I am SO CLOSE to being ready to send my YA novel out on submission! I’ve learned the hard way not to query too early, so it’s possible I’m being overly cautious now. I’m getting excited though. I feel so differently about this book compared to how I felt about my last novel. I enjoyed CHEATER; I love the idea, the characters were so fun to write, and I had a fabulous time creating that world. Yet with CHEATER, as much affection as I still have for it, there was always a nagging doubt in my mind. I thought it was good, but not great. So about a year ago, I put it away. I hope to revisit it someday; maybe then I’ll know how to fix it.
I don’t regret the time I spent on CHEATER one bit. I learned so much about writing, crafting a novel, the publishing world. It gave me the confidence and skill to try again. I tried something completely different (CHEATER was an urban fantasy) and began a love affair with YA. I discovered Jenni, the main character in FIRST TIMES AND SECOND CHANCES, and I feel like I could write about her forever. I love being in her head, in her world. And this book has something crucial that CHEATER was missing: Voice. A voice I’m proud of. A character who drives the novel. I’ve found my stride with this book, and I feel like my writing is on the right track.
I’ve updated the Bookshelf page with a synopsis of FIRST TIMES AND SECOND CHANCES. Fingers and toes are crossed!
Latest Read: UNBROKEN by Laura Hillenbrand
Just finished this book. One of the best books I’ve ever read. Ever.
Carol Callicotte 
Good luck! The scariest time for me is right before I submit my first query. It is easy to doubt whether your work is ready but @ the same time you don’t want to edit it for all eternity.
I agree wholeheartedly. The reality is that we could edit forever, with the noble yet impossible goal of achieving perfection. Sometimes we just have to step back and realize: enough. It’s ready. I, like many writers I know, have a hard time figuring out when that is!
Thanks for stopping by!