Monday, November 9, 2015

Donuts and Revising

So, I got thinking last night about my mental revising process. It always starts with, "No, I don't think I can do that. I've already revised and I think I'm good." Such is my reaction when someone offers me a whipped maple bar donut and I'm trying to watch my waistline, "No, no thanks. I'm good." Then, I catch a whiff of the maple goodness. Likewise, I keep thinking of how I could revise and eventually I see a tiny light where I could possible change something, so I dive in a little. I have a little taste of the donut. Yes! Yes! Yes! This is soooooo good, how could I ever deny myself this piece of heaven? Same reaction to my brilliant revisions. Yes! Yes! Yes! This is soooooo good!

Revisions may not always seem possible, hitting the delete key is always a knife to the chest (not going to lie, sometimes I cut and paste on a separate document and revisit my previous words), but the end result is always something I am so much more in love with. So here's me handing you a virtual whipped maple bar and telling you it is too good! REVISE, REVISE, REVISE!






Monday, October 12, 2015

#StoriesForAll, Passionate May Be an Understatement!

I'm just slightly passionate about the #StoriesForAll subject that Shannon Hale recently launched. A little background info...My (boy) child was embarrassed to take a Junie B. Jones book to school because it was a "girl book". I distinctly remember looking at him and saying, "Humor and Funny are for EVERYONE!" He looked at me with the "whatever" face, so what does Mom do? Mom goes all passionate on him..."Did Mom read Diary of a Wimpy Kid? YES! Did Mom read Harry Potter? YES! Did Mom read Geronimo Stilton? YES! Are those BOY books?" (Mom waits for an answer from terrified 8yr. old) "Well yes... I mean no...well kind of?" he says with trepidation. *Mom smiles proud* "All of your answers are right! They ARE boy books and they ARE girl books, but that's what makes BOOKS so awesome. They are for EVERYONE! They take us into another world, they teach us things that we might not learn otherwise, and sometimes they are purely for entertainment!" He obviously ended up giggling at my speech.

But, this did get me thinking... Have I ever said anything like this to any of my children? Did I wait to buy "girl books" until after I had a girl? Have I ever looked at a grown man reading a romance novel and giggled a little? ABSOLUTELY, and shame on me! *Super Sad Face* In all honesty, I think we all have. I'd even stretch the subject to movies. How many times are movies stereotyped "chick flick" or "blow it up guy movie"? ALL THE TIME! I guess that would make my 6'2", 220lb, buff, cowboy husband a "chick" then, because given the choice he would pick a "girl movie".

About a year later, the above mentioned son and his friends, started reading Dork Diaries. They did it to be funny, at first, but then seriously ended up liking them. The librarian commented that many of the girls complained that the  boys had taken all of the books, which gave her the opportunity to expand their reading horizons.

Wow folks, I could go ON and ON, but I'll spare you. In closing, I think all of us have room to improve on this. Especially, with our boys! End book-bullying both in your home and encourage them to block book-bullying at school. A few strong-willed kids can make a BIG change.

Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Humanity is Alive and Well!

Sometimes after watching the news, or simply scrolling through my Twitter feed I wonder if there is any humanity left in the world. This is sad, because I consider myself a fairly optimistic person.

One thing I love about my job at the hospital is what a truly humbling environment it is. When people are sick and otherwise helpless, true colors are shown. Each day at work, I am thanked, hugged, and sometimes surprised later with a kind note from a patient or their family. Humanity is ALIVE and well.

The same has been true with my writing life. I remember, not long ago, I contacted an editor. (Her name is Jen Arena and I HIGHLY recommend her) We talked on the phone about my MS before I sent it to her and at the end of the conversation I asked her, "So, how do you want me to pay you? Send 1/2 now and the rest when you're done? PayPal? etc." She quickly answered, "Oh, no! I'll just send you an invoice and you can send me a check." I'm sure your reaction is the same as mine was. WHAT!!!! PEOPLE STILL DO THAT!?! SOMEONE ACTUALLY TRUSTS THAT YOU WILL SEND YOUR CHECK! HUMANITY IS ALIVE AND WELL.

Then, my experience has continued through my Twitter contacts. I feel like I have been surrounded by such wonderful people. They are constantly posting helpful tips, agent research (we all know how long that takes!), and encouraging words. I get giddy and squeal (sometimes in the middle of a dentist office) when I hear my CP's have received requests for fulls, and likewise, when I get requests, I want my writing peeps to know first. Humanity is ALIVE and well in the writing world. I've always felt like my hospital life and writing life are completely separate entities, but maybe now, not so much!

Thursday, September 24, 2015

To Contest, or Not to Contest!

Being new to the writing world, I was completely unaware of all these "Parties," "Wars," "Secret Agents," etc. going on without me! I'm sure the contest route is not for everyone, but I am quickly finding out that I am a fan. These contests have brought me more friends, CPs, and cheerleaders than I could ever image. In such a short time, too. As I look back at this blog, I remember typing out those first few posts feeling alone and using this as more of a journal. Now, I hope to transition it into things that have helped me and tips that I continue to get. So, if you are even remotely interested in doing contests, my answer to you is DO IT! Obviously, it's really fun to win, but as I stated in my last post the friendships are worth more than any of it. Keep writing, keep revising, and revising, and revising, and enter a contest for the fun of it, because that's truly what they're all about.

Monday, September 21, 2015

It was a WIN, long before the results were in!

Not going to lie, there is a box of tissues beside me as I type this post (don't judge). Now here's the story:

I just happened to notice a hashtag one day while scanning through Twitter, #PBParty, and being the party girl that I AM, I clicked on it. The heavens opened and the angel by the name of Michelle Hauck descended. There before me was her website detailing a contest for picture books and CHAPTER BOOKS!!!!!! (and the choirs started singing). First of all, I loved the entry criteria. The concept of the first 50/100 words was brilliant. Second, I love the teamwork aspect (enters second angel Sharon Chriscoe) of having two party hosts. Third, the week long party after entry day, truly was a PARTY!!



I was able to meet so many wonderful PB/CB authors and find out so much about them through the daily prompts set-up by our fab hostesses. I loved all of the hints, tips, and comments made. It was through this "waiting-period week" that I  quickly realized, I had already WON! Anyone can win a contest, but you can't always find priceless friends, write-tips, and CPs.

Now for the big news...I AM A FINALIST! After I scared my three year old half to death by screaming in her ear, I broke out the tissues.




I don't think Michelle and Sharon will ever know what this has meant to me. Your names will forever be part of my heart and my author journey bio. You have given me a great chance and if we ever meet, I know we will be fast friends! Thanks again, and I can't wait for Wednesday and many writing years with my new found #PBParty friends. 

Friday, September 18, 2015

Whisperings at Midnight...

I had one of those, wake out of a dead sleep, whisperings of a new book idea last night. After arguing with "said voice", I finally listened and fired up the computer. (Bless my sleeping husbands heart for putting up with me) What I've come to find out, is these voices usually have the best ideas. So, for all you Ghost Voices out there, I'm Pam and I am listening.

The book I wrote was actually a picture book, which I've never really tried. (Yes, I need another meeting with Idea-aholics Anon. SOON!) The funniest part, is this multi-tasking behavior is somewhat foreign to me. I tend to usually have a lot of "type A" personality. Very task driven. I get things done quickly and efficiently and move on to the next thing. The fact that I have 3-4 different WIP going in different genres right now should be alarming, but I'm choosing to embrace it. I'm sure they won't all get published...But what if they do?

Thursday, September 17, 2015

50 Shades of Chapter Book Grey

When I first started writing chapter books I didn't realize what a small world it was! It's sandwiched between the two gods of picture books and middle grade. Most people consider chapter books a picture book because each chapter usually has a B&W illustration. I've seen others, who say early middle grade. I don't know the answer, but I do know that it's the place for me to be. I've recently submitted to a wonderful contest #PBParty hosted by Michelle Hauck and Sharon Criscoe on Twitter. They've helped me to connect with more chapter book authors and get some questions answered. We've definitely identified that there is a grey area with agent submissions. As hard as I try to research, it's hard to know who is interested in chapter books. I've found many at the Bent Agency, Andrea Brown Lit., Nancy Gallt Agency, Pippin prop. and Brandt&Hochman agency. Yesterday, I took a field trip to the library to look at CB acknowledgements to see if I could find who agented their series.

Interesting findings: 1. 50% of CB were self-sub to publishers because that was how it was back then, 2. I did not find even ONE acknowledgement to an agent (serious sad face), 3. My internet searchings were successful, but limited (mentions above).

So, what I would love to find, is those out there that accept CB queries that may not advertise it as much. The ones who say PB and that includes CB, or ones that say MG and would be willing to look at CB. Thus, my new # is born. #CBagenthunt. If you find or know of any CB agents please tag them or add them using the #CBagenthunt. Let's get the 50 shades down to maybe 25...

Tuesday, September 15, 2015

Idea-Aholics Anonymous

My name is Pam, and I'm an Idea-Aholic. *crowd echoes Hello Pam* I have so many stories in my head, it's hard to choose which one to work on. I've decided it's partially due to my very creative, and imaginative, 4yr. old side-kick. He tells me his (very detailed) dreams, and I find myself story plotting as he talks. The good thing is, the longer I think about a story, the better it comes out when I sit down to write. So, for all you Idea-Aholics out there, you are not alone. Keep writing down your ideas. Make a running list, and when one isn't working out for you, start another and so on, but don't stop writing. Too many ideas is better than NO ideas!

Monday, September 14, 2015

Oh, what a naive little reader I used to be!

I used to devour books at warp speed, left and right, reading sometimes 7-10 novels in a week! If I like the book, I'll look at the authors page and order more. It was fairly mindless, strictly entertainment value reading. Then, my writing days started. Needless to say, I've never read a book in quite the same manner! Now, when I get to the last page I'm coming up with my own query letter, critiquing plot content, tension etc. I know I'm not alone in having my virgin reading eyes opened. All writers/editors know what I'm talking about. Once you learn how much hard work, editing, tears, chocolate eating that goes into getting a book published, you want to call up every author you read and congratulate them, because at some point they were once just like you. Writing when they had some down time, working, being a parent, revising, trying to fit in a conference or two, agent hunting etc. Don't get me wrong, I'm still thoroughly entertained by my reading, but in process of writing to be published I've changed. Have I told you, I think change is good...

Sunday, September 13, 2015

Riding the Writing Roller Coaster & Feeling Wri-polar

I have a little analogy that we give our NICU parents at the hospital and it's something that I can compare to my writing experience as well. The Roller Coaster. There are days when I am at the incline of the ride and I think I am the funniest writer out there and every agent will want my book. Then, my guts plunge upward and threaten to spill out of my mouth, with twists and turns and feelings of inadequacy. (One Day) I love this MS, I will make it into a series because I love it so much. (Next Day) Should I just tuck this MS into my "Save for my posterity because they will think I'm awesome no matter what pile" and start over on a new book, maybe one that was on a MSWL somewhere on Twitter. (Next Day) I get an email from a Twitter cheerleader friend *coughs Michelle's name* and I'm back at the top of the incline shouting my own praise for my masterpiece. Hi, my name is Pam and I am "wri-polar" (Writer's bi-polar) I can go from one extreme to the next in a matter of 12 hours. But, I have some good family/Twitter therapists that are helping me and I guess it's good to have a little humble and a little cocky in this crazy world.

Saturday, September 5, 2015

Doing it Wrong and Tender Mercies



I don't know if there is a right way to go about writing, but what I've learned (maybe the hard way) is there are things that can make it easier. As in earlier posts, I've said I was a closet writer. I wrote my little heart out and didn't tell anyone. At the time, that was the right thing for me. I wasn't writing to be published. I just had a story that would wake me up from a dead sleep, one that was constantly bugging me when I was trying to relax, and it needed to be told. Then, when my focus switched to early chapter books, I was writing to be published. One day, I will out myself for the many mistakes I've made, but not in this post. The main thing I want to get across is the need for YOUR people and their constant cheerleading to be successful.
So, where am I now? I've got my constants (hubby, family, friends), and I'm slowly gaining my writing world peeps. One tender mercy came after many emails to bloggers and editors. I had been looking for someone (someone who didn't know me personally) to read my book so I could actually get some good constructive feedback. That's when Jen Arena came into my life. She not only responded to my email, within a day or two, she was so kind and positive and WILLING to read my work. (Side note: Out of all of the emails I had sent, she was the one I was hoping to hear from the most. So, of course, it was fate) She opened my eyes to my writing style, some things I need to work on, and was very positive in her delivery. That being said, I have never been so embarrassed in my life! After a few chapters of her line edits, I wanted to poke my own eyes out for how many times I had repeated the same mistakes. I took many days, sometimes in small doses, to revise and improve my original MS. Needless to say, I am so much more in love with it! So, thank you Jen, for everything. Thank you for the advice to join Twitter. It has opened up a lot of opportunities for me to meet people in my same boat, some who have sailed past me, and some who are just flat out entertainment value. So, my goal is now to find a good CP or critique group so my edits won't take so blasted long! Recap: Sometimes it's okay to just write for yourself/by yourself. If you want to write to be published, you need PEEPS and many cheerleaders who already love you!

Friday, September 4, 2015

Where the Words Flow

Every writer has somewhere, some environment, in which they work the best. It may be inside a quiet library. For others, a slow bustling cafe. Or maybe, the comfort of their own bedroom. For me, it's in the crazy, loud, sometimes questionable surroundings of my kitchen. 


There's something about the hard kitchen chair that keeps me alert. I'm in easy access of chocolate if I need it to give me super brain power. Most of all, I think I love my kids seeing me do something that I love. They're curious about what has me smiling, they want in on what has me laughing, and they are a constant source of good book material. So cheers (with a cold Diet Coke) to the place you love to write the most! 

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

Postpartum and Visions

Many people have said, "I never knew you liked to write." I don't think I really knew. Maybe it comes with the territory of being a talker, but mostly I think it was something I did after I had two babies 18mo. apart. I wrote late at night after everyone was asleep. This was the only part of the day when I had time to myself. Like I said, in an earlier post, I wrote two adult novels first and at the start of the third and final book of that series, I switched my focus. My oldest son has had a hard time finding a book/series that he really likes. He's not that interested in mystery, fantasy, or big adventure. He lives, eats, and breathes sports. Thus, the vision for my first chapter book series was born. I can't even describe how fun it has been creating my main character. He truly is another child of mine. The series is realistic fiction with lots of good humor. So, my journey of editing, revising, and agent hunting has begun!

The Reality of Those Four Powerful Words!

If I were to describe myself, I would say fun, outgoing, and up for anything. But, for some reason, there are four words that put my panties in a wad. Four words that make me more insecure than speaking to a conference of 200 medical professionals. More nervous than placing an emergent airway in a trauma victim. Are you ready......... I WROTE A BOOK. I am happy to say that I am now a reformed closet writer, as mentioned in previous posts. The funny thing is, the reaction EVERY time is, "That is so cool!" or "That is awesome, I want to read it." So, the reality of saying those four words has been 100% positive (thus far). I often refer to my books as my book babies. That being said, most of us want our children to be loved and accepted and the same goes for my book babies. Reality though, is not everyone will love and adore my children and the same goes for my book babies. So, I'm learning and growing. Mamma Bear will try to keep herself tucked away.....

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Nostalgia & Closet Confessions

I don't remember a time when books weren't part of my life. Growing up with an elementary school teacher, mom, and four older sisters = Lots of Reading.  Sure, I went through phases where all I read was Sports Illustrated Kids Magazine or cereal boxes, but reading is everywhere even if it's not in books. Posted below is a picture. Many will just see books, some will see classics, some will have memories and feelings from reading these themselves. I went looking for this box in my basement when I was trying to find something for a reluctant reader at my house. Opening the lid was like magic *sparkles, glitter, rainbows*. As I looked through the titles, memories came flooding. I remember laughing at Matilda and her tricks. I remember the feeling of accomplishment when I finished Little House in the Big Woods because it was sooooooo loooong! Books are magical!

The first book I ever wrote was when I was a student at Barnwell Elementary in Alpharetta Georgia. Every year we would write a story, the precious mother-helpers would type out our books, and we would self-illustrate. (If I can find them in my mess of a basement I'll take a picture) These were a treasure to me. I loved each and every one of MY books and thought I was the funniest author out there. As I got older (early junior high) I wrote short stories and eventually you just don't have mother-helpers anymore and my creative writing stopped until college. Post college, I read A LOT, and still do, but I never wrote anything other than emails, birthday cards, and narratives in hospital patient charts. By now, I had already met, and married, the cowboy of my dreams and we started having babies. Babies led to more babies and after my last one which was very soon after  my #3 child I got a hair to write again *sparkles, glitter, rainbows*. I was a closet writer...Ha! Ha! Ha! I think there are more of us out there than we know. I finally confessed to a friend living in Australia and sent her half of a NA novel I was writing and asked her if it was good enough to keep going. She cursed my name two days later when she was left with a cliff hanger, unfinished MS. Needless to say, I kept writing and finished two adult MS that are still on my laptop. They were my first book babies and I will forever be in love with them and eventually I will do something with them. Now, I think I've found my niche in early chapter book writing. Most of the time I feel like a kid in a big body, just ask my neighbors and co-workers. So thus begins my journey.

Introductions

As I sit down to write this, a part of me feels like I'm writing a bio for an on-line dating service. You know, telling you all the good juicy details, so maybe I'll do just that (even though I'm happily married:). My name is Pam Barney and here it is...

Current stats: wife, mom, respiratory therapist, WRITER, reader, carb-lover (especially baked goods), karaoke singer, kitchen dancer, sister time, Diet Coke, horse rides, camping trips, Fall, beach trips, Wheaten Terrier lover, iTunes, Wimbledon watcher, Mormon, party hostess, spearmint gum, cheesecake, Netflix, @chatbook lover, family time, cowboys (yes, I married one), Pinterest, sewing, swimming, garage sale shopping, BBC, Steel Magnolias, frozen Charleston Chews, belly laughing, the list goes on and on.....

Aspirations: PUBLISH a book (or two, or twenty...), own a pontoon boat, own a dessert food truck, travel to Ireland, start a non-profit organization (yes, I know exactly what I'll do), start an @home business, finish our basement, many more to come......

And that is (some of) ME!

XO- Pam (yes, I'm a hugger)