This is a quick post to let you know I’ll be taking a break from blogging in order to concentrate on my novel.
The thing is, an agent has kindly sent me some feedback. By ‘kindly’, I mean ‘bluntly’, and by ‘some’ feedback, I mean ‘loads’, and my novel needs a huge rewrite. I’m incredibly grateful for it, though, and I’d be a fool not to take it on board as I’m bound to have a better product afterwards. I have no promises that even after the changes it will be publishable, but I’ve got to try …
As I’ve explained in other posts, to write well I need to immerse myself in my work, and when I’m thinking about my blog, it takes me out of my book. I have plenty of natural distractions and commitments (courtesy of my family!) that I can’t modify, but I might as well pare back the ones I can. That’s not to say I won’t pop in from time-to-time, maybe with the odd book review or if I need a break, and I’ll certainly return when I’m finished working on my novel.
So I’ll disappear from the internet for a while, bed down with my novel, and give it all I’ve got. I’ve started already—butcher’s paper now lines one wall of the attic and I’m surrounded by a sea of notes and paper.
Here goes, sink or swim time, and I’ll see you on the other side!
Oh, I totally understand Louise. There are so many distractions that take us away. It’s such a good idea to sequester yourself. You are such an inspiration to take on board the agent’s comments and tackle a re-write. My thoughts will be with you! And it was so lovely to see you and Emily at the MRWARF!
Thanks, Kim—it was lovely to catch up with you, too. I’ve got nothing to lose by making the changes as I actually believe they will make the book better. If they don’t, I can always reverse them, but I don’t believe I’ll want to …
You go for it, Louise. Big hugs and good wishes. xx
Thanks, Tricia! I’ll give it my best shot!
Go, go, go! We’ll all still be here AND we’ll be closer to getting to read your book!
Thanks, Karen! I think the changes will make the book appeal to a wider readership—if it’s ever published!
Good luck, Louise!
Thanks Elizabeth! 🙂
Go for it , Louise! Completely understand your need to focus on your novel. I’ll be sending all my good luck vibes to you whilst you’re rewriting! xx
I’m feeling your good luck vibes and I thank you so much for them! 🙂
Congratulations Louise, getting feedback from an agent is a huge step forward.
It’s beyond helpful! I wish someone had told me some of the things earlier, but it’s a step-wise thing, isn’t it? As if you have to write it wrongly, and have someone point it out to you, and why, before you can write it correctly.
Best of luck with it, Louise! I shall miss seeing your posts but look forward to reading your novel one day 🙂 Awesome news that you’ve had such detailed feedback, a real gift in this competitive publishing world. I have fingers crossed that it all goes wonderfully well xx
I don’t know if it will go wonderfully as there’s no promises at the end, but it will hopefully help me improve it. A lot.
Good luck!
Thanks Natasha. I’ll keep you posted!
I’ll miss your blog, Louise. Good luck.
That’s so sweet to hear, Maureen, and I will return! Thanks for the good wishes. xx
Feedback from an editor and loads of it–how wonderful. Good luck with your revision. I’ll be here cheering you on! Best wishes.
Thanks, Penny! It’s nice that someone took the time to read it AND give me feedback. I’m truly grateful.
Sending hugs, can’t wait for the outcome x
I’ll keep you posted, don’t worry! xx
Good luck, good writing. I know your book will be successful. Love and hugs
Thanks Betty. You’re a fantastic support.
You’ll be much missed, Louise. Hope the editing process is plain sailing! x
I doubt that it will be plain sailing! But I don’t mind! I’ll be back soon, I hope. I just thought I should let people know why I’d disappeared.
Good luck, Louise! Hope the next phase goes smoothly and look forward to hearing more from you soon. x
I’ll keep you posted! Meanwhile I’ll still enjoy reading about all the authors who’ve already been published on your blog!
Go Louise!!!! Xx Helen…
Thanks Helen! xx