I am so so soooooo happy to share the cover of ONE DREAM ONLY, the prequel novelette of ONE TWO THREE. Derek Murphy of CreativIndiedesigned the cover and I LOOOOOOOVE IT! 🙂
Summary: Sixteen-year-old Natalya Pushkaya has only one dream: becoming the best ballerina ever. Dancing’s always been who she is and she’s working her hardest to land the main role of the School of Performing Arts’ end of the year recital. But…will she make it? Within a week, Natalya’s life will be changed forever.
Prequel novelette of One, Two, Three.
We are looking at Netgalley and our own experience with it. I will be explaining the different ways of gathering reviews as well as the different ways to get your book listed on Netgalley next week.
Thanks again Liz and Jen!
Hope this was helpful!
Let me know in the comments, and do not hesitate to ask me any questions 🙂
Next week’s topic: Netgalley, blog tours, Goodreads: how does one gather reviews?
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Tomorrow (June 26th) is my official release day. And throughout the past months, I’ve been doing a lot of self reflection about my selfpub journey.
Results? One very long blog title and possibly, a very long, rambly post. Why? Because I think every publication journey is different, because every publication choice is different, and because in my view there´s no right or wrong answer to some of the questions.
The important thing to remember is to weigh the pros and the cons of each option.
Some people decide to go the self-pub route because they do not want to go through the traditional path. It´s a conscious choice from the get go, they decide it at the beginning of their journey.
Some may want to have a hybrid career, they want some books, some genres to go through the self-pub route and others to go the more traditional way. Some may have agents. Some may decide that in the middle of their career, some want to build upon an audience they already have.
Some people decide to go the self-pub route because they tried querying, they may be disappointed or even disgruntled by the process. For whatever reason.
Or, and that’s the case for me, some tried the traditional way, but never got “the” one. They did dream about getting “the” call, but weren’t quite sure how it would go afterwards. They had more questions and uncertainties than answers. They know their book is good, they know their book needs work, and they think they can be good at the self-pub route. They enjoy the organizational and coordination part. They want the perks of self-publishing and understand what they “lose” in the process. Because, again, each path has pros and cons.
My point here after a rather lengthy introduction is to thank the agents who took the time to read my manuscript, to give me feedback. And to tell them: “I understand why you didn’t sign me. And you were right.”
The book I presented to them was not the book that you may or may not buy tomorrow…It’s similar, yes, but it is very different. The subplots have changed, some characters disappeared to make room for more depth for the others who remained standing. The road of Natalya took a different turn, Camilo and Rita became “real” while before they were parodies of themselves.
Natalya became stronger and weaker, she gained qualities and her flaws became more pronounced. She became “real”.
To make this happened, I went back to my CPs and beta readers notes (THANK YOU AGAIN!) and hired two editors. Both Sara and Maya gave me very detailed feedback on what I needed to do, on where I needed to go. Years before, I didn’t “get” it the first time around, nor the second time, nor the third time I revised ONE, TWO, THREE.
I was not ready to kill my darlings.
I was not ready to trust my writing.
I was not ready to trust my instincts.
Because I knew in the back of my mind that One, Two, Three was not ready when I queried it the first time. The second time back in early 2013, I thought I was getting there.
But why would an agent bet on “someone getting there”? especially after they receive a revised manuscript that is not ready, that didn’t dig deep enough into the characters, that didn’t go under their skins.
Yes, some loved my story, they saw the potential in it, they hesitated, they almost made THE call. But honestly, I’m not sure how I would have handled one more revision at that stage.
Fast-forward to January 2014: when I made my announcement, when I decided to choose my own magic, I was ready. I felt ready. It felt right.
ONE, TWO, THREE went through two very intensive content editing rounds, one intensive copy editing round and one proofreading round.
I loved my story now, I love it even more now because I let myself really connect with the characters. I’m still afraid.
Afraid people may not love Nata & Tonio, may not enjoy their story. But I know, that the story I am putting out there, is a story I am proud of. It is a story that was meant for the self-pub path.
Because going that route meant setting a deadline, meant finally trusting myself.
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It´s the last post for #WriterRecharge this year and wow, time really does fly! Don´t forget to post your update on Sara´s blog.
How did I do?
This past week, I did pretty well (except in the exercising part) but I used the bonus weekend to revise and edit ONE, TWO, THREE…I spent about 10 hours on it and I still have quite a bit to do, but I AM SO EXCITED about the changes I´m currently making. There´s still a lot to do afterwards: sending it back to my editor, and then to my copy editor for another read before the final proofread.
I was able to do a lot this weekend thanks to my wonderful and patient husband.
This was our conversation on Saturday morning
My hubby is the best ever. Me: I still have to clean the kitchen. Him: I´ll do it. You need to go revise and edit.#lovehim
Follow a writing schedule (I need to write 5 days a week)
Revise 8 chapters of my YA thriller DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL (two chapters a week)
Write 10 000 of a new YA contemporary romance (companion of ONE TWO THREE) called ALWAYS SECOND BEST (I need to update my projects’ page very soon).
I need to work out at least twice a week. How is this writing related you may ask? Well…my word for 2014 is balance and making sure I get some exercise in will help me with my balance and thus, with my writing.
And?
I did follow a writing schedule (4 to 5 days a week)
I revised 4 chapters of my YA thriller
I wrote about 6000 words of ALWAYS SECOND BEST
Worked out at least twice a week (almost managed, yay!)
AND….I revised + edited 11 chapters of ONE, TWO, THREE…
February has been really productive! Thank you so much Sara for including me in this, thank you so much to the other wonderful co-hosts ( Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker) and to everyone who joined us! (yes this sounds like an Oscar speech :-))
Let´s make March even greater (whichever way we feel is right for us!)
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If you want to learn more about #WriterRecharge, just click here. The short story: brainchild of Sara Biren, it´s a way to keep motivated during the month of February. Your hosts and cheerleaders: Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, Sara Biren and me. Every Monday in February, update your progress via your blog or twitter. Link your blog posts at Sara’s Monday posts. And throughout the month, don´t forget to use the hashtag to connect with other writers, have writing parties, and cheer one another on!
How did I do?
Hmmm I had a wonderful weekend in France but the trip there took a bit longer than planned…so no writing time for me. But I enjoyed the time with my family and ate a lot of yummy food. The rest of the week was productive and even the drive to France included brainstorming with my husband…
Did a lot of plotting this week…
Wrote 2000 words in my new YA contemporary: ALWAYS SECOND BEST (yay! new words!)
Worked out two times (I had planned two so :-))
Wrote or revised 4 days during the week (yay!)
What are my goals for this week?
I will need to edit, edit, edit and edit this week. My wonderful editor is sending me back my manuscript with I’m sure very helpful notes.
Write 2000 words in my YA contemporary
Work out 3 times this week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Write or revise 5 days this week
Can’t wait to cheer you on! 🙂
Found this post interesting? Don't hesitate to share it.
If you want to learn more about #WriterRecharge, just click here. The short story: brainchild of Sara Biren, it´s a way to keep motivated during the month of February. Your hosts and cheerleaders: Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, Sara Biren and me. Every Monday in February, update your progress via your blog or twitter. Link your blog posts at Sara’s Monday posts. And throughout the month, don´t forget to use the hashtag to connect with other writers, have writing parties, and cheer one another on!
How did I do during my second week?
I´m still amazed by the on-going support: THANK YOU! I haven´t done as much as I wished this week. As most of you know, I announced my self-publishing adventure…I I took a bit of time to work on my Facebook page and made sure to reply to all amazing comments on my little blog, on Facebook, on Twitter or per email. Really, I´m so grateful!
So, here´s what I did:
Revised 1 a chapter of my YA thriller: DADDY´S LITTLE GIRL (a bit less than planned but progress nonetheless)
Wrote 1000 words in my new YA contemporary: ALWAYS SECOND BEST (not as many as what I wanted. But I did do some planning which will help.)
Worked out two times (I had planned three. Doh!)
Wrote or revised 4 days during the week (yay!)
Here´s an excerpt of ALWAYS SECOND BEST. It´s in drafting mode, i.e. not yet edited. It´s the companion novel from ONE, TWO, THREE…and will come out in October 2014.
“I´m so happy you´re here! I´m trying something new and you need to taste it!”
I shrug off my coat and she eyes me up and down. “Actually, I´ll give you two, you look too skinny.”
I shake my head. While I pay attention to what I eat, that´s another thing playing against me: I don´t have the typical ballerina body. I´m slim but not that thin and I´ve got boobs. “One will be fine, Nonna.”
“Two.” She frowns. “I saw a movie on Lifetime the other day about a ballerina who was throwing up everything she ate. You don´t do that, right?” She takes my face between her hands. “Because you are beautiful. Bellissima.”
It´s hard to articulate, when she holds my face like this, so I mumble. “I don´t.”
My Nonna´s addicted to Lifetime movies. My Nonno used to say he came fourth in her heart. “First, the bambini. Then, the movies from that channel she loves, third the restaurant and forth…me.”
I believe he always came first.
“Come.” She pulls me into the kitchen and my mouth gapes open. There´s a guy there. In my kingdom. Sunday morning´s my time with Nonna.
“You need to meet Lorenzo. His cannelloni are to die for.” Nonna winks at me. She´s either matchmaking me to yet another Italian American or he really is a good cook. Nonna only winks for love or for food.
What are my goals for this week?
Revise one chapter of my YA thriller
Write 3000 words in my YA contemporary ALWAYS SECOND BEST
Work out 3 times (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Write or revise 4 days this week
Can’t wait to cheer you on! 🙂
Found this post interesting? Don't hesitate to share it.
If you want to learn more about #WriterRecharge, just click here. The short story: brainchild of Sara Biren, it´s a way to keep motivated during the month of February. Your hosts and cheerleaders: Katy Upperman, Alison Miller, Liz Parker, Sara Biren and me. Every Monday in February, update your progress via your blog or twitter. Link your blog posts at Sara’s Monday posts. And throughout the month, don´t forget to use the hashtag to connect with other writers, have writing parties, and cheer one another on!
How did I do during my first week?
Honestly, WriterRecharge kept me motivated. Waking up to tweets of people encouraging one another is pretty awesome and did push me. So, THANK YOU!
Revised 1 and 1/2 chapters of my YA thriller: DADDY´S LITTLE GIRL (a bit less than planned but progress nonetheless)
Wrote 1500 words in my new YA contemporary: ALWAYS SECOND BEST (yay! new words!)
Worked out three times (I had planned two so :-))
Wrote or revised 5 days during the week (yay!)
What are my goals for this week?
Revise two chapter of my YA thriller
Write 2000 words in my YA contemporary
Work out 3 times this week (Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday)
Write or revise 4 days this week
Can’t wait to cheer you on! 🙂
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January is in the books and you’ve had to deal with:
a) polar vortices
b) ice storms
c) mountains of snow
d) gray skies and general malaise
e) all of the above
We thought our writer friends might be in need of a little boost. A jump start, if you will. A recharge.
We’d like to invite you to join us for Writer Recharge 2014, a month-long motivational challenge similar to last summer’s Ready. Set. Write! So many of us benefited from setting goals, connecting with other writers, and social media-based accountability. So, hey, let’s do it again! Whether you’re delighting next to the crackling fireplace of a Shiny New Idea with a warm cup of tea and a sleepy puppy at your feet or spinning out on the ice-covered roads of revisions in an attempt to avoid the snow-packed ditch, we want to write with you! What do you want to accomplish this month? Hit a daily word count? Revise a certain number of pages or chapters each week? Complete a draft by the end of the month? Let’s get this party started!
Every Monday in February: Update your progress via your blog or twitter. Link your blog posts at Sara’s Monday posts.
Throughout the month: Use the hashtag to connect with other writers, have writing parties, and cheer one another on!
February 28: Post your final update via your blog or twitter.
Anyone who uses the hashtag or links their blog posts will be entered to win one of 5 query or 3-chapter critiques.
Sound easy enough? Set your goals and get started! We’ll see YOU at #WriterRecharge.
My goals for the month?
Follow a writing schedule (I need to write 5 days a week)
Revise 8 chapters of my YA thriller DADDY’S LITTLE GIRL (two chapters a week)
Write 10 000 of a new YA contemporary romance (companion of ONE TWO THREE) called ALWAYS SECOND BEST (I need to update my projects’ page very soon).
I need to work out at least twice a week. How is this writing related you may ask? Well…my word for 2014 is balance and making sure I get some exercise in will help me with my balance and thus, with my writing. 🙂
Can’t wait to cheer you on! 🙂
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We have to talk. This is not a break-up letter. Don´t worry. However, you may have noticed that my blogging has been…hmm…quite sporadic recently. The main reason is that I´m spending every single free minute I have with ONE TWO THREE (and on Twitter :P) As soon as I know for sure my manuscript is as pretty as I can make it, I will be back on a more regular basis and with fun things (like a giveaway or two :P)
But…I do continue to read blogs and I thought I´d share a few with you in case you missed them in the past weeks…
February Compliment Challenge – Where you challenge yourself to compliment one person a day and where incredibly nice and generous Jessica donates to classroom in needs. Intrigued? Ready to spread the love? Then don´t hesitate to head over Jessica´s blog and check it out.
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The post where Christa announced her second book BLEED LIKE ME sold (you can already add it on Goodreads.com by clicking on the title)…If you haven´t read her conversation with her agent, Sarah LaPolla, you should! It will make you smile and go “aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaawwwwww” for Christa. Because she´s awesome. And because her story sounds great. And because that particular retelling of the phone call is just funny/adorable/so her.
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This video by Kelsey made me smile, laugh and nod!
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Did you see the adorable group picture on Jaime´s blog from SCBWI? And she and her sister, Erin, made it to the agents´ round of Cupid’s Literary Connection’s Blind Speed Dating! If you read Jaime´s entry, you´ll see what wonderful writing I get to read 😀
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And then there´s this inspiring post by Alex on multicultural stories. She´s definitely taking the high road in her answer to some comments she received.
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If you love YA contemporary novels, both Katy and Jessica Love are recommending two this week and they sound amazing!
Do you need a pep talk? Head over to Tracey´s blog! Her motivational penguin isn´t the only reason why this post will lift your spirits, it will also remind you YOU CAN DO IT! 😀
Have a lovely weekend and “see you” very soon!
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First of all, hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas if you celebrate it, and a great holiday season…
Wow I blogged for an entire year. A full year. Those are a lot of posts, a lot of connections and friendships made ❤
Here´s my a recap of what happened on this blog and in my life in 2012(some stats-even though numbers don´t say how much I smiled thanks to all of you-pictures and past posts).
As of 12/21/2012
168 followers (and 39 on Google reader, maybe they´re the same, maybe not)
…I revealed my first name…I used to go only by “commutinggirl” and I used the opportunity of a Road Trip Wednesday to finally say “Hello, my name is Elodie and I´m a writer.” in the post “Pshhhhh top secret”
…I finished the first draft of my manuscript PLAYING WITH FIRE. One that now needs a rewrite and which hasn´t yet been seen fully by anyone but me: The Two Magical Little Words.
I read ANNA AND THE FRENCH KISS for the first time. It has now become my security blanket. When I feel down, I know I can turn to Anna (and Etienne) to lift me up.
…Hosted my first Giveaway. It was the “I love reading” giveaway where two books were up for grabs (one for the reader of my blog and one for someone younger than them to spread the love of reading). Jessica Love won! 😀
Hubby and I went to see a Klitschko fight! It was amazing!
April
I took a deep breath, reread my email a thousand times over, adding this subject line…asking Jaime if she would like to try out this CP thing. She said yes, and I not only got a wonderful Critique Partner with an eye for detail (and an amazing manuscript), I also got a new friend!
It´s the month I plunged into JELLICOE ROAD, and wow…the ride was amazing! I love this book. Really. I think it´s even my favorite read of the year. (Thanks again, Katy for gushing about it!)
During our road trip, we experienced so many things. We reconnected with friends, we created new memories, we laughed a lot…We also went back to that little Bed and Breakfast I fell in love with back in 2007…
Got deep into Jaime´s manuscript and into drafting ONE TWO THREE…
Started making yummy desserts 😀 (Thanks to Katy again as she shared some of her favorite websites)
I read and loved MY LIFE NEXT DOOR…and the author, Huntley Fitzpatrick, agreed to let me interview her! (reading this post always makes me smile)
Yay! I was one of the lucky three winners of the query contest of Taryn (Queroine extraordinaire as I now like to call her or as she puts on her blog: writer, reader, lit agency intern, and freelance editor).
August
Celebrated my 31st birthday!
Birthday Breakfast
Celebrated our one-year anniversary…
Hmmm food!
Met my baby niece
Met my newborn niece for the first time
September
Traveled to Russia…
Bolshoi…
Discovering Moscow…
Deep into revisions
Felt like a rock star
I attended a webinar by Sara Megibow…and she tweeted about my overview. Sara is truly amazing and so happy I took that webinar to see how an agent goes through slush…and at the same time, her comments on my query helped me go through yet another round of revision.
October
I started a class on revision by Mandy Hubbard, I learned a lot and met many wonderful writers….
…Got deep into Awkward
….Found our cutie patoutie at the shelter
Our new cat – Peter – found at the shelter
…Went to the Frankfurt Book Fair and hung out with great people from SCBWI
Both Katy and Christa had some exciting news to share! I´m so happy for those two lovely ladies. One snagged a wonderful agent, and the other revealed the cover of her book (one I think every teenage boy and girl ought to read) I love other people´s good news!I entered PitchWars and made it as an alternate!!!! 😀 And? Have you seen who´s teamed up with the wonderful Dahlia? I´m so happy about this….I received this beautiful ornament from Jessica (perfect for ONE TWO THREE…)Spent quality time with my hubby at the Christmas market….And…my friend Alex got an SCBWI award and will be going to the conference in NYC!!!! (see her blog for all information :D)Only a few more days until 2013…
I, NobbiP [GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html), CC-BY-SA-3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/) or CC-BY-SA-2.5-2.0-1.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5-2.0-1.0)%5D, via Wikimedia Commons2012 has been full of surprises, of ups and downs, of never-ending revising, of happy moments…for me and for others.I´m thankful for you! For your comments, for our interactions, sometimes for our angst-ridden emails, for the support you give me, and for being there. Really, the internet is great but it´s especially wonderful for having enabled me to connect with all of you!
See you in 2013! (and I´m sure I´ll share many more of YOUR happy news :-))
Random picture of our cat…He looks so cute on that one 😀
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Elodie Nowodazkij 