The Hug Me/Kick Me House

I need a hug. I just got back 3 rejections in a 2-day time span (2, sent a month apart, within an hour of each other) from Fugue, Apex and Enchanted Conversation. I really thought I'd nailed the story for Enchanted Conversation, too, so that was disappointing. Oh well - I guess I'll try that one at Cabinet des Fees.

So I guess now we come to the downside of flooding the market... lol.

I'm debating what to do with the sci-fi story I sent to Apex. I might sub it to the Future Writers of the World contest when the new quarter opens in April (I already entered for this quarter) but I might like to try one of the quicker pro sci-fi markets before I tie it up there so long.

Blah.

Aw, that sucks! If it makes you feel any better, I got 6 in one week a couple of weeks ago. But really, every time you send a story out, you up the odds of its publication. Every rejection gets you closer. *hugs*

I'd send the sci-fi story to some of the markets that don't take long instead of waiting with it, definitely. You could sell it, or if it's rejected you could get a personal note with feedback that's helpful, certainly.

Someone I admire a great deal likes to point out that someone telling you "you're ugly, I won't go out with you" is a rejection, but a "no" from an editor is a purple heart that tells you you're in the game and that much closer to a "yes," and that everyone who has ever won a Pushcart Prize, a Pulitzer, an O'Henry Award (and the list goes on) got those "no" replies first.

He's a prize-winning writer who's had numerous first prizes, and ranked in the top 2 or 3 several times in comps like Bridport, Fish, lots of biggees. And it's nothing for him to rack up over 100 rejections in a year, while getting about 40-45 yes replies. His philosophy is, "I eat rejections like Popeye eats spinach." (I'd link to an old article, but it's at a competing site so I don't think I'm supposed to.)

I am trying to adopt his philosophy and kept telling myself that during the week of 6 "no" replies. Hope it helps!

Shelley

Aw, thanks Shelley. Your post made me smile.

I need to be hugged and/or kicked. I can't decide yet. I'm feeling really drained and haven't written anything since last week's bout of flash fiction. I think it's the allergies, but that's not really a good excuse.

Nicole

Nicole, I managed one flash last week (and I mean flash--150 words) and a few micros. Didn't finish anything else. And anyway, yay on your flash. I know you'd been hoping for one soon.

Today, I opened two files on my WP and have bounced back and forth, tossing in a sentence, a phrase, a bit of dialogue, determined to make some sort of progress. Doing that got me going on one and I managed about 650 words before I even realized I'd gotten started. Maybe it's worth a try?

A list of prompts might also help, or a publication with an upcoming deadline with or without prompts.

Alternately, we can all file by you, hugging or kicking at random. I'm picturing that scene in Airplane! where people line up to slap the woman. I think the WP get-something-down-no-matter-what scenario would be more pleasant (for you, at least).

(And of course, if you're ill or suffering from allergies--which is a nightmare--maybe it's a good idea to just take it easy?)
Shelley

Aw, thanks guys! I feel a little better. Maybe opening up my file could help.

I did have a crazy dream last night. It's usually my muse's way of telling me to do something creative with my brain. I'd better listen.

Nicole

Sounds like time for editing.

NicoleMD said:

I need to be hugged and/or kicked. I can't decide yet. I'm feeling really drained and haven't written anything since last week's bout of flash fiction. I think it's the allergies, but that's not really a good excuse.

Nicole

Click to expand...

We really need a smiley for that.






Go write!

Is this the part where we hug you?

*Opens arms tentatively* What the hell-

Good job, Izz. Sorry I was late to the kicking party. I had my boots all nice and polished too!

Nicole

I'll be needing a good, swift kick in order to get back to work.

I spent this entire week attending the Game Manufacturer's Association Trade Show in Las Vegas. It was great fun. Highlights included attending a social networking seminar hosted by SF author Michael Stackpole, and accepting an award on behalf of my company in front of about 1000 of the top gaming industry folks.

However, this also meant that I put ZERO words down on paper in the last week. Moreover, three rejections came in while I was away (from ChiZine, Arcane and Cabinet Des Fees). I need to roll up the sleeves and get back to business. I've already outlined my next story in my head, and I will not be taking off the "Kick Me" sign until I commit it to paper (or to a .doc file to be precise).

Wow, sounds like a great week.

Which means, fun's over, get writing!




(and hopefully the writing is fun as well )

I just received my first real rejection from a BIG journal. They told me to wait 90 days for a response. At 110, I poked and they said "still considering" my piece. At day 155, I finally got the rejection.

I've only recently tried to sub my flash pieces. (I'm concentrating more on the edits to my novels.) But I want to do more with the flash.

Count me in.

Seriously need to finish "one." Even something short.... I don't know if that needs a hug or a kick!!

Pick your poison:

*hugs* and *kicks* and *nudges* for good measure. And more *hugs*

As I said in the other thread, I wrote some flash fiction to catch up. The need to have done enough was driving me insane so that worked

Thank you, AnnieColleen and Sagana!!

That's a great idea about flash fiction, thanks~!!

*kick* We just watched Richard III so I've some good hard kicking available. Either off-with-his-son's-head flavor or my-kingdom-for-a-horse variety. Choose your poison.