I never thought I would live to say this, but I had the worst evening last night. I was invited to dinner by my cousin and I had been dying to see her for so long. I knew some of her friends would join us and I didn't think anything would go wrong, but it did. There was this one woman that just made me feel like shit when she started going off about how stupid people in my town and country was and how European people are the best, and yes, she is from Europe. It was just vile. I didn't even get to talk to my cousin, who I wanted to see. This lady was seated next to me and took over the whole conversation for the rest of the night. She didn't think much of me being a romance writer either (my cousin mentioned that I was a writer, not me) and the worst part is that most of the guests didn't contradicted her about anything that she said, except for two of us, but she just made a lengthy debate out of everything, when all I wanted was to have a good time. So I just gave up. If you are ignorant, you are ignorant and no one can convince you otherwise.
I finally took the plunge and submitted my novel to Avon Romance and Kensington Publishing Corp. I just felt that it was time that I took a chance. I have 20 different versions of The Amaranthine and I have even changed the name of the novel a few times too. I feel that I have tried to make this book perfect for so long, but I have done everything I could for it. It is time for it to go out into the world and be seen. If I get rejected and it never gets published, I will be sad, but at least I can say that I had tried. I just can't worry about this story any more. If I want my dream to come true of being published, I have to take the step of actually submitting my work. How else will it be seen?
So, what are you up to?
Murees, you shouldn't give a second thought to that horrid woman. She's just too rude and ignorant to be worth your thoughts. I think people like that try to make themselves feel important so they try to take control of everything.
ReplyDeleteIt's wonderful that you submitted your novel! Remember even if they reject it, that's only one person-one company's opinion. Dr. Suess had his books rejected dozens of times and look how successful he was!
Congratulations Murees, I just know your hard work will pay off.
ReplyDeleteI've been in too many airport shuttles where fellow flight attendants trash-talked the country and it's inhabitants. I get so embarrassed, I'd rather walk.
Hi Murees - frankly it's a pain when anyone is over-opinionated at a meal gathering .. so I quite understand your total irritation.
ReplyDeleteWell done on submitting 'The Amaranthine' .. let's hope publication is in sight .. however now-a-days all is not lost .. there are other ways to publication ..
Fingers crossed for you - cheers Hilary
Good luck on your submission. I, for one, love a good romance.
ReplyDeleteHave you tried entering any RWA contests with the manuscript? I'm just beginning "the contest route" with my books. If you're a finalist, your manuscript will be read by an agent or editor, and thereby you can bypass the slushpile, at least for that editor's house.
Deanie - Thank you! You always know just what to say to cheer me up.
ReplyDeleteKelly - Thank you. I will try my best to make this opportunity a success. I was just caught off guard by this woman's dislike for my country and its inhabitants and yet she lives here now. But yes, I felt embarrassed too.
Hilary - Thank you. I will definitely need all the luck I can get.
Cathy - Thank you! I did not know about the competitions. I will definitely check it out. Thank you for letting me know.
I just went to a writers conference this weekend with Jeff Goins, and he said we should do one thing every week , every day even, that makes us uncomfortable. His philosophy is that the best way to find our life is to wreck our life. Meaning, put yourself into a situation that seems scary, then fight your way out of it. You did that! You put your story out there, but you also gave opportunity the chance to knock!
ReplyDeleteMaybe something will come of these submissions, maybe not, but at least you'll know you tried! Good things come to those who work, sister :)
Absolutely! And plus if it does get rejected, hopefully there'll be some feedback why... at that point you can make changes. I think it's equally detrimental to work on a story til its perfect as it is to send it out too soon. Good for you taking the step! It's the only way we grow!
ReplyDeleteAnd how rude of that lady. I'd never go to another country and insult ANYTHING about the way they live.
Katie - Thank you! I know my hard work will pay off, maybe not with this book, but one day I will make my dream come true. Thank you for always having my back.
ReplyDeletePK- Thank you. I hope that I can get some great feedback or even better, find a home for it. But time will tell. I know right? I would never say that type of things, let alone think them. Every country has its flaws, but the funny part is that she lives here now.
By the way. Never think of it as being rejected. You've offered them a great opportunity. They missed out.
ReplyDeleteAfter a while, you even start to believe it.
Congrats on submitting your novel. Celebrate your bravery and keep ever hopeful.
ReplyDeleteI've sat by and been stuck with people who are unpleasant and boorish. Sorry that happened to you. You're right, not much you can do about it. It would be nice if they had a mute button.
When I got to that point, I decided I'd just throw it on the internet and let my friends and family read it. From that major beta reading, I decided I still had a long ways to go--but I did get a ground swell of people who are now anxiously awaiting my book releases. Take the plunge, eh?
ReplyDeleteOh, and I nominated you for a blog award. :)
John - Thank you! That is amazing advice. That mean woman would make for a great villain. And you are right, I should look at it as people missing out on a great opportunity. It would definitely do wonders for the ego and self-confidence.
ReplyDeleteMary - Thank you! I will definitely stay hopeful and yeah, if only that lady had a mute button. I would even have settled for a fast forward button.
Crystal - Thank you so much! It just felt like it was time for this novel. After 5 years of working on it and all the feedback, I just felt like it was time.
Murees, it sounds like you've worked really, really hard on this book. Remember hard work is rewarded!
ReplyDeleteJust keep on. Don't give up.
I'm wondering why that lady lives here if she doesn't like the country? Crazy...
Writer In Transit
Michelle - Thank you! I am really pulling out all the stops this time. I am just trying my hardest to have as many agents and publishers see my book this time.
ReplyDeleteI know right? Apparently she is a lecturer's assistant at a university in South Africa. I just can't believe she thinks we are all stupid.
Even more than "hard work is rewarded," remember that hard work IS a reward. You've created something that most people can't. You've had the pleasure of seeing it through. A lot of people I talk with feel like what writers do is some kind of magic. So if nothing else, you've proven you have magic.
ReplyDeleteJohn - Thank you so much! I truly feel like this book is magic. You are always so encouraging John, thank you so much for always saying the right thing at the right moment.
ReplyDelete