Picture Book Query

I just queried an agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. about my picture book "Bo the Wonder Dog." It was not a book I planned on seeking publication for so quickly (I only wrote it 6 months ago), but I read in her bio that she had a rescue dog and I knew that if anyone was going to understand Bo's story it would be her. Keep your fingers crossed that she's interested!

My Favorite Books

Here are 10 of my favorite books, in no particular order:

1. The Wood Wife by Terri Windling
2. The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy
3. The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
4. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine
5. Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie
6. House of Mirth by Edith Wharton
7. Emma by Jane Austen
8. Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott
9. The Princess Bride by William Goldman
10. Ornaments and Silence by Kennedy Fraser

Writing After Midnight

Sometimes I can't sleep. When this happens I give myself two options. Lay there and suffer or get up and write. Some of my best writing has been done in the middle of the night, maybe I'm closer to a dream-like state then or something. I spoke with another writer last week who only has the inspiration and inclination to write between 1am and 2am. That would be hard, but well worth it, I'm sure.

I wonder how many other people are awake in the wee hours plugging away at their plots.

Plotting Versus Pantsing

Generally speaking, there are two types of writers in the world: Plotters and Pantsers. Plotters are just what it sounds like, people who plot out there stories. Pantsers is short for fly-by-the-seat-of-your-pants. These writers plan next to nothing and just let the story come as they write.

If you couldn't tell by the name of my blog, I am a Pantser. I am working on (literally) the 12th attempt at writing a book. I've written it completely through three or four times and each time I learned more about the characters and the story, but the finished product was not quite right. I'm hoping that this time I get it right. I've been trying to become more organized, plot a little more and pants a little less. Hopefully it will show if I am able to finish this book in the next couple of months. Here's hoping!

Shying From Controversy

I had a book idea come to me today. It's still only partially formed, but the subject matter is not something that I would choose to write about. It's controversial, to say the least, a hot-button topic for 99% of people. But Sadie, that's the protagonist's name, won't leave me alone. I came up with the idea on my way to pick up a pizza for dinner and I've already written several pages as well as developed the basic plot. The question is, will I ever show it to anyone else, or just write it to appease Sadie?

Poor Sad Blog

I haven't posted in almost a month, my blog must feel so lonely. I finished "Metta & the Moon-Witch" for school, but it will need at least one more round of revision before I start looking for an agent. While I'm waiting for that book to percolate I've been focusing on the first book in the Adelaide and Eagan trilogy. I work on "Falling Backward in High Heels" and "Io & Jove" when I get the chance or when inspiration for those stories strike me.

As far as reading goes I haven't read anything worth mentioning, lots of books that I've started only to put them down a few chapters in. Maybe I'm just overly picky right now, but I haven't had much good stuff to read.

I've finished all of my writing for school, the only thing I have left to do to graduate is teach a 45 minute module and do my thesis defense. Oh, and all of the classes I have yet to finish, but those are a no-brainer. I'll be speaking at graduation on January 13th and, if you can come, you're welcome to come and hear me!

Book Review

Book: Haroun and the Sea of Stories by Salman Rushdie

"There was once, in the country of Alifbay, a sad city, the saddest of cities, a city so ruinously sad that it had forgotten its name."

So begins Salman Rushdie's amazing tale of Haroun, a young boy and his father, Rashid the storyteller (also called the Shah of Blah who has the Gift of Gab). This book is whimsical and exciting, well-written and incredibly entertaining. And the best part is it can be enjoyed by any and all ages!

Rashid is a famous storyteller who loses his Gift of Gab when his wife runs away with their neighbor's husband. Haroun is determined to help get his father's Gift of Gab back and goes on an unlikely adventure where he meets people with names like Iff and Butt, visits the City of Gup and the City of Chup, and develops a crush on a girl named Blabbermouth.

The only bad part about this book? It's not part of a series! I would love to read more about Haroun and Rashid's adventures, but re-reading Haroun and the Sea of Stories will have to do.

If you decide to read it please leave a comment about what you think. Happy reading!