The Speed of Life

January 28, 2007 | Writing, family, life

What a weird week this has been.

I managed to land a day job. And after receiving three agent rejections this week, perhaps it’s a sign. I’ve been looking for a job, albeit half-heartedly, since November and with very little success. Then this week, one interview, a few phone calls and I start Monday. Huh?! DS is thrilled that he’ll be able to go to a babysitter, I’m worried sick, but I’ve been known to be a tad overprotective.

Today I’m going to the hospital to visit my grandfather. He is in the final stages of prostate and bone cancer. This too seems to moving with a sudden and frightening speed. Three weeks ago DH and I were at my grandfather’s house so DH could hook up the wires to my grandfather’s new TV. He didn’t look well, but I must admit I’ve been completely unprepared for just how quickly he’s deteriorating. His doctor says he’s dwindling, and I can barely wrap my head around the idea that this could be the last time I see him. Okay, let’s talk about something else.

My WIP is coming along really well. I love my characters. I’m still has conflicted as ever on B&B. Though, I’ve made one decision that I definitely think was the right one. I rewrote the scene and can’t believe how much better it is.

Amongst my many rejections for Witch last week was a personal one. Good, right? Although, the agent didn’t like the conflict or the pacing, she did say the writing was good. That’s something, isn’t it?

Well, I should stop my ramblings here. I have a ton of stuff to do today. After all, tomorrow I have to go to work.

Music: On the Hood–Matt Mays and El Torpedo
Mood: When my brain catches up, I’ll let you know

Rejection with a Personal Touch

January 18, 2007 | Uncategorized

Today I received a rejection for a partial of Witch, but rather than the usual form letter, this time I received a little feed back as well. While the agent seemed to think the story had potential, she mentioned two points she had problems with. The first was something I hadn’t considered, and I found her suggestions very helpful. The other was one of those things you’ll either love or hate about the story , so at this point I’m not prepared to change it. (But ask me again in a couple of months – LOL) Also I should note that while she made suggestions, she didn’t invite to resubmit either. Oh, well.

But isn’t it a strange thing when receiving details about why someone doesn’t like your work is bizarre form of recognition. I thought so too.

Waiting for the Other Shoe to Drop

January 11, 2007 | Writing, life

I’m actually on top of things.

I’ve managed to write on WIP every day, as promised, meeting my daily page total. I’m caught up crits. Even my rewrite for B&B seems to be coming along. And I sent out six queries at the beginning of the week. My house could use a good clean, but I did manage to fold some laundry this morning.

Now, as the afternoon moves on, I wonder when the other shoe will drop. You know that feeling when everything is running too smooth and something must go wrong.

Well, I’m going to dig back in and get as much done as I can before it does.

Music: Hold On To Me – Cowboy Junkies
Mood: Good (but wary)

9,012 / 80,000 (11.3%)

A Brand New Year

January 3, 2007 | Writing

My apologies to both my readers for being so neglectful of my blog recently. I will strive to do better in the coming months.

After all, here it is a brand new year when all things seem possible. When the months stretch out before you and you say to yourself, “This is it, this is the year I finally sell something”. The self-doubt demon has been temporarily muzzled by the days and weeks of possibilities ahead. Not that he isn’t trying to bring me down, muttering around his confines. “What makes you think this year will be any different?”

And that’s really the key question. What will I do differently this year? I could bring out a long, convoluted list of goals and resolutions. That’s what I did last year. Some goals I met, some I didn’t. More of the latter, sadly. But this year I plan to keep it simple. I have three goals. The first is to write, every day, no excuses. The second is to learn, study the market and explore alternative opportunities to publish. The third is to publish. Now of the three, this third goal I have the least control over. Yet I can’t help but feel that by obtaining my first two goals I will certainly increase my odds towards three. That’s my theory anyway, and it sounds good so I’m going to go with it.

Anyway, hope you all had a wonderful holiday!

Music: Into the Ocean – Blue October
Mood: Up