So, the story that was rejected (but just barely) on Sunday night was one of those stories when I wrote it I thought, "Meh, it is technically a story. It gets thrown back I won't blame them." We have all written them. Not quite to the best of our ability. This one I hadn't even bothered to file in my 'hasn't yet found a publisher' binder that I keep on my office bookshelf.
I went ahead and read through it, for the first time in nine months, and much to my surprise it was pretty good. Actually, very good. It needed a little more polishing but I think it is a piece that I would be proud to say I wrote (I can't say that with everything I have written, can you?).
It is kind of nice to be surprised. When was the last time your writing surprised you and what became of it?
More Little boats: Poleacre and America's
2 weeks ago
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10 comments:
Probably "Disowned." I wrote it, and told myself I crapped the ending. Then I reread it, and became enamored anew. Now I think it's one of those "off" stories, in the good way.
This is one of my favorite experiences as a writer...of course, sometimes, I go back and the story was a big piece of doo-doo.
It seems like so often the stories I hated when I wrote them eventually turn out to be my favorites. And vice versa, unfortunately.
I'm constantly surprised. The stories I think are brilliant (look out, ego flying by) usually end up in the retirement bin and those I'm not sure off sell to really good magazines. Go figure.
It was my friend's turn to suggest a prompt, and it just didn't spark anything for me. I churned out a so/so story that hasn't found a home. But I was pleasantly surprised when I reread it and the writing sparkled in places. It was the meh storyline that killed it.
I can't decide if I should overhaul it, though, because it seems like so much work. Or I could submit it to a lower tier market who might be more interested.
I have published pieces that I cringe at, though. Uh. Somebody should have stopped me.
I really enjoyed this post.
-Mercedes
Nat- what an appropriate title for such a piece.
Aaron- I have had more happen the other way as well.
K.C.- I think we have all been there.
Cate- usually my least favorite stories sell the quickest as well.
Mercedes- Shiny stories are good. Sparkly vampires are not. ;)
I love that feeling, though I hardly ever get it. That must be what makes it so awesome, though!
I think it was probably the first time I finished a book. It sucked, but I was just impressed that I knew that many words. :)
Katey- I will agree, it rarely happens.
Carrie- Just writing a book is friggin' awesome in and of itself.
Sometimes I go back to the beginning of my WIP and realize that it's not as bad as I seem to remember!
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