News.

This is where you can check up on recent updates, what's new on the site, and what I've been up to!

The site has just gone through a bit of a makeover-the menus have been changed a bit, and some content taken out, and some other things put in, like this page!

Update: 4/5/08

Right now, I have just finished my first adult novel 'In a Besieged City'. It took me three months to write a first draft, and another three months to edit. I edited in all about six times, and I wasn't sick of it by the end; in fact, I'm still quite convinced it's good, which I'm hoping is a good sign. Next job is to find a literary agent. I've one submissions package to send off tomorrow to my favourite and am keeping hopeful. I have to get this novel published; my sister says if I don't she will beat me over the head with it.

I also have two short stories to put into a competition; I signed up for tips to be emailed to me, and my story has everything that was on the list, which I gather should put me in for a good chance. I've realised I need to change a few lines of dialogue and put in a bit more description in one of them, but I've another two months before the competition closes. I'm glad I waited and kept everything until last now; they're possibly two of the best short stories I've written.

I have also begun to write my next novel. I have a plan, and the first brilliant paragraph, and rough drafts of probably about a quarter of it. It's a bit slow to get going (because my mind is still on 'In a Besieged City' and earning money for our Australia trip) but it's beginning to take shape. I have high hopes for it.

Check back soon for more updates.

Jenny.

NEW UPDATE: 15/6/08

I have begun sending out my work to literary agents. I'm being realistic and expecting a lot of rejections, despite that I do think my novel is very good, because that's just how it goes as I see it. I don't mind rejections (I got a lot of practise when I was younger) but I do like to hear something. I sent off some chapters a while ago to an agent and I'm assuming they're just busy and have been waiting patiently (while secretly hoping they actually got round to reading it a couple of weeks ago and are just thinking for a long time as to whether they want the whole thing) but I might have to send them an email asking if I'll get a response any time soon. A standard rejection letter would really be fine, but hearing nothing is killing me. Plus I have a list I'll have to work through fast if I do get rejected. I do like this particular agency though. They just sound nice.

I'm entering the Writer's Bureau Short Story Competition this week; I have two stories. Unfortunately they don't do the results until September. I wouldn't mind even getting the fifty squids prize though; at least I could put it in my writing history. I might look around for a few others too; I know there's a list in the writer's and artist's year book, and I can do with as many chances to win money as I can and have things published etc.

I have nearly half of a new novel on the go too, but it doesn't have a title. It's very good so far. You can read about it in 'writing'.

That's all for now,

Jenny