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!
NEW UPDATE: 23/2/2009
I'm not good at updating this, but never mind. I've just been in Australia for five months enjoying the sunshine. Got horribly homesick though (and enough drama to last me a life time-ill the first week I was there, scarred myself for life a few weeks later, drank far too much beer, had a boyfriend, got dumped...sigh, it was turning into an episode of Eastenders) so I'm glad to be home. I've been rewriting In a Besieged City though. I haven't made major changes to the beginning bit so it doesn't make much difference that I'd already sent it out to some people (not that it got anywhere anyway) but I'm taking a break from sending it to anyone while I do some editing. I may send out some submissions packages to a few agents in the meantime though. The new draft is an enormous improvement and I'm very pleased with it. Though it's a lot longer than the original, but I can't help that.
I'm also doing well with my other novel (and working on a third or fourth draft at the moment) but having trouble with my memory stick so can't really transfer it from one computer to the one I'm using right now. A trip to town to buy a new one is in need.
Also changing some content on here a bit too. Lots to do, as well as making beer as the brewery is going quite well at the moment and I'm skivvy girl (washing out pans, cleaning the bar...) but should get to do some proper brewing soon. I'm thinking of maybe doing a brewing course in the UK. Either that or some short course to get me into uni to do English and Creative writing. I'm not sure yet.
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'.
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.
