Not 'the' call, but not really all that disappointed
So, I called up the editor today. He's a nice guy, very easy to talk to. Talked for about half an hour.
It wasn't THE call. But it wasn't the worst thing that's ever happened to me either.
Which, after considering it all week, I had already pretty much figured out. BUT, it wasn't 'I hated this' either. I had a notebook and pen, and took lots of notes. Things that the agent who gave me the great rejection said too, most of all that the female MC is too wishy-washy, not strong enough. And a bunch of other things, most that I haven't yet let the story go far enough. Which is probably true. I've had an epiphany or two of late and it fits in with these notes. It needs MORE - play up the paranormal angle, put in some more action. A prologue. "Make it a sweeping epic!"
All of which I will take into consideration when I do the rewrite. Between these notes and the ones from the agent, I think I can whip this thing into shape.
I will not become impatient and leave it as it is, I will work it until it's where it needs to go. He said, 'you've got your marching orders, now go!', and said he'd look at it again when I'm done. It will take as long as it takes, but I'm hoping to set aside some time soon to get started. I haven't really looked at it in several months, so it will be like a whole new thing. I will be looking for people to help me out and read it when I'm done, or a couple of chapters at a time. I'll take volunteers.
Overall, feeling pretty good. This is a step. Moved beyond being rejected for the basics, really into the meat of storytelling.
It's on, baby.
It wasn't THE call. But it wasn't the worst thing that's ever happened to me either.
Which, after considering it all week, I had already pretty much figured out. BUT, it wasn't 'I hated this' either. I had a notebook and pen, and took lots of notes. Things that the agent who gave me the great rejection said too, most of all that the female MC is too wishy-washy, not strong enough. And a bunch of other things, most that I haven't yet let the story go far enough. Which is probably true. I've had an epiphany or two of late and it fits in with these notes. It needs MORE - play up the paranormal angle, put in some more action. A prologue. "Make it a sweeping epic!"
All of which I will take into consideration when I do the rewrite. Between these notes and the ones from the agent, I think I can whip this thing into shape.
I will not become impatient and leave it as it is, I will work it until it's where it needs to go. He said, 'you've got your marching orders, now go!', and said he'd look at it again when I'm done. It will take as long as it takes, but I'm hoping to set aside some time soon to get started. I haven't really looked at it in several months, so it will be like a whole new thing. I will be looking for people to help me out and read it when I'm done, or a couple of chapters at a time. I'll take volunteers.
Overall, feeling pretty good. This is a step. Moved beyond being rejected for the basics, really into the meat of storytelling.
It's on, baby.