Sunday, October 4, 2009

Meet the Jedi-Ninja-Homeboy.

So check this out: you know how I just started my post with the word "so"? I looked back over some older post recently, and it appears that I've been starting about two out of three posts with the word "so".

So you know what that means, right?

(Go ahead and tell me because I don't know what that means.)

The real point to this post, is not to point out anything dorky or goofy that the blog author may or may not do. But to accomplish two important, unique, and very different objectives. Number one, to tell you something interesting and exciting about one of my bestest writing/blogging buddies -- and number two, to share this:



So now that I've gotten my number two out of the way (that's not a pun), let me get started on the main reason I've decided to blog on an otherwise restful and quiet Sunday evening -- Mr. Bryan Bliss.

How many of you writers remember sending out your very first batch of queries ever? You were probably told that querying is all about waiting, and that you were about to be subjected to loads and loads of heart-crushing rejection. And despite that, like me, I'm sure that you secretly wondered if you'd be the exception. If you'd have manuscript requests from every agent you submitted to. Be honest, did that little tiny hope burn secretly in your heart?

I ask because this is exactly what Bryan has been experiencing. He recently finished rewriting his first novel, then wrote his first query, then sent out his first batch, and within a couple of days, pretty much every query letter he sent out netted a full manuscript request. One was a partial request, but still, last I knew, he was up to seven requests SEVEN REQUESTS! -- In his first batch of queries ever! -- I've read his query, and it's really good, but come on? Is that unprecedented or what? I'll bet that if Oprah and Obama and Britney Spears all collaborated on a book about their individual experiences with hallucinogenic mushrooms, it could never garner as much interest and excitement as Bryan's been getting.

Bryan's also recently made the switch from Wordpress to Blogger (which gives him three-point-five additional cool points), so go on over to Jedi Ninja Homeboy and congratulate him. You may want to hang out and read and follow and everything, because he's also an absolute riot to be blog buddies with.

You'll enjoy networking with him, trust me.

17 comments:

Mary O. Paddock said...

Can I start hating him now? Or do I have to wait until he has seven offers on the table too? :)

Seriously, wow. Just wow. Headed on over now.

Bryan B. said...

What can I say...I'm amazing.

No, wait - I meant honored

Bryan B. said...

No, seriously - this is cool. It's all a bit surreal. Obviously, I have no hope in any of these submissions and have recently decided that everything I've ever written (and possibly done in my life...) is awful.

Writing is so much fun.

:0

Thanks, Ray. I need more followers. (I like the sound of that...)

Danielle said...

Wow. I've never actually done the query thing... I think I'm afraid to try. But if I ever give it a shot, I know who to turn to for advice on writing my queries! *goes to follow Bryan B.*

Kelly Polark said...

Mr. And Mrs. Veen rock the House! (or can). Lovely duet you talented family you!!
And this is weird, I was just on Verla Kay's blueboards and read Bryan's Good news about the queries and clicked over to his blog! And now I am on your blog reading about his blog. He is getting some amazingly quick requests!

Cate Gardner said...

I think I need to employ Bryan to write my next query. That's fantastic. Fingers crossed he receives multiple publisher offers too.

VeeFlower said...

Sooo....seems to me like the word "so" is just a way to introduce your subject matter, no more no less, and has become a habit over time because it has a friendly ring to it and doesn't have that pedantic tone. Or, you are not getting enough fruits and vegetables in your diet.

Jewel Allen said...

How cool for him! That is amazing.

And you and your wife, playing the guitar. Great song. I recently picked up the guitar again and loving it.

K. M. Walton said...

I wish him loads of success - even though I spit with jealousy.

shortensweet said...

I do the so... alot too..I think it's like, SO...PAY ATTENTION TO ME...which is weird, you're Mom's favorite.

Congrats to your friend!

I think it's really cool that you let Cindy play the base she got you for her birthday :)

J.R. Johansson said...

Love the song! Your wife is a hottie :)

That is a jaw-dropping number of submissions, I'm off to check out his blog right now.

Paul Michael Murphy said...

I used to read his blog, but he seemed to fall into a cyberspace wormhole. Glad you've linked to his new blog. I'll be checking it out.

Anita said...

I almost always start with so, and then I take them out every once in awhile.

Love th tunes! Where were the kids during this? Mine would be running in and out asking for tape or something.

Will check out your blog bud's site.

Have a great day!

Vikki said...

Wow, you and the lovely Mrs. V are really good! And, yes, big congrats to our Bryan for seeping with extreme awesomeness. Is he seriously up to 7 full requests? Wow, suddenly I want to punch him in the face again.

Bryan B. said...

No, Vivi - make it 8. Just sent another one out.

Next time your in The Oregon, Bring It.

You know, if I'm still seeing the 'little people'.


Muahahahaha!


/humility

(Of course, when I don't get an agent it will be YOUR turn to give me what I like to call, The Crap.)

Anonymous said...

So most of my posts start with the word "so". So is that a problem? ;)

-Mercedes

Roo said...

I take it no more Wintergreen reunions in the future?