April’s Fool Day!! Enough said.

Lily’s Lagniappe: Soon I will have crawfish, beignets, football and beautiful blooms…. Here I come Louisiana.

Lily

Putting a revised picture book manuscript on 12 X 12 today. I have also written another PB for April. Hoping I can get it into shape for the April 12 X 12 submission time. Haven’t heard anything from the publisher but it is almost a month. The site said three months response time. Deep breaths..

Lily’s Lagniappe: My sister asked me if I wanted to go the LSU’s Spring Game. Hell Yeah!! Sorry, but I miss football. I also can only watch baseball on my computer. If we get to go to the game our Dad is going to meet us in Louisiana. We will visit momma’s grave, see family and go to a football game. But most of all I can get some crawfish. The azaleas are in bloom and they are beautiful. Can’t wait to see some full size azaleas. My neck of the woods only have the miniature azalea because they’re sturdier. Also the hibiscus will be blooming; lots of color and pollen!!!

Lily

Finished a new version of THE BELLY THAT TALKED. Sent it to my critique group. One response so far and hoping for the others today. I am working on a new picture manuscript for 12 X 12. Hoping it might be my April or May submission. Critiqued a friend’s manuscript this morning, it is much improved. Hopefully the agent/editor that asked to see it will like it also.

Lily’s Lagniappe: LSU Baseball and LSU softball are #1 this week but it won’t stay like that for the whole season. Hopefully the girls and the guys can both go to the NCAA College World Series in both baseball and softball. I hope to attend both but at least one.

Lily

Well I think the chapter book is sitting on a desk of some editor and they have no idea just how wonderful it is. Enough of that. I have been revising a picture book manuscript to put on the boards of 12 X 12 for March. Hoping to get something positive about the changes I’ve made.

One comment I had the first time was a belly talking seemed weird and scary for kids. My belly gurgles and makes odd noises all the time.  So I’m hoping that I have made enough changes to the original that I will get more positive comments.

Lily’s Lagniappe: Today LSU Softball is playing softball in the snow! GEAUX Tiger Ladies!!!

Lily

The ReFoReMo month is almost over. I have enjoyed it but I will be glad to concentrate on just writing picture book manuscripts for the rest of the year. I have one in revision right now and others to revise and get into shape.  The chapter book script is bound to be in the pile of manuscripts at the publisher.

Revising a middle grade manuscript for an intensive in May. Lots to do and still go to my great nephew’s 5th birthday. Having a sports party at his Grandma’s house.

Lily’s Lagniappe: This week an uncle of mine had a couple of spots removed from his face. They were melanomas. Had to graft his face right under his eye. He waited two years after the doctor told him they needed to come off. Will have to wait for pathology to come back and God knows I want it to be good news but in our family melanomas led to death. If you have places on your body or a loved ones body get them removed immediately. Give yourself every opportunity to stay and enjoy your family.

Lily

After sending off my manuscript to a publisher I’ve been busy revising several picture book manuscripts, deciding on whether to send to an agent, participating in ReFoReMo and 12 X12, spending a lot of time at the library and reading picture books, and finally visiting two amusement parks so far this year (Disney World and The Great Wolf Lodge). Still hoping that my chapter book is bought.

Lily’s Lagniappe: I have two small cousins in Louisiana that are struggling with health issues. One is slowly being destroyed by a terminal illness and the other is recovering from a drowning accident. These families are blessed with strong faith but all of us need help. If in your day you can find a moment, please say a prayer for the two youngsters, Olivia and Koltyn.

Lily

This is the last full day that my Dad is visiting. I miss him already. Tomorrow we will get up and I will take him back to Charlotte to catch a plane to go back to Tucson.  It has been great having him this week.  I just need to put my eyes on him every so often to make sure that everything is okay. He loves his life and his independence and so do I but to make sure every piston is firing I need to see for myself.

Lily’s Lagniappe: Finally Spring is here!! Enjoy visiting my beautiful state at this time…hot is coming. Visit now not then.

Lily

I know that it will take three months for a response but I wish I knew that it had arrived at the publisher’s slush pile. I believe that this publisher will treat me better than most. But I also know the bottom line is making money.

Lily’s Lagniappe: LSU Tigers still on the pursuit of  perfection. Hopefully my sister and I can get back to Omaha for the College World Series with LSU participating.

Lily

Well, Dad is here this week. It has been great. My dad is 85 years young. He works and owns his own company. He goes to the office everyday. If everyone had the work ethic he has, America would be the richest, most productive nation in the world. I try to have the same ethic when writing. Knowing that I can’t get a book published until an editor sees the work. This year hoping to change that.

Lily’s Lagniappe: This year is the year of the LSU Tigers. Number in baseball, softball, gymnastics and trying to keep it that way.

Lily

Today is a big day; I sent off the chapter book manuscript, synopsis and query off to my chosen publisher. Hopefully in three months I will know the outcome. The website said response time is about three months. Whoo Hoo!!!

Lily’s Lagniappe: This time of year in Louisiana is lovely. Crawfish boils, BBQing in the back yard, families having great time outside, lovely blossoms everywhere… this is the time to visit!

Lily