Jed's Super-Dooper 'Ask a Mod' Thread (for all your Newbie Questions)

Eyes2Page · Sep 30, 2009

Question about Genre

I have written a novel that crosses into many genres. Wasn't my goal, I just wrote the thing. Now when creating a query letter, I am struggling with what genre it trully is. Need help. Personally I think it is more of a suspense novel, but it does have vampires. The setting is Atlanta, GA - current time so that would make it Urban Fantasy, but that is more secondary. And it is very strongly written in a woman's voice - so Chick Lit. And don't forget the steamy sex. In order, I would say suspense, chick lit, romance, urban fantasy. My question is does it automatically become Urban Fantasy because it has vampires, even though that is such a small part of it. I think that anyone that picked up the book looking specifically for vamps might be disappointed, although they are the not nice vamps - not glittery. (No offense, love Twilight)

Cella · Sep 30, 2009

Welcome!

I would say to go with the first in the order you listed but I'm new to querying too. You'll probably get some better help from others.

Ciao!
Cella

Eyes2Page · Oct 1, 2009

I'm really starting to think "suspenseful, urban fantasy novel" might be the way to go. But still not sure.

b7pima · Oct 23, 2009

Do any of you know anything about Publish or Perish?

Wayne K · Oct 23, 2009

b7pima said:
Do any of you know anything about Publish or Perish?

If you put their name in search you can find a thread. I'm taking a guess that there is one because I've heard of them. If there isn't one, scroll down the homepage to Bewares and Background Checks and start one.I'm not a mod, but that's how you do it.

ETA: And welcome.

Jess Haines · Oct 23, 2009

Eyes2Page said:
I have written a novel that crosses into many genres. Wasn't my goal, I just wrote the thing. Now when creating a query letter, I am struggling with what genre it trully is. Need help. Personally I think it is more of a suspense novel, but it does have vampires. The setting is Atlanta, GA - current time so that would make it Urban Fantasy, but that is more secondary. And it is very strongly written in a woman's voice - so Chick Lit. And don't forget the steamy sex. In order, I would say suspense, chick lit, romance, urban fantasy. My question is does it automatically become Urban Fantasy because it has vampires, even though that is such a small part of it. I think that anyone that picked up the book looking specifically for vamps might be disappointed, although they are the not nice vamps - not glittery. (No offense, love Twilight)

Sounds like urban fantasy. You could say the same thing of mine (except mine is set in NYC, not Atlanta).

Honestly, when writing your query, I'd say just put an urban fantasy and describe what gives the story suspense instead of calling it suspenseful. Don't worry about the categorization that much -- your agent will know what to tell the publisher when it comes time to sell.

entropic island · Nov 26, 2009

I have one for the mods: If you were casting the billionth movie for that wholy awesome series HHGTTG, which one of you would be the voice for Marvin? (Or, before that, which of you are familiar with that wholy awesome series in the first place?)

Birol · Nov 26, 2009

I'm familiar with the book and movie. Was never privileged enough to hear the radio show or see the TV series.

MacAllister · Nov 26, 2009

HHGTTG?

Birol · Nov 26, 2009

MacAllister said:
HHGTTG?

MacAllister, please do not make me despair of knowing you: Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Wayne K · Nov 26, 2009

I have to admit that one threw me for a second.

MacAllister · Nov 26, 2009

oh dear....how utterly mortifying. Can I blame turkey coma?

I've read them all - never saw any of the movie stuff, though.

Wayne K · Nov 26, 2009

Here's a question I've been dying to ask the Mods.

If you were ice cream, what flavor would you be?

Birol · Nov 26, 2009

Certainly. As for how would be Marvin... Hmm... Not me. Not you. Haggis and RT together could be Zaphod Beeblebrox... I guess I could be Marvin, when I'm sleep-deprived but not in an amocking state...

entropic island · Nov 27, 2009

MacAllister said:
oh dear....how utterly mortifying. Can I blame turkey coma?

I've read them all - never saw any of the movie stuff, though.

Be glad. Be very, very glad.

What the movie and television series did that wholly awesome book series could only be expressed with language that would get anyone banned on any message board.

Preacher'sWife · Nov 28, 2009

Is there a list of writer's conferences on AW? I've already done an unsuccessful search for threads concerning it, and I'm running out of Irish Mist!!

Greenify13 · Dec 1, 2009

Unfortunately I don't know of any such list here. With the many different locations and then genres, the overall range of the conferences, I would think it would be a little difficult to make a list. However there is this thread that is new, 2010 Writers Conference. Your best bet would be to post or submit a new thread about the kind of conference you are hoping to find. Someone will surely be able to help you better then. Best of luck to you, and I hope we are of more help in time!

ETA:
Using your location I have found:

Midwest Writing Center
Iowa Summer Writing Festival (which has workshops...)
Iowa Book Festival

Also I have a site which goes lists writing festivals and conventions in order of state. For those who may find this useful or interesting:
Writing Conferences, Workshops, Retreats, Centers, Residencies &
Book & Literary Festivals

Preacher'sWife · Dec 4, 2009

Thanks so much for the info!

Dave Willhoite · Dec 9, 2009

I have an "Ask the Mods" question.

For a number of years, I was a professional musician. I played primarily on the "Irish pub" circuit. I didn't do great, but I made a living, kept the phone on, and didn't have to live without insurance. So, I guess I did pretty well.

I still have four "teaser tracks" up on the internet from when I had a plan for a CD.

Is it appropriate to post the link to those tracks on the "Jed's Super-Dooper Traditional Irish Pub" thread?

I don't really need feedback on them, so they don't belong in the "songwriting" board, but I do want people to like me, and they are pretty good tracks, though not very well mastered.

So, is it cool?

Dave

jvc · Dec 9, 2009

Dave Willhoite said:
I have an "Ask the Mods" question.

For a number of years, I was a professional musician. I played primarily on the "Irish pub" circuit. I didn't do great, but I made a living, kept the phone on, and didn't have to live without insurance. So, I guess I did pretty well.

I still have four "teaser tracks" up on the internet from when I had a plan for a CD.

Is it appropriate to post the link to those tracks on the "Jed's Super-Dooper Traditional Irish Pub" thread?

I don't really need feedback on them, so they don't belong in the "songwriting" board, but I do want people to like me, and they are pretty good tracks, though not very well mastered.

So, is it cool?

Dave

Hi Dave, you must have missed a few posts over in the pub, I responded your post about it in this post, which I'm sure you'll find amusing to read

The short version is ... I have no problem you posting lings to your music in the Pub. (you could also add them to your sig line, I'd imagine.)

Dave Willhoite · Dec 9, 2009

Sorry, Jed,
That was a really clever post.

I missed it.

Thanks for linking to it for me.

I will get that link up.

Dave

Dave Willhoite · Dec 9, 2009

Deleted because I posted this to the wrong thread.

Sorry, guys, I am easily confused.

Dave

Greenify13 · Dec 14, 2009

Jed was here and I missed him?! Oh great Mods...why do I have such terrible timing?

Birol · Dec 14, 2009

You lack an internal clock.

Haggis · Dec 14, 2009

Greenify13 said:
Jed was here and I missed him?! Oh great Mods...why do I have such terrible timing?

I think it's the "13" at the end of your name. Bad luck, you know.

Do you have any black cats?

Jed's Super-Dooper 'Ask a Mod' Thread (for all your Newbie Questions)

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