I'm enjoying writing more than one story. And, my oh my, are they ever different.
Since the trashing of the turtle story, I have started it over. It's written for children six to eight years old. I am trying to write an engaging piece that incorporates facts about the nesting loggerhead turtle. I have a week and a half to perfect it so my critique group won't throw me under the bus. AGAIN. But, I rather have them do it than send an editor a mediocre manuscript.
The other story is an adult novel about addiction, prison and lost dreams. It is heavy and heart wrenching. This story is written by not only me, but my daughter and my son. Not sure where this book will go, but it is good to dig deep into my soul for this one.
Thursday, August 30, 2012
Monday, August 27, 2012
NEVER
I learned something Saturday. NEVER go to your critique group when you have an average story and you are sick.
I'm trying to write a story for Highlights. I thought I had a good start and needed some direction. What I didn't expect was to get my story trashed.
The last time something like that happened I couldn't write for six months. I berated myself and wondered why I ever jumped into this profession. This time it lasted only 24 hours. WHEW!!
My story, TURTLE TRACKS, is the type that Highlights publishes. It's what my muse is pushing me towards. And, my critique group nudged me a bit further. So, this morning I opened up Word and started all over again. I may NEVER be able to get this one right, but at least I'm going to try.
Will I take it back to the critique group? I have to if I want it perfect. If they trash it again, I will have a heart-to-heart with my muse and see if she can point me in another direction.
BTW: Survived my first non-hurricane by myself. This will be my fourth one since moving to Florida. Just a bit of rain and a lot of wind. My problem now is how to get this huge aloe plant back on my balcony. It started, like my stories, as a little pup and is now a grown into the biggest plant EVER!!
I'm trying to write a story for Highlights. I thought I had a good start and needed some direction. What I didn't expect was to get my story trashed.
The last time something like that happened I couldn't write for six months. I berated myself and wondered why I ever jumped into this profession. This time it lasted only 24 hours. WHEW!!
My story, TURTLE TRACKS, is the type that Highlights publishes. It's what my muse is pushing me towards. And, my critique group nudged me a bit further. So, this morning I opened up Word and started all over again. I may NEVER be able to get this one right, but at least I'm going to try.
Will I take it back to the critique group? I have to if I want it perfect. If they trash it again, I will have a heart-to-heart with my muse and see if she can point me in another direction.
BTW: Survived my first non-hurricane by myself. This will be my fourth one since moving to Florida. Just a bit of rain and a lot of wind. My problem now is how to get this huge aloe plant back on my balcony. It started, like my stories, as a little pup and is now a grown into the biggest plant EVER!!
Saturday, August 18, 2012
ACCEPTANCE
I received another acceptance -- HOW COOL IS THAT!
Knowonder, an e-website for children, sent me an e-mail yesterday telling me that they accepted my story, PIPER PARROTS PREDICAMENT. I should hear from them shortly as to the date of e-publication. I'll let you know.
I'm struggling with a story I'm trying to write for Highlights. Where is my muse when I need her. Even walking -- my best activity to come up with ideas is not helping. Perhaps it's not to be. But, gosh, it's a good story and perfect for Highlights. I have until January to create it...so wish me luck.
Knowonder, an e-website for children, sent me an e-mail yesterday telling me that they accepted my story, PIPER PARROTS PREDICAMENT. I should hear from them shortly as to the date of e-publication. I'll let you know.
I'm struggling with a story I'm trying to write for Highlights. Where is my muse when I need her. Even walking -- my best activity to come up with ideas is not helping. Perhaps it's not to be. But, gosh, it's a good story and perfect for Highlights. I have until January to create it...so wish me luck.
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
CONTEST
I enter contests!
Why?
Why not!
The latest one is from Writers Digest. Check it out. http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents
I am going to send in the first 165 words -- as they requested -- of my middle grade novel, OPEN DOORS. Keep your fingers crossed. It's a good book, but I worry about the beginning. I've changed it more times than I should. Every time I attend an SCBWI conference, some writer/editor/expert goes on and on about how to start/write a first sentence.
"If an agent/editor doesn't like the first page, you're manuscript is toast." I'm told this over and over. Scares me. So I rush to my computer and add, subtract, edit, and revise my story to death.
My bother -- you know -- the one that eats dirt is visiting me. He has been doing the same thing to his YA novel. The one he self-published. Evidently he can go into some link and change it at will. Yesterday he asked, "When do you know it's done?"
I said, "It's done when you make the decision to stop adding, subtracting, editing, and revising."
The main reason I enter contests is practice. I love the challenge of coming up with an idea and then molding it into a story. I figure I'm a winner either way. If I don't win the contest I have a picture book or magazine article ready to submit.
How cool is that!
Why?
Why not!
The latest one is from Writers Digest. Check it out. http://www.writersdigest.com/editor-blogs/guide-to-literary-agents
I am going to send in the first 165 words -- as they requested -- of my middle grade novel, OPEN DOORS. Keep your fingers crossed. It's a good book, but I worry about the beginning. I've changed it more times than I should. Every time I attend an SCBWI conference, some writer/editor/expert goes on and on about how to start/write a first sentence.
"If an agent/editor doesn't like the first page, you're manuscript is toast." I'm told this over and over. Scares me. So I rush to my computer and add, subtract, edit, and revise my story to death.
My bother -- you know -- the one that eats dirt is visiting me. He has been doing the same thing to his YA novel. The one he self-published. Evidently he can go into some link and change it at will. Yesterday he asked, "When do you know it's done?"
I said, "It's done when you make the decision to stop adding, subtracting, editing, and revising."
The main reason I enter contests is practice. I love the challenge of coming up with an idea and then molding it into a story. I figure I'm a winner either way. If I don't win the contest I have a picture book or magazine article ready to submit.
How cool is that!
Saturday, August 11, 2012
WAITING
I am waiting.
I have entered three contests and am waiting to hear the results. They will be disclosed sometime in October.
I presently have ONLY LOSER CRY at a publishing company and am waiting for the first editing. I should see some progress by October.
I have decided to enter another contest. I have the title of the story, THE WALKING TREE. I am waiting for inspiration. I know what I want to say, just not sure how to say it. Perhaps by October something will materialize.
I am starting another novel, THE DAY THE BIRDS STOPPED SINGING. I have a great beginning. I am just waiting for the middle to show up. Do you think it will in October?
Hmmm, there seems to be a pattern here.
Good thing I am adept at WAITING.
I have entered three contests and am waiting to hear the results. They will be disclosed sometime in October.
I presently have ONLY LOSER CRY at a publishing company and am waiting for the first editing. I should see some progress by October.
I have decided to enter another contest. I have the title of the story, THE WALKING TREE. I am waiting for inspiration. I know what I want to say, just not sure how to say it. Perhaps by October something will materialize.
I am starting another novel, THE DAY THE BIRDS STOPPED SINGING. I have a great beginning. I am just waiting for the middle to show up. Do you think it will in October?
Hmmm, there seems to be a pattern here.
Good thing I am adept at WAITING.
Thursday, August 2, 2012
FOR STARTERS
All my finished manuscripts -- are polished and submitted. What next, I ask myself?
I decided to comb through my many "started" stories. Most are good, just in various stages of completion. Unfortunately I don't know where they are going. Some have beginnings, some even have middles and then there are the ones I know how they end, just can't figure out how they begin.
My brother is here -- the one that eats dirt. I think I will declare one day of his visit as a writing marathon and we can help each other. He's a high school English teacher (with a Ph.D.) and a writer -- great combination. Perhaps we can collaborate.
We have a bet to see who publishes a book first. If we collaborate, who wins?
I decided to comb through my many "started" stories. Most are good, just in various stages of completion. Unfortunately I don't know where they are going. Some have beginnings, some even have middles and then there are the ones I know how they end, just can't figure out how they begin.
My brother is here -- the one that eats dirt. I think I will declare one day of his visit as a writing marathon and we can help each other. He's a high school English teacher (with a Ph.D.) and a writer -- great combination. Perhaps we can collaborate.
We have a bet to see who publishes a book first. If we collaborate, who wins?
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