tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post2561694529353452666..comments2024-02-06T03:45:45.568-05:00Comments on Jillian Kent Blog: The Not-So-Glamorous Story of How I Got My Book DealJillian Kenthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12565274151603868808noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-48266721833343419272013-08-17T11:19:15.754-04:002013-08-17T11:19:15.754-04:00I'm glad you did tell your whole story because...I'm glad you did tell your whole story because I'm sure there are more people like you than the writers who put out 3 books a year. My WIP (literary fiction) started several years ago with breaks for a big move, stressful job...well, you know, life getting in the way. Seven months ago I thought I was on my final rewrite, seven months later I'm still making changes. Some days I think what I've written is great and then other days I'll reread the same pages and think it's a bunch of crap! I know eventually I'll have to stop the revisions and let a few beta readers at it that'll give me some perspective other than my own. Until then, I continue on my long slow journey!<br /><br />All the best to you, as well.LynnRodzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796099106913990163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-31527043022213183062013-08-16T10:57:52.007-04:002013-08-16T10:57:52.007-04:00Lynn,
I'm so happy that my story helped in an...Lynn,<br /><br />I'm so happy that my story helped in any way! I'd originally thought of hiding that I'd taken so many years because I was always comparing myself to those who pumped out three books a year, but then I realized there must be more like me out there, so I told all, and then some :)<br /><br />Thanks so much for taking the time to write. I really appreciate hearing from you, and I wish you all the best in your writing. <br /><br />What genre do you write in?<br /><br />Christi Corbett<br /><br />Christi Corbetthttp://christicorbett.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-3618100770148068552013-08-16T10:15:39.264-04:002013-08-16T10:15:39.264-04:00Christi, thank you for sharing your story, it'...Christi, thank you for sharing your story, it's such an inspiration! I needed to hear your journey to publication and the message to keep plugging away no matter what. It's amazing how the universe gives us the right encouragement at the right time. So, I'll go back to my revisions now, but before I do, I'd like to say thank you once again!LynnRodzhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10796099106913990163noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-85226503215117796542013-08-13T12:42:32.968-04:002013-08-13T12:42:32.968-04:00Keisha,
Sounds like you need an "I Don't...Keisha,<br /><br />Sounds like you need an "I Don't Suck" file! <br /><br />I started keeping compliments about my writing in a file, and when the rejections (so many rejections!) rolled in, I'd simply open the file and read through all the nice things that people had wrote about my writing. It kept me going through the hard times, the times I wondered if all my efforts would ever pay off. <br /><br />This site is very picky so I'm not certain if this link will show up, but I'll give it a try. Here's the link to the blog post I did about the "I Don't Suck" file...<br /><br />http://christicorbett.wordpress.com/2010/09/01/the-you-dont-suck-file/<br /><br />Never ever EVER give up on your writing dream! <br /><br />Christi CorbettChristi Corbetthttp://christicorbett.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-50070953381107758922013-08-13T12:37:38.026-04:002013-08-13T12:37:38.026-04:00Elizabeth and Lauren,
Thanks so much for writing...Elizabeth and Lauren, <br /><br />Thanks so much for writing! It was a long road, but it's comments like yours that make me happy I waited. <br /><br />Margo,<br /><br />Thanks for being such a great critique partner, and for all your help getting Along the Way Home ready for publication!<br /><br />Christi CorbettChristi Corbetthttp://christicorbett.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-71894456858376279032013-08-13T12:34:24.484-04:002013-08-13T12:34:24.484-04:00John,
I just got back from a vacation or I would ...John,<br /><br />I just got back from a vacation or I would have responded sooner...<br /><br />I love that you've gone through so many revisions! I was the same way before I started querying. I always knew I was close, but there was usually something else I'd find with each pass through. When you find a publisher you'll be happy you went to all the trouble for those revisions, because it will make your editing rounds so much easier :)<br /><br />I worked in television for a while (I was first an editor of the evening newscasts, and then moved on to writing commercials) and our main anchor was a novel writer. He told me once that he outlined an entire novel during a VERY boring city hall meeting that dragged on for hours. I'm thinking he gave the bare minimum of info on that meeting during the newscast that evening!<br /><br />We live in a small town just outside of Eugene, Oregon. Really small, like one stoplight and we just got a gas station kind of small. A good place to raise our twins. <br /><br />Thanks for writing!<br /><br />Christi Corbett Christi Corbetthttp://christicorbett.wordpress.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-83880514249162872892013-08-10T21:51:39.670-04:002013-08-10T21:51:39.670-04:00I found your link via Janet Reid, what an amazing ...I found your link via Janet Reid, what an amazing story about your path, as an aspiring author I too have had similar experience in regards to doubting myself and stressing I am not good enough but its authors like you that help aspiring silence the doubts and push on, I also appreciate the fact you did not change your story by adding sex not that its wrong I write as well smexy novels for adults but I think a book can have plenty of romance without sex, I wish you all the best and look forward to reading your book the back cover synopsis sounds amazing I love novels like that very heart-warming.Keisha Martin Romance Writerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04075320694648296594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-62280026805614591512013-08-09T14:37:32.528-04:002013-08-09T14:37:32.528-04:00Congrats, Christi. You deserve the best of everyth...Congrats, Christi. You deserve the best of everything! :)Margo Kellyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13474612650116392270noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-20892391339537445312013-08-09T13:42:15.509-04:002013-08-09T13:42:15.509-04:00What a great story. It sound like a great plot for...What a great story. It sound like a great plot for a novel.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01403714167201265834noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-50860753906484103112013-08-09T11:57:23.819-04:002013-08-09T11:57:23.819-04:00Congratulations, Christi! Good for you :)Congratulations, Christi! Good for you :)Elizabethhttp://www.elizabethmarianaranjo.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-36162945056518271802013-08-08T12:31:08.638-04:002013-08-08T12:31:08.638-04:00I was going to snarkily point out that it should b...I was going to snarkily point out that it should be "eke" out, not "eek," then I thought about my own writing career and decided you were right, eek is the proper word. There are so many times when you say, "Eek! I'll never get the time to do this!" <br /><br />I've been working on my third YA novel for about two years now, I have 9 days before my self-imposed deadline for this final revision. In the meantime I'm still looking for a publisher for the first two. (The first one has gone through 14 revisions now. A 15th is impending.) If I hadn't found an enthusiastic agent, I'd have probably quit the search and tried self-publishing, but under his guidance the work is better and the chances of finding a home for them improved. <br /><br />I write for a living, I'm a news reporter, and some days it's all you can do to elbow out an hour to work on the book. Yesterday I was covering a V.I. Senate hearing, and got about 45 minutes of work in while they were pontificating and just boring me to tears. I also have – as my friends say – "many, many children". I would add to that that they are remarkably supportive and undemanding, they've put up with a lot while dad tries to make it as a writer. And of course, they grow and strike out on their own, so we're down to two kids in the house. That helps. And during the process we've moved from oregon to the Virgin islands to New Orleans.<br /><br />It's all about the support you get on the way, isn't it? My wife is amazing, my kids cheer me on (and one daughter now trying to make it as an actress tells me she "has dibs" on playing the part in the movie – think that doesn't urge you on?) an agent who sees something marketable in my work, a boss who understands. Without all of that, I don't see how I could have done it.<br /><br />Where in Oregon are you?<br /><br />http://writepirate.blogspot.com/<br /><br />John "Ol' Chumbucket" Baurhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17120550659339089195noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-18002145629666252092013-05-28T12:31:23.030-04:002013-05-28T12:31:23.030-04:00Jamie... Everyone, this is my fantastic cousin! Sh...Jamie... Everyone, this is my fantastic cousin! She's great and super supportive, and knows waaaaay too much about me :). And I'm looking forward to seeing her in about a month when I go back home for a visit!<br /><br />Artemis... YES! I've had some of my comments gobbled up too. I've noticed Blogger has a tendency to do that. I'm so happy you made it through. Everyone...this is my critique partner, who was VITAL to the final version of Along the Way Home. She made sure all my horse-related scenes were correctly portrayed, which is good because I had some major mistakes :). And I assure you you'll be seeing her in print soon (I've had the pleasure of reading several of her books and they're GREAT!) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-37304104242667781762013-05-28T11:34:31.634-04:002013-05-28T11:34:31.634-04:00Okaaaay I've tried to leave about 5 comments a...Okaaaay I've tried to leave about 5 comments and I've been thwarted each and every time... sounds like trying to get a novel published... :) Speaking of, CONGRATS CHRISTI!!! So freaking happy to see Along The Way Home up there and about to be set free in the world!<br /><br />As for how I keep writing even when things get tough, for me, the only option is to keep writing. It's what makes me happier than anything else. Even if you could prove to me definitively that I would never get published, I would still write stories until the day I die. Artemis Greyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10849091563671031929noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-57143499294463631402013-05-27T20:12:39.740-04:002013-05-27T20:12:39.740-04:00Eve,
If you need Beta Readers (people who read yo...Eve,<br /><br />If you need Beta Readers (people who read your book and give you input) I've got two eight year olds who love to read, and give their opinions. They've done it for other children's book authors so I know they'd love to help you out too!<br /><br />I had no idea you were an aspiring author...good for you for starting your own blog, congratulations!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-59915480934575778822013-05-26T23:46:59.558-04:002013-05-26T23:46:59.558-04:00This is so inspiring, Christi! While growing up I ...This is so inspiring, Christi! While growing up I loved writing- mostly poems (a couple have been published in poetry anthologies,) short stories, and journals- but then once I had my first child, the writing stopped. It's always been a dream of mine to write children's books, or children's cookbooks- I miss writing and I know I need to get back to it! Thank you for sharing your dream and your struggles to make it a reality- and Congratulations!! :) Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-1741254304706860562013-05-26T21:57:44.159-04:002013-05-26T21:57:44.159-04:00Congrats on your book! I cat wait to read it!
Jami...Congrats on your book! I cat wait to read it!<br />Jamie WilliamsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-17540883392112549522013-05-26T20:53:54.580-04:002013-05-26T20:53:54.580-04:00Cynthia,
I did a *facepalm* after I learned who y...Cynthia,<br /><br />I did a *facepalm* after I learned who you are. I can't believe I asked you if you're a writer :)<br /><br />I followed you everywhere I could find and look forward to learning more about you. <br /><br />Going to ACFW is out of my budget so I always live vicariously through everyone's blog posts after they get back. <br /><br />Thanks again,<br /><br />Christi CorbettAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-46520123182535031372013-05-26T14:50:32.077-04:002013-05-26T14:50:32.077-04:00Yes, Christi, I'm a writer. ;)
Looking so fo...Yes, Christi, I'm a writer. ;) <br /><br />Looking so forward to getting to know you better! Will you be at ACFW?Cynthia Herronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16388770492240305255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-14291987206888695982013-05-26T13:54:43.970-04:002013-05-26T13:54:43.970-04:00Cynthia,
You've made my day, and I cried when...Cynthia,<br /><br />You've made my day, and I cried when I read your comment. My hubby wondered what my problem was :)<br /><br />I admit, I originally thought about hiding the fact it took me so long because I was a bit embarrassed that I was so slow, but then I knew there would be someone out there that would understand, because they were writing, and trying, and never giving up too. <br /><br />Are you a writer too? I'd love to learn more about you. <br /><br />Christi CorbettAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-91871923845833005732013-05-26T09:28:39.655-04:002013-05-26T09:28:39.655-04:00Cried as I read this, Christi. Your journey moved ...Cried as I read this, Christi. Your journey moved me.<br /><br />~BlessingsCynthia Herronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16388770492240305255noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-91332648278460897552013-05-25T17:35:34.914-04:002013-05-25T17:35:34.914-04:00I'm just glad you're here. It's all ab...I'm just glad you're here. It's all about you and your journey this week, Christi.Jillian Kenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12565274151603868808noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-8046537932793126922013-05-25T15:18:21.108-04:002013-05-25T15:18:21.108-04:00Jillian,
Thank you so much for allowing me to gue...Jillian,<br /><br />Thank you so much for allowing me to guest post this week! I've enjoyed meeting your readers and am very appreciative of their supportive comments. <br /><br />A round of applause for Jillian!!!!!!!!!!!!<br /><br />Christi Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-30652019939257138222013-05-25T15:14:49.450-04:002013-05-25T15:14:49.450-04:00Catherine...First of all, love your name! Probably...Catherine...First of all, love your name! Probably because it's my heroine's name in Along the Way Home :). Thank you so much for your kind words. I love your sentence, "Believing in yourself is key to success." That is such a true statement, and a concept that kept me going through all the rejections.<br /><br />Carol... Thank you! I love your blog, especially when you post pictures and then relate them back to writing. Diana certainly has it correct with her advice to never give up. So many times I thought maybe it wouldn't happen for me, but then I would just shush that thought and keep going. <br /><br />Elaine... It's funny how the lack of sex in my story was such a big affront to that one particular agent, but in the end I'm glad it was because her rejection was what pushed me to finally query Astraea Press. Thank you for your lovely comment!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-14154517368282470742013-05-25T13:50:24.026-04:002013-05-25T13:50:24.026-04:00Jill, thanks for sharing Christi's story. Chri...Jill, thanks for sharing Christi's story. Christi, I'm glad you stood your ground for what you wanted in a story. It's refreshing to see an author not caving in on her morals just to get published. May you be blessed with many more books to come.Elaine Stockhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16349776598113016833noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7017797725839412504.post-85262559967916341372013-05-25T02:03:19.485-04:002013-05-25T02:03:19.485-04:00Thanks for sharing your story, Christi. I remember...Thanks for sharing your story, Christi. I remember Diana Gabaldon saying that the single best piece of advice she could offer writers is to never give up. Sometimes it's hard to persevere when real life gets in the way, but a goal can only be achieved if you keep reaching for it. Congratulations on your success. :)Carol Garvinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02182655399708415140noreply@blogger.com