I could play video games or read a book, but I always end up checking my email to find another rejection. I can't remember how many rejections I've gotten now. All from small magazines and such. I'll send in some poetry or short stories, but I get the same reply back. My whole Submittable page … Continue reading Counting rejections
Tag: author
Why do I want to know about their failures?
During author interviews, many people ask about the final product. They ask about where the book idea came from or how the writer became a writer. But I'd rather know more about how the writer failed. Did any characters disappear in later drafts? Did any scenes get cut? If so, which? Why? Were any scenes added? … Continue reading Why do I want to know about their failures?
Difference in success
At an English Major panel, I got advice for success in life-after-graduation. It was a cozy room, stuffed with English nerds. Afterwards, I talked with a professional author. One of the first sentences she said was, "I don't agree with what she said during the panel." She pointed towards a CEO in the publishing field. … Continue reading Difference in success
Author interview with Brian H. Peterson
I got the wonderful opportunity to interview Brian H. Peterson. Brian is a multitalented artist that writes books, takes photos, plays music, and more. I wrote a book review about his book earlier this month. Thank you, Brian, for this lovely opportunity. What inspired you to write this book? Was it an event or did an idea … Continue reading Author interview with Brian H. Peterson
Common query mistakes
At my new internship, I got to see what was in the bottom drawer: rejected queries. For over an hour, I read query after query. The rejected queries all had repeated mistakes. Here's some of the most common ones: Misspellings One writer wrote "aknolegments" instead of "acknowledgements". Spelling, especially in the writing career, is essential. … Continue reading Common query mistakes
Always
There’s a tranquility in storms The world may crash and burn The rain may pour and scream But there’s a glint of light Hope shines from The people surrounding you The dogs loving you They gleam through the wall of water Always.
Cheating with writing prompts
As someone in many Facebook writing groups, I've come across various thoughts. One of those is how writing prompts are "cheating". I never thought writing prompts are cheating before. Sometimes I mix prompt ideas together until I make something new altogether. The prompts are like a creative boost for me than anything else. When I'm … Continue reading Cheating with writing prompts
Ideas for the worst?
Sometimes there's only so much that editing can do to improve a story. After editing it over and over, it can seem as if it isn't going anywhere. This has happened with my stories...if I mention that the story's older. With my newer stories, everyone's always enthusiastic about me editing them again. It's always positive. … Continue reading Ideas for the worst?
Writing exposure help
The writing world can feel disconnected. We sit in a room and edit by ourselves, wishing for the best. But we can't get our stories out there if we don't have at least a few more conversations than that. One of the best ways I've found to connect with other writers is through Facebook groups. In … Continue reading Writing exposure help
Proud writer moment
After piles of rejection letters and critical advice, it's nice to get accepted every once in a while. Every writer should feel appreciated for the wonderful creative stories they have made. Last week, my flash fiction piece, "The Forgotten', got accepted by Friday Flash Fiction. This makes me one step closer to being a published … Continue reading Proud writer moment
