Why you need an agent

I found this great piece on why you need an agent that I think is a must for any writer - http://editorialass.blogspot.com/2008/09/why-you-should-never-submit-unagented.html

As someone who hopes to get one soon, I found this piece made me even more motivated to become a represented writer. Not least of all because I am terrible at this contract stuff.

I have probably have signed one giving my soul to the devil and not noticed!

Here's another good piece I found on the pet peeves of literary agents - http://www.redroom.com/blog/ninaamir/agent-reveals-pet-peeves-so-writers-can-avoid-them

Can't believe I won the Pitlochry Quaich for a crime novel

Today I got a phone call. At first I thought it was one of those nuisance callers we've been getting recently who want to sell you a conservatory (we live in a flat), a new kitchen (our flat is rented), a trip to the Moon (too busy). So, I picked up the phone with a great deal of trepidation and guess what, it was good news.


I have won the Pitlochry Quaich for the opening and synopsis of my crime novel Vile City.


I can't believe it and am currently in a state of shock.


I'd like to thank Writers' Umbrella, the online writing group I belong to. It was through them that I was eligible for this competition.

Simon Kernick king of the thriller

I've just finished Simon Kernick's latest book The Payback. It's the third book about Dennis Milne; one of my all time favourite fictional characters.

I've been a long time fan of the man and was interested to see the five of his all time favourite thrillers.

Have a peak and ask yourself if they would on your list and if not what would you have instead -
http://tinyurl.com/6c4oddc
Thanks go to castlepilot for tweeting me the link.

Extreme acting Christian Bale style

Extreme acting to me is when an actor takes extreme measures in order to play a role. I thought it would be an interesting topic, so I wrote a piece on it for Shadowlocked.  

Wondered who I’ve managed to miss out? You see, the trouble with lists as that you ALWAYS manage to leave someone out.

Craving human flesh! Yikes!

Just doing some research for my book, Living Cruelty Free, which I’ve just agreed to write for Greatest Guides. This is a subject I am really passionate about, as I've been a vegetarian for 25 years. The book is scheduled for release in December 30th, 2011.

I came across a page that had ‘craving human flesh. Please help!’ written at the bottom of it.

Did I miss the zombie invasion, or what?

Should all story loose ends be tied up in your novel?

That’s the quandary I have right now. I am at the stage with my first full length novel, Vile City, where I am doing the final edit before trying to get it published.

My story concerns three women who have been abducted in Glasgow. Whilst the whereabouts of one is well known as it’s her story that makes up about a third of the book, the fate of the other two isn’t.

What have I decided? At the moment I am starting to think that in real life things are not always tied up nicely in a wee bow. Sometimes there is no clear resolution or closure.

But should a novel give readers the closure they might not get in real life? If they don’t, will they be left feeling cheated?

What do I do? My mind keeps going back and forth like a tennis ball hit by an angry Andy Murray.

When I did a quick search on the Internet about this, these are the ones I looked at -

http://preview.tinyurl.com/64avo6j

http://tinyurl.com/6go8y67

http://tinyurl.com/alt6p9

 

Working on the dreaded synopsis...

and I am slowly going insane. I would rather walk over broken glass than write a synopsis. But they are essential to sell a book to a publisher or agent. They tell them what the book is about and let them know what to expect. 

I posted on the Writers' News Talkback site and other writers have been very helpful with their advice.

Maybe I will master the nightmare that is the synopsis before I tear my hair out.

In the meatime, I have found author Lisa Gardiner's site to be a great help. Visit her Conquering the Dreaded Synopsis series of articles here - http://lisagardner.com/writers-toolbox.