Comments on: Ticking-Clock Syndrome

By: Karen

Karen — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 14:21:43 +0000

Crystal: That clock can be really LOUD. But I definitely think you’re doing it the right way. You want your novel to shine and your submissions will be easily rejected if the novel isn’t “ready.”

Best of luck to you!

By: Crystal R.

Crystal R. — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 05:11:24 +0000

Oh, wow! I thought I was the only one who heard the clock clicking . . . so glad I’m not alone! Yes, where DID 2009 go? I had set a goal to start querying this summer, and I’m STILL revising my MG novel. And folks (mostly family) are like, so when are you going to be published? But I’m determined to take my time because I want it to be really, really, polished before I send it to an agent. *Sigh* I guess the key word really is PATIENCE . . .

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:52:46 +0000

I’ll add a Hallelujah too, Paula.

It’s definitely a day-to-day process. It’s like where did 2009 go and why haven’t I finished up “this” novel? LOL.

But we can do this!

By: Paula Chase

Paula Chase — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 18:08:23 +0000

Yes, Lord, I hear that clock all the time. And although I’ve come to respect that any progress is better than none, it’s a day-to-day process. Some days I’m more patient than others. Some days I’m happy with the revision of the revision’s revision. And other days I can’t understand why I haven’t gotten any further than “this.” I love what I do, but it’s frustrating often. Lehane’s advice is something I’ve been learning to live by the last nine months.

By: Karen

Karen — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 16:52:28 +0000

Anna, this is so true! I’ve really been through the ringer with this particular novel, but now I’m so grateful that I didn’t send the two other versions to my agent. They were NOT ready.

I guess I had to go through those other versions to get to this one—which is much better and stronger. Patience is hard, but it is such a virtue.