Tuesday, August 18, 2009

Dear Joyce,

Thank you for sending me these sample pages of WHEN THE LILIES TURN ORANGE. I shared this with a colleague, and while we both really liked your characters and enjoyed the backdrop of the flower shop, we felt that it took too long for the story to really get started. I wanted to know, earlier, what the mystery about Connell was (or at least to get more significant clues).

So, please think of us with your future work. And best of luck finding the right home for this one.

Warmest,
Kelly

Kelly D. Sonnack
Andrea Brown Literary Agency
kelly@andreabrownlit.com

7 comments :

J.L said...

Dear Joyce,

It's always like that. Rejections after rejections. But don't take it to heart. Learn from these mistakes and one day, your books can get published.

By the way, after i read all your blog posts about Sarah Dessen, i've decided to try out this book, " Just Listen" by her.

Guess what? i can't stop reading it. After a day of revision for my exams yesterday, i decided to read this book by her at 12am(the time when i love to get engrossed in a good book in bed, late at night)and i finished the book at about 3.45am. It's really really nice. haha. Owen is just so cool. You may think of him as a scary, aggressive dude at first. However, once you get to know him, wow.. he's really a guy who is easy to get along with.

I haven't been reading for a long time. Now, my love for reading is back and i've decided to set aside time for reading. haha.

All the best, Joyce! Take care!

Cheers,
jl

Joyce C said...

Hi jl,

Thanks for your comment and encouragement. I'll work hard on my stories and hope for a miracle. Haha.

And yes! Sarah's books are AMAZING. She's my absolute favourite author. All her characters are so real, and there's no drama in her story. Yet, her characters grow. It's amazing; she is crazy talented.

Just Listen isn't my favourite, because the conflict (the rape) was a little done-to-death. But as always, Sarah created such likeable characters I was hooked onto the story like you were nonetheless!

You should try Lock and Key. It touches on family, but not in the sappy way. And her new book, Along for the Ride, is out, but not in Singapore (damn)! Can't wait to read it, though.

Again, thanks for your comment.

Have a great day ahead!

Loves,
Joyce

Joyce C said...

Hi jl,

Thanks for your comment and encouragement. I'll work hard on my stories and hope for a miracle. Haha.

And yes! Sarah's books are AMAZING. She's my absolute favourite author. All her characters are so real, and there's no drama in her story. Yet, her characters grow. It's amazing; she is crazy talented.

Just Listen isn't my favourite, because the conflict (the rape) was a little done-to-death. But as always, Sarah created such likeable characters I was hooked onto the story like you were nonetheless!

You should try Lock and Key. It touches on family, but not in the sappy way. And her new book, Along for the Ride, is out, but not in Singapore (damn)! Can't wait to read it, though.

Again, thanks for your comment.

Have a great day ahead!

Loves,
Joyce

J.L said...

The library has "Along for The Ride". I went to borrow the "truth about forever" at NLB just now and also did a search for other Sarah Dessen's books. It's available for loan ( currently) there but i can't find it on the shelves. oh well, Someone must have taken it or put it somewhere else.

J.L said...

sorry, i left out which library i went to. I went to the one at Toa Payoh. :)

Logen said...

Hi Joyce, this is Logen dropping by. All the best in being a writer. I still remember your aspirations to be one since secondary school. Don't give up! :)

It is nice to see people pursuing their dreams relentlessly. Be an inspiration to others.

Joyce C said...

Hi Logen! Thanks for dropping by and leaving a comment! That was really encouraging.

And yes, I will keep writing as long as I'm alive and in control of my mental faculties :)

Good luck to you too, for whatever you choose to do!

Cheers,
Joyce