tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post3956215700690776238..comments2023-10-05T05:20:59.743-04:00Comments on Piedmont Writer: Strike OneAnne Gallagherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.comBlogger42125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-15526320153703277772010-07-06T19:31:57.897-04:002010-07-06T19:31:57.897-04:00A writer could write masterpieces, and still get r...A writer could write masterpieces, and still get rejection letters. I would not change anything until an editor accepts your work and THEN makes content suggustions.<br /><br />The main thing for now is that people are reading your manuscripts, so you must be getting past the query process. Good job. Keep writing.Walter Knighthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10025422383685081379noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-79398595320965739332010-06-30T23:00:07.794-04:002010-06-30T23:00:07.794-04:00I'm not agreeing with you that the story isn&#...I'm not agreeing with you that the story isn't "good enough." What if you rewrite that beginning, and another agent picks it up, and suggests a beginning similar to the one you've revised?<br /><br />Its so hard to know what to do. But absolutely take her compliment to heart. I'd be glowing like an angel if an agent told me I had talent. Yep, thats the right stuff to take out of that rejection.<br /><br />I'm at the point with NOT HER MOTHERS FATE where I'm sure it should just be shelved and forgotten. I've worked out my writerly kinks on it - and the other two in the trilogy - and maybe it was a good novel to practice on, but not to publish.<br /><br />Its a hard decision to make. At least you have REMEMBERING YOU to throw your heart and considerable talent into. And who knows what you could accomplish if you give it your full author attention.<br /><br />Good luck Anne, whatever you decide.<br /><br />.........dholedolorahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08715849844092553699noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-69026515495352165262010-06-30T21:02:47.040-04:002010-06-30T21:02:47.040-04:00Personalized rejections can be a double edged swor...Personalized rejections can be a double edged sword- now you can improve the story if you choose to. And if not, at least you know you've written the story the way you want it.Stephanie Thorntonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17437077559099315853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-3201601009008568312010-06-30T20:53:02.659-04:002010-06-30T20:53:02.659-04:00I have a book I've done that with. Its a hard ...I have a book I've done that with. Its a hard decision, but sometimes it has to be done. That being said, sit on it a while. Don't rush into a decision.Kelley Vitollohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13304868437913885003noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-22370267100864791052010-06-30T20:13:40.978-04:002010-06-30T20:13:40.978-04:00This is a tough situation to be in... I've bee...This is a tough situation to be in... I've been in a similar situation, but in my case, I realized that the book I'd worked so hard on was just not ready to be published. It wasn't a marketing issue... it was a writing issue. That was hard to face, but I shelved it until I can give it the revisions I think it needs and moved onto my current WIP - which I think is coming together much more easily and well!<br /><br />But if your primary concern is marketability... I wouldn't give up yet. The personalized rejection is a good sign! If you *do* decide to shelve your current book, it'll be temporary, right? Try not to be discouraged... it sounds like you really have something here.Guineverehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10058786129073896210noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-91642119753478139662010-06-30T19:56:14.078-04:002010-06-30T19:56:14.078-04:00I really like what Talli has said. Don't make ...I really like what Talli has said. Don't make a decision right after a rejection. And I'm happy to hear you are not changing, staying in integrity. Life is so much bigger than a book, although I know it dosen't always feel that way.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-37990221907243088612010-06-30T19:31:08.316-04:002010-06-30T19:31:08.316-04:00I'm so not an expert, or even a novice...but t...I'm so not an expert, or even a novice...but three things stood out to me: 1. she said it wasn't the right home for her...so maybe there IS a right home...and you just haven't found it. 2. She wrote a personal letter. Wrote. Personal. Letter. Hmmm...you made an impression and she cares about how you're going to take the news. She added a personal touch (something I never got)...IT MATTERED TO HER to do number 3. 3. You have a lot of talent. Again, YOU MADE AN IMPRESSION...enough of one that she took time to write you personally...if you put it away, do so only to find where it will fit. Too, maybe you could reply and find out what exactly is "home" to her...you may already have something...have fun on vacay and please don't be too blue...and all caps...for emphasis, not yelling! Replies don't offer italics-they should...The Words Crafterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14520267901489487512noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-71888160451268660502010-06-30T18:55:58.970-04:002010-06-30T18:55:58.970-04:00Zoe -- I sent you an email.
Michelle -- Don't...Zoe -- I sent you an email.<br /><br />Michelle -- Don't be sad. And I would love to still get your feedback on it. I know how busy you are. Perhaps under the bed keeping company with the dust bunnies it will be able to come back out early next year. It won't be forgotten. I love it too much.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-54272310572467655922010-06-30T18:06:38.521-04:002010-06-30T18:06:38.521-04:00Anne, this is sad for me. Are you really going to ...Anne, this is sad for me. Are you really going to shelve it? I'm going to finish reading it anyway, just so you know. Now that my short story contest is out of the way and Cinders is getting almost to the finish line with publishing, I have a ton more time! I think the beginning of your book is fine. It just needs some shifts and tightening up, in my opinion. <br /><br />I gave up on my first novel. It's shelved for good, although I may end up rewriting it one day, maybe as a novella. :)<br /><br />You must, of course, do what you feel is right for you and your writing career.Michelle D. Argylehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09696465137285587646noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-13876981922346535902010-06-30T17:47:01.737-04:002010-06-30T17:47:01.737-04:00Anne, I'm so impressed with your resolve not t...Anne, I'm so impressed with your resolve not to change your book for the whims of the market. Well done. And don't forget, you're not the writer of ONE book. You're a writer of MANY books, right? It's a career, so don't let it get you too down. Good luck and HUGS!!Zoe C. Courtmanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00642503770758938774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-19969123984700050202010-06-30T17:31:59.065-04:002010-06-30T17:31:59.065-04:00Portia -- I think I jsut need some time away from ...Portia -- I think I jsut need some time away from it. It's been all encompassing for the last 18 months. <br /><br />Lydia -- That's all we can do is just wait and see. If it doesn't kill us.<br /><br />Bru -- Thanks for the lovely words. I think the only thing to take the sting out is a poor girl's Manhatten but considering I don't drink anymore, anything chocolate will suffice.<br /><br />Alex -- Yeah, that's about all I can do at this point. Just relax. It all comes out in the wash anyway.<br /><br />Talli -- I sent you an email.<br /><br />Betty -- I think once I get back from vacation things will definitely look a lot better.<br /><br />Ed -- Thanks for the sugar. Hey, how did you like the sex (scene) yesterday?<br /><br />Travis -- You betcha'! Thanks for stopping by.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-42016745314719215972010-06-30T17:15:07.689-04:002010-06-30T17:15:07.689-04:00Keep fighting the good fight.Keep fighting the good fight.Travis Erwinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09420879160702098979noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-39874652654594315002010-06-30T17:12:49.878-04:002010-06-30T17:12:49.878-04:00what's most important is having the energy and...what's most important is having the energy and love of your work to do whatever the spirit compels you to do. sometimes reworking it in a way that another thinks is best will make for a better story and will flush out our characters better. sometimes we need a break to recharge. it's fun that we don't know how our stories will end up in the end, and being open to what might happen is a powerful place to be as a creator. i'm really excited for you. a letter like the one you got has real value. carry on!Ed Pilollahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09139531369534586168noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-43653710520616318672010-06-30T16:43:16.258-04:002010-06-30T16:43:16.258-04:00Give yourself a little time. You'll get some ...Give yourself a little time. You'll get some perspective and then make some decisions. Keep positive thoughts about the others out there!Bossy Bettyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12568355839499622409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-23825765938879246712010-06-30T14:51:58.107-04:002010-06-30T14:51:58.107-04:00That's such an encouraging response, though! Y...That's such an encouraging response, though! You should definitely take heart in that.<br /><br />This is a difficult one. I wouldn't put it on the shelf after one rejection on a partial, or even change it at this stage. Just wait until you've queried all you can and you have your partials back. Then you can make a decision. <br /><br />One thing I've learned: never make a decision right after a rejection!Talli Rolandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04780882465745107715noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-1936912135184599842010-06-30T13:50:36.899-04:002010-06-30T13:50:36.899-04:00I spent a long time working on CassaStar. Maybe ju...I spent a long time working on CassaStar. Maybe just letting it sit for awhile and then tackling it fresh. In the meantime, the personalized rejection letter is a good sign - keep writing!Alex J. Cavanaughhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09770065693345181702noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-6521909130280821932010-06-30T13:50:08.839-04:002010-06-30T13:50:08.839-04:00Anne,
I'm not really supposed to be online ri...Anne,<br /><br />I'm not really supposed to be online right now, supposed to be resting my eyes (shhh don't tell anybody ;) so sorry if I repeat what anybody else said already I can't read all the comments but I just had to give you a big hug here. I'm sorry about the 'no'.<br /><br />I don't think that the decision to shelve a project is anything anyone can really help with- at least that's where I'm at right now, myself. No matter what other people think- it's a decision you have to live with later so only you can know if it's time or if it deserves more tries. Maybe try putting it away for awhile but not swearing off while you finish up with Tony & company?<br /><br />Just knowing what I've gotten to know about the way you write and what you want to include in your books think that it'd be an awful shame if readers like me didn't ever get the chance to read your Regency. For me you might be the redeeming factor for an entire genre. Yeah, there I said it! You could be the only reason I'd have to buy a book like that.<br /><br />No pressure or anything...<br /><br />my nosy 2 cents is this-focus on what makes you happy today- right now- then see how you feel when the sting wears off a little. And if you figure out how to make the sting stop please tell me... (((((hugs))))<br /><br />@Davin, <br /><br />you said "I feel calm. I don't particularly want to submit nor do I care that much about traditional publishing at the moment."<br /><br />Without so much of the 'calm', (I take nothing 'calmly')that's exactly where I am right now. I just don't care about submitting- I just want to write if I can just get unblocked. I'm hoping large amounts of music and maybe some painting will help. If only I drank.<br /><br />~bruFebruary Gracehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01078037856070486022noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-75494163257832126512010-06-30T13:41:37.954-04:002010-06-30T13:41:37.954-04:00I don't have a good answer because I go throug...I don't have a good answer because I go through the same thing. I think I have a novel as good as can be, but maybe not and I just can't see it.<br />Sigh. I'm going to wait to get more feedback on any partials or fulls I get. We'll see.<br />:/Lydia Kanghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00484415427764822386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-54628812900322097072010-06-30T12:18:24.194-04:002010-06-30T12:18:24.194-04:00I also gave up on a book. It was my first, my baby...I also gave up on a book. It was my first, my baby, and I spent three years of my life on it. I may or may not ever return to it, but I did go through a sort of grieving process about it. <br /><br />I hope someday I can return to the piece, but there is a certain peace to focusing on something else. I hope you find that peace and are able to decide what's right for you and your work. I'd hate to think that this book never gets the audience it deserves.Portiahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13435815819572442582noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-33005391123767929292010-06-30T11:55:27.794-04:002010-06-30T11:55:27.794-04:00Jen -- Thanks. Soemtimes it's just better to ...Jen -- Thanks. Soemtimes it's just better to move on and I think that's what I think I'm going to do.<br /><br />Katie -- I'm going to email you.<br /><br />Patti -- I think that's the best course of action right now. Just do what you have to do.<br /><br />Davin -- Yeah, I think once you've gone through all the madness of querying you finally get to that point of calmness and not caring. It may or may not be a good thing but something we all need to decide for ourselves.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-54005461137949519402010-06-30T11:45:53.002-04:002010-06-30T11:45:53.002-04:00Anne, I just got an agent rejection two days ago a...Anne, I just got an agent rejection two days ago after a partial request as well. The criticism was something that I had heard before, and it is something I decided I wasn't going to change because I think the book is what it is. I think I'm in the exact same place as you right now. I feel calm. I don't particularly want to submit nor do I care that much about traditional publishing at the moment. I feel really good about my writing and that has given me an infinite amount of patience. I am working on my novella, and I'm waiting for another novel idea to surprise me. :)Davin Malasarnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09385823575081492949noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-20359239097263470672010-06-30T11:35:45.593-04:002010-06-30T11:35:45.593-04:00I'm kind of in the same situation. I'm que...I'm kind of in the same situation. I'm querying it but I'm not sure it's the book I want it to be, but I'm also not sure if I want to try and make it more sellable, so I'm busy writing somethng else over the summer.Pattihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00685341739870191402noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-59852737706381074532010-06-30T11:29:56.708-04:002010-06-30T11:29:56.708-04:00where the agent's initials SM? I got almost t...where the agent's initials SM? I got almost the same rejection letter yesterday so it made me wonder...hmn. Sorry about the rejection and it sounds like you've got a good plan!Creepy Query Girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18115161057496086972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-46853946834961204552010-06-30T11:09:38.688-04:002010-06-30T11:09:38.688-04:00I go with my gut on these, if I know I've work...I go with my gut on these, if I know I've worked it and I loved it and no one else did I'll shelve it, I never know when it will come back but for the time being the dust bunnies can keep it company. It just means the timing wasn't right, it doesn't mean it's gone forever, at least I don't believe that. <br /><br />You have a great plan in place and I'm sure you'll do well, I've read your snippets and I agree with the agent, you've got talent girl!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03667521490706435608noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4174226224096540850.post-40416054454322628952010-06-30T10:49:00.364-04:002010-06-30T10:49:00.364-04:00Sarah -- Thanks. You're right, of course. So...Sarah -- Thanks. You're right, of course. Sometimes I just see the trees and not the forest. I did, in fact, keep that rejection letter just because she did say I had talent. Some days it's harder than others to keep my chins up.Anne Gallagherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05816355522284492131noreply@blogger.com