And I'm perfectly okay with that. Shocked? Don't be, I'm not nearly as materialistic as I think some of you think I am. I have more stuff than I need already. Are there things I would like to have? Always. Things I need? Not so much.
Instead of all the usual Christmas running around, I've had time to think. Mostly about the coming year and my trials as a writer working toward publication. This is a hard business. One that hasn't been kind to me. I am blessed to have a wickedly intelligent agent and a fabulous agency representing me, but so far editors haven't responded to my work. I've sold shorts and articles, but the book eludes me.
Could I quit writing? Probably not. The stories would keep coming and with no outlet, I'd probably go insane and have to be institutionalized, and let's face it, I do not look good in those hospital gowns. (Oh, who am I kidding? I make everything look good.) Still, I've had those thoughts this past year. Those "what am I doing?" thoughts that come with rejection after rejection. Do I believe 2009 will be my year? Yep. Just like all the years before it.
This time it feels different, though. Like it really will happen. What about you? How are you feeling about the coming year?
Wednesday, December 24, 2008
Christmas Eve And Counting...
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I would love to buy only gifts for the kids. I've been trying to work that for years but it always gets shot down.
ReplyDeleteEvery year I feel is going to be a great writing year--sometimes it is and sometimes it isn't. But I have a good feeling about what I'm working on now.
I really hope it happens for you this year!
I think this is going to be your year.
ReplyDeleteI have NO DOUBT I will see your books in bookstores in the near future!
ReplyDeleteI think good things are just around the corner for you :)
ReplyDelete2009 is going to be a great year for you my dear, I'm positive.
ReplyDeleteand hey- look at your list of books there, almost at your goal of 50!
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ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas! I know you'll make it happen next year! I've always believed in you!! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's a tough business, tougher in the current economy, but you have to believe in yourself. With a great agent, the sky will be the limit!
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas, K! I believe in you! You WILL be on the shelves in 2010. (bought and edited in 2009) :)
ReplyDeleteI totally believe this is going to be your year. It's all about the positive thinking baby!
ReplyDeleteAnd we only bought presents for kids this year too. Made it a lot simpler and I don't need anything...
Merry Christmas sweetie!
This has been quiet for us too--mostly because we've been snowed in for 10 days which is sooooo not Portland, Oregon weather. Even churches have canceled services last Sunday and nos for Christmas Eve. As for gifting, my family stopped that 20 years ago. We all agree we give only for our immediate family (meaning husband, wife, children). Then I always get something for parents. Our tradition is to give more and more to charity each year.
ReplyDeleteI hear you in terms of the Writing Business. At least twice a year I ask myself "What in the heck are you doing?" or "Why do you keep putting yourself through this." Honestly, at this point I think it comes down to just not quitting. I've never been a quitter and I'm not going to start now.
I'm looking forward to 2009 and what it will bring. I do think publishing is having a hard time, but they are still putting out books and Publisher's Marketplace still lists debut authors getting contracted every week.
So pop a cork on the champagne, welcome in the New Year, and go back at it again. If nothing else, we will both be cheering and filled with hope again. God Bless, Kristen!
Merry Christmas! I'm sure this will be your year. You've been committed and doing great work. It's just around the corner for you.
ReplyDeleteEven though every years seems to be an excersize in futility with publishing, it's not. You learn more and that is always useful.
ReplyDeleteDh and I never exchange.
Oh man, I hope you do. Your posts are so funny that I can't help but think your stories are really good too. I'm sorry about the wondering whether it's gonna happen. I think it will. Some editor is gonna love your stuff so much that she'll buy every book you ever wrote, even the one "under the bed". LOL
ReplyDelete:-)