Sunday, March 20, 2022

To Prologue or Epilogue or not...




There are some editors and some houses that will tell you not to add a Prologue or an Epilogue to your story. There are also some readers who will tell you they usually skip reading the Prologue. Given this what is the best way to add a Prologue and an Epilogue so you can assure your editor, publisher and even your readers will love what you have added to your story. We will start with hints for writing a Prologue first. Keep the Prologue short. If it goes on and on, readers will tire quickly of it. A short and well written Prologue will engage your readers right away if done well. One to three page prologues should be enough to get to the point. A good prologue should include something that isn't shared elsewhere. Make the point of the Prologue be very clear. Again it should be engaging enough to capture your readers attention. But ask yourself why the Prologue is needed. Does it push the story forward or give hints about what the story holds in adding to the story. Make sure the Prologue doesn't give conflicting or confusing information. If a reader cannot engage in what is being presented they may read no further. Would your story be complete without the prologue you have written? If so you don't need the prologue or you need a different angle on it to make the story make sense. A Prologue should not simply be the start of the story where it seems like chapter one. Most often a Prologue should occur prior to where the story starts or for a twist it might explain something that happens in the story after the fact. As an example, it could occurring 4 months prior to chapter one. Or two years prior to chapter one. But it might also add a bit of intrigue for the reader to have the Prologue explain something and chapter one begins several months prior to the prologue, giving the reader a hint at what might have played out. Or a hint of what is coming when chapter one begins prior to the event described in the prologue. A prologue should contain enough action to make the reader engage in what is being planned within the story. But too much action isn't always the answer. If a lot of unexplained action happens without hints of what is to come, the reader may be confused or bored by what is taking place. Make sure the characters within the Prologue are up to something interesting enough to keep the reader engaged. It need to make sense to moving the story forward but a Prologue should not be a place to dump I formation or backstory. Some authors/editors will tell you not to label your prologue as such but to go ahead and make it chapter one. I personally do not agree with this as I mostly write historical western romance where having a Prologue and an epilogue is better accepted. I think it is best to identify for the reader what they are reading. Avoid the dreaded dream Prologue. I have never much liked where a fantastic scene or chapter has the character wake up from a dream at the end, leaving me to wonder if what happened is even a real part of the story. That can be for some readers a big point of dissatisfaction. It might be wise to have a Prologue that occurred in a different location than where the story takes place. This isn't a hard requirement by any means but can add to the engagement of the reader. A prologue should raise but maybe not answer a question. You need to keep the reader wanting more and questions of what happens next can keep the reader turning the page. Readers will want to know they will find put what happens and the promise of that keeps them in the story. A good prologue might introduce the perils or the main problem a character will go through but with only a hint of what will happen. A prologue might be in a different POV than the main character of a story to add a bit of depth. Maybe the POV in the prologue belongs to the villain for instance. And now let's discuss Epilogues. If you write a strong ending to a story some authors and editors may say an Epilogue isn't needed. An Eplilogue takes place outside the main story and most of the time is after time has elapsed at the end of a story such as a few months later to even several year later. A good Epilogue should add to bring more closure to a story when needed, often time more often used in historical novels. It is not another enhanced ending but should satisfy readers further. An Epilogue may serve to further tidy up a story. To enhance by adding things not resolved for the reader in the main story. Often an epilogue may be added to give a hint at how things went after the end of the story. The Epilogue needs to be needed to finalize details. Your story should stand alone without it and it's only purpose is too enhance details of the future. It is OK to leave some things open to the readers imagination and not have an Epilogue. it is important to end your story well instead of worrying about setting up a sequel to the story. Yes you may want to hint at a future story but make your ending clear before you worry about showing your readers the details or hints of what is to come. So an epilogue is best when For closure For happily ever after For introducing a sequel Just make sure that when writing a prologue and or epilogue that they are truly needed and written tight and to the point.

Sunday, March 13, 2022

Interview with an Editor!! Welcome Nicole D'Arienzo from The Wild Rose Press.

Repeating a previous post as a reminder of things from the editor's side of things!


Welcome to Nicole D’Arienzo, senior historical editor for The Wild Rose Press! So glad you could take some time out to answer these questions and tell us about the life of an editor.

So first tell us about you and how you got into editing?
 Hmmm …I honestly don’t remember. I had a lot of positive feedback from judging contests and a lot of really nice thank you notes telling me that the way I explained things made sense for the first time, or they appreciated my gentle touch in making suggestions.  When TWRP was just starting out and looking for editors, it seemed like a good fit.  It just sort of fell into place.  Of course, it helps when your sister is the co-owner of the company and you are the only person she knows who knows anything about historical romance LOL.  I honestly only came on board to help set things up and get the department going.  I fully intended to return my focus to my own writing.  It’s been twelve years and I’ve yet to do that!
Do you write as well? (We can post your books covers and links if you want? Your choice whether or not you want to answer this one.)
Yes. I write as Nicole McCaffrey and am published with TWRP. I don’t get much time to work on my own writing these days, but I have five books out with them. 
Tell us why you enjoy editing historical stories and do you edit other genres?
I have edited—and still do edit-- other genres, but I have always been a student of history, have always been fascinated by the way the past shapes the future.  And who doesn’t love the romantic image of the Old South, the adventure of the Old West, or those elegant Lords and Ladies of the Ton?  That’s my kind of escape from the busy lives we all lead.
What do your editing duties with The Wild Rose Press encompass? (What is the typical day in the life of an editor?)
Once I land at my desk for the day there are emails to answer, of course.  New queries to be reviewed and assigned, contract requests from the editors who work with me to review and approve (or not ðŸ˜Š ), and then there are emails from the authors I work with, returned edits, or blurb changes, etc.  And somewhere in there I still need to edit! LOL.  I’ve gotten very good at compartmentalizing my day, certain times to answer emails, certain times to edit, and so on. Otherwise, my head would be spinning. 
What are the three tops things you look for in a query letter?
As I’m reading a query, three questions are going through my mind:
1) How serious about writing, are you? This goes hand in hand with number two, but I’m looking for things like: published elsewhere, even if it’s self-published (that tells me you can finish a story—not every author can), how long you’ve been writing, etc.
2) What, if any, are your professional affiliations? (i.e., RWA, or other writing organizations. These aren’t necessary in order to be published with us, but if you belong to a group like this, chances are you are a step ahead of some of the other authors in my query inbox on any given morning. J )
3) Can you write? Yes, I am going to look at those sample pages we request and see what you can do!
Simply put, a professional query that follows our submission guidelines and contains minimal punctuation or typing errors is always a breath of fresh air. 
How many stories do you edit per month?
It varies.  Some months I schedule more projects than others. It all depends on the way things fall, if I have a lot of things wrapping up (i.e. galley stage, or near galley stage) I won’t schedule quite so much because I know I will need time to finalize those.  And sometimes authors return their edits later than planned, which necessitates moving things around in my schedule again, or I’m asked to work on a special project that I have to squeeze in somewhere.  So there really is no way to give it a set number. 
What are some of the things you look for right off to know a story is one you are interested in contracting 
That’s actually a two-part answer.  First of all, I’m looking for the basic writing mechanics—good control of viewpoint, active versus passive writing, showing rather than telling. Seeing that definitely gets my attention. 
But that’s not a guarantee the story won’t fall apart halfway through or that the hero or heroine won’t be so unlikeable our preliminary readers can’t relate to them or that the conflict doesn’t end in chapter four and the rest of the story is just filler.  We see these things all the time. 
Basically, if the storytelling is great, I can work with the author on cleaning up the mechanics.  But if the mechanics are solid and they still can’t create characters or a story readers will care about, I’m not sure I can help with that.
So what are some of your pet peeves when reading a manuscript? Well since I’m a historical editor, I have to admit I hate it when authors try to get by without researching. For some reason, they think if they skimp on details or are vague with descriptions, we won’t be able to tell they didn’t research adequately.  But it always shows.  I’m not saying you must go into full detail over every teeny tiny thing, but if you haven’t done your research… trust me, we can tell. 
What is the hardest thing about being an editor?
Probably when you have tried repeatedly to explain something to an author, like viewpoint or active writing and they ignore what you’ve said and continue to write the way they always have.  Sometimes they just don’t understand what it is you’re trying to help them learn. You want them to succeed, you want their “good” story to be “great”. But sometimes it just doesn’t happen.
What is the best thing about being an editor? 
The relationships I’ve developed with my authors over the years.    It’s wonderful to see their writing grow and change with each book and to see their confidence grow. Some authors I have more personal contact with than others, they share news about college graduations, weddings, the birth of a grandchild.  It’s wonderful to share those moments with them, even if only via Facebook or email.  After twelve years of this, we’ve been through a lot with some of our authors!
What advice would you have for seasoned authors submitting to The Wild Rose Press?
Take time to learn from your edits.  If the edits in your last MS focused a lot on cleaning up passive writing or showing rather than telling, please make sure you’ve addressed that in your current MS before you submit.  I think there is a school of thought that “my editor will fix it” or that it needs to be submitted right away so you can get the ball rolling toward the next release.  In truth, the process goes much faster when you submit your cleanest possible work, it can be the difference between needing only one round of edits.  Or several. So, if your editor is giving you the same edits time after time with every story it’s probably a sign that you need to brush up on those areas.  And you will undoubtedly make her entire week if you address them in your next MS before submitting LOL. 
What advice can you give to aspiring writers?
A couple of things. First, take the time to make a good first impression when submitting.  Be polite, be courteous and make sure you have checked our submission guidelines and followed them to the letter.  I’m amazed sometimes by the number of queries that lack the necessary details we require (detailed synopsis and first five pages of the MS.)  We see a lot of submissions from retirees and new writers and I must say, starting your email with “my son is sending this from his email account because I’m not so good with computers…” is probably not the best way to get my attention.  If you’re submitting to an electronic publisher, it’s probably best to brush up on your computer skills first. 
Second. Take your time.  Writing is a process we learn by doing, but it’s not something you can learn overnight.  The biggest mistake I see from new authors is being over eager.  We’ll send a nice rejection letting them know what they need to work on if they want to be published by TWRP, including links to articles, books on craft, etc. only to have the manuscript resubmitted in a matter of days, sometimes less than 24 hours. I can’t think of too many instances in the past twelve years where someone resubmitted a manuscript that fast and actually focused on everything they needed to. Rushing usually leads to a second rejection and, depending on how well the author did with the revisions, we may not ask to see it again. I promise, there is no expiration date on revising your manuscript after a rejection.  Take the time to be thorough.  The goal, after all, is not simply to be published, but to write a story readers will love.   

Tuesday, March 8, 2022

Deuces Wyld coming soon! April 13th is release day!!!


    She narrowed her gaze and whispered. “You're a starin’ at me like ya’ did when you kissed me, Gambler.  You about to do that again?”  
    He found her abrupt. “Would you want me to?”  
    She sipped lemonade and set the glass back on the crate. “I liked it all right, but it made my lips tingle  and…” She went on, her cheeks flushing pink. “Did  you like it…when you did it to me, cause I ain’t ever  been kissed a ‘fore you?”  
    “I liked it very much.” He leaned in taking a small kiss across her tender lips and then nipped a second.  “You smell like that lilac perfume Laurel brought to  you.” 
    “You want me to open up my mouth, Gambler?” She left her lips partially open.  
    Well, she could change the mood real fast. He held up a finger and smiled anyway. “Not supposed to ask.  Let me show you what I mean. Lay back.”  
    “You ain't gonna try to poke me are you,  Gambler?” Her mouth dropped open.  
    He fell to his back beside her, defeated. This woman was gonna take a lot of fine-tuning. 




 

Sunday, March 6, 2022

How writing Scenes instead of chapters can help you write faster

 


So what is the difference between a chapter verses a scene? Some authors make a scene a chapter and some chapters can have multiple scenes.

Everyone has their own style of writing, plotting out every detail or just grabbing a laptop and tossing an idea on the page. There is no right way but learning to write scenes can help you pull your story together faster and help to save the slow middle everyone has to refine. 

Scenes are Mini-happenings that link the story. Scenes have a beginning and middle and end. 

Chapters are clear large happenings which move the story forward and allowed for giving the reader order within the story.

One scene might actually complete a chapter while another chapter might have several scenes. 

I always say and I more a panster than a plotter but that isn't always the truth. I plot out a bit of my story in my head but I have never written a story in order. I know things that will happen and so often enough I write various scenes that I see occurring and later I add them to my WIP. (Work in Progress)

Once added to my WIP I might have to do several things. Once might be that I need to add another scene to connect the current scene into the story to make sure it is connected and what is happening flows. Other times I add the scene and then fluff more of what is happening and a short scene might grow into a full chapter by the time I am done. And lastly I may add rhe scene and realize while I love it...the story doesn't need it. (But I do save these scene in another file so I can keep them if they are not needed.)

It's important when merging scenes that they fit where they have the most impact. Scenes have to fall into the pacing of the story and character arc to make an impact which moves your story forward. 

A lot of times my stories are written in scenes with only scene breaks in between and no chapter headings. Once I have a rough draft I go back and decide how many scenes make each chapter as I work through the story Once more.

Writing in scenes can make a better flushed out story. Meaning scenes can be shorter and tighter...less word count and getting to the point. Thus a cleaner story when you finally have a first draft. This can make editing a bit easier. As you pull together scenes then you can focus on good chapter beginning and how a chapter ends...to make that reader keep reading and turn that page. 

When writing a scene it needs to bring a change or offer a push ahead on the story...not just be stuck there for filler. Something has ro change for the scene to be vital to the story. 

A scene should not be long descriptions of scenery and setting. And it shouldn't just be an idle scene of characters sitting around with no purpose. It shouldn't be random happenings that do not add to the story. And as we always know not to dump backstop or big info dumps...scenes should not do this either. 

Scenes need to add an active turning point. Something needs to happen to add conflict or cause a change for a character or for the overall story. A scene should provide a turning point at times...the character learns something new or realizes something important. Again something should change that impacts the story and reader. 

So whether you are a plotter or panster or write your story in order or not, you may benefit from writing strong scenes verses long chapters. Give it a try...

Remember to identify your scenes purpose. When and where does the scene take place and who is in the scene. Get quickly to the why this scene is needed. What is discovered? What changes? And does it push your story forward?