First Page CritiquesRay Rhamey is offering free critiques of the first page (the first 16 lines) of your novel at his website, Flogging the Quill. He is a terrific writer and editor and someone I've come to greatly respect in the online community, so please feel free to check out his website and consider taking the FTQ Challenge: Can you craft a first page that is so compelling, even a harassed, overworked editor who is trying to clear their desk at the end of the day wants to read more of your manuscript?
I also love his book by the same title: Flogging the Quill: Crafting a Novel that Sells. I highly recommend it as a resource on the craft of writing for anyone seeking publication. It's very readable and immediately applicable. Certain things "clicked" for me when I read Ray's book that just hadn't made the connection before. Special features include the large, workbook-style format, exercises to do yourself (include sample passages to critique) and funny cartoons illustrating key points.
Also, speaking of critiques, my re-re-re-revised first scene should be appearing at *Fiction Groupie* sometime soon.
Blogfests - Feeding the Addiction
There are quite a few blogfests happening in June and July.
Dream Sequence Blogfest hosted by Amalia T. at on June 4th
Beach Scene Blogfest hosted by Rachel Bateman on June 5th
Bad Boy Blogfest hosted by Tina Lynn at Sweet Niblets on June 20th
and the
Scene of Death Blogfest hosted by Tessa at Tessa's Blurb on July 18th
For a complete list of summer blogfest fun, checkout the Write Runner's master blogfest list.
Awards
I can't believe this incredible group of supportive writers and friends I've met in the past couple of years. The writing/blogging community is truly an amazing thing.
Thanks also to Laurel at Laurel's Leaves for the Beautiful Blogger Award. Your blog is also beautiful, with very thought-provoking posts. I'm so glad we've met! Your two posts on overwriting are in the "Useful Resources" list on the sidebar.I have been spending waaaaayyyy too much time blogging the past couple of weeks. I need to really get cracking on my revisions if I'm going to finish by the end of July.
So, although I do plan to participate in the upcoming blogfests, if you see me online goofing off, I give you permission to say, "Hey Christine, get back to work!"Clipart courtesy of graphicgarden.com
Nice awards!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to Ray. Seems like an interesting site. I don't know that I'd post my first page though - I'll have to give it some serious thought. I think what he looks for is flash and pizzaz. Not sure I want that for my opening, as my novel is more about the emotional journey than the action.
Food for thought though. Thanks.
........dhole
Not necessarily, Donna. What he's looking for is a good story idea that's interesting enough to keep reading, and solid writing. You'd be surprised some of the things he likes. I think the input from other followers is just as valuable as Ray's own comments. He's an excellent editor - gives very good writing advice, regardless of content.
ReplyDeleteYou may want to considier submitting yours to Roni at Fiction Groupie. There's a more relaxed, literary atmosphere there.
i gave you the same award that Christine D. gave you, but for a little different reason. :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the info on the blogfests! I'm thrilled to have found your blog through Rachelle's. It's always nice to hang out with other Christian writers.
ReplyDeleteI definitely agree, T. Anne! Thanks for dropping by.
ReplyDeleteCongrats on the awards. :) THanks for the blogfest info. Have a great weekend.
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