I'm Not Bitter...OK, Yes I Am!

Recently, Barnes & Noble announced the upcoming release of the fully colorized version of the Nook 


Now, I only currently use mine to read e-books and review PDF’s of my own writing (during the later stages of editing). I haven’t used it for reading magazines and I’m more likely to use my BlackBerry than my Nook to access the internet. At this stage there is virtually NO reason for me to get the "Nook in Color".

But I want one… and can’t have it, because Karma is a beyotch!

Seriously. This is the second time I’ve fallen victim to B&N’s bad timing. (I fully contend it is THEIR timing that sucks, not mine)

Earlier this year--when I bought my first Nook--it just so happens I made my purchase purchase a MONTH  (as in 30 stinking days) before they slashed the price by about $100. *sigh*

Then two months ago (if that)--due to an unfortunate treadmill incident that we won't go into at this juncture--my Nook suffered a tiny comestic wound. A slight crack in the plastic casing (in a place few would even notice) which, had I bothered to read the manufacturer's warranty would have known was covered for the first year. Before one of the B&N staff was kind enough to point out the warranty oversight, I’d already bought a new one and given the other to my brother.

So that’s two times (in the past year) I’ve purchased an e-reader I didn’t absolutely need, a matter of weeks before a better deal came along. This…this is my typical luck with technology. *double sigh*

Blogger's Note:  Due to the craziness of adjusting to life with both NaNoWriMo & NaNoQuerMo at the same time, I've been a little bad about getting around to everyone's blog. Have no fear, by the end of the week I'm sure I'll have it all figured out...and if you've commented here, I'm definitely going to hit you up.

Happy Hump Day!!

Do You CARE Who Your Agent Is?

Participating in NaNoQuerMo has gotten my focus back on the query process and targeting agents, etc. Which has gotten me to do some thinking (my most favorite--and dangerous--pastime). Do you ultimately care who your agent winds up being?

Now, of course we all know we don't want to end up with one of those Agents From Hell we sometimes hear about. It's a given that any who's serious about a potential career in writing wants an agent who is on the up-and-up, professional, etc. But beyond that aspect, do you really care WHO your agent turns out to be?

I believe it was Janet Reid, who once made the statement that a dream agent is the one who's selling your work. (I can't find her direct quote, but I know it was something close). Basically, it's along the lines of "If you can't be with the one you love, love the one you're with". Or maybe the spin is a little more positive than that, but hopefully you get my meaning.

The reason I ask, is because even though I'm in a situation where I can't afford to be too picky, I still kinda am a little bit. I have the proverbial Dream Agent -- the one I would give almost anything to have respond with an offer of representation-- in mind. However, I also know the odds of making it in this business are slim as it is, so the odds of me landing my dream agent on top of that are ... well, I don't have to say it. And I'm okay with that.

But still, I don't JUST look to see if an agent reps my genre. I mean, that is the FIRST thing I look for, but then I read around to see if I get a good vibe about that person. If they have a blog or twitter account I do a little stalking.

Believe it or not, there have been agents who -- by all accounts -- are legit and have a good track record, but there's something in their manner that leads me to believe I wouldn't be able to work well with them in the long haul.

Just curious to see if I'm getting in my own way (not that I've passed on that many because of the "vibe" thing) or if personality, etc is something you all take into consideration when/if you query agents for your work.

Later this week I'll start posting my query stats for NaNoQuerMo. Just getting the first one out of the way is the hard part. It should be smooth sailing from here.

Holy Crap, is it Really November Already?!?

It's officially November, which means... my crazy life is about to get uber crazy.  Not only that, but the uber craziness will be of my own doing. (I've heard that insane people don't question their sanity, so for the time being I'm still safe in that regard.)

First up is NaNoWriMo. If you're a writer, in the blogging atmosphere, you'd pretty much have to be completely out of the loop not to know what NaNo is, so I won't go into a long drawn out explanation.

Next up is NaNoQuerMo. Unfortunately, NaNoQuerMo doesn't have a nice fancy site...because I made the idea up myself. Not only did I make it up myself...BUT I only made it up about a week ago. It's sort of an unofficial deal really.

For those who don't want to read the longer version. It's basically a challenge to stop researching and starting SENDING out those query letters. Highly nerve wracking.  (Do you see how nervous Evangeline Lily--at least I think that's her--is for those of us participating?)

So far, Anne from Piedmont Writer is planning on joining in on the NaNoQuerMo insanity.  And, unless he's changed his mind, Adam Purple is thinking of attempting his own modified version. Hey, with NaNoQuerMo in its infancy, you can pretty much make up your own rules.

If anyone else is interested in joining in on the fun feel free to hop on in. For those of you who aren't ready yet, but understand the potentially nerve wracking experience we're about to undertake, please lend us your support and encouraging words throughout the month. Hugs help!