Tuesday 26 February 2013

Once More Into The Breach...

I've finally done it.  I've taken the plunge and submitted Odd Squad to some Lit Agencies.

For the past few weeks I've been compiling my list of agents.  I've spent an absolute age trawling through their websites, searching for interviews they may have given elsewhere, and narrowing my list down the ones that I feel will suit my needs in an agent.

Feeling rather smug about the preparation work now behind me, and bracing myself to take the plunge, I gave my MS a final read through.  All I can say is , I'm so glad I did.  In making the story closer to my MC's point of view, I seem to have gained some new favourite words! 

In the first two paragraphs I had used the word "very" 3 times, and "every" twice.  What kind of impression would that have given to my prospective new agent?  OK, that was a poor question.  We all know what impression it would have given, and it would have been a wasted opportunity for me. 

So... after another round of revisions - that makes ten in total - I took the plunge this afternoon and fired off four test submissions.

All I need to do now is try and bury myself into a new project instead of my current adopted pose of staring at the screen thinking: Oh My God, What have I just done? and trying to hold my breath.

How are your projects coming along?

Monday 18 February 2013

Update

It was brought to my attention recently that I haven't posted for a few months.  All I can do is apologise.  If it would help, I could provide a rather feeble excuse combined with some outlandish story about the dog eating my laptop, or something, but somehow I don't think you would believe me.

So, what has really been happening?  I've been writing!

Last summer the drama group that I belong to performed some medieval plays at a couple of medieval festivals.  Being on the inside looking out was an interesting experience.  The surrealest part was when I was wandering around the castle grounds and catching people taking photo's out of the corner of your eye.  The immediate reaction is to think you need to get out of their way so you don't spoil the photo, and then you realise that you are the photo!


The performances were of a good enough level, that we have been invited back to the England Medieval Festival to perform again.  Realising that we need some new material, I have managed to write a short medieval play based on a legend called The Lambton Worm.  Rehearsals start next week. 
It's quite a rush thinking that people are going to be watching, and reacting to my work.

We've also started production meetings for the Pantomime Cinderella that I've written for this years main production.  The publicity has already started, and I was jumping up and down when I saw that the drama website is already naming me as the author :o)

At the risk of getting boring, there's more to tell you...  

I've been writing the new book, Ghost School, and I'm about half way through the first draft.  It's been slow going, but I'm pleased with how it's going.
I've also finally produced a list of agents for me to start sending Odd Squad to.  Hopefully next week I'll get the first batch sent.

What have you guys been up to?