The Beauty of Critique

I joined a writers critique group a few months ago, not knowing what to expect from it. It has been wonderful. I have learned a lot in just a few meetings. One thing I have learned is how many people have a writer inside of them. I learn more about stories when I read others. I am going to another critique group that focuses on Young Adult novels. I hope to learn more about that genre by listening to others stories. I think the critique groups have motivated me to really try to become a writer - a teller of stories. More and more ideas for books keep popping into my head. It is great fun!

I will be printing out the next draft of my YA, "Emerald Cage," then do another edit. I think I might have jumped the gate in submitting it to agents already. I will get a critique back next month of my first 10 pages and to help prepare for my next set of submissions.

I have been reading the Bayern series written by Shannon Hale. It gives me inspiration and determination that my YA will get picked up sometime. I recommend the books, Hale is a great writer!

I tightened up my PB "Where Do Missing Socks Go!" I think it is ready for me to submit to publishers and agents in the next couple of weeks.

I started the outline for another fictional novel, but won't get started until I have completed the first draft of "Through Desert Eyes."

Through Endangered Eyes picked

It is so cool when someone picks my book for something. Jim Agnew is featuring my book on his site today. I haven't heard of the site before and I am thankful he linked to "Through Endangered Eyes." Visit his Web site.

I will be working with Kim Zook from her blog ZookBookNook.blogspot.com she is starting a new e-zine that will feature some of my artwork and an interview about my book, it will be on the site TheMotherhoodMuse.com. I will keep my blog posted when that day arrives. It is a wonderful new site that focuses on mothers that are writers, and are interested in nurturing children's connection to nature. I am quite honored to be an upcoming feature on Kim's new site.

I got hooked on a funny picture book idea, so I finished up a first draft of it. It will be titled "Where Do Missing Socks Go?" I had a blast writing something light hearted and joyous.
Here is the opening line to the book...

"If you ask your parents
where the missing socks go?
My guess is they'll answer,
That they'd like to know.

I'll begin my publisher search for this one in September.

Now I have three projects in the wings:
1) Through Desert Eyes - drafting stage NF picture book for 4-9 year old
2) Emerald Cage - completed, looking for an agent or publisher, YA Fiction Novel Fantasy Romance 12 and up.
3) Where Do Missing Socks Go? - completed, Fiction for 3-7 year old

Rejection #2

Okay, rejection number two came in last night. Knife in heart, twist, ugh!

I still have four queries floating out there, and I am sure a lot more research to go. I am going to step away from submitting for a little bit and finish up my commissioned painting.

When I finished my YA I thought I might have a chance at a creative, stay-home career. I know I am supposed to believe that every 'no' takes me closer to a 'yes', but truthfully, there are only so many options out there.

A part of rejection is a momentary lapse of despair. I am in that moment now. The thought of working in an office again gags me. I really want to believe that there is a way to love what I do and earn a living at it.

I have seen people that love what they do and live by it, but more often, I see people just going to work, waiting until they can retire so they can do what they really love to do.

I am not sure at what point I look at my art and writing as a hobby and then find a job that pays the bills - again. Kids certainly have more expensive needs as they get older.

I will send requests of success out to the universe and see what happens. I have to believe that the path in front of me is the one I need to walk.

The fun of submitting to agents

It takes a lot of time and energy to submit to agents, as well as publishers. I am going to exhaust my agent list before I start submitting to publishers. Last night I submitted to Larsen-Pomada Literary Agency. I have 2-4 more that seem to fit my genre that I will submit to in the next couple of days.

Each agent requests information differently. Some only want a query. Others may want ten pages, plus a synopsis. Their response times also differ. I submit to multiple since I know the chance of rejection is high and everything takes a lot of time. I guess I am trying to increase my chances for my book to get picked up.

Once I have submitted to the agents and I am waiting for responses, I will start working on my next endangered species book again. I have also started to brainstorm a humorous book for 3-5 year olds. Of course, the YA and the humorous board book will have to have different publishers. It all keeps me on my toes.