Rejection and It's Opposite

This has been an interesting week. The biggest bummer, at least as it relates to my writing life, is that the agent who requested a read of Bad Heir rejected it. Although she liked my voice, she thought it was over written and self concious. I'm not entirely sure what that means, but she suggested I hire a good editor. Well, if I knew one and could afford it, I would. But I don't and I can't, so I'm going to set Ellie aside for a bit while I decide what to do.

On a totally different note, I think it's safe to tell the world (or at least the small population that reads this) that I've met a very nice man as a direct result of publishing Frog Kisser. He came across my Sam page on MySpace one night and set up a page himself to offer the male point of view. Well, Sam and Froggie became cyber friends, and then started a pretty intense cyber flirtation. Finally, the man behind the frog revealed himself to me, and we've gone out a few times. I'm trying very hard not to screw it up...as you all know, I haven't dated very many truly nice guys. Froggie is one. So, we'll see what happens. I don't know where this will lead, but I sure do love the way it started.

The moral of this story is: Do that thing that makes you nervous or scares you (like self-publishing your book). Good things will come of it.

What's your favorite crime?

I've decided to write a second Ellie Holsinger mystery. Yippee! Great decision. Unfortunately, I'm stymied as to what the crime should be. Should another of Ellie's poor clients get murdered? Or maybe just kidnapped. Maybe the crime happens to someone in her neighborhood, and she's just unfortunate enough to get caught in the middle. Help! Any ideas?

I've got a little work to do before I really need to worry about the crime. A writer friend suggested I figure out the bigger picture for this series...how will Ellie and her friends evolve over time. What's her purpose in getting mixed up in these unfortunate events. Yikes. Good questions. I hadn't thought about that. I wouldn't mind some help on that either.

Next

I did it...I got Bad Heir Days edited and off to the agent this week. It was kind of crazy doing it so fast, but I guess not too surprising. I have always worked best under deadlines.

So, here I am wondering what's next. It's time to start my next project and I'm not sure what it should be...a sequel for Ellie or for Sam. Or maybe something entirely different. I don't know. I'm interested to know what you think I should do.

However, I won't have much time to ponder that today. Tomorrow is the Day For Every Busy Woman conference, where I'll be selling Frog Kisser to the masses (okay, that's an exageration. But I will be selling the book.) If you're in the DC area, drop by the Fairview Marriott in Fairfax and say hi!

My First Book Review

Confessions of a Frog Kisser has just received its first official book review from Romance Junkies. It got a Blue Ribbon Rating of 4! I'm so excited. This is my first official review. I can't stop smiling. You can read the review by clicking here.

Here's a quote from the review:
Sam is a heroine who represents many modern women. Media and society tell her she needs a man to complete her, but often a journey of self-discovery and dealing with the past are more important. Sam is fortunate in having the support and nurturing atmosphere of close friends and a good boss.

Sean is a charming bad boy. Most of us have had at least one "Sean" in our past. They are fun, but not lifetime partner material. There are many other engaging secondary characters, such as Sam's sister, who lend richness and humor to the plot. Some of Sam's dates will make you cringe and chortle.

Susan Rose confesses in the beginning of the book that real life inspired some of her story. The clever dialog and insights into human nature certainly ring true.


I can't stop grinning.

Agent Update

I am definitely doing something better with my agent query for Bad Heir Days than I did with Frog Kisser: I've sent out six e-queries and gotten one request for a partial and . . . one request for a full!

Yes, I did nearly fall out of my chair when the agent called and told me she wanted to read the book. That's in part because I had only e-mailed her the day before and thought it would take longer for a response.

Speaking of that, now I have to get to work. I thought I'd have about four weeks from when I sent out letters to when I got any answers at all, which would give me time to polish the manuscript a little.

Guess what I'll be doing all weekend. Wish me luck.

Agent Update

I am definitely doing something better with my agent query for Bad Heir Days than I did with Frog Kisser: I've sent out six e-queries and gotten one request for a partial and . . . one request for a full!

Yes, I did nearly fall out of my chair when the agent called and told me she wanted to read the book. That's in part because I had only e-mailed her the day before and thought it would take longer for a response.

Speaking of that, now I have to get to work. I thought I'd have about four weeks from when I sent out letters to when I got any answers at all, which would give me time to polish the manuscript a little.

Guess what I'll be doing all weekend. Wish me luck.

Taking Another Plunge

Deep breath. I've started sending out queries for Bad Heir Days Are Murder. That's right, I've got a solid draft and now it's time to see if I can find an agent to bring Ellie and her gang to life.

Looking for agents is so hard! Not in a bad way, but let me tell you... it's tough to put together a package that you know will probably be rejected. Not because the book isn't good. That's like number 5 on the rejection meter. But because agents are so inundated with queries they can't possibly take on everything.

So, wish me luck. It will be a slow process. I've sent out four queries and gotten two responses, one of which was a request to go ahead and submit a paper query (not quite a request for a partial, but still interest so it's a good thing). I guess that means I need to really polish up my first three chapters...better get to work.