I am not quite sure how the ranking on Authonomy is determined, but I do know that when someone reads your work, the polite thing to do is to read theirs too, and then back it (helping their book to rise in the ranking system-which no one seems to understand exactly how it works & Harper Collins doesn't really explain what it takes to get your book up there in ranking number, but there are several factors), or at least give some sort of critique. After I posted my chapters, well, let's just say I ended up with an overwhelming amount of readbacks that no human (at least one who reads quite slowly and has a 4-year-old high-maintenance daughter) could possibly accomplish and have a real life too.
In light of the fact that my agent and I have agreed to some edits we want to make to Children of the Damned, I simply do not have time to read and offer the type of critiques the writers on that site deserve so I bowed out gracefully. I hope to return as soon as I finish my 2010 edits and rewrites. There were some really nice people, some who offered some great advice, and there's plenty of awesome writing to be found there too. I made a few friends and I already miss it, but if I am going to make any money writing books, I must of course write them, hence...I took a hiatus from Authonomy.
Now for the AWESOME news that blew me away last week! I was doing the happy happy joy joy dance around my computer desk...I am thrilled (to say the least) to have come across a couple of articles about the state of affairs regarding fallen angels on the bookstore shelves (no, no) the angels aren't on the shelves, but the books about fallen angels are, and doing very well indeed.
Misty Harris wrote an article entitled: Flawed Angels Elbowing Vampires Aside on Bookshelves and the article can be found here: http://www.canada.com/entertainment/Flawed+angels+elbowing+vampires+aside+book+shelves/2016409/story.html
She writes: "Vampires have kept the blood in the book industry this recession but, apologies to Twilight's resident immortal Edward Cullen, insiders are betting future returns will be carried on the wings of angels." WOOT!
This can only be good news for me.
In another article written by Monika Bartyzel: http://cinematical.com/2009/12/10/are-fallen-angels-the-next-supernatural-romance-craze/
Ms. Bartyzel writes about Disney purchasing the rights to Lauren Kate's Fallen (also about fallen angels) and that the Hollywood Reporter "notes this is the new trend with other titles like Hush, Hush also dipping into the world of angels."
I do so hope that 2010 is better to me and my book than 2009. I hope life is too. : )
Keep Writing Everyone! As a dear friend once said to me, "continue to inflict your art upon the world." I expect all you other writers out there to do the same in 2010.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Friday, November 13, 2009
Sample Chapters
I have posted the first 6 chapters of Children of the Damned on Authonomy. So for those of you who keep asking for a "taste" you can read the sample chapters here:
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=13162
Also, for the brief lowdown on the book, the series and the premise, you can google "Kim Jones Children of the Damned" and look at publishersmarketplace.com.
The latest news is that a talent scout from the CW Network found me on the internet and they are considering buying the television rights for a possible series like Supernatural or the Vampire Diaries. So little sleeping, little eating is going on - pins -n- needles stuff.
http://www.authonomy.com/ViewBook.aspx?bookid=13162
Also, for the brief lowdown on the book, the series and the premise, you can google "Kim Jones Children of the Damned" and look at publishersmarketplace.com.
The latest news is that a talent scout from the CW Network found me on the internet and they are considering buying the television rights for a possible series like Supernatural or the Vampire Diaries. So little sleeping, little eating is going on - pins -n- needles stuff.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
My Apologies to my Posters on this Blog
I somehow deleted all the kind comments left for me to preview before posting and I cannot find them. But to the people who posted the advice, the "hang-in-theres" and such, thank you from the bottom of my heart! It can be so discouraging. WE know, right?!
More Nice Comments from Editors, but Still NO SALE!
QUOTES "COMPLIMENTS" FROM EDITORS AT THE TOP PUBLISHING HOUSES for 2009
When other authors told me it is a huge waiting game, boy they weren't kidding. In keeping with my positivity outlook, I have copied some of the positive aspects of the rejections I have received. In the meantime, I am working on another book, a book NOT in this series, so I hope to sell either one or the other or ideally both : ) within the next few months.
I will keep everyone posted.But if you are in a similar situation, stay positive, the economy is messing a lot of this up as the publishing houses no longer have the funds to take on more than one of a particular type of book and that seems to be mostly what my agent is hearing back.
Never give up. If you really are a writer, you can't give up anyway. Right? One of the editors recently contacted my agent and asked me to remove her name and comment from my blog as it might be construed as an "endorsement" of the book. Personally, as a struggling writer since grade school, I just considered the comments to be "compliments" and good-grief Christine, we don't get much of that. So in fairness to the editor who asked for her name to be removed, I have decided to remove all the other names of the editors as well so as not to jeopardize my chances of a sale. I will leave the "compliments" in however, so that my fellow writers know that there is hope (probably more hope once this economic crisis is over) but hope none-the-less.
May 4, 2009
"Thank you so much for sending The Fallen Angels to ____ for consideration. It was riveting and a quick read. For that matter, it had one of the best opening few sentences that I’ve read in a very long time! Justine is a compelling character with a fascinating back story… we know of other fallen angel projects that have already been acquired by other houses and we’re not sure at this time if that’s a market we want to compete in…I wish you all the best of luck with this auction, and finding Kim a fantastic home with a deserving editor.
April 23, 2009
Many thanks for sending me this manuscript and for giving me a head’s up about the auction. The concept is interesting, but unfortunately, … ______ is going to be publishing a series about fallen angels (though it isn’t quite as dark) so the two would probably compete with each other on the same list.All best,
From: Leticia GomezTo: Kim JonesSent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 5:54 PMSubject: Re: CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED Hi Kim,Real quick I have a new development to report. Around 6 p.m. I received a phone call from __________who is reading Children of the Damned for _________, the head of _____________. _____ said that they are considering it for ____. So far she has read the first 100 pages and that she's enjoying it. She also made the comment that it was very commercial. Anyway, once she finishes the manuscript she is going to get in touch with me.I think this is a good sign.Warm Regards,Leticia
April 27, 2009
Hi Leticia,I just got back into Children of the Damned and read the first 70 pages. It’s terrific. I plan to finish it tonight. Can you just give me a heads-up on whether the project is still available?
May 6, 2009
Dear Leticia,Thanks so much for giving me so much time with Children of the Damned by Kim Jones. I really enjoyed reading this novel. I think the premise is both fresh and intriguing, and I find the writing engaging. (BUT…still a pass.)Yours,
May 8, 2009
Dear Leticia,Kim has a very commercial hook here and I’m sure you’ll find a great home for her. I’m sorry that I’m not able to make it happen for her.Best wishes,
May 20, 2009
Dear Leticia,Many thanks for thinking of me and of _________ for this project, but I'll step aside as this too much resembled another title/series on our list. Best wishes for a successful auction.Best,
May 26, 2009
Hi Leticia, _______passed this along to me as I am actively acquiring. Since you have a high level of interest, we will defer to more enthusiastic editors. The series sounds wonderful, but not quite right for our current YA list.Best,
May 26, 2009
Dear Leticia, Many thanks for your e-mail. I’m afraid this sounds too similar to an existing trilogy about a fallen angel on our list, which launches this Autumn. It was a big acquisition for us, and as a small company we wouldn’t want to have anything potentially competing. Best wishes,
June 3, 2009
Thanks so much for giving me a look at CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED. I enjoyed what I read, but unfortunately it reminded me a bit too much of a project we just acquired, and of one we’ve already published. I’m going to pass, but I’m sure this will be snatched right up!All best,
(It takes some time for the "snatching up" I am discovering.)
June 22, 2009
"While we appreciated Ms. Jones’s sharp wit, we felt the story is a bit too dark for our list. We appreciate the opportunity to consider Ms. Jones’s work, however, and wish you the best of luck in finding the right publishing home for this manuscript."
(I take "too dark" as a compliment!)
July 20, 2009
Dear Ms. Gomez,Many thanks for thinking of me for Ms. Jones’ CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED. She certainly seems like a savvy woman, and I wish her every success with this Fallen Angels series. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced this is right for me at __________. I hope you find a great home for this elsewhere very soon.All best,
July 29, 2009
Dear Leticia,Thank you so much for sending me Kim Jones’s CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED. This was a really interesting project—Kim has a really unique, snarky voice, and I think her offering would certainly fit in with the other successful paranormal books that are such hot sellers right now. Unfortunately though, here at _______we just have such a glut of this kind of book already on our list, and we’ve already put so many of our resources into launching these new series, that we’re not really looking to continue to grow our paranormal line too significantly. I think Kim’s voice is similar to one series we already have in the works called THE DRAKE CHRONICLES, and I think the two would probably compete against each other a bit too closely to share a list. I suppose this just isn’t quite the right fit for me, but thank you so much for thinking of me, and I hope the series can find a great home!All best,
August 18, 2009
Hi Leticia,Thanks for sending this my way. Sorry it’s taken me a while to get back to you.Kim’s got a lot of good instincts and some fun ideas but ultimately … I have to pass. I appreciate you thinking of _______!
September 4, 2009
Hello Leticia,I apologize for the delay in my response to you. I unfortunately share the same sentiments as the editors you have quoted. I did enjoy many aspects of the novel, however there is a bit too much similarity to another project within our house. I do wish you the best of luck with this project Leticia.All best,
September 7, 2009
Hi there, Leticia,Thanks for providing such interesting feedback from the US publishers. Much appreciated.We, like them, think there is much to admire in Kim Jones’ manuscript. Unfortunately, we are distributing FALLEN in ANZ and as its subject matter is very similar we will have to pass on CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED.Warm regards,
September 8, 2009
Dear Ms. Gomez,Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read Children of the Damned. Ms. Jones is a talented author and I enjoyed this novel. Unfortunately, … (it was a pass.)Sincerely,
September 16, 2009
Hi Leticia,Thank you so much for sending me this proposal! I really enjoyed reviewing Children of the Damned…Kim's writing is dynamic and engaging, ... As well as supernatural is working in YA these days, we're concerned that the market may be glutted and are thus being especially careful about the projects we take on.That said, I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding the right home for this, and I wish you well in doing so! I'm always excited to see new talent, especially when it's so much fun to read.Thanks again,
When other authors told me it is a huge waiting game, boy they weren't kidding. In keeping with my positivity outlook, I have copied some of the positive aspects of the rejections I have received. In the meantime, I am working on another book, a book NOT in this series, so I hope to sell either one or the other or ideally both : ) within the next few months.
I will keep everyone posted.But if you are in a similar situation, stay positive, the economy is messing a lot of this up as the publishing houses no longer have the funds to take on more than one of a particular type of book and that seems to be mostly what my agent is hearing back.
Never give up. If you really are a writer, you can't give up anyway. Right? One of the editors recently contacted my agent and asked me to remove her name and comment from my blog as it might be construed as an "endorsement" of the book. Personally, as a struggling writer since grade school, I just considered the comments to be "compliments" and good-grief Christine, we don't get much of that. So in fairness to the editor who asked for her name to be removed, I have decided to remove all the other names of the editors as well so as not to jeopardize my chances of a sale. I will leave the "compliments" in however, so that my fellow writers know that there is hope (probably more hope once this economic crisis is over) but hope none-the-less.
May 4, 2009
"Thank you so much for sending The Fallen Angels to ____ for consideration. It was riveting and a quick read. For that matter, it had one of the best opening few sentences that I’ve read in a very long time! Justine is a compelling character with a fascinating back story… we know of other fallen angel projects that have already been acquired by other houses and we’re not sure at this time if that’s a market we want to compete in…I wish you all the best of luck with this auction, and finding Kim a fantastic home with a deserving editor.
April 23, 2009
Many thanks for sending me this manuscript and for giving me a head’s up about the auction. The concept is interesting, but unfortunately, … ______ is going to be publishing a series about fallen angels (though it isn’t quite as dark) so the two would probably compete with each other on the same list.All best,
From: Leticia GomezTo: Kim JonesSent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 5:54 PMSubject: Re: CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED Hi Kim,Real quick I have a new development to report. Around 6 p.m. I received a phone call from __________who is reading Children of the Damned for _________, the head of _____________. _____ said that they are considering it for ____. So far she has read the first 100 pages and that she's enjoying it. She also made the comment that it was very commercial. Anyway, once she finishes the manuscript she is going to get in touch with me.I think this is a good sign.Warm Regards,Leticia
April 27, 2009
Hi Leticia,I just got back into Children of the Damned and read the first 70 pages. It’s terrific. I plan to finish it tonight. Can you just give me a heads-up on whether the project is still available?
May 6, 2009
Dear Leticia,Thanks so much for giving me so much time with Children of the Damned by Kim Jones. I really enjoyed reading this novel. I think the premise is both fresh and intriguing, and I find the writing engaging. (BUT…still a pass.)Yours,
May 8, 2009
Dear Leticia,Kim has a very commercial hook here and I’m sure you’ll find a great home for her. I’m sorry that I’m not able to make it happen for her.Best wishes,
May 20, 2009
Dear Leticia,Many thanks for thinking of me and of _________ for this project, but I'll step aside as this too much resembled another title/series on our list. Best wishes for a successful auction.Best,
May 26, 2009
Hi Leticia, _______passed this along to me as I am actively acquiring. Since you have a high level of interest, we will defer to more enthusiastic editors. The series sounds wonderful, but not quite right for our current YA list.Best,
May 26, 2009
Dear Leticia, Many thanks for your e-mail. I’m afraid this sounds too similar to an existing trilogy about a fallen angel on our list, which launches this Autumn. It was a big acquisition for us, and as a small company we wouldn’t want to have anything potentially competing. Best wishes,
June 3, 2009
Thanks so much for giving me a look at CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED. I enjoyed what I read, but unfortunately it reminded me a bit too much of a project we just acquired, and of one we’ve already published. I’m going to pass, but I’m sure this will be snatched right up!All best,
(It takes some time for the "snatching up" I am discovering.)
June 22, 2009
"While we appreciated Ms. Jones’s sharp wit, we felt the story is a bit too dark for our list. We appreciate the opportunity to consider Ms. Jones’s work, however, and wish you the best of luck in finding the right publishing home for this manuscript."
(I take "too dark" as a compliment!)
July 20, 2009
Dear Ms. Gomez,Many thanks for thinking of me for Ms. Jones’ CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED. She certainly seems like a savvy woman, and I wish her every success with this Fallen Angels series. Unfortunately, I’m not convinced this is right for me at __________. I hope you find a great home for this elsewhere very soon.All best,
July 29, 2009
Dear Leticia,Thank you so much for sending me Kim Jones’s CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED. This was a really interesting project—Kim has a really unique, snarky voice, and I think her offering would certainly fit in with the other successful paranormal books that are such hot sellers right now. Unfortunately though, here at _______we just have such a glut of this kind of book already on our list, and we’ve already put so many of our resources into launching these new series, that we’re not really looking to continue to grow our paranormal line too significantly. I think Kim’s voice is similar to one series we already have in the works called THE DRAKE CHRONICLES, and I think the two would probably compete against each other a bit too closely to share a list. I suppose this just isn’t quite the right fit for me, but thank you so much for thinking of me, and I hope the series can find a great home!All best,
August 18, 2009
Hi Leticia,Thanks for sending this my way. Sorry it’s taken me a while to get back to you.Kim’s got a lot of good instincts and some fun ideas but ultimately … I have to pass. I appreciate you thinking of _______!
September 4, 2009
Hello Leticia,I apologize for the delay in my response to you. I unfortunately share the same sentiments as the editors you have quoted. I did enjoy many aspects of the novel, however there is a bit too much similarity to another project within our house. I do wish you the best of luck with this project Leticia.All best,
September 7, 2009
Hi there, Leticia,Thanks for providing such interesting feedback from the US publishers. Much appreciated.We, like them, think there is much to admire in Kim Jones’ manuscript. Unfortunately, we are distributing FALLEN in ANZ and as its subject matter is very similar we will have to pass on CHILDREN OF THE DAMNED.Warm regards,
September 8, 2009
Dear Ms. Gomez,Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read Children of the Damned. Ms. Jones is a talented author and I enjoyed this novel. Unfortunately, … (it was a pass.)Sincerely,
September 16, 2009
Hi Leticia,Thank you so much for sending me this proposal! I really enjoyed reviewing Children of the Damned…Kim's writing is dynamic and engaging, ... As well as supernatural is working in YA these days, we're concerned that the market may be glutted and are thus being especially careful about the projects we take on.That said, I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding the right home for this, and I wish you well in doing so! I'm always excited to see new talent, especially when it's so much fun to read.Thanks again,
Thursday, June 4, 2009
Fingers Still Crossed...
This is my positive post for the week. I decided that despite the fact that the sale has not happened as quickly as I would have liked, it will happen. The hard part is the waiting, any of you out there, awaiting a response from a publisher know exactly what I am talking about. The best thing to do is stay busy.
The Fallen Angels Saga is still under consideration with several of the major publishing houses, but it is hard to remain sane while awaiting my future...I did so much want to write books and not have to go back to a "real guy job" - but we must do what we must do, especially with little ones, and teen ones who eat a lot.
For this week, I shall focus on good things happening.
The Fallen Angels Saga is still under consideration with several of the major publishing houses, but it is hard to remain sane while awaiting my future...I did so much want to write books and not have to go back to a "real guy job" - but we must do what we must do, especially with little ones, and teen ones who eat a lot.
For this week, I shall focus on good things happening.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Where I Write
Where I Write Scary Stuff
Pinhead (he insisted!)
Pinhead (he insisted!)
Dust the almighty symbol (no, that's too easy) of too-little use!!! But yeah, here's my kick-ass kit.
A FEW WORDS ON DEMONS…
Unlike ghosts, demons have never been human nor have they walked on this earth. They are not beings of this reality but sometimes they are brought into our reality. This can only happen if they are invited (e.g. Ouija Boards). FYI, Ouija Boards – they're no-nos okay? Promise me! There are other ways too, and I am just learning myself (see previous post about descending into the darkness) so I'm not the right person to provide guidance in any way, shape or form. My advice would be to leave all such things alone. Or at least educate yourself enough so that you are protected against those that would do you harm.
As for demons, their one single goal…to ruin humanity, one soul at a time.
Do not confuse them with ghosts. Ghosts were once people like me and you. That is not to say they are all nice, mean people suck in life and generally they suck in death too. But even a grouchy ghost does NOT a demon make.
Ghosts and demons are two different things altogether. Demons are always to be feared because they can do serious damage both physically and psychologically. Signs you've encountered a demon are explored in Children of the Damned, the 1st book of my Fallen Angels Saga, because unfortunately, based on my main character's genetic heritage (both of her parents were part of those randy angels that decided the humans on earth looked pretty darn good and went down to join them). See Genesis 6:4 in the Bible (it's really in there!) Needless to say, that caused a plethora of problems, but especially for my main character because the demons know her and she's a target.
In the real world outside of books, outside of my books, there are ways to tell when you've encountered an evil spirit or a demon. You'll be overwhelmed by horrible smells and the worst part, that spooky-ass, guttural growling sounds that generally occur after LIGHTSOUT! and most often emanate somewhere close enough to your bed that you're too afraid to get up and go running into mom and dad's room.
In John Michael Greer's book called Monsters, he explains that "demonic hauntings happen in places that have been used for the regular practice of evil magic. Blood sacrifice, in particular, draws demons the way a dead sheep draws flies. Once the energies of a place have been corrupted by this sort of activity, it can take a good deal of very hard work to cleanse them again. Until the link is broken, demonic entities will tend to manifest in the area, and vulnerable people who spend any amount of time there will be at risk."
A demon's job is to break down a person's free will in order to make way for possession—they want to live vicariously IN you. They are shapeshifters and can take on any form they wish to suit the situation. Problems have begun to arise and these sorts of experiences are shifting to the forefront of our modern world thanks to the influx (generated by interest) of ghost hunters and shows about hauntings. Though the majority of ghost hunters, in my opinion, are doing a great service for those in need of help, it is important that they know what they might encounter and be prepared for the fight that will most assuredly ensue should they come across entities of the negative sort. Not to mention, it's not at all uncommon for those of you who encounter a demon/s in allegedly haunted locations, to inadvertently bring them home with you. I understand that people need help, but very few people can help with demonic-type cases, and unless you have been called to work with demons, you can never work with them. Leave them alone. And as soon as you are sure you are in the presence of one of these monsters, remember the most famous line from the movie, Amityville Horror: "GET OUT!!!"
More history, more stories, more spooky adventures will be going down in Spirits of the Dead, the second book in my Fallen Angels Saga. But for now, this sort of a "teaser" must suffice as I need to get to work – this book wont write itself. As I mentioned before, I will check in now and then, but not on such a regular basis as I need to produce now. When I write a book, I tend to get completely lost in it until I reach the conclusion, but if you have any questions or anything you need to ask, if I have an answer, I will be most happy to help, share or point you in the right direction.
For me, my inspiration now turns to all of YOU. And I promise to work as hard as humanly possible to give you something great, something you will enjoy reading, and if I do my job well, something that will make you want to leave your lights on when you go to bed at night.
As for demons, their one single goal…to ruin humanity, one soul at a time.
Do not confuse them with ghosts. Ghosts were once people like me and you. That is not to say they are all nice, mean people suck in life and generally they suck in death too. But even a grouchy ghost does NOT a demon make.
Ghosts and demons are two different things altogether. Demons are always to be feared because they can do serious damage both physically and psychologically. Signs you've encountered a demon are explored in Children of the Damned, the 1st book of my Fallen Angels Saga, because unfortunately, based on my main character's genetic heritage (both of her parents were part of those randy angels that decided the humans on earth looked pretty darn good and went down to join them). See Genesis 6:4 in the Bible (it's really in there!) Needless to say, that caused a plethora of problems, but especially for my main character because the demons know her and she's a target.
In the real world outside of books, outside of my books, there are ways to tell when you've encountered an evil spirit or a demon. You'll be overwhelmed by horrible smells and the worst part, that spooky-ass, guttural growling sounds that generally occur after LIGHTSOUT! and most often emanate somewhere close enough to your bed that you're too afraid to get up and go running into mom and dad's room.
In John Michael Greer's book called Monsters, he explains that "demonic hauntings happen in places that have been used for the regular practice of evil magic. Blood sacrifice, in particular, draws demons the way a dead sheep draws flies. Once the energies of a place have been corrupted by this sort of activity, it can take a good deal of very hard work to cleanse them again. Until the link is broken, demonic entities will tend to manifest in the area, and vulnerable people who spend any amount of time there will be at risk."
A demon's job is to break down a person's free will in order to make way for possession—they want to live vicariously IN you. They are shapeshifters and can take on any form they wish to suit the situation. Problems have begun to arise and these sorts of experiences are shifting to the forefront of our modern world thanks to the influx (generated by interest) of ghost hunters and shows about hauntings. Though the majority of ghost hunters, in my opinion, are doing a great service for those in need of help, it is important that they know what they might encounter and be prepared for the fight that will most assuredly ensue should they come across entities of the negative sort. Not to mention, it's not at all uncommon for those of you who encounter a demon/s in allegedly haunted locations, to inadvertently bring them home with you. I understand that people need help, but very few people can help with demonic-type cases, and unless you have been called to work with demons, you can never work with them. Leave them alone. And as soon as you are sure you are in the presence of one of these monsters, remember the most famous line from the movie, Amityville Horror: "GET OUT!!!"
More history, more stories, more spooky adventures will be going down in Spirits of the Dead, the second book in my Fallen Angels Saga. But for now, this sort of a "teaser" must suffice as I need to get to work – this book wont write itself. As I mentioned before, I will check in now and then, but not on such a regular basis as I need to produce now. When I write a book, I tend to get completely lost in it until I reach the conclusion, but if you have any questions or anything you need to ask, if I have an answer, I will be most happy to help, share or point you in the right direction.
For me, my inspiration now turns to all of YOU. And I promise to work as hard as humanly possible to give you something great, something you will enjoy reading, and if I do my job well, something that will make you want to leave your lights on when you go to bed at night.
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