This is a story about Hollywood...

I'd rather be writing...oh and I am.
I finally sent out queries for Far Away Hills late last year after much contemplation. So far, I've received a few responses; all rejections, though a few were personal responses, which is always nice.
I am now at work at sending out more queries.

Meanwhile, I'm busy at work at writing up a synopsis for my second novel, All Heaven Allows aka Body and Soul, another commercial women's fiction book and one I'm equally excited about it....

This is a story about Hollywood, about actors and actresses and the subtle yet intricate way that some of their lives intermingle. It is a tale of love, forgiveness, the dynamics of family, making mistakes, accepting, letting go and moving forward.

Sixty two year old Diana Masters has just divorced husband number six and with that, she lost half of her assets in a nasty divorce and has sworn off men. That is until forty year old attorney Michael Sandoval reenters her life and sweeps her off her feet. Her dear friend and Michael’s younger sister, Samantha Steed seems to have the perfect life, but inner demons, a greedy louse of an ex-husband, and lingering health problems threaten to destroy the fragile world she created. Still reeling from her divorce of six years ago, she tries not to get involved with the one man she should have married.  Network President Richard Berry has loved Sam for the last seven years, but she married another and her short marriage ended in divorce. Out of pain and rejection, he married another on a spur of the weekend in Las Vegas and regrets his choice. He’s back in town to look out for Sam, and if she’ll have him, make her a part of his life forever. First, he must get rid of his wife, Lorraine Barrett. ...

And there's more to come....After one more edit, I will begin to query and see what happens.

Meanwhile, I'm also busy with working on the sequel to Body and Soul, which proves to be as emotionally tugging as the previous two novels. We shall see where this one leads to...

I have my books....

I have my books; I fear no one. I have my books; I am never bored. I have my books; I am always happy. I have my books; I am never alone.

And what about you?

Cheers!
S.J. Francis

A Query Letter to an Agent....

Ah-the first day of October 2013. It is officially fall for a couple of weeks now. The leaves are changing and in some places up North they are completely gone from the trees. The federal government of this one nation has shut down. Life goes on.

Today, I spent some time emailing out query letters to a few agents about Far Away Hills, my first novel. Keep your fingers crossed for me and let's see where it goes. Personally, I think it is an excellent novel. Of course, that is my opinion.
Here's my query letter I sent out....what do you think of it?

S. J. Francis

                                       awriterwriteshere.blogspot.com       October 1, 2013

 

Attn:  A Literary Agency 

Dear Agent :

    In today’s highly competitive fiction market, it’s no argument that an author needs to have someone on his or her side as well as the patience, persistence and perseverance of a saint.  After completing some courses through Writer Digest School and Gotham Writer’s Workshop, I have completed work on a upmarket issue driven novel of women’s fiction and am seeking agency representation through simultaneous submission.

    What would happen if you suddenly discovered that everything you knew about yourself was a lie? What would you do if the people you trusted the most betrayed you? Fact: Our grandparents were other people before they became our grandparents. What kind of persons were they? Would you have the courage to find out? Far Away Hills explores these issues in-depth.

    Thirty year old Kate Thayer has a good life until a series of events change everything. Something is wrong with her kidneys. She finds her mother’s journal that reveals animosity between her parents and grandparents. Her paternal grandmother, the woman that raised her is behind secrets Kate is compelled to uncover. Colored employees are actually her mother’s family. Being multiracial is one of many secrets she uncovers. While trying to come to terms with these revelations, she discovers she has a twin sister. Traveling from Mississippi by train to New York City with her Uncle she encounters passengers from both ends of the spectrum regarding her newfound heritage. In Far Away Hills, she discovers that it is not the color of one’s skin that matters, but what is beneath it that counts.

    Over the years, I’ve had short stories published in regional and local newspapers including Lake Champlain weekly, Duluth Journal and Today in Mississippi, newsletters, zines and military publications. For two years I worked in publicity at Fox Television.  For three years was a television producer for community television.  Second to writing, I’m a bibliophile, and third, I’m a college lecturer with Doctorates in English literature and Mass Communications.

    At 138,000 words Far Away Hills offers appeal to a wide audience.  There is currently no novel on the market like it, yet it could comfortably sit alongside the works of Judith Gould, Nora Roberts and Danielle Steel.  I am currently at work on another novel and hope to make Far Away Hills a two book series. Thank you for your attention. I look forward to hearing from you soon. 

Sincerely,   

S. J. Francis

The end of August....

It is nearly the end of August and along with it soon to be the end of summer. Ugh!

 Anyway, I just finished writing my second novel, All Heaven Allows. I'm working at editing it now and have just finished editing it for a second time. After four edits and reviews, it should be ready to sit and then go out. We'll see.

 Within the next two weeks, I hope to send out my first novel, Far Away Hills, by query and see what happens there. I think it is a great novel; great story and well written, but we shall see.
Will keep you posted about all the news and see.

  How was your summer? Any good plans for fall?

Cheers!
S.J. Francis