i used to be very protective of my writing.
in fact, few people ever read what i wrote,
my best friend who just visited being the select
few. i still remember when i shared a poem with
an acquaintance back in high school and he laughed
after reading and said, “it rhymes!” with such
derision i felt my poetic soul crumple in on itself. ha!
so reader reviews are trickling in for SILVER PHOENIX,
and i have become a self-googling fool. you better believe it.
i read all reviews. and it may come to a point where i can’t
anymore or i choose not to. but at this point, i’m reading
everything. there have been some meh ones. where the reader
wasn’t so into my story for whatever reasons. i thought it’d
sting more, but it really hasn’t.
control freak that i am, i’ve learned these past years
the best thing you can do is not worry over things you
have absolutely no control over. and that includes reader
reaction to what you have written. it’s all part of becoming
an author. i DO know, however, that i put out the best
story i could with the backing of a wonderful editor and
publisher. i couldn’t be more proud of this achievement,
and nobody can take that away from me.
SILVER PHOENIX releases next tuesday and i feel like
i’ve been running around in circles chasing my own tail.
my best friend flew in on her birthday and we had
such fun catching up. we’ve known each other since junior
high and are headed toward nearly 25 years of friendship!
i took her to george’s terrace for a delicious lunch, the meal
rivaled by the gorgeous views of the pacific below us. i’ll
see her again in london later this year!
our brush painting society’s show also started last week.
i went to the reception on saturday and found out that my
panda painting had sold to out-of-towners, who took the
baby panda home with them. i really don’t get too sentimental
about my art. when someone is willing to buy my painting
because it brings them joy–i honestly cannot think of a greater
compliment for an artist. my bunny painting, however, i’m still
unwilling to part with right now. =)
speaking of bunnies…
my best friend had fun peeping on my muse.
here is bunny sprawled out, just chillaxin’.
i find it very very funny! he feels so at home now
in our back garden! but! there was a bit of excitment
last week when i spotted this….
it must be spring as we have a BABY BUNNY!
awwwwwww! so my best friend and i admired the
baby bunny and the big bunny for quite some time,
trying to guess if big bunny is a parent or possible
sibling? we both stepped away from the window for
a bit and when i went back–there were TWO baby bunnies
on the grass. i thought maybe the big bunny had shrunk but….
do you think we’re in trouble? if we see two baby
bunnies–does that mean there’s a half dozen more in
the bushes? haha! yikes! i have no idea how many bunnies
are in a litter. either which way, they are very very CUTE!
i tried throwing carrots at the baby bunnies. one sat on it
for a while–but never tried to eat it.
baby bunnies will learn. and please buy my book as
i will need a serious increase in the “bunny fund”. haha!
it’s glorious weather these past few days–like summer.
hope everyone has a wonderful week! comment and give
us some bunny love!
eta : “Rabbits can mate as early as 3 months of age and gestation
is 31 days with a litter size of 4 to 12 kits.“ oh dear.
some linky love :
steph over at reviewerx was kind enough to share my
first sale story–and is doing an ARC giveaway as well!
lenore also was kind enough to interview me for
her YA review blog, presenting lenore.
and kelsey has featured SILVER PHOENIX for
her “on the outside” cover posts.
and finally, we have a great discussion going on over
at the enchanted inkpot on gender roles in fantasy
novels–especially that of women! please join in with
your own thoughts!!
25 Comments
Adorable photos! I love your bunny stories ;) I applaud you for your calm approach to reviews! I’m not sure how you can do it. I hope I can follow in your footsteps when my time comes. I’m counting down the days until I get a copy of your book!
maggie, i’m so glad you enjoy the bunny tales too. =D and maybe you get more zen as you get older. ha! here’s to hoping!
I’m so excited for your book to come out, Cindy! :) My MiL gave me a Barnes and Noble card for my birthday, and I’ve been saving part of it all this time for Silver Phoenix. :D
Also, those baby bunnies are about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen!
I’m glad you’re taking it all in stride Cindy! And look at how many people entered your giveaway at Verla’s! We all want your book!
xooxxox
Lesley
Awe, bunnies!
Can’t WAIT for Silver Phoenix release! I’m itching to get in my own review :)
renee, yay! thank you!!!
lesley–you are my bestest cheerleader! <3
sara–eeee! =D
I wanted the baby panda painting. I loved it! I know I ordered the book and have the ARC but I couldn’t bear to part with the ARC for anything! Not even for my loyal blog readers. They’ll just have to wait for your signed copy release party next week. So exciting!
PS – forgot to say that I love your attitude. It is so healthy!
I called my local Borders, where I ordered your book, to say, “Hey, is it in?” They said no. So I said, “Why not?” No answer, but at least I nudged them.
Bunnies, although very cute, are like cockroaches. For every one you see, there’s a dozen you don’t see.
ello–aww thanks! i’m so excited–and overwhelmed! and ha! on the “health” attitude. where are my writer neurosis meds? =p
bryn–i think you are right. i won’t be oohing when there are 12 of them on my lawn. =O
AAAAYIIIIIE, the cute. (Thank goodness for the arrows! I would have never spotted the one on the wall!)
Sooo cute!!
:D
They look pretty mature– I’m betting they’re at least a few months old. Rabbits can have a lot at once… sending you huge book-sale vibes!
Can’t wait to read your story– glad you’re managing the reviews part well!
Those bunnies are adorable! Yeah, you’ll have a whole colony by next spring if you’re not careful:)
I’m glad the reviews are hurting too much! I’ve always worried about that part of becoming published. Hopefully I’ll be strong like you:)
Can’t wait to pick up your book! I’m going to B&N next Tuesday! Wee. Better finish my current read so I can get right to it:)
I had to smile at the picture of the bunny stretched out in the shade. They generally only do that out in the open like that when they feel very safe and comfortable. They must like Cindy’s sanctuary!
lisa–your alien is cracking me up! alien from hell! ha! the one on the wall is totally hiding!
liz–er, how much is a lot at once? like 8? !!! =O and thanks for the well wishes!
natalie, yay! yes, if we get too many bunnies, we may have to stop giving out carrots? not sure. i love the bunnies tho.
ty–that’s what i thought! it was super hot yesteday and big bunny look like he had turned into a rug and melted into the grass. ears flat and everything! =D
Baby bunnies!!! Dang, those guys are cute.
And you have a solid attitude towards the fools who fail to recognize your brilliance…
jacqui wifey, your alien scares me but i still heart you. haha!
Oooh such adorable bunnies!
I’m super excited that SILVER PHOENIX DAY is right around the corner. One more week!
thanks, amber! i’m always happy to see your alien. ha! so cute!
I admire your calm and confident attitude regarding reviews! How wonderful to know that Silver Phoenix is your story, told the way YOU wanted to tell it and their opinions are well, just opinions!
I love the bunnies and wow, is that your yard? beautiful!
cant wait for your book – congrads :0
*gasp* The BUNNIES!!!? I’m quite falling over in delight at the pictures. Anyway, I can’t wait to see Silver Phoenix out in bookstores next Tuesday (or, hmm, even this weekend, who knows?). I hope you’ll take pictures of yourself with a finished copy at the bookstore and post it up here for us to see!
Oh, and thanks for your comments on my review. There’s going to be a SEQUEL?? I had to come over hear and ask you that. Wow! Are ** **** and **** **** (spoiler-safe) ever going to get together? :D
Oh man, just wanted to add that I LOVE my alien image. It’s like a highly embarrassed and surprised yield sign. Very appropriate for me!
steph, hahaha! i posted on your blog, i guess i didn’t answer your not possible to be spoiler safe question. i haven’t written it so i don’t know. i know what *i* want as an author. =) and LOVE your alien too. i’ve been getting such funny ones lately. they make me giggle.
Hi Cindy,
I got here from Ello’s blog.
Firstly, I love Chinese art your artwork is really very beautiful. You really are a very gifted artist.
All the very best for ‘Silver Phoenix’… I hope it becomes a bestseller and then gets translated to a movie and I wish Zhang Ziyi stars in it. :-) :-)
PS: The video is awesome!