Comments on: The I in Team

By: K

Mon, 10 Jul 2006 03:33:43 +0000

Oh, and I thought this was going to be one of those “There’s no I in Team but there is one in Bite Me” posts.

Glad it was much more positive and helpful!

By: Bernita

Bernita — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 14:08:22 +0000

Thank you!

By: Kevin Killiany

Kevin Killiany — Fri, 07 Jul 2006 00:13:14 +0000

Phaedra, a friend of mine, posted a link to this in her Live Journal with the advice “Read and learn.” I did both.

My published stories and novels to date have all been media tie-in — related to TV shows like Star Trek and Doctor Who as well as games such as MechWarrior and Classic BattleTech. Media tie-in is the writing equivalent of being an actor in a show or a musician in an orchestra. You ply your craft to the best of your ability — you alone responsible for your own performance — yet you are very aware of the structure around you. An ensemble all working toward a common goal.

This summer I am embarking on an original romantic suspense novel. As I study the market and the industry I am coming to realize the structure is very much the same. It is more distant, less moment-to-moment, and focused on a single work (which will hopefully launch a career) rather than a universe, but there nonetheless.

As one crouches over the keyboard in the solitude of the late-night kitchen or the white noise of the coffee house, it’s good to be reminded you — all of you — are out there.

– KeVin K.

By: Lori Devoti

Lori Devoti — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 23:09:46 +0000

Ooo, you missed one–your agent’s assistant. I adore my agent’s ex-assistant who still reads my stuff, gives me feedback and in general helps keep me sane.
Lori

By: Eileen

Eileen — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 17:49:04 +0000

I feel like on my cover next to my name there should be a footnote and then you would turn to a page to see the long, long list of everyone else who worked so hard to see that book come to life. Great post

By: Sharon Long

Sharon Long — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 16:06:56 +0000

love, love, love this post. I whole heartedly agree with all of it. Especially the part about an agent. I’ve had an agent that wasn’t a good match and now have one that IS. The difference is amazing.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 15:59:43 +0000

I know I couldn’t do without my critique group. They offer an immediate feedback that’s so necessary, especially when your first starting out. Through my groups, I learned how to hone my strengths and work on my weaknesses. Absolutely invaluable.

My day job is as an editorial assistant. Thanks for mentioning our role in it all.

By: Mary Stella

Mary Stella — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 15:23:19 +0000

Outstanding column, Jennifer. When I started out in this business as someone who “just wanted to write a book someday”, I didn’t have a clue of all the industry entailed. Thanks to RWA and local chapters, I learned, and continue to learn. It’s always good to be reminded of the complex process that occurs between my computer and the readers’ hands. Thanks.

By: Crystal Inman*

Crystal Inman* — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 12:50:28 +0000

It DOES take a village, doesn’t it?
And two little words can go a long way to improving relations between these groups. A heartfelt “thank you.”
A moment of appreciation given for someone who HAS made the effort.
Your post is a great reminder of how important all the facets (and people in them) of this industry are.
Grins*