Month: September 2004

1 in 10

Writer guy

Browsing through two hundred and fifty pages of Velocity reveals that very little is usable and for that I’m thankful.

Why? Because reviewing the manuscript reminds me how crucial the revision component is. Until I have a few more books under my belt and refine my personal “formula” the one in ten rule applies. Basically, that rule states that for every ten pages of a manuscript – one page survives in the finished draft.

Example: of the three writing days this week so far, six out of thirty-five written or revised pages are solid. Do they tell you that in a writing course?

So this week I relearned that when in doubt about a writing impasse, write some more. Taking hostages, jumping off bridges or drinking like Hemingway will not solve writing problems. Although, of the three options, drinking has some merit.

The query process starts anew on Friday. And that’s all I have to say about that there writing stuff. 😉

Haul away peak!

Writer guy

I’m in the middle of an affair and The Wife knows about every last sundry detail. Rather than cast me to the wolves, The Wife basks in the glow of amour, because she shares my love.

Before you dial up divorce court and Jerry Springer, let me explain. On the 19th we fled New Jersey seeking excitement and relaxation. Two minutes past the New Hampshire border and Maine was all I could talk about. It was pure lust and every minute, magical.

Maine is a fantastic place oozing with friendly people, tasteful homes, pristine coastlines and marvelous sprawling woods. But wait, there’s more! Maine, unlike New Jersey, also believes there is a United States Constitution and Bill of Rights that applies to its citizens. Sweet.

The purpose of the excursion was three fold. First, to enjoy our annual vacation. Second, to sail the Penobscot bay aboard the Victory Chimes. And third, to see a good friend from the Old Country ( Syracuse, NY ) marry the love of his life. As good as they look together, being around them feels twice as good. They are a great couple – both from great families – and I’m proud to know them. Their wedding ( itself a study in perfection ) was the icing on the cake – a fantastic ending to a vacation.

Later this week I’ll post a play by play of the trip. In the meantime, enjoy the new gallery, poll and picture of the week. Have a comment? Use the brand new comments feature to sound off!

Vacation

Writer guy

The Wife’s long running campaign for a vacation is a success – tomorrow we depart for an excursion.

samhilliard.com returns on September 27th, 2004 with a slew of enhancements including:

1) Comments. Yes, let your voice ring! Think a blog rocks? Think it sucks? Now you can say so in your own words.
2) Gallery. Five albums worth! Pictures of the cast and a play by play of the secret vacation.
3) Poll. A new poll, courtesy of Pollster. Pollster, if you’re reading this can you send one along please? Thanks! You rule 😉
4) Picture of the week
5) Master Buddhapuss

In the meantime, if you haven’t subscribed to a mailing list, consider it. What’s in the subscription for you?
1) Good karma
2) Access to the comments feature
3) Access to download a short story ( coming soon! )
4) Notification when samhilliard.com returns and other announcements
5) A chance to win an Ask Master Buddhapuss t-shirt. What could be cooler?

Also side point – there’s an Ask Buddhapuss backlog and that’s a good thing. Have faith. The cat will get to your question.

Query Letters – Redux

Writer guy

The query letter is a worthy foe, but a critical part of the writing process. Initially the negative responses bothered me, but at this point I’m damn near impervious. Rejections get stuffed in a little drawer and then I query some more. Thank you, come again.

There are websites where the writers post scans of the rejection letters, but that’s no way to get a manuscript published. Besides smacking of a bruised ego, it reeks of the desire to have the last word in an argument that never was. Besides, does an editor or agent really want to deal with a writer who posts private communication on the Internet?

So my strategy is this:

1) Writing, writing and then more writing
2) Querying about completed writing projects