I received the latest professional edit on the book this morning. I haven't gone through much of it yet, but I did read her letter (notes). It's really promising in a lot of ways. I felt great through the first page... The second page addressed some stuff I know I need to work on, and I felt fine with that. The third page had some suggestions of what I should add to help tie things together (but I don't know that I agree with all of them...), but more importantly the last paragraph ended with, "I don't think this book is ready for publishing." She explained this is a hot genre right now (who knew?) and you only get one shot with the agents. It needs to be tighter. So, I've been sitting on those words all day. I'll admit, I was a little teary eyed when I read it, but there were no actual tears. The words sting. I really thought I was at the end. But I guess, I should be grateful for her encouraging words, the fact that she enjoyed the story, the characters, had emotion, etc. And she didn't say, it's a huge pile of shit and needs lots more attention. Looking at the Silver Lining I guess. So, the timing of getting this today and hearing from the bff and that she finished this latest revision tonight, were fate. She helped to talk me off the ledge. As she says, "It's a real damn novel." I'll take that. I've always been fortunate to surround myself with the right people. Those words amongst others, were just what I needed to hear. So, I'll take tonight to lick my wounds a little more, before getting on the horse tomorrow. Sara and Molly (the main characters) will be calling tomorrow, and I need to woman up and answer.
I hope this day found you well. You made it through Monday. Congratulation!
I'll leave you with "Hey Cinderella" by Suzy Bogguss. I told the Ice Cream Club the story of a drunken Jen meeting Suzy after a show and going on about this song. Anyway, they didn't know the song. I can't fault the 21 year old, or the other one who didn't grow up with parents who were disc jockeys. It's another song about growing older Who needs Cinderella anyway?! We're older now but no more the wise. We learned the art of compromise. Sometimes we laugh. Sometimes we cry. And sometimes we just breakdown.
~Jen