Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Without a Net

As you may have noticed if you've stopped by here before, I'm a writer. A struggling writer, but a writer. I've been fortunate so far with some lucky breaks but each thing I write has to go through a submission process. My latest project is a book that's a bit different. At the end of last year, I won a contest with a small publishing house with it, but I turned that contract down. (All hell is still raining down from that decision, but that's another ugly story for another day.) I also landed an agent and another publication offer within the same week. The second publication offer was with a good, reputable house, but not a big NY one. The agent wanted to take a shot with the book with the big boys.

I said, "Okay."

It wasn't too risky at the time, because the smaller house was kind enough to give me some leeway and wait their turn, because they're very classy and cool like that.

However, I can't string them along forever. Yesterday I had to tell them I was turning down the publication offer because things are still up in the air with submissions to other publishers.

I've got gambling in my blood, which means that even though I have a strong surface desire to play things safe and easy and always have a safety net and backup plan, I sometimes take risks and do reckless, compulsive things. This may have been one of those reckless, compulsive, and quite likely very stupid things if (when) another offer doesn't materialize. But, you know, what the fuck. I don't particularly enjoy the thought of this little sequence of events becoming a cautionary tale for others. But I'd also really hate myself if I didn't go for it.

13 comments:

janey jay said...

Brava!

I admire your ability and willingness to take those risks, as that is a hallmark of being true to yourself, in my opinion. Frankly, I'd rather say "Oh shit!" than "What if?" You are inspiring -- and a damn good writer to boot.

katrina said...

You're brave, Susan, but you're also one helluva writer. I think it's a good bet. ;)

SusanD said...

Laura, Alice, Katrina, thank you for the vote of confidence :)

Anonymous said...

You're a wonderful writer & I know you'll do fantastically. But I miss your AI blog. mj's blog is a shrine to Taylor. Elliott is doing fantastically now that international fans can add to his success. His radio station is doing fine too. http://www.live365.com/stations/mcornelio

peishanyeo said...

Dear Susan

Just wanna pop by to say how much I thoroughly enjoyed your entries on American Idol; they are truly sublime, beautiful and sardonically uproarious at the same time. Will be linking ya, if you don't mind.

I also wanna say that it is also my dream to be a writer, though I'm not sure at this point in time how serious I am about it, but I do know I have a passion for writing and it is hugely therapeutic for me. So far it is kinda a hobby and non-committal, and I'm in a very comfortable job which makes leaving difficult, especially when it's to step into unchartered waters. So reading about you blog about taking life's chances kinda strikes a chord with me; maybe someday I will muster enough courage to chase my crazy dreams. But right now, I'm enjoying my job and just being thankful.

Thanks for all the laughs and the tears (yes you made me tear up a little with your posts on Elliott, I'm getting all fangirly now). Your blog's a gem. =)

SusanD said...

anon-- thanks so much. I'll post an entry about elliott radio.

peishanyeo -- thanks so much. Of course I love links. I understand what you're saying about writing -- I'm exactly where you are, actually. I can't give up my day job because I'm just not that nuts or talented to be able to live off writing. So you don't need to make a huge leap, just keep typing, which you're already doing. Then keep writing/typing some more and then start sending stuff out. If there's anything I can do to help, just let me know.

Anonymous said...

Anon: I can't get the link to work for E's radio, but this one seems to go to the same station: http://elliottfan.com/radio/

Anonymous said...

Love your blog. You are such an awesome writer!!! Especially loved your recaps on the American Idol shows. They were so excellent. Loved that you saw the awesome talent in Elliot.
I check in at your site each day and have passed your site along to others, especially at the Elliot fan sites.
Hope you continue with your blog. So entertaining.
Paula

SusanD said...

thank you, Paula!

Anonymous said...

Your an AWESOME writer. With your writing you are bound for success!.

SusanD said...

thanks, v.j!

Anonymous said...

I liked reading your blog this year about Elliott Yamin and AI almost as much as I liked watching AI and hearing Elliott sing !

Your commentary is so hilarious, raunchy and right-on, that tears would run down my face from laughing so hard and God forbid if I forgot and took a sip of a drink because it would catapult right through my nose - you are a trip , wicked funny. You go , girl!

Much success with the new book - I love caustically biting humor and you are the best around .

SusanD said...

Thanks so much, Cher!