No, really, what AM I doing?
I feel a little silly even writing a post like this, because, really, who cares? But some people have been asking. So that means someone cares. If it isn’t you, feel free to go get yourself an apple or a cupcake. I’ll promise not to be offended.
But here’s what’s happening.
I am seeking agency representation for my early-chapter reader series. That involves a lot of hair-pulling and self-doubt, a lot of Chex mix, and quite a bit more polite rejection than I would care to discuss.
I am working on a book that I outlined (*gasp*) several years ago on a trip to Maine. I know. Outlining. Who knew? But when I started the book, I wrote it in the fashion of Shannon Hale’s Goose Girl. Which is a wonderful, lovely book that I find time to read every couple of years, because I love it so. However, I don’t actually write like that. So I had some heavy feedback* on the first section and realized that I couldn’t do it. (Do you hear that negative talk? Do you? I do.) And then I tucked it into a folder (picture me kissing it goodnight, wedging a bedsheet under its little bum, turning off the light and running away, possibly forever) and ignored it for years.
I recently decided to come back to it, to try to write it in my voice, and to give it another shot. Which I am doing. In my voice. With dashes of sarcasm and irony and food and comedy. But the weirdest thing is that it’s fantasy-ish. Like, the kind of fantasy-ish book that I don’t really write. Until now. So hang on, and I’ll let you know if there’s anything to report. (Fantasy that does not include dwarves {dwarfs?} or swords or dragons, I’m just clarifying.)
Also, Monday I have a job interview. With the Substitute teaching people. So I can work once in a while, on days that I may feel like it. Because I can’t help thinking that it’s a good idea, now that all the Kids are in school all day anyway. I’m strangely excited about it. And I’ll probably need to get some wardrobe, seeing as I wear jeans almost every day in my ordinary life**. Hm. I wonder how much that wardrobe “need” influenced my subbing choice?
And I get to “help with a wedding reception” next week, which as we all know is just code for “gather with blog friends”. Bring it.
And then there’s my first cub scout event since my 35-year-old brother was a cub scout. I can’t imagine it’s worth the nightmares I’ve been nurturing. It will be AWESOME. I mean it.
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So, there you have it. Writing, reading (I have a long list of February books for you), Momming, and all that jazz.
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*There’s a post lurking here about deciding whose opinions will rule your life.
**Not including the hours between 8 pm and oh, let’s say 11 am, when I’m in yoga sweats.
(20) Comments for this blog
I don’t have enough details to offer a solid opinion, but I kind of don’t need them. Based on your other writing, I have to say your budding series sounds awesome and I think your agent is just around the corner.
I don’t have enough details to offer a solid opinion, but I kind of don’t need them. Based on your other writing, I have to say your budding series sounds awesome and I think your agent is just around the corner.
Busy, busy, busy! Can’t wait to get details on all of the above!!
Busy, busy, busy! Can’t wait to get details on all of the above!!
The more nightmares you nurture about scouting, the more of a pleasant surprise it will be!
Happiness is all about having low expectations:)
The more nightmares you nurture about scouting, the more of a pleasant surprise it will be!
Happiness is all about having low expectations:)
Yay for bloggers at wedding receptions!! And I can’t wait to read and comment the HECK out of your post on ‘letting the opinions of others dictate your life,’ cuz, MAN! I’m the poster grown-up for that lately.
And I have a really good feeling about the agents, and your WIP. You’re talented and smart and putting all sorts of good mojo out there – including helping a certain *friend* at her son’s wedding reception.
Love you!
Yay for bloggers at wedding receptions!! And I can’t wait to read and comment the HECK out of your post on ‘letting the opinions of others dictate your life,’ cuz, MAN! I’m the poster grown-up for that lately.
And I have a really good feeling about the agents, and your WIP. You’re talented and smart and putting all sorts of good mojo out there – including helping a certain *friend* at her son’s wedding reception.
Love you!
I am terrified of Cub Scouts. And Boy Scouts. Any kind of scouts really, except for Girl Scouts that sell cookies. Just the thought of Cub Scouting makes me start to twitch uncontrollably. Yes, I know I have two boys and I’ll need to get over it someday. But not today.
I am terrified of Cub Scouts. And Boy Scouts. Any kind of scouts really, except for Girl Scouts that sell cookies. Just the thought of Cub Scouting makes me start to twitch uncontrollably. Yes, I know I have two boys and I’ll need to get over it someday. But not today.
I hear the negative talk. Ignore it. Rise above it. Negativity stems from jealousy… and that guy was just jealous that you are an exceptional writer. So take it as a compliment!
Have you SEEN how many teachers wear jeans to work? And yoga pants? I would NEVER do such a thing… ;P
I hear the negative talk. Ignore it. Rise above it. Negativity stems from jealousy… and that guy was just jealous that you are an exceptional writer. So take it as a compliment!
Have you SEEN how many teachers wear jeans to work? And yoga pants? I would NEVER do such a thing… ;P
Cub scouts rocks (except for the stupid cheers). I think it’s great that you are going to write the story in your own voice! I going back and doing that with one of my projects too. Although I’m not sure how it will turn out. =)
Cub scouts rocks (except for the stupid cheers). I think it’s great that you are going to write the story in your own voice! I going back and doing that with one of my projects too. Although I’m not sure how it will turn out. =)
Is it enough to say that I’m just chuckling because a. it’s funny b. someone else’s truth is always everyone’s truth c. I know some of the insight d. And in general…life is funny-laugh. e. Why does it ask for a website? f. And finally…drumroll…you’re funny!
Is it enough to say that I’m just chuckling because a. it’s funny b. someone else’s truth is always everyone’s truth c. I know some of the insight d. And in general…life is funny-laugh. e. Why does it ask for a website? f. And finally…drumroll…you’re funny!
I started subbing once all of my kids were in school. It is a great way to go because you can say,”No thanks.”
I am sure you will find a good connection with an agent. You have the “it” thing. Big time.
See you Thursday!
I started subbing once all of my kids were in school. It is a great way to go because you can say,”No thanks.”
I am sure you will find a good connection with an agent. You have the “it” thing. Big time.
See you Thursday!
I’m so glad you’re writing it in your voice. I don’t know that you understand how powerful your voice is. I have never read books like yours. (And you make me scream at you and the MC while I’m reading!) Seriously, you’re you. No one like you. And that’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.
I’m so glad you’re writing it in your voice. I don’t know that you understand how powerful your voice is. I have never read books like yours. (And you make me scream at you and the MC while I’m reading!) Seriously, you’re you. No one like you. And that’s a beautiful, beautiful thing.