Sometime today, no matter what you’re doing, take a moment to pause and reflect and remember those who were taken from us five years ago — and those who have given their lives since.
Let’s all honor their sacrifice and remember their bravery.
Lucky & Me
I finally read Marley & Me by John Grogan. It’s the best-selling book where the guy chronicles the life and antics of his dog, Marley. You’ve probably heard of it.
It made me chuckle. It made me cry. And it made me think about Lucky.
This summer, my family and I had to put Lucky, our 19-year-old Corgi mix, to sleep. It was one of the worst days of my life. I’d had Lucky since I was a kid. He was the best $10 pound dog that money could buy. He was sweet and playful and affectionate and a total ham. I miss him.
While Marley & Me was a good book, it can’t hold a candle to one of my all-time favorites — Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls. It’s one of the most touching stories I’ve ever read. Someday, maybe I’ll be able to write a book like that. In honor of Lucky and all the joy that he brought into my life.
What about you? What’s your favorite animal-related book? Inquiring minds want to know …
Write and write often — no matter what anybody says
Met with my monthly critique group last night. And was saddened to know that one member wouldn’t be joining us. She recently received a critique/rejection from an agent, and she was pretty much crushed by it. She said she doesn’t feel that she can critique other people’s work when her own wasn’t up to this agent’s standards.
I tried to change her mind, of course. To tell her that everyone’s opinion matters and that she does us all a great service with her critiquing.
But she didn’t change her mind and come.
And I started to wonder — why do we let agents and editors determine so much of our self-worth as writers? Sure, I know everybody wants to sell and see their pride and joy in a bookstore. I’m no different. I’m practically counting down the days until Karma Girl is out (it’s something like 230, not that I’m obsessing or anything). Everybody wants to be the next Nora Roberts. Everybody wants to hit the bigtime.
But I got over 200 hundred rejections for three different books before I got my fabulous agent (Hi, Kelly!) and my terrific editor (Hi, Cindy!). Some of those rejections were nice. Some were impersonal. And some were just mean.
I think the worst one I got said something like this: I love your voice and premise. But as I’m sure you’ve already placed this, I’m going to have to pass.
Um, no, I hadn’t placed it. That’s why I wasted my 39 cents, paper, ink, envelope, etc. and mailed it to you. Geez.
I tried to tell my critique buddy some of my horror stories and to encourage her to submit to other people. That one person’s opinion isn’t going to make (or in this case) break her. But I haven’t changed her mind. Yet.
So, I think we should all remember this — writing a book, no matter how good or bad it is, is an amazing accomplishment. It’s something that everybody says they’re going to do, but only like 1 percent of the population ever does. So, be proud of yourself, even if all your book ever does is collect dust bunnies under your bed. I’ve got a few manuscripts down there with you, too. 🙂
What about you? Do you live and die by what agents and editors say? Or do you feel a sense of accomplishment no matter what? Inquiring minds want to know …
To be read … or not
If you’re a romance writer, chances are you know what the initials TBR mean — to be read.
It’s usually used in reference to a pile of books that are leaning haphazardly on someone’s already overflowing bookcase. In other words, it’s books you buy because they sound interesting and you want to read them. But life has a funny way of happening, and those TBR piles have a funny way of growing … and growing … and growing …Â
I have a confession to make. I don’t have a TBR pile. The only books in my cases are treasured gems that I’ve already read — and splurged for in hardcover. There’s not a single book I have that I haven’t read at least twice.
Weird, I know. But the thing is, I absolutely HATE to see unread books sitting on my shelves. Hate it, hate it, hate it with the burning passion of a thousand suns.
What about you? How big is your TBR pile? Inquiring minds want to know …
Breaking out is hard to do …
Watched Prison Break last night. I loved this show last year, but so far, this year’s not gotten off to the best start. Or maybe I’m just not in the mood to watch fall TV just yet.
The first three episodes have been a little over the top. T-Bag being able to move his reattached hand right after surgery. The FBI agent immediately picking up on Michael’s encoded tattoo. And last night, Linc being shot and screaming in agony for the first five minutes of the show … and then being able to climb a small mountain at the end.Â
The A-Team is one of my favorite shows ever, so I’m willing to suspend my disbelief for a good bit. To the breaking point really. But the Linc thing bothered me last night.Â
Still, I’m addicted to the show, and I’ll keep watching until the bitter end. And there’s a lot it’s gotten right this year. The desperation of the convicts, the chase scenes, how hard it is to disappear in America, Sara’s conflict, Dominic Purcell and that unbuttoned shirt …
What about you? Are you a Prison Break fan? Who’s your favorite convict? What do you want to happen next? Inquiring minds want to know …
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