Josh and the It had an abnormally long Gestation period …
I tried my hand at writing Speculative Fiction short stories for adults, sending them off to competitions and anthologies without success. They often came back with feedback … ‘Not for us … OR … Needs more research.’
With twenty years as a Primary School teacher, my hubby was continually suggesting I write Kids Stories.
Then the moment of Conception arose … ‘What if I write kids Sci-Fi Fantasy… I could break all the damn rules and no one would care.’
Last year, I spotted an unusual picture in a Mag and ideas starting churning about the plot of a Kids SF story. I started at the Climax, developing the story backwards until I reached the beginning, turning it into a Kids short story with three thousand words.
Children’s writer, Robin Adolphs suggested that I turn it into a Chapter Book by splitting it into scenes and expanding them all. I rewrote it, boosting the word count to 8K.
Last September, at the CYA Writers Conference, a Publisher assessed Josh and the It. When I delivered my blurb to her …
‘Space Kids capture Space Monsters using teamwork … saving the Galaxy’, she responded, FANTASTIC.
She requested I send it to her after a rewrite and a polish. When it shone like pure titanium, I sent it off to her last November.
I’m planning a Sequel, a sibling for my baby, Josh and the It.
*NEWSFLASH*
Yesterday, a LiteraryAgency requested I send Josh and the It to them for consideration. Woohoo!! That’s two books now with the same agent … Another step towards Publishing.
Josh and the It needs one final push, before it emerges into the world.
Karen
this is fantastic news, I think 2010 is going to be your year :))
Woo Hoo! Remember us little people when you’re a GigaStar.
Thanx Paula, I really believe that’s true. 2010 will be my year. Karen :))
Thanx Ian, its still Baby Steps. But they seem to be all heading in the same direction. Cheers, Karen :))
Karen,
Good on you . That’s fantastic news. Keeping everything crossed for you. I’ve got a good feeling about this one!
Lynn
OMG – such fabulous news. It was worth the wait!!! Congratulations Karen.
Thanx Lynn, I’ve got everything crossed too. I hope to hear even Better News very soon. Cheers, Karen :))
Thanx Jayne. Got the News late yesterday! Knocked me over. Been tweaking that Blog ever since … Cheers, Karen :))
Ho, ho, Karen. This could be IT!! Joanna :))))
Go Karen – that is great news.
Oh Joanna, I Really hope so! … I don’t care which Book gets signed first … Just one of them! Karen :))))
Thanx Elaine, I’m all primed ready to GO! Karen :))
Terrific news Karen, congrats!
Thanx Andrew, I really appreciate your support. Have you sent your Crime Novel off yet? Karen :))
Congratulations! That is a HUGE step and well deserved after all your hard work. Hope this is the first of many exciting blog posts this year 🙂
Thanx Karen, I really appreciate you saying this. It was great meeting you in person the other day at SCBWI. Cheers, Karen:))
Fantabulous, Karen!
Hi Carol, Love that word! Its pretty damn FANTABULOUS, isn’t it?
that’s great news Karen! Enjoy
Thanx Angie. You’re one of my TOP supporters. Thinking of you. Karen xx
Great news Karen! Congratulations.
Thank you Lynn. Its Great News, isn’t it?… I’m so excited. :))
They have already read one ms and have asked for another? Hmmm…means they like what they see. They must be considering things very seriously…. sooooo exciting!!!! fingers and toes crossed.
Angela
Lovely news, Karen!
Hi Angela, That’s right. They’ve requested two of my manuscripts now … so now I eagerly await their decision.
Thanks for all your Good Luck finger + toe crossing. Cheers, Karen :))
Thanx Helen-Louise. Look forward to catching up on the 3rd. Karen :))
A little slow on the uptake here, but YAY!! Oh wow, Karen that is excellent news! 2010 really is your year. I have my fingers crossed that this is finally it for you, and that you’ll be represented soon. 🙂
Thanks so much Amber. I’m sending out those positive Vibes like you wouldn’t believe! I’d love to have an Agent represent me … Karen :))
Karen,
This is so exciting. Two books with an agent! Now you can have no self-doubt about your writing ability. Can’t wait to hear more.
Janet
Thanks so much Janet. I really appreciate your comment and support … I’ll keep in touch. Karen :))
Congratulations! Sounds like a fun book!
Thankx Virna, It is. I has so much Fun writing it and I know kids will love it too … Cheers, Karen :))
Absolutely fantastic. I think it is awesome you are writing for children. There is such a vast market for it. Good luck, I hope to see it in print! Boo 🙂
Hi Boo, Thanks for saying that. I’m hoping the Kid’s Sci-Fi Book will help to get my Memoir published and visa versa. Cheers, Karen :))
Hello Karen,
Congratulations. You are doing so well. You have worked very hard and deserve your success.
Hi Lexie, Its very generous of you to say that. I wish you every success with your writing too. Cheers, Karen :))
Congratulations on your wonderful and exciting path to publication. You are a very talented and hard-working writer, and I look forward to buying your book and getting your autograph very soon!
Hi Montana, Lovely to hear from you again. Thanks for your very kind and generous words. Take care. Karen :))