Starting fresh

I've given my blog a new look. It may not stay like this, as I experiment with it. But it needed a facelift, as I'm off to a new start.

2010 was a year of far too much excitement. Some of it was good: The Winter Olympics in Vancouver; Healthy, happy children having their own successes; my short story, He Had It Coming, was a finalist in the SiWC Storyteller's contest. Some of it was less good: forced lessons in acceptance of circumstances, plus learning that I'm a strong coper. Earth to Doris folded, for a variety of reasons, though I miss it very much. Also said goodbye to Chris Colt and the 45's, again a variety of reasons. FAT Jazz is still going strong.

I learned that I am still a positive, happy person in spite of troublesome circumstances.

In spite of the troubles of the fall, I have continued to write: the story for SiWC, two short pieces for the Sleuth Mystery contest (which I believe did not arrive in time, so perhaps I can resubmit them next year!). I worked a fair amount on my paranormal romance until I realise it was too much right now. Instead I am back into Griffin, a decision which is heartily supported by Loki and JS Lyster, as per earlier posts! I have submitted this story to the PNWA Writing Contest, so we'll see how that goes.

Meantime, we continue. Griffin is calling.

Post Conference Energy

Was that a week ago I last wrote?? Just shows how much fun I've been having.

Once again, the Surrey International Writers Conference was an uplifting, invigorating and exciting experience. This year I enjoyed it as a volunteer, rather than as an attendee. Colleen and I had a great time as Timers in the agent/editor appointment room, and felt we helped things run smoothly and ease everyone's nerves. It was neat to work with the agents and editors, helping them and making sure they had everything they needed. No stress for us, because we weren't pitching. Funny how it made the author/agent relationship feel more human...

And I loved hearing people's success stories: Jonathan was asked for submissions and had great feedback from an author or two, Ron received an overwhelming positive response to his work being read allowed in the SiWC Idol... and many other good news stories.

And of course we linked up with old friends, hung out in the bar with them, and also met new ones. In our spare time Colleen edited my MS in preparation for my submission to the agent who requested it. All is good. I worked all day on that yesterday, cutting trimming, revising transitions... I love this process. Sure, it's hard to be told that a scene, although it's amusing, doesn't accomplish anything and serves only to bog down the pace of the story, I do love the problem solving. I'm happy to cut and to smooth out, and it never ceases to amaze me how plot items fall into place in very intriguing ways. Simply by not allowing Kyer and Derry to stop and rest that one time after the battle in the woods not only added more urgency, it also added some lovely tension which was missed before. Gosh I wish I'd thought of writing it that way! I feel like I can't claim responsibility for the cleverness of it.

Now I have to write a cover letter to accompany my chapter submission, print off my pages and my synopsis and get it in the mail. Let's get this show on the road.

It's another busy day with appointments and errands... but the added bonus is a lunch date with buddy Jonathan, who was down for the conference and is now down on business. Yay! I get to talk writing some more! 

Writing's in the Air

Ooo, there's a buzz in the city today.... Master Classes are already underway at the Surrey International Writers' Conference, and tomorrow is the official opening. Ron is attending two classes, so I know he's already in town. Colleen's on her way up and Jonathan's on his way down today. Excitement is in the air!

I will be a timer in the Agent/Editor appointment room tomorrow, and am looking forward to being a part of all those writers' pitching experiences. I wish them all best of luck and hope everyone is asked for submissions! And maybe I'll get a chance to pitch informally, too.

I've hardly done any reading about what's going on at the conference this year, because I'm not an attendee... but I had better figure out which workshops are going on tomorrow afternoon so I can decided which one to attend, as my volunteer "free time." Oooo, what to do! There's so much to choose from.

I LOVE the writers' conference. The best time is just hanging out with my friends, old and new, in the bar. Come by and say Hi! I'll be there in every chunk of free time I have. I can't wait I can't wait I can't wait!