Difficult Homework and Myspace question- this is not a complaint

[Nateskate]

I love my publisher. They're interested and it sounds like my book will be a high priority. The timeline for release may be somewhat delayed, but I'm hoping not. They sent me a link to look at their cover artist's work, and were kind enough to ask if I preferred a different artist. Which is one reason I think they're great to work with.

I'm not complaining about homework. Lol- finishing the series is homework.
Whatever it takes to get things done I'll do. They want me to work closely with their editor, which I think is a bonus. But the publisher also just gave me a difficult homework assignment. They want a synopsis for every book in the series. I gave them a projected number. Although I wrote out most of the story, it's in rough form and large parts have to be entirely changed.

I think they want to make sure that each story is constructed in such a way to stand alone. And that is my goal in the edits.

I have to admit, for whatever reason, the synopsis is a beastly thing for me to do. I'm thinking of asking if they'd accept just a running synopsis of key points throughout the story, so they can have the basic storyline. I know the story well enough. I can give a chapter by chapter synopsis of at least the first three novels. (They already have book one) But so much has to be changed from books 4 on that I can't really do that with them.

Any advice is appreciated.

Oh, and if you are a Myspacer, let me know if you have difficulty opening my Blog. I may have to delete a bit of the graphics. If you are patient enough to get through, any suggestions for which pics/photos you'd prefer to see deleted, I'd appreciate your thoughts. Thanks!

Nate

www.Myspace.com/poetnate (http://www.Myspace.com/poetnate)

[III]

Hi Nate. We're already friends on MySpace :D, but I just checked out your page again and it took forever to load. Wayyyy too many graphics on the main page, both from a loadtime perspective and a readability perspective. I'd recommend making a few photo albums and putting most of the graphics in there and only showcasing two or three photos on the main page.

Just out of curiosity, who's your publisher?

[Nateskate]

Hi Nate. We're already friends on MySpace :D, but I just checked out your page again and it took forever to load. Wayyyy too many graphics on the main page, both from a loadtime perspective and a readability perspective. I'd recommend making a few photo albums and putting most of the graphics in there and only showcasing two or three photos on the main page.

Just out of curiosity, who's your publisher?


Thanks for the thoughts. Is there a way to download right off of Photobucket??? Alot of my pics on my page are on my Photobucket.

[III]

Thanks for the thoughts. Is there a way to download right off of Photobucket??? Alot of my pics on my page are on my Photobucket.

Not that I know of. I think you can only upload to the MySpace photo album from your hard drive.

[jenngreenleaf]

Hi Nate. We're already friends on MySpace :D, but I just checked out your page again and it took forever to load. Wayyyy too many graphics on the main page, both from a loadtime perspective and a readability perspective. I'd recommend making a few photo albums and putting most of the graphics in there and only showcasing two or three photos on the main page.I had the same problem. The thing that bothers me with MySpace is, I don't have much going on in my profile AT ALL and it STILL takes forever to load . . . so, it's likely a stupid MySpace load time thing. I don't know, though. It annoys me, though, because I like how easy it is to edit and update. *sighs* Anyway, I couldn't see what you have on there.
Just out of curiosity, who's your publisher?:) I was wondering this, as well.

[Nateskate]

Not that I know of. I think you can only upload to the MySpace photo album from your hard drive.

I just deleted about five pics and one piece of Html that was incomplete.

[Nateskate]

I had the same problem. The thing that bothers me with MySpace is, I don't have much going on in my profile AT ALL and it STILL takes forever to load . . . so, it's likely a stupid MySpace load time thing. I don't know, though. It annoys me, though, because I like how easy it is to edit and update. *sighs* Anyway, I couldn't see what you have on there.
:) I was wondering this, as well.


Hi Jenna. I've found I've been having problems opening other people's myspace. It's sad because I'm like those who are trying to reach me. After awhile I just stop waiting.

It makes me wonder if Myspace is being overworked??? I know in some cases, my friends have so many graphics it just adds up??? I think it includes the graphics on our comments section, if you get lots of cards???

Jenn, I'll send you a PM regarding your question.

[jenngreenleaf]

I've wondered that, as well - it seems I can't open very many profiles in my friend's list at all . . . unless they have absolutely NO changes to the page at all. Which is, of course, rare.

[otterman]

Nate, I'm really interested in the kinds of advice, feedback, and final decisions made regarding your series - especially the stand alone issue for each novel. I'm almost finished my WIP, which is the first book in a duology/dilogy and I know I'm going to run into the same issue. I'm sure you're feeling the crunch right now and I certainly don't want to be a pain, but any information would be much appreciated. Feel free to pm me at your convenience. Hope you get the advice you need. There are many experienced people here; I'm sure you will. Good luck.

[Polenth]

I had the same problem. The thing that bothers me with MySpace is, I don't have much going on in my profile AT ALL and it STILL takes forever to load . . . so, it's likely a stupid MySpace load time thing. I don't know, though. It annoys me, though, because I like how easy it is to edit and update. *sighs* Anyway, I couldn't see what you have on there.

Your page loaded really quickly for me. The comments took longer due to the pictures in them, but that's to be expected.

I just deleted about five pics and one piece of Html that was incomplete.

Your page didn't load quickly, and was stretched out of shape by the huge photos. I'd suggest removing all the photographs. If you can make a few of your favourites smaller (as in, not as wide) they could be a nice touch.

In most browsers you can save the photos onto your hard drive by right clicking and choosing the save option. Once they're on your hard drive, you can upload them into a MySpace gallery.

Another alternative would be to post the pictures as themed blog posts. They'd be easier to browse that way too, as you can put all the dog ones together and so on.

[jannawrites]

I just checked your MySpace page, too, and it uploaded normally (quickly) for me. But I guess you've deleted several things since your initial post. :)

And golly, I don't know what to say about your synopsis problem. *sigh* Perhaps someday I'll get homework from my own publisher.

Good luck! :D

[Kaytie]

I have a dachshund like that one! (Only, mine's smaller.) :)

Your profile loaded quickly for me, but I have faster than average Internet connection so am not a good judge in that respect. I agree with the others above, resize the photos. Also, you might consider rotating through your favorites so that you have only one photo at a time. It will keep your page fresh and give people reasons to come back, always a good thing.


As for your synopsis, it's perfectly okay for you to clarify with your publisher what they'll want. Maybe they only want one-page synopses for future books. Maybe they only want one big synopsis for the main story.

This is definitely the kind of thing you could ask your agent first, if you have one, or ask the editor you'll be working with. Anything we say here is just guessing because we can't know what your publisher wants.

Also, congratulations! Having interest in a series is exciting stuff!

[grommet]

Nate,

I had to synopsis for my series as well. The number of books I have is open ended (four are contracted are so far) so this may not be equivalent to your situation. However, what I turned in was about a 5-7 page synopsis of each book. So far I've ended up altering things a great deal once I actually sat down to write the full novels (and do the research, which was often the impetus for changing things), though the the story arcs that are carried through the series remain the same. The later in the series I go, the thinner my synopses were;) I think that's to be expected. My editor has been fine with that so far.

They probably just want to know that you know where you're going with the series. I wouldn't stress too much about the synopsis being a precise accounting of every storyline you're going to write, but I think your instincts about asking if you can provide "key points" is a good one. Just go ahead and ask.

Hope that helps!

grommet (http://www.kathrynmillerhaines.com)

[icerose]

I tackle the synopsis by doing bullet points. What is needed to convey the meaning I want? I line them out, then I add in fillers to spice itup. It's so much easier and clearer than just trying to flat out write it. It also ensures you stay on task and you don't wander in your explanation.

[Nateskate]

Nate, I'm really interested in the kinds of advice, feedback, and final decisions made regarding your series - especially the stand alone issue for each novel. I'm almost finished my WIP, which is the first book in a duology/dilogy and I know I'm going to run into the same issue. I'm sure you're feeling the crunch right now and I certainly don't want to be a pain, but any information would be much appreciated. Feel free to pm me at your convenience. Hope you get the advice you need. There are many experienced people here; I'm sure you will. Good luck.


Lol- I'm willing to give all kinds of advice. I'd say the biggest thing is to believe in the story enough to do whatever it takes to make it work.

It's hard to admit this, but I could write a book on what not to do, because I think I made every possible mistake possible.

There are two sides to a dream. That side that is really birthed deep within, that is possible, and there is the "American Idol" dream that is wishful thinking. My advice is to let people hear you sing. I had to show my story when it stunk. Enough people confirmed it was worth fighting to make it work, but there were also others who were kind enough to be honest.

And so, I'd go from encouraged to utter despair. In fact at one time I thought there was just a fatal flaw in my writing and I'd never get published. This was after an agent looked at the story twice and said I was too wordy. But I was too wordy and I had to figure out how to fix that.

Yikes, this is so general, but it's true. If a story is a great story, it's worth fighting for. That means overcoming flaws- I had many. It means listening to some gag on your writing. But along the way enough people said they though it was a great story to keep me fighting until someone that mattered also though it was a great story.

[Nateskate]

I have a dachshund like that one! (Only, mine's smaller.) :)

Your profile loaded quickly for me, but I have faster than average Internet connection so am not a good judge in that respect. I agree with the others above, resize the photos. Also, you might consider rotating through your favorites so that you have only one photo at a time. It will keep your page fresh and give people reasons to come back, always a good thing.


As for your synopsis, it's perfectly okay for you to clarify with your publisher what they'll want. Maybe they only want one-page synopses for future books. Maybe they only want one big synopsis for the main story.

This is definitely the kind of thing you could ask your agent first, if you have one, or ask the editor you'll be working with. Anything we say here is just guessing because we can't know what your publisher wants.

Also, congratulations! Having interest in a series is exciting stuff!

Thanks. I think you're right about honesty.

I did give them a general synopsis of the series in the beginning. They read two whole novels. But the first book was a transitional story and not a part of the series. I'm willing to do whatever they ask, but I'd rather continue to write the books. 2-3 are written, but just need to be refined. I really worried about whether they'd like these as much as book one. I just re-read the opening for book two and I like it better than book one. But I want to go through and make some changes to make sure no parts drag. In doing so that means changing chapter structures.

The hard thing about what they're asking- a chapter by chapter of all the books, is that I know where the story goes, but also know that massive changes need to be made.

[Nateskate]

I tackle the synopsis by doing bullet points. What is needed to convey the meaning I want? I line them out, then I add in fillers to spice itup. It's so much easier and clearer than just trying to flat out write it. It also ensures you stay on task and you don't wander in your explanation.

When they asked how big the series is, I had to guess. I'd written out the whole story, but other than the first three books, it's a mess that needs to be fixed. I just wanted to know I could finish the story and wrote it out. But in rewrites everything changes and I didn't know if it would wind up longer or shorter. One is done. Two and three only need to be refined. But it's a big story and projecting beyond that, I can basically only give them bullet points, but not in a chapter by chapter format.

[Nateskate]

Nate,

I had to synopsis for my series as well. The number of books I have is open ended (four are contracted are so far) so this may not be equivalent to your situation. However, what I turned in was about a 5-7 page synopsis of each book. So far I've ended up altering things a great deal once I actually sat down to write the full novels (and do the research, which was often the impetus for changing things), though the the story arcs that are carried through the series remain the same. The later in the series I go, the thinner my synopses were;) I think that's to be expected. My editor has been fine with that so far.

They probably just want to know that you know where you're going with the series. I wouldn't stress too much about the synopsis being a precise accounting of every storyline you're going to write, but I think your instincts about asking if you can provide "key points" is a good one. Just go ahead and ask.

Hope that helps!

grommet (http://www.kathrynmillerhaines.com)

That helps a great deal, and sounds very logical. If they want, I can tell them the story arc in great detail. The odd thing is that being forced to write a synopsis the first time helped me see weaknesses in my story, where there was too much telling and not enough showing.

And that stuck with me, so that when I look at books two and three, there's this mental sense of when things start to bog down- which leads to me making changes which I think strengthens the story. A synopsis is a great device, though I hate writing them.

[JerseyGirl1962]

But the publisher also just gave me a difficult homework assignment. They want a synopsis for every book in the series. I gave them a projected number. Although I wrote out most of the story, it's in rough form and large parts have to be entirely changed.

I think they want to make sure that each story is constructed in such a way to stand alone. And that is my goal in the edits.

I have to admit, for whatever reason, the synopsis is a beastly thing for me to do. I'm thinking of asking if they'd accept just a running synopsis of key points throughout the story, so they can have the basic storyline. I know the story well enough. I can give a chapter by chapter synopsis of at least the first three novels. (They already have book one) But so much has to be changed from books 4 on that I can't really do that with them.
Nate


Nate,

Some ideas:

How to Write a Synopsis (http://www.writing-world.com/publish/synopsis.shtml)

The Deadly Synopsis (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/glick/deadly-synopsis.htm)

Synopsis vs. Outline (http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/synopsis.html)

Synopsis (http://www.mlbushman.com/synopsis.htm) (this is actually a page of synopsis links)

Sounds like you have a great place for your story. :) Good luck!

~Nancy

[Nateskate]

Thanks so much for sending these links. It's very much appreciated.

Nate,

Some ideas:

How to Write a Synopsis (http://www.writing-world.com/publish/synopsis.shtml)

The Deadly Synopsis (http://mywebpages.comcast.net/glick/deadly-synopsis.htm)

Synopsis vs. Outline (http://www.fictionfactor.com/guests/synopsis.html)

Synopsis (http://www.mlbushman.com/synopsis.htm) (this is actually a page of synopsis links)

Sounds like you have a great place for your story. :) Good luck!

~Nancy

[otterman]

What tips can you offer (through the input you've received from your agent and publisher) about ensuring a novel in a series can stand alone? I'm worried my WIP will be rejected because it is the first book of a two part series.

[Nateskate]

What tips can you offer (through the input you've received from your agent and publisher) about ensuring a novel in a series can stand alone? I'm worried my WIP will be rejected because it is the first book of a two part series.


There are two interrelated issues with my stories- books and depending on success, movies. Obviously this changes the stakes for all involved, because there will be higher investments and risks. Yes, that's exciting, but also stressful, because they can't afford to let me fall, or this creates a domino effect if they're investing in me. If our hopes (mine and theres) are realized this story will be popular. They will want to move on the movies ASAP. But this is where risk multiplies. They don't say this, but I know this. Because if they start a movie series, and then book two tanks and book three is a flop, well, it could get ugly.

I think they're rightly concerned about following a format where the story doesn't begin to unravel, because they have a vested interest in these holding up as movies and not just books.

My guess is that their desire is to make sure I'm staying focused, or at least that I can show them I'm on track. They've had multiple people read my book, which is flattering, but also scary because I do have a real sense that this is no longer just about me, but people taking a potential risk in believing in me.

Absolute Write has many links on writting- a hook, interesting characters, good writing, pacing, and ending well.

I'm not so sure you really need to follow this formula to a tee, because LOTR and Star Wars deviate some. "About Hobbits" isn't really a hook. And this is because there was already a fanbase and an expectation.

However, this does make sense to me. In book two, I didn't want to take for granted that readers will stay with the story, so I added action. I also want to end with a strong chapter. I think they just want to make sure I'm using good judgment.

[icerose]

Sounds like you have a complicated task on your hands. I too have to write up some synopses for a producer and I haven't written the stories out yet because they want to get funding first before I write them.

It's harder for m e to write a synopsis on something I have written yet than something I have. It's easier to summarize what I have on paper rather than speculate on what's going to be there. But I suppose it's a pleasant task because it means possible paychecks and more credit and such.

I know the feeling on that people taking potential risk in believing in you. It's happening to me right now and I'm really starting to doubt my own writing ability. It has passed their judgement but will it pass the publics?

I'll cross my fingers for both of us!

[Nateskate]

I know the feeling on that people taking potential risk in believing in you. It's happening to me right now and I'm really starting to doubt my own writing ability. It has passed their judgement but will it pass the publics?

I'll cross my fingers for both of us!

Icerose, hang in there and be encouraged. If they did what they did then they believe in you. And that says a great deal.

That's what others say to me, and it's true. But I'm still in the process of learning to be positive. My friend is a publisher and said that if they invest, they're going to make sure you don't fail. Well, regardless of whether or not that's how it works, my confidence in myself was really the issue.

Only one person in the world has seen the whole story. (Lots of books) And since then, not one part of that story is the same. It's dramatically changed. That person loved the story. Others have loved what parts they've read. I know the story is there. But I also had to work through self-doubts. The day after they said they wanted the story I was having to fight, "What did I just get myself into??? I'm going to be editing for the rest of my life! Wouldn't I have been better off just getting a hot tub?"

Either way, it's oddly comforting to know someone else who is going through similar circumstances and feelings. I can't wait to see your story brought to life!

Nate

[icerose]

Thanks Nate,

Your post made me laugh, especially the part of "I'm going to be editing for the rest of my life!"

It also makes me feel better. I'm not the only one! Luckily I have a very supportive family. Still even with positive reinforcement, I don't think I'll be able to completely exhale until it passes (or fails) the first round of public scrutiny.

Let me know when it's out, okay?

[Nateskate]

Thanks Nate,

Your post made me laugh, especially the part of "I'm going to be editing for the rest of my life!"

It also makes me feel better. I'm not the only one! Luckily I have a very supportive family. Still even with positive reinforcement, I don't think I'll be able to completely exhale until it passes (or fails) the first round of public scrutiny.

Let me know when it's out, okay?


Again, you hit the nail on the head. Some might think this is the yippee part. Maybe when movie three comes out and then maybe we'll have to wrestle with feeling all uppidy. I think the truth is that we need that supportive group around us more now than ever before.

"Will you still remember me when your famous..." It's already stopped sounding funny. "I can say I knew you when..." I just tell them, "It's still when..."

[icerose]

Again, you hit the nail on the head. Some might think this is the yippee part. Maybe when movie three comes out and then maybe we'll have to wrestle with feeling all uppidy. I think the truth is that we need that supportive group around us more now than ever before.

"Will you still remember me when your famous..." It's already stopped sounding funny. "I can say I knew you when..." I just tell them, "It's still when..."

I know exactly what you're saying. Friends of mine, heck even family that isn't in my direct circle are always saying "Don't forget us little people..." or "I can say I knew you when..." as you say. It was obnoxious the first time. I don't know any little people! And if I ever think I do I should be smacked upside my head.

I do agree with you, I absolutely believe this is the stage you need that support the most. You'd think it would be more exciting and less scary but it isn't. And I'm sure there's several of us going through it. :) At least we don't have to face it alone.

[Nateskate]

I know exactly what you're saying. Friends of mine, heck even family that isn't in my direct circle are always saying "Don't forget us little people..." or "I can say I knew you when..." as you say. It was obnoxious the first time. I don't know any little people! And if I ever think I do I should be smacked upside my head.

I do agree with you, I absolutely believe this is the stage you need that support the most. You'd think it would be more exciting and less scary but it isn't. And I'm sure there's several of us going through it. :) At least we don't have to face it alone.


Honestly, I gave it thought and realize I'd say the same thing and have probably said the same things to others. It's harmless and always well intended. But I guess in reality I love the people in my life and feel very much like they're in this with me. The weird part is that it just made me think of how what I said sounded to others.

All the same, if we rewind to a year ago I'd give most anything to be in this place, stress and all. And I have to remember that. I wanted a chance to just have anyone willing to look at my story. So I dare not complain. But pathetic as it sounds, I still have those hand-holder friends that talk me through those doubts. And sometimes I think they want to slap me.

[icerose]

Honestly, I gave it thought and realize I'd say the same thing and have probably said the same things to others. It's harmless and always well intended. But I guess in reality I love the people in my life and feel very much like they're in this with me. The weird part is that it just made me think of how what I said sounded to others.

All the same, if we rewind to a year ago I'd give most anything to be in this place, stress and all. And I have to remember that. I wanted a chance to just have anyone willing to look at my story. So I dare not complain. But pathetic as it sounds, I still have those hand-holder friends that talk me through those doubts. And sometimes I think they want to slap me.

It never occurred to me that I might say what I'm saying. I guess when I'm friends with someone then I never think a bout when it's going to end, so if something cool came along I'd be all congratulations but wouldn't even think that I would be saying "I knew them when" because I would figure I would still know them. I have gotten better with dealing with it.

I wouldn't trade the place I'm in with any others I've been in. I'm getting paid to write! I still haven't gotten used to that concept but I love it nonetheless. I do look back and think I should be further, I should be doing more. But then I chill out and realize that not everyone's career moves super fast, not everyone is reckognized overnight and honestly at least for me, I think it's for the better. I need this struggle to keep focused to keep from floating off to lala land.

And for that I am grateful, with the scared and doubts and all. :)

[Nateskate]

It never occurred to me that I might say what I'm saying. I guess when I'm friends with someone then I never think a bout when it's going to end, so if something cool came along I'd be all congratulations but wouldn't even think that I would be saying "I knew them when" because I would figure I would still know them. I have gotten better with dealing with it.

I wouldn't trade the place I'm in with any others I've been in. I'm getting paid to write! I still haven't gotten used to that concept but I love it nonetheless. I do look back and think I should be further, I should be doing more. But then I chill out and realize that not everyone's career moves super fast, not everyone is reckognized overnight and honestly at least for me, I think it's for the better. I need this struggle to keep focused to keep from floating off to lala land.

And for that I am grateful, with the scared and doubts and all. :)


Hi icerose. I know what you're saying. I didn't get noticed overnight. I had these hopes of getting published years ago. And then I worried I'd wasted years of my life on this project. But when I finally did get noticed, it did seem like things changed all at once like someone flicked a switch.

I'm still in limbo because there's the lag between acceptance and actually seeing the book in print- the hurry up and wait stage.

[icerose]

Yeah waiting is what has always killed me. I haven't made it in the book world yet. I have about 200 pages left to go on my current project. What slowed me down was good ol' publish america. Lost my focus. Had to switch gears and refound myself in script writing. I do have a goal this year to finish that book, polish it up, and submit it. I'm determined to have it done. I've had enough time to be a baby about my initial experience and the scars they left, though I suspect the waiting part on the submission and afterward the eventual acceptance is going to be pretty hard.

I just have to keep my head down in the writing and not think about it. Keeping busy helps too.

[Nateskate]

Yeah waiting is what has always killed me. I haven't made it in the book world yet. I have about 200 pages left to go on my current project. What slowed me down was good ol' publish america. Lost my focus. Had to switch gears and refound myself in script writing. I do have a goal this year to finish that book, polish it up, and submit it. I'm determined to have it done. I've had enough time to be a baby about my initial experience and the scars they left, though I suspect the waiting part on the submission and afterward the eventual acceptance is going to be pretty hard.

I just have to keep my head down in the writing and not think about it. Keeping busy helps too.


That's such a punch in the gut. So sorry to hear you had to go through that. But for what it's worth, I had a bunch of stories that I started in 1995- around there. They got transferred onto a disc between new computers, and then the disc got lost.

But then, I wound up combining elements from these stories into a much better one. Sometimes those setbacks end up as a blessing in disguise.

[icerose]

Yeah, I mean the lost distribution deal with Koen and Wal-mart probably made the situation the hardest, but I probably wasn't ready to succeed for real. Hopefully this time I am.

So we'll see. I definitely want to read your book when it comes out. Who's your publisher, (fantasy is often my genre which is why I'm curious.) If you don't want to answer you don't have to. I'm just going to need to start looking in a few months.

[Nateskate]

Yeah, I mean the lost distribution deal with Koen and Wal-mart probably made the situation the hardest, but I probably wasn't ready to succeed for real. Hopefully this time I am.

So we'll see. I definitely want to read your book when it comes out. Who's your publisher, (fantasy is often my genre which is why I'm curious.) If you don't want to answer you don't have to. I'm just going to need to start looking in a few months.

I've been pretty cryptic about it, because at the beginning I was asked not to discuss this 'yet' by the movie producer. I've explained this in some private messages to my friends. Of course, I can't wait to discuss this in full detail. I'm not really good at patience, but realize I need to be. I'm like that little kid, "Are we there yet...does it really need edits..."

[icerose]

That's completely understandable. I have a confidentiality agreement with the company I'm working for as well, so I have to be careful about naming the project and putting in any details about it until they release it. Makes it hard because I'm so proud of the work they've done and that I've done that I want to show people and share it with people but I can't, so someday. :)

[Nateskate]

That's completely understandable. I have a confidentiality agreement with the company I'm working for as well, so I have to be careful about naming the project and putting in any details about it until they release it. Makes it hard because I'm so proud of the work they've done and that I've done that I want to show people and share it with people but I can't, so someday. :)

Understandable. Lol, there's no way for me to even tell the story how this all came about. I had just decided to market the second series toward the beginning of summer 2007. Unfortunately my mom had recurrent cancer, and I had to go and help out while she was getting radiation. Other things happened too, and so I really put off the query process, because there was too much stress. I had bookmarks and a strategy for querying, but had no energy to deal with it.

[icerose]

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she's doing better. I know the desire thing quite well, but I'm into self-affliction because I've forced myself to keep going.

I can't wait to hear the whole story, I'll share mine at that point, hopefully I'll have more to tell by then.

[Nateskate]

I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I hope she's doing better. I know the desire thing quite well, but I'm into self-affliction because I've forced myself to keep going.

I can't wait to hear the whole story, I'll share mine at that point, hopefully I'll have more to tell by then.

My mom is doing better. Thanks for asking.

Isn't that really what it's all about, we can't wait to have others hear the whole story? That's the part that excites me the most. I know some writers love seclusion and a sanctuary. I think I'll cherish that, but there's also a side of me that can't wait to talk about the actual stories to people that have read them.

[a_sharp]

My mom is doing better. Thanks for asking.

Isn't that really what it's all about, we can't wait to have others hear the whole story? That's the part that excites me the most. I know some writers love seclusion and a sanctuary. I think I'll cherish that, but there's also a side of me that can't wait to talk about the actual stories to people that have read them.
I had that privilege in the YA realm when I was invited to a 5th grade class to talk about writing. To my surprise and delight, the kids had spent the previous three weeks reading and analyzing my book. The questions! It was one the highlights of my life.

You have much to look forward to, Nate.

[Nateskate]

I had that privilege in the YA realm when I was invited to a 5th grade class to talk about writing. To my surprise and delight, the kids had spent the previous three weeks reading and analyzing my book. The questions! It was one the highlights of my life.

You have much to look forward to, Nate.

That's fantastic. At some point I'd love to talk to writing students. First this has to reach print though.

[EelKat]

I had the same problem. The thing that bothers me with MySpace is, I don't have much going on in my profile AT ALL and it STILL takes forever to load . . . so, it's likely a stupid MySpace load time thing. I don't know, though. It annoys me, though, because I like how easy it is to edit and update. *sighs* Anyway, I couldn't see what you have on there.


it's that big Google ad banner that's at the top of EVERY SINGLE PAGE that causes the problems for dail-up users and unfortunatly there is nothing you can do about that, but click refresh and hope Google picks a quicker loading ad to display nest time. :(

[EelKat]

MySpace says:
Confirm Add Friend

This person is already your Friend.


WOO-HOO!
okay, I've got RR cable, so your page opens up instantly for me, but YOWZERS! those pics are humongo! They scale across my 19" screen, scrolling and scrolling and scrolling! eek! you might want to scale them down a bit by adding a size to the code:

for intrests side add to each image code:
width="230"

for the about me side add to each image code:
width="450"

That'll resize you images to fit in the tables and stop you page from scrolling, plus the smaller image sizes will load quicker for folks with dail-up.



example:

your first pic reads:

This is me playing dress-up. My goal was to re-create one of the characters in my story.
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tLw==" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q38/Cartemay/PictureSeerInvisibleG.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

but it should read:

This is me playing dress-up. My goal was to re-create one of the characters in my story.
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tLw==" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q38/Cartemay/PictureSeerInvisibleG.jpg" border="0" width="230" alt="me playing dress-up"></a>


every single one of your images is missing the size tag, (changes noted in red in the code above) so you will have to add it manually. Also, if you want people to find your pictures via Google search you have to name them... as you have them now they will only be found if someone searches for "Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting", because you haven't yet named them.

hope this helps.

[Nateskate]

Eelkat, thanks for taking the time to explain this. Maybe I came to Myspace before the Google banner. It was once easier to navigate Myspace. I thought it slowed due to graphics, and traffic, not the adds loading. How sad is that.

You know your HTML. I know diddly. I recently learned to resize using a photo editor- Lol, if I remember. However, it sounds like you're saying there's a shortcut way to do it directly?

I originally used large photos and art pics for people to enjoy, as I have alot of photographers and artists in my friend's list. But if it Bogs down the page, I'll have to change that. For me, I don't mind large graphics/pics on another's site. I only dislike the time it takes to load them.

MySpace says:

WOO-HOO!
okay, I've got RR cable, so your page opens up instantly for me, but YOWZERS! those pics are humongo! They scale across my 19" screen, scrolling and scrolling and scrolling! eek! you might want to scale them down a bit by adding a size to the code:

for intrests side add to each image code:
width="230"

for the about me side add to each image code:
width="450"

That'll resize you images to fit in the tables and stop you page from scrolling, plus the smaller image sizes will load quicker for folks with dail-up.



example:

your first pic reads:

This is me playing dress-up. My goal was to re-create one of the characters in my story.
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tLw==" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q38/Cartemay/PictureSeerInvisibleG.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting"></a>

but it should read:

This is me playing dress-up. My goal was to re-create one of the characters in my story.
<a href="http://www.msplinks.com/MDFodHRwOi8vcGhvdG9idWNrZXQuY29tLw==" target="_blank">
<img src="http://i132.photobucket.com/albums/q38/Cartemay/PictureSeerInvisibleG.jpg" border="0" width="230" alt="me playing dress-up"></a>


every single one of your images is missing the size tag, (changes noted in red in the code above) so you will have to add it manually. Also, if you want people to find your pictures via Google search you have to name them... as you have them now they will only be found if someone searches for "Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting", because you haven't yet named them.

hope this helps.

[EelKat]

the Google banners used to have text ads, or just a single picture ad, but the last few months, they've been useing the moving-animated ads, and you actually have to wait for your computer to load "Flash Plater" every time you open someone's MySpace page now. On cable that's usually no problem, but for folks with dail up, the Flash Player takes forever to load. I think Google would be better off if they went back to the old style banners, because they are just making it harder to everyone useing dail-up.




I love your scenery pics btw... reminds me of the White Mountain in New Hampshire.

[Nateskate]

I love your scenery pics btw... reminds me of the White Mountain in New Hampshire.

Thanks so much EelKat. I'd love to visit New Hampshire some day and bring my camera. I hear it's beautiful there.