Purple Prose:
non-fiction

Today's letter in the A to Z challenge at http://www.a-to-zchallenge.com/ is...

R is for Rejection.
We talked yesterday about how if you send query letters then you will (more than likely) get a few rejections. Rejections aren't fun (how dare they not like something you worked so hard on!), but they are part of it. You get sad, you move on, and you keep sending them out. Simple as that...
But if it's not *that* simple for you, I've found a site that has the number of rejections famous authors have gotten over the years. The link is: Wavy Lines. Go visit because I'm not going to write them all...
I found out that:
Harry Potter (J.K. Rowling): Rejected 12 times
Mary Higgins Clark: Rejected 40 times
A Time to Kill (John Grisham): Rejected by 15 publishers and 30 agents
Twilight (Stephenie Meyer): Rejected by 9 agents and 5 no responses (which equal no)
Carrie (Stephen King): Rejected 30 times
SO, the point is for you (and for me). Rejection doesn't equal bad or give up. It means to keep going and find someone who does love it-- if not, write something else and keep going :)
That said...
WELCOME TO THE VERY FIRST FAITH-FICTION FRIDAY!!!!
*Balloons... confetti... streamers!!!*
Because I'm sure this will cause some confusion, I'm going to give you the deets below.
1. I will post a picture.
2. You will get inspired by the picture and write a 100 word (give or take) story (either fiction or non-fiction OR devotional).
3. You will post your story in the comments section of this blog below.
4. You can post your blog on the link-up after you've added a story to comments.
5. Somewhere on your blog, put the Faith-fiction Friday button.
6. Since this is new, I'm asking, begging, pleading, kissing your feet, to please spread the word about this. I'd love for this to be a great place for people to read and write Christian fiction (believe me, there aren't many places on the internet that have it).
If you have any questions, just ask. Like I said, I'd love for this to just be fun-- but it won't be fun for me (or anyone else) if no one participates (I'm paranoid that I'm going to check back after work and there be no comments or links up... )
Anyway...
Here is today's picture:

It's kind of sad today, but kind of happy. This is our last 'Faith-Fiction Friday' here at OTMA.

Why?

Well, if you don't know, I've started a new blog called Faith Filled Fiction. That site is all about Christian/faith fiction so it's only natural that Faith Fiction Friday be posted there. Don't worry, I'll put a link to it here for you.

So... what is Faith Fiction Friday? 1. I post a picture.
2. You write a 100 word (give or take) story (fiction, non-fiction or devotional) about the picture.
3. You put the story in the comments section.
4. You add your blog (if you have one) to the linky.
5. Come back and read all of the great stories!
6. I normally ask you to put the faith fiction Friday button somewhere on your blog, but this time I'm not since the link will be different next week anyway.
Ready?

(WEDDING PHOTO)

Here we go...
This picture was inspired by Megan's post at Just a Little Place to Write. Her Creative Writing Wednesday post was a wedding picture. I saw this and couldn't resist. Today being my anniversary and all, I couldn't help but be a bit sentimental. Not that this looks anything like my wedding.
(from pinterest.com)
Happy writing!

Happy June! It's been a pretty exciting May for me. Ruth (the free version) hit 100 downloads in less than 2 weeks! And I launched the paperback version (because some people like that better). I've been sending the fiction book (Crossing the Deep) off to agents and publishers. I know that even if I don't get a book deal with it, I've learned SO Much that will be helpful in the future :)
Also in May, my sister, Kathy, found out that she's getting to preach at a church starting in July, and is on her way to becoming a full time preacher (Happy Dance :) )
As for June, well, Monday we are starting the Ruth Bible Study at church (squee!). I have to say, I'm kinda nervous. I'm more nervous about reading and finding the inevitable typo and not being able to change it.
Also, June 7th, is our 9th anniversary! We were watching TV last night and I bolted up, saying, "Do you realize we've known each other 10 years?!" It seems like a long time-- but it doesn't, know what I mean?

Anyway, enough about me, it's time for Faith Fiction Friday. Why is it up so late? Well, I forgot to do it yesterday. With school out (and TV shows on hiatus), I kinda get my days mixed up.
I think we have the basics of it, but just in case, here's a review:
1. I post a picture. 2. You get inspired and write a 100 word story (either fiction, non-fiction, or devotional) about the story. 3. Post your story in the comments section below. Leave your name and word count in the post. 4. Then add your blog (if you have one) to the linky under the picture. Do you have to have a blog to write a story? Nope. This just gives your blog some added traffic-- if you want. 5. Check back and read other's stories. I love reading them. It's amazing how this many people can see one picture and write different things (except for with the rainbow when we all wrote sad stories lol).

6. Link back to oh that mom again somewhere on your blog. QUESTIONS? Here we go...

Free images from FreeDigitalPhotos.net

I thought since we mostly wrote about sad things with the rainbow, wonder what we'd write about with a stormy picture... hmmmmm...
Can't wait to read your stories!!

Welcome to Faith Fiction Friday!
Here are the details: 1. I post a picture.
2. You get inspired by the picture and write a 100 word (give or take) fiction/non-fiction story or devotional.
3. Post your story/devotional in the comments section.
4. Add your blog to the bloggy link-up. Then add a link back here on your blog (you can use the FFF if you'd like)
5. Come back and read/encourage your fellow writers.
That's it :) I hope this is something that's fun for you.
This week's picture is:
(RAINBOW PICTURE)

I'm truly amazed and excited about the great response 'Faith Fiction Friday'! I LOVE reading all of your stories. It's cool to me how people can get different stories by looking at the same picture.

So, here again is your time to shine :)

If you don't know what Faith Fiction Friday is:

1. I will post a picture.

2. You will get inspired by the picture and write a 100 word (give or take) story (either religious fiction/non-fiction OR devotional).

3. You will post your story in the comments section of this blog below.

4. You can post your blog on the link-up after you've added a story to comments.

5. Somewhere on your blog, put the Faith-fiction Friday button (feel free to shrink it if you want).

6. Since this is new, I'm asking, begging, pleading, kissing your feet, to please spread the word about this. I'd love for this to be a great place for people to read and write Christian fiction (believe me, there aren't many places on the internet that have it).

7. Please consider reading the other stories and commenting on them. Everyone needs encouragement :)

(Linked with: Faith Filled Friday )

So, that's it. Are you ready?
Here is this week's photo prompt:

Image(s): FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Welcome to Faith Fiction Friday-- where good stories meet faith.

I'd like to thank the wonderful people who have been participating in Faith Fiction Fridays these past few weeks. I'd love to invite others to join the fun as well (even if you don't write; commenting on the stories gives a lot of author morale).

If you don't know what Faith Fiction Friday is:

1. I will post a picture.
2. You will get inspired by the picture and write a 100 word (give or take) story (either fiction or non-fiction OR devotional).

3. You will post your story in the comments section of this blog below.

4. You can post your blog on the link-up after you've added a story to comments.

5. Somewhere on your blog, put the Faith-fiction Friday button (feel free to shrink it if you want).

6. Since this is new, I'm asking, begging, pleading, kissing your feet, to please spread the word about this. I'd love for this to be a great place for people to read and write Christian fiction (believe me, there aren't many places on the internet that have it).

If you have any questions, just ask. Like I said, I'd love for this to just be fun-- but it won't be fun for me (or anyone else) without participation.

Linked with: Laura @ Beholding Glory

Here is this week's picture:

Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Remember, write your 100 word (give or take) story based on the prompt picture and post it in comments. Then leave your blog in the linky--

Welcome to Friday, Friends! :)
I can't tell you how happy, thrilled, humbled, excited, (and all kinds of good things) I am about the response to 'Faith Fiction Friday'.
I'm glad you are all excited about writing and reading these.
So, enough from me, what is Faith Fiction Friday...
1. I will post a picture. 2. You will get inspired by the picture and write a 100 word (give or take) story (either fiction or non-fiction OR devotional). 3. You will post your story in the comments section of this blog below. 4. You can post your blog on the link-up after you've added a story to comments. 5. Somewhere on your blog, put the Faith-fiction Friday button (feel free to shrink it if you want). 6. Since this is new, I'm asking, begging, pleading, kissing your feet, to please spread the word about this. I'd love for this to be a great place for people to read and write Christian fiction (believe me, there aren't many places on the internet that have it). If you have any questions, just ask. Like I said, I'd love for this to just be fun-- but it won't be fun for me (or anyone else) if no one participates.
Here's is this weeks picture...

Image: Simon Howden / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Much Love (and Happy Writing!)

Linked with: Faith Filled Friday @ Beholding Glory

When you have written and submitted your story in the comments section, don't forget to add your blog to the blog list :)

If you are an author of Christian fiction or non-fiction with a fb page, leave me a comment here: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Kelly-Martin-Author/ 136506059763138with your fb page. I want to add it to a Christian author directory coming soon on my blog. I've gotten lots of notes from people saying they'd love to read more Christfic, but they can't find it... well... I want them to find it :)

I hope you see you all there :)

Can't wait to get started on this :) :)

~Kelly

Linked with: Winsome Wednesday

Here is the link to the fb pages already added:
WHERE CAN I FIND OTHER CHRISTIAN GENRE AUTHORS?

Today's letter in the A to Z challenge from www.a-to-zchallenge.com is...

X is for eXciting news...

What's the exciting news, you ask.
Well, it's... Faith Fiction Friday!

Here are the details:
1. I will post a picture.
2. You will get inspired by the picture and write a 100 word (give or take) story (either fiction or non-fiction OR devotional).
3. You will post your story in the comments section of this blog below.
4. You can post your blog on the link-up after you've added a story to comments.
5. Somewhere on your blog, put the Faith-fiction Friday button (feel free to shrink it if you want).
6. Since this is new, I'm asking, begging, pleading, kissing your feet, to please spread the word about this. I'd love for this to be a great place for people to read and write Christian fiction (believe me, there aren't many places on the internet that have it).
If you have any questions, just ask. Like I said, I'd love for this to just be fun-- but it won't be fun for me (or anyone else) if no one participates. Here is today's picture:

Image: dan / FreeDigitalPhotos.net Alright, it's your turn. When you leave your story in comments, please make sure you link up your blog. HAPPY FAITH-FICTION FRIDAY!!
Linked with: Faith Filled Friday @ Beholding Glory 


Today's letter in the A to Z Challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com is...

W is for Whelmed.
Ok, so I totally made up a word-- just go with me on this...
There are times in life when you feel underwhelmed: When something you've been so excited about just falls through or doesn't meet expectations.
There are times when you feel overwhelmed: When things just get to you, when you have lots of things on your plate, when you don't know which way to go.
I want to be in the middle. I want to be whelmed.
This is what I considered whelmed:
*Being content with what you have
*Praying and accepting the way things are
*Accepting that you are human and will get upset at times
*Understanding that everything will be ok.
*Believing that spilled water isn't the end of the world (... ).
You know-- Whelmed.
Content.
Happy.
Calm.
Non-yelly
That is my prayer... that we all find a way to be whelmed with our lives :)
Much Love,

Don't forget, the 'Faith Fiction Friday' Link will be open tonight. Come back later to be inspired to write a 100 word fiction, non-fiction, or devotional. If you don't want to write, please come back to read. You will be blessed by these stories (I know I was last week)

Today's letter in the a to z challenge at www.a-to-zchallenge.com is...

V is for Victory
as in
Victory in Jesus
Short and sweet today, folks.
Click on the link and listen to this fine old tune :)

Don't forget to come visit on Friday for 'Faith-Fiction Friday'. Details are here: Faith-Fiction Friday. Let's make a place for Christian Fiction (and non-fiction... and devotionals if you want..)
Much Love,

Linked with: Women Living Well Wednesday and Winsome Wednesday 

Today's letter in the A to Z Challenge is...

O is for Opportunity.
I have some query letters out right now for the book (which I don't know if it will ever see the time of day-- if God wants it too it will... ). I've written some for publication and contests..
But do you know what's missing?
Writing for fun :)
Sometimes when we get so focused on something, we forget that we started it for fun (like blogging-- and having kids... ).
SO, I've decided to bring the fun back-- and I want you to be a part of it. This Friday, I'm starting Faith Fiction Friday.

Don't freak out on me--
If you have a blog, you are a writer of some sort, so this should be easy, and freeing.
The idea is for me to post a picture on Friday. Your job (and mine) is to write a 100 word fiction OR non-fiction story based on the picture. Post the story in comments (and leave your blog address if you have one so others can visit you). It's that easy.
Does it have to be exactly 100 words? Heck no. It needs to be 'around' 100 words, but you won't get deleted if you go over.
This is just something to be fun-- not to stress over-- to let your creativity soar.
I'll put the post up Thursday night along with the picture so you can have a chance to work on your story.
I'm so excited about this, guys! I hope and pray you are too!
Much Love,
Kelly
Linked with: Oh Your Heart Tuesday Winsome Wednesday, and Women Living Well Wednesday

Last month, Natalie Aguirre (Literary Rambles) interviewed Chuck Sambuchino about his new book, Create Your Writer Platform. Natalie was excited about the book, so I had to check it out.

Unlike other promotion-based books I’ve reviewed, this book doesn’t focus solely on social media. Chuck talks about what platform is and why it’s necessary. He shares twelve fundamental principles of platform (the book is worth it for this chapter alone), and he discusses platform for fiction and memoirs. Topics also include choosing the platform avenues that will work for you, as well as information on the use of websites, blogs, newsletters, non-fiction articles, public speaking, and social media. At the end of the book is a section with author case studies that showcase what several authors did to make the most of their platforms.

Create Your Writer Platform is one of those books you don’t have to worry about being out of date before you finish reading it, because Facebook decided to add another feature, or because there’s a new social media site that’s suddenly become popular. And it’s one of those books you’ll want to review again and again.

* * *

If you’re interested in learning more about crafting YOUR social media strategy, the YARWA (YA chapter of the Romance Writers of America) is offering a month long workshop during April. This workshop is for both the newbie and individuals experienced with social media. For more information, please check out their website. You don’t have to be a member of the YARWA or RWA to register.

Have you given much thought to your writer platform?

I’ll see you in April, when I return to blogging after spring break. XOX

By Stina Lindenblatt @StinaLL

A few weeks ago, I received an email from a publisher asking if I would review Arthur Plotnik’s newly revised and expanded book, The Elements of Expression. Being the craft-book junkie that I am, I said, “Hell yes!” (Okay, I might have put it a little more politely than that). I have Arthur’s book Spunk and Bite: A writer’s guide to bold, contemporary style, which I loved. I knew I had to read The Elements of Expression.

Right away I’m going to admit this book isn’t for everyone. If you love the study of language, definitely pick it up. If you want to write with eloquence and wit, this is the book for you. If you prefer a book that gets straight to the point, you might want to skip on it (though you are missing a treat if you do). And if you easily suffer from writer’s envy, well, this book is going to be painful. Though if you read it, you might become the author others get jealous over because of your style. Get my point? I hope you do.

The book is written for everyone. Fiction writers. Non-fiction writers. Bloggers. Tweeters (yes, seriously!). And if you’re planning to do public speaking (i.e. if you’re planning to make extra income by conducting workshops), you’ll want to check out the book. There is a chapter called ‘Speaking Louder Than Words: Oral Presentation’. It has great advice and exercises for becoming a powerful speaker. If you have to do presentations for your job, you’ll want to pick up this book. It certainly couldn’t hurt.

What you won’t find is a discussion on grammar. It’s a book on style and expression. A book for picking the right words and imagery for forceful writing. And forceful writing gets noticed by agents, editors, readers. Isn’t that what we want?

Fortunately, being a book on expression, it isn’t dry. The Elements of Expression is filled with wit that left me laughing at the most inopportune times. In other words, this isn’t like those much dreaded high school English textbooks. I don’t remember any of them having a chapter on ‘Make My Day: The Power of Tough Talk’.

Have you read any craft books that deal with style and expression?

When you ask most querying writers what scares them most, they’ll probably tell you rejections. Not so for me. My biggest fear is signing with the wrong agent. Now, I’m not talking about the agent who doesn’t sell your manuscript. In today’s competitive market, having an agent doesn’t guarantee anything. But a bad agent can be the ultimate doom to the book you’ve so worked hard on.
Recently, one of my friends ended her relationship with her agent due to lack of communication. In her gut, she knew this person wasn’t right for her. Turns out, her gut knew what it was talking about. Last week the agent quit agenting, and her clients found out about it through Facebook. Classy.
What most people don’t know is that I recently got The Call. Now, before you skip to the end and congratulate me, please bear with me for a moment.
I spoke with the agent, and while I was flattered by her interest in my novel, I knew she wasn’t the right one for me. She was moving away from repping fiction, and was focusing on non-fiction (which she has an awesome sales record for). Because of that, she only wanted to rep Still.
It was a hard decision, because of factors I’m not going to mention, but my gut told me I was doing the right thing. Plus, I want to deal with some issues that other agents had talked about. While I know it’s a subjective industry, I wasn’t ready for Still to be out there yet. And I need to deal with those issues before signing with an agent (or querying again).
So how can you avoid signing with the wrong agent?

• Google the agent’s name and find out as much as you can about them. Yep, that’s right: Stalk them. This is your career we’re talking about.

• Look up their name in P&E (Preditors & Editors) to see if they have a bad rating.

• Check out writer forums such as Absolute Write, Querytracker, Verlakay’s blue boards (for kidlitwriters), and see what other writers (and sometimes clients) have to say about the agent.

• If you get The Call, ask to talk to the agent’s clients. Though that might not always help. My friend did that and look what happened.

• Know what you want in an agent. Maybe you’re fine if he only wants to rep the one book. Or maybe, like me, you know you want an agent for your career (but this doesn’t mean you can’t change agents at some point).

• Have questions ready for when you get The Call. Check out this list from Literary Rambles.

• Ask if you can have a list of the editors the agent is submitting to. The manuscript from one of the ex-agent’s clients was out on submission. Now the writer has no idea who the agent submitted to, which is going to be a problem if she wants to query other agents. No agent wants to rep a book that’s already been shopped around.

• If you want to see the rejections, let the agent know that before you agree to representation. Some agents don’t like to do that, and you’re left in the dark as to what’s going on with your submission. I’ve heard this complaint a number of times. Of course, if you don’t want to see the rejections, then you don’t have to worry about this.

• Listen to your gut.

A year ago, I received a rejection on my full in which the agent suggested I hone my writing skills some more (okay, more like a lot more). Within 24 hours, I had signed up for two writing courses (one focused specifically on YA) from a reputable online organization.

The advantage was that the instructor in each (along with my fellow students) would provide feedback on the assignments. While I did learn a few things I didn’t know, most of what I learned wasn’t new to me. Actually, I learned a helluva more by reading blogs—for free.

So what about the feedback? Wasn’t that worth it?

Let’s just say I’ve had way better crits from beta readers than I got from my instructors and classmates. Again, for free. After receiving feedback on my first chapter during the class, I sent it in for the critique at the LA SCBWI conference last year. Shortly afterwards, several beta readers read it and gave me much better feedback (especially on how I could tighten my writing). Even Ellen Hopkins had a lot to say about it. Things the instructor should have pointed out. #epicwritingcoursefail

Recently I took an online workshop for writing love scenes. Too bad I’d already read Writing a Romance Novel for Dummies and The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Writing Erotic Romance. The class would have be great if we could have had feedback on our work (or at least on some students' work), but that didn’t happened.

Fortunately not all workshops I’ve attended have been a complete flop. A lot of the workshops at the LA SCBWI conferences have been awesome, and I’ve heard great things about the workshops/conferences held through my local RWA chapter (which I’ll be going to this year). And WriteOnCon (the free online conference) is awesome. If you haven’t already, check it out from last year. The organizers will be announcing the 2011 conference dates soon.

If you’re looking at taking an online writing course, here are some things to consider:

• Who’s teaching the course? Have you read any of the author’s books? Some instructors (like in my ‘writing love scenes’ class) spend more time patting themselves on the back than teaching you anything. Warning: This happens at conferences, too.
• Will there be an opportunity for feedback?
• How many people are in the class?
• Is the class for beginners? (This might affect the level of feedback you get or the level of information you’ll receive.)
• What kind of time commitment is expected from you?
• Is the class being held by a reputable organization? (Not that it helped me.)

For feedback, check out forums such as Absolute Write, the Query Tracker Forum, and Verla Kay’s blue boards (for kidlit and YA writers). They are all free.

Has anyone else had good/bad experience with writing courses? Any other recommendations to help a writer hone his skill?

As writers, our goal is to create stories with intricately woven layers that keep the reader on the edge of her seat. But how do you do that?

In his non-fiction book, Writing the Breakout Novel Workbook (which I highly recommend), Donald Maass talks about the plot layer and the subplot. The plot layer is specific to the main character; whereas, the subplot is specific to the secondary characters. Yep, that was news to me, too.

Ideally, your main character has more than one plot layer. The more the better. So if you only have two, you’d better start brainstorming for some more. One will, of course, be the main story problem. Others, for example, could deal with the romantic storyline and the storylines dealing with the interactions between your main character and various family members, friends, teachers.

Because all our characters are dimensional (right?), each has their own interests, values, secrets, etc. Maybe the potential love interest is training hard to make the high school swim team. Great. As long as his goal somehow interconnects with the main character’s story. And if it somehow interconnects with other secondary characters’ stories, too, even better.

This means the more you know about your characters before you start the first draft, the easier it will be to make sure you have enough plot layers, and that your plot layers and subplots interconnect in as many ways as possible. Even if you’re a panster, it’s worth it to brainstorm first to make sure your story is as rich as possible before you start writing. It will mean fewer headaches down the line—even if you haven’t fully developed each plot layer and subplot beforehand.

Another thing you can do is analyze the novel you’re working on, and see if there are any subplots or plot layers that can be removed without damaging your story tapestry. If the answer is yes, then it hasn’t been woven into the story and is probably unnecessary.

Be sure to check out the exercises in the workbook. They really are worth taking the time to do no matter where you are in the writing process (preplanning, first draft, later revisions).

Note: I’m not getting any compensation for this. But you know, Donald, a ms request would be nice. I’m just saying, yanno. ;)

Characters are the core of your story. There’s no doubt about that. Even if you write plot-based fiction, you still need dimensional characters. You also want to create characters who feel (i.e. show emotions) so that your reader can connect with them. And if the reader connects with the main character within the first page, she’s going to keep reading. Right?

This is why you want to check out the non-fiction book, Breathing Life Into Your Characters: How To Give Your Characters Emotional & Psychological Depth, by Rachel Ballon. Whew! Say that five times fast.

In it you’ll learn how to create your characters both inside and out, and I mean beyond the typical interviews you see in most books on writing fiction. You’ll know your characters so well, they’ll become real to you, and that will make it easier to for you to make them real for your reader. You’ll learn through explanations, examples, and exercises to:

• create character backstories and motivations
• infuse feelings into your characters
• determine how they deal with conflict
• work with dysfunctional families
• make your villains believable and non-cartoonish
• create believable characters who have personality or behavior
disorders
• convey emotions through imagery, dialogue, and subtext

This is one of the best books I’ve read on the subject of characterization and emotion (the other two I’ve discussed here and here).

Any questions?

<<<3

I have some contest news. Enter Kate Walton’s contest and you have a chance to win some awesome prizes, including a first chapter critique by agent Sarah LaPolla.

But then again, if you don't enter, if increases my odds of winning. Of course, if one of you wins, I'll be really excited for you . . . so please enter. I'd love to see one of my friends win.

During the holiday season, I realized I have A LOT of books about writing fiction. And of course, I added a few more titles to my shelves last month. So, I’ve decided to start a fairly regular feature where I review non-fiction books on writing that I either own or have borrowed from the library. These posts will occur either on a Monday (in lieu of that week’s photography tips) or on Wednesdays. They won’t, though, be weekly.

<<<3

In addition to writing YA, I’m now venturing into the world of romantic suspense. Face it, I’m a sucker for anything filled with romance and danger (which also describes the YA novels I write). This is why I decided to check out Writing the Thriller by T. Macdonald Skillman.

This is an advance writing book. After exploring the different categories of suspense, the requirements for writing them, and reader expectations for each, she focuses on the important elements of fiction and the considerations you need to be aware of when writing the different types of suspense. However, she already expects you to have a good understanding of these elements beforehand, which include:

• Characterization
• Plot
• Setting and atmosphere
• Point of view
• Backstory
• Goals and motivation
• Dialogue
• Pacing
• Theme
• Style

• Action-adventure
• Legal thrillers
• Medical thrillers
• Political thrillers
• Psychological suspense
• Romantic suspense
• Women-in-jeopardy suspense
• Techo-thrillers

I can’t believe it’s now 2011. After reading Roni Loren’s blog this weekend, I realized I need to set some writing goals for this year. Heck, I even blogged about it last week on the Query Tracker blog, so I have no excuse.

And now you can hold me accountable to them. Right?

Writing Goals

• Query my YA novel, Still.
• Edit my new YA. I finished the first draft of Shot in the Dark before Christmas Day. Yay!
• Query Shot in the Dark later this year. (Of course, if I land an agent with Still, I won’t have to worry about writing another query. Le sigh.)
  
• Start planning and researching my sexy romantic suspense novel. I’ve already been working on some ideas.
• Have first draft of SRS completed by the end of the year—if not sooner.
• Write first draft of YA novel, End of Forever. (Yep, it’s already outlined and planned)
• Continue to read non-fiction books on writing and challenge my writing.
• Attend the LA SCBWI conference in August (anyone else thinking of going?).
• Attend the monthly RWA meetings in my city.

Reading

I’m not setting any specific numbers. I read whatever mood I’m in.

• YA (my list of books for this year is already long).
• Romantic suspense
• Erotic Romance. I’m pretty fussy about this one. I’m interested in erotic romantic suspense more than anything.

So, what are your writing and reading goals for this year? Are you going to be attending any conferences this year?