Sometimes We Writers Have To Change It Up

I'm happy to report I am finally getting back into a writing groove.  And it feels great! Now that I've had some time away, I have been re-evaluating.  I began querying SHARDS OF GLASS at the beginning of this year, and all I've received so far is standard rejections.  I'm of the opinion that taking a new look at the query letter or the manuscript itself never hurts, especially when no agents have shown enough interest to even offer a bit of advice.

So being of that opinion, I took a fresh look.  More than ten months have passed, so I'd say that is a sufficient break away.  The query itself isn't a problem, I don't think.  But there is one major setback.  The word count.  *sighing while wiping bitter tears*  The best fit for SHARDS is YA.  And 90K words is long.  There are exceptions of course.  But I really believe in this story and want to see it published.

I shared my struggle with this story about a year ago here.  Getting the word count down was a nightmare.  And part of my writing style is to let the story write itself.  This is where I have to change it up, hence the title of today's post. 

Last year, I tried to remove Part I in an effort to reduce the word count.  It didn't work.  The story, mainly the dynamics between the FMC and MMC, suffered.  So I put Part I back in.  However, in a more determined effort to get this story right, I have cut Part I off again.  And off it shall stay.  Making that decision wasn't easy.  I love that part of the story.  But taking it off cut my word count to the 67K range, which is much more acceptable for YA.  And now that I've come to terms with that move, the story doesn't seem to be suffering.  I'm anxious to get it in the hands of some betas though to make sure. 

I've done some more editing and revising; I had to with Part I gone.  And this evening I plan to finish editing and revising the final 40 pages.  Then I will be seeking betas.  I'll see how that goes before beginning another round of queries.  And while taking care of SHARDS, REKINDLE has been put on hold.  I'm anxious and ready to get back to it, though. 

So there's my current writing dilemma.  I'm curious about all of you.  What part of your preferred writing style/technique/etc have you had to change? Even if the change wasn't permanent, please share below. 

Called to write...but what?

When I first discovered my passion for writing, I imagined myself writing young adult (YA) romance stories.  As I got older, the idea of writing YA didn't seem so appealing.  I wrote a couple western/romance that still need plenty of work.  And then I (unintentionally) wrote a YA which I am now trying to get published.  I think that's interesting, really.

I've made it no secret that I'm a Christian.  And as a Christian, I believe God equips people with different gifts, or abilities if you prefer, and that everyone has a purpose.  Purpose.  That's not just a "Christian" concept.  I think many people regardless of their faith question what their lives are meant to be about.  They may ask what the point is.  And that's sort of where I am right now.  I'm not questioning the purpose of my life, but I am questioning the purpose of my writing.  I keep asking God to show me how I can use writing (the ability given to me) for God.  This is an appropriate time to be considering this since I am getting ready to start my next novel.  Except this next project is not going to be YA.  It will be Christian, though.

So far I haven't received a clear answer for my question.  However, this morning as I was thinking about it, I was reminded of my desire to help children.  The whole point of majoring in Psychology was to get my doctorate and have my own practice to help abused and neglected kids.  Although my college education ended with my B.S. and I am not technically using the education I received, I don't believe I wasted any time on Psychology.  Perhaps there's a way to fit it all together.  Maybe that's where my answer is.  Or, and this is very probable because I truly believe God is preparing me for something, I don't have all the pieces to the puzzle yet.  Writing may be one piece, my Psyc education another.  And perhaps the remaining pieces will be forthcoming sometime soon.  I am currently writing devotions for the Olive Branch, but I don't think that is all I am meant to do.

Anyway, I wonder how many other writers wonder if they are called or meant to write for a specific audience.  That being said, I hope you'll share your own thoughts below.  If you don't necessarily feel led, but still have a preference, feel free to share that too.

Researching Agents

Okay, so I haven't finished my query yet, but I have received some good suggestions on it over at Absolute Write.  I will be revising over the weekend, and here's to hoping to getting it correct.

I also had a chance to go to the bookstore yesterday.  After browsing the Christian Fiction shelves and the Young Adult shelves, I think my beta was correct to indicate my story fits in more with Young Adult rather than Christian Fiction.  With that knowledge gained, I began researching agents.  For those of you who aren't familiar with the publishing process, finding the right agent isn't as easy as you might think.  We writers must do our homework.  And I mean MUST.  We have to know what genres agents represent.  Sending a query for a YA Romance to an agent who represents fantasy and sci-fi will garner an instant form rejection.  Writers: don't do this.  It also helps to know what an agent's track record is.  How many books have they represented recently? Many agents have their own websites, so it is to a writer's advantage to check that site out.  By doing so, you'll find recent titles that have sold, what that agent's tastes are, and not to mention the submission guidelines which writers also must know if they want a shot at having the agent seriously consider their query.  Did I already mention writers must do their homework? Take this seriously.

So I have started a list of agents I would like to query.  But before I can start that process, I need to get my query revised.  Here I go...