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Category : Uncategorized
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Continue Reading "Writing that Keeps Me Up at Night"Writing that Keeps Me Up at Night
Marie Prys is the administrative presence behind our three agents. Books are one of her favorite things. Look for a monthly post from this former editor on what she will happily give up sleep for.
February is all about trying to nurse along good intentions for the resolutions I made the previous month. Second this, anyone? Having read a great book for spiritual health last month, it was time to read for physical health. In keeping with yet another well-intentioned resolution, I turned to a favorite place, the library.*
When I was a serious editor, “help” book projects were both a peeve and a plus—a peeve because so many “how-to” books are poorly organized, redundant, and dull. A plus because of the peeve—a willing editor won’t starve amid the great wealth of self-help books in need of significant editorial assistance.
Having defined what makes a crummy self-help book, let’s just say the ideal self-help book is organized well (style!), avoids redundancy, and has the right blend of theory and practicality. The author’s voice should ooze through the writing in a personal way so the reader wants to keep reading all the way to the end. And if the author isn’t an authority or expert on the subject matter, he should find a new hobby that doesn’t include writing.
If you want a fun little read that helps demonstrate most of these checkpoints, see Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (Penguin, 2009) by Michael Pollan. There’s a new, illustrated hardcover version out, but I haven’t perused it, sorry.
More manual than book, the author’s use of brevity (64 rules, 140 pages) and wit make it easy to learn practical steps for better eating. The book has just three sections and can be summarized in only seven words: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” And I like how the author’s voice comes through using a one-liner approach:
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Continue Reading "Writing that Keeps Me Up at Night"
Writing that Keeps Me Up at Night
Marie Prys is the administrative presence behind our three agents. Books are one of her favorite things. Look for a monthly post from this former editor on what she will happily give up sleep for.
February is all about trying to nurse along good intentions for the resolutions I made the previous month. Second this, anyone? Having read a great book for spiritual health last month, it was time to read for physical health. In keeping with yet another well-intentioned resolution, I turned to a favorite place, the library.*
When I was a serious editor, “help” book projects were both a peeve and a plus—a peeve because so many “how-to” books are poorly organized, redundant, and dull. A plus because of the peeve—a willing editor won’t starve amid the great wealth of self-help books in need of significant editorial assistance.
Having defined what makes a crummy self-help book, let’s just say the ideal self-help book is organized well (style!), avoids redundancy, and has the right blend of theory and practicality. The author’s voice should ooze through the writing in a personal way so the reader wants to keep reading all the way to the end. And if the author isn’t an authority or expert on the subject matter, he should find a new hobby that doesn’t include writing.
If you want a fun little read that helps demonstrate most of these checkpoints, see Food Rules: An Eater’s Manual (Penguin, 2009) by Michael Pollan. There’s a new, illustrated hardcover version out, but I haven’t perused it, sorry.
More manual than book, the author’s use of brevity (64 rules, 140 pages) and wit make it easy to learn practical steps for better eating. The book has just three sections and can be summarized in only seven words: “Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” And I like how the author’s voice comes through using a one-liner approach:
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Continue Reading "Reading that Keeps Me Up at Night…"
Reading that Keeps Me Up at Night…
Marie Prys is the administrative presence behind our three agents. Books are one of her favorite things. Look for a monthly post from this former editor on what she will happily give up sleep for.
I cannot give up reading great books—even when the days are bursting with schoolwork, overflowing laundry, potty-training, an author database in need of updating, and the to-do list that never ends. I’ll let Montesquieu explain why:
“The love of reading enables a man to exchange the wearisome hours of life, which come to every one, for hours of delight.”
My sentiments exactly! So at the end of the day, I read. Commune. Indulge. It might be a romance, mystery, spiritual read, biography, or even a cookbook. Late into the night, great books keep me up, bringing hours of delight. This month my favorite was a spiritual read: One Thousand Gifts (Zondervan, 2010) by Ann Voskamp.
I’m not opening the door for theological debate; let’s just talk about the writing. Some would call her style "wordy." I call it art. Her voice is powerful, and dare I say wrenching. Her words reach out and demand her audience to stop, to LISTEN. To respond.
At one point Ann grips the pain and suffering of this life. She voices what we all have felt at one time or another, a plea that she would not write the story this way! And then she says:
"I regret the words as soon as they leave me.They seem so un-Christian, so unaccepting—so No, God! I wish I could take them back, comb out their tangled madness, dress them in their calm Sunday best. But there they are, released, and naked, raw and real, stripped of any theological cliché, my exposed, serrated howl to the throne room" (p.20).
I love the imagery. She takes these jumbled emotions and crafts word pictures so stark you can’t help but pause and imagine them just
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Continue Reading "Merry Christmas to All!"
Merry Christmas to All!
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,
In hopes that St Nicholas soon would be there.The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads.
And mamma in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below.
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tinny reindeer.With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name!"Now Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! On, Cupid! on, on Donner and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! Dash away! Dash away all!"As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky.
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St Nicholas too.And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St Nicholas came with a bound.He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.
A bundle of -
Continue Reading "Happy Birthday Amanda (and other stuff)"
Happy Birthday Amanda (and other stuff)
Lots of stuff to catch up on:
-Today is Amanda Luedeke's birthday — happy birthday, Amanda! Here's hoping you get both birthday AND Christmas gifts this year. (Amanda is a literary agent who works with me here at MacGregor Literary.)
-If you're interested in knowing more about marketing, Rob Eagar over at Wildfire Marketing is still offering his "Marketing Plan Templates" as well as his "Bestseller Website Tutorial" at www.StartaWildfire.com. If you type the word "Chip" in the discount code box, you'll get $5 off the retail price! (Thanks for doing that, Rob.) The materials he offers are top notch.
-A fascinating article on the need for publishers can be read here:
www.digitalbookworld.com/2011/leaked-hachette-explains-why-publishers-are-relevant/
-And some workable ideas on how an author can increase the sales of his or her ebooks can be found on the Digital Book World site: http://tinyurl.com/78b4h4l
-Now that I'm done with my marketing series, I plan to get back to questions authors are asking. Feel free to send me your questions, and I'll get to it!
-I LOVE LOVE LOVE my Nook Tablet. Holy cow. The best e-reader I've ever had. Fast, easy to use, does a great job with the books, has a wonderful screen for movies, and isn't as clunky on the internet as the Kindle Fire. A GREAT tool. (And for those who say, "I could never get away from paper books and use a digital reader…" I can only say, "Yes, you can. Try the Nook and you'll see how.")
-And to the person who sent me Guinness glasses for Christmas: Thanks! If I knew who you were, I'd send you a note. But there was nothing in the package to say who it was from…
Merry Christmas to all!
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Continue Reading ""
By the way… Funds are being collected for author Sandi Rog's uninsured cancer treatments — she was diagnosed with stage 4 lymphoma on the same day her debut novel released in November of last year. This is the last week to donate, as the fundraiser will close on Christmas Eve, but there is some big stuff going on these last seven days. First of all, all donors will be entered into a drawing for one of four Amazon.com gift cards, which will be awarded on Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Every $2 you donate gets you one entry into the raffle. Also (many of you writers will want to click over and learn more about this) one donor will be awarded with their registration paid in full for the 2012 ACFW conference this September in Dallas. And just today, a $1000 matching donation was pledged, meaning that all donations between now and Thursday will be matched, up to $1000! Please consider clicking over to donate and bless Sandi and her family (husband and four children) as she fights for her life. It's been a very scary and faith-challenging year for them. You can help make 2012 a year of blessing and health. Thanks.
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Three quick notes on my weekend…
First, I finished Sara Miles' book Take This Bread. Wow. What an AMAZING read. You won't agree with everything in her theology, but what a powerful, thoughtful book. This may be the best spiritual book I've read since Blue Like Jazz. It's not for everyone (she tweaks the "WWJD" phrase to be "WTFWJD," which may be a bit too salty for some), but it reminds me of Anne LaMott's Traveling Mercies — one of those fabulous books no Christian bookstore will carry because they don't like the language.
Second, I heard great news on longtime friend and fellow literary agent Lee Hough. Lee, who has been battling a brain tumor, got great news from his doctor this week — he's cancer free. Yes!
And third, yes — to answer the questions of those who have been writing, I have a new book out. It's called 40 Ways to Get Close to God, and it's published by Bethany House. Be aware that it's written under my given name — Jerry MacGregor. And no, I don't just do religious books… this was something I had wanted to say for a long time. Thanks for asking. Buy a copy and make my Christmas! :o)
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Okay, so it's the weekend, and we're taking a break from business so I can watch my beloved Oregon Ducks beat UCLA and get their ticket punched to the Rose Bowl. But I thought this would be a great time to mention that I've written a book, entitled 40 Ways to Get Closer to God. Yes, it's one of the spiritual/religious books — sort of my journey for how I wanted to feel more in touch with the Creator. If you're interested, you can read all about it here:
You can find the book here: http://tinyurl.com/83ch5y2
By the way, I should mention that several visitors to the blog said they purchased a copy, so thanks to Ramona Richards, Patti Jo Moore, Don Reavis, and Candace Pope (four of my oldest and dearest friends in the business)… :o)
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Want to do some good this holiday season? Click over to this fundraiser and help a mom of four beat stage four lymphoma by participating in the raffle! Tickets are only $5 each, and as you can see, there are LOADS of prizes, which will be raffled off starting the 25th. And don't forget to sign up to receive email notifications so you know when your favorite prize packages are being raffled off!
http://fundraiserforsandirog.blogspot.com/2011/11/packages.html
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Continue Reading "Time to Start Writing"
Time to Start Writing
A year ago I decided to take some time away from from blogging. I was tired, becoming repetitive, and ready to take a break. So I took a year off. I've had a lot of people tell me, "You can't just take a year away from writing — it won't work." But… I did. So here I am, back to it.
I love to write. I love to talk about writing. So, here I am, back to writing my blog. The focus is to offer advice, tips, and wisdom to those who want to write and get published. I hope you find it helpful.
And yes, it feels good to be back.
-Chip MacGregor