PB Workshop

I've completed Lessons 1 & 2 and we are studying the mechanics of books. I love being in the student role. I've been doing so much self-studying and learning that I had forgotten how much fun and beneficial it is to have an experienced instructor. I'm going to complete Lesson 3 tonight and I am truly excited to get the next lesson. I'm nervous about my 1st upcoming critique. I do know which manuscript I'm going to submit and I'm really looking forward to her comments and to improving my writing.

Picture Book Workshop

I'm using my saved conference money to take Anastasia Suen's Intensive Picture Book workshop I'm really disappointed that there's not a central Ohio conference to go to and I really want to learn more about my craft. I love reading and writing picture books, so I chose this workshop. Many blue boarders recommended it and her list of former students is impressive.

I can't wait to get started.

SCBWI WIP grant

I got all my materials ready so I can submit them. I always get so nervous because I don't want to screw anything up. I really love and believe in the book I'm writing. I also came up with a working title.

I conducted my first interview for this YA book. I interviewed a detective and I got really useful information. There's still a lot of research to be done and I know I'm going to relish it.

I'm so sick of the flu

It absolutely annoys me that something that I can't even see is able to make me this sick. I don't know exactly who gave it to me, but I started feeling bad last Sunday and went down for the count quickly. I've been able to go back to work and function, but I've got this cough that won't go away. Yesterday, I thought I was going to cough a lung out.

I never thought I'd miss the days were I could work out. I've got the lung power of a gnat and run out of breath just talking.

Prior to getting sick, I had finished the draft for another picture book. It's something we did as kids and I had actually forgotten all about it until something in a cartoon reminded me.

I'm also focusing on my 1st chapter of my YA that I'm going to submit to the SCBWI WIP grant program. I finished the draft of the synopsis, but still need to make it pop.

Online Resources

I've been submitting some queries out for my picture books and have discover something really cool. Most agencies and agents now have their own blogs. There is a wealth of information on these blogs. There are insights into what should go into a query or bio, what catches their attention,and inside information into the industry.

So next time you want to query an agent, definitely check out their website and read their blog if they have one.

What I'm reading: The Luxe by Anna Godbersen