Writing Wednesday

I've been busy this week. I have been working on my manuscript, but as you can see by the graphic above, my computer is still sticking out it's tongue at me.
This is the first story that I have written an outline for. I've been referring to it and following it - a little.

But, since making my outline, I have. . .
changed the ages of my characters
changed the number of children some of the characters have
changed the names of some of the characters
and, after doing a little research on line I've decided to use a secret as a plot twist! If I do this, it will completely change the ending of my story.

What do you think? I think I am not very good at following outlines.

I've been reading A Girl from Yamhill, A Memoir by Beverly Cleary. I purchased this book at a yard sale over the weekend. While reading this I got an idea for a picture book for young children. So, I stopped writing my above manuscript, and scribbled down words to a picture book. It is a very simple manuscript but with a twist that makes it unique. At least, I hope that's what the publishers will think.

I know it  is time consuming, but...
I am always cruising the internet,
I am always reading articles when an idea comes to me out of the blue,
I am always finding articles that have information in them that pertains to something I am writing, or it shows me something I can do to make my story better.

On another topic, I actually got a post card from a publisher this week! I know, I know it is just a 'form postcard,' but now a days when you don't hear anything from publishers unless they actually want your manuscript, it was a nice thing to find in the mailbox. They thanked me for submitting my manuscript and it stated they will be back in touch with me as soon as they have reviewed my material, which may take several weeks. My translation - I think they finally retrieved my manuscript (which was sent to them about 2 1/2 months ago) out of the slush pile and are currently looking at it. Let's keep our fingers crossed that they like what they read.

Happy Writing!


posted by Janet Smart at http://janetsmart.blogspot.com