So I know what you’re thinking….I quit!
Let me reassure you that I have not. Have I grown disheartened at times, yes. Have there been times when I wished I was somewhere else? Absolutely. Do I hate the editing process? Of course, but who doesn’t.
I would be lying if I told you that I had been working solidly for the past six months at the editing and drafts processes. I have jumped in and out of it all, sometimes because it was suggested by those more experienced in writing and publishing and other times because I was struggling with something else.
In October I had TIA (Transient ischemic attack), also known as a mini stroke. Several investigations and procedures later I’d like to say its all sorted but its still up the air. As a consequence of the investigation doctors have also found a small hole in my heart a PFO. These a fairly common and often cause no problems, except when they do. Unfortunately there is debate as to weather the PFO caused the TIA. This would all make a fascinating book and maybe when its all sorted I’ll look into that!
For now I’m managing the symptoms and consequences of the TIA, one of which seems to be migraines and getting back to that six year old dream. I have managed to finish a second draft and seek feedback on my draft manuscript from two people now. I finally feel ready to step up to the heart wrenching process of submissions and rejections.
I’ve stepped lightly initially and just sent my first two chapters off the the Byron Writers Festival Retreat Submissions and expect to not hear from them (as they only contact the winners) as early as next Friday. My next step is contacting a publisher directly.
I have been plugging away at a query letter and numerous drafts of a synopsis (I can’t believe how poorly I did at this with my first submission to the Richell Prize with Hachette last year- If I ever have the chance to apologise for that one I will be taking it.) and submissions to Harlequin are now open. I am determined to hit send this week, before I chicken out, so I expect total despair to settle in over the coming months whilst I await that rejection.
Of course despair often leads to a burst of creativity and I am pleased to say that I’m already working on my second novel, something completely different from my first and its exhilarating to write it. I promise to keep you all in the loop with that one.