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Posts tagged ‘Publishing’

Feb 16

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Four Years with the Unlucky and Lucky Girl

In some ways, I am a very lucky girl.   I have great family, great friends, a cool home, a job, and my health.  The basics are covered and I know that I’m not struggling like a lot of folks out there.  But sometimes I find myself bummed that I can’t have everything that I want.  Those wants sneak up on me and, suddenly, all I want is what I want.

When those moments hit me, I have to take a breath and count what is good in my life.

I’ve been feeling bummed, because ever since I found that Margaret Atwood book last fall, I haven’t found another great book when I go searching.  I know.  I know.  It was such a high to find it and I’ve been chasing that high ever since.  Now I realize I may never get it back.  So instead, I am going to chase the other high I get.

Writing more stories.

This is a bit of a secret, but I actually feel good when I finish writing a piece.  I can’t sit still.  I get giddy…yes I used the word “giddy”!  I feel so proud that I finished what I started.  I just can’t wait to finish something else.

This year I had a goal to get published.  But I also want to get stuff done.  I have so many half-finished pieces.  Things that need a rewrite that sit on my desk.  I stare at it and wonder why I am not chasing this high.  In the long run it is better for me (and my wallet).

I started this blog about four years ago, because I wanted to put my work up for my family and friends.  So far I haven’t put anything up.  I know.  I flaked.  But I want to do better.  Last post alluded to some secret projects that I am working on.  They are still not done, but hopefully by March 1, I can make some announcements.  There, I have given myself a deadline.  Let’s see if I hold to it.

I also want to thank everyone who takes the time to read this blog.  I actually have people who aren’t related to me, or that I don’t know reading my thoughts.  Thanks for sticking with me.

I may have hit upon an unlucky streak with books, but I can feel my luck changing with my writing.

I really am a very lucky girl.

Jan 1

Happy New Year 2013!

Happy New Year!

The last few weeks have been busy.  I finished up my semester and then jumped right into moving into my new apartment.  I offically signed the lease on December 19, but I didn’t move until the 26th.  It was exhausting.  I don’t want to move again for a long time.  Plus, did I mention it was snowing/sleeting/raining on that day?  If you can avoid it, don’t move during the snow/sleet/rain.  It is just nerve wracking!

My holiday was good.  My brother came in from Los Angeles just before Christmas and he flew out today.  It was good to see him.  We talk a lot over the phone, but don’t get to see each other that often.  It a hazard of living across the country.

So now it is the new year.  Usually I make the same resolutions year after year, but this year I have one new goal.

I want to be published.

It doesn’t have to be a big venue, but I would like someone I have never met to say, “Yes, I want this story!”  So I have to get off my butt and start mailing stories out.  With any luck, by June I will have good news.  A few years ago, I tried to sell my novel.  After two years of rejections, I finally gave up.  In a way, I am glad it wasn’t accepted.  When I read it now, I cringe.  I think I am a better writer now.  Will I go back and rewrite it agian? Maybe.  I have so many other ideas for other novels and short stories.  Who knows?  I have it saved, so it is there if I need it.

For now, I will work on the new stuff.  My new semester doesn’t start until the end of the month, so I have a little more free time.  I didn’t start Infinite Jest, because I packed it and I haven’t opened the box yet.  My Christmas present to myself was this (for my collection), so I am reading the bonus book right now.

Best wishes to everyone for 2013!

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