I don't know why it is that I have no trouble whatsoever meeting deadlines for my writing, but I have a devil of a time keeping up with this blog. Maybe it's because I can see my story in my head whereas this is just a sort of forum for keeping myself on track. Maybe it's because I tend to write and write in whatever time I have available, scribbling away until I drop. Kinda hard to turn your mind to a blog when you're emotionally (and, depending on how my hands are feeling, physically) wiped.
Anyway, I figured I'd better update again! I've been doing quite a bit of editing, as I'd like to get the first three chapters in good enough shape to send to an agent. What stinks about that, of course, is that the first three chapters are nowhere near my favorite part of the book. A friend suggested that I send the first three chapters, as per the agent's instructions, and then send a more compelling section as well. Maybe put something in my cover letter saying: "here are the first three chapters, but I feel that this section is more compelling, so I'm including it as well. If you can only read one, and you're willing to give me a little leeway, please read the 2nd selection."
Who knows. This publishing business is a mess! I can't send directly to a publisher, as none of them seem to accept unsolicited manuscripts any more. Instead, I must find an agent. But there are ten hundred thousand agents, and even if I could find one I liked who seemed sane/dedicated/trustworthy, it's incredibly unlikely that they'd pick my work...if they even read it. I found one agent who I like quite a lot, and am going to send the first three chapters over...but it all seems so pie-in-the-sky.
I guess the entire endeavor of writing is rather pie-in-the-sky, though. Finding an agent, getting published, finding an audience for your work. Even the fellowship I applied for is pie-in-the-sky...and speaking of, I'm going mad waiting on their letter. I know I won't be chosen, but somehow until I get that letter in my hand I can't stop myself from holding out some hope. Mid-April is when they said we'd know. So far away...and yet so frighteningly close. The thought of being selected as the Bennett fellow is a dream. A year of focusing exclusively on my writing, while helping kids get started on projects of their own...it'd be magical.
Don't think about it, Amy. Don't get your hopes up for something that you have only a 1 in 1,000 chance of getting.
And speaking of writing, I should use what little is left of my lunch break to work on it. Until the next blog!
Working Title: Bryn & Mer: Traditor
Word Count: TBD pending today's writing
Writing Mode: Reflective
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