Yesterday I heard back from my agent about the current novel. It was her usual in-depth, thoughtful feedback. As usual, I agreed with about half of it and disagreed strongly with the other half on first reading of her email. On second reading of her email, I agreed with about 75% of it and disagreed with 25%. Then I slept on it, and this morning I agreed with 95% of it, which is where I stand now.
I’m extremely lucky to have an agent who is also a great critical reader, and who takes the time to really engage with her clients’ manuscripts and give lengthy feedback. (Caroline, shall we give a bit of a cheer for Gail? Woohoo!!! We love Gail!!!)
So now, back to work! I knew there would be revisions, and I’m encouraged by the kinds of revisions Gail is asking for. She’s enthusiastic about the book, which feels great. I’ve got some clarifying to do, and some compressing, and have to take a look at submerging one storyline a bit to bring out another. Tomorrow morning while Thumper is at playgroup, I’ll work on writing up my revision goals, which I’ll bounce off Gail. Then Sunday (back to writing Sundays!), I’ll sit down with the manuscript and reread it, beginning to end. And then…well, then I won’t get writing time again until Wednesday. But I will have a plan! And a will to execute that plan! And…and…
Good. I’m feeling pretty damn good about it right now. I know what I need to do. I think I know how I need to do it. Just a matter of getting the time to get it done.
I am envious of this whole post – and also very pleased to hear it. Yay!
Its a great feeling to have direction and purpose, even if you don’t have the time!! Good luck!
That’s really great news, so good to hear that you know mostly know what you want to do and are looking forward to it. I hope some solid blocks of time show up for you soon 🙂
yay book! excellent to hear it.
Hurray for the next step! Sending best wishes.
Oh YA HOO! This is actually great! Gail made me rewrite my novel FOUR times before it sold–and she was right every time. With her on your side, you cannot lose. Yep, we love her, love her, love her. And I think this is exciting and wonderful news!
PS, your child is absolutely adorable beyond words.
Awesome! Hope Thanksgiving gives you some extra time to revise.
Great news!
I love that feeling – when things start coming together and you have a PLAN. It’s fantastic, isn’t it?
Isn’t this weird? I’ve read your blog for years and now, with a mention of Caroline, I suddenly feel that we’re almost friends. I’ve met Caroline…she knit me a scarf…I’ve made her earrings. I love her books and look forward to seeing her again some day. And somehow, when I saw your mention of her here, I just thought, “That has to be Caroline Leavitt.”
Weird.