Athena Isle Writers (formerly Second Life Writers Club)

Transcript of Author Marjorie M Liu’s Appearance at Athena Isle in Second Life on August 4, 2009

2009-08-29T12:38:00.001-07:00

Marjorie M Liu is the New York Times bestselling author of The Dirk & Steele Series of paranormal romantic thrillers and The Hunter Kiss Series of urban fantasy thrillers. The ninth book in the Dirk & Steele series, The Fire King, was recently released.

Cybergrrl Oh: First of all, thank you to Marjorie for being here - we're thrilled to have you!

Terry Lightfoot applauds

MarjorieMLiu India: I'm thrilled to be here. Thank you!

Cybergrrl Oh: Next, please know we will publish a transcript of this discussion on several blogs. If you do NOT want to be mentioned or quoted, you MUST let me know directly email me and we will delete all mention of you if that is your preference; otherwise, we will also take photos and post on blogs, sites, etc.

Cybergrrl Oh: The format today is roundtable

Cybergrrl Oh: We do have some questions prepared that were submitted by fans of Marjorie's and we want to start with those, however, we also want you to have the chance to speak directly with Marjorie but Alas and I will moderate.

Cybergrrl Oh: Please put QUESTION in front of your questions. Feel free to comment at will. If it becomes too confusing, then we'll resort to private IM questions to me.

Cybergrrl Oh: Now without any further ado...

Terry Lightfoot: (how bout a "Q")?

Cybergrrl Oh: Terry - good point - Q: then your question.

Cybergrrl Oh: Let me intro myself first.

Cybergrrl Oh: I'm Cybergrrl Oh, co-owner of Athena Isle and co-owner of Conversify social media marketing group.

Cybergrrl Oh: Alas, please introduce yourself and then our wonderful guest!

Alas Zerbino: I'm Alas Zerbino, co-owner of the Story Mountain Center for Writers here on Athena Isle. I also write the blog WRITERS IN THE (virtual) SKY about writing resources in Second Life.

Alas Zerbino: Welcome, Marjorie!

MarjorieMLiu India: Hello!

Jenny Bolero applauds :-)

Cybergrrl Oh applauds

Alas Zerbino: Marjorie is one of those amazing people I envy -- a fantastic, prolific author!

Amy305 Guardian: applauding Marjorie!

Alas Zerbino: and from my part of the world, even (I live in WI in RL)

MarjorieMLiu India: lol Thank you for having me here!

MarjorieMLiu India: WI? I love WI.

Terry Lightfoot: (Wisconsin, no?)

Alas Zerbino: Yes, Wisconsin.

Cybergrrl Oh: (yes, Wisconsin. Cheeseheads?)

Terry Lightfoot: lol

Alas Zerbino: LOL -- cheeseheads indeed

Moonshadow9 Blanco: LOL

Terry Lightfoot: /yay cheddar.

Cybergrrl Oh: Also, we need to set the stage for all of us who haven't yet read Marjorie's books (shame on me!)

Alas Zerbino: Marjorie M Liu is a NY Times best-selling author. She writes in various genres, including sci-fi, fantasy, paranormal romance -- often all in the same book.

MarjorieMLiu India: :-)

Alas Zerbino: She has written many novels, and in several series.

Terry Lightfoot: (x-men!)

Alas Zerbino: Her latest novel, The Fire King, has just been released. It's the latest in the Dirk & Steele paranormal romance series

Amy305 Guardian: loved it!!!!

About the Dirk & Steele Series

Cybergrrl Oh: Marjorie - why not tell us first about your Dirk & Steele series and bring us up to speed to The Fire King - then we can launch into the fan questions and then branch out to the group!

MarjorieMLiu India: Sure! The Dirk & Steele series is about what a group of individuals - psychics, gargoyles, mermen, shape-shifters -- creatures out of legend who work together to...well, make the world a better place.

Cybergrrl Oh: oooh mermen!

Alas Zerbino: I love it!

Amy305 Guardian: loved soul song too!

Cybergrrl Oh: (Amy is a tried & true fan! The rest of us are going to get sucked in...willingly)

MarjorieMLiu India: They hide in plain sight in this modern world, sometimes using magic, and get into all kinds of crazy trouble.

MarjorieMLiu India: Yay, Amy!

Amy305 Guardian: thanks!

Alas Zerbino: (I've been sucked in already)

Jenny Bolero: Totally sucked in :-)

Alas Zerbino: Is The Fire King the 8th or 9th in the series?

MarjorieMLiu India: The Fire King is the 9th.

Cybergrrl Oh: Now when we give you fan questions, Marjorie, you will have to explain a bit more to us newbies!

MarjorieMLiu India: They're thrillers, romances, adventures, etc.

Sufia Shepherd is getting interested if not sucked :))

Alas Zerbino: Great characters, amazing plots

Amy305 Guardian: :D

Cybergrrl Oh: So we can move to the fan questions first -- and of course they all know what is going on!

Alas Zerbino: Question from Holly: Why did you choose to write Soria with one arm? (Soria is the main female character in The Fire King)

MarjorieMLiu India: I had been hearing about a lot of soldiers coming home from war missing limbs, and it really...got me.

Darkling Elytis murmurs softly, nodding

Alas Zerbino: wow -- awesome -- wouldn't have thought of that

Amy305 Guardian: such an amazing woman btw!

MarjorieMLiu India: So when I started writing The Fire King, it seemed natural, part of her character, that she have this terrible injury that she had been living with. I wasn't trying to make a statement...it just fit the character, and what I was feeling at the time.

Alas Zerbino: It really adds to the novel, too.

MarjorieMLiu India: Thank you, I appreciate that.

Amy305 Guardian: I wanted to cry for her when she wouldn't

Cybergrrl Oh: ok, I'm breaking my rule and asking a Q now so everyone please do pipe in. I'll track.
Q: Does one-armed-ness play a key part in the action or just in her character development?

MarjorieMLiu India: It's just part of her character development, Cybergrrl.

Cybergrrl Oh: Got it, thanks! very interesting!

Amy305 Guardian: Soria was just so strong!

Alas Zerbino: Question from Lori: Do you have any idea of what your next Dirk and Steele book/ story will be about and when it will be out?

MarjorieMLiu India: The next one will be out in June 2010, and will be a pirate/merman/cryptozoologist/mass worldwide conspiracy story, taking place in the South China Seas.

Darkling Elytis: oh, fun!

Cybergrrl Oh: oooh, cryptozoologist! ;-)

MarjorieMLiu India: :-)

Sufia Shepherd: lol

Alas Zerbino: Ooh! Sounds incredible!

Amy305 Guardian: ooohhhh I likey that!

MarjorieMLiu India: I'm having a really good time writing it.

Cybergrrl Oh: Q from Moonshadow: Q, You are on the best sellers list, can her books be acquired from any book store?

MarjorieMLiu India: Moonshadow: Yes, I hope so!

Moonshadow9 Blanco: great I will be looking for your books at my local bookstore then ;)

Choosing Novel Locations & Characters

Alas Zerbino: Question from Samantha: I love the detail you go into when describing different countries. You manage to make it fit without sounding like a tourism advert. Do you pick the characters first, then the location or do you visit a location and then envision the characters there?

MarjorieMLiu India: I pick the characters first, and then think about location.

MarjorieMLiu India: As for placing my books in different places around the world, I love to travel, and it gives me an excuse to do research -- even if it's just by reading about a place.

Cybergrrl Oh: What is the location of The Fire King?

MarjorieMLiu India: The Fire King is set in Central Asia.

Sufia Shepherd: UK?

Sufia Shepherd: Asia more exotic

Amy305 Guardian: Q: ever think of visiting Canada? HEHE!

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: So where did you travel that inspired the locale for The Fire King?

MarjorieMLiu India: I've been up around Mongolia, and the history of the region, including the Silk Road, has fascinated me for years.

Amy305 Guardian: sounds amazing

MarjorieMLiu India: Thank you, Amy.

Amy305 Guardian: ;)

On Writing Open-Ended Series

Alas Zerbino: Another question from a fan... Question from Gail: Are you writing the series as an open-ended until the ideas run out thing or do you have an overall storyline that will end in a grand finale? If the answer is B, how many more books do we have to look forward to?

MarjorieMLiu India: The series is open-ended, though I will be dealing with tying up some loose ends, or at least, explaining some of the conspiracies, over the course of the next two books.

Amy305 Guardian: yay!

Cybergrrl Oh: Great question about series or open-ended. I always wonder about that with authors.

MarjorieMLiu India: I wish I was a better planner when it comes to my series, but I play things by ear!

Amy305 Guardian: sometimes that makes for the best stories

MarjorieMLiu India: Amy - I do like to write by the seat of my pants, that's for sure.

E-books versus Print Books

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Are there audiobooks available? Kindle versions?

Jenny Bolero: I was wondering that.

MarjorieMLiu India: I don't think there are audiobooks available for Dirk & Steele (yes, for Hunter Kiss, though), but they are on Kindle...except for the latest.

Cybergrrl Oh: just like us geeky folks to want the digital formats!

MarjorieMLiu India: I love my Kindle. :-)

Amy305 Guardian: lol

Cybergrrl Oh is thinking of buying a Kindle.

Alas Zerbino: I know -- The Fire King is NOT on Kindle yet :(

Alas Zerbino: I LOVE my Kindle!

MarjorieMLiu India: I'm really shocked it's not on Kindle yet.

Alas Zerbino: me too

Jenny Bolero: Give us your publishers email, we'll spam them ;-)

Terry Lightfoot: lol

Alas Zerbino: Q: How do you see the world of books changing (if at all) due to e-books, the ubiquity of the Internet, social media, etc.?

Amy305 Guardian: give me real books any day over any digital version!

MarjorieMLiu India: Alas, good question - it's hard to say, really. I think there is room for both, and what I've found is that some NY Times Bestselling authors were discovered/first published by e-publishers.

Amy305 Guardian: I like to have my hands on a good juicy novel!

Jenny Bolero: Oh I don't know, 50 books in my pocket can be handy, but sure, print is king ;-)

MarjorieMLiu India: Personally, I love both e-versions and the physical books. When I travel, the Kindle can't be beat. But when I'm at home on a rainy day? Holding that book in my hand is wonderful.

Amy305 Guardian: ;) ya I got ya there Marjorie

Alas Zerbino: Q: Why do you write series? And why more than one series at a time?

MarjorieMLiu India: Alas - I love to tell different kinds of stories, which is why I write two series.

MarjorieMLiu India: And it's fun to play in various universes!

Alas Zerbino: Makes sense!

Amy305 Guardian: definitely

Jenny Bolero: That it is :-)

Social Media’s Impact on Reader Relationships

MarjorieMLiu India: Did Bart just ask a question that I missed?

Bart Kling: Q: Shame on me I did not read the book...but I would like to ask you how social media has changed the relation with your readers?

Alas Zerbino: Bart, good question about social media.

MarjorieMLiu India: Sorry I didn't catch that earlier, Bart. As for Social Media...I think it brings the author closer to the reader, certainly. And I love that, to be honest. I have the best readers, and my blog/twitter is a good way of keeping in touch with everyone.

MarjorieMLiu India: Not just advertising for the books, but talking about writing, life, etc.

Amy305 Guardian: yes, some of the blogs have been amazing

MarjorieMLiu India: Writing is an isolating business, to some degree, and it's nice to have 'contact' with the outside world!

Alas Zerbino: Yes! I totally agree, which is one of the great things about SL, too

Moonshadow9 Blanco: so true Marjorie

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Speaking of writing as isolating, not to get too personal, but how does your writing affect your personal relationships? As I writer, I find it difficult to leave husband & 3yr old daughter just to WRITE.

MarjorieMLiu India: I have made wonderful friends that I wouldn't have, had I been doing something else with my life -- like practicing law. So in that sense, writing has been GREAT for my personal relationships!

Character ‘Bibles’, Outlines & Writing Process

Alas Zerbino: Here's another question submitted by one of your fans: Question from Cindy: All of your characters have such interesting names, how do you come up with them? Do you use a name book?

MarjorieMLiu India: Cindy - I don't use a name book, unless I'm really stuck. Usually the names just come to me as I think about the character.

Amy305 Guardian: amazing!

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: How about a character bible? I've not tried my hand at a fiction novel but seems to me it might be an interesting challenge to keep all the characters straight w/all their backstories.

MarjorieMLiu India: I tried to write a character bible, and a series bible, but lost them on my other computer. HA!

Darkling Elytis giggles behind her hand!

Amy305 Guardian: uh-oh!

Cybergrrl Oh: LOL. Perils of electronic book writing!

MarjorieMLiu India: It's easier just to rely on what's in my head.

Chepooka Laval: haha whoopsies

Darkling Elytis: technology can set us free... or delete our work in the wink of an eye ;)

Cybergrrl Oh: Darkling, so true so true

Amy305 Guardian: heh heh heh

MarjorieMLiu India: Not always that accurate, though -- so sometimes I have to re-read a previous book to remind myself of what's going on.

Chepooka Laval: :))

Amy305 Guardian: and gee like that is a hardship eh? LOL

Terry Lightfoot knocks on...plastic? at Darkling’s deletion comment

Cybergrrl Oh: Ah, the old fashioned "archive" method - reading past books of your own

Alas Zerbino: LOL, Cybergrrl!!

Alas Zerbino: Q: You keep talking about the ideas, characters, etc., just come to you. Do you write from an outline ever?

Cybergrrl Oh: great question Alas

MarjorieMLiu India: I try to write from an outline -- or rather, I have tried -- and usually I deviate completely within the first couple pages.

Amy305 Guardian: lol

MarjorieMLiu India: Outlines are extremely useful. I'm just REALLY bad at writing them.

Chepooka Laval: If you visit Marjorie's blog, she has some amazing articles on her writing process in recent archives

Sufia Shepherd: :))

Cybergrrl Oh is going to Amazon to buy herself a Kindle and the early Dirk & Steele books to catch up.

MarjorieMLiu India: lol!

Alas Zerbino: haha -- good!

Sufia Shepherd: bulk buy?

Moonshadow9 Blanco: hehe I’m right behind you Cybergrrl

Cybergrrl Oh: Chepooka, that is awesome. For all of us aspiring novelists, hearing about process is a revelation.

MarjorieMLiu India: Everyone has a different way of going about writing a book. It's so personal. :-)

Alas Zerbino: Yes, it is personal. And it's so valuable for a novice writer to realize that each writer's process is unique to them.

Alas Zerbino: Q: Do you ever think about where the ideas, names, etc., come from?

Cybergrrl Oh: Alas - maybe she is channeling something/someone? ;-)

Alas Zerbino: LOL, Cybergrrl!!

MarjorieMLiu India: Alas - just depends....I get ideas from the news, myths, non-fiction, poetry, etc.

MarjorieMLiu India: Yes, I'm channeling!!! :-)

Alas Zerbino: I was actually thinking of her background.... In a sense, all writing is channeling! :D

Terry Lightfoot: perhaps existence is channeling...

Alas Zerbino: good point, Terry!

Terry Lightfoot: constant rp...

Terry Lightfoot: ;-)

Cybergrrl Oh: yes terry, we are all channel something at one time or another!

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Marjorie - do you know how beneficial it is to the author - financially - for us to buy Kindle versions vs. paper books? Should we buy both to support your work?

MarjorieMLiu India: Kindle vs. hardcopies...hard to say. E-books have a different royalty structure, usually, but that depends on your contract.

On Genre: ‘Love Writing All Kinds of Stories’

Bart Kling: Q: if one day you should decide to change complete the genre of novels you write, which one would you choose and why?

MarjorieMLiu India: I will be writing a mystery, and have plans for a YA. I love writing all kinds of stories.

Alas Zerbino: Oh wow, you are really versatile!

Cybergrrl Oh: YA = Young Adult?

MarjorieMLiu India: I get bored easily. :-)

MarjorieMLiu India: Yes, that's Young Adult.

Amy305 Guardian: well she is amazing alas!

Alas Zerbino: Thank goodness for us readers you get bored!

Amy305 Guardian: lol

Alas Zerbino: lol, Amy

MarjorieMLiu India: ha!

Amy305 Guardian: ;)

Alas Zerbino: Which relates to another question . . . Q: Your books, as well as others, are "genre-blending": sci-fi, romance, fantasy, action thriller, urban fantasy, shapeshifter romance, etc. Is this changing publishing & reading habits?

MarjorieMLiu India: I think so. Publishers have always been open to good stories, but now writing something that crosses genres is an asset, rather than a marketing nightmare. :-)

Alas Zerbino: So it seems.

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: How so? Because they can market to various channels? Or?

Terry Lightfoot: :-)

MarjorieMLiu India: I think, perhaps, because it makes books stand out from the crowd.

MarjorieMLiu India: The hardest thing, though, is still trying to decide where a book should be shelved in a store -- romance vs. fantasy, for example.

Terry Lightfoot: ahh..hmm...that would be a challenge. restricting them to one category seems a shame...

Alas Zerbino: yes, and there are new subgenres being added -- paranormal romance, urban fantasy, etc. Q: Do you think you'll ever write a "mainstream" novel that isn't a specific genre?

MarjorieMLiu India: Alas - I suspect I will. In fact, I'm pretty certain of it. :-)

Alas Zerbino: Cool!

Where the Cover Art Comes From

Bart Kling: Q: How do you choose the covers of your books?

MarjorieMLiu India: Nope, no choice over my covers. I've been lucky, though!

Cybergrrl Oh: Even NYT bestsellers don't get to choose covers?

MarjorieMLiu India: No!

Amy305 Guardian: love The Tiger Eye cover!

MarjorieMLiu India: Thank you! That was my first book, and when I saw that cover, I almost cried (because I liked it so much)!

Amy305 Guardian: :D

Chepooka Laval: :)

Cybergrrl Oh: Thank goodness!

MarjorieMLiu India: I recently found out that the cover model to The Tiger Eye is a friend of a friend.

Alas Zerbino: Oh wow! Small world!

MarjorieMLiu India: Tell me about it!

Amy305 Guardian: she looks exactly how I would have pictured Dela

Alas Zerbino: amazing

Bart Kling: Q: your answer leads to another question......do you always like the cover of your books?

MarjorieMLiu India: I don't always like the covers of my books, but for the most part, I've been extremely pleased.

Amy305 Guardian: Q: what ones are on the bottom of the list for you?

MarjorieMLiu India: Amy - as for covers...I had long discussions about the cover for The Last Twilight. It wasn't right in the beginning.

Amy305 Guardian: I like how it turned out though!

MarjorieMLiu India: Luckily I have some wonderful help in the online promo department. Ahem ' Chepooka' ahem.

Chepooka Laval: Aww *blushes*

Alas Zerbino: Yes, I love your website design, which Chepooka did.

Jenny Bolero: :-)

MarjorieMLiu India: Oh, man - I love that website!

Chepooka Laval: *bow* ty

MarjorieMLiu India: She's totally genius!

Cybergrrl Oh: Chepooka is a Goddess of design.

Alas Zerbino: that's for sure!

Chepooka Laval: stop lol okay next Q ;)

Amy305 Guardian: yay Chepooka!

Chepooka Laval: :))

On Balancing Writing & Marketing

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: You seem very active online interacting with fans and also running great book promotions. How much time is that taking you and how do you balance promoting and writing books?

Alas Zerbino: Great question, Cybergrrl

MarjorieMLiu India: You know, writing my blog and writing books still = writing. I love words. It's no burden.

Amy305 Guardian: lol

MarjorieMLiu India: Some days my blog is more thoughtful than others, though!

MarjorieMLiu India: And if I've got a deadline, I just don't post.

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Some authors feel blogging is "giving away their writing for free" - how do you feel it helps/hurts what you do?

MarjorieMLiu India: I think it definitely helps! As for giving away writing for free...honestly, I think that's silly.

Chepooka Laval: :) lol

Alas Zerbino: Like someone would want to pay for my opinion!!

Winston Dufaux: any writer should be grateful for exposure

Alas Zerbino: lol

MarjorieMLiu India: Exactly!

Cybergrrl Oh: Hey, I'm the gal with 12 blogs. LOL.

Chepooka Laval: cybergrrl down to just 12? ;)

MarjorieMLiu India: 12 blogs? Dude.

Cybergrrl Oh: LOL. OK, I only tend to 6 regularly (semi).

(Ed. Note: Cybergrrl Oh Around Second Life is one of those blogs and describes her activities in SL.)

Alas Zerbino: Q: What value, besides entertainment, do you think novels provide for readers?

Chepooka Laval: whoa, heavy question Alas!

Alas Zerbino: lol (sorry - heehee)

Chepooka Laval: :)

MarjorieMLiu India: I can only speak for myself, but novels are an escape for me, a chance to experience and live another life -- say, in Victorian England, or the Old West, or Outer Space!

Chepooka Laval: sounds like SL! lol

Cybergrrl Oh: Novels are escape for reader - never thought they'd be escape for writer, too...!

MarjorieMLiu India: Writing books can be an escape, too. :-)

Winston Dufaux: some can even provide healing, personal growth

MarjorieMLiu India: An escape into INSANITY! Ha!

Cybergrrl Oh: good point Winston

Jenny Bolero: lol

Chepooka Laval: haha

Amy305 Guardian: I love "escaping" from my kids!

Winston Dufaux: seeing the world in new ways is always beneficial

Cybergrrl Oh: A reason to delve into insanity!

Terry Lightfoot: that sounds more like sanity to me.... ;-)

Alas Zerbino: A long time ago, in a universe far away (i.e., my college days), my lit profs used to say that reading novels is the best way to learn about people. Q: Do you think that's true?

MarjorieMLiu India: I do think that true -- when a book is done right, you can get peeks into the human condition that you might not normally experience.

Cybergrrl Oh: If you want to learn about mermen, gargoyles, etc... then it must be true!

MarjorieMLiu India: lol! Yes, I love those mermen.

Cybergrrl Oh: Hey, I'm all about the mermen. Can't wait to see how they compare to human men.

MarjorieMLiu India: Ironically, I hate swimming.

Alas Zerbino: I wonder if sometimes those "fantasy" characters don't shed more light on people's foibles than "human" characters.

Winston Dufaux: the fantasy characters are still created by a person's mind, so naturally they would reveal aspects of life

First Readers, Music, & Staring Into Space

Jenny Bolero: Q: I once worked with a friend who’s a writer, using role-play to develop characters and situations for her work. Have you ever tried this kinda method or anything like it.

Alas Zerbino: Good question, Jenny!!

MarjorieMLiu India: You know, I don't role-play as a means of developing characters, but I do stare in space a lot and listen to loud music.

Chepooka Laval: LOL

Darkling Elytis chuckles throatily.

Jenny Bolero: lol

MarjorieMLiu India: I can see that being a lot of fun, though! I start fires with my mind!

Terry Lightfoot: he-he

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie and I created a blip.fm channel for one of her characters - that was fun :)

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: Who are your trusted readers? And what music do you like?

Cybergrrl Oh: By READERS I mean the ones who read BEFORE you submit.

Alas Zerbino: ("beta" readers is the latest term for those)

Cybergrrl Oh: Beta Readers! LOL

MarjorieMLiu India: My mom is my first reader. :-)

Amy305 Guardian: sweet!

Jenny Bolero: That's cool :-)

MarjorieMLiu India: I know if she's bored, there's a problem.

Alas Zerbino: :D

Amy305 Guardian: ;

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: What music really inspires you? That you play really loud?

MarjorieMLiu India: I have a thing for 80's Power Ballads. And really moody alternative/electronica/vocals...like Darling Daughter or Imogen Heap, or Bjork.

Cybergrrl Oh: 80s Power Ballads like...?

MarjorieMLiu India: Steve Perry!

Cybergrrl Oh: Sister Christian was the first one that popped in my head.

MarjorieMLiu India: That, too!

Cybergrrl Oh: Ah, yes, 80's Journey!

Amy305 Guardian: woot woot!

Winston Dufaux: don't stop believin

MarjorieMLiu India: Tina Turner.

Amy305 Guardian: great vocalist there

Alas Zerbino: Q: What's the best thing about writing full-time? Worst thing?

MarjorieMLiu India: The best thing is that I'm always writing. The worst thing is that, well, I'm always writing.

MarjorieMLiu India: I'm at home, so I don't leave the job at the office. But that's pretty trivial, given that I love what I do.

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: What is the best TIME for you to write? Worst time of day?

Alas Zerbino: LOL!! I understand ... best & worst are the same.

MarjorieMLiu India: Best time? Morning, I'd say. And late evening.

Jenny Bolero: Thanks :-)

Bart Kling: Q: What about some '70 progressive rock as source of inspiration?

MarjorieMLiu India: Oh, the 70's....let's see...

Bart Kling: Q: I mean stuff like Gong, Faust or the first albums of Genesis...concept albums with an incredible story line....

Cybergrrl Oh: Oooh, first Genesis album!

Alas Zerbino: Another submitted fan question: Will we be seeing any of the old characters such as Dela, Hari, Elena, Artur, Dean and Blue?

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie just got disconnected

Cybergrrl Oh: Well, there you go! Thunderstorms finally got to her.

Chepooka Laval: the storms are pretty bad

Marjorie’s Social Media Links

Cybergrrl Oh: Q: For Chepooka, can you give us some more URLs & highlights of Marjorie's social media stuff since you're the Goddess of creating those things?

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie on Twitter: http://twitter.com/marjoriemliu

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie's Blog http://marjoriemliu.com/index.php?/blog/

Chepooka Laval: Dirk & Steele blog http://dirkandsteele.posterous.com/

Chepooka Laval: The Dirk & Steele Detective Agency on Facebook :) http://bit.ly/85kc9

Alas Zerbino: Marjorie’s Web site: http://marjoriemliu.com/

Chepooka Laval: This is a character from Marjorie's Hunter Kiss series, Grant Cooperon (*swoon*), the playlist is embedded near the bottom http://marjoriemliu.com/index.php?/GrantCooperon/index/

Chepooka Laval: for those of you still using MySpace http://www.myspace.com/marjorieliu

Chepooka Laval: Marjorie is also on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/32686909@N07/3168575463/

Alas Zerbino: Well, shoot, the hour's up already! This has been fabulously interesting.

Alas Zerbino: thank goodness she was able to hang in for the whole hour.

Cybergrrl Oh: Thanks for being here everyone! And thanks to Marjorie for her time and candor. Chepooka - tell her we loved having her!

Kghia Gherardi applauds

Hedda Hazelnut: Great presentation!! I am going to look for the books now.

Chepooka Laval: sorry guys, she wants to say thank you to everyone!!

Cybergrrl Oh: And I really did put the Kindle in my Amazon cart along with some of Marjorie's books BTW. Hitting Purchase in a moment.

Jenny Bolero: Yup, and you've got at least 2 new readers here. Thanks :-)

Kghia Gherardi: excellent event

Chepooka Laval: and she is really sorry that she can't get back on

Darkling Elytis applauds :)

Alas Zerbino: And if you haven't read any of her books --you're really missing out.

Terry Lightfoot applauds

Chepooka Laval: she had a great time!! :)

Liadona Rau: Thank her for us

Darkling Elytis: thank you so much for speaking with us, Marjorie

Hedda Hazelnut: Thanks very much to Marjorie!!!!!

Amy305 Guardian: Thank you!

Jenny Bolero: Ask her when she's going to open her own themed sim here ;-) That's be awesome.

Alas Zerbino: Yes, thank you Marjorie, from wherever you've teleported to right now!! :)

Alas Zerbino: That would be awesome, Jenny.

Cybergrrl Oh: Her own themed sim - right on!

Moonshadow9 Blanco: Thank you Marjorie, will be buying your books soon !!1

Terry Lightfoot: oooh now that sounds fun

Cybergrrl Oh: Thank you again for being here.

Alas Zerbino: Yes, it was great to spend this time with all of you.

Moonshadow9 Blanco: it was a good time, thanx for the invite

Sufia Shepherd: ty

Jenny Bolero: Thanks for organising this. Love author events like this :-)

Chepooka Laval: thanks from Marjorie again for coming

Note: This is a slightly edited version of the actual transcript, to make it more readable and easier to understand for those unable to attend the event. The dialogue is verbatim as typed in by each avatar (with corrections for typos), but the comments have been rearranged a bit so Marjorie’s answers fall immediately after the questions they pertain to.

Ask the Author: Marjorie M Liu

2009-07-31T11:07:00.001-07:00

On Tuesday, August 4, at 11am SLT (Pacific time zone), author Marjorie M Liu will be making a very unique appearance on Athena Isle in Second Life to discuss her latest Dirk & Steele book, The Fire King.

(Stay tuned to http://athenaisle.blogspot.com/ or email marjorieweb@gmail.com for details.)

But we need your help! Now is your chance to have your burning questions about the Dirk & Steele series answered. Send your questions to marjorieweb@gmail.com, and Marjorie will select 5 lucky winners to receive an autographed copy of The Fire King!

Your questions can be about character, plot, or even Marjorie’s writing process, but it must be Dirk & Steele related in some way to qualify. We will be accepting questions until midnight Pacific time on Sunday, August 2, so don't delay!

If you are unable to attend the Second Life event, a transcript of the interview will be made available on the Athena Isle blog http://athenaisle.blogspot.com/ and the Dirk & Steele blog http://dirkandsteele.posterous.com.

If your question is not selected for the interview, we will also be posting a select number of additional Q&A to the Dirk & Steele blog (http://dirkandsteele.posterous.com ) throughout the month of August so stay tuned.

CLICK FOR SLURL TO EVENT.

Chat With Bestselling Author Carleen Brice in Second Life July 26

2009-07-22T12:15:00.001-07:00

UPDATE: Time has been changed to 12:30 p.m. SLT!!

Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle will provide the venue for an appearance by bestselling author Carleen Brice, whose second novel, Children of the Waters, has just been released as A One World Trade Paperback Original by Ballantine.

Ms. Brice will discuss her work at the Story Mountain Lodge at 3:30 p.m. SLT (Pacific time zone) Sunday, July 26, 2009. Sponsoring her appearance is Connie Briscoe, author of five novels and SL resident Zillow Dejavu, who will interview Ms. Brice and facilitate an audience question-and-answer session.

All Second Life residents are warmly invited to attend this free event. Teleport directly to Story Mountain by clicking this SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Athena%20Isle/203/105/23/?title=Story%20Mountain%20Center%20for%20Writers.)

Carleen Brice’s first novel, Orange Mint and Honey, made many bestseller lists, was chosen as a Target “Bookmarked Break Out Book,” and has now been optioned by Lifetime TV for the Lifetime Movie Network, with Damon Lee ("This Christmas" and "Undercover Brother") producing.

For more details about Carleen Brice and Connie Briscoe and their writing, view this Story Mountain blog post.

Story Mountain Owner Goes Off the Shelf & On the Air

2009-03-26T20:45:00.001-07:00

The exciting new radio talk show about the literary scene in Second Life, Off The Shelf, will air its second program this Sunday, March 29, featuring perhaps the most well-known SL literary figure/writer/poet, Persephone Phoenix, and one of the newer SL writing-scene bloggers, yours truly, as my SL avatar Alas Zerbino.

Off The Shelf is the first literary talk show in Second Life and is hosted by two folks from one of my favorite SL writing hangouts, Bookstacks. Kghia Gherardi and Simeon Beresford interview their guests live for this half-hour show at 1 p.m. SLT (PDT) Sundays on the Internet radio station, Radio Riel. Bookstacks and the Second Life Literary Foundation are its sponsors.

Persephone Phoenix is a highly regarded poet and also the founder and operator of the Blue Angel Poets' Dive in Second Life, which sponsors, among other literary events, the longest-running open mic in Second Life every Sunday.

Alas Zerbino (er, I) will be interviewed about the Second Life writing community and her work to bring together information about writer-related events, places, and programs from across the grid to a single location for easy reference on the Web and at Story Mountain Center for Writers, the home of Athena Isle Writers, which she co-owns with Clarissa Tolsen.

Future shows "will focus on interviews with authors, poets, publishers, editors, librarians, literary venue hosts, and other bookish people, both within Second Life and outside," according to the Off The Shelf press release.

Details, links, and SLURLs for Sunday's show:

When: 1:00 p.m. Second Life time (Pacific Daylight Time), Sunday, March 29, 2009.
To attend the live show: In SL, the live taping is at Awen, the home of Bookstacks (SLURL for teleporting). While the program starts at 1 p.m., if you want to attend, you might go there earlier (the first show was well-attended).
To listen to the show live: Radio Riel on the Internet (If the show isn't aired on its Main Stream, check the Secondary Stream (Events) -- both links are in the left sidebar of the Radio Riel Web site.)
To listen to the show any time after the taping: Download it at the Off The Shelf page on Bookstacks' Web site.
To listen to the previous show: Off the Shelf blog
More information about Bookstacks and/or Off The Shelf: Bookstacks online.

Informational Open House for New Book Club: Oct. 2 in SL

2008-09-28T22:08:00.000-07:00

In a previous post, we announced an exciting new book club in Second Life that involves the authors' participation, as well as the writers.

Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle will be holding an informational open house on Thursday, Oct. 2, from 3 to 5 p.m. SLT to answer questions and get acquainted with anyone interested.

Join us at Story Mountain (SLURL) on Thursday -- stop by any time between 3 and 5 -- for refreshments, conversation, and information about the monthly book club.

All SL residents who enjoy reading fiction are encouraged to check it out. There is no cost, and you can participate in as many or as few discussions as you wish. The first book club meeting is on Thursday, Oct. 23, at 3:30 p.m. SLT, with Michelle Gagnon, author of October's book selection, BONEYARD.

New on Athena Isle for Writers & Readers: A Book Club that Includes the Author

2008-09-22T19:32:00.000-07:00

Read a great book, and then discuss it with the book's author!

A new Second Life book club is launching at Story Mountain Center on Athena Isle with the first selection a literary thriller and page-turner, BONEYARD by Michelle Gagnon. Read the book this month (October) and join other readers and the author on October 23 to discuss it!

Michelle Gagnon made her first appearance in Second Life at a meeting of the Athena Isle Writers Club in August. She was fabulous! A warm and funny guest. (A transcript of that meeting is available on this blog at Bestselling Author Michelle Gagnon Shares Journey from Dancer to Crime Fiction Novelist.)

How does the Story Mountain Book Club work?

Every month, we'll pick a book whose author is willing to come into Second Life for the discussion.
To join the discussion, all you need to do is read the book before the meeting.
At the appointed time, we'll all gather with the author for an informal round-table discussion. (You'll be able to ask the author anything you want about the book you just read!)
Immediately after the discussion, we'll proceed to the Story Mountain Stage, where the author will give a live reading.

What are the details for October's reading?

The book selection: BONEYARD by Michelle Gagnon. Released in just July of this year, Boneyard has been on both of the IMBA Bestsellers' lists since then.

About the novel: "On the trail of a serial killer, the path splits in two… FBI special agent Kelly Jones has worked on many disturbing cases in her career, but nothing like this. A mass grave site unearthed on the Appalachian Trail puts Kelly at the head of an investigation that crosses the line—from Massachusetts to Vermont, from wealthy vacationers to poor transients, from a serial killer to a copycat nemesis."

"Boneyard is a winner! A compelling page-turner that pays due attention to the human heart. It'll keep you up all night," says New York Times bestselling author Jeffery Deaver.

Book club discussion with Michelle: 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. SLT on Thursday, Oct. 23, at Story Mountain Center for Writers in Second Life. (Here's the SLURL). Come with questions, comments, or just an interest in hearing more about this book.

Live reading by Michelle: 4:30 p.m. SLT on Thursday, Oct. 23, at the Story Mountain Stage.

For more information, send an IM to Alas Zerbino in Second Life, or email me at joankr@writersinthevirtualsky.com.

Who can participate?

Anyone in Second Life!

Although it would be preferable to read the book before attending the discussion, at this point, there's no requirement to do so (though there will be spoilers!).
The live author readings, however, are designed as much for those who haven't yet read the book, as for those who have read it. Everyone is invited to the live author reading!

For information on how to sign up for a free Second Life account, check out the Second Life website.

What does it cost?

There's no cost (other than buying your own copy of the book if you can't borrow it from the library or a friend), no commitment requirements, no discussion requirements. Come to as many or as few of the monthly discussions as you wish, discuss the book with the author -- or just sit back and listen.

Why are we doing this?

For several reasons:

To offer book lovers in Second Life a regular time to gather with other book lovers
By taking advantage of the virtual world's ability to eliminate travel, to bring readers and authors together who might otherwise never meet
To give authors a way to easily and inexpensively expand contact with their audiences around the world

How do you find out about future book selections and events?

The best way to stay up to date with book titles, authors, and dates and times of the monthly meetings is to join either of these two Second Life groups: Story Mountain Writers Group or Athena Isle Writers Group.

Alternatively, send your email address to: joankr@writersinthevirtualsky.com, and I'll also send you email reminders. (Please use BOOK CLUB for the subject.)

How to get a copy of the book:

In addition to all your usual avenues for obtaining a book, you can also come to Story Mountain Center's Bookstore in Second Life, where you can "touch" the book for a direct link to the product page at amazon.com.

Bestselling Author Michelle Gagnon Shares Journey from Dancer to Crime Fiction Novelist

2008-08-27T17:28:00.000-07:00

Transcript of August 20, 2008, Athena Isle
Writers Meeting in Second Life

Alas Zerbino: Welcome to this Athena Isle Writers meeting at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Thanks for having me.
GaiusJulius Drut: thank you
Alas Zerbino: You're most welcome!!
GaiusJulius Drut: it is a long time ago since I was here last
Alas Zerbino: I'm literally thrilled to introduce our guest today: Michelle Gagnon, author of two crime thriller novels (sorry...couldn't help the pun!)
MichelleGagnon Gothly: lol

Michelle Gagnon (back to camera) "talks" with the Athena Isle Writers Club Aug. 20, 2008, at Story Mountain Center in Second Life.

Alas Zerbino: Before she became a writer, Michelle was a modern dancer, dog walker, bartender, freelance journalist, personal trainer, model, and Russian supper club performer. (Sounds like lots of stories there.) Her 2007 debut thriller The Tunnels was an IMBA bestseller about "ritual murder, ancient magic, and buried secrets." (James Rollins) Her second book--just released last month--is Boneyard, about dueling serial killers in the Berkshires. Definitely a page-turner!
Michelle is appearing in Second Life as the avatar MichelleGagnon Gothly. Welcome to Athena Isle Writers, Michelle! Please add whatever you wish to introduce yourself.

Series to Continue After Jump to Bestseller List

MichelleGagnon Gothly: I just got great news, actually, Boneyard just made the July IMBA bestseller list too!
Alas Zerbino: YAY!!!!!
Chepooka Laval: congrats!
Alas Zerbino: Congratulations!!!! (not surprised)
GaiusJulius Drut: congrats
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Thanks! It was exciting. This means that we'll be continuing the series for at least two more books
GaiusJulius Drut: wow
Alas Zerbino: Super!!!

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Can you tell us more about the IMBA & their list?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Sure, IMBA is the Independent Mystery Booksellers Association. It's comprised of mystery bookstores both in North America and abroad.
Alas Zerbino: Hi Chrissia -- welcome and have a seat
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Hi Chrissia, thanks for coming
Chepooka Laval: hi Chrissia
Chrissia Tyles: hi all
GaiusJulius Drut: Hi
Chrissia Tyles: nice to see you again Chepooka
Chepooka Laval: you too! :)
Alas Zerbino: Michelle just announced Boneyard made it to the IMBA list, which means at least 2 more books in the series.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Tell us more about your main characters.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I have two characters who run through the series, one is FBI Special Agent Kelly Jones, the other is Jake Riley. So Kelly has been an FBI agent for over a decade. She's in her mid-thirties at the start of the series, very good at her job but somewhat socially awkward. Think Clarisse Starling ten years further into her career, slightly jaded but adept. Jake is a bit of a rogue. Former FBI, now he works private security. He's sort of the on again, off again love interest.
Alas Zerbino: I started reading Boneyard this morning and it was excruciating to put it down to come to this.... lol
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I always love the hear that!
Chepooka Laval: oh, I LOVE that feeling! sounds so fun, I'll be dashing to Barnes & Noble later -- hee.
Alas Zerbino: /you'll love it, Chepooka!

When Character Is Killed, Thriller Is Born

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: How did you get started writing crime novels?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I actually set off to write a very different book initially. It was going to be my great American novel, a college coming of age story.
Chepooka Laval: wow
MichelleGagnon Gothly: and I kept getting 20 or 30 pages in and losing the thread, and one night I was typing away, and "accidentally" killed off my main character, and that book became The Tunnels, which is about a series of ritualized murders in the abandoned tunnel system beneath campus.
Alas Zerbino: LOL -- Cougar?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: That's too funny--did you like Cougar? My editor LOVES that character.
Alas Zerbino: yeah, I relate to him -- nerd to nerd! lol
MichelleGagnon Gothly: lol. I joke that I'm going to have him make cameos in every book now just to tease her.
Alas Zerbino: LOL
Alas Zerbino: Hi Irisgrl! C'mon in!
Chepooka Laval: hi Irisgrl!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Hi Irisgrl
GaiusJulius Drut: Hi
Irisgrl Saphir: Hi...

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: How did you come to use those tunnels as the basis of your first book?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: There was an abandoned tunnel system under Wesleyan, where I went to college. People used to sneak through the tunnels at night to go into the library, chapel, etc. They were really scary, dark, dank, and covered with graffiti.
Alas Zerbino: LOL They had one of those at my Catholic college, too.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: funny, I got so many emails after the book came out from people asking, "Is it set at this school?" because I never name the college and so many of them have these tunnels, especially in the northeast
Alas Zerbino: and in the Midwest....
MichelleGagnon Gothly: true! Anywhere with a lot of snow, I think.

First Novel: "will never see light of day"

Alas Zerbino: Yup! QUESTION: Tell us about how you got The Tunnels published -- how long it took, what you did to market it, etc.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Tunnels was actually the second book I wrote. I have another one in a box under my bed that will never see the light of day. But that one was my learning experience. I queried over 50 agents with that one, and got turned down by all of them. So when I finished Tunnels, I went through multiple revisions, then only sent it to three agents. One of them got back to me right away, and I ended up signing with her. And it sold a few months after that. So things went fairly smoothly with The Tunnels, but that first book was a bit of a disaster.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Did you sense that Tunnels was somehow "better" or at least different from your first?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Tunnels was definitely a tighter story arc. And in truth probably more interesting subject matter. But I'm partial to Boneyard at the moment. I think writers tend to prefer their latest release.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Do you think most authors have to write one unsellable novel first?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Not all of them, but definitely most. There's sort of a prototypical first novel. It's usually semi-autobiographical, written in 1st person. I'm in an open writing group, and probably 80% of the books that come in represent that. First books are tough, you have to know when to put them away and start over.
Alas Zerbino: Lots of coming-of-age stories?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: yes, TONS of coming of age stories. I remember one written by a girl who'd made a fortune in the dotcom boom. And she wrote this very self-indulgent book about deciding what to do with the rest of her life. It was basically like she was coming in and reading her diary every week, and frankly diaries are like dreams--not that interesting to anyone outside the person featured in them.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: I think several of us have a first novel sitting in the drawer. How do you know when it's time to move on?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I think if you've done multiple revisions (ideally a few months apart. I always like to let a book sit for awhile before looking at it again). And you've queried a few dozen agents and haven't gotten much of a response, it's time to at least consider moving on. The thing is, if the book is finished enough that you're shopping it, chances are you're going to spend 3-6 months waiting for an agent to get back to you anyway, so it's always a good idea to start something else in the interim. In my genre, most people want multiple book contracts anyway, preferably with the same characters.
Alas Zerbino: Very true!

Athena Isle Writers gather in a round-table discussion with Michelle Gagnon, author of The Tunnels and Boneyard, at the Aug. 20 meeting at Story Mountain Center for Writers in Second Life.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What's the research process like -- and where do you get all those great procedural details and FBI inside "color"?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Initially it was really tough, since I had no law enforcement background, and really didn't know anything about forensics, FBI procedure, etc.
Chrissia Tyles: good question, Alas
MichelleGagnon Gothly: But by going to conferences I've amassed kind of a database of experts. And I have 3 FBI agents who chat with me while I'm writing the books, and they check them for mistakes when I finish.
Alas Zerbino: Wonderful
Alas Zerbino: Welcome, Annesh! Have a seat!
Annesh Perl: Hi! Glad to be here
GaiusJulius Drut: hi
Annesh Perl: I'm sorry I'm late
Alas Zerbino: np
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Hi Amnesh!

How to Find an Agent

GaiusJulius Drut: QUESTION: How did you contact the agents?
Alas Zerbino: Good question, Gaius
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Things have really changed; with the first book most agents accepted mail queries only, now most take email. I initially contacted a lower agent in the agency via email, and she kicked it up to her boss, who ended up taking me on. Most agents have websites now with specific submission guidelines. The trick is to make sure you're contacting people who represent the type of work you write. And who are actively acquiring authors.
Alas Zerbino: Makes sense
MichelleGagnon Gothly: There are some good sites for that.
Alas Zerbino: You mentioned the conferences ...
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Conferences are a good place to get agents, too--a lot of them have "speed dating" pitch sessions.
Alas Zerbino: Yes, I've heard that.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Do you outline your novels? Do you know how they'll turn out from the start, or do they change as you write?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I'm not an outliner.
Alas Zerbino: /I like hearing that -- I'm not either! lol
MichelleGagnon Gothly: It's funny, I toured this summer with Simon Wood, a former engineer who literally has color coded spreadsheets for each novel.
Alas Zerbino: Wow!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: While I wing it--I have a first chapter in mind and a really rough idea of what the book will be about. I usually write the last fifty pages in a rush because I can't wait to see how it ends.

From Personal Trainer to Writer . . .

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Did you go to school for writing -- MFA?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Nope. I majored in a general humanities major. I did write short stories based on my grandfather's WWI diaries for my senior thesis, but then moved to NYC to work with a dance company and didn't write at all for several years.
Alas Zerbino: So how did you get back into writing?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I was living in SF, working as a personal trainer, and a college friend who was working for a fitness website asked me to write content for them.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: So I started writing a lot of non-fiction then, and around 2000 started working on my first novel (the disastrous one). Tunnels I started in 2004.
Annesh Perl: So your writing was more for fun and a hobby?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Well, the fiction was--non -fiction paid at least some of the bills for about a decade. After the dotcom bust I wrote for magazines mostly, random stuff, everything from travel articles to fitness to lifestyle pieces.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Where are you at in the writing process for your next novel?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Right at the beginning. I actually have two books going right now, one is the next in the series, the other is a whole new series I'm toying with. I've written about thirty pages of each, so I really need to get going on one of them.

Chrissia Tyles: QUESTION: Tunnels sounds like a great movie idea...any interest there?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I have a film agent, but so far there's been more interest in Boneyard. Tunnels has a lot of Norse mythology back-story in it, which apparently the studios aren't interested in after the new Wicker Man did so poorly.
Alas Zerbino: (for those who came in recently, Michelle's just got word that Boneyard made the IMBA best-seller list.
Annesh Perl: Congratulations!
Chrissia Tyles: good going
Irisgrl Saphir: Congrats Michelle on making the list!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Thanks!
Irisgrl Saphir: Looking forward to the transcript (wondering where it will be) because this is great stuff!!
Alas Zerbino: Irisgrl -- on http://athenaislewriters.blogspot.com
Irisgrl Saphir: Thanx Alas......and thanx for getting Michelle here today.
Irisgrl Saphir: Thanks and see you all!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: See you!
Alas Zerbino: bye for now, Irisgrl

GaiusJulius Drut: QUESTION: Did your characters always want what you want or gain their independent existence?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: They're tricky, those characters. Mainly because I'm not an outliner, there are days when I expect them to go somewhere and do something, and they go off in a different direction. In Boneyard, I have a character sneaking out the back of a house, and he runs into someone that I wasn't expecting to be there. So they're constantly surprising.
Alas Zerbino: That's a lot of the fun of writing, too!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: it keeps it interesting for me.

Great Community of Mystery Writers/Readers

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Have mysteries/thrillers been a favorite genre of yours?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I wasn't a big crime fiction reader at the time I started writing Tunnels, but when I thought about it afterwards, I realized that growing up, mysteries is pretty much all I read.
Alas Zerbino: Fascinating!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: all those Nancy Drew/Hardy Boy books, The Great Brain series, Arthur Conan Doyle. I ate those up when I was a kid.
Alas Zerbino: Oh yes -- mainstays of my youth!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: So I think they were always in the back of my mind.
Alas Zerbino: ...and when you ended up with one, you weren't disappointed, I take it? :)
MichelleGagnon Gothly: No, what I love about writing these books is that there's a really great mystery community out there. Everyone knows each other, and everyone is really supportive. That was amazing to discover since I had no idea it existed.
Alas Zerbino: Sisters in Crime?
Alas Zerbino: Hi Artful! Welcome!
GaiusJulius Drut: Hi
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Hi Artful!
Artful Kidd: hello
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers. Plus there's a whole slew of yahoo groups with both writers and fans.
Alas Zerbino: Roberta Isleib [president of National Sisters in Crime] has been a guest of ours.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Oh, I love Roberta! I think I read her blog post about coming here.
Alas Zerbino: Yes, she was fun!
Alas Zerbino: and we're planning on having an office for SIC here at Story Mountain.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Awesome!!! That's such a great idea.
Alas Zerbino: Yes, I think so, too! She and Beth Groundwater have talked about how supportive those organizations are....
MichelleGagnon Gothly: They're really amazing. Plus everyone sees each other on this conference circuit. Which is a lot of fun. Next one is in Baltimore in October, that kind of closes out our year.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Are there similar writers' associations for mainstream fiction writers? Or would any writer benefit from those organizations?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: There don't seem to be, which is a shame. I have some friends who write more literary fiction, and they hang out together here in SF, but there's nothing "official." So I'm not sure how they go about getting blurbs for their books etc. The groups have made such a difference for me with that.
Alas Zerbino: That's wonderful! I was going to ask how you got so many well-known authors to write blurbs for you!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I got them drunk at a conference and made them promise to give me a blurb
Alas Zerbino: LOL!!!!!
Artful Kidd: lol
Alas Zerbino: I love it!
GaiusJulius Drut: lol
MichelleGagnon Gothly: and I taped it, so they couldn't back out afterwards. ;) Plus I have compromising photos of Jeff Deaver.
Alas Zerbino: LMAO
Annesh Perl: LOL
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Seriously, all I ever did was ask, and everyone I asked said yes. But then I think having met them at conferences definitely helped.

Alas Zerbino: writers' conferences are important for writers, in general, I think.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: definitely: pricey, though. That kind of flying really costs you these days.
Alas Zerbino: well, yeah, especially if you have to fly
Annesh Perl: Conferences seem a big investment, and how do you know the best ones to go to?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I've spent the past few years rooting out which ones to go to. I always go to cons close to where I live. There are a few national mystery cons that everyone goes to, those are a given. And the regional ones can be hit or miss.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What's the most important thing an unpublished writer can do to move toward publication?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: huh, that's a tough one. Writing every day is my best advice. And to not give up. It's one of those industries where you subject yourself to a ton of rejection, so you need to be persistent and not give up.
Alas Zerbino: persistence -- everyone says that is the key.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: It really is.

On Writing Genre Fiction: "No respect, more money"

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What--if anything--is different about writing genre fiction, vs. mainstream fiction?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Our joke is that as genre writers, we get no respect and have to comfort ourselves with outselling literary fiction 10 to 1.
Chepooka Laval: lol
Alas Zerbino: LOL!!!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Our deadlines are tighter and more set in stone. I have friends who write literary fiction, and they're allowed to spend years on a manuscript. I need to produce at least one book a year. Also, our print runs are much higher.
Annesh Perl: You make more money right?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Yes, usually--of course, I think Khaled (The Kite Runner) did ok. But we generally do make more money because there's a wider audience for our books.
Alas Zerbino: Well, you've now convinced me to ditch that mainstream novel in my drawer & head over to the genre side! lol
MichelleGagnon Gothly: lol! I'm telling you, we're the fun crowd.
Annesh Perl: I believe it
Alas Zerbino: LOL! I believe it, too!
GaiusJulius Drut nods

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Any other advice (besides write every day) for unpublished authors?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: That plus persistence--wish I could add more. Someone once said to me when I complained that it was hard to find time to write, "but if you only write a page a day, at the end of a year you'll have a book." I love that.
Alas Zerbino: yes -- that one page a day sure adds up!!

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: I'm really curious to know -- where did you get the idea for Boneyard?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: One of my FBI friends and I were chatting, and she was saying that she thought the estimate of the number of serial killers was way off. She said that in her opinion, they were only catching the sloppy/flagrant ones. That if someone was careful and targeted the "missing missing," (prostitutes, illegal immigrants, etc.) and disposed of the bodies where they wouldn't be found, they could operate in a small area for years. I found that fascinating.
Alas Zerbino: wow! I always thought it was due to alien abduction! lol
MichelleGagnon Gothly: lol--that too!

On Marketing: "It's up to us to do it on our own"

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What's your involvement in marketing your books?
Annesh Perl: I find the research and submitting, etc. takes more time than writing actually / where do you find time for that? LOL
MichelleGagnon Gothly: This year I spent three straight months doing nothing but marketing.
Annesh Perl: That helps to know / so you actually took a break from writing to do marketing?
GaiusJulius Drut: QUESTION: Three month of marketing? What did you do exactly?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I did-- I had a huge marketing campaign, did everything from assembling "chapbooks" (the 1st 3 chapters of the book) and sending them to bed and breakfasts in resort areas. To blog ads and a huge blog tour. I had bookmarks & magnets made, planned a tour. It was a tremendous amount of work. Unfortunately most publishers have slashed their marketing departments, so it's up to us to do it on our own. And frankly some of them aren't that comfortable with new media outlets.
Artful Kidd: like SL..?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: exactly!!!
Alas Zerbino: Yes, the book publishing industry is rather traditional....
MichelleGagnon Gothly: This is kind of sad--I'm holding a drawing for an Amazon Kindle at the end of the tour, and asked my editor if Boneyard was available on Kindle. And she asked, "what's a Kindle?"
Alas Zerbino: No kidding??!!!??
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I found that very depressing.
Alas Zerbino: What I want to know is when The Tunnels will be available on Kindle.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: It already is!!! And so is Boneyard. Plus if you want to win one, you can still enter the drawing. Just sign up for my newsletter on my site (I don't send it out often, promise)
Alas Zerbino: I'm reading Boneyard on it, but it didn't list Kindle as an edition of Tunnels.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Really? It was before. I'll have to doublecheck that. Amazon has been a little screwy lately. They erased all my reviews a few weeks ago.
Alas Zerbino: Ah, I've also noticed that.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Don't you just love the Kindle? I'm hooked on mine.
Alas Zerbino: YES!!!!! I hate it when a book I have to read isn't available!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I know, me too. Really wish they had more travel books, it's so perfect for that! But in a few years everything will be an ebook IMHO. It'll be interesting to see how it changes the publishing industry.
Alas Zerbino: I think so -- despite your editor's ignorance!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I think it's clearly a generational thing.

Alas Zerbino: Michelle's website: www.michellegagnon.com
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Thanks Alas!
Alas Zerbino: You also write on a blog...http://killzoneauthors.blogspot.com

GaiusJulius Drut: QUESTION: How important is it to write the manuscript as norm pages?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: You mean formatting?
GaiusJulius Drut nods
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Manuscripts are pretty standard Times New Roman 12 pt, inch margins, but honestly, unless you do something really wacky, these days most agents don't get too nitpicky about formatting; it's so easy to change.

Alas Zerbino: Wow -- the hour's flown!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I know, it has!!!
Artful Kidd: yes..I'm sorry now I got here late
Alas Zerbino: I really have enjoyed your coming, Michelle! Thank you so much!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Thanks so much for having me, this was a blast!
Chepooka Laval: thank you Michelle, this has been wonderful!
Annesh Perl: Thanks this was great
GaiusJulius Drut: yes, thank you very much Michelle
Annesh Perl: Nice to meet you
MichelleGagnon Gothly: And I'm always happy to answer questions, just contact me through my site; that email goes right to me.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Thanks so much to all of you for coming.
Alas Zerbino: And I highly recommend her books -- Boneyard, at least, is the one I'm reading and it's wondeful!
Artful Kidd: thankyou!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Aw, thanks Alas!
Chepooka Laval: I am excited to read it!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Thanks Chepooka!
Alas Zerbino: And thanks everyone for coming -- it was great.

Chepooka Laval: I hope you'll come back and visit us in SL again.
Alas Zerbino: I'd love to have you back sometime -- maybe for a voice reading on the stage upstairs? Is that a possibility?
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Sure, that would be great!
Chepooka Laval: awesome!
GaiusJulius Drut: yes. great idea
Alas Zerbino: Super!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: My schedule is wide open now, this is the final event on my tour until October! Yay!
Alas Zerbino: Wow, what a relief for you!!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: It's been a crazy summer for me, I traveled almost every day in July. This was so nice to be able to go to an event without leavig my house!
Alas Zerbino: At least you didn't have to ttravel to be here.... lol
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Exactly!
Alas Zerbino: Well, I'm delighted to meet you and will let you know when the transcript's up on the blog.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Perfect, thanks so much!
Alas Zerbino: And I can't wait to get back to Boneyard after work tonight!!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Aw, thanks!
MichelleGagnon Gothly: I'll definitely be blogging about this, probably next Thursday.
Alas Zerbino: Great!! for a bit more on SL & writers, I write a blog on that: www.writersinthevirtualsky.com
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Oh, cool-- will check it out.

MichelleGagnon Gothly: All right, I'm off to do some exploring. I want to figure out this flying thing.
Chepooka Laval: Have fun Michelle! thanks ALas, another fabulous event.
MichelleGagnon Gothly: Thanks again!!!
Alas Zerbino: Thank you!!!
Alas Zerbino: Thanks Gaius & Chrissia & Chepooka!
GaiusJulius Drut: Thank you Alas. it was a great meeting
Chrissia Tyles: thanks Alas
Alas Zerbino: You're most welcome! We don't have a meeting set for next Wednesday, but most Wednesdays we have one scheduled, so come back whenever you can!
GaiusJulius Drut: I will
Chrissia Tyles: alright

Bestselling Novelist Michelle Richmond Shares Support & Writing Tips With Writers in SL

2008-08-19T11:39:00.001-07:00

Transcript of August 13, 2008, Athena Isle
Writers Meeting in Second Life

Alas Zerbino: Welcome to this Athena Isle Writers meeting at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.

I'm honored now to introduce our guest today. Michelle Richmond's first book of fiction, a short story collection, won one of the major national writing awards in 2001. Her first novel, Dream of the Blue Room, was an award finalist. Then her second novel, The Year of Fog, did what every writer dreams of: it became a NY Times bestseller, as well as hitting many 2007 top-book lists. Now, her third novel, No One You Know, is just out -- and to stunning reviews!

Michelle Richmond (center, in pink dress) "talks" to the Athena Isle Writers meeting on Second Life on Aug. 20, 2008.

Alas Zerbino: Michelle is appearing in Second Life as the avatar Michelle Mefusula. Welcome to Athena Isle Writers, Michelle! Please add whatever you wish to introduce yourself.

Michelle Mefusula: It's great to be here. Thanks for inviting me, Alas. And thank you all for being here. Looking forward to hearing your questions.
Alas Zerbino: We're delighted you came! And you've been such a trooper about the weirdnesses of SL!
Michelle Mefusula: It is indeed weird, but wonderful! I could get lost in here.
Alas Zerbino: LOL -- we all do from time to time.

Michelle Mefusula: Are you all writers?
Alas Zerbino: I am
Chepooka Laval: I am not, but I'm a reader! :)
JMB Balogh: Me, I'm just a blogger but a fan of yours and a big reader too
Alas Zerbino: Great -- readers!!
Irisgrl Saphir: I am a writer --lol
Chepooka Laval: she is a writer.
Michelle Mefusula: Ah, yes, I've read your blog, Alas. Are you a fiction writer? Chepooka and JMB ... we writers need readers!
Irisgrl Saphir: yeah--write on!
Irisgrl Saphir: JMB's blog? where?
JMB Balogh: Nobody important is its name
Irisgrl Saphir: Fiction and non-fiction
Alas Zerbino: Yes, I write short fiction and novels -- only published short stories & some poems.
Michelle Mefusula: JMB...a fan..yay! Thank you. Oh, JMB, of course, I've read your blog before.
Michelle Mefusula: Alas...great! It's wonderful that you've published stories and poems. That's not easy to do.
JMB Balogh: You did, did you see my review of Year of Fog?
Alas Zerbino: What's the URL of your blog, JMB?
JMB Balogh: nobodyimportant-jmb.blogspot.com
Alas Zerbino: What a name!! Thanks!
JMB Balogh: YW
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, I did JMB... thank you!

On Publishing and Agents

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Your books have been far more successful than many of today's novelists. Why do you think that's so?
Michelle Mefusula: Alas: Well, The Year of Fog did achieve a level of commercial success that I never expected. It was my third book, and the first one that sold well. I think it was a combination of things--the story, the publisher's efforts, right time and place, etc.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: How did you find an agent?
Alas Zerbino: Good question!
Michelle Mefusula: I published my first two books without an agent. I'd tried very hard to find an agent for my story collection and for my first novel, to no avail. Dozens of rejections.
Michelle Mefusula: I ultimately found my agent while at the Sewanee Writers Conference. I was there as a fellow, and got to sit down with a NY couple who have an old and respected agency in NYC. We hit it off, and I sent them my new novel, The Year of Fog, when it was complete.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: if without an agent how did you find a publisher?
Michelle Mefusula: My first book was published as a result of the Associated Writing Programs contest. It's an annual contest for a story collection, and University of Massachusetts Press publishes the winner.
Michelle Mefusula: My second book was published by MacAdam/Cage, a small San Francisco literary publisher which, at that time, accepted unagented submissions. I'm not sure they do that anymore, though.

Alas Zerbino: So it's true that agents do sign up writers they meet at conferences?
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, I think agents do sometimes sign up authors they meet at conferences, although it definitely helped that I had two books under my belt at that point.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Can you elaborate more on "right time and place" (no need to elaborate on the story -- it's a great one!)
Michelle Mefusula: Hmmm, right time and place. Well, The Year of Fog is set in San Francisco, and I did a lot of events when it came out. I also wrote an essay about the inspiration for The Year of Fog which appeared in the San Fran Chronicle magazine, and the following week it was on the SF Chron bestseller list. When it made the list, my publisher took notice, and began to put more effort behind it. So I'd say the success of a book by an unknown writer is often the result of a slow-building avalanche of good publicity.
Alas Zerbino: Wow! Fascinating story!
Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION Is San Fran Chron article online?
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, the SF Chron article is online. May I post the link here, Alas?
Alas Zerbino: absolutely!!

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Have you started working on #5, or do you take a break after pub?
Michelle Mefusula: I've been on a break for about two months, working on events, guest blogging, and preparing for an interview I'm going to do next month with one of my favorite authors, Paul Auster. I'll begin working on number 5 in a couple of weeks.
Irisgrl Saphir: very helpful info on getting published

Unpublished Writers: Submit Short Fiction to Journals

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What's the most important thing an unpublished writer can do to move toward publication?
Michelle Mefusula: Most important thing an unpublished writer can do: I had my start publishing short stories in literary magazines, and I think that's a very good place to start. When you have a story that is polished and represents your best work, choose ten magazines you'd like to be published in, and send it to ALL of them. I'm a big believer in multiple submissions.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Did you ever worry that your fiction wouldn't "make it"?
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, I worried for years that my fiction wouldn't make it, and there were times when I became very discouraged, when I couldn't find a publisher for my books. But I just kept thinking "One day..."
Michelle Mefusula: I think it actually turned out to be a good thing for me that my first two books were not commercial successes. It made me able to manage my expectations. I know people who are discouraged if their first book doesn't make a huge splash, but I always feel fortunate to be able to publish and to write the story I want to write.
Alas Zerbino: That's so important for writing!

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: who do you get to read/edit your work before submission--lots of people?
Michelle Mefusula: My husband is my first editor, and the only person who sees my work before it goes to my agent or to my editor at the publishing house.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Do you have a blog?
Alas Zerbino: Michelle's blog: http://michellerichmond.com/sanserif/
Alas Zerbino: Her website: http://michellerichmond.com/
Michelle Mefusula: Thanks for posting my blog address, Alas. As for that article in the Chron, you can got to my website, click FOG, and then click "the story behind the book." (I couldn't paste the link.)
Alas Zerbino: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/29/CMGRJN7UTO1.DTL&hw=michelle+richmond&sn=001&sc=1000

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Do you write fast first drafts, or deliberate over each paragraph as you write it?
Michelle Mefusula: I deliberate, Alas! Do you deliberate over every paragraph? I did, however, write No One You Know in a year, which is very fast for me. It was the first time I was on deadline for a novel, and it helped.
Alas Zerbino: I do both -- which is why I'm curious. Sometimes I deliberate forever; other times I can't write fast enough.
Michelle Mefusula: Alas, don't you love those times when you're able to not deliberate and you "Can't write fast enough?"
Alas Zerbino: YES!!!!
Irisgrl Saphir: Plugged into the Muse--yeah!!
Michelle Mefusula: But back to what's important for unpublished or beginning writers: find a good reader for your work, someone who will be honest but encouraging. And once you believe something is ready to send out, just keep sending it and sending it until someone bites.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Are your stories "there" when you start or do they grow as you write?
Michelle Mefusula: Inrisgrl: my stories definitely grow as I write. With a novel, I always have an idea where it's going, but not outline. With a short story, it's pretty much a free-fall, and I love that.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Do you re-write a lot--revise for longer than it took to write?
Michelle Mefusula: Oh, yes, Irisgrl, I revise a TON. Every book goes through many rounds of revision.
Alas Zerbino: Sometimes I think I could revise forever.....
Michelle Mefusula: Sometimes it's difficult to know when to stop revising.

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Did your editors at the publisher edit a lot or just barely?
Michelle Mefusula: My editor was very hands-on with The Year of Fog and made many, many suggestions, some of which I took and some of which I didn't. A good editor won't even want you to take ALL of her suggestions...my editor is wonderful. With No One You Know, she did less editing. Part of that was that we had less time, but part of it was that the early drafts of that book were less messy than The Year of Fog.

About Novel Settings

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Your settings are very "atmospheric" - almost dreamy at times. Do you do that consciously or does it come out in your writing process?
Michelle Mefusula: Can I just say it's so cool to have that big poster up over the fireplace?
Alas Zerbino: *big smile* Great!! I'll take a photo and send it to you.
Michelle Mefusula: I think the settings are a natural part of my writing process-it has a lot to do with the way I observe and process the world. I knew that, in The Year of Fog, I wanted San Francisco to be a character unto itself, just as I wanted China to be very present in Dream of the Blue Room.
Michelle Mefusula: When I read a book, I like to have a very strong impression of the place--the sights, smells, sounds, etc, so I think it's something that comes naturally to me when I write.
Alas Zerbino: Yes, I like it when the setting is a character -- especially when it's well done.
Michelle Mefusula: With San Francisco, that was kind of easy--the setting being a character. I live in the fog belt out by the ocean, by far the foggiest part of the city. It's been freezing most of this month!
Irisgrl Saphir: Like Alaska this summer--cold drizzly overcast--but no fog
Alas Zerbino: I know the area! We actually had intense fog here last night and this morning...maybe because I was going to be meeting you?!! :)
Michelle Mefusula: Are you in Alaska, Irisgrl? That's so cool and romantic! Alas...I love that the parameters of our virtual world are infringing upon your real life, bringing fog into your neighborhood.
Irisgrl Saphir: Yep--Alaska, with a sweater on
Alas Zerbino: Yes, and the more time I spend in SL, the thinner the separations seem to be!

Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTIONS: Do your stories come out of your life or are they mostly made-up?
Michelle Mefusula: Irisgrl, the events of my novels are entirely fictional, but the emotions, I'm sure, come partially from things I've experienced. In No One You Know, the narrator has lost a sister. That has never happend to me, but I do have two sisters and was able to emotionally connect with the character on that level.
Irisgrl Saphir: Cool--so many people around me write their life
Irisgrl Saphir: I can't wait to read Fog
Alas Zerbino: If I wrote my life, the stories would be intensely boring! lol
Michelle Mefusula: Me too!
Michelle Mefusula: I do write personal essays for fun, which I publish here and there-- my husband probably wishes I wouldn't!
Alas Zerbino: LOL!

About MFAs for Writers

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: How important is it for an apprentice writer to get an MFA?
Michelle Mefusula: Even though I've taught in MFA programs for years, I don't think anyone needs an MFA to be a writer. I think it's helpful to many people--for one thing, it provides a writer with deadlines and a community of like-minded persons. But there are more and more ways to connect with other writers these days, from virtual workshops to workshops in university extension programs. I think the degree is totally unnecessary. Of course,I'd like to hear an agent's take on that--they might disagree.
Alas Zerbino: Hmmm, I've heard agents say the MFA isn't essential....
Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Do you have an MFA?
Michelle Mefusula: I do have an MFA. The reason I decided to get one was that I knew I wanted to teach, because I felt that was a career that would give me time to write. Although I don't teach much anymore, and writing is my bread and butter, for many years teaching paid the bills while allowing me summers off to write.
Irisgrl Saphir: Imagine earning a living from your writing--my hat off to you!
Alas Zerbino: Mine, too!!
Michelle Mefusula: I also did my MFA in a very different time--1995. BAck then, the majority of the MFA programs were fully funded--meaning students did not pay tuition. I taught a couple of classes and received a living stipend. Many of the newer programs are expensive, and I don't think it's a good idea to go into debt for an MFA!
Alas Zerbino: Stipends -- WOW!
Irisgrl Saphir: The new low-residency ones are great, though.
Alas Zerbino: Irisgrl -- that's been my experience, too
Michelle Mefusula: Yes, I love the idea of the low-res program and actually think these may be worth the money, because you don't have to quit your day job and move across the country to attend.
Michelle Mefusula: As for earning a living as a writer--that only started happening about a year ago. Believe me, it came as a huge surprise!

Alas Zerbino: I was chatting with another writer (fantasizing maybe?) about setting up an unofficial, uncredited, but useful "MFA program" here in SL,
Michelle Mefusula: Oh, I like the idea of the unofficial MFA in SL--I bet it would be popular!

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What are your thoughts on whether literary fiction writing can be taught? (some say it can't...that writers are "born")
Irisgrl Saphir: Well, it can be honed, developed, with the right guidance and great feedback
Michelle Mefusula: I'm torn about whether literary fiction writing can be taught. I think the desire to write is something that can't be taught, and a writer has to have that. A certain degree of talent helps. But writers can learn certain things--about craft--that make them much better at what they do. Yes, it can be honed, developed.
Michelle Mefusula: And despite what I've said about MFA programs here, I have had the opportunity to watch my students grow and develop. But I've also seen them be discouraged by too much workshopping.
Irisgrl Saphir: That's where low-res is handy---more focus
Irisgrl Saphir: But you gotta want to tell a story......
Alas Zerbino: Yes, the desire to write -- that's essential -- otherwise why go through the pain?
Irisgrl Saphir: The desire to have written is big, too!
Michelle Mefusula: Ah, yes, the pain. The desire to have written--can you elaborate?
Irisgrl Saphir: Having a story and wanting to see it between hard covers, especially when it's not coming out well . . . ahhh

Michelle Mefusula: Is JMB still here?
Irisgrl Saphir: Left about 15 minutes ago, did JMB
Alas Zerbino: JMB seems to have left.
Alas Zerbino: (People come and go much more readily here than in first life.)
Michelle Mefusula: Coming and going more readily...ha!
Irisgrl Saphir: Like the Muse--who comes and goes a lot!
Alas Zerbino: LOL!!
Michelle Mefusula: Ah, yes, that muse does come and go!
Michelle Mefusula: Oh, I just found JMB's blog post about The Year of Fog. She did a very thoughtful write-up and links to another writer's website that focuses on missing persons, very interesting: http://nobodyimportant-jmb.blogspot.com/2008/04/year-of-fog.html
Alas Zerbino: Thanks for getting that, Michelle!

Michelle Mefusula: With low-res you get more one-on-one with the instructor, I think. In a traditional MFA program, a huge volume of the feedback you get is from your classmates--which can be very helpful, but sometimes all the different voices are daunting and confusing.
Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Workshopping is the biggest source of complaints & disillusionment from friends who've done an MFA. Do you think there are better ways to get feedback?
Michelle Mefusula: I think perhaps the best way to get feedback is to form a group of three or four writers who also happen to be excellent and avid readers. People who are really concerned with helping each other become better writers. Workshops are often just so big, and the people who talk the most are not necessarily the ones who are the most helpful.
Irisgrl Saphir: QUESTION: Are the workshops required or can you skip some?
Michelle Mefusula: Usually you're required to do a workshop per semester. Frequently the final semester has "Thesis hours" instead of a workshop.

Most Useful Writing Advice

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What's the most useful piece of writing advice you can give to writers (other than "just write")?
Michelle Mefusula: Useful writing advice: Read widely and ecclectically. Some of my best passages have come about when I was just sitting reading a book and was suddenly inspired. For that, it's good to have a notebook in hand when your're writing. And reread! I have some books that I go back to over and over again. Do any of you have those books that speak to you in multiple readings?
Alas Zerbino: Yes, there are several I've re-read -- both for clues and for enjoyment.

Michelle Mefusula: My other writing advice: Know when to let a story go. Not every story is going to work out. Before I wrote No One You Know, I was three hundred pages into a novel that I just couldn't get a handle on. I finally abandoned it, and when I did so, the new novel just sort of came pouring out. I was liberated! So liberate yourself from failed stories.
Alas Zerbino: Great advice!!

Irisgrl Saphir: Thanks for coming, Michelle; I can't wait to read your work!
Michelle Mefusula: Thank you all! I can't believe the hour is over. This has been so much fun, I'm going to have to become a regular SLr now.
Alas Zerbino: That's super, Michelle!
Alas Zerbino: Thank you so VERY much for coming here!!
Michelle Mefusula: A book for all of you to read: The Death of a Beekeeper by Lars Gustafsson. I read it every year. It's amazing and inspiring.

Chepooka Laval: Michelle this was so great! I can't wait to read your work.
Chepooka Laval: I have subscribed to your blog as well
Michelle Mefusula: Thanks for subscribing to my blog, Chepooka! I frequently post writing exercises on my blog--just see the WRITING EXERCISE category if you're interested.

Alas Zerbino: You've given us so much information and advice -- and support!
Alas Zerbino: Chepooka, I'm halfway through No One You Know and can hardly put it down.
Michelle Mefusula: Alas, thank you for reading No One You Know, and thank you for the kind words!
Alas Zerbino: You've been wonderful Michelle!
Irisgrl Saphir: You sure have!
Irisgrl Saphir: Bye!

Michelle Mefusula: I've kind of grown fond of this dress and hate to take it off. Speaking of taking it off, last night as I was trying to figure out SL, I accidentally removed my shirt and couldn't figure out how to get it back on. I was afraid I'd have to appear topless.
Alas Zerbino: LOL! When you find yourself without a piece of clothing, open your inventory (lower right side), open the Clothing folder, find a shirt, right-click onit and choose "wear"
Michelle Mefusula: That's nice to know about the clothing. But now that you've informed me, I have no excuse for wandering around naked, which might have been kind of fun...something I'd never ever do in real life.

Alas Zerbino: Thanks to everyone for making this a great meeting, and I'll let you know when the transcript goes up.
Michelle Mefusula: Thanks Alas, Irisgrl, Chepooka, and everyone for your wonderful questions. This has been such a delight!
Alas Zerbino: Come back again!
Chepooka Laval: Absolutely Michelle!
Michelle Mefusula: Over and out, and I hope to run into you again soon.
Irisgrl Saphir: See you again!
Alas Zerbino: Perhaps you'd come in sometime for a voice reading
Michelle Mefusula: Would love to. Bye!

* * * * *

Editor's Note: Based on reader feedback, I've made some changes to how I post these transcripts. The words of each avatar are the same, but I've rearranged the comments a bit so Michelle's answers fall immediately after the questions they pertain to. Also, I've deleted the date/time stamps and some of the introductory logistics at the start of the meeting. I hope this makes the transcript easier to read if you weren't able to attend the event itself. Please add a comment to this post to let me if these changes work for you. Thanks! ~Alas Zerbino

Crime Thriller Novelist Michelle Gagnon to Join Athena Isle Writers Meeting Aug. 20 in Second Life

2008-08-15T15:17:00.000-07:00

Michelle Gagnon, author of the thrillers The Tunnels and Boneyard (just out), will join the Athena Isle Writers round-table discussion on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 12 p.m. SLT (i.e., Pacific time), at the Story Mountain Center for Writers in Second Life.

Michelle is a former modern dancer, dog walker, bartender, freelance journalist, personal trainer, model, and Russian supper club performer. To the delight of her parents, she eventually gave up all these jobs for an infinitely more stable and lucrative position as a crime fiction writer.

Her debut thriller The Tunnels was published in the United States and Australia, and was an IMBA bestseller. Described as "Silence of the Lambs meets The Wicker Man," the story involves a series of ritualized murders in the abandoned tunnel system beneath a university.

The second book in the series, Boneyard, depicts a cat-and-mouse game between dueling serial killers in the Berkshires.

"I defy anyone to read the first chapter of Boneyard and put the book down. Pure reading pleasure—creepy, terrifying, and utterly believable," says New York Times bestselling author Douglas Preston.

Michelle is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, Romance Writers of America, and International Thriller Writers.

In her spare time she runs errands and indulges a weakness for stale cinema popcorn and Hollywood blockbusters. Hopelessly addicted to Scrabulous, she's seriously considering a twelve-step program. She lives in San Francisco with her family.

Everyone – writers and readers – are invited to come meet Michelle Gagnon on Wednesday, Aug. 20, at 12 noon SLT at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle. The meeting is free!

NY Times Best-Selling Novelist Michelle Richmond to Join Aug. 13 Athena Isle Writers Round-table Discussion

2008-08-11T12:12:00.000-07:00

Join in a round-table discussion with best-selling and award-winning novelist Michelle Richmond at the August 13 Athena Isle Writers meeting in Second Life. The one-hour meeting begins at 12 p.m. SLT at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.

Michelle is the author of the New York Times and San Francisco Chronicle best-seller The Year of Fog, which was one of Library Journal’s “Best Books of 2007,” a Kirkus Reviews top pick for reading groups, a Washington Post “A-List” selection, and a San Francisco Chronicle “Notable Book.”

The Year of Fog has been translated into nine languages and is currently in development with Newmarket Films.

Michelle’s third novel, No One You Know, is just out from Delacorte. In addition to The Year of Fog, her previous books are the award-winning story collection The Girl in the Fall-Away Dress, and the novel Dream of the Blue Room, which was a finalist for the Northern California Book Award.

Her stories and essays have appeared in Glimmer Train, Playboy, Oxford American, The Believer, Salon, The Kenyon Review, The Missouri Review, and elsewhere. She is the recipient of the 2006 Mississippi Review Fiction Prize and the 2000 Associated Writing Programs Award, and has received fellowships from the Millay Colony, the Saltonstall Foundation, and the Sewanee Writers’ Conference, among others.

Michelle holds an MFA from the University of Miami, where she was a James Michener Fellow, and teaches in the MFA program in creative writing at California College of the Arts. She has also taught in the MFA programs of the University of San Francisco, St. Mary’s College of Moraga, and Bowling Green State University.

A native of Mobile, Alabama, Michelle lives with her husband and son in San Francisco. She is the founding editor of the literary journal Fiction Attic, and she serves on the advisory board of the Christopher Isherwood Foundation.

Come meet and discuss writing with Michelle Richmond on Wednesday, August 13, at 12 noon SLT, in an intimate round-table meeting at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle (SLURL).

The meeting is free and open, everyone is invited to attend.

Writing Wisdom & Advice of Vampire Huntress Author Leslie Banks: Transcript of Athena Isle Writers 7/30/08 Meeting

2008-08-05T12:23:00.000-07:00

Best-selling paranormal/women's fiction/crime-suspense novelist Leslie Banks made a guest appearance in Second Life at the July 30 Athena Isle Writers meeting. She offered advice about writing and publishing with great warmth and supportive energy to the other writers attending. Following is the transcript of the meeting.

Novelist Leslie Banks reclines on the couch as Athena Isle Writers gather around the table, preparing for a Q&A session with the Vampire Huntress author.

Alas Zerbino: We'll all sit around the table by the fireplace, under the poster for Leslie.
Alas Zerbino: You can take a seat at the table by right-clicking on an empty chair and then choosing “Sit Here.” Another empty chair will automatically appear then.
BanksVamp Magic: Am I in the right grouping of chairs?
LOL... the VampHuntress just tried flying--that is so funny!
Alas Zerbino: Yes, Spellbound.
Sheryl Skytower: or we can all just grovel at her feet... :)
Spellbound Jorysch: haha
Misia Tigerpaw: Hehe
Alas Zerbino: LOL - very true!
Spellbound Jorysch: I can do that
Alas Zerbino: :)
Spellbound Jorysch: haha
BanksVamp Magic: BIG SMILE--this is really, really an awesome site!
Alas Zerbino: Yeah, I love it here!
Spellbound Jorysch: It's a cool place
Spellbound Jorysch: :)
Alas Zerbino: When anyone sits in that chair, another will rez
Spellbound Jorysch: ok?
Misia Tigerpaw: How cool :-)
Alas Zerbino: yeah, I call it my magic table!
Spellbound Jorysch: that is so cool
Sheryl Skytower: now if I could only do that in RL...
Spellbound Jorysch: haha
Misia Tigerpaw: lol too true
Alas Zerbino: wouldn't that be nice????!!!
Spellbound Jorysch: yes now THAT would be cool
Spellbound Jorysch: does it start at 12pm
Alas Zerbino: Yes, it does, and we should get started.
BanksVamp Magic: Yep... ready for questions whenever you guys are :)
Alas Zerbino: OK, then, I'll do my little spiel....
Spellbound Jorysch: ok

Alas Zerbino: Welcome to this Athena Isle Writers meeting at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.
Alas Zerbino: OK, I’m thrilled now to introduce our guest today.
Leslie Banks began writing novels in the 90s, after leaving her high-powered business career to take care of her daughter. Interesting that a fiction contest by Essence magazine prompted her to write her first book, and this year, more than a dozen years later, she was named Storyteller of the Year at Essence’s First Annual Literary Awards event.

She has written more than 30 novels and contributed to 10 novellas, in multiple genres under various renderings of her full name, Leslie Esdaile Banks. She’s particularly beloved by her readers for her popular Vampire Huntress Legends series of 12 books, of which the last two are yet to be published. She’s also published other paranormal novels, women’s fiction, crime/suspense novels, and novelizations of movies and TV series – among many others.

She is appearing in Second Life as the avatar BanksVamp Magic. Welcome to Athena Isle Writers, Leslie! Please add whatever you wish to introduce yourself.

Alas Zerbino: BanksVamp, anything you want to say to begin -- before the questions start? :)
BanksVamp Magic: BIG HUG to you and all... I'm honored to be here and love the avatar, BIG SMILE. The intro said more than enough--how's everyone?
Spellbound Jorysch: Hi
Storm Parx: great
Alas Zerbino: We're so delighted you're here!
Misia Tigerpaw: Great! and yourself? :-)
Spellbound Jorysch: how great to meet you
Misia Tigerpaw: Indeed

Misia Tigerpaw: QUESTION: How did you obtain a love for paranormals?
BanksVamp Magic: This is a fabulous group--are you writers, readers, or a combo of both? I ask because we can get into writing topics or book content stuff, whatever you all would like.
Spellbound Jorysch: I am a writer
Storm Parx: both
Misia Tigerpaw: Writer and reader yup
Sheryl Skytower: writer/reader
Alas Zerbino: I think the focus should be on writers -- that's what we primarily come here for.
Alas Zerbino: yes -- and readers, too!!

Paranormal was "normal" in Banks' life

BanksVamp Magic: Ah... the paranormal was sorta "normal" in my life. Grew up with old wives tales, superstitions about stuff--culturally it was a norm, LOL... then I LOVED every chiller flick out there, especially the B movies with killer tomatoes and ants, LOL!
Misia Tigerpaw: Lol awesome
Alas Zerbino: Jump in any time with comments or questions - anyone - just preface questions with QUESTION!

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION: do you see the market shrinking for paranormals with so much stuff out there? And where do you find such great ideas to write about and be fresh and original?
Alas Zerbino: BanksVamp, feel free to break the questions down and share as much as you want!
Alas Zerbino: We're here to learn from you!
BanksVamp Magic: I actually stumbled into the genre. When I wrote the piece that was going to be my short story contest entry, it was about star crossed lovers who'd died under a curse 500 years ago, reincarnated, and didn't know each other in the present--then began sharing the same dream as bad guys hunted them (protecting each other unwittingly.) This became a novel, the first one... from there, the rest is history--once you're pegged.
BanksVamp Magic: I don't see the market drying up in the least--there is a feeding frenzy going on right now for this genre, and I think it'll morph into other areas, just like romance did... paranormal romance, para suspence, para mystery, etc.
Spellbound Jorysch: No, I agree, there is a thirst for the paranormal

Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: I write and have had published 3 pieces of non fiction and am half way through my first non fiction. How do you find your inspiration?
BanksVamp Magic: Inspiration for the paranormal (herein after PN for short, smile) comes from the world news. OMG! What is on the news reads like sci-fi and horror daily... woman cuts baby out of another woman's stomach... need I say more? :)
Spellbound Jorysch: haha, that answers it
Sheryl Skytower: eep! no snacks, please!
Alas Zerbino: Hi Leslye, come on in and a seat

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Some descriptions make it sound like you “turned” to writing out of a need to put food on the table. But given the quality of your writing, I’m assuming there are other reasons why you write. True?
BanksVamp Magic: Yes, yes, so true Alas... need sent me in the direction of a latent talent. Let me be clear--I LOVE TO WRITE. It was never fully supported at home or as a kid, so it was my secret thing--I wrote stories in my head, never committed anything to paper--then when the need arose, the floodgates opened. Go figure :)

Which comes first: agent or sale?

Storm Parx: QUESTION: What was your secret to finding an agent?
BanksVamp Magic: The agent thing happened after I got a few solid books under my belt. Oddly, when I entered the market, there wasn't a thing called PN romance, so they shelved me in romance since sci-fi still had very clear lines of demarcation. Nobody wanted to rep a new romance writer... so I had to rep myself. Once the numbers started showing promise, then I literally went to conferences and found one there (RWA)
Spellbound Jorysch: That is so interesting

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION:so do you like being categorized or would you place yourself in any one genre?
BanksVamp Magic: While we all hate to be categorized, it's a reality of marketing and shelving at the bookstores. If I have to be shelved anywhere, my truest love is Paranormal... if they leave me there, I can express the creativity any way I want--smile... and that's cool.
Alas Zerbino: That's really cool -- that latent talent showing up.
BanksVamp Magic: Yep... and this is why I tell the new writer, don't be so hard on yourself. You've been using your writing talent for YEARS and didn't know it--every time you observe something, each conversation you rewrite in your head (you know those we all have--the "I should have said THIS not THAT!" conversation), you've been writing.
Alas Zerbino: Very true!

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: So before you had an agent, you went directly to the publishers?
Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: Nowadays, isn't it true that most publishers don't entertain any work without an agent on the scene?
BanksVamp Magic: Yes, I went direct to the publishers--and the best forums for that is going to the conferences and signing up for the pitch sessions... believe it or not, publishers really do scout for work and new talent at those events. RWA, RT, I know for sure have great sessions like that--and ALL the majors turn out to those conferences.
Spellbound Jorysch: In the UK, most publishers won't look at you unless you are represented
Spellbound Jorysch: The US is prolly different
Alas Zerbino: Yes, Spellbound, but some say you need a sale to get an agent, and others say you need an agent to get a sale...it's all case-based, I guess
BanksVamp Magic: Not all true, Spellbound... like I said, it is genre specific--but I know St. Martins and Tor don't require one, and they do major work in the sci-fi fantasy world, same with Kensington (they do Brandon Massey, Jonathan Mayberry)... so there are still open doors.
Leslye Writer: US from what I read says the following: To get an agent you need to be published and to be published you need an agent.
Spellbound Jorysch: That is interesting Leslye, I will take that on board
Alas Zerbino: LOL That's sometimes the vicious cycle I hear about!
BanksVamp Magic: True Leslye--BIG SMILE! Here's the thing... I would send in my manuscript to those houses that allow open submissions. Once you get a contract, shove that under an agent's nose--wait to sign it. That's what I did. I sold my first book, it was a two book deal... then went to an agent (who was at the same conference) and told her I had a sale. When the contracts came, I faxed them to her--instantly, LOL, I had an agent!
Spellbound Jorysch: haha, I might try that
Spellbound Jorysch: sounds good to me
Alas Zerbino: LOL Smart thinking!

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION; how do you keep all your series and characters clear? do you have a master file of papers pinned up on a wall the size of Manhattan? :)
Alas Zerbino: / good question, Sheryl -- I was wondering that myself!
Spellbound Jorysch: me too :)
Alas Zerbino: and related to that one, QUESTION: How do you manage to be so *prolific*? :)
BanksVamp Magic: OMG! Yes! I have a white board and papers up on the wall with post-it notes and color pen sketches EVERYWHERE--my office looks like a mad scientist's lab... if it were equations, I could land the space shuttle, ha ha ha!
Sheryl Skytower: :D
Alas Zerbino: Hi Misia, welcome and have a seat

Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: I have an agent but she is way too nit picky, is this normal?
BanksVamp Magic: Your agent works for you--but she is trying to get the work saleable... if that is uncomfortable, tell her so--and tell her to send the damned book out, LOL! Seriously... they can jack with your work so much till you're feeling defeated, time is marching on, and there's no sale--only to get really mad and pissed off when it does go to a house and the EDITOR changes it to the way SHE/HE wants it. There's no reason an agent needs to be an editor. She's in the wrong profession trying to do that :)
Leslye Writer: interesting. wow
Spellbound Jorysch: I'm pleased you said that Banks because that's exactly how I feel.....lol
Alas Zerbino: Misia, jump in with a question any time -- I just ask that you type QUESTION before it so I can keep track.
Misia Tigerpaw: Okay :-)
Alas Zerbino: (and so Leslie can keep track, too, though it sounds like her organizational skills are extremely developed!!)
Misia Tigerpaw: :-D

How she "churns" out six books a year!

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION: do you have a routine, or just write when it "takes" you... or is it a case of Butt In Chair?
BanksVamp Magic: Oh, no, you can't churn 6 books a year writing as you "feel" like it. I club and wrestle my Muse to the ground daily--I keep an office routine... coffee and kid out the door... 8am, clear email till 10am, then edit the previous day's drivel, LOL, make it right (my day editor is the butcher), I put in 8-12 hours a day, 5 days a week--7 when on deadline.
Spellbound Jorysch: I understand that
Alas Zerbino: Wow!!
Spellbound Jorysch: I have been there last year.
Spellbound Jorysch: But 6 books a year......WOW
Alas Zerbino: I know -- one book in 6 years is a lot for *some* of us (which is probably why our careers are so sluggish...ha-ha)
BanksVamp Magic: Yeah, crazy, LOL--my hair should be white, LOL! 2 vampire novels, 2 werewolf novels, a romance and usually 3 anthologies (which equal a book all total)... insane :)
BanksVamp Magic: Oh, no, one book a year is reasonable--this is crazy... you guys are not sluggish career-wise. Better to get it down pat before you mass produce it, than to mass produce junk. It took 10 years to build the muscle to do this now, in the early days it was a book a year or less... truth.
Alas Zerbino: Ahh, that sounds more doable...
Spellbound Jorysch: I don't feel so bad now :-D
Misia Tigerpaw: I can tackle that now yeah hehe

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: If you weren't *born* with that kind of energy, what can a writer do to stay on task like that?
BanksVamp Magic: Energy-wise, it's like exercising--you don't jump up and run a marathon without passing out or killing yourself (smile.) Just try to set a consistent 2 hours a day aside to do nothing but write. That can be researching for the project, editing what you wrote earlier, or new prose, but make that time yours for your craft--then watch how it gets good to you and creeps into being 3 hours... then 4 hours... then 5 -- smile. It's a habit, or an addiction -- LOL!
Alas Zerbino: LOL -- that's so true!
Spellbound Jorysch: It's an addiction for me lol]

Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: Have you ever co- written a book? I have been asked to co -write a book for America with an established author
Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: You mention your daughter often – what role does she play in your writing career?
BanksVamp Magic: Quick 2 answers... I have co-written books--early years worked with a big name romance writer, and because we were and are buds, it was a hoot... but we wasted a lot of time playing, shopping, jawing about other stuff and had to really make ourselves focus--the hardest thing is if styles and mindsets don't blend. then it can be like a really bad marriage--ugh! But when it's sweet, it's really good :)
BanksVamp Magic: Now, the daughter... she runs for pizza, answers the phones, and keeps the wolves away from the door (family interrupters, ha ha ha), and collects mail--when I'm head's down writing, I forget to sleep, eat, and pay bills--she tells me, Mom, pay the electric bill so your tube doesn't shut down. LOL!
Spellbound Jorysch: Thank you for that. I am wondering whether it is the right thing to do and the marriage may not be as good as I initially thought. I know exactly what you mean
Spellbound Jorysch: :)
BanksVamp Magic: Choosing an agent, getting the right editor, and choosing a writing partner is no diff than a real marriage--seriously. If your values are different, outlooks on life don't jive, belief systems don't mesh, all of that intangible stuff, you will have issues with those folks. It also takes time, just like dating, to find that soul-mate agent, that special editor, and that ideal co-writer... so be gentle on yourself while you're looking.
Misia Tigerpaw: Lol I love that
Leslye Writer: I feel so much energy from you BVM, even in this conversation! I am so impressed!
Spellbound Jorysch: you are obviously very dedicated :)
Alas Zerbino: so do I!
Spellbound Jorysch: what a wonderful evening
Alas Zerbino: That makes a lot of sense.
BanksVamp Magic: BIG HUG, Leslye
Spellbound Jorysch: I have had seven years of difficulties finding the right marriage on all accounts. :0

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION; do you think that proper education, such as a MFA, helps writing or is it more a skill you have to cultivate on your own outside of the "higher institutions of learning"?
BanksVamp Magic: Special Forces training would help more than an MFA, LOL--seriously--life experience is what hones you, and conference workshops are more to the point than grad school. Here's the thing--it's a business and time to market is everything. Show then you are a Marine and can get more done by 5am than the normal person, they'll hire you to write their books, flaws and all--because those can be fixed--what cannot be fixed is a non-deliverable. They look at your baby (the book) as a product :)
Spellbound Jorysch: nods

Spellbound Jorysch: QUESTION: When you write do you have off days....writers block and all?
BanksVamp Magic: I have off days where I get stuck--and that's writer's block--when you are stuck... the only cure I've found is research... generally when you're stuck it's because you ran into something you didn't expect or don't have the answer for, so you don't know where to go next. Stop, drop, and roll, lol -- go back to research for a day or so and find out the answer to what's sticking in your craw. Yeah, we're all human and all have those days :) Uh huh!
Leslye Writer: Is this being logged or put somewhere so we can have access to it, this conversation?
Spellbound Jorysch: thanks you Banks :) making me feel better again......lol
BanksVamp Magic: HUGGGSSSS!
Spellbound Jorysch: you can copy and paste it Leslye
Misia Tigerpaw: Oh good question. I was wondering that as well. Would love a copy. (i got booted earlier and missed some of it)
Spellbound Jorysch: can you? not illegal?
Spellbound Jorysch: lol
Alas Zerbino: Yes, Leslye, I always put up the transcript on the Athena Isle Writers blog: http://athenaislewriters.blogspot.com/ a few days after
Spellbound Jorysch: ah there you go
Misia Tigerpaw: Great! Thanx :-D
BanksVamp Magic: LOL--writers--ah the copyright clause--BIG SMILE!
Spellbound Jorysch: HAHA
Alas Zerbino: This time doesn't work for some people, so they can only "attend" these meetings via the transcript on the blog.
Misia Tigerpaw: LOL
Leslye Writer is very encouraged by the energy and the quickness and the positive-ness of this meeting. It is like being cheer led. Thank you BVM.
Alas Zerbino: so true about that copyright concern! :)
BanksVamp Magic: I know things were scrolling fast--did I get everyone's question? Don't wanna miss anyone -- BIG HUG!
Spellbound Jorysch: omg....people are going to read what I write???????.......lol
Misia Tigerpaw: I agree this is awesome :-D

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Why did you start writing the Soul Food TV Series novels? (and other novelizations)
BanksVamp Magic: At the time, had a break in the action, and had (then) 4 kids that needed shoes, LOL!
Alas Zerbino: LOL Supporting the kids is always a great motivation, isn't it?
BanksVamp Magic: LOL--yes, the things we do for the kids---but heck yeah... if you can do novelizations and get into that end of the business, for sure. Many people have built steady careers doing just that.
Alas Zerbino: I thought so.

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Would you recommend that as a way to get into publishing?
BanksVamp Magic: No, seriously (and yes, seriously) -- I love the silver screen... always wanted to do a film and TV series... one day. There wasn't a spot for me to do that just yet, but my agent is a crazy man and told me to backward engineer the stories for the opportunity that presented itself. There an MFA did help from being about to interpret visual data into narrative... the Scarface one was the most challenging.
Alas Zerbino: I can sure understand why!

Sheryl Skytower: QUESTION: any movie deals on the horizon???
Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: So your agent looks at all possible opportunities for you?
BanksVamp Magic: Yes, my agent has no shame, LOL! If there's an opening to write sandwich boards, he'll pitch it to me, LOL!
Spellbound Jorysch: haha

Misia Tigerpaw: QUESTION: How did you get your agent, if I may ask? (I hope this wasn't answered but if it is I'll check the log later lol. Thanx!)
Alas Zerbino: LOL
Misia Tigerpaw: Lol
Alas Zerbino: (I don't know if she has more to say on that Misia, but she did address it earlier, so it'll be in the transcript.)
BanksVamp Magic: The current one I have came from a recommendation through another writer buddy. the first could I had happened from conference connections and on the spot hook-ups and networking... then they sold a few of my books, we did the dance, the marriages didn't work, and I bailed--smile. Then I met Manie Barron, who was actually a sales rep for Random House and had worked in all aspects of publishing, was an editor at one time, et al, and he was enroute to William Morris and just building his stable of authors there. timing, the cosmos--like I said, half of this stuff does boil down to timing.
Alas Zerbino: Well our hour is almost up -- it went so fast!!! You've been so awesome, BanksVamp

Second Life is "awesome community" for writers

Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What do you think of Second Life so far, and how it can support writers?
Sheryl Skytower: *applause* y'all come back now, please?
BanksVamp Magic: BIG BIG HUG right back at you--I think Second Life is an awesome community! This was an absolute pleasure! I think links to author info, posting conferences, any of that helps writers. Also, SFWA and NWU has some good tips on agents. THANK YOU for having me and I'd be honored to return! Much Love!!!
Alas Zerbino: That would be super!!
Spellbound Jorysch: ah, well we are honoured to have you :)
Spellbound Jorysch: thank you so much for giving us your time and wonderful insight
Alas Zerbino: I hope you'll come back to SL -- and to Story Mountain!!
Leslye Writer: Thanks to all of you for making this happen
Alas Zerbino: Yes, what a great group of writers!
Spellbound Jorysch: a big thanks to you also Alas

BanksVamp Magic: Thank you all sooo much--we'll set it up and I'd love to come back soon... take care! Have a wonderful rest of the day, folks! :)
Alas Zerbino: Thank you, Spellbound!
Sheryl Skytower: best of the day to everyone!! and keep writing!!!
Misia Tigerpaw: Thanks so much for having this meeting and a big thanks to Ms Banks for coming to SL :-D
Alas Zerbino: BanksVamp, you've really made the week special!
Spellbound Jorysch: yes you certainly did
BanksVamp Magic: Thanks, all! Good luck on the writing! Keep the faith, ok!
Sheryl Skytower: now someone take her to the vampires! :)
Misia Tigerpaw: Lol
Alas Zerbino: We'd love to have you come back and maybe do a reading and do a voice event.
Alas Zerbino: LOL, Sheryl
Misia Tigerpaw: That'd be awesome :-D
BanksVamp Magic: Kewel! YEAH! OK! BIG SMILE!
Alas Zerbino: YAY!!!!!
Spellbound Jorysch: YAY!!!!
Spellbound Jorysch: APPLAUSE
Misia Tigerpaw: Wooo!

Transcript: Authors Provide Writing Wisdom & Laughs at Athena Isle Writers Meeting July 23

2008-07-28T17:54:00.000-07:00

Guests at the July 30 Athena Isle Writers Meeting in Second Life were the sisters/authors of the funny and best-selling cooking and nutritional health books Looneyspoons, Crazy Plates, and most recently, Eat, Shrink & Be Merry! -- Janet and Greta Podleski. They, along with their publicist Kendra Peavy, were the humans operating the avatar JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski at the meeting, hosted by Alas Zerbino, co-owner of Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.

Following is the text-chat transcript of the hour-long session:

[2008/07/23 12:01] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: hello!
[2008/07/23 12:01] KrisBott Gears: Hi!
[2008/07/23 12:01] Alas Zerbino: Hi JanetAndGreta!
[2008/07/23 12:01] Alas Zerbino: Welcome, and have a seat
[2008/07/23 12:01] Annesh Perl: Will we be using voice?
[2008/07/23 12:01] Alas Zerbino: Just right-click your mouse with the cursor on the chair...
[2008/07/23 12:01] Alas Zerbino: and then choose "sit here"
[2008/07/23 12:02] Annesh Perl: Thanks KrisBott
[2008/07/23 12:02] Alas Zerbino: Annesh -- no, we don't use voice at these meetings -- after all, we're writers! :)
[2008/07/23 12:02] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: hello everyone!
[2008/07/23 12:02] KrisBott Gears: hi, how are you JanetAndGreta
[2008/07/23 12:03] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: wonderful, thank you
[2008/07/23 12:03] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: how is everyone else doing?
[2008/07/23 12:03] Annesh Perl: Yes good to see you
[2008/07/23 12:03] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: we're very happy to be here
[2008/07/23 12:03] Alas Zerbino: I know it's time to get started -- there are some others who I expect to come, but may be hung up or late
[2008/07/23 12:03] KrisBott Gears: Very well, thanks
[2008/07/23 12:03] Alas Zerbino: So, I'll give my little spiel first....

[2008/07/23 12:03] Alas Zerbino: Welcome to this Athena Isle Writers meeting at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.
[2008/07/23 12:03] Alas Zerbino: I invite you to touch one of the Story Mountain signs inside or out for a detailed notecard about Story Mountain and our plans for it.
[2008/07/23 12:04] Alas Zerbino: For more details about our guests, touch the poster hanging over the fireplace.
[2008/07/23 12:04] Alas Zerbino: And for information about coming Athena Isle Writers guests, as well as where to find transcripts of previous meetings, click the burgundy-and-white sign by the staircase.

[2008/07/23 12:04] Alas Zerbino: Now for the “ground rules” for this meeting-- :)
[2008/07/23 12:04] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: thanks - we'll be sure to check it out!
[2008/07/23 12:04] Alas Zerbino: Wonderful!
[2008/07/23 12:04] Alas Zerbino: All communication will be in text chat. I’ll introduce the speakers and turn the “mic” over to them for opening comments.
[2008/07/23 12:04] Alas Zerbino: At any time after that, just jump in with questions or comments.
[2008/07/23 12:05] Alas Zerbino: But: please type QUESTION (in full caps) in front of your question. It’s a lot easier to keep track of which questions still need answering when the chat lines start flying off the window!
[2008/07/23 12:05] Alas Zerbino: Today, although there’s only one avatar sitting there, she’s actually representing two sisters from Canada who have an incredible story to tell about their journey to success as authors of three best-selling cookbooks
[2008/07/23 12:05] Alas Zerbino: Greta and Janet Podleski were so certain that the book they were cooking up – LOONEYSPOONS – would of value to eaters (i.e., all of us) that they overcame immense obstacles to get it published. They have since published two more cookbooks, CRAZY PLATES and their latest EAT, SHRINK & BE MERRY!
[2008/07/23 12:05] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: what an introduction, thank you!
[2008/07/23 12:05] Alas Zerbino: After going deep into debt to complete LOONEYSPOONS, their manuscript was rejected by all the publishers who received it. But they held to their dream and ended up publishing it themselves, with the help of another best-selling Canadian author.
[2008/07/23 12:06] Alas Zerbino: The result? Their sales broke all records for self-published books, and suddenly publishers were calling them, offering to “take it off their hands.”

[2008/07/23 12:06] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: hello everyone
[2008/07/23 12:06] Annesh Perl: Hello and Wow very impressive
[2008/07/23 12:06] KrisBott Gears: yes
[2008/07/23 12:06] Alas Zerbino: Welcome, JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski! We’re excited to hear how you achieved such success.
[2008/07/23 12:06] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: thank you very much, everyone
[2008/07/23 12:07] Alas Zerbino: So, tell us a little of your story....

[2008/07/23 12:07] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: well, it was a long road..
[2008/07/23 12:07] Annesh Perl: sounds like it
[2008/07/23 12:07] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Why did you decide to self-publish “Looneyspoons”?
[2008/07/23 12:07] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: How many rejections did you get before deciding?
[2008/07/23 12:07] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We'd been turned down by 18 publishers – ouch! But we put so much of ourselves into what we had created that we had to make one more major leap.
[2008/07/23 12:08] KrisBott Gears: wow
[2008/07/23 12:08] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: It was incredible – our first run of 10,000 books sold out in only two weeks. Since then, we've sold over 850,000 copies.
[2008/07/23 12:08] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: How did you go about the marketing?
[2008/07/23 12:08] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: How did you sell that first batch of books?
[2008/07/23 12:09] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We did just about every radio program and television show available at the time in Canada. And word of mouth really helped us. The book was new, different and people appreciated that about it. And really, we just got people to eat the food – they loved it.
[2008/07/23 12:09] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We truly believed that we had something new and different to share with people and we'd sacrificed so much that we weren't going to give up. We were determined. That’s the key, be determined and continue to believe in yourself.
[2008/07/23 12:09] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: Did you have to pay for the radio shows and tv?
[2008/07/23 12:10] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: No - it was a matter of reaching out and getting on the shows
[2008/07/23 12:10] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: we were very lucky - when people turned us down, we just asked them to taste the food

[2008/07/23 12:10] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: After "Looneyspoons" became a huge success, you had plenty of offers from the “big” publishing houses. Why did you decide to continue self-publishing?
[2008/07/23 12:10] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: Did you have a website people could go to for purchasing?
[2008/07/23 12:11] Annesh Perl: Alas good question
[2008/07/23 12:11] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: That's true. But when you have such success on your own (with a team of four people), you realize that no one can market it as well as you can. But you have to be prepared – it is a full time job.
[2008/07/23 12:11] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Also, publishing houses represent so many books at one time . . . and maybe have two in-house publicists . . . so they can't dedicate the time and effort to our books like we could and still do.
[2008/07/23 12:11] KrisBott Gears: QUESTION: Oh, do you mind if I take pictures? For Athena Isle blog and possibly blog about my Athena Isle activities
[2008/07/23 12:12] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: yes - even now we still have a Web site
[2008/07/23 12:12] Alas Zerbino: Oh, that would be great, Kris!
[2008/07/23 12:12] KrisBott Gears: cool
[2008/07/23 12:12] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: of course
[2008/07/23 12:12] KrisBott Gears: thx, great
[2008/07/23 12:12] Alas Zerbino: I've heard so many authors say that about, they can market better than a big publishing firm.
[2008/07/23 12:13] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: So do you think your sales are higher going it alone rather than a pub house?
[2008/07/23 12:13] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: nobody represents us better than us because of our passion
[2008/07/23 12:13] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: When you were broke, in debt, and hearing a huge “NO” from the New York publishers, what kept you going? What tips or tricks worked for you?
[2008/07/23 12:13] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: and familarity with the product
[2008/07/23 12:13] KrisBott Gears: QUESTION: When you say eat the food, do you mean you marketed actual food along with the book?
[2008/07/23 12:14] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: crying and a lot of wine!
[2008/07/23 12:14] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: How long did it take you to complete your first manuscript to book form, editing and all
[2008/07/23 12:14] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: just kidding

[2008/07/23 12:14] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We truly believed that we had something new and different to share with people and we'd sacrificed so much that we weren't going to give up. We were determined. That’s the key, be determined and continue to believe in yourself.
[2008/07/23 12:14] Alas Zerbino: LOL
[2008/07/23 12:14] Alas Zerbino: Determination. Persistence. I've heard those words used a lot by published authors.
[2008/07/23 12:15] Annesh Perl: Yes I don't see any other way it is possible
[2008/07/23 12:15] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: yes, of course
[2008/07/23 12:15] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: you need both
[2008/07/23 12:15] Annesh Perl: I have to develop re-determination
[2008/07/23 12:15] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION from Annesh: How long did it take to write the first book?
[2008/07/23 12:15] Annesh Perl: Re-Persistence
[2008/07/23 12:15] Alas Zerbino: Welcome DanielDe!
[2008/07/23 12:15] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: one year
[2008/07/23 12:15] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: full-time
[2008/07/23 12:15] Alas Zerbino: Come have a seat, just right click on the empty chair!
[2008/07/23 12:16] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: we quit our jobs and dedicated at least 60 hours a week to the project
[2008/07/23 12:16] Alas Zerbino: WOW!

[2008/07/23 12:16] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: The idea of combining cooking and comedy – “pans and puns,” as you say – was radical at the time. What made you think it would work?
[2008/07/23 12:17] Alas Zerbino: /welcome, DanielDe -- jump in with questions anytime -- just preface them with QUESTION.
[2008/07/23 12:17] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: people love to eat
[2008/07/23 12:17] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: and love comedy
[2008/07/23 12:17] Alas Zerbino: very true!
[2008/07/23 12:17] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: but, they also take dieting very seriously
[2008/07/23 12:18] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: we wanted to introduce a happier and healthier element
[2008/07/23 12:18] Annesh Perl: COMMENT: Your persistence and determination also came from the need to make money. I have always learned that the writers who actually make a living at their writing are an extremely small percentage. You are lucky.
[2008/07/23 12:18] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Have you been comics all your lives?
[2008/07/23 12:18] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: we are very lucky
[2008/07/23 12:19] Alas Zerbino: (because you are sooooo funny in your writing!)
[2008/07/23 12:19] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: and, as corny as this sounds, we love going to work every single day
[2008/07/23 12:19] Alas Zerbino: that's just fabulous!!
[2008/07/23 12:19] Annesh Perl: That's not corny at all
[2008/07/23 12:19] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: we grew up with 4 other siblings - and shared one bathroom amoungst 6 sisters
[2008/07/23 12:19] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: we had to learn to laugh!
[2008/07/23 12:20] KrisBott Gears: that must explain your persistence also lol
[2008/07/23 12:20] Alas Zerbino: LOL! I'll bet -- I had 5 sisters also!
[2008/07/23 12:20] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: haha - persistance for the first shower!
[2008/07/23 12:20] Alas Zerbino: (plus 4 brothers)
[2008/07/23 12:20] KrisBott Gears: woohoo
[2008/07/23 12:20] Alas Zerbino: A large family does teach you about persistence, eh? lol
[2008/07/23 12:20] KrisBott Gears: that's a long wait for the shower
[2008/07/23 12:20] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: it certainly does!
[2008/07/23 12:20] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: haha

[2008/07/23 12:21] KrisBott Gears: QUESTION: how did you two decide to become writers then?
[2008/07/23 12:21] Alas Zerbino: Good question,KrisBott
[2008/07/23 12:21] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: How much practice and schooling in writing did you have before you embarked on this project?
[2008/07/23 12:21] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: it was borne out of need
[2008/07/23 12:21] KrisBott Gears: QUESTION: was writing the calling or the topic?
[2008/07/23 12:21] Alas Zerbino: /another good question, Annesh!
[2008/07/23 12:22] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: we really wanted to help people to eat more healthfully anfd the most effective way to speard the word was through a book
[2008/07/23 12:22] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: especially one that made people laugh
[2008/07/23 12:22] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: that being said, we never could have imagined this level of success.
[2008/07/23 12:22] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: Just to reiterate, so your passion was not writing, it is what you wrote about
[2008/07/23 12:22] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We still shake our heads!
[2008/07/23 12:23] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: a mixture of the two - janet has always loved writing.
[2008/07/23 12:23] KrisBott Gears: and that writing seemed the best medium
[2008/07/23 12:23] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: Have you become more passionate about the craft of writing? - ah
[2008/07/23 12:23] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: and focused on it in University
[2008/07/23 12:24] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: yes - absolutely, in fact we have ended up reading a huge amount about writing and keep learning more
[2008/07/23 12:24] Alas Zerbino: You MUST read "Our Story" on their website: http://www.eatshrinkandbemerry.com/
[2008/07/23 12:24] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: thank you
[2008/07/23 12:24] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: yes, please do read it!

[2008/07/23 12:24] KrisBott Gears: QUESTION: So we've been talking about your first book, right? How does that experience compare with the experience with the current book?
[2008/07/23 12:25] KrisBott Gears: will read that
[2008/07/23 12:25] Alas Zerbino: It's so funny and you'll see what great writers they are, too!
[2008/07/23 12:25] Annesh Perl: Good question
[2008/07/23 12:25] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: our third book, Eat, Shrink & Be Merry was truly a labor of love
[2008/07/23 12:25] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: again, I know this sounds corny, but we put everything we had into that book.
[2008/07/23 12:26] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: it took 2 years of full-time writing and we spent 100,000 dollars on production before we even went to print
[2008/07/23 12:26] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: we gave it everything we had.
[2008/07/23 12:26] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We really love what we do.
[2008/07/23 12:27] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: It's like they say -- your level of belief in yourself, your passion, is so related to the results?
[2008/07/23 12:27] KrisBott Gears: QUESTION: was any part of it easier than the first time?
[2008/07/23 12:27] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: yes - it would have been easier to give up in the beginning and we almost did a couple of times!
[2008/07/23 12:28] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Yes, getting distribution in the book stores and getting media was a lot easier this time around because people have already heard of us

[2008/07/23 12:29] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: In addition to the three cookbooks, you also write a monthly column for Readers Digest, have a TV show, and have your meal kits . . . how did all that come about?
[2008/07/23 12:29] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Wow - let's break this down
[2008/07/23 12:29] Alas Zerbino: please do -- lol
[2008/07/23 12:29] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: The President of Readers Digest saw us give a speech once
[2008/07/23 12:30] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: He asked if we would get involved with the magazine.
[2008/07/23 12:30] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We started out only writing a few pages a month for the Canadian version - that quickly jumped to 10 pages a month.
[2008/07/23 12:30] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Now, we are also writing for "Taste of Home" in the US starting next month
[2008/07/23 12:31] Alas Zerbino: Fabulous!
[2008/07/23 12:31] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: The TV show . . .
[2008/07/23 12:31] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We had a number of producer approach us over the years, but never had an idea we though would really stand out
[2008/07/23 12:32] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Then 2 years ago, Greta came up with the idea of taking on people's favorite dishes that are typically unhealthy and putting our healthy spin on it
[2008/07/23 12:32] Annesh Perl: Great
[2008/07/23 12:32] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: The show airs on Food Network Canada now -- as we type we are in NYC to meet with A&E
[2008/07/23 12:32] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Frozen Foods...
[2008/07/23 12:33] Alas Zerbino: Great -- so it might be distributed in the States sometime soon?
[2008/07/23 12:33] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: It's such a long story . . . we'll need a Third Life to get into that one!
[2008/07/23 12:33] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: lol
[2008/07/23 12:33] Alas Zerbino: LOL
[2008/07/23 12:33] Annesh Perl: LOL
[2008/07/23 12:33] Alas Zerbino: OK, you can pass.... :)
[2008/07/23 12:34] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We're hoping the show will be on one of the major US cable stations in the next few months - very exciting. You can check out clips from the show at www.eatshrinkandbemerry.com
[2008/07/23 12:34] Alas Zerbino: I did -- wanted more!!
[2008/07/23 12:34] KrisBott Gears: nice

[2008/07/23 12:34] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Do you think authors in general should look to the other media for publicity, expanding their audience, and so on?
[2008/07/23 12:35] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Yes! It's all about engaging the public anyway you can do that is great . . . well, not ANY way
[2008/07/23 12:35] Alas Zerbino: LOL
[2008/07/23 12:35] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: There is so much noise out there right now that rising above it takes a lot of hard work.
[2008/07/23 12:35] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Probably even more than writing the book!
[2008/07/23 12:36] KrisBott Gears: so true
[2008/07/23 12:36] Alas Zerbino: Agreed! Last week's guest had some great ideas on using Web 2.0 to rise above that "noise"
[2008/07/23 12:36] Alas Zerbino: Promotion is a lot harder for me than writing is, that's for sure!
[2008/07/23 12:36] Annesh Perl: Web 2.0? You'll have to share about that at some point Alas maybe later we can get info
[2008/07/23 12:37] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Yes - there are so many tools out there right now. With Web 2.0, it's very important to stay in the spirit on the communities - you have to reach out to help people, not sell to them
[2008/07/23 12:37] Alas Zerbino: You can read the transcript at http://athenaislewriters.blogspot.com/
[2008/07/23 12:37] Alas Zerbino: (from last week)
[2008/07/23 12:37] Annesh Perl: Thanks Alas
[2008/07/23 12:37] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Web 2.0 provides an excellent viral component these days

[2008/07/23 12:38] Alas Zerbino: That makes sense, JanetAndGreta -- and I get the impression you two do a lot of reaching out to help.
[2008/07/23 12:38] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: I do, but Janet is way too self absorbed!
[2008/07/23 12:38] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: KIDDING!
[2008/07/23 12:38] Alas Zerbino: ROFL!!!
[2008/07/23 12:39] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We really just want to get to the community and help people
[2008/07/23 12:39] Alas Zerbino: (It's so funny having a 2-in-1 avatar!!!)
[2008/07/23 12:39] Annesh Perl: Yes it is
[2008/07/23 12:39] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: That has been our biggest mission and has always driven us
[2008/07/23 12:39] KrisBott Gears: QUESTION: why did you decide to have one avatar?
[2008/07/23 12:39] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: I won't touch that one!
[2008/07/23 12:40] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We couldn't figure out the software . . . not that sharp~
[2008/07/23 12:40] KrisBott Gears: lol
[2008/07/23 12:40] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: plus, this way we can share clothes
[2008/07/23 12:40] Alas Zerbino: Kris, their assistant Kendra and I came up with that solution.
[2008/07/23 12:40] Alas Zerbino: We all thought it would be easier for everyone!
[2008/07/23 12:40] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Publicist!
[2008/07/23 12:40] Alas Zerbino: Oh, sorry!
[2008/07/23 12:41] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: You have offended her! JK
[2008/07/23 12:41] Alas Zerbino: Whatever her title, she's great to work with.
[2008/07/23 12:41] KrisBott Gears: lol interesting idea in a few ways, not being in two places at once exactly, but being able to pick up for the other person, share duties or something like that
[2008/07/23 12:41] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: She's blushing - don't say that! She'll charge us more!
[2008/07/23 12:41] Alas Zerbino: Oh, Kendra, please accept my apologies . . . I"m sorta new to this job.
[2008/07/23 12:41] Alas Zerbino: Well, she's worth whatever you pay her, in my not-so-humble opinion!
[2008/07/23 12:41] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: She'll consider it . . .
[2008/07/23 12:42] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: OK, forgiven :)
[2008/07/23 12:42] KrisBott Gears: It's like one of those movies where the twins stand in for each other and you don't know who is there at a given time
[2008/07/23 12:42] Alas Zerbino: whew . . . thanks!
[2008/07/23 12:42] Alas Zerbino: I know!
[2008/07/23 12:42] KrisBott Gears: funny
[2008/07/23 12:42] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Very "Full House" of us
[2008/07/23 12:42] KrisBott Gears: lol

[2008/07/23 12:42] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What advice, inspiration, or wisdom to you have for writers who are still striving for publication (in addition to persistence)?
[2008/07/23 12:43] Alas Zerbino: (you can break that one down, too, if you want --lol)
[2008/07/23 12:43] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: A lot of it is a numbers game. You really do need to get a lot of packages out there. Most of them will fall through, but you only need one positve response
[2008/07/23 12:44] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: It's key to master the art of bugging people without really BUGGING them, if you know what I mean.
[2008/07/23 12:44] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Stand by your message and what you do.
[2008/07/23 12:45] Alas Zerbino: Develop a VERY thick skin, eh?
[2008/07/23 12:45] KrisBott Gears: QUESTION: But you two have declined big publishers yes? So a strategy might be to self-publish and then hope to be courted?
[2008/07/23 12:45] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Yes, rejection is a big part of this game
[2008/07/23 12:45] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Maybe even worse than rejections, is being ignored all together
[2008/07/23 12:45] KrisBott Gears: QUESTION: any publishers we might know of who you've turned down?
[2008/07/23 12:45] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: Do you suggest getting a website and generating interest prior to going to publishers?
[2008/07/23 12:46] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Agreed, but self-publishing requires a lot of time and effort
[2008/07/23 12:46] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Although it is very possible to do well that way, it must be your full-time focus
[2008/07/23 12:46] Annesh Perl: Like being a publishing house I suppose

[2008/07/23 12:47] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: A Web site is very good idea, but to really build a buzz it has to be dynamic, not static.
[2008/07/23 12:47] Alas Zerbino: /for the record: Kendra is Kendra Peavy, Account Manager, RLMpr in NY :)
[2008/07/23 12:47] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: It can't be a brouchure, but instead must provide constantly updated information.
[2008/07/23 12:47] KrisBott Gears: MySpace and Facebook might be good ideas for generating buzz?
[2008/07/23 12:48] KrisBott Gears: sorry QUESTION: Do writers use MySpace?
[2008/07/23 12:48] Annesh Perl: QUESTION: Dynamic vs. Static? (I'm not too proud to say, huh?)
[2008/07/23 12:48] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Yes, but they are complimentary pieces. On their own they won't get anything done - they need to mesh with your efforts
[2008/07/23 12:48] Alas Zerbino: LOL -- good for you,Annesh!
[2008/07/23 12:48] Annesh Perl: Well when you're not face to face . . . it's easier
[2008/07/23 12:48] Alas Zerbino: :)
[2008/07/23 12:49] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: It can't just be the same site day after day (static) it has to have new information each day, otherwise the buzz will die out
[2008/07/23 12:49] Annesh Perl: Ah ha thanks for clarifying
[2008/07/23 12:49] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: You have to make it dynamic
[2008/07/23 12:49] Alas Zerbino: Often a blog is what helps there, right?
[2008/07/23 12:49] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Kendra just charged me $20 for that!
[2008/07/23 12:49] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Just kidding!
[2008/07/23 12:49] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: LOL
[2008/07/23 12:49] Alas Zerbino: LMAO!!!
[2008/07/23 12:50] Alas Zerbino: Like writing a blog can keep a site dynamic?
[2008/07/23 12:50] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Yes
[2008/07/23 12:50] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: You got it!

[2008/07/23 12:50] Alas Zerbino: You two have a fun blog to read (not that I'm surprised)
[2008/07/23 12:50] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Thank you very much.
[2008/07/23 12:50] Alas Zerbino: You're welcome.
[2008/07/23 12:51] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We put a lot in to everything we do
[2008/07/23 12:51] Alas Zerbino: I discovered there your books have been informally "adopted" by Weight Watchers -- which is a real blessing for everyone involved, I'd guess.
[2008/07/23 12:52] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Did that connection start happening with your first book?
[2008/07/23 12:52] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Yes. That has been a huge part of our successs, and, interestingly, something we have nothing do with and can take no credit for
[2008/07/23 12:52] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Funny how that worked out!
[2008/07/23 12:52] Alas Zerbino: Serendipity . . . I've heard that counts almost as much as persistence!
[2008/07/23 12:53] KrisBott Gears: Weight Watchers, huge
[2008/07/23 12:53] KrisBott Gears: no pun intended
[2008/07/23 12:53] Alas Zerbino: LOL
[2008/07/23 12:53] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Very true - we had small number of readers latch on early and spread the gospel
[2008/07/23 12:53] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: LOL
[2008/07/23 12:53] Annesh Perl: Little bit of luck then too
[2008/07/23 12:53] Alas Zerbino: but you had to take the first, hardest steps before the serendipitous happened, too!

[2008/07/23 12:53] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: If you had to do it all over again, what, if anything, would you do differently in terms of the writing/publishing process?
[2008/07/23 12:55] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Good question, we wouldn't do anything differently because even out not-so-successful moves have been alot of fun!
[2008/07/23 12:55] Alas Zerbino: Wow! That's great to be able to make that statement!!
[2008/07/23 12:56] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We stand by it! It has been a great ride.
[2008/07/23 12:56] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Even the bumpy parts!
[2008/07/23 12:56] Alas Zerbino: Very awesome!
[2008/07/23 12:56] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Janet had to sell her wedding dress and car!
[2008/07/23 12:56] Alas Zerbino: Oh dear!
[2008/07/23 12:56] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: They needed to be upgraded anyway!
[2008/07/23 12:56] Annesh Perl: Wow
[2008/07/23 12:56] Annesh Perl: LOL
[2008/07/23 12:56] Alas Zerbino: LOL
[2008/07/23 12:57] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We had a garage sale - we were in major debt at one point
[2008/07/23 12:57] KrisBott Gears: hmm, I should try that
[2008/07/23 12:57] Alas Zerbino: me too, Kris . . .
[2008/07/23 12:57] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We were trading recipes with credit collectors not so long ago
[2008/07/23 12:57] KrisBott Gears: that's hilarious
[2008/07/23 12:57] Alas Zerbino: Wow!

[2008/07/23 12:58] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Do you do any other kinds of writing (I guess that's for the Janet half!)?
[2008/07/23 12:58] Alas Zerbino: . . . or is it all related to food and nutrition?
[2008/07/23 12:59] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We do a lot of blog writing at the Web site (www.eatshrinkandbemerry.com)
[2008/07/23 12:59] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: It's light and funny!
[2008/07/23 12:59] Alas Zerbino: Definitely funny! I have had some great laughs from reading your website!
[2008/07/23 13:00] Alas Zerbino: Well, our hour is almost up, already!
[2008/07/23 13:00] Alas Zerbino: Any final comments or questions?
[2008/07/23 13:00] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Goodness, the time flew by!
[2008/07/23 13:00] KrisBott Gears: Just thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us!
[2008/07/23 13:00] Alas Zerbino: I know -- SL time is about 4x faster than in first life!
[2008/07/23 13:00] KrisBott Gears: Very inspiring!
[2008/07/23 13:01] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Thank you, everyone!
[2008/07/23 13:01] Annesh Perl: Thank you so much
[2008/07/23 13:01] Annesh Perl: It was great of you to offer your time
[2008/07/23 13:01] Alas Zerbino: Yes! I will become the little choo-choo train (little engine that could) with my writing!
[2008/07/23 13:01] Annesh Perl: Do we have a tip jar for them?
[2008/07/23 13:01] KrisBott Gears: Congratulations on your well-deserved success!
[2008/07/23 13:01] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We had a great time and we liked the way our avatar's hair doesn't frizz in this humidity!
[2008/07/23 13:01] Alas Zerbino: LOL
[2008/07/23 13:01] KrisBott Gears: lol yes!!
[2008/07/23 13:01] Alas Zerbino: I don't have a tip jar, but you can tip them directly by opening their profile.
[2008/07/23 13:01] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Thanks for your questions
[2008/07/23 13:02] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Alas, a woman after our own hearts!
[2008/07/23 13:02] Alas Zerbino: LOL
[2008/07/23 13:02] Annesh Perl: Will you ever be on for anything else JanetAndGreta?
[2008/07/23 13:02] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: We hope so!
[2008/07/23 13:02] Alas Zerbino: Great! It gets easier every time you log in, too!
[2008/07/23 13:02] Annesh Perl: Well there ya go then
[2008/07/23 13:02] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Thanks everyone!
[2008/07/23 13:03] Annesh Perl: Thank you
[2008/07/23 13:03] Alas Zerbino: Well, I hope to have the transcript up this week (it tends to get more hits than people here)
[2008/07/23 13:03] KrisBott Gears: OK, I'm off, thanks again so much and very nice to meet everyone.

[2008/07/23 13:03] Alas Zerbino: and Next Wednesday, July 30, our guest at the Athena Isle Writers meeting will be L. A. Banks, the author of The Vampire Huntress Series of novels and more than 20 other books. She received the 2008 Essence Storyteller of the Year—largely for the popular Vampire series--and has written crime/suspense, women’s fiction, and romance novels as well. See her website at: http://www.vampirehuntress.com/
[2008/07/23 13:03] KrisBott Gears: cool!
[2008/07/23 13:03] Annesh Perl: Wow!

[2008/07/23 13:03] Alas Zerbino: Thank you so VERY much, you two!!!
[2008/07/23 13:03] Alas Zerbino: It's been great talking with you and Kendra!
[2008/07/23 13:03] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: Yes
[2008/07/23 13:04] JanetAndGretaPodleski Szczepanski: She says thanks as well.

Prolific Novelist & Essence Storyteller of the Year L.A. Banks to Talk About Writing at July 30 Athena Isle Writers Meeting

2008-07-25T07:12:00.000-07:00

L. A. Banks, author of the popular Vampire Huntress^TM series of novels and recipient of the 2008 Essence Storyteller of the Year award, will be the guest speaker at the Athena Isle Writers meeting on Wednesday, July 30, at 12 noon SLT (Pacific time), at Story Mountain Center for Writers in Second Life.

Banks, who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania Wharton undergraduate program, and received a Master's in Fine Arts from Temple University, has written more than 30 novels and contributed to 10 novellas, thus far, in multiple genres under various pseudonyms.

As a writer, she mysteriously shape-shifts between the genres of romance, women's fiction, crime/suspense thrillers, and of course, paranormal lore. One never knows how or when this enigma will appear . . . her forms are many, her secrets of crossing genres vast, and she does this with her teenaged daughter and her black Lab from some remote, undisclosed lair in Philadelphia.

Her Vampire Huntress series has become so popular among young adults that a Teacher's Curriculum Guide for the first two books has been created. The Office of Accelerated Learning, School District of Philadelphia, developed the guide as a result of numerous requests from educators nationwide who wanted to know how to harness the fantastic positive energy young people had as avid fans of the series. Given that the major themes in the Vampire Huntress legend were in alignment with the themes that many educators wanted to promote, these educators said they were also looking for ways to standardize a teaching methodology around the body of literature.

She also writes crime/suspense novels as Leslie Esdaile Banks, of which the most recent is No Trust; the Soul Food TV series novels as Leslie E. Banks; and women's fiction, romance (most recently Better Than), and motivational non-fiction as Leslie Esdaile.

L.A. Banks' newest book is Bite the Bullet, a Crimson Moon Novel, to be released in October 2008 by St. Martin's Press/Griffin.

Come meet L.A. Banks and learn more about her successful writing career next Wednesday, July 30, at 12 noon SLT at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.

The meeting is free and open, and all SL residents are invited to attend.

Transcript: Author Shares Tips for Book Promotion: Locally and Globally (i.e., the Web) at July 16 Athena Isle Writers Meeting

2008-07-19T16:35:00.000-07:00

[2008/07/16 12:09] Alas Zerbino: Today we’re delighted to have as our guest an author who can help us with what I suspect all of us want: success as writers.
[2008/07/16 12:10] Alas Zerbino: Elizabeth Yarnell was rejected by a stack of publishers before independently publishing what became her best-selling, award-winning first book: GLORIOUS ONE-POT MEALS.
[2008/07/16 12:10] Alas Zerbino: As a one-woman show, she knew it was up to her to make her book a success, so she learned how to be her own publicist.
[2008/07/16 12:10] Alas Zerbino: After selling more than 10,000 copies of Glorious One-Pot Meals, Elizabeth’s book was picked up by an imprint of Random House.
[2008/07/16 12:10] Alas Zerbino: Now, she shares her publicity expertise through workshops, seminars, as a publicity coach, and on her Web site “Recipes for Publicity: Cooking up strategies to get yourself noticed by the media and online communities.”
[2008/07/16 12:10] Alas Zerbino: Her Second Life avatar’s name is Elizabethy Bookmite.
[2008/07/16 12:10] Alas Zerbino: Welcome, Elizabethy! We’re all ears!
[2008/07/16 12:11] Elizabethy Bookmite: Thanks, Alas!
[2008/07/16 12:11] Mariuch Pinazzo: It's tough selling books. I published my first book last years
[2008/07/16 12:11] Elizabethy Bookmite: what kind of book, Mariuch?
[2008/07/16 12:11] Mariuch Pinazzo: Fiction Novel.
[2008/07/16 12:11] Elizabethy Bookmite: ooohhh!
[2008/07/16 12:11] Alas Zerbino: cool
[2008/07/16 12:12] Elizabethy Bookmite: and how is it doing?
[2008/07/16 12:12] Elle Connaught: Cool
[2008/07/16 12:12] Mariuch Pinazzo: About a young Woman considering becoming a nun.
[2008/07/16 12:12] Alas Zerbino: oh my -- that sounds good
[2008/07/16 12:12] Elizabethy Bookmite: Who published it?
[2008/07/16 12:12] Mariuch Pinazzo: I get great reviews. I print and publish it myself.
[2008/07/16 12:13] Elizabethy Bookmite: good for you!
[2008/07/16 12:13] Elizabethy Bookmite: that's what I did initially, too!
[2008/07/16 12:13] Alas Zerbino: Then you've come to the best possible event today!
[2008/07/16 12:13] Mariuch Pinazzo: Not through a POD or Vanity Press.
[2008/07/16 12:13] Elizabethy Bookmite: Good choice not to go with POD
[2008/07/16 12:13] Elizabethy Bookmite: If anyone is considering this, please talk to me first
[2008/07/16 12:13] Alas Zerbino: Hi Chrysalis! Have a seat!
[2008/07/16 12:13] Elle Connaught: Is POD, print on demand?
[2008/07/16 12:14] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes.
[2008/07/16 12:14] Mariuch Pinazzo: Yes
[2008/07/16 12:14] Elizabethy Bookmite: The pros are that you can do super small print runs -- like even 1 copy
[2008/07/16 12:14] Mariuch Pinazzo: Lots of scams in that arena
[2008/07/16 12:14] Elizabethy Bookmite: But there are many cons, like the scams
[2008/07/16 12:14] Elizabethy Bookmite: and
[2008/07/16 12:14] Elizabethy Bookmite: Amazon just announced that they will stop accepting POD books
[2008/07/16 12:14] Elizabethy Bookmite: except by their own POD source
[2008/07/16 12:14] Alas Zerbino: oh wow! I didn't know that!
[2008/07/16 12:15] Elizabethy Bookmite: Lightening Source
[2008/07/16 12:15] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yep
[2008/07/16 12:15] Elizabethy Bookmite: A lot of people are crying about this
[2008/07/16 12:15] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: So tell us how YOU did it!!
[2008/07/16 12:15] Mariuch Pinazzo: I do better selling author autographed on my own.
[2008/07/16 12:15] Chrysalis Solomon: As for me I'm just here to learn.
[2008/07/16 12:15] Elizabethy Bookmite: Like Mariuch, I also independently published
[2008/07/16 12:15] Elizabethy Bookmite: Hi Chrysalis! Welcome!
[2008/07/16 12:16] Elizabethy Bookmite: When you do it all yourself
[2008/07/16 12:16] Elizabethy Bookmite: you contract out the designer, the editor, printer, etc.
[2008/07/16 12:16] Elizabethy Bookmite: The hard part is getting your book out there
[2008/07/16 12:16] Elizabethy Bookmite: You spend all this time writing and then birthing a book
[2008/07/16 12:17] Elizabethy Bookmite: and then no one knows about it!
[2008/07/16 12:17] Elizabethy Bookmite: That's why I made publicity my focus
[2008/07/16 12:17] Mariuch Pinazzo: I belong to IBPA they've been helpful. It's non-profit association for writers
[2008/07/16 12:17] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, they're great!
[2008/07/16 12:17] Elizabethy Bookmite: You should also know about SPAN
[2008/07/16 12:17] Elizabethy Bookmite: Self Publishers Assoc of north amer., I think
[2008/07/16 12:18] Elizabethy Bookmite: Both of these groups can be very helpful
[2008/07/16 12:18] Elizabethy Bookmite: and they publish fantastic newsletters full of useful info

[2008/07/16 12:18] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: How does someone get started with your “recipes for success”? (What are the ingredients they have to gather?)
[2008/07/16 12:18] Chrysalis Solomon: I'm guessing IBPA = indy book publisher's assn?
[2008/07/16 12:18] Elizabethy Bookmite: The basic things an author needs to generate publicity...
[2008/07/16 12:18] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, Chrysalis, that's right
[2008/07/16 12:18] Mariuch Pinazzo: Independent Book Publishers Association
[2008/07/16 12:19] Elizabethy Bookmite: are the right URLs--
[2008/07/16 12:19] Elizabethy Bookmite: the title of your book
[2008/07/16 12:19] Elizabethy Bookmite: your name
[2008/07/16 12:19] Mariuch Pinazzo: Very grounded with their advice
[2008/07/16 12:19] Elizabethy Bookmite: misspellings of both
[2008/07/16 12:19] Elizabethy Bookmite: and any other URLs that make sense for your topic
[2008/07/16 12:20] Elizabethy Bookmite: You want to make it as easy as possible for people to find you
[2008/07/16 12:20] Alas Zerbino: Makes sense!
[2008/07/16 12:20] Chrysalis Solomon: you might want to buy more than just the .coms also
[2008/07/16 12:20] Elizabethy Bookmite: I always recommend having a separate book site and a site about you as the author
[2008/07/16 12:20] Elizabethy Bookmite: Actually, Chrysalis, I think the .coms are usually enough
[2008/07/16 12:21] Chrysalis Solomon: they are enough, until you get big -- Narnia just had to sue a little kid over Narnia.mobi
[2008/07/16 12:21] Elizabethy Bookmite: really?
[2008/07/16 12:21] Elizabethy Bookmite: Interesting.
[2008/07/16 12:21] Elizabethy Bookmite: You want to make sure your sites are media-friendly
[2008/07/16 12:21] Chrysalis Solomon: problem is once your name is a hot brand, people go reg your names in order to get traffic from people who "accidentally" found them (because they SEO'd your brand)
[2008/07/16 12:22] Elizabethy Bookmite: I think that prob will happen no matter what
[2008/07/16 12:22] Alas Zerbino: /chrysalis, you can click on the poster above the fireplace for more information about Elizabeth Yarnell (you weren't here for the intro)
[2008/07/16 12:22] Chrysalis Solomon: Yep it does. I'll sh'up for a bit now ;)
[2008/07/16 12:22] Chrysalis Solomon: Thanks Alas
[2008/07/16 12:22] Elizabethy Bookmite: Chrysalis, we DO love your input!!
[2008/07/16 12:22] Alas Zerbino: Feel free to jump in whenever you want!
[2008/07/16 12:23] Chrysalis Solomon: ;) I usually do :)
[2008/07/16 12:23] Mariuch Pinazzo: Have to run. Great meeting you.
[2008/07/16 12:23] Elizabethy Bookmite: Mariuch, what are you doing for publicity?
[2008/07/16 12:23] Alas Zerbino: Only rule is that when you ask a question of our guest, please preface it with QUESTION so we can keep track of it better. :)
[2008/07/16 12:24] Chrysalis Solomon: /nod
[2008/07/16 12:24] Mariuch Pinazzo: I'm on Amazon. Lot's of local stuff. You need to be recognized locally first.
[2008/07/16 12:24] Elizabethy Bookmite: The hardest part about selling a book is getting your name out there, I think
[2008/07/16 12:24] Elizabethy Bookmite: Local stuff is great! I always suggest that route!
[2008/07/16 12:24] Mariuch Pinazzo: Book signings, odd and unusual things like speaking engagements.
[2008/07/16 12:25] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Examples of local stuff?
[2008/07/16 12:25] Elizabethy Bookmite: Local newspapers, local tv
[2008/07/16 12:25] Elizabethy Bookmite: local radio
[2008/07/16 12:25] Elizabethy Bookmite: local magazines (like city mags)
[2008/07/16 12:25] Elizabethy Bookmite: it's often easier to get in locally
[2008/07/16 12:25] Elizabethy Bookmite: because they like local stories
[2008/07/16 12:25] Alas Zerbino: right!
[2008/07/16 12:25] Elle Connaught: QUESTION: Did you just start calling stations and papers?
[2008/07/16 12:26] Elizabethy Bookmite: Then you can use these local stories to net larger press.
[2008/07/16 12:26] Mariuch Pinazzo: Lectures at libraries, churches, youth gather where I get to speak about at topic.
[2008/07/16 12:26] Elizabethy Bookmite: Speaking is a great way to get the word out about your book!
[2008/07/16 12:26] Elizabethy Bookmite: Elle: Yes, you can call, but I like to email
[2008/07/16 12:26] Mariuch Pinazzo: Contract and develop friends in the press. Build relationships with them
[2008/07/16 12:26] Elizabethy Bookmite: keep your eyes open for opportunities
[2008/07/16 12:27] Mariuch Pinazzo: Have to run. Thanks.
[2008/07/16 12:27] Elizabethy Bookmite: my local paper was looking for a food writer, and I applied
[2008/07/16 12:27] Elizabethy Bookmite: Thanks for coming by Mariuch!
[2008/07/16 12:27] Elizabethy Bookmite: best of luck with your book!
[2008/07/16 12:27] Alas Zerbino: Thanks for coming, Mariuch! Be sure to take a notecard & check out the writers groups!
[2008/07/16 12:27] Alas Zerbino: And I'll be checking out your book, too!
[2008/07/16 12:27] Elizabethy Bookmite: Mariuch: what's the title?
[2008/07/16 12:28] Elizabethy Bookmite: Elle: sometimes reporters get annoyed by phone calls
[2008/07/16 12:28] Elizabethy Bookmite: For a while, faxing was good, but not really anymore.
[2008/07/16 12:28] Elle Connaught nods and listens.
[2008/07/16 12:28] Alas Zerbino: The Postulant -- Maurcich's book.
[2008/07/16 12:28] Elizabethy Bookmite: Cool. Thanks!
[2008/07/16 12:29] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Why are you encouraging authors to look to Web 2.0 to promote their books?
[2008/07/16 12:29] Elizabethy Bookmite: Web 2.0 allows you to get in front of people who wouldn't normally see you
[2008/07/16 12:29] Elizabethy Bookmite: The ones who come to your booksignings already know who you are
[2008/07/16 12:29] Elizabethy Bookmite: But on the web, you can help people find you who may not even have been looking for a book
[2008/07/16 12:30] Elizabethy Bookmite: For instance
[2008/07/16 12:30] Elizabethy Bookmite: Mariuch's book is about a nun
[2008/07/16 12:30] Elizabethy Bookmite: He could join Facebook groups (or Myspace, etc.)
[2008/07/16 12:30] Elizabethy Bookmite: about Catholicism
[2008/07/16 12:30] Elizabethy Bookmite: or look for groups for people considering taking the vow
[2008/07/16 12:31] Elizabethy Bookmite: They might be interested in his book
[2008/07/16 12:31] Elizabethy Bookmite: even though they had no idea it was out there
[2008/07/16 12:31] Alas Zerbino: I see!!
[2008/07/16 12:31] Chrysalis Solomon: QUESTION: Do you recommend explicitly providing marketing material on the chance that it goes viral? e.g. making a promotional "poster" (graphic) and explicitly giving permission to repost it
[2008/07/16 12:32] Elizabethy Bookmite: No, I really don't
[2008/07/16 12:32] Elizabethy Bookmite: While it's great if something goes viral
[2008/07/16 12:32] Elizabethy Bookmite: it's more likely that people will shun explicit marketing material
[2008/07/16 12:32] Elizabethy Bookmite: You'll have better luck if they just get to know you and become interested that way
[2008/07/16 12:33] Elizabethy Bookmite: Web 2.0 communities are very anti-spam!
[2008/07/16 12:33] Elizabethy Bookmite: And they often don't like to be directly marketed to.
[2008/07/16 12:33] Elizabethy Bookmite: For example,
[2008/07/16 12:33] Chrysalis Solomon: sure. I was thinking distributed only at your profile or blog, not something that you go pasting into other people's forums.
[2008/07/16 12:33] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, of course, you should have marketing info at your own sites!
[2008/07/16 12:33] Elizabethy Bookmite: But be careful on blogs!
[2008/07/16 12:34] Elizabethy Bookmite: Just yesterday I visited a blog by a top natural health guru
[2008/07/16 12:34] Elizabethy Bookmite: and there was a heated discussion
[2008/07/16 12:34] Elizabethy Bookmite: on how people felt about his marketing his own product
[2008/07/16 12:34] Elizabethy Bookmite: so heavily on that post
[2008/07/16 12:34] Elizabethy Bookmite: The consensus seemed to be that people wanted to see more than just him pushing his own products!
[2008/07/16 12:35] Elizabethy Bookmite: Others argued that he deserved to make money, just like everyone else.
[2008/07/16 12:35] Alas Zerbino: so you have to offer something of value on your blog, as well?
[2008/07/16 12:35] Elizabethy Bookmite: YES!
[2008/07/16 12:35] Elizabethy Bookmite: Exactly.
[2008/07/16 12:35] Alas Zerbino: Makes total sense!
[2008/07/16 12:35] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: There’s a plethora of social networking sites on the Web – how do you choose the ones to focus on, and why?
[2008/07/16 12:35] Elizabethy Bookmite: And it helps if you review and rec products other than yours as well
[2008/07/16 12:36] Elizabethy Bookmite: Alas: it will depend on your product
[2008/07/16 12:36] Elle Connaught: The extra material seems like a reason to keep checking your blog too.
[2008/07/16 12:36] Elizabethy Bookmite: If you can tie your product into a how-to article
[2008/07/16 12:36] Elizabethy Bookmite: like Mariuch could write a "how to become a nun" article
[2008/07/16 12:37] Alas Zerbino: Right! Like Elizabeth's blog, which is full of great info: http://www.recipesforpublicity.com/
[2008/07/16 12:37] Elizabethy Bookmite: then you can post it on a content sharing site like Hubpages
[2008/07/16 12:37] Elizabethy Bookmite: and send traffic your way through that
[2008/07/16 12:37] Chrysalis Solomon: And make side income at the same time.
[2008/07/16 12:37] Elizabethy Bookmite: YES!
[2008/07/16 12:37] Elizabethy Bookmite: Since hub pages lets you put your adsense account in there
[2008/07/16 12:38] Elizabethy Bookmite: Elle, you're right about keeping interest in your blog with lots of varied info
[2008/07/16 12:38] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What is Hub pages about?
[2008/07/16 12:38] Elizabethy Bookmite: Personally, I believe that EVERY author should blog
[2008/07/16 12:38] Elizabethy Bookmite: Hub pages is content sharing site
[2008/07/16 12:38] Elizabethy Bookmite: where you can post info for others about your expertise
[2008/07/16 12:39] Elizabethy Bookmite: like a how-to article
[2008/07/16 12:39] Alas Zerbino: Like ezine articles?
[2008/07/16 12:39] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, but ezine articles is really for others to use the pieces on their sites
[2008/07/16 12:39] Elizabethy Bookmite: while hubpages is purely informational
[2008/07/16 12:39] Alas Zerbino: Oh, I see!
[2008/07/16 12:39] Elizabethy Bookmite: Google loves hubpages
[2008/07/16 12:40] Alas Zerbino: :)
[2008/07/16 12:40] Elizabethy Bookmite: so if you were to post your nun article up there
[2008/07/16 12:40] Elizabethy Bookmite: chances are it would come up first before your actual website
[2008/07/16 12:40] Alas Zerbino: Hub Pages: http://hubpages.com/
[2008/07/16 12:40] Elizabethy Bookmite: and then people would find you
[2008/07/16 12:40] Elizabethy Bookmite: Other web 2.0 opps
[2008/07/16 12:40] Elizabethy Bookmite: might be something like this
[2008/07/16 12:40] Alas Zerbino: That's great to hear -- I'd never heard of that site
[2008/07/16 12:41] Chrysalis Solomon: Similar scenarios include Suite101 and AssociatedContent - also both fairly well-loved by Google
[2008/07/16 12:41] Elizabethy Bookmite: appearing here in SL introduces me to all of you
[2008/07/16 12:41] Alas Zerbino: Yes!
[2008/07/16 12:41] Elizabethy Bookmite: Chrysalis: thanks for bringing those up!
[2008/07/16 12:41] Chrysalis Solomon: /nod
[2008/07/16 12:41] Elizabethy Bookmite: There are lots of content sharing sites now
[2008/07/16 12:41] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Do you have a sense of the possibilities in Second Life for writers?
[2008/07/16 12:42] Elizabethy Bookmite: I thought last week's meeting about WeBook was very interesting
[2008/07/16 12:42] Elizabethy Bookmite: and that might be a good application for SL:
[2008/07/16 12:42] Elizabethy Bookmite: a collaborative writing venue
[2008/07/16 12:42] Alas Zerbino: Suite 101: http://www.suite101.com/ Associated Content: http://www.associatedcontent.com/
[2008/07/16 12:43] Chrysalis Solomon: Those two run their own ads which means you make less, but you don't have to be your own ad manager.
[2008/07/16 12:43] Alas Zerbino: There are quite a few authors who are active in SL, giving readings and workshops as well as offering their books for sale.
[2008/07/16 12:43] Elizabethy Bookmite: That is great!
[2008/07/16 12:43] Alas Zerbino: Thanks for the info, Chrysalis!
[2008/07/16 12:43] Elizabethy Bookmite: I didn't know that.
[2008/07/16 12:43] Elizabethy Bookmite: Are the readings well attended?
[2008/07/16 12:44] Alas Zerbino: Some are. I think it depends on how long the author's been active in SL...
[2008/07/16 12:44] Alas Zerbino: how big an inworld following they've developed.
[2008/07/16 12:44] Elizabethy Bookmite: That could be a valid way to get publicity
[2008/07/16 12:44] Elizabethy Bookmite: if people then went to your site, or to buy your book, etc.
[2008/07/16 12:44] Alas Zerbino: Some authors in here I can think of off-hand: Barry Levinson, Diana Hunter,
[2008/07/16 12:45] Elizabethy Bookmite: very cool!
[2008/07/16 12:45] Alas Zerbino: Linda Kay Silva...
[2008/07/16 12:45] Alas Zerbino: Andrew Todhunter
[2008/07/16 12:45] Elizabethy Bookmite: Elle, as an aspiring writer, do you have any questions?
[2008/07/16 12:45] Elle Connaught: No, I'm just listening and writing down notes. This is very helpful.
[2008/07/16 12:46] Elizabethy Bookmite: My next book is due out in January
[2008/07/16 12:46] Elizabethy Bookmite: and I am already starting to lay the publicity groundwork
[2008/07/16 12:46] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: getting back to the websites -- sounds like a writer had to put up quite a few sites?
[2008/07/16 12:46] Elizabethy Bookmite: You need a lot of URLs, but really only a book site and an author site
[2008/07/16 12:47] Elle Connaught: QUESTION: Could you say more about the self-publishing when you get a chance? About how that is done and whether you'd recommend it for all genres?
[2008/07/16 12:47] Elizabethy Bookmite: the other URLs are parked
[2008/07/16 12:47] Alas Zerbino: Ah -- redirecting!
[2008/07/16 12:47] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, self pub
[2008/07/16 12:47] Elizabethy Bookmite: we like to call it "independently published"
[2008/07/16 12:47] Elizabethy Bookmite: sounds better!
[2008/07/16 12:47] Elizabethy Bookmite: For me, it was a great choice
[2008/07/16 12:47] Chrysalis Solomon: oh who cares about the semantics, what are we a bunch of writers?
[2008/07/16 12:47] Chrysalis Solomon: ;)
[2008/07/16 12:48] Alas Zerbino: lol
[2008/07/16 12:48] Elizabethy Bookmite: even though I really fought against it.
[2008/07/16 12:48] Elizabethy Bookmite: Chrysalis: LOL!
[2008/07/16 12:48] Alas Zerbino: But you became incredibly successful going that route!
[2008/07/16 12:48] Elle Connaught laughs.
[2008/07/16 12:48] Elizabethy Bookmite: Because it gives you COMPLETE control.
[2008/07/16 12:48] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, it worked wll for me
[2008/07/16 12:48] Elizabethy Bookmite: because I took publicity seriously
[2008/07/16 12:48] Elizabethy Bookmite: But most indep pub writers end up with a garage full of books
[2008/07/16 12:49] Alas Zerbino: /aside: there's a SL group called Associated Content that is connected to that website
[2008/07/16 12:49] Elizabethy Bookmite: because they don't realize how to promote them
[2008/07/16 12:49] Elizabethy Bookmite: The key is knowing that
[2008/07/16 12:49] Chrysalis Solomon: Alas: Sweet good info, thanks
[2008/07/16 12:49] Elizabethy Bookmite: the media doesn't want to promote your book
[2008/07/16 12:49] Alas Zerbino: yw, C
[2008/07/16 12:49] Elizabethy Bookmite: They want to know what info YOU as the author of a book
[2008/07/16 12:49] Elizabethy Bookmite: can provide for their audience.
[2008/07/16 12:50] Elizabethy Bookmite: If you can develop a good platform, then you can get a lot of attention.
[2008/07/16 12:50] Elizabethy Bookmite: And sell a lot of books.
[2008/07/16 12:50] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What are some examples of how you're "laying the groundwork"?
[2008/07/16 12:50] Elizabethy Bookmite: Writing many, MANY articles on my topic
[2008/07/16 12:50] Elizabethy Bookmite: that link back to my site
[2008/07/16 12:51] Elizabethy Bookmite: and draw people in who have many different interests.
[2008/07/16 12:51] Alas Zerbino: A lot of work!
[2008/07/16 12:51] Elizabethy Bookmite: And posting them everywhere from my blog
[2008/07/16 12:51] Elizabethy Bookmite: to ezine articles, to hubpages, etc.
[2008/07/16 12:51] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, a lot of work
[2008/07/16 12:51] Elizabethy Bookmite: esp b/c google will penalize you for duplicate content
[2008/07/16 12:51] Elizabethy Bookmite: so each one has to be original
[2008/07/16 12:51] Chrysalis Solomon: /nod
[2008/07/16 12:52] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: You found great success as a “one-woman show” in selling your book. Why did you decide to share those success strategies with others?
[2008/07/16 12:52] Elizabethy Bookmite: I spend most of my days writing this stuff
[2008/07/16 12:52] Elizabethy Bookmite: Just because I did well doesn't preclude others from doing well, too!
[2008/07/16 12:52] Elizabethy Bookmite: :)
[2008/07/16 12:52] Chrysalis Solomon: It gives the public a "try before you buy" feel when really you're just disguising your advertising
[2008/07/16 12:52] Elizabethy Bookmite: Chysalis: not really
[2008/07/16 12:53] Chrysalis Solomon: I didn't mean that negatively :)
[2008/07/16 12:53] Elizabethy Bookmite: I might write articles on vitamin D when my book is about healthy cooking
[2008/07/16 12:53] Chrysalis Solomon: ohhhh
[2008/07/16 12:53] Elizabethy Bookmite: No, I didn't take it negatively!
[2008/07/16 12:53] Elle Connaught: It seems like you could offer genuinely valuable information.
[2008/07/16 12:53] Elizabethy Bookmite: I'm talking about bringing in new readers who might not be looking for a cookbook
[2008/07/16 12:53] Elizabethy Bookmite: Thanks, Elle!
[2008/07/16 12:54] Elizabethy Bookmite: I"ve spent a lot of time learning all this myself
[2008/07/16 12:54] Elizabethy Bookmite: and feel like I have a lot of info to share!
[2008/07/16 12:54] Alas Zerbino: I think that sharing wisdom and knowledge to help others is awesome....
[2008/07/16 12:54] Alas Zerbino: ...and it helps EVERYONE.
[2008/07/16 12:54] Chrysalis Solomon: /nod
[2008/07/16 12:54] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, I don't believe in keeping secrets
[2008/07/16 12:54] Alas Zerbino: That's one of the lessons I've learned from Web 2.0, anyway.
[2008/07/16 12:54] Elle Connaught: QUESTION: For articles on things like nutrition, is there the expectation that you have a professional background in that area?
[2008/07/16 12:55] Elizabethy Bookmite: Elle, people want to learn from an expert
[2008/07/16 12:55] Elizabethy Bookmite: they want to know that you know more than they do
[2008/07/16 12:55] Elizabethy Bookmite: so that they can learn from you

[2008/07/16 12:55] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Can you tell us a bit about your upcoming book?
[2008/07/16 12:55] Elizabethy Bookmite: I think Web 2.0 is about community, connection, and information
[2008/07/16 12:55] Alas Zerbino: Absolutely!
[2008/07/16 12:56] Elizabethy Bookmite: Alas: the new book is an updated and expanded version of the first book
[2008/07/16 12:56] Elle Connaught: QUESTION: So, writing about nutrition is harder if you don't have the degrees etc? I don't know your background.
[2008/07/16 12:56] Elizabethy Bookmite: I really feel like the content of the first book needs a bigger audience.
[2008/07/16 12:56] Elizabethy Bookmite: Elle: you might not need a degree, but it helps
[2008/07/16 12:56] Alas Zerbino: (I loved the idea of the One-Pot Meals, but your book is out of print, so I'm glad you're updating it!)
[2008/07/16 12:56] Elizabethy Bookmite: I'm a Certified nutritional Consulant and Natural Health Professional
[2008/07/16 12:57] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, Random House made me take my orig book off the market
[2008/07/16 12:57] Elizabethy Bookmite: I still have ebooks available, though
[2008/07/16 12:57] Elizabethy Bookmite: and free recipes and videos on my site
[2008/07/16 12:57] Elizabethy Bookmite: Elle: there's lots of ways to make yourself an expert
[2008/07/16 12:58] Chrysalis Solomon: QUESTION: I'd like to hear how ebooks are doing for you, how significant a part of your offering do you make of them?
[2008/07/16 12:58] Elizabethy Bookmite: you can host workshops, write articles, etc.
[2008/07/16 12:58] Elizabethy Bookmite: Chrysalis: My ebook sales go up and down
[2008/07/16 12:58] Alas Zerbino: Elizabeth's one-pot meals site: http://www.gloriouspotmeal.com/
[2008/07/16 12:58] Elizabethy Bookmite: But I do get questions from people overseas who prefer ebooks
[2008/07/16 12:58] Elizabethy Bookmite: and, I like to use my ebooks to target niche audiences
[2008/07/16 12:59] Elizabethy Bookmite: that are too small to hit with a regular book
[2008/07/16 12:59] Chrysalis Solomon: /nod
[2008/07/16 12:59] Elizabethy Bookmite: For me, that means: Glorious One-Pot Kids meals
[2008/07/16 12:59] Elizabethy Bookmite: Glorious One-Pot Zucchini-lovers Meals, etc.
[2008/07/16 12:59] Elizabethy Bookmite: This summer I'll have out
[2008/07/16 12:59] Elizabethy Bookmite: Glorious One-Pot Kosher Meals
[2008/07/16 12:59] Elizabethy Bookmite: Glorious One-Pot Vegetarian Meals
[2008/07/16 12:59] Elizabethy Bookmite: See what I mean?
[2008/07/16 13:00] Chrysalis Solomon: /nod
[2008/07/16 13:00] Elle Connaught: Oh what a good idea
[2008/07/16 13:00] Elizabethy Bookmite: Now I can target the vegetarians online
[2008/07/16 13:00] Alas Zerbino: So all those add-ons are really enriching your total offerings -- and thus total income, it sounds like.
[2008/07/16 13:00] Elizabethy Bookmite: whereas they might not have been that interested in just one-pot meals
[2008/07/16 13:00] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, it's all about expanding your lines of income! :)
[2008/07/16 13:00] Alas Zerbino: Well, I can't believe it, but our hour's up already.
[2008/07/16 13:00] Chrysalis Solomon: Arrrgh
[2008/07/16 13:01] Alas Zerbino: You can stay here as long as you want
[2008/07/16 13:01] Alas Zerbino: but one of my jobs is timekeeper! :)
[2008/07/16 13:01] Chrysalis Solomon: I'm glad I came, Elizabethy your comments were good stuff :)
[2008/07/16 13:01] Elizabethy Bookmite: This has been fun!
[2008/07/16 13:01] Elle Connaught: Thank you for coming to talk with us Elizabethy!
[2008/07/16 13:01] Alas Zerbino: It's been wonderful!
[2008/07/16 13:01] Elizabethy Bookmite: Thanks for coming to the meeting!
[2008/07/16 13:01] Alas Zerbino: Thanks you so much, Elizabeth!!
[2008/07/16 13:01] Elizabethy Bookmite: And Alas, thanks for having me!
[2008/07/16 13:01] Alas Zerbino: Next Wednesday, July 23, our guests at the Athena Isle Writers meeting will be Janet & Greta Podleski, the “sister act” that wrote the bestselling cookbooks, "Looneyspoons," "Crazy Plates" (a finalist for the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards) and their latest, "Eat, Shrink & Be Merry!" They are also monthly columnists for Canada's No. 1 magazine, Reader's Digest, and were voted into "Canada’s Top 40 Under 40" in 2000. The sisters and their inspirational, self-publishing success story have been featured on dozens of national TV programs, as well as on hundreds of radio shows, and in magazines and newspapers across North America. Their website:
http://www.eatshrinkandbemerry.com/
[2008/07/16 13:02] Chrysalis Solomon: Elizabeth, if you have time, how important in retrospect would you say it has been for your continued stable income, to have diversified into ebooks and article sites like you did?
[2008/07/16 13:02] Alas Zerbino: It was my real pleasure, Elizabethy!!
[2008/07/16 13:02] Elizabethy Bookmite: Sure, Chrysalis
[2008/07/16 13:02] Alas Zerbino: I learned a lot from you ... as well as from perusing your websites earlier!
[2008/07/16 13:02] Alas Zerbino: I encourage everyone to check them out -- great models for what we writers need to do!
[2008/07/16 13:02] Chrysalis Solomon: Alas: Thanks for organizing this
[2008/07/16 13:03] Alas Zerbino: Thank YOU for coming, Chrysalis!
[2008/07/16 13:03] Elle Connaught: Yes, thanks for this, Alas :)
[2008/07/16 13:03] Alas Zerbino: And thanks so much Elle -- great to see you here!
[2008/07/16 13:03] Alas Zerbino: And Mariuch -- thanks for coming and for your information!
[2008/07/16 13:03] Elizabethy Bookmite: Hang on Chrysalis, and I'll answer when we're done
[2008/07/16 13:03] Chrysalis Solomon: Yep
[2008/07/16 13:03] Alas Zerbino: So, we're officially done, but stay as long as you want!
[2008/07/16 13:03] Elizabethy Bookmite: Thanks, Alas!!
[2008/07/16 13:04] Elizabethy Bookmite: Chrysalis: At the minimum, having e-books boosted my fee per sale on my site
[2008/07/16 13:04] Elizabethy Bookmite: people would buy a regular book and then a few ebooks, too
[2008/07/16 13:04] Elizabethy Bookmite: now that I don't have a regular book until Jan
[2008/07/16 13:04] Elizabethy Bookmite: at least I still have something to sell :)
[2008/07/16 13:05] Chrysalis Solomon: So when Random House hit you with that need to take your book off shelves, your ebooks and whatnot suddenly became your meat and potatos?
[2008/07/16 13:05] Elizabethy Bookmite: In terms of diversifying your products
[2008/07/16 13:05] Chrysalis Solomon: Yet another reason to indy-publish :)
[2008/07/16 13:06] Elizabethy Bookmite: I always recommend people should create information products to sell
[2008/07/16 13:06] Elizabethy Bookmite: they are fairly easy and cheap to create
[2008/07/16 13:06] Elizabethy Bookmite: and you can keep selling them over and over
[2008/07/16 13:06] Elizabethy Bookmite: and you don't have to warehouse them in your garage!!
[2008/07/16 13:06] Chrysalis Solomon: Yep most word processors can save as a PDF now, including some good free ones.
[2008/07/16 13:06] Elizabethy Bookmite: Yes, that's really all you need
[2008/07/16 13:06] Elizabethy Bookmite: although
[2008/07/16 13:07] Elizabethy Bookmite: a good product might be an online course
[2008/07/16 13:07] Elizabethy Bookmite: delivered by autoresponder
[2008/07/16 13:07] Elizabethy Bookmite: that is set up through your shopping cart
[2008/07/16 13:07] Elizabethy Bookmite: There are tons of different info products
[2008/07/16 13:07] Alas Zerbino: Elizabethy, I have a quick question, when you get a chance -- if you don't mind.
[2008/07/16 13:07] Elizabethy Bookmite: yes, Alas?
[2008/07/16 13:08] Alas Zerbino: When you link to another blog or website on your own site, do you send that other site a note saying you've linked to it?
[2008/07/16 13:08] Elizabethy Bookmite: It's a good idea to do a trackback, so they know
[2008/07/16 13:08] Elizabethy Bookmite: however, if they're signed up for Google Alerts they should know anyway
[2008/07/16 13:08] Alas Zerbino: Thanks!
[2008/07/16 13:09] Elizabethy Bookmite: A good policy is to try to comment directly on other people's blogs
[2008/07/16 13:09] Chrysalis Solomon: Yeah I haven't used Google Webmaster Tools yet, that's my industry and I didn't even know that :)
[2008/07/16 13:09] Elizabethy Bookmite: when they write about stuff you like
[2008/07/16 13:09] Elizabethy Bookmite: LOVE Google Alerts!
[2008/07/16 13:09] Elizabethy Bookmite: And it's free!
[2008/07/16 13:09] Elizabethy Bookmite: Also love google analytics
[2008/07/16 13:09] Elizabethy Bookmite: Everyone should use both of those
[2008/07/16 13:09] Alas Zerbino: yes, -- analytics is great!
[2008/07/16 13:10] Elizabethy Bookmite: Any other questions I can answer while I'm here?
[2008/07/16 13:10] Elizabethy Bookmite: Great.
[2008/07/16 13:10] Alas Zerbino: You've been so wonderful! Thank you so much!
[2008/07/16 13:10] Elizabethy Bookmite: The last thing I want to say is, Alas: I love your dress!
[2008/07/16 13:10] Chrysalis Solomon: I think we could keep you busy as long as you wanted to stick around LOL
[2008/07/16 13:10] Alas Zerbino: Oh, thanks!!
[2008/07/16 13:11] Alas Zerbino: :)
[2008/07/16 13:11] Elizabethy Bookmite: Unfortunately, I've got to go pick up my kiddies at preschool soon
[2008/07/16 13:11] Chrysalis Solomon: :)
[2008/07/16 13:11] Elle Connaught: Thanks again everyone :)
[2008/07/16 13:11] Chrysalis Solomon: Thanks again Elizabeth and Alas
[2008/07/16 13:11] Elizabethy Bookmite: Hope to see you all again in SL or outworld!

Note from Alas: The Athena Isle Writers meetings are always informative and fun! Check one out sometime! Also, if you're interested in more about the Second Life writing community, check out my blog, http://writersinthesky.blogspot.com.

Sisters Who "Mix Pots & Pans With Pens & Puns" Will Discuss Their Writing Success at July 23 Athena Isle Writers Meeting

2008-07-16T14:36:00.000-07:00

Janet and Greta Podleski, who make up the sister act that wrote the bestselling cookbooks Looneyspoons, Crazy Plates (a finalist for the James Beard Foundation Cookbook Awards) and their latest, Eat, Shrink & Be Merry!, will be the guest speakers at the Athena Isle Writers Meeting on Wednesday, July 23, at 12 p.m. SLT (Pacific time).

As they write in the introduction to Eat, Shrink & Be Merry!, "Whether you're trying to change your eating habits, lose weight, launch a new career, or even become a better parent, the journey we're about to describe will show you that, when you dream big, set goals, work hard, refuse to quit, and let passion be your guide, just about anything is possible."

Janet and Greta are also monthly columnists for Canada's No. 1 magazine, Reader's Digest, and were voted into Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2000. The sisters and their inspirational, self-publishing success story have been featured on dozens of national TV programs such as The Today Show, CNN, Canada A.M., and QVC, as well as on hundreds of radio shows, and in magazines and newspapers across North America.

Although Janet is not quite as handy in the kitchen as Greta (read: huge klutz), she brings many other talents to the table. A year-2000 inductee into Carleton University’s Sports Hall of Fame (for soccer and basketball), Janet’s fitness knowledge is only surpassed by her ability to endlessly create annoying puns. In addition to a B.A. in Psychology, she has also earned a degree as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. Originally from St. Thomas, Ontario, Janet and her Jack Russell Terrier, Lacey Lou, live in Ottawa.

Greta’s love of cooking began in her childhood after receiving an Easy-Bake Oven as a birthday gift. By age 12, she was preparing 3-course dinners for her 5 older sisters and her parents, using a real oven. Originally from St. Thomas, Ontario, Greta and her food-obsessed dog, Lexi, live in a 150-year-old farmhouse in rural Kitchener.

Come meet the Podleski sisters and hear their story next Wednesday, July 23, at 12 noon SLT at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.

The meeting is free and open, and all SL residents are invited to attend.

Guest Melissa Jones Discusses Revolutionary Writing/Publishing Website

2008-07-11T09:01:00.000-07:00

Melissa Jones as her avatar Mojobot Helendale (yellow robot, back to camera) talks about WEbook.com at Athena Isle Writers meeting July 9, 2008

[2008/07/09 12:07] Alas Zerbino: First of all: Welcome to the kick-off of Athena Isle Writers in our new meeting location! Before we get started, I want to briefly introduce the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.
[2008/07/09 12:08] Alas Zerbino: It’s the brainchild of myself and SL resident Clarissa Tolsen. This is our first “official” event. Alas Zerbino: I invite you to touch one of the Story Mountain signs for a detailed notecard about Story Mountain and our plans for it.
[2008/07/09 12:08] Alas Zerbino: Feel free to talk to me after the meeting if you have questions or suggestions.
[2008/07/09 12:08] Alas Zerbino: Also, for details about our guest speaker, touch the poster hanging over the fireplace.
[2008/07/09 12:08] Alas Zerbino: Now for the “ground rules” for this meeting-- :)
[2008/07/09 12:08] Alas Zerbino: All communication will be in text chat.
[2008/07/09 12:09] Alas Zerbino: I’ll introduce the speaker and turn the “mic” over to her for opening comments.
[2008/07/09 12:09] Alas Zerbino: At any time after that, just jump in with questions. BUT: please type QUESTION (in full caps) in front of your question for our guest.
[2008/07/09 12:09] Alas Zerbino: It’s a lot easier to keep track of which questions still need answering when the chat lines start flying off the window!

[2008/07/09 12:10] Alas Zerbino: We’ve got a truly exciting topic today: what is this revolutionary online publishing/writing venture called WEbook.com (http://www.webook.com)
[2008/07/09 12:10] Alas Zerbino: Melissa Jones, content manager for WEbook, is here to share the excitement.
[2008/07/09 12:10] Alas Zerbino: She also wrote two of the chapters in WEbook.com’s first novel: PANDORA, published earlier this year.
[2008/07/09 12:10] Alas Zerbino: Her Second Life avatar’s name is Mojobot Helendale.
[2008/07/09 12:10] Alas Zerbino: Welcome, Melissa/Mojobot! Tell us about WEbook.
[2008/07/09 12:11] Mojobot Helendale: Hi, everyone! Thanks for coming.
[2008/07/09 12:11] Mojobot Helendale: As Alas said, I work for WEbook.com, a start-up, internet-based publisher.
[2008/07/09 12:11] Mojobot Helendale: WEbook was the brainchild of Itai Kohavi, author and entrepreneur.
[2008/07/09 12:12] Mojobot Helendale: After writing his first novel,
[2008/07/09 12:13] Mojobot Helendale: Itai wondered if there might be a less lonely way for writers to work, and WEbook was born.
[2008/07/09 12:13] Mojobot Helendale: We're trying to combine the best aspects of social networking, digital media, crowd-sourcing, and American-Idol-style talent discovery...
[2008/07/09 12:14] Mojobot Helendale: to both create great content on our site...
[2008/07/09 12:14] Mojobot Helendale: and to select the very best content for publication as real, live paper books. (And some other kinds of books, too.)
[2008/07/09 12:14] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: How did you get involved?
[2008/07/09 12:15] Mojobot Helendale: Pandora was WEbook's first novel -- it was written by 17 authors and 17 other contributors...
[2008/07/09 12:15] Mojobot Helendale: I found out about WEbook through the listserv of Columbia University's MFA writing program...
[2008/07/09 12:15] Mojobot Helendale: They were looking for writers to test out their collaborative writing platform, and I signed on.
[2008/07/09 12:16] Alas Zerbino: and the test obviously worked out!
[2008/07/09 12:16] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What are the most exciting results you’ve seen so far?
[2008/07/09 12:16] Mojobot Helendale: Yes -- we wrote Pandora in about 6 months, edited it in another 3, and then I got involved with helping the website grow beyond the initial test group
[2008/07/09 12:17] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, alas: We started with a handful of projects started by our staff in April, and we now have literally thousands of writing projects in progress on the site...
[2008/07/09 12:18] Raina Anatra: QUESTION: What was the collaborative process like...so many writers on a fiction project?
[2008/07/09 12:18] Mojobot Helendale: There's a tremendous amount of energy around finding other writers and readers to help improve work.
[2008/07/09 12:18] Alas Zerbino: /good question, Raina
[2008/07/09 12:18] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Raina: A collaborative novel is really tough...
[2008/07/09 12:18] Mojobot Helendale: and we've since moved more towards non-fiction, anthologies of stories, and stuff like that...
[2008/07/09 12:19] Mojobot Helendale: It took a lot of coordination and patience to keep the whole group of 34 focused on Pandora...
[2008/07/09 12:19] Alas Zerbino: I'll bet!!
[2008/07/09 12:19] Mojobot Helendale: We divided the chapters, and wrote them out of sequence from a synopsis.
[2008/07/09 12:19] Mojobot Helendale: (Please excuse typos.)
[2008/07/09 12:19] Raina Anatra: I can only imagine! I collaborated once on a screenplay with one other person, and even that was difficult.
[2008/07/09 12:20] Elizabethy Bookmite: QUESTION: Is the novel plotted out in advance? By whom?
[2008/07/09 12:20] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Elizabeth: The original idea for the novel came from Itai the company's founder...
[2008/07/09 12:20] Mojobot Helendale: There was a rough synopsis, and we refined it as a group as we went.
[2008/07/09 12:21] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: How did it compare to “writing in isolation”?
[2008/07/09 12:21] Mojobot Helendale: Today on WEbook, a writer can start a project and invite other writers, and it's up to him/her how much they want to plot in advance.
[2008/07/09 12:21] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Alas: A totally different bag, with benefits and drawbacks...
[2008/07/09 12:22] Mojobot Helendale: I was pushed to imagine scenes I would never write on my own...
[2008/07/09 12:22] Mojobot Helendale: And the deadlines were VERY motivating.
[2008/07/09 12:22] Alas Zerbino: I'll bet!
[2008/07/09 12:22] Elizabethy Bookmite: QUESTION: You collaborate in virtual meetings? You say you refined it as a group?
[2008/07/09 12:22] Mojobot Helendale: But you have to develop a lot of ego-control.
[2008/07/09 12:22] Alas Zerbino: lol
[2008/07/09 12:22] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Why should writers be interested in WEbook? What can it offer them?
[2008/07/09 12:23] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Elizabeth: There was a lot of back-and-forth in chats and forums.
[2008/07/09 12:23] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Alas: WEbook is a great way to get published without going through the traditional publishing "machine."
[2008/07/09 12:23] Mojobot Helendale: Our publishing decisions are based on community voting.
[2008/07/09 12:24]Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Some people have said that picking a book to publish via popular vote will end up “dumbing down” the writing. What do you think about that?
[2008/07/09 12:24] Mojobot Helendale: So it's a wonderful way for relatively unknown writers to build up an audience and leverage that into publication.
[2008/07/09 12:24] Alas Zerbino: a writer's dream!
[2008/07/09 12:24] Elizabethy Bookmite: QUESTION: Does every contributing writer get a byline?
[2008/07/09 12:25] Raina Anatra: QUESTION: How does the community work? How do they see the works?
[2008/07/09 12:25] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Alas: Two things: 1. WEbook doesn't totally abdicate its role as editor and publisher.
[2008/07/09 12:25]Alas Zerbino: ahhhh..... good
[2008/07/09 12:25] Mojobot Helendale: We are committed to quality work, and we think community votes help us find that work.
[2008/07/09 12:25] Alas Zerbino: makes sense!
[2008/07/09 12:25] Mojobot Helendale: 2. We've seen that writers are pretty good at spotting good writing!
[2008/07/09 12:26] Alas Zerbino: :)
[2008/07/09 12:26] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Elizabeth: A byline and royalties.
[2008/07/09 12:27] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Raina: All the projects are displayed on WEbook's homepage. Users find projects they're interested in, and they can read, review, and, in some cases, contribute written submissions.
[2008/07/09 12:27] Mojobot Helendale: You can either get involved with a project in progress, or start your own.
[2008/07/09 12:27] Alas Zerbino: /the website is quite amazing: http://www.webook.com
[2008/07/09 12:28] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: How many books does WEbook plan to publish this year? What genres?
[2008/07/09 12:28] Raina Anatra: I can't wait to look around! Do you often get writers who want to work together coming to your site?
[2008/07/09 12:28] Mojobot Helendale: The big thing we're working on now is better sorting and personalization -- since we have thousands of projects, we're working on ways to make it easier to find the RIGHT projects.
[2008/07/09 12:29] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Alas: We expect to publish 6-12 books, in a variety of genres.
[2008/07/09 12:29] Alas Zerbino: super!
[2008/07/09 12:29]Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: What about the issue of “first publication rights”? If a WEbook author makes her project “public,” is it then “published” in terms of copyright law so that publishers who only buy unpublished manuscripts would not buy the work?
[2008/07/09 12:30] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Raina: We see a lot of writers who are interested in working together!
[2008/07/09 12:30] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Alas: Nope...
[2008/07/09 12:30] Mojobot Helendale: Publishing a work on the site doesn't affect the author's ability to publish elsewhere...
[2008/07/09 12:31] Elizabethy Bookmite: QUESTION: By published, do you mean printed? or e-books? or just posted?
[2008/07/09 12:31] Mojobot Helendale: Our website is more of a "work space" than a publication portal...
[2008/07/09 12:31] Mojobot Helendale: Once we decide to publish something as a book (and right now we're doing paper books)...
[2008/07/09 12:31] Alas Zerbino: That's terrific, Mojobot. I know some writers who were concerned about that.
[2008/07/09 12:31] Mojobot Helendale: We offer writers a publishing contract...
[2008/07/09 12:32] Alas Zerbino: yes!
[2008/07/09 12:32] Mojobot Helendale: Until a contract is signed, the writer retains full control over the work.
[2008/07/09 12:32] Alas Zerbino: just like in "traditional" publishing.
[2008/07/09 12:32] Mojobot Helendale: Exactly, Alas. One of our few similarities with the "big Guys."
[2008/07/09 12:33] Alas Zerbino: lol
[2008/07/09 12:33] Mojobot Helendale: Any other questions?
[2008/07/09 12:34] Alas Zerbino: So, to follow up on Elizabethy's question, having something published involves a contract and distribution....
[2008/07/09 12:34] Raina Anatra: QUESTION: For those projects that you don't end up publishing, do you know what kind of success they've had elsewhere??
[2008/07/09 12:34] Alas Zerbino: while work in progress is not considered published because only members can see it, and only if the writer wants them to?
[2008/07/09 12:35] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Raina. We're really too young to know that. We've only been open to the public since April. And we're running our first voting cycle now.
[2008/07/09 12:35] Mojobot Helendale: Alas: That's not quite true...
[2008/07/09 12:35] Raina Anatra: LOL! Makes sense! Unless you can predict the future:)
[2008/07/09 12:36] Mojobot Helendale: Oh, yes it is, if by "members" you mean WEbook writers...
[2008/07/09 12:36] Mojobot Helendale: (I don't think of them as members for some reason.)
[2008/07/09 12:36] Alas Zerbino: that's what I mean -- you have to sign up for an account, right?
[2008/07/09 12:36] Alas Zerbino: (I didn't try to read any projects before signing up, so I don't know...)
[2008/07/09 12:36] Mojobot Helendale: Yes, work on the site is only visible to registered site users, and writers can also choose to make their work private so only they or a handful of invited friends can view it.
[2008/07/09 12:37] Alas Zerbino: "members" doesn't fit at all, does it? *grins sheepishly*
[2008/07/09 12:37] Raina Anatra: QUESTION: Is there a charge to be a member? Can anyone in the world join?
[2008/07/09 12:38] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Raina: No charge. Anyone over 13 is welcome to join -- under 18 with the permission of a guardian, of course.
[2008/07/09 12:38] Raina Anatra: Free is always good...LOL!

[2008/07/09 12:39] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: You’ve had literary fiction published in some pretty highly respected journals... have you heard any feedback from the “literary elite” about WEbook?
[2008/07/09 12:39] Mojobot Helendale: Can I get a quick show of hands -- how many fiction writers are in the group? Non-fiction? Poetry?
[2008/07/09 12:40] Devorah Corvale: fiction and poetry myself
[2008/07/09 12:40] Elizabethy Bookmite: non-fiction here.
[2008/07/09 12:40] Alas Zerbino: mostly fiction; some poetry; some nonfiction
[2008/07/09 12:40] Raina Anatra: Fiction, screenplays here
[2008/07/09 12:40] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Alas: That's a very interesting question...
[2008/07/09 12:40] Mojobot Helendale: ...The response is mixed, depending on people's openness to change...
[2008/07/09 12:40] Mojobot Helendale: Is that diplomatic enough for you? :-)
[2008/07/09 12:41] Alas Zerbino: LOL
[2008/07/09 12:41] Alas Zerbino: I get it! Not surprised!!
[2008/07/09 12:41] Elizabethy Bookmite: lol
[2008/07/09 12:41] Alas Zerbino: change is always change..... :)
[2008/07/09 12:41] Mojobot Helendale: Some established writers and publishers seem to feel that giving more power the "the people" is a bad thing...
[2008/07/09 12:42] Mojobot Helendale: Others find it really exciting.
[2008/07/09 12:42] Mojobot Helendale: Personally, I think there's enough room in the literary landscape for us all.
[2008/07/09 12:42] Alas Zerbino: Yes, I support that notion wholeheartedly!
[2008/07/09 12:42] Elizabethy Bookmite: hear, hear!
[2008/07/09 12:42] Raina Anatra: It feels to me like opening new alternatives like your site only expands the landscape...kind of like Second Life!
[2008/07/09 12:43] Devorah Corvale: yes, too much is controlled by the big publishers
[2008/07/09 12:43] Alas Zerbino: yes, Raina -- just what I was thinking
[2008/07/09 12:43] Mojobot Helendale: Good analogy, Raina!
[2008/07/09 12:43] Alas Zerbino: The fact that it was started by a writer gives it a lot of credibility, too
[2008/07/09 12:43] Raina Anatra: It still frustrates me no end that anything done online is still seen like the step-child of "real" publishing, but I've seen some of the most amazing works online...
[2008/07/09 12:44] Mojobot Helendale: Raina, I think that impression will change A LOT with time.
[2008/07/09 12:44] Raina Anatra: Woo-hoo!
[2008/07/09 12:44] Mojobot Helendale: It's already changed so much in the past few years...
[2008/07/09 12:44] Mojobot Helendale: There are lots of online journals that are considered perfectly "respectable" places to publish nowadays.
[2008/07/09 12:45] Elizabethy Bookmite: good point
[2008/07/09 12:45] Mojobot Helendale: And online journalism is replacing print journalism as we speak!
[2008/07/09 12:45] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Do you think this will take off, with other publishing companies going this route?
[2008/07/09 12:45] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER Alas: I do think publishing companies are in need of a shake up...
[2008/07/09 12:46] Alas Zerbino: LOL
[2008/07/09 12:46] Mojobot Helendale: ...and I can definitely imagine a world where publishers use models more like WEbook to help guide their publishing decisions.
[2008/07/09 12:46] Devorah Corvale: is there any other company like yours on the market?
[2008/07/09 12:47] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Devorah: Not exactly, as far as I know...
[2008/07/09 12:47] Mojobot Helendale: There are other places to write online...
[2008/07/09 12:48] Mojobot Helendale: and there are a few paper publishers that have a community-based online submission process...
[2008/07/09 12:48] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: You talked about the voting cycle. How does that work?
[2008/07/09 12:48] Devorah Corvale: thank you for your time today. I must leave. Work calls!
[2008/07/09 12:48] Raina Anatra: Bye Devorah!
[2008/07/09 12:48] Mojobot Helendale: But I haven't seen anyone else doing quite what we do.
[2008/07/09 12:48] Mojobot Helendale: Bye, Devorah!
[2008/07/09 12:49] Alas Zerbino: Thanks, Devorah. The transcript will be up on the Athena Isle Writers Blog later this week...
[2008/07/09 12:49] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Alas: When a project leader decides a book is finished he or she can submit it for voting and publication...
[2008/07/09 12:49] Mojobot Helendale: We're accepting submissions of book-length manuscripts now through July 17...
[2008/07/09 12:50] Raina Anatra: QUESTION: How many cycles will you have during a year?
[2008/07/09 12:50] Mojobot Helendale: Starting July 18, WEbookers will vote on the projects in contention...
[2008/07/09 12:50] Mojobot Helendale: WEbook will review the highest-voted submissions and choose our published books from that pool.
[2008/07/09 12:50] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Raina. For the first year, we anticipate running about 4 voting cycles.
[2008/07/09 12:51] Mojobot Helendale: We may end up doing more as the site grows.
[2008/07/09 12:51] Alas Zerbino: One thing I really liked about WEbook is that it was started by WRITERS, not programmers who had a nifty idea. So the initial group of very talented writers kind of set a standard, I think.
[2008/07/09 12:51] Raina Anatra: That appeals to me too...
[2008/07/09 12:52] Mojobot Helendale: That's a good point. Our "test group"-- the people who wrote Pandora -- are all very serious writers, and our feedback really guided the development of the company from its infancy.
[2008/07/09 12:53] Mojobot Helendale: a lot of those writers have stuck around and form a core of great readers, reviewers, and writers on the site today!
[2008/07/09 12:53] Alas Zerbino: I was impressed by that, Mojobot.
[2008/07/09 12:54] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: You also write the blog for WEbook -- how do you like doing that?
[2008/07/09 12:54] Mojobot Helendale: ANSWER, Alas: I'm so glad you asked...

[2008/07/09 12:54] Mojobot Helendale: The blog is hands down my favorite part of the job. I love it. (I'm a writer – of course I love it.)
[2008/07/09 12:54] Alas Zerbino: lol -- of course!
[2008/07/09 12:55] Alas Zerbino: WEbook’s blog (http://www.blog.webook.com)
[2008/07/09 12:55] Mojobot Helendale: Speaking of the blog...
[2008/07/09 12:55] Raina Anatra: Thanks, Alas, I'm going to check that out, too.
[2008/07/09 12:55] Alas Zerbino: I enjoyed reading it -- and that usually means the author enjoys writing it
[2008/07/09 12:55] Mojobot Helendale: I have a regular feature called WEbook Writing Wisdom...
[2008/07/09 12:56] Mojobot Helendale: and I'm always looking for guest submissions...
[2008/07/09 12:56] Mojobot Helendale: You can check out the blog to familiarize yourself with the kinds of tips I like...
[2008/07/09 12:56] Alas Zerbino: That's good to know -- there are a lot of writers in SL.
[2008/07/09 12:56] Mojobot Helendale: and e-mail me at melissa@webook.com if you have good ideas.
[2008/07/09 12:56] Elizabethy Bookmite: You'll probably hear from me at some point, then :)
[2008/07/09 12:56] Mojobot Helendale: Fantastic!
[2008/07/09 12:57] Alas Zerbino: By the way, everyone, Elizabethy is our guest for next week!
[2008/07/09 12:57] Alas Zerbino: I'm delighted she was able to join us this week, too.
[2008/07/09 12:57] Raina Anatra: Great, it's nice to meet you in advance, Elizabethy!
[2008/07/09 12:57] Elizabethy Bookmite: I hope you all come back and join us then as well!
[2008/07/09 12:57] Alas Zerbino: and what a great segue to a wrap up...

[2008/07/09 12:57] Alas Zerbino: Next Wednesday, July 16, our guest at the Athena Isle Writers meeting will be author Elizabeth Yarnell, who was rejected by a stack of publishers before independently publishing what became her best-selling, award-winning first book: GLORIOUS ONE-POT MEALS. She will talk about how authors can develop strategies to get free publicity and gain the attention of the media and online communities. Check out her blog at http://www.recipesforpublicity.com/
[2008/07/09 12:58] Raina Anatra: Wonderful!
[2008/07/09 12:58] Alas Zerbino: Mojobot, our hour is coming to an end. Is there anything more you'd like to tell us as writers about writing and/or WEbook?
[2008/07/09 12:58] Elizabethy Bookmite: I'm looking forward to it!
[2008/07/09 12:58] JA Thespian: Alas, Thank you for inviting me. I enjoyed this experience
[2008/07/09 12:59] Mojobot Helendale: I'd encourage you all to make a special trip between July 18 and August 1 to vote!
[2008/07/09 12:59] Raina Anatra: Thank you, Mojobot...just hearing about your site has triggered a few juicy ideas in my head!
[2008/07/09 12:59] Alas Zerbino: You're welcome, JA!
[2008/07/09 12:59] Alas Zerbino: Yes, it's extremely exciting!
[2008/07/09 12:59] Elizabethy Bookmite: Thanks, Mojobot! This has been very interesting.
[2008/07/09 13:00] Alas Zerbino: The transcript of this session will be placed on the Athena Iles writers blog later this week: http://slwritersclub.blogspot.com/
[2008/07/09 13:00] Mojobot Helendale: Thanks to all for coming! It was great meeting you.
[2008/07/09 13:00] Liadona Rau: Thank you!
[2008/07/09 13:00] JA Thespian: Nice meeting you all.
[2008/07/09 13:00] Alas Zerbino: Oh, we're so pleased you came -- your information was terrific!
[2008/07/09 13:00] Alas Zerbino: Thank you so much!!
[2008/07/09 13:01] Mojobot Helendale: bye!
[2008/07/09 13:01] Alas Zerbino: and for the writers who were out in the sun today, the transcript will be great.

How the Web Can Help You Sell Your Book: July 16 Athena Isle Writers Speaker to Share Success Strategies

2008-07-09T20:53:00.000-07:00

Want to learn how to publicize your book in the new millennium? Come to the July 16 Athena Isle Writers meeting in Second Life, when our guest speaker will be best-selling author and publicity coach Elizabeth Yarnell.

After being rejected by a stack of publishers, Elizabeth Yarnell independently published her best-selling, award-winning first book: Glorious One-Pot Meals: A new quick & healthy approach to Dutch oven cooking.

As a one-woman show, she knew it was up to her to make her book a success, so she learned how to be her own publicist, and landed everything from television appearances to stories in national magazines, prominent newspapers, and radio shows. Most recently, she has been focused on using social network marketing to get free publicity and prepare for her next book launch.

After selling more than 10,000 copies of Glorious One-Pot Meals, Elizabeth landed a New York agent and was picked up by Broadway Books, an imprint of Random House. Now she shares her publicity expertise through workshops, seminars, as a publicity coach, and on her Website "Recipes for Publicity: Cooking up strategies to get yourself noticed by the media and online communities."

Elizabeth will talk about her successful strategies at the Athena Isle Writers meeting at 12 noon SLT, Wednesday, July 16, at the Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle.

The meeting is free and open, and all SL residents who want to learn more about using online communities and social networking to generate publicity are encouraged to attend.

Upcoming Guests of Athena Isle Writers:

7-23-08: Janet and Greta Podleski, authors of Eat, Shrink & Be Merry

7-30-08: L.A. Banks, award-winning author of 10-book Vampire Huntress series

8-13-08: Novelist Michelle Richmond, author of The Year of the Fog and the newly released No One You Know

WEBOOK.com editor talks! Wed 9 July 12pm SLT

2008-07-08T14:46:00.000-07:00

Melissa Jones of WEbook.com, the revolutionary online writing and publishing company, will be guest speaker at the Athena Isle Writers meeting on Wednesday, July 9, 2008, at 12 p.m. SLT.

WEbook aims to do for the publishing industry what American Idol did for music. Melissa will tell us how this website supports writers, editors, reviewers, illustrators, and others in joining forces to create great works of fiction and non-fiction, thrillers and essays, short stories, children's books and more.

About Melissa Jones:

Melissa grew up in the woods in northern California. She wrote her first story at the age of 8, and quickly learned to use writing to escape to a world of fantasy. At 16, she left home to make her fantasies come true, and she has since lived in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Japan, and Cleveland.

She attended Columbia University’s MFA program in fiction, and now resides in Brooklyn. Her short stories have been published in ZZYVA and Identity Theory. The two chapters she wrote for Pandora, WEbook's first published novel, are her first contributions to a published novel. She is the content manager for WEbook.com, and she’s in a committed, long-term relationship with a novel, though she occasionally has affairs with short stories and personal essays.

Athena Isle Writers (formerly Second Life Writers Club) meeting are held at 12 p.m. SLT each Wednesday at Story Mountain Center for Writers on Athena Isle (http://slurl.com/secondlife/Athena%20Isle/204/105/24). Everyone is welcome to attend.

Guests scheduled for upcoming meetings:

7-16-08: Elizabeth Yarnell, author of One-Pot Meals, will talk about "Recipes for Publicity: how to create strategies for attracting publicity from the media and online community"

7-23-08: Janet and Greta Podleski, authors of Eat, Shrink & Be Merry

7-30-08: L.A. Banks, award-winning author of 10-book Vampire Huntress series

Wed 12pm SLT - Meet Roberta Islieb - "How to Write a Mystery"

2008-04-01T21:36:00.000-07:00

"How to Write a Mystery" - Wed 12pm SLT - Meet Roberta Islieb, mystery writer & president of Sisters in Crime

SLURL: http://slurl.com/secondlife/Second%20Shores/51/50/23

Bio:

Clinical psychologist Dr. Roberta Isleib is the author of a new mystery series starring a psychologist/advice columnist. Deadly Advice (Berkley) and Preaching to the Corpse (Berkley, December 2007) prove that when it comes to murder, everyone can use a little help. Roberta is the president of Sisters in Crime International.

http:/www.robertaisleib.com

Sisters in Crime or SinC, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, was founded by Sara Paretsky (of VI Warshawski fame) and a handful of women. The group now has 4,000 members: authors, readers and fans globally who are dedicated to strengthening the voice of female mystery writers and addressing gender bias.

Guest: Beth Groundwater - “Getting the Most Out of Writers Conferences”

2008-03-16T21:55:00.000-07:00

Beth Groundwater – Vice President of Pikes Peak Writers, author of “A Real Basketcase,” Best First Novel Agatha Nominee March 12, 2008 “Getting the Most Out of Writers Conferences”

[12:04] Cybergrrl Oh: I'm aka Aliza Sherman. I hold about 4 events per week for various clubs.
[12:04] Cybergrrl Oh: This is the Second Life Writers Club meeting, same time, same place every week!
[12:04] Liadona Rau: I'm Liadona Rau, aka Lisa. I am a writer and photographer IRL and here in SL.
[12:05] Alesus Afarensis: im a dancer and part time model in sl
[12:05] Aldon Huffhines: Digital Social Media consultant... Old guard hardcore geek... Business editor for SLNN.COM... Blogger at Orient-Lodge.com ... Wrote my first novel last november as part of NaNoWriMo
[12:06] Aldon Huffhines: (and political and non-profit activist)
[12:06] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Aldon, congrats on the NaNoWriMo work. Some of our members
[12:06] Alas Zerbino: I'm Alas Zerbino, aka Joan Kremer. I'm a corporate writer (for money) and novelist/literary journal editor (for sanity) in RL.
[12:06] Cas Davies: I'm a college adminstrator for 3 community college libraries.

[12:07] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: have participated and find it's a great way to kick-start a manuscript.
[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: /so now that we have settled that - let's get going. Beth, please introduce yourself
[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: /and introduce your topic!
[12:08] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Alas, what genre do you write in and what publisher(s) have you published your work with?
[12:08] Cybergrrl Oh: /good question!
[12:08] Cybergrrl Oh writes nonfiction mostly - published 7 books and working on 8th.
[12:08] Cybergrrl Oh: jump in everyone
[12:08] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Cas, I LOVE librarians! My publisher, Five Star (with Gale Group) is a library publisher.
[12:09] Alas Zerbino: My novel is mainstream fiction. It hasn't been published yet. My publishing credits are all nonfiction.
[12:09] Liadona Rau: I write fiction mostly - stories, books and scripts. Fantasy, mystery and mainstream
[12:09] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I am a mystery writer and Vice President of Pikes Peak Writers and secretary of our local Sisters in Crime chapter.
[12:09] Cas Davies: Oh yes, Gale is very familiar to me. And I'm so glad you love librarians too!
[12:09] Aldon Huffhines: Mostly political, technology, psychology blogging... My novel is a SL based mystery... wrote a lot of poetry when I was younger.
[12:09] Cybergrrl Oh: /I found Beth through Sisters in Crime, by the way
[12:09] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: My debu mystery, A REAL BASKET CASE, was just nominated for an Agatha Award for Best First Novel.
[12:10] Alas Zerbino: I'm going to pitch my recently completed novel at a conference end of month.
[12:10] Cybergrrl Oh: Congratulations!
[12:10] Alas Zerbino: Congratulations!!!!
[12:10] Liadona Rau: congrats!!
[12:10] Aldon Huffhines: Wow! Congrats!
[12:10] Alesus Afarensis: congrats
[12:10] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION FOR LATER: What should we know about in terms of pitching our novels at writing conferences? Tuck that away to when we get there.
[12:10] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Tell us about the conferences for Pikes Peak and Sisters in Crime - when are the next ones?
[12:11] Cas Davies: That really merits congratulations!
[12:11] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: And what are the best resources for finding out about writers conferences?
[12:12] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: The next Pikes Peak Writers conference is the last weekend of April. This will be the first year I miss one in ages, because the Malice Domestic conference, which is very popular with SinC members, is the same weekend. It's also where the Agatha winners are announced, so I HAVE to go!
[12:12] Cybergrrl Oh: http://www.ppwc.net/
[12:12] Alesus Afarensis: i have to go sorry i have to fix my son some lunch,it dont look like i'm going to get to attend any meetings sorry again
[12:13] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: PPWC was once rated as one of the ten best writing conferences in the US. I recommend both it and the fall Colorado Gold conference put on by Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers in Denver to folks looking for Colorado writing conferences.
[12:13] Cybergrrl Oh: Sisters in Crime - http://www.sistersincrime.org
[12:14] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: The best resource for finding writers conferences is http://writing.shawguides.com - search by focus or type of writing, month/season, state/us region/country.
[12:14] Cybergrrl Oh: Shaw Guides, yes, great database
[12:14] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I think the best conferences are those put on by nonprofit writing organizations versus by folks trying to make money off of attendees.
[12:15] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What are your favorite writers conferences?
[12:15] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: And what are your least favorite and why?
[12:15] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION TO ALL: What has been the best writers conference you've attended to date?
[12:16] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I stick to those I can drive to, so PPWC and Colorado Gold are the ones I attend. The best way to find out which are the best conferences in your local area is to join a local writing organization and ask local writers which ones they've attended and would recommend.

[12:16] Cybergrrl Oh: I've asked everyone to recommend their favorites!
[12:16] Liadona Rau: I haven't attened one that was stricktly for writers, but the Baltimore SciFi conference has some good writing tracks.
[12:16] Alas Zerbino: I've only been to ones in my area, but I'm really happy with the one at UW-Madison.
[12:17] Alas Zerbino: One at a local writing center wasn't as professional -- it was a one-day event with just local speakers.
[12:17] Aldon Huffhines: QUESTION: Are there any writers conferences online/in SL? Should there be? Pros and Cons?
[12:17] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: In Colorado, there are some writers conferences that are held in Aspen and Vail and that have VERY expensive fees. I've never attended and am leery of going, because I don't know ANY of the speakers. I think they may be rip-offs.
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: My least favorite was the Jackson Hole Writers Conference - gorgeous place but all the speakers just wanted a free trip to Jackson and pretty much admitted they hadn't prepared anything to say. Very lame.
[12:17] Liadona Rau: QUESTION: I live in a completely over populated, over ambitious area (Northern VA right outside of DC) how do I find a good writers group in the soup of EVERYTHING?
[12:18] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: So what are some tips you have for getting the most out of a writers conference?
[12:18] Alas Zerbino: Good feedback, Cybergrrl -- always wondered about the Jackson Hole conference.
[12:18] Cybergrrl Oh: I'm having the opposite problem - I'm in Anchorage with few choices - the writers group that is most known isn't my cup of tea.
[12:18] Liadona Rau: yeah - it is completely insane here
[12:19] Alas Zerbino: My problem too is no good local writing group...
[12:19] Cybergrrl Oh: Start your own group! I did that for a while in Cheyenne, Wyoming when I lived there. It at least kept me thinking about and talking about writing.
[12:20] Alas Zerbino: Tried that once -- I live in a rural area and couldn't seem to drum up participants.
[12:20] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I recommend that all writers join both a local writing group that has monthly educational meetings about the craft and business of writing near you. AND join the national organization for your genre, like Sisters in Crime or Mystery Writers of America for mystery. Then, look for a local chapter of that organization near you. That may be the best strategy for the NO. VA area.
[12:20] Cybergrrl Oh: Interesting - I've never looked into a nonfiction national writers group...?
[12:20] Liadona Rau: thanks! I will give it a try. :-)
[12:21] Cybergrrl Oh: People come and go at these things Beth - don't want you to think you are scaring them off!
[12:21] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Some national genre writing organizations have online chapters for their rremote members. I know Sisters does, for example.
[12:21] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Do publishers, agents and editors REALLY look to writers conferences to find the next big thing?
[12:22] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Tips for getting the most out of a writers conference;
[12:22] Liadona Rau: QUESTION - What do you get out of the online memership for a group like SinC?
[12:22] Alas Zerbino: I've also found some value in online writing groups like Zoetrope.
[12:22] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: First, Set goal(s) before you go, like 1) learn about characterization, 2) find a critique group, 3) pitch my finished manuscript to the most appropriate attending agent, 4) learn how to promote. Pick workshops and activities that help you meet your goal. Network with other attendees to get information that you need to meet your goal.
[12:22] Cybergrrl Oh: I used to belong to a national writers guild to get health insurance but let the membership lapse when I no longer needed it.
[12:22] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What are your best promotion tips? Is it business cards? Postcards? Tshirts? Wearing a billboard? lol
[12:23] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Can you talk more about networking at the conference?
[12:23] Cybergrrl Oh: I always forget my business cards when I go!
[12:23] Cybergrrl Oh: Probably a good idea to get some Moo Cards or Vista Print cards made up in advance.
[12:23] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Agents and editors who attend conferences USUALLY are looking to fill their lists of authors and will ask those writers whose pitches they like to send partial or full manuscript submittals.
[12:24] Aldon Huffhines: I need to create some real business cards... Mostly I use old cards with information crossed out and new information scribbled on
[12:24] Hawke Byrne giggles at Aldon
[12:24] Liadona Rau: Cool looking business cards that are not expensive - www.moo.com
[12:24] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Rarely, the attending agents and editors are there just for a free ride vacation to an area they want to visit. We frown VERY heavily on this at PPWC, and if we find out that was someone's intent, they don't get invited back.
[12:25] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: The benefit of online chapters is mutual critique of manuscript sections, query letters, etc., sharing information about the market, etc.
[12:26] Cybergrrl Oh: Oh, that sounds useful
[12:26] Cybergrrl Oh: If Beth misses your question after a bit, feel free to repost.
[12:26] Cybergrrl Oh: Always hard to keep up with these things - even I get lost!
[12:26] Alas Zerbino: Glad I'm not the only one! lol
[12:26] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I'm still a member of the GUPPIES (great unpublished) online chapter of SIsters in Crime because I made so many great friendships with fellow mystery writers there. They have an AgentQuest subgroup from sharing information about agents and their responses to members' queries.
[12:27] Liadona Rau: oh cool!
[12:27] Aldon Huffhines: (if anyone wants to read/critque my first attempt at a novel, IM me)
[12:27] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What should we know about in terms of pitching our novels at writing conferences? And is there a risk of someone stealing our idea?
[12:27] Cybergrrl Oh: We should do some sessions on writing critque!
[12:28] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Networking at conferences: a mistake I see some attendees make is Not networking enough with other writers, both published and unpublished, and focusing solely on trying to talk to attending agents and editors when your work is not ready (polished enough to submit). Other writers can give you contacts, such as possible critique partners or someone who can help you with your research, and advice. Once they’re published and think your writing is ready, they may refer you to their agent or editor or offer to read your contracted-for manuscript and give you a blurb for the back cover of the book. But you need to establish that relationship first and have helped them, too, by buying and reading their books, bringing friends to their signings, posting good reviews of their books on email lists and websites, etc.
[12:28] Cybergrrl Oh: I agree - don't be a writers conference snob
[12:29] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: How do you protect your writing? Copyright?
[12:29] Alas Zerbino: My problem is shyness -- even with other conference attendees.
[12:29] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Before attending a writers conference, you should have a well-tuned "elevator pitch" that you've memorized and practiced and can cleanly recite when someone asks "What do you write?"
[12:29] Alas Zerbino: Good idea! Thanks!
[12:29] Hawke Byrne agrees with Aldon on shyness
[12:29] Cybergrrl Oh: Alas - I'll tell you about SHY. I once broke down crying at the Jackson Hole Writers Conference because I was terrified to read my own writing in public. I ran sobbing to the bathroom and all these writers (including men) chased me into the women's room to give me moral support.
[12:30] Hawke Byrne: /oops Alas I meant
[12:30] Cybergrrl Oh: I ended up reading it and got a standing ovation.
[12:30] Liadona Rau: QUESITON - should the elevator pitch be specifically about your current project? I know that is the case with scripts.
[12:30] Aldon Huffhines: Actually, it was Alas who spoke about shyness... I was too shy to admit my own shyness.
[12:30] Cybergrrl Oh: Elevator pitch! Great idea.
[12:30] Alas Zerbino: Cybergrrl, I know what that's like -- been there, too -- it's an awful feeling.
[12:30] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: BUT don't corner agents and editors and force them to listen to your pitch in hallways and the rest room. Instead, wait for them to ask you in the course of a conversation. WHen they ask, they've made themselves ready to hear your pitch.
[12:30] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION TO ALL: Give us your elevator pitch right now - 1 sentence describing your current book, book in progress, etc.
[12:31] Cybergrrl Oh: Good point Beth
[12:31] Cybergrrl Oh: My Elevator Pitch: I'm working on a book about marketing in virtual worlds for the publisher of my last 2 books.
[12:31] Hawke Byrne runs to the restroom with no pitch
[12:31] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: At a writers conference, you can usually sign up for a 10 minute pitch slot with one of the attending agents or editors, but you can also find others by sitting at their tables at meals or other times.
[12:31] Alas Zerbino: lol Hawke!
[12:31] runs after Cybergrrl with some pitches to lend her!
[12:31] Hawke Byrne: /haha!

[12:31] Aldon Huffhines: My novel is about some intrique around some dodgy business in Second Life.
[12:32] Almo Schumann can't imagine Cybergrrl as the shy one.
[12:32] Cybergrrl Oh: oooh, Aldon, sounds intriguing
[12:32] is perfectly fine behind a keyboard.
[12:32] Almo Schumann: / Take the keyboard to the conference.
[12:32] Liadona Rau: I'm working on a book about a girl who learns about herself through the letters of her ancestors - all Southern Jews.
[12:32] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What is the best thing that has ever happened to you at a writers conference?
[12:32] Alas Zerbino: My novel is about a woman self-estranged from her family who's forced to face them in order to save her daughter.
[12:32] Hawke Byrne: /cute Liadona
[12:32] Cybergrrl Oh: Liadona - how interesting!
[12:32] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: You should only be pitching one project at a writer's conference, the one that you think is the most polished and publishable--and obviously, FINISHED!
[12:32] Aldon Huffhines: Liadona, that sounes very interesting as well
[12:33] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What is your new novel about? The Elevator Pitch?
[12:33] Liadona Rau: I started during NaNoWriMo, Aldon...not done yet.
[12:33] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: One thing to remember about writers conferences is that they're full of writers who are ALL mostly shy.
[12:33] Alas Zerbino: Best thing -- I did an agent pitch last year and got a request for a partial.
[12:33] Liadona Rau: congratulations, Alas!
[12:33] Alas Zerbino: Unfortunately, my style wasn't a good match for the agent. But she did like my story.
[12:34] Cybergrrl Oh: http://www.nanowrimo.org/ - happens in November
[12:34] Liadona Rau: and is painful if you have a small child - warning!
[12:34] Aldon Huffhines: My daughter wrote a great first novel for NaNoWriMo 2006 and self published.
[12:34] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Even the agents and editors are just people who are often shy themselves. If you just make it a goal to say hi to one person at the current time and focus on that person, you'll probably make a friend, because that person will be grateful you notice them and said hi.
[12:34] Hawke Byrne: /Liadona, at least you started...lol...i just joined the nanowrimo site..that was it..hehe
[12:34] Liadona Rau: that's a first step, Hawke!
[12:34] Alas Zerbino: Thanks, Liadona -- it was a powerful feeling, and it was a way to connect with other participants (by way of sitting in fear together outside the agent's room!!)

[12:35] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What was the worst experience you had a a writers conference?
[12:35] Alas Zerbino: Beth, great points. I think I need to set those goals and be ready to meet them.
[12:35] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What are the Top 3 or Top 5 things a person should bring to a writers conference - a checklist so we don't forget them!
[12:36] makes a note to get business cards made...
[12:36] meezmo BeBe 1.2: Automatic refresh
[12:36] Cybergrrl Oh: http://www.moo.com/
[12:36] meezmo BeBe 1.2: Retrieving images...
[12:36] meezmo BeBe 1.2: There are 10 images in your BeBe. Loading images 1 through 4...
[12:36] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: The best thing that happened to me at a writer's conference was getting the chance to talk to an agent in person who became my first agent (I'm now on my second) AND at the same conference, meeting my editor at Five Star and talking to her about the company. Both contacts were made through other writer friends--thus the importance of making friends with other writers.
[12:36] Hawke Byrne: /QUESTION: is it inappropriate to ask for an autograph from your fav author at a conference?
[12:36] Cybergrrl Oh: http://www.vistaprint.com/
[12:37] Aldon Huffhines: QUESTION: What should go on a business card of a writer?
[12:37] Cybergrrl Oh: Wow - productive conference!
[12:37] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Are bigger conferences better for meeting more people in the industry?
[12:38] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Case in point: at a PPWC many years ago, I met Kathy Brandt, who at the time was unpublished. She later went on to publish 4 mystery novels. We hae shared rooms at conferences, critiqued each other's work, and she gave me a blurb for the cover of my book. I've also shown up at her signings, recommended her books to friends and published reviews of her books on DororthyL and other email lists.
[12:39] Cybergrrl Oh: Very nice networking!!
[12:39] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: This is the benefit of networking--doing favors for each other. The main goal for you when you're networking at conferences should be to try to figure out what favor you can do for the other person.
[12:39] Alas Zerbino: Never thought of that -- great advice, Beth!
[12:39] Cybergrrl Oh: Hi Sloan - this is a text chat, just so you know
[12:39] Cybergrrl Oh: Sloan is text adverse
[12:39] Cybergrrl Oh: She much prefers voice
[12:39] Sloan Skjellerup: lol, I'm ok with that
[12:40] Almo Schumann: / If I had sloan's voice I'd prefer it too.
[12:40] Cybergrrl Oh: Past questions...
[12:40] Cybergrrl Oh: [12:37] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Are bigger conferences better for meeting more people in the industry?
[12:40] Sloan Skjellerup: awww.... I'm blushing now
[12:40] Sloan Skjellerup: Hello, avatar!
[12:40] Cybergrrl Oh: [12:37] Aldon Huffhines: QUESTION: What should go on a business card of a writer?
[12:40] Cybergrrl Oh: [12:36] Hawke Byrne: /QUESTION: is it inappropriate to ask for an autograph from your fav author at a conference?
[12:40] Cybergrrl Oh: [12:33] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What is your new novel about? The Elevator Pitch?
[12:41] Cybergrrl Oh: Phew!
[12:41] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: The worst thing that happene to me at a writer's conference was when an agent rejected me, snarkily BTW, right at the pitch session. Most will ask for a partial unless they know right off the bat that your material is not their "thing."
[12:41] Cybergrrl Oh: Hawke - I not only asked for Pam Houston's autograph at the Taos Writers Conference, I told her I'd put up a web site for her for free! She took me up on it a year later.
[12:41] Hawke Byrne: lol Cybergrrl
[12:42] Cybergrrl Oh: http://www.pamhouston.net - it is very simple but works for her
[12:42] Alas Zerbino: / web skills come in handy!

[12:42] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I was rejected by 89 agents before I found my first one, then when I was looking for #2, I was rejected by 8 agents before finding my current one--even though I was already published! Rejection is something you've GOT to get used to in this business. That's another reason to hang out with other writers--they can commiserate.
[12:42] Sloan Skjellerup: /nice
[12:43] Cybergrrl Oh: /so true
[12:43] Alas Zerbino: Always makes me feel better to hear other writers' rejection stories ...
[12:43] Hawke Byrne wishes she'd stop rejecting herself before she even starts
[12:44] Cybergrrl Oh: Remember everyone - click on a poster to get to Beth's web site.
[12:44] Alas Zerbino: Don't do that, Hawke -- I've done it enough for everyone on the planet!
[12:44] Hawke Byrne: LOL
[12:44] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I have 2 business cards. One has ALL my contact information for people who I want to contact me (phone, address, email, website) The other is a card for my book, basically, that has the name of the book, a short blurb, my name as author, and my website address. I hand this out to fans or folks I meet who show interest in the book.
[12:45] Hawke Byrne: nice Beth
[12:45] Cybergrrl Oh: Good tactic - I think I've done that in the past myself but I'm so mommy brained these days that can't really remember
[12:45] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Your book business card -- is that for published book or ms?
[12:45] Cybergrrl Oh: good question Alas
[12:45] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: A friend has said my current book is about massage, murder, and marital discord.
[12:46] Alas Zerbino: 3M -- there's a company by that name! lol
[12:46] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: It's about a gift basket designer living in Colorado Springs. When a friend arranges for a handsome massage therapist to give her a massage, he is shot and falls in her lap, and her husband is found holding the murder weapon.
[12:46] Almo Schumann: / Hmmm. At least I can learn about two things from that book.
[12:46] Alas Zerbino: Wow -- I'm hooked!
[12:47] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: The sequel, TO HELL IN A HANDBASKET, takes place in Breckenridge, where Claire and her family go on a ski vacation. THe action starts when her daughter's boyfriend's sister is shot on the slope.
[12:47] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: The elevator pitch sounds kind of like the blurb on the book jacket, then?
[12:47] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Okay, what questions have I missed?
[12:48] Cybergrrl Oh: did you answer this one?
[12:48] Cybergrrl Oh: [12:40] Cybergrrl Oh: [12:37] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: Are bigger conferences better for meeting more people in the industry?
[12:48] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Alas, yes the pitch is LIKE the blurb on the book jacket, but shorter than most--only one or two sentences.
[12:48] Alas Zerbino: Book business card: published or ms?
[12:49] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I like the smaller conferences of a few hundred attendees, because I find the big ones to be too overwhelming.
[12:49] Alas Zerbino: QUESTION: But the pitch is more of a hook than an overview?
[12:49] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I would only recommend a book business card for a published book.
[12:50] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Yes, the pitch is a hook. BUT, be prepared for the other person to say, tell me more, then go into the description of the main characters and the plot some more.
[12:50] Alas Zerbino: Thanks!
[12:50] Cybergrrl Oh: In business, a pitch is the most concise statement or couple of sentences you can say aloud to not only explain the main gist of your business but to getting people to want to know more. Similar to the book pitch then.
[12:51] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: You've got the idea, Cybergrrl!
[12:51] Cybergrrl Oh: If your book idea is hard to explain, you have to work harder to figure out how to explain it concisely
[12:52] Cybergrrl Oh: Did you answer this one: QUESTION: What is a checklist of 3-5 things we should bring to the next writers conference we attend - so we don't forget!
[12:52] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Correct. A pitch can take a LONG time to hone, and it's best to practice it on a few other writer friends first and get their feedback. Is everyone here in a critique group? If not, I HIGHLY recommend them!
[12:53] Hawke Byrne: /QUESTION: How do you find a crittique group?
[12:53] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I've been in a five member critique group for almost 10 years. When we started we were all unpublished. Now, 3 are pubbed in book-length, 3 in short stories and all 5 have won/placed in writing contests.
[12:54] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: You find a critique group by joining local writing organizations, networking with the writers there, and finding other writers with similar genres, personalities, and goals to work with.
[12:54] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: You want people whose goal is to help each other get published, NOT just to trade pats on the back, but to actually point out problems in each other's work so you can all improve.
[12:55] Cybergrrl Oh: I belonged to a critique group here in Anchorage but found the woman who led it was very know-it-all. She didn't like others giving advice.
[12:56] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: A checklist should include your goals for the conference, a reminder to yourself to network, your pitch, and a reminder to have fun! :)
[12:56] Cybergrrl Oh: And Moo Cards!
[12:56] Cybergrrl Oh: Well, we are getting to the end of our hour...
[12:56] Cybergrrl Oh: If you have an outstanding question, please repost now
[12:56] Alas Zerbino: Finding the right critique group can be a problem, especially in low population areas. I've found some online (email) crit groups have helped a lot for that.
[12:56] Aldon Huffhines: This has been great
[12:57] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Can you recommend some good Writers web sites in addition to Shaw Guides?
[12:58] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: That woman in Anchorage is what we call a poison personality and is definitely NOT helpful. Before forming a new group, you should set rules for how to evaluate new members, and if all the other members vote someone "off the island" then so be it. For effective work to get done, the rest of you have to get away from that poison personality.
[12:58] Cybergrrl Oh: Good points, Beth!
[12:59] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: I recommend the Pikes Peak Writers website. We have a FORUM where nonmembers can participate in many of the topics. www.pikespeakwriters.com
[12:59] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Also, pleae stop by my own website at bethgroundwater.com and email me if you have more questions.
[13:00] Cybergrrl Oh: Sounds like a plan.
[13:00] Cybergrrl Oh: Thank you for being here, Beth - we really appreciate you taking the time.
[13:00] Cybergrrl Oh: And we hope you'll come back again - especially when your next book is out!
[13:00] Liadona Rau: Thank you, Beth! This has been helpful.
[13:00] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: My blog at bethgroundwater.blogspot.com talks about my process on the way to publication in my early entries.
[13:00] Almo Schumann: / excellent.
[13:00] Cybergrrl Oh: Will check out your blog!
[13:00] Hawke Byrne: tyvm Beth and Cybergrrl!
[13:00] Alas Zerbino: I really appreciate you doing this, Beth, this has been a tremendous help for me -- especially so soon before a conference.
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: Thank you all for being here as well.
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: Transcript will be up here soon:
[13:01] Alas Zerbino: Thank you, Cybergrrl, for organizing this.
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: http://slwritersclub.blogspot.com/
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: yw!
[13:01] Liadona Rau: Thanks, CG!
[13:01] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: And thanks to you all. This has been my first Second LIfe experience, and it's been fun--though my fingers are tired!
[13:01] Hawke Byrne: lol
[13:01] Aldon Huffhines: Heh
[13:02] Cybergrrl Oh: Definitely a good finger workout
[13:02] BethGroundwater Trenchcoat: Good luck to all of you in your writing projects. Persistence is key.
[13:02] Alas Zerbino: You were great! Hope you hang out some more in SL.
[13:02] Hawke Byrne: /OOOH persistence...I kept thinking procrastination!

Therese Carfagno, SLNN.com reporter, speaks!

2008-03-02T17:40:00.000-08:00

27 February 2008

This is was an incredible well-attended event. Seems everyone and their sister and brother want to be a Second Life reporter!

[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: Welcome everyone to Second Life Writers Club
[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: I'm your host Cybergrrl Oh
[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: And we're pleased to welcome our special guest today
[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: Therese Carfagno, SLNN.com reporter
[12:07] Therese Carfagno: thank you Cyber
[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: I asked Therese to stop by and chat with us about how she became a Second Life reporter

[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: The rules are:
[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: If you have a question for her, type QUESTION: in front of it so we see it
[12:07] Cybergrrl Oh: If you have a comment, just comment anytime
[12:08] Cybergrrl Oh: This is a roundtable format
[12:08] Cybergrrl Oh: I'll keep us all on topic
[12:08] Cybergrrl Oh: It is entirely text and I'll post the transcript on the SL Writers Club blog
[12:08] Cybergrrl Oh: URL http://slwritersclub.blogspot.com/
[12:08] Cybergrrl Oh: That's it! Let's begin. I will start with a question for Therese
[12:08] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: So what do you do in real life and how did you get your writing job in SL?
[12:09] Cybergrrl Oh: two questions, really!
[12:09] Therese Carfagno: that's fine :-)
[12:09] Haileigh Flanagan: Hi Lexa
[12:09] Cybergrrl Oh: Hi Lexa!
[12:10] Therese Carfagno: in real life i'm a freelance journalist … i've been so since i started studying in 1998
[12:10] Cybergrrl Oh: Therese is in Europe.
[12:10] Therese Carfagno: i worked as a freelancer while studying but since 2001 i've been full time journalist
[12:10] Therese Carfagno: mostly freelancing
[12:11] Therese Carfagno: hard to get a steady job as a journalist in Norway these days … but i like to freelance
[12:11] Maxie Mostel: QUESTION: Where are you based, Therese?
[12:11] Maxie Mostel: Never mind.
[12:11] Therese Carfagno: i'm in Oslo, Norway, Maxie
[12:11] Cybergrrl Oh: Norway!
[12:11] Cybergrrl Oh: ;-)
[12:11] Therese Carfagno: i should have said :-)
[12:11] Cybergrrl Oh: I didn't want to reveal if you didn't want to
[12:12] Therese Carfagno: that's okay
[12:12] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: When did you come into SL?
[12:12] Therese Carfagno: in february 2007 … i had my rezday on the 12th :-)
[12:13] Cybergrrl Oh: Happy Belated Rez Day
[12:13] Therese Carfagno: and i came to SL cause i felt it was something i should know about being a journalist
[12:13] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: So how did you find out about paying reporter gigs in SL?
[12:13] Therese Carfagno: just by coincidence
[12:14] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION TO ALL: Who else is a paid reporter in SL?
[12:14] Cybergrrl Oh raises her hand.
[12:14] Trinity Coulter: QUESTION: How do you find and decide what is news in SL?
[12:14] Therese Carfagno: good question Trinity
[12:14] Cybergrrl Oh: Good question Trinity
[12:14] Trinity Coulter: :)
[12:15] Cybergrrl Oh: Echo echo
[12:15] Cybergrrl Oh: lol
[12:15] Therese Carfagno: i do mainly arts and entertainment … like i do in first life
[12:15] Trinity Coulter: come on in Aurora
[12:15] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION TO ALL: Who is a NONPAID reporter in SL?
[12:15] Cybergrrl Oh raises her hand.
[12:15] Therese Carfagno: welcome Aurel
[12:15] Maxie Mostel: I am nonpaid
[12:15] Maxie Mostel: Part-time
[12:16] Trinity Coulter: QUESTION: So you start by choose an area that interests you?
[12:16] Trinity Coulter: *choosing
[12:16] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Were you paid to write from the start or did you write for free at first to build an inworld resume?
[12:16] Cybergrrl Oh: Hi Aurora - grab the empty seat - another will appear
[12:16] Therese Carfagno: Trinity: i just felt it was safest to stick to what i feel like i know best
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: On average, what does a SL reporter get paid? Just a ballpark?
[12:17] Trinity Coulter: so that way you have most insight into the topic
[12:17] Trinity Coulter: *more
[12:17] Therese Carfagno: hopefully Trinity :-)
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: Hi Misook - grab the empty seat.
[12:18] Therese Carfagno: Cyber: i wrote my first article for the metaverse messenger in march 2007
[12:18] Misook Oh: Hi everyone
[12:18] Therese Carfagno: they said they would pay me if they could use it
[12:18] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What was your first article about?
[12:18] Therese Carfagno: so that's why i was paid for my first article
[12:19] Therese Carfagno: it was an article on The L Word sim
[12:19] Krosstar Karas: QUESTION: For your SL reporting do you only cover metaverse topics or do RL topics find their way into the metaverse? And if not do you think there will be enough of a presence by RL organizations so in the future the metaverse will be closer connected to RL issues and stories?
[12:19] Therese Carfagno: it was quite new then
[12:19] Cybergrrl Oh: Krosstar, good question. I actually specialize in writing about RL companies coming into SL. I'm a business reporter for SLNN - was weekly but now more freelance.
[12:20] Cybergrrl Oh: I also have a new TV show on SLCN.tv featuring a real world company in SL every week. So there is a lot to cover!
[12:20] Therese Carfagno: Krosstar: sometimes RL topics find their way into the metaverse … i once wrote about a Microsoft sim
[12:20] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What are some recent article topics you've written about?
[12:20] Cybergrrl Oh: And I hope you aren't avoiding my MONEY question! THat is an important topic.
[12:20] Cybergrrl Oh: lol
[12:20] Krosstar Karas: $$
[12:21] Cybergrrl Oh says "Show me the Money!"
[12:21] Therese Carfagno: my last two interviews have been about a new gallery and an architect who wants to do urban planning in SL
[12:21] Cybergrrl Oh: interesting, Therese
[12:21] Therese Carfagno: SLNN pays quite well i say
[12:22] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Do you source your own stories or do you get assignments or both?
[12:22] Therese Carfagno: i have to inform: i'm an associate editor for the arts at SLNN now … so i actually get a budget and pay my writers
[12:22] Cybergrrl Oh: links to some of Therese's articles:
[12:22] Cybergrrl Oh: http://www.slnn.com/index.php?SCREEN=article&about=am-radio-contest
[12:22] Cybergrrl Oh: http://www.slnn.com/index.php?SCREEN=article&about=artropolis-moving
[12:23] Cybergrrl Oh: http://www.slnn.com/index.php?SCREEN=article&about=db-bailey
[12:23] Misook Oh: What about articles in aforeign language... are they needed
[12:23] Cybergrrl Oh: Misook, excellent question
[12:23] Therese Carfagno: the pay in SLNN differs between 1000 and 2500 L$ per article
[12:23] Maxie Mostel: Wow...
[12:23] Cybergrrl Oh: Yes, they pay well
[12:23] Therese Carfagno: Misook: SLNN is in english only but i know there are brazilian and german news firms as well in SL
[12:23] Cybergrrl Oh: Word count is usually 800-1200, right?
[12:23] Krosstar Karas: QUESTION: Does SL reporting ever border on fiction? After all is it possible to get reliable sources and information. Actually I am trying to ask if the anonymity that others can hide behind their avatars pose a problem for journalist?
[12:24] Misook Oh: Okay.. Thanks
[12:24] Cybergrrl Oh: Krosstar - Love your questions!
[12:24] Therese Carfagno: Krosstar: that's another good question
[12:24] Maxie Mostel: QUESTION: IS there a Norwegian community in SL?
[12:24] Trinity Coulter: QUESTION: Therese, do you find that most reporters are freelance in SL?

[12:24] Therese Carfagno: i have to answer you one by one now :-)
[12:24] Trinity Coulter: RL reporting is often fiction and spin
[12:25] Krosstar Karas: interesting...
[12:25] Cybergrrl Oh: From my experience, I find that most of the info I get is good because there is an obvious real world connection and company behind the people I interview. But how interesting to think about this extra layer of anonymity.
[12:25] Therese Carfagno: Krosstar: what we report on … i'd say they are real as far as they are real in SL
[12:25] Cybergrrl Oh: Therese, just plow thru the questions as you can!
[12:26] Cybergrrl Oh: Hi Wendell, welcome
[12:26] Cybergrrl Oh: Grab the empty seat when you can
[12:26] Wendell Renard: hi - small roof, don't want to land on somebody's lap;)
[12:26] Cybergrrl Oh: Alanagh, welcome!
[12:26] Cybergrrl Oh: We won't mind Wendell
[12:26] Cybergrrl Oh: Or land on the table - a bigger target
[12:26] Therese Carfagno: the anonymity is a problem if the topic can hurt other people … so we have to be careful about that and use as many sources as possible
[12:27] Wendell Renard: thanks
[12:28] Therese Carfagno: Maxie: yes, there is a group called Alt for Norge, and Ivalde is a norwegian shop in a norwegian sim … there's also a norwegian college in SL
[12:28] Misook Oh: Sorry, but i have to leave... RL Problems
[12:28] Maxie Mostel: Really? wow...So do you find your a&E reproting goes both ways then? from RL to SL and =back?
[12:28] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: So how does one approach an SL newspaper or magazine to get a paying writing gig?
[12:28] Therese Carfagno: Trinity: yes, most reporters in SL are freelance … maybe everyone. but usually they have one paper/magazine they're faithfull to
[12:29] Cybergrrl Oh: Bye Misok
[12:29] Almo Schumann smiles: They could ask me. MNN is always looking for good reporters.
[12:29] Maxie Mostel: MNN?
[12:29] Therese Carfagno: how to approach … i'd say just find the right names at the paper/magazine's website
[12:30] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Are you looking for any reporters in your area at SLNN.com?
[12:30] Therese Carfagno: and don't be afraid to go straight to the top and ask the chief editor
[12:30] Almo Schumann: / MetanetworkNews.tv
[12:30] Maxie Mostel: ty Almo
[12:30] Therese Carfagno: i could do fine with one or two new reporters
[12:31] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: So what is the best way to pitch you and what do you look for in a writer?
[12:31] Therese Carfagno: best way to pitch me is to give me a notecard
[12:31] Therese Carfagno: and i look for people that can write and find topics
[12:31] Cybergrrl Oh: Everyone, we do have some reporters and publishers here from "rival" publications and networks. Make sure you check everyone's profiles and say hello. You never know who you might meet.
[12:32] Heidi Heslop: QUESTION: How important is it to have RL experience as a journalist?
[12:32] Therese Carfagno: Heidi: not important i would say … not if you can write
[12:32] Therese Carfagno: the same can be said about RL journalism
[12:33] Leslye Writer: Hello
[12:33] Krosstar Karas: QUESTION: How sophisticated are SL news outlets? Are they basicially edited blogs with different reportes submitted work or do they have video and other technologies? Do you see this changing in the future?
[12:33] Therese Carfagno: as long as you can write you're interesting
[12:33] Krosstar Karas: *reporters submitting
[12:33] Therese Carfagno: Krosstar: i see the SL News as quite primitive still … that counts for SLNN too
[12:34] Cybergrrl Oh: Krosstar - SLNN.com was priding itself in their AP style - very few SL news blogs adhere to AP.
[12:34] Maxie Mostel: I think the technology is still in its infancy...a good time to get involved. IMHO
[12:34] Krosstar Karas nods to Maxie
[12:34] Cybergrrl Oh: Maxie - I think you are right about that.
[12:34] Therese Carfagno: yes Maxie
[12:35] Therese Carfagno: and Krosstar: more and more SL news outlets does video as well
[12:35] Cybergrrl Oh: Krosstar - I know SLNN.com is exploring video. MNN is doing video, right Almo?
[12:35] Almo Schumann: That is correct.
[12:35] Therese Carfagno: i think future reporting in SL will be more sophisticated and professional than it is today
[12:35] Maxie Mostel: Yes. and CNN is really keen on getting more video for its own in-world ireports,
[12:36] Krosstar Karas: QUESTION: Will the reporters have to become more technological savvy and do their own video or do they have other persons who specialize in that so writers just have to worry about their craft?
[12:36] Therese Carfagno: Krosstar: i'm a writer so i hope there will be room for written journalism
[12:36] Aurora Llewellyn: So other than sending you a notecard directly, if we had a story idea or even a story written, what would we do with it? And are some publications more open to some topics or typees of writing than others?
[12:37] Cybergrrl Oh: Maxie - I heard about CNN looking to do more video. Are they still doing it as free iReports or will they pay people?
[12:37] Wendell Renard: question - do any of the the outlets publish short fiction, a la the new yorker?
[12:37] Therese Carfagno: i think the video geeks will find their way into SLNN and other news outlets … and they will be welcome
[12:37] Cybergrrl Oh: Aurora - As a RL freelancer, I always read the pub carefully first and figure out if my story idea would fit before pitching. I think the same applies in SL, wouldn't you say Therese?
[12:38] Maxie Mostel: No, it's still free - no pay involved with CNN - its' just an extension of their RL iReport I don't think people get paid either there...
[12:38] Almo Schumann: / May I say that there will always be a place for good writing. There is something about people that makes them want to read a good story.
[12:38] Therese Carfagno: Aurora: if you have written a story i would like to see it
[12:38] Cybergrrl Oh: Wendell - you should speak with Lexa Dryke who is here - he pays for short fiction
[12:38] Cybergrrl Oh: Lexa - that is still correct, yes?
[12:38] Lexa Dryke: yes indeed
[12:38] Wendell Renard: thanks you
[12:39] Therese Carfagno: and Aurora: if you have a look at the different SL news outlets i'm sure you will understand where you will feel most at home
[12:39] Cybergrrl Oh: Like I said, check everyone's profiles here. We have some wonderful folks who would be great contacts for aspiring writers in our midst.
[12:39] Haileigh Flanagan: QUESTION: How do we find out the circulation of an SL publication? It'd be interesting to see how many SL members have actually read it.
[12:39] Trinity Coulter: QUESTION: Therese what do you see as the biggest responsibility and duty of a journalist, RL or SL?
[12:40] Cybergrrl Oh: I think most SL pubs will put this in their advertising section - when looking for advertisers. I know most of the pubs have at least seeral hundred to several thousand readers per month.
[12:40] Maxie Mostel: Cybergrrl...would there be a section on the blog we could upload our profiles, as members of the Writers Ckub?
[12:40] Maxie Mostel: Club
[12:40] Aurora Llewellyn: wow this is all getting way overwhelming for me
[12:40] Therese Carfagno: Haileigh: i agree but i don't know any numbers … not even for SLNN … i don't dare to ask i guess :-)
[12:40] Cybergrrl Oh: Maxie - cool idea. Let me figure out how to do that.
[12:41] Cybergrrl Oh: Aurora - I'll post a transcript to http://slwritersclub.blogspot.com so you can review it all at your leisure!
[12:41] Cybergrrl Oh: And feel to IM me anytime for help.
[12:41] Haileigh Flanagan: At least with RL blogs and RL print pubs, I know someone is reading it.
[12:41] Aurora Llewellyn: thank you. but also it is just all the people and names and the idea to look at all their profiles to know what they do.....
[12:41] Therese Carfagno: Trinity: my responsibilty as an arts and entertainment editor is to keep our readers aware of all the cultural happening that's going on in SL
[12:41] Krosstar Karas: QUESTION: What has been your most challenging story in SL so far or do you find it not challenging at all compared to RL reporting?
[12:42] Aurora Llewellyn: is there a way we can post a list somewhere of who publishes what?
[12:42] Lanne Wise: I suspect you might get that kind of information at the SL library....
[12:42] Cybergrrl Oh: Aurora - I can help compile that list
[12:42] Therese Carfagno: Krosstar: my most challenging stories have been the ones where i've been assigned to a topic i don't feel i know well
[12:43] Cybergrrl Oh: Lanne - Can you give us more info about the SL Library?
[12:43] Aurora Llewellyn: thank you
[12:43] Cybergrrl Oh smiles.
[12:43] Lanne Wise: sure....
[12:43] Aurora Llewellyn: sorry for being the newbie
[12:43] Lanne Wise: I have a landmark somewhere...let me find.....
[12:43] Cybergrrl Oh would hire Krosstar just based on his questions today.
[12:43] Therese Carfagno: and i find SL reporting just as challenging as RL reporting … not least cause i have to write in english …
[12:44] Krosstar Karas: Oh but I am the newbie too...
[12:44] Leslye Writer: thank you for asking that cyber, I was doing the search for it
[12:45] Cybergrrl Oh will try to turn the SL Writers Club blog into a more interactive resource with profiles of writers and SL pubs. IM me later if you want to participate!
[12:45] Therese Carfagno: i'm overwhelmed to see this interest for SL reporting … i had no idea it would be like this
[12:45] Cybergrrl Oh: Therese - I'll have you know this is THE BIGGEST event we've had so far.
[12:45] Cybergrrl Oh: You're a hit!
[12:45] Therese Carfagno: haha
[12:45] Haileigh Flanagan: This is wonderful - like minded individuals
[12:46] Cybergrrl Oh: Have we missed anyone's question? Please repost it.
[12:46] Therese Carfagno: i feel like i haven't answered as well as i should … and there have been lots of interesting questions
[12:46] Cybergrrl Oh: The nature of a fast moving text chat!
[12:46] Wendell Renard: q - i have grad students who might be interested in doing theatre revie...
[12:46] Lanne Wise gave you Talis Cybrary City - Info Island, Cybrary City (224, 166, 24).
[12:46] Cybergrrl Oh: Therese - you are welcome to send me a little summary of points to add to our blog.
[12:46] Wendell Renard: is there a backlog of stories on past theatre events somewhere?
[12:46] Therese Carfagno: Wendell: we see more and more theatre performances in SL
[12:47] Cybergrrl Oh: Thanks Lanne - did you want me to hand it out for you?
[12:47] Aurora Llewellyn: you have done a great job Therese
[12:47] Therese Carfagno: thanks Aurora
[12:47] Lanne Wise: Oh...I can do that cybergrrl....I thought you might want to add it to the blog as well
[12:47] Cybergrrl Oh: Thanks Lanne!
[12:47] Maxie Mostel: Question: Do you report any SL a&e news in your rl reproting?
[12:47] Leslye Writer: Can someone put the Library loc up here?
[12:47] Maxie Mostel: reporting
[12:48] Cybergrrl Oh: Talis Cybrary City - Info Island, Cybrary City (224, 166, 24)
[12:48] Therese Carfagno: Maxie: i once wrote a RL article on the cultural scene of SL … and i've written about Virtual Africa
[12:48] Maxie Mostel: cool
[12:48] Lanne Wise gave you Talis Cybrary City - Info Island, Cybrary City (224, 166, 24).
[12:48] Therese Carfagno: yes the editors liked them
[12:49] Cybergrrl Oh: i think the beauty of SL and RL reporting is you can go both ways.
[12:49] Cybergrrl Oh: Each is fodder for the other.
[12:49] Therese Carfagno: i should write more RL articles on SL
[12:49] Cybergrrl Oh: and get paid real $$$
[12:49] Therese Carfagno: hehe yes
[12:49] Maxie Mostel: There a re a lot of artsit using SL as a platform for their rl marketing
[12:49] Cybergrrl Oh: To give some perspective, I get paid $500-$1000 per article in real life and L$1000-L$2500 inworld.
[12:49] Cybergrrl Oh: BIG difference
[12:50] Therese Carfagno: um Cyber…
[12:50] Therese Carfagno: heh heh
[12:50] Krosstar Karas: A vast difference indeed.
[12:50] Cybergrrl Oh: What is the linden conversion for L$1000-L$2500 in US dollars?
[12:50] Heidi Heslop: thx lanne
[12:50] Haileigh Flanagan: Same amount of effort to track down sources, write and edit...
[12:50] Cybergrrl Oh: It takes about the same time to write an SL story as a RL one
[12:50] Therese Carfagno: that's peanuts Cyber :-)
[12:50] Cybergrrl Oh: yes
[12:50] Haileigh Flanagan: $278 Linden = $1 right?
[12:50] Lanne Wise: yes....I agree....you are talking about eight bucks...forthe same work
[12:50] Cybergrrl Oh: yeah, do the math for me someone!
[12:51] Therese Carfagno: yes … so the payment in SL is really a joke …
[12:51] Haileigh Flanagan: It's points in an online game.
[12:51] Maxie Mostel: SL reporting is a lobour of love...lol...
[12:51] Therese Carfagno: but it does get you some nice clothes :-)
[12:51] Cybergrrl Oh: But I do the SL articles to build Cybergrrl Oh brand versus the Aliza Sherman brand.
[12:51] Haileigh Flanagan: That's how I think of it
[12:51] Maxie Mostel: labour
[12:51] Leslye Writer: omgosh, the search brings up 1500 sites for sl library.
[12:51] Cybergrrl Oh: Leslye - did you get a landmark from Lanne?
[12:51] Lanne Wise: did I miss you Leslye?
[12:51] Cybergrrl Oh: Therese - I would not say payment inworld is a joke - it is all relative.
[12:52] Maxie Mostel: Thank you Lanne
[12:52] Leslye Writer: Yes, Lanne
[12:52] Haileigh Flanagan: At least I don't have to buy RL groceries with SL bucks
[12:52] Cybergrrl Oh: I can buy 4-6 beautiful outfits in SL on my SL reporting income!
[12:52] Therese Carfagno: i didn't mean to be a spoiler Cyber ;.)
[12:52] Lanne Wise: no...you have to put it in perspective.....
[12:52] Cybergrrl Oh: It is all relative. It is hard to make real world bill paying with an SL reporting job.
[12:52] Krosstar Karas: Only if you could by beautiful outfits RL using lin...
[12:52] Leslye Writer: Perhaps an SL article could then go outside. Is that possible? Or is it tied up once it is published here?
[12:52] Therese Carfagno: but it's true as someone said … you can easily use as much time on an SL article as on a RL article
[12:52] Lanne Wise: lol
[12:52] Cybergrrl Oh: But you can have a nice SL life, pay rent, buy clothes, with an SL reporting job
[12:53] Haileigh Flanagan: Unless you're are getting the writing gig in RL to cover SL....that's different
[12:53] Cybergrrl Oh: Cybergrrl is very well dressed from SL reporting!
[12:53] Cybergrrl Oh: lol
[12:53] Therese Carfagno: Leslye: my guess is you would be free to publish it elsewhere
[12:53] Lanne Wise: I have published my SL aritcles in RL as well....as they are all about SL artists working in RL...the back and forth works well
[12:53] Therese Carfagno: good thinking Lanne
[12:53] Cybergrrl Oh: Leslye - Each pub is different. Some will not let you republish. Others will.
[12:53] Cybergrrl Oh: Same as in RL
[12:54] Therese Carfagno: yes
[12:54] Cybergrrl Oh: And the SL pubs are VERY competitive with one another. Some are taking a cooperative approach but they all have their competitors
[12:55] Cybergrrl Oh: I hope everyone has joined the Second Life Writers Club - this is just the start of some great sessions with interesting writers, publishers and editors.
[12:55] Trinity Coulter: most every Linden is available during office hours, btw, if you need a resource, or facts verified, or quotes, but i would tell them its "on the record"
[12:55] Wendell Renard: oops - RL calls - thanks , all!
[12:56] Therese Carfagno's in the phone
[12:56] Cybergrrl Oh: Trinity - I've found with Lindens, you still have to go thru their real world publicist, believe it or not.
[12:56] Cybergrrl Oh: They will tell you "speak to our PR firm" if you approach them as a reporter.
[12:56] aurel Miles: that's nuts
[12:56] Cybergrrl Oh: When I interviewed Jessika Linden, I had to go thru their PR firm.
[12:56] aurel Miles: go to their office hours and use your skills
[12:56] Trinity Coulter: yes, but you don't have to do that for people at the office hour with you ;)
[12:57] Cybergrrl Oh: And if their RL PR firm doesn't respond, you're out of luck.
[12:57] Trinity Coulter: ask them "What do you think of the Public Works plans?"
[12:57] aurel Miles: i know people who have gotten results that way - what a drag to have to deal with that, sorry to hear about that Cybergrrl
[12:57] Cybergrrl Oh: Trinity - if you are a reporter, I think you'd be surprised at how the Lindens are trained to refer you to a PR firm.
[12:57] Trinity Coulter: Newbie McNewbington, "Its great and I'm happy to be on the team"
[12:57] Cybergrrl Oh: But if they don't know you are a reporter...
[12:57] Cybergrrl Oh: But that brings up ethical issues.
[12:57] aurel Miles: if it's just fact verification you're after, the demographics etc etc are all on the website
[12:57] Cybergrrl Oh: Exactly, Aurel
[12:57] Haileigh Flanagan: Ever heard of undercover reporter? How do they deal with ethical issues?
[12:58] aurel Miles: and any response in a blog is fair game to quote
[12:58] Krosstar Karas: You can only burn a source once before they will not deal with you again I assume.
[12:58] Leslye Writer: How is Second Life Writer's Club listed in the group?
[12:58] Haileigh Flanagan: Anything said to an avi that is not a business employee is public information, as far as I know.
[12:58] aurel Miles: depends on who you are - good rule is not to burn sources
[12:58] Trinity Coulter: well i would think an undercover reporter is taking on some issue that is morally important
[12:58] Cybergrrl Oh: Haileigh - They deal with the fallout once something comes out. Legal fallout. If there is reason for someone to be mad about what they reveal.
[12:58] Cybergrrl Oh: Second Life Writers Club - no apostrophe.
[12:58] Cybergrrl Oh: my bad spelling!
[12:58] Leslye Writer: ah
[12:59] Cybergrrl Oh: Anyone who is an undercover reporter is usually protected by their newspaper or magazine.
[12:59] Cybergrrl Oh: And the newspaper or magazine has legal backup to know how to handle what happens once the story is published.
[12:59] Cybergrrl Oh: I don't think SL pubs are equipped to handle that kind of stuff. But then again, the stories aren't so probing and controversial for the most part!
[13:00] aurel Miles: i've worked undercover
[13:00] Cybergrrl Oh: Is Therese back?
[13:00] aurel Miles: talk to a lwyer first
[13:00] Cybergrrl Oh: I've worked under cover, too!
[13:00] Therese Carfagno: not yet ...
[13:00] Cybergrrl Oh: I agree Aurel
[13:00] Cybergrrl Oh: In some cases it boils down to legal issues
[13:00] Therese Carfagno: ok now i'm back :-)
[13:00] Cybergrrl Oh: in a few cases, it could be life or death - like people reporting on the Mob, for example.
[13:00] aurel Miles: and contrary to popular belief there are lots of good undercover stories to be had here
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: RL mob, ov course.
[13:01] Haileigh Flanagan: Griefer Gangs, heh
[13:01] Leslye Writer: on the record off the record?
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: Hi Therese - it is about time to wrap up
[13:01] aurel Miles: but the good part is - if you are clear about who you are in your profile, then they really have no defense
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: Any parting words?
[13:01] Therese Carfagno: are you talking about in-depth articles?
[13:01] Trinity Coulter: i don't know how you can do much undercover reporting here
[13:01] Trinity Coulter: without getting very close to breaking the ToS
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: Therese - we were chatting about undercover reporting - liabilities, legal issues, dangers
[13:01] aurel Miles: this medium is broadcast and your profile should be adequate warning that people are speaking to a reporter
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: Trinity - very very good point
[13:02] Therese Carfagno: oh … walraffing
[13:02] aurel Miles: pedophiles tend to be kind of careless about that sort of thing
[13:02] Trinity Coulter: you can't IM someone and then publish their words
[13:02] Krosstar Karas: Unless of course you are trying to find violations of ToS
[13:02] Trinity Coulter: without violating the ToS
[13:02] Haileigh Flanagan: no that isn't publicly disseminated info - I'd be very careful about that
[13:02] Heidi Heslop: Can you if you ask permission?
[13:02] aurel Miles: thank you everyone
[13:02] aurel Miles: i am late - must run.
[13:02] Cybergrrl Oh: Trinity - I actually did that by mistake in one of my SLNN.com articles - the woman asked if I could change her quote because she revealed too much in the IM and her job was at stake. I changed it since it was MY error.
[13:02] Therese Carfagno: bye aurel
[13:03] Haileigh Flanagan: I'd get a note card granting permission...
[13:03] Trinity Coulter: if you feel the 1st amendment is more important you can still publish it, but you might have to face the Lindens
[13:03] Cybergrrl Oh: Haileigh - good practice.
[13:03] Cybergrrl Oh: bye Aurel
[13:03] Leslye Writer: one way to find a Liinden hehe
[13:03] Cybergrrl Oh: Well everyone - this has been an awesome session!
[13:03] Cybergrrl Oh: Many thanks to Therese.
[13:03] Heidi Heslop: I asked if I could quote and it was agreed and I log all chat
[13:03] Cybergrrl Oh: You are all welcome to hang out some more and chat
[13:03] Maxie Mostel: Great info...
[13:03] Lanne Wise: great conversation!! thanks everyone...see you later!
[13:03] Cybergrrl Oh: I have to run some RL errands so will be AFK
[13:03] Haileigh Flanagan: I'd be glad to draft up a permission form template to share. You'd tell the source to mark it as NO MODIFY before they transferred it to you.
[13:03] Cybergrrl Oh: So nice to see new folks here!
[13:04] Krosstar Karas: Thank you for hosting it and to Therese for filling us in.
[13:04] Maxie Mostel: Thanks Therese! Thanks again Cybergrrl for a great session. :)
[13:04] Cybergrrl Oh: Please remember to join the group. I have a full calendar thru April!
[13:04] Leslye Writer: thank you very much
[13:04] Cybergrrl Oh: Thanks Therese - you've been great.
[13:04] Jazlyn Ashbourne: thank you for all of the good information
[13:04] Heidi Heslop: That would be great haileigh
[13:04] Therese Carfagno: thank you so much to everyone coming
[13:04] Cybergrrl Oh: Haileigh - yes, thank you!
[13:04] Ledoof Constantineau: will the session be posted on the blog? or might someone have a notecard to share?
[13:04] Cybergrrl Oh: Session will be posted to:
[13:04] Therese Carfagno: please don't hesitate to contact me if i can be of more help
[13:04] Cybergrrl Oh: http://slwritersclub.blogspot.com/
[13:04] Haileigh Flanagan: Thanks Cybergrrl Oh
[13:05] Heidi Heslop: thank you Cybergrrl
[13:05] Rosalind Chihuly: I really enjoyed the event. Thank you!
[13:05] Cybergrrl Oh: And stay tuned for some exciting news about Second Life Writers Club - new resources for all of us to use
[13:05] Cybergrrl Oh: The goal here is to find ways to make money from our writing
[13:05] Cybergrrl Oh: and to promote ourselves as writers in SL and RL

Go to http://slwritersclub.ning.com to join our new Web-based community and SL writers resource.

Diana Allendale teaches "Writing Erotica"

2008-03-02T15:58:00.000-08:00

20 February 2008

Diana Allendale aka Diana Hunter led a great workshop about writing erotica.

[12:08] You: Welcome everyone
[12:08] You: I'm Cybergrrl Oh and the host of Athena Isle
[12:08] You: I bring writers and experts here 2-3x a week to share knowledge
[12:08] You: This is both a voice and text chat. Diana will lecture in voice so make sure you set her volume so you can hear her. If you don't know how, IM me privately.
[12:08] You: You can ask her questions in text or in voice - your choice.
[12:09] You: Our special guest is Diana Allandale aka Diana Hunter.
[12:09] Diana Allandale: *waves*
[12:09] You: You can find out more about her by clicking on the posters around us and go to her web site.
[12:09] You: As you know, Diana will lead a discussion about How to Write Erotica. I hope you brought your questions!
[12:09] You: I'm turning it over to her and will have to leave in 1/2 hour but she is a pro at leading workshops. So take it away Diana!

There you have it - the text portion of the wonderful session on Writing Erotica presented in SL voice by Diana Allendale. She did give us a notecard with some tips:

Writing Erotica

1) beliveable characters and characterizations
2) Plot, plot, plot!
3) emotions vs actions; you need the balance
4) make sure the positions are actually POSSIBLE!
5) vocabulary (no purple prose)
6) audience

published by permission from Diana Allendale.

Maria Liberati aka M1 Dreamscape Transcript

2008-02-18T20:34:00.000-08:00

[12:15] Cybergrrl Oh: OK, let's get started - what did I jump into - were you all introducing yourselves to Maria?
[12:16] Cybergrrl Oh: Everyone, Maria's web site is: http://www.marialiberati.com
[12:16] Cybergrrl Oh: And if you click on the posters of her, you'll go to Amazon to her book page for more info or to buy it.
[12:16] Cybergrrl Oh: I'm Cybergrrl Oh and the host of Athena Isle
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: I bring authors and experts into SL on a weekly basis to create these interactive roundtable events
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: This is a text only chat
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: Sometimes we will have voice ones too
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: My one RULE:
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: Please type QUESTION: in front of your question so Maria and I can see it.
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: But feel free to comment anytime you'd like.
[12:17] Cybergrrl Oh: This is a rare chance to talk 1 on 1 with authors
[12:18] Cybergrrl Oh: So Maria, please start by telling us a little about your book!
[12:18] M1 Dreamscape: it is a recipe novel
[12:18] Cybergrrl Oh: That is what I find interesting.
[12:18] M1 Dreamscape: not just recipes but stories that are connected with them
[12:18] Cybergrrl Oh: Would you say like "Like Water for Chocolate?"
[12:19] M1 Dreamscape: stories of my life in Italy and stories that relate to the recipes
[12:19] M1 Dreamscape: yes similar to that.
[12:19] M1 Dreamscape: food has a lot of meaning and is connected to so many things
[12:20] M1 Dreamscape: I could not just write a book with recipes, food has so much more meaning than that.
[12:20] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: So your book is much more than a cookbook but it has aspects of a cookbook?
[12:20] M1 Dreamscape: yes, you can certainly cook with it
[12:21] M1 Dreamscape: but you can also read it on the plane or on vacation
[12:21] JadeBlue Barzane: that's a great idea, to put stories and recipes together!
[12:21] M1 Dreamscape: 'it also has info on places in Italy
[12:21] Maxie Mostel: QUESTION: Is it a bit like a biography?
[12:21] M1 Dreamscape: a lot of the places I write about are little out of the way towns and not places that are typically touristy
[12:22] M1 Dreamscape: sort of a biography
[12:22] M1 Dreamscape: but it is not my life story
[12:22] M1 Dreamscape: I just happened to be in the stories because I lived them but as they relate to the recipes
[12:22] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: So which came first - the stories or the recipes...?
[12:23] M1 Dreamscape: Food plays such an important part in everyday life in Italy and is related to style love, romance, daily life
[12:23] Maxie Mostel: QUESTION: a history of the recipes?
[12:23] Callaghan Munro: QUESTION: how much is present styles of cooking in Italy based on its history: i.e the renaissance?
[12:23] Cybergrrl Oh: Everyone - If Maria or I miss your question, don't be shy about asking again if needed...
[12:23] M1 Dreamscape: a lot of the food in Italy is based on so many things
[12:24] M1 Dreamscape: most of the food there has a history which makes it so interesting
[12:24] M1 Dreamscape: the things that are typically eaten in italy are related to the ancient Roman and Etruscans
[12:24] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: How much research did you have to do for the book - about the history, the recipes, etc.?
[12:25] M1 Dreamscape: so things like Arugula which has a wonderful nutty flavor but is not eaten so much in the states
[12:25] Cybergrrl Oh: I love arugula - I find it to be spicy!
[12:25] JadeBlue Barzane: arugula now grows almost wild in my garden!
[12:26] Cybergrrl Oh: I grew some arugula in my garden here in Alaska.
[12:26] Almo Schumann shudders involuntarily at mention of Alaska.
[12:26] M1 Dreamscape: is eaten a lot in Italy and is linked to the ancient romans who used to eat it as an aphrodisiac and for health
[12:26] Leandro Moskalev: oh, arugula is very popular here in brazil
[12:26] M1 Dreamscape: that is great that you could grow that outdoors in Alaska. I did not think it could grow in colder weather
[12:26] Maxie Mostel: QUESTION: Do you Italian cooking open to other culinary influences to become "new Italian"?
[12:26] M1 Dreamscape: yes, most of the original way of real Italian cooking is definitely lost in the US
[12:27] M1 Dreamscape: But is also getting further and further away than what is being done there
[12:27] Maxie Mostel: What about in Italy?
[12:27] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: New Italian - what is that exactly?
[12:27] M1 Dreamscape: it is becoming a nouveau Italian
[12:27] Callaghan Munro: QUESTION was renaissance cookery very different from todays in Italy?
[12:28] M1 Dreamscape: Yes somewhat because they did not have things like tomatoes, pasta, and some other Italian staples
[12:28] M1 Dreamscape: but there is a movement that started in Italy called Slow FOod
[12:28] M1 Dreamscape: It is now international
[12:28] M1 Dreamscape: and it is bringing back the principles of eating slowly and using locally grown foods
[12:28] Cybergrrl Oh: Slow food - is that crock-pot cooking? lol
[12:29] Cybergrrl Oh: If so, that is more my speed.
[12:29] Keykey Underwood: I've read about it in several magazines
[12:29] JadeBlue Barzane: Slow Food is a fascinating group. I read one issue of its journal. interesting!
[12:29] Maxie Mostel: lol
[12:29] M1 Dreamscape: Sort of
[12:29] Maxie Mostel: We have a chapter in Vancouver
[12:29] M1 Dreamscape: slow food is really interesting and now there are restaurants that are certified slow food restaurants
[12:29] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION - Can you give us a short example of a story and a corresponding recipe - not the whole thing, just the context.
[12:29] Keykey Underwood: Who certifies them? Is there an official organization?
[12:30] M1 Dreamscape: 'there is an interesting little town in the mountains of Abruzzo called tagliacozzo, it is all medieval look

[12:30] M1 Dreamscape: and there is a little convent there and the nuns make their own pastries to support the convent
[12:31] M1 Dreamscape: as mundane as that may seem
[12:31] Laser Plasma: thanks
[12:31] M1 Dreamscape: in order to buy the pastries they make you have to know how to get to the convent and ring the old church bell on the front door
[12:31] Keykey Underwood: I want to go there
[12:32] M1 Dreamscape: they are not allowed to see you because they are cloistered from the world. So it is sort of a Sienfeld thing like the soup nazi
[12:32] Cybergrrl Oh: How cool!
[12:32] Callaghan Munro: I was amused to read that in Italy today, the parsnips considered to be an exotic vegetable...it used to be a staple I believe
[12:32] M1 Dreamscape: you have to know the procedure to buy these cakes and it is very old world.
[12:32] Cybergrrl Oh: interesting
[12:32] M1 Dreamscape: and there is a recipe for making something from this town included in the chapter
[12:33] M1 Dreamscape: parsnips are considered exotic, they are hard to find there
[12:33] aurel Miles: I should move there
[12:33] aurel Miles: parsnips are one of the few things i find truly unpalatable
[12:33] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Since almost everyone here is a writer, here is a writing question. What were your challenges writing a recipe/food novel? And how challenging is it now to "sell" it, that is, to explain the concept so people know it is not a straight novel and not a straight cookbook?
[12:33] M1 Dreamscape: If you are interested in food then that is where to go., Most things have originated from there in some way
[12:33] M1 Dreamscape: you get a real understanding of food there
[12:34] M1 Dreamscape: I think that most people even some American chefs here in the US lack this real understanding and a simpatico with food that Europeans have had for years
[12:35] M1 Dreamscape: My philosophy is to learn how to cook without following a recipe exactly and go on instinct or tailor a recipe to you
[12:35] Keykey Underwood: QUESTION? Are we too removed from the source of our food?
[12:35] M1 Dreamscape: learn how to make the recipe be what you want
[12:35] Maxie Mostel: Agree. I find we are more caught up in the economics here (cheap food, large portions) than the pleasurable experience of food
[12:36] M1 Dreamscape: I think that describes it although we are getting closer because of the surge of interest in a gourmet foods from around the world and at least we have knowledge of all these wonderful products out there that we never were exposed to
[12:36] Cybergrrl Oh: I agree with cooking by instinct. I don't have a great instinct but ruin recipes and almost never ruin cooking "experiments."
[12:36] M1 Dreamscape: Well cooking is really very simple, especially Italian cooking and the food that is the freshest and best quality is what makes the recipe
[12:36] Cybergrrl Oh: Maxie - I agree, too. We don't take our time to savor meals or to spend a lot of time eating and enjoying it and the company we're with.
[12:37] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Can you give us a few helpful cookie tips - your favorite little cooking secrets that of course will not be secret anymore! LOL
[12:37] M1 Dreamscape: Italian dishes use only a small amount of ingredients but each ingredient has to be the freshest and best quality to make it a great dish
[12:37] M1 Dreamscape: Tomato sauce only uses garlic, onion,s fresh tomatoes, fresh basil and olive oil
[12:37] Cybergrrl Oh: FYI: I am posting the transcript here on Second Life Writers Club blog later this week. http://slwritersclub.blogspot.com/
[12:38] M1 Dreamscape: If you use great olive oil and tomatoes the sauce will be wonderful
[12:38] JadeBlue Barzane: thanks cybergrrl for posting it.
[12:38] M1 Dreamscape: If you use the cheap stuff= it;s just not real tomato sauce and is not fit to cover pasta
[12:39] JadeBlue Barzane: QUESTION: Just wondering what your favorite olive oil is
[12:39] Maxie Mostel: QUESTION: Do you make your own pasta?
[12:39] Keykey Underwood: QUESTION: Can we get the same tomatoes and olive oil in this country that they use in Italy?
[12:39] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: And do you have a recommendation for a good pasta maker?
[12:39] M1 Dreamscape: As far as cooking tips- use the freshest and best ingredients and you will only need a small amount
[12:39] Cybergrrl Oh: I've heard the olive oil here in the States is terrible compared to what you get in Italy. No real flavor.
[12:39] M1 Dreamscape: most people think that if they buy the real extra virgin cold pressed olive oil it is so expensive..
[12:40] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Can you recommend a good brand of olive oil, too???
[12:40] M1 Dreamscape: But if you buy the best you will only need a little.
[12:40] M1 Dreamscape: When you choose olive oil, choose only ones that tell you where in Italy they came from, it should tell you on the bottle
[12:41] Keykey Underwood: If you buy the worst you'll need even less - no one will want it
[12:41] M1 Dreamscape: If not it is just a lot of olives fro mall over the place
[12:41] M1 Dreamscape: It really makes a difference
[12:41] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: What are the best regions for Olive Oil?
[12:41] M1 Dreamscape: Olive oil makes a big difference in what you cook
[12:41] Leandro Moskalev: QUESTION: What about Portuguese olive oil brands?? Are they a match to Italian brands?
[12:41] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: You sell a few products on your web site http://www.marialiberati.com/ - what are you selling?
[12:41] M1 Dreamscape: Best regions for olive oil are : Tuscany, Abruzzo, Puglia, Sicily, Naples, Umbria
[12:42] JadeBlue Barzane: oil is is like buying a good wine, it seems, checking the label details
[12:42] Callaghan Munro: ty all, be well
[12:42] Cybergrrl Oh: good to know
[12:42] M1 Dreamscape: In the US it is easy to find a brand called Colavita which is pretty good.
[12:42] Cybergrrl Oh: Bye Callaghan - thanks for being here
[12:42] M1 Dreamscape: I have never tried Portuguese olive oil
[12:42] M1 Dreamscape: As long as they are strict in the way they produce the olives.
[12:43] M1 Dreamscape: In Italy there is history also with producing olive oil and trees have been there for very long
[12:43] M1 Dreamscape: That makes a difference
[12:43] Cybergrrl Oh: Everyone: If Maria has missed your question, please feel free to repost and we will get caught up.
[12:43] Cybergrrl Oh: Maria - you are doing great! Hope your fingers survive!
[12:43] JadeBlue Barzane: Question: How did you get started writing food articles & restaurant reviews?
[12:43] M1 Dreamscape: Although I know that in California they are staring to produce a lot of olive oils
[12:43] Cybergrrl Oh: Great question JadeBlue
[12:44] M1 Dreamscape: When I began studying cooking I started writing about and getting asked more and more to do restaurant reviews
[12:44] M1 Dreamscape: I had written before about fashion and style but food is so related to fashion and style
[12:44] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Was it in Italy or the U.S. and where specifically were you based?
[12:45] M1 Dreamscape: Do you mean when I studied cooking
[12:45] M1 Dreamscape: I was modeling in Italy and began studying about my family;d history while there
[12:45] Cybergrrl Oh: Yes
[12:46] M1 Dreamscape: I started spending more time at my great grandparents vineyard and began studying the wine making and cheese making process there.
[12:46] Cybergrrl Oh: REPOST QUESTION: What pasta maker do you recommend and can't remember if you said that you make your own pasta or not? What pasta recipe do you recommend, as well?
[12:46] M1 Dreamscape: I also was asked to sit for well known artist in Italy who lives in the same region that they make their famous cheese Parmigiano and spent time there studying the artisan process of making that
[12:47] Laser Plasma: bye everyone
[12:47] M1 Dreamscape: as for pasta. My favorite pasta brand is called DeCecco
[12:47] M1 Dreamscape: It always comes out al dente and they have a special process for grinding the flour that has remained a secret for over 100 years
[12:47] M1 Dreamscape: So it is a great pasta
[12:47] Maxie Mostel: Cool
[12:47] Cybergrrl Oh: I'm looking it up right now!
[12:47] Cybergrrl Oh: REPOST QUESTION: QUESTION: You sell a few products on your web site http://www.marialiberati.com/ - what are you selling?
[12:47] Keykey Underwood: I don't think I've seen that in the shops
[12:48] M1 Dreamscape: I know they carry it now on the East Coast. I don't know about any place else. In NY City, you can find it in a lot of gourmet stores..
[12:48] Cybergrrl Oh: Available on Amazon grocery! http://www.amazon.com/DeCecco-Capellini-16-Ounce-Box/dp/B000H7WPYU
[12:48] M1 Dreamscape: As far as what is on my site, I have a line of spices that I developed in Italy and we began selling them on my site under my trademark
[12:49] JadeBlue Barzane: I have seen it in stores. But gee, didn't know Amazon has a grocery, too!
[12:49] M1 Dreamscape: Each blend is developed to reflect the flavors fro a certain region so that you can make a Tuscan or a Roman meal easily just using the spice blends.
[12:49] Cybergrrl Oh: Reminder: You can click on a poster of Maria here and go straight to Amazon.com to learn more about or buy her book
[12:49] Keykey Underwood: Question: What are the differences between Tuscan and Roman spices?
[12:49] M1 Dreamscape: De cecoco also makes a wonderful olive oil
[12:49] Cybergrrl Oh: Any more questions that were missed?
[12:50] M1 Dreamscape: it comes for ma little town that I wrote about in my book called Loreto Aprutina
[12:50] JadeBlue Barzane: QUESTION: Did you read other authors who interweave stories with recipes?
[12:50] M1 Dreamscape: Yes, I did read Under the tuscan sun and there are a few others as well as Frances Mayles
[12:50] M1 Dreamscape: I think that makes a book so much more interesting and gives the food a meaning.
[12:51] M1 Dreamscape: 'But it is really an easy thing to do
[12:51] JadeBlue Barzane: interesting.
[12:51] M1 Dreamscape: Think of how many times you go to places fora certain food or experiences that you have that also have food or a meal involved
[12:51] M1 Dreamscape: The difference between the Tuscan blend that I developed and the Roman one
[12:52] M1 Dreamscape: The Tuscan one has more Rosemary in it. So if you want to make Tuscan Chicken or Tuscan roasted potatoes, it makes it easy
[12:52] JadeBlue Barzane: QUESTION: Does anyone hear Lynne Rosetto Kasper's show on NPR? I listen to her podcast and get her e-newsletter. She might be a place to promote your book
[12:52] M1 Dreamscape: The roman one has more garlic in it. The ancient Romans believed that garlic gave them magical powers so they have a lot of dishes that have this in it.
[12:52] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Maria, do you have a podcast yet?
[12:53] JadeBlue Barzane: It's called Splendid Table
[12:53] M1 Dreamscape: Thanks for that I did not know about her but I will find out..
[12:53] Cybergrrl Oh: I've heard Splendid Table on iTunes - about an hour long show, isn't it?
[12:53] Keykey Underwood: I've listened to that show. It's very good
[12:53] M1 Dreamscape: I have put together the beginnings of a podcast but have not yet begun.
[12:53] M1 Dreamscape: I am working on putting a TV show together as well
[12:54] Cybergrrl Oh: That's great!
[12:54] JadeBlue Barzane: Yes, an hour. I listen to the podcast while cooking. I think it would be great to hear a podcast from Maria... or TV show!!!
[12:54] Cybergrrl Oh: QUESTION: Are you working on another book?
[12:55] M1 Dreamscape: The podcast as well as the TV show will be interviewing different celebs on what they like to eat, favorite recipes ,etc -a little bit of food, romance, style, etc all in one..
[12:55] M1 Dreamscape: Yes my next book that I finished up while I was in Italy last month is in the Basic art of Italian cooking series it is called The basic Art of Italian cooking -Holidays and Special Occasions and will be stories and recipes ,menus relating to holidays.
[12:56] Cybergrrl Oh: Very nice! You should let us know when it will debut so we can tune in.
[12:56] M1 Dreamscape: Should be out later in the year right before Christmas.
[12:56] M1 Dreamscape: I will let you know.
[12:56] Maxie Mostel: Nice!
[12:56] Cybergrrl Oh: Everyone: We'll have to wrap up in a few minutes - any more questions?
[12:56] Cybergrrl Oh: I also want to let everyone know that if you join Second Life Writers Club, I'm sending out some writing opps later today.
[12:57] JadeBlue Barzane: This has been great. Thanks!
[12:57] Maxie Mostel: QUESTION: The book is in stores now?
[12:57] M1 Dreamscape: Yes it is and online as well...
[12:57] Maxie Mostel: tx
[12:57] Cybergrrl Oh: And selling on Amazon! Just click on the poster if you'd like to buy it online
[12:57] Cybergrrl Oh: Maria - anything else we should know about your growing franchise?
[12:58] M1 Dreamscape: thanks so much everyone I really enjoyed meeting you all
[12:58] Cybergrrl Oh: Thank YOU, Maria.
[12:58] Keykey Underwood: Thank you, I want to know how to buy pastries from that little convent
[12:58] Cybergrrl Oh: Maria's website is http://www.marialiberati.com/
[12:58] M1 Dreamscape: We have developed a trademark which should have products in stores in 2009- The Basic art of ITalian Cooking by Maria liberate (tm).
[12:59] Maxie Mostel: Grazie Maria!
[12:59] M1 Dreamscape: Send me an email i will give you detailed instructions on buying pastries
[12:59] Keykey Underwood: OK
[12:59] M1 Dreamscape: mille grazie
[12:59] Cybergrrl Oh: oooh - sounds good. Email thru your web site?
[12:59] M1 Dreamscape: maria@marialiberati.com
[12:59] Cybergrrl Oh: Thanks everyone for being here. We have more exciting guests coming up next week - and every week!
[13:00] Maxie Mostel: Thanks Cybergrrl! Great session. :)
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: Maria - hope you enjoyed your first time in SL!
[13:01] Cybergrrl Oh: We'd love to have you back to promote your new TV show/podcast and next book so please keep in touch.
[13:01] M1 Dreamscape: Thanks so much for guiding me through my first SL session, yes I really enjoyed it and hope to be coming back and keep in touch also. Now I am going to try to get up

Great Coverage of Maria Liberati

2008-02-14T09:41:00.000-08:00

We got some nice coverage of our latest Second Life Writers Club meeting with special guest author Maria Liberati. SL reporter Maxie Mostel posted about it!

Cooking in Second Life

Cooking up sales in SL: Maria Liberati and The Basic Art of Italian Cooking

The Basic Art of Italian Cooking: Visiting Second Life

Thanks for the posts! Maria is open to returning to promote her upcoming TV show, podcast and next book so stay tuned...

Feb 7, WED - 12pm SLT - Garret Bakalava, SLNN.com

2008-02-03T11:28:00.001-08:00

Stay tuned for details about the next Second Life Writers Club meeting. Our special guest will be Garret Bakalava, new owner of SLNN.com. She'll talk about the big changes at this top AP-style news blog for Second Life.