Live Q&A with New York literary agent, Katharine Sands, TODAY. You comin'?

At 11 a.m. EDT, I will be hosting a live Q&A with New York literary agent, Katharine Sands, about all things writing, publishing (even self-publishing!) and Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop related. On my Facebook profile.

How it works is, I tag her in the post, and we have a live conversation in the comments section. What's even cooler about this is, that YOU get to ask her questions in the comments section too!

So, if you've got any questions for Katharine, even if they're about self-publishing alone and nothing to do with retreats, drop by for a chat! You're very welcome.

Please note, this is a bit of a publicity stunt to draw attention to the retreat I run, but Katharine is fully aware that the questions will not only be retreat-related. She's happy to chat to you about anything you like.
See you then? 11 a.m. EDT!

Just drop by my Facebook profile at 11 a.m. EDT, and you will see where we are. :-)

Please share! Just copy/paste this tweet:

Drop by Jessica Bell's FB page 4 a live #QnA w- NY lit agent Katharine Sands! 11 a.m. EDT! http://ow.ly/y7qiw #writing #askagent

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By the way, I'm going to be participating in a The Writing Retreat Blog Hop this Friday. It's a fun and simple challenge to list what you'd pack for a writing retreat. Those tagged to post should do so within 3 days of being tagged, so that would be next Monday for you. If you'd like to be tagged, please leave a comment and I'll send you more info! The very first blogger to post, will be Debbie Young, today. So if you want to check out the deal, you can do so by clicking here.

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Writing retreat in stunning Greek setting: LAST PLACES AVAILABLE! Get in quick!

The Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop invites participants to their very own private odyssey on the island of Ithaca—a retreat focused on riveting one's writing through an immersive and intimate Homeric journey. This much-anticipated event will take place August 1-7, 2014.


What better place for this unique experience than this beautiful Greek island that is truly a writer’s haven. Ithaca remains unspoiled by the modern world. Even in the height of summer you can find a secluded beach or a rustic corner to contemplate your thoughts. On Ithaca you'll discover the island’s rich culture and the reason why it holds such a special place in the hearts of those who have visited its shores.

Attendees will be thrilled to learn that guest Katherine Sands, well known New York literary agent, and Debbie Young, a self-publishing expert, will be speaking at this year’s retreat, and attendees will not only have an opportunity to spend quality one-on-one time with them, but will also benefit from group workshops.

Attendees will enjoy special excursions, including a guided walk to Homer's School, dinners, complimentary cocktails by the sea, village sightseeing, and a traditional dance festival. The clear blue seas and lush green valleys and mountains are home to one of the friendliest communities in Greece and the Homeric Writers’ Retreat & Workshop!

Retreat Attendees will receive:

• Expert instruction on all topics of traditional publishing and self-publishing
• A comprehensive critique of the first 50 pages of their work, a full query edit, and/or a synopsis or nonfiction book proposal critique
• Market recommendations for their work
• Free books on writing
• 6 nights at Nostos Hotel, including buffet breakfast
• A welcome and farewell dinner, various events and excursions
• Gift hampers on arrival, filled with traditional Greek goods

To learn more about the writing retreat, please visit www.homericwriters.com.

However, anyone attending the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop with a friend, sharing the same room, will receive an extra 250 Euros off each attendance fee. In fact, the bigger the group the larger the discount they may obtain. For more information, please contact the host of the event, Jessica Bell, at: homericwriters@gmail.com.

Bookings close on July 1. Get in quick! :-)

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Getta Bitta Cultcha Intaya!

How to Gain Inspiration from Writers’ Retreats Abroad

How many years have you been writing? Think you got the sport down pat? You’re an old pro now, right? All you need is to keep writing so you don’t go rusty. Just put your head down and write, every day, with no interruptions.

Are you nodding in agreement?

Don’t.

Start shaking your head.

I’ve experienced that mindset on many occasion. Then the loneliness sets in. And I get the urge to become a part of society again. You know... actually meet new people that have the same interests as me.

I’m not a social butterfly. I don’t get a thrill from going out and mingling with strangers. In fact, I wince at the thought. ... [KEEP READING]

*Comments are closed here. Please go to the hosting blog to comment.

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CLICK HERE to subscribe to Jessica's newsletter. Every subscriber will receive Book #1 of the Writing in a Nutshell Series, Show & Tell in a Nutshell, for FREE. And be the first to know about new releases and giveaways!

Somebody give me a Xanax ...

Me and my crazy schedule:

• My novel BITTER LIKE ORANGE PEEL is being considered by an agent. So the impatient fretting must be factored in. You'd be surprised how much time I waste staring at the wall.

• I'm 2/3 of the way into another novel, called WHITE LADY. And loving it. Literary/Crime/Thriller? Really need to figure out its genre.

• I'm 1/3 into my second Writing in Nutshell Series craft book called, Adverbs & Clichés in a Nutshell: Demonstrated Transitions from Perfectly Atrocious Adverbs, and Dull as Dishwater Clichés, into Gourmet Descriptions. You can see the first in the series HERE.

• I'm well on track organizing an anthology called, Indiestructible: Inspiring Stories from the Publishing Jungle, in which many fantastic authors are contributing such as Susan Kaye Quinn, Anne R. Allen, Leigh T. Moore, and many others!

• Critting the wonderful Matthew MacNish's manuscript, Running From Ruby Ridge. Whisper: It's really fabulous.

• I have a few interviews to get done ... whoops, I totally just remembered now.

• Bits and bobs of organizational stuff for the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop with literary agent Katharine Sands.

• Vine Leaves Literary Journal. Never ending. We just hired two more team members! Whoop! And have an awesome contest happening. 1,600 Euros worth in prizes! Bigger whoop!

With all that I have my other life. You know, the one that consists of a day job, that can sometimes be a bit stressful with its deadlines. Somewhere in this other life I also have my partner and dog to pay attention too. Most of the time I have no idea where they are. I should start looking in the cupboards. Or maybe it's me that's gone missing. :-P

What's on your plate at the moment?

Hope you all have a great weekend. See ya Monday!

WIN A SCHOLARSHIP TO THIS RETREAT, which is worth 1,550* Euros, plus more!

Vine Leaves Literary Journal is proud to announce that you have the chance to WIN A SCHOLARSHIP TO THIS RETREAT, which is worth 1,550 Euros, plus more!

If you’re considering a writing event this year, but are looking for just as much of an opportunity to sit down and write as you are to learn from the pros, then how about you write a vignette to win a spot at the Homeric Writers’ Retreat & Workshop, Aug. 1-7, 2013?

It’s held on the beautiful Greek isle of Ithaca which remains unspoiled by the modern world. Even in the height of summer you can find a secluded beach or a rustic corner to contemplate your thoughts. On Ithaca you'll discover the island’s rich culture and the reason why it holds such a special place in the hearts of those who have visited its shores. Learn more on the website.

HOW TO ENTER:

Submit your vignette (one poem, or one piece of prose) at THIS LINK.

• ONE vignette per entry. (If you want to submit more than one vignette, you will need to submit each as a separate entry. $5.00 entry fee)
• Poems: no longer than 40 lines
• Prose: no longer than 800 words.

First Prize:

• A scholarship to the Homeric Writers’ Retreat & Workshop.
• Publication in Vine Leaves Literary Journal Issue #07
• Publication in The Best of Vine Leaves Literary Journal 2013 anthology (print) 
• A detailed first chapter critique by the lovely Dawn Ius.
• A copy of The Best of Vine Leaves Literary Journal 2012.

Second Prize:

• A detailed first chapter critique by the lovely Dawn Ius.
• Publication in Vine Leaves Literary Journal Issue #07 (and the possibility of being chosen for the anthology).
• A copy of The Best of Vine Leaves Literary Journal 2012.

Third Prize:

• Publication in Vine Leaves Literary Journal Issue #07 (and the possibility of being chosen for the anthology).
• A copy of The Best of Vine Leaves Literary Journal 2012.

Find vignette writing tips here!

Contest ends April 30.
Winners announced on or before May 31.

*Travel expenses not included. Winners of the scholarship must finance their own travel to the island. If winners can't attend, they may gift the scholarship to someone who can.

I've got a literary agent ...

Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop 2012

... for the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop! (hehe, yeah, I'm terrible ...)

Those who know me, know that last year the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop debuted, and it was a fabulous success. You can check out some photos of last year's event here.

This year ... the line-up and workshops are even BIGGER and BETTER. We have two instructors this year. Katharine Sands, a literary agent with the Sarah Jane Freymann Literary Agency, and Beatriz Badikian-Gartler, a popular performer in the Chicago area who often lectures on women's issues, art, and literature. In 2000 Badikian was selected as one of the One-Hundred Women Who Make a Difference in Chicago by Today's Woman magazine.

Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop 2012

Here's a quick rundown of the workshops that will be held. But make sure you visit the website for the majority of the details, as there will be plenty of excursions and events to attend as well!

Workshops by Katharine Sands:

You will learn:

Up-to-the-minute tools to organize your thoughts and plan all aspects of your writing and book projects.

Methods of Instruction:
▸ Lectures and Exercises: In-Class Review of Writing, Projects, Query Letters, Proposals and Agreement(s).
▸WORKS IN PROGRESS DISCUSSED AND CRITIQUED DAILY

WORKSHOP BATCH #01: GETTING READY

Introduction to all of the possibilities for your writing to succeed in the new media and literary marketplace. The workshop will provide perspectives on how the Internet is reinventing the writer in the rapidly changing media world. Sessions will spur discussion on how to effectively work with new tools and practices as well as the creative aspects.

WORKSHOP BATCH #02: GETTING READ

Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop 2012

Two workshops to cut through the mystery of getting an agent to want YOU and an editor to say YES .. .and the many ways to create a writing career in today's literary market. Whether you are incubating a concept or already writing a book learn tips on:

• Practicing PitchCraft 
• First Writes to Last Rights: the creative process, the submissions process, The acquisitions process. 

WORKSHOP BATCH #03: GETTING READERS

The wonderful world of promotion and publicity, including how to: get the word out.

Workshops by Beatriz Badikian-Gartler:

Workshop #01
SEE THE WORLD; WRITE THE STORY: Crafting the travel essay.

Workshop #02
I WRITE; THEREFORE, I AM: The personal/memoir essay.

Workshop #03
CRAFTING STORIES FROM REAL LIFE: The nonfiction essay.

Workshop #04
SHORT-SHORTS: The art of minimalist writing.

Want to learn more? All the links on the retreat website are right here:

About Our Host | About Our 2013 Instructors | Workshops | When, Where, What & How | Accommodation |Events & Excursions | Testimonials | How to Get Here | Register Now! | Contact & Questions | Ithaca Inspires

Like us on Facebook

Ithaca: Isn't it beautiful?
Who wouldn't want to write, relax and learn here???

Have you ever been on a writer's retreat? What was the best thing about it?

How to Run a Writer's Retreat: Part Three

This is the last of the posts about the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop. If you missed them, here are Part One and Part Two.

Shauna Kelley asked: If you could distill it down to the one most important outcome of the retreat, what would it be?

Hmm ... there were lots of important outcomes, but I guess I would have to say that it was the fact that we were able to educate the attendees in a lot more than just writing. The island is an amazing place, with lots of history and culture, and I think experiencing a Greek island, along with learning about the ins and outs of publishing, was something I would never want to sacrifice. It's ITHACA that made the retreat what it was. Otherwise, why would you come all the way across the other side of the world for writing workshops if there was no opportunity to explore a new place?

Ella asked: How long before everyone was at ease? What was your favorite part?

It didn't take long at all I think. By the time the attendees were in their hotel rooms, settled in, and out to the welcome dinner in Frikes, got a bit of local wine into their bellies, it was smooth sailing from there. My favourite part? Gosh, I was constantly working and running around, I'm not sure I even had time to comprehend what I had organised. Can I say simply the fact that it was successful? I think the favourite part of the attendees, though, was the Stavros Dance Festival. You can read a few testimonials HERE.

Glynis Smy: What would you do differently the next time?

Ah yes, there is always something I would do differently. I'd set the Homer's School Walk for the late afternoon, rather than early in the morning. It got too hot too quickly!

Talli Roland: Did everyone get along? Any salacious gossip?

Ha! Yes, by the looks of it everyone got along really well, so no problems there at all. I was so so pleased with the outcome. People made new friends. Even I made new friends.

Alex J Cavanaugh: What moment was the highlight? At what point did everything just click for all involved?

I think I answered this pretty much for Ella. Definitley the Stavros dance festival. And the welcome dinner was definitely a good idea. Great way to get people talking and become familiar with who they're going to spend their time with. All in all, it was just fabulous.

Interested in attending in 2013? Stay updated via our FACEBOOK PAGE.

How to Run a Writer's Retreat: Part Two

As I said in this post, I will be answering all your questions about the Homeric Writer's Retreat & Workshop, in a series of posts. Tune in every Thursday to get some answers. I'll be posting until I run out of questions.

Sarah Fine asked: What are the goals of a retreat? Seems like it would be to get away and get a lot of writing done, but judging by those pictures, I have to wonder how that was possible with such excellent surroundings and company!

The goal of a retreat differs depending on who is running it and what kinds of workshops are being held. As was explained in How to Run a Writer's Retreat: Part One, this retreat was very 'how to get published' oriented, rather than, 'let's relax in paradise and pen a masterpiece'.

Okay, it is paradise on Ithaca, there's no denying that fact, and there was free time to write, but that was not the main purpose of the Homeric Writer's Retreat & Workshop. It was basically like an educational vacation: lots of learning mixed with interesting and fun excursions and some time to relax.

I do know that many attendees got a lot of writing done when they returned home, so the retreat proved to be a motivator and the trip an inspiration.

So if you're looking for a retreat to attend, make sure you choose wisely. Personally, I'd prefer to attend one from which I'll leave with a whole bunch of new information and motivation to keep writing. If I wanted peace and quiet to write, I don't need to pay someone else to get that. I'd just book myself a holiday and become a recluse for a while.

How about you? What do you look for in a writer's retreat? Do you want to learn new things, or relax and write? Or how about a mixture of both? (If you want a mixture of both, the Homeric Writer's Retreat & Workshop is for you. To find out what's happening in 2013, check back at the website.

Got any more questions? Leave them in the comments, and I'll be sure to answer them in my future posts.

How To Run A Writer's Retreat: Part One

As I said in this post, I will be answering all your questions about the Homeric Writer's Retreat & Workshop, in a series of posts. Tune in every Thursday to get some answers. I'll be posting until I run out of questions.

The first question I'm going to answer is the most popular one. One that was asked by many, including Shannon Cyr, Theresa Milstein, D. G. Hudson, Lane7, and Hart Johnson:

QUESTION: "I'm curious about how you structured it--how did you mix writing, learning from the experts, (seminars versus workshops?) playtime ...?"

I spent quite a bit of time organizing the schedule to work well with the August heat. This was my main concern, because in the middle of the day on a Greek island it can get pretty stinky. But holding the retreat at any other time of year, would have meant missing out on the amazing traditional dance festival which proved to be an absolute hit with our attendees. (you can read some testimonials here.)

the schedule: click to enlarge

Firstly, as you can see if you enlarge the schedule, most of the sessions were lectures/seminars on how to get published. From the query letter, to getting articles published in magazines/newspapers, to building a platform. The only interactive workshops were mine on the last day, which I will be incorporating more of next year due to the fact that they were very much enjoyed. (woop!)

During free time, which was mostly in the middle of the day, one-on-one sessions took place. We just played this by ear. Whomever was ready to do one, did one. It worked very well this way. No pressure on us, no pressure on the attendees. Attendees also sent their work to Chuck earlier in the year, so that he could thoroughly prepare. Excellent idea. The feedback he was able to provide due to this was phenomenal, and so I've heard, totally satisfying.

We also had excursions to various places on the island. One particularly interesting one, was to Homer's School, where it is believed, Odysseus' palace was. In addition, there were organized dinners, trips to picturesque villages, by the sea and on TOP of the mountains. And of course, the dance fest. You can see more photos on our Facebook Page.

On Kravoulia Beach, singing like divas.

One night a few of us decided to take a stroll to the beach with Chuck and a guitar. Which just proves, despite the full-looking schedule, there was still time to chill out, and do a few things on the spur of the moment. Which I think is vital too. You don't want to bog people down with too many 'have tos'.

I honestly don't think many got a lot of writing done. But that wasn't the point of this retreat. It was to learn and experience something completely new, to enrich lives, to motivate. And you know what? By the time it was over, everyone was inspired. INSPIRED. Everyone jumped back into their writing on their return home with full force. The positive feedback has been astounding, and I couldn't be any more pleased!

In a nutshell, I think there are 5 things you need to remember when organizing a workshop schedule:

1. Make sure you schedule breaks if you have more than two sessions in a row.

2. Consider the weather. It affects people's concentration more than you know.

3. Allow plenty of free time. But make sure everyone knows what they could do if they don't particularly feel like writing or lazing around, i.e. show them where they can eat, swim, etc.

4. Be available. You never know when someone might need you for something. If you are the organizer, do not expect to get a holiday out it this. It is HARD work. You need to be there for everyone, both teachers and attendees, around the clock.

5. Get to know everyone who you are doing business with, and know your destination like the back of your own hand. Especially for when unexpected things happen, such as someone losing their luggage! Trust me, when most businesses shut at 2 pm, it pays to know people, who know people, who know people. Get my drift?

Check out this video I took, while on Homer's Walk. Sorry about the poor sound quality, but I recorded it on my phone on the spur of the moment:

Got any more questions? Leave them in the comments, and I'll be sure to answer them in my future posts.

Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop = Success!!!

I'm back!

Wow, what a whirlwind summer. So much to tell you, but let's start with the retreat with Chuck Sambuchino, hey? I'm going to keep it short and sweet today, tell you about it in brief with some photos (below). There is so much to say that I can't quite summarize all my thoughts into one post, so I reckon the way to go is to open up the comments to questions.

Ask me anything you like about the retreat, anything at all, and I'll answer your questions on my blog, along with a link to your blog to get you a little exposure too. I'll answer one or two questions at a time, in a series, which I will post every Monday until all the questions are answered: How To Organize a Writers' Retreat.

BONUS! If you share this post on Facebook or Twitter (tell me so in the comments after your question with the link), I will dedicate a day to showcase you (and your book if you have one) on my blog, on any Wednesday of any week. From now on, Wednesday will be Author Guest Post Day, on The Alliterative Allomorph. (get in quick, as I will only book Wednesdays until the beginning of December)

The Retreat in a Nutshell:

The entire crew eating ice cream in Frikes Bay, after the first dinner together. From left to right:  Rebekah Dedmon, Beccy Hall, Samantha Rector, Cari DeSantis, Chuck Sambuchino (host), Jessica Bell (host), Heidi Tauschek, Nick Deligaris, Marilena Mexi, Paul Cuclis, Karen Bass, Mike Bass.
(Photograph  (C) 2012 Erika Bach)

Sightseeing in Anoghi, which means "on top of the world", so we're pretending to be falling from the top of the world! Great idea, Heidi. Makes for a fabulous shot!
(Photograph  (C) 2012 Heidi Tauschek)

Expressing our enthusiasm.
(Photograph (C) 2012 Heidi Tauschek)

The welcome dinner in Frikes Bay at Rementzo Tavern.  (Photograph  (C) 2012 Erika Bach)

Esther, the guide on the Homer's School walk telling us all about the history of the ruins surrounding us.

Esther, the guide on the Homer's School talking about Odysseus at the Stavros archaeological museum.

Our first excursion to the picturesque village of Kioni. Enjoying a cocktail or two at Spavento Bar right on the edge of the water.

Workshop outside, at Nostos Hotel in Frikes Bay.

Chuck Sambuchino discussing Publishing Today. In the lobby of Nostos Hotel, in Frikes Bay. (Photograph (C) 2012 Erika Bach)

Paul Cuclis talking with his hands like a true Greek. (Photograph (C) 2012 Erika Bach)

A part of the crew soaking up the knowledge. (Photograph (C) 2012 Erika Bach)

FOR MORE PHOTOS PLEASE VISIT THE RETREAT'S FACEBOOK PAGE.

So ... whatcha wanna know? Ask and an answer shall be given ...

In which I let it all hang out ...

Okay okay ... I'm letting loose. Just this once. I promise I'll be back to my professional self tomorrow. But today I drop some bombs and let it all hang out (you think I can add another cliché to this? Of course!) ... Today, I'm going to spill the beans without a care in the world. (ooh, look at that, two clichés!)

Well, the beans don't have much sauce, but they're beans nonetheless ...

I AM SO TIRED.

I work and work and work and work. And Vine Leaves and Vine Leaves and Vine Leaves and Vine Leaves. And I revise 2nd novel, revise 2nd novel, revise 2nd novel, revise 2nd novel (which I finally have a publisher for, but I'm not supposed to tell yet, WHOOPS!), and I Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop organize, Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop organize, Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop organize, Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop organize, yep there's lots to do, hampers, dinners, mini-van bookings, drivers, workshop schedules, following up payments, budgets, organizing tax dilemmas! CRIKEY! And ... oh there's that thing called cleaning (never do it) and laundry (rarely do it) and eating and cooking, wait, I need to cook before I eat, I should keep that in mind for next time. The dog! OMG, the dog, I've ignored her for days ... WEEKS. And there's those bodily functions I tend to forget exist, and friends I try to catch up with now and again in a hurried dinner near the Acropolis and go home feeling sick because I ate TOO MUCH AND TOO FAST and pass out watching who knows what on boring Greek TV, and what about my PARTNER, whom I adore, who I seem to perpetually ignore because I'm working and working and working and working ... when do I spend time with him?

*inward heave*

So what's the poster got to do with this? Nothing. I just thought it was funny.

Yup. Can I go to bed yet?

I can't wait till August. Can you?

I'm hungry ...

Sorry ... I couldn't resist :o)

Lot's of things on my plate this month, but it's not food:

Vine Leaves Literary Journal needs to be ready by beginning of July and we've had almost 250 submissions, this time around. That's lots of work for two people. You never know, we might need to recruit editors soon! Some stuffed vine leaves (dolmades) would be nice too ... hmmm ...

I'm participating in BuNoWriMo which is Hart Johnson's brainchild for those who find November inconvenient to do NaNoWriMo. I'm also being a rebel and using it to get a move on with MUTED instead of starting a new project. So far I'm failing miserably at 300 hundred words. But I hope to catch up! Please somebody bless my fingers with the speed to keep up with my brain ...

My Fabric blog tour is still going on quietly in the background. Didn't want to make a big deal about it, but it's still nice to get some exposure. And poetry needs it! If you feel at all inclined, please do me a favour and tweet, FB, it or just tell your friends! Thank you to Beccy, Glynis and Karen for helping me promote from last Friday to today.

Dawn and I have teamed up to write an awesome children's series (top secret!), and I've got a huge hankering to get a move on with it because it's freaking brilliant if I say so myself. Dawn also has a ton of other projects on the go, one of which I am designing a mock cover for, because I love to design them, and I love Dawn, so double win! :)

Oh yeah, and there's that day job that takes up the majority of my time. I've also got my father and his wife visiting from Australia in a couple of weeks, so will take some time off for that too.

Ack ... there's more ... I'm sure of it ... oh, yeah, getting excited about the retreat with Chuck Sambuchino this August! And also getting excited about some good news that I can't talk about yet. Hehehehe ... sorry folks!

Now ... I need some breakfast. *snaps fingers* Oi! Bring me a bowl of Special K, yeah, cereal, with sliced banana and strawberries in it, and I want the milk really cold, like on the verge of being frozen but not, ... okay ... a cup of coffee will do ...

Have a great week, all!

#AtoZChallenge: Gearing Up!

I'm taking this week off posting to finish preparing my A to Z posts for April. And guess what? I have a superduperawesome surprise for you all when the challenge begins.

Hint: You know how all my posts are going to be about music? You know how I'm a musician? Well, let's just say it is going to fit together very nicely, and you are going to benefit from it :o)

In other news, if you missed it yesterday, check out my post over at Writer's Digest discussing why literary fiction is NOT boring. Would really appreciate if you could share the link around too, you know, FB, Tweet, etc. Thanks!

A great friend of mine, Glynis Smy, not too far away in Cyprus, is gearing up for something else. A book launch! She is an excellent writer, so if you're in any way interested in historical fiction and feel like helping a fellow author promote a new book, please head over to her blog to see how! I'll definitely be jumping on board!

Also, the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop now has a FACEBOOK PAGE! Please come like us! :o)

Are you preparing for A to Z? Looking forward to it?

When disappointment strikes and hits a nerve ...

Source

I really don't mind the fact that I got a rejection from a publisher on Bitter Like Orange Peel, and found out that I didn't make the quarter finalists of ABNA, all in one day. I don't mind at all. In fact, I'm pretty numb to rejections nowadays because I've finally reached that point in my career where I trust my instincts and fully believe in myself (well ... most of the time).

I'm different. Some people get me. Others don't. No problemo.

These things don't disappoint me. What disappoints me is feedback that makes me question whether 'being true to myself' and 'writing honestly' is really the way to go. I'd finally come to the conclusion that it didn't matter if I got an agent or published by the big six. In reality, it still doesn't matter. I just want my books read and to have the opportunity to get my work better exposure ... so far things are going pretty well, it's early days ... but ... when I read feedback on my writing that says it would have a limited audience because it's too realistic, and contains not very attractive visuals, then I start to doubt the reason I write like this. Is there a point in being true to my instincts if in the end it's not going to help me progress? Can I accept having a niche audience for the rest of my life?

I get that people read to escape and don't want other people's shit thrown in their faces. And you're not going to be able to escape reading my books. You're going to be made to feel stuff. Lots of stuff. And some of it is ugly. Such is life. And I also get that my work isn't commercial. I do get that. I have accepted these things. So why have these comments stung so much? My stomach is in knots!

I don't know. I guess my expectations are too high. I'm never going to single-handedly change the trends in commercial fiction. But I tell you one thing ... there's no way I'm going to stop writing fiction that bites.

Do you read literary fiction? Is there anything you've read that's disgusted you? How did you react to it? Did it make you hate the book? Why?


ANNOUNCEMENT: The Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop has been discounted. It is now 1,550 Euro with accommodation and 950 Euro without. Check out the site for more details!

A great BIG thank you to the fabulous Chuck Sambuchino of Writer's Digest, for teaming up with me for the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop this year!

To be completely honest with you, when I came up with the idea for this retreat last year, I thought it was a far stretch for it to actually take place. One, because I don't have an agent to 'prove' my abilities as a writer.

We all know that some people feel having an agent is the be all and end all to becoming published. They also seem to think it a validation that you can write. But those of us who've been around a little longer, pushing their way independently through the thick mud more commonly known as 'trying to get published', know this is not the case. And now, thanks to Chuck Sambuchino, this dream of a retreat on the island of Ithaca, Greece, is no longer a dream, but a reality.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank him publicly for taking the bull by the horns and making this amazing event happen. Chuck, THANK YOU.

I have to say that, ultimately, it does not matter how we get that publishing contract (or decide to self-publish). All that matters is that we do everything we can to reach our dreams.

It isn't important whether we follow the yellow, red or purple brick road to getting our writing into the hands of readers. Because if you are a good writer, it will be evident. Not only will it be evident in readers' reviews, but it will be evident because you will continue to live your dream no matter how many obstacles get in your way. If you love to write so much, that when you don't write, it feels like you're missing a limb, or an organ, or even worse, a loved one, you will reach your dream.

When writing becomes an element of the oxygen you breathe every day, then yes, one day you will become a published author. I can guarantee that.

This is what the Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop means to me. It's an opportunity, not only to hone your craft and be taught by experts in publishing, but also to forget what is expected of you for a little while and to remind yourself why you write.

Ithaca is paradise and has so much history. It is magical and inspiring and when you sit down to write in a place like this, 'the industry' becomes an aspect of publishing that you can think about when the time is absolutely right: later. When you sit down to write in a place like this, the process of writing becomes just as important to you as the result you are seeking when you finish.

So yes, please do come to this retreat to learn, because you will learn A LOT, not just from me, but from one of the most respected and experienced individuals in the publishing industry, Chuck Sambuchino.

But please, I beg of you, don't come only to learn. Come because you want to live and cherish the process of writing. Because you want to explore the places in your heart that don't often see the light of day. Come because you want to write something that will make readers 'feel', and will make you feel too ...


... Come because it's not only the result that matters, it's the time you spend getting there: Homeric Writers' Retreat & Workshop, 2012.

I. AM. SO. EXCITED!

Hello! I know I'm not meant to be blogging today, but I'm just so thrilled to announce that all the necessary arrangements have been made for THIS WORKSHOP/RETREAT, and APPLICATIONS are NOW OPEN!

Please, please do me a favour and tweet this, FB it, blog about, whatever, to get the word out there for me! I would really really appreciate the help!

Have a great day all!!!