It's all about the spotlight

[kara_gnome]

I think by now we know that I get on kicks. I like them, they energize me, they're interesting, I always learn a lot, and I get different views of the world and myself, and isn't that what it's all about

Comments

[justin_pilon]

One thing I like about submitting is that it constantly pushes you to get better. I guess at times rejections can be kind of tough, but you know its all towards improving your own writing.

[kara_gnome]

Yes, exactly :). And you know, we see certain aspects, readers see other aspects, but editors have a certain view, too. Interesting, really.

[rcloenen_ruiz]

I think submitting does help. And it's funny but with time the sting of rejection does diminish. I think you're doing very well and I'm really, really glad you've decided to get your work out there. It deserves to be read.

[kara_gnome]

Thank you for this, it's really huge, but I wish I were half the writer you are, frankly :).

I think it feels great to submit, really. So far, we'll see after the 100th straight rejection, but for right now, after three, it's fine! If I can improve, that's the main thing.

[kara_gnome]

This came at just the right time, this message :). After I read it, I thought, "I'll focus on narrative voice," and went and worked very hard on a story--I didn't think about it, but it was on one level, certainly, as it's almost all narrative voice, so, there you go. Sneaky, just as you say!

[xanthalanari]

We all have weaknesses - even the pros come out with the occasional dud. The trick is to identify them, as you have done, and work on improving. But you don't need a class for that - online groups are cheaper. ;) :D

But I know how you feel: I joined Codex recently, on the strength of my WOTF win, and looking at some of the names in there, and what they've achieved, I feel like a great big fraud.

[kara_gnome]

Actually, one of my friends here on my f-list sent me a self-study sort of book :). I've been toying with ideas, here...

I haven't heard of Codex, I don't think, but you have to celebrate your achievements, too :). This is from someone who just about had a meltdown after getting in a few pubs many years ago, so I totally, totally know what you mean, but it's also important and okay to go on with things.

You're far, far from a fraud, but I know. I wished my stories could have been better, longer, shinier, less cute, more upright, and ate a better class of vegetable :D Now I think that it's pretty awesome that I'd been writing at a pro level when I was still so new at it all, but it took a long time to get to that point, a long way past the point that it even mattered a rat's ass anymore. How dumb!

You're not making that mistake; you're walking the walk, you'll do fine. Remember, "I am not a fraud, I am not a fraud..." You'll get there :)

[xanthalanari]

Thanks. *blushes*

Codex is a forum for writers who have made a pro sale - the likes of Cat Rambo, Tobias Buckell, and Nancy Fulda hang out there to name but a few (as do Aliette and Brian). Since my problem is that I think every sale is a fluke, I mostly hang around wondering what will happen when the coach turns back into a pumpkin. :D

[kara_gnome]

It's all about the pumpkin! :D

I love all the talent on my f-list, it's so awesome. Actually, I think it's one of the great things about the internet, is this chance to celebrate and be part of these successes. Or tryings; well, whatever it is we're doing!