So, wow, I reached a 150 followers.
But I feel like some of the more recent followers I don’t know very well.
So, here’s your chance. Tell me your name, what you write, what stage of the writer’s journey you’re on, or something about yourself. I’d love to visit your blog and follow back if I haven’t yet.
I’ll start it off.
My name’s Laura, but don’t ask me for my middle name because I’ve never liked it. So far, I’ve only written middle grade (kids ages 8-12). But recently, I started my first YA! Ack! I’m trying YA because my plots tend to be complicated and I get comments that my characters sound older. And the idea I got wouldn’t work for MG.
I’m almost done revising an upper MG and will eventually query it.
Now it’s your turn. Tell me about yourself and let my other readers get to know you too!
Hi Laura, You may know some of this already but here goes!
I’m Carole Anne Carr and I’ve self-published historical children’s fiction for a niche market, my books accepted by English Heritage. I have many young readers asking for sequels to my historical adventures. Now moving into the mainstream children’s market with a modern fantasy that is based upon Norse Mythology and I am looking for an agent. I have been banking in Africa, taught poetry and other aspects of creative writing at the Gateway in Shrewsbury, at Burton Manor College on the Wirral, Deputy head of a Shropshire primary school for nearly twenty years, and member of the Society of Authors and the National Association of Writers in Schools. After early retirement, I set up my own art and craft business, became an actress, and then three year training to be a C of E minister. Now I look after my invalid husband, am a full time writer with my work in independent bookshops. Some time is spent in writing and author visits to schools, teaching creative writing and reading from my stories, book signings and networking. Hugs..
I’m a YA writer polishing the first novel and drafting the second. I still have a long way to go.
Wow Carole – What wonderful experiences you have! And it seems like self publishing is great for niche books! Glad you’ve found readers! That seems to me to be the hardest part about self publishing.
Lois – Congrats on almost finishing up a first novel! That one’s the toughest!
Isn’t it funny how when we all started blogging around the same time, we got to know each other pretty well. It was always the same faces and commenters and now…well, yeah, yay new people. Where do they come from? Makes me wonder just how big the blogoverse really is.
Well, I don’t know how well you know me, but here it is…
My name is Ben, I’m two weeks shy of 28 years old. I’m writing a novel called Solace which is about the grieving process of a dispossessed kid named Charlie. Without anything or anyone to turn to, he’ll have to find his own way to come to terms with the death of many people he loved.
I am done writing a first draft, I’m editing and applying serious changes. I hope being done by Spring 2011.
My middle name is Lousia after Louisa May Alcott. I kid you not. Apparently that was to foreshadow my future as a YA writer. 😉
What a cool idea this is to get to know your followers. 😀
And just check out Stina’s blog to realize she’s starting the query process with a manuscript that’s already won blog contests!
Ben – I love the premise of your book. Serious, darker novels really appeal to me.
Why, hello, Laura! 🙂
I started writing picture book manuscripts but am almost finished with my first middle grade. I also write poetry. I’ve been published in children’s magazines and hope to be agent hunting soon!
Hey, Laura, great to learn more about you! I write inspirational romance and I’m in the middle of a WIP right now. I’ve written several novels and I’m in the process of looking for an agent right now. Stressful and fun!
Hi Laura!
Congrats on the 150 followers. I didn’t know you had started a YA. Like you, I started writing MG, but my plot and characters started to sound older and now I’m pretty much entrenched in YA. Although MG is my first love.
You were one of the first bloggers I met when I first started blogging — so I feel that we are on the writing journey together….
Congrats, Laura!
I’ve been blogging for about a year and a half, writing seriously for five, and I just found an agent last month! My novel is on sub right now, so I’m trying to keep myself busy with a few other works in progress, keep myself from going crazy.
The waiting is the worst!
Hi, Laura
My name is Cheryl and my desire has always been to write a novel. I have a WIP, but as this is my first attempt it will not likely see the light of day. It is good practice, however, and I intend to finish it. It is geared to YA females.
I have written and self-published a children’s book. The book was originally geared to a younger audience, but we have found that it appeals to 5-11 yrs. Lots of pictures in a chapter book, with a story children can relate to in one way or another.
Check out my blog, still in it’s infancy. There is a bit more info on the about page.
http://www.bittleberryandbeyond.com
Hi Laura,
My middle name was my grandmother’s, even though she warned my dad not to name any kids after her. She passed away only months before I was born. So Irma it is.
I’m working on my first YA novel, a paranormal suspense. I hope to finish up the first draft by the new year. The chances of that though…:0)
Congrats on 150 followers!
I’m Quinn. I write YA. I’ve written one YA fantasy and one YA paranormal romance. I’m getting ready to start editing the paranormal romance and begin querying.
Thanks everyone! Sounds like we are all on different stages – some agented, some working on our first novel, some getting ready to query but it’s all a journey! And now I’m off to visit your blogs!
My full name is pretentious: Robert Ernest Guthrie III. But I often use the whole thing because III is all I have. W/out it, I’m my dad or grandfather.
I write realistic YA books and have just begun querying.
Congrats on reaching 150 followers, Laura! Your blog is one of the first I started following and you always post such interesting questions and thoughtful ideas about writing. I write YA and I’m thrilled you’re dipping your toe into the teen ocean! Here’s to many more followers and a continued successful writer’s journey for you!
My name is Carolyn Snow Abiad. Snow Abiad translates to Snow White, so you would think I’d be good at this princess writing thing. Not so much. I’m starting the second rewrite of my first YA historical fantasy WIP. Been blogging about stuff that inspires me since the summer…
Congrats on the followers!
I feel like this is speed dating, lol.
I am your steroetypical writer…I’ve been doing this for years and years and finally am at the point where I feel (I hope!) I’m close to publication. I have an agent, have a new paranormal mystery MG making the rounds, and write everything from chapter books to YA. All my books are usually mystery focused, or have a dark element to them.
My name is Angela, but my parents were going to call me Angel, but then felt the name might be too religious. Angel, me? Dodged the bullet there if you ask me.
I love to learn about writing. I like to share what I know if I can, because I believe that’s what makes the world go round. 🙂
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Hi Laura! I’m a fairly new follower – maybe a month or two? I’m Allison, and I mostly write short stories, literary fiction. But I’m about to start a YA novel for Nano, and revise a novel from a previous Nano that is… well, I’m not sure what it is. Basically, I love reading YA and literary fiction, and I’ve written literary fiction, so I’m ready to try my hand at YA!
I’ve submitted a few short stories to journals, was going to be published but the mag went under, and that’s that! I haven’t submitted in awhile, and I think I might wait until I edit my YA novel and shop that around. Go big!
What a fun idea!
I’ve written the one millionth draft of a middle grade novel, and the first draft of a YA. Neither are agented or published…yet!
One of my picture books is published for e-readers, which is fun. I’ve had one article published by Scholastic Math magazine, and another has just been accepted by Highlights for Children (yay!)
I just love trying new things, I love writing, I love all you bloggers and tweeters. Love it!
Congrats on 150! What great news.
I’m Sarah and am in the first major revision of a MG sports humor novel, with lots of shiny new MG and YA ideas poking at my brain.
Hi everyone!
Hi Laura, I’m Ian, just turned 50 so coming into the writing game a bit later in life than many I see around the blogoverse.
I write SF. One novel “finished” and went through a few rounds of queries but nothing more than partials requested so I’m trying to get different critiquing perspectives to knock it into shape for another try.
Three other novels in various states of disarray.
Such a cool idea, Laura! I loved reading everyone’s answers and getting to know more about people. And congrats on 150! Wahoo! That’s awesome.
My name really is Jackee and I’ve got a few rough drafts under my belt. All MG or YA. I’ve had one manuscript with a dozen agents and have now decided to focus on learning revision because apparently that’s a weak point if I can’t land an agent after a dozen requests! LOL!
In all seriousness, I love blogging and I love connecting with other writers, but more than that I love the energy that comes from writing. It feeds my soul. I can’t get enough of it.
Thanks for sharing everyone! It’s nice to know what everyone is writing! There does seem to be a jump between getting requests for fulls and partials to the point where they offer representation. And I think it does come down to revision! Good luck everyone!
First, congrats on 150. Color me jealous.
I’m Raven Corinn Carluk. I’m a vampire romance/dark fantasy author. My debut novel, All Hallows Blood, came out in March from Crescent Moon Press. I’ve now gone into self-publishing with the release of my short story collection, stories with bite o,.,o
I’ve never thought about writing MG or YA, because I like a little too much violence and sexuality in my work.
While I’m published, I do like to see where others are in their journey, and try to pick up tips and hints from them. Always honing I am.
Raven Corinn Carluk
Hi Laura,
My name is Ishta (EESH – tuh; pronounce the “I” the way the Italians would do it.), and I write mostly picture books of all kinds (quirky, serious, concept, etc.) and poetry, and am also working on a chapter book series and a YA novel that I’m outlining for NaNo.
I blog over at http://www.ishtamercurio.blogspot.com, so come by when you get the chance. Nice to “meet” you!
My name is Katie. I write Young Adult. So far I’ve written a paranormal historical, a contemporary romance, and an urban fantasy. Guess I just can’t seem to stick to one genre so I classify it all under ‘YA’. I’ve just started querying my third book. My first two are in need of revisions but I’m not in the mood. lol.
Hi Laura! I’m Steena – I came over when I saw your link on my blogfest. Glad I did! I write up market women’s fiction. I’m working on my 4th novel and still in the quest for an agent – I have quite a few partial and fulls out there so I’m hoping one of them will like it enough to work with me 🙂 I love falling in love with a story – don’t you?