Mid February has come upon us so quickly - how about an update from everyone?!?

Has everyone picked a project? Has everyone stuck to that project? Has everyone made prgress on that project?

I have written nothing new in the last two weeks - spent many hours do final edits on my 'The Wedding Wish' book, but I hope to get back into it again soon.

My editor wants to chat about my next project so it may turn out my 'Drop of Ink' may have to take a back seat to whichever we decide would be best to finish next. I don't mind!!! My head is so full of other things that I can barely remember any of my ongoing stories!!!

So again, what stage are we all up to???

I posted this on the previous "Project Muse" thread and decided to cut and paste it on this fresh new one. Might as well start this one with a bang! New projects on the table and all...

Well, I started editing my book yesterday, just the things I knew needed tweaking. The rest I will do after it has been put away for a few weeks and I have gained some distance from it.

Also, I opened a whole new word-file and started writing the next book in this series.
It was so exciting and I have ideas fairly spurting from my ears >>> remind me to clean that mess up later!
It is like having a blank canvas and a new packet of crayola crayons! OOOOH! Had a kindergarten flashback there! Whoo-hoo! Gotta love writing!

How is everyone else doing?
We all know how Queen Witches-Britches is going. The absolute sparkly star of Mills and Boon Heaven. YAY, Alyson.

What about everyonel else?
Lou, have you started the first draft of your new trilogy yet? Bet you are jumping up and down with excitment. You have anew packet of crayolas too now!

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!

deb

I'm at the end of the first act of my film, that's about 30 or so pages it. It's coming along nicely.

Sk.

Good idea, Alyson.  Okay, I'm still working on my 'manual' for the Shadow Through Time trilogy as I've taken quite a few days off for various commitments, some of them to do with writing some just 'life' intruding.  But that's okay.  All things in their good time.  I'm determined to finish this manual by Monday, but while I've been studying the previous books rather than reading them for enjoyment, I've been getting heaps of ideas for the plotting I'll need to do before I begin to write the next trilogy.  So that's all good.

I also did my library talk last night to an audience of mostly aspiring authors, which was great.  We talked shop and I made some new friends locally.

Next week Kim Wilkins and I are having our first monthly meeting to work on our books for this year.  She's already started writing the second book of the Europa Suite and I can't wait to read what she's done (it's so exciting reading her work in instalments - but frustrating too, she always seems to leave me on a cliffhanger!).  I haven't started writing yet, but it will still be helpful for me because we'll be discussing my plots for the three books and ideas for the series and the characters. 

That's about it for me so far.  But I'm still planning to have the first novel of the new trilogy written and polished, ready for Selwa to sell by the end of the year.

Skaldi, I am so happy for you. Thirty pages! The first act played out on paper. Good for you. Tell me do you see the whole act as one scene or does it come to you as you write it?

And, Timna, I realise you posted on the previous thread of Project Muse, so it will be overlooked on this new one. You should be so proud of yourself. I don't know how you manage to fit in all you do and still write your, "Four Winds" book. You are such a star.

How are you going, Fi? Helen? Kylie S? Mick? Holly? Kerrie? Cassie? Jocelyn? Nancy? OOOH! have I forgotten anyone??? I hope not!
I hope you are all still writing busily and enjoying it. I know we can have our moments of doubt and worry. I just hope you are all happy and focused. If not, don't hesitate to post on here and our little family will help as best we can. That's what we are here for!
Nice to know there are people out there that can relate to writing and its ups and downs isn't it?

deb

Deb, It's been about 8 months since I first came up with the idea. Since then I've plotted it out. Essentially what I'm sorking from now is a scene breakdown, which is a list of the scenes and the core event in each scene. it just gives a sense of how it will work, making it easier to sort out the structure beforehand. so, it is basically written, I'm just in the process of filling in the scenes.

Sk.

I must admit over the last few weeks I have found it hard to focus on any writing, being the beginning of a new school year and I am now in charge of 160 students and 12 staff!! But I was reinvigorated again on wednesday night when I went to an info session on the Clarion South workshop. So this weekend I aim to finish a draft of a short story and flesh out another idea I had. (though the garden is calling... eek procrastination be my middle name!)

Go for it, Kylie!
Don't let those weeds and flowers and grass get in your way. Let them scream at you for attention, but don't waver. Just write.
One more week will not kill them. In fact, they will get to grow a little bigger! HEE!
The Clarion workshop sounds great. Let that be your inspiration to write an entire story and finish it.

Very interesting process, screenwriting, Skaldi. I had no idea so much was involved. You must be some kind of wonderful to be able to do it.

deb

Had to send in my bio to my editor a couple of days ago. I read the bios on heaps of other M&Bs to get a feel for what they were after and came up with something super, fab and groovy. So much fun...

Now I am itching to get my pen name and title sown up so I can get on with letting everybody know what's going on. I made friends with a reviewer for the 'A Romance Review' website when at the RWA conference this year and she has promised to promote the heck out of me as much as she can. Isn't that sweet!!! If only I had a pen name and title to promote ...

I have gone through my ideas list and written up little two paragraph synopses of each so I can blab some ideas to my editor when she wants them. I have no idea what she would like me to do next so I am going through and finding out about heroes, heroines and conflict in each so at least I have a few options.

Lou, I can't believe you will be ready to write by next week. That's so exciting. And you will have your Project Muse book finished by the end of the year like the rest of us! Hee!

Scaldi - so glad to hear your screenplay is scorching along nicely. Do you have an agent? Do you hope to direct yourself, or have any producer/director contacts? Have you seen the Project Greenlight website Ben Affleck and Matt Damon have started up with Miramax?

Kylie - the Clarion South thingy would be fab! And I can't wait to hear all about the lead up to Deb's Envision thingy. All great stuff!

Hi I have been writing steadly since the op and up to 80 pages A4 size, I finaly got my attack scene done but then found I will need to add more. I am unsure whether to use all the cities at the moment or should I create a spell to get to the end. Lou has suggested I let my subcouisece do the talking. If anyone has any ideas let me know

My advice, Nancy, *don't* create a magic spell. That is the easy way out for your heroes. They need to use their own strengths and abilities to win, not rely on a spell. It is much more credible that way. The rule in fantasy is you only get one "gimmee" and a magic spell is a gimmee. Any more than that is making your characters have an easy out. Hope this helps.

deb

Deb thanks for the advice I think I will just let them travel to the last cities and go from there. Its getting close to the end I can feel it it but there is still so much more to write before the final scene.
Thanks again Deb and congrats to you as well

well time is flying and im always seem to have my head somewhere, either in the clouds or on the page... but everything is great.
the first book to four winds is coming along nicely, and i aim to have it finished, like i said, soon enough - whether that be by this week or in 3 months time... i never know. Uni is a priority after all, and then my horses, then work. But i find myself thinking about the story throughout all these other things. Quite dangerous really... lol.
Have a vet checking Kat over today, a full pregnancy test - 4 months in, just to make sure everything is still happening... horses are so unpredicable and the stress of the weather/drought may have placed implications. Will find out today though.
Hey Alyson, are you writing under your real name for M&B? i know alot of the writers dont. in fact i heard alot of the writers are male, so thats something!
good luck everyone...

I have been diligently working away all day today and can safely say, I am having a blast. Maybe there is something to this editing after all! HEE!

By Wednesday I should have it safely tucked in the 'freezer' and I will be rearing to go on book two.
I will give book one a few weeks break and then I will do the big print and edit. Now that is going to be a challange! EeeeeeK!

deb

Wow, everyone is roaring along.  Glad to hear it.  I'm afraid I'm not roaring along.  Some sort of blockage happening inside my head at the moment but I'm trying to work around it.  The manual thingie ground to a halt and although I have a pretty formidable will, no amount of willpower seems able to keep me working on it for more than half an hour at a time.  So I'm figuring it's either a really strong psychological block or I'm meant to be doing something else.  The frustration of not getting to write draft yet is starting to wear me down as well, but I know it's not sensible to just start writing this particular trilogy without any planning because it has to fit in with the first trilogy - timelines etc need to be sorted.

So... I've decided to moving on to plotting with the information I've already gathereed and what's inside my head, and do the manual/catalogue thing in the afternoons while the kids are doing their homework. 

My line edit on "Glimmer in the Maelstrom" arrives tomorrow but that's a small edit I've been told (great to know that I must be getting better as a writer/self-editor) so I should be done with that in a week.  Maybe working on that will relieve some of my frustration at not being able to actually write.  Fingers crossed. 

Alyson. No, I don't have an agent. I have directed in the past, just uni stuff, but at the moment I'm concentrating more on writing films, rather than directing, but that is not something that I have elimanated completely. Yes, I've heard about Project Greenlight. Problem, you have to be american to enter. You can enter if there is more that one person, but at least one (I assume) has to be based in America.

Sk.

Well I'm happy to report that I've really done precisly nothing to my novel since I was here last. Ok, not quite true. Went on a road trip to sydney (from Melb) in mid january and wrote a little on the way up. I decided I hated what I'd written and have been avoiding the writing side of the project ever since.

However, recently (coz I've had the time to) I've really thrown myself into the research side to it. Got some cool books and just finished one of them tonight. I came to the conclusion that I don't know enough about what I'm trying to do so its best to get educated. I mean, what better way to get inspired than actually knowing something about the subject!!!

Anyways, there's my update. Good luck to everyone - esp. Alyson. From what I read elsewhere you might be getting publised. Best of luck to you!!!

Luv always, Caz.

Don't worry about not writing at the mo, Caz.  Research is always a good thing and everyone needs time away from it to get their head together - some a short time and some a much longer time.  But that's the great thing about being a writer, you can be sprawled out on the lounge with a book and when people raise an eyebrow at you, you can say, "Yeah, I'm workin'!"  Reading is important too.

Having said that, I know the old procrastination bugbear pretty well too, Kylie.  It's rarely weeding for me, but I do love washing clothes and watering - well, anything to do with water really.  Beginning of the year for people working in education can be very stressful and I think you just need to be kind to yourself and don't whack any addition pressure on yourself.  If writing relaxes you, fine.  But if it's another stress, then you might be better off with the weeding - there's nothing like a mindless task to relax the body and clear the mind.  I adore washing dishes - so wet and warm, tactile, and I can't seem to think about anything else while I'm doing it.  Like a mini meditation.

Skaldi, I've always been interested in screenplays but have never attempted one.  It's great to know that if I ever decide to, I'll have both you and Alyson to pester with questions

Well, my blockage seems to be dissolving.  My line edit arrives today so that's probably got something to do with it.  I think I'm really looking forward to working creatively again and that should see me over the frustration of not being able to write draft.  Although, typical of me, I'll probably be complaining to you guys next month that writing draft is hard!  Which it is at times, but when you're addicted to it, it's hard to be away from it.

Well i know in the past i have said that i hated revealing my word count, but i think ive achieved something, so i want to share... i'm over the 50K mark and still rolling! Thats a big thing for me, as all those past stories have dissolved around the 30K mark, so this story is heading strong...... yay me!
Have to agree that reading and writing go arm in arm... i listened at the Popular WF last year at from a writer (no names) that if you have time to read other peoples work then you take away time from your own... so that particular person didnt read books, appart for research. I felt quite sorry for them, after all, whats teh fun in writing if you cant read. Seriously! oh well, each to their own and i hope that person was either lying or will rediscover the joy in curling up with a book, stress free and focused.
any away, here to print of the latest lot from FW, so off i go....

Got a big email from my editor today (I had emailed her asking what steps I should take to choose my next book). She gave me all the info I was after so I am feeling a real buzz!!!

I am at over 51,000 words for 'A Drop of Ink' and have at least one more chapter to go. Then I can edit it all back to around 50,000. I think it might be okay. Though after absorbing her email I think I have a few stories which might have more 'hooks' which make it easier to title, package, market and sell. All too much fun!

Timna, 50,000 is amazing!!! I can't belive you've done so much! Good for you! and then you say it is humming laong so well, that is sooooo good to hear.

Lou, how does your line edit look? Was it less than your first two books? Does it come with marks all over the page or little post-it notes? All so interesting.

Deb, how is your edit going? Have you moved onto genius book #2?

Caz, research is fab! Enrich your mind, it can only help. And Timna I agree the whole 'I don't read' thing is pretty silly. What if everyone wrote and nobody read, then where would that author be? I know people who say 'I don't watch television, I make television' - terribly pompous and narrow if you ask me!

Hope everyone is super well and writing up a storm.

Alyson

Hi Guys,
Great to hear so many are doing great, especially Timna and Alyson. I hope that you 'enjoy' your line edit, Lou. I wonder how you will feel when your triolgy is actually all complete? Yes, the start of the schoolyear has been really hectic, especially since I am in a new job of being in charge of all the Year 7 staff and students.(a lot of the boys have what I called 'the cocking leg syndrome' as they try to see who is top dog!
Anyway,last weekend was amazing.I had been struggling with my Pliedes idea.. suddenly another idea popped in. It was different as I could visualize the whole story, and it was so clear. I have actually written about 5000 words already and I have been able to write everyday. So I'm preety chuffed at the moment.. I hope it lasts!

Kylie, I love your 'cocking leg syndrome' - so true.  My two children/young adults are in grades 8 and 10 now, but when I'm at their school I still see that.  And congratulations on the 5000 words.  It's so wonderful when a new idea grabs you and the inspiration to write fires inside - you just 'make' time then because its a passion you have to explore.  Do keep us updated.

Timna, you are a legend!  50k is fabulous and I'm so thrilled for you that it's with Four Winds.  That book has destiny stamped all over it (not my 'Destiny' - your destiny ) and I can't wait for you to tell us you've finished it!  But I will wait because the process is just as important as the product.  I've learned so much about writing, about myself and about the world through struggling with stories.  It's hard, but it's such a gift as well.  I'm so excited for you that it's all coming together now.

And it sounds like you've got a great rapport with your editor, Alyson.  The publishing industry can seem like a complete maze (even to those of us who have been in it for a couple of years!) so the thing you want most of all is clear direction.  It's just fabulous that you're getting that right from the word go.

Received my line edit yesterday afternoon and the editor was right, there doesn't seem to be anywhere near as much as last time.  Great to see that my skills in self-editing are obviously improving.  There are some post it notes - maybe 20 - marking where I need to insert text to explain something or a repetition of information that I missed.  But apart from that it's pencil marks on the page which I either leave or alter depending on whether I agree with them or can think of something that makes it even better (ie, she changes something for clarity and I can see her point but I would word it differently).  She's a great editor who really knows where I'm coming from and doesn't try to change my style, so I'm very lucky.  I'll also be looking to make any changes that help the rhythm of the sentences flow more smoothly.  Can't wait!

However, I am on a deadline, so may not get in here as much as I'd like for the next week or so.  Hope everyone keeps their motivation high and cranks up that word count.

Thanks for the support Kylie. And 5000 words is huge!!! That is a milestone in itself. And isn't it the biggest buzz when out of nowhere an idea just pops into your head that brings so much more meaning to your story? I picture your muse shrunk down to pocket size, sitting on your shoulder whispering in your ear as they can no longer wait for the next installment! Impatient little critters they are.

Head down bum up, eh Lou? Understandable. Have fun with your line edits. And I do feel like I've already got an easy rapport with my editor. She's a chatty emailer which is great. And though so busy is happy to answer any queries I have anytime. So far so good. She has asked that I think about my next 2-3 books - have them brewing in my head. Is that asking for trouble or what? Me, thinking about 3 books at a time? That's like offering choccie to a chocaholic. I'm thinking of picking an order so at least I know where I am heading but promise to try to write only one at a time.

Hope everyone's well!!

Al

Well my uni offical goes back starting tomorrow. Im actually getting nervous. I have such a big year ahead of me and its a trial just to stay on track with life, not just uni.
FW is rolling out when i have the time. I aim to sit there this afternoon and write away, as the rainy weather is just perfect for the imagination.
I also just got a email from Traci's site, and it has workshop info on it, which is great for me, as she'll be visiting the hunter valley in april... i'll definatly try to attend.
Alyson, you sound so happy, and hearing your good news cvertainly lifts the spirits for us all... destiny is just waiting around the corner...

Destiny is just waiting around the corner....
And so is "Daughter of the Dark" and "Glimmer in the Maelstrom"

Hee!

deb

Collingwood won. Happy happy.

Wrote 2500 words today before we had to head off to footy and I am so close to finish of first draft. I thought it might take a couple of chapters to finish but this last chapter is hooning to a dramatic finale! I can hardly keep up with the twists and turns and action and resolutions... She finally figured out the whole mystery when I had to have a shower!!!

Back to it tomorrow when I can hopefully finish my next book. Eek!

Alyson, I can just imagine your stories hooning along.  And I'm so pleased that you're working out what to write and when.  Although, I wouldn't say you should start trying to write one book at a time now unless you're on a serious deadline.  You've done so well working on a couple at a time.  That could be your style.  Anyway don't reject the idea outright.  Although I can't do it myself, I imagine there would be nothing nicer than flitting over to another story when the current one stalls.  However, I do understand that may be impractical if HM&B want a book every three months or something.  BTW, did you get any deadlines? 

Timna, I hope your nerves about Uni settle soon.  The final year does sound challenging, but hopefully it won't be as scary as the first year when it was all so new and different.  In no time at all it will be next year - Yeeha! - and it will all be over with.  So do enjoy your time there.  I have quite a few friends who look back on their Uni days with nostalgia.

Deb, you've been a bit quiet on the Project Muse thread.  Have you put book one to bed yet?  Or are you still tweaking?  And how is book two going?

My line edits are going well.  It's not hard, just slow: making initial changes and then transferring it all onto my computer (not up to that yet) so I can print out a clean copy and read that over for flow, making more changes on the manuscript, transfering that to the computer, then the last read through.  But I've still got eight working days to go, so it shouldn't be a problem

 

I'm up to page 73 &1/2 of my script. Just under 2/3 of the way through. at this stage for a first draft its working nicely, but I can see problems/concerns with it. But I'll go back and finish those later.

Sk.

Well done, Skaldi. You must be so pleased with your self. You have come so far so quickly with your screen play.

deb

I haven't done a lot on my word count this month, but I've been researching a lot more on armour, weapons and blacksmithing. It's changed a good deal of the 'costumes' my characters are running around in... and has even had some minor influence on their behaviours.

I also stumbled on a little book called '1000' at K-mart last week. It's a easy going book about life in England (Enga-lond) at the turn of the first millenium. Quite interesting stuff, but not as deep as I would have liked.

Hope everyone is writing furiously.

Hi everyone,
My manuscript is coming along athough at the moment a bit slow in a part but I am muddleing through it. I have had a lot of positive enery come my way in the last few days so in Alyson's words I'm Happy,Happy, Happy. I will be working well this week so I will see everyone Sunday

Mick, tell me where are you getting your research material? The internet? books? And if books, which ones? I love info on armour and weapons so any extra stuff you can tell me I would appreciate.

deb

Hi guys! It sounds like everyone is working really well at the momentwhich is always good news. I'm excited as I just hit the 10 000 word mark (first time for non academic work). This week has been a really creative week for me, I just seem to be churning it out .. I think it's mostly 'crap' but at least I'm writing and my story is developing. It's so cool and it's even cooler that I can come here and rave on about it!
I send creative wishes to all!!

Kylie, I know the "this is crap" feeling, but it's funny how you can read that same work later on and think "this isn't half bad". And I always bear in mind what Nora Roberts (super-productive top US romance writer) said: "I can work with a bad page, but I can't work with a blank page." Whenever I feel like stalling I remember that.

And also CONGRATULATIONS - 10,000 words is a milestone! I always reward myself at that point (usually by taking my kids out for a disgustingly sugary-fattening afternoon tea) because the first 10k is always the hardest for me. Then at the 100k mark I reward myself again by writing my acknowledgements page. When I type "The End" (or The Ebd in Deb's case ) I go out to a swanky dinner and feel very smug with myself.

Writing is hard work, even though we love it, so we need to acknowledge our successes and celebrate them. Anyway, that's my excuse for self-indulgence.

Mick, I've read that "1000" book and it fascinated me. The fact that everyone's teeth were much stronger and better than ours before sugar was introduced into England - who would have thought people a thousand years ago would have better teeth! I must read it again. It was a great book.

Nancy, so thrilled that you're happy, happy, happy. There's nothing like that felling of being surrounded by positive energy. It really fires the creative juices and gives you the stamina to keep at it.

I'm working away diligently on my line edits and making good progress. Not much else to report at this end.

Hey all,

I've been gone a while but everyone seems to be progressing very well with their novels!

Congratulations, Kylie, for reaching the 10,000!!

I haven't been writing as much as I should be to reach the 20,000 words mark that I must have done by the end of the year for my classes. I've been stuck for a while... been a little sad and so have been more dwelling on that. I also recently had to do an outline for my novel. It's very... vague though, so I have to do some more work on it but it's supposed to help. I've decided to write a fantasy one, though a new one different from the one I mentioned a while back.

I've also been trying to write a short story for the youthweek thing that's out in Melb at the moment. I think it's for Melb at least. Here's the site if anyone's interested:
http://www.youthweek.com
The deadline is next week which doesn't give you much time... you also have to include a photo of yourself, and a few words about yourself.

Uni begins next week - although doing a dual award I only have one subject there. I'm looking forward to meeting new people!

Jocelyn

I finished the first draft of 'A Drop of Ink' - a big rush to the end last weekend which was fab. But now I have a 99% feeling it isn't saleable in the line I am writing for. The readers of my line do not like mystery. I am on an exponential learning curve about how this all works and after a few moments of 'bummer', I realised that I can put it aside for later on. They want sellable books with hooks and easy blurbs on the back cover, especially for new writers. Once I have a few under my belt 'A Drop of Ink' may be easier to package.

My editor was much more excited about a couple of ideas I have had - though not written a word on of course - that have great hooks, easy titles, and would be fun and flirty like my first one. I started one yesterday and wrote 1500 words and I think it will be a lot of fun. Barely know the characters yet as they haven't had much stewing time, so this will feel different to write.

My contract came yesterday and I will be ALLY BLAKE. Yay! My book is 'tentatively titled' THE WEDDING WISH in the contract (which was dated February 14th, how gorgeous is that!), but when I asked about making a slight change to my dedication my editor said she would try but it might be hard because everything is already in the works! Eek!

Nancy, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY is the only way to live, girl! And Mick, I adore research. Love finding obsure books and websites. Great fun. And Deb, what are you up to!!!!????!!!! Glad to hear the edits are going smootly, Lou. Can't wait to read it! Will it still be out in June?

Ally

HA! Ally!!!! New name for us to get used to...

Did you do what Lou said and had your hubby take a piccie of you when you signed the contract??? How whoop-dee-doo is that???
Glad you finished "Drop of Ink". I think putting it away is a good idea. You can have it published when you have a readship of undying fans! HEE! At least having it completed will leave your mind free for a new project.

Happy etc... good for you Nancy! Keep smiling and the vibes will bring you even more happiness.

deb

Lovely to hear from you again, Jocelyn and sorry that you've been sad.  We'd all like to be happy, happy, happy all the time, but that actually wouldn't give us much emotional depth, which in turn wouldn't be very helpful for our writing.  So while it might be a bummer while you actually are sad, it will be very helpful later for your writing.  And good luck with the youth week story

Ally now is it?  Very mod.  I like it.  Ally Blake.  Has a ring of success around it, don't you think?  I'm pleased for you that you finished Drop of Ink, Alyson, because it's always good news putting a story 'to bed' while it's still fresh in your mind.  And Deb's right, you can trot it out later when you have a readership, so nothing is wasted.  Can you tell us a little more about the story you're writing now?  The premise/character names, and what word count it needs to be.  And do you have a deadline for it - all valuable details if we're going to badger you along the way

Deb, you aren't telling us what you're doing.  What are you doing?  Are you going okay there - book one finished off and book two coasting along, or are you having a problem? 

I'm going okay with my line edits.  As always, things seem to take much longer than I estimate at first, but I'll have it done on time which is the main thing.  Then I'm ready to plot my prequel trilogy.  Kim is already 100 pages along in her book and I haven't even started!  I need to get cracking.

 

Since recieving that letter from a friend of mine sending his positive thoughts and power the places when I have stuck have really come along well I am about 20 pages off from finishing.
Thanks Deb for the advice I have not used a spell to transfer them to the battle but used their own spells that they are meant to have.
Joclyn I you feel much better and everyone has times so don't feel too bad. I have had many sad times in the last year and finally getting better, you will too.
Alyson what's the new book about, can you tell us please.Sounds like you have been having fun!
Mick have started using that desk yet you were talking about. You sounded excited about it.

well things are rolling on smoothly!
I have just finished a bit more to FW so am flying through a quick research journey online for uni, so stopped in here to refuel my mind.
must also print out the first draft work (i print every 10K)
Uni is still full on, but i am planning time each day for writing. Keeping it constant. I have 2 years left at uni, but this year is full load, where as next year is half load, just to finish up.
just this quick update... missed you guys at the chat (apart from Deb ) so....later

Should hear back from my editor in next few days - has been holidaying in Northern Fracne, as you do, so should have better ideas on which to focus on. then I can give you all a title, word count, deadline etc...

Nancy, you sound so 'up', that's great, and I'm curious about Mick's desk too, although now I'd imagine he's handwriting on it, rather than typing.  Are you getting a new computer, Mick?  Or waiting to see what the Police produce.

Timna, lovely to hear from you.  I was sorry to have missed the chat on Sunday but I've been flat out with this line edit for book three  - thankfully got it away in the overnight bag last night as it was due today.  I'll be hoping to catch up with everyone this Sunday.  I think it's great that you make time in your busy schedule for writing and I also think it's a fab idea to print out each 10k.  That growing pile would really give you a feeling of accomplishment, and you need it printed out to edit it anyway (I always edit on hardcopy).  I might think about doing that with the next book myself.  It's just not the same looking at the word count function in the computer.

That's what I love about this messageboard, everyone brings along their ideas and we can see what works for us and what doesn't.  Great stuff.

Alyson, I'm so curious to know what you're writing next.  And can you tell us more about the selection process?  I know you mentioned an easy blurb and a fun, light story being important.  How do you work that into your stories/plots?

Problem is I have been working all day every day for three weeks and am blinkin' exhausted. At the same time trying to come home and think through my next story/ies. Can't wait until our shop reopens so I will be back into some sort of routine. A refit of a major store is like nothing you would ever imagine - especially when the people running it have never worked on a shop floor before and are more worried about what sort of flowers to get on opening day than about how we will get the stock onto the floor. Hmmm... There you go that was my little whinge for the day.


I am curious as to what to do next too! I have a couple of ideas I really like but tought I don't plot I usually have mini-epiphanies for a few weeks before I start but I am shortening that process to no time and it feels different.

I haven't heard back from my editor yet about a continuity idea I gave her so don't know if that is a goer. Probably feeling a little naive and fragile right now, like I need my hand held so I will do the right thing, so I have to take a deep breath and remember my 'BE FEARLESS' resolution and just write a great story.

There you go, have re-read that passage a few times and feeling up to it. So here I go...