Lots to say

I haven't blogged since July!

My book is sort of on hold - haven't been writing much or submitting to agents because I am finally making the move to the Pasadena area to live closer to my work. I've begun packing a bit and am planning to move November 1st. I can't really look for a place til October, but I'm getting all my other ducks in a row in the meantime. My mom is coming to town when she gets off her ship contract in late October and will help with the final packing and I'm hiring a moving company to get me there.  I'm hoping for a 2 bedroom, ground floor in Pasadena, but possibly in Eagle Rock or Altadena because I'm finding Pasadena is just a little too pricey for me, unless I live in the hood and I'm really trying to escape the hood, having now lived in it for 12 years. Yes, October 17th marks 12 years in North Holly-hood.

I like change and I'm really looking forward to this move. My dream move would be to London, but I'd have to win the lottery to pull that off! And frankly, I don't play the lottery very often (although it only takes once, doesn't it?)

My students are doing so well! I've had a goal since teaching full-time in 2008 that I wanted 40 students and I now have 40. We're in the beginning stages of planning the fall recital. Have had some kids recently switch from piano to a stringed instrument, which I love! And I'm phasing out teaching guitar, which I don't particularly love. I have some kids who have been with me 2-4 years now who are really getting quite good and some who were slacking and have turned things around due to some very supportive families. It couldn't be better! I'm very lucky!

My most recent thoughts in regards the book are that it covers too much for 223 pages. I really wish it could be longer and go into more detail about the characters' thoughts. Maybe I need to cut dialogue and have more exposition. The comment has been made that it reads like a screenplay and that's been something I like about it, but at the same time, the books I read have way more exposition (and are much longer) and then I think, "Maybe it should be more like this."  I think the 2nd book doesn't have that problem, although the revision is only about 1/2 done.

I've also been writing some scenes that aren't in the book (things like Jack's perspective, which isn't included in the first half, and some of his background story).  That's fun, but doesn't contribute that much to the process because it won't see the light of publication.

So after I move, I will resume the process full-swing.  I need to find a way to make some legit connections to publishers/agents. I don't think these blind submissions will get me anywhere. That sort of success is attained through who you know. I wish I was better at "knowing" people! I'm well aware of the fact that I should get out more, but it terrifies me.