Entering Writing Contests Does Pay Off

Entering writing contests are a great opportunity to get your work in front of agents, editors, and other writers.


This is from Miss Snark's First Victim Blog.
http://misssnarksfirstvictim.blogspot.com/

Friday, April 16, 2010
Friday Fricassee

And we have another agent signing!

January Secret Agent Contest winner Vahini Naidoo has just signed with the lovely Ammi-Joan Paquette, who had chosen Vahini's excerpt as one of her winners! (Entry #14, if you want to take a peek in the archives.)

CONGRATULATIONS, Vahini and Joan! Best wishes on a long and successful pairing.

This is Ms. Paquette's second signing from our blog, so I probably ought to start charging her commission. Or something. (I'm totally kidding. She knows I adore that she adores this blog.)

Sharing Food Ideas with other Moms

Tonight I met with a group of other moms and had a food discussion. Other moms are such a great resource of not only information, but of experience. You can share what's worked for either or you, where to shop for food, which store has the best produce, etc.

My child isn't in public school yet, but I also got valuable insight on what to expect and it's not pretty. Inspired by Jamie Oliver, we are set on making a change in our community.

Our veggie plants have also begun to sprout and I feel like a proud momma. I love growing and nurturing something that is going to help my body be nurished and help my child continue to grow in a healthy way. It helps me connect to the Earth and motivates me to continue to plant new flowers and shrubs.

Earth Day is around the corner. How will you be giving back to her?

This month's nutritional goal: Try New Veggie: Kale
This month's physical fitness goal: Go to the gym 3 times a week
This month's writing goal: Revise current WIP per workshop critique.

Agency Model Means No Discounts,Higher Prices, Possible Disruptions

Agency Model Means No Discounts,Higher Prices, Possible Disruptions: "As the book industry prepares forthe twin debut of Apple's iPad and the swi..."

The Nice Diet by Alicia Silverstone

As a mom, nutrition is always on my mind. I've been working with a dietitian and focusing on making meals that are nutrient rich. So when I saw Oprah's show with Alicia Silverstone, I was intriqued and wanted to read her book, The Kind Diet.

I got it from my favorite library and some of her points really struck home for me. Even if you don't want to be a vegan or vegetarian, you can do some of the steps such as incorporate more leafy greens in your diet and reduce the amound of meat you eat.

Every 2 weeks, I set a new dietary goal. It can be to try a new fruit or vegetable. Try a new recipe. Make a food substitution. So my goal for these next 2 weeks is to make 2 meatless dinners a week.

So far so good.

If you want more information, please visit Alicia's site: The Kind Diet

Columbus Metropolitan Main Library

There are few things that make a mother prouder, then hearing her 2 year old child beg to go to storytime at the library. Nothing makes me happier then hearing her ask to go to the library when I pick her up from school.

Libraries have also been an important part of my life. Several of my childhood memories, include trips to the library. When you're an avid reader and not a millionaire, a library card is as essential as a social security number.

I know she has a love for stories and I hope she's also developing respect for libraries. Just today, I was searching everywhere for our copy of Harold and the Purple Crayon. Convinced that Swiper the Fox took it, she said "I have an idea, we'll get it from the library." ---A proud moment in my life.

SCBWI-NY & Thrillerfest 2009

I'm planning to do two things I've never done. 1)Attend the one of the SCBWI annual event. I plan on going to New York. I'm really excited. I know it's a fair bit away, but I'm a planner so it works for me. I hope the weather cooperates in Feb. 2)I'm also making plans to attend Thrillerfest 2009 in NY in July 2009. I've decided to be true to my writer self and write thrillers. My YA WIP is a thriller and it makes me happy. I'm hoping some of my critique partners will be able to go to either one or both.

I haven't been to a writer's conference in over a year. Our choices have been limited here in Central Ohio, but that will change. I am planning on going to the Central Ohio Fiction Writer's conference in Columbus in Sept. I'm ready to learn, learn, learn.

Miss Snark's First Victim Secret Agent Contest

There is an incredible opportunity for those of you that have a completed manuscript. Here is the website URL and make sure you follow the rules. Chances don't come along too often to get your work in front of an agent, so got for it!!

Hook an Agent Contest