Manna From Heaven

My editor called today and we met via phone for about an hour. Her enthusiasm for ‘Sorrysorrysorry’ was most encouraging.

She had three areas of concern.

The first was easily fixed. She said ‘with lolling tongues’ tripped the reader’s tongue. After saying the offending statement three times, I knew she was right. It is now changed to ‘with rolling tongues.’ It was my daughter’s suggestion and t works.

The second was quotation marks. Again, she was right. I took out one pair, making the dialogue flow better.

The third was with the hippos. Now, this one is going to be a bit more difficult to fix. If you’re a poet, you know changing a word can be difficult. Changing an entire line is near catastrophic. But it can be done. The only thing is *g* I already had changed the offending line once. Back to the drawing board.

She is right in all instances and I thank God I have an editor who ‘knows’ the market.

She finished her critique by saying, fix these and then send it. It is perfect. Words like manna from heaven.

Tomorrow, I will research publishing houses and prepare to send it.

Life is gratifying.

Taking A Breath

Literally and figuratively. Not a break, per se, just a quick breath.

When critiques are done at one of my writers' group, we each give a hard copy of the MS and the notes - hopefully scribbled all over the thing. I usually read those as soon as I get home and then sulk. LOL Not really. Most times, there is great feedback. Sometimes, I wonder if the person even read the thing. Especially when they write, when did this happen, and you know you just wrote it in the previous chapter. Comments like this, though, are to be taken literally. Does it mean I didn't make it clear enough? Does it mean I need to 'add' more detail or more tension or more whipped cream? *g* 

As said previously, I've been going through paperwork. I found last month's notes. Had about six people give me their feedback. I re-read them. 

The comments were even better now than when first read. I try to read the comments immediately as I'm afraid I'll forget what was said during the meeting, but I think this is a good idea. From now on, I'll read them right after -- but then I'll wait a few weeks or even a month, and then re-read them.

I find I can assimilate better what is being said when I've had time to 'cool off.' There were good suggestions and I will use them.

Life is sharing.

New Thoughts In The Middle Of The Night

I finished the paperwork, so tomorrow I'll work on 'Blue.' My editor wrote and said she'll have the giraffe tale back to me by the end of the week.Whoo hoo!

We're going to talk tomorrow about the 'Blue' critique that I received a couple weeks ago. I've been hesitant to share it. There is so much that was suggested change-wise. I am looking forward to her input on this.

I slept terribly last night - but a whole truckload of thoughts came to me whilst I tossed and turned. Kaspar has some sort of power emanating from his hands, but he hasn't told me what yet. Driving me mad. Once he tells me, I need to go to somewhere around Chapter Three and incorporate that power into the book. Should be interesting.

I have discovered that I am now treating my writing the way I treat my paperwork. Procrastinating! That is not a good thing.

I'm going to run off now and write a wee bit of fun and fluff. That should put the spring/zing/thing back into my writing.

Life is forging onward.

Couple of Thoughts

I watch the SCBWI blog and found a link there. There are eleven interviews on the page with editors, publishers, writers -- all telling of their part of the process. It's pretty interesting.

http://publishingtrendsetter.com/life-cycle-book/

I had hoped to spend today writing 'Blue,' but that didn't happen. It wasn't because of the lovely weather (bestest day of November EVER). It was because I woke up sick. I don't write well when I'm sick. In fact, the thought of writing makes me sicker. Which really stinks.

Instead, I did bills. I hate doing bills. I think paperwork is the bain of society. My dining room table sometimes looks like a paper recycling bin. I had to clean it off so we could eat Thanksgiving dinner on it. Which meant that the papers were all shoved into one pile and dropped on the bed in my computer room. 

The end of the year is coming... which means I should be getting things ready for tax season and such. So - since everything was in a nice pile, I decided to work on that today, knowing full well I wouldn't go anywhere near 'Blue.' Nor the giraffes, for that matter. *Though I did email the latest revision to my editor for 'Sorrysorrysorry.'*

I feel better. I worked all day on it. I've got a spreadsheet that I take into the tax preparer. Unfortunately, I hadn't updated it since February!!! I still have a good four hours or so more work, but it will be done, now that it's been started.

I look at this as another part of the discipline I'll need when I become published. I'll have to really keep the spreadsheet up-to-date. Make sure I put all receipts in an envelope (I'll been doing that for awhile now.) And filing everything! 

My mind boggles at the things that will be impacted once I'm published. I try not to think about it too often!

I do have a contract lawyer, when the time comes. So that's one thing down. Got the spreadsheet ready. That's two. Hmm - probably should start a list. These will be important, but much more important is finishing the book!!! *giggles* It will be done!

Life is mind-boggling.

Blue Giraffes

Maybe I should combine the stories? Naw! Made me laugh though, and I needed that. Blue Giraffes -- does have a ring to it. :)

I worked on 'Blue's' Chapter Thirty-one the last couple of days. I've got parts of 32 and 33 done, too. The muse threw in another dragon - of which I was extremely pleased. Cute little critter. But not too cute. She'll be needed when Kathleen tries to rescue Bryan. I hope. Never can tell with the Muse. She could wipe out the whole scene in one fell swoop of her ... What does she use? Fairy dust? Magic pen? Maybe there's a Pensive nearby that she dips into? Or a Palantir? I haven't a clue. Glad she's on my side, though.

I also went back to the giraffe story. I'm so close I can taste it. I'm going to send it off this evening to my editor. She is VERY particular, which, on this, is a very good thing. 

I made a commitment to send giraffes out to four more publishers by the end of this month. That time is drawing near. I will do it!!!

BTW - I still see giraffes every day. I am astounded. The Toys 'R Us giraffe in particular. He's on tv daily what with the Christmas season. But he's not the only one I see. (I hope I don't sound like the kid in the Shyamalan movie... 'I see dead people!')

Life is commitment.

Characters

One of the reasons I'm hoping to get 'Blue' published is because I like my main character. That's always helpful, isn't it? 

Characters can be really daunting to write. I know people who do full biographies of their main characters. What is their favorite color? What is their favorite food? Where do they go to have fun? Etc., etc., etc. I don't quite go into that depth, but I can 'see' her/him. 

There's a character in a favorite movie of mine that exemplifies, to me, the depth that a character can have. The movie is "Howl's Moving Castle" and it comes from a book of the same title.

In the book, we are introduced to a scarecrow who plays a very insignificant role.

In the movie, however, the scarecrow is, IMHO, a major character. 

The oddity of this movie character is this: he has no lines, doesn't speak at all, is a stick figure (really) with a turnip for a head, he has no facial movements, no arm movements (his arms stick out to the sides like a good scarecrow's should). 

In the movie - I became entranced by the scarecrow and by the end, I was rooting for it. Always afraid when some calamity was happening to the group and hoping that the scarecrow would also survive the travails.

It was in the little things that my heart became enchanted. How he finds a walking stick for the old lady, how he holds an umbrella above her as rain pounds down, how he fetches her coat when it goes flying off as she tries to enter the moving castle. Many subtle actions that endeared him to me.

Now - this gives me such impetus to try to imbue my characters with the same 'character.' A challenge, but well worth it. I want my hero/heroine loved as much as I loved the scarecrow. (BTW - he survives!)

Life is little accomplishments.

Wish I Could Afford

I have always been a firm proponent of investing in myself. Especially with writing. You know, going to conferences and workshops and such. However, there is just so much money in the moth-ridden change purse. 

There are two things I'd really love to do. The first is the SCBWI Winter Conference in New York at the end of January. Gosh, the speakers look great and the workshops are mouth-watering. But I can't. Such is life. Suck it up, Sharron.

http://www.scbwi.org/Pages.aspx/http---www-scbwi-org-Conference-aspx-Con=9     

The other is the six-week Odyssey Writing Workshop at St. Anselm's in July, 2012. The cost is high, but not if this is to be my life's work. However, the workshop AND the room and board are beyond my ability to swing. Also, six weeks? What would I do with the little one?  http://www.sff.net/odyssey/workshop.html

Thankfully, there is the internet. Lots of good blogs sharing good tips and such. There is the library. Awesome resource. And then there are the writing groups that I'm a member of. Last, but not least, are my friends (those who write and those who don't.) They sustain me. 

I will learn this craft. Hmm - there's a local community college nearby. I think I'll look into what they have to offer during the hours the little one is in school.

Life is fun. Complicated, but fun.

Surprises

I'm not sure if surprises are a good thing, when it comes to writing. Though I do relish the feel of the Muse as she swirls inside my brain. The joy of her ideas is such fun.

Yet - I'm in the midst of all this and wondering -- do I really know my characters the way I should know them - at least by this time in the tale? 

I 'm in the midst of reading a book on writing. It's good. You know, there must be tens of thousands of books written on how to write. *g*

Well, this book suggests the following: 1) write a one sentence synopsis of the story. 2) write a one paragraph synopsis (probably like an elevator pitch). 3) write a one page synopsis of the story.

I think this is a great idea. I have been confident in knowing where I am going with 'Blue,' but I'm also wondering, for the zing effect, if it's time to delve deeper into my characters. Into the plot. Into the theme. I am going to start on that tomorrow. I've already got my one sentence synopsis and my elevator pitch. Now, onto the one page synopsis. Wish me luck!

Not going to go back for editing, just yet, though. Gonna finish the tale and then start a fresh edit.

Life is order. And discipline.

Downtime

I was reading another blogger's posting and had to laugh. She wrote that downtime is creative time. I've usually found the opposite to be true.

When I broke my back in two places a couple years ago, I was sure I would write prolifically. Didn't happen. I spent the time in a chair watching endless junk. Finally, my daughter got me the Sharpe series of books by Bernard Cornwell. They filled my soul. Lots of battles with swords and such. So I spent my time in recuperation with a British soldier. Fun. But no writing done. 

Now I'm in the midst of this battle and finding that again, I have no compunction to write. I discovered that this can be overcome with will and the Muse breathing down my throat. It's not pleasant, but it's doable. 

Last night was the first night I have slept more than three hours. For weeks now, I've been battling pain and it usually hits right around the time I slip under my bed covers. Cute!

I woke up this morning around 9ish, took my granddaughter to ballet, then came home and fell asleep. Never woke till around 6ish. Must have needed it.

I'm hoping the meds will kick in soon and my metabolism will kick back up -- and I'll be able to write. Until then, of course, the story and the characters fill my mind. Whisphering, ever whispering. Thankfully!

Life is recovering.

A Word of Warning

I know this blog is about writing - but this has affected my writing. 

Take care of yourself and listen to your body.

For more than three months I have felt ill in numerous ways and saw a doctor. Lots of things happening, but the doc would look at one 'problem' at a time, try to fix it, and then go on to the next. Most times, I got the impression that he was  humoring me. I felt such guilt. That perhaps I had let myself fall apart. Didn't take care of myself. Etc., etc., etc. Taking care of a five-year old was too much.

The doc finally ordered blood work. Discovered I had a major, life-threatening problem, and prescribed some easy meds to fix it. However -- and don't you just love it -- the doc never told me about it. His office called me the next day and said he'd ordered meds. No discussion. 

I went to another doctor. This one told me that the diagnosis impacted my life in every way possible. From my eyesight - to my extreme fatigue - to my 9 out of a scale of 10 back pain - to my deep sorrow. He said all will slowly be corrected with the medication.

I can't tell you the weight that was lifted from me. Especially the weight of guilt. Incredible feeling.

Had to share this with you all. If you have recurring problems with your health, in any way, seek a doctor. And if you don't get answers, go to another, and another until someone finally takes the time to tell you what's going on. 

Life is too precious.

Something's Wrong With Time

I swear it's Wednesday - but my calendar says it's Tuesday.

Exhaustion can do bad things to you. To me. I'm discovering that the stresses of life have been a bit too much and my body has rebelled. 

So I'm giving myself an excuse for the doldrums that descended upon me of late. Not that you, dear friends, need an excuse. You know I can be such fun. 

I tried to write today, but I read instead. I've been trying to do that more lately. The book I chose was good. I finished it this afternoon. 

That means, I can write tomorrow night. Daytime writing just isn't possible with my little one. Though she is sweet beyond measure, she likes to play with her Ammie. That means Barbies, princesses, coloring, cooking.... lots of things. The day is full of joy and fatigue. 

Kathleen is still in full command of 'Blue.' I hope she lets Kaspar come out and play sometime soon.

Life is full of deep breathing.

I Should Whine More Often

You know, this seems to happen a lot. When I get discouraged and start to feel sorry for myself, the Muse kicks in (and kicks me) and off I go.

Wrote a truckload last night. I wrote some fluff, too. But 'Blue' insisted that I spend some time on her. Did research, too. The terrain has changed, where they're now heading, and I had to get a firm idea of what it looked like. There are places all around the world that are like where I'm sending them. New Zealand, the US, Turkey, lots of places. That's great for me because it means it will seem familiar and yet seem unfamiliar to my readers. Not a fun place to send my poor hero/heroine -- but that's where Bryan's at. 

Only a couple more chapters to go before the next 'incident' and then I'll be writing the climax. Seems incredible. Especially since I was so low yesterday! I have to thank friends, especially Minnie, for hitting me upside the head!

I'll go back, after the whole story is written, and incorporate Bob's thoughts (see Nov. 12th posting). They are all feasible and most should really put zing into the work.

Life is being flexible.

A Bit of Whine

I went through the critiques I received on Saturday. I like to give myself a day or two to breathe after the morning session. 

There were five members present in my group Saturday. Two others had to bow out due to life issues. There were six in the second group. 

I received three critiques from my group. Thankfully, two of the folk in the second group gave me critiques they had done. So I had a total of five critiques. 

I was very careful to submit only two chapters with the total word count around 2,000. That way, I figured the members wouldn't be overwhelmed.

One of my private peeves about the group. Not everyone critiques. And yet, that is part of the agreement when you join the group. 

I find I am frustrated beyond measure when I present a couple chapters and receive only five critiques when there are eleven members present.

Perhaps I don't want to receive more. Perhaps it's just as well that I carry on blindly.

Today was one of those days when I considered quitting writing for publishing. I am going back to writing a bit of fluff until after Thanksgiving. I think I need the break. 

Yet, who will tell the Muse? *g*

Life is not a bowl of cherries. Or perhaps the cherries have pits.

Opinions

Went to my writers' group today and presented chapters sixteen and seventeen. They were well received. One of the best things about these critiques is that no one finds grammatical errors with my writing. Nor POV - which is a hoot! I am very glad that after all these years of writing, I usually abide by the 'rules' of writing. The problem with these critiques is that they are superficial. Good story and that's about it.

I spent a lengthy amount of time with the sci-fi author after the meeting. I believe he finally understands that I am not a 'hobby' writer -- that I want to write well enough to be published. He was most forthright. After three years of being with the group, I finally got what I wanted. The truth.

1) He said the story, though good, has no zing. I agree. 

2) He said the story needs to have more magic -- more unusual magic. I agree. (I know why I have kept it to a minimum so far - but I think I must change that.)

3) He said the changes wrought by the wizards did not seem impactful enough to cause my heroine to need to save her world. (A point the author who did my critique on Thursday also espoused.) He said there was not enough pain (and consequences) surfacing from the changes in the environment.

4) He said there was a lack of urgency to set things right. The necromancer told my heroine she had a year to prepare -- they all had a year to prepare to fight the wizards -- and that, I know, has given my heroine a false sense of time. But that destroys the sense of urgency -- which can be fixed by taking care of point #3.

5) He said the conflict between Kaspar and Kathleen is primary. The story will only be better if I spend more time on that.

As you can see, some great points. I owe the man!!! 

Life is an adventure.

Got To Have Friends

The main problem - in my mind's eye - is that my editor wants my chapters to be as neat and clean as possible - she says it's the best way to deal with tension and stuff - keeps it moving. But when I read books like Harry Potter and such - there is a plethora of description so I almost feel like I can't trust my editor which makes me writhe.

So that's why I asked the guy at Skyline to meet with me - he writes science fiction - which is close. I want to ask his opinion. I'm not going to have it edited anymore - not till it's done. Just critiqued by the group at Skyline. They'll find the little things that need correcting.

The author gave some good input - but it goes against what my editor is saying. In some fiction, authors tend to put in a lot of description. I like that. I like the way it flows - doing it my editor’s way doesn’t have that poetic quality to it. I know she's right about cutting redundant stuff. But ... to get the feel of the landscape and the majesty of the dragon - she doesn't think a lot of description is necessary or good.

A friend wrote to me:  “You have to have such things if you are going to really feel it as a reader. I think editors these days are thinking too much of the generation that has a short attention span or something.”

I think that's it entirely and this author told me that she was very surprised to find that most of her audience is middle-aged women who are used to reading things like Pride and Prejudice and such.

Now that my friend and I discussed this -- I'm wondering - God forbid - if my editor might be right - that the kids who are the targeted audience would better read the quick short descriptions. Hmmmm.

I hope this makes sense. It does to me.

I wrote and thanked my friend - as always, after talking with her, I feel so much better.

Life is friend-full.

THE Critique

Remember? I won a raffle for a 20 minute critique of the first ten pages of 'Blue.' The critique was this morning.

I'm still reeling. The author gave me two and half pages of notes. All very good. All constructive. But at the end of the process, as so normally happens with me, I couldn't tell if she thought 'Blue' was publishable or not. I got the impression, and I could very well be wrong, that she thought I had potential. But where does that leave 'Blue.'

I'm in the doldrums tonight. Again, this is the norm for me. This author gave me totally different advise than what I'm receiving from my editor. Remember this - my editor is paid by me. She is not affiliated with any publishing house. She teaches classes all over the area. She has been published a gazillion times and has TWO books coming out in 2012. 

The crux of the matter, in my mind's eye, is that my editor is a children's book writer. My book is geared to upper middle grade or lower YA. When I read other books that I consider near my own, the format is definitely different. I am confused. Bewildered. I've asked a writer whom I respect  to meet with me after Saturday's critique session. I've got to have a third opinion of what is 'normal' for fantasy.

I'm putting everything aside until Saturday and then I'll go back and reread her notes. 

BTW - she could not have been kinder. She spent an hour with me! An hour. Perhaps I should take that as an affirmative for my writing. Would she have spent an hour with me if there wasn't something of worth?

I think I will continue to write 'Blue' and not consider any outside critiquing (just Skyline's). When it's all done, I'm going to get an agent. See what happens then.

Life is whirling, at the moment.

Correspondence

Versus Entitlement.

As I've written before, in my mind there is a fine line between expecting to get a reply when you send an MS to a publishing house or an agent -- and being worth a reply.

I was reading the latest SCBWI bulletin tonight. There was an open letter in it from the President and also from the Executive Director of SCBWI deploring the fact that the houses and agents are gravitating to not sending out replies. That no response constitutes a rejection.

It's a rather rude thing, not to reply to someone's correspondence. The thing here is -- if the correspondence was unsolicited, does that still make it rude? 

In the marketplace, if a company sends you a 'gift' of knives or labels or some such in hopes that you will buy them... the law states you don't have to. They are unsolicited. And therefore, can be deemed gifts. You can keep them if you so desire.

Seems to me to be the same thing with an unsolicited MS. If I've sent one off, and believe me - I HAVE - I really can't expect an answer. I WANT ONE -- but I can't expect one. I am not entitled to have the publishing houses and agents reply.

In today's market, with cost-cutting and staff-cutting, the load is great on these businesses. But that doesn't mean that they have to do the expedient thing. They can hold themselves above that and respond. 

I would.

Blessings for this awesome life.

Another Day....

Another meeting. Things went well Saturday. But sometimes, the 'free' time after the meetings is more fun and productive than the meeting itself. We're going to discuss marketing issues - like the book trailers - at our next meeting. 

I'm following more and more blogs and trying to keep up, at the same time, with writing. I didn't get any done today, but I did get some editing done on Chapter Thirty yesterday.

The weather has been incredible here. We've had no sun for almost the entire summer and now it blazes down. Well, not quite blazes as the temps are falling. But seeing the sun gives me such a sense of well-being. As does a nicely written chapter.

I spent two and half hours, the other night, critiquing an MS for Saturday's meeting. The writer has previously chided me for sending in too many chapters and too many words. I took his admonishment to heart and only send two chapters (around ten to twelve pages, double-spaced).

The one he sent for this month's was only one chapter, but twenty-five single-spaced pages and the word count was over twelve thousand words. I had to giggle. Such is life. I critiqued it anyhow. It was good. He's a darn good sci-fi writer. I got a very nice email back from him thanking me for the thoroughness of it. That was unexpected, but nice. You see, this group has been split into two and so I am not actually in his group. My own group can't seem to get their act together to send in their MS's. I'm not sure why. I send mine the day I'm allowed! *giggles*

Life is interesting!

Book Trailers

I know nothing about them, but that will change. *evil laugh* If you go onto YouTube or some such, you can find book trailers.

I'm wondering if this is a new trend. I've not seen them before but happened upon one by Cinda William Chimas for her latest book, 'The Gray Wolf Throne.' http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bXksII_uVG8

Not sure who makes them, either.

Her's seem to be done by DisneyHyperion. There are a truckload of them at that site. http://www.youtube.com/user/DisneyHyperion?blend=8&ob=5  Especially the Percy Jackson books.

I get the impression that some authors make their own vids. Interesting.

I'll research this and bring it up with my other writers' groups. Hopefully, we'll get the scoop. I'll get back to you. 

(As if I don't have enough to do what with the story, the map, the synopsis, the cover letter.....)

Life is complicated.

Hard To Write

When the family is all sick. I spent the day making tea and finding kleenex and making soup. 

I had hoped to get to the library and print out the last couple of chapters... from the Midpoint on. But such is life. I will hope the Muse had a pleasant day and will be ready for a lot of work this week-end.

Tomorrow afternoon, I have my writers' sharing meeting. Should be fun. It seems like much more than a month since we've been together. But I'm sure that's because we usually meet 'in-between' meetings. That didn't happen this month. Lots of things to share!

At the meeting last night, one of the members said she had written a chapter of her latest book and then reread it to find a place where she could add zing. 

So today - I'm doing things for the sickies and thinking about the dragon scene in 'Blue,' when I knew that it could be MORE.... So I've decided to have one of the dragonlings be Sir Giddly's. Should add some fun and some pathos to the book.

Life is fun!

Investing In Myself

I learned a long time ago that to succeed I must invest in myself. Classes and workshops and conferences and such. Both time AND money. 

Today I joined my third writers' group. They are all different. Each group meets once a month. Thankfully, on different days!

My first is a critique group. That's about all we do. It can be difficult 'cause getting my own stuff critiqued sometimes can take too many months. But the people are good-hearted and their writing is good, too. Most critiques are really valuable.

My second is what I lovingly call my 'AA writers group.' We sit and complain and laugh and cry and really share what this writing experience is like. From horror tales of hideous critiques to creating cover letters that zing (yeah right!) to sharing rejection letters. Great group!

The third one I just joined tonight. It's dedicated to childrens' writers. Nice group. They choose a 'craft' book at the end of the year and then spend the next year going through it. Learning from it and sharing what their take on it is. The craft of writing. I think it will be good for me.

Life is a learning experience.

PS - Finished Chapter Thirty! Whoo hoo!

Editing Again

My mind, it seems of late, is always attuned to writing. The outside world revolves around that concept. Today I watched a well-known movie. I  felt sorrow for the director. There were parts that just didn't flow and I wondered if it was because those parts lay on the cutting room floor.

I'm wondering if it might be best to let someone come in with a scissors and cut 'Blue' with no input from me. The way an editor does in a film. Off in a silent room, away from the director. That way, I could go screaming into the night, pulling my hair out. Instead of doing it quietly over coffee at the nearby Panera's. 

That being said, I edited 'Blue' again -- the last six chapters. And finished writing Chapter Twenty-nine. 

I am now on the downswing from the Midpoint. I have the last 'obstacle to overcome' and then the Climax, and the Denoument. *g* Feels good.

Life is satisfying.

Sorry for 2 postings for the same day

Whooo hoooo!  

Reached 3,000 hits in a little less than one year!

Thank you. Thank you. Thank you!

Life is exhilarating.

Giraffes Update

On the 16th of July, I sent 'Sorrysorrysorry' to four publishing houses. Almost immediately, I received three rejections. 

I am told it is rare, in today's market, to receive a personalized letter. I received one. I also received a form letter with a personal note at the bottom. The last one was just a form letter. But --- I did get a letter. The fourth house did not respond.

The personal letter carried wonderful advise for making the giraffe tale better, more marketable. The changes were agreeable. Which is very important to me. I have been working on the suggestions, off and on, for the last three months. I'm happy to say that I plan on sending out another four submissions this month. And - this coincides with the goal I set in July. If the book was not accepted, or if I didn't have responses by November - I would send out four more in November.

Nice to meet a goal. *g*

On the other hand, I have now received ten rejections. I am on my way to meeting the number of authors like Dr. Seuss. I think his was ninety-nine rejections before being published. It would be nice if I didn't have to have 99 - but '99 Red Balloons' is a favorite song of mine, so it's ok. Also, I think I shared with you that another author that I just met recently had a total of over two hundred rejections before she was published. 

Now - these seem to be odd statistics. To flaunt the number of rejections one receives. A badge of courage, perhaps, to show the world that nothing will stop us? I hope so.

Life is to be lived.