This weekend Liz and I were at a wedding in New Jersey?and a fun outing at that?and along the way I seem to have picked up some new fans.

In chatting up some folks, as you do, the inevitable questions get asked: Where do you live? What do you do for a living. Any kids? Etc., etc. And thus new opportunities to talk about Finders Keepers. And much to my delight, my newly revised pitch (which you?ve seen me blog about recently) garnered just the kind of reactions a writer loves to get. NamelyThis weekend Liz and I were at a wedding in New Jersey?and a fun outing at that?and along the way I seem to have picked up some new fans.

In chatting up some folks, as you do, the inevitable questions get asked: Where do you live? What do you do for a living. Any kids? Etc., etc. And thus new opportunities to talk about Finders Keepers. And much to my delight, my newly revised pitch (which you?ve seen me blog about recently) garnered just the kind of reactions a writer loves to get. Namely: whoa! Very cool. Can I read some?

Not one new fan, not two. Not even three new fans, but four.

I?ll take that any weekend.

Just goes to show that if you stick with it, despite the inevitable bumps, the good news comes, too. And yet this good weekend aside, I?ll be keeping at it, chatting people up about Finders Keepers?and sending out those query letters?hoping to gain even more fans, and hopefully sooner than later, an agent and a publishing deal.

As always, I?ll keep you posted.

About two weeks ago I was invited to an industry event through work, where Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker. I don’t want to go on a whole political crusade here, but I’ve got to say, it was truly refreshing to hear him talk about our potential both as a country and part of a worldwide community.

Bubba’s presidential scandal notwithstanding, I voted for the guy twice, and would do so again if only he were allowed to run. He’s far from perfect, but his vision for the U.S. as a global paAbout two weeks ago I was invited to an industry event through work, where Bill Clinton was the keynote speaker. I don’t want to go on a whole political crusade here, but I’ve got to say, it was truly refreshing to hear him talk about our potential both as a country and part of a worldwide community.

Bubba’s presidential scandal notwithstanding, I voted for the guy twice, and would do so again if only he were allowed to run. He’s far from perfect, but his vision for the U.S. as a global partner is such a welcome respite from the lobotomized monkey in the White House we have now that I wanted to share with you the idea that, believe it or not, there are leaders out there who are not just simply interested in bombing the crap out of someone and trying to scare the citizens of this country–and this world–into obedience.

And truth is, Clinton said that he is friends with Bush–that he likes him personally–just that they happen to disagree on just about everything. (queue laugh)

Clinton’s big message was that we (the U.S.) need more partners and fewer adversaries, and rather than taking the attitude that this administration is now–we only want to deal with you (meaning other nations) if absolutely necessary–we should be seeking them out to work with them whenever possible.

Bill Clinton again reminded me that there are big ideas with practical means of getting there, and that if we take an inclusive approach to garner support–rather than trying to bully our way through the world–we’re likely to improve our success and lay a foundation for a future that has some hope in it.

Now that TV season is coming to a close I?ve watched five big season finales, with mixed results:

[b]Lost[/b]: Holy. Crap. Wow. Completely amazing two hours of television, capping a season that was wobbly to start but just got better and better through to the end. Besides several other twists and turns, the greatest stroke of genius was having Jack?s flashback turn out to be a flash-forward. Tremendous. I can?t remember the last time so many people have been totally jazzed about a season fiNow that TV season is coming to a close I?ve watched five big season finales, with mixed results:

[b]Lost[/b]: Holy. Crap. Wow. Completely amazing two hours of television, capping a season that was wobbly to start but just got better and better through to the end. Besides several other twists and turns, the greatest stroke of genius was having Jack?s flashback turn out to be a flash-forward. Tremendous. I can?t remember the last time so many people have been totally jazzed about a season finale. Just great TV. I can?t stop thinking about it.

[b]Heroes[/b]: I?ve heard mixed opinions about the Heroes season finale. I, for one, thought it was a major disappointment. As a serialized show like Lost with multiple characters and crosscutting story lines, it really needed?and deserved?a two-hour finale. Sadly, they tried to cram way too much into too little space and came out with a dud. The last two months leading up the finale were exciting and interesting and had me on the edge of my seat waiting for the finale?

But where was the big showdown between Peter and Sylar using their superpowers against each other? Why didn?t Peter just fly himself up alone? How could the all-powerful Sylar just take a near-deadly sword blow so easily from Hiro? And what was with Peter?s bizarre flashback/dream sequence when Simone?s dad says, ?All you need is love?? Eesh. They really dropped the ball. Hopefully they?ll learn from this and bounce back next year.

[b]24[/b]: Overall, not a bad season finale. Not great, not terrible. Decent excitement, tied up all the loose ends. This certainly wasn?t 24?s finest season?probably it?s weakest?so now they?ve got the opportunity to reboot and start again. The season finale held up fairly well given that the lead-in episodes weren?t great, so I?ll forgive this year and see what they give Jack next. I?d say he could use a vacation, but somehow that doesn?t seem likely.

[b]The Office:[/b] Once again The Office delivered. Uncomfortable, hilarious and unpredictable. Jan?s meltdown, Ryan?s surprise move up the ladder, and, of course, Jim and Pam finally on the right track. Another big win.

[b]Grey?s Anatomy[/b]: For a popcorn shown that was so much fun to watch?and just look at?not so long ago, Grey?s Anatomy has gone from juicy to dried up. The big finale left too many questions unanswered about characters that have just gotten more annoying, rather than endearing. This show has lost its way?badly. The season finale illustrates that pretty darn well. George fails his test. Yeah right. George doesn?t believe in divorce, but sleeps with his best friend, a supermodel who loves him. Uh … yeah. Meredith whimpers. Her family falls apart. Again. Burke is gone, blah, blah, blah. Karev, and maybe Bailey, are the show?s only redeeming factors at this point. The show needs to grow up or move out. What a stinker it’s turning out to be.

Post edited by: rcolchamiro, at: 2007/05/25 16:36

It is my pleasure to congratulate Finders Keepers illustrator Mike Lunsford on his graduation from the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. It’s a prestigious school in that field, and quite an accomplishment. This also marks the end of Mike’s run of illustrations, which make a great addition to Finders Keepers and this web site. He did 10 illustrations in all (plus one I’ve got left over that I might use elsewhere), which you can check out any time on the Character Illustrations page. It is my pleasure to congratulate Finders Keepers illustrator Mike Lunsford on his graduation from the Joe Kubert School of Cartoon and Graphic Art. It’s a prestigious school in that field, and quite an accomplishment. This also marks the end of Mike’s run of illustrations, which make a great addition to Finders Keepers and this web site. He did 10 illustrations in all (plus one I’ve got left over that I might use elsewhere), which you can check out any time on the Character Illustrations page. (If you want to read about how Mike became the Finders Keepers illustrator in the first place, check out the Character Illustrations page).

Our process kinda worked like this: I would give Mike some direction about what I wanted for each character, including life-size height, weight and body type; hair color; the kind of expression I wanted them to portray; any props; and I would send photo reference when appropriate to help give him an idea of what I was looking for. Mike would then do a sketch in pencil, and I would either approve the sketch, or else ask for some changes. After that, he would transform the pencil sketch–against a white background–into a full color illustration. And for each illustration he would send me three separate files: one that is Web ready (full size), a thumbnail, and a print-ready file.

About half the time we were just totally in synch, the other half took a little back and forth, although mostly because my directions weren’t nearly as clear as I thought they were (sorry Mike!). But in the end I’ve now got 10 high quality illustrations that help bring Finders Keepers to life, and I have Mike Lunsford to thank for that.

I’m not sure what young Michael will be up to next, but rest assured, he’s already left his mark, and if all goes well, he’ll be making his return to my projects soon.

Thanks again, Mike. You really delivered …

I’m off to see my grandmother in just a bit, which brings me right into the heart of May Madness.

In my combined family, May is the biggie. In this one month we celebrate:

My birthday – May 8

My sisters birthday (they are twins) – May 11

My sister-in-law’s birthday – May 21

Mother’s Day

On my side of the family, for many moons we’ve done one big combo Sunday, because so many events take place within just a few days. So we celebrate my birthday, my sisters’ birthday and mothI’m off to see my grandmother in just a bit, which brings me right into the heart of May Madness.

In my combined family, May is the biggie. In this one month we celebrate:

My birthday – May 8

My sisters birthday (they are twins) – May 11

My sister-in-law’s birthday – May 21

Mother’s Day

On my side of the family, for many moons we’ve done one big combo Sunday, because so many events take place within just a few days. So we celebrate my birthday, my sisters’ birthday and mother’s day (for my mom and my grandma). But because I was in Chicago last weekend, said celebration is today. It’s always a fun time. We get presents and cake and act like goofballs (at least me and my sisters do).

So to Alison, Lauren, Jill, Ferne, Sherry, Sarah, Bea — and me — happy birthday and happy mother’s day! And to anybody celebrating a birthday this month–and to everybody’s mom and grandma, too!

Enjoy these times together. It’s the joy that helps fuel who we are.

Till next time …

I?ve been writing short stories on and off since I was in high school, and try as I might, I?ve never really felt comfortable with the format. Because space is so limited, you just have to get right to the stuff. There?s no room for build up, no room for flights of fancy. Say what you gotta say and get out. Which is fine by me, except that I?m novelist at heart. It?s a format that seems to suit me best.

I bring this up because a few months ago I dusted off some old short stories that I had I?ve been writing short stories on and off since I was in high school, and try as I might, I?ve never really felt comfortable with the format. Because space is so limited, you just have to get right to the stuff. There?s no room for build up, no room for flights of fancy. Say what you gotta say and get out. Which is fine by me, except that I?m novelist at heart. It?s a format that seems to suit me best.

I bring this up because a few months ago I dusted off some old short stories that I had been working on?but never finished. But it?s been a while since I finished Finders Keepers, and I?m not quite ready to start the follow-up?which will kick off in July?so to keep my skills sharp I wanted to give these unfinished pieces another go.

And still … not much progress to report. With a novel I?m better able to see the beginning, middle and end. With short stories, the framing tends to elude me. I?ve now had three writers look at one piece I wrote, and they all agree that there?s a good story in there somewhere, but that I need to trim the fat and just get to it.

My plan is to give it one more go before I start my next book, otherwise, back in the drawer it goes until I need another break.

I really want to nail this story because it?s worth telling. I just need to figure out how to do it.

Just came back from Chicago for a work/play trip (Liz came out for the last few days), and I have to say I was able to pack a lot into just a short trip. On this swing to the Windy City I:

* made my first trip to Wrigley Field, which is all it’s cracked up to be and more;

* went to a private party at the House of Blues

* attended a way swanky coctail party at the Field Museum, eating snacks underneath the reassembled skeleton of a T-Rex (very cool)

* took a long stroll through the LiJust came back from Chicago for a work/play trip (Liz came out for the last few days), and I have to say I was able to pack a lot into just a short trip. On this swing to the Windy City I:

* made my first trip to Wrigley Field, which is all it’s cracked up to be and more;

* went to a private party at the House of Blues

* attended a way swanky coctail party at the Field Museum, eating snacks underneath the reassembled skeleton of a T-Rex (very cool)

* took a long stroll through the Lincoln Park Zoo

* drank a LOT of tequlia

* shot a lot of pool (and even made a few shots)

* saw my Uncle Bill (and read his play, which was pretty darn good; he’s one of those darn writer types, too);

* made friends with Harry, my uncle’s cat (and Alex’s orange-furred cousin); and

* ate a great meal at an Italian restaurant.

All in all, not too shabby.

I am now totally up to date on Y: The Last Man. I spent the last two weaks reading, having knocked out paperbacks 5-8 (I think the next one is due out soon). The scope has been pretty cool. It’s a very LOST kind of tale–and a LOST kind of structured storytelling (i.e. flashbacks, et al.). In fact, I think Vaughn has written for LOST.

Anyhoo, I’m diggin it, and looking foward to how it all plays out.I am now totally up to date on Y: The Last Man. I spent the last two weaks reading, having knocked out paperbacks 5-8 (I think the next one is due out soon). The scope has been pretty cool. It’s a very LOST kind of tale–and a LOST kind of structured storytelling (i.e. flashbacks, et al.). In fact, I think Vaughn has written for LOST.

Anyhoo, I’m diggin it, and looking foward to how it all plays out.

Now that I’ve gotten some more feedback, it seems that my latest pitch revision is proving popular. Hopefully agents will agree! I’ll be approaching them very soon with the changes (I’m off to Chicago this morning for a biz trip for a few days, so next week it’s go time).

In regard to the pitch itself, I think there are three key elements that have helped shaped its improvement:

* Scope: As I’ve discussed, Finders Keepers is what I like to call a tale of cosmic lunacy; it’s a fantasy; Now that I’ve gotten some more feedback, it seems that my latest pitch revision is proving popular. Hopefully agents will agree! I’ll be approaching them very soon with the changes (I’m off to Chicago this morning for a biz trip for a few days, so next week it’s go time).

In regard to the pitch itself, I think there are three key elements that have helped shaped its improvement:

* Scope: As I’ve discussed, Finders Keepers is what I like to call a tale of cosmic lunacy; it’s a fantasy; a bit of outrageous fun that asks the reader to accept this goofy scenario I’ve come up with. And the responses to the novel–from those who have read it–have been quite good. But summing up the tale in a quick synopsis has been a little tricky for me.

So what I’ve done in the revised version of the pitch is to paint a better and bigger picture that presents this goofy world in more of a step-by-step fashion that helps clarify–and enlarges–the scope of the scenario. To wit:

— What if, in some distant corner of the cosmos, there is a gossipy, Hollywood-like realm devoted solely to development of the Universe? And what if creation of planets, moons, stars and the like require but a few drops of the Universe?s DNA, which is stored in a protective glass jar? In regard to Earth, what if the supervisors assigned to overseeing its construction were unqualified and inexperienced? What if they were also newlyweds, who made love on the job site? And in doing so, what if they accidentally knocked that jar into the still-forming planet below, where it was lost for billions of years? —

(for the rest of the pitch, see yesterday’s blog)

My earlier versions didn’t paint the same picture, and certainly with a lot less clarity. I think this does the basic concept justice. In essence, I was selling potential readers short–and selling my book short–by not providing the scope of the goofy madness I’ve been up to. Now people can get a better handle about the story.

One of my tenants of writing is that the more complex a tale you’re trying to tell, the more simplistically you want to present it. Without realizing it, I wasn’t following my own advice. Now I am.

I just needed to take a little more time to explain myself. I was so focused on squeezing my query letter onto one page–as per many of the query writing books and advice I’ve gotten–that I didn’t give myself the flexibility to go just a little over. If an agent likes the idea, reading a few extra lines will not be off putting.

Structure: This time out I’ve used the question format. I played around with a few different versions of this description, but it seemed that people are really responding to this structure. Because the scenario of Finders Keepers is a bit wacky and fantastical, I needed to allow people time to accept it. Rather than shocking them into an "oh wow" moment, I realize now that I need to give them just a little more time to buy into it, even if it’s just 30 seconds or so.

Asking this series of questions is really like asking permission to proceed, and I think people generally respond to that. Also, asking this series of questions allows me to reveal the scope of the story a step at a time, allowing people new to Finders Keepers to follow along the big picture in such a logical way that they can visualize what I’m talking about. Then they can go, "Oh, [i]that’s[/i] what you’re talking about. Now I get it. Wow. Very cool."

Key Phrase: I think one key phrase is also making a difference. In my description, I had been saying that the jar in question just might contain "the essence of the Universe." Essence of the Universe. Hmm. While that is actually a fair description, given the novel, it’s also difficult to grasp. What does that mean? What is the "essence of the Universe?" I realize now just how much that single phrase has been getting me the glazed over look. Essence of the Universe. Right.

So I’ve revised it.

Now I am more accurately describing the contents of the jar as the "Universe’s liquid DNA." People are telling me, "Okay, I get what that might be. [i]That[/i] I understand." It’s language that people can relate to. I’ve even tweaked the language slightly in my manuscript to reflect that change. It’s subtle, but I think really important. Even I’m saying, "yeah, that is better. Even I relate to that phrase better."

Amazing how just a slight turn of phrase can make such a difference. (Hello, Russ. It’s called writing …)

So now that I’ve tested out the revised pitch on some folks it’s time to see how the agents respond. I’m feeling real good about it. I’ll keep you posted.

Post edited by: rcolchamiro, at: 2007/05/14 18:15

Thanks for the feedback. It’s really helpful! B)Thanks for the feedback. It’s really helpful! B)