MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

On Sunday, November 11, I'll be performing again at the Cornelia Street Cafe. This latest edition of GUITAR & PEN will feature a reading from my novel The Writer, plus new & old tunes. Showtime is 6 pm. The cover charge is a mere $7, which includes a beverage of your choice.

Then, just two days later, on Tuesday, Nov. 13, there will be a reading of three one act plays written by Stephen O'Rourke, Michael Lazan, & yours truly. The show, collectively titled Anhedonia, is part of the Ensemble Studio Theatre's new Memberfest series of readings. There will also be live music. It all starts at 7 pm. Admission is free, but donations are accepted.

REJECTION!

Come to the next GUITAR & PEN event, featuring CB reading another chapter from his novel, The Writer, and singing tunes from his upcoming new album, Camouflage.

Sunday, September 23
6 pm
Cornelia Street Cafe
29 Cornelia Street
$7 (includes a beverage of your choice!)


And here are some rejection letters from agents who have considered CB's novel...

Dear Chris Belden,

Thank you for your query letter.

We're very sorry to report that we don't believe this this described book would be salable in today's tough marketplace.

Please keep in mind that ours is a subjective response. Another agent may have a totally different response. We've been proven wrong before.

Good luck in your quest for publication.

Regretfully,
Nat Sobel
Sobel Weber Associates, Inc.

*****

Dear Chris,

Thank you for your query and sending me the beginning of THE WRITER. While your work certainly has merit, I'm afraid I just wasn't wild enough about the concept to take it on. I just coulnd't buy into the premise--and the fact that the guy didn't have a phone but was plugged into the world enough to be familiar with writing conferences and had friends that he thought would pull this sort of practical joke, and his apparent ease at talking with the woman in the seat next to him on the plane--it just didn't add up for me.

As I'm sure you know, opinions vary considerably in this business and mine is just one. I'm sure you'll find others who feel differently. I hope so!

Wishing you the best,

Laney K. Becker
Folio Literary Management

(CB: Not sure where she got the idea that Shriver is familiar with writing conferences, but hey, she was nice about it.)

*****

Dear Chris Belden,

Thank you for yur continued interest in our agency and for submitting the additional pages of your work, The Writer, as we had requested. While the story certainly has promise, unfortunately, the style of your novel is not suited for any of the agents at our company at this time.

Thank you again for allowing us to consider your work and we wish you the best of luck elsewhere.

Sincerely,

The Creative Culture, Inc.

*****

Dear Chris Belden,

Thank you for writing. I am sorry to say that I don't think I'd be the right agent for the novel as I was not intrigued enough by the premise to think I'd be an effective advocate for it in today's difficult fiction market. Do query widely, however, and I wish you all success to satisfaction with your writing (sic).

Sincerely,
Dana Finch
Diana Finch Literary Agency