Wednesday, August 22, 2007

Trashed...

Thank you so much guys for all the encouragement and support on my pitch with Harlequin editor Wanda Ottewell. It went really well and she has asked to read more. I'm working on expanding the synopsis a couple of more pages and will submit it along with a partial. I was so nervous and thought my computer would explode from the furious typing and sweat pouring from my hands.

Well...it did. Explode that is. I was so excited after she asked to read more, I went to pick the kiddos up from school and came back to a dead laptop. I wonder if it happened because I cheated with an ice cream celebration. Or maybe it's karma and I've said or done something totally stupid. Which wouldn't surprise me. Really, I've been trying to be a good girl. The tech from Dell said these things happen. I've heard horror stories about writers losing entire manuscripts...I lost several chapters but most importantly...several crits I'd been working on for my group. Sorry girls. As usual I will be slow returning the favors. Hopefully I can get caught up this weekend after my submission packet is off to Canada. Take my advice...that I didn't take myself...and BACK UP those files!!

The new hard drive came in this morning and we got all the software loaded and ready for use. Oh well...no more excuses. Back to work. I really miss you guys. Hope everyone is well and writing strong!

I just want to send a HUGE thank you and mucho appreciation out to my critique partners. You guys are so very talented and supportive. By allowing me to join the group, you've given me so much more than I can ever repay.

*hugs*

8 comments:

bettye griffin said...

Chelle,
It is often possible to get files off of a dead drive. The bad news is that it'll cost you, probably somewhere in the vicinity of $75. Whether it's worth the money is up to you.

You might also want to check out a flash drive (I'm not fond of these; I find them too flimsy) or better, a pocket drive. I carry my pocket drive in my purse to work with me, save whatever work I've done at lunchtime, and then save the new file on my laptop at the end of the day. It's lighter than lugging a laptop around and I have a backup . . . just in case.

Glad to hear the pitch went well. Fingers and toes crossed. Keep us in the loop.

Bettye Griffin

Chelle Sandell said...

Thanks Bettye! I went today and bought a flash drive to try. If it doesn't work I'll try your other suggestion. I only lost 2 chapters and crits. I hate to spend that kind of money...I'll just have to make it up and work harder. My 4yo started pre-k so I have a couple of hours free in the mornings now.

Bella said...

Chelle, cyber champagne on the request, keeping my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Bella

Chicki Brown said...

We're proud of you, girl! Sorry about the computer, but glad you're back in business.

Have a great weekend!

Unknown said...

Woohoo - congrats on the pitch going so well! :)

Chelle Sandell said...

Thank you guys!! I'm so excited but on the other hand I'm afraid to expect too much. Expanding my synopsis is a real booger.

Jennifer Shirk said...

I'm so happy the pitch went so well!!

Sorry about your computer, though. :(

I used to back-up using disks, but I just bought myself a flash drive. It's nice and compact.

Chelle Sandell said...

I bought a 1G flash drive and the little guy at the store didn't think it would be enough...but with the files I've already figured out how to put in it (1/3 of KMC), I've only used 6%. I could probably put two full mss on this one stick. It was pretty easy to use once I figured out what I was doing.