Shelly over at
Market My Words is running a Pay it Forward contest. If you want to join in, tomorrow is the last day. (Yes, I deliberately delayed my entry so I'd have less competition.) The winner will get her (okay, or his) personal referral to Shelly's own agent,
Alyssa Eisner Henkin (Trident Media Group).
To enter, I have to reveal the person who has helped me in my writing or in my personal life. That's easy:
Robyn Carr. I told the story of how I "met" Robyn on her recent
Authors' Advisory conference call, but I didn't mention what a wonderful inspiration she is.
I don't write the same kind of fiction that Robyn writes, though I'm a huge fan of her work. Nevertheless, Robyn has taught me more about writing and the publishing industry in the years we've been exchanging emails than anyone else I can think of. I've asked her hundreds of questions and she has responded to each one--sometimes more than once! She's explained in detail the publication process, why you should get a publicist, how you get paid, and what it feels like to finally make the NYT Bestseller list.
She protests that she doesn't do enough for me to be labled my mentor but even though she can't critique my writing (she has no spare time for that, even if it wasn't unwise), she has constantly encouraged me for years now. She suggested that I look into writing YA, then told me my story idea sounded rather juvenile... and, after I explained it more, agreed that it just might work. Without her prodding, support, and approval, I'm not sure if I would have ever had the gumption to finish the thing. I can't wait for the day I can mail her her own signed copy. She'll
have to read it then. :)
I don't write the same kind of fiction that Robyn writes, though I'm a huge fan of her work. Nevertheless, Robyn has taught me more about writing and the publishing industry in the years we've been exchanging emails than anyone else I can think of. I've asked her hundreds of questions and she has responded to each one--sometimes more than once! She's explained in detail the publication process, why you should get a publicist, how you get paid, and what it feels like to finally make the NYT Bestseller list. 
boy you are sneaky :) good luck and thx for paying it forward! even if it wasat the last minute ;)
ReplyDeleteTruthfully, I would have entered earlier if I hadn't kept forgetting to ask my friend Susan to help me edit. Susan helped so much that I'll have to split the prize with her if I win. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by, Shelli! You must feel like quite the world traveler by now.
I read your pitch over on Shelli's blog - sounds like a fantastic novel. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessie--yours sounds really cool, too! If we're both finalists, should we arm-wrestle for it? :) Or maybe a friendly debate would be more up our alley...?
ReplyDeleteLuck to you, as well!