In July, I wrote an item about completing a short story and sending it off -- with all the attendant angst, soul-searching, paranoia, and just plain fear.
It occurs to me that writers go through phases with a project very much like what Elisabeth Kubler-Ross described people going through at the approach of death.
Here are the stages of manuscript completion
1. Denial -- It can't be true. I'm not a writer. I can't finish it. Ever.
2. Anger -- Dammit, it's impossible to write under these circumstances. This is so unfair!
3. Bargaining -- I'd give my left boob to just finish this paragraph, let alone the whole chapter.
4. Depression -- Why bother? No one's ever going to read it anyway. What's the point?
5. Acceptance -- Fine. I'll just send it out this way. I've got nothing left. I'll call it quits.
Today, Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine bought the story, "Murder on the Main Line" and I couldn't be happier.
The phrase "a new lease on life" comes to mind.
Now, if I can just get through the same five stages and finish my novel...
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Sold!
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8 comments:
Meredith,
Hooray!!! I am thrilled for you. EQMM is a premier market.
You must be walking on air!
Best of luck with the novel.
Terrie
Fabulous news!
Good for you, Meredith! Another great credit. Let us know what month it appears.
Love the five stages. You're absolutely right. That's exactly what we go through.
And very big congratulations on the sale.
That's such great news, wow! Hope you'll let us know when it's available. As for the stages...oh yeah!
Congrats! Nothing like a bit of success to motivate you.
By the way, I'd give both my boobs to land an agent.
Ah, but Travis, would you give up the fish? :)
Terrie
Yes, I'll sacrifice the fish as well.
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