WRITING
About three years ago I wrote a picture book called "Rockabet." It was an ABC book of rock 'n' roll. There was nothing like it anywhere in print. I submitted it to publishers, one being somewhat interested but passed, and then I moved on to writing two poetry collections and a middle grade novel. I was perusing Amazon.com yesterday and discovered an "ABC's of Rock 'n' Roll" picture book. ARRRRRGHHHH! It was written by someone in the music business and even had a blurb by Iggy Pop on its cover. I know the author didn't steal my idea; it's just frustrating when I knew I had a novel concept, and then I see it in print (and that publishers nixed my similar idea).
My book is slightly different as I had catchy couplets like
"A is for Aerosmith
Their first hit, "Dream On."
B is for the Beatles
George, Ringo, Paul, John." and so on.
Their book is the letter and the name of the band with a cool graphic on each page plus of course we have many different musicians listed. I wonder if mine is different enough to pursue sometime in the future... What do you think? And has this ever happened to you?
READING
I haven't had as much time to read as I'd liked, but I started reading Nightshade City by Hilary Wagner, and I'm amazed by her elegant, vivid, descriptive words.
What are you reading?
BLOGGING
Lots of huge news in blogland!
First, huge CONGRATS to Carolina Valdez Miller! She is now agented, and I am thrilled for her! Go to her blog and wish her congrats plus enter the amazing contest she is having. Win a Kindle, critique and books!
And yes there is more excellent news!
WriteOnCon 2011 is scheduled for August 16, 17,18! Woot!
I was a big winner in three blog contests in the last two weeks. First, thank you to Sherrie Peterson. I won Michael Spradlin's The Youngest Templar: KEEPER OF THE GRAIL on her blog . Also thanks to the fab WriteOnCon ladies, I won Lisa and Laura Roecker's book Liar Society plus yummy chocolate covered Twizzlers. Then I won Odd Girl In by Jo Whittemore at PJ Hoover's blog! I'm starting to feel guilty (but very appreciative) about all these wins. I think I'll stop entering blog contests for a few weeks and let new peeps win; I'll channel my luck to the agent world!
LIFE
I decided to join in on the Blueboarder Biggest Loser Challenge. My goal is to lose 8 pounds in 9 weeks. I'm in my second week. Last week I gained a pound, but lost 1/2 of that this week so I'm up 1/2 pound. Go Kelly! I'll track my progress here as I think it will give me motivation.
I exercise regularly anyway, but trying to do a little more. Plus drink more water. My biggest challenge is cutting down on sweets. I seriously eat like five desserts a day. So trying to cut down eventually to one a day. Anyone else doing the challenge?
It's a warm day in the Midwest. So happy to see the sun and feel the warmth. Happy St. Patty's Day to you all! I am a wee bit Irish, and I'll be enjoying some corned beef today! You?
MUSIC
This is for Carol.
