Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Updates

"The cat is above all things, a dramatist." ~Margaret Benson

Today, some updates:

Our container vegetable garden is doing quite well, despite the hot and dry weather conditions. We have lettuce and cucumbers every day, and the beans and peppers are starting to do well too. We're still waiting on the peas, tomatoes, and broccoli, but they look promising. And the basil...well, let's just say we're going to have homemade pesto through the winter.

Both cats survived their vet appointments yesterday, though the older one (who ended up in the hospital for 4 days last summer) had a rather rough time on the road trip. However, it seems that he has at least 9 lives, and probably more like 10 or 11, since his heart disease has reversed itself and is approaching "normal" numbers - against all odds.

The agent response to my Summer's Song queries has been lukewarm and reinforces my belief that it is tougher than ever to get an agent these days UNLESS you have one of the following:

~You write erotica.
~You write fantastic inspirational romance.
~You have a national platform like, say, Paris Hilton or Brittany Spears.
~You have a terrific voice AND a brand new, original idea.

I still want to find a home for Summer's Song - so will probably submit to my editor at Samhain. Fingers crossed that she likes it!

So, what's new with you?

10 comments:

Sarita Leone said...

Great quote! So glad the cats made out all right. :)

Dru said...

I'm glad the doctor visit went well for the kitties.

The only thing new is I like grilling.

Have a good Tuesday.

Devon Gray said...

Sorry about the lukewarm reception. My CP has been seeking an agent for well over a year, and I'm dreading the experience when it comes time for me. Her writing, like yours, is awesome, so I'm sure it will eventually happen for both of you. But I like the idea of sending it to Samhain, because then we'll all get to read it sooner!

Marianne Arkins said...

I don't disagree with your agent assessment... it can be terribly frustrating.

But, yeah. Summer needs a home.

Good luck and glad the kitties are doing okay!

windycindy said...

Hello! I am very happy that your cats and you made the trip well. Hope Samhain goes well for you. Cindi

Unknown said...

That quote is so true.

As for finding an agent, it only takes one. Keep at it. I think the difference between a published author and one who isn't has more to do with persistence (better known as stubbornness) than anything else.

Anonymous said...

Are you sure it's not just your query letter? I don't know how far you are getting, but the Absolute Write Query Letter Hell has been a huge help for me.

It can be kinda brutal, but there are a few people in there that are incredibly talented at fixing queries.

Also, Kelsey the Query Queen over at the Verla Kay Blue Boards charges $35 to do your query letter until you are absolutely satisfied.

Just a thought because writing a great query letter and writing a great novel are not the same skill.

Allie Boniface said...

Chad, You're absolutely right about the persistence element. I attribute my publishing successes to that, above all.

Chandler, Actually, my query letter gets a good response, well above 50%. Interesting that someone actually charges to write them, though.

Diane Craver said...

Sorry to hear about the agent hunt not going well. Your Samhain editor will love Summer's Song. You're a great writer.

Hey, I like you listed fantastic inspirational romance for a way to get an agent. I'm writing an inspirational romance now so hoping it finds a home with a bigger publisher.

Good news about your cats doing well.

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you have a lot going on. I'm totally jealous about the basil... and the rest of the garden. We finally gave up this year. We're rebuilding the boxes anyway so maybe next year will be better.