Keep Calm and Never Give Up

Yesterday I reached the symbolic 10,000 word milestone for novel three. At times the writing just seems to flow and pour out of me. It’s funny how the words were written so naturally, when oftentimes compiling sentences can be very laborious and tedious if you’re not in the mood. In fact I think my approach to novel writing is slightly shifting. I used to set myself a daily target: 1,000 words, or at least a minimum of 500. That way I could think about daily progress. I was relentless yet comfortable. That strategy was applicable for Out of Bounds, a bit less for The Perfectionist. And I know it’s still early for this third opus. I tend to write less frequently. But when I do, I pen down more words... I’m liking the shape my manuscript is taking.

I’m also beginning to dive into my main character’s mind and becoming more and more familiar with his way of being and thinking. I guess I’ve become a real method actor/writer! With regard to the subject matter of novel three, alas I cannot say much at all for the time being. I’m not someone who puts the cart before the horse, and I’d hate to jinx the whole undertaking. All I can disclose though is that it’s my first non-US setting and closer to my roots.

Before I can tell you more about novel three, I have to update you on novel two, The Perfectionist. It’s been three weeks now since I’ve started contacting literary agents (mainly in London), and so far, not much to report. That’s normal. Most agencies will only get back to me in 6-8 weeks’ time. With the exception of a few promising leads, those who already have replied have been rejections. It’s tough, it hurts your pride, but it’s part of the game. I’m facing stiff competition (agents receive hundreds of manuscripts). Moreover I have no idea if my submissions are timely or if the subject matter is of relevance in the agents’ eyes on a given day: their opinions are subjective.

Here’s a good example of a rejection I got last week:

“Many thanks for sending us this proposal, which I read with interest. I considered it carefully but I’m afraid on balance it just doesn’t quite grab my imagination in the way that it must for me to offer to represent you. So I must follow my instinct and pass on this occasion. I’m really sorry to be so disappointing, but thanks for thinking of us. Of course this is a totally subjective judgement, so do try other agents and I wish you every success.”

That’s a kind “No”, isn't it?

I later found out that this was a standard and automated form of rejection. However, I have received a few personal replies too reflecting how agencies must remain “sensitive to the demands of the commercial market”. I was also told by one agency that the novel is not “something it could be 100% confident of being able to handle successfully”. I wonder. What does it take to reach 100% confidence, assuming that such a level of confidence exists?

I bear no grudges and I am not disappointed. It’s all part of the process of seeking representation. I write these words more as means to illustrate the difficult road ahead of writers seeking to be published.

On a side note, I should have news in March with regard to my entry for the “Writers' & Artists' Yearbook 2015 Short Story Competition”. The deadline for submissions is February 15th, and after that a panel of judges will decide on a shortlist. More of a short-term project for me, but my fingers are crossed for Wartime Girl.

Out of the Cave

Greetings again from the darkness. First of all, I wish you all a happy and exciting new year. 2015 will be a year of change and ambitious undertakings. Personally, I'm off to a flying start. Batteries recharged after the Xmas break, I am now tackling the search for novel representation in full swing. For the past few days I've been contacting literary agents in London. They tend to more or less ask for the same thing: a good cover letter, a proper synopsis, and an excerpt from the novel's manuscript (anything between the first 10 pages to more than 50). So, I am casting the net wide and will hopefully reap some results in the weeks to come.

Now it's a game of patience. The wait can be short (I've already received one rejection); it can be long (most literary agents need 6-8 weeks before getting back to you); or in some cases it can be endless as you may never get a reply. It's an exciting time nonetheless. The full manuscript of 'The Perfectionist' has been read by three people so far, but these people are close to me. Now I'm sharing a part of the content with professionals. The pressure is somewhat different, heightened even. Needless to say, the next several weeks mark a critical milestone in my journey as a writer.

So a lot of nervous finger tapping in store for 2015. Hopefully some of it will translate into some further productive writing... talking of which, today I have a draft blueprint of novel n°3 in my mind and tentatively sketched down on a piece of paper. I'm not sure when I'll start writing seriously on this and beefing it up. Neither do I know if this is the one big idea I will commit myself to pursuing relentlessly for the months to come, but I've got a feeling deep down that these rough notes may lead to more magical moments of creativity. I hope to have more news soon, but for now back to my writer's cave.