update for the end of 2011

I am happy to report that I have been busy and working well in the last few months of 2011 and am ending the year on a positive note.

Several good things have happened since the end of the summer that have substantially benefited my writing life. Things that are helping to keep me moving along “the write road”.

First, my dear friend Valija, from my original writing group, the “dissertation writing group”, way back when I first started my novel, has moved back to town after a few miserable years in Kansas. Not only is she here, but in procrastination of her academic work, she’s writing a delightful young adult book! So we’ve resumed our weekly writing sessions, making Sunday morning one of my favorite times of the week.

In addition, we’ve formed a middle grade / young adult critique group, with another friend Karen. Karen is working on a YA novel as well, plus a charming chapter book, that I keep telling her to send out as soon as possible! We are hoping to eventually attract another one or two fellow writers who are excited about working seriously on their MG/YA projects.

Until then, we are having fun, the three of us, writing at the Barnes & Noble cafe (it’s the most central option), trading “must read” titles, planning to attend events together, etc. It sure helps with motivation and inspiration, having people to talk and laugh and commiserate with!

Another exciting thing is that this fall I officially joined the SCBWI – that’s the Society of Children’s Book Writers and Illustrators. And I do have to say that somehow being a member of a professional organization does make me feel more… professional. Like what I’m doing, working on my book, is actually for a real purpose, not just some story I tell people to make my life sound more glamorous.

Also, on the last Wednesday of the month, the local SCBWI chapter has a critique group that meets at the Eric Carle Museum in Hadley. It’s great. You never know who’s going to show up there as the valley is inundated with successful and talented children’s book authors and illustrators. So far I’ve been able to share two of my picture books, with very positive feedback, which was thrilling. I’m waiting on the novel for now. I’d like to have a complete readable draft first.

My friend Chrysler and I have reinstated our weekly “fresh writing” time. We are now meeting on Monday nights for a two hour write and a hot drink, which you have to include to make venturing out on a winter night that much more acceptable.

Chrysler is working on her third novel now that the first is out at a contest and the second, THE HAWLEY BOOK OF THE DEAD, will be going out to agents shortly. I have done three in-depth line edits of the HAWLEY book this year and spent a lot of time talking to Chrysler about various plot, character, and voice issues.

It is incredible to be involved in the editing and revising process on a book that is not my own, as it shows me that there is hope! That slowly, bit by bit, edit by edit, draft by draft, the book gets better and better. That books don’t just come out perfectly the first time through. That they are made slowly with a lot of blood, sweat and tears. (Okay, hopefully not blood, but sweat and tears for sure, and maybe carpal tunnel or a stiff neck or something a little less dramatic than blood).

What else? Let me think…

I’ve been reading a LOT this year. It’s good but does suck up my time – because once I’m into a good book, it’s hard to do anything else. Still, it’s important. Again, proof that it can be done! And it’s amazing how good some of the books out there are… while others aren’t as good (in my opinion). I just want my book to be one of the REALLY good ones! I really, really do.

So quickly, to wrap it up, as I know I’ve been babbling on here… HAPPY NEW YEAR and best of luck in 2012! To you, to me, and to my journey along “the write road”.

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