14 Comments

I feel seen reading this. Congratulations on finishing your book 🎉 Whatever happens with it from here on out, you’ll always be able to say you finished it - something I can’t say myself about my throw aways. Onward!

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buddy, i loved the liquid smoke shorts and i've been very much enjoying whatever... this is so far, so i hope you see it through, i'll be along for the ride

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I didn't expect this post, but I liked it. I relate a lot to your story. Ideas change a lot over time, and the submission process can be a pain. Though in my case I've only done it with short stories, but it was still disheartening, especially when it turns out I write at lengths many publications do not accept.

I've been enjoying this newsletter a lot. Regardless of how your other projects turn out, I hope you stick with this for at least a bit longer. And I'm definitely on board for a full length novel in this setting, maybe even pay for yet another subscription level on board.

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I remember how we were SO EXCITED to publish your excerpt way back in ‘01! I’m so happy to be a tiny part of Chokeville history.

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Jan 23·edited Jan 23

I was there to follow the early history. Not so much for the later. (Thanks a lot restraining order!)

I remember a chapter explaining how the nickname Chokeville came from an unfortunate baseball game with a rival neighboring city. Did I just dream that?

Also, I've been writing picture book manuscripts recently (the last five years) and have come to much the same conclusion about the publishing industry as you. I'm starting to publish my own mini-picture books (think mini-comics/zine format) with my very bad Procreate doodles, just for the fun of it. DM me or whatever your address. I'm getting my first mini delivered today and I'd love to send you a copy.

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Wow, I can really relate to never having had a novel-length idea. I will continue to read and love everything you write!

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Querying is such a pain. I've been querying my first novel (Do Orcs Rob Banks?) for a couple of years now, and am about to start querying my second (The Simian Claw). While I wait for someone to bite, I decided to write a serial here on substack - https://farhadshawkat.substack.com/p/misfit-saga-chapter-1

It's always nice to read about other people's experiences of writing a novel and trying to get published. Look forward to reading Chokeville.

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This filled me with joy.

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