I’m writing a story about a woman who finds a dragon in her bathtub and has to help it get home. She lives in the modern world but the dragon doesn’t exist here. Do I need to use Worldbuilding to make a place for my dragon?

Sincerely,

Out of this World

Please see Enchanted Ramblings Issue 3 on January 15th, 2006 for the response to this Question.

I just got a contract in my email! The publisher said that all I need to do is come up with the initial investment for my book and they will take care of everything else. Should I pay someone to print my MS?

Thanks,

CW – Contract Confused

Please see Enchanted Ramblings Issue 3 on January 15th, 2006 for the response to this Question.

How vital are critique groups to a writer?

Thanks,

Critiqueless

Dear Critiqueless,

A critique group made up of people who will give their honest opinions is invaluable to a writer. The person receiving the critique or crit has to have a thick skin and be prepared to accept the suggestions in the critique. You don't want someone who says yes to everything, who never points out a grammar error for fear of making you mad. Your crit group is there to help you get it right; don't get pissed if they do just that. You don't want someone who trashes your work all the time either; avoid those people who never offer a positive solution.

What makes a good crit group? Honesty, positive feedback, support and knowledge all are good things to have in a group. A diversity of talent and some common genres can be helpful along with paying attention to each person's strong points. A diverse group, will have different styles and skills that can compliment each other like dialogue, organization, plotting and synopsis writing. Setting goals and helping each other is a key to staying on track and getting published.

Check out these handy links

http://www.verlakay.com/protalk18.html 

http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/critlist.html 

http://www.shortstorygroup.com/ 

http://www.critters.org/ 

http://www.crayne.com/howcrit.html

What is h/H?  I keep seeing all these acronyms and abbreviations that writers use and I hate feeling like the new kid and having to ask every time I see something.  Can you tell me what these mean?

Thanks,

CW – Clueless Writer

Dear CW,

I understand your frustration. IMO, a list of some of these acronyms might prove useful. While these are not acceptable in a manuscript or any type of query or synopsis, they can save time when you are talking to your critique partners and editors. Here's a list of goodies that might help you make it to the end of your WIP.

h = heroine H = HeroBF / GF = Boyfriend / Girlfriend

BG = Bad GuyBS = Brainstorming Session

BT = Boy ToyCP = Critique Partner

Crit = Critique

DD/DS/DH/DW Dear - Daughter/Son/Husband/Wife

IMO = In My Opinion

IMHO = In My Humble Opinion

MS/ms = Manuscript

POV = Point of View

Q = Query letter

R/The Big R = Rejection letter

Syn/Synop = Synopsis

SASE = Self Addressed Stamped Envelope

TBA = To Be Announced

WIP = work in progress

V = Villain

What is the difference between a synopsis and a query? Guidelines usually recommend one or the other, but I'm not sure which is what.

Thanks,

Confused in California

Dear Confused,

A synopsis is a detailed outline of a story from beginning to end. Nothing is left out, all the plot points, secrets and surprises and the ending are listed in the synopsis for the potential publisher to see. It’s an extremely tight summary of your story that shows the publisher exactly what is in the manuscript from beginning to end.

A query is like a job application for a manuscript. It’s usually a one page letter intended to hook the editor into requesting a synopsis, a chapter or a full manuscript. The best query letter begins with a hook, an interesting bit of the story or a dilemma faced by the main character. Include the page count, stage of completion, any writing credits that relate to the genre, how long you’ve been writing and how many completed manuscripts you have.

DON’T list the hairy details of writing the story, don’t gush, and don’t threaten to break all your fingers if this story doesn’t sell, it makes you look like an amateur. The query letter is about the story. 

Links -
Writing World

Writing the Fiction Synopsis(Book)

The Top Ten Synopsis Mistakes

How to Write Irresistible Query Letters (Book)

Dear InkSlinger,

What is the difference between a pantster and a plotter? I told one of my critique partners that I thought I was a bit of both, but she went ballistic on me. She said that I was one or the other. Is this true?

Yours,

Plotting and Pantstering in Texas

Dear Plotting;

You can be a bit of both, tell your friend to relax a little. These two writing styles develop naturally as a writer works. A Plotter is a writer who likes to get the details down, line everything up and know the story from start to finish. 

I’ve seen several variations of the name; Pantser, Pantster, Pantzer. 

A Pantster is a writer who has an idea in mind and runs with it, inventing plot or turning points as they go. Each of these processes is a viable way to write and though you may be more of one than the other, both types are used in the creative process whether you realize it or not.

Links -
Writing Styles

The Plotter and the Pantster - About Goals

eHarlequin’s Class on Writing