tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post4963024944123484425..comments2023-06-21T08:09:44.331-04:00Comments on This Is My Secret: The Blog and Website of Writer Kristin Cashore: FAQs on Writing and Publishing, A.K.A. the Longest Post E.V.E.R.Kristin Cashorehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05560274772312684672noreply@blogger.comBlogger15125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-59711800569955141652009-12-05T10:57:28.347-05:002009-12-05T10:57:28.347-05:00I've just finished Graceling and loved it. In...I've just finished Graceling and loved it. In the acknowledgments (yes, people do read those) you thanked Liza Ketchum "who taught me to think like a novelist". What did you mean? Like many of your fans, I am writing and striving for that THING that will make my writing work better. Your blogs are informative and helpful, and I appreciate your willingness to "share". SuzyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-47568350481392970202009-11-21T15:58:23.799-05:002009-11-21T15:58:23.799-05:00Hi Kristin,
I came to your site after reading the...Hi Kristin,<br /><br />I came to your site after reading the pep talk letter you wrote for NaNoWriMo. I'm unfamiliar with your work (I'm actually unfamiliar with a lot of writers that aren't "big names"; I'm just out of the loop like that). But I really enjoyed reading through your entries and the advice you gave about writing and the story on how you came to be published were both very encouraging to me.<br /><br />I've been writing on an off again since middle school. Two years ago, I decided to try my hand at writing fanfiction. It turned out to be great writing practice, though I did not see it that way at the time. It was just something I did for fun, but I also felt a driving urge to do it. So it turns out that's what it means to be a writer.<br /><br />I do hope to be published one day, but in the meantime, I shall continue to write. :)<br /><br />Thank you. :)<br /><br />—Sharonartgyrlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07938929764969971983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-20836554558538150082009-11-21T15:50:34.552-05:002009-11-21T15:50:34.552-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.artgyrlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07938929764969971983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-2310458690646652412009-11-21T15:49:34.266-05:002009-11-21T15:49:34.266-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.artgyrlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07938929764969971983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-9174021427052652662009-06-13T13:59:48.515-04:002009-06-13T13:59:48.515-04:00Hopefully ubiera a film of the book, the actor who...Hopefully ubiera a film of the book, the actor who stops the my serious indicated one to represent “Po” serious Ben Barnes. Serious a wonderful film…: DAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-63305324266948385742009-05-22T21:30:57.529-04:002009-05-22T21:30:57.529-04:00Do you find when you are writing fantasy, that rea...Do you find when you are writing fantasy, that reading within your genre makes it easier or harder (or neither) in your writing process? I LOVE fantasy (reading and writing) but recently have been reading a lot of YA contemporary (somehow I've only just discovered Sarah Dessen!) but it's making it near-impossible for me to write!<br /><br />On an unrelated note, SCBWI is awesome :)Sara Kankowskihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13811608770353664993noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-49860747380812483452009-05-22T01:21:43.945-04:002009-05-22T01:21:43.945-04:00Kristin,
Firstly, that was NOT BORING at all!! Qu...Kristin,<br /><br />Firstly, that was NOT BORING at all!! Quite the opposite. I mean, in the end, this all comes down to writing and books. Oh and btw, I also read the book Writing Down the Bones, and it was really helpful and full of good advice for writers. I really recommend it! And I totally agree with you about how you write: you have to find what works for you! I just have one question, it might be personal and you don't have to answer, but is there a specific person who inspired you to write or did you just know from the start that you enjoyed it? Just wondering :)Horselovernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-59136969470218048942009-05-21T20:27:51.466-04:002009-05-21T20:27:51.466-04:00I agree with the others that this is a great post....I agree with the others that this is a great post. I have been struggling with my writing over the past year (mostly one novel) and my husband encouraged me to start one of my other projects. Now I am almost complete with it, and have the idea I needed for the other novel to work. So, yes, keep writing is very useful advice. If one thing doesn't work, then move onto another piece that wants to talk is what I am now practicing.<br /><br />The publishing part does seem tricky, and it is interesting about how you write about your original first novel and how you have it on a shelf for later. I have noticed that sometimes the first thing you write isn't always the first thing you publish. However, I hope that someday we will see that jewel in print. <br /><br />Thanks for suggestions on the books on writing. I have been going to my local library and picking upon books on writing. After being out of college for four years, I think it is time that I do some new reading on writing.<br /><br />A lot of these questions have been on my brain for a while, and it was a little strange seeing those ideas that have been floating around in my head in this blog post. It really helps ease my heart, for someday, I hope I can pass such good advice and information. <br /><br />Write on!<br />NatashaAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13659874919389800615noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-66128149251976579872009-05-21T19:59:07.641-04:002009-05-21T19:59:07.641-04:00My advice is never stop observing.
I'm going on a...My advice is never stop observing.<br /><br />I'm going on a trip soon. That's exciting, but just a teensy bit frustrating because I'm in the beginning stages of a new novel idea. Now it all has to be put on hold.<br /><br />This actually happened when I began my last big novel idea. It was hard to put the writing away until I got back, but I actually made some observations on the trip which I ended up including in my novel.<br /><br />So you never know. <br /><br />I'm not looking forward to putting the project away while I'm gone, but I am looking forward to all of the wonderful things that I'll encounter which will become inspiration for this, or future ideas.ICQBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08634452093934367498noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-66149565967160016302009-05-21T16:21:31.914-04:002009-05-21T16:21:31.914-04:00Thank you Thank you Thank you! A million times, Th...Thank you Thank you Thank you! A million times, Thank You!<br />This post is fabulous! Not at all long and boring! As an aspiring writer this is exactly the kind of thing I like to read about. And thank you for the book referrals to help w/the writing process. <br />This post has greatly encouraged me because I am a "slow" writer. I've been working on my YA urban fantasy novel (which I hope to make a trilogy) for just over a year now, but it just feels like FOREVER. I work a lot, so I blame having little time as the reason I am slow in completing this book. I've also recently started a 2nd unrelated YA novel and have been collaborating on a "dark" kids series w/illustrations. (Think Gris Grimly or Edward Gorey)<br />The only discouraging thing from this post is that I am not a college grad. :( I've been worried that this is going to work against me in the long run. <br />I am quite full of self doubt and periodically find myself thinking my writing is crap. Encouraging words from my very few trusted first readers keeps me going (and my absolute LOVE of writing). Am I weird to be paranoid that joining a writing/critque group would lead to someone snatching my ideas?<br />Anyway...I love this post and am very appreciative that you decided to share your experience!tinkandalissahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01519082764772978297noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-63026093456109605452009-05-21T14:42:13.052-04:002009-05-21T14:42:13.052-04:00And get a pal! That's my advice. The best thing ...And get a pal! That's my advice. The best thing I got from grad school was a writing buddy. Three years later we live in different states but still send each other our manuscripts, and she is my best reader because we've spent these years helping each other be great reviewers. Her comments are now WAY more helpful than when I've paid money to spend 15 minutes with an agent at a conference, mostly because I can tell her what draft I'm on and what I need to know at that point. I firmly believe one trustworthy, objective, editor-like, writer person who can tell you the good and the bad is crucial.Nikkinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-73801116441149303902009-05-21T12:47:48.559-04:002009-05-21T12:47:48.559-04:00So extremely helpful to hear about your process. I...So extremely helpful to hear about your process. I second your comments about SCBWI; I'm a member and have been to one regional conference and the NY conference (this year) It is so great just to be in a huge room full of writers, listening to writers talk about writing (one of this year's speakers was Jack Gantos, who was awesome) And of course I adore Lin Oliver.<br /><br />I agree you should write because you want to write, but I have to say that after several years of rejection letters, it's easy to get discouraged. What boosts my spirits is reading great books, SCBWI and my amazing writers group. <br /><br />Thank you for sharing, Kristin!CLhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07590549841681441356noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-63360113524065115362009-05-21T10:29:52.874-04:002009-05-21T10:29:52.874-04:00Great post. My favorite line is: "Two of the best...Great post. My favorite line is: "Two of the best ways to get published are to become a better writer and to expand your portfolio, both of which are accomplished by writing." Yes! Writing. Writing. Writing. It all comes down to that. Amen.<br /><br />Re: the Nordstrom contest---sadly, it no longer exists. There were two years with winners, and then it faded away. I would've loved to have seen it become a tradition, because it was MY break into publishing and I wanted to be part of a long line of happy winners. Sigh. Ursula was so amazing. Her name and legacy deserve to be honored.Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12225998457253574928noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-32440768502414833892009-05-21T07:46:15.468-04:002009-05-21T07:46:15.468-04:00*Deep Breath* Kristin, you have made my life bett...*Deep Breath* Kristin, you have made my life better. I will write until the pen falls from my cold lifeless fingers. The end. :) I write because I'm not happy if I'm not writing. When I was younger, I'd tell my mom "I can't go (wherever) because I need to write." She'd get confused and tell me that I didn't "need" to write. I'd say, "You don't understand. I HAVE to write." She understands now, of course. <br /><br />I've been told several times to try and write for the market, or more comercially, or focus on a niche - even if it's not my passion. I won't, which I've always felt was a fine line between staying true to myself and oppositional defiance disorder. In the end, it doesn't matter which it is, because I don't, on a primal level care if I'm ever published. I will write until I die. Do I want to get published? ABSOLUTELY!<br /><br />Which leads me to say that your post wasn't boring in the least, I was riveted. Perhaps I'm just a book geek who hangs on the words of my literary heroes... :D Anyhow, I'm glad to find that I'm doing the right things, and that it doesn't matter that the first book I wrote will never see the light of day (and doesn't need to) and that it's alright to walk around with a pen and paper to catch names. <br />So in concluding the longest comment of the day, I'll just say "THANK YOU" for taking the time to write a long (not boring) and detailed post. For talking about things that are personal and not that easy to talk about. Thank you!Artemis Greyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10849091563671031929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4228273369846378320.post-37081393708905325882009-05-21T07:27:09.917-04:002009-05-21T07:27:09.917-04:00Kristin,
Thank you for this fantastic post! It ...Kristin, <br /><br />Thank you for this <B>fantastic</B> post! It was perfect and definitely not sleep-inducing! Maybe what I like best about it was that nothing you wrote seemed insurmountable to me, and you reminded us what it's really all about, loving to write, no matter what happens.<br /><br />~JenJ.L. Harthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10638394721520980810noreply@blogger.com