Thursday Thoughts

R-E-J-E-C-T find out what it means to me.  Yep, I received a rejection on my short story submission, and it hit me where it hurts.  But the truth is that it means something more to me than just a simple no.  It means that I believed in myself enough to send it out in the first place.  It also means I can live through rejection.  And, of course, it means that they rejected my work, not me.

I also submitted two other places and hope to hear from them soon.  Even if it is a no from both of them, I feel like I'm taking one step closer to publication.  I refuse to give up until I get a yes, whether that's this year or a few years down the road.  That's what it means to be a writer.  That's what it means to pursue a writing career.  No publisher is going to come to my house, rifle through my computer files, and shout, "Eureka!" when they see my work.  I have to submit it and risk rejection.

You know what helps though?  A little chocolate and understanding friends.  One of my dear friends I met in Orlando told me I should hang on to that rejection.  Stephen King posted them above his desk, not as a reminder that he'd been rejected, but as a reminder that he had a goal and every rejection was one step closer to meeting it.

I'm not Stephen King, but rejection means that like a real author, I'm going to pull up my big girl panties, pull out the current WIP, and keep on keeping on.

Any suggestions for how to deal with rejection?  Maybe just a positive story about an author who had many rejections, but in the end, met their publication goals.

Happy Writing!

Tuesday Tips

Progress Update:

I still have five submissions out right now, and I added one more to bring the total to six little pieces of me out into the world.  I've sent queries and synopses out to three online publishers for my short story Into the Fire.  I've also entered the same short story into the Stroke of Midnight Contest with Passionate Ink.  I've heard back from one editor who requested the manuscript.  I did a final edit and sent it out to her.

I've also entered a YA short story in a flash fiction contest with WOW Women on Writing.  I have no idea when I'll hear anything about that, but the contest closes February 28th, so there is still time to enter a short story (750 words) if you are interested.  The link can be found in one of my earlier posts.

Finally, I sent a personal essay to Sasee Magazine, a magazine geared toward women who live on the lower eastern coast of the U. S.  It is a long shot that they'll publish it, but it was worth a try.

So, how do I keep track of all these, especially when I plan to add another submission in March and still maintain the six that are out?  I have an Excel spreadsheet that helps me keep everything straight.  Now I am so not a spreadsheet kind of person, but I like this because all the information I need is in one document and whenever any news on a submission comes in, I can update it there.  Another reason for me to keep track came up recently--TAXES.  As a writer who has every intention of getting published and building a career, I need to keep track of my trials and (hopefully) successes.  I need to show that I am trying at least.  The Excel document helps me do that.

If you're interested in seeing my spreadsheet and how I use it, send me an e-mail and I'll send you my latest version.

So how do you keep track of what is going out and the messages you get back?  Have you tried different systems?  What works for you?

To end with a little fun, here is a very silly video all about using Excel:


Happy writing!

In Editing Mode

I am def in editing mode now.  I queried and received a request Friday for my short story manuscript.  I'm not going to give details because I don't want to jinx anything, but before I submit, I'm going through one more time and getting info back from one of my beta readers today or tomorrow, so fingers crossed all goes well.

Even if I don't have a fantastically witty, remarkably insightful blogpost this time though doesn't mean I don't have something important to share.  Take note of the following amazing opportunity coming up.  The registration isn't up yet, but will be soon.

"Third Annual Spring Into Writing Workshop with Scott Eagan of Greyhaus Literary Agency on Saturday, March 19, 2011

9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Along with the session, Scott will listen to pitches from attendees."

Two Things I Dread

I love the writing process, from idea, to fingers on keyboard, to troubleshooting, to "the end", but there are two things with which I (along with many other writers) struggle. They are outlining my plot and writing the synopsis. Imagine my surprise when I came across (through another blogpost) this post by Bob Mayer. It gives a few helpful tips on outlining in the beginning. Then, there is a video all about writing the synopsis at the bottom of the page. Hope you find it as interesting as I did.

http://writeitforward.wordpress.com/

Also, if you are interested, The Wild Rose Press is calling for submissions to their Crimson Rose line (romantic suspense). Find out more information at this link:

http://thewildrosepress.com/publisher/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=42&Itemid=165

Happy writing!

Fall Break

Sharkey and the kids have the whole week off for Fall Break. It's like Spring Break, only not. I, on the other hand, get a cheaper version. Mine starts Wednesday, so I have to go to school Monday and Tuesday.

Yes, I considered being a bad teacher and calling in sick, but I just couldn't bring myself to do that to some poor substitute teacher for one thing, and I have so much to accomplish in those two measly days besides, so I will dutifully attend school the next two days and only whine a little bit about it.

On another note, I checked out a blog at http://www.seekerville.blogspot.com/ and ended up sending a pitch for editor Lia Brown at Avalon. Mine was one of five sent her way, with the truth-serum that she might look at them and go on her merry way, deciding mine is not what she is looking for. Still, the heart hopes, and I have a pitch in front of an editor.

But the ladies at Seekerville are celebrating the site's birthday with prizes in the form of books and critiques, so check it out if you get a chance.

Happy writing!