1 | Cathy C. Hall Writes

It’s a wonder I ever find my way anywhere on the ‘net. I just spent 20 minutes trying to find a way to make a post here on (the apparently new and improved) WordPress. Pffft.

Anyway, back to work. Which happens to be the name of the post I came upon over at Jenny Bent’s blog. Jenny Bent is an agent at The Bent Agency, and as I’ve jumped back into swimming around the agent pool, looking for the perfect agent, her name came round in the B’s.

Before I send out a query, I head out for a reconnaissance mission, zipping around to various internet spots, gathering info on the agent. I check agency websites, the authors the agent has represented, stats at Query Tracker, the 4-1-1 at Literary Rambles, and agent blogs and their social media. You would be surprised what you can learn about an agent when you’re thorough. But that’s a post for another day (and kinda creepy), so let’s move on.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: “Wow, Cathy. That seems like an awful lot of work for a form rejection.” But here’s the thing: I learn a lot about the industry as I’m ~~reconnaissancing~~ investigating. That’s how I came upon Klout.

First, you might want to read Jenny Bent’s entire post as she makes some fine points about social media and what you can do to get yourself out there, published or unpublished author. But when she mentioned Klout, I thought I should check that out. I’ve seen it pop up a few times and wondered what it was all about.

Now I know. It’s all about your networking and your influence out there on the ‘net. I’ve got a long way to go to build up my Klout score. But I was happy to see that I’m an influencer in writing and children’s literature. I was a little surprised to see that I was an influencer re: Colorado, especially since I’ve never been there, or written a word about it.

I think I see some Colorado reconnaissance in my future. Right after I finish with the “C” agents.

I’m so glad that Vicky Alvear Shecter (author of CLEOPATRA’S MOON) guest posted over at Cynsations! Because when she spoke recently about writing historical fiction at our local schmooze, I was so busy doing the schmoozing that I forgot to do the note-taking.

Vicky’ book, as you can guess, is based on ancient Egyptian times, during the reign of Cleopatra and beyond as we follow the Queen’s daughter (Yes, Cleopatra had a daughter. Her name was Selene.) So as you can also probably guess, Vicky had a handful of researching to do.

Of course, she loves ancient history. She’s really kind of geeky about the whole subject, in an infectious way. And though she doesn’t mention this as one of her tips, I think you should keep “loving your subject matter” in mind. Because you’re going to be cozying up with your subject for quite a long time. Not to mention that your readers will sense your passion in your writing.

I’m always impressed with authors who take on historical fiction. Not only do they have to come up with a great story, and a story that’s believable for the time period, but they also have to be on the lookout for people who’ll read their book and say things like, “Pardon me. But you referred to this man’s cape as magenta. Magenta was not even invented for another 37 years. Ha!”

Attention to detail is very important with historical fiction. But don’t take my word for it. Go read Vicky’s post–and the comments, too. (Um, you may want to take a few notes.)