I Came, I saw, I... Failed

Well, I heard back on the HOW Writer's Contest, and although I figured I wouldn't be a finalist, the truth of it stung a little. But, all in all, I'm glad I tried, and I won't let this hinder me from continuing on.

On the 1st novel in my series, I got the following scores (the max each judge could give is 135):
129
124
57

On the 2nd novel in my series, I got:
124
100
53

I could tell that the same three people judged both entries. They all gave feedback that I can work with in my many, many revisions that are sure to come. Some of their comments contradicted each other, so I'll just have to be sure to go with my heart on any changes I make. Because, really, my characters are in charge, not me. :o)

Alright... I did it

I decided that I would go for it. I spent a little time yesterday researching editors and found one that I decided was worth a shot. I sent my first five pages to to her so that I can see a sample of her work. Of course, sending this to her immediately made my stomach flip flop and I'm feeling nervous and excited about it. What if she thinks my writing sucks? What if the storyline is boring to her (which I don't have to worry about yet since its just the first five pages--which I happen to like quite a bit)? On the flip side, what if she really likes my work? What if we turn out to be an amazing team? I already have an incredible critique group, and their feedback has been invaluable... which reminds me, I need to send them my second book... But I still can't get over the nervousness that this has created.

That coupled with the fact that I'm still waiting to hear back on the Writers Contest has got me (literally) biting my nails and my lips.

I'm going crazy.

The world of E-Pubbing

I got an email today on e-publishing. I've been considering going down that road for a while, and was happy to receive some information on it. An author posted about her successes with E-publishing, listing the amount of E-Books she's sold since she uploaded them few months. Now, I know not everyone sells the same number of books - some are higher, some are lower- but I was seriously shocked at how well her book was selling, knowing that there isn't really a good chance for marketing your book. So, I think I'll start researching freelance editors who would be interested in editing my 1st (and possibly 2nd) book. I figure that if I can't get my foot in the door with agents or publishers, then at least I can go down this road and get myself out there.

We'll see what happens. I know I have a lot of research ahead of me, but hopefully you'll see my books on the shelves (er, virtual ones) soon!

I just can't keep up

I got yet another idea for a series last week, and I'm really tempted to start writing it. For anyone who knows me, you know that this is killing me. Not only do I need to keep writing in my Romance series, but I also have a YA series that I've started. There is another YA series that I started and haven't looked at for a few months now, knowing that I had other projects ahead of it. And now, another YA series.

Sometimes I really wish I could stay at home and focus on writing all the time, then maybe I could keep up with myself. I'm still editing book number two, but I've also started writing this new series.... Ugh, what to do, what to do?

Agent Research

This is a quick post, mostly curiosity driven. I want to know how many agents you all, on average, research and submit to. How intensive do you research them before you submit? Frustrated with the time investment I put into each agent only to be rejected, I've nearly reached the point where I want to find someone who is open to submissions, accepts my genre, and then conform my query letter and sample pages to what they ask and off it goes. I just want to get a bite, rather than waste so much time researching who I would like to work with, only to learn that they aren't interested in me. Boo. Is there a certain method of research and submission you employ? A site that you're drawing your names and agencies from? Help me out here. I'm excited to once more be involved in the submission process, but man, it's more time consuming, I feel, than writing a novel. It certainly, thus far, isn't as rewarding. Tips?

Rejections Rejections - A new Q for the Chics

Its been a while since I've asked the Writer Chics a question. I generally tie my questions to things that are currently going on with me and things that I've wondered if other writers experience.

So my question is this, and really, any author could answer this, since every one experiences it: How do you stay motivated when you receive rejection letters?

An unwanted break

I've been pretty motivated the last few days to write. I've started editing my 2nd book, and I've only gotten about 40 pages in so far; but what I have re-read, I've totally enjoyed and been engrossed in it.

I really want to keep going so that I can move on to my 3rd book, but there's been so much going on lately that I haven't had a chance. I'm hosting a Bridal Shower (Masquerade-themed) for my sister this Saturday, next weekend my husband actually has off work (which rarely happens), the weekend after that is my sister's bachelorette party, and the weekend after that is the wedding. Oh, how I wish I had more time to write.

I just hope I don't lose my motivation...

First Lines

Recently, I've been reading a blog, kidlit.com, that encouraged an exercise regarding first lines. Essentially, the first line of the book is what determines whether the agent, the publishing house, or even the reader will continue to read our book. Pouring over pages 139-215 make little difference if the first line or the first few lines don't interest the reader to keep going.
On top of that, according to the author of kidlit.com, some first lines are so general or philisophical that they could go anywhere. Not necessarily uninteresting, just uninformative. I believe mine is too general, but need someone to throw ideas off of. If you want to look at the post to which I'm referring, here is the link: http://kidlit.com/2011/07/25/first-lines-part-1/
I propose we do the same exercise here. Post the first line of your book, tell us what genre and whether it's an adult, YA, MG, etc, and the rest of us will give constructive feedback so that the curiousity factor will be piqued for all who read our first lines.
Mine is a YA sci-fi: She covered her mouth to quiet her ragged breathing.