Brandon
from KCMO is reading Made to BreakFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:35am
"Apparently you can't sell books in the US if your character isn't American, or if it is based mostly overseas even with American characters."
Memoirs of a Geisha, dude. Learn to stop making blanket statements.
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:36am
@Utah- I would say the depressed gay robots would be the pefect prompt for said challange.
@Averydoll, I get what you're saying, I am just telling you what some rejections I have gotten say. Not all of them, but some. Basically they want something they are positive will sell and that is one sure fire way.
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:37am
@Brandon, I didn't, read the above.
Clutch
from Detroit Metro Area now living in Charlotte, NC is reading "The Spooky Art" by Norman MailerFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:39am
Now see, what I think should happen right here is that Clutch should challenge someone to a Beyond Thunderdome Writer Battle.
Grab your sap and your heater and lay down a gauntlet on somebody.
I'm new here. Just joined yesterday. I know not of what you are speaking, Utah.
Clutch
from Detroit Metro Area now living in Charlotte, NC is reading "The Spooky Art" by Norman MailerFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:39am
I don't even know how to use the quotes here.
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:40am
Once I get back to my apartment I'll have to show you guys what they are saying. I don't have them here.
avery of the dead
from Kentucky is reading Cipher SistersFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:45am
Matt - what is this thing you are shopping exactly? Since you brought it up. Are you sending it to agents? Or just direct to publishers? I'm a little confused about the things you are telling me.
Moderator
Utah
from Fort Worth, TX is reading Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtryFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:45am
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:51am
@Avery it was my first book, pre-apocalyptic. One of the main characters is Greek. I'll send you the objections when I get back.
avery of the dead
from Kentucky is reading Cipher SistersFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:54am
I don't need the rejections. I just wonder what you are doing with it. Are you shopping it to agents?
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 23, 2012 - 10:57am
OH, agents and publishers. Not everyone has the same objections, that was just an example that showed back up on the last one.
avery of the dead
from Kentucky is reading Cipher SistersFebruary 23, 2012 - 11:07am
Has an editor gone over it? And if not, have you considered workshopping your opening? That might help.
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 23, 2012 - 11:16am
Yeah, my college English professor edited it. I think with my next one I am going to get a freelance editor. Its way too much work for her. I have thought about it and I just may. I am focusing on other things right now, so for the time-being, it's on a shelf along with the other one.
Class Facilitator
ReneeAPickup
from Southern California is reading Wanderers by Chuck WendigFebruary 23, 2012 - 2:46pm
Every big author has these stories about the piles of rejection letters they collected before "making it"...when I get one, I count it as another step in the process. If you only have five rejection letters--you haven't made it yet.
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 23, 2012 - 2:54pm
Your advice is solid, love it, thanks Renee!
Flaminia Ferina
from Umbria is reading stuffFebruary 24, 2012 - 4:22am
Can this be called "the butthurt thread" again? It's my place now. Nobody loves me.
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 24, 2012 - 4:39am
Why whats up? Something happen?
Flaminia Ferina
from Umbria is reading stuffFebruary 24, 2012 - 5:46am
Not really. Just bitching. Thank you :)
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 24, 2012 - 5:49am
Hahaha- well, vent away! That's why we're here! Here- this song inspired me this morning, maybe it'll do the same for you.
Flaminia Ferina
from Umbria is reading stuffFebruary 24, 2012 - 6:01am
Ahah, I just vented on the name the anthology forum, lol. Really, just stirring some creative chaos up ;)
Thanks for the song, very nice. Inspiring, indeed.
Bekanator
from Kamloops, British Columbia is reading Ugly Girls by Lindsay HunterFebruary 24, 2012 - 10:55am
I remember posting a rejection frustration thread over at The Cult. I got the same responseses because really, I knew better. I think it's the whole process of getting used to what the general literary market is like is what's really frustrating. That was really hard for me. That said, all the rejections show you where your work doesn't quite fit, and you get a sense of places that might better suit you.
I've taken a of a break from submitting while I was working on my Psychosis anthology story, so I've been out of the game of having my dreams crushed on a regular basis. But I just wrote a new story so it's to the markets I go.
I always love that moment when I get a response, and before opening it I have that debate in my head where I tell myself that it's for sure a rejection...but it could be an acceptance, maybe. No, it's a rejection, but MAYBE. No. Nevermind.
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerFebruary 24, 2012 - 11:00am
I always love that moment when I get a response, and before opening it I have that debate in my head where I tell myself that it's for sure a rejection.."
Ha! I do the same thing! It's almost like going an iffy date and then wondering if you'll hear back from them. Thats too funny.
I think someone should write a story about a writer who just has enough of rejection letters and goes ape shit on every member of the publishing industry he can find. "Thought my story was pedantic did you! How do you like the hammer!"
underpurplemoon
from PDX
June 3, 2012 - 10:45am
Change the rejection letter into a break-up letter and tell a new story about a relationship.
The secret here, and this is why I want to read this story (somebody better write it), is that the two people were never in a relationship. The protagonist had only written a letter to the guy/girl in an effort to woo him/her. The 'break-up' letter is the response to that letter.
This could go a few ways, but these are my initial ideas:
1) the break-up letter comes from an english professor and talks about the literary merits of the introduction/wooing letter (this would be an analogy for people submitting stories to markets)
2) the break-up letter is revealed in the end to be a restraining order.
Free idea... any takers? Tell 'em Howie sent ya.
This is genius, Howie! This reminds me of an article I read: I Belong to Me. It's about how Diane Warren writes her hit songs.
underpurplemoon
from PDX
June 3, 2012 - 10:49am
Sorry - I missed this the first time. As I said, and I repeat it here for the masses, I take the workshop seriously. I joke here - there is business. I pay for that shit.
This is the only time you'll see swear words in my postings (if it's already in the quoted statement). Anyone can review, but very few are helpful. I'm a bit disappointed in myself, lately, but this gives me encouragement...if I can make it here, then I can make it anywhere!
underpurplemoon
from PDX
June 3, 2012 - 10:55am
Double the trouble sir. haha, They know I am moving so, it's not too serious. I mean, I would be dating more, but ya know....and its not like all three of us sleep in the same bed every night or something....just...I am not sure how to describe it.
I've dated two women at the same time, so I understand. It's not what you think. I will never date two women at the same time again. Plus, women are trouble. I should stick to my monastic lifestyle.
BTW, I found this thread by typing "food" in the search engine. I'm glad I found this thread.
misskokamon
from San Francisco is reading The Moonlit MindJune 3, 2012 - 12:36pm
You know what the awesome thing about the rejection letter is?
You finished something!
You, sir! You finished what you wrote. I applaud you for it. Some of us have a difficult time finishing something. I know I do.
Don't worry about your lady friends. We ladies tend to show our displeasure with someone's actions. I find the less we know someone/feel comfortable with them, the less we tend to show our real feelings -- we parade our politeness until it's an insult. The closer we are to someone, the quicker we are to show how pissed off they make us. So, let them cool off for a day or two, then call them and apologize. Don't expect instant forgiveness, and let the girls think it was their idea to drop the charges. DONE.
And sometimes we have to bitch about rejection letters, even if why we were rejected is obvious. I've received countless rejection letters in the past few months (not for writing, just for jobs) and even when I know I didn't meet the requirements they wanted, I have to vent. Otherwise, if I keep it internal, I start to think I'm a big mess of poopy failure. By venting, by hearing or reading my frustrations, I can suddenly separate myself from the situation and see logic. It helps me take the rejection in small, manageable doses.
So bitch on, my friend. Shake your fist at the sky. It's healthy.
underpurplemoon
from PDX
June 3, 2012 - 1:04pm
You know what the awesome thing about the rejection letter is?
You finished something!
Can't wait for my first novel rejection letter...if I ever get to finishing my first novel. I've been rejected by The Sun magazine and that's it. Hmm...I need more submissions for more rejections!
Covewriter
from Nashville, Tennessee is reading & SonsJune 3, 2012 - 9:22pm
I didn't get in a writing workshop I applied to back in January. I knew it would be tough to get in, and my work has improved since I submitted the application. I kept telling myself I would be lucky to get in, but when I didn't, I was really disappointed. There is always next year, but it took me a few days of pouting to get over the disappointemnt. Also now I'm kind of mad at them and not sure I want to go. I get lots of help from Litreactor anyway.
underpurplemoon
from PDX
June 4, 2012 - 12:02am
I didn't get in a writing workshop I applied to back in January. I knew it would be tough to get in, and my work has improved since I submitted the application. I kept telling myself I would be lucky to get in, but when I didn't, I was really disappointed. There is always next year, but it took me a few days of pouting to get over the disappointemnt. Also now I'm kind of mad at them and not sure I want to go. I get lots of help from Litreactor anyway.
Disappointment for me lasts at most a day. I accept things early sometimes.
I was wait-listed for my first MFA program, and then I kept at it and got in because someone dropped. It's a shame because I ended up dropping the program because of work. Work overload.
Matt Attack
from Richmond, Va. is reading As I Lay Dying, William FaulknerJune 4, 2012 - 5:22am
Wow- I can't believe someone brought this thread back from the dead. Good points all of them, things are less crazy now, so no more freak out threads for me.
Bekanator
from Kamloops, British Columbia is reading Ugly Girls by Lindsay HunterJune 4, 2012 - 9:01am
@Matt - It's lasting proof that at one point you were a bitch about this. Hardy har.
"Apparently you can't sell books in the US if your character isn't American, or if it is based mostly overseas even with American characters."
Memoirs of a Geisha, dude. Learn to stop making blanket statements.
@Utah- I would say the depressed gay robots would be the pefect prompt for said challange.
@Averydoll, I get what you're saying, I am just telling you what some rejections I have gotten say. Not all of them, but some. Basically they want something they are positive will sell and that is one sure fire way.
@Brandon, I didn't, read the above.
I don't even know how to use the quotes here.
Once I get back to my apartment I'll have to show you guys what they are saying. I don't have them here.
Matt - what is this thing you are shopping exactly? Since you brought it up. Are you sending it to agents? Or just direct to publishers? I'm a little confused about the things you are telling me.
Clutch, my bad!
Here
@Avery it was my first book, pre-apocalyptic. One of the main characters is Greek. I'll send you the objections when I get back.
I don't need the rejections. I just wonder what you are doing with it. Are you shopping it to agents?
OH, agents and publishers. Not everyone has the same objections, that was just an example that showed back up on the last one.
Has an editor gone over it? And if not, have you considered workshopping your opening? That might help.
Yeah, my college English professor edited it. I think with my next one I am going to get a freelance editor. Its way too much work for her. I have thought about it and I just may. I am focusing on other things right now, so for the time-being, it's on a shelf along with the other one.
Every big author has these stories about the piles of rejection letters they collected before "making it"...when I get one, I count it as another step in the process. If you only have five rejection letters--you haven't made it yet.
Your advice is solid, love it, thanks Renee!
Can this be called "the butthurt thread" again? It's my place now. Nobody loves me.
Why whats up? Something happen?
Not really. Just bitching. Thank you :)
Hahaha- well, vent away! That's why we're here! Here- this song inspired me this morning, maybe it'll do the same for you.
Ahah, I just vented on the name the anthology forum, lol. Really, just stirring some creative chaos up ;)
Thanks for the song, very nice. Inspiring, indeed.
I remember posting a rejection frustration thread over at The Cult. I got the same responseses because really, I knew better. I think it's the whole process of getting used to what the general literary market is like is what's really frustrating. That was really hard for me. That said, all the rejections show you where your work doesn't quite fit, and you get a sense of places that might better suit you.
I've taken a of a break from submitting while I was working on my Psychosis anthology story, so I've been out of the game of having my dreams crushed on a regular basis. But I just wrote a new story so it's to the markets I go.
I always love that moment when I get a response, and before opening it I have that debate in my head where I tell myself that it's for sure a rejection...but it could be an acceptance, maybe. No, it's a rejection, but MAYBE. No. Nevermind.
Ha! I do the same thing! It's almost like going an iffy date and then wondering if you'll hear back from them. Thats too funny.
I think someone should write a story about a writer who just has enough of rejection letters and goes ape shit on every member of the publishing industry he can find. "Thought my story was pedantic did you! How do you like the hammer!"
This is genius, Howie! This reminds me of an article I read: I Belong to Me. It's about how Diane Warren writes her hit songs.
This is the only time you'll see swear words in my postings (if it's already in the quoted statement). Anyone can review, but very few are helpful. I'm a bit disappointed in myself, lately, but this gives me encouragement...if I can make it here, then I can make it anywhere!
I've dated two women at the same time, so I understand. It's not what you think. I will never date two women at the same time again. Plus, women are trouble. I should stick to my monastic lifestyle.
BTW, I found this thread by typing "food" in the search engine. I'm glad I found this thread.
You know what the awesome thing about the rejection letter is?
You finished something!
You, sir! You finished what you wrote. I applaud you for it. Some of us have a difficult time finishing something. I know I do.
Don't worry about your lady friends. We ladies tend to show our displeasure with someone's actions. I find the less we know someone/feel comfortable with them, the less we tend to show our real feelings -- we parade our politeness until it's an insult. The closer we are to someone, the quicker we are to show how pissed off they make us. So, let them cool off for a day or two, then call them and apologize. Don't expect instant forgiveness, and let the girls think it was their idea to drop the charges. DONE.
And sometimes we have to bitch about rejection letters, even if why we were rejected is obvious. I've received countless rejection letters in the past few months (not for writing, just for jobs) and even when I know I didn't meet the requirements they wanted, I have to vent. Otherwise, if I keep it internal, I start to think I'm a big mess of poopy failure. By venting, by hearing or reading my frustrations, I can suddenly separate myself from the situation and see logic. It helps me take the rejection in small, manageable doses.
So bitch on, my friend. Shake your fist at the sky. It's healthy.
Can't wait for my first novel rejection letter...if I ever get to finishing my first novel. I've been rejected by The Sun magazine and that's it. Hmm...I need more submissions for more rejections!
I didn't get in a writing workshop I applied to back in January. I knew it would be tough to get in, and my work has improved since I submitted the application. I kept telling myself I would be lucky to get in, but when I didn't, I was really disappointed. There is always next year, but it took me a few days of pouting to get over the disappointemnt. Also now I'm kind of mad at them and not sure I want to go. I get lots of help from Litreactor anyway.
Disappointment for me lasts at most a day. I accept things early sometimes.
I was wait-listed for my first MFA program, and then I kept at it and got in because someone dropped. It's a shame because I ended up dropping the program because of work. Work overload.
Wow- I can't believe someone brought this thread back from the dead. Good points all of them, things are less crazy now, so no more freak out threads for me.
@Matt - It's lasting proof that at one point you were a bitch about this. Hardy har.