Monday, February 02, 2009

In response to new hope

I wasn't going to post today--you know--take a day and read other blogs--but I happened to land on Renees (sorry I can't do the accent thing) and I felt pushed to blog a short note in response to her decision to put away her first manuscript.

Right now I have one completed manuscript that sits on an agent's desk. I'm sure she has already tossed it aside or should I say into the garbage can and I know that in approximately 22 days it will have been three months. Their Website says if you don't hear back by then expect a no (paraphrase). It's not been the first rejection on that book.

Then I have three other WIP --some almost done--some only with a few lonely chapters.

So a few months ago, I decided I'm a better short story writer than I am a book writer. I gave up. Felt much better and decided to put that part of my writing career aside.

Not the end. This past week, I found a publishing site that advertised some pretty cool looking anthologies. I sent a query to the editor about submitting a short story for one.

She wrote me back and said they were no longer taking any for anthologies but she would listen if I wanted to pitch a novel or a book of stories.

This editor writes books I've read before and she has offered to read a query from me. Can I tell you that my blood got to pumping again? That my dreams revived themselves and before I knew it--I was off and running again--dredging up my almost completed second book and wondering if it has what it takes to submit there?

So I'm off and running again. We never know what twists will occur in this awesome writing ministry that we do. Will it go anywhere--this new opportunity I have? Maybe or maybe not. Maybe I'm not a book writer--just a halfway decent Chicken Soup writer--but then again. . .

17 comments:

Angie Ledbetter said...

Aren't the "then again..." moments of life oh-so-wonderful? Prayers for success in whatever you write! :)

Anonymous said...

Good for you for not giving up!!!

Jenni James said...

WAHOO! That's great news! Everything happens for a reason! Eeeh! I'm so excited! You better keep us up to date! Jenni

Yolanda said...

I love how God opens doors! Are you doing a little victory dance?


Blessings to you,
Yolanda

Tracy said...

Go for it! Lot's of great novels were rejected before being accepted (some many, many times over). I'm really excited for the opportunity before you! Keep us informed. Blessings!

Melissa Amateis said...

Yay, Terri! I'm so glad your dreams were revived. How exciting!

LisaShaw said...

Great inspiration Terri! Keep writing!

Kathleen said...

Nothing like a few open windows when it appears a door has been closed! This is great news, and I'm so excited for you. Perhaps it's all part of the Lord's way of giving you the desires of your heart?

I can hardly wait for the next chapter!

Kathleen

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

Yeah! Love unexpected and wonderful writing news! Wishing you great success with all your writing.

Jessica Nelson said...

Yay! congrats. :-) You never know what's coming...

Kasie West said...

It's true. Life takes us on turns that we weren't expecting. I'm just holding on tight for the ride.

Vickie said...

Terri, don't forget, Abraham hoped against hope. Any set of 'dry bones' can live again. Ask Ezekiel.

Blessings,
Vickie

Kathryn Magendie said...

Gawd, how many times have I almost given up on Virginia Kate (Tender graces - we always just called her VK!)...I was about to give up and put her away for a while, again, when I found BB -- *smiling* so I'm so happy you are feeling the blood rushing again.

Now, can you email your mailing address? I want to send those of you who wrote something for the BRIDA book just a little thought for writing such beauty on my blog...

Jinksy said...

Ever heard of Robert (the) Bruce... If at first you don't succeed, try and try again...

Of course, you could always write a book called 'Very Trying'...

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

Great news! Keep us posted on how that turns out.

peace~elaine

Renee Collins said...

This is great news! It just shows that you should never give up completely. That's really something I need to keep in mind, so thanks. You're an inspiration to me, Terri. :)

In the end, it's so true that we never know where life will take us. Here's to hoping that there are some great twists ahead!

Robin Lambright said...

Ditto! Good luck!Can't wait to hear what happens.

Robin