Conference notes.

I had a great time in Provo at the LDStorymakers conference. It was awesome. I learned so much and made some great changes to my work because of what I learned. I didn't win the first chapter contest and i admittedly got a little weepy.
My writing had improved so much since last year that I was sure it was my time.

Oh well the tears are dry and my experience that afternoon has affected me more deeply than all of the rest of the conference. After I secluded myself and had a few moments to digest the critiques, I ventured back into the area the conference was taking place and stopped to congratulate my friend Karen Hoover who won the grand prize. As I talked with her and other people that after noon I realized what a wealth of friends I have in the world of writing. I am truely blessed. They love me and support me, they understand my pain and are suportive of my quest to be published. I recieved hugs and words of encouragement from so many people I came home with my heart too full of love to feel alot of the earlier pain from not placing at the contest.

To those of you who helped me. Tristi P., Paulette, Wendy E., Julie W., Julie B., Candace S., James D., Annette L., Donna, Karen, Jamie T., Stacy W. Marsha W. And all those who I just can't remember I give you my deepest grattitude. I can't thank you enough.

One More Day. . .

Yep Thats right, one more day until the LDStorymakers writers conference. I am PSYCHED! Saturday at noon we will find out the results of the "First Chapter Contest." I hedged my bets this year and entered EIGHT entries. Don't know if any of them will win but I will remain positive. I worked hard on them this year going over them at least ten times each. I even had my BFF go over the grammar on them.

Even if I dont win I will have somewhere between 6-10 critiques on each chapter. Fingers crossed.

Ahhhh to dream. . .

Both my MC in my book and I like unique (and fast) cars. His favorite (and mine) has untill now been a Dodge Prowler.
I say untill now because I just found a little no door two seater race car called a Catherham Road Sport.





Beaut isn't she?





Sigh, at 115,000 pounds it is definately a DREAM.

Wow, I'm honored

I am flattered to recieve this award from Wendy at Wendworld. Thank you for the compliment. I am honored.




As for those who I will honor with the award. . .
Karen at A Writers Ramblings Who has survived a tragic year and has lived to tell about it.
Paulette at 700blankpages Who's Inchworm goal blog is an inspiration. And who's freindship is amazing.
Stephanie at Write Bravely Who is pluging along just like me as a mom and writer.
Tristi at Tristi Pinkston LDS author Who's friendship and understanding has buoyed me up in times of need.
Last but not least Laurel At The Klutz's Corner for her unending suport of her mother's efforts.

Please read below to see how to claim your prize:

Of course, as with every Bloggy Award, there are A Few Rules. They are, forthwith:

Each Superior Scribbler must in turn pass The Award on to 5 most-deserving Bloggy Friends.

Each Superior Scribbler must link to the author & the name of the blog from whom he/she has received The Award.

Each Superior Scribbler must display The Award on his/her blog, and link to This Post, which explains The Award.

Each Blogger who wins The Superior Scribbler Award must visit this post and add his/her name to the Mr. Linky List. That way, we'll be able to keep up-to-date on everyone who receives This Prestigious Honor!

Each Superior Scribbler must post these rules on his/her blog.

Something fun. . .

Okay, now for something completely diferent.

I have allways loved Asian things. Since I was little and had both a Japanese kimono and a satin shirt and pants from China. I love the look of Kanji, the clothes, art, gardens, and the martial arts. (I'm sure I left something out somewhere.)

Anyway, I am an orange belt in Tang Soo Do and am loving it. Since part of Tang is learning weapons, I have been looking at Katanas. Although my favorite weapon is the bo staff I love the idea of a good sword in my hand.

When I found this sword, I asked if I could have it for an early birthday present. I love the look of the Zatoichi Cane Sword and the Shirisaya. Without the bright colored laquer, hand guard, and wrapped handle.

Sooooo, I got it in the mail today and it is so cool! Now I can't wait to be a red belt! I'm taking it to class tonight.

Something bad???? teehee

Okay, I admit that this is a play on words, considering the title of my last post, but I couldn't resist.

Now that my #1 MS is being submitted and polished waiting for the big break. I have focused my attention on my second book to keep my brain in the writing world.

The problem is that as I have defined and refined the plot of the book I have come to the realization that I need to re-write the whole darn thing just as I finished the rough draft. Alot of it will be the same. The arc is basicallly the same, the begining middle end is the same, the characters are the same too but in deepening the plot and making it more apealing to the reader, I need to change it.

When I realized this the last time (for book #1) AFTER I had finished the MS polished it and actually submitted it I was literally sick to my stomach with the thought of basically chuicking that MS to start over.

SOOO. . . Here I am again at that same spot (with #2) knowing that the rewrite will only be better and stronger. But I hesitate it was good in the begining just not good enough.

Here's to new beginings.

If you guys are interested, here is the little blurb I created that turned my MS on it's ear. Enjoy.

Imagine an object as beautiful as it is addicting.
The last of its kind.
An object so powerful, yet so completely neutral.
In the right hands, its power is beautiful and good.
In the wrong hands. . .
An object created in the land of mystics, in desperation, left in the world of man.
Two men seek this object.
Neither knowing the immense effects their ownership could bring.
Valentines Day 2130, She is born.

Something good

"When your getting flack you know you're on the target."
Said by my DH in response to the comment that no traditional Christian publisher will touch your manuscript if your LDS. (No offence intended toward those publishers.)

Regardless, of the discussion we were having, the comment has stuck with me. When you are doing what is right and good--those bad forces that are out there will work against you. It seems that they want the world to be dark and dreary, therefore they will stop things that are good and light.

Not that I am one to share personal things, but, I have had two distinct experiences lately that I feel I must express.

When I was preparing my entries for the first chapter contest things came together in such a way that those that believe that there are such outside forces would see their hand in the events that occured. The entries were in my opinion flawless, they sounded great and were as error free as I and my "editor" could make them. Yet, when I went to post them everything and their little anoying dogs came out to prevent me from posting them. After hours of headaches and prayers by me, on my, or my chapters behalf, I was able to post them. The feeling I had as I struggled with them was this intense feeling similar to speaking in public. Yet it was not fear it was positive energy, like the seconds before that great first kiss. Then as I clicked the send button on my computer I felt a huge sense of relief, but it felt positive not just a great that's over feeling.

The second event has happened over the last two days. I finished my manuscript last week. Short of the corrections I need to do when my editors give it back to me it is done and finished. Yesterday I sat and wrote out my two page synopsis and my query pitch and polished my query letter. Everything is ready for me to start submitting my MS to agents. The feeling I have had this morning is this amazing feeling. As if I was at the top of a rollercoaster hill ready to go down that hill. I feel as if I am standing on the cusp of something amazing. That I am on the verge of something new and wonderfull in my life. Something akin to realizing that after nine monts of pregnancy that you have just realized that you're really in labor. And the end result of that is a wonderful baby to love and bond with.

Who really knows, I might fall flat on my face. But, I must acknowledge that even if this story is not published I have finished writing a book. I have poured blood sweat and tears into this story and it is something of good value, and worth. I have not let my talents be burried, I have worked on them and have something amazing to show for my work.

Either way, the feeling of standing on that CUSP of something new still thrills my soul and I am better for it.

So. . . when you are feeling flack you are on the target.