My last few days have been ALRIGHT, (new here? see previous post).☺ I have been working with Nadine Laman on my manuscript. She has been a gem. Jan my writing mentor passed away as you know. She was an editor and it was her intention to work on Ripper, My Love. Sadly it was not meant to be and I have worked alone. Anyway an email or two bandied backwards and forwards between Nadine and myself and she asked if I would read a galley book for her. Obviously I agreed. Helping a friend and receiving a book, who wouldn't?
In the reply I mentioned a small issue with my manuscript and my rejections. She kindly offered to look at chapter one.
Her tips and advice have been valuable. I am now jiggling the manuscript around and it reads so much better. She has now got the first three chapters to play with.
Thank you Nadine.♥
I am still researching the USA Victorian era, so anyone with information, please send it my way. 1889 + 30 years.
While working on both books, plus Baby in a Basket planning for NaNoWriMo in November, what should happen? I got the urge to write a modern romance about a nurse.
Well where did that come from? The title Vanity Express came to mind. I HATE IT but cannot delete it, my fingers won't let me, so it is a working title. Until I find out why it is called Vanity Express it is temporary.
Has that happened to you? You have a title that you dislike and cannot relate it to your manuscript. Then as you are merrily writing away, the light of realisation/realization (impressed with how my American is coming along?), shines through the pages. Ah, that is why it is called...
I am reading Following The Whispers by Karen Walker and it is a very moving book. If you like memoirs I recommend you read her moving account of her life. Although I have not quite reached the end, I can tell you the roller coaster of emotions she has taken me on so far, is amazing. Her honesty and open account of her past is to be admired. An emotional read, but a fascinating one.
18 Comments:
I've read Karen's book and really enjoyed it.
Glynis,
Thanks so much for the kind mention of my memoir. Sorry for the emotional roller coaster, though. I love how you described your process here in this post. Listening to those niggles can be frustrating, but so rewarding, yes?
Karen
I've been following Karen's blog for some time. She writes thought probing questions, and often the thread of comments are better than the blog (a compliment to the quality of bloggers who visit her blog).
Best wishes for your success on your MS. Have a great week.
Stephen Tremp
You're a writing and reading fool, Glynis!
Wow! This sounds great, Glynis. Thanks for the review!
I also thoroughly enjoyed Karen's book.
I have to admit, my first thought with the title Vanity Express was that it would be something about the publishing world. Guess I have a one-track mind.
Following the Whispers sounds like a wonderful memoir. It's interesting how your new working title came to you - I hardly ever get titles, so I'm always stuck using my MC's name as my working title!
I finished the book last night, KarenG. It is good, I agree.
Karen W. Your book amazed me. For several different reasons.
Stephen, her blog and book are the tops!
Talli, it is brilliant. Worth every penny. Karen was so brave to write it.
Jane, I hate the title, so why can I not change the wretched thing? I agree it sounds linked with publishing. The MC is called Verity, so why can I not call it Verity Express, and why express. My brain has a mind of its own. LOL
Belle, it is an extremely well written memoir.
I wish the title of this one had never come about. LOL
Thanks for visiting me today, and for taking time out for me.
Hi Glynis! I think it's great that you've found someone else to give you an objective view. I totally appreciate having others do that for me! Hope you're making good progress forward!
Sadly, I know nothing about the Victorian era. You'd think, as old as I am... Anyhow, I'm glad to see you writing and working with a friend. Sometimes it helps just to have someone to bounce around ideas.
Helen
Glynis, sorry Google lost my comment I guess. Any who...
I love Karen Walker as well :D
What part of the Victorian Era are you looking for? My background is Architecture.
Tomorrow there will be a little something on my blog for you. :D
Pip Pip
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow
Jody, it is helping me an awful lot. I am a bit low after losing my mentor/editor. Nadine's eyes are gratefully received. ☺
Helen, LOL. You are far from old. I am thrilled with my research finds. Heinz Ketchup was around in the US in the 1800's, but not in the UK. I will be able to introduce my English lass to new foods etc. Such fun. Having someone to bounce ideas around is very good for me at the moment.BTW if ever you get bored...☺
Jules, anything. I am English and have never been to the US. Researching is fun. I want my MC to have a small shop close to the NY harbour in 1889. Any descriptions are gratefully received. Thanks.
Oh, thank you. I will look you up, thank!
Thank you all for taking time out for me. ♥
Nice to see Karen's book here!
Wishing you the best, Glynis. Keep at it!
Hi Glynis!
It's been a while since I've been on blogger so I'm playing catch-up today!
I'm so glad you've found someone to encourage you and help you along with your book. I'm so sorry for the loss of your mentor. I lost my writing mentor (and very dear friend) four years ago this November, so I understand the emotions you must be going through.
Best of luck in the revisions and the new story that's taking on a life of it's own. Unfortunately, I don't get titles! Even ones I don't like. I have to fight for them! That's always been a struggle for me.
Take care and have a wonderful week!
Jen
It sounds like you two have a good system working out, though I'm sorry about your mentor. :-(
"Until I find out why it is called Vanity Express it is temporary."
i love how you acknowledge and follow your muse, glynis!!
Hi, Glynis. We both like red! It really is a "pick me up" color; a power color. Just coming into your blog makes me feel perkier!
I'm so glad you found Nadine!!
I did a brief review of Karen Walker's book Following the Whispers several months ago. It IS a very powerful book, very well written. She has survived some harrowing experiences in her life.
Hope you're having a power-filled day.
Ann
It's great to have someone to read your pages and in turn read theirs. Writers are so giving of their time.
I like red as well. Nothing like a strong color to call up the writing muse.
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