That's a good idea. I was also thinking of taking some novels I really enjoy, but staying away from the rambling leisurely 19th century ones, and analyzing the pacing to get a feel for why they work.

Pacing is One Of Those Issues. But I'm glad she gave it the full read and you got the feedback. You're definitely on your way.

Definitely a challenge. I've never really given pacing much conscious thought, either as a writer or a reader. I don't think I want to write a sort of snappy, nonstop action, fast-paced book, because I don't even like to read those--I like to get immersed in the characters and milieu and have a good wallow in the story, y'know? But it's possible to write a leisurely page-turner. That's my goal, and I think if I can pull it off, I can sell my work.

It's a bit daunting to be faced with a potential problem I don't quite know how to fix--but OTOH, I think it is fixable. It's just a structural problem, not a sign of a lack of talent. And while I have no idea yet how to improve the pacing of Lucy, I'm pretty sure Anna, the new project, is going to be stronger, in that area at least. With Lucy I just sort of wrote and let it happen, and was relatively late in the process before I felt like I had any kind of grip on the scope of the project. But with the new one, I've still got gaps to fill in for the plot, but I have a much stronger sense of where I'm going and what it all means.

Oh, I don't know that there's anything wrong with the pacing of Lucy; what I meant was, it's One Of Those Issues that every single editor who ever lived has their own take on.

Totally subjective. She's quite right in saying that another reader would likely have a different take.

Ah. Though I still think it'd be worth my while to give it a good close read with that in mind before I let any other agent or editor see the whole thing.

Good writing day. Managed to get a short poem done, and another section of Nihilist Chic. Both posted over on livejournal.

Starting to feel like, between therapy for the depression and yoga, and perhaps a much needed good night's drunk last night, I'm beginning to shake off the lethargy that's gripped me lately.

Not being able to write has been terrifying. I don't know what I would do if I'd stayed closed off from it. For awhile there, I couldn't finsihs anything I'd started, and it was driving me nuts.

Still have a long way to go until I'm full speed again, but now at least I believe I'll get there.

Glad to hear you feel like writing again, Victor. I would hardly guess that would be a problem for you, though.

I would hardly guess that would be a problem for you, though.

You'd think, but I was drained clean. Have only written now two poems in the past year. The novel was sitting idle. Couldn't even finish a damn fan fic.

It was tres frustrating.

So going home for Christmas had an odd effect on me. It kind of made me want to write again. Scripts, I mean. I'm currently outlining a story for a feature spec idea that I've had for a couple of years but never got up the energy to write it.

Since a few of you, Deb in particular, encouraged me to not give up the writing completely, I just wanted to let you know that I haven't. And thank you.

Yay Kristen! Keep in the game!