My Idle Ramblings

Happy Autumnal equinox!

I’m continuing to make progress on Draft 2. The first five chapters of Part 2 are coming together albeit slowing. My 9-5 has been busier than usual, sapping my mental energy. Hence, my 4am writing sessions and usual 9p bedtimes. Ah, the exciting life of a writer working a full-time job!

Good news in my email. I got a couple of positive reviews from beta readers, who are family. Both were equally satisfying though hearing that a non-genre reader enjoyed the story is especially rewarding.

Last week, I did a webinar about How to Find a Literary Agent offered by Writers Digest and presented by Elizabeth Kracht, a literary agent with Kimberley Cameron & Associates. I like to keep abreast of what’s happening in the trad publishing industry. Always interesting to hear different perspective about the need to have a social media presence, how many comps for fiction, etc. More importantly, it created a renewed sense of urgency to get through Draft 2. The skill of Elizabeth and moderator Genevieve Dickerson at getting the session back on track when the session got hijacked by participant questions – impressive.

Continuing to read Her Majesty’s Royal Coven by Juno Dawson. It’s a potential comp in terms of setting, worldbuilding and possibly more. The settings are similar but different – my story’s HQ is the same, but my characters do a bit of globe-trotting. There’s some comparability in terms of the characters. My cast is magical with supernatural abilities, but they aren’t witches. The writing style isn’t comparable. Though I think my style is more immersive. Also, this novel reads a little like YA, which makes sense that’s the author genre. HMRC is her first adult fiction novel. I’ll keep reading because there is a similarity in pacing – both books are commercially paced though my manuscript has a slight tilt towards literary because of my writing style.

Eric Clapton’s Crossroads festival is this weekend, and yes, I’m dropping the pay-for-view fee. The line-up is exceptional as usual. Plus it’s the first one since before COVID. Even more reason to celebrate with one of the greatest guitarists in rock music history and some of his friends.

Writing, reading, and live music – it’s going to be a great weekend! Wishing you the best for an equally fantastic weekend.