Over the next few months, I'm going to publish WINDY HOLLOW myself. I'm also going to try to get my previous books back and publishable so I can go sell them at events. My heart broke not being able to go to Ohioana this year. I'm trying very hard to be strong in this transition. And since I recently accepted a permanent teaching position--we need $$ to live--I will have very little time during the school year to work on writing. I guess the balance of writing/teaching had to be achieved. Thank you fate, life, yin-yang, Murphy's Law, etc. You suck.
Unfortunately, that's not all. My rant isn't over, so hold onto your seat. This is an IWSG post for the ages...
You see, recovery from losing all my books at once was a blow I could handle, I saw it coming and prepared myself. But as my title suggests, I'm being kicked while I'm trying to get back up off the floor.
The same day my army son drove away to move to his new home base, I saw this...
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| coming out in 2020 |
Those two main characters, Ian and Barley are so close to my camp guides, Trevor and Bonk in CRADLE ROCK. Onward could be their sideline story!
Well, I'll tell you what I'm going to do about it. I'm going to go on a campaign to be heard. The least they can do is enlist my writing skills in adapting my Beast World series for sequels!! Right? Well, maybe that's the most they can do. But they have to do something! Anything! It's so not fair that no one can breach the realms of big productions from little hometowns in "flyover" states. I'm not young, I'm not rich, I have no connections, and I have so many responsibilities that I can't just pick up and leave. But I have ambition, determination, and will power. I can't give up. Just like my DARN AWESOME CHARACTERS - I will find a way!
As you know, I always look for a solution and try to find the positives. So through tear-filled eyes and self-pitying sniffles, here is what I came up with...
- I have the tools--technology, social media, terrific books already written with publish dates before their measly idea was born
- I have more time--it's summer! though I always have a ton to do, my kids are self-sufficient and I don't have to plan or grade until August... two months of as much writing stuff as I can cram in!
- I have you guys--I know I've been pretty lame at visiting other blogs, but I always offer my services and shout outs. I don't like asking for something without offering something in return! Here's a volunteer FORM if you have time to help here and there this summer, easy stuff!
So, Dragons as pets? We'll change that to "drakes" because the real Dragons will make a big appearance in the next one. Just you wait!
Thanks, you guys. I needed that. More news soon. It's going to be a busy summer.
20 comments:
That does suck. If it's any consolation, I've never heard of that film. Your story is still different - plow forward with it!
Hi Tara.
I'm sorry to hear that all this has been going on. I know you will come out the other side better and stronger for it, but I'm sure it doesn't feel that way right now.
So much suckage about your publisher.
I will help in any way that I can. Sign me up for whatever. You know how to reach me.
You are an awesome author. Don't you forget it.
Heather
Hang in there, Tara! (And I'm with Alex - I've never heard of that movie.)
Hi Tara - what a terrible thing to happen ... I feel for you - yet as you yourself have said, as too Alex, Heather and Madeline - keep going ... it'll turn out right. Just hope they have guilt complexes ... life isn't fair at times - but keep on ... and so pleased you've found a job to help with the pennies ... take care - cheers Hilary
Tara, I'm so sorry this happened to you. It's been 6 months since I left CQ and I'm still furious how they're treating their authors, and letting all that potential slip down the drain.
If you're thinking of self-publishing, I can highly recommend the co-op publisher Snowy Wings Publishing. Amy Bearce has already moved her World of Aluvia series there. If you're interested, email me at claredugmore (at) gmail (dot) com and I'll make the introduction.
Either way though, good luck to you and your publishing future.
This year has been... yeah. I got my rights back, and I'm sorry you're having a hard time with yours.
I'm sorry about the movie. That sucks. I know Zeitgeist is a thing, but that must feel like a kick in the gut.
Chin up.
Congrats on your teaching job. I'm all about finding some 'keep on going' posts today just when I need them. Thank you.
I can totally empathize with you. It always seems like life finds a way to throw more crap at you when you really don't want it.
I'm really sorry. Your other books were out before that movie though. Just don't lose hope.
Oh Tara! I want to take 2019 and punch it in the face for you. I'm so sorry. I wish I could give you a good explanation why this $hit happens, but I can't. I think we need to talk. I've been going through something similar, excluding your last part. (On this subject, I agree with the others that your story is still different.) I'd love to compare notes about what options are out there for your books once rights are reverted back to you. My pub recently did that for my book, and yet I have no idea what I should do with it. Others have told me at least go the indie route so the book will still be available to schools and libraries, which makes total sense. It's just . . . this is hard. It's like my initial accomplishment of getting a pub, and it being published doesn't exist anymore. I'm sorry. I'll stop here. But if you feel like venting (or cyber screaming) contact me. Gosh knows I could do both.
I'm cheering you on <3
I'm so sorry to hear how crappy things have been lately. I've filled out your form. I think I was following you most places already, but I've also signed up for your newsletter. Happy to help out in any way I can.
Cheers - Ellen
What a bunch of difficult challenges! The new job is a positive, even if it takes time from writing. Kids have a way of making us teachers smile.
So where did your Army son drive off to? My son's also in the Army but he has to fly to his base.
I'm sorry all this has happened. Don't get too discouraged about the movie. You know your ideas are original and where they came from.
Rats. Rats. And more Rats. But you're not letting this stop you. You're finding a different route to keep going, so listen for the huzzahs coming your way.
Yeah, the existence of that Onward movie (of which I hadn't heard until reading this post) has got to sting, to say the least. I'm so sorry you're feeling this frustration with your writing, and that 2019 is continuing to find new ways to kick you when you're down. You're such a wonderful writer, and I am in your corner. Hope things turn around for you soon! <3
Wow, sorry to hear that sad news. I signed up. Cheering for you. Hugs.
That's a double kick in the pants. Oh well, perhaps if the movie is successful, you can ride the wave it creates.
I didn't know that CQ was that bad off. I know you'd mentioned before that they were hitting a rough patch, but I didn't realize how bad. Hopefully you can get your rights back. Good luck!
Ugh. Sorry!! Hang in there. You've got lots of writerly friends cheering for you. :)
Yeah, life can suck and often does. I'm so sorry for all you're going through. Your rant sounds cathartic. Sometimes that's what we need to do--stand up and yell at the world. Just know you have a lot of friends pulling for you.
I'm glad this is spurring you on rather than deterring you. I love your stories! Anything you need I can do to help, just ask. :)
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