Are you kidding me?

Well, I did it. I managed not to blog for one day.  I didn't get a whole lot done but I did do something. I managed to finish a critique and I figured out something new for my WiP. That's right something new. Before I signed off on Wednesday, I read an article about what agents and editors are looking for--what might catch their eye. Roni at Fiction Groupie posted what she found out at a recent conference.  It was interesting. 


Being that I've just started my revisions this type of information is helpful and it's forcing me to look at my WiP and find ways to make it different but I must keep in mind to stay true to the story I originally wanted to write. So the key is to find the balance between what it takes to get the novel noticed vs. what you believe in. Oh, how I love revisions. Sounds easy, right? Because anyone can do it.

This leads me to the second half of my post. Many non writers (I sometimes like to call spectators) think that writing a YA (any form) novel is easy.  I guess they think that since we are writing to a teenage audience that we stoop to a lower level in our writing abilities. I would like to share an odd experience I had at a bookstore. I may have embellished this alittle --I am a writer.

So I was looking in the YA paranormal romance section at a local bookstore drooling over what I should buy next and a lady strolls up next to me. She was about my age and dressed to the nines. I think she thought I worked there for a second but then realized that I was holding my son -- hello, obvious. The dialogue may not be exact but it went something like this.

"Are you looking for something for your daughter?" she asked.

"No," I continued to browse.  I don't like being interrupted when I'm in the zone.

"Oh, because I am.  I can't believe the books my daughter wants to read," She was a little to chatty for me.

I just stood there quietly.

"These books are written so poorly and contain such mindless entertainment," she waived her finger around.

So I picked up a book and threw it at her --this is the embellished part. To be quite honest when she made this statement, I felt like throwing a book at her but I was polite. I didn't want to give YA writers a bad name. So I asked her,"Have you read any of them?"

She sort of gave me a shocked look. "Well no, I don't like books in this genre."

"Well then, how do you know that they are mindless entertainment and are written poorly?"

She actually squinted a little, turned and left. I guess I embarrassed her, hehe. My son even giggled. I don't usually speak out and I don't think I was rude but seriously what kind of statement is that. It amazes me that people think this way.

So what would your reaction be if someone said this to you?

Has this ever happened to you?

Here is a question from the first half of my post--What do you concentrate on when writing your novel, what the editors want or what you want to write?

I received some more awards while I was away. You are too kind. There are way too many awards out there.  Thanks guys--I will have one heck of an award post next week.  I missed everyone yesterday and will be commenting like crazy today.  Have a great weekend!