Wow, this could really work

I can't wait until my writers group meeting tonight. I think Im on to something and can't wait to get thier feedback. My only real concern is getting too dark in the story. Not to say that I want it to be sunshine and buttercups, but not dark and scary and unrelatable. So wish me luck. Here is a bit.

I would otherwise be happy to bring friends over, but not while Billy is there.

Coffee or books

During the holiday's I was given a $25 gift card to a chain book store. I opened the card and saw BOOKS. I pondered for a moment which books I would buy. Maybe the one I need about writing YA or maybe a couple of novels for the bedstand. OOHH! I could buy a couple of books for my kids. My middle child needs a book about stars and my oldest needs the thickest, highest quality novel full of words she may actually need to reference. The youngest needs board books, I could buy atleast three with the card. So by now I pop out of my fantasy and return to the meeting I was sitting in and hear people around me talking about the latte' they have wanted to try and how they cant wait to drink the gift card. I am horrified. I thought 'BUT, but Books, you could buy books. coffee everyday, but books.'
I am greatful the parents association thought of such a great gift, but maybe next year they will think of the local, family own book store down the street.

New page

Every once in a while, when life paves over your path, you must learn to drive the new road. This new road has no street signs because I haven't made them yet.
This new road has no obvious markings because I haven't painted them yet.
This new road has no rules, therefore, no limitations.
I don't have to stay in the lines, or on the road as a matter of fact.
I can turn around and change my direction at any point.
I can create a turn, scenic outlook, highway or byway.
I can choose to get lost and choose to get found.

Now, I need to decide how I am going to get down my new road.

Superhero alien abduction midlife crisis MG novel

Well I guess I can't have a 1700 word picture book dealing with complex characters and subplots, either. Here is a blog for reference by Laura Backes.

http://children.fictionfactor.com/articles/kidsgenres.html

Interesting though, a new catagory is emerging for ages 10-14 who are not ready for the themes in YA books.

Yipee! I'm the master of the universe!

Last week I entered a writing contest on author, Meschell Foglesong's, blog.
The contest was to create a funny 50 word passage, to use the words gorganzola, crabapple, slipper and indefinable, and have it having to do with cleaning out a refrigerator.

Here is the link to her blog where you can see my award winning announcement! www.passinglovenotes.wordpress.com

Words of wisdom

"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind" Dr. Seuss

NESCBWI and the Rogue Red Pen

Recently, I received an e-mail from Nescbwi inviting me to join an online picture book critique group. So, I decided to try it out. Shazaamm, first book, critiqued. Although now I am not sure how much critiquing is acceptable. I tore through it like a teacher with an inspired red pen and e-mailed it to her as an attachment. Having a little red pen guilt I decided to read the other comments posted in the discussion section and gain perspective. OMG. The trend is three paragraphs, each containing an abstract point flanked with comments about how great it is.

My choices

A. RUN, fast, don't tell them where to find me.

B. Be proud that I am not part of the pact and stand strong in my independence.

C. Prepare an apology note saturated with kindness and loving support.

D. Pretend I AM a teacher with a rogue red pen.

For those of you who ask "How bad can it be?"

I answer, "Red, Really Red"

I come from the standpoint that I would want someone to do it for me. I want somebody to be really hard on me. I want the criticism. I want to look at my work with different eyes. I want to be challenged. Yes, it can hurt my feelings. Who is going to win in the end?

I would like to get some feedback about other online etiquette that I should know about.