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This week I'm reading Cherry Money Baby by author and agent extraordinaire John M. Cusick. I'm really enjoying Cherry's distinctive voice and the authentic family relationships.
WHAT I'M WRITING
I'm 5,000 words in to the shiny, new WIP! It's taking more research than I'd expected, which has kept me from moving as quickly as I'd like. But my main character--this girl is something else. I just hope I can keep up with her. I'm even more crazy about her than I was when I started with my last MC. My goal is to have the first draft finished before my boys are out of school for the summer, and for now that seems feasible.
WHAT INSPIRES ME RIGHT NOW
My friend and critique partner Angelica R. Jackson has amazing news! Her book Crow's Rest sold to Spencer Hill Press, with a release date of May 15, 2015. I can't wait for this book to make it out into the world, and I am so happy for her. Seeing her take this next step on her journey inspires me to keep up my own persistence and writing fortitude. Congratulations, Angelica!
And on another front of CP news... Since I started writing seriously, I've been looking for a local critique group. I have many amazing critique partners, including Angelica, who I've met at conferences and through the Internet. But we're spread out across the country. I'm greedy, I know, but I want more. I want more CPs and betas, with an in-person perspective. The existing writing groups in Jacksonville mostly focus on adult books, so through the SCBWI, I'm starting a local children's book critique group. We're still in the planning stages, but I'm so excited about what's to come.
WHAT ELSE I'VE BEEN UP TO
It's been far too long since I went to a concert, and that will be remedied tomorrow night. Local Natives are playing here on Thursday. I've been counting down the days. They have a soulful, indie style with beautiful lyrics. Here's an example of the images they create, from the song Heavy Feet:
Powder in your hair
Staples in your jeans
Fireworks in the water
You were holding
A styrofoam cup
Held between your teeth
Telling me how you're going to outlive your body
You can check out their latest album Hummingbird here.
I can't wait to see what the rest of you are up to this week!
How cool that you're loving your WIP so much. I know that'll help you make your May goal, Laurie.
ReplyDeleteAll the best with the new critique group. I hope you get a lot of interest. :)
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DeleteYes, getting people interested has been the problem. Most of our communication is statewide, so it's hard to pinpoint who is local. But the state director is planning to help us get an event or signing to drum up interest, and I'm excited about that, too.
DeleteIsn't it awesome when you love your MC and your MS so much! That's one of the best parts of writing! Good luck with making your goal!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melanie!
DeleteIt's such a great feeling to love your MC and the MS she belongs in. Enjoy every single word :D
ReplyDeleteI am! This is the fun part to me, writing without worrying about how bad it is and just letting things happen.
DeleteYay for new words and a shiny new WiP! Sounds like you're excited about this project, so that's wonderful. :-) It really makes the process just that much more enjoyable, doesn't it? I think it's great that you're starting up a children's lit critique group. I looked into writing groups in my area, and I found that most of the writers wrote adult lit. I'd love to find people who write the kind of stuff that I do. Good luck with your group! Have a great week, Laurie!
ReplyDeleteYes, it's tough. I met with someone in a local group, who writes adult historical fiction. The pacing and descriptions are just so different. It makes it hard to critique each other's work when you are in such different mindsets. Thanks, Jaime!
DeleteI saw Angelica's news. That's awesome for her! And congrats to you on chugging along with your WIP.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lori! I can't wait to have a signed copy of Crow's Rest to add to my shelf. :)
DeleteI just saw this post! A belated thanks to both of you! :)
DeleteSounds like you've made a nice dent in your new WIP! It's nice when a new story gets on a roll. Good luck finishing your draft before the summer!
ReplyDeleteCongrats to your CP on her book sale! That's great news!
Thanks! I'll be sure to post updates and a cover reveal when it happens!
DeleteIt's wonderful when your characters come to life like that, and it sounds like you're making terrific progress! Yay to your CP on her book sale. And one can never have enough betas and CPs - they're simply awesome.
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