I started off today feeling quite positive. The rain came in the night and started to wash the snow away which meant after more than three weeks, I could get into work and continue with my normal life.
I feed my ponies every morning on my journey to work and this morning discovered Chad, my lovely old boy had got his back leg trapped in the strap of his rug. It had been suspended for possibly hours. He had been standing in the same position on three legs, in the snow, fog and rain. When I released the strap, he couldn't put his weight on it, I suppose it was like us having cramp. Humans would try to ease out of it, understanding that they need movement to recover, but he was in too much pain. I called the vet and have spent the next few hours getting him moving gently out of is pain. This meant tempting him around the field with some chocolate, his favourite treat. After spending most of the morning with him, I got him walking again.
I have been going down to his field every two hours and after the second visit, he screamed with delight, surprised at my frequent visits and that I should be giving him yet more food. He appeared to have moved on from the trauma that we had gone through, whilst I was a weeping frazzled wreck!
When I returned home I found a big brown envelope had come through my letter box. Yes, It's another rejection. I didn't even read it properly to start with. I was so cold I couldn't be bothered to subject my self to studying it, but after a while I picked it up again, and on turning over the standard compliment slip they had sent, I noticed that the editor had written some comments by hand, despite their website saying they never give feedback.
They said my story was sweet but the picture book market is saturated at the moment so they have to be cautious.
I felt so good in a really odd way, perhaps just the fact they had been bothered to write something personal to me, and that sometimes it's just the market at the time that is stopping me and not the fact that my writing is not good enough.
Of course my beautiful Chad helped. He showed me in his own way how we can move on from anything, with a little time, support and encouragement.
A beautiful post, Di, and editors only make comments when they feel you are on the right track and with a few 'tweaks' could provide them with they are looking for.
ReplyDeleteGlad Chad is fully recovered. My step-son breeds Arabians on Clee and from his experiences I know how you must have felt.
Hugs...xx
Oh poor Chad. I am glad he is feeling better. Surprising what chocolate can do!!
ReplyDeleteAs for the feedback your writing is obviously a good standard. Sometimes publishers only have a certain number of slots per genre and once filled that is it for the year.
Best wishes and good luck with your writing getting published.
Fee
That's really encouraging, Di. At least you know it's the market rather than your writing that was the reason behind the rejection. Still you can always send it off again when the market improves.
ReplyDeleteJulie xx
Poor Chad; I'm glad he's better. I remember walking in Derbyshire and seeing a lamb get up and immediately start limping. We felt sorry for it until someone pointed out his leg had probably gone to sleep. And sure enough, in a few minutes he was walking about normally.
ReplyDeleteI once had a super rejection from Nexus, with which, unfortunately, I was able to agree entirely.
As has been said, it's the luck of the draw. Maybe next time, with another publisher (or even the same one) it'll be the right genre at the right time.
Mike xx
Absolutely a positive rejection Di. That's the trouble with this writing lark it is all subjective but well done and keep smiling.
ReplyDeleteLoads of love
Sue xx
Hi all,
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for your comments. Chad is on the road to recovery, a bit slow, but doing fine, and still wanting chocolate, bless him.
As for me, I am determined to keep on plodding away. I may even send Red Kite to the same publisher, just to see if I get any feedback on that too.
Love Di
xx
Hi Di
ReplyDeleteYes, sending Red Kite to the same publisher could be a good move, if they publish similar fiction. If the publisher remembers your name, they'll realise what an all-round writer you are. If they accepted Red Kite, they then may be interested in the picture book again!
Then you could go and give Chad even more treats!
Simon