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