tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post6860416552551293077..comments2024-01-09T17:48:45.910-06:00Comments on Travis Erwin: Something Ain't WriteTravis Erwinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09420879160702098979noreply@blogger.comBlogger32125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-24574543390693524222008-04-23T17:23:00.000-05:002008-04-23T17:23:00.000-05:00My name is Travina and I am a writer too. Journali...My name is Travina and I am a writer too. Journalism by trade, creative by heart. I love the clips I have read so far, feel free to use my name for the next book lol :)Travinahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11068372020742759469noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-89764537872126210082007-12-09T16:06:00.000-06:002007-12-09T16:06:00.000-06:00My question is "what is a woman's story?"...how do...My question is "what is a woman's story?"...how does this differ from a "man's story?"<BR/><BR/>Are you talking about "chick lit" (a phrase I can't stand!) or Harlequein romance? None of the people who write for Harlequin use their "real" names so you'd be fine changing your's (might be safer for you!!).<BR/><BR/>If you're talking about a book written in the genre of a Nicholas Sparks et al...I think you leave your name as is.<BR/><BR/>I pick up a book because of the title or what it's about, and not who the author is, unless it's an author I'm familiar with and want to read that person's work.Sherryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08271529958269038071noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-56807392352673655712007-12-07T10:47:00.000-06:002007-12-07T10:47:00.000-06:00Personally, I don't think gender has much to do wi...Personally, I don't think gender has much to do with it, unless you can name more authors who have written crappy novels of the like.<BR/><BR/>And you're teetering on that edge of being to intrusive, I think.Aaronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00584354669062073865noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-87646070966524328622007-12-06T18:29:00.000-06:002007-12-06T18:29:00.000-06:00Darn. I gotta stop volunteering for stuff. :) S...Darn. I gotta stop volunteering for stuff. :) <BR/><BR/>Seriously- you get pubbed, I'll interview. Pinky swear.WordVixenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01713637403798552713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-55694198337939262522007-12-06T15:45:00.000-06:002007-12-06T15:45:00.000-06:00And sometime in the future I might be looking for ...<I>And sometime in the future I might be looking for voluteers to read so be careful what you ask for.</I><BR/><BR/>I volunteer!! I love pirate stories and a modern day pirate sounds intriguing. :-) Sign me up. I'll give you reader feedback.Shaunahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18168454800095568360noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-806085164371795862007-12-06T15:06:00.000-06:002007-12-06T15:06:00.000-06:00Sam - Maybe I should submit using initials ans see...Sam - Maybe I should submit using initials ans see if my rate of interest increases.<BR/><BR/>Duck - It is sort of a forward-introduction/prologue and yeah I want the reader to think the narrator is orally telling him the story. That is the tone and feel I want, but this part is definetly more author intrusive thant he rest. And sometime in the future I might be looking for voluteers to read so be careful what you ask for.<BR/><BR/>Debbie- yes we have had this discussion many times. And I woudl love to say in query letters this is just good fiction but alas that doesn't seem to cut it.<BR/><BR/>Kristen - Yeah that segment and this book should definitely read as a guys since the narrator first person POV is a man. This project is not women's fiction but my thre prior novels are.<BR/><BR/>brooke - The elves swore me to secrecy.Travis Erwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09420879160702098979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-70879849129240046962007-12-06T14:34:00.000-06:002007-12-06T14:34:00.000-06:00I would like to hear more about the elves please.....I would like to hear more about the elves please...Brookehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03589677732586053725noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-46811014782313244282007-12-06T11:20:00.000-06:002007-12-06T11:20:00.000-06:00Hmm. That except sounds to me like it was written ...Hmm. That except sounds to me like it was written by a man. I don't know how to explain it exactly - it's just something in the voice. Not that that is a bad thing! Just what it sounds like to me, you know?<BR/><BR/>Anyway, congrats on the phone call. THat's a great sign.Kristen Painterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07984459504977637298noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-65022969122262876892007-12-06T10:23:00.000-06:002007-12-06T10:23:00.000-06:00This isn't anything new. Just a few short years ag...This isn't anything new. Just a few short years ago, many females who wrote mysteries (we're not talking cozy mysteries, but the hard-action type) had to use pseudonyms or at least initials to get an agent to even read their work. It was a Man's Land that no one without a penis could, er, penetrate. I am saying why do your novels have to be pigeon-holed as Women's Fiction? Why isn't it just good fiction? To Kill A Mockingbird isn't a children's story even though the main viewpoint character is a child. I'd say you write main fiction novels and let it go at that. But, we've had this discussion before and you know how I feel about this. Sometimes you have to play by the rules someone else makes when they own the ball, even, or especially when it makes no sense. Feel free to use my name on your books. I'll be your beard at the signings. I'm sure we can work out something. THEN when you're winning all those awards, you can be "outed." Of course, then I'd be like Milli Vanilli, so maybe we shouldn't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-31278253259784025992007-12-06T10:22:00.000-06:002007-12-06T10:22:00.000-06:00So... you're writing your own foreword? Is this j...So... you're writing your own foreword? Is this just in the story itself? Are you going to continue with an author/narrator vibe? <BR/><BR/>I'm not sure what I think about that particular passage from the book. I require more information! Just send me your manuscript and I'll tell you more.Duckhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13548756094548116973noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-33402596534093021092007-12-06T09:30:00.000-06:002007-12-06T09:30:00.000-06:00Forgot to add that the guys who write women's fict...Forgot to add that the guys who write women's fiction write under pen names, and one just uses his first initials adn his real last name.Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05943062466398436785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-28168866396000488152007-12-06T09:28:00.000-06:002007-12-06T09:28:00.000-06:00I know several men who write women's fiction - so ...I know several men who write women's fiction - so that doesn't surprise me at all. <BR/>Love the idea of a book set in the Caribbean!!Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05943062466398436785noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-75913243017730670032007-12-06T08:05:00.000-06:002007-12-06T08:05:00.000-06:00Tena- I have flown my flag under the mainstream ba...Tena- I have flown my flag under the mainstream banner but eventually agents ask me direct questions about my envisioned market and comparable books.Travis Erwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09420879160702098979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-57010793510477793322007-12-06T07:56:00.000-06:002007-12-06T07:56:00.000-06:00bubblewench - I could,a nd had the agent said chan...bubblewench - I could,a nd had the agent said change your name and I'll rep you, I;d be changing my name. Or had she said change this and this and change your name and I'll take you on, but she said change this and I'll reread and maybe I'll sign you, and you'll have to chagne your name as well. I think that is too many of's to stop my momentum on my curretn project and chase maybes.<BR/><BR/>church lady - Thanks and I appreciate your honesty. <BR/><BR/>cher- If I were gonna acquire a pimp you would be my first choice. Thanks for the kind words.<BR/><BR/>Alex - If I published under Brandy Erwin my next book would be called Tales of a Bearded Woman.<BR/><BR/>Cheryl - The inner functions of the fiction world still baffle me as well. Good luck to you on your mystery. Even if I never sell a novel I'll keep writing because I can't imagine quitting. <BR/><BR/>Shauna - Yes that piece is aprt of a three page introduction or prologue or whatever you want to call it. After that the story is more active and traditional but Hank does chime in occasionally and speak directly to the reader.<BR/><BR/>Phats - You paint an ugly picture.<BR/><BR/>Angel - I use Sparks name but I think my novels actually are a bit heavier on characterization that his. At this point his name is well known enough that he can do pretty much what he wants.<BR/><BR/>stephen - That has always been my plan an d I've ahd a few agetns adn editors say that they would see my gender as a plus, but they've never taken me on either, so there are other factors as well. The story, writing, the timing. OR a combo of all.<BR/><BR/>Merry - Are you saying I'm not clean cut and wholesome? And I have submitted to Maass in the past but the far past. With my first or secodn novel but not the latest. thanks for the tip.<BR/><BR/>wordvixen - I'm gonna hold you to that interview when I sell a book so be careful what you volunteer for.<BR/><BR/> pretzel- Travelina Wimplina? Sometimes you scare me. :)<BR/><BR/>Bernita - I agree that a prepublished writer should never compare themselves to an established author but The Notebook and The Horse Whisperer were both first novels. <BR/><BR/>Monnik - The agent mentioned initials but in her opinion a femal name would be a better option. And as I said above, if changing my name were the only thing standing in the way I'd be Lucy Erwin or whatever in a heartbeat.<BR/><BR/>Penelope/Karen- Finishing a book is tough. Just keep plugging away. You'll get there if you don't give up.Travis Erwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09420879160702098979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-68025408166174922622007-12-06T07:51:00.000-06:002007-12-06T07:51:00.000-06:00I agree with both 1)Stephen and 2)Bernita:1)Don't ...I agree with both 1)Stephen and 2)Bernita:<BR/><BR/>1)Don't hide. Be who you are. You're unique in being a hairy beast writer of women's fiction. Work it.<BR/><BR/>Can't you simply call it Contemporary Fiction?<BR/><BR/>2)Use your initials.<BR/><BR/>Barring that, I know some great hair and makeup artists for your book jacket ;-)Tena Russhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08630397939303203418noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-19349134914113938652007-12-05T21:48:00.000-06:002007-12-05T21:48:00.000-06:00Of the authors you listed, not one of their female...Of the authors you listed, not one of their female perspectives I've bought into. Perhaps I'm biased? I don't know. <BR/><BR/>Anyway, I'm impressed an agent called you. Quite frankly I'm impressed that you've finished a novel, as I've started two over the past three years and neither is completed yet. <BR/><BR/>KarenPenelopehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15765737667782111636noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-6335927054356102292007-12-05T19:24:00.000-06:002007-12-05T19:24:00.000-06:00how about initials? Like JK Rowling and SE Hinton...how about initials? Like JK Rowling and SE Hinton?<BR/><BR/>T Whatever Erwin. Sounds good!Monnikhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13998729112903749621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-56382130293608177682007-12-05T19:02:00.000-06:002007-12-05T19:02:00.000-06:00Use initials.The agent's right.It's no use compari...Use initials.<BR/>The agent's right.<BR/>It's no use comparing your situation with what an established writer can get away with.<BR/>Obviously, you are soo close.Agents don't phone up over just "nice" writing.<BR/> What is more important to you, standing by your male "identity", or having your book published and read? <BR/>Terrific excerpt!Bernitahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05264585685253812090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-55444274948295405572007-12-05T18:24:00.000-06:002007-12-05T18:24:00.000-06:00Travis ---You have a penis so be proud. Stand up a...Travis ---<BR/><BR/>You have a penis so be proud. Stand up and shout it to the world "MINE NAME IS TRAVIS, I HAVE A PENIS, AND I WRITE WOMEN'S LITERATURE!!" Nothing wrong with that. In fact, sometimes it is refreshing to hear a man's POV. But--- and I'm saying this seriously, many women read ROMANCE novels because they are LACKING in their own lives/relationships. We *want* to read other women who are suffering in their lives too.<BR/><BR/><I> Shala could not contain her gasps as he slowly ran his fingers across her burgeoning nipples. She knew this was wrong as her husband was working but she could not resist Harold the plumber. His crack was something to behold. Bent beneath her cabinet, his hairs tufting from his tighty - whiteys just drove her to distraction. "Take me Harold, take me" she moaned as he swept her lips with his greasy beard.</I><BR/><BR/>Now what woman doesn't swoon when reading stuff like that? <BR/><BR/>Duct tape your penis back, thrown on a pair of wifey's tight skirts and go sell yourself...err book and say you're name is Travelina Wimpelina from Texas. I'd buy it. :)<BR/><BR/>Can't wait to read the rest of Plundered Booty!preTzelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03536465579225240434noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-38683983359688904242007-12-05T17:57:00.000-06:002007-12-05T17:57:00.000-06:00Hmm. Steve's got a point- big hairy man writing be...Hmm. Steve's got a point- big hairy man writing best selling women's fiction is serious bait for interviewers. Both in magazines and on TV!<BR/><BR/>All you need is to sell a decent number of books from your first novel, and Bingo! You know most if not all of us here will be buying copies. Some of us might even buy multiple copies. And post on our blogs. And do "author interviews"... Dude- you've got a built in PR machine!WordVixenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01713637403798552713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-19709383744323332502007-12-05T17:45:00.000-06:002007-12-05T17:45:00.000-06:00After looking at your list of male authors- I'd sa...After looking at your list of male authors- I'd say change your name to Nicholas. :)<BR/><BR/>And the excerpt is good; I like a bit of authorial input. I'd recommend editing it down a little (make it a bit tighter), but the tone is good.WordVixenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01713637403798552713noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-60878091353711480882007-12-05T17:08:00.000-06:002007-12-05T17:08:00.000-06:00First of all... I can't wait to read the full - I ...First of all... I can't wait to read the full - I love love love the voice, it pulls your right in, with pirates and Jimmy Buffet, I'm definitely hooked... plus, some of the best sellers don't fit the standard advice.<BR/><BR/>Now, about the big hairy women's fiction writing question - here's the thing, I see where she's (I'm assuming the agent was a she, aren't I presumptuous?) I see where she's coming from though with a first book by an unknown author... Yes, worked for Nicholas Sparks, but have you seen him? He's so clean cut and wholesome and if I didn't know he was married I would've sworn he was gay.... not that there's anything wrong with that - for women's fiction, as fickle and silly as we can be, it's a definite plus. <BR/><BR/>No offense, Travis, even leaving your picture off the back cover, the name Travis doesn't exactly scream feminine... <BR/><BR/>On the other side of this dilemma, though, in promotions you'll have to be proactive and I don't see how the agent plans on pushing your publicity without your physical involvment... sigh... <BR/><BR/>At the end of the day, phone calls from these agents means that they have no doubt that the work is good - it's whether or not the public will think it's good enough to buy with a bias against it... <BR/><BR/>I'm hoping no one asks me to change my name in light of my male protag and the fact that boys are more apt to buy books written by men - it actually does work out that way for some reason, it's why S C Hinton used initials... but I think that might be my fix for the situation if it came down to it - for me it's most important that the last name is mine, I could use my first initial without being too very upset.<BR/><BR/>I mirror church lady, congratulations on the phone call, that's awesome!<BR/><BR/>(By the way, if you haven't yet submitted to Donald Maass, he specifically mentioned at his site wanting to read great womens fiction from a male author)Merry Monteleonehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09435956005780500310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-1666590334950481212007-12-05T16:27:00.000-06:002007-12-05T16:27:00.000-06:00Why can't a big hairy guy write an emotionally dri...<I>Why can't a big hairy guy write an emotionally driven story from a woman's POV?</I><BR/><BR/>Rather than hide who and what you are (and I know you don't do that) be up-front about it; be "the big hairy guy who writes emotionally driven stories from a woman's POV" and exploit it to your advantage. It's intriguing. Ignore anyone who tells you to change your name or run with the crowd.Stephen Parrishhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16883165490847664389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-5901645878987358762007-12-05T16:24:00.000-06:002007-12-05T16:24:00.000-06:00Yeah, Nicolas Sparks writes all those stories that...Yeah, Nicolas Sparks writes all those stories that end up Lifetime Television for Women. Why does he get to keep his name?JMhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05144019552337738621noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9174721864572618040.post-89770234194750650612007-12-05T16:12:00.000-06:002007-12-05T16:12:00.000-06:00I was going to go with your wife handcuffed to you...I was going to go with your wife handcuffed to you to the bed for some well after hours partying, and she lost the key, and you're stuck there in your Ho Ho Ho thong. <BR/><BR/>I like bubble's idea Travina!Phatshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06694684931757245608noreply@blogger.com