And chaos ensues!

I've been meaning to post, and every time I've thought I might have a few moments, something's happened.  Whether it's one of the dogs absconding with the little green army men, the boys staging a full-scale Star Wars / Angry Birds / Skylanders battle in the living room, or the recent mouse invasion (which we so are not going to talk about), I just haven't seemed to have much time.  Add to that the boys' fall activities, which are almost all into full swing and, well, it's been busy.

No, let's rephrase that:  in reality, it's been a crazy few weeks around here, which isn't unusual, except that those weeks have included the publication of two major projects that have taken up most of my "spare" time over the past several months.

Wolves and the River of Stone

This month will see the publication of Eric R. Asher's next book, Wolves and the River of Stone, the second in the Vesik series.  If you enjoyed the first, you're in for a treat with this book ... with lots more of Damian, Foster (everyone's favourite fairy), and lots of action, along with the obligatory American Civil War references.  The cover reveal just took place (awesome, isn't it?), and the official book release is slated for October 22.  Oh, and before I forget, here's the back cover blurb:

Philip, Zola’s boyfriend from one hundred and fifty years ago, is not nearly as dead as we thought. I really wish he was. Not only has he kidnapped Zola, but he’s raising an army to scour humanity from the earth. Hopefully the local werewolf pack will help. What could possibly go wrong?

Wolf Willow Journal

In addition to the editing for Eric's latest book, we've been busy putting together the first issue of Fish Creek Press' literary journal, Wolf Willow Journal.  The issue was released online last night, and ebook versions were released earlier today.  We're certainly excited to see the work of so many talented authors between its pages, and under our imprint.  Here's to many, many more wonderful issues!

Rejections

I'm in the process of making final selections for the upcoming issue of Wolf Willow Journal.  It's been an interesting process, and one that I'm really enjoying.  But I'm fast approaching the point at which I'm going to have to send out a bunch of rejections.  And I'll admit that there's good work that's been submitted that I likely won't accept because it just doesn't fit with where the issue is going.

I was reading a post on one of my Facebook groups yesterday, where an author was bemoaning the fact that she'd sent a particular piece out five times, and received five rejections.  She was ready to give up.  There were the usual "editors have no idea what they're doing" responses, and there were the "I had to submit 200+ times to get x published" responses.  I've had work accepted the first time I've sent it out, and I've got other work that's been submitted numerous times, to no avail.  That seems to be the way it goes, with publishing.

So, what next for the poor writer?  Perseverance and belief in yourself are one key.  Making sure to do thorough market research is another key.  Submitting the best work you possibly can is another, and one that I harp on again and again because, well, it's important.  But none of these guarantee publication.  That's up to us fickle editors, unless you choose to self-publish.  But do remember that a rejection isn't necessarily a critique or comment on your work ... sometimes, it's excellent, but it just doesn't fit.

Introducing Wolf Willow Journal

It's been busy around here for the last month.  In addition to beta-reading for Tricia Ballad's Daughter of Oreveille, editing the sequel to Eric R. Asher's Days Gone Bad, and editing for Raymond Douglas Chong's latest book of poetry, I've had a few other things on the go.  And, surprise, surprise, these other things include more writing and editing.  ;-)

After more than a few minor delays (life happens, eh?), my publishing company's newest publication, Wolf Willow Journal, has its very own, brand new website and is now open for submissions for its Fall 2013 edition.  

Are you ready?

I'm inching toward the finishing touches on my spring project, which got delayed when the youngest broke his arm and needed a *lot* more care and attention than normal.

Things are slowly falling into place, and I hope to be able to make the official announcement by the middle of the month.  In the meantime, I'll admit that I'm getting excited to see this project come to fruition ... and am even more excited that there are still two more to come this year, as editing and publishing become a larger part of my writerly life.