aqua fortis

Friday, May 29, 2009

The Verdict

My thanks to everyone who's sent positive vibes and encouragement my way. I have to say that the outcome of today's editorial phone call was as good as it could possibly--realistically--have been.

Of course, the pipe dream is that an editor will come banging on the door...um, via the phone...and say how much they loved your book and how they want to publish it RIGHT NOW because of its overwhelming awesomeness. But seriously, how often does that happen?

For me, the sentence that sticks with me from today's phone call was about how the editor thought my novel was good, but that it could be awesome. Now, that's ALREADY several kinds of awesome. But I made sure to try to convey the idea that I want to go that route--I want to improve it as much as possible. I don't want to be one of those writers who can't take feedback. I honestly want to make this a part of my career. I can only hope that I didn't sound like a nervous, over-eager, spazzy wreck on the phone (that blighted instrument of torture that makes me sound like a small child!).

So, here's the deal: I received some detailed feedback over the phone--none of which seemed out of left field or impossibly difficult or excessively scary. Some of it will result in major structural changes, but I've done that sort of thing before. It can, theoretically, be done again. Some of it is just tightening up and polishing. It all sounds like positive change that will bring out the core of the novel rather than drifting far away from my original intentions. This was a HUGE relief.

I'll be getting written notes next week sometime, after which I'll buckle down on this thing again and give it whatfor. Then, I'll resubmit it. If I can deliver the goods--and that's what's in question at the moment--then, hopefully, fingers and toes and eyelashes crossed, this could be it. If not...well, I guess then it might be time to think about setting this one aside for a while. There are my other three (!!) novel manuscripts begging for my revision attention, not to mention the graphic novel idea that Rob and I have been talking about, a project I want to work on with short-short stories and etchings, and NaNoWriMo coming up in November (did I mention that this particular manuscript was started during NaNoWriMo? If you remember the local NPR segment that I was on--THAT novel.) Either way, I feel pretty energized. It's one more step in the right direction. I'm very hopeful. Also full of red wine.

16 comments:

Ethel Rohan said...

Congratulations, how thrilling and exciting. Good for you! The very best of luck with the revisions. Just go for it.

Be as positive as possible, believe that you can do this and you will. Visualize your book, its cover, the blurb on the jacket etc. As you work through the revisions it's tempting to do nothing else, but take the time out to be as good to yourself as you possibly can--get exercise, sleep, eat well, make love, read, watch movies, and listen to music. Dance!

I kid you not :-)

I'm looking forward to buying your book from my local independent bookstore one of these days ... If you autograph it, my girls will flip!

Congratulations again.
You go!

Dinesh said...

Nice. - the relentless pursuit shows promise - Glad you're almost "discovered" - lovin' it!

Sara said...

Woo-hoooooo! I have every confidence in your ability to deliver. Rock on with those revisions, and keep us posted so we can cheer you on.

Jen Robinson said...

That's awesome, Sarah! I have no doubt that you can make those changes, and that the novel will be wonderful. I'm going to start looking forward to seeing it in stores right now.

jama said...

Yay for good phone calls! Good luck with the revisions. So excited for you :).

holly cupala said...

Yes! Fantastic! Come on over to Summer Revision Smackdown at my blog and Jolie's this month - we're doing goals and lots of great tips all month from excellent contributors. We'd love to cheer you on!

christine M said...

This is so exciting! Congratulations!

Tea said...

SO pleased for you! Of course you can do this--it will be awesome!

Go, go, go! I've got my cheerleading outfit on for you:-)

Chloe said...

SOOOOOO awesome! I'm so happy for you, Sarah!

Anastasia Suen said...

Fabulous news, Sarah!

Sarah Stevenson said...

Wow! Thanks, all, for stopping by to cheer me on. I really, really appreciate it. Knowing I have so many people thinking good thoughts for me is an enormous encouragement. I'll have to come back here to re-read these if (well...when) I get bogged down. :)

Jules at 7-Imp said...

Exciting! Best of luck. Keep us updated!

Anonymous said...

Ooh! I love good news, and this is definitely good news. It's not the best possible news, of course, but it's really, truly good. Fingers crossed for you as you embark on your revisions!

Susan said...

Sarah, that's terrific. I am happy for you!

Belle said...

This is so wonderful! I've only just started reading your blog recently, and I am very much inspired!

Anonymous said...

Wow, great news. Good luck!