Hi Richard! Welcome to Hibou! I wrote about the near misses a bit in this post last year, (https://hibou.substack.com/p/the-work-is-the-way), but basically the response was I like this, the topic is a bit niche to take a risk on the debut, write something else and keep this in your back pocket as a second book.
Thanks! Always interested in agents, who are very mysterious : ) I personally have never heard back, and I still wonder what they wanted. I'd clear the project and deliver a ms. exactly as required.
The adjustment required was that I write a different book and put the first book in my back pocket as a potential second book, so there's not much to do but write the next book. Which I did, so fingers crossed, but also not crossed--the whole point is I feel fulfilled by the process and the marketing stuff is a separate goal.
Excellent and good luck! I'm a magazine guy and most of my professional contacts are magazine writers. None has heard back from agents. Give them what they want is the mag writer's credo. But what do they want? : )
This is such a beautiful post. And I'm listening to Sara Bareilles sing that song as we speak. So fitting that your playlist expanded to this one. You know, some day you can shenanigan all over this accomplishment. But I get the impulse for peace, and the lovely setting into it.
I feel like belly laughing over Shug at the Muse this weekend came from a place that is equal parts your animated storytelling about the fate of the escaped zebra longing to be free and finishing joy.
Oh, Cathy - congratulations!!! This post fills me with so much love for you and for Reggie. And right before the Muse is such perfect timing for this to come out. It feels like something that should be posted and distributed to everyone at the conference.
I love this post sooooooooo much. Brava Cathy!!! Cheers to not confusing the gatekeepers' definition of what should pass the gate with who you are and what you write.
Beautifully said. Also, it is deeply unfair that your books are hidden from the world. Publish them anyway. You didn't come here to hide your talents. xo
Congratulations, Cathy - loved this post & I know exactly how you feel. Lately, I find myself quoting Steve Almond (whom I'm guessing you know too): "A writer's job is to outlast doubt."
Curious about the "near misses" with agents. What did they say?
Hi Richard! Welcome to Hibou! I wrote about the near misses a bit in this post last year, (https://hibou.substack.com/p/the-work-is-the-way), but basically the response was I like this, the topic is a bit niche to take a risk on the debut, write something else and keep this in your back pocket as a second book.
Thanks! Always interested in agents, who are very mysterious : ) I personally have never heard back, and I still wonder what they wanted. I'd clear the project and deliver a ms. exactly as required.
The adjustment required was that I write a different book and put the first book in my back pocket as a potential second book, so there's not much to do but write the next book. Which I did, so fingers crossed, but also not crossed--the whole point is I feel fulfilled by the process and the marketing stuff is a separate goal.
Excellent and good luck! I'm a magazine guy and most of my professional contacts are magazine writers. None has heard back from agents. Give them what they want is the mag writer's credo. But what do they want? : )
This is such a beautiful post. And I'm listening to Sara Bareilles sing that song as we speak. So fitting that your playlist expanded to this one. You know, some day you can shenanigan all over this accomplishment. But I get the impulse for peace, and the lovely setting into it.
I feel like belly laughing over Shug at the Muse this weekend came from a place that is equal parts your animated storytelling about the fate of the escaped zebra longing to be free and finishing joy.
I'm sure! It has to be such a source of joy--greater even than the thought of a zebra living its best life.
Shug!
Oh, Cathy - congratulations!!! This post fills me with so much love for you and for Reggie. And right before the Muse is such perfect timing for this to come out. It feels like something that should be posted and distributed to everyone at the conference.
You're so sweet!
I love this post sooooooooo much. Brava Cathy!!! Cheers to not confusing the gatekeepers' definition of what should pass the gate with who you are and what you write.
Thanks, lady!
Beautifully said. Also, it is deeply unfair that your books are hidden from the world. Publish them anyway. You didn't come here to hide your talents. xo
I have a plan, I swear!
Congratulations, Cathy - loved this post & I know exactly how you feel. Lately, I find myself quoting Steve Almond (whom I'm guessing you know too): "A writer's job is to outlast doubt."
Thanks so much!