#combine that with a focus on self-discipline and a strong moral compass and there's something really good there

[unofficialadamtaurus]

About the affection post, in a brighter note:

James meeting Adam and after beating each other up and teaming up to not to die, Ironwood slowly introduces affection to Adam, like someone who rescued a feral cat.

It can go two ways, 1) platonic/fatherly love or 2) Ironbull.

Funnier if this happens before RWBY, the idea of Adam snitching to James and ruining Cinder's plan is so funny to me

Listen, I'm not saying having a father figure in his life would've saved Adam, but it absolutely would not have hurt after Ghira dropped the ball so hard it broke through the floor and killed a small child.

[lunalilith19]

Amber Glenn 10/28/99

2021 US Nationals silver medalist, 2014 US Junior Nationals gold medalist

Amber is a Scorpio with moon either in Gemini or Cancer. Her Sun in Scorpio is square to her Leo North Node- expressing herself authentically and flourishing in all her uniqueness, intensity and depth of feeling is what she’s here to learn to do.

Sun square Neptune: sensitive, caring, emotionally vulnerable. can have a tendency to underestimate yourself and your abilities. hard Neptune aspects can alter your perceptions and make it harder to take stock of situations clearly. self acceptance and showing yourself that you are capable helps greatly with self confidence over time.

Mercury inconjunct Jupiter: Imaginative and bright, a seeker interested in the big questions in life. a tendency for whatever you focus on to seem bigger than it is - so that good things are AMAZING, and negative things can really get you down. having people you can trust around you to help balance your perspective is key

Venus trine Saturn: very loyal, with strong foundations to friendships and relationships. a hard worker with a moral compass you try hard to follow. 

Mars trine Saturn: physically strong. dedicated, disciplined, charismatic.

Saturn square Uranus: tremendous inner tension between responsibility and independence is a source of creative energy. you’re at your best when you work within stabie support but feel free to express yourself. it takes trial and error and maturity to know how much to compromise to find this balance without feeling stifled.

She’s in a 10th house profection year, so themes around career and being in the public eye are a focus until her next birthday in October. 

She’s had these transits in effect this week during US Nationals, where she earned the silver medal:

Transit Venus conjunct her Mars:: expression through creativity and love, so a strong energy for artistic pursuits. feeling attractive and affectionate, wanting to connect to others

Transit Mars opposite her Sun: can mean the fruition of something started when Mars was last conjunct her Sun, so end of Nov. 2019. That coincides with the end of Grand Prix season, her first time being assigned to and competing in two GP’s. This could be about an inner shift in confidence, or a new cycle of work or goals. In April 2020, when Mars was square her Sun, there would have been a challenge to her progress, and that coincides with shutdowns from the pandemic. Persevering through the challenges back then relates directly to what she was able to accomplish here.

Transit Uranus opposite her Sun: she had this most exact Mar-Apr 2020, and it’s less exact now but still in effect in combination with the other energies. Sudden changes in your environment challenge how you can express yourself, and they force you to take more responsibility for your life. Can make you feel what’s truly meaningful to you. And again, this coincides with the start of the pandemic. I don’t know how her ice access was affected and how it’s affecting her now, but this could be related to that.

Transit Saturn square her Sun: Saturn just moved into Aquarius again in December after a short dip from end of Mar- June 2020. Saturn squares can challenge you and strip things which aren’t working from your life. But athletes often can still thrive under the pressure and succeed during hard Saturn transits because Saturn rewards hard work. So with a Saturn transit to her Sun, genuinely investing in her work and in herself (among other things, she's been newly training a triple axel) can really pay off. 

[theyogawithin]

For more details email: explore@theyogawithin.com

The 8 Limbs of Yoga

“Yoga is seeing life the way it is. – The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali”

     I.         Introduction

The word “Yoga” comes from “Yuj”which is a Sanskrit word meaning “yoking” or “union”. Therefore, yoga is all about fusion of mind, body, emotions, soul and spirit. Ashtanga or Raja Yoga or simply Eight Limbs [Ashta (eight) + anga (limbs)] of yoga are the eight steps to be followed towards a meaningful and purposeful life, hence, attaining a state of “purusha” or pure being. It is a method of practical spirituality which acts as a prescription for self-discipline, ethical and moral conduct, healthy lifestyle and acknowledging the spiritual aspects of the world around us. It acts as a means to progressive unification of consciousness and progressive purification of a human being.

Practicing the eight limbs can help us in better and deeper understanding of insights and intuition; nurture our inner calm balance to combat the outside circumstances and expand strength and resilience.

    II.         First Stage: YAMA or Discipline

This stage sets the ethical standards of integrity, our own behaviour and conduct. It deals with self-control and has 5 moral obligations.

a)     Ahimsa or Non-violence – Our intentions, words and actions are scrutinized through the lens of compassion and self-awareness. Non-violence does not mean that one becomes an easy meat but to be benevolent and well equipped to deal with foxy schemes of the outside world. This also means that while practicing yoga asanas, one is respecting his/her bodily limitations and is patient and persistent in achieving a particular posture without getting frustrated.

b)     Satya or Truthfulness – This talk about being truthful, dedicated, devoted and enthusiastic in whatever you do. It increases one’s authenticity and genuineness.

c)     Asteya or Non-stealing – This means appreciating the concept of give-and-receive. We must not steal, cheat or be envious of others’ goodwill, affection, attention, property, money or goods.

d)     Brahmacharya or Chastity – Understanding the things which adds up or drains out your vital energies and finally abstaining from them. A model approach to this concept is doing things in moderation and ensuring loyalty and fidelity in relationships.

e)     Aparigraha or Greed lessness/ Detachment – A yogi must not be greedy to collect the postures; his main motive should be to attain perfection with constant practice. One must also practice detachment or letting go off things and accepting the changes.

 III.         Second Stage: NIYAM or Restraint

a)     Saucha or Cleanliness – Maintaining the cleanliness of body, mind and soul by following simple practices like keeping the immediate environment tidy and clean, bathing, following proper diet etc.

b)     Santosha or Contentment – Contentment means appreciation and gratitude for everything you have. Accepting the things around and concentrating on the good elements.

c)     Tapas or Self Discipline – Tapas means to glow, shine, change and transform. It is practicing the art of channelizing our energies in the right direction.

d)     Svadhaya or Self-study – It means self-studying, self-realization, self-awareness, self-inquiry and self-reflection. One has to be committed to the process of learning.

e)     Ishvara Pranidhana or Surrender – It is devotion and dedication to the supreme power. It is a powerful state where the mind is courageous enough to let go the selfish desires and ego.

  IV.         Third Stage: ASANA or Posture

The Asana or posture should be Sthira (steady, strong, compact, static and courageous) and Sukham (comfortable, joyful, good, gentle and virtuous). Practicing Asanas makes the body master the art of sitting in meditation for long periods. It increases our concentration and discipline. We are familiar with a lot of asanas already as we have been practicing the basic Hatha yoga.

a)     Forward Bends – They are a give a good stretching to the hamstrings and calve muscles, improved digestion, relieves stress, anxiety, headache and insomnia.

b)     Back Bends – They stretch the chest and lungs, stimulate thyroid and pituitary glands, therapeutic to asthma, back pain, infertility and also strengthen the arms, legs, abdomen and spine.

c)     Balance Postures – Improve the balance of the body, strengthens legs and ankles.

d)     Twists – They provide a gentle massage to the abdominal muscles and organs, stimulate brain, relieve back pains and hip pain and strengthen the spine.

e)     Inversions – They are good for digestion, therapeutic for asthma, infertility and insomnia, relieve the symptoms of menopause and calm the mind, thereby reducing stress.

    V.         Fourth Stage: PRANAYAMA or Breath Control

Pran means life or vital energy and Yama means control, therefore Pranayama means conscious awareness of breath or control of breath. By working on the way we breath, we can mould our minds. E.g. Ujjayi Breath or Victorious breath is a combination of both asana and pranayama; Nadi shodhan pranayama, Kapalbhati etc.

The first four stages were focussing on the body, breath and improving our personality. Now moving towards our inner selves, we have the next 4 limbs as follows.

  VI.         Fifth Stage: Pratayahar or Sense-withdrawal

Pratayahar teaches us to draw our sense inwards and be aware of our internal landscape. When we are in Savasana, we are silently observing how intensely we have worked out, how our body is reacting to reacting to the sounds, air around, temperature etc around but we do not respond. In such a position we are not asleep but our subconscious mind is still functional; it is a state of conscious sleep. It is simply heightening one’s inner awareness.

The last 3 limbs are interconnected and aim at reaching the highest level of oneself.

VII.         Sixth Stage: DHARNA or Concentration

Dha means holding and Ana means something else or other; therefore, Dharana is fixing our minds to a particular point which can be either our chakaras or some outside object. It quietens and calms the mind.

VIII.         Seventh Stage: DHYANA or Meditation

It is a deep state of meditation without the object of focus.

  IX.         Eighth Stage: SAMADHI or Ecstasy

Union of true self is samadhi. It is a state of hyper conscious with no-thought and no-mind that leads to true spiritual freedom.

[ofxhera]

Personality Analysis:

MBTI: ENTJ – THE COMMANDER. ENTJs are natural-born leaders. People with this personality type embody the gifts of charisma and confidence, and project authority in a way that draws crowds together behind a common goal. But unlike their Feeling (F) counterpart, ENTJs are characterized by an often ruthless level of rationality, using their drive, determination and sharp minds to achieve whatever end they've set for themselves. Perhaps it is best that they make up only three percent of the population, lest they overwhelm the more timid and sensitive personality types that make up much of the rest of the world – but we have ENTJs to thank for many of the businesses and institutions we take for granted every day. At the negotiating table, be it in a corporate environment or buying a car, ENTJs are dominant, relentless, and unforgiving. This isn't because they are coldhearted or vicious per se – it's more that ENTJ personalities genuinely enjoy the challenge, the battle of wits, the repartee that comes from this environment, and if the other side can't keep up, that's no reason for ENTJs to fold on their own core tenet of ultimate victory. Emotional expression isn't the strong suit of any Analyst (NT) type, but because of their Extroverted (E) nature, ENTJs' distance from their emotions is especially public, and felt directly by a much broader swath of people. Especially in a professional environment, ENTJs will simply crush the sensitivities of those they view as inefficient, incompetent or lazy. To people with the ENTJ personality type, emotional displays are displays of weakness, and it's easy to make enemies with this approach – ENTJs will do well to remember that they absolutely depend on having a functioning team, not just to achieve their goals, but for their validation and feedback as well, something ENTJs are, curiously, very sensitive to. ENTJs are true powerhouses, and they cultivate an image of being larger than life – and often enough they are. They need to remember though, that their stature comes not just from their own actions, but from the actions of the team that props them up, and that it's important to recognize the contributions, talents and needs, especially from an emotional perspective, of their support network. Even if they have to adopt a "fake it ‘til you make it" mentality, if ENTJs are able to combine an emotionally healthy focus alongside their many strengths, they will be rewarded with deep, satisfying relationships and all the challenging victories they can handle.

HOGWARTS HOUSE: Slytherin.

DIVERGENT FACTION: Erudite

TEMPARAMENT: Choleric. The Choleric temperament is fundamentally ambitious and leader-like. The Choleric is the strongest of the extroverted Temperaments, and is sometimes referred to as a “Type A” personality or “the doer” (or “the driver”); he is a hard driving individual known for accomplishing goals… he has a lot of aggression, energy, and/or passion, and tries to instill it in others. Dominant in personality Cholerics desire control, and are best at jobs that demand strong control and authority, and require quick decisions and instant attention. The Choleric is the most insensitive of the Temperaments; they care little for the feelings of others; feelings simply don’t play into the equation for them. Most Cholerics are men, and born leaders who exude confidence; they are naturally gifted businessmen, strong willed, independent, self sufficient, they see the whole picture, organize well, insist on production, stimulate activity, thrive on opposition, are unemotional and not easily discouraged. They are decisive, must correct wrongs when they see them, and compulsively need to change things. They systematize everything, are all about independence, and do not do well in a subordinate position. They are goal oriented and have a wonderful focus as they work; they are good at math and engineering, are analytical, logical and pragmatic; and are masters at figuring things out. They are skeptical and do not trust easy; they need to investigate the facts on their own, relying on their own logic and reasoning. If they are absorbed in something, do not even bother trying to get their attention. Negatively, they are bossy, domineering, impatient, can’t relax, quick tempered, easily angered, unsympathetic, enjoy arguments, too impetuous, and can dominate people of other tempera-ments, especially the Phlegmatic types. Many great charismatic military and political figures were Cholerics. They like to be in charge of everything… they are workaholics who thrive on control and want their way… they are highly independent people, and have very little respect for diplomas and other credentials. They set high standards, are diligent and hard-working, are rarely satisfied, and never give up their attempts to succeed. Choleric women are very rare, but strangely are very popular people. Cholerics have the most trouble with anger, intolerance and impatience; they want facts instead of emotions; and should you get your feelings hurt, it’s your problem, not theirs.

ASOIAF HOUSE: Martell

MORAL ALIGNMENT: Lawful Neutral. Lawful Neutral is called the “Judge” or “Disciplined” alignment. A Lawful Neutral character typically believes strongly in Lawful concepts such as honor, order, rules and tradition, and often follows a personal code. A Lawful Neutral society would typically enforce strict laws to maintain social order, and place a high value on traditions and historical precedent. Examples of Lawful Neutral characters might include a soldier who always follows orders, a judge or enforcer that adheres mercilessly to the word of the law, and a disciplined monk.Characters of this alignment are neutral with regard to good and evil. This does not mean that Lawful Neutral characters are amoral or immoral, or do not have a moral compass, but simply that their moral considerations come a distant second to what their code, tradition, or law dictates. They typically have a strong ethical code, but it is primarily guided by their system of belief, not by a commitment to good or evil. Lawful neutral is the best alignment you can be because it means you are reliable and honorable without being a zealot. Lawful neutral can be a dangerous alignment because it seeks to eliminate all freedom, choice, and diversity in society.

TYPE 8: People of this personality type are essentially unwilling to be controlled, either by others or by their circumstances; they fully intend to be masters of their fate. Eights are strong willed, decisive, practical, tough minded and energetic. They also tend to be domineering; their unwillingness to be controlled by others frequently manifests in the need to control others instead. When healthy, this tendency is kept under check, but the tendency is always there, nevertheless, and can assume a central role in the Eight's interpersonal relationships. Eights generally have powerful instincts and strong physical appetites which they indulge without feelings of shame or guilt. They want a lot out of life and feel fully prepared to go out and get it. They need to be financially independent and often have a hard time working for anyone. This sometimes necessitates that the Eight opt out of the system entirely, assuming something of an outlaw mentality. Most Eights however, find a way to be financially independent while making their peace with society, but they always retain an uneasy association with any hierarchical relationship that sees the Eight in any position other than the top position.

[phynxrizng]

DAILY ASTROLOGY REPORTS AND HOROSCOPES FOR, 2-25-18

Astrology Cafe Daily Astrology ABOUT TODAY DAILY MONTHLY CHART You are here: Home / Daily Astrology / Astrology of Today – Sunday, February 25, 2018 Astrology of Today – Sunday, February 25, 2018 Feb 24, 2018 by Annie Heese Leave a Comment  The Moon is in Cancer. The Moon is waxing and in its First Quarter phase. The First Quarter Moon occurred on the 23rd and the Full Moon will occur on March 1st. **Times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). Daily Astro Highlights for each Sign: Aries  Aries While you can be feeling some mental or relationship pressure this morning, dear Aries, an alignment between Mercury and Neptune encourages compassion and allowing things to unfold naturally. This is not the time to rush decisions. It can be a time of sudden and possibly golden new ideas. There can be some serendipity happening now — you might hear something or meet someone that stirs up all sorts of feelings and thoughts. You may feel a little restless or discouraged if real life seems a bit dull in comparison to your inner world, though. A Sun-Saturn sextile helps you pull everything together and prioritize. Eliminating waste in your professional life can be particularly useful to you now. You are well equipped to spot problem areas, and your thoughts are geared towards self-improvement. Seeing your goals and performance in a realistic light helps you make the right decisions. Taurus  Taurus When it comes to money, love, and friendship this morning, you may feel some pressure or unpleasant competitiveness, dear Taurus. There may be hurt feelings or misunderstandings. Even so, there is a Mercury-Neptune alignment that can find you wanting to see the best in people and situations. This helps, to some degree, for letting go of resentment and impatience. Resolve to enjoy the moment rather than entering situations with complicated expectations. You may be dreaming up exciting and inspiring plans for your future now, and some of you can thoroughly enjoy helping others out. Watch that wishful thinking doesn’t interfere with your fun. As the day advances, it becomes easier to see the reality of a situation, and in fact, you may enjoy it. It can be a good time for studies, collaborating on projects, shared activities, or organizing a group endeavor. The practical side of your friendships, group associations, and plans benefits from your attention to detail now. People in your life show their support through their actions and help you to feel more secure. A realistic approach to your relationships is favored as overblown expectations never lead anywhere pleasant in the long run. Gemini  Gemini The morning brings some wonderful energy to your imagination and creative pursuits, dear Gemini, but perhaps some ups and downs in your interactions. Passions run high, and misunderstandings are more than likely, but this can entirely turn around as the day advances. Ideally with a Mercury-Neptune aspect, you can combine intuition and reason in beautiful ways. This can be a time of inspiration as you bring more creativity, color, and imagination to your career or goals. You may be dreaming up new ideas to impress others or to further your professional interests. However, there can be some confusion or impracticality now, and it’s best to be above board in all of your dealings. Fortunately, a Sun-Saturn connection is in play, and you become clear about wanting to be productive, your ambition is pleasantly stimulated, and you might be especially motivated to work on details that you usually prefer to avoid, particularly if these promise to advance your goals. It’s a great time to focus on what makes you feel accomplished. Cancer  Cancer Rushing things or buying into the fantasy that happiness is something you chase can frustrate you this morning, dear Cancer. The judgment of true value can be off for now. Fantasy and imagination tend to impact decision-making more than usual this morning. There can be some inclination to gloss over or adjust previously held beliefs and morals, but for the most part, you’re in an excellent position to add more color and flair to your life. A Sun-Saturn aspect comes into play as the day progresses and puts you in a practical frame of mind. Since Saturn has been transiting your partnership sector, close relationships may have felt restrictive or seem to demand more of your energy. Today, however, you see the benefits of this transit. You may be learning to live with fewer — not lower — expectations of others. Today is strong for patience with others. Leo  Leo Rushing into decisions or acting in haste can be a tendency this morning, dear Leo, but can lead to trouble. Be particularly careful with lending and spending. A Mercury-Neptune alignment builds your faith in a relationship or your own dreams, but your imagination may run ahead of you with a Venus-Mars square active at the same time. Nevertheless, these combinations can be highly creative. As the day progresses, a Sun-Saturn sextile helps ground you. You might seek out more quiet time and freedom from over-thinking, and there is excellent energy with you for being productive and focusing on priorities. Research and digging for answers can be appealing and rewarding now. You’re in a long-term cycle that puts more demands on you for effort in your work and accomplishing daily goals. Today, opportunities for you to work on building your health, both mental and physical, can emerge. A mature approach is necessary with Saturn in your solar sixth house. This is a time for making your daily routine work for you. Virgo  Virgo Impatience and over-stimulation can impair judgment this morning, dear Virgo. The tendency to rush things diffuses as the day advances, but this morning, you may be on edge, particularly with a partner or family. However, you might also come to a nice agreement with someone as your ruler, Mercury, aligns with your partnership ruler, Neptune. This can be a time of animated conversations or inspiring thoughts and fantasies, enhanced by letting your imagination go and freeform activities. This afternoon, the Sun forms a sextile to Saturn, and you see the value of patience, particularly with people and in your love life. Friendly energy is with you for accomplishing something important to you, especially with or motivated by someone. This can be a strengthening time for a love relationship or creative partnership. Your more dependable side is in the spotlight and attractive. Demonstrating yourself as reliable and prudent can bring rewards. Libra  Libra You may suffer from some overstimulation this morning, dear Libra, as your ruler, Venus, forms a square to Mars in houses of your solar chart that can be hard on the nerves when aggravated. This can be a time of some fretting and disagreements or misunderstandings. However, a Mercury-Neptune alignment may help you focus on the benefits and rewards of your work, efforts, and routines. Work can be fun if you are allowed some room for creativity. Helping others find the information they need can be satisfying today. As well, a harmonious aspect between the Sun and Saturn encourages you to see and work towards your priorities. Putting your domestic life in order may be one of the major keys to long-term happiness these days, and today, small improvements can contribute towards these goals. This is a time for seeking out ways to feel anchored and grounded. Scorpio  Scorpio You can feel some pressure this morning, dear Scorpio, but disputes can drain your energy, and it may be best to wait out big decisions. Creative thinking is enhanced now, however, with a Mercury-Neptune alignment. If you resolve to avoid putting too many expectations on others, yourself, and life itself, then it can be an inspired time. Let your mind wander and enjoy the excitement of possibilities now. Healthy escapes can help refresh your thoughts, and interesting ideas can emerge now. A Sun-Saturn sextile helps ground you. Saturn does bring some challenges, but they are necessary and useful ones for the long-term. The Sun shines a positive light on responsibilities and discipline today, offering you the chance to see the benefits of hard work, planning, and effort. Meeting your duties helps make you feel useful and organized now. Sagittarius  Sagittarius There can be a rushed or tense feeling in the morning, dear Sagittarius, and a tendency to clash with others if you’re not sure what it is you want. Others, too, may be following whims rather than tuning into their true needs and wants. However, a Mercury-Neptune alignment can help diffuse the situation. You’re also likely to reminisce about the past and perhaps romanticize or glorify it a little. Leaving things open to interpretation is best now. As the day advances, a Sun-Saturn influence stimulates a strong desire to be on top of things, especially regarding money, home, family, and security matters. A desire to feel secure and grounded is with you. Small efforts to connect with family can go a long way towards strengthening ties. Slowing down can improve the quality of your work, and also your appreciation of the simpler things in life. This is a time for pacing yourself. Capricorn  Capricorn Watch for impulsive moves this morning, dear Capricorn, as a Venus-Mars square perfects. You may feel prodded or rushed, but this can be draining. If you feel discontent, it’s a great time to think up creative solutions and improvements. While you should watch for self-deceit and incomplete information today, this can be an imaginative, original time for you. Writing and speaking can be especially inspired, and you may be able to sell your ideas easily. Look for unique ways to express yourself. Helping you keep your feet on the ground is a Sun-Saturn sextile later today. With Saturn in your sign, the role of “the responsible one” grows more useful and becoming. Steady energy is with you for productivity on any number of routine tasks. When you feel overwhelmed, your best bet is to direct your attention to small but essential tasks one by one, and this transit supports this. Getting organized comes naturally now. Aquarius  Aquarius The tension related to the Venus-Mars square this morning is diffused somewhat by a Mercury-Neptune conjunction, dear Aquarius. Even so, this can also be a time of quite a bit of drama as both influences, while different, share larger-than-life energy. It’s very easy to convince yourself of something you want to believe. However, these transits have the potential to stimulate tremendous creativity. You can bring wonderful imagination to your practical world, and later today, a Sun-Saturn influence helps you keep your feet on the ground and expectations realistic. You can rework a project or idea in a more imaginative way now. You may be motivated to complete a project you’ve left unfinished. There are benefits to looking into ways to improve your finances, business, or practical affairs. Simplifying makes the most sense right now; as you clear the decks, you discover that you can be more productive and organized. Pisces  Pisces People can be impulsive and perhaps a little cranky or on edge early today, dear Pisces, but with a Mercury-Neptune alignment in your sign, you can lead the way with a calm, understanding approach. You are more talkative than usual, and people are drawn to you and your words or ideas. A significant person in your life can be in agreement with you, or in some way in your corner with your needs and wants in mind since Neptune is your ruler and Mercury is your partnership ruler. You are picking up a lot from what’s going on around you, and people may be talking well of you. While this is a creative influence, it’s not particularly grounding. Fortunately, today’s Sun-Saturn transit helps you keep your feet on the ground. This transit encourages you to get organized and focus on the practical details or elements of whatever you’re doing now. Others may be helping out in practical, tangible ways. You might be leading a group or sharing your expertise with others quite successfully. Team efforts and friendships work well right now. * Remember to read horoscopes for your Ascendant sign and Sun sign. If you don’t know your Ascendant sign (and you know your birth time), you can look it up here. Above are astrological event highlights for the day. Full Horoscopes are on Cafe Astrology. If Your Birthday is February 25th, If Today is Your Birthday full horoscope here. Astrology of Today – The Details: If you’re astrologically inclined and interested in the details of the Astrology of today, here are some of the factors considered in the forecasts (for the astrology of the week, see This Week in Astrology): Planet Color Key: The longer the bar, the slower the aspecting planet and the longer the duration of the planet’s transit.     Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 0:00 am Event: Moon in Cancer Description: The Moon in Cancer This is a good time for making or nurturing emotional connections, sharing feelings, and connecting with our imagination, warmth, compassion, and sensitivity. We might concentrate on home, family, and domestic matters now. Nurture others and also the self. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 9:39 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Sun Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Sun There is a nice feeling of harmony and a cooperative feel to this time. Better decision making. We represent ourselves well now. It’s easier to attract support, favorable responses, and positive experiences. We are less fearful and less defensive. This is a harmonious time. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 9:51 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Opp Sat Description: Transiting Moon Opposition Transiting Saturn There could be a realization that is disappointing or depressing, a feeling of limitation, or an experience of being blocked or thwarted now. There could be a lack of warmth and sensitivity experienced now, and self-protectiveness. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 11:27 am Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sqq Jup Description: Transiting Moon SesquiSquare Transiting Jupiter Time to show some restraint. Grandiosity is not appealing. Neither is excess. Practice self-control. Self-indulgence is more likely now. We’re not as inclined to consider the consequences of over-eating, over-drinking, or overdoing in general. We may be acting in a haughty manner. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 8:50 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Nep Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Neptune This is a feel-good time if we allow ourselves to relax and tune into the subtle aspects of life – art, nature, beauty, dreams, and spiritual realms. We absorb things easily, our senses are in good form, and we more naturally accept things and people as they are. There is no need to look for definite answers right now. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 9:14 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Sxt Pal Description: Transiting Moon Sextile Transiting Pallas There is a good ability to successfully combine logic and intuition, and to understand problems taking into account the human element. There is sensitivity to people’s issues now. Cooperation. Effective, sensitive decision making. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 10:48 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mon Tri Mer Description: Transiting Moon Trine Transiting Mercury Ideas flow freely. We express feelings with clarity and thoughts with sensitivity. An excellent time for cooperative projects. A good time for taking tests, writing, promoting, public speaking, and studying. We are alert, observant, and our memory is good. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 12:45 pm Event: Tr-Tr Sun Sxt Sat Description: Transiting Sun Sextile Transiting Saturn We are taking pride in our responsibilities or performance. Steady progress. Self-discipline. Humbling ourselves to authority or good advice. Employing traditional methods. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 7:22 am Event: Tr-Tr Mer Sxt Pal Description: Transiting Mercury Sextile Transiting Pallas We are expressing ourselves more clearly and are more able to instruct others. There is a pronounced ability to order our thoughts and ideas and to recognize patterns. We can enjoy making plans, lists, and connections now. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 7:25 am Event: Tr-Tr Mer Cnj Nep Description: Transiting Mercury Conjunction Transiting Neptune Our minds open to many different possibilities and options. We can feel inspired or we might be thinking in imaginative or possibly impractical ways. We see beyond physical or material concerns and solutions. There is extra sensitivity now. We may be dealing with deceptions or self-deceptions, and it can be difficult to be discriminating. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 6:53 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mer Pll Nep Description: Transiting Mercury Parallel Transiting Neptune Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 10:16 pm Event: Tr-Tr Mer Qnx Nod Description: Transiting Mercury Quincunx Transiting North Node Make a few adjustments to your ideas and plans, but trust your overall instincts. Destiny plays its own role right now. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 7:01 am Event: Tr-Tr Ven Sqr Mar Description: Transiting Venus Square Transiting Mars Feeling tense? It is time to discover your life’s passion. This could be a person or a vocation or a creative hobby. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 8:00 am Event: Tr-Tr Ven Sqr Ves Description: Transiting Venus Square Transiting Vesta There may be difficulties showing affection or problems with commitments in relationships now. We might experience creativity blocks or inhibitions. Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 11:13 am Event: Tr-Tr Mar Cnj Ves Description: Transiting Mars Conjunction Transiting Vesta Date & Time: 25 Feb 2018 7:35 am Event: Tr-Tr Nep Sxt Pal Description: Transiting Neptune Sextile Transiting Pallas We can draw upon our inner wisdom or our sixth sense and intuition to understand what’s happening around us. Previously hidden or unacknowledged talents may emerge. Strong Signs, Elements, Modes BALANCE OF SIGNS CANCER STRONG Nurturing, protective, tenacious, emotional sensitive, watery, strong roots. Can be overly protective, unwilling to let go, timid, reclusive. PISCES STRONG Compassionate, sensitive, self-sacrificing, gentle, intuitive. Can be escapist, impractical, hyper- sensitive, gullible. BALANCE OF ELEMENTS EARTH WEAK There can be a lack of desire, interest, or skills regarding practical affairs. We may not be very much in touch with reality. Difficulties concentrating, grounding ourselves. AIR WEAK We may have a difficult time being objective or detached. We may not be especially communicative. WATER STRONG We are more compassionate, emotional, and intuitive than usual, and we may react emotionally to situations, possibly at the expense of logic or practicality. BALANCE OF MODES FIXED WEAK We may be open to change but may not have much follow-through. MUTABLE STRONG We are flexible, adaptable, willing, open to change, and possibly flighty or nervous. LUNAR PHASE: FIRST QUARTER Moon from 90 to 135 degrees ahead of the Sun. We are motivated to take action, perhaps due to a clash, conflict, or stress, as we are more aware of problems and differences now. Plans are beginning to take off or turn a corner. We should watch for pushing too hard. The following aspects (major only) and positions are at noon (EST) on February 25th: Note that when an aspect is applying, it has not yet happened but is within orb – it’s pending. When an aspect is separating, it has already happened/perfected and is moving away from the aspect. Depending on the speed of the planet/body involved, the aspect will have perfected–or will perfect–in a matter of hours (often the case with the Moon), days, months, and possibly years in the case of the very slow-moving outer planets and bodies. Note that the Moon moves at a rate of approximately one degree every 2 hours so that if an aspect involving the Moon is applying and has an orb of 5 degrees, the aspect will perfect (be exact) in about 10 hours. If the Moon is separating from an aspect with an orb of 2 degrees, it has already formed said aspect approximately 4 hours ago (since the following are positions at noon today, then it would have occurred at about 8 AM today). **I suggest paying close attention to applying aspects. The energy of the aspect builds as it gets closer to exact. Once an aspect involving inner planets has happened, it’s over. Separating aspects are good to know for context, but in terms of energy that is with us today, applying aspects are most important. (This is the case for daily astrology influences involving inner planets, which pass quickly, and not natal astrology aspects, which are with us for a lifetime). THE MOON THE MOON IN CANCER You need nurturing. Under stress you may want to retire to the comfort of your home. You will form a strong bond with your mother. You may have difficulty in breaking away from home later in life. 9TH DEGREE OF CANCER Part of Body: Pylorus Sabian Symbol: A tiny nude miss reaching in the water for a fish. ASPECTS OF THE MOON TRINE THE SUN Orb 1°18′ Separating We are supportive, cooperative, open, genuine, and more relaxed than usual. TRINE MERCURY Orb 5°40′ Applying Our hearts or emotional needs and our minds seem to be cooperating, and we are able to communicate effectively. It’s a good time for publicity, marketing, writing, and studying. OPPOSITION SATURN Orb 1°16′ Separating There could be a realization that is disappointing or depressing, a feeling of limitation, or an experience of being blocked or thwarted now. There could be a lack of warmth and sensitivity experienced now, and self-protectiveness. TRINE NEPTUNE Orb 5°19′ Applying We are turning into the subtle aspects of life – art, nature, beauty, dreams, and spiritual realms. We more naturally accept situations and people as they are. Sensitivity, compassion. THE SUN THE SUN IN PISCES You are an imaginative and serene individual. You need to express your fantasies and imagination, and may be a dreamer or be ungrounded. 8TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Left talus Sabian Symbol: A girl blowing a bugle. ASPECTS OF THE SUN CONJUNCTION MERCURY Orb 6°59′ Separating Thoughts and communications about ourselves and our goals. We are expressing ourselves confidently, directly, and clearly. SEXTILE SATURN Orb 0°01′ Applying We are taking pride in our responsibilities or performance. This can be a time of steady progress and increased self-discipline. We are more inclined to humble ourselves to authority or good advice, and tend to employ traditional methods. CONJUNCTION NEPTUNE Orb 6°38′ Applying Fantasy plays a strong part in your life, either as a creative channel or as an escape. You are ‘other worldly’, possibly artistic or musical. You may be unclear of your own identity. Try to use your creativity rather than escaping through addictive behaviour. MERCURY MERCURY IN PISCES You are highly intuitive with a good imagination. You have the ability to tune into other people’s thoughts. You may have difficulty distinguishing reality from fantasy. You may experience periods where you seem to disappear into a dream world before being jolted back to reality. 15TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Left cutaneous veins Sabian Symbol: An officer preparing to drill his men. ASPECTS OF MERCURY CONJUNCTION VENUS Orb 4°24′ Applying We are more agreeable, sociable, and focused on balance and harmony. Conversations flow nicely. SQUARE MARS Orb 4°16′ Applying Questions are raised, discussions can become heated, and there can be nervous excitement now. Enthusiasm is likely, but may go a little too far. Impulsive speech or other communications. Mechanical breakdowns are possible. CONJUNCTION NEPTUNE Orb 0°21′ Separating You have an imaginative mind, although at times you speak in a vague fashion. You are sensitive to the thoughts and ideas of other people. You are creative. VENUS VENUS IN PISCES You yearn to merge and be at-one with your partner. In fact you want to be at-one with the universe. You also enjoy sharing inspirational activities with your partner, ranging from listening to beautiful music to visiting an art gallery. 19TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Extensor muscles of left toes Sabian Symbol: A master instructing his pupil. ASPECTS OF VENUS SQUARE MARS Orb 0°08′ Separating You may have some difficulty being patient with loved ones. You can be aggressive and irritable when others fail to keep up with your activities. You can be equally impatient with yourself. TRINE JUPITER Orb 4°35′ Applying You have a talent for putting other people at their ease. Your natural enthusiasm is contagious. Your larger-than-life schemes have a habit of always paying off. CONJUNCTION NEPTUNE Orb 4°45′ Separating You yearn for romance within your personal relationships. You are seeking an ideal and perfect partner, who only exists in fairy tales. You become disillusioned with the imperfections of relationships and seek solace in a fantasy world. You need to face the realities and imperfections of yourself and others. Then you will be able to share beauty, art and creative pursuits with your partners. SEXTILE PLUTO Orb 2°06′ Applying We’re a better judge of value right now – who and what are important to us. We might see one another, and our relationships, in a different light. We could reconnect with someone or improve an existing bond. CONJUNCTION CHIRON Orb 8°37′ Applying You have a childlike innocence in your personal relationships, which makes you vulnerable to emotional pain. You fear commitment and rejection. You may experience pain in early relationships, but this pain is usually healed giving you insight and wisdom in later personal relationships. You see the beauty in people who have been cast aside by others, and develop the ability to be a teacher or healer in intimate relationships. MARS MARS IN SAGITTARIUS You are an inspirational leader, and have a strong desire for exploration and adventure. You may be one-pointed in your desires. 19TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS Part of Body: Left femur Sabian Symbol: Pelicans, disturbed by people move their habitat. ASPECTS OF MARS SQUARE NEPTUNE Orb 4°37′ Separating This is a time for resting, escaping, or taking a break as we reconsider our needs. We might temporarily lose focus or direction. JUPITER JUPITER IN SCORPIO You are on an intense search for the truth. You have strong desires for sexual union and joint enterprises. You could be a transformative teacher. 24TH DEGREE OF SCORPIO Part of Body: Nasal septum Sabian Symbol: Crowds coming down the mountain to listen to one man. ASPECTS OF JUPITER SEXTILE PLUTO Orb 2°28′ Separating You have a chance to achieve a great deal. Your knowledge is broad as you are interested in so many things. You may make a career in the occult or studying the deepest mysteries of life. TRINE CHIRON Orb 4°02′ Separating You have the gift of wisdom. You trust your own intuitive nature, and are able to teach others on the spiritual path. You are able to encompass other people’s personal philosophies without feeling threatened, so that others trust you with their spiritual problems. SATURN SATURN IN CAPRICORN Conservation, moderation, definition, structure, simplicity, and realism are themes now. We might also be striving for more authority in a particular area of our lives now. This is a time for making clear choices and decisions, for weeding out what isn’t working for us, and for letting go of lost causes, particularly related to our life path choices, careers, and long-term goals. (from December 19, 2017, to March 21, 2020; and then from July 1 to December 17, 2020). 8TH DEGREE OF CAPRICORN Part of Body: Lymph vessels of knee Sabian Symbol: Birds in the house singing happily. URANUS URANUS IN ARIES The urge to start fresh, to break free from restrictive attitudes or circumstances, to totally redesign an area of our lives (or even our personalities), and to gain freedom through independence is strong during this cycle. (May 27, 2010, to August 13, 2010, then March 11th, 2011, to May 15, 2018, then November 6, 2018, to March 6, 2019). 26TH DEGREE OF ARIES Part of Body: Skull Sabian Symbol: A man possessed of more gifts than he can hold. NEPTUNE NEPTUNE IN PISCES A long-term influence in which fantasy, imagination, compassion, and spirituality are in stronger focus. (April 4, 2011, to August 4, 2011, then February 3, 2012, to March 30, 2025, then October 22, 2025, to January 26, 2026) 14TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Right cutaneous veins Sabian Symbol: A lady in fox fur. PLUTO PLUTO IN CAPRICORN Tests of our boundaries; breaking down and rebuilding structures and rules. (From January 25, 2008, to June 14, 2008, then November 26, 2008, to March 23, 2023, then June 11, 2023, to January 20, 2024, then September 1, 2024, to November 19, 2024). 21ST DEGREE OF CAPRICORN Part of Body: Tendons of left knee Sabian Symbol: A relay race. Chiron, Major Asteroids, and Moon’s Nodes: in Sign and in Aspect CHIRON CHIRON IN PISCES Strong awareness of our own vulnerabilities and humanity stimulates compassion for others. (April 20 to July 20, 2010, then February 8, 2011, to April 17, 2018, then September 25, 2018, to February 18, 2019). 28TH DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Phalanges of left foot Sabian Symbol: A fertile garden under the full moon. VESTA VESTA IN SAGITTARIUS You have the ability to work relentlessly for a cause in which you believe. You need to make sure you do not exclude other people’s points of view. You have visions and enjoy the adventure of discovery in your work. 19TH DEGREE OF SAGITTARIUS Part of Body: Left femur Sabian Symbol: Pelicans, disturbed by people move their habitat. PALLAS PALLAS IN TAURUS You have the ability to see the beauty in nature and the arts. You have much common sense and wisdom. You may become involved in either healing with your hands, or healing the earth through environmental movements. 14TH DEGREE OF TAURUS Part of Body: True vocal cords Sabian Symbol: Shellfish groping and children playing. JUNO JUNO IN PISCES You want to be at-one with the world through your relationship. You crave for the highest romantic ideals within your relationship, and become disillusioned with reality. 1ST DEGREE OF PISCES Part of Body: Right calcaneum Sabian Symbol: A public market. CERES CERES IN LEO You feel cared for when other people play with you and praise you. You like to show others you care for them by encouraging their creative talents and sense of fun. 7TH DEGREE OF LEO Part of Body: Left coronary vein Sabian Symbol: The constellations in the sky. THE NORTH NODE THE NORTH NODE IN LEO This a quest to develop your inner strength. You may find that you experience times of loneliness. These times are part of your lesson to forge your own creative life in order to give generously to the world. 15TH DEGREE OF LEO Part of Body: Right atrium Sabian Symbol: A street pageant. THE SOUTH NODE THE SOUTH NODE IN AQUARIUS This a quest to develop your inner strength. You may find that you experience times of loneliness. These times are part of your lesson to forge your own creative life in order to give generously to the world. 15TH DEGREE OF AQUARIUS Part of Body: Lymph vessels of right lower leg Sabian Symbol: Two lovebirds sitting on a fence. **Conjunctions to Select Fixed Stars on February 25, 2018** Aspects to Pal 13°Ta44 -14°54′ Cnj 14°Ta34 MENKAR — A victim of the Unconscious Aspects to Nod 14°Le49 +16°23′ Cnj 15°Le27 DUBHE Loving but forceful SHARE THIS: EmailFacebookTwitterTumblrGoogleReddit Filed Under: Daily Astrology, Today  « Astrology of Today – Saturday, February 24, 2018 Leave a Reply   Search this website … Search Cafe Astrology Cafe Astrology Home Cafe Astrology Free Reports Recent Astrology of Today – Sunday, February 25, 2018 Astrology of Today – Saturday, February 24, 2018 Astrology of Today – Friday, February 23, 2018 Astrology of Today – Thursday, February 22, 2018 Astrology of Today – Wednesday, February 21, 2018 In this post Full Moon‌ First Quarter Moon‌ The Moon is waxing‌ Tags Jupiter Neptune transit Mars-Pluto transit Mars Ceres transit Mars Chiron transit Mars Jupiter transit Mars Neptune transit Mars Pluto transit Mars Saturn transit Mars Uranus transit Mercury Chiron transit Mercury Jupiter transit Mercury Mars transit Mercury Neptune transit Mercury Pluto transit Mercury Saturn transit Mercury semi-square Venus Mercury square Mars Mercury square Neptune Mercury square Pluto Mercury square Uranus Mercury Uranus transit Mercury Venus transit Sun Chiron transit Sun conjunct Mercury Sun Jupiter transit Sun Mars transit Sun Mercury transit Sun Neptune transit Sun Pluto transit Sun Saturn transit Sun sextile Jupiter Sun sextile Saturn Sun square Neptune Sun Uranus transit Venus-Mars transit Venus Chiron transit Venus Jupiter transit Venus Mars transit Venus Neptune transit Venus Pluto transit Venus Saturn transit Venus sextile Uranus Venus square Saturn Venus square Uranus Venus Uranus transit  Previous  Subscribe via Email Enter your email address to receive notifications of new posts by email. Email Address Email Address Subscribe Current Planetary Positions 2/25/2018 11:36:18 AM Sun 07° Pisces 08' 49" Moon 09° Cancer 55' 01" Mercury 14° Pisces 13' 54" Venus 18° Pisces 34' 04" Mars 18° Sagittarius 21' 42" Jupiter 23° Scorpio 01' 15" Saturn 07° Capricorn 04' 33" Uranus 25° Aries 46' 56" Neptune 13° Pisces 40' 35" Pluto 20° Capricorn 32' 28" Chiron 27° Pisces 03' 31" TrueNode 14° Leo 49' 46" Subscribe to Blog via Email Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Email Address Email Address Subscribe Categories  Archives  February 2018 M T W T F S S « Jan 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 Copyright © 2018 · Astrology Cafe by Cafe Astrology

[char27martin]

How to Craft Query Letters & Other Submission Materials That Get Noticed — Agent One-on-One Boot Camp Starts January 17, 2017

When your submission materials—a query letter, synopsis, manuscript, or book proposal—arrive in an agent’s inbox, they land among hundreds of others. At that point, one of two things will happen. Either the agent (or the agent’s assistant) will like the submission and request more materials, or they will reply with a rejection.

Authors who get rejected tend to fall in one of two categories when submitting materials: they try too hard, or not enough. This Writer’s Digest Boot Camp, “How to Craft Query Letters and Other Submission Materials That Get Noticed” (starts January 17, 2017), is designed to help you streamline your submission materials to stand out in a good way.

Attendees will learn how to write a dynamite query letter, tackle a one-page synopsis (for fiction) and a book proposal (for nonfiction). The instructing literary agents will also explain the importance of author platform in addition to basic etiquette in dealing with an agent and manuscript basics.

Lastly, all attendees will have an opportunity to interact one-on-one with an agent and submit ten double-spaced pages of materials (in any combination—query, synopsis, book proposal, first pages of your manuscript) for valuable feedback provided by successful literary agents.

Here’s How It Works:

On January 17, you will gain access to a special 60-minute online tutorial presented by literary agents Kimberley Cameron and Elizabeth Kracht. This tutorial will provide nuts & bolts advice on how to help you streamline your submission materials—including the query letter, novel synopsis, nonfiction book proposal, and first pages.

After listening to the presentation, attendees will spend the next two days revising materials as necessary. Following the tutorial, writers will have two days in which to log onto the discussion boards and ask your assigned agent critiquer questions related to revising your materials. The agents will be available for a discussion session from 4-6 p.m. (ET) on both Wednesday, January 18 and Thursday, January 19. By end of day (11:59 p.m., ET) on Friday, January 20, attendees will submit up to 10 double-spaced pages for review to their assigned agents. These pages can include any combination of double-spaced query, synopsis, book proposal, or pages of their manuscript.

The agents will spend three to four weeks reviewing all assigned pages, provide relevant feedback and offer suggestions to help attendees improve upon them. The agents reserve the right to request more materials if they feel a strong connection to the work and want to read more.

In addition to feedback from agents, attendees will also have access to “Everything You Need to Know About Literary Agents,” an on-demand webinar by WD editor Chuck Sambuchino.

While we accept requests to work with a specific agent, there are no guarantees that attendees will be matched with their requested agent.

All agents are able to provide critiques for all genres.

AGENDA REVIEW

Tuesday, January 17: Online Tutorials Wednesday, January 18: Agent Q&A 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (ET) Thursday, January 19: Agent Q&A 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (ET) Friday, January 20: Writers Submit Materials Friday, February 10: Agent Critiques Due

(Sign up for the boot camp here.)

ABOUT THE AGENT INSTRUCTORS:

KIMBERLEY CAMERON

Kimberley was educated at Marlborough School for Girls in Los Angeles, Humboldt State University, and Mount St. Mary’s College. She began her literary career as an agent trainee at the Marjel de Lauer Agency in association with Jay Garon in New York and worked for several years at MGM developing books for motion pictures. She was the co-founder of Knightsbridge Publishing Company with offices in New York and Los Angeles.

In 1993 Kimberley became partners with Dorris Halsey of The Reece Halsey Agency, founded in 1957. Among its clients have been Aldous Huxley, William Faulkner, Upton Sinclair, and Henry Miller. She opened Reece Halsey North in 1995 and Reece Halsey Paris in 2006. In 2009 the agency became Kimberley Cameron & Associates.

Kimberley resides and works from Tiburon, California and Paris, France, with many visits to New York to make the rounds of editorial offices. She is looking for exceptional writing in any field, particularly writing that touches the heart, and makes us feel something. She’s been successful with many different genres, and especially loves the thrill of securing representation for debut authors. She represents both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, with the exception of romance, children’s books and screenplays.

ELIZABETH KRACHT

Note: While Elizabeth is on the presentation, she is not taking on any students for this boot camp.

Elizabeth Kracht represents both literary and commercial fiction as well as nonfiction, and brings to the agency experience as a former acquisitions editor, freelance publicist and writer.

Elizabeth’s career in publishing took root in Puerto Rico where she completed her BA in English and worked as a copyeditor for an English-language newspaper. When she returned to the mainland she found her “vein of gold” in book publishing. She thrives on working closely with authors and researching the potential market for new books.

Elizabeth’s eclectic life experience drives her interests. She appreciates writing that has depth, an introspective voice or that offers wisdom for contemporary living. Having lived in cities such as New York, San Francisco and San Juan, Puerto Rico, she is compelled by urban and multicultural themes and loves settings that are characters unto themselves.

In fiction, she represents literary, commercial, women’s, thrillers, mysteries, and YA with crossover appeal. She is intrigued by untrustworthy narrators, tragic tales of class and circumstance, and identifies with flawed yet sterling characters. In nonfiction, she particularly loves memoir and other narrative nonfiction projects that contribute to the well-being of the self or others in addition to niche projects that fill holes in the market, offer a fresh approach, or make her laugh. She also has a soft spot for nonfiction heroic pet stories.

NO: Fantasy, Science Fiction

YES: Women’s, Historical, Mysteries, Thrillers, Nonfiction (all types)

MARY C. MOORE

Mary started her career in publishing as a writer. She graduated from Mills College with an MFA in Creative Writing. After freelancing for two years as an editor and writer in non-literary sectors, she began an internship with Kimberley Cameron & Associates with the desire to learn more about the literary business for her own writing. During the internship she discovered a passion for helping others develop their manuscripts. Now she balances three jobs: writer, editor, and agent, and finds that the experience in each helps and supports the other. She is looking for unusual fantasy, grounded science-fiction, and atypical romance. Strong female characters and unique cultures especially catch her eye. Although she will not consider most non-fiction, stories about traditional dance or pagan culture may interest her. Above all, she is looking for writing that sweeps her away.

NO: Nonfiction

YES: Fantasy! Science Fiction, Mysteries, Thrillers, Historical, Women’s

DOUGLAS LEE

Douglas came to Kimberley Cameron as a writer in 2014 with the purpose of learning what hid behind the curtain of publishing. While completing his MFA, he found that he loved the work both behind and ahead of the typewriter. At this time, his sole focus is representing science fiction and fantasy that stimulates the imagination.

As an agent he is looking for SFF manuscripts that utilize the craft elements of literary fiction and the best parts of imaginative genre. He is seeking novels with writing just as enticing as the story. Subtle and deft world-building techniques capture his attention; as do characters with raw magnetism and confused moral compasses.

Douglas welcomes all SFF sub-genres. He has a soft spot for Cyberpunk, Weird Fiction in the flavor of China Mieville, Steampunk and noir influenced voices. He seeks writers who write against genre and bend preconceptions. LGBTQ based manuscripts are welcome, as are unconventional SFF protagonists with marginalized voices in their world.

NO: YA

YES: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative, Horror and Literary Fiction

LISA ABELLERA

Lisa Abellera joined Kimberley Cameron and Associates in 2013 with a background in management, marketing, and finance. She has studied creative writing, design and business, earning her B.A. in Strategic Management from Dominican University of CA and her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from University of San Francisco.

She is actively building her client list with both debut and established authors. She is looking to form long-term, collaborative relationships with writers who are committed to putting forth their best work.

YES: Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, Speculative or Medical Science Thrillers, Science Fiction, Fantasy, NA, YA and Middle Grade.

AMY CLOUGHLEY

Amy came to Kimberley Cameron & Associates in 2012 with a background in editing, writing, and marketing. She seeks authors with unique, clear voices who put forth smart, tightly-written prose. She is actively building her client list with both debut and veteran writers.

She enjoys literary and upmarket fiction of all types in addition to commercial—including well-researched historical and well-told women’s fiction. She also loves a page-turning mystery or suspense with sharp wit and unexpected twists and turns. She has a soft spot for distinctive, strong, contemporary characters set in small towns. Amy always looks for an unexpected story arc, a suitable pace, and a compelling protagonist.

She is interested in narrative nonfiction when the plot and characters are immersed in a culture, lifestyle, discipline, or industry. She will also consider a travel or adventure memoir.

She is not currently focusing on military/government thrillers, fantasy, or YA projects.

Amy has studied creative writing, journalism, and literature and holds a B.S. in magazine journalism. She worked in editorial and marketing roles in magazine publishing and corporate business before shifting her professional focus to her lifelong love of books. She leverages her background in both words and business to benefit her clients.

(Sign up for the January 2017 boot camp here.)

  The post How to Craft Query Letters & Other Submission Materials That Get Noticed — Agent One-on-One Boot Camp Starts January 17, 2017 appeared first on WritersDigest.com.

from Writing Editor Blogs – WritersDigest.com http://www.writersdigest.com/online-editor/craft-query-letters-submission-materials-get-noticed-agent-one-one-boot-camp-starts-january-17-2017

[char27martin]

Craft Query Letters and a Submission Package That Gets Noticed — Here’s How

When your submission materials – a query letter, synopsis, manuscript, or book proposal – arrive in an agent’s inbox, they land among hundreds of others. At that point, one of two things will happen. Either the agent (or the agent’s assistant) will like the submission and request more materials, or they will reply with a rejection.

Authors who get rejected tend to fall in one of two categories when submitting materials: they try too hard, or not enough. This Writer’s Digest Boot Camp is designed to help you streamline your submission materials to stand out in a good way. It starts on Jan. 17, 2017, and is called “Agent One-on-One Boot Camp: How to Craft Query Letters & Other Submission Materials That Get Noticed.” You get instruction and critiques from the Kimberley Cameron & Associates literary agency.

Attendees will learn how to write a dynamite query letter, tackle a one-page synopsis (for fiction) and a book proposal (for nonfiction). The instructing literary agents will also explain the importance of author platform in addition to basic etiquette in dealing with an agent and manuscript basics.

Lastly, all attendees will have an opportunity to interact one-on-one with an agent and submit ten double-spaced pages of materials (in any combination–query, synopsis, book proposal, first pages of your manuscript) for valuable feedback provided by successful literary agents.

AGENDA:

Tuesday, January 17: Online Tutorials Wednesday, January 18: Agent Q&A 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (ET) Thursday, January 19: Agent Q&A 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM (ET) Friday, January 20: Writers Submit Materials Friday, February 10: Agent Critiques Due

Here’s How It Works:

On January 17, you will gain access to a special 60-minute online tutorial presented by literary agents Kimberley Cameron and Elizabeth Kracht. This tutorial will provide nuts & bolts advice on how to help you streamline your submission materials—including the query letter, novel synopsis, nonfiction book proposal, and first pages.

After listening to the presentation, attendees will spend the next two days revising materials as necessary. Following the tutorial, writers will have two days in which to log onto the discussion boards and ask your assigned agent critiquer questions related to revising your materials. The agents will be available for a discussion session from 4-6 p.m. (ET) on both Wednesday, January 18 and Thursday, January 19. By end of day (11:59 p.m., ET) on Friday, January 20, attendees will submit up to 10 double-spaced pages for review to their assigned agents. These pages can include any combination of double-spaced query, synopsis, book proposal, or pages of their manuscript.

The agents will spend three to four weeks reviewing all assigned pages, provide relevant feedback and offer suggestions to help attendees improve upon them. The agents reserve the right to request more materials if they feel a strong connection to the work and want to read more.

In addition to feedback from agents, attendees will also have access to “Everything You Need to Know About Literary Agents,” an on-demand webinar by WD editor Chuck Sambuchino.

While we accept requests to work with a specific agent, there are no guarantees that attendees will be matched with their requested agent.

All agents are able to provide critiques for all genres. Sign up for the Jan. 2017 boot camp here.

ABOUT THE AGENTS:

KIMBERLEY CAMERON

Kimberley was educated at Marlborough School for Girls in Los Angeles, Humboldt State University, and Mount St. Mary’s College. She began her literary career as an agent trainee at the Marjel de Lauer Agency in association with Jay Garon in New York and worked for several years at MGM developing books for motion pictures. She was the co-founder of Knightsbridge Publishing Company with offices in New York and Los Angeles.

In 1993 Kimberley became partners with Dorris Halsey of The Reece Halsey Agency, founded in 1957. Among its clients have been Aldous Huxley, William Faulkner, Upton Sinclair, and Henry Miller. She opened Reece Halsey North in 1995 and Reece Halsey Paris in 2006. In 2009 the agency became Kimberley Cameron & Associates.

Kimberley resides and works from Tiburon, California and Paris, France, with many visits to New York to make the rounds of editorial offices. She is looking for exceptional writing in any field, particularly writing that touches the heart, and makes us feel something. She’s been successful with many different genres, and especially loves the thrill of securing representation for debut authors. She represents both fiction and nonfiction manuscripts, with the exception of romance, children’s books and screenplays.

ELIZABETH KRACHT

Note: While Elizabeth is on the presentation, she is not taking on any students for this boot camp.

Elizabeth Kracht represents both literary and commercial fiction as well as nonfiction, and brings to the agency experience as a former acquisitions editor, freelance publicist and writer.

Elizabeth’s career in publishing took root in Puerto Rico where she completed her BA in English and worked as a copyeditor for an English-language newspaper. When she returned to the mainland she found her “vein of gold” in book publishing. She thrives on working closely with authors and researching the potential market for new books.

Elizabeth’s eclectic life experience drives her interests. She appreciates writing that has depth, an introspective voice or that offers wisdom for contemporary living. Having lived in cities such as New York, San Francisco and San Juan, Puerto Rico, she is compelled by urban and multicultural themes and loves settings that are characters unto themselves.

In fiction, she represents literary, commercial, women’s, thrillers, mysteries, and YA with crossover appeal. She is intrigued by untrustworthy narrators, tragic tales of class and circumstance, and identifies with flawed yet sterling characters. In nonfiction, she particularly loves memoir and other narrative nonfiction projects that contribute to the well-being of the self or others in addition to niche projects that fill holes in the market, offer a fresh approach, or make her laugh. She also has a soft spot for nonfiction heroic pet stories.

MARY C. MOORE

Mary started her career in publishing as a writer. She graduated from Mills College with an MFA in Creative Writing. After freelancing for two years as an editor and writer in non-literary sectors, she began an internship with Kimberley Cameron & Associates with the desire to learn more about the literary business for her own writing. During the internship she discovered a passion for helping others develop their manuscripts. Now she balances three jobs: writer, editor, and agent, and finds that the experience in each helps and supports the other. She is looking for unusual fantasy, grounded science-fiction, and atypical romance. Strong female characters and unique cultures especially catch her eye. Although she will not consider most non-fiction, stories about traditional dance or pagan culture may interest her. Above all, she is looking for writing that sweeps her away.

NO: Nonfiction

YES: Fantasy! Science Fiction, Mysteries, Thrillers, Historical, Women’s

DOUGLAS LEE

Douglas came to Kimberley Cameron as a writer in 2014 with the purpose of learning what hid behind the curtain of publishing. While completing his MFA, he found that he loved the work both behind and ahead of the typewriter. At this time, his sole focus is representing science fiction and fantasy that stimulates the imagination.

As an agent he is looking for SFF manuscripts that utilize the craft elements of literary fiction and the best parts of imaginative genre. He is seeking novels with writing just as enticing as the story. Subtle and deft world-building techniques capture his attention; as do characters with raw magnetism and confused moral compasses.

Douglas welcomes all SFF sub-genres. He has a soft spot for Cyberpunk, Weird Fiction in the flavor of China Mieville, Steampunk and noir influenced voices. He seeks writers who write against genre and bend preconceptions. LGBTQ based manuscripts are welcome, as are unconventional SFF protagonists with marginalized voices in their world.

NO: YA

YES: Science Fiction, Fantasy, Speculative, Horror and Literary Fiction

LISA ABELLERA

Lisa Abellera joined Kimberley Cameron and Associates in 2013 with a background in management, marketing, and finance. She has studied creative writing, design and business, earning her B.A. in Strategic Management from Dominican University of CA and her M.F.A. in Creative Writing from University of San Francisco.

She is actively building her client list with both debut and established authors. She is looking to form long-term, collaborative relationships with writers who are committed to putting forth their best work.

YES: Upmarket Fiction, Women’s Fiction, Historical Fiction, Mystery/Suspense, Speculative or Medical Science Thrillers, Science Fiction, Fantasy, NA, YA and Middle Grade.

AMY CLOUGHLEY

Amy came to Kimberley Cameron & Associates in 2012 with a background in editing, writing, and marketing. She seeks authors with unique, clear voices who put forth smart, tightly-written prose. She is actively building her client list with both debut and veteran writers.

Amy has studied creative writing, journalism, and literature and holds a B.S. in magazine journalism. She worked in editorial and marketing roles in magazine publishing and corporate business before shifting her professional focus to her lifelong love of books. She leverages her background in both words and business to benefit her clients.

Amy is interested in narrative nonfiction when the plot and characters are immersed in a culture, lifestyle, discipline, or industry. She will also consider a travel or adventure memoir.

Amy enjoys literary and upmarket fiction of all types in addition to commercial—including well-researched historical and well-told women’s fiction. She also loves a page-turning mystery or suspense with sharp wit and unexpected twists and turns. She has a soft spot for distinctive, strong, contemporary characters set in small towns. Amy always looks for an unexpected story arc, a suitable pace, and a compelling protagonist.

She is not currently focusing on military/government thrillers, fantasy, or YA projects.

Sign up for the Jan 2017 boot camp.

The post Craft Query Letters and a Submission Package That Gets Noticed — Here’s How appeared first on WritersDigest.com.

from Writing Editor Blogs – WritersDigest.com http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents/jan-boot-camp