Category: Gayle’s Gazette

woman writing on a notebook beside teacup and tablet computer
Blog Posts, Gayle's Gazette

One Step Closer to Publishing

Gayle Brown, Author

Well, after being on submission for a little over four weeks, I finally received (well, technically, my agent received) a response. My first one. And guess what? It was a “no thank you.” Am I surprised? No. Am I disappointed? A little. But honestly, it’s not like I expected to receive a “yes please” right out of the gate. It would’ve been nice of course, but realistically, I knew it wouldn’t happen.

I will say this, however––I forgot what the rejection feels like. After being out of the query trenches for two months, I forgot how it stings and awakens any self-doubt, wondering, “Will it ever happen?” Again, I know it’s only the first “no thank you.” There are many more to follow, and it only takes one yes. And a no is one step closer to that yes. Still, I hope this go around, I can only afford a really cheap bottle of champagne! But in the meantime…

I am 25% through writing the first draft of my third novel. I signed up for NaNoWriMo (National Writing Novel Month), an annual event in which writers commit to writing 50,000 words from November 1 thru November 30. Hefty goal? Absolutely, but if I do it, my manuscript will be almost finished at the end with only a few thousand more words to finish it. And that motivates me to sit in the chair and write every day. But…

Life may get in the way. I am scheduled to have shoulder surgery this week (rotator cuff), and I’m telling you all this not to incite sympathy or healing wishes, but because if I don’t post for a while, it’s because I can’t. You might be wondering then how I can possibly write 50,000 words. I handwrite my first draft, not type. And since it’s my left shoulder being repaired, I can still write with my right hand. Thank goodness. But these posts are typewritten, requiring two hands.

So, although I plan to continue to write while recuperating (and after a few days, I’m sure boredom will set in), typing is up in the air. If I can prop my computer on my lap, keeping my shoulder set in position while on the couch, then I’ll return to posting. But if I can’t, and I haven’t posted for a while, you’ll know why.

And maybe, just maybe, by the time I return to posting, I’ll have some good news to share!

Gayle's Gazette, What I'm Reading

Two More Books

Gayle Brown, Author

Thankfully, I didn’t take as long to post my last two reads! Still, I did fall short of posting as soon as I finished each book, so today, I will combine the two into one post.

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, Gabrielle Zevin

This book was recommended to me by a fellow writer. She said it was a Jimmy Fallon pick, and I could totally see him enjoying it. This book is about two friends, through thirty years, who have developed video games together. So if you’re a gamer, then you will love this book. I did enjoy it and of course, I was rooting for them to be successful personally and professionally. I will not spoil it by letting you know just how successful (or unsuccessful) those aspects of their lives turned out, but I will tell you, it’s an enjoyable read.

Carrie Soto Is Back, Taylor Jenkins Reid

If you are a fan of Taylor Jenkins Reid, then you are familiar with the character Carrie Soto, the tennis player from Malibu Rising. I was excited for this book to come out because to date, anything Jenkins Reid writes, I have loved, so I was hoping this book would not disappoint. And guess what? It didn’t. I absolutely loved it. I can totally relate to Carrie Soto’s drive and determination, always moving the goal posts, wanting and striving for the next level of success, never recognizing when enough is enough––you’re the best you can be. There are numerous sentences from the book that have now become my favorite quotes of any book. Jenkins Reid has done it again, writing another entertaining, relatable book will hold your interest, even if you’re not a tennis fan.

Up Next?

Here’s the deal: I’m scheduled to have shoulder surgery this week, so I don’t know when I’ll be able to type again. It may be two weeks, it may be six. I’ll have to see how my recovery goes. So while I’m recuperating, I’ll be buried in books, reading away, making notes for the next blog post. Until then…happy reading!