Hey All!!!
So, you may have noticed the wonderfully fancy button that I've recently added to my blog. And I can confirm that I will be officially published with Evernight Teen! I'm not sure as to the date yet, but I'm excited for you all to be able to read Cursed in the very near future.
I'll be putting together a post with all the details in the next few days.
Until then...happy reading and writing!
Showing posts with label submissions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label submissions. Show all posts
Wednesday, September 18, 2013
Saturday, June 1, 2013
VOTE FOR CURSED TO BE PUBLISHED!!!
Hey All!!!
Voting for the Yummy but Brainy Writing Contest for CBAY Books has opened. You can vote for Cursed to be published here.
I hope you all will see Cursed published very soon!!!
Happy reading and writing.
Voting for the Yummy but Brainy Writing Contest for CBAY Books has opened. You can vote for Cursed to be published here.
I hope you all will see Cursed published very soon!!!
Happy reading and writing.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
CONTEST BOOKS ARE AVAILABLE FOR DOWNLOAD!!!
Hey All!!!
The finalists' books for the Yummy But Brainy Writing Contest are now available here!!!
You can read the first sixty pages of my novel, Cursed, and on June 1st voting opens.
I hope you all like it!
Happy reading and writing.
The finalists' books for the Yummy But Brainy Writing Contest are now available here!!!
You can read the first sixty pages of my novel, Cursed, and on June 1st voting opens.
I hope you all like it!
Happy reading and writing.
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
I'M A FINALIST TO BE POSSIBLY PUBLISHED!!!
Hey All!!!
As you all know, I've been plucking away at this writing business for a while now. And you may have noticed that I've recently made a few comments hinting at the fact that I'm oh so close to being a part of the published community due to a writing contest with a independent publishing house in Austin, Texas.
Well, I can officially announce that I'm a finalist with for the Yummy but Brainy Writing Contest with Children's Brains Are Yummy Books!
About a year ago I submitted my query letter to CBAY Books in an effort to see if they'd be interested in publishing my work. I'd done my research on them, and while they aren't one of the big five (or six, depending on how you see publishing), they have a steady presence and have had some really good books come out (I'm a fan of P.J. Hoover =)! ). A few weeks later I was notified that I was selected as a semi-finalist and was asked to send my full manuscript over. And a few weeks after that I was selected as a finalist for the contest.
Now, I've spent the last few months polishing up my manuscript with one of their amazing editors on staff. I can say with confidence that the experience taught me SO much, and I'm a better writer because of it. So, where do we go from here?
The first sixty pages of my book, along with a wonderful cover, will be available for download on CBAY's website here starting sometime this week. Starting on June 1st, there will be a page where you can go and vote for your favorite book to be published! You can also recommend another book be selected as well, if you're having a hard time choosing just one.
Below is a blurb of the awesomeness that is my story:
Jazz hunts Suecai—an evil kind of incubi and succubae that have turned their backs on the ways of her people—that devour the essence of humans. During a standard raid Jazz is caught by a Suecai leader and cursed. With only weeks left, Jazz and her best friend Khan are now hunting the Suecai alone—not to protect humans but to save her own life. But will the growing attraction she feels for Khan get in the way?
Here's hoping that you all get a chance to read Cursed in the very near future! More updates to come soon.
Happy Reading and Writing!
As you all know, I've been plucking away at this writing business for a while now. And you may have noticed that I've recently made a few comments hinting at the fact that I'm oh so close to being a part of the published community due to a writing contest with a independent publishing house in Austin, Texas.
Well, I can officially announce that I'm a finalist with for the Yummy but Brainy Writing Contest with Children's Brains Are Yummy Books!
About a year ago I submitted my query letter to CBAY Books in an effort to see if they'd be interested in publishing my work. I'd done my research on them, and while they aren't one of the big five (or six, depending on how you see publishing), they have a steady presence and have had some really good books come out (I'm a fan of P.J. Hoover =)! ). A few weeks later I was notified that I was selected as a semi-finalist and was asked to send my full manuscript over. And a few weeks after that I was selected as a finalist for the contest.
Now, I've spent the last few months polishing up my manuscript with one of their amazing editors on staff. I can say with confidence that the experience taught me SO much, and I'm a better writer because of it. So, where do we go from here?
The first sixty pages of my book, along with a wonderful cover, will be available for download on CBAY's website here starting sometime this week. Starting on June 1st, there will be a page where you can go and vote for your favorite book to be published! You can also recommend another book be selected as well, if you're having a hard time choosing just one.
Below is a blurb of the awesomeness that is my story:
Jazz hunts Suecai—an evil kind of incubi and succubae that have turned their backs on the ways of her people—that devour the essence of humans. During a standard raid Jazz is caught by a Suecai leader and cursed. With only weeks left, Jazz and her best friend Khan are now hunting the Suecai alone—not to protect humans but to save her own life. But will the growing attraction she feels for Khan get in the way?
Here's hoping that you all get a chance to read Cursed in the very near future! More updates to come soon.
Happy Reading and Writing!
Monday, March 25, 2013
WHAT IT'S LIKE EDITING ON A DEADLINE
Hey All!!!
For the past few weeks I've been crazily focused on the edits for my book. This is nothing new. Dealing with hours of editing kind of comes with the territory of writing. But what's different about THESE edits is that they're on a hard deadline...one that's quickly approaching.
See, I'm a finalist for a writing contest with Children's Brains Are Yummy Books, an independent publisher of middle-grade and young adult novels based out of Austin, Texas! One of the major perks of being a finalist for this contest is that you get a line critique done by one of their editors. Then you have a few months - it was three and a half for me - to make the necessary changes before a portion of the book is posted online for wonderful folks like you all to vote on.
So what's it like editing with a deadline:
1) You're super excited at first because an editor has read your entire book and actually took the time to give you insight into what's good and not so good about it.
2) You dive into the editorial letter and notes, and see how the changes make your story really take on a polished and professional feel. In the process, you realize that not only is your story getting better, but your abilities as a writer are improving as well.
3) After weeks of going through your chapters, your editing engine slows down as you realize that going through 250 pages of line edits can be more than a bit grueling.
4) In an effort to maintain your sanity, you take some time to do other things you love to decompress, like reading a steamy romance for fun, because your eyes begin to bleed from even the thought of looking at your story.
5) You stay focused and push through - even though there are times when you don't want to - because you can see that you're story is getting better and better.
6) You have more than a few moments of yelling, "My writing sucks!"
7) After much pain and with an exhausted brain, you end up with a wonderfully polished story that you hope your editor will love as well.
8) You get more edits and start all over again!
Now, I'm assuming this is the case for number 8...since I haven't gotten to this part yet. I'm sending my first round of edited material over at the end of this week.
All in all, editing with an industry professional is an exhilarating and humbling experience that I hope to get to repeat for many years to come!
Happy Writing!!!
For the past few weeks I've been crazily focused on the edits for my book. This is nothing new. Dealing with hours of editing kind of comes with the territory of writing. But what's different about THESE edits is that they're on a hard deadline...one that's quickly approaching.
See, I'm a finalist for a writing contest with Children's Brains Are Yummy Books, an independent publisher of middle-grade and young adult novels based out of Austin, Texas! One of the major perks of being a finalist for this contest is that you get a line critique done by one of their editors. Then you have a few months - it was three and a half for me - to make the necessary changes before a portion of the book is posted online for wonderful folks like you all to vote on.
So what's it like editing with a deadline:
1) You're super excited at first because an editor has read your entire book and actually took the time to give you insight into what's good and not so good about it.
2) You dive into the editorial letter and notes, and see how the changes make your story really take on a polished and professional feel. In the process, you realize that not only is your story getting better, but your abilities as a writer are improving as well.
3) After weeks of going through your chapters, your editing engine slows down as you realize that going through 250 pages of line edits can be more than a bit grueling.
4) In an effort to maintain your sanity, you take some time to do other things you love to decompress, like reading a steamy romance for fun, because your eyes begin to bleed from even the thought of looking at your story.
5) You stay focused and push through - even though there are times when you don't want to - because you can see that you're story is getting better and better.
6) You have more than a few moments of yelling, "My writing sucks!"
7) After much pain and with an exhausted brain, you end up with a wonderfully polished story that you hope your editor will love as well.
8) You get more edits and start all over again!
Now, I'm assuming this is the case for number 8...since I haven't gotten to this part yet. I'm sending my first round of edited material over at the end of this week.
All in all, editing with an industry professional is an exhilarating and humbling experience that I hope to get to repeat for many years to come!
Happy Writing!!!
Monday, February 4, 2013
DIET COKE VS. PEPSI
Hey All!!!
In the past week I've had two different responses to my story from editors for independent presses. These got me thinking on just how subjective this whole writing business is.
On the one hand, an editor decided to pass on my work. The email was full of praise for my writing ability and skill, but the editor didn't fully connect with my main character. She felt that Jazz was a bit too reckless for her liking and not well-rounded enough. All in all the email was a good one. I mean, if you're going to get rejected you want to hear that you're doing good job at your craft while experiencing it. But in the end it still was a no.
Not even twenty-four hours later I got notes from a different editor. In this case, I'm a finalist in a contest for Children's Brains Are Yummy books and a part of that process involves having one of their editors do line edits on your entire manuscript before posting a portion of it to be voted on by the public. At the beginning of my editorial letter, one of the first things he said was how he enjoyed the fact that Jazz was such a well-rounded character and how he could relate to her conflict.
Two editors.
Both specialize in Young Adult/Middle Grade fiction.
Both read the same book.
Two differing reactions to my main character and the conflict she faces throughout my story.
When it comes down to it, a large part of making it in this business is being lucky enough to find the editor or agent who can understand the particular song you're singing. Sure, having the talent and a killer storyline is also key, but that lucky meeting with someone who can see your story for the awesomeness that it is...well, that's like finding a long buried treasure.
So when you get those rejections don't fret. It may having nothing to do with your actual writing ability - and everything to do with the fact that you sent the editor/agent a story that was Diet Coke, when s/he prefers Pepsi.
Happy Writing!!!
In the past week I've had two different responses to my story from editors for independent presses. These got me thinking on just how subjective this whole writing business is.
On the one hand, an editor decided to pass on my work. The email was full of praise for my writing ability and skill, but the editor didn't fully connect with my main character. She felt that Jazz was a bit too reckless for her liking and not well-rounded enough. All in all the email was a good one. I mean, if you're going to get rejected you want to hear that you're doing good job at your craft while experiencing it. But in the end it still was a no.
Not even twenty-four hours later I got notes from a different editor. In this case, I'm a finalist in a contest for Children's Brains Are Yummy books and a part of that process involves having one of their editors do line edits on your entire manuscript before posting a portion of it to be voted on by the public. At the beginning of my editorial letter, one of the first things he said was how he enjoyed the fact that Jazz was such a well-rounded character and how he could relate to her conflict.
Two editors.
Both specialize in Young Adult/Middle Grade fiction.
Both read the same book.
Two differing reactions to my main character and the conflict she faces throughout my story.
When it comes down to it, a large part of making it in this business is being lucky enough to find the editor or agent who can understand the particular song you're singing. Sure, having the talent and a killer storyline is also key, but that lucky meeting with someone who can see your story for the awesomeness that it is...well, that's like finding a long buried treasure.
So when you get those rejections don't fret. It may having nothing to do with your actual writing ability - and everything to do with the fact that you sent the editor/agent a story that was Diet Coke, when s/he prefers Pepsi.
Happy Writing!!!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
THE BALANCING GAME
Hey All!!!
So, I've been thinking about the balancing game that every writer who works a 9 to 5 has to play - the one where you divvy out time to work your full-time job, while making time to write, eat, workout, and live life all in one crammed day.
For some it's an up and down roller coaster ride, filled with irritation. There are few out there who can afford to write full-time, and having to wake up every morning and go to a J-O-B can be really difficult when all you want to do is spend your time with your nose in a good book, or creating a fantastic story of your own.
But for others, yours truly included, it's a rewarding venture that keeps life interesting. I have a good career in HR, which provides me with more than my share of interesting war stories to keep my creative juices flowing. I also have a passion for writing, which makes me happy overall. I can do both. I just have to plan like a crazy person to make sure that everything gets done that has to get done.
So how do I do it? Well, it's not without some sacrifices. I go to work and do my thing for 8 hours. Then I make sure to write, edit, or submit for at least half an hour during my lunch break. I have an hour set aside for working out when I get off. And then I make sure to schedule at least an hour of writing in the evenings when I get home. Not to mention that I try to spend a big chunk of my weekend being productive with my craft as well. There are a lot of fun things that I don't get to do every day, but the fulfillment I get when I finish a new tale more than makes up for it.
When it comes down to it, working while writing is a difficult juggle to perform, but if you plan correctly and are diligent about it, it's more than doable.
Happy Writing!!!
So, I've been thinking about the balancing game that every writer who works a 9 to 5 has to play - the one where you divvy out time to work your full-time job, while making time to write, eat, workout, and live life all in one crammed day.
For some it's an up and down roller coaster ride, filled with irritation. There are few out there who can afford to write full-time, and having to wake up every morning and go to a J-O-B can be really difficult when all you want to do is spend your time with your nose in a good book, or creating a fantastic story of your own.
But for others, yours truly included, it's a rewarding venture that keeps life interesting. I have a good career in HR, which provides me with more than my share of interesting war stories to keep my creative juices flowing. I also have a passion for writing, which makes me happy overall. I can do both. I just have to plan like a crazy person to make sure that everything gets done that has to get done.
So how do I do it? Well, it's not without some sacrifices. I go to work and do my thing for 8 hours. Then I make sure to write, edit, or submit for at least half an hour during my lunch break. I have an hour set aside for working out when I get off. And then I make sure to schedule at least an hour of writing in the evenings when I get home. Not to mention that I try to spend a big chunk of my weekend being productive with my craft as well. There are a lot of fun things that I don't get to do every day, but the fulfillment I get when I finish a new tale more than makes up for it.
When it comes down to it, working while writing is a difficult juggle to perform, but if you plan correctly and are diligent about it, it's more than doable.
Happy Writing!!!
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
IT'S ALL ABOUT COMMITMENT FOLKS
Hey All!!!
A few days ago, someone very dear to me told me that if you want to make a change in your life you have to commit to it and put the actions into motion. He's told me this before, mind you, but I don't think it really took root until that day. When it comes down to it, changing seems so much more complicated than that.
In previous conversations, the entire time, all I kept thinking and saying was, "It's not that simple! This is who I've been my entire life. It's impossible to just up and change my entire being?!! It takes time." But when we talked this week, I realized an important piece of what he was telling me. He wasn't telling me that I HAD to change. That was an important piece I had to catch onto, because without that small piece of intel I was more on the defensive and unable to really hear what he was telling me. What he was saying was that IF - and that's a big IF - I truly wanted to make a change, then I had to buckle down, commit to the work, and just do it!
Now, this conversation had more to do with my own personal crap, but I realized that it's a tid-bit we can all take and put in place for other areas in our lives, especially with writing. Writing is not something you can do as a side, this-is-just-sorta-fun hobby. Well, let me re-phrase that, you can do it as a side hobby, but to be successful, to really obtain the dream of publication and maybe even the illusive writing as a full-time gig, you have to be committed. You have to put in the work.
I often tell people I know that I'm working two jobs - because that's the honest truth. Yes, I'm an HR professional who spends my days helping employees with their benefits and other HR related needs. But I'm also a writer. When I'm not doing HR duties, I'm thinking of writing, I'm reading blogs and posts on it, I'm sending submissions, I'm editing my work, and I'm plotting and writing new material. That's my life folks! And I'm not playing around with it.
I'm committed. And not in the sort of, kind of, I'll get to it when I can sort of way, either. I'm all the way in, and I will make it to the finish line one day!
Oh, and I did decide to be comitted to make the changes to my personal crap as well...if you all were wondering =).
Happy Writing!!!
A few days ago, someone very dear to me told me that if you want to make a change in your life you have to commit to it and put the actions into motion. He's told me this before, mind you, but I don't think it really took root until that day. When it comes down to it, changing seems so much more complicated than that.
In previous conversations, the entire time, all I kept thinking and saying was, "It's not that simple! This is who I've been my entire life. It's impossible to just up and change my entire being?!! It takes time." But when we talked this week, I realized an important piece of what he was telling me. He wasn't telling me that I HAD to change. That was an important piece I had to catch onto, because without that small piece of intel I was more on the defensive and unable to really hear what he was telling me. What he was saying was that IF - and that's a big IF - I truly wanted to make a change, then I had to buckle down, commit to the work, and just do it!
Now, this conversation had more to do with my own personal crap, but I realized that it's a tid-bit we can all take and put in place for other areas in our lives, especially with writing. Writing is not something you can do as a side, this-is-just-sorta-fun hobby. Well, let me re-phrase that, you can do it as a side hobby, but to be successful, to really obtain the dream of publication and maybe even the illusive writing as a full-time gig, you have to be committed. You have to put in the work.
I often tell people I know that I'm working two jobs - because that's the honest truth. Yes, I'm an HR professional who spends my days helping employees with their benefits and other HR related needs. But I'm also a writer. When I'm not doing HR duties, I'm thinking of writing, I'm reading blogs and posts on it, I'm sending submissions, I'm editing my work, and I'm plotting and writing new material. That's my life folks! And I'm not playing around with it.
I'm committed. And not in the sort of, kind of, I'll get to it when I can sort of way, either. I'm all the way in, and I will make it to the finish line one day!
Oh, and I did decide to be comitted to make the changes to my personal crap as well...if you all were wondering =).
Happy Writing!!!
Sunday, December 9, 2012
OH THAT SILVER LINING!!!
Hello All!!!
So my submissions have been going pretty well. I've received my first full request from a really good independent publisher! Add to that finding out that I'm a semi-finalist for a contest with another independent publisher, which could result in the publication of my book, and I'm a happy camper.
Though it looked bleak for a while - with me having to re-do my query after being oh-so-sure that I was done with it - I'm feeling that all of the hard work is starting to pay off.
I'll keep you all posted!
Happy Writing!!!
So my submissions have been going pretty well. I've received my first full request from a really good independent publisher! Add to that finding out that I'm a semi-finalist for a contest with another independent publisher, which could result in the publication of my book, and I'm a happy camper.
Though it looked bleak for a while - with me having to re-do my query after being oh-so-sure that I was done with it - I'm feeling that all of the hard work is starting to pay off.
I'll keep you all posted!
Happy Writing!!!
Tuesday, December 4, 2012
KEEPING THE CRAZINESS AT BAY
Hello All!!!
So, I've continued to submit Cursed to varying independent publishing houses and agents. The process reminded me of the fact that so much of this business is a waiting game. One of the major parts of a writer's job is to keep calm as s/he waits for the jury to come back with the verdict as to whether their manuscripts are worthy.
And in that waiting, craziness can surely set in.
I go from moments of great optimism where I think it's only a matter of time before someone discovers my overall awesomeness, to moments when I feel my writing's complete crap and I should give up now. In those moments, I find that keeping myself busy helps the most.
So, what do I do to keep my brain from overheating and exploding? I read. I finished the outline for my new book. I write. I ponder the unknown questions the universe has to offer to me. I keep on trucking.
My boyfriend actually spouted some profound wisdom to me last night on waiting - though it had nothing to do with me waiting on agents/publishers. He explained that I have to live in the now and stop fantasizing about what will be, because all that fantasizing will ultimately make me crazy.
So that's what I'm doing. I wrote a list of all of the things I have to be thankful for - the things that make me happy overall. And I'm going to keep focused on that list and try my best not to get caught up in the waiting game and fantasizing on what will be once I "make it". Only time will tell how it will work.
Happy Writing!
So, I've continued to submit Cursed to varying independent publishing houses and agents. The process reminded me of the fact that so much of this business is a waiting game. One of the major parts of a writer's job is to keep calm as s/he waits for the jury to come back with the verdict as to whether their manuscripts are worthy.
And in that waiting, craziness can surely set in.
I go from moments of great optimism where I think it's only a matter of time before someone discovers my overall awesomeness, to moments when I feel my writing's complete crap and I should give up now. In those moments, I find that keeping myself busy helps the most.
So, what do I do to keep my brain from overheating and exploding? I read. I finished the outline for my new book. I write. I ponder the unknown questions the universe has to offer to me. I keep on trucking.
My boyfriend actually spouted some profound wisdom to me last night on waiting - though it had nothing to do with me waiting on agents/publishers. He explained that I have to live in the now and stop fantasizing about what will be, because all that fantasizing will ultimately make me crazy.
So that's what I'm doing. I wrote a list of all of the things I have to be thankful for - the things that make me happy overall. And I'm going to keep focused on that list and try my best not to get caught up in the waiting game and fantasizing on what will be once I "make it". Only time will tell how it will work.
Happy Writing!
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
KEEP ON TRUCKING
Hey All!!!
So, I found out today that the query letter I thought was ready for submissions wasn't all that ready. To say that I'm heartbroken is a bit of an understatement. I'd sent it to various sites and had many folks look it over, and thought I finally had gotten it right, only to find that it still isn't there. It's not even close to being there.
In the pursuit of my writing career and the skills needed to succeed with it, writing query letters is my one big Achilles' Heel.
I'm going back to the drawing board with this one...though I have to say that I'm not feeling very hopeful right now. We'll see.
Happy Writing Everyone!!!
So, I found out today that the query letter I thought was ready for submissions wasn't all that ready. To say that I'm heartbroken is a bit of an understatement. I'd sent it to various sites and had many folks look it over, and thought I finally had gotten it right, only to find that it still isn't there. It's not even close to being there.
In the pursuit of my writing career and the skills needed to succeed with it, writing query letters is my one big Achilles' Heel.
I'm going back to the drawing board with this one...though I have to say that I'm not feeling very hopeful right now. We'll see.
Happy Writing Everyone!!!
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
MOTIVATION, PERSEVERANCE, AND THE QUERYING GAME
Hey All!!!
So, I recently read a really amazing post on YA Highway about how trying to get published is like hoping for one of the seats to turn around for you when competing on The Voice. It rang so true for me when I read it, especially given one of the recent rejections I'd received from an agent I queried.
See, I've been making the rounds in the querying game. I've done this dance before, mind you, but not with as much determination and resolve. The two previous times I tried to query, I found myself sending letters to about twenty or so agents. Each time I at least got one or two requests for pages, which eventually ended in rejection. Now I've always had good encouragement from those who've asked me for pages - responses such as, "I really like your writing, but I don't think the concept is unique enough for this packed market." Or, "You have great descriptions, but the market is too crowded." But there was always something - most likely my lack of true determination - that would cause me to immediately stop and decide to either do a major re-write or to shelve the story all together due to thinking the timing wasn't right.
This time, when I entered the querying fighting ring, I told myself that I'd be bold. I wasn't leaving this fight until I'd submitted to darn near every agent and publishing house I could, or die trying! But, unlike my other two attempts, I'm not really getting any bites - and that scares me a little. And there's nothing in form rejections that let you know if it's just that the book isn't in their tastes, or if you're a terrible writer and should throw your hands up now and quit forever (or just write for your kiddos and loved ones). So it's hard to navigate the ups and downs of the querying process and not get discouraged.
This changed for me a bit on last Friday, when I received what felt like my millionth rejection. I opened the email, waiting for the punch to the gut I'd come to expect, and found a light at the end of my tunnel. She explained that she liked my writing, but isn't a big fan of urban fantasy. She also encouraged me to continue and stated that she felt sure I'd have representation in no time!
So when I read the post on YA Highway about how querying is all about tastes, and how it's rare that every agent you submit to will ask for pages, or will offer representation, it really hit home for me. Even though this dream seems impossible at times, I have to know in my heart and gut that I'm good. It's all a matter of time, folks. One of these days, one of these agents or editors is going to recognize my awesomeness for what it is and will help me to make my dream into a reality. It might take time, and a hell of a lot of hard work, but I'm in for the long haul. And I WILL. NOT. GIVE. UP!!!
How do you all handle the querying dance? What motivates you to keep going?
Happy Writing!!!
So, I recently read a really amazing post on YA Highway about how trying to get published is like hoping for one of the seats to turn around for you when competing on The Voice. It rang so true for me when I read it, especially given one of the recent rejections I'd received from an agent I queried.
See, I've been making the rounds in the querying game. I've done this dance before, mind you, but not with as much determination and resolve. The two previous times I tried to query, I found myself sending letters to about twenty or so agents. Each time I at least got one or two requests for pages, which eventually ended in rejection. Now I've always had good encouragement from those who've asked me for pages - responses such as, "I really like your writing, but I don't think the concept is unique enough for this packed market." Or, "You have great descriptions, but the market is too crowded." But there was always something - most likely my lack of true determination - that would cause me to immediately stop and decide to either do a major re-write or to shelve the story all together due to thinking the timing wasn't right.
This time, when I entered the querying fighting ring, I told myself that I'd be bold. I wasn't leaving this fight until I'd submitted to darn near every agent and publishing house I could, or die trying! But, unlike my other two attempts, I'm not really getting any bites - and that scares me a little. And there's nothing in form rejections that let you know if it's just that the book isn't in their tastes, or if you're a terrible writer and should throw your hands up now and quit forever (or just write for your kiddos and loved ones). So it's hard to navigate the ups and downs of the querying process and not get discouraged.
This changed for me a bit on last Friday, when I received what felt like my millionth rejection. I opened the email, waiting for the punch to the gut I'd come to expect, and found a light at the end of my tunnel. She explained that she liked my writing, but isn't a big fan of urban fantasy. She also encouraged me to continue and stated that she felt sure I'd have representation in no time!
So when I read the post on YA Highway about how querying is all about tastes, and how it's rare that every agent you submit to will ask for pages, or will offer representation, it really hit home for me. Even though this dream seems impossible at times, I have to know in my heart and gut that I'm good. It's all a matter of time, folks. One of these days, one of these agents or editors is going to recognize my awesomeness for what it is and will help me to make my dream into a reality. It might take time, and a hell of a lot of hard work, but I'm in for the long haul. And I WILL. NOT. GIVE. UP!!!
How do you all handle the querying dance? What motivates you to keep going?
Happy Writing!!!
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