Thank you so much for having me here today as your guest blogger! My main objective is to answer as many questions I can for you all, on any topic. I will be brief to start.
I have been thinking a lot lately about creativity and how to help authors increase the quality of their writing, which leads into the age old quantity vs. quality debate. How do you find your creative spirit in the midst of so much pressure to produce and be competitive? What do you do when you are looking for inspiration? How do you feel connected to it? What form does creative inspiration take for you? The irony is that if you do not find time to engage your process as an artist, your work will suffer and in the end, not be competitive in the market.
We all need to take time for ourselves to reduce stress, feel grounded, be able to meet and deal with the challenges life throws us. What do I do? I take walks with my dog Maude every day— I know that if I don’t take the time for myself, then I cannot be as good at my job as I want or need to be. I read inspiring books—most recently EAT PRAY LOVE by Elizabeth Gilbert. I take myself to a movie. Daniel Day Lewis’ performance in THERE WILL BE BLOOD literally knocked my socks off. I hear that he is so dedicated to his craft that he rarely leaves character for the duration of filming. Judging by the quality of his work, I would say that he is totally committed to nurturing his inner artist. Ok, so we all might not be as talented as Daniel Day Lewis, and perhaps we have three young children and a full time job filling our days and nights, but it begs the question, what would happen if we gave our own inner artist this kind of focus?
It’s easy to get sucked into the false urgency that constant connection to email or other communication devices can create. I say challenge yourself to take a break, take a breath, and connect with your creative process. This is the place where good books are born!
Jennifer Schober
Literary Agent
Spencerhill Associates, Ltd.
Jenn, thank you so much for joining us. I get my best ideas taking my dog Sky for a walk. And EAT, PRAY, LOVE was one of my favorite books from last year. It inspired me to be a better person — and a better writer, too, because Gilbert is so good.
I’m wondering what kind of fiction do you read for your own pleasure. Any favorite authors?
Jennifer, thanks so much for being our guest today. Taking time out to nurture inner creativity is something I know, but sometimes forget, so its always good to get a reminder.
Thank you, Jennifer, for letting us pick your brain! And thank you, Magical Musings, for making it possible!
My inspiration often comes from my surroundings. Whether it’s the news, a movie or book, a song or just something said that triggers an emotion in me. I guess that’s why I love writing. I love to talk to people…I tend to get caught up in what and how they talk about a memory or trouble they’re having. I’ve made some wonderful friends by just listening. LOL…what they don’t know is my brain is working overtime during the entire conversation.
I think reading to escape is great, but give me a heartwrenching family drama any day. I’m targeting HQ SuperRomances for that reason and absolutely love writers like Tara Taylor Quinn and Kay Stockham. I would love to explore my writing abilities eventually but for now, real life is scary enough for me.
For my getaways, I just like to hang out where I can people watch. The library, a bookstore, Panera’s (with a cup of hazelnut coffee). Actually, that sounds good right about now.
Ms. Schobel,
Thanks for your time. I hope you don’t mind but I have two questions. 1. How much of a nonfiction book should be complete b/4 you query an agent? 2. Would it be out of line to send an email to an agent asking questions about how s/he would like a nonfiction proposal submitted? Thanks so much.
Good morning,
Just curious if you’re taking on any new clients at present and what you are looking for.
Regards,
Fred
Hi Jennifer! I just wanted to thank you for agreeing to join us in Green Bay this May at the WisRWA conference. Looking forward to meeting you!
~Donna Kowalczyk
Good Morning all! Thanks again for having me, and great to hear all of the comments so far. I guess i should mention that there is a typo in my name, it’s actually Schober…
I am happy to be joining you in Green Bay!
On the non-fiction comment, I dont work with non-fiction but i think many agents look at proposals and not full ms. Also, it is better to research the agencies that you are interested in online or in writers guides to learn what they are accepting before you make a phone call or email.
To Fred, I am taking new clients, published and non published. My focus is in women’s fiction, and at this moment in time I am looking for an edgy young adult novel or contemporary romances in particular. Thanks for your question
Jenn, I know how to spell your name, and I’m embarrassed. My apologies.
Jennifer, can you tell us what grabs you right from the get-go in a proposal/query?
I haven’t seen that DDL movie yet, but after reading this, I definitely will.
Thanks so much for taking the time to guest blog, and thanks to MM also.
Good morning, Jenn!
Love your thoughtful blog. Exercise has always been a moral and mental lift or escape for me–not to mention the health benefits. It’s a good way to recharge the mental batteries. Distancing myself from a work I’ve just finished is also paramount. When I revisit it to revise, I tend to see areas I skimmed before. The writing business is a contant transition for the author, at least for this author, for each book is expected to be better than the last–not just as good. The upside is I’m constantly learning how to improve the craft, and plumb the well of emotions to a greater depth.
It’s vital to have an agent that works as hard as the author, too, because this is a highly competive business. In that regard, I’m damn lucky to have you as my agent.
Edie, no worries on the name. It’s not uncommon to do!
To answer Liz’s question about what grabs me in a prop, it’s the magic the words spin over me. No matter the concept it seems like if the writer is able to convey energy and voice in the query letter, it grabs me. I know that is vague and unquantifiable. If I get a sense of the hook of the work, that is a good thing. You need to know that agents get hundred’s of queries a week, so make that query count by making it a little slice of what we can expect in your work, and as a client.
And thanks Jan for the kind words
If you believe a writer has potential, are you more likely to work with them or encourage them to resubmit at another time?
And if a writer submits a query that hooks you, do you usually ask for a partial or full?
Jennifer, thanks so much for blogging at Magical today. I really sense you enjoy your work, and that’s so vital. I reach for great books that inspire too, and they keep me grounded. I also love music, and movies for inspiration. Great post! And I will see that movie too. I love anything that draws me in, and keeps me there.
Terrific blog, Jennifer and thank you for joining us here at MagicalMusings. I’m looking forward to meeting you at the WisRWA conference in March.
Like Chelle, I get my inspiration from everything around me. And I agree … we need to stop and take a moment to recharge that inspiration battery. Reading is a great escape for me as is my early morning walks (when I can get out. It’s something like 10 degrees outside right now).
My 8 year old daughter’s teacher requires her students to read 20 minutes a night and Erin asked me last night (after complaining about her 20 minutes) “What if you had to read an HOUR every night?” I just looked at her and said “Sheer bliss.” The look on her face was priceless.
You mention that you are acquiring women’s fiction at the moment. What about paranormal?
Hi Jennifer,
Thanks for spending time with us and answering our many questions.
I’ve been trying to research you, Karen Solem, and Spencerhill Associates. Although I haven’t found an agency website, I’ve picked up bits and pieces through blogs, interviews, etc. Could you suggest a better way for me to learn more about you and your agency?
I write single title romantic suspense. Do you currently represent any authors in this subgenre?
Are you in the market for more? What materials do like to receive with a query?
Thanks again for being here.
Diane
Chelle, At this time I will encourage authors with something special to keep an open dialogue with me while the revise and resubmit. Having said that, I havent extended that invitation to many authors. And on the query q, that varies too. I usually ask for the first three then go from there.
Still looking for paranormal romance, yes.
There is a high bar set for this genre now, but there is still an opening for amazing, edgy and original work. Key word original– writers need to capture the attention of editors (and agents)that see a high volume of this work. Challenge yourself and use your imagination…maybe you are on the cusp of that breakout paranormal that creates a shift in the genre!
I appreciate your feedback. The reason I ask is I’m revising my first ms with suggestions I received from Wanda Ottewell, I’d won the Supers eHQ online pitch contest in August, 2007. I’d like to resubmit to her when it’s polished, but wasn’t sure if I should try for an agent first. I also have another pitch lined up with Margo Lipschultz at HQN in March.
Do you prefer to receive submissions by email or USPS?
I appreciate your feedback. The reason I ask is I’m revising my first ms with suggestions I received from Wanda Ottewell, I’d won the Supers eHQ online pitch contest in August, 2007. I’d like to resubmit to her when it’s polished, but wasn’t sure if I should try for an agent first. I also have another pitch lined up with Margo Lipschultz with HQN in March.
Do you prefer to receive submissions by email or USPS?
Chelle, I accept both email and usps queires. It’s a fine time to look for an agent. Good luck!
Diane, we are currently building our website, coming soon! Best to research us through books like Jeff Herman’s WRITERS GUIDE and others. There are also reputable online resources as well.
Yes, we are looking for romantic suspense, our agency has a number of authors who write in this genre. I definately have heard a number of editors say they are looking for this particular genre.
Another day is ending and I need to get on home to that walk with my dog Maude! I want to thank you all for such great questions and the opportunity to hang out for the day at magical musings. A terrific site and a great place to ponder our inner muse!
Jennifer
Thank you Edie for hosting!
And thank you, Jennifer, for all your thoughtful answers.
Diane
Thanks for blogging for us, Jennifer. I tried to google your agency, but alas there is nothing coming up. Can you point us to submission information and contact details, please?
Also, what is your opinion of cross-genre novels? I have written a book that I originally thought would be of interest to baby-boomer women, which it is from comments by my friends. But I’ve also had it read by those who know YA and have been advised to pitch it that way because the story focuses on the lives of four teens in the 1970s. How do I pitch this to you or any agent?
Thanks!
Jan
Jenn, thank you so much for blogging with us. You are awesome.
Jan W, you can see the query information for Jennifer (and other Spencerhill agents) on Agent Query.
Sorry if I missed you, Jennifer! Thank you for your time in answering my questions!
Thank you, Edie and Magical Musings, for the wonderful opportunities and information.
Jenn,
What a pleasure to have you at Magical Musings. You make excellent points about feeding the muse. It’s tought to remember to pamper our creativity sometimes when we’re stressing about deadlines or WIPs that aren’t behaving properly.