From Writing to Publishing

When Querying

Do yourself a favor and take off your political hat when querying an agent.

It’s important to realize their political views and your political views don’t need to line up for the initial query. Unless you’ve written a political themed publication, it’s an unnecessary fact which will only cause a stumbling block in your path.

All right, did that clear the air for you? For my part, I even went so far as to delete political posts from my social media platform (no one liked them anyway.) The goal for my social media is to create a platform for my books and connecting with readers, agents, and writing material. That’s it. Any personal posts I try to limit to soft, fluffy, and feel-good.

Now, I realize some people will have a very difficult time of this. I understand. Social media has become their crutch and soap box, and they honestly believe they have every right to post whatever they deem important. Thankfully, you’re not like that.

Have you noticed how much social media has changed? I remember in the beginning seeing APOLOGIES for rash comments or angry outbursts. You don’t see those anymore. In fact, quite the opposite as people defend their right to voice.

Let’s develop a better character for ourselves. Leave those high-strung vocalists to their own social doom. We can be peaceful and agreeable to all for the sake of a great sale.

Oh? You didn’t think this was a sales pitch post? Let me open your eyes – it very much is. You as a writer are going out into the wide world to sell your book AND yourself (don’t misconstrue that second part.) Get down from your soap box and put on your best suit. You’re going door to door to sell your product because your life and your family depends on it. Also, the world needs your story.

Go get them, tiger.

This has been,

Fanny T. Crispin

Ponderings

The Glorified Footstool

The convenience of meeting up in January is the “how long have we been together?” math is super easy.

Most married folk can relate to the lackadaisical lounging attributes of the recently married but not yet geriatric couple. We’re quite comfortable together. Physical contact is built into our love language, so this sort of draping, lounging, languid touch means something. You don’t have to talk constantly.

I thought I wanted more conversation. That was important in the beginning. I make sure to ask how his day went and listen to the venting. But most of the time, what is there to talk about? Newspapers and books have been replaced by phones in this digital age. We discuss the big news, reflect on experiences, but all stories have been told at this point.

So our connection is this glorified footstool position. It’s human nature (for physical types, that is.) Just be a warm body in a room. Let me know you’re there. Reassure me I’m not alone.

Oh, and pick up your dirty socks. This isn’t a farm.

This has been,

Lackadaisically,

FanTC