I wrote test procedures/test proposals/test reports at TRW as part of my
engineering work in radiation hardness and susceptibility.
Really interesting work (and fun too. I could tell you some stories).
I subsequently wrote a how-to about co-generation (electricity and heat) on
an individual level.(sold a few copies privately).
The only article I have been paid for (still waiting for the buckolas. In
the mail I guess) off the job is in this April issue of Varmint Hunter.
It is about kinetic energy and I cringe when I read it. (After a little time
passes you see things you would write differently.)
I wrote it because it needed to be written. People are doing dangerous
things with handloads and stressing good rifles.
When I returned to Montana I took my old hobby back up (varminting) and
decided to handload for better accuracy. I found many people I talked to
actually thought a kinetic energy footpound was an engineering footpound. It
isn't. A momentum footpound is a real footpound. A kinetic energy footpound
is a descriptor of motion in a gravity well free of other drag/losses. Since
very few of us fire a rifle straight up in a vacuum it is of limited value
to a rifleman. Even reloading manuals list kinetic energy values though. Go
figure.
I have always admired book authors. I am amazed (and flattered) you and m
like what I wrote. I just tapped out an e-mail.(2 fingers)
I would like to know whatever you would care to share with me. I'm a babe on
milk in this area of knowledge.
I would like to know more about what you call voice.
Thanks
Kirk
writing a story I can give you some areas to surf, and also suggestions on
how to go about getting published. It is different for non-fiction as
opposed to fiction. Non-fiction the book does not have to be completely
written, but a book proposal for it does. If you would like, I can mail you
off-list a copy of one of my proposals and you could use it as a guide.
Fiction generally needs to be written ahead of time--but, you could try
outlining your story in a 2 page query letter and submit to as many agents
and publishers who accept electronic submissions. Sometimes they will jump
on a query.
You could go 3-ways: 1) True stories of Montana Wildlife/non-fiction 2)
Fictional tale for young adults --Like Grizzly Adams/Daniel Boone type 3)
Non-fiction guide about wild animals when camping, hunting, etc. in Montana.
Actually, what you wrote in posts today was good.
www.authorlink.com is a good place to browse. Look at the author showcase
and see what the competition is. Also lists contests, some publishers,
agents. I think they have links.
You definitely have an original voice, and young adult stories/or family
movies are hot right now.
Let me know if I can be of further help, or if you would like a copy of my
proposal.
Don't you already write non-fiction?
Leslee
advice.
They want to make money, if you have something that will sell, you write
the
book, they will do the rest.
MM