My Next Big Thing

Filed under Writing by on December 17, 2012 at 3:09 pm {4 comments}

I’m happy to be participating in a blog hop called, “My Next Big Thing.” I was tagged by fellow blogger and writer, June O’Hara of the Nuerosis Files, and asked to answer ten questions about my most recent writing project. Here are my responses:     

Where did the idea for your book or project come from?

From my family. My book is a humorous and heartbreaking memoir about growing up with a closeted gay dad, a physically and mentally handicapped mom and a Republican brother.

What is the working title of your book?

Minnesota Nice

What genre does it fall under?

It’s a memoir.

If applicable, who would you choose to play the characters in a movie?

Emma Stone would be my choice for the older years. The story takes place between the ages of 9 – 22. As for the younger years I have no idea. If you have any ideas please let me know.

What is the one-sentence synopsis of your manuscript or project?

MINNESOTA NICE is a humorous and heartbreaking memoir set in the 1970s and 80s about Jennifer Brown’s struggle to grow up in Crocus Hill while trying to fit in. While caring for her disabled mom she learns her dad is gay. Enter the 800-pound gorilla, stage left. (Wearing a pair of jeans from the Husky section at Sears, no less.)

Sorry, that was three sentences.

Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency?

I’m leaning toward self publishing but am also in talks with a couple of agents and publishers. I want to retain control and self publishing seems like the best way to do that. I could write a whole post on this subject, lots to think about.

How long did it take to write the first draft of your manuscript?

5 years.

What other book would you compare this story to within the genre?

Running with Scissors by Augustan Burroughs.

Who or what inspired you to write this book?

Laura Ingalls Wilder. Since I read her book in third grade I have been writing my book in my head. I didn’t have a story back then but given a little time and a lot of crazy the story wrote itself. Everyone I have ever met has suggested I tell my story.

What else about the book or story might pique the reader’s interest?

Everyone has a story and a lot of people have a crazy story. This is one of those unbelievable stories that just had to be written. Just when you think the characters have seen it all something else happens to up the ante of bizarre and unbelievable. So far most people who have read it can’t understand how I am still mostly sane.

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Creating a Bestseller

Filed under Writing by on October 22, 2012 at 4:28 pm {one comment}

I’m glad I didn’t see this infographic on successful books before I started writing. It’s nice to see the stats of what sells when it comes to books but I don’t think a book should be written because it will sell. A book should be written because it needs to be written. The story needs to be told. If it’s a good story the audience will find it even if they didn’t know they wanted to read about it.

I used to own a bookstore during the rise of the big box bookstores. Ironically the same big box stores that are struggling to stay relevant in the age of Kindle, iPad and Nook. Back then, when the big box stores were putting shops like me out of business they ruled the shelves. As a small store owner I couldn’t take a chance on an independent or new author. I had to stock Grisham and Patterson and all the guys who had no trouble selling a book. With digital publishing widely available and easy to use more and more indie authors have a chance to be read.

The DNA of a Successful Book

by NowSourcing. Browse more data visualization.

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Minnesota Nice

Filed under Dancing Skeletons, Writing by on October 19, 2012 at 10:41 am {8 comments}

cover of Minnesota Nice by Jennifer Brown

After at least 15 bazillion titles I have finally settled on Minnesota Nice as the title of my memoir. According to Wikipedia Minnesota Nice is:

the stereotypical behavior of people born and raised in Minnesota, to be courteous, reserved, and mild-mannered. The cultural characteristics of Minnesota nice include a polite friendliness, an aversion to confrontation, a tendency toward understatement, a disinclination to make a fuss or stand out, emotional restraint, and self-deprecation. It can also refer to traffic behavior, such as slowing down to allow another driver to enter a lane in front of the other person. Critics have pointed out negative qualities, such as passive aggressiveness and resistance to change.

Although the term is generally considered to be Americentric in nature, some traits typical of this stereotype are also generally applied to neighboring Canadians.

I’ve been told they are going to change the title. They being the publishers that will eventually publish my book.

Originally I was going to self publish, and I’m still leaning that way. I like having the control over the title, cover, and most importantly the money. On the other hand having my book published traditionally puts it in front of people it might never have been. I have a large reach. I’ve been blogging forever in internet years and know how to get the word out. But, I know that a traditional publisher, and their marketing department, can do so much more than I could on my own.

Still, I like having the control.

So here’s where things stand. The manuscript is currently in the hands of one publisher and five agents.

Which means I wait.

In the mean time I’ve set up a Facebook page for the book and would love it if you could like it. I will be posting the publishing experience over there as well as adding resources for other people who are writing their book.

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