Naming characters are super fun! I search name databases, look up origins, meanings, popularity, all in the hopes of coming up with a great name. Now, it's your turn to give it a try! I'm hosting a contest to allow YOU to name one of my supporting characters in my latest book, scheduled to be sent to publishers or self published summer 2014!
Here's how it works:
In the comments section of this blog, leave your entry as well as a brief explanation for why you picked it. All entry's received between now and October 15th will be eligible. Starting October 16th - October 21st, everyone will have a chance to vote for their favorite. The winning name will be used in my latest novel.
Details and Regulations:
The name must be MALE.
The name must include a first and last name. Nicknames are accepted as well.
The book is a historical fiction set in the 1920s. The supporting character will be of Italian decent, although the name doesn't have to be traditional Italian. A lot of immigrants either willingly had their names changed to fit into American society, or unknowingly had it changed through confusion at Ellis Island. For example, the character may have been named Lazzaro Rossi but changed it to Larry Ross.
The character will be 22 years old.
The name can not be one that has popularly appeared in the news, movies or other books. Please no Al Capone, Johnny Two Fingers, Fat Tony, ect.
Deadline: October 15th 5pm EST. After that, I'll compile a list and everyone is welcome to vote either through my blog, facebook account or twitter. Voting ends October 21st at 5pm EST. I'll tally the votes and announce a winner within 24 hours!
Thanks so much for participating! I look forward to seeing what everyone comes up with!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Thursday, September 19, 2013
Monday, September 16, 2013
My first writing rejection
I've had many personal rejections in my life - the boy in high school who said I was too chunky to be his girlfriend, the college that said I didn't meet their high level of academic excellence, the arrogant rube job interviewer who went out of his way to make me feel small and stupid for even applying for the position. I've been told I'm too stupid, too fat, too ect...ect....So when I decided to go into writing - I mean REALLY decided to give it a try - I knew I'd be rejected. It simply comes with the job.
Prior to my launching my writing career, I started my own home bakery. I LOVE to bake. Second to writing, it's my favorite activity and if the state laws were more relaxed in my current home place, I'd still have my bakery. But back when I was operating, I'd participate in various craft fairs / trade shows in order to get my name out there as a baker. Specifically, an allergy-friendly baker.
Talk about rejection. Just as I learned (or relearned) when I published my first book, no one really cares when you do someone cool. For example, just like I have family members who still haven't bought a copy of book, I had family members who never once bought any of my bakery items. When I sold at craft fairs, I had people complain that allergy-friendly didn't taste as good as regular, and they refused to even try my treats. I had my cookies called "dry", my cupcakes critiqued as "not enough flavor" then "too much flavor" and my cakes as "way too expensive". But I didn't take it personally. Food, like literature, is subjective and not everyone is going to go gaga over what you're selling. (Although I should say that I did get positive reviews, not only back when I had a bakery but currently with my writing.)
So if you're in a subjective field, you need to have a tough skin. Yes, words hurt, but take the constructive criticism and throw away the rest.
I received my first rejection today in regards to an article I hoped to get published. It was a very professional email rejection, nothing terrible. I simply started brainstorming other places I could submit my article that may be interested. Just because they didn't like it doesn't mean it's terrible. It just means it wasn't for them.
In general, the arts tend to boil down to preference which makes it difficult at times. Or difficult a lot of the times. But whenever I start to get discouraged, I think of some of the pop singers out there that are making millions who, in my opinion, can't hold a tune. I figure if there are enough people in the world to make those singers stars, then surely there's an audience for what I want to accomplish. At least, I hope.
Prior to my launching my writing career, I started my own home bakery. I LOVE to bake. Second to writing, it's my favorite activity and if the state laws were more relaxed in my current home place, I'd still have my bakery. But back when I was operating, I'd participate in various craft fairs / trade shows in order to get my name out there as a baker. Specifically, an allergy-friendly baker.
Talk about rejection. Just as I learned (or relearned) when I published my first book, no one really cares when you do someone cool. For example, just like I have family members who still haven't bought a copy of book, I had family members who never once bought any of my bakery items. When I sold at craft fairs, I had people complain that allergy-friendly didn't taste as good as regular, and they refused to even try my treats. I had my cookies called "dry", my cupcakes critiqued as "not enough flavor" then "too much flavor" and my cakes as "way too expensive". But I didn't take it personally. Food, like literature, is subjective and not everyone is going to go gaga over what you're selling. (Although I should say that I did get positive reviews, not only back when I had a bakery but currently with my writing.)
So if you're in a subjective field, you need to have a tough skin. Yes, words hurt, but take the constructive criticism and throw away the rest.
I received my first rejection today in regards to an article I hoped to get published. It was a very professional email rejection, nothing terrible. I simply started brainstorming other places I could submit my article that may be interested. Just because they didn't like it doesn't mean it's terrible. It just means it wasn't for them.
In general, the arts tend to boil down to preference which makes it difficult at times. Or difficult a lot of the times. But whenever I start to get discouraged, I think of some of the pop singers out there that are making millions who, in my opinion, can't hold a tune. I figure if there are enough people in the world to make those singers stars, then surely there's an audience for what I want to accomplish. At least, I hope.
Friday, September 6, 2013
An Interview with Lily Stover
 |
| Meet the lovely Lily Stover, heroine of A Light in the Darkness |
Me : Lily, thank you so much for agreeing to speak with me today.
Lily : It's my pleasure, Nicole. Thanks for coming all the way out to the ranch. I hope you didn't get lost along the way!
Me : Oh, not at all. The Byron land is absolutely beautiful! Did you fall in love with it instantly?
Lily : When I first stepped foot on the ranch, I did find a certain peace that I haven't experienced elsewhere. It's absolutely beautiful, especially coming from a busier town, you know? Plus, being able to stay here while my brother Scott went through that difficult time turned out to be such an amazing blessing. Everyone here really made me feel at home.
Me : Are you referring to Brett?
Lily : (Laughs) Um, I wouldn't say Brett was leading the welcome wagon, although we did warm up to each other. Rebecca, Brett's sister, really went out of her way to make me feel comfortable. She's an amazing young woman and turned into a good friends.
Me : Let's switch gears a little bit and talk about Scott.
Lily : Yes, Scott is my baby brother. Well, technically my half brother. My mother married his father when I was a kid. She thought she was doing me a favor, you know? Like everything would be better if I had a father, but as you know things didn't work out like that.
Me : Yes, I'm aware of your past. I can't imagine...
Lily : It's ok. I mean, it's not, not really, but through faith I've been able to deal with that chapter of life. And I think, well, at least I hope, I did the best for Scott that I could. I know now that no matter what God's in charge, not me. I've been reminded of that over and over, especially in the past year after what happened to Scott on the ranch. No matter what, God's in charge.
Me : That's a great lesson, not only for you but for the readers as well. Is there anything else you'd like to tell the readers? Anything you want them to know about you?
Lily : Just that I hope they enjoy our story!
Me : Thank you so much Lily for joining me.
Lily : Thanks for having me!
Sunday, August 18, 2013
An Interview with Brett Byron
In honor of my book finally being available on amazon.com (http://www.amazon.com/A-Light-Darkness-Nicole-Jarrell/dp/1304091228), Brett Byron has agreed to sit down for an exclusive interview! I joined him on his ranch where he gave me a tour then we settled on the living room couch where he graciously answered all my questions.
 |
| Meet Brett Byron!!! |
Brett : (chuckles) Uh, no. I left home with big dreams and an even bigger ego. I'm pretty sure that when I rolled out of town no one ever imagined for me to return, but life has a way of throwing curve balls.
Me : Curve balls?
Brett : Maybe that's not the best phrase. It was more like a punch in the gut. My dad got really sick really fast and I felt like I owed it to him to come home and help with the family business. I never thought I'd enjoy it so much or end up running the place, but luckily my sister Rebecca helps out a lot and so does my friend James. Plus, we've got a lot of hired help that are more like family than workers.
Me : Is that how you were first introduced to the Stover siblings, Scott and Lily? Did they work on your ranch?
Brett : Scott worked for me until....well, you know what happened to him. After all, you wrote the book (awkward laugh).
Me : True, but could you please elaborate a bit for those who haven't had a chance to read your story.
Brett : It's tough to talk about, even now, but when I walked into the barn that morning and saw Scott...well, it was one of the worst days of my life. I couldn't believe someone would do such a horrible thing to such a nice guy, you know? I mean, what did Scott ever do to anyone? He didn't deserve it.
Me : I'm sorry. I know it's difficult.
Brett : Thanks. Um...so what was the question? Oh, you wanted me to talk about how I met the Stover siblings. Right. Well, I wish I could say I bumped into Lily at the grocery store and we struck up a conversation, but unfortunately we met as a result of what happened to her brother.
Me : You know, some say that in times of crisis people ban together for support. Is that how it was for you and Lily?
Brett : Oh, I wouldn't exactly say that. Lily's a bit of a fire cracker especially when she doesn't like you very much. And boy and boy does that lady pack a mean punch....
Lily Stover enters the living room.
Lily : Brett! Don't tell her about the punch! I'm really not a violent person, regardless of what this man has said.
Brett laughs and Lily joins him on the living room couch, trying to suppress her own smile.
Me : And on that note, perhaps it's time to wrap up this interview so I can speak with Ms. Stover.
Lily : That sounds like a great idea.
Me : Just one last thing Brett. Is there anything else the readers should know about you before they read the book?
Brett : Just that I'm far more charming and handsome than conveyed in the story.
Lily : Oh pleeaaasseee....
Me : Thank you for joining me Brett.
Brett : No problem.
Stay tuned for my exclusive interview with the charming Lily Stover!
Wednesday, August 14, 2013
I can't come up with a conflict.
My second novel is a slow and steady process. It's a suspense romance but very different than my first. When I started writing my first novel, I had the story line down but the characters weren't well developed until I really later. It's the opposite with my second novel. I have three characters in my head begging to be unleashed onto paper, but I don't have an awesome story line yet.
The problem is the problem. Well, the conflict. Every story needs one and it has to be original, interesting and just flat out awesome. Figuring out the problem in the story is obviously pretty critical and something I'm having major problems accomplishing.
So what do you do when you're stuck on your first draft? Watch tv? Drink coffee? Surf google and facebook until the wee hours of the night? Yup, I've done those but I still haven't come up with a conflict and for some odd reason procrastinating doesn't seem to help.
I guess I'll just have to get back to work reading novels by authors I admire and writing until something comes to me.
How do you work through these writing hiccups?
The problem is the problem. Well, the conflict. Every story needs one and it has to be original, interesting and just flat out awesome. Figuring out the problem in the story is obviously pretty critical and something I'm having major problems accomplishing.
So what do you do when you're stuck on your first draft? Watch tv? Drink coffee? Surf google and facebook until the wee hours of the night? Yup, I've done those but I still haven't come up with a conflict and for some odd reason procrastinating doesn't seem to help.
I guess I'll just have to get back to work reading novels by authors I admire and writing until something comes to me.
How do you work through these writing hiccups?
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Rules to submitting to a literay magazine
I recently got a flash fiction piece published in Splickety Magazine 2.1:
That's me. That's my story entitled Amanda's Secret.
It's my first piece of fiction published in a literary magazine. On the road to this particular moment, I learned several things about submitting works...
Know the style, tone and audience of the magazine. Really take some time and research the magazine. Get a feel for the type of articles they typically print and determine if your piece would fit.
Carefully read the submission guidelines. Each magazine is different. Some don't accept manuscripts. Rather, they want a query and then they'll contact you if they are interested in reading your piece. Make a check list of what the magazine wants and make sure to follow it exactly.
Patience. Most of the time you're not going to hear back before 8 - 10 weeks, so just relax. Don't contact them asking if they've received your piece. They'll contact you.
Submit multiple works to multiple magazines. It's ok to send multiple stories out to multiple magazines while you wait for responses. It's even ok to send the same story out to multiple magazines. If you do the latter, you may need to tell the magazines that you intend to shop around your piece. You can find out if this is required by reading the magazines submission guidelines. Note that whichever magazine accepts the piece first is the one you have to publish with, so pick your submissions wisely. Also, when you do get a piece accepted, it's your responsibility to contact the other magazines and let them know that your piece is no longer available for publishing.
Edit exactly as they ask. If you're piece is accepted, they'll either edit it themselves, or give you notes. If they give you notes, make sure you address each and every issue. Yes, it's your vision but they're working to make your piece readable to their particular audience so be respectful and honor their changes.
Brush off rejections. Some rejects will be pretty standard "we regret to inform you...." while others may include a few pieces of advise. Either way, brush yourself off and get back in the game. Not everything you write will fit every magazine, so just keep submitting and trying.
Read the contract. You'll get a contract, and while all will be a little different, they'll basically reserve the rights to your piece. Read through it carefully just to make sure you're comfortable with everything.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor! When you finally get that magazine in your hands, and you flip to your piece, enjoy the moment! You've gotten something published! The world can now see some of those amazing and zany thoughts rushing around your writer's brain!
Repeat. Yup, time to do it all over again! But we writers know that all the hard work is totally worth it!
It's my first piece of fiction published in a literary magazine. On the road to this particular moment, I learned several things about submitting works...
Know the style, tone and audience of the magazine. Really take some time and research the magazine. Get a feel for the type of articles they typically print and determine if your piece would fit.
Carefully read the submission guidelines. Each magazine is different. Some don't accept manuscripts. Rather, they want a query and then they'll contact you if they are interested in reading your piece. Make a check list of what the magazine wants and make sure to follow it exactly.
Patience. Most of the time you're not going to hear back before 8 - 10 weeks, so just relax. Don't contact them asking if they've received your piece. They'll contact you.
Submit multiple works to multiple magazines. It's ok to send multiple stories out to multiple magazines while you wait for responses. It's even ok to send the same story out to multiple magazines. If you do the latter, you may need to tell the magazines that you intend to shop around your piece. You can find out if this is required by reading the magazines submission guidelines. Note that whichever magazine accepts the piece first is the one you have to publish with, so pick your submissions wisely. Also, when you do get a piece accepted, it's your responsibility to contact the other magazines and let them know that your piece is no longer available for publishing.
Edit exactly as they ask. If you're piece is accepted, they'll either edit it themselves, or give you notes. If they give you notes, make sure you address each and every issue. Yes, it's your vision but they're working to make your piece readable to their particular audience so be respectful and honor their changes.
Brush off rejections. Some rejects will be pretty standard "we regret to inform you...." while others may include a few pieces of advise. Either way, brush yourself off and get back in the game. Not everything you write will fit every magazine, so just keep submitting and trying.
Read the contract. You'll get a contract, and while all will be a little different, they'll basically reserve the rights to your piece. Read through it carefully just to make sure you're comfortable with everything.
Enjoy the fruits of your labor! When you finally get that magazine in your hands, and you flip to your piece, enjoy the moment! You've gotten something published! The world can now see some of those amazing and zany thoughts rushing around your writer's brain!
Repeat. Yup, time to do it all over again! But we writers know that all the hard work is totally worth it!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)