COLD DARK ROOM

Yvonne G

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My understanding is this is a place to talk about anything. So here goes. Me rambling on, my friends.

I have written a series of picture books using photos of my sulcata tortoise and other animals that visit his enclosure. The books share facts about tortoises, especially sulcatas but also other animals and address social issues such as making friends, caring for and choosing a pet, valuing diversity, etc. I have been sending query letters to agents for 5 months with no luck. I don't know if it is worth pursuing more agents. I don't know if it is worth spending the money to self-publish. I don't know if people would even buy the books. I am at that point, trash it or keep trying. And, in what direction do I keep trying? Do I start over with agents sending them the more social subject books and not the initial factual book introducing the tortoise? Do blow a raspberry at the agent idea and move on to self-publishing?

I've always loved to write. But maybe my son is going to be the published writer, not me. My tortoise books are fun writing. I would love to write a novel but the only one lurking in my head is about my families unusual number of family tragedy. Does anyone really want to read about one families experience with rape, murder, accidental death of a child, suicide, and inheritance backstabbing? It's depressing when it is all on paper, and could I even write it well?

I think I am trying to find my new place in this world. I no longer work full time and only have 3 more years before I have an empty nest. I need an agent, a publisher, advice, or a drink, or all of the above. "Sigh"
We do have a published writer here on the Forum. Reach out to @jsheffield and see if he can give you any pointers. I'd love to read your book!!!!!

(Oh SNAP!! I really need to read the whole thread before responding!)
 

Maro2Bear

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Please excuse my ignorance, but what are you remembering on this day?

Our version of Veterans Day - Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth member states since the end of the First World War to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Wikipedia
 

Yvonne G

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Well All caught up again.
It is Monday and still the rest of the week to go. So let me go and try and find some fun so that it can go by before I know it.

Spent Saturday in the garden and Sunday out for the count in bed sick. Go figure. I would have taken today as a sick day, but I had too many things to do for work. Sigh, there is no rest for the wicked.

So what have the rest of you up to?
I slept all day. I was worried I wouldn't be able to go to sleep when night time came, but I slept soundly all night. I'm still a bit sore and slightly painful today, but I'm up, I'm dressed, and as soon as I've finished with the Forum I'll be off to the kitchen to get tortoise food ready!
 

Bambam1989

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All my tortoises had to suffer a starvation day, and they were left locked inside their sheds for the day. Last night I forced myself to lay flat on my back, even though it was very painful and caused bad aching in my right hip and thigh, and I woke up this a.m. still on my back. I think that helped because, even though it's still noticeable this a.m., the pain isn't as bad, and I'm actually dressed! I'm going to tend to the animals, then go back to bed, flat on my back, and finish reading "The Edge" by D i c k Francis. It's hard to concentrate, though, because the kittens are just so darned cute (and entertaining).
Glad your feeling better
 

Bee62

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All my tortoises had to suffer a starvation day, and they were left locked inside their sheds for the day. Last night I forced myself to lay flat on my back, even though it was very painful and caused bad aching in my right hip and thigh, and I woke up this a.m. still on my back. I think that helped because, even though it's still noticeable this a.m., the pain isn't as bad, and I'm actually dressed! I'm going to tend to the animals, then go back to bed, flat on my back, and finish reading "The Edge" by D i c k Francis. It's hard to concentrate, though, because the kittens are just so darned cute (and entertaining).
Sorry to hear that you have back pain but I am sure your tortoises do not suffer starvation.;):) They can easily manage some "starvation days".:D
 

Cathie G

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All my tortoises had to suffer a starvation day, and they were left locked inside their sheds for the day. Last night I forced myself to lay flat on my back, even though it was very painful and caused bad aching in my right hip and thigh, and I woke up this a.m. still on my back. I think that helped because, even though it's still noticeable this a.m., the pain isn't as bad, and I'm actually dressed! I'm going to tend to the animals, then go back to bed, flat on my back, and finish reading "The Edge" by D i c k Francis. It's hard to concentrate, though, because the kittens are just so darned cute (and entertaining).
I want to read "Olive Again". I heard about it on our channel 10 news. I do always try to stay positive but somehow I relate to her. (or maybe I'm related) I hope you get over the flareup soon. I got to watch my little bunny clean her face and ears today. It looks like she's praying when she does it and I don't always get to see it because I'm somewhat busy with mundane things in our home.
 

JoesMum

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Cathie G

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Thank you. It will cost less than $1000 to publish 20 copies one book. So I will probably start that in January. Thanks for your encouragement.
You're welcome. I just know that it's really hard to get through the brick wall that publishers put up. They miss a lot of talent because of that. If you actually get a rejection letter that is considered a compliment for your work. Just mosey along like a tortoise and we all know they can break through walls.
 

Professor Brenda

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You're welcome. I just know that it's really hard to get through the brick wall that publishers put up. They miss a lot of talent because of that. If you actually get a rejection letter that is considered a compliment for your work. Just mosey along like a tortoise and we all know they can break through walls.
I have gotten 15 rejection letters from literary agents. I am just now starting to look for publishers who will even accept manuscripts without an agent. It is a long, discouraging and depressing process. Slow and steady...
 

Cathie G

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I have gotten 15 rejection letters from literary agents. I am just now starting to look for publishers who will even accept manuscripts without an agent. It is a long, discouraging and depressing process. Slow and steady...
Most people don't get a rejection letter from a publisher. There used to be a book at our local library on what specific things each publisher expects for you to submit to get published. It's been a long time ago but I did submit a book to children's press. I actually got a rejection letter and the person told me not to give up. That the US had cut back on subsidies for children's books. Also, your book has photos. Most publishers want their art work instead of yours. Your book wouldn't be complete without the photos. That's why I think you should slowly self publish. Hope you wind up selling a ton of them.
 

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