I'm still working my way through some of the questions that arrived in my mailbox while I was offline, finishing up the manuscript for Where Grace Abides.
Here are a few more replies:
Q. How long does it take you to write a book?
A. Typically, anywhere from nine months to a year.
Q. I have part of a novel manuscript written, several chapters. Should I be looking for an agent?
A. No, that would definitely be premature. Especially in today's highly competitive publishing climate, you first need to finish the entire book, edit it carefully, then edit it again, until it "shines"--make it the best you possibly can. Then, and only then, you might want to query an agent. And even if you have a great book, be prepared to draw on the limits of your patience. Finding an agent you want to work with who wants to work with you can be a time-consuming process. That's not to discourage you, but simply to give you a realistic answer.
Q. I'm working on my first novel and hoping to attend a writers conference next year, but I'm on a very limited budget. I'll not be able to afford more than one. Which one would you suggest?
A. I'm the wrong person to ask, because I've never gone to a writers conference. I'd suggest you check Sally Stuart's Christian Writers Market Guide or the Writers Market annual (published by Writers Digest) for a list of conferences. Also, if you know other writers (or editors) who attend these conferences, get their opinions on which events they've found most helpful.
Q. I don't like the way many novels are now putting discussion questions at the end of a book. I just want to end a story and keep thinking about it, not try to answer questions. They totally break my mood. What's the reason for these questions?
A. Reading groups are very popular all throughout the country, and most members really appreciate having discussion questions available for their convenience. But the questions are there strictly for those who want to use them. If you'd rather not give them any attention, it's certainly your choice to ignore them.
Q. Do you use electronic reference books such as dictionaries and encyclopedias or bound books?
A. Both.
BJ
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