I am an idiot (but we knew that)

[rj_anderson]

I was just going through my old writing files the other day, and paused to flip through the contents of my "Publishers" file. Like many other would-be pros, I have my share of "Dear Contributor ... we regret that this manuscript does not suit our present needs" letters. But I also have a rare gem -- a detailed report on my manuscript from a first

Comments

[kiri_l]

Rebecca,

I've not taken a moment to read your sample chapters there.. but that was an amazing note from the first reader. I'd like to add a bit more.

I've done some professional editing. I know how much tripe crosses one's desk in a day much less a year. In my life, in a private vein, I've had the pleasure of encountering three people I'd consider have the ability to get published. You happen to be one of those three. So many things get published out there every year that aren't worth the paper they are printed upon - PLEASE go and show em how it should be done!

I'm now going to go enjoy "KNIFE" *GRIN*

[rj_anderson]

Wow, thank you! That's very kind, and I appreciate the encouragement.

Let me know what you think/thought of the chapters!

[chresimos]

Oh, the inertia. I know what you mean, sort of. I don't have anything near a novel-length piece, but I have a bunch of short stories that I should be submitting to contests and things, but I just...don't.

But, you know, that looks like really good feedback to me. It seems like they're just saying, fix the first few chapters, and you'll be right. I don't have time to read the chapters now, but I'll try to take a look at them in the next week or so and tell you what I think.

[friede]

While I read this, I was reminded of things I read and did as a child, though I don't consider what you've written "childish" at all. I think it's more the effect of a childhood spent reading Victorian (bowdlerized) fairy tales and looking at at very small things very close up.

There's a definite affinity to Chesterton in my mind, though why that comes to mind I can't adequately say at midnight. I think it may be a degree of separation working -- Knife reminds me strongly of young Orual.

All the mumbly-joe aside: I'm spellbound. I'm continually amazed by the effect you have on my visual imagination.

[friede]

I would have added this at the end of my comment, but this was the pic that died last night.

[rj_anderson]

There's a definite affinity to Chesterton in my mind, though why that comes to mind I can't adequately say at midnight. I think it may be a degree of separation working -- Knife reminds me strongly of young Orual.

You mean via the Chesterton-Lewis connection? Odd, I don't associate GKC with faeries. Are you sure you don't mean George MacDonald?

But I love Till We Have Faces, and although it certainly wasn't consciously done I think you're right about a similarity between Knife and Orual -- at least in the perceived ugliness, and their aloofness and pride.

And thank you!

[friede]

See, this is why I should never post past midnight.

Actually, upon further reflection, I think meant both -- MacDonald for the obvious reasons, of course. But I also get the same feeling entering your world as I did when I read "The Man Who Was Thursday" (Chesterton) -- don't know why, but I do... it might also be because of his essay on Midsummer Night's Dream, but I could also be covering my rear. :)

[wahlee_98]

SQUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!

Oh, if ONLY it weren't 11:30 at night on a day when I have to get up early tomorrow. . . .

*saves chapters*

Will definitely be reading these tommorrow while waiting for Mary GrandPre. :D

[rose_in_shadow]

Rebecca,

This is amazing. I can't believe you're so cruel as to leave us hanging like this :-).

The only criticism I have is the similarity of Thistle and Thorn. I got them confused a few times and I think you did too at least once. Without reading more, I can't comment on plot or anything like that. Your characters, as usual, pop out of the page fully formed and it's so easy to picture them.

I hope you do get this published so I can at least read the rest.

Best of luck to you!

[rj_anderson]

The only criticism I have is the similarity of Thistle and Thorn. I got them confused a few times and I think you did too at least once.

You mean the names, or the personalities? And can you point specifically to the place where you think I got them confused?

I suppose the "Th-" beginning on both names, if that's all you mean, might be a bit confusing; and if so, I could easily change "Thistle" to something else...

[rose_in_shadow]

Yes, the names. Sorry.

I went and skimmed back over the Prologue-Chp. 2 but couldn't find the mix-up. :-/

[rj_anderson]

Well, I'm trying to think of an suitable alternative to "Thistle" right now, so the problem should be fixed soon. Thanks for mentioning it!