With A Little Luck...

Evolution

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 13:18:00 +0000

My blog is going to be undergoing a change over the next couple of weeks. For the last couple of months I've felt like I was in transition, unsure of which direction to go. Ironically, it was as I was pumping the water out of my basement yesterday that I had an epiphany of sorts. By using my blog as only a chance to share my writing tips I feel as if I've limited myself. I want to share my passion for Maine, as well. So stay tuned, changes are coming...

On Writing... faith

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:57:00 +0000

Having faith isn't about getting what you think you want immediately. It's about holding onto that faith until it's the right time for what you need to be received.

This is my quote... It's something that I try to live by. I'm not an overtly religous person, but I do consider myself to be spiritual. And for me spirituality and faith go hand in hand. So, what does this have to do with writing?

Without faith in anything your characters will have little true motivation to spur them forward. If you think about all the things that we throw at our characters, giving them all possible hurdles to overcome then it needs to be balanced by a faith that will carry them through the rough times. The same with people. We all experience rough patches in our lives, times when you wonder what it was that made someone paint a bullseye on you. But if you have faith then you can move forward. Faith in anything even miniscule will grow and thrive and give you rope that you need to pull yourself forward.

So, I'm still asking what my characters religous background is... but I'm tempering that by a belief system that is based on spirituality. I've known men in my life who go to church every Sunday out of obligation, but their spirituality comes from the time that they are on the water, that sense of being that comes from deep within them.

Just what is it that gives your characters faith? And how deep do you have to take them before it is challenged?

Do you really know?

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:21:00 +0000

It isn't until I started working on my first non-fiction book proposal that I truly realized how wide and varied are the markets. I was intimidated by the idea of analyzing the competition and listing them within the proposal. Surely, to compare my work to another would be a process in the egotistical, but frankly, what I found was it was an endeavor that promises to weed out any weakness within my own work and truly look at the place for my book within the market.
As writers we like to believe that our ideas are unique. But once you truly look at and analyze those other books then you begin to see where your own could be strengthened. Perhaps your topic is too broad, covering too much to be succinct. Perhaps your idea is limited and then you face the fact that you may not have enough to carry a book. And of course, there is that issue of saleability. Everyone would like to believe that their book will be instant success, but even selling isn't a guarantee of a readership. It takes so much more to make that a reality. How does your book compare to others within the market?

Goals and other things that I avoid... But shouldn't

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 14:52:00 +0000

I have one of those Google alert thingies set up to notify me when someone posts a blog involving "writing" and "mysteries". I find helpful to be able to see what others are saying in order to be able to get my creative juices flowing. This morning I opened my mail to find that there was a blog post from a YA author named Justine Larbalatier, called Writing Goals Redux. Apparently, at the beginning of the year she'd posted her goals to write and publish under several different genres, pov and formats. She was now, toward the end of the year, looking at how much she'd achieved. It's impressive. Actually, she's impressive. I'm pretty much convinced that she must not sleep. I can see where she would need to write all of this down so that she could keep track of it. And her books are selling. It's not as if she's writing these manuscripts and stuffing them in the back of her closet or under her bed. No, she's got a impressive list of accomplishments there.

So, this got wondering. Lately, I've been wandering all over the page trying to find direction for myself and my writing. I am unstructured and thus, unproductive. It's not that I don't believe in goals. I'm all for them as a way to hold yourself accountable and as a guidepost for where you want to go. But I realized that it had been more than a year since I'd written down an goals.

Here goes:
Genres:

Romance (straight -- or at least no real mystery)
Romantic Mystery
Romantic Paranormal
Mystery (cozy)
Paranormal Mystery
Non-fiction (paranormal book)
Non-fiction (writing book)

Justine further breaks her list down by POV. I'm pretty much across the board on this one, so I don't think I'll be making changes for this. But I did like her last part:

Stand Alone
Trilogy
Series

Now, the thing is to hold myself accountable for these and see how far it gets me. Anyone else want to chime in on goals? Do you make them? Do you hate them? And do stick to them?

On the trail of a new project... The Non Fiction Book Proposal

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 11:53:00 +0000

I've written bits and pieces of for the last year. But it isn't until the last month that I've really started looking at writing a proposal for my current project.

Now, I've written tons of query letters. I've the rejection files to prove it. But it wasn't until I garnered the idea for my non-fiction that I found something that truly makes me quake in my boots (short boots,very nice, black, simple). For those who quiver over the dreaded synopsis, and I have heard tons of writers lamenting them over the years, then take a look at just what goes into a nonfiction proposal.
1. Title Page (with it's own layout. Those who write manuscripts are generally familiar with it.)
2. Overview that 3-5 pages long and outlines such questions as ... Who is the proposed audience, Why will they buy it and What I will bring to this book?...
3. Author Credentials. About 1 page and listing vigorously why you are the author to write the book.
4. A Competitive Analysis of books currently available within the genre and specific to what your books is about. Some places suggest that you pick 6-8 books and do an analysis of what is good about them what they could do to make it stronger and how your book will be different.
5. Chapter Summary: It should break down the chapters and give a description of each chapter.
6. And the Marketing Plan! Now, I've made this huge because this is a large chunk of the proposal. With today's burgeoning markets (Wow! I don't even use that word in a romance!) there a more urgent need for authors to prove that they can sell this book with limited help (read money and marketing dollars) from their publisher. And the smaller the publisher the more work you are going to have to put into it. I'm not a stranger to this in any way. But I also know how much work is involved. If you want the book to succeed you must have a GOOD marketing plan and expect to spend many hours on it. If you can't afford the time then there are alternatives such as hiring someone to do this for you. But keep in mind that this is a draw on your hard earned profits for the book. Weigh your options and decide for yourself. A good marketing plan will include: What sets you apart from those other authors (personal experience, degrees in said topic, etc), plan of marketing: blog tours, signings, venues to speak, etc. And don't forget all that lovely online marketing through social networks. If you can pull yourself away from Mafia Wars and Farmville for any period of time (personal experience here) then you can use Facebook and Myspace and Twitter, as well as the other sites to market your book. There are also contest, giveaways, conferences, bookmarks... and I can go on and on and on. This is a large part of your proposal and you want to put a lot of thought and heart into this. Don't over extend yourself, but don't sell yourself short. For instance, I never thought in a million years that I'd be speaking at conferences, but I've done several now and finding it easier every time. The thing to remember about marketing a book is that some options will work, others won't... but if you don't do anything then you won't sell the book.
And lastly,
7. A sample chapter: Pick the chapter with the most impact and include it. But keep in mind, if that chapter with the biggest impact is scheduled as the third chapter in your book then maybe you need to look at this and move it around. The same impact that you are going for with the Agent, publisher, etc. is the impact you want with the reader.

There are tons of resources at bookstores on on the web for writing a non-fiction book proposal. I've spent as much time learning to write one as it takes to actually write the proposal. But once the learning curve is met than it will get easier. I'm even creating a template to future ease.

Blustery wind and an Irish Prayer

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 11:44:00 +0000

A raw and blustery wind is heading for the Maine coast. The remnants of a hurricane are ready to hit the shores. Some would say it's not a fitting day for much. But my Dad-in-Law would appreciate the iron of such wild weather today, of all days. Today we're burying him... my Dad-in-Law. Notice you won't hear me call him "Father"-in-Law because the man was much more of a Dad to me than the remote austere image taht such a formal name as "father" conjures. He was an imposing man with his stout Scotman's build, but he was graced with a soft voice that could grow and thunder and resonate until it was clear that all in the house could hear him. But he usually chose a much quieter form of communication. He was a gentle soul, who from my first meeting became a friend to me. I, along with my family, will miss him immeasurably.

Do Not Stand at My Grave and Weep
I am not there... I do not sleep.
I am the thousand winds that blow...
I am the diamond glints on snow...
I am the sunlight on ripened grain...
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you waken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of gentle birds in circling flight...
I am the soft star that shines at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry -
I am not there... I did not die...

We'll Know When We Get There: Sincerely, John Hughes

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:06:00 +0000

If you haven't read this... please do so. There can be no better tribute to a man who had such an amazing effect on our lives...

We'll Know When We Get There: Sincerely, John Hughes

I was Molly Ringwald in Sixteen Candles... minus getting the cute guy with the car. I was the angst ridden, thoroughly strange (I intended it be more an individualistic aura), and completely awkward teenager. In the Breakfast Club I was more of Ally Sheedy's character, the loner looking at life from the outside and completely wishing that I could be "one of them" if only for a short while. I wanted to be daring and outrageous like Ferris Beuller and funny like Ducky. More than anything... I wanted someone who could look into my life and make it something more. I was a teenager living in the John Hughes era. And somehow, he made it okay.

I still want to drive a pink Opal. But now, looking back, I find that if Mr. Hughes hadn't offered me the passport to be just a little bit off center I'm not sure I would be the person that I am today. I dare to be different. I challenge my kids to be individuals in their own right and to stand up for what they want... and yes, sometimes when we go to Wal Mart the family still calls it Wally World. Just because.

So, I join the world in mourning a great man. And from this former angst-ridden, thoroughly strange, awkward teen... I thank you for your gift.

An observation from RWA National 2009

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 00:52:00 +0000

I confess... I signed up late for the Librarian/Bookseller Networking event. I didn't have time to send in my stuff because I was so late. I will also confess that I suck when it comes to networking. I get so nervous and self-conscious in those type of situations. But I will tell you about some observations I made at the event...

1. I saw a lot of authors, not a lot of Booksellers or Librarian with tags. Of course, I may have hit it at the wrong time or just not noticed all together.
2. There was a lot of grouping. I've already confessed that these things make me nervous, but to go into a situation like this where people are already grouped off. There should be someone at this who's function is to facilitate and make people feel welcome. Maybe introduce them around if they need it...
3. I saw one author who was standing by her books and display who was talking to a bookseller/librarian about her work. She played it right. She gave them something to focus on and ask questions about. She gave them a reference point to her work and put a face to the name. Kudos to her...

I would love to hear what the librarians and booksellers have to say about the experience. Was it success for you? Did you feel comfortable with the setting? Do you have any suggestion on how this could be improved or were you happy the way it was?

So, I while I appreciate the chance to network, perhaps there are opportunities for both authors and RWA.

The ticking clock...

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 13:12:00 +0000

Time constraints in fiction are not new. The idea tht the pace of the story is controlled by the need to accomplish the character's goals within the time frame given. This control of environment can be used to:

show the passage of time by using a known event... such as a holiday or tradition.
increase the pacing of the story. As the time on the clock decreases and the adrenahline factors kick in.

Use a ticking clock to your advantage.

Reflections on the RWA Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 12:26:00 +0000

I'm back. After the long drive back to Maine I have had a good sleep in my own bed and coffee from my own coffee maker (Yeah!). I owe my husband greatly for holding down the fort and doing a fantastic job of keeping up with the kids while I was gone. I couldn't have made it without him.

I thought I would take this moment to go over a few things that I learned at National conference. I'll start with the Leadership seminar that I attended with Delsora Lowe on behalf of the Maine RWA chapter.

We are a professional organization, and as such, we need to remember that our actions represent more than Maine RWA. They reflect RWA. Whether are a part of the chapter because we chose to be a part of a larger organization, or we only seek to be with people who share our interest we need to remember that we are a "professional" organization.
Following proper protocal is important. Not only does it give us a proper operating proceedure, but it provides a frame work to both cover our butts and the opportunity to grow our chapter. I realized by talking to other representatives that Maine RWA is not alone in our struggles. And while our membership level keeps us within the smaller chapter range, that doesn't excuse us for acting anything other than professionals.

There is so much more and Delsora and I came back from the meeting charged and full of ideas. We'll be putting our ideas together when we get Delsora back from her current tour.

Workshops...
I attended some great workshops. I gave a workshop. For me the conference started more after I gave my workshop because I was so nervous. My thanks to all who were so supportive of me and made it such a positive situation. I have a few workshops that I'm hoping to download and listen to again. Maybe I'll be more coherant this time.

Literacy Signing...
It was incredible to be a part of something so huge. I loved watching the people, meeting the people and being a part of the whole thing. Thank you to Kate Walker for being so kind and lovely. It was wonderful to have the opportunity to meet in person. It was crazy and chaotic and wonderful. And I'm glad I was part of it...

I'll have more. I'm still digesting it all. I also came back ready and set to go back to work. I was actually able to write some during the conference and that was nice as well. Now, it is time to put all of the great ideas that I received to work.

Thank you to all who helped make RWA National Conference 2009 a great success and a wonderful experience.

Conference Giveaway Goodies!!!!! Enter Details...

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Sat, 11 Jul 2009 12:02:00 +0000

Want to enter? Check out my Facebook Event Page @ http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/event.php?eid=99953559009

Start Time: Saturday, July 4, 2009 at 8:00pm
End Time: Sunday, July 19, 2009 at 3:00pm
Email: TeaganOliver@yahoo.com

I'm signing at RWA National's Literacy Signing on July 15 @ the Marriot Wardman Hotel, Washington DC. The proceeds are for a great cause, but the signing can be long when you aren't an A-List author. Help me fight my boredom by dropping by to say hi to me and putting your business card in for a drawing of a nifty giveaway bag! I'll be putting an item a day into the bag and since I'm pretty eclectic in what I do... the bag will be eclectic also. There are 2 ways to enter... 1. New to my Face Page? Friend me within the next 6 days (ends July 11) and I'll put you in the drawing.2. Already a Face Friend? Drop me a message and I'll include you in the drawing (good through July 20th).3. Drop by the signing and save me from boredom by saying hi and dropping your business card (or something with your name on it) into my little drawing bag. I'll be drawing the name out of the bag on July 20th.Want to know more about my books... or my ghosthunting... or just life in Maine in general? Drop me a message, a comment, or check out my website @ http://www.TeaganOliver.com -- My writing blog is http://www.TeaganOliver.blogspot.com and my Paranormal blog is http://www.ParanormalMaine.blogspot.com

List of goodies in the bag:
Day 1: Three Truths of Katie Talmadge by me!
Day 2: A lovely pair of Amethyst chip earrings from Mystic Harbor Designs.
Day 3: Grow your own Lucky Clover kit in honor of my blog With a Little Luck...
Day 4: Nope, not a gravestone... You get a copy of Stephen King's On Writing.
Day 5: A bunch of writer goodies! All the little things we love!
Day 6: A charm bracelet from Mystic Harbor Designs like the one in Three Truths...
Day 7: $10 Borders Gift Card!

I'm leaving in the morning for DC, but you can still enter. There's plenty of time. And don't forget to stop by and say hi to me at the conference! Safe travel to those who are attending and I hope you have a wonderful week to those who can't make it.

RWA Prep...

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:29:00 +0000

Phew! So, far today I've been going around and around working on getting things done for my trip to RWA in DC starting Sunday.

So far today...

I spent 1 1/2 hours at WalMart getting the oil changed in my car.

Drove my daughter to Borders to get a book for her summer homework (not RWA related, but still running.)

Drove said daughter to work (and picked her up and drove her to driver's ed)Arghhh!

Packed my suitcase.
Bought my toiletries for the trip. Gotta have that allergy med.
Found my shoes in the bottom of the closet and in my daughter's room (big surprise).
Glued my shoe (again... thanks to daughter).
Put together the Maine RWA basket. I'd post a pic, but too wiped.
I know there's more, but frankly... I can't remember it.

I know when I pull out of the driveway on Sunday morning at 5am there will be things I've forgotten. But right now... I don't care...

Glastonbury 2009 - The Big Picture - Boston.com

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 23:46:00 +0000

This link originally came from a Twitter follow, London Interesting or @LDN (for those who want to check them out), which led me to their previous posts which led me to these pictures. They are incredible! They also make me very glad to have missed the event. Somehow, I'm not sure you can estimate just how many port-a-potties are needed for 190,000 people who all seem to be drinking heartily. You have to believe that the faery folk with traipsing about and having a good laugh and all without causing a bit of notice. Still, I'd like to Glastonbury... but minus the 190,000 people.

Glastonbury 2009 - The Big Picture - Boston.com

Happy Father's Day...

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Sun, 21 Jun 2009 12:20:00 +0000

This is my Dad. I've talked about my Mom a lot over the years, but I don't really think that I've given enough credit to all that my Dad has done for me. I could go on for days about all the little things that he has done to make sure that I had a good life. All the times that he went without to make sure that we had something that we wanted, or just something that he thought we would like. I could tell you about the encouragement and love that he offers up unconditionally and the fact that should I ever need him he would be there in a heartbeat. I could tell you all these things... well, maybe I already did, but there is so much more to my dad. He is a man who believes in what is just and right and that no person should go undefended. He believes that a good sense of humor can put a shine on any day and that there is nothing that can happen to you to that you can't get through. He's my biggest fan and probably the best promoting tool that I have! (him and my uncle are an awesome pair at this!) And he does all these things with a kind of quiet devotion, working behind the scenes always and taking little credit for what he's done. I am proud of him for all that he's accomplished in his life and the things that he has yet to do. I really won the lottery when I got him as a dad. Someone was smiling down on us. And for this... I will always be eternally grateful.

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Thu, 11 Jun 2009 00:03:00 +0000

Coming in July!

Stay tuned for the exciting details from the road!

Bitten By Books

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 09:43:00 +0000

Haven't heard of them? Well, if you're a writer then I suggest you hop, skip and jump on over to the website @ http://www.bittenbybooks.com

Not writing paranormal? It doesn't matter because if you are an author there is plenty to learn about the art of promotion. I've never seen a more intensely focused promotional site then this one. Rachel is on facebook, twitter and every where else she can possibly be. She's out there
promoting all day (and most of the night sometimes) for authors with fantastic books.

I've gotten into several of the book releases and it's lead me to some great authors. Yasmin Galenorm, (who has some of the hottest covers out there. I'd say they're as good as the P.C. Cast covers at drawing people in), Sara Taney Humphreys and the list goes on and on. Even my friend Lina Gardiner is on the site. (Buy all of their books. They're fantastic). My only regret is that I didn't know about it when Three Truths came out. It would have been a much different experience.

Deep-sea explorers may lose vast treasure to Spain - Yahoo! News

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 17:17:00 +0000

Deep-sea explorers may lose vast treasure to Spain - Yahoo! News

It's no secret that I'm fascinated by treasures, pirates and the search for gold. I would say, after all this company has been through... This would really suck.

Just my opinion.

Industry Talk: Indie vs Chain

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 12:41:00 +0000

There's been a lot of talk on one of the mystery writers list about Indies and Chain Stores. I confess, this is something very close to my heart. As a writer and as someone who wants to see my local economy come back from the hardship of the last few months, I have a vested interest in seeing any bookstore succeed. Here in Brunswick we recently lost our local Indie bookstore. I have a ton of memories wrapped up in that store. My parents idea of a good Friday night was to go to dinner and then go to the bookstore to see what was new in stock. I bought my Nancy Drew books there, my comics, my first romances... and Gothics.. and mysteries... I could go on and on. This store was also the hub for our writer's group. The store had graciously hosted us in their meeting room for years (in return, we bought more than our share of the great food from the cafe). It was sad to see it go. There has been a lot of talk that the new Borders in town was responsible for it's downfall. But I don't think that the total blame of ANY store's demise can be blamed on a chain store.

Distribution:
In my earlier life, I worked for a map publisher and part of my job was to contact Indies about putting the maps (a well established series of map books) into their stores. These were what we considered an automatic buy for most stores. Especially, if their patrons had an interest in the outdoors. I would call and they would say yes or no, depending on the amount of books that they had left on the shelf. Trying to get books into chain stores was another matter. Most often, I would contact the head office, who would forward me to a buyer, who would say I'll get back to you. Sometimes this required multiple phone calls. Sometimes, they would tell me they couldn't be brought in unless we went through a distributor. (I hear a collective groan from a lot of writers out there on this one).

Stocking your book:
This is a hard one to compare. I would have to call it an even draw on this. It depends on the amount of floor space and the ability to get interest in the books. I was selling over sized books that either took up shelf space or required a rack or dump (those lovely cardboard displays that aggravate everyone as they try to maneuver around them in stores.) If it was a shelf sell then it was usually 6 books. If it was a rack it was full product, including more than the map books and meant that they had a vested interest in the product. Pretty much same with dumps, but limited to a few... maybe only one book. We did a lot of these when we had a new state map come out. For an author, shelf space is a priority. Authors have to worry about cost, placement (next to Nora or Clancy?) and availability. Again, this is a draw. Indies work on sometimes non-existent budgets and need to be convinced to bring in your books. Chains sometimes require a pint of blood and your first born child to get it approved and on the shelf. Either way, your promotion, good reviews and backing from the publisher go a long way in helping to get it on the shelf. So, it's a draw for me as to whether your books will get better shelf space and placement in an Indie vs a Chain.

Promotion: Also, Good Customer Service...
Now, my local Indie was very good to the group as a whole. We were not only strong buyers, but they had a first crack at knowing what was coming out But they also were very overworked and unable do the kind of hand sell that authors want. I'm sure it's not this way with all, but this was my experience. Shortly before Obsidian came out I went on a mini road trip around Maine and New Hampshire, making the loop from the coast of Maine up and around Lake Winnepesaukee, NH and up through the mountains and back to Maine. I think I hit something like thirty bookstores in one day. Some were okay. Most couldn't care less if I walked through the door. I was extremely polite (a hot button, ask my kids) and I just introduced myself and offered information and bookmarks. I would say that the overall results were dismal. Sometimes, they were downright rude. But I pushed on. I have found that I actually had better results when I did just a postcard mailing when Obsidian was re released as a large print. The cost of the stamps was less then the gas and aggravation of being rejected so much. Of course, the chains have a system for authors down pat. When I introduced myself to the local Borders I was congratulated on the sale, given paperwork to fill out and asked to contact them when the time got closer. They set up a signing for me on St. Patrick's Day and when that was snowed out and the store had to close they offered to reschedule me on what they called an Educator's Night. They give discounts to educators and offer them goodies and incentives. They called me to offer me this. I was extremely grateful. Even now, when I go in the store they recognize me and ask if I have anything coming out soon. I work retail, so I'm always impressed by good customer service. I'll keep going back just because of this.

Now, there are those who would be upset about the Indie vs Chain debate. I personally feel that there is a place for both within the community. Each have strengths and weaknesses, but there isn't a business out there that doesn't have the same. Me? I'm going to go where they have my books, the books I want, and friendly and helpful service.

Gail Carson Levine: Mystery mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Thu, 28 May 2009 11:31:00 +0000

I've been in the processes of undertaking a new project... a mystery. And in my process I've sought out the words of others writing mystery. Today I came across Gail Carson Levine's post on her blog about her own trials with mysteries. I was immediately drawn to her post. My daughter was an avid fan of Ms. Levine's books and I was grateful for the wonderful worlds that she uses to enchant her readers. Not only is she an eloquent writer of spellbinding enchantments, but she is a struggling writer taking on new project... struggling the same as myself. That makes my struggles just a little more approachable.

So, if you are a fan of Ella or if you are a struggling writer (like me), then check out her post for a little inspiration and commiseration. It's worth the look...

Gail Carson Levine: Mystery mystery

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Tue, 26 May 2009 11:20:00 +0000

I just realized that Nationals are less than 2 months away. Somewhere in all of the chaos that has been this spring I didn't realize that it was creeping up on me so fast. This, is a big year for me. I've been to several National Conferences over the year, but I've never been a presenter. It's a real honor. I can only hope that I do it justice. Going to be in Washington DC during July 15-18th? We will be, too! The Pop Tart and Dollar Menu Tour is still in the planning stages. Delsora Lowe and I will be joined by a new... errr?! ... author on this trip. I'll let you know who it is when we get closer, but suffice it to say... she's in for a good time!

Thinking lobsters and clams this weekend...

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Sat, 23 May 2009 11:38:00 +0000

Well, here's my plug for the local economy. Brown eggs may be local eggs, but you won't get anymore local or fresh then buying your lobster and clams from the local dealers. Fresh from the boat with no little side trips in between. In the Harpswell area? Check out Hawkes Lobster in Cundy's Harbor. While you're there you can peruse the gift items. Sue has a great selection. And Hawkes Lobster ships year round. So, can't make it to Maine? Check out their website and give them a call. You can check out their website at www.hawkeslobster.com to get an idea of what they are offering.

Free Virtual Writing Conference

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Wed, 13 May 2009 11:00:00 +0000

This came across the MMA list and I thought I'd pass it along. The list of presenters is impressive and cover the spectrum of the publishing genre. I'll be working on the Maine RWA Writer's Retreat this weekend... but I'll be taking my laptop with me because I don't want to miss this!

There's going to be a Virtual Writers Conference online May 18-22 at... wait for it... http://virtualwritersconference.blogspot.com/. Writers, editors and agents will post columns and respond to comments. It'll be fun, and I'm sure there'll be discussions of promotion.

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Sun, 10 May 2009 01:09:00 +0000

The other day I was going through the papers that we compiled after her death over 5 years ago. In it there was this photo. It was taken in at her desk in my cousin Rob's Real Estate office. She was kind of a woman-about-office, helping out where and when she could. She loved it, much more than she loved the years she spent working Civil Service. She was always laughing and having fun and she loved being there. I think it shows in the picture. The other day one of the other realtors spoke to me about mom. She said "She was always smiling. Always laughing." I don't think that's a bad way to be remembered. I love you Mum.

Queen of Time Sucks

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Thu, 07 May 2009 12:35:00 +0000

Yup, that's right. I've given myself a new title... or in this case... crown. I have always said that the worst thing a woman can learn is how to be a multitasker. I have yet to see men who have as much of a problem with it as women. And I suspect that a great deal of the trouble has to do with guilt. Women always feel guilty that they haven't gotten more done. They worry that if they spend time on other things that the laundry will go undone and the dishes will stay in the sink. It becomes a badge of disgrace in a way. But only because most women judge themselves by how they think others will see them. (Please note: I am making VAST generalizations in the name of making a point). On any given day I have things that could easily occupy every second. I could find things to fill every moment. But at some point it becomes a detriment to my sanity. If I don't go on Facebook and keep up with my fellow reunion people and I stay away from Twittering about how much coffee I've had I could have that time to sit down and just breathe. I will learn to say "no" and not consider it a failure. I will learn that not everything is my responsibility to complete. And I will accept that I can't be everything to everyone... especially myself.

It's Official...

noreply@blogger.com (Teagan Oliver) — Tue, 05 May 2009 01:16:00 +0000

I'll be speaking at Romance Writers of America's National Conference this July 15-18, 2009 in Washington, D.C.

Actually, I'll be speaking on Friday morning... here's the line up for those who are able to brave the early morning workshops on Friday. I promise not be overly chipper and annoying :)

Now, I don't need to tell you that there are some absolutely fabulous speakers lined up for the same slot as myself. While it's a great honor to be asked to speak at Nationals, it's a bummer that I'm going to go broke to get the recordings for all the great workshops I'm going to miss! So, if you don't show up... I'll know where you all are... save me some notes so that I don't miss all the good stuff.

8:30 - 9:30 A.M.

20 Questions to a Killer PR Plan (CAREER)

Speaker: Louise Ahearn

What are the 20 most important questions to ask yourself to create a killer promotional plan for your work? An award-winning public relations coach will talk you through them.

21 Years and Counting (PUBLISHING)

Speaker: Jo Beverley

Jo Beverley sold her first novel in 1988, and the years since have been up, down, and sideways. Join this RWA Hall of Fame author as she shares what she's learned along the roller coaster way.

Creating the Believable Anti-Hero: a Stepped Approach to Creating Believable Villains (CRAFT)Speaker: Bethany Oliver

Use the same principals as the Hero's Journey and learn how to ramp up your antagonist's motivations beyond surface conflict to create a truly worthy opponent.

Mastering Your Domain: Research and Development of the Paranormal World (RESEARCH)Speakers: Alyssa Day, Stephanie Julian, and Melissa Mayhue

Three paranormal writers and admitted research geeks will show you where to look and what to look for when blending folklore and mythology with modern genre fiction for extraordinary world-building.

Secrets of the Best-selling Sisterhood (PUBLISHING)Speakers: Jayne Ann Krentz and Susan Elizabeth Phillips

What's it like to be a New York Times best-selling author? Join Susan Elizabeth Phillips and Jayne Ann Krentz for the answers in this reprisal of their ever-popular workshop.

Straight Talk, Librarians to Writers (CAREER)

Speakers: Deborah Schneider, John Charles and Susan Gibberman

Straight talk about libraries and your books, from those who know best – librarians. Find out how to get your books on the shelves, work with libraries to promote your book and give successful programs for readers. (2 hours.)

What Came Before: the Art of Backstory (CRAFT)

Speaker: Winnie Griggs

Award-winning author Winnie Griggs shows how to effectively select what pieces of backstory to include on stage, when to reveal them, and how to thread them through your story in a subtle, yet effective, manner.

Writing the Hot Historical (CRAFT)

Speaker: Lucienne Diver, Janet Mullany, and Pam Rosenthal

This workshop is a guide for the perplexed, shy, or curious on writing erotic historicals that will sell.Spotlight on Harlequin Single Titles