August is Awesome Because of Angela Cothran

Have you met superwoman?  Some people call her Angie.  You may know her as Angela Cothran.  But everyone knows she's awesome!

She's been spotted darting through cyberspace, dropping little comments here and there, leaving behind a smile for the next visitor to wear.  If not, you might try the Live to Write blog.  She surfaces there rather regularly.

If you've yet to make her acquaintance, drop her a comment and say "Hi!"  Then you can tell all your friends that you met superwoman--otherwise known as the awesome Angela Cothran!

 

The Green Eyed Monster

by

Angie Cothran

First off I want to say a big thanks to Jeff for asking me to participate in August is Awesome. I’ve been MIA with my move and a big R&R, so I’ve been missing all my blogging buddies.

I thought a lot about what I wanted to write in this post, and I settled on something that has been on my mind lately--Jealousy.

This summer has been full of announcements by writers that an agent has snatched them up or they have signed a publishing contract. I read the posts then I read the comments, and while most people seem genuinely happy, sometimes there is an edge of, "Why them and not me?"

I have a good friend who recently found an agent. When she told me how she wrote her book in a few weeks and had a dozen full requests from contests without ever sending out one query, I wanted to shield her from a world that wouldn’t be happy for her speedy success. I even told her never to tell anyone about it.

I’m passionate about being happy for others. I have a few reasons why I believe when one of us succeeds we ALL succeed!

Cold querying works! In a time when who you know matters, the old fashioned way will still get you an agent. Great book + Solid Query = Offer of Representation.

Books still sell! If we were really all in a dying industry like so many people say, would agents still pick up books? No. Books will be here forever. Don’t let anyone tell you they won’t.

On the prowl. Agents are still avidly looking. Somewhere out there is an agent or publisher that will love your book. Don’t give up because they aren’t.

Karma Works. If all else fails, if you can send some sincere excitement to a friend you are sure to get it back :)

This is one of my favorite quotes on envy/jealousy:

"Envy is a mistake that just keeps on giving. Obviously we suffer a little when some misfortune befalls us, but envy requires us to suffer all good fortune that befalls everyone we know! What a bright prospect that is--downing another quart of pickle juice every time anyone around you has a happy moment."

 - Jeffery R. Holland

Hopefully that didn’t come off preachy :) Finding ways to be happy even when it is hard always makes us better people. Like I tell my kids, "Attitude is everything!"

About Angela Cothran:

Angela Cothran is awesome!

I am passionate about books and chocolate (usually in that order :) I came to love writing later in my life when I wondered, "Could I write a book?" It turns out I can. I'm currently querying my MS and if I can find an agent who is as crazy about it as me I will shower her/him with chocolate and super professional emails (of course!) I live in Orlando Florida with my hubby and three kids, who all give me more character material than I will ever be able to use.

Connect with Angela at:

Her Blog Live to Write

And on Facebook

Books I've Read Throughout the Years

...And what they taught me...


There were many that I read. 

Here are but a few that have always stuck out in my mind.

Little Toot
This is the first book I remember reading on my own.

(Taught me that reading can be FUN.)

Charlotte's Web

(Taught me to accept the sad times and cherish the happy times.)

Chief Black Hawk
(Taught me that books can enlighten as well as entertain.)

Then I got a little older.  (Think teens)

Lord of the Rings
(This is the series that ignited my imagination--for life!)

Then I grew up
(According to everyone but Mom.)

 Wheel of Time series

(Image isn't from the first book, but this one was my favorite.)

(This is the series that made me want to WRITE!)

Sword of Truth series

(Taught me that sometimes less is more.)

The Farseer Trilogy
(Taught me that even bittersweet endings can be good.)

There you have it.  Tolkien introduced me to a world beyond our own.  I went there and got lost.  I've never found my way back.

Which books have had the biggest impact on your life?