Manuscripts Sent

Today I mailed the synopsis and five-page summary for '26 Days' and 'Descent into Darkness'.

Caroline and I will be attending the 2007 Midwest Writer's Workshop in July, and there our manuscripts will be evaluated by Dennis Hensely. Both 'scripts are also entered in the Manny Contest. They looked so professional; clean white pages with crisp black print- both just a fraction of the product that months of heartache and struggling have produced. I'm not expecting to blow anyone away with my writing, but I do hope I don't get eaten alive. I think the 15 minutes of scrutiny will be the most nerve-racking of my entire life. At least I'll have a shoulder to cry on afterwards.

Somehow, handing the envelope to the postal worker today validated all my work. All of a sudden, I have a story- a novel (or at least part of one). I am a writer and I owe it to Leland and Auggie to keep telling their story. They're good boys, they're special, and they're mine.

Today was for all my boys, Caroline's gang included. Look out, world- they're on the way.

That is, if I can ever get past this 'jail scene'. Leland has just been arrested and dumped in a cell, where the memories of ten years past return to haunt him. What's the purpose of this scene? My original thought was to transition Leland from shock to anger/revenge. Dax becomes a serious opposition with the power to squish Leland and everything he loves. But a lovely chemistry has developed between the hero and a fellow cell mate- is this character more than a tool for introspection? Does he provide a bit of information, something that gives Leland an advantage over the Antag?

The characters are all nodding at me like I'm the clueless substitute teacher.

Also, I finished 'Troubleshooter' today and I must say, I loved it. I wasn't aware that Tim, the protag, is a reoccuring character in Mr. Hurwitz's novels, but I plan on reading more of the series. Reading this book was like watching a movie- the action was explosive, the dialogue sharp and witty, and I was always guessing what the next move would be. The attention to detail is amazing and must have taken more research than I can imagine. The minor characters were endearing in their own way, and I'd like to get to know them better. This is definately one of the best bargin-bin books I've bought and I highly recomend it to anyone.

33 days until my bestest friend arrives!
me