Posts tagged as:

literary agent

Love Trees and Jukeboxes

by Corinne on June 24, 2010

Tree Carving

Steve joined me on my latest run and we ventured into Druid Hill Park, which is only a five minute walk from our house. Who knew that this magical place was so close! Notice the word “hill” in the name. LOTS of hills. It was challenging, but so much more fun because Steve was there. I think he’s hooked, so we’re going for another run tomorrow (skipped today due to 100 degree weather)! I had to stop on our way back (I navigated, so of course we got lost) and take a snapshot of the tree above covered in love notes.

Juke BoxThis week has included some wonderful R & R. While waiting for feedback from Rebecca, I watched the entire first season of Party Down. Why is this show on Starz? Who even has Starz (I watched it through Netflix)? Party Down is hilarious and the writing is AMAZING. Just watch it. In my opinion, it’s a cross between Arrested Development and The Office. I also met Steve for drinks after work last night at one of our favorite bars- Club Charles. Great vegan food and fantastic atmosphere (murals, red lighting, retro feel)! Their jukebox is a beauty, too! Brainstorming galore. So much fun.

Notes are back from Rebecca, so I’m working on my manuscript again. Very exciting. We’re getting closer!

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Query Critique Contest Winner!

by Corinne on June 22, 2010

Congratulations to Vicki Lane, who won a query + 2-page critique from agent extraordinaire, Rebecca Strauss! You’ll be contacted soon with the details : )

Also, stop by Allie Larkin’s website for lots of details on her book tour adventures and tons of STAY reviews!

What are you reading this summer?
I just finished a round of revisions, so I’ll be digging in to “Soulless” by Gail Carriger this week:)

Here’s some photos from my birthday celebration. Steve took me out for dinner, drinks, and a movie in Mt. Vernon:) These are some snapshots of the neighborhood and last, but not least, some vegan birthday cake!

Mt. Vernon Baltimore

Mt. Vernon BaltimoreVegan Birthday Cake

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Goodbye 27, Hello 28

by Corinne on June 20, 2010

Birthday Flowers

*Update: I woke up this morning to birthday roses and bagels. Best husband ever.

Tomorrow I say goodbye to my 27th year. I’m making a list of all the things I want to leave behind from the past twelve months and making another list of what I’m bringing with me for my 28th year. I’ll rip up the list of stuff I want to let go and I’ll share the things I want to keep here (I learned this handy trick from Kris).

In no particular order, here’s the good stuff I’m packing for my 28th year of life:

1. Nurturing my house and my marriage, two things that bring me more joy that I could have ever imagined.

2. Working with my literary agent, Rebecca, to make my novel better each day. I’m so excited about the journey we’re on with this book. The future is bright:)

3. Creating innovative and inspiring projects with my super bosses, Kris and Brian.

4. Valuing my health and happiness by exercising and eating delicious and nourishing foods (most of the time).

5. Putting fun first once in a while and not taking myself too seriously.

6. Tending to my relationships with inspiring and positive people, while meeting new friends and colleagues along the way.

7. Staying open to change and limitless possibilities.

Thank you to everyone who has commented on my blog this year and to anyone who takes the time to stop by and read about my journey. I can’t wait to see what my 28th year brings!

xo,
Corinne

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Query Contest Extended, Revisions and Running

by Corinne on June 12, 2010

gym shoes

*The query + 2-page critique contest has been extended to Friday, June 18th!

In other news, I’m running. Sort of. I was inspired by a few Twitter buddies to try the “Couch to 5k” program. I’m only on day 3, but I’m still feeling motivated! I’m spending 10-12 hours a day in front of the computer (work and revisions!), so movement is a priority and not just walking downstairs for a cup of coffee (I mean green juice?).

I used to go to the gym all the time. For about a year, I went every day for 2 hours. I was in the best shape of my life physically, but not mentally. This time around, I want to cultivate a healthy relationship with exercise. I want exercise to be a sanctuary, not a means to an end. In other words, it’s a journey. Check out Kris Carr’s vlog on perfection. It hit home for me. When I go to the gym, my workouts never seem to be “good enough” and I leave feeling dissatisfied. I should be congratulating myself just for making it there!

It’s an exciting time. I’m working on a round of revisions that make me smile as I write. I can’t believe the places I’m going with this novel with Rebecca’s insight and guidance. I love this new chapter in my career. I’m happy to be sitting in my Baltimore home office, looking at the green grass in trees outside my window and typing this blog on my *new* computer:) Yes, that’s right, I invested in a MacBook Pro and it is my new best friend.

My mantra for the next week: Be kind & show up.

I think if I do those two things, everything will fall into place. Now, time to dig into more revisions! Have a wonderful weekend everyone:) If you’re in Baltimore, enjoy the Hon Fest in Hampden!

PS- I am so so so excited about the True Blood premiere on Sunday!!!

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STAY by Allie Larkin & Query Contest

by Corinne on June 7, 2010

*Contest is closed. Thanks for all the entries! The winner will be announced on Monday, June 21*

STAY by Allie Larkin

I wasn’t surprised when the buzz around STAY began (it is officially released on June 10th). It’s the kind of book you always hope for–the one you can’t put down. The one you stay up until 5AM reading. STAY took me on an unforgettable journey through one woman’s exploration of family, love, and companionship. Every time our heroine Van falters, she brushes herself off and carries on with her head held high, making you root for her even more. As I rationed out the pages of STAY, trying to make the first read last as long as possible, Van and her dog Joe came to life and filled my heart. Returning to its pages was like visiting a dear friend. Even if you’re not a dog lover, you’ll connect with this entertaining and touching adventure, especially if you’ve found joy and love through your darkest moments and come out on the other side as a stronger and wiser person. Check out the book trailer!

Want a chance to receive a query critique from Allie’s literary agent, Rebecca Strauss? Comment on this post, at Allie’s blog, and/or at Wendy’s blog. We are all blessed to have Rebecca as our literary agent! Each comment will count as an entry in the contest. If you’re working on a novel and want to receive invaluable insight into your query and first two pages, Rebecca is your gal. Read on to learn more…

An Agent at McIntosh & Otis, Inc., Rebecca is eager to work with both debut and established authors.  She is looking to add to her list of diverse and compelling projects and is particularly seeking non-fiction, literary and commercial fiction, women’s fiction, mysteries, memoirs, humor and pop culture.  As the Director of Subsidiary Rights, she continues to build on her prior experience with Trident Media Group, as well as her time at Sony Pictures where she was a book scout and development assistant.  Rebecca earned her degree in English Literature from Duke University.

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Day 3 in NYC: Meeting My Literary Agent!

by Corinne on May 29, 2010

Empire State Building, McIntosh and Otis Literary Agency

My last day in NYC was sort of like a dream. I met my literary agent. I’ve thought of that moment so many times over the past three years. I walked from the 33rd Street station to the office and paused for a second before crossing the street. I glanced up to the left and saw the Empire State building and then looked across the street to see the building where McIntosh & Otis works its literary magic. As I rode in the elevator I made an effort to soak in that moment and realize that this was something I would always treasure and remember.

The next hour and a half was a true pleasure. Rebecca was everything I hoped for–excited about the book, full of ideas, super-friendly and fun. Plus, she loves the HBO series True Blood as much as I do! What else could a girl want in her literary agent? Over the summer I’ll be working with Rebecca to make this novel the best it can be!

McIntosh and Otis and STAY by Allie Larkin

Did I mention that before my meeting with Rebecca, I browsed one of what seemed like a hundred bookshelves and saw STAY by Allie Larkin?! Allie has been such a source of support and knowledge on my journey as a writer and it was perfect to see her book just before meeting my agent. When I arrived home in Baltimore that evening, my very own copy of STAY was waiting! This is one of the best books I’ve read in 2010 and it’s on shelves June 11th:) Thank you to everyone who has sent words of encourgement and excitement during my mini-adventure to NYC these past few days. Here’s to many more adventures to come! xo

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