Query and Writing Progress

I have sent ten queries out to agents this last week.  I've already gotten one polite rejection.  I am doing more research and lining up my next batch of agents to query, and will start sending those out on Monday. 

I love querytracker.

I've gotten over 12,000 of All business written, but stalled after coming down with a terrible cold that has sapped all of my energy.  I've been focusing on the query letters until I get healthy.  I'm hoping to get back to writing by Monday at the latest.  I'd love to have the rough draft of this story done before Sept. 1.  I have some betas and crit partners ready to read it as soon as I get the rough draft self-edited.  I would love to have this story submitted to epubs by the November so I can concentrated on NaNoWriMo.

Writing Inspiration ~ Where Do You Get Yours?

It’s difficult for me to explain inspiration or what prods me to write, but I do know my writing is richer and more layered when I am inspired to write as opposed to when I force myself to write.  With the start of this new story, I have been attempting to push myself to write.  I somehow manage during NaNoWriMo to push myself and write a set amount of words everyday and I’m doing okay with this new story.  The one thing I have been doing is taking mini breaks to grasp for more inspiration.

I find inspiration in many places.

Movies.  There are a few movies I have set aside to watch because they churn up inspiration in my gut.  Some of these movies I know by heart now, and I can just watch a particular scene to get that feeling.  I’ve noticed that most of these movies have a similar plot.  The number one movie that I watch for inspiration is The Cutting Edge.  There are so many scenes in it that move me.  Others on my list are:  The Proposal, Love Actually, The Breakfast Club, Pretty in Pink, Step Up, Real Genius, Drop Dead Fred.

Buy It at Amazon!

What I’ve noticed about my list is that it says something about me.  I’m not much of an intellectual.  My list does not include smart movies with complex plots and there isn’t a sober, depressing one in the bunch.  There might be a bit of drama, but the emphasis is on the relationships or the fun.

Where do you get your inspiration from?

New Project Started ~ All Business

I'm thrilled to report that I have started a new story.  The idea came to me quite some time ago, but I had too many other things going at the time to do much more than write down basic notes.  About a paragraph's worth.

Last night, I used a form that Kendal Ashby had sent me once when we were exchanging chapters.  She's an awesome critique partner, by the way.  I was able to fill out the form, which included character sketches, conflict notes, a story blurb, scenes that must be in the story, the black moment and the end scene notes.

And better than all of that!  I was able to get the first chapter written.  I'm stoked!  Like, totally.  I credit the Romance Diva chat room for helping me to get the second half of the chapter written.  I love those timed challenges.

The working title for this 25,000 word novella is All Business. I shall keep everyone posted of my progress as I plod along.  :)







All Business

Is Giddy-Happy 'Cause I Won Some Stuff!

I used to be able to say that I never win anything, but can't now.  In the last two weeks I've won three great prizes by just commenting on a blog or forum post.

I  was thrilled to win a copy of Moving Target by Rosalie Stanton.  I love this author's clean, engaging writing and this newest novella did not disappoint.  You can pre-order it here.



Yesterday was the start of the NGTCC over at Romance Divas.  I commented on three door prize posts and won two of them!  An ebook from author David Bridger entitled Beauty and the Bastard.  I'm halfway done with it now.  It is very interesting to read a romance novel written by a man.  The writing is clear and the story is really good.  So good that I didn't get to sleep until two in the morning.

I also won a synopsis and first three chapters critique from Golden Heart Finalist, Cynthia Justlin.  I'm really excited about this one. 

Getting Ready to Query Literary Agents

I'm going to try using Query Tracker to keep track of queries that I send out.  I really like how the website is set up.  I'll be able to keep track of who I have sent a query to and when I get a rejection.  I really love how they have a place to paste in the exact query letter sent to the agent, because while the blurb section will always be the same, each query will need to be personalized and I like the idea of being able to see exactly what I sent to different agents.

I have used Query Tracker to find some of the agents I plan to send the first wave a queries to, but I have also found agents in other ways and went back to tracker and added them in to my personal list.  I've found agents in forum posts and on other writer's blogs.  I pay attention when someone praises their agent and then I look them up and see if they would be a good fit for me.  

If all goes well, I will start sending out queries in the next few days.  *bites nails*

My New Blog ~ What to Expect

Every author should have a web presence.  At least that's the advice I see while lurker on writing forums.  So, here I am.  Present and accounted for.

It is my intention to update this blog on a regular basis.  I would like to point others to good writing sources online and great authors.  I'd also like to discuss all aspects of writing and keep everyone updated on the progress of my writing.  There shall be many posts about my quest for an agent.  Most of those posts will be non-whiny ones about the rejections I know will start coming in.

Hopefully, there will also be some excited posts about requests for partials or full manuscripts.  And one day in the future, I expect to post about getting that agent, getting a publishing contract and more.  There shall be excited posts with cover art and dates for when the book is available!  I can't wait!

I write Young Adult novels and Contemporary or Paranormal Romances.  I'll save my chit-chat about projects that I have ongoing for another post.