Updates:
Well, I heard from the agent, and received a polite rejection. She didn't give negative feedback, just said she didn't connect with my writing. Not happy with the rejection, but at least she didn't tell me to not quit the day job. After I received the rejection I went back and re-read the first three chapters. See, as an editor, I know what I mean when I say I don't connect with someone's writing. I mean the story isn't all that spectacular, but we don't want to thoroughly crush someone's dreams. We aren't Simon Cowell after all.
So after re-reading I could see why she didn't connect with it. Funny how I missed it during edits. I am now in the process of rewriting the story. I only wish I could resub to the same agent so I could redeem myself. Maybe I'll attempt to do so with a different story.
It's coming up on July 4, and The Wild Rose Press is closed for a week...well the bookstore will be open and new releases will be going out, but the editors have been given a week off. I am going to take advantage of the week and see if I can't knock out a few chapters for either the revisions or my young adult romance.
Have a happy Fourth of July!!!
Friday, June 26, 2009
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Migraines, wine and writing...
I've been trying most diligently to finish the next round of edits on my current work in progress. Unfortunately, this week has been slow going due to a lingering migraine. My boss thinks there is a magically cure to migraine, and my thought is short of cutting of my head, or becoming a man, nothing will help. So I chug down Excedrin and keep going.
So what does wine have to do with writing? Well, I find that when I drink a glass of wine while writing, it helps relax my mind enough to let me be free with my writing. I'm not constantly getting caught up on what someone might say about what I am writing. The words flow more freely. I can only imagine how free my words would be after several glasses.
Still no news from the agent, and I'm on week six. I'm a bit panicked--not because I'm worried about being rejected, but because I'm worried they didn't receive the partial. Only two more weeks and then I can send a calm email asking for receipt confirmation...and then it's off to notsopatiently wait for their response.
I've been trying most diligently to finish the next round of edits on my current work in progress. Unfortunately, this week has been slow going due to a lingering migraine. My boss thinks there is a magically cure to migraine, and my thought is short of cutting of my head, or becoming a man, nothing will help. So I chug down Excedrin and keep going.
So what does wine have to do with writing? Well, I find that when I drink a glass of wine while writing, it helps relax my mind enough to let me be free with my writing. I'm not constantly getting caught up on what someone might say about what I am writing. The words flow more freely. I can only imagine how free my words would be after several glasses.
Still no news from the agent, and I'm on week six. I'm a bit panicked--not because I'm worried about being rejected, but because I'm worried they didn't receive the partial. Only two more weeks and then I can send a calm email asking for receipt confirmation...and then it's off to notsopatiently wait for their response.
Friday, April 17, 2009
This morning I was going through my normal routine--getting dressed, makeup, hair, quick protein shake, scoop cat box, walk around car to climb in and...AAAHHHH!!! There staring me down was this gigantic brown UGLY!!! spider. I swear it was weilding a sword and shield and was taunting me. "You wanna fight, spider slayer, let's go!" I mean seriously!
So I scream like a scared little girl, run back around the car and grab my weapon...a broom. I tiptoe (yes, literally) back to the other side and take one step toward the spider. It of course takes off in the opposite direction so I'm chasing after it like a mad woman and it disappears. Now this spider is (no exageration!) 2 inches long and wide, so it should be easy to spot in a fairly uncluttered garage. It ran under my car so I took the opportunity to jump in the car and back out thinking I'll see it in the middle of the garage and I can get it with the broom or run it over. IT"S NOT THERE! The freaking thing totally disappeared. So now I'm worrying it's either going to tangle with my cat Susie who has no fear of attacking any kind of bug--poisonous or not--or it's hiding in my car somewhere ready to pounce on me the moment I get behind the wheel. Yes, I'm thoroughly traumatized!
So what is the point of this story? No point. Not really. I'm still wigged out over the thought how huge that thing was, and how my bug man can't get to the house soon enough to spray. **shivers**
So, on the writing front...my short story was rejected by the magazine I subbed to, and another short was rejected by Harlequin. Both rejections I was totally fine with, and the story sent to Harlequin is now in the capable hands of The Wild Rose Press, for hopeful publication. I still have the partial with the agent, which is good, and I'm praying very hard and faithfully that they want to see the full manuscript. On the agent's website it says most queries are rejected at the query letter stage and those people don't get to submit partials. So I'm past the first road block. Of course I really want them to read the full manuscript before they reject me. Really. Read the full thing before you slice my dreams off at the throat leaving my life blood to drip all over the shiny tile floor in your plush corner cubicle...only then will I allow you to hang my severed head on a spike in your Hall of Rejects.
And on that happy note! LOL I hope you all have a wonderful Friday, and a great weekend. Enjoy the sun (or snow depending on where you may be) and play hard!
So I scream like a scared little girl, run back around the car and grab my weapon...a broom. I tiptoe (yes, literally) back to the other side and take one step toward the spider. It of course takes off in the opposite direction so I'm chasing after it like a mad woman and it disappears. Now this spider is (no exageration!) 2 inches long and wide, so it should be easy to spot in a fairly uncluttered garage. It ran under my car so I took the opportunity to jump in the car and back out thinking I'll see it in the middle of the garage and I can get it with the broom or run it over. IT"S NOT THERE! The freaking thing totally disappeared. So now I'm worrying it's either going to tangle with my cat Susie who has no fear of attacking any kind of bug--poisonous or not--or it's hiding in my car somewhere ready to pounce on me the moment I get behind the wheel. Yes, I'm thoroughly traumatized!
So what is the point of this story? No point. Not really. I'm still wigged out over the thought how huge that thing was, and how my bug man can't get to the house soon enough to spray. **shivers**
So, on the writing front...my short story was rejected by the magazine I subbed to, and another short was rejected by Harlequin. Both rejections I was totally fine with, and the story sent to Harlequin is now in the capable hands of The Wild Rose Press, for hopeful publication. I still have the partial with the agent, which is good, and I'm praying very hard and faithfully that they want to see the full manuscript. On the agent's website it says most queries are rejected at the query letter stage and those people don't get to submit partials. So I'm past the first road block. Of course I really want them to read the full manuscript before they reject me. Really. Read the full thing before you slice my dreams off at the throat leaving my life blood to drip all over the shiny tile floor in your plush corner cubicle...only then will I allow you to hang my severed head on a spike in your Hall of Rejects.
And on that happy note! LOL I hope you all have a wonderful Friday, and a great weekend. Enjoy the sun (or snow depending on where you may be) and play hard!
Tuesday, April 07, 2009
Ok, so my intent to post a minimum of once a month flopped terribly in March. And now on to April...
There has been a lot happening for my writing recently, and I'm so happy about it. I got the very rough first draft written for another short story, subbed a story to Harlquin, a short story to a magazine, and another full to an agent. Well, I'm still waiting for a response from Harlequin and the magazine, but the agent requested a partial of the manuscript. I was beyond thrilled to get her email. Of course we all believe out writing is the best out there...I mean come on, we're authors, and in order to survive the business you have to believe your work is great--at least in public. When you're alone talking with crit partners you can let your guard down and say it's garbage. :) However, I honestly feel really good about the story I subbed to the agent. Hopefully she'll enjoy it as well as my crit partners did, and she'll request the full. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
In the meantime, I'm working on the second draft for my short story, because I've promised it to my editor, and I am really behind. And then I'll pretty up the full.
Hopefully I'll get back on schedule to blogging, and will eventually update the layout.
Happy writing!
There has been a lot happening for my writing recently, and I'm so happy about it. I got the very rough first draft written for another short story, subbed a story to Harlquin, a short story to a magazine, and another full to an agent. Well, I'm still waiting for a response from Harlequin and the magazine, but the agent requested a partial of the manuscript. I was beyond thrilled to get her email. Of course we all believe out writing is the best out there...I mean come on, we're authors, and in order to survive the business you have to believe your work is great--at least in public. When you're alone talking with crit partners you can let your guard down and say it's garbage. :) However, I honestly feel really good about the story I subbed to the agent. Hopefully she'll enjoy it as well as my crit partners did, and she'll request the full. Keep your fingers crossed for me.
In the meantime, I'm working on the second draft for my short story, because I've promised it to my editor, and I am really behind. And then I'll pretty up the full.
Hopefully I'll get back on schedule to blogging, and will eventually update the layout.
Happy writing!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
My Newest Release!
Today Kiss Me By Moonlight was released by The Wild Rose Press. I'm so excited. Story number 6! You can find the story at http://www.thewildrosepress.com/
Blurb
Lindsey Carter thought she’d found her Prince Charming in Brandon Thompson. When he pulls a vanishing act after their first date, her prince becomes a frog. However, Fate steps in. At a weekend conference, she gets a second chance to find out if Brandon’s a shining knight or a real croaker. Will playing hard to get earn her a victory in love, or will she be left seeing green?
Excerpt
They’d shared only one date, one dinner, and one kiss. One knock-your-socks-off kiss she couldn’t forget.
Lindsey pushed the button for diet soda, bent over and retrieved the cold can. So far, so good. She turned on her heel and strode back toward her friends. Brandon, she tried not to notice, was now standing, his back facing her pathway. She had a glorious view of his jean-clad tight rear. Longing coursed through her veins, but she ignored it and sneaked a peak at the back of his head.
Still turned away. Her heart dipped in disappointment. He hadn’t even noticed her.
Steeling her determination, Lindsey pressed on. She blew on the top of the can, puffing away dust and focusing on something other than the gorgeous specimen now standing just to her right. Her hand dropped to her side, just as he took a half step back.
His fingers bumped into her pinkie, briefly curling around the digit in the gentlest of caresses. The shock of the connection seared up her arm like a bolt of lightning. Lindsey fought not to react, to keep walking at a normal pace, despite every nerve ending begging to stay, to pull closer to Brandon. Her gaze shot up to gauge his reaction, but all she saw was his profile—firm jaw, straight nose and high cheekbones.
Had he tried to grab her attention? Lindsey bit back a snort of disbelief. He probably didn’t realize she was behind him. Nope, the touch was definitely unintentional.
Finally back with Tara and Shelly, she released a pent-up breath and her shoulders sagged. “I did it. I walked past him, and didn’t jump him. I did good.”
Friday, January 16, 2009
Blasts from the Past...
Over the past two weeks I've reconnected with people from my youth. One of whom I haven't spoken to in probably 15 years. One of those friends was in Las Vegas this week, and we hooked up last night. We went out to eat and hung out for a bit. It was a great reconnection. Of course my poor hubby had to sit between two girls chatting for several hours, but he was a good sport about it.
Sadly, I don't have much writing news. I've got a few goals for the new year pertaining to writing. I have one short I need to finish writing for TWRP's Sweetheart line, and I really want to finish the first draft of full length (100,000 word) novel by the end of the year. I figure first draft is a doable goal. My friend and crit partner pointed me to a magazine that publishes romance stories of 3000 - 5000 words. I have a completed story that needs tweaked, but I'm going to submit the story to them in hopes they like the story. They pay a flat fee and I'd get copies of the magazine. Anyway to get my name out there is good, so why not? I'm praying hard, and keeping my fingers crossed that they like the story.
I'll keep you all posted.
Happy New Year!!
Over the past two weeks I've reconnected with people from my youth. One of whom I haven't spoken to in probably 15 years. One of those friends was in Las Vegas this week, and we hooked up last night. We went out to eat and hung out for a bit. It was a great reconnection. Of course my poor hubby had to sit between two girls chatting for several hours, but he was a good sport about it.
Sadly, I don't have much writing news. I've got a few goals for the new year pertaining to writing. I have one short I need to finish writing for TWRP's Sweetheart line, and I really want to finish the first draft of full length (100,000 word) novel by the end of the year. I figure first draft is a doable goal. My friend and crit partner pointed me to a magazine that publishes romance stories of 3000 - 5000 words. I have a completed story that needs tweaked, but I'm going to submit the story to them in hopes they like the story. They pay a flat fee and I'd get copies of the magazine. Anyway to get my name out there is good, so why not? I'm praying hard, and keeping my fingers crossed that they like the story.
I'll keep you all posted.
Happy New Year!!
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