02 Jun 2008, Posted by Cat in News, 18 Comments. Tagged writing

that novel of mine…

Well, all four of my beta readers have returned their verdicts on my novel #1, Sammarynda Deep. All four responses are incredibly helpful — what surprised me is that everyone had something different and original to offer as advice. I was kinda hoping that all of them would say the same thing: this bit sucked, that bit rocked… but unfortunately it ain’t gonna be as simple as applying bandaids and a fresh coat of paint. Fortunately, all of them seem to think the patient can be saved, so… tonight I begin the process of open heart surgery. Which means I’ll be putting Arctica aside for a couple of weeks. I’ll miss Arctica… she’s become my best and dearest friend…

Seriously, I have no idea how people write novels all on their lonesome. There is so much stuff in SD that seems glaringly obvious now that it’s been pointed out, but I don’t think I would ever have seen it without other kind folks doing the pointing. OK, so a publishing house editor’s job would be to point out the flaws, but without outside input, my book would never make it as far as an editor’s desk.

Thanks Miranda, Lourdes, Angela and Rob. You rock!