Signy Shepherd Rides Again

Did I mention that Book Two in the Signy Shepherd series is well underway?

I know I mentioned in my last post that once Blown Red was turned into my agent the entire project vanished from my thoughts but, Book Two, which I had put on the back burner while I worked on the revisions to Blown Red is calling to me.

I LOVE the premise of Book Two. I think it is more complex, less cliche and I can't wait to get back to it.

Of course it would be optimum if Blown Red sold and the publisher wanted a second book. Knowing that there is a financial reward at the end of a project is a great incentive. It is easy to write under those circumstances.

Writing a popular genre novel when there is no guarantee of monetary gain is a different kettle of fish. It is not as though the writing is personally cathartic, or full of insight, or, in fact, brilliant on any level. It is just a fun story meant to entertain.

And, as it turns out, it is a fun story to write.

So, regardless of whether the first book sells, or whether I have to return to a 'real world' job, it seems I just can't let Signy Shepherd and her Scooby Gang of misfits molder in the recesses of my mind for much longer.

I guess that makes me a writer....

"What is it?" Grace asked.

Signy turned the strange object over in her palm, brushing the tip of one finger over what appeared to be a miniscule antenna.  "I have absolutely no idea."

Grace narrowed her eyes. "Maybe we should put it back."

Signy nodded. "It might be rigged to explode or something." Grinning, she sat back on her heels. "Then again, it just might be the key to this entire mess."

Grace peered at the object, its fluorescent orange surface giving off a toxic glow. Her eyes twinkled. "Open it."

Signy laughed then slowly pried off the lid.

My Book is Finished. What Now?

It's strange the way things end with a whimper. Blown Red, which occupied so many of my waking hours and more than a few of my sleeping ones as well, for almost a year and a half,  is back with my agent. Luckily, she let me know that she is very happy with the revisions and will likely offer it next week. Whatever that means...

It's funny, though. As soon as the send button was pressed and the final hard copy was tucked high on a shelf the entire project was gone from my thoughts. Poof. It just winked out.

So, what next?

 Obviously, I would prefer the best case, all time lottery win, super-duper scenario that would mean the book has sold and the publisher wants a second novel, and a third, and a fourth....you get the picture.

Still, I am realistic. I have jumped a lot of hurdles so far, but the highest one still needs to be cleared. Finding the right publisher at the right time who is desperately seeking just the right product.(Mine)

Will I win the literary lottery? Who knows? But that tiny baby carrot of hope dangling just out of reach keeps me tied to the computer. Writing, writing, writing....a new poem, a short story, book two...





Still, I can't help but contemplate the realities of paying the bills.

If I were younger, smarter and prettier, I'd think about becoming a storm girl. You know, those gorgeous chicks dressed in CNN slickers, long hair blowing in the wind, that give us the best of the storm porn. Super Storm Sandy, Hurricane Irene, Tornado Alley. Shattered communities, ruined homes, devastated lives, who wouldn't admit to a touch of good old schadenfreude?











Or perhaps I should return to my roots?  Take up the practice of social work again? I did go so far as to bring my RSW status up to date and I have been trolling the mental health job sites for leads. It might be fun.

Maybe...










 On the other hand, I saw my first flying squirrel the other day. That must mean something...

No really...I mean it.

You don't see a flying squirrel every day.

Thoughts anyone?

The End!

Wow! After a journey that lasted more than two years, I have completed my first novel and can happily say, I have done so to the very best of my current ability.

I had no idea it would take this long, require so many revisions...er....let's be honest....not so much  revisions as a total re-writes.  

I had no clue that I would get the chance to work with the amazing editor, Becky Toyne, nor, that with a few strokes of her red pen, and a couple of brilliant suggestions, would help me to improve the final product more than I could have imagined.

Nor, did I imagine in my wildest dreams the support I would receive from so many amazing readers, each one of whom added another piece to the puzzle. The book is so much better because of each and every one of you.

And, Good Old Don Oravec! The ED of The Writer's Trust of Canada, who read the book, loved it, and recommended me to an agent. He called me a 'writer' and for the very first time, I allowed myself to believe that maybe people were not just being polite. Maybe I really was becoming a 'real' writer.

And, Anne McDermid, who sat across the table from me, and told me should had already picked out which actors would play the main characters in the TV series. Really?! Really??!!

After recalling the version I sent to Anne a couple of weeks ago in order to fix a few outstanding errors that I just couldn't let go, I finally sent off the final draft yesterday. (Of course, I sent it via email - but the Post Box just seemed more fitting in my Dumpy Grace accompaniment)

So, this is it. No more revising! No more nit-picking! No more thinking about Signy or Grace or the Tracker or The Line.

At least not until Dr. Solomon Smiles and his troubled wife, Lisa, compel me to scribble down their story. Who is Dr. Smiles? Is he a beloved 'doctor without borders', a caring husband, a loving father? Or, is he something far more sinister? And, who is his young wife, Lisa? Is she a modern day Eliza Doolittle, molded into her husband's idea of the perfect wife? Or, is she playing a twisted and deadly game of her own.

And, will Signy Shepherd, with the Tracker's help, be able to unlock their secrets in time to save her mentor and friend, Grace Holder, from an unimaginable fate?

 Oh dear....

Exit...Stage Left....See you next time!

.

Changes

It's been a long time since I last posted. I have had my head down, working on the revisions of Blown Red.

I'm happy to say that I have completed the re-write and the first read-through. I have identified the weak spots and will be working over the next few weeks to complete those changes.

I am amazed at how different the book has become. More of a thriller - less of a literary novel with dead people in it.

Still have no idea if it is a 'real' book, worthy of publication, but the journey has been incredible.

Still...change can be difficult.

Versatile Blogger Award Nominations

As I mentioned in my last blog (7 Random Things you might not know about Me) I was thrilled to be nominated for a Versatile Blogger Award  http://versatilebloggeraward.wordpress.com  by Monique Liddle.

Monique writes a fabulous blog: Bends in the Road – One Woman’s Journey through Life’s Turning Points.

Check it out at:   http://bit.ly/L4ziSr

The rules for accepting the award include posting 7 Random things you don't know about yourself - Done!

AND....

Passing on the love by nominating 15 blogs you feel deserve the award. Below, are 15 blogs that I enjoy for a variety of different reasons. Check them out!

Phyllis Writes Words  http://phylliswriteswords.wordpress.com/   Beautiful stories about family, life and love. Phyllis has also published a novel, Isla's Chance, available on Amazon.com

Sarah Nego Writes  http://www.sarahnego.blogspot.ca/    On the trials and tribulations of writing a novel.

A Jar of Fireflies http://www.ajaroffireflies.blogspot.ca/  If you are interested in flash fiction

Milk of moonlight  http://milkofmoonlight.wordpress.com/  A very cool site about poetry

Joy’s Book Blog     http://www.joyweesemoll.com/  A librarian writes about books. Very informative!

Catch a Star as it Falls  http://celestialgldfsh.livejournal.com/  Outstanding recipes anyone? Not to mention great writing!

Out Here in the Fields  http://kirkcrady.wordpress.com/  I love this blog on gardening. Gorgeous writing.

Joe Orozco – Musings of a Work in Progress   http://www.joeorozco.com/blog  Support for writers. Prompts, book reviews, reading suggestions

Susan Craig – Thought on Life, science, writing and more http://bysusancraig.wordpress.com/  I think this is a really cool mix of neurobiology and writing information.

You Know You’re Borderline When…     http://authorjaenwirefly.wordpress.com/  Presenting new and thoughtful ideas on BPD. One of the best sites on the subject in my humble opinion.

Latinapen  http://latinapen.blogspot.ca/  Writes about strong women characters on both sides of the law

Writeful Blogging  http://kendramerritt.com Kendra Merrit has an informative sight about the writing life. 

Finding Home    http://blyth.wordpress.com/   Eclectic musings from an aspiring novelist

Right Livliehood, Just Ventures  http://justventurescoaching.com/  A wonderful blog about change

Jasmine K Evans  http://jasminekevans.com/  A freelance writer shares helpful information in a clear and useful fashion

There are a couple of rules to follow before accepting the award:

1) Let people know you've won the award and post the link to the Versatile Blogger Award site, if you want.

2) Pay it forward by nominating 15 other cool and interesting bloggers for the award. Let them know you've nominated them by posting on their sites. (Personally, I think 15 is a pretty huge number - as far as I'm concerned just do your best with this one)

3) This is the fun part - when you acknowledge acceptance of the award in a post, be sure to include a list of 7 random things we might no know about you.

7 Random Things you don't know about Me

Many thanks to Monique Liddle for nominating me for the Versatile Blogger award!

Monique writes a fabulous blog: Bends in the Road – One Woman’s Journey through Life’s Turning Points.

Check it out at:   http://bit.ly/L4ziSr

Monique’s nomination came at a particularly tricky moment. I was deciding whether to continue my writing full time or try for a ‘real job’ thus, moving the writing to the back burner. Her support, along with many of my other writing friends, convinced me that it is far wiser to follow your heart.

Since then, my novel revisions have been proceeding well. I can see the light at the end of the tunnel and hope to have the revised copy to my agent within a month, or so.

Meanwhile, one of the rules for accepting the Versatile Blogger award is to create a list of Seven Random Things you might not know about me.

So here goes:

1   ONE: I was nine months old when I was adopted. I was in my thirties when I sought out my biological mother and experienced what proved to be a very interesting reunion. There is a very fascinating story here that I will share in more detail when I have time to do it justice.

 

     TWO:  I pretty much believe everything anyone tells me no matter how ridiculous. When I was a zoo keeper I took it as gospel when an older keeper warned me that if I grabbed a Wallaby’s tail too tightly it would twist off. As a result, I spent several fruitless hours allowing my Wallaby to slip through my fingers while everyone else laughed from the sidelines.

      THREE: Two glasses of wine and my face turns beet red… then I start talking and can’t shut up. 

      FOUR: I have always had a secret crush on Captain James T. Kirk. No man will ever compare to William Shatner in full Shakespearean mode, on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise.  (Sorry, Steve)

    

   


 FIVE: When I was eighteen years old, I had a mystical experience that I have never forgotten.  

      

         SIX: If I were stranded on a desert island I would put on an exquisite blue sari flecked with gold and dance to Bollywood music under the hot summer sun.  

7

    
SEVEN:  I blush at the drop of a hat. I think blushing is very cute when it happens to other people but I am horrified when I can’t control my own face.  I sometimes pretend to root about in fridges to hide the fact that I’m blushing again.