KristineAsselin Welcome to #MGLitchat 2nd Annual Tips From
The Pros. Tonight, Querying and Working with MG agents. #mglitchat
rachelnseigel @KristineAsselin You'll rock it! Enjoy your 1st official chat! #MGlitchat -7:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk Or I like that one, especially if you share.
:)@elissacruz @KristineAsselin #MGlitchat@elissacruz #mglitchat #MGlitchat
-7:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @johnmcusick WHAT'S UP BOSSMAN! #mglitchat -7:00
PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin If you have a question for one of the pros,
@ them followed by QUESTION in your tweet. #mglitchat -7:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
Bec_AS Don't worry- Google ends up dropping everything,
anyway... RT @GeoffRodkey: @johnmcusick Like I know how to use Google Drive.
#MGLitChat -7:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Tonight we have MG Pros @GeoffRodkey
@jgetzler @johnmcusick and @RyanGebhart #mglitchat -7:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Their bios are available here
http://t.co/Q4kFdEXAjj but we’ll do a quick one-line intro. #mglitchat -7:01 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @elissacruz Josh tells me nothing. (He feels
that which does not kill me will make me stronger.) #mglitchat -7:01 PM Mar
14th, 2013
Bec_AS @KristineAsselin Yea for hosting! #MGLitChat -7:01 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin @GeoffRodkey is the author of the MG
adventure series Chronicles of Egg & an Emmy-nominated screenwriter.
#mglitchat -7:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin @jgetzler is a partner at HSG Agency and
reps @GeoffRodkey and more than 40 other authors. #mglitchat -7:01 PM Mar 14th,
2013
KristineAsselin @johnmcusick is an agent at Greenhouse
Literary repping MG and YA, as well as the author of GIRL PARTS. #mglitchat
-7:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin @RyanGebhart ‘s debut THERE WILL BE BEARS
comes out in 2014 w/ Candlewick Press and he is repped by @johncusick
#mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @KristineAsselin Hello! #Mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar
14th, 2013
KristineAsselin And now our Pros have the floor to share
their MG drafting and revision tips! Pros! Go! #mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar 14th,
2013
johnmcusick Hi everyone! #mglitchat -7:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone hello, #mglitchat friends! Hi, Ilana! -7:03 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk @KristineAsselin Query tips? #mglitchat -7:03 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
MLConklin RT @KristineAsselin: Welcome to #MGLitchat 2nd
Annual Tips From The Pros. Tonight, Querying and Working with MG agents.
#mglitchat -7:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin I'll give you the ten minute mark when we
are open for questions from the floor. #mglitchat -7:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
rachelnseigel @johnmcusick #MGlitchat Welcome! I've heard
lots of gr8 things about u from my author friends! -7:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @KristineAsselin 40? Wow! I had no idea Josh had
so many other clients. Not sure how I feel about this. #mglitchat -7:03 PM Mar
14th, 2013
RyanGebhart Hi, y'all. Thanks for inviting me :) #mglitchat
-7:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
muchadoabout77 RT @johnmcusick: Hi everyone! #mglitchat
-7:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick Okay, revision tips. Here we go. #mglitchat
-7:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey Was I supposed to say hello first? Sorry. Hello!
#mglitchat -7:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon @GeoffRodkey :P #mglitchat -7:04 PM Mar 14th,
2013
ellaschwartz RT @johnmcusick: Writers: Tune in to #MGLitchat
tonight at 9pm EST! Me and Mega Awesome Client @RyanGebhart will answer all
your burning questions. -7:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone Like to invite you all to my writer's blog.
http://t.co/Dy72PAteDI #mglitchat #writing -7:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick I'm a fan of the Stephen King adage when it
comes to revising: First draft, -10%. Less is more! #mglitchat -7:04 PM Mar
14th, 2013
elissacruz @GeoffRodkey But we're all cool clients. Right,
@jgetzler? #MGlitchat -7:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @GeoffRodkey at least two others are listening
in--hi Ms A and Elissa #Mglitchat -7:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Revision and Query tips...anyone can go
first. :) #mglitchat -7:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon @jgetzler *waves* #mglitchat -7:05 PM Mar
14th, 2013
elissacruz Pros, you have the floor to share tips. Then
we'll open the floor to chatters to ask questions. #andgo #MGlitchat -7:05 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk @elissacruz I love the #andgo #MGlitchat -7:05 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick Query Tip #1: Do your research. Make sure the
agent reps what you write before you query. #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart I'm the worst with revisions... it literally
takes me three years to revise a novel. But I know a thing or two about
querying #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Maybe you guys can start by telling us what
your first revision step is after you finish the draft? #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar
14th, 2013
laurenspieller RT @johnmcusick: Query Tip #1: Do your
research. Make sure the agent reps what you write before you query. #mglitchat
-7:06 PM Mar 14th, 2013
PBWorkshop Ready to lurk and learn... #mglitchat -7:06 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone Is it ok to send out simultaneous queries?
#mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig RT @KristineAsselin: Tonight we have MG Pros
@GeoffRodkey @jgetzler @johnmcusick and @RyanGebhart #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar
14th, 2013
KevinTCraig RT @KristineAsselin: @johnmcusick is an agent at
Greenhouse Literary repping MG and YA, as well as the author of GIRL PARTS.
#mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart My biggest advice with querying is: agents are
people. Treat them accordingly. #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 14th, 2013
thedaysbetween RT @johnmcusick: Okay, revision tips. Here we
go. #mglitchat -7:06 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig RT @johnmcusick: Okay, revision tips. Here we
go. #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey First step after finishing a draft: put it away
and don't look at it for as long as possible. #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 14th,
2013
KevinTCraig RT @johnmcusick: I'm a fan of the Stephen King
adage when it comes to revising: First draft, -10%. Less is more! #mglitchat
-7:07 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone I use to send out a wave of 10 queries @ a
time. #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler How many drafts did you guys do before and then
after you got an agent before you got an offer from a publisher? #Mglitchat
-7:07 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey It is orders of magnitude easier to revise
something if you haven't read it in six weeks. #mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 14th,
2013
KevinTCraig RT @KristineAsselin: Maybe you guys can start by
telling us what your first revision step is after you finish the draft?
#mglitchat -7:07 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @rachelnseigel Glad to be here! #mglitchat -7:08
PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz @matt_janacone Please hold questions until we
open the floor to chat participants. Thanks. #MGlitchat -7:08 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey Also, before revising, it helps immensely to get
feedback from at least one (and ideally several) people whose opinion you
trust. #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin @matt_janacone Thanks for participating, but
please keep questions until after Pros share tips. #mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar
14th, 2013
the1stdaughter RT @GeoffRodkey: It is orders of magnitude
easier to revise something if you haven't read it in six weeks. #mglitchat
-7:08 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey This is going to make me sound like a jerk: one
draft before I got an agent. One more draft before I sold the manuscript.
#mglitchat -7:08 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @elissacruz ops. sorry 'bout that. #mglitchat
-7:08 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart I had two agents when revising with John... him
and his bossman. The biggest thing about revisions is patience. #mglitchat
-7:09 PM Mar 14th, 2013
the1stdaughter RT @johnmcusick: Query Tip #1: Do your
research. Make sure the agent reps what you write before you query. #mglitchat
-7:09 PM Mar 14th, 2013
Angela_Goff RT @johnmcusick: I'm a fan of the Stephen King
adage when it comes to revising: First draft, -10%. Less is more! #mglitchat
-7:09 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @GeoffRodkey it also helps if at least one beta
reader isn't related to you or your agent. #Mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @KristineAsselin gotcha. sorry. #mglitchat
-7:09 PM Mar 14th, 2013
laurenspieller @GeoffRodkey so you didn't give it to betas,
or revise, or anything before you queried? #mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart It takes time for agents to read and digest and
respond to a revision. And sometimes there are multiple revisions. #mglitchat
-7:09 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey But I spent 20 years writing other things before
I wrote my first book. And 2 years thinking about the book before writing it.
#mglitchat -7:09 PM Mar 14th, 2013
lebrbria RT @johnmcusick: Query Tip #1: Do your research.
Make sure the agent reps what you write before you query. #mglitchat -7:09 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick RT @ryangebhart: I had two agents when revising
with John... him and his bossman. The biggest thing about revisions is
patience. #mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler It also helps to have a kid or two as a focus
group. #Mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart I think with querying and with the whole pubbing
gig in general is know that you're in this for the long haul. #mglitchat -7:10
PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin If you have a question for one of the pros,
go ahead, but please @ them followed by QUESTION in your tweet. #mglitchat
#mglitchat -7:10 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey I did a lot of revising as I went, and I did get
feedback from a couple of people before I sent it out. #mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar
14th, 2013
RyanGebhart Scoring an agent more than likely won't happen
overnight, neither will a book deal. But if you really want it... #mglitchat
-7:11 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick For beta readers, ask folks who will give you
the straight dope. If your spouse will just tell you the good stuff..not so
useful. #mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @elissacruz I'm glad to be here. : )
#mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey Also, per @jgetzler -- I had a couple of
11-year-olds read it, which was very helpful. #mglitchat -7:11 PM Mar 14th,
2013
RyanGebhart ...and you're persistent and you have something
new and fun and exciting to say, then odds are it will happen. #mglitchat -7:12
PM Mar 14th, 2013
rachelnseigel #MGlitchat @johnmcusick Do you see agent as
largely 1st line editor? -7:12 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Like the one hit wonder who spends 10 years
singing and writing music before the first hit. :) @GeoffRodkey #mglitchat
-7:12 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey 11-year-olds can't give actual notes for
improving things, but they will usually tell you if something sucks. Which is
critical. #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz The floor is now open, chatters. Ask away!
#MGlitchat -7:12 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart But don't be obnoxious. Be courteous,
professional, patient. These golden rules my grandma taught me apply with
agents and all. #mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick Also, know the first novel you complete may not
be the one that sells. It can take a few turns at bat before you hit a homerun.
#mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig RT @KristineAsselin: Like the one hit wonder who
spends 10 years singing and writing music before the first hit. :) @GeoffRodkey
#mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @GeoffRodkey 11 year olds tend to give real
opinions. #Mglitchat -7:12 PM Mar 14th, 2013
the1stdaughter Great advice! RT @GeoffRodkey: Also, per
@jgetzler -- I had a couple of 11-year-olds read it, which was very helpful.
#mglitchat -7:13 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey Agree with @johnmcusick - a reader who won't
tell you things you don't want to hear isn't really worth listening to.
#mglitchat -7:13 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig @KristineAsselin @GeoffRodkey I like that
analogy. They prepare their whole life to get it right the first time.
#mglitchat -7:13 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @johnmcusick BEARS was my fifth at bat. And I
hit a few foul balls in the process... #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @rachelnseigel I sometimes do line edit, but
potential agents shouldn't be the first to read your completed mss. #mglitchat
-7:14 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone Q: How many queries do you receive that are
> 1 page long? #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin To clarify, I didn't mean "one
hit" I meant "big hit"...hit send too soon. @KevinTCraig
@GeoffRodkey #mglitchat -7:14 PM Mar 14th, 2013
writeforapples RT @RyanGebhart: Scoring an agent more than
likely won't happen overnight, neither will a book deal. But if you really want
it... #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 14th, 2013
writeforapples RT @RyanGebhart: ...and you're persistent and
you have something new and fun and exciting to say, then odds are it will
happen. #mglitchat -7:15 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @johnmcusick I agree. I find that's rarely the
case, though--I do more line edits on second novels! #MGlitchat -7:15 PM Mar
14th, 2013
johnmcusick @matt_janacone To me, an ideal query is a 1 to 2
'graph synopsis, 1 'graph about the author, and 5 sample pages. #mglitchat
-7:15 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone Tough crowds are the best, most honest crowds.
#mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 14th, 2013
LaurelSnyder <sneaks in late> #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar
14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey I should probably stress this: DO NOT SEND A
MANUSCRIPT TO AN AGENT UNLESS IT'S AS PERFECT AS YOU CAN MAKE IT. #mglitchat
-7:16 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @jgetzler Same here! #mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar
14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Question @jgetzler & @johnmcusick On average,
how much time do you spend on an author's manuscript before submission?
#mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz @GeoffRodkey and @RyanGebhart QUESTION: How
closely do you work with your agents on new projects? Or is that your editors'
job? #MGlitchat -7:16 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @matt_janacone I get, typically, a one page query
and five pages of story. #MGlitchat -7:16 PM Mar 14th, 2013
ellaschwartz If an agent rejected your query, but you have a
shiny new query significantly improved as well as a revised MS. Requery?
#mglitchat -7:16 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RosanneParry @LaurelSnyder Also sneaking in late after a
loooong drive today. #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart Betas are so so vital, also. I have a few very
trusted betas that aren't afraid to throw salt on my wounds. I am indebted.
#mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 14th, 2013
PBWorkshop @johnmcusick Question: Do market comps go at the
end of the query, or in a separate cover letter? #mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @kristineasselin It varies. On average 2 to 3
major revisions before I send to an editor. Sometimes more, sometimes less.
#mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz @LaurelSnyder *slides over to make room on the
bench* Glad you could make it. #MGlitchat -7:17 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @elissacruz I've mentioned my WIP to John. But I
won't show a page until I'm confident in its abilities to wow his face off.
#mglitchat -7:17 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @elissacruz I actually work more closely with my
agent on new projects, because I don't necessarily know where it will end up.
#mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ellaschwartz If the revision is truly
significant, definitely re-query. I like folks who do the work and come back.
#mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 14th, 2013
ixtumea @GeoffRodkey As a mom of a almost 12 yr old, very
true. Also they know more than you do too. You can't BS them. #mglitchat -7:18
PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @jgetzler Q: How many queries do you typically
receive on a daily or weekly basis?#mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @elissacruz Very closely, but per @johnmcusick it
does vary. I try not to do unnecessary edits, but want to be sure it's ready.
#MGlitchat -7:18 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @pbworkshop Market comps, if any, I typically
see at the end of a query email. #mglitchat -7:18 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey But, re. new projects, it's still early enough
in my book career that I don't know what I'm talking about... #mglitchat -7:19
PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @elissacruz to clarify, I brought a few projects
to the table and John suggested which ones would be a better second novel.
#mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ryangebhart @elissacruz Which sounds awesome by
the way, and I can't wait to have a look. #mglitchat -7:19 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler MT @GeoffRodkey: @elissacruz I work more closely
with my agent on new projects, because I dont necessarily know where it will
end #MGlitchat -7:19 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz RT @KristineAsselin: If you have a question for
one of the pros, @ them followed by QUESTION in your tweet. #mglitchat -7:19 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
thesaturnbull @johnmcusick What themes / genres for MG are
you seeing in your query box lately? What would you like to see? #mglitchat
-7:20 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart Second books are intimidating, yo. It's like,
you now know all the pain and sweat a novel worthy of publishing demands.
#mglitchat -7:20 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @matt_janacone 70-100 a week.varies on time of
year, and increases right after I have a deal. #MGlitchat -7:20 PM Mar 14th,
2013
johnmcusick Often authors have a few great ideas for book 2.
I try to guide them toward the most marketable at this point in their career.
#mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler MT@RyanGebhart: Second books are intimidating, yo.
you nowknow all the pain and sweat a novel worthy of publishing demands.
#MGlitchat -7:21 PM Mar 14th, 2013
cdaleywrite To the agents, have you ever sold a fiction
project before it was done? Or does that just happen for nonfic? #mglitchat
-7:21 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone Q: Do you ever receive queries for novels that
your instincts feel are better suited as scripts? #mglitchat -7:21 PM Mar 14th,
2013
johnmcusick @thesaturnbull I see a few too many Indiana
Jones's for m.g. I'd like to see more original adventure plots. Fewer hidden
tombs. #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone I wrote a picture book that an editor thought
would be better as an animated script. He was right. #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar
14th, 2013
KevinTCraig @johnmcusick so you would actually discuss ideas
prior to any writing happening? #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @johnmcusick Now are we talking Temple of Doom
or Crystal Skull? Big diff... #mglitchat -7:22 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @cdaleywrite almost never. Editors want to see how
it's going to end, if the author can "stick the landing." #MGlitchat
-7:23 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @cdaleywrite I know it happens. I've yet to
attempt such a feat. #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @johnmcusick I wrestle with how much focus to
put on marketability in my own writing. Too much, and you kill the golden
goose. #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 14th, 2013
lucybirchley I did this and my manuscript is so much better
for it. RT @johnmcusick: Stephen King adage when revising: First draft, -10%.
#mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ryangebhart TRUTH. #mglitchat -7:23 PM Mar
14th, 2013
matt_janacone Q: Do you ever reconsider a query you have
previously rejected? #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart Just throwing it out there, but Stephen King is
the reason I'm a writer. True story. #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @geoffrodkey Agreed! I say to clients "Let
me worry about the market. You worry about the muse." #mglitchat -7:24 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @johnmcusick The "golden goose" in
this case being wherever it is that good writing comes from... #mglitchat -7:24
PM Mar 14th, 2013
PBWorkshop @jgetzler Question: does MG HF do best with
houses specializing in educational/school markets or is there room in general
pubs? #mglitchat -7:24 PM Mar 14th, 2013
brooksbenjamin #mglitchat Is the market saturated with MG
fantasy right now or is it something agents are still wanting to see more of?
-7:24 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @cdaleywrite Similarly, I don't recall more than
one or two cases of taking on a client with an unfinished novel. #MGlitchat
-7:24 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @kevintcraig If the client would like to. I
don't press. I'm here to aid if desired. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 14th, 2013
mimicross Great #mglitchat going on right now!
#authorsandagents -7:25 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Question: What tips can you share about the
business relationship with your agent? #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig RT @johnmcusick: @kevintcraig If the client
would like to. I don't press. I'm here to aid if desired. #mglitchat -7:25 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
Koppelmom RT @johnmcusick: Writers: Tune in to #MGLitchat
tonight at 9pm EST! Me and Mega Awesome Client @RyanGebhart will answer all
your burning questions. -7:25 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ryangebhart DITTO. #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar
14th, 2013
KevinTCraig RT @KristineAsselin: Question: What tips can you
share about the business relationship with your agent? #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar
14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey Per @RyanGebhart -- EVERYONE should read Stephen
King's "On Writing." It's invaluable. (Also his novels are quite
good, too.) #mglitchat -7:25 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @PBWorkshop HF? Historical fiction? #MGlitchat
-7:26 PM Mar 14th, 2013
ericberlinct @jgetzler @cdaleywrite Are you speaking solely
of new, unpublished writers with this answer? #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 14th,
2013
johnmcusick @kristineasselin Like any relationship,
communication is key. Different writers/agents have different styles. Talk
about it. #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone Q: How much revising goes into a manuscript
even after it is accepted? #mglitchat -7:26 PM Mar 14th, 2013
Koppelmom Glad to be at #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart OH. ALSO. I just read Donald Maass's Writing The
Breakout Novel and it is an EXCELLENT tool for revision and plotting.
#mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @PBWorkshop if that's correct, then yes there is
room, but it needs to have a very strong story independent of the history.
#MGlitchat -7:27 PM Mar 14th, 2013
Koppelmom RT @KristineAsselin: I'm hosting #mglitchat
tonight! Join me & @elissacruz as we welcome MG agents and authors
@GeoffRodkey @jgetzler @johnmcusick & @RyanGebhart -7:27 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @matt_janacone Several passes with the agent,
usually. Even more with the editor. #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz @Koppelmom We're glad to have you, too!
#MGlitchat -7:27 PM Mar 14th, 2013
mattbrowning This is my life in tweet form: MT @johnmcusick
Know the first novel you complete may not be the one that sells. #mglitchat
-7:27 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @KristineAsselin Re. business relationship with
agent: what exactly do you mean...? #mglitchat -7:27 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ryangebhart YES YES YES. So good. #mglitchat
-7:28 PM Mar 14th, 2013
ericberlinct (I'm wondering if I have to write THE END on my
WIP before finding a new agent to rep it, if I've already published 3 books.)
#mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 14th, 2013
PBWorkshop @jgetzler Yes- HF-Historical Fiction anything for
ages 8-14? #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Have you read SAVE THE CAT by Blake Snyder?
Awesome resource for plotting. RT @RyanGebhart: #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 14th,
2013
matt_janacone Stephen King believes in simply sentences in
'On Writing'. #mglitchat -7:28 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @ericberlinct The author(s) I've taken on with
unfinished mss were in fact published previously. Not on a debut. #MGlitchat
-7:28 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ericberlinct Possibly not, but my question: why
*not* finish it? What's holding you back? #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @KristineAsselin NO BUT I WILL. #mglitchat -7:29
PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @KristineAsselin @RyanGebhart I believe that's
a book for screenwriters/screenwriting. #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Just thinking about the business side...non
writing side. Or maybe its a nonissue. @GeoffRodkey #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar
14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @KristineAsselin SAVE THE CAT is very helpful,
although (obvs.) more so for screenplays. And as with any how-to-write book...
1/2 #mglitchat -7:29 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @ericberlinct Depends on how long since
publication. If you're under contract, that's dif from a few books in the 80s
#MGlitchat -7:30 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @ericberlinct I mean, but it couldn't hurt.
#mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk @KristineAsselin @RyanGebhart #mglitchat My fave
is Chris Vogler's Writer's Journey /threadjack -7:30 PM Mar 14th, 2013
Videosta @johnmcusick The lexile of my book is around 6th
grade, but the concepts are quite complex. Is my book MG or YA? #mglitchat
-7:30 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @johnmcusick I'm a scriptwriter, and scripts
get re-written even on the set. #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Oh, but then you'd be missing out. It's fab
for writers. RT @matt_janacone: @RyanGebhart book for
screenwriters/screenwriting. #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey ...I think books like SAVE THE CAT are more
helpful diagnostically than prescriptively - i.e. to figure out... 2/3
#mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon @GeoffRodkey Beat sheets have changed my life.
I will never write w/out them again! #SaveTheCat #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 14th,
2013
ericberlinct @johnmcusick Oh, I plan to finish it -- just
impatient to get on to the next step. I realize I shouldn't be. #mglitchat
-7:30 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick Novelists can certainly learn a TON from
screenplay plotting techniques. #mglitchat -7:30 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey ...not how to write a book or script, but how to
improve and troubleshoot the book/script you already have... 3/3 #mglitchat
-7:31 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin RT @johnmcusick: Novelists can certainly
learn a TON from screenplay plotting techniques. #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 14th,
2013
elissacruz @KristineAsselin @GeoffRodkey Do you mean what
the agent handles for you other than contracts? #guessing #MGlitchat -7:31 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @Videosta Butting in to say: it's MG or YA not
just by age, but by theme and relevance. #mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin I knew I liked you! RT @AuthoressAnon:
@GeoffRodkey Beat sheets have changed my life. #SaveTheCat #mglitchat -7:31 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @KristineAsselin @RyanGebhart No, I meant that
I know the book as a screenwriter. I'm sure it's good for all writers. : )
#mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon @KristineAsselin LOL Well, that was easy! :)
#mglitchat -7:31 PM Mar 14th, 2013
thesaturnbull @RyanGebhart When did you start your
"author platform" - while writing, while querying, after acceptance?
#mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 14th, 2013
scifi_writer RT @johnmcusick: Novelists can certainly learn
a TON from screenplay plotting techniques. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 14th, 2013
brooksbenjamin RT @johnmcusick: Novelists can certainly
learn a TON from screenplay plotting techniques. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 14th,
2013
johnmcusick @videosta Question in return: who would love it
on the *first* read? Fifth graders? If so, M.G. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 14th,
2013
_KateMichael RT @johnmcusick: Novelists can certainly learn
a TON from screenplay plotting techniques. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 14th, 2013
michellewitte RT @johnmcusick: Novelists can certainly learn
a TON from screenplay plotting techniques. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart Also, if you really want to study how to
properly plot a book, watch Disney/Pixar movies. Seriously... except for Cars
2. #mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @AuthoressAnon (Is a beat sheet basically an
outline? I can't believe I have to ask this...but I'm actually not sure.)
#mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 14th, 2013
sarwatchadda I use a lot of scriptwriting concepts for
plotting novels. The Writers Journey, Story just glancing at my writing shelf.
#mglitchat -7:32 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin I'm easy to please. <3 RT @AuthoressAnon:
LOL Well, that was easy! :) #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone 100 pgs of a script may not seem like a lot
but there's still a lot of re-writing. #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk @RyanGebhart bwhahahaha. Soooo true. Also why the
Vogler book is good (worked for Disney) #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 14th, 2013
brooksbenjamin @johnmcusick #mglitchat I outlined my first
book like I do my scripts. I still use that technique. Very helpful. -7:33 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon @GeoffRodkey Not exactly. It's a 15-step
thingie to plan your plot. Outlines give me hives. (Did you read the book?)
#mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @KristineAsselin I think agent business
relationship is a binary thing: either everything's fine, or something's
seriously wrong. #mglitchat -7:33 PM Mar 14th, 2013
MLConklin @johnmcusick Agreed! Writing screenplays tightens
openings, pace, dialogue, and writing in general. #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 14th,
2013
RyanGebhart @thesaturnbull author platform? Uhhhhh... Well,
I got a year until my debut comes out. It'll work itself out :P #mglitchat
-7:34 PM Mar 14th, 2013
ericberlinct @RyanGebhart Maybe more Pixar than Disney. Some
of those early Disneys are more "look! cool drawings!" than a decent
story. #mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk @johnmcusick Do you wait to work on subsidiary
rights after a book makes it 'big'? or is that part of initial negotiations?
#mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @AuthoressAnon I did read SAVE THE CAT, but it
was five years ago...and I can't remember what I had for breakfast today.
#mglitchat -7:34 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @johnmcusick I often wonder if I should just
adapt a mg novel I wrote into a script - not that it's been rejected yet.
#mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 14th, 2013
katiemccoach Great chat going on right now for #writers with
@johnmcusick and @RyanGebhart #MGLitchat check it out! #pubtips -7:35 PM Mar
14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @ericberlinct True Story. My perspective of
Disney pretty much started with The Lion King. #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 14th,
2013
KristineAsselin Question: @jgetzler @johnmcusick How do you
juggle your time between your clients? Queries? other tasks? #mglitchat -7:35
PM Mar 14th, 2013
AndreaL_Mack RT @RyanGebhart: "if you really want to
study how to properly plot a book, watch Disney/Pixar movies.... except for
Cars 2." #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ericberlinct @RyanGebhart True but Snow White
is a piece of genius plotting that is aped in so many other Disney/princess
films. #mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon @GeoffRodkey Well, I have to re-learn the beat
sheet every time I start a new WIP. It lives on my coffee table. :) #mglitchat
-7:35 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey Screenwriting is VERY helpful in teaching you to
look at stories as pieces of architecture that can be broken into components.
#mglitchat -7:35 PM Mar 14th, 2013
ericberlinct @RyanGebhart True story: I feel old. #mglitchat
-7:36 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Not every craft book/strategy works for
every person. Find what works for you, not someone else. :) @GeoffRodkey:
@AuthoressAnon #mglitchat -7:36 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @KristineAsselin @johnmcusick It's a number of
different juggle-pieces. A lot of reading when not in the office, a lot of...
#MGlitchat -7:37 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @kristineasselin All about who needs what and
when. E.g., my life will be gleefully all @RyanGebhart when his debut pubs.
#mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @KristineAsselin That's very true... #mglitchat
-7:37 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @AndreaL_Mack @RyanGebhart Interesting
statement, Andrea. #mglitchat -7:37 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @videosta Remember kids read up. 7th graders wanna
read about 8th and 9th graders. Almost never the reverse. #mglitchat -7:37 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @matt_janacone make sure it's more than just an
adaptation. Make sure it's legit relevant to your target audience. #mglitchat
-7:37 PM Mar 14th, 2013
Videosta @johnmcusick And other teachers already helping me
edit it. :) #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @KristineAsselin @johnmcusick...fire dousing, a lot
of writing notes and lists. #MGlitchat -7:38 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig @johnmcusick What do you think of authors market
hopping? YA to Adult to MG, for example? #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 14th, 2013
ericberlinct #mglitchat I'm curious whether our agents here
tonight have authors "sign" with them, as in an actual contract. My
previous agent did not. -7:38 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @KristineAsselin @GeoffRodkey @AuthoressAnon
Yes, don't compete or copy. Just compete w/ yourself. #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar
14th, 2013
Videosta @johnmcusick Yeah, my character goes from 8th to
9th grade in my novel. #mglitchat -7:38 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @KevinTCraig He better like it. Just saying ;)
#mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @johnmcusick @videosta Absolutely! Kids almost
never read down. Adults will read YA, but not further down the line...
#MGlitchat -7:39 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @kevintcraig Authors can have careers in dif
markets, but the careers tend to be separate, rather than one large shared
audience. #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 14th, 2013
mattbrowning I outline novels much like screenplays then
build out. Invaluable method for pacing, plotting and creating a scene list.
#mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone Q: If a celebrating - not necessarily a writer
- dropped a manuscript on your desk, would u consider publ. it? #mglitchat
-7:39 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig @RyanGebhart lol! #mglitchat -7:39 PM Mar 14th,
2013
jgetzler @ericberlinct Yes. I worked for 1 agency with a
long contract and 1 with a handshake. When we started HSG we put one
together... #MGlitchat -7:40 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ericberlinct My current agency uses an
agreement, previous one did not. Like the new way better :) #mglitchat -7:40 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @ericberlinct ...that's short and, I hope, clear.
#MGlitchat -7:40 PM Mar 14th, 2013
the1stdaughter @ericberlinct My clients all sign contracts
with me. They're somewhat flexible, but it's a definite business necessity.
#mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig @johnmcusick thank you. #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar
14th, 2013
AndreaL_Mack QUESTION: What other writing craft books do you
recommend? #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @RyanGebhart I think it should have been a
script when I wrote it. #mglitchat -7:41 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @johnmcusick Yeah I never signed anything. I can
get out of this ANYTIME. Sucks I like you so much... #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar
14th, 2013
jgetzler @johnmcusick I agree. It's for clarity and
protection, not to be scary. #MGlitchat -7:42 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @jgetzler Do you and I have a contract? I
remember an email, but not necessarily a signature copy. (This is
embarrassing.) #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ryangebhart Oh that won't last buddy. We're
getting you a Greenhouse contract. Signed in BLOOD. #mglitchat -7:42 PM Mar
14th, 2013
the1stdaughter RT @jgetzler: @johnmcusick I agree. It's for
clarity and protection, not to be scary. #MGlitchat -7:42 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz @jgetzler FWIW, I found your contract easy to
read, and I like it better than the handshake or long contract. @ericberlinct
#MGlitchat -7:43 PM Mar 14th, 2013
valynnemaetani Question: @johnmcusick & @jgetzler What's
the most common mistake you see aspiring MG writers make in their mss?
#MGLitchat -7:43 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @AndreaL_Mack I have screenwriting book
suggestions, but the Stephen King memoir is all I've read as far as writing
fiction goes. #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @jgetzler Exactly. #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 14th,
2013
jgetzler @GeoffRodkey We consider an email acceptance of the
terms to be good enough. #MGlitchat -7:43 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon @GeoffRodkey I have a pic of @jgetzler when he
was in HS. That's how I keep him honest. #mglitchat -7:43 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @elissacruz thanks! #MGlitchat -7:43 PM Mar 14th,
2013
GeoffRodkey @AuthoressAnon I'm not sure that would hold up
in a civil suit. #mglitchat -7:44 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @valynnemaetani Writing in a "wittle
kid" voice, or an overly chatty or erratic 1st person narrator. #mglitchat
-7:44 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @valynnemaetani Wrong age. I spend a HUGE amount of
time in MG and in YA working on aging the characters up or down. #MGlitchat
-7:44 PM Mar 14th, 2013
ericberlinct #mglitchat I was surprised when my prev. agent
didn't have me sign anything, but it worked out okay. I take it he was in the
minority, tho. -7:44 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jordanstratford @GeoffRodkey As a screenwriter, I do this
for every story: Title genre theme longline; a 15 beat sheet; a 40 scene
breakdown #MGlitchat -7:44 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @GeoffRodkey @AndreaL_Mack Syd Field on
screenwriting. #mglitchat I used the book when I learned screenwriting. -7:44
PM Mar 14th, 2013
Videosta @johnmcusick I'm outlining novel 2 about an African
child soldier, but don't want to get 2 specific on where in Africa. Mistake?
#mglitchat -7:44 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @GeoffRodkey @authoressanon It would never get
there... #MGlitchat -7:45 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @videosta Why don't you want to get specific?
#mglitchat -7:45 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon @elissacruz All I've got is a handshake.
Should I be worried? ;) #mglitchat -7:46 PM Mar 14th, 2013
brooksbenjamin @jgetzler #mglitchat Have you ever been
subbed a MG ms and thought it would work really well/better as a YA? -7:46 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @matt_janacone @AndreaL_Mack Robert McKee's
STORY is very good. As is Lajos Egri's THE ART OF DRAMATIC WRITING. #mglitchat
-7:46 PM Mar 14th, 2013
mimicross @GeoffRodkey I'm reading Stephen King's book now.
Love it! #mglitchat -7:46 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin @AndreaL_Mack like Vogler's Hero's Journey
also. Really helpful to kick start a plot #mglitchat -7:46 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz @jgetzler I'm glad I've been through the long
contract, the handshake, and the new contract, though.
#thanksforkeepingmearound #MGlitchat -7:47 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @brooksbenjamin Yes. It takes work, but it happens
somewhat frequently. And now with New Adult...oy. #MGlitchat -7:47 PM Mar 14th,
2013
jgetzler @elissacruz :) #MGlitchat -7:47 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @RyanGebhart So! What's your book about?
#mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick RT @jgetzler: @brooksbenjamin Yes. It takes
work, but it happens somewhat frequently. And now with New Adult...oy.
#MGlitchat -7:48 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin So many great tips on revision, agent/author
relationship, and craft book recommendations tonight on #mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar
14th, 2013
Videosta @johnmcusick I want to make it feel like it could
be anywhere. Want the reader to not dismiss the subject, since its real.
#mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @mattbrowning I work w' 1-page single-spaced
script outlines. #mglitchat -7:48 PM Mar 14th, 2013
WendyMartinArt I'd worry is I were you -> RT
@AuthoressAnon: @elissacruz All I've got is a handshake. Should I be worried?
;) #mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @videosta Specific detail is what makes things
feel universal. Don't be vague, especially if setting is a foreign country.
#mglitchat -7:49 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @GeoffRodkey It's a coming of age story. Along
the way, the MC confronts girls, growing up, and a bear. All up in his face.
#mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @KristineAsselin One point re. outlines/beat
sheets/etc - there's no right or wrong way. There's only the way that works for
you. #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @jordanstratford @GeoffRodkey I just go w/ a
1-page single-spaced outline. #mglitchat -7:50 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick @ryangebhart This is exactly how I pitched it.
Verbatim. #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin This is important advice, I think. RT
@johnmcusick: @videosta Specific detail is what makes things feel universal.
Dont be vague. #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @jordanstratford @GeoffRodkey It takes me
about 2.5 weeks to write out the 1st draft of a script w/ a pen + legal pad.
#mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @RyanGebhart It's realistic fic, yes? #MGlitchat
-7:51 PM Mar 14th, 2013
Videosta @johnmcusick My first novel is set in a real place
and partially based on real events, and I felt bogged down in specifics.
#mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jordanstratford #mglitchat in fact I even outline in Final
Draft, so as I plot out structure I have location, time of day, who _needs_ to
be in this scene -7:51 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart I've never been an outliner. I'm way more random
when it comes to writing books. Not saying it's a good method, it is what it is
#mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @RyanGebhart But the bear is like a real bear,
right? #mglitchat -7:51 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Yes! This -> RT @GeoffRodkey: One point
re. outlines/beat sheets/etc - no right or wrong way. Only the way that works
for you. #mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 14th, 2013
valynnemaetani @RyanGebhart When does it come out? (I mean
when next year.) #mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey I mean, it's not a bear in the sense that Wilbur
in Charlotte's Web is a pig, right? Like, it's a bear that would eat you?
#mglitchat -7:52 PM Mar 14th, 2013
cdaleywrite @RyanGebhart Oh good. I'm not either. #mglitchat
-7:52 PM Mar 14th, 2013
matt_janacone @gregpincus @brainpickers @lisabrowndraws
@edbriant Hey, Greg! There you are. How are ya? #mglitchat -7:53 PM Mar 14th,
2013
brooksbenjamin Question: Is the market saturated with MG
fantasy right now or is it something agents are still wanting to see more of?
#mglitchat -7:53 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig @RyanGebhart me too. You have to find your own
way. #mglitchat -7:53 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @jgetzler Yuppers. I pretty much imagine
handheld cameras being used in the film adaptation. Totes realistic. #mglitchat
-7:53 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @RyanGebhart I write books&scripts using the
same kind of outline, which isn't an outline as much as a bunch of notes to
myself. #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @brooksbenjamin I would also like to know the
answer to this MG fantasy market question... #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @GeoffRodkey Yeah. She's a grizzly in Wyoming.
She don't take kindly to city folk. #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin I use snowflake method to build. Start w/ a
logline, write a 'graph, page, and so on. I don't outline either. @RyanGebhart
#mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick I fell in love with the *voice* first in @RyanGebhart
's mss. Voice is so so so important in m.g. #mglitchat -7:54 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @valynnemaetani Spring 2014... which by
Candlewick Press terms could be anywhere from January to June, me'thinks.
#mglitchat -7:55 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig RT @johnmcusick: I fell in love with the *voice*
first in @RyanGebhart 's mss. Voice is so so so important in m.g. #mglitchat
-7:55 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @RyanGebhart Ooooh. I like the sound of that.
#mglitchat -7:55 PM Mar 14th, 2013
cdaleywrite For the agents, do you get many queries for
books with MCs that are not Caucasian? #mglitchat -7:55 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @brooksbenjamin I'm seeing more "plausibly
real" fantasy, in that there are fewer Middle earths and more slices of
fantasy... #MGlitchat -7:55 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Don't lose your detail in the search for
character. Both are really important. @Videosta @johnmcusick #mglitchat -7:56
PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @GeoffRodkey I really think there is no
"one true way to write and/or revise". You gotta figure out what
works best for you. #mglitchat -7:56 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AndreaL_Mack RT @johnmcusick: Voice is so so so important in
m.g. #mglitchat -7:56 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @brooksbenjamin ...on top of the world we know. But
then I'm less of a sci fi/high fantasy guy anyway... #MGlitchat -7:56 PM Mar
14th, 2013
RyanGebhart Speculative fiction is where it's at. I'm no
agent, but I LOVE books that weave something fantastic into the real world as
if... #mglitchat -7:57 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey Definitely. MT @RyanGebhart there is no
"one true way to write and/or revise". You gotta figure out what
works best for you. #mglitchat -7:57 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart ...it were no big thang. #mglitchat -7:57 PM Mar
14th, 2013
johnmcusick @cdaleywrite Not enough, really. #mglitchat
-7:58 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AndreaL_Mack Question: Any tips for developing that mg
voice? #MGlitchat -7:58 PM Mar 14th, 2013
byobrooks RT @johnmcusick: I fell in love with the *voice*
first in @RyanGebhart 's mss. Voice is so so so important in m.g. #mglitchat
-7:58 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jordanstratford #MGlitchat : @KristineAsselin @ryangebhart
How do you orchestrate pace that way? It would drive me batty. -7:58 PM Mar
14th, 2013
KristineAsselin We're winding down. Any last questions for
our Pros? Feel free to keep chatting, transcript will be up later tonight.
#mglitchat -7:58 PM Mar 14th, 2013
byobrooks Amen to that. MT @johnmcusick: Voice is so so so
important in m.g. #mglitchat -7:58 PM Mar 14th, 2013
EgmontUSA RT @byobrooks: Amen to that. MT @johnmcusick:
Voice is so so so important in m.g. #mglitchat -7:59 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @johnmcusick @cdaleywrite Agreed. #MGlitchat -7:59
PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart @jordanstratford so with pace, I have this to
say. Make sure EVERYTHING you say in your book is relevant to the bigger
picture. #mglitchat -7:59 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk @jordanstratford pacing? I use length of
potential genre broken into acts, then scenes... it's all in the math.
#MGlitchat -7:59 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Thanks to our MG Pros for being with us
tonight. @GeoffRodkey @jgetzler @johnmcusick and @RyanGebhart #mglitchat -7:59
PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey Either make it up, or eavesdrop on packs of tweens
at the mall. RT @AndreaL_Mack Question: Any tips for developing that mg voice?
#mglitchat -7:59 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @byobrooks when did YOU show up? #MGlitchat -8:00
PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart Like, if you mention a bipolar hamster on page
30, find a way to bring that bipolar hamster back into the main story on page
230. #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon I'd say it's so so so important everywhere. RT
@byobrooks: Amen to that. MT @johnmcusick: Voice is so so so important in m.g.
#mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
PBWorkshop Looking forward to the transcript, and TY to
hostesses, helpful guests. #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jordanstratford @AndreaL_Mack Hang out with 11 year olds and
listen to them. Read what they read, watch what they watch #MGlitchat -8:00 PM
Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart It will be very satisfying to the reader... if
that makes sense. Probably doesn't... #mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk TY!!! RT @KristineAsselin: Thanks to our MG Pros
for being with us tonight. @GeoffRodkey @jgetzler @johnmcusick and @RyanGebhart
#mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon LOL I tried so hard to think of something
snide, but failed. RT @jgetzler: @byobrooks when did YOU show up? #MGlitchat
-8:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
brooksbenjamin @jgetzler My MC gets transported to a world
of magic and monsters a la Narnia. Hoping it'll pique some interest. :)
#mglitchat -8:00 PM Mar 14th, 2013
mimicross Haven't been here for awhile, great chat, thanks!
@elissacruz @KristineAsselin @GeoffRodkey @jgetzler @johnmcusick @RyanGebhart
#mglitchat -8:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Pace is where the beat sheet (Save the Cat)
can come in handy. #themath #mglitchat -8:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jordanstratford @AnshaKotyk That sounds like outlining to me
;-) #MGlitchat -8:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler @KristineAsselin And thank you! Pleasure being with
@johnmcusick, @geoffrodkey and @ryangebhart #MGlitchat -8:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @AnshaKotyk One tip re. pacing: when crazy
action s**t happens, follow with a quieter scene where everyone catches their
breath. #mglitchat -8:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
Videosta @KristineAsselin Self publishing- good or bad?
#mglitchat -8:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk @jordanstratford um, yeah. I'm a dork like that.
;) #MGlitchat -8:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon Thanks @KristineAsselin and @elissacruz -- You
guys rock this thing! :) #mglitchat -8:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz @mimicross You're welcome! It's nice to see you
back here. #MGlitchat -8:01 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin @mimicross Thanks for being here! It was a
great chat! #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz Thanks to authors @GeoffRodkey & @RyanGebhart
and agents @jgetzler & @johnmcusick for accepting our invitation. You guys
rock. #MGlitchat -8:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk @GeoffRodkey Yes. Action/Reaction especially when
the crazy s**t happens. ;) #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
RyanGebhart Thanks guys! Now it's time to order that pizza
I've been holding out on for an hour... #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
GeoffRodkey @RyanGebhart I think it was Chekhov who said if
you introduce a bipolar hamster in Act 1, he has to have a manic episode in Act
3 #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
WriterRoss Listen and take in via osmosis how people talk;
still need to channel that into a readable voice. Stenography is not writing.
<g> #MGLITCHAT -8:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler RT @GeoffRodkey:One tip re. pacing: when crazy
action s**t happens, follow with a quieter scene where everyone catches breath.
#MGlitchat -8:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
Saille @brooksbenjamin I wonder about this, too. #mglitchat
-8:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin *blush* We only rock as much as our guests
and participants. RT @AuthoressAnon: @elissacruz -- You guys rock this thing!
:) #mglitchat -8:02 PM Mar 14th, 2013
debTWP RT @johnmcusick: Query Tip #1: Do your research. Make
sure the agent reps what you write before you query. #mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar
14th, 2013
thesaturnbull @jgetzler @KristineAsselin @johnmcusick
@geoffrodkey @ryangebhart Thank you all so much. High fives all around.
#mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig @RyanGebhart #mglitchat had fun w/MG I
wrote-Boys try 2 infiltrate home of town eccentric who lives inside walls &
torments them w/his magic -8:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
elissacruz And congrats to @KristineAsselin for surviving
her first hosting gig. You did good, girl! #MGlitchat -8:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AndreaL_Mack @GeoffRodkey Finally, something to do while
being a mom chauffeur! #mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
valynnemaetani Thanks for all the great information!
#mglitchat -8:03 PM Mar 14th, 2013
johnmcusick Thanks for having me! Great questions y'all.
#mglitchat -8:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AuthoressAnon @elissacruz This was @KristineAsselin's first
time?? Well done!! What a pro! :) #mglitchat -8:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk Great job girlfriend! RT @elissacruz: And
congrats to @KristineAsselin for surviving her first hosting gig. You did good,
girl! #MGlitchat -8:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
jgetzler MT @GeoffRodkey: Was it Chekhov who said if you
introduce a bipolar hamster in Act 1, he has to have a manic episode in Act 3
#MGlitchat -8:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KristineAsselin Now for that glass of wine...anyone joining
me? RT @elissacruz: congrats to @KristineAsselin for surviving her first
hosting gig #mglitchat -8:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
AnshaKotyk @johnmcusick Thanks for chatting with us!
#mglitchat -8:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
KevinTCraig @KristineAsselin thank you and all the guests
for a great #mglitchat :-) Thank you!! -8:04 PM Mar 14th, 2013
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