This is the Writing that Never Ends . . .

Whenever I start a new book I always forget how much work it really is to finish one. The Mermaid of Windwaithe Island took nine months to write the first draft alone and two more years to polish and prepare for publishers. There were months of sending out query letters and waiting for answers. (Mostly rejections.) Two publishing houses wanted to see the manuscript, I sent it to the first one who answered and then waited almost two years more for a final answer. Luckily it was yes! Now if I can just make it until Summer of 2010 when the book will actually be published. For those of you who want to try your hand at writing a children’s book someday—don’t expect fast results. I am a little faster at writing and polishing these days, but manuscripts are still monumental undertakings.

Just to give you an idea: I am currently working on two manuscripts. (One is 192 pages into the first draft, the other is 109 pages.) I have two more books simmering on the back burner. (This means I’m working on extensive chapter outlines and key characters and scenes but haven’t actually started actively writing on them yet.) I got another great idea for a book the other day, but it’s going to have to wait for a while. I keep a file of ideas for future books. It’s quite full these days which means I won’t be running out of stories to tell any time in the near future.

Now if only I could get some publisher interested in taking on that quirky Valentine’s Day picture book manuscript I finished a while back . . .

Guess I'd better get back to writing now. So much to write, so little time! : )