Borders emailed me a 50% off coupon, so I broke down and bought my first copy of Writer's Market today. It helps that whenever anyone buys me a gift it's usually Borders giftcards. It's the new and improved copy that offers everything from interviews to social media. It should be arriving in a few days. Then I'll see what all the rave is about and be ready to query when the time comes.
Lisa suggested the other day that I purchase a copy of Heather Sellers's book, Chapter After Chapter. After reviewing it, I was intrigued by the mention of the the Sexy Next Book. It all relates to being targeted by writing ideas and not knowing what story to pursue. I'm glad I'm not the only writer struggling with this. I'll be sure to pick up a copy soon.
Did you ever feel like you're doing something you'd really prefer not to be doing? Well, today I took the day off from the day job. I respect it. It pays the bills. It's a respectable position. Still, I'd rather be writing. So, here I am, in front of my computer, doing what I love to do. No one's here except me and the dogs.
I'll be reading 100 pages of my fantasy manuscript out loud today to make sure that it reads well and that the dialogue doesn't sound stupid. Then I'll just have 400 hundred pages of editing left before I can query on this baby. It should be fun.
Below I'm posting the poem I submitted to Rachelle Gardner's Blog, just because I thought it was funny and a good way to end the week.
Everyone have a nice weekend!
Letter to Agent
Dear friendly agent, I've found you at last.
It took only two years of busting my ass.
My query was nonsense, choppy at best,
something that "Query Shark" could clearly attest.
Please don't be offended that I speak from the heart.
Now that I have you, this is only the start.
I promise to follow your expert advice,
and care for my hair so I'm not struck with lice.
I'll pinch my cheeks red and keep bleaching my smile.
I'll wear lipstick to bed and fluff my do for a while.
I'll work on revisions from dusk until dawn
and discard silly pages that cause you to yawn.
Only you can decipher the words in my head.
It's no big secret; I just want to be read.
As I strive for perfection with a quill in my hand,
with you at my side I will travel the land.
If everything fails and you give me the shaft,
We can remain friends. I'll still make you laugh.
