
Monday, November 16, 2009
Simplest Writing Trick Ever!
Posted by Suzette Saxton at 9:00 PM 15 comments Links to this post
A Treat for You from Us!

Posted by Suzette Saxton at 11:54 AM 21 comments Links to this post
Friday, November 6, 2009
All Because Erin Dyed Her Hair.

My friend Erin (see photo--yep, that's the beautiful Erin) dyed her hair black. So what, right? Well, when her hair was black, her eyes looked gold. And all I could think as I stared at her, and probably freaked her out with my scrutiny, was, "Her eyes look like cat eyes." What does this story have to do with a blog that centers around writing? Everything. When I saw those gold eyes, a character was born. An entire trilogy was inspired. All because Erin dyed her hair (thanks, Erin!).
Posted by Bethany Wiggins at 8:40 PM 22 comments Links to this post
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Agent-Judged Contest on the QueryTracker Blog!
Fantastic news - the QTblog is hosting another agent-judged contest! I'm honored to be working again with literary agent Anna Webman of Curtis Brown Ltd. This contest is for Young Adult Novels only. Come check out all the details on the QueryTracker blog!
Posted by Suzette Saxton at 9:28 AM 3 comments Links to this post
Sunday, October 25, 2009
An Offer I Can't Refuse
Two short months ago Bethany announced "I Have an Agent" and today I'm beyond thrilled to share the same news.
I have accepted an offer of representation from Brendan Deneen of Fineprint Literary Management. I've worked with Brendan in the past over at the QueryTracker blog, so I already know what a terrific guy he is, and I'm honored to be working with him in this capacity. For more info about which project of mine caught his eye, check out Mary's post on the QTblog.
What makes my journey and Bethany's unique is that we set out together when we made a pact to write. Seven years and many novels later, we have reached agenthood within six weeks of each other. I love ya, sis, and have enjoyed sharing this journey with you!
Thanks to each and every one of you who follow this blog and who have offered your unfailing support. You have helped me grow as a writer and as a friend.
Warmest wishes,
Suzy
Posted by Suzette Saxton at 10:00 PM 45 comments Links to this post
Saturday, October 10, 2009
The Moments that Make Us
There are things in life that we have no control over that leave their mark - death of a loved one comes to mind - and then there are those subtle things that make just as big an impression.
Take opera. My exposure to it consisted of Pretty Woman, when Edward Lewis (played by Richard Gere) said, "People's reactions to opera the first time they see it is very dramatic; they either love it or they hate it. If they love it, they will always love it. If they don't, they may learn to appreciate it, but it will never become part of their soul." I made a point of listening to a smattering of opera after that - nothing happened. I figured I was one of those who would never have it in my soul. Many years later I bought a collection of classical music, and tacked on at the end, almost as an afterthought, was a very short opera piece by Puccini. I was so stunned by its beauty I found myself crying. That one piece unlocked a window in my soul, and I have loved opera ever since.
Another involves Flaming June, a painting I think you all know I love, as I use it as my Google icon. (Sweet Cynde even sent me Flaming June emery boards!) On a recent trip to the museum I found myself face-to-face with an original 4x4 inch oil study that was part of the planning stage for Flaming June. To see the actual brushstrokes of Lord Fredrick Leighton ... I stood riveted to the spot as a long line of patrons accumulated behind me. When one of them finally cleared his throat, I gave up my place and moved to the back of the line to await another turn.
Other life-altering moments that come to mind include a recent camping trip I took with my children, The Time Traveler's Wife by Audrey Niffenegger, and sunsets in general, which never fail to spur spiritual growth. This past weekend I swam in a million-year-old crater pool. Once I got used to the fact that I was floating atop 65 feet of water, the experience was profound.
I want to know about those subtle, life-shaping moments that make you who you are.
Suzy
P.S. Be sure to check out these incredible paintings by Connie Tom (she painted Aspens Aglow, above.)
P.P.S. My good friend Lisa Amowitz is now blogging, so be sure to check out her blog.
P.P.P.S. Blog reader K. M. Weiland's book has just come out. Congratulations, Katie!
One last post script. In these wee morning hours as I write this, I've stumbled across a very sweet lullaby by Vienna Teng. I think you'll like it.
Posted by Suzette Saxton at 12:23 AM 32 comments Links to this post
Saturday, September 26, 2009
The Fact in the Fiction
Much of one of my manuscripts takes place around an abandoned silver mine. Giant, gnawing holes so deep you can't see the bottom, stipple the ground where the earth has collapsed in on the mine shafts. Fact: I played at this mine as a teenager, snooping through the brush and ponderosa pines to find these sunken-in mine shafts. My cousin used to write stories about what came out of those shafts. I write about what's been dumped inside.
Posted by Bethany Wiggins at 11:34 AM 18 comments Links to this post