One of my writing friends has a quote at the bottom of her signature line, to paraphrase: "When life hands you lemons, then make margaritas and pass the salt." Or something like that.
Life will always hand you lemons. It's how you deal with them that shows others what you're made of.
So what is my Plan B?
Well, last August I queried Jabberwocky Sourcebooks publishing, sometime in October I received a request for my novel, GNOME (shortened for ease of relating this story), which I promptly sent. And then the waiting started. As of February 1, 2011 (yes, yesterday), I got my response, "blah, blah, blah . . . is an intriguing concept; unfortunately, it doesn' fit the needs of our publishing program at this time. . . Blah, blah, blah" This is a generic rejection. One mark in their favor is that they responded to the full in 3-4 months, whereas, many publishing houses will take six months to a year or more.
So, now what?
When I self-published Lost Leprechaun Loot, I KNEW I wanted to publish the rest of the stories that I had written. I love these stories and wanted to share them, but I had to wait until I received a response from Jabberwocky. Well, I have my response. They don't want it.
Fine. Now, I can move forward with my Plan B: to get more of Kyte's stories out there.
GNOME is the first novel involving this world--it intros characters and reveals some important characters.
FAERIE takes place about six weeks later, about two days into the new school year.
TROLL takes place over Thanksgiving. (Written, but I haven't edited it AT ALL)
TROLL 2 isn't written yet, but TROLL stopped with a serious loose end and it needs to be written, but I think my character needs to grow and learn before she's ready to tackle TROLL 2.
All these above are middle grade NOVELS running about 45-50,000 words
Halloween Monster Mix-Up takes place over Halloween BEFORE TROLL. This is a short story/chapter book @ 5000 words
Sugar Plum Disaster is a Christmas short story/chapter book
Lost Leprechaun Loot is technically last, but the first published because of the holiday timing. It is also a chapter book.
My goal is to get GNOME self published ASAP. I'd love to have it ready to coincide with the release of Gnomeo and Juliet (Feb 11), but I think anytime in February would be good timing.
Then I need to write a short story that involves one of my leprechauns getting some payback against Kyte. Easter comes to mind as a good holiday timing, but how to make leprechauns and Easter work together . . . only my warped mind will figure it out.
When everything hits the skids and your world seems to crumble, I have my Plan B.
Do you have a Plan B, too?
Later, Peeps! I have to edit and format GNOME for my new CP to take a gander at.
Margaret--
ReplyDeleteAwesome plans that I know you'll follow through. I do have a plan B, and as long as we put out quality work, I believe we'll get recognition.
Plan B is something I live by as a high school teacher. Can't wait to read all your stories. Proud of you!
ReplyDeleteMy plan B right now is just to write. I have lots of projects in the works, but you can't publish what you haven't finished. So I'm working just on getting back into the routine of writing so I'll be in the flow to finish whichever deadline comes first.
ReplyDeleteI'm living my Plan B right now, and many days I'm happy that Plan A didn't work out. I have control over my books and the covers, and no one gets a piece of my royalties but me. I think in years to come I'll look back and think "Thank God I didn't publish with New York."
ReplyDeleteThanks, Meg! I planned to get more accomplished today than just formatting GNOME, but with everyone home. . . *sigh* You know how it is.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz! Plan B is the reason I decided to self-publish--I just simply got tired of waiting for someone else to decide my writing career. I'll post something when GNOME is available!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I'll be writing any new novels this year, Marilyn. I'll do a couple of chapter books, but I think most of my time will be spent getting what I have edited and published.
ReplyDelete--And I still want to read your witch story!
Edie, you are my inspiration! I love being in charge of my career and not the vagaries of some publishing house.
ReplyDeleteAre you kidding? I have plans C, D and E!
ReplyDelete:)
Things work out when they are supposed to, IF they are supposed to. If they don't it means we're supposed to be doing something else. The universe is really good about directing us where we need to go. We just need to pay attention and not fight it.
One of my favorite quotes is: "Everything works out in the end. If it hasn't worked out yet, it's not the end"
True, Jody, sometimes everything just falls into place and you can't imagine it having worked out so well!
ReplyDeleteYou can't imagine how happy I was when I received that rejection. :-) I rubbed my paws together and started working!