Not Just for Kids

Have you ever picked up a kids book and found you absolutely love it? Tell me I’m not the only one. My nine-year-old son is a picky reader. I think most boys are. But we found a book series about a cat named Mr. Stink and he can’t wait to read it. I have to admit I find myself wanting to pick it up in between our scheduled reading time to find out what happens next. That’s why my son hides the book while he’s at school. LOL

This is the blurb on the back of book number three in the series titled “The Stink Files, You Only Have Nine Lives” by Holm & Hamel.

“I glanced up at the overhead luggage rack to see a black shape speeding toward the back of the train. A cat-sized black shape with a long furry tail. I dashed after him.
“Where do you think you’re going Mr. Stink? Hey-stop!” Aaron cried.
But I couldn’t stop to explain. I had an assassin to catch.

The cat’s name is James Edward Bristlefur and he’s a sophisticated secret agent out to find his previous owner’s killer. Sir Archibald had been the Director of a top-secret counterspy organization where James trained with the other cats. After Sir Archibald was poisoned, James became the pet of a young boy named Aaron. James was quite dirty when Aaron found him, so he named him Mr. Stink. The story is all told in the cat’s point of view. I find myself giggling as I read because of the author’s clever play on words. Like paw to paw contact, instead of hand-to-hand contact, and tales of King Artfur and the Great Round Food Dish.

Okay, I know, I have a warped sense of humor. But I really like these books. Adventure, mystery, suspense and danger. Now that’s my kinda story. If you have a reluctant reader in your family, I highly recommend these books.

'Agent Shop' from Musetracks

I wanted to pass along this great opportunity! :) I’ll be working on my pitches for the next few weeks, trying to get them in under the 200 word limit. This has always been a really big struggle for me. I have no idea why. I know the book inside and out. I’ve read the thing a million times. Added and cut scenes. Changed chapters around several times. It should be a piece of cake! LOL

Anyone else have this problem with pitches? Is there a secret I should know about?

http://musetracks.wordpress.com/agent-shop/

~~~~~Permission To Forward Granted~~~~~

Hello fellow romance writers.Musetrackers would like to invite you all to participate in our newest venture. 'Agent Shop'What's 'Agent Shop'?Well, how many of us wish we could pitch to an agent? That is, without the frills? No parties, no travel, no conference costs, no hectic schedules? Don't get me wrong, the conferences, promos, signings and parties have their place and time, but what about in between?

Here's what we're going to do.This isn't a contest... there aren't any winners... just a chance to put your pitch in front of agents who are interested in shopping a bit. They'll read them and request more - IF - your pitch grabs their attention. What they request is up to them. We'll host 3 or more agents for each session and a few agents who couldn't commit mentioned stopping by from time to time.If you're interested in pitching, visit the link below to read the rules.

First date to submit is May 30th, and only the first thirty e-mails get in!Thanks for visiting us at Musetracks.

Pass the word, and good luck.
Candi

Now get to work on those pitches! :)

Don't Try it Alone

For years I tried writing on my own. I mean we all write our own stories, but I wasn’t a part of any groups and didn’t know anyone else who shared my dream. It was a lonely place to be, but I did finish my first manuscript. The feeling was beyond words. Finding someone to share in my enthusiasm was another story.

The bubble burst quickly. LOL I looked for publishers I thought would love to add my book to their long lists of bestsellers and then waited. And waited. And waited. When the first rejection came I was disappointed, but still held out hope. Maybe this publisher was just having a bad day. Then the second rejection came and the third and by the fourth I was pretty depressed. Still no contact with other writers, little support at home and I started thinking maybe I should just give it up.

I found RWA online by accident and started looking for local chapters around my area. I found three. One that was really close to my neighborhood. They were holding a contest and I decided to enter and see what kind of feedback I would get. Sent it off and then had to wait again. I hate that part by the way. J The results came back and it wasn’t pretty. Disappointment and frustration almost wore me down. But I decided to keep going and start something new. After I finished the second manuscript, I made up my mind to check out the RWA chapter in my area. And I’m so glad I did.

The people were awesome! Friendly, exciting and they shared my dream. Wow! I’ve learned so much since that day. I’m still learning. LOL Critique partners are priceless. Their honest comments and suggestions have made my work so much stronger. I wish I’d have found them sooner! I’ve made so many new friends both online and local and just knowing others share my struggles and the joys of writing is so encouraging.

Don't try this on your own. Find support either online or local. It will make all the difference in the world. :)

Rejection Woes

I’ve moved into the phase of my writing career where I need to start sending out query letters. What’s holding me back is the fear of being rejected. I know it’s all part of the process. I know I can’t get better unless I get good feedback. I know an editor or agent isn’t going to magically appear on my doorstep and offer me a contract. If you don’t submit you might as well quit, right? LOL

I need a magic cure for all the doubts circling in my head. It’s not polished enough. It’s not good enough. The storyline isn’t original enough. Ah! I’ve worked many long, hard years on this manuscript and to think that with one glance it could, and probably will, end up in the slush pile makes my toenails curl.

Yes, I need a thicker skin. I understand that a rejection is only an opinion of the person reading it, but it doesn’t make the feelings disappear. This is the year I’ve promised myself I will send it out until there is no one else to send it to. I’ve made my lists. I’ve checked them twice. I’ve even made a pretty little box to hold all those wonderful rejections. Now all I have to do is get up the nerve to press that send key, or make that long daunting trip to the post office.

Wish me luck!! :)

The Waiting Game

The conference in October was wonderful. I've never been so nervous in my life, but I made it through the pitching process and ended up with three requests. :) That's the good news. The not so good news is I'm still waiting for a response. It's been five months now since I sent of the requested material. I know it takes time, but the waiting is the hardest part.

In the mean time, I have gone back through the entire manuscript and added new layers and details. I feel like it is even stronger and will have a better chance of being published. Now all I have to do is find that one agent or editor that feels the same way. They're out there, I just know it! LOL

While I wait for those, I've started collecting names for my next queries. I must submit. No chance at all if it sits here on my computer. But dang it's hard!