The Write Stuff - ALongLook's Blog

The Write Stuff - ALongLook's Blog - Victoria Advocate http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook This blog is about writing. Not reporting or journalism, but creative writing -- poetry, short stories, novels. And not just about the finished product but how we, as writers go about the process, and the trials, tribulations, blood, sweat and tears that go along with it. I'll also talk about another process -- publishing. Finding the right literary agent or publisher, self-publishing, e-publishing, what are the options and what are the chances of breaking into print? That's about it. I am by no means a best selling novelist or have all the answers, but consider this the beginning of a dialogue among a group of people who put pen to paper (okay, finger to keyboard) to release something inside us, something that must be shared. This blog is about writing. Not reporting or journalism, but creative writing -- poetry, short stories, novels. And not just about the finished product but how we, as writers go about the process, and the trials, tribulations, blood, sweat and tears that go along with it. I'll also talk about another process -- publishing. Finding the right literary agent or publisher, self-publishing, e-publishing, what are the options and what are the chances of breaking into print? That's about it. I am by no means a best selling novelist or have all the answers, but consider this the beginning of a dialogue among a group of people who put pen to paper (okay, finger to keyboard) to release something inside us, something that must be shared. en-us First things first http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9924 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9924 Before the Kevin Hailey murder trial in Nacogdoches in September, there is another murder trial a little closer to home that needs to be resolved. Today in Gonzales County what should be the final pre-trial hearing in the murder trial of Stephen and Bettie Ramirez is scheduled. The couple has been indicted in connection with the death of their adopted daughter, Crystal, who showed signs of starvation. The trial is supposed to start next month. Another sad case of a dead child. Keep writing. <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a> Murder trial site set http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9819 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9819 The murder trial of Kevin Hailey will be in Nacogdoches with jury selection beginning on Sept. 14. The site and date were set during a hearing last week by District Judge Ralph Burgess. Hailey, who has already been convicted of attempted murder in Louisiana, has been indicted in Cass County in connection with the murders of Gerri Faye, Jessica and Mackenzie Butts in Atlanta, Texas in 1992. He was No Billed in 1992, but re-arrested and indicted in 2007. I have covered the case since that cold, wet January day in 1992 when the bodies of the woman and her two children were found.  I am actively seeking a literary agent to represent the book I have written about the case. I plan to attend the trial. Keep writing! <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a> Fingers crossed http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9752 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9752 OK. The agent that requested additional materials now has the proposal and two sample chapters. Wish me luck! A pre-trial hearing was supposed to be held Friday, hopefully to determine the trial date and location, but I haven't heard anything yet. Keep writing. <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a> Got to throw the line in the water to get a nibble http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9712 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9712 Of the four query letters I sent out last weekend, one agent has already responded wanted to see additional materials. Keep the faith that this is the one. Keep writing. <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a> The next wave http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9697 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9697 After a followup e-mail, I heard from the agent who had my proposal -- rejected again. So...I sent out four more query letters over the weekend and will send out some more this week. It just has to click for someone. I know it will. Keep writing! <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a> Movement on the legal front http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9658 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9658 I got a telephone call from East Texas yesterday. A pre-trial hearing in the Kevin Hailey murder case has been set for Friday, Dec. 12. The caller said it is possible that a trial date and location could be set at that time. I hope so, so I can begin making plans to attend the trial. Hailey was indicted last year for the 1992 murders of Gerri Faye, Jessica and Mackenzie Butts in Atlanta, Texas. I have covered the story since the day their bodies were discovered and continue to write about the case. I'll keep you posted. Keep writing. <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a> Trying to keep the faith http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9588 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9588 It's amazing how much of writing a book is mental! Oh, I can do the "technical" aspects, writing, properly preparing the manuscript, finding agents to send the project to, sending out proposals...but the more rejections I get and the longer it takes, the harder it gets mentally. I'm trying to keep the faith...and keep at it. it will happen. Keep writing! <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a> Agents, agents everywhere http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9525 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9525 As I continue the search for a literary agent to represent my project, I take note of course on where each agency is located. Since all the major publishing houses are in New York, a New York agent would seem to be a priority. But there are many successful agents who don't live in the Big Apple. My search last night included agents in Boston, Sacramento and even Idaho....yes, i said Idaho. Anyway....trying to match up my project with their interests and hope one feels strongly enough about my proposal to give it a shot. Keep writing! <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a> Still waiting http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9456 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9456 As anxious as I am to hear back from the agent considering my proposal, I have to remember it has only been about six weeks since I mailed it. For most agents, that's a short period of time to consider a project. I checked the web site of this particular agent, and there is no mention of response time. I'll be patient. I'll keep my fingers crossed and keep praying, and also keep looking for the next one to send it too in case this one doesn't work out. Keep writing! <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a> Murder most foul http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9412 http://community.victoriaadvocate.com/home/Blog/ALongLook/9412 Covering my second murder trial within a year -- Garrett Freeman in Wharton, Rebecca Shropshire in Cuero -- only reminds me and reinforces the memory of how devastating such an act is. Not only on the victim and his family and friends, but the family and friends of the person who committed the crime. Although in these cases only one person lost his life, so many other lives are touched by such senseless acts. As I continue to write about the Butts TRIPLE homicide, I pray for the victims, both families and friends. Keep writing! <a href="http://www.SonnyLong.com">www.SonnyLong.com</a>