SIX Rejections and counting...

Okay, I know....everyone gets rejected. The internet is flooded with statistics on every successful writer/actor/illustrator and their rejection letters. But it still hurts.

The truth is it’s 13:1 Rejection:Acceptance - and even after an agent/editor/publisher asks for the entire manuscript, you still will get rejected. UGH.

So how do I deal with rejection? Coming from an acting background I got used to the word no. Actually they were pretty brutal - A director told me once that not only do my ears and mouth not communicate, my singing was so bad that it had crossed over the line of horrible and was actually funny. I got the job, but this is a serious rejection! I don’t even sing happy birthday anymore at children’s birthday parties.

But how do I get over rejections on my writing? Well, that’s much harder for me. You see, acting was not showing my private self - I could use emotions but no one knew what I was thinking. But writing, I have to put myself out there. I have to let everyone know what I’m thinking and how I deal with problems and what problems I’ve had to deal with. It’s scary. And I’ve not sent my manuscripts out because of that fear.

So when I did start to send out, I felt physically ill. But I hit the send button and did it anyway. It’s easier today to get a query out there. One click and that’s it. And then the waiting game begins.

I use a graph that I made up myself to keep track of queries I’ve sent, to whom, or is it who....I should know this. Ha! And if the answer was Yes or No and why. Also I write a note if the answer was nice or if I could tell they really read a good portion of it.

I have 6 send outs and zero yeses so far. And it stings. But my rejections are getting longer....that’s a good sign, so I’m told. They’re getting nicer. I even have one that says, this project is not right for us, but we love your writing, please keep us in mind for future projects. Hurray! But I still wallow, why oh why was this one not right???

All 6 rejections were for lack of strong voice. Which completely confuses me because my MFA teachers say I have such a strong voice. So the game goes round and round. But I have hope because I have writer friends. I can cry to them. I send them my rejections and ask their input. They are wonderful.

And my husband is there for me to lean on as well. He keeps saying, you have to expect rejections. When you get 30 more maybe you should set it aside and work on something else. 30 more!! Can I take 30 more no's? AHHHHHH.

YES - I can take it. Keep repeating that to yourself. You can take it. You will make it! You will get published. Write it down. Hang it on your computer. Keep on going!!

So, I sent out the same novel yesterday --- I have been working on the voice of the main character. How does he sound? Why does he think that way? And I’ve been making some changes. I hope it works. I hope it knocks her socks off. I hope I get a yes. But if it’s a no - I hope it’s twice as long as the last one!!

Good luck writers!! Keep your heads up. I’m pulling for you.

Introduction to Teazurs Blog

Why TeAzurs?
Well, I wanted something original, something fun that also had a meaning. My last name is Azur and I’ve been called a tease --- oh just kidding. I liked the definitions of teaser mixing theatre with journalism and advertising.

I was an actor for 12 years, when I lived in Pittsburgh PA. I performed at small local theaters as well as commercials and independent films.

I loved that journalism uses the term teaser as a kicker to promote an interview or article. Being a creative writer, I must tease my audience into reading more, and wanting to know more about my characters and their stories.

I also must advertise myself as a professional. I’m in the business to stay. Marketing myself to my readers is a goal of mine in 2010.

So I took teaser and mixed it with my last name, Azur, and shazam - TeAzurs was born.

teas·er
[tee-zer]  –noun
1. a person or thing that teases.
2. Theater . a drapery or flat piece across the top of the proscenium arch that masks the flies and that, together with the tormentors, forms a frame for the stage opening.
3. Printing, Journalism . kicker ( def. 9 ) .
4. an advertisement that lures customers or clients by offering a bonus, gift, or the like.
5. Television Slang . tease ( def. 5 ) .
Origin:
1350–1400;  ME teser  machine for teasing wool; see tease, -er1

BIG SUR Writer's Workshop March 2011

Okay so I signed up for the Big Sur Writer’s Workshop, not knowing that the March workshop does not actually occur in Big Sur. (read the fine print people) Lesson learned, but I did enjoy myself none the less.

My first experience was when I got on the elevator with someone I thought I recognized as a fellow writer, when in fact she was an agent. Ha! I introduced myself and found that the other three ladies on the elevator were also either editors or agents. Good ride!

Then I had my first critique group and guess what, that agent was the group leader. More fun. She gave great critiques to all the writers and man was I impressed. But not only with her talented ear, but the writers I sat next to. They were polished and ready and I enjoyed listening to their stories.

The next critique group was very much the same. The group leader rocked. He listened and was not shy, but very helpful with his advice. And the writers, well, most of them, were just as polished.

This was the BEST writer’s workshop I have ever attended....and I mean the TOP, ELITE, AWESOMEST, COOLEST ever!!

I was equally impressed with the ANDREA BROWN LIT AGENCY. They are a group of tough, strong, passionate, women you want to be like agents. I am gunning for them!!

Here are some of the agents/publishers/editors hints, advice, etc... that I jotted down.

Candlewick (Deb Wayshak)- Loves Character driven MG high fantasy.

Writer - Ellen Hopkins - Very open to talking with other writers.

Agent - Caryn Wiseman - Loves an emotional core

S&S Pulse - Anica Rissi - Loves debut writers

Writer - Eric Adams - He writes scripts and produces them - very willing to help new debut writers.

Agent - Mary Cole - Kidlit is a great site for writers resource - she needs commercial appeal, high stakes with unexpected plots.

Editor - Mary Colgan - (no longer with Chronicle) - is interested in picture books - YA -                    
with strong voice

ALWAYS ask yourself WHY: The agents kept saying this. Ask yourself why your character is doing what he/she is doing. Ask why they care, why they don’t. Keep asking why and your story will get stronger.

Andrea Brown - She was amazing!! If you ever get a chance to hear her speak -- do it! She said to always include your 1st page with your query even if an agent’s site says not to. She said they will read it!!

10 Cliches in today’s Markets: according to the agents
moving
teen car accident/dying
1st day of school
important age/hitting a certain age
paranormal romance
romeo/juliet
love triangle
the ring/the book/the relic
suicide
parental issues

But what else is there??? LOL -- I guess we need to get to work writers!!

It was a great workshop and I advice everyone to submit their work to get in! Go to the Andrea Brown Agency sit and look under workshops. Good Luck!!