Finally! The Acquisitions Process Demystified

Keep reading if you've ever wondered what happens to your manuscript after arriving on the publishing house's doorstep (and why hearing any kind of feedback takes so long). Thanks to the Buried Editor for creating this flow chart of the Acquisition Process. It's amazing anything gets published.

Don't Miss Book Giveway!

Do you know or love a librarian? Be sure to pass along this chance to win a free set of books from the Classof2k9 Debut Authors. Deadline to enter is November 30th.

The Great Chicago Ghost Story Contest

Tis the season for ghosts, witches and things that go bump in the night. That's why I was thrilled to see a shout out for ghost stories for "The Great Chicago Ghost Story Contest" sponsored by the Chicago Tribune. Deadline is midnight October 25. Stories must be original and unpublished, set in or around Chicago, and mention at least one Chicago-area locale or business. They cannot exceed 700 words. Winners will be published in the Chicago Tribune on November 1st, and will receive an audio copy of their story. Check here for details.

Writerly Report from the Trenches, Part II

Two pages a Day count (since September 16)--40 plus pages of M & R and counting. Most of it is crap ala Anne Lamott. However, some of it was deemed worthy by at least one fellow critique group member.

The truth I need to keep beating myself over the head with: Were it not for the shit I had to slog through first, I would never have unearthed those gems or rediscovered my groove with my characters.

Writerly Report from the Trenches, Part I

Spotted on newsstands today: My latest story, "Why We Love Haunted Houses & How to Tell if Your Child is Ready for One," in the October issue of Family Time Magazine.

Writerly Revelation

This morning I counted the number of physicians actively assisting us with E's health care. I've twelve on the speed dial on my cell phone, not including the team that will likely be involved when we head to Stanford for yet another aneurysm surgery. No wonder sitting butt in chair for the hard work of writing is such a challenge. (edited at 2:44 p.m.)