Life is crazy.
Work has consumed my life.
Finished query version 20.0.
Sent out query to a couple of agents.
Scared to send out more.
Off to work.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Calm. Cool. Collected... and Getting Skinny.
I wanted to make sure I posted something today, just so my blog doesn't stop on such a negative post and you wonder, "Where did she go? Did they finally lock her up in a padded room?".
I'm better after yesterday's minor meltdown. I went to work, relaxed at home, got some sleep, and woke up ready to take this monster on again. As much as I would love to find an agent as soon as humanly possible, I am going to take it slow, allow the creative juices to flow and not force them. Most importantly, I am going to live life.
I have been stressing myself way too much over this and letting it consume my mind so much that I haven't taken any time to stop and have fun. Even in those two weeks I took a break from writing it, my mind was still spinning. I had this silly idea that my life would start after I got published when the truth of the matter is, it's passing me by now.
So I shall continue writing, continue query revising, but will also take time to stop and smell the roses.
On another note (I don't think I have talked about this yet), I have only twenty pounds left out of the sixty I am trying to lose! I am quite ecstatic! Hot summer bod, here I come!
I'm better after yesterday's minor meltdown. I went to work, relaxed at home, got some sleep, and woke up ready to take this monster on again. As much as I would love to find an agent as soon as humanly possible, I am going to take it slow, allow the creative juices to flow and not force them. Most importantly, I am going to live life.
I have been stressing myself way too much over this and letting it consume my mind so much that I haven't taken any time to stop and have fun. Even in those two weeks I took a break from writing it, my mind was still spinning. I had this silly idea that my life would start after I got published when the truth of the matter is, it's passing me by now.
So I shall continue writing, continue query revising, but will also take time to stop and smell the roses.
On another note (I don't think I have talked about this yet), I have only twenty pounds left out of the sixty I am trying to lose! I am quite ecstatic! Hot summer bod, here I come!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Put it on Record...
... I officially hate query letters.
Encouraged and optimistic as everyone liked it before the final tweaks, I resubmitted my fourth revision for critique. My query ended up being forwarded to another website for a fresh pair of eyes to look at. I was fine with that, everyone on the other website liked it, so I wasn't too worried about it. I figured there would be a few minor changes, but nothing big.
THEY HAD SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT EVERY SENTENCE!
Gahhh!! What do these people want from me?!?! The moment I feel as though I am on the right track, I feel better about what I'm doing, I get excited about the future, BAM! Back at step one!
This website says it's too confusing and by the end you are lost with the story, resulting in my brain about to explode. I am so freakin' frustrated! No matter what advice I take, what I write, it's never good enough!
And now, now I need to find time to even look at my query to revise it! I'm seriously about to lose it.
Today, this journey blows. Blah.
Encouraged and optimistic as everyone liked it before the final tweaks, I resubmitted my fourth revision for critique. My query ended up being forwarded to another website for a fresh pair of eyes to look at. I was fine with that, everyone on the other website liked it, so I wasn't too worried about it. I figured there would be a few minor changes, but nothing big.
THEY HAD SOMETHING TO SAY ABOUT EVERY SENTENCE!
Gahhh!! What do these people want from me?!?! The moment I feel as though I am on the right track, I feel better about what I'm doing, I get excited about the future, BAM! Back at step one!
This website says it's too confusing and by the end you are lost with the story, resulting in my brain about to explode. I am so freakin' frustrated! No matter what advice I take, what I write, it's never good enough!
And now, now I need to find time to even look at my query to revise it! I'm seriously about to lose it.
Today, this journey blows. Blah.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Better Late Than Never?
So twenty days later..
Sorry, life has been nuts. The job I'm at decided to keep my long term so I leave home at 2pm and don't get back until midnight where I shove some dinner in me, pick up my husband at work at 12:30, go to bed at 2:30, wake up at around 11:00am, workout, run some errands and I'm back to 2pm.
Where did I leave off? Right! I had my query critiqued and it needed a lot of work.
During my rewriting, I was incredibly frustrated at times. A part of me thought, "You want to be a writer but you are having problems with a one page query letter?" One day I sat at my desk for six hours just writing query after query, stopping every half hour to bawl my eyes out (that's not an exaggeration) because I was getting nowhere and felt that my book wouldn't either. I won't lie, I wanted to quit, give up. I felt like I was traveling on a one way ticket to nowhere. I mean, who am I to try to go against the big boys? Me, a mere little amateur who is back to working a food line. Perhaps that is what I am destined to do, and writing is just a passion I will never be able to share.
A part of me still fears this. But, I did take a couple of weeks off from the query just to regroup, refresh and well, just get my sanity back (or whatever is left of it). During that time, I got three more rejections. One from the agent on the top of my list. It sucked, but at least I have work to keep me distracted and I am not alone with my thoughts all day wondering if I'm in over my head, though sometimes I wish I was at home alone, this job is really hard on the body; but I am trying my best not to complain as there are tons of people out there right now who would kill to have any job.
Anyways, the query is rewritten, again, for the fourth time. I resubmitted my first draft for a critique and people said it was much better. Some tweaks were still needed, but at least people are telling me they would read it now. It definitely gave me the encouragement I needed. Hopefully I can start submitting again soon, though a part of me scared to, but I will overcome.
Sorry, life has been nuts. The job I'm at decided to keep my long term so I leave home at 2pm and don't get back until midnight where I shove some dinner in me, pick up my husband at work at 12:30, go to bed at 2:30, wake up at around 11:00am, workout, run some errands and I'm back to 2pm.
Where did I leave off? Right! I had my query critiqued and it needed a lot of work.
During my rewriting, I was incredibly frustrated at times. A part of me thought, "You want to be a writer but you are having problems with a one page query letter?" One day I sat at my desk for six hours just writing query after query, stopping every half hour to bawl my eyes out (that's not an exaggeration) because I was getting nowhere and felt that my book wouldn't either. I won't lie, I wanted to quit, give up. I felt like I was traveling on a one way ticket to nowhere. I mean, who am I to try to go against the big boys? Me, a mere little amateur who is back to working a food line. Perhaps that is what I am destined to do, and writing is just a passion I will never be able to share.
A part of me still fears this. But, I did take a couple of weeks off from the query just to regroup, refresh and well, just get my sanity back (or whatever is left of it). During that time, I got three more rejections. One from the agent on the top of my list. It sucked, but at least I have work to keep me distracted and I am not alone with my thoughts all day wondering if I'm in over my head, though sometimes I wish I was at home alone, this job is really hard on the body; but I am trying my best not to complain as there are tons of people out there right now who would kill to have any job.
Anyways, the query is rewritten, again, for the fourth time. I resubmitted my first draft for a critique and people said it was much better. Some tweaks were still needed, but at least people are telling me they would read it now. It definitely gave me the encouragement I needed. Hopefully I can start submitting again soon, though a part of me scared to, but I will overcome.
Thursday, April 8, 2010
The "Q" Word.
I have been meaning to post all day but just haven't had the time. Between sledgehammering my laptop, crying in frustration and stopping to eat ramen noodles, I don't know how it came to 10:00!
Perhaps I should explain.
My query got critiqued today and it was pretty much critiqued the way I thought it would go: That's it? Where's the plot? Why is this story different than any other story in it's category?
I won't lie (mostly because it's already in another post), at first I thought my new query was pretty darn good, but it was a lesson learned. Judging by the comments of those critiquing my query, I am not the first one to have stumbled upon a blog and misunderstood (I'm not going to say it was the blogger's fault, I'm the amateur) what was written. I condensed too much, way too much, to the point where it could have just said, "This is Jane. Jane likes a boy. It doesn't work out. She's meant to be with someone else." Live and learn.
So it seems I was actually on the right track with my very first query. I say track because it's nowhere near ready to be flown out into the Land of Agents. In fact, I revised it for about six hours today and still got nothing. I don't know, I can write a book, but when it comes to writing the query in the voice of the novel, or even just trying to explain the plot, I'm at a loss. I wrote at least fifteen different queries today, and all I feel weren't good enough. At this point, I am really worried that my book is going to sit on my virtual shelf, untouched, because I can't write a good query. *sigh*
I wanted this all done before I went back to work. I foresee a lot of caffeine in my future.
Perhaps I should explain.
My query got critiqued today and it was pretty much critiqued the way I thought it would go: That's it? Where's the plot? Why is this story different than any other story in it's category?
I won't lie (mostly because it's already in another post), at first I thought my new query was pretty darn good, but it was a lesson learned. Judging by the comments of those critiquing my query, I am not the first one to have stumbled upon a blog and misunderstood (I'm not going to say it was the blogger's fault, I'm the amateur) what was written. I condensed too much, way too much, to the point where it could have just said, "This is Jane. Jane likes a boy. It doesn't work out. She's meant to be with someone else." Live and learn.
So it seems I was actually on the right track with my very first query. I say track because it's nowhere near ready to be flown out into the Land of Agents. In fact, I revised it for about six hours today and still got nothing. I don't know, I can write a book, but when it comes to writing the query in the voice of the novel, or even just trying to explain the plot, I'm at a loss. I wrote at least fifteen different queries today, and all I feel weren't good enough. At this point, I am really worried that my book is going to sit on my virtual shelf, untouched, because I can't write a good query. *sigh*
I wanted this all done before I went back to work. I foresee a lot of caffeine in my future.
Monday, April 5, 2010
I Think April Hates Me
No, I am not talking about a person, I am talking about the month. It seems every year April comes around, the Sucks to be You Gods come upon me.
April 2nd- My husband and I get into a car accident with a deer on the way home from the in-laws on Friday. We're fine, I just had a little whiplash, but the whole driver's side is dented and has a nice fur coat (apparently we skinned the deer). The deer came out of nowhere, my hubby started to brake so it would run past in front of us, but at the last second, Bambi freaked out, turned and BAM! right into the side of our car. We were out in the middle of nowhere, with no cell phones, so we had to (carefully) drive back to his parent's house, the car scraping on the pavement, where thankfully his father-in-law fixed where it was scraping and the car is drive able until Monday when we get the good ol' insurance involved. Thankfully, as my father in law said, we wouldn't have to pay a deductible because it would fall under "An Act of God" or what have you.
April 3rd- Turns out we do have to pay a deductible, which I mean, yes it better than having to fork out the entire amount, but that means money that I was going to be saving to go back home to Canada to see my family this July is going to be going to the car. Unless the temp agency finds me a job like, now, I can say goodbye to going home this summer, which would be a major disappointment.
April 4th- I go to Easter dinner where the food doesn't agree with me. I can't sleep because of an upset stomach.
April 5th- The agency finds me a five day project at the one place I had hoped I wouldn't have to go back to (beggars can't be choosers, I suppose). They were crazy busy at this time last year, but things are much slower this year due to the recession. I start Friday and after those five days are done, they'll call me when they need me, but don't know when that will be, which gives me two months to make up for money I need to go home.
Still to come this week:
My query gets critiqued.
I await more responses from agents.
I start the job.
Is it May yet?
April 2nd- My husband and I get into a car accident with a deer on the way home from the in-laws on Friday. We're fine, I just had a little whiplash, but the whole driver's side is dented and has a nice fur coat (apparently we skinned the deer). The deer came out of nowhere, my hubby started to brake so it would run past in front of us, but at the last second, Bambi freaked out, turned and BAM! right into the side of our car. We were out in the middle of nowhere, with no cell phones, so we had to (carefully) drive back to his parent's house, the car scraping on the pavement, where thankfully his father-in-law fixed where it was scraping and the car is drive able until Monday when we get the good ol' insurance involved. Thankfully, as my father in law said, we wouldn't have to pay a deductible because it would fall under "An Act of God" or what have you.
April 3rd- Turns out we do have to pay a deductible, which I mean, yes it better than having to fork out the entire amount, but that means money that I was going to be saving to go back home to Canada to see my family this July is going to be going to the car. Unless the temp agency finds me a job like, now, I can say goodbye to going home this summer, which would be a major disappointment.
April 4th- I go to Easter dinner where the food doesn't agree with me. I can't sleep because of an upset stomach.
April 5th- The agency finds me a five day project at the one place I had hoped I wouldn't have to go back to (beggars can't be choosers, I suppose). They were crazy busy at this time last year, but things are much slower this year due to the recession. I start Friday and after those five days are done, they'll call me when they need me, but don't know when that will be, which gives me two months to make up for money I need to go home.
Still to come this week:
My query gets critiqued.
I await more responses from agents.
I start the job.
Is it May yet?
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Blah.
Ever had one of those days where everything went wrong before you even got out of bed? I tried to overcome it by lying on my back porch, basking in the sun, listening to audio books on my iPod and though it helped for a while, I'm back to blah again.
Queryland has been silent and not because they're rejections (each agent I sent to responds with R's), it just takes time. I'm now fourth in waiting for my query to be critiqued, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll have my behind handed to me on a platter (OK, that's an exaggeration, I hope). Nothing from the temp agency yet so I've just been at home, stewing in my thoughts and wondering if I bit off more than I can chew with this whole book thing. Then I remember how much I love it and I'm optimistic again, and then I stew in my thoughts and wonder if I bit off more than I can chew with this whole book thing, then I remember how much I love and I'm optimistic again, and then I stew in my thoughts...
Maybe I should go read my motivational quotes.
Queryland has been silent and not because they're rejections (each agent I sent to responds with R's), it just takes time. I'm now fourth in waiting for my query to be critiqued, so hopefully in the next couple of weeks I'll have my behind handed to me on a platter (OK, that's an exaggeration, I hope). Nothing from the temp agency yet so I've just been at home, stewing in my thoughts and wondering if I bit off more than I can chew with this whole book thing. Then I remember how much I love it and I'm optimistic again, and then I stew in my thoughts and wonder if I bit off more than I can chew with this whole book thing, then I remember how much I love and I'm optimistic again, and then I stew in my thoughts...
Maybe I should go read my motivational quotes.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Fifth in Line!
Well, I had a nice relaxing weekend. Went to Rockford where I found out Logli sells sushi (you can guess what I had for dinner that night), and don't think I'll be wanting it for a while after that binge. Then, after some window shopping, I headed over to Starbucks where I had a Strawberries and Cream Frappaccino. Today, I stood on the scale and realized I need to get my butt back in gear.
My query is at a stand still for now. After a suggestion from a fellow writer, I have submitted my query for a critique. Looking at the website, it is fifth in line to be plastered on the website and fed to the lions. Am I nervous? Just a little (if a little means my throat has dropped to my stomach and feel like I'm going to puke). I know it will be good for me, and I know it will help me form it into an even better query, but it's still nerve wrecking to see what other people will say. But let's face it, as a writer, you need to get used to judgment. Even after it's published, not everyone is going to like your book. In fact, while some will rave about it and read it over and over, some will call it a waste of time and a ridiculous storyline. If anything, this will be good practice on the bad review side, unless the guy loves it, then good for me. But let's face it, I'm still a noob, there is bound to be something I can change.
I think the thing to worries me most is that a lot of the queries I see are sometimes six paragraphs with a heck of a lot more info on their book than mine. My query is three paragraphs, the one with the brief synopsis only being three sentences... THREE! Why? Because that's what I thought they liked! I read not to go off on the whole plot in the query, to just use one little paragraph to describe the book, and that's what I did. I think it sums it up nicely, but then I read the critiques other people give these queries, and I think, "Good God, that is a heck of a lot more than what I have in mine!" So now I am a little worried I have just wasted more agents in this last batch I sent.
What can you do, I guess. Worrying isn't going to get me anywhere. I'll just take it for what it is, and keep moving forward.
My query is at a stand still for now. After a suggestion from a fellow writer, I have submitted my query for a critique. Looking at the website, it is fifth in line to be plastered on the website and fed to the lions. Am I nervous? Just a little (if a little means my throat has dropped to my stomach and feel like I'm going to puke). I know it will be good for me, and I know it will help me form it into an even better query, but it's still nerve wrecking to see what other people will say. But let's face it, as a writer, you need to get used to judgment. Even after it's published, not everyone is going to like your book. In fact, while some will rave about it and read it over and over, some will call it a waste of time and a ridiculous storyline. If anything, this will be good practice on the bad review side, unless the guy loves it, then good for me. But let's face it, I'm still a noob, there is bound to be something I can change.
I think the thing to worries me most is that a lot of the queries I see are sometimes six paragraphs with a heck of a lot more info on their book than mine. My query is three paragraphs, the one with the brief synopsis only being three sentences... THREE! Why? Because that's what I thought they liked! I read not to go off on the whole plot in the query, to just use one little paragraph to describe the book, and that's what I did. I think it sums it up nicely, but then I read the critiques other people give these queries, and I think, "Good God, that is a heck of a lot more than what I have in mine!" So now I am a little worried I have just wasted more agents in this last batch I sent.
What can you do, I guess. Worrying isn't going to get me anywhere. I'll just take it for what it is, and keep moving forward.
Friday, March 26, 2010
HERE I COME TO SAVE THE DAY!!
Did I hear there was an aspiring author around here who was too afraid to send out more queries? BE GONE, EVIL FIEND! Optimistic Stina is here to defeat the evil pessimism!
Now, before you go thinking I have multi-personality disorder, I don't. I'm just in a very good mood today! Really no specific reason, I haven't heard back from any agents lately, but it's still early as most of them take about four weeks to reply. I don't know, I guess I just have this new sense of determination/optimism today.
I don't know if it's just the beautiful sun shining down on me, the blue sky, or the smell of barbecues wafting the neighborhood, but I was just sitting outside and just had this incredible feeling come over me. It was such a peaceful feeling mixed with a bit of excitement, and all of a sudden I just knew that something great was coming, just around the corner. Crazy? Maybe, but I'd rather stick with this great feeling then lie on bed, staring at the ceiling, being miserable.
I sent out two queries yesterday and another today. I know that's not many, but I'm still waiting to hear back from six others. I'm just going to take it slow, wait for some more feedback, and if needed, make some more changes and then send to some more.
I highly recommend querying no more than ten agents at a time. You don't want to kill too many birds with one stone, meaning, you don't want to send out thirty queries and get thirty form rejections and realize there's something wrong. Out of the first ten I sent, eight were no's and two were interested but weren't connecting with the sample chapters/partial, so I knew it was time to sit down for a rewrite. I know it can be hard, you just want to get those letters out there and land your agent, but patience is really a virtue in this business.
So let's tally my journey so far:
Rejections: 11 (just got another while writing this)
Partials: 1
Liked the idea but didn't connect with the sample chapters: 1
Waiting on: 8
Rewrites: 3
And onward we go!
Now, before you go thinking I have multi-personality disorder, I don't. I'm just in a very good mood today! Really no specific reason, I haven't heard back from any agents lately, but it's still early as most of them take about four weeks to reply. I don't know, I guess I just have this new sense of determination/optimism today.
I don't know if it's just the beautiful sun shining down on me, the blue sky, or the smell of barbecues wafting the neighborhood, but I was just sitting outside and just had this incredible feeling come over me. It was such a peaceful feeling mixed with a bit of excitement, and all of a sudden I just knew that something great was coming, just around the corner. Crazy? Maybe, but I'd rather stick with this great feeling then lie on bed, staring at the ceiling, being miserable.
I sent out two queries yesterday and another today. I know that's not many, but I'm still waiting to hear back from six others. I'm just going to take it slow, wait for some more feedback, and if needed, make some more changes and then send to some more.
I highly recommend querying no more than ten agents at a time. You don't want to kill too many birds with one stone, meaning, you don't want to send out thirty queries and get thirty form rejections and realize there's something wrong. Out of the first ten I sent, eight were no's and two were interested but weren't connecting with the sample chapters/partial, so I knew it was time to sit down for a rewrite. I know it can be hard, you just want to get those letters out there and land your agent, but patience is really a virtue in this business.
So let's tally my journey so far:
Rejections: 11 (just got another while writing this)
Partials: 1
Liked the idea but didn't connect with the sample chapters: 1
Waiting on: 8
Rewrites: 3
And onward we go!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Fear Hath Taketh Over.
My book is now completely revised, and it's much better. I had planned on sending queries out today but have yet to send out one, why? Because I'm kinda scared.
Now before I get a lecture from someone saying, "It's all part of the business, you are going to rejected, if you can't handle it maybe you shouldn't be in this line of work, etc," I am quite aware of that. But, I am still human, and I'm sure there's not one person out there who hasn't been scared while pursuing their dream. I'm just choosing to admit it in hopes that maybe some day it could help someone else. So, moving on.
So yes, I am kinda scared. Of what? Well, every single query coming back as a rejection. I've worked hard, believe in my work, my beta-readers loved it, but it's still frustrating, especially when other people I know are getting partial and full requests. I know I have to keep going, and I will, it's just one of those days where I am so tired of hearing, "Sorry, not for me."
Yes, optimistic Stina isn't really around today. I am doing my best to change that and be excited like I was when I first started this process, and I will be again. It's just a gray, dreary day, I'm still fighting this cold, and I'm just... blah.
Like I posted in my Facebook, I just have to keep reminding myself, "Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about."
Now before I get a lecture from someone saying, "It's all part of the business, you are going to rejected, if you can't handle it maybe you shouldn't be in this line of work, etc," I am quite aware of that. But, I am still human, and I'm sure there's not one person out there who hasn't been scared while pursuing their dream. I'm just choosing to admit it in hopes that maybe some day it could help someone else. So, moving on.
So yes, I am kinda scared. Of what? Well, every single query coming back as a rejection. I've worked hard, believe in my work, my beta-readers loved it, but it's still frustrating, especially when other people I know are getting partial and full requests. I know I have to keep going, and I will, it's just one of those days where I am so tired of hearing, "Sorry, not for me."
Yes, optimistic Stina isn't really around today. I am doing my best to change that and be excited like I was when I first started this process, and I will be again. It's just a gray, dreary day, I'm still fighting this cold, and I'm just... blah.
Like I posted in my Facebook, I just have to keep reminding myself, "Never give up on something you can't go a day without thinking about."
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Don't Forget, Tastes Vary!
So I worked my booty off yesterday and revised the rest of my manuscript. It now has 5,000 extra words that I think make the book oh so much better!
This was rewrite #3. The second came right before I started to query as even I thought it could be better than it was. Third time's the charm, right?
I love the beginning now. It's much more eye catching, and the ending, wow! What an improvement! I took the advice the literary agent gave me, but there is one things I didn't change because I do like it the way it is, and I know tastes vary. Was it a mistake? I don't know, I guess I'll find out if another agent says the same.
I think (but what do I know? Seriously.), if you are in love with the way you have written something and you absolutely don't want to change it, then don't. It's your book, your work, but you need to be open to revisions. I've known people who have been trying to get their book published and have been told they need to add another character to the story and they just laughed and said, "Yeah not happening!" and went onto the next until they found someone who liked it for what they wrote (though some never did). I know others who rewrote after receiving suggestions and landed that agent. I guess in the end, it's your call.
That's not to be confused with being stubborn and not feeling like rewriting, mind you. Take the criticism, truly think about it, and see if it will really help meat up your book. I wasn't going to change anything but when I really looked it over, I realized, "Hmmm this actually could help!"
I did go to Barnes and Noble over the weekend and check out the YA section, just to see how other books were matching up to what this agent suggested I do with mine. The truth? More than half did not have what she suggested. So you see? Tastes vary!
I'm sitting here coughing like a ninety year old chain smoker. I think it's time for more Dayquil and to get back to work. I'm going to look over my revisions one more time and make sure it wasn't just the cold medicine talking.
This was rewrite #3. The second came right before I started to query as even I thought it could be better than it was. Third time's the charm, right?
I love the beginning now. It's much more eye catching, and the ending, wow! What an improvement! I took the advice the literary agent gave me, but there is one things I didn't change because I do like it the way it is, and I know tastes vary. Was it a mistake? I don't know, I guess I'll find out if another agent says the same.
I think (but what do I know? Seriously.), if you are in love with the way you have written something and you absolutely don't want to change it, then don't. It's your book, your work, but you need to be open to revisions. I've known people who have been trying to get their book published and have been told they need to add another character to the story and they just laughed and said, "Yeah not happening!" and went onto the next until they found someone who liked it for what they wrote (though some never did). I know others who rewrote after receiving suggestions and landed that agent. I guess in the end, it's your call.
That's not to be confused with being stubborn and not feeling like rewriting, mind you. Take the criticism, truly think about it, and see if it will really help meat up your book. I wasn't going to change anything but when I really looked it over, I realized, "Hmmm this actually could help!"
I did go to Barnes and Noble over the weekend and check out the YA section, just to see how other books were matching up to what this agent suggested I do with mine. The truth? More than half did not have what she suggested. So you see? Tastes vary!
I'm sitting here coughing like a ninety year old chain smoker. I think it's time for more Dayquil and to get back to work. I'm going to look over my revisions one more time and make sure it wasn't just the cold medicine talking.
Monday, March 22, 2010
A Million Years Later...
Miss me?
I apologize for the lack of posting, but once again, I was sick. I had that wonderful stomach bug a few weeks back, then my husband's boss decided to flail his germs around the office which of course, got my hubby sick, who passed it on to me. Me, having horrible immunity, gets it for about a week instead of the standard two days. On top of that, I had a huge case of insomnia. No matter how much Nyquil I took, I would not knock out. One night (er-day) I was literally up until 10am. Yeah, a bad week. I'm feeling much better now, still got that annoying cough and sniffles, but that's tolerable.
I have done no revisions this past week, and that was on purpose. I was so out of it, and miserable, I knew if I did any, they would only be half-assed because I just didn't have it in me to give it my full attention. Today, I am getting back into it. I need to get it done before I get more partial requests or fulls.
As I've mentioned before, the ending has completely changed and definitely for the better. The previous one seemed a bit rushed. I think because I had spent two years writing it (would have been shorter but I was also working full time), I felt like the story was dragging when in reality, I was just getting tired of writing and rereading it (tip: write the whole book, THEN edit it, don't do it as you go along, you will get tired of it really fast!).
I also got another rejection today but to be honest, I am not surprised. It was with my old sample chapters, so I am assuming it's because of the lack of conflict in the first few pages and well, maybe she just didn't like the idea. I went out on a whim with this one too, one of those, "when in doubt, query," things. I just have to keep reminding myself that my agent is out there somewhere. It just sucks cause there are still a few I am waiting to hear from that I absolutely would love to work with, but they have the old query or the old sample pages. Needless, to say, I am not too optimistic.
I have also decided to get a full time temp job. I am going back to Canada in July for a few weeks to see family and help out a camp I help out at every year and some extra moola would be nice. That, and I won't be home alone with my thoughts anymore wondering and obsessing about if my book will ever make it.
That's about it for now. Off I go to finish revising before I get a call from the temp agency telling me they found me work!
I apologize for the lack of posting, but once again, I was sick. I had that wonderful stomach bug a few weeks back, then my husband's boss decided to flail his germs around the office which of course, got my hubby sick, who passed it on to me. Me, having horrible immunity, gets it for about a week instead of the standard two days. On top of that, I had a huge case of insomnia. No matter how much Nyquil I took, I would not knock out. One night (er-day) I was literally up until 10am. Yeah, a bad week. I'm feeling much better now, still got that annoying cough and sniffles, but that's tolerable.
I have done no revisions this past week, and that was on purpose. I was so out of it, and miserable, I knew if I did any, they would only be half-assed because I just didn't have it in me to give it my full attention. Today, I am getting back into it. I need to get it done before I get more partial requests or fulls.
As I've mentioned before, the ending has completely changed and definitely for the better. The previous one seemed a bit rushed. I think because I had spent two years writing it (would have been shorter but I was also working full time), I felt like the story was dragging when in reality, I was just getting tired of writing and rereading it (tip: write the whole book, THEN edit it, don't do it as you go along, you will get tired of it really fast!).
I also got another rejection today but to be honest, I am not surprised. It was with my old sample chapters, so I am assuming it's because of the lack of conflict in the first few pages and well, maybe she just didn't like the idea. I went out on a whim with this one too, one of those, "when in doubt, query," things. I just have to keep reminding myself that my agent is out there somewhere. It just sucks cause there are still a few I am waiting to hear from that I absolutely would love to work with, but they have the old query or the old sample pages. Needless, to say, I am not too optimistic.
I have also decided to get a full time temp job. I am going back to Canada in July for a few weeks to see family and help out a camp I help out at every year and some extra moola would be nice. That, and I won't be home alone with my thoughts anymore wondering and obsessing about if my book will ever make it.
That's about it for now. Off I go to finish revising before I get a call from the temp agency telling me they found me work!
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Four Days Later...
I know, I know. It's been a few days since I've written anything, but I have a valid reason: I've been revising the crap out of my book!
Upon the advice of a literary agent who read my partial, I decided to go back, reread a few things, and my creative juices started flowing. Not only are there better character profiles, the ending is SO MUCH BETTER!
I'm not done, I'm still working on it, and it has been consuming my mind since Friday. I've barely slept, thinking about my characters and how to meat up the story a bit more. I've been driving my husband crazy cause it's all I have talked about. But I'm happy, I think it's waaay better.
That being said, there are over 2000 more words in my manuscript then what I had told the agents in my query, so, I will have to rewrite that part in the letter and if I do get a partial request from ones I have already sent, I will have to make sure to let them know of the change.
Just wanted to give ya'll an update. Off I go to keep revising!
Upon the advice of a literary agent who read my partial, I decided to go back, reread a few things, and my creative juices started flowing. Not only are there better character profiles, the ending is SO MUCH BETTER!
I'm not done, I'm still working on it, and it has been consuming my mind since Friday. I've barely slept, thinking about my characters and how to meat up the story a bit more. I've been driving my husband crazy cause it's all I have talked about. But I'm happy, I think it's waaay better.
That being said, there are over 2000 more words in my manuscript then what I had told the agents in my query, so, I will have to rewrite that part in the letter and if I do get a partial request from ones I have already sent, I will have to make sure to let them know of the change.
Just wanted to give ya'll an update. Off I go to keep revising!
Friday, March 12, 2010
One of Those Days...
Alright, I sat at this computer for six hours yesterday revising the crap out of my manuscript. Finally my eyes had enough and told they would be going on strike if I didn't stop. Time to continue today.
I haven't heard from any other agents yet and frankly, today is one of those days where I feel discouraged (I don't think this killer cold is helping my mood, either). I think I have a great story, I can totally see a market for it, I had tons of young adults I used to work with read it to see if it was worth publishing and they said they'd buy it in a second, and yet here I sit. Am I wasting my time? Am I going to end up devastated? I keep reminding myself of all the writers out there who got rejected tons and tons of times, but on days like today, all I can think is, "Yeah, but they eventually made it." *sigh*
Yes, today is definitely a case of the what-ifs. But I got to keep going, or I will hate myself for it. That and my husband refuses to let me quit ;-).
Off I go to revise some more. I really hope for some good news soon.
I haven't heard from any other agents yet and frankly, today is one of those days where I feel discouraged (I don't think this killer cold is helping my mood, either). I think I have a great story, I can totally see a market for it, I had tons of young adults I used to work with read it to see if it was worth publishing and they said they'd buy it in a second, and yet here I sit. Am I wasting my time? Am I going to end up devastated? I keep reminding myself of all the writers out there who got rejected tons and tons of times, but on days like today, all I can think is, "Yeah, but they eventually made it." *sigh*
Yes, today is definitely a case of the what-ifs. But I got to keep going, or I will hate myself for it. That and my husband refuses to let me quit ;-).
Off I go to revise some more. I really hope for some good news soon.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Must.....Keep.... Going....
Dear Stina,
Thank you for your submission. After reading your sample we have decided not to offer you representation. Although we enjoyed your idea, we would suggest that you open with immediate, decisive action that gets your readers involved in the main storyline of your character. A good way to think about this is to begin your book at the very last possible second. We would also suggest that you further develop your character profiles.
We wish you the best of luck.
I won't lie, I love getting suggestions because it's better than just a, "no thanks", but I also tend to get really grumpy and irritable. You spend a year writing the book, 3 months revising and revising, send it to an editor to catch all the kinks you missed, revise it again then someone tells you to revise some more! Gah! I guess it's just how it works. Back to the laptop I go!
Thank you for your submission. After reading your sample we have decided not to offer you representation. Although we enjoyed your idea, we would suggest that you open with immediate, decisive action that gets your readers involved in the main storyline of your character. A good way to think about this is to begin your book at the very last possible second. We would also suggest that you further develop your character profiles.
We wish you the best of luck.
I won't lie, I love getting suggestions because it's better than just a, "no thanks", but I also tend to get really grumpy and irritable. You spend a year writing the book, 3 months revising and revising, send it to an editor to catch all the kinks you missed, revise it again then someone tells you to revise some more! Gah! I guess it's just how it works. Back to the laptop I go!
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
My Top Writing Pet Peeves
Imma sry, but I h8 it it wen ppl rite lyk dis. Half da time I cant even figgur out wat dey r tryin 2 say. Wat is da point? It luks lyk it takes moe work 2 rite dis den juss 4 u 2 rite it in plain english.
I don't understand
what is so hard about using
proper grammar
and writing everything
on one line.
Maybe it's
just
because in my profession
I work so hard and nitpick
all
these things
that it just drives me
extra crazy.
IS IT REALLY SUCH A CRIME TO WRITE THINGS PROPERLY? I HAVE A HEADACHE JUST TYPING THIS BECAUSE I HAVE A VOICE SCREAMING AT ME IN MY HEAD.
Anyway this is my blog for today because I have been seeing a lot of this and it just drives me nuts I mean how hard is it to use proper sentence structure are we just too lazy just don't care enough or do I just get too passionate about things like this I just don't get it maybe I should just take a chill pill I don't know ok bye.
I don't understand
what is so hard about using
proper grammar
and writing everything
on one line.
Maybe it's
just
because in my profession
I work so hard and nitpick
all
these things
that it just drives me
extra crazy.
IS IT REALLY SUCH A CRIME TO WRITE THINGS PROPERLY? I HAVE A HEADACHE JUST TYPING THIS BECAUSE I HAVE A VOICE SCREAMING AT ME IN MY HEAD.
Anyway this is my blog for today because I have been seeing a lot of this and it just drives me nuts I mean how hard is it to use proper sentence structure are we just too lazy just don't care enough or do I just get too passionate about things like this I just don't get it maybe I should just take a chill pill I don't know ok bye.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Forget Personal Rejections! Yay for Partials!
Just got a partial request from an agency! Fingers are crossed and here we go!
Yay for Personal Rejections!
I am having a pretty good day today. I checked my email and a smile spread across my face. When my husband inquired as to why I looked so happy I explained, "I got personal rejections!"
You're probably wondering why this makes me happy. If you don't know already, there are two types of rejections literary agents can give you:
The Form Rejection
Dear Author,
Thank you for considering us, but I regret to inform you that we don't think this is a good fit for our agency.
The form rejection is a letter they send to all submitters when it's a no. It's impersonal, and though they may take a punch your ego, I think it does serve a purpose. If all you're getting are these impersonal letters from agents, it could very well be a good indication that perhaps you may want to look over your work.
The Personal Rejection
Dear Stina,
I liked your query and the idea, but after careful consideration it isn't exactly what I am looking for, but I certainly encourage you to keep trying.
Though still a rejection, they offer some insight into your query and at least for me, give a ray of hope. The agent liked the query, was interested in the idea, which means I must have at least one foot on the right path. From what I hear, personal rejections mean you are actually doing pretty well. Agents are taking time to personally write to you which means you just might have something worth selling, but it's not exactly what they want. I find them very encouraging and though still a rejection, really make me happy.
So that's two personal rejections out of the seven rejections I have received and am still waiting to hear back from another seven. Some have my original query and can't help but think I should just assume the R now, but you never know, one of my personal rejections was with the original query which shows you it's all about tastes and preference.
I have decided to keep all my rejections. Though they make me want to take a sledgehammer to my monitor seeing them now, I know one day they will be a reminder that I fought the good fight and didn't give up.
Off I go to continue writing my next book. Just keep swimming.
You're probably wondering why this makes me happy. If you don't know already, there are two types of rejections literary agents can give you:
The Form Rejection
Dear Author,
Thank you for considering us, but I regret to inform you that we don't think this is a good fit for our agency.
The form rejection is a letter they send to all submitters when it's a no. It's impersonal, and though they may take a punch your ego, I think it does serve a purpose. If all you're getting are these impersonal letters from agents, it could very well be a good indication that perhaps you may want to look over your work.
The Personal Rejection
Dear Stina,
I liked your query and the idea, but after careful consideration it isn't exactly what I am looking for, but I certainly encourage you to keep trying.
Though still a rejection, they offer some insight into your query and at least for me, give a ray of hope. The agent liked the query, was interested in the idea, which means I must have at least one foot on the right path. From what I hear, personal rejections mean you are actually doing pretty well. Agents are taking time to personally write to you which means you just might have something worth selling, but it's not exactly what they want. I find them very encouraging and though still a rejection, really make me happy.
So that's two personal rejections out of the seven rejections I have received and am still waiting to hear back from another seven. Some have my original query and can't help but think I should just assume the R now, but you never know, one of my personal rejections was with the original query which shows you it's all about tastes and preference.
I have decided to keep all my rejections. Though they make me want to take a sledgehammer to my monitor seeing them now, I know one day they will be a reminder that I fought the good fight and didn't give up.
Off I go to continue writing my next book. Just keep swimming.
Sunday, March 7, 2010
Motivational Week- Quote #5
So as you may have noticed, I haven’t written anything in two days. Life got crazy busy for a bit and well, today is no exception, but I really wanted to make sure the last quote made it on here before tomorrow. So without further ado (without a huge ramble from me, as you all know I like to do *wink*), here you are:
"I'd rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are; because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star. I'd rather be a has-been than a might-have-been, by far; for a might have-been has never been, but a has was once an are." - Milton Berle
If you’re like me, you’ll have to reread that. I’ll wait a moment.
Good? OK.
Once I figured out what this quote was saying, I loved it. A revelation hit that I COULD be a published author. It’s possible, it’s attainable, and though I’m not right now, I CAN be! I don’t know why this excites me so much, but there’s just something about that sheer fact that always puts a smile on my face. Seriously, think about the one thing you dream of doing and now say to yourself, “I can be a ______!” Feel better? Yes, no, maybe? Either way, it makes me feel like it’s only a matter of time before I reach my star.
It also always bothered me when aspiring authors have nothing nice to say about people who have made it in the writing business, especially the ones that call people “has beens” (someone who is no longer popular). When I hear people talking down other author's work, or just the author themselves, I can’t help but think, “Yeah well at least they made it, have you yet?” I don’t know, it just really strikes a nerve with me. A has was once an are, my friend, and you are neither, so just stop talking.
My biggest is example is how I see these aspiring authors on forums lately ranting about how “terrible” and “sloppy” Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series is and I can’t help but think, “I’m sorry, which one of you is selling millions of copies of their book, watching famous celebrities portray their characters in box office hits and now (as I saw in Barnes & Noble yesterday) is having their book turned into graphic novel?” I won’t lie, I have yet to read the Twilight series, but after I do (or for any book for that matter), no matter what I think of it, I would never talk it down. I may not be a published author, but I still see myself in the same field of work as Ms. Meyer. Though I may have never met her, and she doesn’t even know of my existence, I still consider her a colleague and will do nothing but support her. Everyone's a critic, I guess. It's OK Stephenie, I am very happy for your success and congratulations on making it!
So much for not having a huge ramble today ;-).
"I'd rather be a could-be if I cannot be an are; because a could-be is a maybe who is reaching for a star. I'd rather be a has-been than a might-have-been, by far; for a might have-been has never been, but a has was once an are." - Milton Berle
If you’re like me, you’ll have to reread that. I’ll wait a moment.
Good? OK.
Once I figured out what this quote was saying, I loved it. A revelation hit that I COULD be a published author. It’s possible, it’s attainable, and though I’m not right now, I CAN be! I don’t know why this excites me so much, but there’s just something about that sheer fact that always puts a smile on my face. Seriously, think about the one thing you dream of doing and now say to yourself, “I can be a ______!” Feel better? Yes, no, maybe? Either way, it makes me feel like it’s only a matter of time before I reach my star.
It also always bothered me when aspiring authors have nothing nice to say about people who have made it in the writing business, especially the ones that call people “has beens” (someone who is no longer popular). When I hear people talking down other author's work, or just the author themselves, I can’t help but think, “Yeah well at least they made it, have you yet?” I don’t know, it just really strikes a nerve with me. A has was once an are, my friend, and you are neither, so just stop talking.
My biggest is example is how I see these aspiring authors on forums lately ranting about how “terrible” and “sloppy” Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series is and I can’t help but think, “I’m sorry, which one of you is selling millions of copies of their book, watching famous celebrities portray their characters in box office hits and now (as I saw in Barnes & Noble yesterday) is having their book turned into graphic novel?” I won’t lie, I have yet to read the Twilight series, but after I do (or for any book for that matter), no matter what I think of it, I would never talk it down. I may not be a published author, but I still see myself in the same field of work as Ms. Meyer. Though I may have never met her, and she doesn’t even know of my existence, I still consider her a colleague and will do nothing but support her. Everyone's a critic, I guess. It's OK Stephenie, I am very happy for your success and congratulations on making it!
So much for not having a huge ramble today ;-).
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Motivational Week- Quote #4
"You must do the thing in which you think you cannot do." -Eleanor Roosevelt
Here is a line from an email I sent my husband yesterday after my rejection from the agent I really wanted:
I keep trying to take my own advice I give people, but I shrug it off. I feel defeated, but feel ridiculous for already feeling defeated. I think I am incredibly stupid for thinking I am anything more than what I am now. I can’t do this.
He responded with:
You are not defeated, just selling ballpoint pens over the phone for a while (see yesterday’s blog for reference).
I’m telling you this because all day yesterday I let this one rejection make me feel that I couldn’t do this, and I will not allow myself to ever act like that again. Sure, I will have moments where I feel down, where I wonder if my book is actually good or I’m just crazy, but dang it I’m going to do it! Even if it doesn’t turn into a New York Times Best Seller, at least I did the one thing at one point I thought I couldn’t do.
This was rejection number six out of the thirteen queries I’ve sent. Three were form rejections, one no response, one liked the query and the idea but didn’t connect with the sample pages (I was SO happy for that response! Though she didn’t fall in love with the sample, it made me feel like I was going in the right direction), and this last one fell under the topic I wrote about in a past blog: it just wasn’t his type of story. So there are still seven out there sitting in an inbox waiting to be read by the agent (I won’t lie, with the funk I’ve been in, I originally wrote, “Waiting to be rejected by the agent”). I am doing my best to be hopeful and I have read my last three motivational quotes over and over to remind myself that there will be discouragement, there will be times where I feel I have failed, but if I don’t keep going, I will regret it. Today’s quote is one of my favorites. The moment I said, “I can’t do this,” to my husband, it popped right into my head.
I think “I can’t” is used too much as an excuse. I feel it’s a cop out and it’s something to say when you want to give up. Whenever I find myself saying this, I realize that it’s usually a cover up word for “won’t”. Think about it, usually when you say you can’t do something, it’s because you want to give up trying.
Listen to Ms. Roosevelt, don’t give up. You must do it, and you can, no matter how hard it may be, no matter how long it may take.
Here is a line from an email I sent my husband yesterday after my rejection from the agent I really wanted:
I keep trying to take my own advice I give people, but I shrug it off. I feel defeated, but feel ridiculous for already feeling defeated. I think I am incredibly stupid for thinking I am anything more than what I am now. I can’t do this.
He responded with:
You are not defeated, just selling ballpoint pens over the phone for a while (see yesterday’s blog for reference).
I’m telling you this because all day yesterday I let this one rejection make me feel that I couldn’t do this, and I will not allow myself to ever act like that again. Sure, I will have moments where I feel down, where I wonder if my book is actually good or I’m just crazy, but dang it I’m going to do it! Even if it doesn’t turn into a New York Times Best Seller, at least I did the one thing at one point I thought I couldn’t do.
This was rejection number six out of the thirteen queries I’ve sent. Three were form rejections, one no response, one liked the query and the idea but didn’t connect with the sample pages (I was SO happy for that response! Though she didn’t fall in love with the sample, it made me feel like I was going in the right direction), and this last one fell under the topic I wrote about in a past blog: it just wasn’t his type of story. So there are still seven out there sitting in an inbox waiting to be read by the agent (I won’t lie, with the funk I’ve been in, I originally wrote, “Waiting to be rejected by the agent”). I am doing my best to be hopeful and I have read my last three motivational quotes over and over to remind myself that there will be discouragement, there will be times where I feel I have failed, but if I don’t keep going, I will regret it. Today’s quote is one of my favorites. The moment I said, “I can’t do this,” to my husband, it popped right into my head.
I think “I can’t” is used too much as an excuse. I feel it’s a cop out and it’s something to say when you want to give up. Whenever I find myself saying this, I realize that it’s usually a cover up word for “won’t”. Think about it, usually when you say you can’t do something, it’s because you want to give up trying.
Listen to Ms. Roosevelt, don’t give up. You must do it, and you can, no matter how hard it may be, no matter how long it may take.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Motivational Week- Quote #3
“Don’t let life discourage you; everyone who got where he is had to begin where he was”- Richard L. Evans
I am a thorough believer of the only person who is standing in your way, is you; get past yourself and you can do whatever you dream of doing. Granted, I wasn’t always that way. I actually used to be a very big pessimist. I believed that you should always expect things to go bad. I don’t know, I guess I would have rather expected something not to work out so when it didn’t I was already expecting it (which is why it probably took me so long to get to this stage in my life: doing something with it).
If you have this attitude, odds are you aren’t going to give it all you’ve got. You are going to walk around life being so miserable all the time thinking, “Why does everything work out for everyone else?” Truth of the matter is, it worked out for everyone else because they didn’t let life discourage them as they began their journey to the top.
Johnny Depp needed money so bad he was selling ball point pens over the phone before he made his big break and Brad Pitt danced in a chicken suit as a mascot for a restaurant. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s up to us to fight the good fight and not think, “I’m never going to make it, I may as well just stay where I am.”
The thing you want most in life is always the hardest thing to get. Seriously, if I wanted to be a garbage man, it would probably be the hardest thing for me to get into. A publisher doesn’t walk into the delivery room the moment you’re born and say, “If this baby decides to be a writer, I want to sign a five book deal with them!” It just doesn’t work that way. Usually (and I say usually because there are some lucky buggers out there) everyone has to take some misses before they hit their target.
How boring would life be if we always got what we wanted right away? We wouldn’t become stronger people; we wouldn’t learn anything and we wouldn’t build character. We need to start enjoying and not dreading the journey that leads to our destination, because where we are now leads us to where we can be. Before you get discouraged, just remember that one day you will be saying, “I used to be there, but I made it here.”
I got my first rejection with my new query today, within five minutes, from the agent I really wanted. Trust me, this quote is hard to listen to even for myself right now. All I want to do is say, "Forget it. I'm stupid for thinking I'm any good." But a part of me knows I have to keep going.
I am a thorough believer of the only person who is standing in your way, is you; get past yourself and you can do whatever you dream of doing. Granted, I wasn’t always that way. I actually used to be a very big pessimist. I believed that you should always expect things to go bad. I don’t know, I guess I would have rather expected something not to work out so when it didn’t I was already expecting it (which is why it probably took me so long to get to this stage in my life: doing something with it).
If you have this attitude, odds are you aren’t going to give it all you’ve got. You are going to walk around life being so miserable all the time thinking, “Why does everything work out for everyone else?” Truth of the matter is, it worked out for everyone else because they didn’t let life discourage them as they began their journey to the top.
Johnny Depp needed money so bad he was selling ball point pens over the phone before he made his big break and Brad Pitt danced in a chicken suit as a mascot for a restaurant. Everyone starts somewhere, and it’s up to us to fight the good fight and not think, “I’m never going to make it, I may as well just stay where I am.”
The thing you want most in life is always the hardest thing to get. Seriously, if I wanted to be a garbage man, it would probably be the hardest thing for me to get into. A publisher doesn’t walk into the delivery room the moment you’re born and say, “If this baby decides to be a writer, I want to sign a five book deal with them!” It just doesn’t work that way. Usually (and I say usually because there are some lucky buggers out there) everyone has to take some misses before they hit their target.
How boring would life be if we always got what we wanted right away? We wouldn’t become stronger people; we wouldn’t learn anything and we wouldn’t build character. We need to start enjoying and not dreading the journey that leads to our destination, because where we are now leads us to where we can be. Before you get discouraged, just remember that one day you will be saying, “I used to be there, but I made it here.”
I got my first rejection with my new query today, within five minutes, from the agent I really wanted. Trust me, this quote is hard to listen to even for myself right now. All I want to do is say, "Forget it. I'm stupid for thinking I'm any good." But a part of me knows I have to keep going.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Motivational Week- Quote #2
"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work." - Thomas Alva Edison
Allow me to start off with some interesting facts that will make (at least me) feel better:
JK Rowling’s Harry Potter: Rejected 12 times
Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight- Rejected 15 times the
Jack Canfielda and Mark Victor Hansen’s Chicken Soup for the Soul- Rejected 134 times
Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind: Rejected 38 times.
Stephen King’s Carrie: “We are not interested in science fiction which deals with negative utopias. They do not sell.”
Dr. Seuss: 27 times. “…too different from other juveniles on the market to warrant its selling.”
Judy Blume: “nothing but rejections” for two years.
I sit here some days looking at my five rejections letters, thinking about the no responses I have received and just want to give up and admit failure. Think of all the incredible books we would have been missing out on if the above authors had done that. I for one have made it through a lot of problems as a teenager with the comforting stories of Chicken Soup for the Soul, I can’t imagine going a Christmas without How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Gone with the Wind, one of my most favorite books (and movies) of all time.
The point is they kept going. Sure, they probably had moments where they felt like they had failed (heck, Stephen King actually threw out Carrie, then his wife plucked it out of the trash and told him to keep trying), but they had so much faith in their work, they realized they just hadn’t found the right place for it yet.
Just because something doesn’t work out right away, or even down the line, doesn’t mean it’s a failure. Failure is when you give up and stop trying.
Judy Blume had said, “I would go to sleep at night feeling that I’d never be published. But I’d wake up in the morning convinced I would be. Each time I sent a story or book off to a publisher, I would sit down and begin something new. I was learning more with each effort. I was determined. Determination and hard work are as important as talent.”
Looking up each of these authors they all say the same thing, “I was convinced this is what I was supposed to do and that’s why I kept going.”
So take heart. If there is something you really feel you are supposed to be doing, don’t ever admit failure. Take the attitude of Mr. Thomas Alva Edison, keep working at it until you come to the day you’re happy you did.
I sent out a bunch of queries today and I can’t believe how nervous I am. Hopefully me new query will start bringing in partials. Of course, I’ll keep you updated. Have a great day.
Allow me to start off with some interesting facts that will make (at least me) feel better:
JK Rowling’s Harry Potter: Rejected 12 times
Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight- Rejected 15 times the
Jack Canfielda and Mark Victor Hansen’s Chicken Soup for the Soul- Rejected 134 times
Margaret Mitchell’s Gone With The Wind: Rejected 38 times.
Stephen King’s Carrie: “We are not interested in science fiction which deals with negative utopias. They do not sell.”
Dr. Seuss: 27 times. “…too different from other juveniles on the market to warrant its selling.”
Judy Blume: “nothing but rejections” for two years.
I sit here some days looking at my five rejections letters, thinking about the no responses I have received and just want to give up and admit failure. Think of all the incredible books we would have been missing out on if the above authors had done that. I for one have made it through a lot of problems as a teenager with the comforting stories of Chicken Soup for the Soul, I can’t imagine going a Christmas without How the Grinch Stole Christmas and Gone with the Wind, one of my most favorite books (and movies) of all time.
The point is they kept going. Sure, they probably had moments where they felt like they had failed (heck, Stephen King actually threw out Carrie, then his wife plucked it out of the trash and told him to keep trying), but they had so much faith in their work, they realized they just hadn’t found the right place for it yet.
Just because something doesn’t work out right away, or even down the line, doesn’t mean it’s a failure. Failure is when you give up and stop trying.
Judy Blume had said, “I would go to sleep at night feeling that I’d never be published. But I’d wake up in the morning convinced I would be. Each time I sent a story or book off to a publisher, I would sit down and begin something new. I was learning more with each effort. I was determined. Determination and hard work are as important as talent.”
Looking up each of these authors they all say the same thing, “I was convinced this is what I was supposed to do and that’s why I kept going.”
So take heart. If there is something you really feel you are supposed to be doing, don’t ever admit failure. Take the attitude of Mr. Thomas Alva Edison, keep working at it until you come to the day you’re happy you did.
I sent out a bunch of queries today and I can’t believe how nervous I am. Hopefully me new query will start bringing in partials. Of course, I’ll keep you updated. Have a great day.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Motivational Week- Quote #1
"The dream that you don't fight for is the one that will haunt you the rest of your life." – Herb Copperbottom (Robots, 2005)
“Robots” was a computer animated film that came out in 2005 (you can read the plot here ). I was watching it with my little sister one day and heard this quote and immediately wrote it down.
Now that I am finishing up my new query, this whole process is starting to feel real again. The case of the “what ifs”, is what I call it. It’s one thing to lie in bed at night and daydream about what happens after I have sent out my query (getting full requests, landing an agent, seeing my book on the shelves, etc), but it’s totally different when I am actually really starting to do it. I mean, what if I never find an agent? What if I let myself down? What if I am just being ridiculous in thinking little ol’ me can make it in the writing world? The questions go on and on to the point where I have myself so caught up in the “what ifs” that I feel like an idiot. A mere little housewife typing away on her computer, thinking she has a shot at making it; puh-lease.
I honestly hate some of the responses I get from people when they ask what I have been up to. I tell them, “I have finished my first novel and am trying to get it published,” then they look me up and down with this skeptical look on their face and say, “Oh.” Now it’s not because I am a horrible writer, it’s usually because they think I am dreaming too big. So I break the awkward silence because I feel like I have to justify myself and I explain (enthusiastically, so they don’t see how discouraged they’ve made me feel), “I just really love to write, it’s been my passion since I was eight, I have an awesome book I have written, I am really optimistic that I will be able to find representation and I really think I can make a great career out of this…” and I just keep going as they change their look to “get your head out of the clouds and get a real job” and change the conversation.
That right there is enough to make me want to give up. It makes me feel like my dream is a dream for a reason: it’s unattainable (I promise this isn’t a sad, depressing blog, stay with me here) and the case of the “what ifs” continue to envelop my mind. I think to myself, “What if I don’t make it? I want this so bad, it’s my lifelong dream,” and that’s when I remember that quote, “The dream that you don’t fight for is the one that will haunt you the rest of your life.”
I can give up and stop the case of “what ifs” at anytime, but I know very quickly I would come down with the case of, “If only I hads”. “If only I had stuck with it. If only I had kept on writing. If only I had kept looking for the right agent. If only I had ignored those people who made me feel inadequate.” This will eventually change to “I could haves”. “I could have been a writer. I could have found the right agent. I could have reached my dream.”
Truth of the matter is, you’re going to be questioning yourself either way, but I would rather fight through the “what ifs” for a little while than hold up the white flag and forever be haunted by the “if only I hads” and “I could haves”.
For all I know, a year from now, I could be sitting here, rereading this blog, still writing for a one person audience, still be fighting through the “what ifs” and still trying to make it. But, I could also be rereading this blog, and looking at the thousand of comments from thousands of fans who support me, love my books, and are so happy I stuck with it. I don’t know about you, but I would rather fight for that than wonder for the rest of my life if it could have ever been.
Only time will tell.
By the way, Canadians won Olympic hockey 3-2 today. I am so proud of my home country. No “what ifs” for them tonight.
“Robots” was a computer animated film that came out in 2005 (you can read the plot here ). I was watching it with my little sister one day and heard this quote and immediately wrote it down.
Now that I am finishing up my new query, this whole process is starting to feel real again. The case of the “what ifs”, is what I call it. It’s one thing to lie in bed at night and daydream about what happens after I have sent out my query (getting full requests, landing an agent, seeing my book on the shelves, etc), but it’s totally different when I am actually really starting to do it. I mean, what if I never find an agent? What if I let myself down? What if I am just being ridiculous in thinking little ol’ me can make it in the writing world? The questions go on and on to the point where I have myself so caught up in the “what ifs” that I feel like an idiot. A mere little housewife typing away on her computer, thinking she has a shot at making it; puh-lease.
I honestly hate some of the responses I get from people when they ask what I have been up to. I tell them, “I have finished my first novel and am trying to get it published,” then they look me up and down with this skeptical look on their face and say, “Oh.” Now it’s not because I am a horrible writer, it’s usually because they think I am dreaming too big. So I break the awkward silence because I feel like I have to justify myself and I explain (enthusiastically, so they don’t see how discouraged they’ve made me feel), “I just really love to write, it’s been my passion since I was eight, I have an awesome book I have written, I am really optimistic that I will be able to find representation and I really think I can make a great career out of this…” and I just keep going as they change their look to “get your head out of the clouds and get a real job” and change the conversation.
That right there is enough to make me want to give up. It makes me feel like my dream is a dream for a reason: it’s unattainable (I promise this isn’t a sad, depressing blog, stay with me here) and the case of the “what ifs” continue to envelop my mind. I think to myself, “What if I don’t make it? I want this so bad, it’s my lifelong dream,” and that’s when I remember that quote, “The dream that you don’t fight for is the one that will haunt you the rest of your life.”
I can give up and stop the case of “what ifs” at anytime, but I know very quickly I would come down with the case of, “If only I hads”. “If only I had stuck with it. If only I had kept on writing. If only I had kept looking for the right agent. If only I had ignored those people who made me feel inadequate.” This will eventually change to “I could haves”. “I could have been a writer. I could have found the right agent. I could have reached my dream.”
Truth of the matter is, you’re going to be questioning yourself either way, but I would rather fight through the “what ifs” for a little while than hold up the white flag and forever be haunted by the “if only I hads” and “I could haves”.
For all I know, a year from now, I could be sitting here, rereading this blog, still writing for a one person audience, still be fighting through the “what ifs” and still trying to make it. But, I could also be rereading this blog, and looking at the thousand of comments from thousands of fans who support me, love my books, and are so happy I stuck with it. I don’t know about you, but I would rather fight for that than wonder for the rest of my life if it could have ever been.
Only time will tell.
By the way, Canadians won Olympic hockey 3-2 today. I am so proud of my home country. No “what ifs” for them tonight.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Coming This Week!
I ate solid food for the first time last night, isn't that exciting? I think so!
Sunday is my rest and relaxation day, but just wanted to let you know what I am planning on doing this coming week. I will be doing a "Motivational Week", where I will post some motivational quotes that have helped me to keep going through this writing taxidi. None are any I have made up, and I'm sure you may have heard of a few. I hope they inspire you as they have inspired me.
Still rooting for Canada today! It's going to be intense!
See you all tomorrow!
Sunday is my rest and relaxation day, but just wanted to let you know what I am planning on doing this coming week. I will be doing a "Motivational Week", where I will post some motivational quotes that have helped me to keep going through this writing taxidi. None are any I have made up, and I'm sure you may have heard of a few. I hope they inspire you as they have inspired me.
Still rooting for Canada today! It's going to be intense!
See you all tomorrow!
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Moving Week!
Firstly, I am starting to feel better, thank God. Camping out in bed for a week was driving me crazy, and I'm pretty sure I have never watched as much TV as I had the past four days. Hopefully by next week I will be top notch and can continue touching up my query and finish researching my next batch of agents (now that I am behind my schedule as to when I wanted to start sending again... stupid illness).
Secondly, I will be virtually moving soon. I am currently working on my own website (Tip: I have learned that agents love it when you're reachable in many different ways, and when reading your query they like to see that you have a website, even if it's just a blogspot), that will be up and running in the near future. I'll post the website address once it's officially ready.
Enjoy your weekend! Canada vs USA in Olympic hockey tomorrow, let's go Canada (I'll always have a soft spot for my home country)!
Secondly, I will be virtually moving soon. I am currently working on my own website (Tip: I have learned that agents love it when you're reachable in many different ways, and when reading your query they like to see that you have a website, even if it's just a blogspot), that will be up and running in the near future. I'll post the website address once it's officially ready.
Enjoy your weekend! Canada vs USA in Olympic hockey tomorrow, let's go Canada (I'll always have a soft spot for my home country)!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Be Kind to Literary Agents (It's Nothing Personal)
Day number three of lying in my bed with the flu! I started this blog right on time; I’ve had so much time with my thoughts! I decided to take a break from my 30 Rock marathon and use my allotted “sit up minute” to share a thought I had with you.
I came across this forum the other day where people were talking about different literary agencies and their experiences with them. Naturally, as it's a part of the process, a lot them of them were a little perturbed that they had been receiving rejections, even after partial requests. I can understand the frustration, you just want SOMEONE to give you a break and have a little faith in you, but I really don't find a need to be angry at the agent.
In the beginning, I would picture literary agents like Ralphie from A Christmas Story would picture his teacher grading papers in school. She was dressed as a witch cackling and shouting, "F...F...F! Ahahahaha!" whereas I would picture literary agents going, “Rejected…rejected…rejected! Ahahahaha!”
Truth of the matter is, not everyone is going to have the same taste as you, including literary agents. I admit, when I first started querying, I'd get the 'R' and I'd cry. My first three rejections, I was inconsolable. I knew coming into this career would stretch me, as I have a hard time with rejection, but then I started thinking, it's nothing personal.
I don't like alien stories (with the exception of Avatar, of course. A MUST SEE!). I personally can't stand it when there's an incredible story I'm reading, I can't wait to see how all these twists and turns are going to be explained… and I find out it was because of aliens. It drives me crazy! Now maybe for you, you love the ideas of aliens and that's fine, it just doesn't appeal to me. It could be an incredible story, an incredible query, it could have been really well written and could go on to be a best seller and a box office hit, but if I had taken it on, it wouldn't have been. Though at first the author would be happy to have landed agent, with my lack of interest in extraterrestrials, they wouldn't be happy for long.
So take it as courtesy, the agent isn’t saying you’re not good enough, or you have no talent, they’re saying that they simply won’t be able to do all that could be done for your book. This doesn’t mean it’s time to get cocky, mind you. Don’t get a rejection letter, snap your fingers in a “Z for-m-a-tion” (did I just date myself?) and say, “Whatever, my book isn’t good enough for those agents,” because if every agent is saying this, there could very well be a problem on your side. Be open-minded, but don’t take things too personal.
My friend, Nyquil, is kicking in. Goodnight-er-day, all.
I came across this forum the other day where people were talking about different literary agencies and their experiences with them. Naturally, as it's a part of the process, a lot them of them were a little perturbed that they had been receiving rejections, even after partial requests. I can understand the frustration, you just want SOMEONE to give you a break and have a little faith in you, but I really don't find a need to be angry at the agent.
In the beginning, I would picture literary agents like Ralphie from A Christmas Story would picture his teacher grading papers in school. She was dressed as a witch cackling and shouting, "F...F...F! Ahahahaha!" whereas I would picture literary agents going, “Rejected…rejected…rejected! Ahahahaha!”
Truth of the matter is, not everyone is going to have the same taste as you, including literary agents. I admit, when I first started querying, I'd get the 'R' and I'd cry. My first three rejections, I was inconsolable. I knew coming into this career would stretch me, as I have a hard time with rejection, but then I started thinking, it's nothing personal.
I don't like alien stories (with the exception of Avatar, of course. A MUST SEE!). I personally can't stand it when there's an incredible story I'm reading, I can't wait to see how all these twists and turns are going to be explained… and I find out it was because of aliens. It drives me crazy! Now maybe for you, you love the ideas of aliens and that's fine, it just doesn't appeal to me. It could be an incredible story, an incredible query, it could have been really well written and could go on to be a best seller and a box office hit, but if I had taken it on, it wouldn't have been. Though at first the author would be happy to have landed agent, with my lack of interest in extraterrestrials, they wouldn't be happy for long.
So take it as courtesy, the agent isn’t saying you’re not good enough, or you have no talent, they’re saying that they simply won’t be able to do all that could be done for your book. This doesn’t mean it’s time to get cocky, mind you. Don’t get a rejection letter, snap your fingers in a “Z for-m-a-tion” (did I just date myself?) and say, “Whatever, my book isn’t good enough for those agents,” because if every agent is saying this, there could very well be a problem on your side. Be open-minded, but don’t take things too personal.
My friend, Nyquil, is kicking in. Goodnight-er-day, all.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Third Grade- The Defining Moment (I have been in a reflective mood today.)
This post is going to be short as I can only sit up for about thirty seconds at a time (seriously, I have to do this in intervals). This is my third day stuck in bed. Tuesday morning my body thought it would play a mean joke on me and give me the stomach flu. Needless to say, lying in bed all day I’ve had time for some reflection and thought I would share one with you.
When I was a little youngin' about ye high, I loved creating characters, writing plays and then performing those plays for my family (sorry about that, Mom). It wasn't until about third grade I started to become fascinated with this incredible world called "books".
It was right after Christmas and our teacher had given us the assignment, "What I Did for Christmas Vacation," which we would have to read in front of the class.
While everyone else read about their presents, the snowmen they built and the cookies that disappeared off the plate they left for Santa, I made up a story about how my family went to Florida for Christmas vacation and forgot me at home. Showing pictures to the class I had drawn while explaining the incredible time I had eating all the ice cream I wanted and how I chased a burglar down the street who tried to break into my house, I noticed how the class laughed and held onto my every word. I won't lie, I loved it. I loved how they were interested in the story I had to tell and how they asked to borrow my notebook so they could read it again. I got an "A" for that story.
Shortly afterward, my father passed away from cancer. My teacher continued to be there for me through the hard time of learning how to cope with not having my dad anymore, and encouraged me to keep writing throughout my time in elementary school. Mrs. Hyman from Beechwood Elementary, if you ever come across this website, thank you for everything. I still hear your voice when I feel like I'm in over my head.
And back to bed I go.
When I was a little youngin' about ye high, I loved creating characters, writing plays and then performing those plays for my family (sorry about that, Mom). It wasn't until about third grade I started to become fascinated with this incredible world called "books".
It was right after Christmas and our teacher had given us the assignment, "What I Did for Christmas Vacation," which we would have to read in front of the class.
While everyone else read about their presents, the snowmen they built and the cookies that disappeared off the plate they left for Santa, I made up a story about how my family went to Florida for Christmas vacation and forgot me at home. Showing pictures to the class I had drawn while explaining the incredible time I had eating all the ice cream I wanted and how I chased a burglar down the street who tried to break into my house, I noticed how the class laughed and held onto my every word. I won't lie, I loved it. I loved how they were interested in the story I had to tell and how they asked to borrow my notebook so they could read it again. I got an "A" for that story.
Shortly afterward, my father passed away from cancer. My teacher continued to be there for me through the hard time of learning how to cope with not having my dad anymore, and encouraged me to keep writing throughout my time in elementary school. Mrs. Hyman from Beechwood Elementary, if you ever come across this website, thank you for everything. I still hear your voice when I feel like I'm in over my head.
And back to bed I go.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
If You Can't Laugh at Yourself... Learn To. (aka What I've Learned Thus Far)
So as you all know if you read my "About Me" section, I have decided to pursue my writing career. I finished my first young adult novel and am now onto the query process.
If you are anything like me, sometimes you forget that Hollywood can be just a little fabricated. Take The Proposal for example (cute movie, you should see it if you haven't, even though Ryan Reynolds' abs were enough to peak my interest... wait, Keith, do you read this blog?), Sandra Bullock's character is a Canadian who's visa has expired, prohibiting her from working in the USA. Threatened with deportation, she forces Ryan Reynolds to act as her fiancé so she can stay in the country. My favorite part is when they mosey on down to the immigration office that same day, apply for a fiancé visa and get an interview scheduled for the next week. Oh how I wish it worked that way! I am a Canadian who married an (extremely hot, with great abs) American through obtaining a fiancé visa. Not only does it take anywhere from six months to a year to obtain this visa, there is a heck of lot more stuff that goes into it than just waltzing over to an immigration office on your lunch break. But as I said, it's Hollywood, and as some people may think it's that easy to get a fiancé visa, I totally thought it was that easy to get a book published. I write a manuscript, mail it the publisher, he edits it and ta da! I'm book signing at Barnes and Noble! Here is the first of many times I've laughed at myself. Silly Stina.
Let me pop that dream bubble for you... IT DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY! You finish your novel, at which point, give yourself a pat on the back, that's an amazing feat! Now proofread that thing like you have never proofread before! Then proofread it again and proofread it again, then give it to a trusted friend to proofread, find a critique group, just pull the mistakes out of that baby! At this point there is controversy, some people suggest hiring an editor to do the "final proofread" while others say don't bother, an editor will look at it later during the publishing process. I say, do whatever helps you sleep at night. If you have the utmost confidence that you and your friends have caught everything, then don't. If you're like me and have a terrible case of paranoia, then do. I proofread my manuscript about six times consecutively, and frankly I got so sick of reading it. In fact, I laughed at myself for even thinking I had written a good story, so I put it on a virtual shelf to recoup and came back to it a month later. I'm in love with it again.
Now comes the fun part (insert Jaw's theme here)... the query. The query is a cruel joke literary agents play on you, OK not really. At one point I had thought that, but as frustrating as it's been to write that dang thing, I am so happy for the experience. Doing a couple of Google searches, and reading a couple of books, I took two weeks to write my query and was happy with it. So I sent it seven of them out into the "literary world" and received four rejections and three no responses. I still laugh at myself for that. Why? Because now I realize my query SUCKED! It was terrible! I wouldn't be surprised if the agents have it hanging on their walls when they need a good laugh. I had thought I had written a masterpiece, something that every agent would ask for in ten seconds flat. Truth of the matter is, I didn't do enough research. I was so anxious to get my query out there I skimmed through some stuff, researched the basics and wrote it. Do yourself a favor, really take your time. Research agents, read their blogs, there is a ton of incredible information on there (Nathan Bransford, God bless you!). Find some blogs that critique queries (Query Shark is an awesome one), go through them to see where mistakes were made and most importantly, don't beat yourself up if you get no bites the first time you send it out. Keep working at it and have fun while you're doing it! Sure the rejections will pile up, and most may not even explain why it's a big fat R resulting in you getting zero sleep, wondering if it was your query or your sample chapters that did it. Just keep going. If you believe in your work, one day you will reap the benefits. Heck, if a person like me who hasn't even been asked for partial yet can have this attitude, you can to! Hopefully that whole partial thing will change now that I have completely redone my query, though. There may be a hundred no's, but it only takes one yes. Now, get to it!
If you are anything like me, sometimes you forget that Hollywood can be just a little fabricated. Take The Proposal for example (cute movie, you should see it if you haven't, even though Ryan Reynolds' abs were enough to peak my interest... wait, Keith, do you read this blog?), Sandra Bullock's character is a Canadian who's visa has expired, prohibiting her from working in the USA. Threatened with deportation, she forces Ryan Reynolds to act as her fiancé so she can stay in the country. My favorite part is when they mosey on down to the immigration office that same day, apply for a fiancé visa and get an interview scheduled for the next week. Oh how I wish it worked that way! I am a Canadian who married an (extremely hot, with great abs) American through obtaining a fiancé visa. Not only does it take anywhere from six months to a year to obtain this visa, there is a heck of lot more stuff that goes into it than just waltzing over to an immigration office on your lunch break. But as I said, it's Hollywood, and as some people may think it's that easy to get a fiancé visa, I totally thought it was that easy to get a book published. I write a manuscript, mail it the publisher, he edits it and ta da! I'm book signing at Barnes and Noble! Here is the first of many times I've laughed at myself. Silly Stina.
Let me pop that dream bubble for you... IT DOES NOT WORK THAT WAY! You finish your novel, at which point, give yourself a pat on the back, that's an amazing feat! Now proofread that thing like you have never proofread before! Then proofread it again and proofread it again, then give it to a trusted friend to proofread, find a critique group, just pull the mistakes out of that baby! At this point there is controversy, some people suggest hiring an editor to do the "final proofread" while others say don't bother, an editor will look at it later during the publishing process. I say, do whatever helps you sleep at night. If you have the utmost confidence that you and your friends have caught everything, then don't. If you're like me and have a terrible case of paranoia, then do. I proofread my manuscript about six times consecutively, and frankly I got so sick of reading it. In fact, I laughed at myself for even thinking I had written a good story, so I put it on a virtual shelf to recoup and came back to it a month later. I'm in love with it again.
Now comes the fun part (insert Jaw's theme here)... the query. The query is a cruel joke literary agents play on you, OK not really. At one point I had thought that, but as frustrating as it's been to write that dang thing, I am so happy for the experience. Doing a couple of Google searches, and reading a couple of books, I took two weeks to write my query and was happy with it. So I sent it seven of them out into the "literary world" and received four rejections and three no responses. I still laugh at myself for that. Why? Because now I realize my query SUCKED! It was terrible! I wouldn't be surprised if the agents have it hanging on their walls when they need a good laugh. I had thought I had written a masterpiece, something that every agent would ask for in ten seconds flat. Truth of the matter is, I didn't do enough research. I was so anxious to get my query out there I skimmed through some stuff, researched the basics and wrote it. Do yourself a favor, really take your time. Research agents, read their blogs, there is a ton of incredible information on there (Nathan Bransford, God bless you!). Find some blogs that critique queries (Query Shark is an awesome one), go through them to see where mistakes were made and most importantly, don't beat yourself up if you get no bites the first time you send it out. Keep working at it and have fun while you're doing it! Sure the rejections will pile up, and most may not even explain why it's a big fat R resulting in you getting zero sleep, wondering if it was your query or your sample chapters that did it. Just keep going. If you believe in your work, one day you will reap the benefits. Heck, if a person like me who hasn't even been asked for partial yet can have this attitude, you can to! Hopefully that whole partial thing will change now that I have completely redone my query, though. There may be a hundred no's, but it only takes one yes. Now, get to it!
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