Thank heavens for children

I have to admit, I am a little surprised at how hard I took being rejected for the first time. I knew it was coming. No author survives unscathed, but it bummed me out all day. Today, I feel fine. It blows my mind how fast the storm comes and leaves for me, but I definitely need a day to feel bad.

I was pleasantly surprised at how sweet my two oldest boys were. They were so sympathetic and loving, hugging me numerous times and giving their condolences. It really touched me. Now the hubby, bless his heart, is another story. He's not great at nurturing which normally is fine. I don't need tons, but when I'm sick or depressed, he runs the other way. I have forgiven him of course, but I let him know I was unhappy about that. Thank heavens my kids have big hearts!

So today, I stuck my hand back into the blender of writing and sent out another query. I'm hoping to add to the beautiful brass nail on my wall where I hang my rejections. I'll let you know how that goes!

First official rejection

Okay, here I sit staring at the computer, trying to feel better. I got my first, official rejection letter from the agency that Stephanie Meyer's agent is with.

I know that everyone gets their book rejected, but I have to admit, I feel sad. I will keep trying of course, but in the mean time, I want to sit here and lick my wounds.

I found out today that my manuscript that Jake gave his friend to read, was given to that kid's dad too! I can not believe he gave it to his friend's DAD! MY WORD! The thing is, his dad read it and loved it! It wasn't even the copy that was edited well! Woo hoo! I wish he was an agent.

Jake certainly has a mind of his own and sincerely believes in the mantra . . . "it's easier to get forgiveness than permission."

And so it goes. I'll go now and feel sorry for myself some more while I watch American Idol. Until tomorrow when I do it all over again.

Teen Conference

I am very excited today! Jake came home from school and I told him about the teen writer's conference in June. I was all waiting for this huge reaction from. What a let down when he told me that he already knew about it and was planning on going. I asked him when he was planning on telling me about it! lol

So we got him registered today and will wait to see what the topic for the writing contest is. He is going to love it! His favorite author of all time wrote the series, "A door in the woods." You can imagine his reaction when I told him that James Dashner would be at the conference.

Yea for the rising generation!

Today's author highlight

I want to start something new. Every so often, I am going to do an author highlight. I want to share my love for certain authors who have affected my life and my writing.
Today's author is. . .

Richard Bach

Just off the top of my head, he is the first author that comes to mind when I think of an early influence in my life. His book, Jonathon Livingston Seagull was first published the year I was born. I can't even begin to count how many times I have read it.

I was even dumped by a boyfriend when I told him that this book was a major influence on me during my mission, that it saved me during an especially difficult time. He didn't like the fact that a book that had nothing written about Christ had helped me so much. His loss.

Anyway, back to the subject. The thing that I like most is the fact that his manuscript for JLS was turned down many times before it was picked up by Macmillan Publishers. It just goes to show, NEVER give up! It is a book about letting go of limitations and believing in yourself. If you haven't read it, I would highly recommend it.

He also wrote: Illusions, One, A Bridge across forever, The Adventures of a reluctant Messiah and many others. I have read them all and loved them. Richard is big on flying. Literally and metaphorically. So am I.

This is his philosophy: Our true nature is not bound by space or time, we are expressions of the Is, we are not truly born nor truly die, and we enter this world of Seems and Appearances for fun, learning, and to share experiences with those we care for, to explore—and most of all to learn how to love and love again.

Thank you, Richard for you work. My life is richer because of you.

The Conference

Well, let me tell you about the fun I had at LDS storymaker's conference. I can't begin to tell you how much I learned there. The people. . . well, were fantastic! I made so many new friends who will be lasting ones.

It was way fun to meet all the "famous" LDS authors and be able to place a face with a name. They were all fun and down to earth, normal people who I felt completely welcomed by. It felt like home.

Some of the highlights were being able to stay with Jeri--my old college roomie from many moons ago--on the first night. Thanks Jeri! It was way fun!

Another high point was heading back to the conference room after a break. I'd spent the time in my room reading some critiques. I was wearing these darling navy blue pants that zip on the side and had unzipped them while sat Indian style on my bed, as they felt a little tight. As I walked down the hall, I thought, "Man, I didn't notice my pants covering my toes before. Weird." It was then that I realized that I had not zipped them back up and they were falling down! Luckily I was wearing a long while jacket thing! Mortification! I have to say, I still laugh just thinking about it!

I got to meet with Lisa Mangum from Deseret Book/Shadow Mountain and she was wonderful! So down to earth and friendly. She gave me so great advice on how to improve my book, then told me to send it in for the year 2012! LOL They are booked on young boy fantasies until then! Ya right! So I will post a picture I had taken with her. I told her I wanted a pic of my first rejection!

I especially liked the spoofs and pranks that took place on stage. The published authors were funny and very likable. I so want to be a part of them! I can't wait to have a book out there so wish me luck!

I went with Elizabeth Mueller and we shared a room in the hotel. It made it much more fun! It would have been lonely to be there alone, not knowing anyone. Elizabeth made it wonderful and we grew even closer.

There is something wrong here and it won't let me add anymore pics. Dang! Oh well. Stupid computers. =) The first pic is with J. Scott Savage, the second with Lisa Mangum and the third is with Elizabeth!

Welcome Friends!

Hello to you all! I wanted to start a new post. One dedicated to my new love of writing! I will still keep the old one but honestly, I don't know who often I will post there. We'll just have to see.

I'll keep this short since I'm still fiddling with the fun stuff of putting this together, I just wanted you to know I'm here.

I'll post again soon. . . and something more interesting!