(no subject)

[la_belle_laide]

So here was my reply to the rad agent who asked me to revise and try again:


It is so heartening to hear back from you with this advice. I will be more than happy to revise and edit with this in mind. Is there a time limit I should keep in mind? Is it possible to get a few weeks before resubmitting? And, should I put anything specific in the subject line when doing so?

I really appreciate this feedback and chance to revise. Thanks very much.

Sincerely,

Jules

Is that right? Does it sound any good? I hope so, because I already sent it! It was that or "Mmmmm. Meditate on this I will." And I didn't think that would work out.

But now, I do have to meditate on it. Well, not meditate really, but take a shower, lie in bed in the morning, and think of different ways I can ground the story into this world. Pour cement on it and give some background info in a clearer, more direct way, but without info-dumping.

That has always been my challenge. I love writing about people, and what they do and think and the choices they make and how they react to things, but settings/places/histories have always sort of eluded me. That's the part of writing I really fret about, because I somehow never nail that.

It's taken me years to put that into words.

So I have to take a few days and concentrate. I'm not one of those people who can go in and start hacking things up. I have to think of some ideas first.

Also, I'm peeing my pants in a constant stream.



ETA: Her reply:

Dear Jules,

There's no time limit, take all the time you need, and the cleanest way would to just reply to this email.

SNOOPY DANCING RIGHT NOW.

It's just that, I love when agents are so nice and chill and helpful with things. It muh muh muh makes me happay.

Comments

[skitty-kitty.livejournal.com]

That's brilliant! :D Much luck and love, and I hope it all works out for you! :D :D :D

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

THAK YOU! <3

[bad-machination.livejournal.com]

A trick I like to use is introducing the principal character/s in the midst of some interesting happenings that show a little something about the world. The happenings don't necessarily have to be epic, just enough to make the reader wonder what's up.
I think Heinlein is an author that does this very well.

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

That's kind of what I tried to do, but the character begins the novel lost in a world different from his own. So I have him comparing this new place to his one. But that doesn't seem to be doing the trick.

[bad-machination.livejournal.com]

might I have a look? not that I'm an expert, but it would make intelligent feedback easier. are you even allowed if it's in the beginning of the publication grinder?

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

I would love that, actually. Maybe I'll post up the first bit in a locked post later. Would that be all right, and not too much trouble?

[bad-machination.livejournal.com]

Not too much at all.

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

Well, that is completely awesome. I've put the first few pages up on LJ. :D

[bad-machination.livejournal.com]

Rock on. I'll mull it over tonight, and post any impressions sometime tomorrow.

[celestialgldfsh.livejournal.com]

That's great news! Revisions are scary, but just take your time, think it out, and good things will result.

[la-belle-laide.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much. I know you've been down this road! ^_^