Hey Ya!

After a brief 2 week stint as a full time teacher, with loads of comedy gigs in between, I’m geared up for the school holidays. It’s time to get back into writing, and I’ve got a few projects lined up. First of all, I’m going to revisit ‘Starstruck’, a manuscript that I’ve been working on since 2005. It’s slowly getting tighter and stronger with each draft, and I feel that it’ll be the ideal second book. 

The passion to see this one, on the shelves is still there. Essentially, it’s about the academic pressure that parents put on kids (especially the asian kids). I know students who go to tutors 3-4 times a week, cramming and practising entrance exams so they can make it to selective schools. I’ve been there myself and failed badly. Of course, I’m glad I did now. Otherwise, I wouldn’t be doing what I really love.  

Yes, dusting off an old manuscript is going to be cringeworthy, but the more cringe, the better. That means I’ll be able to see it clearly enough to see what still works and what doesn’t. I’ve had fears in the past that this story’s not going to work, that it’s my ‘practice’ novel and belongs at the bottom of the shelf. But I can’t let it go. It was short-listed at the CBCA Frustrated Writers competition last year. I feel that’s enough evidence for me to continue with this story.

The plan is to get it all polished for my agent Brian, whose feedback is so precious to me. He’s given me lots to think about before, and I have no doubt he’ll be able to whip it up into shape for the Summer. 

Of course, I’ll be thinking and planning my secret novel, my first YA novel. It’s brewing inside my brain, and it’s another one of my passions too. On top of that, I’m workshopping a shorter chapter book about handball, the only sport I was ever good at school. My writers group has been helpful so far, and the fortnightly deadlines are perfect. I would have done another draft without even spending too much time on it. Jackie French’s spot on, a passionate idea can do wonders for your writing.

I’m looking forward to Heather’s feedback on Thai-riffic!, making the (hopefully) final changes…hopefully I’ll be able to see a sneak peek at my cover too 🙂

It’s not only the garden who benefits from this rainy weather. Bring on the great indoors kekeke

O.W