than her and the need to fit in to round him out as an individual. So, I gave him a hobby of sorts. A goal besides that of the one that will pop up and become the main story theme. He now wants to be a Navy SEAL when he's old enough. Well, more than a need. He's driven. It's what will get him away from his controlling dad, yet keep his dad happy (since he's also in the military and loves the idea of 'being tough').<br />
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So, now that I have this point of view for my character I couldn't really leave things up to my limited knowledge of Navy SEAL life to fill in the blanks. I needed to research. A person like Christian would have really researched Navy SEAL life to know what to expect or if he even wanted to do it. Whether by choice or because his Dad pushed it on him. I needed to know what Christian Lewis knows. What would be expected of him? How should he prepare? What does he know already? Does he have an 'in'?<br />
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These things really fleshed out Christian in a way that he'd never been before. He wasn't just a shadow of myself anymore (like most writer's characters are). He's someone separate from me, and yet relatable. And not only that, but I chose a hobby that can help him later on in the story (ie. He will be better prepared to strategize how to take out his enemy when the time comes).<br />
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Another character, is Erick. AKA Christian's new best friend. He's a genius. I'm not implying that he's just smart, he's actually a child prodigy. And not only that, but he realized this at a young age and doesn't want his parents to know, so he won't become one of those scrutinized wunderkind on television. He wants to blend in--not be noticed--so that he can go on creating inventions he can sell to the highest bidder (a buyer that won't care who he is or how old he is).<br />
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Anyway, in the beginning I actually didn't do any research on Erick's character. Because I couldn't find anything that would help at the time. Well, I got smart and realized a better way of looking. Man you wouldn't believe all the YouTube videos out there! Maybe there's still a better way, but that's where I started. This led me to other websites where I found out all about modern day prodigies. This changed a few things about this character, but mostly confirmed things that I already believed. (Hopefully I have him accurate!). Most importantly, I got a look into the lives of someone like Erick. They are normal kids in their way, have the same needs, but they just know a whole bunch of awesome stuff! Again, I really enjoyed this research!<br />
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One more character to discuss then I promise I'll stop =). THE VILLAIN!<br />
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This is one that I really struggled with for several years. I think I got a good grip on the bad guy character a while back, but I thought, what the heck, let's do some more deepening with the old rapscallion. So, back to YouTube I went. This time to news stories. I love that these stories are so readily available!<br />
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So, who do you research for your villain's? Well, I went straight to the worst possible criminals of our modern day. Serial killers. Ted Bundy and Charles Manson to name two. Did you know that Ted Bundy was an average guy from a non-obvious background?? He was almost a direct duplicate of my own husband! (I'm speaking looks description and line of work =). Charles Manson (maybe you know all these stories), was a real gold mine for insight into an evil psyche. There were extensive interviews with him. Man, this guy was obviously possessed, and to this day does not regret a single thing he did. And yet you feel sorry for the guy. (Sort of). Man was his life hard!<br />
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This is what I'm talking about, though. MAKE THE VILLAIN RELATABLE. I've said this before, and maybe I've even mentioned the advice I've heard from other authors, that you start with two characters--the good guy and the bad guy--and then switch rolls and see what happens. See if they're really fleshed out and have distinct points of view that make them choose to be the way that they are. They both have to draw you in. You have to like them, even. Evil or not, they're still your babies. Am I right?<br />
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But back to Manson. This guy had a plan. He created a whole routine to desensitize his so-called family members. He'd go through rituals with them each and every day. Fulfilling their need of family connection, giving them the attention they needed, the 'love', and in turn building himself up in their estimation. He was the beginning and the end to them. He'd then erase their idea of right and wrong. Delete their brain knowledge (put them on drugs so this was much easier), and then download his own ideas. (This is how Satan works, btw, for all you religists out there).<br />
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And once he did that?<br />
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He retrained them. Turned them into killing machines. And JUSTIFIED their actions.<br />
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Of course there was a reason people! He had a goal. Just like good people, bad people have goals, too. And to them they are GOOD goals.<br />
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Yes. Nuts. But, too true.<br /><br />
So, creepy as it was to watch parts of this--very disturbing--it was also educational and great fodder for my own villain.<br />
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Now with my research underway and almost complete, I have juicier details to make my world a real world. And ways to really hit home with readers of all varieties.<br />
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Now let's hear from you. What has helped you create that super-fantastic-awesome character? Do you have a favorite way to research?<br />
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Let me know!<br />
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And thanks again for dropping by!Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-90846351169188450682014-07-15T18:26:00.002-07:002014-07-15T18:26:24.360-07:00Word CrimesTwo posts in one week?? Is it the Apocalypse? Or doughnut day?<br />
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Let's make up for last week, eh? Just something simple, because I can't have brains exploding all over the place. That's only good for Zombies. Maybe snakes. And little brothers.<br />
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Weird Al says it best, I think, when he says:<br />
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Quit committing those word crimes!<br />
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Here you goeth:<br />
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<embed src="https://svideoplayer.vevo.com/embed/Embedded?videoId=USRV81400343&playlist=false&autoplay=0&playerId=62FF0A5C-0D9E-4AC1-AF04-1D9E97EE3961&playerType=embedded&env=0&cultureName=en-US&cultureIsRTL=false" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="575" height="324" bgcolor="#000000" wmode="transparent"></embed></object>Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-91559362496788495682014-07-14T13:14:00.003-07:002014-07-14T13:14:31.951-07:00Testing testing...commitingJust checking in. I realize I didn't write a post last week like I promised myself. I had the perfect idea for a post and the thought left me.<br />
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Let's instead talk about where you find your inspiration...<br />
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I've been having odd bits of inspiration come of late. Awesome bits that add more personality to my characters or intensity to my story line. They usually come when I'm watching movies, or reading. Sometimes they pop into my head randomly. The point is that if I'm dragging my feet about a certain section of my book, no inspiration comes unless I really put forth the effort. I have to tell myself that I'm going to do it, and you'd be amazed at how fast the inspiration comes as soon as I decide to commit.<br />
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Talk about your life lessons =).<br />
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Have you noticed that?<br />
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Procrastination kills dreams. If you don't take that step, even if it's hard or boring, you won't accomplish a thing. But things come easier than we think if we just commit.<br />
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So, if you're staring at your computer screen and nothing is coming, ask yourself if you're really trying? Are you committed?<br />
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See? I wrote a post and I wasn't even ready for it=)<br />
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Today I'm a pantser.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wZoXgb7u9E/U8Q54IFhj0I/AAAAAAAAHTw/qP8f6cdTfJ8/s1600/DSC07603.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wZoXgb7u9E/U8Q54IFhj0I/AAAAAAAAHTw/qP8f6cdTfJ8/s1600/DSC07603.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">T<br />Take a step into the dark before you can see the light...</td></tr>
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<br />Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-88321593255876230702014-07-05T19:44:00.004-07:002014-07-05T19:49:07.813-07:00CONTACT<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOMc36g_tds/U7ipwm0DebI/AAAAAAAAHME/LEvOz8FpWhU/s1600/Contact_Machine_Hokaido.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pOMc36g_tds/U7ipwm0DebI/AAAAAAAAHME/LEvOz8FpWhU/s1600/Contact_Machine_Hokaido.jpg" height="236" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Image from: http://popcultureninja.com/2010/06/20/summer-flashback-1997-contact/</td></tr>
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Today I watched an oldie, but goodie with my daughter who I decided is finally old enough to understand the concepts presented by CONTACT. This film happens to be a favorite of mine and has some great lessons of writing in it. Now, I haven't read the book, perhaps I should, but I believe we can learn as much from screen plays as novels. At least the lessons I'm pointing in this post. <br />
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The premise for those unfamiliar with this movie is that <span style="font-family: inherit;">M</span>C, Eleanor "Ellie" Arroway (played by Jodie Foster)<span style="font-family: inherit;">,</span> is a scientist who lost both parents early in life and is driven to find life outside the boundaries of our planet. She 'listens for little green men'--I believe--in hopes that she can one day contact her parents. Or perhaps just to find more. A purpose to this crazy existence we call life.<br />
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I could go through all the aspects of why this a great piece of science fiction, pointing out that Ellie was thwarted in every possible moment in her pursuit of truth, creating awesome drama. Or that she has a clear problem or desire that she's driven to master. But the thing I want to point out today are some of the things I strive to do in my own writing. Things I hope every writer tries to do, or would try to do.<br />
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The writer, Carl Sagan, did a wonderful job creating a story line that made people not only think, but also inflict upon us the stewardship we have as a people to work together. There are two clear groups of people in this story. The Scientist/Atheist and the Christian. Ellie struggles with the idea that there is a God. She doesn't have a working knowledge of how Faith works. Everything must be proven to her scientifically for her to believe it. A common concept with some groups of people. On the other side is her friend Palmer Joss. He is religious and has opposite goals, yet they are drawn together. They love each other despite their obvious differences. Perhaps she finds in him what she herself is lacking. Opposite attracting once more =)<br />
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So begins Ellie's journey. She ends up accomplishing her goal, only to find that she can provide no proof of her discoveries. This experience--for the first time in her life--provokes her to really contemplate the idea Faith. She knows beyond a doubt and cannot deny what she's seen, yet she cannot prove it. And in the end, she won't deny it. She will have faith. And Palmer stands by her side. He doesn't need her to prove anything to him because he knows what she's learned through her experience. He's empathetic. And also for the first time, it doesn't matter that she does prove it to people (my own thoughts).<br />
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Not only do we as observers of this story get taken on an emotional, relatable roller coaster, but we see how these characters can and do come together on equal ground, a lesson everyone in society is want to learn. It opens us up to different points of view, makes us think as well as feel. <br />
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The science in this story may out date itself, but the human struggle never will. I can watch this movie year after year and each time I'm pained with the struggle Ellie faces. I don't believe the same way she does, yet I'm driven to care for her. I want her to achieve her goals because she is a <b>likeable </b>character.<br />
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Have you seen this movie? What did you think? What lessons did you learn from it? Did you read the book? What differences are there between movie and book?<br />
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Thanks for stopping by!Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-2533222576119340782014-06-28T17:01:00.001-07:002014-06-28T17:01:30.378-07:00Coming aliveSo, I'm back from my hiatus. Health in check. Life in check. Things are great and I'm almost done with my final round of edits on my current project I will now entitle DEAD LIBRARY. And I realized something.<br />
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Amidst my torpidity.<br />
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I better start blogging!<br />
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You know those pesky agents will be checking up on every aspect of your life they can get their eyes on. (I say this with a smile, at least). So, I best be giving them something. A little bit here, there, and steadily.<br />
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You know what else? I think I'm the wrong kind of person to blog. I'll do it anyway, don't get me wrong. But I realized long ago what makes a great blogger and I don't have it.<br />
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For one, you must be bubbly, or at the very least interesting. I'm not sure I'm either. But again, I'll try. People also like to live vicariously through the bloggers they follow. So, they must be doing things. Exciting things. This can be mean that they've found a molecule of success. Or they travel (I did go to DC, will be going to Mt Rushmore and in a few months EUROPE baby!). Maybe the blogger/writer is just so darn cute you can't stay away from them (I could list a couple of writers like that). Or maybe they speak their mind in such a way as to offend and yet you can't help stick with them because they are so dang brave (and you secretly agree with what they're saying).<br />
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I'm too scared to offend people. I tried it once. Didn't like it. So, I'll stick with just being myself.<br />
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Or maybe they like bacon so much that it's become an obsession. And we like people who are obsessed about something. It means they've found that secret meaning of life. (Who knew it was bacon?)<br />
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So, if you're looking for risque speeches or being dominated by fluffy kitten pattering you won't find it here. You'll find common sense from my point of view. Hopefully you can learn from my mistakes. Or maybe, just maybe, I'm smarter than I/you think. Eh?<br />
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Also, people like blog posts with pictures. Here you go:<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gY2o0buslo0/U69V52w8jEI/AAAAAAAAHCs/m0n99CHOewA/s1600/DSC07568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gY2o0buslo0/U69V52w8jEI/AAAAAAAAHCs/m0n99CHOewA/s1600/DSC07568.JPG" height="213" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This picture is mine. I made it. I may have posted it on theartsideofme.blogspot.com.</td></tr>
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PS. I WILL BE PUBLISHED SOON.<br />
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As soon as I find that one awesome agent that sees something in my shiny new product. You're out there somewhere. I'm looking... Maybe I should print out a sign--attached to my shirt--that says: Will buy you lunch? Hmmm?<br />
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<br />Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-45258133851447766812013-07-25T09:04:00.002-07:002013-07-25T09:04:47.905-07:00The Winner!As promised, I'm announcing the winner of the MIND GAMES contest today. The winner is RU.<br />
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Please email me at kprwrite at hotmail dot com with your address so I can get that book off to you. Thanks for commenting! Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-30489516747315344992013-07-17T19:47:00.003-07:002013-07-23T20:15:26.490-07:00CONTEST!! Win MIND GAMES by Kiersten White.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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JUST ONE MORE DAY PEEPS!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oRL2EG3Yo8/UedUC5nVlFI/AAAAAAAADlg/WFgKdaSFvtI/s1600/51O+HvqtTLL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1oRL2EG3Yo8/UedUC5nVlFI/AAAAAAAADlg/WFgKdaSFvtI/s400/51O+HvqtTLL._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA300_SH20_OU01_.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">CONTEST CONTEST CONTEST CONTEST!!!!</td></tr>
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Hows about a contest to win this little lovely? I realize after I posted that 'fake' contest that I probably teed off a lot of people. =) It's what I do best. So, let's do it for real now, shall we?</div>
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I'm going to do this the old fashioned way (since I'm not contest-savvy like so many of you are. Yet). </div>
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<b><i>Here's what you have to do to be entered to win</i>:</b></div>
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<li>Leave a comment telling me why you want to read this book, and one fun thing you did with or for someone you love, preferably a sister (since this book is about sisters)</li>
<li>Must be a follower.</li>
<li>You can earn extra entries if you send people my way, Post, Tweet, Facebook. Must include links.</li>
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YEAH! Let the party begin. You'll have 'til this time next week, <i><b>Wednesday, July 24th</b></i>. For Utahns, we'll call this a Pioneer Day celebratory giveaway. Winners will be announced the following day.</div>
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Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-90294175951063100412013-07-11T13:12:00.000-07:002013-07-11T13:12:54.982-07:00Contest teaser<div style="text-align: center;">
So, what would y'all think if I had a contest to give away my very special copy of </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">MIND GAMES</span></h2>
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by Kiersten White?</div>
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Let's see how many people comment in this post, and if I think I get enough response, I'll put it up for grabs. What do you say?</div>
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Anyone interested?</div>
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I can see that you are....</div>
Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-66720816798338663902013-07-03T09:09:00.000-07:002013-07-03T09:14:01.118-07:00MIND GAMES by Kiersten White--short review <br />
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WOW! There are only two words that come to mind after reading a book like this: HOLY CRAP!<br />
There's a reason this book is entitled MIND GAMES. I seriously felt terrorized reading about these girls' lives. I guess that's a good thing. But if you're reading this thinking it's going to be anything like the humorous warm fuzzies that the PARANORMALCY series was, think again.<br />
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Kiersten White blew me away with her writing skills in this book. Not only does she keep you on your toes, but she creates a terrifyingly real setting where lady hit-woman can be born. The deep characterization lends itself to the reality perfectly. I'm not going to add much more than that. No spoilers here. But if you're looking for a scare, this book is great to read around the proverbial campfire. Youngsters beware. Read with caution.<br />
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<i>For those looking for a 'clean read', I will say that this has teenage drinking in it (although it might make sense to you why while reading). And violent scenes. Although, it isn't too graphic or overly sexual. </i><br />
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Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-7683605078092244262013-06-29T15:26:00.000-07:002013-06-29T18:43:59.584-07:00A New BeginningBefore y'all freak out that I have changed the 'glamour' of my blog, I better say something. I do this occasionally. It keeps things interesting. But rest assured, you're in the right place.<br />
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The reason?<br />
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Since I decided to do an overhaul of my first book--I've set the second one aside for now--I thought I should have a new blog look as well. This new look represents the feeling of the first which I am now Titling, DEAD LIBRARY. which is Sci/Fan YA. I'll try to update my synopsis in my 'In the Works' tab. I'm changing quite a bit in this new round of edits. Going from third person to first, taking away a couple characters, and applying what I've learned in other areas as well. Should be much better! I'll let my critique partners tell me if it is =).<br />
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Let me know what you think. If it's terrible, I'll change it. Always trying to please.<br />
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PS. Since writing this post, I have updated all my tabs. Please check them out!Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-19440642001222769402013-06-24T00:02:00.000-07:002013-06-24T00:02:07.798-07:00Review: THE PARTIALS SEQUENCE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://www.thedanwells.com/">FRAGMENTS by Dan Wells</a>, is the book I'd like to concentrate on in this post. First, I have to admit that my 'bad review' in the post before (the book with all the guns) was the first book in this series. And although I don't retract my comments, I'm obviously here to support this author. He did a much better job in the second book, though not perfect, and I gave him another chance. Obviously the story line was just good enough that I decided to buy the second book. </div>
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Without giving away too much, the thing I think Dan Wells did well in this series was to create a believable post-apocalyptic world. There was a great, and I might add obvious, purpose to the story. The main characters were all very well thought out. There were rules to this new world that worked and were clear. And the theme ended up being excellent. (When I say theme, I mean a sort of moral to the story). </div>
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That being said, I'm going to try to sandwich in the things that I think needed to be worked on, so that I, as well as anyone reading this post, can learn from Dan's mistakes. As much as I liked this book, I didn't love it. A lot of what went on could have possibly been done away with. One thing we're taught as authors is to make sure your settings vary. You don't want to have the same thing popping up all the time. Now, in this case I understand that the whole world is in shambles. Fine. That's okay. The thing we need to consider is, how can I make the same thing interesting? </div>
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First: DON'T put the exact same descriptions in all the time. This gets old. Find new things to focus in on. Maybe make a list of characteristics and then only share some at one time and then some another. </div>
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Second: You still need to be creative enough to figure out how to change things up. Be in different circumstances, ie. don't have the whole book be about shooting people down constantly. We know they're at war, let's have some variation OF that war. </div>
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This isn't to say that there wasn't. I am being hyper-critical here. It could have been a little more varying. </div>
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The next thing I learned from this (I do this in my own writing to a degree. Now I won't) is don't continue to ask obvious questions all the time. Throughout these two books, the author had the main character asking herself questions all the time. I mean, ALL THE TIME. Every other page or so there would be about five lines devoted to--sometime very obvious--questions. Like, What are they going to do? type of questions. Is it this? Or will it be that? Do they mean this? Or is it something altogether different blah blah blah? </div>
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This is something I will be scouring my work of. </div>
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Ask one or two questions tops, and not every few pages. Let the reader as these questions naturally. You raise questions best through SHOWING, not telling. If you are doing your job as an author, the reader will ask these questions automatically. </div>
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One more thing, and then I will go back to praising the rest of the book =). As writers we need to be very careful to make sure each of our characters are independent in thinking from each other. Dan did a great job with his main set of characters, but the lesser (but still important players) often had fits of saying the exact same things the main characters would, even when they hadn't been around each other to indoctrinate them with their ideas. Or even if they had, there should be a different colored lens we can look through for these characters, to color what they see with their own personality. For example, a sixty year old man isn't going to start talking like a seventeen year old boy. (Unless he's making fun of him.) Right? It strips away his believability and breaks the reader from the powerful trance you've induced. </div>
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I read another series as a teen where the author did a more extreme job of this exact thing. EVERY SINGLE character had the same personality. Maybe I've mentioned this before. It is worth mentioning again. DON'T re-use the same personality for every person. I don't care if you think their sense of humor is hilarious. I don't care of they are all noble and brave. Or popular, or whatnot. They shouldn't all be the same. There should be personality quirks. </div>
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And this is where I'll praise Dan again. As I said, his MAIN characters were awesome. Each one could be easily distinguished from one another just by their reactions to events. And they weren't small differences either. Each person, could in their own right, be a scene antagonist. They were friends, but they argued, or got in one another's way. This is good writing. </div>
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I hope I'm not giving anything away with this next item, but I have to talk about the theme of the story. As I see it. You pretty much get a hint of this throughout the first book, but it becomes very clear in the second. There should always be something you're trying to teach the reader, something to get them thinking. But in a non-judgmental, helpful way. Dan succeeded in doing this very eloquently in this book. There were obvious sides, obvious notions of people being 'racist' in this book. Although not in a way that we, in real life, have thought of before. But the bigger issue was the war. And killing. When there is a greater good at stake, are we willing to do what it takes to get there, and how far is too far? Are we going so far that we lose our humanity along the way? </div>
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Dan looked at things equally from both sides and his main character wants to find that medium where everyone can be happy. In fact, she's willing to do, in the end, what it takes to do the right thing by all parties. This is a great debate that gets you thinking. Giving both sides equal support for their causes, but in the end there is a clear choice. The right one. There's also the realization that we as people are afraid of what we don't understand. That's true of everyone. These are issues, when it comes down to it, that we can all relate to. And I think if you can do that with your story, really connect to real issues that people understand, then you've created a great story. </div>
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Well done! Now I have to wait for the next book. </div>
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What are your thoughts. Have you read this series? Were there things you loved about it that I didn't cover? </div>
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Also, big shockers in there. I love the turn of events. Every story should surprise you. </div>
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Anyway, I could go on, but that's what the comments section is for.</div>
Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-24375476666521820952013-05-31T17:46:00.000-07:002013-05-31T17:46:13.627-07:00Things that kill your story. Or: Life after the first chapter.Tell me if you're like me. You research a book, the synopsis sounds intriguing, so you read the first chapter (if it's available) online. And: It's superb! It grabs you at the first line! The story problem is introduced right away in such a heart-wrenching way that you MUST HAVE THIS BOOK!<br />
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And then?<br />
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You click "Purchase".<br />
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Two weeks later you get to read past that first chapter and you find out you're reading an entirely different book. Nope. Same book. But where did the Ooomph go? What happened to the pace? The voice was lost somewhere between page 4 and page 5. It dropped right out of the book and into the garbage pail, that's what it did.<br />
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I've read a few books lately and this is basically what happened. Each book had its good qualities, but they each had undeniable problems.<br />
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First off, you probably know I'm not the type to blackball people on my blog. I'll leave that to the vicious heartless critics out there. This blog's purpose it to learn from--not tear down--other authors. But let's look at the three samples I have.<br />
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Book one, I'll admit, I wasn't as into the story line as I thought I'd be. They just didn't take it in the direction I was hoping for. But book one and book two had the same problem. They had a dynamic first chapter and then their pacing went out the window. Book one had very few important events happening and a lot of every day activities. Book two was the same way, but let's add that there were events happening off and on, but no real road blocks. If you have action sequences, that doesn't mean you have good drama. It's just melodrama. This book was full of guns (boy, did this author like to write about guns! Holy cow!), and people were shooting at them, there were bombs going off, but every time (and I really paid attention to make sure I wasn't missing something) they went after their goal, there were no real obstacles. Nothing barring their way. No re-tries. (Oh, and this author was a man, and boy was there a lot of flirting going on! I was surprised =). <br />
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The third book I will still say I liked, but for all intensive purposes I will still not use the title and show it as an example of what not to do. Granted, with book three, I love this author and think they have a great voice. Usually. They've tried other voices and done just fine. But I was expecting something akin to that caliber and it didn't happen. Sometimes I think authors are only good at one kind of genre or voice and when they stray from what they're good at, it doesn't work. Sad, but true. And that's fine. Stick with what you're good at.<br />
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Book three had an interesting plot, but I didn't really feel that link to the characters. It was set so far in the future where the people are so different, that you couldn't really relate to them half the time. Also, I'm all for a good moral, I really really am, but this book was a statement piece where every other chapter there was an obvious complaint about the way (for example: the government) things are in our country. Now, I totally agreed with everything this person was complaining about. But when you make a book your platform and not about the characters' story, then you lose touch with the reader. Morals are great. EVERY story should have one, but there's a good and a bad way to do it. Preaching at people in a negative way every five pages isn't going to get people to join your side of the podium. <br />
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So, to reiterate, this is what I learned:<br />
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<li>Make sure you keep your voice throughout your book.</li>
<li>Don't forget about pacing. No one wants to hear about mundane everyday activities.</li>
<li>Every action (basically) needs to be thwarted and worked through. Try, try again.</li>
<li>Don't preach. Subtlety is best. Get your reader thinking, and seeing your point in a more uplifting way.</li>
<li>And just for my own sake, Don't have a romance in your book if you start out with the characters totally mush-faced about each other and constantly flirting. Give a little, give some more, and then reward the reader with the appropriate amount of mushiness in the end. (PLEASE don't use sex in teen novels. There are far too many unplanned pregnancies in this world already! Let's not encourage children to be immoral.) PS. It's okay to have a platform on a blog =). This is where you learn about ME. </li>
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So, there are some tidbits for you. What are some of YOUR pet-peeves when you buy a book you were excited for and it left you hanging? Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-48827604662125256432013-04-08T14:47:00.001-07:002013-04-08T15:41:56.216-07:00Where to begin plotting<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">my desk as we speak.</td></tr>
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I've gotten through the grimy part I've been dreading the last two months in my revision process. Now it's time to dig in and make the changes I planned. And what better way than to scrape around my desk, collecting all those dusty notes I've taken from so many blogs I've read, and put them to use!</div>
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For those of you going through the same process, I thought I'd share with you a few of my favorite websites. There are hundreds out there, but this is where I suggest starting:</div>
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<a href="http://warriorwriters.wordpress.com/">Kristen Lamb's Blog</a> </div>
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<a href="http://kidlit.com/">Kidlit.com</a></div>
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<a href="http://nathanbransford.com/">Nathan Bransford's blog</a> </div>
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I'm sure I've posted these somewhere before, but here they are again, all official-like.</div>
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Kristen Lamb's blog is probably my favorite of the three, though not by too much because they are all pretty amazing. Her blog is great for any writer writing any genre or type of novel. Fiction and Non-Fiction. She goes through every step of what goes into a great book and also gives great insight into the different options of publishing as well as her opinions of where publishing is going, trends, etc. </div>
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Mary Kole is a Senior Literary Manager at <a href="http://www.movabletm.com/" target="_blank">Movable Type Management</a> and also offers <a href="http://marykole.com/" target="_blank">freelance editing and consulting services</a>. She's a great resource for Children's book writers. Everything from Picture books (PB) to Young Adult (YA). She's fairly new to the business of Agenting, but is an austere advice giver, unafraid of giving you her very honest opinion. She lists her email address for questions on the right-hand side of her blog and is prompt in her response time. So, if you can't find an answer elsewhere, give her a try. But follow her question instructions or she won't respond! </div>
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Nathan Bransford basically broke my heart when he quit his job as a literary agent, but he is still very involved in the world of publishing. A published author himself, he has lots of great advice for writers. Check out his FAQs section at the bottom right of his blog under "Essential Publishing Advice". Here you can find posts on anything you need to know from how to write a perfect query to what literary agents do. He is also a great resource for social media, his new job being the social media manager at <a href="http://cnet.com/" target="_blank">CNET</a>. </div>
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Hope that helps. When I get to the query phase, I will try to remember to post some great resources for writing query letters (although the above resources have some great posts on that, too!). If you can't wait until then, let me know and I'll send out some links!</div>
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Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3621907030453977349.post-38269218177616653622013-03-07T09:43:00.000-08:002013-03-07T09:43:26.098-08:00OverhaulJust a quickish post today. I'm doing a complete overhaul of my very first novel. Yes I am. Some may say it's like beating a dead horse and you should never look back. But this book is so special to me, and the idea has never been done. I think I can pull it off.<br />
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So, back to square one. I'm going through the entire novel, jotting down notes about what happens in each chapter. Then I will do some major cutting. I'll bring in the parts I need to and leave all the telling (oh my, how much telling there was Yoda!) out. Also, I'm changing the tense so I don't fall into old ruts...not that I would, but it will make it feel more fresh this way.<br />
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Going through, it's awesome to see how many new ideas I have. I've had plenty of separation time as well as learning time to see where I've left out things that could have injected the story with more personality and important detail. I'm excited to see how this will all play out. Lots of work ahead, but I'm happy about that.Kathryn Packer Robertshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16506942804607936833noreply@blogger.com3