Good, Good News

[cathschaffstump]

We’ve been here in this journal before. I’ve been asked for a rewrite of The Substance of Shadows by an agent. This time, though, it feels very differernt.

First of all, this agent was complimentary about the story. He read the partial throgh completely, not wanting to stop. He complimented the prologue, and the way the alternate povs shift seamlessly. He likes that the book has more plot than just boys fighting demons. You know how agents often say they didn’t love it enough? That’s not the sense I get here.

The agent sent 4 pages of notes, essentially an edit letter, filled with excellent suggestions. He wants more of the “rich interior life” of the characters. Mark, he wants more Milo! Thought you’d be pleased. Milo is a contrast to ivory tower Stephan and Errol. Lots of good suggestions about characters, family, everything. I’m very jazzed to do this rewrite.

What’s the difference between this rewrite and the last? This agent gets my book and my style. He’s encouraging me to put back in a lot of the things that I took out for the other rewrite. The previous agent wanted simplification and action. This agent wants layers and richness. Small wonder. One of his favorite books is Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell.

So, very excited here. Hulk Hercules continues to come first, because it has a deadline, but this now comes after. My short story plans are postponed indefinitely. I want to make Substance as Dickensian as I can.

Meanwhile, I’m off to my GP today to talk seriously about elbows. The help desk has sent me information about a voice activated software that may already exist on my windows machine. In spite of bone pain, optimism rules the day.

Catherine

Originally published at Writer Tamago. You can comment here or there.

Comments

[p-sunshine.livejournal.com]

Yay! Fingers crossed!

[ckastens.livejournal.com]

Excellent! Always nice to have that kind of support. Good luck with the rewrite!

[kaitiana.livejournal.com]

WOO HOO! This DOES sound promising. I'll keep my fingers crossed for you.

[minoukatze.livejournal.com]

Nifty! Hope everything works out:)

[kizmet-42.livejournal.com]

Great news!

Take lots of [whatever is good for bone healing] and start writing.

Do you think that you'll be satisfied with the voice recognition software and how you write fiction?

[cathschaffstump.livejournal.com]

We'll see.

[brian-ohio.livejournal.com]

This all sounds very promising. I'm rooting for you Big Time!

[erised1810.livejournal.com]

oh my god!! someone who wants it to have more...substance? /bad pun.
If you not have voice-activated programs i'd be glad to be your typist. wheeee though, good luck!!

[cathschaffstump.livejournal.com]

:p

[erised1810.livejournal.com]

wel lit was worth a try...i'lll jsut breeze through what yo usentmemonths ago then. and i wont' stop feelign giddy.

[ecmyers.livejournal.com]

That's really good news! Sounds like a perfect match, so I hope it works out. Good luck with the revisions!

[david-bridger.livejournal.com]

Excellent news! I really hope this turns out perfectly for you!

I'm about to start reading the version you sent me, actually. :)