Rejection, and Other Issues

So, received a rejection today from the biggest parenting magazine in Canada. Or, as my friend J pointed out, they rejected my *pitch* not my *writing* since you send them a query, outlining the idea you have, and they decide if they want to see it or not...and they said, 'not'.

So, theres that. I'll keep plugging away, sending queries along. I wonder what the line is between 'persistant' and 'harrassment'? Guessing I'll find out, depending on if I finally get a positive response to a query, or a 'cease and desist' notice from a lawyer, lol!

On the other side, I do have 2 other actual articles submitted to them, in a different theme that they request full articles to be submitted. We're at week 3 of 6 that they say they'll contact you by if interested. Hopefully I hear a 'yes' from them on one of them soon!

One thing I find myself doing when stuff happens around the house these days is debating if its blog or article material. If I blog something, then I can't really use it in an article...what magazine wants a blog that's already available for free? So, it gets a wee bit tricky.

That the thought even occurs to me at all is a positive sign of how very seriously I'm taking creating a freelance writing career for myself...but may not bode as well for blog followers.

Wish me luck though...I need it!!

Hurry Up And Wait

Seems to be a theme of my life these days. And anyone who knows me even slightly knows that patience is NOT one of my many virtues. Nuh uh. I want it YESTERDAY.

So, I'm still waiting to hear from Today's Parent, both on the submission to 'My View' and an article proposal I sent in. And waiting to hear from Readers Digest, and two other magazines that I can think of off the top of my head.

*listens to crickets chirping*

Ok, so that's a lie. We still have snow here in Edmonton, so there isn't a cricket around.

Also waiting for all the fiction contests that I've submitted to as well. At least I have started another story, and written a cpl more articles as well. That's one of the few benefits with insomnia...I can get up and do some 1 handed typing until I think sleep might happen. 1 handed typing is also slooooooooooow going, which in itself is a frustrating issue...but until the day comes that I can afford a new puter and voice recognition program, 1 handed typin we shall go.

So, that's how things stand here at the Non Stepford house. Whole lotta nuttin going on.

Arent you glad I blogged? :oP

Goals Met!

Some good news from me for a change!

I met my writing goals for this month!

As of last night, I submitted to three short story contests!

The first story I'm ok with. Too much editing drove me a bit whacky, and just lost my interest in the story. Its not a bad story, just had to tinker with it too much.

Story #2 I really enjoyed. Its the shortest of the 3, but to attempt to add more would have just taken away from it. Its exactly the length it needed to be.

Story #3 I'm just plain thrilled with. Its a genre that I don't normally write, and not even a genre I read. Normally, I'm a suspense/mystery/horror/thriller/romance fan, so that's what I tend to write. My gf K challenged me to write something completely different, with no 'hook' so to speak. Literary fiction, rather than genre. About people, personalities as the plot.

So I did.

And I have to say, without false bragging, it turned out amazingly well. And for me to think something is GOOD that I accomplished...well, that should give you an idea as to just how pleased I am with it.

I'm planning on turning it into a full length novel, but it requires a ton o'research first.

Sooooooooo, I have other writing to attend to, as pain permits. Somedays I just can't...so I revel in the days I can.

I won't have any idea as to if I've even made the short list for any of the 3 for months. Indeed, one of them only the winner and runners up are contacted...sometime in JUNE. I kid you not.

Thank heavens I've got enough on the go not to be able to obsess about it. Much, anyways.

Two more deadlines next month for writing contests, and I *still* want to submit some articles to magazines.

Here's hoping for some positive news soon!

First Official Submission And Adversity

Ok, so its official.

I have now entered into a short story contest. Eeep.

Like most other things in my life, Murphy (or whatever name you wanna call it...The Advesary, Satan, Bad Luck) was a copassenger along the way.

My friend and editor, K went with me for moral support (and to fill out the p0stage label) to the post office at Shoppers. Knowing that we'd be going out to eat, I also printed off another story for editing on a whim.

So, everything's signed, sealed, and handed over.

Sitting at the restaraunt, I start looking over the other story...and realize that the first sentance off every page from page 2-14 is MISSING. I'm talking, gonzo. For whatever reason, putting a header into my copy made the top sentance vanish.

UH OH.

I've now submitted for publication an incomplete manuscript that has glaring omissions.

*insert curse words here*

Also, the post office is closed at this point. Naturally.

I call the drug store where the postal outlet is located, and have a mini meltdown, almost in tears, begging the guy to leave a note for the postal clerk to put this aside, I'll be in first thing in the am. Luckily, I opted for Express Post, so I had a receipt, tracking #, etc.

Spent the night up and down like a psychotic yo-yo, praying that they'd allow me to swap it out with the corrected version. Otherwise, not only am I gonna look like a complete donkey that doesn't have the common sense to proof before mailing, but its gonna cost me another $30, btwn the mailing and the money order for the submission fee.

I called my gf J in a panic. Was this a sign that I shouldn't be attempting this, I asked her, or is this someone (see Murphy comment above) screwing with me, trying to prevent me from taking this step. It was her sleepy (time difference, I woke her up) opinion that Satan was screwing with me, and that it was God's guidance that had me discover the error. (If I hadn't printed off the 2nd manuscript, I never would have known. I'd printed the dang thing off I dunno how many times without a problem).

Sooooo, feeling somewhat more hopeful, I trundle in at opening this am. First thing that greets me, as I walk into the store is music over the speakers. Specifically, Wolf and my wedding song. I pray its an omen (good, don't be sarcastic here :P) and head to the postal outlet.

Not only did I get to swap it out, but she voided the envelope and gave me a new one, filled out the mailing info, etc...for free. WOOOO HOOOOO!!!!

So, at least if I don't succeed at *this* particular contest, I know that I was given help and guidance to at least ensure that it got there properly!