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.

Autumn Escape Writers Retreat

A place to sit and write. No distractions... just a weekend of writing.

I thought some of you might be interested in this writers retreat weekend. It is being hosted by Novelist Kate Allan (Leighton Buzzard Writers) and Journalist Ian Cundell 9Verulam Writers Circle St. Albans). All writers are welcome. Optional programme of workshops, 'write-ins' and inspiration sessions. 24-hour 'writers' lounge and quiet room. All bedrooms have dedicated word areas.

The weekend is: 29th -30th November 2008 at Silsoe Conference Centre (University of Cranfield) in Silsoe, Bedfordshire.

The weekend retreat including accommodation and meals starts from £98 pp

Book before 18th October 2008 with a deposit of £25

To book call 07973 218434

Check out the website: http://www.writersretreats.webeden.co.uk/

The reason I'm mentioning this is becuase I know lots of us don't get time to go off and write without interuption. this retreat allows you to lock yourself away and write. You don't have to join in workshops if you don't want to. The idea is to give you time to write away from distraction.

I hope to see some of you there.

Susan

The Task Ahead

After a rather torturous journey down to Surrey, hitting traffic jams, going wrong in Slough and getting confused in Staines; I gave up travelling the back roads and headed for the M25. After that finding my way was relatively easy. However I did arrive half an hour late. Thankfully the agent I was meeting was very understanding and thanks to the invention of the mobile phone I was able to phone ahead and explain.

I was welcomed with a wonderful cup of tea and a warm reception.

We were quick to set to work, chatting about my aims with my writing and discussing a few of my synopses. We read through one or two and then I was asked to tell her what happened in the books. It was apparent from this that my synopses need much work. It was like wise with all the other synopses - I’m now going to rewrite them all. We then talked about my latest manuscript. Once again the synopsis didn’t live up to the sample chapters. We went on to discuss the opening, which the agent liked, straight in with the action, but as we spoke it was felt that the book could do with a short prologue giving a brief background.

After this the agent told me that I should stick with fantasy writing, as this is what makes my face light up when I talk about them. With this in mind, I’m now going to focus on fantasy rather than trying to force myself to write something I’m not really excited about.

I’ve been asked to send the revised work once it is complete, which I’m hoping will be finished within three weeks. However should it take longer, then it takes longer. I want this to be right before I send it. So there is a lot of work to do and at the same time I’m getting a writing friend to proof read my manuscript. Hopefully there won’t be too many typos, punctuation and grammatical errors.

A very productive and informative meeting, which I hope will help me move closer to my publishing deal.

I’m off to write.

Blades of Time completion.

Having completed Blades of Time, I set it aside and left it for my son to read before doing a thorough read through. I have to admit that when I last posted, I had thought I’d finished, but soon realised that I hadn’t. It is strange how a story will sometimes do that to you. You believe that everything has been tied up and all the characters have grown in developed in the way they should have. But that wasn’t the way. As I was fiddling with the last few sentences, when I realised I’d missed a very important part. Thankfully with a couple of carefully crafted paragraphs the plot didn’t stumble.

I’ve just had the last three chapters handed back to me, with some positive feedback, and that is coming from a seventeen year old reading an 11+ fantasy novel. I’m hoping that a few of the pupils from school would be interested in reading the novel to give me their honest opinion. This can be quite scary, but actually really helps. If they like it, can understand what is going on and feel for the characters I know I’m on the right track.

This book is the first of a duo and the second book is already under construction. I’m working on the plotting and structure. I’ve got a base idea about what is going to happen, but I’m not sure exactly where the characters are going to take me, I only hope they make everything as exciting as they did last time.

Tonight I start my full read through without the red pen in my hand and only once I’ve done that I’m hoping I won’t have found too many errors in this my seventh rewrite. They say seven is a lucky number, let’s hope that is correct for Blades of Time.