Writer's Tip #12

I'm starting to run out of ways to say hi. Does anyone have any suggestions?

Anyway, hope all my readers are doing well. No news from SHP, so you know what that means. It's a Writer's Tip!

When it comes to signing contracts, whether with an agent or a publishing company, DO read the fine print. You don't want to sign a contract and find yourself stuck in an agreement with no way out. Not that I know of this. When I got the contract with Leticia and Spencer Hill Press, I read over it, but I also sent my mother and father a copy so they could look over it as well. To me, it looked like an ordinary contract, but with their intervention they helped me understand it better than I first did with stuff like pay rate and publishing rights and who owned what and who had right of property and stuff. So if you ever get to the point when your writing getting published and you need to sign something, read over it and don't be afraid to ask questions or other for advice.

Weekly (Dis)Likes:

Like 1: 'The Lightning Strikes' by Snow Patrol. Long song, but it is so good, the first part especially. Want to listen to it over and over.

Like 2: Got the rough draft of my Art History II mid term paper done. Will fix it up once the teacher sends feedback back, and that'll be one less final to worry about.

Like 3: Naps. Do I have to explain this one?

Like 4: Snow. So white and fluffy. Wish I could play in it, but don't have the time or the snow pants.

Dislike 1: cutting my fingers up. We're doing relief prints in Printmaking now, and I've cut my fingers a couple of times. Nothing bad, but still hurts.

And quote.

"What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal." – Albert Pike

Bye bye,
Colleen

Agent News

Good day, mates! How are you? Hope every had a happy Valentine's Day.

Not much happening, again. I haven't received any news back about SA or to anything pertaining it, but my fabulous agent Leticia Gomez is doing pretty well:

"I am pleased to announce that I recently formed a joint venture with top CEO and Executive branding firm Ascendant Group (www.ascendantgroupbranding.com) to offer an even greater level of support to aspiring authors.

In partnership with Ascendant, Savvy Literary now offers not only representation but expert help for authors still looking to develop their idea, increase their platform, or have a professional book proposal developed for them. As the newly appointed Director of Ascendant Publishing in association with CEO of Ascendant Group, Raoul Davis, one of the best brand marketing experts in the country, together, we are able to provide exceptional brand marketing, publishing consultant, and literary representation services guaranteed to increase an aspiring author's platform via national media, social media, and other vehicles that drive the decisions for so many of the best publishers."

Good for her. Leticia is a nice lady, and she deserved something like this with all the hard work she does for me and her other clients. Who knows? Maybe this new business deal will help out the other book manuscripts I'll send in to Leticia. :)

Weekly (Dis)Likes:

Like 1: Tumblr. I have recently discovered it, and I LOVE it!

Like 2: The Valentine's Day ecard my mom sent me. Cupid chimpanzee!

Like 3: Deciding my classes for next term. Met with my advisor and talked it over. I'll tell you what's what when it's certain.

Dislike 1: My art analysis paper. It's not due until the end of term, but I feel like it's a ghost haunting me.

And quote!

Life asked Death, "Why do people love me but hate you?" Death responded, "Because you are the Beautiful Lie and I am the Painful Truth.” -Neil Gaiman

Bye,
Colleen

New Interview Time

Hi kiddies!
I'm late, and I'm sorry. Blame the midterm paper I had to write for my Art History class. But now it's done, and I can talk to you all again.

Anyway, I have a little news to share. Remember Megan McDade and how I did an interview for her blog Reading Away the Days? It was supposed to be posted on January 17th, but it wasn't, and I recently found out why. Apparently she was gone from her computer for a long period of time, but now she's back and ready to post. It'll be up February 27th here http://readingawaythedays.blogspot.com, so check it out when it's up.


Other than that, not much else. Anyone got any ideas for swag items? I'm still having a hard time coming up with stuff.

Weekly (Dis)Likes:

Like 1: got a B+ on my Art History midterm test (yes, on top of the paper there was also a test).

Like 2: the printing project I'm doing for my Printmaking class. Basically a giant wooden puzzle that we paint different colors and press.

Like 3: finishing my Art History midterm paper.

Like 4: the current poem I'm working on.

Like 5: no class on Friday.

And quote!

--> "I can only promise you two things. One, I will always look this good. And two, I will never give up on you. Ever." -Hellboy, Hellboy

Bye,
Colleen

Update

Hello readers (and I'm starting to run out of creative greetings). So it's a couple of days; blame my Art History exam which I needed to study for. Took that today, though, so I'm free now!

Got writing news this time! It's nothing too big. Basically Rich the editor saying how he's been busy with other Spencer Hill Press work, but SA is going along fine. He also reported that he sent the book's current draft to their foreign/film rights person: I do not know what that means exactly, but I think it's basically seeing if other countries want to publish it or make it into a movie. Rich also talked about SA swag - promotion items for the book, like pocket mirrors and guitar picks - and how we need to start thinking about that. I know I what to do bookmarks, but other than that, I don't know what object to make. I do know I want to incorporate an ivy leaf motif, and I've ask Rich for item suggestions, so hopefully this will all work out.

And Weekly (Dis)Likes!

Like 1: getting my midterm out of the way. Freedom!

Like 2: the Art department trip. Had a lot of fun at the Art Institute. Did my painting analysis for Art history, saw good art, browsed shops and city-walked. A much needed break.

Dislike 1: taking my midterm. Like I need to explain that.

And Weekly Quote!

"Fall seven times, stand up eight."
-Japanese proverb

Cheers,

Colleen