I guess I'm finding the new routine. I'm sending out a somewhat simpler version of my newsletter. What's the difference between my newsletter and my blog? I usually write about books I'm reading and other things I want to share. I'll put fiction there I don't put here. This time I actually put the same …
You may belittle horoscopes. As well you probably should because there is no sensible reason to think anything light years away can guide you anywhere in the tiny swath of land that is your life. All the same, I like my horoscope--and I don't see why you have to believe something to enjoy it. Here …
The world may benefit from my stories...but that's a bit hard to believe, isn't it? Somewhere in my subconscious must be the belief that sharing what comes out of my head is a good and interesting thing. What evidence is there for this grandiose thinking? The rejection letter received today reads: "Thank you so much …
These are a few of the rejections I've received over the years. A few were addressed to me, though many were addressed to Dear Author. Due to the current status of the publishing industry--and the selectivity that the market now demands, we regret that we cannot consider your material at this time. I can't decide …
Dear Author: Thank you for your submission. It was kind of you to think of us, but we are sorry we are unable to offer to see more of your work. We thank you for the opportunity to consider your materials and we wish you the best of luck elsewhere. Sincerely, ----Inc. I've been in …
I have finished my rough draft of this year's NaNoWriMo novel, and I started with the first three chapters and notes my mother wrote before she died. The story is about a relationship she had. A couple years ago I made contact with this man from her past and he wrote me a letter about …
A lot of time here has been spent on letters from my mother. Well, here is a portion of a letter to her from her ex-boyfriend, the fellow her novel, The Death Man, is based on (and the novel I am trying to finish). I wish I could have been around for your graduation. I …
On May 6, 1988, my mother wrote this. [My professor] gave me an A, but he said although I was sometimes brilliant, and never bad, I was often dippy. But he gave me the A for my brilliance. It is hard for me to imagine my mother ever being dippy. She was silly from time …
When I was 15, my mother wrote me this. You're approaching adulthood. Neither boys nor girls automatically know how to behave. Manners will get you through. That's what social manners are for. The other night a young woman sharing a table with me burped loudly. She didn't say excuse me or look around as if …
I was in high school in the 80s when my mother wrote this. This money order is not just a Christmas present. People your age need to dress appropriately. As your mother, I'm going to add some advice about spending this money--you're probably going to get a lot of advice. Ignore everybody. Make yourself happy. …
Marta Pelrine-Bacon 