They could have at least served some chocolates and Diet Coke.
As you recall, I asked you all for help on ideas for a short story (or four).
I managed to write one story and get it turned in on Friday. Barely. I mean I was literally making a significant change thirty minutes before I submitted it.
Being I am in a public domain, even with copyright laws, I am not going to post the story here. I love this story-it's probably my favorite thus far- and it has book potential. At least that was my original plan. Having said that, if you would like to read it, email me and I'll email it to you.
On Friday (I think) I also got the email that today was the editorial meeting to decide what will be included and what (unfortunately) won't make the cut.
If you have never sat in on one of these meetings, it is intense, especially for someone like me. I don't want to disappoint anyone but there is only so much room. Things one person likes another absolutely hates.
BRU-TAL.
And if that isn't enough, you have to sit there while they say things. Things about your work. Your work that they don't know is yours. Only that it is Prose 13.
The thirteen should have tipped me off.
The use of the word maudlin had me stumped; I had forgotten it was mentioned up until thirty minutes ago when I was reading Edgar Allen Poe. Ironic that it was reading Poe when I thought of it.
Is it sad that I had to look it up? I hope that was the right word.
Here is the entry from Merriam-Webster's Online Thesaurus:
- Entry Word:
- maudlin
- Function:
- adjective
Text: appealing to the emotions in an obvious and tiresome waymaudlin movie about a lovable tramp>— see corny
Anyway, I think the majority liked it, but probably won't make the cut.
I have been back and forth all evening on how I feel. I am not so upset that they may not include it in the final copy, but it makes me wonder if I could ever find the wow factor that would make me stand out in a stack of hundreds of manuscripts.
Just one. That's all I want.
I'm not greedy.
P.S. I know I am BEHIND on reading and commenting. Give me a day or so. I'll get caught up!
4 comments:
So it hasn't actually been rejected yet...correct?
Is it the same story I've read? If not, please send it my way. I'd love to read. If it is the same story with changes, I'd still love to read.
Try not to take it personally, Heather.
I've heard from so many authors who've said they submitted upwards of 20 manuscripts before one was finally published. You just need that one story to get your foot in the door. After that, you're golden. :)
XOXO
p.s. Let's hope we can each find that story! LOL
I have so been there.
When my press sent my manuscript out to readers, one of them responded with praise and a few interesting critiques and suggestions.
The other one sent back a 27-page screed attacking everything but my hair color. He hated it. HATED IT. And he was kind enough to sign his name, so I know he teaches near me and I might run into him in the grocery (oh, the fantasies...).
It's been absolutely crippling. I can't write without his disapproving voice in my head. And he's MEAN.
So I agree with Bridgett. Take my word for it: do not take this personally. Doing so will hurt your writing in ways you don't want.
Also, she's right about the fact that it has not been rejected. If the majority liked it, then you might still get in. Everything has fans and foes - no matter how good it is. I can't read Grapes of Wrath to save my life. If that landed on my desk for editorial comment, I'd be like "what's this crap about the turtle? Blech!"
So reviewers don't know everything. You're the one with the imagination and the voice. Just keep plugging away.
(and when you're the new John Grisham, you'll fund my research, right? I'm cheap!)
Yes- I didn't illustrate it very well. It was put in the "maybe" column. At the meeting next Tuesday, it will be decided whether it becomes a "yes" or a "no." I guess we'll wait and see.
The ugly part of me wants to say that they are bitter. Only one person in that room had ever been published. And I still think she does from time to time. She is also the one that encouraged me to write, submit something last year, asked me to be involved this year, and didn't say anything negative. Actually, I can't say what or if she said anything. As far as I know, she didn't know it was mine. (Yet)
SO thank you Boo and Fiona..I will keep writing. Not because I want to get published (ok. maybe a little) but because I just love the process of it all.
And Fiona, I'll totally fund you.
:)
Boy, you sure are one for positive thinking, huh?
I'd like to read it, if you don't mind. And I want to be the first one you email when you find out your story will be included.
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