CONTESTS

I've targeted two writing contest. The first contest is a Short-Story contest. The deadline for that one is May 30th. The other is a Starter Phrase. The deadline for that one is April 20th. I'm thinking about entering a third which the deadline is June 20th.

Along with all of this, I'm still planning on completing my MS by this summer and starting Melissa's Urban Fantasy site.

I figure, if I'm going to be a writer, then I've got to start acting like one. (Deadlines included)It's time to move writing up on the priority list.

I've also been debating on contacting a publisher directly as opposed to trying to land an agent. I haven't made my mind up on that one yet.

I'm hoping to hear something back in April regarding the short story I submitted called "The Prodigal Demon." I entered it in a short story contest back in Nov. The wait is killing me.

Melissa

THE DARK WHISPER - NEW LOOK

I was looking at my blog site and noticed that it looks cool but, it's more about my favorite authors than self promotion and one day becoming a published author myself.

So, with that in mind, I'll be making some changes over the next few weeks to it's appearance to become more reflective of my pursuits in writing. Along with the changes to this site, I'll be launching Melissa's Urban Fantasy blog site which will feature short stories that introduce some of my characters from upcoming manuscripts.

Some short stories will be entered into contest while others will be turned into novellas as a way of introducing characters that will later be featured in novel length manuscripts. My friend and proofreader has my first short story in her hot little hands right now.

It's time to get serious about this writing thing.

Congrats to Marcia Colette on her two new writing contracts. (Happy Dance, Happy Dance)

Here's a picture of my writing cave:)

EXHAUSTION

I'm pretty wiped out today. I worked the night shift with 2 hours sleep before and 2 hours sleep after. If I feel up to it, I'll play around with the character keeper free software I downloaded from the Magical Words blog site to the right of my blog.

Tonight, I'm just catching up on my rest. No writing today. Next month, I'm changing to days so, just a little longer to hold out.

Not much to blog about today so, I'll leave you with one of my drawings. Maybe one day I can turn my love of drawing and writing into a comic. Hmmmm?

Melissa

SHORT STORIES

Coming soon! "Transformation of Raven." April 1st on Melissa's Urban Fantasy Blog.

Melissa

AMERICAN TITLE V

Okay, we are down to the final two contestants for the American Title V, and my friend Marie is still in the running. The title of her book is Ancient Whispers.
The winner of this last round will get the ultimate...their book will be published. You can vote at romantic times.
I've already voted and am keeping my fingers crossed. She's so close now! Head on over there now before you get distracted and cast your vote for her.
Yeah, I know. I'm biased.
Melissa

Projects and Addtions

I am working on a new site that will feature only my short stories that you will be able to link to from The Dark Whisper. I have also added a link to my livejournal blog. I will keep you uptodate with projects, contests and what I'm up too there.

Hopefully my new site will be up in about two weeks. I'm trying to figure out the format right now and working on short stories for the site.

I wrote a short story called "Raven's Transformation" this morning. It's an introduction to a character that will be featured in my next MS.

And yes, thank God, I'm writing again after two weeks of not writing. My life is extremely busy and I don't see any slowing down in the near future so, writing has to be moved up on the priority list.

Signed Happy Writer
Melissa

NO WRITING

This last week and a half has been very busy, my day job and family life. I have not had any time to write or even think about my WIP "Cursed Blood."

I did not meet my goal of completing my MS by the end of Feb. Now I'm shooting for completion by the time I'm on my way to Raven Con.

Still waiting for the results my short story "The Prodigal Demon." Those results won't be in until April.

I've decided to write more short stories, following the advise I got from a Kim Harrison video from New York Comic Con. (Magaly posted it on her site.) That means that I've got to find time to write somewhere.

They never said the road to publication would be easy. If it were, more people would be doing it:)

Melissa