vigournet: My latest OU module on Creative Writing is kick-starting my writing so I hope to post here soon.


vigournet: The Eden Tree will be available from July 19th. 2016. And now breathe!
    michaelcahill: Be sure and remind us and let us know how to get a copy. :))
    Congrats!! A loooooong hard battle! -


vigournet: My computer upgrade would have been a few weeks disaster apart from FanStory having 22 chapters of my sequel! Thank you!


vigournet: My final manuscript is with the publishers. Cover designs are being created. It's all systems go for "The Eden Tree".


vigournet: Cant wait for my editor's final draft, and look at my publisher's new book cover. It's all happening here!


vigournet: Thrilled to hear today that my editor is enjoying my novel. That's great while she works on the edit. !


vigournet: My editor says she might complete the structural edit by Christmas. I guess I have a busy 2016!
    michaelcahill: Wow. They're really making you WAIT!!! Have you thought about alcohol to soothe your nerves? :)) -


vigournet: Signed the publisher's contract. Waiting for structural edit.


vigournet: Looking and cutting "as he's" in my manuscript: bit like my hair, there were lots now not so many.


vigournet: I have taken a very real step forwards to getting my book published, and have even spoke with the CEO at length!


vigournet: I am in a bit of a dilemma as I have not heard from Novum Publishing since I signed the contract, their London office is not manned and I have read some criticism on the internet. If it is a scam it is a very good one, and I would be gutted. I await their responses. Rest assured it has cost me nothing but wounded pride and some confusion about what I felt sure was a fulfillment of promises.
    Cumbrianlass: I read your comment and then did some searching on the net. Novum Publishing are an Austrian firm, apparently, with a London address that is 'unmanned'. Actually, they have several similar 'unmanned' addresses in other European countries. They are also a 'vanity publisher'. Unfortunately, vanity publishers don't make money from publishing. They make money from producing - at the author's expense. I would proceed with extreme caution if I were you. Personally, I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole. -
    vigournet: Thanks for your input. I am researching myself, and still nervous. -


vigournet: I am busy revising and acting on the great reviews I have had on here. My publisher still expects my manuscript to be ready in a few weeks for their editing.


vigournet: Ok, so I get my publishing contract this week, then have about three weeks to re-edit. I want far more "show not tell" so any advice is great!
    nor84: This may help. Do a word search for these words and those similar: looked, saw, felt, heard, was, were -- and, as I said, anything similar. Why? If the character sees something, show it to the reader. Don't stand outside the character as a reporter -- get inside his skin and show through his senses. Not so simple to do, takes practice. Don't say, "he was sweating" say "Stinging sweat dripped into his eyes."

    YOU are the character you're talking about. Stay in his skin and experience the story yourself. -
    vigournet: Thanks that is great advice. I will look over the next few weeks. -


vigournet: May not post much for next three weeks as I revise The Eden Tree before final manuscript is sent to publishers.


vigournet: I have received today my publishing contract! Thank you FanStory for all your reviews, help and encouragement.
    Linda Engel: YEA!!!!!!!!! Woo Hoo. So happy . Are you going to sell it through a large chain store or Amazon? I am always bragging to my friends about the authors I know on Fan Story. Best Wishes to you. -
    vigournet: Thanks to all. The release date is 6 months away, so watch this space. -


vigournet: Still waiting to hear from the publishers about my novel "The Eden Tree". In the meantime I am working on the sequel.
    Linda Engel: It's that watched pot thing.. In the mean time, keep writing. :) -


vigournet: I am still waiting to hear from the publishers. One of my friends has nearly topped a million sales since she published her first book. Here's hoping!


vigournet: I received a great response today from a publisher. Two more weeks and it is being reviewed by Editorial team. Keep your fingers crossed!
    nor84: Before you sign a contract, check out the publisher's reputation. I hope it isn't the same company the writer's going on about in the General Forum. Good luck. -
    rooghevn: That's fantastic news! I'll bet you're excited. I'll be holding a positive thought for you. Please let me know if I can be of any help, and let me know how it turns out for you. And again, let me know if I can do anything to help.

    Susan -


vigournet: Trying to get my novel revised and ready to approach publishers before my next OU module starts on Oct 4th.
    vigournet: My OU module does not now start till January 2016. Breathe. -


vigournet: I am back! My studies and other work has taken up time this year!


vigournet: I know my short stories have SPAGS and need work, but it is warming to hear my neighbour say she "couldnt put down" one of my tales!


vigournet: Short story posted to publisher to review and consider for inclusion in a special edition.
    vigournet: Its a special e-edition of the publisher's best-selling author's latest novel. I will also get my other works looked at, which is brilliant! -


vigournet: I have just heard that my entry been judged one of the best! So now I have to submit a short story to be assessed for publication.


vigournet: Still not got back to writing: I am waiting to hear if I won a couple of comps, if so book is published ... if not its back to solid graft!


vigournet: Don't provoke a dragon ... you may be toast!


vigournet: I should be back writing and reviewing soon: I have been busy.


vigournet: Reading and trying to assimilate 'Penguin Guide to Punctuation'. It's a good job penguins won't read my book!


vigournet: I haven't done much reviewing or writing: I've been busy with other stuff.
    DIS-illusioned: Mmm, 'other stuff' sounds so incredibly exciting! :) -
    vigournet: Thanks, DIS-illusioned and shelley kaye, my 'other stuff' is quite innocent - honest. -


vigournet: Heard this week that I won a holiday to Jordan... I also won a contest on here, which means loads!


vigournet: back from my hols in devon...red-face and head from sun...sang Amarillo too loud in the entertainment bar...glad all traffic was goin other way on M5..woot!


vigournet: Off on my hols on Saturday, so wont be able to post or review.
    Grammies: If hols means holidays I wish you happy times. ;) -
    vigournet: Yup, hols is a week's holidays in Devon, thanks for the good wishes. -


vigournet: Okay:- so in The Rescue, Eileen became Doreen, became Karen. It's easier to correct in Word, with "Replace all", so bear with me!


vigournet: Been self-editing my novel and learning a lot from your reviews! I'm still hoping to go to print by the end of 2012.


vigournet: Okay, it's happening, we are off to daughter's for a few days child-minding. Cya all when I get back.


vigournet: Been busy revising my novel...looking after my grand-son for four days next week, so may not be able to post here.
    DIS-illusioned: You just ruined the rest of my year with that news. :(
    Have fun with your grandson. :)) -
    vigournet: Thanks. I should have mentioned, I guess, that I am tied up wed-sat., after that I am back! -


vigournet: My t-shirt arrived today, with Logos and "The Eden Tree" as Headline. My book is in PRINT..even if its only the Title on a t-shirt..haha


vigournet: Had a publisher/agent, that I was hopeful about, turn my novel down...boo hoo!
    bookwatcher: different strokes for different folks. try someone else. yah just gotta find that special someone -
    DIS-illusioned: Do take heart ... there'll be lots more of that.
    :) -
    vigournet: Thank you both for your kind encouragement! -


vigournet: I only joined this site a couple of months ago and am finding the friendship and advice very helpful. I believe my writing is improving.


vigournet: adding two chapters a day to site here, slow work but valuable...


vigournet: Found another publisher who will look at my manuscript.


vigournet: Isnt it great when we are watching Inspector Frost and Mrs says, "he did it, I have seen it before"...


vigournet: I am still coughing and sneezing. Am reviewing my novel chapter by chaper in a small way, using reviews.


vigournet: My cold is coming out now, so hope to start seriously revising my novel next week.
    vigournet: DIS, coming out, means to me that I am sneezing and blowing my nose, so hope it easing. -
    MadameSparkle: Congratulations on winning the Havoc at Church competition. -


vigournet: I am busy making friends who will help my writing to become better.
    DIS-illusioned: They have their work cut out for them.
    God bless you all, as they help you better get become. :) -
    gramalot8: Thanks for becoming a fan of mine. I hope you enjoy my different styles. They vary a lot. :)Gramalot8 -
    vigournet: I look forward gramalot to read your work. -


vigournet: Think I have caught a chill...I blame the Euro.
    shelley kaye: wish i could - been in the high 80s here :-P

    -
    DIS-illusioned: The dinosaurs blame it too for their extinction. :) -
    vigournet: DIS-illusioned, it was probably early man that gave the Dinos the bug, so you are right! -


vigournet: I have found the comments and reviews here very helpful to my writing.
    vigournet: I have been on a few months I guess, but the suggestions that reviewers have made have truly helped my writing. -


vigournet: am finding it VERY hard to revise my novel.


vigournet: Feeling bit better today, so may start on self-editing my novel.


vigournet: Got a recommended book on self-editing, but still feeling poorly, so hope to start on monday


vigournet: The nurse says I'm not bad for an eighty-year old...Hang on! How many candles did I have last birthday?


vigournet: Still feelin crook. It may be man flu or Bubonic plague...not much reviewing today. :(


vigournet: In response to readers, I have deleted my synopsis, as it was giving too much away!


vigournet: Feeling a bit crook today, so just posted synopsis and third chapter of The Eden Tree. No writing today, head is spinning.


vigournet: Aarrgghh! The more I read about creating good fiction the more I see my short-comings. Seriously good advice, though, and helpful exercises, so I will press on!


vigournet: Two books have arrived from Amazon, recommended by friends, for self-editing. Can't wait...but don't want to CUT..CUT..CUT! lol


vigournet: Got a very busy day today..may just finish entry into Contest.


vigournet: Only swim naked when the tide is in. Just a lesson I learned. :P
    Joy Graham: lol! That is good information to know :) -


vigournet: Hope to post my second chapter of The Eden Tree soon...be kind!
    LancsLass: Morning, I'm wondering if you have found the Forum yet. I only ask because it took me months to realize there even was one! It is found under the Profile tab -- no I have no idea why -- but I find useful information there and altogether it is quite enlightening. Cheers, Anna -
    vigournet: Thanks, Anna, I appreciate your help! -
    vigournet: I have no option under Profile tab. It just opens to my profile page nowt else. -
    LancsLass: Ah, maybe tab is the wrong word. Eight words written across the top part of the page, black words white background. List starts with Home, Read, etc. seventh is Profile. -
    Joy Graham: Yes, Profile tab at the top of the page. It has a drop down menu and forums is the second from the bottom I believe. -
    Joy Graham: Oopsie! The Profile drop down menu lists: View my Profile
    Profile Thoughts
    Find a member
    Forum -


vigournet: The help that I have received with my writing has been great. My novel, I know, need lots of improvement, and people here are helping!


vigournet: WOOT! My little story has won a recognition award. Thanks to ALL who reviewed!


vigournet: I run out of dollars so quickly! Story of my life..haha


vigournet: The comments and pointers have been very helpful on my first day on the site. I look forward to learning and experiencing more!


vigournet: I am new to writing so be kind!
    Joy Graham: Welcome! Looking forward to reading your posts. -
    LancsLass: Welcome to writing and to FanStory. Hope you will be very happy here lol -
    Torrence Winter: I shall be nice to you, not your stories. :) Welcome aboard. -
    LAFraser: Welcome to FanStory. :)
    ~Eilish -