Sometimes writing takes you by surprise...

...and I have to say that that is exactly what has happened to me. I've been happy writing for children and feel that I'm making small inroads with my work, however, by a share moment of madness I started writing an adult novel.

I read the first scene of this to the VWC, to nick someone elses words, just the best writing circle in the world, and after a brief pause when I thought they were all in shock, the outcome was 'it was the best thing I've written yet! Now obviously as a children's writer this was a bit of a shock, but I've embraced this new story and will endeavour to complete the plotted novel. Nothing ventured nothing gained, so to speak.

But don't worry, my children's work is still being written, and I seems that I can write both at the same time. It must be that they are so vastly different that you couldn't possibly get the two mixed up.

I'm off now to do some more writing. Don't forget to check out the links down the side of this blog. There are some very talented writers there. I've just added Mark Clementson. Click here to check him out - sorry his site: http://markclementson.co.uk/default.aspx

Must dash.

Editing, editing, editing.

Boy! doesn't editing take a long time, and just when you think you've done all you can, you take yet another look and start all over again. That's the problem with writers and artist alike, nothing is quite good enough.

Since last posting I'm had another rejection. This was frustrating as always, but what made this harder was the fact that I'd been in correspondence with the agent and we'd spoken about how comments can really help. As you have probably already guessed there were no comments. So not direction, positive or negative. A shame but something that is becoming more frequent. The conclusion I can deem from this is: A. My work is getting worse. B. My work is getting better, but the market is getting tougher. C. They just don't like it. D. I'm getting closer so it is getting harder for them to comment on improvements, but the work just doesn't suit them.
I guess I'd like it to be option 'D' but I suppose I'll never know.

I am now working on a submission for another competition, and trying to polish, polish to make it as good as it possibly can be. I'm even considering asking the children at school to read two different books to find which they prefer as to which I'll submit. Can you tell I'm getting desprate?

The workshop I spoke about in my last post had to be cancelled due to circumstances beyond the organisers control. They are to reschedule and have asked if I would still be happy to run a workshop. They are currently thinking of the end of JUNE or JULY. what I've got planned should be good. I'm now looking to find other organisations to offer workshops too adult or children's. Each session would be for an hour and should all be eventful but challenging.

So I'm now off to get back to the editing.

Toward the end and Creating workshops

Phew! what a week. I've been busily editing Silence Boy! (9+ novel). I'm wondering now if I've over edited and made the story flat. I've passed it on to one of my dependable readers and hope that he finds it enjoyable.
I'm always worried about something when I'm editing. Usually my books have great openings and brilliant endings, but can sometimes have a saggy middle. This is normally corrected with good strong editing. This is always tough, as I hate cutting lumps out, but the manuscript is often the better for it.

I should have this manuscript back in a few days with copious notes I'm sure.

So I'm off now to start preparing for the Federation of Children's Book Clubs May party. I've been asked by the St. Albans branch of FCBC to lead two workshops for the children attending. Now to get my thinking cap on and get creative. I'm looking to make them visual, interactive and most of all great fun. The key to any workshop has to be the fun factor. I'm looking forward to this immensely. so I'm off now to get stuck in.

Still submitting.

It's been a while since I've posted, but I've been busy writing. Since the Get Writing Conference in St. Albans, Hertfordshire, I've been honing four of my manuscripts for submission to an agent.

Unfortunately the agent isn't interested in my fantasy work, but was keen to see some of my contemporary and humours work. I have therefore submitted the four samples. Two of the manuscripts are complete, but will probably need another edit, they usually do. I've also sent the first chapters of my current work. I did have to submit synopses too, which I hate having to write, but I know I'm not alone in this. Most of my writing friends also find them difficult. I think this is because as writers we make are characters come alive, they are interesting and imaginative and drag us into their world. However, when writing a synopsis you have to keep it brief, and factual and the story in a matter of fact way. I find this very difficult. One day I might get the hang of it.

Whilst I'm waiting for a response I'm continuing with my new manuscripts in hope that the agent will find something in the work I've sent that she loves and will want to work with me.

Must dash, as I'm off to write.

A glorious day.

It's been a glorious day, not only because of the sun shinning down on us, but because today was the third Verulam Writers Day. About 5o delegates were in attendance. Those I spoke too felt they had come away with new ideas, greater understanding and an urge to go away and get writing.

We were all inspired by our keynote speakers: Barry Cunningham - editor and MD of The Chicken House publishing house, John Jarrold - literary agent of 35 years and Jonathan Pegg - independent literary agent.

During the day delegates were able to pitch their work to the relevant speakers. This was a nervous time for many, but I believe everyone found this opportunity a welcome challenge towards their goal for publication. After all, that is why people like me attend events these. Networking is all part of the learning curve and will, one day, lead to something very special indeed.

For myself, I've now got to take another critical look at my manuscripts, to ensure that they are of the highest standard I can get them before I start sending them out. I know that I'll be required to do more reworking, even after it has been accepted somewhere. There is always room for improvement.

I'm off now to get back to plotting out another story, which will sit in my pile of ideas, that may one day find they have turned from ideas, into a novel.

Susan

It's 2009 and I've not blogged yet!

It has been an age since I've posted on my blog and for that I am sorry. It isn't because I've not been writing for that is exactly what I've been doing.

I'm attending a writing day in February and have the chance to pitch to a publisher. With this in mind I've been working on honing my three books - Intergalactic Orksnog, Blades of Time and Troggle School. Which am I going to pitch? Well that is still undecided. I love them all and feel they are each unique, with either lots of slime & gunge, or mystery & mystical moments, or a mix of all of these aspects and more.

Writing a pitch and brief synopsis is difficult as always. I want to tell the whole story, but need to condense it to the bare bones. I need to work out what to leave in and what to take out - never easy.

So, I'm off now to work on my pitches and will let you know how it all goes later.

After all the hard work it's ...

After all the hard work it’s...
I’ve been spending a lot of time working on a prologue to my novel ‘Blades of Time’ and putting together a longer, more in-depth synopsis.
Like most of us, I find the synopsis the hardest part of preparing a book proposal. Normally I’ve managed to complete a short, concise synopsis, which usually tells the story, however this time it didn’t tell the whole story so I was asked by an agent to make the synopsis longer and more detailed. I did this and it was okay, only when I sent it although she said the prologue really worked well and set up the book well, and the synopsis was clear and I’ve obviously worked hard, but it wasn’t for her.

I’ve been informed that Cornerstones are offering to read the first five pages and synopsis of a novel for free and are willing to give feedback of sorts. I think I’ll send this off there and see what happens. This will mean cutting down the synopsis by half, as it has to be on one side of A4 only. More work to do, but one day. One day I’ll get the publishing deal I want and start to earn from my writing.

So I’m off now to write, nothing new there then, and I’ll let you know if anything happens with the writing.