Thoughts on Plagiarism

With all the hype going around about JK Rowling and plagiarism, I thought I'd write a quick note. I hope every author knows that while exact words and the work as a whole are copyrightable, ideas are not. I don't know anything about Rowling's situation, but I will say whenever someone claims plagiarism, I'm quite skeptical. I believe ideas are just floating around in the air, waiting for someone to snatch onto them. Case in point: 

A few years ago, while I was going through a lengthy submission process for MISSING, I came across a blog where commenters were given the opportunity to submit a book idea to the blog owner. I decided to look over those comments and discovered that someone I didn't know had written out an idea for a book that was very similar to MISSING. So similar, in fact, that the main characters had the same names--though different spellings. I was shocked, to say the least, concerned that maybe someone had already heard about MISSING and was using it, and worried enough that someone might think I'd actually stolen their idea, I changed the name of one of my main characters. To this day, I fear that whoever wrote that comment has heard of MISSING and is angry with me. And yet I had no connection with them or their "idea." It was actually about five years (or more) between the time I began writing MISSING and the day it was published.

Let me reiterate. Ideas are not copyrightable. Neither are they exclusive to one person. So, as soon as that great idea comes to you, use it. Don't wait. If you do, someone else is bound to grab it's twin or sextuplet out of the sky and cash it in.

School Visits and an Answered Question

I've been busy doing one of the things I really love, and that's visiting schools and teaching students about writing and "My Path to Publication." It takes a lot of energy to speak to about 100 students every class hour all day, but like I said, I really enjoy it.

As part of my presentation, I have a question and answer session. It's no surprise that the students are very curious about how to get published as well as what happens after you've had a book accepted. Because that has been so interesting to them, I thought you, too, may benefit from a bit of the information I've given them.

In my experience and from everything I've heard from other authors, once you contract with a publisher to publish your book, it becomes a product to them that they want to sell. Since the cover and title are a big part of their marketing plan, the publisher has all control over them. The good news, though, is publishers usually hire knowledgeable people to come up with titles and covers they believe will best sell your book. While this might seem a bit hard to swallow, the good news is I have never been disappointed with my publisher's choices, both in my magazine articles and with MISSING. True, a few changes took me a bit of time getting used to, but overall, my experience has been a good one and I've learned to trust my publishers' marketing departments.

So, a bit of advice. While you're looking at which publishers to submit your books to, look at their current books and see if you like their covers and titles, because once your book is published, it will likely keep both for a long time to come.

One more good thing! I do get to keep my title to my second novel, TRAPPED, which will be published later this year. I'm definitely excited about that, because I have always liked this title.

I've Joined Another Writing Group

Guess what? Thanks to fellow writer Joyce DiPastena, I've found and joined a "G-rated, Romance Writing Group! I'm so excited because it has been sooo hard to find both authors and publishers outside the LDS market who write/publish romance that isn't embarrassing to read. It's called the Sweetest Romance Authors, and our blog is located here and at the button in my sidebar. If you like clean, yet exciting stories that are rich with real romance, you really ought to check it out, and keep checking it out, because our list of published titles is quickly growing. You can bet my LDS novel, MISSING, will be among them. Grin.

How to Make Your Book a Bestseller Seminar

Earlier this week, I signed up for a free, one-and-a-half to two-hour teleseminar on how to make almost any book a bestseller in 38 days. Since my book, Missing, will come out within the next few months, I thought it would be well worth my while to check into it. It takes place in about an hour from now. All I have to do is call in and listen. My only cost is the telephone bill, and since we already have free long distance within the US, even that cost is a wash. Tomorrow, I'll let you know how it went and a little bit about what I learned. Deal?

MISSING update

I have now learned from my editor that they have accepted my revisions. Whew! My next waiting hurdle: when will it be published?

Still Trying to Catch Up

Now that I've resubmitted Missing to my publisher and am again in the waiting for their response mode, I'm trying to catch up on other writing assignments. Two months ago, my editor at yourLDSneighborhood.com requested I write a specific article for the newsletter. I told her I'd do it, but since the subject was not a "pressing" issue (as she'd already informed me), I requested a couple of months because I was swamped with my book. She acquiesced, and now, two months later, I've finally written and submitted that article. Whew! Another "To Do" wiped off the list. Grin.

I've Submitted my Revisions

As you know, I've been a bit absent in the blogging arena because I've been furiously rewriting my novel, Missing, per my editor's concerns. I sent it to her on Wednesday night (actually Thursday morning) at 1:00 a.m. My goal had been to submit it that day, so I stayed up until I completed it. Yay! I'm now waiting for her and her co-worker's responses. So far, they've mentioned they like my "new" beginning, which is actually a prologue I'd previously edited out of my book, so I hope that's a good sign. This will be my 4th full rewrite of this novel. I guess I should expect stuff like this since this is the book I've "learned" on, but let me tell ya, I've been over the same story and the same words so many times I'm not sure I can see it subjectively anymore. One bit of writing advice I've heard over the years is that you should work and rework your novel until you've done everything you know to do, and you're sick of it. I've been at that point a few times now. I guess we'll see what happens.

As far as my second book goes, I've finally completed the final chapter. It is a romantic-suspense novel, like Missing, but also includes a hint of fantasy. Everyone who knows anything about this book loves it. Hopefully, once I find a publisher, etc., you will, too.

I know I still have some scenes to adjust, some details to include, and some overall editing to do, but I'm grateful to be at this point. My next goal for it is to begin drumming up interest in it through contests, etc., while I edit. So, back to writing.

I've Been Blindsided!

Last weekend, my editor sent me half of the "final" edits of Missing to look over while she worked on the other half in preparation for it to go to press this weekend, but somewhere between then and now, she decided there were several elements to my story that she'd like revised. I now don't know when my book will be ready for publication. I'll let you know as I learn more. Meanwhile, back to the revising board!

An Interview with Josi Kilpack about the Teen Writer's Conference

RONDA: Tell us a little bit about yourself.

JOSI: I’m a mother of four, ages 15-7, and an author of 9 novels, with a tenth coming out in August. I have been a member of multiple writing groups, large and small, and a committee member and former conference chair for numerous writer’s conferences. In addition, I’m a frequent presenter to schools and groups, a fabulous cook (if I do say so myself) and amateur chicken farmer.

RONDA: You are the conference chairperson for an upcoming writers' conference for kids. Please tell us about the purpose of the conference.

JOSI: Several of the committee members and myself have been involved with putting together writing conferences for several years. We started small and have grown until our most recent conference had well over 250 attendants. Over the years, we have had some teenagers attend our conference, and while they have enjoyed the experience, it seems to also be a bit overwhelming to walk into a two day, morning to night information-fest. So, we began discussing the idea of having a conference where the format, classes, and overall environment is created specifically to give youth, ages 13-19, the best overall introduction to writing conferences as well as instruction that will be most helpful to where they are now on their journey of being a writer. From there we started throwing out ideas and it really just rolled all together until we have this; THE Teen Writer’s Conference.

RONDA: What is your purpose for the conference? What do you hope the teens who come discover?

JOSI: Our hope is that the attendees will discover a lot of things: 1) They are not the only kids that write, 2) Whatever goals or ambitions they might have in regard to becoming a writer are within reach, and 3) It takes knowledge and time and concerted effort to accomplish those goals. Those of us on the committee, all of us being writers ourselves, have spent years honing our craft and are excited to help set these kids on that same path—perhaps earlier than we ever started.

RONDA: What kind of classes will you be offering?

JOSI: We will have classes that focus on actual elements of writing, as well as classes on book markets, the publishing process, and what attendees can do now to best prepare themselves for a future in writing. We have a variety of classes which will appeal to both new and experienced writers.

RONDA: What if a teen would like to come, but is really shy? Will there be anything that will put him or her at unease?

JOSI: Our entire focus and reason for putting this conference together is to create a comfortable place for young writers to come, learn, and flourish. We have been and will continue to put their comfort as our first priority, because we know if they are intimidated and anxious, they will not benefit from this experience. However, we also expect them to be ready for this experience. Each youth, along with their parents, will need to determine if they are ready to be a part of this. Not all teen writers will be, and that’s okay. We hope to make this an annual event, so if this year won’t work, then perhaps by next year they will be ready.

RONDA: What is your overall goal for every youth that attends the Teen Writers' Conference?

JOSI: That they leave encouraged and inspired to do their best, to hone their craft, and to truly reach for the stars in regard to their writing and their life. We also hope they will make friends with one another and feel a sense of community among other writers their own age.

RONDA: How were you able to get such excellent editors and famous writers to attend?

JOSI: Well, in all humility I have to admit that they are my friends—my very good friends. We are like-minded people that saw a common goal and made it happen. I admire each and every person on this committee, and understand the sacrifice they each make to be a part of this. We are joined in this purpose as well as in our passion for great writing. I am blessed to rub shoulders with some of the best writer’s out there and the attendees get to benefit from that gift in my life.

RONDA: When is it and how do teens register?

JOSI: Registration is open for another 4 weeks. To register, attendees need to go to the website http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ and print off the registration form. Those attendees under the age of 17 will need parental permission to attend; then they will mail the completed registration, along with payment, to the address printed on the page. They and their parent will receive a welcome e-mail upon receipt of their registration as well as updates as the conference gets closer. Updates will also be posted on the website.

RONDA: Finally, this conference is for 13 to 19 year olds. Why that age group?

JOSI: We discussed this issue at length, and then simply decided since it was a TEEN conference, we would make it open to TEENS only. We feel that having them among their peers will help them relax and yet be willing to ask questions, meet other kids, and focus on the instruction we’re providing. For the older attendees, this will likely be a kind of introduction to adult-focused writer’s conferences, showing them what to expect and how the typical conference is organized. For the younger attendees, we hope they will come back year after year and continue learning about what they can do in the future.

RONDA: Any other information you'd like to share?

JOSI: We’ve had some parents express concern in regard to leaving their children at the conference without them. Again, this conference isn’t right for all teens, or all parents, but we do ask that parents consider the value of letting their children experience the independent nature of this conference. As a committee, we are dedicated to their safety and comfort; they will come to no harm while attending. And while we ask that parents stay clear of the conference rooms, there are many places on campus that are great for reading or getting some other work done if they worry about going too far away. We will also allow attendees to keep cell-phones on silent throughout the conference so that parents are only a phone call. For those attendees without cell-phones, they are welcome to use a committee members phone at any time.

RONDA: Where can people go to find more information, and especially to learn about the writing contest made available just for those who attend?

JOSI: http://www.teenwritersconference.com/ has all the details of the conference, contest, venue, etc. If something is not answered, there are e-mail links that will send you to us so we can give you the details you are looking for.

RONDA: Thank you very much, Josi. This sounds like an event teen writers won't want to miss.

My Book--Publication and Signings

Within the last few days, I not only received another, slightly modified copy of the contract from my publisher to peruse, but I also learned that Missing is scheduled to be published in June. Yay! We also discussed some of the ins and outs about scheduling book signings, so now I'm busily trying to finish the first draft of my current book, TRAPPED, before this weekend's Storymaker's conference; working on promotion ideas; and putting together the front and back matter pages, like dedications, acknowledgements, blurbs, and bio info. It's busy, busy, and I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed; but it's an exciting overwhelmed. This is a place I've wanted to be for, well, since I was twelve years old. I won't say how many years ago that was.

MISSING latest updates

Throughout my blurb gathering process, I've learned there were a few places in my book I wanted to tweak; so after talking with my editor, Linda Prince, about what worked best with her editing schedule--to revise it now and send it to her or to wait until she edited it so I could fix it all at once--I spent a lot of hours, including most of an entire day, last week going through my book again and editing some of the grammar and tweaking some of the scenes. I'm much more "at peace" with it now.

Meanwhile . . . I'm trying to move my thoughts back to my second novel. I only have a couple of chapters left to write of my first draft, and I really want it completed before I attend the Storymakers Conference on the 24th-25th. While it's kind of hard to switch my focus from MISSING's main character, Stacie Cox, to my new book's main character, Emi Warrin, I'm finding it's not quite as hard as I'd expected. A good thing.

My Book Title and More

Throughout the past few days, I've been in contact with my editor, Linda Prince, at Leatherwood Press. She's let me know my book will be titled MISSING, and they intend to publish it this summer--the date is yet to be determined. We've also been discussing marketing opportunities--signings at a certain store chain--throughout the summer. I'm hesitant to give any more details than that before they're set in stone, but it's looking pretty good. I've also published my website. It's still a work in progress, but there is still some good information there, including a chapter I omitted from the final book. It's an event that takes place several years before MISSING does, but it deeply affects my main character, Stacie Cox, throughout the book. You can find that chapter on the "Behind Missing" tab.

Book Publishing Update

I received a request today for more updates on the publishing process for my book, so while not much has changed recently, I will mention that I am still working on my website and still gathering blurbs. So far, this is the progress:

Website: Slowly but surely, my website is coming together. Since I haven't previously learned how to build a website, I've been doing a fair amount of research over the internet on that process, and as a result, I've changed the format, the template, the navigation process, my photos, and my bio several times, and my guess is I will probably change it more. So, if you fellow writers think you've made it past the revision stage once you've had your manuscript accepted--and even after the galleys are proofed--think again! Revision, like growth in all areas of our lives, seems to be the name of the publishing game.

Blurbs: To this point, I've received them from five readers and I have more coming. Their praise for my book has been very positive, and while I'm finding a great deal of joy in knowing others have appreciated my work, I'm also letting their praise push me to do better with my current WIP.

Which reminds me. Yes, I'm already working on marketing my book even though I don't yet have a definite title or a publishing date; but I'm also moving forward with the first draft of my "quickly-approaching-the-finale," second novel. It, too, is romantic suspense, and I can hardly wait to see how the whole thing finally comes together! JK. I really do know. It's only the romantic, dangerous, sacrificing details I can't wait to discover!

Book Publishing Update

Well, I think we're getting close to choosing a new title for my book. I won't say what it is until I know for sure, but the name on the table sounds promising. Meanwhile, besides working on my work-in-progress, I've spent time working on my website and gathering marketing ideas. My website will be rondahinrichsen.com. I haven't got it up and running yet, because I keep changing my mind on how I want it to look. Besides that, I'm wanting to know more about the title of my book and when it'll be published before I put it out there. You know, I'm starting to see why "site under construction" takes so long sometimes.

Publishing Update

Well, I've seen the contract and it looks pretty good. It was a template--not the "real thing" yet--so I haven't signed it, but still I'm gratified in knowing the process is moving forward. Also, my editor said she wanted me to "come and talk about promotion and marketing" in a few weeks; so besides sending her a few other title ideas, I've begun gathering promotion ideas that I've studied/researched over the years. Two of the books I've studied might also be helpful to you. They are "How to Get Happily Published" and "1001 Ways to Market Your Books." Of course, I've also attended and kept the information from marketing classes at writer's conferences I've attended during the past years.
And now I'm using them.

My Book to Be Published!

It's finally happened. Two days ago, a publisher offered to publish Flip-Flop. THIS YEAR! This title will change, however, which I don't mind because they've had some of the same concerns about the title that I've had.

The biggest concern, to me, was the fact that "Flip-Flop" seemed too lighthearted for the suspenseful, romantic book that it is. I've suggested my other favorite title, Distraction (I think I referred to it under this name in an earlier post), but I'll just have to wait and see what the publisher says.

Now, as far as the publisher goes, I think I'll keep who it is a secret for now because I haven't yet signed a contract with them. Be sure to check back, though. I'll most definitely reveal their name when that time comes.

And by the way, during the coming months, I'll also post my steps to publication here for you. In doing so, I'm hoping it will help you, my readers, be a bit more prepared when your book publishing opportunity rears its grateful head.

Happy writing and publishing!

LDS Publisher: Is LDS Fiction a Genre?

I asked LDS Publisher my question from my last post, and "her" helpful answer, along with several good comments are found here:

LDS Publisher: Is LDS Fiction a Genre?

A Block of Promotion

Okay, okay, I know I haven't written for a while. All I can say is I've been trying not to spread myself too thin over the Christmas holiday. In my defense, however, that is exactly (well, almost exactly) one of the bits of advice John Kremer gives in his book, "1001 Ways to Market Your Books."

Yes, I stretched Kremer's meaning just a little, but what he really meant to say was publishers and authors need to focus their efforts on a few, worthwhile marketing strategies before adding more because overloading tends to dilute effectiveness, not increase it. Good advice, I think, in all of our priorities (even Christmas!).

There are many other Kremer tips I especially like, too. A few are (these are not in any particular order):

1. Give your buyers the best you have, plus more. I know I've never regretted giving more to anyone (except the bank, of course); but I have regretted those times I knowingly held back. An example of giving more, is to offer something free, like a bookmark or a small flyer about the subject.
2. Work with your editors on marketing. As I said in my previous post, "Editors are People, Too," editors are people, who, just like us, are trying to do a tough job the best way they can. They may even have a lofty goal--a dream book they're hoping to bring to the world--just like we do. BUT they also have valuable experience and a good understanding of the market, so yes, share your marketing ideas with them, but above all, respect and trust their advice.
3. Let your editors know about your experience, associations, and expertise. These can provide valuable promotional avenues that can not be explored if the editor doesn't know about them.
4. Spend at least ten minutes every day promoting/publicizing your book; i.e., making contacts, sending post cards/flyers, making follow-up calls, etc.
5. Last but NOT least, remember "Word of Mouth." It's our biggest promoter, so actively look for ways to get the word out about your book.

As I said, these are just a few of Kremer's marketing tips, there were "1001," after all, but I believe they are among the most important ones to keep in mind, no matter what other strategies we use.

So, what block of advice can you add?

Editors are People, Too

Several years ago, I wrote a profile piece for "Guideposts for Kids." To make a long story short, the photography session they'd set up for aquiring the photo they needed for the publication fell through, and the magazine's art director called me and asked if I could take a picture for them. I agreed, but since I am in no way a photographer, I asked if he would tell me exactly what he wanted while I recorded it on my phone--just so I wouldn't make any mistakes.

To my surprise, he cleared his throat, and haltingly said, "Uh, I, uh, I have a cold."

From that experience, I learned editors REALLY are people. Like me, they have difficult, yet hopefully fun, jobs to do; and yet they also have insecurities. The only problem is they happen to hold the fruit of my dreams in their hands. But still, knowing they're people helps me navigate the publishing maze.

You know, in many ways, it's like working with a well-meaning but not all-knowing building contractor. Most of the time he's correct and knows exactly what he's doing, but not always. Sometimes a laundry drain doesn't work right or a wall isn't perfectly square. And sometimes an editor rejects us. But, hey, he's (or she's) only human. They make mistakes, too. I just hope I can tell the difference between a mistake and an opportunity to correct--or rebuild, as the case may be.