Okay, so I'm probably out of my mind to do this. But I need some help. I'm taking a poll. (See sidebar to vote->)
In my quest to find an agent, I've come across a little contest. And being myself, I can't resist entering. I have to come up with three compelling sentences (150 words max) that describe my finished novel. This goes into an email for the agency. The agents will then pick the twenty most compelling entries and request more of the material--meaning a jump over the slush pile. So, I kind of figure what the heck, right? An opportunity to skip that well known pile is something I just can't bring myself to pass up. Click here if you're interested in learning more.
So, now I get to reduce my 104,000 word book to three sentences. Can I do it? You tell me. The following are what I've come up with so far. My question to you is: Which one compells you to want to read the book?
1. Abigail Johnson has Healing powers, and the Gift of Sight. Though her heart bleeds for the loss of people she has loved, she’s duty bound to protect the secrets of the Gifted People. But first, she has to learn them.
2. Abigail Johnson has Healing powers, and the Gift of Sight. Abby must find ancient Keys to an underground prison and keep them from falling into the hands of those who seek to harm Abby, her people, and the rest of humanity. All this, and she finds the time to fall in love, be chased around the country, kidnapped, wounded, betrayed, and then face her worst nightmares to emerge triumphant over not just evil, but also death.
3. Abigail Johnson has Healing powers, and the Gift of Sight. Though her heart bleeds for the loss of people she has loved, she’s duty bound to protect the secrets of the Gifted People. During her quest, she finds the time to fall in love, be chased around the country, kidnapped, wounded, betrayed, and then face her worst nightmares to emerge triumphant over not just evil, but also death.
Which one would you choose? Don't forget to vote!
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Fiddlesticks: Another Giveaway by Anne Bradshaw
I think I've mentioned my love of music here before. And I love all kinds of music. But I have a special fondness for Celtic style harmonies and rhythms. In fact, this style of music goes right along with the book I just finished. Which is why I'm so excited about the most recent giveaway on Anne Bradshaw's blog.
From Anne's blog:
FiddleSticks perform folk songs and traditional tunes from the Celtic lands, from England, and from America. The band is made up of three sisters, Rebecca, Kathryn, and Elizabeth, and their dad Marco Davis. Marco's wife is Andi. Featured instruments include fiddle, flutes, cello, bodhran (Irish drum), guitar, and vocals.
I'm so excited to check out their new CD, Return to Nauvoo. I have to check this one out! To get your name in Anne's drawing, click here.
Friday, March 27, 2009
The Postman Knows
By Nichole Giles
The other day I played taxi. Well, okay, I play taxi every day but especially on Friday afternoons and evenings. I don’t know why, but my kids have it in their heads that it is my duty as a mother to make sure they are not only entertained, but transported—along with their friends—between various locations of entertainment.
Not that I mind. It makes me happy to see them being social and enjoying themselves. I get nothing done when I spend my night in the car, but that’s beside the point, right?
Okay, so given that I spend so much time in the car, and considering that I’ve lived in our current city of residence for twelve years, you’d think I could easily find just about any home of friends who might invite my kids to a party. You’d think.
Not so. I got my girls and their friends in the car on Friday. We ran a few places, dropping my younger daughter at a party, picking up a friend, dropping off another friend, and then headed for another birthday party. As we’re driving to this place, my daughter reads me the address and I realize I have no idea where this house is. I don’t even know where the street is.
First thing we do is call my husband. He’s lived in this city for most of his life, so I figure he’ll tell me exactly how to find the place. Unfortunately, he had no idea either. At this point, my daughter goes, “Why don’t we ask Leslie’s dad.”
“Why him?” I ask.
“Because, Mom,” she says. “Leslie’s dad knows where everyone in the city lives. You give him an address out of the phone book, and he can tell you the names of the people who live there.”
“Okaaaayyy…” I said. “That’s a little creepy.”
“No it isn’t,” she insisted. “He’s a mail man. He knows all that stuff because he delivers the mail.”
“Ah,” I said. “Okay, then.” So Leslie called her dad and asked for directions. He gave us exact directions from start to end. And let me tell you, I would never have found it otherwise. Then I got thinking about what comes in my mail, and wondered something.
“Hey Leslie,” I asked. “I bet your dad gets to see some interesting things when he’s delivering people’s mail.”
She shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. I mean, he knows when people move, and what colleges they’re accepted to, and when they get mission calls.”
I nodded. “Yep. I always wonder what the post man thinks when he picks up the submission packets I send out.”
She didn’t know the answer to that. And I’m sort of glad, because some questions are probably best left unanswered. But I’ll tell you this. When I get that big awesome acceptance contract—I hope the mailman isn’t the first to know. When I do, I hope whatever editor or agent is getting a hold of me doesn’t waste time sending stuff in the mail. I hope they get on the phone and call me so I can stand up in the middle of whatever I’m doing—wherever I am—and yell and scream and cause a scene.
Because, I want to be the FIRST to know.
But if you’re ever lost, and need to find your way, forget about using mapquest. Just ask a postman! Those guys know their city. And they give excellent directions.
The other day I played taxi. Well, okay, I play taxi every day but especially on Friday afternoons and evenings. I don’t know why, but my kids have it in their heads that it is my duty as a mother to make sure they are not only entertained, but transported—along with their friends—between various locations of entertainment.
Not that I mind. It makes me happy to see them being social and enjoying themselves. I get nothing done when I spend my night in the car, but that’s beside the point, right?Okay, so given that I spend so much time in the car, and considering that I’ve lived in our current city of residence for twelve years, you’d think I could easily find just about any home of friends who might invite my kids to a party. You’d think.
Not so. I got my girls and their friends in the car on Friday. We ran a few places, dropping my younger daughter at a party, picking up a friend, dropping off another friend, and then headed for another birthday party. As we’re driving to this place, my daughter reads me the address and I realize I have no idea where this house is. I don’t even know where the street is.
First thing we do is call my husband. He’s lived in this city for most of his life, so I figure he’ll tell me exactly how to find the place. Unfortunately, he had no idea either. At this point, my daughter goes, “Why don’t we ask Leslie’s dad.”
“Why him?” I ask.
“Because, Mom,” she says. “Leslie’s dad knows where everyone in the city lives. You give him an address out of the phone book, and he can tell you the names of the people who live there.”
“Okaaaayyy…” I said. “That’s a little creepy.”
“No it isn’t,” she insisted. “He’s a mail man. He knows all that stuff because he delivers the mail.”
“Ah,” I said. “Okay, then.” So Leslie called her dad and asked for directions. He gave us exact directions from start to end. And let me tell you, I would never have found it otherwise. Then I got thinking about what comes in my mail, and wondered something.
“Hey Leslie,” I asked. “I bet your dad gets to see some interesting things when he’s delivering people’s mail.”
She shrugged. “Yeah, I guess. I mean, he knows when people move, and what colleges they’re accepted to, and when they get mission calls.”
I nodded. “Yep. I always wonder what the post man thinks when he picks up the submission packets I send out.”
She didn’t know the answer to that. And I’m sort of glad, because some questions are probably best left unanswered. But I’ll tell you this. When I get that big awesome acceptance contract—I hope the mailman isn’t the first to know. When I do, I hope whatever editor or agent is getting a hold of me doesn’t waste time sending stuff in the mail. I hope they get on the phone and call me so I can stand up in the middle of whatever I’m doing—wherever I am—and yell and scream and cause a scene.
Because, I want to be the FIRST to know.
But if you’re ever lost, and need to find your way, forget about using mapquest. Just ask a postman! Those guys know their city. And they give excellent directions.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Anne Bradshaw's Newest Contest
Author Anne Bradshaw runs weekly contests in which she gives away the latest and greatest in LDS literature. This week, she's giving away a copy of Anette Lyon's new historical fiction novel, Tower of Strength. Check out the contest information at Anne's Blog.
In 2007, Annette was awarded Utah's Best of State medal for fiction. She was a 2007 Whitney Award finalist for Best Historical Novel with Spires of Stone and has received three publication awards from the League of Utah Writers. She currently serves on the Executive Committee of the LDStorymakers, a guild for LDS writers.
I've heard great things about Annette, and know she's a master editor and grammar/punctuation wiz. Tower of Strength is the fourth novel Annete has centered around old Utah temples.
Can't wait to get my hands on a copy! (Throw my name in the drawing box, Anne!)
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
The Difference Between Humans and Robots
By Nichole Giles
It has become apparent during various seasons throughout my life that when it rains, it floods. Trials don’t come to us as a single pebble placed inside the toe of our shoe, but more as a rockslide that buries you to the waist, shoulders, or neck.
Fortunately for my family, our current issues fall in the minor category, though nonetheless, they remain heavy and bothersome. I’ll take enormous medical bills, a broken washer and drier, the need for new tires, teenage braces, and a basement flood any day, as long as it means my family members aren’t dying or fighting off deadly diseases. I’ll even take them over sick children and IRS audits.
The things going wrong with us are fixable, broken things replaceable—and since they all pile on at once, I have faith that we’ll find a way to pay for it all. Somehow.
And extended family member of mine has been known to say, “I’d trade trials with just about anyone I know. My life is so much harder than theirs.”
What a sad attitude to take. If not for these experiences, how would we ever learn who we are or how we react under pressure? How else would we grow and become better people?
Without life experiences we are no different from robots.
If not for the hardships, loves, sadness and joy in life, I would have nothing to write about. Harvesting these stories isn’t easy, but when I do, I’m reminded of lessons, miracles, and emotions I might otherwise have forgotten.
I want to experience life—to feel things and know that even the little, bothersome things will someday matter in the grand scheme of my life. But no, I wouldn’t trade places with anyone. Not for a thing!
It has become apparent during various seasons throughout my life that when it rains, it floods. Trials don’t come to us as a single pebble placed inside the toe of our shoe, but more as a rockslide that buries you to the waist, shoulders, or neck.
Fortunately for my family, our current issues fall in the minor category, though nonetheless, they remain heavy and bothersome. I’ll take enormous medical bills, a broken washer and drier, the need for new tires, teenage braces, and a basement flood any day, as long as it means my family members aren’t dying or fighting off deadly diseases. I’ll even take them over sick children and IRS audits.
The things going wrong with us are fixable, broken things replaceable—and since they all pile on at once, I have faith that we’ll find a way to pay for it all. Somehow.
And extended family member of mine has been known to say, “I’d trade trials with just about anyone I know. My life is so much harder than theirs.”
What a sad attitude to take. If not for these experiences, how would we ever learn who we are or how we react under pressure? How else would we grow and become better people?
Without life experiences we are no different from robots.
If not for the hardships, loves, sadness and joy in life, I would have nothing to write about. Harvesting these stories isn’t easy, but when I do, I’m reminded of lessons, miracles, and emotions I might otherwise have forgotten.
I want to experience life—to feel things and know that even the little, bothersome things will someday matter in the grand scheme of my life. But no, I wouldn’t trade places with anyone. Not for a thing!
Happy St. Patrick's Day Wishes
Happy St. Patrick's Day Everyone! I promise, I'll get back to a regular posting schedule now that I've finished editing my book. Did you hear that? Finished! Yahoo!!!
For each petal on the shamrock
This brings a wish your way
Good health, good luck, and happiness
For today and every day.
~Author Unknown
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Poem for a Lucky Day
Leprechauns, castles, good luck and laughter
Lullabies, dreams, and love ever after.
Poems and songs with pipes and drums
A thousand welcomes when anyone comes.
~Author Unknown
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Lucky Days Quotes
A best friend is like a four leaf clover: hard to find and lucky to have.
~Author Unknown
Thursday, March 5, 2009
A Beautiful Video About Creativity
A dear friend and fellow writer sent this to me yesterday, and of all the stupid things, I put off watching it until today because...well, I was busy. Today, I decided to take a minute and watch, and it's so beautiful, so inspiring that I'm very glad I did.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
Book Review: "Brass Dragon Codex" by R.D. Henham
By Nichole Giles
Orphaned baby brass dragon Kyani ventures into the desert and finds Hector the gnome. Hector is not sure of this little dragon who follows his every move, until he realizes the hungry brass dragon isn’t the only thing trailing him. On his adventure to fulfill his life quest, Hector goes against all odds to protect his invention and save his friends.
When the call went out for reviewers willing to review the newest installation in the Dragon Codex series, I jumped on it. After reading Red Dragon Codex when it was first released, I was excited to get my hands on a copy of Brass Dragon Codex, knowing they were both written by the same author, Rebecca Shelley (aka R. D. Henham.)
I like Rebecca’s style of writing because of her ability to write real characters kids can identify with, and do it in a way that keeps the story always moving toward the conclusion. Hector appeared in Red Dragon Codex, so I recognized him right off—minus his hair—and enjoyed reading more about him and his quest to invent a communication device that would help others.
Kyani was a new character to me, but right away I was able to see he was a lonely little boy who needed companionship and, possibly, someone to act as an authority figure for him. His chattiness reminded me of one of my own children, and I found myself picturing his facial expressions along with his words.
I found the characters lovable and flawed—great qualities in any story—and the plot was always moving, each chapter left me wanting to read more. Hidden inside the plot and story, there is a lesson learned by all the characters that in the end, culminates to remind readers about the importance of communication and remembering what is really important in life—the people we love.
My regular readers will tell you that I’m not the kind of person to give a flowery review—even on books I really enjoyed. But in this case, I wasn’t able to find anything that really stood out enough to call a downside or disappointment. There was some (very little) repetition in a few parts, but I also recognize that books written for a middle grade audience—as this is—should have repetition when it comes to recognizable character traits. It helps younger kids identify with each character as an individual.
All in all, I thought this was an excellent book for any age reader, especially if you like dragons and gnomes. Brass Dragon Codex is part of a companion series to Mirrorstone’s Practical Guide to Dragon books, but is also a stand-alone story that can be read on its own.
I give Brass Dragon Codex four and a half diamonds.
To read more about Brass Dragon Codex click here.
To purchase your copy click here or here or here.
Orphaned baby brass dragon Kyani ventures into the desert and finds Hector the gnome. Hector is not sure of this little dragon who follows his every move, until he realizes the hungry brass dragon isn’t the only thing trailing him. On his adventure to fulfill his life quest, Hector goes against all odds to protect his invention and save his friends.
When the call went out for reviewers willing to review the newest installation in the Dragon Codex series, I jumped on it. After reading Red Dragon Codex when it was first released, I was excited to get my hands on a copy of Brass Dragon Codex, knowing they were both written by the same author, Rebecca Shelley (aka R. D. Henham.)
I like Rebecca’s style of writing because of her ability to write real characters kids can identify with, and do it in a way that keeps the story always moving toward the conclusion. Hector appeared in Red Dragon Codex, so I recognized him right off—minus his hair—and enjoyed reading more about him and his quest to invent a communication device that would help others.
Kyani was a new character to me, but right away I was able to see he was a lonely little boy who needed companionship and, possibly, someone to act as an authority figure for him. His chattiness reminded me of one of my own children, and I found myself picturing his facial expressions along with his words.
I found the characters lovable and flawed—great qualities in any story—and the plot was always moving, each chapter left me wanting to read more. Hidden inside the plot and story, there is a lesson learned by all the characters that in the end, culminates to remind readers about the importance of communication and remembering what is really important in life—the people we love.
My regular readers will tell you that I’m not the kind of person to give a flowery review—even on books I really enjoyed. But in this case, I wasn’t able to find anything that really stood out enough to call a downside or disappointment. There was some (very little) repetition in a few parts, but I also recognize that books written for a middle grade audience—as this is—should have repetition when it comes to recognizable character traits. It helps younger kids identify with each character as an individual.
All in all, I thought this was an excellent book for any age reader, especially if you like dragons and gnomes. Brass Dragon Codex is part of a companion series to Mirrorstone’s Practical Guide to Dragon books, but is also a stand-alone story that can be read on its own.
I give Brass Dragon Codex four and a half diamonds.
To read more about Brass Dragon Codex click here.
To purchase your copy click here or here or here.
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