Writing Partner

As the new year is getting into full swing for me, I received my third agent rejection of my first completed novel. It got me thinking about what might be "wrong" with it, and I've been considering some substantial revisions. This is the novel I wrote early last year, and I completed its sequel in December. There is a third book, possibly a trilogy conclusion, but more just a sequel, that I would really like to write, but I don't see much point, right now, into going forward if I don't have the attention of an agent. Sadly, as much as I'd like to just tell the story, I've got too much to do to spend (much) time on anything not earning money or satisfying a class (and when I get into one of these novels, it consumes me). This is genre fiction - paranormal romance to be precise - and I have a couple literary fiction pieces on back burners, along with all my active nonfiction work for class.

I was pondering this as I began working on some blog posts, a couple photo essays, and the last of my etsy stock. Pondering, pondering... and suddenly it occured to me that there were ways to get some feedback. I don't have the time or money to join something like the RWA, and the Word Nerd Co-op sadly seems to have gone under, but I decided to take their idea, and their questionnaire, and see if anyone who reads my blog or who posts on NaNoWriMo forums might be interested in a mini-workshop/partnership.

So here I go:

1. At what level would you describe yourself as a writer (for instance, just starting to take myself seriously; searching for a graduate program, etc.)?
I’m in the U of Arizona MFA program. I wrote sporadically for fun and extensively academically for the last eight years, but I’ve only been writing what I’d really like to for about fifteen months.

2. What genre(s) do you write?
I’m currently starting a collection of essays to bridge the gap between my experience in the heritage industry and my interdisciplinary interests. I also have two novels completed (one needs thorough revision), and another half-done novel on a back burner until I'm ready for it as a writer.

3. How do you fit writing into your life right now?
I am doing my best to write daily, though it may be journalling (which eventually becomes essays but is still, for now, journalling) or it may be work on something in progress or something new. It's also a lovely excuse to go to a café, and vice versa.

7. What writing craft books do you have/like?
Writers on Writing, Portable MFA, King's On Writing...

8. Any craft books you’re interested in checking out?
I have The Right to Write but haven't started it yet, and a book on characterization, the title of which escapes me.

9. What inspires your writing?
Fiction - two things. One, I just find it fun. I think there's a lot of value in a book as entertainment in today's fast-paced world. Two, I like books that get me thinking about the nature of the world and the universe, and ultimately, that's what I would like my "serious" or literary works to do. Nonfiction - it varies. Sometimes it's a personal story I need to get out there; other times, I have something persuasive to say.

10. How would your author’s blurb read?
Jennie McStotts worked as an attorney and college professor for five years before realizing that a paycheck isn't everything. Fortunately for her, writing is not a jealous mistress and took her back with open arms. (Donations accepted.)

11. Tell us about your family (partners, kids, pets, etc.)
One husband, currently separated (AZ and NY), no kids, one dog (with me) and five cats (with him).

12. Have you ever participated in Nanowrimo (finished or not!)?
I started and finished both 2007 and 2008. Woot!

13. What can you do to make it easier on yourself to meet your goal for this project?
I hope that finding someone who shares my love of genre fiction to discuss writing will help. I feel a bit closeted and unable to disclose my secret to my MFA classmates, as much as I trust them with my nonfic.

14. What are you looking for in terms of support from a writing partner (ex. Exchanging work for critique, being held accountable for meeting a word count goal, etc.)?
Yes. I'm open to negotiation on this, but regular meetings, exchange of work, etc.

15. What crafty pursuits do you enjoy when you’re not writing?
16. What other hobbies/past times do you like?
Crochet and photography, primarily, but also other things. (More to come in 2009.)

Would anyone be interested in an e-exchange of writing, or is there anyone who lives in Tucson looking for a buddy?