Friday, February 5, 2010

Ups and Downs

It is odd how making a shortlist can make you feel great and horrible at the same time. I feel privileged that I made it that far and like crap that I didn't make the final cut. Such is life. It seems that many of the stories they were looking at followed a theme and my story wasn't a part of that. Still, I feel really good because they say they almost never think about stories in the first person, but mine was different in a good way.  I really don't know why I like writing int he first person. I think I can slip into the skin of the character easier that way. Also, when you are reading it is like you are participating somehow. I don't know, maybe it is just me.

Also I have running water in my house (running through the pipes, not on the basement floor) for the first time in two weeks. I felt like a caveman during that time.  A caveman with electricity, internet and telephone. Now that that dilemma is over I can find more time to write. Right after I clean the house. It really needs it, because there is remarkably little cleaning you can do without water.

Happy Friday.

11 comments:

Rebecca Nazar said...

So sorry. Making the first cut (Yay!) , then the waiting, the waiting, the waiting, then the let down. *groan* Been there, done that, feel your pain. Tis bittersweet.

Aaron Polson said...

I feel the pain, man. Try to tell myself that a shortlist is just a delayed "no". If the story makes it, that's a bonus. Whoot.

I don't listen very well. You've got a good story on your hands, send 'er back out there.

Katey said...

Yeah on the one hand, at least you know it's a good story. On the other, there's that sense of disappointment after something's shortlisted that's just-- gah.

But at least you know it'll find a home. And you have water! Wooo!

Jeremy D Brooks said...

Yeah, it is tough, any rejections are, I guess...but, on the other hand, think about all of the people who were not shortlisted for that market! If it's like most markets, just looking at the form letter stats on Drotrope should make the medicine go down a little bit easier...

And, yay for effing water! I spent two weeks w/o water after an ice storm (the entire county was without power). Made going to work in an office funny, everyone looked haggard, like in Tim Burton's Batman when The Joker poisoned the cosmetic supply and business people and newscasters started to look like neanderthals. Good times.

Jamie Eyberg said...

Rebecca, I like my sweets chocolate flavored and my bitters beer flavored. :)

Aaron- Yeah, I don't listen very well either. It is back out to another shiny market as we speak (after a quick look see for errors again.)

Katey, water rocks!

Jeremy, it makes me glad I don't have to deal with the public unless I want to. My wife on the other hand-

Fox Lee said...

Merry Friday!

I empathize with being short listed. It's a great thrill, but I always feel worse if I get rejected in the end.

Barry Napier said...

Yay for running water!!!

Jamie Eyberg said...

Nat- exactly!

Barry- one of those, reminds me of a song from Cinderella, Don't know what you got 'til it's gone.

Cate Gardner said...

Who cares about rejections or shortlists, you have running water...

Danielle Birch said...

I made a shortlist once. It was exciting, but I hear you about not getting any further.

And congrats on the water!

Carrie Harris said...

I can't decide which is worse. The "no" or the no water.

*hugs*