The power of Pitch

Since the Online Muse Conference is coming up, I thought it would be appropriate to do a post on pitching. If you haven't already enrolled for the conference click HERE for more info.

It's an awesome conference put together by the fabulous Lea Schizas. You don't want to miss it!! I can't wait!

Okay, so why must the word PITCH send shivers down our spine? One word.

Rejection.

One ugly, simple word.

So how do you vanish that nervous pang from your gut?

The more you know, the more you'll feel comfortable at pitching. And of course the more you prepare yourself, the more confident you're going to become.

I am not going to lie to you. Those butterflies will still be there. But there's nothing to fear as long as you know you tried your best.

Below are some links to help guide you through pitching. I know, I know, my cps call me the Queen of Links. What can I say? There's a lot of great info out there. I have to share what I find useful. :)

Literary agent, Rachelle Gardner reveals Secrets of a Great pitch HERE

Tips on coming up with a one-sentence hook can be found HERE

As always Camy Tang shares invaluable information on how to get the job done.

Literary agent, Nathan Bransford also shares some awesome tips on one-sentence hooks HERE

Attending a conference soon?

Check out Chuck Sambuchino's blog. Excellent tips on how to pitch at a conference.

Happy pitching and good luck!

Remember, take a deep breath in and give 'em all you got.

Writing Tips

Photo by Karol Pomplin

Writing is a learning process—such is life.

As you can see my blog is mostly dedicated to helping other writers grow. I hope the following links will help aide you in your adventure in writing.

If you aren't a follower yet, I would like to invite you to come and follow me. I will be posting some more great writing links very soon!

Enjoy!!

"I want to write a novel and have no clue what to do!" Sound like you?

If so click HERE. Camy Tang shares some great tips, books, articles, and websites.


Amy Deardon set up a VERY useful tutorial for setting a story up. Click HERE to learn how.


Story structure problems? Find answers HERE
Secrets of superb writing

Ten rules of writing fiction by Clare Langley-Hawthorne


Gail Gaymer Martin does an excellent job at showing us how to pace a novel HERE

From the Editor's desk Writing Tips by Sandra Glahn

POV

Photo by Karol Pomplin

What is POV?
Some see it as a work of art.

For others it may mean Privately Owned Vehicle, or Power of Veto. But for us writers it means one thing and one thing only: Point of View.

So what is it exactly? What are the rules? Which POV should you use?

Below I have listed some links that help explain and remind us writers what POV is all about.

Deep POV is hot. And why wouldn't it be?
It makes for a fascinating and emotional ride. Deep POV allows readers to get under the character's skin.

Here is some info on Deep POV:

Mastering Deep POV

Strong Emotive Writing

How to use Deep POV effectively
How do authors make their characters come alive using Deep POV?
Find out HERE
Camy Tang shows you tips that pull the reader deeper into the character’s point of view HERE
Making POV work for you
Limited Third Person/Deep POVNot sure what POV you want to write in?
Maybe this can help.
Gail Gaymer shows us how to select the right POV HERE

It's Award Time!

I want to thank Jan Verhoeff for the Kreative Blogger Award.

There are some rules attached to this.

1. Thank the person who nominated you for this award.

2. Copy the logo and place it on your blog.

3. Link to the person who nominated you for this award.

4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting.

5. Nominate 7 Kreativ Bloggers.

6. Post links to the 7 blogs you nominate.

7. Leave a comment on each of the blogs letting them know they have been nominated.

I have selected:

Writing Fiction Right from novelist Gail Gaymer Martin -If you want to write quality fiction,this blog will provide you with a lot of helpful information. Publishers are looking for dynamic plots, believable characters, realistic dialogue, deep emotion and stories that hook readers. You will find this and much more at Gail Gaymer's Writing Fiction Right Blog.

Guide to Literary Agents-An EDITOR'S BLOG .When & How To Find an Agent To Represent Your Work. Extraordinary information on new agents, winning queries, and stories on "how I got my agent." All this and much more.

Author Camy Tang's Story Sensei-Helpful tips to help writers doctor their own manuscripts. Critique services as well. A long list of interesting articles that can help aide you through your writing career along with great writing techniques.


Literary Agent Nathan Bransford's blog

An essential list of publishing topics and guidance from a reputable agent. You'll be sure to find an answer to your questions here. No surprise it has received plenty of awards.

Literary agent Chip Mac Gregor's blog -Publishing tips, insights, and wisdom from a seasoned pro in the book business. Another great blog with endless information on the publishing industry.

The kill zone -Insider perspectives from today's hottest thriller and mystery writers. The musings of 7 top thriller and mystery authors covering topics that inspire, anger, amuse, and entertain us. Awesome insights and tips. Everyday a Kill Zone author posts.

Agent Rachelle Gardner's blog Rants & RamblingsOn a Life as a Literary Agent. Every aspiring writer should follow this blog. Priceless information on publishing, agents, and much much more. It's not a surprise it received an award from Writer's Digest as 101 Best Websites For Writers.

These are my absolute favorite blogs. Great ones to follow. Especially if you are an aspiring writer. Hope you enjoy them as much as I have. I found them to all be invaluable. Awesome blogs from AWESOME people!


7 Things about Me:

1) I've done hair for over fifteen years.

2) Writing is a passion I could NEVER give up.

3) I have several "things to do" on my bucket list, including: learning how to paint, DJ, decorating cakes, and arranging flowers.

4) I also have a strong passion for drawing.

5) I love to create...it doesn't matter what it is, if I can create it I'm happy!

6) I carry a bottle of chamomile/lavender in my purse. It helps calm the spirit.

7)Last, but not least, I once experienced what one of my characters was experiencing. I had just finished writing a scene about my heroine who was gasping for air. Moments later I choked, and I was gasping for air, wheezing. I guess God wanted me to know what it was really like so I could bring the scene to life.

That’s all there is to it. Now let’s get out there and nominate seven other fantastic bloggers!

Great Articles

Ever wonder what agents hate? Here is a great article by Chuck Sambuchino.

Also by Camy Tang:

Know How and Where to Begin Your Novel

Crafting a Riveting Opening Hook

AND

Tighten up Your Manuscript with agent Rachelle Gardner

Blogs For Writers

Here are a list of a few writer/agent blogs I currently am following. All have great info for writers who are thirsty to learn.

Enjoy!

Agent Chip MacGregor's blog
Publishing tips, insights, and wisdom from a seasoned pro in the book business

Writing Fiction Right from novelist Gail Gaymer Martin

Author Camy Tang's Story Sensei
Tips to help writers doctor their own manuscripts
Critique services as well

The Kill Zone
Insider perspectives from today's hottest thriller and mystery writers

Guide to Literary Agents EDITOR'S BLOG
When & How To Find an Agent To Represent Your Work


Agent Rachelle Gardner's blog
Rants & Ramblings
On a Life as a Literary Agent

Literary Agent Nathan Bransford's blog

Randy Ingermanson's Advanced Fiction Writing

Author Resources By Cindy Bauer
Find the best tips here to advance your writing career!