“If all my friends were to jump off a bridge, I wouldn't follow. I'd be at the bottom to catch them when they fall.” – Author Unknown
A few weeks ago, I got an e-mail from my one of my critique partners, Sherrie, with these four words:
I give up. Seriously.
She was ready to pull a u-turn on the road towards publication of her novel. But she kept on trucking, and if you haven’t already read her post on persistence paying off, GO HERE! To say that I’m thrilled for her is an understatement. See, Sherrie, you got your Christmas wish! A year late, but Santa is what? Pretty pickin' old! Prone to forgetfulness maybe? Or an over-worked elf just found your request from last year buried in a barrel of eye screws in the workshop. Oops. Either way, Santa came through!!! How old is Santa anyway? Read answer #2 if you click that link; someone (a poor speller? a grinch?) confused Santa with Satan. :) Congratulations, Sherrie! Santy Clause had NOTHING TO DO WITH IT. All you, all hard work, all persistence pays off. Amen.
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| Santa: young enough to run a marathon but may need reminders about what's on your list. |
Sherrie is the second writer in my critique group to sign with an agent this year. Two other writers had books come out this summer. Yes, I'm totally fortunate to be part of such a group, but not because they’re all so dang talented and not because they’re all amazing cooks bent on fattening me up by making me choco-licious cupcakes when I beta read their books. It’s because they speak my language: Writerese.
Do you remember what it was like when you had nobody to talk to about a fictional character driving you crazy or about the happiness of finally figuring out a scene? I do. My friends who don’t write were SO very patient with my ramblings on, but it’s great to be in a group where we ALL ramble on about writing and books. And it’s great to be in a group where we not only celebrate the successes, but where we catch each other after the falls. These ladies are at the bottom of my bridge with great big arms. And they're at the top, ready to strap a jet pack on me and encourage me to shoot for the moon.
Hope you have someone to cheer for you and someone to catch you. Happy Monday and Happy Writing!
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| Photos don't adequately capture Gwen's baking skills. |
P.S. Apologies that there is no regularity to the blog right now because it’s One-Crazy-Day-at A-Time over here, but woo-hoo December! I love all the frenetic fun and holy, sweet, smiles this month brings.
7 comments:
Thank you, Lori! We ARE strapping on that jet pack together :)
I'm so grateful to have met a bunch of writers through the blogging community who understand me when I need to talk writerese. Congrats that you have such a supportive group, especially those who bake you cupcakes! SWEET!
Yay for writerese! It helps SO MUCH to have that core group of compatriots. Wishing all of you continued success!!
Dear Ms. Walker,
Cupcakes. Slobber, slobber, slobber... I must have one or die!
"...the second writer in my critique group to sign with an agent this year."
Oh yeah?
Well, in my group, none of us have signed with an agent. So there!
And another thing: I'd pit Pen & Ink's Ms. Garcia's Chocolate Chip Cookies against any other domestic-baked confectionery any day of the week! Uh huh, you read me right. I'm calling for a bake off! Naturally, I'll be one of the taste judges.
Sincerely,
E. N. Vious
Yep, writer friends are the best. Thanks for the comments and nice thoughts you all.
P.S. to E.N. Vious: Having met Ms. Garcia, I'll bet her cookies are as sweet as she is, but you are unaware what you're saying. I think Gwen has a PhD in pastry making. Wait, these poor over-worked souls don't know what we're volunteering them for, huh? :)
This is your year. Start sending out those query letters!
BTW, I had forgotten all about those cupcakes. I'll have to make you a serious dessert sometime soon.
Gwen
Being one of those blessed ladies, I can't tell you how much of a pleasure it is having you in the group, Lori. I agree with Gwen. It is your year.
What's this about cupcakes?
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