ejly, this is really encouraging to hear: "Strength comes from within; don’t let a setback change your opinion of how much potential you have." I do know how many great authors received countless rejections. That's why, in the past, I've tried to think of rejections as part of the initiation process into greatness. This news about the "changing landscape" just made me feel like it was less about finding the right editor and more about me not being the right person. I will try to lean on your "strength from within" truth, though!

Wendy, I'm curious, from your more insider perspective, if you think the landscape has really changed that much in the past year or 18 months? That's what was so surprising to me. I also wonder if the trend is widespread, or only with certain publishers. At any rate, thanks for your encouragement and support—it means a lot!

jenx67, *this* is what keeps me writing, and why it all matters: "I needed your story at one point in my life in the most desperate of ways. And, I still need it." I almost deleted this post after I published it, because I didn't like feeling so vulnerable and didn't want people to think I was inviting sympathy or begging for encouragement. But I really feel like I can trust my readers, like you, and I'm so glad I did.

Debbie, I was thinking about how the lives of the famous are so different and foreign from mine that they don't seem relevant, but you bring up another good point about "famous" people who write books about their lives: they're often not people you would want to model your life after. 

Dennis, thanks for reading my blog! My husband has been talking to me about a variety of other publishing options, including self-publishing via the web. I realize I have to get over my old-fashioned, English major attitudes about publishing. In my mind, self publishing in the past has usually been connecting to fringe ideas and writers without much talent. I know that's not the case any more, but those attitudes still linger. 

Ken, those are more good ideas—thanks! I do worry, though, about all of the people who still love magazines and books (on paper), and never read anything on line except email, and maybe news. I just feel like there's a huge audience out there that might be encouraged by my stories, but can't/won't access them on the web. It's just a very awkward transition time for publishing, I'm afraid. I'll have to look into the bottom of the pyramid concept you mention. It sounds a bit like Chris Anderson's "long tail theory."