When I got it out on Monday, I realized that the ending pretty much sucked. LOL I worked on it for an afternoon. It didn't really get better. I worked on it more and it still felt flat. Because it was Christmas-themed, I thought it really needed to engender a warm fuzzy feeling.
I finally think I got it last night. I don't often write holiday theme stories, so I'm interested to see if it flies. I have one written for the Chinese Horoscope issue, too, but it's a chancy story because it's in the POV of a Chinese American matchmaker, whom I gave a cultural flair. We'll see if they go for it. :)
Ah, Kate, Christmas already! I do hope your story makes it to print in WW. I am not inclined to target holidays in submitting my stories to WW. Since it is a one-shot deal, it really narrows the chances of making a sale. Of course, if everyone feels like that, the field could be wide open. I did submit a 4th of July story for this year. I thought it was really cute, but it "didn't work" for Johnene.
ReplyDeleteWith your background, your non-generic Christmas story should be a good one. I, for one, want to read it. Good luck with this one.
I must admit, I do have a Valentine story that I will send in July. It is a much shortened version of a story I wrote years ago. Well, it isn't the WW generic either, so it may end up back in the vault. But I like it.
Sorry, I meant your Chinese Horoscope story. But I will be glad to see you sell both of them to WW
ReplyDeleteI have one of those, too, Mary Jo. I think Patty must have liked our Valentine stories or she wouldn't have asked us to resend them.
ReplyDeleteMary Jo, I never targeted holidays either, for the same reason, but in the last year or so, I decided to try to write a few while that holiday was happening, because that's when the ideas for them come up. Then, I would hold them and submit six months later. It's a system that's been working so far.
ReplyDeleteI don't actually have high hopes for the matchmaking Chinese horoscope story. The only thing it really has going for it is that it features the Chinese horoscope prominently. Otherwise, it's a matchmaker story heavy on the matching... Wait a second. I just thought of a way I can rework it. LOL Back to the drawing board.
Tamara, my Valentine story isn't anything Johnene ever saw. It is just a story (a fairly long one)I wrote years ago and never had a market to submit it to. So, no it isn't something she asked to see. It will be a surprise for her. Mine is about misdirected Valentine gifts and an understanding heart. Anyway, I like it even if no one else ever does.
ReplyDeleteKate, I would love to see the WW romance stories show us something a little different once in a while. It may never happen, but at least we can keep knocking on the door. Now I really want to see your Chinese story make it to print!
Wow, Mary Jo, did I ever misread your post. I thought maybe yours, like mine, was returned by Patty Gaddis, who told me to resubmit in time for next Valentine's Day. I sent it in too late. Let's hope I write better than I read.
ReplyDeleteKate, if they really like you story, it just might make it for that issue. WW does want that 'the same, but different' story. Good luck with it.
ReplyDelete