Chapter 1: The Unexpected Response

The moment I received the email on a Tuesday, I was met with a formal rejection from LCS Literary Services. My heart, which had soared when I submitted my debut novel, "Love Interrupted; Love Ignited," on May 16th, plummeted. They deemed the story of Oorun, who stands at a pivotal moment in her marriage, unworthy.

Yet, something unusual happened. While I felt the familiar sting of disappointment, I also sensed a curious lightness beneath it—perhaps relief? I had finally unburdened myself from the pressure of that first submission and the associated fears.

In just twelve days, someone had taken the time to consider my year-long labor of love. The letter mentioned that it was "Reviewed with interest," indicating they saw a glimmer of potential in Oorun's narrative. That recognition felt like a small victory.

Many say that rejection is a necessary milestone for any writer; it symbolizes bravery in the face of agents and publishers. Strangely, it felt liberating. Now, I can redirect my efforts toward other opportunities—no longer fixating on this single agency.

Onward I go!

The right agent is out there, someone who will champion narratives like mine. They will serve as a partner on this unpredictable writing journey—an advisor and a cheerleader rolled into one. They will be fierce negotiators and advocates to editors, but most importantly, they'll share my belief in Oorun's story.

To all future rejections, I say: bring it on! You won't extinguish this flame. With each "no," I'm inching closer to the inevitable "yes" that lies ahead.

Wishing for luck, as this writer is only just beginning her journey.

P.S. In the meantime, I'm excited to share that my latest novelette is now available on Wattpad! Titled "Say Yes! I'm Yours," this enchanting fantasy adventure merges cultures and promises an exhilarating ride.

This story draws you into a realm where reality intertwines with fantasy. Senzada reconnects with Alex, a childhood pen pal from a magical world. Together, they confront mythical beasts, uncover secrets, and spark a romance that defies dimensions. But will Senzada accept her extraordinary fate or fall prey to the perils of interdimensional magic?

The first four chapters are now live, with new installments arriving daily until the conclusion this Sunday. Dive into "Say Yes! I'm Yours," and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments. If you enjoy the story, don’t forget to "star" it on Wattpad!

© Scarlet Ibis James, 2024: All Rights Reserved.

This narrative was initially shared on Scarlet Writes Substack.

About Me

I am a contemporary romance author based in New York City, with roots in San Juan, Trinidad. Since discovering my passion for writing in 2022, I have been on an exciting journey, crafting stories filled with joy and laughter. I love creating characters infused with compassion and humor, inspired by my experiences as a mother, friend, and sister. Writing fiction has opened up a remarkable path, and I eagerly anticipate what lies ahead.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure. 🦩

Support Scarlet Ibis's creativity with a virtual coffee on Ko-fi! Your encouragement means the world. Thank you! 💟

Chapter 2: Embracing the Journey

The second video provides insights into the current hiring climate, focusing on how developers are responding to the evolving landscape of activism within the industry. As professionals seek to navigate these changes, it’s a fascinating exploration of the intersection between creativity and social consciousness.