STORYWORLD

They say that if you're really serious about being a writer, you have to develop a thick skin to cope with rejection. I have to agree. That's one of the most important qualities you need to keep you toiling day and night to produce work that almost makes the leap into the traditional publishing marketplace. I have to share with you my latest experiences with UNNATURAL, my Victorian novel presently out for submission courtesy of my new incredible Toronto agent. UNNATURAL The book has been submitted to Big Six publishers in The US, Canada and the UK. Here's a sample of some of the comments from those who passed on it. After reading them, you'll soon realize how frustrating this entire process is: "While I thought this was a brilliant idea, well executed, we’d have preferred it coming from a British author in this instance, with someone on the ground to work with." Major publisher UK "But I just wanted to say that when I pitched this

MARJORIE DELUCA'S STORYWORLD : The 48th State : I just returned from a trip to Arizona, the 48th US state and I'm still dreaming of the warm terracotta tones of the red rock landscape....

I just returned from a trip to Arizona, the 48th US state and I'm still dreaming of the warm terracotta tones of the red rock landscape. I had two reasons for going. First I'm trying to finish THE PARASITES, the sequel to THE FOREVER ONES and since much of it takes place in Las Vegas and the  Grand Canyon area, I thought that revisiting the place would give me a much needed boost after the lousy, grey winter we've had. Second, I wanted to see the place that so many Canadians flee to in droves when the winter weather comes blowing in. I know so many people who have invested in condos and houses in Phoenix and surrounding areas, and I wasn't disappointed when I got there. Elton John's Million Dollar Piano set at Caesar's Palace FIRST STOP: The Mirage, Las Vegas. Flew in for one night and after watching the amazing Sir Elton John and his Million Dollar Piano, we wandered along The Strip. I took in the blaze of neon lights, the flashing digital signs and non-