Sunday, June 27, 2010
Contest winner and another great review
I'm so thrilled. I came home from the beach and found out I have another great review for OUR OF THE DARKNESS. This one is from Coffee Time Reviews.
"Lilly Gayle presents in a detailed, accurate manner a rational paranormal romance. The two main characters in this story jump right off the pages and engage the reader. Who cannot feel for a sexy vampire with a conscience?" You can see the entire review at www.coffeetimeromance.com/BookReviews/outofthedarknessbylillygayle.html
Thanks Venus for a great review!
Also, I'm happy to announce that Rebecca Clark won my blog post contest. Congrats Rebecca. Please contact me and let me know if you want an e-book or paperback copy of OUT OF THE DARKNESS.
Thanks to everyone who's read my blog or my book. Without readers, I'd just be writing for myself.
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Father's Day
In the United States, the tradition of celebrating Father's Day is not even a hundred years old. It all started in Spokane, Washington in 1910- two years after the first Mother’s Day observance in West Virginia. William Jackson Smart’s married daughter, Sonora Louse Smart Dodd, came up with the idea during a Mother’s Day sermon.
During the sermon, which extolled maternal sacrifices made for children, Sonora thought of the sacrifices her father made. William Jackson Smart—a civil war veteran
—became a single parent after his wife died in childbirth when Senora was sixteen.
Senora felt her father made as many sacrifices as any mother. He endured the loss of his wife and kept their farm afloat while raising his six children. Sonora believed strongly that if mothers had their own special day, then fathers should too.
Inspired by Ms Anna Jarvis's struggle to promote Mother's Day, which was in May, Senora began a rigorous campaign to celebrate Father's Day. She proposed celebrating on June 5th, which was her father’s birthday. The idea gained strong support from the town’s ministers and members of the Spokane YMCA, but the ministers suggested moving the date to June 19th so they would have time to prepare sermons to celebrate fathers.
Mother’s Day was endorsed in newspaper articles and many of these same papers carried the story of Spokane’s Father’s Day celebration. But Father’s Day wasn’t as quickly accepted as Mother’s Day. Members of the all-male Congress were hesitant to promote such a day, feeling the country might see such a move as self-congratulatory.
Still, Father’s Day increased in popularity and in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson and his family personally observed the day. President Calvin Coolidge recommended in 1924 that any state wishing to hold their own Father’s Day observances could do so. He wrote to the nation’s governors that "the widespread observance of this occasion is calculated to establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children, and also to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations."
There was still debate in congress over approving such a day, but in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day in the United States. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance to be held on that same date and Sonora Smart Dodd was honored for her contribution at the World's Fair in Spokane in 1974.
Mrs. Dodd died in 1978 at age 96, but most people still accredit her with the first Father’s Day celebration. However, some scholars believe the tradition of celebrating one’s father can be traced to ancient Babylon some four thousand years ago.
Records show that a young boy named Elmesu carved a Father's Day message in clay wishing his father good health and a long life. This was the first documented account of a Father’s Day observance. And although no one knows what happened to Elmesu and his father, the tradition of celebrating Father's Day remained in several countries around the world before the United States proclaimed the third Sunday in June as the official date of Father’s Day.
Many countries celebrate Father’s Day on the same day as the US, but other countries celebrate at different times. For example, Germany celebrates fathers on Ascension Thursday—40 days after Easter. Australia celebrates this day on the first Sunday in September, and Belgium celebrates Father’s Day twice a year, once on St. Joseph's Day and again on the second Sunday in June.
So, what other countries besides the US will be celebrating Sunday, June 20, 2010?
The United Kingdom celebrates the third Sunday in June as do the Netherlands, Japan, France, Canada, Chile, and Argentina. And Bulgaria celebrates Father’s Day on June 20th every year.
So to all fathers around the world, Happy Father’s Day.
During the sermon, which extolled maternal sacrifices made for children, Sonora thought of the sacrifices her father made. William Jackson Smart—a civil war veteran
—became a single parent after his wife died in childbirth when Senora was sixteen. Senora felt her father made as many sacrifices as any mother. He endured the loss of his wife and kept their farm afloat while raising his six children. Sonora believed strongly that if mothers had their own special day, then fathers should too.
Inspired by Ms Anna Jarvis's struggle to promote Mother's Day, which was in May, Senora began a rigorous campaign to celebrate Father's Day. She proposed celebrating on June 5th, which was her father’s birthday. The idea gained strong support from the town’s ministers and members of the Spokane YMCA, but the ministers suggested moving the date to June 19th so they would have time to prepare sermons to celebrate fathers.
Mother’s Day was endorsed in newspaper articles and many of these same papers carried the story of Spokane’s Father’s Day celebration. But Father’s Day wasn’t as quickly accepted as Mother’s Day. Members of the all-male Congress were hesitant to promote such a day, feeling the country might see such a move as self-congratulatory.
Still, Father’s Day increased in popularity and in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson and his family personally observed the day. President Calvin Coolidge recommended in 1924 that any state wishing to hold their own Father’s Day observances could do so. He wrote to the nation’s governors that "the widespread observance of this occasion is calculated to establish more intimate relations between fathers and their children, and also to impress upon fathers the full measure of their obligations."
There was still debate in congress over approving such a day, but in 1966, President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father's Day in the United States. In 1972, President Richard Nixon established a permanent national observance to be held on that same date and Sonora Smart Dodd was honored for her contribution at the World's Fair in Spokane in 1974.
Mrs. Dodd died in 1978 at age 96, but most people still accredit her with the first Father’s Day celebration. However, some scholars believe the tradition of celebrating one’s father can be traced to ancient Babylon some four thousand years ago.
Records show that a young boy named Elmesu carved a Father's Day message in clay wishing his father good health and a long life. This was the first documented account of a Father’s Day observance. And although no one knows what happened to Elmesu and his father, the tradition of celebrating Father's Day remained in several countries around the world before the United States proclaimed the third Sunday in June as the official date of Father’s Day.
Many countries celebrate Father’s Day on the same day as the US, but other countries celebrate at different times. For example, Germany celebrates fathers on Ascension Thursday—40 days after Easter. Australia celebrates this day on the first Sunday in September, and Belgium celebrates Father’s Day twice a year, once on St. Joseph's Day and again on the second Sunday in June.
So, what other countries besides the US will be celebrating Sunday, June 20, 2010?
The United Kingdom celebrates the third Sunday in June as do the Netherlands, Japan, France, Canada, Chile, and Argentina. And Bulgaria celebrates Father’s Day on June 20th every year.
So to all fathers around the world, Happy Father’s Day.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Have I arrived?
I was amused today to see two used copies of my book available on Amazon for $3.00 more than you can buy the book new. I don't know why, but this made me laugh hysterically. I mean really, will anybody pay more for a used book than for a new one? Maybe it's an autographed copy and one of my friends, family members, or co-workers who came to the book signing think my autograph is worth something. Does this mean I've arrived?
I think not!
But, I have had a wonderful week. And the book signing was a huge success. I even sold a few copies to people I don't know. So, I may not have arrived, but I'm feeling pretty darn good.
I think not!
But, I have had a wonderful week. And the book signing was a huge success. I even sold a few copies to people I don't know. So, I may not have arrived, but I'm feeling pretty darn good.
Saturday, June 5, 2010
Today's the Day!
New dress. New shoes. And ready for my first book signing at Stovall's Gifts in Oxford, NC. I'm so excited. And thankful that Julia was willing to host my book signing on the same day as her wine tasting.
Wine and books just seem to go together. And I'm hoping the free flow of wine will entice folks to buy my book!
I love to read in the tub with candles and a glass of wine. But I guess I shouldn't try that with my NOOK. But I can read my NOOK by the pool with a cool glass of wine this summer. And since my book is available in both print and e-format, I think it would be a nice book for others to read by the pool or at the beach this summer.
Even though my friends, family, and co-workers have been incredibly supportive, I'm hoping strangers will buy my book. Lots and lots of strangers!
Will post pictures of the book signing later.
Wine and books just seem to go together. And I'm hoping the free flow of wine will entice folks to buy my book!
I love to read in the tub with candles and a glass of wine. But I guess I shouldn't try that with my NOOK. But I can read my NOOK by the pool with a cool glass of wine this summer. And since my book is available in both print and e-format, I think it would be a nice book for others to read by the pool or at the beach this summer.
Even though my friends, family, and co-workers have been incredibly supportive, I'm hoping strangers will buy my book. Lots and lots of strangers!
Will post pictures of the book signing later.
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
My First Review
Wow! If the rest of my day goes as well as my morning, this WILL be a great day. I just opened my email before going to my "real" job and found my first review from NightOwlReviews. I just have to share!
PROMOTE THE REVIEW: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nightowlreviews/Promo.aspx
Megan Harper is a doctor who’s working on people who are extremely sensitive to sunlight. Her sister had that genetic problem and that drives her to find a cure.
Vincent Maxwell is a part of Lifeblood, a large blood donation bank. He wants Megan’s help and information. He is a vampire and at first Megan thinks that he has the same genetic problem her sister did.
As these two work together more twists and turns reveal themselves. Megan finds out Vincent’s secret. Will these two be able to have a happy relationship. Will they survive to be together?
Out of the Darkness is a Top Pick for me. I just loved the plot and the interaction between Vincent and Megan. The sensual scenes were hot and the ending was done just right. The villains were chilling and Vincent’s history compelling. This was an action packed and exciting read.
PROMOTE THE REVIEW: http://www.nightowlreviews.com/nightowlreviews/Promo.aspx
Megan Harper is a doctor who’s working on people who are extremely sensitive to sunlight. Her sister had that genetic problem and that drives her to find a cure.
Vincent Maxwell is a part of Lifeblood, a large blood donation bank. He wants Megan’s help and information. He is a vampire and at first Megan thinks that he has the same genetic problem her sister did.
As these two work together more twists and turns reveal themselves. Megan finds out Vincent’s secret. Will these two be able to have a happy relationship. Will they survive to be together?
Out of the Darkness is a Top Pick for me. I just loved the plot and the interaction between Vincent and Megan. The sensual scenes were hot and the ending was done just right. The villains were chilling and Vincent’s history compelling. This was an action packed and exciting read.
Friday, May 28, 2010
OFFICIAL RELEASE DAY FOR OUT OF THE DARKNESS!
Today is the official release day for OUT OF THE DARKNESS. To celebrate, I had my daughter draw a name from a list of those who've sent emails from my website, posted on my blog, Facebook page, or fan page. And the lucky winner of a signed copy of OUT OF THE DARKNESS is Nell Yancey Keith. Congrats Nell.
Friday, May 21, 2010
The Power of the Query
Non writers and some newer writers have asked, “What’s the first step in getting published?” And- “How do you get an editor or agent to look at your work?”
Well, naturally, the first step in getting published is having a well-written story you love.
And you do have to love what you wrote. Forget about feeling conceited, because if you don’t love your story, neither will anyone else. So, love it. And be proud.
So, that’s the first step. And believe it or not, it gets more complicated after you’ve written the story of your heart.
Next, you have to make someone else love it too. And that takes time and perseverance. Mainly, because editors and agents don’t have time to read every query letter, proposal, and manuscript that comes across his or her desk. So, you have to wow them from the moment you make contact. And that’s not always easy. Agents and editors alike receive a multitude of query letters every day. So, yours has really got to shine. Which means, mastering the query.
A query letter is your chance to make a first impression. And, you only get one shot at it. Make it count. And don’t drone on an on about your book, yourself, or your experience. Like I said, editors and agents are very busy people. They don’t have time to read a six page letter. They want to see one page and they want something on that page to grab them.
So, how do you grab an agent or editor’s attention without sending cash bribes?
Be professional. And find a way to tell the editor about your story in the very first line. I usually start with a tag line. (See my previous post on tag lines.)
I’ve taken classes on writing queries and I’m a member of a query critique group.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS is my first and thus far, only published novel, but my query letters normally result in the agent or editor requesting the manuscript.
So, what are some things you should NOT do when querying an agent or editor?
No hot pink stationary or weird fonts. It will only annoy the very people you wish to impress. Don’t even try it. Send a professional sounding email or a typed query on plain white paper with a standard, readable font in a normal font size. Editors and agents read these letters quickly. You want them to remember your plot and the name of your story--NOT some freaky creative gimmick you used in some lame attempt to impress. So—NO gimmicks!
Be professional and courteous and remember to say thank you. Even if the editor or agent doesn’t request a partial or full of your work, they took the time to read your query. And they don’t have a lot of free time. So, again. Thank them before closing.
Here's an example--
Using the movie DIRTY DANCING
as my fictional book, this is how I'd construct my query letter.
Date
Editor's Name
Publishing house
Address
RE: DIRTY DANCING
Dear Ms. Name, Never use Dear Editor if you can avoid it!
Start with a sentence that will grab the editor’s interest. I use my tag line. (see prior post to find out how to write a tag line.) A tag line is a 1-2 line summary of your plot.
Have The Time Of Your Life.
Next, add your blurb. This is like the teaser on the back of a book. It’s a 1-2 paragraph summary of your hero and heroine and how they interact in the book.
In the 1960s, Frances "Baby" Houseman, a rich daddy's girl, goes on a family vacation to a resort in the Catskill Mountains. Baby has grown up privileged and her family expects her to go to college before marrying a doctor, just like her father. And Baby has always done what is expected-Until she meets the camp's dance instructor, Johnny, a man whose background is vastly different from her own. Her father wants to ban her from DIRTY DANCING and Johnny, but Baby has a will of her own.
Now it’s time to give the name, length and type of manuscript you are sending.
DIRTY DANCING is a completed 100,000 word romance set in 1960’s New York. This story is targeted toward your Vintage Line. (or whatever line your story might fit.)
Next add brief, personal information about yourself. This is where you brag. Add anything that shows you are a serious writer who has studied her craft. But be BRIEF.
I am a member of RWA and my local chapter, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. (if you have awards or have won a contest, put it here.) My first book OUT OF THE DARKNESS is a May 2010 release with The Wild Rose Press. DIRTY DANCING is my sixth novel and it is available upon request.
(Don't forget the SASE, and don't forget the thank you!)
I have enclosed a synopsis and a SASE for your reply. (of if this is an email query, say Attached is a brief synopsis) Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Lilly Gayle
My address
My phone number
lillygayle@verizon.net
www.lillygayle.com
wwww.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com
If you’re fortunate enough to have a query critique group, send the query to them and get feedback. Then, make any needed adjustments and put it in the mail. Or email it. And cross your fingers!
Writing is a waiting game. And publication is the prize.
Well, naturally, the first step in getting published is having a well-written story you love.
And you do have to love what you wrote. Forget about feeling conceited, because if you don’t love your story, neither will anyone else. So, love it. And be proud.So, that’s the first step. And believe it or not, it gets more complicated after you’ve written the story of your heart.
Next, you have to make someone else love it too. And that takes time and perseverance. Mainly, because editors and agents don’t have time to read every query letter, proposal, and manuscript that comes across his or her desk. So, you have to wow them from the moment you make contact. And that’s not always easy. Agents and editors alike receive a multitude of query letters every day. So, yours has really got to shine. Which means, mastering the query.
A query letter is your chance to make a first impression. And, you only get one shot at it. Make it count. And don’t drone on an on about your book, yourself, or your experience. Like I said, editors and agents are very busy people. They don’t have time to read a six page letter. They want to see one page and they want something on that page to grab them.
So, how do you grab an agent or editor’s attention without sending cash bribes?
Be professional. And find a way to tell the editor about your story in the very first line. I usually start with a tag line. (See my previous post on tag lines.)
I’ve taken classes on writing queries and I’m a member of a query critique group.
OUT OF THE DARKNESS is my first and thus far, only published novel, but my query letters normally result in the agent or editor requesting the manuscript. So, what are some things you should NOT do when querying an agent or editor?
No hot pink stationary or weird fonts. It will only annoy the very people you wish to impress. Don’t even try it. Send a professional sounding email or a typed query on plain white paper with a standard, readable font in a normal font size. Editors and agents read these letters quickly. You want them to remember your plot and the name of your story--NOT some freaky creative gimmick you used in some lame attempt to impress. So—NO gimmicks!
Be professional and courteous and remember to say thank you. Even if the editor or agent doesn’t request a partial or full of your work, they took the time to read your query. And they don’t have a lot of free time. So, again. Thank them before closing.
Here's an example--
Using the movie DIRTY DANCING
as my fictional book, this is how I'd construct my query letter.Date
Editor's Name
Publishing house
Address
RE: DIRTY DANCING
Dear Ms. Name, Never use Dear Editor if you can avoid it!
Start with a sentence that will grab the editor’s interest. I use my tag line. (see prior post to find out how to write a tag line.) A tag line is a 1-2 line summary of your plot.
Have The Time Of Your Life.
Next, add your blurb. This is like the teaser on the back of a book. It’s a 1-2 paragraph summary of your hero and heroine and how they interact in the book.
In the 1960s, Frances "Baby" Houseman, a rich daddy's girl, goes on a family vacation to a resort in the Catskill Mountains. Baby has grown up privileged and her family expects her to go to college before marrying a doctor, just like her father. And Baby has always done what is expected-Until she meets the camp's dance instructor, Johnny, a man whose background is vastly different from her own. Her father wants to ban her from DIRTY DANCING and Johnny, but Baby has a will of her own.
Now it’s time to give the name, length and type of manuscript you are sending.
DIRTY DANCING is a completed 100,000 word romance set in 1960’s New York. This story is targeted toward your Vintage Line. (or whatever line your story might fit.)
Next add brief, personal information about yourself. This is where you brag. Add anything that shows you are a serious writer who has studied her craft. But be BRIEF.
I am a member of RWA and my local chapter, Heart of Carolina Romance Writers. (if you have awards or have won a contest, put it here.) My first book OUT OF THE DARKNESS is a May 2010 release with The Wild Rose Press. DIRTY DANCING is my sixth novel and it is available upon request.
(Don't forget the SASE, and don't forget the thank you!)
I have enclosed a synopsis and a SASE for your reply. (of if this is an email query, say Attached is a brief synopsis) Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Lilly Gayle
My address
My phone number
lillygayle@verizon.net
www.lillygayle.com
wwww.lillygayleromance.blogspot.com
If you’re fortunate enough to have a query critique group, send the query to them and get feedback. Then, make any needed adjustments and put it in the mail. Or email it. And cross your fingers!
Writing is a waiting game. And publication is the prize.
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