Deep Work: More writing, less social media

Deep Work

Recently, I've been thinking a lot about how writers and artists can dig deeper and create more meaningful work. Not only am I working on four books, but I'm also constantly online, too, and I started to feel like maybe I was being pulled in too many directions.

Then I read Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World and Digital Minimalism (both by Cal Newport), and they really resonated with me. Newport talks about the way we use the internet, and how it changes our brain patterns, making it harder for us to focus and create "deep work," even when we're able to find the time to write, paint, do scientific research, etc.

The books provide a how-to guide for making more space for yourself. So for the past three weeks, I've followed this advice and been off social media.

Instead, I've focused entirely on writing. I turn off my WiFi when I open my laptop to work, and I leave WiFi off until I'm done. (Generally, 9:30 or 10am until 2:30 or 3pm).

It has been revelatory. I've been more productive than I ordinarily am, and I feel like my writing is also more thoughtful. To be honest, I didn't think such small changes could make such a difference, but... they have.

So I'm going to keep doing this. That means I'll be writing more and online less. This monthly newsletter will be the main way I communicate with my readers, so I'm really glad you're here. I'm looking forward to writing more books for you.

xo,
~evelyn

Book Updates:

Three Kisses, One Midnight (YA) by me, Roshani Chokshi & Sandhya Menon
(release date: Fall 2022) - Second drafts are due to each other this week. After we read them, we'll probably get on a video call to hash out details, ensuring cohesiveness as an entire book (rather than three individual stories).

Works-in-Progress:

Project Sun (MG) - zero draft complete! Now I'm letting it rest a while before I go back to revise it.

Project RJ (adult) - got agent feedback and she loves it! But there are some big picture revisions I need to make, so my plan is to spend the next couple months really delving into the characters, as well as increasing the conflict and pacing of the plot.

Project Whimsy (adult) - on hold while I work on Project RJ.

March Obsession

I cannot overstate my love for all things mint chocolate chip. When I was a kid, it was my all-time favorite flavor at Baskin-Robbins.

Now that I'm an adult, this is my go-to cookie recipe when I don't have ice cream in the freezer but need a mint chocolate chip fix. Plus, it's green, perfect for St. Patty's Day. Just make sure you use mint extract (not pure peppermint).

READER Q&A

  Q: How did you come up with the idea for your Book & Treat Instagram posts? -Ashleigh D.
A: To me, a perfect weekend involves time to read while eating sweets. I love baking, and I get a lot of questions from people about what I'm reading, so I decided it would be fun to share a peek into both.

Funny that this question came up just as I decided to cut back on social media, lol. But I'll share what I'm reading and my favorite recipes in this newsletter in my monthly obsessions feature!
    ~~Since so many of you asked about finding literary agents,
I'm answering your Qs in a multi-part series~~
(this is Part 2)
Q: I'm a newbie writer, and I was wondering, how do you find the right literary agent?

A: This is a really important question, so I'm glad you asked. In my last newsletter, I mentioned that I've had three agents during my career so far, and that each was good for me at that point in time. When you're new to the industry, it's tempting to sign on with any agent who shows the least bit of interest, but it's actually super important that you think about what's important to you, and who will be the best match for you and your writing.

The first step is make sure you do your research. Which agents represent your genre? Who has shown an interest in books like yours? Don't just send query letters to everyone under the sun. That's like throwing spaghetti at a wall and seeing which sticks. But come on. You're better than that. You deserve to be more than splattered spaghetti!

I recommend researching on Manuscript Wishlist and Publishers Marketplace. The latter requires a subscription, but I think it's worth it, even if you subscribe only for a month and then cancel it once you've got the information you need. Publishers Marketplace is where many agents post their bios and what kind of books/clients they are looking for, and it's also where all U.S. book deals are announced.

Once you've narrowed down your list of target agents, the second step is to ask yourself what you need to be successful. For example,

• Do you want an agent who is very hands-on in the editorial process or do you prefer the agent to only give big picture comments?

• Do you want someone who is all business and to-the-point, or an agent with a gentler style?

• Would you prefer to sign with a super famous agent who will get you major credibility, but who will likely have you working with their assistants most of the time? Or do you want a younger agent who doesn't have as much name recognition but is hungry and will personally work all hours of the night for you?

There are a lot more things to consider, but you're in the best position to decide what's important to you. The tip I'll give you here is: be brutally honest with yourself. If you're a diva and you need an agent who's going to respect that, don't kid yourself that you can do without constant encouragement and compliments. Being honest with yourself now about what you need will help you find the right agent and serve you better in the long run.

That said, what you want and need might change over your career, and that's okay, too. You can always shake hands with an agent and be pleased with what you've accomplished together, and then go your separate ways. As long as you are true to yourself, you won't go wrong.

Next month: How to write a killer query letter!

About me:

Evelyn Skye is the New York Times bestselling author of The Crown's Game and other books.

She has a B.A. from Stanford and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. Evelyn was once offered a job by the C.I.A., she not-so-secretly wishes she was good enough to be on “World of Dance,” and if you challenge her to a pizza-eating contest, she guarantees she'll win. Evelyn lives in the
San Francisco Bay Area with her husband, daughter, and a dog who sheds more hair than he weighs.