Revision Freakout #1

I'm trying to revise my WIP (translation: failing miserably at it). I have some major revisions I need to tackle, but they are in the middle and near the end of the book. But I keep getting stuck at the beginning of the book because I want to polish before I move any deeper.

I know it's a stall tactic on my part; I'm still not sure how, exactly, I'm going to fix some of those scenes near the back. But I'm also dealing with some PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder for you non-psychologists in the crowd). I shared the first draft (yes, the very first draft) with my agent, who of course said he loved it and then gave me some suggestions of places that needed revisions, which I agreed to tackle next.

But now I'm looking at the manuscript and cringing at how terrible it is. And my agent liked it? *GASP* He must either be lying to me or delusional! Because there is no way this pile of poo I call a manuscript can be loved by anyone other than Oscar the Grouch. He likes garbage. This manuscript is garbage. I should just give it to Oscar and cut my losses.

But on a good note, I normally have a panic attack and doubt myself as I'm trying to figure out how to revise the first draft. So you might say I'm wigging out right on schedule. And next up is The Breakthrough, so I guess I should hold on a little bit longer.

Sorry, Oscar. I'm keeping the manuscript after all.

Now Closed to New Requests for the MG Blog

I hate to say it, but I've been overrun with requests to join the MG blog. So it is with deep regret that I must close to any new requests at this point.

I am very excited about what we are developing, however, so please check back for details on our official launch.

Thank you, everyone!

Revisions? Or World Domination?

Shhh, don't tell my agent, but revisions on my WIP have stalled. Some of it has to do with my daughter, who has been a pretty sick little girl (she's much much better now--nearly back to normal, thank goodness) and part of it has to do with a certain little blog idea I had about a week ago. I hope that blog, BTW, is my ticket to world domination.

But I'm sitting down RIGHT NOW to get back to work on my poor, neglected WIP. I mean it. I'm going.

Do you see me going? I'm doing it. I'm moving toward posting this message and turning the computer off. I'm really doing it.

Fine. I'm really going now. Sheesh. You're so pushy.

HOLY COW, MG People!

Apparently MG people have been waiting for a leader. I have been overwhelmed by requests to join my MG group blog! In fact, it's more than I can count with both hands. HOLY COW! Can I just say how awesome I find this?!

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have to draw up some plans so we MG people can take over the world...

MG Books Are the New Vampires

(UPDATE: I've had so many ask to join the blog that I am now closing to requests. I apologize for this, and I wish I could add the whole world, but we need to keep this manageable. However, if there are any openings, we will post them on the blog once it launches. Please check back for details on our official launch date. Thank you everyone!)

Yes. You read that right. I tell everyone that MG books are the new vampires. Why? Because I say so. And since the world has not latched on to this revelation quite yet, I've decided I need to take MG to the masses.

And I might have an idea how to do it....

I've wanted to do this for at least a year, but I think I'm finally in a position where my vague vision can possibly come to fruition. I've already started putting feelers out and--Holy Cow! The preliminary excitement has been much more than I anticipated. So I'm putting out the official call now.

I'm looking for agented/published/well-connected MG people to join me in starting (and maintaining) a group blog strictly for MG readers and writers. I'm not sure exactly what form this blog will take, but if we get enough people together it could easily be The Place for All Things MG. It seems like there is so much geared for the YA people out there, and I'm feeling like we MGers need a little place of our own out there in the cyberworld.

I'd also love to invite the CB people to join us as well. After all, CBs are the little brothers and sisters of MGs.

So far I already have a strong list of agented/pubbed/well-connected people who wish to contribute in some way, so I really think this idea might go somewhere. But I say the more we MGers pool our resources/talents, the better this group blog will be.

If you're interested in contributing, please contact me at elissadcruz at gmail dot com or leave a comment below. I'd like to start a brainstorming session soon with those who would like to have a say in where we take this project.

And spread the word! I know my little blog here doesn't reach most of the MG people out there (hence the need for this group blog idea).

For those interested in following once we get up and running, check back here often for the big announcement. I'm sure it will happen soon!

Go MG!


P.S. In the last week or so I've won three (yes, 3!) contests, so I'd like to point out that I'm on a winning streak. I mention this for those out there who think we need some serious luck to pull this off. I've got luck coming out my ears this week, so any idea I come up with is bound to be a success. Just wanted you to know. ;)

Prizes and More At My Friend's Blog Grand Re-Opening!

I am a terrible friend, since it took me until today to post this. LJ friend juliakarr has been hosting her blog Grand Re-opening this whole week. I had been waiting for the announcement of her re-opening so I could share it with my readers. And then my kids got sick and I didn't check my LJ friends page and completely missed it until yesterday evening! Sorry sorry sorry, Julia!

Anyway, all week long she's been giving away free books and keeping track of entries for a grand prize drawing to be held Friday. I might just add that I won a book yesterday (me, who never win these kinds of contests!) so I'm sending my lucky vibes along with you.

So go enter for today's book giveaway, an autographed copy of Soul Enchilada by David Macinnis Gill! You'll also be entered into the grand prize drawing tomorrow. So go! Now! Don't wait!

But fair warning, I've entered the contest today too and I'm hoping my winning streak lasts one more day (aka I WANT DAVID'S BOOK TOO).

Say hi to Julia for me!

I'm Still Here...

...but have no news to report. None whatsoever.

So I've written a poem. It's a terrible poem that will never see the light of day unless I self-publish it, so I'm sharing it here.


Ode to Silence

I sit in my house
As quiet as a mouse.
Waiting for news;
The Yays or the Boos.
But what reaches my ear
Is nothing, I fear.

*bows*

Okay, now back to our regularly scheduled silence.