Project: Gearin' Up to Get an Agent

I've recently join a chain of blogs for an event that is geared to help other writers out.

I know, it feels OOC for me, too. Normally, I like to keep to myself (a brief stint at a writer's group notwithstanding). And, it's not that I don't play well with others – far from it, actually – but that I am an editor by trade. It's *my job* to critique others' writing every day ... not to mention the rigors I put myself through when re-reading my latest chapters.

And, while I highly enjoy offering up my services to other authors – helping writers become the best they can be is so rewarding – it's not something I do often for two reasons: 1.) I don't get paid for it and my life is much busier now; and 2.) Well ... as an editor, I don't mince words.

A while ago, I beta-read for a very popular fan fiction site on which I helped would-be authors develop their own voice and point of view ... Of course, this was back before I became an author myself. Being on the receiving end of my own critiques these days, I can't *exactly* say I'm a nice editor. Actually, I'm downright harsh at times. But, I am good. ... At least, that's what I tell myself as I delete 5-page scenes from books I previously cared for with the tenderness of a gardener pruning her prized roses.

Anyway, it's with slightly trepidatious delight that I announce I will be using this blog for a bit to participate in an event with other writers who, like me, want to make themselves better. We really are a community of creative minds who need other creative minds to foster our own success.

Included in the pack? My ex-agent and current friend ... who I've made up with since my last post where I (possibly, unwittingly, underhandedly) wished she'd get squirted in the face with lemon juice. Uh, just kidding, Lora! :) You're a true inspiration and very talented editor, yourself, and I'll always cherish your input!

Check back here for updates, and feel free to also check out the original blog written by Deana Barnhart here.