To the mailbox, to the mailbox, to the mailbox it will go!

Okay, so I'm implying snail mail by this pic, but in reality, it's all email, baby. I've been a busy little bee this past weekend: reading my story with a fine tooth comb, making sure my submission guidelines are met to perfection, devising a synopsis that encapsulates all the ins and outs of the story, and polishing a query to make the editor beg for more. Then - deep breath - and then, I sent it out. Gone. Good-bye. Outta here. Never to be heard from again until sometime between now and the end of the year. I don't care what they say, waiting does not make the heart grow fonder.
So now, my first manuscript is out into someone else's hands, er, email inbox, and what's a girl to do? For starters, I'm planning on catching up on my TBR pile, including hot picks like Gena Showalter (The Lords of the Underworld are amazing) and Christine Feehan. I also have lesson plans to update for my kiddos. Ironic, I think, that I'm reading Showalter and teaching my kids about Ancient Greece. Of course, I keep Showalter's spin on the mythology to myself (don't want to confuse the little ones), but it amuses me at how life's little points sometimes intertwine.
After all these other bits I will begin in earnest my next story. I have several ideas down and several stories that have been started sometime in the past, but I believe I have it narrowed down to three different tales. I'll let you know the gist of the next one, perhaps within the week?

Will it ever end???

Okay, I finished my story what? Two or three weeks ago, right? I dug in and worked on my query/submission letter. I have this just about polished and good to go. I should be set to zip this awesome story out to eager publishers, right? Wrong. There always seems to be "just one more thing." I have a friend that tells me to get used to it. That it's always "just one more thing." Hahahaha. Okay, sure, I'm game. Doesn't mean I have to love it, but I'll do what it takes.
Oh, that extra bit I have to do? It's the synopsis. Basically, a book report of my story. It has to be short, concise, and explain the characters and the story from beginning to end. Sounds easy? I suppose, but it depends on to whom you speak. Some love 'em, some hate 'em. Me? We'll see. I can't say I'm jumping up and down about doing one, but I know it's necessary so I'll roll up my sleeves and turn on my machine and read my story again and make notes and turn out one kiss-a** synopsis!
I'll let you know how it goes!

The Sweet Smell of Victory

Okay, okay, so I'm jumping the gun a little. After nearly a year of work, I think I deserve to jump ahead.

I finished my story! Yea! Truth be told, I finished the thing last fall, but had to edit the story so extensively I decided to scrap that and simply rewrite it. Better. And it is, at least I think so. Now, I'm beginning work on the dreaded query letter. For me, it's a drag. How do you write a brief something about you, your story, in such a way that the editor/agent/publisher will set aside his or her coffee and declare "This is it! I want it!"...? I mean, I can push the heck out of someone else's stuff, but as for mine - it's the creative flaw in all artistic endeavors I believe. I know my story is good. I know my story is capable of being published. But will I be able to write the perfect letter that the right person will read who will be in a good enough mood to respond back to me with a yes letter instead of rejection?

Yep, I can do it. Yes, I will do it.

Wasted Time

A friend and I were talking the other day about how when we're handed golden opportunities to write, we often, stupidly, do not take such opportunities. Mine happened last night. Kids went to bed great, husband went out with a friend, just me and my story, right? Wrong. Try me and someone else's story. Yep, I read the night away. Do I feel good about this? Of course I do . . . not. So today, with everyone hopping around, I'm sneaking a sentence or two or three in on my work in progress. I'm calling it just punishment for not taking advantage of undisturbed time last night. It's tough to be your own "boss" sometimes.

What have you read lately?

I've been writing a lot recently (always good in my book) and my reading has been haphazard. But I have read a few great books that I want to share with you.

Now, my first genre of preference is Romance. Always has been, always will be. Funny, I haven't read one in a couple of weeks but I did pick up Stephanie Lauren's newest one for the Bastion Club today that I cannot wait to sink my teeth into. I've read each one of the Bastion Club novels and this last one is about the mysterious Royce. I know it'll be good. Don't you love to pick up a book simply because you know the author and you know proof positive you'll enjoy it. Then again, on the other hand, I can name a few authors who have fallen in my esteem. Authors who I used to buy blind, but no longer . . . but this is another story, another post.

On to another genre - Fantasy. I love a good fantasy. A favorite author of mine, James Rollins, I recently discovered writes Fantasy under the pseudonym of James Clemens. It took me awhile to find one of his latest (and this is from 2005), but I got ahold of Shadowfall, Book One of the Godslayer Chronicles. LOVED IT! I have Book Two, Hinterland, on order to arrive any day.

Now, have I finished writing my own contemporary yet? No. But it's nearly there. One more good night and then brush up a few edits and finally, I'll be able to send it out. Can't wait!

I'm Still Here

It doesn't seem like I'm around since I haven't posted since, oh, months! But never fear, good ol' Ayla is still here.

I've been sweltering this summer. The incessant heat leaves me feeling like a wilted flower all the time. Give me warm clothes, a fire and a book to snuggle down with and snow outside and you've got a happy girl. What am I doing locked in the south???

Can you believe my story is not yet done!? My girlfriend is completely exasperated with me. I know because she hounds me every week. But I need that from her or it'll drop. My life is brimming with kids, pets, husband, teaching . . . basically what any author deals with. I am simply not selfish enough.

Even though the story's not through, it's almost there. I've had to completely rewrite the thing, but I did this willingly as now it's a much tighter, better written tale. I can't wait to share the good news of where you can purchase it!

I'm on a roll now with the story and the husband and the kiddos are playing outside so I'll take this opportune time to get back to work!

It's a busy life

Yes, I've been extremely remiss with my posting. Almost a month now! Shame on me. Kids, part-time work, homeschooling, a new exercise plan, housework, sicknesses and life in general notwithstanding, my writing has sadly been pushed to the wayside. But not for long. I have complete edits on my threesome story and let me tell you, it's times like these a person is tested on her passion and desire in continuing to write.

Thank God I still have my drive or I'd give up now. Pat yourself on the back, Steph. I will pass this test presented by your edits. THANK YOU for doing this for me. I don't think my story will end up anything like I'd originally intended, but the story should end up being a tighter, more entertaining read.

My husband gave me the "night off" from the kids to concentrate on the story (yea) and my revisions are going at the speed of moving through molasses. Do I change this word or that? What's another word for "slid??" Do I completely cut out the threesome deal and just go for the MF main story? So many decisions. But it's working. I still need several more "nights off," if you're seeing this, love.

So for now, I've exhausted my brain with the story for the night and I've exhausted my body from my exercises, of which I'm not real happy about. My latest progress report showed very little change. Very little. I'm working toward what you see in this pic. I'm not quite near it. My husband says any progress is good and I keep telling myself that. It's tough. I do vow, however, to publicly wear a swimsuit this summer. God help me with this.