Tag: writers

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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!

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Gayle's Gazette, What I'm Reading

My Latest Reads

Gayle Brown, Author

Here’s what I’ve learned: I fall behind on posting when I’m writing a new book, even though I’m reading like a fiend. Here are the past few books I’ve read:

  1. Verity, Colleen Hoover; Yes, another Colleen Hoover book. What can I say? I love her writing as well as her storylines. This book, however, is unlike any other of hers that I’ve read. It is much more graphic, darker, and leaves you wondering what was true and what wasn’t. Although it is very different from her other books, I did like it. Every once in a while, a darker story is nice to read when I’m dabbling in various genres.
  2. Lucky, Marissa Stapley; I really enjoyed this book. Despite her “criminal-type” behavior, I rooted for the protagonist. She’s such a likeable character, and Stapley puts Lucky in a very precarious position: After she’s won the lottery, she can’t come forward because if she does, she’ll be caught for her illegal activities––she’s wanted by the police. She needs to find a way to claim the winning ticket all while not being caught by the authorities. It’s a great read. Fun and fast-paced.
  3. Counterfeit, Kristin Chen; This book is a Reese Witherspoon’s Book Club recommendation, so naturally, I was intrigued. I was less than enthused. The premise is about two women who produce top-notch counterfeit purses, then return them to the retail stores, making a lot of money duping the companies. Apparently this is a real thing, but I was less than impressed with the characters and the ending. And the hardest part for me? There are NO quotation marks until the Epilogue. The reason? The main character is talking to a detective the entire time, so it’s her speaking for the whole book. But even at that, there is dialogue within dialogue so technically, some sort of punctuation should denote this. It took me a while to get used to it and often, I didn’t realize someone was speaking until after the word “said” appeared in the sentence. I’m sure there are plenty of readers who absolutely loved the book, I’m not one of them. Again, it’s all so subjective. If the premise peaks your interest, I say go for it.

Currently, I am reading Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by Gabrielle Zevin. Hopefully, after I finish it, it won’t be a month before I post my “review”!

Happy Reading, ya’ll!