AboutCathy Clamp Expertise I'm happy to answer questions about any aspect of writing articles, short stories and novels, from the beginning kernel of an idea through completion. I can help with writing a query letter and synopsis to an agent or editor. I can explain publishing terminology and acronyms. I can also assist with questions about verifying the credentials of agents/publishers and how to proceed once you've been accepted for publication. I can teach the rules of formatting a manuscript, creating viable plots, characterization and flow in the following genres: romance, science fiction, fantasy, thrillers, suspense, horror, women's fiction, mainstream and mystery. I can also answer questions about writing for major print magazines in the outdoor genre (hunting/fishing/boating/travel.)
Experience I'm a USA Today bestselling author of urban fantasy and paranormal romance for Tor/Forge Books . Along with a co-author, I've published fifteen mass market novels since 2004, and have contracts for four more books through 2011. I've also published more than two dozen feature articles in leading outdoor magazines.
Organizations Romance Writers of America, Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Western Outdoor Writers, Horror Writers of America, National Association of Legal Assistants.
Publications Magazines--Guns & Ammo, Fur-Fish-Game, Rocky Mountain Game & Fish, Deer & Deer Hunting. Many others.
Novels/Anthologies--Tor/Forge Books, Western Reflections Publishing, BenBella Books, Running Press, Wild Child Publishing. Many others.
Education/Credentials Published Author. Published Freelance Writer. Certified Paralegal with specialities in intellectual property (copyright, trademark, patent) and real estate.
Awards and Honors USA Today bestseller, Waldenbooks Mass Market Paperback Top 20 bestseller, Nielsen BookScan Top 20 bestseller, Romantic Times Career Achievement Award, 2009, Write Touch Readers Award, EVVY Award, The Lories Best Paranormal. Many others.
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my first question...hopefully you can handle this one too just as well.
I have lived in the Middle East for 21 years...I can tell you whatever you need to know pretty much about the culture and religion and so I have have written 2 complete stories with this in mind...those two I told you that are in my head still....sigh. They are both fictional stories but with truthful information concerning the culture and religion..understand? I guess I have been hesitant to write them cause Im wondering what to do with them after that...keeping in mind if they are even good enough to do something with. What I mean is...Im over here...there isnt a whole lot of publishing going on about this sort of story over here and the market is pretty small too...so how or what exactly would I do with my stories(and any others hopefully) if I did write them out? I think if I felt sure I could actually do something with them once they were "done"...then it would give me the incentive I need to start. Right now I feel like I would basically write them for myself...which is ok...but I want something more you know. let me know what you think...and thanks in advance. Lee Ann
Answer Hi, again, Lee Ann!
Actually, middle eastern stories are pretty hot sellers in America and abroad right now, so it's definitely worthwhile to consider writing them. Books by authors like Khaled Hosseini, Hanan al-Shaykh and others have really been grabbing readers' attention. You might take a look at this link to a Barnes & Noble search for some of the authors writing fiction for women that are published in the UK and America:
Once you've written them, spend some time on some of the international writer websites to get a feel for what publishers are interested in them. Some of the ones I like are:
