Emma Group Read!

It's high time I revisit one of Jane Austen's books (I don't remember when was the last time I read one), and as for "Emma", while I am very much fond of it, I do not think that I have read it above two times. How shocking indeed! Therefore, I am quite excited that there will be Emma Group Read in March! I have been meaning to read a Jane Austen novel for some time now but I couldn't decide which one. I have alreay read the first eight chapters and I can't wait for the discussion!

Woohoo! I have the blurb! And I'm quite happy with it - for now:)) But the month is not up yet, so I can't go back to the book until it is. I've been thinking about it a lot, though, and I have unearthed new bits that I can't wait to put in. I'm also reading "A Writer's Guide to Harry Potter; How to Improve Your Writing by Studying the Bestselling Series" by S.P. Sipal and it is extremely inspirational. It makes my brain work in ways and directions I haven't thought of before, new ideas keep bursting and exploding in my brain and there are techniques that I can't wait to try once I begin revision! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves the Harry Potter series and who also happens to be a writer. 

My attempts at writing the blurb (can I say blurb-ing?) are way too long :((

I've been wondering if it's wise to start something new and completely different at the moment. I've been thinking about certain things that I should insert, delete or change during the revision time (I can't wait to begin!) and I decided that I'd better remain where I am. So, today I've started making a list of agents I'd like to submit the novel to as well as working on the blurb - short and tricky things they are!

I have several ideas for short, novella-length stories, but the problem is that I don't have the names for the characters and the places, that I'm really happy with; and, until I am, I cannot begin to work on either of them. I need to know the names and I need to like the way they sound and look for the story to flow...

My fantasy novel is complete!!!

OMG! I have done it! I have completed another book! It's the fifth completed book for me. It stands at about 77K. I'm so excited I don't know what to do with myself - other than go to the gym. I decided to let it simmer down a bit before I begin revision; a month or so. I guess, in the meantime, I can bury myself in my extensive notes. I have several drawers packed with notebooks and stuff that I've been hoarding for ages. But I haven't completed a book in three years. I forgot what it feels like. Should I throw a party?

In defence of J.K. Rowling, because I'm a true and loyal fan

I really hate the backlash that J.K. Rowling's words concerning Harry, Ron and Hermione created and the flak that she's receiving from all quarters and from her "fans" in particular. As a writer I know what it's like to look back on something that you've written and suddenly realize that you should have done it differently. In fact, that's exactly what happened with a book that I published several years ago and am currently reworking into a fantasy novel. But, of course, in my case I had no trouble taking it down, because no one gave a damn about it anyway. I loved it. I published it. But I looked back at it several years later and realized that I wanted to change it. Completely. Is it a crime? Don't we change our minds all the time in real life? Don't we have second thoughts about what we do, what we say, who we marry? Don't we want to go back and change things? Don't we wish to have a Time Turner? Or is it a crime because J.K. Rowling has done it? Because she is famous? Because she has legions of fans who now turned on her like a pack of ugly orcs, calling her names and ridiculing her at every turn?! There's a definite upside to being a nobody in the world of literature, after all... 

Writing progress report

I am working on the final part of my fantasy novel. I've been waiting to write these final scenes for ages... I always know the beginning and the ending of the story pretty well, it's the middle that I struggle with the most.  But I do like not knowing what exactly is going to happen on the way and how my characters will reach their final destination: where will they end up on their journey, who will they meet, what will they learn, etc.. It's like a game and I enjoy playing it. I like coming up with stories, legends, biographies, backstory, creating a whole world beyond what is written on the pages of the book... Who knows, maybe someone will want to know it too one day...