Sunday, June 29: The A.D.D. Detective
X WHY? Part V: Deep in the Heart of Texas
by Leigh Lundin
Travis Erwin is hard to miss. In person, he’s 6’5 Texan and he has about 600,000 fans and friends, many on the internet, where you’ll find one of his stories. He has another in the Range ‘Riters Anthology and is slated to appear in the 2009 Byline Writers Calendar.
His 600,000 or so fans know his secret; he also writes romance and women’s literature. Although he’s a friend of Deborah’s, I think he first came to my attention through his fan base at Women of Mystery. He modestly claims he’s more romantic on the printed sheet than between the sheets, but his wife Jennifer might have a different opinion.
I’ve written several mystery/intrigue stories from a woman’s perspective, but Travis has taken female PoV a leap farther. He’s big, muscled, and capable of defending himself, so you’ve got to be pretty damn drunk to screw with him. There is one thing, though, a guy can’t defend against.
Travis made an oblique comment about one bad episode and I persuaded him to write about his experience writing women’s literature. I had no idea what his story was until I prepared his article for this column. You’ll learn about his ordeal in this powerful telling of his story.
The GOOD, the BAD, and the UGLY
A few weeks ago, Leigh asked me to share my experiences of writing and marketing women’s fiction. I wracked my brain for the perfect analogy to accurately describe the ups and downs of being a big, hairy Texan who happens to write emotionally driven stories as told predominantly via a female POV.
My first thought was to say … It ain’t a bed of roses, but that would be cliché and besides, as a man who pens "Girly Stories" I might send the wrong idea by commencing to talk about flower gardening as well. So, in search of a manlier way to relate my endeavors, I settled upon a much-used movie title,
The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. Not only do those words aptly describe my experiences, but Clint Eastwood is about as manly as you can get, so by association those words also lend my tale a hearty dose of testosterone. It’s all about balance folks, and I like to strike an even chord between both my masculine and feminine side.
The GOOD
Whether it be an agent, an editor, a fellow writer at a conference, or an acquaintance at a random social gathering, the first question people ask me about writing is nearly always, "What do you write?"
At 6’5" and nearly three hundred pounds, I’m a large guy. I also have a definite Texas twang to my voice and a big bushy black goatee, so the last thing they expect to hear is Women’s Fiction. The surprise in the questioner’s expression is priceless.
For the random person I often mess with them by adding, "Mushy love stories are my specialty, but I’m thinking of writing a novel about the emotional dynamics of sisterhood." To which they usually laugh and assume I’m joking. Depending on my mood I sometimes act offended just to watch them back-peddle. Rest assured, those are some interesting conversations, but for the sake of this post I’m going to focus on agents and editors reactions.
They too are surprised. They’ll usually narrow their eyes and study me for a few seconds, but they also sit up straighter in their chair and lean forward as I deliver my pitch. In other words, I get their attention and hold it a few seconds longer than I might have otherwise.
I don’t write the stories I do for these reasons, but being a man writing women’s fiction does make me unique and when you are chasing a dream that can seem dang near impossible, I consider anything that makes me stand out as a good thing. Let me share a story that illustrates the reaction I get.
Back when I was a newbie writer attending only my second writer’s conference I submitted the first chapter of my novel for consideration in a New York editor’s critique session. Names were not allowed on the pages we submitted, but about a week before the conference I received word that the editor had chosen my chapter as one she would critique in the workshop.
As you can imagine I was nervous as the day approached. I’d already gotten a few rejections on the piece and I feared that I would make a fool of myself in front of the other writer’s in attendance. When I got there and found out we would have to stand up and read our work I began looking for a bottle of rum to steady my nerves, but it was too late. I was locked into the room and there was nowhere to hide.
Then the ALL-POWERUL New York editor said, "Let’s start with the author of …" and read my title.
Sweat beaded on my brow. Why did I have to go first?
I stood and began reading. Two lines in she held up a hand and said stop. My heart sank. Already I was going to get reamed.
But then she said, "I can’t believe you are the author of this story. I would have bet my life a woman wrote this story, or maybe a gay man."
I wasn’t too sure how to take that so I stood there looking like an idiot with my mouth agape until she went on.
| “ | Straight men rarely write with the sense of observance or the emotion that is in your words. … Sorry, didn’t mean to interrupt. Go on. | ” |
|---|
I finished the piece and took a few lumps in the follow up critique, but in the end she requested the entire manuscript and while things didn’t work out I came very close and that same editor has helped and guided me many times in the years since. Had I not surprised her, she never would have given me a second thought and become the friend she now is today.
The BAD
After that initial surprise fades, I’m often met with skepticism. More than once I’ve looked across the table from an agent or editor in a pitch session as they grilled me. What authors do you read? What else have you written? Do you have ideas for other novels in this genre? I even had one agent flat out tell me, "I like what you are saying and the pitch sounds intriguing, but looking at you I have my doubts that you can pull that kind of story off."
It’s never a good thing to have an agent already doubting you before they’ve even read a word of your prose. More than once I’ve felt that the non-conventional nature of my gender, in relation to my genre, add another level of difficulty to an already tough task.
I have written three women’s fiction novels and while each of them have been made it to the stage where they have been requested in their entirety — I am still an unagented author. I have had agents tell me I’d have to publish under a pseudonym and that my gender would be selling the novel that much harder. Maybe these are just excuses on their part to appease the sting of rejection, but I know agents do not make a habit of personally calling authors to reject their work and that has happened to me twice now, so I feel like I have been close but just couldn’t clear that final hurdle.
Did my gender play a role in their final decision? Was being a male the proverbial straw? Who knows, but it did raise my doubts enough that my current novel is not women’s fiction. I had to be pushed and shoved, but I finally went out of my way to write a book that is more along the lines of what somebody would expect. Humor. Hey, I’m a funny looking guy, so it seems like a natural fit. I’ll let you know how things work out because I plan to start querying soon.
The UGLY
In truth there haven’t been all that many truly ugly moments. I love writing and I’ll continue to churn out novels regardless of what happens to them once I send them out into the world for consideration. And despite my recent novel not being women’s fiction, I will again dive back into the genre. That is how my mind works and I have a spiral full of story ideas that lean that direction. I do plan to include more humor in my future works of women’s fiction as I think humor may be closer to my natural voice than my earlier novels, but let me share you one story of the ugly side that I can laugh about now that a bit of time has passed.
A few years back I attended a week long workshop out in Arizona. At the end of the week agents and editors came in so we could pitch our work. My novel was about a young woman dealing with the emotional aftermath of an abortion.
And one editor’s reaction to my pitch? These words which I shall always remember …
| “ | No one with a penis between their legs has the right to write a single word on that subject. | ” |
|---|
Doesn’t get much uglier than that and needless to say, she didn’t request any pages, but guess what?
The other agent in the room did and in this business a yes of any kind is all we can ask for.
When I read those last paragraphs, I felt that comment like a punch to the gut. I dare say every man and woman here feels outrage how that was hurled at the gentle bear of Travis.
Women understand that guys can be big, bearded, muscular, and/or plenty ugly, but many of us– perhaps most of us– have a child locked inside. How we turn out depends upon how that child is nurtured– or abused. To be open to the former makes us vulnerable to the latter. But nothing can ever prepare us for something like that.
Travis is a tuned-in human being. He is not limited by his gender as so many of us writers are. (At least that applies to me – I can’t write a story with a male protagonist to save my life.)
Dropping in on his blog gets to be a great habit. Always leaves me optimistic about my future as a human being and as a writer. Don’t know how he does it, but you can take that to the bank.
Write On, Travis!
Leigh — thanks for that great intro but I’m afraid you overestimated my fandom by about 59995. 59996 on the days I tick my wife off. And when that editor made that statement I was actually in shock. Later, I came up a lot of things that I wished I’d said.
Nan — Wow, Nan thanks for the compliments.
>I was actually in shock. Later, I came up a lot of things that I wished I’d said.
I wonder if we could lobby Women of Mystery to do a Two Sentence Tuesday on things we’d all like to have said.
It’s strange. I think editors underestimate the gender thing. My pseudonym also has a male pseudonym (which my husband does the reader mail for), and the reaction from women has been great. I mean, I think they get the tiniest of crushes on a male who can demonstrate that sort of sensitivity and understanding.
I know that’s on a tiny scale, but still. I don’t see why NY feels that way. I mean, look at Nicholas Sparks. Women are crazy about him.
(Ouch! To that last comment. But seriously. We all write about subjects we haven’t experienced. Maybe she experienced that one and it bubbled up.)
Hey Travis,
Even though I know some of your writing history, The Good The Bad and The Ugly is a great way to lay it out. By now everyone who follows your blog and has read your stories knows you are an inspired writer. it’s just a question of “when” for you, not “if.”
Re: opposite sex POV. the best compliment I ever received was from my son. He read an unpublished story I wrote with a male POV and his comment was: “Ma, you think like a guy.”
L answered with much bravado: “I’m a writer, I can think like anybody.” Now if only that were true!!
Terrie
Concerning the abortion story, I doubt a man would write a story exactly the same way as a woman would on that topic, but what is wrong with that. A variety of point of views and thoughts is essential, and women can learn from men just as men can learn from women.
This is a very good essay. It really holds together throughout and you chose just the right format. I much enjoyed it.
spyscribbler — I agree I think that was probably a subject a bit too close to home for that editor.
Terrie — Thanks and that is a good compliment from your son.
Charles — For that particular story I talked to two different women who were wiling to share their experience with me as well as a grief counselor who had worked with women in that area. All three read the finished novel as well and offered input as to how I presented things. I also read a ton of material and I feel like I did all I could to represent an accurate and plausible picture of of my characters emotions. I think the editor jsut assumed that I’d taken liberties with what she considered to be solely a female issue.
Travis, interesting and thoughtful article.
I think, going back to someone’s article a while back, you need a woo-woo.
Seriously, don’t take it too much to heart when you tell people you write romance, they for the most part have the same reaction to women. I just say I write smut, that way I don’t have to deal with idi—er….people.
Keep writing. Keep standing “tall.” I have a feeling you’ll get there.
You go guy!!!!
“No one with a penis between their legs has the right to write a single word on that subject.”
That’s pure drivel, probably spewed by some broad with a superiority complex. As though men can’t grieve at loss, as well! The nerve…
via private eMail from a ‘chicklit’ author and regular reader:
Re: the woman who made the ugly statement at the end of the article:
With an attitude like that toward men, she’d probably never had a penis between her legs.
(laughing) From eMail comments, Travis, I think a lot of people were thinking that but didn’t want to say it. Women love you, man.
It’s an amazing feeling for either gender when one stands up for the other.
(And thanks for corrections regarding my introduction, which were obviously my fault, not Travis’.)
Well I discovered Travis through a friend who blogs and I love reading his blog, I am not a writer but I love his style and as a person who believes that we all have something to offer this world. I am also very aware that a comment like the last one can have a profound and lasting effect. 23 years ago I was told that I was ‘natural wastage’ after I told my boss that I was pregnant and wanted to have time off!! I can still see him sitting there delivering that line. What that did was make me determined to sort that situation out. I returned to that same organisation 10 years later and I now represent staff who find them selves faced with similar ignorant bosses!! Keep at it Travis you’ll get there!!!
Alisa — Yeah romance authors in general take some abuse from time to time. Seems crazy since a very large portion of fiction sold comes from that genre.
Lana — I really think the woman simply didn’t like me.
Anon — The truth shall set you Free!
Leigh — Where were all these women back in my single days. And I didn’t even notice any mistakes in the introduction, unless you are talking about the way you described me as muscled. My doctors agrees I’m big, but muscled ain’t the word he chooses.
Speaking of shoes, as you did last week– about why men don’t get shoes:
http://1scrapper.multiply.com/video/item/90
Travis– great article, but then you already know I “treasure” your writings. I truly believe it’s the pirate hiding just beneath the surface that will make you a super star to rest of the world as you are to the those of us who read your blog daily. Remind me to tell you I told you so. (As if I’d forget!)
I think you should also write humor, Travis. You have a natural feel for the pacing.
But I’ll still buy your other books when they’re published.
I found Travis’ blog through a comment he had made at BookEnds, and after reading a couple of his posts stayed. He has a writing style as big as the state he’s from, and if I didn’t know he wrote women’s fiction, I still would be able to see from the topics he’s posted the type of sensitivity he has inside. That man could write any genre if he puts his mind to it.
It’s unfortunate the NY editor made the comments she did, and it’s also a good thing Travis hasn’t told us who she is…just think of all that “nasty” mail that would flood her office. (Probably a bad thing for writers to do, even if the thought is in the right place.)
Travis, when you commented to Lana about the woman not liking you, that’s not what I got from the editor’s comment. You shocked her, and from deep down inside she reacted like a person who has been attacked. She’s stunned of the fact that you wrote a sensitive story. To cover that shock is why she made that comment. Perhaps deep down she thought you were attacking her as a woman, that a man had penetrated the shield she carries day by day (no pun).
Don’t worry, Travis, you’ll get there. All your blog buddies know you will. Brillian post by the way!
If the only thing preventing selling one of your novels is your wonderfully masculine Texas handle—I’ll bet your forebears go back to the days of the Republic, don’t they? (You can’t get more Texan than Travis and I’ll bet there’s more than one Erwin in the German towns of the Hill Country)—then I for one say go ahead and use a nom de plume. It ought to be sufficient to use a gender neutral name—say, your initials—although I don’t think there’s anything wrong whatsoever with adopting a name of the opposite gender if it helps you reach your audience. There was a time when important women authors had to use male pen names to sell their work, after all.
Thanks Barbara and Lyzzydee.
And what took you so long Deborah? I thought you would chime in much earlier?
And JLW I don’t imagine that my gender is the sole reason I haven’t found a home for any of my novels, but I have wondered more than once if if it wasn’t a factor that tipped the scales so to speak. I have submitted queries using only my initial and the request for partial was a smidgen higher, and if need be I would use a pen name.
As far as my name yes I was named after William B Travis of Alamo fame but I was very nearly named Ty instead.
I have to laugh at anon…I just have to!
I was fortunate enough to meet Travis at a writers’ conference when he went out of the way to help us newbies (although he did tell me that smart asses would be eliminated)!
I was lucky to sit next to him in the “mini” bar and he asked me what I write (I was honest, great beginnings and a few middles…) I then returned the question and I must admit I was shocked. For one second. Just one.
One can never doubt this mans’ sincerity, passion, or commitment. Let’s face it. Womens’ fiction is based on a big, hairy hunk of male (Texan helps) with romance on his mind…who better to write it?
He told me the “abortion” story and I was furious on his behalf. Most WOMEN are far more judgemental about the subject. He took the time to research it and present it in a love story. Score one for the BHT (Big Hairy Texan).
I am so glad you gave me your card and I found your blog. You are a super hero. A male in love with his wife and children that espouses honesty and integrity and writes about it….who could ask for more?
Travis, I think it’s great that you write romance and women’s fiction, but I can see how it can be a double-edged sword. I found your post touching and inspiring. You’ll get there some day, I’m sure.
As a librarian who writes erotic romance, I’ve gotten a few of those incredulous looks, too, esp. over the gay male erotica! I managed to shock my entire RWA chapter, lol.
Linda / Lyndi
Excellent “get”, Leigh.
I’ve been dying to know the behind-the-scenes story of Travis’s bodice-ripping! I do think he has a flair for humor, too, and if that offers a way into other things he loves to write, well, plunder that booty, me hearties.
This was fantastic, Travis. I was really entertained and I love your attitude as always.
Aww Travis, that last comment was just down right cruel. Maybe the person was jealous of your manhood and your ability to be a man that is secure enough in his testosterone masculinity that he can write women’s fiction and be damn good at it.
You’re a wonderful writer and I know I don’t need to tell you that but I want to.
Wow. I had no idea that Travis wrote women’s novels and I have been reading him for six months! And the NERVE of someone saying that to ANYONE about the abortion thing is just appalling.
Robin — Me a super hero? I don’t think so but I am curious. What would be the appropriate symbol on my cape?
Linda — I have a great story about an erotica editor and a Christian editor that I might just share on my blog in the near future. See, now you inspired me.
Clare2E –I liek the way you worked in the title of my current novel in progress. For those who might not know it is titled, Plundered Booty.
Tee — thanks
PreTzel — You said “jealous of my manhood”. That could be taken a whole other direction you know.
Robina — And I cross dress on the weekends for research. Just kidding.
Travis, I look forward to more of your editor stories. Reminds me of a funny rejection story of my own.
Robina is absolutely right, it is appalling and very judgemental.
\”the NERVE of someone saying that to ANYONE about the abortion thing is just appalling\”
Linda
Great post, Travis! Sounds like you are very close and have a great attitude about this whole tricky business.
Fantastic post, Travis! And I agree with everyone’s comments above…You have a great attitude and the talent to make it in this business–no doubt. Can’t wait to see your name on the shelves. It’s going to happen for you.
Michele
Robina — And I cross dress on the weekends for research. Just kidding.
Hmmm, do we believe you or not Travis? It’s okay if you do — here’s what I tell Mr. while cajoling him in to putting on women’s clothing “Hon, it just shows you’re man enough to touch your feminine side.” He always smacks my ass and says “There, I touched my feminine side – now go away!” Hmm, remind me to post those bra pics for you sometime.
Hmmm Travis…an appropriate symbol? This might require major creativity. Let’s see, it will be entirely too awkward for someone of your stature to change clothes in a phone booth so I say we to a whole different direction with this…
And NRA=ERA baseball cap might be too trite and get you into too many barfights, along with the bodice wripping logo thing. Hmmm, Travis the Super Hero.
Big, married guy, Daddy, penning amazing womens’ fiction and entertaining us all with his eclectic blog…
There’s something forming here but I can’t quite get it. How about it guys and gals…let’s catapult our Trav into super hero status! Is “Redneck Sensitive Genius” too much? Travis needs an emblem people…unite! This could be fun!
Travis,
As always-I lOVED this post. excellent article. You can definitely add me as a fan- I’ll read anything you right, because I know it’ll be good. Keep writing! I’m sure you’ll have much more “Good” moments than bad or ugly.
Karin
Travis , I absolutely love reading your Blog. I’m not a writer and I don’t even live in the same country as you but you tick all of the boxes in what interests me and makes me laugh. I read your words and I can imagine you speaking .The antics of your past remind me of so many of the funny dilemma’s that happen in my own family that it actually makes me feel quite normal !!!
You have however tainted my image of the Easter Bunny – which will never be the same again !!!