Gearing up for the new writers conference in April. Revise, revise, revise. Still not working? Chunk it. Start over. This is how I'm spending my writing time. Of course it takes years to become brave enough to just chunk your babies. But it is true in what we study in the craft, and I believe it was Hemingway who said, "First drafts are crap!" Forgive me if it was not Ernest but the is true. Sometimes it takes two or three rewrites to get it right, and then it still sucks a fat one. 
More great writers coming to this years shindig. I'm excited and sorry if this post is so short but my writing time is paper thin.
Later

Revise, revise, revise . . .

Mine

As we begin 2012, I feel compelled to reflect on 2011 and what it has meant for me; writing career, as well as personal. In 2011 I was fortunate enough to attend a writers conference--one that showcased an intelligent group of accomplished, yet, humble authors, editors and publishers. For the first time I sat with these, industry pros, and pitched my novel "Grand Rouge" and attempted to relay my enthusiasm and fervor for the story. Let me start by saying that I have never been the gaudy, Barnum and Bailey type (at least I would like to think so). And I still cringe when I think of having to toot my own horn in front of anybody, particularly, an agent or publisher. Now, I do realize that this is a necessary evil, albeit, if I am, indeed, trying to sale my work.  But I think its the part where I have show why the book is the next great thing( which of course, is what these things are all about, right? Otherwise, why would a literary agent take you on?) that makes me uneasy.
     But the experience taught me several things about the process of publication, helping me refill the tank and push on in the pursuit of represenatation and publicaton. First, I had three ,10 minute, pitch sessions, where  I was allowed to discuss my story and try to "wow" the audience of one (agent, publisher). Like most, I think, I spent the time before each session, worrying incessantly about getting in the hot seat and fumbling my words, making a complete idiot of myself. Or, sitting brightly and eagerly infront of the agent or publisher and prattling off the details of my pitch so fast and incoherently that ,said audience, does not understand one word that is coming out of my mouth. But the experience was a good one and yes I was very nervous, feeling the sweat spring up in the palm of my hand. In these brief conversations, I was able to find out what agents and publishers think about my story and, in part, find out what they are looking for. It was truly an enlightening experience and I hold the knowledge very close to me, knowing that I am growing as a writer and novelist.
      So, why do I say this here? It's because I feel that it is important that each year that we are blessed to still be here, that we grow from what we learn. And to me, a great measuring stick is to look back in retrospect and find something that has propelled us forward and taught us something we did not know before, no matter how small we think it may be. My experience in front of these industry professionals gave me courage and insight into my own soul. I recieved three requests to read more, one of which was to see the full (which is still out). And I know that some agents actually respond and some don't. But for me its another step in the process to success. For me, (the self proclaimed non-Barnum and Bailey type), now, I know I can do it. Perhaps for you, it's something else.