Wednesday, January 2, 2013

IWSG: Perseverance and Elbow Grease

2012 was a year of possibilities. Even though it marked perhaps the beginning of my path to publication (something I'm still working on), it was a year about family more than writing.

Baby Boy #2, a child I was told I'd never have, was safely delivered in August. Baby Boy #1, my toddler who was born prematurely and has struggled in many ways, found his voice through so much hard work and determination I can't help but be awed by him. On a personal level, as we start 2013, life couldn't be more beautiful.

Even though my priorities were with my family last year (as they should and will always be), I still sent out my first query letter exactly one year ago to date. I received requests and plenty of rejections. I started a blog, made a few friends, found a few invaluable CPs and rewrote my manuscript 648 times taking it from a incredibly naive, amateur first novel and turning it into something I'm excited about. (I was still excited about the draft I queried a year ago....I was just an idiot then...I'm clearly so much older, wiser, and cooler now...clearly)

But perhaps even more significant - over the past year I corresponded with a handful of agents enough to make them seem almost human. A year ago they all felt like little leprechauns - not the cute cartoon versions willing to help guide any lost soul to the end of the rainbow; they were more like evil gold-hoarding kind that were impossible to catch no matter how hard you chased them. Not only did I correspond with them, I actually enjoyed these corresponses. In many cases, they were incredibly helpful. It made me think that maybe, just maybe this publication thing that I am trying to pursue is possible...if not now...then someday.

If nothing else, 2012 and my two boys taught me two very valuable lessons. ANYTHING, yes ANYTHING is possible with a little luck and a whole hell of a lot of perseverance and elbow grease. While I can't imagine anything happening in 2013 to make me more proud and grateful than I feel right now, I'm ready to work my butt off to get to that next level.

May 2013 bring you all just enough luck to make all of your hard work pay off.

My cutie-patooties.


21 comments:

  1. Sweet, sweet kiddos. Bottom line, no matter my successes and failures,goals, foibles and faults I possess, my true satisfaction and calling has been watching my kids grow into really likable and good adults. The relationship I have with my 22-year-old and 17-year-old surpasses anything else I've done. Best to you in 2013- with your writing projects and with your precious babies.

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  2. That's huge that you were able to make positive connections with agents. And congratulations on your baby.

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  3. Older, wiser, and ready to tackle the world now!

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  4. Yay to perseverance!!
    I love the positive vibe!

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  5. So great to hear about your positive interactions with agents. You are so right about perseverance!

    And what CUTIES YOU HAVE THERE.

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  6. As the saying goes, success occurs when preparation meets luck. Hope 2013 is even better than 2012 for you!

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  7. Your kids are so adorable! Despite your misgivings, I'm sure you've grown! Keep working and someday we will both get there :)

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  8. Beautiful baby boys :) Glad you were able to make some positive connections!

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  9. Your boys are beautiful!! Wish you all the best for 2013!!!

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  10. Where do you get that elbow grease? My grocery store doesn't carry it.

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  11. Sounds like you had a hell of a year! I'll toast to an even more successful 2013!

    Jamie Gibbs
    IWSG co-host
    Mithril Wisdom

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  12. Nothing surpasses the sound of your two adorable babies cooing and playing. I know it because I have two little girls--older than yours, but still young--and I understand how everything fall behind them. However, I find truly remarkable how you have grown as a writer by listening and getting to know those horrible monsters: Agents. I admire you for it and I'm sure that with your determination and attitude, sooner than later you'll see your novel published.

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  13. Awe...family and your children do come first. My blog was on hiatus from November up until yesterday. I've had my grandson and I was busy ironing out the formatting issues with my novel, Secondhand Shoes.

    Have a great 2013 and I'll see you around the blogosphere!

    Hugs and chocolate,
    Shelly

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  14. Wow! You has an amazing 2012 and I know 2013 will be even better. The fact that you are managing to write at all while in the trenches of parenthood says a lot about your spirit. You go, Lady! Happy Creative 2013

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  15. You have such a beautiful attitude. It's catchy and uplifting. Every time I visit here, I leave with a smile in my heart. Thank you for that.

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  16. What lovely boys you have! I never expected to have two children and that made my youngest such an amazing gift. I hope 2013 continues on with it's magic in your life and you get that move to publication. :)

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  17. Your baby boys are just beautiful. And I know 2013 is going to be a GREAT year for you. You have such a sunny, positive outlook and that will bring you lots of good things, I know! Happy new year! <3

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  18. I love the last line of your 3rd pararaph. I think that's true for so many of us.

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  19. Leprechauns agents? Love it. Glad you established some human relationships with them.

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  20. What adorable children! Here's to a fabulous 2013!

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  21. Great post. You sound like a wonderful mommy. :)

    Good luck to you in 2013!

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