Morning Musing

I just notified my boss that I'd be back to work on Monday...He wasn't in so I left a voice mail. I'm going to email him as well since we have a new telephone system (and it'll take a year before anyone knows how to use it!)

It's far too soon to hear from the agent I recently sent DC too and way far too soon to hear back from Cerridwen about Heartstone. That doesn't stop me from being anxious. I guess it's a right-brain/left-brain thing. Writers always have a high expectation thing going on, especially when we send our babies out into the world. We want only the best for them but we fear the worst. It's kind of like watching your teen take her first solo drive. You know it's something they have to do--but it's scary.

When you think about it, writers and parents are the bravest people on the planet.

Busy Day

I've been cleared to return to work today! In a way, this is bad because I'm now feeling well enough to actually Write but I do need the income (LOL) and the money to go to RWA National this July. A mixed blessing indeed.

A Decision Made

I queried Cerridwen Press about Heartstone today. This baby has sat on the editor's desk far too long. It deserves a chance to live. Keep your fingers crossed that the editor at Cerridwen likes it well enough to want the full manuscript and then likes it well enough to buy it.

Pro

Today, I filled out the application for RWA Pro. This really bums me because the requirement is that you must complete a manuscript and show proof that you've sent it to an editor or agent. The bumming part is that anyone who enters the Golden Heart has completed a manuscript and anyone who finals has had it in front of an editor or agent (granted for contest purposes only but still...). I think the rules should be changed...

And I like to grumble. LOL

By the way

Another bright spot occurred yesterday. Back on Jan 25, I had foot surgery so I've been sporting a cast for six weeks. Well, yesterday the cast was removed. I still have to wear the surgical shoe for a couple more days but, man, this is a whole lot like having a ball and chain removed. Now to get the slightly atrophied leg muscles built up again...

Success Addendum

Well. even with Mozilla, I've got problems with this site. I was able to get in via my laptop with IE 6 but without the latest updates (which apparently are the root of the problem). I may have to find another home for my blog.

On the upside, I just got a request from one of the agents I queried. She wants the synopsis and first three chapters! I'll be sending that out to her tomorrow! That's progress with a capital P .

Success

For the first time since last Friday, I'm able to access this blog! I've no idea what caused the problem but I ended up downloading Mozilla Firefox to use as the browser to access the Dashboard. How frustrating!

On a brightre note: I have two chapters to go to finish polishing DC! Yea!

On an even brighter note: I sent queries to 4 agents yesterday. Let's hope one (or more) of them bite!

Progress!

I've gotten up to page 243 in DEVIL'S CHOICE, tightened here and there, strengthened motivations in spots. I'm still looking for a place to strengthen the motivation of one particular character--an apparent cross between a good guy and a bad guy--to explain WHY he really is a good guy! I'm sure I'll find the exact right spot. Maybe tomorrow...

A little History

As mentioned in my profile, I wrote and published several short stories, mostly in the science fiction vein but a few were also more fantasy than anything else.

Then in 2000, I wrote an unusual blend of SF/F Romance that I entered in RWA's Golden Heart Contest. Imagine my surprise when HEARTSTONE finaled! This same manuscript finaled in the following contests.

RWA's Golden Heart-Paranormal
TARA First Impressions-Paranormal

Unfortunately, it hasn't acquired a lot of interest by either editors or agents but I'm still pushing it. In fact, last October I submitted it to another agent. I haven't heard anything--yet--but hope springs eternal.

After HEARTSTONE, I wrote DEVIL'S CHOICE. That's the one I'm currently polishing (revising isn't really what I'm doing). DEVIL'S CHOICE has been entered in a number of RWA Chapter contests and has either finaled or won. Here's a list:

Golden Gateway 2002 Paranormal
OVRWA Enchanted Quill 2003, Paranormal
Golden Pen 2003, TGN, Paranormal
Ignite The Flame 2003, Paranormal
Molly 2003, Paranormal
MRW Stepping Stone 2003
NOLA Stars Suzannah 2003, Paranormal
Duel on the Delta 2003, Paranormal
Great Expectations 2003-2004, Paranormal
Merritt 2004, Paranormal

When DEVIL'S CHOICE won the Ignite The Flame, the editor judge requested the full manuscript, so I've got my fingers crossed. Unfortunately, after I sent it to him, I realized there were some typo's/areas of weak motivation, so I'm busy correcting those.

After I wrote DEVIL'S CHOICE, I started a new novel--RIDER. I've only entered this one in one contest and it not only finaled but the editor judge requested the full manuscript--which is a problem since it isn't quite finished.

The Molly 2004, Paranormal

This story is definitely a futuristic, taking place on different world's and far in the future. I've got great hopes for it too.

What a Way to Start the Day

The sun is shining--a true rarity for a wintry Michigan morning! Unfortunately, the wind chill is only comfortable for polar bears and we've got ice on the street thick enough to make exiting/entering the driveway a true challenge.

But the sun is shining!