Marilyn

When I was nine, I had a crush on a girl in my class because she was so pretty. Naturally, the first time she spoke to me, I panicked and told her she was "slimy." You wish you had my game. 😉🙃

I unfollowed an artist on Instagram who drew a memorial portrait of CK and commented that it was disappointing. Guy thought he had a gotcha moment by saying, "Were you following for the art, or for the politics?" as if one doesn't inform the other. Lot of people showing their true colors these days.

#SwannArlaud

@pronounced-ing.bsky.social Eggy is enjoying your book almost as much as I am! Thank you so much for writing it.

Yes, I deserve the McDonald's Ninja Turtles x Hello Kitty toys. The kids ordering Happy Meals haven't even spent a decade on earth, but TMNT and Hello Kitty are literally my entire/only personality. Let me have this.

"Camouflage," #watercolor on #arches. Felt so good painting this one.

Sucking it up and changing a lot of "Outstanding" query statuses to "No response" or "Declined" on my spreadsheet today. Sitting at 77 queries that include 12 outstanding, 18 form declines, 11 personal declines, 1 decline on a partial, and 5 declines on fulls. How's everyone doing? #WritingCommunity

A technician stopped by my house for an evaluation yesterday and said, "Whoa. Your cat looks like he's been through a lot" when he saw Eggy. Rude. Eggy is perfect. Eighteen years old, and perfect.

What's wrong with emojis?

It was rejected within days. Fair.

I misspelled the title of my book in my last query letter, if you want to know how things are going here.

Isn't it surreal? I've created so many profiles over the years that I delete within the week. It always feels so impersonal and overwhelming and fruitless. Glad someone else articulated this.

A short story I've been trying to place for over a decade was rejected from the Intergalactic Rejects anthology in December with some of the most generous feedback I've ever received. Still holding out hope that it finds a home someday, and very grateful for the kind words and concrit.

Reminiscing today. This was a super fun one to write.

Thank you for the kind words! I didn't think about it that way! <3 I do feel like being more consistent will do me some good. Will you keep me updated on your journey?

I've been querying on and off for years, but I'm trying to really double down these days to be more diligent/persistent. I'd send one or two, then slack off for months. Definitely not the way to get published.

Not silly at all. You ARE an author, by all definitions!

The full request is such a great sign!! I'd use that as a morale booster as you keep checking out your options. No one can take away that victory from you, even if the waters get choppy. Rooting for you!

I hope it's affirming, too. Your hard work is paying off! Thank you so much for the well wishes. It can be tough out there.

Jess, that's amazing!! I'm so happy for you! Sending good vibes to you for the most suitable and fruitful representation possible. It'll sure be an exciting few weeks.

Sent out another round of queries last week. Terrifying, thrilling process. Any writers here have any updates on their progress, whether you're drafting, revising, querying, or just vibing right now? Wishing you all the best!

Blisters. Bedrock. Bozos 1 and 2. #ZaunDads #Silco #Vander #Arcane #Watercolor #Vanco

"No doves come from ravens’ eggs." - Hannah Kent #jayvik #JayceTalis #Viktor #viktorarcane #Arcane #LeagueOfLegends #watercolor #portrait #doubleportrait #RiotGames #traditionalart

You're not what a hero looks like / Pretty little flower, won't you sit back down and go play nice? 🌹 #Jayvik #Viktor #JayceTalis #graphite #sketch #arcane

Young #ZaunDads. 🍻 Best bozos. #silco #vander #arcane

Good rejection: "My literary tastes differ from yours, so I'll let a more suitable agent champion your work." Bad rejection: "Here is a treatise on why I think first-person narratives are total shit." Wishing the writing community good luck today!

I haven't been able to promote this properly because I've been on vacation, but Scott's edits for my story were extensive and invaluable, and it was an absolute privilege being a part of his phenomenal publication. Please give this a read or listen!

BCS #394 ebook is out early today at @weightlessbooks.bsky.social & Kindle Store and for subscribers, featuring lyrical stories of sacrifice for love by @rkduncan.bsky.social and @marilynhope.bsky.social, behind cover art by Roberto Nieto: www.amazon.com/Beneath-Ceas...

Got some painful close-but-no-cigar news about my novel today, which was a finalist for a publication opportunity. Hope this means something even better is on the horizon! Good luck out there!

I'll have my fingers crossed for you! I'm querying too; it's a fun and terrifying process. Good luck with that, and with your edits!