Firstly, my ISP is currently driving me nuts working at below dial-up speed because I’ve used up all my available allowance. I’ve finally caved and signed up for the next level, but I have to wait a couple of days for it to kick in. Meantime, I’m doing minimum Internet visits and instead I have to write. So sad, but what’s a girl to do if she can’t procrastinate!
I’m participating in Christine d’Abo’s writing challenge and have almost made my target for this week with two days to go. I might even cheat and do some more planning on my Urban Fantasy and also my storyboard. Christine said I’m meant to concentrate on one project but no one will tell on me, right?
This week has been one of rejection. I’ve received two, and while I’m disappointed, I’ve already moved on, submitting one project to another pub and reading/editing/cutting the other project to make it under 15,000 words. I’m thinking I might submit this to Spice or EC. I’m going to ponder this for a bit longer. The lesson to all you unpublished/aspiring writers out there is that rejections never go away. I’ve been published since 2004 and I still get rejections. Even though they’re disappointing and some plain hurt, dammit, a rejection isn’t personal. It just means that the project didn’t work for that particular editor or agent. Run with any feedback and send that sucker out again. That is my advice for the day.
I’m running a new contest on my website in conjunction with the wonderful and talented Jory Strong. The details will be up on my contest page this weekend so do pop back and check it out. I really love Jory’s books and the contest is going to be a lot of fun.
Reading: I’ve started reading my RITA books, which I can’t tell you about, but I did sneak in Midnight Awakening by Lara Adrian. I’ve been enjoying Ms. Adrian’s series and her take on vampires. I’ll admit I thought the first book was only okay, but I picked up the second book and loved it. I think her series is getting better with each book and will definitely snap up the fourth in the series. In this, the third book, the hero Tegan is strong and feared by others but he has a softer side that he shows to Elise, the heroine. I liked Elise, too. She’s grown strong after losing her son and finds new depths along with love. Really, if you like vampire stories this is a great read.
I also picked up a few of Ellora’s Cave Exotica line. The only ones I’ve read to date are by Red Garnier. Today I read a short Quickie by Ciana Stone called Riding Ranger. I really liked this story. While I usually prefer a happy ending this story really worked for me.
How has your week been? What are you up to for the weekend? What are you reading at the moment?
January 25th, 2008 at 3:22 am · Link
Hi Shelley,
I just read “The Second Seduction” and loved it. Right now I’m reading “In My Wildest Fantasies” by Julianne MacLean, some historicals while I’m waiting for some of your books and some vampire books from my internet-bookstore ( and Lara Adrian’s newest, of course, but I think it will be in March).
Keep on with your books, they are great and don’t let those rejections get to you!!
This week has been filled with work and this weekend I’ll just enjoy, I think. Some walks in the woods, good food and plenty of reading.
Take care, Eva
January 25th, 2008 at 8:49 am · Link
Oh darling I’m sorry to hear about the rejections. I just had a one myself this week. HUGS!!
And I saw that post of yours…since you made your quota, I’ll let this one slide.
January 25th, 2008 at 1:13 pm · Link
Eva, thank you so much for the words of encouragement. You’ve made my day. I’m really pleased you enjoyed The Second Seduction. It sounds as if you’re in for a nice, peaceful weekend. Have fun!
Oh, bother. You caught me, Christine.
Hugs on your rejection. I’m sure, like me, you have a plan B in mind. All the best of luck!
January 25th, 2008 at 1:58 pm · Link
I am reading Gideon by Jacquelyn Frank.
January 25th, 2008 at 2:34 pm · Link
I’m reading “Shadow Music” by Julie Garwood. I’ll be doing some more shopping this weekend at Sephora. Have a great weekend.
January 25th, 2008 at 3:50 pm · Link
Rejections are more opportunities than stumbling blocks for someone of your ability. They help you refine your craft and focus your efforts more clearly. Learn what you can and move on.
I’m still deep in the installation of the watering system. The pressure pump is connected to the rainwater tanks and functioning and a grey water system to recyle the rinse water from the washing machine, etc., is next on the list. When that’s done, I have to change the present spray system to a soaker/drip system to conserve precious water.
In between times, I ponder my WIP (one of the characters is executed under Article 29 of the Articles of War that governed Nelson’s Navy) and read more of “Some Talk of Alexander” when I can.
It’s one of those books you have to digest because there’s so much crammed into every page, and I have to digress occasionally to research some reference. I read Charles Kingsley’s “The Heroes” as a child, and Robert Graves’ two volumes of “The Greek Myths” as a teenager, but that’s a while ago and my memory needs some refreshing at times.
“Onwards and Upwards!”
Amy
January 25th, 2008 at 6:22 pm · Link
I’m so glad that you said that about rejections. I think we aspiring writers seem to have the idea that once we’re published it will be smooth sailing.
What am I doing? Finishing up Sex and the Psychic Witch by Annette Blair, write a review for it. Pack, or this little thing called work in the morning.
January 26th, 2008 at 11:38 am · Link
Estella, I’ve heard some good things about Jacquelyn Frank’s books but haven’t read any of them yet.
Jane – I haven’t read Shadow Music either. I have lots of Julie Garwood books on my keeper shelf.
Amy – we’re having a very dry summer over here. I haven’t seen it so dry for ages. Onward and upwards, indeed!!
Bailey – when I was an aspiring author all I thought about was bashing down the wall between me and the published authors. It was a case of the grass is greener on the other side. Don’t get me wrong – I wouldn’t change a thing but being published comes with an entire set of different problems, rejections included. Writers have to be tough for a reason
January 26th, 2008 at 11:41 pm · Link
Hi Shelly! I found your blog. I’m learnign to find them :) ANd love to visit when I can.
Hey, I’ve gone through different ‘rejections’ in my life recently too but of a sort of different kind. With that, I had to decide to move on and find second opinions, etc. So maybe not the same, but I do know how it feels.
I’m reading RIDING WILD by Jaci Burton! Whoa is this filled with great sexual tension as well as a hero I feel for in the first page and a herione that is just at strong! And its a motocycle hero! I’m up late reading cuz I don’t want to put it down. Comes out I believe Feb 5th, soon!
January 26th, 2008 at 11:51 pm · Link
Hi Cathie,
Great to see you here. I’ve heard a lot of great reports about Jaci’s Riding Wild. I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a copy.