When a friend or I suffer a writing or publishing set back, we tell each other “at least this will give you something to talk about with Oprah.” This usually makes us feel better because: a) the idea of chatting with Oprah gives us a warm fuzzy feeling b) the mere idea of appearing on Oprah, gives us dreams of vast book sales which makes the current rejection or set…
It’s Not You, It’s Me and Other Publication Rejection Strategies by Deb Mia
Do I really need to write about what it’s like to get rejected? I don’t think so. If you’ve ever heard (or said), “It’s not you, it’s me,” then you already have some idea of what the world of agent and publication rejection is like. So here’s my advice for dealing with rejection: You come up with a plan. I’m going to tell you (again) what I did to get…
If I had a nickel for every rejection letter… by Deb Jennifer
For me, it began in the third grade. I wrote my first story, called The Haunted Meatball. My teacher, Mrs. Brennan, told me it was wonderful. So wonderful, in fact, that she was going to send it off to have it published in a children’s magazine. So off went my first story, into the world. And we waited. We waited for weeks. Then months. Then one day, she took me…
CATCHING GENIUS IS LOOSE! by Deb Kristy
WELCOME TO PUB DAY!!! I am so pleased to have you all here with me. For the curious, my schedule today looks something like this: 9:00 a.m. – Sleep in, allow husband to walk dog, then bring me Diet Coke in bed 10:00 a.m. – Kiss husband goodbye, check e-mail for all those FABULOUS congratulations e-mails 10:30 a.m. – Put on music that I love, Van Morrison and Lucinda Williams…
Silent Rejections By Deb Anna
It’s funny. Although I can think of — and regale you with — endless tales of the rejection I’ve endured, most of it hasn’t come in the form of letters. No, rejection for me has always come in the form of deafening, endless silence. No news is always bad news, in my experience. This, I think, is a good thing. From the jobs I’ve interviewed for (back before I managed…
News Flash
Debs Debut! Deb Kristy’s book CATCHING GENIUS hits the stores on Tuesday. Woo-hoo! Go on out and pick up a copy of the debut BookPage calls “simply mesmerizing” and bestselling author Sarah Gruen calls “gorgeous.” Heck, pick up an armload – they make great gifts! In honor of her special day, Kristy will take over blogging duties from Tish on Tuesday (and Tish will take Kristy’s usual spot on Saturday). Be…
Crime and Punishment by Deb Kristy
Becoming a bartender in a striped-shirt establishment over fifteen years ago was an accomplishment. It meant hard work, late nights, studying drink recipes until dawn, and surviving the not-so-subtle hostility of fellow bartenders whose friend didn’t get the coveted spot or who didn’t feel I’d deserved it, and waiters who’d wanted the position for themselves. I’d worked hard to get there, though it was a means to an end for…
Things I learned from illegal activity by Deb Eileen
I like to tell myself that I didn’t commit any crimes, that the things I did fell more into the area of “pranks.” Who doesn’t like a good prank after all? Prankster sounds so much better than say- delinquent. Examples of some escapades include: – If you pour baby powder at the base of someone’s closed door, and then blow it under the door with a hair dryer it will…
A Life of Crime by Deb Mia
Hmmm, crimes I’ve committed … I’m afraid those records have been permanently sealed. But never fear — crimes are committed daily in our household, with me as the primary culprit. Here’s an example: Husband: “You said you would be on the computer for an hour. You’ve been blogging or grogging or whatever it is you do, for five!” Me: “I’m trying to build my literary career! Is that a crime?”…
Making crime pay by Deb Jennifer
I have way too much of a guilty conscience to ever be a successful criminal. The only thing I ever shoplifted was a pack of Fruit Stripe gum when I was seven. My mom said she wouldn’t buy it for me, so into my pocket it went. But the thing is, when I got it home, I felt so terrible, so guilt ridden, I couldn’t bring myself to chew it….
