it's about time

Yesterday I really started diving in to the first draft of my next book. I'm pretty excited about it; teen superheroes, evil doctors, mysterious saviors, and teen angst all over the place. I might even get one of those metric thingies on this blog so I can track my progress! Will keep you all posted on how the writing goes.

a little nothing

I've got no update, really, but I thought I would update with that. Seven rejections, still waiting to hear from a couple more. I'll do another round of submissions after life settles down after my move this weekend. My writing has also stalled (see the abovementioned move that's been sucking away all my free time with things like packing) but I'm going to settle into my superhero fiction in earnest in April. I've got some ideas for some short stories, as well. So there's a lot stewing in my brain; I just haven't gotten much down on the page yet!
Hopefully the rest of this year will have a lot more writing/creative time, which will mean more blog postings related to it. I'll certainly try to get back into writing about my job, as well. In the meantime, happy spring to everyone!

update

So far, seven rejections. And not a peep out of the last couple of agents I submitted to. In the next week or two I'll submit to a few agents who don't take materials electronically. Fingers crossed!

so far

Six rejections so far, one of which was a request for a partial and then a rejection. But the rejections have been kind, and haven't been form letters. I'm still waiting to hear from a few more agents. There are also a few more I'm going to submit to, but they only take snail-mail submissions, so I need to put those together.
And in the meantime, trying to wrap up the freelance work I'm doing while I ponder what to write next!

update

• submit Nor
• write cupcake truck Western novel
• write first novel in urban fantasy series
• outline entire urban fantasy series
• write three short stories
• edit the two shorts I wrote last year

The submitting is done, and I've edited one of the two shorts. And I've begun writing a short story. so that's a good start!
Happy weekend!

I did it

Well everyone, I did it. Last Friday I took the day off work, sat down at the computer at home, and electronically submitted my novel to twelve or so agents. My fingers are crossed that someone likes it!
I'll keep you posted as responses come in. The first one actually came this morning; a very polite rejection. Part of the process, right?
I'm excited that I finally did it! Now, what to write next . . .

it's been a while

Happy New Year everybody! I hope everybody had a good holiday season with lots of good food, good drink, and good family time. I know I did!
So. New Year's resolution. I will be a better blogger. I know, you're laughing at me right now, since I've never been particularly consistent. But I will try really hard, I promise.
So. I have made a list of writing goals for 2010. Here it is:

• submit Nor
• write cupcake truck Western novel
• write first novel in urban fantasy series
• outline entire urban fantasy series
• write three short stories
• edit the two shorts I wrote last year

I think I can do it, as long as I stay disciplined. Wish me luck!
So, anybody else have any good goals for this year to share?

Cinnamon Apples with Cream Cheese

Cinnamon Cream Cheese Apples

1 1/2-2 cups (1/2 L) water
10 oz (280 g) cinnamon imperials
apples
cream cheese
red food coloring (optional)
chopped walnuts (optional)

Start water to boil. Add in the imperials. While the imperials are dissolving, peel, core, and quarter the apples.

When the imperials have all dissolved add in food coloring if using. Turn off the heat and add the apples. Soak about 5 minutes each side.

Remove apples from cinnamon syrup and chill for 30 minutes. Pull out and put a dollop of cream cheese on each apple quarter. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts if using. (I left the walnuts out in video because I forgot them, but they are a good addition and make it look prettier.)

yikes

I have created my first vlog. What is wrong with me? But here it is.

more bad poetry

Yeah, I had an hour ride on the train and nothing better to do with myself. It was annoy the husband or write bad poetry about our day in the city (i.e. annoy you). Poetry won. And I have pictures. I love the wooden escalators at Macy's. One of my favorite things. Had to show you all.

Day after Christmas In the City

Twas the day after Christmas and all

through the city

The Harkens were wandering through weather gray and drizzly.

The merchandise of Macy's was stocked with care

To the delight of shoppers that crowded through there.

The people

were crammed in both Macy's and Saks;

Some there to shop and some to take back.

We walked through the rain to see the Rockefeller tree,

Then got sick of the crowd and hid out in lingerie.

We looked at the clothing we could not afford

And watched passersby until we got bored.

Then after all our adventures were done,

We bought ourselves cupcakes and went home to our cat.