This and That

I turned on the news this morning and one of my old chapter mates was featured. I don't belong to the chapter any longer, but I try to keep track of people. Peggy Fielding, an 82-year old writer was the single protester outside her post office. It seems the government is closing down the office. Peggy is one of the spunkiest old people that I know. My mom (87) is the other one! And she's a little ticked that they are closing down her P.O. as she lives only 3 blocks away and uses a walker to get there. She has no other method of transportation.

Even in this day of modern technology, writers must depend on good old USPS at times. In fact, I have two queries ready to go to the PO to be mailed. Equeries will only get you so far, sometimes you have to resort to old school.

I just saw a MG contest that you have to mail in your manuscript. I'm surprised with how everyone is trying to go green, that publishing hasn't figured out a way to follow the trend.
But, then again, I still like holding and smelling a fresh new paperback in my hands. Somethings you can't imitate. Now, if the new Kindle came with the artificial smell of books, I might have to look into it!

Speaking of MG (middle grade), I just finished a MG novel, The Fire Within. I had bought it for my daughter, but I pretty much read it yesterday afternoon. She started it, but 8-yo's don't read as quick as 'aged' adults. All I have to say is don't down play MG authors. This story had multiple sub-plots interwoven to a final conclusion. And yes, I will be buying book 2 and 3.

Two days ago, I entered a few RWA contests with my new UF. There were a few things that I verified before sending the monies via PayPal.

1) Fairly generic score sheet--as a judge and contest entrant, I feel I get more bang for my buck when I enter a contest that isn't too detailed. True, the judge might still think my book sucks, but my odds are better with a generic score sheet, instead of losing 10 points because my H/H don't meet in the first 10 pages. Uh, this UF doesn't have a hero.
2) Final judge--I definitely chose these contests because of the final judges. And the judges are all from different Publishing houses.
3) Lowest score dropped--goes without saying. 3 judges, only top 2 are used.
4) Chapter members NOT allowed to enter--I like this one. As much as a contest tries to follow their own rules by not judging their chapter mates, those of us who are outsiders tend to wonder about their honesty. They many be true, but how can we really tell?
5) No synopsis--Yes, I know you need a synopsis to sell on proposal, but many times I don't have a synopsis figured out until I hit 1/3 of the way through the book.
6) Fresh eyes--Many times I enter a contest just to see if I'm on the right track. My CP's have heard about my story, ad nauseum, and they may not be the best judge at this point--I want a fresh opinion.

Well, I think that's enough lagniappe for the day.
I still have almost 5,000 words to write (like THAT's gonna happen!) and a couple of hours on the Wii Fit.

Write on!