It's been a while.

I'm back!! Sorry it's been so long since I've posted. Life's been hectic, and my blog had to take a back seat. :) During that time, I've finished my novel, hubby got a hired on with an awesome police department, Ashlynn started dance class, and my sweet, baby boy turned 3.

Now, onto the blog.

So, I've decided to enter my novel in this years amazon contest! http://www.amazon.com/Breakthrough-Novel-Award-Books/b?ie=UTF8&node=332264011

The prize, you ask? A publishing contract with Penguin, which includes a $15,000 advance. HECK YES! GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE ENTERING!! I'm sure you've all been working hard to get your pitches polished for the first round. I have been.

You know when you watch those movies/TV shows about authors who have dozens of crumpled, paper balls surrounding their garbage can? Well, thank goodness for computers, because without Microsoft word, I'd have an entire tree...maybe two, around mine.

I've spent weeks and weeks trying to come up with a decent, hooking opening for my query letter. Which, is the same one I've decided to use for my PITCH to get me into the contest. I've been waiting for the right opening to hit me, and tell me it's the one. (Sounds like a writer's fairytale, I know.) Finally, with the help of my amazing friends, I think I've found one.

The whole query, in my opinion, is a pull your hair out process. In fact, I'd rather write ten more books than a query. How does one, in my case, take their 93,000 word novel, and condense it into 250-300 words?? It's definitely a brain teaser, but not impossible.

Start with introducing your character, but keep it as short and sweet as you can.
Tell what happens to him/her, and what their goal is.
Keep the stakes high, and the writing clear and clean.
Throw in a little voice, add genre and word count, and BAM, query letter.

Sounds a lot easier than it actually is, trust me. Next week, I'm on to the synopsis, which I've heard is WORSE than the query.

Hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. Wishing you all the best in this new year!

Happy writing!