Stops and Starts

Here's an update on my writing life:

• I have done absolutely nothing with my picture books since I went through a round of submissions last fall.  I know I'm being a big disobedient here - it's time to start submitting again.  My health has prevented me from being productive, but, now that I'm feeling better, I have higher hopes.
• I decided not to submit my poetry.  I reread through my decade's worth of poems and decided they are nowhere near good enough to submit to any serious poetry publisher.  Instead, I'll just content myself to rambling off verse on this site every now and again, just for fun.  Bear with me if it's as painful as I think it is!  I have to put it out there so it doesn't swirl around inside, blocking the prose.  The rhythm of my rhyming helps me get into a writing rhythm on my other projects.  It's a place to start, to emote. 
• The Witty Series.  This is a series about my beloved, now deceased, dog.  A bit cliche, but I can't help myself.  In true Curious George style, Witty goes through a series of adventures all about discovery - self-discovery and discovery of the world.  I have written four in the series, submitted three.  I'm waiting to hear on those three.  I need to finish at least ten and keep submitting them.
• My young adult novel/series.  This is what I'm most excited about!  I spend hours dreaming about it.  Though I've definitely loved the Witty series and some of my picture books, this project has opened up new areas of passion.  I'm currently wrestling through some structure issues while in the outlining stage.  I used to just write - stream-of-consciousness style - but I can't seem to do that and actually finish anything.  I need the backbone of an outline to keep me focused.  So, my goal is to hammer out a firm, settled outline for all three books - complete with meta-narrative, character developments, and chapter outlines - by the end of this month.  I also want to have the first draft of the first three chapters of Book I completed by February 26th.  February 24th-26th I'll be in Marfa, Texas - alone - working on nothing but these goals.  I would greatly appreciate prayer: for clarity, focus, productivity, and grace for my husband and kids while I'm away.

Thanks to all who read and comment!  This little blog has been a big lesson for me - about my style, voice, weaknesses, strengths, and more.  I especially love seeing you Soli Deo Gloria girls each Tuesday - thanks!

I Heart Jane Austen

Okay, I must confess: while I did "nothing" yesterday I also watched the BBC's mini-series version of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.  All six hours of it.  This is, at least, my 1,000th time to watch the DVD's.  I'm an addict.

While watching I was also doing homework in the Writer's Market book for Children's Books Illustrators and Authors.  I read the chapter that included a Q&A with several agents, outlining what they do and do not like to see in the submissions that cross their desks.  One agent said (I'm paraphrasing): be authentic; write what you know; there's nothing more unique than your own experience.

That's when it hit me: this is why I love Jane Austen (one of the reasons...I could go on for days).  She was true to herself, her perspective, her experiences, even the banalities of her daily life.  How refreshing. 

I don't know why this struck me as so inspirational.  Perhaps it's because...well...I can do that.  I can be who I am.  I can write what I know.  My characters can laugh at the things I find funny and cry at the things I find sad.  I don't have to overcomplicate; I just have to write.

So, for those of you who are interested, here's an update on my writing career:

• I have submitted five children's picture books and received two rejections & one offer (which I rejected).  I'm waiting to hear on three of the five, and I need to resubmit the other two. 
• I have started a middle-grade fantasty fiction novel.  I'm very excited about it and plan to finish the outline, story plot, and first three chapters during a writing retreat to Marfa, Texas this spring.  I want to be able to submit it to agents beginning in May (feel free to hold me accountable to that timeline!).
• I'm submitting a decade's worth of poetry to a publisher this month (wish me luck!).

Now I must put down my computer and take up my pen (my preferred way of writing).  And, of course, raise a glass to Miss Austen.  Here's to you, girlfriend!