Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Agent update

The agent that asked to see the full manuscript of my current young adult adventure, has responded. (my current is my second novel - my first being published in 2011.)

No, I do not have an agent...yet. But I will be venturing forth into a rewrite with an impressive list of things to fix. This is my first rewrite request so I'm slightly pumped about it.

I'm also pumped about some of these fabulous words of wisdom and thought I'd share:

  • Agent compared my ms. to some amazing books like - ISLAND OF THE BLUE DOLPHINS! (which was my favorite childhood book and I almost choked on my own tongue when I read that)


  • Agent said a certain plot twist was "sort of lame". How cool is an agent that will say "sort of lame" ? Awesome.


  • Agent says the setting in a book should be like another character. I have previously been light on description in favour of more action. Another lesson learned!
Between this rewrite and working on revisions with my fabulous editor, I'll be missing a few planned snowshoeing adventures in the near future. What sacrifices do you make for writing?

29 comments:

Sarah said...

Oh my word! Island of the Blue Dophins? That's amazing! I'd live off that compliment for months.

MeganRebekah said...

What a great comparison!
Good luck on the rewrites and definitely keep us updated!

Jonathon Arntson said...

Sacrifices...well, I haven't been putting as much effort into visiting family as I would like. I should be getting a second job, but haven't done that. I have only read five books since the new year, that's a huge sacrifice for me.

I am so thankful for the word count I have at the moment, though.

Amy Allgeyer Cook said...

Yay for comments! Great luck on the rewrites. I've done a couple of those and the book is always better for it! :)

Valerie Geary said...

Now I can't wait to read your book! (though you had me at sled dogs...)

L. Diane Wolfe said...

Sacrifices? LOL I tend to not have a life!

That's great, Terry.

Anonymous said...

I loved Island of the Blue Dolphins! What a compliment! When you mentioned that the agent wanted you to make the setting a character I remembered that Donald Maass covered that in chapter 4 of his book, Writing the Breakout Novel. If you don't have a copy, head for the library, it is really good. I quickly grabbed my copy. Quote:
How does your setting make people feel? That is the key, not how a place looks but its psychological effect on the characters in your novel.
He goes on to explain and it's quite insightful.

Mayra Calvani said...

Wow, Terry! I think it's AWESOME to get this kind of response from an agent--it means you're gettting closer!

Caroline Starr Rose said...

This is so exciting! Get writing, girl!

I'm working on some re-writes myself. Agent Michelle has been good enough to read through piles of my ms. She's given me a lot to think about and work through. Better get to it...

Heather Kelly said...

Terry--That sounds wonderful. It's always great to have input about a ms--and this agent sounds really interested! Have fun revising!

Janet, said...

Have fun with the rewrite! And, good luck on getting an agent. My housework suffers, but then, I never liked doing housework.

Dolly said...

That's great news, Terry. "Sort of lame" - does sound like a cool agent.

Kelly Polark said...

Wow! What amazing critiques and compliment!!!! Love the beautiful winter picture too.
Good luck on your revisions!

Shannon O'Donnell said...

Comments are the best! Take them and run. Good luck and keep us posted. I want to read this book! :-)

Paul Greci said...

Very cool stuff to be working on. Your snowshoes might collect a little dust but they'll be there for you when you've got the time!

Jennifer Walkup said...

How awesome!

Tara McClendon said...

Congrats on the list of positive things. That's great. I love Island of the Blue Dolphins. So cheers.

What do I sacrifice? Time working on other things.

Natalie said...

That is fantastic! What an AWESOME comparison!

Rena Jones said...

Good luck! Sounds like things are going well for you. I love that picture, btw.

Jackie said...

19 comments, how popular u are!

well, as long as swimming is not something you give up.

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Terry--How exciting! Get all those revisions done and send it back asap! Best wishes!!!

Christina Farley said...

This agent sounds very smart. Yeah for you!!!!

I loved the Island of the Blue Dolphins. What a compliment.

PJ Hoover said...

Congrats on the awesome feedback. I love getting great revision advice!

People Who Know Me Would Say: said...

I love that he said the setting should be like another character! I am learning as you go along!

Lori Calabrese said...

Good luck on the re-writes Terry! How exciting!

Laura Pauling said...

Great news! Positive rejections can really lift the spirits - definetly better than a form. Good luck with those revisions! Laura

Sharon K. Mayhew said...

Terry--What a compliment! Island of the Blue Dolphins...Best wishes with the rewrites! You can do this! Keep us in the loop. :)

Mary E Campbell said...

So awesome to have someone interested enough to tell you something is kind of lame. Good luck Terry.

Sherrie Petersen said...

Very cool! Good luck!