Et tu, Writer?

Oh, the dog days are coming! In this month whose name reminds us of Augustus Caesar and his eventual demise, I am plowing ahead with writing and submissions and trying to defend my desire to make my words count.

But sometimes, in the middle of filling out yet another specific request, it can feel like agents and editors are killing the creator in me with the multiple asks. After finishing the manuscript for CARRY ME HOME, I wrote a 150-word synopsis, a one-page synopsis, and a three-page synopsis. That should fill any ask, I thought.

Well, not exactly. The past three days I’ve worked on a chapter synopsis. This is the first time I’ve had to write one, and I’m petrified I’ll get it wrong! Still, I persist. As I evaluate each chapter for the most important beats, I recognize that, despite the work, I may still be rejected. In fact, the odds, as one famous novel put it, are not in my favor.

I’m an optimist. The last time I queried a novel (many, many years ago!), I was lucky to receive any feedback beyond a curt rejection. This time around, I’m getting some very kind, very personal no’s. I’m counting that as a win, believing I’ve learned a great deal over the years. Persistence is required. Improvement in the art and the craft is notable.

Therefore, even if the answer is a Brut-al (see what I did there? 😉) no, the process is rewarding, the journey fulfilling, and the possibilities unknown.

Keep that writing flame alive, my friends, and carry on.