How I beat rejection

Almost a whole week has gone by and I haven't received any rejection letters. I'd like to think that since I cleaned up my query letter and adjusted my manuscript, significantly, that agents are taking a bit more time on my submission. This is a naive thought, I realize. It's my way of keeping a PMA (positive mental attitude).

I received quite a few rejections for my first two manuscripts. At first, every single time I got a form letter it would hit pretty low. Over time I have managed to find a way to brush it off. I use the rejection as a way to push myself to work harder. It's all you really can do. If I were to let every letter push me down then where would I be?

In a way, I guess I knew my first two were no good. I'm really glad I gave up on them and focused more on my newest ms. My writing is stronger and the characters are believable. The plot is definitely new and exciting to me. I can only hope that someone else will feel the same. After all, it only takes one person to say, "Yes!"

So to those experiencing the heartbreak of the dreaded form rejection, don't take it personally. Learn from it. That's the best thing you can do. The most important thing to remember is how much you love to write and never, ever stop doing what you love. Good luck to you!

Good Reads

Last week, I read these awesome books. They were all so different and unique; I recommend them all! I love getting sucked into some good YA fiction. Having a Kindle is a dangerous thing. I've been breaking my bank and I still have dozens of books on my wish list. Oh, dear. 

What I'm reading

I recently signed up for Goodreads. Are you on there? If so, you should add me!

Yesterday, after work, I purchased Incarnate by Jodi Meadows on thee kindle.

If you haven't read it yet, you totally should! I finished it in one day. Just couldn't put it down. The world Jodi created was magical. It begins in a world where everyone is reincarnated except one, Ana. She's a 'newsoul' and an outcast in a place known as Rage. On her journey to figure out why she was created she comes across a boy named Sam. Unlike everyone else who segregates themselves from her, Sam is one of the few who treat her as an equal. A lot of obstacles stand in Ana's way and along with the people of Heart there are fantastical creatures such as dragons and sylphs. 

I loved Ana and how determined she was to find out where she came from and why she existed. The love between Sam and Ana was sweet and genuine. It was such a wonderful story and I can't wait for part two! 

What have YOU been reading?

The End

So, so happy with my manuscript. Worked like a crazy woman on it and it is my favorite ms yet!

A long, long road

I was really hoping my new ms would make it to 60,000 words, but sometimes you just can't force it. When the story starts to really flow I get to a point where I can't push it to go any further. I've completed the ms at 50,000 and now it's time to go back and read through the whole thing to make sure it all goes together and make sense. Fun stuff. That's what I'll be doing for the rest of the week. 

How is everyone doing this week?

Write, Revise, Write, Edit, Write...

So much has been going on as far as my new manuscript. I reached my goal for the week and have been revising like a crazy woman. I think I spend about twelve hours a day working on it. Sounds pretty insane, right? I'm pretty lucky to have a day job where I can make my own hours. My boss/co-workers know that I plan to take a lot of time off to focus on writing. I'm hoping to find an agent this year and I plan to work extra hard to make that dream a reality. Becoming a published author means everything to me.

I am beyond tired right now, and I seem to be rambling, but I just thought I'd write a quick post before drifting into the world of sleep.

Have a great weekend!

Stopping by for an update

Thank you to those who are following my new blog! I know it's not all that interesting. It's more just me rambling on about writing, but you probably like that stuff and that's why you're following along. Yay!

I shouldn't say that I have completely given up on my second manuscript, but I've completely given up on my second manuscript. Here's why:

1. It's not that it isn't completed, because it is, but just like the first one...I lost interest.

2. I haven't been getting any tugs on the queries which means I should go back and fix it up, which leaves number 3.

3. I don't have the time or motivation to work on it because I have been so absorbed in my newest ms.

I don't know what it is about this one that I find much more interesting, besides the characters and plot. I feel like my writing skills have become significantly better with each ms and this one is by far my favorite. I can actually read it without boring myself (let's face it...If I'm bored, the reader's bored) and I get super excited about showing it to a friend and not embarrassed because I feel it's actually pretty decent.

Now, let me just say, I'm not patting myself on the back or anything {maybe I am a bit} but it's a HUGE deal for me if I'm actually proud of something I have written and go as far as to ask people to read it for me. I am my worst critic and I know when something I write is so-so. What's even better is when I get mostly positive feedback with a few suggestions and/or corrections.

I reached 31k yesterday, and my goal is to reach 40k by the end of the week. Whew! So much work ahead of me. That's pretty much it. I hope you are all having a great week!