Friday, December 17, 2010

And Herself Spoke . . .

. . .  and said my proposal wasn't quite what she was hoping for. 

No, this isn't devastating news. Because she went on to tell me a bit more of just what it was she would like to see in this next book I write.  And I know I'm close.

I think I've mentioned before that working with Herself has made me a much better writer. She will NOT let me take the easy way out -- no short cuts. 


So I'm rethinking that proposal --  same characters, but a different emphasis . . .
 
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23 comments:

Marilyn & Jeff said...

This sounds so promising Vicki, I wish you well with your proposal rethink.
I am sure I have said it before but I just have to say again how much I am enjoying seeing your photos of the snow and ice. So far I have loved each season you have shown - I can only guess at how beautiful spring will be as well.

Victoria said...

Great shot of the icicles, and I love the picture of Eddie pausing to consider whether he really wants to step into that white stuff or not.

Vicki, I'm crossing my fingers that Herself will like your new proposal.

(And I loved the post previous to this one. I would have loved to see the look on your little face when you saw those just-right-sized pots and pans)!

Martin said...

I don't believe that anyone who opts for life on a mountain farm is predisposed to taking the easy way out. Your revised proposal will be quality, I'm sure.

Reader Wil said...

Hi Vicki! I've just heard your audio interview with Fran Steward and I saw your video interview. I enjoyed hearing you tell about the books you wrote, because I read them all and I started to reread them. Is Fran Steward a mystery writer too? I noticed that many mystery writers are women. There are Agatha Christy, Ruth Rendell, P.D. James,Ellis Peters, Dorothy Sayers...and Daphne du Maurier wrote two or three mystery books or maybe we should call them gothic novels? Anyway they are my favourite books. It was nice to see you and hear your voice. You are exactly as I thought you were!!
I am glad I know you as a blogger.

Jules said...

Love these photos, seeing them I sometimes think I might like to live where it snows,,,then I don't!!!!
Happy rewriting.
And a very happy Christmas to you and may it be a day full of joy and wonder. J

Elora said...

Turnabout time: YOU go, gutsy girl! And, as Red Green would say. "We're pullin' for you !"

Elora

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

You have such a wonderful attitude Vicki. Others would be devastated.

Great shot of the icicles. Ours have (finally) melted. Happy holidays to you and your family.
Sam

Pat in east TN said...

I'm sure the two of you will come to an agreement shortly.

I love what you said about Herself, no easy way out, no short cuts - isn't that how we all should approach life?

Coloring Outside the Lines said...

I am sure whatever direction you go will be perfect. I love your characters!

Brian Miller said...

nice..it is good to be sharpened and have our ideas mined and refined...glad you are happy about it...

Kath said...

So sorry Herself did not approve your proposal extant. But you are something special to have such a positive attitude for the possibilities. Which your readers are grateful for.


Your snow shots, especially Eddie, are wonderful. And no easy accomplishment for the rest of us. I take and delete so many of my own. Even the best not half as beautiful as yours. Thank you for sharing.
Kath

Anonymous said...

It's encouraging to know that Herself is hanging in there with you... not out of the goodness of her heart though: she wants her cut to be a successful one. :)

On the other hand, how frustrating for you!

But, Herself knows you've got what she wants (good writing abilities) and she's going to get it out of you, come hell or high water.

(I hear the sounds of the keyboard clicking)

Louise said...

And, it looks like, with that snow, you'll have plenty of indoor time to work on your new plans.

BB said...

You deserve kudos for not taking it personally and going back to fix it up. Good for you.

Tess Kincaid said...

Sometimes the little bends in the road are very fortuitous.

Stella Jones said...

Puss looks a little unsure as to whether to go out or not? The icicles look dangerous but beautiful.
Good luck with the re-think, hmmm!

Blessings, Star

Merisi said...

Wow, that sounds like a resounding yes to your new characters! Methinks Herself knows what treasure she has in you, and challenges you accordingly. I wish you all the energy and inspiration it takes to rework your proposal.

Kaye Wilkinson Barley - Meanderings and Muses said...

Vicki, I am so impressed with your attitude and with your confidence in your work. All richly deserved, but a point sometimes hard for us to reach. Eagerly awaiting the next book!!!!

Brenda said...

Obviously one important quality of a good writer is perseverence. You have a great attitude, and that's always what separates the winners from the losers. I love the photo of Eddie, and it's probably a measure of just how cold it's been that my first reaction upon seeing it was - I bet he's enjoying the feel of that warm sunshine on his black fur! That's what I've been enjoying, even while standing in the snow - the warm sun reappearing has been great!

Vicki Lane said...

Spring in the mountains is my favorite, Marilyn!

Martin and Victoria -- I know I'll have a stronger book with the new proposal.

Wil, yes, Fran Steward is a mystery writer and yes, there are many, many female mystery writers. All those you name are old favorites of mine including Daphne de M. And I'm glad I know you too!

I do appreciate all your support. It's tempting only to sare the good parts of the writing process but, since I know that a fair number of writers are reading this, it seems better to be honest.

And the lesson, as Brenda says, is that perseverance is the key.

Tipper said...

Well if she makes you a better writer-then I guess her prodes and pushes are a good thing : ) I just can't wait to see the finished product-even though thats a while a way!

JJM said...

Whoever said writing was easy wasn't a writer ...

I passed through your neck of the woods (sorta) earlier today on the way down to Hendersonville from Greensboro, on Rte 40. Waved in a random Asheville-wards direction as I imagined you typing away furiously, albeit with visions of sugarplums in your head ... ;)

Mario

Vicki Lane said...

(Waving back) Hey, Mario - it's sure not easy for me. But I'm goofing off today rather than working...