Stephanie's Studio

Last year I finished the manuscript for my first novel. Through the process of writing it  I had several readers and hired an editor. Things didn't work out with the editor so I trudged onward on my own. I also workshopped the book several times in professional writer's groups. I read the manuscript and re-read it, editing all the while. Finally, I was ready to send out queries. I had read that if you don't query at least 100 places, whether that is agents or publishers that allow queries from authors, that you haven't really tried hard enough. So, query and query some more, is what I did. I had highs and lows. I had a very prestigious literary agent in New York immediately request to see the whole manuscript, after receiving the first chapter. I had several niche small publishers ask to read the whole manuscript. Two of which, took months to reply back after receiving it, raising my hopes. I got some nice rejections from that effort. Saying they loved the bo...

Yesterday was an exciting day! I was in communication with the publisher that might publish my spirituality and weight loss book that I've mentioned before. This book focuses around earth-based spirituality and earth wisdom like prayer, invocation, plant wisdom, the elements and more. Another publisher has also come forward to express interest, so now there are two. Both publishers are newer, especially in comparison with the publishers I have worked with in the past. Each one has a huge upside. The one is very eclectic and experimental in taste, whereas the other, is going to be devoting the house to more metaphysical and ritualistic titles. I will be reflecting on where might be the best home for my baby and should be able to share that with you shortly. I have posted in this space about Dealing with Rejection because it is something I struggle with. I think most artists and writers do. In fact, I can't think of any one I know that loves to be rejected. I also posted re...

This morning I woke up with rejection on my mind.  As an artist and writer this is one of the most difficult things to deal with yet it is inevitable.  Why is it inevitable?  Well, if you are putting yourself out there, to multiple markets, groups, curators, publishers, whatever, you are bound to bump up with those who do not “get” your work.  For short periods of time, sometimes admittedly longer, I find rejection debilitating.  This happens when I lose objectivity.   This morning, for some reason or another, rejections I have encountered over the last couple of weeks ballooned in my mind and made me feel empty and hopeless. Then as I was driving to get gas I started to deconstruct those negative feelings.  Being rejected is not a reflection on a person it is a reflection of various people.  The thoughts of others about your creativity, is only that, thoughts and thoughts are not facts.  I ran into that particular quote for the firs...