If I had to describe myself, it would be in a word that has many meanings with a complexity which falls off the tongue.
A word made up of many elements, is deceptive in appearance, and creates an illusion from the imagination.
My word would be Phantasmagoric. ~Summer Ross

Thursday, March 10, 2011

one foot forward

I have always enjoyed helping other people with their writing. You could say its a hobby that is up there with my pen collection or even my fairy antics. But I don't talk about it often. 

I enjoy being a critique partner- I even enjoy my college peers asking my advice. Honestly its a good feeling and something I can do that doesn't cost me or another person much- well depending on how many of my suggestions they take of course.


 So naturally going into editing has been my prime goal since I started college. Recently I have even put myself out there- really tried for what I want. Only I had to do it within the rules of my life.
 I want to do it for nothing-

 Why? well because right now my whole world depends on it and I'm not the all knowing in the way publishing works- why should I get paid for it-
 So instead I just want my foot in the door. I want to say I did something about what I want- and guess what- I can say I am doing just that.

 I talked to my grant committees at the college- I have to do 15 hrs a semester in community volunteer services- about reading for a magazine, I got their approval-
I applied for the slush pile reading position- and they took me on. This is wonderful news.

 Here's what I didn't plan for-
 It is hard knowing that on one end my say counts toward a publication- Granted it may not be much- but my input on someone elses work is consider by an editor.
That's some pressure.

But I am not dissuaded- on the contrary I am rather encouraged because I have the option to help those who submit their work. I can give them feedback if something is amiss. I can tell the author what I thought was good.

All in all I am loving the experience, and I hope what I say to the editor and author is helpful on both counts.
What should you take from this? What ever you want- go for it- put your foot in the door and even if it hurts keep trying!

29 comments:

Heather Hellmann said...

Congratulations! It sounds like you are enjoying the experience.

Deborah Walker said...

Personal rejections are a gift, I'm sure most writers understand that. I'm glad you're enjoying your slushing. Who knows where it might lead.

Jules said...

A big congrats on the appointment, I know you will do great. That fairy heart of yours is in the right place and I hope it is never to big those wings :)
Jules @ Trying To Get Over The Rainbow

Michael Di Gesu said...

So admirable Summer! You are really putting yourself out there.

I feel when you give, you receive in other ways, learning, experience, and perseverance. The fairy world and this world are very proud of you!

SInce you are so incredible, I have an award for you at my blog.... Congrats!

Michael

Dan said...

Congrats! That what you have to do in life, identify what you want and go after it. Don't worry about the pressure, they wouldn't let you do it if they didn't think you were qualified.

Old Kitty said...

Fabulous post and very encouraging too, thank you!!!

I hope you have a thoroughly amazing experience too!!!! Enjoy!! Take care
x

Unknown said...

That is a really cool experience. I hope it goes well.

Anonymous said...

Good for you! I hope your wishes come true :O)

Laura Howard said...

Wow that seems an amazing opportunity ! I'd be curious to know how much rubbish vs decent material you get to see!

Cherie Reich said...

Great post! It'd be hard to tell whether or not something should be published with said magazine, but I think it's wonderful you're willing to give feedback. A little personal note goes a long way even if the story is rejected.

B.E.T. said...

Congrats! That actually sounds really fun. I always pondered what going through a slushpile would be like...editing is really fun, surprisingly. I hope you continue having a good time with this position. :) Seems to fit you nicely!

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh, that's awesome. You made something happen. That's how this whole business works. We have to see what we want and then decide how bad we want it. I think you'd be a great editor. Sounds like a few others think so too. Congrats!!

Michael Offutt, Phantom Reader said...

You're making a difference in other people's lives. That's quite admirable.

Heather said...

Thanks for the pep talk, I SO needed it! You're right, we just have to keep trying and go for it. Thanks!

Alex J. Cavanaugh said...

That's great, Summer!

Kari Marie said...

This is wonderful! Congratulations. Consider me inspired.

Colene Murphy said...

Awe! That is so cool! Awesome, you!

Unknown said...

Great insight in your experience.

Thank you for following and commenting as well.
Nahno ∗ McLein

Elena Solodow said...

Sounds like a plan : )

N. R. Williams said...

What a great goal. I know professional editors have programs for their computers that help them edit. If you're interested, I'm shopping for critique partners. Nicole MacDonald and I are teaming up and I need one other person.

Good luck with all your school work. You amaze me that you still have time to blog and visit all us crazy writers.
Nancy
N. R. Williams, The Treasures of Carmelidrium, Special .99 through April 30

Abby Minard said...

Wow that sounds like a great opportunity. Have fun with it and share any insider tidbits you can get ;p

Golden Eagle said...

Congratulations! That's awesome. :)

The Words Crafter said...

W. O. W!!!!!!! That's awesome, congratulations!!!!

Carolina M. Valdez Schneider said...

Congratulations! Such an exciting venture. Best wishes for a successful journey into publishing!

LTM said...

hey! Congrats to you!!! That's awesome. I remember my first job as an editor I had a GREAT mentor, and it makes all the difference. Hope you have a great experience. <3 ((hug))

Jemi Fraser said...

Good for you!!! It can be so scary to reach for what we want! I'm impressed :)

erica and christy said...

Aww, great news, Summer. Congrats and have fun!
erica

Adriana said...

Good for you, going for the dream! And I agree with so many comments - it's so rare to get feedback with a rejection notice. Authors will be grateful for your efforts!

Adriana

Misha Gerrick said...

Congrats! May this job bring you lots of success.

:-)

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