E. B. White said....The best writing is rewriting.  Well, I'm about to find out if that's the truth.  I received my cover letter back from the evaluator.  She sent this very lengthy, in-depth, letter first and I'll receive the actual manuscript back probably today.  On the manuscript she's made notations with more detail. 

First off, I want to say I was extremely pleased with her critique of my work.  While I might not agree with all of her suggestions, after I digested all the information I have to say she's set me on the right track and in the right direction.  Something I felt was missing, but being way too close to the work I just couldn't figure out where/what that "missing" was.  But now I know and based on how she felt about the overall story and the writing, I'm now prepared to forge ahead and spend a lot of time rewriting parts of the novel, revising other parts and leaving some of it just as it is.  Yes.....I certainly have my work cut out for me.  But I've come to realize that writing is 50% patience and time.  It takes a lot of time to get a finished manuscript to where it needs to be and I have to keep reminding myself of this. 

To quote some of what she told me......"This is one of the best manuscripts I've seen all year.  Your writing is absolutely smooth, entertaining, eloquent and profound.  The tears were pouring down my face when I read the blue moon scene.  You have all the elements of a great story here, and if you revise it with the same skill, patience and commitment you've shown so far, I have no doubt you could find an agent and get it published.  This is an amazing book, and it deserves a careful revision."

Sounds terrific, doesn't it?  So you're asking "what's the problem?"  Well......she had lots of suggestions in the cover letter, but the most important one (and the one that I'd wondered about myself and just couldn't "see" it on my own) is that of conflict.  Oh, I have conflict throughout my story, but.....I need to revise and change things concerning this element of my writing.  That appears to be what the major part of my revision will involve. 

 And how does one go about doing this, you ask?  Well....back to what I recently learned from Sue Monk Kidd.  I "loiter."  I let my mind wander, think about the story, see what I can add to it, change around, delete completely. (And I admit, it kills a writer to kill off anything, but it's necessary many times to make it the best it can be)  Based on something else she said, I know I have to keep working and going forward..... "You have no idea how many writers stumble over one or more of the elements you've already executed brilliantly, no matter how much experience they have.  It's clear that you've already put in a lot of work on this book, and it's really paid off.  If you're willing to take on the work of revising your manuscript, I have no doubt whatsoever that you could sell it.  I promise you, if you put in the hours and keep going, you'll get there.  I really loved this story.  You are a talented writer.  You can do this.  And I want to see this book in a bookstore some day, so I can buy a copy for my own library."

So there ya have it........And how can I NOT do what she's suggesting?  I knew it had great potential.  I knew it was the best manuscript I've ever written.  I knew it would appeal to a large segment of the female readers.  But I also knew it wasn't quite right.  So now I need to think about what I can do to make it perfectly right.  I want my baby, Seeking Sydney, to be the best it can be.  Therefore, back to that strict, disciplined, routine that I've recently adopted.  I'll do up my blog entries a week ahead, when possible and I'll visit you just as much as time permits.  But for right now.....my professional writing has to be the priority until I find a home for my manuscript.

You've probably been able to tell that I was very pleased with the work of the evaluator.  I especially like her attitude toward a writer and doing a critique, which she confirms with this statement, "You've already written an impressive novel, you're the one in charge when it comes to this manuscript, and you can discard anything I say if it doesn't feel pertinent or useful.  I'll always give you my truthful reaction, but only you can decide whether my advice is right or wrong for you."  Now THAT is a great evaluator.....no controlling, no manipulating.....just honesty.  I feel I was very fortunate to find her and if you're a serious writer and thinking about getting your work evaluated, just email me and I'd be more than happy to share her contact information with you. 

And now....off I go to do some "loitering."  I'll see you tomorrow........