tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post7796663092016904572..comments2024-01-04T14:05:42.270-05:00Comments on Love & Life & Learning: Why a Writing Contest Failure was the Best Thing EverVeronica Bartleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-36578965807301971772016-03-14T21:47:27.332-04:002016-03-14T21:47:27.332-04:00I'm so sorry that you feel discouraged. Someti...I'm so sorry that you feel discouraged. Sometimes, it's really easy to feel like you've been lost in the shuffle. It's very likely that you aren't being snubbed intentionally. I can only speak for myself, of course, but I don't automatically follow everyone who follows me on Twitter. Not because I'm playing favorites or putting people into categories of who is worthy Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-27586089180979666192016-02-13T09:03:42.537-05:002016-02-13T09:03:42.537-05:00It's nice that the writer community reached ou...It's nice that the writer community reached out and helped you, especially Brenda Drake. <br /><br />People always give the advice of reaching out and making connections, but I've tried that. I've tried engaging other writers with vast amounts of experience (like Brenda Drake) and following on twitter, only to be ignored (not return followed) and treated, imo, like social pariah. <br Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-13705108433058821442014-03-15T01:43:09.036-04:002014-03-15T01:43:09.036-04:00<3 I think we all go through those times in our...<3 I think we all go through those times in our writing lives when we're totally discouraged & thinking we'll never get anywhere. When the downs hurt so much that we don't even notice the ups. That's why I wrote this post. To remind myself (and others) that every great moment can be traced back to something that felt like a tragedy at the time. And when I realize that Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-44045529656337505212014-03-14T01:40:54.179-04:002014-03-14T01:40:54.179-04:00Thanks for writing this :) I know it was written a...Thanks for writing this :) I know it was written awhile back but it feels completely appropriate. What a wonderful mentor you found in Brenda Drake, it must have hurt like crazy and I say that is exactly what I dream for now (until my manuscript get's torn to shreds ;). <br />What a neat turn around that now you are helping with the contest! I'm so excited to read your book!!Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17089263022220773503noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-56852103533595482572013-12-08T00:20:18.656-05:002013-12-08T00:20:18.656-05:00Love this story...total inspiration :DLove this story...total inspiration :DKimbra Kaschhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16955657301998255029noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-85553268959714349682013-12-03T15:25:03.246-05:002013-12-03T15:25:03.246-05:00From the creaking basement of the past, comes this...From the creaking basement of the past, comes this update. I'd forgotten this post and that I'd responded. Then today Debra posted below and it sent me a followup. <br /><br />So...here is the update. <br /><br />This pitches, that got me nowhere in the contest, were exactly what I needed! An author friend tweeted me that Escape was looking for NA novels. When I went to the site I found Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06147774427230437233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-45509193973945197672013-12-03T15:22:40.267-05:002013-12-03T15:22:40.267-05:00This comment has been removed by the author.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06147774427230437233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-11362970674998964602013-12-03T14:59:19.824-05:002013-12-03T14:59:19.824-05:00Totally great story! It definitely hit home!Totally great story! It definitely hit home!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-23414695420423016222013-03-19T08:37:27.716-04:002013-03-19T08:37:27.716-04:00That post really hit home. Thanks!That post really hit home. Thanks!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-3686720697376079322013-03-18T19:02:36.442-04:002013-03-18T19:02:36.442-04:00Sometimes, a little foot-stomping is absolutely ne...Sometimes, a little foot-stomping is absolutely necessary before we're ready to move on to the next step. :)Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-16880845928063728372013-03-18T19:01:43.813-04:002013-03-18T19:01:43.813-04:00I think the best thing about writing is the suppor...I think the best thing about writing is the supportive community of writers. I wouldn't be where I am today if it wasn't for the encouragement I've received from others along the way. And every setback I've ever had has been a good thing in the long run, even when it was heartbreaking at the time. <br /><br />Good luck with your revisions! :)Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-4436162918564525012013-03-18T14:33:48.516-04:002013-03-18T14:33:48.516-04:00What a fantastic post. It's nice to read someo...What a fantastic post. It's nice to read someone else's journey and know with absolute certainty that we are just not alone. Surprisingly for me, I'm not bummed out that I didn't make it into round two this time around. I learned some stuff and connected with amazing people. <br /><br />I know there are awesome writers out there, including you, and I'm happy to cheer on from SK Anthonyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04601373778228160390noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-11968281346654358582013-03-18T13:55:08.400-04:002013-03-18T13:55:08.400-04:00Thanks Veronica,
I am querying. I'm totally o...Thanks Veronica,<br /><br />I am querying. I'm totally open to growth and refining, as I hope my post reflected. Though I may be stomping my foot a little, it's not in stubbornness. :-)<br /><br />Thank you for the great blog.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06147774427230437233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-65706121360403514932013-03-18T13:41:20.300-04:002013-03-18T13:41:20.300-04:00Thanks, Rene! Loved your post as well :)Thanks, Rene! Loved your post as well :)Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-72082885124037841302013-03-18T13:40:43.505-04:002013-03-18T13:40:43.505-04:00My advice? Try sending out some queries. I've ...My advice? Try sending out some queries. I've seen so many of the slush zombies commenting on how some of their favorites didn't make it to round 2 of Pitch Madness. Yours may well be one of those. If you're confident with your manuscript and your pitch, and you're getting good feedback, what do you have to lose?<br /><br />Contests are great, but they're not your only shot atVeronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-37792991900469966322013-03-18T13:32:37.056-04:002013-03-18T13:32:37.056-04:00So...I've commented and erased several times. ...So...I've commented and erased several times. Left the page and come back. All signs that you have stirred up a reaction. :-D<br /><br />I do appreciate your words, and they have complete merit. I agree with them completely, because I have taken all of these steps, including working with a wonderful professional editor. One of the slush readers mentored my pitch before hand and they loved itAnonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06147774427230437233noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-71189859349274190212013-03-14T10:07:36.130-04:002013-03-14T10:07:36.130-04:00Thank you for sharing your story! I waited to read...Thank you for sharing your story! I waited to read it until I posted mine, I didn't want it to taint my post LOL! Good luck in pitch madness! My new ms is not ready so I'm sitting this one out. René Gilleyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02192989603855699441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-84623523034475022522013-03-13T16:55:33.891-04:002013-03-13T16:55:33.891-04:00:) This story mirrors the story of probably every ...:) This story mirrors the story of probably every aspiring author out there! The key is finding the lessons in the failures and moving forward!Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-25869906621572160722013-03-13T16:54:16.034-04:002013-03-13T16:54:16.034-04:00I didn't get picked for Pitch Wars either. Kin...I didn't get picked for Pitch Wars either. Kind of funny... Since my move brought me to Brenda's hometown, I've had the privilege of getting together with her frequently, and I kind of worried that people might think there was favoritism involved when I got picked for Pitch Wars (I was so sure I'd get in!!) - but then I didn't even make the cut for the alternates! So much for Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-66962754113042094462013-03-13T15:05:44.062-04:002013-03-13T15:05:44.062-04:00Did you take this from my own life? LOL! Yes, I to...Did you take this from my own life? LOL! Yes, I totally feel your pain. Rejection in writing is so personal, but if you learn to look at it, it helps you grow.Eleni Alexandrakihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06379407075969736783noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-70370450040023485582013-03-13T11:42:08.264-04:002013-03-13T11:42:08.264-04:00What a great story (and so true!) I didn't get...What a great story (and so true!) I didn't get chosen for Pitch Wars in November, but Brenda was so sweet through the whole thing and gave me hope. My second book is the one that landed me my agent, I hope you have the same experience with your second one! :)Holly VanDynehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01245238864164349373noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-38713667757383327502013-03-13T11:40:49.318-04:002013-03-13T11:40:49.318-04:00Thanks! I have my fingers crossed! (Well, not lite...Thanks! I have my fingers crossed! (Well, not literally, because that would make it hard to type.) But even if I don't make it in this contest, I know I'm much more prepared this time around, and I'm going about this querying/contesting thing with a much better game plan this time around. :)<br /><br />And I have my other manuscripts to work on in the meantime.<br /><br />Are you Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-10977687387622094542013-03-13T11:15:13.007-04:002013-03-13T11:15:13.007-04:00You probably did, and I just completely forgot. Br...You probably did, and I just completely forgot. Brain like Swiss cheese. I bet you'll send me the email, and within a few words, I'll be all, "Oh yeah!!!!"Ashley Turcottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07641064437873182899noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-28096580343367143322013-03-13T11:07:17.601-04:002013-03-13T11:07:17.601-04:00Wow! :D I completely get that! Good luck on Pitchm...Wow! :D I completely get that! Good luck on Pitchmadness! I hope you make it to the agent round!Andrewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02115544398840204484noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-218212830752505949.post-83836040121451184932013-03-13T11:02:40.210-04:002013-03-13T11:02:40.210-04:00I am working on a whole new book. I thought I ment...I am working on a whole new book. I thought I mentioned the idea to you, but I might have forgotten. I'll send you an email :)Veronica Bartleshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04452926814324819692noreply@blogger.com