tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-517309195472334692.post2631351851174779676..comments2023-10-30T11:40:07.884-04:00Comments on Magpie Writes: Q is for QueryAlex Villasantehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17109677049281615295noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-517309195472334692.post-28338742606942442162011-04-20T22:25:51.813-04:002011-04-20T22:25:51.813-04:00Hey Kendal
I agree, the query is deadly - but not ...Hey Kendal<br />I agree, the query is deadly - but not as deadly as the synopsis! Had to write one of those for the conference too. I nearly cried and there's a small but discernible bald patch behind my left ear where I pulled out my hair. One thing writing a synopsis taught me, though - I should write that sucker before I write the book. Yes, I am a convert to outlining. How's your query writing going?Alex Villasantehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17109677049281615295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-517309195472334692.post-45325729513851528162011-04-20T22:06:27.149-04:002011-04-20T22:06:27.149-04:00I liked the sound of your story, and the query see...I liked the sound of your story, and the query seemed well written. Your links are the same sites that I've been looking at for query information. I think queries are frightening, so much more difficult than writing the actual story. Good luck at the conference!Kendalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14295607591155106798noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-517309195472334692.post-68782110929408183352011-04-20T13:26:03.675-04:002011-04-20T13:26:03.675-04:00-Mooderino, thanks for the feedback - I just have ...-Mooderino, thanks for the feedback - I just have to digest it and then it will surely make sense!<br />-Laura, me too, can't wait!<br />-Ru - not nit-picky, accurate, which is so why I'm not ready for prime time, thanks for catching that!<br />-NiaRaie, thanks for visiting and commenting. I appreciate the feedback!Alex Villasantehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17109677049281615295noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-517309195472334692.post-13106177206058444422011-04-20T13:18:10.963-04:002011-04-20T13:18:10.963-04:00Your story sounds unique, and interesting! Also, t...Your story sounds unique, and interesting! Also, the sites you listed are very helpful. I visit them nearly every day.NiaRaiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13245742876021926812noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-517309195472334692.post-4240279592196127252011-04-20T11:58:46.252-04:002011-04-20T11:58:46.252-04:00(It sounds like an awesome story, though. :))(It sounds like an awesome story, though. :))Ruhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04217026218961932530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-517309195472334692.post-19052385398832386312011-04-20T11:57:59.401-04:002011-04-20T11:57:59.401-04:00This is so nit-picky, sorry - pretty sure it's...This is so nit-picky, sorry - pretty sure it's spelled "noblesse oblige."Ruhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04217026218961932530noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-517309195472334692.post-80815265584381752132011-04-20T11:45:16.118-04:002011-04-20T11:45:16.118-04:00I can't wait for the conference! Still a bit a...I can't wait for the conference! Still a bit apprehensive having never gone to one, but I like to jump into things without looking; it's part of my charm. I think it's a great idea to get feedback from an agent on your query. If for nothing else, it might turn up the fire under your ass to finish the novel. <br /><br />I know how it feels to send something off you aren't 100% behind, but the feedback will only make your query stronger and help you better pitch your fantastic YA novel. Keep in mind you can't be perfect the first time, but with practice and excellent feedback, like mood's, you will be stellar when it's time to really get Bookend an agent! Go Team!Laura M. Campbellhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07118305776404765529noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-517309195472334692.post-75660767162170881402011-04-20T10:43:49.163-04:002011-04-20T10:43:49.163-04:00Each of the plot points: He's frustrated with ...Each of the plot points: He's frustrated with his life; he meets this girl and is attracted to her; the QR's rebel; he has to make a choice - need to be demonstrated through behaviour of the characters rather than you just telling us it is so. <br /><br />If I have two characters fall in love in an original and touching way in my story and I describe it as 'in this story two characters fall in love' I'm not really selling my great scene (whatever it might be).<br /><br />If a writer wants a scene where two characters fall in love but can't think of an original way to do it but thinks he'll be able to later and for now says 'in this story two characters fall in love' he has made the same claim as the first guy, but he has no such scene.<br /><br />When the agent reads that line from those two separate writers, how will he know which is the guy with the cool scene? <br /><br />That's why you have to put the cool stuff in the pitch. If you don't it will be assumed it's because you don't have it.<br /><br />hope that makes sense,<br />mood<br /><a href="http://moodywriting.blogspot.com/" rel="nofollow">Moody Writing</a>mooderinohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01523337588830695638noreply@blogger.com