My Darling Novel,
Please understand when you read this that I am not saying I want to break up with you. I’m not even saying we need some time apart from each other. But I do think we need to slow down.
Ever since you were completed you’ve been talking about polishing up an outline and sending out to agents and publishers. I don’t think we’re ready for that. We’re moving too fast. I want to get to know you better, spend some more time with you, get to a final draft we’re both happy with. Then we can work on the outline and the packages for agents. But I don’t want to make that commitment until we’re both ready. And I’m not ready.
So let’s step back. Put the agent book back on the shelf. Print out a fresh copy of the second draft and focus on that. Please. I think if we do this, our relationship will be much stronger by the time we start thinking about the future.
All my love,
Mur
About the Author: I am a writer and podcast producer, writing for magazines and RPGs. I am a wanna-be fiction writer with several short fiction, comic scripts, and one novel sale. Playing For Keeps will be out August, '08.
congolia | Jun 16, 2006 | Reply
Are you saying that you want to write other novels? I can change, I swear. Look. My protagonist is way stronger now.
Paul From DesMoines | Jun 16, 2006 | Reply
Sounds like you’re in a better state of mind about it. I have to say, with respect to both Holly Lisle, and the first novel post partem issue, I think it’s healthy to take two or even three revisions if that’s what is needed to make the author comfortable with his work
Budd | Jun 16, 2006 | Reply
That is how it starts. Next you will be telling him you just want to be friends and then you will forget him.
Then 15 years from now you will remember him and you look him up and find him in your mothers attic and you will realize that you want him back and that you gave up the best thing that ever happened to you.
If you commit now in five years you could have a couple of litte sequels running around.
And they say men are afraid to commit.
Good luck on the second edit!
SelahWrites | Jun 18, 2006 | Reply
At least you’re not breaking up on a Post-It note!
Robin L. | Jun 20, 2006 | Reply
You have much more patience than I. I’m not done yet but soooo itching to start querying. Must be patient. Must finish…