I am very pleased with the direction the doll story is taking. Having tons of fun with it.
The Houston Conference was very helpful by way of giving writing direction. Lisa Ann Sandell recommended checking each and every word, every sentence and then each and every chapter to be sure it reads to the best advantage. That may be why I like to write in short snippets. It is easier to be sure the language is working right. It's more difficult to create a scene that works because it is working backwards, from paragraph, to page, and finally to chapter, but I think it is effective for me because everything I have to say can be said in a sentence. Everything of value anyway. The rest is expanding on that one sentence. She also said that if there is more than one logic hole in a manuscript they won't acquire it. I usually have at least three or four logic holes. Something to think about in the future.
All the editors agreed that YA is hot right now! Picture books are in a slump.
Nancy Feresten of National Geographic was so helpful. Enjoyed meeting her and they are looking for work for hire writers.
