Nadia x
Taken from 'Write what you know' – 24 comments
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Caroline said...
- Hello (waves) - am I the first to blog on your new blogsite? (Love the title BTW). Got the link from NV. Good luck - Caroline x
- 29 September 2010 18:22
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Amalie said...
- This is an awesome idea. Also got the link from the NV website! Regarding my thoughts, can I say I don't know? :) I'm not sure whether I think you have to have lived something to Know it. With my main fiction favorite focused on the paranormal/sci-fi/otherworldly bent, I think if you spend enough time in your head in the world you've built, whatever the laws and theme of that world is, you'll know it. Maybe the devil is in the details in this regard, in the mundane, in the real-life bits that you can't simply make up to suit you (as you can in your imagined world). Good question though, definite food for thought.
- 29 September 2010 18:29
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Christine said...
- Waves from me too! Also got the link from the NV web site. I'll be following along regularly. Nadia what is the title and category of your entry? I haven't had a lot of time to read many so far so would love to pop back and read it. I entered quite late so only got two comments. Chris (Courtney Cole)
- 29 September 2010 18:34
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Amalie said... - Christine: If you go to the comment where you read this link, and click on Nadia's name, it'll take you to her page where you can jump to a link of her story.
- 29 September 2010 19:15
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Nadia Damon said...
- Hi Caroline! Thank you for posting - I had that sudden sinking feeling after I set this up that no one would be interested and I would be exposed as Billy No Mates in Cyberspace!!! LOL. Best regs, Nadia
- 29 September 2010 19:20
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Faye said... - Hi Nadia, yes I came through NV too. I was hoping to find a group where I could chat about writing so I'm keen to join in! My entry was paranormal and I come from a background of sci fi and fantasy. I agree less is more with show not tell and I try to weave background and details in subtly (not sure if it works though!) I'm not great with description anyway, I tend to prefer dialogue and inner musing! Good to meet you guys, I'm off to read your entries now!
- 29 September 2010 19:55
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Christine said... - Nadia, Found your chapter and left a comment. Really liked it a lot and want to read more. I liked your character's and your descriptions were great. Good luck with it. Chris. PS Thanks, Amalie.
- 29 September 2010 20:10
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Nadia Damon said... - Hi Amalie, Don’t know works for me! Having read some of the historical entries and comments on the NV site, I can see that a lot of people know their favoured era inside out, but I still suspect that having that knowledge is no guarantee that you’ll feel comfortable writing about it. My own personal feeling is that it’s a combination of the two: once you have the knowledge, your mind somehow switches to a more relaxed mode – enabling you to simply cherry-pick relevant items from this historical or virtual world as you see fit. Which in turns helps it come across in a much stronger way. I think you’re right about spending enough time in your world that you eventually know it – by its very nature, such a detailed degree of invention must lead your brain to eventually think it’s an authority anyway!
- 29 September 2010 20:17
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Francine said...
- Hi Nadia, Huge step starting a blog, isn't it!. I started mine last year, the first in a long line of failed participants of the 2009 M&B NV contest. That one was not as open as this years contest, hence some of us posted our failed chapters online for public scrutiny!!! Needless to say, allowing anonymous comments drew forth some that were kind of cruel and unnecessary. But, that said, to succeed in the world of publishing the first thing to acquire is thick skin and to let the knocks roll off like water! I feel the best thing I ever did was setting up my blog. I've met some incredible writers worldwide besides the writing groups I belong to, and found likeminded friends keen to expand their horizons. Between us all we have riotous fun with blogfests and online get-togethers, so please feel free to join in the fun. best F
- 29 September 2010 20:18
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Nadia Damon said...
- Hi Chris, Thanks for your post - and welcome!!! Also many thanks for leaving a comment on 'Love on the dotted line...' I'll off there now to read it!!! This was my first attempt at a romance and I really enjoyed it so am planning to keep going with the story. I'll have a read of yours too. :o)
- 29 September 2010 20:26
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Nadia Damon said... - Thanks for your lovely comments, Faye – I’m going to go and check your chapter out now!
- 29 September 2010 20:26
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Christine said... - Hi Nadia, You're very welcome. I meant every word. I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have a soft spot for Jack Russel's :-) My parents lost one last week sadly, but have a new 10 week old addition to help ease the pain. I am trying to toughen up by putting my work out there, so any comments good or bad will be greatly appreciated.
- 29 September 2010 20:31
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Nadia Damon said... - Hi Francine, Yes - it feels like a huge step now that I have some real participants!!! I'm loving it though... I'll definitely check out your blog too as I'm new to all this. My sincere wish is that 'constructive' criticism becomes the thing here... I've got quite a thick skin when it comes to the often brutal editing that is a fact of life when it comes to filling a magazine or newspaper - or when someone feels the need to massage their ego - but fiction feels a lot more personal, so I would hate to think that anyone posting here would get trampled on.
- 29 September 2010 20:35
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Faye said... - Hi Christine, have just left a comment :) Amalie, what's your entry called? Can't find you! Can I suggest that if we post here we leave our story name? (Mine's Midnight Shaman Wanton Witch, although I think I might change it when I submit it. )
- 29 September 2010 20:38
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Christine said... - Nadia, Hope you don't mind my replying to Faye on your blog. Don't intend to hijack it :-) Faye, Thanks so much for your comment on my NV entry. Yes I do tend to head hop a lot. Did you get confused as to who was saying what or who was thinking what? I've read that it's OK to change POV as long as you show who's POV you're in. Still a lot to learn here :-) I'm working on chp 2 but not sure about how much further I'll go with it. Will pop over and have a read of yours too. Thanks again.
- 29 September 2010 21:11
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Faye said... - Hi Christine No I didn't get confused, you made it quite clear, I just thought it was the done thing to stay in one pov unless you mark a section break. What does everyone else think? I liked your story though. I'd always be happy to read more if you'd like an opinion. BTW what's everyone's opinion on whether to finish a book after you've sent off a partial and synopsis? I've written a few books that haven't been published (not M&B) and thought I'd wait and see if I have any success before writing the whole thing to Midnight. But is that a mistake? Anyone got any advice?
- 29 September 2010 21:23
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Nadia Damon said... - Hi everyone! I'm more than happy to host discussions on the NV entries - I've set up a separate post though so that everything's in the right place... Best regards, Nadia
- 29 September 2010 21:32
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Francine said... - Hi, Re separate post for NV entries! It's possible on blogspot to post a set-aside page with comments. That way a specific TITLE will not disappear into the blog archives. To keep it in prime position it can be posted directly below followers. If you're not sure how it works: go to New Post, look at the toolbar and select New Page and then option for comments. When posted as a page go to design and you'll see how to move it around: drag 'n' drop up and down. BTW, I posted my entry up at the last minute on the M&B site: "Unbidden Billionaire Legacy". best F
- 29 September 2010 22:18
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Nancy said... - Hi Nadia, I found your blog through NV, too. I have been so impressed with the writing and hope to see a number of folks that did not place in the top 10 go ahead and submit, too. I commented on my take with head hopping over in the NV comments and suggestions. I spent August doing the medical fast track, so I sat NV out to catch my breath and work on something new for the editors.
- 30 September 2010 02:19
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Amalie said... - Mine entry is a paranormal as well: Unlikely Aphrodite. This was the first contest I had ever participated in, and boy oh boy was it nerve wracking. Both in a good way and in a *barf* way. I keep telling myself that next year I will be published and that will keep me from feeling compelled to enter! I also participated in the August Fast track for medicals. Since we were allowed to sub unfinished MS for that, I am busily writing mine. They asked for a full, which is why I subbed under my real name on the NV thing. Figured: a) they know that name, b) it was all contract and legaly so real name seemed right. If you ladies have never stopped by eHarlequin.com, there is a writing forum where folks also share plenty of tips and support! I'll keep sticking around here too (as long as I don't get distracted by something shiny. That happens sometimes...) http://community.eharlequin.com/forums/write-stuff
- 30 September 2010 04:19
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Amalie said... - I keep posting and then thinking of something else to say! Will try to read chapters tomorrow! I took off like... three weeks on the medical ms and I'm afraid of not getting it finished now that they have shown at least an eagerness to read the rest. Scary, in a really good way.
- 30 September 2010 04:20
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Nadia said... - Thanks Francine - I'll do that - thanks for the tip. :o) I'll check out your chapter today too!
- 30 September 2010 06:57
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Nadia said... - Amalie: That's fantastic news about your MS - good luck with it all! I hope you don't encounter anything shiny enough to keep you away from this site though. :o)
- 30 September 2010 07:03
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Nadia said... - Hi Christine, Sorry to hear about your parents' pooch - they really become a part of the family, don't they... Milo is based on my friend's dog Hetty. I thought a dog would be the perfect way to keep Susie in that field. I love having an imaginary world to play with, don't you?!!!
- 30 September 2010 07:20
Taken from original 'NV feedback and discussion' – 7 comments:
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Christine said... - Thanks,Nadia. Faye, I just left a comment on NV. Really enjoyed your entry.
- 29 September 2010 21:49
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Nadia Damon said... - Right - now I'm behind with my reading!!! I'll make sure I read your entries tomorrow!
- 29 September 2010 21:50
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Faye said... - Thanks Christine, really appreciate you taking the time! and thanks Nadia for setting this up. it has been nice to meet a few new people :)
- 29 September 2010 22:12
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Nancy said... - >> Faye, Thanks so much for your comment on my NV entry. Yes I do tend to head hop a lot. Did you get confused as to who was saying what or who was thinking what? I've read that it's OK to change POV as long as you show who's POV you're in. Still a lot to learn here :-)<< Christine (and Faye, too) I am reading a story written by a Mills & Boon author where there may be POV shifts between the hero and heroine every other paragraph. The next section my go anywhere from 2-3 paras in one POV to 2-3 pages in one POV. Despite the rapid shifts in POV the execution is excellent, the tension is marvelous and there is never any doubt who is thinking, feeling and emoting in any given paragraph. I enjoy the immediacy of action/reaction in this type of writing. Oh, BTW, I participated in the medical fast track in August and too exhausted submit in NV. But I have been impressed with the quality or writing.
- 30 September 2010 02:08
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Faye said... - Hi that's really interesting Nancy and Christine I therefore apologize for criticizing you for POV jumps. Guess you learn something new every day! :)
- 30 September 2010 05:36
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Nadia said... - Hi Nancy, Christine & Faye: Thanks for getting our first proper discussion going! I really hope we can keep up the momentum after the NV buzz has died down and I won't be left to switch the light off. :o)
- 30 September 2010 07:14
Hi Faye,
ReplyDeleteJust finished reading 'Midnight Shaman, Wanton Witch' and have left you a comment on the NV site. Wanted to congratulate you on a job well done here too though. I absolutely love the idea and really hope you do write it. The sexual chemistry between them is incredible. I have to admit, I did chuckle when he said: "Close your portal" - but I guess that's me and my dirty mind!!!
Really good luck with it - and make sure you keep me posted on what happens re a possible submission. I don't think I'm ready to let Damian go just yet. :o))
I'm being slow with reading/commenting! I did read Nadia's and commented! I liked it a great deal, and I left some very spammy feedback in comments at the end of the chapter.
ReplyDeleteThanks Amalie - I've just been reading your post. Such detailed feedback is great. I'm delighted that my C1 has gone down so well with other readers - and I plan to keep writing it. :o) I wouldn't worry about lagging behind with NV reads and comments - it sounds as though you've got quite enough on your plate at present!
ReplyDeleteMorning peeps,
ReplyDeleteNot that this is going to escape your attention, I'm sure, but thought I would post a quick note to say that NV organisers are offering to critique some more entries. Click here to post a comment and get your name in the hat!
Yes already have my name in the hat, Nadia. All part of the new me and opening myself up for criticism,the good and the bad. Have to toughen up!
ReplyDeleteDon't know what was up with my comp but wouldn't let me post for a while.
Excellent! I am in the hat too - so hopefully we'll both be picked!
ReplyDeleteHi ladies, just checking in and saying hi! Seriously though, I can't pimp eHarlequin.com enough, there is a wealth of information there. http://tinyurl.com/4kku8a
ReplyDeleteThere's a thread called BI3M which has a bunch of articles from Harlequin/Mills&Boon authors at the top, designed to get you through a novel from start to finish and hit all the points that potentially monkey up the works for people. They're awesome.
There is also a fantastic site with spreadsheets for Internal/External GMC, so you can work through those pesky confusing bits in an easy way: http://tinyurl.com/3y4b2a2
I'm trying to think of any other sites that could be good, there are a wealth of them, but those are my favorites! There's a lot more than BI3m on eHarl, writing guidelines and all sorts of editor podcasts if you go to the Harlequin Extras tab, even free online reads (short stories in the form of the line they represent) so you can get a feel for the writing style of each category - or at least large section of them.
Thanks Amalie - I'll check those links out. :o)
ReplyDeleteHey Nadia and gang!
ReplyDeleteSorry I'm late to the party Nadia. Sounds like you all are busy. I just got back from my first writing conference ever... feeling inspired! LOL
I'll try to catch up on all the posts and read your entries soon. I'm so glad I found you all!
Hi Tina,
ReplyDeleteWelcome to the blog! It's been a great first week and I'm chuffed to bits that people are choosing to come here and post. Any interesting tips from the conference that you could share with us?
Best regs, Nadia
Hello.
ReplyDeleteOver the next few weeks, I'll be blogging about a few things I learned at http://tinaevaughn.blogspot.com. Check it out when you have time.
M&B announced the 10 NV critiques today. Congrats to them all!
Just kidding! : )
ReplyDeleteThey announced nine. One more tomorrow.
Crossing my fingers for us all!
Thanks Tina - I'll add a link on my blog list. :o) This competition is beginning to remind me of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory!!! Is the golden ticket there - I just can't bear to look!!!
ReplyDeleteWho will the 10th person be?!!! And who will be on the list of writers that the NV team will be contacting after the comp has ended? That should be up today too...
OK. So we didn't make the critique list... maybe "The List" that hopefully will be announced Thursday? ; )
ReplyDeleteTweet from MillsandBoonUK:
ReplyDeleteOK - Romance HQ will be putting up the #NewVoices follow up list this afternoon. Sorry for the delay! x
OK. The List is up. Is anyone HERE on THERE? : )
ReplyDeleteNot I. From now on, the only list I'll be staring at will be the one I create for my groceries. LOL
I don't mean to change the subject but... does everyone here have a critique partner or group?
I am not on the list either, which I am not sure what to think about. They dug my writing when I subbed for something they publish there, but not a month later when I subbed for a line that is not pubbed at the London Office. I kind of think that the contest should not have been open to all categories, since the contemporary romance is given the biggest attention. I'm also glad that my part in it is overwith and I can stop checking the site -- ADD-Girl doesn't need additional distractions!
ReplyDeleteJust my two cents. I'll work on my paranormal for NaNoWriMo(probably), and just keep plugging away on the one that the UK-Eds are interested in! What else can ya do? :)
Addendum: I have a couple critique partners, the eHarlequin site has a forum dedicated to finding them. But maybe some of the folks on here could band together!
Hi guys, sorry I've been off the radar - shocking behaviour on my own blog eh!!! Been away on a birthday trip. :o)) Have to admit I'm a bit gutted not to find myself on the list - but congrats to Faye, who I see made it on there... keep us posted - and good luck!
ReplyDeleteI don't know about you, but I'm feeling a little confused about where I went wrong - given the feedback I got from other people. The things they suggested were just tweaks in my humble opinion. I'd be really grateful for any advice on whether you think I should revise the chapter - or carry on regardless... I've written C2 and have already mapped out C3 so could probably do with a critique partner too... I'd be more than willing to help any of you out if you would like me to. :o))
Nadia x
BTW, do you think it is a good idea to post chapters that you intend to submit to a publisher on your blog? I've noticed someone from the NV comp has done that with her C2 - but I was wondering whether this would go down too well with a prospective editor?
ReplyDeleteIf you are going to submit it to a publisher, I wouldn't post it online. However, I have seen other unpubbed authors write online serials to get the fan base... and can work very nicely. I don't think they sub them later though, since the stuff that goes online is generally somewhere forever.
ReplyDeleteI think you should continue with your story. I would avoid throwing them to the general public though.
Also, dunno if anyone here is unaware but there are some free downloads of ebooks going on out there.
From M&B: www.everyonesreading.com
From Borders -- diff pubs: http://tinyurl.com/2asfu6e
Congrats Faye!
ReplyDelete*I'm blasting Abba's Dancing Queen and doing my happy dance for you.*
And a belated Happy Birthday to Nadia! : )
Nadia: I sent you an email. Let me know what you think.
Amalie: Thanks for the freebie links.
I post blurbs of my works in progress, but I've never actually posted excerpts.
Hi Amalie,
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice - and for the link! I'll go and check it out. :o)
I got my free downloads... great authors and titles.
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Amalie!
Yep, me too! Thanks for the info Amalie. :o))
ReplyDeleteWell, I've voted for my favourite C2 - but it was a tough decision. I would have liked to have been able to select my top four really...
ReplyDeleteAmalie: keep meaning to ask you - how are you getting on with your ms?