Sunday, April 7, 2013

music to an agent's ears


I'm just two or three scenes away from finishing my second novel...meaning that before too long, I'll be sending out a flurry of query letters. With luck, someone will ask to see a few pages of my manuscript. The problem is that the entire piece of work will be judged based on just a few opening lines. I never understood that. It didn't seem fair to me...until this week. Now, I get it. If you enjoy good music, you will, too. Let me explain.

www.mindofthegeek.com
I was flipping through the tracks of a favorite CD this week, looking for something--I don't know what--something sweet and sad. I often use music to set the mood for a scene I'm writing and this week the scene marked the end of a blossoming relationship between my protagonist and the woman he was falling in love with.

www.stylefrizz.com
 As I went from track to track, I found that I could tell within the first few chords whether the music was right for me or not--not too heavy, not too energetic, but melodic and tender.
 
www.blogs.wsj.com
 
I knew in a flash if the piece was by Bartok (whose music I dislike) or Bach (whose music I love), if it was orchestral or choral, if it was raucous or lilting. I didn't have to listen to the whole piece to know what I wanted.  

And this, I think, is how it is with agents. It works the same way for them. They can tell in the first few lines if your book is what they're looking for.


www.business-opportunities.biz
Is the genre something they represent? Is the voice strong and clear?  Can they expect humor or suspense or horror? Are there mistakes in grammar and punctuation right from the start? If the first few lines don't appeal to them, why would they read on?

Why would you listen to Bartok when you can have Bach?
*
"To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it's about,
but the music the words make."
--Truman Capote--
*
Spring is still holding out on us.  I would love to see some green grass and cherry blossoms in time for my daughter's bridal shower next weekend. My book, "Empower!" should be available soon. Lots going on...
jan

15 comments:

  1. Good luck. I'm sure it will be a success.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hey There. I found your blog using msn. That is a really smartly written article.
    I'll be sure to bookmark it and come back to learn extra of your useful info. Thank you for the post. I will definitely comeback.

    Also visit my blog post - solavei cell phone

    ReplyDelete
  3. With havin so much written content do you ever run
    into any problems of plagorism or copyright violation?
    My blog has a lot of exclusive content I've either created myself or outsourced but it appears a lot of it is popping it up all over the internet without my authorization. Do you know any solutions to help reduce content from being ripped off? I'd certainly appreciate it.


    my website solavei

    ReplyDelete
  4. I think the admin of this web site is actually working hard
    for his site, as here every stuff is quality based information.


    Also visit my webpage: http://putraputriantam.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. I always used to study paragraph in news papers but now as I am a user of net thus from now I
    am using net for content, thanks to web.


    Also visit my web-site - I Knew You Were Trouble (Kim Viera Cover)

    ReplyDelete
  6. My programmer is trying to persuade me to move to .

    net from PHP. I have always disliked the idea because of the costs.
    But he's tryiong none the less. I've been using Movable-type on several websites for about a year
    and am concerned about switching to another platform.
    I have heard very good things about blogengine.net. Is there a way I can import all my wordpress content
    into it? Any kind of help would be greatly appreciated!


    Visit my web page :: Kim Viera - I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor Swift Cover)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I am not certain where you are getting your info, however good
    topic. I must spend some time studying more or working out more.
    Thanks for great information I used to be in search
    of this information for my mission.

    Feel free to surf to my web-site; www.protection-ecuador.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. I every time spent my half an hour to read this website's posts daily along with a cup of coffee.

    Here is my blog :: Taylor Swift - I Knew You Were Trouble (Kim Viera Cover)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks in favor of sharing such a good idea, article is good, thats why i have read it
    entirely

    my homepage: www.base-autonome-durable.com

    ReplyDelete
  10. Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to
    your blog? My blog is in the exact same niche as yours and my users would genuinely
    benefit from some of the information you provide here. Please
    let me know if this alright with you. Cheers!


    My homepage solavei information

    ReplyDelete
  11. This post provides clear idea for the new visitors of blogging, that truly how to do
    blogging and site-building.

    Feel free to visit my web site - solavei review

    ReplyDelete
  12. If you are going for finest contents like me, simply pay a visit this site daily because it
    gives quality contents, thanks

    Feel free to surf to my page :: solave info

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi just wanted to give you a quick heads up and let you
    know a few of the pictures aren't loading properly. I'm not sure why but I think its a linking issue.
    I've tried it in two different web browsers and both show the same outcome.

    Also visit my web blog; online marketing strategies

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hello there! Do you use Twitter? I'd like to follow you if that would be ok. I'm absolutely enjoying
    your blog and look forward to new posts.

    Check out my blog ... The web’s premiere DJ community

    ReplyDelete
  15. First off I would like to say fantastic blog! I had a
    quick question which I'd like to ask if you don't mind.
    I was curious to know how you center yourself and clear your mind prior to writing.
    I have had a difficult time clearing my thoughts in
    getting my ideas out there. I do enjoy writing but it just seems like the
    first 10 to 15 minutes tend to be wasted simply just trying to figure
    out how to begin. Any suggestions or hints? Kudos!


    Here is my web site; Kim Viera - I Knew You Were Trouble (Taylor Swift Cover)

    ReplyDelete