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Post by torainfor on Sept 29, 2009 13:20:01 GMT -5
Yet another project, this one by request of an author-friend. She even pitched it to an editor at a conference for me. Nothing definite, other than the promise of a spot on the sludge pile. I mean, slush pile.
This one is a YA fantasy book inspired by Native American (Pac NW) legends. Sana's mother is a Sea Swimmer, but her father was a Sky Flyer. Sana's horrified to think that someday she may grow wings. Through the book, she learns to trust in the Story Weaver who has written a story just for her.
I'm 16,000 words in, shooting for 65k. I'm working on the proposal, now. Well, I mean, I'm typing to you, now. But before that...oh, you know what I mean!
In other news, I sent off a short story to Asimov's Saturday. Only four more months to my next rejection letter! Whoo-hoo!
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Post by myrthman on Oct 2, 2009 22:55:01 GMT -5
Oh ye of little faith! Trust God and speak/write accordingly!
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Post by myrthman on Oct 2, 2009 22:55:44 GMT -5
btw, were I a publisher, I'd print your book just on what you've written here. Sounds wonderful!
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Post by Christian Soldier on Oct 3, 2009 12:25:16 GMT -5
It does sound like a good read! Will Asimov's tke an overtly Christian story? Assuming your story fits that bill, of course.
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Post by torainfor on Oct 3, 2009 23:15:19 GMT -5
OK, this sounds bad, but our library doesn't carry Asimov's, so I've only read Analog. But Analog had a similar story to mine a few months ago (self worth of a robot), so I thought I'd try this other venue.
From what I've read in Analog, the writers seem to be...defensively non-Christian. Many instances of scientists being harassed by Christians. (Which isn't completely unfounded, historically. Or even modernly, if you are a proponent of choice and stem cell research.) This short story (which has nothing to do with Thunderbird) has a Christian worldview, but it's pretty subtle. Strangely enough, I think Thunderbird could be interpreted as touchy-feely-new-agey, if not given the right context.
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Post by waldenwriter on Oct 5, 2009 23:52:10 GMT -5
According to my copy of 2010 Novel and Short Story Writer's Market, Analog doesn't want fantasy anyway. In their words, quoted in the book: "'No fantasy or stories in which the scientific background is implausible or plays no essential role.'"
As for Asimov's, they are asking for "Fantasy, science fiction (hard science, soft sociological). No horror or psychic/supernatural. Would like to see more hard science fiction." They also want character stories rather than ones focusing on technology or science, stories without "'trite, clichéd themes'" and stories with fresh ideas (as they put it, "'We like stories that extrapolate from up-to-date scientific research, but don't forget that we've been publishing clone stories for decades'"). They also say new writers will do best with them with a story that is less than 10,000 words.
Hope that helps.
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Post by torainfor on Nov 5, 2009 16:02:23 GMT -5
OK. First draft done at slightly over 64k words. Proposal sent, ready to spend quality time on the slush pile.
Now I can start NaNo...
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Post by torainfor on Jan 20, 2010 20:56:13 GMT -5
Best rejection letter ever:
"This is not the letter I was hoping to write. I really love your novel; it is original, exciting, challenging, and (so few books are these days) very well written. Unfortunately, [Publisher] will not be the home for your story. Be assured that this rejection has nothing to do with the quality of your book, but is rather due to fears from other members of the editorial team that there is not enough explicitly Christian content. Native-American style stories make many Christians (wrongfully) uncomfortable, and I doubt animal guardians, sacrifices to The Myst, and an anthropomorphized Story Weaver will go over well with our more conservative customers. Please do not let this rejection deter you in finding a publisher for Thunderbird. Thank you for thinking of [Publisher] for this project. I hope one day we will be able to publish stories like yours. If, now or in the future, you have other projects that you think might be a good fit for [Publisher], please don’t hesitate to send them my way."
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Post by metalikhan on Jan 21, 2010 3:44:19 GMT -5
Wow! It really is an excellent rejection, torainfor! That the publisher took the time to give you what s/he liked about it as well as why Thunderbird wasn't a good fit for that publisher is very encouraging. The editor recognized the quality of your work enough to invite you to later submit other work that might be more compatible with their publishing house. Submit on, sister!
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Post by journeyman on Jan 21, 2010 6:59:50 GMT -5
Although I haven't read Asimov's for years. I do remember that they have long been staunchly sectarian. In the 1980s I remember a number of letters in the letter column where the editors bluntly said they felt the Christian worldview was incompatible with SF.
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Post by torainfor on Jan 21, 2010 11:19:32 GMT -5
journeyman, you might pick up the March 2010 copy of Analog. The first story is not only Christian-friendly, it's a variation on a story line I've heard many Christian spec fans contemplate. I was quite surprised to find it.
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Post by journeyman on Jan 21, 2010 18:53:23 GMT -5
Thanks for the heads up! I'll look for it.
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Post by torainfor on Feb 17, 2010 17:06:18 GMT -5
I submitted Thunderbird to the Amazon Breakthrough Novel Contest. First tier results (whittling 10,000 entries to 2000 based on the hook) will be announced on the 25th--the day after my Birthday. My husband fully expects me to win. (And that's why I love him.) I'm stuck in the land of praying for success/God's will. Would you mind praying, too?
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Post by Teskas on Feb 24, 2010 13:17:56 GMT -5
What a great rejection letter. Isn't it wonderful when publishers take the trouble to encourage writers? The story idea has plenty of appeal. I'd enjoy reading a story like this.
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Post by Andy on Feb 25, 2010 11:07:05 GMT -5
Cool idea, torainfor, and that's quite an encouragement from a rejection letter! BTW, I've noticed Fantasy & Science Fiction has had some Christian friendly stories in the past. I've heard it's a tough market to crack though.
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