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Rated: GC · Book · Personal · #1051691
It's about adventure! Life, Scouting, Family, writing what else is there?
WELCOME TO:

GEMINI RISING

Banner for my blog, "Gemini Rising"


*Flower1* *Flower1* *Flower1* *Flower1* *Flower1* *Flower1*

UPDATED INTRO 25 OCT 2021:
Just a little about me. I've been married for 30 years in NOV this year!! and currently live in Southern California, but I grew up in New Hampshire.

I've got 2 boys in their teens.

I work as a 911 dispatcher for LAPD. I enjoy my job a lot.

I love to write, but since I've been so involved with the Boy Scouts program since 2015 (now Scouts BSA since girls were invited to come on board) I haven't written much. I hope to get back to more writing soon, as I'm scaling back my BSA commitment. Update on this: I was able to get out 2 stories that were previously published. The update/publishing is going slow.

I like to get out in nature, take walks around Castaic Lake, drink coffee and watch football.

Here's a little bi about my zodiac.

GEMINI: Gemini, the sign of the Twins, is dual-natured, elusive, complex and contradictory. On the one hand it produces the virtue of versatility, and on the other the vices of two-facedness and flightiness. The sign is linked with Mercury, the planet of childhood and youth, and its subjects tend to have the graces and faults of the young. When they are good, they are very attractive; when they are bad they are more the worse for being the charmers they are. Like children they are lively, and happy, if circumstances are right for them, or egocentric, imaginative and restless.

Their good qualities are attractive and come easily to them. They are affectionate, courteous, kind, generous, and thoughtful towards the poor and suffering - provided none of the activities resulting from expressing these traits interferes too greatly with their own lives and comforts.

Geminians can be successful in many walks of life though their general characteristics tend to make them unreliable. They are often skilled manipulators of language, in speech and writing, and may be: debaters, diplomats (though in politics they are more interested in theory than practice), orators, preachers (brilliant rather than profound), teachers, authors, poets, journalists, or lawyers.

*Flower1* *Flower1* *Flower1* *Flower1* *Flower1* *Flower1*


This is me. I am a Gemini. Pure, Raw, passionate.

The NEW focus of this blog is to share my adventures, book reviews, thoughts, opinions, and writing adventures from actual writing, writing/editing tips, marketing, research. I'll get there.

Another Signature

Find me at:

WEBSITE:
http://www.stephanieburkhart.com

FACEBOOK:
https://www.facebook.com/StephanieBurkhartAuthor

GOOD READS:
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/4031660.Stephanie_Burkhart

YOU TUBE CHANNEL:
http://www.youtube.com/user/botrina?feature=mhee

Previous GRATITIOUS Warning, that I decided to keep in case I post about something that might offend.

*Exclaim* WARNING *Exclaim*

I intend to be open, honest, and forthright. No topic is off limits from religion to you name it, I'm going there. If you think you might be offended...back up now - this blog isn't for you. For those who "dare" *Wink* check out the "Gemini Rising..."

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July 31, 2009 at 7:02pm
July 31, 2009 at 7:02pm
#661677
Here's a review of Lisa Kleypas's book: "Suddenly You." Enjoy. If you like romance, you'll enjoy Lisa.
*****

Book Review for: “Suddenly You”
Written By: Lisa Kleypas
Avon Books
ISBN: 0-380-80232-5
375 pages
$7.50
5 Stars

Lisa Kleypas, A New York Times bestselling author, crafts a masterful historical romance with “Suddenly You.” Kleypas is a skillful plotter. “Suddenly You” is a book the reader can’t put down.

The novel starts in 1835 against the backdrop of London’s fast moving society. Jack Devlin is a young, successful publisher, bastard son of an Earl who grew up at an abusive school. He enjoys the company of the female sex, but doesn’t want to lose his heart to a woman.

Amanda Briars is a successful novelist – a rare accomplishment for a woman in her time, but after carrying for her sick parents, Amanda is past what everyone considers her prime – she’s thirty. Amanda’s settled into the fact that she’s a spinster. Against her better judgment, she visits a high-priced bordello. She wants to hire a man to have sex with her on her birthday. The madam, Mrs. Bradshaw, arranges for Jack, unwittingly, to meet with Amanda.

Jacks wants to meet Amanda because he wants to publish a novel she wrote. When she opens the door, there’s some serious miscommunication between them and Jack takes advantage of Amanda’s plight. The would-be lovers kiss and grow amorous, but Jack calls it off before going too far. When he leaves, Amanda secretly hopes to see him again.

The next time Jack and Amanda meet it’s in a business setting. Amanda is embarrassed, but Jack is thrilled. He loves Amanda’s writing and offers her a contract she can’t refuse. Soon, they begin working together as writer/editor and their chemistry is undeniable. After attending Jack’s Christmas party, Amanda gives into the passion between her and Jack. The couple make love, but Amanda, wanting to guard her heart, makes Jack agree to a three month affair.

Both Jack and Amanda enjoy their passionate lovemaking. During an evening out, they make love in a small parlor, however, Jack is careless and Amanda is soon pregnant.

Knowing how Jack feels about marriage, she tries to keep the truth from him, but when she attempts to marry someone else, Jack refuses to let her. He marries her after she confesses the truth about the baby. Amanda is still unsure about the situation, but their marriage and their willingness to admit their love is tested when Amanda loses the baby.

Kleypas is a master at description, painting 1830’s London with broad, yet vivid words that easily allow the reader to picture the backdrop of the story. Her love scenes are tantalizing. Kleypas writes in a “Lonesome Dove” perspective which switches point of view without line breaks or clear divisions which some readers might find disconcerting. Her dialogue is “spot on,” for the time period. The plot and pacing are perfect, allowing the reader to slow down and get a breath before accelerating again. “Suddenly You” is a delicious way to spend a rainy weekend.
July 29, 2009 at 7:02pm
July 29, 2009 at 7:02pm
#661408
The Wolf’s Torment
Professional Review, Clarion/ForeWord Magazine

FICTION: ROMANCE / FANTASY

The Wolf’s Torment
S.G. Cardin
iUniverse
355 pages
Softcover $20.95
ISBN: 978-0-595-41733-9
4 stars

A good romantic novel is not the massed-produced formulaic massively consumed quickie book commonly known as a “Bodice Ripper.” A romantic novel is more than thin plot lines designed to get the main characters from one sexual congress to the next.

S. G. Cardin’s debut novel, The Wolf’s Torment, is a romantic novel without being a clichĂ©d ridden “romance” novel. With elements of historical fiction combined with the gothic supernatural, The Wolf’s Torment is in the similar vein as Anne Rice’s Vampire Chronicles and The Mayfair Witch Chronicles, but the story is also convoluted like Charles Dickens’ Great Expectations as well as dark Arthurian undertones. It is an erotically charged novel with powerful sexual scenes that are not gratuitous, but necessary for the development of character and plot.

Cardin’s hero, child Prince Mihai Sigmaringen of Moldavia in the 1800s, watches helplessly as his mother is murdered by an evil witch. An older Mihai realizes that he lives in country with real monsters, and the modernization and unification of Romania is the only way to rid Eastern Europe of these ancient evils. Cardin writes, “He had a future to fulfill… He would modernize the country and drive out such beings as witches and werewolves that would have the rest of the world think his country as uncultured.”

But the ancient evil persists, and Mihai’s best friend Victor, who he met in England while attending university, is bitten by a werewolf. When the beast overcomes the man, Victor’s werewolf nature invades his humanity and he betrays Mihai.

Mihai makes his own betrayals: to see his plans reach fruition he submits to an arranged marriage to the Lady Theresa von Kracken, even though Alexandra, his gold-digging mistress from London, is pregnant with his baby. Theresa believes that Mihai is the prince that her precognitive dreams had shown her as a child.

After the death of his father, Mihai is crowned King and Theresa becomes his queen. Like Lancelot and Guinevere who betray King Arthur’s trust, Victor has his way with Queen Theresa—the difference being Victor drugs Theresa and takes advantage of her vulnerability. Unlike Guinevere, she never stops being deeply in love with her husband.

The story turns desperate as King Mihai relentlessly drags a reluctant Moldavia into a modern age, even while chthonic forces attempt to pull Moldavia out of enlightenment and back into the darkness of magic, fear and superstition.

Cardin has provided a Q and A session as well as deleted scenes and discussion issues. Readers that enjoy fast-paced novels with some scares and mystery will find themselves waiting impatiently for a sequel to this historical and supernatural romance.

Reviewed by Lee Gooden




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The Wolf's Torment   (Rated: 18+)
ASIN: 0595417337
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Reviewer: Stephanie Grace
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Amazon's Price: $ 49.81



July 28, 2009 at 4:38pm
July 28, 2009 at 4:38pm
#661217
I thought I'd briefly share some thoughts on Mystery Writing:

Writing for the mystery genre can be fun, but there’s a lot of preliminary work that goes into it before you can sit down and begin.

One of the most important aspects of mystery writing is the plot. This genre is very plot driven and it’s important to flesh out a good strong plot before beginning. This includes creating several plot points leading readers on different paths. Don’t give out too much information too soon in your story. Equally important is knowing how your story will end. By outlining your plot and establishing your ending up front, you’ll know how to structure the other elements of your story.

A mystery incorporates the following elements: a problem or conflict, a villain, a detective or hero, clues/red herrings, and suspense. Also, the time and setting are important elements as well. Time and setting can augment suspense and mood of the story.

The best way to begin the story is with action. Put the hero, villain, or both in action when you start. This engages the reader and lends itself to introducing the problem/conflict that the hero has to solve.

Characters should include the hero/detective, villain, and a supporting cast. Define your main character. Is he or she a go-getter like “Nancy Drew” or a hard-charging police detective determined to solve any mystery? The villain must be appropriately matched. Having a “Nancy Drew-like” sleuth bring down a crime cartel wouldn’t be realistic. Also, when considering the mystery, or crime/problem to be solved, cruelty to animals or violence directed at anyone is generally discouraged in this genre. Your hero should be striving to solve a murder mystery (like in “The DaVinci Code”) or trying to locate a stolen, rare painting. Keep in mind, as your hero navigates your plot, he or she has to use believable and legal forms of evidence. This keeps your story grounded in reality and believable.

*****

WRITING TIP: As you sit down to do the preminlary work for your next project, do some character bios on your main characters. Get to know as well as you can before you write. Don't just do the basics - like physical characteristics. Here's an example of an "Emotional" Mini Bio:

Stefan Sigmaringen : Emotional Mini Bio

Three things he values:

Three things he fears the most:

His basic attitude about life:

What does he need to know about the other person in order to accept them as trustworthy?

What would cause him pain?

What is the most wonderful thing that could happen to him?

What three moods would he use to describe himself, accurate or not?

Organization: Why or Why not?


***********

Hope this helps.
Write on.
Smiles
July 26, 2009 at 7:10pm
July 26, 2009 at 7:10pm
#660929
Growing up as a little girl, one of my favorite things to do, and some of my happiest memories are going to Bear Brook State Park with my family.




This was in the 1970's - the mid 1970's to the late 1970's. The drive wasn't far, maybe about 30-50 minutes. We'd always go on a Sunday. Everyone had the day off back then. It would be me, my dad, my mom, and my younger sister, Christine; and we'd all coordinate to meet the rest of the family at the park at the same time. Who was the rest of the family?




My grandparents on my father's side would come - Granny and Grandpa. One of my favorite Aunties, Auntie Sue would be there with Uncle Gary and Emily and Matthew, their kids, my cousins. They were little like Christine. Sometimes my Uncle Rusty and my Uncle Mark would come too.




We'd get there early, about 10, when it opened, and even back then, we had to pay a small fee to get in. Then we'd unload the car with our towels and coolers and reclining chairs and walk from the parking lot into the park. We liked to get there early so we could get shade. One of our favorite spots was by a brook because my dad and grandfather and my uncles would fish.




After we got all set up, my dad might rent a boat and fish. The "women," my mom, Auntie Sue, and Granny would start the grill. After lunch, I remember going down to the swimming area in the lake. They had a floating platform in the deep end and I remember that I was very proud of myself when I learned to swim all the way out there. It was fun to jump off the platform. The picture above is the "gatehouse" in front of the swimming area where you could rent boats, rent umbrellas, and even get snacks.




After swimming, we'd go on a hike - the women and the kids. Sometimes my dad took me fishing, sometimes he wanted to be alone. What I loved about hiking in the afternoon is going on the paths, picking blueberries and finding the little swing, teeter totter and merry go around in the middle of the woods. We would have so much fun. I can't explain the fun, but I can tell you it's like the sun parting gray clouds in the middle of a deary day and smiling it's warmth down on you. Sigh...




After our hike, we'd go back, eat a dinner, usually our lunch dinner were hamburgers, hot dogs, chips, and I remember some steaks. There was plenty to drink.




We took a lot of pictures. Sadly, I don't have access to them. My mom had a 8 mm camera and she took some great pictures of our family gatherings, but 8mm is soooo out these days. My Auntie Sue probably has pictures from the 1970's. I'll have to ask her. The picture on the left is a picture of one of the picnic areas. I remember the park would be packed with families on Sundays. We never used that area because our family wasn't usually that big.
After dinner, we might swim a little longer until the sun started to go down and then we'd go home. Good memories. Happy memories of a young girl.

**
Bear Brook is off NH Route 28 in Allentown. It's not far from Manchester where I grew up. This blurb is from http://www.nhstateparks.com/bearbrook.html:

Bear Brook, with over 10,000 acres is the largest developed state park in New Hampshire. Located in the southeast region of the state, there is plenty to do and see for everyone.

Hiking, biking, swimming and fishing are a few of the favorites. Forty miles of trails traverse the heavily forested park, leading to seldom visited marshes, bogs, summits and ponds and offer a variety of options for hikers, mountain bikers and equestrians. Canoe rentals are available at Catamount Ponds, while rowboat rentals are also available at Beaver Pond.
Fly-fishing enthusiasts will be pleased to know Archery Pond welcomes their specialty and is universally accessible. Across the road from Archery Pond is a special little pond just for children under twelve to fish. If archery is your sport you might already know that Bear Brook boasts the only two archery ranges in the state park system. One 15-target range is maintained by the N.H. Fish and Game Department, plus an additional 4-target practice range that is universally accessible. (Bring your own archery equipment.)

Worried about no workouts or aerobics while on vacation? You can stay in shape by using the park's 1 1/4 mile, twenty-station fitness course that is fun for the whole family. A charge for admission is collected at the toll booth near Catamount Pond. Pets: Leashed pets are permitted in the campground on the trails only, not in the day-use area. Service animals are exempt from this policy.
****
There's still a small fee for entry for day use $4.00 for adults, $2.00 for kids. Not bad, considering the memories you'll make there.

And that's my NH tidbit of the day. Bear Brook State Park. I hope someday soon, I'll be able to take my boys there. I know they'll have a blast.

That said, we have a woodsy type park near us, Castaic Lake Park. It costs $10 to get in, but there are plenty of places to BBQ and there are places to swim. It's not as wooded or as nice as Bear Brook with it's hiking and camping facilities, but does offer something similiar were I'm at now in California.

Brent and I took Andrew and Joseph there a couple years back, when Joe had just turned one. We had a nice time, but it was also anxious time since Joe had just started toddling. I think we'll go back when Joe's a mature 3 year old next year.
Smiles,
Steph


July 24, 2009 at 5:37pm
July 24, 2009 at 5:37pm
#660702
I'm a big fan of Jillian Hunter. Need I say more? *Smile*

***

Book Review for “Wicked as Sin”
Written by: Jillian Hunter
Ballantine Books
ISBN: 978-0-345-503930
327 pages
4.5 Stars

Hunter spins a tale of passion which has lasted seven long years with “Wicked as Sin.” As a young boy, Gabriel Boscastle was put in the local pillory to be disgraced. The only person who showed him an ounce of compassion was the graceful Lady Aletha Claridge. Her compassion remained with Gabriel after he left Helbourne and stayed buried in his heart for seven long years. When he finally returns to the place of his upbringing, he’s a celebrated cavalry officer and a rake. Aletha is still graceful and compassionate, awakening the love that Gabriel has harbored in his heart for her after seven long, hard years.

The novel opens with Gabriel’s return to Helbourne. He’s crossing a condemned bridge. Aletha spies him from her estate and goes to help. Gabriel makes it across, but seeing Aletha again has ignited his long dormant passion he had for her. To his surprise, Aletha is still single. Her fiancĂ© was killed in the war. Unknown to Gabriel, her fiancĂ©, Jeremy Hazlett, had raped her before he left. Aletha harbors no fondness for Jeremy’s memory. Jeremy’s brother, Guy, makes a proposal to Aletha to be her protector, but Gabriel shows up and kicks the married man of four out of the house. Aletha is grateful. Gabriel and Aletha share a kiss that reawakens the passion between them.

Gabriel initially intends to sell Helbourne Hall, but decides to hold onto it for a little longer. Over the course of five weeks, Aletha invites Gabriel over for Friday night dinner parties and the parties fan the flames of their desires. Finally, Gabriel returns after leaving late one night and the couple make love.

Gabriel proposes to Aletha. She accepts. He takes her to London to announce his engagement to the London Boscastles, but on the night of the engagement party, he learns that Aletha has met the acquaintance of Audrey Watson, a woman who runs a bordello. Gabriel thinks Aletha is a courtesan. He leaves without announcing his engagement, making Aletha look bad. Aletha is heartbroken.

While Gabriel is gone, he learns the truth about Aletha from Guy Hazlett – that his brother raped Aletha. Gabriel feels guilty for treating Aletha so poorly. He goes to the Claridge townhouse and the couple have a passionate argument before making up. The wedding is back on and the couple marry, but not before Gabriel has an encounter with his long, lost brother Sebastien.

This is the seventh of the Boscastle series and just as enjoyable as the others. The novel is fast paced. The plot is tight and consistent. It was nice to see how the other Boscastle women (Jane, Julia, Chloe, Emma) were doing, but I missed the presence of Eloise and Jocelyn in this book. I enjoyed Aletha’s character. She was very warm and compassionate – very earthy. I also liked how freely Gabriel and Aletha admitted and embraced their love.

Hunter’s love scenes are graphic, yet tasteful. The dialogue is sharp and witty between Aletha and Gabriel. The introduction of Sebastien seemed a little forced, and I think I’d like to see a novel taking a second look a few of the previous Boscastles romances instead of moving onto to a new romance. Overall, “Wicked as Sin,” is a sinful delight to read.
July 18, 2009 at 4:54pm
July 18, 2009 at 4:54pm
#659744
Literary Agents guard the door the traditional publishing world. They don't have an easy job. While most of us authors are kind hearted, some are miserable. What I find is that writers who are just starting out are more sensitive about their work and it's harder for them to take criticism, even well meaning. I can honestly say I was a bit like that.

It's not easy to take criticism about your "baby."

But I'm talking about querying and literary agents. Here's my tip for day.

TIP -- Don't query until you've edited the manuscript an inch from it's life.

Why? Because you don't want to send the agent a project that's full of mechanical mistakes. That doesn't impress. Make your project is FINISHED before you start to look for agents to represent you. And make sure it is polished and shined. Do an edit for mechanical issues before sending it off. Remember, you want to impress and the best way to do that is to have a FINISHED project that is SHINY and WELL EDITED.

Smiles
Steph
July 14, 2009 at 3:45pm
July 14, 2009 at 3:45pm
#659069
Well, today I thought I'd share an excerpt from my upcoming Official Newsletter about romance and the romantic man. The article discusses how to craft the perfect romantic man for your story.

If you'd like to sign up for my Official Newsletter, I put it out monthly and this month the newsletter is due out in two days. (it was a little delayed this month because of my vacation)

To subscribe go to my Official website at:

Http://sgcardin.tripod.com

and go to the bottom of my home page. There you will see a link to sign up for the newsletter.

The newsletter covers genre writing tips, offers excerpts of my stories, lists upcoming events and announcements, gives my writing credits, has book reviews, a look at the news in the publishing industry which effects writers and takes a peek a literary agent blogs. There's a lot of stuff in there for the aspiring writer.

****

Here's my excerpt:

The Picture of a Romantic Man


When we think of what a romantic man looks like, both alpha and beta heroes share traits. They’re strong, broad shouldered, well toned, with long legs and thin hips. The alpha usually takes on a few more “darker” characteristics, such as a feral gleam or a mercurial stare, as they tend to be more dominant. Imagery can include that of a majestic lion, or the king of his pride. Alpha heroes may tend to take on a more saturnine appearance as well. For alphas, mercurial eyes, feral smiles and saturnine cheeks all tend to show dominance.
May 8, 2009 at 7:21pm
May 8, 2009 at 7:21pm
#648835
It's been a busy week. Writing wise, I'm been working hard on my edits for my WIP, "The Hungarian," a paranormal romance and I'm about 1/2 done. I'm very pleased with the edits and as soon as I'm done I'll be ready to query. However, Jillian Hunter's Boscastle series has been a distraction. I've really become engrossed with it. It's a romance series, but I'm impressed with Hunter's writing. I picked up "The Wicked Games of a Gentleman" on a lark and I was hooked. Over the course of the next couple of blog entries, I'll share my Product Reviews on the series. Here's my 1st one to share:

ASIN: 0345487613
ID #109969
Product Type: Book
Reviewer: StephBee
Review Rated: 13+
  Setting:
  Story Plot:
  Length of :
  Usefulness:
  Overall Quality:
Amazon's Price: $ 0.96


I've also just finished putting together my next Angel Army Newsletter and my Official Newsletter. My official newsletter has some good stuff. If you get a chance, check out BookEnds Literary Agency & Blog online. The agents there are Jessica Faust, Jacky Sach, and Kim Lionetti and their blog is a great tool for aspiring writers who are looking to query. Just the other day Jessica lamented that one author sent her a query on a project over 20 times from 20 different emails, after she passed on it. Poor thing! What amazes me is how ignorant some people can be when they are querying. That ignorance, laced with a touch of arrogance will never get them an agent.

As usual, we've been busy at the house. I'm looking into gymnastics programs for Joe to help channel his enegry. I'm trying to listen to Breaking Dawn on Audio book on my way to work, but it's been hard because while I think the reader embodies, Bella, the tone tends to grate on my nerves and I can only listen in doses.

I'm also a little disappointed to hear Manny Ramierz was taking HcG, a female hormone that stimulates the natural production of testorone in the male body. You take after you come off steriods. Steriods STOPS the natural production of testosterone in the male body so when you come off, you have to take HcG to jumpstart your body into stimulating testosterone use. It's sad, really. It can also be taken for thyroid problems, and I'd like to think that was why Manny took it, being the optimist that I am, but I need to be real here. Steroids is a problem in baseball. Manny on steriods is not a stretch for me. I'm disappointed, but I am impressed with how Manny has handled it, taking responsibility and taking his suspension.

Just some miscellenous thoughts

LISTENING TO: Nothing really - Sirius XM Radio.
READING: Guilty as Sin by Jillian Hunter
DVD: Last one I saw was BOTTLE SHOCK
MOVIE: Brent and I are going to movies on Monday! I think we'll see Star Trek, but we'll have to go in shifts because of the kids. I also want to see Wolverine, but we'll have to see how that goes.
MOTHER'S DAY: I just want to hang out and BBQ, but we'll playing it by ear.

Smiles, Steph
April 25, 2009 at 5:58pm
April 25, 2009 at 5:58pm
#646874
This is a French form of poetry similiar to the Kyrielle.

There are 16 lines, 4 quatrains.
A refrain is in a different line each quatrain. In the 1st quatrian it is in line 1, in the 2nd quatrain, it is in line 2. in the 3rd quatrain, it is in line 3, in the 4th quatrain, it is in line 4.
There are 8 syllables per line.
It does not follow a set rythme scheme.


Shattered by the light of the Moon



Shattered by the light of the moon,
I dropped to the forest ground.
His words were icy and bitter.
Heartbreak's cold arrow would not come out.

I shivered, stung, pricked by ice,
shattered by the light of the moon.
Once done, my nocturnal lover
walked away, no compassion

splayed upon his face, no cold grace.
My brittle bones ached, my skin quaked,
shattered by the light of the moon.
Rejection, so cooly done rent.

Dark hours past, sunrise's twilight peeks
out over an obsidian cloud.
My doomed heart, beating still, was
shattered by the light of the moon.
April 21, 2009 at 5:20pm
April 21, 2009 at 5:20pm
#646270
I just saw an article written by Mary W. Walters, author of "Bitters" and "The Woman Upstairs," called "THE TALENT KILLERS" where she disparages literary agents. I thought the article, mechanically, was well written. She obviously thought about what she wanted to write and then composed it. However it does "slam" literary agents. Writers have to get an agent to get a publisher to publish their work to be successful. (In the traditional model) Well, there's a reason literary agents are "keepers" of the gate, so to speak. I hate to be frank, but there is a lot of written material out there that just isn't that good. Authors and Writers can take years to really develop their craft. "First time Wonders" are rare, but they are there. Honestly, I'm not a "first time wonder." I've been plugging away and learning how to write.

Mary also talks about literary vs. commerical fiction. Well, let's be honest, commerical fiction sells. Your product should be commerical. If it is literary, it needs to be outstanding. It needs to stand above the rest.

My thoughts on Mary: She's got an interesting spin on literary agents. I don't agree. I think they are needed.

You can find the article by Googling "The Talent Killers."
Steph

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