Sorry for being MIA this
month of August. Truth be told, as far as writing goes, I simply don’t have
much to report.
I discovered last week
that the agent I did not one, but two R&R’s for on two different
manuscripts has left the agency and maybe even agenting altogether. Some of you
might remember me struggling to finish a very in-depth revision for this agent
before Christmas, which I sent in and patiently awaited feedback for.
Feedback that will never
come.
Strangly enough, I’m not
as devastated by this new publishing setback as I may have been in the past.
Yes, I did a lot of work on that manuscript. Yes, I would have loved to get her
feedback on the finished product, but what can you do?
I think now is simply not my time.
There are some
major-big-life-changing events going on in Katieland right now. The biggest
being that the creepy family is kicking the dirt of this Parisian suburb off
its heals and heading west to a lovely little town in Brittany, France.
This decision has been
awhile in the making and since my maternity leave came to an end in July, I’m
not ready to rejoin the workforce quite yet, and we need to move into a larger
place with four children - we decided to go ahead and find a place we truly loved to make the move.
We chose a small town 20
minutes north of Carnac, Brittany. Carnac is a writers dream with lush, green forests, rocky ocean coasts, white sand
beaches, and ancient celtic megaliths. The place is rich in ancient lore and
mystique and reminds me more of my native New England than any other region I’ve
ever visited in France.
The move will take place
in September, so until then I’ve got my work cut out for me.
In other news: Phoebe is
bordering on six months old and slowly moving out of her extra-limb phase and
into her discovery phase. Basically, she’s got mommy completely figured out and
I’m officially boring. Old news. She’s begun to sit up in an attempt to
discover more interesting subjects. Last night was her first night sleeping in
the girls’ room instead of ours. And we’ve begun some spoon-feeding, which is
always fun.
So yes, between all of
this and the girls still at home for the interminable summer vacation, I’ve
been out of the writing community loop for…*ahem* awhile, and will probably
remain that way for at least another couple of months, which stinks. Because I
do miss this part of myself.
But I’m confident that
eventually, my time will come. My time to write. My time to blog. My time
to finally, FINALLY get an agent and get published. Someday. At some point. I’ll
be there.
Until then, a big thanks
to all of you who have stuck around for my random, sporadic posts. It means a
lot!
Ever feel like you have to put your writing aspirations in a box for a little while, until it's time to take them out again?
27 comments:
We will miss you (but we understand). And wow does Brittany ever sound lovely!
Brittany has always been on my list of places to visit. Sounds gorgeous! Best of luck with the move and enjoy your family. :)
Sounds like that is a much-needed move.
This business is all about timing and yours will come. When it does, you will be ready.
Ahhh! Since writeoncon is getting underway, I was just thinking of you when I saw my "friends" from last year. Sounds like you're in just the right place. No need to rush things--they will happen! Hope your move goes smoothly.
I'm sorry about the agent, but your time WILL come! I have faith. And yes, I've had to set my own writing aside this summer so that I could work on my other book, my dissertation. I'd much rather be working on one of my novels or a short story, but I have to finish this dissertation (even though hardly anyone will ever read it).
You are so right! Your time will come. It is only natural that your family and other priorities come first, but once you have all of them sorted out, there will be nothing to hold you back and before you know it, you will be back into the swing of things. I always tend to have jobs that take too much of my time and then writing gets put on the back burner. But I am trying to find a better job this time around. Best of luck to you.
I can so relate to this post except for the part about living in a beautiful setting in France. But the demands of small children, a growing family, wanting to write and feeling frustrated with balancing one against the other, yes yes and yes. When my time finally did come it was in a way that completely surprised and delighted me. Keep up the good work, Katie!
Setbacks just slow us down, they don't stop us. And looking after the family and finding a new home can be exciting (aside from the packing)
Sorry about the agent disappointment, but it's good you didn't have a meltdown.
Hope that you will share the photos of Brittany when you get there - I've always wanted to visit there, too. . .
Do what you have to do, and we'll see you when you are ready. Just keep your sense of humor.
I'm amazed that you get anything done at all with your children being so tiny! The good news is all of this is just more fodder for stories and writing! Best of luck Katie
Congrats on finding a new place to move to. It sounds fantastic.
Yes, I can relate to putting writing aside for a bit. I'm in that phase right now with my daughter's high school swim season starting, helping her with colleges and scholarships, and working toward my career change when I get laid off next year. Like you, I know my time will come later and that's okay.
Stick with it - it took me a long time to break through, but as I've said many times it's as much about perseverance as talent. I took 3 months off writing when my daughter was born to help look after her, so I know how it feels. When your time comes, you'll know it because you won't be able to wait to get back to your writing :)
yes, your time will most definitely come. that's a great attitude to have. in this industry it's so easy to fall down and never get back up again, I'm glad you're going to keep going.
That's exciting that you're moving! Especially since it sounds like a move you WANT to make.
Oh, and I can't believe you have four girls! They're so lucky to grow up with a bunch of sisters.
Make sure to post some pics of the new house. Sounds lovely.
You've got a lot going on. And it's very understandable. My road to publication has been rocky too. I've gone through two publishers until I decided to get my rights back and do it myself.
We all go through lulls. Real life sometimes gets in the way. I'm sure your time will come soon.
I'm surprised you can write at all with 4 young kidlings. Hang in there! You are SO right. Real life comes first, and your time will come. You already must be close, to have gotten a request for an R&R. :) Best wishes for your move!!!
As disappointing as the news is over you R&R, you have a wonderful family and are moving to an absolutely beautiful place. Enjoy your kids when they're little, embrace your new life. Writing will always be there, just like the blogosphere. Your true friends will be there when you get back.
Best of luck with your move.
You will get there, Katie!
Everyone has to find their own path, and you'll be a stronger writer for it.
Hi Katie,
Yes, I can completely relate! I put writing on hold for a year while I planned my wedding. I have two novels on hold indefinitely, and was pretty heartbroken when the second didn't land me an agent. But I'm working on a 3rd right now, slowly finding my voice again, and figuring out how to write around my full-time work schedule. Your time will come, and your new home in France sounds like it will be full of inspiration! :) Can't wait to keep reading your blog and hear news of new developments!
Carnac sounds beautiful--like the perfect setting for your time to come and set up camp. :)
You're never boring. I love your fun (even when random) updates.
I'm jealous of the white beaches. Sigh. But I can't imagine moving with a baby...take your time and don;t go insane!
Sorry about your disappointing news, but hell girl, you are living a wonderfully fulfilling life guiding four young lives and about to trade one fascinating place to live for another. Enjoy! You'll look back on these times as the fondest memories of your life someday. The writing will follow. You've got time.
I sympathize. I know 2 writers who actually got agents, only to have them quit the business within 6 months -- and then they were back to querying again. Such a disappointment. It's fate, not a reflection of your talent. Don't give up.
I hope your move goes smoothly. :-)
I put my lifelong dream of being published on the back burner for an entire decade! I gave up querying and investigating early e-publication far too early in my early twenties, though I never stopped writing. At least there are more options available now, and most agencies no longer do snail mail.
YES! I feel like that right now. I too have been off the radar and put writing on hold for my girls. Hoping to get back to it when summer ends. We shall see.
I have to say Katie you have a wonderful, upbeat attitude towards that agent and your writing. I don't think I would be as sunny and optimistic if I just underwent such a huge rewrite.
I'm happy to hear about your move to such a beautiful place. Sounds just right for you and your family.
PS-Your posts are always worth the wait!
This is a great post. Thanks for reminding me that my time will come too. Sounds like some awesome things are happening in your life right now.
With your attitude your time is sure to come! Setbacks are never easy.
And congratulations on the upcoming move! I'm quite jealous.
I can't believe she's six month, already. Dang... Good luck with your move, sweetie. I appreciate your attitude about writing and your current state in it. Lots of maturity (writerly speaking), going on there. Here for you always...
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