Woohoo - just earned myself another page2fame coupon from WeBook.  It was for my image I uploaded to Flicker - I hadn't even got around to doing the upgraded version.  I'm glad I took part.

I should probably work on a Page2Fame submission because I now have two coupons (previously got one from using Agent in the Box).  Wipeout is already in the game, currently at 27% *fingers crossed it makes it*. 

In Easter, I was invited to by Sue (a fellow Scribbler) to join a group of ladies that meet up roughly at the end of the month to read their writing and recieve feedback. Each time two people read.  Sadly, the next date, I had a cold... then work put me on a never ending course that was run every Tuesday for what felt like forever.  June could have been my first meeting but I had forgotten when it was until I got the recent email informing me of the July meet up.

The meeting was lots of fun.  It was interesting to meet up with a group of wome who are all passionate about writing and are actively seeking publication. 

Mavis read a piece set in the time of World War I.  Now this wouldn't usually be my thing but it was intersting to hear what people though worked or didn't work in her writing and the suggestions made.  I was quite pleased that I was able to share an idea that thought could strengthen her chapter.

Sue then share with us a piece that she has been working on for People's Friend.  She told us about previous work she has had published in the magazine and her understanding of the style of writing that they look for. 

Afterwards, we were informed of the next date and Sue looked to see if anyone wanted to book in to do a reading.  The next available date was September so I checked nobody minded then snapped it up.  I am nervous of reading infront of them as I will be hearing the feedback first hand, however, it is what I crave to improve my writing.

Taling about positive feedback... Sue shared some news at the meeting and one very intersting point was that Maureen Blundell is looking to come back in October to run a workshop and 1-to-1 feedback.  I pencilled in the date so I don't book anything else as last time her support was amazing.

Just been updating my Shelfari.  Can't remember how I came across this website but the frist time I tried it, it didn't work.  This time it was brilliant.  This is my book shelf of books I have read.  Why don't you give it a go... I've now got to go swimming...

http://www.shelfari.com/

Once again exciting things going on with WeBook.  This months newsletter includes a Writers Challenge, details about the improvements to Page 2 Fame given in the form of a YouTube video an interview with a WeBook Member (Pen Name:  KidTruth) and a Flicker Competition together with the WeBook Status highlights.

Page 2 Fame Improvements
You can watch the YouTube video regarding the improvements coming to Page2Fame (mainly more feedback to help writers improve) by following this link:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L8V8puO6qUY .  Currently people can vote between 1 to 5 (5 being the best) whether they feel the work is good enough that an agent should check it out and the writer gets promoted to round two and can upload more of the story.  They can also select from a range of comments how the writer can improve from simply 'not my thing' to 'needs work' but now they are allowing raters to give more helpful feedback which is brilliant!

Flick Competition (Win P2F entry)
The Flicker competition is on the theme of 'What is WeBook' encouraging members to upload a picture of them sharing what WeBook is to them so it can be used as Flicker wallpaper.  The first 50 people to entery will get a free entry coupon to Page 2 Fame.  I've entered even thought my picture probably won't get chosen as I've just added text to an image of myself rather than taking a new one holding a piece of paper up saying what WeBook is to me.  I recieved the newsletter on 22 July 2010 and the deadline is 23 July 2010 - so there's not much time (although just checked and on the Flicker group page the deadline has been extended to 1 August 2010 so I may have time to upload something better by then.  With the new improvement being introduced and the great prize if you win Page 2 Fame (getting read and feedback from a Literary Agent) then it's worth entering).  Currently there is only 15 entries probably 'cause most people are shy to upload their pictures so there is a good chance to win a coupon and easy to do.

Writers Challenge (Win P2F entry)
Another way to get a free entry to try out Page 2 Fame is to enter the Writers Challenge (I think this is weekly)  The deadline for this was 23 July 2010 but has also been extended - now 26 July 2010.  To enter this free competition visit:  http://www.webook.com/project/The-Memory-Challenge .  There will be free winners chosen by the WeBook staff and anyone can give entrants feedback in the usual way for a project.  The challenge this time is The Memoray Challenge.  You are to write a short scene where an object evokes a strong memory for a character.  

"Memories can be an effective way to reveal a character's back story and build some depth. They're also a great opportunity to make a generic action sparkle with unique detail.

For this challenge, write a short scene (150 words) in which a character remembers something because of an object they interact with. For example, a character could be sharpening a pencil and remember the first girl he ever held hands with, in the back of class next to the pencil sharpener. The key is to have the  object somehow related to the memory (although the connection can be pretty thin, if you want)."

Full details can be found on the project page for the Writers Challenge.  I have entered one before and it is a good way to get your creative juices flowing and productive too.  Worth a try if you've got writers block or if you are working on your manuscript you can incorporate the challenge into your work to challenge yourself and you are likely to find that you will learn and develop your writing simply by getting involve and taking part. 

Ever heard the saying 'You don't know what you've got until it's gone!"?  Well that is exactly how I am feeling now. 

Logged in to check my Agent in the Box and... the Agent table lists everyone I have queried but I can't see if they are currently looking at my submission or whether they have commented on anything. 
The 'Tracker Service' used to allow me to see which documents they had viewed (i.e. Synopsis, Manuscript, etc) and even if they rejected me there would be some feedback - FEEDBACK FROM AN AGENT!  I can't tell you how valuable it is and when its positive (even when followed by a 'no thanks') it's so encouraging. 

Whilst I consider upgrading my Agent In The Box to a paid 'tracker account', I shall look at the feedback and share some of the posive feedback with you in due course.

New feature:  Choice

On 21 July 2010, Agent in the Box will be free.  Anyone who has a current fee account with them (i.e. within the 6 months paid period) is getting a refund.

Free Agent in the Box (Basic Service)
Quote WeBook "Agents will be able  to respond to your query whether you’re a Tracking subscriber or not—choosing to stick with the basic service will not prevent you from receiving responses from agents." 

Paid Agent in the Box (Tracker Service)
Quote WeBook "For $9.95, authors can upgrade to use AgentInBox Tracking for a six month period. Tracking allows writers to find out when agents have viewed their submissions, and which parts of their submissions—such as the synopsis, query, or sample—have been viewed. Tracking also provides a Comments field for authors, for easier organization of notes."

As I am not sure exactly how this will effect me I took a screen shot of my current Agent in the Box 'tracker service' so once the change has taken place I will be able to better assess whether it is a premium I wish to pay for. 

Still, I think this is a excellent improvement as it now gives people the choice and anyone who can't afford it can still use it.  Yay for WeBook!

This morning an agent responded, explaining that they cannot consider representing any new clients at the moment as they are adapting to the ebook market.
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I remember when Amazon announced the Kindle.  It sounded like a good idea but the device was quite expensive for something you were not sure you even needed. 

Everyone was feeling a bit sentimental about books and the gentle musty smell of paper in a well loved title.  Now their is a wide range of e-readers.
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Electronic media is now affecting the book market and they can no longer ignore it is happening.  I remember when mp3's first came out for music.  I didn't like it; album art was gone and I was worried my music could be lost if anything happened to my PC.

The change has turned out to be an improvement.  Now we have a small little device that has a library of music and we don't have to carry around discs that could get scratched or damaged.  The software has improved too.  Now itunes have a visual library where you can see the album art.  Mobile phones now come with an mp3 player as standard and practically nobody leaves the house without their mobile phone. 

The ebook's can only be a positive move for the book market.  People get addicted to having a collection.  In addition, you will now be able to take your whole bookcase, a whole libaray of books anywhere you want.  I wouldn't be suprised if by next year an e-reader will be standard on every new mobile phone.
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Today I visited: http://www.kobobooks.com/ 

Kobo is basically an ebook-shop.  They have free software that you can download to your smartphone, tablet, ebook reader or PC/Mac. 

Kobo software has been designed to feel familliar to book readers as it allows you to turn down corners and book mark pages.  For the PC, they directed me to software by Adobe and I downloaded Adobe Digital Additions.  

When you purchase an eBook from Kobo, you download it to your PC/Mac in either epub or pdf format.  If you are worried about space or loosing it on your PC, you don't need to worry because you can save a copy in your Kobo Library - meaning you have an online back-up. 
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Kobo works on a range of smartphones (iphone, blackberry, android, palm-pre).  Imagine being able to take your whole library and read anywhere. 

You can add any pdf file to your library to read in this programme.  Friends could send you pdf stories and share theirs.  In addition, you could use it for work if you need to read long reports in a friendly format on the move.

Verdict:  eBooks are for busy book lovers on the go.

Aww - how sweet.  WeBook do take care of you.  They don't call it a 'pick me up, following your rejection coupon', they call it 'thank you for joining Agent in the Box'.

Today I recieved a coupon code for use on WeBook's competition Page 2 Fame.  Usually the competition would be $4.95 (shorts) or $9.95 (full length).  I guess that's another saving from entering Agent in the Box - not an advertised one and maybe not always available - but a free entry for me.

Woo hoo!  Passed flight check.  Got a confirmation email to let me know that at 14:23 my submission was sent to all my selected agents.  Now... to play the wishing an waiting game...