Some Random Life Updates

Hello everyone! I've almost got the pictures together from the girls' birthday trip last weekend. That post should be up within the next couple of days. I had a few things to share with you before that, though.

First and foremost, I officially submitted my book to Potential Agent #1 last week! :D I cannot even tell you how incredibly elated, nervous, and crazy I felt as I pushed the send button on my email. My mind was running in a million different directions. (What if I forgot something? What if she hates it? What if the formatting goes all wonky and she says, "No way am I wading through this gobbledy-goop!") ;)

In spite of my concerns and surplus of nerves, excitement was the emotion that won out in the end. No matter what the outcome of this particular submission, the fact that I have completed a novel and submitted it to a literary agent is a huge accomplishment. :)

Of course, I'd LOVE it if things turn out the way I hope and dream, with a contract and a successful publication. ;) But I am confident that no matter what, God has a plan for me and for these books. I've seen His hand at work every step of the way. Whether it's traditional publishing, self-publishing, or whatever, I need to leave it in His hands.

I have a couple more requirement to wrap up this week, and then I'll be able to submit to Potential Agent #2. Whew! :)

The other major event looming on the horizon is Mount Hermon. I have fifty pages to edit, written by my fellow classmates, that I need to get through in time for the conference, which starts on March 19th. I also have some artwork and a revised map that I'd like to complete and take with me.

Even though I still have a lot to do, I was able to check a couple other conference prep items off my "to do" list this past weekend, which was lovely.

First and foremost, my new website is officially up and running. Hooray! :D After struggling with Blogger (trying to make my website look like a website and not another blog), I finally decided it was worth paying a bit extra and switched to Weebly.com. The website is still in progress, but I'm thrilled with it so far. :) You can see it at hannahprewett.com. :)

The addition of a website doesn't really change much for Never Grow Up. I'll still be posting here as usual. Basically, my website is an online bookmark, a place where I can direct new potential readers. From there, they will be able to find links to my blog and social media. (And telling them to look for "hannahprewett.com" is a lot easier than "nevergrowupdollguide.blogspot.com.") ;) Eventually, if things go as I hope they will with my book, I'll add information about my books there, too.

My other weekend accomplishment was to order a new set of business cards for the conference. These will have my new website address on them, a picture of me, and some concept art from my first book.

One of the best things I did last year was to take business cards to the conference. Nearly everyone takes them along. It's a great way to keep in contact with other attendees after the conference is over. Having a business card with a photo of yourself on it is even better, because agents, editors, and fellow writers will get a visual reminder of you every time they look at it ("putting a face to the name," as they say). ;)

Of course, in the middle of all of this preparation, life has been continuing its normal, crazy pace. ;)

Last week was Spirit Week at the girls' school, so once again, we had twelve costumes to throw together over the four days of celebration. This year the themes were pretty fun, but a bit challenging in the costume department. Thankfully, my mom was a hero and stepped in to help with ideas and some sewing.

This year, the whole week had an overall theme, which played into each of the dress-up days. The theme was "Enchanted." (Not the Disney movie of the same name, just general enchanted storybook-type stuff.) ;)

Day One was Historical Figures/Royalty Day. Here we have Oldest Gal as Queen Elizabeth, Little Gal as Princess Catherine, and Middle Gal as Queen Victoria. 

P.S. Sorry they look kinda like Weeping Angels from Doctor Who. :} That was not our intention...we were just trying to keep their anonymity. ;)

Day Two was Enchanted Book Day. Oldest Gal was Rose Red from Snow White and Rose Red, Little Gal was Martha from The Secret Garden, and Middle Gal was the oldest of The Twelve Dancing Princesses.  

The third day was Heroes and Villains Day. Oldest Gal was DG from the TV miniseries Tin Man (one of her new favorites...she just got to watch it for the first time last month). Little Gal was Susan Pevensie from The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Middle Gal was Mary Lennox from The Secret Garden.

The last day was the traditional Red, White, and Blue Day, in keeping with our school colors. I think you can figure out which girl is which by now. ;) 

Again, I apologize for the Weeping Angel-esque pose. ;)

The girls had a great time going to school in costume. Spirit Week was especially fun for Oldest Gal this year, because as a middle school student, she got to participate in the Spirit Week activities (games, skits, and more) that are only for middle school and high school.

I'm glad they had a wonderful week, but I must confess, it was a relief to get back to normal dress this morning. ;) 

Middle Gal's actual birthday was last Monday, so I took her a late birthday lunch during the week (since we didn't have school on Monday). I can't believe she's ten years old already! Where does the time go?

And as if things weren't exciting enough for the rest of us, Hubby started the process of transitioning to a new position at his job. He's still very much at the beginning stage of the transition, so it will be a while before things change for good. It will mean a pay raise and less stress on his body, but it will also mean a change in his schedule...night shifts and such. It will take some adjusting on all of our parts, but there will be a lot of good benefits that come from it, too. 

So, I think that's about all for now. You're officially updated on all of the Prewett news. ;) 

Like I said, I'll have our trip post up in the next couple of days. I'm going to attempt to do a few extra posts to schedule for the coming weeks. Things will be a little crazy with all of my Mount Hermon prep, so I'd like to have some quick posts ready and available.

I will most likely not do a "Fan Mail Friday" post this month, as all I've gotten so far is a Triple A bill for the previous owner of my PO Box. Just so you know I'm not flaking on you. ;)

I hope you all have a wonderful week. Stay tuned for trip pics. :)