August 6, 2002
Back in the groove of the day job. I'm feeling excited about the start of the academic year and band. In May, I erased all of the ongoing wind ensemble rehearsals from my electronic calendar because looking at them stressed me out. Now, I'm ready to type them back in. I can't believe I wrote a book last year while balancing a full-time job, six different musical performances, and my first year of having a small social life. Bring it on again! I'm ready to achieve.
Tonight, I'll type up labels for the next set of agents. They can't all reject me just because the first one did, and if they do... I'll bring out the big guns. They won't know what hit them when Mr. Simmons comes a callin'.
Two consultants called me today with suggested character names for book II. If Avery Monroe, Tiffany Simmons or Mike Cruz pay a visit to Do Ya Love Me?, I must acknowledge my young friends for their creativity. K&C are talented beyond their years, and it is my secret hope that they both contribute music to my future book soundtracks.
The public relations director from my day job told me he'd like to have lunch soon to talk about my book. Good god I need something to stroke my ego right now. I told him a couple weeks ago that he should do a story on me in one of the college's publications. As soon as I get attention I'm thrown into the old Imposter Syndrome. I must fight it.
August 7, 2002
I was so tired last night I could barely keep from falling into my laptop when I typed up my labels. I took a 2-hour nap when I got home today. It's nice to feel energy again. I'll address query letters tonight and, if possible, make a little spreadsheet of all the various writing samples they require. CopyMax is going to make a ton o'money off KISSfiction this week.
My sister told me to send her the rejected manuscript I got back this week because she wants to read the rewritten version. I really value her feedback, so I'll be happy to oblige.
It's pretty cool to have a romantic partner who is 1) a huge KISS fan (that's how we met, btw) and 2) climbing the show business mountain in a different medium. We imagined over the weekend what it would be like to walk up the red carpet at the Oscars together with microphones in our faces. Someday...
August 8, 2002
Just a quickie tonight. I typed up the sample requirements of the agents I'll query next. Tomorrow, I'll make copies and get everything ready for the post office. I have to get my motivation back up (or, as I quoted my mother today, get my rear in gear. Can you believe I said that?). I didn't check my mail today. I have got to throw more irons in the fire so I am the one in control, not sitting around waiting for someone else to determine whether I'm good enough to publish.
I uploaded the past two months of pictures from my digital camera today. I'll make a little virtual museum when I have a chance: See the house Colette Shaw grew up in! See the kids she grew up with! See her shooting a rubberband pistol in a heated competition! Maybe not.
August 9, 2002
I was a printing fool tonight... Labels, letters, manuscript pages... I think I was inspired by my Fritz's guestbook entry, "Keep going!" Right on, Fritz.
I'm heading to DC tomorrow to see some college friends and perhaps gather more material for book II. K&C Consulting called again today with a new batch of character ideas. I can't wait to have an agent so I can concentrate on the new masterpiece.
Sunday, I'll buy stamps and mail the newest queries. I'm back in control.
August 10, 2002
Everybody's in the game now. After almost (so close!) finishing up my manuscript printing, I headed to DC to see my college friends. My pal, Mike, is eager not only to read my book but to help with the next one. He offered a number of suggestions for character names, dialogue and situations. I'm sure his help will be used indirectly if not outright. Joe and Mike perused the website a little and helped energize me to keep going - if not to feel a sense of accomplishment about my work, then to get to the part when I have the big book release party and invite all my closest friends to mingle with KISS. Rock 'n' roll all nite, indeed.
August 11, 2002
The KISSfiction factory is back in business. Synopses were updated and printed, envelopes were stuffed, and prayers were said. I must get out my Encyclopedia of Catholic Saints and figure out who the patron saint of writing is. I'm sure there are a few peripheral saints who wouldn't mind jumping on the bandwagon, too.
I felt a little guilty last night because I mentioned Joe and Mike by name, but my faithful reader, Meghan didn't even get a shout out. She's the coolest, and shouldn't have been overlooked. I have promises from all three college pals that they'll come to one of my book release parties (probably the one in Lancaster, they say). For the rest of you fans, you can choose between Lancaster and L.A. Start thinking about it now. It's never too early to plan.
Who is the patron saint of parties? (continued)
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