Inspirations:

  • It is said that good things come to those who wait. I believe that good things come to those who work. - Wilt Chamberlain
  • A professional writer is an amateur who didn't quit. - Richard Bach
  • You don't find time to write. You make time. It's my job. - Nora Roberts
  • Each morning we are born again. What we do today is what matters most. - Buddha
  • Luck is when an opportunity comes along and you're prepared for it. - Denzel Washington
  • I can accept failure, but I can't accept not trying. - Michael Jordan

Friday, May 7, 2010

More Revisions

Life has turned incredibly busy for me, and on top of everything, Harlequin Medical Romance requested another round of revisions to bring my manuscript up to their publication standard. I am thrilled Love, Hospital Style is still under consideration. Yet I am saddened to have to cut more of the secondary characters I love, and nervous about what it will take to replace more deleted scenes with even better ones.

While deciding how to proceed, I grappled with the question, "If I make all the changes the publisher is requesting, will I still be telling the story I want to tell?" After numerous conversations with myself, and my husband, I decided that as a writer it is my job to find a way to tell the story I want to tell, within the publishers guidelines. Unless, of course, I don't want to see my work in print, in which case I can write whatever drivel I want.

Since I do seek publication, and am lucky enough to have found an editor interested in my voice and willing to work with me, I'd be a fool not to take this opportunity to transform my story into one that both Harlequin Medical Romance and I can be proud of.

So it's back to work for me. I'll do my best to keep my blog updated so please stay in touch. Wishing you productive days filled with positive experiences.  

7 comments:

  1. Good luck with your revisions Wendy. It can be difficult to know exactly what they're looking for, have you got a date to have them in by? Haven't heard anything back so far but will let you know if I do.

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  2. Very positive attitude about the revisions, Wendy. Good for you! Can't wait to see your work in print.

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  3. This is an excellent problem to have and to fix. I have the utmost confidence in you being able to make it happen. Revisions with editorial guidance? Awesome! And yes, you'll still tell the "same" story but you'll tell it BETTER.

    So exciting!

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  4. Wendy, Revisions are always hard to make and you have the right attitude. Yes, the story is yours and you need to be able to fit it into what is wanted as well as what you want to tell. Good luck.

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  5. Hi Susan!
    No date yet, I'm still firming up exactly what I need to change. My fingers are crossed for you!

    Thanks Regina! I can't wait to see my work in print either. Unfortunately this is far from a done deal, but I remain hopeful.

    Thanks Christine. I hope I can tell it better!

    Thanks Janet. I know you've been through this many times.

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  6. I have faith that not only can you do this, but that the finished ms will remain a story that's close to your heart. Perhaps one of these days you can even revisit, in one form or another, the secondary characters you've grown to love.

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  7. That's a great idea, Terri. Hopefully their stay in the Deleted Scenes file will be temporary!

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