Shew! Life has been so crazy!
I had to take a 6-month hiatus from writing, blogging, even tweeting (eek!) so I could make some major changes in my life. I had some really great success with my last WIP, and there are actually some agents that still have the R&R in their slush piles, I just haven't had an opportunity to send nudges. *sends out reminder vibes through the universe* :oD
Seriously though, I decided to let that last project go and I'm back to the grind writing something new. It was a project I'd started back in May while I was revising my last MS, and my word count is getting to a respectable number. That means I need to take a step back and make a plot map/outline of where I want this story to go. I also need to READ again.
What are the specs?
It'll be another work of contemporary fiction--dark, edgy, and tailored to the YA audience. It'll be scary, too. Realistic and relevant.
I've also been brainstorming some ideas for fantasy, paranormal, and YA historicals, but I need to push through this draft to prove to myself I have what it takes to finish a manuscript again. I'm seriously rusty, so I know this thing will need some major editing.
So, where have I been?
I went back to work. That's the biggest change. It was pretty easy to make writing my top priority when I was doing the stay-at-home mom thing. Now I'm clocking 65 hours a week and still trying to find time to spend with my family. Carving out an hour every day to write has been on the back burner. But, I'm finally finding balance again and making time for the things that make me truly happy.
I have to take the time to give shout-outs to three of my crit-partners who busted into the pubbing biz while I was away. Please take a moment to check out these awesome YA authors:
Lynne Matson
Eliza Tilton
Tonya Kuper
I'm so proud of you, girls! And I'm so honored I got to be a part of your writing process. Stay tuned for updates on these killer women!!! They are about to become HUUUUUUGE.
Well, that's about it for now. I hope I'll have more news for you soon--once I get my training wheels off again.
~L
