The Book Pusher: More October Harvest for Christmas Shopping...

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You need to fill those Christmas stockings with good books...You know you do! So here are a few more for you to consider.

AT THE EDGE OF SUMMER Jessica Brockmole: Women's Fiction

WWI's history yields some of the most fascinating stories. Brockmole's Clare and Luc are one testament to that truth. This is s must read.

PRETENDING TO DANCE Diane Chamberlain: Women's Fiction

How far do you have to run to leave anger behind? Chamberlain's Pretending to Dance is a compulsive read that answers that question beautifully.

THE LANGUAGE OF SISTERS Cathy Lamb: Women's Fiction

When Toni Kozlovsky must confront grief and family trauma, her voice extends through a sage of sacrifice, love, and survival. Glorious storytelling makes this a must read.

PETAL, ROOT, THORN Ella Joy Olsen: Women's Fiction

Petal, Root, Thorn is a strong debut with five strong women, an uncommon love story, and the truth that there is sadness and joy in every story. This is another great read.

ECHOES OF FAMILY Barbara Claypole White: Women's Fiction

With wry humor and spot-on detail, Claypole White once again tells an insightful story of another mental illness. This is a do not miss read.


Next Week: IGSW, of course!

October Links

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Wow! Check out Why the Great Green Dragon Could Not Exist.I guess I knew this from speaking and reading English for sixty (yes, you read that right years). It makes a ton of sense once you see it spelled out.

I bet you didn't know that writers are masochist. Really. Ready the Seven Cruel Ways Writers Torture Themselves. You'll understand.

Now to that writer torture device--the Query. Here's Rachelle Gardener's take.

And writer torture device number two--the synopsis. Here's three takes on how to do it:

• Selling Synopsis Examples
• How to Write a Novel Synopsis
• Writing a Synopsis from the Ground Up
• The Anatomy of a Short Synopsis
• A Few Winning Synopses

Check out this reminder of how to approach a workshop--Check Your Ego at the Door.

Backstory takes finessing. Here's Margie's Rule Number 17: Finessing the Backstory.

Here's why you must backup your work--One for the Books: Novelist Runs Into Burning Home for Laptop

And finally after all of that, Remember Why You Started.

We deserve flower after all that work!

Creative Commons

Next Week: A second harvest of mini book reviews--just in time for Christmas shopping. ;-)

The Book Pusher--October Harvest: L. Bujold, S. Knipper, K. Long, F. North, W. Randel,

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A CIVIL CAMPAIGN Lois McMaster Bujold: SciFi--Space Opera/Romance

Bujold's hero, Miles Vorkosigan, heir to a Count and Imperial Auditor is in love, so why is he so scared the lady will get away? His congenital disability might be one, and the other suitors are flocking. Bujold is in fine form in this installment of her Vorkosigan series.

THE PECULIAR MIRACLES OF ANTOINETTE MARTIN Stephanie Knipper: Women's Fiction--magical realism

This amazing, magical tour of heart, love, sacrifice, death, and life will win your heart. Must Read!

BROKEN PIECES Kathleen Long: Women's Fiction

A journey of loss and loneliness results in healing and renewed strength. This is a lovely story that plumbs the depths of grief and finds a few smiles along the way.

THE WAY BACK HOME Freya North: Women's Fiction

Absolute freedom vs. absolute neglect--either creates a childhood to run away from. So, why is Oriana returning home after eighteen years? Mystery and secrets run the halls of Winward and we're allowed to peep in of them in North's THE WAY BACK HOME.

THE MOON IN THE PALACE Weina Dai Randel: Historical Women's Fiction

This hypnotic historical of the young Empress Wu has political intrigue and palace jealousies. Set in the atmosphere of ancient China, THE MOON IN THE PALACE is a great coming of age story.

Next Week: October Links!

IWSG: When do you know your story is ready?

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Insecure Writers Support Group

Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!

Our Co-Sponsor's this month are:
 Beverly Stowe McClure
Megan Morgan
Viola Fury
Madeline Mora-Summonte
Angela Wooldridge
Susan Gourley

When do you know your story is ready?

Short Answer: A long time after you think it is. ;-)

Long Answer: There are steps to getting a story ready. When you've finished the first/second/third draft, you might think it's ready, but wait! There's more to be done. If you don't have some beta readers, get them post haste. You need more eyes on the story before it sees the light of publishing. I know I needed this step. When my betas could easily identify places I told instead of showing, others that were actual plot holes, and most importantly, characters who needed to be expanded so that the motivations behind their actions were clear. Without this input my story would have been much poorer.

Next I found that polishing was a labor-intensive step. This step took more than one pass. I was still amazed at what I'd missed and shudder what I'm still lacking even though three agents have partials. 

That's when I knew it was time to pitch. I've not worked up the moxie to cold query yet. I'll let this round of partials play out was I work on book 2. 

Walk Among the Leaves with Me

Happy Writing!
Next week: A new harvest of the Book Pusher's Mini Book Reviews!