Writerly (and other) updates

It's been a while since I've posted anything here.

I haven't read or written about anything either. Actually I'm re-reading Harry Potter. I'm in the middle of the 6th book, and I'm very excited about seeing the movie coming out in a few weeks. Hopefully I'll figure out a way to see it in the theatre before Princess Baby arrives.

On the Fill in the Gaps blog Moon Rat said that lack of desire to read comes from not wanting to absorb other people's ideas. That is true I think. I have lots of my own ideas swirling in my head, and I need to get them down on paper.

We've been busy getting ready for the new baby. Due date is July 31.
I think in a few days we will be able to say with full authority: We are ready.

Anyway, a few writerly things I wanted to mention and point out:

I'm starting a group for Philadelphia Writers on Facebook. If there is anyone in cyberspace who wants to join even though you can't meet in Philadelphia, certainly it would be straightforward to exchange manuscripts and works in progress without meeting in person. Just head to Facebook and join the group.

Saw this post this morning on Moon Rat's blog. It's about finding someone to pre-edit your novel before submitting to agents and editors. She describes her realization that manuscripts should be in nearly finished form and that writers should consider hiring an outside editor prior to submission because a lot of editors won't actually do much editing. Umm...isn't that their job title?

Then saw this piece of news from the Wylie-Merrick Literary Agency. It's a new query policy, and as of July 1 you must fit into at least one of these categories prior to querying this agent.

"A. You are a published author with credits from a legitimate,
royalty-paying publisher.
B. I’ve met you at a conference AND requested materials from
you.
C. An editor or other agent recommended that you contact me
specifically.
D. You have attended two writers’ conferences in the past two years.
Please specify the conference(s) attended, years attended, and classes/workshops
taken or presented.
E. You have written more than two novels.
F. You belong to a major national writer’s organization, such MWA, RWA,
Writer’s Guild, ITN, etc.
F. You have done something to formally educate yourself as a writer and
as a novelist in particular. Please list these activities in the
query."

**Note: I quote these directly. The two F's are from the original.

Of course, I knew it wouldn't be easy to submit anything to anyone as a first time writer. I've learned that over these past few months from Moon Rat. But still, to spell it out like this. I felt a little smacked.