Comments on: anthropomorphic characters: a.k.a. talking animals

By: Cynthea

Cynthea — Sat, 22 May 2010 20:32:36 +0000

If you agree with the feedback, then you need to think about how to get at the intent behind all of the suggestions. Did you go over the top with your descriptions? Are you trying to write a picture book? Is the secondary character distracting? If the character isn’t central to the story, does he need to be cut? Or maybe he needs to play a larger role? Who knows? Only you can decide that for yourself, Fiona. So listen to your inner-writer and make the right choices for you.

By: Fiona Griffin

Fiona Griffin — Thu, 20 May 2010 15:51:52 +0000

I was just perusing through some of my work and received a critique back from a contact on Verla Kay who said that she enjoyed my short story. One comment she made “I enjoyed your story, Fiona, but I think you are too descriptive. Show, don’t tell”.
I know I am guilty of being the aforementioned, but I don’t know how to get out of the rut. She also mentioned I should bring a secondary character into the story a little more, but he is only there for support and is not strictly central to the story.
Has anyone else ever had problems like this and how did you iron out the creases?
Thanks.

By: Cynthea

Cynthea — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:03:57 +0000

LOL. Excellent point.

I personally see anthropomorphic characters as having equal footing in books. I loved them as a child and still love them today!

By: Cynthea

Cynthea — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 16:02:14 +0000

Using animals is a great way to create a safer environment for kids when it comes to dealing with tough issues. Congrats on the success of your books.

I do think it’s true, in our modern age, it’s usually some adults who can’t get their minds around talking animals. It’s not for everyone, but if it works for you, there are probably a lot of readers it works for, too, so why not? Keep writing!

By: Fiona Griffin

Fiona Griffin — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 11:12:07 +0000

From a personal perspective, while I agree children that, of course children should be taught about the great literary authors, many times they are not taught the skills of writing. Getting to know your characters can sometimes be one of the best things you can do because there is always a part of you in any that you create. You can learn a lot about yourself. Even if it is an anthropomorphic animal. Perhaps it is what the character has to say that people shy away from. Or as they say in England. Maybe I am speaking “cobblers”. Rubbish to you and me.

By: Connie Gotsch

Connie Gotsch — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 02:47:29 +0000

I’ve written a talking animal book myself and it’s becoming successful. It’s called Belle’s Star and it is designed to help 9-12 year-olds cope with bullying and abuse. I have entered it in several contests. Most judges liked its concept. One was luke-warm and one called it anthropomorphic and blah. A sequel’s coming out at apbooks.net I’ve also used an animal as a sounding board for the thoughts of a human character in an adult cozy mystery Snap Me a Future dlsijpress.com It worked. Sometimes we get a little too scientific in our modern age and forget the true magic of using our imaginations and asking what if.

By: Cynthea

Cynthea — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 15:37:14 +0000

This would NOT be advisable. No editor wants the hassle of having to deal with someone’s personal check. Or cash.

If this were me, I would simply include a note on my cover letter (like write it at the bottom before my signature) that says “I apologize that IRCs are unavailable in Ireland. There is no need for a reply to be sent by mail if the ms is rejected. You are welcome to discard the ms.” Then I would express your sincere thanks and sign it.

Also, make sure you are not giving out exclusives on your work (since you won’t be hearing back from anyone unless there is a sale or they want to talk to you about a revision, etc).

And be sure to include your email address in the contact info section of your manuscript.

An editor who wants to communicate with you will email you if necessary. A heck of a lot easier than trying to deposit a check or deal with currency, etc.

By: Fiona Griffin

Fiona Griffin — Sun, 11 Jan 2009 13:26:54 +0000

And there lies my problem!

As I mentioned, at the post office, I queried the purchase of an IRC and apparently Ireland has ceased selling IRC. The postmaster said all I could do was send payment for return of post along with the empty envelope.

Would this be advisable? Otherwise, I have no way of knowing if I will get any correspondence. Some publishers take email, but is this proper etiquette?

Thanks in advance.

Fiona

By: Cynthea

Cynthea — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 21:43:33 +0000

Fiona, because you live in a foreign country, please include an IRC in the value of the stamps needed, along with a self-addressed envelope for the publisher’s reply. (If you wish the publisher to discard your manuscript to save on postage, simply write “please discard ms” on the back of the envelope so it is easily spotted by the person stuffing the envelope.

An IRC is an international reply coupon which eliminates the need to purchase stamps in the originating country’s currency.

And yes, it is considered proper etiquette to pay for the return postage for the publisher’s reply to you. Do not submit a manuscript to a US publisher without paying for the return postage for their response. For you, that would be an IRC.

Some publishers, however, do not require return postage because they do not reply to rejected submissions. This is rare, though. So as standard practice, include an IRC and a self-addresed envelope with your submissions. Hope that helps!

By: Fiona Griffin

Fiona Griffin — Sat, 10 Jan 2009 18:48:55 +0000

One other obstacle I encountered today was at the post office. I have read often in reference books that it is preferable with publishers to pay for return postage when submitting manuscripts. I cannot offer this unless I send a cheque. Is it always necessary to do so?

thanks