cathschaffstump | Good, Good News (Reply)

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.