Blah. Such a great word. Sums up so many things in such a short space. Also correctly and precisely describes my feelings about the tsunami of submission doubt that has dumped itself on my head. I’m at the point where you know you’re going to hear back soonish and am trying to resist the lure of re-reading my subs to check things. Re-reading does one of two things: 1. It plunges me into the depths of despair since the sub was obviously crap and why on earth did I think it was any good in the first place? Or 2. It makes me feel incredibly satisfied since the sub is clearly excellent and I will instantly get a contract and why are they taking so long?
Neither of these options are useful, espcially when the last time I settled on option 2 I got a form R. What also doesn’t help is the fact that the Hammer Pants ms is now different to the synopsis I sent in. Now apparently this doesn’t matter too much since eds know synopses change etc, etc. Well, can I say now that that is wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Wrong. Your synopsis does matter. It matters a lot. And my synopses usually aren’t that great in the first place. Why is it you only see such things AFTER the sub has gone? Blah, I say.
Anyway, one thing that isn’t blah is The Chessman. If you will note the word meter at the right hand side of the screen, you will see that it has climbed appreciably. Basically in the past three days I have written 15k. Yes, I will be smug a moment since this is the only thing that seems to be doing well. In fact, I’m amazed at how fast the thing is going down. I think there is a reason for it but I might save that for another blog post. Especially as the reason its going down fast is another reason to be down about my Hammer Pants. Argh!
So what do you do when you have a blah moment? Shop? Drink? Eat? Hug random strangers? All four at once?
PS. Big congrats to Leah Ashton who sold her NV book. Good for you, Leah!
What one dad did with a letter rejecting his job application.
Not that you’ll have that to worry about.
Julia – lol! That’s gorgeous! Sadly my kids are too old for that kind of thing. And also I’ll get an email. 🙂
Awww, thanks Jackie!
I know all about the blahs! Yuk. For me, they go hand in hand with “checking email terror”. I hope you hear back soon with brilliant news!
And I am SO jealous of your Chessman output. 15K in three days! You are a machine.
Leah – at least your ‘checking email terror’ can have a rest huh? Don’t think mine will stop until I get good news – if I ever get any again *sighs dramatically*. Yep, I shall be smug about my output since it’s the only thing going right at the moment. Course that 15k could all be crap. 🙂
I feel ya, my sister. I am blah. I however, have been doing a Very Bad Thing and…been procrastinating. So now I have to suck it up and get some words done tonight!
Maisey – what’s the very bad thing?? You’re intriguing me now. I have been doing the wordage to get away from the blahs. And it’s working so far. Am trying not to look at my word count though.
I’ve been not writing. Bad me.
Ignore the blahs, I say. Yes, I know it’s impossible. But just keep writing and kicking that new manuscript’s butt!!! Way to go on the word count. Forward progress is important, cuz those blahs will be with you even after you’re published-and I mean WHEN, not if 🙂
Congrats again, Leah!
YAY on Chessman – let’s look at the positives 🙂
Blahness… well, I’m feeling it now. USually I reread parts I LOVE and try to get back some confidence that I can do this if I keep at it!
(HUGS) Jackie! I’m having a blah moment too, so we can drink together! Where’s Hoo?
Congrats on your sexy Chessman word count and to Leah too!
Maisey – is the bad thing not writing? Girl, time off is allowed. You have to refill that well sometime huh?
Aimee – lol. I like the ‘when’. Feels like impossible that will ever happen today. But yeah, I know. Am pushing through and trying to put it to the back of my mind while I enjoy my ms.
Rach – Yep, it’s nice to grab some positives eh? You should reread some of your ST. You didn’t place in the STALI for nothing, hon.
Lacey – A drink? Great idea! Hugs on your blahs too. Hoo, get this lady here a drink. Stat.
Hey Jax,
I feel your pain.. and I am in a blah state as well…But one good thing is, I am trying to talk to characters – in my mind of course, see where they are acting awry / wrong etc, thereby changing the plot to something, which kind of – gets jarring and uneven instead of flowing smoothly. (Can you see I’m a total panster?)
And when I write or try to write at this time…the story sometimes comes out..but the entire thing is skewed..and I have this problem- I am unable to revise a plot once its down on paper..Hence I allow it to hang..and hope it shows me the light some day.
And this is not easy..since I have some 10+ stories in this state..where I am waiting for inspiration to strike…aka, some positive vibes from editor- which makes me feel my effort is worthwhile…
So..I think this is part and parcel of writing process…one we have to learn to live with – and strive to be self-motivated….and write the “best” story, only to write another all over again!
Ju – it kind of sucks doesn’t it? Hope yours ends quickly! Yes, it is part and parcel. Getting totally involved in the story helps, at least it helps me.
Eat chocolate, that’s what I’d do. Then have a few martinis and if you still feel blah have a few more.
That’s my advice. It’s not much, I know, but it’s all I’ve got!!
Joanne – I’ll take it! 🙂