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Why Amish?
Love them or hate them, Amish books seem to be here to stay.
Personally, I’m on the fence. I’ve read a few Amish novels that I’ve loved and set just as many aside after the first few pages. But the question really isn’t whether or not I love Amish books. The question is, what is the appeal that makes this genre such a sure seller?
I think it’s the same thinking that drives the historical market. We’re so overwhelmed by the craziness of our world, that we crave an escape to a simpler time or place.
Of course it’s an illusion that life has ever been simple. People are still people, and unfortunately, many seem to get joy from the destruction of others. At least in an Amish community, you can fall on the ice and not find it ten minutes later on Youtube.
What do you think?
Do you love Amish stories or not so much?
What draws you to Amish or historical novels?
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Buy Books!
So, you have a hard to shop for person (or two or three) on your Christmas list? Me too. What do you get the person who seems to have all they need? Or that person who wants for nothing?
How about a book!
Don’t give up on me here. I have reasons.
1. There’s a book out there for everyone. From women’s fiction to steampunk, these days a shopper can find any genre that the mind can imagine.
2. We all need an excuse to step away from techno overload.
3. A book is great when the electricity goes out. Just think how much your gift will be appreciated when that winter storm hits and the power is out. All you need is a flashlight.
4. Stories give us a new perspective. They allow us to step into the shoes of another person and give us a broader view of our world. Okay, that may not be a reason to buy a book as a gift, but it is one of the reasons I love stories.
Are you buying books this Christmas? Any favorites you’d like to share with us?
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Christmas movies
I love this time of year. It’s cold outside, but there are Christmas movies to be watched and family to be cherished. Come January I’ll be a wreck. The cold will still be here and the mud will be our constant companion, but Christmastime make those inconveniences fade.
During December, we get the Hallmark Movie Channel on free preview. They play Christmas movie after Christmas movie. Each one as sappy as the next, and I love them. I could curl up on the couch with my girls and watch all day.
The boys aren’t fond of this holiday pass time. Apparently there aren’t enough “action and car chases” on Hallmark. There are a few movies we can watch together though. I mean, who doesn’t like A Christmas Story, or A Charlie Brown Christmas?
Oh, and It’s a Wonderful Life, A Christmas Carol and all those oldies like Rudolph, The Year Without a Santa, and Frosty the Snowman. I could go on about this all day.
I hear a lot of people talking about the movie, Elf. Am I the only person in this country that can’t stand that flick?
I almost forgot to mention, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas and The Little Drummer Boy.
So here’s to hot cocoa, warm blankets, and family movie nights.
What will you be watching this Christmas season?
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The agent search
Do I need an agent?
At this point in my career, I ask this question often. After all, I don’t have any novels published. But what I do have is publishing credits, three completed manuscripts, significant contest credits and the will to take this passion from intense hobby to career.
Without an agent, the next steps become more difficult.
Writing is, for the most part, a solitary adventure. Besides those brainstorming sessions with my critique group and conferences, I feel I’m pretty much on my own out here. Don’t we all really want someone on our side? Someone who feels what we do is worthy of the time, agony and frustrations of the process? I’m not sure an agent can really provide that, but it sure would be great to know someone felt my work was good enough to invest their time.
There are thousands of literary agents out there. Narrowing them down to about twenty wasn’t too hard. But will any of them want me, and will we be a good fit?
Here’s what I’m looking for:
- Someone who believes in me and my work.
- Someone with strong connections within CBA publishing world.
- Someone who cares about people, not just money.
- Someone who brings their faith to the table.
- Someone who will push me to be my best.
I’d love to end this post with a short list of what my dream agent needs from me, but that’s a question I can’t answer. So I’ll bring what I have and hope it’s enough.
Here’s what I have:
- A willingness to work hard.
- A mind that’s open to suggestions and willing to make changes.
- A mountain of past work and enough ideas to fill a file cabinet.
- A dedication to improvement.
- Patience, though that’s a work in progress.
What do you think? When does a writer need an agent? What do you need from a literary agent?
