Evil Thesis Pt. 1 -- Research

So if anyone's read my bio, they know I'm in grad school.

Graduating this May, actually. Super stoked. Why did I go back to school, again? *scratches head*

Anyway, the past six months has essentially looked like this:

 

That time has come, and I have to accept the fact that my thesis needs to be written if I ever want that piece of paper with the gold seal. (I swear I've been working on it....)

So.

I've decided to shake things up (and come up with my own Chicago Style Bibliography entry format for "Poll Taken on Blogspot" and "Twitter Poll" because I'm just crazy like that) and reach out for a three-part survey.

Any and all input is super appreciated. I'll leave the polls open for 48 hours each and then discuss the results after they close.

Poll 1: 

When you're researching an agent, 

what are the things you look for?
Polls open at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 30 and close at 5 p.m. on Friday, April 1

Super broad, I know. But I'm trying to make a point, that I will happily share with you, at the end of the three-part poll.

and

in the Three-part-poll wrap up, I'll share with you my thesis title and general argument. Which I hope will give you a new perspective on some things.

Leave your answers below, and feel free to share the link with friends! If you're already published, just put what items made you choose the agent you're with.

Thanks much.

~KO

Goal is a group of at least 100 people, and I totally understand that not everyone will participate in all three polls. Trust me -- my prof will understand.

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Write Hope 2011

There's an auction going on for the next 72 hours for a 50 pg critique + 20 min phone call to discuss said critique (though I'll gladly go over 20 min, if needed)  from me :)

Please check out what I'm looking to sign and if your MS falls in those categories, please consider bidding. Goes toward a great cause!

On March 11th a 9.0 Mw megathrust earthquake followed by a devastating tsumani shocked Japan. One of the five most powerful earthquakes since 1900, the Sendai earthquake shifted the earth's axis and shortened the length of day.

Three days later, it's still unclear how far the damage reaches. Entire villages have been erased and hundreds of thousands of people are homeless. It is estimated tens of thousands people have been killed.
 
We were devastated to hear of this recent disaster, and want to do our bit to help. To that end we have formed Write Hope, a group of Kidlit writers who plan to auction kidlit books, critiques, and other prizes for donation to Save the Children's emergency relief fund.

Thanks to Write Hope 2011 for reaching out!

~KO

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Just. Wow.

All right. Diverting from the publishing talk for a moment for something that is just simply made of 3,000,000,001 types of awesome.

Nick Pitera started his YouTube account a while back because he loves to sing and wanted to post videos. They went viral and he developed an audience -- for good reason. He works at Pixar in animation...dude should be a voice for sure.

If you have a few minutes, I promise these are worth the watch.


His rendition of I SEE THE LIGHT from Disney's TANGLED (note -- it's impressive, but it gets REALLY impressive around 2:00 min mark -- trust me)

My favorite -- the One Man Disney Movie -- is HILARIOUS and so well done! Just...wow. Totally worth it to watch all 8 minutes and all the different voices. Just wow.

Mr. Pitera. I applaud you. Because....WOW. Just wow. **saunters over to iTunes**

~KO

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Just Another Manic Monday

So Microsoft is Suing Barnes and Noble for "infringing on Microsoft patents in the production of the Nook and NookColor Android-based e-reader and tablet devices."

And

Apple is suing Amazon because "the online retailer is improperly using Apple's "App Store" trademark for a mobile software developer program."


And

Monday Keyboard Cat is still adorable.

How was your Monday?

~KO

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Twitter Thoughts and Insanely Awesome New Technology

I put out a call last night for suggestions for today's blog post. I got a lot that were LOL worthy and some that were thought provoking.

So, instead, I'm going to address all the topics in 140 characters or fewer....should be interesting:

@icountwords: "Opening pages?" -- Opening pgs have to be strong & grab attention. No explosions necessary but if you can get me to raise an eyebrow or LOL you've done well.

Where's Authoress?!

@authoressanon: "Your plans for the big party you're throwing when I come to NYC. :D #unabashedpartypromo" -- I imagine it will look something like this. I'll be too busy searching for you --->

@JE_Owen: "Your personal opinion on how writers can resist querying Too Soon. And how you know when it's as ready as it's going to be!" Did it go through several edits, betas and sit in a drawer? If not. Don't query.

@ShelleyWaters: "Re: Blog The process from signing with an agent to shelf. (Not querying agents)" Every agent is different. Lots of  emails! Revisions. Waiting. Will def blog on this.
@brittneygirl: "Me": You are insane. And amazing. And Mango's crazy auntie. And a fan of this

@JE_Owen: " Nm this instead:Too early to try and get people interested in your novel if you don't have an agent? Say making a Platform, fans?" Never too early to start your platform. Full blog post to come soon.

@LeahRMiller: "how about what is trending in submissions." Lots of ghosts, witches and Greek-related mythology. Lots of chicks named "Ash." Not enough cyberpunk.

@DawnRaeMiller: "making a comeback? :D" *growls*

@Mer_Barnes: " Starbucks' new cake pops." Delicious. Too sweet, but still delicious.





One thing I WOULD like to focus on today is TEXT 2.0:

This requires watching a video. It's about 3 minutes long (gets jaw dropping around 2:05) Keep an eye out for the RED DOT in the text when it gets to the Little Prince:

Now, after watching that and knowing that A) Apple has a patent on this technology and B) iPad 2 just launched with a front-facing camera, what are your thoughts?

~KO

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