Remember when I had a nibble from that UK publisher?

I finally had my Zoom meeting (cameras off) with the guy. He likes my writing style but says he likes his books to be around 35K rather than the 90K I’ve got now. My dictionary says 35K is a novella not a novel, but whatever, right? Now I have to retool the novels to see if I can get something down around that level instead of the normal sized novels I have written out now. Must remember to toss in more conflict, too. If I’m going small, I have to go tense.

My alter ego still has had no luck with the anthologies, but she’s plugging away at them. Working on a gay-friendly theme now called “It Can Only Get Better” about the (fictional) future of the LBGT culture — or a fictional account of an alien society with one. Sounds perfect for the velyr, no? And a couple of anthologies are judging this month and should send word out in early March.

What are your experiences with publishers (or agents)? Good? Bad? Indifferent?

A writing pal of mine suggested I submit the novels to a newish publisher. I asked the agent if she wanted to approach them, but she said I could do it. They’re based in the UK so I’m not sure if she’s hinting that she doesn’t want my business or if she’s just not comfortable dealing with an overseas publisher. At any rate, I sent in a query with the first three chapters and a synopsis and we’ll see what they say in a week or two.

The good news is that if they like the story, I instantly have two additional novels to pitch to them. The bad news is that if they like the story, I’ll be working on both historical fiction and science fiction novels at the same time. I’m not sure I have the spare hours required to do justice to both at once. Not to mention the time I’ll need to write new material for both.

Watch this space for updates. I shall post immediately if I get an offer. And my erstwhile agent has said she’ll be happy to look at any contract they offer, so that’s a good deal.

Starting a new type of post since I’ve had a few questions about this sort of thing – “How’s the Novel Going?”

There’s some tension as you get near the end of a project (for the second time, in this case!). I’m anxious to get it done, but nervous about whether this is really going to be the end. Will I find that I need yet another major rewrite? And if so, how am I going to get the determination to do what’s needed – or will I just give up and move on to another writing project instead?

I’ve gotten to what I think will be the last two or three chapters. The lads have performed their fake train robbery, and the fake posse has caught up to the group. Not going to give away any spoilers, but I think it should wrap up in a couple of chapters. Then, there’s one spot I want to go back to, where Chance is in San Diego. I think I need a bit more lead-in material, maybe another chapter, to get everyone on the train in a convincing manner.

So … maybe three or four chapters, tops. I ought to be able to get those finished before October, right? Then, it’s off to the nice editor I met at the Rock Hill Conference, then I start the query letters.

What are your thoughts as you wrap up a project? Do you have any rituals or habits?