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Monday, October 30, 2006
Whining will get you everywhere!So I guess it proves that once you whine about something you get results (not like anyone heard me). My second proof
arrives on the 1st. I have the list of corrections to double check, and if all went well I sign the form, return it
in the mail and the book becomes available online for purchase. I am going to send that proof and one other corrected
one to the Library of Congress. I just couldn't bring myself to send the messed up ones. I have even prepared the cataloging
information for it. All I need is the contract filled out, signed and a check made out to the LoC. It takes 3
months for them to return the copyright form as completed. Then it becomes my official property! More on Wednesday...
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Thoughts...Well I'm still waiting for the second proof to come. It's been 2 weeks since they received it, but then again,
I'm not the only person they have to deal with. I guess I am just at the point where I want it finished and ready
for readers. It's hard to believe it's been two years since I wrote it. It was at a time when I had decided to get
my AA degree in history over with. It was a sort of therapy, and the story just spilled out. I also want to get it sold
and promoted so I can afford to print the second one. That story has a nasty protagonist who is in the present day.
I didn't think I had it in me to create someone so nasty, but apparently I do. I realized the trouble with my third
story was that I didn't have a strong protagonist in the past or the present and that was why I was avoiding the ending.
Everyone was too nice. But then someone can be killed by someone without totally malicious tendencies can't they?
That was what I had to decide. Sometimes murder happens without pre-planning or forethought. It's simply an act of passion.
So once I realized that, the end started coming a little easier. I also have Lydia take a bold step and do some
things on her own without her support group. Christian was the one who suggested I needed to put some conflict into
Lydia's life besides her kids, job and the genealogical society library. So it's nice to say I'm back on
track writing wise. We attended my brother's Halloween party last night and I was Jane Austen. I figured
what better thing to be than a writer being a writer...my husband was an undertaker, my oldest a girl scout, my son was a
comando and my youngest was Elizabeth from the Pirate's of the Carribean movie and my future son in law was a ninja in
progress...What are you going to be? Happy holiday-
Monday, October 23, 2006
Lots to do!Well this last weekend was the South Bay Cities Genealogical Society workshop in conjunction with the
Family History Center on Kent St. in Torrance. There were 120 people in attendance and it was really
nice. There were three sessions of classes and in between each session the attendees could come into the gym/meeting
hall and ask us questions on various topics.
I have been vital records for years. The past two workshops I have done both land and vital, this year I was back
to just one topic. I like land too, but it's easier to deal with just one thing instead of trying to change topics every
few seconds.
I really enjoy doing this community service event each year. Plus there are so many interesting questions.
Haven't heard how the proof corrections are coming. I suppose I'll know when they send it back UPS. One of my genealogy
friends was looking for how to purchase. Since it isn't available yet, I changed my website heading to give a rough
estimate.
More soon...
Friday, October 20, 2006
Back at it...Well two things happened this week, well actually it started last week...My proof got mailed back to the printer and
recieved on Saturday...and Body in Paradise went to the printers. I have mixed feelings on the second
since I had started working (and almost finished) the third Lydia Proctor book. So now I am trying not to panic thinking
I HAVE to finish it like--yesterday, because all my editorial duties will pick up again. I think I will see the next issue
through and then ask them to find someone else.
I REALLY want to get my book promoted, and I cannot do both if I am struggling with getting a magazine to print.
If this proof is clean my book will be ready to promote and purchase as soon as I return it to the printer with the signed
agreement. I have waited my whole life for this opportunity and don't want it over shadowed. Such choices to make in life!
Until my second proof returns...
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Proofing Woes...Well I didn't think something could take so long, or cause so many disagreements. I have learned three things from this
whole proofing experience: 1) make sure when you ask someone to read it one more time before you send it
to print, that they do so; 2) Check quotation punctuation like there is no tomorrow--whether you think it
looks right or not; 3) Don't lose face when your corrections top 65.
It's true that when you look at it in book form all those horrible mistakes you made just jump off the paper and slap
you in the face. That's when you have to take stock in what is more important: deleting a word that doesn't belong or changing
that period to a comma during a conversation. Making sure all your windings are there, or making sure he and she and it is
correct. Yuck.
So my book in the end may not be perfect, but it won't change the story. And if someday some big publisher does come
along, and decides they love it and can't live without publishing a second edition then they can fix the commas and periods.
With my blessings.
Tuesday, October 3, 2006
Google!Well I am now part of the elite word of Google (okay maybe not so elite...). I tried it today since I hadn't for some
time and low and behold lydiaproctormysteries was #1 on the first page. Using my name Laurie Pooler Pelayo
also put me on the first page, but like sixth down from the top. An Old Fashioned Murder + Pelayo got
a page all to itself. Didn't realize how many mysteries there are with that title. I swear I did one good search not too long
ago and came up with random hits. Oh well...Agatha Christie was one of them, so I am in good company!
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