Ups and Downs

Living Well

Yes, I'm happy about my mystery, although it was only a bite, not a contract, let alone a sale, but it was something.

Today, I got an e-mail from an editor telling me (about yet another of my manuscripts) she loved my dialogue and characters and the story made her laugh. BUT, chick lit is a VERY crowded market and ghosts are overdone and yada yada. Now what? I even suggested the dead dog go back to earth instead of the protag. Too far out, I was told. Actually, I knew that when I sent it. Frustration does funny things to one's brain.

Now what? I'm getting yet another critique partner to brainstorm with. Let's see, at my age, by the time I'm 95, I may just get a contract with an agent.

Oh, cheer up, will you!

Okay, I don't have cancer, and I have all four limbs, and I have full use of my faculties...sort of...yes, life has been good to me.

And I've been working in my gardens again, putting in tiny papaya plants I grew from seeds I took from a delicious red papaya I ate a couple of months ago. I've also got flowers, kale, spinach, bok choy and marigolds started. I even put down a new layer of pine needles and the gardens---front, back, and sides---look terrific.

So shut up and get back to writing!

Besides, writing and publishing are two different processes. I write because I love to and have to (even if I have to keep reminding myself of this!), not because I'll get rich or famous doing it.

Okay, enough complaining and analyzing--so back to writing. You, too. Or reading, as the case may be.

Carolyn