Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Two more weeks until Mother Muse sequel moves forward

I currently have an end of the year deadline to submit the manuscript for contract consideration, so if you have any poignant, universal, powerful, uplifting (even in dealing with the negatives of motherhood) pieces you'd like to share for consideration, please send them my way. I am much less likely to work with contributors at this point (with the publisher's two-week deadline) on huge editorial matters (ie- glaring grammatical/sense issues), but if the message is poignant, universal, and applicable, I will consider any essays/ poetry/ stories you may wish to share. I am especially interested in the 'nontraditional' (foster, adoptive, alternative) motherhood experiences, but certainly would like to consider all fabulous pieces.

Please send up to five pieces within the body of an email to motherhood2009@yahoo.com. If I choose to use your work, I will make notes in a Word document with Track Changes on, and send it back to you for review.

Thank you very much, everyone, for your patience as we try to get this project published in the traditional channels before self-publishing. And thank you to those who have encouraged me to keep pushing in the tough world of publishing. This volume and its writers needs to be read!

May the mother muse continue to inspire you!

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Update on Mother Muse Sequel

Good afternoon, everyone!

After three rounds of submissions to traditional publishers, resulting in tons of positive feedback but no bites for publication, we are going the self-publishing route again with the Mother Muse sequel. It will be bigger and better than ever, and have the distribution capability to reach a wider audience than the original edition was able to.

At this time, I am searching for foster, adoptive, lesbian, and other non-traditional motherhood perspectives to fill a bit of a gap I'm feeling in the upcoming collection. If you or anyone you know might be able to provide such a perspective through her writings (in the form of essay, story, poetry, letter, or photography), please email me as soon as possible to motherhood2009@yahoo.com. Submissions at this time must be impeccable and compelling - I have a solid manuscript except these perspectives, and am in the final copyediting and formatting stage of publication. However, if your piece is compelling but not quite fitting in these categories, I may be inclined to consider it/them anyway. It's all about rounding out this collection with quality works providing positive perspectives on the roller coaster ride that is motherhood.

Thanks so much for your time and I will be posting further details on the Mother Muse sequel as they are ironed out.

Sueann

Sunday, June 27, 2010

Review of Do No Evil by Kymberly and Ashley Goltermann

Review of Do No Evil by Kymberly Goltermann and Ashley L. Goltermann, 2010. Outskirts Press. $15.95

Do No Evil, Kymberly and Ashley L. Goltermann’s first Artemis Agency novel, stacks up to its billing as a unique perspective on the women sleuth’s mystery genre. The authors recognize and accept the clichés of the industry, and successfully buck the sappy romantic integrated in an overly dramatic detective profession. Humor and sarcasm throughout the novel prove the authors respect but don’t take themselves too seriously.

Primary characters Phineas and Phoebe Nobul command their father’s ‘no bull’ legacy, with the added element of the ‘or we’re going to kick your ass (or find another way to find the information we need)’ attitude. In this respect, especially, Phineas’ strong personality rubs off on the more demure Phoebe as the novel goes on, accentuating the women’s roller coaster ride of a life. Romantic interests develop well in his novel, easily allowing readers into the women’s heads enough to feel the range of their emotions, but not enough to detract from the Nobuls’ pursuit of sleuthing. Personal and professional lives fluidly intermingle throughout the novel, as humans satisfy curiosity, libido, and a solid non-judgmental interdependence.

Momentum builds quickly after an unfortunately overdone exposition that may lose readers. Beyond the first chapter, readers become immersed in the small Western New York town of Lair’s convoluted side, learning more about each primary and secondary character with each page. Eccentric family members and grounding boyfriends add to the humanity of the sisters and the realistic town.

Alternating chapters from each of the Nobul sisters’ perspectives reveal the dichotomous connection between the two. The sisters not only gain a solid footing in their private investigation business and solve several murders that crop up thirty years after an incident of office party inhumanity. They also come closer as sisters, sharing near-death and near-to-the-recently-dead experiences most sisters never experience. Readers feel connected to a family they want to see more of (can we say sequel?!).

Yes, it’s a bit far-fetched that dead bodies would start appearing at the Nobuls’ new office before their sign is even on the door, but by the time they do, readers are entrenched in the personal and haphazard lives of Phineas and Phoebe, so this coincidence barely gains notice.

The sisters have a noble cause to fight for, a truth that must be so hidden and deep that someone didn’t trust the cops to tend to it, and the sisters play right into the murderer’s hands, concealing evidence (rightfully so) from the very cops assigned to protect them. Little do the women know one of these sworn officers conceals a terrible secret and is integral to the case.

The truth unravels at a solid clip, hurling readers along with the train. Do No Evil is a solid example of strong women working together to solve their community’s issues. The authors present a strong first novel, whose sequel will no doubt be even better. This reviewer for one cannot wait to find out what will transpire as Phineas takes the case of the murderer!


Sueann Wells

Editor, Mother Muse

Sueannwells.blogspot.com

Thursday, June 17, 2010

Review of Do No Evil by Kymberly and Ashley Goltermann

Review of Do No Evil by Kymberly Goltermann and Ashley L. Goltermann, 2010. Outskirts Press. $15.95

Do No Evil, Kymberly and Ashley L. Goltermann’s first Artemis Agency novel, stacks up to its billing as a unique perspective on the women sleuth’s mystery genre. The authors recognize and accept the clichés of the industry, and successfully buck the sappy romantic integrated in an overly dramatic detective profession. Humor and sarcasm throughout the novel prove the authors respect but don’t take themselves too seriously.

Primary characters Phineus and Phoebe Nobul command their father’s ‘no bull’ legacy, with the added element of the ‘or we’re going to kick your ass (or find another way to find the information we need)’ attitude. In this respect, especially, Phineus’ strong personality rubs off on the more demure Phoebe as the novel goes on, accentuating the women’s roller coaster ride of a life. Romantic interests develop well in his novel, easily allowing readers into the women’s heads enough to feel the range of their emotions, but not enough to detract from the Nobuls’ pursuit of sleuthing. Personal and professional lives fluidly intermingle throughout the novel, as humans satisfy curiosity, libido, and a solid non-judgmental interdependence.

Momentum builds quickly after an unfortunately overdone exposition that may lose readers. Beyond the first chapter, readers become immersed in the small Western New York town of Lair’s convoluted side, learning more about each primary and secondary character with each page. Eccentric family members and grounding boyfriends add to the humanity of the sisters and the realistic town.

Alternating chapters from each of the Nobul sisters’ perspectives reveal the dichotomous connection between the two. The sisters not only gain a solid footing in their private investigation business and solve several murders that crop up thirty years after an incident of office party inhumanity. They also come closer as sisters, sharing near-death and near-to-the-recently-dead experiences most sisters never experience. Readers feel connected to a family they want to see more of (can we say sequel?!).

Yes, it’s a bit far-fetched that dead bodies would start appearing at the Nobuls’ new office before their sign is even on the door, but by the time they do, readers are entrenched in the personal and haphazard lives of Phineus and Phoebe, so this coincidence barely gains notice.

The sisters have a noble cause to fight for, a truth that must be so hidden and deep that someone didn’t trust the cops to tend to it, and the sisters play right into the murderer’s hands, concealing evidence (rightfully so) from the very cops assigned to protect them. Little do the women know one of these sworn officers conceals a terrible secret and is integral to the case.

The truth unravels at a solid clip, hurling readers along with the train. Do No Evil is a solid example of strong women working together to solve their community’s issues. The authors present a strong first novel, whose sequel will no doubt be even better. This reviewer for one cannot wait to find out what will transpire as Phineus takes the case of the murderer!


Sueann Wells

Editor, Mother Muse

Sueannwells.blogspot.com

Friday, April 23, 2010

Publication update

Yikes, it's been a while since I posted. Thank goodness my daughters are through their most recent bout of behavior management issues (aka tantrums and all their glory!), so I can think clearly enough to write and update.

Unfortunately, I am still waiting to hear from the publisher (and two of the three back up publishers I've submitted to). The good news is that from my understanding, publishers usually reject manuscripts in the first two months, and that manuscripts out beyond that are under consideration. Fingers crossed, as of course the delay may not in fact mean we'll get published, but my goodness, perhaps we're on our way.

Please, please, please, keep this project in your thoughts and hopes and prayers if you're a praying sort.

And a note for the contributors - I thank you SOOOO much for your continued patience in this wait. I know I'm on pins and needles just waiting for word in the mailbox or inbox!

Monday, March 22, 2010

Buffalo Small Press Fair Saturday - Special Deal



I'm one of over 80 Western New York writers and publishers participating in the Buffalo Small Press Fair this Saturday, March 27th at the Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, 453 Porter Ave., Buffalo, NY.

It should be a blast - I know I look forward to meeting a bunch of people from the publishing world there! Hopefully sooner than later, I'll be on my way to being a publisher as well! Hope to see you at the Fair. Check out the list of fabulous authors and publishers who will be there at the site, http://www.buffalosmallpress.org/

In celebration of this event, I am discounting my remaining copies of Mother Muse, Awake Before Dawn, and Midnight Summons:

1 Copy of each of the three volumes, each personally signed at your request for only $30 ($40 value)

OR

1 Copy of Mother Muse and Awake Before Dawn, each signed, for only $20 ($26 value)

If you can't make it to the event Saturday, but would like to order copy/ies, let me know via email and we can arrange pick up or shipping (shipping is $2 each copy via USPS).

Email me at motherhood2009@yahoo.com with any questions.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

Daylight Savings Time

My hubby and I had our first date night in a year, and it was absolutely fabulous to get together with Sarah and Ryan sans kids, and miraculously, without too much kid-related conversation. A great meal at our traditional restaurant, and a great visit to their home. Sarah's wedding dress is beautiful, and I can't wait to help her in any way I can over the next year. Wedding Crashers was of course a hit, too - for some reason, hubby and I find we can actually catch a movie after the girls are in bed now, so that's great.

Last night was also Daylight Savings Time (the 'bad' one in which we lose an hour of sleep), which I usually gripe about, but which I don't really care about since the girls at the grandparents' anyway. But for some reason my mind woke up to the sump pump (checked it and it was just fine) and wouldn't shut off ... at 4 am NEW time. So yay me, I got a total of four hours of sleep and here I am at almost 8am and have been up for four hours! Yikes!

But - on our kidless overnight, we intend to complete a bunch of hard-to-do-with-the-kids-around household tasks today before we pick them back up, and my mind pushed forward to them. Might just as well get up.

And so now here I am, four hours later, and the MOMS Club newsletter is all done, sent to the President, Club bank statement and ledger reconciled, Preschool Playgroup flyer sent to all my like-minded momma friends, cinquain project complete (Woo hoo! 400 linked cinquains completed in 365 days! - Now let's see what happens as I edit and market the project or chunks of the project), of course emails checked.

On top of all of that, though, still stand the big thoughts weighing heavily on my mind:

1. House-hunting - we'll be visiting one more open house this afternoon on our way to pick up our lovelies - there's a lot of work involved in a move, and in selling our house, going through our 7 plus years of crap, weighing options of reconciling perfect house for house we'll 'settle' for in the school district we desire. So much involved with all elements.

2. Imminent loss of my income as a daycare provider, and the proposals for alternative income, including opening my home to additional children now and/or when the current family moves on to stay at home mom status in a few weeks, and including the application for a teacher or teacher's aide position at the girls' preschool. I am a certified English teacher whose primary experience has been in the secondary and post-secondary education field (and that's where my passion remains ... to potentially return to when my kids are both in school full time), but a year at the preschool level between my Bachelor's and Master's provided me with great experiences, and I wouldn't mind going back to benefit the family and the school that gives my daughter such great experiences. And to top that all off, I have been approached by two RIT Master's students for me to work as their thesis editor (I have been freelance editing for Master's in Graphic Design program students for the past two years). They were referred by the previous year's students, so how can I say no - my freelance editing gig relies on these referrals, so here we go another round. I just hope they are as responsible with their time as some of the past thesis students!

Anyway. I've spent enough time away from the 'list' of things to do before the girls return, so now I'll go see what I can salvage from my old resume (gosh, a year and a half doing daycare as my only 'real' source of income makes me wonder what I can and cannot put on my resume ... maybe I'll revamp its sections ...) Off I go.

Until next time, I hope the muse inspires you!

Monday, February 15, 2010

Freelance editing and writing available

I have fielded the question of working with writers on getting their own manuscripts ready for publishers or even publishing their works with my own resources. My goal is to one day create my own publishing company, so I would love to work with folks between now and then to expand my repertoire.

So - I offer the following rates for freelance editing and writing:

Services for $25/hour:
- Content Copyediting, General Proofreading
- Book Proposal or Query Editing or Writing
- Manuscript Critiques
- Book review for book back material
- Editing, Formatting, Proofreading, Publishing

Additional services:
- Press Kit - $150 for time and all materials within the kit.

Additionally, I would love to review books or manuscripts for book back materials with byline for a $50 fee. Contact me with any interest in this service.

I am happy to provide samples of my work in all services. See my PoetTalk review of Denise Thompson-Slaughter's upcoming poetry collection, Elemental, due out this year. :-)

Until next time, may the mother muse inspire you!

Mother Muse on its way to the publisher

Thanks again to all the fabulous contributions to this volume. All contracts have been received, all proofs have been accepted by the contributors, and the entire manuscript is on its way to the publisher. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it will be accepted in its entirety and I'll be able to pass on the positive word to the great women and men who have submitted their soulful writings.

Saturday, January 9, 2010

Mother Muse volume on its way to editing completion

Thank you to all who submitted essays, short stories, poetry, and photography for the upcoming edition of Mother Muse, tentatively slated for publication through Diversion Press. Unless you have received emails from me stating otherwise, we are now closed for submissions.

I currently am poring through the submissions, doing a final edit on all pieces I'd like to accept.

The next step will be emailing each individual contributor (yes, you'll receive an email either way) with the proof copy of your piece/s, along with a contract from the publisher and an explanation of what will be needed for each piece to make it to the publisher.

Once I receive all contracts and accepted proofs (and any comments from the contributors), I will send the entire manuscript to Diversion. Assuming they accept the final project, we will be on our way to publication and distribution.

All contributors will be contacted at each step of the way thereafter.

Again, thanks so much for your submissions. If I yet await your submission per a previous email, please get it to me as soon as you can, so we can proceed along this journey together.

Cheers!