Wednesday, January 27, 2010

I'm A Proud Inductee

Into the world of writers, that is. I got my first rejection from an agent day before yesterday for my children's mystery story. This morning, I re-vamped my query and synopsis, did some minor edits and sent it out again. Such is the life of the struggling writer!


My online writing class began yesterday. There are sixteen people enrolled from all over the US and the world. I'm looking forward to a great experience there.

Until next time everyone--life calls!

Friday, January 22, 2010

Ah, There He Is!

Over the past few months, I've really felt God working in my life. Quite differently from the previous months. But it wasn't His fault.


You know when there are times that you just don't feel God's pull in your own life? Maybe you see Him in other's lives or you don't see Him at all. You start to doubt that He's still paying attention. You start to doubt yourself, your motives, everything around you. Then, you wake up and realize--you were trying to go at it all alone. You thought you had it all figured out and just didn't bother to consult the "big guy". Why bring Him into it--it's all under control, right?

Until it's not. Then you finally seek His guidance. And He's there, like He always has been. I finally started asking God to help me through this mid-life crisis or whatever I'm going through and put me where He wants me.

And He answered of course. We've started this new "hang-ups and habits" Bible study in church. Of course, just weeks prior, he started talking to me about some issues that I've been stumbling over my whole life. Yeah, He was preparing me for this study. And just yesterday, He opened up a part-time opportunity that I thought I wasn't going to have. So, there's the money I need for my writing class. And I've found a couple of great little websites with like-minded people who are practicing their own writing skills.

I'm truly not expecting instant fame here. Or fame at all really. It may be years before anything comes of it, but I think I'm doing what I want to do and what He's leading me toward. He may lead me somewhere else eventually, but I'm gonna stick with it and give it my best. I know He's still workin on me and I'll probably always struggle with my own "stuff" and stumble on it. But, today, I acknowledge and thank Him for not giving up on me. Even when I want to control everything. Even when I want to give up on myself.

Monday, January 18, 2010

Workin, workin, workin...

It almost feels like a new job now. But one I like.


I've started a few new things this week. I joined an online critiquing group where members can post their stories and get feedback. They have a really nice system set up there. The more you give feedback to others, the more points you earn. You use those points to post your own stories. The stories are set in a queue and when they receive at least 6 reviews or are there for a week, they are moved out of the queue and new stories are moved up. I like it so far.

I also signed up for a paid writing class from a writing school. Class begins next week. Since I had originally intended to start biology grad school this semester, I thought I'd fill in that education gap with a legitimate class to study writing.

Currently, I'm working on a new children's story that I'm excited about. It should be finished soon and I will be sending it out to see if it finds a home. I'm hoping the next few months will bring lots of updates, even if they are rejections.

Thursday, January 14, 2010

It's a Business

Writing, that is. Like anything else. I'm venturing into dark and scary waters and I'm tempted to jump back out on shore. But, nope, I'm staying in. I can swim...a little. I've decided to always keep in mind that I have no delusions of grandeur. I don't expect to be a Pulitzer Prize-winning author. I don't expect any bestsellers. What I do expect is to enjoy what I do and to keep at it a little every day. I expect to learn and learn and learn. To find my own unique "authorial voice".

How does a writer do that? I'm not quite sure yet, but I'm reading a lot about writing. Sounds kind of unproductive, but there is a wealth of information out there in Google-land. Writing articles, critique groups, classes, etc. I'm actively exploring every possibility. And trying to avoid those negativities that tell me I'll never make it. There's a lot of that out there too. Filtering out all that takes some concentration.

But I remember some very encouraging words from my mama, who was a great encourager to me. She said I could do anything if I put my mind to it. That is the key to success in anything. If your mind and heart are not fully dedicated to something, you'll not really succeed in it. So mind and heart, prepare for an on-going workout in this business of writing.


Now, where's my coffee?

Saturday, January 09, 2010

And Now We Wait

I found a legitimate agent this week and sent in my synopsis. Hoping it will be sooner than four months before I hear from her. But I won't hold my breath.

In other writing news, I've joined a neat forum for fantasy/sci-fi writers and hoping to get some good feedback there. I also finished chapter 3 of the 5th story in my fantasy series.

We shall see what the coming week brings. Tootles.

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Ok, so NOT my first agent

Now I have learned that I need to do more research before sending my queries to an agent. I just researched this particular agency tonight and there are many negative reviews that claim the company is not legit. They apparently charge people money for a "critique" after they say they're interested in your manuscript. I still have yet to hear from them, but I will be saying, "Thanks, but no thanks" to them. The search for a legitimate agent begins.

Monday, January 04, 2010

My First Agent...Maybe?

So I've had this children's mystery story that I wrote a few months ago just sitting here--all unedited and lonely. I decided it needed a new home. I did some final editing, Googled a children's literary agent, and submitted a synopsis. Hopefully, I'll hear back in a few days. Even if it's my first rejection, I hope I get some positive feedback that I can use to improve and not just a form letter. We'll see!

Sunday, January 03, 2010

A Writing We Will Go

As of today, I have one story set to publish this spring, two for next spring, and two more to edit and send off. Today, I began my next short story--number 5 in a series set in a fantasy world of my own design. This one, I'm liking so far, hoping it will grow and develop strongly along the way. If you like elves, dragons, action, intrigue, and romance, I think you'll like this one.

I'm also in the beginning stages of a potential novel. Right now, it's a bit daunting to even think about writing an entire novel, but I'm following a snowflake method from this website: http://www.advancedfictionwriting.com/art/snowflake.php I'm excited to see how far I can take it. The plot so far seems pretty interesting, yet there will be much-needed research involved. Hopefully, my brain will hold up to that task.

I'm hopeful about this new year and my new endeavors. I'm not sure what is around the corner, but I hope to enjoy the ride!