I'm working on rewriting book 2, even though book 2 isn't finished. The rewrites are helping me see the story. I will finish. I need to finish it, because I want to submit book 1. Finishing book 2 will help me determine more details for book 1. I learn the story by writing it. That's my way, and I need to honor that.

I'm getting ready to submit again! Because I was at the RWA National conference in San Francisco, and picked up leads to an agent and an editor. I"ll keep you posted.

Rejections come pouring in. I'm putting Henrietta, the Dragon Slayer to bed, and will pitch The Dracontias the next writer's conference. When an editor tells me that my writing isn't "detailed, vivid, or gritty" like the other YAs she's receiving, and that's her taste, part of me wants to say, "Forget it! I'm giving up!" But no -- I'm not giving up; I'm moving forward on The Dracontias. So there. Take what I learned in writing HDS to the next book. This next book is my fourth manuscript. Onward and forward!