tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post6588901065012355136..comments2024-02-13T08:31:03.541-08:00Comments on Terri Tiffany: Writing Stories You Remember: Are you willing to Write until you get it Right?Terri Tiffanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07771622379178654235noreply@blogger.comBlogger45125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-60366659240776444662010-09-24T08:14:36.462-07:002010-09-24T08:14:36.462-07:00Yes. And I'm inspired by your willingness and ...Yes. And I'm inspired by your willingness and vulnerability as well. A closed door just means you haven't yet found the one that will open - it doesn't mean anything else.Deb Shuckahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03439395710731341021noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-88471114491782928632010-09-22T17:39:42.654-07:002010-09-22T17:39:42.654-07:00Yes. I think so. Maybe.
But wait. It's not th...Yes. I think so. Maybe.<br /><br />But wait. It's not that it's not right, is it? It's just not right for that agent, right?Sandra Heska Kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13770393615748405966noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-83830394783482467412010-09-22T15:07:28.234-07:002010-09-22T15:07:28.234-07:00Great question; here's my answer in brief, and...Great question; here's my answer in brief, and this is for me only...<br /><br />If getting it "right" means landing a book contract / agent, then "no." If getting it "right" means being content with my pen and its mission therein then "yes"... I'll always try and hone my gift with the goal of wanting it to be an encouragement to others. <br /><br />I don't want to be "half" where my writing is concerned; I want to do my best. I think there's a delicate balance in assessing the worthiness of our pens. I know you get this, and as I've said before, I applaud your willingness to be so invested in your writing. Never be ashamed or make defense of that. Keep doing what you feel is best.<br /><br />But for me, I just don't have it in me to keep pushing the envelope. Which is why I'll probably never have a traditional publisher and book contract. It takes a passion like yours to land one! <br /><br />Keep to it.<br /><br />peace~elaineelaine @ peace for the journeyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09675745465728814736noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-12753030846652377662010-09-21T21:20:20.126-07:002010-09-21T21:20:20.126-07:00The story I've just finished polishing has bee...The story I've just finished polishing has been revised several times, then totally rewritten and revised some more. I felt the nucleus of the story was right but the telling of it didn't quite work. You don't want to know how many years I've been tinkering with this one and when I finally find a home for it I have no doubt that an editor will request more changes. I think the secret is passion. If there is continuing passion I'll work on something indefinitely. Without it, I'll know it's time to shelve it. I love writing but am realistic enough to know that not everything I produce is good enough to be published. It doesn't deter me because it's easier to find joy in the journey than to focus on the destination. (But I admit the small inner voice whispers, "One day I hope to make it," and I think I will.)<br /><br />Blessings to you in your journey, Trust in God's leading and his impeccable timing and keep writing. :)<br /><br />Carol GarvinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-21321041040689037122010-09-21T19:33:59.702-07:002010-09-21T19:33:59.702-07:00I'm willing but I'm not convinced I'll...I'm willing but I'm not convinced I'll get there. They don't need more Florida stories? Hmmm. That's what I'm revising. Maybe no need in contacting that agent.<br /><br />There's so much discouragement out there. Let's continue to lift one another up.kathy taylorhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04168180633396307413noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-2875420483025334022010-09-21T09:17:41.089-07:002010-09-21T09:17:41.089-07:00*hugs*
I've been at square one and I know it&...*hugs*<br /><br />I've been at square one and I know it's so hard! Sorry. <br /><br />If the agent said she wanted to see something else, that means your writing, the query, and your editing is solid, though. So the answer is the same as always: keep writing! Just keep writing the next and the next. As far as YOU'RE willing to go to get it right.<br /><br />Besides, that's only one agent's subjective opinion of what she can sell. I'm sure there is an agent out there not opposed to a Florida-based or a past-memory book. Keep trying. Keep writing.<br /><br />I've no doubt you'll get there, Terri. :)Jackeehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03351019926958000627noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-6708203822337149842010-09-21T07:23:22.196-07:002010-09-21T07:23:22.196-07:00Terri, you are a brave and persistent lady. I know...Terri, you are a brave and persistent lady. I know that "YES" echoes in your mind. Remember the famous Thomas Alva Edison's quote: "success is 10 inspiration and 90 perspiration"<br /><br />(((( hugs )))))<br /><br />DorisHold my hand: a social worker's bloghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06283197748791227012noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-74264859881119479032010-09-20T21:57:51.024-07:002010-09-20T21:57:51.024-07:00YES YES YES YES. I will write until I get it right...YES YES YES YES. I will write until I get it right. I am in my fifth re-write. No, not edit, I am mean complete re-write. Keep persisting. What is not right for one agent might be perfect for another :)Tabitha Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08196816108272065974noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-8973084848724792592010-09-20T20:44:24.241-07:002010-09-20T20:44:24.241-07:00I've been thinking about this a lot...
yes......I've been thinking about this a lot...<br /><br />yes...<br /><br />until it's right...Sharon K. Mayhewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07799235347319851345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-2546963698688098612010-09-20T20:05:38.090-07:002010-09-20T20:05:38.090-07:00Yes, Yes, and Yes. I love writing. I have no plans...Yes, Yes, and Yes. I love writing. I have no plans to stop no matter how near or far publication is. I have no control over that process. The only thing I can do is write, and push myself forward as a writer. Keep on going if it's what you love :-)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-31455707251163682842010-09-20T19:54:32.168-07:002010-09-20T19:54:32.168-07:00Unless you're writing purely for your own pers...Unless you're writing purely for your own personal pleasure, there's nothing else to be done but keep plugging away until you get it right!<br /><br />Pat<br />www.critteralley.blogspot.comPat Wahlerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01138619912065680084noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-20474808576174590812010-09-20T18:16:06.292-07:002010-09-20T18:16:06.292-07:00I hear you, Terri. The Moses Conspiracy has been w...I hear you, Terri. The Moses Conspiracy has been written, edited, and re-written so many times I've lost track. <br /><br />It's with an agent now, and I pray God will give it favor.<br /><br />Blessings,<br />SusanSusan J. Reinhardthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07461276857852409546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-5328021148201521932010-09-20T16:27:49.199-07:002010-09-20T16:27:49.199-07:00Oye... I ask myself this very question quite often...Oye... I ask myself this very question quite often. And each time I start to wonder just exactly why I continue to put myself through this, I think "but I can't imagine myself being happy doing anything else." I still haven't FINIshed my MS yet because I keep revising and revising. I wish we could get it right the first time, but this journey may be just what makes it all worthwhile :)<br /><br />Hang in there... I know it will get better.WritingNuthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16326756274887055685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-35671199727222709982010-09-20T15:10:47.714-07:002010-09-20T15:10:47.714-07:00As someone who just got an agent on September 10th...As someone who just got an agent on September 10th, (nine months or so after paying for an edit of some of my book and going through even more edits after that and now going through more edits with my agent), I will say a resounding, "YES!" It is completely worth it to edit until you get it right. If there's anything I can do to help you, let me know. :) By the way, I love the banner you have in the corner of your blog - As for me and my blog, we will serve the Lord! <br /><br />God Bless!Emily Conradhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17263098241486921751noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-8195064942825159722010-09-20T12:22:44.402-07:002010-09-20T12:22:44.402-07:00Oh, Terri. I wish I knew the answer to this questi...Oh, Terri. I wish I knew the answer to this question. I'd like to say YES! But "right" is not the same for all markets. I've had pros tell me I have a unique style that they've rarely seen, and I should have no problem getting published; then I get rejections from editors who've purchased previous stories of mine. So, I think sometimes it boils down to timing. And the only way to get that right is to pray that God put you in the right place at the right time. <br /><br />You are not alone. Don't give up on yourself or your story. Can you ask your editor whom she would recommend sending it to, since she's familiar with it? <br /><br />Hugs, <br />JenJeanette Levelliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12898750484193832082noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-22134630630739507592010-09-20T12:08:12.853-07:002010-09-20T12:08:12.853-07:00I really am ready to ride the waves of waiting in ...I really am ready to ride the waves of waiting in this business. I truly believe that God will make room for my gift~ and yours.<br /><br />Thank you for being so transparent, it is a blessing to all of us.Tamika:https://www.blogger.com/profile/04874834971492028558noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-78545042521323563472010-09-20T12:01:48.208-07:002010-09-20T12:01:48.208-07:00I am. But there are many days when I know that thi...I am. But there are many days when I know that this decision is just not easy. I don't feel like it, I don't want to, nothing comes out right...Then I go back to my bottom line - I AM a writer. I will see it through, whether it's a book or article or blog post. There just might be some bumps along the way. :)<br /><br />Sorry to hear about the agent. There is someone out there who will be a good fit, though. And you will have all the wisdom you need as things go along. <br /><br />Blessings,<br />KarenKaren Langehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18177923284595298347noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-59343431285845749812010-09-20T10:13:36.244-07:002010-09-20T10:13:36.244-07:00Have you considered that what is 'wrong' t...Have you considered that what is 'wrong' to one person may be 'right' to another...or many others? Try someone else!Deborahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04798124104168438303noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-6395849674388825602010-09-20T09:22:22.095-07:002010-09-20T09:22:22.095-07:00Sorry about the rejection. And yes, I'm willi...Sorry about the rejection. And yes, I'm willing to write until I get it right. That's why I've spent 10 months revising the same novel. :)Susan R. Millshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09578747592345750650noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-67709139705585480792010-09-20T08:32:50.545-07:002010-09-20T08:32:50.545-07:00I'm sorry to hear about the rejection. They s...I'm sorry to hear about the rejection. They sting, no matter what. <br /><br />Here's my opinion: they liked your writing enough to be willing to see something else. To me, that means it's good! Even if this one place isn't the right place, it's still good enough to query others. Know what I mean? <br /><br />I think we all must be a little crazy to invite such torture, but the answer to your question is yes, I'd be willing to write until I get it right. <br /><br />You're a writer, it's what you do! Terri, send out that next query! (I rhymed, and didn't mean to)Julie Musilhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02150454913885915017noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-86083822191672933482010-09-20T07:53:43.658-07:002010-09-20T07:53:43.658-07:00Great question! I will write as long as the LORD g...Great question! I will write as long as the LORD gives my heart something to say. I appreciate your message beautiful friend!LisaShawhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01847564334928464883noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-14356181654898553262010-09-20T07:34:07.901-07:002010-09-20T07:34:07.901-07:00I'd like to think I do. It's my plan, so t...I'd like to think I do. It's my plan, so to speak - but I must say that "walking through" this with you is VERY helpful to me. Praying for ya, hun!Joanne Sherhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03892365662470655717noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-85991622114668440342010-09-20T07:31:42.401-07:002010-09-20T07:31:42.401-07:00I'm sorry about the R, but like you said, it&#...I'm sorry about the R, but like you said, it's not about your ability as a writer. <br />I'm usually willing to tredge on and try to get it right until all walls have been hit.Jennifer Shirkhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16970585847385511795noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-61178621054756235362010-09-20T07:29:34.959-07:002010-09-20T07:29:34.959-07:00Yes I am willing to keep writing until I get it ri...Yes I am willing to keep writing until I get it right! A few years ago i used to say, if editors don't like my book, that's okay, I LOVE IT so I won't change a thing. Thank goodness I eventually discovered room for improvement. LOTS OF IMPROVEMENT. Thank the Lord I didn't let pride keep ruling me. <br /><br />Sounds like in your case, you've got it right - you just didn't match the agent's needs. I'd keep trying different agents, even ones that don't look like a good match, because agents often admit they sometimes hesitate to list exactly what they are looking for because they don't want to potentially cut off a great opportunity. <br /><br />The other thing that's given me hope, is if my book fails to sell, I will just keep writing and sending new stuff out, because when I do sell something, there's a very good chance publishers will be willing to look at my other books, too, the ones that didn't sell at first. Who knows but in a couple more years Florida books will be a hot item again? And dealing with past issues will never wear out because we ALL have to deal with past issues. <br /><br />There is NEVER a time limit on a good story or a message that needs to be heard.Margo Berendsenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03476308235642890474noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30652620.post-23787344191715699302010-09-20T07:23:28.419-07:002010-09-20T07:23:28.419-07:00I'm inspired by the comments here, Terri! What...I'm inspired by the comments here, Terri! What I write, I know, may not be right for all. I like creativity because there is no final answer. Look at humanity. God made us all different. The combination to be different is infinite. You already have it right. Your doing what you value, love, and what God leads you to do. May He continue to give you the tenacity to continue His works through you.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com