Career Advice Sought Here

I trust you people. You know that, right?

Some of us have been together five years already and even those of you who are my newer online friends have probably already got more insight into my personality and writing style than I have myself.

Here’s the deal: In two short days, I turn 52 years old. On Christmas Eve, my beautiful 23-year-old daughter Carrie and I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, bettering ourselves. I said, “You know, this whole old age thing—” And she broke in and said, “Yeah. I hear it sucks.”

We both laughed, but you know what? The only real reason why old age should suck is if you haven’t done with your fleeting life what you want to do—yet. And what I want to do is write books.

So, can you give me some free advice? If I were to start all over again writing a novel from scratch, would you counsel me to:

a. write in first person or third person?

b. write chick lit? lady lit? women’s fiction? romantic mid-life crisis comedy? romantic suspense? nursing-home thriller?

c. write what I know, or run from everything I know like there’s no tomorrow?

d. forget the whole writing thing, and stick with cooking the books for Doug’s website design firm, (n)genius media, inc.? (Did I say cooking? I meant keeping.)

Any and all comments appreciated and taken under serious or comedic consideration, depending.

Thank you for your support!

Posted by Katy on 12/27/05 at 05:34 PM

Fallible Comments...

First person, whatever-you-call-what-you-write-here comedy, which is of course what you know.
Posted by Jackie on 12/27/05 at 06:11 PM
My $0.02...

Definitely do what you want--don't put off writing that book. I mean, come on.

Write what you know. Because you do it so well.

First person, third person, whatever. Your voice will shine through regardless. :)

And I've been partial to the chick/lady lit bits. :)

And happy early birthday. :)
Posted by Maria on 12/27/05 at 07:18 PM
Katy, write the story that captures your heart and mind. If first person best fits the story you want to tell, use it. I've only written one first person story. It hasn't worked for my other books, so they are all third person. Listen to the creative voice inside you. You'll know if something isn't working. What is your favorite genre to read? Chances are, that's where you should start. Or what is the book you would most like to read that you've never found? That's the story you should write. It's the authors who determine trends. Don't force yourself into a niche. Yes, we pay attention to the markets, but we have to write our own stories. Yes, we write what we know, but we can know a lot via research so don't narrow your focus too much. And Katy, don't give writing up for bookkeeping unless that is where your passion is. Do both if you have to, but don't give up writing if you love to write. And especially don't give it up if you feel God wants you to write. He may have other reasons for having you write than getting published. I don't know. But if He's called you to write, then write. And write your passion. R.
Posted by Robin on 12/27/05 at 07:32 PM
You know the movie "Little Women"? You know how during the whole movie Jo is trying to write that perfect novel, but she isn't writing from her heart? Then, at the end, she starts writing about her life and her experiences and she SHINES!! That's what I've always thought you should do. Just a thought. Love you, Mommy!
Posted by Carrie Raymond on 12/27/05 at 08:14 PM
About a hundred years ago I read a delicious old BC Sunday comic, which I happened to save and still have somewhere among my, ahem, archives. In this comic strip a flower is reading its very latest poem aloud and the only person, er, thing for miles around to hear this new creation is a rock. This recitation goes on for about eight panels.

When the poem is finally finished, the flower turns to the rock and says, Well, what do you think?"

There is a one panel pause while the rock reflects upon what he has just heard and the all-important response he is about to give. He finally breaks the silence with "You want an opinion from a guy who was puked out of a volcano?"

My point here is that

a). Johnny Hart is a genius.

b). If you're really looking for advice I say steer clear of the chick lit and go for stark raving insane but funny mid-life crisis woman writng in the first person (to show off her comic strength) just like the character you play here on the blog. Hey, maybe she IS the character you play here on the blog and you can structure the novel around your posts about an end times prophesy that comes to you in your comments section that only Crazy-Funny Blog Woman™ can track down to discern if the world is really ending or if a terrorist threat has been inadvertently left on your blog.

Um . . . just a thought.

c). Do not do anything until you run some ideas past David Ryan Long over at Faith*In*Fiction . You know he's just dying to shepherd gifted writers such as yourself through the process of finding a great, cutting edge idea. I mean, c'mon . . . do you really want fifteen opinions from a bunch of guys who were puked out of a volcano?
Posted by Michael O'Connor on 12/27/05 at 09:14 PM
If you are quiet and sit at that keyboard and listen to the sound the beating of your heart makes you will hear the story that is calling to be written.

Just start one key at a time...

Whatever you write will be great.

Take Care
Michael
Posted by Michael #2 on 12/27/05 at 09:30 PM
Johnny Hart is truly funny. He lives about 15 miles up the road. I once asked him how he drew so funny. He said God gave him the inspiration.

So, my dear, ask God for the inspiration.

My personal opinion is third person, women's fiction, romantic thriller, but that's my inspiration....get your own!!:-)
Posted by Bonnie Calhoun on 12/27/05 at 09:37 PM
I just started reading today, and I will definitely be back.

My advice is 3rd person midlife crisis comedy - because you can embellish ever so slightly more than if you write 1st person and not feel like you are lying.
Posted by Liz on 12/27/05 at 11:08 PM
Ditto Michael #2!

I went out to Carrie's site and saw the pics of your BEAUTIFUL family!!! What a treat! You're beautiful, Katy . . . and so is your writing. It's there . . . waiting to be written. Relax . . . sounds like you're working so hard to try to figure it out that you're gonna miss it. You're a really good writer. You're fun, funny, serious, relevant, personable, open, transparent, real, faithful,committed . . . it comes thru you're writing here . . . let it come thru in your book, too :) Can't wait to read it :)
Posted by Ame on 12/27/05 at 11:47 PM
If you write it, they will read it.

Seriously. Whatever you write, I'm buying. No matter what the subject matter.
Posted by Amber on 12/28/05 at 09:58 AM
Here's my advice as a writing teacher, a friend, and as your favorite sister...

1. Always write what you know. That makes the best writing, as it comes from the heart. (And what a heart you've got!)

2. I like first person stories myself, and you are so good at those, but I think you could pull off either one.

3. I think your best bet, truly, is an Erma Bombeck style. We haven't really had a decent replacement for her, and you've got the talent and stories to tell.

Follow your dreams, my dear, wonderful sister! :) Love to you always....
Posted by Bridget on 12/28/05 at 10:56 AM
The posts here that I've loved the most are the ones about taking care of your mom. I think that would make a great fictional story, too - you'd have lots of personal experience to draw from. The way your posts go from flat-out hilarious to poignant and heart-breaking - that's your strength. I would do that, if I were you. Oh, and definitely first person.
Posted by Carrie K. on 12/28/05 at 02:33 PM
Your kind comments have given me a lot to think about. I'm going to keep praying for direction, and move forward on the path that opens up before me as I set aside time every day to write.

I'm goofily insecure, but there's no excuse for behaving as if I am! Thank you all for kicking me kindly!
Posted by Katy on 12/28/05 at 05:39 PM
Katy! You were born to write. You must write. You can't not write. If this weren't true, you wouldn't blog ;) (The Cute Guy's silent blog proves my theory... teeheehee)

Personally, blogs are the only things I like to read in first person. When it comes to fiction, I much prefer third person because then you don't just live in the narrator's head, you get a bird's-eye-view of things, so to speak. If you live in the narrator's head, you only get to see the situation through his/her eyes, which I find very restrictive. I'd much rather see it from outside and draw my own conclusions than be forced to go along with the narrator's conclusions, if you know what I mean!

As for b) and c), only you would know what's hiding inside your soul, ready to spring out. Surprise us!!
Posted by irene on 12/28/05 at 08:51 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Write the story you want to read.
Posted by edieraye on 12/30/05 at 12:43 AM
Write something honest. You have a powerful voice. I love to read your blog because your honesty and passion are amazing. You are a great example, Katy. Keep on!
Posted by Heather on 01/02/06 at 08:08 AM

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Personal blog of christian writer & fallible mom Katy McKenna Raymond in Kansas City, Missouri Katy is represented by Greg Johnson at WordServe Literary Read more Katy at LateBoomer.net Follow Katy on Twitter Follow Katy on Facebook 123 Recent Posts Try Becoming Brenda Starr Off Beat Scattered That’s It So I’ve Finally Signed With An Agent. Now What? The Spoon Sciatica Sweetheart A Woman’s Train of Thought Has No Caboose However much we own, we are all still living on borrowed time After all, when restaurants shrink portions, they don’t shrink prices. As with everything in life, balance is key. Slow down, you move too fast… Yeah, I know. I have issues. Search Advanced Search Syndicate Login E me at katy @ ngenius.com	Career Advice Sought Here I trust you people. You know that, right? Some of us have been together five years already and even those of you who are my newer online friends have probably already got more insight into my personality and writing style than I have myself. Here’s the deal: In two short days, I turn 52 years old. On Christmas Eve, my beautiful 23-year-old daughter Carrie and I stood in front of my bathroom mirror, bettering ourselves. I said, “You know, this whole old age thing—” And she broke in and said, “Yeah. I hear it sucks.” We both laughed, but you know what? The only real reason why old age should suck is if you haven’t done with your fleeting life what you want to do—yet. And what I want to do is write books. So, can you give me some free advice? If I were to start all over again writing a novel from scratch, would you counsel me to: a. write in first person or third person? b. write chick lit? lady lit? women’s fiction? romantic mid-life crisis comedy? romantic suspense? nursing-home thriller? c. write what I know, or run from everything I know like there’s no tomorrow? d. forget the whole writing thing, and stick with cooking the books for Doug’s website design firm, (n)genius media, inc.? (Did I say cooking? I meant keeping.) Any and all comments appreciated and taken under serious or comedic consideration, depending. Thank you for your support! Posted by Katy on 12/27/05 at 05:34 PM Fallible Comments... First person, whatever-you-call-what-you-write-here comedy, which is of course what you know. Posted by Jackie on 12/27/05 at 06:11 PM My $0.02... Definitely do what you want--don't put off writing that book. I mean, come on. Write what you know. Because you do it so well. First person, third person, whatever. Your voice will shine through regardless. :) And I've been partial to the chick/lady lit bits. :) And happy early birthday. :) Posted by Maria on 12/27/05 at 07:18 PM Katy, write the story that captures your heart and mind. If first person best fits the story you want to tell, use it. I've only written one first person story. It hasn't worked for my other books, so they are all third person. Listen to the creative voice inside you. You'll know if something isn't working. What is your favorite genre to read? Chances are, that's where you should start. Or what is the book you would most like to read that you've never found? That's the story you should write. It's the authors who determine trends. Don't force yourself into a niche. Yes, we pay attention to the markets, but we have to write our own stories. Yes, we write what we know, but we can know a lot via research so don't narrow your focus too much. And Katy, don't give writing up for bookkeeping unless that is where your passion is. Do both if you have to, but don't give up writing if you love to write. And especially don't give it up if you feel God wants you to write. He may have other reasons for having you write than getting published. I don't know. But if He's called you to write, then write. And write your passion. R. Posted by Robin on 12/27/05 at 07:32 PM You know the movie "Little Women"? You know how during the whole movie Jo is trying to write that perfect novel, but she isn't writing from her heart? Then, at the end, she starts writing about her life and her experiences and she SHINES!! That's what I've always thought you should do. Just a thought. Love you, Mommy! Posted by Carrie Raymond on 12/27/05 at 08:14 PM About a hundred years ago I read a delicious old BC Sunday comic, which I happened to save and still have somewhere among my, ahem, archives. In this comic strip a flower is reading its very latest poem aloud and the only person, er, thing for miles around to hear this new creation is a rock. This recitation goes on for about eight panels. When the poem is finally finished, the flower turns to the rock and says, Well, what do you think?" There is a one panel pause while the rock reflects upon what he has just heard and the all-important response he is about to give. He finally breaks the silence with "You want an opinion from a guy who was puked out of a volcano?" My point here is that a). Johnny Hart is a genius. b). If you're really looking for advice I say steer clear of the chick lit and go for stark raving insane but funny mid-life crisis woman writng in the first person (to show off her comic strength) just like the character you play here on the blog. Hey, maybe she IS the character you play here on the blog and you can structure the novel around your posts about an end times prophesy that comes to you in your comments section that only Crazy-Funny Blog Woman™ can track down to discern if the world is really ending or if a terrorist threat has been inadvertently left on your blog. Um . . . just a thought. c). Do not do anything until you run some ideas past David Ryan Long over at FaithInFiction . You know he's just dying to shepherd gifted writers such as yourself through the process of finding a great, cutting edge idea. I mean, c'mon . . . do you really want fifteen opinions from a bunch of guys who were puked out of a volcano? Posted by Michael O'Connor on 12/27/05 at 09:14 PM If you are quiet and sit at that keyboard and listen to the sound the beating of your heart makes you will hear the story that is calling to be written. Just start one key at a time... Whatever you write will be great. Take Care Michael Posted by Michael #2 on 12/27/05 at 09:30 PM Johnny Hart is truly funny. He lives about 15 miles up the road. I once asked him how he drew so funny. He said God gave him the inspiration. So, my dear, ask God for the inspiration. My personal opinion is third person, women's fiction, romantic thriller, but that's my inspiration....get your own!!:-) Posted by Bonnie Calhoun on 12/27/05 at 09:37 PM I just started reading today, and I will definitely be back. My advice is 3rd person midlife crisis comedy - because you can embellish ever so slightly more than if you write 1st person and not feel like you are lying. Posted by Liz on 12/27/05 at 11:08 PM Ditto Michael #2! I went out to Carrie's site and saw the pics of your BEAUTIFUL family!!! What a treat! You're beautiful, Katy . . . and so is your writing. It's there . . . waiting to be written. Relax . . . sounds like you're working so hard to try to figure it out that you're gonna miss it. You're a really good writer. You're fun, funny, serious, relevant, personable, open, transparent, real, faithful,committed . . . it comes thru you're writing here . . . let it come thru in your book, too :) Can't wait to read it :) Posted by Ame on 12/27/05 at 11:47 PM If you write it, they will read it. Seriously. Whatever you write, I'm buying. No matter what the subject matter. Posted by Amber on 12/28/05 at 09:58 AM Here's my advice as a writing teacher, a friend, and as your favorite sister... 1. Always write what you know. That makes the best writing, as it comes from the heart. (And what a heart you've got!) 2. I like first person stories myself, and you are so good at those, but I think you could pull off either one. 3. I think your best bet, truly, is an Erma Bombeck style. We haven't really had a decent replacement for her, and you've got the talent and stories to tell. Follow your dreams, my dear, wonderful sister! :) Love to you always.... Posted by Bridget on 12/28/05 at 10:56 AM The posts here that I've loved the most are the ones about taking care of your mom. I think that would make a great fictional story, too - you'd have lots of personal experience to draw from. The way your posts go from flat-out hilarious to poignant and heart-breaking - that's your strength. I would do that, if I were you. Oh, and definitely first person. Posted by Carrie K. on 12/28/05 at 02:33 PM Your kind comments have given me a lot to think about. I'm going to keep praying for direction, and move forward on the path that opens up before me as I set aside time every day to write. I'm goofily insecure, but there's no excuse for behaving as if I am! Thank you all for kicking me kindly! Posted by Katy on 12/28/05 at 05:39 PM Katy! You were born to write. You must write. You can't not write. If this weren't true, you wouldn't blog ;) (The Cute Guy's silent blog proves my theory... teeheehee) Personally, blogs are the only things I like to read in first person. When it comes to fiction, I much prefer third person because then you don't just live in the narrator's head, you get a bird's-eye-view of things, so to speak. If you live in the narrator's head, you only get to see the situation through his/her eyes, which I find very restrictive. I'd much rather see it from outside and draw my own conclusions than be forced to go along with the narrator's conclusions, if you know what I mean! As for b) and c), only you would know what's hiding inside your soul, ready to spring out. Surprise us!! Posted by irene on 12/28/05 at 08:51 PM HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!! Write the story you want to read. Posted by edieraye on 12/30/05 at 12:43 AM Write something honest. You have a powerful voice. I love to read your blog because your honesty and passion are amazing. You are a great example, Katy. Keep on! Posted by Heather on 01/02/06 at 08:08 AM Page 1 of 1 pages Commenting is not available in this weblog entry. Next entry: A Fallible Year In Review Previous entry: Resolved << Back to main


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Personal blog of christianwriter & fallible momKaty McKenna Raymondin Kansas City, Missouri

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Career Advice Sought Here

Personal blog of christian
writer & fallible mom
Katy McKenna Raymond
in Kansas City, Missouri