tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post791643350385867167..comments2024-03-11T16:14:49.158-07:00Comments on Don't pet me, I'm writing: I could tell you, but I'd have to kill youTAWNA FENSKEhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-62495644898449187812010-08-17T15:27:15.170-07:002010-08-17T15:27:15.170-07:00The thing with the Kool-Aid: The online consensus ...The thing with the Kool-Aid: The online consensus is that Kool-Aid has citric acids and particularly abrasive dyes that can erode and pick up the flavor of metal. I guess it just makes your Kool-Aid taste bad.~ Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08541327644234296634noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-70489333973423715572010-03-08T10:07:08.848-08:002010-03-08T10:07:08.848-08:00Candyland, er, yeah. Organization isn't really...Candyland, er, yeah. Organization isn't really my thing. If you could only see my office!<br /><br />Claire Dawn, I'll second that author's advice! There's definitely a reason they tell aspiring authors not to quit their day job. I can't remember the exact statistic, but I do recall that the number of authors who actually make a living on their writing is in the single digits.<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-14794556841640062282010-03-06T16:51:24.961-08:002010-03-06T16:51:24.961-08:00I read an author interview once on his site. They ...I read an author interview once on his site. They asked him what was the best advice that he could offer an aspring writer. He said: <br /><br />Learn to live cheap!<br /><br />He admitted that was probably not what the interviewer wanted to hear. But he said (and it's true) even if you get signed straight off the bat, the road to publication is a long one. You won't be seeing a check for a while. And when you do, it may not be the amount you were hoping for. So, learn to live cheap. <br /><br />That's how advice is. We like cutesy inspiring proverbial soundign stuff. But the best advice is just like life: a little too real, and not at all cute. <br /><br />Thanks for the post. <br /><br />-Claire DawnClaire Dawnhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14354840714847021685noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-85526806732019766132010-03-06T09:27:43.437-08:002010-03-06T09:27:43.437-08:00Porn. Why didn't I think of that. No wonder I ...Porn. Why didn't I think of that. No wonder I don't yet have many followers...<br /><br />If you could organize the disturbia rattling around up in there, I'd be grateful. And organized.Candylandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08956196611348299424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-66840240314685092162010-03-06T07:58:38.746-08:002010-03-06T07:58:38.746-08:00Rhonda, glad to provide you with both inspiring wo...Rhonda, glad to provide you with both inspiring words and a reminder of Kool-Aid's more nefarious properties.<br /><br />Candyland, I am indeed swimming around in your brain, and it's a little disturbing in here. Link away, by all means. Er, a that's assuming you don't run a porn site.<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-47424576981010917262010-03-06T05:30:15.096-08:002010-03-06T05:30:15.096-08:00Tawna this post was exactly what I needed today. (...Tawna this post was exactly what I needed today. (Are you in my brain swimming around? If so, can you tidy up a bit?)<br /><br />If it's okay with you, I'm going to post on my blog about your super-terrific post with a link to this post. Did I say "post" enough?"<br /><br />Perseverance is the word of the day. Hey I just titled my post. Sweet.Candylandhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08956196611348299424noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-3844688265725066652010-03-05T19:16:45.678-08:002010-03-05T19:16:45.678-08:00Absolutely amazing post. It's nice to be remin...Absolutely amazing post. It's nice to be reminded that it does pay off to keep going even when it seems too frustratingly difficult and an almost useless effort. <br /><br />It's also nice to be reminded that Kool-aid + metal pitcher = a rip in the space-time continuum.Rhondahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07228403951637387916noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-21615535429372534632010-03-05T17:44:13.665-08:002010-03-05T17:44:13.665-08:00Sierra, glad the post struck a chord for you. I kn...Sierra, glad the post struck a chord for you. I know I've read a million blog posts from newly-book-dealed authors saying, "just keep honing your writing skills," and while I'm not disagreeing with this, I don't see anything wrong with also acknowledging that this is a damn unfair business, and there's often no rhyme or reason to who sells and who doesn't. The only way to guarantee you're in the "doesn't" camp is to quit.<br /><br />Jeffe, wha? I missed a comment from you? I don't have an approval thingy on here or anything, so pretty much any comment gets posted right to the blog. Is it possible you clicked a wrong button or something? Either that, or rabid demons ate the post. That seems more likely. What did you say?<br /><br />Merc, glad you liked the blog post. It's OK to skip the Kool-Aid. You'll probably live longer.<br /><br />Mary, I'm always happy to hear I make someone laugh. Er, that's if I'm trying to be funny. If I'm hitting myself in the head with the car door, I'm not so happy about the laughing.<br /><br />Liz, if you've got he perseverance thing down, the dumb luck is bound to land in your lap sooner or later. Glad you like the blog! I'm kinda starting to enjoy it myself.<br /><br />Thanks everyone for reading! It's so fun to have all these new followers, even those who aren't commenting!<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-3942849665884505392010-03-05T16:46:17.407-08:002010-03-05T16:46:17.407-08:00This came at just the right time for me, thank you...This came at just the right time for me, thank you. The perserverance gets a little more challenging every day that I don't seem to find the dumb luck, but I'm not giving up yet. There's nothing I hate more than being wrong, so why on earth would I let the publishing world tell me that? Miss out on the opportunity to succeed in spite of rejection? HA! Not me!<br /><br />I adore your blog title and I'm about to make myself a follower. Congratulations on your PW announcement, and good luck!<br /><br />- LizLiz Czukashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15656897969180818333noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-27991282446035555742010-03-05T16:32:04.776-08:002010-03-05T16:32:04.776-08:00You made me laugh out loud (I sorely needed it aft...You made me laugh out loud (I sorely needed it after this crazy week). As a current query-er, I've got a tight grip on that slippery critter called Perseverance!<br /><br />Oh, and a big thanks to your fantastic agent who Tweeted your great post--I've got a new blog to follow. Yippee!Maryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03402266791214015301noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-11514065286661220182010-03-05T16:29:41.612-08:002010-03-05T16:29:41.612-08:00Given how disturbing I always found the Kool Aid c...Given how disturbing I always found the Kool Aid commercials, I avoid the name brand so I don't know. O:)<br /><br />But a wonderful article on writing--very true. Thanks for sharing, I rather needed to hear that right now. :)Merchttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14164221022350926808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-36959974299071812802010-03-05T16:27:40.741-08:002010-03-05T16:27:40.741-08:00I'm glad you said this, Tawna -- I get pretty ...I'm glad you said this, Tawna -- I get pretty tired of the authors who hit amazing good luck saying "all you have to do is write a good book." It's patently not true. As you eloquently point out!<br /><br />(I commented yesterday and it's not there -- do you hate me? are you deleting my comments???)Jeffe Kennedyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04779020656676094853noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-65672436000528716552010-03-05T15:54:02.314-08:002010-03-05T15:54:02.314-08:00You know what, this is exactly the kind of post fr...You know what, this is exactly the kind of post from agented and soon to be or already published authors, so thank you. Perseverance and dumb luck is what I've been hoping and kind of counting on being the formula because I understand them.<br /><br />And luck is, to me, preparation meeting opportunity - and I can handle that too.<br /><br />Great post and blog.Sierra Godfreyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00552916038080341870noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-57716727225341378122010-03-05T13:15:58.980-08:002010-03-05T13:15:58.980-08:00Nancy, good point on the rot-gut aspects of Kool-A...Nancy, good point on the rot-gut aspects of Kool-Aid. I could probably comment on the rot-gut aspects of querying and submitting, too, but I guess that's a different blog post.<br /><br />kristina, huge congrats to your sister! I'm certain her luck will rub off on you. Rub her extra hard, just in case (er, I meant like a noogie, not...oh, never mind)<br /><br />Linda G, you're totally right -- the biz is completely unfair, but you stop caring as much when it works in your favor.<br /><br />Julie Duck, super huge good luck to you! Will keep all fingers and toes crossed.<br /><br />Xuxana, I remember a childhood friend who had a metal pitcher, but she ended up in a mental institution. Come to think of it, she used to mix a lot of Kool-Aid in that thing...<br /><br />Glen, I don't always try to be inspiring, but I do try to entertain! Glad I achieved both for you today :)<br /><br />Kaye, you're exactly right -- when you stop thinking of publication as the payoff for being "good enough," you stop taking rejections so personally.<br /><br />Jade, excellent idea on the Kool-Aid. Hey everyone, want to have a Kool-Aid party?<br /><br />TawnaTAWNA FENSKEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11468819219529035563noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-35834158489750953822010-03-05T11:56:21.234-08:002010-03-05T11:56:21.234-08:00I'm pretty sure that if you make Kool-Aid in a...I'm pretty sure that if you make Kool-Aid in a metal pitcher it opens a portal to an alternate universe in which ALL of us unpublished authors are rich and famous and take turns at the top of the NY Times bestseller list. <br /><br />Hmmm....where did I put that metal pitcher?Jade Wintershttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02192698357616539230noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-46309061503654075042010-03-05T11:56:18.963-08:002010-03-05T11:56:18.963-08:00That's the best post on writing I've read ...That's the best post on writing I've read in a long time. People often overestimate talent and finding a good agent and underestimate perseverance. I truly believe you only fail when you give up. Thanks for sharing!Kayenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-15307150592957550642010-03-05T11:47:16.954-08:002010-03-05T11:47:16.954-08:00A very inspiring post. Great read, too! Thanks for...A very inspiring post. Great read, too! Thanks for that!Glen Bingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11660211770841922325noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-61920886219476623472010-03-05T11:44:23.614-08:002010-03-05T11:44:23.614-08:00Is there any such thing as a metal pitcher?Is there any such thing as a metal pitcher?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-77336236625962538302010-03-05T11:24:18.096-08:002010-03-05T11:24:18.096-08:00I'm all for dumb luck and perseverance!! With ...I'm all for dumb luck and perseverance!! With almost 20 years of copywriter/marketing/editing experience, I started writing fiction again in 2008. And my gosh, it felt like the perfect pair of jeans! Then I finished the first story... and an agent offered representation. Those two things alone are amazing to me.<br /><br />So whether any of my stories get published (hopefully, yes) or not (oh poop!), I plan to continue cranking out the hits. Sounds like you did and somebody had their ears wide open. Congratulations!<br /><br />- Julie DuckJulie Duckhttp://www.julieduck.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-79686323529471266772010-03-05T11:13:51.641-08:002010-03-05T11:13:51.641-08:00Your father is a wise man. Funny how "unfairn...Your father is a wise man. Funny how "unfairness" doesn't rankle as much when the scale is tipped in our favor. <br /><br />Re your secret to getting published: Got the stubborn part down. Guess I'll polish my lucky 4-leaf clover necklace and start sleeping with it under my pillow. :)Linda G.https://www.blogger.com/profile/04576828490765434497noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-29886425910089216692010-03-05T11:12:55.482-08:002010-03-05T11:12:55.482-08:00Just this morning I got the news that my sister...Just this morning I got the news that my sister's first novel just got picked up by a small publisher - I now know a whole bunch of you writerly folk who can wave the "I'm a published author" banner. That makes me so happy to know - that folks actually CAN get published even if it is largely due to perserverance and dumb luck. <br /><br />I also figure it can't help to know these folks - maybe there is a bit of shine involved...if so, I'm hoping it might rub off on me. :)<br /><br />Congrats - you rock!kristinahttp://www.tenminutemissive.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-422555164465305734.post-64172941518763511422010-03-05T10:53:44.217-08:002010-03-05T10:53:44.217-08:00I'm so looking forward to being 'the wrong...I'm so looking forward to being 'the wrong' guy and in the meantime, I continue tapping and submitting. Thanks for sharing the secret and allowing me to live.<br /><br />As for the Kool-Aid thing....after my eldest began having issues with her stomach we did a science project on just that topic. Never really found out the reason, but I did find out Kool-Aid is the only brand with the warning. So we never drink it anymore. That was over twenty-years ago. If it stains aluminum what does it do to your stomach? Just sayin'.Nancy Wadehttp://wade-inpublishing.blogspot.comnoreply@blogger.com