But is she really like a parakeet?

Well, what I actually said was I doubted she would be offended I don't like her, but if she would, put a mirror in her cage and let her entertain herself. (And, yeah, spiritually, at least. I could picture her sitting in cage admiring herself, anyway. But I still shouldn't have said it. I suspect the wife's rubbing off on me, just a touch.)ETA: Still funny, though. And he didn't really argue about it. Didn't tell me about the blind folks she reads to or anything, you know?

Now, this is just weird.

I recently submitted a query letter to a magazine, along with a SASE for their response. I just got the SASE back, but rather than a rejection it contains writers guidelines. Why would they send me something I didn't ask for? I read the guidelines on their website, and I think my idea fits in. Should I consider myself rejected, or is this just a Thing?

Huh. Maybe there's some other woman going "A rejection? But I've not sent anything yet!"

Hmm. Could be. It's too late to call, since they're on the East Coast, but maybe next week I'll call and ask. Can't hurt.

There wasn't a note on it...because I think I got one with a message once, because they wanted to see my work but that particular piece was outside guidelines.

t checks back of page, looks in envelope to be sure

Nope, no note. Just photocopied guidelines.

huh, just wondering...Good luck!

Susan, that's weird. And I think that, since they kept the submission and sent back something else entirely, it merits a query.

I think the book wants to live. Probably more than I, at this precise juncture, but I left it up to it. I sat with it for an hour and waited, figuring if nothing came up, I would bury it discreetly, but it does, so, fwiw.