Writers Circle and Steve Jackson

I haven't been to the group for a couple of months as I've been writing. However yesterday I took the journey and was very pleased I did. We had a speaker – Steve Jackson the author of The Mentor a thriller that will install a chill in your spine that you'll never rid yourself of. Some of these occasions are not inspired, but Steve managed to engage our interest all evening. He read snippets from his latest novel and took a question and answer session. If you get a chance to attend a meeting where Steve is speaking I'd highly recommend it. If you're interested in learning more click on the link here http://www.steve-jackson.net/
If anyone is interested in joining the Society of Children's Book Writers & Illustrators' then this is the address you'll need to find out more – http://www.britishscbwi.org here you can join a body of writers and illustrators. The group hold the SCBWI Professional Series of talks on various aspects of children's books. If you're interested in writing or illustrating for children this is a good place to start.

Authorsden

I've just discovered The Aurhorsden. It is another place to get your name as a writer out there for people to see. I've uploaded a few items and hope that they will be happily received. I'll have to keep a check on the site as I go. If you would like to take a peek, you'll need to go to: www.authorsden.com/susankfranklin and that should get you there. Let me know what you think.
During this half term holiday, I've been very busy writing 'Blades of Time' which is going well. And I've been checking on work that is currently out with publishers or agents. Nothing to report as of yet.
I've sent out two short stories to magazines and hope to get a yes, but they have so many manuscripts sent in I'm among many.
I've received two rejections, but that is not unexpected when you're trying to get your work noticed. You have to accept that not everyone is going to like your writing style/voice or just the plot. We have to take it on the chin and hope one day we'll find that one person who loves our work as much as we do.
I'm off now to write so until next time.

Half term - writing time

Half term – writing time.

I know many people have been put out by the snow this week, but it couldn't have come at a better time for me. I was beginning to wane at school, teachers and children alike full of colds, bugs and things I don't care to recall. It has given me two extra days off to write. It has been wonderful. I'm currently working on a new novel – Blades of Time, which won the 12+ children's writing competition at Winchester last year. After taking note of the critique I received and adjusted some areas within the synopsis and the work is flowing well.
I'm awaiting editorial notes from an agent (hopefully she'll like it and I'll be able to resubmit once I've made the changes etc. covered) unless she hates it!! I've received an email from a publisher saying I'll hear from her by the end of the week about various projects she is looking at. This is all exciting and scary at the same time. I long for her to say yes, but I also know that there are thousands like me out there with the same hopes and dreams. Only a few will ever make it, I can only hope one of them is me.
Whatever happens this time I have come so much further in the last year than I have before. One thing I've learnt is that this isn't an easy job. It is darned hard work. I'm constantly learning and will keep learning. The day I stop learning is probably the day when I can no longer write. I know one thing – whatever the outcome this time. It won't put me off. I have to write – I can't not write – I have too many characters dancing about inside my head and each has their own story to tell. I only need someone else to feel as passionate about my work as I do to get there. I'll let you know what happens.