Catherine – yeah, being so up and down SUCKS. It’s SO hard to detach. But you’re totally right. if I don’t do anything, nothing will happen. It’s weighing that up against the constant drag of the rejections. Not sure where I’ve got to with that.
And yep, am considering other options. Like I said to Chris, this latest R was another iron in another fire. Not a fire for me as it turned out and not a great encouragement to try other places. It does make you wonder what will cut it. I guess the fact that I am ‘considering’ other options is a good sign, right?
Oh and lots of chocolate martinis HAVE been consumed!

Jo – it’s made my entire month. 🙂

Anne – I wonder that myself. And maybe that’s the problem. Maybe there’s nothing to ‘get’. Maybe the only thing is to write because you love to write and ignore the whole getting published thing – as many others here have suggested.
I don’t know how to help with the self doubt because it’ll sound hollow since I don’t know how to overcome that myself. But one thing I can say is that I TOTALLY know how you feel.
Perhaps all we need is some time and we can both pull ourselves out of it.

Aimee – thanks for the hugs. Need ’em. Support ALWAYS helps too.

Nina – you really are such a sweetheart. Perhaps you’re right, a break is the thing. Certainly some rest and reflection are in order. I’m trying to let go a bit, but it’s really, really, REALLY hard. I used to be a closet writer for years and years. Writing just for my own enjoyment with no intention of getting published. I need to get back to doing that again maybe.

Madeline – This is just between you and me, right? *whispers* I’ve had three or four ideas pop into my head in the last couple of days. Ever since I wrote that blog post. Stupid, stupid characters! Don’t they know I’m trying to give up here??
As for me and my ups and downs. I have nervous breakdowns every week and that’s the truth. Even when I’m not writing! But it’s the ones that concern your dreams that hurt the worst. But perspective is needed eh? I need to go find me some. Hugs back to you.

Hope whatever you do makes you happy.

I really believe a person makes their own luck. If you don’t write, rewrite, edit and submit then the only certainty is you’ll never be published. You are doing all the right things and you are a wonderfully talented writer. I don’t believe for a single second that you will never be published. You are too determined for that to happen to you. Like others, I wonder if maybe it would help you to target other lines–have some irons in different fires so to speak.

Whatever you do next, you can be sure all your friends will be cheering you on willing you to succeed. I hope you’ve had plenty of chocolate martinis and here’s some more hugs because you deserve them xxx

I know you don’t think you’ll be able to come back to it, and maybe you won’t, but I suspect that after a time of respite, you’ll hear a voice in your head. A hero perhaps, or a heroine. And they’ll talk to you, introduce you to their mother, or brother, and then ask whether you’d seen that hot-damn sexy laydeh/male specimen over there. You’ll look up, spot them, and remark that they would make an adorable couple. ‘But how will he/she ever fall in love with me?’ they will ask you. ‘Do you know? Can you help us live happily ever after?’ And you’ll hesitate, not sure whether you can do it, but then you’ll smile because you know you can. It’s what you do. What you want to do. You’ll write their story because the characters mean something to you, not because M&B might read it and accept it. You’ll write with a fresh mind, a revitalised heart, and if you happen to submit it, then so you do, but you will be happier for the break and the perspective. And right now, your happiness and health are both on the line. Speaking as someone who’s had a severe heart condition since I was 16, THOSE are the keys to life. Not any of this publishing pish-posh.

…and I said I had nothing to add! If a Sea didn’t divide us, I’d be waiting in line to hug you. xxx

HUGS, Jackie. It’s a brutal business. WHATEVER you decide, your friends will be here to support you.

But also: No. No, no, no, no, no. You’re forgetting our deal. You can’t quit without my permission and you’ll darn well have to convince me.

So, no.

And *hugs*