Archive for July, 2010

Jul

You Can Never Give Up

It has been a tough last couple weeks for me. I am now into my fourth month of unemployment and some days I really don’t feel like applying for any more jobs. I mean, I’ve already got resumes numbering in the hundred’s out there already.

But, despite the lack of success, I continue to soldier on because I have to. I’ve tried several different tactics and I know I will try several more until I meet with success.

Getting your work published is exactly the same.

You’ve got to keep working towards the goal, even when you’ve received dozens, maybe hundreds of rejections. If something isn’t working, you change up your tactics too. The only thing you cannot do is give up.

The moment you do that, you are finished because the likelihood that someone will simply call you out of the blue is slim to none. You have to want it badly enough to fight through the rejections, no matter how much they might hurt.

I will get back to work eventually just like I will get my novels published eventually. I’ve already managed to get some of my short work in print so I know I can do it.

Personal Update

Job hunting is still my number one priority. Writing on GalaxyBillies, my YA Revisions and podcast recording round out my day. I hope you are all doing OK.

5 Comments

Jul

Get Published Episode 36 – John Hemry Talks About “The Writing Life”

Posted by: Michell in Get Published (Podcast)

Podcast: Play in new window | Download

John Hemry is the guest on today’s show. John is a retired United States Navy officer and author of military science fiction. He has written the Stark’s War and Paul Sinclair series under his own name and has written six volumes of the Lost Fleet series under the name Jack Campbell. He has also written many short stories and non-fiction works.

I also address a writing question and talk about the tools I use for podcasting.

There’s lots of good information in this episode. I hope you enjoy it.

Thanks for listening.

Show Notes

00:00 — Opening – Get Published Episode 36 – John Hemry Talks About “The Writing Life”

Everything has to start somewhere and this is the start of “Get Published”

0:14 — Introduction – Get Published Episode 36 – John Hemry Talks About “The Writing Life”

Welcome to the show.

00:48 — Promo: The Drabblecast

02:17— Feedback – Get Published Episode 36 – John Hemry Talks About “The Writing Life” (continued)

DanDanTheArtMan leaves a voicemail question and Mike addresses part 2 of listener Tim’s question from last episode. This episode Mike talks about the tools he uses to podcast.
Email feedback at getpublishedpodcast dot com with your comments or call the voiceline at (206) 203-2031

08:40 — Promos: GalaxyBillies

10:28 — Get Published Episode 36 – John Hemry Talks About “The Writing Life” (continued)

John Hemry talks about his writing career thus far, both the good and the bad. He tells us how important it is to be polite and easy to work with and why you should always write and persevere.

You can also find John on Facebook as: John Hemry. He also has a Lost Fleet page.

51:04 — Promos: Audio Market List

54:36 — Closing

Thank you for listening. Let me know what you think and definitely use the voicemail line (206.203.2031) to your heart’s content!

Websites mentioned in this episode:

Audio Market List: http://AudioMarketList.com (audio market listing for writers)

Flying Island Press: http://flyingislandpress.com

John Hemry’s website: http://www.johnghemry.com

Mike’s interview with Scott Roche (Flying Island Press): http://blog.flyingislandpress.com/?p=87

View from Valhalla – How I Do It: http://www.viewfromvalhalla.com/2010/03/24/michell-plested-how-i-do-it/

Writer Beware: http://www.sfwa.org/for-authors/writer-beware/

Predators and Editors: http://pred-ed.com/

Book Expo America: http://www.bookexpoamerica.com/

Balticon: http://www.balticon.org/

Tags: audio market list, balticon, book expo america, flying island press, Get Published, irreverent muse, jack campbell, john g hemry, john hemry, lost fleet, Michell Plested, predators and editors, scott roche, view from valhalla, writer beware

1 Comment

Jul

Deadlines

Posted by: Michell in Irreverent Muse

Meeting deadlines is an important part of being a professional writer and up to now I’ve been very good about meeting mine, both self-imposed and those set by others.

Until today.

This post was intended to be out yesterday. The fact that I missed it doesn’t mean the end of the world but it is a first for me. The first time I’ve ever missed my Wednesday posting since the site started.

I’m not exactly sure how to feel about it. I suppose I could beat myself up about it but I don’t think that will accomplish anything. Pick up and move forward is the best advice I can give myself.

I do have to remember how important it is to meet my deadlines though. My ability to do so marks me as a professional and someone who can be depended on. Maybe that’s why it bothers me so much.

There will be times when it is impossible to achieve a deadline. Maybe some important piece of information you needed from someone didn’t show up in time or an unexpected disaster prevented it from being met. Whatever the situation, you have made a commitment and it is critical that you make sure people know what is going on.

It was a mistake I don’t intend to repeat so time to move on and work towards my next deadline.

Personal Update

This week has kind of gotten away from me as you might guess. Got a rejection for my Zombie short story which is alright. I have another market lined up and will be submitting it later today.

I’m back to revising my YA novel and I am quickly approaching the half-way mark in the story. I’m also a bit ahead with GalaxyBillies. Still, the writing doesn’t do itself so back at it.

No Comments

Previous Entries