We're Moving!

...to a bright new website! We've been very busy bees here at BCB...and I am so excited to share our new address:


katiejaros.com


Please check us out for new work, essays, and BCB updates. Thanks for reading and hope to see you at the new house!

Bonne Chance!

Guest Author Jessica Rakus: NaNoWhatMo?

As we enter the beautiful month of November, I am very excited to present fellow author, Jessica Rakus, as she shares her thoughts on the cultural writing phenomenon, NaNoWriMo. I have known Jessica for many years and have had the pleasure to read her work and feel honored that she wrote this essay for BCB. Bonne Chance, and enjoy!

*

2005 was a big year for me. I moved to Illinois. I met a certain awesome lady named Katie. And I participated in National Novel Writing Month for the first time.

NaNoWriMo started in 1999, so I was a bit late to it (at least in the circle of writers I would end up in – there were folks who were around in 1999! Hipsters!).  You sit down on November 1st, and if all goes well, by 11:59 on November 30th, you write 50,000 words. The goal isn’t to write something good. The goal is simply to finish. It’s not about writing the Great American Novel. It’s about writing a novel. Getting it done. Finishing.

NaNoWriMo was perfect for me, because I am terrible at finishing. I have…let’s just say several unfinished novels kicking around. And in 2005, when I sat down and tried to get 50,000 words on paper (or Word document), I hit around 35,000 word. I wasn’t a winner. But it was still more words than I’d ever put into a project before. And that’s the point, really. Get the words down. You can fix them later. Just write. Because you can’t publish a novel if you don’t finish the thing.

In 2006, I won NaNoWriMo for the first time. Did that mean I got a publishing contract, or even that I’d written something good? Nope! It was still a mediocre novel (my writers’ group would later completely tear it apart). But I got the words down. I got them out. The novel might have potential; I’d figure that out down the road. One of the guiding principles of NaNoWriMo is that you don’t go back and read what you’ve written while NaNo is still ongoing. In fact, once you’ve finished, it’s generally recommended that you put your piece away for a couple months. Get that distance. Then get ready to edit.

My “best” novel happened in 2008. It’s the only thing I’ve written that I think will actually see the light of day. As of right now, this moment, it sits at just over 58,000 words, and is on its fifth draft. That’s a lot of editing. Because when you spit out a novel in a month, it needs a bit of work.

After ten tries at NaNoWriMo, I’ve hit the 50,000 word mark about half the time. Thing come up, life gets in the way. There are certainly ways to improve your chances. If I could give only one piece of advice, it would be to participate in write-ins. Not just because it will give you a chance to work on your piece in a time and place dedicated to getting words on paper. But for me, it helped me find my writing community. 

Even when I don’t hit that mythical 50,000 words, I always come out of NaNoWriMo feeling like I accomplished something. It’s just a push to get me going. It kick starts my writing, even when I haven’t written anything since the previous November. It reminds me of how good it feels to get those words out. It makes me want to write more. I also get a weird thrill whenever I’m working on something in a month that isn’t November, and that piece hits 50,000 words. Mission accomplished.

And I think that’s the point, more than anything. The point is to write. Once November ends, I always feel like writing more. Usually not on the piece I’ve been working on in November, but I have a lot of works in progress, so any time spent writing is a plus. So if you’re looking for a kick in the pants to get you motivated, check out NaNoWriMo this November, or join Camp NaNo, which has a bit more of a laid back feel – you can set any writing goal you want, from 1 word to 1 million, in April or July. Or if you’ve got a finished piece that needs some cleaning up, head over to NaNoEdMo (National Novel Editing Month – the goal is 50 hours of editing work) in March. Whatever you do, just get to work.

Thankful Thursday

I usually don't do a 'Thankful Thursday' post-- mostly due to forgetfulness. But there is so much awesome happening in my neck of the woods that I just have to share...

As has been broadcast by every form of social media in existence, Lost Souls has made it's way out into the universe. I have been in a constant state of humbled overwhelmedness...(is that even a word?)...the last 2 weeks...from the amazing response from my friends and family. People shared the post, bought books, are hopefully now reading and enjoying said books!-- and I am in the process of figuring out what my next step as far as promoting/publicity is going to be. It's a long journey that is just beginning. Again, if you are interested in picking up a copy you can do so on Amazon; as well as on Kindle, Nook, and iBooks for electronic formats.

I had the pleasure of being interviewed by the amazing Robyn Bachar-- creator of the Bad Witch series and Blood, Smoke and Mirrors. This was such a cool experience for me as I haven't really had a chance to talk about my work and it felt great to sound off. You can check out that interview here.

BCB is going to be getting a bit of a facelift in the next couple weeks as I begin the process of designing a new website...new URL, new look, new content. But next week, I will have a special guest post by my author friend Jessica Rakus as we enter November...forget the turkey and mashed potatoes- it's NaNoWriMo season! Same time, same station.

I hope that all of you are having a great week and are celebrating your own triumphs and tribulations.

As always, Bonne Chance!

IT'S HERE!

Lost Souls has arrived! As I'm sure it goes without saying, it's a very happy day here at Chez Jaros. I will write a longer post later, but if you are interested in checking it out, you can pick up a paperback copy through Amazon here... and it's also available in E-book on Kindle and Nook. I am tackling ibooks this weekend, so it should be up there for all you fellow Mac users soon.

It's a glorious day! Bonne Chance!

xxoo

Judge a Book by it's Cover...

The wait is over!---for cover art.:) Yeah...I peed a little. It's not a burning car...but I think I can live with that.

Right on schedule for October 15th. I'm a VERY happy camper this morning. Thank you Grady at Damon Za for the beautiful design!

BC

On the Subject of Frogs

I’m getting angry at myself for picking up my laptop and typing right now— I should be asleep with Ez, getting ready for tomorrow, finally taking a break..but instead I need to announce my dissatisfaction with Twitter.

What a horrible method of communication! How is one supposed to truly say what’s on their mind with such limitations…not enough words, not enough time on someone’s feed for anyone to read it and respond before they’ve moved on to the next frame of mental dribble from someone else. You end up with a collection of one-liners about tv shows or what some celebrity wore on the red carpet— and who really cares?

What started this all was a stream of consciousness at bedtime…it’s raining here right now— the soothing sound of raindrops pelting our roof and window— perfect for falling asleep to. I thought of how it’s almost always wet here— to the point that we’ve completely adapted to this high level of humidity— used to our carpets and pillowcases being slightly damp at all times…how things rot so easily— even currently living things like trees and grass…biomass….

I wondered if I would start to rot like a tree if I were left out in the rain all day. Maybe it would take longer...as I think human skin handles water better than tree bark. I asked Ez if he thought people were more amphibious than trees…this beautiful word caught in my head like a fly trapped in a spider’s web…a gorgeous crowd of vowels with a few consonants thrown in for fun…Ez answered- of course, people are more amphibious than trees- we’re biologically designed to go back and forth between land and water— more so than a tree, which, while hardy, is fixed on land and is merely subject to the elements— not going out and choosing for themselves where they should be. He then said that “amphibious”— lovely a word as it is- does not really apply to humans as we are not designed to fully LIVE in both water and land. The word of course applies to frogs and salamanders— true amphibians. 

We then turned out the light and I started to feel sad— thinking about how the world’s actual amphibians are dying…extinction at an alarming rate- and no one has really figured out what’s going on or how to stop it…brightly-colored mucous bodies...all gone. I told Ez about it— this was the first he’s heard of it— even though it’s been going on for at least two decades now….I don’t blame him for it…or anyone else who doesn’t know it’s an issue. People have lives, jobs, kids…who has time to sit around thinking about the state of the world’s frogs? Unless of course they are some sort of frog specialist? I can’t even feel righteous because I have a little extra time to stare out windows and ponder these things— because really, my sadness over dead amphibians is just an emotion…a fleeting thought that goes right out the window…similar to a Twitter feed…just something that happens….not really helpful. Certainly not saving anything or any frogs. And in the grand scheme, it all qualifies as 'mental dribble'...none of it more important or less than the next. Hm.

But I would have never been able to say this all on Twitter. And for that, Twitter can go eat a bowl of...something. Hopefully the rain will calm me down... I'll be angry tonight and back on it first thing in the morning.

Picture This...

Exciting things going down at our little cottage somewhere in Seattle...most notably the weather has switched over to delightfully Fall-like, I've been enjoying my respite as mother-of-1 every morning during the work week, (a very big deal if you're used to wrangling 3 young kids on the daily), and...Lost Souls was sent off for cover art creation!!!! I am trembling with equal parts anticipation and trepidation...the thought of seeing my work portrayed in some sort of artistic abstract...I'm having a hard time putting words to it. Other than it is so cool and holy fuck!-- what's going to come back???

Steve and I have been pondering this very question the last few days...here are a couple of the top winners...

- A photo involving a really cheesy halo atop a hot male underwear model

- Same shot as above, but this time with a pitchfork shoved through said model, wincing seductively

- The Rolling Stone's Let It Bleed album cover with Christa and Daniel cake toppers

- Catholic school girls lined up at a bus stop with highly reflective patent leather shoes

- A super built dude with Devil horns and a full back Lady of Guadalupe prison tattoo

-Angel wings painted onto the hood of a burning car

-Christa, Daniel, and Alden perched in the 'O' of the Hollywood sign, looking sexy and conflicted

-Mary Carmen dressed as a nun biting a rosary

I look forward to revealing the actual cover art here in a few weeks...but really, I don't know if it can get any better than the ones listed above.  

Bonne Chance!

PMA!!

Oh my gosh...today is the best day for so many reasons...

First, I got a good laugh reading the last post I wrote here...when I gave up social media a few weeks ago. While I applaud the sentiment, it was very short lived--I think I was back on Facebook about a week later? I'm also now on Twitter...which is it's own can of worms. I've decided social media is one of those things you can't spend too much time thinking about or you'll go completely insane...just appreciate it for what it is, get the headlines, talk to your friends, and don't beat yourself up too bad for being just like everyone else...no one wants to live under a rock. So yeah...laughing, learning, having fun with that...

It was also the first day of school for our family- which, if you have children, you know it should pretty much be renamed "Second Christmas". I have 3 kids--two of which went back to school today...and while we've had a very nice summer all together-- the quiet in the car with just the baby after drop off was bliss. And so was the morning...and now nap time. I've gotten so much done already and it's only 2pm here on the west coast.  And we get to do the same thing tomorrow-- LA!!! (That's the sound of my heart singing:)

What's really had me excited the last few weeks though has been making final proofing corrections on  Lost Souls....I really think I'm going to be ready for a Fall release...and continuing the first draft of Hellbound. I'm having so much fun writing that book...it's awesome. I am so psyched to be able to share this story with the world VERY SOON...time to have that baby...if you will.

"PMA"-- the title of this post....is something my friend Kevin Gill came up with. He's a successful pro wrestling announcer/radio host and also one of the most fun people in the world. You can check him out HERE! "PMA" translates to "positive mental attitude"... a major factor in winning at this game called Life...and is something that sounds easy in theory, but much tougher in practice. Days like today-- it's easy to have a sunny outlook on life-- chores all done, kids are happy/occupied, have a project about to makes it's way out into the Universe and another one hot on it's tail, dinner's ready...on top of my game. But there are other times where it's definitely more of a struggle and remembering that PMA can be a challenge. I can't tell you how to keep it going for those rough days...maybe some of you out there have some ideas...but in the meantime, I'm going to try to hold onto to what I'm feeling right now and see if I can stretch it...as long as I can. Kind of a metaphor for September in a way...stretching that beautiful golden hour/weather/moment into the dark, cold winter. Magic.

Bonne Chance!

New Direction

So I made a big decision today (I suppose 'big' is very relative) to step away from social media. I did this for a number of reasons; the top one being that I feel that, personally, things like Facebook and Twitter serve as more of a distraction, and less of a way to genuinely connect with the people I care about. Last week, I bucked my very well thought out schedule and decided to go back to working on Hellbound; a decision I have definitely not regretted-- I am having so much fun working on this project! Several weeks away from the Lost Souls crew was enough...so-- back in it, loving every minute. But I have noticed a disturbing trend of when I hit a tough section and I'm hemming and hawing over what to write-- I find myself sneaking onto Facebook to see what everyone is up to-- and then an hour later I'm no farther on my manuscript and I just feel...crummy. Crummy for losing time,  for not being productive; crummy that I'm not actually talking to my friends, just sort of spying on them through a screen. So- stepping back. BUT- I did promise that I would continue to make regular updates here, and I hope everyone will continue to check in. I do want to keep this space professional, but it's still a great way to find out what's going on in my neck of the woods-- as well as another way to reach me other than phone or email.

I feel good- happy to be writing, to be spending time outside, to be alive. More to come- Bonne Chance!

'Evergreen' Preview

I'm really excited to be able to present this today after a very inspiring weekend. Evergreen was a project I originally began last Fall. I was between drafts with Lost Souls and while I was waiting for reader feedback, I needed something else to keep me busy. I knew I wanted to do a true crime type book with a supernatural bent, and I had a couple ideas milling around in my brain pan. I churned out 20 pages and then let it sit unattended until now. While I like the work I created on that manuscript last year, it took a beautiful photograph of one of my daughters and a fawn fairy snapped this last weekend to help me realize that was never my story. It is with great pleasure that I reveal these very raw first pages to you and hope that you enjoy them. Please click the 'Read More' link below to check it out.

BC

P.S.: Ezzy...I really had a wonderful time at the Faire...really. xoxo

Hugo House

Last night, I attended my first ever Works in Progress event at Hugo House in downtown Seattle. Hugo House, as billed by the sign on the side of the building located in Capitol Hill, is a place for writers; ANYONE who wants to write is welcome, previous publishing credits not required. HH is a fantastic local resource for Seattle authors; they offer classes and lectures, bring in guest speakers, and like last night, offer open-mic type nights twice a month to anyone who is looking for a place to read their work and be heard by a very positive audience. If you go to their website here, and check out Works in Progress, there is a big note that this is not a Critique; strictly Non-Judgemental listening...and hey! There's booze! That sentiment was enough for me and off I went.

I had no intention of putting my name in one of the two mason jars on my first visit; the first jar capping out at 12 names; promising those authors who showed up early that they would get the chance to read; and the second jar for everyone else time permitting. Just listening is fine too; which is what I did; but that didn't stop me from having butterflies for every single other person who went up to share their work. It's a very brave thing to stand in front of a microphone on a hot August night and (Welcome to Seattle; no A.C.) present something inherently personal to a crowded room full of strangers. But perform they did; to kind, uproarious applause. There's a lot of writing happening in Seattle; poetry, prose, fiction, essays...some finished, and some definitely not....ranging from the political to historical to sci-fi.

I surprised myself last night with my gut reaction to the evening. For the longest time, I've been adverse to communing with other writers...maybe out of a sense of competition, or insecurity about my own work. Back when I was writing my first book, I felt such a strong sense of competition with not only other writers, but the whole world... that I couldn't watch T.V. or even read new books; overwhelmed by the possible dread of seeing something that too closely resembled a plot line I was working on-- that would have just been soul shattering.  I had cut myself off from everyone and all other media so I wouldn't stop creating...for fear that I would be derailed and stop altogether. This was also at a time when I felt like my work was a life raft...and quitting would have been very, very bad for me.

So maybe there's been a change since completing Lost Souls; published or not; I know I've done something big; and continue to do something big with my work on Hellbound and Equinox. I don't feel the need to compare myself anymore. In my mind, I've already won, and now I can go out and enjoy other work and getting to know other writers.

 It was incredibly thrilling just to be there feeling the energy of all these other people that have the same passion that I do. At no time did I feel bristly or like I wasn't smart enough to be in the room. I got to know a few of the people around me-- a lot of first time visitors as well. There was one guy who had written a beautiful poem that he was gearing up to present that evening, another boy who hadn't written anything in over 2 years, but was hoping for inspiration; and a woman about my age who also writes speculative fiction-(!!!)-- and we had fun chatting during the break. Through my nerves, I didn't get her information, but I'm hopeful she will attend the next one and we can make a connection then. Everyone was fun and engaged and open...creating a really cool atmosphere for creative growth. So positive in fact, that maybe I might be mustering the courage to go back in two weeks and present myself...maybe.:)

Get to work!--and, Bonne Chance!

Dead Zone

So, as I've mentioned before, I am currently in the process of pursing literary agents/small publishing houses to publish Lost Souls. When I started writing the manuscript almost 2 years ago, this stage felt like a million miles away...something I would need to worry about in the very distant future. But several drafts later and feeling WAY more confident about my work...here we are, ready to shove it out there and see if anyone bites. A both hopeful and terrifying prospect. As August is just around the corner, the dreaded "Dead Zone" month for anyone who is attempting to sell their work...as everyone is either on vacation/checked out from work....I think we can see this coming publishing hiatus as an opportunity to hone some important skills and work on that sales pitch before Autumn rolls around.

Like many other writers who have navigated the murky waters of publishing, I am realizing quickly that I enjoyed writing the book more than I am enjoying trying to sell the book. But, it's all part of the journey, and I don't want to shortchange my hard work, so I'm giving it a go. Also like me, I'm sure there are many of you out there that have gotten to the point of- "okay, I have this great book...now what?" I started my research in a fairly obvious place...with the 2015 Guide to Literary Agents. You can pick up a copy at any major book retailer or online. I learned that if you want your manuscript to even have the chance to be read by one of the big publishing houses, you need to have an agent. And finding that agent is very much akin to going from general meet and greet to serious relationship.

First of all, your query letter is everything. This is your initial handshake..."hi, nice to meet you" if you will. Most agents do not even want to see your manuscript unless they are intrigued by your query letter....so it's key that you put together a letter that you feel really solid about. The letter should not be longer than a page and consist of 3 parts: Intro, pitch, bio. You intro should include who you are and what you've written...if it's genre fiction say which genre and give a word count-- and then if you have a schmooze factor- this is the place to do it. If you've seen this specific agent speak at a conference, or if you've been recommended by another one of their (hopefully published) clients, or why you think the two of you would be a good fit to work together. Personally, I'm not a big schmoozer, so my intro is fairly straight forward...which may be to my detriment in the end, but you have to do what you're comfortable with.

The second part of the letter is the most important- your pitch. This is specifically what your book is about-- the key characters, plot points, why your target market is going to want to buy your book. I like to think of this like the inside book jacket-- what people pick up when they're browsing at Barnes and Noble, read, and decide if it's going in the shopping cart. Meat and potatoes, people- make it sing.

The third part is where you would give a little info about yourself...if you've published anything previously, or any other experiences related to writing. This section is very important if you are a non-fiction writer...as agents and publishers want to know what sort of credentials you have to write about your subject matter. As a general rule, it's better not to over-elaborate in this section. If you have no previous credits, just don't say anything.

I'm have a link to a great list/post by the very talented Erica Verrillo... of paranormal romance agents for any other authors who are in my genre-- you can check it out here....I then thought I'd end with a Top 5 List of Dos and Don'ts when querying agents.

DO:
1. Query a specific agent at a specific agency who represents the type of material you write
2. Keep the tone professional, and for the love of Pete...PROOFREAD!!!! Double check the spelling of the agent/agency name
3. Focus on plot when pitching fiction
4. Always check the agency's submission guidelines-- maybe they only want to see your query, maybe they want to see the first 50 pages of your manuscript...maybe they only accept snail mail submissions-- do your homework
5. My favorite: Keep pitching despite rejection!!!:)

DON'T:
1. Mention this is your first novel...they don't need to know that. Other stuff they don't need to know- personal information that doesn't have anything to do with the book-- like if you have 3 Yorkshire terriers at home that love to cuddle or you are an amazing orchid gardener
2. Say how long it took to write the book-- they don't care. Some writers churn stuff out in a matter of months, others years. (Harper Lee, anyone?) They also don't care if it's been professionally proofread, loved by your peers, or already has a copywrite. Cool story, bro....moving on
3. Don't send anything they didn't ask for...manuscript pages, flowers, character sketches, whatever. Only a self-addressed-stamped envelope (SASE)-- if they ask!
4. Mention previous rejections-- that's a rule for agents, first dates, life
5. Follow up with a phone call...if an appropriate time has passed and you haven't heard back...follow up the same way you queried- most likely by email.

I think it's also important to remember...agents are people too. They are not omniscient, ( even though they may want us to think they are), and they have their good and bad days just like everyone else. The person on the receiving end of your query isn't looking to say 'no'...they're looking for that next AMAZING project that's going to be wildly successful. That could be your book! So keep polishing, keep trying, and do it your way...keeping a few helpful tips in mind.

Bonne Chance!

It's A Wonderful Life

I'm going to try to keep this brief, which, if you've met me, know is a difficult task. I lost someone special today...and I'm filled with a myriad of emotions about this-- sad, worried about my other loved ones who lost today too, grateful that I had the chance to know her, and grateful for my own life. She was not what one would call an 'exceptional' person- wasn't famous, or a hero; she didn't cure any awful diseases or pull a bunch of kids from a burning building. Like everyone else, she had good moments and bad...screwed some stuff up, and did some other stuff right. But she was special to me, and really, that's all that matters as far as this little blip on the Internet is concerned.

The biggest feeling that I'm walking away from all this with is that you have to do what you want every day. Stop making excuses for your life. "I'm sick, I'm tired, I can't..." whatever. Don't waste your moment...whatever your beliefs on the afterlife are, embrace this time and make the most of it. And if you are someone who desires to create ANYTHING....just do it. Stop worrying if that next story/painting/sculpture/costume/insert piece of art here is going to be wildly popular and make you a millionaire. That. Doesn't. Matter. Do it for yourself...because if you didn't do it, you wouldn't be able to breathe. It doesn't matter if it's bad...and a lot of it is bad!... But you created because you just don't know what else to do. And that's your life blood.

That's all I've got...I just returned from traveling last week and I'm still trying to regroup with everything that's going on; but I'll have a more industry-focused post soon.

BC

Creatively Yours

So...I had originally planned to sit down this weekend and crank out a post about pursuing literary agents and provide a great list of resources that I recently found. While that entry will definitely happen in the coming weeks, I've been inspired to write this morning about process. And more specifically, what happens after you've created that initial first draft of your short story/novella/full length novel, and you feel it's ready to be read. NOT by the general public just yet, but by a group of readers, an editor, your spouse--whomever.

It is in this stage, I have found, where the manuscript and it's author are at it's most fragile. A lot of blood, sweat, and tears have gone into crafting that draft-- and it is in that moment following a first read thru by someone else that all that hard work can be destroyed instantly. Suddenly there are a barrage of questions about plot, character, word choice, action....and everyone and their mother has an opinion about how the story should go. Criticism that ranges from helpful and constructive to  outrageous...the whole thing is a completely painful exercise for the writer no matter how positive the feedback.

But, I think we can all agree...feedback is important. If you have plans of publishing your manuscript, you better have it read beforehand by several reliable people. Helpful ideas do emerge during this process that will make your story better if you're willing to stop, listen, and be open to other alternatives in your work. To use a little real life metaphor....painting is a side hobby of mine, specifically working with oils. I painted constantly back in college, cranking out several new pieces a week-- sometimes starting 3 or 4 canvases every couple days. I lived with a very talented artist back then...my roommate, Becca. One night, after I showed her my latest work, thinking it was done, she kindly suggested that I let it dry a couple days and then keep working the piece- see what comes of it. Not that it wasn't interesting just as it was, but just to see if something more could...happen. At the time, I got a little defensive- I had just poured hours of effort into this work and she was suggesting that IT WASN'T FINISHED??? I went to bed that night frustrated, but when I woke up the next morning, I knew she was right. We have to question our work and push ourselves as artists to that next level. Lost Souls has gone through 3 major rewrites, (as of July 2015), all of them punctuated by reader review in between. While putting it out there, even for my closest friends to read, was challenging; it was the best thing I could do for myself and the book. Not all of the feedback was "OH MY GOD- IT'S AMAZING!!!! I'M OBSESSED!!!!"-- (there was a little of that which feels AWESOME)--but there were some big story altering things...like specifically when one of my readers straight up asked me, "Katie, what is this book about?" And I couldn't answer. That threw things into a tailspin right quick. But now I can answer that question- in one sentence no less- and I'm confident that this book has a clear beginning, middle, and end...something that sounds like a no brainer...but...isn't.

Yes, feedback is important- to a point. Like I said before, that time right after the first draft is when things are at their most delicate; but it is critical to get constructive notes before you can move on. But what about when you're 3 or 4...or 5 drafts in and feeling more confident? While my little painting story above illustrates that art is never truly finished, all authors get to a point where they feel that This. Is. It. I'm ready--let's have this baby. So you send it to an agent/editor/publisher...and magically, they decide this is the next BIG THING....except they want you to change your main character's back story, or rewrite that section where the guy gets stabbed in the throat....or this sweet gem I encountered last week-- "We really like your book, but we can only publish works 120k word count or less.... (Lost Souls falls around 128k).....can you shave off a bit to meet that requirement?" Cut to me sitting at Panera tearing at my hair while I figure out where to cut 8500 words. Remember, this is my baby we're talking about here-- I've just been asked does my baby really need her left hand? Or those pesky eyebrows? Pick a foot. I didn't know if it could be done, but after 5 hours and much teeth gnashing, I had a version of Lost Souls that fell right around 119k. And while I prefer the longer draft, I was content with the shorter version, and would be thrilled if it were published. I was willing to lose 8500 words if given the chance to have my darling shine in front of a larger audience.

That is to say, there are concessions that I am not willing to make. If a reader says to me-- "Oh, you should replace 'macerate' with 'annihilate'!" Or..."That doesn't sound like something a 12 year old would say" or..."that sex was really graphic"....While I promise I will give your note ample thought, you also have to respect that those are the words these people are saying in my head. Character voice. And as I've gone through my own personal creative journey, I've grown more confident...especially in my ability to say "Thanks, but no." That is my right as the author. Whether you think a line is inaccurate or not politically correct or whatever-- it's my choice...not yours. Creative control is never something you should give away lightly.

So...as I continue my own growth as a writer, I encourage you all to think about what you're willing to change/give up/walk away from in your work. Especially when posed with opportunity. Where do you draw the line between creative control and collaboration...or even, compromise? It's different for everyone and I would love to hear your thoughts.

Have a lovely weekend,

Bonne Chance

Counting Backwards from 10

Just came up with a tentative timeline through February 2016. Which manuscripts I'll be working on between now and then, how long I'm giving certain agencies to respond before I start an entirely new round of fresh queries...when I'm going to call it and pull the trigger on self-publishing. Kind of overwhelmed with everything right now...and for me, one of the best ways to mitigate that stress is to make a list. And then once that list exists, start crossing things off it.

I won't bore you here with the entire list, but between now and Sept. 1 I will be focusing my energy on a new book (NOT part of the Lost Souls trilogy) that I just started the rough for 2 days ago. It's a light, fun hero tale...something sunny...perfect for the second half of Summer. Debating posting a preview of that soon-- just want to get a little further in--it doesn't even have a real title yet. It feels fantastic to take a step back from LS...despite my mad love for that story and all my characters. I started work on another project titled Evergreen last Fall...but that's shaping up to be a very intense SVU type book...and I need to be in a certain headspace for that beast. I'm going to have some fun the next couple weeks with this new piece, as well as working to build BCB.  Then come the fall (along with 2 of 3 of my girls returning to school-- counting down!;), I'll hit Hellbound (Book 2 in LST) hard. I've completed Round 1 of agent/publisher queries, and that waiting game in underway. If nothing comes of it this time around, I'll start Round 2 in September...as we are fast approaching 'Dead Month' (More on that this weekend in my next post).

SO! Getting organized...coming up with a plan! No one gets to freak when there are directions to follow, right? I'll just keep telling myself that....and try to breath evenly.

BC

Searching for...

Just received a really great resource from friend/former teacher Marilyn Ludwig. She is a published author and you can find her most recent book here.

The article she sent me was a list of the Top 20 Publishers for New Authors. As I stated before, I want this blog to be an open conversation about issues concerning writers, and I am curious to hear if any of you out there have experiences with the publishers listed. I know I will be sending queries to a handful of them in my next round. Here's the link:

TOP 20! 

Thanks, Marilyn!

BC

Bienvenue!

Hello...and welcome to Bonne Chance Books!

My name is Katie Jaros and I am an author based out of Seattle, WA. I work mainly in supernatural/paranormal fiction, but really I'll write about anything that peaks my fancy. If you are reading this, you are witnessing the birth of a new venture. Bonne Chance Books, (BCB from here on in), was created as an outlet for my own work...braving the waters of self-publishing. While currently BCB is mainly serving as my own personal soap box, I do have previous experience as an editor, and have dreams of representing other authors and their work in the future.

I've just finished work on my first novel, Lost Souls. After a year and a half of writing and rewriting, it's now at the proof stage and I am hoping it will be ready for the public very soon. I'm in the process of wooing literary agents and small publishing houses right now; but as anyone who's gone through that dance can tell you, it's tough...and somewhat demoralizing. Bonne Chance means 'good luck' in French; something you need a lot of in this business! I believe in my work and I want it to be accessible to as many readers as possible, so the waiting and rejection is worth it if there's a chance it can be 'formally' published. I'm going to give that space another couple months to see if anything shakes out; and if it doesn't- then I'll go it alone. I love my book and I want to share it-- and if that means I carve my own path...than that's what I'll do. It's empowering, scary, and exhilarating....this whole thing has been one wild ride.

In the meantime, I aim for this blog to be place where I can talk about my thoughts regarding the writing and creative process, adventures in publishing, posting short stories, and previews/access to my longer works. If you're a fellow writer and looking for a space to express yourself, give me a buzz! I would love to have guest posts/stories/essays....let's all be heard! Because that's the best thing about the Internet....amidst the snark and goofy cat vines, it ultimately gives voice to the voiceless. Let's make something cool.

Thanks for reading and more to come... Bonne Chance!