Wordplay and Witticisms: PERSPICACITY - adj. (1640): of acute mental vision or discernment; keen; shrewd

"I understand," I said. "The fact is that you have the money." His face brightened. He seemed pleased at my perspicacity.
The Sea Wolf by Jack London

My current writing soundtrack: Pirates of the Caribbean soundtrack


I stayed up late last night finishing Bacherlorette #1 by Jennifer O’Connell and found some uncomfortable parallels between the hens (bachelorettes) and writers.

Sarah Holmes, a freelance magazine writer, leaves her husband and eighteen month old daughter to infiltrate the world of “The Stag” (think “The Bachelor”) and write a scathing exposé. If she does well and makes it through the candle ceremonies, she could be looking at five weeks in the world of TV, twenty-somethings and blatant flirting.

This was a great story, exploring some serious issues in a poignant yet humorous, light-hearted way.

But what made me shift uncomfortably in my seat was the way I easily identified with the hens. These women are good-looking (though not perfect) and intelligent (albeit looking for love on a TV show) with successful careers and promising futures. Yet they all came onto the show hoping to be the coveted chosen one. I feel like that as a writer (not necessarily the good-looking, intelligent, successful career…well you get the picture). I hope to be the lucky winner. When I query agents and editors, I feel a little desperate, hoping, pleading, begging that they will choose me.

But what Sarah realizes as the show goes on is that all of these women made the choice to be on the show – each for their own reasons. And I was hit with a startling revelation: I am not desperate – although I may beg, hope and pray. I have chosen to reach for published status…at any point I have the choice to walk away and either leave writing behind or forget about getting published and just write for pure pleasure (at this point, I am not necessarily writing to make a living – I have a day job for that). The “I get it” bulb in my brain magically lit and the resonating “ding” that echoed through my head reinforced the message: choice, choosing, to choose. That knowledge makes me feel powerful instead of desperate, in control instead of blowing in the winds of chance…and it makes me feel excited about writing once again. I chose to join this world and I love it. Even though I know it will be a road paved with rejection and disappointment, this is where I want to be. The world I want to inhabit: the sphere of the writer. And should it ever become too much or no fun or just a pain in the ass, I have the choice to walk away and pursue other interests…and that is an empowering, heady thought indeed!

Knowledge is power – especially the knowledge of choice.

Keep writing…as long as you choose to do so!

Also, check out this article from PR-Inside for an optimistic kick in the pants!

Rejection...ticket to the writer's world

I have been absent for a few days...I have officially entered the world of writers. I received my first rejection letter from an agent!

I took a few days to wallow and fight the "what-the-hell-do-I-think-I-am-doing-trying-to-be-a-writer" demon and now I am refreshed and renewed, ready to solicit that next rejection or (saints preserve us) the one that might just possibly be a "yes".

Actually, my rejection experience was quite pleasant as those tend to go. I pitched to this particular agent at a conference and she requested a partial. After reading my partial she emailed to say that my manuscript was well done (YEEEEE-hah!) but not a good fit for her office ($#!*&.....). She took the time to include a personal note rather than just sending a form rejection letter. It made the rejection less painful and crushing (yeah, yeah, I know I am going to have to get tougher skin...I am new at this, give me some time). Of course, it also made me want to work with her all the more. (Giant sigh)

Since joining the writing world a short time ago, I have been pleasantly surprised by the handfuls of "nice" people and mountains of helpful advice and support I have received. I had always heard that the world of publishing was brutal, cut-throat and positively spirit-crushing. Although, I am sure those experiences are out there, that has not been my experience so far.

So, if you are an aspiring author, find the nice people...they are out there. The best place to start is a conference or writer's group. For romance writers, look no further than Romance Writers of America. There are local chapters in almost every state - frequently more than one. These groups are full of supportive aspiring and published authors willing to offer any help they can to newbies. When you do find this amazing network, be sure to be grateful and respectful! Also check my blogroll and keep reading "No Rest...", support and encouragement are just a click away!

If you are in the Northern Colorado area, my thoughts are with you, fair weather may you see! If you need some distraction and a helping of fun, be sure to stop at the Barnes and Noble at Centerra to visit with local authors Melissa Mayhue, Lynda Hilburn, and Robin D. Owens. They will be signing from 2 - 5 pm. If you can't make it, don't despair. I am hoping to cajole them into signing a plethora of books that I can give away on this blog! Stay tuned...