The Beta Readers

I finally have a first draft of my latest novel! I've done a couple of read throughs and made minor revisions. Now it's time for the beta readers, each of which brings different expertise to the process.

1. Jeannine Norris - Jeannine is a picture book author, (TONIGHT YOU ARE MY BABY). Because Jeannine writes short, she's great at spotting awkward sentences, overused descriptions, and passages which need clarifying.
2. Diana Sharp - Dr. Sharp is a reading researcher and creator of The Reading Machine, an iPhone/iPod touch/iPad app for beginning or dyslexic readers. My current protagonist has a reading disability and Dr. Sharp will lend her expertise to make sure I handle the disability in a realistic way.
3. Cynthia Chapman Willis - Cindy is a novelist, (DOG GONE and BUCK FEVER). She's great at pointing out what's lacking in my manuscript: passages that need more description, characters that need fleshing out, and plot points that don't hang together.

All of my beta readers bring "fresh eyes" to my work. They'll uncover problems that I'd never see on my own.

I've been letting my life slide to finish this novel. It's time to take a couple of weeks and just breathe.

And The Contest Winner Is...

Barbara Krasner! Barbara suggested the title: WHEN SARAH WASN'T LOOKING. I think readers will immediately want to know what happened when Sarah wasn't looking and keep reading to find out.

The random drawing winner is"theartgirl." Congratulations to both of you and please let me know which book you'd like to receive. Choices are TONIGHT YOU ARE MY BABY by Jeannine Norris, and DOG GONE or BUCK FEVER by Cynthia Chapman Willis. Also please email your shipping information to sdhitch@gmail.com

HELP NAME MY BOOK (Contest)

Sometimes the right title for a book or magazine article just pops into my head. But not this time. I'm having a problem coming up with the perfect title for my first novel. So I've decided to run a contest to choose the name. Here are the rules:

1. Read about the novel's plot below.

2. Choose your favorite from the titles listed or come up with a completely new title.

3. Post your title choice on my blog.

If somebody comes up with a completely new title and I decide to use it, then I will send you a free copy of either TONIGHT YOU ARE MY BABY by Jeannine Norris or DOG GONE or BUCK FEVER both by Cynthia Chapman Willis. (Your choice)

In addition, I will put the names of everyone who posts on my blog in a hat and select a random winner. I will also send this winner a free copy of either Cindy or Jeannine's books.

Here's the storyline:

Twelve-year-old Sarah Willis is babysitting her five-year-old sister when her sister wanders into the street and is struck by a car. From that point on Sarah wishes for two things: first she wants her sister to be good as new, and though her second wish is impossible, she wishes it with all her heart. Somehow she wishes the accident hadn't been her fault.

Possible titles include:

Inside Beauty

Don't Tell

Keeping Secrets

The Summer Sarah Beth Willis Grew Up

Summer Break

A Christmas Book

Up until now, everything on my blog has been related to middle grade. But my dear friend and critique partner, Jeannine Norris, has a Christmas picture book, and tis the season for gift buying!

What makes this book unique is that it's told from Mary's viewpoint about the night Jesus was born.

I kiss your tiny fingers and little perfect head,

Lay you in the manger that tonight will be your bed.

The book is beautifully illustrated by Tim Ladwig, and has a refrain that children will repeat:

Tomorrow you will be king, But tonight you are my baby.

Counting My "Writerly" Blessings

It would be easy to moan about all the things that I hoped to accomplish this year that didn't quite materialize. Instead here's my top ten "writerly" blessings.

1. Children's Magazines - Without the guidance of editors like Patty McIntyre, Marileta Robinson and Deborah Vetter, I would have never been published.

2. Florida SCBWI - Through my local chapter, I've connected with a critique group and learned to write a novel. (Thank you Joyce Sweeney!)

3. National SCBWI - For the first time, I attended the national conference in Los Angeles. I enjoyed seeing old friends and made some new ones too.

4. Sue Alexander New Voices Award - I was nominated this year, and it's the first time I've ever received that kind of recognition for my writing.

5. Highlights Foundation Workshops - I attended a week-long retreat hosted by Carolyn Yoder. All I can say is if you ever have the chance, run, don't walk to apply.

6. Novels - My picture book manuscripts weren't selling. This led me to try writing a novel. I completed my first novel this year and am deeply immersed in a second one.

7. Friends - Cynthia Chapman Willis and Jeannine Norris are the best writing buddies a girl could wish for. They cheer at my successes and commiserate when I fail.

8. Social Networking - I've connected with other writers through Facebook and my classmates from high school too.

9. Tutoring - I volunteer as a writing tutor on Tuesday nights and I've received more blessings from Romello than I could possibly give back to him.

10. Family - I've saved the most important for last. Thanks to my husband and son for understanding about my writing! You guys are the best.

What about you? What "writerly" blessings came your way this year?