Greetings folks,

I was able to scrape together enough money to submit a 3 month subscription to keep my stories and my Upgraded status. Otherwise you wouldn't be able to read anything I have here. I was scared for a bit that my stories were deleted because my deadline was so close.

Well, that job assessment test did me no good (refer to "Been a while" entry). The company wasn't even good enough to send me a thanks but no thanks acknowledgement. That happens a lot. There's just too many unemployed out there these days to expect anyone's HR (Human Resources Department) to follow through with a little common courtesy. When they do, it's appreciated, it doesn't get me a job, but it's still appreciated. And yes, I am one of those who sends responses in kind for their time and consideration. It just makes good sense because you never know when another chance at getting a job might be or whom it's with.

So, that company was a bust (this time). I submitted more resumes, updated new info on current resumes and I actually got two interviews that went rather well afterward. One company is like the fast food of phone services offering barely over minimum wage and no word on benefits. But the interview turned out to be more of a conversation than an under-the-spot-light grilling, which was nice. I just hate the idea of being offered $2/hr LESS than what my unemployment benefits pay now. The second interview I attended was much closer to my years of training and previous pay and benefits were. I could begin an independent life all over again with this company. I so miss independence and being able to support my family without the help of others. I will find out soon what their level of interest in me is, and I'm on pins and needles waiting.

To better news: my daughter is getting married to her childhood sweetheart either in March or in May depending on how soon her needed certified paperwork arrives. Her life is looking better and I can at least lessen my worries and concerns over her.

Recently I received another manuscript rejection. Is this a bad thing? Not at all. The editor was kind enough to take time out of her schedule to let me know that even though her company won't be extending an offer for this manuscript, she liked my voice well enough that she invited me to submit future stories for consideration directly to her, and I do have stories for her. Normally, when a rejection comes with a critique they tell you what worked for them and what they think should be adjusted to better suit the readership they market to. In this one the editor addressed my actual talent. Adding my rejections up and speaking with multi-published authors I'm told that it appears that my work is being seen quickly and reviewed to the point where the stories are getting to the internal negotiating table among all the other editors who present their newest talents for publication and it's a matter of a numbers game now. When the publisher sets up a meeting with their editors and they're told to select 2 or 3 new pieces to pitch and they foresee publishing 2 for the year (or the identified timeframe) and there may be 10 or more editors pitching their favorites, to get to that table is an accomplishment.

To those who helped in spirit, my thanks and my encouragement to continue as I'm not there quite yet. These are times that try one's fortitude, one's spirit, one's health, and one's soul. I will make it! Again!

My humblest gratitude,

Æiri
 

Hi folks,

Job hunting for the last two years since I was laid off has been grueling. It's not that I haven't tried to find a job, I've moved twice to new areas to find something. The first move was because I lost my house no longer able to pay the bills for it. Yeah, you hear that a lot in the news and it's as bad as it sounds, especially when you have others depending on you. The second move was into the living space of gracious friends to get us out of the second worst economically depressed city in the nation to someplace with a chance of thriving, which unfortunately ended up costing us twice what we were originally quoted for the move. BUT!, in the first week of living here, I actually had a nibble on my job hunting line - an interested employer sent me a job assessment test! (that I just finished).

This year on top of the floundering job hunting, I also lost both of my grandmothers (one in November and one just after we arrived) and was unable to afford to travel to attend the funerals. This second time I can't even send flowers! My doctor is trying to convince me to accept an operation that I am resistant to (the condition is painful to live with but not life-threatening). My daughter has been suffering her ailments without meds because she has no work and has no money to buy insurance - when she does have money to visit the doctor she is at least able to buy samples of the meds in office, one of which has a cost of $1500.00.

So, what does this have to do with my writing? Well, for one that's a heavy emotional and physical demands on a person, for another my annual payment for Writing.com subscription is due mid-January and I have no idea if I'll be able to pay the Upgraded cost or not (even at the lowest end of payments scale for this). Lastly, yes, I have been writing these last two years through all the moves, the uncertainties, 5 family deaths, one potential suicide by a family member, etc. I am waiting on my next rejection for a publisher and as such, I am considering self-publishing through some place like Lulu.

Prayers, well-wishes, candles and etc. all help in spirit and are always appreciated. Encouragement feedback is also uplifting. Thanks so much to those who have written to let me know you like my work and want to see more!!! I will get back on it as soon as I can.

Love you lots!

Æiri

 

Greetings.

For those who have visited my port before you may notice some of my work is no longer available for review. I decided to restrict access to some works because I have been unable to get back to crafting them as I have been more focused on getting other stories published on a commercial level. What I have here is a labor of love and until I can get back to it I felt it best to just close the book for now. Stories have not been deleted, I put too much work into them for that. What I am leaving available are projects that do not require a lot of maintenance time and folks find either useful or entertaining.

The first novel I am trying to publish is an Urban Fantasy set Corpus Christi, TX in the year 2019. I am waiting on the response back from the editor on this one.

Another novel in the works is an Historical Fantasy that takes place in pre-dynastic Egypt and uses the oldest Egyptian names and references I can find. I prefer not to use any of the known Greek names if I can help it. This one is about 70% complete. This one was written in response to the rejection of a previous novel utilizing the same characters. The remark that women aren't typically warriors in this time was particularly irritating as you can't argue with a potential editor if you want to be published even if you have material proving them wrong. Worse, many of these editors are freelance and represent more than one publishing company. So, logically, if you get rejected for one publisher you're also getting rejected for those others the freelancer represents- a multiple whammy.

On the positive side these novels came rejected with a critique addressed to me directly, not as a form rejection with no information and addressed to "dear writer". The reviewers got back with me quickly (indicating my work was not in the slushpile) and were kind enough to take the time to tell me their likes as well as the points they felt would not be marketable for their company. This is appreciated! These are the rejection letters worthy of being framed and hung on the wall of reaching for success. These are the badges of honor that state: I was diligent enough to complete my novel and brave enough to get off the porch and run with the big dogs.