The science fiction genre is hard to define. With its wide variety of sub-genres, pinning down an all-encompassing descriptor for the science fiction often turns into a “we’ll know what it is when we see it” type of thing. One of the better definitions of science fiction I have come across describes science fiction as the “literature of change”. Science drives technology and technology drives change, therefore, the “literature of change” descriptor fits almost perfectly for science fiction.

No matter which sub-genre of science fiction, it is important to have a solid foundation in science. After all, it is SCIENCE fiction. This doesn’t mean the science has to be dry, concise and 100% factual, though. That’s more for hard science; the professional, peer-reviewed journal article publishing science. A scientific foundation in sci-fi simply means the science must be solid and logical. It can be based purely on fact or totally on fictionalized science, but the science must be grounded in the logic of the story and not MacGyver science.

MacGyver science? That is when the science solution appears out of thin air, like in the old television show, MacGyver. Every week, the protagonist in the show would do something like stopping the bad guy from blowing up a nuclear power plant (with 0:01 seconds left on the timer, mind you) by building an electronic manual self-destruct function override switch from a paper clip, an evergreen air freshener, duct tape, a flashlight and a bologna sandwich found in the glove box of the custodial service truck abandoned in the nuclear facility’s parking lot.

The point is, the science can be factual, it can be made up, or it can be magical. But, the science cannot be carried around in a fanny pack only to be used in times of greatest need or when no other solution is apparent. No ‘deus ex machina’ solutions, please.

Karina Fabian, author of MIND OVER MIND and the Dragon Eye, P.I. series, teaches two excellent workshops on worldbuilding, Worldbuilding 101 and Worldbuilding 201. They are good courses which help a writer plan out the fundamental workings of a story. The principles Karina presents for worldbuilding translate extremely well to the use of science in science fiction.

“Worldbuilding done right brings interest, gives context, presents an image, draws in readers, and gives your characters room to grow and limits within which to operate. Done well, you can make flight of fancy and twists in logic that people will believe and adore…Done poorly, however, it can throw your reader out of a story.”

-Karina Fabian

The golden ticket of Karina’s workshops is the list of her six rules of worldbuilding, which also adapt well to the use of science in science fiction. If we can build a successful fiction world by following these principles, we can also follow them to create a successful science-grounded fiction world.

–End of Part I–

Tune in next time for more from Mike Hays. Until then, please comment below, and share your thoughts on science fiction and its many sub-genres. Feel free to plug your favorite novels, TV shows or films. Tweet a link to this post and you’ll be entered to win a copy of Beth Revis’s ACROSS THE UNIVERSE and A MILLION SUNS. Paste a copy of your tweet below to be entered into the contest!

Thanks for reading. Part II will be posted in February. Be sure to sign up for notifications of new blog posts.

About Mike Hays

Mike Hays is a husband, a father of three, a lifelong Kansan and works as a molecular microbiologist. His debut middle grade historical fiction book, THE YOUNGER DAYS, is signed for a February 2012 release from MuseItUp Publishing. He enjoys reading in the science fiction genre and making up science fiction, mostly in short story form. Besides writing, he has been a strength and conditioning coach, a football coach, and a baseball coach. He has published three non-fiction football coaching articles, co-authored several scientific papers and is the co-inventor on two US patents. His former players hardly believe he can read anything without the aid of pictures, let alone write anything sounding halfway sensible.

Blog: www.coachhays.com
Twitter: @coachhays64
Facebook: www.facebook.com/pages/Mike-Hays/154175077989090

So, I don’t know what happens to our heroine, Betty. I am sitting here thinking about a happy ending that I can write for her, but I think she has to write her own happy ending. She’s a writer! As promised, however, let me briefly share my own agent story. Admittedly, it is not nearly as exiting. I queried exactly 124 agents beginning in November 2008. Anyone want to take a gander at how many requests I received? Well. I received twelve. The rest were REJECTIONS. I revised and re-queried in May 2009 (oh yeah, I revised the crap out of that manuscript) and received even MORE REJECTIONS and requests—I think twenty-four (requests). The rejections were very nicely written, and super kind. Like, “I’m truly sorry, but I just don’t like your book. I really hope you find an agent.”

You know what? I put the book UNDER THE BED. I refused to look at it. I came up with an idea for a middle grade and another YA but only wrote their titles and a line or two about them and focused on writing this dystopian paranormal MG and my paranormal sci-fi YA. Then after about 6 months, I queried again, with my same YA after revising for 2 more months and this time got about thirty requests. The good
part of that was I queried exactly thirty eight agents. AND, some of them were some I’d queried before. I know, you’re not supposed to do that. This is 2010 for those of you not keeping up. And then summer happened and I found myself with two manuscripts still out and nothing cooking.

So, I called up an agent colleague and asked if he would take a look at my book. He’d rejected it back in February but hey, this was end of August so what they heck?

Now, I DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE DOING WHAT I DID. DO NOT DO WHAT I DID. SUPER DISCLAIMER. THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO GET AN AGENT. DO NOT DO WHAT I DID. And I have to say, I would not have done it at all had I not been encouraged to do so by some wonderful writer friends. Fast forward to nine months later (that is, after I signed with said awesome agent) and things weren’t popping like I had expected. I didn’t have my awesome deal (a question I got TIRED OF ANSWERING) and I was kind of like trying to wrap my head around my lack of creativity and why I was feeling stagnant in my writing life.

So I had a loooong talk with awesome agent, and then another loooong talk with awesome agent about two weeks after that. It was during those conversations (not for lack of previous looooooong conversations over the course of our engagement) that I realized I needed to move on. Another friend of mine (one of the eight) talks about this and does a great job of it so click here to read her experience http://faeriality.blogspot.com/2011/09/im-back-but-not-same-and-bookanista.html.

I made the decision the Friday of Memorial Day weekend. It was a very hard decision to make. I LOVE my first super awesome agent. He is a great friend and I had high hopes for the awesomeness we were going to achieve together. To be honest, there was NO drama, no BIG story to tell, no on pulled anyone’s hair out, I didn’t go on sub and not get a deal, no one talked poorly about anyone. Nothing like that. It was simply time to explore my career options and find an agent who would push me, challenge me creatively and force me to be what I am capable of. I was lazy with my first agent. Complacent. Because we are friends, I accepted this of myself and he didn’t push me.

So, that Friday, I emailed him (yep, I took the coward’s way out) knowing that if we talked I would break down into the ugly cry, and that would be the end of me and my entire weekend would be ruined. He was very kind and that was that. I emailed five agents I admire greatly. I didn’t have the energy to do the whole two thousand agent query thing. Everyone got back to my right away, except ironically the agent I ended up with. I was such a wreck and filled with such dread that, against my better judgment, I sought council from editor colleagues I may soon be on submission to. But, I felt if they can’t tell me what to do, then no one can. I thought surely I was doomed. Again, DON’T DO WHAT I DID. DO NOT DO THIS. THIS IS NOT THE WAY TO FIND AN AGENT. YOU MAY WELL REGRET DOING THIS IF YOU ATTEMPT IT.

With great advice to ponder from some really wonderful editors and requests from all but 1 of the agents I emailed, I felt good about my chances. For me, it wasn’t about casting a wide net. It was about casting the right net into the right pond.

I was offered representation on Monday, a mere 2 days after sending my novel out. It was impossibly true. After speaking with the agent who was very, very nice and I still admire her quite a bit, I didn’t think we’d make a good team. I hope she doesn’t mind me saying this, but I don’t think she would have challenged me. I know myself. I need to be kicked in the pants, slapped on the wrist and at times, told NO!

Tamar Rydzinksi of The Laura Dail Literary Agency responded I believe on Tuesday with a super cute apology for not responding sooner. Asked for the book with a warning that she was probably not going to like it. WTF? My heart sank immediately. In preparation for not loving the YA she asked what else I had. I told her about the WIPs. Of course, she wanted to see the ONE that was just an idea. I hadn’t written a single line of it. So, in three weeks, I feverishly hammered out 50k words of OLIVIA GRIMLY’S PARANORMAL EXPERIMENT and sent it to her. Then I threw up. Yep. Came down with the flu or whatever. I was so sure she would hate it, I hid in bed for like a week. During that time, she wrote me to say, she enjoyed PRAEFATIO, like actually surprised herself. Hot dog! And, a few weeks later, she wrote to say she liked OGPE too!

I was in heaven. We talked on the phone like three times, and I knew she was exactly what I needed. She didn’t tell me what I wanted to hear. I wish she had. But she didn’t and when I met her in person two weeks ago, I knew I had made a great decision for my career. And you know what else? The day I delivered the revision on OGPE, a new YA idea came to me, like that night. Guess what?. She loved that too. I am so darn excited I cannot tell you.

So to all of you who are having issues with your agents or thinking about leaving your agents. I say this. Sometimes doing the things you most fear can be the most freeing. Like, skydiving, or bungee jumping or telling your mother in law to, “go jump in the lake!” Ooops. Did I say that?

HOWEVER, no one ever jumps out of an airplane without first having taken lessons, secured the proper equipment, and taken care to get great insurance! Look before you leap, ask questions and make sure you are making the right decision. Agents are people too. And to my first super awesome agent, thank you for being my training wheels. I will forever appreciate and love you.

Thanks for reading and good luck. Feel free to leave your comments below and be entered to win a ghostgirl tote bag stuffed with a ghostgirl pillow case, stickers and hardcover copy of each book in the 3-bk ghostgirl series. CONTEST RULES: 1. YOU MUST BE A SUBSCRIBER TO THIS BLOG 2. YOU MUST COMMENT BELOW WITH SOME INDICATION YOU HAVE ACTUALLY READ THE POST 3. YOU MUST BE FOLLOWING @Georgia_McBride and @ghostgirlbooks on twitter! Lots of rules, but we’ve got a HUGE goodie bag of ghostgirl stuff! Thanks to author, Tonya Hurley for the generous donation and HAPPY HALLOWEEN! Contest ends Nov 1 at midnight! Random winners drawn from entrants!

Michelle is celebrating the release of the final title in the series, CIRCLE OF FIRE.

She’ll be giving away awesome prizes as well as talking about series conception and conclusion, moving forward and more.

Co-hosted by @NovelistLauren, follow @MichelleZink and the #yalitchat hashtag at 9PM ET.

Write well,

Georgia

#writers be careful re the pesky 2nd person pov creep-up. Happens to the best of us. Direct or implied, it is a slippery slope

#writers look for ways to say the same thing with fewer words. Be concise. You learned re run-sentences for a reason!

#writers just because u have idea for a scene or dialogue doesn’t mean u need to plug it in RIGHT NOW. Make sure it flows. If not, move
it.

#writers if u find the character is insignificant, has very little dialogue or on-screen time, cut him. Not needed.

#writers even if u don’t outline, try writing down what you want/need to happen in next ch or scene to get from point a to b. Really
helps.

#writers try to avoid odd or insignificant movement about the scene. Why get up just to sit right back down? Unless a major shift in…

#writers remember what ur characters are doing at all times. He cannot open his eyes if you’ve forgotten to close them for him. LOL

#writers Beware the povs. 1st person knows only what the 5 senses allow. Otherwise (s)he assumes or presumes. Easy to slip up
here.

#writers MS WORD is ur friend. Don’t ignore “passive voice” or “comma use” or “grammar” suggestions. There for a reason. Bill Gates <3 u

#writers world building is great, but if you can’t recall the world you’ve set up, or rules when needed, u’ve got a HUGE problem.

#writers record character and world info in a journal or “bible.” Otherwise, u may forget what color hair a character has or his bday!

#writers if you’ve deleted a character, or changed one’s gender, BE SURE TO GO BACK and CHANGE dialogue tags, descriptions, etc.

#writers if you are revising, be sure you keep a revision journal! Will keep inconsistencies and inaccuracies to a minimum.

#writers don’t be afraid to bring humor into the story, even during tragic or unhappy scenes. can take edge off even make more
memorable

#writers if dialogue doesn’t make sense, or flow is off when acting out, then change it. make it real. feel it. be the character

#writers dialogue should be authentic. If unsure, try it. imagine scene in ur head (or act it out like i do). see characters, say lines.

#writers Treat paragraphs like a mini story w/ beginning, middle and end. Start strong, captivate and lead read by hand to next one.

#writers Find clever ways of saying similar things so as not to bore the reader. I couldn’t stop crying=Tears fell against my will.

#writers Don’t be so predictable. The reader shouldn’t be able to figure out what you’ll say next because you’ve said it 5 times
already.

Follow me @georgia_mcbride for more awesome writing and revision tips!

“Thanks for sending your manuscript. I really enjoyed the writing…”

By now you’re thinking, “holy cow. She enjoyed the writing. I need to get my pen ready. The one I’ll sign the representation contract with.”

But your read further, unable to control the banging of your heart against your chest. You try, but fail to control your heavy breathing.

“While I thoroughly enjoyed the story and writing as a whole…”

Uh–sounds like there might be a huge BUT coming, and as HUGE as my BUTT is, it’s not mine.

“I just couldn’t connect with the character enough to consider representing it. I wish you success and blah, blah, blah, blah.”

The blah is what you see as your eyes fill with tears, and your head with.. screaming? No. That scream has escaped through your mouth. How can it be? How can an agent who “enjoyed the story and writing” be unable to connect with the character? Makes no sense!

You begin thinking that just maybe the agent is shining you on. Maybe the agent skimmed your genius manuscript and didn’t really read it. After all, there is wonder and brilliance on every page. Did she not see that? Denial sets in. Then anger creeps in behind it. That stupid agent. Yes. That agent must not be all that smart. How could she be? You’ve spent months not only writing, but revising then editing and revising again. What does she know? How many sales has SHE made in the past few months? She’s going to regret not signing you. UGH!

Back to the drawing board. Back to seeking out new agents for your genius work of marvel. Besides, she did say it was well written and the story was great. Didn’t she? Maybe she IS smart. But WAIT. Maybe you should consider what else she said –about not connecting with the character. What does it mean, really?

I’ve heard a lot of this lately and yeah, I probably didn’t need that long intro but, I figured a great deal of you have been in that same position. It’s a rather common phrase in use by agents and editors. And you know what? It’s not poppycock. It’s real advice. So heed it. Before you can, let’s explore its possible meanings. In my very humble opinion, there are three possible reasons why this could be the case. Have a look below and let me know what you think.

1. Cannot connect with character = I just wasn’t feeling your character

Sometimes, it is as simple as, the agent/reader/editor was unable to see him/herself in your character’s shoes. In this case, it can be as simple as the reader not LIKING your character because (s)he used a certain catch-phrase too much and the reader found it annoying. Or, the reader doesn’t like redheads and your character is one. Maybe your character reminds the reader of someone who the reader doesn’t like or continually does things within the context of the story that are inconsistent, and out of character or against the beliefs of the average reader.

2. Cannot connect with the character = failed characterization

You did not present a realistic enough characterization or relatable enough character for the reader. This could be due to a highly unusual character with needs/ways not like that of the average human/female/male of a certain age. This person perhaps does not act in a realistic way or has experiences that are pretty foreign to the reader. Perhaps the character is of a different background/ethnicity and there is a lack of character building that has happened to explain why the character would act, speak, look the way he/she does. Or, perhaps some of the character’s reactions do not match the situation given what the reader would expect to happen.

3. Cannot connect with character – failed mythology, plot, theme

This is way more complex and makes the character the scapegoat for an entire bag of issues. Whereas the character is in fact at the center, many things must be fixed in order for the character connection to work. If the mythology is flawed, the character will not be able to be fully explored or at least realistically portrayed within the context of the world. Additionally if the theme of the book is not relatable overall–meaning the overall theme is interesting but fails to actually be realized, then there will be a reader disconnect. Finally, if the plot falls apart, and the book is mainly composed of heavy character vignettes, the character will take the fall for the failure and become highly unrelatable to the reader as (s)he fumbles through a non-working plot.

I hope this has helped you to decipher this critical piece of feedback relating to your character and characterization in your novel. So, if you happen to receive this type of feedback from an agent, reader or editor; don’t be offended. Take the advice and try to see if potentially you can match it to one of the above reasons and FIX the issue within your novel. It will be much stronger for it.

Write well,

Georgia

I looked up the definition of the word “follow” and below are some of the definitions that stuck out to me:

1. To go after in or as if in pursuit
2. To keep under surveillance
3. To accept the guidance, command, or leadership of
4. To act in agreement or compliance with
5. To take as a model or precedent; imitate
6. To keep oneself informed of the course, progress, or fortunes of

Then I looked up “follower” and it is defined as: a person who follows, especially the philosophy, ideas etc of another person.

See more definitions at The Free Dictionary by Farlex!

So, to say thank you to my dear friends and followers on twitter, I’m launching a contest! I’d like to see just how well you know me. Four (4) winners (chosen by Random.org) will receive one of the following:

1. An ARC (advanced reader copy) of THE POWER OF SIX (sequel to I AM NUMBER FOUR)
2. $10 iTunes Card
3. $20 Barnes and Nobles Card
4. Angel charm bracelet (choose the single or multi-charm bracelet)–two bracelets, two winners

What do you have to do to win? Answer the below questions to show how well you know me. HINT: you can find the answers by reading my recent tweets, clicking around this blog, visiting my YouTube channel, visiting my extremely sad Facebook author page and equally sad official author website at www.georgiamcbride.com. Good luck! This contest runs through July 15, 2011!

1. What is the name of my new parrot? Not Echo, the one who died, but the NEW one?
2. How many dogs do I have and what breed are they?
3. I founded a literary non-profit organization in 2009. What’s it called?
4. What is the name of the main character in my novel PRAEFATIO?
5. Which writer, producer, director do I most admire?
BONUS question 1: What does Gavin Vault do for a living?
Bonus question 2: Who is Remiel?

So, that’s it. 5 main questions (formerly 20) and two bonus questions. Open to international winners. Good luck and DO NOT LEAVE YOUR ANSWERS BELOW FOR OTHERS TO SEE. LEAVE YOUR ANSWERS AT www.georgiamcbride.com on the contact page and put twitter contest in the subject line. Copy and paste the questions and add your response. This way, your answers will be safe from the prying eyes of your competition! HAH! Click here to go directly to the contact page.

Before I announce the winner, I should say that choice C is the optimal choice for our made-up story to begin. Here is the premise:

Boy is only survivor on boat that washes ashore on strange island. Has no idea where he is and upon arrival is captured by a native tribe who raise them as their own for a few years and he falls in love with daughter of tribal leader. Once found, he must decide whether to return home or stay. Where do you start this story?

Here are the choices:
A. At home preparing to leave for trip. We see him with all the people he will leave behind including the girl he has a crush on, his sick mother and best friend and brother. We also find out why he is taking trip in first place.
B. On boat during terrible, raging storm. We see flashbacks of his life before the trip including the girl he hopes he will see again, his best friend and brother and his sick mother. We meet his father who dies during the storm creating a heart-felt moment/emotional moment.
C. Hiding out behind heavy brush, having washed ashore–alone, afraid, cold. Taking notice of a tribal ceremony at night, the sounds, smells, people. Experiencing many emotions over the course of the chapter. Seeing his love interest for the first time but not as she would like to have had him see her had she known he was watching.

Each of the above scenarios are all perfectly acceptable openings which could be built out into workable first chapters. I can look at each of these and tell you what I know for certain a newbie writer would choose, a more experienced writer would definitely choose and what and agent or editor would advise against choosing.

Option A is the one most likely to be chosen by a less experienced writer. This writer will want to introduce you to the protag, his homelife, family, etc. They will likely have the character in his room, surrounded by the things he loves, perhaps even just waking up and starting the day that will turn out to be that life-altering day. It is however, the most mundane offerings of the three.

Option B is acceptable as an opening but with this caveat. The focus must be squarely on the protag while working in the memories and feelings toward these other characters. Thoughts of love, loss and fear will come into play as the reader starts to feel an emotional connection to the protag. An inexperienced writer will spend a great deal of time focusing too much attention on the sick mother, the death of the father as the father experiences it, etc.

Options C is the optimal choice as it brings us right into the heart of the story and that is–this is the pivotal moment in which this character is forced to change. He has lost his boat, father and now is the only one of his kind on an island where he may not speak the language and is at the mercy of complete strangers whose intentions toward him are unknown. This si the strongest of all possible beginnings. It allows for the introduction of all of the above issues–sick mom, dead dad, shipwreck, etc. It can be an emotional journey to the edge of a new beginning.

Having said that–I chose the below entry as the winner. Please keep in mind that the first twenty entries will receive a copy of Malinda Lo’s HUNTRESS (ARC). The runner up will receive a copy of NEVERISMS–a quotation lover’s guide to things you should never do, never say, or never forget by Dr. Mardy Grothe.

Congratulations to, Allison! Please email (georgia (at) georgiamcbride (dot) com me for details on sending me your first twenty five (25) pages critiqued and a chance to have it sent to the agents I work with! Please scroll down for runner up–winner of Neverisms! And to view my original comments on BOTH entries as well as the others, please click here.
Moonlight glowed on the still calm beach as the fiddler crabs came out after the storm. Josh felt his eyes spin in his pounding head as he watched the strange creatures scurry, kicking up sand as they scratched the ground.

It had only be a few days but to Josh, time seemed lost, never ending. Every moment was racked with hunger, fear, and isolation. He had wondered around the island, but this was not the big city he was use to. Tall sky scrappers were replaced with forests, thick and impossible to cut down. Vegetation would tangle around his legs and make anyone feel like the world was after then. This was the true power of man verses nature.

Josh rubbed his aching bones, and rolled over. The stars in the sky reminded him of the twinkling lights of Chicago’s cityscape. He wondered what his mother would be doing right now. He was sure, dinner would be the first thing on her mind when she woke up. He could smell the roast beef and baked potatoes. The aroma wafted around and consumed him. He sucked in the air yearning to taste the food he was dreaming of.

Suddenly he jumped up, this was not his feverish mind playing tricks on him, he smelled food. Real food! Steadying himself he stumbled around in the darkness. He had to find it, at whatever cost.

Sweat was dripping from his brow as he pushed back branches, that whipped him in the face. His eyes peered through the darkness yearning for a sign, anything to help him. The slight flicker of what appeared to be a fire caught him my surprise. He stood on his tip toes trying to see where it was, but nature was not that kind.

The ground whined under him as he felt his feet loose their footing. He tumbled down, spinning and twisting around tree roots, and rocks, as dirt was shoved into his mouth. He blinked and tried to rub the muck out of his eyes, but he was not given a chance. Something wet hit him right in the face, making his head spin as he fell backwards on the ground. He heart raced as he tried to make
sense of what had just happened.

His arms and legs were getting pulled behind him, he was sure they would break any moment. He tried to free himself but whatever was attacking him in the darkness was not so forgiving. Another wet object hit him in the face, but oddly it felt familiar in some way.

He blinked and tried to shake his head but something cold and sharp was at his neck. He gulped, what was happening to him? Finally he had, had enough, he tried to stand but Josh was pushed back against a tree. “What do you want!” He screamed. The creature scurried back and made a yelping noise. He watched as it walked into the dim fire light. His eye sight was blurred by the bits of debris covering his face but her long slender golden brown body was all in view. Her black hair was falling around her, covering her chest. She was shaking as she pointed the knife at him.

It was around this time Josh noticed, she was dripping wet and not a strip of clothing was on her. Her cheeks were flushed and she was almost in tears.

“Hi.” It was the only thing he could think to say. He had never walked in on someone bathing before. As he prepared to apologize, she charged at him. At that moment everything went black, as his mind whirled. Yeah, it was a familiar feeling, the slap of a girls hand. The pain and the passion in it, he smiled as he fell back unconscious. Even in the wilds of the Caribbean he had the same
effect on women.

Runner up–Gina Mosley Lamm (Option C)

He was almost grateful for the scrape of cold wet sand on his cheek. At least it meant he was alive. He pushed himself upright, coughing as his salt-soaked lungs gave protest to his movement. Stopping when he reached his knees, he vomited salt water onto the moonlit shore. His lungs were on fire, but that meant he had a chance to see Abigail once more. He’d take it.

He clambered to his feet, surveying his surroundings. Other than wreckage from “The Saucy Lady,” a ridiculous name for a ship if he’d ever heard one, there was nothing but jungle ahead. But jungle meant plants, and hopefully animals he could catch to sustain himself. He had to stay alive. He’d promised her. She was back in North Carolina busily planning the wedding. His heart sank when he thought of her pale blue eyes, filled with tears at the thought of his departure.

“William,” she’d cried, her hands digging into the blue coat he’d worn for the sailing. “Please, don’t go. Your father can take care of his plantations in Jamaica. Please, you don’t have to do this.”

He’d brushed away her tears, and kissed her soft pink lips, and promised her that he’d be back before she knew it.
The thoughts of home were enough to drive him onward. He walked up the beach, cursing his legs for their weakness. The storm had taken its toll, as well as the long hours tossed in the sea. He needed to find some water soon.

He came to a bend in the shore, and followed it around. As the side of the island came into view, he gasped.
A large bonfire was burning, its warming flames dancing like chorus girls in a show. He nearly ran toward the blaze, but stopped when he saw them. Ducking behind a nearby bush for cover, he watched.

There were drumbeats and women singing in a strange language. Warriors stained and painted with odd colors danced around the fire, chanting in time with the women’s song. His breath caught in his throat when he saw her.

Her long dark hair swung around her as she danced, the warriors each passing her and bowing as they circled. She was dressed only in a simple woven shift, which flowed out around her like a ballgown as she twirled. It was the most breathtaking sight he’d ever seen.

He started to come to his feet again when he felt the cold steel point of a spear in his back.
The words were unintelligible, but the meaning behind them was cold, cruel, and unmistakeable. He raised his hands in surrender, and allowed the warrior to take him.

I’ve been thinking a LOT lately about the box we put ourselves in and why we LIKE that box and how we make it our home, our comfort zone and never seek to climb out of that box. We call ourselves: fiction writers, YA writers, MG writers, editors, agents, whatever. But here’s the thing. Why? Why are we YA writers or just MG writers? Why can’t we be MG and YA writers and illustrators? Why can’t we be editors and PB writers too? The short answer is–we can. The only one stopping us from doing it is–well, us. You CAN write erotica under a pen name and PB with fluffy rabbits and forest animals who teach kids about sharing. You don’t have to limit yourself to one or the other if you have an interest in both, for example. NEVER underestimate YOU. You are fabulous and capable. Remember that.

Now, I know what you’re gonna say. You’re gonna say I can’t use “gonna” in a sentence and call myself a writer. Well, in the ever-brilliant words of Cee Lo Green, “FORGET YOU.” As for those of you who would say it’s impossible to excel to more than one craft, I say–if you want to limit yourself, go right ahead. But do not dare try to limit the minds or creativity of others with your limited view of yourself. To do so is no better than those would-be dream crushers who seek to destroy the souls of struggling writers around the world–telling them what they can and cannot do, write and be.

Someone told me the other day that I should be a motivational speaker. Perhaps. What I want most is to encourage writes and other creative types to stop and think before they make a critical career decision and say to themselves, “WWJBD?” That is, what would Justin Bieber do? That’s right–never say never. But never giving up on one’s dream is about more than just perseverance. It’s about seeing it from all sides of the fence. It’s about understanding that publishing is a business and like every business there are roles and depending on the climate, roles can shrink or expand–as can need, supply, demand, interest etc. As such, you must be will to grow your role from just writing to writing plus marketing and maybe even graphic designer for your website! To me–neverism is about always being prepared for whatever comes–whatever the next trend in technology is, if every bookstore closes (God forbid), if computers ceases to exist, if someone passes a law that says publishers can only put out ten YA books each year collectively. Absurd? Ready to give up?

Well, in the spirit of never giving up on one’s dream of being published, finding an agent and selling more books than Stephenie Meyer and JK Rowling combined (and getting on the Oprah show), below find a list of inspiring “neverisms” from the book called, “neverisms” by Dr. Mardy Grothe. Of course, I’ve added a unique spin on who they may apply to relative to the publishing business. I hope you are well entertained.

For those who are well-published
Never confuse the size of your paycheck with the size of your talent. –Marlon Brando

For all writers
Never let yourself get between you and your character. — Michael Caine in What’s It All About (1992)

To our readers
Never judge a book by its movie. — J.W. Eagan

For newbies
Never assume you’ll be turned down. — Joan Rivers speaking about auditions
Never listen to anybody who tries to discourage you. — Mariah Carey

To our agent friends
Never say bad, cruel, crummy, unhappy, unpleasant, critical things in a letter. –Helen Gurly Brown in I’m Wild Again (2000)

To our reviewing friends
Never speak disrespectfully of anyone without a cause — Thomas Stonewall Jackson, in Memoirs of Stonewall Jackson by His Widow Mary Anna Jackson (1985)

To authors who find themselves on the raw end of a bad review
Never answer an angry word with an angry word. It’s the second one that makes the quarrel. — W.A. “DUB” Nance

For those of us who refuse to accept friends on FB
Never refuse any advancement of friendship, for is nine out of ten bring you nothing, one alone may repay you. — Claudine Guerin De Tencin

To anyone who writes for the public
Never, ever underestimate your readers. Everything you do registers. — Rita Mae Brown in Starting from Scracth (1988)

Check out even more “neverisms” in the book by Dr. Mardy Grothe: neverisms, a quotation lover’s guide to things you should never do, never say or never forget. I’ve found a way to apply these neverisms to my life and career. How will YOU apply them?!

Neverisms was sent to me by Collins Reference, an imprint of HarperCollins. Learn more by visiting www.drmardy.com. If you live in North Carolina, you may find Dr. Mardy at one of the below appearances in May:

TUESDAY, MAY 17TH, 2011 – SOUTHERN PINES, NC
COUNTRY BOOKSHOP – 7:00 PM
140 NW Broad St .
Southern Pines, NC 28387
Phone: 910-692-3211

WEDNESDAY, MAY 18TH – RALEIGH , NC
QUAIL RIDGE BOOKS – 7:30 PM
3522 Wade AVE
Raleigh , NC 27607
Phone: 919-828-7912

THURSDAY, MAY 19, 2011 – DURHAM , NC
REGULATOR BOOKSHOP – 7:00 PM
720 9th ST
Durham , NC 27705
Phone: 919-286-2700

SATURDAY, MAY 21, 2011 – PITTSBORO , NC
MCINTYRE’S – 11:00 AM
2000 Farrington Village
Pittsboro , NC 27312
Phone: 919-545-5700

Our guest and host at this week’s #yalitchat, Greg Pincus has some interesting thoughts on this very idea–on breaking out of the box and creating one’s own unique path to success. Greg is a writer, poet, marketing specialist and co-host and co-founder of #kidlitchat on twitter.

Greg says, “Why wait for others to help us move our careers forward? There are many ways to be pro-active on our own, particularly if we have the ability to be in touch with our fans and supporters. Your platform isn’t just about selling more books – it’s about opportunity. Let’s explore non-traditional ways to find and create opportunities to help make a living doing what we love.”

To that I say, “amen, brother.” so many of us believe the publisher will market us or the publicist we hire will or our friends and family will happily tell everyone they know about our book. We often fail to consider all we can do to increase awareness of our work and name in the market. We tend to shy away from activities that could be considered “self-promotion” or that require us to talk about ourselves and or our books often. We tend to shy away from those opportunities we consider “out there” or those that require a little more effort, maybe even self-education or expense. We give excuses and say things like, “I’m a writer. I should be writing.” But if there is no one for whom to write, then what is the point? Or as someone way smarter than me once stated, “If a tree falls in the forest…”

But what if we could look for non-traditional ways to enhance our profiles while driving income? What if everything we thought about traditional sales, marketing or pr no longer applied and we had to find an alternative or else? Could we create a solution that worked not only for us but that could be applied by others like us? Greg suggests we can. Or, that it’s possible and that we should seek to bust out of the box we put ourselves in and make a career ourselves born from non-traditional means.

Come chat with us on Wednesday, April 27th to find out more about what Greg is doing to realize his own success and share some of your own amazing stories. Simply follow the #yalitchat hashtag and add it to your posts. Follow @gregpincus that evening as he will be pulling double duty as host and guest–a first for YALITCHAT! You can also catch Greg co-hosting Tuesday, April 26th during #kidlitchat. Both chats begin 9PM EDT on take place on twitter.

To learn about Greg and how he’s applying this belief, visit:

http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/841035608/poetry-spread-the-word (also http://bit.ly/SpreadPoetry)

http://www.thehappyaccident.net

http://gottabook.blogspot.com
Greg recommends the following suggested reading:

Kevin Kelly’s 1000 True Fans: http://www.kk.org/thetechnium/archives/2008/03/1000_true_fans.php

Write well-
Georgia

There is also an afterparty both nights on the Mundie Moms website and a sick amount of giveaways! This year we added even more awesomeness with Bookalicious and Novel Novice hosting blog parties all week! There are interviews, features and giveaways on their blogs too so click on over and check it out!

Night I April 13 @ 8:30-9PM EDT: Pre-Show squee-chat!

9-11PM EDT: Nancy Holder, Jason Henderson, Coe Booth, Malinda Lo, Mitali Perkins, Melissa de la Cruz, Karen Healey, Jaclyn Dolamore, Kierstin White

Giveaways: signed copy of The Guardian of the Dead from Karen Healey, Blue Bloods makeup-filled goodie bags and copy of Bloody Valentine from Melissa da la Cruz, signed copy of Bamboo People from Mitali Perkins, signed hardcover of Huntres from Malina Lo, ARC of Huntress from Malinda Lo, signed copy of CRUSADE from Nancy Holder, signed copy of Alex VanHelsing from Jason Henderson.

11PM-12AM EDT: Afterparty on Mundie Moms! Post-chat mayhem, fun and giveaways. Join us with special guest authors and more fun at a literary virtual afterparty than you can imagine.

Night II April 14 @ 9-11PM EDT: Julia DeVillers, Beth Revis, Claudia Gabel, Helene Boudreau, Cyn Balog, Brenna Yavonoff, Sarwat Chadda, Andrea Cremer

Giveaways: signed copies of books from Julia DeVillers, signed copies of Romeo and Juliet and Vampires from Claudia Gabel, signed copy of Real Mermaids Don’t Wear Toe Rings from Helene Boudreau, signed copy of Fairytale or Sleepless from Cyn Balog, copy of The Replacement from Brenna Yavonoff, signed copy of Dark Goddess from Sarwat Chadda, Blue Bloods makeup-filled goodie bag and Bloody Valentine from Melissa de la Cruz.

11PM-12AM EDT: Afterparty on Mundie Moms! Post-chat mayhem, fun and giveaways. Join us with special guest authors and more fun at a literary virtual afterparty than you can imagine.

Featured authors:

ADDITIONAL SPONSORS

Last year’s authors included: Holly Black, Michelle Zink, Scott Westefeld, Kami Garcia, Cassandra Clare, Bree Despain, James Dashner, Sarah Rees Brennan, Melissa Marr, A.S. King, Becca Fitzpatrick, Lisa McMann, Ellen Hopkins, Margaret Stohl, Carrie Ryan and Alyson Noel! Click here to read the 185-page transcript!