I don't know about you but I find waiting is one of the hardest things about being a writer. I want to get my final revision to
Agent 99, but I am having a little focus group first by asking 5-6 readers who've never seen my novel read it fresh to make sure it does what I want it to do. Then, I'll ask the new readers a ton of questions. Then, I'll make changes as necessary. Then, I'll send the book off to the agent. However, waiting for people to read something you've written is pretty unbearable. For a while I thought:
Okay, so it's not very enticing, the subject matter isn't compelling, and even my writing can't hold their attention. Then I realized people are just busy. I got this back from one of the readers:
"I am on page 87 of your novel and I must say it is very good. I thought I might not be interested in it because it is not usually the kind of books I read. I got hooked. You are a very good writer and I expect to read the entire book." Well, so that's a calming note. We'll see. I wish people would read more quickly, but it's Memorial Day weekend, so I might as well chill.
3 comments:
Hey, my mother has had my novel for TWO MONTHS and not a word. I just sent it as a courtesy, not our of any expectation of helpful feedback, but still.
Not a good idea, guys. I did the same thing early on. Now I realize just what I was asking - a lot - too much. And you really put family/friends on the spot. You're better off joining a writer's group.
Procrastinating on my own final revisions (I've posted something like six times on my blog in the last week, when my usual rate is .1/month, just for example), I've discovered that I'm my own worst enemy when it comes to causing delays. I hope those reads are useful -- and good luck getting your book finished.
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