Jessica Ferguson

Author, Writing Coach, Speaker

A is for Anthology

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AIt’s time for the A to Z Challenge created by the fabulous Arlee Bird in 2010.  I look forward to it every year, but this year it will be a real challenge. I watched the days slipping away—the big theme reveal came and went. My mind was elsewhere. So, bear with me as I write and post off the top of my head about subjects dear to my heart: writing, coaching, and inspiring others.

Let’s talk about anthologies, a published collection of writings by different authors.

Today I was sitting with another writer in a restaurant when she told me she couldn’t figure out anthologies. She doesn’t like them because they’re like a desperate act to get published. Well, she didn’t exactly call them a desperate act but that’s what she meant. I didn’t take offense because my novella anthology won’t be out for several more months, and that’s what she was talking about–novellas–not poetry anthologies or short stories, or Chicken Soup for the Soul. She wonders why an author wouldn’t publish her novella herself instead of grouping it with others. Good question.

I’ve never thought about it, but my friend is the second person to “dis” anthologies to me during the past month, and though I disagree with her, I didn’t change her mind—which makes me wonder how others feel.

Do you buy or read novella anthologies?

Do you read all the stories included?

Do you submit to anthologies?

Years ago a well-known publishing company published novella anthologies with three experienced authors and a newbie. It was a good opportunity for the new writer. Today, many authors pull together a team of friends to publish together using a specific theme or idea. I’m not sure their reason–it’s just fun.

I always encourage new writers—those who are unpublished or with few credits–to submit to Chicken Soup for the Soul, or other anthologies I learn about. To me, a byline (any publishing credit) is a precious thing.

Tell me how you feel about anthologies.

Hearts, Hearths & Holidays – AVAILABLE!

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My short story, A Child Was Born,  published in the Seasons of Love anthology series called Hearts, Hearths & Holidays is now AVAILABLE! Thank you, Cajunflair Publishing!

Okay, I’m excited. In fact, I think I’m more excited about this short story than I was when my first, my one and only book, came out way back in 1996. The difference? By the time I sold my book, received the contract and signed it, revised according to editorial suggestions, prepared the fact sheet, waited … waited … waited … the excitement had ended. And remember, I wrote it, moved to another state, sold it, moved to another town, revised it, moved. It came out while I lived in Lake Charles, Louisiana where I had my first speaking engagement and my first book signing.  Book signings are scary. No, for me they’re traumatic. I feel as if I’m sitting on hind legs waiting for someone to toss me a doggie treat.  Yes, I signed my book with friends. Still, not fun. Maybe it’s just me. A down side to selling category romance back then was that the books were only in stores for a few weeks–then they were gone forever. Now, of course, all books are going digital.

Writing my short story, A Child Was Born, was fun. I love my characters. I love all the little girls–even the ones with no names. I’m proud of it. I’m not saying it couldn’t be better. In my mind, I keep thinking of things I should have added, fleshed out, even things I should change. I suppose that’s the way it is with all writers; we always second guess ourselves and have a difficult time letting go.

If you decide to purchase our Christmas anthology, you can get it from Barnes and Noble or from Amazon. In the near future, it will be available in print. Look it over. Check out the other authors–they have track records!

Repurposing for Success

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I don’t like the word cannibalism though I’ve used it often in reference to my writing. Now, I prefer to say, I’ve repurposed my novel, my chapters, my short stories.

I have so many books that don’t work for various reasons: weak conflict, flat plot, boring characters. Though I argue with all these assessments, I can’t force anyone to publish these particular pieces and don’t have the courage to epublish them myself. I guess in the back of my head, I wonder if these editors, agents, critique partners might be right. So … I’m repurposing. Did you know if you change the name of a character it really does help you change that character’s personality? True. While an Adrianna might be quiet, reserved–a Jackie is more aggressive. At least she is in my story.

The option book I submitted to Silhouette Romance after The Groom Wore Blue Suede Shoes came out was rejected. I’ve always liked my characters and portions of the plot, so I’m repurposing it. The first chapter was revised, combined with a portion of another chapter, and turned into a short story–little more than eight thousand words. I submitted it to Cajunflare Publishing owned by LoriLeger of Louisiana for her Christmas anthology. It was accepted and from what I understand, will be available on November 1st.

I met Lori more than a year ago before she leaped into her publishing venture. I had no idea at the time–and she didn’t either–that she would become what I call a regional (or small press) publisher. Being the insecure writer that I am, when invited to submit to her Christmas anthology, I made her promise if my story wasn’t worthy of seeing the light of day, she would reject it. And of course, she promised. Did I trust her? No! I was thrilled to learn a seasoned editor/author was also contributing to the anthology and volunteered her editing skills. Needless to say, when I submitted my story, I told the editor that I didn’t want to be published for the sake of being published–to please, please tell me if my story wasn’t worthy. Ever sent that kind of query to an editor? I told you in a previous post that I’m a sicko!

The editor deemed my story, A Child Was Born,worthy of publication. She didn’t hold back on the editing and marked every POV switch and lazy verb so I feel better about being included in Hearts, Hearths and Holidays, available in ebook and print form.  I’m excited and very nervous. I’ll show you the cover as soon as I get it.

In the meantime, what are you doing? Cranking up for NaNo? Me too! Getting ready for the holidays? Me too! Trying to decide who to vote for? Got that one nailed! Or just cruising along singing your song? Tell me about it.