I am thrilled that my book, Church Mouse Poor, has finally been published. It was rejected 18 times before a publisher chose it for publication. Right now I am busy trying to get a date and location together for my book launch. This is exciting. I contacted my local library and they are excited to have a children's author in their midst. The local elementary school has also contacted me about doing a reading and some creative writing workshops. I feel like I am on the escalator of life and do not know where it is leading or where I get off so I guess I will just ride this wave for awhile. Now that my first pic book is published, I am anxious to start the next one. Maybe I have a new career starting...
Imagine...me...children's book author...how cool but seems surreal at the same time.
I had entered a themed writing contest for the local library system. The theme was about how the library helped you and/or your memories of the public library (something to that effect anyway). I thought my entry was pretty good and away it went. Two months later, I received an email notice that my entry had been submitted to the regional contest - it didn't win for the provincial. About a month ago, I received a letter from the local public system inviting me to an awards ceremony for the contest although the winner would not be revealed until that night.
Last night, the hubby and I attend the awards ceremony for the contest. I really didn't anticipate how excited I would be when I saw all the entries laminated and posted on the walls for all to read. Dang, my entry was a good read! The MC got up and started the festivities. He told the crowd of anxious writers that each contestant would be called up alphabetically and receive a certificate for participating - nice touch! One by one, the nervous writers went up and receive their certificate and smiled for the photographer. The MC started at A and proceeded through the alphabet but did not call my name - I was very pumped thinking my entry must have earned a place.
Next, the MC called 3rd prize and an older gentleman went up to receive his prize. It was at that moment that I realized - my name had been missed! The 3rd place winner had been up earlier to receive his 'participation' certificate. Still I was hopeful that perhaps I had won 1st place. Nervously I listened as the MC read the entries for 3rd and 2nd place. The MC started his intro for the 1st place winner and I knew that his intro did not fit my entry. I'm sure that the disappointment on my face flashed like a bright neon sign.
It wasn't because I thought I was going to win, it was because my name wasn't called with the other entries. I sat patiently until the ceremony was over, and then made made my way to speak to the event co-ordinator. My husband had beat me to it and walk out of the room in disgust that they had called writers who hadn't even made the attempt to attend the event yet there I was in full attendance and I had been missed.
They apologized and presented me with my certificate and took my picture but it wasn't the same. I wanted to be recognized like everyone else and hear the applause. Somewhere down the line, someone screwed up. When I entered the room, I was presented with a pre-printed name tag so I was on the list. Truthfully, I think its possible that the MC skipped over my name by accident because the person's name closest to mine was very close in spelling - maybe he thought it was a double entry. Who knows?
Anyway, so it was a very disappointing evening indeed, one I hope to forget and move on.
It is a new year and I am pumped to start writing! A publication that I write for regularly contacted me with some work that will come onboard in a couple of weeks. I love when the work comes to me and I don't have to go searching for it.
I have determined my writing goals for 2007 and am eager to see things happen. I am still waiting on word on a query I sent for a children's manuscript. I have to admit I am getting discouraged. Their guidelines stated that they respond in 6 weeks - it has been around 10 weeks now. I have already sent an email inquiring as to the status of my manuscript but still haven't received a reply - that was sent 2 weeks ago. I keep telling myself that 'no news is good news' but deep down I am pretty sure that I am on the 'ignore' list. Why can't editors take a few moments to respond - a simple yes or no will do! I would welcome a form letter rejection at this point.
Remember to make some writing goals for yourself this year and get busy!
Happy New Year everyone!
