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?
Monday, 24 September 2012
Monday, 17 September 2012
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?
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?
Monday, 10 September 2012
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)
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
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.
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:
Where to find Strength:
Monday, 13 August 2012
Pleasantly Surprised
The British can have a tendency to be a bit cynical about large events, and have in the past made some half arsed attempts at things, with the end result being rather naff.
With the Olympics, I fully expected the same kind of half arsed performance and finding myself slightly embarrassed when we failed to step up to the mark. However, for the past two weeks, I have been pleasantly surprised at the incredible show that we've put on. From the typically British opening ceremony, to the fantastic venues, the organisation, the enthusiastic Games Makers (volunteers), to the closing ceremony, it has shown that when we make a bit of an effort, we can be up there with the best in the world.
I've also been blown away by the Herculean efforts of all of the athletes. There are some awesome role models among them, that have achieved their status by hard graft. It's so refreshing to have real hero's rather than the recent idiots we seem to get who are famous for being famous.
I'm very proud to be British :o)
With the Olympics, I fully expected the same kind of half arsed performance and finding myself slightly embarrassed when we failed to step up to the mark. However, for the past two weeks, I have been pleasantly surprised at the incredible show that we've put on. From the typically British opening ceremony, to the fantastic venues, the organisation, the enthusiastic Games Makers (volunteers), to the closing ceremony, it has shown that when we make a bit of an effort, we can be up there with the best in the world.
I've also been blown away by the Herculean efforts of all of the athletes. There are some awesome role models among them, that have achieved their status by hard graft. It's so refreshing to have real hero's rather than the recent idiots we seem to get who are famous for being famous.
I'm very proud to be British :o)
Monday, 6 August 2012
A Self Help Book Tale
As you may already know, I'm getting close to finishing my revisions for Odd Squad, and teetering on the edge of making my first round of submissions. The closer I get, the more nervous I'm becoming about sending it off.
So, in an attempt to make sure I don't miss something critical, I've been reading a book that I picked up recently called: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King.
The book covers a wide range of areas to look at, and provides a good selections of examples to back up the lesson. On a personal note, I was quite pleased and re-assured that I knew most of the things mentioned, but it also helped sharpen and remind me of things to check on my (hopefully) final round of revisions. It's been a great help.
What about you guys? Have you found something that has helped you edit your work?
So, in an attempt to make sure I don't miss something critical, I've been reading a book that I picked up recently called: Self-Editing for Fiction Writers by Renni Browne and Dave King.
The book covers a wide range of areas to look at, and provides a good selections of examples to back up the lesson. On a personal note, I was quite pleased and re-assured that I knew most of the things mentioned, but it also helped sharpen and remind me of things to check on my (hopefully) final round of revisions. It's been a great help.
What about you guys? Have you found something that has helped you edit your work?
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
An Imaginary Problem?
I'm hoping that this post doesn't come over as a whingeing entry.
You see, I'm struggling with the latest rounds of edits. The first few rounds were quite straight forward. The repeated words, the glaringly obvious telling rather than showing. You know the drill. The next phase was made simple by my fantastic Crit Partners who pointed out things I'd missed, or suggesting neater and cleverer ways of putting something across.
It's now, with what I'm hoping are the final rounds, that I'm having problems. I'm trying to concentrate on one specific area at a time and weed out the last few remaining bits, that when fixed, should make my MS shine brighter than a shiny thing that really shines. You know the thing, making sure that the showing is done in the best way, that the perspective is close to the protagonist when it needs to be close, and steps back a bit when required, etc...
I know what to do. It's just that when I start reading, it starts off good, I notice a bit here, make a change there, and then...I've read five or six pages and haven;t even noticed that I'm turning the pages.
I'm immersed in the story.
I keep trying to kid myself that I'm turning the pages because it's good, and carrying me along, but there's another voice just under the surface who keeps reminding me that I know the story so well that I'm reading what I want to read and not seeing any problems.
So... the big question of the day is...
How do you guys get past this? Or, do you even have this problem?
You see, I'm struggling with the latest rounds of edits. The first few rounds were quite straight forward. The repeated words, the glaringly obvious telling rather than showing. You know the drill. The next phase was made simple by my fantastic Crit Partners who pointed out things I'd missed, or suggesting neater and cleverer ways of putting something across.
It's now, with what I'm hoping are the final rounds, that I'm having problems. I'm trying to concentrate on one specific area at a time and weed out the last few remaining bits, that when fixed, should make my MS shine brighter than a shiny thing that really shines. You know the thing, making sure that the showing is done in the best way, that the perspective is close to the protagonist when it needs to be close, and steps back a bit when required, etc...
I know what to do. It's just that when I start reading, it starts off good, I notice a bit here, make a change there, and then...I've read five or six pages and haven;t even noticed that I'm turning the pages.
I'm immersed in the story.
I keep trying to kid myself that I'm turning the pages because it's good, and carrying me along, but there's another voice just under the surface who keeps reminding me that I know the story so well that I'm reading what I want to read and not seeing any problems.
So... the big question of the day is...
How do you guys get past this? Or, do you even have this problem?
Monday, 23 July 2012
Who are you? And what have you done with my WIP?
I'm coming to the end of yet another round of revisions on my WIP, and it's interesting to look back and see how my attitude has changed towards this process.
Initially, it was a chore.
With previous WIP's, the thrill of getting the idea out of my head into something tangible is always an enjoyable part. The way that the details present themselves as you expand on an idea and the story starts to run away from you as it gains momentum, gives me a really good buzz. But the revisions...? These always seemed to be a long slog.
This book, however, has changed everything. It's probably because I've learnt so much while writing and editing it, but the revisions have been fun, and every change has made me feel like I'm getting closer to making this piece a viable candidate for publication. It's also because I have some great Crit partners who have made the process so enjoyable. Being able to discuss some of the changes to find the best way of wording something or the most impact has helped considerably.
This morning, it struck me that I'm going to reach a point where I feel the book is where I want it to be. Obviously, that's when I'll be trying to get someone else to think the same. So, for arguments sake, if I do manage to get a book deal and the editor starts to suggest changes, will they be taking my book to somewhere new that isn't where I left it?
The big question is..... do authors who get their work published still feel as connected with their work, or do they feel it's been hi-jacked to make it as commercially successful as possible?
Initially, it was a chore.
With previous WIP's, the thrill of getting the idea out of my head into something tangible is always an enjoyable part. The way that the details present themselves as you expand on an idea and the story starts to run away from you as it gains momentum, gives me a really good buzz. But the revisions...? These always seemed to be a long slog.
This book, however, has changed everything. It's probably because I've learnt so much while writing and editing it, but the revisions have been fun, and every change has made me feel like I'm getting closer to making this piece a viable candidate for publication. It's also because I have some great Crit partners who have made the process so enjoyable. Being able to discuss some of the changes to find the best way of wording something or the most impact has helped considerably.
This morning, it struck me that I'm going to reach a point where I feel the book is where I want it to be. Obviously, that's when I'll be trying to get someone else to think the same. So, for arguments sake, if I do manage to get a book deal and the editor starts to suggest changes, will they be taking my book to somewhere new that isn't where I left it?
The big question is..... do authors who get their work published still feel as connected with their work, or do they feel it's been hi-jacked to make it as commercially successful as possible?
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