A great new year to everyone! 2015. The dawn of the new year spells a lot of possibilities, hopeful notions, loads of expectations on the good things that will happen as a result of reaching new goals. It's enough to keep one excited. I am. And I know you are, too.
It's IWSG day today and for this first post for 2015, it's getting-to-know-you time. So, I'll tell you a bit about myself.
I love coffee! I'm also a tea drinker.
I love chocolates! Doesn't everyone? :-)
I started out in the publishing world of magazines and newspapers before trying my hand at writing stories for books. I've worked there for a few years.
I'm the author of: (1) Sleepyhead? Not!
(2) Are You There, God? It's Me, Kaitlyn Zamorra, Smiling at You
(3) 13th Breath: A Collection of Poetry and Prose
(4) The Hidden Fear of an Author: What if No One Wants to Read Your Book?
I like to compose music.
I like to cook, but I would often experiment on things instead of following a recipe to a T.
I read a lot. I think a lot.
I love the gift of silence when I meditate.
I love to walk, find new paths and discover new things that nature lovingly gives us.
Now for this month's insecurity and updates:
I'm insecure about getting my stories in print via traditional book publishing. There. I've said it. While I'm getting a tougher writer's skin by sending queries and writing a synopsis or two, and receiving all kinds of replies or no replies at all, there's still this small little Ouch! that manages to get in and make my mind go temporarily blank. Now, I really don't know how many times I'd say that little Ouch!
You see, when I checked my email this morning, I found another rejection letter from another publisher for another picture story of mine. A lot of repetitions for the word, "another" in that sentence? lol! I know. :-) Anyway, it's another lovely rejection letter--lovely because it's a personal rejection letter. The editor was kind enough to take the time to inform me that the story didn't fit. But she also asked for my writing portfolio. I'd like to think it's because she likes how I write.
I'll write another picture story and send it to them soon. Hopefully, that one fits their standards. For the meantime, that rejected story will be sent by snail mail to another publisher. Still hoping to have a story or two published soon. Oh, by the way, the other publishers I sent my works to haven't replied yet. No updates on that yet.
I'd like to think of 2015 as a year of possibilities. Positive ones. Focusing on that one.
You see, when I checked my email this morning, I found another rejection letter from another publisher for another picture story of mine. A lot of repetitions for the word, "another" in that sentence? lol! I know. :-) Anyway, it's another lovely rejection letter--lovely because it's a personal rejection letter. The editor was kind enough to take the time to inform me that the story didn't fit. But she also asked for my writing portfolio. I'd like to think it's because she likes how I write.
I'll write another picture story and send it to them soon. Hopefully, that one fits their standards. For the meantime, that rejected story will be sent by snail mail to another publisher. Still hoping to have a story or two published soon. Oh, by the way, the other publishers I sent my works to haven't replied yet. No updates on that yet.
I'd like to think of 2015 as a year of possibilities. Positive ones. Focusing on that one.
That's it for today's post. Sorry the short introduction about myself is more than a hundred words. Do visit the other members of IWSG to see what they have to share for the start of the month. Thanks to Alex J Cavanaugh and the co-hosts for this month! Now, it's time to visit some blogs.
I'll see you next month for IWSG. Here's to a wonderful start for 2015 for everyone! Sending you virtual *HUGS*!
I'll see you next month for IWSG. Here's to a wonderful start for 2015 for everyone! Sending you virtual *HUGS*!
21 comments:
Inspired by your determination to keep submitting. I seem to be scared that my writing is never ready, or suitable. so I start another project. Maybe I can learn from your example. Go Sittie
Its good that you are taking rejection in the right spirit and its wonderful that the publisher asked for your writing portfolio. Its means they like your writing style :)
Now that's an awesome rejection. Definitely a year of possibilities ahead... I can't wait to see what comes of it and I'm hoping you'll land yourself a deal. =)
Rejection is part of the job. I got one Jan 2nd. I thought, what a way to start off the year. It proved I was still trying and I guess that's something.
I think you're right about the editor. Good Luck.
Here's my link if you'd like to drop by :-)
Anna from Shout with Emaginette
I love the titles of your published works!
What's funny is that I'm insecure about self-publishing because I've only published through a small press. Heck, I'd be insecure if I got an agent and landed a contract with a publishing house. So far that hasn't happened and that also makes me insecure. :P
The year of possibilities -- I like that!
Congrats on such a positive rejection. It does sound like the editor likes your writing. I'm hoping 2015 is a year of positive possibilities also. =)
Brave soul, you are. I know I don't need to encourage you to continue,but I will anyway. You're on the right track, and, go ahead and send them your portfolio while you're working on the next story! How can it hurt? Thanks for commenting on my blog and Happy New Year!
By all means, send what the editor requested. They don't just say that to be nice. They don't have the time. Congrats on the positive letter.
If she wanted your portfolio, that means she did like your writing. Hopefully you can submit something else to her.
And I'm weird - I don't eat chocolate.
Have to keep on plugging away indeed
@Rolandclark: Thanks!
I've realized that one way to face that fear of yours is to send it after making it rest awhile and checking it again, Roland. Who knows? You might a receive a YES! Good luck!
@Rachna Chhabria: Thanks, Rachna! That means a lot.
@Crystal Collier: I hope so, too, Crystal. Thanks!
@emaginette: Yes, that's something.
Thanks for the good luck! I needed that.
@Chrys Fey: Why, thank you!
Self-publishing through a small press is OK. I've self-published my four books, too, but not through a small press, and that makes me insecure, too. :-)
Don't worry. I've read your works, Chrys. Whatever happens, I know readers will come your way.
@eclecticali: Thank you! And thanks for the visit!
@Cherie Colyer: Thanks, Cherie! It's a year of positive possibilities for all of us. :-)
@Lisa: Oh, I do need encouragement. It helps a lot. Thank you so much, Lisa!
@Diane Burton: Thanks, Diane! Yup, I'm preparing it and will send it to her soon.
@L. Diane Wolfe: Yup, I'll send her something. Soon. Will just make that story rest awhile before I get back to it and see if it's ready to be submitted to her.
You don't eat chocolate? Oh, that's OK. :-) You're not weird.
@Pat Hatt: Hello, Pat! Thank you. Happy New Year!
Hi, Sittie,
Nice to meet you! Congrats on the excellent rejection. Those are truly the best kind and you attitude is awesome! You GET it.... That is important in this industry.
I hope 2015 keeps you well and positive in your thinking... It's so important to keep focused and positive in our industry.
ALL the best and hugs to you too!
Nice to meet you!
Rejections are the worst, aren't they? But you're a million miles ahead of all those people who can't get over their fears enough to submit. Just by putting yourself out there, you're winning.
I was inspired to try to get 100 rejections this year. I'm hoping that, by turning it into a bit of a game, I'll have some fun with it and get my work out there like it never has been before.
Good luck with your submissions!
I hope you find publishers for each of your stories! While I'm not shopping books right now, I am getting plenty of rejections for short stories. It's hard not to take it personally, but I do love the personal feedback. Good luck!
Hi Sittie!
Thanks for the visit yesterday!
2015 as a year of positive possibilities... I like the sound of this!
Definitely something to focus on.
Take care.
Day by day. I'm sending positive energy your way. Make tomorrow count! Hugs.
You have the perfect attitude that will surly lead to publication. Getting rejections or no answers at all is hard to handle, but the important thing is to not let them discourage you. Perseverance always pays. On the other hand, that's an AWESOME rejection! There's a light in there that might lead to success, so don't let it go, keep having faith in you and your work. Best of luck for this 2015!!
Us writers really need to be brave, don't we? Luckily, it sounds like you have bagfulls of courage. But allow yourself to take a moment, it's natural, it's important. Just always bear in mind that they reject your book because it's not a good fit, not because it's no good. Good luck for 2015!
Rejection stings no matter what. I could have a book on the best seller list and being rejected would still stink! I call that being human.
I love your attitude. Well done, you. All the best.
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