Rejections
Low-cost rejection therapy
A part of every writer’s life, for sure. And there’s a half-myth, half-truth that they get easier with time and experience.
Well, in some ways they do. One thing that working as both an editor and a writer has taught me is that one editor’s “no” is not a verdict on the quality of the manuscript. One editor’s “no” doesn’t preclude another editor’s “yes.” And some manuscripts just don’t hit the market at the right time, even though they are reasonably good in themselves. It’s a combination of skill and timing and luck each time, and if the luck isn’t there–well, it just isn’t.
But every now and then there comes a rejection that really stings–of a book I particularly love, at a moment when I particularly need an injection of hope. A writer’s career is built on hope, after all–you write a book (or at least work up a proposal), putting time and energy and skill and love into it, and then you hope it will spark the right kind of response from someone and they’ll want to pay you some money for it. (Truly a terrible business model.) Sometimes it just doesn’t work out.
Then it’s time for long walks, hugging the pets, sweet tea, and patience. The sting wears off eventually, and it’s back to work on the next book, sending hope out into the universe, crossing your fingers that you’ll get some back.
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Two Friends
No thoughts on writing, research, or poop today. Instead enjoy this photo of my pup, Karma, and cat, Tessie, who do not actually like each other but are both fiends for warmth and will tolerate anything for a cozy spot to sleep.
Afraid of Mice? Not Quite…
Photo credit: keithlawson
More animal research tidbits. You know that old story that elephants are afraid of mice? In the first century A.D., Pliny the Elder claimed that elephants hate mice “above all other creatures.” Later scientists speculated that mice might run up elephant’s trunk.
This does not happen. And elephants are not particularly afraid of mice, although they have poor eyesight (and also eyes a long way around from the ground) and can sometimes get started by anything that scuttles unexpectedly around their feet.
But there is a tiny animal that elephants are actually afraid of.
Bees.
Despite elephant’s thick skin, bee stings can still hurt. If bees are flying around, an elephant herd may form up into a protective circle with the calves inside to keep them safe from the fuzzy little flying menaces.
Read MorePoop Research Continues
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons, Nhobgood, Nick Hobgood
Guess what the pristine what beaches of Hawaii and the Caribbean are made out of?
Parrotfish poop.
Parrotfish use their tough beaks to scrape algae off coral and eat it. They also eat the little animals that build the coral. Doing this, they end up crunching up the coral itself, which their bodies process and defecate as lovely white sand.
A big parrotfish can poop out 1000 pounds of sand a year.
You are welcome for this tidbit of horrifying yet delightful knowledge. Take it with you on your next beach vacation.
Read MoreSarah L. Thomson
A children’s book author publishing award-winning nonfiction, poetry, picture books and novels including…
“Thomson focuses on newfound connection, magic, and suspense to conjure a fast-paced, heartwarming mystery. Thomson’s world is populated by resourceful protagonists, fanciful creatures, and quirky supporting characters.”
—Publishers Weekly