Burn Notice Spy Tips

2009-01-23T20:15:40Z

I went through a stage in college where I wanted to be a spy. I thought spying was sexy and dangerous. I thought I'd learn judo and get to play dress-up like Sydney Bristow. Okay, let's be honest. Mostly, I was interested in the dress-up part. Then I read BLOWING MY COVER: MY LIFE AS A CIA SPY by Lindsay Moran and changed my mind.

But anyway.

In fiction, spying IS sexy and dangerous. Which is why there is much spying in HUSH HUSH and its sequel. The problem is, I don't know much about spying, aside from the dressing-up part. Which is why I have to do lots of research. I have to learn from the best. And right now, the best is Michael Westen.

Thanks, Michael.

The Editorial Letter

2008-12-13T20:46:03Z

Let's talk revisions. My editorial letter arrived yesterday. For those unfamiliar with the term, the editorial letter is a detailed description of all changes your editor wants your story to undergo prior to publication. Basically, it's a road map for a better story. Most authors are very excited to get their editorial letter because it's one of the big steps that must be taken before the book is ready for publication.

So here I am, proud owner of my first editorial letter. I've read it over, and I'll be honest, I'm not quite sure what I want to do with it. It's a long letter. In my mind's eye, I see an endless stretch of work ahead. I'm feeling the first pricks of panic. I'm telling myself it will be okay, but I don't believe it. Not really. I'm tempted to do bad things with my letter.

Too keep myself calm and rational, I ask myself: What would Sydney Bristow do?

What would Sydney do?

Would Sydney break down in tears and refuse to wash her hair for days?
This is a tricky question. If the revisions included learning her mother is KGB and seduced her dad in order to steal secrets from the US Government, then yeah, Sydney would probably cry and skip the shampoo. For better or worse, there's very little seducing for secrets in HUSH, HUSH and I'm probably not going to have an excuse to cry and avoid showering.

Would Sydney vacation undercover in India so her editor and agent couldn't locate her?
She might, if she thought she could fight terrorists and disarm a nuclear weapon. But eventually she'd send word to her editor as to her whereabouts. She'd probably talk her editor into giving her a little more time to finish revisions, using her job at the bank as an excuse. Hmm. It's not a bad idea. Maybe I should apply for a job . . .

Would Sydney recruit help?
Sydney always tries to protect people from the messier aspects of her job. She's not afraid to lie to the people she loves. Mom? If you're reading this, I'm doing GREAT! Revisions are CAKE! I'll have them done by Christmas. Cheers!

Would Sydney light her editorial letter on fire and walk away grinning?
Another tricky question. Does Sydney suspect her editor is in bed with SD-6? Is her editor a terrorist? An arms dealer? Does she kidnap children to use as collateral? Does Sydney think the editorial letter is more Rambaldi mischief? If not, Sydney probably wouldn't light her editorial letter on fire. Which means I probably shouldn't either.

Would Sydney jump into revisions, only to have them put her in the choke hold?
You bet. Nothing is easy for Sydney Bristow. After the revisions finish with the choke hold, they'll probably toss her in a cell and refuse to feed her for days. Then they'll make her kill someone before they release her. Now I know what I have to look forward to.

Would Sydney kick some revision butt?
Um . . . yes?

Becca Fitzpatrick

Burn Notice Spy Tips

The Editorial Letter