I had a fictional story published in Cricket magazine called The Trapped and Tangled Loon. It was based on a true story and the backdrop was Police Outpost Lake in Waterton Lakes National Park. I have to say that I was pretty excited. . . maybe thrilled is a better word.
In between, I had two photos published in the Sunlight Press.
Chinook Sky near Cochrane, Alberta
This was a very pleasant surprise for me. Although the pay is miniscule, the reward is huge. It’s made me feel compelled to learn more about how my camera works, a red, old-ish Nikon D3400.
After my first story was published in Chicken Soup for the Soul, Lucy Haines, the editor at Alberta Prime Times – a publication I must admit, I’d never heard of, called me on the phone. She asked me to write a piece for the online news publication about senior dog adoption in Alberta. Lucy is a very lovely lady. . . a complete pleasure to deal with. From the first article, came three more.
Querying a U.S. home-schooling publication called, The Old Schoolhouse, resulted in getting a contract to write for them about Bankhead, Alberta, a ghost town in the Rocky Mountains. The article was called Gateway to the Past. I’m hoping to get some more work from them in the very near future. Fingers crossed!
The old train cars that were used to haul coal from the mine in Bankhead, Alberta
Countless rejections have come my way; in the form of magazine and journal queries, for my children’s picture books sent to traditional publishers and for a detailed, lengthy quilt book proposal I’d spent hours and hours on. Obviously, this is the toughest part. You work so hard for so long on a project that you whole-heartedly believe in, only to have the idea shot down out-of-hand. Worst of all, though, is when a proposal is submitted and you hear absolutely nothing! Rejections will continue. I only hope that in that flurry of negativity, there are some wonderful, positive opportunities that come my way.
The Sunlight Press published some more photos of mine this year. Both of these pictures are of Chief Mountain in Waterton Lakes National Park. The most intriguing detail about this beautiful mountain, is that many Indigenous Peoples of both Alberta and Montana, feel it has mystical powers.
Orion Magazine has recently accepted a photo of mine for publication sometime next year. Woods Reader Magazine has accepted an essay I wrote for publication in their next issue. I called it, A Wildfire’s Silver Living. This piece is about the Verdant Creek wildfire.
Basically, I query, I write, I submit. Then, I wait, wait and wait some more.
My deepest writing desire is definitely to write for children. I’d love to write about nature, forests, animals and being outside. The idea of writing a children’s book about the natural vibrations of a forest and why we feel so wonderful being in nature, is especially intriguing to me. Best case scenario would be to combine my writing with photographs in successful publishing ventures. Wish me luck!
I believe my writing is fueled by Taylor Sheridan’s words, “God is the land” (via Beth Dutton, that is).
Thank you so much for reading everyone.
I always really appreciate it.
Kim
Your photos are beautiful! Something about those old train cars that seems to take me back. It is one of my favorites. I wish you luck in your future endeavors. Somewhere in the mist of rejection is a silver lining. Much success to you always .
Thank you Donna. Your words mean a lot to me.
Great to hear about all your successes Kim!! Keep writing, it sounds like that’s what makes you happy.
It does make me happy! I still want to write some type of story about the “old days”, Marilyn. When I used to call on you to walk to school with me. One day…
Your writing is always so descriptive to the point I can almost share the emotions you are experiencing. Thank you so much. Your pictures are lovely. ☺️ I am sure you will write for children.
Yvonne – you are always so sweet. Thank you, as always, for taking the time to leave me your comment. Thanks also for reading my blog.
Hi Kim; your articles are all so very interesting. I look forward to reading each one. Also your photography is excellent and totally gives you a feeling of content. Good luck with upcoming articles and your dreams are coming true. I hope one day you do write children’s books. Take care, Burdine
Burdine – you always take the time to send me a note. Thank you so very much.
Your photos are lovely and I enjoy reading about your venture into a new (to me) arena. It takes courage to put yourself out there knowing that rejection is one of the possible outcomes. To continue to hope and look forward is very admirable. Good luck with your continued writing.
Rochelle – I always love reading your comments and have appreciated each and every one of them. Thank you so much.