Hi!

We and I are new to Absolute Write and are really looking forward to mixing at the Water Cooler. There seems like a tremendous amount of information here to absorb as well as lots of opportunities to help others learn about this fascinating, gripping, frustrating business of writing.

I say "we" because I've been writing for a good ten years now. One novel after another. I am a physicist in my day job but my passion lies with the written word. Once that bug bites it just doesn't let go. I've gotten a lot of good reviews on my work but haven't managed to check that publishing box yet. Oh well, it isn't being there that matters, it is getting there, and more importantly, the relationship you make along the way.

Which brings up the "We:" my writing partners, Terri-Lynne and Taylor. I met Terri at a conference in NYC two years ago. We've been to several conferences together since then and have a wonderfully synergistic development process. I help her with plot, she helps me with character. Taylor is her friend, and my friend now too, who is a MASTER of voice. I envy her. Of course the emotional support of a group is something you just can't get sitting there by yourself.

Anyway, we started a writing "company" last year, PlotForge, and run a blog. I hope everyone will take a look at it. It is at: www.PlotForge.com . My latest post talks about Knowing Your Market and highlights some important lessons I've learned lately.

Currently we write SF but lean in the Crichton-esque direction. Technology is a big part of our stories but they tend to be set in present or near-present day and the plot is driven by how the technology is failing to blend with society as hoped. Of course this doesn't mean I won't write some good old Space Opera some day - love that Space Opera.

Glad to be here. Looking forward to looking around, posting on SYW, and doing some critiquing. See you around the Water Cooler!

John

K_Delgadillo09 said:

Hey Everyone! My name is Kristen Rodriguez, soon to be Delgadillo. I am new to the site, and i just wanted to say, Hello! Oh, i'm also from Texas, and no i don't have a crazy accent or have a gun lol I'm just... me!

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What's wrong with the accent and the gun? I'm in Alabama where we all have crazy accents and guns! It's sexy!

bobkeeshanjr said:

I think a lot of success at first is aiming for 'what the majority' of the public wants(AND whats been done before), then after you become somewhat successful, you can do your own thing.

Take Neil Young for example. He is well known for doing his own thing...but only after he became well known.

Wish you the best and hope you publish soon.

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Reminds me of an interview I heard Dolly Parton give on NPR probably seven years ago now. Struck me like a lead hammer and has been my M.O. since that time. She was talking about a new album she was releasing of, "Good old mountain music." The stuff she was raised on. But she knew she'd never be able to sell it when she was young so she spent 30 years making music other people liked. Now she can do what she wants and whether it sells or not doesn't matter. She said it quite beautifully, though, and I'll never forget it. She said: "I had to get rich to sing like I was poor."

Good advice from a smart and talented lady. And my work is definitely in the very mainstream. Very high concept. My problem was I was trying to market it as YA and it is not YA. It is Crichton-esque SF. I comp my most recent book as Ender's Game meets The Hurt Locker. An apt comparison given the age of the protags and the plot. But Ender's Game, while sellable as YA (as are Multiplayer and Viridis) is most definitely not YA.