Tag: platform

Amy on writing

The Longest Year

amywestphalcreates

I feel it’s been forever since I last posted here, because it has been. This is the longest damn year ever. And it’s only half done.

I miss being here and feeling like I have something to say. Something to share. I kept waiting for something amazing to happen, something to shout from the rooftops…

I have no such thing. And I’ve decided that’s okay. Being okay right now is okay. It’s the most okayist thing in the world. Are you okay?

I’m okay. I’m here without rooftop shouting news because in the end, it’s all about the journey. Welcome back on my ride.

To update, My querying redux started with a bang of requests and excellent feedback from agents… until Covid 19 swept over our nation. Then suddenly, my voice seemed too dark.

I can’t control this. This is bigger and more vital that any book. A lot of things are right now…

But I won’t give up either. On my 2 year blog-versary, I’ve come too far to give up. And this isn’t a race. I’ve stepped back to work on new stories and evaluate the right avenue for my publishing venture. One way or another, I’ll get there when I get there .

And I’m gonna be better about talking about it. Writing, as we all know, can be very isolating. Community makes us strong. I need to grab hold again and not let go. Words are too important.

Which leads to my last note in this long overdue update.

Words are important. More important? Voices that need to be heard.

I want to state, unequivocally, my support for Black Lives Matter. Although this is not my narrative, I will forever be changed by the magnitude of this moment. Silence is complicity, and I want to be a better ally to the Black Community. Nothing is more vital. We must do better. The future of humanity depends on it. So please-Do the work. Listen, learn, accept, speak up, stand.

To all my dear WPs, ✌️💛 from the bottom to the top.

Cheers, Amy

Find me on twitter @amywestphal4

Amy on writing

Learning the hard way

amywestphalcreates

I haven’t posted or been on WordPress for far too long. And I apologize. I’m still here!

I am heavily absorbed in edits for CAPTURE THE TIDE. I know, still. But this is the reason- I have a real legit editor on it now.

A while back I posted about hiring a service to do a one-off edit. This was a mistake for me. One I didn’t learn until recently.

But it’s okay! I have an editor that I am working with in what I can only describe as a collaboration.

These are the things you want from an editor, and of course I’ve learned this the hard way. As I do.

Step one is developmental edits- big picture stuff

Next is deep edits- pacing, transitions, believability.

The next 2 edits are fine tuning of the overall story and copy editing.

There should be tons of back and forth, a running dialog. Your editor is your team mate and cheerleader. A great editor views your success as their success.

So when looking for an editor that is right for you, ask these questions, allow them to work with you and of course be kind. They know your work is precious to you, and they respect that.

Don’t settle for less.

Cheer, Amy

Amy on writing

WIP IT

amywestphalcreates

As my query responses seem to lull at the pace of the changing seasons, I’ve finally dusted off my long dormant WIP.

Queue applause and accolades.

Skimming it, I’m glad to see that I’m still into it. Unfortunately it seems I’ve four versions of it. I attribute that to swapping between one drive mobile and pc only. But, after stitching sections together I have a decent first draft. Not too shabby, although I rue autocorrect. Rue it I say.

Now the challenge will be to see if I can be more electronically organized this time around. I’m looking at trello and scrivener as possibly tools. Tools used by far more experienced writers than myself. Or maybe I’ll just pants it. I realize that’s imprudent but I regard free form intuition as my most effective creative tool. (I’m also terrible with computers and a creature of handwritten habits.) But I digress…

How do you guys organize you’re WIPs. Inquiring minds need to know.

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

Fragile

amywestphalcreates

Word prompt Fragile. My first prompt piece~

It wasn’t always like this. So vibrant, unyielding. She could eat the world and still want more but this place, it has a way of unraveling you. Like a spool of fragile lace spinning down to a delicate nothing. Froth and whispers. And all that’s left is the cardboard. Paper thin and hollow. Just like her.

What up WPs. It’s been an interesting week. I still await good new from my submissions. But alas, they leave me in silence.

But I’ve been filling my time. Building connections with other writers, forging them in flame and reading their work. It’s been rewarding and insightful…

And most importantly? Stops me from refreshing by fucking email.

Any word promps to share? Drop me a link.

I’m kind of into it right now.

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

I am Querying #8

amywestphalcreates

Hey WPs. Another quiet week here at Amy’s email refresh party.

Waiting is the absolute worst. I thought I’d get a few responses this week but it’s been crickets.

To busy myself I’ve expanded my platforms.

I’m on Twitter. I know. I never thought I’d say that but….Writers congregate on twitter. I’m a writer, therefore I must congregate.

So come tweet me on the Tweeter !

@AmyWestphal4

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

Crossing Over

amywestphalcreates

But where will my book go? I wonder as I wonder though the crammed aisles of Barnes and Noble.

Wishful thinking? Perhaps. But I can’t think that way. I am a writer and I wrote a book. Therefore I must dream of its cozy space on the shelves.

I never set out with a niche in mind for my book. I just wrote what I’d like to read. But I settled on YA because my story, at its root, is very much a coming of age story.

But what if it has mature themes? Graphic scenes of sex, violence truth? Life or death choices and the exploration of love and consent?

Are these really just adult issues?

Absolutely not. Teens don’t live in a vacuum. They are smart and curious, and by all means should be able to explore what the world is like in the safety of a book. They’re exploring life outside their parents clutches already, whether any one likes that or not.

Books that explore themes that affect young adults should be available to young adults. That is what the crossover market is all about for me. And that’s why I’m going to start shopping my book to agents as YA crossover.

Books that deal with themes that suit and interest adults and teens alike have a viable shelf space in the crossover genre. So in my opinion, let them youngins cross that bridge. Better yet, cross it with them.

Imagine having something to talk about with your kids other than the same old? To create an environment of healthy communication and discussion. Perhaps one that has more than yes or no answers?

From this parent, that sounds pretty good.

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

I am Querying # 3

amywestphalcreates

Welp… I got my first rejection. Bummer I know, but I do feel like a Querying author again.

And as promised. I broke the proverbial seal and whizzed off another 4 .

current Count-

5 queries

1 rejection

4 live.

The 4 agents have between a 2 week and 2 month response time. My plan is to keep at least 4-5 live at a time.

In the meantime I plan to finish my read of The Kirkwood Scott Chronicles: Skelly’s Square and post a review for it. If you haven’t gotten your copy visit fracturedfaithblog.com and follow their amazing blog and buy Stephen Black’s debut fantasy novel set in Modern day Belfast.

If you’re already awesome and bought your copy of Skellys Square then I also recommend Martin Strike’s preposterous tales from The Newbury short story teller. If you love British humor this is it. Visit thenewburyshortstoryteller.com

There are so many talented author bloggers that I follow. I will have no shortage of choices. Off the top of my head, here are a few other books on my keep-busy-so-I-don’t-go-crazy list.

His Name Was Zack by Peter Martuneac

Echo by Kent Wayne

Climbing Over Grit by Marzeeh Laleh Chini

Bloom by Beauty Beyond Bones

I hope I can join this incredible list of published authors soon. 🤞 😬

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

I am Querying #2

amywestphalcreates

I have had two queries out for two days and what a stark raving lunatic they make me.

I have checked my email incessantly since. And frankly, there are only so many visits a person can make to the bathroom before it gets weird.

Help.

I have done this before. Twenty times to be exact, but this first go on the second round feels so vital. I really need just one response to to break the tension and let it ride.

I swear it. One response and I’ll let it ride. I will query and wait like a respectable writer.

This includes a good scotch, typewriter and a tilted fedora.

Not really,

More like coffee, soft spoken sarcasm and flannel.

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

I am Querying #1

amywestphalcreates

Soo…

After 6 months of tedious rewrites, I am again querying agents and publishers for my YA SCI FI novel CAPTURE THE TIDE.

Because querying makes me want to check my email every 2 seconds I’ve decided to start a new blog series following the ins and outs of the process. Hopefully it will help me not irritate the shit out of myself.

We’ll see…

For an update on where I’m at, here’s the stats.

Last year I queried 20 agents between June 2018-December 2018. I had one request for a full and 19 rejections. Yikes!

And that’s not even that bad. I know. Thick skin is a must.

I also had an R and R turn into just an R. A little disappointing, but I expected it. I’m glad I revised. I’ve developed more as a Writer and have gotten invaluable feedback along the way.

I’m hopeful.

Current stats-

July 22- 2 queries sent

Wish me luck.

Cheers, Amy

Amy on writing

It is done…

amywestphalcreates

Capture The Tide, a tale of survival, hope and love in a post apocalyptic world is ready to ROCK!!!

Finally! After 6 months I am finally, officially ready to start shopping my book again. I assembled my query letter and my R and R and it’s on. Game time.

By the end of the week I will be a querying writer again. It feels good.

I will update again in a few days, yes a few days. I know. So unlike me but I actually have something to talk about again. Yay!

Cheers. Amy