IWSG: December and Links!

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Purpose: To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds! Co-Hosts: Julie Flanders, Shannon Lawrence, Fundy Blue, and Heather Gardner!

Question: As you look back on 2017, with all its successes and failures, if you could backtrack, what would you do differently?

I'm not sure I'd do anything differently, but I surely had counted on the outcome to be different. I'd hoped that I'd be able to reveal signing with an agent, but 2017 wasn't allowing that. In fact, I'm shelving my first book and focusing on the second that's entirely different. Some might question this decision, but I know what the agents who have been clear on why they said, "No." The comments are consistent on something not clicking early with my main character. So, I'll let it rest for a revisit later. After all, it's my choice. ;-) 

Add other things in real life and I'm taking a bit of a break from writing this month. My mother needs major heart surgery. We have a lot of hurtles to get to that goal, and I'm her main caregiver. My husband and I inherited his parents' house. While he's renovating, I'm constantly called on to help. I promise I know what I'm talking about since I was raised by a master carpenter. ;-) 

So, 2018, get your act together! I'm gunning for a new complete draft next year. If I can start rewriting before the end of the year, I'll take it. Don't disappoint me!

Links!

• The Conflicting Advice You'll Receive on Query Letters is a good place to start
• Be sure to check this one out from Donald Maass--"Exciting Adventure!"
• Enjoy!--"The Secret of My Productivity"
• I love this one: "Ties that Bind and Define the Family on your Protagonist"
• Oh. My. :-( This one will make you nauseous.): Maggie Stiefvatater on Piracy
• Just in case you're attempting this: "How to Write A Novel with Multiple Points of View"
• There's been discussion of chapter length here and there, so check this out: "Chapter Length and Why It Matters"
• D. M. Webb has the skinny on Plotting problems in "Seminar Notes: Part I"
• Ooh!!! An agent's take on how to network at conferences: "Tips and Tricks for Author Networking"
• And another OOOH!: "Your Story Lives in the Details"

Next Post: 2018's first Book Pusher. You know you want to add a few to your resolutions!