Hmmm……
I guess it never occurred to me that there really are thousands of people out there who have written a book.
Hmmmm…..
Well, 15 rejections later, I'm still waiting on someone to say yes. It's cool to get a rejection letter, it means they actually considered me. Some agencies don't even give you that much. But it makes me sad as well, because they never even got to read what I wrote, they told me no based on a letter of inquiry. It makes sense, they can't possibly read every 300 page novel out there.
I did get one offer though…..from an agency that claims to be the best out there. Before I knew what it was, I sent them a letter and a sample chapter. Then my trusty gmail sent their auto-response to Spam, and I was interested in why. I did some research and found out they are a self-publishing scam company. They say they aren't, but what they do is charge you the complete publishing cost up front, and then leave it up to you to get your book out there. But because it is considered self-publishing in the real world, no self respecting bookstore would ever put you on the shelf, just on internet sales. So that wouldn't work, plus I don't have $4000 to shell out. They called me yesterday and told me how impressed they were with my work, that I had great character development and a wonderful plot. Strange how they could tell that all from one chapter. Then without and further questions, they told me they wanted to publish it and were sending me a contract. Didn't want to hear anymore, didn't want to help get it revised, just wanted me to sign sign sign on the dotted line!
Well, I know this much. Any company that charges you up front is not legit, and you'd better run the other direction as fast as you can. So, I'm going to send them an email back politely declining their generous offer. I still have hope that another agency out there will give me a chance. One agency is actually reading my whole manuscript, but they can decline it still. Maybe they will, maybe they won't. I still am hopeful. I mean, everyone has to start somewhere. Even J.K. Rowling had to make her start, and she was rejected by a few companies as well before she made it.
I'm not comparing my book to Harry Potter, haha, I don't think I'm that brilliant. But, I do love writing, and I do want to publish my work some day. Many people go through this life never thinking past their front door. I don't want that to be me. What does it take to get somewhere in this world? A lot of those prices I am certainly not willing to pay. But if you've ever seen "Coal Miner's Daughter', you know that even those from the most humble circumstances can rise above their situation and make something of themselves. It just takes hard work, diligence and patience. But I think most of all, passion. You need to want it bad enough, and you need to be passionate enough about it to make it happen.
I'll keep working at it, but hey, if any of you want to take a sample read, let me know. I'd be happy to give you the blog address where I have it posted.
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Sunday, May 6, 2012
Atticus
Nick, Tristan and I have been doing a little project. Every week we make a card with a letter of the alphabet and some pictures, sometimes telling a story or giving ideas for an activity.
We send them to Sunnyvale Texas, to a little boy with an inoperable brain tumor. His name is Atticus, and he is four years old.
When my sister sent me the email telling about Atticus and his family, it was meant to recruit as many people as possible to send postcards and other things in the mail. Atticus loves getting mail, and it was one of the things he could still do and get excited about before they started treatment. I had the idea to send him a card every week from Tristan, and together, they could learn the letters of the alphabet. I was always worried that he might not make it to Z, but there was always the hope that a miracle would extend his time with his family.
This week is M. M is for mother, and I don't think it could have been timed more perfectly with Mother's Day this Sunday.
Nick and I have been following their blog diligently, reading every post and looking at every picture. We are happy when Atticus is doing well, and sad when he is feeling sick or having problems. I have cried many times reading his mom's posts, my heart just aching for them. I can't imagine their pain and suffering, watching their little boy hurt in this way.
I was reading their updates tonight, and looking at the pictures of sweet little Atticus. After rigorous treatments, he is starting to have symptoms again, and they are not sure what to do. They are always more concerned about his wellbeing, making sure he is comfortable and happy as long as possible. I commend their courage, they are such an amazing example to me of strength and faith. I hope one day, I can show Tristan the letters we sent and tell him all about brave Atticus, and he can learn from his example as well.
If you have a minute, have a look at their blog http://echansen.blogspot.com/. If you want, maybe you can send Atticus a nice card as well. Getting things in the mail is always so exciting for him. He's only four years old, but what a giant of a man he will always be in my mind. Keep Fighting Atticus. We are rooting for you. We are praying for you.
We send them to Sunnyvale Texas, to a little boy with an inoperable brain tumor. His name is Atticus, and he is four years old.
When my sister sent me the email telling about Atticus and his family, it was meant to recruit as many people as possible to send postcards and other things in the mail. Atticus loves getting mail, and it was one of the things he could still do and get excited about before they started treatment. I had the idea to send him a card every week from Tristan, and together, they could learn the letters of the alphabet. I was always worried that he might not make it to Z, but there was always the hope that a miracle would extend his time with his family.
This week is M. M is for mother, and I don't think it could have been timed more perfectly with Mother's Day this Sunday.
Nick and I have been following their blog diligently, reading every post and looking at every picture. We are happy when Atticus is doing well, and sad when he is feeling sick or having problems. I have cried many times reading his mom's posts, my heart just aching for them. I can't imagine their pain and suffering, watching their little boy hurt in this way.
I was reading their updates tonight, and looking at the pictures of sweet little Atticus. After rigorous treatments, he is starting to have symptoms again, and they are not sure what to do. They are always more concerned about his wellbeing, making sure he is comfortable and happy as long as possible. I commend their courage, they are such an amazing example to me of strength and faith. I hope one day, I can show Tristan the letters we sent and tell him all about brave Atticus, and he can learn from his example as well.
If you have a minute, have a look at their blog http://echansen.blogspot.com/. If you want, maybe you can send Atticus a nice card as well. Getting things in the mail is always so exciting for him. He's only four years old, but what a giant of a man he will always be in my mind. Keep Fighting Atticus. We are rooting for you. We are praying for you.
Friday, May 4, 2012
12 mo appointment
And today was the day! Tristan got his one year shots, and his check up. The stinker.....I knew he was skinny! He decided a couple weeks ago he didn't like eating anymore, and it was always a fight to get him to eat. And his percentile dropped down to 15. So, mommy's new mission: feed baby as much fat as possible! He's also a little short, but meh, I guess that's what he gets for having me as a mom.
Shots went well, actually. He cried for about a second afterwards and then was perfectly ok. Of course as soon as we got home, he went straight down for a nap! I have a feeling he is going to be there for awhile.
It was also nice seeing everyone at the office. And there are so many new faces! It's funny every time I go in and there is someone new. Oh well, I guess that's what happens when you have a practice in a busy turn-around town like Provo!
Shots went well, actually. He cried for about a second afterwards and then was perfectly ok. Of course as soon as we got home, he went straight down for a nap! I have a feeling he is going to be there for awhile.
It was also nice seeing everyone at the office. And there are so many new faces! It's funny every time I go in and there is someone new. Oh well, I guess that's what happens when you have a practice in a busy turn-around town like Provo!
Hi mommy!
I am ready for shots!.....I think.....
Thursday, May 3, 2012
A day out
Sometimes it's nice to just get out and spend some time together as a family. When Nick got home from school today, we took a drive up rock canyon to hike around and take pictures of the dragon flies. Tristan is getting to the fiercely independent stage where he does not want to be held and carried. He wants to walk or crawl himself. Unfortunately, we couldn't let him crawl around in the dirt and brush, so a couple times he got to hold onto Nick's hands and walk slowly along the trail. It was a nice day to be out, cloudy and cool. We also turned Tristan's car seat around and now Nick and I can sit in the front seat together, it's amazing!
The dragonflies were very elusive, spooking at the tiniest movement or noise. But we were determined to get a picture of one! Luckily, our patience paid off, and we found a pair resting on a bush. We also found some wasps building a nest…..so we stayed away from them, haha. But we each took a turn taking a picture, while poor Tristan screamed at us that he was done hiking.
Tomorrow is his one year appointment….poor baby! I remember always laughing silently at all the patient's parents, crying about their babies getting shots. Now I can kinda feel their pain a little bit. I mean, I'm not all hippy 'no I don't want to get shots', but it's always sad to see your baby hurt. And the grumpiness that follows kinda sucks too. Good thing I picked up some ibuprofen at the store today, because I have a feeling Teetan is going to need it.
The dragonflies were very elusive, spooking at the tiniest movement or noise. But we were determined to get a picture of one! Luckily, our patience paid off, and we found a pair resting on a bush. We also found some wasps building a nest…..so we stayed away from them, haha. But we each took a turn taking a picture, while poor Tristan screamed at us that he was done hiking.
Tomorrow is his one year appointment….poor baby! I remember always laughing silently at all the patient's parents, crying about their babies getting shots. Now I can kinda feel their pain a little bit. I mean, I'm not all hippy 'no I don't want to get shots', but it's always sad to see your baby hurt. And the grumpiness that follows kinda sucks too. Good thing I picked up some ibuprofen at the store today, because I have a feeling Teetan is going to need it.
Yellow flowers
Tristan walking the trail
Sara's pic #1
Sara's pic #2
Baby is tired!
Nick's pic #1
Nick's pic #2
And we caught it!
Wednesday, May 2, 2012
THE BIG 1 YEAR!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRISTAN BABY!!!!!!!
Yeay! You made it to a 1 year! And you are doing fabulous!
It's like in the last few weeks he's had a growth spurt and a brain spurt. All of a sudden, he is CRAWLING every where. He is walking along walls, sitting up on his own, mimicking what we do, and chattering about everything. He even gives hugs and slobbery wet kisses. Isn't it amazing how fast these little guys grow up?
I can't believe a year ago I was sitting nervously on the couch at home, furiously crocheting his blankie and fretting over what to wear to the hospital. I even made sure to shave my legs (as difficult as it was to bend over!) I can't believe it was a year ago that I was laying on the OR table, listening to the anesthesiologist say 'it's almost baby time!' and then hearing my little boy cry at 1:23 PM. The best part by far was when nurse Olivia stepped on my catheter on the way to the bathroom…..not……
Haha, what a surreal experience. Good thing I can hardly remember how terrible the recovery was or I might never want another! But over all, you know? There are days I wish I could go back and relive those precious moments waiting for Tristan to come and then holding him for the first time. The excitement and the joy of having your own child, and the immense feeling of love that just fills your whole body up is amazing. And it just keeps growing and growing every day, with every new step and milestone and achievement. I've been so happy for Tristan lately, now that he is getting around and able to enjoy life a little bit more, not being tugged down by his torticollis. He is just doing so much, and learning so much, it never ceases to amaze me just how wonderful he is.
I'm so glad Tristan is ours, and he is ours forever. Happy birthday baby boy, you've made our life perfect!
Flashback links: Check them out!
http://daviscat-fishchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/home-at-last.html
http://daviscat-fishchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/exhaustive-and-wonderful-miracle-of.html
Yeay! You made it to a 1 year! And you are doing fabulous!
It's like in the last few weeks he's had a growth spurt and a brain spurt. All of a sudden, he is CRAWLING every where. He is walking along walls, sitting up on his own, mimicking what we do, and chattering about everything. He even gives hugs and slobbery wet kisses. Isn't it amazing how fast these little guys grow up?
I can't believe a year ago I was sitting nervously on the couch at home, furiously crocheting his blankie and fretting over what to wear to the hospital. I even made sure to shave my legs (as difficult as it was to bend over!) I can't believe it was a year ago that I was laying on the OR table, listening to the anesthesiologist say 'it's almost baby time!' and then hearing my little boy cry at 1:23 PM. The best part by far was when nurse Olivia stepped on my catheter on the way to the bathroom…..not……
Haha, what a surreal experience. Good thing I can hardly remember how terrible the recovery was or I might never want another! But over all, you know? There are days I wish I could go back and relive those precious moments waiting for Tristan to come and then holding him for the first time. The excitement and the joy of having your own child, and the immense feeling of love that just fills your whole body up is amazing. And it just keeps growing and growing every day, with every new step and milestone and achievement. I've been so happy for Tristan lately, now that he is getting around and able to enjoy life a little bit more, not being tugged down by his torticollis. He is just doing so much, and learning so much, it never ceases to amaze me just how wonderful he is.
I'm so glad Tristan is ours, and he is ours forever. Happy birthday baby boy, you've made our life perfect!
Flashback links: Check them out!
http://daviscat-fishchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/home-at-last.html
http://daviscat-fishchronicles.blogspot.com/2011/05/exhaustive-and-wonderful-miracle-of.html
Good morning Birthday Boy!
Can I read it now?
To baby from great-grandparents!
To baby from Nana and Granpa Roger
Oooh ribbon!
New pants!
More presents!
A new hat and keys
Check me out!
Little plaid boys
Happy birthday banner
Birthday fun at Chuckie Cheese
Going to play games and win tickets
Look at daddy hit the jackpot!
Baby just wanted to wander around
Skiball
Mommy, can I play this one?
Happy birthday!
I want to touch!
Blowing out the candles
My very own piece???
Mmmm so yummy!
(Don't be fooled, he actually hated it!)
Way to go my birthday boy!
Tristan and Uncle Will
Sketch from Chuckie Cheese
Riding the car
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Digital from the Zoo
I've decided I like film so much better than digital point and shoot pictures, but these were my backup in case my film skills were lacking. I am proud to say that I am getting a lot better when it comes to film photography, and I love it! I only had a couple pictures that didn't turn out, so it worked out well! Not to mention I had a bunch of awesome test subjects at the zoo. It was a lot of fun.
When my dad came to visit last week, I told him maybe we should go to the zoo together because Tristan would like that. Then he thought it would be nice to invite my sibs, so we all ended up going together yesterday. We got there about 10 AM, and it was cold! Good thing I checked the weather, and dress me and Tristan appropriately. But it warmed up as the day went on, and we couldn't have asked for better weather. We wandered around looking at all the animals. Tristan was interested in some, but mostly just enjoyed the people and the stroller ride. He got to walk a little bit and he loved the giraffs. So all in all, I think he had a great time! And me, of course, I had a blast. I got to see my family, which I love, and I got to practice my film skills!
Then before we left, Papa got Tristan a little plush giraff for his birthday (this wednesday!!!!!), and he loved it the whole way home. Nick wasn't able to go with us, so when we got home, the three of us went to the duck pond at BYU and took a couple pictures together. But it was a great Saturday, and I can't wait till our next family get together!! It's so awesome having my dad visit with us.
All bundled up
Walking up the hill
Hanging out with Auntie Faith
Check out my dance moves
Papa can I have some pizza?
Yum yum yum!
Geese and babies
Skunk monkey
Riding the elephant trunk
Oooohh, hay!
Camel butt
Sloth sleeping
Grooming his tail
*howl*
Gor-ril-la!
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