Monday, November 26, 2007

Submissions

Egads! I'm weakening. The submitting is taking its toll. Rejection sucks.

I know, I must keep plugging away. There is no other way to success. The head knows it all. The heart is weary. My new manuscript has received 3 personals. Two from agents and one from a very thoughtful editor and it is currently in a publisher's hold pile. I'm getting there. I think. It is difficult to spend time on new stuff when my hopes are invested elsewhere. But this week I must move on to the next one. Should be easy to get it down; it's almost complete in my head.

MUST KEEP SUBBING!! MUST KEEP WRITING!!

There. That should straighten me out.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Laterne, Laterne!

It's always a breath taking event. Lanterns twinkling in the frosty dark; strumming of guitars and the echos of trumpets; soft singing broken by the odd cry from a baby. First, the group gathers to light the lanterns and there is always much excitement as the small children are entrusted with the burning candle in their homemade paper lanterns.




The group sets off on parade through the neighborhood, singing as they stroll. The songs are quiet and repetitive, even the small children can sing the refrains.





The parade winds its way back to the start and the kids are met by a roaring bonfire. Hot drinks, bread and sweets are passed around and the singing resumes. This time the songs are old favorites and the beat picks up.





The fire burns down and the candles go out. The evening is finished. Everyone goes home filled with images of twinkling lanterns and thoughts of the generous St. Martin.











Sunday, November 4, 2007

Another story published!

Check out,
http://storiesforchildren.tripod.com/

Nice to see an illustration with my story! The artist has done an incredible job, particularly with the hidden extras. I finally downloaded the entire magazine. Very professional! Now, I'm going to think up something else to send to them.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Halloween

WHEW! Another Halloween behind us. A busy week around here. The sewing machine was smokin' and pumped out one tarantula, one Grim Reaper and a miniature Harry Potter. The oven churned out 24 spiderweb cupcakes, 24 pumpkin-shaped cookies and 48 mummies' toes. I worked a Grade 2 party and provided a ten-part selection of creepy things to touch. The tongues really freaked out everyone, even some of the adults. No one will be able to eat sliced, canned peaches again. Today, I can return to my laptop and a hot coffee, almost, guilt-free.

I am itching to get back to some writing. My newest picture book begs to have time spent on it. I'm a little stymied. So far, I am very pleased with the subject, the concept, and the characters. But the setting is fairly boring. I have been racking my brain to come up with something that will set the story apart. The subject may be controversial, particularly in the US. I need the book to have more of a WOW factor. Hmmm....

I'm disappointed, and a little surprised, that my latest manuscript is returning with only forms. I was sure it would, at least, inspire an odd comment or two.
It is possible I have been hitting the wrong publishers. I find it very difficult to research publishers while overseas. I rely on the Internet for new titles and subjects. Writing styles and trends are more difficult. I am limited to what I can buy from Scholastic or check-out of the school library.

Back to the Halloween clean up.
 

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