Fresh From the Oven

I was tagged an eternity ago, so here goes!

What were you doing 10 years ago?

Hmmm...ten years ago, in 1998, I was working for a private investigation agency as a receptionist. 

I was thin for the first  (and only) time in my life. Had just had a "procedure" whereupon I went from a size F to a size B in a certain area, so I was feeling FREE! :)

I had been in California for about a year and was working toward my Bachelor's degree. 

I was dating, then engaged to my husband, and having MUCH relationship drama. You see, when you take a guy from Turkey who is here to get his MBA and then plans to go BACK to Turkey and pair him with a girl from Arizona, who comes out to see her sister, falls in love, and decides to spontaneously MOVE to California (a romantic fool), you get a ton of HOLY COW before the happily ever after.

I had written a few picture books before I stopped writing for about 4 years (I didn't have a clue how to "do" it and gave up, thinking two rejections meant I was sunk). :)

What are 5 things you need to do today?

1. Go to a wedding --a Persian wedding--can't wait for the yum-o food!
2  Work on my THREE school assignments...due tomorrow at midnight. ACK!
3. Clean my house. I told my sister yesterday it looks like we've been robbed four times in a row. :)
4. Work on a paid critique, if there's time
5. Lament that I can't go to Kim's reading today. :(

What are some snacks you enjoy?

I really love chocolate. This is exactly why I try NOT to keep it in the house--milk chocolate.

Coffee and biscotti--my favorite

Banana pudding

Cheeze-its

Yoplait fat-free thick and creamy yogurt in vanilla and strawberry


What would you do if you were a billionaire?

SO MUCH!!!!

I'd buy a house--but not a big one, even if I was a millionaire. I'm a "cottage" sort of girl

I'd buy my sister a house, too, and give my parents $$ to buy a new house or fix theirs up

I'd buy as many first edition books from the 1800's and early 1900's as i could get my hands on

I'd help children--somehow--in as many ways as possible

I'd start a writing program at schools--a creative writing program, where students actually get to express themselves uniquely

I'd take a trip around the world WITH my kids (and a nanny) and my husband :) and EXPERIENCE other cultures

I'd buy my husband a boat

I'd go to Turkey with my husband for two months and swim in the sea and visit farmer's markets

And SO MUCH more!


What are 3 bad habits?

Just three?

I frequently "shut down" at the exact moment I need to be productive

I freak out spontaneously about little things, making my family think I'm possessed

I like to cook and bake, which means my pants don't fit--ever



Name 5 places you have lived.

Phoenix, AZ
Flagstaff, AZ
Tustin, CA
Newport Beach, CA
Irvine, CA


What are 5 jobs you've had?

Candy Striper (striper NOT stripper)
Daycare worker
Data Entry Clerk
Receptionist at investigation agency
Substitute school teacher
Freelance writer/editor/writing coach

And now to tag 5 people  
Anyone who hasn't done this!

My son ate a worm today.

That is all.

Happy Mother's Day, to my LJ friends, my non-LJ friends, my sister, and my mother. Unfortunately, my mother lives about six hours away so I couldn't see her today. I got a call from my brother an hour ago, though, saying that my mom was at the cemetary putting flowers on her mother's grave when someone apparently stole her purse from her car. Um...yeah. It's not fair and it's simply just WRONG for that situation to actually be real, but it is--it happened, and now, instead of enjoying her day, she's dealing with police and frantically trying to cancel her cards. My mother also carries a wide amount of "stuff" in her purse, and I can only imagine what other important information is floating around somewhere at this moment. (sigh)

I'm happy to report my day has been much more pleasant. We went to breakfast this morning and my husband surprised me with tickets to My Fair Lady in June. I have a special fondness for that musical. It was the first musical I rehearsed for in high school. Though the production eventually got cancelled and changed to The Fantasticks, I can still sing "I Could Have Danced All Night" like nobody's business. :)

My adorable children have been arguing all morning, but they made some oh-so-sweet things for me. Sophie gave me a coke-bottle vase covered in tissue paper and a paper with her handprints on it, and Bailey made me a paper basket with a list of things he'd like to do to help around the house. He also filled out a paper saying things he likes about me. I smiled when I read that he likes my cooking, but I laughed out loud when he listed the most interesting thing about me being that, "SHE KNOWS ALL OF HER STATES." Imagine that. :)

Happy Mother's Day everyone. Here's a picture of me with my mom and sister.
xo,
Cathy

I just finished reading the first three books in the Twilight series by Stephenie Meyer. I admit, I didn't want to read the books at first. "I'm not a vampire-type person," I told my friend.

"But it's a LOVE story, Cathy," she told me. "You'll love it. Trust me."

Always a sucker for a love story, but very, very skeptical, I went to Target and bought the first book. Vampires, I thought as I opened the first page. Hmpf.

Then I read the first page, and the second, and before I knew it, I'd finished the first book in two days (all 500+ pages of it). I then proceeded to head to the bookstore, despite a nasty cold, and bought the other two books. I devoured them.

So what turns a non-vampire-type girl into a die-hard fan? The characters, of course! I'm still not into vampires in general. But something about these characters drew me in. They were real, though "not" real. They were honest and lovable and likeable and sometimes frustrating. And Edward Cullen, the main vampire character--let's just say I'd be very surprised to talk to anyone who had read these books, who did not seriously consider running down the street hoping upon hoping to encounter a lovely, mysterious vampire of her own.

Edward Cullen is appealing on many levels. For one, he's charming, but not in an over-the top way. He's sort of The Notebook meets Frank Sinatra, Jimmy Stewart, and Cary Grant all at the same time. He's outwardly beautiful and somewhat quiet. But when he speaks, his words resonate deeply. He is logical where the book's other main character, Bella, is not. He is, above all, desperately in love with her. His actions, his words, his very breath is for this girl--readers cannot help to inhale Edward Cullen like an intoxication. Part of his "charm" lies in the fact that he was technically born around 1900. He's a modern, old-fashioned soul with the patience of an old soul and the charm of a young soul. He is fallible at times, with jealousy, but readers can't help but love him anyway--his "heart" resonates genuineness. Indeed, the appeal of Edward Cullen is that he fulfills most girls' inner desires--to be "rescued" (the Princess dilemma--Bella needs frequently rescuing), to be undeniably irresistable, and to be securely and forever loved. For this reason, Edward Cullen has captured the hearts of many, many readers.

Bella, the series' main character, is your typical seventeen-year-old. Her life hasn't been easy and she's making a big change moving in with her father. But something about Bella makes her atypical. Perhaps it's that she reads Wuthering Heights again and again. Perhaps it's because, from the first day she meets Edward Cullen, she struggles between what she wants, what she should want, what she does, and what she should do. As disaster after disaster befalls her, Bella matures--but she often makes wrong choices that leave the reader frustrated. Still, we read on--because Stephenie Meyer makes us read on--because just when we want to throttle Bella, something happens and we like her again.

The other characters in the book, most especially Jacob Black, are also worth talking about. But if you haven't read the books yet, talking about him will give away too much of the story. For this characterization, you'll have to dive into the books yourself.

An intriguing character, and even more, an intriguing storyline along with an intriguing character, can turn a non-reader into a reader, a skeptic into a believer, and a non-fantasy-type girl into one who seeks out the I HEART EDWARD CULLEN t-shirts on the Internet.

Imagine this--the Pacific Ocean, the Newport Sea Base, and a whole bunch of writers/illustrators/agents in one room for NINE hours. That's where I was this Saturday, and now, I'm going to take YOU there!

Here's the skinny--the speakers, the speeches, the memorable moments...

Alyssa Eisner Henkin - Agent, Trident Media Group
(GREAT conversationalist--her enthusiasm and energy are amazing)

*Children's publishing is on the map in a way it has never been before

*Dr. Seuss was rejected. Heck, even Anne Frank's father was rejected when submitting her diary--the publishers said the story wasn't memorable enough. And Beatrix Potter was rejected so many times that she eventually self-published. The moral of the story--your talent and confidence and persistence cannot falter...not in this business.

*You never have a second chance to make a first impression, so don't send your manuscript until it's READY.

* Be true to yourself, but listen to feedback. Practice the Rule of Three--if three people say remotely the same thing, then perhaps it's time to take caution and listen to what they're saying...perhaps.

*Take a class--mothers are wonderful but they don't make the best judges for your work.

*Think of writing like becoming a chef. When you first become a chef, you wouldn't immediately flambe something--you'd start with grilled cheese, maybe some tomato soup. It's the same way with writing--don't be afraid to try new things, but at the same time, don't begin your career by going crazily into the most difficult type of writing you can imagine. Find your own voice and style and stick with it. Sometimes we have to make grilled cheese before we can attempt creme brulee (that last analogy was mine). :)

*Consider kid appeal

*Don't underestimate detective work - the Internet is both a blessing and a curse. Utilize Publisher's Marketplace but stay away from too much time on Verla Kay (her words not mine). 

*Set realistic time tables--you don't always need to work at warp speed. Take your time. Produce quality work.

*Self-publishing isn't all bad

*Reality-based fantasy is big now

*Not looking for picture books.


Rachel Orr - Agent, Prospect Agency
(Calm and quietly funny--very helpful--someone I'd like to both have coffee with and share my work with)

*Likes people who write in a wide variety of genres

*Likes rhyming picture books

*Get to know your characters!

*Likes first person, coming-of-age stories

*Prefers contemporary novels (1900 to present)

*Chapter books need to be able to be made into a series

*Likes school tie-in and holiday-themed books

*Superheroes are hot!

*Likes believable time travel

*Dislikes cliches in language, plot, and character


Jamie Weiss Chilton - Associate Agent, Andrea Brown Literary Agency
(Loved her--she was honest and real and said so much more than I remembered to write down)

*Remember that what's being published today was acquired 2,3,4 years ago. Don't write for the market!

*Wants more YA

*Wants an awesome beginning to your manuscript rather than an awesome query letter

*Wants MG with a unique voice and sense of place


*Lindsay Davis - Jr. Agent, Writer's House (West Coast)
(Friendly, a bit shy)

*Only accepts queries first

*Don't be overly formal in your query!

*Looking for all genres

*No high-concept or issue books

*Looking for strong characters, great voice


Paula Allen - Agent, Screenland Literary Associates
(Hilariously funny, sarcastic, and honest--loved her)

*HATES query letters

*"Make me laugh or make me cry. Don't just make me say, 'neh'."

*Looking for more boys adventure

*Trying to publish a pure fairy tale? Not gonna happen

*YA crosses over to adult FAST

*Finding an agent is like finding a spouse


So there you have it--9 hours of advice in a teensy weensy nutshell--hope it's helpful!
 

 

If perchance you ARE registered for Agent's Day in Newport Beach tomorrow, I hope you'll look for me--I'll be wearing jeans and a black sweater, and if I don't see someone I know pretty quickly, I'll likely be hiding behind a plant somewhere.

hehe

Is anyone going? 

Huh?

Huh? 

Hi everyone,

I'm crawling out of my kleenex-sniffling-stuck-in-bed stupor to tell you that my sister is starting an amazing group for women. For 8 weeks (Thursday evenings), women will meet, chat over coffee, and talk about those issues we all face in life--transitions. We're all in a transition period of some sort, aren't we? And something powerful happens when women unite--it's comforting and uplifting. So if you're interested in joining me (we're in Orange County--the group will take place in Irvine) for her group (starts in May), let me know and I'll pass your info. along to her, or contact her at

lifecoachliz  

Hope to see you there!

Cathy

 PS She also offers a monthly newsletter through her website and online life coaching sessions, so if that's more up your alley, send me (or her) a message. :)

I just finished TWILIGHT, by Stephenie Meyer--let's just say I'm seriously considering running out into the street and asking someone to puhleaze send me a vampire like Edward Cullen..

Any other fans?

The Catching Up:

I admittedly haven't been around LJ much lately. I've been busy with all the same things as you, and, although I've sometimes skimmed posts, I am looking forward to this weekend, when I'll take a bit to sit down with some vanilla coffee and delve into your worlds.

The Getting Busy:

Things have been a bit crazy on the writing front. I've been getting a lot of writing questions and am looking into seriously pursuing writing coaching. It's a logical next step, and one I'm actually already enjoying. I've begun by doing paid critiques and query research and writing. I'd like to hold some online courses for beginners. There are so many would-be writers who just don't know where to start. I was that writer not so long ago, and I always said I'd give back the kindness I was given. That said, if you know anyone who needs a writing coach, a manuscript critique, etc., I hope you'll send them to my website at

www.catherineipcizade.com

The Random Squabble-hobble:

Something happened in the shower today--not anything tragic, mind you--when I reached for the shampoo and poured it into my palm, I realized it wasn't shampoo at all; it was conditioner. This bothered me for a simple reason--I keep my shampoo on the left and my conditioner on the right. Yet today, they were in opposite order. it started me thinking--why does this bother me? The answer came slowly as I washed my hair.

Things in this society go from left to right. We read from left to write. We drive from the left side of the car but in the right hand lane. Books are lined-up from A to Z in left to right order. The list could go on and on.

The funny thing is, I don't write in left to write order. No, I'm not saying I've taken to writing Manga novels--I sometimes write in verse. I sometimes write in silly metaphors. I often write in a mismatched order for the sake of fun. So why on earth does it bother me (who is NOT anal about order, who admittedly leaves her things lying around in a heap until it becomes absolutely necessary to attend to them) that the shampoo was out of order? Perhaps it's the same thing our readers want. They want things to fall into place. They want to know where the story takes place, who the main character is, what his or her problem is, and they want that problem to be solved by the end of the book. Even when we zig-zag the rules of left to right, writers must still deliver "left to right," even if the path isn't straight--even if we add a few twists and turns along the way.

Something to ponder: what are your thoughts on the concept (literal and metaphorical) about "left to right?" I hope you'll share.

I just found out that 'Twas the Day Before Zoo Day was chosen, along with 56 other books, to be featured on the Book Sense Summer 2008 Children's Pick List! The list will be distributed to 100,000 independent bookstores.

Yay!

Cathy - doin' the happy dance

 

In honor of this day, I'm going to put practicality aside and dive into pure romance. Here's what I'll be carrying around in my pocket. How about you?

 

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in 

by e.e.cummings

i carry your heart with me(i carry it in
my heart)i am never without it(anywhere
i go you go,my dear;and whatever is done
by only me is your doing,my darling)
                                    i fear
no fate(for you are my fate,my sweet)i want
no world(for beautiful you are my world,my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life;which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart(i carry it in my heart)

Late Sunday night, I turned in my outline for the new book I'm writing for Capstone. In truth, I had no knowledge about Russia before beginning this project. The research was fun, sometimes frustrating, and enlightening. The frustration came when I tried to find pronunciations of common words. Russians use the cryllic alphabet, which is comprised of symbols. So every time I tried to find a Russian-English dictionary to show me the meanings and pronunciations, I was met with symbols! Luckily, my husband has a Russian friend who will be helping me out a bit in the coming months.

Researching topics is fun for me, especially when I know I'll use that research to create something for kids. I'm trying to find more royalty-based non-fiction work or work-for-hire through educational publishers right now, but getting a response is less than easy. Still, I enjoy this work very much, and, although I appreciate the freedom that comes with writing my own fiction without restrictions, it's refreshing to have to adhere to guidelines for non-fiction projects. It takes the "guess-work" out of things, without stumping my creativity too much.

So what's the next step? My outline goes to an expert. I'll be asked to make revisions if necessary. And then I wait while photos are compiled. In June the photos come back to me and I write the manuscript. This is when things move fast. Revisions are only a few weeks past the initial submission date and that's it--book goes to print.

So what fabulous writing project am I delving into today, you might wonder? I'm not entirely sure, but it's looking like grocery lists and to-do lists to get my house clean.

:)

Happy Wednesday, friends.

How do you know you're really a writer? I think the answer to this question differs for everyone. For me, I knew I was a writer when I realized I HAD to write. Let me explain.

In the mornings, around 8-10am, I sit on my couch, usually with a cup of coffee. This "feeling" that I can't quite describe wells in my chest. It's a bit heavy, almost sad feeling (even though it's not), and I have the overwhelming urge to write something of substance.

I turn on my computer. Sometimes the ideas flow and I get something worthwhile onto paper. Othertimes, I sit here, waiting, begging my "feeling" to release and let out what my head and soul long to say. Sometimes I wait. And wait. And wait. Sometimes the ideas don't come.

I admire novelists who can map out  a story and complete it. I've finished two small middle grade novels, and I foolishly sent one out into the publishing world about two years ago. It stinks. Now I've got two projects in the works. I'm focusing on one, and I love the voice. I love the character. But doubt creeps in and my hand and thoughts become paralyzed at times. Can I write a novel? A quality novel? Something that isn't pure rubbish wasting 200 perfectly good recycled papers?

Perhaps that doubting is part of being a "real" writer, too. All I know is that this journey is my own. Your journey is your own. I know I'm a writer, not because I have picture books published, but because I still feel that passion of having to write. And when that passion goes away for a time, as it often does with writers, I will recognize it as a "funk" and not give up. I will sit. I will live. I will wait. The ideas will come again.

So tell me, how do you know you're a "real" writer?

I'm so glad you asked!

Here's where I'll be promoting 'TWAS THE DAY BEFORE ZOO DAY in the coming month or so:

April 5th - Borders in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA - 1pm

April 11th - Myford Elementary CDC Preschool

April 12th - Barnes & Noble in Newport Beach, CA (Fashion Island) - Storytime and signing from 11am-4pm

May 3rd - CDC Carnival at Canyon View Elementary (Irvine, CA) - 7am-11am

May 30-31st - BEA (signing)

June (dates forthcoming - ALA (signing)

I just created a new Myspace account. Check it out HERE!
 
And if you're on Myspace, will you friend me? Pretty please?

Today I'm diving into research for my upcoming PB on Russia for Capstone Press. I'm excited about this project. The books will be large and decorated with photographs. They'll be perfect for young, inquiring minds like my own seven-year-old. If I'm lucky, I'll get to write more for this series if and when the publisher decides to add more titles.

But now--the research.

So how do you research a non-fiction book for kids? I start online usually by typing in the subject of my research (in this case, Russia). When you google a country, you get a lot of information you don't need--the history of Russia, for example, and complicated histories. But if you delve and dive and seek out creative facts, the Internet is a wonderful resource for non-fiction.

Then I head to the library. I lucked out this time and found a ton of other children's books on Russia. Though the books are general overviews of the country or specific titles relating to cuisine of Russia, they'll provide much needed information for my research. And, because I am required to list other children's titles for the books "further reading" section, I'm already a step ahead of the game!

My last stop is the bookstore. I find such better resources at the library, but bookstores are another valuable resource for research. Some of the series at the bookstores are not available at the libraries, so a visit to each is vital.

So what happens after I've accumulated my books and my web pages and after I've scoured all the encyclopedias for the basics?

Find out next week... 

  


Carrie Jones is not only one smart chica, she's also delightful, genuinely kind, remarkably witty, and an all around remarkable person.

You've got my vote, Carrie--no matter what the venture!

xo,
Cathy

Spring Break is moving along far too quickly with both my husband and children off of work and school. Since I just finished my paid critique and will be completely free of school for a week-and-a-half by the end of the day today, I'm hoping hoping hoping to make the time to write...and read. It feels like I haven't read a "real" book (I've been reading textbooks) in...forever.

I sent off my revised PB to the good ol' folks at SCBWI, along with my Agent's Day registration form. I'm thrilled to be going to this exciting event. I've been to Editor's Day, but never an Agent's Day. I'm admittedly thrilled to revel in the atmosphere and to hear what they have to say. And the event is being held in May at the Newport Sea Base in Newport Beach, California, which is only about 25 minutes from my house. What could be better than a great event and NO need to drive too far? :) Oh yes, having my manuscript critiqued by one of the agents who actually REPS picture books, rather than one who only reps MG and YA. Fingers crossed.

My goals for the next week-and-a-half, other than continuing to spend quality time with my family, are to seriously work on my MG novel written in verse, and to start planning an outline for an exciting PB project I'm going to work on with an LJ friend. Next week, when the kids are back in school and the husband is back at work, I'll dive into research for my newest Capstone book about Russia. 

So that's the latest on "me," in a nutshell.

So last night I couldn't sleep. I tossed and turned and had this ridiculous dream. I was preparing for a book signing. I knew I needed to be there at 10am but I couldn't seem to get into the shower even though I was concious of the fact that I had to be there in TEN minutes.

Finally I got into the shower, only to have some strange girl (I apparently knew her or "of" her) peek into the window in my bathroom and tell me to hurry up and she'll take me where I need to go. Miraculously I was ready in a blink and off we went to the signing (through a green field of course, whereupon the mystery girl ran ahead of me).

I got to the signing where my publisher was waiting. She handed me a copy of my book to read to children--but the book had only the pictures. My text wasn't there. None of it. I tried to read the story but couldn't remember any of it. The publisher prodded me on, but it was useless.

I woke up.

Now let me say that I am not nervous about signings anymore. Now that I've done a bookstore signing and two days at the zoo, the freakish nerves I experienced are gone, so why the dream?

Hmmmm....beats me.

Okay, off to put aloe vera on my sunburn (we stopped by the beach today--unplanned--I had no sunscreen--I'm as white as Ivory soap--not a good combo) and then to finish my paid critique.

xo,
Cathy