I've taken the summer to re-evaluate my writing. It's been a good break, and I think it will greatly improve my perception of writing and my writing. Seeing that summer is coming to an end, here's what I did with (part of) my summer vacation:
Went on tour with my band
Got cast in a movie
Worked with an editor on my book
Wrote a couple of short stories
Submitted one of the stories to Harper's
I had a great time in the last couple of months. Hope all is well in everyone else's world.
Cheers!
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Getting over it
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.
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
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.
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*
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
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?
Anyone have some good news?
Friday, September 26, 2008
The contender
Last week didn't get a lot better, but what can you do?
I finished a new story this week, and sent it off to a couple of friends. So far, it is a hit. :-)
I read an *awesome* story by Kelly Link called, "Some zombie contingency plans." Go read it!
Work was better. Dogs are less bitey. It was sunny for part of the week. Not too bad, really.
I finished a new story this week, and sent it off to a couple of friends. So far, it is a hit. :-)
I read an *awesome* story by Kelly Link called, "Some zombie contingency plans." Go read it!
Work was better. Dogs are less bitey. It was sunny for part of the week. Not too bad, really.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
Goodnight Stupid Day
After a very long day at work, I got to have a wonderful "my writer is melting down at me" meeting. :(
I get it. It is hard to take criticism. I sympathize as a writer and as an editor. But, man, try to not to yell at your poor editor (that's me). I've worked as a writer. I've worked as an editor. They are both *very* hard jobs. The best thing I can say to any writer, including me, is that your editor is there to help you and improve your writing.
Again, :( and boo.
I get it. It is hard to take criticism. I sympathize as a writer and as an editor. But, man, try to not to yell at your poor editor (that's me). I've worked as a writer. I've worked as an editor. They are both *very* hard jobs. The best thing I can say to any writer, including me, is that your editor is there to help you and improve your writing.
Again, :( and boo.
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