Got another rejection letter this week, this one from Andromeda Spaceways Inflight Magazine. But the note included the comments of the three readers who looked it over, for which I was extremely grateful. (No rejection-letter-rejection form letter for them!)
Feedback is SO important when we're trying to learn, to improve, to expand our horizons. Without it, how would we know what to change?
So I'll revise the story (again) and send it off (again), and eventually someone will pick it up. In the meantime, I'll also have to write something else for ASIM. It's a great magazine and a great bunch of people. That they take the time to provide feedback on slush stories just makes me like them even more.
Comments (6)
Way to go EM! You are doing great stuff, and getting oh so close to breaking through. Keep flapping!
Posted by Phil Gerbyshak | July 28, 2007 12:46 AM
Posted on July 28, 2007 00:46
Thanks, Phil! :)
Posted by EM | July 28, 2007 4:12 AM
Posted on July 28, 2007 04:12
Hey EM,
I just had to give you my 2 cents on this. You have exactly what it takes to be a successful writer: talent, determination, and a love of the sport. Just keep writing and sending your work out, you'll get there.
Someday I am expecting to be able to say, Oh yeah, EM Sky the famous author, I know her."
Sam
Posted by Sam Cheever | July 31, 2007 9:31 AM
Posted on July 31, 2007 09:31
Sam,
Thank you so much. When that happens someday, I suppose it will only be fair... because I say that about you already. :)
- EM
Posted by EM | July 31, 2007 11:48 AM
Posted on July 31, 2007 11:48
Hi EM. Good on you! I was one of your slushers at ASIM and really liked the piece. It's just the way we do it, with a different editor for each issue - you can write a terrific piece, but if it doesn't get picked up in a couple of months, we just don't think it's fair to leave it languishing in the slushpool when you could be selling it elsewhere. I bet you'll sell that one!
And thanks, BTW, for taking the trouble to track down my blog and say nice things about my own story in #29.
Cheers!
Sue Bursztynski
Posted by Sue Bursztynski | August 16, 2007 4:59 AM
Posted on August 16, 2007 04:59
Thanks, Sue! I didn't realize you were one of my slushers. I'm so glad you enjoyed it! (Especially since I so enjoyed your own "Of Loaves, Fishes and Mars Bars." Great story!) =D
I've revised "Four" by rewriting the first scene and eliminating some of the rambling in the beginning, and I've sent it off to F&SF magazine. If they don't pick it up, I'll keep looking. I rally do love the story, and I'm determined to find it a good home.
And thinking of ASIM, I've finally learned to write a genuine short story, lol. I just finished one yesterday that's under 3,200 words. (Miracle of miracles!) Now that I can write a story in five thousand words or less, I'll be working on another one for you.
Thanks for taking the time to comment. The encouragement is DEEPLY appreciated!
Posted by EM | August 16, 2007 3:08 PM
Posted on August 16, 2007 15:08