Re-write...re-write...and re-write again

That's exactly where I am in this book writing/publishing process. After thinking hard on what I should do, I decided on one thing; to re-write the entire book. I was so happy to receive an email from the same editor stating I need to work on most everything in the book; character development (which I agree that I need work on), plot (I might change it a bit, but I like the moral of the story. Though I do think it needs to flow better.), grammar (always need help with that one.), etc. So, to the re-writing process I go.

I have thought to sending it to other publishers, but I feel that Sophia Institue Press (the publisher I tried) really would be the perfect match for my novel.

Lastly, the editor suggested some GREAT titles of books I should read to help my writing (character development, grammar, plot, etc.). I'd love to share some with you as well:

The Art of Dramatic Writing by Lajos Egri
The Writer's Journey by Christopher Vogler
The First Five Pages by Noah Lukeman

I am currently reading, The First Five Pages, and very impressed. I have also checked out a few other writing novels, which I will be sharing with you soon on my Future Teen Writers blog (probably tomorrow). So, check back soon!!!

Amanda C. Bell

News from Publishing Company

I just received an email from the editor for the publishing company I chose -- her response stated my book wasn't ready for publishing, but it did have great potential. So, back to the drawing boards for me.

I have thought of self-publishing it, but I'm hoping/praying that I could possibly get it published through an actual company. We'll just have to see though. :)

Amanda C. Bell

PS: When sending your manuscripts to a publisher, always thank them afterwards, and never give up. Re-write and edit your story, constantly keep persevering to publish your novel.

My New Blog; Future Teen Authors

Hi! I have created yet another blog: http://futureteenauthors.blogspot.com/.

Introducing the one and only, Future Teen Authors blog! I will be posting helpful tips for teen writers on that blog, including help with publishing, writing, writer's block, etc. Please check it out!

Thanks to all my viewers! :)

~Amanda C. Bell~

More Tear Stained Eyes Quotes

Here's some more quotes:

-For once in my life, I was feeling what one would call; a crush. Although, in my case, it's an unthinkable crush.

-Whether he was interested as I was in him, I didn't know, and may not ever know.

-Trust was a word used in many sentences, none of which pertaining to myself or my friends. I had never before, trusted anyone with such a secret. This secret came from the heart.

In other news -- last night, I made my Confirmation!!! I chose St. Cecilia as my Confirmation name. It went well, and was an amazing experience. It was also especially nice for it to be on All Saint's Day.

Thanks for visiting my blog!

~Amanda C. Bell~

Tear Stained Eyes Quotes

I've been trying to decide what to post about Tear Stained Eyes. It's very difficult considering I don't want to reveal any of the surprise events in the book. I might be able to post an excerpt of the book sometime though. Anyway, I think I am going to post 3 quotes per week from Tear Stained Eyes. Here's this week's quotes:

-Even the most religious of all schools have bad pupils. Girls who went to that school were wealthy and overindulged. They listened to rap music, wore immodest clothing, and covered their faces with makeup. The complete opposite of what any Catholic girl should be subjected to.

-You could tell I was disregarded by fellow peers my whole life, by the way I judge myself.

-Worldly-minded Girls these days are ignorant of their surroundings or their faith. They go about, doing as they please, whenever, even if it puts their soul or purity in jeopardy.

Please, if anyone has any ideas for what I should post (preferably related to Tear Stained Eyes), let me know! :)

Amanda C. Bell

Tear Stained Eyes (Summary)

Welcome to my new blog! My name is Amanda, I am 14 years old, homeschooled, and Catholic. I have found it to be extremely difficult to find good fiction Catholic novels for teens today, for this reason, I am working on a novel myself. The (working) title is Tear Stained Eyes, although that may be changed in the future.

Summary:
Catherine, a homeschooled Catholic teenager, wishes to fit in and have friends, but sometimes quantity isn't as good as quality. Not to mention how difficult it is to find friends in this materialistic world of overindulged teenagers. Catherine develops a crush on one boy, but seeing as she is only fourteen years old, and her parent's forbid her to date, it seems as though her fairy tale has an unhappy ending. When her friend undergoes a devastating trauma related to her boyfriend, Catherine realizes the reason for her parent's decision about dating and respects it, but it becomes harder than ever when she is tempted to date behind her parent's back.

It offers a great suspenseful plot along with a good moral. Some of this story has been based on my true life experiences, common difficulties within modern teenager's lives.

I have sent a manuscript to a publisher, and I am anxiously awaiting a reply (which should come within a few months). The novel is not finished, but it will definitely be completed within a year.

Thank you for visiting my blog! Stay tuned for more updates! :-]

Amanda