Now what

I had an appointment with an editor today and I am currently more confused than I had been previously.

I made the appointment because I wanted some neutral third party feedback. A couple of my friends from school and a writer friend have read my book, but who among them will tell me to get my damn verbs in order or tell me that my characters are flat. I might cry upon hearing those words, but if that is the case (and I know that my verb tenses are a mess) than I need to hear it.

This editor works at home and is currently editing a full-length non-fiction book. I can only imagine that a task like that is enormous. She asked me about my story and I told her and the reaction was, well, nothing. Not even a hint that my story might spark some interest in people outside of the teaching profession. I have always realized that my target audience might be too narrow, but I have been working hard at keep teacher-talk to a minimum.

She gave it a cursory glance, told me that my beginning was a little confusing and could be stronger. Okay, fair. That was it. I did not expect her to read all 31 pages that I brought, but I thought that a glace at each chapter might be in order.We then talked about the process, how extensive the notes would be, cost, and a time frame. I don't expect to be done with the book until next December. I could not, however, expect any feedback from her until March. I did not sign a contract, and I am glad, because I am having some second thoughts.

Should I look for an editor with a little more time? Should I look for one that seems to show a hint of interest in the story? I just don't know.

For C.D.W.

I was quite recently chided by a self-proclaimed "faithful reader" that I needed to provide some content here on the old blog. It's another Saturday night spent at home contemplating school work and drinking Bailey's, so I'm game.

Perhaps an up-date on the novel would be apropos this evening. I am into chapter six and I find that I need to do a fair bit of research to complete the chapter. I need to research cabins and wooded areas in the northern Lower Peninsula. I saw the season's first snow flakes, so I guess I will wait until spring for that bit of research.

I have been in contact with an editor who is willing to look over what I have written thus far and make suggestions. The editor also runs a self-publishing company, which is how I think I will publish the book once it is done. Two published writers have looked over some early chapters and have given me useful feedback. One thing that everyone seems to like is my use of dialogue and how it seems to jump off the page.

I will probably try to plunk out a few words tonight. Vacation will be a wonderful thing because I plan on writing everyday.

I will leave my readers with a serious question, not driven by any alcohol consumption. If two characters in the book are sexually involved, how explicit should the description be? Currently, I have included two scenes in the book that explicitly imply that sex is imminent, but I leave out the salacious details. Your thoughts would be most welcome.