Tuesday, October 14, 2008

A Post in Two Parts

Part One: Querying is hard.

Today, I came to the end of a Dr. Pepper 12 pack. Inside the box, was a printed code for a contest. 1 in 6 win, it said. I entered the code online and a message came up: Sorry, your code is not a winner.

Imagine that box flying across the room. Then, imagine me tearing it in half and stuffing the remains into the trash can.

I find that I take out my query frustrations on other things.

Part Two: There's nothing like a new story to take the mind off above mentioned frustrations.

I am currently in the midst of plotting out a new story. Here's the thing, it's very different from Midas. Very.

It's still YA, but it's also a post apocalyptic, magic realism story. I haven't written any thing yet, but I've scribbled out nearly a dozen pages of plot and character sketches in my Moleskine.

So, it's fun so far. I plan to start writing soon. Keep an eye out for a story updater on the right side bar.

12 comments:

Kasie West said...

Thanks for dropping by my blog. I totally understand how you feel. Right now, fingers crossed, my query is sitting in the computer of two of my top five agents. I feel like tearing a few things apart myself. Unfortunately, my book has been taking the brunt of my frustrations and I've all the sudden decided it's not good enough (even though I have edited it fifty times). I literally cut forty pages out today and now am trying desperately to put it back together again in a better way than before. Will it ever end? Good luck to you in your journey. It's just like a roller coaster, nerves on the way up, a moment of sheer joy at the top, and total terror on the way down.
Kasie

Renee Collins said...

Oh yes. I too suddenly stressed out over my manuscript the minute an agent requested it. You think it would be the other way around. But, no. :)

Well, good luck. Seems like we are in the same situation. I've got two out with my top eight agents. I'll check in on your blog to see how it all goes for you!

Joanne said...

Better to take out your frustrations on the box than on the computer! Hang in there, good news will come ... let us know!

Natalie Whipple said...

Yay! So exciting. New ideas are SO fun. I can't wait for you to get started:)

Kiersten White said...

It's a good thing we don't drink anything harder than Dr Pepper with the stress of querying...

; )

I'm excited to hear more about the new project, though!

Terri Tiffany said...

I'm feeling much the same way. I sent out anothe query and she did ask for the first 50 pages but not holding my breath. So I am working on a different book and hope maybe that will be the one! It sounds really interesting what next you are doing! Hang in there--we'll celebrate some day!

Renee Collins said...

Ah yes, Kiersten. I've had that same thought, usually as I am cracking open yet another can of soda.

And thanks, Terri. That's really great about the partial request! I definitely think it's nice to have a new project to distract.

JaneyV said...

A good game of racquet ball is what you need for frustrations or if you're not the sporty type, you could take up making meringues (there is many a pavlova made made in exasperation). Or you could take the opposite tack and do things that calm you…like knitting. I like to snooze.

Whatever floats your boat.

The new story sounds fantastic. I have a feeling you'll be totally engrossed in that before you know it.

Renee Collins said...

ha, thanks Janeyv. I'd never thought about taking my agressions out with a sport. Now that you mention it, I do love a good round of Tae Bo. Kicking and punching the air makes for good catharsis. :)

Natalie Whipple said...

Yes, Renee, you must work on your ninja skills. Gotta keep em sharp!

I find yoga is a great release as well.

Becca said...

Ren - its Becca...keep the faith...its just a matter of time. I know it Ren! As for the DP box...I thought you were gonna say that you polished off a 12 pack in one day - or worse in one sitting. Now that would have been cause for concern, although I wouldn't put it past myself (: As for the rollar coaster of querying - it sounds a bit like dating. Cute boy calls - excitement(you sending the query). Cute boys asks you out - sheer bliss (you getting a manuscript request). Cute boy doesn't call for a second or third date - utter despair!(not hearing immediately back from the agents) The good news is Ren, you know what its like to have the cute boy keep calling 'til he wants to marry you. And I am figuring your book will be the same...the "cute boy" will call again - you just gotta find the right one. Cheers! And keep me updated!

Renee Collins said...

Ah, thanks Becca. I can always trust you to come up with an apt analogy. :) And, you're right, there is no sense in despairing yet.

Also, as for the 12 pack of DP in one day, well, I haven't gone that far yet, but my consumption has increased to an all time high. I seriously need to cut back.