Done! (Well, not quite)

I am a happy girl. I just finished writing my very first chapter book! I started writing it in March I think. I would get into the writing groove. Then I'd be pulled away by life. My goal was to have it done sometime this summer, so I could start revising the heck out of it when the kids get back to school. Actually the first three chapters have been critiqued by my wonderful writing group. The fabulous Cynthea Liu even gave some great pointers on the first two chapters when I participated in her Red Light, Green Light freetique in April. So at least that's a start in revisions.

I've had a crazy busy summer, and I hadn't written much I hate to say. Then I read Anita Laydon Miller's blog. She told us lazy in the summer writers to "Man up and write!" Okay, she didn't say those exact words. But her post did inspire me to get this thing done. And Yay! I did! (Thanks for the kick in the butt, Anita!)

So, I buckled down and wrote in the late evenings and when the kids were at the neighbors house playing. And I had fun doing it. I adore my main character, Stef. Love her, love her, love her! I would find myself smiling as I was writing. My working title is Rock n Roll Princesses Wear Black. And the music tangent is just a small reason why I love my book. Did I mention that my main character rocks?! The book is a chapter book somewhat similar to Junie B. Jones, but geared for third or fourth graders. I'm going to read it to my kids this weekend (well, my older two. My four year old son might only be interested if I turn Stef into a Transformer or Jedi). If my kids enjoy it, I can put in my query letters that my kids loved my book (I'm just seeing if you're paying attention, I know that's a no-no). I just really want to share it with them.

So, lots of revisions ahead of me, and then query time! I've submitted picture books and poetry to publishers with some good feedback on a few and even one "almost", but no publishing deals. So, I am going to try and find me an agent. I'm going to let this bad boy sit for a few weeks while I enjoy the summer with the kids. Then Operation Revision/Agent!