Q & A With Ann Hite discussion

Hello Ann,

As you know, I'm a big fan of your novel. Can you discuss what process you followed to get your agent? Was GOBM complete before you started shopping it around? I'm aware that many of your chapters were previously published in The Dead Mule and other publications. Do you think this helped generate interest when it came time to find your agent or your publisher? One last question: Did you outline first or at least draft out some sort of timeline? Again, loved Nellie and all the women of your novel. I'm looking forward to your second in the series.

Thanks so much,

Kathleen Rodgers

Thanks Kathleen: First question agent: I, like so many writers, went through rejection after rejection before I found an agent. And I found her by signing up for a writing conference at my local library. For an extra five dollars I could put six pages of my work in front of the agency. So I gave it a try. I heard from the agency two weeks later before the conference began. She wanted to make me a client.

GOBM began as a short story and the collection was shopped around for six months before I decided to write a novel.Dead Mule made the collection into an ebook. This was so much fun and truly helped me gain readers. GOBM was complete when we began to shop. Most publishers want a finished novel. Even now as I work on the edits for the second book, S&S does not want to see it until I finish. Piece of advice: don't send your book out too early. Write and rewrite.

I so believe that writing short stories and essays for publication gets you noticed by agents and publishers, but when it comes down to the book deal, the book is the test.

I know many writers who outline, but I do not. I am a blank page writer. Each day I sit down to find out what will happen next. This is the only way I can write. Makes for tons of extra work. I'm not saying it is the best way to write just that planning is the kiss of death for my work.

Hope this helped, Kathleen. Thanks for stopping by. Ann

Ann,

Thank you so much for answering my questions. I just read your comments out loud to my husband (my first reader/editor). I agree about not sending a book out too early. I found this out the hard way many years ago when I was working on my first novel. Knowing that you are a ''blank page writer" gives me hope and encouragement as I work on my second novel. You are an inspiration. Tell your husband I love his map. So glad your publisher included it. :)

Kathleen

Hi Rose:I so love you're reading Ghost! You must let me know how you liked it. I think short stories, essays, and book reviews are some of the most important efforts a writer can make to further his or her career. Writing my collection of short stories came organically, and for the longest time, I believed I was 'just' a short story writer. While shopping the collection, an editor from one of the big publishers made an aha comment. "The stories in the collection are like novel outlines." Hmm.

Stories honed my writing. One has only a small amount of space to tell a story. I learned how to choose my words sparingly. So much so that my editor asked me to add content to GOBM. Gees, normally you have to cut. The additions, Josie Clay and Shelly Parker, added depth and layers to the project. I loved it.

I mentioned book reviews. I came by reviews by accident. This type of reading allowed me to take a novel apart. I reviewed books by Anne Lamott, Ellen Gilchrist, and Elizabeth Strout just to name a few. The more novels I reviewed the better I understood the structure. What worked and why. And I gained a decent name for myself. Editors began to request I review their books. One of these such requests resulted in an edit of my novel free of charge. And even though this editor knew my book wasn't right for his publishing company, he saw the talent and worth of GOBM. Writers are truly a big tribe. I credit his painstaking comments to the book getting noticed.

I did tons of writing for 'free' to gain exposure. This helped Gallery Books understand I was willing to go beyond the 'traditional channels'. My book tour consists of a little of everything, conferences, book readings, signings, and book festivals. This weekend I read in an art gallery one mile from the beaches in Gulfport, MS. This is an area still recovering from Katrina and the oil spill. Talking with the writers reminded me of exactly why I'm a writer. We all have a story to tell.

Facebook, Twitter, Bloggers, and especially word of mouth is the best means writers have to create a 'platform' these days.

Promoting one's novel in this time is a full time job, but at least it is a job I love. ;)

"I know many writers who outline, but I do not. I am a blank page writer. Each day I sit down to find out what will happen next. This is the only way I can write. Makes for tons of extra work. I'm not saying it is the best way to write just that planning is the kiss of death for my work."

As you know I've been a huge fan since I got my hands on the advanced copy!! I love this quote Ann..as an artist/painter, I could not have said it better. If I go buy $200 worth of supplies, have the time to paint..guess what?/ I sit there in front of it and nothing happens. When I have limited resourses, and take things day by day the creativity just comes in spurts. Again...I can't WAIT for more books ;)
~beth

Thanks so much, Beth. Creating is a day by day event. I have several folks waiting on the second novel right now. I receive an email at least once a week. But I can't let it go until I know the time has come. I'm sure as a artist you know what I'm talking about. So I say, "You'll get the full manuscript soon." I so want you to be a reader for the new book. Can't wait.

Ann

awesome!! me too. and Yes..it is hard to let it go sometimes, and sometimes you just have to know when you've done enough and just let it go!haha if I overwork it, I've done messed up the original vibe :)