A Turn of the Page

Chronicling a dream: day by day. The journey of one girl's goal to write a novel in 100 days.

A quick update!

I haven’t written in awhile!  I’m sorry followers!  I’ve been really busy, but here is a quick update on some things that are going on in my writing life.

I don’t know if I’ve mentioned this on here before or not, but I entered the NYC Short Story Challenge this year.  I found out last week I made it to round 2!  I was so excited. I turned in my second story last night at midnight, now I just have to wait another month to find out if I make it to round 3.  Here’s hoping!

The agent I mentioned last time got back to me, and she didn’t feel like my story was right for her.  At least I got past the query part, but I was sad it didn’t turn into anything more, but I’ll keep trucking along.  I’m hoping this contest goes well.  If I can make it to round 3 then I can include that in my query and it should tip a few hats in my favor, at least I hope so! 

Amazon promoted my short story, Thirteen, a few weeks ago and I got an incredible response!  Enough to make my story reach #20 in the Coming of Age category!  Right under Mark Twain.  That was flipping cool I have to say!  I can also include this in my query.

I haven’t heard back from any agencies lately, so I think it’s time to send another batch out.  I just wish I could get more feedback to find out exactly what I’m doing wrong or if I’m doing anything right!

I can only keep sending it out and trust in my writing and hope that the right person will come along eventually!

On a positive note, I’ve come up with a cool idea for a middle grade book.  One that is short and sweet, but it might be easier to sell and would be a good stepping stone to selling my adventure series.   I’m going to have to start working on this soon.  I also want to write another short story to post on Amazon that’s been rattling around in my head for a long time now, so when I get some free time I hope to do that.  And I’d love some free time to finish off some of my fanfiction stories!

There’s always so much to do and so little time!  If only I could quit my day job and write full time.  Maybe one day this will happen!

Thanks for listening and remember-Just Keep Writing!

~Jen

What’s this? An agent wants to read my book?

That’s right, folks!  I have officially encountered my first request.  It was a partial request-only for the first 3 chapters, but it is a request, none-the-less and I am so thrilled!!

After the numerous rejections I’ve received, I was doubting my query and my book and if anything was going to come from this at all.  I even considered throwing out my beloved novel and writing one that is sure to sell. 

But, I didn’t, and it has paid off.  I’m not trying to put too much into this one request.  They still have to read the story to see if they like it, but I can’t deny that there is part of me inside that’s doing back flips on a trampoline right now!

It’s terrifying and thrilling all at the same time.  I’m going over my first three chapters to really polish them up, although I have gone over them so many times, I just have to. 

I don’t want to blow this chance.  I hope it is not my only chance, but what if it is and I blow it with bad grammar, or a bad opening chapter, or I can’t grab them enough to want to read more.

The butterflies in my stomach are having a rave-I swear it!

I still hope to achieve my goal of being a published author before I’m 30 and I still have time to make this happen, so here’s to the future!

-Jen

P.S.-Any suggestions or comments or tips you could provide, would be awesome.  What do you think I should do?

Short Story Challenge 2013

So, I’ve decided to enter the Short Story Challenge this year.  I have never done it, but I thought, why not?

I received my assignment for round 1 today.  Romantic Comedy with the subject Steak and an architect as a character.

I can’t say I’m thrilled with this.  It isn’t the worst, because I saw a few with the genres historical fiction or just strictly romance, but it isn’t my favorite.  I would much rather have horror, thriller, fantasy, or action/adventure.

I haven’t come up with an idea yet.  I have 8 days before the story has to be finished and turned in. 

Once the first round is done, they choose the top 5 in each heat, and those go on to Round 2.  Then the top 25 stories between everyone left will advance to Round 3. 

The best thing about this challenge is I will get feedback regardless if I move forward or not.

I’m really nervous, but also excited.  It’s so nice to just sit and write, rather than worry about my queries or my book.  During this process of trying to find an agent, I sometimes forget why I’m doing it.  Sure, I want to have my book published, and to be bestseller, to be famous, and make some money, but above everything else, my main motivation is because I love to write.

There is no greater feeling than to start with a blank page, fill it with words, sentences, and paragraphs, and tell a story that people can get lost in.  That people can connect with.  That people will find emotion within.  It is seriously the greatest gift in the world.

There is one common thread between every human on earth regardless of age, sex, race, personalities, etc.-and that is the fact that every person enjoys escaping from real life every once in a while.  Whether that is watching a movie, reading a good book, listening to an awesome song, delving into a video game.  And to be a part of that process, there is no better way for me to spend the rest of my life.

I’ve often wanted to find my place in the world.  I’m sure everyone has come across this at least once in their life.  I strive for something more, for my life to have meaning.  I still haven’t reached the full answer yet, but I feel like maybe I can make a difference with the written word.

I doubt myself everyday.  Each time someone reads a story of mine, or I receive a review on fanfiction, or any comment on anything creative I do and put out to the world, I often feel like they aren’t telling me the truth.  Like, no way someone else really likes my story.  It’s a big problem for me.  It’s hard for me to understand that someone actually likes a story I’m telling.  I really want to work on my confidence level.

Wow, I’ve really gotten off topic here!  I was mentioning my new contest, and went on a rant!

I still have only received rejections from my queries.  I’ve been sending out my new letter lately, hoping this will draw more agents, or at least get one to show some interest.

I will work hard on this contest, continue to send out queries, and push on.  I have no other option.  I must make this work because this is my life.  If not, what else do I have?

Agent Rejections: 19

Query, query, all day long!

So, I have a completely different query then my earlier post.  I decided to post my original query onto agentqueryconnect.com and I didn’t realize I had it all wrong.  I’ve now found a voice in my query.  One, I hope is present in my story, and I’ve hopefully connected the two now.

It’s such an exhausting process.  To edit and nit pick and refine.  I wake up in the middle of the night with thoughts on it.   With little things I need to change or could change and then I question and say should I change it?  It’s a lot to take in.

Also, I’m fairly sure I came up with an amazing MG series that would give Diary of a Wimpy Kid a run for its money, but I forgot it.  That’s why I always need to write down my ideas as soon as I get them because of that reason. I can remember some of the concept, but not the punchline, which is always the best part.  (I wonder how many people have cured cancer, but fell back asleep and forgot it the next morning!)

So, here is a revised edition of my letter. 

Dear Agent,

Devon Reynolds just found out she’s supposed to save the whole world. Fan-freaking-tastic.

Devon wasn’t known for keeping her nose out of people’s business, so when she’s told not to touch anything, she can’t help but disobey. Only this time breaking the rules isn’t just a slap on the wrist, it’s more of a sent-to-another-world-where-everyone-is-out-to-kill-you type of thing.

Apparently, when she was born her parents protected her with the Aetites stone, giving her amazing abilities (yay Superman) that would only show themselves when the time was right.  But there’s just one thing: they forgot to let Devon in on this little secret.

What’s a girl to do when her BFF, and the only form of family she has left, is kidnapped by the Brothers of Shadow, an organization bent on controlling the world? Hook up with a band of disjointed misfits, of course! Devon trades in her books for daggers and her Rolling Stones t-shirt for a suit of armor (except for her converse shoes, she’s keeping those).

Embarking on an epic journey, Devon must learn how to juggle controlling her powers, finding her best friend, and staying sane with her new found allies all while wearing a bright green target around her neck, literally. (And the cute boys-don’t forget the cute boys) Who knew saving the world would be this hard?

THE HEROINE’S EMBLEM is a young adult fantasy complete at 63,000 words with series potential.

I am the author of Thirteen, a short story featured on Amazon.com; one that has received praise from readers and writers, alike.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Any thoughts or concerns?  Any opinions at all?

If a first you don’t succeed: Try, try again!

I have decided to try and update this blog a little more as I work through my query process.

As the rejections trickle in, it’s hard to keep a positive outlook on my life.  (And if you’re just getting to this blog and don’t already know, when I say my life I really mean, my novel.  Life=Book.  I’m sure most writers feel this way).

I’ve taken to submitting my short story, Thirteen, to several literary journals to see if any would like to publish it.  I wanted to get my name out into the world a little more.  I also sent my poetry in for a few contests and journals.  I’m not the best at poetry, but I have so many poems, so I thought, why not? (And it’s free, which means it’s for me!)

So far, most of the rejections have been a standard letter, not personalized, and without any notion as to why they didn’t choose me.  I’ve had one that didn’t seem as informal, and, maybe I’m just hoping this is true, but she seemed to be giving me encouragement.  She told me that she really enjoyed my query but she is not working with this genre right now, but I should continue to search for agents because an agent is sure to pick me up.  I really liked that response, and while it may be a computer-generated reply, I’d like to think it isn’t and until I have solid proof it was, I’m just going to go on believing someone other than friends and family enjoyed what I had to say!  (That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.)

Agent Rejections: 11

I’m going to post my query on here and see what y’all have to say about it.  So here it is:

Contact Info Here

Dear (Insert Agents Name)

     After reading your submission guidelines, I would like to submit my manuscript for your consideration. The Heroine’s Emblem: Book One, a 62, 000 word fantasy novel and the first book in The Heroine’s Emblem series, appeals to the YA audience. Readers will easily identify with the heroine, Devon, as she comes to terms with the death of her parents and her ultimate destiny.

     Fired from her job, nineteen-year-old, orphan, Devon Reynolds is in a bind. Desperate for money and work, she accepts a job at a local bookstore with a very peculiar owner. When curiosity gets the best of herself and her best friend, Abbie, they find themselves thrown in another world they never knew existed.

     When Abbie is kidnapped by the ruthless Degarus, Devon will have to conquer her fears to save Abbie and find her way home. Along the way she meets Jae, a stoic fighter with a mysterious past, whom finds himself entangled in Devon’s quest. As the two work together to overcome a growing army, a land shrouded in evil, and their ever-growing tension, Abbie’s life hangs in the balance.

      Through adversity and tests of courage, Devon will learn how to survive in the present while she battles the demons of her past and learn the true meaning behind who she is and where she comes from. Maybe she isn’t so typical after all.

     The Heroine’s Emblem: Book One, is filled with a rich, new world that is unique in and of itself. The reader will embark on an epic journey with a young woman dealing with a destiny thrust upon her and the chain of events set in motion by her arrival. The Heroine’s Emblem: Book One invokes the spirit of the Harry Potter series, the determination of the Hunger Games Trilogy, and the imagination of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy.

     Jennifer Gladden lives in the fields of North Carolina, surrounded by a sea of cotton and ears of corn with her mischievous cat, Peter Parker. Named one of North Carolina and South Carolina’s Top Ten Poets in 2002, she is the author of Thirteen, a short story featured on Amazon.com; one that has received praise from readers and writers, alike. She is an active member of the writing community and enjoys throwing herself into the literary world.

May I send the entire manuscript for your consideration?

Sincerely,

Jennifer Leigh Gladden

Any thoughts? What do you think I should change?  Anything important I might be missing?

What’s going on in my world?

Hello my wonderful readers!  Here is a little bit of an update on my progress.

I had another friend read my novel and I received another positive response!  Very happy about this.  I love hearing people’s thoughts on my characters and also try and figure out where the story is going and what certain things mean! 

I also love it when people identify with my characters and come to love them as much as me.  Nothing gives me greater joy than this!

I sent out about 50 query letters to agents today.  There are many more I can contact, but I thought this was good for now.  I want to see what people say.  I’ve already gotten one response back, which was a no, but that doesn’t deter me from my path!

I really hope an agent picks me up, but if they don’t,  I will start contacting publishers directly.

One step at a time.  I just hate waiting, and this is definitely a waiting dream.

How are each one of you doing with your writing?  I’d love some updates on life and your works.  Have you finished your novel yet?  What about contacting agents?


Thank you all for sticking with me.  I hope I have some positive news to report next time!

As the terminator says: “I’ll be back!”

-Jen

A Little Update!

Wow, it has been so long since I’ve written on this blog, I’m so sorry to anyone who is even remotely interested in what I have to say.

I just wanted to blog about my current progress.  I finished a major re-write of my story last week, and I allowed my sister to read my completed novel.  This was the first time anyone had read any of my novel so I was very, very nervous!

I came home from work today, and she had finished it, and she gave me the stamp of approval.  She said she really liked it, and she was surprised she liked it so much.   Haha.  I guess I will take the compliment!

Anyway, she said she can’t wait for the next book in the series and that there isn’t much she would change about the story as it is now.

All I can tell you is how relieved I am at this.  To know someone else enjoyed my story.  And let me tell you, my sister is VERY hard to please.  She doesn’t read much, only Harry Potter and Twilight, and she is so picky about stories, but she really loved mine, and I can’t believe it!

I am going to allow another friend to give it a read and let me know what she thinks.  If I get another approval, then I’m moving ahead with contacting agents.  I already have my query letter updated and ready to send out.

I need to start making an agents list.  I’ve decided I’m going to try to find an agent first, and if that doesn’t work, then I will be going directly to publishers, and if within a year, I don’t get any feedback, I’ve decided to release, The Heroine’s Emblem: Book One, on Amazon that way I can at least get my work out there for the public to enjoy!  Who knows, maybe it will take off!

This is just another stepping stone in this amazing adventure to become a published author and for people to read the epic tale of one, Devon Reynolds, and hopefully fall in love with her as much as I have.

I just want to thank all of my readers (if I have any left)!  Thank you for your patience.  Thank you for your time.  And thank you for being there as I continue to blog about my journey to one day becoming a best-selling author (totally freaking out at that!)

Live long and prosper my dear tumblrcans!

Jen

thereisnoshameinbeingcrazy asked: Hey love:) I know you posted about this ages ago, but I bought Thirteen, and I can honestly say that I loved it. I identified a lot with the character, and you/she had such a voice, such a personality. But that ending! I was so shocked, so surprised, but it really was perfect. You have a real talent, love:) How have things been going since then?

I am so happy that you bought it!  Thank you so much for the support!  I was very proud of the final product and of the ending too.  I’m currently working on my next short story to publish and I’m shopping my book around to some agents.  Nothing yet, but I’m hopeful for the future!  I see that you are doing NaNoWriMo this year again!  Good luck!  I can’t wait to see what you come up with.  Please keep me updated!