Meditative silence?

Nothing has happened, I have stopped writing 17Y because I realise I can't wing this book - I need to do some research into sibling rivalry and into different types of love... otherwise I'll just end up re-treading the same issues as in TRF.

I've done a little editing on that, I still have small ideas to put into it.  I highlight them in red in case anyone needs to see the changes.  I am feeling guilty about Conscience - it may be some time before I pick it up again.  Oh dear, I was just begin to see how to deal with the wedding night scene - but again, a bit more research into social mores necessary I suspect.

I dread getting a "thanks but no thanks" email from the Agent - but I don't think that will happen.  I am trying not to think about it, and trying to get myself fit and healthy again - at the moment I can barely walk to the postbox without feeling knackered.

Update

The Agent has come back from her holiday (or was it work).  She sent me an email saying she was looking forward to reading it - but it would be about a month because of all the other work.   I am getting on with 17Y - although I am not because I am ill with this stupid arthritic virus...but I am thinking about it a lot.

Post-hangover

I was rather hoping to spring up like a young lamb and feel revived, but actually, physically I feel crap!   On the other hand, mentally fine - I have just written 2,700 words on 17Y so I feel I've done a day's work and I am now going to get into bed (it's nearly 2pm) and read/doze for a couple of hours until supper cooking time.

17 Years - It's official!

Yes, I am now back writing 17 Years - hereinafter to be known as 17Y - this morning I woke up with an idea, and then sat down to write a bit - this expanded into spontaneous dialogue about things I hadn't thought about writing at all - and suddenly I had another 3,500 words.   I was a bit disappointed to find I'd only had 18,000 words approx when I went back to it yesterday - but that really doesn't matter.  I mentioned the idea of having two alternate stories intertwining - but am not sure how it will work... at the moment I am writing one version of the story - and think I'll stick to that - then go back to write the alternative version - then finally try to tie it all together in a chapter of redemption at the end.  I might have to kill off one of the men (Lucas probably).  But that's to be decided.  A long way away.   I think this is going to be a bit of a slog.... a year perhaps, but maybe not.  

Not writing

Actually, just because I sent off the MS doesn't mean I'm not writing - I've been feeling a bit gloomy, a sort of giant post-coital melancholy... so I have been thinking about it, once or twice I've been back to look at it - to check I made a certain point in a conversation... and today to insert a paragraph that I thought up in the garden.  I also checked that I hadn't used the word evanescent too often - only twice actually, so perhaps I could have got away with a third outing for it, but no matter.

Today I began to think about 17 Years - I have this feeling that if I were to be offered a two-book deal that this is the kind of thing that would be more of a companion to TRF - so I started to have a look at it again.  I want to write a very complex structure... almost like a game,,, but putting it together will be like playing chess with myself.

This is not to say I'm abandoning Conscience - just need more time to reflect.

Finished!

I have been racing to complete the re-write, and today I decided it was complete - so I whipped up a synopsis and sent it to the Agent.  A few minutes later I got an out of Office Reply - she's on holiday until 16th May.   So no chance of hearing any good news in the short term.  Meanwhile, I shall console myself by reading my extremely good horoscope for May.

I am pleased  I have finished, but now wondering what to do.  I think I will devote next week to house cleaning, and perhaps a spot of painting.  Then I will finish writing my dramatisation of Dickens "The Tuggses of Ramsgate" to be performed at the Summer Squall.  Perhaps in a couple of weeks time I will get my act together to go up to London to do some research on the RAMC - before half term. I must find something to do, rather than just biting my nails!  Perhaps get some swimming exercise?

Nearly there....

Have written the great discussion - now just want to tighten up the ending, but it's so close.  I suppose I will have to write a new blurb/synopsis which is a bore... hope I feel confident enough to send it.  Well, I have to, there is no alternative.  Is the plot strong enough?  It's certainly stronger than the original.