The first time I was told the pieces were too short. The second time I was told I was too late for that submission period, to try again later. Like Goldilocks in search of just right, I refused to give up and did in fact try again later.
Well before submissions opened in September, I chose and polished the piece for try three, and sent it off confident that at least if rejection came this time, it would be for a new reason. I received verification that my work had reached its destination and was told I'd be contacted if it was accepted. And then I forgot about it.
Well, maybe not entirely. It was always on the back of my mind. These were the months of my first agent rejections. I was getting used to them, sort of, and determined to forge ahead no matter what. So when I got the message in early December that my piece had been accepted for publication in The Rose & Thorn, it was more than just an acceptance. It was sunshine in the middle of a cold gray winter giving me new hope, new life and new energy for the road ahead.
When the January issue came out yesterday, seeing my name as an author in a respected publication felt like waking up on a summer morning knowing the world is exactly as it's meant to be. It's the way I feel teaching classes with Carrie and the way I hope to feel when my memoir is finally born into the world.
I hope you'll take the time to read the winter issue of Rose & Thorn Journal. Not just because it's where you'll find my very first published piece, but because I'm in the company of a number of really talented writers whose work deserves to be read. I'm forever grateful to Angie and Kat for providing a forum for new voices to be heard, for their excellent editing skills, and for being my just right beginning.
24 comments:
I went to the Rose and Thorn and read your story. It was lovely and sad.
Oh, Deb. Wow. I am sick reading your story. That means it was good--how you moved me.
We are so proud to have you there -it is a lovely story....(- I put up a little note on a post just now . . . )
You should be very proud of that first piece. It's the first of many lovely and far-reaching ones like it, I'm certain.
I am so happy to hear your work is there!
Deb, I read it and it is spectacular
Woohooo! Congrats to you, Deb! You deserve it!
Oh, Deb, you take my breath away. The words are beautiful, the rhythm is compelling, the story...well, yes, the story.
Worth the wait, I think.
And congratulations!
Loved Green Tears! Congrats Deb, that's awesome!!
I too loved Green Tears, Deb. It took me somewhere else, and I got to know Effie. I will also never see white cotton fluff the same way again; now it's a source of comfort--reminding me of the white floaty spirit jellyfish in Avatar...lovely piece and congratulations.
Not enough can be made of this accomplishment, BTW! HUGE!
It's the way I feel "working" with you, too!
Love this line, "and sent it off confident that at least if rejection came this time, it would be for a new reason." That's so you!
Congratulations, Deb!! Wow. I'm so proud for you. I will be reading it after I get off the road this week. Nice work sticking with it.
That piece grabs you and doesn't let you go. It is really powerful.
Congrats on your first published piece. Well deserved. I am certain there will be many more.
How cool is that! Good for you. There is nothing like getting something published. I am hooked on that feeling! :) Good for you. I will check out the issue.
Oh wow Deb. So, I flciked over to read your story. WOW! Oh WOW! I loved it. The images, the flash bakc to the dog being killed (tear my hear out) and the angry red period... oh, the sadness, the loss and emptiness of hurting so bad you want never to feel again, how I understand these things so well. I loved your writing. MAGIC. And the sound and rhythm of the pea shelling... amazing writing. Do let us know if you get published else where. I would love to read it. :)
CONGRATULATIONS!!!! That is wonderful news for you! And such an inspiration to never give up... Good for you. :)
Off to read.
:)
Oh, that is so fabulous. What a wonderful feeling. I can't wait to read your first published piece ... and, CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
...and the world enjoys the first of many more wonderful published pieces to come. So glad you submitted to Rose & Thorn!
So happy for you Deb... congratulations!I read Green Tears and found it very moving.
Awesome, Deb! Congratulations! That is totally a ray of sunshine to see your name and words in print, isn't it?
Read it, loved it... Somehow I see a screenplay??? Is that crazy?
I'm so proud/happy/impressed in your courage, perserverance, and dedication to your art.
So happy I'm in your universe.
Love,
Mary
Love this!
Love you!
Never doubted it for a minute. Here you go, friend!
What an inspiring post. Found you through Colby Marshall's blog. I think it is so cool that you help others find their voices through memoir. I would love to write mine someday, but I am too chicken LOL
And I admire you for not giving up and submitting. And that you got published. Congratulations!
Post a Comment