D. A. Irsik

Yep, here we go again. I am back to querying. I realized after I had my manuscript edited for content that I had queried too soon. I had tried to sell a skeleton. Characters that lacked body and a plot that had Swiss cheese holes in it.

I thank Hazel Hart for editing and mentoring me as I re-wrote yet again and came out with a better manuscript. I thought that I would just go ahead and self-publish and try to pitch the book to publishers or agents at conferences and I may still but I have to give traditional one more shot. My query is better, my book is better and I have learned more than I thought possible.

Heroes by Design is an MG/Christian Fiction manuscript. The box is very small. I want it to have the best possible chance to get to my target audience, which is 11 to 13-year-olds. They get their books from school book fairs and libraries or from gatekeepers. Parents or family members who want to encourage healthy reading. Finding a way to reach my audience is a challenge but I want to meet it head-on.

I may self-publish or use a Hybrid publisher in the end but I will give it one last big push for traditional publishing to give me a better chance of reaching more young people who might be influenced by Sela, Emily, and Zach. Persistence, Power, and Praise; their superhero names. Hopefully one or two might just find the Hero in themselves. The Hero that they are each designed to be.

A Scene from Chapter Two: Sela is recovering from the loss of her dog, Thor.

Emily was waiting for Sela at her locker and gave her a big hug.

Sela smiled through her tears. “I’m okay, but thanks. You’re the best.”

Someone slammed into Emily from behind, and she fell into Sela, sending both stumbling. Emily fell and dropped her papers and books, and Sela teetered awkwardly, barely keeping her balance.

Mara Stamford stood over Emily with a fake look of concern. “Oh, I’m sorry. Did you drop your books?”

Emily looked up with an angry, pained expression. “You bi-”

“Bumped her,” Sela interjected. “I’m sure it was an accident.”

Emily gaped at Sela. “That was no accident. She did it on purpose, and you know it.”

Sela helped Emily up and started picking up books. Emily planted her feet in front of Mara and got in her face, but Sela dropped the books again and stepped in front of her. She grasped Emily’s wrist and held it tight.

Mara looked at both girls with a self-satisfied smirk. “Well, it’s been real, girls. Have a nice day. Oh, and Sela, I hope your little doggie didn’t suffer too much. I saw you crying in front of the school Friday. It must be hard to lose your only friend.”

Emily fought to loosen Sela’s grip.

Sela’s eyes filled once again. “Thanks for your concern, Mara. Hopefully, you’ll have a friend as faithful as Thor someday.”

“Oh, don’t worry about me. I have real friends, Sela. I don’t have to depend on an animal.”

If Zach hadn’t come around the corner right at that moment, resting his arm on Emily’s shoulder, and glaring at Mara, who knows what would have happened.

Emily was furious. Sela, “Why did you do that?”

Sela stood her ground. “We have to be better than that. People who intimidate others are just crying out for attention. Mara must have problems; we just need to pray for her.”

Emily’s eyes flashed. “Are you kidding? I’ll pray for her all right. I’ll pray that someone steals her clothes in P.E. and she’ll have to run home naked.”

Sela looked at Emily wide-eyed and they both started to laugh.

Zach turned red and shook his head, his voice breaking like it was searching for a note. “Girls! Why do my best friends have to be girls?”

 

Yep I am back. Life just gets in the way sometimes. So an update:

Yes, I am still in the process of publishing, I have done another re-write and hopefully have a better book for it. I have a wonderful editor and support group and feel confident that I am ready to publish.

Now a cover. I have come up with a few ideas and hope to work with an artist soon to narrow it down and find the perfect one to introduce my series into the world. It is not un-like giving birth. You want it to enter the world a happy and healthy baby that will have a positive affect on the world.

I have said before that writing is the easy part and I repeat…writing is the joy and publishing is like a creative person and algebra. It grates, it does not come naturally, it sucks!

The entire process is frightening and stressful. It is hard. Like life it is always a challenge. I have grown in ways I never would have guessed possible. I have discovered things about my writing that I never would have expected. I love writing fiction almost as much as writing poetry. Who knew?

God willing I will have published Heroes by Design by the end of September and Book II will be in the hands of Hazel Hart, my wonderful editor.

The wait is over. The publisher has decided not to accept my book so I guess I will continue on my planned path. I will explore publishing with Ingram-Spark tomorrow. I honestly thought that the only way to get a MG/inspirational book to my audience was through traditional publishing but I am committed to moving forward. I entered the Writers Digest Competition this evening and I will get begin the self-publishing journey tomorrow. Thank You for your continued support and prayers in this journey. I am a little bummed but I know God has a plan.

I am still waiting for the publisher to get back with me and realize that I need to keep writing. I have a new idea for the 3rd book and talked to a young man that does Spoken Word poetry. I want him to write a short piece for my book and I am excited to include this amazing poetry. It is the kind of thing that sticks in your head like a song. I am ready for the 2nd book, Heroes Purpose, to be edited and working on the outline for # 3. Praying everyday that I will hear good news from the publisher!!

First I have to say that the experience in Lawrence was great. I met a lot of creative people and received much appreciated validation for my poem.

Next Ihave to share some exciting news. I have been asked by a publisher to send my complete manuscript and the synopsis for the second book.  I don’t want to set myself up for disappointment but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t excited. I have worked every moment for two days to get the synopsis ready. Please keep me in your thoughts and prayers!

 

 

I have just received notice that my poem  has been selected for the Painted Words exhibit in Lawrence, Ks.

Poetry will be interpreted by Art. The artist has interpreted the poem and those interpretations will be displayed along with the reading of the poetry. I will read the poem and enjoy the reading of eleven other Kansas, District 2 Poets.

I am excited! The exhibit and reading will be on:

       March 30th, 2018                                                                                                      Aimee’s Coffee House                                                                                               1025 Massachusetts St.                                                                                                Lawrence, Kansas 66044

 Should be fun and all are invited!

(If you would like to read the poem I published it here in Nov. of 2016)

 

 

I have recently realized that I have the same problem as my protagonist. I sometimes get in God’s way. I want things to happen in my time instead of His. I have been struggling with waiting for results after sending about seven more query’s. I prayed about it and God very distinctly told me to be patient and wait and I am finding that very frustrating.  I also had a strong feeling that I should have the manuscript content edited while I wait. I have had a hard time doing that. FEAR. Fear that my writing is not good enough. That there are things that I need to change. I have read about writers that had to write out characters and completely change the book and that is so hard to think about.

We get very attached to our characters and it is hard to look too closely. Everyone wants to believe that when the words just seem to fall onto the page that God is helping us write and it is meant to be. I had to let go and send it to a content editor today. I know there will be suggestions and in the long run it will make me a better writer. I know that it is part of the plan and I have to listen to my characters and have patience and let it happen God’s time and stop trying to control it.

The second book is being edited and maybe they will both be ready for publication by the time I get it figured out but that’s okay. I have to step back and let go of the control. I am looking forward to the critique of the editor and as soon as my line editor is finished with the second manuscript I will get it content edited as well and I am not afraid of the work that it will take to make it a better book. Bring it On!

In fact while I am waiting I might just start book 111!

I have changed the working title of my MG/book to reflect the desire of the protagonist and her two best friends to be superheroes.

They grew up pretending to be, Persistence, Power, and Praise. As teens, they have left behind the capes but maintain a hand signal that reminds them of the power within. They call it their infinity sparkle. A small thing that binds them even if they are just passing in the hall. Here is a snippet from the book.

[Emily has turned away from God and her two friends after losing her mother. Sela is struggling with being patient and she comes up with a plan to let Emily know that they are still there for her. She wants to send Emily a daily note.]

Zach looked dubious, “I think you should talk to Max. I miss her too but we have to be careful not to push her too much.”

“I know. I’ve really been praying about this and I think it’s what I’m supposed to do. I will talk to Max, but it’s all getting out of control and she just seems to be avoiding me.”

Sela smiled with twinkle in her eye, “I’m going to ask God to let Emily’s Guardian Angel give her a little push. It won’t hurt to pray, Zach, and it’s not like Em will know.”

Sela had a little bounce in her step as she swung down the hall to class. It felt good to have a plan. She gave Zach the thumbs-up with infinity sparkle; the friendship thing the three of them shared, and disappeared into the science lab. Zach shook his head, smiling and went to Chemistry. Emily was walking behind them and saw Sela give Zach the “sign.” She felt a stab of longing.

 

I am working on getting a proof copy to show soon. I will post possible covers and would love in-put!