Wednesday, December 24, 2008

Getting over it


8/365 - Cold nights
Originally uploaded by Nicole.Kelly
I am working on getting over my need to be perfect (not that I am ever am). I've spent most of my life being humiluated by any error and/or flaw. Oddly, it's being an editor that is forcing me to accept my own imperfect nature. Not, as most would expect, because I fix other people's errors for a living, but because I send out errors even with my best efforts. All editors, even the best, make mistakes. Our mistakes are very public. In fact, one of my fellow editors once told me that the only time an editor gets noticed, is when they've made a mistake. If the writing is perfect at press time, the writer gets all the kudos for great writing.

Losing my agent took more of a toll than I was expecting. I think I was holding onto that success as a way justifiying a hobby that sucks up 10-20 hours a week. Today, I've decided that it was all for the best. I wasn't actually happy with said situation. I knew it wasn't the best thing for me or my book. And some where in my neurotic head, I knew I needed to not be there. This book is the story I've always wanted to tell. I have another book that I am almost done with that I love, but I am more seperated from. I think it makes a better "first book" too. Continuum (the story I love) deserves another editing pass and a shot being told in its fullness, which is about three books. Publishing climate as it is right now, I would be very sad to see Continuum only get one-third told.

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

It's a cold world


Snowy field
Originally uploaded by Nicole.Kelly
Three years, one agent, many promises, the book was dropped.

My project that was picked up three years ago, was dropped today by the agency that initially picked it up, worked on it with me, and got it all packaged up. I worked with my agent there for months, and due to his sudden departure from the agency, it was never ever presented to one editor. Instead, I was promised that someone in the agency would take it on. It never happened. On top of all that, the note today that informed me that they weren't going forward with the project, was a form rejection. I guess I wasn't a part of the agency. :(



I am a good, solid mix of frustrated, annoyed, sad, and apathetic.

Friday, December 5, 2008

*yawn*


*yawn*
Originally uploaded by Nicole.Kelly
I went to an awesome art opening tonight at the WAFA art collective's space. They have a studio in the same building I have my photography studio. It was fun, but I have to say that they have the best name ever: WAFA stands for We Are Fucking Awesome. Now, that's the spirit. :)

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Hope


Nicole
Originally uploaded by Nic Launceford
Man, after today's news, I wonder if a first-time author can even get published. I read one agent's blog today (the one who has my full ms), and she is buried in queries and facing down a thinning editorial market. *sigh*

Anyone have some good news?