REJECTIONS....REJECTIONS....REJECTIONS....

Hi, All,

I hope you are all well and happy. Summer is upon us. YAY, blue skies sunshine and warm breezes. After a FULL month of daily rain, we finally dried out and for the past week or so the weather has been simply beautiful.

Today is another segment of the IWSG. Thanks to Alex, we all get to have a monthly rant about the industry we all love and hate. 

Sorry I missed last month's IWSG post. I was too bummed and depressed to deal with anything...life can be so overwhelming at times.

I know each and everyone of us has had their share of rejections, but this particular one hit me hard.

Which brings me to this month's question.... Did you ever say, I quit? 

In mid April I had won a twitter pitch hosted by the KNIGHT AGENCY. The agent loved my pitch and requested a query and the first three chapters. For A MONTH I held my breath waiting....waiting....waiting. 

It was an extremely stressful time for me. One of my dearest friends, Melissa Bradley, had been admitted to hospice. I was heartbroken. We spoke several times and she seemed happy and at peace. She refused to give up. 

Still in Florida, I had planned to visit Melissa the moment I returned back to Chicago the first week of May. I was too late. She passed away on April 30th and I was floored. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of her. WE had planned to collaborate on a new story once I returned. We were both so excited about the prospect.

She was so thrilled that I had won the pitch. She couldn't wait for me to tell her I landed my first agent. Two weeks after she left I received the REJECTION letter.

Although not a form letter, it shook me to the core. NOT AGAIN! I shopped this story for over four years and it had multiple requests for full by many top agents. But, once again, I was REJECTED. 

I fell into a deep depression. First because of the loss of a very dear and amazing friend. And then this... How does one bounce back from such a shock to their heart?

I was/am ready to quit. I haven't written anything new in years except for the editing and blurb writing I do for our community. I have absolutely no desire to write for myself.

I hope to one day, but as of now writing eludes me. I can't focus on anything but my work for clients, taking care of my precocious pup, and trying to find a new place to live... ONCE AGAIN. That is another story....

Now for the second part of this month's question...For those of you who have quit... what brought you back? I would REALLY like to know. I hope to find some answers as I pop around to your blogs later today and tomorrow.

I certainly know what Melissa would say to me.... "Get a grip! Suck it up and just  _ing do it..." I'm smiling as I see her saying it to me. 

ANYWAY.... enough of this GLOOM and DOOM..... It's a gorgeous day in Chicago and I have a busy afternoon looking at another five condos....This will make 100 in the past month. A new record for me and my realtor! At least I'll be breaking a record today! LOL.

I hope all of you are doing GREAT!!!! I miss you terribly and hope to be myself soon. It's time....

HUGS....

INSECURITES OF ANOTHER KIND....

Hi All,

Surprisingly, it is the first Wednesday in APRIL... Can you believe a third of the year is gone already? What happened?

LIFE...

I've been doing a lot of soul searching and praying lately. A dear friend of ours in the blogging community has entered hospice care. Melissa Bradley, a funny, loving, and very opinionated woman is battling for her life. Cancer. Such a horrific disease that has touched us all.

So this is why my insecurities this month are more focused on LIFE than on worrying about writing. Although writing is in our soul, we still must deal with all of LIFE'S pains as well as its beauty.

So today, I would just like to leave you with two requests. First, PLEASE keep Melissa in your prayers and send your love to her on FACEBOOK. I know she posted yesterday, so she is on line from time to time.

And second, TELL and SHOW the people you love that you appreciate them and that they are an important part of YOUR LIFE... They need to know. Many times we ignore our loved ones for writing that next scene, or editing your first, second, or fiftieth draft. Let them know...

I'd also like to thank Alex, the creator of our monthly hop, for posting about Melissa at his blog today. WE ALL APPRECIATE what you do for us Alex... Thank you!

Here is the link to the other members of our group. Perhaps you can give some advice, cheer someone up, or even feel better KNOWING you are not alone in your insecurities about LIFE...

HUGS to you ALL! 

NEWS ABOUT A FELLOW BLOGGER AND FRIEND....

Dear Friends,


It saddens me to write this to all of you, but our dear friend and fellow blogger, Melissa Bradley has entered hospice care.

As many of you know, Melissa has been battling with cancer for the past several years. I spoke with her today and I asked if she'd like me to write to all of you.

This is the hardest post I have ever had to write. Please send prayers and love her way. Leave comments. Contact her directly if you can on Facebook. She will try to be on Facebook at some point, but she is weak and in pain.

We all have lost loved one to this dreaded disease, me included, and I know the power of prayer in helping to relieve the pain and suffering...even just a little.

Melissa has always brought so much laughter into my life and to the life of others. Her spunky spirit and zest for life will never be gone. It will live on through our memories.

I hope and pray for a miracle, that this disease melts away, and Melissa will once again be laughing with us. She has, and always will have, a special place in my heart, and her spirit will always be part of me.

I LOVE you Melissa. Please stay here with us.

Thank you, everyone...

INSECURITIES....YOU BET! IT'S MARCH ALREADY!

Hi, All,

Sorry I missed last month's post, but time just slipped away from me...

Once again we are meeting for the IWSG where we get to vent or give advice to our blogger friends.

This year so far has had me very tense and anxious. Already it's March 1 and I feel like I'm still in limbo. I had high hopes at the end of the year for a few projects I was working on that had looked very promising, but sadly neither on panned out. Sigh.

I know we've all been there, but it seems like I've been spinning my wheels and going nowhere forever...

Most of my demise is from my living space. After I sold the loft, I moved into a high rise. Thought it had it all, but the my place sits right on the train tracks. I knew it when I signed lease, but I hadn't realized the trains clank every two minutes from 4am to 2am. For only two hours a day I get a reprieve. So once I get back I'll have to move again. I've been in my tiny condo in Orlando since Christmas. I had looked forward to spending my days writing on my balcony. As many of you know I've searched in Florida for almost two years before I found a place. Well, bad choice again...

The people who live here are mostly renters and trash the place like crazy. Although the maintenance crew is excellent, the trash still piles up all over. Ugh. I am a visual creature and waking up to trash when I walk Hamlet is not the way I'd like to start my day.

It has also been unbearably hot. Mostly mid 80's and humid.... normally the temps in central Florida for the winter months are cool in the low 60's during the day and upper 40's at night. There have only been three or four days with temps below 75.

So to keep things short, I am on the hunt again... which sadly leave me very little time to write. Between editing an amazing novella and running all over central Florida, I have no time. It saddens me that I have no time to blog either. I am in bed by 10:30 most nights these days...which is so not me...

Okay... pity party OVER....

My editing work brings me great joy because I am working with an amazing writer who is growing in leaps and bounds. I humbled that I am helping someone else hone their craft through my suggestions. So even though I am not writing for me I am writing, creating atmosphere, pace, and economy of words. That excites me and perhaps when I am done, I will have the motivation to carry on with my Film Noir story that I had started ions ago.

SO... for all you writers out there, like me, feeling trapped in life and feeling like nothing is happening in your life.... helping others achieve their goals and dreams will certainly put a smile on your day...

Big hugs to ALL and THANKS to ALEX, for letting us vent and support one another on the first Wednesday of every month....

Don't forget to visit the other members for inspiration and to help those of us who have anxieties this month..... Visit Alex Cavanaugh's list here.

I will HONESTLY try my best to get around and visit you all very, very soon....

HAPPY NEW YEAR IWSG!!!!!

Hi, All



and...


HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!!!!!! throws confetti and toots a horn...

Since I am in the middle of reorganizing my place in Orlando... always on the move as you all know, so there really is no time for insecurities.... I just want to wish all of you the HAPPIEST and HEALTHIEST 2017! 

I wish you all great success in all your projects and I want to give each an every one of you a HUGE HUG!!!!!!!

You'll be seeing more of me soon....

Many thanks to Alex for creating this wonderful organization... I know he never dreamed it would become such an amazing and extraordinary phenomenon. 

STAY HAPPY and ENJOY the NEW YEAR!!!!!

TIME FOR A TREK INTO THE FOREST.....

Hi, Everyone....

Today I'd like to repost a blast from the not so distant past.... 

BECAUSE my Friend and co-blogger has come out with BOOK II of her amazing fantasy series....


HAVE you ever dreamed of creatures just steps away living in your nearby forest?  

One can only guess what or who is lurking within the trees, ravines, brooks, or under foot.

Are they friend, or foe?

Are they zombies, ready to eat your brains?

Or fairies to delight and entertain you with their grace and charm?

Perhaps mischievous elves, wanting to place you under their spell?

What about frolicking water nymphs, to serenade and calm you with a  tranquil dance.

Or maybe, just maybe, something more...

Welcome to BROKEN BRANCH FALLS

by 

Tara Tyler

Tara is visiting today.... YAY! She is on tour with BOOK TWO- CRADLE ROCK. But today Tara is telling us about her Craziest Spring break.... Take it away Tara~

Spring Break is like Vegas - what happens there, stays there… So many details of my trip have been omitted! But I bet this is lame compared to some!

In high school, I was a total nerd. Guys looked at me as a friend and an answer key. I started to blossom my senior year, but I really broke out of my shell in college. New found independence and a makeover do wonders for a nerdy girl’s image - just look at what Penny did for Amy Farrah Fowler!

My craziest spring break took place my senior year in college. I brought my good friend "Lewanda" down to my house in South Florida. We had a nice time with my parents and sister and local friends. The exciting parts happened on the way home...

I’d just started dating the love of my life, or so I thought, and he and his buddy happened to be staying in Daytona. Lewanda and I made plans to meet them and give them a ride back to school. Their place was a dump, but that stuff doesn’t matter when you’re young. We went to the beach and some clubs and had a great time! This guy was the one, in my eyes.

Since the hike back to school was so long, I offered to ask one of my high school buddies if we could stay at his place for a night. He went to FSU which was on our way, and was happy to have us. When we got there, he took us out to a party and showed us all a good time.

Once we settled in for the night, my buddy scooted up next to me on the floor. Though my friend Lewanda was snoring next to me, and the boys were in the next room, he started putting the moves on me. I was half asleep and thought it was my beau…

I stopped as soon as I realized who it was. Then, we heard someone walking around and froze, pretending to be asleep. I felt terrible. When the roamer left, I scolded my buddy. He chuckled an apology. We’d been good friends for a long time, and he was very laid back, never taking things seriously. He explained he’d never gotten the courage to try anything with me before. I told him he had terrible timing, and I was in love with my beau. He understood and said he would be there for me if things didn’t work out. So awkward!

I went into the other room and confessed everything to my beau. He was definitely upset, but he forgave me.

To top off our crazy spring break, the next day, we were rear-ended at a light! And still many miles from school. No one was hurt, thank goodness, but what a scary experience for a bunch of clueless college kids to deal with in the middle of nowhere!

*** NOTE: all of the above took place WITHOUT CELL PHONES! A true adventure!***

The saga of me and my beau was serious. We even got engaged. But alas, it wasn’t meant to be… Later, I dated my buddy, but he was a little too laid back for me. After several more failed attempts, I finally settled down with the right guy at the right time.

The lesson for this story? Be true to yourself. Be open to new experiences, but keep your eyes open! A solid relationship forms when two people have similar values and goals, not just a strong attraction. And don’t give up on lasting love - it shows up when you least expect it!

In Cradle Rock, Gabe is a goblin deeply in love with ogress Ona, but he lets her have the space and freedom to be herself and she adores him more for it.

Thanks so much Michael, for joining in my release party and letting me tell this reminiscent story. And I can't wait to hear how you like Cradle Rock! But I don't know how you will top your Broken Branch Falls splendorific rendition!

Have any of you been on any crazy, memorable trips? I know you have! Do tell! 
You are soooo welcome Tara! I will be posting my review soon! And yes, I totally love it!

WELCOME BACK TO THE FOREST!

CRADLE ROCK, Beast World Book Two

by Tara Tyler

Gabe the goblin just saved his town Broken Branch Falls from splitting apart. He also revealed that humans--horrible creatures of myth and legend--may actually be part of their history! But seriously? Nah!

Now Ona, Gabe’s girlfriend, is headed thousands of miles away to Camp Cradle Rock for Spring Break seeking evidence of humans. Gabe knows better than to tell a stubborn ogress she’s crazy, so he’s letting her go and spending the break at the beach like a normal teenage beast. And he’s determined to have a good time without her, whether he likes it or not.

But when Gabe hears Ona went missing, he and his friends set out for the wilds of the west to find her, no matter what dangerous creatures get in his way. Not even humans.

Amazon ~ Barnes & Noble ~ Goodreads

Check out the Book Trailer!

Tara Tyler has had a hand in everything from waitressing to rocket engineering. After moving all over, she now writes and teaches math in Ohio with her three active boys and Coach Husband. Currently she has two series, Pop Travel (techno-thriller detective capers) and Broken Branch Falls (fantasy adventures). To squeeze in writing, she economizes her time aka the Lazy Housewife. Make every day an adventure!

Talk to me!
Author Blog ~~ @taratylertalks ~~ Facebook ~~ Housewives Blog


I'm also giving away signed copies of Broken Branch Falls and Cradle Rock, some Beast World swag, and a $20 GC!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

LOFT CLOSING, MOVING, and INSANITY....BUT, ALWAYS INSECURITIES in WRITING...LOL

Hi, All,

Sorry for the late post, but I just realized today is the FIRST Wednesday of the month!

Thanks to Alex we have one day each month to VENT... LOL. Be sure to visit our other members for support, cheering, and advice.

Today has been just a whirlwind. The temps dropped in Chicago to the deep freeze it usually is. So maneuvering around the city with the crazy wind has not been fun. Yesterday, while moving, a wind gust pinned me and a the cover to my mop flew at me, grazed just beneath my eye and hit me on the side of the nose. UGH... thankfully it was only plastic, but it left a nice bump and under my eye is all red. Looks like someone punched me in the eye. Not black, but red. So needless to say....

I closed on my loft today! YAY! So now I am officially a renter in Chicago again. It feels right. I found a stunning 17th floor corner unit with 10 ft. Wrap around, ceiling to floor windows with a SE exposure. My favorite lighting source. I even semi cooked inside my apartment today. Had to draw the blinds. It actually got up to 77 degrees in my apt and I had the heat set to 68. But now the drafts through the windows dropped the temp inside considerably... AH, winter in Chicago! What I love most, I actually will have an amazing writing/art space EVENTUALLY. Right now the spare room is stuffed with boxes and everything imaginable. It will take me until Christmas to dig my way through it. Lol...

Although my mood was lifted today with finally saying farewell to the loft, although beautiful, it is wonderful to be free, I did get a rejection on a short story... so I am kind of depressed about that. It seems most other things in my life seem to be moving along, but not my writing. I'm honestly not sure why. I have always received great reviews from other talented writers and readers, but it seems the publishers are not too impressed. It saddens me. I just don't know what to do next as far as my writing goes. 

Maybe once I settle again and write something new, maybe that is what I must do. I just wish I had the drive.

Anyway. That is what life is dishing me these days. I should be in Florida, but I am still here. I hope to be packing up the car and pup and escaping soon. I wish I could leave now.... Single digit temps are forecasted for next week.... UGH! HELP! LOL.... I can't leave here until I finish up with my design client and setting my place up. My story doesn't seem to change, but I always appreciate my wonderful writer friends encouraging me along my journey which seems to lead nowhere.... Maybe I am just a literary lover and nothing more. I spin words into visions and atmosphere, but perhaps that just isn't enough. Time will certainly tell. 

I miss all of you and think of you often! I hope you can forgive my absence, but every time I renter our world, I seem to be whisked away! 

HUGS to ALL of you and WISHING YOU ALL THE MOST AMAZING HOLIDAY SEASON!