Okay, this isn't my typical blog entry, but I know you are all waiting with bated breath (what is bated breath, anyway?  is it stinky or minty-fresh?)  to find out what's happening on the publishing front for Fitch Tavern Tales.  Welllll...I still don't have a publisher.  BUT I have been busy doing a few other things to enhance my chances, and I thought I'd share them with you.  Mainly so you can see that I haven't given up and therefore you can a) encourage me to keep going and/or b)shake your head sadly and silently feel sorry for me.  Either way, here goes:

First, I have had two wonderful consultations with Beth Glass, a PUBLISHED children's writer and Grub Street consultant who critiqued my book, helped me work through a couple of roadblocks and generally has been incredibly encouraging about the book and my quest to get it published.    If you are looking for a clever picture book for your own kids or as a gift, check out Beth's book Noises At Night.  Her website is www.bethglass.com.

Based on my discussions with Beth, I am off to Los Angeles at the end of July to attend the four-day SCWBI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) conference.  It promises to be four full days of workshops, talks and hopefully, an introduction to an agent or two.  As part of the conference I am even signed up for a one on one review of my book with an agent or editor.  I'm a tad nervous but excited, too.  Hmmm.... LA in July - hope the a/c is working!

As part of my push to publication, I have also added some enhancements to this blog site, which is now looking suspiciously more and more like a website.  I'm also Twittering.   The problem with all this social media stuff is that it starts to resemble yeast  - you have to feed it, care for it, never let it die, as it slowly morphs into something a little bit out of control - all while doing your day job....I have a new appreciation for those who make their bread from scratch.  Check out my For Kids page, where, over time, I will add all sorts of activities related to colonial life.  I plan to also add a Just For Teachers page, as well - since I think this book would make a great addition to elementary school reading lists.  And definitely follow my journey on Twitter @FitchTavernTale!  Someone needs to.

The first (and only) activity page I've completed  is How To Make A Colonial Broom.  Now I KNOW this something every 9-year-old wants to do, so they can help sweep all the dirt floors at home.  Any suggestions for these pages are clearly welcome.   I'd love to add video demonstrations here as well, but the last time I tried to do any crafts with my kids, I ended up in the hospital...Let me know if you try to make the broom...Better yet, make a video of you and your kids making a broom and send it to me.

Speaking of videos, I did manage to embed a recent Bedford TV video on The Bedford Flag, which is actually kind of interesting to watch (Sharon McDonald, the narrator is pretty funny) and I learned a few things.  While she doesn't mention The Fitch Tavern in the video, this is the flag those same minutemen used in the battle that morning of April 19, 1775.

Based on my continuing editing, the book has expanded to 21,000 words (about 65 pages) and I've rewritten the first chapter.   Check out the new beginning to the story by reading Chapters 1 AND 2 here.  I'm also contemplating changing the name of the book from A Colonial Adventure to something more, I don't know, snappy?  Watch for a poll once I have a few suggestions to choose from.  If you have a suggestion for a different title, PLEASE let me know.    

On the agent front,  I've received  six rejections so far.  I guess that's not really a lot, but each submission takes time to prepare and then you can wait up to three months before you hear anything, so I'm feeling what all writers feel I suppose - frustration at the snail's pace of traditional publishing when the rest of the world is moving in 4G speed.   I'm currently waiting on one agent who required an exclusive submission, so no more mailings until I hear back from her.   

And finally, I've spent some time over at The Bedford Historical Society, where all of the Fitch family papers reside.  It's a fascinating place, boxes stacked to the ceiling.  I found some great photographs and learned a thing or two about the Tavern.  I've got a lot more research to do, but I am starting to feel the pull of Tale #2....did you know that the Fitch Tavern was supposedly part of the Underground Railroad? I think Nina may find her way to the 1800's next time she goes exploring.

So there you have it, dear readers - I really have been busy, even if my "weekly" posts have become more "monthly" posts as of late.  As they say, I'll continue to keep you "posted"!