Newsletter August 2007
Hello everyone,
Another month has flown by. I hope your summer is going well. I've been busy with all my projects and work, but I'm finally knocking a few off and progressing on others, so I feel good. A Clockwork Murder is now officially in the can. I've worked in all the comments from my critique group, I've reworked the beginning third and massaged the opening chapter to perfection (or as close as I'll ever get). It's true what they say: it is never done, you just stop working on it. :) Now to get my butt in gear sending out queries...
Oh yeah, I got another "Liked it but didn't love the voice" rejection. So close, yet no banana.
I've reread Viral Coat and I'm currently analyzing the plot. I enjoyed rereading it this time (not so much so the first time). I guess it is a "summer read". It is lacking something though. You know, I always hate it when a writer uses the old "something" phrase. It usually means they didn't bother to work out the plot at that point in the story. At this point in the editing, I'm truely not sure what is wrong with Viral Coat. I think it needs more peril for the hero. I should be able to do that via edits, but it may require a re-write. In any case, my deadline is November to have the next draft done.
November I'll be starting something new and different. Each week I come up with a plot idea/outline. One of them will stick, or else I'll combine a few. Lately they have been urban fantasies. Tim Powers-stlye stories where a normal guy gets caught up in the magical weirdness that lurks just beneath the surface of the real world. I'd love to be able to pull off something as good as his. If you are looking for summer reading, check out Tim Powers. Especially Last Call.
I hate to report that I didn't finish Atlas Shrugged. It was good, but she repeats her ideas so many times. I couldn't take it anymore. I'll finish after I take a break. This month's book club selection is To Kill A Mockingbird. Great, great story. Reminds me of growing up in the South. Read that if you haven't in a while.
I saved the best news for the month for last: my wife and I celebrated our first anniversary! Yay! Go us!
Take care and have a wonderful August, --Todd