My blog posting has been spotty, at best, the last couple of months. For any of you who might actually read it it, I’m sorry.

This is where author and true life come to a head. I’m overwhelmed by all sorts of things right now. Not the least of which is the direction I need to take my life. My life includes my family, my writing, my work (editing), my volunteer activity and the things I really love to do like singing. I feel like I am failing in all of the above.

I don’t like to fail (yes, I know who does? But, I really put a lot of pressure on myself not to). If I can’t do something well I don’t want to do it. I seem to have great ideas for stories lately, but no time to actually write them. Or, when I do get time, I stare at the computer, unsure of where to start.

I love editing others work, for the most part. However, I don’t get paid enough (really, not much) to work more hours on someone else’s ms than I do on my own. I’m not here to write your story and if you don’t know the difference between “pervious” and “previous” then you need to keep learning. Declines are given for many reasons. If your ms is declined you need to learn from it (I’ve been there, I do understand). Look at your story and see what’s going on with it. If it is well written with NO typos (really, that shouldn’t even be sent to a publisher, one or two in a 60k ms happens, but every single sentence? Seriously, do not send that in) or blatant grammar issues (we all have some) then send it somewhere else. It may just not be the right fit for that publisher. And remember, it’s all subjective (except for the spelling errors and typos – get rid of them and don’t trust WORD to tell you what’s right or wrong.)

For those who know who I am as both an editor and a writer, they may read my stories and wonder who I am to judge them. Let me tell you that it is far easier to see issues in other people’s work than your own. I don’t think my stories are necessarily brilliant either (although, I hope people enjoy them), with an editor’s help I strive to get them there. And yes, I am just as defensive when something is pointed out in my ms’ that I do think is really good. “What do you mean? Of course that makes sense… have you ever even gone skiing?” “Oh you had no idea she was skiing? Didn’t I mention that? I’m sure I did.” “You thought she was in Mexico? Umm… ok…” That’s slightly over the top, but I really do get it. I get rejected too. It sucks. I’ve had two rejections in two weeks. The funny thing was it was for the same piece (subsequent rather than simultaneous submissions) and they were exactly opposite in the things they thought worked or didn’t. One of them was not very nice at all. One of them was very complimentary about my writing (and this from a highly respected publisher so I was appreciative), but didn’t think the story focussed enough on the main romantic couple. However, in the end, it was still a rejection. And that sucks. It really sucks (leave it alone, I like that word today).

There’s more stuff, but I don’t need to bore you.

So dear reader, if you are still here, that’s where I’ve been and where I am. I hope to be bringing you absolutely brilliant books in the near future. I hope to bring you incredibly bright blog posts. I hope to bring you sunshine and roses. But for now, please, just know I’m here and I’m trying.

Some of my other author friends are going through a tough time too. I think it should be National Compliment your Favourite (or friendliest or whatever) Author Day. Give an author or writer a hug today. I know they’d really appreciate it.