WHEN TO CALL IT QUITS

When is it time to quit?

...With my writing: never. I enjoy it even though submissions go unanswered by publishing companies. I fight discouragement with hope that someday, someone...will actually write me back -- even if it is a rejection. BTW: If you are wondering--I do send SASE with all my submissions.

...With a critique group: I'm struggling with that one. I belong (and am chairman) of two. One group is seasonal -- my community quadruples during the winter months...so that group meets only November through April. We have a core of about eight very talented and enthusiastic women. 

My SCBWI critique group is the one that troubles me. We are down to two and three members that meet regularly. The rest of the writers come and go. Is it time to call it quits???????????????? I put out an e-mail asking whether or not people were still interested. Everyone replied that they wanted the group to continue, but this week only two are coming to the meeting. How frustrating is that????

...With my desire to have recess and play reinstated in our local schools. I've been researching and writing everyone involved for ten years. All I get back is rhetoric from all involved. This decision was easy. I GAVE UP! I threw all my research, letters and responses from grovernment officals in the trash. It's time for someone else to pick up the torch--I'm tired. 

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Brothers eat dog biscuits. I've been waiting for my brother's book. He is sending me a free copy -- so where is it???

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I'm presently writing a synopsis for ONLY LOSERS CRY. I have a  lead on another publishing company. Wish me luck. This is a discouraging business!!!

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HE DID IT

He did it! My brother published his book. Of course, since it is self-published it doesn't count in our race to see who publishes first through an actual company. But, I'm proud of him. He believes in himself and his work.

Go on amazon.com and search for Signs by Dean Smith.

Am I going to buy one?

Of course not. For all the editing and advice I gave him I get one free.

It will be interesting to see what the finished product looks like.

I'm still waiting to hear from a bazillion publishers. Even a rejection is better than silence.