It has been awhile since I've written on here, but I have been thinking of writing most every day. I've attended my writers group, on a Thursday, where we learned about self publishing. (not something I'm really interested in, but it was very informative) It was hosted at a small independent bookstore here in Tooele "the Purple Cow" I bought Fablehaven 5, showed it to my husband that night, told him I wanted to read it, but I should work on my own writing, and he said, "You should do some more research reading to see how it's done." So I did. Finished it in a day and a half.

Then on Saturday, I went to a book signing by an author. I bought her book that day, and read it within 8 hours. (more than 300 pages too) Loved it (called the Hourglass Door, by Lisa Mangum.) Some day I'm going to write a book that just can't be put down.

I've written 16 pages in the last week. Much better than the weeks before that. I had been doing some editing, and reading work by others in my critique group. The story is often in my mind, but real life does interfere with my imaginary ones.

On a personal note, I lost my dear mother-in-law the first of this month. Attending her funeral the day before mothers day was heart breaking, but still such a spiritual and refreshing experience to know how much she was loved and how much she influenced and touched the lives of those who knew her. I hope I can live my life to be respected and loved as much as she was.

Tell those you love how much you love them. Take time in your life for the most important things. Go give someone a hug right now. :)

Can't say enough about the critique group

I finished my book and thought it was fabulous. Having my family and some friends read it gave me some feedback, but it was mostly its nice, I like it, sign me a book when it's published. But none of the agents wanted anything to do with it. Then I joined a critique group and have gotten such good advice on how to improve it that I can't believe I thought it was good when I first finished it. I believe it was a good idea to let it sit and simmer for awhile and then come at it again with a new look and new advice.

I'm getting excited to see how to make it improve with each time I read through it.