Pass

So two agents replied with a "pass" on my first novel. Do I feel disappointed? Yes. But I know this is normal in the writing world, and I know I want someone that will love me and my work. Oh, gotta go. I'm at the volunteer meeting for The Gasparilla Film Festival.
I'm back. Way cool time. They have a good list of well known actors that have confirmed their attendance. No, I can't say who yet, but once they announce it to the public I'll share.

Headed to Barnes and Nobles (yes I like Border's too, I just picked the closest one), to read jacket covers and the first ten pages of some young adult fantasy novels. Purely for research because, confession time, when I look for a book to read, I read the jacket and I flip towards the middle of the book. If I like what I see, then I buy it, or check it out at the library. However, literary agents read the first ten pages (same rule for screenplays). I wanted to see how my first ten pages, (which I've loaded onto my iPhone), held up against published authors. Bearing in mind that I'm not trying to match writing styles, I'm seeing how they start their novels. Almost bought the new Orson Scott Card novel. I did buy the Anthony Horowitz novel-Horowitz Horrors. Couldn't resist. He's one of my favorite authors.

Where was I? Yes, the first ten pages. I have a gripping opening But... I will be tweaking it.
In other news the editing of my horror script is coming along well.
But wait? How can a Christian write horror. Proverbs 14:12 "There is a way that seems right to a man, but it ends in death." there is a cost for living outside God's will. Trust me, that script has been bathe in prayer from Fade In, to Fade Out.

Contest entry-done

Friday I submitted the first chapter of my novel to a contest for new writers. The winner will be announced October 11th. The prize-agents and publishers having access to the chapter. Meaning if they like it, they will contact the author. I almost didn't submit my entry. Why? Fear. Yep, that ugly word. I had spent alot of time and effort on it. I didn't want it rejected, especially since the contest did not have a winner last month-they didn't feel any of the writing submitted was ready. I didn't want to have to face rejection of my passion, my dream. I wasn't looking at it in a logical sense-that if it's not selected, it may just need more polishing. No, I was looking at it as if it means I'm no good as a writer. I've heard it said, and have read, that writers (artists), are more emotional and more sensitive than others. Makes sense. We have to see, and feel the world around us in order to make great works. But that emotional side can also paralyze us if we are not careful. So I prayed and pushed through my fear and submitted it. October 11th, we'll see what happens. In the meantime I am beginning my second revision of my novel and moving from synopsis to outline on my second. Stay tuned to hear if I won. Course if I do, you'll hear my scream of excitement 'round the world.