tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57621601069146497942024-03-12T20:15:43.846-06:00Scribbled NotesJamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-59120038331007090762021-09-11T18:00:00.054-06:002021-09-22T18:46:45.833-06:00My 2021 Pitch Wars Wishlist <p><b><span style="text-indent: 0in;">WHAT IS PITCH
WARS?</span></b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Pitch Wars is a
mentoring program where published/agented authors, editors, or industry interns
choose one writer each to spend three months with revising their manuscript. It
ends in February with an Agent Showcase, where agents can read a pitch/first
page and can request to read more. Details about the program and information
about how to submit can be found at </span><a href="https://pitchwars.org/" style="text-indent: 0in;">https://pitchwars.org/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b style="text-indent: 0in;">THIS YEAR I’M A
YA MENTOR. YES!</b></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><br /></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><b>WHAT I’M
ACCEPTING</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><i>I’ll accept the
following genres in the <b>YA</b> age category:</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><b>Mysteries</b></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b><o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>Thrillers <o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>Fantasy </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>Contemporary </b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>Retellings<o:p></o:p></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>STEM</b><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>Horror</b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>GENRES ARE GREAT,
BUT WHAT WOULD PUT A BOOK HIGH ON MY LIST?</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><i>If it’s <b>Young
Adult</b> . . .</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Give me a murder
during a formal dance, a protagonist I can’t trust, an anti-hero with a soft
heart, or a conspiracy at the Junior Science Championship. If it happens during
high school and it’s bad, I’m interested.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">If your book is
dark and twisted, and not everyone makes it out alive, I might be in love with
your book already.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">If you’ve got a
YA GONE GIRL or GIRL ON THE TRAIN, send it to me. I love psychological thrillers
and want more of them for YA.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">How about a light
hearted and current love story? I’m not </span><i style="text-indent: 0in;">all
</i><span style="text-indent: 0in;">about murders and thrillers. Sometimes, you’ve got to get the FEELS. Please
punch me in the gut with great emotion.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Diverse</span><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0in;">stories. I’m excited to discover stories from
diverse narratives and am especially drawn to characters and experiences
written by voices with direct experiences within these communities. Note: I
won’t ask if you share your characters’ diverse narratives and will not expect
you to tell me.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Have problems
with faeries sabotaging the Homecoming game or demons using the school
cafeteria as a portal? I’d be interested in that.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Since I was
awkward and forgotten growing up, send me your story about a character left
behind who makes the best of things in a comedic way. We can relate.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Supernatural
characters or abilities. Check.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Complex
relationships. Always.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Romantic plots
(and subplots) involving any and all representation. Of course.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Retellings done
in a unique and different way. YES!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Give me all the
tropes. I’m not picky. When written well, I love them all!</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Twists. If you
set up a twist right, and I mean perfectly (a little foreshadowing, the right
mix of confusion, and a satisfying shock that makes me drop my iPad because I
should have seen it coming), I’ll be your fan forever.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">STEM Girls.
They’re going to save the world, did you know? Well, they are, and their
stories are fantastic. If you’ve got a book about one, send it to me. (PS-my
Pitch Wars book was about a chemistry genius who might—or might not—have used
those skills to poison her best friend.)</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>PLEASE DON’T SEND
ME</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Discrimination or
bigotry exhibited by the POV character, or any that goes unchecked.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Sexual assault or
rape on the page. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Abuse or deliberate
death of domestic animals.</p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>SEVERAL BOOKS
I’VE ENJOYED</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;"><i>While this isn’t
a complete list, perhaps these books relate well with your project? Maybe they
could serve as possible comp titles. If you’ve read and enjoyed books like these,
we’ve got similar tastes.</i></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">A Good Girls
Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Alex
Approximately by Jenn Bennett<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">An Ember in the
Ashes by Sabaa Tahir<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Anna and the
French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Bad Girls with
Perfect Faces by Lynn Weingarten<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Cemetery Boys by
Aiden Thomas<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Gone Girl by
Gillian Flynn<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Heartwood Box by
Ann Aguirre<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Little Monsters
by Kara Thomas<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Love, Hate and
Other Filters by Samira Ahmed<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Sadie by Courtney
Summers<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Serpent &
Dove by Shelby Mahurin<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">The Cousins by
Karen McManus<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">The Cruel Prince
by Holly Black<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">The Girls I’ve
Been by Tess Sharpe<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">The Hand on the
Wall by Maureen Johnson<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">The Invisible
Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">The Problem with
Forever by Jennifer L. Armentrout<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">The River Has
Teeth by Erica Waters<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">The Rules of
Magic by Alice Hoffman<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">The Year of the Witching
by Alexis Henderson<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">Under the Dome by
Stephen King<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>QUESTIONS ABOUT
WHAT I’D LOVE OR WON’T LOVE?</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Feel free to ask
me about my preferences. I’m on twitter and Instagram. @JamieMcHenry</span></p><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Here are a few questions and my answers:</span> </p></blockquote><ul style="text-align: left;"><ul><li>Will I accept Horror? YES. <b>YA Horror is definitely welcome. </b></li><li>Will I accept Sci-Fi? It depends. <b>Anything taking place in space is a no for me. </b></li><li>Will I accept High Fantasy? Yes. <b>High Fantasy is welcome.</b> </li><li>What are my thoughts about prologues? I enjoy them if they're short and introduce the story well. <b>If the prologue in a book is longer than 3 pages, I'll skip it and start on chapter 1. </b></li><li>Will I accept multiple POV's? Yes. <b>Multiple POV's are great. Make sure the voice for each POV is distinct. </b></li></ul></ul><p></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>WHAT AM I LOOKING
FOR IN A MENTEE?</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Delightful commitment to their
story and the process. That sounds simple and since everyone who enters Pitch
Wars has written a book, it seems obvious that they’re committed to it. But
here’s the thing: Pitch Wars is hard work—there are physical demands and there
are emotional demands. The process of getting a book ready for the showcase takes
time, effort, and (maybe) a few tears. I’m looking for a mentee who is excited
and determined to make their story better. A positive attitude will be crucial.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>MY MENTORING
STYLE</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Since I’ve been a
Pitch Wars Mentee before, I’ve got a pretty good understanding about what future
mentees are about to experience. For me, Pitch Wars was a roller coaster ride
of emotions. I anticipate this year’s mentees to go through something similar.
My role as a mentor is to help my mentee navigate and enjoy every part of Pitch
Wars.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">I’ll be honest
but never brutal. If you’re chosen as my mentee, understand that I’m going to
do what I can to help you make your book the best it can be while also having
fun. I know, I know—I didn’t put cool gifs on this post or fun, exciting memes.
I seem kind of boring and dry on the page. Fear not, future mentee, I’m
everything but boring and dry. When we’re working, I’ll share what I feel needs
to be fixed, based on my experience, and give details about why. And I’ll
always be kind about my feedback. My personal belief is that writing is a
journey and this is one exciting part of that. Enjoy the moment. I don’t have
all the answers, but I can find them. If I choose your book, I know I can help
it.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">This is your
project and I respect that. If there’s something I’ve recommended that you
don’t want to change, so be it. You won’t have to explain why to me, either.
I’ve worked on revisions with editors and agents and have held my ground before
so I know what that’s like.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Depending on how
much work will be necessary, getting your book ready for the showcase can feel
daunting. I’ll be here to inspire you and keep you moving forward. If you’ve
never done revisions with a deadline before, we’ll work together and establish
some benchmarks to fit your schedule. Know, however, that it will be hard work.
Sometimes you’ll need to put in the hours and sometimes you’ll want to step
away to refocus—with both, I’ll help you hit your goals.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Whatever type of
communication you’re comfortable using, we’ll make it happen. Because of my
job, I’m usually connected at most times of the day/night. Whether Zoom calls,
DM’s, email, chat, or whatever, you’ll be able to reach me. Got a question
about a midnight epiphany, I can respond quickly.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>A BIT ABOUT ME</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Hi, I’m Jamie. Always
have been. In 2017, I was a Pitch Wars mentee and my book, I KILLED BRENDA
MORRIS, helped me connect with my agent during that year’s agent showcase. I
wrote that book for fun after taking a class about unreliable narrators and
discovered my writing voice through the project. While that book is still looking
for a home, which is fine, I keep busy by writing new things, learning new
skills, and helping other authors.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">YA mysteries and
thrillers are my current love, though I’ve been known to pen some speculative
words now and then. I also wrote some light fantasy, once upon a time. My most
recent revision project is a mystery involving a high school bus trip in the
desert, a violent thunderstorm, and a dead body. My current WIP has witches and
warlocks.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">I’m a character
driven writer and enjoy writing deep POV. Long ago, I learned that pouring my emotions
onto the page makes me feel better. So that’s what I do. When my characters
make you laugh, that's me on the page. When they make you cry, know that I was crying first.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>WHAT ABOUT
NON-WRITING STUFF?</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Animals have my
heart. Give me a choice between a room full of people and a room full of pets
and I’ll choose the pets every time. And I might not ever leave the room.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Simplicity is my jam.
I enjoy spending time with my kids and my dogs, listening to vinyl records, exploring the outdoors, stargazing, watching movies, reading, testing
new recipes, and writing. I work hard at balancing my time because
I believe that it’s possible to burn out on all things.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">I speak French so
I guess that’s interesting. I lived in France for a couple years and got pretty
good at the language. Okay, I was fluent at the time. Un peu. Sadly, though, my skill
has dropped off due to lack of practice.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">During the day, I
work as a Retail IT Manager for a fashion and jewelry catalog. This company is
great and everyone there has supported my writing since I started there. Several
years ago, they let me start a library in their call center so that the employees
have books to read when they’re not busy. A couple of my old, self-published
books are there (of course!) and it’s fun to wander over and see folks reading
my stuff. A couple of my books were actually 100% written while at work.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Lastly, I’m just
a nice guy trying to enjoy this writing journey. I’m not loud about much and
will shy away from confrontation most of the time. (Although, if I love your
Pitch Wars entry, I will fight for it. Know that.) I try to do the right thing
as often as I can, but I’m also mischievous so I’ll sometimes play a prank or
two.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;"> </span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><b>FINAL THOUGHTS
AND OTHER RESOURCES</b><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Still have questions? Find me @JamieMcHenry on Twitter or Instagram. Reach out any time.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">Are you still
reading this? Wow, good on you! Here’s some bonus material:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">My Pitch
Wars entry from 2017. You can tell a lot about a person from the way they write.
I think this says a lot about me:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><a href="https://pitchwars.org/pw-348-young-adult-contemporary-mystery-i-killed-brenda-morris/">https://pitchwars.org/pw-348-young-adult-contemporary-mystery-i-killed-brenda-morris/</a><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">I wanted to make
this list accessible for everyone, so that’s the reason it’s text only. If
you’d like a visual idea of who I am and my tastes, you can find a handful of
helpful boards on Pinterest. I've even created a visual wishlist there:</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><a href="https://www.pinterest.com/jamiemchenry/_saved/">https://www.pinterest.com/jamiemchenry/_saved/</a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><span style="text-indent: 0in;">The other YA
Mentors’ wish lists are below</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;"><o:p></o:p></p>
<iframe height="350" loading="lazy" src="https://pitchwars.org/mentorbloghop/2021wlbh/pw-ya.html" style="border: 3px solid #b4b4b4;" width="100%"></iframe>Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-78157748470382596832021-08-07T22:02:00.000-06:002021-08-08T15:28:18.486-06:00My Own Pace<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">I originally published this in 2012. It felt relevant today with the Olympics ending so I'm posting again. </div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">In another life, at another time, I was a runner—a sprinter. I ran the 100m, the 200m, and the 400m. My favorite race was the 200m; however, my best race was the 400m.</div>
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The guys I raced typically competed in the same events, and they were faster than me in the quick sprints. In the 100m, they beat me easily. I didn’t have the takeoff speed needed to excel in that race and, usually, I was speeding up at the finish line. In the 200m, we were more equally matched. I would start off slower than them and then make up what I had lost in the turn around the home stretch. One particular race we had a five way tie for the win. The photo finish was incredible. It looked like one runner with several arms and legs flailing from their torso. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Then there was the 400m. Imagine sprinting for a quarter mile and you can imagine my chagrin every time I lined up for that race. It was about 50 seconds of speed and several hours of misery afterward. To this day, I cringe at the memories of the pain that came after the finish line. Win or no, that race was torture!</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
Most of the 400m runners didn’t understand that the race required strategy. From the gun, they would give everything they had, sprinting as fast as they could around the track. At the end of 200m, they would hit a “wall” and lose all the advantage they had built up. By 300m, there was nothing left for those racers but burning lungs and regret about entering the race in the first place. Not me. I sprinted at full speed for the first 100m and then slowed down and “coasted” along the straightaway. That may sound strange to you, considering this was a sprint, but that was the plan. My abilities required a different strategy than my competition. I ran at my own pace.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
At 200m, I turned on my wheels. Giving everything I had again felt like a brand new race. I easily passed one or two runners before the end of the curve and slowly gained ground on the other 3 during the last 100m. By the finish, I was hurting (oh, you can’t imagine the pain), and either won the race or came in second. I never finished third.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I share this story because life is a lot like the 400m. Most people will try sprinting as fast as they can, attempting to run through life at the same speed as the person next to them. Some will keep up for a while, but then their lack of preparation, planning, or ability catches up to them and they hit the “wall,” unable to advance at the swift speeds of which they began. Soon they are passed by and left to struggle just to finish. Those people become forgettable and often change goals and ambitions.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I admit: falling into last place for that second 200m was torture. I imagined horrible things that people in the stadium must have been thinking as they watched me run. To them, I was the loser at that point. To fall behind so early must have meant that I was slow or unqualified for the event. Why had I even entered? After a couple races, however, the 400m became mine. Why? Because I ran at my own pace.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I encourage you all to take note of what you can do. know your abilities. Be aware of your strengths and your weaknesses. Be honest with yourself and proceed through life at a pace that you determine, not your competition. Set a strategy and stick to it. When you reach your goal, the race will have been yours to claim.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
~ Jamie</div>Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-7668687260520042512019-10-01T06:44:00.000-06:002019-10-01T06:44:54.300-06:00Pitch Wars Advice Blog Hop<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
So you’ve entered
Pitch Wars? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
And now you’re
waiting. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Hold on tight and
get ready for the ride of your life. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
I write this with
a mischievous smirk because I know what the waiting is like. The anxiety, the
pacing, the sweaty palms, the restless nights, the double portions of ice
cream, the worry that you misspelled the last name of your main character. All
these feelings are agonizing and real. And they’re okay, everything will work
out okay. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
So a bit of
backstory here. I first entered Pitch Wars in 2016. I had a shiny manuscript,
polished and ready to take on the world. This book had been through beta
readers and even a couple of professional edits. I’d self-published a few books
years prior so I knew what I was doing. I was good at this writing thing, I was
confident. I, I, I. Me, me, me. Not chosen, not chosen, not chosen. That’s
right. I didn’t get into Pitch Wars in 2016 and I felt every emotion the day of
the announcement. I might have even cried, though you didn’t read that on this
blog. This many years later, I can admit that I thought about giving up writing
that day. But I didn’t. Which is why I’m here. Stay tuned and I’ll explain. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
In 2017, the
Pitch Wars chatter started up again on my Twitter feed. People I followed were
excited to enter, they were polishing their manuscripts and preparing for the
grand entry. Excited future applicants were posting their queries and pitches
and first pages on the forum. There were a lot of fantastic posts and the eagerness
was palpable. I wanted to be a part of that, I wanted to fit in. Writing can be
lonely and this was my chance to be a part of something special, although I
felt especially secluded that year because I didn’t have a finished manuscript
and was spending all of my time writing and revising, rather than joining in on
all of the fun. So I posted when I could and kept working hard.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Then I did it,
submitted my entry and waited. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
And waited.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Waiting is the
hardest part.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Yeah, I agree. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Because this is a
big deal, we want to think that having perfection on the page is the key to
getting chosen by a mentor. Our careers depend on it, our lifestyles want it. No
agent or editor will touch my book if I don’t get chosen. Pitch Wars is life!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Yeah, no. Sorry
to disappoint, but life will go on if you’re not chosen for Pitch Wars. It
will.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Remember how I
wasn’t chosen in 2016? I didn’t give up like I wanted to. I told myself that
the book was the problem, not me. I want you to remember that because it’s so
true. I’ll repeat it. The book was the problem, not me. When I found out I
wasn’t chosen as a mentee is 2016, I immediately started on another manuscript
I called SARAH’S BREATH. It was like therapy to me. This book was everything my
Pitch Wars entry wasn’t and it helped me escape the doldrums of what I
considered failure at the time. I dabbled with it, plotted some chapters, wrote
some more, and then got bored and let it sit on a shelf. This wasn’t the book I
needed to write. But my Pitch Wars entry from 2016? What if I fixed it and
revised it some more, changed the main characters favorite color, moved around
some scenes, alternated POV’s, added less supernatural? That would fix it,
right? No, none of those things. Remember what I mentioned about the book?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
So, you’re wondering
what to do, right?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
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You’ve submitted
your entry and want to occupy your mind. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Good news! This
is a rare opportunity to feed your creativity. Don’t touch that manuscript you
submitted, don’t you dare. It’s fine where it is. Go do something else. Read,
watch a movie, go outside and re-introduce yourself to your loved ones. Find
that spark that keeps you writing because if you are chosen as a mentee, all
that time is going to disappear. Know that. Expect that. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
The time waiting
should not be spent second guessing every word you submitted because those specific
words don’t matter. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
What? Yes they
do, every word matters. You might be worried that if you misspelled your main
character’s last name on page six, you’ll never get chosen. Believe that if you
want, but it isn’t true. Mentors will fall in love with your story first and
then decide if they can help it. A wrong word here or there, a misspelling? Those
are tiny details that won’t matter at this point of the process. What matters
is that your story is well conceived, well written, and well received. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
That’s right,
well received. Take a moment now and think about your favorite song. What’s the
title? Who wrote it? Who’s the artist? What album is it on? Can you sing it on
demand? Will people throw books at you if you sing it on demand? Now answer
this question: is that same song everyone’s favorite song? Why not?<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Art is subjective
and because of that, not everyone is going to love your creation as much as you
do. It’s not your fault and it isn’t theirs. Think about that favorite song
again and imagine that you were given a list of 150 songs to choose from,
including that one, and were allowed to pick only one as your favorite again.
Would you pick the same song? Would that make the other 149 songs bad? It’s not
a rhetorical question. The answer is no. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Chances are, you
chose a particular song as your favorite because of some sort of connection
you’ve made with a part of the song, its tone, the lyric, the artist, and the
album, whatever. That process of choice is going to be the same for the Pitch
Wars mentors. Right now as you’re reading this, they are agonizing over many
great manuscripts and trying to decide which one will become this year’s choice
for them. They can only pick one. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
It could be your
book.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
I believe that
hope and a positive attitude are powerful. Despite not having any sort of
control over the fate of your Pitch Wars entry, believe that you have 100%
control over the fortune of your writing. The same creative habits that helped
you finish a manuscript and edit it will be useful as you venture into the
querying world. Chosen for the contest or not, you’re going to need a catchy pitch,
a well-written query, a professional synopsis, and a polished manuscript. That’s
what agents and editors will be looking for, and that’s what we’ll all need to
prepare.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Get ready to work
hard. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
If you’re chosen
as a mentee, please have your schedules clear for many writing/editing sessions
in the coming months. Some of you might re-write your book, others might change
the POV, and still others might cut/add significant portions of your
manuscript. That takes time and willingness to adapt. The mentors aren’t going
to do the work for you which means all this time you’ve been preparing to send
work to them was good practice for the much harder work ahead. While I didn’t
keep track of all my time spent, I remember spending at least 20 hours one
weekend finalizing edits. Most of that was one scene. ONE SCENE! I sometimes shiver
with dread thinking back on it. That was a lot of work. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
There’s a
community of support. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
You’ve heard it
plenty and I’m going to add to the chorus of voices that cry out “Pitch Wars is
about the relationships you build.” Because it’s true. If you accept it,
there’s a large family of writers ready to support and guide you along this
publishing journey. They will cry with you, cheer you on, praise the pictures
of your pets, beta read, offer feedback, brainstorm ideas with you, help with
pitches, send you encouragement, and so much more. Those who embrace the
community find that the value of the contest is gauged by their willingness to
become a writing partner and friend. Everything else becomes secondary. Chosen
for the contest or not, friends will still be there. Relationships will still
exist. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Praise and
Progression.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Admittedly, my
expectations were low after rejection in 2016 which meant that finding my name
on the mentee list in 2017 was a surprise. I was shocked at how much my mentor,
Destiny, loved my book. Her vision for the story was exactly what I had planned
to do but had been afraid to put on my submitted version. Her edit letter,
which was 10 pages, made me giggle because I was excited to discover that
someone fell in love with my project and was willing to help me improve it. That
was a fantastic feeling. In fact, it still feels great.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
That said, be
ready to find out that your book isn’t perfect. You might get some tough love
and it could hurt a bit. Be ready for that. Remember that your potential chosen
mentor is going to be in love with your book and it’s their job to help you
improve it. I learned long ago to wait a day before responding to an edit
letter. Your emotions are tied into the book, it’s your baby. How dare someone
claim it needs fixing. Let your emotions simmer for a bit after you get your
edit letter, then think about the changes and how you can best implement them. Talk
to your mentor and establish a relationship built on trust. If you fire back a
hastily written response, you might come across as combative and difficult, which
might not be your intention. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Enjoy the
journey. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
During the agent
round in 2017, I was a bundle of nerves wound so tight that the slightest of
things set me off. That year, we were able to see comments on everyone’s posts
and the initial reaction to mine was nothing but silence. Take the feelings
while waiting to see if you’re chosen as a mentee and multiply that by 100 and
that’s what the agent round could be like if you don’t take a step back and
enjoy the fact that you succeeded. Regardless of how agents react to your book,
you’ve accomplished something great and there’s a future for you. Because of
market trends and editor requests, demand might be high for certain books over
others. It’s not about the authors or the mentors, but rather the market that’s
building an expectation for certain subjects and genres. Don’t let that stress
you out. It’s out of your control. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Who are you
again? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
It’s been two
years since my Pitch Wars experience and you might be wondering where my book
is, or who I am. I'm Jamie, a writer. My Pitch Wars book is alive and well, looking for a home. All these feelings, all the emotions of waiting to see if
someone likes your work is still happening, only there’s some finality with
every response. I’m happy to have an agent who manages the business part of
things because that means I get to keep my mind on writing, which is what I’m
good at. Recently, my agent and I had a long conversation about my current
projects (there are 6 of them). We ranked them in order of potential value.
Third on the list is SARAH’S BREATH, that book that I started way back on the
day after not getting selected for Pitch Wars 2016. Sometimes it feels good to
receive validation and hearing my agent tell me that she loved the concept of
that story made me realize that I had made the correct choice back then, that
writing is my journey. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Rejection can be
hard, but the way we push on determines our future success. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
I believe that. I
live it. Oh, if I had more time to share stories—I could go on forever. Anyway,
here’s <a href="https://pitchwars.org/pw-348-young-adult-contemporary-mystery-i-killed-brenda-morris/" target="_blank">My 2017 Pitch Wars Entry</a> from the Agent Showcase. It always makes me
smile. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
Happy Reading.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: 0in;">
~ Jamie<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-89967324483978757622018-07-10T14:58:00.002-06:002018-07-10T14:58:58.023-06:00Digging up the PastI save every idea. I write down everything can about the concept, create a file, and then add it to my endless list of future projects. Sometimes, I'll outline the book and write a chapter or two if I feel inspired. There have been a couple times when I've written the entire manuscript and shelved it, having lost interest in the characters or the plot. If years later, I can't stop thinking about one of my old ideas, then it must be good enough to pursue. That's my process.<br />
<br />
One of my books was ready to query when I set it aside. I'd been through dozens of drafts and few major revisions and felt the book was ready for the world. I'd even paid for professional editing. But I didn't love it. In fact, I was bored with it. For me, I have to be 100% in love with a book for me to keep going. I was maybe 80% in love with this one.<br />
<br />
So, when a new book idea came to me, I jumped into that project with both feet and left this one far behind. Then I got into Pitch Wars, then found an agent, then wrote another book, and then started yet another idea. I was so far removed from that dusty old project that I'd forgotten most of the character names and even details of the plot. Poor book.<br />
<br />
But now that old book is calling to me. It's haunting my dreams and my thoughts. It's begging me to revisit it once again. That once forgotten project wants me to make it something special, so that's what I'm going to do.<br />
<br />
And that's why I'm sharing this. Sometimes, our work isn't the best. Sometimes, our creations don't shine as brightly as other things. That's okay. Because every idea will have it's moment in the spotlight, every passion will gain it's place in your heart. Even if it's not now, even if it's not soon, someday, the good ideas will cling to you and won't let you do anything else.<br />
<br />
Happy Writing. And Reading.<br />
<br />
~ JamieJamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-73885036593288180362017-12-11T10:00:00.000-07:002017-12-11T10:45:30.977-07:00To The Future (a.k.a. How I Got My Agent)<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
So…I have an agent. (Insert insanely over-the-top
cheering and celebration here.) How’s that for a beginning?<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
I know, right? Crazy. The past few months have been
such a whirlwind that everything seems like some sort of fantastic dream. I
honestly cannot believe this has happened. But it has. And here’s the story:<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
It started with Pitch Wars. Once I was accepted into
the contest, my mentor (the fabulous Destiny Cole) and I went to work on my
entry. There was a lot of back and forth and a ton of revision, more than I had
anticipated. I knew the book needed help, but was surprised at how much
character motivation and specific details it was lacking. Destiny pointed out
the needs, made some suggestions, and gave me plenty to get the book polished
and done. I wrote a lot then, some weekends spending almost 20 hours on my
laptop to get it ready. The work was hard, but the final result was amazing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
Then came the agent round. If you are considering entering
Pitch Wars, prepare your emotions for the fact that, if you get chosen, you
will be on an intense roller coaster ride of feelings. I’m not kidding here. I
stopped sleeping once my pitch went live and it has taken me about a month since
to calm down. All the fears that I’d experienced prior to entering Pitch Wars
were amplified 100 times while I waited to see what agents would think of my
project. I knew the book was polished and in great shape, but getting only 300
words to ‘pitch’ that to an agent was agonizing. It was torture. I kept
checking the site to see if anyone would post a reply to my submission and ask
to see the manuscript. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
And I waited.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
Other entries started receiving interest. And more
interest. And more. I kept staring at my page wondering what I had done wrong
and if this had been some sort of massive mistake. Was the title a problem? The
pitch? The page? I had no idea why agents where passing on my work—and that
hurt the most. Then the first request came in and I breathed an enormous sigh
of relief. More requests came in, and more. The roller coaster ride was taking
another turn and it was incredibly exhilarating, a thrill I never imagined. Such
a rush of love for my little book. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
The rules of the contest directed everyone to wait a
week before sending materials to agents. This allowed for everyone to read the
entries and give them a chance at so many great manuscripts. And that’s another
thing about Pitch Wars that I didn’t realize before entering. Everyone in the
contest is super supportive and wonderful. You get to know all the mentees and
realize how everybody is traveling on this journey together. You want others to
do well. You love their books and you get this overwhelming sensation of
imposter syndrome because people are fantastically gifted. I felt that way and
as excited as I was to send off my work to agents, I wondered how they would
possibly accept my book over another. It’s like choosing a flavor of ice-cream
when everything presented is your favorite. I was one of many. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
There was a lot of back and forth between me and
Destiny the day I sent my requested material. One point of concern was my query
letter. I’d spent so much time on the manuscript that the query needed help.
Destiny was a champ and gave me the advice I needed to improve the letter. That
night, I fired off a dozen emails and (again) didn’t sleep a wink. (I told you
it was a wild ride!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
I thought life was grand as auto replies and small
notes from agents reached my inbox. Some loved the title and had requested based
on that. Others loved the comps. A few enjoyed the voice. I was living the
dream and I was unprepared for the next step. Arriving home from my day job less than 24 hours after sending off my material, I received an email from an agent asking if they could call. OM Freakin’
G. I ran into the house and fired off an email. Sure, I said. I’m available. I
was so excited that I forgot to send her my phone number. I had to reply again
when she asked. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
I knew a little bit about agent calls and mentees in
the Pitch Wars group had shared a list of questions to ask, but I’d never
studied them. I didn’t actually think I’d get to that point. I wanted to, I
hoped to, but I was also realistic. I didn’t want to anticipate something
happening and have it never transpire. And I certainly didn’t expect to hear
from an agent so soon. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
We spoke for over an hour, talking about the book, asking
questions, and getting to know each other. Stacey was wonderfully kind and professional.
I took notes during the call which is something I recommend since everything was
such a blur that night. There’s protocol with an agent offer and having
manuscripts out to other agents, something I won’t get into here, but let me
say that the two-week wait was agonizing and frantic. (Roller coaster—remember?)
I was so relieved when I could finally sign the agreement and call Stacey
Donaghy my agent. That’s right, I’m now represented by Stacey Donagy of <a href="http://www.donaghyliterary.com/" target="_blank">DonaghyLiterary Group</a>. And she’s awesome!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
So now the real work begins and it’s exciting. I’ve
started writing another YA Mystery—of course—and we’ll see what the future
brings. Until then,<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
Happy Reading!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; text-indent: 0in;">
~ Jamie<o:p></o:p></div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-69900518192273346932017-09-12T09:20:00.000-06:002017-11-06T15:45:20.741-07:00Pitch Wars<div class="MsoNormal">
While working full-steam ahead on my fantastic new project
about a guy haunted by his ex-girlfriend, I had another book idea pop into my
head. I shouldn't use the word pop. It exploded! The idea hit me
with so much force that I had to begin right away. And I did. That day, I
outlined the book and wrote the first chapter and the last chapter. The date
was May 31, 2017. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And the book was enjoyable to write. I loved the characters and
the story—and the twists. This was the type of book I’d been looking to read, so
the words flowed and the story got better and better. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then I remembered a contest I had entered last year. Pitch
Wars. In the contest, you submit a query letter and the first chapter of your
manuscript to four mentors who then pick a lucky winner from all their
submissions and help get that manuscript shiny and magnificent. I didn’t get in
to the contest last year. <i>(Between you
and me, not getting in motivated me like crazy. I started writing a new story
the day the winners were announced and then rewrote the manuscript I
entered in the months following the contest. The re-write is awesome and I’m
certain it’ll draw interest once I start querying it.)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now I’m rambling. So I remembered this contest and I didn’t
want to enter the same novel as last year. I thought, perhaps, that I might get
this book done in time to enter. And that’s what I did. I wrote non-stop to get
the first draft done and managed to get some edits complete before
the submission date arrived for the contest. Yay. At least I had an entry.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
After failing last year, I learned how subjective contests
can be, so I didn’t have high expectations for this book. While I loved the story, I
wasn’t sure how other people would react. The book was dark at times, and twisted, and
also contemporary. I had never written a Contemporary YA before. Would I pull
of an authentic voice? Would people think I needed therapy? Would people scream
at my title and ban me from the contest? These were real questions stirring in
my mind as I researched authors participating in the contest as mentors. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I eventually made my choices and submitted my book, I KILLED BRENDA
MORRIS, to Pitch Wars. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Fast forward to today.<br />
<br />
I made it into the contest and I couldn't be happier. Destiny Cole took a chance
on me and accepted me as her mentee. To say that I was shocked
to get chosen is a huge understatement. I get emotional thinking about it. This
contest was what I needed and it’s making me better every day. Destiny is a
fantastic mentor and I’m lucky to have her cheering me on and helping mold this
book into something that will surprise and delight a lot of readers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Pitch Wars is wonderful. If you entered and didn’t make it
in to the contest, keep writing. Keep imagining. Keep entering. If you are a
mentor, thank you for giving up your time to help people like me get better. If
you are a mentee, hello again. I love our community of support.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Writing is an art, a skill that can be developed. We’re all
improving and learning, and putting our dreams onto pages together. And that’s
what I love about it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Jamie <o:p></o:p></div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-64750509906928010002017-08-07T11:06:00.000-06:002017-11-29T10:06:26.393-07:00Direction of Travel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCa2rHEAT-g/WYiVseFguyI/AAAAAAAAKb0/juywGZIL0uUiDClNiF2saSpI2SbkHfaQQCEwYBhgL/s1600/shutterstock_520402105.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1046" data-original-width="1600" height="261" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YCa2rHEAT-g/WYiVseFguyI/AAAAAAAAKb0/juywGZIL0uUiDClNiF2saSpI2SbkHfaQQCEwYBhgL/s400/shutterstock_520402105.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
One reason I love this writing journey is the new experiences I constantly discover and enjoy. It's as if I had jumped on a train without knowing its destination and shouted to the landscape, "Take me far away and change me!"<br />
I have no idea where I'm going, and that mystery is so much fun.<br />
Since 2009, I've written a handful of complete manuscripts and a few partials. That's not counting the dozen or so ideas I've outlined for the future. Here's the breakdown:<br />
<br />
<b>Completed Novels (In order of completion)</b><br />
From Rising Flames ~ YA Fantasy<br />
On Fallen Wings ~ YA Fantasy<br />
From Darkened Skies ~ YA Fantasy<br />
Dead and Beloved ~ YA Speculative<br />
Bury Me First ~ YA Speculative<br />
I Killed Brenda Morris ~ YA Contemporary Mystery<br />
<br />
<b>Partials</b><br />
In Forgotten Dreams ~ YA Fantasy<br />
Dead and Gone ~ YA Speculative<br />
Sarah's Breath ~ YA Supernatural Mystery<br />
Wedding Dresses ~ Contemporary Romance<br />
<br />
As you can see, I lean towards YA a lot. Most are from a girl's POV; however, I have two versions of Bury Me First that feature the MC as male or female. Sarah's breath features 1st person past POV, but I'm playing with a close 3rd POV to see which I like best. Dead and Beloved & Dead and Gone are written in 1st person present, which is a tricky POV for me, but I found it enjoyable. Fantasy is fun-I like creating new worlds, but I don't read enough in the genre to ensure I get an original story. And Wedding Dresses? That's gonna take a while. I don't know anything about writing romance right now, so I'm slowly picking at this book while changing my outlines. I try to take romance classes every conference I attend so I can learn more, but I'm not quite ready to start reading romance yet.<br />
<br />
So I'm at a crossroads. I could start a new project or work on one my partials. I could also query one or two of my latest novels and see if an agent will bite. It's been so long since I've sent a query, I'm out of practice and would need to study up to get that skill up to par. Whatever I choose, whichever direction I travel, it's another leg of the journey and I love new adventures.<br />
<br />
Thanks for visiting.<br />
<br />
Happy Reading.<br />
<br />
~ Jamie<br />
<br />
***UPDATE*** I've started a new YA Contemporary Mystery that I'm calling Let's Be Friends. More to come on that later.Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-10068924104297817782017-03-20T08:53:00.000-06:002017-03-20T08:55:39.863-06:00Words From Long Ago<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been nostalgic this morning, thinking about the first
novel I wrote and one of the characters, Rhiannon. I remember how sad she
seemed and how much I was inspired by her mysterious strength. She was so
compelling that I rewrote the whole story from her point of view and then added
a couple books about her. One scene in particular has been recurring over and
over in my mind, so I’ve decided to share it. I hope you enjoy my words from so
long ago.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<o:p>~ O ~</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The warm morning of the Sun Season Ceremony complemented the
bright display at Stone Meadow; tall colorful banners flapped on long poles and
thin trails of white smoke lifted to the cloudless sky, announcing their host
camps and seasoned offerings. Bards in purple tunics, tooling their whistles
and drums, mingled in the growing crowd. It was a celebration, and it was
summer at its peak. The solstice. I must have been grinning—I could feel my
cheeks stretch as we rolled the handcart to our familiar camping spot at the
southern edge of the field. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leila was enchanting. She wore her golden shawl of the Fae
with its hood pulled back behind her shoulders. The shawl covered a white gown
that trailed to thin leather sandals on her feet. Small white flowers decorated
tight braids in her dark hair. Leila swung her arms out and danced in place—the
golden shawl draped to the ground like wings—and announced her arrival to anyone
watching, showering the air with sparkling gold. “This is wonderful!” she sang,
while skipping steps and dancing in circles. Her movement matched the mood of
the meadow, and she wasn’t the only one dancing in the tall grass.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
When we reached our site, Mother and I began unloading the
cart. I piled blankets, and pillows, and bowls, and goblets onto small piles
around our camp. Then I went into the forest that bordered the meadow and
collected an armful of dry branches from the undergrowth. When I returned,
Leila was still dancing. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“Do you know the steps?” she asked. She tiptoed for a moment
and sprung into a leap forward. “I’ll wager you can guess.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I emptied my arms and brushed my hands clean on my apron. I
watched my sister move; her dance was familiar. I caught myself swaying to the
delicate tune inside my thoughts. “You know that’s my favorite,” I told her.
“You make me want to join you.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Mother turned to watch us, but kept arranging sliced vegetables
into piles on a blanket.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Leila grabbed my hands and pulled me toward her. “Step
forward, sister. I want to see you dance.”<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I couldn’t help myself. I slipped out of my sandals and
joined her. Then we danced in the grass. A faerie and her Giver, we wove a
circle of crimson and gold. I inhaled the fresh air—it carried a hint of hickory
smoke—and whispered the words that I had often sung to myself at the
celebrations. The songs we danced had no lyrics, but I had created my own
verses, as many faeries did, and many would continue to imagine.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You’re wonderful!” said Leila, amid the swirling flashes. “You
miss it, don’t you?”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I allowed my motion to carry me to a place on the grass away
from her, and then collapsed on the ground. “I miss dancing,” I admitted to her.
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
She raised her sleeves above her head like a bird’s wings
and brought them down in front of me.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I winced at the striking breeze that followed. <br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“I’m sorry; I didn’t intend to do that.” Leila covered her
mouth.<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“That’s okay,” I said, smiling. “I enjoyed the moment. Thank
you.” I fell back and stared at the sky. “Good memories always come with
dancing. They carry me to fantastic places and wonderful dreams.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
~ O ~</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Reading!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Jamie</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-77893651505151980262017-02-14T08:18:00.003-07:002017-02-14T08:18:48.549-07:00Happy Valentine's DayTo celebrate Valentine's Day, I'm sharing a scene from one of my earlier books, FROM RISING FLAMES. Happy Reading!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
~ O ~</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The water was cold; I
had forgotten how much when I removed my sandals and stepped to my waist. It
was refreshing, though. My feet hurt at first as I stepped on the gravel, but
then I enjoyed the feel as I rubbed my feet over and over the rounded pebbles.
I removed my dress and dove headfirst into the lake. My body sighed with
thanks. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I swam for a moment before
returning to the shore to grab my dress and the soap. Darian sat on the shore,
watching the sky.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Aren't you coming in?”
I asked. “The water feels wonderful.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“I didn’t think you’d
do that,” he said, darting me a glance. In the dark, I couldn’t see his face,
but I was sure from his voice that he was blushing.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“What?” I scooped a
handful of soap from the kettle and rubbed it onto my dress. I lowered it into
the water and started scrubbing with a flat stone. “Do you want to get clean,
or not?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The man was shy, which
made me smile. Men in Aisling were as rough as porcupines. Perhaps that’s why I
was becoming comfortable with Darian. He had never threatened me like I had
imagined he would. I found his embarrassment charming.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Come into the water,”
I laughed. “I won’t hurt you.” As he inched toward the lake, I tugged at the
cuffs of his clothing. “Take off your pants.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Darian’s voice came out
in a squeak. “What?”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I pulled on his leg.
“Do you want clean clothes? Give me your pants, I’ll wash them.” <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">He didn’t argue, but
closed his eyes as he removed his leather shoes—and his pants. Then he tossed
me his shirt; the blue was fading, but it still sparkled where the blood hadn’t
stained. He dove into the lake to hide under the reflection of the stars.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">It wasn’t much, but I
did my best to scrub our clothes with the soap I had made. I tossed them onto
the shore and then covered myself with the white cream. The smell was fabulous.
I could feel the smoke pry from my skin as I rubbed everywhere I could reach.
Wanting more, but needing to share, I left the last bits of soap for Darian and
dove back into the lake to rinse myself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“Your turn,” I told
him, chasing after him in the shallow water. “You’ll smell like a flower
afterward, but it will definitely be an improvement.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">He was still shy,
setting himself waist deep in the water and scrubbing from head to toe. I had
never seen a man bathe before, and watched every moment while wading. Darian
was perfect. His dark muscles covered in soap made me want to swim closer. His
hair covered his eyes until he wet it and pulled it back with his fingers,
allowing it to hang back toward his shoulders.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">My stomach twisted and
my breath stopped filling my lungs. I suddenly felt distant and alone. I closed
my eyes and turned toward Morgan.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“I’m dressed now,” he
told me. “You can turn around.” He stood on the shore, the water dripping from
his clothes and his hair sparkled from the stars. He looked taller than a
moment ago—and handsome. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The feeling in my
stomach returned and my boldness left me. I didn’t want Darian to see me—not
like this, unkempt and bedraggled. Something—pride, or something more intimate
that I hesitated to name—left me wishing that he could see me like I had once
looked when I was a faerie. “Please don’t turn around,” I said, dropping low in
the water. “I’ll only be a moment.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I stumbled on the
rocks, twisting into my dress, franticly trying to cover myself before he
turned to steal a look. But Darian never did. He watched the stars until I touched
his arm. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">“That feels nice,” he
said, his voice melting me as his fingers caressed mine. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">I smiled back. The
spinning in my stomach and the tingling in my heart reminded me of innocent
days and nights like this so long ago. The feeling was the same. Darian was
becoming something more than a friend.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">~ O ~</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in; mso-pagination: none; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><br /></span></div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-66536927256292673562017-02-09T11:41:00.002-07:002017-02-09T11:41:35.360-07:00TitlesI'm happy to say that my latest project is almost ready to send off to agents. Yay!<br />
This book is nothing like I've done before. It's not fantasy, it's not YA Horror, and it's not MG. It's a YA with a taste of supernatural and a lot of thrills. There's love, murder, high school tension, and a villain I love to hate.<br />
About a year into the project, I decided on the perfect title and went with it. I loved that title. It matched the tone of the book perfectly until...<br />
Until someone critiquing the book asked me if I was against changing the title.<br />
What? I was floored.<br />
Although I told the person I wasn't against changing the title, in my mind I fought the question. No way. No how. This was my baby and changing the title was impossible. Finally, after a few more rounds of edits, I came to realize that the title was holding back the book. Yep, the title was the problem.<br />
So I changed the title and it completely changed the book and potentially the series. It allowed me to massage little details into the manuscript that added depth and character to certain scenes. Changing the title helped me to better understand the main character's motivation and define what he was fighting for.<br />
I loved the old title, but adore the new one. Can't wait to share it.<br />
<br />
Happy Reading<br />
<br />
~ JamieJamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-14940133756976063552016-08-25T12:21:00.001-06:002016-08-25T12:21:25.678-06:00Because I MustThere's something magical about creating a story, a special something that offers me more than a chance to express myself. I don't know what that something is, but I need it. I want it. I must have it.<br />
<br />
There have been so many times in the past several years that I thought about giving up writing, so many times that I tried convincing myself that the time I spend pounding out words onto a laptop would be better spent doing something else. Every time, I fall back to one single thought:<br />
<br />
I write because I must.<br />
<br />
Shaping worlds and emotions onto a page is my therapy, I think. There's so much chaos and noise and distractions around me that finding a quiet spot and writing helps clear my head and keep me focused on what's really important. And I like that.<br />
<br />
I started plotting a new book a couple days ago and can't wait to get into the words. It's another YA Thriller, a genre that I'm currently drawn to. Hopefully, like by last book, it turns into something special. We'll see.<br />
<br />
I heard a quote over twenty years ago that's stuck with me since. "I write to unravel the tangled web of my mind." I have no idea who said it, but I believe it applies to me more than most things. Anyway, that's it for now.<br />
<br />
Happy Reading.<br />
<br />
~ JamieJamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-71567874306872709282016-07-22T08:12:00.001-06:002016-07-25T08:07:23.911-06:00Ten Random Facts<div class="MsoNormal">
I've decided that my shiny new YA Thriller needs an entry into #PitchWars, so I thought I’d re-introduce myself and share ten random
facts about me. If you'd like to know about other authors who will also be participating, you can find their bios in this <a href="http://www.lanapattinson.com/pitchwars-2016-pimpmybio/" target="_blank">post</a>. For those who are new to my blog, welcome. Dig around because there's plenty to discover. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I
love movies. All of our kids and pets are named after main characters from the
following movies:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Beetlejuice</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Last of the Mohicans</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Lord of the Rings</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Return of the Jedi</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Sabrina</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->X-Men</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My
last Five Netflix watches are:</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Friday Night Lights (the series)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Kingpin</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Zoolander</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->The Pursuit of Happiness</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-left: 1.0in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "symbol"; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;">·<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->50 First Dates</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I
met my wife while I was dating her sister. She thought I was a dork.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->My
wife and I celebrated 20 years of marriage this past June. She still thinks I’m
a dork.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I
love thunderstorms and sailing, but not at the same time.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I
served two years in France as a church missionary. I lived in Chartres,
Corbeil-Essonnes, Paris, and Troyes.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I
decided I wanted to write at age 15 after a tragic canoeing accident on the
Snake River.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I
was once followed into a restroom by a man who thought I was Tom Hanks and
wanted an autograph. (I don’t look anything like Tom Hanks)</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I’m
currently reading Don’t Look Back by Jennifer Armentrout.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin-left: .75in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]-->10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal;"> </span><!--[endif]-->I’m
super shy unless you put me in front of a microphone. Then I’ll talk your ear
off.</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
There you have it. Ten things you didn't know about me. I’m
pleased to meet you. Oh yeah, my book is about a guy who gets buried alive by his girlfriend. I love thrillers and I'm scared of getting buried alive, so I figured this would be a great project. And it has been a blast! It has reminded me how much I love storytelling and has pushed me to improve my writing. I hope, I really hope that I can get this book fine tuned enough to entice a publisher because there are so many fantastic elements inside and I believe that people could really get into this. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Happy Reading.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
~ Jamie</div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-62874334644576076412016-07-21T16:10:00.004-06:002016-07-21T16:10:42.385-06:00Out of the CaveWhere have I been? What have I been doing?<br />
<br />
Stuff. Lots and lots of stuff. I lead a busy life. Oh, and reading and writing.<br />
<br />
I am going to climb out of the cave soon for some social sunlight. I have a new book and it's so close to being shiny and bright that I can't keep the awesomeness a secret any longer. Pardon me as I stretch my arms for a bit and get used to the light. More to come, so watch out!<br />
<br />
Happy Reading.<br />
<br />
~ JamieJamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-2557317349079712662015-09-09T14:48:00.001-06:002016-07-21T16:13:30.461-06:00One Year of SilenceHas it been that long?<br />
<br />
Where was I?<br />
I was here and I was silent.<br />
I was reading and I was writing.<br />
<br />
You haven't been forgotten, my friends. It's been a wild year and there's plenty to say about that another time. I'm currently editing a 100,000 word YA Thriller that I wrote in February and March of this year. I set a goal a few years back to write at least one book every year and so far, I've reached that goal! Because I love, love, love this current WIP, I've put off some of my other projects...for now. Writing is my therapy and I need to write what interests me. This book interests me.<br />
My other books magically disappeared from online during this past year. That was by design. I spent time contemplating the direction of a couple books and made the decision to re-write some crucial plot points, which meant that the books couldn't remain available as they were. Never fear, I'll bring them back when the time is right.<br />
<br />
Back to my WIP. Did I mention that I love it? It's about a guy who wakes up and discovers he's been buried alive. How intense is that? I can't wait to finish editing and send it off to agents. Then I can't wait for the world to read it.<br />
<br />
So I'm around and I'll continue my silence while I work. Hopefully, I'll jot a few notes down more often and let you know how things are. Until next time...<br />
<br />
Happy reading.<br />
<br />
~ JamieJamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-16549095570575022642014-09-11T07:23:00.003-06:002014-09-11T07:23:27.397-06:00I'm Still HereBusy, busy, busy. Writing and stuff.<br />
<br />
Happy reading.<br />
<br />
~ JamieJamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-22666786780009670972014-03-20T09:33:00.003-06:002014-03-20T09:33:38.254-06:00ABNA: My PitchSo I entered my latest book in a contest hosted by amazon.com called the <b>Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award</b>. There are many reasons for entering, though the biggest is a search for validation. I think I write well; those who read my books say I write well; agents and editors say I write well; however, there's still this lingering doubt about my abilities. Entering the contest and, hopefully, tasting some success is my intended therapy for doubt.<br />
<br />
The first round of the contest involved sending in a book pitch. I'll admit, this is my biggest weakness when it comes to writing. I cannot pitch or sell anything. I have worked, reworked, revised, and purchased help with queries and never truly found success with any of my methods. Ironically, the requests for full manuscripts have come from contests, not from querying. So . . . I wrote a pitch for this contest and entered. Here's what I wrote:<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Ryan Moon is
infected and dying. The virus that killed his family and his best friend now
threatens to turn millions of people into flesh craving zombies. Too late for
Ryan, though. Part of a government
program to find a cure, he lives a captive existence between a hospital and
high school. It bites. How’s a guy supposed to focus in class with this
kind of life? But he tries. Because all Ryan has to live for is a chance to survive
and graduate, and the affections of a mysterious girl he met online. Jessica
Snow. She’s Ryan’s only friend these days. Pure and perfect, Jessica brings out
the best in Ryan—though she’s exposing emotions that are making his condition
worse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
And he’s getting
worse. Every day brings Ryan closer to becoming a monster, closer to the end. Desperate
to live, and for love, Ryan promises to take Jessica to prom. A promise made
impossible after a violent attack at his school forces Ryan into a secret
clinic run by Jessica’s father. There, Dr. Snow, who has a daring plan to use
Ryan’s blood as a possible vaccine, tortures Ryan for the sake of science. But the
drug won’t work on everyone, and if Ryan doesn’t act, he could start the
apocalypse.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
He is desperate
to escape, to save the world and to be with Jessica. Ryan will take her to
prom, if her father doesn’t kill him first.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
That's my pitch for <b>Dead and Beloved</b>. And guess what? It worked. The book made it to round two of the contest. I don't know what will happen from here, but it doesn't really matter. I have a bit of validation and a realization that I'm getting better. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Happy reading. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
~ Jamie</div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-52085928908146552402014-02-02T10:17:00.000-07:002014-02-02T10:17:05.979-07:00Cheering for the UnderdogTo celebrate the Superbowl, I'm re-posting a message I listed in 2012. Go team.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
I hate predictable endings—can’t stand them. If I’m watching a movie or reading a book that feels predictable, I’m likely to find an excuse to not to finish. The book might be great; the movie might be an award winner. I don’t care. If it’s predictable, I don’t like it. That also applies to heroes. If the hero was already great, and success was expected, I’m not enthralled. It doesn’t mean I don’t like them, it just means I’ll be less impressed when they win.<br />
<br /></div>
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On the other hand, I’m a sucker for underdogs. Show me an unheralded protagonist with everything against them and I’m likely to be interested. Give me a hero who was never meant to be and I’ll cheer for them every day. There’s a part of me that’s drawn to underdogs. I can’t get enough.</div>
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This is one reason why I love watching the Olympics. Anything can happen; anyone can be a winner; heroes rise from obscurity. There are champions and titans, winners and heroes. I’ll be cheering for every event, but chances are I’ll cheer loudest for the underdogs.<br />
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~ Jamie</div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-84377978058664882392014-01-12T14:43:00.000-07:002014-01-12T14:43:03.617-07:00A Fantastic Taste of Reality<div class="MsoNormal">
I’ve been reading the Count of Monte Cristo as of late. I
can’t get enough of the story. I love the book, the audio book, and the movie
(though it doesn’t follow the book too much.) I love the descriptions Dumas uses
and the flowering language that, despite its translation into English, displays
the dominant French method of exaggeration. I marvel at the language and smile
at places and words representing my beloved France. </div>
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This morning, having been thoroughly inspired by thoughts
and recollections of last night’s reading, I portrayed a bit of comedy, rousing
my coworkers with an old French accent and expressions of that language I don’t
use but on rare occasions. I was entertaining myself for the most part, for I
detest working on Sundays and when the occasion finds me in this métier, I find
every opportunity to make the day feel different. </div>
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That said, a coworker later approached me and asked if I
would take a call from a dear woman speaking French. I eagerly snatched up the
telephone and requested the call. Oh, my folly. No sooner had I spoke, when I
found myself conversing with a dear woman who, from her accent, demonstrated
the thick tone from a southerner. Meaning, someone from the south of France. I
stumbled remarkably in my efforts, proving to this woman and myself that I was
not fluent in the slightest degree that I had expected. I apologized to her,
for my mind was willing to recall the words in French, but my tongue could not adequately
produce the phrases required for smooth communication. Still, we managed the
call and I resolved her issue. </div>
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Upon ending the call, I was pleased to discover that she was
indeed from near Marseilles, the very place where Edmond Dantes began his story
in the Count of Monte Cristo. I grinned upon learning this. Yes, I have lost my
once exceptional skill in that fantastic language; however, I had an experience
that brightened my day. A fantastic taste of the place about where I currently
inquire within the pages of a book. And that is a wonderful thing. </div>
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Happy reading.</div>
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~Jamie</div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-32564449469166643542013-11-05T18:34:00.001-07:002013-11-05T18:34:25.744-07:00DreamingIt's that time of year; the busy, crazy several months that make me collapse onto my bed at the end of the day. I don't get much writing done during these three months. In fact, I don't get much of anything other than life done. That's okay. This is the time when I dream. This is the time when my stories come alive in my mind while I plot and plan and imagine what could be.<br />
<br />
So I'm quiet. And that's okay . . . because I'm dreaming. Talk to you soon.Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-74932756485743593482013-07-29T11:02:00.001-06:002013-07-29T11:03:13.956-06:00These Moments pass Swiftly<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Before leaving
for work this morning, I was telling my wife how much of a difference a few
minutes delay can make in my commute. I told her that if I didn’t time my drive
right, I would get caught in traffic and add as much as 20 minutes to my travel
time. Well, I happened to be leaving a couple minutes later and knew there
would be some delay. Then I walked out the front door and saw this:</div>
<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://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onkOKpTD4GE/Ufaf8B8NDKI/AAAAAAAAEHU/NbbMPjf0Whs/s1600/20130729_062911.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-onkOKpTD4GE/Ufaf8B8NDKI/AAAAAAAAEHU/NbbMPjf0Whs/s400/20130729_062911.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunrise, July 29 2013</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<o:p> </o:p><span style="text-indent: 0in;">I called my wife
over and snapped a couple photos before suddenly, it ended. And that was that.</span></div>
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I think that some
of the most spectacular moments in life are like this sunrise. They arrive and
pass so swiftly that, most of the time, we miss them. In this crazy fast world
of digital real time living, it’s easy to overlook the little miracles that
shape most of our existence. I have seen the sunrise most of the days of my
life, but I have never seen one like this and I’m not soon to forget this one
either. </div>
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Happy living. </div>
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~ Jamie</div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-17819966691140959962013-07-08T09:51:00.000-06:002013-07-08T09:51:55.370-06:00Revisiting old Stories<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
I feel like a
hoarder. Not of objects, but of stories. I have a lot of stories. They are
swarming around in my mind, fighting for position near the front of my
consciousness, all hoping to become the next project to make it onto my screen.
There are so many stories that I think I might explode until I get them out. So
I’m writing as fast and as often as I can, which isn’t as fast and as often as
I need.</div>
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My latest project
is an experiment into Middle Grade fiction. It’s a book loosely based on a
story I imagined back in 2008 when I decided to try writing again. I started
writing that book with absolutely no idea how to begin. I only knew that I
wanted to create a story, and a novel seemed like the best way to do that. After
a few days, the project died—or rather, my laptop died. I dropped it and the
screen went dark. I kept the laptop so that I could retrieve the data later. </div>
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A few weeks ago,
I salvaged the old idea and decided it was worth investing in. Now it’s a
living, breathing project with hope and 15,000 words. I can already tell that a
few years of consistent writing and a handful of completed novels have helped
make this story much better than what it would have been in 2008. </div>
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So that’s where I’m
at. While every idea that comes to me doesn’t immediately turn into my current
WIP, all of them get written down and stored until later. Someday, sometime, I
might turn to these dusty old files I keep and turn them into a novel. One day,
they might even sell. Until then, I’m gonna keep writing and gonna keep
dreaming. Because that’s what makes this writing adventure so fun.</div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-42910053048306104822013-06-20T15:57:00.000-06:002013-06-20T15:57:06.794-06:00Took Some Time OffI'm still around. I took some much needed time off and went to Bear Lake and then Disneyland with my family. It was a great vacation. When I returned, I had a brand new book idea which I have quickly turned into a WIP. Getting back to work and life is stealing all my time at the moment, so this post will be brief. Actually, this post is done. Have a great week. Happy summer. I'll return in a week or so.<br />
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Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-37945849545826370632013-05-28T21:17:00.001-06:002013-05-28T21:17:45.223-06:00In That PlaceI'm supposed to be writing at the moment, but thought I should take some time real fast to share how I feel. I'm good.<br />
No, really. I'm good.<br />
For some reason, the writing world doesn't seem so dark and foreboding. There's not this giant cloud of "I must get published" hanging over me which, by the way, kind of was around since I restarted writing back in 2009. I don't know why I feel this way. It's not that today was super special. I got a rejection letter and didn't fret. At all. I got a request from an editor and didn't rush to send the file. Nope. I'm just chillin', enjoying the journey. And that's what this is. A journey.<br />
Perhaps it took me a few years to realize what I've posted in the heading of this blog. It's not a rush. Well, it's not for me. It's a JOURNEY. And for me, it's been good times.<br />
While not evident on this blog, I can tell you that my writing has improved a lot over these past few years. That's something to feel good about. There was 20 years of rust to shake off when I resumed my passion to write. Yeah, 20 years of not writing a word. Not one. My wife didn't even know I loved writing. I had stopped before meeting her. 20 years is a long time for bad habits, poor storytelling, and everything else that can hinder a writer to set in. The rust is gone now. I feel like it is.<br />
And I have plenty of story ideas. Lots of them. There's something else to feel good about. I'll never run out of material. Never. If I were to drop everything else in my life and just write, I'd be busy for years with all of the ideas I have notes for at the moment. I'll get to some. Perhaps. Or I'll write something else.<br />
That's the last thing I want to share tonight. Writers write. We know that. Others know that. It's true. It's all I do. Once the kids are in bed, I'm plotting or writing or editing or something. There's always a gear turning the writer's mind inside of me. Writing is what I do. And that makes me happy.<br />
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~ JamieJamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-31098387946384224192013-05-15T09:11:00.000-06:002013-05-15T09:11:21.091-06:00After Storymakers<br />
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Have you ever
attended an event so wonderful that the crash of reality leaves you longing?
Yeah? Me too. </div>
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I’ve attended the
LDStorymakers conference the past few years and this year’s conference was the
best. When I say the best, I mean it was better by a grand margin. The other
conferences didn’t even come close. Okay, I’m sure I’m exaggerating—but it was
a great conference. In fact, I’m getting all tingly just writing about it. </div>
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The classes were fabulous.
I found myself undecided at times as to which course to take, because there
were so many good ones, and was always pleased with the information given. It
was as if the speakers had prepared topics that I needed to hear and learn from
right now—like they knew what I was looking for. And they delivered. Again,
fabulous.</div>
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One highlight from
this year was the writer’s boot camp. I’m been focusing lately on getting back
to basics, working on the craft of great storytelling, and signed up for the
boot camp to get fresh perspective. I am so glad that I did. It was a wonderful
experience and opened my eyes to a few things I’m missing in my writing.</div>
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Then there was Anne
Perry. (Excuse me for a moment while I sigh with elation.) Anne Perry. I didn’t
know who she was before the conference, but now I’m a fan. She was fantastic. I’ve
never learned so much from a writer before. She is a master. Her words opened
my eyes to concepts I never dreamed could be applied to the art of
storytelling. Listening to her speak was worth ten times the cost of the
conference to me and the highlight was hearing her read from her own works. I
feel like I’m a better writer just for being there. Yeah, she’s that awesome.</div>
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So the conference
was great, and the people I met were amazing, and the experience was one that I’ll
cherish forever. Now I’m here, back on earth, working and living and surviving
the inevitable crash that comes after such a wonderful event. I’m going to
write, and write, and write some more, and do my best to meet the standards of
excellence set into my mind from Storymakers. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-indent: 0in;">
~ Jamie</div>
Jamie McHenryhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17844129434598954840noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5762160106914649794.post-46561205470630896762013-05-02T08:00:00.001-06:002013-05-24T21:44:00.307-06:00The Writer's Voice Entry<div class="MsoNormal">
As part of the process to move
forward with my newest project, I’ve entered a couple contests. One contest, <a href="http://brenleedrake.blogspot.com/2013/04/the-writers-voice-details.html">The
Writer’s Voice</a>, randomly selected 150 participants who will have the chance to receive
feedback and guidance on both queries and the first 250 words of a manuscript
from some wonderful coaches. I have been selected to participate and am thoroughly
thrilled at the opportunity. This is my first time dabbling in a contest like
this, so I’m a little nervous; however, I know I’ll be in good hands.<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay. The contest is over so I'm removing the details of my entry. Hopefully, we'll all get to read the first page in print one day. Congrats to all the fine folks who moved on and received requests. There were some great entries. </div>
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~ Jamie</div>
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