Fun Facts – Horse Names!

The idea for the LGN started in my eight-year-old brain. Even at that age, I wanted to write the horse novel I hadn't found to read. Yes, I read The Black Stallion series, and Black Gold and King of the Wind. I enjoyed them, but wanted more!

What does an eight-year-old name her fictional horses? Well...Chique, star of the LGN, was Snowflake. Yes, really.

There was a post shared with me on Facebook yesterday, of a little black (likely to turn grey) filly by Caravaggio, asking readers what they'd name her. I didn't share, but it immediately brought to mind Snowflake! C'mon...she'll probably grey out all dark and frosty like her dad. It would suit, right?  😉

There's No Such Thing As A Sure Thing

Tone Broke on his way to winning the Prince of Wales Stakes this year.

It's what we live by in horse racing – you never know. Now that I have the LGN (because it will always be that in my head) back from the betas, I'm contemplating making some changes based on their comments. I've also pretty much decided to change the name. Fifty Sovereigns seems too stuffy now, so I'm thinking about Good Things Come.

The other thing that's come out of the beta process is possibly seeking a traditional publisher. All along I've just assumed I'd self-publish because horse novels don't seem to have a hope in hell in the "real world," but one beta, in particular, insisted it should be traditionally published. While it's not as easy as that, I'm going to go through the motions for a while at least. That means fun things like a query letter, synopsis, and so on, in an attempt to attract an agent. Things that strike fear into the hearts of wannabe authors everywhere! If it comes to nought, I still maintain it will be a good exercise.

Speaking of good exercises...I decided to be brave and submit a story to a flash fiction contest today. Gulp. I'm no good at flash fiction...or even short stories. Have to do things that scare us now and again, right?

Sundays Are For Writing

It's a habit that came from the write-ins I did with my friend Sheri during Nano. I don't always get to write on Sundays, but it's kind of what's in my head. As my crazy novel is currently off to my beta readers, I'm at a bit of a loss! It was good to take a break from it at first, because it's been in my head so much, but I miss it!

I will be going on to the outlining work I'd started on the sequel – which has also been written in full, in the past, but will be getting a fresh start. I actually "rewarded" myself with some outlining software. It was pretty inexpensive, and if it helps me be disciplined in that area, it'll be worth it!

Another thing I've been thinking about is how to come up with a Patreon membership. I follow a couple of writers, and I know a few artists who are using the platform. Well, what if I came up with a writing/painting/horse life one? It's got the gears in my head going at the moment. I'll probably wait until Fifty Sovereigns is closer to publication to launch it, if I decide to do so...so that gives me time to come up with something. Might be interesting to give it a try!

The sun is shining after a grey morning, and I've still got stalls to do, so off I go! Maybe a bit of brainstorming this aft on the Patreon concept. What do you think? What would you want to see?

If you're not familiar with Patreon, you can see it right here.