I really wanted to go to this but just happens it's the same week we have an inspector visiting at work.  Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are crucial to keeping on top of our students to make sure they are up-to-date on.  Everyone is really stressed and there is no way I will be able to get the time off work at short notice.  I wish I had known about it sooner. 

Looked up next years London Book Fair dates so I can be better prepared.  They are Monday, 11 April 2011 to Wednesday, 13 April 2011. 

Can't wait to go and suss out the different publishers and agents and whatever else is out there.  Next year is going to feature books from Russia so I'm not sure  how that would  benefit me - a new writer on the scene.  Still, it is supposedly a really huge event and although I've never been to anything like this before, it is in London.... it's got to be massive!

Today I went out for a photoshoot to update my portfolio.  It was lots of fun and Nat managed to capture some excellent images. 

Making sure I was focused on the job has occupied my mind the last few days so I haven't got much writing done.  Now, I have done it - and I am really pleased with the results - I shall get back to my wriring. 

One thing I learnt from Maureen is my Synopsis is actually the Blurb.  I wrote a short summary on what the story is about, similar to what you read on the back cover of a book - this is called a Blurb.  i have worked on my Blurb to make it more intersting now I know that this is what it is.

Maureen explained that a Synopsis is more like a Spoiler.  Basically, the Publisher/Agent wants to know what they are investing in before they read the full manuscript.  You have to tell them everything from start to finish in chronologoical order.  I've decided to write mine whilst creating my final drafts of drift.  This way, I know I won't leave anything out. 

I also looked at writing my Letter of Enquiry.  It is expensive to send your manuscript to every agent (or publisher) so generally you send an enquiry first to see if they would like to read it or not.  You should check the Agent/Publishers preference for what they like to recieve.   

I am really pleased with how it looks.  It was a refreshing change from proofing the final version of Drift.  Got to get cracking otherwise these query letters, synopsis and blub will never get used.

Work is clashing with my social writing group.  They have put me on an evening course after work.  I could still attend as it finishes before the club starts but I am too tired.

Therefore, I have decided that as I shall not get to do the fortnightly assignments that now is a good time to work on Finalising Drift.  I've got my feedback from Maureen and WeBook members and plenty of evenings spare.  Just need to concerntrate on getting it done.

Re-writes isn't as much fun as just getting it down on paper.  It's like nit- picking my writing.  Still, it is another good learning experience as I am starting to see my common mistakes like 'additional' words that are not needed.