When we returned from England in late April, there was an overnight frost. Slowly the temperature warmed to the 60s, greening the grass. As usual, our forsythia (above) was the first to bloom along with the crocuses. Wild violets (below) have been popping up everywhere. I got my bike out of the shed, and walking the dog was no longer a chore. Today the azaleas are opening and our cherry tree is budding. The sky has been blue for days, but I'm welcoming rain in the forecast.
Last week my new agent sent me notes on my British novel, the one I researched during my family's Oxford sabbatical. I started writing it as women's fiction, and 100 pages later, decided the story would work better for teens. My former agent is no longing representing young adult fiction so I switched to an agent who specializes in children's books.
It was the right move. I'm inspired to see how much better my book can be...with some hard work. There are lines to cut, scenes to move and new passages to write. Who knew I overuse "even" and eye rolls (my mom is laughing)? If I'm offline, I'm either typing in a deliriously happy frenzy or outside enjoying the late bloomers. No eye rolls.
Happy Spring!
It has been such an odd Spring. Cold enough for heavy coats here for the past week. Way too cold to plant our vegetable garden. Maybe by the end of the week. At least we have sun, glorious sun, today!
ReplyDeletexo
Congrats on your new inspiration! I know you'll do just fine with all your hard work!
ReplyDeleteSo thrilling to see spring at last! What a joy it is.
ReplyDeleteI'm always surprised what new readers pick up in my ms. At first I feel sort of insulted and miffed and then get over it and feel grateful... and set about fixing it.
Very exciting to be in a writing frenzy.(I wish I were too!)
Happy spring.
I just returned home to New Jersey last week. Living in China has distorted my idea of when spring comes. May flowers, Steph. Remember second grade? But yes, all the colors among the new green is delightful. Even if we see it occur year after year, it never fails to get old.
ReplyDeleteI hope your writing/revising goes well, and I want to hear more about your book!
As you wrote, "at last!" Isn't it funny how winter has taken longer than usual to leave through the back door? :-)
ReplyDeleteGreat photos. Many thanks.
Greetings from London.
So happy your trip and springtime have been so inspirational!
ReplyDeletePamela, yes, it was glorious day!
ReplyDeleteTina and Elizabeth, I just talked over the notes with my agent and the few revisions are local and should be easy to do. It helped to have fresh eyes. I am inspired.
Steph, welcome back! You're experiencing reverse culture shock. I remember that feeling after returning to the USA after my year in England. Give it time and enjoy the May flowers. I'm eager to hear more about your writing too. You have stories to tell.
ACIL, it was a long winter. Lucky you to have some time in Cuba.
Happy spring and happy writing!
ReplyDeleteBear just dropped over from Amanda's latest report on her Portuguese holiday.
Blessings and Bear hugs!
Bears Noting
Life in the Urban Forest (poetry)
Yea!!! Spring has sprung!!!!! You enter spring and we will be in our dead heat summer in no time haha.
ReplyDeleteHappy spring to you, and I'm happy for your book editing/re-writing news! :)
ReplyDeleteBest of Luck with your book and new agent Sarah! Just back from North Truro and spring is in the fast lane here.
ReplyDeleteHappy spring, Sarah! It's a beautiful capture of those violets.
ReplyDeleteThough I live so far away from Maine, the way your spring evolves resembles our spring. Isn't it funny? :)
I'm not a writer but I prepare and review documentation at work and know how it is useful when someone knowledgeable reads the document as well, not just its author. There are lines to cut, descriptions to move, new paragraphs to write. :) I'm happy for you and your new inspiration. The hard work is easier when you see the benefit.
Good to see that spring has finally arrived for you, Sarah! And good luck with revising your new book--sounds like your new agent is the right match.
ReplyDeleteThat first sighting of forsythia is ever a harbinger of spring nearby.
ReplyDeleteSo interesting to hear about your agent switch. As I mentioned, mine does not represent YA so am about to embark on a search for one who does.
How lovely to be able to spend time both working on a creative project and in nature. Good luck with your writing!
My country! Beautiful!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you found the right agent for your book. I think it will be published before the year is over. We have been enjoying a much nicer spring than usual here. It's staying cooler longer, and that's always a good thing in Florida.
ReplyDeleteI finished my revision on Thursday and am taking the weekend off to relax and catch up with reading and laundry : ) Congrats on finding the right agent and happy revising to you!
ReplyDeleteMmmmmm, love those wild violets.
ReplyDeleteI'm excited to hear what you're doing with your ms. Someday, I expect to be reading it with a beautiful cover and all.
Great spring photos. I am impressed with the open mindedness and enthusiasm with which you respond to your new agent! Best of luck with the book.
ReplyDeleteAll, I’m embarrassed to be responding to your spring wishes on this hot summer day. I need a time machine. Thanks so much for your encouragements. My new agent has kept me busy with MS revisions. Her editorial notes were brilliant so it was indeed a good move.
ReplyDeleteRob-bear, welcome to my blog! A friend of Amanda is most welcome here.
Amanda, thanks for connecting me with Rob-bear. Good luck finding a new agent! It’s a lot of work making the switch but worth it in the end. It’s important to have an agent with expertise in your genre.
Cynthia NM, congratulations on finding an agent and finishing your revisions! We are literally on the same page. You don’t want to look at my desk or laundry room.