Friday Fricassee

Oh, the birdsong!  It's one of my favorite things about spring.  In the winter, we grow so accustomed to the silence that it ceases to be a "thing" each morning.  Then, when the birds return--cacophonous beauty!  It makes me so happy.

Anyway.  Here's your reminder that MONDAY IS SUBMISSION DAY FOR THIS MONTH'S SECRET AGENT CONTEST.  (It's been quite a while since our last one, so I want to make sure it's on your radar.  Our participating agent is excited!)

Also:

I'd like to extend congratulations to one of MSFV's own Success Story Authors, Angela Quarles, whose novel MUST LOVE CHAINMAIL has just been named a finalist in this year's RITA awards.

Congratulations, Angela!

As for me?  I'm still happily drafting.  I've got close to 12,000 words smiling at me from Scrivener, and everyone knows, of course, that hitting 5 digits in the word count makes everything feel legitimate.

Yesterday, I started chapter 4, which is in a second POV.  I went back and forth with this for some time, but in the end, it felt like I would need two characters to tell this story properly.  I was actually nervous to start the chapter (how weird is that?), but as soon as I jumped in, it felt good.  My heroine's chapters are told from first person past, and the second character's chapters are told from third person past.  So far, it feels like it's working, though, admittedly, I have a long way to go.

And, too, these things are fluid.  I know that, if something isn't working, I can just...change it.  I've changed the tense on more than one entire manuscript (and once I did it twice on the same manuscript).  Tedious as all get-out, but not hard.

Still.  I'd like to get as much right on the first pass as I can.  That makes revisions less painful, yes?  Even though I STILL ADORE REVISING MORE THAN ANYTHING.  It sort of keeps me drafting.  As in, when this is finished, I'll get to revise it. 

Yep.  That's my happy spot.

And, finally, one more thing to share.

(Should I share it?  Hmm.  Yes, I think I should.)

I'm working on my Big Reveal. As in, I've finished the first installment of the Story of Real Authoress.  Complete with photos.

I've got to say, it feels right every time I read back through it.  I want to be me.  (Even though I am essentially already me every time I blog.  The only thing that's missing is my name and my face.  And a few life details to round out the picture.)

No, there's not a timetable yet.  But I wanted you to know that it's in the works.

And when the time comes, we'll have fun with it.  Having a guessing contest, share some prizes, that sort of thing.  (And you know I love hearing your ideas, so FEEL EXTREMELY FREE to share them in the comment box!)

So now you know.  Which means that I am accountable to finish writing it and set a date.  Yes?

*gulp*

And now, off I go to do all the Friday things.  Joy and hugs to you all!