Conundrum

Definition of conundrum- an intricate problem that is difficult solve.

That's the perfect description of balancing time to write a book and keep connected with blogs, web pages, newsletters, etc. This is the reason I don't have a My Space page or hang out much on various other social networking sites. I can't kick it on blogs posting comments to all the interesting, outrageous or controversial entries. There is just too many and so little time. So I made a choice to write this new book, my first straight mystery, and let my blog entries slide. This one slid all the way down to the bottom! Sorry guys. But I have to get this book finished, then look for a new agent, attend Sleuthfest next month and take care of life "stuff". Y'all know how it is!

The problem with climbing into my writer cave is this- promotion is critical to keeping an author's name/brand "out there". Even though I don't have a new book coming out yet doesn't mean I don't want to keep connected to readers who have enjoyed my books before. Or introduce myself to new readers in preparation for when my new book finally is released! Practicing the Law of Attraction here since I haven't sold it yet :) Anyway, that is the daily or maybe in this warp speed world the hourly conundrum of the professional author. We're constantly dancing along this slim tightrope called "time management".

Still I want to offer up my small contributions to what's going on in the world of writing. So I will try, as this book progresses (I'm on chapter 9 - woo-hoo!) to offer up more frequent pearls.

So here we go: Agents

As I said I'm looking for an agent. One great website I've found is Agent Query

If you're wondering if you need an agent I have a short answer for you- yes. Of course that is only my opinion, but I have a short explanation why. Many of the major publishers no longer accept un-agented submissions. So to even get read you need an agent- if you've aimed your manuscript for one of the big boys or girls. Another reason is agents help you keep up in the fast paced and ever changing world of publishing. Why is this critical? Editors come and go at warp speed. You need to know who is where and buying what kind of manuscripts. Agents are a big help with this task. Not that you shouldn't keep up with this even if you have an agent, but it's a huge job. Remember the conundrum discussed above? Yeah, one less thing to suck time right out from under you. So IMHO authors do better with agents if you plan to sell to big New York houses and want a long-term career plan. Just work on getting the right and best agent for you.

Okay, I've got to get back to writing Chapter 9. Now if I can just un-cramp my brain to come up with a decent title! Lawd have mercy, if it ain't one thing it's two.