When I can read it aloud and it sounds like how I'd relay a story to someone sitting over coffee with me, without as many, "ums," and "where was I?" and such.

Still waiting for notes. Nails bitten to quick.

May I join you in going crazy waiting for feedback? I'm still waiting for my agent to give me her notes on my sample chapters.

HATE waiting. Hate hate hate.

Okay, y'all's editors need to get on the stick. Want me to write them a nasty email??

Do you keep panicking that it was forgotten, or so bad that no one wants to tell you? Because that's where I've been for about 6 weeks.

Do you keep panicking that it was forgotten, or so bad that no one wants to tell you? Because that's where I've been for about 6 weeks.

YES.

flail

I sent her email yesterday which said something along the lines of "Hey, I know you said you're busy, I just want to make sure I didn't miss an email from you or something. I'm looking forward to your feedback!"

But in my heart of hearts, I'm sure that she's keeping quiet because my writing is dreadful, and she doesn't want to talk to me again.

Which is obviously not the case with you, because you're a fabulous writer, and your editor is so swooningly in love with your work that they haven't revived enough to tell you.

And when I ping my editor - who has the proposal for New-Slain Knight on her desk - I get the auto reply Out of Office Try Again 5 September response.

How do I know when something I've written is good?

Reading it not aloud, and saying whoa...

Reading it aloud and getting a deep, satisfied glow, or possibly gooseflesh.

Sending it out to WIP readers and getting back the big "GUH!"

Sending it to my agent and having her say "Man, these characters stayed with me long after I put the book down/I had a dream about your characters last night, damn it/when can I see the next one/what happens next?"

Sending to my editor and having her say "Can you get it to us in time for an autumn release?"

Walking away for six months, picking it back up and rereading it, and saying "Holy SHIT, did I write that?"

Um - Allyson? Jilli?

Voice of experience here: if it was dreadful, you'd have already heard.

Even during publishing's summer schedule, you'd have already heard.

Really. Not saying you won't maybe get back a list of "this needs fixing or changing or adding or explaining" stuff, but that's what you're both waiting for, right?

Not dreadful.

Chill, please.

Voice of experience here: if it was dreadful, you'd have already heard.

Really? I'm going to cling to your post in a very needy and pathetic way, because I have no perspective on this right now.

Chill, please.

Not gonna happen until the notes are in my wee fists of paranoia. Seriously. I think because I'm in a place now where I cant bear to read what I've written without cringing and wanting to rewrite so badly.

Okay, here's what I've got:

Good writing fulfills its purpose with clarity, vivid detail and self-expression. That purpose can be anything from teaching someone how to use a software package to analyzing literary text to exploring the dynamics of interpersonal relationships.

Good writing uses language like a paint brush, evoking images and feelings that are clear and impact the reader. It hits a true emotional place that weak writing just can’t seem to reach.

There is a rhythm and meter to good writing much like there is a good beat in music. Good writing sounds like music when read aloud. It can be melodic or a staccato drum beat, but it’s still musical.

Good writing is compelling. It entices the reader and leaves them hungry for more. Characters are like ghosts who cling to your memories and won’t let go. Finishing a good book is like saying good-bye to a dear friend.