Well, as decided upon by the majority, I am now working on the number 3 option which was NMBK which is currently just shy of 26,000 words down on the page. Where I left it was probably about half way through the book but there is a lot of developing to do so 26,000 words does not constitute 1/2 a book.
I gave the first chapter to my best girlfriend (its a girl rather than a bloke book) and asked her what she thought. She said that she liked it and wanted to know how the characters developed but as the first chapter is only about 2 1/2 pages long she didn't have a lot to go one.
So far so good.
Good choice everyone.
One more thing. What should I do with BTL? That's the book that had agents interested but not interested enough. I'm thinking stick it in a metaphorical drawer and forget about it but would that be the right thing to do?
8 comments:
I always admire people who can work on more than one novel at a time! As for advice, I honestly think you are the only person who can decide. If you really love and believe in BTL, then perhaps have another look at it? Maybe tighten it up, or do some re-writing according to the comments of the agents who liked it.
I would never show a novel to a friend. If you want an honest dispassionate opinion on NMBK, it might be worth paying a professional* to look at it (it's not that expensive, and could pay off in the long run). I know this seems harsh, but a friend is baised, especially if she's a close one. A very dear friend of mine sent me her novel, and it was awful. It put me in a terrible position, and I still haven't been able to bring myelf to say what I really thought of it. Never again!
I know this all sounds a bit brutal, but writing - and publishing - is a brutal business at the moment, as we all know. If you are going to invest hours of your precious time on something, it really is worth getting the best possibe advice. You (and your novel) are worth it! A professional can not only give a professional opinion, he or she will also know the market, and be able to point you in the right direction.
No offence to you friend (who may well be a professional!). And very good luck. Do let us know what you decide.
*Hilary Johnson is good, and has good contacts.
That's a good reaction from your friend - always encouraging when a reader wants to learn more.
If I were you, I'd give BTL a rest while you work on this project and then you can go back to it fresh.
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Good advice Frances and I know what you mean. I also had a bad experience reading a friend's novel once - very awkward. My friend was a commissioning editor for a long time and she usually tells me when she doesn't like something but I know that you are right about getting professional advice if I want a truly dispassionate opinion.
Suzanne i think you're right and it will stay in that metaphorical drawer for a while.
I have a novel in a metaphorical drawer and I'm almost certain I'll come back to it at some point. Nothing is ever wasted.
Its not eating any meat in the metaphorical drawer so it can stay there a while. Like you Helen, I'm sure it'll come out some time.
I agree - put it in the drawer and bring it out when you feel ready! Glad you had such encouraging feedbck from your friend.
I don't see having several projects on the go as a problem, in general, and you ladies are better at multi-tasking than us gents, according to popular belief. My mistake when it came to this sort of thing, was to flit too rapidly between projects. I now realise that I need a "good innings" with each one before moving on to the next. For me that means at least two weeks and usually much longer.
I'd be very careful when seeking feedback on your work. It's important to decide who to let read it, why, and what you plan to do with the feedback before you receive it. Praise from friends and family is an ego-boost – not to be underestimated in value – but that's all it can actually provide (unless they happen to be in the business). I agree with Frances. Professional feedback will be much more valuable to you.
If you're anything like me, then BTL will come out of the drawer when you want it to. I'm now revisiting some projects that have been "drawered" for several years now.
yep FP - its safely in the drawer for now but will possibly come out at a later date.
Totally agree about the professional advice Captain and my friend's opinion is just that - her opinion - which thankfully was good this time because trust me it has been scathing about some previous projects. I'm a bit of flitter between things sometimes and need to learn how to knuckle down and concentrate.
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