What is it Like to Write a Series?

I get this question a lot lately. My short answer is: “It’s like writing a book. But three of them.” But I don’t think that’s terribly helpful, so allow me to expand…

Writing a book is hard. It’s an endeavor you need to dedicate a lot of time to, as well as invest money into. If your dream is to see your work published, there are a lot of steps along the way. The first being education. Now, I don’t mean that you need to get a full degree, but you should consider getting some kind of formal education such as taking classes and regularly attending writing lectures. Classes and lectures not only help you hone your craft, but they also help you keep in touch with the industry.

On that note, keeping in touch with the industry is another huge step. Follow agents and publishers on social media. Attend conventions. Read blogs. It’s vital to have your finger on the pulse of this industry because it’s always changing. You may think that your dystopian YA is an easy sell because it’s so huge in the media right now, but if you aren’t keeping up with the inside of the industry you wouldn’t know that the market is saturated with that genre right now. As such, that genre is an incredibly difficult sell these days. Which leads me to some advice – never write to a trend. Ever. The trends change month to month. There is no point in anticipating what will be the next hot genre. Don’t do it. Just write from the heart. Write with sincerity. Don’t write with dreams of fame and Hollywood blockbuster movies in mind. Write what inspires you. Write the music in your heart.

Now we come to the actual writing process itself. Every writer is different – some (like myself) need to outline extensively and some are “pantsers”, meaning that they write by the seat of their pants, no outlining they just let they words flow and the story form organically. Now for a stand-alone story, pantsing works just fine but I think when it comes to writing a series, outlining is necessary. There are so many story threads to keep track of that in the interest of keeping continuity and making sure you are following up on your subplots, it’s important to think out the complete story. It also helps with establishing pacing and dissemination of information.

Okay, so you’ve gotten the first draft of your manuscript written. Now what? Well now you get together with a critique group and you let your partners hack your precious words to pieces. I advise not relying on friends outside of the industry for this. Friends and family are more likely to just pat you on the head and only provide positive feedback. And if they don’t understand the industry, they really aren’t going to be able to give you what you need to make your manuscript shine. Go on to writing forums and seek out other writers. Meet, connect, work.

After you’ve gone through another draft or two (or four) with your group, then it’s time to send it on to agents and editors. Like receiving critiques, you need a lot of thick skin for this. You will be rejected. Not once, not twice. You will be rejected over and over again, and it sucks. At this point you have already invested so much time, money, effort, blood, sweat, and tears into your project that to face rejection feels like being stabbed in the heart. But you can’t let it faze you. If you believe in your work, if writing is your passion, and if it’s a career you are serious about pursuing, you must push past it and continue on. As my mother often tells me, “Every no is closer to a yes.”

Now let’s say you finally get that acceptance – well then it’s time to celebrate. But then you have a whole other host of new tasks to deal with including (but not limited to) networking, marketing and promoting your project, and making a presence on social media. But that is really a whole other topic.

So what is it like to write a series? It’s like writing a book. But three of them. It means a huge time commitment and dedicating a lot of energy to planning. It means having to make sacrifices in favor of working hard and investing in education. There’s no easy, simple answer here. Every writer’s path is different, but it all boils down to drive and determination. 

RPG Superstar Retrospective: A Personal Victory

Paizo's RPG Superstar Logo

Every year RPG publisher Paizo holds their “RPG Superstar” contest to look for new talent in the game design industry. Now, in addition to being a writer of children’s literature, I am also a hard-core gamer. I started playing RPGs when I was twelve years old (when my cousin introduced me to Dungeons & Dragons via the "Curse of the Azure Bonds" computer game), and I have been playing ever since.

This year Paizo hosted their contest twice in one year. My husband made it into the Top 32 of last season, and this season it was my turn. I’ve been entering the contest for about four years now and never truly thought I would make it far. For me, RPG Superstar was a personal challenge I set for myself. As I have mentioned in a previous post, I have struggled with dyscalculia my entire life. I’ve had a math teacher humiliate me in front of my entire class. I’ve had a guidance counselor tell me that I would never make it into college because of my low math scores. I’ve been told that I didn’t try hard enough, despite the fact that I poured over my text book with tears of frustration streaming down my face almost every night. Numbers, formulas, technical concepts… they simply do not click with me.

Despite the math heavy rules in many table-top role playing games, I have always enjoyed them. In fact, I think they have been the best math teacher I’ve ever had. It framed numbers and formulas in a way that was fun and made sense. After college, when I finally experienced the relief of discovering dyscalculia, I started to look to gaming as a way for me to casually practice my math skills. My gaming circle has always been incredibly patient with me in this regard. They understand I can’t calculate as quickly as everyone else, and give me the time I need to figure it out. They never coddle me or get frustrated when I am too slow. They understand my difficulties and are incredibly supportive.

RPG Superstar has not only been about my love of gaming, but also an extension of my desire to prove that I am not stupid. Entering every year has been a way for me to test myself; a way for me to overcome those nasty memories, and work toward helping myself to understand and apply mathematical concepts. Suffice to say, I never dreamed I would make it to the Top 32, let alone become a finalist!

The entire experience was overwhelming but very educational. There were some rounds I struggled more than others (the monster submission of Round 3), and others that I honestly just had pure fun with (map making in Round 2). The contest challenged my knowledge, abilities, and imagination, and I will admit that at times, it simply wasn’t fun. And when I say it wasn’t fun, I mean I was literally curled up, sobbing in a corner ready to raise the white flag. But every time I hit that point, I remembered the teachers who didn’t believe in me and it gave me the strength to continue. I had to prove to myself that they were wrong.

It’s evident to anyone who participated as a judge or voter that many of my entries lacked technical and systematic finesse. This is not something I will deny. It is absolutely a weak point of mine for obvious reasons mentioned above. But neither is it something I want to ever use as a crutch. The gaming industry demands a certain level of competence with technical skills (as they should), and I fought my hardest to develop those during the contest. I didn’t always succeed, but the point is I gave it my all and didn’t give up. I am quite proud of myself for that and all I accomplished.

I didn’t win, but I made it into the Final 4 and now have a chance to write a small adventure for Paizo. This was much farther than I ever dreamed I could make it. It means so much to me that so many were willing to overlook my flaws in favor of my strengths in concepts and imagination. That said, I am going to continue to work hard to grow my technical skills and gain the well-rounded edge I would like to have as a freelance game designer. I have learned much through this journey, but I still have much more to learn. This contest has tested my limits and it has introduced me to so many amazing, creative people. It was utterly exhausting, but I consider myself to have emerged victorious and with a new-found strength.

To anyone out there who may struggle with a disability, be it learning or otherwise, know that you are more than your disability. You are more than the names you may be called. Don’t let those voices keep you down from achieving your dreams because I am living proof that anything is possible. Just try your best and never stop believing in yourself. We may face challenges that many others may never understand or experience, but I assure you it makes the victories all the sweeter. You can do it. I believe in you. 

Event Report: Halloween Book Signing for Ashwood

This past weekend I got to have my first ever book signing. And what a rush it was! This is an event myself, Distinguished Press, and Kinokuniya Book Store have been discussing over the past month. Kinokuniya has long since been one of my favorite book stores in Manhattan. With it's stock catering to alternative fashion enthusiasts and geeks alike, it's a store where I always feel at home.

Me at Kinokuniya Book Store NYC

Suffice to say I was thrilled when Kinokuniya responded to my request to host my book signing. There is nowhere else I would want to have my debut book release event. It was a dream come true. Of course, dreams led to waking reality, and I realized that this meant I would have to face the bane of most writers - speaking in public! I turned to my friend and cover designer, Nancy Ramos, and asked her if she could do me the favor of moderating the talk before the signing began. To my relief, she agreed and I could finally breath again knowing that I would have her at my side for the event.

Nancy Ramos MCing the discussion with me before the signing

Cover designer, Nancy Ramos and author, C.J. Malarsky

 Like most writers, I am very much an introvert and I prefer to express myself through my writing. Though I have many years worth of experience and academic background in theater, getting up in front of people still terrifies me. It's one thing to be on stage pretending to be someone else, but another thing entirely when you have to address people as yourself.

A packed house

Patrons lining up to get their book signed

The big day finally came, and on Halloween, none the less! But with it also came the marathon of butterflies swarming inside my stomach. Luckily, I had friends and family on hand to keep me calm. Nancy was a brilliant MC and Kinokuniya, a very generous host. I spoke for about 40-45 minutes with Nancy asking me a number of prompt questions about Ashwood and other literary questions. The time flew by in a whirlwind for me. I couldn't recall what I had even said afterwards, though a number of people assured me it was an engaging and eloquent talk. So whatever jitters I had, I somehow managed to mask it.

Signing copies of Ashwood

We had a great turn out, from friends and family, to complete strangers. And what's more - Kinokuniya sold out of their stock! A huge thank you to everyone who came out to show their support, and also to Kinokuniya Book Store who took a chance on a new, indie author. I can easily say that this was the best Halloween I've ever had. Thanks to all who participated!

Me with Kinokuniya's event coordinator, John Fuller - Thank you Kinokuniya!