Every first Wednesday of the month, the IWSG (Insecure Writer’s Support Group) engages writers to share their fears, thoughts, progress, struggles, excitement, encouragement, or anything really, about their writing. A different question is posed each month as a writing prompt. Answering it is optional. For March, the question is: “Other than the obvious holiday traditions, have you ever included any personal or family traditions/customs in your stories?”
This amazing, supportive group of writers was founded by Alex J. Cavanaugh. Today, the co-hosts are Jacqui Murray, Lisa Buie-Collard, Sarah Foster, Natalie Aguirre, and Shannon Lawrence.
My answer to the question
In my current memoir, there are a lot of “red herrings”, or minor themes, mixed in with the main themes. One of them is the integration of Belgian expressions and customs. Of course, the differences between my American life (and culture) and my previous life in Belgium (and its traditions) could fill an entire book, so I had to cut back on this. As a result, I have deleted insights into the way I used to celebrate Christmas and New Years when growing up, for example.
My book progress
I can finally report that I had a very productive February, because I managed to stick to my commitment of last month. I prioritized my memoir (and everything else fell by the wayside). Mark and I managed to reserve spots multiple days in a row at several free campgrounds in Florida. None of them had services or facilities. Just being able to sit still for chunks of time, allowed me to work most days on my book, despite the challenges.
This means that I queried 18 more publishers (that consider memoir), resulting in a total of 26. Four of them rejected my project so far. As I mentioned last month, publishers appear to be more personal, reliable, and prompt in their responses. You might remember from my examples of rejections letters from agents (of which only 1/4 responded) that those are usually standard, form replies, often not even addressing me or being signed by the actual agent. To give you an example of a rejection letter by a publishing house – granted this has been the most personal one to date – I have pasted it underneath.
Hi Liesbet,
Thank you very much for your submission and for your interest in XXX. Unfortunately, after reviewing your submission, we’ve decided that it is not quite the right fit for us at this time. Please remember that publishing is highly subjective, and that publishers must take into consideration many factors beyond the work itself. I enjoyed the confidence of your voice in the face of a hard decision and was immediately drawn in to how exciting the first chapter sample was. We wish you all the best of luck in your continued submissions process.
All best,
Editors at XXX
One publishing house I’m interested in, requests the complete manuscript to be attached to everyone’s query. I took that “opportunity” to do one final round of edits in the entire book, deleting another 7,000 words in three weeks, before sending that particular submission off. My total word count is now 88,000 – much closer to the average. It was a lot of hard work; I hope some of it will finally pay off…
What’s next?
I promised myself and my husband to get all that work done by his birthday on March 1st. I succeeded – barely – so now it is back to “life on the road”, moving often, to spend time with my companions, meet friends, go on hikes, and explore some of Florida. In between, I’m working on other projects. As always, it remains difficult to combine the nomad life with jobs.
Working in our 19ft camper is like working in a cubicle the size of a 4-person elevator, with a 60-pound dog at your feet and a husband squeezed in. With unreliable internet, hard-to-come-by electricity, and 90-degree weather without air conditioning. Luckily, it’s not as claustrophobic. We do have windows. 🙂
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March 4, 2020 at 20:45
I hope you get good news from that publisher!
March 4, 2020 at 22:39
I’d take good news from any publisher at this point, Alex! Thank you for the continued attention and encouragement!
March 4, 2020 at 21:05
Hi Liesbet! Yay! Sounds like you made tremendous progress on the book. Good for you for paring it down more to an average length and all the other work that goes into editing. Super exciting that a publisher is looking at the entire book. Happy Birthday to Mark and the very best for your coming travels. ~Kathy
March 4, 2020 at 22:44
Thanks for all the wishes and your insightful comment, Kathy! It wasn’t quite Mexican, like last year, but I think Mark had a good birthday again. 🙂
I hope that publisher will at least have a look at my attached manuscript. Sometimes, it’s hard to know whether these queries, emails, sample chapters, requested promotion material, and attached documents get read or not. Of all the 26 publishers I contacted, only one requests the entire work from submitting authors. Fingers crossed, again. I’m now at a point where I need professional editing help one way or another.
March 4, 2020 at 21:11
Best news I’ve heard all week, Liesbet! Hard work and perseverance will ultimately seal the deal. I’m feeling good about this! Yay! Happy birthday to Mark!
March 4, 2020 at 22:45
Mark says “thanks” for the birthday wishes and I say “thanks” for your positive wishes, continued support, and believing in me and my memoir!
March 4, 2020 at 23:04
Congrats on all the progress. Love the photos. I hope you guys are having a wonderful time.
March 7, 2020 at 15:32
Thank you, Juneta. Lots of work these weeks, but we should have a wonderful time again later in the month. 🙂 I’m behind catching up with reading IWSG posts as well, but I’ll get there eventually.
March 5, 2020 at 01:11
Hi, Liesbet – Like Jill, I have a good feeling about your work’s publication. I remain incredibly impressed by your dedication and the conditions under which you are able to work. When your book is a bestseller wannabe writers will try to copy your writing conditions! 😀
March 7, 2020 at 15:35
Haha! You are funny and too kind, Donna.
The book ordeal is an interesting experience. Sometimes, I think it’s interesting and well-written. Other days, I feel it sucks and that it should never see daylight. Plus, when I think about all the time, energy, and dedication invested, it’s almost not worth it. And then I think, after all that work, I better make sure it gets published… On any account, I wouldn’t recommend these writing conditions (or business owning conditions from the past) to anyone actually wanting to be stress-free and productive! 🙂
March 5, 2020 at 08:55
WHAT A HARD WORKER YOU ARE, SO PROUD OF YOUR ACHIEVEMENT, LIESBET! As you say, “Just being able to sit still for chunks of time” is the ticket to productivity.
Yes, I know it’s hard to “kill our darlings,” and while I’d like to know about the contrast between Belgian and American customs, you have to run it through the filter of theme to see if it fits.
The comments above are Very Encouraging, and I echo that sentiment. Right now I’m wearing a tee shirt that says “Donut ever give up.” I’ll wear a cartoon donut to the gym today. Ha!
You are getting there! 😉
March 7, 2020 at 15:40
Love your t-shirt quote, Marian, even though I don’t eat donuts. 🙂 You are bound to produce smiles for other gym members, like you always put them on my face with your thoughtful, kind, and encouraging comments.
I’m sure I have too many themes run through my memoir still. And, I wish I could sit still more often, but it’s a concerted effort in this lifestyle, especially with a husband and dog around, in a small space.
March 5, 2020 at 11:47
Good luck with that publisher, fingers crossed!
March 7, 2020 at 15:44
Thanks, Claire! I bet on a few of them, so hopefully some good news will follow. A tough business, though…
March 5, 2020 at 14:04
Your adventurous heart is also the heart of your memoirs, Liesbet. Soon, a publisher is going to “get it” and proceed from there. I l found that publisher’s example very encouraging! Glad you were productive and could rest for a few days.
March 7, 2020 at 15:48
I hope you’re right about a publisher getting it, Terri. With a little bit of help from a professional editor, this would be a great book. 🙂
No resting yet, as I “forgot” about my editing job, every first week of the month. But soon, I can swap my editor’s hat (whether for my memoir or the sailing magazine) for my traveler’s hat. Hopefully, it’s not too hot in Florida by then, so we can explore a bit before heading north again.
March 5, 2020 at 14:23
Fabulous progress. To me, if you are writing every day you are making progress. You are working on your craft. Good job! That is an amazing letter from a publisher-more than a form letter because it’s obvious they really looked at your work. you inspire me!
Also, happy belayed birthday to your husband. He and I are Pisces – a wonderful sign metaphorically and literally. 🐠 🤗
March 7, 2020 at 15:50
Hi Pam! According to your theory, I’m making progress and working on my craft every day, as I surely – in some form or another – write every day, if not ALL day. 🙂 I love the way you think! And, a happy birthday to you as well – in the past or in the future. Pisces (Piscesses?) rock!
March 9, 2020 at 11:03
Haha – Piscesses rock for sure. I’m the Ides of March – right in the middle. And yes, you are ABSOLUTELY making progress just by writing every day. Truly. Deeply. I believe this.
March 11, 2020 at 12:45
You are so nice, Pam! Must be that Ides of March thing. 🙂
March 5, 2020 at 15:57
So glad you found some good places to camp. Good for you, making your March 1 deadline. I know it must have been so much work.
I hate it that it hasn’t worked out with any publishers or agents yet – but although the letter you posted was a rejection, it must be encouraging that they had some positive things to say.
Hope you are having fun exploring!
March 7, 2020 at 15:55
Hi Duwan,
Yes, it was nice to finally read a more personal letter with “constructive criticism”. After all the work and time and energy that has gone into all this, it was nice to read. It’s really crazy, though, if after years of hard work nothing were to pan out in regards to this memoir But, then again, it’s all a learning curve and we draw conclusions from experiences. Many written books go unpublished or don’t reach more than a first draft.
We aren’t exploring yet, but the busy weeks should soon be over. Then, we get to hang out with friends and explore Florida. Hopefully, it won’t be too hot by then. Will there ever be a place that makes us, campers, happy weather-wise? 🙂
March 5, 2020 at 17:01
Well done on the great progress! Hope Mark had a good birthday, and you are now relaxing a bit.
March 7, 2020 at 15:57
Thanks, Anabel. Tomorrow is the day! I will take Sunday off and relax. 🙂 Mark had a decent birthday. We’ve both been in a funky state of mind the last couple of months. Yet, doing a craft brewery tour on foot with Maya, produced an enjoyable afternoon. He enjoyed it.
March 8, 2020 at 13:38
For a rejection, it was quite supportive. Liking your voice and all. I’d call that a query in the right direction. Way to go. 🙂
March 9, 2020 at 10:12
Thanks, Anna! That was the first “encouraging rejection” in 150 sent out! 🙂
March 8, 2020 at 13:57
I live for windows, Liesbet. They really helped us when we tent camp with five children. Somehow the tiny tent trailer seemed larger than it was–with all 7 of us squeezed inside. Of course, I wasn’t trying to write at that time.
Your rejection letter begins like some of my rejection letters for the short stories I submit. But BRAVO on the last part of the letter. The publishers recognize your strong voice and exciting first chapter. You’ve got this, my dear. And bravo to you for having such a wonderful support system…i.e., a patient husband and pup. This truly helps when trying to write. Believe me! All the power to you! Happy birthday, Mark! Hope you all enjoyed a pleasant day. The weather looks beautiful!
March 9, 2020 at 10:17
Hi Victoria!
While you weren’t working during your camping trips with seven, I’m sure it had its own challenges! But such precious experiences and material for your stories… Windows are important. As I write this, our neighboring camper is a utility trailer with zero windows that houses a couple and their two children. Crazy!
I also can imagine how you’re constantly interrupted by your large family when trying to write. I hope you at least have an office or studio! I find it extremely hard to sit and write in this small camper space with a dog and a husband crammed in, especially, when he (and the circumstances) causes interruptions and distractions.
While it’s warmer in Florida than elsewhere we spent the winter, the previous years, we like the weather out west better. Lots of grey skies here, which doesn’t help our electricity situation. Have a great week!
March 11, 2020 at 22:04
Well done, and what a nice letter from the publisher! You’re definitely doing something right (write?). 90 degrees sounds a bit much to me, though. Whew!
March 12, 2020 at 10:52
I wish all a writer had to do was write, Diane! I’m sure this has been said a million times before and I’m pretty sure you agree. 🙂 Like teachers, authors have to take care of a plethora of “related” tasks on the road to success.
March 12, 2020 at 22:32
That’s the truth! I’m lucky if I get to spend even 30% of my “work” time actually writing. Wouldn’t it be lovely to have an assistant? 🙂
March 17, 2020 at 11:01
An assistant, so all we need to do is write? Now, you’re talking. But, who can afford that? Maybe we can train our hubbies? 🙂
April 17, 2020 at 02:47
Liesbet, I am so impressed with your determination and persistence, writing in trying circumstances. I love having a separate private office to write in, although I didn’t always have that luxury. I can write in noisy places, like on airplanes and in cafes, but I can’t write if people talk to me and interrupt my train of thought.
Jude
April 17, 2020 at 16:32
Good for you, Jude, being able to write in noisy places. Maybe practice made perfect? I can’t do it. I’m easily distracted. Ideally, I have my own office, or at least, no husband (and itchy dog) around! I really tried hard to focus on and commit to my memoir in February and made that clear to Mark ahead of time. It was challenging, even having made this a priority and having found some decent free campgrounds, but I stuck to it. My current situation – despite having both desks in the same room – should be more conducive to work. 🙂