Apparently I missed de-lurk day last month, but I thought I’d call out of you lurkers out of the woodwork to come and leave a comment. Commenting is fun! 3 out of 5 dentists recommend it. I’m pretty sure it cures scurvy.
So…
Where are you from?
Anything on your mind?
Who is Jason going to choose?
Will Jillian be the new Bachelorette?
How’s the weather?
I know, right?
And hey, if you comment here you might even be featured in the San Francisco Chronicle like Vegas Linda Lou.
Come out come out wherever you are!
Marla Taviano says
Marla from Columbus, Ohio.
I have a migraine.
I like to write.
When I don’t have migraines.
Bookish Cook says
The mention of scurvy alone is enough to get me to post. The weather is warm–70+ degrees today. Welcome to winter in New Orleans. It is going to drop 20-30 degrees this weekend.
David says
Great blog, first off! Thank you.
I’m living in Denver and write narrative nonfiction and creative nonfiction–and love the proximity to fiction while bound to fact. Or as Frost said of freedom: moving easy in harness.
Just joined the blog, so am not a lurker. Actually had fun this weekend talking about publication costs while you were reading hundreds of queries.
EAWhitt says
I’m in Colorado, and the weather’s been warm and pleasant, sunny. What’s on my mind is that I need to be working revisions on my manuscript faster so I can start querying when it’s actually finished. I don’t follow the Bachelor but I love your comments about it. And my dog tries to bark in her sleep, but it usually only comes out as whuffles and squeaks. Very cute.
Madison says
I started work on a 13 book middle grade fantasy series this week. Currently working on books one and two at the same time. So much fun!!! š
darbyscloset says
Okay,
Where am I from, how about where do I reside? ~ Middle of the US, …. Kansas
Who is Jason going to chose? ~Well I suppose only Jason will know the answer, to this question!
Will Jillian be the new Bachelorette? Depends on who is voting.
How’s the weather? Great, early spring day here, yet suppose to turn rainy and cold tomorrow with snow by the weekend. Hey it’s Kansas! You may not know the saying, yet we natives do….if you don’t like the weather in Kansas, wait a minute and it will change.
I am a freelance writer for several newspapers in Kansas. I love writing and am constanlty searching for new opportunities!
Thank you for allowing me to lurk as long as you did, before you called me out!
Darby
darbyscloset at yahoo dot com
MACS says
Hi my name is MACS and I'm a lurker
I'm from West Vancouver BC Canada
Today I'm thinking about learning to sound like a 23 year old woman (which I'm not) for my new novel. I can barely function in a digital world so who am I kidding? But I went to a community college and eavesdropped for a couple of hours yesterday so we'll see.
It @#$%&* snowed today.
I don't watch TV so I don't know what you're talking about.
And the older I get the less I know.
Dimato Cooper says
Hi Nathan,
I know its been awhile but I haven’t forgotten you. I’m still following you every day and gleaning vast amounts of literary gold from your wonderful brain. Even if Iām not commenting, rest assured that I’m “listening” and improving my skills exponentially. I’ve even started using Twitter and I’ve been blogging for about one month. You brought me out of my shell Nathan, under your tutelage I have stepped out of the shadows. Thank you! I’ll try not to lurk anymore.In the words of my fourteen year old daughter, “You Rock!”
Lisa Schroeder says
I’ve tried commenting before, and they never went through. So I’m trying again. Maybe the gremlins are gone now??
While I’m here, I wanted to say I absolutely agree with you on the matter of knowing how to summarize your book. And knowing how to write a query letter. It’s hard! But it’s part of the job and writers need to learn how to do it.
Newbee says
Hi, my name is Jen. I was a lurker… that is, until a few weeks ago. (I feel like I’m rehab…Nice. Thanks Nathan…) I grew up in Southern California and moved to St. George, Utah in 1989.
I don’t watch the Bachelor…
I always thought my best talent was singing…until now.
I love wildy popular books. (Not a fan of anyone who believes they’re above reading one either) My perspective is more from a crazed reader, than the typical writer. I just started writing a book this past summer.
Before this process, I researched and came up with the story through inspiration of a friendship with someone I met in an on-line book fan site. Even though I have never met this person, we have stayed in touch for over five years emailing almost daily. It’s a strange story I know…but true. Both interested in similar topics we became fast friends. After getting to know him I have created a main character based on few of his attributes.
Oh the weather is great here today…68 degrees!
Kristin Laughtin says
I’ve commented a lot in the past, but lately have been busier than normal and thus skimming posts instead of responding to them. Unsure if that makes me a lurker.
I currently live in Orange County, but I grew up in Sacramento. Never lived anywhere outside of California, although the northern and southern halves feel like two different states sometimes.
On my mind: hunger. Realizing that my current MS is going to be waaaaay too long if I follow the outline I currently have–and I’ve already redone the beginning to start later in the story. Also realizing that I have more research to do for it even though I set a month aside before beginning solely for that purpose. I don’t think it will take me too long to get the information I need, though; it’s more statistics and factoids than anything that requires analysis or deep understanding.
I know, right?
Yeah, seriously!
Newbee says
Oh, I am a huge Utah Jazz fan! (Seven wins in a row…baby)
Pattie Garner says
Nathan, how does it feel to be so popular? Look at all your lurkers. You should feel so loved. š
millionwords says
Hi. I’m Cameron from Melbourne Australia. It’s hot and I can’t see the mountains because of the smoke from the various bushfires around the state.
I have a perpetually “nearly finished” manuscript (fantasy humour, because everyone knows that’s the easiest to sell to publishers).
Love the blog. As with all things in life, if you want to be a success you’ve got to do your homework (and I really hate reading “How to get published” books).
Thomma Lyn says
I’ve commented, but very sparsely, so I guess I qualify for Lurker status.
I’m from East Tennessee, and currently I’m thinking about the delicious veggie pizza I’m chowing down on (as I type over the plate).
No clue who Jason and Jillian are.
The weather was great today — cool, crisp and pleasant.
Thank you for this great blog! I’ve learned — and continue to learn — a great deal from it.
Vic says
I’ve posted on three occasions, so I guess I’m not an official lurker, but I’ll de-lurk anyway.
Hi Nathan,
I’m Vic, from Tasmania, Australia, most recently out of Brisbane, via New Zealand and Fiji.
What’s on my mind? I’m critiquing someone’s book right now, so I’m thinking about that. In between I’m fiddling with a paragraph of my own that has been troubling me and I’m starting to think I finally got it right.
I’m also wondering whether the sun has come out enough for me to go horse riding. It is Autumn here, with a crisp chill in the air and grey skies.
I don’t have a television right now, which is not entirely through choice. I missed the Oscars – though I get to see snippets of Hugh on You Tube – wasn’t he great? (Loved the fashion too but what was Tilda thinking?)
Oh and I used to love the Bachelor, many years ago, but I’m more of an Idol fan when I can get it.
I read a lot of agents blogs, even though I actually have an agent of my own. I think it is great to keep up to date with the industry. I write fantasy and I love the freedom and the challenge of it.
Vic.
PS Christopher Garlington, you have a lovely touch with words. I’m sure you have a destiny out there with your writing beyond blogging and facebook. Keep at it.
V Bored says
I’m in…California. Not far from San Fran, actually.
That’s all I’m saying. *lips are sealed*
Oh, and I like Mrs. Fields cookies.
liz fenwick says
I confessing to lurking from Dubai. What’s on my mind today is The Dubai Literary Festival which begins today and all the stupid controversy that has arisen over it.
Anonymous says
Nathan Bransford:
Just wanted to say that this blog has a wonderful spirit. The community is friendly, polite, and supportive. Given the rage, bitterness, and paranoia on certain other websites devoted to publishing, it is encouraging to read your entries and the comments that follow. Congratulations for creating such a superb space for emerging writers.
Anita Saxena says
Hi! My name is Anita and I confess to lurking for the past year. I look forward to the 6:00 ding of my iPhone that alerts me that Nathan’s blog for the day has appeared in my inbox. Alas, as an Alabamian there is not much else to look forward to at 6:00 pm. I mean Lost doesn’t even start until 7.
I have written two YA novels: “Waggledance” and “Product of an Illusion”. I submitted “Product of an Illusion” to the annual Delacorte Young Adult fiction contest, and thus I can’t query you yet (that’s what the rules say). But as soon as I receive my rejection letter you’ll be the first one I query.
Emily Marshall says
I thought I’d de-lurk to tell you I LOVE your blog Nathan. So informative and funny. A daily must read.
I can’t comment about the Bachelor, since this is the first season I haven’t watched. Just couldn’t get into the whole Jason-as-Bachelor thing.
Jess says
I’m Jess, and here’s my official foray out of lurk-village.
I’m up in Southern Ontario (Canada), where tonight it is surprisingly in the positive degrees Celsius – and raining rather than snowing.
We got our “January Thaw” in February this year, and our “February Blues” in January. (Which really exist; and I really noticed this year in other people).
I follow the blog because I’m working on my first novel! (YA urban fantasy to be exact). Plus, it’s enjoyable. š
On a different note: this is my second time posting this (edited for typos!), and both times I got word verifications that seemed like they should be rap-related: first “pylimp” and then “baillin”. . . coincidence?
Janis says
Hi! I’m a lurker from a hill-town in Ohio where the sun is shining today (a rare occurrence), leaving me gaping out the window in awe instead of reading your wonderful blog. I’ve written a memoir about my transformation from a feisty feminist to a frightened hostage, my search to understand why I stayed, why I loved, and why any battered woman stays and loves. I hear abuse stories are not big sellers, but people who work in this field and survivors say they want my story to get out. Any place we can get really top-notch help and advice before self-publishing?
The Ms. S says
Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Book lover who once worked at a small literary press. Still interested in world of publishing.
beth says
Hi! I’m Beth. Just wanted to wave hello from rural NC!
Ed Miracle says
Lurking is for wusses. You can’t drink Guinness without skulking. So that’s what I do: skulk. Not lurk. My favorite word is callipygian, though I’ve only ever used it in a sentence like this one. So you’ll have to look it up.
Enjoy.
Anita says
Yo, Anon wondering if female agents like thrillers…ever hear of Lisa Erbach Vance?
Shruti says
I am Shruti from Delhi, India. I have been following your blog for quite some time now.
Currently, I’m working on my novel (literary fiction), which leaves me ecstatic and anxious by turns.
Oh, the weather is getting hotter everyday now.
And congratulations on running such a wonderful blog.
Anonymous says
Jason chooses Melissa, then changes his mind during the reunion special and chooses Molly instead — ultimately taking Deanna’s advice and following his heart. š
Mystery Robin says
Where are you from?
Seattle
Anything on your mind?
Yeah – Bob Harper and the melt down on The Biggest Loser last night.
Who is Jason going to choose?
Melissa
Will Jillian be the new Bachelorette?
No way.
How’s the weather?
Windy and rainy, just like I like it in February.
Jan Erickson says
Nathan, this is amazing. I just found a neighbor here on your comment page; thank you. I’m from the internet too. 150, I wonder if I’ve seen you out walking the dog. Anyway, what a coincidence. I am wondering about taxidermy, and specifically, can a alligator be, well, stuffed, or mounted or whatever it’s called? It’s for the book, not real life, just in case you’re worrying. I can only respond to one question at a time. Sorry. Love your blog, Nathan.
James Klousia says
What’s wrong with lurking? By the time I get off work and get home, there are usually already 70 or 80 comments, and at least one of them says what I would have wanted to say (and sometimes more eloquently).
I’m down here in sunny Tasmania, though I’m originally from Missouri.
I’ve got Cormac McCarthy on my mind at the moment – I just finished reading No Country for Old Men and am worried that whatever I pick up next is going to suck in comparison.
Unfortunately (depending on how you look at it), neither the Bachelor or Bachelorette is shown in Australia. But I’ll give it a shot anyway: Jason is going to choose the one on the left, and no, Jillian will not be the new Bachelorette.
The weather here is FANTASTIC, thanks for asking. And yes, I do enjoy rubbing that in.
pjd says
Slow news day?
Where are you from? Connecticut
Anything on your mind? Far too much for the little available space. It’s like three sumo wrestlers sharing a Manhattan studio.
Who is Jason going to choose?
Probably one of the Argonauts.
Will Jillian be the new Bachelorette? Um. Pass.
How’s the weather?
Turned OK today. But you knew that since we’re in the same town.
I know, right?
Right on.
I actually read (most of) that linked article. By the end, all that was going through my mind was “the internet is going to change everything.” Quoted in like 1992 by some forgotten software icon of the day.
Louise Kuskovski says
Louise from Switzerland by way of Minnesota. Love your blog, thank you for sharing so many helpful insights.I’m working on a psychic mystery which is always on my mind. The sun is making its way up over the mountains while I mix instant espresso dust with hot water. The weather here is moderately cold with heaps of snow and blinding sunshine. Can’t comment much on current television programming in the states as they are running past seasons of Different Strokes over here in prime time. I kid you not. This is my third post, I just wanted to say I’m writing all the way from Switzerland. Maybe win a door prize. You know, like at a baby shower, or family reunion? A girl can never have enough scented candles or shower gel…or helpful query letter critiques.
fairyhedgehog says
I’m not a natural lurker but it never seems worth adding to the huge volume of comments in here.
Except today when you asked us to.
austere says
Lurking since y’day, does that count?
BofA Citi. And multiplying by 50…
Mumbai, India. Baroda, India.Yes, its complicated.
Jason who?
Scorching. Mostly.
mnm says
Hi,
1. I’m Anew from Chindia
2. this blog is funny and so is this comment by Moose (10:40am) – there ‘s hope for all
3. jason should marry jillian – whoever they are.
4. weather is warm, pleasant but gloomy
Anyone reads these comments? (so many!!)
Brianna says
Ever think you’d face a hoard of Lurkers? And such nice Lurkers too…
I’m Brianna, freezing my tush off in NYC. Coming out from the shadows to say that your blog is full of really useful information for someone like me, just a kid working on her first novel. I feel like I have a foot in the door of the overwhelming world of publishing, just by knowing how to format a query letter. So, thank you!
Chris Eldin says
*waving to Nathan*
I usually do leave comments on blogs, but I do lurk on yours. I just like reading your posts..
bob day says
HADUKEN
KD says
hello! I’m a borderline lurker; I speak up once in a while. I’m a Pennsylvanian living in Arizona for far too long now.
On my mind is an edit that won’t MOVE, agghh!! *hits it*
Jason? The guy with the hockey mask? And Jillian? Sure! As long as she gets a machete.
The weather is too hot! Nearly ninety in February is ridiculous.
Right! Damn the torpedoes!
(thanks for the blog!)
knight_tour says
I just found this blog a few weeks ago when I started researching literary agents. I am a diplomat currently living in Iceland, but about to move to Azerbaijan.
I like the blog, even though it sounds like you aren't much into my genres (SF&F). I am getting close to finishing my first novel, so I am really glad to have such resources as you offer, though I am quite sad to see the statistics showing just how few queries draw a positive response.
Rod H says
Hi
I’m Rod. I live in Edinburgh. I came across your blog last week so I’m still tuning in.
(I have never heard of Jason or Gillian.)
Have you seen this man? says
Morning All! Just thought I’d say Hi to my fellow lurkers… I’ve been following for ages now… Cool stuff Nathan… always enjoy.
BTW – does this mean I’m cured?
other lisa says
I’m not a lurker, but I’m feeling kind of left out…
John Michael says
the world is a two way street. I requested that you be a friend on Facebook and was ignored. Networking is key in this world, but I guess you have too many friends. I’m preparing a book on a rather keen subject that no one .. NO ONE has ever written about. They hear, but rarely see the actual ones who deliver these. A very important element of diplomatic and military recognition. Check out my website at http://www.John-Michael.net and read the blog too… you may get some hints.
Colette Garmer says
Wow! Lurkers galore abound, eh?
My name is Colette and I live a half hour north of Pittsburgh (Go Steelers!) and I am presently working on a narrative non-fiction.
What are your thoughts on this genre?
Colette
Marie Force says
Have you heard any rumblings about the absolutely INSANE ending that’s in store for this season of the Bachelor? I’ll admit it, I read some of the stuff circulating and it’s UNREAL. Go ahead… you know you want to look! W/b if you want a hint.
BronzeWord says
I only read blogs where I learn so thank you Nathan.
On my mind: you won’t like it.
What is the thinking about publishing Latina writers? Especially those who have a 3.8 GPA Master’s. Yeah a degree doesn’t mean you can really write. (I like bragging about my GPA!) How about winning awards for everything written? Why does an award from a Latino/a org doesn’t count?
Publisher say they are publishing books about latinos. Yup. Written by white people. Do you know how many mystery authors out there have a latino/a protag in their books? Amazing number.
This isn’t the place to discuss this and this thinking stints!
Jo Ann Hernandez
http://bronzeword.wordpress.com
Jeannie says
Belated reply to de-lurk call.
I’m Jeannie. I live in St. Louis and write romance — which I know you don’t represent. *sigh*
I direct people over here all the time when they have questions about how to query and all things agent-wise. Thanks for keeping up this wonderful blog.