Of Ink and Quille

A huge thank you goes out to everyone who stopped by and put their work up for discussion. Its appreciated and I'm hopeful that everyone learned something - even if it was to keep plugging away at it. Four or five years ago I had the pleasure of having a piece flogged by Mr. Rhamey - and I have to say it was one of the most emotional, most wrenching experiences of my life because I was new, I had visions of my great talent and skill, and had the ego of a newbie. So when he gave me his thoughts I was torn...but I realized inshort order that what he said made sense. Not only did I take what he said to heart - but I went on to revamp things and I have to admit that the book he flogged, that I had nearly thrown out, went on to be contracted, published, and made the number 1 best seller list for Champagne books in May of 2009. If anything, the experience taught me that while the truth isn't always a bed of roses, sometimes you have to pluck out the thorns and keep digging for...

Recently I got back the word from a story I'd submitted to Carina Press. I'd almost expected the 'sorry, we enjoyed it but it doesn't fit. Publishing is a subjective industry..." so on and so forth. I read it, read it again, and then archived it. After some consideration it hit me. I was numb, then I got upset, then mad...and then I finally said to myself that finding a home that fits the story is vital. A great story needs a great home...and my writing style is very much outside of the cookie cutter mold. Was this story one I wanted to go to that house? Yes. Did I have a back-up plan for it...no, not really. It was only when I got the big "R" that I realized that I'd been looking for that rejection. In a way I'd already anticipated and  accepted getting it. Basically, I shot myself in the foot, subconciously at least. Doesn't necessarily mean that I knew it...heck I went in anticipating the 'Yes we love it' but my reaction when I ...