What's a Mentorship Look Like?

Mostly, it looks like paper.  And a lot of work.  I'm a little past the half-way mark with my mentorship and so far, here's the paper that's been generated. 

First there's the initial copy of the manuscript, marked up with comments and accompanied by a four page revision letter.

 These are the chapter outlines I created for the first round manuscript.

 I also created diagrams of the various plot lines -- trying to see where the action is lagging in each line.

 With the revisions done, I needed to create revised chapter outlines to reflect the changes.

And I got this last week.  A copy of the revised manuscript, marked up with editing comments and invisible red hearts (as well as two visible pink ones.)  (Note:  I'm not sure all the mentees get invisible red hearts.  I think Susan might be the only one who gives those.)

 Here's an example of what the editing comments look like.  Not all pages have this many comments, but nearly all pages have some.

And here is the second revision letter -- five pages this time.  Single spaced.












And I have lots and lots of these -- random sheets of paper with notes, thoughts, ideas, diagrams, etc. 

And that's it.  As you can see, the mentors put in as much time as we mentee's do.  And that's saying a lot.  So, if I'm not posting very much, it's because I'm deep into my second round of revisions.  

Here's hoping all of your writing projects are going well! 

Three Things on Thursday

hibobguything -- by The Boy's friend

1.  I *finally* go to the physical therapist today to check out my knee.  The swelling is gone, which is good.  But it keeps clicking when I turn.  Not good...unless I intend to keep walking in the same direction for the rest of my life.  And since... 

2.  ...changes in direction are good, I'm toying with the idea that my next book (after I finish my mentorship piece) will be YA.  Maybe.  Possibly.  There's a wee chance.

3.  Speaking of my mentorship, the latest notes and edits from Susan should be here today!!  How am I feeling about that?  Giddy, nervous, hiccupy.  But she assures me they are smothered in invisible red hearts.  :)  #mymentorROCKS!

Happy Week All!

Really?

The Today Show opted to interview Snooki instead of Caldecott and Newbery winners, Erin Stead and Clare Vanderpool. 

In which I feel stymied

Bear Photo avaible here

Is anyone else feeling zero progress lately?  My architecture projects all seem to be on hold for one reason or another.  My mentor is reviewing changes to Soul Splinter, so no progress there.  I'm holding strong on my No-Query Pact, so no querying (is that progress or not?)  Worst of all, I did *something* to my knee at soccer on Sunday and, after xrays Monday, am not allowed to do anything until I see the Physical Therapist next week.  Plus the weather is so yucky I don't even want to go outside. 

This time of year, I always wish I was a bear.

Five for Friday

1.  Indoor soccer game this Sunday--woohoo! But other than that, no plans.  I'm thinking about getting back to work on this painting. I haven't touched it since March.

2.  I'm checking airfare for my April mentorship meeting in Virginia City.  It's bittersweet.  I'm so looking forward to seeing everyone again, but sad knowing it'll be our last get together.  My mentor totally rocks and my manuscript is so much better, but I think the best thing about this program is all the wonderful people I've met.

3.  One week into my "No Query Pact" and I'm holding strong. 

4.  I'm reading Chasing Vermeer.  It's very clever.  The Boy seems interested in it, too.  I think he might snatch it once he finishes rereading the Percy Jackson books.

5.  I'm ridiculously excited about the new 2009 Residental Building Code.  They made some great changes. 

Happy Weekend!

Public Service Wednesday

Spokeo.com

If you haven't already heard of this website, check it out.  Search for your own name and see what info they're laying out for all to see.  I found myself listed with my age, my address, the value of my house (wrong), a photo of my house, members of my family.  And that's just what they show for FREE!!  For a small fee, you can 'join' their site and get people's income information, their credit scores, hobbies, etc. 

Worried yet?  Go to http://www.spokeo.com/ , search for yourself.  When your page comes up, copy the URL for your profile page.  Then click the 'privacy' link at the bottom of the spokeo page and follow the instructions to remove yourself.  Also, think about parents or grandparents who might not have access to the internet.  Remove them as well.  And pass this on!

I *love* a new year!

All the possibilities, all the planning, all the LISTS!!  There is nothing in the world I love so much as a list!  (Well, maybe a cupcake, but it would have to be a coconut cupcake with cream filling, decorated to look like a bunny rabbit.  Yeah, like that up there).

Right now, I'm making lists for my trip to New Bern, NC in February.  Is it a good place to retire?  I'll let you know.  I'll fly into Raleigh and then drive down with three of my bff's from high school.  We haven't seen each other in ... yeah, like I'm going to tell you that.  Suffice to say, it's been a looong time and I can't wait to see them! 

In writing news...
1.  I've entered a "No Query Pact" with my friend Stephanie Blake, phlebotomist and writer.  We decided we're going to write hard for six months -- no queries, no submittals, no distractions.  Just writing. 
2.  If you're in the Boise area, be sure to stop by Rediscovered Bookshop tonight from 6:30-7:30 for the first of our new 'monthly SCBWI meetings'.  We'll have speakers, snacks and wonderful writer peeps!

Patterns

Pheasant Feathers

I imagine we're all looking back today, thinking about 2010.  The good and bad, the ups and downs.  I know I have and I've sensed some patterns that repeated all too often.  The "submit-requested full-rejection" pattern happened so many times, I'm surprised I didn't spend most of the year in tears.  (Actually, I think I might have.) 

They say the definition of stupidity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results.  I continue to submit, I continue to get requests for fulls, and ... you get the picture.  Things have to change. 

So for 2011, there will be a lot less submitting--maybe none.  I'm going to focus on my architecture business which deserves my attention at this point, since it's paying the bills.  And, when I have time, I'll work on craft and writing.  And rewriting.  But not submitting.  I feel like I've been thrashing forward for so long, I'm not sure where I am in relation to my goal. 

Here's to 2011, to knowing where you are in life and to paying the bills.