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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Progress

August is the time of year when I kind of look back and evaluate my yearly progress in preparation for the new year (of school, naturally.)  I joked back in January that this would be the year of revision for me.

Well, it was.  It still is.  But let's take a look-see, shall we?

1.  SEVEN TALES OF TRINKET-This was revised a couple of times and is now in copy-editing. (I kept thinking each round would get easier, but in truth, each round held its own hidden gargoyle of despair that I had to defeat in order to move on. But move on I did!)

2.  KEELIE OF THE LAKE-Revised this once for myself and once for my agent (who has it now).  I will probably do another round based on her feedback.

3.  Various Picture Book Titles-Er, um...yeah.  I played with a few ideas, but I haven't really written one in the past few months that I LOVE.  And that is what it takes when it comes to a picture book manuscript.  (Well, any ms, actually).  You must LOVE it and you must be able to visualize it in the hands of children.  It must work on every level you need it to work on.

I am a bit bummed that I haven't come through with something like this in 2011 yet.  But I am not giving up.  I have two ideas (pitifully low number) that I THINK can go the distance, if only I can conjure the perfect words.  (Because with picture book writing, it's conjuring as much as anything that gets the book written:)

4. New Book (mg novel):  Yay!  Something new in the year of revision.  It's tentative title is: Feathers, Songs, and Curses. I am about 1/3 of the way done.

Goals?  Well, before the end of the year, I'd like to get Keelie all shaped up and purty, and finish the draft of FS and C.  I'd also like to have TWO picture book mss that I LOVE and BELIEVE in with all of my heart and soul.

How are your writing goals for the year coming along?

hrh

P.S.  Chapterbook?  (yes, please.)



12 comments:

Anonymous said...

The beginning of the school year is always the most inspiring time for me -- fresh school supplies, fresh start, tons of potential -- and it sounds like that might also be the case for you.

My goals are to finish the last book of the Torn series and then clean my office. That last one will provide plenty of challenge.

Kristin said...

I like this. Who says you must wait until January 1st to start afresh? Best of luck meeting your goals! (The chapter book could be loads of fun.)

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Jess said...

Um...I felt okay about my progress until I saw your massive list of writing projects. I am now hiding in the shadow cast by your accomplishments and goals, thinking I need to get my booty in gear. Thanks for the reminder :)

Corey Schwartz said...

It's really quite impressive, Shelley!

Stasia said...

Love this post. Gonna copy you and write a summary of my revision goals and accomplishments. It will not be as impressive as yours, though!

Tricia J. O'Brien said...

I've come to believe that elves or brownies live in your house and help conjure ideas and write all these stories! I don't know how you do it with teaching and family and performances and crown polishing and all.

Cynthia Chapman Willis said...

Wow, you're doing great! I'm impressed. I'm making progress on my goals, but I tend to go from January first to January first. That's a good thing since i haven't reached my goals. ; )

Natalie said...

I'm SO impressed. Seriously. That is a lot of progress for half a year.

I only made one goal this year--to finish my WiP. It's not done yet, but it definitely could be done by December. We'll see...

Susan R. Mills said...

I'd say you've made a lot of progress this year. Me? Not so much. I'm back in the swing of things now, though.

MG Higgins said...

You've been busy! Very impressive. I love the idea of an August review; not quite as much pressure as the dreaded new year's resolutions. It was a busy and productive writing year for me, but totally unplanned. I kinda like it that way.

storyqueen said...

Aw guys, thanks.

You made me feel much better about my paltry progress this year. I've kind of felt like because I wasn't producing new stuff, I was being a slacker, except that I've worked harder this year than I can ever remember.

You are all the best. Again, thank you!