Dealing with Rejection

Nothing can put your ego into a downward tailspin faster than a rejection. So when I received a form, no less, rejection letter last week, I was crushed.
For a year, I’d poured my heart and soul into that novella. The story is good, so how do I get an editor to read it?
As fate would have it, Kim Wehner was hosting a Query Letter Workshop at the local Barnes & Noble.
Duh! I slapped my forehead. What a logical step for resubmitting.
Kim offered great tips, do’s & don’ts, and sincere encouragement. My next attempt, thanks to this incredible workshop, will be with a polished professional query letter. Wish me luck!
For more information on writing, check out Kim’s blog.
http://www.blog.klgore.com/

Meet the Critique Partners

I cannot begin to explain how vital critiquing is. Even more important is having the right critique partners.
I’ve been very lucky to have Dee Carey for a critique partner for the past two years. The Fox Lady is a natural editor and my biggest cheerleader. My writing has improved tremendously, my sales have been up, and I stay on task.
As a best-selling author, there’s not much I can offer Dee. Mostly, I serve as a sounding board, thrilled to be the first to hear the ‘fox tales.’
We’ve added another member to our critiques sessions, my daughter Konnie. Over the past six months, her vampire novel has gone from ‘Twilighty’ to incredible! I can say this proudly, not only as her mother but as a fellow writer.

The Time to Beat

Today, I did a 5k on the treadmill. My time (51:51) was horrible!
Granted, I wasn’t pushing. I may even be guilty of lollygagging. In my defense, Jeremiah Johnson was playing on the TV. A young Robert Redford can be quite a distraction. I found myself panting and I wasn’t even running.
Anyways . . .
I now have a baseline. Hopefully, each week I my stamina and speed will improve. My goal is to do the Pink Ribbon Run on Mother’s Day and the Medved 5k to Cure ALS on Father’s Day.
I have a lot of work ahead of me!

Spring is in the Air

You might find this hard to swallow with a high of 16 degrees and biting wind chill, but I found a real hint of spring in the air today. Skunk!
The smell of skunk was like sweet perfume. When these hibernating creatures decide to wake up and start nosing around, it can only mean that spring is right around the corner.
The little stinkers have concurred with Punxsutawney Phil’s prediction of an early spring.
I can’t wait!

Saturday Morning Shopping

My final tab at Wegmans was an eye opener. Yikes! Eating better does not mean eating cheaper. Prices on produce have soared, mainly because of the adverse weather around the country and the higher cost of gasoline.
This is by no means a endorsement for my favorite grocery store (bargains can be found at Aldi’s and Tops,) but I have been taking advantage of the online coupons Wegmans sends out and the ones they attach to my prescription receipts. I've been buying leaner cuts of meat, frozen fruit and vegetables as well as fresh produce.
Chips, candy, and crackers are off my shopping list. I'm looking closer at labels these days. Did you know some of those healthy foods aren't so healthy?
I can hardly wait for the Chili Farm Market to open. Saturday morning shopping takes on a whole new meaning. The abundance of locally grown food, plus crafts, plants, and live music is a heavenly experience. Knowing where the food comes from, knowing it was picked fresh just hours before, knowing your money supports local farmers, all good.