Shizzam!

OK, I've probably had too much coffee. I stayed up late last night, until almost two a.m., pushing words across the page. Man, that felt awesome. Last night, I realized that my depression could be alleviated if I just sat down and got some writing done. I think not writing is why I GET depressed. I realize that every couple of months, it seems. Maybe this time the realization will stick.

A friend of mine from Chicago finished a novel last summer and sent it out to various agents. She got rejection after rejection, although they were the "positive" kinds saying things like the writing was excellent but the idea/tone would be difficult to sell. Some of the agents even called her, sort of agonizing over the fact that her book was really good but they just didn't think they could place it. She got discouraged and decided to set aside the novel for a while, work on another project, and then come back to the book with fresh eyes to see if she thought it needed rewriting or scrapping. She's sending it out again now and was kind enough to share her query letter with me.

Damn! That's why I started this entry with Shizzam! Her query letter is short, punchy, gets your attention, and doesn't bore you. My letter is easily twice as long. I'm going to have to rethink things and trim the fat. Luckily, I've sent out only three letters so far but I'm feeling a little silly. There's always something to learn about the business of writing. And improve.