Hullo!

It looks like this is not only becoming a great group, but an international one at that! Awesome!

Well then... I'm Marieke, 24, and a firm believer in the Oxford comma. I am constantly surrounded by stories and I think it would be physically impossible not to write. Like Tessa, I'm also addicted to smileys and ice cream

I have BA degrees in philosophy and history and I've just handed in my MA thesis after completing a research degree in Medieval Studies. I've been writing ever since I can remember and I queried my first novel when I was 15. Looking back, I'm so glad it wasn't picked up. I've had several short stories and poems published (I'm no poet, but things happen) and was part of the editorial board of two smaller fantasy mags.

I write YA and MG. A year ago I would've proclaimed to be a YA fantasy gal, but things have evolved a little. I'm busy querying my YA fantasy PALADIN with material out to several agents and I plan to finish my YA historical fantasy YSOLDE later this week. I'm working on two other novels - LOVING ADELINE, a YA contemporary and LETTERS TO EARTH, an MG space odyssey. I've a post-apocalyptic YA in outline stages, as well as an MG mystery and several YA fantasy novels set in the same world as PALADIN. Finally there's a YA historical paranormal romance, if such a thing exists. Suffice to say, my head is overcrowded at the best of times

A few things about me as a critter. Even though I tend to slack off with forum posts, I am a grammar geek so I can help out with the technical issues. I can also focus on plot, characters, and overall story. I've experience with both Also, I love querying so I enjoy commenting on query letters.

Sheesh! You're a busy girl!

I can only focus on one story at a time. I just note down other ideas for later and focus on my current work. Of course there's a huge advantage to writing so many at a time. One day, you'll have loads of stories finished and one of them is bound to get published! Then you can sneak the other ones to the publisher as well, all shiny and ready.

Anyway, I just wanted to say that Marieke was a great help to me back on WriteOnCon. She helped me change my query and rethink things.

See you around!

Tessa

Keeps me out of trouble

Oh no, you saw through my Master Plan! But yes, you're right! And when you don't have inspiration for one story, it's easy to switch to another. At some point though, I will be so engrossed in one story I won't be able to switch until I've finished it - but that's usually right before I finish a story anyway!

Thank you And I'm glad I could be of help. You have a great story and I look forward to one day reading it in print!

Hi again M. It's funny isn't it, I work pretty much the same way - lots of different things on the go, and switch between depending on my mood of the day

Good luck finishing your Ysolde story (Love the name!)

Can't wait to work with you.

Rach

*nods* Exactly! But wanting to finish Ysolde this week is quite a fun exercise as well. A good way trying to keep focused. (Not that I'm succeeding, but that's a whole different matter )

Me neither! We have a wonderful group here already!

I agree with all of you, it all depends on my mood and which character is bugging me the most for my attention. Glitterbug's spunky and has a lot to say, she's kind of hard to turn off at the moment!

Fancy meeting you here... sorry I couldn't resist.

International is fantastic!

Glad you're excited to be a part of it. Sorry for the delay in saying my hellos. As I'm sure you've already read, I was unable to for a while there, but that's okay we're all good now. ^_^

Oops, sorry, I could have sworn I already said hello to you! Hmmm?? Anyway..
HELLO! You are a busy bee! I have so many stories in my head but I feel like I am betraying my characters if I switch to another book Though, they may just have to deal because I keep getting stuck and frustrated I'm diggin these emoticions, can you tell?
Good luck on Ysolde!!