Still Truckin' Along

Have you ever read the message below the title of my blog?  I have, of course, and when I started this blog, it was true.  And to think, I only just started this little project almost a year ago.  Since the first day, my life has taken me in a different direction. 

2011 brought on a ton of writing, 3 books and one short story contracted, hundreds of hours of editing and several attempts at finding an agent.  And this is where my initial goal has changed.

I'm not sure I want an agent.  Right now.

When I started out, it was write write write, edit edit edit, query query query and land an agent that will make all my dreams come true.  It's not about the money but the benefit of staying at home and doing what I love.  And the bottom line is still the same.

I have friends who are agented and I get mixed info.  And I get it.  Each agent is different as well as the writers they represent.  Yet I can't help wonder if I want the headaches they face. 

And this may be my answer.  I will keep on writing and submitting to my current publisher until she doesn't want me anymore but still keep one eye on the search for the "dream agent".  Because the truth is, I'm over-the-moon happy with my publisher and writers friends I've made there and I wouldn't change a thing about my experience.  Still, a small part of me wonders if I can land an agent but I'm not going to settle for anyone and neither should you if you are a writer.  Make sure the agent is what you want in a person that will represent you and your writing.

I won't change my message yet becuase for the most part, it's still true.  But incase you were wondering how my journey has been, I've answered it for you.  To be honest, I haven't submitted to many agents last year.  Mostly because I was inbetween projects and then discovered Honey Creek Books and my writing took off in an un-agented direction. 

Thanks for listening and I'd love to hear about your thoughts.  Agent or No Agent?  That is the questions!!

Book Nibbles

This week's Book Nibbles....

Author:  Jennifer Johnsonwww.booksbyjenniferjohnson.com

Published by Turquoise Morning Presswww.turquoisemorningpress.com

Release: September, 2010

Category:  Sweet Contemporary Romance
Heat Level: Sweet (no sex)
Length: @70,000 words
Price:  $14.99 print; $4.99 digital

Blurb:

Sitting in front of her parents’ house in a U-Haul truck at midnight, Amy Mann decides it’s time to break it to them that she’s divorced from her husband and moving back home with her seven-year-old son, Toby. As Amy settles into her hometown, she has a plan to get out of debt, get her college degree, and put her life together.

Enter Captain Riley Pennimon, local firefighter and superhero to Amy’s son. Riley is kind, brave, and civic-minded. The captain does not fit into Amy’s putting-her-life-together plan, and yet he is way too good looking without a shirt. Much to Amy’s chagrin, Toby decides that Riley is just what they need for a happily-ever-after.

But, can Amy make peace with the demons of her mistakes and let the captain rescue her? And…can Riley let go of the pain of his past and grab onto the family he’s always wanted?

Click here to purchase on Amazon.

This sweet romance is on my TBR list.  The only reason I haven't read it yet is becuase my computer is down and along with it my Nook files.  #boo   But as soon as I do, you can catch my review over at Goodreads as well as a small snippet here.  I love this author and am a fan of her work!!! 

Resolutions

You've probably already read your share of posts on the new year and resolutions.  Well, I don't plan on making any resolutions this year.  More like goals.  Writing goals.

I can start off by saying I resolve to lose weight.  We both know that won't happen and all I'll do is let myself down.  But this isn't about me.  This is about my writing.

Over the past several years, I've learned so much about writing that I'm scared to pull out one of my earlier works and review it.  Yikes!  It's like in a scary movie when the girl sneaks up on the closed door and, knowing she shouldn't look but the erie music is making her.  Until she pushes open the door and lets out a blood curdling scream.  Yeah, that's what it would be like.

So, like last year, I will take another writing class or do something to increase my knowledge on becoming a better writer.  Honing my craft, if you will.

Next, I will write everyday.  Blog posts (I'm on two so far), chapters or even idea plotting.  Anything to keep me going. 

My thoughts are to set attainable goals.  Why make all these grand gestures and fail and then feel like crap?  Honestly, the publishing industry is hard enough.

I'm curious to find out what you're plans are for the new year.  Resolutions?