Saturday, August 11, 2012

Sticks And Stones...





I think everyone remembers the childhood taunt, "Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me", right?  But do you know where this chant originated?  Most experts say that this saying was first listed in "Folk Phrases of Four Counties" written by G. F. Northall and published in 1894.  But another form of this saying, "hard words break no bones" was being said in the early 18th century and maybe even earlier than that.  The more I think about it, the more I realize this should be my new writer's mantra.

In case you didn't realize, I've been participating in WriteOnCon, an online writier's conference, this past week.  Well, let me clarify a little.  The actual conference doesn't start until the 14th, but the forums have been available for writers to post queries and the first 250 words of all genres of children's books.  And boy, have I taken full advantage of this opportunity.  

I've run like a mad woman through those forums and currently have four picture book queries and the first 250 words, one middle grade boy's adventure query and first 250 words, one young adult mystery WIP query and first 250 words, and one young adult fantasy WIP query and first 250 words out on the firing line for anyone to take a shot at them. Repeat after me...STICKS AND STONES MAY BREAK MY BONES, BUT WORDS WILL NEVER HURT ME...

A lot of words have come my way this past week.  Some like what I have written, some got lost along the way because my writer's voice wasn't clear enough, but all the words have been encouraging.  No need to fear them.  All I need to do is learn from them and continue to grow as a writer.

I was even blessed to have a full critique given to me (not once but twice) by a writer who also reads through the slush piles for a publishing house and her no-frills comments on my Lunadar query are invaluable to me.  How nicely she put that my query simply is lacking key elements to capture an agent's (or her) attention.  I read through my query again and instantly see where she is coming from.  I will even say that my own query stinks.  But that's okay because I still have time to revise and polish it some more until it shines.  

This conference, for me,  is not about "being discovered" but more about experiencing the excitement of actively participating in discussions about writing improvement in a very public arena.  I gather all the words sent my way and know I will come away from WriteOnCon stronger than when I began.






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18 comments:

  1. Beth StilbornAugust 11, 2012 at 11:04 PM

    Excellent post, Donna! And good for you for putting your writing "out there" in the forums.

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    1. Think Positive, Be PositiveAugust 11, 2012 at 11:25 PM

      Thanks, Beth! Did I read correctly that you are participating as well? How would I find you?

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
    2. Beth StilbornAugust 11, 2012 at 11:48 PM

      Yes, you read correctly. I'm there as elizabethanne. I joined the forum last year when I was still using that semi-pseudonym. I'll be posting about WriteOnCon on my blog on Monday!

      Delete
    3. Think Positive, Be PositiveAugust 12, 2012 at 7:59 AM

      I thought that's what I heard you say...I'll be sure and look for your entries...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  2. rena traxelAugust 11, 2012 at 11:30 PM

    I signed up for the conference so that I could get feedback as well. My query went from okay to pretty awesome. My query letter was torn apart and I couldn't be happier.

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    1. Think Positive, Be PositiveAugust 11, 2012 at 11:45 PM

      Hi Rena! I know the feeling. I'm so glad I was told about this conference...I'm already planning to attend next year!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  3. PamAugust 12, 2012 at 7:10 AM

    I'm hoping to learn a great deal on the lengthy feedback I know I'll be receiving. It was scary. Then I thought, you can't learn and get better if you don't know what needs to be better in your writing. So here goes, something.

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    1. Think Positive, Be PositiveAugust 12, 2012 at 7:46 AM

      Congrats, Pam, on joining the fun! Just remember that you will be getting feedback to to help you improve and strengthen your writing skills. I think this is a great way to get a feel for what it's like at the regular types of writer conferences...except I get to attend in my pajamas, don't have to pay for a hotel room, and getting incredible advice from industry experts as well as other writers for free! Good luck and just enjoy the experience...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  4. Susanna Leonard HillAugust 12, 2012 at 7:46 AM

    What a lot of valuable feedback you're getting! Such a great opportunity! WriteOnCon was a brilliant idea - a benefit to so many. I am sad that I just don't have time to take advantage of it this year. Ah, well... maybe next year :)

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    1. Think Positive, Be PositiveAugust 12, 2012 at 7:56 AM

      Hi Susanna! I thought I would be nervous or afraid of what people would think of my writing but I deciding going into this conference that I wasn't going to worry about that. Not even the greatest story ever told is liked by everyone so why should I think my little efforts will be any different? ;-) And you're right...the technical feedback on improving my writing skills is PRICELESS! I can already see an improvement in both my knowledge base and query writing skills just in one week and all due to the generous time given by all these great minds. Can you tell I'm loving it? Lol...

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  5. Jarm Del BoccioAugust 12, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    You have a good attitude about the conference, Donna! Having your work critiqued is exposing your inner self to the world. Quite intimidating! But, I know you will do well. Enjoy! I'm sure I will see you around in the threads of discussion...

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    1. Think Positive, Be PositiveAugust 12, 2012 at 9:18 AM

      Hi Jarm! I have no pride when it comes to becoming a stronger writer...lol...
      I can't please everyone with my writing but I CAN try to please the agents/editors/publishers who might be looking at my work by offering the strongest effort that I can...;0)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  6. AnonymousAugust 12, 2012 at 8:39 AM

    Glad to see u at the conference! You're right...it's great experience for us, handling the different feedback!

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    1. Think Positive, Be PositiveAugust 12, 2012 at 9:20 AM

      Hi Tina! The feedback I have received has been straight forward and priceless to me. Everyone just wants to see each other improve as writers and what better way than sharing the knowledge?

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  7. jpAugust 12, 2012 at 11:08 AM

    The pen is mightier than the sword

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    1. Think Positive, Be PositiveAugust 12, 2012 at 8:18 PM

      Hi JP! Where have you been, my friend? How's Boyhood coming along...any good news to report? I hope? I hope? ;~)

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete
  8. janetAugust 12, 2012 at 11:33 AM

    Aahh...the smell of a stinky query in the morning. I saw how giddy you were about the conference Friday night. I'm always thrilled for you and seeing you giddy is making me giddy.Love that word...giddy...

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    1. Think Positive, Be PositiveAugust 12, 2012 at 8:38 PM

      Lol...but that stinky query in the morning was smelling more like a rose by evening!

      Thanks for stopping by and come back any time!

      Delete

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