Writing for Contests

Right Now: Listening to One Time by Justin Bieber. Heating up some chicken noodle soup for a late lunch.

With the holidays upon us, and literary agents either playing catch-up or taking time off, I've decided to put my query sending on hold. I'll be back in the hunt mid-January.

Until then, I've decided to enter some contests. Here's why:

1. Writing a short story is a great way to hone your craft.
2. If my story is good enough to get published, it might catch the attention of an agent. (crossing my fingers here)
3. Success will add to my bio. (crossing my fingers again)
4. You can win a nice chunk of change.
5. The most important reason? I repeat, you get to hone your craft and really develop as a writer.

The first contest I entered (last night) was the Writer's Digest Short Short Story Contest. Yes, I said short twice. What does that mean? Simple: the contest is for super short stories. After completing an almost 100K book, writing a super short story (1500 words) was way hard for me. But, I learned a lot from it. I was forced to be really concise with my writing, and to the point. All in all, I think I did a good job. In fact, I love my story and characters so much that I can seriously see myself writing an entire book about them. A series even.

The second contest I'm going to enter is the Boulevard Short Fiction Contest for Emerging Writers. All entries must be postmarked by December 31, 2009. Note: there is no online submission process for this contest.

Boulevard is a very well-respected magazine, and I'm looking forward to writing for them. I have an idea for a story, and since I don't have a lot of time, I'm just going to plunge right into it. If I hear of any more contests, I'll be sure to post them here. Until then!

I LOVE BOOK FAIRS!

RIGHT NOW: It's nice and cold outside! Listening to Meet Me Halfway by the Black-Eyed Peas.

This week is the Scholastic Book Fair at my kids' school. I'm not sure who's more excited, me or them! I seriously LOVE books! And so do they! We even braved the cold and wet weather to attend family night last night. We spent about $80.00. Not bad really considering there was a whole lot more that we all wanted! In fact, I'm thinking we may need to go back before it's over!!

Another YA Contest

Right Now: It's a glorious day today in Houston, Texas. Can't beat that! Listening to Warning Sign by Coldplay (one of my favorite songs of all time). On my third cup of coffee, may need one more!

YA writers, hold your hats! Serendipity Literary Agency, in collaboration with Sourcebooks and Gotham Writers' Workshop, is hosting its first Young Adult Novel Discovery Competition. All you have to do is submit the first 250 words from your YA novel. For more info, and to submit, click here.

The contest ends November 30, 2009. But don't wait, get your submission in now! And good luck!

St. Martin's Press Contest

Right Now: Listening to Linkin Park, Shadow of the Day

For those who don't already know, St. Martin's Press is holding a contest for submissions! They're looking for works that would fall under a category they're calling "New Adult" and I couldn't be happier!

I've always thought my MS falls just beyond YA. Why? My characters are older teens and the story follows them into adulthood. It's definitely a crossover book. Plus, my MS is on the edgy side with issues like drugs, magic and, of course, relationships.

For those who want to enter, the contest ends TOMORROW, FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 20TH. Just click here to read more about the guidelines and, of course, to enter. And, thanks to Georgia McBride for her efforts in making this contest happen. You rock, Georgia!

Thank You Rick Riordan and R.L. Stine

Right now: Listening to Shadow of the Day by Linkin Park. Need to go back into my MS and add something that I just thought about. Working on my query, synopsis and list of agents.

I've been reading as long as I can remember, seriously. I've always had a book on my nightstand, and several others waiting for me on my bookshelf. I even remember coming home from elementary school with the Scholastic flyer and circling all the books I wanted to order. (Thanks Mom for always ordering everything I wanted!) I guess you could say reading is just my thing.

So, now that I'm a Mom, it's interesting to see how my kids are developing into young readers.

Let's talk about my eight-year-old son. He loves for me to tell him stories in bed, the scarier the better. And, of course, I'm always happy to comply. But then, starting last year in 2nd grade, he had to keep a reading journal. Enter R.L. Stine. Yes, my son is a HUMONGOUS R.L. Stine fan. He can't get enough of Goosebumps. We even record all the shows on TV (only aired in October) and search for episodes online. So, to R.L. Stine: thank you for writing scary books! You rock!

Now, let's talk about my eleven-year-old daughter. She's a really good reader. For a 5th grader, she tests at almost the 9th grade reading level. But...she doesn't love to read, and you know as well as I do that there's a big difference. In fact, finding a book for her to read and really enjoy has always been a challenge...until the day she met Percy Jackson, son of Poseidon. Yes, thank you Rick Riordan for finally writing a book that my daughter LOVES! I mean, this is a girl who now tells me she wants to read at night, or before dinner, or instead of watching TV. It's a miracle! I'm reading the books, too and I love them! So, to Rick Riordan: thank you for writing such a fun, action packed series! You rock!

The Importance of Critique

Right Now: It's a rainy day, warm and muggy. Kids should be home from school soon. Listening to Fireflies by Owl City. Oh yeah, just finished my rewrites!

All I can say is WOW! I just finished my rewrites and edits, and I feel fine... And, grateful that I found the right critique person to help me get where I need to be. You know who you are, my own personal sensei, and all I can say is THANK YOU!! I feel better about my writing than ever before!! So, with that said, I want to pass on the lessons that I've learned in the hopes that I can help someone out there.

First, don't send out any queries until your MS is perfect! I don't mean until you think it's perfect, because we, the writers, are so in the thick of things that we can't see the forest through the trees. So, when you think your MS kicks butt, then it's time to find a critique group or partner. Please do not skip this step. Repeat: please do not skip this step.

Your critique partner and or group should know your genre, know how to write well, and have the ability to be honest with their critique. This might hurt, but it's necessary. And if you really want to improve, you will listen to what they have to say!

Then, take this info, and fix your MS. Then, get that query the best that it can be. And have your synopsis ready to roll.

Whew...this process has taken me A YEAR! Yes, that' right, a year. The actual process of writing my story only took about six months. The rest of the time I've been editing, tweaking, revising, and sometimes just plain leaving it to the side. But it's been A YEAR!

The good thing? My MS rocks. My story has angels in it, which, as you may know, is all the rage right now, and on an upswing. (When I started writing, I had no idea this would be the new thing) Good for me. Now I just need to get this story in the right hands. Wish me luck!!

And now...the rewrites!

Right Now: Working on my second cup of coffee. Listening to Kings of Leon, Use Somebody. It's warm and muggy outside.

Today is all about rewrites. Rewrites are like editing, but deeper. More like reworking concepts, changing plot, and stuff like that. Here's my to-do list for my rewrites:

1. Delete the first 3 chapters or so and start with some serious character interaction and paranormal activity.

2. Work on show and not tell.

3. Change the paranormal activity that my main character experiences.

4. Let me repeat, show and don't tell.

5. Change the ending so that it's not too open-ended. Possibly even write an alternate ending.

6. Make one of the characters, Infiniti, a little more edgy.

So, that's my to-do list. It's A LOT, but I'm so ready to get this bad boy done! Once all these rewrites are made, I KNOW I'm going to find my agent.

Death by Synopsis

Right Now: Listening to Never Say Never by the Fray


I've finally written the perfect query and logline for my YA book. Yippee! Talk about a labor of love! The rewrites, the agonizing, the turmoil...I mean, the query will make or break you and I had to get it right! And, I hope, I've accomplished just that.

Now I'm working on the synopsis. I'm having a hard time with it because there's a lot of information to include. I'm worried that my synopsis might be too long. Or, worse yet, not written with enough umph. Anyhow, back to it!

On Writing...and Stephen King

Right Now: Listening to: Mix 96.5

I'm almost finished with Stephen King's On Writing. I can't tell you how much I have LOVED that book. When you read it, it just feels like he's right there next to you, chatting about his writing experiences, curse words and all. It's...real, ya know?

Whenever I read something like this, something instructional, I always wonder what the message is for me, because there's always a message. Well, I discovered three messages in this book. And here they are.

Message One: King says you should shut your door and just write your book with NO interruptions. Don't ask people for their opinions, don't edit as your write, don't think too much about what you're doing. Just write! Let it flow! Let your story come out! (This is exactly what I did with my book. Hooray!)

Message Two: When you're finished, seek out an independent reader who will give you some meat and potatoes feedback. You know, someone who will give you the nitty gritty, even if it hurts. And then do two edits. Make sure to cut out 10% of what you have. (Again, this is what I did, instinctively.)

I've had a few friends/family read my book, but only two of whom have served as my independent readers. First, to my awesome sister-in-law Liz, thank you for all the grammatical critique! (I really needed it!) Second, to Deborah, thank you for your critique on the story itself and some of the major scenes. You guys have definitely made me a better writer, and I can't thank you enough!!

Message Three: While working on his book, King was struck by a van and almost died. He recovered with the help of an awesome doctor, an incredible wife, and his love of writing. Which brings me to the third message. You need to write because you love it, because you find it fulfilling, because it makes you feel whole. Writing is not about the money or the fame. It's about the passion for doing something you were meant to do.

WOW. When I read that, I knew I was doing the right thing. When I started writing, I felt whole again-- fulfilled even. I felt...young. It's hard to explain, but if you do something that you really love, then you know what I mean. On the flipside, I do hope that someone will fall in love with my characters and my story as much as me. That would just be icing on the cake. But for now, I'm loving writing.

Almost Finished with My Edits!

Right Now: Editing

Listening to: Four Calendar Cafe (the entire CD) by The Cocteau Twins


I'm on page 344 of 377 for my edits. Really not bad, except I've hit the hardest part to edit--the battle scene.

In my book, two main characters have a battle. Yep, a full on, supernatural throw-down. I'm taking out all the cliche's and making it more...unusual.

After that, I'm taking a major event from my first chapter and moving it further into the book. Which means, of course, rewriting the first chapter.

I'm really excited, and I can't wait to finish!

Just thinking...

Right Now: Working on yet even more edits. I'm halfway through.

Listening to: Brothers and Sisters by Coldplay


Things I'm thinking about/needing to do:

1. When am I ever going to be finished with these edits??!!! It's never-ending. I wonder how long it takes the average writer to edit their work. Ugh... Maybe I should've hired a professional.

2. I've written about 4 query letters. Trying to figure out which one is the best. I need to run them by my critique group. We should be meeting next week. (I can't wait!)

3. Need to polish my synopsis. I want to be prepared for that agent who emails me asking for it!! (That's me being positive.)

4. I've got a great idea for a graphic novel, but I have no idea how to write one. Gotta figure that out. I already have an awesome illustrator.

5. That's it, I think, for now...

You'll Like My Book If...

Right Now: Working on final edits following a very awesome lunch with my incredible critique group.

Listening to: Who's Gonna Ride Your Wild Horses by U2


As usual, been thinking a lot about my story and my characters. I'm so wrapped up in them, and I can't wait to share them with the world...which got me thinking about my audience. My target readers are older YAs and beyond. (Maybe some younger, too). Is that you? I hope so, and I hope you'll love my characters as much as I do. I think you will if you like the following...

1. The Dollanganger Series by VC Andrews. You know it as the Flowers in the Attic books. I still remember being a young teenager and waiting on edge for each book to come out, wondering what each cover would look like. I was haunted by the siblings who loved each other, right or wrong. But there was something about Andrews' writing that made it all okay in a tragic and haunting way. I will never forgot those books--EVER, and I credit them for sparking my passion for reading. My book will take you to a forbidden love, and then will surprise you with a shocking truth that changes the entire course of the story.

2. The Twilight Series by Stephenie Meyer. Who can deny the impact that these books have had on so many, younger and older alike? While I have to admit I was disappointed with the last book, I was completely caught up in the Bella, Edward and Jacob love triangle. Who doesn't love a messed up romance? The forbidden heat and passion? (Another reason why I love Lost so much.) Of course, my book has a love triangle that is so confusing and complex that you'll have to wait and see who, if anyone, will come out on top. (pun slightly intended).

3. The Harry Potter Series by JK Rowling. To be "marked" and have some sort of higher destiny--talk about pressure. That is a theme in my book. But this person's destiny is tied to the destiny of the entire world, and beyond. You'll just have to see what I mean.

4. The TV Show Supernatural. Two hot brothers vs. Lucifer. So cool that I will say no more.

I could draw more comparisons, but will leave it at that, for now. I gotta do more edits!

Awesome Webinar Today with Chuck Sambuchino!

Right Now: Kids are at school. Cleaning lady is here and she just broke something in the other room... Ugh... I'm afraid to see what it is.

Listening to: My snoring dogs.


I just finished listening to an awesome webinar with Chuck Sambuchino. The topic: How to Land a Literary Agent. I will share some of his wisdom here:

1. Really do your homework on your agents. Google them. Then rank them. Give them what they want. No more, no less.

2. You should have the following prepared before sending your query. (Other than a completed manuscript that has been edited and beta-tested): logline (1 sentence description), a pitch (like a jacket of a book), short synopsis (1-2 pages) and long synopsis (5-8 pages).

3. There are 3 parts to a query: Intro (name of book, genre, word count and why you're contacting that agent), Pitch (the heart of your query where you explain the story and the conflict without giving anything away), Bio (info about yourself).

4. A "no" from one agent at an agency is a "no" from all.

5. If you haven't heard back from an agent, it's okay to re-send the query by pasting it into a new email and saying that you're resending it in case it got caught in the spam filter.

6. Go to conferences! It's a great way to connect with agents! (I need to do this.)

Well, there was lots more, but I gotta get back to work!!

How to Land a Literary Agent-Webinar

Right Now: Jake is crashed out. Olivia and her 2 friends just woke up. (Yes, we had a sleepover here last night.)

Listening to: Chatty girls in the other room. Why do they have to be so loud??



I was browsing the web and came across an ad for this webinar: Land a Literary Agent with Chuck Sambuchino August 27, 1 pm EDT. Just $79!

Here's the description: Subjects I'll be talking about include, but are not limited to: queries, pitching, proposals, synopses, conferences, avoiding scammers, where to find agents, self-publishing, and how to pick the best one for you. Do you know how to begin a query letter to an agent? I'll show you. Do you wonder about contacting multiple agents at the same time? We'll discuss that. Are you curious about how to protect yourself and your ideas from scammers and rip-off artists? We'll address that, too - and more. Finding a literary agent isn't an easy process, but I can help make it easier. Register Now!

I'm definitely going to sign up for this class.

Update on Editing and Querying

RIGHT NOW: Kids are laying on the couch watching Hotel for Dogs. This is their last week of freedom--school starts next week!

LISTENING TO: Iris by the Goo Goo Dolls


So what's new with me? I've made a really cool online connection with Georgia McBride. Her website can be found here. She's a YA author who has also written a book about angels. She is way ahead of me with her agent search, and will probably get one soon! She was kind enough to look at my query and give me some suggestions. I'm super psyched about the changes and will be sending out my new query soon.

I also came across this great site. It has a list of Middle Grade and YA Publishers and Agents updated 8-1-09. It has several names that I haven't hit yet, so that's good!

And, of course, I'm still editing per my unofficial editors Deborah Lawson and Lisa Isgitt. I should be completely done by next week. I'm super excited! All this prep puts me one step closer to my agent. Yahoo!

My Query Letter Approach

Right Now: Olivia and Jake are at Critter Camp. Olivia didn't want to go today, said there was a bratty girl in her group who uses the word 'like' in every sentence. I was like, are you serious? She was like, yeah.

Listening To: She's a Bad Mama Jama by Carl Carlton (a classic!) I'm feeling like a bad mama jama today...


I had one of my friends ask me why I haven't sent more queries. The answer is simple: I'm sending them very methodically.

First, I've tweaked my manuscript since sending my first query letter. Then, I put a hold on queries altogether while I polished and refined my work. Manuscripts today have to be perfect in this highly competitive market.

Second, I'm doing lots of research, following blogs and twitter, getting a pulse for what agents who represent YA authors are looking for. It's the lawyer in me, doing my research very diligently, and it's paying off.

Third, I'm sending my query to veteran agents and new agents. New agents are actively looking for clients. The agent who requested my partial is a new agent. They're hungry, like me. A new agent is more likely to take on a fresh new author as opposed to a more established agent. But don't get me wrong, I would be thrilled to get an established agent. Really, just any agent who loves my story.

So, with all my ducks in a row, I plug along. I know I'm going to find an agent soon. I can feel it.

An Awesome Vacation!

RIGHT NOW: Jake and Olivia are at Critter Camp at the Houston SPCA. I know they're going to come home begging to adopt a new pet. The answer will be no. We've hit our limit in this house with pets. I'm listening to World In My Eyes by Depeche Mode.

We spent all last week enjoying my Up North family in beautiful Traverse City, Michigan. The weather was cool at night, in the 50s, and sunny during the day, in the 70s. Talk about paradise!

We hiked in the woods by the Boardman River, took a pontoon trip to Torch Lake, kayaked, swam, (yes, the water was freezing) searched for Petoskey stones, had some awesome family dinners, and basically just enjoyed being unplugged.

I miss it already...

But now I'm back to reality! And excited to be sending out more query letters! I plan to send out about 5 today. I'm feeling really good about it. I just know I'm going to find an agent soon.

Busy Day

RIGHT NOW: Jake is at a one week away camp. (I really miss him). Olivia and her friend Alexis are just now waking up. (10:20 am) Early for them. I'm listening to Absolute by the Fray.


I've got lots to do today. First, I've got a meeting with a potential new client for Media Masters. I'm really looking forward to it. I'll be seeing a lawyer I used to know when I was on the board of the Houston Young Lawyers.

After that, I'm back at my desk, monitoring the media coverage for the MJ case. And, of course, checking my emails for a response from the agent who requested a partial.

As far as partials go, I wonder how long it will take for her to get back to me. And, should I put all queries on hold until I hear from her? I'm debating that one. What do you guys think?

My First Positive Agent Response!

RIGHT NOW: Jake is at a one week away camp. Olivia is on the couch watching HGTV. I'm listening to Glass of Water by Coldplay.


Most of you know that I've been working on my manuscript, getting it in tip-top shape before I charge ahead with more queries. Why? Because competition is stiff, and my manuscript needs to be absolutely perfect.

To that end, I met with Lisa Isgitt and Deborah Lawson for lunch last Friday. (Both AWA friends) Lisa, a former editor, has agreed to look at my manuscript. Deborah, an avid reader, is going to do the same. How lucky I am to have such awesome friends!

So, I left the lunch feeling great. When I got home I checked my email and guess what! I had an email from an agent asking for my first three chapters!!! Yahooo!!! I'm so excited because that means she liked my query enough to want to see my work. That's a huge accomplishment!!

I reviewed the three chapters again and again and again before sending. Even had Deborah give me her feedback before sending. I made some minor changes and sent it along. Wow...

So now I wait for her response. I pray she likes my work enough to want to see more. And if she does, I will FREAK OUT and do the happy dance.

Whether or not things will pan out with this agent is yet to be seen. But it is, nonetheless, a victory for me!

More Edits...

RIGHT NOW: Jake and Olivia are at SMAC (Summer Music Activities Camp). The house is quiet!


I put out an SOS on my Facebook page and Twitter account looking for someone well versed in the Chicago Manual of Style. (fyi, the CMA is every editor's Bible). Luckily, I found someone who could help, someone I know through the AWA, Lisa Isgitt. THANKS, LISA!!!

See, this whole online networking thing really works!!

Anyhow, I'm meeting with her on Friday and so today I'm working on getting my manuscript in tip top shape for her. Wish me luck!!

My Character Tristan Garcia

RIGHT NOW: Finishing coffee, listening to A Bad Dream by Keane. Jake is at golf camp. Olivia comes home from away camp today. Hooray!

SUBMISSION TALLY: Submissions on hold, pending more editing.

I love all the characters in my book, one in particular: Tristan Garcia. (Described as looking like Zac Efron) I didn't intend for him to be such a pivotal character, but as I wrote, he just took a life of his own.

Initially, he was a minor high school love interest of my main character, Dominique Wells. But when I went more into his personality, he just evolved, springing off the page almost, dictating his role and impact on the other characters.

Tristan is the humble and poor kid who takes nothing for granted; a good Catholic boy who works hard for everything he has. He cares deeply for Dominique, but can never "be" with her, for reasons that you'll see one day when my book is published. They are forced to break-up, but neither one can really get over the other.

At first I thought of limiting Tristan to just the first book of the trilogy, but I've decided I just can't do that to him. So, he'll be back. But in a way no one will ever expect.

Show, Don't Tell

RIGHT NOW: Finishing coffee, getting ready to write. Kids are at sports skills camp. Listening to 95.7 until I put on my mood music: Cocteau Twins- Four Calendar Cafe. Glad it's Friday!


When I finished my book, my word count was just under 100K. Yep, 100K! When I started writing, I worried I wouldn't have enough to say, but instead my story just took off. My plot thickened, my characters evolved, secrets were revealed.

What a great feeling!

Happy to be finished, I handed my manuscript over to my sister-in-law for editing. She used to be an editor and is familiar with the Chicago Manual of Style. She made some cuts, did some red-lining, and impressed on me the importance of showing, not telling.

Well, hadn't I done that??

Taking her advice, I went back to my manuscript and found that I had a lot of fixin' to do. So I cut, condensed and sharpened my writing. But I still felt like my manuscript just wasn't "there."

Then my cousin Jan Burke sent me her suggestions and you guessed it...one of the things she said was, "you might want to go for more show than tell."

Hmmm... I said to myself.

I take constructive criticism well and so I took her advice and picked up my manuscript (after not touching it for over a month) and alas, I saw...really saw what they both meant!!!

I get it now! Really get it!! So I've been editing, and I'm loving it. My word count is about 93K now, and I'm still not done with editing. But one thing's for sure, I'm enjoying being with my characters again and helping them to be better than they were.

I'm an Official Tweeter

RIGHT NOW: Listening to MJ Memorial on CNN, kids are at sports skills camp, waiting for brother-in-law to call when the baby is born! They're in labor right now!


I've been resisting the whole tweeting thing, but went ahead and decided to do it...and I'm hooked!! (you can follow me @roseonprose.) I guess you could say I'm an official social media geek. I'm following 24 people and I have 12 followers. Not bad for just a few days, I think.... All I need to do now is hook up on Skype and I'm all set. Not sure for what, but I'm ready!

As for the MJ case, all is going well. I'm sure there will be a flurry of activity after the Memorial Service, but right now Media Masters is on auto-pilot.

As for the book, well, that's another story. I got some very valuable and much needed critique from my cousin-in-law Jan Burke. She's a rockin' author and an all-around cool person and I am sooo grateful that she read some of my book. THANKS, JAN!! She gave me some tips on writing and now I need to do some more editing before I charge forward with my queries again. I think I might even hire a professional editor, but not sure yet. I'll see how it goes with my own editing.


As for Book 2, I've been neglecting it but need to get back on it because I had a surge of story ideas over the weekend in Corpus. I think it was sitting at the beach at night and staring at the stars that did it to me. There's just something about sitting on the cool sand, staring into the vast ocean that does something to me. My creative juices are definitely flowing. I just need to sit and do it, which is what I'm going to do right now....

Been Busy with My Day Job

Most of you know that I'm a partner in Media Masters. We manage high profile cases for lawyers and law firms. Well...we are working with the law firm of Stradley, Chernoff & Alford LLP, the Houston firm representing the personal doctor of Michael Jackson. To say we've been busy would be an understatement.

So, for the most part, my writing and my search for an agent is on hold. Which, as it turns out, is a good thing because my manuscript needs some more tweaking. I'm even thinking of hiring an editor to read through my book and help me with my grammar. I'll let you know what I decide.

Until then!

Networking is Key!

Right Now: Jake is swimming at Joe's and Olivia is trying to teach Spotty Dotty dog tricks. HGTV is on in the background.

It's not just what you know...but who you know. And I know no one in the publishing/literary agent industry.... So I've decided to change that!

Today I joined the society of children's book writers and illustrators (scbwi). This is a national group of published authors and illustrators and those who want to get published--like me! I plan on attending the local meetings starting next month. In the meantime, I plan on perusing their online communities.

I'll let you know how it goes!

A Very Cool Blog

RIGHT NOW: My kids are swimming at Joe's and I'm listening to Topaz by the B52s.


So today I was doing some research on agents and came across this blog and almost fell out of my chair. http://www.guidetoliteraryagents.com/blog/.

This blog has great tips and advice for the writer (like me) in search of an agent. My favorite feature is the column called "How I Got My Agent." In fact, I even queried one of the agents mentioned in this column and plan on querying another later on. I'll let you know how it goes!

Divisionals Yesterday

Yesterday was a very long day of divisionals for swim team. We got to the pool at 7am and stayed until 5 pm. Wheww... a long and hot day.

Olivia and Jake swam great, and now we've got one more week of training for Red White and Blue for Olivia. After that, swimming will be over and we can enjoy the rest of the summer. And I can continue writing and querying agents.

How Did This All Start?

I've always been the kind of person that's done so much for others that I totally forget myself-- always. Well, a funny thing happened on the way to forty...I decided to do something that I wanted to do. Something for me. And what was that? Writing...

When I mentioned my plans to my neighbor down the street she was totally shocked. She had no idea that I even remotely wanted to write. It wasn't that she didn't know me well enough, or that she wasn't a good friend, it was that I had forgotten my dream. How could anyone even know about my dream if it wasn't even a dream anymore?

I still remember my sweet husband buying me a handheld recorder for my birthday way back when. He knew I wanted to write and he gave me the recorder to help me get started. Now, fifteen years later, I have no idea where that recorder is. But I know where my dream is... and it's alive and well!

So, around Octoberish of 2008, I sat in front of the computer and thought and thought about all the stuff that I wanted to write about. My first idea was to write about my family, and maybe one day I will, but when my fingers hit the keyboard something totally different came out of me. Weird I know. And now, some 10 months and ninety-seven thousand words later, I'm done with Final Life, the first book in my Descendant Trilogy.

I love my characters. I love the story. I just need to find that one agent who agrees with me! Where are you? I know I'll find the right person. So for now I'm continuing to query agents and I've started my second book. Wish me luck!

Welcome to My Blog!

I've been wanting to do this for a long time and finally it's done--my literary blog! Most of you know that I've been spending lots of time writing my book and now finding an agent, but several of you have no idea why I've chosen this path. Well, this blog will detail my journey, beginning with why decision to start writing and continuing through the process of finding an agent.

So please stay tuned, okay? Thanks!