tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3624901170842253072024-03-05T14:22:44.011-06:00Cowboy MusingTerry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.comBlogger344125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-54061846117052983282015-09-21T11:57:00.004-05:002015-09-21T12:52:07.758-05:00new website<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSWC7EyPrBwjVK5x31OPJ64DDa9d1glRgp27bKx6T01O7_y5LA48UbeP22qTuaskHW2TkEZSbAcCORmKHxRRZSLEceyE4GuHZVAzkw5XP4TvfJ8SMaAfOQfPL1XdHCqHuu7n3nS9n62w/s1600/closer+mesa+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXSWC7EyPrBwjVK5x31OPJ64DDa9d1glRgp27bKx6T01O7_y5LA48UbeP22qTuaskHW2TkEZSbAcCORmKHxRRZSLEceyE4GuHZVAzkw5XP4TvfJ8SMaAfOQfPL1XdHCqHuu7n3nS9n62w/s200/closer+mesa+shot.jpg" width="132" /></a></div>
My personal website has a new look.<br />
<br />
My daughter, Teri Burns, owner of <a href="http://lonemesapublishing.com/">LoneMesaPublishing.com</a> updated and streamlined it now that I don't have clients to showcase there or agent information and links to show. The same link <a href="http://www.terryburns.net/" target="_blank">www.terryburns.net </a>now goes to the new page or it also has a <a href="http://www.terryburns.us/">www.terryburns.us</a> link where the site is actually located among the websites that she manages. She did a nice job on it and we are still tweaking it. It is one of the author services that she offers to writer clients that want to contract with her for assistance.<br />
<br />
I am retiring, but still may do a little consulting for writers under the umbrella of Lone Mesa and maybe help her with a little overflow work. It's like trying to quit smoking, I can't really quit "cold turkey."<br />
<br />
I'm going to put an auto-respond on my Hartline email address to keep me from having to send the same message to all the submissions that continue to come in, to point them to the agency submission guidelines and to point out the contact information for the other Hartline agents.<br />
<br />
Technically I am still on board through the end of October but I have ceased to do many of the functions and I am taking the time to wrap things up. Yes, I told agent friends that I know I am under no obligation to help clients find a new home, but they are more than clients, they are friends. So I am doing what I can to help them make the transition.<br />
<br />
The new header on the website is going to go up on my personal facebook page as well at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TerryWayneBurns.">https://www.facebook.com/TerryWayneBurns.</a> My author facebook page at <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TerryWayneBurnsAuthor?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/TerryWayneBurnsAuthor?fref=ts</a> Teri also handles but it got a facelift recently and is not being impacted right now.<br />
<br />
Yes, I do plan to see if I can still write and plan to work through Lone Mesa for that endeavor as well. I favor what my Western writer friends call "Christian westerns" that a log of my female readers do like but which will hopefully reach out to male readers, particularly nonbelievers.<br />
<br />
So I'm in the midst of a lot of change and covet your prayers, but I am still here at the same old email addresses. Just another chapter in the unfolding saga of my life.Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-75068196008750702732015-09-09T12:09:00.002-05:002015-09-09T12:10:22.404-05:00Time to Retire<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwPQN8Sl_KuFCXLfXD9Q5lE7887BIj0RsZ_7iAi1xlk52zCORyz7V1q3s168cRVd4vUFElqrAwjZpR4NI-Ho1ZsKJP6YemzmXQH6ZPEV8Yh2lq1cQjVdRYSq77S66zIfrnc4ejsotFEin/s1600/000_0004.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifwPQN8Sl_KuFCXLfXD9Q5lE7887BIj0RsZ_7iAi1xlk52zCORyz7V1q3s168cRVd4vUFElqrAwjZpR4NI-Ho1ZsKJP6YemzmXQH6ZPEV8Yh2lq1cQjVdRYSq77S66zIfrnc4ejsotFEin/s200/000_0004.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<br />
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I retired from a career in chamber of commerce management after more
than 25 years service.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I retired from working with a community service organization after more
than ten years service.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’ve been with Hartline for over ten years, seven as an agent. After
much prayer and discussion my wife and I have decided it is time to retire yet
again.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It’s not been an easy decision to make. I have a great group of clients
that are together in an online group where we talk daily. They are more than
clients, they are good friends. Doing this agent gig has been something of a
mission effort for me. I have had a heart for trying to help debut Christian
writers get started, whatever it took. Seeing them get their work out has been
very satisfying. Of course focusing on debut writers has not been very
rewarding financially, but that was a decision I made.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I’ve seen a number of clients move on to other things after I helped
them get started.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
But it has required a huge investment of time and effort as well as a
lot of stress. To tell the truth even though I will miss it, making the
decision brought an immediate feeling of relief. I told Joyce it would be
effective November first which will give me a couple of months to wrap things
up and to try and help my clients get placed elsewhere. A number of them will
be picked up by other Hartline agents.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I owe Joyce a debt of gratitude for helping me get started as a writer,
serving as my agent. Further she allowed me the opportunity to be an agent
myself. I’m very grateful for her help and for her believing in me.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I am going ahead and making the announcement this far ahead to keep
people from continuing to submit to me when I am no longer taking submissions.
For much of the time I have been working in this role I have attended a couple
of conferences a month and received thousands of submissions allowing me to
meet quite a large number of writers in person or on paper.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is an amazing thing having friends spread
all over this country. It has been a real blessing. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
My daughter and a couple of my clients are hosting a “virtual
retirement party” over on my facebook page. Leave a comment here or drop by
there and sign the “virtual guest book.”</div>
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<br /></div>
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God bless you all . . .</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Terry</div>
Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-40082395511033306562015-08-01T06:00:00.000-05:002015-08-01T06:00:06.321-05:00Distractions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgKkS4KZX-DZOzJCBhrgGWABMArrLraHYy6w8Egr8rTL_AxlR8p-ydYzib1rpxUt3rvkdsmP8RSUlu4BICil_mDWspV0fb2BR942KzGRbxM8LYExnuUkrb8luNIuBNRK_7nFLTTMRWfig/s1600/front+deck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtgKkS4KZX-DZOzJCBhrgGWABMArrLraHYy6w8Egr8rTL_AxlR8p-ydYzib1rpxUt3rvkdsmP8RSUlu4BICil_mDWspV0fb2BR942KzGRbxM8LYExnuUkrb8luNIuBNRK_7nFLTTMRWfig/s200/front+deck.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
We have coffee each morning out on the front porch. Usually a neighbor or two come join us. We kinda line out our day to get the most out of it. If the wind dictates we often do back deck instead. Usually we watch the sun come up out there.<br />
<br />
Front or back deck I see the things that need to be done while I'm sitting there and the priorities of what I have to do often get re-arranged. If I am going to do something outside I have to start early and finish mid-morning when it starts getting very hot.<br />
<br />
The things that need to be done are a distraction from what I need to do as an agent or writer. Necessary, or it will entirely get away from me, but a distraction. This morning I was aware of how many distractions there are vying for my time. Our kids have grown up and gone so I can't claim that one, but we have two dogs that demand a lot of attention and care.<br />
<br />
Facebook, twitter and other social media are a distraction and we talk about that a lot . . . generally on facebook or twitter. Some degree of interaction there is a necessity but do we spend too much time there, or in the task of promoting ourselves and getting our name out there, too little? Interesting question and one we talk about a lot.<br />
<br />
Then there's the list. You know, THE list. Honey-dos, things that need to be done that I don't want to forget but are not as important as something else on my plate at the time. Priorities on this list seem to constantly shift as things are moved forward or back in relation to other things. A lot of things would fall through the cracks without this list but it is always there, nagging me, demanding time.<br />
<br />
The world is a big distraction. What is happening in our country and the world at large is hard to ignore. But we can control the amount of time that we allow it to intrude on our thinking.<br />
<br />
I have responsibilities to the family, to church, to friends and neighbors and along with responsibilities come tasks and demands on my time. My in-box is a distraction and has to be dealt with, but it is also an important link to my clients and what I need to be doing for them. Most of the time they all need something, and priortizing who to work on can be quite a problem.<br />
<br />
It can take a full day to work up a submission, go through my publisher database and get submissions out on a client. With sixty clients that would seem to suggest taking two months to work my way through, but as with other things, nothing is quite that simple. External forces and industry communications can force a client to the top of the list or away from it.<br />
<br />
There are submissions coming in from people who would like me to represent their work. How long each of them takes depends on how long it takes to come to a decision as to whether it is a fit for me or not. Yes, I do respond to each one, momma raised me to be courteous.<br />
<br />
There's a lot more but you get the idea. All of these forces pulling on me, decisions to be made on the allocation of my time. All of this makes me . . . well . . . normal.<br />
<br />
We all have things competing for our time. In fact it is an old saying that "Life expands to fill available time." We just have to be smart about how we do the allocating so that time gets applied to what is most important to us.<br />
<br />
How about it? What are the demands on your time? We have 24 hours a day to spend and there won't be any more made available. Are we truly spending it on what is important to us?Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-60512826680382405442015-07-04T05:00:00.000-05:002015-07-04T05:00:01.946-05:00Happy 4th of July<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
Happy 4th of July. We're going to have people over, and Sunday will be involved in a patriotic choir program at church. Should be a good weekend. But in the midst of all that it has me thinking. This nation was founded by God-fearing men who spent as much time on their knees as they did debating the formation of the new government.<br />
<br />
So much is happening in our country today that I can hardly recognize it. As we celebrate the birthday of our nation we should take a moment to be grateful to those founding fathers, and to all of those who have put their lives on the line over the years to protect that freedom.The future of our nation is now in our hands. As we celebrate the 4th, join me in praying for the future of our nation.<br />
<br />
And have a great holiday weekend.<br />
<br />
<br />Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-85267413539964648962015-06-20T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-20T06:00:03.556-05:00finding writing time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
When I get out of school I'll have time to write.<br />
<br />
When I get settled in this job I'll have spare time to write.<br />
<br />
When the kids get older . . .<br />
<br />
When the kids don't have all these extracurricular activities . . .<br />
<br />
When the kids leave home . . .<br />
<br />
When I retire . . .<br />
<br />
When . . .when . . . when<br />
<br />
We have to face it, there is no such thing as time to write. Why? Because life expands to fill the time available. There will always be something competing for our available time.<br />
<br />
Writing time has to be carved out and jealously protected. Ideally, loved ones understand what we are trying to do and help us in this process. My wife, my kids, my parents, the people in my life played a big role in what I have been able to write over the years. When I went into the study and closed the door they knew what that meant.<br />
<br />
These days I don't get to write much, not what I would like to write, and I miss it. Pretty much all of my available time is dedicated to working for my clients. I made that conscious decision some time ago, that I could serve the Lord better by helping get a number of Christian books out than I could by doing one or two myself. I haven't regretted that decision.<br />
<br />
But I still miss it. Maybe I haven't been taking my own advice. I'm going to carve out some time and do a little writing again.<br />
<br />
How about you? Are you one of those forever complaining that you can't find the time to write? One of those waiting for some point in your life when you feel like the time will suddenly appear? Or are you carving it out, setting it aside and jealously protecting it.<br />
<br />
Writing time simply does not exist . . . it has to be made.<br />
<br />Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-72895918770013406392015-06-13T05:30:00.000-05:002015-06-13T05:30:01.745-05:00It's just a proposal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Giving a workshop on making submissions a number of the writers there admitted to just "throwing stuff into proposal" to flesh out what it called for. I mean, it's just a proposal, right? The main thing is for the writing to be really good.<br />
<br />
Actually no, better than 80% of all submissions are rejected without a word of the writing being read. WHAT? That can't be, you say?<br />
<br />
You see whether they admit it to themselves or not, most agents and editors know that any submission they are looking at will not work for them. They aren't being negative, the numbers tell them that. They are looking at dozens, for many even hundreds of submissions for a painfully few available slots. The time pressure is great so they just read until they find the 'no fit' point where they can respond that it won't work for them and move on.<br />
<br />
That 'no fit' point probably comes in reading the proposal. Something in it tells them that the project won't work for them and chances are that is the point where they quit reading. It may come as early as the subject line of the email or the cover letter.<br />
<br />
A successful submission does depend on the quality of the writing, but to get to that point we have to survive our way through the reading of the proposal and be one of the few manuscripts left on the desktop at the end set aside for reading. The 80% number sounds very discouraging, but what that means is we are only up against the 15-20% of the writers that are doing it right. Pretty good odds.<br />
<br />
So the writing does have to be stellar, but every piece of the proposal tells whoever is reviewing the submission something important. The cover letter grabs their attention and lures them into reading the proposal. The author bio shows we are serious about writing. The comparables serve to identify our reader base in terms an agent or editor can identify with. The marketing information tells them we have a plan to sell books and that can be vital. The writing same includes the most critical part of the whole manuscript. Does the first page have a hook that forces the reader to turn the page? Is the reader invested in the story by page ten? Does each chapter push the reader on to the following one? Most acquisition people can accurately determine if the whole project will work for them or not just on the strength of this sample.<br />
<br />
Just a proposal? If the proposal isn't crafted so it will do it's job, the actual writing may not get a chance to show its worth. I know there are some exceptional projects that slip through just because the author did not present it properly to get it the full consideration. It's just how it works.<br />
<br />
You can add to that the fact that the proposal is the tool we use to sell the project if we decide to take it on. That means we are looking at every one of them and asking "Can I use this to sell this project?" Initially the proposal is more important that the manuscript itself.<br />
<br />
I don't mind losing out, either on a submission of my own or on one for a client if the submission makes to to the stack on the desk to be read. If I do that means somebody just wrote a better book, and I'm good with that. But I don't want to lose out because I failed to present a proposal that got the job done to get that manuscript considered.<br />
<br />
None of us want that.Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-16229929510342593852015-06-06T06:00:00.000-05:002015-06-06T06:00:02.114-05:00Agents are crooks?<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihoUks33U26S7W3VgqYrpfJy4jObASquD2JI5M9uK6_CjiwF7m2JAFXMggPIWDNEd0-cNr3_bMB-zHoUWYlfbR38559EpRDokyLiX_q5KVZoWhkrjPDf8Px3gHjbKybIzmQOm_qwkttE7/s1600/Will+Rogers+Award+001.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgihoUks33U26S7W3VgqYrpfJy4jObASquD2JI5M9uK6_CjiwF7m2JAFXMggPIWDNEd0-cNr3_bMB-zHoUWYlfbR38559EpRDokyLiX_q5KVZoWhkrjPDf8Px3gHjbKybIzmQOm_qwkttE7/s200/Will+Rogers+Award+001.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
man was giving a program to a writer’s conference. He was making the case that
literary agents were a bunch of crooks who seize ownership of a manuscript and
do nothing of value with it that the author couldn’t do themselves. Each to
their own opinion, but had I been there I would have felt obliged to clear up a
couple of points.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">First,
at no time does an agent EVER have ownership of an author’s project. We
negotiate a deal on the client’s behalf but the final decision as to whether
they sign a contract with a publisher to grant certain rights to them is
strictly up to the author. The agent never has ownership of the rights.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Second,
at each of the conferences I’ve attended this year there were plenty of authors
very much wanting to sign with an agent who could get them in the door of a
larger house most of which are ‘agent only’ these days. If they plan to publish
it themselves I would agree, no reason for them to need an agent.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Third,
as he was suggesting that we charge them for basically nothing I would need to
point out that we do not charge clients for what we do for them. We only make
money after we have first made the client money, then we get a percentage of
what we got them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">One
agent said he felt like the fifteen percent commission was five percent for
making a successful submission for a client, and ten percent for knowing where
to make that submission. I guess you could make a case for that.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
guy has obviously not had an agent giving him career advice, holding his hand
through working projects up, negotiating contracts, being an intermediary with
publishers, keeping them constantly up to speed on submissions and responses, a
variety of tasks we perform for clients. All done for free unless we are
successful an making a sale for them.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">.
I don’t have a problem with someone feeling this way, it’s a free country and I
never want a client who doesn’t value my services anyway. I do have a problem
with him making his case to groups of writers using erroneous information
however. Using such information to try and poison the minds of writers against
agents . . . well, let me temper my statement and say that is not a nice thing
to do.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">To
him I would say don’t use an agent if you don’t like them but don’t be using
false information to convert other people over to your way of thinking.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-36816127552672168232015-05-25T06:00:00.000-05:002015-05-25T06:00:08.191-05:00Memorial Day<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1_bx_647JcSSJ12gMujJhOcuHZLyk1ciNugIjIadAf22yq5PFmGhTEa2M1SsKpZ1jlC_bU6ISKA5bQ3ipNS0EuCbtnlhDxtVvBz4RJTqfMvDEM5lo_ihsf5F6FKiHfVZRYN8j2ISpCxE/s1600/me+at+CCWC+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1_bx_647JcSSJ12gMujJhOcuHZLyk1ciNugIjIadAf22yq5PFmGhTEa2M1SsKpZ1jlC_bU6ISKA5bQ3ipNS0EuCbtnlhDxtVvBz4RJTqfMvDEM5lo_ihsf5F6FKiHfVZRYN8j2ISpCxE/s200/me+at+CCWC+(2).jpg" width="126" /></a></div>
<br />
Memorial Day is coming up.<br />
<br />
I wore my veterans hat the last day of the conference in Colorado in recognition of it being Armed Forces Day. Some however said "I thought that was next weekend." I responded, "No, that weekend is Memorial Day."<br />
<br />
Armed Forces Day is to recognize active serving Military personnel. Veterans Day, which comes in November is to recognize those who have served in the past, and Memorial Day recognizes those who gave all in service of their country. There can be a little confusion about the meaning of the three special days.<br />
<br />
The Memorial Day holiday observed on the last Monday in May, originated after the civil war to honor those who died in the war. Originally known as Decoration Day, it was later extended to include all who have served and have passed on. Many use the occasion to mark family graves of all types, but the primary reason is to recognize this service. <br />
<br />
The National Cemetery at Arlington places a small American flag at each headstone for the day, exactly one boot length from the stone. It is a very impressive sight.<br />
<br />
The first documented observance was in Savannah Georgia in 1862 marking the graves of Confederate soldiers. The following year the cemetery at Gettysburg was dedicated and the observance began to be recognized by both sides. With over 600,000 dying in the war the recognition was of major significance as there were few families untouched by the tragedy in some manner.<br />
<br />
War is a terrible thing and there is no one who would like to see no more war than the soldier. However, no matter how we might feel about war itself we should never allow that feeling to color or detract from the honor due the brave soldiers who have stepped forward when their country called and who gave their lives in that service.<br />
<br />
When family gathers on Memorial Day and we are cooking out or going to the park or however we choose to enjoy the weekend, let's pause for a moment and remember the true meaning of the day. Freedom is not free, and it is only right to pause and remember who paid that price for us.<br />
<br />Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-26501633106945950382015-05-09T12:05:00.000-05:002015-05-09T12:05:00.590-05:00On the Road<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlFofR7nuJHl-2tVD9Np1-G_eQxEaA90uTSQO31a5Pzw8ghNXI9S6BT1S3sK7NWgUVVcdX69Xa4ll-1EjjSZktCB-HWlV93hyphenhypheng1HIyz897udyr4PhT3L5PHsKG0poTu2U54MIHZyrjEb3/s1600/mv2+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRlFofR7nuJHl-2tVD9Np1-G_eQxEaA90uTSQO31a5Pzw8ghNXI9S6BT1S3sK7NWgUVVcdX69Xa4ll-1EjjSZktCB-HWlV93hyphenhypheng1HIyz897udyr4PhT3L5PHsKG0poTu2U54MIHZyrjEb3/s320/mv2+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Saundra and I just returned from the conference in Orange
County California. It was a great conference and I enjoyed it very much. Heard
some good pitches. We took the RV and made the trip out and back something of a
vacation. We saw some really beautiful country in New Mexico and Arizona on the
way out and in Nevada, Utah, Arizona and New Mexico on the way back. If you’ve
ever seen the majesty of places like Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National
Park or Monument Valley you have to be awed by the hand of our mighty Lord.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Now we turn around this coming week to go to the Colorado
Christian Writers Conference in Estes Park Colorado. It is one of our favorites
and we have gone for many years. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is
very beautiful up there too and I hope to see some of you there. It is not only
a time for working on your writing craft but a time to work on your faith
through program, content and introspection.</div>
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<br /></div>
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The CCWC conference has always meant I couldn’t go to the
Blue Ridge Mountains Conference but my clients that have attended tell me it’s
a great conference too. I wish I could go this year for sure because I have
five clients who are finalists in various categories of the Selah awards which
will be given at the conference. I am confident in them winning of course and
wish I could be there to support them. Other agents here at Hartline have
clients that are finalists as well for a total of ten finalists, so we will be well represented.</div>
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<br /></div>
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We will be in the RV again on the way to Colorado as we love
the pace of the trip and seeing the countryside. That and it keeps me out of
airports which I genuinely hate. We’re lucky to have someone who will sit with
the house and dogs and water the garden and greenhouse as well as clients who
are understanding on the time requirement which gives us the time to do it.</div>
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<br /></div>
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I have attended several conferences a year starting long
before I became an agent. They played a major role in my learning the craft of
writing. They gave me the contacts that led to my getting published and later
led me to be able to function as an agent.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>They gave me the chance to spend time with others who understood the
passion for writing that people in our lives do not always get. I’ve cut back
on the number I go to but for years I was going to a couple of them a month.</div>
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<br /></div>
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If you aren’t making a conference or two a part of your
growth as a writer you are omitting a major part of the development of your career.
I hope to see you at one soon.</div>
Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-59662358812315528882015-04-24T09:02:00.000-05:002015-04-24T09:02:00.113-05:00writers conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPEjbCrzvhEXRvhApWKoakNqrMsbTQ28GPZD0WTwVXM1gARhB0y8gxhD_F0iGVNp2CvcFI7UdJIooLsk4ShAaBElCRCVNEtXITLJqKaEbaPe-uQ55dEYTdTk5cqhCNiFI9ZZ_4zA4Erp7/s1600/new+hat.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPEjbCrzvhEXRvhApWKoakNqrMsbTQ28GPZD0WTwVXM1gARhB0y8gxhD_F0iGVNp2CvcFI7UdJIooLsk4ShAaBElCRCVNEtXITLJqKaEbaPe-uQ55dEYTdTk5cqhCNiFI9ZZ_4zA4Erp7/s1600/new+hat.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm getting ready to get in the RV and head to Orange County California for a Christian Writer's conference. It's the first time I have been to that one but I hear they do a nice job with it.<br />
<br />
For years I've done a couple of conferences a month and I do prefer to drive if I can because I genuinely do hate airports. I've tried to start cutting back the last couple of years. It's not like I need to generate submissions, I get a ton of them. I can cut back on one that someone from the agency is already working but it is hard to turn down a small conference that's not too far away and needs me.<br />
<br />
Then there is the Colorado Christian Writers Conference May 13-17th. We love that one and have gone there for many years. Marlene puts on a great conference. I'll be at the Tulsa Christian Writers May 20-30th, Inspiration Alive in Amarillo June 11th, and Rose State College in Midwest City OK Sept 18-20th. There's a couple of others I'm not sure about, but I have cut back a bit.<br />
<br />
I believe conferences are absolutely essential if we want to write, primarily because they are specifically designed to help us better learn our craft. More than that they give us a chance to interface with other people who really understand what we are doing and what we are going through. Having the support of family and friends is nice, but we really need times when we can interface with other writers, when we can just immerse ourselves in it for a short time.<br />
<br />
Long before I became an agent I tried to go to a couple of conferences a year as a writer and it was invaluable to me. It is where I learned the business. There are a lot of them to choose from, some large and well attended, some regional ones that might be right in your own back yard. I mentioned the ones above because I'd love to meet you at one.<br />
<br />
What conferences do you like to attend and when and where is it?<br />
<br />
And if you haven't been at one, well . . . don't you think it is time that you did?<br />
<br />Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-59284713141552395372015-03-28T09:07:00.000-05:002015-03-28T09:07:00.319-05:00I can't promote, I have no book yet<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I hear that a lot.<br />
<br />
"I can't do a website, I don't have a book to promote."<br />
"I can't go talk to groups, I don't have a book to promote?"<br />
"I can't be interviewed, I don't have a book to promote."<br />
And on and on . . .<br />
<br />
Actually if we wait until we have a book to promote before we start trying to build some name identification and get some visibility, we are way behind the curve. By the time we manage to get our name out there the peak selling season for our new release may be over.<br />
<br />
Not to mention the fact that "platform" is now very important to publishers of all sizes when deciding what to acquire. It used to be that platform was only important in non-fiction books and it still is a primary factor there, but these days it is important in fiction as well. I've gotten responses on a lot of submissions that said it was a good book and well written, but the author has no platform.<br />
<br />
Did you get that? BEFORE they even take on the book they are wanting to see an author with some sort of following or some sort of name identification.<br />
<br />
The famed showman P.T Barnum said "I don't care what they say about me as long as they spell my name right." There have been convicted felons elected to office strictly because the name sounded familiar to people. For people browsing bookstores name familarity is one of the largest purchasing factors. Name recognition is huge.<br />
<br />
How do we get it? Social media? Attending conferences and events? Developing topics and seeking places to speak? Family? Churches and organizations we attend? Having a website and a blog? Yes! All of the above and anything else that will get out name out there.<br />
<br />
I think it is a waste of time trying to figure out what is good publicity and what isn't working for us. Like P.T Barnum said, the key is to get all the visibility we can get. We never know WHAT put our name on a readers mind when our book is out there and they finally see it, just that they recognized the name and picked it up. Nobody can buy a book without first being attracted by the name or the cover and picking it up.<br />
<br />
And one of the easiest ways to get our name out there is to visit other people's blogs AND LEAVE A COMMENT, preferably something that will cause someone to take note of you. Same thing on social media. We shouldn't just follow people but should make comments on posts that interest us.<br />
<br />
Sure, this can use up valuable writing time, but it's an advance payment on your book by getting name recognition now. When is the right time to start doing this? At least ten years ago, but if we haven't started until now . . . now will have to do.Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-84013442745245596572015-03-14T09:56:00.000-05:002015-03-14T09:56:00.043-05:00Can we write ourselves into our fiction?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDy1-mX-WxzDoUxMLO7DUMYUyIgMC4ipMnryrXhR6zgZe4zQKOEnSuplpsp4FMVCMIRWRdEwuCV2o_8rcnFBn78Ao-p_yaQuUxsTtJXUxyFgYR_bERB6dxxRF7pY-rsaSf440JbfB9emM/s1600/pondering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDy1-mX-WxzDoUxMLO7DUMYUyIgMC4ipMnryrXhR6zgZe4zQKOEnSuplpsp4FMVCMIRWRdEwuCV2o_8rcnFBn78Ao-p_yaQuUxsTtJXUxyFgYR_bERB6dxxRF7pY-rsaSf440JbfB9emM/s1600/pondering.JPG" height="161" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
I don't think we can write credible fiction without it.<br />
<br />
We can't write a character without getting inside their skin and imagining what they would do and say in the situation we are putting them in. That means our own experience and history, our own dealings with other people in our life come into play in fleshing them out.<br />
<br />
Does that go for the antagonist too? Oh yes, even more so. No hero can be stronger than the villain or situation they are up against. Captain America called in the find out who is stealing someone's newspaper would be a very small story no matter how strong a hero he is.<br />
<br />
For a writer this is rather like "going to the dark side." It doesn't mean we have done wicked things we can call upon to write about, but we can imagine them. Sometimes it can be scary how well we can imagine them.<br />
<br />
I hear writers all the time talking about "I cried when I wrote that," or "I scared myself with that scene." I've done that. But it's a good thing. How can we expect to raise emotions in someone else that we haven't experienced ourselves? We have to be writing our own emotions into the piece.<br />
<br />
So we are drawing on our own experiences, on our own emotions, and we are probably drawing on our own friends, family and acquaintances as well as those we come into contact with to flesh out characters and give them life. I know a number of authors who like to go the the mall or airport or some other public place just to watch people and get ideas for characters.<br />
<br />
Putting ourselves into our characters shoes to imagine what they would say or do, the operational word is "ourselves." No matter how much we are trying to be someone else, it's still us. And when we are writing some character doing some really wicked things, you may stop as I have and say to yourself, "Wow, where did that come from?"Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-32408576281645758312015-02-28T10:33:00.000-06:002015-02-28T10:33:00.453-06:00Personality and taste<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bQuhFYzCGIT-dDvIiEMF8wfYkvyEt_7yk7ZCwBu9U-iinIOtBdKKq2dpi7UJ0xO17OzSr_KVso5z60AU_FSCk17JzsJnxP0mE9oT65BLDodkgy-gGk7uWFTiwK8ZkXTkwMMmDEHNuoJ9/s1600/Terry+in+Kansas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6bQuhFYzCGIT-dDvIiEMF8wfYkvyEt_7yk7ZCwBu9U-iinIOtBdKKq2dpi7UJ0xO17OzSr_KVso5z60AU_FSCk17JzsJnxP0mE9oT65BLDodkgy-gGk7uWFTiwK8ZkXTkwMMmDEHNuoJ9/s1600/Terry+in+Kansas.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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How does personality and taste enter
in to getting published?</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Actually it is very important. A
number of years ago I was at a conference at Texas A & M and sat in a
workshop on communication. That was in the 70’s and he gave an illustration that
has stuck with me to this day.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
He said to imagine that we had a box
with index cards in it. (OK, today this would probably be a computer file.) On
these index cards were written the sum total of our life experiences and
background. A card would have our family background and upraising, another our
education, our faith and beliefs, and on and on with all of the aspects of our
life.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Now imagine that everyone has such a
box. Before we write something, or communicate with anyone in any manner we
thumb through the box and frame our communication according to the cards, we
frame it in terms of our knowledge and life experiences.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The problem is that the person or
persons that we are trying to communicate with have totally different boxes
that they will thumb through and will use to decipher our writing or message.
We will be successful in our writing and in our communication to the degree
that we are able to find common ground with the maximum number of people. </div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
That puts a whole new face on it,
doesn’t it? But let me be more specific about submissions for publication. I’m
likely to want to work with a project if the author and I find this common
ground. They seem like a person I would want to work with. Then there is the
project itself, is it something I really relate to? Do I like it, enjoy reading
it, or more importantly do I really want to try and get it into print? That’s
where personality and taste enter in, I relate to the author and to the
project.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
But it doesn’t end there. If I take
it on I am then faced with finding the right acquisition editors. Again, are
they people that I relate to well, is there a personality fit? More important
do we have similar tastes? Just because I really like something doesn’t mean it
fits a particular editors taste and they like it as well. Cultivating these
editors with similar tastes is an ongoing process.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
The most important thing is stellar
writing, but the path to publication is through people. And there personality
and taste matter.</div>
Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-16008743502949887502015-02-14T09:03:00.000-06:002015-02-14T09:03:00.410-06:00What does Brian Williams have to do with writing?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDy1-mX-WxzDoUxMLO7DUMYUyIgMC4ipMnryrXhR6zgZe4zQKOEnSuplpsp4FMVCMIRWRdEwuCV2o_8rcnFBn78Ao-p_yaQuUxsTtJXUxyFgYR_bERB6dxxRF7pY-rsaSf440JbfB9emM/s1600/pondering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDy1-mX-WxzDoUxMLO7DUMYUyIgMC4ipMnryrXhR6zgZe4zQKOEnSuplpsp4FMVCMIRWRdEwuCV2o_8rcnFBn78Ao-p_yaQuUxsTtJXUxyFgYR_bERB6dxxRF7pY-rsaSf440JbfB9emM/s1600/pondering.JPG" height="161" width="200" /></a></div>
The news and social media are full of it, Brian Williams stretching the truth in newscasts, apparently in several instances.<br />
<br />
What's the big deal? An announcer on a Christian radio station said we of all people should be offering forgiveness instead of 'piling on.'<br />
<br />
I'm good with that, offering Christian forgiveness and not castigating the man. But does that mean I trust him to be factual with the news? That's a different issue and seems to be the one people are primarily concerned about.<br />
<br />
But what does this mean for writers? What can we draw from it?<br />
<br />
How about this? People like us as a writer and as a person. They like the story we offer and find it an enjoyable read. But some of the things we present as fact don't check out because we didn't do our research. Does that put us in the same boat?<br />
<br />
One of my colleagues told me of a client that offered a story to an English publisher. He turned it down because it had a turtle in it and there are no turtles in England. If he couldn't trust that fact he didn't know what other facts he might not be able to trust.<br />
<br />
You may have seen that in a blog here. We've had considerable discussion on the importance of proper research and getting our facts right but to me this issue filling the news today is a very strong example.<br />
<br />
People stretch the truth all the time, the size of a fish they caught, the one that got away. But people that are supposed to be giving us facts that we can trust, when that trust is broken it can take quite a while to earn that trust again. Does it apply to us as writers?<br />
<br />
I think it does.Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-57616440891472335802015-02-07T06:00:00.000-06:002015-02-07T06:00:01.457-06:00Reminded<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDy1-mX-WxzDoUxMLO7DUMYUyIgMC4ipMnryrXhR6zgZe4zQKOEnSuplpsp4FMVCMIRWRdEwuCV2o_8rcnFBn78Ao-p_yaQuUxsTtJXUxyFgYR_bERB6dxxRF7pY-rsaSf440JbfB9emM/s1600/pondering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFDy1-mX-WxzDoUxMLO7DUMYUyIgMC4ipMnryrXhR6zgZe4zQKOEnSuplpsp4FMVCMIRWRdEwuCV2o_8rcnFBn78Ao-p_yaQuUxsTtJXUxyFgYR_bERB6dxxRF7pY-rsaSf440JbfB9emM/s1600/pondering.JPG" height="161" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
Yes, I was reminded this morning as I watched my client group welcoming a new member how lucky I am to be associated with such a fine group of people.<br />
<br />
My client group is a private group that only they can access. I set it up originally simply to give me the ability to quickly say something to all clients at once. Being in the group is mandatory if you are a client.<br />
<br />
I soon discovered it was something else entirely. Even though it is mandatory to be in the group they can choose whether to be in the side that has the ability to talk to one another, or they can choose to not have full access and only receive these priority messages that I originally set the group up for.<br />
<br />
Then I discovered the group has a heart for encouraging one another. To further this I share good news with the group and they enjoy sharing in each other's successes. Even if they are not currently getting such good news themselves they like to know and like to rejoice with other clients.<br />
<br />
They share bad news as well, asking the group for prayers when needed and the group has become an amazing collection of prayer warriors. I don't ask if a potential client is a Christian in the submission process or what their religious leanings might be but I think a non-believer might not be very comfortable in my client group.<br />
<br />
I tell my clients that it isn't MY job to place their project, it is OUR job. I ask them all to be information sources, passing on things they hear in various groups they are in, from what they read and sources they have. They share whether it is information that will be useful on their submissions or not, it may be useful to someone in the group. They pass on places they would really like to be submitted to and I can tell them whether that is a good suggestion or if I have information they don't have that means it isn't a good opportunity for them.<br />
<br />
I encourage them to go to workshops or conferences when they can and to bring back input from those as well, especially if it is something I'm not going to attend. I encourage them to read in their genre and to be sensitive to who is publishing things they like and particularly if the book gives thanks to some editor in the front of the book.<br />
<br />
Finally, the group just plain has fun! At times the traffic can get a little heavy and some of them choose to do it in digest form, but they have come to be a family. They really care for one another. We've had some leave, primarily when they decided to pursue self-publishing and the group wishes them the best, but are a little saddened by losing one of the family. On occasion I have to release one when I realize I have used all the contacts I have on their behalf. That's always difficult, but I want to be part of the solution, not part of the problem and if I can no longer help them I don't want to have them tied up where they can't get with someone that has a different set of contacts and skills and maybe can do them so good.<br />
<br />
Did I mention that I am blessed just to be associated with this group of people?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-67673387441132976212015-01-31T06:00:00.000-06:002015-01-31T06:00:01.813-06:00Social Media<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZMTWldVsZ2R8FoZ9hbxHxZCWD0NOxPZfzIl0zIG_u64IVIL9nyPU8UAujsBUi_ulnoOru8VdWpzQG7_pDiBqfsMcJaVSUJVnCvKtysPo9j3FgtsQiXviPGmXStF_faghDpY3ZJNF6_wI/s1600/pondering.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtZMTWldVsZ2R8FoZ9hbxHxZCWD0NOxPZfzIl0zIG_u64IVIL9nyPU8UAujsBUi_ulnoOru8VdWpzQG7_pDiBqfsMcJaVSUJVnCvKtysPo9j3FgtsQiXviPGmXStF_faghDpY3ZJNF6_wI/s1600/pondering.JPG" height="161" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
It caused me to think.<br />
<br />
I just got an endorsement on Linked In from someone I don't know on some sort of thing that I don't really do. That amazes me.<br />
<br />
I get a lot of friend requests, more than I can have without going over the limit so I don't accept them all. I accept the ones I know or sometimes people I know are writers and who have a large number of contacts in common because I know that will expand my own contacts. That means the ones I don't accept get counted as 'followers' and it's good to have a nice size number of followers too.<br />
<br />
I keep getting added to groups and other sites. I get out of such groups immediately. I'm funny that way. I like to control the number of things that I'm in and groups that I follow and if I want to be in a new one I will join it myself. I'm still having trouble believing Facebook allows people to put us in a group without our permission. Getting an invitation to join something is one thing but just being put in is something else.<br />
<br />
I don't play games. I'm sure it would be fun but I just don't have the time. But my Facebook wall is clogged with game invitations. I think if you start getting too much on a particular one that you can go stop that but there are a lot of them. I do stop one occasionally.<br />
<br />
Social media can waste a huge amount of time. It is addictive and we really have to be careful how we budget the time we spend on it. My computer is on and by my side 14 or 15 hours a day and if I'm not by it my email and Facebook is on my phone. I see a lot that is going on even if I'm not participating. But most of my business is done by email so constant monitoring is a must.<br />
<br />
Still, even though I fuss about some of these things social media can be very valuable for writers and even for us lowly agents. One of the greatest things a writer needs is name identification . . . visibility, and social media is critical for selling books and social media can be a valuable tool in accomplishing that. I have contact with family, friends and school-mates that I had virtually lost contact with them. As long as it is not overdone that is very nice.<br />
<br />
Writing can be a very solitary pursuit, often the families of writers do not understand. Social media can help with this problem, can provide contact with people who DO understand and get feedback and information when needed. I have a mandatory private group of my clients, where they can choose to be an active member or just receive priority messages when I want to send something to all clients at once. Most choose to participate, and the ones that do have become a very tight group, a family, and they have turned out to be a group of prayer warriors for one another.<br />
<br />
So it has its little nuisances, but social media is much more help than hurt. For me it is a necessity.Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-13494469015254152612015-01-24T06:00:00.000-06:002015-01-24T06:00:03.444-06:00It isn't personal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
I hear it all the time.<br />
<br />
A writer gets a few rejections and they take it personally and many quit trying to write. Others quit submitting and decide to go the self-publishing route. I have nothing against self-publishing, I've done some of it myself, but if it is done it should be a business decision weighing the pros and cons and never just as a knee-jerk reaction to getting a few rejections.<br />
<br />
A few rejections are part of the business of being a writer. Our work may only fit at one place in the entire publishing industry at any given point in time. A short time later it may still only fit at one place but now it is a different place. It is all about getting a submission in front of the right person, at the right place, at exactly the precise time it is needed.<br />
<br />
By definition that means many are being sent to a person or place that is not looking for what we are offering. And timing is critical. It can be too early, too late, just did one like it, don't have an open catalog slot for it right now, any of these means it is not a fit at this time. It also means knocking on a lot of doors before we find a place where all of the pieces are in place.<br />
<br />
If we knock on the door and the pieces are NOT in place they are going to tell us it isn't a fit right now. There is absolutely nothing personal about that, just telling us whether they have a place for it or not. It can't be personal, after all, as they probably don't know us well enough for that. It's probably not even about the writing, but about the fit for their market.<br />
<br />
Actually, to the degree that it MIGHT be personal is a great thing even if it is a no. Not often do editors take the time to point out why they didn't connect with a work or what might could be done about it. Such input is very valuable and should be strongly considered. Not that we should greatly change a project on the basis on the opinion of one editor, not unless we really see the merit in what they are saying and agree with it. But it should be given great credence and strongly considered. And if similar advice is given from more than one source it definitely should be addressed.<br />
<br />
But most of the time it is not personal, the person responding is just telling us that it does not meet that elusive person, place or time. At least not now. Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-5992355345059959782015-01-17T06:00:00.000-06:002015-01-17T06:00:01.428-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-BRBaAeeJxf4ewkPsgqkcd_HYK7WUbbrVBIsljNPJXR3Dz2eF7TC6fVEQRXAZ-EWZZ6BT_hco-94tTWkpxm1Nrzn5OQzLIecRqVVEQTCN36mf-dgVBHFk0bd4TnLWpntESbkOhDjBOEl/s1600/me+and+Beau.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie-BRBaAeeJxf4ewkPsgqkcd_HYK7WUbbrVBIsljNPJXR3Dz2eF7TC6fVEQRXAZ-EWZZ6BT_hco-94tTWkpxm1Nrzn5OQzLIecRqVVEQTCN36mf-dgVBHFk0bd4TnLWpntESbkOhDjBOEl/s1600/me+and+Beau.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Anybody besides me having trouble getting untracked and getting going in the New Year?<br />
<br />
Okay, I was sidetracked a little by the young man in the picture, Grant Jackson Hendrichs, Beau for short. He's my fifth great grandchild and was born on Elvis' birthday, January 8th. His parents picked the middle name Jackson early as it was a family name but agonized long and hard over the first name. They eventually settled on Grant without realizing that they had linked up to both the top Union Civil War general and the top Southern general. How diplomatic of them. They took to calling him Bocephus while they were trying to decide so the name Beau stuck as a nickname. <br />
<br />
Anyway, back home and trying to get back to work is a challenge. I have things to do that were put off during the holiday season as the publishing industry all but shuts down anyway. That practically insures that it is time for a lot of 90 day follow ups on client submissions.<br />
<br />
Then there's the matter of getting back up to speed on where all client activity stands. All of my clients are in a private online group and we pretty much stay in touch with one another but even at that it can also be a challenge juggling all the balls and keeping them up in the air without dropping anything.<br />
<br />
Of course there is also the natural tendency to put off getting started on activity. I've always intended to become a procrastinator but somehow have never gotten around to it. Then again, sitting here ruminating on this blog is also putting off getting to work.<br />
<br />
Guess I'd better get after it.Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-73061420910773604732015-01-01T07:00:00.000-06:002015-01-01T07:00:00.576-06:00I don't do resolutions<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<br />
<b>HAPPY NEW YEAR!</b><br />
<br />
I hope 2015 is a wonderful year for you.<br />
<br />
Will you be making resolutions? I don't have much luck with them. The only resolution I can remember successfully keeping was when I resolved to not make any more of them.<br />
<br />
A resolution is something we HOPE to do in the new year. I prefer to set goals rather than make resolutions. A resolution is pass or fail, we either do it or we don't. A goal is something we PLAN to do in the new year. And it is possible for us to make progress toward our goal even if we don't reach the target that we are shooting for.<br />
<br />
A resolution tends to be a rather nebulous thing that we generally hope to achieve. A goal tends to be very specific and progress toward it can be quantified and measured.<br />
<br />
I also plan to worry less because of the way I pursue my goals. Worry is stressing over something that is really beyond our control. Planning is thinking something through and taking action designed to achieve goals that are realistic and within our ability to accomplish them. If I have things that are beyond my ability I plan to turn them over to the Lord instead of worrying about them and simply trusting Him.<br />
<br />
I'm not knocking it if you are one that likes to make resolutions, I'm just saying it doesn't work for me. Whichever way you go, as I said, I hope 2015 is a great year for you, packed with happiness and success. I really believe it will be such a year for us all.Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-65585376892998254342014-12-06T06:00:00.000-06:002014-12-06T06:00:01.834-06:00Christmas hills and valleys<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Christmas can be the most joyous time of year.<br />
<br />
It usually is for our family.<br />
<br />
But for some reason it can also be a very difficult time. Within our family, our church family, and among our friends it just seems things happen this time of year. Many are having problems, illness, and we have even lost friends and family members right in the midst of the season. I lost my dad and my brother, my only sibling, the same year during the Christmas season. That was a difficult year.<br />
<br />
Why do the valleys seem to be more prevalent this time of year? Or is it just the comparison? We are supposed to be so happy right now, is it just more noticeable when things happen to be a damper on that happiness? I don't know.<br />
<br />
I do know some that are sick are trying to hang on to have one more Christmas with family and whether they make it or not that puts it in the midst of the season.<br />
<br />
I'm not writing this to be a downer, but just to recognize the hills and valleys of Christmas. The Lord doesn't want us to be sad, and the celebration of His birth should be cause for great celebration. But it should also be a time for being sensitive to what other people are going through. It's ironic that the happier some people are, the more difficult it seems to make it for people that are not in such a good place with their life.<br />
<br />
For writers there can be a lot of news coming down that is not so good as editors and yes, agents tend to use this time of year to clean out their in-boxes. Things that merit further examination is put off for the new year and the projects that will be passed on get contacted.<br />
<br />
I hope you and yours enjoy a hilltop experience this Christmas, and I hope in your joy that you are also aware of those who need an extra touch right now. God did not promise that we would not have troubles, but he did promise to be with us and to help us through them. One of the main ways he gives this help is through his people. I don't know how those that are not believers get through adversity, but I know when I have needed it that my faith has gotten me through, and my Christian brothers and sisters have always been there for me.<br />
<br />
As the season begins to unfold may you all have a joyous celebration of the birth of our Lord.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-19216734578209100092014-11-27T06:00:00.000-06:002014-11-27T06:00:00.840-06:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is Thanksgiving.<br />
<br />
Everyone knows it is about more than eating turkey, watching football and the Thanksgiving Day parade. It is even about more than family although that is a big part of it.<br />
<br />
Thanksgiving is about counting our blessings and as the name implies giving thanks for them. As our pastor pointed out, most of us have more blessings than we can possibly count. Sometimes when difficult things are happening to us it is hard to see all these blessings because we focus on the difficulties, but the blessings far outnumber those difficulties.<br />
<br />
We just went through such a difficult period and are working our way out of it. However, there was a time in my life where I pretty much hit rock bottom. Comparing other low spots to that one gives me perspective. Our life will be a series of mountaintops and valleys and I can see we are just going through a valley.<br />
<br />
So one of the big things we are thankful for this year is starting to come out of the valley. We look at all the health problems family and friends have and realize we have been extremely blessed there. We don't have wealth, but the Lord is seeing that our needs are met and that's all we really want.<br />
<br />
We are thankful for family and friends, not only our blood family but our family at church as well. They are all so important to us and a big part of how we get through difficult times. We will be gathering around the table later today with some of those who are always there for us.<br />
<br />
We will be gathering in spirit with family who can not be with us. Our family has a tradition of gathering with one side of the family for Thanksgiving and the other side for Christmas so the kids will be off doing that. We'll be thinking of them, one of our biggest blessings. We'll also be thinking of those who are no longer around that table, those who have gone on. We are blessed that we know where all of those family members are and that we will be seeing them again.<br />
<br />
I'm just scratching the surface, the major things that occur to me. I know that there are literally thousands of smaller blessings when I stop and think further and I know it is that way for all of us. Of course I know that the biggest blessing of them all is the gift of our salvation, God giving His only son to us to redeem us from our sins. What a huge blessing and the reason I know I will be seeing those loved ones again.<br />
<br />
The wonderful smells are starting to waft in from the kitchen. The beautiful floats are winding their way down the street with the huge balloons floating high above them and there will probably be football in our future soon. But before we enjoy that bountiful meal we will take time to give thanks . . . for the things I have talked about . . . and so much more.<br />
<br />
I hope if you take time for even a quick recount of your blessings that you will quickly find they are indeed . . . more than you can count.Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-20151366439305263492014-11-04T08:21:00.002-06:002014-11-04T08:21:42.542-06:00Starting over<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
That's what it feels like.<br />
<br />
We just had to make an unscheduled move. It took the biggest part of my time for an entire month. I took care of urgent things for my clients but the routine work had to go undone. The clients were caring, understanding and patient.<br />
<br />
Now, even though I still have things associated with the move that need to be done, my work for my clients takes center stage again. But it is amazing how out of touch I feel. It is indeed as if I am starting over. Once again my clients are coming to my rescue.<br />
<br />
I asked for an update as to what they are waiting on, what they feel I need to be doing for them and what they are working on. I'm comparing what they tell me to my notes so I can be a bit more confident that I have correctly identified the things that need to be done and the status of all clients.<br />
<br />
They are giving these updates on the closed access client loop so each of them are also getting an update on what all the other clients are doing and what they have on their plate at the same time. They are very supportive of one another and like to see these updates.<br />
<br />
I suppose it will take a bit to feel like I am back in the saddle again and feel like I'm on top of everything.<br />
<br />
How does the old saying go? Lord, please grant me patience . . . and I need it right now!Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-70905229838287598722014-10-08T07:13:00.000-05:002014-10-08T07:13:01.369-05:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Not my favorite thing to do, but Saundra and I are in the process of moving to a different location here in Amarillo. We've been at our present location for nearly 20 years. We are only moving a few miles, but the process and amount of things to move is very daunting. In addition I have to work a writers conference at East Texas Baptist University right in the middle of the process. That may prove to be a welcome break. I will still be trying to keep up with my work at Hartline during the process, but my time will be severely limited so if you are waiting on me for something please be patient.<br />
<br />
Did I mention moving is not my favorite thing to do?Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-1312734185035660732014-09-15T12:00:00.000-05:002014-09-15T12:00:02.018-05:00<br />
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<br />
It takes me a full day to work up, format, study the market for the
proper people that I can see evidence might be interested, and make
submissions on a single client. It takes me a full day to do a full
manuscript read. I can read them much quicker but I format and do light
editing as I go as it causes me to do a closer read and if I find I am
interested in it that work is already done. If it doesn't draw me in or I
don't connect with it I quit reading and respond at that point. I have
60 clients so you can see how that schedules out.<br />
<br />
I can work in
quick things that require immediate attention, of course, and would
never ignore correspondence from an editor or an urgent need from a
client.<br />
<br />
I block out half days to work incoming submissions which I
evaluate and respond to, set it aside for a closer look, or if I have
preliminary interest request a full manuscript. I do keep an eye on what
is being discussed in the various groups I connect with just to know
what they are talking about but seldom contribute nor invest significant
time there. I put time in communicating with my clients on our private
client group and I contribute to the Hartline and my personal blog once a
week.<br />
<br />
It is common for me to do outside chores, lawn and garden,
in the first couple of hours of the day while it is cool before I start
doing the above work. I seldom work at all on the Lord's day at all
unless it is something really urgent. My Sundays are pretty much tied up
at church and I don't even carry my phone with me when I go.<br />
<br />
When
you add in the honey-do's and knocking down my to-do list, time in the
morning and evening with my wife, and the myriad of small ways that life
demands attention the schedule can be pretty full. But I try to respond
as quickly as possible to the constant stream of submissions and
correspondence that comes in each day. I know some people only respond
if interested, and I get that, but it isn't how my momma raised me. As I
recently commented on our blog, I remove my hat when meeting or talking
to a lady, I open doors, and I adhere to the Southern courtesy she
taught me. That includes responding to everyone who writes me.<br />
<br />
Occasionally
I get notes addressed "to whom it may concern" or maybe "Dear Sir or
Madam" and most of us read that as "Dear Occupant." Those aren't
addressed to me. I know what you do with your occupant mail and I may do
the same with mine in spite of the fact that momma always would think
it rude not to someone who takes the time to write you.<br />
<br />
You can see that it sometimes takes a little time for me to get something done. But I try to keep up.Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-362490117084225307.post-14802227318722245362014-09-08T06:30:00.000-05:002014-09-08T06:30:00.742-05:00Economical Writer's conference<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">ROSE
STATE WRITER’S SHORT COURSE</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">If
you are looking for an economical writers conference, I’ll be on the faculty
for this short course at Rose State College in Midwest City OK (Outskirts of
Oklahoma City). I’ve been there several times, and it is a small conference
with great facilities packed with excellent presenters, is economical and full
of content.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Last year’s Short Course was attended by more than two hundred people. This
year the College will expand the program with more presenters, more agents, and
more contest categories. Organized by New York Times-bestselling author William
Bernhardt, this conference will bring some of the nation’s most successful
writers and literary agents to Oklahoma.<br />
<br />
More than thirty published writers, agents, editors, and others in the
publishing industry will present at the Short Course, led by Guest-of-Honor
Jacqueline Mitchard, author of The Deep End of the Ocean, the first book
selected for Oprah’s Book Club, and John Wooley, Oklahoma author of more than
thirty books of fiction and nonfiction. Authors will share their secrets,
agents will provide one-on-one consultations with writers, and editors will
talk with attendees interested in writing for their publications.<br />
<br />
Whether you write fiction, poetry, memoir, or creative nonfiction, this
workshop will have something to help you grow as a writer and publish your
work. This Short Course will explore all aspects of why this is the best time
to be a writer.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Information is
available at </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><a href="http://www.rose.edu/shortcourse">http://www.rose.edu/shortcourse</a></span>Terry Burnshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14526255183090554401noreply@blogger.com0