tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post3555037317279827551..comments2023-10-24T17:19:31.391-04:00Comments on Laundry Hurts My Feelings: The Birth Of A Query (And The Cookie Dough It Took To Get There)Joann Mannixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11163491824085428085noreply@blogger.comBlogger41125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-88119931984892856672010-07-28T14:08:15.873-04:002010-07-28T14:08:15.873-04:00Sorry to be late to the party, but I was too busy ...Sorry to be late to the party, but I was too busy nerding it up in San Diego to check my blog friend's blogs. Blog.<br /><br />I'm so happy to know what your book is about now! And again, YOU'RE WELCOME about A.B. Keuser.<br /><br />Shoot me an email so we can discuss the query, when you have some time. Well, obviously.twelvedaysoldhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12997858060469688563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-6544821801330120712010-07-23T19:27:41.083-04:002010-07-23T19:27:41.083-04:00I have nothing constructive to offer. But, I am so...I have nothing constructive to offer. But, I am so proud of you for getting it done! I can't wait to wait in line for your autograph in a book store some day soon! <br />It sounds like a great story!Lula Lolahttp://lulalola.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-75839943483252097182010-07-23T18:36:12.781-04:002010-07-23T18:36:12.781-04:00First of all, congratulations on FINISHING the boo...First of all, congratulations on FINISHING the book! That, in itself, is such an accomplishment!<br /><br />As far as titles go, from what I hear, it's not unusual to be changed by the time it makes print. I did not know "The Book of Kells", and as far as "In Grace's Place" - I just had a problem with the rhyme. <br /><br />I LOVE the line that Kel still chooses her cereal by the prize inside the box. Makes her endearing to the reader.<br /><br />The first sentence of the third paragraph does go on too long; I'd probably end it after "car seats that defy the laws of physics."<br /><br />Good luck to you! I am SO happy for you!<br /><br />Now if this doesn't light a flame under my butt to finish writing, I don't know what will!Pathttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17756564685282866773noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-66443860602529649232010-07-23T13:09:41.362-04:002010-07-23T13:09:41.362-04:00Can you please write the following on a clean shee...Can you please write the following on a clean sheet of 8 1/2 x 11 computer paper and mail it to me, unfolded: "To Judie, an avid reader and fan. Best regards, Joann Mannix"<br /><br />xoxoJudiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02778815502961000469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-7609176109240736622010-07-23T11:11:20.185-04:002010-07-23T11:11:20.185-04:00Have a wonderful time at your reunion this weekend...Have a wonderful time at your reunion this weekend! My thirtieth is in October. Can't wait.The Furry Godmotherhttp://www.canikeepit.typepad.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-34893717847208986032010-07-23T02:38:39.178-04:002010-07-23T02:38:39.178-04:00Hi Joanne, As a fellow novelist, I really enjoyed ...Hi Joanne, As a fellow novelist, I really enjoyed reading this post, and for me, the take-away line was this: "My writer's heart is no longer paper thin. It's now more like a ShamWow." Love that!!! I've queried agents for two novels now, and I've not been successful in finding representation, so I don't know what makes a query work. Can't comment there, but I do want to extend to you my encouragement and my support. If YOU love your novel, that's what's important. And if you loved the process of writing it, then plan to write more! I ended up self-publishing my first novel (The Somebody Who), which subsequently received a nomination for a literary award. I hope you find luck through the traditional avenues, but if, at some point, you need to pick the brain of one who went the self-pub route, feel free to get in touch!Katie Gateshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01264642384901419402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-64968352548675164262010-07-23T00:16:39.886-04:002010-07-23T00:16:39.886-04:00Can I have an autographed copy when it comes out??...Can I have an autographed copy when it comes out?? :D I'm sooooo excited for you!! Your query is awesome!! I say leave the last sentence. It's like the wrapper on a present. Absolutely necessary. I like In Grace's Place, but I also think something to do with Kells is nice.<br />Good job you! You're my hero!Baby Sisterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01722443238803217681noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-59383782929811613272010-07-22T22:33:10.347-04:002010-07-22T22:33:10.347-04:00Joann, you can call it whatever you want--it will ...Joann, you can call it whatever you want--it will still be a terrific read! You already know how I feel about it, and my opinion hasn't changed. I read SEVEN books on the beach in Cancun, and your novel was just as captivating, if not more, as any of them. I am SUCH a picky reader, so when I applaud your work, you know that I am sincere.Judiehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02778815502961000469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-60509545040057518482010-07-22T20:13:21.953-04:002010-07-22T20:13:21.953-04:00I'm sorry I'm so late to the party - I ha...I'm sorry I'm so late to the party - I haven't been online much the past few days.<br /><br />I loved this post, and I loved the query (I can NOT wait to read this book!!)<br /><br />Truly, I loved it. The only criticism I could come up with is that the "God help her" seems unnecessary. <br /><br />Also, I love "Fractured Sisterhood" as a title.<br /><br />My next question is how are you going to autograph all of our copies of your book once it is published??Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10019980832742495532noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-59985892573961302382010-07-22T19:49:16.904-04:002010-07-22T19:49:16.904-04:00...litters their conversations with intolerant sig......litters their conversations with intolerant sighs...<br /><br />Loved that!!!!!!!<br /><br />Congratulations Joann!!MrsBlogAlothttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09754196222405796214noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-27163154524837565582010-07-22T18:11:36.069-04:002010-07-22T18:11:36.069-04:00As soon as this is published, you can build your o...As soon as this is published, you can build your own freakin' waterfall in the back yard. I can't wait to buy it, I can't wait to read it, I just can't wait!<br /><br />Love the last paragraph. Of the two titles you offer, I like In Grace's Place best. Had no idea what the Book of Kells was. I also like Fractured Sisterhood, but another bit draws my eye ... how about Imperfect Heart?<br /><br />You're awesome. Congratulations!jayayceebloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05894164273378530006noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-50219875531767802952010-07-22T14:46:18.816-04:002010-07-22T14:46:18.816-04:00I am completely unoriginal and useless when it com...I am completely unoriginal and useless when it comes to coming up with a title for anything so...I got nuthin'<br /><br />I also do some of my best thinking while in the shower. Sadly, those ideas dry up as soon as I towel off.Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05710580340586795290noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-72522904932193875302010-07-22T13:30:23.889-04:002010-07-22T13:30:23.889-04:00Hi there...I am way out of my depth here but I lik...Hi there...I am way out of my depth here but I like what I see....I REALLY like what I see...congrats.Anonymoushttp://granny1947@wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-83118410836172484272010-07-22T12:52:02.367-04:002010-07-22T12:52:02.367-04:00I like the title The Book of Kel-but I also knew t...I like the title The Book of Kel-but I also knew the reference.<br />Even so, it's catchy and might make some think the Book of Hell and she kindof goes through some hellish things.<br />I like the last paragraph-it ties everything together.<br />And I LOVE your first paragraph description of Kel. <br />Your descriptions made me want to read it-like, right now.<br />Allrighty-when I get my booty in gear and get a query letter I am SO sending it to you.<br />So PROUD of you!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-91234875526166175712010-07-22T10:13:37.390-04:002010-07-22T10:13:37.390-04:00Hmmm, for nearly 20 years if I have a big decision...Hmmm, for nearly 20 years if I have a big decision to make, I head for the spa. Water both literally and figuratively has cleansing powers like nothing else.<br /><br />I think the query is excellent and 'The book of Kel' is an intriguing title, however it does lend itself to sounding a bit more like a history lesson, than the journey of two sisters thrown together by circumstance.<br /><br />I think someone else commented something similar but consider the idea around "In her Sister's shoes' or in that vein. Honestly, the title at this stage is just to 'hook' the editor. So if you have to name it after the Ed's spouse to get a second look - GO FOR IT. I'm sure the publisher will help with finished title if they think it is an issue with the target market.<br /><br />Congratulations and GOOD LUCK. This is incredible - now go take a shower or better yet A hot bubble SPA, 'cause you clearly DESERVE IT !!! W.C.C.W.C.Camphttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04635788252201119646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-74233076561343942072010-07-22T10:11:52.844-04:002010-07-22T10:11:52.844-04:00I love it. I read your query and while I know you ...I love it. I read your query and while I know you are looking to shorten it, I do like it better with the last part versus without it. <br /><br />I'll think more on it and see if there is a way to meld the two together. :)<br /><br />As for title, I agree, In Grace's Place sounds like a self help book. I did think of some other titles... here we go...<br /><br />Grace's Secret<br /><br />Grace's Shoes<br /><br />New Life<br /><br />Silence<br /><br />But I do like the title mentioned above "Fractured Sisterhood". I think that title nails it, but thought I'd toss some of my ideas out there.....will still be thinking of this as well and if any more come my way, I'll let you know. :)Sarahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14476030470494001642noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-42375914878040538242010-07-22T10:03:43.869-04:002010-07-22T10:03:43.869-04:00The second paragraph is my favorite! Congratulati...The second paragraph is my favorite! Congratulations!Deidrahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18194011122877670682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-68625937255554642312010-07-22T09:32:27.575-04:002010-07-22T09:32:27.575-04:00As an English major, I got the Book of Kel thing. ...As an English major, I got the Book of Kel thing. And the query is very good. I love the line about picking her cereal for the prize.<br /><br />I don't know what it is about water, but I do some of my best writing in the shower, too. Here's the thing, though: I have a waterfall, and it's a big fat pain in the ass. No inspiration from it, just fish that kept being eaten by birds and a huge cut on my foot from when I fell in when trying to clean it. After my fish got speared and stolen for the second time, I chlorinated that sucker. But if you're still set on a pond, you can tell your husband I love mine and that it's as inspirational as sitting on the beach with a tall fruity drink. I'll back you up.Gracehttp://www.looksgreatnaked.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-90337871996186239052010-07-22T00:32:47.015-04:002010-07-22T00:32:47.015-04:00Great query, I would definately read this book. I ...Great query, I would definately read this book. I have always been interested in this type of premise-the accidental mother. I would buy it! <br />And I too, would be in favor of nixing the last paragraph, in the interest of keeping it shorter. Just my preference.randinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10155819253156693572noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-24503513895245790212010-07-21T21:50:35.544-04:002010-07-21T21:50:35.544-04:00Hurrah!!! Glad to hear it is finished, done and c...Hurrah!!! Glad to hear it is finished, done and complete!! It is really terrific!Bossy Bettyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12568355839499622409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-73329638228836730852010-07-21T21:45:59.105-04:002010-07-21T21:45:59.105-04:00I think I'm the oddball here because while I l...I think I'm the oddball here because while I like the final paragraph, I don't think it's necessary if you're worried about length. And the meaning of The Book of Kel is lost on me, but I prefer that title and would be more likely to pull it off the shelf and flip through it over the other title.<br /><br />No matter, you make me want to read your book NOW.Lizhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06022297670179924365noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-18907450944249969002010-07-21T21:17:33.861-04:002010-07-21T21:17:33.861-04:00Yay! you're "Done"! And I'm hap...Yay! you're "Done"! And I'm happy that you're asking your blog family for their opinions. :)<br /><br />You're off to a great start and this whole thing is a learning process!A. B. Keuserhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15152107659542138178noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-1623193160447191082010-07-21T21:16:27.703-04:002010-07-21T21:16:27.703-04:00The Book of Kel would have flown right over my hea...The Book of Kel would have flown right over my head without your explanation. And I kind of like In Grace's Place.<br /><br />The book sounds wonderful and I loved the query ... including the last paragraph!Beth Zimmermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07047047792782914757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-12370681395911230952010-07-21T19:41:03.979-04:002010-07-21T19:41:03.979-04:00I am not a writer but I do have an opinion. I thi...I am not a writer but I do have an opinion. I think the title is great. The last paragraph? How about, "Kel stepped slowly into her sister's shoes and found them to be a good fit."middle childhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09805863175279915034noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-323746891853175496.post-89332804863715103462010-07-21T19:33:57.292-04:002010-07-21T19:33:57.292-04:00LOVE!! I'm SO snatching up a copy as soon as i...LOVE!! I'm SO snatching up a copy as soon as it comes out. As long as I can send it to you to sign with one of your wonderful inscriptions. :)<br /><br />Just one teeny little thing: I personally have never heard of the Book of Kells, so the cleverness of the title would've been totally lost on me. I do love <i>In Grace's Place</i>, though.<br /><br />Hooray for the relief of writing a great query! I'm so excited to be able to tag along (albeit electronically) for the rest of your journey to published authorhood! :)Rita Templetonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10332325707063104082noreply@blogger.com