Once More Unto the Breach, Dear Friends...

Five years ago, after the birth of my first daughter, I began an historical romance manuscript with the title Stone of Destiny. Like every great pantser, I just started writing until I hit a wall at about 25,000 words. I left it sitting in a drawer.

Two years later, after the birth of my second child, I picked it up again. This time I wrote a partial outline and picked up the story where it left off. I finished the manuscript at about 70,000 words. Not long, but an adequate length…or so I thought. (See Word Count Woes for why).

Not wanting to wait for the birth of a third child to finish it, I pulled it out again in November. This is the first story I ever pitched to an agent.  In November 2011 I pitched the manuscript to an agent at a writer’s conference. She requested the first three chapters and a synopsis. I sent her both and a few weeks later I received my first rejection. She said they had too many historical under contract at the time and she gave me some helpful comments and advice. I stuck those in the drawer with the MS.

Two months ago, I pitched the same story to an agent at another writer’s conference. After my initial pitch, we discussed my project for a while and she asked a lot of questions. In just twenty minutes, she was able to give me some excellent advice about the story. Some things I couldn’t believe I had not caught myself. Her final advice “Take a few months away from it. Return, fix the mistakes, add about 30,000 words and send it to me.”

So, now I’ve taken a few months away. My first day rewriting and editing?  I’ve just trashed half of chapter two and may eliminate it altogether. I’m revisiting my outline.  I still feel the story ends just where it should, but I can see some holes leading up to the climax, actually the climax itself has a big hole.

So, here I go. Once more unto the breach, dear friends...

Short on Time

“I didn't have time to write a short letter, so I wrote a long one instead.”

  - Mark Twain

I've been short on time this week. Both of my girls have been in dance recital rehearsals (six hours yesterday and five today). That's a lot for ages three and five. The recitals are tomorrow and Sunday afternoon so I will not get much done this weekend either. They are so adorable in their costumes and up on stage though, it's definitely worth it. They have so much fun when they aren't exhausted.

Have a great weekend and Happy Writing!

What are you doing this weekend? Where do you steal time from when you are short on it?

Free Reads to Download

If you own a Kindle, Nook or other ereader, here are a few summer reads now available for free download:

If you like Paranormal, Anya Bast has three titles for free and several others at reduced prices. Happy Reading!

Have you found any free reads worth your time?

Writer's Block?

I don't really have writer's block, but I just love this poster! I'm enjoying some time with family that came into town last week so I haven't done as much writing the last few days. How about you? What are you working to complete?

Not Another Social Media!

I recently joined Pinterest after reading this article by author Jody Hedlund; a writer I greatly admire. I also read this article by agent Rachelle Gardner. If you have not read these articles, or researched this medium, here are just a few reasons you might want to consider joining Pinterest:

1)                  This infographic by TalkingFinger shows how important Pinterest is becoming:

• It has 1.36 million users DAILY.
• It generates more traffic to websites than Google+, LinkedIn, and YouTube combined.
• There is a 145% daily user increase since the beginning of 2012.
• Over one-fifth of connected Facebook users are on Pinterest daily (which amounts to over 2 million people).
And here's another insightful infographic: Interest in Pinterest Reaches a Fever Pitch.

2) Pinterest provides key visual stimuli. A recent study shows that Pinterest drives more revenue per click than Twitter or Facebook.

3) Pinterest puts us into contact with more people than our followers. Every time you pin something that is “categorized” it will show up in that particular category under the “Everything” list which anyone can access. That means your pin has the potential to reach more than your followers.

4) Pinterest allows us to connect with readers in a unique way. On Pinterest, readers will get a better picture of my interests as well as my works. My boards display my love of reading, writing, creating, teaching, beauty and chocolate. I invite you to stop by and see what all the fuss is about.
(You need an invitation to join so ask a friend or colleague who is already a member).

Are you using pinterest? Why or why not? What are your tips for using this media?

Word Count Woes

My guest post Word Count Woes is on the Bayou Writer's Group blog today. If you have time, please stop by to share your thoughts, advice, criticisms etc.

Happy Writing!

5 Books for Graduates

Graduation season is here! So what do you give your favorite student as they start out on this new phase of life? Here are five great books that you can buy as graduation gifts.

1) "By-Line Ernest Hemingway," edited by William White -  A collection of Hemingway's non-fiction work (i.e., as a reporter), there's something in here for everybody. From the serious (war reporting) to the silly (getting a free shave at a barber college), it's all sublime prose. And if you don't like one story, you can just skip to the next (there are more than 75). There are themes about growing up and wanderlust, both of which should appeal to the recent grad.

2) Oh, The Places You'll Go! by Dr. Seuss - Always a popular gift:  "But on you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl." In the end, though, it's encouraging for anyone about to start a new chapter in their life: "And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed.)" If you have a little one just starting school, consider buying this now and having the teachers sign it at the end of each year, then give it for graduation.

3) Making a Difference by Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger - A household name since he executed an emergency airplane landing on the Hudson River in 2009, he has written this book about other people's outstanding achievements. His subjects - standouts in government, education, business and more - have all faced adversity, and their responses to difficult, even horrible, situations shwed character and solidified leadership. Aspiring leaders will find plenty to emulate.

4) Worth It...Not Worth It? by Jack Otter - This personal finance expert believes with emotions in check and information in hand, money matters can be managed well and with confidence. He addresses propositions regarding credit cards, loans, travel, real estate, investing and more. The "Getting Started" section is aimed at students, recent graduates and first job holders.

5) Getting from College to Career by Lindsey Pollak - Designed as a guide to everything graduates need to do before even thinking about job interviews. Pollack offers tips, commiserations and humor in this approach to success. This guide is meant to make resume-writing and job-interviewing a whole lot easier.

What books would you recommend buying for graduation presents?