Friday, January 14, 2011

What a Week!

It's been a good week. The kind of week that sets you spinning somewhat off kilter -you know, where you have to take a moment to hang on, regain your bearings and catch your breath. In a good way.

Remember my "Just Do It" resolution for this year? This is the week I jumped in head first. I now attend a new writer's group. It's small -just three of us. We all write middle grade and young adult novels. We plan to meet every two to three weeks, and we each get up to 40-45 minutes to share and be critiqued. We can ask for whatever we need - brainstorming, plotting, line edits, constructive criticism, etc.  It will be a nice complement to my other writer's group. Between the two, I'll have three meetings a month. That will require me to write on a deadline. I'll need the practice and the accountability because....

I got accepted to Patti Lee Gauch's HEART OF THE NOVEL workshop in Honesdale!


I'm just a little excited about it. *Can't wipe grin off face*  The workshop is divided into two sessions. The first meets for four days in May. We'll look at what makes a novel come alive, then we'll begin a novel, making certain it has the right characters, an original idea, and a solid story line. We'll set writing goals before we leave in May for Part II, which meets in October. I can't wait to get there! In the meantime, I'm plotting, creating character sketches, and researching, researching, researching.

It's a bit scary to me to commit to writing a complete draft in five months. I've not had to write to a deadline - not like this anyway. But I figure if I can do this, I can handle an editor's deadlines someday. Right? Here's hoping!

15 comments:

Carol Anne said...

Inspiring! FIve months? You can do it. ("I know I can. I know I can. I know I can" - repeat at regular intervals throughout day.

Sarah said...

Wonderful news! I'm sure you can do it.

How exciting to work with Patti! I learned so much from her at Chautauquq.

Michelle said...

I'm so excited for you! What a wonderful opportunity to learn from Patti. She's full of gems.

out of the wordwork said...

That's great news, Nora!! I'm positive you'll get nothing but inspiration and a wealth of knowledge. 2011 is going to be a great year.
Nelsa

Anonymous said...

Congratulations on both--finding a great set of writing partners to support your work AND the opportunity!

Faith E. Hough said...

Wow, I can't wait to hear about the workshop! I was really hoping to attend it, then found out that a new baby would be coming sometime right in between the two sessions. ;) Ah, well, the compensations are many--but that workshop really sounds incredible! Best of luck!

Nora MacFarlane said...

Carol Anne - Thanks! I'm alternating between the "I know I can" mantra and severe bouts of anxiety.

Sarah and Michelle - I still think about Patti's workshops at Chautauqua. Lots of good information!

Nelsa - Thanks! I'm hoping 2011 is a good one for all of us!

Green Girl - Thanks! I love my crit partners. Their input makes all the difference.

Faith - Wow! and congratulations to you!

Anonymous said...

Awesome, Nora. I'm sure you'll get a lot out of the workshop.

I joined my critique group a little over a year ago, and they have been wonderful. The support and input is invaluable.

Christina Lee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Christina Lee said...

Ack, I can't spell b/f coffee! Woweee --definitely things to keep you on your toes and motivated!!! Gogo luck, you!

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

OMGoodness, Nora! Patti was Tess Hilmo's mentor and Tess got an agent and her book comes out in September....Patti is awesome!!!!! You can do it!

Nora MacFarlane said...

She is awesome! Here's hoping...

Adrienne said...

Congrats on the great opportunity and the new group - good incentives to stick to your resolution!

Anne Spollen said...

Wow! That's great news. Isn't it inspiring to get an acceptance like that?

Promise to share at least a peek at what you learn.

Kelly Polark said...

Congrats on your workshop acceptance!
I had a local critique group, but one moved an hour away, then one moved to Switzerland, and this year I'll be moving to Wisconsin! I miss it!