Boo Hoo

My prose and poetry have been called everything from devil erotica to graphic trash (oh, please, no more accolades). Rejection goes hand in hand with writing, teaching me to grow armadillo skin and, in many ways, has provided new insight into the creative art of literary tap-dancing. Here are my favourites:

"I'm afraid we are going to have to return your rapid review money. I apologize for this but unfortunately your book, The Crimson Man, is a bit too explicit for our website and listings. Also, we are asking the reviewer to mail the book back to you. All the best to you." Romancedesigns.com

"Thank you for giving me the opportunity to review your book. You are a talented, strong writer, and this in no way is a reflection of your good writing skills or your expertise with the writing craft. I did enjoy The Crimson Man; however, after careful consideration I cannot submit a review because the erotica genre is not a reflection of what I would like to represent with my work." Author, Selena Robins

"It is with a heavy heart that we must pass on your manuscript...I have given this concept, The Crimson Man, a great deal of thought, and I have discussed the concept with our editorial staff. We are always on the lookout for promising book concepts that focus on the exploration and celebration of mind, body and spirit. Sadly, because of the intense competition in the current literary market, we are forced to be highly selective and often must pass up on projects that we believe in. For the record, we found the concept highly engaging and we wish you much luck in your pursuit of representation." Dupree/Miller and Associates, Texas

"After reading through portions of The Crimson Man, I have decided its graphic content is not suitable for my radio show...after all, I have my listeners to think about." Jennifer Clark, The Namaste Show.

"Your poem, The Couch, is intriguing but needlessly complicated by complex grammatical structures and mixed metaphors. The voice of the poem is often undermined by the rapid fire of ideas and images from no clear view or standpoint. You are capable of deft observation and precise writing: these are the qualities to pursue." Echolocation Magazine, Toronto

"We enjoyed reading the pieces...we felt that your poetry would have suited us best but it is becoming increasingly rare for us to print erotic poems in the magazine." Erotic Review, United Kingdom

"Regretfully, we are going to reject your work. The assistant editor felt your poems were very vivid and gently paced but unfortunately not suitable for this issue."Pen & Inc Press, United Kingdom

"Thank you for submitting Vulgar Verse to the magazine. It is difficult, I think, to bring this type of thing off successfully, and I'm not sure that you've managed it; too many commas, perhaps, and too many jarring rhymes. And perhaps a little humour here and there wouldn't go amiss, either. After all, real sex is full of that, too, as well as of lust and love." The Dark Horse, United Kingdom

"Sorry to keep you waiting so long...we felt your work is well written but not really in keeping with our style." Raindog.com

"Your poems weren't exactly what we're looking for, although they're quite forceful and have an intriguing edge to them. We sincerely hope you will continue." The Rose and Thorn Magazine

"We have decided not to use your poems. The one we liked the most was Beautiful Man - particularly the opening. We weren't keen on the slightly old-fashioned sound of the last four lines. Good luck with your writing." Editor, Brittle Star, United Kingdom