I somehow let the past two weeks slip by without posting anything. The good news is, I’ve been busy in a positive way!

I haven’t received the galley of In Her Mother’s Shoes, but I did receive the final format, which apparently is a precursor to the galley. I’m not thrilled with the book’s proportions, but they tell me they are standard, so I approved it. They said the galley would follow quickly. When that happens, I need to go through the book with eagle eyes to pick out anything that isn’t quite the way it should be. Once that’s approved, it goes to the presses, so accuracy is critical!

Meanwhile, I’ve continued pondering why my books haven’t won over agents, in spite of the frequent compliments about the quality of my writing. I decided I need to hear some specifics about what’s working and not working. Since I don’t have time to attend a critique group, I went looking on line. But then I recalled my experiences with the Writers On Line Workshops, where you get professional criticism as well as peers. They have an Advanced Novel Course that is strictly writing and critiquing. You submit 10,000 words every 3 weeks. An instructor, who is a published author and teacher, guides the course and focuses you on your writing’s strengths and weaknesses. The peers in the class tell you what they like and don’t like about the story – exactly what I need! There is an inherent weakness in peer critiques, in that they are each one person’s opinion. But that’s exactly what readers and reviewers provide, so it seems like a good fit. This morning I posted my first 10,000 words plus the synopsis for Kiss Petey, and here’s hoping I learn a lot from the feedback.

The course nudges me to write regularly enough to produce those 10,000 words every 3 weeks until July. And it comes down to this – no matter what the quality of your writing or how long you’ve been at it, you’re never too old to learn a new trick or two. And that might be all you really need to turn the tide!
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Autumn Colors may be purchased for Kindle or in paperback at Amazon, OR ordered through any bookstore, OR signed copies through my website: www.dawnlajeunesse.com.

In Her Mother’s Shoes will be available in late May/early June at all of the same locations, plus formatted for Kindle and Nook ($2.99!) – more information when the release date is finalized.

Watch for more information (and maybe a few tease excerpts!) about Kiss Petey as the story develops.
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