Nostalgia

After catching up on some of the blogs that I follow, I happened across a post that was linked through Editorial Anonymous via the October 26th post to Editorial Ass. It is the story of an underdog, and it made me yearn to write Spellfighters again, my own underdog. I really miss it, but alas...I am working on other projects for the time being. As it has happened before, so it happens again...and the characters take a long vacation while the story gathers dust.

It has potential. I know it does. But I believe that some of the criticisms about it are right, and some things need to be reworked. At the time, it didn't seem that way, but now I see it with clearer eyes. A long break can be a good thing, oftentimes. Spellfighters is like my epic story, my favorite beloved tale and much petted characters that have to be shared with the world, some how, some way...even if it's never published, but only written out in full on crumpled up pieces of paper. Their story has to be told.

I feel sad now. Sad, and hopeful that one day, when I do make some of the changes that need to be made, my story will be published and shared with the world, as beloved by others as it is by me.

Check out the post. Really. It's worth it.

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Submitted!

I sent my vampire cows story in to the Writer's Digest Popular Fiction contest, under the fantasy category. It's entitled Put a Stake in It! It was somewhat inspired by my friend Morgan, who suggested similar titles that didn't quite fit. So that's what I finally came up with one morning while watching my daughter. My husband doesn't like it, and informed me so today. He was then subjected to a short rant about how I didn't care if he didn't like it, it's my story and my title and I like it, which is all that matters.

Then he said, "Boy, once you make up your mind, you really don't budge, do you?"

Usually, no. Especially when I didn't ask for your input to begin with. Ahem.

Figured out some new stuff for my nanowrimo story. I have a small, brief character profile for my main character, and I have a sketchy idea for the ending of my book, which is (as always) subject to change.

Now I just need to figure out my other characters before the contest starts...

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Warm Up Those Presses!

I sent the final draft out to some of my editing buddies for feedback and opinions before I turn it in for the contest. As soon as I get some replies, I'll make any necessary changes and enter my final version in the contest. I'm really hoping I at least place in the contest, because I think my idea is really creative, but I won't hold my breath.

Meanwhile, I'm trying to turn my attention to Nanowrimo. I've finally decided what type of story to write. I'm writing my first ever science fiction. But it has a bit of a horror twist to it. So it's kind of a science fiction-horror, or maybe a science fiction-thriller. I'm nervous and excited. I've never written a science fiction before. Most of what I write is fantasy. Still, this is a wonderful opportunity to stretch myself as a writer, and I'm looking forward to seeing what results from this experiment.

Oh, and I've started job hunting! Yay, me! I'm hoping to be employed by Christmas. Prayers and good wishes for that are appreciated!

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That's One Thing Out of the Way! Now on to Nano!

I did it! Yayness (as my friend Echo would say)! It is 4000 words exactly. Now I just have to call my sister and double-check my cow facts. Then I can send it in for the contest. This is about the best birthday present I could get right now, I think.

Speaking of birthdays, I have to go. My husband is taking me out to dinner to celebrate my birthday tonight, since he can't be with me on my actual birthday tomorrow. He got called in on a DJing job, so he called off of his regular job today to be with me, using a vacation day. Is that nice or what?

Here's to hoping I win!

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Nearing the Finish Line!

I am almost done with my short story, thank heavens! It seems like I've been writing it for eons. I managed to edit it down to 82 words over word count, but I had to change the lackluster ending. It didn't feel right. I wanted something that was quintessentially Wintra. It took me a while to come up with something, but I did.

So now I'm only 144 words over my count for the contest. I can whittle that down easily! Yay! I was honestly beginning to think I could never do it.

Meanwhile, I'm feeling nervous about Nanowrimo. Why? I haven't picked a story idea yet. At first, the problem was that I couldn't come up with one. Now, I have a LOT of ideas...and I can't seem to pick one. *sigh* Will the madness never end?

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Editing Buddies, Part II

4. A good work ethic--Who wants a lazy editor? You don't want someone who will take three months to edit and return a five page short story (exaggerated example). And the last thing you want is someone who will put it off forever and let it collect dust until one day you inquire about it and they have no idea what you are talking about (ditto...I hope). This brings us to the next trait:

5. Someone who can manage his or her time--If a person is perpetually busy, you don't have to dismiss him out of hand. But be careful. If a person is so busy that he can't make time to edit your story, but spends hours playing video games or watching TV, move on. You need someone who can manage his time well, who will edit your piece and get it back to you, even if he has to do it in ten minute increments at a time until it's finished.

6. Enthusiasm--This is an important one. If someone hates to read, or doesn't like your particular type of story, think twice about handing it over. She may not be able to let go of her bias(es) when editing your story, and you want constructive feedback, not a long list of criticisms about what you SHOULD do, or that you're wasting your time writing anyway, or that fantasy isn't a real genre and the only books worth reading are the literary classics, etc, etc. Some one like this is only interested in cutting down, not building up.

7. A basic knowledge of literary elements (plot, structure, POV, etc.)--This is essential because if something major isn't working in your story, your editor not only needs to be able to identify it, but also be able to suggest how to fix it.

8. Creative flair--It's always a plus if your editor can help you make stylistic suggestions and changes to your story. But you don't want to make just any changes and sacrifice your characters, story, etc. You want to make changes that would suit them; this is where an editor with creative flair comes in. Your editor needs to be able to assess what changes would not only fit your characters or story, but improve it.

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My Beautiful New Blog

I love the new layout of my blog! My friend Morgan was gracious enough to volunteer her talents to spruce up my blog, as I hadn't been able to find something I completely liked. This is so cool!

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Come on, let them debate. The first amendment gives us the right to free speech, and they have the right to let their views be known to the public, instead of having the media censor or ignore them as potential candidates. Four candidates other than Obama and McCain have ballot access in enough states to possibly win enough electoral votes to potentially win the election.

Regardless of whether they win or not, and they probably won't, at least let them debate. Is it really going to kill us to do this? Besides, I would find it interesting to see them debate with the two major candidates. I would definitely tune in. Besides, practically no one I've talked to likes their options for candidates this year. A lot of people are dissatisfied. It's time to shake things up a little and change that.

Watch the video, sign the petition, and pass the word on!

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