tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post8690561629515706722..comments2024-03-29T03:41:44.480-04:00Comments on Authoress: Friday FricasseeAuthoresshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09223228949688667517noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-2990320527412570372013-05-27T22:52:31.356-04:002013-05-27T22:52:31.356-04:00I love this post. It is so easy to forget what bri...I love this post. It is so easy to forget what brings us joy as writers. I'm so glad you're going back. Can't wait to hear more about it!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03752960509531447848noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-5059233651391181822013-05-27T06:44:48.077-04:002013-05-27T06:44:48.077-04:00ah, a lovely post. I totally relate. i love my fir...ah, a lovely post. I totally relate. i love my first novel with an unrelenting passion - and it is SO bad. Many happy returns on your way to enjoying your writing again!Seth Z. Hermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02925224861329197932noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-90429491953381801132013-05-27T01:03:27.095-04:002013-05-27T01:03:27.095-04:00Oh, Authoress! I feel you your pain!! I just wante...Oh, Authoress! I feel you your pain!! I just wanted to give you a little nudge of encouragement and let you know how much you touch the lives of others. Thank you for all that you do for the writing community!! This is a beautiful idea-- and you're right--SO healing--I love it love it love it. Just get lost in the joy of writing for pleasure and your own fulfillment. There's magic there. *Hugs*sparrownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-58868793707055164582013-05-25T22:27:02.297-04:002013-05-25T22:27:02.297-04:00That was my plan for this summer as well. My first...That was my plan for this summer as well. My first novel was an epic fantasy of 154K words. Lacked conflict. Didn't understand show. I could go on and on.<br /><br />I've been working on a rewrite off and on for some time, I like to revert to that when I'm querying another novel. It helps to take away the sting.Michelle 4 Laughshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06876457259362839114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-14421198906328228672013-05-25T21:58:52.333-04:002013-05-25T21:58:52.333-04:00For some reason, I too pulled out my first novel, ...For some reason, I too pulled out my first novel, Seeking Eleanor, and am revising. It's almost painful, but I have a very soft spot to her. <br /><br />You aren't done, because you wrote a blog about it. I find, when you are truly done, you won't even write a blog about it. ;) Teehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18277378168473581160noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-48645754654405076282013-05-25T17:03:35.700-04:002013-05-25T17:03:35.700-04:00Authoress, I'm so glad you've found the bo...Authoress, I'm so glad you've found the book that will heal you. This life is hard. Brutally hard, sometimes. But change works for the good as well as the negative, and you have to hang in there until the sun shines on you and your path again.<br /><br />Trust me on this. When I started reading this blog several years ago, I was an aspiring, unpublished, unagented author with three manuscripts and no offers of representation to my credit. I comment today as a debut author with my first choice agent, a three-book deal, and my debut hardcover releasing on July 16. There were days on this journey that YOUR BLOG was one of the few things that kept me moving forward. Making it into a Baker's Dozen auction gave me the courage to believe in a dream that (at that time) had no other proof it might come true. That novel didn't even get me representation - and the next one didn't either - but the one after it proved to be the golden ring.<br /><br />This blog helped me through some very hard times. You helped, and your commenters helped, and none of you has ever met me in real life - but you impacted my real life, and in a very positive way.<br /><br />Hang in there. I believe in you.Susan Spannhttp://www.susanspann.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-65167224138815713052013-05-25T14:46:54.612-04:002013-05-25T14:46:54.612-04:00The only words I can find to say are these: this i...The only words I can find to say are these: this is absolutely wonderful. Power to you.Morgan Yorkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02762529346892874318noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-35432818667402718582013-05-24T17:33:50.029-04:002013-05-24T17:33:50.029-04:00Attitude is everything! As Galaxy Quest so wisely ...Attitude is everything! As Galaxy Quest so wisely taught me, "Never give up! Never surrender!" THAT is true success :)zolosolohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15330948524013339225noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-65030260295232894462013-05-24T17:24:00.515-04:002013-05-24T17:24:00.515-04:00I love that you're going back to that first bo...I love that you're going back to that first book that started it all. Imagine where you might be able to take it now that you know what you know? I have a fantasy story like that as well - one day, I'm going to pick it back up and breathe new life into. Can't wait to hear where yours takes you.SStokeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03607391693287377280noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-59023479439903834692013-05-24T16:18:23.719-04:002013-05-24T16:18:23.719-04:00My first novel, "Castle Falcon," is only...My first novel, "Castle Falcon," is only seven years old. I wrote it for my kids. It started out at 206,000 words, and then ran through nine major drafts, burning it down to 142,500 words.<br /><br />At this point, four years ago, I found an agent. After 120 rejections.<br /><br />Under editorial instruction I slashed the novel (with considerable pain) down to under 100K. <br /><br />The agent didn't work out, and his submissions to a number of publishers made it unlikely any other agent would pick my book up after that. So it goes.<br /><br />I went back in and reworked it the way I wanted it. A "director's cut," back up to 142,500 words again.<br /><br />Then I self-published it. Since it was basically agent "poison" now, I had nothing to lose. I didn't have the terrible decisions to make about self-publishing that other authors have to agonize over. <br /><br />When you rework your first book, you'll still have a lot of roads open to you. Good luck with whichever one you choose!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-55800018806943609482013-05-24T16:13:11.953-04:002013-05-24T16:13:11.953-04:00I LOVE THIS!! I've been there and, when I was...I LOVE THIS!! I've been there and, when I was there, I gave up writing something 'commercial', something that was meant for everyone 'out there' and I wrote something FOR ME. Will it go anywhere? Probably not. Was it therapeutic? YES YES YES! So enjoy, Authoress. Because this is our life and if we can't find the joy in it, then we're doing the wrong thing. :D Blessings!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-15862433757960996122013-05-24T15:30:24.465-04:002013-05-24T15:30:24.465-04:00Love it! My first novel was pure catharsis and tot...Love it! My first novel was pure catharsis and total garbage. The best part is that it exists only on floppy disks. (What are those?) I have a hard copy from which I would like to -- someday -- turn it into a bona fide memoir. Someday. jdsperohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16664727014171959065noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-70625807975895594452013-05-24T15:10:47.601-04:002013-05-24T15:10:47.601-04:00Wow, that is BRAVE Authoress! I've been feelin...Wow, that is BRAVE Authoress! I've been feeling "done" all month, myself. Perhaps laying back on my haunches and resting on my laurels a bit too much since my novel went on submission. But this week I started seriously working on the new novel.<br /><br />But revisiting the Trunk Novel? *shudders* I'm not certain *I* could do that!<br /><br />BRAVA.J.M. Freyhttp://www.jmfrey.netnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-28728550631780980722013-05-24T14:30:11.254-04:002013-05-24T14:30:11.254-04:00Good on you for not giving in to that feeling! I&...Good on you for not giving in to that feeling! I'm so with you in it this week. But maybe revisiting something old that you love is a good idea. I may have to try it. I sure can't find any new ideas I'm in love with...Kate Larkindalehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06202347563426692610noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-2107931463177122862013-05-24T14:28:40.960-04:002013-05-24T14:28:40.960-04:00My first novel is just like that too. Rambling and...My first novel is just like that too. Rambling and immature and yet full of passion, a world I used to dream about so intensely... would love to go back and revisit it. Hmmm. You've tempted me. Margo Berendsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476308235642890474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-31009646413604498602013-05-24T13:59:24.149-04:002013-05-24T13:59:24.149-04:00Rockin' it out like a boss. I hope the joy lea...Rockin' it out like a boss. I hope the joy leaps off the pages and into your heart and fingers tout de suite! <br /><br />(and thank you for sharing that even the ones we look to for example and inspiration have *those* days, too)<br /><br />Have a great weekend!The Kranky Crowhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03540879407267148397noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-53015057041389757332013-05-24T13:51:36.915-04:002013-05-24T13:51:36.915-04:00Such an inspiring post! The fact that you didn'...Such an inspiring post! The fact that you didn't give into that feeling, that you decided to switch gears and shake up your routine, shows strength and commitment. The easiest decision is to throw in the towel. By giving yourself this breathing room, you may go back to your present WIP with a clearer eye.Liz Brownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-32387224250523795092013-05-24T13:40:54.960-04:002013-05-24T13:40:54.960-04:00This post is so timely. I wrote a long journal ran...This post is so timely. I wrote a long journal rant yesterday about how I had changed so much since I first fell in love with writing, and wondering if I should keep doing it.<br /><br />Thank you so much for the encouragement. I love your idea. Actually, we are getting ready to move and just last night while packing I uncovered THAT novel. I must admit, it scared me a little to see it peeking out of the box.<br /><br />But it was the novel that made me believe I could be a writer. Maybe I should take another look at it and try to recapture that same passion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-23006546888717165562013-05-24T13:25:06.954-04:002013-05-24T13:25:06.954-04:00I know exactly how you feel - except for that goin...I know exactly how you feel - except for that going back and re-finding the passion again thing. As far as I'm concerned, that light at the end of the tunnel is an oncoming train. You may take a new step up the publishing ladder, but every step has its own pitfalls, problems and aggravations.<br /><br />I'm glad you've re-discovered your passion. :-)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07735576044552810103noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-56662051991798220982013-05-24T13:17:55.437-04:002013-05-24T13:17:55.437-04:00This post was exactly what I needed today. After a...This post was exactly what I needed today. After an extra-painful rejection yesterday, I've been in the same awful place you describe. Hearing about how you're finding your way out of it shines a much-needed light into the dark tunnel I'm in right now. Thank you and have fun with your rewrite!Kerrihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09356842492553129825noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-32631456454885275052013-05-24T13:09:57.024-04:002013-05-24T13:09:57.024-04:00Thank you Authoress. You don't know how much I...Thank you Authoress. You don't know how much I needed this post today. :)Dede Perkinsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-87425301246200832342013-05-24T13:08:26.256-04:002013-05-24T13:08:26.256-04:00Thanks for this post. I always get curious when I...Thanks for this post. I always get curious when I see, "this author's amazing debut novel" and wonder if I'm the only one that did not hit a home run the first time at bat...not sure I was actually standing at the plate when I wrote that first novel....oh well. But I bet a few of those debut authors have a manuscript or two hiding in their drawer at home as well.<br /><br />I appreciate this post very much!Jaynehttp://www.jaynmoraski.tumblr.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-28665083431933336432013-05-24T12:40:31.167-04:002013-05-24T12:40:31.167-04:00Last year I went back and read all the fanfic I wr...Last year I went back and read all the fanfic I wrote in high school. Oh god it was terrible, but by the time I was done, I realized it was also awesome. Because it brought me back to all those emotions and all the excitement I felt while writing it. Sarah Ahiershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02795455714801965956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-33732222609462131702013-05-24T12:37:14.635-04:002013-05-24T12:37:14.635-04:00I love your kick-butt attitude. And bravo. When th...I love your kick-butt attitude. And bravo. When this happened to me a few years back, I actually quit. For ten months. It was the best thing I ever did for perspective. But I think your idea is better :)<br /><br />Can't wait to meet you someday so I can give you a giant hug for changing so many people's lives.Tracy Holczerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13626923883424982455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3615675676021392217.post-16147474486120603352013-05-24T11:33:37.854-04:002013-05-24T11:33:37.854-04:00My first novel was a gothic romance about twin bro...My first novel was a gothic romance about twin brothers, one is evil and one is not. I put in the kitchen sink, murder, kidnapping, a castle, a princess (the brothers are Dukes, of course)set in England. I had a friend read it who loved the romance between the good twin and the princess. I can't bear to look at it though so good for you! Yeah, we've all been there. I'm so frustrated with this "trying to find an agent" thing that I "quit" at least once a week. But then I remember how much writing means to me and that I was writing before I started publishing anything and I don't want to lose that. Ever. So, back to writing I go. I hear what you say about revising though, it takes me a while to get back to editing/revising but in the long run it's better for the book/story. I hope your writing journey continues to inspire you.<br />Kathleeahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06087009456072956020noreply@blogger.com