So many years ago, I wrote a story about a witch with a memory problem and a sister with an inferiority complex the size of Texas. It was okay, as far as these things go, but it was also very trite. I even had, gasp, a black cat in the story. Tried to get it published, but no dice. Okay. I pushed it aside and forgot about it.
About two years ago, I pulled it out, dusted it off, and rewrote it. Happy with the piece, I submitted it to FARTHING. Wendy Bradley, the editor, requested a rewrite, but hedged in terms of whether it should be shorter or longer. After some feedback from my writers group, I submitted it to Carina Gonzolez at The Zen Pen. And boom, her feedback nailed everything that didn't work. I edited the piece, sent it to Wendy...and got my first pro-rate sale.
"The Ties That Bind" appears in the second issue of FARTHING. So far, I've read two reviews.
From TANGENT ONLINE:
" 'The Ties That Bind' by Jackie Kessler is the story of Annalee, a witch who wants to break away from her body and fly. But the price of magic has its costs, and unfortunately she has a bit of a memory problem and her sister just arrived beseeching her to curse the woman her boyfriend cheated on her with. What's a witch to do?
"Though a bit predictable, Kessler's writing is strong and filled with lush descriptions. The cult-bashing favorite—hexes and witchcraft—is downplayed, allowing Annalee to shine as a person rather than a stereotypical character. 'The Ties That Bind' is an entertaining story from start to finish that should appeal to a wide range of readers."
And from EMERALD CITY NEWS:
"A witchcraft-and-sibling-rivalry story, 'The Ties that Bind' by Jackie Kessler makes good use of a point-of-view narrative from an amnesiac woman, and also has a fantastic ending. Beginnings are also a strength."
Me so happy!
Of course, I'm also a total dork. After I signed my check for the story, I promptly lost it. ((sigh)) Talk about throwing money away...
7 Comments:
Jackie! Such sweet news! Search your desk...I always seem to find things I've lost there (well, on mine...).
Look under the seat of the car.
Thanks, Heather! And believe me, the damn thing isn't on, in, around, over, next to, or under my desk. :-(
Ooh, Jon, I'll give that a shot...thanks...
Congrats, Jackie - that's great!
And I'm sure they'll issue you another check if they have to.
Thanks, Melanie -- and man, I hope so. This was a pro-rate story. ((sigh)) I am SUCH a goober! Note to self: get personal assistant.
Yup, remember that one. We worked together on that one for two or three revisions. :-D
And you were uber helpful, Faith -- as always! :-*
Post a Comment
<< Home