WEbook Blog: A Writer's Resource

Can You Juggle?

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I won’t be self-indulgent enough to claim that I'm already some expert on having a career in writing. I am, however, someone who has been suddenly (and awesomely) thrust into the position of leading a double life.

I have my one life, in which I teach 6th grade English and Reading in my mid-size Louisiana city of Shreveport. And then I have my second life, wherein I am traveling to and taking phone calls from New York, editing my manuscript in coffee shops, and social-networking to help build up a fan base.

So far, I haven’t noticed my “day job” of teaching being greatly affected by my writing life. I will say, however, that I have started to find it hard to focus the attention (I think) I need to writing. Being a writer has changed for me with all of these recent revelations. For one, I am no longer a lone writer, hoping desperately to be read by someone, ANYONE, someday. I am, instead, a writer whose debut will be on sale in less than a year. I am also someone who has only been able to work on his second novel enough to scrounge up about sixteen pages. This is the part that is worrisome.

I have the great fortune of having a job that allows me some amazing vacation time, though. I am about to be off work for nearly three months and I hope, between road trips and sleeping way too late for my age, to finish my second novel and start the process of editing it as well. But, for those of you who don’t have the luxury (and there are few things about teaching I’d call luxuries) of extended vacations, I find myself wondering (and standing in awe of) how you manage to juggle your two lives?

So, to change things up a bit, I’d like to ask you to share any tips, stories, etc., you may have that might provide some insights to all of us WeBookers who sometimes find it difficult to reconcile what we HAVE to do with what we WANT to do.

Happy Juggling,

--Corey

Don’t Fence Me In

 I’ll be honest, I never considered my novel to be Young Adult fiction.  It’s just one of those things that never occurred to me while I was writing. The only category I cared to put it in was “literary fiction” and “coming-of-age.” But, thinking back, I should have realized that a novel written (mostly) from the perspective of a seventeen year old would likely be viewed as YA.  

I say this is to let you in on a little secret: I spent upwards of three years trying to gain the attention of the wrong literary agents.  It wasn’t until I stumbled upon AgentInbox that I began submitting my novel to agents specifically representing YA novels. 

When Ken Wright, my agent, first told me he was submitting my manuscript to YA editors, I was a bit shocked. He told me, however, that it was “literary YA,” which made me feel better. In recent months, I’ve become accustomed to my new moniker of “Young Adult Author,” and it’s made me realize that, for the most part, I’ve always had a preoccupation with this area of literature.  

In fact, the novels that I have enjoyed the most all seem to have one thing in common: they’re all Young Adult coming-of-age fiction. In fact, I can’t seem to remember the last book I read all the way through that didn’t fall into this category. And some of my favorite authors (J.D. Salinger, Harper Lee, William Golding, and Sherman Alexie, to name a few) have all written YA novels. 

I’m also currently reading two very YA fiction novels (Inexcusable by Chris Lynch and Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan).  

The underlying lesson for all of you searching for literary agents: it’s vital that you really know the audience for which your work has been written. If you have written a sprawling love story, then you’re probably going to want to submit to agents who represent Romance. If aliens have taken over the world in your novel, then you’re definitely going to be looking for an agent willing to take on Sci-Fi novels. And, if your narrator is a teenager who has to grow up in an impossible world, then you have written a YA novel, my friend. 

Don’t let the fear of being fenced in keep you from sharing your talent with the world. 

Also, if you’re reading any great YA right now, share the titles in the comments!

Happy WEbooking,

--Corey 

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What's in a Name?

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The epic journey of J.C. Whaley continues! This week, he's reacting to his first round of notes from his editor, which include a possible title change. If you're just arriving, go here to learn more about Corey's amazing story.

Just this last week, I received and began working on my first round of edits from my editor at Simon & Schuster. I was overwhelmed at first, but have since realized that the editorial process can be just as fun as writing the novel itself. I’m enjoying revisiting my characters’ lives and also coming up with better ways to say some of the things I stumbled over a bit on the first try. 

One issue that arose before my edits ever began concerned the title of my novel. Let me first say this: I knew there was a strong possibility that I would need to consider a title change for the book. This is due in part to two things: it is being published under a Young Adult imprint, and its current title is similar to an already-published work of fiction. And so, with much hesitation at first, I began to consider new titles for the novel that has consumed my life for going on five years. 

I will not pretend that letting go of my original title isn’t difficult. That being said, I realize that I have begun a process that serves to take my previously unknown and unnoticed work and make it accessible and appealing to a world audience. One important thing that the “title talks” have taught me is that I am now part of a team of people rooting for my novel. A few months ago, I was writing query letters and trying to get any attention I could for my book. And now, I have a team in New York figuring out the best way to get my book into the world’s hands. As I’m sure most writers can attest: this can be a lonely, often alienating career. It’s incredibly comforting (and, still, unbelievable) to know that I’m no longer alone in this effort.

So, sure the title might change (most likely, actually), but what’s it matter? The book will be the same—better even, after some cleaning up and a few added scenes—and this change could mean that so many more people stop and notice it in a bookstore or read about it online (or both!).
 
--Corey

PS: You WEbookers will be the first to know the official title. 

Corey Whaley's Romp Through NYC

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Last week, Corey made his first trip to NYC, where he met his agent, editor, and the WEbook staff! We were so excited to finally meet Corey in person. Here are his thoughts on the journey, along with some great photos. We've even included a few map markers, so you can follow along with Corey!

There are so many things I could say about my first time in New York City. I could talk about how nice and helpful New Yorkers have been or tell you how the subway really isn’t that hard to navigate, or even discuss how I’ve perfected the art of not looking like a tourist. 

But, this is a writers’ blog. So, I’ll talk about how being in New York, as a soon-to-be-published novelist, feels. 

It feels all at once overwhelming, inspiring, and oddly magical, for lack of a better term. As soon as I first set foot in the city, I felt a connection. I’ve almost made this trip many times in the past, but I’m so happy that I’ve waited until now, when I was able to see the city and be a part of its story as well. I have gotten to be that guy who comes from a small town to the big city to see his dreams unfolding before his eyes. I can’t explain how it felt to take the elevator up to my editor’s office at Simon & Schuster on 6th Avenue or what it was like to so quickly become friends (over Japanese food) with someone who has changed my life.

Then there’s my agent—Ken. I met Ken and his assistant Ty for lunch on Tuesday and it couldn’t have been any better. We talked about books, we talked about my career, and, most importantly, we just talked-like normal people.
 
In between seeing plays and wandering around famous museums and taking super-fast elevators to the top of the city, I’ve gotten to meet so many interesting, kind, and all around wonderful people.  Yesterday concluded the “business” side of my trip with a meeting at the WEBook offices, an interview with Publishers Weekly (I had to pinch myself three times), and a great lunch with my new friends from WEBook.

Last night, I met up with my old advisor from college-who now teaches at SUNY New Paltz-and we talked poetry and books and big city life, all while eating genuine New York pizza. To see his reaction to my book news was definitely one of the highlights of this entire trip. 

So, I want to end this blog here, as I sit in the café at the Metropolitan Museum of Art surrounded by beautiful sculptures and intrigued masses of people, by thanking everyone involved in getting me to this moment. I want to thank WEBook for giving an author who’d almost given up on his dream one more way to be heard. I want to thank Ken for being so enthusiastic over my writing that I was signed with a publisher in less than a month. And I want to thank my editor, Nami, for fighting for me at Simon & Schuster. 

It’s so incredibly corny and cliché to say this, but don’t ever give up on what you KNOW you were meant to be.

--Corey

Off to The Big Apple

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John Corey Whaley's journey to publication continues as he preps for his first trip to New York City! While there, he'll get to meet his agent and editor face to face for the first time, and who knows, he may even be spotted in the WEbook offices...

I decided shortly after Simon & Schuster bought my novel that I’d plan a trip to meet Ken, my agent, and Nami, my new editor. Having never been to New York, I figured there was no better way to experience it for the first time than now—when I have a valid excuse to fly across the country to mix business with pleasure (though, it’s hard to tell the difference these days).

And so, I will be setting off next Saturday to spend Spring Break (yep—I still live by the schedule of a student, being a teacher and all) in the Big Apple.  

I was thinking about what this trip really means to me as a writer. You always read about New York City and its often magical power over one’s actions, attitude, style, etc., but what is it going to mean to me—a Southern writer who mostly focuses on rural towns?

The first thing that keeps popping into my mind when I think about my trip is Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. I’m not sure I’ve shared this with anyone, but The Catcher in the Rye, is what made me want to tell the kind of stories I write. Good God Bird is heavily influenced by Salinger’s story of a troubled young man who flees to the big city to figure out his life, the world, et al. There are several references to Catcher in my own novel, given that one character in particular seems to have a fascination with it.  It may be stereotypical for a young writer to say: but I share this fascination. And, I think the fact that Salinger passed away just a few weeks ago has made the work more present in my mind. When I think about my trip, I think of Holden Caulfield standing in Central Park at the end of the novel and I realize that one of my characters, too, could one day come to mind when others have similar experiences. 

I say this all to start a conversation of sorts. I’m always interested in the type of works that inspire others to write. I actually get inspiration from many sources, including other writers, movies, television, and even National Public Radio (as with Good God Bird). 
So, what books, movies, people, animals, places, sounds, etc., inspire your writing?
I look forward to seeing what the city inspires in me…and sharing that with you all!
--Corey

To learn more about Corey's journey so far, check out his previous posts here, and stay tuned for news from NYC! To hear some more from Corey's agent, check out Ken's latest Ask the Agent post.

Corey Whaley: On the Value of Feedback

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John Corey Whaley is back and he's sharing his ongoing journey to publication. If you'd like to start at the beginning of Corey's story, check out his previous posts about writing his novel and his long search for representation.
Take it away, Corey!

Hello again WEbook,

I'd like to share share a bit more about what I learned during the writing process of Good God Bird. If I could provide other writers with just one bit of advice, it would be to seek constant feedback throughout the novel-writing process. During the two years that I worked on Good God Bird, I had a close friend (with fine-tuned editing skills and a penchant for good literature) review, critique, and provide notes on my working draft. Sometimes I would send her (Randi Anderson) a paragraph, and other times I would send her an entire chapter or two. Each time, I could expect well-thought notes and suggestions to come my way. This helped, early on, to clear up any confusion in my narrative and also gave me a great sounding board for working through new ideas. 

Writing a novel is difficult, very difficult, but asking someone else to read it and honestly point out problems or errors is nearly impossible! But, it’s essential, I think. I learned how to take criticism constructively because I asked for help from a friend. Be careful, though, not all friends make good editors. (Tip: examine a friend or family member’s bookshelf before asking him/her for help). If Dr. Seuss, genius as he was, is the only author present in someone’s home, he or she may not be the greatest authority on the written word. 

Because I was able to share ideas and work closely with someone who provided me with constant constructive criticism and feedback, I believe that the publication process over these next few months will be much easier for me to handle. Already, my agent and his staff sent me a considerable amount of suggestions (all changes were of my choosing, ultimately) and my previous experience with editing, re-writing, and sharing ideas helped to soften the blow. I was able to take a deep breath, read their notes, and venture back into the lives of characters that I hadn’t thought I’d ever meet again. I learned to look at the editing process as an adventure, wherein I get to discover new things about my characters and work to perfect their stories before the world meets them. 

Please feel free to post any and all comments below, or via twitter @corey_whaley.

Looking for a great feedback buddy? Check out some of WEbook's top reviewers, or read our previous post about starting  your own book club guide.

Ken & Corey Talk About the Path to Publication

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Hope you enjoyed the video!

Several of you have asked me about my writing process. I’ll say this much: conceiving the idea for a novel is the easy part; completing an entire manuscript can seem like a nightmare. In the video, WEbook wrote: “Two years later Good God Bird was finished…”. This doesn't  explain that it was actually four years after I came up with the original idea for the book.

My typical regimen is writing quite late at night with some form of hot caffeine nearby (coffee, Earl Grey, etc.). But the normal routine wasn't getting me anywhere. I had thrown out countless first chapters, changed narrators three or four times, and even considered turning it into a nonfiction novel at one point.

To finish my novel, I knew that I needed to be somewhere that could inspire me. So, I went camping. My parents and I have been camping in Arkansas for years and, over the span of two weeks, I wrote the bulk of Good God Bird in the middle of the night in my parents’ travel trailer.

One thing I noticed myself doing as I worked to complete my novel was imagining myself as my main character. I realize this may be a stretch for some, depending on who you are and the general plot of your novel, but I found it to be so helpful to try and think like the narrator instead of myself. I would ask myself “what would Cullen Witter do in this situation?” and it seemed to open up many doors for my story.

That summer it took me a little over a month to finish my manuscript. When I typed the last word I was in my apartment, in the middle of the night, and I remember being sad that I had no one to call…no means of celebration…no ability to shout up at the heavens that after talking about it for so long and thinking about it and obsessing over it, I had finally done it. But, looking back, I’m glad it was just my novel and me, because writing Good God Bird made me realize how personal of an experience writing really is. I genuinely mourned for my characters when I was done. I think falling in love with an idea is the first step to anyone’s writing process, and then finding whatever it is that inspires you and just going for it. You may go days or even weeks without one word, but don’t give up. If it’s the right story, you’ll somehow find a way to tell it.

--Corey

In October 2009, John Corey Whaley submitted his book Good God Bird to Agent Ken Wright through AgentInbox. He signed with Ken at the end of November. In January, Corey sold his book to Simon & Schuster. Corey is sharing his exciting path to publication, right here, in his column on the WEbook blog: Good God Bird's Flight to Publication. You can follow Corey on Twitter: @Corey_Whaley.

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Writer John Corey Whaley on Finding a Literary Agent and Getting Published

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In October, John Corey Whaley submitted his book Good God Bird
to Agent Ken Wright through AgentInbox. The last three months have been an amazing ride. Over Thanksgiving, Corey incorporated some suggested edits from Ken, and in December the book went out to editors. Just a few days after the New Year, Corey got word from Ken that Good God Bird had received its first offer. Over the next few months, Corey is going to share his exciting path to publication, right here, on this blog.  

Like many writers out there, I had almost given up hope that my novel would ever see a bookshelf other than the one in my own apartment. However, over the span of just about two and a half months, I have seen that it’s possible to go from being a completely unknown writer to a published author.

 

My story is a common one among writers: I wrote a book, I sent out query letters, I got rejection after rejection, and I sent more out.  Then, I got discouraged. I stopped sending out letters. I told friends and family that “maybe this just isn’t the right book” and “I guess I’ll just let that dream go.” Then a funny thing happened. A little over three years after typing the last sentence of my novel, I, on a whim, submitted a query letter and some sample chapters to AgentInbox (which I’d learned about through the WEbook’s newsletter).  A few days later, Ken Wright, from Writers House, asked to read my entire manuscript. He spent Sunday evening reading my novel and was on the phone with me Monday afternoon. Now, I had an agent.

And so, after some minor revisions and interest from several publishers, Simon & Schuster’s children’s imprint, Atheneum Books, has purchased the rights to my debut novel, a coming-of-age story for young adults. I am awestruck at the enthusiasm with which my novel has been met. I have also been forced to very quickly begin learning all there is to know about publishing a first novel, or any novel for that matter. So, I’m going to take you all along on this journey with me. As the next few months pass, I will be writing about my experiences with the publishing world and, hopefully, help prepare all of you, future novelists and writers, for the journey ahead. I will also be answering any and all questions you may have, so I encourage you to leave comments or follow me on Twitter (@corey_whaley).

Happy writing,
John Corey Whaley

Read more about Corey's path to publication or sign-up at WEbook today and get started on finishing your novel. Today's the day!