Author Blog: Glynis Smy

Breathe Glynis Breathe

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 14:16:32 PDT

Well I have done it - I have submitted to my first agent!

Guess what? I can't breath...or is that breathe?

Those words used to drive me insane when I was a nurse. Then I was taught:
To avoid death you need BREATH inorder to BREATHE...remember the EEE sound is the E on the end.

(Picture courtesy of MedGadget)

I tell you this, I could not hit that send button when the time came. I felt like this when I took my final nursing exams. When you want something so badly, but you know the chances are minute of you getting it, why do you want it more?
This is what happened tonight inside my home.

Breathe Glynis breathe, just hit the button.
OK, a cold drink might help.
I wonder how D1 is doing? What time is it in the UK? Oh, she will still be at work.
D2? No, it is salon day for her.
Son? No, Canada is not open yet.
I wonder how Helen, Emily and Alex are doing. No, no blogging tonight, click the ruddy button Glynis.
Breathe Glynis Breathe
Yes DH, thanks a coffee would be lovely. No, not sent it yet.
Yes, yes I will. I am ready, yes it's ready. Well I just can't do it yet. I just can't, that's why not.
Why not?
Well, what if they laugh?
Why are you laughing?
Oh, I know, I know I won't hear or see them if they do, but what if they do?
No, I don't think I am being silly.
NO, you are not going to do that...it is my baby to kick out of the nest.
Did you walk the dogs?
I am not changing the subject, no I am not.
I feel sick.
Why did I write the book? I had to that's why.
I know, I know, yes it was my dream to send it out to agents.
Hey, DH.
Did it.
What do you mean, what?
I sent my query, that's what.

Breathe DH Breathe
When will I hear anything?
If I am lucky about 4-6 weeks
That's not fair, I won't be hell to live with...I won't, will I?

Can You Help Me Please?

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 03:22:09 PDT

Ripped Genes is coming to life. This second novel (ooh, I love saying that), this second novel will be based in America, (I can hear all my friends over there cheering, thanks guys). I need links and any trivia to do with the US (let's say New York) from 1889 to approx 1910. I am learning the language. Cookies and Eggplant. See I can say biscuits and aubergine in American already!

I am learning about ships at the moment (yawn), and to my delight found a little piece of history I can slip into book two that sits nicely with my POV, Sali Joel.

I know it is really Karoline Herfurth but she is the image of my MC Sali Joel

Yes she has a name now. It is a name my previous POV Kitty Harper, (my dear sweet Kitty who started my writing journey) invented from four characters and Christmas in book1, I had nothing to do with it, she did it for good reason (no spoilers on this blog).
The month is December and near Christmas, so she thought of Noel as a surname. Then she played around with the names of friends and family: Noel (Christmas) + Sally, Joe, Lilly and Sarah = Sali Joel. It is an unusual name, and she wanted it to stand out, but be easy to say.

The whole thing landed on my lap one night while she was resting after her 80,750 word journey (yes I added a few more). She played around with ideas and hey presto handed it over to me. With her assistance it was a doddle. I am sure the rest will not be so easy. She is so clever but I am not sure how much longer she is going to be with me. I fear I must move forward with book2 without her soon, but I do look forward to working with Sali Joel. I wonder where she will take me and where did she come from? Why did Kitty need to make up a name? Who is it for?

What are you asking me for? She is the one with the answers, I am just the scribe.

DL Hammons Blogs Around The World

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 23:03:52 PDT

I came across a new blog and want to share it with you. CRUISING ALTITUDE is the baby of DL (not sure what it stands for) Hammons.

DL, has a great page to collect bloggers from around the world. Cyprus bumped his number up from 18 countries to 19. He is tracking where his followers come from, and it is great fun to see such a variety.

In the same post he is sharing space for us to let our favourite post shine. I added the link to my snarky response to that rude emailer. Do you remember I am English Leave Me Alone? It was a toss up between that one or Group Hug and Gucci Shoes-No Thanks and oh, and what about Dear Agent? I have posts I cringe over big time, but these three were fun to write.

Anyway, I though his idea was great, so pop over and have a browse. (The post is Bump) Then leave a link to your favourite post. Go on hunt out the ones you have written that make you smile when you read them over and think, I liked that one.

~~~~~~~~

Agent Search and Wetting Myself

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 07:38:35 PDT

Just in case you missed the announcement, I have finished my first novel. Yes, Ripper, My Love is complete, edited and filed. It is waiting to be submitted to the big outside world. My quest is to find an agent who is interested in Historical Romance Thrillers. They are to be email friendly and not allergic to the smell of a new writer. You know the smell; sweat, tears, coffee and fear.

Well during my browsing time, I came across several. Without further ado let's get reading their submission rules.

Ooer, that link is dodgy, it goes to a blank page. If you can't maintain your website to promote yourself-no thanks.
Rule 175 - you lost me baby. I cannot work with a dick-tator and you come across as a big arrogant *bleep*. Not author friendly at all.
Yawn, your website is soooo boring and what do you look like? I must see a smile or a picture, your eyes tell me a lot about you.
Set up last month? OK you might not be new to the business though, let's see your credentials. I said who can back you up? OK, who wrote the 150 books you represent? Sorry can't see it -bye.
Really? You take that much away for commission? -Click
I need to pay how much upfront? Can I deduct the floor cleaner I have just had to buy? I wet myself laughing.
You need an emailed query, synopsis and the first 50 pages...say that again...yeah where's the catch? Nowhere? You are established: check. You have a lovely smile: check. You are not adverse to new smells: check. Your website is easy to read: check. Your colleagues all smile and have great client list: check.Winner! However, you are not accepting at this present time due to the vast amount of submissions - I AM NOT SURPRISED, just my luck.

As you can see some of those I have found are not worthy of a query letter from me. I am not a snob, nor do I think I am above agents (I want one), or clever because I have written a book. The reason they are not going to be approached by me is that I want to find an agent I can trust, (like number 7 on my list). To gain my trust it is up to them to be honest and upfront, approachable and professional. I want to be part of the team. I want to be taught by them how to work the book into the publishing world. If there is not a picture of the agent, or they want money from me before the journey begins, to me there is nothing to build upon. Some of the sites that claimed to be agents blah blah International, blah blah, made me laugh so much I needed to cross my legs.

One agent (7), has a lovely bright smile, all the history of their work is there for me to see. They are recommended by Preditors and Editors. There is a blog where I can find out a little of their personality to make me feel at ease. To me that is a professional. There are amazing agents out there, some of whose blogs I follow, (sadly I do not fall into their genre). They make an effort for their clients, who have made an effort to write the book that will earn them money, they deserve the queries.

We read over and over what agents want from the author and we are frantic to fulfill the order. What we must remember is we are in this too, we pay eventually and need to have good support, they have to fulfill our order, it is a partnership.

So I am off to browse some more, and if you are an agent representing my genre, have a lovely smile and great website...you have been warned. I am looking for you.

PS:

What A Day To...

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Sun, 25 Jul 2010 01:39:19 PDT

Today it is the first wedding anniversary of my daughter Nicola. Remember when I wrote an idea on a napkin at her reception?
Well what a day to finish writing my novel. OH DIDN'T YOU HEAR ME?

I HAVE FINISHED MY NOVEL!

Ripper, My Love by Glynis Smy really exists, it is not in my mind. If it never gets published, that is fine, I have achieved what I set out to do. I am a writer an author of books (well 1 and a tiddley bit).

Despite my fears of not being able to complete the targeted 80,000 words, then losing 25,000 (what a day that was), I have finished on 80,450. All edits are complete, the query letter is finished and the synopsis will be tweeked over the next few days.

From concept to completion it has been 18 months. Now I am ready to hunt for an agent, I have my eye on a couple, but as you know I am now going to target the US, so am browsing at the moment. August should see me submit for the first time.

My problem is I have written myself out of my original genre. It started out as an Historical Romance, and is now an Historical Romance Thriller or Suspense. Any links to agents you have come across in this genre will be gratefully received.

Thank you all for your support and kind words during the whole process, now can I ask you do the same again for book 2, Ripped Genes?

August Release for Kathi Oram Peterson

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 23:45:46 PDT

Let me get one thing straight, Kathi is not in prison and due to be released. My title is a classic case of how to get it wrong!

Kathi Oram Peterson is only guilty of writing novels. Good ones.

(I love the covers and don't you just love the way the colours match my blog?)

What about this gorgeous beast? The book is due for release in August 2010.

Visit Kathi's Writing Nook for a first sighting contest she has created. Such cute prizes!

Find out more at Kathi's Website

Still Here and Sharing Another Video

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 08:24:49 PDT

Now I am not wanting to share this just because my name is on it. If you watch closely you will see the mention of a new publishing site to visit. I love the music that goes with the video. Another great marketing project.

My week has been a busy one.

The 80,000 words will probably only ever be 75,000 but that is alright for a first novel. As hard as I have tried the 5,000 from the 25,000 I lost have never returned. Unless they arrive during the last edits, they never will.
I am finding the synopsis a challenge, but I am getting there. Help and advice from friends has put me on the right road with the query letter and this final hurdle.

When I read through my work, I noticed not all of my characters had features or movement. I have been glued to coffee shops, supermarkets and the Internet trying to form the correct image for each one. It is frustrating when YOU know what they look like, but your MS has no imagination and refuses to record what you envisage. I am very positive about the weekend. If I continue the hard work, I can move forward from writing, to submission.

In true Glynis style, I have a question. I understand I have to insert a page break to indicate a new chapter. Is this the case?

Another Amazing Book Promo Video

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 07:19:04 PDT

Alex Cavanaugh has a great book video to share with us. Why? Because he has a book coming out in a few months, how exciting is that?

Congratulations Alex!

You can find my blogging friend OVER AT HIS BLOG.

The name of his book? *CassaStar*

Well Now I Have...

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 11:24:44 PDT

...written many, many words this week to get the novel alive and kicking again. I wrote 14,795. I still have about 10,000 to go, this will get me back to the 80,000 words I had before THE disaster. I became a little mind boggled, and decided to tackle the query letter and synopsis again. I wrote them out recently, and Nadine Laman offered to glance her eye over them should I need it. Now this offer came at a timely moment. My mentor Louie Jerome is poorly, and is not writing at the moment.
Anyway, I sent the query letter to Nadine, and she offered some great advice. I chose to ignore some of it and kept some, kicked it around the room a few times and hey presto it looked OK.

I sent it back to her and got, a positive response and poured a glass of wine.

I read it through again, wrote a bit more, cut and chopped and guess what?

It is done, dusted and filed! Thanks for your support and encouragement my friends.

Not Today

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 07:16:05 PDT

I had them there, or so I thought,
Notes scribbled from my head.
When I returned to read them,
I found gobbledygook instead.

The pen I used had turned to mush,
And dried up all its ink.
My brain cell packed its suitcase,
And ran away to think.

On its return, we had a chat,
It told me which way to go,
I listened to this inner voice,
And a manuscript of sorts did grow.

At first it was hard going,
But I persevered.
A novel rose from the page,
I sang, and danced, then cheered.

It's finished! I cried out with glee,
The book is now complete,
Then brain cell remembered edits,
So my butt's back in the seat.

Writing's a roller coaster,
A sickening ride for some,
It takes time to perfect the words,
And a writer's work is never done.

The end is in sight, all's not lost,
Brain cell and me are a team,
I stopped fighting with it,
Between us this WIP will gleam.

Well OK, it won't shine bright,
There will be errors along the way,
But brain cell has inked my pen,
And the final word will be written...well maybe not today.

Panic Ye Not

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 07:25:26 PDT

My break from blogging has been traumtic, yet productive. Last year I learned a great lesson in backing up my work. I have been so good about it since, and keep a tidy system. So you can imagine my horror when my computer, word and another piece of software crashed and died, just as I got going on my heads down and finish week.

In an email that was bouncing back and forth between, Nadine Laman and myself, I mentioned that a couple of chapters had gone missing. I later realised it was 25,000 words. I felt much better when she mentioned it had happened to her in the past. She also wrote these words, and they spurred me on.

Consider it the gods that are nudging you to rewrite those two chapters.

DH, said maybe it was meant to be. I said...well actually you don't want to know what I said. Anyway, I think they were both right. Yet again Ripper, My Love has taken a slightly different direction. I am now 14,000 words short of my 80,000 I had achieved, so you can see, I have not been slacking during my blogging break. I have the words, they are in my head and will be added in the next day or so. My computer is having an overhaul, so am taking it in turns with DH on the main one. I could have thrown in the towel, but instead I grabbed one, jumped in the pool, swam to clear my mind. It worked, I am on a roll as they say.

I will take a browse around your blogs, but will not be back here again for a few days. See you soon.

Friends Unseen but Not Unloved

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 00:42:45 PDT

I visited Nadine Laman's blog this morning. We have been blogging buddies for quite sometime now. Her books (Kathryn's Beach, High Tide and Storm Surge) sit on my shelf, and her gift of matching journals, now have scribbles in them for future reference. You might remember, I awarded Nadine the Meat and Potatoes Award. I did so because she has overcome so many issues as a writer and an individual.

Well, when I arrived at her blog this morning, it was as if I was looking in a mirror. My grinning face stared back at me. Nadine has written a lovely post about me, myself and I. If you are interested in what she has to say, take a look over at FIRST DRAFT.

We have never met and are what I suppose is the modern day version of penpals, (Epals). I do not know Nadine to speak to, but something has 'clicked' with us. I think Nadine is the solid rock and I am the flighty feather, but we have a friendship. Her advice and how she encourages me to 'write on', is uplifting. We do not gush in emails, we quietly support each other and not every day, but enough to know we are friends. We are unseen, but not unloved, if you understand my meaning. There are a few on my followers list, who I have formed the same type of friendship with, and I wish I had a bank balance that would take me to every country they live in, so I could sit and chew the fat with them for an hour or two. I know if I put them all in a room together it would be a lively party!

I am going to take a few days out from posting. I will be about, but am going to push on with completing my first novel mission. Final polish, Query, Synopsis and Agent selection. Bless them, the agents around the world now, must be getting so excited knowing I am about to submit. *Smile*

Submission Targets. . . What Do You Think?

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 01:56:06 PDT

A very supportive blogger and novel editor, Helen Ginger left a comment on my previous post. I wrote about submitting to the UK, and she said she had in her mind I was submitting to US markets. Now this got me thinking.
I write in UK English, and automatically looked at the UK agents to consider submitting to. After Helen's remark, I wonder if the US would consider my work.

I am sure the story line will appeal, but what about my writing?

I realise and not realize, I place my work in the centre and not center, and my characters have a humour and colour, they do not have humor and color. With the editing and preparation taking its toll on me now, I do not want to have to change my words throughout the manuscript.

What do you think? Am I eligble to target the US without changes, or do I stick with the UK?

Double Spacing Result

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 00:27:06 PDT

In my post requesting help about double spacing between sentences, this is the conclusion from comments and email support I received.

Double spacing appears to be the norm, however it is wise to check the agent you are submitting to and ajust accordingly.

Two of the agents I am considering do not state what they require. I was going to contact them to find out, however I have decided against it. If they have specific requirements, then they would state them. I do not want to put them off by seeing my name asking continuous, 'how do I' and 'what do you want from me' questions.
So I will submit:
Double spaced.
1.5 inch margins.
12 Times New Roman or Courier New font.
Page numbers
Named and title header on the right
Indented paragraphs

Have I missed anything?

I came across a few sites with information on them, you might find useful.

Sam Dot Publishing layout their requirements plus advice in their novel guidelines:

Also, we strongly recommend that you read and follow the counsel of The Elements Of Style, by Strunk & White . . .

They have a good outline of what they do when they receive a submission and how long it will take for each stage.

AgentQuery and Marlys Pearson have clear outlines on their websites.

PanMacmillan Publishers share their information here .

Gamlingay Writers in the UK share their advice on their site, of how to submit to an agent.

Holly Lisle submission advice.

Donald Maass Literary Agent guidelines on submission.

The all appear to say pretty much the same thing: DOUBLE SPACED SENTENCES. I will check agent guidelines before submitting though.

Thanks to all who helped me through my little panic.

I Am The First Person

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 13:17:27 PDT

Writing in first person has never been something I had considered. My characters have trotted along and stepped into their roles with little fuss. My outlines for future works, have all bounced upon my one cell, and all have been written in third person; He, she, they and them.

On Saturday night, I sat on my bed with the intention of reading a little more from Fire In Fiction. I had just settled into a comfortable reading position, when the desire to write something overwhelmed me.
I grabbed my notepad and pen, and scribbled down a couple of paragraphs about a woman, Maggie and her baby.

The following morning, I sat on the porch at first light. The air was fresh and warm, and my coffee was most welcome. Without warning, I had the urge to write again, so grabbed a pen and pad, and set to work.

I realised I was writing the same story as the night before, yet I had become Maggie. Rather, Maggie had become I. It was the strangest thing, it has never happened to me before.

When I sat back and compared the two, the first person POV felt so right. I am going to try it. The challenge of this POV will be fun. I must remember though, I cannot see myself blush etc.

I can describe the sensation, I could feel the warmth of what I knew to be a blush, rise from the base of my neck towards my brow. I cannot describe the visual blush, as I cannot see it happening. I was blushing from the base of my neck towards my brow.

I went, I am, I saw, I was, I...yawn

This is something I must remember not to do. Too many I references.
Changes have to be made to make the storyline more interesting for the reader.

Below is a little of what was written, Saturday night, Sunday morning.

Maggie could feel the milk trickle from her nipple. She could not prevent it, and it soaked into her cotton blouse. She was cold and uncomfortable.

I could feel the milk trickle from my nipple. I could not prevent it, and it soaked into my cotton blouse. It had been warm, then turned cold against my skin. I was uncomfortable.

Final outcome:

The cry from my son had stimulated my body to provide food. Milk flowed from my nipples, mother nature had taken control. The warm fluid felt sticky against my skin. It was cold by the time it had soaked into my thin cotton blouse. I was uncomfortable. Miserable and uncomfortable.

What do you think of the final outcome? Am I on the right road?

Have you written in first person?

Please Help Me sob

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Sun, 20 Jun 2010 07:54:48 PDT

I need a little help from those already published or in the know.

With so much information out there about formatting a manuscript, you would think that my file would be closed on this subject. Unfortunately it is not. This is where you come in, I need your help.

My novel will be 80,000 words. I started out with that word target because I was writing an Historical Romance. My characters changed their minds and turned it into an Historical Romance Suspense, Thrillery, Crimey, Thingywatsit. (I do intend to find the genre they want to live in, but that can wait). Anyway, I digress.

My problem is when I was Twittering yesterday, I was sent a link to an article (please read), outlining DOUBLE SPACING sentences. I read it through as I had spent the morning organising my ms for submission preparation, and had double spaced everything. I read the article in front of me and bam! It said SINGLE SPACING is now the accepted practice. Something to do with the French. Pardon moi? Sacre Bleu! Eiffel Tower and croissants!

I used a few French words when I read it, I can tell you, plus a few Greek ones for good measure! Did I read it correctly or misinterpreted it in some way?

I followed Nadine Laman and Holly Lisle's advice from information they have. I found many other format information posts, and they all seem to favour double spacing. I have written in UK English, so will be approaching the UK agents, (unless a US agent wants in on it of course...lol). I have not read there is a difference, maybe you have.

What do I want from you? Please, how do you do yours and is UK and US different?

Double or Single spacing between sentences?
Widows and Orphans On or Off?

I got my page numbers organised by adding page break after each chapter. I could not believe I had so many page 1's and why. (No number on front page...check)

Header with name and title of novel on each page...check

I have set my margins at 1.5" or is that too generous?

I hand it over to you and see what the majority vote is, thanks.

By the way Glynis Smy beat G J Smy in my little poll.
Ripper, My Love by Glynis Smy it is then.

Can You Guess What I am Doing?

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 00:20:25 PDT

She bent her knees to save her back. The box was heavy but not so bulky she could not lift it. At five feet, two inches tall she could barely see over the top of it. With no man around, she had little choice but to move it herself.

The aroma from the fridge was inviting. Fresh fruit chilling in a bowl called to her, their bright colours tempted her taste buds. She ignored their invitation to feast on them, and reached for the wine bottle instead. Vitamins would do her no good tonight, the wine however, would.

He stretched, she watched him. After all these years he could still do it. He could still give her that tingle inside, when he removed his shirt. His physique had not changed since the first time they saw each other naked.

The coffee cup hit the floor. Each shattered piece found a home. She swept the floor clear, and emptied the pieces into the bin. A nook and cranny over the other side of the room, housed one piece of china. It would stay hidden until the light of day shone upon it again.

The dog sniffed the backside of the other. She thought how simple their lives were. Peeing, sniffing and sleeping. It about summed up the man she was about to leave. His habits of peeing and sleeping were socially acceptable, but the sniffing around was not. He could have his bimbo lifestyle, she had a book to write and a quiet place to do it.
(Not my DH and me by the way. LOL)

He reached out, grabbed the cup and slurped from it. Manners were not his forte and it irritated her. She had watched him every day for two years do the same thing. He came in, sat down, grunted out his order, slurped his drink, belched and left the money on the table. Never once had he left a tip, not one cent. She could forgive him the belching, but the non tipping when she had suffered his presence was unacceptable. The plot formed in her mind for his next coffee shop visit.

He stamped the papers without looking at her. She moved onto the next counter, where the clerk in the window checked the paper against her photograph. The woman smiled at her, and muttered incomprehensable words. The young Russian girl, smiled back. She had done it, she had been accepted into her new country. She picked up her bags and headed for the door. A voice called out, and she froze. She turned, but there was no one else there. Only I sat and saw the terror in her face. I nodded towards the door and smiled. She nodded back and left. Another immigrant had arrive on foreign soil.

The cigarette hung from his lips. His teeth were stained and chipped. I was repulsed as he leered at me. It was time to leave.

So, what do you think I am doing?

Beautiful Friends

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 09:27:25 PDT

"It is not so much our friends' help that helps us, as the confident knowledge that they will help us."
- Epicurus (341 - 270 BC) Greek philosopher.

Rebecca over at Ramblings of a Rusty Writer, honoured me with this award. Thank you Rebecca.

I am supposed to share with you seven random things about me. I have done this in the past, so am going to do something a little different.

I am going to share with you, seven things that to me are beautiful.

1: A newborn baby's first smile
2: Elderly couples still in love
3: Nature/Mother Earth
4: A new book
5: Untouched snow
6: A Jasmine flower, so simple yet its perfume fills my world
7: You. My friends from around the world. You are beautiful, supportive people. Never change, no matter what the future brings you. Stay you, beautiful you.

Now I am supposed to award this to individuals, but I am going to award it to you all. Take it and display it with my blessings, you mean a lot to me. You are all beautiful bloggers.

When A Video Makes You Want the Book: Daughter of Mine

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 12:40:23 PDT

Daughter Of Mine by Laura Fabiani

The flow of the video and the sexy musical voice made me want it. The descriptive words on the screen made me want it. The cover made me want it. I just had to buy it, so I did. It is on its way to Cyprus. Now that is good marketing, as I am not, I repeat, not an impulse buyer.

Author Website (where I stole the picture from)

Meat and Potatoes

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:41:38 PDT

Helen Ginger passed on The Meat and Potatoes Award to me.

Straight From Hel is her blog, I recommend you visit. Her posts are informative and interesting. She is a freelance novel editor, and I have learned so much from her.

Thank you Helen for honouring my blog with a plate of meat and potatoes. You have satisfied my hunger for writing knowledge and now feed me the delights of an award!

This prestigious award goes to a particular group of wise and experienced bloggers who have proven themselves over the course of time, trials, and tribulations.

I am passing it onto:

Nadine Laman over at First Draft

Carmen over at Carmen's Chronicles

Elizabeth over at Hey, I'm Trying to Write here

Karen Walker over at Following The Whispers

Ann over at Long Journey Home

I know you will find a warm welcome at each blog, enjoy your visits.

What Have I Done? Gulp...Now I'm Nervous

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 04:58:52 PDT

No...not the blog change, (going for Victorian look). Who couldn't resist playing with the new display Blogger offers?

Nor have I submitted my MS to an agent.

No, I have done something stupid, silly, crazy, scary, nail-bitingly bonkers!

Oh, you guessed...so you have done NaNoWriMo yourself then.

Seriously, I don't know what I was thinking. I am not sure what to expect. It has taken me two years to churn out 80,000, and I am going to try for 50,000 in one month? Who am I kidding? My birthday is Halloween so I won't be celebrating with village wine. I will need my wits about me for the following day.

I want to do this for my dad. He will never know, but I feel it is a challenge sent my way, from him.

I will need NaNoWriMo buddies, I am certain. My name there is Nissi, will you hold my hand please?

~~~~~~

PS: What do you think?

Ripper, My Love by Glynis Smy

Ripper, My Love by G J Smy

Introducing Carol A Strange

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 10:03:50 PDT

Recently I won a contest over at A JOURNEY INTO FICTION. This is the blog of writer, Carol A Strange, a fellow Brit.
Carol is in the final stages of writing her debut novel: The Mobile Librarian.

Throughout her blog, you will come across lovely, collage pictures. They are of Carol in various places, such as the woods or by the sea. Two of these were my prize. They were waiting for me when I arrived home, from the UK. They certainly cheered me up.

Day Moon and Here There and Everywhere.

I mounted them onto some attractive papers, attached their descriptive names, along with Carol's.
They now fill a gap in my wall, along my stairs. I love them as they show me how small the world is, and how blogging finds us friends. Friends we will probably never meet, but will follow and keep contact with for many years.

OH and a PS for Romance Writers...check out Janna's blog, she has a link to an agent who is looking for submissions....what are you doing dawdling here...go, go, go, and submit! Oh, you are waiting for the Link...

Wasted By Nicola Morgan: Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:26:23 PDT

Wasted by Nicola Morgan. Can I do it justice with my attempt at a review?

Jess and Jack, two teenagers met and sent me into another world. A roller coaster of - what if and why not?

We get to make choices all the way through our lives. Jack lives his by the toss of a coin, he lives on chances and the outcome of heads or tails. Those chances affect his life and that of those around him.

The way Nicola Morgan has written this, is fantastic. Riveting, a must read, I could not put it down, a book with a twist, a clever, clever twist.

I would never have read it if I hadn't joined Twitter, and found Ms Morgan through her blog link.

I do not buy, YA books. I have no young adults in my life. I bought the book because of recommendations, but mainly to add to my blogging buddy bookshelf.

I am so glad I bought it. It is...amazing, mind blowing and real. I loved it. I can see it as a film/movie.

The characters are believable, every day people, and they have a story to tell. I love how the author shares with us a variety of choices Jess and Jack have. The ones they took and how it moved the story forward. One flip of a coin is all it takes to change the path of life.

Brilliant.

I highly recommend this book.

Author Website.

Where Did You Start Yours?

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 00:13:21 PDT

Yesterday I sat reflecting about the first idea I had for my novel. Nearly two years ago I was sitting in the vineyard, watching my dogs run like crazy. Why would I suddenly get an idea for a Jack The Ripper book in that environment? Strange how the mind works.

I tucked the idea to the back of my mind and mooched home. As I ambled through the lanes, the idea grew to the size of a walnut, the seed had taken. By the time I had reached home, washed and walked to my friend's coffee shop, it was a sapling. It had roots but needed repotting.

I ordered a filter coffee and a piece of carrot cake. Took out a small notepad and pen. The words Ripper, My Love formed on the paper in front of me. Then a brief note to myself, me and I about the idea.

Then the magical moment, those first few words ran across the page, leaving a trail of my future behind them.

He stood back in the shadows and watched as the young redhead tripped, then reached out to steady herself against the wall. She didn't look as if she had been under the influence of alcohol, as many of the women in the area were. The watcher decided to stay within the blackness of the shadows, this was not the girl for him tonight.

The funny thing is, I will probably never use these words. Emily Bryan showed me in her Red Pencil Critique, how they stopped my novel before it even got started. I had taken away the tension and suspense.

I still love that paragraph, to me it is a newborn babe, a creation of my brain cell.
The day I wrote them, is still clear in my mind. I love that day. The sun was warm, I was at peace and contented. The coffee was good and the cake was gooey and sweet. A delicious day.

When and where did you write your first few words? At a desk, in a field or coffee shop. Can you remember what they were and did you use them?

Pretty Is As Pretty Dies by Elizabeth Spann Craig: Book Review

noreply@blogger.com (Glynis) — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 03:10:15 PDT

What a delight of a book. This was my inflight companion, I grabbed a book to read on my mercy dash back to the UK. Why did I grab that particular book from my TBR pile? I think it was the cover, the bright colours caught my eye during a grey moment in my life. I am not great at writing book reviews, but here goes.

From the moment I started reading, I was hooked. I will confess to not being a fan of prologue, but this short introduction made me want to read more. I did not put the book down and finished it during my five hour flight.

A retired schoolteacher, Myrtle Clover investigates a murder in her town. She is not going to sit quietly and knit her life away. She wants to show her policeman son Red, that she has got what it takes to find the killer. He in turn is wanting a mother who will sit out her retirement, and not meddle in his line of work. His wife is the piggy in the middle, and is dealing with issues of her own. The storyline was light hearted, amusing and easy to read.

The image of this lady popped straight into my mind. Her shoes, her hair and her walk all came alive for me. I was able to walk alongside her during her 'investigations.' I loved how the book did that for me. I could visualise each character, the author gave just enough description to bring them alive as I wanted them to be.

The mischevious Myrtle, with her determined way took me through page after page of adventure. Garden Gnomes on the front cover? Yes they were part of the story, and were introduced in such a manner, I laughed at the way they were. This gutsy old lady, knew just which buttons to push, sometimes she pushed too hard and put herself in danger, but she strides onward towards her goal. She uses her position as a columnist in the local newspaper, to gain information. She follows red-herrings her son puts her way, but comes up trumps, she truly is a gem.

Author Website. Author Blog.
If you are looking for a book to read for the summer, one that is different, then I recommend this book. The first in a series of Myrtle Clover antics.