Yeah, so my trip to the Marshall Islands and Tonga was fantabulous. Of course, I'm still behind in every conceivable way! Including letting so much time pass between posts. I have some amazing stories to tell about that trip--but that will have to wait for another post.
I've been submitting queries to agents and feeling the pain of rejection. Wondering if my query just isn't up to par, or perhaps my ms, my first chapter, really, starts too slow. Major action takes place about 10 pages in. I had developed a slower point of entry to get the reader acquainted with the world setting and the imminent problems, but that may not be the best approach. I've been toying with starting just a few paragraphs before the major spell is cast--really get to the point where all is set in motion--but haven't been brave enough to make the edits permanent.
And when I was feeling dejected, I had this feeling, a spiritual feeling, that said to just relax and be patient. So I'm taking some time off pushing for agents until I see a little bit further down the road. The ms has been off to Tor for about 3 or 4 weeks now. Still too early to hear their response. I'm hopeful, but not planning on anything great. I do want to submit a short story to Writers of the Future, so perhaps I'll turn writing time to that, or to my next book. But for now, I've got plenty of articles to write for the magazines, and others' works to critique. So perhaps now is the time to focus first on those things. Feels like a good decision.
8 comments:
Of course it's a good decision to work on something else. What else can you do? Just remember, you're only looking for one person to love your ms. Just one. All the rest--well, they're missing out. You're going to find that perfect person.
Beginnings are hard, because we often want to ease our readers into the story rather than shove them in headfirst. I say you go with your gut and leave the rest in faith.
I've been two months in waiting for the two agents I want most to hear from--and every day I try not to think about it. But I always do. Such is the life.
Keep posting. Your book will be picked up and it will be fun to follow you through the journey. Looks like all is well with you since I saw you at bootcamp in April. I am sending my dragon book -- WIP for past 2 1/2 years to Kerry Blair to edit, then I will join you in the wait for lighting or rejection zone.
Oh, forgot to mention; A friend in my ward said you are working with her on a series of articles. Her name is Chris Packard. Small world.
I say you're doing just the right thing ... going with what the Spirit dictates. You can't go wrong with that, although sometimes it's hard to figure out why the Spirit wants things to go in a particular direction!
You're a good writer, so it will all work out.
Hi Joshua, I just signed up as a blog follower. You won't see my face, just a Ukrainian Easter egg. Hey, that's my thing.
Good luck with Tor.
Hello from Liz and Cope Norcross from the old BYU 176th. It's been so long, I'm not even sure if that's the right number anymore.
We saw your name in the Ensign this month and we had to look you up. It looks like you're doing well. Good Luck with the manuscript. Finding an agent is a pain.
Josh, I am glad you had a great time in your travels. I bet it was amazing and cannot wait to hear all about it. Don't sweat the agent stuff. rejection totally stinks. It really does so I know how you feel, but you have talent and ability and a good story. I'm glad you're going to world fantasy. i hope it works out well for you.
Thanks, everyone! Julie--you're awesome! WFC has been a blast so far (I'm here right now, folks). Norcross family: Good to hear from you. Thanks for the comment about the article. I hope it proves inspiring. Do you write?
Cindy Williams: Thanks! Say hi to Chris for me. The article didn't work out, but she has great ideas and we'll try again, I hope. Good luck with the agent hunt!
Cindy Beck and Nichole: As always, you are awesome too!
Awesome is my word for the day. Yesterday it was major, and that was a major disaster! Ha!
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