The Search Begins

After rewriting and redrafting my novel these last few months, it is now time to send it out again. It’s either that, or shove it in the drawer and forget about it. Believe me, part of me wants to do just that. The part of me that knows how hard it’s going to be to get published. I’ve already tried to publish two novels without any success, so I know that it’s not going to be easy, especially in the current climate. And the publishing world has changed so much in recent years - publishers rarely take a risk with an unknown author, preferring to publish so-called celebs like Jordan, etc, because it sells, there’s no doubt about it.

I’m trying not to get downhearted. A few months ago when I was really depressed I wasn’t ready to send out my novel (and in truth the manuscript wasn’t ready, anyway). Now that I’ve had it critiqued by Hilary Johnson’s Authors’ Advisory and have rewritten quite a bit of it following their advice, I can honestly say that it is ready now. I want to send it out, I want it to find a good agent and publisher. I’ve slaved over it for nearly four years, haven't I? I'm not complaining as I enjoyed writing it so much, even if I did have many down days of struggle and depression.

Anyway, there is another part of me that really longs to try. A part of me that totally believes in myself and my ability as a writer. I have a good story, I’m sure, and it stands every chance of getting published. I’m going to try every avenue I can think of to achieve my dream.

Novel Trailer

Here's the trailer I made for my novel. I'm still calling it Poet's Blood, though I know this will probably change in the future when it gets published. (Note the when and not if - trying to think positive!) Music by Violet Eternity (my band).

Bring Me To Life

I love this song. Originally by Evanescence, but sang here by the amazing Welsh mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins.

Funny Cat

Thought I'd post this funny video of my brother's cat playing with her tail. It always makes me laugh.

Have a nice weekend!

The Novel (an update)

OK, the rewrite of the novel Poet's Blood is almost finished. Just a few chapters of editing and then I'll attempt to write the synopsis (again!) I really hate synopses. They scare the hell out of me. I'm such a perfectionist so spend ages over any creative work, thinking I can always do better. I'm never satisfied! I hate being like that, but I can't help it. However, the year is almost over, and I have to think about getting this novel out there. And then it's time to resume work on the two novels I began earlier this year.

I've also got some great music (a kind of soundtrack) for the novel. This is part of the music project I'm working on with my brother. I'll be posting more details of that soon.

Music - My First Love

There was never a time when I did not love music. It has always been with me, my greatest friend, my best friend. Through all the bad times, good times.

My biggest dream ever was to be a singer. Writing was another dream which followed a little bit later. But I always sang. As a young girl I used to dress up, stand on the table and sing to my family. However, I also wrote little stories, and even used to make my own little magazines. But music always came first.

I love this song! Listen to the lyrics.





The other night I watched a documentary about Fleetwood Mac on the BBC. Though I did not gain any more knowledge about the band's history and their tortured relationships, it was still interesting and reminded me how much I love their music, and how much of an inspiration Stevie Nicks has been to me.

The documentary was then followed by an Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood concert (strange how the BBC didn't show a Fleetwood Mac gig instead). But anyway, it was pretty good, and Clapton is still an amazing guitarist. Wasn't entirely keen on Winwood's voice though. Sounded too strained to me.

Anyway, here's some Eric Clapton.

Weird!

On Saturday (Halloween) I was sat at home watching The X Factor waiting for those Trick or Treaters to come knocking. I love Halloween, but don't think it's very clever to knock on people's doors at night, scaring vulnerable people (like elderly folk living alone). And besides, who knows who or what is hiding behind that scary mask? Could be anyone, couldn't it? And then you sit there fretting over whether to answer the door or not, because if you don't, your windows are in danger of getting pelted with eggs, or worse. In my area (North London) it is likely to be much worse, believe me. You could even have a brick thrown through your window.

Anyway, the reason I named this post 'Weird!' was because I really can't believe that nobody knocked. Not one person! Can you believe it?

Were they all watching X Factor? I'm saying this because it seems the whole country is obsessed with this show. I watch it, but I'm certainly not obsessed with it, and I certainly don't waste my money voting on it. It's a big con, anyway.