I have been working on my book "Go Anyway" for about two, maybe even three years. I really don’t know.  I finished the first draft, got it in good shape, and started sending out queries way back when, by e-mail and snail mail, both. Rejection after rejection came back.

Months passed. After all, the advice sages advise, a writer should wait until the person to whom you have submitted the query replies. Multiple/simultaneous submission not allowed. O.K. I played by the rules.

About  eighteen months ago, an interested editor sent me a long letter, telling me everything I needed to change, and why. I made the first of the suggested changes, and  thought, "Terrific! I can do this!"  However, as time passed I discovered I dreaded working on my book. I finally realized I didn’t want to make the suggested changes, and that my original ideas were fine.  Yes, there is still editing to be done. But I am certain the basic outline and thrust of "Go Anyway" is just fine.

So, early this year (2009) I  put away my attempts to follow the said editors directives. And lo and behold a local newspaper (small but terrific) offered to serialize my book, one chapter at a time. And that editor,Kurt Wilson, and that paper,The Round Top Register, are doing just that. Kurt’s encouragement  and gentle editing  has gotten me back on track.

Meanwhile, I was rejected by not just one, but three very good art shows I have been participating in for years. You may not realize it, but the shows that I frequent require yearly submissions of one to four photos of recent work (and a fee of $35 or more dollars just for applying). The photos are reviewed by a jury who uses them to decide if you are in or out of the show. Why was I suddenly `out’?  Especially when I have continue to get rave reviews for my work, and continue to receive awards in my category. Not being accepted in these shows put a big dent in our first quarter income, and a dent in my self-confidence.

Now a segue: When we were sailing around the world, several people told us we would never make it. In particular, Boyd, a distant relative, took us out to dinner every time we flew back to the states, only to  always say: "Well, you’re still alive, and my gosh you’ve gone far, but I still don’t think you’ll make it around the world!" Boyd died a few years back. Where ever you are Boyd, you are one of the reasons we did make it around the world. Whenever Jim and I thought of giving up, and talked about it, we’d laugh and say at the end of the discussion: "We can’t give up! Boyd would be right!"  As you know we did make it around the world  – and lived to enjoy a celebratory dinner with Boyd.

So I declare that  I will get the book published, even if it takes longer than I planned.  I will hone the writing and the right person will come along and find "Go Anyway" and publish it.

I will be accepted into good shows. I have better photos of my jewelry now, and furthermore, I will improve my work as I continue to hone my glass skills.

So  fair warning to the editors and agents and show juries who have sent me messages of rejection. Rejection has led to determination.   You have inspired me to keep going toward my goals just like Boyd did. I’m not giving up.

I’ve been simultaneously working on our new house and making new jewelry. We stained the concrete floor with a second coat on Saturday. It looks beautiful, like granite. Oh, at last the final workmen can get in and finish everything, now that the floor is stained.

And I can get on with making more jewelry for our upcoming show in Fayetteville. The Art Walk will be Saturday and Sunday, May 2nd and 3rd. Come on over if you are within driving distance. It promises to be a lovely show on the square under big spreading oaks, with lots of nice artwork (including mine).

Here’s a sneak preview:

Two months without a peep from me on the web only means I have been busy. Let’s see:  I’ve been over at the new house a lot, making decisions and dealing with  contractors.  We’re waiting now for the concrete floor to be washed and stained, and for my propane line and exhaust fans to be installed. It is really down to the details!

Our "old" (not really old, its just 6) house is on the market , and a few people have looked at it in the last two weeks since we listed it. That means  I need to keep everything super clean in case the realtors call.

Meanwhile, we went to Dallas for Artscape, A Fine Art Fair in the Garden.  It was a lovely show, and we did well. However,  a few days before we left Jim caught a very bad bug or  had food poisoning. The doctor never figured just what Jim caught, but said he could go ahead to Dallas. We did, but took all our own food just to be safe. Whew! Jim is finally back to semi-normal after a lot of TLC.

Chapter Two  of "Go Anyway" was published in March our local paper, The Round Top Register. Work on the book continues, although I sometimes wonder if I will ever get it finished and published?

And beads?  Beads? Yes, I have been making beads in spite of everything else, and creating some spectacular jewelry if I do say so myself.  I’m glad the customers in Dallas and elsewhere agree with me. Thank you one and all for your support. You keep me going. Here are a few photos of some of my latest.  All of them have been sold, but I’d be glad to make something similar. E-mail me at beads(at)lynfoley(dot)com