Last year, I thought I was ready to publish Hate Jacket. I thought it was THE ONE. The book that would get me on the map so to speak. I mean, it came in as a runner up in the RT Conventions Writer Idol competition. It had even gotten requests from some of the judges.
Then I sent it to Nicole.
And waited.
And waited.
There's a lot of waiting in publishing. Not because they are ignoring you, but I've found out over the course of a year that agents can get an INSANE amount of emails every day. Most of which are not even fit for human consumption.
But I digress.
Anyway, I finally received my first email from Nicole. We chatted back and forth and talked about how we each saw this mentorship working. Once we were both comfortable with how it works, she she sent me an email with her initial critique of my precious baby.
The gist of the email was she loved my writing, but I had no plot. What? How can I have no plot? I got from the beginning to the end and I don't have a plot. What?
Then I read some more of her email and she explained what she meant. Then she gave me "homework". I then did what any author in their right mind (I use the term "right" loosely) and sent it to my CP and a couple other people.
They all agreed, I didn't have a plot. So I did smashed my face into the wall a few times and did what Nicole suggested and tore my story apart.
And this happened.
I have spent since then revising and revising. I'm on my 7th major revision and I'm still working on it. I did take a break in November to start another story, but that's not important.
Anyway, Nicole has been an invaluable resource for me in many ways. Some of which I can't talk about here because it involves my penname. But needless to say, my life changed a year ago. I know I still have a lot to learn, but I owe so much to Nicole, and Louise Fury for everything they've done for me. For that I am eternally grateful.
It is unfortunate that I can't attend RT this year. Not only is it in New Orleans, but I won't be able to see all the amazing people I met last year. Not to mention giving both Nicole and Louise a huge hug for everything.
There is a bright spot. This happened yesterday.
@M_A_Patterson Send a close-up of ur face! We'll mount it on a Popsicle stick. INSTA-PHOTOBOMB! @ericamchapman @Sarah_Nicolas @brendadrake
— Cecily White (@CecilyWhite) May 12, 2014
Anyway, if you happen upon Cecily and she is indeed carrying my face on a Popsicle stick, stop and give her a hug from me and take a picture. You can tweet me, or drop it on my FB page. I'll have to set up a way for you to email me. If I figure that out, I will edit this post.
'Till Next Time
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