tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post7541960610194039252..comments2024-03-11T16:14:49.158-07:00Comments on Don't pet me, I'm writing: The long answer to what seemed like an easy questionTAWNA FENSKEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comBlogger25125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-54326539133025918202011-09-21T01:59:19.228-07:002011-09-21T01:59:19.228-07:00And THIS is why we adore you.
I had one of those ...And THIS is why we adore you.<br /><br />I had one of those days today when I really needed a nice, hefty "My Publication Story" wrought with ups and downs and this really made me feel better. (I hope that doesn't come across as Shadenfreude! I meant you cheered me up and renewed my writer's vigor!)<br /><br />In fact I just read this post out loud to my significant other, it was so amazing.Sophia Changhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10946233873722107937noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-62851381198822728122010-06-01T08:59:28.389-07:002010-06-01T08:59:28.389-07:00Ashelynn, so glad to simultaneously terrify and mo...Ashelynn, so glad to simultaneously terrify and motivate you! <br /><br />John, not sure if you'll check back and see this response, but you should run, not walk, RUN from any agent who wants to charge you a dime before the book is sold. Any professional agent doesn't make money until he/she sells your book, so the whole idea of it being "cost effective" doesn't really hold up. You aren't paying anything until you've got a book deal, and a good agent is able to negotiate your advance high enough to cover his/her 15% anyway. Start with agentquery.com as a good resource for finding a reputable agent, and good luck!<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-59217459047924618142010-06-01T08:13:19.826-07:002010-06-01T08:13:19.826-07:00Interesting read, I will certainly keep these idea...Interesting read, I will certainly keep these ideas in mind. Agents are obviously helpful, I certainly hope they are cost-effective. My budget is limited and why I've gone through 2 self-publish outfits as myself with one, and pen-name as romantic comedy author Nahtan Hoj with the other. I really want my 7th book to be a real publisher, but I may have to wait for my 10th or 12th or whatever. I never give up. Even with a troll causing me unending grief by posting scathing reviews of my books its never read. Unlike it, I move on.John Ross Harveyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02388152562914203952noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-55757974980444562462010-05-14T18:35:35.668-07:002010-05-14T18:35:35.668-07:00I'm a little late to the party, or whatever, b...I'm a little late to the party, or whatever, but this is really motivational. Does it scare me? Hell yes. I've read your other blog posts, especially the one that you're tougher than you think, but if this happened to me - I might have just gave up. This post, the fact that you kept at it, gives me a lot of inspiration and determination. <br /><br />You amaze me, Tawna. You scared me to death with this post, yet you also managed to bring motivation to me. Thank you. :)The name is Ashelynnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17546128863113103184noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-24266029132006681002010-03-30T15:34:15.392-07:002010-03-30T15:34:15.392-07:00Rebecca, it was a much longer process than I'd...Rebecca, it was a much longer process than I'd hoped for, but at least it had a happy ending! :)<br /><br />Deb, thanks for reading! I think those of us who endure a particularly bumpy ride to publication should form a special club or something. Want to work on the secret handshake with me?<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-52880291906790914552010-03-29T11:24:03.109-07:002010-03-29T11:24:03.109-07:00Wow. Thank you for posting this brutally honest re...Wow. Thank you for posting this brutally honest recap of an arduous journey to publication. It emboldens me. My experience is eerily similar (choosing wrong agent; editor rejections complimenting the writing but having no idea how to market, etc; writing new book at agent's request that was then rejected by said agent who I eventually 'released'); reading your 'adventure' shows that it's part of the process, and encourages me to keep going! Thank you!<br /><br />And thank you Linda, for 'introducing' me to Tawna.<br /><br />DebDeborah Smallhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17582655689614863667noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-23969458899402212982010-03-03T09:11:51.072-08:002010-03-03T09:11:51.072-08:00Sure seems like a long process. Glad you were able...Sure seems like a long process. Glad you were able to stick it out.Rebecca https://www.blogger.com/profile/00945969129138214472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-7266633607063048692010-03-02T19:02:20.639-08:002010-03-02T19:02:20.639-08:00laurasibson, you know, I hadn't actually talli...laurasibson, you know, I hadn't actually tallied up the number of books I've written until someone emailed me today asking about it. Total count in 8 years = 8 full manuscripts and 6 partials. Gah!<br /><br />JM Tohline, I did read your blog entry, and your agent situation made me grit my teeth. On the bright side (there's always a bright side!) you get to start fresh!<br /><br />claudiaputnam, funny you should ask about the "quit your day job" scenario. As luck would have it, I was laid off three days before Christmas. Since I'm a glass-is-half-full kind of gal, I've been looking at it as an opportunity to devote myself 110% to my writing career!<br /><br />Claire Dawn, you know, I used to think about that all the time -- like wouldn't it be better if I could get some NEGATIVE feedback so at least I'd feel like I had some control, something I could fix? But then again, this process is brutal enough when you're getting GOOD feedback. I imagine it would be soul-crushing to get a lot of negative feedback. <br /><br />Thanks for reading, guys!<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-15542668956979948912010-03-02T17:42:13.505-08:002010-03-02T17:42:13.505-08:00First off, which part of you is 35???
Now that&#...First off, which part of you is 35??? <br /><br />Now that's out of the way, you seem to be the master of the "bad day"! Hope that's all over now!<br /><br />Interesting road! Not to be morbid, but you know how people always say when someone dies quickly, "Well at least he didn't suffer," but when they have a long-drawn out death, "Well at least everyone got to say goodbye"... I always make these sort of comparisons. <br /><br />Is it easier when you suck and you know you suck and you have to work long nad hard at not sucking? Or is it easier when you're almost there, but just can't seem to "close the deal"? Just like the earlier example, I don't think either path is pretty.Claire Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14354840714847021685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-86721660462855177682010-03-02T15:52:10.404-08:002010-03-02T15:52:10.404-08:00So, my question is, can you quit your day job now?...So, my question is, can you quit your day job now? :)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-19648650945095980622010-03-02T14:15:16.749-08:002010-03-02T14:15:16.749-08:00Tawna,
What a lovely, lovely blog entry.
Not sur...Tawna,<br /><br />What a lovely, lovely blog entry.<br /><br />Not sure if you saw my post from today yet, but...well, your post helps to make my situation better. Thanks for that!jm tohlinehttp://www.jmtohline.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-66906582881915503622010-03-02T13:48:40.337-08:002010-03-02T13:48:40.337-08:00Tawna, Thanks for sharing your experience. I gues...Tawna, Thanks for sharing your experience. I guess I'm warped because it gave me hope :) I'm impressed with the the sheer volume of books you've completed. Your work ethic must be something to behold. Congrats!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-47104717704879458582010-03-02T13:45:56.507-08:002010-03-02T13:45:56.507-08:00Stephanie, yay for you on the offer! Do you have a...Stephanie, yay for you on the offer! Do you have a blog? Where can I read all about it? <br /><br />Dorothy, yes, I've had many of those "I have arrived" moments (first request for revisions, first book deal, first offer from an agent) where I think THIS IS IT! I'M HERE NOW! But alas, there are no guarantees, except that it takes a whole lot of perseverance to make it in this business!<br /><br />Angela, thank you, but I have to say that Michelle rocks a lot harder than I do!<br /><br />authorwithin, you definitely need plenty of good anti-nausea medication for the roller coaster of publishing. I prefer mine in the form of red wine.<br /><br />Laura, I'll be sure you get your very own copy of the book when it comes out. Our door is always open for you guys and the exchange student!<br /><br />KLM, though I know my journey to publication was especially bumpy, I also know it's not entirely unique. Sadly, it's a lot tougher than we all want to imagine when we first start out!<br /><br />Thanks for reading, everyone!<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-82917954681100527602010-03-02T13:25:56.454-08:002010-03-02T13:25:56.454-08:00That is without a doubt the most harrowing journey...That is without a doubt the most harrowing journey to publication that I've read yet. You should become a motivational speaker. :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17704845146768729518noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-15130449966682678572010-03-02T13:08:53.025-08:002010-03-02T13:08:53.025-08:00I am not a writer, but boy do I love to read! So,...I am not a writer, but boy do I love to read! So, thank Tawna (and to all the writers) who are working SO hard to get great books to people like me who want to just feed on your brillance. <br /><br />Tawna, we are determined to get over the pass to Bend and visit. We're housing an exchange student (highschool age) for 3 weeks at the end of March through the middle of April. So, maybe we could bring him/her out with us and show them that area of Oregon and get in some good visiting with you guys at the same time. I'll keep you posted as I know details.Laura Fenskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16545923787371616222noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-5168221547223088342010-03-02T12:25:55.798-08:002010-03-02T12:25:55.798-08:00Thank you for sharing your remarkable journey with...Thank you for sharing your remarkable journey with us. It helps to be reminded to hang on tight and grit your teeth through the roller coaster ride. =)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-27881114842701506472010-03-02T11:41:59.236-08:002010-03-02T11:41:59.236-08:00Two words: YOU ROCK. Seriously, who can read that ...Two words: YOU ROCK. Seriously, who can read that and not be inspired? Congrats on your success--it was well earned!Angela Ackermanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01808259088625142389noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-79795275018843928152010-03-02T11:33:18.832-08:002010-03-02T11:33:18.832-08:00Wow, what a journey! Thank you so much for posting...Wow, what a journey! Thank you so much for posting it. You've reminded me to stay grounded (which I especially need now as an agent has finally requested my full ms - I have to remember that this doesn't guarantee anything yet). Congratulations on sticking it out, and big congrats for your book deal!Dorothy Dreyerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07359417869474783409noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-42900199161663208382010-03-02T11:21:49.827-08:002010-03-02T11:21:49.827-08:00Wow, Tawna - you just made my day! My week! Than...Wow, Tawna - you just made my day! My week! Thanks so much! In truth, the 4th book wasn't a Pink book, which made it almost more of a bummer. I'm still working, off and on, on a new Pink book, sort of a more 'grown-up' version, so maybe some day. For now, I'm writing YA because OMG, it's way fun! Just accepted an offer yesterday - see, we're soulmates! Anyway, good to 'talk' to you again, and all the very best!!!Stephanie Feaganhttp://www.trinityfaegen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-81339448052586100132010-03-02T11:15:26.498-08:002010-03-02T11:15:26.498-08:00Jess, there were definitely times the roller coast...Jess, there were definitely times the roller coaster made me nauseous, but I'm glad I stuck with it!<br /><br />Stephanie! I've been wondering what you're up to, since your Bombshells were hands-down my very favorite. I had drinks last week with a former co-worker who still claims to be your biggest fan and always wants to know when you'll have a new book out. Sorry to hear the fourth Pink book won't be published, but I'm eager to hear what comes next for you!<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-12652436620404701262010-03-02T11:00:58.249-08:002010-03-02T11:00:58.249-08:00Congratulations on your sale, Tawna! Regarding Bo...Congratulations on your sale, Tawna! Regarding Bombshell, such a bummer to have a book sold but never pubbed. (My 4th book with Bombshell suffered the same fate.) I remember when it happened, and I felt so bad for you! But look at you now! I'm glad you stuck it out - looking forward to reading your books!Stephanie Feaganhttp://www.trinityfaegen.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-35665554185430011672010-03-02T10:54:49.435-08:002010-03-02T10:54:49.435-08:00What a roller-coaster! I'm glad there's a ...What a roller-coaster! I'm glad there's a happy ending. :)Jesshttp://www.jessicatudor.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-58214486668847665352010-03-02T09:19:03.744-08:002010-03-02T09:19:03.744-08:00Linda G, thanks for the comment, Agency Sistah (an...Linda G, thanks for the comment, Agency Sistah (and thanks to Susan Adrian for the term!) I think I might have "Kickass Writer" printed on a business card.<br /><br />Patrick, you know, I keep forgetting I'm 35 and telling people I'm 36. Then my husband will remind me that I'm a year younger than I think I am. It's kind of nice!<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-17866700845936866492010-03-02T08:16:42.216-08:002010-03-02T08:16:42.216-08:00You're just a baby! I turned 36 this past Aug...You're just a baby! I turned 36 this past August.Patrick Alanhttp://patrick-alan.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-12627706041428874482010-03-02T08:14:56.167-08:002010-03-02T08:14:56.167-08:00You are what I and my writing buds call a Kickass ...You are what I and my writing buds call a Kickass Writer. You don't give up. You stick with it. You roll with the publishing punches. (And, near as I can figure, publishing has a LOT of punches.) <br /><br />That, m'dear, is why you have your much-deserved 3-book deal now. Well, that and your awesome talent, and your equally awesome agent.<br /><br />I am proud to call you my agency sistah. (A term, btw, I first heard from Susan Adrian. I was so jealous she had agency sistahs, and now I'm happy to have my own, especially in such a kickass agency.) :)Linda G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04576828490765434497noreply@blogger.com