Friday Fricassee

Well, I suppose it's time for my post-Baker's Dozen gush.  Because you'd likely feel bereft without it.

Guys.  YOU ARE ALL SO AMAZING.  Not that this comes as a shock or anything; you have been amazing over the years (do you realize that MSFV is going to turn 5 in April?!?!), and I wouldn't expect things to change.  But wow.  Your behavior, your attitude, your generous spirits--I am constantly blown away.

Here's one example from the comments (and there are many others):

I've learned a lot from lurking on this blog but SO much more from finally getting involved in the action!

I've spent years feeling the urge to write yet also feeling the pressure to focus on my more "practical" career. I'm getting to a point where I needed to either try writing or stop daydreaming/being compulsive about it. Finding critical, constructive feedback has been a real struggle, though.

I submitted thinking I might get some feedback on one of the other blogs that will post submissions who didn't get into the Baker's Dozen. I nearly keeled over when I got the email from Authoress telling me I'd been selected!

I didn't get a bid (#25), but honestly, I think I have some more tweaking to do first. I'm ok with that. What I got from participating in the Baker's Dozen was more important for the stage I'm at as a writer: valuable feedback and the sense that, if I do some polishing, people might be interested in what I'm writing.

That means The World to me. I cannot thank you enough, Authoress and Jodi, for selecting me, as well as the people who took the time to read what I wrote and give me feedback. THANK YOU.

And this is one of the most amazing trends from this year's auction--the graciousness of the "unbid" authors.  None of us will deny that it's a hard thing to be one of the not-chosen in any situation, yet this author--and others in the same situation--has risen above the sting and received ALL THE GOOD THINGS that were available.

I am CHEERING over here!  Because this is the crux of it.  If you can get everything possible out of an experience like this, without being a "winner", then YOU'VE ABSOLUTELY GOT THIS THING RIGHT.

As always, I am humbled and thankful and delighted to be a part of your writing journeys.

Of course, HUGE THANKS go to Stephanie Thornton, Myra McEntire, Peter Senftleben, and Alison Weiss, for their WONDERFUL CRITIQUES.  (You all know how much time critiques take.  This is no small gift!)

And to my gaggle of agents:  I LOVE YOU!  May wonderful things come your way as a result of this auction.

To Jodi, dearest friend and writing soulmate:  We are THE TEAM!  I could never do this without you.  Never.

(This is starting to sound like an acknowledgements page. I'll stop now.)

Next week:  Thoughts from some of the agents on this year's Baker's Dozen!  And a critique opportunity for Those Who Weren't Chosen For the Auction.

Have a glorious weekend!