Regular readers may recall that some time ago I began a new series for young adult readers, in which the first three installments were titled Scales, Claws and Spikes. You may also recall that though my agents and publisher thought the first installment was pretty good (despite not being able to agree on what age group it was for), I was ultimately advised to put it aside for now and concentrate on my books for adults.

Anyway, I’ve now entered that first installment in the Text Prize contest for unpublished children’s/young adult manuscripts, for which the prize is a publishing deal with a $10,000 advance. I don’t have high hopes of winning because I’m not really the sort of person who wins writing awards (something my detractors will have no trouble believing), but wish me luck anyway!