Critiquing

I spent most of last night critiquing a friend's book. I got through five chapters and only put it down because I was so tired I couldn't keep my eyes open. I'm not even sure I edited the last chapter or two because the story was so good. So I'm going to do some promoting for another writer here today.

Natalie Damschroder has an incredible imagination. Her stories are evocative, sensual and the emotions of the characters draw you in and don't let you go. She writes paranomal romances - some hotter than others - but each one I've read has not let me down. Even if I didn't know her as a friend, I'd still buy her books just because she delivers such a good story. She can be found at: http://www.nataliedamschroder.com Most of her books are available from Amber Quill Press. If you like paranormal romance, try her out. You won't be disappointed.

Okay, commercial over.

As I said, I was working on the crit last night. I got about 80 pages done. In addition to that, I sent out a submission (my non-fiction work), and tried to clean up some of the mess I have laying on my desks.

That's my aim for today - filing, organizing, printing, and searching for some new agents/editors to submit my stuff to. Oh, and more of Natalie's critique. I cannot let that story go.

It's a new month. Time to check your goals for the month and year. How are you coming with yours? I'm on track so far with mine. Remember, goals are not cut into stone. Revisions are often necessary as things change. A goal is just that, something to aim for, but we often have to change them up or down - hopefully upward - because of the curves life throws us. So use today to check your goals. Do you need to revise, or are you on track?

Birthdays: Franz Hohler, Ralph Ellison, Robert Lowell, Judith Rossner

Tips and Teasers: This is National Elve’s Day. Imagine you are an elf – what kind are you? Are you the tall willowy kind as in The Lord of the Rings? Or small and pixie-like? Do you have magical powers? What are they? Are you kind? Or nasty? Where do you live?

Thought for the day: "Writing can’t be taught, but if the natural talent is there, it can be improved." – Rod McKuen