Where next?

So far, I've not received any rejections from the agencies.  I'm viewing this as a positive thing, and hoping I've managed to pass the first hurdle and had my work added to the "To be read" pile.  The thought that it's still sitting in the "Not yet looked at in the first place" pile hasn't even entered my head.  No, really!

Now that I've (finally) been brave enough to send Odd Squad out into the the world, it's left me with the dilemma of where to go next.  At the moment, there are 4 options crying out to me:

1) Carry on with the sequel.  The next two books are already outlined, and I have already written about a third of the first draft of Odd Squad 2.  The problem I have, is that the doubts are creeping in on whether the first book is strong enough.  What if I never get a deal for the first one?  Am I going down a road where the results are never going to see the light of day?

2) Write something new.  There are several ideas for different stories queued up waiting for me to breathe life into them and be captured on paper (or, at least on the screen of my laptop).  I'm thinking of using the Save The Cat framework to map one of them out and see how it develops.  The problem is knowing which one is going to have the strongest plot lines.

3) Go and try and fix Ghost School.  I know that Ghost School has an original and strong story, but I also know that there are some big problems with it.  Should re-visit it?  Wade through the issues using the things that I've learnt while writing Odd Squad and try and make it a viable project?  Some of the areas that need attention, I now know that I have the tools to be able to address their short comings.  But others..?  I get the feeling that maybe I'm not quite there yet.

4)  Go back to bed.  Ok, so this isn't really an option.  Then again, if enough people suggest it then I may give it a try ;o)

What do you guys do when you reach the end of a project?

Taking the plunge

After a month of putting off the inevitable, kidding myself that one more edit was needed, I finally sent my MS, Odd Squad, off to three agencies.
This was one of the oddest experiences I've had in a long time.  In the past I've never had had a problem submitting my work, but that was because I had absolute faith in myself, and massive gaps in my knowledge of what turns a good story into a page turner.
This time, I have invested a great deal of extra time and effort into making it the best I can.  I've applied everything I've learnt, and polished it until it shines. 
In putting the extra effort into my MS, it's made me aware of how far I still have to go in improving my craft, and the doubts have started to creep in on whether my best is good enough to get me onto the first rung of the ladder.  I guess that only time will tell.
The new challenge for me, is to let this one go (for now) and start on the next project.  Do I continue with the sequel to Odd Squad, re-pick up Ghost School, now I've learnt to fix the issues I had with it, or start on one of the half a dozen other ideas that are knocking on the door?
I'll let you know what I choose next week.
Now that I've finished rambling, what about you guys?  Where are you with your current projects?

Cover Reveal: Strength by Carrie Butler

I'm sure you all know Carrie Butler and her amazing blog So You're A Writer.  But, if you don't, you should really pop over and check her blog out.

Today I'm excited to be able to play a small part in helping with her cover reveal of her awesome debut novel: Strength which is released on the 7th March 2013.  (I know it's awesome, because I was lucky to be one of her Crit Partners.)

Well, enough of me rambling on, here's all of the important details, including the all important cover (which I saved 'til last) :o)

Title: Strength

Series: Mark of Nexus – Book 1

Publisher: Sapphire Star Publishing   
Category: New Adult (NA)
Genre: Paranormal Romance (PNR)
Release Date: March 07, 2013

When college student Rena Collins finds herself nose-to-chest with the campus outcast, her rumor-laced notions are shattered. Handsome, considerate, and seemingly sane, Wallace Blake doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, screaming and banging on the walls of his dorm room. Hell, he doesn’t look like he spends his nights alone, period.

Too curious for her own good, Rena vows to uncover the truth behind Wallace’s madman reputation—and how two seconds of contact had left her with bruises. Of course, there are a few minor setbacks along the way: guilt, admiration, feelings of the warm and fuzzy variety…

Not to mention the unwanted attention of Wallace's powerful, supernaturally-gifted family.

They’re a bloodline divided by opposing ideals, two soon-to-be warring factions that live in secret among us. When Rena ends up caught in their crossfire, Wallace has no choice but to save her by using his powers. Now they’re really in trouble. With war on the horizon and Rena’s life in the balance, he needs to put some distance between them. But Rena won’t let go. If fighting is what it takes to prove her own strength and keep Wallace in her life, then that’s what she’ll do—even if it means risking a whole lot more than her heart.

Where to find Carrie:

WEBSITE  |  BLOG  |  SSP  |  TWITTER  |  FACEBOOK  |  GOODREADS  |  GOOGLE+ 

Where to find Strength:

BOOK PAGE  |  GOODREADS  |  FACEBOOK (New!)