Tag: book

Busy As A Bee

Busy As A Bee

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I can’t believe it’s been a year since I last posted. I’ve been busy getting my book finished and edited and am currently querying after close to two years of work.

Querying is not for the faint of heart which I’ve said before. I value the feedback I might get at the same time I dread the rejection letters. With each new letter I send a prayer and a wish for a miracle. While I love my novel, I realize it will take a special person to see me and my novel for what we are. A promise of things to come? An interesting idea for a mystery?

I know I love what I do and want to share it with everyone far and wide.

Writing is not for the faint of heart.

Keep On Keeping On

Keep On Keeping On

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I’m still here. I’ve been querying my book, to no result. *sigh* It’s hard when you’ve poured your heart and soul into a work and no one wants to see it. I’m trying to keep my chin up while pressing on.

It’s interesting to me too. I’ve begun a few other projects all the while revising and rewriting my original. I get some started but then lose interest. That is until the one I’m currently working on. I’m very very excited about this one.

I’ve also been reading Stephen King’s book, On Writing, and I’ve felt things fall into place in my mind. I haven’t finished his book yet, hello ad/hd, but it kickstarted a desire in me that I haven’t felt since I began writing Giving Cheek last fall.

My life is about to be upended in a few short months as we move to a new state. I’m currently surrounded by boxes and empty cupboards and closets and a laundry list of things that have to be done before the truck comes.

So, I’m figuring out how to mesh the two together. How do I get my writing time in, my packing time, my daughter’s school time, my daughters activities? Something is going to have give at some point and it’s probably going to be the writing. It will be put on hold while life transitions to a new phase.

I’m really okay with that. My hope is that in the fall the girls will be back in school and I will have the quiet I need to dedicate myself to writing and editing and enjoying my new found love of writing. Because I do love it. I am excited about it and I haven’t been this excited in a long time.

So for now, we’ll just say, To Be Continued…

Yet, Still I Press On

Yet, Still I Press On

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There are moments of self-doubt. I admit it. There are days when I wonder why on earth I’m still doing this. I remind myself I’m barely into the process of submitting queries. That’s not that many rejections. Yet. I found my group in Facebook that has touched my heart and uplifted me, and best of all… no drama. One of the things they suggested when I came to them with my heart in my hands and my shoulders hunched, and they embraced me and let me know it’s okay.

They encouraged me to cry and to let it out. That it’s all a part of the process, they remind me of Steven King and JK Rowling and the insurmountable odds they faced, and the sheer volume of rejections they too received. I find my soul revived and my spirit buoyed by their unwavering support and affirmative words.

The truth of the matter is this may never happen for me. Traditional publishing may not be the path that I’m supposed to take, and I have to come to terms with that. I have to be okay with that. For today though, I choose to press on. There are revisions to make to a query letter, and there are many, many more agents that have not yet heard my name.

I choose to celebrate. When I reach 25 rejections, I will find something in which to treat myself. I have chosen to bear my soul to these 25+ people. I have dared to dream something for myself that I didn’t even know I wanted. Something I didn’t think I could ever have.

So, here I am, world. Ready or not.

As always here’s my girl.
Feeling Overwhelmed

Feeling Overwhelmed

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I decided to work on my research for getting published tonight. To say I was in over my head is the understatement of the year. There’s so much information out there that I can’t even begin to sort it out. I found several sites that were helpful in helping me see through the fog. I’m learning just what it is I’ve gotten myself into. I will persevere though. I’m determined to see this through.

I’m cautiously optimistic that Giving Cheek will be published and hopefully the ones to follow. It’s the dream I never dared to dream. The dream I never knew I even wanted. The dream that was just that, a dream. Now that I’m making strides and going for what I want it’s daunting and scary and exciting and nerve-wracking. If I had any fingernails left to bite off they would be gone, but they came off when I began telling Analee’s story a couple months ago. 😉

I’m so excited about this whole thing. I can’t believe it’s me doing this. I signed up for a Writer’s Digest class on the whole publishing thing and hoping it will give me insight on where to go next. I’m hoping it will guide me in the right direction to begin the querying process. I’m simply waiting for the last Beta reader as well as my editor to come back to me. It’s hard because I know this is a busy time of the year, but I’m so ready to move on and make that leap.

She’s always beside me, her 18 years are showing in that, I’ve become her anchor. She feels safest when she’s next to me. I’m her ears since she’s losing her hearing. She’s my baby.
Twitter Madness

Twitter Madness

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For two hours I was tempted to pre-empt the remainder of editing and participate in the current madhouse that is #PitMad.

I’m waiting on two more beta readers, my editor, my brothers review, and by husband’s review.

I wanted so badly to be able to submit something tomorrow and see what happens. I even came up with my 140 character pitch as well as an extended one.

I thought about it late into the night and I just decided not to do it right now. My query letter isn’t ready. I have to wait and see what my Beta readers have to say. I want this to be the best it can be for presenting, even if that means I have to wait until January to submit.

In the meantime I’ll read through it again and work on the next in the series.

My husband and I got these ornaments as a representation of us. We’ve had them for close to 15 years. His is the mirror ball and mine is the hot red pepper.
Celebrating

Celebrating

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I’m on my third trip through, for editing, and I still love it. With each new read through I fall a bit more in love with my characters. Yet, I also have to be objective and ask myself if this is how this person would behave.

I think getting everything out of the way reveals those things I wouldn’t normally see.

This entire process has been educational, and addicting, and I am thoroughly enjoying myself.

I’ve also learned something. I’ve done something that many people can’t say they’ve done. I’ve written a book. I have hopes that it will see the light of day beyond, but until that happens I can celebrate this accomplishment.

I found this and it forces me to be proud of myself. Ha!
Beta Readers

Beta Readers

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I’ve reached the phase where I’m sharing with others. My Beta Readers as well as my Copy Editor and my Alpha Reader.

This quote by Erma Bombeck is right on the money. The anxiety that comes with sharing a part of your heart and soul is intimidating and scary. The people I’ve trusted with this are amazing people, and I know they will do the best job they can do.

Getting closer to being finished. Doing all my research for Query Letters and finding the ones that I feel may best represent me.

Thank you for joining me on my journey.

Editing: Take Two

Editing: Take Two

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Began my second round of editing yesterday. I’m trying to get it done while also juggling remote learning for my youngest as well as running to the ice rink for my oldest. Fixing lunch and running errands also fits in there as well. Did I mention I’m also running to answer the doorbell every few minutes because the playmate for the youngest keeps coming back asking if she can play yet.

I need to include this in a future novel. Ha! Until then I’ll just sit here and edit with my buddy, Boo.

What I’m seeing now as I write. She goes wherever I go. I love her so much.
These Nights Are Late

These Nights Are Late

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Two nights in a row I’ve been up after midnight rewriting. With two girls at home during the day it’s tough to find the quiet to be able to think clearly. I love having them home but momma needs to figure something else out.

Is anyone else having challenges with their writing right now? How have you had to adjust?

Have I mentioned I’m a photographer also? I used to do it as a part time time job. I thoroughly enjoy it. You’ll see evidence of my work here. I try to add a bit every day.