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Holy Moly, Hello & Welcome.

You know that saying, "I made you!"?  Well, in blog terms, I feel like I just "got made" with many thanks to Jenny Bent and Janet Reid, respectively.  Though, with any smarts on my part, they'll never have to say those words, as they're usually delivered with some kind of towering disapproval.  And yikes, who'd want to rile up someone Fiercely Bent on Books, or the Great Query Snark Shark?

But, joking aside, this blog has had a lot of champions since its ill-planned inception, and I'd like all my readers—old and new—to know it's nothing without you, your comradery and support, and your input.  Your encouragement and appreciation push me higher each month (I'd like to think), and I really hope everyone can find a little something here.  If not, well, feel free to make some suggestions or, you know, bugger off, yes?  ; )

That said, I'd like to welcome Lit Rambles' new followers, subscribers, and stopper-bys!  I'm opening up this thread to all of you, so please leave a comment.  Say hello, tell me about your writing, your blog, your writing-supportive animalpanions (or human companions, I suppose)—whatever you'd like.  And hey, this includes you lurker types, too.  Yes, YOU!  Come on, say something!  I'd love it.

And I'm really nice.  Promise. 

: )

on Friday, September 18, 2009

64 comments:

  1. TerryLynnJohnsonSeptember 18, 2009 at 12:46 PM

    Hello, lurker here. Been roaming through your awesomeness. Only suggestion is keep it up. Great stuff.

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  2. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2009 at 12:48 PM

    Lucky you for being annointed by Ms. Reid. Keep up the great content!

    StephanieD
    http://misfitsalon.blogspot.com

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  3. Casey SomethingSeptember 18, 2009 at 12:53 PM

    Hi Terry! Thanks! Love all the pictures on your blog. It looks like you lead a fun and adventurous life. Are you MG novels adventurous, too?

    Thank you, Stephanie. Love the salon concept behind your blog, and the content looks great!

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  4. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2009 at 12:54 PM

    I love the Query Shark, and Bent reps one of my friends (seriously good agent, that one), but I found Literary Rambles prior to the links thanks to a providential google search on agents.

    You are definitely a wonderful resource -- a go-to-page for links to the interviews, etc., that help us figure out who might be a good match for us. Keep it up!

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  5. Meredith TuritsSeptember 18, 2009 at 12:54 PM

    Hm, I suppose I'll say hi as I'm a new follower per Janet Reid's recommendation.

    I'm 22, and about to start the query process of my first novel of literary fiction. I'm younger than most in this stage of the game, so it's been a whirlwind experience teaching myself about the process, and feeling like I'm physically in a very different place than many of those who are also working with their first novels. We'll see if it's an advantage or a detriment down the line.

    Keeping (my fingers crossed and) track of the process at my blog, http://meredithturits.tumblr.com.

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  6. Kelsey (Dominique) RidgeSeptember 18, 2009 at 12:55 PM

    I admit, I got kicked the link to your page by Janet Reid, but I started following because it seemed like you had interesting things to say. You wouldn't have been anointed, as Stephanie put it, unless you deserved it.

    Dominique
    Mavieenviolet.blogspot.com

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  7. Jenna WallaceSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:01 PM

    Hello! Your blog page is just beautiful -- so sophisticated and elegant. I came here by way of Janet Reid too. I'm ready to start querying my women's fiction and I think your content is fantastic! Thanks for the great agent information.

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  8. Brandi GuthrieSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:02 PM

    I'm not sure how I ended up here, but it was probably through Janet Reid or another blog.
    I'm lurking for now, but am already impressed by the information you're dishing out. Thanks for that!

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  9. Hollie SessomsSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:08 PM

    Hello! I found you because Janet Reid said to come to your blog and I'm a little frightened of her, so I do everything she tells me to. It was good advice. I'm glad I took it!

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  10. Casey SomethingSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:12 PM

    Thanks so much, Anon. I'm glad Google led you here. I have an idea percolating in the noggin' regarding interviews. Stay tuned.

    Hi Meredith! I know exactly what you mean. I'm a few weeks shy of 23. Age has so little do with it though, really. It's more about what you have to offer, how you project yourself, and how open you are to learning. Wishing you the best on your upcoming submissions!

    Thanks Dominique! Glad you found some posts of interest here. I'm not really sure I deserve all the praise I've been getting, but I plan to try.

    Thanks Dreamstate! My blog is geared, in many ways, towards children's fiction, but a lot of the agents I have profiled rep adult genres as well. I stopped by your blog, it sounds like you're doing everything right in gearing up for submissions. Best to you!

    Love the name of your blog, Brandi. Fun! Do you write fantasy? It sounds like it. I love me some good fantasy. Good luck with all your writing endeavors!

    Hi Hollie! You make me laugh. I think we're all a little frightened of Janet. Gotta love her! ; )

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  11. Heather KellySeptember 18, 2009 at 1:15 PM

    Casey-- Everyone will find out soon enough that although we come for the fantastic information, we stay because of your kindness and support.

    Thanks!

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  12. Casey SomethingSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    You're too sweet, Heather. Thank you.

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  13. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:22 PM

    Your blog is a great resource. Thanks.

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  14. Elise HepnerSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:29 PM

    Hi!

    I'm 23 with a few publications to my name but nothing so stunning and kick ass as a book title. Right now I'm covering Romance and Erotica. But I move all around genres. I have a few erotic e-books coming out in Feb of 2010. But I'm really hauling ass through my paranormal romance, getting ready to think about submitting it. I can't not write, I've been doing it forever and now it's kind of paying off since it's my career.

    So that's enough rambling. My cat and ferrets say hello :P
    If you are interested read my blog here:
    http://celise91writer.blogspot.com/?zx=49957ed3b4364d3a

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  15. Suzie F.September 18, 2009 at 1:30 PM

    Hi Casey,
    I've been lurking for about a month. I write MG fiction and have found your blog to be a great source of information. Thanks for your hard work and good luck with rewriting your wip.

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  16. PaoloSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:34 PM

    Hi Casey, glad to be here. Keep up the good work!

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  17. ScottSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:36 PM

    Congrats. I saw the shout out by Janet Reid . . . and let her know that I had already been following you. : )

    S

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  18. Angie LedbetterSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:36 PM

    Hey, nice to meet ya. I blog at Gumbo Writer, and am revising a womens fic manuscript. Fellow blogger and debut author Kathryn Magendie and I are co-editor/publishers of Rose & Thorn Journal. Oh, and I dabble in poetry as therapy.

    If you get a chance, come by and visit sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Lizzy MasonSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:48 PM

    Hi Casey,
    I've been reading your blog for awhile, but I'm thrilled to see you getting the recognition you deserve! I write YA fantasy and sci-fi and am currently querying my first novel. I also work in publishing as a publicist and blog somewhat regularly. And that eats up all my time these days!

    Thanks for compiling all this info in one fabulous place! :)

    Lizzy
    Lizzymason.blogspot.com

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  20. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:51 PM

    Hi, I came from Janet Reid's blog, and I think you've got a great concept. I'm a habitual lurker and rarely comment, but that doesn't mean I don't appreciate what is written.

    I haven't had time to dig into the archives, yet, but I will soon.

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  21. AnnaSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:53 PM

    Well, I'm not new, but I just wanted to say hi. :-) Looks like Janet Reid's recommendation has brought you many new followers, yay!

    Have a great weekend!

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  22. Casey SomethingSeptember 18, 2009 at 1:55 PM

    Thanks Laura! I'm pretty sure I lurk your blog via Google Reader. Love your profile picture.

    Hi Elise! Sounds like you're paving the way to a great career. Hello to your cat and ferrets. The hound here says hi!

    Suzie, thanks for de-lurking! Best wishes to you on your MG projects and writing journey.

    Thanks PAolo! What a beautiful dog you have!

    It's great to have you here, Scott! Thank you.

    Good luck on your upcoming submissions, Angie! I'll definitely head over and check out your blog and journal.

    Thanks so much, Lizzy. How do you like being in publishing? Love the premise of your book! I hope you find yourself agented very soon.

    Thanks Anon! Hope you find something of interest in those archives. Keep in mind, the blog really only found direction early this year. The earlier posts are quite boring!

    Hi Anna! Thanks so much. How's the querying going with your YA? Hope you've had some nibbles, if not bites.

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  23. Elana JohnsonSeptember 18, 2009 at 2:04 PM

    Casey, you are uber-fantastic and deserve every second in the spotlight. This blog is beautiful!

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  24. kathrynjankowskiSeptember 18, 2009 at 2:05 PM

    Kudos on the plug from Janet Reid. You deserve it! I'm happy to be one of your newer followers.

    Am busy, busy, busy with revisions. Just wrote a fortune-telling scene that I'll probably blog about this weekend.

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  25. Casey SomethingSeptember 18, 2009 at 2:14 PM

    Thanks, Elana!

    Hey everyone, have you checked out Elana's e-book, FROM THE QUERY TO THE CALL? I just finished reading it. It's a great resource for anyone getting ready to submit, or anyone just trying to figure out how the heck to write a query. Thanks to Elana, I think I know what I've been doing wrong in my query writing. I'll be doing a post on it this next week.

    Hi Kathryn! Thank you. It's been really nice to have you reading and commenting regularly. Good luck on those revisions!

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  26. TeriSeptember 18, 2009 at 2:15 PM

    Congrats! I've lurked for a while, and now am following. Thanks for all the info you share!

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  27. Casey SomethingSeptember 18, 2009 at 2:18 PM

    You have a beautiful blog, Teri! Don't feel bad about your mommy meltdown, either. I have them A LOT.

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  28. Brigid N. BurkeSeptember 18, 2009 at 2:30 PM

    Hi, Casey--

    I found your blog through Janet Reid--in fact, it was just a few days ago. I'm just starting out as a "published" writer (only a couple of short story publications thus far). I hope to be able to query an agent about a novel I'm writing by early next year, and I love finding blogs like yours that are a great resource for navigating the publishing business. It's a great service!

    Brigid

    http://brigidburke.blogspot.com

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  29. Lilly CainSeptember 18, 2009 at 2:39 PM

    Okay, okay, I'm a lurker - I admit it. But I can't help it! I just found your blog not that long ago and all the reviews of agents were so interesting I just had to read on.

    The problem is I don't have much time to comment. I work, have 2 kids and I write - just sold my first novel to Red Sage, and a novella as well. :)

    What do I want to see on here? More of the same! :)

    Lilly

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  30. Lisa KilianSeptember 18, 2009 at 2:55 PM

    Hello,
    So I guess you recently got a whole batch of new followers... I found you through Janet Reid's recent post.

    I'm in the same place as Meredith up there. 22, completing speculative assignments for magazines and trying to figure out how this whole business works. Thanks for the blog! its things like this that make life easier for me, haha.

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  31. Marsha SigmanSeptember 18, 2009 at 3:06 PM

    Hello! I just began to follow but I have stopped by before. Great blog, awesome information, and so highly recommended! Who would be so crazy as to not listen to the Janet Reid and Jenny Bent? Not me.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Josephine CameronSeptember 18, 2009 at 3:10 PM

    Okay, okay, I'll admit to being a lurker. :) Thank you *so* much for putting all the time and effort into this blog. I'm shopping for an agent for my first middle grade novel, and Literary Rambles has been an invaluable resource over the past few months!

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  33. Joan MoraSeptember 18, 2009 at 3:26 PM

    Hello--I stopped by because, well, if Janet Reid says so...

    Anyway, really interesting blog and I'm glad to have found you. I have a lot of posts to catch up on.

    I'm writing, revising, querying, not all the same project, of course.

    Joan

    http://joanmorawrites.blogspot.com
    http://whatwomenwritetx.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  34. TabithaSeptember 18, 2009 at 3:31 PM

    I saw the post on Janet Reid's blog, but I didn't know about Jenny Bent's. That's awesome!!! Your blog is fantastic, you know, so I am not surprised. :)

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  35. CateSeptember 18, 2009 at 3:34 PM

    Another lurker here - gosh, Google Reader makes that so easy!

    I'm an MFA student, finishing up this semester, terrified of what that actually means.

    In the meantime, I blog about it:

    http://lifeaftermfa.wordpress.com (mostly talk about my Thesis)
    http://josieandseb.wordpress.com (things that actually make me happy, ie non-Thesis)

    ReplyDelete
  36. JillinPCSeptember 18, 2009 at 4:05 PM

    I found you via Janet Reid. I agree, you have a great informative blog. Status of my WIP: Rewriting. YA Fantasy. I usually have a Jack Russell Terrier on my lap when I'm at the computer.

    ReplyDelete
  37. Caroline Starr RoseSeptember 18, 2009 at 5:09 PM

    It was fun to see you over on Janet's!

    As I've posted before, your Agent Spotlights are fantastic. Thanks for doing so much work for us.

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  38. sarahSeptember 18, 2009 at 5:16 PM

    I, also, found you via Janet Reid. I'm a writer, and I have two blogs -- a book review blog and a writing process blog. Primarily, I write YA or literary short stories. I just recently finished a manuscript and am querying agents for representation. It's my 4th or 5th completed manuscript but it's just the first one I'm trying to sell. I've been having no success, so I'm enjoying reading industry blogs and writer blogs and your blog. So, thank you!

    Sarah
    http://awriternowwrites.blogspot.com

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  39. Suzanne YoungSeptember 18, 2009 at 5:32 PM

    This blog is DOPE! :-)

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  40. Cindy R. WilsonSeptember 18, 2009 at 5:42 PM

    Well, I've never commented before, so I thought I'd finally drop in to say hi--didn't know about the post on Janet Reids blog so I'll have to check that out.

    I write inspiration fiction, have a contract with OakTara for two contemporary novels and I am getting ready to go agent hunting. Very scary but exciting at the same time.

    Have a great weekend!

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  41. Boni AshburnSeptember 18, 2009 at 6:18 PM

    Hi Casey :) I found your awesome agent resource via Janet Reid-that woman has the nose of a bloodhound!

    I'm already repped (by one of your future Spotlights- can't wait to read it) but will happily direct other people this way frequently!

    Happy writing!

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  42. Lena SurbonweySeptember 18, 2009 at 6:24 PM

    Hello! I saw a link to this blog on querytracker. It's a great source! I write primarily urban fantasy, so I'm always looking for agents! Thanks!

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  43. Casey SomethingSeptember 18, 2009 at 6:34 PM

    Hi Brigid! I love your name. Good luck when you start querying your novel. I hope you have the success you've had with your short stories.

    Congrats on selling your novel, Lilly! And what a fun profile pic you have. Lurking is the smart way to go when it comes to time constraints!

    Lisa, lots of new followers, yes. I'm a big overwhelmed with it all. No pressure, right? Ack! Keep on learning and submitting!

    Thanks so much for the mention on your blog, Marsha! I'm glad you like my blog. Love the voice of yours.

    Glad you can embrace your lurkiness yet come out and say hi, Josephine. I'm so happy to hear Lit Rambles has been helping you in your research. Yay!

    Hi Joan. It sounds like you have a whole lot of writing going on. Good on you! Best to you on your querying.

    Thanks Tabitha! You're one of those faithful champions, you know. I'm still thrilled to have been mentioned in your SCBWI article.

    I hear you Cate. It seems like I add at least one blog to GR every day. It has to stop somewhere! Congrats on finishing up your MFA. That's huge. Oh, and your cat is darling!

    I'm rewriting as well, Jillin. Best to you! The hound here gives his regards to your Jack Russell!

    Thanks Caroline! It was fun for me to see me over there, too. And shocking! Boy. Pretty cool for a nobody like me.

    Sorry you haven't been having any success yet, Sarah. Persistence is key, as we hear and say so often. It really is true though. I love your profile picture, so lovely. Good luck as you continue on!

    Thanks, Suz!

    Hi Cindy! I recognize your picture. I've probably seen you commenting around. What a neat little community we have. Good luck on the agent hunt! It sounds like you have a lot to offer. Don't be nervous!

    Boni, I think I recognize your book from the blue boards. Are you on there? It looks like a book my daughter would love. She's been all about dragons lately. Thanks for commenting!

    Glad you came by, Lena! Lots of agents interested in urban fantasy right now, it seems. Best to you!

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  44. Sarah LaurensonSeptember 18, 2009 at 6:42 PM

    I feel like saying:

    We're gonna need a bigger blog

    But I'm not sure it'll fly. Followed the shark fin over here. I write light MG fantasy and dark YA.

    Thanks for what you're doing here. I can easily see you're a great resource.

    Life Blog
    Author Blog

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  45. storyqueenSeptember 18, 2009 at 7:09 PM

    Yeah!!Good for you, Casey.

    Build it and they will come.

    Shelley

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  46. AnonymousSeptember 18, 2009 at 7:13 PM

    I'm jealous of your illustrious fans, but I'm more jealous of your awesome time management.

    You seem to post often. I steal a few minutes on Sunday morning and then write way too much at once.

    Please write a post describing the wonders of your time stretcher machine and where I can get one. Okay, or maybe write about organization and time management, but it won't be nearly as fun - or nearly as easy to use -- as a gizmo, gadget for the chronically crunched.

    Thanks for taking your time with this blog -- I look forward to reading more!

    ReplyDelete
  47. Sierra GodfreySeptember 18, 2009 at 7:56 PM

    New reader, over from Janet Reid. And I'll be a frequent visitor. Great blog. I'm a women's fiction writer.

    Sierra Godfrey
    sierragodfrey.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  48. Alyssa KirkSeptember 18, 2009 at 8:00 PM

    I've read your blog for a long time but only recently started commenting. You're right, you are nice!

    You have great information and a beautiful blog, which reflects your own beauty.

    Glad to see you are getting such well deserved recognition. You've helped me tremendously. I'm a YA writer who really appreciates your insights into the publishing world and your overall generosity. I also host a book review blog with my brothers.

    Anyway, thanks for your fabulous posts and keep them coming. I'll try to comment more...I don't know why it can be so scarey sometimes. Anyone else feel that way?

    How are the wedding plans going? I still love the dialogue about the black dress and the cemetary! You make me laugh!

    ReplyDelete
  49. Jemi FraserSeptember 18, 2009 at 8:09 PM

    I followed the Shark's directions (I'm no fool!) and found your blog. It's awesome :)

    I'm fairly new to the writing world, just started blogging and tweeting about 6 weeks ago. I'm slowly building up a network of great sites and great people to learn from and share with. I'm glad I made it here!

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  50. Laura @ CaninedesignSeptember 18, 2009 at 8:45 PM

    I'm usually a lurker, but I like the agent spotlight feature. I'm currently subbing a YA novel around so I found your research helpful.

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  51. Tyhitia GreenSeptember 18, 2009 at 9:25 PM

    Whoa. Just found your blog today and I am impressed! I will definitely be back.

    BTW, I write dark urban fantasy and I'm about to begin another novel. :-D

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  52. UnknownSeptember 18, 2009 at 11:08 PM

    Casey - I'm glad the rest of the world is discovering what a great blog you have. You do a great job and may you get multitudes of new followers thanks to the agent publicity. :)

    ReplyDelete
  53. Casey SomethingSeptember 18, 2009 at 11:36 PM

    You make me laugh, Sarah. Perfect comment. Maybe you're right. Glad to have another MG/YA writer around!

    Thanks Shelley!

    Quackingalone, I can't give away the secrets of my time stretcher machine, sorry! Patent pending and all. BUT, I could write about organization and time management, I suppose. Thanks!

    Hi Sierra! Love your new blog layout. Glad you'll be coming back by.

    Thanks so much Alyssa, I always enjoy your comments. I'm so glad your de-lurked! Wedding plans are going good. Time is going by too quickly though. Ack! It's almost here.

    Looks like you're doing great with your blog so far, Jemi. Keep building that network. It's such an amazing thing, building a community of friends and acquaintances with similar interests!

    Laura you dog is gorgeous! (If that's your dog in the picture son your blog - I'm assuming so). Good luck querying. I'm so happy my research has helped you!

    Thanks Demon Hunter! Great profile name for a dark urban fantasy writer! Keep on writing. Best thing you can do!

    Thanks so much Kristi!

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  54. CharlotteSeptember 19, 2009 at 5:29 AM

    I found your blog yesterday via Ms Reid and this is my first comment, so I guess I don't count as a lurker.

    I've been a writer and editor for 16 years, and have been writing my first novel for the past 18 months. It's taking a looooong time because I have three kids and we live in Germany and school gets out at 1230, so I have VERY SHORT spaces in which to write.

    Very glad to have landed here!

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  55. Pat Zietlow MillerSeptember 19, 2009 at 9:19 AM

    Great blog. I found you through Boni Ashburn's site. I'll be back.

    I just started a blog -- Read, Write, Repeat -- focused on writing and the younger end of the children's spectrum. Four posts so far.

    ReplyDelete
  56. NatalieSeptember 19, 2009 at 10:45 AM

    I've visited many times before during my agent research period. You provide a great service for writers. I was recently signed by a fabulous agent and I realized you would be highlighting her in a couple weeks. I'm looking forward to it :)

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  57. MG HigginsSeptember 19, 2009 at 1:17 PM

    I saw Janet Reid's recommendation yesterday, and thought, "Yahoo!" You so deserve praise for your excellent blog. I don't often leave a comment, but know that I read it faithfully.

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  58. Casey SomethingSeptember 20, 2009 at 12:10 AM

    Hi Charlotte! How do you like living in Germany? My inlaws are from there. I hope to visit in the next few years. Sorry you don't have much time to write, but keep at it! You'll get that novel finished. Good luck!

    Your blog looks great so far, Pat! I love the kid review. What a great idea. So glad you found me, thanks to Boni!

    I'm glad my research helped you Natalie! Please consider leaving a comment about your agent when I spotlight her. I love client comments!

    I know you read faithfully, MG Higgins. You pop up often enough, and I appreciate every comment you leave. Thanks so much!

    ReplyDelete
  59. London MabelSeptember 20, 2009 at 1:42 AM

    Hallos! Another one from the Janet Reid camp. I look forward to reading your agent profiles, and other articles.

    I'm just getting to the querying stage for my current book, but I don't blog about writing--I blog about Beauty Standards and how much they can annoy me.

    http://agreatattraction.blogspot.com/

    As for animal companions... cats love to hang out when one is writing... usually on one's arms. My 3 are no exception.

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  60. B.E. SandersonSeptember 21, 2009 at 8:33 AM

    Ms. Reid pointed me here, but after reading through some of your back posts, I'm staying. Your blog seems awesome and informative and just the sort of thing to read with my morning coffee. Thanks for being here.

    ReplyDelete
  61. Dana KingSeptember 21, 2009 at 1:52 PM

    I found your link on Janet Reid's blog a few days ago. Enough good stuff here I'm still wading through it. Thanks, and good luck with your writing from a "pre-published" crime fiction writer.

    ReplyDelete
  62. dfSeptember 23, 2009 at 9:31 AM

    Terrific blog. Thanks for sharing all of this info!

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  63. ChristineSeptember 24, 2009 at 1:35 PM

    I came here by way of Janet. =) I have one manuscript under the bed and another under the pen.

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  64. DareSeptember 25, 2009 at 2:00 AM

    You so rock! Please, know that your blog is very, very much appreciated and helpful and thank you for the community that you've organized around it. It is also an inspiration to read about your work in progress and your goals. It feels like a team effort, a friendly race where the only goal to reach the finish line.
    Again, you rock! :)

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