Thanks for this post. I just added Theo and The Nightingale to my read list, having already read the Art of Racing in the Rain (loved it). I also enjoyed the artwork. I liked several, but the one that stole my heart was under Commissions - the little girl in white looking through the flowers - adorableness and innocence personified. Thanks for sharing and making me smile today. /she
I love how you distilled it to: What it will do is remind you of the power of story, and the power of people. Perhaps most importantly, it’ll remind you of the power that you have within yourself.
My favorite part was when he gifted the sketches, and sitting with them and learning their story. Everyone had been through it.
I left feeling expanded, more open hearted, and with a greater love for people.
I read Theo last spring while I was having chemo. I couldn’t have chosen a better time. While it did have some sad moments, it lifted my spirits immensely. I loved the characters . They were different and engaging. As I have related to you, characters are important to me ( that is why I love your stories).
Keep writing, I know you have one of “those “ books in you.
For a new writer who hasn’t the budget for all the different kinds of editing, where would you recommend what budget you do have? I will be enlisting beta readers . Thanks ☺️
I have struggled and struggled with my first manuscript, because it just doesn't FIT anywhere, which is apparently the kiss of death in query letters. My manuscript is a Christmas story: how about you toss "It's A Wonderful Life" in a pot, season with a bit of "A Christmas Carol" and "The Wizard of Oz"--and, oddly, maybe side it with some "A Man Called Ove" and you get BELIEVE.
BELIEVE does have an arc, and it will make you cry tears of both sadness and joy, but it just defies genre categories. I can't find a good comp as my choices are too old.
After about 50 query letters which went nowhere, I gave up. Although my mss was professionally edited, my query letter sucks and without a good comp, I gave up. I keep writing: two more completed manuscripts, another in early process, and so much more in the works. (A website, self publishing, etc. And forever reading more books/viewing internet resources about writing and publishing)
This book not only sounds intriguing to me, it sounds like my style of writing. I say this without reading, but as soon as I post this, I'm ordering it! Perhaps it will be a comp for me?
This is my big dream! I feel in my heart that READERS will be who'll get my book once published, and it will spread by word of mouth. To bestseller status? Probably not. But hopefully more than the approx 200-250 copies I'd otherwise sell.
I read an article in a newspaper recently, which suggests that readers are turning away from dystopian novels. I wrote BELIEVE for various reasons, but one was that I wrote the story I wanted to read--something that acknowledges the difficulties of life which often seem unwarranted and needless--but maybe offer some redemption. To not feel all is hopeless, and judging by the folks who've read it, I reached my goal. Now to either get it published in whatever manner I can manage.
If Boo mentioned it was self-published, I missed that. THANK YOU for telling me that.
Thanks for this post. I just added Theo and The Nightingale to my read list, having already read the Art of Racing in the Rain (loved it). I also enjoyed the artwork. I liked several, but the one that stole my heart was under Commissions - the little girl in white looking through the flowers - adorableness and innocence personified. Thanks for sharing and making me smile today. /she
You will love them both! What a nice painting. Would be fun to own. Thanks for reading. Making you smile has made my day.
I had a feeling you’d resonate with Theo!
I love how you distilled it to: What it will do is remind you of the power of story, and the power of people. Perhaps most importantly, it’ll remind you of the power that you have within yourself.
My favorite part was when he gifted the sketches, and sitting with them and learning their story. Everyone had been through it.
I left feeling expanded, more open hearted, and with a greater love for people.
I read Theo last spring while I was having chemo. I couldn’t have chosen a better time. While it did have some sad moments, it lifted my spirits immensely. I loved the characters . They were different and engaging. As I have related to you, characters are important to me ( that is why I love your stories).
Keep writing, I know you have one of “those “ books in you.
I can't imagine, Rick. Perfect timing. Thanks for the kind words!
For a new writer who hasn’t the budget for all the different kinds of editing, where would you recommend what budget you do have? I will be enlisting beta readers . Thanks ☺️
Boo!!!
Be still my racing heart!!
I have struggled and struggled with my first manuscript, because it just doesn't FIT anywhere, which is apparently the kiss of death in query letters. My manuscript is a Christmas story: how about you toss "It's A Wonderful Life" in a pot, season with a bit of "A Christmas Carol" and "The Wizard of Oz"--and, oddly, maybe side it with some "A Man Called Ove" and you get BELIEVE.
BELIEVE does have an arc, and it will make you cry tears of both sadness and joy, but it just defies genre categories. I can't find a good comp as my choices are too old.
After about 50 query letters which went nowhere, I gave up. Although my mss was professionally edited, my query letter sucks and without a good comp, I gave up. I keep writing: two more completed manuscripts, another in early process, and so much more in the works. (A website, self publishing, etc. And forever reading more books/viewing internet resources about writing and publishing)
This book not only sounds intriguing to me, it sounds like my style of writing. I say this without reading, but as soon as I post this, I'm ordering it! Perhaps it will be a comp for me?
THANK YOU
Miselle, Theo was first self published!
💓💓💓💓💓💓💓
This is my big dream! I feel in my heart that READERS will be who'll get my book once published, and it will spread by word of mouth. To bestseller status? Probably not. But hopefully more than the approx 200-250 copies I'd otherwise sell.
I read an article in a newspaper recently, which suggests that readers are turning away from dystopian novels. I wrote BELIEVE for various reasons, but one was that I wrote the story I wanted to read--something that acknowledges the difficulties of life which often seem unwarranted and needless--but maybe offer some redemption. To not feel all is hopeless, and judging by the folks who've read it, I reached my goal. Now to either get it published in whatever manner I can manage.
If Boo mentioned it was self-published, I missed that. THANK YOU for telling me that.
Yeah, he just named some All-Star stories that definitely have roots underneath Theo!