It’s been a few months since I’ve posted, but I hope my *extensive* readership will forgive me. Between marrying the love of my life, spiriting off on a glorious two-week honeymoon spanning the exotic (Costa Rica) and the familiar (Ludington, MI.), as well as the work I’ve been doing on my second book, Time Lapse, I’ve had a full docket.

Reflecting on my earlier post, “New story, new quota,” I must humbly confess that I have not been keeping pace with my 700 words/day goal. That said, I’m currently sitting at the 22k word mark (approximately 63 pages) and am feeling confident about where the story is heading. I’ve known since June 2011 how this story would begin and end, but had NO idea what would happen in between. That seems to be coming together nicely, and it never ceases to amaze me when some aspect of plot, character, or scene seems to magically distill itself in my brain, waiting to be transferred to the blank page. Where does this inspiration come from? I’m not sure I know, but what I DO know is that it’s a lot of fun (and sometimes also quite maddening) to figure this stuff out. And when something falls into place like this, it’s extremely satisfying.

I’m also pleased to report that I’ve once again begun submitting queries for Bent after a fairly lengthy break. Other than one query I sent out in June (which was rejected almost immediately), this week witnessed my first submissions since late March. Between identifying agents, researching them online to see if they’d be a good fit, customizing my query letter for their consideration, then waiting, waiting, and waiting some more, querying is tedious work. Actually, it’s a bit of a drag, especially considering many agents advise a response time of four to eight weeks, IF they respond at all. I will say, though, that it feels good knowing I have four fresh queries out there. It’s a little like Christmas each time I open my e-mail, wondering if today will be the day I get a positive reply. I plan to continue sending queries out at a rate of four or more per week to meet my goal of querying fifty agents by October 1.

One last reflection before I wrap up this post: I am not the most patient person you know. Surprise! While I’ve mellowed somewhat in my “old age,” waiting is still a challenge for me. I find it curious, then, that I’ve chosen to pursue this path; that I’ve undertaken to write books, which in itself is a painstakingly slow and laborious process even before considering the complicated and at times daunting task of getting published. It’s been thirty months since the idea for Bent hit me, and I’m still going strong, undeterred, undiscouraged, and unbelievably excited to call myself a writer even if I have not (yet) been paid for my work.

Thanks for standing with me on this journey. Your support means everything!

ETH