September 29, 2006
The Empty Mail Box
I find that whenever I have submissions out, I become somewhat obsessive about checking my mail. Today I checked it three times before giving up and accepting that there would nothing. Then, at nearly four o’clock, (our mail normally arrives between nine and one) I hear HellHound going ballistic at the front door. I emerged from my office just in time to see the mailman hightailing it away from our porch. (Not that I blame him.) The mail at last. But when I check, all that’s there is a bank statement and two fliers. Sigh.
This, of course, begs the question, isn’t no news good news where submissions are concerned? And the answer is yes, but I have to admit, the whole hurry-up-and-wait in this business is probably the hardest thing for me to deal with. I can handle the rejections. Don’t get me wrong I would much prefer to be offered the contract of my dreams, but one step at a time. Still, I find the months of waiting very frustrating.
I’ve had a full with an editor since the end of May and really that’s not very long. I’ve heard of writers with submissions at publishers for up to and over a year. That’s a lot of empty mail boxes.
Mood: Tired
Music: Diana Krall
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Just this month so far I’ve sent out two RWA contest entries (Alabaster Combs) and one short story, so will be in the same position, watching for that red flag down at the road. Oh, and funny enough, my little Hellhound (aka as sweet Gypsy Rose) goes nuts when the mail van goes by, jumps off her padded rocking chair and goes in circles until she runs down to see what mailperson left her (we’re on a rural side road with little traffic, and we don’t let her out until the mail van is well on its way).
I’ve got the problem of having a short story requested by a publication and have heard nothing in months, and even my e-mail contact has not replied. I have another mag I want to send it to, but can’t get word one out of this well-known flight mag. Aggravating.
Oh BTW, I haven’t been able to access my own redstatevoices blogspot in days. Wonder what’s going on?
September 29th, 2006 at 11:34 pmDanw, I can relate to the submitting thing…I can’t figure out how to link you to me! DAngitall! If your webgal can throw us any suggs, I’d appreciate it~
Katherine
September 30th, 2006 at 4:07 amI don’t know how you do it. I admire your ability to send your hard work out there, into the world. I really do. I hope your big break comes very soon.
September 30th, 2006 at 12:37 pmHey Dawn,
October 2nd, 2006 at 2:06 amChin up. The waiting sucks big time but when you get that contract, you can do a jig and treat yourself and DH to a movie. I’m thinking of sending my work to two contests. Will keep you informed.
is it availible in German?
September 5th, 2008 at 9:50 pmI’m not sure. I’ll look into it and find out.
September 8th, 2008 at 10:26 pmHi! I was surfing and found your blog post… nice! I love your blog.
Cheers! Sandra. R.
September 10th, 2009 at 2:01 pm