February 04, 2015

Revisions Insecurity + Award



I want to discuss a few things.

#1 99 cent SALE on Hurricane Crimes, my romantic-suspense short story. Ends Friday. Amazon, Nook, Kobo, BookStrand, and All Romance eBooks.

#2 You can name my antagonist in the sequel to Hurricane Crimes! I don’t want to make this post any longer, so for details go to my Facebook page.

#3 Here are a few posts I think can help some of you with your insecurities:

1. How to Build a Platform – If you want to know how to get your name out.
2. Blogging 101 – If you’re looking for advice to make your blog better.
3. Blog Post Ideas – For those of you struggling to find inspiration for posts.
4. How to Create a Facebook Page – If you need help getting on FB.

#4 Now I’m going to blab about my insecurity.

In December, I sent two short stories to my publisher (The Wild Rose Press) for consideration. Before the holidays, I received a contract for Witch of Death. Yay! But I continued to wait to hear back about Ghost of Death. My beta readers said this story was good (Not great, might I add.) but thanks to them I made it better. When I did hear back from my editor, she had bad news. She didn’t like that I wrote the story in first person, past tense.

Note to self: First person, present tense. Always!

I’m better with past tense, so I altered the story to third person and sent it back. Again, I waited and waited...and waited some more.

I finally got another email from my editor (who is fabulous, by the way) with more bad news. She said it was so good that she hadn’t realized the main character (the ghost) was sixteen, and that she couldn’t accept it unless I aged her. So I went back and made my ghost a twenty-one year old college student. I had to change certain things about the story to make it fit her new age. I sent it off again knowing if I got a “no” it would be a “no” forever.

What happened, you ask? Well...I got the contract January 30th!

I’m lucky to have such a wonderful editor who believed in my story, but there were so many changes so suddenly that I’m insecure about it this story now.

LESSON: Even though an editor wants you to make drastic changes to your story, it can still get accepted! Hard work pays off!
QUESTIONS: Have you ever done major revisions for an editor? Was you story accepted or rejected after that?
***************************************************************************************

One Lovely Blog Award:



I was nominated for the One Lovely Blog Award by C Lee Mackenzie. Thank you so much, C Lee! I'm thrilled to be nominated with so many other lovely bloggers, and I happily accept. :) A few days later, Gina Stoneheart nominated me for this award, too. Thank you!

Rules for this AWARD:

1. Display the logo on their website/blog.
2. Link back to this page.
3. Share 7 things about yourself.
4. Nominate another 7 people.

7 Things about Me:

1. I was almost born in Okinawa, Japan.
2. I love books/movies/shows about witches.
3. The main characters in my books are named after my future kids. Or I at least give them the names I’d give my future kids: Beth and Donovan (Hurricane Crimes), Libby (Witch of Death)...and more in other manuscripts.
4. My favorite flowers are actually weeds: daisies, dandelions, thistles.
5. I adore all cats, but black cats are my favorite.
6. If I wasn’t a writer, I’d be a photographer.
7. I’ve never watched the Twilight movies, or read the books...

Nominations:

1. Sherry Ellis – Mama Diaries
2. Vanessa Morgan – Travelling Cats
3. Medeia Sharif
4. Beth Ellyn Summer
5. Michelle Wallace – Writer in Transit
6. Shannon Lawrence – The Warrior Muse
7. Denise Covey


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137 comments:

  1. Stephanie FarisFebruary 4, 2015 at 6:53 AM

    YAY!!! Congratulations. I've made drastic changes to almost every book I've written at the request of my agent/editor--and it always made the story stronger. It's funny, though--my agent HATES present tense. She even blogged about it. So I don't even try!

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 9:57 AM

      She hates present tense? Wow! She sounds like my kind of agent. ;) I can read present tense but can't write it worth a darn. And thanks, Stephanie!

      Delete
  2. Juneta keyFebruary 4, 2015 at 8:12 AM

    Congratulations on the success of your hard work and your nomination. I have trouble writing in first person except in short stories. Thanks for all the helpful blog links.
    Juneta at Writer's Gambit

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    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 9:57 AM

      Thanks, Juneta! I'm glad I'm not the only one who struggles with first person. ;)

      Delete
  3. Optimistic ExistentialistFebruary 4, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    CONGRATULATIONS on getting the contract, Chrys!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Loni TownsendFebruary 4, 2015 at 9:36 AM

    Congrats on getting the contract! That's great!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Alex J. CavanaughFebruary 4, 2015 at 9:43 AM

    Congratulations! I'm sure it was difficult to change it twice, but you got the contract in the end.

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    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 9:59 AM

      Thank you, Alex! It was difficult but the contract was always the goal. ;)

      Delete
  6. Julie FlandersFebruary 4, 2015 at 9:49 AM

    Congratulations on the contract! Even though the revisions were difficult, I would think the hard work made the contract even more satisfying in the end. And congrats on the award too, definitely well deserved.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 10:00 AM

      Thank you, Julie! I was very worried that I was going to get a denial after all that, so I was relieved and happy. :)

      Delete
  7. UnknownFebruary 4, 2015 at 10:40 AM

    yay! thank you for nominating me :) can't wait to do it! And yup, I did a revision for an editor and my agent and I never heard anything back! I think that was the absolute worst-but it wasn't specifically for her, I was doing the revision for a new round of editors anyway! so it made the book better :)

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:10 PM

      You're welcome, Beth! I'm sorry you never heard back after doing that revision.

      Delete
  8. Crystal CollierFebruary 4, 2015 at 10:49 AM

    I LOVE EDITORS. Can I say that again? I work with two, and I'm so grateful for both. They definitely have a vision beyond my own and their suggestions take my writing to the next level. I understand the insecurity, but you shouldn't worry. You're in good hands.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:11 PM

      Thanks, Crystal! My editor is amazing. And I'm so glad that she continued to have faith in my story through my revisions.

      Delete
  9. Roland D. YeomansFebruary 4, 2015 at 11:28 AM

    The editor Maxwell Perkins was one of the major reasons for the success of his clients: Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Wolfe. Wow, did that man have his work cut out for him! The three writers squabbled like young brothers! I am glad your agent believed in you. :-)

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:12 PM

      Thanks, Roland! :) I didn't know that Hemingway, Fitzgerald, and Wolfe all had the same editor. Wow!

      Delete
  10. Al DiazFebruary 4, 2015 at 11:40 AM

    Congratulations are in order. It is very difficult to make changes but you managed to do it and still keep a good story. Good for you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Carrie-AnneFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:06 PM

    Congratulations on your contract!

    My Russian novels and my contemporary historical family saga are in present tense (third-person omniscient), but my eyes just glaze over the moment I see first-person present tense. With certain exceptions justifying that POV/tense choice, it just feels like the writer mindlessly following a trend instead of a conscious, deliberately chosen narrative. "I do this. I do that. I say this. I say that." It's really hard for me to even read, since it's been done so often, and almost always anymore just doesn't fit with the type of story being told.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:13 PM

      Thanks, Carrie-Anne!

      I can read first person-present tense just fine, but I can't write it. lol But you're write...it is done a lot, especially for YA.

      Delete
  12. Christine RainsFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:17 PM

    Congratulations! I recently was asked to do a revision and resubmit, but I was rejected. Sometimes the story just doesn't connect with that editor. So I submitted it to another venue. :) I have a lot of trouble reading and writing present tense. It's just weird to me.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:35 PM

      Thank you, Christine! I'm sorry it didn't work out with that other editor, but I know you'll find one who connects with your story.

      Delete
  13. Kai Strand, AuthorFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:24 PM

    Congrats on the contract. I was biting my nails through the entire story, "Did she get it?" So, I'm sure I'd enjoy the short too. Glad your hard work paid off.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:35 PM

      Thanks, Kai! I'm glad my post was suspenseful. ;)

      Delete
  14. Yolanda RenéeFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:26 PM

    I'm still learning present tense. But oh yeah, major changes and resubmits - I thought that was what it was all about! LOL

    Congratulations! Good luck!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:37 PM

      I've had to do smaller changes before. Like with Hurricane Crimes, I had to take out all of Donovan's parts because I was head-hopping. Oops. LOL! But this was the most I've had to do for one story...especially a short one.

      Thanks, Yolanda!

      Delete
  15. Michelle TranFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:41 PM

    Congratualtions on the contract :) And great linked posts!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Pat HattFebruary 4, 2015 at 12:55 PM

    Congrats that is awesome news indeed. Sometimes some editing can sure go a long way. Wow, all those names you must want a lot of kids haha

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:42 PM

      Thanks!

      Ha! It sure would be tough picking a name whenever I do have a baby.

      Delete
  17. Madeline Mora-SummonteFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:00 PM

    Well done on the revisions and on getting the contract! :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. ELAdamsFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:03 PM

    Congratulations on getting both stories accepted! I had to make major changes to my second novel before it was accepted, but that was because there were structural problems with it. I've never changed a story's tense before, but I did change a story from first to third person once.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:43 PM

      Thank you, Emma!

      Making changes of any variation is tough.

      Delete
  19. UnknownFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:09 PM

    Congrats on your award and the fabulous contracts! I'm lucky that my editors never change my plots or characters, only a few words of prose or minor details. Good luck with your sale! :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Sherry EllisFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:22 PM

    Thanks for the nomination! I'll give you a shout out on my blog. So, no first person past tense? That's interesting, because in my series, I've written it in first person past tense. My agent liked it, as did my editor, but I'm wondering now, if present tense would help it get picked up by a publisher.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:45 PM

      You're welcome, Sherry! Your blog is truly lovely so I had to nominate you. :) That is interesting because my editor said first person-past tense doesn't work. I guess every editor is different.

      Delete
  21. VR BarkowskiFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:26 PM

    Congratulations on the contracts, Chrys! That's awesome.

    I've never done revisions for editor, although I would certainly be willing to make changes if asked. My agent requested a more hopeful ending to my first book. Not a happily ever after but something slightly more upbeat. I had no issue making the change. It didn't impact the story, and I think it strengthened the book overall.

    VR Barkowski

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:45 PM

      Thank you, VR!

      I don't have any issues making changes requested by my editor either. They know what they are doing. :)

      Delete
  22. Kristin SmithFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:30 PM

    Congrats on the publishing contracts—such great news!!

    And congrats on the Lovely Blog Award. Very interesting that you've never read or watched Twilight. And I love that your character names are the names of your future children—so cool! For my male protagonists, I try to use a physical feature or a characteristic similar to one of my boys, that way some day I can tell them, "yeah, you inspired this character." :)

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:47 PM

      Thank you, Kristin!

      LOL! I just don't get into the trends that much. Except for The Hunger Games. I made an exception with that one.

      I think that's a great way to honor your sons, Kristin. It makes your male characters that much more special. :)

      Delete
  23. S.A. LarsenッFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:44 PM

    High-Five for your perseverance! WOOT! Yes, I have had advise from a 'power-that-be' to change the tense, etc... For me, it was an entire manuscript. :)

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:48 PM

      *High-Five* ;)

      I couldn't imagine having to change the tense for a novel.

      Delete
  24. L. Diane WolfeFebruary 4, 2015 at 1:56 PM

    Congrats on both books! Past and present tense always confuse me.

    ReplyDelete
  25. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2015 at 2:07 PM

    I think as long as the important parts of your story are there--what makes it your story or what you love most about it--the changes will ultimately make it better. Try not to worry!

    Congrats on the award! I haven't read the Twilight books, but I have seen the movies. I even WENT to the movies to see the last one. Sheesh.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 3:20 PM

      Thank you, Debra! That made me feel so much better.

      Haha! I was just never interested in the books or the movies, although people did try to get me to watch them and I read the first page of Twilight and stopped.

      Delete
  26. Annalisa CrawfordFebruary 4, 2015 at 3:31 PM

    Good for you for listening to your editor. You might know your story, but they know their market. Congrats for getting it accepted.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Hart JohnsonFebruary 4, 2015 at 3:42 PM

    Congrats on getting your stories accepted! I wish I could write short stories. I seem to be bad at it. Or maybe I just don't like not getting to fully explore, but I think it is that I like to build, rather than dive in... And I am not a present tense fan either--something has to be beyond fabulous, storywise for me to not just be annoyed with it.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 4:06 PM

      I used to not be able to write short stories, but now they come so easy for me.

      Delete
  28. Sarah FosterFebruary 4, 2015 at 3:43 PM

    That's a lot of changes! It's a good thing you stuck with it, though. One of my professors in college actually said that first person present tense is the hardest POV to pull off. I tend to avoid it just because it feels like something is missing when I try it. I'm better with first person past tense.

    Congrats on the award!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 4:07 PM

      It was a lot of changes, but it was worth it. :) I've really tried to write first person-present tense but I just can't pull it off correctly.

      Thanks, Sarah!

      Delete
  29. Empty Nest InsiderFebruary 4, 2015 at 4:17 PM

    Congrats on the publishing contracts! Your hard work really paid off! Enjoy your well-deserved Lovely Blog award! You have lots to celebrate, Chrys!

    Julie

    ReplyDelete
  30. Susan Gourley/KelleyFebruary 4, 2015 at 4:52 PM

    Congrats on the contracts and for going to all the work to revise. Trusting your editor makes it easier to go to all that work.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 5:16 PM

      Thanks, Susan! Trusting your editor is essential.

      Delete
  31. Sandra HooverFebruary 4, 2015 at 4:58 PM

    Congrats on the contract & the Blog Award, Chrys! Perseverance pays off!

    ReplyDelete
  32. Vanessa MorganFebruary 4, 2015 at 5:00 PM

    Congratulations on the new contract. That's awesome. Also, thank you for giving me the Lovely Blog Award. I really appreciate that. I'll post about it on my blog in a few days.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 5:16 PM

      Thanks, Vanessa! And you're welcome! I look forward to your post. :)

      Delete
  33. cheerfuloptimisticFebruary 4, 2015 at 5:10 PM

    Nice to know after all the hard work you did, you got the contract.

    ReplyDelete
  34. SK AnthonyFebruary 4, 2015 at 5:25 PM

    Oh my gosh! That's fantastic. Hard work pays off. Drastic changes and its stress were worth it! Congrats :D

    ReplyDelete
  35. CynthiaFebruary 4, 2015 at 6:32 PM

    Congratulations on your GREAT NEWS! I'm glad your hard work and your trust in this editor paid off. =)

    ReplyDelete
  36. Adrienne ReiterFebruary 4, 2015 at 6:58 PM

    Congrats on your contract!

    I've done revisions for an editor and still been rejected. Ha!

    Cheers Chrys!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 4, 2015 at 7:09 PM

      Thanks, Adrienne!

      Oh, that stinks! But I guess it happens. Unfortunately.

      Delete
  37. Diane BurtonFebruary 4, 2015 at 8:05 PM

    You're so lucky, Chrys, to have an editor willing to work with you. Someone who saw potential in your story. Congrats. Hard work does pay off.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Mason T. MatchakFebruary 4, 2015 at 8:09 PM

    Getting comments back is always nerve-wracking, no matter who it's from. >_< But I'm with you on this one - when the feedback makes the story better, it's all worth it. The one story I've had published became much stronger after I made the changes the editor suggested.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:11 PM

      You're right about that. Any kind of feedback is nerve-wracking. I'm getting that feeling with my manuscript right now which I'm sending to beta readers.

      Delete
  39. Donna McDineFebruary 4, 2015 at 8:09 PM

    woo hoo...congratulations! Glad you didn't give up! Your determination and open mind certainly paid off!

    ReplyDelete
  40. Lisa ThomsonFebruary 4, 2015 at 8:35 PM

    Congratulations, Chrys! Your new book sounds exciting. I think it's great that your editor gave you that valuable feedback. Beta readers are certainly a big plus. I'm just about ready to give my short story collection to some beta readers. I'm kind of insecure about it :) This is One lovely blog---most definitely. Hey, that's pretty cool you were almost born in Japan.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:13 PM

      Thank you, Lisa! They are both short stories, and will be eBooks, and I sure hope they are exciting! :D Good luck with your short story collection. I'm sure it's great!

      Delete
  41. Shell FlowerFebruary 4, 2015 at 8:52 PM

    Sounds like you are really rocking the house with your writing. It is interesting to change a story so drastically, but I'm sure it was a good exercise for you anyway. Did you lose much in aging your character? I have a novel that has been criticized for having teenagers do things that are "inappropriate" for their age, but I know real teens and they do things that would shock older folks. It's a fine line, I guess, but congrats on getting your story published!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:15 PM

      Changing my story as I had to was certainly interesting...and a bit of a pain, but I got through it all right. I had to change quite a bit when I aged my character. Her dialogue and thoughts had to be altered. Her living circumstances, education, and where she hung out with her friends also had to change.

      Delete
  42. Nicki ElsonFebruary 4, 2015 at 8:58 PM

    The story must be good since the editor thought it was worth the trouble of revisions. Congrats!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:15 PM

      I guess so, so I'm really happy (and lucky) about that. Thanks, Nicki!

      Delete
  43. Liz BlockerFebruary 4, 2015 at 9:29 PM

    Congratulations, Chrys!!! All that hard work paid off :)

    ReplyDelete
  44. Rachna ChhabriaFebruary 4, 2015 at 10:19 PM

    I have done a few minor revisions for editors, no major ones yet. Congrats on your story acceptance and the fact that you didn't give up on it and revised and revised and revised some more.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:17 PM

      Minor revisions are common. I've had to take out a scene in both Hurricane Crimes and 30 Seconds after they were accepted. But this was the most I've had to do to get a story accepted. Thanks, Rachna!

      Delete
  45. Margo BerendsenFebruary 4, 2015 at 11:40 PM

    I would love to work with an editor that could give me feedback like that!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:17 PM

      It's rare, but they are out there. I hope you find one, Margo!

      Delete
  46. CherdoFebruary 4, 2015 at 11:57 PM

    As I read your post, my own excitement and anticipation grew! So glad you go the contract.

    Question: Why was it necessary to age the character from 16 to 21?

    Congrats on your award - you're one of my favorites, too.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:19 PM

      Thank you, Cherdo!

      My publisher doesn't like stories with teen main characters. When I wrote the story, since it's so different, I hadn't thought it would be a problem.

      Aw. Thanks! :D

      Delete
  47. Rawknrobyn.blogspot.comFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:14 AM

    Congratulations on your story ultimately being accepted, Chrys! What a relief.

    ReplyDelete
  48. Shannon LawrenceFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:39 AM

    Thank you for the award, Chris! Also, congratulations on your story being accepted! I've got some edits coming on a short story coming in a few months, so we'll see. And, hey, I have a black cat (I think my favorite are Siamese) and love photography, too.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:20 PM

      You're welcome, Shannon! And thank you! My black cat is Cole. He says "hi" to your black cat. :)

      Delete
  49. SpanjFebruary 5, 2015 at 2:44 AM

    Whenever I submit a story, I start to fret. The longer I have to wait, the more I fret. I come to believe it was the worst story ever written. So contracts always come as fantastic surprises! Congratulations on yours!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:21 PM

      Oh, I fret too. The suspense kills me! Thank you, Angeline!

      Delete
  50. Angela WooldridgeFebruary 5, 2015 at 5:19 AM

    Congratulations on your story! And thanks for sharing those interesting bits of info about yourself. (I particularly like the naming your future kids bit).

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:22 PM

      Thank you, Angela! I'm glad you enjoyed the random facts about me. It's hard to think of something that others would find interesting.

      Delete
  51. UnknownFebruary 5, 2015 at 5:51 AM

    Wow, congratulations! I hope it all goes well.

    ReplyDelete
  52. Jennifer HawesFebruary 5, 2015 at 8:48 AM

    Letting other people name your antagonist is an awesome idea. I love names! Congrats on the contracts! I've made some major revisions to my current finished work in progress and am so glad I did. You have to be willing to make changes! :)

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:24 PM

      I couldn't think of a name for my antagonist for the life of me. Not while writing the story and not while editing it. You can offer some names if you want, Jennifer. :) Thank you! Yup, we have to be willing to make changes. Editors know what they are talking about.:)

      Delete
  53. AnonymousFebruary 5, 2015 at 9:04 AM

    Congrats on the contract. Hey, at least your hard work paid off, and your revisions only made the book better.

    ReplyDelete
  54. PatsyFebruary 5, 2015 at 10:54 AM

    I've had editors ask me to make changes to short stories. I always try to do as they ask and more often than not, that results in a sale.

    ReplyDelete
  55. RobinFebruary 5, 2015 at 11:23 AM

    I didn't read any comment but the first one and I agree with Stephanie. In fact, I was relieved she said it. As a reader, my least favorite POV is first person, present. I dislike it so much that I will just quit reading sometimes if it's in first person, present. I love first person, past. So, I would not say first person, present (always). Your editor loves first person, present. And maybe she liked it for just that story (don't know), but many books are published successfully in first person, past.

    Anyway... so glad you revised to the point that everyone is happy and it has a publishing date. Win!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 12:28 PM

      That's so interesting! And I say that because first person, present tense is so common. Every writer is using it, it seems. So I'm glad present tense isn't my strong suit and I changed my story to past tense.

      I've never read a book in first person, past tense, but I enjoyed it for my own story and was disappointed when my editor said it didn't work. I guess all editors are different.

      Delete
  56. Laura ClipsonFebruary 5, 2015 at 1:03 PM

    Witches are awesome, and I love black cats. I have a beautiful long haired one of my own :)
    Congrats on getting a contract for your story, hard work definitely pays off!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 2:27 PM

      My Cole is long-haired too. :)

      Thank you, Laura!

      Delete
  57. UnknownFebruary 5, 2015 at 1:18 PM

    I love stories about witches as well. And I've never done revisions for an editor but I imagine that getting those notes back must be tough!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 2:28 PM

      Getting those notes back is very tough, but after you sit on it you realize it's doable and for the good of the story.

      Delete
  58. Terry LeeFebruary 5, 2015 at 2:06 PM

    Wow! As a new writer and blogger, your site gives me plenty of homework. Good post!

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 2:29 PM

      Hearing that makes me happy. My goal has always been to help new writers/bloggers. :)

      Delete
  59. Cherie ReichFebruary 5, 2015 at 4:37 PM

    Congratulations!

    Sometimes revisions like that can be for the better as long as it's still the story you're happy with. I've done two revise and resubmit before for short stories. One short story after three or four R&R was accepted, but then the magazine never published it. The other was for an anthology and was rejected because the editor said it didn't fit with the other accepted stories in the anthology. Although the first story remains unpublished, I did get the second one in a different anthology.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 8:06 PM

      Thank you, Cherie!

      Yes, it's essentially the same story just altered. I am happy with the changes, though.

      I've had one flash fiction piece accepted by a magazine once but then they told me how much I had to change for them to actually publish it, so I pulled it. Sometimes those things happen for the best.

      Delete
  60. UnknownFebruary 5, 2015 at 7:17 PM

    Congratulations on both the award and the contract! It's interesting that the publisher saw something in it despite wanting to change the whole point of view and main character of the story.

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 5, 2015 at 8:07 PM

      Thank you, Michael! I know. I'm really lucky, because anyone else would've rejected it for the POV alone.

      Delete
  61. Yanting GuehFebruary 5, 2015 at 10:18 PM

    Congratulations on the story acceptance (and two of them)! Getting feedback from editors and critique partners always make me jittery and insecure but I know, reading through the comments, that their suggestions will make my story stronger ~ most of the time anyway. (By the way, I prefer writing in the past tense, too.)

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    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 6, 2015 at 10:21 AM

      Thank you, Claudine! It's always a scary thing, but once we get over that we can see their wisdom. That's what a good writer does. :)

      Delete
  62. E. ArroyoFebruary 6, 2015 at 12:14 AM

    Congrats!! =)

    ReplyDelete
  63. dolorahFebruary 6, 2015 at 3:22 AM

    Awesome. Sometimes you just gotta get through all the rewrites. I like working with an editor, but they can sure be tough to please sometimes.

    ReplyDelete
  64. AnonymousFebruary 6, 2015 at 4:41 AM

    Thank you so much for nominating me. :)

    I did major revisions for an editor once and the story was accepted.

    I look forward to your new releases.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 6, 2015 at 10:22 AM

      You're welcome, Medeia!

      That's awesome! I wonder which story...Hmm. ;)

      Delete
  65. diedre KnightFebruary 6, 2015 at 4:49 PM

    Fantastic news, Chrys! Surviving that many requested changes is a feat in itself and you (obviously) rocked it! Sounds like you've got a regular Dream Team working with you and those are hard to come by ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 6, 2015 at 6:12 PM

      Thank you, Diedre! I did survive and both me and my story came out winner. ;)

      Delete
  66. Sheena-kay GrahamFebruary 6, 2015 at 9:38 PM

    Congrats Chrys on the acceptance.

    ReplyDelete
  67. Chrys FeyFebruary 7, 2015 at 12:32 PM

    Hi Lanise! Thanks so much! :)

    ReplyDelete
  68. Brandon AxFebruary 8, 2015 at 8:25 AM

    Congrats on your stories. Just the idea that someone cares enough about your story to want you to tweak it is a good sign.

    ReplyDelete
  69. TBMFebruary 9, 2015 at 10:16 AM

    Daisies are weeds? I didn't know that. That's my fave. I have a black cat. Right now he's yelling at me, so he's not my fave, but most of the time he is. Don't tell him I said that, he may hurt me.

    Congrats on sticking with the story. I know what it's like to get the "you need to rework this one." But editors usually know what they are talking about.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyFebruary 9, 2015 at 12:28 PM

      They are! I was surprised when I found out but daisies are my fav, too. And don't worry...your secret is save with me and my black cat, Cole. :)

      Thanks, TB!

      Delete

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