For a new writer trying to be published, maintaining patience is the hardest part.
It sounds easier than what it is. Things move at a glacial pace in the book industry. It’s not hard to see why. The editors at major fantasy publishing houses comprise maybe 50 people, if that. There are also maybe only 50 major agents who represent fantasy, some of which are so focused on one specific sub-genre they aren’t helpful to all. That’s 100 people, 100 people trying to read thousands and thousands of manuscripts a year.
That is daunting by any stretch of the imagination.
Therefore it usually takes months and months to hear back on a particular manuscript. The novel I am currently shopping around, The Dark Thorn, was given to five publishers a month ago. Pyr Books turned it down within a few days, saying it was wonderful and deserves to be published but that it is too similar to another series they already publish.
Can you hear my “Damnit!” from where you sit?
So what have I been doing with my time while I wait?
A bevy of things. I have fully redesigned the website for Terry Brooks, which should go live here in the next two weeks. I have been working on the website for Naomi Novik, since her new book, Tongues of Serpents, will be published here in a few weeks and I like ramping up marketing for publications. I have finally bought a new TV and Blu-ray player (see my post tomorrow about that because I need your help). I’ve had several online signings with The Signed Page, which means I’ve been shipping out signed books left and right. Finally, I’ve just generally been trying to enjoy the beginning of a weak Seattle summer.
Oddly I wasn’t doing the one thing I should have been doing.
Working on a new book.
Then, last week, the muse slapped me awake.
And it hurt.
Ideally, there should be no question about what I am doing with my free time. I should be writing. I should be working on my next project while I am awaiting word on The Dark Thorn. As Terry Brooks says, it’s best to always work forward, not backward. He’s right. Awaiting word on the last book will only drive me mad—and keep my mind from being clear enough to work on something new.
Last week I walked out of my apartment on Sunday. It was a 9:30 am and a gorgeous day, cornflower blue skies flooded with sunshine. I live at one of the busiest places in Seattle when the weather is nice, a lake that people walk around, paddle on, and lay at reading. But that day, when I stepped from my home and began walking across the street, I froze.
It was deathly silent. Like 28 Days Later quiet or I Am Legend quiet.
The first thought I had was, “Oh my God, the rapture has taken place and I’m all alone!”
Turns out I wasn’t alone. The muse was there at my side. She forcefully put her hands on my chest had stopped me in mid-step.
Then she slapped me.
It tickled.
I am a big idea guy on the outset of a project. The ideas that get my writing juices flowing are closer to science fiction ideas than the inward journey mostly seen in fantasy. It means I rarely start with a character first. This time I had the big idea and right afterward the main character, and his opening chapters.
It was the clearest vision I’ve ever had of a potential project.
All around me, people came out to enjoy the weather and their Sunday. They hadn’t been raptured. Shocking, I know. I went about my day as I had planned but I was not alone. I dragged that muse around with me. She expanded on her initial idea after I made it clear she couldn’t leave, showing me more about the character of Thomas Darke and his trials and tribulations.
I now have a new book I need to begin working on as soon as I can scrounge the time to conduct the proper research for the big idea.
What should you do when the muse slaps you?
Return the favor, chain her to your side, and keep her around as long as you can.
Because she doesn’t come around often.
