Holly Lisle's How to Revise Your Novel

So, writing has been going okay. I bought a book called Writer Mama by Christina Katz to help me figure out how to add non-fiction freelancing to my life with kids. It's an interesting take on the subject and has helped out more than I expected. Right now I'm researching possible markets. The best part of that is that I've found magazines that have added a lot of information to my life, necessary information. The book was worth it for that alone.

As for my novel, I'm tempted to use it in one of Holly Lisle's classes. I like the points she makes and her communication has always been clear. She's a good teacher. However, it's still pretty close to when I finished it, and I'm in the middle of writing the first draft of my next novel. I'll probably wait... which means I'll have to pay more for the class. If she ever offers it again. This may be a one time shot. Ah, well. You can't have everything in life.

Just finished reading the manga From Far Away by Kyoko Hikawa. It's a really sweet shojo. The ending was just a bit too neat for me, a little too sweet and metaphysical without being inspiring as well. And there were some bits I wish had been covered a little more thoroughly regarding the culture and the power of the Sky Demon.

That said, it's a good read for the sentimental among us. The world-building is very nice and everything fits together well, including the relationships. I usually enjoy things like FullMetal Alchemist and Revolutionary Girl Utena (anime), so I was more than a little surprised at how much I liked this. It's a safe kind of romance and yet it doesn't have the weirdness of the Twilight series.

BTW, Twilight, like Fruits Basket, is something I just can't bring myself to read. I'm sorry. I just can't. So, when I say weird, I'm talking about the basic premise, nothing specific.