Was so pleased today to get a notice from OnSPEC, saying a story of mine has cleared its first hurdle. Yay! But making the final cut is always tough: there are so many good stories in the slush pile, and sometimes a perfectly good one has to be cut because it is similar to something else, or just not quite right for the mix. Fingers crossed!
Had tons of fun presenting for SCBWI!
Was invited to the local chapter of SCBWI this week to present on writing SF/F/H for YA and MG writers. Tons of fun-we had a great discussion. Thanks, so much, Pamela, for inviting me!
Exciting news: Alberta Foundation for the Arts Grant!
Here’s some great news! I got a grant from Alberta Foundation for the Arts to do the second revision of my novel, “Alexandre and the Pirates!” I have applied about 4-5 times for this grant and last fall I got one of those wonderful rejection letters: The project is approved, but it was below the cutoff for funding–but if there is funding left at the end of the year, it might still be funded. Of course, I couldn’t get my hopes up, but it was lovely to get the compliment.
Then about a month ago, I got a phone call asking: if I got the funding, is the project still viable? (It is: I took two months off to paint, then worked on another novel, so I haven’t come back to the second revision of Alexandre yet.) And, could I do the project for less funding than I requested? (Of course! I love that novel, and intend to pursue it in any case.)
So…this week, I got the final phone call. I got about half of the requested funding, but I’m still over the moon! So, I guess I know what I am working on, once the cheque arrives (they don’t like you to start the project before you get the funding–it’s a rule).
Teaching writing to young people
Had a great class Tuesday morning, teaching story structure to grade 7 gifted students. We came up with a story idea, outlined it in 5 scenes and students acted out the first 2 scenes–hopefully, they’ll get a chance with their regular teacher to do the last 3 scenes this week. Love working with kids!
Back home and catching up
Retreats are amazing for getting stuff done, but there always seems to be a digging out when I come home. Sigh. Today: catching up on emails and volunteer work. Did get a grant application finished and mailed in before the deadline this week for When Words Collide–have another one due in two weeks, then grant writing season is over for this year!